General Sports Talk
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69 members have voted
Quote: SOOPOOQuote: billryanQuote: lilredrooster.
the truly amazing Shohei Ohtani just set a record - all the while performing great as a pitcher - he's a once in a lifetime player
That’s because, with an eighth-inning homer, Ohtani became the first MLB player with 43 home runs and 43 stolen bases in the same season
Ohtani remains on pace for even higher marks. Through Friday’s win, he’s on pace for the first 50-50 season in major-league history. And with two more nights like Friday, he’ll match Rickey Henderson for the major-league record of most such games in a single season (13, in 1986)
https://archive.ph/kAF30
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link to original post
O hasn't pitched at all this year. He is having an amazing season.
link to original post
Stolen bases are markedly easier than in previous years. It’s a double whammy. The pitcher being limited in pickoff attempts is the major factor. The bases being larger helps the runners in two ways. It is a slightly shorter distance between the bases, and the larger bases allow the runner a larger landing zone to avoid a tag.
That being said, Ohtani is of course the best combination of baseball power and speed in MLB history. I’m hoping he makes 50/50.
link to original post
Mid 80’s through late 90’s, pre-steroids Barry Bonds might challenge for the power speed combo. He’s got a 50 stolen base year, many 30’s and 40’s. Only player in MLB history with both 500 steals and 500 home runs, no one else even 400-400.
Will be interesting to see if Acuna loses much speed/athleticism after a second ACL tear, 40-70 last year was pretty wild, doesn’t quite have the same power but had an extra gear for speed. Mike Trout’s wasn’t far off either.
Quote: mcallister3200Quote: SOOPOOQuote: billryanQuote: lilredrooster.
the truly amazing Shohei Ohtani just set a record - all the while performing great as a pitcher - he's a once in a lifetime player
That’s because, with an eighth-inning homer, Ohtani became the first MLB player with 43 home runs and 43 stolen bases in the same season
Ohtani remains on pace for even higher marks. Through Friday’s win, he’s on pace for the first 50-50 season in major-league history. And with two more nights like Friday, he’ll match Rickey Henderson for the major-league record of most such games in a single season (13, in 1986)
https://archive.ph/kAF30
.
link to original post
O hasn't pitched at all this year. He is having an amazing season.
link to original post
Stolen bases are markedly easier than in previous years. It’s a double whammy. The pitcher being limited in pickoff attempts is the major factor. The bases being larger helps the runners in two ways. It is a slightly shorter distance between the bases, and the larger bases allow the runner a larger landing zone to avoid a tag.
That being said, Ohtani is of course the best combination of baseball power and speed in MLB history. I’m hoping he makes 50/50.
link to original post
Mid 80’s through late 90’s, pre-steroids Barry Bonds might challenge for the power speed combo. He’s got a 50 stolen base year, many 30’s and 40’s. Only player in MLB history with both 500 steals and 500 home runs, no one else even 400-400.
Will be interesting to see if Acuna loses much speed/athleticism after a second ACL tear, 40-70 last year was pretty wild, doesn’t quite have the same power but had an extra gear for speed. Mike Trout’s wasn’t far off either.
link to original post
You are right on Bonds/Acuna. But I (sort of) disqualify him for the obvious steroid use. I probably shouldn’t. And Acuna might have bettered his SB mark with the new rules.
I think the SB is a ‘fun’ or ‘exciting’ play, and a ‘caught stealing’ a big moment in a game. Any rule that encourages more attempts I’m for.
I and I'm sure some of the older guys remember the controversy when Roger Maris broke (or did he) Babe Ruth's home run record
the MLB was really foolish to change the no. of games in one season imo
from the link:
"Ruth Still Champ” – Cincinnati Enquirer
Maris’ home run chase wasn’t without controversy. In July of 1961, baseball’s commissioner Ford Frick declared that for a player to officially tie or break Ruth's 60-home run mark, he would have to do it in 154 games. The American League lengthened its season from 154 to 162 games that year. And sure enough, it took Maris until the very last day of the season.
“Despite his unprecedented No. 61, Maris did not break Ruth’s record due to a ruling by commissioner Ford Frick,” a wire service report in the Enquirer read. “Ruth’s 60 stands as a mark for a 154-game season, while Maris is the holder of the 162-game season inaugurated by the expanded American League this season.”
