MLB 2011 Season Thread

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I'll be damned</font> :eek:

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Nothing infuriates me about Yahoo more than the inability in some leagues to drop a player who has already played on a given day. Typically, you can apply the transaction to the next day.

Means I basically can never make moves since I have no access to Yahoo at work.</font>

[Gertner]

Jo Jo Reyes for Cy Young!!!!!

Oh and the Hawk is retarded, but that isn't a surprise to anybody.

[Droford]

Nothing infuriates me about Yahoo more than the inability in some leagues to drop a player who has already played on a given day. Typically, you can apply the transaction to the next day.

Means I basically can never make moves since I have no access to Yahoo at work.

I know in the TPWW roto league you can make moves for that day which is why you can't drop someone thats already played. In the other tpww league any moves you make apply for the next day and it doesnt matter if the player has played or not. So thats the difference.

[Emperor Smeat]

Dice-K Matsuzaka out for the season as he needs Tommy John surgery and his career as a Red Sox also possibly done since his current contract ends in 2012. The Red Sox were hoping at least this year to improve Dice-K's value for a potential trade deadline move.

Red Sox offered him to rest and then do some tests later but also told him if he failed, then he would need surgery. Dice-K ended up deciding to save those few months and go with the surgery now.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Can't believe that Minnesota player actually thought it'd be a good idea, top 9th, 2 men on base, his team trailing Detroit 6-4 with 1 out, count on him is 0-2.

So what does this jackass do? He bunts, and it jumps backwards for a foul ball, but a foul on a bunt on 0-2 automatically counts as strike 3. LOL. Wish I could've been there after the game to see if Ron Gardenhire or any of his teammates bitched him out for that.

[MVP]

Dice-K Matsuzaka out for the season as he needs Tommy John surgery and his career as a Red Sox also possibly done since his current contract ends in 2012. The Red Sox were hoping at least this year to improve Dice-K's value for a potential trade deadline move.

Red Sox offered him to rest and then do some tests later but also told him if he failed, then he would need surgery. Dice-K ended up deciding to save those few months and go with the surgery now.

Hopefully the Red Sox insured his contract. They've lost enough money on Dice-K as it is after the 2008 season.

[Gertner]

Kyle Drabek's control issues sure caught up with him last night. Ugh, that was terrible.

[Droford]

the os are getting no-hit by ponchovillaneuva

uuuugggghhhh

[Damian Rey]

Padres have the bats rolling tonight. Well, for their standards, the bats are rolling. Ludwick continues to stay hot and drives another run, as does recent call up Aaron Cunningham. Chris Denorfia bested Petco with a HR to straight away CF.

My Pads are up 3 to 1 on Houston. If the pen finishes it off, Dustin Mosley will have yet another well deserved win.

[Gertner]

J.P Arencibia is kicking ass! He might make the all star team.

[ClockShot]

Amateur draft goes down on monday. Pirates let it out they're taking Gerrit Cole out of UCLA #1.

Rays get 12 picks in the first 100. :eek:

[Mr.Pewterschmidt]

Amateur draft goes down on monday. Pirates let it out they're taking Gerrit Cole out of UCLA #1.

Rays get 12 picks in the first 100. :eek:
12? Holy shit... :wtf:

[Innovator]

Aaaaand another run scores with a ball going through the black hole at shortstop.

[Damian Rey]

Padres picked up a nice win against the 'Stros today. They go for 3 out of 4 tomorrow. Stupid Rock and Walk marathon, or whatever it's called, pushed the game back to 330, which means the Padres cannot be televised thanks to ESPN's exclusive rights to Sunday night games.

[Innovator]

Mariano throws one pitch for the save. THEEEEEEEEEEEE YANKEES WIN

How about Toriiiiiiiiii Hunter diving into the crowd?

[Triple Naitch]

Going to Baltimore today to see the O's and Blue Jays. Jo-Jo muthafuckin' Reyes.

[Droford]

yeah he won again

wasnt surprised

[RP]

Cubs are so pathetic . Worst team in baseball by far.

[Droford]

I'll see your Cubs and raise you the Orioles...roughly about the same I guess.

[ClockShot]

Can't remember the last time we won a series against the Angels in L.A.

[Emperor Smeat]

Red Sox turned what could have been a horrible series against Oakland into a sweep.

Lackey also returned for a win but still has trouble getting past the 5th pitch count wise.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>So many good, hard-throwing college pitchers available, including UConn RHP Matt Barnes - and the Mets take a HS outfielder. Gonna try to trust Alderson with this one...</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Nimmo's HS didn't even have a baseball team. The fuck?</font>

[RP]

I want to know why Quade is playing a second baseman in the outfield instead of Campana, who's a speedster and a outfielder....

Quade needs to be fired. This is a fucking circus.

[Aguakate]

...I still can't believe they picked him over Ryno.

[RP]

top Mike Quade moment of the year so far.

Saturday he lets the pitcher pitch to Pujos and pujos jacks a walk off hr. After the game, Quade said he would never pitch to Pujos in that situation again. THE VERY NEXT MOTHERFUCKING DAY! Albert Pujos is the first batter up in the bottom of the 10th. Marshall pitches it right down the fucking middle. Walk off hr again.

Fuck you Mike Quade!

[Nervous Ferret]

Thanks, Droford!

[Droford]

Needless to say I think any plans I had of going to Chicago better be put on hold for a while.

Sucks that he probably wont make it long enough for me to make it to an Os/Cubs game at Wrigley Field.

[DaveWadding]

So I went to Arlington today. Pretty exciting game between the Rangers and Tigers. Nice park (we were out there in the section to the left of the hill). Rangers lost though. :(

[Aguakate]

top Mike Quade moment of the year so far.

Saturday he lets the pitcher pitch to Pujos and pujos jacks a walk off hr. After the game, Quade said he would never pitch to Pujos in that situation again. THE VERY NEXT MOTHERFUCKING DAY! Albert Pujos is the first batter up in the bottom of the 10th. Marshall pitches it right down the fucking middle. Walk off hr again.

Fuck you Mike Quade!

He's a joke, a clown...

...he'll be gone by midseason next year.

[Innovator]

10 big games at home. Boston, Cleveland, Texas.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Whispers going around that the Mets have finally approached Reyes about an extension and that an offer being tossed around is something like 5 years, $90 million. It's less than he's hoping for, but he's going to need to make some concessions if he wants to stay.

Even if he could net a ton in return, I'm dreading the thought of no Reyes. As each game passes I realize how much less fun Mets games would be to watch without him.</font>

[Aguakate]

Speaking of the Mets, what has happened to David Wright?

...dude was the face of the Mets a couple years ago, one of the rising stars of the ML, and now he's...not.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Because he's hurt...

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Dude was having a horrendous year even before the injury. It happens.

His K's went up drastically in 2009 with the move to Citi Field/pressure to hit HRs in the big park. Unfortunately, even though the homers came back last year, the K's have continued to increase. I expect most of his outs to be via strikeout at this point. It's just a part of his game now. He used to be money with 2 strikes.

