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Major League Baseball (MLB) is on the brink of expansion, with discussions heating up about potential cities vying for new teams. The recent developments involving the Tampa Bay Rays and the Oakland A's have set the stage for a new era in baseball, and cities across North America are ready to embrace the sport. In this article, we will explore potential expansion cities, the impact of new stadiums, and the evolving landscape of MLB. Tampa Bay Rays and the New Stadium in St. PetersburgThe Tampa Bay Rays have taken a significant step forward with plans for a new state-of-the-art ballpark in St. Petersburg. With an investment exceeding $1 billion, this modern stadium is set to revolutionize the Rays' game experience and boost attendance. The new stadium aims to address previous challenges, such as accessibility and fan engagement, making it an exciting development for both the franchise and the city. The Oakland A's Relocation to Las VegasThe Oakland A's are poised to move to Las Vegas, marking a significant shift in MLB dynamics. The prospect of a new team in Las Vegas, with a state-of-the-art stadium on the iconic Strip, presents a unique opportunity for both the franchise and the city. However, this move raises questions about the legacy of the A's in Oakland and the potential for a new rivalry between the relocated A's and the prospective Oakland expansion team. Potential Expansion Cities: Nashville, Salt Lake City, and PortlandSeveral cities are emerging as strong contenders for MLB expansion. Nashville, with its passionate fan base and strategic location, is a front-runner. Salt Lake City boasts a large market size and is aggressively pursuing a team, while Portland presents a compelling case with its vibrant sports culture. Each city offers unique advantages, and their potential entry into MLB promises to reshape the league's landscape. Impact of New Stadiums on Fan Attendance and Player ExperienceModern stadiums have a profound impact on fan attendance and the overall baseball experience. The introduction of cutting-edge facilities, enhanced seating arrangements, state-of-the-art technology, and improved accessibility can significantly boost attendance and engagement. As we move toward new stadiums, the focus remains on providing fans and players with an unforgettable baseball experience. Realignment and the Future of MLBMLB is on the cusp of a potential realignment to accommodate new teams and enhance league dynamics. The introduction of additional franchises could prompt changes in division structures and game schedules. Whether adopting the NBA model of East-West divisions or exploring novel realignment strategies, MLB is on the verge of an exciting transformation. MLB expansion is an exhilarating prospect for baseball fans across the world. The Tampa Bay Rays' new stadium and the Oakland A's relocation mark significant milestones, setting the stage for an MLB transformation. As cities like Nashville, Salt Lake City, and Portland prepare to join the league, the baseball landscape is poised for growth and innovation. With modern stadiums enhancing fan engagement and realignment strategies reshaping the league's structure, the future of MLB is bright and promising.
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A Rare Gem in Baseball's TapestryIn the realm of baseball, the name Shohei Ohtani has become synonymous with a unique blend of hitting and pitching prowess. Julian Martinez opens the conversation by highlighting the universal fascination with Ohtani's exceptional talents. However, a somber note has recently cast a shadow on this narrative – the news of Ohtani's season-ending UCL tear, his second encounter with this type of injury. With the pitching version of Ohtani benched for the remainder of the 2023 season, discussions turn towards the implications of his absence and the future of his dual role in the sport. The Uncertain Path to Pitching RedemptionKyle Ledbetter steps into the conversation to shed light on Ohtani's potential return to pitching. He acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding Ohtani's pitching future but underscores Ohtani's resolute determination to return to the mound. The debate about his future role – whether he'll regain his status as a star pitcher or transition to a reliever – takes center stage. Ledbetter references rare instances like Nathan Eovaldi and Daniel Hudson, who managed to return to form post-Tommy John surgeries. Despite the uncertainty, one fact remains clear: Ohtani's unparalleled abilities and potential are undeniably valuable. Angels' Conundrum: To Trade or Not to Trade?Turning the spotlight onto the Los Angeles Angels, Julian Martinez delves into the perplexing decision not to trade Ohtani amidst his pitching hiatus. The experts contemplate this move in the context of Ohtani's standout performance and the Angels' longstanding struggle for success. Zack Burl weighs in, acknowledging that Ohtani's rarity and historical significance make him an irreplaceable asset for the team. The discussion paints a portrait of Ohtani's unique value and the complexity of such decisions in the context of baseball's intricate ecosystem. Redefining Ohtani's Role: The Bullpen TransitionThe conversation then shifts to the possibility of Ohtani transitioning to the bullpen, where his versatility could shine. Drawing parallels with John Smoltz's dual success as both a starter and reliever, the experts explore the potential for Ohtani to excel in high-pressure roles. The allure of strategically utilizing Ohtani's unique skill set in crucial moments creates a tantalizing narrative. The notion of Ohtani as a closer gains traction, promising increased versatility and impact for whichever team he joins next. The Price Tag of Greatness: Ohtani's Market ValueThe spotlight now turns to Ohtani's impending free agency and his market value. Ledbetter contends that while the league may have tempered its initial $700 million valuation, the impending bidding war could sway the outcome dramatically. Drawing comparisons to similar cases, such as Jacob deGrom's contract despite injury concerns, the uncertainty surrounding Ohtani's future contract comes to the forefront. The conversation hinges on the intriguing dichotomy between perceived value and the final price tag. A Remarkable Journey Deserves Our AdmirationThe conversation takes a reflective turn as the experts emphasize the historical significance of Ohtani's journey. Jeff Passan's poignant piece is cited, stressing the importance of cherishing Ohtani's era-defining achievements while they are still unfolding. The experts echo this sentiment, underscoring the rarity of Ohtani's talents and the need to savor every moment of his remarkable journey. Ohtani's Unyielding Impact: Even in AdversityThe focus now shifts to Ohtani's recent feats as a hitter despite his UCL tear. His resilience and ability to elevate his team even in the face of adversity draw admiration. The experts highlight his exceptional hitting abilities and the unmistakable impact he continues to make, even without stepping onto the pitcher's mound. This chapter serves as a testament to Ohtani's unwavering dedication and the undeniable value he brings to the team. The Road Ahead: Awaiting Ohtani's Return to PitchingAs the conversation nears its conclusion, the anticipation surrounding Ohtani's eventual return to pitching takes center stage. Julian Martinez and Kyle Ledbetter project Ohtani's timeline, speculating that 2025 could mark his return to the mound. Their discussion revolves around the adjustments Ohtani might make to his playing style post-Tommy John surgery. The chapter resonates with the excitement of witnessing Ohtani's continued journey, emphasizing his resilience and adaptability. The Pursuit of Greatness: Landing Spots and BeyondThe final chapter turns the spotlight on the question of where Ohtani might end up. Speculations about potential landing spots become the focus of the conversation. The Dodgers emerge as a likely contender, given their reputation for acquiring marquee players. However, the overarching consensus is that any team with aspirations for a championship will vie for Ohtani's signature. The discussion ends with the notion that securing Ohtani's services could serve as a transformative moment for any National League team. In the end, the story of Shohei Ohtani transcends the boundaries of tradition, challenging the norms of baseball and captivating fans worldwide. The conversation among experts reflects the multifaceted nature of his journey, filled with uncertainties, milestones, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence.
