Major League Baseball 2008 season
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Printed Date: 20-Apr-2024 at 00:05
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Topic: Major League Baseball 2008 season
Posted By: Byzantine Emperor
Subject: Major League Baseball 2008 season
Date Posted: 08-Mar-2008 at 07:03
Yes, baseball fans, it is about that time again! 
What an interesting season we have to look forward to. Many interesting trades and free agent signings promise to make this season action-packed.
What is everyone's predictions? Who are players you are following? Who will have a record or breakout year?
As for me, I am definitely looking for the Detroit Tigers to go far. After their disappointing end last season, they have made the necessary adjustments, making their team an unbelievable lineup from start to finish.
Secondly, although Billy Beane has gutted the team, including trading my favorite player Nick Swisher to the White Sox, the Oakland A's seem to be doing well in spring training play. Is this any indication of what the season may be like for them?
Still a big fan of Swisher, although he was traded. I am looking for him to be a dark horse candidate in the homerun race this year.
Other players whom I think will put up some astounding numbers: Curtis Granderson (Tigers), Brandon Phillips (Reds), and Hanley Ramirez (Marlins). These three have a good chance of making a 30 HR and 30 SB season; Phillips and Ramirez did it last year. Perhaps there is another 40-40 member in their midst?
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Replies:
Posted By: Musashi
Date Posted: 08-Mar-2008 at 14:53
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I'm giddy about the Tigers. Their lineup is incredible with more depth than any other team in MLB. If they can shore up their bullpen a bit I'm thinking another World Series appearance!
------------- In emptiness there is good but no evil. |
Posted By: King John
Date Posted: 08-Mar-2008 at 17:34
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Keep in mind that a line up with 1000 run potential isn't always a good thing. Case and point the NY Yankees (my team) they have a line up that led the league in runs last year and I would say is still better than the Tigers. The problem with these lineups is they are made to feast on mediocre teams and famine on teams with good pitching.
I will be watching (rather listening) to the three youngsters in the Yankees rotation. I don't think they (the Yankees) will go very far but I think they will make the playoffs on the strength of their bats. Next year is a different story I think they will be a force to reckon with next year and the years to come. |
Posted By: Gundamor
Date Posted: 08-Mar-2008 at 18:15
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As a Red Sox fan for over 20 years I think they should be in the hunt most of the year. We'll see how the pitching holds out. The rotation looks real suspect to me. Things can turn south real quick as Beckett is still prone to injury, Dice K really went down hill by the end of last season and Wakefield's production will probably decline somewhat as he rarely puts up good back to back years and last year was probably almost a career year for him(age and back problems a concern as well). With the lose of schilling for a lot or all of the year and the surprise pick up of a washed up Colon it could be tough to match last years win total. A healthy Ortiz should be able to keep the offense right on par with last years if not better. I would think the Red Sox will be in the hunt for both division and or wild card this year. Not a National League fan but I'm cheering for the Dodgers to do well as I like Joe Torre and hope he has a good first year. ------------- "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind" |
Posted By: Justinian
Date Posted: 09-Mar-2008 at 00:04
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With Santana gone, and looking at what we got in return, I'm not thinking much for the coming year; we weren't all that good last year with Santana. We'll see how it goes but I am starting to wonder if our run of good years is over and we're slowly starting to revert to the norm; our amazingly poor teams of the nineties. If only Polad would, um, "disappear" or for a less unpleasant statement, sell the team. ------------- "War is a cowardly escape from the problems of peace."--Thomas Mann 
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Posted By: Siege Tower
Date Posted: 10-Mar-2008 at 01:22
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i hope Blue Jays will make the playoff this year, the last a few years were pretty rough for the Jays, so hopefully things will be different this year.