I'd love to see this team stay around .500 for when Wright, Davis, and Johan return. Could be pretty fun. Wouldn't hesitate to deal Beltran or K-Rod if the offers come up, though.</font>

[Aguakate]

...I think Citi Field and its dimensions went to Wright's head...messed him up...

...a change of scenery would be great for him.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

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lollllllllll people are flipping out about this

I think it's hilarious. Dunno.

[Emperor Smeat]

6-4 Red Sox win over the Yanks.

Jenks left the game due to an injury after just coming back from a previous injury/DL time earlier in the week. Lester struggled a bit for the 1st 2 innings but the offense gave him a nice 3-run lead as insurance. Papelbon got his 200th career save as well.

[Aguakate]

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lollllllllll people are flipping out about this

I think it's hilarious. Dunno.


...It may be hilarious now...

...but he better not do that at the Major League level...he better drop that.

[RP]

I would totally take Wright at 3b. But we are paying dead weight to hold down 3b right now.

[MVP]

6-4 Red Sox win over the Yanks.

Jenks left the game due to an injury after just coming back from a previous injury/DL time earlier in the week. Lester struggled a bit for the 1st 2 innings but the offense gave him a nice 3-run lead as insurance. Papelbon got his 200th career save as well.

I'm betting there will be some retailiation for Lester's two hit batsmen last night. Hard to believe he hit two in the same inning around the right knee. He's been relying on that cut fastball too much even though it's dirty when he locates it well.

[RP]

How bout retaliation for Ortiz showing up the pitcher on that homerun?

[Innovator]

Burnett will be more than happy to throw at someone.

[Damian Rey]

I think the Harper issue is being a bit overplayed. He blew a kiss in retaliation to being plunked in the knee either that game or the game before. I do not, however, condone that action. MLB players don't pull that bullshit, so he shouldn't, either.

Not to mention, he's under a microscope right now, and he needs to be easy about what he says and does on a ball field because the media is going to blow everything out of proportion and make him out to be the bad guy.

In SAN DIEGO PADRES news, top hitting prospect Anthony Rizzo, who was one of the 4 players included in the Adrian Gonzalez to Boston deal, was in San Diego this week to get an MRI on his thumb, which he injured in the previous Las Vegas road trip while with the AAA Tuscon Padres. Results showed no injuries, ad Rizzo was flown back to Tuscon. However, he returned on a flight from Tuson this morning with Nick Hundley (starting catcher), who's fresh off a rehab stint in AAA. It was made official this afternoon that Anthony Rizzo will in fact be called up and activated on the 25 man roster as of tomorrow. Whether or not he's going to be in the lineup is unknown, but Rizzo will be making his season debut soon enough.

I was at first hesistent to have him called up. The kid has to know he's replacing Adrian Gonzalez, and there's a lot of pressure with that role. But if the FO feels he's ready after tearing AAA apart, then I'm all for it. I also like that they waited until the current lineup started hitting and the team started getting some wins here and there before bringing him up. Takes a little bit of pressure off.

I expect him to bat 7th, and I expect to be attending a game soon to see him play.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Who even cares if it was unprofessional? Baseball self polices itself. If you're an asshole, you get plunked. Your teammates or your manager tells you to knock it off and that's the end of it.

[Gertner]

J.P Arencibia bitches.

[Damian Rey]

Arecibia is showing everyone what an idiot Cito Gaston was for sitting him at the end of last year.

[ClockShot]

Yankees claim Jeff Marquez off the White Sox. He'll be in uniform ready to go tonight. They put Joba on the DL to make room for him.

Hopefully Burnett and the offense right the ship in terms of Boston kicking our ass at home.

[Nervous Ferret]

Red sox are g+y!!!!!

[Innovator]

Can someone just throw at his head ONCE THIS FUCKING DECADE

[Innovator]

You gotta be fucking kidding me

[Damian Rey]

Inno, we have no clue what you're talking about. Can we get some play by play?

Also, the Padres just tied the Rockies 3-3 in the 6th. The Padres epitomize the term "scraping runs together".

[Innovator]

Inno, we have no clue what you're talking about. Can we get some play by play?

Also, the Padres just tied the Rockies 3-3 in the 6th. The Padres epitomize the term "scraping runs together".
That was after the 2nd time Cervelli threw the ball into center field.

[Aguakate]

...Can't the Yankees and Red Sox ever play a 1-0 game or something? Seems like every time they play each other, it's a slugfest.

[Damian Rey]

Padres drop the rubber game 5-3 to the Rox. Damnit.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets blow a 4-run lead in the 8th. Ugh. Fuckin fatass Fielder.</font>

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I really hope the Yankees can pull off a victory tonight. With CC on the mound we have a chance. The Yankees better be picking up 2 pitchers at the deadline or at least bring up Betances or Buenuelos or something.

[Skippord]

so excited that Rex Brothers and Charlie Blackmon are currently Rockies. love those guys.

[RP]

I really hope the Yankees can pull off a victory tonight. With CC on the mound we have a chance. The Yankees better be picking up 2 pitchers at the deadline or at least bring up Betances or Buenuelos or something.

You'll get Zambrano at the deadline. That's a lock.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

You'll get Zambrano at the deadline. That's a lock.

I'd prefer Danks and Jackson. From what I heard Zambrano has some anger issues doesn't he? I want them to steer clear of someone with anger issues.

[RP]

What? Anger issues? What? Noooo. Give us Montero please.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Big Z is a cool customer. When people say he's a hot head, they just mean because his head is all fat and sweaty.

[Innovator]

I'd prefer Danks and Jackson. From what I heard Zambrano has some anger issues doesn't he? I want them to steer clear of someone with anger issues.

...have you ever seen SportsCenter over the last 5 years? All Zambrano does is FREAK OUT FREAK OUT

[RP]

When Z destroys gatoraid coolers and tries to fight his teammates, it's only because he cares a lot. He's got fire! He's a real gamer.

[MVP]

If the Yankees acquire Zambrano, they should also go get Michael Barrett.

[RP]

Get Derrick Lee too. And get Carlos Marmol to be his personal closer.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

...have you ever seen SportsCenter over the last 5 years? All Zambrano does is FREAK OUT FREAK OUT

Okay, I thought so. I kept on thinking it was someone else on the Cubs.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Bob Geren has been fired.</font>

[parkmania]

http://l.yimg.com/a/p/sp/editorial_image/7d/7d8b89908aaeff31c621156386d59e53/photo_young_rangers_fan_places_bounty_on_brothers_head.jpg

[Innovator]

I'll buy CC all the Capt. Crunch he wants if he plants one in Ortiz's back/shoulder/temple

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Well I know what game on MLB TV I am watching tonight. Rizzo gets a early call up and is going to be batting 5th or 8th. I gotta say from the little I have seen of Rizzo I have to say I am pretty impressed.

