OFFICIAL 2018 MLB THREAD

[jono]

Ichiro certainly wasn't a classic power hitter, but he had some pop. Some people have criticized him for only being concerned about his own stats and I think that's a little unfair. I think Ichiro knew the best way he could contribute was by getting hits--mostly singles--and that's what he tried to do. Perhaps he could have attempted more sacrifices, but how much can you criticize a guy who has the single season record for base hits and has over 4,000 hits in his pro career?

The trouble with saying he should have sacrificed more is that so many of his bunts wound up as hits. Hard to ask someone who can consistently get infield hits to try for a fly ball in a sacrifice situation.

I think the only thing that would have significantly improved Ichiro's offense would have been to shrink his strike zone and take more walks. He managed more walks than K's exactly once in his career. Not that he struck out much, but it was hard to watch him get into a 2-strike count after swinging at something in the dirt and then have to aggressively defend the plate. He put the ball in play better than anyone, but imagine if he'd made people pitch to him.

[I've seen black diamonds!]

I think the only thing that would have significantly improved Ichiro's offense would have been to shrink his strike zone and take more walks.

This is why Wade Boggs, who had the same swing as Ichiro, but was much slower and drank much more beer than Ichiro, was a better player than Ichiro. 1400 walks versus 600 in almost the exact same number of plate appearances. No amount of defense or stolen bases can make up for 800 walks.

[SkiBall]

This is why Wade Boggs, who had the same swing as Ichiro, but was much slower and drank much more beer than Ichiro, was a better player than Ichiro. 1400 walks versus 600 in almost the exact same number of plate appearances. No amount of defense or stolen bases can make up for 800 walks.

Vlad thinks Ichiro did just fine.

[jono]

Direct comparisons to other players are always a little strange with Ichiro because he played some of his best baseball in Japan. He should have been in MLB at least 2 years sooner, probably more. Despite that, the kind of company it takes to make any comparison seems to support Bobby's contention. Hope he makes it on the first ballot, but he'll need credit for class to offset the perception that language kept him back as a leader.

[iceman]

Anyone else catch that Sox-Rangers game last night? Sox come from behind to tie it in the 5th. Then a clutch performance by Kelly, he comes in in the 8th, tie game, bases loaded, one out, and strikes out Gallo and then Profar in an epic 11-pitch at bat. Sox take the lead in the 9th on a Benintendi triple and a Ramirez fly out, then Kimbrel comes in a slams the door to earn his career 300th save, the youngest in MLB history to accomplish that. Just a great game to watch.

[ex-powderbroker]

This is why Wade Boggs, who had the same swing as Ichiro, but was much slower and drank much more beer than Ichiro, was a better player than Ichiro. 1400 walks versus 600 in almost the exact same number of plate appearances. No amount of defense or stolen bases can make up for 800 walks.

Direct comparisons to other players are always a little strange with Ichiro because he played some of his best baseball in Japan. He should have been in MLB at least 2 years sooner, probably more. Despite that, the kind of company it takes to make any comparison seems to support Bobby's contention. Hope he makes it on the first ballot, but he'll need credit for class to offset the perception that language kept him back as a leader.

You guys are both right. 1200 hits in Japan is no joke but even if you pad his OPS 10% it still falls short of someone like Wade. Was anyone arguing that Boggs wasn't a first ballot HOF'er? Realistically, not many get the nod their first year but I can't picture a lot of people watching him play thinking he wasn't a lock.

Best RF before Aaron Judge changed the game

He put the ball in play better than anyone, but imagine if he'd made people pitch to him.

This describes Jeter as well -- great hitter but he reacted to the pitch more than he controlled the strike zone.

[SkiBall]

Best RF since Aaron Judge changed the game

.

Everybody funny, now you funny too.

[iceman]

maybe he's had one bourbon, one scotch and one beer?

[SkiBall]

At the very least. Maybe even repeated the process.

[ex-powderbroker]

deja vu all over again

[irul&ublo]

Torres walk off HR!!!!

Yankees win!

[Supermoon]

Anyone else catch that Sox-Rangers game last night? Sox come from behind to tie it in the 5th. Then a clutch performance by Kelly, he comes in in the 8th, tie game, bases loaded, one out, and strikes out Gallo and then Profar in an epic 11-pitch at bat. Sox take the lead in the 9th on a Benintendi triple and a Ramirez fly out, then Kimbrel comes in a slams the door to earn his career 300th save, the youngest in MLB history to accomplish that. Just a great game to watch.

Great game last night. Little bit of everything.

[Viva]

Kershaw going on the DL for third-straight season. Doyers are in a bunch of shit-fuck.

Sent from my XT1650 using TGR Forums mobile app

[ex-powderbroker]

big series in the bronx coming up, both teams are playing on another level right now.

[irul&ublo]

Be a real good time for Stanton to break out

[iceman]

It should be good. And now I don't have to worry about a conflict with a Bruins game!

[irul&ublo]

I got a 20 burning through my pocket Ice. On the series, straight up?

I’ve got a GSD rescue that would be happy to get your e mail address!

[iceman]

Yeah okay, done.

[iceman]

Be a real good time for Stanton to break out

I guess he heard you.

[jono]

Paxton! Didn't realize he'd never gone 9 before, now a no-no.

[irul&ublo]

Mark my words..

It’s the pitching that will decide the AL East.


But for today Chowds, I leave you with the following sentiment....

[SkiBall]

Pom had his best outing of the year. 3-2 game with him pitching? Eh, no worries Tis but a game, let's talk in Sept.

[irul&ublo]

That leaves 4 months of trash talk unused...

Like Slick Willie said about the economy..,

IT’S THE PITCHING STUPID!

[Vt-Freeheel]

[Tele 'til You're Smelly]

I grew up on the fault line, New Haven CT- was like the Crips & Bloods in school with the red & blue hats