The San Francisco Giants have embarked on an intriguing journey this baseball season, surprising fans and pundits alike with their performance. Despite facing recent slumps, the team continues to battle for a playoff spot, raising questions about their potential and their path forward. In this article, we'll delve into the Giants' unexpected success, their offensive struggles, the impact of young players, and the challenging decisions facing the front office. As the Giants push for a playoff berth, their story serves as a testament to the unpredictability of baseball and the importance of strategic decisions in navigating a competitive league The Giants' Surprising SuccessThe 2023 baseball season has been full of surprises, and the San Francisco Giants are at the center of it all. Heading into the year, few would have predicted that the Giants would be competing for a playoff spot, let alone surpassing the Padres in the standings. The National League has witnessed dominant performances from teams like the Braves and the Dodgers, yet the Giants have managed to hold a wildcard position, showcasing their resilience and adaptability. While they've faced setbacks, such as an 11-game deficit to the Dodgers, the Giants' place in the playoffs race is a testament to their ability to remain competitive despite being labeled underdogs. The team's ability to capitalize on middle-tier players, focusing on value in the margins rather than exorbitant contracts for star players, has allowed them to create a balanced roster capable of holding its own against formidable opponents. Offensive Struggles and Team DynamicsDespite their overall success, the Giants have faced a significant challenge in the form of offensive struggles. Recent statistics reveal the team's struggles, with rankings at the bottom in runs per game, batting average, on-base percentage, and average with runners in scoring position. Key contributors have found themselves in slumps, leaving the team to rely on inconsistent performances from its roster. As the Giants navigate these struggles, they face the critical question of how to rejuvenate their offense. Players like Wilmer Flores have stood out as consistent contributors, but relying on a single bat isn't a sustainable strategy. The team's young players, such as Thairo Estrada and Patrick Bailey, have shown promise but have also faced challenges in maintaining consistent performance. The Impact of Young PlayersThe Giants' roster includes a mix of veteran players and young talent, creating both opportunities and dilemmas. While some young players have delivered impressive performances, others have struggled to find their footing. This situation raises the question of whether the team should prioritize the development of young prospects or lean towards more experienced players to secure a playoff berth. Players like Heliot Ramos and Marco Luciano represent the Giants' hopes for the future. However, the pressure to win now and secure a playoff spot can complicate the decision-making process. With the playoffs in sight, the team must strike a balance between fostering young talent and relying on proven veterans to deliver in crucial moments. Front Office Decisions and Future ProspectsFarhan Zaidi, at the helm of the Giants' front office, faces a challenging task in navigating the team's direction. The successes and missteps in player acquisitions and trades have shaped the Giants' current roster. While Zaidi's strategy of focusing on middle-class players has yielded positive results, the team's offensive struggles call for bolder decisions. As the season progresses, the Giants must evaluate whether to let young players play through their struggles or pursue potential trades to bolster their chances. The upcoming offseason could see significant changes, as the front office balances long-term prospects with the immediate goal of reaching the playoffs. The San Francisco Giants' journey through the 2023 baseball season is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the sport. Their surprising success, offensive struggles, and decisions surrounding young players highlight the complexity of managing a competitive team. The front office's choices will shape the Giants' path moving forward, with the potential for both short-term playoff success and long-term sustainability. As fans eagerly anticipate the team's fate, one thing is clear: the Giants' story is a reminder that in baseball, anything can happen, and the right choices can make all the difference.
⚾️ Mets' Bold Move: Scherzer for Acuna Trade Analysis! Did They Score Big? 🏆 Join us in a deep dive into the exhilarating world of MLB trades as we dissect the New York Mets' high-stakes decision to trade Max Scherzer for Texas Rangers' top prospect, Luisangel Acuna. In this video, we'll leave no bases uncovered as we explore whether the Mets hit a home run or swung and missed in this headline-making trade. From analyzing Scherzer's veteran prowess on the mound to evaluating Acuna's potential to be a game-changing talent, we'll weigh the pros and cons that led to this monumental exchange. Our discussion goes beyond the numbers, delving into the strategic considerations, long-term impact, and potential ripple effects for both teams. Whether you're a die-hard Mets fan, a baseball enthusiast, or just intrigued by the chess match of MLB trades, this video is your ultimate guide. Join the conversation, share your insights, and let's uncover whether the Mets' gamble will pay off in the grand scheme of the game. Subscribe now to stay ahead of the curve on the latest MLB trades, player acquisitions, and the strategies that shape the future of America's favorite pastime. Don't miss out on this thrilling analysis that unravels the intricate dynamics behind the Scherzer-Acuna trade and what it means for the New York Mets. ⚾️🎥
Julian Martinez: [00:00:05] All right. We're going to start things off by talking about the team that puts the L in MLB history, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, a team that has not won a single game since the MLB trade deadline. When they decided not to trade Shohei Ohtani instead to be buyers. The trade for Lucas Giolito, Randall Grichuk and C.J. Cron. And yet here we are. Is this the biggest disaster of a team not selling at the deadline in MLB history? [00:00:34][29.0]
Kyle Ledbetter: [00:00:35] In MLB history? Okay, that's an interesting one. I can't think of a close second right now, but again, that's there's a lot of MLB history to work through. I remember. Gosh, I want to say it was the Cardinals in 2015 who traded at the deadline and then ended up falling back to a wild card spot. Maybe I'm thinking of the wrong year, but I mean, there's a couple of bad ones in there. The Angels. This is what I said when the trade deadline happened. Okay. There are four really good teams in the American League right now. We talked a little bit about this in a previous video talking about the Max Scherzer trade. It is Tampa Bay, it is Baltimore, it is Houston and Texas. All are four very good teams. All four have not separated themselves from the pack this year. Texas and Houston are basically just doing a Spider-Man meme of each other. Those teams are basically constructed exactly the same way. And so those four teams all made the exact same trade at the trade deadline. They all traded for a number two starter. Every single team the Orioles traded for Jack Flaherty, Tampa traded for Aaron Civale, Texas traded for Max Scherzer, Houston traded for Justin Verlander. All made the exact same trade, none of them separating themselves from the pack, but they're hoping they will when the playoffs are all around. And the Angels wanted to be that fifth team. They wanted to be that fifth team to get in the game because they traded for a number two starter in Lucas Giolito. They traded for three hitters in their lineup and it has all crapped out. But the thing I said at the trade deadline is if the Angels do make the playoffs because at the time they were only three games out of the wildcard, if they make the playoffs, they will have just as good of a chance as any of those teams because it means that from June onward the Angels will have played as good of baseball as each of those three teams. And since I said that they have gone 0-5 and are now, I believe, six games out of the American League wildcard. So yeah, they have crapped the bed. And Shohei Ohtani is literally crying on the bench at the sight of what the angels have become. [00:02:32][117.6] Julian Martinez: [00:02:33] You are correct. As of today, the angels are six games out of the wildcard. Now I think we all kind of recognize it was a ballsy decision by them either way to keep him, to not move him, not to try and get some sort of value for Shohei Ohtani. And I think what makes this one a tough non trade in hindsight is knowing even if you would have got similar value because you're never going to get similar value to what Shohei Ohtani is. I mean, let's face it, like the amount of war this guy puts in alone just based off his ability to hit and pitch. It's something that any other MLB player just can't even match. However, you would have got something you at least got a team's first, second, third prospect potentially, even if it's just a rental. There was a lot of desperate teams at the deadline that would have tried to make this work at the Angels would have been a little bit more open to the possibility. Like we've seen a lot of trades come together in the 11th Hour and the Angels, I think it was like two days before the deadline actually made the statement that they weren't going to trade him. So they put their foot down on the no trading pretty quickly. And with that door closed, like other MLB teams just said. Okay, well, I guess we have to pivot to our second or third trade options since Shohei is not available like a team like the Yankees just decided to stay quiet at the deadline because they felt like there wasn't any premier bats, which Shohei would have been. He would have been that premiere bat in addition to being at least a team's third starter at worst. [00:04:04][90.6] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:04:04] I mean, he was an all star starting pitcher this year. So I mean, the problem, his health with his pitching, right? He has a blister on his hand or he has an elbow issue. It's not that his abilities, it's just his ability to stay healthy while pitching. And to your point about the trade and the Angels deciding a full week before the trade deadline, because remember, the trade deadline was on Tuesday, August 1st. They traded for Lucas Giolito. I want to say like Monday, July 25th, like they were a full week ahead of the pack in terms of making the trade deadline deal and pulling Shohei Ohtani off the market. So my thought on that was that I was kind of seeing it both ways, like I could defend the Angels going all in and trying to actually buy for one strong Shohei Ohtani tenure with the Angels. This is the first time they've been buyers since Ohtani has been on the team. So I could defend that and I could also defend trading him away. [00:04:56][52.0] Julian Martinez: [00:04:57] I did see the growing sentiment that Shohei Ohtani may be open to the possibility of resigning with the Angels. So I get. Kind of that them wanting to show that they're trying to do something over there by getting pieces again, Cron, Grichuk and Giolito respectively, then being buyers at the deadline to make one final push to say, Hey, Shohei, we think we can get you to win here. But this is the opposite effect. This is like, okay, we're going to make all these trades and we're going to be worse after the deadline. Like, 0-6 like, I'm not surprised a lot by what the angels do because again, we saw another fantastic performance by Shohei the other day where he has a stolen base, reaches base four times, hits his 40th home run of the season, and they still lose that game because their closer gives up a grand slam in the ninth inning. That's kind of stuff that's very par for the course when I think