[Innovator]

Joba has a torn ligament in his right arm, Tommy John surgery likely.

[RP]

Haha Cubs just hit back to back homers in the top of the ninth to take the lead

[RP]

Oh bullshit now they're calling it a double.

[Aguakate]

...have you ever seen SportsCenter over the last 5 years? All Zambrano does is FREAK OUT FREAK OUT

...all he does every season is freak out at some point, and then apologize...

...well, "I'm sorry" doesn't cut it anymore...the Cubs should man up and trade him.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

One inning too long for CC Sabathia :D.

Seven runs (Six earned) scored in the top of the 7th.

[Droford]

Saw Bryce Harper play. Not impressed. Manny Machado however is awesome.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Sox Sweep the Yankees for the second time this season!!

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I don't know why the hell the Yankees can't win one series against those guys. God, I stayed up for that?

[Cooler Tom Schuler]

I made an graphical summary of the Twins' injuries right now.

[Cooler Tom Schuler]

I should have Morneau on there for his left wrist (and his head is clearly still not right).

[YOUR Hero]

Is Santana going to be coming back at all this year for the Mets?

[RP]

Didn't they say mid june early july?

[ClockShot]

If The Boss were still alive, Girardi's head would be served to him on a silver platter 10x over, his ass in a sling, and both his legs broken. AND, after the left the office, Steinbrenner would call Lupica over the at the Daily News and say that "Girardi's on the hot seat".

If Hal got any of his father in him, he'd light one hell of a fire under this team's ass. And I mean throw in a tanker truck of gasoline and few propane tanks for good measure. Can't believe the BoSox swept us at home for the 2nd time in a row.

[Boomer]

Hey look, another Braves injury. Only the entire starting outfield is on the disabled list though, no biggie.

[Droford]

Jake Arrieta has 8 wins for the Os and tied for the lead in wins in the AL despite the fact that tonight was only the 2nd time his pitched 7 innings.

Os are 30-31, probably the most bipolar team ever. One week they can't do anything wrong (like this week, sweep the As in 3 and pound the Rays tonight) and the next they can't do anything right (like last week where they got swept by the As).
Still its good I suppose to only be 5 GB of the Red Sox and still involved in the closest AL East race at this point in the season since the divisions were created.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Dillon Gee is quietly having a fantastic year. Could wind up being All Star material, not bad for a guy who started the year in Triple A.

PNC Park is hella nice. Had great seats tonight and great seats for the next two days, getting to see the park from all different perspectives, which is nice.</font>

[Aguakate]

...PNC is one beautiful ballpark...hopefully the Pirates will contend someday soon, and the world will be able to see it.

[RP]

I think every team gets a representative in the all star game. Kosuke Fukudome could possibly be the Cubs representative. That would make him a two time all star. Lets just think about that for a minute....lol

[ClockShot]

Realignment is being tossed around in the labor talks. Bouncing one NL team to the AL side making it an even 15 teams on both sides. They're also talking about killing off divisions all together so the top 5 teams from both sides go to the playoffs.

Mind you this is just chatter and you can read it all on espn.com right now. But it makes for some interesting discussion between baseball junkies such as us. Don't ya think?

[Gertner]

Oh dear Toronto. Ohhhh dear.

[Emperor Smeat]

Realignment is being tossed around in the labor talks. Bouncing one NL team to the AL side making it an even 15 teams on both sides. They're also talking about killing off divisions all together so the top 5 teams from both sides go to the playoffs.

Mind you this is just chatter and you can read it all on espn.com right now. But it makes for some interesting discussion between baseball junkies such as us. Don't ya think?

Balancing the divisions would create a lot of good changes with better balanced schedules and more "fairness" for spots instead of a 4-team division being equal to a 6-team division.

The biggest issue is the loss of tradition of the 2 leagues being seen as separate and the brief inter-league games no longer being special.

Never mind, just finished reading the article and MLB would still have the leagues act as being seperate and just push more inter-league games instead of a true combination of the leagues and balanced schedule.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I can see adding the Astros to the AL West and allowing interleague play to run all year, one series at a time. Interleague has overstayed its welcome anyway, so only having one series going at a time is a good thing.

There is zero chance they eliminate divisions though. That would mean you play the teams in your league an equal amount of times. aka a bunch of rivalry games are lost. No way in hell will MLB, FOX, ESPN, etc. allow there to be less Yanks/Sox games.</font>

[ClockShot]

Oh dear Toronto. Ohhhh dear.

Hey Gertner,

Granderson tied Bautista in home runs today. :yes:

[Damian Rey]

A little late but Rizzo made a lovely debut, hitting the shit out of a Livan Hernandez piss ball in his second at bat. Kid's got a gorgeous swing, and his finish is real pretty. Hope he continues to develop.

[parkmania]

...PNC is one beautiful ballpark...hopefully the Pirates will contend someday soon, and the world will be able to see it.

The only way the Pirates will ever contend under current ownership is if there are plane crashes involving the Brewers, Reds, Cardinals, Astros, and Cubs all in the same season.

[Droford]

I can see adding the Astros to the AL West and allowing interleague play to run all year, one series at a time. Interleague has overstayed its welcome anyway, so only having one series going at a time is a good thing.

There is zero chance they eliminate divisions though. That would mean you play the teams in your league an equal amount of times. aka a bunch of rivalry games are lost. No way in hell will MLB, FOX, ESPN, etc. allow there to be less Yanks/Sox games.

Astros to the AL West makes no sense with the Rangers already there.

My plan: Colorado to the AL West, Astros the NL West.

[Damian Rey]

The only way the Pirates will ever contend under current ownership is if there are plane crashes involving the Brewers, Reds, Cardinals, Astros, and Cubs all in the same season.

They're not THAT far off. Geritt Cole, their 2011 1st overall pick, should move through the system rather quickly and could be up by next year. They still have James Tallion moving ever closer, and their current crop iof youngsters in Walker, Alvarez and McCutchen provide a very solid offensive core.

Their top catching prospect, Tony Sanchez, is also getting closer and could be a very good offensive catcher, especially in tha ball park.

I think if they can get an ace (Cole) and a real #2 starter, they could compete in that division. It is not that strong.

[Triple Naitch]

Astros to the AL West makes no sense with the Rangers already there.

My plan: Colorado to the AL West, Astros the NL West.

The Dodgers, Padres, and Giants all play in the same division.

[DaveWadding]

I think they should move one of the Pennsylvania teams to the AL. :shrug:

[RoXer]

Always loved the idea of the Expos moving to the AL West (Las Vegas) and moving Pittsburgh to the NL East.

[Evil Vito]

Astros to the AL West makes no sense with the Rangers already there.

My plan: Colorado to the AL West, Astros the NL West.

