Off the Cup with Hoppy and Hobbs

The podcast starts with a discussion about the Padres' roster development, including recent acquisitions and potential trades. The conversation then shifts to the Dodgers' offseason moves and their chances of winning the World Series. Hoppy and Hobbs also delve into the limitations of American baseball culture in developing two-way players like Shohei Ohtani. The financial implications of having two-way players in the league are also explored. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various topics related to baseball, including Shohei Ohtani's contract, the challenges of being a two-way player, the competitive balance in baseball, and the recent rule changes in Major League Baseball. They also explore the impact of the widened runner's lane and how it may change the game.

Takeaways

• The Padres have made significant roster moves, including acquiring Luis Patino and Yuki Matsui.
• The Dodgers have spent a large amount of money on starting pitchers but have not improved their offense.
• American baseball culture limits the development of two-way players.
• Financial considerations play a significant role in the decisions made by teams and players. 
• Being a two-way player in baseball is extremely challenging, requiring year-round dedication and hard work.
• The competitive balance in baseball allows even small-market teams to compete and win against larger-market teams.
• The recent rule changes in Major League Baseball, such as the pitch clock and reduced mound visits, aim to speed up the game.
• The widened runner's lane will have a significant impact on how players and teams approach bunting and fielding plays.
• 
  

In this episode, Hobbs and Hoppy discuss the San Diego Padres' 2023 season and offseason roster changes. They analyze the team's offense, pitching staff, and outfield situation. They also debate the role of managers and the possibility of an AI manager. The conversation covers potential options for first base, third base and outfield, as well as the need for more pitching. Overall, they express optimism for the Padres' future and the potential to build a winning team. The conversation covers potential trades and contracts, assessing players' performances, remaining moves for the Padres, the potential impact of Shohei Ohtani's signing, trade speculations, a rumored trade involving Toronto and San Diego, financial considerations for signing Shohei Ohtani, concerns about Shohei Ohtani's injury, and anticipation for future moves by AJ Preller.

Takeaways

• The Padres had a disappointing 2023 season, missing the playoffs despite having a talented roster.
• The team are making significant roster changes this offseason.
• The Padres' offense is strong, but they need to improve their pitching staff and bullpen.
• The outfield situation is uncertain, with potential trades and free agent signings being considered.
• The Padres are looking for options at first base and outfield, with potential moves and position changes being discussed.
• The team needs to focus on improving their pitching staff to compete at a higher level. The Padres are expected to make a big trade and sign one more free agent.
• The potential signing of Shohei Ohtani could impact the Padres' plans.
• There are concerns about giving Shohei Ohtani a large contract due to his injury history.
• Fans are excited about the upcoming moves by AJ Preller.

Hoppy and Hobbs discuss the Padres roster and the first 2 games of the MLB the season.

Hoppy and Hobbs discuss who will be the odd man out in the Padres rotation, the catching situation, who will play left field and who has to be cut to get the roster down to 28 for opening day.

Hoppy and Hobbs discuss the major points and potential rule changes in the new MLB collective bargaining agreement.  On top of that, they talk Padres baseball and the latest transaction news and rumors across Major League Baseball.

Hoppy and Hobbs discuss the Padres trade of Adam Frazier for prospects, Mets free agent signings, Red Sox, Rays,  Orioles, Tigers, and the greatest show on TV - Yellowstone! 

Hoppy and Hobbs discuss the Padres late season collapse, new manager Bob Melvin, Padres 40 man roster,  Hoppy's 3 way trade and how he would be as a GM.

Hoppy and Hobbs discuss the Padres pitching injuries, Manny vs Tatis, Adam Frazier, Brewers, MLB standings, and the San Diego State Aztecs football prrogam.

Hoppy and Hobbs discuss Urias hitting Cronenworth (broken finger), Dodgers setting up their rotation to beat the Padres, MLB standings, Blake Snell's dominance, playoff changes, and to early 2022 MLB Hall of Fame voting.

Hoppy and Hobbs discuss the Padres chances at making the playoffs, Blake Snell's almost no-hitter, Manny Machado, Jake Arrieta, lineup vs the Astros, Austin Adams, Giants, Dodgers, MLB standings, and who will be the first player to play all 10.