about the Los Angeles Angels. However, like I do sympathize with them being in the unenviable position of having to trade away potentially the greatest player of all time. You think about, like what we think about Boston. Like when they had to trade away Babe Ruth, right? People still talk about the curse of the Bambino to this day. That's kind of like the position they found themselves in. However, when you consider you have to get something, if he just walks and, especially if he just goes down the street to go play with the Dodgers, then you of course, the Moreno's already don't have a great reputation, but you get got nothing for Shohei Ohtani and you didn't make the playoffs once in his tenure. Again, I've mentioned it before, baseball hell. This just feels way worse than even like the pirates. [00:06:31][94.5] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:06:32] Yeah, I don't think losing out on your I think they traded their number seven. Their number ten. A couple other smaller prospects to try and buy at the deadline. I don't think that's going to be the difference between the angels turning a corner versus where they are now. Look, they're going to suck when Ohtani leaves. They suck when Ohtani was there. So they're going to suck when Ohtani leaves. That's just that's that's part of the equation for the angels. So I guess I understand that part of it. But you're absolutely right about the trade part. And I'm not the biggest fan of Jared Carrabba's, but he made a great point, which is basically like the team that you trade Shohei Ohtani to is likely the team that he will go into the Hall of Fame with their logo on his hat. Right. So that's a really difficult position to find yourself in if your entire reputation as a general manager is going to be based on this one trade, it's going to be this one moment and what you do with this player. And while I understand that they would have liked to have had a couple top prospects in trading, Ohtani and hell, they even dipped into their already not great farm system and got rid of a couple players to trade for two years of giolito and one month of C.J. Cron. That looks like it's not going to matter anymore because they're going to miss the playoffs. But going through all of that isn't going to be the difference between turning a corner a year faster, a year slower, like the Angels are fundamentally going to have to reset everything if they're going to try and build this thing back up because you can't even make it with Ohtani. What's going to happen when you subtract Ohtani from the team? [00:08:03][91.2] Julian Martinez: [00:08:04] You have to think that they had a positive report from like Mike Trout come before the deadline, like they thought that they were going to get him back a lot sooner than he's actually going to come back, because that's the only thing I can think that could really justify them being so overzealous and being buyers at the deadline relative to even other teams. You know, like if you look at who made the most moves at the deadline, like the Angels are actually up there at the top making buying decisions. [00:08:27][23.3] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:08:28] They bought the same way that Tampa and Houston and Texas bought at the deadline. That's basically what they did. They're like, we are as close to winning a championship as these teams. Therefore, we're going to make trades like we are one of these teams. [00:08:40][11.6] Julian Martinez: [00:08:41] And I almost feel like it's going to be poetic justice that you mentioned trading away your eighth prospect in the system. Watch. They're going to go on to have fantastic careers. I'm just going to call it right now. [00:08:49][8.3] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:08:49] Yeah, I'm looking at you. Ky Bush You're going to be a future superstar for the White Sox. Ky Bush. [00:08:54][4.6] Julian Martinez: [00:08:54] It just going to be getting out of that angel system, getting out of that Angels farm system and suddenly they're going to be studs. It just amazes me how a team can be so inept at talent evaluation. The fact that like their minor league system for the most part has never really helped their organization again. Aside from Mike Trout. [00:09:11][16.4] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:09:12] They hit one player, even Joe Adell, Who is this top prospect that everyone's saying, Oh, he's going to come in and be an impact player, Even he's bounced between triple-A in the majors for the past few years. So I don't know that part. In terms of the six game losing streak, like I went back and looked at the schedule, there's no shame in losing two games to the Atlanta Braves. It happens. They're the best team in baseball. They might win 110 games. It's getting swept by the Mariners that it really sucks like y'all got mariners. But the Mariners who suck. [00:09:42][30.0] Julian Martinez: [00:09:43] That suck and were trading away at the deadline, they want to be traded away. Their closer at the deadline. [00:09:48][5.3] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:09:49] And I'm looking at their upcoming schedule. They play three at home against the Giants, which, you know, they're a playoff team, 60 wins. The Giants are currently in the playoffs, three at Houston, three at Texas, three at home against Tampa Bay A. Three at home against Elly De La Cruz and the Cincinnati Reds. [00:10:07][17.7] Julian Martinez: [00:10:07] So what you're saying. So what you're saying here, because obviously there are a six games out of the wildcard. They're done. They're cooked. [00:10:14][6.3] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:10:14] They're going to need a couple. [00:10:15][1.0] Julian Martinez: [00:10:16] Other. [00:10:16][0.0] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:10:16] Guys in there. [00:10:17][0.7] Julian Martinez: [00:10:18] That's a gantlet right there. You mentioning the schedule like because I've heard a couple of like, schedule heads talk about it, too. It is one of the toughest, actually, the MLB schedules upcoming this next month. [00:10:27][9.3] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:10:27] Yeah. They are in a place where they need a sweep against Houston or at least two out of three. They're going to need to take two out of three against Texas. They're going to need to take two out of three against Tampa. Like they're in a position where these are the teams you wanted to compete against in the playoffs. Right. Houston, Texas, Tampa. And they do play Baltimore later on in September. Those are the four teams you're chasing in the American League. Those are the four teams that have a chance of making it to the World Series. You're going to have to beat those teams just to even have a puncher's chance, because looking at the standings, this is the other thing that's difficult to think about when you're thinking about trying to catch teams by, say, five games or six games. The teams that they have to jump right now are Toronto, Seattle, the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. They have to jump all of those teams in order to get there. So, yeah, they might be six games back, but they're also five teams back of making it to the playoffs in the American League. So I think that the Angels are in trouble. But if they do make the playoffs, they will be one of the World Series favorites because it means that they will get the sixth seed. They get to play whichever crappy team makes it out of the American League Central, and then they will be on the hottest stretch of any team in baseball. That will get them a matchup against the Baltimore Orioles in the divisional series. But yeah, they're probably done. I don't think they're going to be able to beat Houston, Texas and Tampa Bay. Eight out of nine times. I just I don't think that's going to happen for the Angels. If if anything of the last ten years of angels. Baseball is an indicator, it's probably not going to happen. [00:12:09][101.2] Julian Martinez: [00:12:09] Okay. So, you know, we came at this from the playoff angle from the World Series contender angle. Let's talk about it just from the pure historical angle of Shohei Ohtani season. So I also will understand from the Angels decision to not trade from the aspect that you really want him to potentially hit 60 home runs, not for your team. So that's one aspect I can kind of understand because a bare minimum, if Angels fans can't get excited about making a playoff push for the next two months, then at least maybe they can get excited about Shohei potentially setting the AL home run record. Obviously, he's not going to touch Bonds, but he's still 23 away from passing Aaron Judge, what he did just literally a year ago, I guess at least, is that something to look forward to? Potentially. [00:12:57][47.7] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:12:58] Of course. But Angels fans are used to not having teams that are competing for the playoffs. They're used to having giant statistical records be the marker. If I'm counting correctly, I believe in this stretch of what is it now, this is the ninth year in a row. The Angels aren't going to make the playoffs because 2014 was the last time they made it. I believe in nine years they're going to have five American League MVP's because Trout won three and Ohtani is going to win his second this year. That's five of the nine American League MVP's are going to be playing for their team, which that's really exciting. It's fun to watch. I would buy tickets to go watch the Angels play baseball. Yeah, just make it make sense. Interesting. [00:13:37][38.7] Julian Martinez: [00:13:38] Make it make sense, Kyle. [00:13:39][1.1] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:13:40] Yeah. I mean, look, this is what I'm excited about. If I'm buying a ticket to watch the Angels play baseball, I might get a Shohei Ohtani start. But even if I don't get an Ohtani start, I'm going to get to watch him bat four or five times. And you know what else I'm going to get to see? The Tampa Bay Rays. They're really good at baseball. They might make the World Series. I can go watch them play for like $20 because no one's buying tickets to those games in Anaheim. [00:14:02][22.3] Julian Martinez: [00:14:04] And it's funny, you mentioned Tampa. I feel as though, like just when you compare the two teams, Shohei, the singular entity that has Shohei is way more star power than the entire Tampa Bay Rays roster. [00:14:14][10.5] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:14:15] I don't know, man. Randy Arozarena is a star with a Capital S man. Like that. [00:14:20][4.8] Julian Martinez: [00:14:20] I feel. [00:14:20][0.3] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:14:21] Is swag. That dude is an all star. [00:14:22][1.6] Julian Martinez: [00:14:23] He's a If I had to look up the statistics on Jersey sales, I would just say like, what is Shohei Ohtani like total Jersey sales compared to the entire Tampa Bay Rays roster? [00:14:32][8.9] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:14:32] That is a fair point. I think the at the very least, the top three players on the Tampa Bay Rays, because like Wander, Franco has a relatively popular jersey. So I hear so wander Franco, Randy Arozarena and then pick your third Tampa Bay Rays. I don't know who would be third in that group, but yeah, if you combine those guys, I bet you they're still going to finish behind Shohei Ohtani. [00:14:53][20.7] Julian Martinez: [00:14:56] All right, guys. Well, the Shohei Ohtani story continues to go on in Anaheim for at least a couple more months. Was this a horrible, no good, bad decision by angels ownership in the front office? We'd like to hear your thoughts in the comments section. We would like in the video subscribe to the channel balls on all our social media is from Juju and Kyle. Stay safe, happy and healthy. We will see you next time. [00:14:56][0.0] [867.3] Kyle, we're seeing the first instance of the pitch clock coming into the deciding factor of a game.
