tmwiese55

Sure seems Claudio if only faced lefties he'd be really good. Check stats: 440 OPS vs lefties. IDK I guess I'm just not sure on using Albers at all there with the top 3 guys available. Obviously the non double switch was the start of it. Hopefully it works out and we still win, but maybe a mistake there regardless

I am honestly not sure Burnes goes back to the rotation this year. I think especially with Knebel out and Barnes and Williams not being very successful, they really want another high leverage righty in that pen and may see him as such. The irony is the more he succeeds in this role I would guess the less likely he is to make it back to the rotation. Sure looks that way to me as well. Especially once Jimmy and Anderson come back, assuming they do ok. Still, right here you just used him for 1 batter. He could've had this inning as well instead of Albers if they did a double switch.

Surprised no double switch when they brought Burnes in. Guess they didn't bank on a big inning here. But probably would've been easy to have Gamel go in for Braun. Plus Gamel is better on D

they're sticking with their 3rd time through the order logic/math. Time for Burnes to be what he was last year. Exactly what he's needed for here.

I brought up age not out of that he's gonna fall off a cliff. I mean he looks quicker than I ever remember in his prime, granted I didn't watch him a ton or anything though. But you have this cap crunch this year, you'd rather use it for the guy that'll be here for 3-4 years rather than 1. That's all.

I'm in the camp that this wide fear of "max" for Khris is overblown. I don't see anyone giving him 35 mil per year. The only scenario it could happen is if teams strike out on the like 10 guys they prioritize over him and then get desperate. Take the Knicks as an obvious example of a dumb team that would do something like that. If you're Khris do you wait out that whole situation or just put 25 mil per year in the bank at 12:01 and go have yourself a heck of a summer. Hill would be great to have back, hopefully they can find a way to get creative using the exceptions for him and Lopez. I think if I prioritize who I'd let go first, if I had to, I would make it Lopez assuming Niko is back. You have a lot of bigs still, although none as "big" as him. But I also factor in you don't have Bird rights on him so he complicates everything. That said, I do like Lopez and think he's been great for rebounding and keeping some wear and tear of Giannis. Offensively though, you get the spacing with Niko and Ersan as well. Still, with Hill I see why he's prioritized lower by most because he's old. It's that simple.

I'm not watching this game. But general question. If they have the minor league director, or whatever brass in for a half inning and it goes quickly, why do they not have them stay for another half inning? There can't be that tight a schedule on these guys. I don't get that at all. Especially if the game isn't that tight. A very good question that I have asked myself before. It does happen sometimes. They'll throw something out like 'mind sticking around for another inning' and they do. Good point overall on this idea though. With so many games and how we all get a little burned out on hearing the same stuff, why not bring up guests a lot if they're willing. Don't limit to the big stars only like Yount. Grab some mid level guys if they happen to be around, why not get some other perspectives and stories. could be something to shake it up. Granted, who knows how often folks like that are around though

And I thought Dusty was a bad manager. Turns out they hired one even worse. They were absolutely loaded last year, no reason they didn't win the division. Yea he probably should've been let go mid season last year to try and salvage the season

Also, as someone rumored to MKE good not signing so far on Dozier by Stearns. 176/294 for 615ish ops. Moose of course has done well so far.

Just a hunch but I am guessing that Wilson isn't quite up to snuff on the defensive switching they've been doing. Also, Bud likes veterans. Also can't complain about the results so far Well the theory was that his athleticism would do much better on the ball screens than the big stiffs like Lopez/Ers/Niko. That's why a big contingent were pushing for him to play. That said, maybe the 'smarts' aspects of the switching wasn't there so could kinda be both ways. I really think it simply came down to proven vets in front of him. You got Niko and Ersan exactly for these situations and so far they've done well. And I think a lot of folks grossly over inflated DJ based on a few good games to want to trust him in playoff games. Say we lose Niko and DJ plays all next year and continues to progress you might have a different story though. Odd stat, thus far in his whole career DJ has scored a total of 301 points in two seasons, and 9% of those points came in the last two garbage mins games of the season this year. Now of course Points isn't all that matters, but it just highlights how little he's done and played.

haha just think 5 days ago the sky was falling. Good to see things finally stabilizing, hopefully it continues. Cubs/Phil up next so some solid offenses, good time for an off day and for them to be doing well but they'll be tested here again. Jeffress/Burnes added to the pen makes a world of difference if they're similar to themselves last year.