<font color=goldenrod>The idea is that the Rangers have no natural rivals as it is, they don't even play in the same time zone as the rest of the division. The Rangers and Stros would almost certainly become major rivals.</font>

[Nark Order]

The giants were absolutely murdered yesterday. It was white disgusting. The A's lost a close one to the Sox as well. Sheesh

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Hey Narc did you see the Giants game yesterday?

[Nervous Ferret]

Liriano perfect through 6 on 64 pitches :-/

[ClockShot]

Not anymore.

[parkmania]

They're not THAT far off. Geritt Cole, their 2011 1st overall pick, should move through the system rather quickly and could be up by next year. They still have James Tallion moving ever closer, and their current crop iof youngsters in Walker, Alvarez and McCutchen provide a very solid offensive core.

Their top catching prospect, Tony Sanchez, is also getting closer and could be a very good offensive catcher, especially in tha ball park.

I think if they can get an ace (Cole) and a real #2 starter, they could compete in that division. It is not that strong.

You assume that they will keep A. McCutchen, Jones, and Walker. It's proven time and again that as soon as a guy gets even mediocre near the end of his contract, he gets traded away.

[DaveWadding]

See: McLouth, Nate

[Aguakate]

...My Bartolo Colon to the DL...dang it...he's been the ace of that staff.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Cool thing I noticed while at PNC Park. Joel Hanrahan has a WWE-esque titan tron video when he enters.

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3AnVBz80VaM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Dude's been awesome this year. Should definitely make the All Star team.</font>

[Innovator]

http://fastcache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/11/2011/06/mlbrealignment_01.jpg


REAFUCKINGLIGNMENT

Do it geographically. Had to split up that raging Orioles/Nationals rivalry, but this is the easiest way to go. Oh, and I had to move the Mariners to Oklahoma City. I hope that doesn't bother anyone.

[Nark Order]

Hey Narc did you see the Giants game yesterday?

How dare you.

[Innovator]

Chances are Jeter might be going to the DL

[Emperor Smeat]

http://fastcache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/11/2011/06/mlbrealignment_01.jpg

Never realized until looking at that picture how alone Seattle is compared to the others teams. There are barely any teams in the actual western part of the country but at least they are all bunched up except for Seattle all the way up by itself.

I'd keep Seattle and toss out one of the Florida teams because the state barely supports their teams (and pro sports outside of the Dolphins in NFL).

[Damian Rey]

You assume that they will keep A. McCutchen, Jones, and Walker. It's proven time and again that as soon as a guy gets even mediocre near the end of his contract, he gets traded away.

That's not going to happen anytime soon with McCutchen and Walker. Neither are free agent eligible until 2016. Alvarez also won't eligible until that year. That's 5 years after this year. Gerrit Cole could be up as soon as next year, with Tallion following suit.

Not to mention, is the NL Central really THAT strong? Outside of the Cardinals, there's really no run away team. The Reds finished under .500 against 5 playoff/potential playoff teams last year. That suggests they played in a weak division and steamrolled lesser teams, but couldn't match up well against good ball clubs.

I'm not saying the Pirates are a lock, but it's not hopeless for them. If Cole and Tallion show up and pitch even mediocre (4.00 ERA or under) and their bullpen holds up, they have an outside shot at that division over the next 5 years.

[Damian Rey]

In other news, Padres took the first game of their road trip against Colorado last night. Love the team so much when they're not at home, which is sad.

[Droford]

Os pitching coach resigned today with no advance notice due to personal reasons.

ugh..the former pitching coach Rick Kranitz moved on to Milwaukee and has done wonders for their staff. Mark Connor was supposed to be the guy that would do the same for the Os and aside from a shaky bullpen he had done well.

[parkmania]

http://fastcache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/11/2011/06/mlbrealignment_01.jpg

MLB will never allow both NY teams, both CHI teams, both LA area, or both Bay area teams to be in the same league, let alone the same division.

But I do find it at least a little bit humorous that this scenario had the Mariners moving to the same town that the Sonics did.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>It would be pointless for me to continue watching baseball if the Mets got put into a division with the Yankees, Red Sox, AND Phillies.</font>

[Droford]

The Orioles have lost 14 straight in Toronto and are doing everything possible to ensure #15. I thought for sure the Os were catching Toronto at the right time since they lost 5 in a row and were trounced by Boston over the weekend but I guess not

[ClockShot]

Is there something in the water up in those Great Lakes?

[RoXer]

MLB will never allow both NY teams, both CHI teams, both LA area, or both Bay area teams to be in the same league, let alone the same division.

But I do find it at least a little bit humorous that this scenario had the Mariners moving to the same town that the Sonics did.

i wonder if they did that on purpose

[Gertner]

Adam Lind saves the day.

[Damian Rey]

Padres are tied with the Rockies 1 to 1 in the bottom of the 5th as we speak. Winner takes the series.

[Damian Rey]

Rockies just took a 4 to 1 lead in the bottom of the 6th. Latos got knocked out after 5 and a third. Well, this bitch is over.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Nice wording, Heyman.</font>

http://www.metsblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/HeymanReyesBoSox.png

[Damian Rey]

Makes sense. Reyes is going to get anywhere from $15-$20mil a year, and he's hitting free agency in his prime. No need for the Sox to go after him. But, GASP, what if the Yankees were to get him?

Is that even a possibility? It would almost guarentee Jeter moving out of SS for good, which would help his health over the long term duration of his contract. Playing shortstop in your mid to late 30s everyday is not a plus in the health department.

Other teams could be the Angels, who failed miserably at signing Beltre, Soriano and Crawford this past offseason. They need to inject some more life into that offense. Reyes is perfect.

Giants are a big possibility. They lack the dynamic player that Reyes is, and I don't know if they have anyting remotely close to an above average, everday shortstop who's glove and bat plays. He'd be an immense fit in that ballpark, and on that team. Giants have the money to do it, as well.

I really don't think there are too many places for Reyes to go, honestly. There's only a handful of teams who could dole out the cash he's going to command on the open market. I don't think Sandy Alderson signs him, and collects draft picks instead. So, IMO, the Mets are out in terms of keeping him.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Seems you missed the point of the post. :o It's obvious that the Sox aren't gonna go after Reyes.

However, it's because Heyman says they "shot wad" with Crawford and Gonzo. :o Yikes.</font>

[Damian Rey]

<font color=goldenrod>Seems you missed the point of the post. :o It's obvious that the Sox aren't gonna go after Reyes.

However, it's because Heyman says they "shot wad" with Crawford and Gonzo. :o Yikes.</font>

:-\ it's the analyst in me

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>K-Rod blows a save, he had converted 19 straight. Then in the 10th with 2 outs, Lucas Duda fucks up a simple play at 1st base that should have ended the inning, but instead allows the runner to move up to 3rd. DJ Carrasco then promptly commits a walk-off balk.

Fucking UGH. Despite a good road trip, losing like that leads me to believe they'll have a shitty homestand and the fire sale will finally happen.</font>

[Nervous Ferret]

Lol

[Innovator]

lolmets...