We had a tie baseball game, spring training, of course, but Thai baseball game. Cal Conway stepped into the box, didn't get that automatic strike. Bases loaded end of the game. So there's a lot of people upset about this. Are you ruining the game? This is the worst thing ever. Screw the pitch clock. I don't hate it. How about you? No, no. It's going to be very fun to watch this happen over the next few months where all these people who hate the change are going to be like, This is ridiculous. That's going to be the end of the sport as we know it. You know what else? They said the same thing for when instant replay began in the 2000s. It's going to be the end of the sports world as we know it. It's just it's funny to see everyone element. People make mistakes. So should umpires, right? No. We have a book. Let's get the calls right. We have the technology. We can rebuild this game. Really? For all the hatred of umpires and referees everywhere, this is the time where you're going to say, you know what? Let's give the referee the benefit of the doubt. You know, let's give them. The chance to be wrong. Really, as you all were calling for, the public execution of the referees in the Super Bowl for making a correct call on a hold on juju smith-schuster, all of a sudden you're like, oh my gosh, let's let the refs have the discrepancy to call the game. Do we really want more? What? What's the name? Jim Joyce. Just Galarraga moments too. Is that what we want? The more history ruined by like a clearly incorrect call at first base or home plate or whatever the call happens? Yeah, Galarraga is probably more famous because of the perfect game. That didn't happen. But I'm sorry that I want to see, like our moments in sports unsullied by resistance to technology. And when it comes to the death, the instant replay, that's a whole different discussion when it comes to the pitch clock. In general, people are saying like, oh, man, is that 30 minutes really worth ruining the game? Well, here's the thing. We know what culture we live in now. We know that we live in a little bit of an instant gratification microwave culture. Like if things aren't done, like in the next 30 seconds, Tick tock. Just move on to the next subject. Baseball, they do need a quick and the pace a little bit. I think that we all kind of agree with that. And why do I need to see a guy on the pitching mound readjust his crotch every 30 seconds to feel like the game is at a satisfactory pace? Do I have to see the batter jump out of the batting box every 10 seconds to mess with his wristbands or his batting gloves? Is that really the game or is the game what's happening on the actual diamond? What's happening? As soon as the pitch leaves the pitcher's hands, that's what the game is to me. Not all the weird adjustments happening in the game, you know. So baseball has been saying for years that they want to shorten the games and the addition of a pitch clock will subtract on average based on minor league data between 27 and 31 minutes from a baseball game. And it's not like it's a dramatic change to the game. It's a pitch clock like it's a shot clock in basketball, basically. That is a really easy fix that will achieve a massive change in how long the games are. And so it's a great idea and it's going to take some time to adjust. And just like when they just did the intentional lock thing where you didn't have to throw four balls outside after about six months, everyone's going to forget about it because it's totally normal. Yeah, an honest question here again, like do you need to see the guy messing with his pants? Is that really that important to you or what's important to you is the actual pitch itself, the actual swing of the bat, the diving play, that all this. You know, there's also talk I mean, you know, of course, we're talking about this subject because it did come into play. We have expanded bases ending of the shift. I think all of these are really good changes to the game. First off, you look at some of the stolen base numbers of 30 years ago, and it's just hard to fathom our guys even coming close to them. No one's touching like Rickey Henderson Stolen Base record. It's just impossible because the highest based over the last few years has been somewhere around like 50 stolen bases. With the expanded bases, we might see a guy get like 60, 70, 80 stolen bases in a year because guys are going to be more willing to run, especially to when you the fact that they can't even do the pickoff play more than I want to say twice in an at bat. That's going to be really fun to watch. We're going to see more of that cat and mouse game that we've been yearning for. Catchers are going to be so much more important now that they're going to have to throw out more runners at second base. We're going to see a lot more of those plays factor into games moving forward. You know, I mentioned the ending of the shift. You know, it's weird because I didn't think the white baseball traditionalists were going to be upset about this one because the shift is a fairly new age concept as we move into analytics. But just the fact that we'll have more action on the base path now that they're going to have an opportunity to kind of like get a few more senior ground balls than they used to get with the second baseman playing right field. That's fun to me. The fact that there's going to be. And on the basepaths, the fact that there's going to be stolen base attempts, the fact that we're not going to spend 3 minutes waiting for a guy to throw a routine fastball after shaking off his catcher 20 times, that's all good stuff to me. That one's interesting because the the shift rule and the larger bases are going to be interesting because the reason stolen bases are down so much is not because the athletes are lesser. It's that all the data points to the stolen base just is not worth it. Like stealing a single base for risking a single out all the data shows it's just not worth the risk. What's the line in Moneyball that I pay you to get on first base? I don't pay you to get thrown out at second. Okay, I get that. That's that's true. But there are guys that have the ability still bases that don't that I think they're going to be a lot more inclined to steal bases with the expanded base if we're going to take apart like the rules of the game. That's like a underutilized rule that I think is providing a lot of joy. Again, when Rickey Henderson was stealing like hundreds of bases in his prime, people were like, Oh my God, Rickey Henderson is on base. This is going to be like a treat to watch, to see how he messes with the pitcher or the catcher, whoever it may be. I want some of that. Like I do want a little bit more of that in today's game. And for the next two years, you're going to get more moments of that because what's cool about all these rule changes and these players having larger bases and pitch clocks is that there's data from the minor leagues that we can point to, but for the most part we just don't have a large enough sample size to know how it's going to change the numbers. And so the numbers nerds, as people like to call them, my my me being one of those nerds, the nerds don't have the data yet to be able to evaluate and adapt their strategy accordingly. And so that's going to be interesting to watch. I suspect that we're not going to see a 60 stolen base person because of the new rules, but maybe we'll see multiple fifties or multiple forties. And even that I think is a plus. I just don't know what the data is going to say. It's going to expand the pool. And baseball is in a unique situation where they do have a minor league system to try out these rules, test things out, and because of rule changes in the CBA, I may be wrong about this, but they even have a committee now that if something's not working out, they have the ability to change it within 30 days, which that's something that baseball hasn't had the ability to change the rules whenever an obvious rule change needs to be had. Oh, I didn't say they should call it the spider tack rule, where they're basically like, we can just change anything midseason because of a PR crisis. Something or people were pissed off about it sometimes. Okay, I get the Rob Manfred is not the best commissioner in sport. You know, when you compare Mike Silver and Goodell, you know, obviously it's a very thankless position to be the commissioner of any sports league. Honestly, I never understood the spider tack. People getting pissed off at Rob Manfred for changing the rule mid-season. It's like, Well, yeah, you can make the argument that could have changed in the offseason, sure, But the fact is we all recognize the problem. We all said it was a problem. Then you're getting pissed said. And when he fixes that problem, Come on guys, we have to be a little bit reasonable here. Every sport has traditionalists. Baseball is the only sport that has gatekeepers. And what gatekeepers are is you can't change the rules and you can't change the sport unless we approve of it. It's a uniquely baseball phenomenon where the traditionalists in the sport have gone so far to actively fight against any kind of change, regardless of what the change is. Now, is part of that baseball. Having an older demographic potentially, is baseball a wider sport than, say, basketball or football? Potentially? Is it that baseball leans more conservative? It's also true, but baseball is the only sport that has legitimate gatekeepers that have fought back against the rules. And what I give Manfred and the people in baseball is front office. The immense credit for is they have pushed back against the gatekeepers and have gone forth with changing the rules potentially 15 years too late, like they were 11 years later than other sports to have instant replay, for example. But they have pushed forward and made these changes for the better. I accept that baseball is always going to be a little bit behind the curve of other sports, and that's fine because, listen, it's not all completely bad to keep some traditions. I think some traditions are good. I hate that we had pitchers that only go three innings now. I think that that sucks because I like a good starting pitcher. I like a definitive closer. I like a guy that when you turn to you, you know, the game's over and we're going to see less and less of that. And that pretty much every pitching record that's ever existed is safe to the end of time at this point, given that pitchers just aren't performing at the same levels that they used to. Like I mentioned all the stolen base numbers, those records are pretty much safe, but it's nice to be able to adapt as the game goes. I mean, we see it with all the other sports, you know, football, baseball. They see a problem, they fix the problem. I'm okay with us trying to think outside the box here. I mean, if baseball really want to be for traditionalists, then it would basically be cricket, right? We accept that baseball changed the rules to make the game more enjoyable. To watch and become baseball when it was the game was first game created. So now that we're here in 2023 and how the game is going to look different in 2030, 20, 40, 2050, there's always going to be different ways to improve the pitch clock. It seems like a change that needed to happen to again seems like a change that needed to happen. Like you mentioned, like probably 15 years ago, there's always going to be long games. I like a good extra inning game and I think obviously kept the runner on second base. I think that's just a regular season rule though, which over the course of 162 games. Okay, that's fine. Playoffs. Yeah. I don't want to see a runner on second base in extra innings. I want to see actual play of the game, proper play of the game to make a result happen. I think baseball's going right. I don't think that this situation changes anything because as you mentioned at the very start, two players will adjust, players will adapt. You know, eventually players will know, Oh shit, I only have, what, 20 seconds to get set in the batter's box. Oh, shit. I only have 20 seconds to throw this pitch. And you should more or less know what pitch you're going to throw or where are you going to throw it? Since we know how much homework is done in the locker room these days in baseball, you know, you know, like trends and what what pitches this player lives or doesn't like or what sports they're good at hitting it. If you're a smart pitcher, you're a smart catcher, you're a smart bullpen coach or whatever, you're you're already having those discussions already off the field. So you don't need to be having the deliberation of it on the field. And its batters, too, because remember the end of that Braves and Red Sox game was because the batter didn't get into the box with 8 seconds to go on the pitch clock. And so that was an automatic strike call. So you don't. Have to have that Nomar Garciaparra adjust your batting gloves, you know. And look, it's going to be better in the long run baseball. And because this is the other thing that always gets confused. Fighting against change is not preventing change. It's just distorting what the change looks like. Change is inevitable. Things changing is an inevitable part of this life that we live in, not just baseball. This reflects all of society. And so you get this weird, neutered version of baseball where it's like you're preserving the traditionalism of three hour games and at the same time you have 50 plus home runs that everyone shooting for ops numbers because that's what gets paid. And so it's going to change no matter what. You might as well embrace the change and actually work to do what the data says is is best for your sport, which I think baseball's starting to do. And until we get new data points, people are kind of going in a little bit blind. They don't know exactly how to find value within the margins because you've changed the rules. And the good news is once people figure out how to get certain value in the margins as evaluators and front offices change the rules, again, make it a constant give and take, and that'll make it way more fun for all of us, because then the game won't become predictable because we have all this data that tells us what to do. I think it's going to be super fun. And it's not just because my baseball team might be one of the three best in all of baseball this year. I think it's going to be super fun to watch what happens in the regular season in baseball this year. All right, guys will let us know in the comments section. Are you pro pitchfork? Are you against it? What other changes are you for and against? We'd like to hear your thoughts, like in the video, Subscribe to the channel post on all our social media from Juju and I'll stay safe, happy and healthy. We will see you next time. Manny Machado has agreed to a contract that will keep him in San Diego until his age 41 season.