In 1991, 30 years after hitting 61 homers, Maris received recognition as the official holder of baseball's single-season home run record."
as if that wasn't enough controversy about the home run record McGwire and Bonds added more due to steroid use
Sammy Sosa, who hit 65, unlike Bonds and McGwire never admitted to steroid use - but several reports have indicated otherwise
https://www.mlb.com/news/how-newspapers-covered-roger-maris-61st-homer
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Quote: SOOPOOQuote: mcallister3200Quote: SOOPOOQuote: billryanQuote: lilredrooster.
the truly amazing Shohei Ohtani just set a record - all the while performing great as a pitcher - he's a once in a lifetime player
That’s because, with an eighth-inning homer, Ohtani became the first MLB player with 43 home runs and 43 stolen bases in the same season
Ohtani remains on pace for even higher marks. Through Friday’s win, he’s on pace for the first 50-50 season in major-league history. And with two more nights like Friday, he’ll match Rickey Henderson for the major-league record of most such games in a single season (13, in 1986)
https://archive.ph/kAF30
.
link to original post
O hasn't pitched at all this year. He is having an amazing season.
link to original post
Stolen bases are markedly easier than in previous years. It’s a double whammy. The pitcher being limited in pickoff attempts is the major factor. The bases being larger helps the runners in two ways. It is a slightly shorter distance between the bases, and the larger bases allow the runner a larger landing zone to avoid a tag.
That being said, Ohtani is of course the best combination of baseball power and speed in MLB history. I’m hoping he makes 50/50.
link to original post
Mid 80’s through late 90’s, pre-steroids Barry Bonds might challenge for the power speed combo. He’s got a 50 stolen base year, many 30’s and 40’s. Only player in MLB history with both 500 steals and 500 home runs, no one else even 400-400.
Will be interesting to see if Acuna loses much speed/athleticism after a second ACL tear, 40-70 last year was pretty wild, doesn’t quite have the same power but had an extra gear for speed. Mike Trout’s wasn’t far off either.
link to original post
You are right on Bonds/Acuna. But I (sort of) disqualify him for the obvious steroid use. I probably shouldn’t. And Acuna might have bettered his SB mark with the new rules.
I think the SB is a ‘fun’ or ‘exciting’ play, and a ‘caught stealing’ a big moment in a game. Any rule that encourages more attempts I’m for.
link to original post
Yes, totally agree, great rule change.
I think sabermetrics had more or less determined that it was rarely worth it for players to go for stolen bases, and now that all changes. Certainly makes sense to run more, and in any case encourages more running until they have more data after the rule change to draw from. Larger base size should have a small side benefit in reducing injury risk from collisions.
I hear that the Bears have a new owner as of the 2023 season. They used to be owned by Mr. Rodgers. Now they are owned by JLove.Quote: avianrandyJust looked at Chicago bears schedule and most of division games are late in the season. Normal game one we play Green Bay and get owned by them starting the season off on a downer. See how things go this year
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Quote: SOOPOOQuote: billryanI love stolen bases and expect them to be even more prevalent when the tournament starts. I only watch the Yankees, so I don't see Ohtani play much. Hopefully, they will meet in the World Series.
A couple of ex-Mariners might object to your calling him the best combination of power and speed.
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Griffey Jr. averaged around 8 stolen bases per year
A Rod around 15.
I’ll accept A Rod as he did steal 40 3 times. But Griffey’s max was only 24.
If memory serves me Griffey was also walked a zillion times giving him lots of stolen base opportunities. More than Ohtani.
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When I read best Mariners player I assumed he meant Suzuki. I didn't bother looking at his numbers but I remember him as a base stealer. Also the best arm I remember on someone his size.
Then the coach tried to get fancy. A kid in our class was the 40-yard, 60-yard, and 220-yard champion and an honorary All-American track performer. The coach decided to add him to the roster as a pinch runner( Herb Washington briefly made this a thing) but that meant leaving someone off the roster. He left my friend Tom off and he didn't take it well. in fact, he quit.
It's late in a tie game when Benji is sent to pinch run. He is a great guy and incredibly popular. He enters to great applause and is promptly picked off first base. It wasn't even close. He gets made, curses out the umpire, and pushes his first-base coach. He's suspended for seven games, and the team had to play shorthanded the rest of the tournament. Tom ended up as a walk-on at St Johns and never forgave the coach.