I'm sorry Vito.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>If by "sex" you mean "seeing the Mets actually be competitive", I'd say George has it spot on:</font>

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mdafrLN2-JM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[RP]

Lol Cubs do the darndest things sometimes

[ClockShot]

McCourts are going to trial one more time to determine if the Dodgers are in Frank McCourt's name, or if it's community property between he and Jamie and should be sold.

What a mess. I heard if they don't get this TV deal with Fox, they won't make the next payroll.

[Dragon]

Makes sense. Reyes is going to get anywhere from $15-$20mil a year, and he's hitting free agency in his prime. No need for the Sox to go after him. But, GASP, what if the Yankees were to get him?

Is that even a possibility? It would almost guarentee Jeter moving out of SS for good, which would help his health over the long term duration of his contract. Playing shortstop in your mid to late 30s everyday is not a plus in the health department.


Very unlikely. The Yankees are the last team the Mets would want to send their superstar SS to. And on the Yankees side, they don't even have the "nerve" yet to take Jeter and his .324 OBP out of the leadoff spot. Not likely they take him off SS all together. And theres nowhere for him to play if they do. Right now his bat is weak for a SS. Only other place for him would be DH and he would be the worst DH of all time.

[Innovator]

Lou Piniella, Bernie Williams, Joe Torre all coming back for Old Timer's Day.

[Emperor Smeat]

McCourts are going to trial one more time to determine if the Dodgers are in Frank McCourt's name, or if it's community property between he and Jamie and should be sold.

What a mess. I heard if they don't get this TV deal with Fox, they won't make the next payroll.

I'm a bit surprised Fox hasn't done more to force the McCourts out with all the countless loans and "mortgaging" of the future deals with them which ends every time of the owners wasting the money. Fox already managed to get MLB to intervene but MLB/Selig can't do much without changing some rules or ownership approval.

Its not all owed to Fox but they seem to be the go-to-guy for the McCourts when they need a quick cash boost each time.

[Droford]

I dont know how you can get 18 hits and lose by 4 runs..terrible

[Skippord]

Jose Morales broke his thumb Wednesday and still threw out a base stealer

hardfuckingcore

[Gertner]

Wow Adam Lind is on fire!

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Jose Reyes is reportedly trying to switch agents from Peter Greenberg to...yep, you guess it, Scott Boras.

He's good as gone. :-\ Now it's just a question of whether the Mets think they can get more from trading him or from draft picks. It might be the latter, actually...since not too many contending teams are in need of a shortstop and as such they'd be less likely to trade a lot of talent for a rental player who is expecting to make more than Crawford.

Competing executives have said Reyes will absolutely get the Crawford contract he wants. I just don't know who the fuck is gonna give it to him. It certainly isn't the Mets. The Yanks won't boot Jeter out of the spot. The Sox have enough money tied up in hitting. The Cubs have Castro. The Cards are gonna invest every last dollar they have into keeping Pujols. The Dodgers don't have the money. The Phillies probably feel obligated to keep Rollins, and he'll be WAY cheaper.

Who does that leave? The Angels? The Tigers? The Reds? I just don't see where people think he's gonna get that enormous contract from.

I'll continue to hold out hope that he stays with the Mets for like 5 years, $90-100 million or something.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Angles should be the huge front runners after getting almost nothing in the previous 1-2 offseasons while I think the Tigers are trying to lower their payroll after paying soo much for a team that got worse last couple of seasons.

[RoXer]

Joe Buck has been awful so far but I really hope the nickname "Mr. Galore" sticks with Nunez for the rest of his career

[Innovator]

This is painful listening to him.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>McCarver just said that Russell Martin is leading the votes for AL catchers for the All Star Game. I know Yankees always get a ton of votes due to their fans stuffing the ballot box - but I needed to see it to believe it. It's true. Not only is Martin leading, but in 2nd place is Joe Mauer who just returned after missing 50+ games. Meanwhile Alex Avila, easily the most deserving catcher in the AL, is a distant 3rd.

Jeter is also leading his position, shock of shocks. Asdrubal Cabrera isn't far behind, and I gotta figure he gets the start if Jeter elects not to play due to injury/admitting he's been awful this year. Teix is leading the 1B ballot despite Gonzalez having an MVP year. On top of all that, Ichiro's 4th in AL OF voting, not far from getting in. Despite this being the first year he genuinely doesn't deserve to be there, I'm sure Japan will unite to get him into the game anyway.

I'd like to think this winds up finally being the year when the fan vote goes away due to it being obvious most fans don't vote based on numbers. But I'm sure Selig will once again say "it's the fan's game!!!" even though "the fans" refers to like 2 fanbases.</font>

[ClockShot]

This is painful listening to him.

Do like I do when Fox gets a yankees game. Or any other game for that matter. Mute the TV, put on the radio.

[The Gold Standard]

Do like I do when Fox gets a yankees game. Or any other game for that matter. Mute the TV, put on the radio.

The only problem is the radio is usually ahead of the TV, so it doesn't sync up.

[Triple Naitch]

McCarver just said that Russell Martin is leading the votes for AL catchers for the All Star Game. I know Yankees always get a ton of votes due to their fans stuffing the ballot box - but I needed to see it to believe it. It's true. Not only is Martin leading, but in 2nd place is Joe Mauer who just returned after missing 50+ games. Meanwhile Alex Avila, easily the most deserving catcher in the AL, is a distant 3rd.

Jeter is also leading his position, shock of shocks. Asdrubal Cabrera isn't far behind, and I gotta figure he gets the start if Jeter elects not to play due to injury/admitting he's been awful this year. Teix is leading the 1B ballot despite Gonzalez having an MVP year. On top of all that, Ichiro's 4th in AL OF voting, not far from getting in. Despite this being the first year he genuinely doesn't deserve to be there, I'm sure Japan will unite to get him into the game anyway.

I'd like to think this winds up finally being the year when the fan vote goes away due to it being obvious most fans don't vote based on numbers. But I'm sure Selig will once again say "it's the fan's game!!!" even though "the fans" refers to like 2 fanbases.

I thought A-Gon passed Teixeira this week. :cool:

[Triple Naitch]

The first trailer for Moneyball is out.

<iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AiAHlZVgXjk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Actually looks pretty interesting.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, definitely seeing that.</font>

[RP]

That looks really good

[DaveWadding]

Will see that.

[RP]

I'm actually reading the book now. Half way thru

[RP]

Really hope the Cubs take this series tonight. I can't believe Martin held onto that ball at home plate. Oena destroyed him.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Edwin Rodriguez is out in Florida.

Florida Marlins manager has to be one of the least stable jobs in professional sports.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Word has it that Jack McKeon might come in for the rest of the year. At 80 years old.</font>

[Nark Order]

Man, the Battle of the Bay was more like a severe one sided beating of the Bay.

[Nark Order]

Meh, well kinda. I like both teams though, which is blasphemy.