Kyle Ledbetter. What is your reaction today? Oh, my goodness. Wow. They didn't even make us sweat this time. Like usually when you have contract negotiations and the first offer is embarrassingly low and there's reports from Bob Knight deal about a potential $40 million a year contract. You know, they make you sweat it out through the season. They didn't even make us sweat. It was like five days contract done. Woke up Sunday morning and Manny Machado was a padre for the next decade, which now puts the core of Zander Bogart's Fernando Tatis jr. Manny Machado. Not quite Yu Darvish, but he's under contract for six more years. It puts that core in San Diego together for a really long time. Don't forget about Juan Soto in there as well. Another guy who signed for a long term contract. Not yet. Not yet. Juan Soto's only under contract for two more seasons. That's right. That's right. But hey, young core, a lot of exciting guys around the diamond. Manny Machado, how is this contract going to age? Do you think it will age gracefully? Is there like a peak window? Is there a championship window? Do you think that Padres have to capitalize on here? I said this when he first signed the contract, and granted I was in high school, so I had not perfected this craft of giving nuanced conversation and debates in sports. But this one aged perfectly well for me, which is as a Padre fan, if he was in a position to opt out of $30 million a year in five years, because if you remember, the terms of his original contract were five years 140 on the front end and then five years 160 had an opt out. If he was in a position to opt out of $160 million, it means things went awesome with his first five years of his contract and we can confirm that they did. He finished second in the MVP last year, third in the MVP in 2020. He's been legitimately one of the five best hitters in baseball and is going to walk into the Hall of Fame most likely as long as he just puts up decent numbers for four seasons, he'll walk into the Hall of Fame once his career is over. So as long as he played well, that contract was going to be fine. And as the contract keeps aging, like from a baseball standpoint, these contracts that age into their thirties have the potential to go really poorly. Obviously, we can point to the Miguel Cabrera's the Chris Davis is the Robinson Cano's like there's ample reasons to be like giving a person a large contract into their late thirties is problematic. And as a San Diego fan, I don't care. Man like Manny Machado is going to be our third baseman for 10 to 15 years. Like, I'm cool with it. Even if he starts to go downhill, he's already delivered statistically the greatest career of any San Diego Padres in the last 25 years. So at that point I'm chill and man, like I'm cool with the contract going south. I'm cool with him just being our third baseman for 15 years. It must be nice. I mean, hell decked out in Giants gear here. It's nice that you have a franchise is willing to actually spend some money to make a championship window develop. The Giants refuse to spend money. The Padres similarly, over the last two years, the highest spending team in the division right now because the Dodgers, they're seemingly content to kind of let their younger guys come out. They're letting higher priced guys watch some high priced veterans walk. Now, stalwarts like Justin Turner no longer with the team and now the bringing like a J.D. Martinez, the Padres. Like you look at what they're building here and you would say that on paper at this moment, they might be better than the Dodgers. So you're not going to hear it come out of my mouth. First and foremost, even though we beat the 111 win Dodgers, which to me felt like winning a championship because that's honestly beating the Dodgers felt just as good as actually winning a championship for San Diego. At the same time, the Dodgers have kind of warped our perception of what spending is now Granted, with the Bogart's contract and the way that a Musgrove deal is super frontloaded, the Padres do have a larger payroll going into opening day than the Dodgers. I don't expect that to continue, but it is the case right now. And the reason the Dodgers have warped our perception is because for about a decade that since the new ownership group took over, the Dodgers have kind of been doing what the Padres have done. And on a smaller scale with the New York Mets are doing, which, by the way, those are the three teams that you want to be a fan of right now is Dodgers, Padres and New York Mets. And the reason that's the case is, one, they're not on revenue sharing. Their you know, their teams are actually in the what we call big markets in terms of spending. And the teams are actually willing to take losses to put a better product on the field. And for fans, that's so much better. I mean, we talked to Bob Knight and Gayle last week. The Padres are losing 50 to $100 million this year on operating costs. They are willing to to bleed money into this. Team in order to try and get over the Dodgers and get a championship team. And if you want to talk about championship Windows, I don't see a better opportunity than right now for San Diego. They've already taken out the best Dodger team of the last decade. Like we talked about, the Dodgers subtracted, Trey Turner subtracted Justin Turner, Cody Bellinger, all these periphery pieces. Walker Buehler is not expected to come back until late in the season, if at all, from Tommy John. So I see no better chance than right now for San Diego. And they're willing to put all the money in the world and money that they don't even have on credit into this baseball team. And that's the best feeling in the world for a fan. Well, you mentioned the Mets and Dodgers and the Padres can proudly say they beat both those teams in last year's playoffs. They're just going to get by the Philadelphia Phillies. And we know the Phillies spent a little bit money, too, this offseason. But anyway, guys, we'll leave it up to you in the comments section now. What do you think of the NL with the Padres locking out Manny Machado for the next 11 years? How do you think this contract is going to age? Like to hear your thoughts in the comments section. We will like in the video, subscribe to the channel and follow us on all our social media. Stay safe, happy and healthy, and we will see you next. Speaker 1: [00:00:05] This one has to be an all timer. I don't think I have been ever more disgusted in any of the themes I root for more than I am or the San Francisco Giants right now. For those not informed of this breaking news. Jon Heyman. Yes. That same Jon Heyman behind arson judge has reported that Carlos Correa will now be a New York met on the same 13 year contract that the San Francisco Giants were ready to sign him to a week ago. Apparently same day as Carlos Gray, his introductory press conference, the New York Mets, will be signing away the former all star shortstop, former World Series champion Carlos Correa. I'm about to 70 to 80 hitter, 2025 home runs. And where that range doesn't matter. Does it matter what the stat line is? He was someone that the Giants needed. He was a bona fide star. He was someone that the Giants needed up the middle of their diamond for the next ten years. For the next decade. Because I don't know if the young guys are going to do it. I know. I know. Farhan has been selling as the strongest of the young guys. Marco Luciano, who knows he's dealt with back issues, knows if he's a shortstop of the future. Hunter Bishop, Joey Bart, all these guys are getting sold on now. I don't think I've seen a team mess up an offseason as badly as the San Francisco Giants have. Fire them all. Farhan Kapoor I know you can't fire Larry Baer, but what is going on? This organization has completely lost its way. This is not the same San Francisco Giants franchise that I was cheering for during each of their World Series runs. They have completely changed the mindset. Brian Samy It is no longer in that front office and that's the obvious day. Brian Sabian is not out there aggressiveness, making the moves. This is an absolutely disgusting situation right now and I'm livid. I feel physically disgusted by what the San Francisco Giants are now. They're Moneyball without the excitement or the. Ah, yeah, we had the 107 one season. But you know what, 100,000 seasons. All news one know why it's all news? Because the Dodgers and Padres keep pushing it further and further on the back burner. You have the Padres out there saying, no, we already have Fernando Tatis, our Manny Machado. You know what we can also use? Let's go get Juan Soto. Let's go out there and get Zander Bogart's The Dodgers resigning Kershaw J.D. Martinez Yeah. They're not doing exciting things right now, but a couple of years ago, training for a Mookie Betts to help them, even though I think it's fraudulent to help them win a World Series championship. That's what the Dodgers do and that's what the Padres are doing. I'm embarrassed. I feel like they're on the come up. Rockies. Yeah. Okay. We go out of the Rockies. But regardless, what are the Giants? Do it. How are they putting butts in seats? Mitch Manager. Shawn Minaya. I love Logan Webb as much as the next guy, but he's not putting butts in seats. Brandon Crawford's on his way out. The reason he signed Cora's career shortstop, the future shortstop of the past shortstop of your World Series runs Brandon Crawford. He's on the way out. Again, I love Brandon offered. He's done. Brandon Bell gone to free agency. Wherever he ends up, you end up on the Giants again. At this rate, the ascribes is not moving the needle for me. Lamont Way Junior is not moving the needle for me. I'm worried if Joey Bart's a for player. I don't even know if he's a major leaguer. I hope he is. Certainly was drafted high enough. He needs to be