ButlerBulldog

Agree completely with this, and I think we’ve already seen signs of this based on their respective performances this season. Both had their moments, but Luke’s were more visible, whereas Simon’s were more subtle. Consider the below examples: In the first clip—perhaps the best individual play of the season for the Devils—Luke skates end-to-end to score a game-tying goal against the Blue Jackets, evoking memories of Scott Niedermayer’s mad-dash against Detroit almost twenty nine years ago and showing why so many rave about Luke’s superior speed and skating ability. In the second clip, Nemec picks up a primary assist on an Alex Holtz goal against the Blackhawks, but what really makes the score possible is not Simon’s playmaking but his earlier awareness and ability to ensure the puck stays in the attacking zone. Keep-ins don’t contribute to point totals, but they play an important role in the success or failure of a possession.

I’ve high hopes for Nemec as well. I just hope he has a chance to work with a defensive coach who knows what he’s doing.

Pleased to see a young guy like Nemec putting in the work despite the season being over.

Starling Marte looks like the player of two seasons ago.

More drama in the Bronx, as A’s outfielder Lawrence Butler was ejected in the 9th inning by homeplate umpire John Tumpane after questioning a called third strike that was clearly above the zone. The Yankees came away with a 4-3 win.

Like you were supposed to be in New Jersey, Lindy?

Monday was definitely not Hunter Wendelstedt’s best game.

I remember when Jim Joyce blew the call that cost Armando Galarraga a perfect game. The very next day, he met Galarraga at homeplate and, while fighting back tears, shook his hand and apologized. Today, Joyce is remembered as a good umpire in part because of the way he handled that situation. It’s too bad Hunter Wendelstedt doesn’t have even a fraction of Joyce’s humility or self-awareness. This is going to bite him in the ass bigtime.

This whole thing would go away if Hunter said three sentences: “I made a mistake. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.” Instead, he’s being an obtuse jackass because the unofficial umpire code of egotism demands he double down on his position. I’m genuinely curious as to whether he’ll be allowed to work the remainder of the Yankees-A’s series. MLB has historically protected umpires, but in this instance, the video evidence is damning. They have to do something.

And probably at the expense of someone who was a better fit. It will never cease to amaze me how many people equate experience with competence or ability, especially in the case of someone like Lindy, who’s proven time and again that he’s not a very good coach.

Here’s the full Jomboy breakdown.

One thing I realized looking at teams’ schedules: because the Mets get back from their West Coast trip later this week, it’s entirely possible Hunter will be bringing his act across town for the Cardinals series.

How funny would it be—okay maybe it’s actually not funny—if Fitz’s plan of offering Green a job is derailed because of Lindy? He might start crying all over again.

So he admits that Boone didn’t say anything but believes an ejection was still warranted? How does that work? It must be nice to have a job with no expectations or accountability.

I just hope he decides to hire his old staff away from the Devils (not you, Sarge) so that none of them has a chance of being the next head coach.