Around the MLB 2018

[Patman]

Change to unrestricted ballots of something, because the ballot backlog is getting pretty silly. Jorge Posada shouldn't be getting dumped on the first ballot. Manny Ramirez shouldn't be under 24%. Larry Walker should not be stalled in the low 20s. Next year, with the likes of Chipper and Andruw Jones, Jim Thome and Scott Rolen on the ballot, there will be far too many guys who have legitimate cases, and consequently a lot of ballots being split, which could lead to an even bigger pileup. This is idiotic.

Baseball HOF ballot has always been the most non-sensical out of the major sports. But of course, they won't change it, because they always stick to old ways.

[Skin Blues]

Change to unrestricted ballots of something, because the ballot backlog is getting pretty silly. Jorge Posada shouldn't be getting dumped on the first ballot. Manny Ramirez shouldn't be under 24%. Larry Walker should not be stalled in the low 20s. Next year, with the likes of Chipper and Andruw Jones, Jim Thome and Scott Rolen on the ballot, there will be far too many guys who have legitimate cases, and consequently a lot of ballots being split, which could lead to an even bigger pileup. This is idiotic.

Baseball HOF ballot has always been the most non-sensical out of the major sports. But of course, they won't change it, because they always stick to old ways.

They will change it, and in fact they've already started. They've purged writers that have not been active in the past 10 years. And starting next year they are making all ballots public. I would not at all be surprised to see them increase or altogether remove the 10 player limit in the next year or two.

[The_Hater]

Change to unrestricted ballots of something, because the ballot backlog is getting pretty silly. Jorge Posada shouldn't be getting dumped on the first ballot. Manny Ramirez shouldn't be under 24%. Larry Walker should not be stalled in the low 20s. Next year, with the likes of Chipper and Andruw Jones, Jim Thome and Scott Rolen on the ballot, there will be far too many guys who have legitimate cases, and consequently a lot of ballots being split, which could lead to an even bigger pileup. This is idiotic.

Baseball HOF ballot has always been the most non-sensical out of the major sports. But of course, they won't change it, because they always stick to old ways.

I actually think it makes the most sense out of all the major sports. All 4 sports make some head scratching decisions but do we even know how players get elected to the other 3 halls? It's all some huge secret.

[I_Like_Dirt]

Huge secret? I'm guessing you just haven't checked.

http://www.hoophall.com/about/about-hall/our-mission/election-process/

https://www.hhof.com/htmlinduct/indelection.shtml

http://www.profootballhof.com/heroes-of-the-game/selection-process-faq/

I mean, there are areas where they don't explain exactly what happened, but baseball does the same thing.

[The_Hater]

Huge secret? I'm guessing you just haven't checked.

http://www.hoophall.com/about/about-hall/our-mission/election-process/

https://www.hhof.com/htmlinduct/indelection.shtml

http://www.profootballhof.com/heroes-of-the-game/selection-process-faq/

I mean, there are areas where they don't explain exactly what happened, but baseball does the same thing.

Sure but that's not what I'm talking ablout.

In baseball we know who's voting and in a large majority of cases exactly who they voted for. In the other 3 sports suddenly, one day, there's an announcement and a list of new inductees is released to the press. Unless I've completely missed something, all 3 selection committees are secretive about how they voted

But I guess considering the underhanded way Bud Selig was backdoored into the hall, the MLB process is full of holes too. I just think how they do it is far more interesting for fans.

[wazabifuzz]

Dodgers are looking for a second baseman ... how about trading Goins + mid level prospect to the dodgers for one of their relievers.

[EastBayBoy]

Dodgers are looking for a second baseman ... how about trading Goins + mid level prospect to the dodgers for one of their relievers.

Goins can't hit a lick. Doubt they would be interested.

[Skin Blues]

If we DFA'd Goins, the Dodgers probably wouldn't even make a waiver claim.