better than what he has been so far. He's not Buster Posey. That's what I can tell you right now. Today, he's not Buster Posey. We ever become Buster Posey got harder, become a Hall of Fame player. But if you're driving in the first round, you drafted as high as the Giants drafted Joey Bart, you kind of want Buster Posey. You kind of want to be Buster Posey. You kind of want to be able to build a lineup around him that can at least insulate him and make him feel better. Make any of the young prospects, young bats coming up, feel better being part of this team. If it wasn't Aaron Judge, it was going to be another one. We're looking ahead now. I understand frugality. I understand being smart with how you allocate money. You had to make this happen and you just let it slip through your fingers. Once, maybe a mistake accident stuff happens. But this is a trend. You know the phrase we didn't get the rose that was popular in 2016, I believe, is the Jon Lester pursuit of free agency. Again, we didn't get the rose. We even got the whole damn book. For years now. Years? Is it California state taxes? Tell that to the Dodgers. Tell them the Padres. Tell they the players that signed there. I don't think it's the taxes, guys. Is it the ballpark? I think move the filled in. People seem to be hitting home runs. A couple of years ago in 107 one year, the Giants were one of the best home run hitting teams in the league. They didn't have a great individual hitter, but they were hitting home runs. If you're a power hitter, you can hit it out of the Giants ballpark. In fact, if you look the spray chart for Carlos Correa in the home runs in his career, a lot of those home runs outside of AT&T Park. AT&T Park, I know it's Oracle now, but I'm still learning, guys. I'm still transitioning from the old era. There's some of our families. This calls it SBC. So bear with me. It's disgusting. I'm disgusted. How did this happen? This is my most genuine reaction I've ever had on one of these videos, and it's because I care so much about the Giants. When I think about my family, it's when I think about the 40 Niners, but I think about the Celtics. No franchise. Have I been more attached to you than the Giants? Because I became a fan of them when they were really bad back. And Barry Bonds, the in-between years when Matt Kane was struggling and Tim Lincecum still had yet to debut. Really? And to see them turn around and win those World Series rings meant a lot to me. And then after 2016, after the blown ninth inning, Derrick Lau Baji mismanaging the Japan we had those dark years in 2021 felt really good that year. We put it all together. But then you lose Buster. Then Belt and Crawford take the obvious step back that we were expecting. Camilla Duvall is not going to do it for us. You know, in terms of navigating people to want to be a fan of this team. How can you even get in the game of the ninth game to win enough games for committed of all to be an impact closer in Major League Baseball, it's more likely they trade them. Bad teams don't need a great closer. Bad teams usually don't get to keep their stars for very long. The Giants are turning into a bad team. They might be closer to fifth place and al west than they are closer to first place. And that is a sad realization as I look at it today. And I'm hoping in my wrong I'm hoping that maybe this is one of those takes that ages poorly. The Giants players rally behind it, and I see it right across my timeline. How wrong were you? You didn't believe in this team. You didn't believe in Mitch Manager. You didn't believe it, Sean Minaya. I don't think it's going to happen. You're going to throw out disco is your number two starter to begin the year you've missed on RHODEN You, Mr. Rhoden, you couldn't even convince Carlos or Don who is in your building today. You came against Kris Bryant, who was in your building today. The Giants are in a dark place right now, and I don't see the light at the end of the tunnel. This is going to be a long time before the Giants are relevant again. And it's really, really sad to say, get rid of the front office. You just have to move on. I loved Farhad for his day trading at the beginning of his regime, but we move beyond that. We are the worst version of the Oakland A's in terms of excitement and being able to do this whole Moneyball system. We're not doing it right. We gonna move on? Well, we got platoon guys. An average rotation, a mid bullpen. A manager that some of our fanbase still doesn't even like. Snuff the roof over on this team right now. I don't know if I'm going to be spending my money on it this season. Anyway, guys, if you're a Giants fan, let me know how you're feeling right now. Probably feeling a lot like me. Maybe you're just a major League Baseball fan. Dodgers fan, Mets fan who's just coming to dance on my grave. I can respect it. I understand it. Leave like on the video anyway. Subscribe to the channel anyway. Comment below. Any and all thoughts on this tragic hit from juju juju today here. Stay safe, happy and healthy hussy on the next one. Merry Christmas. She? [00:00:05][0.0]
Julian Martinez: [00:00:12] OC. I also saw something fun on the timeline that really intrigued me and intrigues me more because I'm always fascinated when someone has the opportunity to escape the eternal existence that is baseball. How that is the Los Angeles Angels. So John Morosi, very highly thought of voice in Major League Baseball. He was on the Parkinson's SPIEGEL show and dropped this little nugget on the timeline. It wouldn't surprise me if Shohei Ohtani was traded to the Cubs this offseason, and all I can say is, Thank God, just get Shohei out of there. I can't stand seeing him in an Angels uniform anymore. Do you know what this man is doing? He is doing everything. He's an All-Star level pitcher. He's an All-Star level hitter. And it's hard to vote against him for the MVP, even though Judge Aaron Judge literally just hit his 52nd home run. You are so historic. You are so much of a game changer that a man hitting 52 home runs is coming in almost secondary in some voters minds. [00:01:17][64.9]
Kyle Ledbetter: [00:01:18] Yeah. Yeah. I believe that Shohei Ohtani is going to have more the most home runs than the most innings pitched on the season for the Angels, which will be the first time since a pitcher who played for the Louisville Grays in 1870. It will be the first time that that is something that a player will do. [00:01:38][19.6] Julian Martinez: [00:01:38] And a hold up that is literally a meme that Shohei Ohtani is doing stuff that the Louisville Grays did, 1920 or whatever it was. [00:01:47][8.4] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:01:47] 18, 17. [00:01:48][0.6] Julian Martinez: [00:01:49] 1870. Mike Trout is out there hitting bombs. I think he had two the other night. And the angels are still losing 8 to 4. [00:01:56][7.1] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:01:56] Yes, this was, I believe, 11 years after the end of the Civil War, I believe was when this this happened. So, yeah, let's show you. Ohtani is incredible. And while the Cubs won is dumb like the trading to the Cubs like I know you said you're excited about Shohei Ohtani going to out of Anaheim, but do you just want him to leave Anaheim or do you want him to go to a better place? Because I can name like 12 places better than the Chicago Cubs. The Chicago Cubs are not a well-run team. [00:02:22][25.7] Julian Martinez: [00:02:23] Okay. I hear what you're saying. I understand where you're coming from with the Chicago Cubs, but the Chicago Cubs, at least they're a valued team in Major League Baseball, their organization that has some sort of reverence. We just literally shit on the Angels every week on this podcast, and I think we are well within our rights to do so. Artie Moreno If you didn't see our last video, we sell the team because what you've done to this organization, what you've done to cripple this organization, and I swear this isn't some latent giant's hate from 2002. This is purely. [00:02:56][33.5] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:02:58] Just love for my baseball. [00:02:59][0.9] Julian Martinez: [00:02:59] And being a historian of the game. Yes. Love for Ohtani. Well, for Trout. Just wanting to see those guys get better. It's like seeing someone in an abusive relationship. You just want them to leave that exit as you want them to leave their spouse and get into a better relationship. And the Chicago Cubs, whatever you want to say about them, lovable losers, at least they're lovable losers. They're not just losers like the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. [00:03:22][23.3] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:03:23] Yeah, but they're not a well-run organization like the Cubs will not be able to make the playoffs with Shohei Ohtani. The Chicago Cubs are terrible at baseball, and they would have to trade a future's worth of players on the majors because that's what apparently Artie Moreno wants for Shohei Ohtani. They would have to do all of that to get Ohtani. And I don't trust the Cubs to do the right thing. Even when they win the World Series with Theo Epstein and draft all those great players, they still immediately ruined everything after winning that World Series. So maybe. Okay, so so the argument I will make is Chicago is willing to spend money. Chicago's willing to invest in draft capital and expand their payroll in such a way that they can support Ohtani. But we talk about the same shit with the Anaheim Angels and it doesn't matter. So it would be better. But not solving the problem. Like if you want Ohtani to actually be on a great team, put him on the Dodgers and the Cubs will be a team that if they get Ohtani will be. [00:04:21][57.7] Julian Martinez: [00:04:22] Holed up there. No, no, no, no. First