A new twist on the Nolan Arenado-Kris Bryant debate

Who would you rather have: Nolan Arenado or Kris Bryant? | The Athletic ($)

Uh, Nolan. Obviously.

This article starts by framing teams as gentlemen callers and players as the objects of their affections. So given the title, I guess the article is asking whether we would rather have sexual relations with Nolan Arenado or Kris Bryant?

I’m not going to think too long or hard about that one.

But I’m going with Nolan there too.

The article then moves back into the baseball realm by asking us, “Which third baseman do you want on your team: Nolan Arenado or Kris Bryant?” And apparently the answer is Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Which ... OK. (Kris Bryant is his second choice.)

So that’s weird.

Let’s settle this one:

Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Who would you rather have?

MLB’s Sticky Service Time Situation | Fangraphs

So what’s going to happen with service time this year? Well, if we end up actually having a season, it seems likely both salaries and service time will be prorated. That makes sense.

But what if the entire season is cancelled?

That’s where things get sticky.

The MLBPA wants an entire year of service time, based on service time accrued in 2019. Basically, the players association is suggesting that any player who was on a major league roster for at least 60 days in 2019 should get an entire year of service time this year if the season is cancelled.

MLB does not want that.

As this article points out, not giving players the service time severely affects their future earnings. Everyone loses their salary for 2020 plus any arbitration raises they would have received after the 2020 season and any salary implications from the owners losing a year of revenue. Plus everyone is a year older, which limits what teams may be willing to offer in future contracts.

For example:

Tommy Pham has been outspoken about the matter, but losing this season’s pay amounts to more than half of what his earnings thus far have been, and hitting free agency after his age-34 season instead of after age-33 as he would if he received service time this season creates the potential for the loss of millions more. A three-year deal might turn into a two-year deal, or a two-year deal might turn into one.

Yes, team owners are going to take a hit this year, regardless of how many games are actually played. But so are all the players for the rest of their careers.

And for those of you who are thinking players shouldn’t complain about it because they already make millions of dollars, I present you with this question:

Someone is going to earn those millions of dollars. Who should it be: the owners, or the players who are actually on the field?

Now that’s what I call a sticky situation.

Hot take: 5 best catchers in Rockies history | MLB.com

There are a lot of ways to measure “best.”

By bWAR, it’s Chris Ianetta.

By fWAR, it’s Jeff Reed.

By Thomas Harding, it’s Yorvit Torrealba.

I’m not going to argue with any of these picks, except to point out that according to bWAR, Tony Wolters is a better Rockies catcher than Yorvit Torrealba.

No one knows how much baseball will be played this year, but any would be better than none | Washington Post

This article is 1500 words. But using my magic editorial skills, I’ve condensed it to 60 for you:

Baseball is usually played over a season of 162 games. But this year 162 games will not be played. How many will be played? Is it 144? Is it 127? Is it 114? What about 110? Or 107? Is 81 games even a season anymore? What about 50? Or 30? Tell me how many games there will be! I can’t stand not knowing!!!

You’re welcome.

Sources: Mets’ Noah Syndergaard to have Tommy John surgery for torn UCL | ESPN

The 2020 season might not be over yet, but it is for Noah Syndergaard. Thor will be undergoing Tommy John surgery, joining a list that already includes Chris Sale, Luis Severino, Andres Muñoz, Reggie Lawson, Tyler Beede, Matt Carasiti, Matt Festa, Joey Wentz and probably some others I’m forgetting.

Which got me to thinking ...

Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images

Photo by Steve Pohlner/Newspix/Getty Images

Who would you rather have?

★ ★ ★

And now the important news: the winners of last week’s Best Hair and Most Likely To Be A Time Traveler awards.

Best Hair: Raimel Tapia

Tapia narrowly edged out Ian Desmond to win Best Hair: Photo Day.

Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images

Most Likely To Be A Time Traveler: Charlie Blackmon

Charlie Blackmon of the Upper Paleolithic era ran away with this one.

Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images

This week we bring you two more extremely important categories.

Best Facial Hair

This was a tough one to narrow down. It’s really a matter of preference — if you prefer scruffy or understated, Trevor Story or Sam Hilliard might win your vote. For most impeccably groomed, you might vote for Antonio Senzatela, Jairo Diaz or David Dahl.

But for the all-around hairiest facial hair, I offer these nominees:

1. Charlie Blackmon

Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images

Charlie’s beard is legendary.

2. James Pazos

Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images

Not many people can rock a mustache like this.

3. Jon Gray

Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images

When Jon Gray is old, will he be a gray wolf instead of a silver fox?

4. Tim Collins

Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images

Great in March and April; miserable in July and August.

5. Tony Wolters

Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images

Major upgrade over last year.

Most Likely To Be The Love Interest In The Movie Version Of A YA Novel

1. David Dahl

Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images

The protagonist never meant for things to get serious with David, who she met through some sort of baseball-related app when both were in quarantine. But as the pandemic nears its end, he suggests meeting in person, and she realizes she has to follow her heart, even if it means him learning her terrible secret.

2. Peter Lambert

Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images

When personal tragedy strikes, can the protagonist help Peter heal and teach him how to love again?

3. Antonio Senzatela

Photo by Matt Dirksen, Rockies Photo Blog

The protagonist has always been afraid to open up, until she meets sweet, fun-loving Antonio. Can he help her learn to let her guard down and enjoy life — and love?

4. Germán Márquez

Photo by RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

She’s a popular party girl; he’s a quiet, sensitive artist. When a contrived plot device brings the protagonist and her next-door neighbor Germán together, they learn that sometimes opposites really do attract.

5. Trevor Story

Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images

The tomboy protagonist has never really had an interest in boys, until Trevor moves into town and says the magic words: “Hey, girl. Let’s go watch some baseball.”

(And check this: He already has the smirk required of a YA love interest.)

Photo by Matt Dirksen, Rockies Photo Blog