Tom Brady - $375 million Fox Sports NFL analyst - 10 year contract - unreal - I believe it's close to the $ for the highest paid athletes in the U.S.
from the article:
"When Tom Brady took his gap season between his final NFL game in early 2023 and his debut as Fox Sports’ $375 million analyst this Sunday, he studied NFL broadcasts like he was trying to figure out a defense as a quarterback
With Brady — the seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback widely considered the greatest player in the history of the game and now in possession of the most lucrative known sports commentator contract of all time — Fox Sports has tried to publicly temper expectations for what is probably the most anticipated TV game analyst debut in history."
https://archive.ph/A2fjA
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Quote: lilredrooster.
Tom Brady - $375 million Fox Sports NFL analyst - 10 year contract - unreal - I believe it's close to the $ for the highest paid athletes in the U.S.
from the article:
"When Tom Brady took his gap season between his final NFL game in early 2023 and his debut as Fox Sports’ $375 million analyst this Sunday, he studied NFL broadcasts like he was trying to figure out a defense as a quarterback
With Brady — the seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback widely considered the greatest player in the history of the game and now in possession of the most lucrative known sports commentator contract of all time — Fox Sports has tried to publicly temper expectations for what is probably the most anticipated TV game analyst debut in history."
https://archive.ph/A2fjA
.
link to original post
I read (somewhere?) that he will be the most hamstrung announcer in history. As an applicant to be a team minority owner he is severely limited in what he is allowed to say about the officiating, about the owners, about the coaches! I wonder how much more so than the ‘regular’ announcers!
#1 vs #2 in Los Angeles. It doesn't start until 10pm Eastern time so I am not sure I will make it through the whole game unless it is a nail biter.
I'd say don't worry, you won't miss more than the first week. I *would* say that but with these outfits like Direct TV I don't know, the sides can really dig their heels inQuote: tuttigymDisney has just divorced Direct TV which means basically no more college football. Should I switch over to HULU and discontinue my Direct membership? Does anyone of you have HULU and what does it cost for the total package?
tuttigym
link to original post
Quote: tuttigymDisney has just divorced Direct TV which means basically no more college football. Should I switch over to HULU and discontinue my Direct membership? Does anyone of you have HULU and what does it cost for the total package?
tuttigym
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I believe most of the ESPN family of games can be streamed online. That is my plan for the first week.
Quote: DRichQuote: tuttigymDisney has just divorced Direct TV which means basically no more college football. Should I switch over to HULU and discontinue my Direct membership? Does anyone of you have HULU and what does it cost for the total package?
tuttigym
link to original post
I believe most of the ESPN family of games can be streamed online. That is my plan for the first week.
link to original post
Thanks to OG and DR for the comments. I just divorced Direct TV and bought the HULU bundle and saved $100/month. The streaming is easy, and the entertainment package is extensive with an unlimited DVR plus no commercials.
tuttigym
The closer role is wide open, but it appears we have six candidates for three or maybe four starters once the playoffs begin.
Quote: billryanThe Yankees just added Luis Gill, Clark Schmidt, and Ian Hamilton from the injured list. The result has been two shutouts in a row.
The closer role is wide open, but it appears we have six candidates for three or maybe four starters once the playoffs begin.
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Could be for the best not to have a defined closer. Best relievers should be used in highest leverage spot, depending on who’s batting and the score can be 8th inning almost as often as the 9th.
Quote: mcallister3200It's "Sho Time," as the kids, ok mostly middle aged men, say. Ohtani went 6-6 with 3 homers, 2 steals, and 10 RBI yesterday to go 50-50 homers and steals for the season.
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Not too bad for a pitcher.
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/20/panthers-raiders-game-nfl-first-with-two-women-presidents.html
Quote: mcallister3200It's "Sho Time," as the kids, ok mostly middle aged men, say. Ohtani went 6-6 with 3 homers, 2 steals, and 10 RBI yesterday to go 50-50 homers and steals for the season.
the link provides a discussion of whether or not this is the greatest single game by any MLB player throughout the league's history
https://archive.ph/w8Tfp
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https://seekingalpha.com/news/4151704-sportsbooks-may-be-keeping-more-of-the-action-with-the-taylor-swift-effect-still-in-play?mailingid=36809671&messageid=2900&serial=36809671.1602&source=email_2900&utm_campaign=rta-stock-news&utm_content=link-3&utm_medium=email&utm_source=seeking_alpha&utm_term=36809671.1602
"Notably, Kansas City Chiefs games have seen a surge of betting volume for almost a year now, and with a higher mix of high-margin prop bets."
