Time for a new topic and no more reason to start than the HOF voting. Adrian Beltre a clear HOF lead the voting, followed by Todd Helton and Joe Mauer who had significantly fewer votes . Beltre reached 95%, while neither of the others reached 80%. Former Astro closer Billy Wagner just missed at 73%. Wags only has 1 more shot at it I think. Some think Carlos Beltran at 57% is being punished for his role in the Astros sign stealing scandal. When I think of Joe Mauer, not only did he have a great career, but he was also a great HS QB who was the #1 rated player in his class at QB and who was slotted to go to FSU. Made the right choice obviously. But it always leaves you wondering what he might have been as a QB. Of course he could have been Drew Henson, also a highly rate HS QB who was set to be the #1 overall pick in the NFL draft after his career at Michigan but left early for the Yankee's...never to be heard from again.
I didn't know the Phillies did this last year, but the Astros are going to test a facial recognition to allow ticketed fans to enter without showing a ticket in a special line. The Astros will be one of four Major League Baseball teams using facial authentication technology at this year’s opening day in an effort to speed up fans' entry through the gates at Minute Maid Park. MLB is calling the system Go-Ahead Entry, which first was tested by the Philadelphia Phillies last season and eventually will be incorporated by every team throughout 2024. Astros to use facial authentication system to speed fans' entrance into ballpark
I see that MLB is going to put extra emphasis on infielders blocking the paths of runners, they already changed the running lane from home to first but previously only the play at the plate was really strictly enforced regarding blocking the runners path, now it will be on all the bases.
Good point AJ, get there early and enjoy ...now it's get there early and pay the team for pre-game meal and it's not cheap with 12$ dogs, 16$ beers, etc.
Fond memories of our Skybox reunion there, including meeting Bill's sister and BIL. I saw the piece and wondered why they'd change the location andwhy they'd even think of replacing the present stadium. Perfect parking close to the game for everyone. Beautiful venue inside, one of the nicest I've seen. Oh well. Not my $.
Sid, clearly the trend is to move baseball stadiums into the city to create entertainment districts. That's what's happened in Houston, San Diego, Baltimore, and other places. Minute Maid Park has revitalized downtown Houston, and they are continuing to develop more around it to again create an entertainment district to make it more attractive to conventions and visitors. Hotels, restaurants, etc none would be there without Minute Maid. Isn't Lucas Oil and where ever the Fever play in downtown Indy?
Yes, and the home of the baseball AAA Indians has been downtown for many years. I also read that the Chicago White Sox are planning a downtown stadium. I guess that's what's called progress. I just recall the KC venue for football and baseball being what I would consider an ideal setup with great surrounding parking and tailgating. I suspect that the football stadium will remain. Thanks, Terry, for the eye-opening description of other cities.
First controversy of the season? Yeah who had the uniform jerseys on their bingo card? Apparently there are new Jersey's and they aren't being received well by a lot of players. Last week, the league unveiled its new Nike Vapor Premier uniforms that are manufactured by Fanatics to less than stellar reviews. Although the jerseys are "engineered to improve mobility, moisture management and fit," MLB said, the threads have drawn criticism over the cheap look, small lettering and limited customization options. MLB jersey controversy: MLBPA says players are 'frustrated'
$450 cost per jersey? Did I read that right? Why the heck didn't MLB run it by the players before the decision was made, especially re: the numbers and letters? Sounds like a FUBAR project to me.
I was surprised at this from an article on Ohtani and the gambling scandal. The other thing that I believe is that his interpreter will be required to commit seppuku before he can say anything that would cause Ohtani to be the new Pete Rose. MLB, which has gone into business with gambling sites in recent years, and even requires teams to submit their starting lineups to MGM before disseminating to the public, doesn’t prohibit players from gambling on other sports. They inform their players they can be place bets with DraftKings or FanDuels The last time a player was disciplined for gambling was Miami Marlins pitcher Jarred Cosart in 2015, determining that he placed illegal sports bets. He received a fine and no suspension, when the investigation revealed he did not bet on baseball. If a player is found betting on baseball games in which he’s not involved, it’s an automatic year-long ban. If he bets on a game in which he’s involved, it’s a lifetime ban, which all-time hits leader Pete Rose received in 1989.
Not baseball related, but in regards to gambling; Cavs coach Bickerstaff says he received threats from gamblers, feels sports betting 'gone too far'