6-0 os in the 2nd knocked Green out already
Alvarez Davis and Trumbo with HRs

Don't get ahead of yourself Droford. Your ridiculously pro Baltimore comments aren't much better than Hawk's homer shtick.

Jay Bruce is so fucking bad. Holy shit.

I would honestly be fine with firing Sandy for that trade alone. He brings NOTHING to the table. Nothing. And it only cost us the prospect that made Sandy deem it worth to not even try to bring back Daniel fucking Murphy.

Os 2 hit the Yankees 8-0 and the Rays beat the Jays 8-3

3 GB now

best team in baseball history. They won a game.

Toronto is on their way to being tied for 1st with the Red Sox and os only 2 gb. Can't wait to mock them when they lose a 4 game lead

19-3 for Porcello and first place in the ALE. Cy Young?

I wonder if Zach Britton gets his PEDs from Eric Gagne.

lol just remember the only reason we rip on the Os is because you are insufferable. If you read my posts, I'm quite complementary of them. You're just a huge baby.

Fucking pesky Rays. Could see this coming. If the pitching for the Rays stays the same next year they could have a good year.

Snell was really good, but I was more impressed with Cobb on Friday. First start in a long time, gets a bit roughed up in the first inning and then proceeds to deal for the next 4.

Archer, Cobb, Snell and Odorizzi is a pretty scary rotation.

The Rays just need some offense outside of Longo. For a team that was so well built internally they've actually whiffed on some drafts the past couple of years in terms of position players.

And did the Jays ever have a 4 game lead on the 2nd place team? Feel like Boston and Toronto have been neck and neck for a while. Unless Droford means Baltimore was 4 games back, in 3rd place, which is completely different to when they dropped a 4 game lead over the second place team.

But 2 and 4 is the same guys. Just like Baltimore's pitching staff isn't much different than Boston's, and Chris Davis and Adam Jones aren't overpaid underperformers.

I think Boston will tale the division. They just seem consistent where the Jays and O's are streaky. I want Toronto to win it though since Droford thinks they are garbage.

MLB is praying for Boston to make it to the World Series so they can milk the Big Papi Retirement Tour angle as long as possible.

Big Papi retirement vs. Cubs World Series drought is the matchup they most certainly want, although the Even Year Giants making yet another run to the playoffs is an easy sell for them too.

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/7008976...065183?cid=nym

Michael Conforto: Major League center fielder

Much as I love Thor, he desperately needs to work on holding runners on. Opposing baserunners have stolen 45 bases on him this year, that's nearly double the second highest total in the league. He's also closing in on the single-season record of 60.

He has a really high leg kick pitching out of the stretch and he comes to set so deliberately that he's tipping off runners that he's 100% committed to throwing to the plate. A lot of the stolen bags against him come without a throw even being made because they've gotten such a huge jump.

He rarely even throws over to first or second. It's like he pays the runners no mind because he just assumes he can strike everybody out. Obviously when he's on he's fucking filthy, but he's still gotta pay attention to the runners.

You're being really nit picky I think. Guy has stranded roughly 75% of runners each of the last 2 seasons. Stolen bases don't mean squat if they can't score. Greg Maddux used to say he dgaf about stolen bases for the same reason.

Sox can be just as streaky as the Jays and Os though.

Biggest positive right now for the Sox is Price finally getting into an Ace-like groove for the rotation. Been pretty good the last 5-6 starts and not a huge disappointment or streaky like earlier in the season.


Always wondered how much MLB regretted Sox-Cubs not happening in 2003. That probably would have been the greatest World Series ever in terms of hype.

No, I'd rather have somebody have Josh Beckett's approach. He focuses on the batter and tries to strike them out. Clay Bucholtz always pisses me off because he focuses all of his attention on the guy on first base. Throws a shitty pitch and it's a 2 run-home run or walks the guy.

The other night Trea Turner (remember him???) led off the game with a single, then stole second and third by a mile and later came on to score on a sac fly. You're nuts if you don't think holding runners on matters. Absolutely nuts. It can be the difference between a free run.

