2024 Regular Season- First Half

[C. John]

In one of my wilder flights of fantasy I always thought it would be great to have a TARDIS. We could use it to back in time and assemble an all-time All-Star team to compete against a team comprised of the best players today.

[Brina]

We will be closing up this thread tomorrow after we discuss the all star game. I just hope it’s as exciting as the derby but it usually isn’t. Only one Cubs player so if he gets in the game early I can go to bed at a reasonable time.

[C. John]

Brina wrote: "We will be closing up this thread tomorrow after we discuss the all star game. I just hope it’s as exciting as the derby but it usually isn’t. Only one Cubs player so if he gets in the game early I..."

If you think west coast baseball times are bad you should try being an Australian Rules Football fan. Back when I was watching it the Grand Final was always shown live. Since the game took place in Australia it meant a midnight start time here. My wife wasn't too happy about that I can tell you.

[Lance]

RJ started my thought in how the ASG in every sport has declined. I’ll add some additional thoughts that can apply to any sport. #1 in my mind is the risk financially- how much can a player lose if he’s seriously injured in an exhibition game? Take what happened to Ray Fosse in 1970. Now imagine how much he would lose if that collision happened today. That also is why the play on the field is worse. Baseball’s ASG is the closest to being like the “real thing” but the NBA and NHL games are a joke and the Pro Bowl was so bad it no longer exists.

[Lance]

Consider me a grumpy old man if you will, but for all of these sports, I would rather not have an all-star game and let the players, good bad or mediocre, enjoy the time off. With cable, streaming services and apps one can see any star player on any team at any time. Not like when the only way you could see the stars from the other league or conference at an ASG.

[Lance]

Although…I do like the home run derby, the NHL skills competition and NBA all-star Saturday night. Just don’t have the ASG the next day.

[Lance]

Harold wrote: "So, Brian, you want to change the entire balanced schedule, the ability for fans to see all 30 teams, just for one exhibition game? I think there is a much easier solution-make it meaningful by giv..."

I didn’t like that rule at all. Using this year’s standings, what possible incentive would a player on the A’s or Angels have to go all out so that the Orioles, Yankees or Guardians get home field advantage?

[Lance]

Brina wrote: "Listening to Yankees broadcast and they are commenting that the all star game has lost its luster because half of the invitees aren’t participating. They were brainstorming how to fix that. My thou..."

IDK - who’s a “natural” rival for teams like Colorado, Arizona, Seattle and even Detroit? Sure you have the two teams in a city or state or maybe neighboring states (Minnesota-Milwaukee or Baltimore-Washington) but for those without one, then what? I will say, though, that I liked the unbalanced schedule for division races.

[Harold]

The Angel's and A's would likely only have one player. Most of the other teams still gave a chance for a playoff spot. Therefore, aside from personal pride, they are fighting for the chance at a world series.

[Lance]

Many times those players on poor clubs enter the game later - so that winning run on third base just might be that A’s or Angels player. Certainly more likely than someone like Judge, Ramirez or Henderson who have most likely left the game. Trying to get everyone in the game can lead to that. Not saying it’s right or wrong to get every player time on the field - it just can lead to this situation.

[Brina]

I’m not a fan of the World Series rule but I do like the unbalanced schedule for your division. I’ll have to find my notes about natural rival. Mendel and I divised one for a 32 team league and I have to dig them up. By the way I also like the skills contest more than the game but if there’s money to be made they will keep playing it.

[C. John]

Two players from the Nanaimo Nightowls have been drafted, one by the Rangers and one by the Marlins.

[Matthew]

Brina, sorry I never go back to you after the Orioles series. I had no idea Swanson had a five year monster contract. That's brutal. I'm not a fan of the expanded playoffs. Baseball is too day-to-day for a three or even seven game series to determine the best team. The Cubs swept the O's last week, outscoring them, 21-2. No one thinks the Cubs are better than the O's.

I'm entirely with Brina on the unbalanced schedule. Baseball just isn't football. it's a regional sport. It has to be, with 162 games. And because it's regional, it is difficult to get people to watch meaningless series, like Brewers v. Angels or Rockies v. Rays. Where is the draw?
The owners are hoping to increase TV revenue with Phillies- Red Sox and Yankees- Dodgers. But it will also crush attendance when the Royals or Pirates come to town.

[Harold]

For those members who love to debate the merits of Pete Rose, and his Hall of fame case, there is a four-part documentary series beginning July 24th on HBO that looks very good. I recently finished a biography on Rose, so I'll be interested on their take on Rose.
https://www.firstshowing.net/2024/bas...

[Brina]

I’m with you on that one. I will be closing this up later today and starting the second half thread tomorrow.

[Beth]

Anyone interested in the Rays and their new stadium?

Rays stadium plan wins long-awaited approval by St. Pete City Council https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay...

[Lance]

Brina wrote: "I’m with you on that one. I will be closing this up later today and starting the second half thread tomorrow."

I got it, Brina. 2nd half thread is now open. And yes, I’m going to be watching the Pete Rose documentary