If what I've been saying from the start has changed, how did CHL so eloquently summarize with great detail exactly what I laid out last fall. There's no doubt he conveys information far better than I. And I literally just posted for something like the 3rd or 4th time in the past week that I should have handled my own responses better. I've done what the mods have asked. It's a shame others aren't being held to the same standard because then the nonsense would stop and the focus would again be the change that is literally happening before our eyes. And we could also start enjoying the change that is working right now. Because he summarized where we're at now. Long story short: Having lots of long relievers to use in combination with a normalish starting rotation is not the same tandem and piggy back starters, more or less going away from 5 man rotation. Now, you'll say that's not what you meant by piggyback and tandem or whatever the terms were to imply a planned way, but that's what was said. Now you've toned it back to that you'll still have starters go as long as possible but with plenty of long guys to step in as needed. I think we're all on board with that and should just leave it that and see how it plays out as more injuries happen and see how wild they get come September if guys are doing well. Regardless, it doesn't need to have the gotcha told ya so tone. It should just be a discussion.

I think Saladino is still on the 40 man. I'd guess he'd just come up in this situation like he did a few weeks ago when someone else was dinged up, Moose I think with the thumb. Perez would get the starts and Saladino to utility. Like everyone else I'd be excited for Keston, but that's what I would guess if an IL stint is needed.

Yup, let this get back to Boston and next thing you know you might be in a game 7 where anything can happen. I'm confident Giannis is not the type to relax.

I'd simply ask that you go back and ask that you reread your past posts if you don't think you've changed/spun the narrative as this has gone on that you haven't been confrontational or condescending. Of course, some have come back at you in similar tones now so it's circle of negativity that just keeps going and is just not needed. I mean, at this point you're trying to take credit for any long relief outing or a spot start as if that's some new strategy. That said, the current narrative is fairly reasonable with abundance of long relievers and using them when needed. Especially since two of the youngsters essentially have failed as starters (and many of the 1 inning relievers have failed) so far this year so it's easy/logical to slide them into multi inning roles.

Good post. And generally it makes sense and almost everyone here has acknowledged having more long relievers is totally logical given the mediocrity of our SPs and our strategy of trying to yank first sign of trouble the 3rd time through. Everyone is pretty much in agreeance there. The biggest issue is still the roster rule limits to be able to fully implement something drastic of this nature. If we got a 26th spot and DH I really think it would open up way more options, but now it seems even if the 26th spot happens they're going to put in some P rules basically designed to prevent this type of innovation. One issue in the post is you made it out like everyone has been out to get this poster when it's kind of been the other way around due to his aggressiveness and condescension, along with constantly shifting his narrative to try and still be proven right. First, again I think we acknowledge he's right to get more long relievers and best arms up if we want to win now. Thing is due to roster rules the team is still thinking it's best long term if the 3 young guys can be normal-ish staraters rather than 2-3 inning guys. And in general teams still need innings eating starters due to roster rules. The disagreement generally comes from if a massive overhaul is really feasible with the rules as opposed to just a here and there type of thing and of course September/October. But whenever a situation comes up a 'told ya so' post isn't productive to the conversation. Just like every time a normal starter were to get rolled out it would be stupid for someone else to say see told ya normal starters aren't going anywhere. It's just argumentative and not needed, enjoy the ride/season. And yes I think analytics folks are looking for gaps in the system as much as possible. Essentially last night was a starting P and a long reliever, just in reverse order. Worked great, lets try it again. It's really not logical that this will be the magic potion that makes Peralta consistent but who knows, ride it til it bucks if he's got the "yips" in the 1st inning. Really though whenever he comes in the games should be just like the 1st inning so it's just a small sample thing. That said, he's done well in all his relief stints I remember in spite of it not making sense. So maybe we should start looking at him in that Burnes/Wood last season 2-3 inning role, maybe knowing he only needs a few innings lets him throw harder and more freely, idk. So far he's done great in these instances. And in theory we have two normal type starters coming up again soon in Anderson/Nelson

Good point, yea if you're playing 42 yr old Jason Terry you should trim your bench and give those 12 mins to someone else. BUt if all your guys are good it might be best to continue to have a fresh energized team. Other than your true stars like a Giannis who if needed you can now play an extra 6-7 mins if needed. Especially knowing all the off days in the playoffs. It'l be interesting what they do with Brog when he comes back. George Hill has simply been great. Project Pat has been great as well. So outside of Snell/Brown mins I don't see a lot of easy mins to take from someone else other than one or two here or there. Actually maybe Lopez would be the one to give up the most and play more wing heavy lineups. That would've made sense this round, next round though Gasol is a traditional/slower big that theoretically Lopez matches better than Horford.