You learn how to hold runners on in Little League.

Again I'm not trying to bury Thor as he's been great but it's still a clear weakness in his game. They've had to saddle him with Rene Rivera as his personal catcher solely because he has a better chance of throwing out runners than d'Arnaud. They know teams will run wild if he allows a baserunner.

Oh yeah and also Maddux's motion out of the stretch was a hell of a lot less extreme than Thor's. He didn't actually need to worry about runners because he didn't telegraph it every time he was going to the plate.

Stealing 3rd is such a rarity it shouldn't really be brought up when trying to make the argument.

75% of the time Vito, a runner who gets on is stranded against Thor. You're being really nit picky and pointing out one instance where a run happened to score is not evidence. It's confirmation bias.

Thor is just fine as a dominant, top of the rotation starter. He's top 10 in WAR, ERA, FIP, K9, BB9, earned runs allowed, strikeouts, etc.

You're literally complaining for the sole reason of complaining. For some guys, yes, holding runners is important. For Syndergaard, it's not. He does more than enough with runners on to limit them scoring, specifically by punching out guys.

Dastardly Devon Travis with a 2 run single to tie it

One thing impressive about the Jays is I can't remember the last time they lost 3 in a row. Yeah, they'll fuck around and lose 2 against shitty teams, but they're a very good team at stopping the bleeding. I feel like most of this year has been them stopping the bleeding, which is why they are where they are at, positive and negative.


And LOL Damo. GIMMICK INFRINGEMENT YOU MOTHERFUCKER

honestly think if Russ Martin wasn't a catcher (ie. the toll on his body) he could hit 30 home runs a year. Dude is a beast. He had 7 home runs 3 weeks ago

He was originally a 3rd baseman I believe.

The strength with Toronto is its rotation. They have an incredibly strong staff and when you're that deep, it's not hard to avoid going into extended slumps.

Bullpen saved them today. Anything to avoid a losing skid.

lol poor Chris Archer. I really like that guy too.

People have been stealing third on Thor all season.

Nobody here is saying that Thor isn't good. I'm saying that he could be that much better if he actually started to pay attention when people are on base.

Right now any runner with the slightest bit of speed who is able to work out a single or a walk against Thor is a cinch to take second. So those singles ostensibly become doubles. And on days when Thor doesn't have his best stuff, it leads to a lot of free runs.

That 75% runners stranded figure would get even better, which would make him even better than he already is. I have no doubt it's gonna be something he works on this winter since he's otherwise not gonna be throwing.

Glad Bill Simmons said today was the worst Red Sox loss of the season...I'm sure he's only watched about 7 games this year since he's usually too busy jerking off to NBA material.

#BillSimmonsPost

He's putting up a 5 WAR season Vito. At 23. Maddux put up the same kind of season at the same age. Of course every pitcher has room to improve. But I still think you're reaching. Syndergaard is an absolute stud and he's yet to peak physically. Just enjoy it while it lasts.

Oh and Maddux's left on base rate is nearly identical to Syndergaard's is now. Thor will be just fine.

How is it any worse than any other loss? They took 2 of 3 and got bit late in a game like it could happen to any other team. I get there was a no hit bid, but shit happens. Unless it is a clinching game or you blow a huge lead in a game I can't see how any one loss is worse than another.

Even if it's one of those types of losses, it counts as just one loss.

If nothing else it might push Rodriguez in the right direction to give him some confidence. He's had a disappointing season.

Well yeah that's pretty much what I was getting at. Just in a clinching game (ie. you get clinched on) you're completely fucked, and a really badly blown game is a lost opportunity.
But I 100 per cent agree in that no matter how you lose it, it's a loss. Some sting worse in the moment, but it can all be changed by going out there and winning the very next night.

Agreed you handsome bastard.

In other news, I see Baltimore has dropped back down to 3 games out. The rate they're going they will be fighting for a second wild card spot, and I like Detroit with either Verlander or Michael Fulmer, who I like more than anything Baltimore has.

