MLB 2009

**tmlfan123** · 11-10-2009, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesteve

Indeed. I would say bunting for a base hit takes more talent than hitting a home run.

And the feeling afterward is awesome. The smart fans notice it even more than a home run, even at my level of play. The bench certainly notices.

earlessdog · 11-10-2009, 11:38 AM

I don't disagree, but I still don't like it. Don't get me wrong, I think the odd bunt is important to keep the game interesting, but if there are numerous bunts in a game, I get annoyed. I just don't find it very exciting.

**thesteve** · 11-10-2009, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by earlessdog

I don't disagree, but I still don't like it. Don't get me wrong, I think the odd bunt is important to keep the game interesting, but if there are numerous bunts in a game, I get annoyed. I just don't find it very exciting.

I think too much of anything is a bad thing...except strikeouts. I have no problem watching a game with 16 strikeouts...but if there were 16 HRs I'd change the channel.

**tmlfan123** · 11-10-2009, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesteve

I think too much of anything is a bad thing...except strikeouts. I have no problem watching a game with 16 strikeouts...but if there were 16 HRs I'd change the channel.

I love games where there are ton of strikeouts. And I like it when pitchers get into it. Too often they keep their emotions in check, although I realize that that has to do with their mindset while they pitch.

Than · 11-10-2009, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesteve

until AL supporters realize they support the weaker league, this conversation will be ongoing.

How can you say it's the weaker league when an AL team just rather definitively won the World Series? It's even widely acknowledged that the Phillies are more like an AL team than NL.

**thesteve** · 11-10-2009, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Than

How can you say it's the weaker league when an AL team just rather definitively won the World Series? It's even widely acknowledged that the Phillies are more like an AL team than NL.

Because it doesn't come down to us vs. them. It comes down to minutia of the game revolving around strategy and the DH.

earlessdog · 11-10-2009, 12:38 PM

I honestly think the AL is the stronger league.

**tmlfan123** · 11-10-2009, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesteve

Because it doesn't come down to us vs. them. It comes down to minutia of the game revolving around strategy and the DH.

I really don't want to get into this argument, but I need to ask something. How could a dispute of which league is "stronger" not revolve around us vs. them? I honestly cannot see how strategy and the DH affect the relative skill level of each league. It seems to me that you are comparing the differences between the leagues, not which one is stronger.

**thesteve** · 11-10-2009, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmlfan123

I really don't want to get into this argument, but I need to ask something. How could a dispute of which league is "stronger" not revolve around us vs. them? I honestly cannot see how strategy and the DH affect the relative skill level of each league. It seems to me that you are comparing the differences between the leagues, not which one is stronger.

What I mean is that it's not as simple as comparing records or looking at who won the World Series. Art and I aren't looking at "league strength" in terms of skill levels and abilities of the players in the league, but in terms of what we find to be the more interesting league to watch. What we are saying is the increased strategic planning that the NL has because of a lack of the DH makes it the better (i.e. "stronger") league.

Than · 11-10-2009, 03:29 PM

How does it increase strategic planning any more than the strategic planning involved in a DH?

**tmlfan123** · 11-10-2009, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesteve

What I mean is that it's not as simple as comparing records or looking at who won the World Series. Art and I aren't looking at "league strength" in terms of skill levels and abilities of the players in the league, but in terms of what we find to be the more interesting league to watch. What we are saying is the increased strategic planning that the NL has because of a lack of the DH makes it the better (i.e. "stronger") league.

I see. I was thinking in the normal definition of stronger, as in the arguments in college football over which conference is stronger.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Than

How does it increase strategic planning any more than the strategic planning involved in a DH?

Here we go...

**thesteve** · 11-10-2009, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Than

How does it increase strategic planning any more than the strategic planning involved in a DH?

The DH eliminates the necessity for the double-switch and greatly reduces the usage of pinch-hitters during a game (both because offensive replacements aren't as frequent). As such, pitchers can be swapped more freely in the AL because their spot in the batting order does not have to be considered.

penguinofwar · 11-26-2009, 09:22 PM

I hope this guy gets shot...

Lynn Henning: Don't Rule Out Trading_Cabrera - Bless You Boys

**thesteve** · 11-26-2009, 11:29 PM

Meh...that's a whole lot of contract to fulfill. A solid trade could get you two guys that would equal Cabrera's performance for a 1/10th of the price plus some draft picks.

**tmlfan123** · 11-30-2009, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesteve

Meh...that's a whole lot of contract to fulfill. A solid trade could get you two guys that would equal Cabrera's performance for a 1/10th of the price plus some draft picks.

Not sure. Cabrera is a fantastic hitter, the kind that don't come along very often. You will never replace his performance - however, the issue here isn't performance but money.