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Posted By: King John
Date Posted: 10-Mar-2008 at 01:27
| The Jays are going to have a tough time making the playoffs since they have to play the Yankees and Redsox 38 times, not to mention the Tigers, Indians, and Angels. They will have a tough time making the playoffs. If there is a team in the AL East who can unseat either the Yankees and Redsox the Jays are that team. |
Posted By: Siege Tower
Date Posted: 10-Mar-2008 at 23:12
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man, i wish the jays are in the national league
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Posted By: Byzantine Emperor
Date Posted: 13-Mar-2008 at 19:12
Yes, the Tigers seem to be showing that their adjustments in the offseason meant business! The lineup has looked unbelievable in spring training play. One surprise is that Ivan Rodriguez is leading the league in home runs!
It looks like the Tigers' pitching is doing pretty well in spring training. Bonderman and Verlander seem to be in good shape after being thoroughly worn out last season, and with Bonderman blowing out his elbow. The addition of Dontrell Willis appears to be working out well too.
In your opinion, what do you think Girardi brings to the team as manager? I think you said he would have them run more.
Dice K might turn out to be one of the biggest, most expensive blunders in baseball history. He definitely has not produced like they were predicting during spring training last year! The Red Sox have a lot of pitching issues to deal with, especially with old ailing veterans.
How will the Twins deal with the loss of Tori Hunter? It seems he was a good defensive player and a key to their running game offensively.
It would be great to see the Blue Jays clean up the division! I am worried about the Glaus-Rolen trade in that it took away some of the power from their lineup. I don't see how Rolen is all around better than Glaus. Also, they picked up Eckstein. I guess this adds some speed, but his defense leaves a bit to be desired.
Has anyone noticed that the A's are cleaning up in preseason play? They have an 11-5 record already after the major restructuring of the team with farm prospects!
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Posted By: Gundamor
Date Posted: 13-Mar-2008 at 21:40
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Dice K was use to a different pitching system in terms of rest so I believe that was part of the problem, also the season is longer and other culture adjustments probably wore on him as well as the obvious pressure. He did have a really good run of months and his win total was lower due to lack of support. His stuff is still there and I still expect 16-20 game wins this year. Just hope he can finish stronger and have something for the playoffs. Becket already has back problems it appears as well.
------------- "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind" |
Posted By: Justinian
Date Posted: 13-Mar-2008 at 22:03
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Losing Hunter will definitely hurt, BE. He was the best centerfielder I've seen since Griffey in his prime/or Puckett. His 20+ home runs and steals are going to be a loss not soon replaced. I'm not sure who's in the running to start, I'll have to talk with a couple of friends more knowledgable, we did get a prospect that plays center in the Santana trade but I'm not sure if he's considered ready yet. I will say though that we've made a living of raising great prospects then letting them go into free agency and replacing them. *cough* David Ortiz *cough*, or the aforementioned Hunter. We could build two or three playoff caliber teams just on those players we lost since it all began back in 01'. I sure hope the run isn't over yet, last time we won two championships, we need at least one this time around.  Winning the championship when one is six (or one) just doesn't have the same effect as one would now. Though if we do revert back at least all the fare weather fans will take a hike. I miss having my own section at the game. ------------- "War is a cowardly escape from the problems of peace."--Thomas Mann
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Posted By: King John
Date Posted: 14-Mar-2008 at 00:57
| BE, I think Girardi will bring more of a national league style of play, more running. I also think personally that he will really help with the young pitching staff bringing them to realize their full potential. |
Posted By: Byzantine Emperor
Date Posted: 18-Mar-2008 at 03:08
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I know that I keep mentioning this but has anyone seen how well the Oakland A's are doing? Do you think this is just a fluke or does it bode well for them in the regular season? They are 15-5 with a .750 win percentage.
Also, what's with the Tampa Bay Rays' 13-3 record with an .813 win percentage? Wow.
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Posted By: Ponce de Leon
Date Posted: 18-Mar-2008 at 03:22
| I cant really stand baseball until the playoffs. I think before then they should make the innings at most 6 cause 9 is just too much at this time. |
Posted By: Byzantine Emperor
Date Posted: 20-Mar-2008 at 05:16
What do you think this will do for A-Rod's numbers? Along with his 54 HR and 156 RBI last season he had 24 SB. Can we expect to see Girardi run the Yankee's most prized possession even more? It would be great to see him put up another 40-40 season, if not inaugerating the first 50-50 season!
