Make My Skin Crawl: 10 Teams that Could Win It All; One Nice Thing About the White Sox; Top Players at Each Age
Aug 28, 2024
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Tim Kurjian, a seasoned baseball analyst, shares insights on World Series contenders and the Astros' recent struggles. Jesse Rogers discusses the proposed 6-inning minimum for starters and the White Sox's tumultuous season. Kiley McDaniel brings excitement with his player rankings for ages 16-25, revealing potential Rookie of the Year candidates. Finally, David Schoenfield tackles fan questions in 'Bleacher Tweets,' adding to the podcast's lively analysis and engaging discussions about the current MLB landscape.
Tim Kurkjian believes that up to ten teams are viable contenders for the World Series, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the current season.
The MLB is considering a six-inning minimum for starting pitchers to address early substitutions and improve the focus on pitching longevity.
Kiley McDaniel highlights the competitive Rookie of the Year races, noting that standout performances are crucial as teams head into the playoff stretch.
Deep dives
Vacation Report and Anticipation for Buster's Return
The episode opens with the host discussing Buster's vacation adventures and expressing eagerness to hear his insights upon return. The host shares enthusiasm for Buster's recent family activities, including cooking multiple steaks, which will likely feature in his reflections on the podcast. The lighthearted banter sets a warm tone for the episode while hinting at Buster's enjoyable experiences away from baseball. There is also anticipation for Buster's perspective on the current state of the sport when he rejoins the podcast.
Contenders for the World Series
A conversation with Tim Kirkshen reveals a belief that as many as ten teams could contend for the World Series title this season. Kirkshen points out the unpredictability of the current baseball landscape, where even top teams face weaknesses and inconsistency, demonstrating how no one is assured a postseason spot. With teams like the Yankees and Phillies experiencing fluctuating performances, there is a sense of excitement surrounding the potential for upsets and surprises. The discussions highlight the competitive nature of the sport, making each game critical as the playoffs approach.
MLB's Proposal for Pitching Minimums
The potential implementation of a six-inning minimum for starting pitchers is discussed as part of MLB's strategy to enhance the importance of starting pitching. The conversation points out that this idea is still in the discussion phase and not yet an official proposal, with various factors like pitch counts and performance influencing pitcher usage. This change aims to mitigate the trend of early pitcher substitutions, especially against the analytics-driven approach that often pulls starters after two times through the batting order. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of altering training habits to prepare pitchers for longer outings, aiming to reduce injury rates.
Dylan Cruz’s Debut and Recent Game Highlights
Dylan Cruz's successful debut for the Nationals is celebrated, showcasing his first major league hit that resulted in a double against a notable pitcher. The episode recounts the context of his debut, hinting at the excitement around top prospects making their entrance into the league. In addition to Cruz, the episode highlights critical matchups from various games, emphasizing the ongoing intensity of the season with teams like the Phillies and Astros experiencing ups and downs. This narrative offers listeners an inside look at the thrill of current MLB action, fostering engagement through exciting player highlights.
Rookie of the Year Races Heat Up
The competitiveness of the Rookie of the Year races in both the AL and NL is a focal point, with discussions about standout performances from various players. Paul Skeens is noted as a strong candidate; however, concerns about his innings limit may impact his position in the voting. In the AL, the wide-open race illustrates the talent pool with several rookies competing for the title, and each candidate's performance holds significant weight. The episode underscores the importance of consistent contributions from these rookies as the season approaches its final stretch, making it a pivotal time for their respective teams.
Tim Kurjian and Taylor Schwink discuss how many teams Tim thinks could win the World Series, the Astros’ recent cool-off and what he’s excited to watch in September. Then, Jesse Rogers on MLB’s idea to implement a 6-inning minimum on starting pitchers, the White Sox destined for infamy, and who the Cubs should target in an offseason trade. Next, Kiley McDaniel ranks the best players at every age from 16 to 25 and shares his thoughts on the Rookie Of The Year races. Finally, David Schoenfield stops by to answer your Bleacher Tweets.