This might make it easier to get good prices betting against the Chiefs, but if the dumb money is mostly coming in on props and parlays, there is no way to take the other side.
I could argue that part of this is the aura of invincibility that Mahomes has built up through a number of amazing clutch performances.
Quote: mcallister320075 years ago today, 11 time ABA/NBA all star artis Gilmore was born. The 7’2 Gilmore scored almost 25,000 points and grabbed over 16,000 rebounds in his career.
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Artis Gilmore was The Man.
He single-handedly took the University of Jacksonville to the NCAA finals and was the first American athlete to sign a ten-year contract. In his first season, he won both Rookie of the Year and MVP. He dominated the ABA for five or six years before being the first player chosen in the Dispersal Draft of ABA player
He also had an all-world hairstyle.
HBD to a player who doesn't get nearly the respect he deserves.
there's another Manning out there taking snaps today - Arch Manning - nephew of Peyton and Eli
today will be his first start for the Longhorns
https://archive.ph/vbsTe
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Quote: lilredrooster.
there's another Manning out there taking snaps today - Arch Manning - nephew of Peyton and Eli
today will be his first start for the Longhorns
https://archive.ph/vbsTe
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link to original post
Giants fans are waiting with bated breath.
Quote: lilredrooster.
there's another Manning out there taking snaps today - Arch Manning - nephew of Peyton and Eli
today will be his first start for the Longhorns
https://archive.ph/vbsTe
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Horns down. Boomer sooner.
Quote: SOOPOOI really think the W.N.B.A. product is quite poor. The talent level is just low. Compared to a regular men’s NCAA game it looks like molasses.
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Whatever dude. Check out the absolute cannon on Aces guard Kelsey Plum. I'd like to see your typical 19 year old scrawny boy in a regular NCAA men's game do that.
Quote: mcallister3200Quote: SOOPOOI really think the W.N.B.A. product is quite poor. The talent level is just low. Compared to a regular men’s NCAA game it looks like molasses.
link to original post
Whatever dude. Check out the absolute cannon on Aces guard Kelsey Plum. I'd like to see your typical 19 year old scrawny boy in a regular NCAA men's game do that.
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Seriously. Kelsey Plum does not get a sniff of ANY D-1 men’s roster.
I do watch some because competition is competition. And the WNBA is filled with ferocious competitors. For interest I was wondering what ticket prices would be for the Fever’s first home playoff game with Clark. I was stunned to find out THERE MIGHT NOT BE ONE!
They give the higher seed two home games, and if they win both, the series is over!
Clark was #4 in MVP voting. She may have been the ‘second half’ MVP if they had such an award. I’d still bet on Wilson in the clutch though.
Quote: SOOPOO
Clark was #4 in MVP voting. She may have been the ‘second half’ MVP if they had such an award. I’d still bet on Wilson in the clutch though.
I would favor Clark shooting from the perimeter but Wilson for the inside game.
"Sorry Babe, Sorry Willie"
the writer claims Ohtani is the greatest MLB player of all time
https://archive.ph/Hw4Vd
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Quote: lilredrooster.
"Sorry Babe, Sorry Willie"
the writer claims Ohtani is the greatest MLB player of all time
https://archive.ph/Hw4Vd
.
link to original post
Everyone has an opinion. He is welcome to his, wrong as it is. I don't think it was even the greatest game by a Dodger. Shawn Green went 6-6 with four home runs, none of them hit off-position players.
Quote: lilredrooster.
"Sorry Babe, Sorry Willie"
the writer claims Ohtani is the greatest MLB player of all time
https://archive.ph/Hw4Vd
.
A terrible take by him. Ohtani may become the greatest ever but after only a few years it is ridiculous to say that he already is.
Quote: DRichQuote: lilredrooster.
"Sorry Babe, Sorry Willie"
the writer claims Ohtani is the greatest MLB player of all time
https://archive.ph/Hw4Vd
.
A terrible take by him. Ohtani may become the greatest ever but after only a few years it is ridiculous to say that he already is.
link to original post
Babe Ruth hit 714 home runs, won 90+ games, and led his team to numerous world titles.
O has 225 home runs, has won 39 games, and has no titles.
Let's revisit this in ten years.
Quote: billryanQuote: DRichQuote: lilredrooster.