off. No, we're not doing that. You as a Padres fan, don't even speak that into existence or help you guys better not start trying to trade for him, because we know that's when the Dodgers like to jump in at the last minute. [00:04:40][18.4] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:04:40] We have we have nothing left. Don't worry. We have nothing left to offer for sure. [00:04:44][4.0] Julian Martinez: [00:04:45] I'll admit there are probably better situations that I would like Shohei to end up with more than the Cubs. But I think that the Cubs, obviously they went all in in 2016 and worked out for them. I and that's not too far distant in my mind. So I look at them and I think that there are at least an organization that if the timing is right, will go. All in on winning when I just don't look at the angels and think of them as a serious franchise. [00:05:11][25.7] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:05:12] Yes, I agree with you all the way through and through that. Anything better than the Angels is a healthy mindset to take with this situation. [00:05:19][7.0] Julian Martinez: [00:05:20] So I look at around the league, I look around other situations. Of course, the the Yankees would always love to get in on that. Steve Cohen is shown a commitment to want to spend all the money in the world to make his organization a World Series contender. The Braves would have to get in on that or any of those situations would be awesome. The Cardinals obviously shown that they're willing to trade prospects to put together the best 1 to 1 in the worlds. [00:05:45][25.7] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:05:46] Houston and. [00:05:47][0.5] Julian Martinez: [00:05:47] Houston. Yes, actually, that that would be a great turn of events, I think, Houston. But there is the caveat there. Would the Angels trade within the division? I know. [00:05:57][9.9] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:05:57] I know that one would have to be free agency, that one would have to be free agency next year. [00:06:01][3.9] Julian Martinez: [00:06:01] And that's that's an option. Before we get too ahead of ourselves, we do know that at least Shohei Ohtani could be a free agent by the end of the 2023 season. So I would love to see him get moved at the winter meetings. I think that that would almost need to be. To me, I think that that would be perfect for the angels in terms of maximizing his value rather than waiting for the deadline. And then people have to weigh the option of Do I just want rental peace in Ohtani or do I want him for the entire season? I think if you try and shop him around this winter, you're already Marino, you're there general manager. You try shopping around this winter, this is where you're going to get the most bang for your buck. Yeah, the Astros will make a lot of sense because they obviously have the prospects. They have the farm system to be able to acquire a guy like that without crippling their roster. So that that's actually a great suggestion, honestly, that I think that I think that's a good one. [00:06:53][51.6] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:06:53] Kyle Yeah, I think Houston would be fun. I am obviously more pro Astros than people who are, you know, clutching their pearls about a cheating scandal. But I think that I understand the point of anything, anywhere but the angels is a strategy to take. It is understandable that we just want to see Ohtani somewhere else. But is it to escape from the angels, or is it to have Ohtani play on one of the best teams in baseball? Because obviously Mookie Betts and Trey Turner and Freddie Freeman were all acquired by the Dodgers recently. And, you know, some people really care about the Dodgers, but we know that that's a lineup that is incredibly good. And if you add Ohtani, would it make anyone more interested in the Dodgers? Would it make the Dodgers more of a postseason threat? I'm not sure what the perfect answer is for for what? The best team for. Okay. [00:07:41][48.1] Julian Martinez: [00:07:41] I think that a guy like Ohtani is just a guy that people like to root for and those guys, you like to see them get rewarded. And I think a perfect reward for a guy that already has a MVP, a guy that, you know, getting a present for a guy that already has everything right would be a World Series ring just because there's so many legends that come and go and never have an opportunity to be on a World Series contender. I don't want him to get Barry Bonds by the time he's out of his prime. I want him to have an opportunity to compete for a ring. So I'm actually pulled up a list of the top rankings of farm systems. So the cardinals are actually the second best farm system. So they actually have some ammunition if they wanted to make a move to pick up Ohtani. Then you mentioned the Dodgers. They're the third ranked tigers, but tigers have a lot to do on the major league roster. The Rangers same thing. And the Rangers have the same issues of trading and division that obviously the Astros have, but they're further away. The Mets are the sixth best farm system, so they have prospects that they can trade and obviously they have a great Major League roster as currently constructed as well. Assuming deGrom and Scherzer and everyone stays healthy, twins are up there. The twins seem to be fighting their way up, so that wouldn't be a bad spot for him to end up in terms of up and comer Yankees at nine and the Tampa Bay Rays at ten. But I just don't see Kaplan making a move like that. [00:08:59][77.5] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:08:59] Tampa could they they gave Tyler Glass now $25 million which I will bet you any amount of money he will not play. [00:09:06][6.6] Julian Martinez: [00:09:06] It just would be uncharacteristic for their organization to make that move. I, I, I can't name like a trade of that level that they made off the top of my head. I know there's a couple that exist. I know they went out there and got Nelson Cruz a couple of years ago, but still kind of low level, very sabermetrics based moves. But obviously, Shohei is great for sabermetrics too, so I don't think that that's really a bad thing for the quote unquote spreadsheet nerds. The of the rank system is the Cleveland Guardians. So now let's get on an up and comer. But I actually value the Cleveland organization more than I value the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. I think. [00:09:46][39.7] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:09:46] I think I think angels are dead last in your book and. [00:09:49][3.3] Julian Martinez: [00:09:50] They are they are they are so hell your Padres at 13. My Giants at 12. My Giants have been linked to them a lot. But I think that post Posey it's going to be a rebuild. So selfishly yes I could root for him and obviously he's the guy I root for. Even though he's not on my team. But I think it would be hard for him to make a turn. So I'm not even going to root for that. I'm just going to hope for the best possible trade. And if it's the Giants. Cool, cool beans. I'm not going to be mad about it. [00:10:19][29.3] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:10:19] I understand that point. And again, this was all about the Cubs, but you just listed off like ten teams that would be more appealing than the Cubs. And at the same time, I understand the anyone but Anaheim perspective on getting Shohei Ohtani out of there. [00:10:33][14.0] Julian Martinez: [00:10:34] See, and I wonder too, like any Angels fan that is watching this, if they're just looking at us shitting or they're like, Yeah, they're right. [00:10:40][5.8] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:10:41] Now, Angels fans know at this point they know it. [00:10:43][2.0] Julian Martinez: [00:10:43] That's all. Like the Angels are a very self depreciating type fanbase or at least respect that type of humor. So thank you, Angels fans. Oprah, you're tuning in. Honestly, I mean, as much as painful as it would be to see Shohei Ohtani in a different uniform, I'm sure. I'd love to hear an Angel fan of the comment to say Where would they like to see it? Shall we end up going back to what John he said? If you're a Cubs fan, how do you like your chances of landing Shohei Ohtani? Drop that below. Anyway, guys, a fun segment here hoping to do this for you, Shohei. Get our baseball hall from Juju talk sports Kyle Ledbetter Stay safe, happy and healthy. Was he on the next one? [00:10:43][0.0] [614.8]  Watch Here - https://youtu.be/DN9PTnYV9Cc According to sources - Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno has explored selling the franchise. A recent Axios study valued the Angels as the 8th most valuable organization in Major League Baseball. Their play on the field would not suggest that as the Angels have struggled to a 55-73 record as of August 29th. The poor play on the field comes as Shohei Ohtani currently has the second best odds according to Vegas for the AL MVP award in 2022. Mike Trout, who has been an Angel his whole career, is currently batting .270 with 28 home runs and a .967 OPS. Both Trout and Ohtani have a combined three playoff games in their career as a result of the Angels shortcomings (Ohtani has never been to the postseason. The Angels also have the 4th longest playoff drought in the MLB. Kyle & Ju-Ju discuss the future for the Angels should Moreno move the team by baseball's winter meetings. #shoheiohtani #miketrout #losangelesangels