Yup, Ersan is such a solid player. Yet a ton of Bucks fans wanted him run out of town during his normal early season slump. And even going into the playoffs a big chunk calling for DJ Wilson to play above him. Ersan is exactly what you need in a vet, makes the smart play, knows where to be positionally, not afraid of contact/hustle/boards/tipouts, etc. Just a solid bench player.

For fantasy I think it's the right move. With his struggles and that he sitvs vs lefties it just makes sense. He was a guy I avoided this year due to sitting vs lefties. Sidenote, I cut Matt Carpenter in mid to late May last year when he was hitting like .100. Basically right before the figured it out and want on a tear. I just couldn't keep losing games while I waited, obviously it was a mistake but still got 2nd place. He looked so lost last year before he had that crazy hot streak. After seeing that I was surprised STL gave him a big extension. He's started very slow again this year. IDK, that contract could be a burden for them.

Yup, that George Hill guy is pretty darn good in this role. Last night was ridiculous for what the bench pulled off in the 3rd. Giannis goes out when they're down 2ish. Then Mid goes out. I just want to make it to the 4th alive and with a chance. Instead the bench lineup gets a 10 pt lead vs a Kyrie lineup. Great performance and showing how playing like a team is important.

Here's the thing....if this is a one-off and they have regular starters the next 6 weeks don't be surprised and or offended if people come after you. It will be well-earned. This guy just can't help himself. Gotta respect the doubling down though. This was forced due to an injury to Anderson and a starter being awful in his last few starts. This is by no means their 'plan', they're being forced into it. Now, if this creative move gets lit up today should everyone here come in with a bunch of "told ya so's" about how it won't work, etc? No, we realize it is what is. Odd situations forcing bullpen days has happened forever

Agree. Kyrie/KD and a bunch of nobodies on the Knicks isn't anything to be scared of imo. Now, put them on the Clips and you might have something.

I would agree LBJ and KD should still be slotted ahead of Giannis. After this Lakers season folks are too quick to write off LBJ, just 11 months ago he was basically dropping 40 pt triple doubles all over the playoffs and was clearly the best player in the world. His team was just trash this year and he got hurt, he definitely slacked off too due to the situation. But anyone playing one bball game today takes LBJ #1. I obviously can see a debate among the next patch of guys but I'd go Giannis #3 and primed to take over #1 in the next few years as KD/LBJ age. Dame/Kyrie. While I do see the debate, I take Dame without much hesitation. I've always been a Dame fan so I guess I'm a bit biased but I put value in that he's never hurt and no drama around him. So even if you want to say they're essentially even as on court players if you played right now, the fact that DAme doesn't get hurt almost every year like Kyrie is a huge notch in his favor. The tack on the Kyrie locker room drama/being a poor leader vs Dame's clearly strong leadership and it's another notch for him. Also keep in mind last series was Kyries first playoff win without LBJ in his career. Dame lost his entire team 3-4 years ago and has kept on winning ever since when everyone thought they'd fall apart, he just keeps winning.

The inning I'm thinking of was I think vs LAA. He gave up 4 in that inning but pretty much mowed them down the other 5 innings. So overall he was very good that day besides that hickup. With samples this small, just taking away that inning drops his era to 4.45. Obviously I know it's still cherry picking and spinning positive, but he really hasn't been that far off. Couple more solid games to hopefully settle in and build confidence.

Yes Woodruff has definitely been the one who has looked like he belongs most. Take away that one awful inning he had and his traditional stats probably look fine/ok. He's had stretches each game where looks like he belongs. Obviously could still go either way, but sure would be nice for him to string a couple good ones together in a row