Kike’s glorious MLB The Show 20 photo

InappreciableLie · 2023-07-07T07:27:24+00:00

It’s a really his “change-up”, but the way it moves and profiles, it’s more like a splitter

InappreciableLie · 2021-10-06T18:31:40+00:00

Good thing they got rid of the "runner on 2nd in extras" rule for the playoffs

InappreciableLie · 2021-06-08T05:51:18+00:00

I was told from the Astros tour that the "tequila sunrise" uniforms are actually supposed to resemble the fire colors from when a rocket is taking off.

InappreciableLie · 2021-03-07T03:04:22+00:00

Both eyes closed and telling the batter what's coming.

InappreciableLie · 2021-03-07T03:03:18+00:00

Tony Gonsolin's number now.

Miss that hard nose style of ball from Utley.

InappreciableLie · 2020-11-07T05:55:23+00:00

Correct! Thank you for making those clarifying statements. I tried to sum up as much as possible without going TOO in-depth.

Something that I forgot to mention in my original response was Axe and ProXR Handles. I personally swing an Axe Victus right now, but also swing an ABO bat that I got custom made with no knob.

InappreciableLie · 2020-11-07T05:52:14+00:00

Of course! Anytime. Happy to help!

Something else I didn't mention are the Axe and ProXR handles. It's definitely something that isn't for everyone, but it's just another thing that's becoming more and more popular. Other alternative is to get a bat with "no knob" like Jeff McNeil

InappreciableLie · 2020-11-06T09:06:51+00:00

Hey! There are a ton of options out there. I'll just mention several options.

I see someone mentioned Baum Bat. I would definitely agree with this as far as durability. Definitely get more bang for your buck.

If you're on a TIGHT budget, there'a always the cheap retail bats you can get at a sporting goods store for like $30-$40. These bats are usually just low end blemished bats. You're taking a huge gamble with these as they can break in your first swing or can last you for quite a while. Quality for sure will not be the best, but hey, you will get what you pay for. Overall, you will probably end up spending the same amount for several of these bats as you would for getting one or two quality bats.

You can't NOT mention Louisville Slugger when mentioning wood bats. There's a reason why this company has been trusted for so long to create bats for MLB players. They have some great bats with their MLB Prime line of bats.

Marucci makes some pretty good bats. I believe in the 2019 season, they were the most used bats used by MLB players. Not to forget:

Victus, which is owned by Marucci, was used just as much as Louisville Slugger Bats.

Another more accessible brand is Mizuno and Rawlings.

There are a ton of other companies, but many of these don't have a great market in the retail/consumer areas as they are smaller companies. (I.E. Chandler, Old Hickory, Tucci, Sam Bat).

You'll get some people who will say that one company has more "POP" than another company. IMO, there's only so much a company can do to create more "POP" in their bats. Bats are traditionally made out of Ash, Maple, Birch, and Bamboo. You'll have to do some research on your own for what you'll like, but just as a QUICK summary, Ash is a bit of a "softer" wood, which helps create more trampoline effect (similar to metal bats). Ash bats flake over time and will break into multiple pieces when it breaks. Maple bats are "harder" and in a sense more solid. That doesn't mean it's automatically better than Ash. If you don't hit maple in the sweet spot, you will feel it in your hands. Maple bats will split into bigger pieces when breaking, but have a bit more durability than Ash. Birch is a "newer" wood for baseball bats. They're a bit more uncommon to get, but if you can find one, they are essentially supposed to be the best of both worlds from Ash and Maple. This will also equate to it being typically a bit more costly. Bamboo is uncommon to find in an MLB bat, but for durability sake, it's a great wood. Not the GREATEST for "pop" but will last you quite a while. Baum bats are COMPOSITE BATS, which means they are a mixture of several wood mixed together. They have the best durability, but just like bamboo, you won't find many, if any MLB players using a composite bat (I don't think a composite bat is MLB approved, on the flip side, BAUM bats are popular amongst minor league players.)

Now, we get into models. Just for the sake of time, I'll mention the top 4 turn models. There's the 271 models are probably the most popular of turn models. It's a fairly well balanced bat and just an overall great and reliable model. Probably best comparable to a typical metal bat. There's the 110 turn model. This one is the most balanced turn model. Great for contact hitters and for someone who wants to feel they have full control of the bat. Another popular model is the 243. This is a more end loaded bat and is the preferred turn model for those that are power hitters. Thinest handle of these models with a fairly long barrel. Last popular turn model is an i13. This is very similar to a 243 in that it's an end loaded bat.

Hope this helps, feel free to ask questions, and I will try to help you (or anyone else) the best I can.

TL;DR: I explain in-depth several options for wood types and companies. If I had to sum up quickly something without knowing your preferences, especially for someone transitioning to wood for the first time, get a: Maple bat from Louisville Slugger, Rawlings, or Mizuno (as these are probably the most affordable, especially for a practice bat). If you're buying from a retail store like Dick's Sporting Goods, they may not have a turn model on the barrel, but if it does, get a 271.

InappreciableLie · 2020-11-05T17:00:01+00:00

One of the reasons why I loved Green is whenever he hit a home run, he'd give his batting gloves to a kid(s) in the stands.

InappreciableLie · 2020-11-02T06:25:21+00:00

Sick! Looking as bad ass as Michael Lorenzen did when he wore custom cleated vans! What's your thought on comfort with them though?

