A Quick Word: The dumbest MLB idea that didn't come from Rob Manfred
Second base runner to start extras? Oh yeah.
Rob Manfred’s idea train is about as good as General Custard’s these days, but even he couldn’t wrestle up something as stupid as canceling the minor league circuit--or at least its affiliation with the Major Leagues.
Wait a second, this isn’t me calling for this. It’s the good old folks at the deader than a doornail Deadspin website. Their stock and shit got shipped a little while back, dumping writers and finally burying the needy aunt website of the sports world.
Check out their train of thought here:
Get the fuck out. Seriously. Commissioner Manfred is already trying to put in place the stupid ideas, something he pulled off recently with putting a runner at second base to start the 10th inning. Pitch Con works according to Max Scherzer, but he also would like it removed. It’s a game pace controlling tactic disguised as a sign-stealing tactic. Believe it.
But this Deadspin idea from Sam Fels takes the cake. The latest power rankings:
1) This
2) Runner at second.
3) Pitch clock.
4) This.
5) Manfred as a boss.
This is where Fels will think I’m just another Cards fan-turned-writer who is whiny. Not really. Your team, for the record, is buried for a little while in rebuilding rubble. The kind of rubble that requires lots of pieces being removed slowly. But truly, if any other fanbase writer published this, I’d launch it into the sky with a few grenades attached.
There’s nothing wrong with the system. You’re just mad that your overrated catcher is leaving Chicago without spending his entire life there. St. Louis experienced that with a legit superstar back in 2012 with Albert Pujols. Our catcher will retire with his Redbird boots this October. Shit happens in this business. Stars leave. Overrated but still good catchers do too.
The minors is a large system of jobs thanks to its ties with the big leagues. Yeah, certain areas (how they’re fed) need to be improved, but blowing it up won’t help anything. You’re not cutting the string with three minor league teams with MLB teams. Where do you start? If Sam included this part, skip it anyway.
We all see players come and go. Writer, journalist, blogger, or fan. But then we move on. Moving on doesn’t mean blowing up the minor leagues.
Signed and sealed,
Buffa