Dickey apart from maybe 3 starts since the break has been utterly woeful. And the best part about his starts is Josh Thole gets to play, which means essentially an auto-out in your lineup.

Oh and Gibbons decided it a great idea to sit Troy Tulowitzki lol

Ubaldo with a CG 2 hitter..no hit the Rays the final 8 innings. Crazy.

he looked good against the Jays too

Padres aren't going to do either of you two favors. They're about to get stomped by Boston.

:'(

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If by get stomped you mean losing..er..winning.. 2-1 then I fully endorse their actions

I was stunned they won. But I wouldn't expect it to continue. At this point I want the Padres to lose so they can net a higher draft spot and bigger bonus pool

What are everybody's thoughts on expanded rosters in September? It seems to be an annual point of contention amongst the talking heads.

The usual complaints are that there are 5 million substitutions which contradict Manfred's pace of play initiatives (looking at you, Dusty Baker) and that in general it's just dumb to play the crucial final month of the season with a different set of rules.

I get all that, but at the same time I think a month in the big leagues is a great reward for players who had good years in the minor leagues, and it can help to replenish a battered team late along with letting teams who are out of it give looks to their young players.

The only real solution I can find would be that you can call up as many players from your 40 man roster as you want after rosters expand, but you have to submit a list of 25 available players for each game like you would in the Wild Card Game.

I like the expanding rosters. The crappy teams get to let their young players try to shine on the big stage.

Yeah I'd never want to take away the expanded rosters entirely, but I'd be okay with having a 25 man roster per game. So between 25-40 guys travel with the team in September depending on how many you want to call up, but only 25 can play in a specific game.

Pretty sure most managers would just declare the 4 starting pitchers that aren't pitching that day inactive, so that would theoretically free up 4 spots on the "normal" roster. A manaer could choose to activate 2 extra relievers and 2 extra bench guys, for instance.

Actually I'd love a full-on expansion to a 27 man roster in general if it encouraged teams to carry extra bench players. If I were managing a club I'd use both of those extra spots on my bench, especially on a NL team.

Always saw expanded rosters more as a way for fans of teams that stunk a chance to get happy for next season because of prospects getting a chance to shine and teams in the hunt for the playoffs a chance to set their post-season rosters.

Maybe if MLB tweaked the minor league system or playoff rules, they could have expanded rosters be longer than just the final month of the season. If anything, MLB's playoff rules for rosters might be a bit too strict especially if injuries happen. Not sure if they changed it recently but think if an injury happens either in the Wild Card or Divisional series, teams can't replenish the spot with someone else for either that series or the next one.

Yankees about to beat the Jays again.
Tigers losing
Royals losing

Orioles winning 9-2

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The Mets had a really nice come-from-behind win tonight. Sadly though they gained no ground as the Giants and Cardinals each staged their own comebacks, the Cardinals' including a game-tying home run down to their last strike.

Glad the Mets have at least made it interesting and showed some resiliency. I wish we weren't chasing the team that makes the playoffs every year and the team that gets a magic horseshoe wedged up their ass every even year, but it's still better than pointless games in September.

First time since MLB went to 3 divisions that 3 teams (Sox and Jays tied, Os 1GB) were separated by 1 game for the lead in a division with 25 games to go. Which is good I guess since all the other divisions are pretty much locked up.

Cespedes with the clutch go-ahead HR last night btw. #PayTheMan #BlankCheck

2 runners thrown out against Thor in the same inning today. There ya fucking go :y: he listened

Blue Jays struggling, hopefully they can get back in bizness.

Jay hitting one of their bad streaks. Don't think Boston will drop out of first place in the division again.

:D Red Sox in 1st place. Been a while since that last happened.

Yankees get the job done. They're keeping it interesting in the AL East and Wild Card race.

Mets sign Tebow. Lol okay then.

As much as I doubt it happens, I hope Tebow becomes a really good player.

Still don't understand how no one wanted to give him a shot but people like Mark Sanchez never go without a team for lime a week.

