[lex24]

Pretty interesting article in the Athletic as to how MLB was alarmed by the increase in home runs in 2019, and set out to create a baseball that was less lively. They changed the physical properties of the baseball to make it lighter and more likely to stay in the yard. The stated aim was that balls that were hit 375 feet or more would travel 1-2 feet shorter.  In recent years, the COR (coefficient of restitution -- bounciness) was supposed to be in the .530 to .570 range, but was trending toward the upper part of the range.  The new ball is 2.8 grams lighter.

Oops.

https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-to-alter-ba...s-for-2021

From another article:

“In 2019, fly balls hit between 100-104 mph and at a 20-24 degree launch angle went for outs (including sac flies) just 18% of the time; using the inverse, hitters would reach base 82% of the time when they’d connect. In 2021, however, hitters are reaching base just 65% of the time. That’s still a solid figure, but it provides further evidence that, rather than convert home runs into other types of base hits, MLB has only reduced offense overall. That’s not a shocking conclusion, but at least it is consistent.”

https://theathletic.com/2577384/2021/05/...backfired/

Not surprising. With launch angle revolution coupled with the  shifts make it more difficult to have a ball go through the infield or drop.  Hitters aren’t taught bat control.  Computers set the outfield fir each hitter - mostly bunching the gaps.  Very few hitters use the whole field.

If I were commish, I’d make two rules effective immediately- (1). 4 infielders must play in the skin.  Can’t be in OF. (2) no cheat sheets - fielders can’t pull out little cards for positioning. Catchers and pitchers may use cards only for reminders on sequence for pitches with runners on.

[lex24]

Pretty interesting article in the Athletic as to how MLB was alarmed by the increase in home runs in 2019, and set out to create a baseball that was less lively. They changed the physical properties of the baseball to make it lighter and more likely to stay in the yard. The stated aim was that balls that were hit 375 feet or more would travel 1-2 feet shorter.  In recent years, the COR (coefficient of restitution -- bounciness) was supposed to be in the .530 to .570 range, but was trending toward the upper part of the range.  The new ball is 2.8 grams lighter.

Oops.

https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-to-alter-ba...s-for-2021

From another article:

“In 2019, fly balls hit between 100-104 mph and at a 20-24 degree launch angle went for outs (including sac flies) just 18% of the time; using the inverse, hitters would reach base 82% of the time when they’d connect. In 2021, however, hitters are reaching base just 65% of the time. That’s still a solid figure, but it provides further evidence that, rather than convert home runs into other types of base hits, MLB has only reduced offense overall. That’s not a shocking conclusion, but at least it is consistent.”

https://theathletic.com/2577384/2021/05/...backfired/

Not surprising. With launch angle revolution coupled with the  shifts make it more difficult to have a ball go through the infield or drop.  Hitters aren’t taught bat control.  Computers set the outfield fir each hitter - mostly bunching the gaps.  Very few hitters use the whole field.

If I were commish, I’d make two rules effective immediately- (1). 4 infielders must play in the skin.  Can’t be in OF. (2) no cheat sheets - fielders can’t pull out little cards for positioning. Catchers and pitchers may use cards only for reminders on sequence for pitches with runners on.

[Phogge]

They need to send Doval out and teach him how to pitch. IDGAS what kind of stuff he has. He just has no clue. Ditto Selman.

And Lex IDGAS about how tough it is to get a closer. The bullpen has lost multiple games. They need to have a real stopper in the pen and they need to part with a prospect.

[Phogge]

They need to send Doval out and teach him how to pitch. IDGAS what kind of stuff he has. He just has no clue. Ditto Selman.

And Lex IDGAS about how tough it is to get a closer. The bullpen has lost multiple games. They need to have a real stopper in the pen and they need to part with a prospect.

[Mick]

They need to send Doval out and teach him how to pitch. IDGAS what kind of stuff he has. He just has no clue. Ditto Selman.

And Lex IDGAS about how tough it is to get a closer. The bullpen has lost multiple games. They need to have a real stopper in the pen and they need to part with a prospect.