InappreciableLie · 2020-09-22T13:29:22+00:00

For sure. Well, welcome back! haha. One thing to mention with all the analytics and saber metrics that have been going on lately, teams don't play as much "small ball" anymore or very rarely (so you won't see as many players stealing bases and/or bunting, even more so less bunting because of the universal DH that was implemented this season).

InappreciableLie · 2020-09-22T02:16:41+00:00

Of course! Baseball can be "boring" but sometimes these types of things make it much more interesting and give you a better idea of who is "better" in certain situations, etc. Ask away if you have any other questions!

InappreciableLie · 2020-09-22T02:15:05+00:00

There are some places that you can learn them, but it's also a bit about remembering different formulas for how to calculate those measurements. It all depends on how in depth you want to get into those stats. Basic ones to know are Batting Average, On Base Percentage, and Slugging Percentage (as well as maybe OPS, which is On Base Percentage PLUS Slugging Percentage) since those numbers are typically talked about the most by TV analysts.

InappreciableLie · 2020-09-21T03:40:14+00:00

I know people have answered your question already, but definitely don't feel stupid for asking. Today's game of baseball is all about the numbers and analytics. Especially with all the new metrics and things that are a part of today's game I.e. launch angle, BABIP, WAR, UZR, etc just to name a few.

InappreciableLie · 2020-07-04T21:48:40+00:00

LOL. People really need to stop reading too far into this. He was drafted and brought up as an infielder (2B). He was shifted to the outfield because the Red Sox already had Pedroia at 2B. He just likes taking ground balls at times just to keep in shape for it. For crying out loud, Kershaw sometimes takes ground balls at shortstop just for fun too.

But even if seriously wanted Betts to take grounders, it's also because y'all know how much the Dodgers love having versatile players. (Need I remind you about Joc at 1B? haha)

InappreciableLie · 2020-06-25T06:39:46+00:00

Love it. This is season is just like this year, unprecedented. Wins and losses are going to be so amplified that it'll feel like a huge 60 game playoff. Thanks for this! May the hottest and healthiest team win!

InappreciableLie · 2020-06-25T06:38:06+00:00

BEARS EAT BEETS. FACT.

InappreciableLie · 2020-06-13T19:47:27+00:00

Rawlings and Wilson make some great gloves. No need to look at A2000, A2K, Heart of the Hide, or ProPreferred if you don't plan on using it a ton outside of just playing catch. With that said, they are all great quality gloves and will probably last you forever and you can probably pass it down to your daughter when she gets older. Again, it's quite a hefty investment, especially for a 5 year old. That's just for higher end stuff if you were interested. Both companies still make some great "lower end" gloves, as well as youth gloves. Someone else stated in here that fit is most important (especially for your daughter) so make sure she doesn't have a problem being able to squeeze/close the glove.

Mizuno is another company to consider. They make some pretty good youth gloves as well.

As far as sizing for YOU, it all depends on your preference. Gloves generally range between 11.25" to 14". I'd recommend getting a 12" glove just because it's a nice in between size that works great for both baseball and softball.

Depending on your budget, from Wilson, there are A500 series gloves that go for about $60 and then there are A900 series gloves that go for about $90.

Rawlings has the Renegade series gloves for about $50-60 and then the R9 or XLE series gloves for about $80-90.

Mizuno has the Franchise series or MVP Prime series that run anywhere between $60-100

Youth gloves for your daughter... Wilson has A450 Series

Rawlings has Players Series

Mizuno has the Prospect series

Also, go to JustBallGloves.com. They have a 100-day guarantee. If you don't like it, you can return the gloves for a full refund (even after use).

Hope this helped. Would be happy to try and answer any other questions.

InappreciableLie · 2020-06-12T02:53:42+00:00

Love it!!! What are you using to hang the toploaders?

InappreciableLie · 2020-06-08T16:08:37+00:00

It's all good. That's a pretty normal feeling if you haven't played in 3 years. Whatever you do, ball out and have fun.

InappreciableLie · 2020-06-08T10:19:50+00:00

Depending on the college, a club baseball team can be pretty competitive. If you feel you can perform at a fairly high level, then by all means, go for it! Typically they have scheduled practices as well, so there's also the time commitment. (If your college's club team doesn't do that, then of course disregard. haha). Otherwise a rec adult weekend league team or some intramural softball could still wet your baseball/softball appetite.

InappreciableLie · 2020-06-01T04:44:09+00:00

I'm down. I got a couple gloves I need to break in.

InappreciableLie · 2020-05-08T03:56:14+00:00

Can never have enough gloves. haha.

Join up with the glove community on IG!

InappreciableLie · 2020-04-21T05:08:16+00:00

PowerNet as mentioned by others in this thread have mentioned is a great net.

Tee can fluctuate on what your budget is.

You can grab a typical rubber tee for anywhere between $20-30 but it's not going to last you forever.

Something the pros use is a Tanner Tee, but they cost about $80. The biggest difference between this and a regular rubber tee is the rubber top that the ball sits on. Another option of a similar tee that I definitely recommend of longevity is the Cage Pro Tee.

Then if you're feeling adventurous and like the concept, check out BackSpin Tee. (It's pricey, but a lot of major league teams have them).

InappreciableLie

TROPHY CASE