OT: MLB Discussion Thread: Part XXIII

[BMOK33]

Rangers 2014 SCF and the Mets 2015 WS were exactly the same thing. Both teams lost to a team with a crown as part of their logo in five games where 4/5 were winnable.

The bad interference call ultimately changed that series. Rangers probably win that game and then who knows. Familia cost the Mets the series with the stupid quick pitch. If they win game 1 I think the royals mentality is grossly different about getting to the Mets
pen. Psychologically in a series it seems once you get to a team’s pen you continue to get to them after that.

 

[nyr2k2]

The Mets have narrowed their GM search to Bloom and Van Wagenen. Which is awesome. I wanted one of those two from the initial bunch, particularly Bloom.

It's also awesome becibec neither of these guys are people that Papa Wilpon would hire--that would have been Doug Melvin. So hopefully, this means Fred is finally ceding control of things to Jeff. Not that Jeff is great, but he's not the dinosaur that Fred is, who thinks of the team as his personal video game.

 

[Mac n Gs]

The Mets have narrowed their GM search to Bloom and Van Wagenen. Which is awesome. I wanted one of those two from the initial bunch, particularly Bloom.

It's also awesome becibec neither of these guys are people that Papa Wilpon would hire--that would have been Doug Melvin. So hopefully, this means Fred is finally ceding control of things to Jeff. Not that Jeff is great, but he's not the dinosaur that Fred is, who thinks of the team as his personal video game.

Is there really any merit to hiring BVW over Bloom? It just strikes me as terrible optics that they’d hire Cespedes’ and deGrom’s agent to be their next GM. Bloom’s resume and skill set are incredibly impressive for a 35 y/o.

 

[romba]

Tough for a former agent of 2 current star players to be level with all other players. Of course he won’t rep them anymore but those guys will seem to have a more direct line to the GM’s ear even if they actually don’t. BS Narratives etc.

Especially once Ces is filmed golfing while still unable to play and rehabbing. Everyone would jump the GM, no matter who it is, but more fuel if it’s his former agent running the show.

Negotiating potential contracts for his former clients from the opposite perspective would be interesting as well, might be some hurt feelings there.

 

[nyr2k2]

Sounds like a lot of players and other agents aren't thrilled with this BVW to the Mets stuff. Tony Clark said he's concerned about it and a lot of players have expressed the same to him. And Boras made logical points that as a player, how can you trust your agent knowing he may flip, and use that information against you? Or, by the same token, if you're an owner, can you be sure your GM is actually loyal to you when he has been loyal to all these players over the years? I mean guys move from players to coaches to front office all the time so those points aren't exactly unique to this situation, but it is interesting still.

 

[romba]

Sounds like a lot of players and other agents aren't thrilled with this BVW to the Mets stuff. Tony Clark said he's concerned about it and a lot of players have expressed the same to him. And Boras made logical points that as a player, how can you trust your agent knowing he may flip, and use that information against you? Or, by the same token, if you're an owner, can you be sure your GM is actually loyal to you when he has been loyal to all these players over the years? I mean guys move from players to coaches to front office all the time so those points aren't exactly unique to this situation, but it is interesting still.

Difference between guys going from player to coaches is that nearly all coaches are former players so players understand that your current veteran buddy might be a coach for a competitor in a year or two. Also this agent situation directly involves big money contracts, which is where the true colors will shine regarding loyalties etc.

Boras really brought up some excellent points why this is sketchy from both sides of the table.

What would have happened if the agent didn’t get the job? Would his players have stayed with him knowing he’s actively looking to become a GM? “DW guys, that phase is over, no more cheating I promise only you make me happy, for real for real” *quick glance back to check out the Orioles ass*

 

[nyr2k2]

I mean I get it, I'm not arguing that there aren't legitimate concerns. That's why I said Boras brought up valid points.

At the same time, I think the primary reason it's viewed skeptically is because it's never happened before. If in 20 years there are 10 GMs who were agents and front offices are littered with agents, it will just be another regular career move. Of course this could go terribly wrong with a bunch of legitimate potential conflicts of interest turning ugly, as well.

I understand the concerns and I generally would have preferred Bloom who probably goes onto be some prodigy who wins multiple WS titles somewhere. But, I'm open to this. Optimistically, it's a forward-thinking move--a guy who is analytically inclined, a shrewd negotiator, knows a lot of different organizations and how they operate, someone who has run an organization before (his agency), etc. Like, this could actually be the start of some sort of movement. That's not something you would usually associate with the Mets. Again, it could suck. I'm not overlooking that. But I do see why the organization would feel this is a worthwhile chance to take.

