David Schoenfield

  (2:06 PM)

I had 15 total bases once. In an entire Little League season.

Tim (Philadelphia)

Remember last year when Pujols looked human in April? He had 7 hrs and 18 rbis then. If that Pujols is human, what is this Pujols?

David Schoenfield

  (2:07 PM)

Kind of scary, isn't it? I'd like to find the worst months of other great hitters still in the "primes." Wonder if anything compares to what Pujols went through? (Hmm ... blog idea!)

andy (ohio)

What is your prediction on who leads the angels in saves from here on out?

David Schoenfield

  (2:07 PM)

I say Downs. He's a good pitcher, can get righties out, don't see why he'd LOSE the job, so I say he keeps it.

Guy (Enfield NH)

Big Papi HOF worthy yet??? I mean a DH has to make it eventually, right???

David Schoenfield

  (2:10 PM)

Edgar first! I was thinking about this last night, actually. So he's on his way to another big season it appears. But still only gives him maybe seven HOF-worthy seasons. He'll get 400 home runs, but not sure about 500. He has a steroids taint on his record. But extra points for the "fame" factor on big postseason hits. Close call in the end.

Brenden Lowery (itspronouncedlajaway.com)

David- What are your thoughts on Travis Hafner's crazy walk-to-strikeout rate so far this season, and what can we expect him him and the Tribe in the month of May?

David Schoenfield

  (2:11 PM)

Noticed that yesterday as well. Always had great discipline of course. I know Cle's in a HR slump right now (Hafner has two, Choo zero), but an offense with Hafner posting a .400 OBP, Santana a .400 OBP, Choo (he'll start hitting), Kipnis, Cabrera and now Johnny Damon may be enough to keep the Indians close.

Turner (Boise, ID)

I know it is only one reference, but I am starting to notice Justin Smoak's career path remind me so much of Derek Lee. A lot of high expectations not met with a young, big, power hitting first baseman. It is such a now now now league, but how long can Seattle be patient with him? I think he is going to be really good eventually, just going to take time.

David Schoenfield

  (2:12 PM)

I think time is getting short. Dave Cameron had an excellent piece last week on USS Mariner. Smoak really can't hit offspeed stuff for whatever reason. If he doesn't hit this year, I think the Mariners have to think of Plan B for first base next season.

Hellickson (St.Pete,Fl)

So,do the sabermetric people still think I'm just lucky again this year concerning my BABIP?

David Schoenfield

  (2:14 PM)

It's interesting -- lower ERA and higher FIP even than last year. .227 BABIP. Like last year, incredible runner left on base percentage (82 percent last year, 90 percent this year). There's still a lot of luck in those numbers, I think.

Castro (MD)

Is Harper up for good or will he go back down once injured players return?

David Schoenfield

  (2:14 PM)

I think he's up at least until Mike Morse returns (late May?).

Oscar ((Santo Domingo))

Sentimentalism appart: Pedro or Unit?

David Schoenfield

  (2:15 PM)

Pedro at his absolute peak. Best pitcher ever.

Derek (work) [via mobile]

I miss Chase Utley.

David Schoenfield

  (2:16 PM)

Me too ... and I'm not even a Phillies fan. Although Freddy Galvis does like a true glove wizard in the field.

alex (england)

going to turn on the nationals dbacks game to see a rare sight in nats park being sold out?

David Schoenfield

  (2:16 PM)

They better turn out for this one ...

Matt (Boise)

I get to see Verlander in Seattle next week. Over/Under on Ms hits in the game at 2.5?

David Schoenfield

  (2:18 PM)

Ouch. But maybe accurate.

Geoff (DC)

Thoughts on the Braves? Are they in all season or just a mirage at this point?

David Schoenfield

  (2:20 PM)

I like the Braves. Flying under the radar. One of maybe two teams in the NL where the lineup runs eight-deep. Kimbrel and Venters are still awesome. Hudson is back and looked OK the other day. Heyward looks OK. I'd put them as division favorites right now.

andy (ohio)

What's the deal with Longoria and Morneau's injuries?

David Schoenfield

  (2:22 PM)

First reports on Longoria said 6 to 8 weeks, but now Andrew Friedman says he may not even need a DL stint. Morneau hurt his wrist. Went to see a specialist today, so we have to wait and see.

JT (Alliance, NE)

Hey David, are you buying the Cubbies as a legit contender to climb out of the cellar in the NL Central?

