OK, it’s still only April, but when you check the MLB standings this morning, you find that the Yankees and Mets have the best records in their respective Leagues. One assessment is to say, “it’s early but hey, better than the alternative.” Another is to say, “hell yes, these are the top 2 teams in baseball!”
SU says the answer is found in who they have played so far. For the Yankees, other than a couple of series at home against the Red Sox and the Blue Jays, they have played the worst teams in the AL. Beating up on Baltimore, Detroit and Cleveland is what good teams are supposed to do, and truth be told, the offense is finally coming alive. The pitching has been consistently solid and the offense is showing signs of life the last week or so beating up on the Guardians and the O’s. SU says good progress but we really need to see how they perform against the better teams. But much more entertaining the last week. The answer is TBD.
Now, the Mets, aside from getting hit by pitches almost every game, are a legitimate top tier team in the NL. Their line up is balanced and they put the ball in play. They played the SF Giants tough last week which was a great sign, and got the better of the Cardinals. The Mets are contenders this year. They need their star pitchers to be around in September but they are the better team in NY.
Have you noticed how much trouble pitchers have had lately controlling pitches? A combination of dry weather, cold temperatures and even wind seems to make it hard to grip the ball for breaking pitches. SU read an article that pitchers are highly critical of MLB for not finding a solution to the gripping issue now that Spider Tac has been outlawed. The hitters are nervous as the pitchers don’t know where the ball is going. SU says you should not need a rocket scientist to figure this out. Talk to the pitchers and figure out a solution (for a suitable solution to rub on your hands). Get it done.
The Nets are history. Thank goodness. Kyrie has already said that he will be working with ownership and the GM to rework the roster. Really? That is what you want? He’s a great player but toxic. Like last off-season, the Nets will have to find veteran players who want to take less money to play with Durant. Not sure they want to play with Kyrie. The problem is that these guys can’t stay healthy and that is why they are available.
There will be some really good 2nd round NBA playoff series. Bucks and Celtics is likely the best one. But a Golden State – Memphis series would be must see TV.
SU dozed off for most of the NFL draft but seemed to be a lot of trading action after the first 10 picks. Early signs that both the Jets and Giants did well but SU would like to hear from the experts on that front. It’s interesting to see how the NFL embraces Las Vegas now when just a few years ago, that was not a destination due to sports betting concerns. Different day now and Vegas is a hub. It’s probably just a matter of time before there are MLB and NBA teams there as well.
Finally, SU does not like the Wimbledon ban on Russian and Belarussian players. I get it that a Russian team in the Olympics or some other world championship, e.g., World Cup, should not be allowed to compete. But banning individual players in tennis or golf is not right. I would not be surprised to see that decision reversed before the tournament.
Sports Update Intergalactic 
Beat up the bad teams and play 500 against the good ones and you win pennants—that has been Yankee formula since the 30s. Of course us losing to Baltimore so many times last year almost cost us playoff spot so modern Yankees are. It so great at this but this year is promising Let’s see if Atlanta Braves come alive with Acura Jr back and give Mets a run for their money. Of course Mets are dong this without Degrom so they have a B12 injection coming down the road
Not to answer any of your direct questions above but I’m at the point where MLB needs to create and enforce a flagrant 1 / flagrant 2 system when pitchers are clearly throwing at batters. Nobody wants to see the chin music resulting in a full on brawl. (Well, it is entertaining to watch but is not good for the sport when it results in an unnecessary injury)
If an umpiring crew is convinced the pitch was intentional they can check the replay and either give a warning (flagrant 1) or throw the pitcher out on the spot (flagrant 2). Throw the crybaby manager out too when he comes out to kick dirt on home plate because he thinks his team was wronged. If you can’t control your pitches at the major league level maybe you shouldn’t be in the major leagues.
Discuss.
Interesting. Most pitchers would probably say that they were trying to push a hitter off the plate but truth be told, didn’t really care if it ended up hitting the batter. It can be a matter of inches. But you are right that in the NBA, you are also interpreting intent. I think it’s a good idea and why not pilot it in the minor leagues to see. They won’t have the benefit of replay but I agree it’s not a good look for baseball to have so many batters hit in the face and head. Not at 100 mph.
Though we have had our debates on views in sports from A to Z your last comment in not wanting to ban all players from Russia and Belarus was shocking to hear. OK… I’m sure if they say anything then their governments would probably send them to prison for a mild sentence… say 10 years. For humanity’s sake they should move along with their families out of their terrorist country and settle somewhere where there are rules, laws and the respect for mankind. I’m sure that every dollar…(can’t say ruble as it has no value) their governments take a very large chunk of that. This means that they are indirectly fueling their terrorist countries. Now, if the players keep their paycheck in total then that’s another story….but wouldn’t you be curious to know what their government will do/ask/demand of them, especially as these countries are going to get more and more desperate. The war and its atrocities must be attacked form every single aspect, which includes hurting their interests in sports.
I agree with you on the Met’s. The verdict is still out there for the Yankees. Lets see how they do on their AWAY games for the next week.
The Giants and Jets both did well in the 1st round. On paper and what we saw in college these 4 players should be the real deal. Even with that said I wonder who will have more wins.. The Bills or the Jets & Giants collectively.