MLB 2026

[Syt]

The attacks against Canada by USians don't stop.

[Syt]

Since we need some levity, opening day is not going well for the Pirates and Skenes.

[Baron von Schtinkenbutt]

Meanwhile, the Yankees scored seven runs on a night where Aaron Judge has four strikeouts and a groundout.

[Valmy]

Since we need some levity, opening day is not going well for the Pirates and Skenes.

LOL.

The Pirates get 2 runs in the first. "Oh hell yeah guys! This is going to be the year!" And then in the bottom of the first inning the season is over.

[Syt]

LOL.

The Pirates get 2 runs in the first. "Oh hell yeah guys! This is going to be the year!" And then in the bottom of the first inning the season is over.

False hope and disappointment. The Pirates experience.

[Sophie Scholl]

Guards rookie Chase DeLauter has 3hr in the first two games so far. I just pray he can stay healthy. I'm cautiously optimistic about Cleveland's chances despite their incredibly low payroll and lack of big name offseason additions. I think, as per usual, their frugal front office has managed to make the right budget moves to compliment the young core that is there. We shall see...

Also, amusing musical match-up from opening day:
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[HVC]

Don't like the new ABS system. I mean it's fun to humiliate the umpire and all, but it doesn't seem baseball-y . Or make it more of a risk to use, like if the call isn't overturned you get an automatic out in your next at bat. Meh, I've probably just advanced to boomer level cranky, but whatever.

[Grey Fox]

It's a transition period, it's meant to be unsatisfying. On our way to 100% robo umpire.

I like it, incompetent Umpire have plagued the sport for decades now.

[Baron von Schtinkenbutt]

It's going to be like electronic line calling in tennis.  Starts out as a challenge system, purists will bitch and moan for a while, but eventually it will just be the way calls are made.  Unlike tennis, it doesn't completely remove the umpire, but it will be a significant improvement.

[The Minsky Moment]

I think it's off to a good start.  It counters the travesty of games being decided by badly blown calls, while still keeping the human element of the umpire, and adding a tactical layer of deciding when and what calls to challenge.  The catchers with good framing skills will still have an advantage - just a little less - but the bad framers now have a chance to counteract by getting good on the challenge system (early returns but Salvador Perez may be rejuvenating his career behind the plate).  The fans seem to get into it.