"Sorry Babe, Sorry Willie"
the writer claims Ohtani is the greatest MLB player of all time
https://archive.ph/Hw4Vd
.
A terrible take by him. Ohtani may become the greatest ever but after only a few years it is ridiculous to say that he already is.
link to original post
Babe Ruth hit 714 home runs, won 90+ games, and led his team to numerous world titles.
O has 225 home runs, has won 39 games, and has no titles.
Let's revisit this in ten years.
link to original post
I agree in most part but I don't believe titles won has any place in determining it.
Quote: mcallister3200Babe Ruth didn't even have to play against Japanese players.
link to original post
Following the 1934 season, an aging Babe Ruth led a group of MLB players on a tour of Japan. The Americans played 18 games against Japanese all-star teams, won them all, and Ruth hit 13 home runs. It would be thirty years before a Japanese player signed in the MLB and almost sixty before it became a regular thing.
Quote: mcallister3200Babe Ruth didn't even have to play against Japanese players.
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Or players of color and other than Americans
tuttigym
0 punts and 0 turnovers for both teams. I don't think I have ever seen that.
Quote: tuttigymQuote: mcallister3200Babe Ruth didn't even have to play against Japanese players.
link to original post
OR PLAYERS OF COLOR AND OTHER THAN AMERICANS---tuttigym
that is a very, very good point
not knocking the Babe - he was truly great
but his competition was unfairly and greatly reduced
.
Quote: DRichWashington Commanders 38 Cincinnati Bengals 33
0 punts and 0 turnovers for both teams. I don't think I have ever seen that.
link to original post
First time in NFL history I’ve heard.
More impressive by far.
Bills have not lost by as many as 7 points in 44 straight games. NFL record and growing. This week 10/16 games were by 7 points or more.
Quote: billryanYou can only beat the opponents in front of you. People put down Ruth's accomplishments because he never played against blacks, but somehow elevate Josh Gibson even though he never played against white players? Which one played against better competition?
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The flaw in this post is that the Negro Leagues were there to compete against anyone. The racial exclusions at the time overshadowed true competition. Turning a blind eye was the norm.
The Olympics was the true test of worldwide athleticism with competition open to most all. Isn't it strange that American patriotism embraced all of our racial and ethnic differences, but baseball could not.
tuttigym
Quote: billryanYou can only beat the opponents in front of you. People put down Ruth's accomplishments because he never played against blacks,
that is not the point
and I specifically said I was not putting down Ruth's accomplishments
but the fact remains - that it all but a sure thing that there were better players out there than the ones he competed against
no one can no for sure - but there were almost surely quite a few as there are now about 40% black, Latino and Asian players
so he has an advantage if you just compare his raw data against any modern player's raw data
the modern players are competing against the very best regardless of race
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Quote: SOOPOO
Bills have not lost by as many as 7 points in 44 straight games. NFL record and growing. This week 10/16 games were by 7 points or more.
Wow, I did not know that.
Quote: tuttigymQuote: billryanYou can only beat the opponents in front of you. People put down Ruth's accomplishments because he never played against blacks, but somehow elevate Josh Gibson even though he never played against white players? Which one played against better competition?
link to original post
The flaw in this post is that the Negro Leagues were there to compete against anyone. The racial exclusions at the time overshadowed true competition. Turning a blind eye was the norm.
The Olympics was the true test of worldwide athleticism with competition open to most all. Isn't it strange that American patriotism embraced all of our racial and ethnic differences, but baseball could not.
tuttigym
link to original post
How many white players played in the open to all negro leagues? It sucks that America mistreated its minorities, and I believe some debt is owed, although how much and to whom is way beyond my abilities. If you think Josh Gibson was a better ballplayer than Babe Ruth, you are welcome to your opinion. I've met a few people who saw Ruth play, I've never met anyone who saw Gibson, so I have no firsthand accounts.
As a kid, I was shocked when they'd show Mrs. Ruth at Yankee games. 1927 seemed like ancient history.
Quote: billryanQuote: mcallister3200Babe Ruth didn't even have to play against Japanese players.
link to original post
Following the 1934 season, an aging Babe Ruth led a group of MLB players on a tour of Japan. The Americans played 18 games against Japanese all-star teams, won them all, and Ruth hit 13 home runs. It would be thirty years before a Japanese player signed in the MLB and almost sixty before it became a regular thing.
link to original post
They literally put Japanese American baseball players in internment camps within a decade of these games.
