MLB .... Early Season

[Wyclefdoug]

I did a couple of searches and didn't find anything, and being that the season is underway, I thought I thread would be in order.

So what's everyone's thoughts on the upcoming season?

Who's your favorite team?

Thoughts- Yankees are the devil

Favorite team- Pittsburgh Pirates

[JolietJake]

Right now my Red Sox are getting shelled by Texas 10-2 in the Bottom of the 8th.

[Wyclefdoug]

Look Below

[Wyclefdoug]

Well, let's try and get this thread rolling a little bit?

Who's everyone's favorite team, and their World Series pick?

Favorite team = Pirates

World Series Champs = Cardinals

[BigJayStudd]

Favorite Team: Twins

World Series Pick: Twins. Hell, I ALWAYS think they are going to win it. I've been right twice!

[EZMOHR]

Favorite Team: Houston Astros

World Series Pick: Duh, The Astros....and I've never been right. 27 Years of Futility and Counting.

[hulahulk]

Fav: Boston

WS Champs: Boston or Boston:D

[Beatnikman]

Overall I'm pretty stoked about this season, even though I'm less hopeful about my team's (Giants)) chances than I've been in quite a while.

There are some really great young players who will be a lot of fun to watch (like Mauer, Fielder, Crosby, and those guys).

Mostly I'm just glad baseball's back.

A World Series pick? Umm ... I dunno. How 'bout Kansas City? No? Okay, the Yankees. Statistically, I'm pretty sure they're due.

Really, if it's not the Giants, all that really matters is that it's not the dodgers, Indians, or Cubs.

[AlanScott606]

Favorite Team: Boston Redsox

Series Pick: Boston over St. Louis is 5 games

[Volk1]

Overall I'm pretty stoked about this season, even though I'm less hopeful about my team's (Giants)) chances than I've been in quite a while.

Really, if it's not the Giants, all that really matters is that it's not the dodgers, Indians, or Cubs.

Here here!

Fave team: Giants

I'm also dissapointed in the outlook for the G-Men this year....we've gotten younger, but barely and all its going to take is major injury to Schmidt or Bonds and we're done. Our freakin' closer is starting off on the d.l....thank goodness the NL West is so freakin weak...

And I don't know what the hype is all about for the Dodgers.....chokers...

If the Giants falll behind early, might have to root for the A's, more exciting brand of baseball imo....

and yes! no LA, CLE, or Cubs World Series, we're almost at 50 years since the last championship and we can't have the cubs or the tribe win one before us...

Series pick so far: who the hell knows right now!

[Punchy]

We did have an MLB offseason thread but it was high-time for this one to start.

Favorite team: The Dodgers. This means Beatnik is my mortal enemy, but we're comfortable with that. The team looks good and finally had a great offseason. Of course Nomar is injured to start the season. I hope that's not a trend but it probably will be.

Who do I think will win it all? If the White Sox don't they have no one to blame but themselves.

[Deathstroke]

The Red Sox start 1-1 in Texas. Schilling rocked! Papi knocked! Wakefield got knocked out!

[cable guy]

Favorite team: Phillies

Series pick: White Sox

[Valmore]

That's Wakefield for ya... when the knuckler is on, he looks like an All-Star. When it's off, Boston is in for a looooooooong night. Schilling looked real good the night before, and Coco Crisp is already looking good.

And for anyone who can't guess or doesn't know, I'm a long standing member of Red Sox Nation. Even bought a new official on-field hat from Lids the other night. And if the Red Sox don't win the World Series... it might finally be St. Louis' year. They've got the talent, they just need to string together three good series in the post-season.

[macul]

Cubs fan. I've no idea what team will win the WS. I guess the favorite is probably the Yankees. The Cardinals should field a good team also, so maybe a Yankees/Cards WS.

[J Dog]

I'm a die-hard Angels fan, and I believe that the Halos will return back to the World Series!

That and YANKEES SUCK!

To be honest, however, I'm actually more in-depth with the International League because of the Indianapolis Indians. Of course, I'm just as big as a fan of the big league as I am of the AAA version.

[Wyclefdoug]

All you Yankees and Red Sox fans, prepare to feel the wrath of the Blue Jay this season.

[Dennis K]

How about the AAA Florida Marlins clubbing Andy Petite yesterday in beating the Astros like a rented goalie 11-2.

Come on Pirates!

[Wyclefdoug]

Sweet, another Pirates fan. They aren't looking too good so far though.

[Beatnikman]

Favorite team: The Dodgers. This means Beatnik is my mortal enemy, but we're comfortable with that.
You're just too darn cuddley for me to dislike you.

As objectively as I can look at it, the NL West will generally stink again this year, and I guess the dodgers would be the early season favorite to win. I was pretty stoked to see them make two errors in their first inning. It reminded me of the good ol' days when Sax couldn't make the throw to Pedro Guerrero at first.

[EZMOHR]

Sweet, another Pirates fan. They aren't looking too good so far though.


I don't know, Oliver Perez looked like his stud 2004 self again on opening day. And the Astros look like they got last years Offense again this year. Long season ahead....one that will end in the World Series. :D

[Volk1]

Of course Nomar is injured to start the season. I hope that's not a trend but it probably will be.

4 words: Get used to it.


the NL West will generally stink again this year, and I guess the dodgers would be the early season favorite to win.

It will stink but at least its a stink that helps out the Giants. The Dodgers are early favorites but aren't they always? By the time August rolls around it's going to be a SF/SD/Ari 3-way-dance....

[macul]

Of course Nomar is injured to start the season. I hope that's not a trend but it probably will be.



When Nomar came to the Cubs I hoped for the same thing. My hopes were dashed as were the hopes of Boston fans before me. Dodger fans are next. You'll be lucky to get 40 games out of him.

[Wyclefdoug]

I don't know, Oliver Perez looked like his stud 2004 self again on opening day. And the Astros look like they got last years Offense again this year. Long season ahead....one that will end in the World Series. :D

He did look good. We've got nice young starting pitching. But we need some power hitting and a more reliable bullpen.

[hulahulk]

Beckett looked good tonight for the Bosox.

[Beatnikman]

It will stink but at least its a stink that helps out the Giants. The Dodgers are early favorites but aren't they always? By the time August rolls around it's going to be a SF/SD/Ari 3-way-dance....
There are just so many things that have to go right for the Giants to be decent. One major injury, or a couple of guys having off years, or Randy Winn forgetting that he's really a left fielder, or they bring back Reuter, and it's all over.

I'm going next Thursday night against Houston, though. So that should be cool.

The last time I went to a game, I think it was the most odd combination of food I've ever eaten in one day, including a crab sandwich, 4 Krispy Kreme donuts, garlic fries, beer, and a polish sausage.

*note to self: bring rolaids to game*

[Valmore]

Beckett looked good tonight for the Bosox.

So did Papelbon. He might be the new closer if Foulke doesn't get his head together.

[Volk1]

There are just so many things that have to go right for the Giants to be decent. One major injury, or a couple of guys having off years, or Randy Winn forgetting that he's really a left fielder, or they bring back Reuter, and it's all over.

I'm going next Thursday night against Houston, though. So that should be cool.

The last time I went to a game, I think it was the most odd combination of food I've ever eaten in one day, including a crab sandwich, 4 Krispy Kreme donuts, garlic fries, beer, and a polish sausage.

*note to self: bring rolaids to game*

Injuries are so scary with this team especially with all those old-timers...

Have fun at the best ballpark in the game! Hopefully, it doesn't rain like it has been..geez..I'm sick of it all, I feel like I'm in Seattle...

Dude, those garlic fries are unbelievable! But with Krispy Kreme donuts?! *barf!*

Giants win today! Held off a late surge by SD. Worrell's our closer again heh, go figure....

[kertap]

I just moved to america this january and I've been trying to decide on a team. I'd planned on supporting the Rangers as I saw them play twice as a kid but got second thoughts. Then tonight while watching them play the Red sox I would have done anything to see them win. So I guess my favorite team is the Texas Rangers.

As for a world series pick I don't know anywhere near enough to choose a winner so I won't bother.

Quick question who owns the Texas Rangers?

[SteelTownr]

Bucco Fan Here.

I got to see them three times in Spring Training and they came in second place all three times!

So Far No Good, they got broomed by the brewers, but Hope is still springing eternal.

Mark B.

[Fabian]

Favorite Team: The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of the United States of America of Earth.

World Series Pick: The Yankees. It doesn't pain me as much to say it since I have no ill will against them because they're winners and Cronin roots for them. They lost one yesterday but that ballclub will start playing better in a few weeks.


I like the chances of my LAAUSAE but I really think they need better pitching. Last night's game against Seattle was a great example with whataver rally being mustered squashed by bad pitching. I never enjoyed their pitching since last year and that's one of the things I don't think they improved on this year. Their bats are great and they will beat the A's

[Deathstroke]

Josh Beckett was looking pretty good last night in the Red Sox 2-1 victory. I'd love to see him do that well all year long.

[cable guy]

Bucco Fan Here.

I got to see them three times in Spring Training and they came in second place all three times!

So Far No Good, they got broomed by the brewers, but Hope is still springing eternal.

Mark B.

The Pirates were my favorite team when I was younger.

[Fabian]

The Pirates were my favorite team when I was younger.
Yeah well one of the team I was in Little League was the Pirates


We were horrible

[cable guy]

Yeah well one of the team I was in Little League was the Pirates


We were horrible

Did you guys have the old black flat top caps?

The teams in my leauge had them, and everyone wanted to be the Pirates.