[polo007]

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[polo007]

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[polo007]

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The Mets have notified Bruce they anticipate starting the season with him as their everyday right fielder, an industry source told The Post. General manager Sandy Alderson said two weeks ago that Bruce, after being dangled in trade discussions for much of the offseason, could very well join the team at Tradition Field for spring training, and the team is now acting as if it will have Bruce for the entirety of the season.

The Mets would of course slam the brakes on this plan if a late suitor presented an interesting package, but that appears a long shot. And given all of their health questions, the idea of having the durable Bruce, who has played in 137 or more games every season since 2010, holds additional appeal.

A glacially moving market for hitters foiled the Mets’ original plan to trade Bruce and his $13 million salary in return for a prospect and then use the payroll flexibility to acquire a reliever. None of those dominoes fell into place, meaning the Mets might very well try to go forward with their current bullpen core despite the absence of a veteran left-hander to go after dangerous National League East lefty bats like the Nationals’ Bryce Harper and Daniel Murphy and the Braves’ Freddie Freeman.

The retention of Bruce, who turns 30 on April 3 (the Mets’ Opening Day), also has potential consequences for Michael Conforto, the Mets’ top 2014 draft pick who regressed in 2016 after a blazing 2015 debut. Depending on how spring training unfolds, Conforto could be part of the Mets’ outfield mix, or he still has minor-league options available and could get more at-bats at Triple-A Las Vegas.

Another piece of the puzzle to consider: With first baseman Lucas Duda returning from a serious back injury, the Mets figure to try both Bruce and Conforto at first base in Grapefruit League action so they can further assess their options. Bruce played three games at first base for the Reds in 2014. David Wright, with his own back and neck problems, also could wind up in the first-base mix, with Wilmer Flores and Jose Reyes set as insurance pieces for Wright’s spot at third base.

[polo007]

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[Schad]

Randy Levine continues to be an idiot:

http://deadspin.com/yankees-president-randy-levine-devalues-and-dismisses-d-1792515203

Calling a news conference for the purposes of slamming Betances (after winning the arbitration case!) for wanting to get paid like an elite closer is a brilliant way to get Betances to agitate for a trade, because on most teams he'd be an elite closer. And from Betances' quote in that article, sounds like he agrees.

[polo007]

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CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Roy Halladay did not visit Spectrum Field on Sunday because he missed his infamous early morning Spring Training workouts.

The Phillies and Halladay have been talking recently about finding a role for him in the organization, a person with knowledge of Halladay's visit said Tuesday. It is unclear what responsibilities Halladay might have with the team, but it seems likely he will be roaming Spectrum Field and Carpenter Complex in a Phillies uniform before the end of Spring Training.

Halladay served as a Spring Training guest instructor in 2014, but he has not been back since. He did speak at the Phillies' annual prospects seminar in '16.

[dagger]

Here's one bit of news that should serve as a caution to all fans who want to sign older pitchers to seven year deals, "because"....

David Price has elbow soreness. He's had it before, but this time it's apparently more concerning to him and the Red Sox. He's had one MRI, and now he's going for the dreaded "second opinion".

No talk of surgery yet, but as Jeff Passan said, it makes it less and less likely Price opts out of his deal in 2018.

[phillipmike]

Looks like David Price could be heading for Tommy John;

There is serious concern in Red Sox camp that Price could be a candidate for Tommy John surgery as they await a 2nd opinion by Dr Andrews

Bowden reporting

[dagger]

The Price story

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18805460/boston-red-sox-left-hander-david-price-get-second-opinion-sore-elbow

[Steelo Green]

Awful news for Boston. They were poised to go all the way I think, or at least face the Indians. Not that this is the end of their year, but Price really started to heat up at the end last year and find his footing.

[phillipmike]

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/if-the-red-sox-lose-david-price/

[LLJ]

Looks like David Price could be heading for Tommy John;

There is serious concern in Red Sox camp that Price could be a candidate for Tommy John surgery as they await a 2nd opinion by Dr Andrews

Bowden reporting

He lasted a long time relatively healthy. Only a matter of time.