David Schoenfield

  (2:23 PM)

Can they finish fifth? Well ... sure, I'll take that bet. Although Astros offense may be better than people expected. Jose Altuve looks great. That little guy can really rake. Anyway, Cubs are pretty bad, Astros are bad, Pirates are bad. I'll say it goes Pirates, Cubs, Astros.

Chris (KC)

I heard DL for Morneau and the Twins will call up Drew Butera.

David Schoenfield

  (2:23 PM)

Drew Butera? Is Gardenhire trying to get fired?

Jon (DC)

Have you started growing out your Harper Faux-hawk yet?

David Schoenfield

  (2:24 PM)

That looked terrible, didn't it? Like a hockey haircut from 1991.

ish (gonz)

explain this - i play in a competitive softball league. no one strikes out. yet some pitchers are consistently better than others in allowing hits and runs. should the BABIP theory apply?

David Schoenfield

  (2:25 PM)

Interesting question. I pitched for years in softball leagues. Just like MLB BABIP, defense is important of course, but I would suggest -- like MLB BABIP -- there is a small degree of skill involved. It's not ALL luck and/or defense.

Mike (San Diego)

Chone Figgins is on pace to hit 14 mote home runs than Albert Pujols this year. That is all.

Jason (St Louis)

Bernie Miklasz in St Louis did a real detailed analysis of Pujols' struggles. The main worry seems to be he is missing inside pitchers of all kinds. That to me should be the biggest worry.

David Schoenfield

  (2:27 PM)

Hey, I did a detailed study last week! He has been hitting a lot of foul balls. But he's expanding the zone and showing less patience. I still think his skills are in decline. Just too much evidence to suggest otherwise. Doesn't mean he's going to hit .221 all year. But I do believe the .330/45-homer Pujols is a thing of the past, and the .280/30-homer Pujols may be the present.

Jason (St Louis)

Wait, who said Pujols was still in his prime? Isn't this where power hitting first basemen typically begin their decline? Unless they're Paul Konerko of course.

David Schoenfield

  (2:29 PM)

The Angels think he's in their prime. When ESPN did its rankings of the top 500 players, Pujols was No. 1. So a wide range of ESPN voters (writers, stats people, TV guys, ex-players, etc.) came to the consensus vote that he was still the best player in baseball before the season.

David Schoenfield

  (2:29 PM)

In his prime. Although the Angels may think they were supposed to be in their prime as well.

Mike (San Diego)

Bryan LaHair!!! No question, just wanted to bring it up. And I'm a Cardinals fan...

Andy (Freezing in Maine)

Dave, over the past few years the Braves offense has been mediocre at best. Currently they rank among the top NL offenses. I know it is early, but is this legit? Seems like there is still even room for improvement for many of the individual players.

David Schoenfield

  (2:30 PM)

That's why I think their favorite. Outside of Bourn, it's easy to project improvement from most of the core hitters. Look throughout the NL -- other than Cardinals, which team has at least a decent hitter in all eight spots?

Jon (DC)

Nats attendance has not been poor this year. Give it a rest, world.

Andrew (SF)

Yu Darvish, here to stay?

David Schoenfield

  (2:31 PM)

Yes. Most impressive last night -- threw first-pitch strikes to 20 of 27 hitters. When he does that, watch out. Because then you don't know what's coming. (Napoli said he has eight different signs for Darvish.)

Nick Papageorgio (Yuma, AZ)

Kyle Lohse, Cy Young contendor. Something about that doesn't sound right.

Chris (KC)

Mpls Star-Tribune confirms that Butera has been called up...

Matt (DC)

Too ish, I too play softball, and pitching does matter. In softball, spins, release point, and locating (esp placing the ball outside to keep people from pulling) all make an effective pitcher. i also swear, there are some pitchers who can make the ball knuckle.

David Schoenfield

  (2:33 PM)

That's true about the knuckle effect, although I was never able to do that. Also .. never pitch a left-handed hitter inside.

Tim (Seattle)

Wait Pujols isn't in his Prime anymore??! Didn't ESPN just pick him as the 2012 #1 Player? I'm confused ...

David Schoenfield

  (2:33 PM)

Exactly ... most people predicted him to have a *better* year than last season, since his second-half numbers were better. But he had already started chasing more pitches even then.

