JotCast | Ben Clemens FanGraphs Chat

Ben Clemens FanGraphs Chat - 5/18/20

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Ben Clemens

3:02

I think it's because I've mainly been watching in Korean, and I think I rely on English language announcing to tell me 'oh hey, pay attention, x is up'

3:03

Because otherwise I'm checking my phone or reading or cooking or whatnot

The vocal cue that I should watch is really good

Because I just don't stare at the screen for the entirety of a baseball game

3:04

Second, Kang Baek-Ho (I'm still undecided on which way I'll go in regards to ordering names) is the man

He looks good enough to play in the majors someday for sure

But my favorite KBO player is definitely Yang Eui-Ji

3:05

He's Mike Piazza essentially

He had a 179 wRC+ last year as a catcher!

And it's no joke, you watch him at the plate and he just crushes

Laser beams everywhere, never strikes out

The Stranger

3:05

Just wanted to say that you and Craig are spot on wrt the owners’ whining. Honestly, it’s getting hard to justify being a fan of this sport after being lied to so much

Ben Clemens

3:05

Thank you!

It's a weird position.

Like, I just love baseball

3:06

That's why I'm a baseball writer; it's not for the sweet sweet glory of being a media member

Though I also love writing, don't get me wrong

3:07

I think it's acceptable to accept that the owners aren't giving us the full truth

And still like baseball

You just have to think of it as PR posturing

They don't believe this stuff any more than I do

They just think it gets them an edge in negotiations

And like, that sucks

But I still like baseball!

3:08

So I just say it sucks, and carry on liking it.

I dunno Maybe I'm just a coward, and I should have a stronger opinion.

But that's how I think about it.

Jeff

3:08

Why don't minor leaguers who wanted a min salary just go out and get a real job? It's easy just pick yourself up by the boot straps, presentable, and speak the english good

Ben Clemens

3:08

Haha yeah right? Why don't they just have some money saved away for a rainy day

Like responsible individuals and businesses do

3:09

Everyone should be able to handle a bump in the road without furloughing rent or meals

Wait

You can't furlough your rent

Only employees

Wait am I mixing up individual responsibility (if you're not rich it's because it's your fault) and team responsibility (don't worry we have your back)?

It's all so confusing these days

Derek

3:09

I recently started an OOTP game with the Angels, and I audibly celebrated when Albert Pujols decided to retire after 2020. That contract is... really not great. But hey, at least the Angels are one of the few teams willing to actually spend money!

Ben Clemens

3:10

Although of course, it's confusing, because Arte Moreno is reportedly the owner most adamant that he won't accept current salary levels

But yeah, that was not the best contract ever

I was quite sad when the Angels signed him away. And even then, as a far less baseball-savvy person, I thought woooooof, that contract looks sketch

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