Predictably the internet has erupted into full on LOLMETS but I really don't understand why.

I don't even like Tebow. But there is zero risk to signing him. It's not like they had to give him a Major League contract or put him on the 40-man roster. The guy is going to the Instructional League.

If Tebow still has a cult-like following, his minimal contract will be paid for by the crazies buying customized Tebow jerseys and coming out to watch him play.

I think he could be a decent player..

It does not hurt the Mets st all. There are so many minor league spots to fill with players who have no hope of making it to the MLB. Tebow will at least bring some fans in to watch him.

If nothing else he's going to create revenue for whatever minor league team he's assigned to. He's not gonna be any good but it'll at least create some buzz and sell some tickets.

Poor Tampa Bay every ALE team is in striking distance to a playoff spot except those losers.

Not really. They were in first place on September 3rd and August 25th.

And it gives contenders the ability to rest some of the key arms going down the stretch so that they are fully healthy come post-season.....

Yankees are so making the playoffs. This is going to be amazing.

Don't jinx it dude.

Biggest game of the season so far. Porcello going for 20 and a 2 game lead. Sox pulling Drew P Sunday in favor of Bucholtz who has a lights out record against the heart of the Blue Jays lineup.

Fixed :D

Porcello 20 Game Winner! :D

Paging Dr. Young....Dr. Cy Young.

Yanks are a game out of a tie for the 2nd Wild Card Spot. Whowoulvethunkit?

Jays... greatest team in history... actually won a game today WOOOOOO

You can try to walk Gary Sanchez.........

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Jordan Zimmerman should go back to the DL
1+ IP 5 ER 3 HR

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THIS IS THE INTERVIEW OF OUR DREAMS, <a href="https://twitter.com/SimplyAJ10">@SimplyAJ10</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IBackTheBirds?src=hash">#IBackTheBirds</a> ������ <a href="https://t.co/1qL4RjstTF">pic.twitter.com/1qL4RjstTF</a></p>&mdash; Orioles on MASN (@masnOrioles) <a href="https://twitter.com/masnOrioles/status/774752132486537217">September 10, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Rally Dashiki

Sounds like he'd fit right in in Baltimore.

In fairness to Baltimore, Jimenez is pitching about a bajillion times better.

Over the last 3 starts? Meh.

Hey Dastardly, Jays are such a fun team to watch. You think they're gonna keep either Bautista, E2 or neither? I'd be stunned if they kept both.

Feel like Bautista will stay and some team will give E2 a Nelson Cruz type deal.

Third Jays game of the year, third victory. I may be a good luck charm.

Tillman comes back off the DL today. I'm assuming he's taking Wade Mileys spot as Gausman Bundy Ubaldo and to a lesser extent Gallardo have pitched well the last month.

They'd be stupid to keep Bautista if it was b/w keeping one or the other. They won't be keeping both though.

Oh I agree. I just feel like Bautista is more likely to sign with them them E2. The market sucks and E2 has put up another stellar year.

Orioles roughed up Verlander a little bit so far..2 HRs through 4 up 3-0

Thanks for nothing Bucholtz.

The 97 Mariners team that has the HR record (264) had 226 home runs through 141 games. The Orioles had 224 home runs through yesterday.

Does it really matter if they don't make the playoffs?

Speaking of the Orioles beat the Mariners in the 97 playoffs

:D

Sox win.

2 Game lead in the ALE.

:y: Sox take 2 out of 3 against the Jays.

Orioles and Red Sox play 7 times in next 11 days.

Time to make the run on the division.

Yankees vs. Dodgers opens tonight. While the rest of the AL East tries to kill each other.

Now's the time for the Yankees to gain some ground. Whatever the outcome in the end, the Baby Bombers have impressed.

Kyle Hendricks has a no hitter through 7 innings ( almost 8 now )

Kyle Hendricks a sicko

Hendricks into the 9th with no hitter intact.

Got him on my fantasy team. Come on Kyle!

Kyle Hendricks is locking up the NL Cy Young right now