Fletch (Madison, wi)

True or False: the Padres trade Houston Street at the deadline and Andrew Cashner takes over as closer

David Schoenfield

  (2:34 PM)

True

Gregory (Portland, OR)

Re: ish (gonz)I dont' think BABIP is as much of a thing outside of MLB because of the high variance in player quality, both on offense and defense. Perhaps they're better at throwing terrible pitches.

Jason (Birmingham)

The Tigers defense is *killing* Max Scherzer

David Schoenfield

  (2:34 PM)

And the surprise here is ...

Jason (Birmingham)

David, I'm a Tigers fan and I loved your blog on the team. Do you think that at some point this season, management can say to Miguel "hey we tried, and its not working," move him to DH (or Prince to DH and Miggy to 1B), and let somebody with a glove play 3B?

David Schoenfield

  (2:36 PM)

How much better would the Tigers be if they traded for a good defensive SS (say, Brendan Ryan), moved Peralta to first base and Miggy to first. You'd be improving your defense at three spots and worsening your offense in one spot (whoever Ryan replaces at DH). That said ... I don't think they'll do it.

Clay (Charlotte)

Jason Heyward has a .345 BABIP, is he due for regression? Small sample size?

David Schoenfield

  (2:37 PM)

Not necessarily. Looks like 20 guys had a .340 or higher BABIP last season, so possible he can keep that up.

Marty (Fairfield, CT)

What's the deal with John Johnson?

David Schoenfield

  (2:39 PM)

Talk about BABIP! He's at .436. Only Scherzer is high at .442. That has to be some bad luck. Johnson's velocity is OK, haven't studied his other numbers to see if anything specific other than BABIP is hurting him. (Falling behind, can't get offspeed stuff over, etc.)

Matt (Baltimore)

Ok, maybe if I make it easy on you: Orioles, over/under 78 wins.

David Schoenfield

  (2:40 PM)

Under. Still think the division is too tough, bullpen has been over its head and the rotation still has holes. But it's a fun team to watch and can score some runs. Need Reynolds to start hitting, obviously.

Mike (San Diego)

I know it's oversimplifying things, but there are 3 main ways to pitch well: Strike guys out, don't walk people, keep the ball in the park. Usually, if you do 2 of those 3, you should put up good numbers. Before last Saturday, Lohse had given up 0 HR and walked 2 hitters all year. If he can stay even close to those numbers, he should a very produ ctive starter for the Cardinals.

David Schoenfield

  (2:42 PM)

I've seen a couple of his starts -- EVERYTHING is at the knees. Good sinker, good changeup. I think he can succeed without strikeout a lot of guys. I admit, I totally underestimated him coming into the year.

Troy (Too Hot Tampa Florida)

Why do teams pay players for what they've done and not what they will do (Pujols)? Is the pre-arb / arb / free agency path to blame?

David Schoenfield

  (2:43 PM)

Flags fly forever!

James (Ohio)

jason, give prince a go in the outfield, id pay to see that

Jeff (ABQ)

Obviously Pedro will come down from his hot streak, but will he return back to abysmal? Its not like we're asking a lot, as the Pirates, but .230 range with power would make us happy.

David Schoenfield

  (2:45 PM)

Pedro Alvarez ... good to see him finally delivering a few hits. That 23/3 SO/BB ratio is still the big issue. Just too many holes in the swing. Yes, he'll connect every now and then, but he's going to be a low-average, low-OBP guy. Hard to make that into anything valuable, especially when his defense isn't good.

John (Cincinnati, OH)

I have seen Prince in the outfield already. We called him Adam Dunn though.

Jose Altuve (Houston)

Try to sneak something past my tiny strike zone!

David Schoenfield

  (2:45 PM)

You are going to win a batting title or two in your career.

jack (baltimore)

chances adam jones is still with the orioles after the deadline

David Schoenfield

  (2:47 PM)

90 percent. One, why trade him? Two, not sure he'll bring a lot in return. Low OBP guy, disagreements on his defense. Good player, but not a great one, so I'm not sure a team would give up three good prospects for him.

Heath (Dallas)

As an Angels fan, I thought the Pujols signing was ridiculous. But I thought we'd get three MVP-caliber seasons. This is quickly becoming the worst contract in sports history -- well, second worse behind Vernon Wells. I'm now going to stick my head in the oven.

David Schoenfield

  (2:47 PM)

What do you think of benching Bourjos? Surprised the leash on him was so short after his good season last year.

