MLBits: Pitch Clocks, Betts’ Incredible Season, Bill James Controversy, Dodgers Spending, More

Nov 09, 2018

Ugh … who wants the MLBits? It’s like give me a Lukewarm Stove, amiright?!

Soon enough. Soon enough. But there’s news!

You may have forgotten about them, but the Commissioner sure hasn’t: pitch clocks could finally debut during the 2019 season. According to Bob Nightengale, the Competition Rules Committee meets next week with Commissioner Rob Manfred on “recommendations for next year involving pitch clocks, shifts, and the use of openers,” so a lot could theoretically change. It’s hard to see there being enough momentum (shifts) or time (openers) to make big changes in those two areas already, but pitch clocks had a LOT of momentum last winter, have been in place in the minor leagues without issue for years now, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw them in 2019.

I mean, we almost saw them last year: Remember when the proposed rules came out, and then were revised, and then the league and union fought, and the league was all “We’re gonna do it, anyway,” but the union was all “You better not!” And then they ultimately agreed to put it off for a year? Well, here we are. This is that year. And since I’m pretty positive “pace-of-play” wasn’t solved by the players trying really hard over one season, I think you might expect some further prodding on that front. It’s also worth mentioning that the league doesn’t need the union to make these changes. The commissioner can act unilaterally so long as the changes were proposed a year in advance, which we have to believe is the case, as it was last winter.

Speaking of Manfred:

MLB owners expected to vote next week on a five-year contract extension for Commissioner Rob Manfred, a deal that will extend through 2024 and into the next set of TV contacts and labor term with the MLBPA
— Eric Fisher (@EricFisherSBJ) November 9, 2018

For what it’s worth, Manfred only needs 16 teams behind him, but is expected to get unanimous support. Owners are clearly happy with how he has represented their interests.

A border-line must-read at the Star Telegram about how the Rangers are reconsidering what they know about advanced analytics after Cole Hamels moved to Chicago and enjoyed immediate success. In it, GM Jon Daniels discusses how the Rangers used to be among those 5-8 teams that are “ahead of the rest of the industry,” before admitting that they’re not in that group now on the research and development side. The Cubs and Dodgers, in the author’s estimation, are “considered leaders in the industry,” and what do you know: the Rangers just hired manager Chris Woodward from the Dodgers and Assistant GM Shiraz Rehman from the Cubs. Something tells me the Rangers are in very good hands.

Here’s a pretty crazy revelation, via FiveThirtyEight: “According to Spotrac, the 147 free agents to sign at least a one-year deal with guaranteed dollars last season were, on average, 32.6 years old, and the average age of this year’s class is 33.1 years. Last season, position players age 32 and older accounted for 12.9 percent of wins above replacement (WAR) and 18.6 percent of plate appearances, which were the lowest numbers that demographic have contributed since 1975 and 1979, respectively.” In short, Travis Sawchik foretells of more slow markets for the middle-tier, older free agents who were once relatively highly sought after in free agency. The game is trending younger for so many reasons and the 30-plus-year-olds are paying the price.

Mookie Betts won an AL Silver Slugger award last night and was also named the Heart and Hustle Award Winner – the first Red Sox to take home the award since Dustin Pedroia in 2013, which, well, wasn’t actually all that long ago (Anthony Rizzo won it for the Cubs back in 2015). Betts has also already won a Gold Glove for his work this season and is one of the AL MVP finalists, too. That is one heckuvan awards season: All-Star, Heart and Hustle, GG, SS, and maybe MVP.

The Red Sox had two more Silver Slugger awards this season, but both went to J.D. Martinez. Yep, the thumper won the Silver Slugger award as a designated hitter and an outfielder. How about that? Martinez slashed .330/.402/.629 with 37 doubles, 43 homers, and 130 RBIs. Mercy. He only had 57 starts in the outfield though, accounting for 219 at-bats, so it’s a little odd, but he definitely was a slugger.