[RoXer]

no it isnt

[ClockShot]

Pujols is out 4-6 weeks with a fractured forearm.

Adjust your fantasy rosters accordingly.

[Innovator]

3 games against the Reds.

[ClockShot]

And Selig drops the hammer and rejects the Dodgers TV deal with Fox. Team ain't gonna make payroll. And the next move is for MLB to come in and take over the team and sell it.

Ouch.

[Droford]

Pujols is out 4-6 weeks with a fractured forearm.

Adjust your fantasy rosters accordingly.

Wont bother going to see The Cardinals play the Os in Camden Yards now

[Nark Order]

Going to Giants/Indians on Saturday. Yeah.

[Nervous Ferret]

The Brewers and then the Reds are my fAvOrIte secondary teams, weirdDDDDdDdDDDD the Yankees play both within the next week or so. Rockies too, damn. Votto, Bruce, Braun, Fielder, CarGo, TULO facing Freddy Garcia

[Boomer]

Tim Hudson 2
Blue Jays 0

[YOUR Hero]

Word has it that Jack McKeon might come in for the rest of the year. At 80 years old.

Yeah I heard that. Ridiculous. McKeon is and was great, but at 80, that's asking a lot on his mind-body-and soul...

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Seems like the upper management in Florida is difficult to work with. They probably just want someone they can manipulate. And even though McKeon was a baller, I doubt he'll put up much of a fuss now.

[Gertner]

Tim Hudson 2
Blue Jays 0

Un fucking believable.

[Hanso Amore]

Cant wait for LA to have a new owner.

[Damian Rey]

Padres take two out of three against the Red Sox AT Fenway?? What in God's name is going here? Either way, it was a lovely series win. Other than Gonzalez tearing our pitching staff a new asshole, I am happy with the end results.

Chase Headley has run his batting average up .290 plus. I wish he's hit for more power, but I think he might be finally turning the corner and becoming the professional hitter he was billed as when he was a prospect.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>LOL Mets win in the 13th on a walkoff hit by pitch.</font>

[DAMN iNATOR]

So I guess for all their day games this year, the financially struggling L.A. Dodgers have been wearing the throwback Brooklyn uni's.

http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site513/2011/0225/20110225__jersey_front_600.jpg (http://www.dailynews.com/portlet/article/html/imageDisplay.jsp?contentItemRelationshipId=3611946)

Nice look. Noticed this while watching yesterday's Detroit/L.A. game.

[ClockShot]

Jim Riggleman resigns as manager of the Nationals.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>What a selfish douche. Resigned because the Nats wouldn't pick up his 2012 option on the spot.</font>

[Boomer]

I'm going to be honest - I don't blame him for wanting something more permanent. He's worked for ten years in MLB, he feels like he's worth something more. However, quitting your job without much of a warning isn't the way to get other people to hire you.

[ClockShot]

Giambi returns to Yankee Stadium and gets a home run at his first at bat. Heh.

Kinda curious how the Red Sox are going to handle this road trip. A theory was being tossed around one of the networks throwing Gonzo in the outfield and putting Ortiz at first. But with Gonzo being red hot lately, I can see Ortiz only pinch hitting.

[Innovator]

That wasn't just a home run. He planted it right in the bleacher creatures. Shot.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Manny Acosta sucks.</font>

[RP]

Starlin Castro has been ridiculous the last 10 games.

20 hits in 42 AB's. 9 rbi, 3 sb's.

Probably the hottest player in the majors right now.

[Aguakate]

...in 2 years he'll be the best shortstop in all of baseball.

[Innovator]

I'm pretty sure Michael Kay wants to have sex with Troy Turlowitski

[Innovator]

Welcome to the season Swish

[Aguakate]

I don't get it...Jim Riggleman wanted the Nationals to pick up his option for next year, after helping the team get to .500, and the team refused, so he resigned...

...so then the Nationals go and get DAVEY JOHNSON, and not only do they name him Manager, but they sign him for next year, too...

[Boomer]

<font color=goldenrod>Manny Acosta sucks.</font>

So glad the Mets thought he was useful (see: Jorge Sosa)

[Droford]

...in 2 years he'll be the best shortstop in all of baseball.

http://mlblogstheshorebirds.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/machado-card2.jpg

Wrong

[Droford]

I don't get it...Jim Riggleman wanted the Nationals to pick up his option for next year, after helping the team get to .500, and the team refused, so he resigned...

...so then the Nationals go and get DAVEY JOHNSON, and not only do they name him Manager, but they sign him for next year, too...

Riggleman didnt stand a chance for next year to begin with, I think Davey Johnson was rumored to be coming in next year anyway, so he gets a jump on things. Keep in mind 2012 is supposedly "the year" that the Nationals finally get their asses in gear given they'll have Stasburg back and probably bring Harper up by May. The fact that they aren't playing too shabby now is giving hope for that even more.

[ClockShot]

Sabathia gets to 10 wins first.

Frank McCourt might be taking a page out of the Mets' book and sell a minority ownership stake to keep the Dodgers afloat for a little while longer. Payroll is due next week and he's had some inquiries.

[Droford]

Votto is killing the Orioles.

ugh

[Aguakate]

Riggleman didnt stand a chance for next year to begin with, I think Davey Johnson was rumored to be coming in next year anyway, so he gets a jump on things. Keep in mind 2012 is supposedly "the year" that the Nationals finally get their asses in gear given they'll have Stasburg back and probably bring Harper up by May. The fact that they aren't playing too shabby now is giving hope for that even more.

...Now analysts and commentators point to 2013 as "the year", since Strasburg will be coming back from Tommy John Surgery, so the Nationals will be careful with him, protect him, etc (not too many innings), and Harper now looks like he will be brought up after the All Star Game...

...that's what Jayson Stark said, anyway...Buster Olney too.

[Emperor Smeat]

:nono: Red Sox have been "cold" scoring-wise ever since the 1st game against the Padres.

Ended up loosing a 2-0 lead and the first 2 games against the Pirates.

When the team looses, they tend to loose in bunches and it doesn't get better as the next series is against the Phillies. This year might also be the first in a long time of them having a horrible record in inter-league play.

[Aguakate]

:nono: Red Sox have been "cold" scoring-wise ever since the 1st game against the Padres.

Ended up loosing a 2-0 lead and the first 2 games against the Pirates.

When the team looses, they tend to loose in bunches and it doesn't get better as the next series is against the Phillies. This year might also be the first in a long time of them having a horrible record in inter-league play.

...they need Jon Lester to get back into his groove.

[Emperor Smeat]

He pitched pretty well the last couple of games but either the offense or the bullpen hasn't given him any help. To be fair he's given up a few too many home runs in those outings so its something he needs to fix fast.

[Aguakate]

Wow, Justin Verlander has been the best pitcher in Baseball this year. So dominating.

[Innovator]

I love Old Timer's Day.

[Innovator]

Charlie Hayes!