Julian martinez: [00:00:12] Arte Moreno said he's open to selling the team. And over the last month, I have declared this place baseball hell. In fact, over the last decade, you could declared a baseball hell. The angels are just not a fun franchise, and I bemoaned them for their inability to win while having to legendary historic players on their roster. And it's like looking up to the skies and seeing that there is a just God. What did you think when you heard that Moreno is open to selling the Los Angeles Angels? [00:00:42][29.9] kyle ledbetter: [00:00:43] I was a little bit surprised just because if I had to, like, pin down a baseball team that would have been up for sale, I wouldn't have guessed it would be the owner who's, like, the most meddlesome in baseball or the guy who's the most involved in day to day operations would want to step away from the team. I would have thought that maybe he passes it down. I don't know how many children he has or what his living situation is, but I would have thought that he wouldn't have been the one to pass it down, given how active he is. It was kind of surprising, like with the Wilpon, when they sold the Mets to Steve Cohen a few years ago, where it's like the reason this is happening is because they lost all their money in the Bernie Madoff scandal. So like that one made some sense. But this one is just like this is a very front facing owner. This is someone who has power within the league. He's very active in running his team. I was kind of surprised that he would be the one who would sell his team prior to like, I don't know, the Pirates guy who people have been clamoring for him to sell the team for years. Like, I'm just surprised it would be Arte Moreno. [00:01:42][59.4] Julian martinez: [00:01:43] Do you think he's somewhat of a self-aware James Dolan in the sense he knows in a way he's dragged down this organization for years and he finally just called it quits. He finally was aware enough to say that maybe I'm just not a good baseball owner. [00:01:58][14.8] kyle ledbetter: [00:01:58] Maybe I'm sure he's looking at the good business deal he can get from this, especially given the fact that the Angels are in a stadium dispute right now with the city of Los Angeles. And it's been very confusing. I don't have all the details to it. I just have been following it vaguely over the past few months. But that's I don't know how much that played into deciding to sell. I'm sure he has his reasons for wanting to sell, besides being a terrible owner and running one of the worst baseball teams in all of baseball. [00:02:26][27.9] Julian martinez: [00:02:27] Everyone in their mother is tweeting at him or mentioning him in scorn. Any time we talk about the Los Angeles Angels and why they struggle and their struggles as a franchise, so I'm sure on a human level that has to get to you at some point in terms of the better business deal. Yeah, when he does sell this team, that's going to be a big time payday. We're talking about a baseball franchise in Southern California that will definitely sell very easily, even if they don't end up staying in Anaheim, Orange County, Los Angeles, whatever you want to call it. Because we know that baseball is very much open to the possibility of moving organizations around, getting into the business of sports ownership. It's a very lucrative business right now. I know that the owners try to say that their profit margins weren't great when we're talking about the CBA negotiation, but still you are making profits on $1,000,000,000 industry. So it can't be all that bad. [00:03:25][57.5] kyle ledbetter: [00:03:25] Considering that the Angels also, according to Axios, are the eighth most valuable MLB franchise at the time, and their performance would not suggest that they would be the eighth most valuable baseball team. [00:03:36][10.2] Julian martinez: [00:03:36] And if you acquired this team right now, let's say he sells at the end of the year, then you're getting an organization, you're getting a team that does have, again, probably two of the greatest hitters of their generations and health slash pitchers of their generation, and Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout. So this would be a great time to buy them if you're a prospective owner with any kind of foresight or any kind of put spa and putting this team together, then you are excited at the possibility of having Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani as your building blocks on your team. If you're trying to think about a team that you want to build into a serious contender, then this is as good as it could possibly get. And of course, that's going to come down to your hiring decisions. You're hiring firing decisions because clearly over the last 20 years, Mareno wasn't doing a lot of great hiring, firing decisions. And that's what's led to the malaise in the Angels organization, why they haven't been able to do anything since that World Series run with Mike Jose. I guess they've had a 91 season mixed in there a time or two. But still to consider that Mike Trout's entire playoff resume resume boils down to three games and all three of them were losses. Tells you just how bad this organization is really fallen into. They're really a poverty franchise despite being the most valuable. [00:05:00][83.7] kyle ledbetter: [00:05:01] Combined with the fact that Arte mareno hires agreeable people, he hires people who he can. Tell what to do and they will do it. And obviously, everyone who's hired their boss will say things that you might have to do it. Even if you think it's not the greatest move. The good bosses or the good leaders have the foresight to trust the people they've hired to put in positions of power. And already Moreno's like, I want to be shadow. I want to be person who runs the angels and also owns the team. And that's part of his thing. So I think that leads to the Angels having a generational star in two consecutive generations now. And yet they have the fourth longest playoff drought in all of baseball, which has been highlighted a lot before. Obviously, they're going to go six years of Pujols contract, right into Rendon contract, which is looking like two of the worst in baseball. And presumably if they sell the team before the winter meetings this year, which I assume is like baseball's preferred timeline, then perhaps Shohei Ohtani gets a giant extension, or perhaps Shohei Ohtani gets traded. Who knows how that plays into the conversations we've had before about that situation. Do you think. [00:06:12][70.8] Julian martinez: [00:06:12] There was any internal pressure by Major League Baseball? Because they have to know. You have to hear the whispers. [00:06:18][5.4] kyle ledbetter: [00:06:19] I don't know how popular or not popular Arte Moreno is within Major League Baseball circles. [00:06:25][5.8] Julian martinez: [00:06:25] So I'm sure Rob Manfred and the other 29 owners want that organization to be a good, well-run organization in the same way that the NBA wants the New York Knicks to be a functional organization. You want your two major media markets in Los Angeles and New York to have good teams in them. And while obviously we've had good players, the Angels have been one of the most dysfunctional. So I'm sure that. I don't know if they said it to his face. I don't know if they would say it in a closed door meeting. But if you asked Rob Manfred over some drinks, which owner would he probably want to just boot out of the league? I kind of feel like Artie Moreno would be on that short list. [00:07:07][41.8] kyle ledbetter: [00:07:08] I don't know, because famously, Arte Moreno was one of those people who was what we call Bud Selig's guys. And the way Bud Selig used to run baseball is like, if you were one of the people who was his buddies and had his or he would do what you wanted. This was famous Jerry Reinsdorf thing where like anything Jerry Reinsdorf said went with Bud Selig. So Jerry Reinsdorf had all this power. [00:07:28][19.6] Julian martinez: [00:07:29] During one of those years in your town have to outweigh your problems and clearly in terms of being a baseball owner. Arte Moreno doesn't seem to be that talented from my visit. [00:07:37][8.3] kyle ledbetter: [00:07:37] This is correct. And Robert, from what I've heard, again, I'm not with inside sources, but from what I've heard, Rob Manfred doesn't have like people who he like listens to or agrees with compared to Bud Selig. But one of the famous examples is I keep bringing up the pirates, which I think is baseball hell. Bob Nutting is just he's the owner of the Pirates. He's just a well-liked guy. He's just a very kind man who people within the owners circles like. So I all that to say, I don't know what the opinion of Artie Moreno was. I'm sure everyone wants the angels to be successful, but I'm sure they also like the fact that Arte Moreno never spent over $175 million in his entire time as Angels owner. [00:08:17][40.2] Julian martinez: [00:08:19] Again, where my difference is, I'm calling the Angels Baseball Hall, as opposed to the Pittsburgh Pirates, as the Pirates are just paid, they know nothing but pay. But the angels are an ironic sense of pain because, well, you can have, again, two generational hitters in your lineup on your roster and never attain any kind of postseason glory that is being on the treadmill, that just being stuck in that hamster wheel. That's what the angels are. That's why I call them baseball. [00:08:52][32.8] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:08:53] And I agree with you. I agree with you on that fact. [00:08:55][2.5] Julian Martinez: [00:08:56] Anyway, guys, let us know in the comments below. Are you relieved? Are you happy to hear it? Baseball fans rejoice. Arte Moreno is finally giving up his team. I want to see I want to see some celebrations. I want to see some fireworks in the garden as well. We will like on this video because it helps the channel hit that subscribe button because it really helps the channel. And other than that, from Juju talk sports, Kyle Ledbetter. Stay safe, happy and healthy. We will see you next time. [00:08:56][0.0] [510.6] |
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