 

[Cassano]

Give Eovaldi a blank cheque. Shouldn't have left in the first place.

 

[Mac n Gs]

I mean I get it, I'm not arguing that there aren't legitimate concerns. That's why I said Boras brought up valid points.

At the same time, I think the primary reason it's viewed skeptically is because it's never happened before. If in 20 years there are 10 GMs who were agents and front offices are littered with agents, it will just be another regular career move. Of course this could go terribly wrong with a bunch of legitimate potential conflicts of interest turning ugly, as well.

I understand the concerns and I generally would have preferred Bloom who probably goes onto be some prodigy who wins multiple WS titles somewhere. But, I'm open to this. Optimistically, it's a forward-thinking move--a guy who is analytically inclined, a shrewd negotiator, knows a lot of different organizations and how they operate, someone who has run an organization before (his agency), etc. Like, this could actually be the start of some sort of movement. That's not something you would usually associate with the Mets. Again, it could suck. I'm not overlooking that. But I do see why the organization would feel this is a worthwhile chance to take.

All of the stuff coming from MLBPA last night makes this move even worse to me. It’ll be this way until Fred Wilpon has no control over this team in any capacity.

 

[nyr2k2]

All of the stuff coming from MLBPA last night makes this move even worse to me. It’ll be this way until Fred Wilpon has no control over this team in any capacity.

IDK, I think after a few negotiations, maybe a year or two, it will be come clear that it was much ado about nothing. Doesn't mean Wilpons don't need to go, but if they hire BVW I think any concerns will dissipate fairly quickly. I mean these concerns being voiced, I'm sure BVW is well-aware of them himself and will do everything he can to operate on the up-and-up.

 

[Mac n Gs]

IDK, I think after a few negotiations, maybe a year or two, it will be come clear that it was much ado about nothing. Doesn't mean Wilpons don't need to go, but if they hire BVW I think any concerns will dissipate fairly quickly. I mean these concerns being voiced, I'm sure BVW is well-aware of them himself and will do everything he can to operate on the up-and-up.

I just really dislike the GM’ing by committee, which I’m going to guess will happen with Minaya here. It’s really hard for me to see any way that BVW is more qualified than Bloom for this job.

 

[sbjnyc]

I mean I get it, I'm not arguing that there aren't legitimate concerns. That's why I said Boras brought up valid points.

At the same time, I think the primary reason it's viewed skeptically is because it's never happened before. If in 20 years there are 10 GMs who were agents and front offices are littered with agents, it will just be another regular career move. Of course this could go terribly wrong with a bunch of legitimate potential conflicts of interest turning ugly, as well.

Didn't the Diamondbacks hire a GM who was an agent?

 

[darko]

Excellent managing by Super GOAT Manager Alex Cora. Might've just cost his team a W. If that was Boone they'd be calling for his head.

 

[Bob Richards]

That bat flip + glove slam combo was 10/10

 

[Irishguy42]

That bat flip + glove slam combo was 10/10

It would have been the best gif ever if it was a grand slam.

But yeah, otherwise it's perfect.

Home run gifs are usually 10/10
Puig with the glorious bat flip and hands raised 10/10
ERod send his glove to China 10/10

Puig's booty wiggle the pitch before was 11/10

 

[LeetchisGod]

Madson has been godawful in this series.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

Sox scored via the HR, shouldn't count.

 

[Machinehead]

Some world class managing here. Took Hill for no reason and now it's tied.

 

[Richard Banger]

Let's f***ing gooo!!!!

 

[LeetchisGod]

Sox scored via the HR, shouldn't count.

Homers are an important part of a versatile offense. It shouldn't be your only strategy. Important runs have been scored in this series by putting the ball in play and putting pressure on the defense.

 

[Richard Banger]

Beautiful hitting!

 

[Machinehead]

Homers are an important part of a versatile offense. It shouldn't be your only strategy. Important runs have been scored in this series by putting the ball in play and putting pressure on the defense.

Nobody said homers are bad. People still aren't getting this.

 

[Machinehead]

And right on cue, there's a two out hit with RISP.

 

[Richard Banger]

Oh my god what a clutch hit! 2 out rally baby!!!

 

[Richard Banger]

Nobody said homers are bad. People still aren't getting this.

You rannnggggg