[BigJayStudd]

Quick question who owns the Texas Rangers?

Tom Hicks owns the Rangers. And if it's playoff time, the Yankees do.

[Fabian]

Did you guys have the old black flat top caps?

The teams in my leauge had them, and everyone wanted to be the Pirates.
No, just the basic baseball caps in black and the logo, no flat tops.

Everyone wanted to be the White Sox in my league but they never had them due to gang affiliations. Well except one year and we were them. We won our league but lost in the very first round of the little league world series for my division

[BigJayStudd]

The Hall of Fame thread got me thinking......who are the players playing today that will make the Hall of Fame? I excluded players with under 5 years of service in the majors from the list and players that are not signed (Clemens, Sosa, Palmiero, Henderson)

Dodgers
Jeff Kent

Giants
Barry Bonds

Padres
Trevor Hoffman
Mike Piazza

Rockies
Todd Helton

Diamondbacks
None

Cubs
Greg Maddux

Brewers
None

Reds
Ken Griffey Jr.

Cardinals
Scott Rolen
Albert Pujhols

Pirates
None

Astros
Craig Biggio
Jeff Bagwell
Roy Oswalt
Lance Berkman

Mets
Pedro Martinez
Tom Glavine

Phillies
None

Marlins
None

Nationals
None

Braves
John Smolz
Chipper Jones
Andrew Jones

A's
Eric Chavez
Frank Thomas

Angels
Vlad Guerrero

Mariners
Ichiro Suzuki

Rangers
None

Twins
None

Tigers
Ivan Rodriquez

White Sox
Jim Thome

Indians
None

Royals
None

Orioles
Miguel Tejada

Yankees
Randy Johnson
Gary Sheffield
Alex Rodriquez
Derek Jeter

Red Sox
Curt Schilling

Blue Jays
None

Devil Rays
None

Anybody that needs to be added? Anybody that needs to be dropped?

[Beatnikman]

I think all of the players on your list will get serious consideration, but I think it's not a given that Suzuki, Rolen, Chavez, and Thome will get in. And I think it's a little early to put Oswalt and Berkman on the list.

Bonds gets in because of how much he accomplished pre-roids. But he may have to wait until his second year.

I think voters are going to have to start reexamining the criteria for pitchers, because after Glavine (and maybe RJ), it could be a long time before someone wins 300 games again. And that will help guys like Halladay, Santana, and Peavy. But they're hardly locks for Cooperstown.

Manny Ramirez should have a decent shot by the time he's all done. Because, while Brian thinks they're wholly irrelevant, voters are still impressed by huge RBI totals.

Chipper Jones significantly increased his chances by moving back to 3rd base.

I think Mariano Rivera will get in.

Omar Vizquel has an outside shot.

But overall, that's a good list, BJS. All organized by division and everything!

[BigJayStudd]

I think all of the players on your list will get serious consideration, but I think it's not a given that Suzuki, Rolen, Chavez, and Thome will get in. And I think it's a little early to put Oswalt and Berkman on the list.

Bonds gets in because of how much he accomplished pre-roids. But he may have to wait until his second year.

I think voters are going to have to start reexamining the criteria for pitchers, because after Glavine (and maybe RJ), it could be a long time before someone wins 300 games again. And that will help guys like Halladay, Santana, and Peavy. But they're hardly locks for Cooperstown.

Manny Ramirez should have a decent shot by the time he's all done. Because, while Brian thinks they're wholly irrelevant, voters are still impressed by huge RBI totals.

Chipper Jones significantly increased his chances by moving back to 3rd base.

I think Mariano Rivera will get in.

Omar Vizquel has an outside shot.

But overall, that's a good list, BJS. All organized by division and everything!

That's a damn good analysis.

-Rolen might get in because of his defense. Both Brooks Robinson and Schmidt have said that he was the best defensive third baseman ever.

-Your right about Oswalt. He's on his way but it's still early. Two 20 win seasons and a 19 win season in his first five years was just too immpresive to leave off the list. But you are correct, he's got a ways to go.

-Thome has 430 bombs and he moved back into the American League. He can DH now and that increases his chances at 500. He's not as much a lock as some of the guys on the list be he's got a decent shot.

-Suzuki might end up getting in because he was the first MAJOR japanese position player. He got a late start and the voters might take that into consideration.

-Chavez has got a shot because of the combination of power and defense. He's only 28 and he has 5 gold gloves and 190 bombs.

-Berkman was iffy for me. Of all the guys on the list he is the one that was the shakiest. What helps him is that he is a switch hitter and he has a great batting eye. He'll get more At-Bats late in his career because of the two and it could help pad his numbers.

-Forgot about Visquel. Like you said he has an outside shot. If it happens it'll have to be by the veterans committee during a slow year.

What's funny is that the guys you listed are the guys I also was most hesistant about. I agree that the above guys are not locks by any means but I felt thier chances were good enough to get them on the list.

[kertap]

Josh Beckett was looking pretty good last night in the Red Sox 2-1 victory. I'd love to see him do that well all year long.

He did really well. As some one who's new enough to baseball I found it really interesting to see that a pitcher doesn't need to throw strikes the whole time.

Speaking of strike outs what about that guy that finished for the Sox. Nearly every pitch at 95mph with 2 strike outs. Scary stuff. The rangers didn't stand a chance. I never really knew how important a finishing pitcher was. File that one under Paddy learns some more about baseball.

[Wyclefdoug]

The Hall of Fame thread got me thinking......who are the players playing today that will make the Hall of Fame? I excluded players with under 5 years of service in the majors from the list and players that are not signed (Clemens, Sosa, Palmiero, Henderson)

Dodgers
Jeff Kent

Giants
Barry Bonds

Padres
Trevor Hoffman
Mike Piazza

Rockies
Todd Helton

Diamondbacks
None

Cubs
Greg Maddux

Brewers
None

Reds
Ken Griffey Jr.

Cardinals
Scott Rolen
Albert Pujhols

Pirates
None

Astros
Craig Biggio
Jeff Bagwell
Roy Oswalt
Lance Berkman

Mets
Pedro Martinez
Tom Glavine

Phillies
None

Marlins
None

Nationals
None

Braves
John Smolz
Chipper Jones
Andrew Jones

A's
Eric Chavez
Frank Thomas

Angels
Vlad Guerrero

Mariners
Ichiro Suzuki

Rangers
None

Twins
None

Tigers
Ivan Rodriquez

White Sox
Jim Thome

Indians
None

Royals
None

Orioles
Miguel Tejada

Yankees
Randy Johnson
Gary Sheffield
Alex Rodriquez
Derek Jeter

Red Sox
Curt Schilling

Blue Jays
None

Devil Rays
None

Anybody that needs to be added? Anybody that needs to be dropped?


I agree, but I would take Chavez, Thome, Oswalt, and Berkman off. As for those I'd have to add on. I'd have to look at some rosters first.

[Weetomuncher]

You guys just wait until the Rangers win the World Series!

OK, it'll probably be a 40-50 year wait but it will be worth it!

[EZMOHR]

For the Bucs fans.....the part of the game I heard, it sounds like Zach Duke has not dropped off from last year.

[Wyclefdoug]

For the Bucs fans.....the part of the game I heard, it sounds like Zach Duke has not dropped off from last year.

Good, some hope!

[cable guy]

For the Bucs fans.....the part of the game I heard, it sounds like Zach Duke has not dropped off from last year.

I think The Duke is the real deal.

[EZMOHR]

I think The Duke is the real deal.


Me being an Astros fan, I remember Oswalts first year in the bigs, were he kicked ass. Now there have been other players who have been ass kicker's there first years (Donovan Osbourne, Jarret Wright, Kerry Wood, Wade Miller, that pitcher for the Brewers in 97, that won like 10 games and was on some crazy SO streak, but never was heard from again.)

But to the point.....you could tell Oswalt was gonna be a special player one day. Zach Duke looks like that. I think the Bucs have finally got a piece to build around, along with Jason Bay and Oliver Perez.

[Deathstroke]

He did really well. As some one who's new enough to baseball I found it really interesting to see that a pitcher doesn't need to throw strikes the whole time.

Speaking of strike outs what about that guy that finished for the Sox. Nearly every pitch at 95mph with 2 strike outs. Scary stuff. The rangers didn't stand a chance. I never really knew how important a finishing pitcher was. File that one under Paddy learns some more about baseball.

The guy last night was Jonathan Papelbon and I think he's going to be an excellent player for the Red Sox. I just hope they make up their mind where he's going to bitching. Is he a starter, closer, long relief, set up.

He's bounced around a lot so far.

[cable guy]

But to the point.....you could tell Oswalt was gonna be a special player one day. Zach Duke looks like that. I think the Bucs have finally got a piece to build around, along with Jason Bay and Oliver Perez.

I was a little worried about his spring training.

But I think he's ready to pick up where he left off last year...and improve.

[hulahulk]

So did Papelbon. He might be the new closer if Foulke doesn't get his head together.

I was listening to WEEI today. They seem to think Foulke is happy with whatever role is there for him, and that Papelbon is "da man" right now.

[cable guy]

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5481148

Bad news for Gagne.

[BigJayStudd]

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5481148

Bad news for Gagne.


That Baez pick-up is looking pretty good right now.

[EZMOHR]

So does Flash in the Pan Gagne go back on Jim Rome's and every Dodger's fan's Piece of Crap List again? I'm telling you, this guy has some of the worst luck of any Dodger ever.

