Sitting out is not much of a thing when major league contracts are guaranteed. But in theory, if a guy was unhappy with his deal, refusing to play is probably the only real option he has...not sure what the CBA says about that.
If this is it for Pina in Houston, then tip of the cap to a true gamer. In his prime, he was one of the best in the world. Unfortunately, we never got to see that third baseman hitting machine in MLB, though you could see flashes of it in Houston. And his AL batting title at the ripe old age of 37 was pretty sweet.
Funny. I think Pena's biggest hurdle is taking walks. He's at like 4%, and league average is probably 8-9%. If he gets there, coupled with the cutting down of this 25% K rate as he gets better at recognizing offspeed out of the zone (we saw it start to happen in October), you're looking at a 100ish point jump in OPS and a bonafide superstar when you factor in his defense at a most premium of positions.
The biggest heel moves would be to bring back guys hated by the rest of baseball for 2017. Guys like Correa, Luhnow, etc. But we aren't going to do that, so the next best heel move is to go get guys that cause Jomboy etc. to melt down again a la "The Astros got Greinke?!?!" Ohtani or bust.
Trout has 10/5 trade blocking rights, Ohtani does not. We are full of the most elusive thing in baseball --- young, controllable starting pitching. If we are gonna make moves, let's at least start by thinking big.
It is what it is. Even the Fox commentator couldn't resist on the last out, which will be replayed forever. Had to get in a cheap shot about 2019, saying "this time they finish the job." Whatever, let the hate flow, I'm happy being the New England Patriots of baseball...the Patriots won, a lot.
Having been lucky enough to attend Game 6, I realize I missed the Fox announcers, especially Smoltz, slowly dealing with the Astros' championship inevitability. I hope it was as glorious and hilarious as I imagine.
I think the bigger adjustment for Framber will be no longer having the ability to really take time between pitches to mess with hitters. But he'll adjust. And the train will keep rolling.
Game 7 of the ALCS. Charlie shut down the Yankees after being blown up in NY in Game 3. LMJ got the save with those legendary 24 curveballs in a row. Of course, the Charlie/LMJ roles were reversed in Game 7 of the World Series, and that's probably what you're thinking of.
Yup, flew to Switzerland earlier this month, 9pm departure outta Texas, woke up just before landing at Heathrow layover around lunch. Kicked any jet lag's ass on the plane itself.
It's hilarious how easily sheep fall for these conspiracy theories. Sheep whose teams have already been swept by the Astros. Umps checked Framber every inning, found nothing. Jokes on them, they would have found the buzzer on Jose but they didn't ask him to take off his shirt.