2019-20 MLB Running Hot Stove Thread

Either a bigger strike zone, or call the zone the way it was intended. More swings, quicker and better game.

 

I think the playoff proposal is silly. And agree with others, shorter games should be the No. 1 priority.

The proposal feels like nothing more than a trial balloon. A well-timed trial balloon. People are splitting their focus between this and a cheating scandal as pitchers and catchers report.

 

Let's hope so. But we were saying the same thing about the three batter rule, no?

 

How tough is it really to come up with a set of unbreakable pitching signs. Switch them up batter to batter, inning by inning? Use a buzzer attached to the back of a catchers mitt that transmits a buzz to the pitchers glove?

 

Apparently this plan is back on the burner.

Jane Castor ‘optimistic’ Tampa could share Rays with Montreal in 2028

This plan requires some $892 million for a new stadium in the Ybor City area. Presumably a near-equal amount for a new stadium in Montreal.

Fun Fact rarely pointed out in any of these stadium-funding stories: ALL those funding sources are effectively sucking money away from other public expenditures. It is spending public money to build the stadium just as much as it would be if the City of Tampa Bay dropped truckloads of cash off at the team offices.

Here's a novel funding idea: How about the Tampa Bay Rays pull up their panties like grownups and finance their own stadium themselves?

 

Play in Tampa March April May and September. Montreal June July and August.

 

$900 million bucks for a half-season team.

 

A Florida time-share. Works for the Jags.

 

That's not part of the business plan.

 

A professional franchise splitting time between cities if fucking stupid. Find a city that supports your baseball team or close up shop, assholes.

The Rays don't need a better city, they need a better ownership group.

 

I think the word is out about how awful stadium investment deals are for municipalities. However, they're a giant moral hazard for politicians, since they're thirsty for votes and won't be around to deal with the consequences in most cases. Like Rhode Island got roasted by plenty of people in the state for not shelling out to keep the Pawtucket Red Sox, who then moved to Worcester for an even sweeter deal. It's always easier to sell voters on $90M for a ballpark, vs. like a technology hub. (That was the cost for minor league baseball; obviously its exponentially more for all of these pro teams.)