[Innovator]

God David Wells is so drunk right now

[Innovator]

Lou!

[Innovator]

BERNIE!

[Evil Vito]

So glad the Mets thought he was useful (see: Jorge Sosa)

<font color=goldenrod>He was actually pretty good last year, and had great numbers in the minors this year before his call up. I think the issue is that he switched his number from 36 to 46 for whatever reason. Oliver Perez' old number. That number should be banished from being worn by Mets pitchers forever.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Anyway, it's that time of the year again. With a week to go before the preliminary All Star Game rosters are announced, time to predict who will be there.


American League

Starters
C: Russell Martin, New York Yankees (pretty much a crime, but I don’t see the Yankee fans letting his lead slip)
1B: Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox (AL MVP, as predicted by me at the start of the season)
2B: Robinson Cano, New York Yankees (slam dunk choice)
3B: Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees (wins in a landslide)
SS: Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland Indians (Jeter might still squeak by with the win in the vote, but he might still be injured by then and even if he wasn’t, he should realize he’s not an All Star)
LF: Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers (not really an All Star year, but he’s probably got enough fan support to hold on to the last outfield spot)
CF: Curtis Granderson, New York Yankees (another landslide)
RF: Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays (yet another landslide)
DH: David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox (predicting the AL starters really leaves nothing to the imagination)
P: Josh Beckett, Boston Red Sox (fucking nasty this year, Weaver is probably the only other option)

Reserves
C: Alex Avila, Detroit Tigers (reallllllly should have been the starting catcher)
1B: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
1B: Paul Konerko, Chicago White Sox
2B: Howard Kendrick, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
3B: Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox
SS: Jhonny Peralta, Detroit Tigers
OF: Michael Cuddyer, Minnesota Twins
OF: Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox
OF: Adam Jones, Baltimore Orioles
OF: Matt Joyce, Tampa Bay Rays
DH: Michael Young, Texas Rangers

Pitchers
Aaron Crow, Kansas City Royals
Gio Gonzalez, Oakland Athletics
Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners
Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians
Alexi Ogando, Texas Rangers
Michael Pineda, Seattle Mariners
Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees
James Shields, Tampa Bay Rays
Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers
Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers
Jordan Walden, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Jered Weaver, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Final Vote Candidates
Adrian Beltre, Texas Rangers
Brennan Boesch, Detroit Tigers
Kyle Farnsworth, Tampa Bay Rays
Dan Haren, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
C.C. Sabathia, New York Yankees


National League

Starters
C: Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves (slam dunk choice here)
1B: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds (Pujols may still win the vote despite being injured, Votto is second in voting and a better defender than the only other logical choice to start at first)
2B: Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee Brewers (passes Brandon Phillips in the final week)
3B: Placido Polanco, Philadelphia Phillies (man, he’s decent enough and all but what a shitty year for NL third basemen)
SS: Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies (I love Reyes, but I think Troy will get enough support to last the final week)
LF: Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers (got his spot all but sealed up with his huge lead)
CF: Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers (passes Holliday for the third OF spot in the final week, Kemp NEEDS to start)
RF: Lance Berkman, St. Louis Cardinals (him and Holliday are close in votes, but Berkman is the choice here – Holliday just hasn’t played enough to warrant making the team)
DH: Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers (there are DHs even in NL parks now, there’s no vote on this but Prince seems like the easy choice to fill the spot)
P: Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies (Others have a case to start, but Roy is the biggest name and the reigning Cy Young so he gets the nod)

Reserves
C: Miguel Montero, Arizona Diamondbacks
1B: Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies
1B: Gaby Sanchez, Florida Marlins
2B: Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds
3B: Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves (again – weak 3B choices this year. Every position needs a backup, this might be more of a “congrats on a great career” selection)
SS: Starlin Castro, Chicago Cubs
SS: Jose Reyes, New York Mets :love:
OF: Jay Bruce, Cincinnati Reds
OF: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates
OF: Hunter Pence, Houston Astros
OF: Justin Upton, Arizona Diamondbacks

Pitchers
Mike Adams, San Diego Padres
Jhoulys Chacin, Colorado Rockies
Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies
Joel Hanrahan, Pittsburgh Pirates
Jair Jurrgens, Atlanta Braves
Ian Kennedy, Arizona Diamondbacks
Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves
Cliff Lee, Philadelphia Phillies
J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks
Jonny Venters, Atlanta Braves
Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants
Jordan Zimmermann, Washington Nationals

Final Vote Candidates
Stephen Drew, Arizona Diamondbacks
Tommy Hanson, Atlanta Braves
Kyle Lohse, St. Louis Cardinals
Michael Morse, Washington Nationals
Shane Victorino, Philadelphia Phillies</font>

[Innovator]

TINO GOES YARD!

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Reading up on the selection process - I think it's funny how little say the managers actually get in the rosters. Besides the starters being selected by the fans, I forgot that the players in each league vote on 5 starting pitchers, 3 relievers, and a backup at each position (including 3 reserve outfielders). The manager only gets to fill like 8 spots, and if there are teams that have been omitted their hands are tied there too.

For that reason, I'm sure some of the reserves I picked won't make it. Yadier Molina will probably be the reserve catcher instead of Montero because Molina is considered the best defensive catcher in baseball by everybody and that should get the players' votes. At least Molina has hit this year, so it's not a big deal.

On the AL side, I can see Ichiro being voted in as a reserve outfielder solely on reputation. That'll mean somebody gets snubbed and frankly I think Cuddyer (or Kubel) and Adam Jones are the only players worthy enough to represent their respctive teams, so that'll mean Matt Joyce gets the heave-ho.</font>

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I agree with everything Big Vito except you don't believe Tex will make it? Hasn't he been doing really good? I think Mark finds a way on to that list for the All Star game. He does deserve to be there.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Teixeira has a .247 batting average. No thanks. It was hard enough butting Ryan Howard and his .257 BA on the NL team but I just feel like he's become a perennial guy that will get in as long as the power is there.

Gonzo, Cabrera, and Konerko pretty much have to be there - and I can't find room for 4 1B on the AL team like I can for the NL. Teix might be a replacement if one of the other 3 goes down or if Gonzo makes good on his promise from last year that he wouldn't play in Arizona out of protest.</font>

[Droford]

Im gonna throw all of my remaining votes to get JJ Hardy in at SS..lol

I think the lone Os rep will either be Hardy or Wieters...

[RP]

Go cubs go. Go cubs go

[YOUR Hero]

Jays sweep the Cards. They looked like a totally differnt team than the one that got swept by the Braves

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Rangers are reportedly interested in Beltran and K-Rod.

Despite the media's insistence that the Mets need to start trading guys off now when they've still got more than a month to play with to determine whether or not they can compete - I would not hesitate to move K-Rod immediately. He's sucked for the past 2 weeks, but beyond that he's been brilliant. They just need to get away from that massive vesting option any way they can.</font>

[ClockShot]

Brewers DFA Sergio Mitre. And they're in town.