[BigJayStudd]

So does Flash in the Pan Gagne go back on Jim Rome's and every Dodger's fan's Piece of Crap List again? I'm telling you, this guy has some of the worst luck of any Dodger ever.

He's the Darren Driefort for today's fan.

[Daniel Lewis]

Cubbies. I just can't bring myself to root for anyone else. I love my team.

Cubs for WS win.

[EZMOHR]

YOu know a sports writer came up with an idea while I was driving a few minutes ago. Gagne was dominant for 3 years. I mean total domination. And Gagne was huge. I remember when him and Dreifort were supposed to be the next great Starting pitchers, Gagne was not that big. So, now this is going into the third season Gagne has crippled up. So, does anyone think Gagne may have been juicer. I personally don't know if Gagne was...but it is amazing how metoric his rise was....and how very quickly he has crashed.

[BigJayStudd]

YOu know a sports writer came up with an idea while I was driving a few minutes ago. Gagne was dominant for 3 years. I mean total domination. And Gagne was huge. I remember when him and Dreifort were supposed to be the next great Starting pitchers, Gagne was not that big. So, now this is going into the third season Gagne has crippled up. So, does anyone think Gagne may have been juicer. I personally don't know if Gagne was...but it is amazing how metoric his rise was....and how very quickly he has crashed.

The thing was steoids is that they are more bennificial to a pitcher than a hitter. The hitter still has to make contact with the ball. The pitcher can add 3-4 MPH on his fastball and go from a mid level starter to a dominant pitcher. Was Gagne juiced? Hard to say. If I had to guess ONE pitcher that was juiced and my life depended on it i'd say Kevin Brown. Guy had popeye forearms, the injuries, and the classic examples of roid rage.

[EZMOHR]

The thing was steoids is that they are more bennificial to a pitcher than a hitter. The hitter still has to make contact with the ball. The pitcher can add 3-4 MPH on his fastball and go from a mid level starter to a dominant pitcher. Was Gagne juiced? Hard to say. If I had to guess ONE pitcher that was juiced and my life depended on it i'd say Kevin Brown. Guy had popeye forearms, the injuries, and the classic examples of roid rage.


You know, the one pitcher that has always been accused of 'roiding up like the hitters is Roger Clemens. Again, like Gagne, I don't know. And, once the ROid scandal broke, Kevin Brown was always one I thought was juiced.

[Fabian]

Just for Cronin
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/muttonbuster/rally_monkey3.jpg

[Deathstroke]

I like the fact the Red Sox have pulled out two 2-1 games so early in the season.

Papelbon did it again last night.

[Wyclefdoug]

Anybody else hate the fact that there is no cap in for the MLB?

[Punchy]

Well the Dodgers luck keeps getting worse and worse. Nomar out, Gagne out, Lofton injured, Furcal not at 100%.

Luckily Olmedo Saenz and Bill Mueller are playing their butts off or the team wouldn't even be at .500.

So, does anyone think Gagne may have been juicer. I personally don't know if Gagne was...but it is amazing how metoric his rise was....and how very quickly he has crashed.

Colin Cowherd (ESPN morning radio guy) brought that up. When you look at the timing of when everything happened you could make a case that he was on the juice.

But this last round of problems and surgeory have all been nerve-related, not muscle or tendon related. That makes me think 'no'.

[Dennis K]

Favorite Team(s): Marlins and Pirates

World Series Pick: Cleveland Indians

[BigJayStudd]

Anybody else hate the fact that there is no cap in for the MLB?

Yeah it sucks but it could be worse. The problem I have is when the lower market teams don't spend the $$$ the recieve from revenue sharing.

[BigJayStudd]

An interesting rumble.....

Frank Thomas vs. Sammy Sosa (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=119296)

[literally exaggerated]

Like the way Schilling and Beckett have looked so far. If even one of them can continue pitching at this level the Red Sox should do very well.

[BigJayStudd]

Like the way Schilling and Beckett have looked so far. If even one of them can continue pitching at this level the Red Sox should do very well.

So much for Lowell's "slow bat". The game I watched he looked damn good. Pappelbon has been a HUGE boost for the bullpen. Youy right,things looking good in Boston.

[J Dog]

Favorite Team: The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of the United States of America of Earth.


Alright! Another Halos supporter! And I like the joke about the loaded name.

[Wyclefdoug]

Yeah it sucks but it could be worse. The problem I have is when the lower market teams don't spend the $$$ the recieve from revenue sharing.

I understand what you are saying. As a Pirates fan, I know they put their money into more scouting, and at first I'm like what the hell, buy a player. But then at the same time, the Pirates minor leagues have sucked for so long, I don't blame that at all.

I'll tell you what though. If in about two years, when this pitching develops, if they don't pay to put some players around them, I'm going to be pissed.

[BigJayStudd]

I understand what you are saying. As a Pirates fan, I know they put their money into more scouting, and at first I'm like what the hell, buy a player. But then at the same time, the Pirates minor leagues have sucked for so long, I don't blame that at all.

I'll tell you what though. If in about two years, when this pitching develops, if they don't pay to put some players around them, I'm going to be pissed.

They got some young guns in the minors?

[LtMarvel]

A little nostalga (http://www.sandiegoserenade.com/2006/04/1986_world_series_game_6_reena.html)for you east coast baseball buffs.... you're welcome.

[BigJayStudd]

A little nostalga (http://www.sandiegoserenade.com/2006/04/1986_world_series_game_6_reena.html)for you east coast baseball buffs.... you're welcome.

I seen that on another site. RBI was the shit!


Poor Buckner.

[Wyclefdoug]

They got some young guns in the minors?

Most of their good young guns are on the roster. Duke,Perez, Burnett. But to be honest, I don't know too much about their youngn's

[BigJayStudd]

Most of their good young guns are on the roster. Duke,Perez, Burnett. But to be honest, I don't know too much about their youngn's

What happened to Perez last year? Injury? He looked like a studd in 2004. A high SO/ Inning ratio for a young pitcher is a good sign.

[Wyclefdoug]

Injury and just inconsistency really.

[EZMOHR]

He for all you Red Sox fans jumping on the Papelbon bandwagon.......Paxton Crawford looked like a GOD for you guys for a few games too.

[cable guy]

Anybody else hate the fact that there is no cap in for the MLB?

Yeah.

It's the only sport not to have some kind of cap in place.

And I don't think they ever will.

[LtMarvel]

??? There is a soft cap in MLB...the Yankees pay one heck of a payroll tax.

[Wyclefdoug]

??? There is a soft cap in MLB...the Yankees pay one heck of a payroll tax.

That's true, but it does next to nothing to keep the rich teams from buying all their talent.

[cable guy]

??? There is a soft cap in MLB...the Yankees pay one heck of a payroll tax.

That's not really a cap.

It's basically a fine for spending too much, which (Yankees for instance) teams don't mind spending.

[Deathstroke]

Man, David Well sucked for the Red Sox tonight huh?

He got shelled in Pawtucket and then immediately comes up to the big club and gets hammered. Methinks he's not ready yet.

[Wyclefdoug]

so far he has, but as a blue jays fan as well, it's nice to see

[david r]

What is going on with the NY Yankees?

How can the most expensive team in the history of baseball, start every season tied for last place? I see the same pattern that we saw at the beginning of 2005. All those power-hitters, a damn Murderers Row of hitters! Randy Johnson, Joe Torre!! On paper, these guys should be unstoppable. And yet, they are so beatable.

[pezwarrior18]

What is going on with the NY Yankees?

How can the most expensive team in the history of baseball, start every season tied for last place? I see the same pattern that we saw at the beginning of 2005. All those power-hitters, a damn Murderers Row of hitters! Randy Johnson, Joe Torre!! On paper, these guys should be unstoppable. And yet, they are so beatable.

Beautiful isn't it.

[LtMarvel]

Tidbit to pass on: Last season, Puljos tied a MLB record by leading the league in runs scored three years in a row. Obviously, he can now become the first player to lead a league for four years in a row.

[LtMarvel]

Solution to a legal problem in the new Busch Stadium:

http://images.stltoday.com/stltoday/resources/pcard0401big.jpg

[cable guy]

What is going on with the NY Yankees?

How can the most expensive team in the history of baseball, start every season tied for last place? I see the same pattern that we saw at the beginning of 2005. All those power-hitters, a damn Murderers Row of hitters! Randy Johnson, Joe Torre!! On paper, these guys should be unstoppable. And yet, they are so beatable.

This is why I can live without a salary cap in baseball.

I think there should be one, but this shows you can survive without one.

[hulahulk]

He for all you Red Sox fans jumping on the Papelbon bandwagon.......Paxton Crawford looked like a GOD for you guys for a few games too.


Apples and oranges, dude. Apples and oranges.

[Dennis K]

How much are single game tickets to a Red Sox home game? Did David Wells refund any of that money after last night's horrible performance?

[Beatnikman]

What is going on with the NY Yankees?

How can the most expensive team in the history of baseball, start every season tied for last place? I see the same pattern that we saw at the beginning of 2005. All those power-hitters, a damn Murderers Row of hitters! Randy Johnson, Joe Torre!! On paper, these guys should be unstoppable. And yet, they are so beatable.
Because batting averages after a week and a half are so indicative of how a player's season is going to go.

They'll be a very good team this year. They might be a great team and they might not, but it's not like they're going to be mathematically eliminated in mid-August.

I really think the biggest advantage the money gives the Yankees is that they can pay someone ridiculously more than they deserve and then if they suck, they can afford to go out and overpay someone else. And during the season, it lets them have the freedom to fill their holes by acquiring other teams' bad contracts.