 By the way, is anyone playing fantasy baseball? If so, do you care to give us an indication of your lineups?
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Posted By: King John
Date Posted: 21-Mar-2008 at 03:13
| I think A-rod will hit 30-30 this year but not 40-40 or 50-50. I think the entirety of the yankees will run more, but I don't think that Girardi will run him enough for 40 or 50 steals this season. |
Posted By: Gundamor
Date Posted: 21-Mar-2008 at 15:52
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I can't see the Yankees really increasing their SB totals that much. Their lineup isn't full of young legs anymore and the sheer power of the hitting would make it questionable to run them out of big innings. I don't think A-rod is capable of 40-50 stolen bases and 30 would be the limit at this point in his career. If anything Girardi might do more hit and run or put runners in motion but the Yankees have such a monster hitting lineup that really he can sit back and watch the runs come in. Especially if the team stays healthy.
------------- "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind" |
Posted By: King John
Date Posted: 21-Mar-2008 at 20:16
| While I agree with you Gundamor, I do see them increasing their SB total especially when you factor in guys like Melky Cabrera, Robinson Cano, Damon, Jeter, and Abreu. While only two of them are spring chickens (if you will) I think Girardi will be running more, especially with Damon and Jeter. |
Posted By: Gundamor
Date Posted: 25-Mar-2008 at 19:51
well your 0-1 now haha, sorry couldn't resist and yeah its real early almost to early to say early. ------------- "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind" |
Posted By: nova roma
Date Posted: 05-Apr-2008 at 20:39
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I'm not a hardcore baseball nut or anything, but I'm a Seattle Mariners fan and plan on attending at least a few games this summer (sort of a family tradition). We haven't had a good season since I think 1995, but who knows right? |
Posted By: Byzantine Emperor
Date Posted: 17-Apr-2008 at 03:02
Well, they are one game away from cracking .500, so we'll have to see!
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Posted By: King John
Date Posted: 17-Apr-2008 at 05:22
They were really good in 2001 as well. |
Posted By: Gundamor
Date Posted: 18-Apr-2008 at 05:20
They are doing well considering that Putz is out with an injury that will probably be extended time on the DL. Though not the dreaded arm or shoulder injury, rib cage area tends to lead to a nagging injury that could see him on and off the DL this year. Beddard is already out which kind of stinks as well as the 1-2 punch of him and Felix Hernandez had possibilities to contend as best in the league. ------------- "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind" |
Posted By: Byzantine Emperor
Date Posted: 19-Apr-2008 at 20:14
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So, King John, what do you think about this:
Hideo Nomo and Chan Ho Park comeback
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Posted By: King John
Date Posted: 19-Apr-2008 at 20:20
| I'm not impressed by their comeback. |
Posted By: Byzantine Emperor
Date Posted: 19-Apr-2008 at 20:31
HAHAHAHAHA!
On a more seriouos note, what are some of your observations/predictions so far for the 2008 season?
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Posted By: King John
Date Posted: 28-May-2008 at 21:00
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I'm interested to see how well Joba transitions to a starter. I don't foresee any real problems with him making the transition but who knows. I also didn't see a big issue with Hughes and Kennedy but they combined have an 0-7 record with an ERA of 7.00+. I think this is an aberration and Hughes and Kennedy will be fine. Hughes is ready he is just in a bad spot right now. Kennedy on the other hand might not be ready just yet. I think the best course for the Yankees is to play for next year. With this pitching staff I don't see them contending for a playoff spot. However, their likely rotation next year (Wang, Joba, Hughes, Kennedy (?), and Rasnor (?)) looks to be better. They have some young live arms in the minors that look to be ready or close to ready so I think we will see a much improved pitching staff for the Yankees.