+1.  That bullpen is a nightmare.  They need to dump most of them, though I would add Zack Littell to the "good" list (0.00 ERA, 9 appearances, 1.050 WHIP).  Really shows you the value of Affeldt, Romo, Javvy, Mota, Wilson, heck I'd even take Runzler or Ramirez or Kontos over this crew.  What I wouldn't give for Yusmeiro Petit, Will Smith, Tony Watson right now...or Heath Hembree (0.00, 9 appearances) or Sam Coonrod (1.00, 18 appearances in Philly's bandbox)...and guess who has a 1.69 ERA in 16 appearances?  That's right, the guy who ended Mike Morse's career, Hunter Strickland.  Still remember the night that my family had really nice seats (rare for us), it was the 9th inning and the Giants had a 4-2 lead.  Then they brought in Strickland.  I told everyone "let's go, right now."  We were at the car just as Miami scored the fifth (and winning) run.  Strickland got one out, gave up three runs and took both the blown save and the loss.  We probably got home right around the time Strickland was punching the wall and breaking his hand.

[Mick]

They need to send Doval out and teach him how to pitch. IDGAS what kind of stuff he has. He just has no clue. Ditto Selman.

And Lex IDGAS about how tough it is to get a closer. The bullpen has lost multiple games. They need to have a real stopper in the pen and they need to part with a prospect.

+1.  That bullpen is a nightmare.  They need to dump most of them, though I would add Zack Littell to the "good" list (0.00 ERA, 9 appearances, 1.050 WHIP).  Really shows you the value of Affeldt, Romo, Javvy, Mota, Wilson, heck I'd even take Runzler or Ramirez or Kontos over this crew.  What I wouldn't give for Yusmeiro Petit, Will Smith, Tony Watson right now...or Heath Hembree (0.00, 9 appearances) or Sam Coonrod (1.00, 18 appearances in Philly's bandbox)...and guess who has a 1.69 ERA in 16 appearances?  That's right, the guy who ended Mike Morse's career, Hunter Strickland.  Still remember the night that my family had really nice seats (rare for us), it was the 9th inning and the Giants had a 4-2 lead.  Then they brought in Strickland.  I told everyone "let's go, right now."  We were at the car just as Miami scored the fifth (and winning) run.  Strickland got one out, gave up three runs and took both the blown save and the loss.  We probably got home right around the time Strickland was punching the wall and breaking his hand.

[lex24]

They need to send Doval out and teach him how to pitch. IDGAS what kind of stuff he has. He just has no clue. Ditto Selman.

And Lex IDGAS about how tough it is to get a closer. The bullpen has lost multiple games. They need to have a real stopper in the pen and they need to part with a prospect.

Well, if they are truly a playoff contender, then maybe.  But that’s a big if.  Let’s see where they are about 25 games  from now. My guess is hovering around .500. I just don’t think this start has legs.

[lex24]

They need to send Doval out and teach him how to pitch. IDGAS what kind of stuff he has. He just has no clue. Ditto Selman.

And Lex IDGAS about how tough it is to get a closer. The bullpen has lost multiple games. They need to have a real stopper in the pen and they need to part with a prospect.

Well, if they are truly a playoff contender, then maybe.  But that’s a big if.  Let’s see where they are about 25 games  from now. My guess is hovering around .500. I just don’t think this start has legs.

[Phogge]

It doesn’t have legs if you gift games. Check out the story in the Chron that provides examples. Mick has a point but Coonrod scares me. We haven’t had a beanball fatality since Ray Chapman but it is possible.

[Phogge]

It doesn’t have legs if you gift games. Check out the story in the Chron that provides examples. Mick has a point but Coonrod scares me. We haven’t had a beanball fatality since Ray Chapman but it is possible.

[BobK]

Giants win 4-1. Wood 5-0. Posey hitting 384

[BobK]

Giants win 4-1. Wood 5-0. Posey hitting 384

[lex24]

It doesn’t have legs if you gift games. Check out the story in the Chron that provides examples. Mick has a point but Coonrod scares me. We haven’t had a beanball fatality since Ray Chapman but it is possible.

Coonrod has walked 2 in 18 innings.  He has great stuff.  Shouldn’t give up on an arm like that.