David Schoenfield

  (2:48 PM)

Hey, everyone: Send in your final predicted numbers for Pujols.

Cas (Orlando)

Dave, who are your ideal 1-9 hitters in the game right now and why would you slot each one where they are?

David Schoenfield

  (2:48 PM)

Good question. Give me one second ...

David Schoenfield

  (2:49 PM)

No. 1: Kinsler. Power, OBP, great baserunner.

David Schoenfield

  (2:50 PM)

No. 2 -- Pedroia, Granderson or Altuve. Man, not a lot of good "regular" No. 2 hitters right now.

David Schoenfield

  (2:50 PM)

No. 3 -- Matt Kemp, of course

David Schoenfield

  (2:51 PM)

I shouldn't say of course on that last one. Miggy, Bautista, Votto also hit No. 3.

David Schoenfield

  (2:52 PM)

Cleanup ... interestingly, most of the best hitters seem to hit third right now. Guess I'd go Prince No. 4.

David Schoenfield

  (2:52 PM)

No. 5 -- Ortiz usually hits fifth (or, most often anyway)

David Schoenfield

  (2:54 PM)

Anyway, gets less interesting from there as guys move around. Nelson Cruz and Yadier Molina (when did he become so good, by the way?) are regular No. 6 guys.

David Schoenfield

  (2:54 PM)

OK, some Pujols responses ...

Tim (Philadelphia)

I'll go with .280/.370/.490 26 hrs 88 rbis

Marty (Fairfield, CT)

Pujols .280/ .345/ .790 29 HRs

David Schoenfield

  (2:54 PM)

Typo there ... must have meant .490 or .790 OPS.

Nick Papageorgio (Yuma, AZ)

Pujols: .280/.350/.450 with 28 HRs, 105 RBIs, 80 runs scored

Jeff (ABQ)

Poujols: .276 w/28 homers & 94 RBIs. Needless to say I think he will pick it up, but definitely not a $240M dollar man. Let's face it, Angels paid part of the money for the attraction, and as he heats up at least he'll provide that.

Ben (Georgia)

Pujols: .273, 22, 92.

Heath (Dallas)

Thought the Bourjos leash would be longer, but he regressed to the point where he just doesn't know what he's doing at the plate. They can't afford that hole in the lineup even though his defense is so outstanding.

TJ (Detroit)

A big part of Scherzer's problem is he's walking and getting behind too many hitters. Walks=holding guys on or close to bases, opening bigger holes. Getting behind puts fielders on their heels and = slightly slower defensive reaction times. Tiger defeners not good enough to compensate...

John (Cincinnati, OH)

Do you think that Dusty would play Mesoraco more if he could get a fake ID? Maybe one that is AARP eligible?

David Schoenfield

  (2:56 PM)

I wrote a little blog yesterday on this. I think there's evidence to suggest Hanigan is a legitimately outstanding defensive catcher (especially in framing pitches), so I can at least understand Dusty's reluctance to play Mesoraco more.

Michael (Los Angeles)

Assuming the Dodgers are still in contention and Magic & Co want to make a splash at the deadline to show fans they are for real - who are the most likely trade candidates for LA? thanks

David Schoenfield

  (2:58 PM)

The difficult thing about the trade deadline this year is more Twins will be in it. So, who are likely sellers: Padres, Mariners, A's, Pirates/Cubs/Astros, Twins, Orioles ... but who do those teams have who may be available? Brandon League, Erik Bedard, Adam Jones ... not much. Here's one fit for the Dodgers: How about Bryan LaHair for first base?

GG (PA)

So with all their offensive problems, the Angels have their most consistent hitter this season in Mark Trumbo parked on the bench in half their games? Will this change?

David Schoenfield

  (3:01 PM)

Where does he play? Unless you bench Morales, it's hard to get him in the lineup. He can't really play 3B. Although I'd suggest left field. Wells is all or nothing at this point (Pedro Alvarez, basically) and his defense isn't so good as to be valuable.

Ian (Tulsa)

Denard Span could be a nice trade chip

David Schoenfield

  (3:01 PM)

Yes, Dodgers could use a left fielder AND a leadoff hitters. Makes a lot of sense, actually.

Brenden Lowery (itspronouncedlajaway.com)

Pujols final numbers you ask? A little late I know. My vote- .281 27HR 91RBI Like David said, I just think he is on the decline. I really think some of it has to do with the change in leagues as well. It will be interesting to see IF and WHEN Pujols breaks out of his early season slump.

