Does it feel to anyone else like the challenge system is really going to fray umpire-batter / umpire-catcher relationships? Seems like every time a player gets a call overturned, they're going to be hard pressed not to lord it over the ump, and possibly vice versa.

Umpires and hitters at least both seem to have very fragile egos. Seems like ejections might be on the rise, especially as stats start being tabulated on which umpires have the worst challenge percentages.

There already is a challenge system on plays in the field. Have you seen it happening over the last several years?

Mathguy64 said:

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txags92 said:

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Ag_07 said:

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And the fact that pitchers think everything is a strike.

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Framber will use up both team challenges in the first inning unless Hinch puts a muzzle on him.

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So if the catcher calls for a curve down and in to a RHH and Framber throws a fastball smoking the catcher in the chest and the HP umpire is so confused that he calls it a ball, will Framber appeal?

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Either that or he will throw one at the umpire's head.

Quote:

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Either that or he will throw on at the umpire's head.

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And then immediately challenge the umpire for calling it a ball.

CharleyKerfeld said:

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Does it feel to anyone else like the challenge system is really going to fray umpire-batter / umpire-catcher relationships? Seems like every time a player gets a call overturned, they're going to be hard pressed not to lord it over the ump, and possibly vice versa.

Umpires and hitters at least both seem to have very fragile egos. Seems like ejections might be on the rise, especially as stats start being tabulated on which umpires have the worst challenge percentages.

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I could see that but what I HOPE happens is the sub-par umpires (of which there are plenty) will get so embarrassed that they'll start to slowly adjust their zones to avoid being called out constantly. It's the classic negative reinforcement technique.

I also hope the ones who refuse to adjust become so humiliated they decide to retire early to avoid the constant ridicule. To be honest, this is the more likely scenario...at least I'm hoping for that outcome.

EastCoastAgNc said:

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linkdude said:

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yiiiiikes

MLBPA executive director Tony Clark resigned after an internal investigation revealed he had an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, who had been hired by the union in 2023, sources tell me and @DVNJr.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 17, 2026

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Yeah that'll get your fired... Keep it in your pants man. He's due one hell of an ass whooping from his brother.

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Sister in law could also mean his wife's sister.

And while I don't condone it, if that's what happened, that's pretty impressive.

CharleyKerfeld said:

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Does it feel to anyone else like the challenge system is really going to fray umpire-batter / umpire-catcher relationships? Seems like every time a player gets a call overturned, they're going to be hard pressed not to lord it over the ump, and possibly vice versa.

Umpires and hitters at least both seem to have very fragile egos. Seems like ejections might be on the rise, especially as stats start being tabulated on which umpires have the worst challenge percentages.

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They used it in the Fall League. I went to 14 games and the home plate umpire's call was upheld the majority of the time.

Fun article.

Baseball
Beisbol
Yakyuu
Bangqiu

Astros' Word of Day helping to bridge language gaps, build relationships.

"We can learn from each other." https://t.co/UKDYyAcWVE

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 17, 2026

CharleyKerfeld said:

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EastCoastAgNc said:

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linkdude said:

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yiiiiikes

MLBPA executive director Tony Clark resigned after an internal investigation revealed he had an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, who had been hired by the union in 2023, sources tell me and @DVNJr.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 17, 2026

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Yeah that'll get your fired... Keep it in your pants man. He's due one hell of an ass whooping from his brother.

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Sister in law could also mean his wife's sister.

And while I don't condone it, if that's what happened, that's pretty impressive.

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Need to see evidence before its considered impressive

very cool guest today

it's been a while since we checked in on Giancarlo's disastrous contract

coming to an end soon...but not yet

according to B.R...the Marlins are picking up $10 MM this year

Not Astros-related, but had to share.

“23, my mom thinks you’re hot!”

Instantly rewards this kid’s mom with a taco: pic.twitter.com/VoqPpjZOJD

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) February 18, 2026

Happy Birthday, Isaac! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/EhglY9jRbK

— Houston Astros (@astros) February 18, 2026

Will he get a new team for his birthday?

Nothing to see here... keep moving.

Chances of Winning 2026 World Series (FanGraphs):

27.3% Dodgers 😮
9.5% Braves
8.3% Mariners
7.6% Mets
5.8% Yankees
5.5% Tigers
4.8% Phillies
4.3% Blue Jays
4.0% Red Sox
3.8% Cubs
3.7% Orioles
1.9% Pirates
1.8% Royals
1.7% Rangers
1.5% Brewers
1.4% Astros
1.3% Giants
1.2% Twins…

— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) February 18, 2026

I don't think LAD are high enough. And Rangers? Ok.

agproducer said:

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Nothing to see here... keep moving.

Chances of Winning 2026 World Series (FanGraphs):

27.3% Dodgers 😮
9.5% Braves
8.3% Mariners
7.6% Mets
5.8% Yankees
5.5% Tigers
4.8% Phillies
4.3% Blue Jays
4.0% Red Sox
3.8% Cubs
3.7% Orioles
1.9% Pirates
1.8% Royals
1.7% Rangers
1.5% Brewers
1.4% Astros
1.3% Giants
1.2% Twins…

— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) February 18, 2026

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Please someone give me 3 to 1 odds on the Dodgers winning the world series.

Off topic, but I am confused about the new Space City Plus streaming service.

I think I would be good, but I wanted to see what y'all think. If you are living in Corpus Christi, you should still be able to view all of the games through the streaming service subscription right?

I just want to make sure they won't be blocked before I purchase the subscription.

nickstro66 said:

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Off topic, but I am confused about the new Space City Plus streaming service.

I think I would be good, but I wanted to see what y'all think. If you are living in Corpus Christi, you should still be able to view all of the games through the streaming service subscription right?

I just want to make sure they won't be blocked before I purchase the subscription.

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I found this on the SCHN+ website:

"Blackouts are contractual rules that prevent us from showing certain games. This typically occurs when a game is broadcast exclusively on a national network, such as ESPN or TNT. If a game is blacked out, it will not be available to stream on the SCHN+ app."

What are blackout restrictions on SCHN+? : SCHN+ Support

nickstro66 said:

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Off topic, but I am confused about the new Space City Plus streaming service.

I think I would be good, but I wanted to see what y'all think. If you are living in Corpus Christi, you should still be able to view all of the games through the streaming service subscription right?

I just want to make sure they won't be blocked before I purchase the subscription.

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.

Corpus is in the Astros regional territory (as is all of Texas plus most of Louisiana, Ark, OK). So you should be able to see all of the regional games that appear on SCHN. You won't get any of the national exclusive games via that subscription, though.