[lex24]

It doesn’t have legs if you gift games. Check out the story in the Chron that provides examples. Mick has a point but Coonrod scares me. We haven’t had a beanball fatality since Ray Chapman but it is possible.

Coonrod has walked 2 in 18 innings.  He has great stuff.  Shouldn’t give up on an arm like that.

[Mick]

It doesn’t have legs if you gift games. Check out the story in the Chron that provides examples. Mick has a point but Coonrod scares me. We haven’t had a beanball fatality since Ray Chapman but it is possible.

Coonrod has walked 2 in 18 innings.  He has great stuff.  Shouldn’t give up on an arm like that.

I wasn't surprised that the Giants got rid of him.  He had a very solid 2019 (5-1, 3.58 ERA), but tanked in 2020 with a 1.63 WHIP.  Now his WHIP is .778 and he has a 1.00 ERA.  Also, Coonrod was both politically to the right and religious.  He failed to take a knee during a BLM on-field event (only player on both teams to do so) and gave a few digestible reasons for it.  Kapler supported him publicly, and I remember thinking "he's gone, that doesn't play in the SF Bay Area."

[Mick]

It doesn’t have legs if you gift games. Check out the story in the Chron that provides examples. Mick has a point but Coonrod scares me. We haven’t had a beanball fatality since Ray Chapman but it is possible.

Coonrod has walked 2 in 18 innings.  He has great stuff.  Shouldn’t give up on an arm like that.

I wasn't surprised that the Giants got rid of him.  He had a very solid 2019 (5-1, 3.58 ERA), but tanked in 2020 with a 1.63 WHIP.  Now his WHIP is .778 and he has a 1.00 ERA.  Also, Coonrod was both politically to the right and religious.  He failed to take a knee during a BLM on-field event (only player on both teams to do so) and gave a few digestible reasons for it.  Kapler supported him publicly, and I remember thinking "he's gone, that doesn't play in the SF Bay Area."

[BostonCard]

Fivethirtyeight has a piece about the Giants' rebuild...

https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the...538twitter

Ten different members of the Giants played at a 2.0 wins above replacement [in 2020] pace or better per 162 games, tying San Francisco for fifth in MLB in that regard. The producers were a mix of newcomers and holdovers, castoffs and old favorites from the dynasty era, but they helped San Francisco improve from 26th in WAR in 2019 to 14th in 2020 — with a particular boost coming on the hitting side (where the Giants rose from No. 28 in position-player WAR to No. 7).

here we are, more than six weeks into the 2021 season, and San Francisco currently has the best starting rotation in baseball according to WAR, beating out the Dodgers and Brewers for the top spot.

...

So maybe the most unique thing about this Giants team is just how ancient it is by modern baseball standards. These days, the majority of teams try to go young and exploit the fact that, under MLB’s current economic system, players in the early phase of their careers provide far more bang for the buck than their older counterparts. But the Giants have gone in the opposite direction: Already the second-oldest team of 2020 (behind the Minnesota Twins) at 29.7 years old,3 they got 1.8 years older in 2021, easily becoming MLB’s oldest team.

I love how 30 is "ancient".  Oh well.

BC

[BostonCard]

Fivethirtyeight has a piece about the Giants' rebuild...

https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the...538twitter

Ten different members of the Giants played at a 2.0 wins above replacement [in 2020] pace or better per 162 games, tying San Francisco for fifth in MLB in that regard. The producers were a mix of newcomers and holdovers, castoffs and old favorites from the dynasty era, but they helped San Francisco improve from 26th in WAR in 2019 to 14th in 2020 — with a particular boost coming on the hitting side (where the Giants rose from No. 28 in position-player WAR to No. 7).

here we are, more than six weeks into the 2021 season, and San Francisco currently has the best starting rotation in baseball according to WAR, beating out the Dodgers and Brewers for the top spot.

...

So maybe the most unique thing about this Giants team is just how ancient it is by modern baseball standards. These days, the majority of teams try to go young and exploit the fact that, under MLB’s current economic system, players in the early phase of their careers provide far more bang for the buck than their older counterparts. But the Giants have gone in the opposite direction: Already the second-oldest team of 2020 (behind the Minnesota Twins) at 29.7 years old,3 they got 1.8 years older in 2021, easily becoming MLB’s oldest team.