I don't really like the Yankees (although I had a heck of a time at the one game I saw there, in June of 1990 ... it was the day Balboni pushed his average over .200), but I also think most of the Yankee hate is rooted in jealousy. I wish the Giants' owners would pony up that kind of cash.

[Punchy]

That's true, but it does next to nothing to keep the rich teams from buying all their talent.
You know what's just as bad, or maybe even worse? Teams underspending.

Do you realize that there are twelve players in the MLB that are making more than the Marlins ENTIRE ROSTER?!?! The Marlins have a payroll of $15 million! That is freaking sad. Yet they are entitled to revenue sharing and MLB advertising. They should revoke that franchise. The team is only a few years removed from two World Series titles and they can only shell out $15 million? Sad.

There should be a minumum salary cap as well.

[EZMOHR]

Apples and oranges, dude. Apples and oranges.


I don't know, talented young pitcher that can pitch as a closer, long releiver, or starter. Kind of sounds like Paxton Crawford to me. And just like Crawford, where's Papelbon's head gonna go when he gets touched up for 8 runs in an inning.

[Lone Ranger]

I was surfing the ESPN site and thought this was funny.

Check out the Pronunciation Key for Albert Pujols.

Yes, I am 6-years old.

Pujols (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6619)

[Wyclefdoug]

You know what's just as bad, or maybe even worse? Teams underspending.

Do you realize that there are twelve players in the MLB that are making more than the Marlins ENTIRE ROSTER?!?! The Marlins have a payroll of $15 million! That is freaking sad. Yet they are entitled to revenue sharing and MLB advertising. They should revoke that franchise. The team is only a few years removed from two World Series titles and they can only shell out $15 million? Sad.

There should be a minumum salary cap as well.

I'm all for a min and max cap. I enjoy baseball, but the salarys have torn me away big time. When I was 13 and stuff, I paid attention closely. Watched the playoffs. Now, I don't even care. The only series I watched the last few years was the Yankees Sox series two years ago.

[Mysterio]

Jeez. SEVEN pages in and there's NO Mets fans?! Sweet! I stake my claim. Die hard Mets fan. They will make it to the W.S. and they will win!

[Dennis K]

Man, the Marlins really are like a AAA team this season.

[Deathstroke]

Man, the Marlins really are like a AAA team this season.

I'm sure there are some Triple A teams that could kick their ass.

[Davideaux]

Jeez. SEVEN pages in and there's NO Mets fans?! Sweet! I stake my claim. Die hard Mets fan. They will make it to the W.S. and they will win!


I'm a Mets fan, but I'm going the 'cautiously optimistic' route.

[Sheldon]

I was surfing the ESPN site and thought this was funny.

Check out the Pronunciation Key for Albert Pujols.

Yes, I am 6-years old.

Pujols (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6619)

Its funny it wasn't until I read that page did I realize what I was really saying when I was saying his name.

[Dennis K]

Jeez. SEVEN pages in and there's NO Mets fans?! Sweet! I stake my claim. Die hard Mets fan. They will make it to the W.S. and they will win!


How about they finish ahead of the Braves first.

[BigJayStudd]

How about they finish ahead of the Braves first.

Every year the Mets re-tool.

Every year I pick them to finish ahead of the Braves.

Every year they let me down.

[literally exaggerated]

God I hate Johnny Damon. I honestly hope he gets injured, and I generally don't say that about players, even ones I loathe. But Damon... I was too young for Clemens' betrayal to truly sink in at the time, and many of his best years in Boston came when I was too young to truly appreciate them. Boggs hurt more than anything else, I feel more depressed than enraged when I think of him. But Johnny...

If he got hit by a car, it would put a smile on my face. Thats not hyperbole. I genuinely hate him, and I hope something fucking horrible happens to him. When he homered today it put me in the worst mood I've been in since it was first announced he was going to the Great Satan.

[Tadhg Adams]

God I hate Johnny Damon. I honestly hope he gets injured, and I generally don't say that about players, even ones I loathe. But Damon... I was too young for Clemens' betrayal to truly sink in at the time, and many of his best years in Boston came when I was too young to truly appreciate them. Boggs hurt more than anything else, I feel more depressed than enraged when I think of him. But Johnny...

If he got hit by a car, it would put a smile on my face. Thats not hyperbole. I genuinely hate him, and I hope something fucking horrible happens to him. When he homered today it put me in the worst mood I've been in since it was first announced he was going to the Great Satan.

Take a step back and think about what you just said. You said you wished harm upon another human being, someone who has no actual impact on your life, someone who has never harmed you, nor anyone as far as we know. You would be happy that someone suffered serious injury because you disagree with their choices regarding what amounts to little more than a game to us, and a job to him. That's bad juju.

[EZMOHR]

God I hate Johnny Damon. I honestly hope he gets injured, and I generally don't say that about players, even ones I loathe. But Damon... I was too young for Clemens' betrayal to truly sink in at the time, and many of his best years in Boston came when I was too young to truly appreciate them. Boggs hurt more than anything else, I feel more depressed than enraged when I think of him. But Johnny...

If he got hit by a car, it would put a smile on my face. Thats not hyperbole. I genuinely hate him, and I hope something fucking horrible happens to him. When he homered today it put me in the worst mood I've been in since it was first announced he was going to the Great Satan.



Spoken like a true Red Sox fan. Win one World Series a century and they think they own the league.


Anyway, for the so called AAA Marlins, they must not be so bad, cause they whupped the Padres today.

[EZMOHR]

Take a step back and think about what you just said. You said you wished harm upon another human being, someone who has no actual impact on your life, someone who has never harmed you, nor anyone as far as we know. You would be happy that someone suffered serious injury because you disagree with their choices regarding what amounts to little more than a game to us, and a job to him. That's bad juju.


Hey, it's a Red Sox thing. Human Beings can't understand what they say or why they say them.

[Deathstroke]

Every year the Mets re-tool.

Every year I pick them to finish ahead of the Braves.

Every year they let me down.

Well at least there is one stable sign of consistency in your life right?

[BigJayStudd]

Well at least there is one stable sign of consistency in your life right?

Yup. Only three things are certain. Death, Taxes, and the Mets making me look like an idiot and the end of the year.

I'm watching the Atlanta/Philly game right now. This is the first time i've seen Gavin Floyd pitch. The guy's stuff is electric. He had Renteria falling out of the box with a curve ball that didn't even end up close to him.

[literally exaggerated]

Take a step back and think about what you just said. You said you wished harm upon another human being, someone who has no actual impact on your life, someone who has never harmed you, nor anyone as far as we know. You would be happy that someone suffered serious injury because you disagree with their choices regarding what amounts to little more than a game to us, and a job to him. That's bad juju.

He's a Yankee.

[cable guy]

Every year the Mets re-tool.

Every year I pick them to finish ahead of the Braves.

Every year they let me down.

I really liked the Mets going into this year.

So far, they look good, but it is early.

But no one can deny that they look good.

[Punchy]

This is a great story. The Dodgers have an OF named Cody Ross who was one step away from AAA Las Vegas when Kenny Lofton went out with an injury. Because of that he made the opening day roster but still has not played very much. JD Drew was rested yesterday and Ross got the start.

He hit a grand salami and a three-run home run. Not too shabby for a guy in the bigs for a cup of coffee. (The ironic thing is that his first big league home run was a grand slam way back in 2003.)

Thi

[J Dog]

Bud Selig has found an owner for the Washington Nationals! (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/columnist/bodley/2006-04-13-bodley-nats_x.htm)

But, they keep saying it. When will it happen?

[Valmore]

It is awesome to see Curt Schilling back in form! Of course, we're also seeing David Wells back in his "Early 2005 Season" form as well. I'd rather see him back to "Late 2005 Season" form instead... and Matt Clement needs to get back on track. They need to limit his pitches and pull him. They didn't do that the first game out when he was doing well and then he got rocked for four runs and it carried over to the next outing.

And all hail The Greek God of Walks! The Youk is posting pretty good outings thus far.

[Dennis K]

I really liked the Mets going into this year.

So far, they look good, but it is early.

But no one can deny that they look good.


Congratulations Mets! You guys look great after less than a dozen games! :D

[hulahulk]

It is awesome to see Curt Schilling back in form! Of course, we're also seeing David Wells back in his "Early 2005 Season" form as well. I'd rather see him back to "Late 2005 Season" form instead... and Matt Clement needs to get back on track. They need to limit his pitches and pull him. They didn't do that the first game out when he was doing well and then he got rocked for four runs and it carried over to the next outing.

And all hail The Greek God of Walks! The Youk is posting pretty good outings thus far.

Yeah, Schilling has taken back to form, for sure.

And being Greek, and from Portland (where Youkilis played), I'm doubly psyched for him.
And Papelbon is lights out.

[PeteGunn]

This is a great story. The Dodgers have an OF named Cody Ross who was one step away from AAA Las Vegas when Kenny Lofton went out with an injury. Because of that he made the opening day roster but still has not played very much. JD Drew was rested yesterday and Ross got the start.

He hit a grand salami and a three-run home run. Not too shabby for a guy in the bigs for a cup of coffee. (The ironic thing is that his first big league home run was a grand slam way back in 2003.)

Thi

Ross has no more options, so he couldn't be sent back to Vegas unless he cleared waivers. The Dodgers don't want to give him up for nothing, but Colletti can't get equal value for him. If he's put on waivers, some team will claim him. Being designated for assignment would be the likely scenario, but the Dodgers would have no leverage in trying to deal him.

His hot spring saved him, Lofton's injury was a break and Brozaban's injury bought him more time. The Dodgers are carrying six outfielders, which is one too many.

[BigJayStudd]

Damn, Glavine struck out 11 guys. When is the last time THAT has happened?

[EZMOHR]

Oswalt, looking to win the Cy Young that he has deserved since 2003. Maybe he will accidently win one this year?

[Deathstroke]

David Wells is back on the DL for the Red Sox.

And the Red Sox lost 3-0 to Seattle. Today's a bad day for Boston baseball.

[Sheldon]

Damn, Glavine struck out 11 guys. When is the last time THAT has happened?
I read in a recap of the game that last time he did it was in 1991.

[Valmore]

David Wells is back on the DL for the Red Sox.

And the Red Sox lost 3-0 to Seattle. Today's a bad day for Boston baseball.

Wakefield pitched pretty well, except for that one inning. The guys just completely forgot how to hit today.

As for Wells, after his first start his ass should be back on the DL. I'm not sure what the guys were thinking - he was getting rocked in his AAA rehab assignments, what made them think he was ready to start MLB games again?

I hope Fouke gets his marbles back in the bag. I want Papelbon in the starting rotation, not closing games.

[BigJayStudd]

I read in a recap of the game that last time he did it was in 1991.

Wow. I know he's not much of a strikeout pitcher. He's more of a "pitch to contact" type but I'm surprised to see that his last 11 stikrout game was 15 years ago.

[Lord Ichabod]

I just wanted to let you guys know that I just spent about $800 on tickets to the All-Star Game and Home Run derby. This wasn't just a random purchase though, I've been saving up money ever since the game was announced to be at PNC a few years ago. Another friend of mine that lives a few floors below me on campus is coming too. he dished out the same amount for tickets. Anyway, that's unimportant. is anyone else going to be there?

[Sheldon]

Damn you Rain Delay 5 inning finish....the Jays were just coming on yesterday!

[Punchy]

I just wanted to let you guys know that I just spent about $800 on tickets to the All-Star Game and Home Run derby. This wasn't just a random purchase though, I've been saving up money ever since the game was announced to be at PNC a few years ago. Another friend of mine that lives a few floors below me on campus is coming too. he dished out the same amount for tickets. Anyway, that's unimportant. is anyone else going to be there?
Well I hope you have a better time than I did. I went to the Derby and All-Star Game in Houston a couple of years ago and while the Derby was fun the game was terrible as Clemens gave up like 6 runs in the first inning and it was over as soon as it began.

But I didn't have to pay for my tickets so it wasn't too bad.

The Dodgers lost 2 of 3 to the hated ones this past weekend. They get hits but strand guys on base, that is so frustrating to watch as a fan.

[LtMarvel]

So some guy on ESPN SportsCenter called for teams to start walking Puljos (Puljos had a pretty good day Sunday, 3 hr including a walk off). Puljos only has one IBB thus far....think there are any takers?

[Brian Cronin]

The IBB is generally one of the stupidest ideas there is.

An IBB on a team with a good offense like the Cardinals is REALLY stupid.

-Brian

[Wyclefdoug]

The IBB is generally one of the stupidest ideas there is.

An IBB on a team with a good offense like the Cardinals is REALLY stupid.

-Brian

I disagree. Doing it in the first 4 or 5 innings might be dumb, but when the game is coming down to the wire, the general rule is to take the bat out of the best hitters hand. I realize a runner is put on base, but you still took the bat out of their best hitters hand.

I also realize that 70% of the time the defense wins, but that's true for the next batter as well. Take your chances with the lesser of two evils.

[Karl J. Barnes]

Could some city take the KC Royals? PLEASE!!!

[Dennis K]

Could some city take the KC Royals? PLEASE!!!


Imagine how I feel, trying to root for the Marlins and the Pirates.

[Brian Cronin]

I disagree. Doing it in the first 4 or 5 innings might be dumb, but when the game is coming down to the wire, the general rule is to take the bat out of the best hitters hand. I realize a runner is put on base, but you still took the bat out of their best hitters hand.

I also realize that 70% of the time the defense wins, but that's true for the next batter as well. Take your chances with the lesser of two evils.

The best hitters ever got a hit 40% of the time.

The best hitters in the majors nowadays get a hit about 35% of the time.

Walking a guy who has a 35% chance of getting a hit to face a guy with a 30% chance of getting a hit (and now with an extra runner on base) is not a good enough advantage for the strategy to make sense in most cases, particularly the strategy that Lt.Marvel was mentioning the Sportscenter guys were talking about.

Where the IBB DOES make sense is when you want to set up a double play, or with two outs, an open base and the pitcher coming up, because in that case, you're usually gaining something like 27% to less than 20%.

But just walking a guy because you're afraid he's going to hit a home run?

Not a good idea.

-Brian

[LtMarvel]

NoOOOOOOOO....KC is the cheapest way to see the Cardinals in May.......

[Karl J. Barnes]

Imagine how I feel, trying to root for the Marlins and the Pirates.

Okay, but the Royals haven't even been half way competive for years(I mean, at least, the Marlins and Pirates haven't lost 100 games)....Glass and Baird need to be removed...and maybe Mike Sweeney needs to think retirement..

[Dennis K]

Okay, but the Royals haven't even been half way competive for years(I mean, at least, the Marlins and Pirates haven't lost 100 games)....Glass and Baird need to be removed...and maybe Mike Sweeney needs to think retirement..


Well, that's true, and at least I've got to witness the Marlins winning the World Series twice. However, the Marlins may very well be on their way to losing 100 games this season.

[BigJayStudd]

Okay, but the Royals haven't even been half way competive for years(I mean, at least, the Marlins and Pirates haven't lost 100 games)....Glass and Baird need to be removed...and maybe Mike Sweeney needs to think retirement..

Baird is a fucking moron. He should have traded Sweeney last year to the Angles when he had a chance. I heard he could have gotten Santana and Kotchman for him.

[Brian Cronin]

No way would the Angels have given him Santana and Kotchman.

-Brian

[Brian Cronin]

That doesn't mean that Baird isn't a bad GM, as I think he probably is.

Just saying he didn't pass up Santan and Kotchman for Mike Sweeney. :)

-Brian

[BigJayStudd]

No way would the Angels have given him Santana and Kotchman.

-Brian

That was the rumor going around. Word is Baird held out because he wanted one of thier SS prospects too.

[Brian Cronin]

Ah, just checked it out - it was Kotchman, with Baird wanting someone on TOP of Kotchman AND refusing to pay any of Sweeney's contract.

-Brian

[BigJayStudd]

Ah, just checked it out - it was Kotchman, with Baird wanting someone on TOP of Kotchman AND refusing to pay any of Sweeney's contract.

-Brian

I thought that was the deal over the winter. Last summer I was all over the Royals official board before the deadline and that was the supposed deal. It was on the Angels board too. The Angels are stacked at First Base/DH. Especially with Morales coming up.

[Brian Cronin]

It was a done deal - Kotchman for Sweeney, but then Baird got greedy.

-Brian

[Wyclefdoug]

The best hitters ever got a hit 40% of the time.

The best hitters in the majors nowadays get a hit about 35% of the time.

Walking a guy who has a 35% chance of getting a hit to face a guy with a 30% chance of getting a hit (and now with an extra runner on base) is not a good enough advantage for the strategy to make sense in most cases, particularly the strategy that Lt.Marvel was mentioning the Sportscenter guys were talking about.

Where the IBB DOES make sense is when you want to set up a double play, or with two outs, an open base and the pitcher coming up, because in that case, you're usually gaining something like 27% to less than 20%.

But just walking a guy because you're afraid he's going to hit a home run?

Not a good idea.

-Brian


It's not exactly the same, but in basketball, do you disagree with double teaming. You try to take the ball out of their leaders hand, but end up giving a wide open shot to a lesser player.

With double teaming, and the intentional walk, it really comes down to picking your poison.

[Brian Cronin]

By the by, Baird's deals...man, they haven't turned out that well, have they?

Johnny Damon got him Angel Berroa and Roberto Hernandez (I STILL don't get that one - Roberto Hernandez?!? Wha?!?!)

Carlos Beltran got him Mark Teahan, John Buck and Mike Wood - or, basically, nothing.

Two of the hottest properties on the market, and the best player he got was Berroa.

-Brian

[Brian Cronin]

It's not exactly the same, but in basketball, do you disagree with double teaming. You try to take the ball out of their leaders hand, but end up giving a wide open shot to a lesser player.

With double teaming, and the intentional walk, it really comes down to picking your poison.

In basketball, if you can at all avoid double teaming, you do so. Teams don't WANT to double team in basketball.

In fact, generally speaking, whichever teams gets double-teamed the most usually wins.

-Brian

[Wyclefdoug]

In basketball, if you can at all avoid double teaming, you do so. Teams don't WANT to double team in basketball.

In fact, generally speaking, whichever teams gets double-teamed the most usually wins.

-Brian

I know you don't have to double team, but sometimes, it is neccesary. That's why I say it's a pick your poison situation. Who do you want to give the opportunity to beat you?

[Brian Cronin]

I know you don't have to double team, but sometimes, it is neccesary. That's why I say it's a pick your poison situation. Who do you want to give the opportunity to beat you?

Because that's assuming that a walk isn't a bad thing.

A walk IS a bad thing.

So to do something that is guaranteed to hurt the team on the possibility that the team might be hurt just doesn't work.

Now, there are certain times in the game when a team is already in a tough spot, and they are desperate to get out of it. In those cases, an IBB makes some sense (like walking a guy to set up a double play or walking the #8 batter with two outs and runners on base to face a pitcher who is a bad hitter).

But, as we are discussing here, walking a guy just for the sake of avoiding him batting?

It doesn't help the team. It hurts the team.

-Brian

[Wyclefdoug]

Because that's assuming that a walk isn't a bad thing.

A walk IS a bad thing.

So to do something that is guaranteed to hurt the team on the possibility that the team might be hurt just doesn't work.

Now, there are certain times in the game when a team is already in a tough spot, and they are desperate to get out of it. In those cases, an IBB makes some sense (like walking a guy to set up a double play or walking the #8 batter with two outs and runners on base to face a pitcher who is a bad hitter).

But, as we are discussing here, walking a guy just for the sake of avoiding him batting?

It doesn't help the team. It hurts the team.

-Brian

How does it hurt the team if you get the next guy out and the inning is over? You're putting a potential extra run on the bases, that's all. You're not for sure going to score. That's the whole point of doing it.

[Brian Cronin]

You're guaranteeing a bad outcome (a walk) over the relatively low chance of a bad outcome (a hit) and the much LOWER chance of a terrible outcome (home run).

Like I said, it makes less "unsense" if the team is a bad offensive team, but if the team has a good offense, as we are discussing here, it makes a lot of "unsense."

-Brian

[Wyclefdoug]

I see your point, even before you made it, I just don't think it's such a terrible idea to walk someone like Pujols with the game on the line. You've got to take other things in to consideration besides the math.

Take 4th down situations in football for example. Mathmatically, they say you should go for it much more often. But, you have to take what happens when you fail into consideration. If you miss, your team is deflated and might lose their swagger.

With the IBB, I know the walk isn't positive thing. But I don't see the harm in putting the game in a lesser players hands.

[Brian Cronin]

But we're not talking "game on the line" here.

The suggestion by the Sportscenter guy is the same one that people made when Bonds was playing out of his mind - "Why pitch to the guy at all? Just walk him!"

Which was silly then for Bonds, when he was having perhaps the greatest offensive season in baseball history, so it's certainly silly now for Pujols, who is "merely" the best hitter in the game today.

-Brian

[Wyclefdoug]

And I said I agreed with you in my first reply to this. I said in the first 4 or 5 innings, it doesn't make sense to walk someone. But as the game goes by, the more it makes sense to take the bat out of the hands of the better hitter.

[Punchy]

I don't think you can compare an IBB to a double team. A double team puts pressure on one player but still gives the other defensive players a chance to run and defend the open shooter. An IBB automatically puts a runner in play without any chance of defense.

An IBB is more like intentionally fouling a player and putting him at the line. He automatically has a chance to score.

Both are usually bad ideas.

[BigJayStudd]

It was a done deal - Kotchman for Sweeney, but then Baird got greedy.

-Brian


The Kotchman/Santana deal was the big rumor going down last summer across the Royals and Angels official boards. For about two weeks that's all anybody talked about. Just rumors though, like most trade offers.

[Sheldon]

Y'all gotta check out this site. Its is hilarious...
http://progressiveboink.com/dugout/

I love the names they use for the players.
Today's one about Chris Shelton is pretty funny as is the one about Albert Pujols' 3 homer game.

Check it out...

[pezwarrior18]

Victor Zambrano needs to retire.

[BigJayStudd]

Victor Zambrano needs to retire.


Yeah, that Zambrano for Kazmir deal was idiotic.

[Wyclefdoug]

I don't think you can compare an IBB to a double team. A double team puts pressure on one player but still gives the other defensive players a chance to run and defend the open shooter. An IBB automatically puts a runner in play without any chance of defense.

An IBB is more like intentionally fouling a player and putting him at the line. He automatically has a chance to score.

Both are usually bad ideas.


I agree to an extent. But the runner on IBB can't only do so much. He just can't start running around and hope to score. The next batter is going to most likely determine if a run is scored or not.

[Wyclefdoug]

Double post

[Dennis K]

WTF happened today?

Cardinals: 4
Pirates: 12

Reds: 6
Marlins: 12

[Wyclefdoug]

Well, the Pirates either score 12 or give up 12. Today they got lucky.

Let's Go Bucs!

I went on Friday and saw them hit back to back to back jacks and still lose 11-6.

[Deathstroke]

The Sox managed to pull off another win tonight. This time thanks to the offense because the bullpen was beyond shaky tonight.

Timlin allowed 2 runs (1 earned) and then Papelbon managed to let the bases get loaded before a great catch on a fly ball ended the game.

[Valmore]

An IBB is more like intentionally fouling a player and putting him at the line. He automatically has a chance to score.

Intentionally fouling a player in basketball plays a strategic role that doesn't equate in baseball - you're giving up two shots at the line (after the 1-and-1 part is done, of course) in order to save time on the clock so that your team can have that extra time to gets the points back. And if the guy misses one or both of his shots, hey, extra luck to you! However, if you don't foul, the guy might be able to wind off 24 seconds off the clock, giving you less time to execute.

An IBB is just... a bad idea, usually. If you're desperate for a double-play it might make sense, but aside from that, you're just putting a potential run on the bag. Last week I was at one of the Miami-Florida State ball games and FSU issued an IBB to load the bags with two outs, hoping for a play at any plate. The next guy pounded one out of the park for 4 runs.

[Deathstroke]

The Red Sox offense bailed out a rather shaky bullpen performance last night. Wheew!

[Punchy]

Intentionally fouling a player in basketball plays a strategic role that doesn't equate in baseball - you're giving up two shots at the line (after the 1-and-1 part is done, of course) in order to save time on the clock so that your team can have that extra time to gets the points back. And if the guy misses one or both of his shots, hey, extra luck to you! However, if you don't foul, the guy might be able to wind off 24 seconds off the clock, giving you less time to execute.

That situation only occurs at the end of games.

Most of the time it happens when a player has a wide open lay-up, when an offensive player has a miss-match, etc.

[cable guy]

I'm hoping Gavin Floyd continues to improve. He's starting against the Nationals tonight.

[LtMarvel]

Still waiting for the day that both Missouri teams win. Hasn't happened yet (I blame Kansas City).

[Wyclefdoug]

Still waiting for the day that both Missouri teams win. Hasn't happened yet (I blame Kansas City).

LOL. That's funny.

I'm waiting for both Pennlvania teams to win.

I blame Pittsburgh. But I love em anyways. Although, Philly hasn't done too much either.

[cable guy]

I blame Pittsburgh. But I love em anyways. Although, Philly hasn't done too much either.

I believe the Phillies are going to be the first pro sports team to get to 10,000 loses. Estimated some time next year.

[Punchy]

Still waiting for the day that both Missouri teams win. Hasn't happened yet (I blame Kansas City).
It was crazy around here a couple of years ago when the Dodgers and Angels both won their divisions.

[cable guy]

Gavin Floyd started out OK last night, but after a few innings, everyone was waiting for his fastball.

His fastball has no movement at all. And worst of all, he just seemes to serve it up over the plate when he throws it.

[EZMOHR]

Ok, Curt Schilling is a good pitcher now, and was a great pitcher for a couple of years. But, why does he feel the need to always talk and bash other players. Now, Schilling is calling out Scott Kazmir, and calling him a chump. Scott Kazmir, has never said one cross word about Schilling first, and second he plays for the D-Rays...he would know better not to call out the "leader" of the Red Sox.

Listen Schilling, just be content with th fact you were a dominant pitcher in the 90's for a Doormat (The Phillies), you were second fiddle on a World Series winner (The D-Backs), you were part of one of the dumbest rally moments ever in the Baseball history (unless your foot was really falling off while you pitched that game, I don't want to ever see that bloody sock again), and that your wife can finally go out in the sun again. Listen Curt, just be content with the fact your will always be about the 10th best pitcher of your generation and be done with it. Don't call out a 21 year old pitcher, on a last place team, who will one day run rings around any pitching accomplishment you will ever have.

Listen, I have respect for ya Schilling, but You make it hard to like ya, and sorry, but Scott Kazmir is gonna be twice the pitcher you will ever be.

[Lord Ichabod]

Pittsburgh>houston. not so much of the death smog. I'll have fun because I love PNC park and my old stomping grounds. Primatni Bros. sandwhiches will be worth going back for regardless of the game.
Is the old people game the same day as the derby? y'know the one where all the crappy espn anchors and useless movies stars paly with the old MLB players?

sorry for not talking much real baseball. the pirates suck and there really isn't much to say on the issue.
I think curt feels that if he's not talking trash about someone he'll be forgotten about and hitters might not be intimidated as much? maybe. I don't like him

[Valmore]

Actually, Curt's kind of being refrained, since Kazmir, in 2004, managed to hit the same two Red Sox players in two seperate games. Calling it "pitching inside badly" is a nice way of saying "hitting our batters intentionally." Still, Kazmir did good tonight. Of course, it seems the Red Sox forget how to hit when Tim Wakefield takes the mound.

[hulahulk]

Ok, Curt Schilling is a good pitcher now, and was a great pitcher for a couple of years. But, why does he feel the need to always talk and bash other players. Now, Schilling is calling out Scott Kazmir, and calling him a chump. Scott Kazmir, has never said one cross word about Schilling first, and second he plays for the D-Rays...he would know better not to call out the "leader" of the Red Sox.

Listen Schilling, just be content with th fact you were a dominant pitcher in the 90's for a Doormat (The Phillies), you were second fiddle on a World Series winner (The D-Backs), you were part of one of the dumbest rally moments ever in the Baseball history (unless your foot was really falling off while you pitched that game, I don't want to ever see that bloody sock again), and that your wife can finally go out in the sun again. Listen Curt, just be content with the fact your will always be about the 10th best pitcher of your generation and be done with it. Don't call out a 21 year old pitcher, on a last place team, who will one day run rings around any pitching accomplishment you will ever have.

Listen, I have respect for ya Schilling, but You make it hard to like ya, and sorry, but Scott Kazmir is gonna be twice the pitcher you will ever be.

To what are you referring?

[Dennis K]

Ok, Curt Schilling is a good pitcher now, and was a great pitcher for a couple of years. But, why does he feel the need to always talk and bash other players. Now, Schilling is calling out Scott Kazmir, and calling him a chump. Scott Kazmir, has never said one cross word about Schilling first, and second he plays for the D-Rays...he would know better not to call out the "leader" of the Red Sox.

Listen Schilling, just be content with th fact you were a dominant pitcher in the 90's for a Doormat (The Phillies), you were second fiddle on a World Series winner (The D-Backs), you were part of one of the dumbest rally moments ever in the Baseball history (unless your foot was really falling off while you pitched that game, I don't want to ever see that bloody sock again), and that your wife can finally go out in the sun again. Listen Curt, just be content with the fact your will always be about the 10th best pitcher of your generation and be done with it. Don't call out a 21 year old pitcher, on a last place team, who will one day run rings around any pitching accomplishment you will ever have.

Listen, I have respect for ya Schilling, but You make it hard to like ya, and sorry, but Scott Kazmir is gonna be twice the pitcher you will ever be.


1) Schilling loves the sound of his own voice.

2) Doubtful

[hulahulk]

Schilling is off to the best start of his career this year (4-0).

Schilling was CO-MVP with Johnson in the 2001 WS against the Yankees.

Schilling does yammer away with the radio sports guys alot, but he could be a helluva lot worse. Like a David Wells (eating doughnuts kills brain cells) or a Johnny Damon (sad to see him go, but glad he's gone) or a Pedro Martinez (see Damon) or even a Jose Canseco (no comment required).

It can be easy to not like Schilling too much, especially if you're the opposition. But he speaks his mind, and can back it up. I am very glad he's pitching for Boston.

[Karl J. Barnes]

The Royals are pathetic(2-12)...carry on...

[macul]

Lee is out for 8-12 weeks with a fractured wrist. Not good for the Cubs. Hopefully Ramirez can get his bat going in the meanwhile.

[EZMOHR]

1) Schilling loves the sound of his own voice.

2) Doubtful

Listen, Kazmir's 21 years old...already pitches great, and one day, the D-Rays, or more accurately the good team that trades for Kazmir, will only pad his stats that are damn good for playing on the D'Rays. Kazmir has a real shot to be one of the best pitchers of his decade.

[Wyclefdoug]

I think Pujuls might end up being the greatest player of all time. He's freaking incredible.

[Lord Ichabod]

let's hope pujols doesn't turn into Ken griffey jr.

[LtMarvel]

He's incredible person as well. He married a single mother of a special-needs child.


When was he drafted again?

[cable guy]

let's hope pujols doesn't turn into Ken griffey jr.

I'm still trying to figure what went wrong with Griffey.

I know he had bad luck with injuries and all... but still.

[Wyclefdoug]

let's hope pujols doesn't turn into Ken griffey jr.

Here's hoping.

[EZMOHR]

Pujols is the enemy.(Hey I'm a 'Stros fan.) Yet, I still recognize he is the best player in MLB. YEt, the only problem I have with him is the fact that he says he is 25-26 years old. Dude, quit lying about that. There is no way this guy is that young. He is easily 29-30.

[LtMarvel]

Pujols is the enemy.(Hey I'm a 'Stros fan.) Yet, I still recognize he is the best player in MLB. YEt, the only problem I have with him is the fact that he says he is 25-26 years old. Dude, quit lying about that. There is no way this guy is that young. He is easily 29-30. Not unless this guy lied to the KC high school he attended about his age.

[Dennis K]

I went back a couple of pages and didn't see a thread, so if I missed it, my apologies. The Yankees and the Red Sox play their first of 19 games (I think) this season. Play ball!

[Wyclefdoug]

http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=118046&highlight=2006+season

There you go, one's already been started.

[LtMarvel]

The Cardinals set an all time team record for wins in April. Their reward for such a great start:


Central W L PCT GB
Cincinnati 17 8 .680 ---
St. Louis 17 8 .680 ---
Houston 16 8 .667 1/2
Chicago Cubs 13 10 .565 3
Milwaukee 14 11 .560 3
Pittsburgh 7 19 .269 10 1/2

A tie for first place in a very tight 3-team race and a very good 5-team race! Is there a better comptetitive division right now?

[Brian Cronin]

Yeah, that's pretty amazing - the Reds are a real surprise (as are the Astros losing nothing from Clemens' abscence).

By the by, Albert Pujols is clearly the best hitter on the planet right now, but you know who's surprisingly having ALMOST as good of a season?

Jason freakin' Giambi!!

Isn't that amazing?

-Brian

[Brian Cronin]

Oh yeah, San Diego Padres?

Seriously, go screw.

What are they, the Red Sox West?

-Brian

[Zero Hunter]

I just have to give out some love to my beloved Detroit Tigers who after some of the truly worst seasons in baseball history seem to have remembered how to actully play good ball again.

[Wyclefdoug]

I've got to give props to the Pirates for being one of the most consistent teams over the past decade +

[hulahulk]

......and Boston beats NYY 7-3. Not only does Damon return to Fenway, but Mirabelli does too. Both go 0-4.

[IQ!]

Apparently, Cleveland fans have little class. It's a little hearbreaking.

Disappointing Reaction In Thome's Return (http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20060501&content_id=1427637&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb)

It's kinda sad that, Jim Thome, who helped bring Cleveland back to winning gets booed in his return. Even as a White Sox fan myself, I never disliked the guy when he was batting against us.

[Dennis K]

I'm still trying to figure what went wrong with Griffey.

I know he had bad luck with injuries and all... but still.


Griffey was the stereotypical self-important crybaby before he left Seattle, and the fact that he's had a lot of injuries since then has only contributed to quite a few people not caring about him one way or the other anymore.

[cable guy]

......and Boston beats NYY 7-3. Not only does Damon return to Fenway, but Mirabelli does too. Both go 0-4.

I didn't see the game, but I'm reading about it in the NY Post right now.

'Bitter Boston boos Damon in return'. 'Jeers Johnny'

The back page has him tipping his helmet to the fans.

[Lone Ranger]

Man, this AL East vs. AL East stuff is killing me. Too much tension too early in the season.

We need a 10 game homestand against the Royals, stat!

[Brian Cronin]

It's ridiculous, because the four good teams are so evenly matched (especially the three really good teams - sorry, Baltimore!) that they're just going to continually split games!

Which will only help the AL Central and AL West to win the Wild Card!

-Brian

[Wyclefdoug]

Man, this AL East vs. AL East stuff is killing me. Too much tension too early in the season.

We need a 10 game homestand against the Royals, stat!

The AL East is full of teams I hate. I hate the Yankees. I hate the Red Sox. I hate the O's. I actually went to a game on Friday and cheered for the Marineers. I hate Tampa Bay. The only team I like is the Blue Jays.

I can't stand how Sox and Yankees fans act like their teams are the only ones that exist. Tampa just sucks and is boring as hell. And I've been living in Baltimore for 8 months now and the people here piss me off, so I want their teams to suck.

[Lone Ranger]

I can't stand how Sox and Yankees fans act like their teams are the only ones that exist.

Try going to home games and finding that you are outnumbered by Yankees and Red Sox fans.

There have always been a bunch of Sox fans, but there were suddenly a lot more Yankees fans around 1996 or 1997. I guess it became cool to cheer for the Yanks, and the Blue Jays seemed like the lamest team on the planet back then.

We now have a good team that continues to play to small crowds. Toronto fans are lemmings, so hopefully a pennant race will bring them back.

[Wyclefdoug]

Try going to home games and finding that you are outnumbered by Yankees and Red Sox fans.

There have always been a bunch of Sox fans, but there were suddenly a lot more Yankees fans around 1996 or 1997. I guess it became cool to cheer for the Yanks, and the Blue Jays seemed like the lamest team on the planet back then.

We now have a good team that continues to play to small crowds. Toronto fans are lemmings, so hopefully a pennant race will bring them back.

When I was 12 years old I took a trip up to Toronto. So my parents got us Blue Jay vs Marineer tickets. I was excited as hell. The Blue Jays are my favorite American League team and Ken Griffy was the shit. Then what happens.They day I had tickets for a game, they went on a god damn strike.


But back to the Yankees and Red Sox. I know it's always been a big series, but I don't remember all the obsession 10 years back. It seems like they try to make it a bigger deal then it really is nowadays.

[Brian Cronin]

It's the curse of the "story."

It's partially the same reason why the wrong choices win awards - writers are more concerned with good stories than with reality.

-Brian

[Davideaux]

The Mets seem to be doing well, but I'm still not used to Glavine in a Mets uniform. And when is Cliff Floyd gonna turn it on?

[Lone Ranger]

The Mets seem to be doing well, but I'm still not used to Glavine in a Mets uniform. And when is Cliff Floyd gonna turn it on?

I still really, really, really miss Carlos Delgado.

Great player, great guy.

I still don't understand why ESPN used Tracy Morgan's photo for his profile, though.

Carlos Delgado (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5178)

[Davideaux]

I still really, really, really miss Carlos Delgado.

Great player, great guy.

I still don't understand why ESPN used Tracy Morgan's photo for his profile, though.

Carlos Delgado (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5178)


Hah, Tracy Morgan played "Dominican Lou" not Puerto Rican Lou!

I like Carlos too, but sooner or later the guys in front of him are going to slow down and Carlos will have no one to drive in.

[Brian Cronin]

I like Delgado a lot, too, but I wonder when he will stop being able to, you know, move. :)

He's getting there!

-Brian

[hulahulk]

When I was 12 years old I took a trip up to Toronto. So my parents got us Blue Jay vs Marineer tickets. I was excited as hell. The Blue Jays are my favorite American League team and Ken Griffy was the shit. Then what happens.They day I had tickets for a game, they went on a god damn strike.


But back to the Yankees and Red Sox. I know it's always been a big series, but I don't remember all the obsession 10 years back. It seems like they try to make it a bigger deal then it really is nowadays.

Well, to be honest, what other two team match-up over the years has been so even? I think the most recent count before the Sox win the other night was 45 WINS A PIECE over the last 90 games between the 2 teams. NOW THAT'S A RIVALRY.
I can understand why other team's fans would be kinda sick of all the hype, but it's really good and intense baseball.

[cable guy]

Yankees and Red Soxs are thought of as the two top teams, in the general publics eye, and in reality. Especially with Boston winning it finally.

They have had a couple of great playoff series in the last few years.

Add that to the already bitter rivalry and history...

[Wyclefdoug]

I understand it's a rivalry, and one of the bigger ones at that. But they play like 200 times a year against each other. It's not that cool to everyone else on the planet after awhile. Especially in April.

[Lone Ranger]

I like Delgado a lot, too, but I wonder when he will stop being able to, you know, move. :)

He's getting there!

-Brian

He'd do well to get himself back to the AL for the post 35-Year Old phase of his career.

Here's a question:

By year end, Delgado will likely be sitting with 400+ homers.

That would leave him entering next year as a 34 year old 3 good seasons away from 500 homers. Of course, many players have come unglued somewhere between 400 and 500.

Will the 500 homer club ever cease to represent automatic entry to the Hall of Fame?

Will the shadow of 'steroid era' baseball loom over HOF voters' ballots for the next 5-15 years?

Should Delgado be enshrined?

[hulahulk]

I understand it's a rivalry, and one of the bigger ones at that. But they play like 200 times a year against each other. It's not that cool to everyone else on the planet after awhile. Especially in April.


19 times per year. Same as any other division rivalry, not including playoffs. And 19 times versus Baltimore, versus Tampa Bay, versus Toronto, etc... what's your point?

[Brian Cronin]

McGriff would have been the big test.

That dude had no shot at making it NORMALLY, but had he managed to hit 500 - it would be interesting.

-Brian

[Sheldon]

The Crime Dog is one of my all time favorite players. I so wanted him to reach 500. My first game at the skydome in 89 he hit one out and with that he became a personal fav.

[Wyclefdoug]

19 times per year. Same as any other division rivalry, not including playoffs. And 19 times versus Baltimore, versus Tampa Bay, versus Toronto, etc... what's your point?


That's the point, that it is the same as everyone else. It's not that big of a deal. 19 games against one team is a lot. I don't think people need to be salivating over two teams that play each other that many times per season and act like it's life or death. It's quite pathetic.

[cable guy]

Gavin Floyd looked really good last again.

He didn't dominate with his breaking ball, but he was relaxed finally, and guys couldn't get off good hits.

Of course he was relaxed because Chase Utley Ryan Howard were crushing em out of the park... giving him a nice cushion.

[cable guy]

That's the point, that it is the same as everyone else. It's not that big of a deal. 19 games against one team is a lot. I don't think people need to be salivating over two teams that play each other that many times per season and act like it's life or death. It's quite pathetic.

It's a big rivalry that's appealing to the general public.

And it's the MLB and the networks try to capitalize.

[Wyclefdoug]

It's a big rivalry that's appealing to the general public.

And it's the MLB and the networks try to capitalize.

I understand that it's the biggest rivalry in baseball. But I'm what led us to this point was me mentioning how this rivalry didn't seem so big 10 years ago as it does today. The media has blown it up. And it just annoys me that the fans of these two teams think the baseball world revolves around them. Like they truly believe they "deserve" a championship. It's annoying to me. Last year when the Sox got knocked out of the playoffs and they panned around to all their pathetic fans staring into space in shock, I had to laugh. It looked like someone died. Get a grip on reality is all I'm saying.

[hulahulk]

Wheeeee! Fun in the Bronx tonight!

[Punchy]

Nomar is playing off of his ass!

Who knew the Rockies would be doing so well? But I don't think it will last. The Dodgers still have a good shot at winning the division.

But it is rather funny that both the Dodgers and Angels are in last place in their respective divisions. How much salary is wrapped up in those two teams?

[Wyclefdoug]

Nomar is playing off of his ass!

Who knew the Rockies would be doing so well? But I don't think it will last. The Dodgers still have a good shot at winning the division.

But it is rather funny that both the Dodgers and Angels are in last place in their respective divisions. How much salary is wrapped up in those two teams?


The Dodgers ruined baseball they day the signed Kevin Brown to a 100 million dollar contract.

[cable guy]

The Dodgers ruined baseball they day the signed Kevin Brown to a 100 million dollar contract.

You may be right there.

I think the Rangers signing A-Rod was shortly after.

[Brian Cronin]

I stole this joke from someone else, but as soon as Matsui looked like he broke his wrist, all I could think was "Torrii Hunter - come on down!" :)

-Brian

[Davideaux]

I stole this joke from someone else, but as soon as Matsui looked like he broke his wrist, all I could think was "Torrii Hunter - come on down!" :)

-Brian


I'm guessing you'd have him take Center and move Damon to left?

[Brian Cronin]

I think that is what they would do, yes.

Me, though, I'd rather just call up a minor leaguer like Kevin Thompson and plug him in left until Sheffield returns, at which point Melky Cabrera can become the left fielder.

Also, now would probably be a good time to call Carlos Pena up from the minors to DH, to add some more pop to the lineup with Matsui out.

-Brian

[Brian Cronin]

Then again, maybe Matsui DIDN'T break his wrist.

Sure LOOKED like a broken wrist, though.

-Brian

[Lone Ranger]

Great - now it looks like Gustavo Chacin's injured.

With AJ Burnout on the DL for who knows how long and hitters making it look like Josh Towers' is pitching underhand, it will be next to impossible for the Jays to keep within strinking distance of the Yanksox.


I wonder if the Jays still have Luis Leal's phone number?

[J Dog]

It's amazing how many Pirates fans are here. It's kinda saddening to note how bad they are playing.

At lease you got respect. Not like that guy who sold all of his Royals memorabilia AND his fanship of the team.

[Punchy]

I could've sworn they said Matsui broke his wrist on ESPN.

And aren't the Yanks thinking of going after Abreu now?

[macul]

I could've sworn they said Matsui broke his wrist on ESPN.


That's what I heard.

In other (and sadly familiar) news, the Cubs suck again. When does football season start?

[Lone Ranger]

I think that is what they would do, yes.

Me, though, I'd rather just call up a minor leaguer like Kevin Thompson and plug him in left until Sheffield returns, at which point Melky Cabrera can become the left fielder.

Also, now would probably be a good time to call Carlos Pena up from the minors to DH, to add some more pop to the lineup with Matsui out.

-Brian

I am sure that we can get you a great deal for a recent Rookie of the Year, who can also play 3rd and 1st.

[Brian Cronin]

I could've sworn they said Matsui broke his wrist on ESPN.

And aren't the Yanks thinking of going after Abreu now?

Oh yeah, he totally broke it. I was just writing that when they were unsure about the severity of the injury.

So now that Matsui is going to be gone for 2-3 months, I hope the Yankees play this well.

-Brian

[Brian Cronin]

I am sure that we can get you a great deal for a recent Rookie of the Year, who can also play 3rd and 1st.

Honestly, a move like that is actually just the kind of move I DO want to make.

The Yankees offense is pretty damn solid right now, so to mortgage the future on a stopgap?

STUPID.

So just pick up a mediocre player who can fill in for a couple of months. Once Sheffield is healthy, Melky Cabrera is more than capable of playing left field, and Carlos Pena is more than capable of DHing.

Damon CF
Jeter SS
Giambi 1B
A-Rod 3B
Shef (although these two will likely be switched) RF
Posada C
Cano 2B
Pena DH
Mediocre left fielder - then Melky Cabrera, when Shef is back LF-RF

That's a damn fine lineup.

-Brian

[cable guy]

And aren't the Yanks thinking of going after Abreu now?

Just send over some prospects this way.

[Wyclefdoug]

It's amazing how many Pirates fans are here. It's kinda saddening to note how bad they are playing.

At lease you got respect. Not like that guy who sold all of his Royals memorabilia AND his fanship of the team.


Yeah, for as bad as they've played over the years, the fans still show up. I'm one of them actually. When I went home for Easter, I made sure I got to PNC Park.

One thing that annoys me about Pittsburgh fans is this though. Outside of the Steelers, and the core Pirates fans, people from Pittsburgh are way too fair weathered (and I should know, I lived there for the first 23 years of my life). It drives me nuts.

[Brian Cronin]

And, I mean, Alfonso Soriano? Bobby Abre