Ben (Pittsburgh, PA)

Was Edwin Encarnacion just hot this past month or will he be able to keep the Blue Jays in it with Bautista and Lind struggling?

David Schoenfield

  (3:02 PM)

He's hot, but he's good. Had a big second half last year when he started showing a little more patience at the plate. Maybe Bautista is rubbing off?

Mark (Missouri)

Interesting Molina started hitting when McGwire became the hitting coach.

David Schoenfield

  (3:02 PM)

I'm sure he's getting sound advice and nothing more!

Clay (Charlotte)

I bet Wren is happy he didn't trade all those arms for a big bat like everyone clamored for, but great 1st start from Hudson, good for him to be back.

David Schoenfield

  (3:03 PM)

Absolutely. Always love watching him pitch. Very underrated career.

Nick Papageorgio (Yuma, AZ)

Real quick, first manager to get canned this season?

David Schoenfield

  (3:04 PM)

Ned Yost? I'd say Gardenhire, but Twins are so conservative. Could be a year where NO managers get canned. Wonder if that's ever happened.

J-Fer (NJ)

In every other sport, athletes at every position are bigger/stronger/faster over the past 50 years...all except pitchers. Why does it seem that pitchers, specifically their durability, seem to be regressing?

David Schoenfield

  (3:07 PM)

Pitchers ARE bigger (and throw harder). The durability issue is more complicated. Hitters are stronger and more patient, so pitchers have tougher lineups than the '60s and '70s. There are probably are guys who could throw 280-300 innings, but managers aren't willing to take that risk. (Actually, including the postseason, I believe Chris Carpenter threw 280 innings last year.) But basically I think you're making an assumption that isn't necessarily true.

Nick Papageorgio (Yuma, AZ)

Hannigan has a high obp too. Not a total stiff.

Drew (Mpls)

I had to look. Nationals rank 20th in attendance. Team is playing well, young stars, bright future, new-ish ballpark. Should rank higher than 20th. Almost 10K less per game than the Twins and we're TERRIBLE now and will be TERRIBLE until Miguel Sano saves us all.

Ryan (Cincy)

Will Derek Lowe end up with more wins than Masterson? Crazy sport, bro.

David Schoenfield

  (3:08 PM)

You know what's amazing ... Lowe has NINE strikeouts all season. In five starts. Incredible. I'll still take Masterson.

GG (Rebuttal)

Morales was given the everyday DH/clean spot after two years away. Wells can't hit his weight and they are asking too much of Trout to jump start this team. Trumbo should be the modern day Tony Phillips, 3b (2 days), LF (2 days) DH (2 days)

David Schoenfield

  (3:10 PM)

I think that's what it evolves into. Although his defense at 3B is legitimately horrible. So maybe ... 2 LF/1 3B/1 RF/2 DH. Play him at 3B when Weaver (extreme flyball pitcher) starts.

Matt (Boise)

So are you taking the over or under on 2.5 hits for the Ms against Verlander?

David Schoenfield

  (3:10 PM)

Haha ... I'll take the over. Two hits is pretty tough, even for Verlander against the Mariners.

Ben (Pittsburgh, PA)

What do the Brewers do as a smaller market team trying to keep payroll in control if they are way out of it in July?

David Schoenfield

  (3:11 PM)

Well, I think they'll be in it, but the obvious decision would be whether you trade Greinke.

Clay (Charlotte)

Over, but barely.

Chris (KC)

If Mark Trumbo is your most consistent hitter, now or for the whole season, you are in a world of hurt.

Drew (Mpls)

Gardenhire is like my cat. I want it to die but it's probably going to outlive me. At least my cat knew that Punto was not a #2 hitter.

David Schoenfield

  (3:13 PM)

Last night: Mauer not in lineup with tweaked knee. OK. Twins down 4-3 in ninth. Gardenhire sends him to on-deck with TWO outs. Span is out, so Mauer never gets up. But if you're going to use him ... use him. Why not have Mauer hit for Trevor (.125) Plouffe to start the inning? Made no sense to me.

Justin (Redlands, CA)

For all the grief Pujols is getting, nobody is pointing out that his BABIP is a paltry .256 and his line drive % is the highest it's ever been. Albert Pujols has been rather unlucky so far.

David Schoenfield

  (3:14 PM)

Fair point. Which is why nobody thinks he's going to hit .221. But I do think there are clear issues with his game beyond bad luck.

