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All-Star Break … From Norms!

Edgy MD Jun 24 2021 09:57 AM

Lots of uniform news breaking lately. The All-Star game uniforms have been revealed, and with them, the news that, for the first time ever, uniform uniforms will be worn during the game — not just during the work-out, batting practice, and home run derby. This marks a break from the historical, beguiling, and old-timey tradition of players lining up in their usual team costumes. Deep sigh. I also note that Toronto's uniform includes a United States flag, which is kind of oppressive. How long has this been going on? https://news.sportslogos.net/2021/06/24/2021-mlb-all-star-game-uniforms-unveiled-will-be-worn-in-game-for-first-time/baseball/?fbclid=IwAR1NlZomR7OB5P5mtajvUazyIn1oW45JyZkgzKrL-i3pewcM6tD6Idxhl7k

Johnny Lunchbucket Jun 24 2021 10:53 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Fugly

Lefty Specialist Jun 24 2021 10:54 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Just ghastly.

Gwreck Jun 24 2021 10:55 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Rob Manfred hates baseball.

A Boy Named Seo Jun 24 2021 10:57 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Everything about these things is fuggin gross. All the hats look like they slapped a logo over an Astros star. Like, the Astros hat looks normal, just uglier. And the shirts, wtf, with those shirts. The three letter thing looks like a placeholder they forgot to remove from the final design. And if you feel the need to put an American flag on there, maybe put the actual flag, not those blue and red things. F-

Benjamin Grimm Jun 24 2021 11:11 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

I agree. They're absolutely hideous.

batmagadanleadoff Jun 24 2021 11:19 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms! Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jun 24 2021 11:33 AM

I wouldn't be on board with this even if I thought that the ASG unis were beautiful. Seeing the All-Stars assembled in their own team uniforms - all the different unis in one place at the same time - might be my most cherished baseball tradition. What have they done? Sigh.

Ceetar Jun 24 2021 11:23 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

I assume this is Nike's fault (And MLB bending over for a few bucks)

Gwreck Jun 24 2021 11:42 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

=Ceetar post_id=69010 time=1624555415 user_id=102] I assume this is Nike's fault (And MLB bending over for a few bucks)

Incorrect. MLB is in control, and is at fault.



MLB may well have granted Nike the right to make and sell as many ugly jerseys as they want (note that they don't have the hat contract; that's a different company).



But MLB has the control of what's worn in the game. The ugly ASG jerseys are not unique to Nike; those were being worn at BP/sold for years under the prior uniform contract.

Ceetar Jun 24 2021 11:45 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

=Gwreck post_id=69012 time=1624556533 user_id=56] =Ceetar post_id=69010 time=1624555415 user_id=102] I assume this is Nike's fault (And MLB bending over for a few bucks)

You have it backwards.



MLB is in control, and is at fault. Nike may well have the right to make and sell as many ugly jerseys as they want (note that they don't have the hat contract; that's a different company). But MLB has the control of what's worn in the game.


I'm just assuming MLB signed away those rights for a few bucks. But sure, it could be the other way. MLB could've designed the jersey inhouse and just had Nike make them? Or they worked together? I don't really know how it works. I just assumed Nike was the company making them, so they designed them (with 'guidance' and maybe approval) but the point's roughly the same, MLBs goal here is to maximize the money they get from Nike,no matter what.

Gwreck Jun 24 2021 11:54 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

It appears you are conflating the problems and to whom blame falls. Problem 1: Someone designed ugly jerseys. No idea who did that. Problem 2: MLB requires that the ugly jerseys be worn in the game. That is 100% MLB's fault.

batmagadanleadoff Jun 24 2021 12:09 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

I thought Ceets clarified that his main point here is that it's an MLB money grab and that all the other details over who designed the new ASG unis or how, precisely, this new idea came about, are all secondary and besides his main point.

roger_that Jun 24 2021 12:32 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

I'm getting to hate baseball. Seriously. Been a fan a long time, started hating when they introduced the DH (division play was okay with me, given the immediate result) and it's only been intensifying since. These horrendous unis may be the final straw.

Edgy MD Jun 24 2021 12:41 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Ah, let's not overdo it. I don't like these either, but ... it's an exhibition game. It won't even be the silliest part of the day, or the silliest uniform you see this year. Far from it.

Ceetar Jun 24 2021 01:01 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

like, the Mets are sponsoring the end of innings. It looks like it's stopped temporarily,but they were literally sponsoring grand slams in highlights. And whatever, I gave in on advertising a long time ago. It (much like data collection is today) seemed like a lost cause. But at least a lot of times it was associated with access or improvement. "You can watch this, or get that, because we're going to show you ads with it" Baseball has basically crossed the line where they're actively making the game worse to make an extra buck. You wanna advertise on the jerseys? fine, but make 'em much cheaper for fans to buy. (I get many disagree here, but it's a workable example) You want to shove advertising behind the mound, on strikeouts, on whatever? fine, but shorten the breaks, get guys to the mound faster. Make the reliever run in carrying a giant green GEICO flag if the break is 45 seconds instead of 3 minutes. If the TV Networks said they wanted to advertise on the outfield grass, you KNOW MLB would suddenly instantly manage to make sure there were 20% more balls in play.

Edgy MD Jun 24 2021 03:24 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

I think we know that will never happen.

