Forum Friday: A well-timed break?

With the Crew struggling last weekend, let's get things started with a quick look back at the 2022 MLB draft.  The communities participation in the two threads, 2022 MLB Draft Pick Discussion Rounds 1-10 and Rounds 11-20 and UDFA Signings, was, as we'd expect, outstanding.  If you couldn't catch the draft live, there is plenty of quality reading in those threads to get you caught up.  Be sure to check back often to follow the players as they sign or, as will be the case for some high schoolers, choose to attend college.

In the major league forum this week, a couple of interesting threads popped up.  The first was a thread by our leader, @Brock Beauchamp, in which he calls the balk perhaps the dumbest rule in sports. While others may have had a bit of a software stance, there was nearly universal agreement the call made against Brewer Pitcher, Jandel Gustave was pretty terrible. @tortshad a really interesting idea, suggesting a balk can't be called until the pitcher throws the ball, either to a base or home.  I personally like that idea, and it may eliminate the need for the umpires to try to judge intent.

Another thread which is just getting started, authored by @homer, wonders if Josh Hader's recent struggles may be due to a change in release point.  The thread starts with an analysis of Hader by @domricotta15. @timpepmentions reading on reddit Hader may have also been tipping his pitches against the Giant.  We'll all be watching closely, as the Brewers will likely need Hader to be on his game if they are to make the playoffs this fall.

Finally for this week, we have an article from @Brock Beauchamp entitled Brewer Fanatic Community Awards: 2022 First Half. As Brock says in his article:

We cannot thank all of you enough for the amazing contributions, advice, and input you've given us as we've begun our journey with Brewer Fanatic. None of this is possible without the community that powers it. Here's to another successful four months and GO CREW!

We wouldn't be the community we are without all of you.  Thank you, and as always, Go Crew!