Baseball is again on hold. Five Phillies’ players and three staffers tested positive for Covid-19 at the Phillies’ Clearwater Complex. Other organizations have released infection numbers and as many as 40 players and staff across baseball have been confirmed positive while teams await further results. Continue reading Open Discussion: Week of June 22nd
Category Archives: 01. Site Features
Open Discussion: Week of June 15th
Baseball returns!
Based on the most recent communications between the MLBPA and MLB, the union is rejecting and is not responding to the owners’ most recent proposal. The union did ask the commissioner to start the season according to his right as the commissioner. So, baseball by mid-July? The end of July? Continue reading Open Discussion: Week of June 15th
Looking Back at Our 2019 Free Agent Acquisition
This is just a just a random thought that came to me. I don’t feel one way or the other. But, I thought I would share to get some opinions.
The Phillies signed Zach Wheeler to a 5-year contract last off season. This would have been his age 30 season.
My question, whether we play a partial season or lose the whole season (and each outcome might produce differing opinions), do we still like the Wheeler signing? And, actually, this concern applies to all free agent signings across baseball, not just the Wheeler contract.
We expect there to be some lesser value when a long-term contract is signed. We might accept losing some value in year five and maybe even year four. But, if we lose a year of value at the front-end of a five-year contract, when the player is expected to be at the top of his game, would we have preferred to keep the #2 pick in the draft and the $500K international money?
Thoughts?
Open Discussion: Week of June 8th
Baseball’s saga/drama/soap opera continued this week as the owners rejected the players’ proposal last Sunday and stated that they wouldn’t be making a counter offer. Three days later, the Presidents of Baseball Operations for Milwaukee and Cincinnati both expressed optimism that an agreement would be reached.
At least, the leaks to the media have source names this time. Continue reading Open Discussion: Week of June 8th
Phillies Release 20+ Players
Jim Salisbury finally put a figure to the number of Phillies’ minor leaguers released last week. He reported that 27 players had been released but didn’t report any names. Later on Monday, players’ names began showing up on the various affiliates’ transaction lists.
Open Discussion: Week of June 1st
The MLBPA responded to MLB’s proposal regarding the start of the 2020 season Sunday afternoon. MLB called the players’ proposal “a non-starter”. So, the ball’s back in the owners’ court.
What if There is Expansion?
If MLB decides to expand the number of teams in order to recoup some of their losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are a few interesting topics to explore. Two would be which cities would receive franchises and who would teams protect in the resulting expansion draft. Continue reading What if There is Expansion?
Open Discussion: Week of May 25th
Happy Memorial Day! I hope everyone continues to be well. This is week eleven of my self-imposed quarantine. I began “shelter-in-place” on Friday, March 13th. Since then I have ventured out thrice. Once to visit the local market, and twice to pick up prescriptions. On all three occasions, I drove past the Carpenter Complex, stopping twice to talk to the security guard while maintaining proper social distancing. Continue reading Open Discussion: Week of May 25th
Open Discussion: Week of May 18th
I hope everyone continues to be well. This is week ten of my self-quarantine.
For weeks now, the owners have been negotiating through the media with leaks by anonymous sources. They have determined what the solution should be without talking to the MLBPA, and have painted the players in a negative fashion.
When they finally notified the MLBPA, public opinion was already set. Continue reading Open Discussion: Week of May 18th
Open Discussion: Week of May 11th
I hope everyone continues to be well. This is week nine of my self-quarantine. I am a longer-haired, bearded mess. I am growing accustomed to not going outside. I am sleeping later because I am staying up later. If baseball were to return to Clearwater, I think would have difficulty getting back on my regular baseball schedule. Continue reading Open Discussion: Week of May 11th
Phuture Phillies 