Red Sox special advisor and famed-sabermatrician Bill James made some controversial comments on Twitter yesterday, while discussing his apparent sentiment that most players are overpaid: “If the players all retired tomorrow, we would replace them. The game would go on; in three years it would make no difference whatsoever. The players are NOT the game, any more than the beer vendors are.” As you can imagine, the Red Sox, fellow players, and the Union were not happy:

The #RedSox Statement Regarding Bill James’ Recent Remarks: pic.twitter.com/JffB08Hqad

— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) November 8, 2018

Executive Director Tony Clark’s regarding Bill James’ comments… pic.twitter.com/UHa4j1LSqD

— #MLBPA (@MLB_PLAYERS) November 8, 2018

Wonder if the @RedSox win the World Series with a replacement player for @mookiebetts or @JDMartinez14 or @DAVIDprice24 or #Bogaerts or @JackieBradleyJr or #ChrisSale or @RickPorcello or @asben16 or #Devers or @kimbrel46 or…….. https://t.co/jtk6lz96y2
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) November 8, 2018

The Red Sox called James’ comments inappropriate and absurd, and the union called them reckless and insulting. I think everyone is overreacting quite a bit, including James, in what could have been a solid, nuanced conversation. When discussed in regards to ownership and revenues, uh, no, MLB players are not overpaid. The players should get a fair split of the money their efforts generate. But when we’re talking in relative terms to, like normal people, well sure, you could argue it would be weird to feel bad for guys making more in a year than most people make in their entire lifetime.

Setting that aside, yeah, the Red Sox obviously wouldn’t win if only their players were replaced. That’s not what James was saying. Ultimately, I think James’ point was useless and probably wrong, but the whole flap makes me think about the ACTUALLY underpaid MINOR LEAGUE players, who live in their cars or with host families, can’t afford healthy meals, and need second and third jobs? That’s an actual issue worth getting outraged about.

Jack Baer looks at the Dodgers leaked spending decision to see how realistic those plans to stay under the luxury tax threshold really are. It would still be very shocking to see the Dodgers actually go this route, and would certainly raise cries of “collusion!” again this year after the Dodgers took off last winter to get under the luxury tax and (ostensibly) reset their penalties.

NBC Sports discusses how the Giants lured Farhan Zaidi from their rival and it’s actually an interesting story – a special 30 min phone call was organized by the Dodgers and MLB during the postseason, when the Giants couldn’t actually otherwise talk to him because the Dodgers were still going. The call revealed mutual interest and they finally sat down face-to-face last Friday. Interesting stuff.

GENIUS:

GAME.CHANGER.
pic.twitter.com/yoJ0Wxflvc

— Baseball is Fun (@flippingbats) November 9, 2018

Ice cold:

https://twitter.com/flippingbats/status/1060562306436870146

written by

Michael Cerami

Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

more cubs news

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Roster Moves: Wisdom and Taillon Are Back, Wesneski and Mastrobuoni Are Out

Even with tonight's rainout, the Chicago Cubs are still making some roster moves. When Patrick Wisdom was removed (perfectly healthy) from the I-Cubs game in the 4th inning on Wednesday, we had an idea of what was coming next. When...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Tonight’s Cubs-Marlins Game Has Been Postponed

The weather wasn't going to cooperate for Jameson Taillon's season debut, and tonight's Cubs-Marlins tilt has been postponed. The game will instead be part of a split-doubleheader this Saturday, with the first game at 1:20pm CT and the second at...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLBits: Paul Skenes Could Make His MLB Debut Any Day (But Probably Won’t), Red-Hot Orioles, Houck’s Maddux, More

If you're into tracking young pitchers with star potential like I am—as I watch Jack Leiter's debut while typing this column—then you're probably itching to see Pirates top prospect Paul Skenes make his way to Pittsburgh sooner than later. While...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Back to Wrigley: Cubs vs Marlins – Series Preview

Cubs vs Marlins — Whew! The Cubs got through their first West Coast road trip of the year, and did so with a winning record (5-4) against the Padres, Mariners, and Diamondbacks. They definitely let a couple games slip out...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Taillon Coming Back, Busch’s Integrity and Success, Bad News for the White Sox, Wicks, Hendricks, and Other Cubs Bullets

As the father of a toddler who was sick for an entire week — the same week Brett was out from his back surgery and the Cubs were playing almost exclusively late-night ballgames on the West Coast — I was...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | April 18, 2024: Caissie, Alcántara Go Yard, South Bend and Myrtle Beach Smoked, More