Jared (NJ)

It seems that when you look at what pitchers throw particular pitches, I never see left-handed pitchers throw a 2-seam fastball. If they have another fastball other than a 4-seam, it is usually a cutter. Is there a difference in arm angles that makes the 2-seam less effective from a leftie?

David Schoenfield

  (3:16 PM)

Hmm ... hadn't thought of that. If true, it could be a case of using a cutter to ride in on right-handed batters, which maybe makes it a more effective pitch than a two-seamer that sinks a little. Worth checking to see if true that lefties don't throw as many 2-seamers.

Clay (Charlotte)

Do you think pitchers still load balls? I know the Kenny Rogers "dirt on the hand" fiasco a few years ago, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of people getting caught or accused of it. Are the pitchers better at it or do you think the penalty caught up to the crime?

David Schoenfield

  (3:17 PM)

You here very few rumors about this anymore. When I was first watching baseball in the '70s and '80s, you always heard about guys doctoring the ball. Maybe it died out with Glavine and Maddux!

Marty (Fairfield, CT)

Jard in NJ, check out The James / Neyer guide to pitchers. Awesome stuff.

Ryan (Cincy)

Shouldn't someone give Wakefield a call? Can't believe he couldn't help a team.

David Schoenfield

  (3:18 PM)

Wakefield was pretty bad last year. 5.12 ERA, but that was held down by 22 unearned runs.

Ben (Pittsburgh, PA)

What is going on with the Marlins? Is it the new ballpark, the Ozzie Guillen drama hangover, or just because there are a few more people in the stands?

David Schoenfield

  (3:20 PM)

Or ... they're just playing bad. Jose Reyes has scored six runs, Stanton has one home run (bad knee), Josh Johnson has been lit like a Christmas tree (sorry, bad pun), Heath Bell has been bad (which a lot of stat guys predicted), Bonifacio doesn't have an XBH, etc.

Keith (ATL)

Heyward has been in a slump for his past 50 ABs, but his linedrive and flyballs rates are high and the groundball rates are low, he'll be fine.

Ian (Tulsa)

Mauer couldn't run last night. Couldn't play defense and would need pinch runner. Twins bench already thinned b/c of in-game Morneau injury.

David Schoenfield

  (3:22 PM)

I thought of that, but if Span gets and Mauer ties the game with a hit, you would have needed to replace him anyway. Bigger issue: TWINS ARE CARRYING 13 PITCHERS. That organization is complete disaster right now.

mikebk (bkny)

Nats attendance will pick back up after Caps playoffs are over.

Stros Fan (Hell)

How long do you think JD Martinez and Altuve keep playing at this high a level? Do you think it's realistic for Altuve to finish at .330 and JD to hit .280 with 25 HR?

David Schoenfield

  (3:22 PM)

Close to those numbers, although Martinez is more a 15-18 homer guy than 25.

Tim (Philadelphia)

Pujols being "unlucky" has nothing to do with his 6% BB rate and his elevated K%. THAT'S what's really concerning to me.

David Schoenfield

  (3:23 PM)

That's it a nutshell. He's swinging at more pitchers out of the strike zone than a few years ago. Why? Common probably as hitters attempt to "speed" up their bats, leaving themselves vulnerable to breaking pitches.

mikebk (bkny)

You asked about another team that has an 8 deep lineup, I think the Nats do healthy, Desmond, Harper, Zimmerman, Laroche, Werth, Morse, Espinosa, and Ramos, do you?

David Schoenfield

  (3:24 PM)

Well, we don't know yet about Harper and Desmond is a marginal regular due to his low OBP.

Ryan (ATL)

Michael Bourn is a hit machine. That is all.

Jon (DC)

Nats have had ten home games and one of them was a near rainout. After a sold out Tuesday night game tonight, they will make a big jump. Has this chat never heard of small sample size. Jeez.

Garrett (Dallas)

Dave, it seems like most contending teams are getting older (Phillies, Yankees), but the Texas Rangers seem to be getting younger while still being contenders. Are we seeing a dynasty? Are they the 90's Braves that also lost back to back world series?

David Schoenfield

  (3:25 PM)

Yes, Rangers are going to be good for a long time. Talent, money (huge TV deal kicks in in a couple years) and a smart front office.

mk (albuquerque)

before we go too far w/ the calls for gardenhire's head we should all take a look at the twins roster. god him/herself couldn't squeeze 81 wins outta that festering pile of *******

David Schoenfield

  (3:26 PM)

That's why I said the whole organization needs a reboot. Quite relying on all these finesse pitchers, for starters.

