adambr2

Agreed with almost everything said. Yes if the tipping was eliminated, people who rely on it need to be compensated with a better wage. And I think that's much better than relying on the decency of people for it and also closing the door for that avenue of tax fraud like someone mentioned. Just pay them a decent wage and charge accordingly, simple. I don't even get why tipping is such a big thing here, in other countries it's almost unheard of. Here it's becoming incredibly widespread and convoluted. It's especislly frustrating being from a small town when I go to places like the strip in Vegas and cannot walk from my hotel room to the street without encountering some situation where I am expected to tip. These are the guidelines I usually follow but some of them I really don't even know if I am doing right or not: Dining - 18% for average service, 20%+ for exceptional, 15% for mediocre. I'll go as low as 10% if it's really bad. I've never had enough of a reason to drop the tip entirely, but it would take a lot more than bad service -- like an extremely rude waiter. Buffet - Usually 10-15%. Takeout - This is where it gets tricky to me. I used to do around 15%, then people told me I was nuts. I don't tip for takeout much anymore, I guess I'll start again when it becomes customary to tip the cashier at McDonald's who basically does the same thing. Occasionally I'll give a buck or 2, or carside if they come out maybe 2 or 3. Delivery - ?? I don't know. I usually give 15-20%. Bar - Buck a drink. Barber - $3. Taxi/Uber - When Uber first started I was told not to tip them, but apparently that is now apparently a thing too. I guess I usually give 15-20%.

He was a good player in 2015 and 2016 but nowhere close to the caliber of player he was in 2011 and 2012 pre-suspension. 2012 was his last year as an elite MVP caliber player. How many players have the production at 31-34 that they did at 25-28? I mean we have to be a little bit honest about the situation too. It's not like many guys produce at the levels he did while in their 30's... at least not guys who weren't (allegedly) taking something. I would say that Braun's closest comparable in age and offensive production early in their careers is Joey Votto, and Votto has remained amazingly consistent at the same age as Braun. But yeah, there are some greats who don't. There's no way of knowing what has contributed to Braun's decline but there's probably more than one factor.

He was a good player in 2015 and 2016 but nowhere close to the caliber of player he was in 2011 and 2012 pre-suspension. 2012 was his last year as an elite MVP caliber player.

Random thought/question: Would you rather pay mildly higher prices at restaurants and services that normally involve tipping, if it meant doing away with the tipping custom altogether?

One of the issues here is companies who don't offer sick time. My paid vacation and other benefits are great, but the paid personal/sick days aren't there. So if I get sick and should be out of work for say 2 days, that's a huge hit to staying on budget for the month. I have a family of 5 on solely my income so she can stay home with the kids. If it's really bad, I'm going to call in. But if it's something I can push through, I have to choose between doing that and potentially spreading a virus or staying home for 2 days and taking a $500 or so hit. Not a great decision to have to make.

Not really, he allowed 3 baserunners in 2 innings and is carrying a 2 WHIP so far, walking as much as he's striking out and has an .845 OPS against him. He's just been lucky. I hope for the Brewers' sake he puts up a 2 ERA this year and dominates lefties. I just don't have a ton of faith.

Versatility is great but it feels like we are kind of maxed out on what we need for versatile players. Shaw and Arcia are basically always going to start, 1B is pretty much exclusively Thames and Braun, and we already have more starting outfielders than spots. We have 3 guys on the MLB roster who can play 2nd serviceably but none are really guys you want in the lineup. Sogard, Perez and Villar are basically all interchangeable parts in that they can all play 2nd, SS, and 3B, and outfield in a pinch, Perez to a greater extent than the other two. All have a couple different skills and a lot of weaknesses. Versatility meant more before the left side of our infield was solidified and before the Yelich and Cain acquisitions basically made moot any OF skills by our utility players.

Which is why it was shocking to me to see numerous players besides Dozier complain about this on the Twins' side.

Yep. It's the pettiest whining I've seen since the Cardinals player (Ankiel?) complained about being thrown something other than fastballs in a blowout game. I wish they would just figuratively throw the unwritten rulebook in the fire and burn it already. Too convaluted, too many different interpretations, cultural differences, all stemming from nothing but thin skinned veterans citing "tradition" in a game that has changed constantly over decades and that most of them probably know nothing about historically. Just play the damn game to win and let the other guy do the same and keep your mouth shut if his way doesn't coincide with yours. That's the only unwritten rule they need.

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/twins-completely-overreact-orioles-bunting-beat-shift-one-hitter-225336945.html This is absolutely ridiculous. Get a grip, shut up and play, and don't whine when someone uses their own strategy to counter your strategy. It's not like the guy was even protecting a no-hitter. Disappointing to see this come from a team that isn't the Cardinals.

Well, we were never going to win them all but losses against the Cardinals and Cubs always hurt worse.

A switch hitter would be so used to seeing the ball from the opposite arm I am guessing splits for the pitcher might not be considered. The unusual look coming out of the hand probably would negate the gain a typical batter might get. Good point. A switch hitter is used to the same look every time from a certain side.

Wouldn't you think switch hitters would bat righty against Drake?

I don't know if there is some obscure stat kept for called 3rd strikes with 2 outs and RISP, but if so we have to be leading the league.

Yep. Davies has to be better. If he continues to start off as slow as he usually does, we won't win many of his starts in April. Woodruff wasn't bad besides one pitch, but unfortunately that one pitch cost 3 runs and that kind of did it.

Thames needs a calendar with 12 Aprils.

Sogard seems like the one guy Counsell just had to have back and Stearns just kind of let him have that one. I wish someone had just told him "He's going to be replacement level Craig, we can do better."

I don't have a problem with it, but it seems kind of funny because, didn't it just start post 9-11 during a time of ultra patriotism and unity? Now it just seems like nobody wants to be that guy to do away with it, lol.

Woodruff really reinforcing the decision to keep him over Guerra. It's obviously early, but this rotation looks as bad as advertised. Eagerly anticipating a return of Wade Miley isn't a good thing.

Well, his career numbers at MP seem to indicate we shouldn't hold our breath. I don't know if this is true though. He was bad at MP last year and we missed the playoffs by a game.

Couple of real dud starts in these first 4, one great one, one okay one.

His splits were better away LAST YEAR. Before that 3.75 home era and 4.40 road. Probably at lot more to do with who the opponents happened to be, or a couple blow up starts. After one year you can't just say he's terrible at home. And in 2015 a 6.10 ERA at home and 2.66 on the road albeit in limited innings. Davies himself has said he's more comfortable on the road.

Seems crazy aggressive, but I suppose there's a chance they could consider a midseason promotion for Hiura. Mid-2019 more likely.

Sorta. That bullpen has already blown a save, Anderson's start was perfect, Suter was about what you expect from a back-end guy. Chacin was roughed up a little and Davies has been what he is, inconsistent. I'm not a big Davies fan personally, he does this way too often to be an ace...which he isn't, but we sorta pretend he is. Numbers wise he is -- as long as it's not at Miller Park.

Yeah, I fully expect this to be the only decision this year that the Brewers have to reflect upon... Yeah...that's what I said.