Centerfield Jun 24 2021 04:11 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

I'm ok with NL/AL uniforms being worn during the game. But if you do that, it should just be representing the league. Your own teams logos shouldn't be on it. Uniforms should be uniform. It's this half baked, sell jerseys money grab that I don't like.

MFS62 Jun 24 2021 04:28 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

(channeling Yogurt in Spaceballs) Moichendising! Later

Frayed Knot Jun 24 2021 04:31 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

And they'll stop making them when we stop buying them.

roger_that Jun 24 2021 06:32 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Frayed Knot wrote: And they'll stop making them when we stop buying them. I've never bought a thing. (Well, maybe a Mets cap back in the 1980s.) Somehow, they keep making them.

Frayed Knot Jun 24 2021 06:56 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Because Enough people cough up cash for every variation, both minor and hideous, that the teams or league's marketing arms come up with that they'd be stupid not to keep giving us options.

Benjamin Grimm Jun 24 2021 08:07 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

That's definitely true, but I can't imagine why people are buying this stuff.

Edgy MD Jun 24 2021 08:22 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

And we've been down dis road. I'm not a marketing guy, but I don't see wheres uniform variations must be presented in games for people to buy them.

Benjamin Grimm Jun 24 2021 08:23 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

It probably adds some credibility to them, but I agree with you.

Benjamin Grimm Jun 24 2021 08:24 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

And it certainly gives them exposure.

Edgy MD Jun 24 2021 08:32 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Sure, but the Yankees restrain themselves from changing their on-field attire, but I see their fans rocking all sorts of remixes.

Marshmallowmilkshake Jun 24 2021 09:51 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

I occasionally buy one of the special caps if I love the design. I like this year's Independence Day caps and bought one. But these All-Star caps and jerseys are abysmal.

roger_that Jun 25 2021 06:20 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Unis! Unis! Getcher red-hot unis heah! Got 'em in horrendous, ugly, garish, tasteless, unappealing and extra-large! Getcher unis heah!

Benjamin Grimm Jun 25 2021 06:34 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

I'd rather have a wet teddy bear.

Fman99 Jun 25 2021 06:54 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

I like them because they're awful. It's like rooting for Sloth from Goonies.

dinosaur jesus Jun 25 2021 07:19 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

They look like the grounds crew at a non-major PGA tournament.

Ceetar Jun 25 2021 07:23 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

in terms of 'buying' that's probably a small part of it, and it's more about littering the market with options and staggering releases so people are always thinking "buy a jersey" so like, even if you think this is ugly and stupid, you might pivot and think ...but i liked those cool ones they work a few weeks ago, maybe i'll buy one of those. Same difference to them. (No surprise that Cohen tweeted about the black jerseys in the wake of this) Only costs Nike like the 4 cents they pay those 40k oversea workers to whip up a new batch.

Lefty Specialist Jun 25 2021 09:10 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

They remind me just a little of the Mercury Mets uniforms. And that's not a good thing. But yes, there are enough people out there dumb enough to buy these that Nike will turn a profit. And they'll do it again next year, with a different design equally incomprehensible to us fuddy-duddies.

bmfc1 Jun 30 2021 01:41 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

The MLB Futures Game will again be held at the same time that MLB games are being played. HOW STUPID IS THAT? The NBA has their rookie game right before the Slam Dunk contest. MLB could have it on Monday afternoon but nooooooooooooo, they play it Sunday afternoon. Francisco Alvarez and Brett Baty will represent the Mets. https://www.mlb.com/all-star/sunday/futures-game/roster#national-league

Gwreck Jun 30 2021 01:48 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Don't they usually play the futures game on the Sunday before the ASG? One could argue that it's a ticketholder-friendly move, with the Futures Game Sunday, Home Run Derby Monday, and ASG Tuesday. I suppose they do have 2 days post-ASG which are wide open.

bmfc1 Jun 30 2021 02:18 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

That's what I meant... it's Sunday afternoon. And move the ASG to Wednesday so the Sunday starting pitchers (e.g. Jake) can pitch.

bmfc1 Jul 01 2021 08:00 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

They announced the All-Star starters tonight at 9 PM (while games were being played and an NBA Conference Final was on to ensure minimal coverage). No Mets, of course.

Gwreck Jul 01 2021 08:06 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

If the fans voted for starting pitcher, by how much would deGrom have the lead? Bigger than the gap between any other #1 and #2, yes?

bmfc1 Jul 01 2021 08:21 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

=Gwreck post_id=69856 time=1625191595 user_id=56] If the fans voted for starting pitcher, by how much would deGrom have the lead? Bigger than the gap between any other #1 and #2, yes?

Cardinals fans would still overwhelmingly vote for Adam Wainwright.

MFS62 Jul 02 2021 05:41 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

From Christina Karhl, one of the founders of Baseball Prospectus and currently Sports Editor of the San Francisco Chronicle. What would be the perfect 2021 moment at the 2021 MLB All-Star Game? Gaylord Perry throws out the honorary first pitch ... and then submits to an ump inspection. Later

bmfc1 Jul 03 2021 01:17 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Tijuan, Marcus, and E. Diaz all deserve to make the team but I suspect that Jake will be the only Met. With Jake scheduled to pitch on the Sunday before the game (G*d willing), he might be removed from the team (fine with me) so that would create an opening for one of the above.

Edgy MD Jul 04 2021 04:37 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

deGromski named to his fourth team. Stroman, Walker, and Diaz listed as alternates.

batmagadanleadoff Jul 04 2021 05:39 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

=bmfc1 post_id=70065 time=1625339875 user_id=73] Tijuan, Marcus, and E. Diaz all deserve to make the team but I suspect that Jake will be the only Met.

That's exactly how it played out. I think MLB got it right. Walker's about the 10th best starter in the NL this season. I don't see how that gets him on the AS team, especially when relievers haven't been accounted for in giving Walker a 10-seed.



And that's not even getting into what makes an All-Star in the first place. Should that be based on just the 2021 season? Or more than that?

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 04 2021 06:19 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

I think I read Pete is going to be in the Home Run Derby, which is nice.

Edgy MD Jul 04 2021 08:03 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

=batmagadanleadoff post_id=70227 time=1625441960 user_id=68]And that's not even getting into what makes an All-Star in the first place. Should that be based on just the 2021 season? Or more than that?

As much as the selections are based on the 2021 season — while the elections are generally linked to a longer-term history — it always seemed at least somewhat unfair. A guy who pours most of his productivity into the first half gets to be an All-Star, while the guy who tears it up through the second half comes up empty on that score.



It shouldn't be that big a deal, but the number of All-Star teams a guy makes is part of his Hall of Fame résumé, and in an otherwise borderline case, ASGs can be the difference.



And sometimes the voters are unfair and the reserve list gets corrupted by the numbers game. Robin Yount figured in the MVP voting seven times, but he only made three All Star Games. He started two. Somehow, won two MVPs but started only two All Star games and was selected for a third. In 1980, he hit 49 doubles and 23 homers, stealing 20 bases and walking off with a Silver Slugger award.



The American League All Star starting shortstop that year? Bucky Dent.

Frayed Knot Jul 07 2021 07:23 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

So JdG isn't going to the ASG anyway even though not starting on Sunday. And while you can understand that, it's still a shame on a certain level because the two coolest match-ups to see would have been: 1) deGrom pitching to Ohtani and 2) Ohtani pitching to deGrom

batmagadanleadoff Jul 08 2021 12:27 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

=batmagadanleadoff post_id=70227 time=1625441960 user_id=68] =bmfc1 post_id=70065 time=1625339875 user_id=73] Tijuan, Marcus, and E. Diaz all deserve to make the team but I suspect that Jake will be the only Met.

That's exactly how it played out. I think MLB got it right. Walker's about the 10th best starter in the NL this season. I don't see how that gets him on the AS team, especially when relievers haven't been accounted for in giving Walker a 10-seed.



And that's not even getting into what makes an All-Star in the first place. Should that be based on just the 2021 season? Or more than that?


There's a pretty good chance that Walker makes the team in the end anyway, especially since the Mets will be otherwise, unrepresented, with deGrom opting out.



Also, Walker is now about the sixth or seventh best starter in the NL, having moved up from about the ten-spot - where Walker ranked on the day that the All-Stars were selected.

LWFS Jul 08 2021 10:42 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Rules say that every team has to have a player selected... but not necessarily participating. So... Walker doesn't HAVE to be picked. The NL is LOADED with SPs, to the extent that even guys like Freddy Peralta (122 K in 87 IP, 2.17 ERA), Walker Buehler (8-1, 2.35), or Joe Musgrove (2.63 ERA AND the no-hitter). Hell, Scherzer (2.10 ERA, just under 13 K/9) and Kershaw (2.8 fWAR, 7th in the majors) are on the outside looking in. What REALLY sucks is Diaz-- having the best overall year of any reliever not named Josh Hader-- losing out to guys like Alex Reyes (1.54 ERA and 20 saves... with at least half of those coming in lucky, white-knuckle fashion, along with 7 BB/9) and Mark Melancon, who's maybe the fourth best reliever on his TEAM.

batmagadanleadoff Jul 08 2021 10:52 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

=LWFS post_id=70737 time=1625805727 user_id=84] Rules say that every team has to have a player selected... but not necessarily participating. So... Walker doesn't HAVE to be picked.

True! But historically, MLB likes to have every team represented when the intros are announced. But yes, not required.



The rest of your post is spot on. That top notch pitching is in abundance should be no surprise insofar as this year's external conditions are all suppressing offense (perhaps the deadest ball used in my lifetime; a tipping point for superduper sticky substances, several more humidors. beyond just Denver and Phoenix).

G-Fafif Jul 09 2021 09:33 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Walker named to replace deGrom.

G-Fafif Jul 09 2021 09:33 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

=G-Fafif post_id=70916 time=1625888006 user_id=55] Walker named to replace deGrom.

News that deserves to top a page.

Edgy MD Jul 09 2021 09:52 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Terrific. Good for him. First time, too.

bmfc1 Jul 10 2021 10:36 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

[TWEET]https://twitter.com/michaelgbaron/status/1413892461655642118[/TWEET] SWAP MEET! I hope the fact that the below .500 WSH now have 3 All-Stars while the 1st Place Mets still have just one is "bulletin board material" in the Mets clubhouse (other than Stroman and Diaz, no one else is deserving but let this fire them up as needed). On second thought, maybe more Mets should be considered (and some Mets property): http://www.faithandfearinflushing.com/2021/07/10/dave-roberts-calling/

G-Fafif Jul 11 2021 09:43 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Holy fuck. [tweet]https://twitter.com/shannonrwatts/status/1414227244361216002[/tweet]

Edgy MD Jul 11 2021 08:31 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Yup. Second apparent mass-shooting prevented by a hotel employee this week.

MFS62 Jul 12 2021 06:16 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

In case you missed the Futures Game, Brett Baty went 0-2. Francisco Alvarez went 1-1 with pinch hit home run. Later

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 12 2021 07:52 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Watching the Home Run Derby. Pete put on a record-breaking performance, goes to the next round. Number 8 seed Juan Soto beats Number 1 seed Ohtani, and the ESPN announcers are distraught. Jessica Mendoza actually said, "We can go home now." ESPN seemed focused on making this all about Ohtani, who understandably is an incredible story. Not sure if Stephen A. Smith's ridiculous comments were planned to stir the pot and play to the storyline, or whether he really is that stupid.

Edgy MD Jul 12 2021 08:00 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

I seem to be getting a Japanese feed. Not understanding much, but the announcers are unquestionably subdued.

Edgy MD Jul 12 2021 08:04 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

All the real muscle seems to be in the left side of the draw. Mancini beats Story 13-12 on the right side. Here comes Juan Soto opening against Alonso in the other semi-final.

Edgy MD Jul 12 2021 08:13 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Soto is working with a lefty BP pitcher. Mostly hitting to center. And not showing me much.

Edgy MD Jul 12 2021 08:17 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Solamente 15 para Juan. Pete tiene buenas posibilidades de defender su corona. Yes, I've switched to a Spanish feed.

Edgy MD Jul 12 2021 08:22 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Dave Jauss teeing them up and Alonso knocking them into another state. He just took a time out with 14 in the bag and plenty of time left. No, that looks like it's it. Soto must have had 13. Alonso vs. Trey "Boom Boom" Mancini in the final.

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 12 2021 08:24 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Pete is in a groove!! He's going to the finals!

Edgy MD Jul 12 2021 08:33 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Mancini sets the mark at 17 with a minute to go. Players, by the way, in their authentic team home jerseys.

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 12 2021 08:34 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Mancini is looking really good. And those jerseys look so much better!

Edgy MD Jul 12 2021 08:35 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

22 for Trey.

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 12 2021 08:35 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

OK, Pete! Give us 23 an a win!

Edgy MD Jul 12 2021 08:40 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Pete wearing 44.

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 12 2021 08:46 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Edgy MD wrote: Pete wearing 44. I think they all are as a tribute to Aaron -- a really cool idea! Pete trying to close the deal!

Edgy MD Jul 12 2021 08:46 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

[BIGPURPLE]¡CAMPEON![/BIGPURPLE]

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 12 2021 08:47 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

CHAMP!!

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 12 2021 08:47 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Wow, that bling is, wow.

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 12 2021 08:49 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Good for Pete!

bmfc1 Jul 12 2021 08:49 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Let Pete get an AB tomorrow.

G-Fafif Jul 12 2021 08:50 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Pete's awesomeness is most awesome.

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 12 2021 08:53 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Turns out I was accidentally watching it on ESPN 2 instead of ESPN, and wondering why Jessica Mendoza was getting this plumb assignment. I suspect I didn't miss much. Buster Olney might have been subdued without any of his beloved Yankees in this.

Edgy MD Jul 12 2021 08:53 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

=bmfc1 post_id=71206 time=1626144582 user_id=73] Let Pete get an AB tomorrow.

Actually, a spot on the roster would make for a nice prize.

batmagadanleadoff Jul 13 2021 04:32 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

[I]I'm a power hitter. And for me, I think I'm the best power hitter on the planet. -- Pete Alonso

Fman99 Jul 13 2021 05:05 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

That's great that Pete won again. He is after all the best slugger in baseball. Having said that I very intentionally ignored the live BP show. It's just not compelling television to me. It never has been.

Lefty Specialist Jul 13 2021 05:27 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

I'm glad Pete won, but he was kind of a dick about the whole thing. The head-bobbing, the waves to the crowd, taking his time when he knew he had it in the bag. Pete, I love ya, but......

Edgy MD Jul 13 2021 05:33 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

"And that's why my team has the eighth-best fWAR at first base in the National League. And there's this big game here tomorrow featuring all sorts of the best players, but I'm going home." — Pete Alonso

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 13 2021 05:34 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Lefty Specialist wrote: I'm glad Pete won, but he was kind of a dick about the whole thing. The head-bobbing, the waves to the crowd, taking his time when he knew he had it in the bag. Pete, I love ya, but...... Boy, I don't know. If he was doing that in a game, I think I could see that point. But to be an entertainer in a made-for-TV skills show? I think I'm OK with having a little fun.

metsmarathon Jul 13 2021 06:00 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

yeah, it would've been a better show if he didn't express any sense of fun, confidence, or fan engagement, and just went out there like he was turning screws in a factory. bored. apathetic. almost annoyed that he has to do this thing instead of heading down to he fishing hole with a brew in his hand. that's what we all would tune in to watch. i thought it was fantastic, and i'll wager you'd be hard pressed to find anyone on the field last night, especially any of the competitors, who was offended or otherwise bothered by his approach last night. the pause in the second round was sublime. i wish he would have run up the foul line and high-fived the fans afterwards.

Willets Point Jul 13 2021 06:21 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

=metsmarathon post_id=71225 time=1626177623 user_id=83] i thought it was fantastic, and i'll wager you'd be hard pressed to find anyone on the field last night, especially any of the competitors, who was offended or otherwise bothered by his approach last night.

I dunno, Jauss DID bean him for breaking the unwritten rules.

metsmarathon Jul 13 2021 06:23 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Willets Point wrote: =metsmarathon post_id=71225 time=1626177623 user_id=83] i thought it was fantastic, and i'll wager you'd be hard pressed to find anyone on the field last night, especially any of the competitors, who was offended or otherwise bothered by his approach last night. I dunno, Jauss DID bean him for breaking the unwritten rules.

know your place, pete!

G-Fafif Jul 13 2021 06:37 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

[tweet]https://twitter.com/tombiersdorfer/status/1414788958198841350[/tweet]

G-Fafif Jul 13 2021 06:38 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

[tweet]https://twitter.com/nypostsports/status/1414876021585743872[/tweet]

G-Fafif Jul 13 2021 06:40 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

[tweet] https://twitter.com/gregghenglein/status/1414786560403312642[/tweet]

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 13 2021 06:50 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Bears Repeating is brilliant, and I'd say a slam dunk winner for the contest -- except I'm hoping for a selection of World Champs! covers come fall.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 13 2021 06:50 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

He also swept the back pages last time around: http://ultimatemets.com/covers/2019/20190709_NSD_02.jpg> http://ultimatemets.com/covers/2019/20190709_NYDN_02.jpg> http://ultimatemets.com/covers/2019/20190709_NYP_02.jpg>

Benjamin Grimm Jul 13 2021 06:52 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

=Marshmallowmilkshake post_id=71233 time=1626180622 user_id=119] Bears Repeating is brilliant, and I'd say a slam dunk winner for the contest -- except I'm hoping for a selection of World Champs! covers come fall.

The Tabloid Cover Derby has proven to be pretty unpredictable. I don't think there's such a thing as a slam dunk.

Johnny Lunchbucket Jul 13 2021 06:56 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

God love him, but doncha wish Pete could somehow port this desperate hunger for victory he exhibits here into more regular season magic. I know it's not the same thing. Love the covers but I'm already prepping my argument that a home-run hitting contest isn't that newsworthy

Benjamin Grimm Jul 13 2021 07:27 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Johnny Lunchbucket wrote: I'm already prepping my argument that a home-run hitting contest isn't that newsworthy I agree! Newsday's ARCTIC BLAST advanced as far as the Elite Eight in 2019: http://ultimatemets.com/covers/images/2019/2019_tcd_005.png>

LWFS Jul 13 2021 08:06 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

yeah, it would've been a better show if he didn't express any sense of fun, confidence, or fan engagement, and just went out there like he was turning screws in a factory. bored. apathetic. almost annoyed that he has to do this thing instead of heading down to he fishing hole with a brew in his hand. that's what we all would tune in to watch. i thought it was fantastic, and i'll wager you'd be hard pressed to find anyone on the field last night, especially any of the competitors, who was offended or otherwise bothered by his approach last night. the pause in the second round was sublime. i wish he would have run up the foul line and high-fived the fans afterwards. I watched the final rounds in our restaurant's bar area while having a post-shift tipple, in mixed company. I laughed out loud a few times watching the goofball do this goofy swagger business... and so did a number of Yankee fans, neutrals, and "not a baseball person"s. It was cocksure AND self-aware silly all at once, and I enjoyed every second.

TransMonk Jul 13 2021 08:24 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Yeah, the HR Derby is supposed to be a spectacle for the fans and Pete gets that. He never acts that way during regular games. Good for Pete. He dominated the derby.

Edgy MD Jul 13 2021 08:58 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

So, side note: Am I the only one who thinks he's hair-pluggin'? He seems more or less as thin up top, but with a more defined hairline.

Methead Jul 13 2021 09:49 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

I can't understand how everyone in the good ol' USA doesn't just love this Mets team. I don't get it at all.

Lefty Specialist Jul 13 2021 10:37 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

=metsmarathon post_id=71225 time=1626177623 user_id=83] yeah, it would've been a better show if he didn't express any sense of fun, confidence, or fan engagement, and just went out there like he was turning screws in a factory. bored. apathetic. almost annoyed that he has to do this thing instead of heading down to he fishing hole with a brew in his hand. that's what we all would tune in to watch. i thought it was fantastic, and i'll wager you'd be hard pressed to find anyone on the field last night, especially any of the competitors, who was offended or otherwise bothered by his approach last night. the pause in the second round was sublime. i wish he would have run up the foul line and high-fived the fans afterwards.

All right, just me I guess. Time to go out and yell at those damn kids on my lawn.

kcmets Jul 13 2021 10:57 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Hey you kids, what's going on? Nuthin'. Yeah, well make sure, uh, it stays that way!! Congrats to Pete, get some rest, come out guns a'blazing on Friday!

kcmets Jul 13 2021 11:29 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms! Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 13 2021 11:41 AM

Lazy Q - that 'league who wins the All-Star Game gets home field advantage in the World Series' (dumb) thing is no longer the case? Right?

bmfc1 Jul 13 2021 11:34 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

I loved the show that Pete put on, all of it, and I'm the guy who is a little uncomfortable with his new arm pumping as he gets to 3B after a HR and posing for a picture with Dom as the cameraman.

Ceetar Jul 13 2021 11:35 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

HRD Was fun. I don't know if I would've stayed watching if Pete was not a Met, but maybe. It was pretty decently compelling imo. I mean, it's not baseball, and still went on a little too long, but it was fun. I was on ESPN2 the whole time by design. That may play into why I had a good time. I don't know if any of the player interviews or whatever were compelling, but i imagine mostly not. Mike Trout calling Ohtani mid-round was pretty awesome. And I believe it was Griffey that gave Alonso the bling necklace right? my only complaint was they didn't track all the balls with the camera, but I think that was a factor of them changing the rules so you didn't have to wait until it landed. They did split-screen a lot, which was nice.

Frayed Knot Jul 13 2021 11:53 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Saw parts of the first round. Was asleep by the second.

Edgy MD Jul 13 2021 12:19 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Watching the Home Run Derby. Pete put on a record-breaking performance, goes to the next round. Number 8 seed Juan Soto beats Number 1 seed Ohtani, and the ESPN announcers are distraught. Jessica Mendoza actually said, "We can go home now." ESPN seemed focused on making this all about Ohtani, who understandably is an incredible story. Not sure if Stephen A. Smith's ridiculous comments were planned to stir the pot and play to the storyline, or whether he really is that stupid. Drew Margery looks at the foot-shooting process behind Stephen A. Smith's awful hot take.

Ceetar Jul 13 2021 12:26 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

he made that take so that people would write articles about it. clearly he's winning.

batmagadanleadoff Jul 13 2021 01:04 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Stark: Pete Alonso, the greatest Home Run Derby monster of them all Excerpt: There was no point where I thought I was going to lose, ever,” the Mets' happy-go-lucky masher said after his leisurely 74-homer evening. “Even months before, when the seedings came out, teammates came up to me (and said), ‘Oh, that's disrespect. You're defending the title. What guy that's defending their title is a fifth seed? Nobody. And are you pissed about that?' I'm like, ‘No, I'm going to win anyways. It doesn't matter.'” And those weren't just words. That wasn't just a Home Run Derby champion saying the stuff he thought Home Run Derby champions are supposed to say. That confident joy is a quality Alonso exuded all day long, from the time he met the media on an outdoor plaza Monday afternoon to the dance moves he busted out between all those mighty hacks. At one point, as he waited for his cue to step into the batter's box for his championship round against the Orioles' Trey Mancini, Alonso even led a sellout crowd in the “on and on and on and on” portion of “Don't Stop Believin'.” You can stop believin' in him, but he'll never stop believin' in himself. “I'm a power hitter,” he said. “And for me, I think I'm the best power hitter on the planet. And being able to showcase that and really put on a fun display for fans, I just think that it's truly a dream come true for me.” https://theathletic.com/2704012/2021/07/13/stark-pete-alonso-the-greatest-home-run-derby-monster-of-them-all/

metsmarathon Jul 13 2021 01:09 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

=Ceetar post_id=71268 time=1626197743 user_id=102] my only complaint was they didn't track all the balls with the camera

that was maddeningly disappointing. like, that needs to happen next time. track it out in real time as it's flying, with the visualization streamer. hell, have a little inset where we can watch each batted ball. see how many can be in the air at the same damn time. maybe get a statcast on any of he fans tumbling over railings.



one thing that was cool was, at one point pete (i think) hit a ball to the video board and as it was flying by, you could just almost see him taking his next swing as the jumbotron started passing out of frame.

Ceetar Jul 13 2021 01:15 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

I mean, the statcast broadcast did have them side by side, so that was nice. But at times they'd just be on him, or something else. There was this nice side view camera that was probably the best view, especially as like the 60% of a 60/40 two camera split, that I've ever seen of a home run. Because you could see the swing, AND the launch of the ball, something you almost never get except in person. So you don't have to try to pick up the ball on a moving camera image that you just cut to.

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 13 2021 01:51 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Edgy MD wrote: Watching the Home Run Derby. Pete put on a record-breaking performance, goes to the next round. Number 8 seed Juan Soto beats Number 1 seed Ohtani, and the ESPN announcers are distraught. Jessica Mendoza actually said, "We can go home now." ESPN seemed focused on making this all about Ohtani, who understandably is an incredible story. Not sure if Stephen A. Smith's ridiculous comments were planned to stir the pot and play to the storyline, or whether he really is that stupid. Drew Margery looks at the foot-shooting process behind Stephen A. Smith's awful hot take. I think the Four-Letter Network has reached the point where it has decided that the network itself is the news. That's slightly different from the previous practice, where each show existed to promote all of its other shows. It seems like there are themes or narratives that get selected and focused on. This is the month-long period where it can pay closer attention to baseball, with LeBron injured and the NFL camps not starting for a while. I get that Smith's role is to be the lightening rod, and who knows whether he actually believes half of what he says, or whether it is just what he is supposed to do. I don't know if a producer actually says to him, "Say something stupid about Otani -- stupid enough so it gets some buzz, and you can extend the cycle by a day with an apology - but not so stupid where you get fired." He might just know that's what he's supposed to do, and know where the line is that he shouldn't cross it. Kind of like Don Cherry, until he became too over the top and crossed the line.

Frayed Knot Jul 13 2021 02:29 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

I doubt it was anywhere near as calculated as all that. You say this is the one time of year for them to talk about baseball but they don't anyway. The HRD is the one DAY of the year they focus on baseball because it's a property they own and that kind of 'non-event event' is the sort of thing that's right up their alley. They think last night was the highlight of the bb season. S.A.S. is merely doing what every other ESPN "personality" does which is to find a way to tell everyone how baseball gets it wrong, and in this case he's saying that it hurts the sport when the hot new thing in town doesn't speak English well enough to 'connect' with fans. For a guy like Smith, whose main focus is the star-driven entity that is the NBA, 'star power' is the lens through which he's going to see things. Now granted it's a stupid take, but I doubt it was all that calculated and at least it wasn't as stupid as Colin Cowherd saying (maybe two-three years back) "if baseball is supposedly so complicated how come Dominicans are so good at it".

Edgy MD Jul 13 2021 03:18 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

"Keep it crass and stupid, Stephen, but not Cowherd stupid." 　　"How about Francessa stupid? Can I go there?" "Mmmm ... yeah, let me chew on that one."

batmagadanleadoff Jul 13 2021 03:27 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

14 HR's in his next 30 games. That's what it's gonna take for Polar Pete to tie Ryan Howard's record for least games (325) to 100 HR's. Also, the players Alonso's most similar to through Alonso's current age 26 season are Cecil Fielder and then Shohei Ohtani, per BBref's similarity scores. So there's your replacement for Joey Lucchesi.

MFS62 Jul 13 2021 03:52 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Frayed Knot wrote: S.A.S. is merely doing what every other ESPN "personality" does which is to find a way to tell everyone how baseball gets it wrong, and in this case he's saying that it hurts the sport when the hot new thing in town doesn't speak English well enough to 'connect' with fans. For a guy like Smith, whose main focus is the star-driven entity that is the NBA, 'star power' is the lens through which he's going to see things. When he's not a hyper-obnoxious vociferous fan of the basketball team for which he roots, SAS generally views everything through the prism of race. In this case it wasn't even his race. Later

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 13 2021 05:34 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Watching the pre-game. Didn't realize the AL would be wearing blue pants, too. Good interview with Kris Bryant. I remember in 2003 when Armando Benitiz went to the All-Star Game as a Met, came back from the break as a Yankee and three weeks later was a Mariner. I'll take Bryant during the break.

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 13 2021 05:48 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Boos for Cole and Chapman!

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 13 2021 05:56 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

There are two Pirates and two Reds in the NL starting lineup....Yikes.

Fman99 Jul 13 2021 06:17 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Ugh. Joe Buck is a jar of farts.

G-Fafif Jul 13 2021 06:24 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

=Marshmallowmilkshake post_id=71306 time=1626220587 user_id=119] There are two Pirates and two Reds in the NL starting lineup....Yikes.

Not much reputation there, but consider…



Reds are a second-place team, four games out, with a record only a half-game off the Mets'.



The Pirates recently went 2-2 vs the first-place Mets.

Fman99 Jul 13 2021 06:37 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

And nary a Met to be seen. Grouchy

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 13 2021 06:41 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

=G-Fafif post_id=71309 time=1626222289 user_id=55] =Marshmallowmilkshake post_id=71306 time=1626220587 user_id=119] There are two Pirates and two Reds in the NL starting lineup....Yikes.

Not much reputation there, but consider…



Reds are a second-place team, four games out, with a record only a half-game off the Mets'.



The Pirates recently went 2-2 vs the first-place Mets.


These are fair points.

batmagadanleadoff Jul 13 2021 06:45 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

So who should be there for the Mets other than deGrom, who decided to skip the ASG anyways and as an aside, insofar as Rojas ruled out deGrom for this Friday, I'm wondering if the Mets aren't concealing a new minor injury or flareup involving deGrom? Who else? Alonso, the Mets best 1st half hitter is batting .250 and though he's the world's best power hitter, he's tied for 14th place in the NL in HR's hit - and he's in 4th place just among NL first basemen.

Ceetar Jul 13 2021 06:49 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Lindor. Diaz. Alonso. Stroman. All valid choices. It's not a stats thing, it's a meaningless exhibition. They're all stars/good players/etc.

batmagadanleadoff Jul 13 2021 06:53 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

=Ceetar post_id=71313 time=1626223774 user_id=102] Lindor. Diaz. Alonso. Stroman. All valid choices. It's not a stats thing, it's a meaningless exhibition. They're all stars/good players/etc.

I agree with so much of this, maybe all of it. Probably all of it. Heck -- all of it! But that's not how MLB selects its all-stars.

Edgy MD Jul 13 2021 07:02 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

BRANDON FUCKING NIMMO GUYZZ!!

Frayed Knot Jul 13 2021 07:07 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

=batmagadanleadoff post_id=71312 time=1626223544 user_id=68]... insofar as Rojas ruled out deGrom for this Friday, I'm wondering if the Mets aren't concealing a new minor injury or flareup involving deGrom?

Supposedly the idea is to line him up for upcoming in-division games.

Gary mentioned this a couple days back.

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 13 2021 07:20 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

So the Blue Jays players are wearing the Canadian flag on the front of the jersey under the Nike ad and the American flag on the sleeve. Why not just wear the Canadian flag on the sleeve?

Benjamin Grimm Jul 13 2021 07:35 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Because they play their home games in Buffalo?

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 13 2021 07:41 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Because they play their home games in Buffalo? Makes as much sense as anything else having to do with these uniforms. Game is falling out of reach for the NL. Again.

batmagadanleadoff Jul 13 2021 07:45 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Frayed Knot wrote: =batmagadanleadoff post_id=71312 time=1626223544 user_id=68]... insofar as Rojas ruled out deGrom for this Friday, I'm wondering if the Mets aren't concealing a new minor injury or flareup involving deGrom? Supposedly the idea is to line him up for upcoming in-division games. Gary mentioned this a couple days back.

I don't see how this strategy works out. Delaying deGrom by just one day when baseball resumes will cause him to be five or six days behind by the end of August -- and having pitched the same number of games against the division whether he pitches this Friday or Saturday.



Unless the schedules I've been looking at don't include make-up games. I've got 7/22. 8/9, 8/23 and 8/30 as off days. That does seem like a lot of off days given how many postponements the Mets were already involved in.



So I guess I'll give the Mets the benefit of the doubt here because no way so many eyeballs could screw this up, especially now that Scrooge and Fredo Corleone don't own the team anymore.

Ceetar Jul 13 2021 07:49 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

yeah, it's Rojas deflecting or being clueless (your choice!) they play five against the braves, he'll get one of them. You potentially want to make sure he pitches against bot hthe Phillies and the Nationals in early August, but it's ridiculous to try to project that now. The best way to make hey against the division is to have as many deGrom starts as he can handle.

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 13 2021 07:54 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Walker gets an inning!

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 13 2021 08:00 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Well, nice at-bat against Merrifield!

batmagadanleadoff Jul 13 2021 08:04 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

=Ceetar post_id=71323 time=1626227376 user_id=102] yeah, it's Rojas deflecting or being clueless (your choice!) they play five against the braves, he'll get one of them. You potentially want to make sure he pitches against bot hthe Phillies and the Nationals in early August, but it's ridiculous to try to project that now. The best way to make hey against the division is to have as many deGrom starts as he can handle.

I re-calculated. If deGrom starts this Friday, he'll pitch his 10th game post ASG on 8/31 and have faced the division four times.



If he's delayed for just one game to Saturday, he'll pitch his 10th post ASG game on 9/1, but will have faced the division six times instead of four - the extra division games coming against the Nats and the Phillies. I guess maybe that's worth delaying deGrom just one day.



Either way, he'll face the Nats and the Braves once each through 8/31 and the Marlins twice, assuming this schedule holds up -- which is not guaranteed, and thus, at least somewhat of a risk.

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 13 2021 08:57 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Well, that was the NL's best chance.

Marshmallowmilkshake Jul 13 2021 09:19 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Wait 'til next year. Again.

MFS62 Jul 14 2021 04:51 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Glad to see the CPF was well represented. The mic-ed up Liam Hendricks (the AL closer) was really our Fmann in disguise. He dropped a few cuss words while pitching because he thought his mic wasn't working. It was. Later

bmfc1 Jul 14 2021 10:06 AM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Richard Justice on the Tony Kornheiser podcast about Alonso at the HDR: "This felt like a coming out party for the whole New York Mets organization."

batmagadanleadoff Jul 14 2021 03:33 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

Frayed Knot wrote: ... insofar as Rojas ruled out deGrom for this Friday, I'm wondering if the Mets aren't concealing a new minor injury or flareup involving deGrom? Supposedly the idea is to line him up for upcoming in-division games. Gary mentioned this a couple days back. __________________________ Now it looks like deGrom might not start until Sunday, with even Walker, who pitched in yesterday's ASG, getting a start before deGrom. I'm suspicious. The Mets are planning to start the second half of the season on Friday with Marcus Stroman on the mound, The Post's Mike Puma reported. Walker could follow Stroman on Saturday after pitching an inning in Tuesday's All-Star Game, with Jacob deGrom going on Sunday. The team wants to see how deGrom feels when it reconvenes for a light workout on Thursday at Citi Field before flying to Pittsburgh to take on the Pirates. That would give deGrom 10 full days of rest since his last start. https://nypost.com/2021/07/14/tylor-megill-has-earned-his-stay-with-the-mets/

Ceetar Jul 14 2021 04:38 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

The Mets ha ven't really been telling the press anything, certainly not starting pitchers. I'll reserve any judgement until Thursday's post-workout conference. Hopefully there's no rat/raccoon type incident to talk about instead.

MFS62 Jul 14 2021 04:59 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

=Ceetar post_id=71365 time=1626302291 user_id=102] Hopefully there's no rat/raccoon type incident to talk about instead.

I liked it better when ballplayers were only concerned with beaver. *

Later





* (Ball Four reference)

Edgy MD Jul 14 2021 06:59 PM Re: All-Star Break … From Norms!

The Castellanos family shows up for Nick's first All-Star Game. [TWEET]https://twitter.com/Reds/status/1415029614502715394[/TWEET]