I know none of you care but ........ (the Baseball thread)

[UK Redsox]

Congratulations to Bryce Harper on being the number one selection in the 2010 MLB draft

He was selected by the Washington Natinals*, who had first pick because they had the worst record last season. He'll now be sent to the Minor Leagues

I still don't understand how such drafts are legal. They're clearly "restraint of trade"

This would be the equivalent in England of say, the next Wayne Rooney (aged 16 but clearly ready to play at the highest level), ready to sign his first pro contract and being told sorry you can't sign for Everton, you have to sign for Portsmouth and they'll then lend you to Brentford for a couple of years.

Also, because Harper is American and thus subject to the draft system, he'll be paid probably only 20% of what an equivalent Latin American player or Cuban defector might get.


The Natinals* had the first pick last year as well. That player, pitcher Stephen Strasburg, will make his Major League debut tonight. This has probably been the most hyped debut in baseball history.

Strasburg was clearly the Natinals* best pitcher in Spring Training and ready to start in the Majors straight away. However, he was kept in the Minor Leagues until now in order to reduce the amount of money the Natinals* have to pay him.


* and yes, the "o" has been deliberately left out by me (but not by them)

[pmarachi]

All credit to Joyce and Galarraga for the way they've conducted themselves since this happened.

you know what Joyce could have done better?

Made the right call the first time, or asked one of his other umpires since he is the lead ump.

[pmarachi]

Are you still going to the house that God* built on June 30th?

I am going to be there for a friends birthday, but we should definitely grab a beer.



*God is George, obviously

[usav]

All credit to Joyce and Galarraga for the way they've conducted themselves since this happened.

you know what Joyce could have done better?

Because you are perfect and never make a mistake, right?

[UK Redsox]

Are you still going to the house that God* built on June 30th?

I am going to be there for a friends birthday, but we should definitely grab a beer.



*God is George, obviously

Yep, I'll be at the "Death Star" for the games on 29th & 30th June.

I'll be in section 420B, up top behind home plate.

[H00513R]

Congratulations to Bryce Harper on being the number one selection in the 2010 MLB draft

He was selected by the Washington Natinals*, who had first pick because they had the worst record last season. He'll now be sent to the Minor Leagues

I still don't understand how such drafts are legal. They're clearly "restraint of trade"

This would be the equivalent in England of say, the next Wayne Rooney (aged 16 but clearly ready to play at the highest level), ready to sign his first pro contract and being told sorry you can't sign for Everton, you have to sign for Portsmouth and they'll then lend you to Brentford for a couple of years.

Also, because Harper is American and thus subject to the draft system, he'll be paid probably only 20% of what an equivalent Latin American player or Cuban defector might get.


The Natinals* had the first pick last year as well. That player, pitcher Stephen Strasburg, will make his Major League debut tonight. This has probably been the most hyped debut in baseball history.

Strasburg was clearly the Natinals* best pitcher in Spring Training and ready to start in the Majors straight away. However, he was kept in the Minor Leagues until now in order to reduce the amount of money the Natinals* have to pay him.


* and yes, the "o" has been deliberately left out by me (but not by them)

Your 200+ games is impressive! Probably more than 90% of Americans lol.

As to the quoted post - this helps with keeping teams competitive. Baseball only has a "Luxury Tax" which discourages over signing of top talent. Then you only have to worry about the high picks busting or management making wrong decisions. Who would want to have a Big 4 in baseball? I know there is still the Yankees (and then everyone else) but really if you look at WS winners there have been a wide representation throughout the years. (Of course every league will have their bottom feeders.)

[UK Redsox]

Stephen Strasburg - Do believe the hype !!

14 strikeouts in a debut win

I didn't think that there was any way that Strasburg could live up to the hype that preceded his debut, but he did.

Fourteen strikeouts is impressive at any stage of a career but, on a debut ? That's unheard of.

He was hitting 101mph on the radar gun at times and his curveball was a thing to behold. Spectacular

[UK Redsox]

More evidence against the Abner Doubleday myth

Baseball in 18th Century England

[H00513R]

Stephen Strasburg - Do believe the hype !!

14 strikeouts in a debut win

I didn't think that there was any way that Strasburg could live up to the hype that preceded his debut, but he did.

Fourteen strikeouts is impressive at any stage of a career but, on a debut ? That's unheard of.

He was hitting 101mph on the radar gun at times and his curveball was a thing to behold. Spectacular

He was indeed impressive. I won't reserve his HOF spot though until he pitches against an actual good team as the Pirates are horrible.

[H00513R]

Big Z looked great for the Cubbies last night...well, I guess getting 9 runs in support helps!

[usav]

Stephen Strasburg - Do believe the hype !!

14 strikeouts in a debut win

I didn't think that there was any way that Strasburg could live up to the hype that preceded his debut, but he did.

Fourteen strikeouts is impressive at any stage of a career but, on a debut ? That's unheard of.

He was hitting 101mph on the radar gun at times and his curveball was a thing to behold. Spectacular

He was indeed impressive. I won't reserve his HOF spot though until he pitches against an actual good team as the Pirates are horrible.

yes they are!

[UK Redsox]

Strasburg gets to face the Indians next, so a similar performance might be possible

[UK Redsox]

Boston's Daniel Nava hits a Grand Slam Home Run on the first pitch he faces in the Major Leagues

[H00513R]

Ted Lilly had a no-no into the 9th last night and ex-Cub scum Juan Pierre muffed it up. Now I hate him even more.

[pmarachi]

yanks beat the phillies!