The Official 2018 MLB Thread!

[Todd Anderson]

@JBrax my wife just surprised me with some All Star Game tix here in DC.

Psyched!

Somewhat bitter sweet: could be the last time I see Manny Machado in black and orange.

But should be a really good time otherwise!

 

[JBrax]

That’s awesome Todd! That’s a bucket list event for sure. Yes, a bit of chatter on Machado to the Phillies right now.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Yeah. Pumped.

If you ever make it out this way for a game at either stadium, hit me up ahead of time and we'll get something worked out ;-)

I went to see the O's play the Yankees the other night... a friend got us tix right behind home plate. Tons of fun but very bitter sweet. Seeing faces of the the franchise (Adam Jones and Manny Machado) in a somewhat farewell performance was tough (as a fan). I know you know exactly what I'm talking about.

On a side note, Judge and Gardner were standing together about 15 ft away from our seats. Talk about a difference in height!!! LOL

WOW!!

 

[JBrax]

I’ll definitely hit you up when I plan a trip that way. The wife and I have discussed it a few times. She was stationed in Maine while in the Navy and has wanted to go back. I’m a huge fan of seafood so we’ll make it happen at some point in the future. I think my Royals are pretty close to moving the last remaining pieces here pretty soon.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Please do, Jeff! I just wish our teams didn't stink!! It seems like yesterday that the Os and Royals duked it out in the ALCS. I just wish we'd had a full roster that series ;-))).

Teams like the O's and Royals have real windows they operate in... a little different than the Red Sox and Yankees of the league. Fingers x-ed that our windows open again soon.

 

[JBrax]

Yes sir it seems like yesterday. Looking back there was so much luck involved in 2014/15 but it happened and nobody can ever take it back. I think we’ll contend again in a few years but rough seas ahead for sure. It feels weird following the progress of prospects again but that’s what I’ve been reduced to.

 

[Todd Anderson]

LOL... I joke that I've been reduced to a "hater" across all sports.

It sure is hard to see a superstar and cornerstone player like Manny Machodo leave town at the ripe old age of 25. Reminds me of ARod.

You know, I was in Seattle at the Mariners game for ARods first return to Seattle after signing with the Rangers.

Vitriol, man. It was insane. That was, what... 1999? The fans booed him to no end. Lots of people were throwing Monopoly money that slowly floated onto the field of play. Totally crazy.

Little different situation here... although, It's pretty evident that Manny wants the $$$. Still hard to watch. Especially if he ends up on the Yankees. I've already been through that once (Mike Mussina). I'm not sure I can handle Manny being in pinstripes.

Sure wish MLB had a hard and fast salary cap

 

[JBrax]

It would be nice if they changed some aspects of free agency. It seems so unfair that the smaller market teams really have no chance of keeping homegrown talent.

 

[Todd Anderson]

There needs to be a cap and controlled spending on both minor league and international talent. But I’d take an aggressive MLB cap to start!

 

[JBrax]

Sounds like you’ve got a plan! I’ll happily provide links if you’d like to submit detailed contractually agreeable documents?

 

[Todd Anderson]

Write it up!

We need it ASAP!!

 

[JBrax]

@Todd Anderson Looks like Manny is going to the Dodgers. Sheesh, the rich get richer!

 

[Todd Anderson]

@JBrax

I know. Was really hoping he’d go to Philly. Doesn’t appear to be the case.

All Star game was awesome... a home run fest. Most ever hit in AS game! Here’s a peek at the pregame/National Anthem:

 

[Todd Anderson]

@Todd Anderson Looks like Manny is going to the Dodgers. Sheesh, the rich get richer!

heartbreaking

 

[JBrax]

Yeah, disheartening to see homegrown talent like Machado go to a big market team. Interesting to see how the market plays out for Moose? There wasn’t much interest when he was a free agent.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Moose will get some attention now that the floodgate has been broken.

Cleveland just made a big move for Hand. Although Moose, like Adam Jones, probably won’t net much in return. They’re great players, but are short term rentals without the massive impact of A-list talent.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Total dynamite *blow it up* rebuild. Wow

 

[Todd Anderson]

Apparently the Os are signalling they’re going to try and sign this Cuban kid: Victor Victor Mesa. Fingers crossed. Lots of young talent to build toward 2020.

 

[JBrax]

Sheesh, the O’s really did blow it up! Looks like you guys should run away with that 1st pick and Bobby Witt Jr. What’s the consensus in Baltimore on the return? So many prospects heading your way some have got to pan out right?

 

[Todd Anderson]

Hard to say on the picks... the O’s farm system is vastly improved, that’s for sure. I don’t think there are any sure-fire #1 starting pitchers... but it sounds like there might be one or two all star caliber fielders.

My sense is that the O’s are going to shed every single piece they can before the next spring training. Pouring money into player development and not the MLB team. Sure hope they know what they’re doing!

 

[Todd Anderson]

Is Bobby Witt still the consensus #1?

 

[JBrax]

By most accounts I’ve read yes. Adley Rutschman is also pretty highly thought of. Who knows what cream rises to the top? It’s such a crap shoot but Witt looks like the real deal.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Os and Royals are duking it out to be the worst. One game apart... I guess we're now reduced to rooting our teams to the bottom. :-/

Doesn't seem possible considering where both teams were not so long ago.

 

[JBrax]

Honestly I think you guys will have the first pick. Your schedule and playing NY and Boston should be the deciding factor.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I'm wondering if either team will hit 50 wins this year... abysmally bad... but possible?