Kevin Alcántara hit his first home run of the season for the Tennessee Smokies last night, and Owen Caissie hit his first Triple-A home run for the Iowa Cubs as Iowa and Tennessee secured victories. The same can't be said...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cody Bellinger Sticking With Scott Boras

Given the way the offseason played out for super agent Scott Boras's top available clients - Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, and Jordan Montgomery - you wouldn't be shocked to see some unhappiness behind the scenes. Did Boras overplay...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

You’ll Be Even More Impressed with Hayden Wesneski, When You Hear What it Took to Get Him to Arizona

Hayden Wesneski was the hero of yesterday's finale and series-win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, coming in to clean up Jordan Wicks' (little) mess in the 5th ... and then tossing 4 shutout innings to save an over-used bullpen and help...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Offseason Cubs Target Robert Stephenson Now Out for the Year

Hand up, I really wanted the Cubs to sign reliever Robert Stephenson this offseason. I felt like they could use one more impact arm (accurate), and I felt like Stephenson was one of the best available (about that ... )....

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Rays Closer Pete Fairbanks With a Wonderful and Brutally Honest Line About His Performance

Rays closer Pete Fairbanks has been an extremely effective reliever the last four years, posting a 2.66 ERA from 2020 through 2023, with a 34.8% K rate and worth 4.1 WAR. But things have started out much more rough for...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Mariners vs. Rockies: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Seattle Mariners (9-10), who will give the ball to Emerson Hancock, visit the Colorado Rockies (4-15) with Dakota Hudson on the hill, Friday at 8:40 PM ET.Find out how to watch the Seattle-Colorado matchup below.When is Mariners vs. Rockies...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

NFL

Pittsburgh Steelers 3-Round Mock Draft: Exploring Potential Picks Along The Offensive Line

Pittsburgh Steelers 3-Round Mock Draft - The decision is far from easy. On the one hand, a strong offensive line is the bedrock of any successful team, and the long-term benefits are undeniable. On the other hand, a game-changing offensive weapon could breathe...

Ryan Noonan

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Twins vs. Tigers: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

In a series opener on Friday, Ryan Jeffers and the Minnesota Twins (6-11) play Riley Greene and the Detroit Tigers (10-9), with first pitch scheduled for 8:10 PM ET at Target Field.The article below will provide you with everything you...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Orioles vs. Royals: Live Stream or on TV

The Baltimore Orioles (12-6), with Dean Kremer on the mound, visit the Kansas City Royals (12-7) who will hand the ball to Alec Marsh, at 7:40 PM ET on Friday in a series opener.See how to watch the Baltimore-Kansas City...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Brewers vs. Cardinals: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Friday, William Contreras and the Milwaukee Brewers (11-6) begin a series against Brendan Donovan and the St. Louis Cardinals (9-10) at Busch Stadium, with first pitch scheduled for 8:15 PM ET.The article below will provide you with everything you...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

NBA Picks

Pacers vs. Bucks Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Sunday, April 21, 2024

The Indiana Pacers are slight 1-point favorites heading into Game 1 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Sunday, starting at 7:00 PM ET on TNT. The matchup's over/under is set...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

NBA Picks

Mavericks vs. Clippers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Sunday, April 21, 2024

The Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers meet to start the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The Mavericks are favored by 1.5 points in the contest, which will be broadcast on ABC at 3:30 PM ET. The matchup...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

NBA Picks

Knicks vs. 76ers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Saturday, April 20, 2024

The New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers take the court to start the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. The Knicks are favored by 3 points in the matchup, which will be broadcast on ESPN at 6:00 PM ET....

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

NBA Picks

Heat vs. Bulls Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Friday, April 19, 2024

The Chicago Bulls are slight 1.5-point underdogs heading into Game 1 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on Friday, tipping off at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN. The matchup's over/under is...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Phillies vs. White Sox: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Philadelphia Phillies (11-8), led by Trea Turner, host Gavin Sheets and the Chicago White Sox (3-15) at 6:40 PM ET on Friday in a series opener.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for TV and streaming options...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

MLBits: Pitch Clocks, Betts’ Incredible Season, Bill James Controversy, Dodgers Spending, More

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular