Title: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on February 11, 2009, 01:34:34 PM Pitchers/catchers report in 2 days. Here's what we know so far:
- The Yankees are going out of their way to buy the World Series, again, in a terrible economy. - A-Rod's a douchebag, and proving yet again that it's not "who" was juicing, it's "who got caught." - Manny Ramirez is a douchebag, and people aren't willing to pay him ridiculous amounts of money to act as such. - The NL West still may be the shittiest division in baseball, and they are making no real efforts at improving that situation. - My Braves still have no hitting, but they have at least a chance at decent pitching with Derek Lowe leading the way. I can't wait for the season to start now that football is over. Who's ready?!?! :drill: Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: HaemishM on February 11, 2009, 01:56:27 PM Wait, you're counting on Derek Lowe to lead the Braves pitching?
Roofles pwned. The Cubs have improved as much by subtraction as addition. Removing the overpaid Marquis, having Harden for a year, adding Bradley and removing the gaping hole in center field (though not sure if Fukodome will hit well enough this year) and becoming extremely versatile in the infield. Not sure if Fontenot can hit every day, but he and Miles ought to be able to tag-team at least a .270 average. Micth Hoffpauir (The Hoff) can hopefully give Soriano and Derek Lee a day off now and then. Dunn signed with the Nationals, continuing his string of being the most powerful on a shitty shit team. Abreu may go to the Angels. No one is biting on Manny. The NL West is going to be a graveyard this year. The Central may be even less competitive than last year unless the Brewers find some pitching under a rock. THe Phillies may actually continue to be the class of the East because the Mets can't seem to buy a division. The AL East will totally depend on how well the Yankees gel, the AL Central will be a mess of teams beating up on each other and the West will suck hind tit to the Angels. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on February 11, 2009, 02:11:33 PM Better to rely on Lowe than to rely on a 40+ John Smoltz coming off surgery, Mike Hampton who's never pitched even half a season, or Tom Glavine who's 42. Still, they may actually make a deal with Glavine, but I'm not sold on that at all. The rest of the rotation includes Javier Vasquez, Jaier Jurrjens, some Japanese dude, and a 5th that could be Glavine or a slew of other ho-hum less than .500 dudes.
Lowe's put in more than 200 innings average over the last four years, and he has a 54-48 record in that time with around a 3.60 ERA. The Braves need a guy like that for consistency who is not an injury concern. He's only 36 with at least 3 quality years left. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Ingmar on February 11, 2009, 02:32:42 PM Giants still haven't run Brian Sabean out of town. Hope for season: low. :oh_i_see:
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: HaemishM on February 12, 2009, 07:47:40 AM Oh the Giants will suck it hard. But they really won't be alone in that division. Have fun paying Schmidt an assload for DL time.
I get what you're saying about Lowe, he's a consistent innings guy. Which means he's a #3 starter at best on a good team. The fact that you might have to rely on Glavine OR Smoltz OR Hampton for anything would depress the fuck out of me. If Lowe is your ace, you're fucked. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on February 12, 2009, 09:40:37 AM Well, Lowe may be paid more, but I think in reality our best talent is Jurrjens, and almost nobody has heard of him. He's 23, had a 13-10 record in a VERY shitty Braves season where almost nobody had a winning record, and he had 140 K's to 70 BB's. If he got any kind of run support he would have been a 20 game winner with a 3.68 ERA.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: cmlancas on February 12, 2009, 04:48:00 PM Well, the Rays look awesome this year. Adding a bat to the lineup sure does help. I've also noticed one of the guys I played against as a kid, James Howser, has made it to the big show!
:awesome_for_real: Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on February 27, 2009, 07:59:40 AM Manny Ramirez has officially lost his mind. Scott Boras has also lost his mind and thinks he is apparently God.
Bill Plaschke calls Manny a "Lost Cause" (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-plaschke-lakers27-2009feb27,0,402501.column) He turned down a deal that would give him $25M in one year, the rights to immediately get a better deal next season if he performed well, and $20M in the second year if he didn't have a stellar year. $45M for two years work, in this economy, at 36 years old, and he turned it down. As Bill put it, "This is not Manny being Manny. This is Manny being stupid." Personally, I hope he ends up like Barry Bonds and nobody signs his dumb ass. I would hate to see a guy like him on my Braves right now, no matter how he plays. He's a distraction, a clubhouse cancer, and a player hardly any fan could love. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: HaemishM on February 27, 2009, 09:02:59 AM Fuck's sake, what a complete goddamn idiot. I wish I was secure enough to turn down a guaranteeed $25 million. What the fuck was wrong with that Dodger offer, not enough years? Shit, he gets paid $25 million and has the ability to void the contract if he does well and sign a better deal in what's likely to be a better economy next year? HOW IS THAT NOT A SERIOUS OFFER?
Scott Boras needs to be fired into the sun. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on March 04, 2009, 08:15:56 AM On the Manny/Boras front:
Boras: “I assure you, we have no deal.” Manny: "“The economy is making everyone adjust. I will be happy to play for LA. Tell everyone Mannywood is coming.” Yes, he actually said Mannywood. I hate him so much more now. Also the World Baseball Classic starts soon with the first USA match v. Canada on Saturday. It's debatable how many people actually give a crap about it, because it's relatively new, and most ppl are gearing up for March Madness. However, until the actual tournament starts or until the USA loses for good (again), I'll be watching. Why? Because there is fuckall to watch except hockey, and my teams suck this year. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: raydeen on April 13, 2009, 08:36:22 PM [moment of silence]
Harry Kalas died today. He was the Frank Sinatra of announcers in my book. Watching/listening to the Phill's won't be the same anymore. [/moment of silence] Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Abagadro on April 13, 2009, 08:39:05 PM Mark 'The Bird' Fidrych also died today in a farming accident.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: WayAbvPar on April 14, 2009, 10:40:51 AM I am JUST old enough to remember Fidrych's summer of glory. I didn't really know wtf was going on, but I heard his name a lot :awesome_for_real:
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on April 14, 2009, 11:16:54 AM That's 3 baseball deaths in a week now. :ye_gods:
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Ingmar on April 14, 2009, 11:25:27 AM He's a distraction, a clubhouse cancer, and a player hardly any fan could love. I'd take him in a minute. Being a "clubhouse cancer" doesn't really matter even a tiny bit in baseball. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: naum on April 14, 2009, 01:49:48 PM HOW BOUT THEM BUCCOS!
4-3, only 1.5 games behind 1st… WORLD SERIES BABY! Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Ashamanchill on April 19, 2009, 06:31:25 PM It's finally a good time to be a Toronto Blue Jays fan again. I'm going to ride this wave until they sink back under the tide.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on April 19, 2009, 09:50:49 PM Florida Marlins.
I'm as shocked as anyone. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Ingmar on April 22, 2009, 01:17:49 PM My Giants are putting up a team OPS of .662. :heartbreak:
On the plus side I went to a San Jose Giants game this week and saw our young guys kick some ass, so we should be good again in 2011 or so. :-P Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on April 22, 2009, 01:55:39 PM It's been a pretty wild first 1/10th of the season so far, roughly. From what I've seen we have some interesting developments:
The Shockingly Good: :drill: The Florida Marlins - leading the division at 11-4, even though they are on a current 3 game skid. 8 guys on the team are batting over .270 with a combined 52 RBIs in 15 games. The Toronto Blue Jays - absolutely nobody thought this team would do a damn thing, and they are leading the Yanks and BoSox at 10-5 right now. I don't think they can pull off a run like Tampa Bay did last year though in that division. This is just a consequence of them playing shitty teams in the AL Central early. The Shockingly Bad: :ye_gods: The Brewers - CC wasn't the entire team, but it sure looks like it when they go 4-9 and are dead last in the 6 team NL Central. I don't see any potential way they can become playoff bound this year. The Yankees pitching staff - It's hard to win games when your team ERA is 6.27 and tied for 27th in MLB. Their only saving grace is that they are in top 10 in run production, but you can't live and die on your team posting 7 or more a game for a whole season. It's actually shocking the team is 8-6. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: HaemishM on April 23, 2009, 09:40:19 AM The Yankees lived off offense last year... and didn't make the playoffs. But I think their pitching will be better this year. The AL East is a bit topsy turvy right now, and I expect it to reverse. Toronto is not that good a team.
You have to be afraid of the Marlins, because they've got shittons of young talent, much of which is entering their 2nd or 3rd year. This could be their year. The Brewers are where I thought they'd be. Rather than improving their pitching, they went backwards, to the point where their rotation looks like it did a few years ago. They've spent a few good years building up a helluva lot of good, young offensive talent. Now they need to bring along some young arms. That division is not going to treat them kindly. Both the Brewers and the Astros kind of treaded water in the offseason, while Cincy, the Cubs and the Pirates all got better and the Cards weren't bad. I don't think any of the Central pitching staffs can hold up over the long haul like the Cubs can, but it's going to be a great division to follow. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Azaroth on April 23, 2009, 10:20:00 AM BASEBALL SUCKS.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: HaemishM on April 23, 2009, 01:34:45 PM Don't you have a Flyers fan to torture? :grin:
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Azaroth on April 23, 2009, 04:01:48 PM They're so easy though. :uhrr:
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Azaroth on April 23, 2009, 04:16:26 PM What really made me laugh was the mention of the slide-tackle. It's a hilarious term from HFBoards, and the Flyers fans were blubbering all night about it (along with their theory that Bettman is instructing the refs to let the Penguins win, which they're 100% serious about). Very good stuff.
And FYI, this is me trolling baseball fans by derailing a baseball thread with a hockey conversation. Oh, and the Jays suck and will begin showing their true suckiness soon enough. 10-5 is insignificant when you play like 4,000 games in a baseball season. The record is an anomaly. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on April 23, 2009, 06:04:49 PM Go back to hockey, your team needs your shitty support :grin:
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Azaroth on April 24, 2009, 09:23:55 AM My shitty team needs my shitty support. :grin:
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Raging Turtle on April 25, 2009, 04:53:34 AM GO CARDS! Pujols is kicking ass, Carpenter should be back in action (once again) pretty soon. Gonna be a fun season.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: WayAbvPar on April 27, 2009, 08:38:02 AM Mariners are in first place, but I can't get myself to care. The past 3 seasons have beaten the fandom right out of me. This is what happens when you hire utterly incompetent GMs and let them ruin the team for 5 years, you fucking retards.
Maybe I can give a shit after the Stanley Cup. At least between Sounders games. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on April 27, 2009, 09:12:13 AM My Braves are sitting at 9-9 heading into a long homestand. I'm very positive we'll do well overall, but we open with the Red-Hot Cards, which is going to be a tough series.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Ingmar on April 30, 2009, 12:29:44 AM Giants at 10-10 to end April? It won't last, but it is nice and a good sign for the future, assuming our pitchers stay healthy long enough for all the kids at San Jose to make it up in a couple years.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Teleku on May 01, 2009, 12:47:38 AM Quick, somebody give me a rundown of what this season is like. :awesome_for_real: Who's good, who's bad, who's the top pitchers now, etc...
I feel horrible, I haven't kept up with baseball in the last 2 seasons (last one, and this). Ever since I got back from Japan, no TV and no fantasy leagues. All I know is that my Giants sucks ass, and the management is bound and determined that they stay that way. Also, that we are in now in bizaro land, where the Giants actually have a line up of some good pitchers (but of course, nobody that can actually hit worth a shit now). Holy god its scary to have more than one decent pitcher. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Fordel on May 01, 2009, 07:46:47 PM Ingmar keeps informing me that the Jays don't suck anymore, is this true still?
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on May 02, 2009, 10:02:36 PM For now, yes. The Jays are ok. Also, KC is leading the Central, and Seattle is leading the West. The entire AL is on it's ear in my book.
In the NL it's business as usual. The Cards and Dodgers are dominating, while the NL East is the only one up for grabs. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Ingmar on May 04, 2009, 10:21:35 AM I expect the Jays to regress to the mean - they're not as good as their current record (example: Aaron Hill is *not* a .950 OPS hitter really) - but they definitely don't suck. I kind of figure they're an 85-86 win team really.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on May 04, 2009, 11:44:45 AM I'm not so sure Toronto can't be a 100 win club. I think May will be a very telling month for them because they finally have to face some decent opponents. They have a series with LA, 2 series with Boston, and a series with the Yankees. They are coming off a sweep of Baltimore, they are #1 in team batting average, runs, hits, doubles, and RBIs. They are #2 in HRs and slugging. Frankly, they are statistically the best hitting team in all of baseball right now. Couple that with being top 10 in team ERA, and you have a pretty solid shot at going the distance.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Ingmar on May 04, 2009, 11:53:56 AM Their level of offense is (imo) unsustainable with the players they have on the team now, though. They're statistically the best hitting team in baseball, but they're not the best hitting team in baseball talent-wise and over the course of the season I expect that to drop. Time will tell of course, and they may be able to play over their heads long enough for the late season slide to leave them with enough wins for a wild card still. I expect Boston to win the division, really, and the Rays should be able to recover from their current record (they've actually scored more than they've given up, so they've been getting unlucky in close games - that tends to even out over a season.) The Yankees on the other hand are in the opposite situation from the Rays (given up more runs than they've scored but have a winning record) but it is hard to say how much of a difference getting A-Rod back will make for them so I hesitate to make any predictions.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on May 04, 2009, 12:05:54 PM I predict if they can halve the two series with the BoSox, go 2/3 against the Yankees, and avoid a two game sweep in LA, they will have 35ish wins at the end of May. That would be good enough to be on pace for a wild card spot minimum considering the crappy performance of the other two divisions.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Fordel on May 04, 2009, 03:04:33 PM I guess the real question is, is there a bandwagon and should I be riding it?
I still have all my jays shit from way back when! Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Ingmar on May 04, 2009, 03:53:16 PM There is probably a bandwagon. Bust out your powder blue jacket and go for some poutine!
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Fordel on May 04, 2009, 07:47:13 PM YES!
O K O K BLUE JAYS BlUE JAYS LETS PLAY BAAAAALLLL Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on May 04, 2009, 08:43:48 PM I'm going to say it now. They are winning the fucking division.
Is it insane? Yes. But I believe. :ye_gods: Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on May 07, 2009, 07:07:57 AM True to form the Yankees fell below .500 at 13-14 yesterday. This isn't the NBA and you can't score your way to the playoffs without playing some good defense in baseball. Their 5.77 team ERA is 29th/30 in the MLB.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Rasix on May 07, 2009, 09:26:26 AM This just in: Manny is a dumbass.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on May 07, 2009, 10:30:05 AM He's blaming his suspension on a drug his doctor gave him, that's banned under the drug policy.
What he actually tested positive for was a WOMEN'S FERTILITY DRUG. Apparently, it's common for steroid users to take it to jumpstart their natural hormone production. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: WayAbvPar on May 07, 2009, 10:41:02 AM This just in: Manny is a dumbass. Water wet, report adds. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on May 18, 2009, 09:12:00 AM So far, the Jays are holding up ok through May. They are on a 3 game win streak, and are getting dangerously close to their series' with Boston. If they go 2/3 through those, they will have at least a 5 game lead on the division going into June, and on pace with my 35ish win prediction at the end of the month. However, the Yanks are on a 5 game streak and their pitching is steadily improving.
Texas is doing their typical winning thing before it gets supremely hot in Dallas, and they enter the epic fail months of July and August. I fully expect LA to overtake them at that point and walk away with the division yet again. The AL Central is a mess with Detroit and KC at the top, and no good explanation as to why the White Soxs are sucking so hard right now on a 4 game skid. In the NL, Atlanta's picking up to go back to .500, but the Mets are charging while Florida has completely tanked. Right now the NL East is shaping up to be a 2, and perhaps 3 team race if Atlanta can stay healthy. If they can't, it will be another battle to the finish between Philly and the Mets. The Brewers are the shocker right now, though. They are on a 5 game winning streak to make their way back into first, after an absolutely DREADFUL start. I thought at 4-9 they had zero chance of rebounding, and they are now 23-14. They are 11-4 in May. That's an unreal turnaround. In the West, it's pretty obvious the Dodgers don't need Manny. Thirteen games over .500, best record in baseball, and 6 games up on the nearest competition. They are going to walk away with that division barring a missile hitting their bullpen. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: HaemishM on May 18, 2009, 11:21:18 AM The Dodgers won't need Manny until the playoffs, as that division is a wasteland, and will probably remain that way for another 2-3 years if not longer. Allowing Manny to rest as well as giving him incentive to prove himself when he gets back is only going to help the Dodgers.
The Brewers will fade. The Cubs will win the Central, as despite their injuries, I think they are the only team with the pitching to last. Neither the Cards nor the Brewers' pitching staff scares me, and the rest of the division is either too young or sucky to stand up. I'm still hoping Florida makes a comeback in the East - they have the talent to compete in that division, it's just all very young. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Azaroth on May 18, 2009, 11:25:56 AM Gives him a chance to get another cycle in, too.
Expect some DINGERZ. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on May 18, 2009, 12:56:09 PM I'm not sure about your point on Cubs pitching being the dealbreaker for the Central, Haemish. They are 5th in the division in team ERA, and they give up a shit-ton of hits. Granted, they have some deadly strikeout artists, and they lead the league there, but I think they are middle of the run for the league. I don't think they will run off the Cards easily. Also, I don't think the Brewers will last, but nothing about the Cubs is jumping out at me this year except that they had a shitty April and a great May so far.
Still, they've played the Cards 3-3 this year. I think it will be a good battle all year long with those two. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: HaemishM on May 18, 2009, 01:11:09 PM The starting rotation for the Cubs is much MUCH better than their ERA would leave you to believe at this point. There isn't one guy in the regular rotation who couldn't slot in at least 3rd on anyone else's rotation in the league. Zambrano's been hurt, they are treating Harden with silk gloves to keep his arm from exploding in the second half and Marhsall is young. Their biggest problems this year have been lack of consistency in the bullpen and injuries to their main hitters. In the long run, that Cubs staff is going to be better than the Cards or Brewers' staff.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Azuredream on May 18, 2009, 03:44:52 PM I just don't watch Indians games anymore, it's too depressing. Blowing a 7-0 lead, really? At least we got our boy LeBron to take our minds off it.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on May 18, 2009, 03:54:43 PM Cleveland needs another Major League movie. A good one though.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on May 18, 2009, 03:57:57 PM The starting rotation for the Cubs is much MUCH better than their ERA would leave you to believe at this point. There isn't one guy in the regular rotation who couldn't slot in at least 3rd on anyone else's rotation in the league. Zambrano's been hurt, they are treating Harden with silk gloves to keep his arm from exploding in the second half and Marhsall is young. Their biggest problems this year have been lack of consistency in the bullpen and injuries to their main hitters. In the long run, that Cubs staff is going to be better than the Cards or Brewers' staff. Granted I've only watched them play on non-WGN televised games, so I'm not as close to team as the Braves, but I'll get a better view of them in a heads up series in about 2 weeks. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Azaroth on May 25, 2009, 02:50:16 PM Jays lose 7 in a row, by the way. It was only a matter of time.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on May 25, 2009, 07:53:33 PM They got swept by my Braves. Frankly, I was shocked. Pleasantly so, but still shocked.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Ingmar on May 26, 2009, 03:08:21 PM More surprising to me than the Blue Jays coming back down to earth (ITT: me saying I told you so, probably too early) is the fact that Tampa Bay is still underperforming so badly. A +40 run differential, 3rd best in all of baseball, and they're one game under .500.
San Diego has made an amazing charge to a winning record, winning 10 in a row. That won't hold up but I bet it makes for a bunch of retarded decision making down the line as they fool themselves into thinking they're a contender. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Fordel on May 27, 2009, 11:35:18 AM Does this mean I should put my Jays crap away again? :why_so_serious:
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Ingmar on May 27, 2009, 11:41:56 AM Keep hope alive, they've got a reasonable shot at the wild card!
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Fordel on May 27, 2009, 12:28:03 PM Who am I supposed to be rallying behind at a player level?
<Blah> is a hell of a player, eh? Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on May 27, 2009, 01:53:20 PM Aaron Hill, the Jays 2B has more hits than anyone in the league. Also, Roy Halladay is tied for most wins in the league.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Azaroth on June 12, 2009, 04:50:56 PM Halladay is the best pitcher in the league. But Aaron Hill is just on a hot streak.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Azaroth on June 16, 2009, 06:19:12 PM http://tsn.ca/mlb/story/?id=282035
My world is shattered. "SAY IT AIN'T SOSA". Rofl. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Ingmar on June 16, 2009, 06:22:51 PM Just want to register a general WTF @ the Giants record. Maybe *we* will be the team that goes full retard instead of the Padres.
Tampa Bay is recovering from their weird early underperforming stretch, as predicted. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: HaemishM on June 17, 2009, 02:29:02 PM http://tsn.ca/mlb/story/?id=282035 My world is shattered. "SAY IT AIN'T SOSA". Rofl. I'm pretty sure all Cubs fans knew Sosa was a juicer when a sneeze threw out his back bad enough to put him on the DL for a month and when he came back he hit fuckall for power. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on June 17, 2009, 04:55:21 PM Or when he sprayed cork all over the infield from a shattered bat.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Ingmar on June 17, 2009, 05:00:29 PM Or when he sprayed cork all over the infield from a shattered bat. Hey, corked bats are a time-honored and acceptable kind of cheating, like nail files and spitballs. :why_so_serious: Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Fordel on June 23, 2009, 04:30:38 AM Does bat corking actually work?
Seems like this is something the Mythbusters should figure out. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Ingmar on June 23, 2009, 12:07:16 PM Does bat corking actually work? Seems like this is something the Mythbusters should figure out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHIJCjdU4wI Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Fordel on June 24, 2009, 12:50:54 AM Of course you manage to link the video that doesn't answer the question!
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Ingmar on July 29, 2009, 06:06:07 PM Fucking hell, the Giants traded one of their top 4 prospects (and it is a good top 4!) for empty-.300-hitting Freddy Sanchez.
When the fucking Pirates take you in a trade, it is time to fire the goddamn GM. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: cmlancas on August 28, 2009, 06:04:30 AM I'm going to say it now. They are winning the fucking division. Is it insane? Yes. But I believe. :ye_gods: Just thought I'd quote this for the lulz... Also because the Rays are almost totally out of it barring a meltdown of both Texas and Boston. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Ingmar on August 28, 2009, 01:14:12 PM Texas will fade, IMO. The Rays have been super unlucky this year, though, so who knows. 5th best run differential but only 9th best record. They're like the opposite of the Marlins, who should be like 1 game under .500 instead of hanging around the fringes of the wild card race.
The AL is also just really strong this year - witness Baltimore scoring almost 100 more runs than San Diego but having a worse record, because they are just playing against better teams. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on August 28, 2009, 07:37:09 PM I'm going to say it now. They are winning the fucking division. Is it insane? Yes. But I believe. :ye_gods: Just thought I'd quote this for the lulz... Also because the Rays are almost totally out of it barring a meltdown of both Texas and Boston. Yeah the Yanks actually found their pitching staff. That division has completely disappointed me this year. OTOH the Rockies are hot as a damn pistol and looking like the team that went to the show a few years back. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Raging Turtle on August 28, 2009, 10:19:47 PM GO CARDS! DeRosa and Holliday were great trades, Smoltz was dirt cheap and is looking good so far, Pujols is running away with the NL MVP and we've got three great starting pitchers.
It's made all the sweeter by watching the Cubs implode over the last month. Lulz at you guys who thought they would take the NL central :awesome_for_real: Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: HaemishM on August 28, 2009, 11:17:01 PM Last month hell... Cubs've been riding the edge of implosion since the goddamn season began. That team has only one excuse for being so bad this season - injuries. Key fucking injuries to key players. The rest of them though have no fucking excuses. Milton Bradley can go fuck himself. Fontenot has been terrible, Fukodome has been better but still nothing like advertised. Soriano can't hit shit - how bad do you have to be hitting to be dropped to sixth when you've never hit well anywhere but leadoff? Pretty fucking bad. Gregg is a bust as is most of the bullpen. That team has been a disaster. Looks like trading DeRosa was a really bad fucking idea after all. Good news is there are some talented youngsters getting time, like Hoffpaur, Baker, and Fuld, but holy shit does this team need a new trainer or something.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Margalis on August 29, 2009, 06:36:15 PM The AL is also just really strong this year - witness Baltimore scoring almost 100 more runs than San Diego but having a worse record, because they are just playing against better teams. Or Smoltz tearing up the NL after sucking balls in the AL. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: caladein on September 25, 2009, 11:35:20 AM Well, the Rangers are done. Unless something truly strange happens in the AL East it should be Angels and Red Sox in first round, again. Fuck.
A few more years of this and we're in Lakers/Celtics territory :ye_gods:. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on September 25, 2009, 06:42:32 PM The American League has been a yawn factory outside of the central for the last 5 seasons. The only highlight year was the Rays in 2008. Let's see, who's gonna win this year outside the central?
Angels, Yankees, and BoSox as the wild card. In 2008, Angels, Rays, and BoSox as the wild card. 2007? Angels, BoSox, and Yankees as the wild card 2006? Holy shit OAKLAND, Yankees, and the wild card finally comes out of the Central with Detroit. What a crazy year! 2005? Angels, Yankees, BoSox as the wild card. 2004? Angels, Yankees, BoSox as the wild card. 2003? OMG Oakland, Yankees, and BoSox as the wild card. Forgive me if I don't care to watch the BoSox, Angels, or the Yankees again. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Ingmar on September 26, 2009, 08:01:38 PM As long as the other teams all fail at talent evaluation things won't change.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: HaemishM on September 29, 2009, 09:44:15 AM Any of those teams is welcome to Milton Bradley, probably dirt fucking cheap. :why_so_serious:
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on September 29, 2009, 05:12:21 PM The Braves probably won't pull it off, but damn if I'm not impressed with the team's heart here at the end of the season. They have gone 15 out of 17, put together two 7 game winning streaks, and pulled to within 2 of the national league wild card.
I wish we had played remotely like this in June. That killed our chances at ever catching Philly. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Raging Turtle on October 08, 2009, 10:19:30 PM HOLLIDAY FRANKLIN AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Rasix on October 08, 2009, 10:47:23 PM Would have been funnier if it hit him in the balls. Just missed.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Hoax on October 10, 2009, 10:14:15 AM Fucking Yankees, meanwhile though at least two LA teams are winning. Sigh. Stupid baseball. For real, fuck Boston but does it have to be LA?
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Raging Turtle on October 10, 2009, 09:16:39 PM Well those were three horribly depressing games.
:heartbreak: Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: caladein on October 11, 2009, 12:08:33 AM Dodgers win a series and the Angels are up 2-0 on the Red Sox, who have forgotten how to hit the ball. What a strange and wonderful world these playoffs are.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on October 11, 2009, 08:13:01 AM I would be highly amused by an all-Cali World Series.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Hoax on October 11, 2009, 08:30:39 AM Once the Sox are gone I may have to root for the Yankees, jesus baseball is lame. All LA series would be awesome only because the games would all be west coast times.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Teleku on October 12, 2009, 01:00:45 PM An all Cali series would be awesome if the two teams weren't from LA :awesome_for_real: (we have 5 teams total to choose from, did it have to be those 2!?!)
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Trippy on October 12, 2009, 02:14:10 PM The last time it was the other two (the 5th team doesn't count) we had a major earthquake.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Teleku on October 12, 2009, 02:21:42 PM Maybe LA will get flattened this time then, Wohoo!
But yeah, maybe another battle of the bay wouldn't be so good, as I live almost right on top of the Hayward fault right now :awesome_for_real: Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on October 22, 2009, 04:12:30 PM So my choice is going to be the rooting for the Phillies or the Yankees?
No thanks, I'm officially done with this season. Bring on my crappy hockey team. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Margalis on October 26, 2009, 12:05:04 AM The Angels committing consecutive errors on bunts was pretty awesome.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: stu on October 26, 2009, 12:06:13 AM Here's an interesting bit I found over at SI.com.
Quote You, too, can be a GM If you were so inclined, you could take San Diego's impending hiring of Boston assistant general manager Jed Hoyer as a point in the (absurdly) ongoing debate over whether old-fashioned baseball management practices are inferior to snazzy new ones. The more telling point is that 90 percent or more of the sabermetric analysis that an executive such as Hoyer might have available to him is equaled by what's available to anyone with a working Internet connection. Here's a concrete example. On Boston radio recently, Theo Epstein was defending J.D. Drew against charges of being overpaid. The hosts asked if Drew had actually been worth his contract, which pays him $14 million a year. Epstein's response: What he’s done the first three years of that contract, just looking at straight free agent dollars -- obviously you can’t compare him to an arbitration market, or a pre-arb player -- what he’s done qualitatively and when you even factor in the amount he’s played over these three years, yeah, he’s come out to a tick more than $14 million per year. Head over to Fangraphs and you get overall value figures of $6 million, $19 million and $21 million for Drew's three seasons, which averages out to $15 million -- a tick more than $14 million per year. Epstein's information on this is as good as yours. There aren't many great sabermetric secrets on offer, and people like Hoyer aren't being hired because anyone thinks there are. Clubs have access to some data that outside researchers don't, and they can afford to pay people to chase down blind alleys or study extremely specific subjects. For a team like Boston, this proprietary research doubtless pays some dividends. But on the big-picture issues, such as how good players are, there's no disagreement between internal figures and ones the public has access to. This is the real criticism to be made of obstinately old-school teams such as the Royals -- the problem isn't that they're unwilling to hire some whiz-bang Ivy League grad to run their club, it's that they're unwilling to use information that's literally free for the taking and is just as good as what anyone else has. Also, Go Phils! Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: 01101010 on October 26, 2009, 02:52:24 AM Oh its going to be Sabathia vs Lee in game 1. That should further the conclusion that Cleveland is nothing more than a farm team for champions.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: HaemishM on October 26, 2009, 10:03:57 AM Yanks/Phils. YAWN.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: caladein on October 26, 2009, 12:20:41 PM The Angels committing consecutive errors on bunts was pretty awesome. :uhrr: Now to worry about next year. I have to say, losing in Game 6 of the ALCS being a disappointment is actually kind of neat as an Angels fan. They were such trash when I was growing up... Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Paelos on October 26, 2009, 04:20:40 PM Yanks/Phils. YAWN. Yep, I won't be watching much of this at all. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Teleku on October 27, 2009, 12:12:40 AM When ever the Yankee's make it to the world series, its always worth watching just so you can root for the opposing team.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: HaemishM on October 27, 2009, 08:42:34 AM When that team is the Phillies, yeah, not so much. It's like rooting against the ball cancer because it ate your AIDS.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Ingmar on October 27, 2009, 02:15:06 PM Phillies in 7. I keep expecting Girardi to pay the price for all the shitty moves he keeps making, maybe it will finally happen in the series.
It's worth rooting for the Phils just for Matt Stairs anyway. Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Teleku on October 27, 2009, 03:08:09 PM Haha, nice, I didn't even realize he was on the Phillies. Would be fun to root for him. I've been rooting for the Phillies all along because of the final 4 teams to make it, they were the only one I didn't personally hate. No opinion is better than bad opinion :awesome_for_real:
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: stu on October 28, 2009, 04:55:56 PM Lol at Yanks playing The Imperial March when introducing the Phils and then playing the Rebel theme for themselves. Only the Evil Empire would attempt that kind of spin.
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: Teleku on November 05, 2009, 08:56:57 AM :facepalm:
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: HaemishM on November 05, 2009, 08:58:05 AM MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL - WE JUMPED THE SHARK IN 2005!
Title: Re: MLB 2009 Post by: stu on November 05, 2009, 10:06:55 AM harhar
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