I love how 30 is "ancient".  Oh well.

BC

[Mick]

Giants have an MLB-best record, the only team that is 11 games over .500.  They have third best ERA, tied for best fielding percentage, fewest errors in MLB, lowest runs against average.

[Mick]

Giants have an MLB-best record, the only team that is 11 games over .500.  They have third best ERA, tied for best fielding percentage, fewest errors in MLB, lowest runs against average.

[lex24]

Giants have an MLB-best record, the only team that is 11 games over .500.  They have third best ERA, tied for best fielding percentage, fewest errors in MLB, lowest runs against average.

6-2 road trip.  With a 4 game road sweep.  That doesn’t happen often. Now they get the Dodgers for 7 of the next 9.  The schedules this year are absurd.  And not fair.  Divisional teams should play each other 6 times in first 50. 6 times in second 50. And 7 times in last 62.  That way you see all teams at different stages of the season.  

Giants played Padres 9 times in about the first 30 games. They next play them SEPTEMBER 13. 10 of their last 19 games are against the Padres. That’s absurd.

[lex24]

Giants have an MLB-best record, the only team that is 11 games over .500.  They have third best ERA, tied for best fielding percentage, fewest errors in MLB, lowest runs against average.

6-2 road trip.  With a 4 game road sweep.  That doesn’t happen often. Now they get the Dodgers for 7 of the next 9.  The schedules this year are absurd.  And not fair.  Divisional teams should play each other 6 times in first 50. 6 times in second 50. And 7 times in last 62.  That way you see all teams at different stages of the season.  

Giants played Padres 9 times in about the first 30 games. They next play them SEPTEMBER 13. 10 of their last 19 games are against the Padres. That’s absurd.

[Phogge]

Some unbelievable strikeout numbers at AA Richmond, A Eugene, A San Jose for the respective staffs. For instance Seth Corry in 10.1 innings has 20 K's at Eugene. Jelly has almost double the K's. There are a few hot hitters but not many. So far the minor leagues are shaping up like the bigs... plenty of strikeouts and low batting averages.

[Phogge]

Some unbelievable strikeout numbers at AA Richmond, A Eugene, A San Jose for the respective staffs. For instance Seth Corry in 10.1 innings has 20 K's at Eugene. Jelly has almost double the K's. There are a few hot hitters but not many. So far the minor leagues are shaping up like the bigs... plenty of strikeouts and low batting averages.

[lex24]

Some unbelievable strikeout numbers at AA Richmond, A Eugene, A San Jose for the respective staffs. For instance Seth Corry in 10.1 innings has 20 K's at Eugene. Jelly has almost double the K's. There are a few hot hitters but not many. So far the minor leagues are shaping up like the bigs... plenty of strikeouts and low batting averages.

Yep.  I’m sure the hitting instructors are all emphasizing launch angle and exit velocity.  Contact hitters are going the way of the dinosaurs.

[lex24]

Some unbelievable strikeout numbers at AA Richmond, A Eugene, A San Jose for the respective staffs. For instance Seth Corry in 10.1 innings has 20 K's at Eugene. Jelly has almost double the K's. There are a few hot hitters but not many. So far the minor leagues are shaping up like the bigs... plenty of strikeouts and low batting averages.

Yep.  I’m sure the hitting instructors are all emphasizing launch angle and exit velocity.  Contact hitters are going the way of the dinosaurs.

[Phogge]

Nelli Fox probably wouldn't make it out of A ball. And smart asses I know he's dead.

[Phogge]

Nelli Fox probably wouldn't make it out of A ball. And smart asses I know he's dead.

[BobK]

In the 4 game sweep of the Reds the Giants struck out 44 times. Must be part of the plan the announcers talked about though out the game today


Reds struck out only 37 times this LOL their 4 losses

[BobK]

In the 4 game sweep of the Reds the Giants struck out 44 times. Must be part of the plan the announcers talked about though out the game today


Reds struck out only 37 times this LOL their 4 losses

[Phogge]

Yeah, the other day somebody on KNBR said that so and so had a great at bat because he saw eight pitches before striking out. What HS.

