MLB Thread 109: Happy Opening Day!

[Perd]

Cubs to call-up Kris Bryant tomorrow:

espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/12705857/chicago-cubs-call-kris-bryant

[angryfan]

Here comes the test. The guy has been a monster everywhere else, but, hey, welcome to the show, kid. For Cubs fans though, if Bryant goes deep in his first game, how many will here old Harry calling it in their heads?

I'm not a Cubs fan, but I promise I will.

[Deleted]

Well look at that....first place Mets

[RKTaker]

Apr 16, 2015 21:21:09 GMT -5 @snesmaster said:

Well look at that....first place Mets

yeah i'm gonna enjoy it while it lasts because who knows how long it will

[fw91]

Apr 16, 2015 21:25:00 GMT -5 RKTaker said:

Apr 16, 2015 21:21:09 GMT -5 @snesmaster said:

Well look at that....first place Mets

yeah i'm gonna enjoy it while it lasts because who knows how long it will

yeah. can't count on abything

[Steveweiser]

Kris Bryant will wear #17 for the Cubs, which has got a few people upset, as that's Mark Grace's number.

[Deleted]

Apr 17, 2015 9:07:33 GMT -5 Steveweiser said:

Kris Bryant will wear #17 for the Cubs, which has got a few people upset, as that's Mark Grace's number.

They didn't seem to complain when Felix Pie wore it.

[HMARK Center]

Apr 16, 2015 18:37:38 GMT -5 andrew8798 said:

Major League Baseball is throwing its support behind the Los Angeles Angels in its latest dispute involving the players' union and outfielder Josh Hamilton.

Hamilton, who won't be suspended for his substance-abuse relapse after an arbitrator ruled in his favor earlier this month, could be in line for more legal drama if the Angels attempt to void at least some of the $83 million he's due over the next three seasons.

MLB chief legal officer Dan Halem indicated to the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday that the Angels would be within their rights to pursue action against the embattled outfielder, particularly if owner Arte Moreno wrote provisions into the contract Hamilton signed with the club in 2012.

"We obviously have a different view than the players' association regarding the club's rights under these circumstances," Halem told the Times' Bill Shaikin.

Last week, hours after Moreno said he might try to recoup money owed to Hamilton because of his most recent troubles, the union fired back, saying provisions of baseball's drug policy prevent clubs from taking such action against a player's contract.

Hamilton's $23-million salary for 2015 became fully guaranteed on Opening Day, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, but sources tell the Times that Moreno could still try and challenge the remaining $60 million based on language included in his original deal.

From the Times:

Two people familiar with Hamilton's contract say it contains at least three provisions Moreno could use to pursue his case, including one that would enable the club to void the deal if Hamilton could not perform because he had engaged in "dangerous activities" that include drug and alcohol abuse. The Angels also could cite a provision that would allow the club to walk away if it determined Hamilton was not in "first-class condition" because of substance abuse.

Hamilton is currently rehabbing his surgically-repaired shoulder and isn't expected back until late May at the earliest.

Could we please, please, please go back to the old Commissioner system, before it was decided that they needed Selig in there to be a tool for the owners? This is disgusting.

[Steveweiser]

Bryant struck out on three straight pitches in his first at-bat in the majors, obviously plenty more to come, so we can't judge him solely on that...

[Perd]

Bryant is swinging at everything. Shields has maybe thrown him 4 strikes in his three at-bats. I'll chalk it up to being overanxious. 

On the plus side, he's looked solid defensively.

[StuntGranny®]

Julio Teheran has given up 4 home runs and the Braves' bullpen isn't even stirring. Why? Because Fredi Gonzalez is a f***ing idiot, that's why.

[Deleted]

George Springer and Ryan Howard: 2 RBI's together
Bartolo Colon: 2 RBI's BY HIMSELF

[StuntGranny®]

Gonna give a controversial #HotTake:

Freddie Freeman is one of the most overrated players in the league. I say this as a Braves fan.

[angryfan]

Apr 17, 2015 15:01:22 GMT -5 Perd said:

Bryant is swinging at everything. Shields has maybe thrown him 4 strikes in his three at-bats. I'll chalk it up to being overanxious. 

On the plus side, he's looked solid defensively.

Not going to call him the second coming of Brooksie, but the kid is comfortable at the hot corner. The strikeouts, he's a free swinger but if you add nerves and pressure (he's 23 making his debut under a lot of fan fair and pressure, nerves have to be there), then the pattern makes sense.

[andrew8798]

2 more for A-Rod tonight

[RI Richmark]

Xander wins it for the Sox!!! And the team ripped his jersey off!

[BayleyTiffyCodyCenaJudyHopps]

hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/17/video-matt-carpenter-leaps-over-brayan-pena-to-score-on-a-sacrifice-fly/



I'm just sayin'....

[Rolent Tex]

As far as the start to the Kris Bryant era...it's not a good start when the Padres fear you so much that they intentionally walk Rizzo to get to you.

[andrew8798]

Vin Scully called his first Dodgers game 65 years ago today.

[HMARK Center]

Apr 17, 2015 20:09:36 GMT -5 StuntGranny® said:

Gonna give a controversial #HotTake:

Freddie Freeman is one of the most overrated players in the league. I say this as a Braves fan.

As a Mets fan, I can say that I dread Freeman. I feel like I never see him make an out. That said, he's going to suffer this year due to the utter lack of protection they've left him with. I agree with you that Freddi Gonzalez is an awful manager, though. Tough tossup in the NL East between him and Matt Williams for overall worst.

Finally getting to my first home game tomorrow, and it's Harvey Day. So pumped. But of course it's like 80 degrees here today, but it'll be down to 55 tomorrow, and anyone who's been to April baseball in Queens will tell you it's an absolute wind tunnel.