So far this year the team I have been most impressed with this year is the Tampa Bay Rays. They have a nice young line up and some really good young starting pitchers. They could be really good in the years to come. I think that the Red Sox will runaway with the division this year and I'm going out on a limb here and going to say that the Rays are going to finish second. *(As of 4pm today (5/28) Tampa Bay has the best record in MLB with a record of 32-21).* *( )*=Edit |
Posted By: Byzantine Emperor
Date Posted: 29-May-2008 at 05:13
Yes, it looks to me like the transition from Torre to Girardi was a bit rough. Don't you think Joba and Wang are looking unreliable this season because they are prone to injury? They have already spent some bench time because this. The question with the young arms is will Steinbrenner call them up and keep them in the rotation? He might want to do this if the Yankees are even going to try for a playoff berth!
What is your assessment of what A-Rod has meant to the team this year? Did his stint on the DL hurt the team irreparably in terms of morale and production? I guess, according to Yankees fans, it does not matter if A-Rod hits 60 home runs and drives in 200 RBI's during the regular season, what counts is in the postseason. On the contrary, however, it seems that he does matter to the team during the regular season and plays an active part in getting them to the playoffs in the first place!
I know! Although I will not claim propetic status, I did point out their surprising success in Spring Training. Also, the A's are still hanging in there in a close battle with the Angels for 1st place in the AL West.
 Has anyone noticed how Frank Thomas has been on fire since returning to Oakland? Interesting. Nick Swisher is doing awful in Chicago, perhaps he might be sent back to Oakland and the same thing will happen?
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Posted By: King John
Date Posted: 29-May-2008 at 17:22
Last year on this date the Torre Yankees were something like 21-29. So far this years has been an improvement for the Girardi Yankees. As far as I know Wang has yet to miss a start this year. He also leads the team in quality starts, starter ERA, innings pitched, WHIP for a starter, he's second in wins. Joba also has yet to miss a game due to injury as far as I know. He has been their best reliever other than Rivera this year. He has 12 Holds (leads the team by 8), 30 K's in 23 innings, ERA 2.28, WHIP 1.14. If you were talking about Hughes and Kennedy, both of whom are hurt, I would agree they have been unreliable this year. But I don't think that is indicative of what they can do, especially Hughes who left a no-hitter in 7th inning last May due to injury (hamstring). Kennedy, I'm not sure he's ready just yet for the MLB. I don't think the guys they would be bringing up this year will be starters. I think they are all relievers who are going to be called up this year, barring injury.
I think A-Rod has meant more than any Yankee fan wants to admit. I would agree with everything that you have said about A-Rod, although I am not a big fan of his. |
Posted By: King Kang of Mu
Date Posted: 29-May-2008 at 20:52
Chan Ho Park blew the gmae for Dodgers last night.
 He's got some mental issues. Descent Taekwondo kicks though. Tigers've been depressing so I'm not that excited about baseball yet. Hopely by the time Euro Cup and NBA is over Tigers are back on Rally Cats mode. Zumaya and Rodney are getting ready to come back. If one of them can make a full recovery, that would be a big help. But how do you explain the struggling bats? ------------- http://www.allempires.net/forum/forums.html |
Posted By: Seko
Date Posted: 29-May-2008 at 21:00
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How do you explain Guillen being spread around to make room for Cabrera? Inge is a very good player thats been dissed. Giving up 3 hits to start a game is no way to move up in the standings. I think the cohesiveness gained in the previous years is lost. That is the Manager's job to tweak but don't break. The Tigers are lost right now. Sure when the hitting is good they are great. Then again, looking at the recent opposition, the Seattle Mariners would make a high school team look pretty sturdy too. ------------- |
Posted By: Byzantine Emperor
Date Posted: 29-May-2008 at 21:09
I am surprised he made it back this far! His fantasy rating was actually rising once it was announced he won a spot as a reliever. We'll have to see what happens now though. I remember seeing the footage of the Taekwando kicks; not as classic as Nolan Ryan beating the crap out of Robin Ventura, but still entertaining!
All I can think is that there were so many changes in lineup and fielding positions than it through the whole machine off kilter. It should gel soon, I hope. I don't know if they can salvage the season. The starting pitching has been majorly inconsistent and straining the bullpen. Too bad they could not have gotten rid of Sheffield and picked up Frank Thomas after he left the Blue Jays. But I am not complaining there, because I am an A's fan as well!
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Posted By: King Kang of Mu
Date Posted: 08-Jun-2008 at 21:04
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Oh my god, I CAN PITCH BETTER THAN ZACH MINER! I'm serious. I don't know why he's pitching in the Major League. I mean, alright I will give him that he is good enough to be that long reliever guy who comes in a game that's already been decided and they still got several more innings to go. You know the gabarge inning eater, but even that you should be giving that to younger guys who has a shot at getting better. Zach Miner should not pitch in any game that the Tigers are either 7 runs up or 7 runs down. If it's 7-2 Tigers in 7th inning , don't bring him in unless you want to lose. I'm not kidding when I say I can pitch better than him, I threw a 7 inning two hitter in highschool. Even though it was Class D, mostly small christian private schools in my district, I'm sure they would scare Zach Miner too.
Dolsi on the other hand. I like that guy. He should pitch more. ------------- http://www.allempires.net/forum/forums.html |
Posted By: Byzantine Emperor
Date Posted: 10-Jul-2008 at 03:14
Miner did ok this evening. I am happy to see that Zumaya is doing well and has not lost any of his velocity from the injuries. I hope Dontrelle Willis does not turn into a total bust for the Tigers. He did awful last season and has already been sent down to the minors to work out problems in 2008.
WOO HOO! Miguel Cabrera just hit a walk-off homerun to beat the Indians!
King Kang, what do you think about the DH situation? It seems that after the shoulder injury, Gary Sheffield is not the slugger he was. I think he might as well retire. If they can get rid of him, there are some interesting options to pursue. When Shef was on the DL, there was some speculation that the Tigers would look into getting Barry Bonds! Also, it appears that Adam Dunn will be on the block soon; they might look into getting him. He could be a good DH and can play the corner outfield spots and 1B defensively.
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Posted By: King Kang of Mu
Date Posted: 10-Jul-2008 at 04:24
NBA and Euro Cup are over and guess what? The Rally Cats are BACK! Actually the same day Euro Cup final game was over the Tigers claimed up to .500 and stayed above since. Strange how things happen that way. At one point they were on a 18-4 roll. They cooled down a little last week especially against the pesky Twins but they are got back on the horse against the all but given up Indians.
I just watched them claim back from 1-6 deficit to win with Miguel Cabrera's two run homer in the 9th inning. Wow, so much has changed for this team since my last post. Zumaya's back. He's still not throwing 102 mph but steady 95-100 mph. And he's throwing strikes which is most important. He's throwing breaking balls for strikes too and started to use his change up which he's been working on. He's becoming more of a pitcher than the flame thrower he's known for.
Cabrera's getting hot. And OMG, Marcus Thames has been amazing. At one point last month he hit 8 out of hits out of the park. Yeah, those boys are what the Tigers commentator Rod Allen calls 'Country Strong'. Granderson is healthy again and Planco has shaken off his early season struggle. I think Planco's early season struggle has much to do with Granderson's early season injury. Whole month of April they were horrible, no Granderson and Planco finished that month under .200! Now Planco raised ave to 315-320 level, Granderson is an All Star. Those two guys are soooo important for this team.
They also developed some young talents while they were struggling too. Armando Galarraga has been their best starter came out of nowhere. Bonine is also a crafty rookie. Dolsi kept the seat warm while Zumaya was away. All those young pitchers have bright future I think. Clete Thomas and Matt Joyce has been also unexpected revelations in hitting and defending. All these are really positive. I was starting to worry that the Tigers becoming more like the Yankees, the Mets, the White Sox, the Cubs and the Red Sox, just collection of expensive stars. I mean that's fine, it's been working for some of those teams. But Detroit isn't that big of market to compete with those teams on buying spree year in and year out. When the Tigers went WS they didn't get there with the free agent all stars. They got there with home grown young talents with a few rejects and has-been veterans.
That's why I like the Twins other than the Tigers actually. They are perhaps the most fundamentally sound team. They don't win with big names and big homeruns. They win with good defense, good bullpen and manufacturing runs with speed and micro management. I mean when they lost Johan Santana, Liriano and even Torii Hunter and Luis Castillo, that would have finished any other team.
But Ron Gardenhire has to the best manager in MLB. Well, at least he makes the most out his players more than any other manager. I mean I like what Leyland has done for Detroit, I respect what Joe Torre, LaRussa and Francona has achieved I love how Mike Scoscia has built that Angels franchise and Pinella and Ozzie Guillen are flat out entertaining(I can't believe those ended up in same city!) but if I start a MLB team today, Gardenhire is my guy.
But the Twins are in town tomorrow. The Twins are always difficult to deal with for the Tigers. Although I didn't wanna see the Tigers lose it was cool to see Craig Monroe hitting the winning homer against his former team last week, bringing me back some memories from two seasons ago. It will be an important and good series starting tomorrow. ------------- http://www.allempires.net/forum/forums.html |
Posted By: Byzantine Emperor
Date Posted: 01-Aug-2008 at 00:31
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Wow, some interesting trades have been made here recently. What does everyone think about them?
1. C.C. Sabathia to the Brewers
2. Rich Harden to the Cubs
3. Manny Ramirez to the Dodgers; Jason Bay to the Red Sox
4. Ivan Rodriguez to the Yankees for (only!) Kyle Farnsworth
5. Richie Sexson picked up by Yankees as a free agent
6. Mark Teixeira to the Angels
7. Ken Griffey, Jr. to the White Sox ------------- http://www.allempires.net/forum_posts.asp?TID=12713 - Late Byzantine Military http://www.allempires.net/forum_posts.asp?TID=17337 - Ottoman perceptions of the Americas |
Posted By: King John
Date Posted: 01-Aug-2008 at 01:39
| It's been an interesting trade season this year! |
Posted By: King Kang of Mu
Date Posted: 01-Aug-2008 at 07:32
Sabathia has been amazing for the Brewers, not just pitching but also hitting!
Not sure how Rich Harden has been for the Cubbies but he is very talented so it should be good for both the team and the player since they are in contention.
Man Ram to Dodgers, hopefully the change of scenery, California Sun and the glamor chills him out. I think he will do fine. Jason Bay is no Man Ram but is no slouch either. He should be good for something like .280, 25, 80 any year, I don't know what his numbers are this season though.
Pudge for Farnsworth. I have mixed feelings about this. I'm not as critical some of my friends here in Michigan. Tigers had Farnsworth before and I think he is one of the better middle relievers out there. With Todd Jones struggling and Zumaya and Rodney still fresh from recovering, all three of them have question marks to say the least. The bottom line is that they needed another middle reliever or possibly a closer. Farnsworth can, in theory, fill in either role. Now is he worth Pudge? Is Pudge worth Pudge? Don't get wrong I love Pudge. I have no doubt he is a first ballot Hall of Famer. I love the way he led that Marlins team to the WS Champs. He is one of the best catcher ever to throw out the runners that they just don't run on him any more. But this is not same juiced up pudge that used to put out .320, 30, 100, 20 for Texas. But then again you don't need that from your catcher, though a big plus. Past few years he's been undisciplined hitter with no power. No power part I can live with, undisciplined part I can't. He swings for way to many high cheese, usually about 6 inch below. I'm not saying this is necessarily his weakness, again I can live a catcher that can't hit. But I can not live with batters that gives away at bats. But the most important part of being a catcher is not hitting or even throwing the runners out. It's the game calling. When I watch the Tigers game I try to call every pitch myself. Fastball, breaking ball, change up, slider.... In or out. High or low. You know, trying to get into the pitcher's mind. Texas is never a big pitching powerhouse, are they? Again I love how he led that Marlins squad. I mean that year alone can make Pudge my favorite catcher of all time. But with this young Tigers pitchers I don't know if he has been that same guy any more. yeah most of the blame should be placed on the pitchers being young and making mental mistakes but Pudge should share some of that responsibility. Too many times the tigers pitchers get in troubles because they try too hard to pitch around the hitters. They have good enough stuff to challenge the batters more. That is the catcher's job.
Having said all that there is the Inge issue. I think Inge belongs in the third base. He might not be the most consistent but he is one of the most if not THE most athletic third baseman out there. He's got a canon arm also. Guillen is actually holding down that position fine for now and he will give better bat from that position than Inge for sure. And the third base is where traditionally you get some power out of. But the Tigers have enough bats with powers already, they can afford to have a defensive third baseman. In overall I'm happy with getting Farnsworth though I wish he was a lefty but doesn't everyone need a hard throwing lefty off the pen? I'm sad to see Pudge go but i can live it. Happy to see Inge getting a full time position but not the position that i want.
Rich Sexon to Yankees. Yankees always had that proven starter from other team comes off as the pinch hitter, from Chilli Davis to Aaron Boone. i think he will fill that role unless there is an injury spot to fill in, then he could fill in rightfield, 1at base or DH. i think he could be even a starter and be more like how Sean Casey was for the Tigers when they went to WS.
Teixeira to Angels. Not fair. this officially put Angels as my pick to win WS at this moment.
Ken Griffey Jr. to Chi Sox. I'm happy for him to play for a contenter. One of my favorite player of all time. Not happy that he's with Chi Sox though. I've been wanting for him ende up with the Yankees for past few years. Not that i want the Yankees to be better necessarily but I think his career deserves to end with a title, or least celebrated in limelight like how Roger Clemens finished his career. But who knows? Chicago is a big enough town and i think they have better chance winning the title than the Yankees right now. My pick is still the Angels though. ------------- http://www.allempires.net/forum/forums.html |
Posted By: Byzantine Emperor
Date Posted: 28-Sep-2008 at 01:13
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This thread has been quiet for a while now. The MLB postseason is fast-approaching and promises to be an entertaining spectacle. Who are your picks for the playoffs and the World Series?
I will skip right to the World Series and say that I hope to see the Tampa Bay Rays and the Los Angeles Dodgers in it. This would be very new and exciting for baseball as the Rays have never made it this far and the Dodgers have not in a long time.
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Posted By: Kaysaar
Date Posted: 29-Sep-2008 at 00:01
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Haven't the Mets been here before?
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Posted By: Gundamor
Date Posted: 29-Sep-2008 at 00:26
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Well the Red Sox are in and probably in for a rough ride trying to repeat. I think they have as much chance as anyone but could also bow out in the first round. Might depend on if Playoff Josh Beckett shows up instead of the this years regular season one. Both leagues should be pretty interesting for the playoffs as there isn't really a dominant team in my opinion. We'll just have to see who gets hot.
------------- "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind" |
Posted By: Justinian
Date Posted: 30-Sep-2008 at 13:04
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I'm praying to god the twins win today and get in. If we don't then I'm rooting for the devil rays all the way. ------------- "War is a cowardly escape from the problems of peace."--Thomas Mann
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Posted By: Byzantine Emperor
Date Posted: 21-Oct-2008 at 20:25
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Well, it is the Tampa Bay Rays vs. the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2008 World Series.
Although I wanted to see the Rays vs. Dodgers, this should still be a great matchup. Both teams have power and speed. The Rays have already shown that they can hold their own in an all out slugfest with the Red Sox. I think the Rays also have the drive and raw talent to beat the Phillies.
What do you think?
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Posted By: Gundamor
Date Posted: 21-Oct-2008 at 21:04
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Rays look good. Hopefully the National league can put up a fight this year. Last years was a bit of wash, even with my team winning. ------------- "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind" |
Posted By: King John
Date Posted: 21-Oct-2008 at 21:43
| Rays win, Rays win. That's what I think (and hope). Although I am a Yankee fan (boo, hiss, boo, hiss–I know) I really like the Rays. |
Posted By: Seko
Date Posted: 21-Oct-2008 at 21:45
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Credit goes to the Rays. They have proven that young blood and efficient pitching can carry the day. Credit to the Sox too for hanging in there and making it a series. ------------- |
Posted By: red clay
Date Posted: 21-Oct-2008 at 21:49
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I grew up in a phillies family. My dad bought our first TV [the 3rd in town] so mom could watch the 50 series. Doc Cranmer was one of my gfathers "buddies". I've been following them since forever. So knowing all of that I know you'll understand I'm afraid to think further than now.
I still have 6 tix from 1964 WS. All they had to do was win 1 game out of ten and they were in. Yeah, They dropped 10 straight. That started the rumors they were moving to the Phillipines, where they would be called "The Manilla Folders"
So we'll see, I'm not going to say any more than that.
------------- "Arguing with someone who hates you or your ideas, is like playing chess with a pigeon. No matter what move you make, your opponent will walk all over the board and scramble the pieces". Unknown. |
Posted By: Byzantine Emperor
Date Posted: 21-Oct-2008 at 22:14
"Manila Folders," hahahahaha, that is great! I am sorry, but I am a Blue Jays fan and still remember cheering and waking my parents up when Joe Carter hit that game winning homerun against the Phillies in 1993. ------------- http://www.allempires.net/forum_posts.asp?TID=12713 - Late Byzantine Military http://www.allempires.net/forum_posts.asp?TID=17337 - Ottoman perceptions of the Americas |
Posted By: red clay
Date Posted: 22-Oct-2008 at 02:37
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I just enjoy baseball. When it's well played, and face it win or lose to get to the WS you have to be playing on another level, it's one of the best sports experiences you can see.
Mitch "wild thing" Williams gave up that HR. Not one of my fav. sports moments.
------------- "Arguing with someone who hates you or your ideas, is like playing chess with a pigeon. No matter what move you make, your opponent will walk all over the board and scramble the pieces". Unknown. |
Posted By: pikeshot1600
Date Posted: 31-Oct-2008 at 21:16
Red:
PHIGHTIN' PHILS!!!!!!!
Joe Carter can blow all of us!
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Posted By: red clay
Date Posted: 31-Oct-2008 at 22:41
Pike, I think it's just now starting to sink in. Seeing 3 million people in Center City this afternoon was the clincher.
------------- "Arguing with someone who hates you or your ideas, is like playing chess with a pigeon. No matter what move you make, your opponent will walk all over the board and scramble the pieces". Unknown. |
Posted By: King John
Date Posted: 11-Nov-2008 at 00:11
| It seems the Hot Stove League is starting to heat up. Oakland appears to have landed Matt Holliday via trade. I know one person who could be pretty jazzed about that, Byzantine. Although, espn is reporting that Oakland appears to have given up Huston Street, their closer and former Rookie of the Year. |
Posted By: Byzantine Emperor
Date Posted: 11-Nov-2008 at 14:24
Indeed, I am happy to see this! I saw it in the news this morning. The A's really need a bat with power after losing Nick Swisher and Frank Thomas. I still can't help but think what a Holliday-Swisher 3 and 4 batting order might have been like!
Where do you think some of the other big names might end up? There was some talk about the Yankees going after Sabathia, Texeira, and possibly Manny.
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Posted By: King John
Date Posted: 11-Nov-2008 at 15:27
| Sabathia I think will end up with the Yankees (a hope and a dream of mine). Texeira, well I'm not sure about him. Manny I think is going to the Mets. |
Posted By: Byzantine Emperor
Date Posted: 13-Nov-2008 at 20:51
This just in from mlbtraderumors.com:
Wow! I never saw this one coming. But I guess the Yankees are in the market for an every-day first baseman who can pull his weight defensively. I was hoping that if the White Sox traded Swisher he would go back to the A's or to the Reds, who were looking for a right fielder to take the place of Griffey.
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