Tarek (NYC)

If the Ranges are the 90's braves, Are the Rays the 90's Pirates without Bonds leaving?

David Schoenfield

  (3:26 PM)

Pirates never made a World Series!

Tarek (NYC)

After Years of Jeter bashing by the sabr guys Jeter was underrated and now after this year he is overrated again. Got to love NY Media and fans. sigh....

Ian (Tulsa)

Agreed. But hasn't Terry Ryan and Gardy past success give them some rope to rebuild this time? I know they're no longer a small market but the Twins were the only small market team that remained competitive with two different nucleus of players in the last decade.

David Schoenfield

  (3:28 PM)

Right, not really suggesting they fire Gardy, but maybe franchise needs to rethink things/approach/philosophy a little bit.

Sean (Lexington)

I'll tell you who gets fired first. DUSTY! They went all in with that team and if you watch them, not the most consistent club, and a lot of days they don't show much life. If Votto and bruce weren't being Votto and Bruce....they may have already fired him.

David Schoenfield

  (3:29 PM)

Good call. Doesn't have a contract beyond this year. No need to be patient like with Ned Yost or Bud Black or whoever is managing the Astros.

Magic Johnson (Los Angeles)

Just wanted to point out to everyone that MY Dodgers have the best pitcher in the game, best hitter in the game, good young pitching in the minors, and an UNLIMITED amount of money to spend on free agents. Rest of the league has been warned....

Francisco Liriano (Minny)

I throw a 2-seamer, though I have no idea where it's going.

BK (Mpls)

With all the Pujols talk, Joey Bats is getting a pass on his awful season.

David Schoenfield

  (3:30 PM)

At least he's drawing walks. Just guessing here, but from watching a few games: Baustista gets nothing to hit. He just has to take his walks. Can't keep getting yourself out.

David (UCSB)

Why is Wilson Ramos so lazy behind the plate? Watching him catch twice against the Dodgers last weekend was cringe worthy. He refused to block balls with his body even though the winning run was at third base.

David Schoenfield

  (3:31 PM)

Didn't see those plays. Don't remember him having a terrible defensive reputation, so maybe it was just a bad weekend.

Wes (Memphis)

Final Pujols line: .269/.337/.438 17 HRs, 72 RBIsYou heard it here first.

Ian (Tulsa)

Just b/c I love rubbing salt in your wound on this - did you know Twins archtype pitcher Radke had as many 5+ WAR seasons as Red Sox 'aces' Beckett and Lackey, combined? The problem isn't not having enough strike outs, it's not having enough good pitchers, of any type.

Chris (OH)

Dusty should be fired for simply having Wilson Valdez, and Willie Harris make the team, those guys are not big leaguers, and why both?

Andrew (SF)

Thoughts on Michael Saunders?

David Schoenfield

  (3:34 PM)

Fourth outfielder. Good athlete, but holes in his swing. Don't think he'll ever hit lefties enough.

jack (phoenix)

when do you think my Dbacks bring up Bauer? the kid is nasty and seems like hes a strasburg lite type.

David Schoenfield

  (3:35 PM)

Well, Wade Miley looks OK. Bauer is also walking over 5 batters per nine in Double-A. I'd still like to see a few more strikes from him before he gets called up.

Jeff (ABQ)

I think we need to clarify that the Pirates didn't make a World Series that year Mr. S! We've made a few in our time (and more recently than the Cubs!)

David Schoenfield

  (3:37 PM)

That's what I meant -- the Rays have made a World Series, but the early '90s Pirates didn't. But, yes, the Pirates have a long history B.B. (Before Bonds)

David (UCSB)

The Twins failures should and can be blamed on their horrible drafts. Why do they seem to fall in love with short RHP that can't break 90mph?

David Schoenfield

  (3:37 PM)

That's more what I'm getting at. Blame Brad Radke! Twins don't seem to draft enough high-upside pitchers in the first round.

Matt (SF)

My final numbers for Pujols: $250,000,000

David Schoenfield

  (3:39 PM)

And with that ... let's call it a day. Thanks, Matt, for a perfect finale to our chat. I'll see you guys next week. Bryce Harper's home debut tonight ...