[Phogge]

Yeah, the other day somebody on KNBR said that so and so had a great at bat because he saw eight pitches before striking out. What HS.

[chrisk]

In the Giants 19-4 rout of the Reds today, Blandino pitched 1 1/3 innings for the Reds and gave up only 1 of the 19 runs.

[chrisk]

In the Giants 19-4 rout of the Reds today, Blandino pitched 1 1/3 innings for the Reds and gave up only 1 of the 19 runs.

[Mick]

I don't know if it was just me, but I started paying close attention to balls and strikes calls, and I've noticed that pitches that are significantly outside of the zone are called strikes.  Wilmer Flores was called out on strikes three weeks ago in a game against the Padres on pitches that were 2.27 inches, 3.23 inches and 3.59 inches outside the strike zone.  Umpire was Adam Hamari.  It was a complete disgrace.

If you want to cut down on strikeouts in MLB, call the strike zone like it should be called, not something that would embarrass Forrest Gregg.  Apparently, they are using Doppler radar systems in the Atlantic League and the Arizona Fall League for some games, though I can't find any information on the results to date..

---

In the Giants 19-4 rout of the Reds today, Blandino pitched 1 1/3 innings for the Reds and gave up only 1 of the 19 runs.

After today's eruption, the SF Giants now have the 8th highest number of runs scored in MLB, with the 9th best OPS, and they have increased their batting average to .230, 19th best in MLB.  The Giants have the 2nd most HRs, 3rd most walks, and unfortunately the 5th most strikeouts.  Also, they've stolen 19 bases in 24 attempts, still have the third best ERA at 3.17 and have allowed the second fewest overall runs per game.  Their WHIP is fifth best.

Hopefully, the hitting continues to improve, the fielding stays rock solid, and the pitchers hold injuries at bay.

[Mick]

I don't know if it was just me, but I started paying close attention to balls and strikes calls, and I've noticed that pitches that are significantly outside of the zone are called strikes.  Wilmer Flores was called out on strikes three weeks ago in a game against the Padres on pitches that were 2.27 inches, 3.23 inches and 3.59 inches outside the strike zone.  Umpire was Adam Hamari.  It was a complete disgrace.

If you want to cut down on strikeouts in MLB, call the strike zone like it should be called, not something that would embarrass Forrest Gregg.  Apparently, they are using Doppler radar systems in the Atlantic League and the Arizona Fall League for some games, though I can't find any information on the results to date..

---

In the Giants 19-4 rout of the Reds today, Blandino pitched 1 1/3 innings for the Reds and gave up only 1 of the 19 runs.

After today's eruption, the SF Giants now have the 8th highest number of runs scored in MLB, with the 9th best OPS, and they have increased their batting average to .230, 19th best in MLB.  The Giants have the 2nd most HRs, 3rd most walks, and unfortunately the 5th most strikeouts.  Also, they've stolen 19 bases in 24 attempts, still have the third best ERA at 3.17 and have allowed the second fewest overall runs per game.  Their WHIP is fifth best.

Hopefully, the hitting continues to improve, the fielding stays rock solid, and the pitchers hold injuries at bay.

[BostonCard]

That might explain why we are on out sixth no-hitter of this young season.

I'm not sure how a ball is localized to 1/100th of an inch, though.  That's 0.3% of the diameter of the baseball, and greater than the tolerance of the size of the baseball itself (± ~1%).

BC

[BostonCard]

That might explain why we are on out sixth no-hitter of this young season.

I'm not sure how a ball is localized to 1/100th of an inch, though.  That's 0.3% of the diameter of the baseball, and greater than the tolerance of the size of the baseball itself (± ~1%).

BC

[BobK]

I watch all the Giants games although sometimes fast forward thru an inning checking to see it a base runner but I think the ball strike calls are great. Sure a miss here and there so what.

Here’s our ace at SJ

https://twitter.com/joeritzo/status/1395...43362?s=21

[BobK]

I watch all the Giants games although sometimes fast forward thru an inning checking to see it a base runner but I think the ball strike calls are great. Sure a miss here and there so what.

Here’s our ace at SJ

https://twitter.com/joeritzo/status/1395...43362?s=21