Hmmmmmm?

[ClockShot]

Dodgers file Chapter 11.

[Droford]

Cuban is interested in the Dodgers I guess..but I think MLB doesnt like him so he wont get them either.

[Nark Order]

Giants sweep Indians. Yeah.

[ClockShot]

Cuban is interested in the Dodgers I guess..but I think MLB doesnt like him so he wont get them either.

I wouldn't touch the Dodgers. Team's a mess and you gotta put of tlc to get that franchise fixed.

Still think he should call up the Pirates or Marlins and ask for the going rate.

[Emperor Smeat]

How much of the debt is actually related to the team itself and not the owners?

The whole problem is related to the owners wasting soo much money and loans with Fox than the team itself having money problems especially with him filing bankruptcy just to try to get a $150 million loan to "buy more time."

Once MLB takes over, Selig is going to make sure McCourt repays all his debtors or at least use his share of the team sale to pay instead of having the new owner or MLB clean up the mess.

[YOUR Hero]

Baseball is such a old boys club in terms of ownership, can you imagine them letting Cuban in?

It would be good for baseball, but I believe they won't see it that.

[YOUR Hero]

Baseball is such a old boys club in terms of ownership, can you imagine them letting Cuban in?

It would be good for baseball, but I believe they won't see it like that.

[Damian Rey]

The Mets aren't going to compete in that division Vito. The Phillies, even when hurt, are still strong and the Braves aren't pushovers, either. If there are suitors who are willing to give some decent pieces to the Mets for Beltran and K-Rod, Alderson will move them. I also would not be surprised to see Reyes go.

That being said, Padres have taken their last two series, one against the Red Sox, and the next against the Braves, both of whom are strong playoff contenders. They put the Royals away 2 4-3 last night, so they're off to a good start in trying to make three series victories in a row.

While I enjoy the winning, the sooner July gets here, the better. Ludwick and Bell are as good as gone. And I would not be surprised to see a team inquire about Tim Stauffer or Chase Headley, both of whom are having career years, and both of whom would be long term trade options, since neither are eliigible for free agency until 2014 and 2015 respectively.

Headley might be closer to untouchable since the would be incumbent, James Darnell (AAA 3rd baseman) is below average defensively, and projects to have as little, if not less power than Headley, and is not the same type of hitter.

With prospects Casey Kelly, Simon Castro, Matt Lollis, Anthony Bass and current fill in starter/long reliever Corey Luebke no doubt vying for a rotation spot next year, Stauffer could be moved for a few prospects.

I do not expect neither Orlando Hudson nor Jason Bartlett to be moved. Both are signed to two year deals, and the Padres, as of right now, have absolutely nothing in terms of major league ready middle infielders on the farm. Bartlett has been serviceable, and Hudson was hitting up until an 0-fer last night. I think they stay.

[parkmania]

I wouldn't touch the Dodgers. Team's a mess and you gotta put of tlc to get that franchise fixed.

Still think he should call up the Pirates or Marlins and ask for the going rate.

Robert Nutting has stated repeatedly that the Pirates are not for sale. Mario Lemieux's partner, Ron Burkle, went public during the past offseason that he would LOVE to buy the team and help them do what they're doing with the Pens - build for the future while not forgetting about today. To which Nutting said thanks but no thanks.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

<iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bHPqCA-mpsc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Balk.

[ClockShot]

And Greinke gets chased after 2 innings.

Awesome.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Of course the Mets won't compete in the division. The Phillies have it pretty much locked up already so long as their Big 3 stay healthy, plus Oswalt will be back at some point and they'll prolly find a way to upgrade the bullpen via trade. Nobody can compete with that pitching. But they are still very much in the Wild Card hunt right now. If they're still in the hunt, I can't see guys being shipped off except maybe K-Rod to avoid the option.

If they can get Citi Field packed in the summer, it will go a long way to bringing in revenues. If they slip, Beltran can always be an August trade. Just keep Reyes though. Would be gutted if they moved him to the AL and so he can no longer be eligible to be the first MVP in Mets history. :shifty:

Mets hadn't had a grand slam since August 1st, 2009. They hit two tonight. God damn.</font>

[Boomer]

If the Braves' offense picks up as it should (McCann is carrying the team right now), and Prado, Moylan, and (to a lesser extent) Medlen come back healthy, they could easily contend with the Phillies in the division. The Braves can and have survived with starting pitchers out, and I'm sure would consider giving up a good young arm for someone if injuries created a huge gap in the lineup. At this point I'm not sure the Braves are going to pull the trigger on anything, because Schafer has suddenly become the guy in center he was supposed to be a few years ago. McLouth is probably hitting the bench when Prado comes back, and will be a damn good 4th outfielder.

[RP]

Go Cubs Go GO CUBS GO! Everybody whaddya say, Cubs are gunna lose today!

[Innovator]

<iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3QfdAtT0QiI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[MVP]

Adrian Gonzalez to play RF tonight and Ortiz will start at 1B. Maybe having the two best hitters on the Red Sox bat together in the lineup will spark some life into the other bats rather than trotting out Darnell McDonald and Mike Cameron with their combined .271 batting average.

Granted, Cliff Lee was throwing no-hitter quality pitches last night.

[Innovator]

Long read but funny, "Jeter's DL Diary"



On June 14, just six base-knocks short of the 3,000-hit milestone, Yankees captain and future first-ballot Hall of Famer Derek Jeter was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a Grade I calf strain, delaying his latest brush with baseball immortality. Anyone familiar with Jeter's legendary competitiveness knows a DL stint was not the shortstop's choice; even during a season in which signs of the inevitable advance of age were more noticeable than ever — the constant flow of infield dribblers weaker than the diminished stream of an inflamed-prostate sufferer, the total evaporation of his once-vaunted gap power, a lessened desire to quietly humiliate Alex Rodriguez — the 37-year-old still feels as if he's just a couple of 3-for-4 games from reclaiming his MVP-level mojo. To cope with the crushing frustration of his two-week stint on the sidelines, The Captain has been jotting down his thoughts in a daily diary for Grantland, which we can now exclusively share with our readers.

June 14

Yesterday, against Cleveland, I came up limping to first on a lazy fly to right. I had to come out of the game right away, got shuttled over to NY-Presbo for an MRI. Grade I strain in my calf. I can still walk. I can jog, so whatever. I don't care that I'm short of 3,000. The team needs me. I'm gonna play. I always play. Maybe I miss a couple games, but 15 days is out of the question. I sit down with Cashman, Girardi, and Chris Ahmad, the doc, and I tell them there's no way I'm going on the DL. No way. I'll be playing in five days. Four. Max.

Don't bet against three, is all I'm saying. See you tomorrow. I'm sure it'll feel much better.

June 15

They put me on the DL. 15 days! This blows. I let the press know this was NOT my idea. I'll do what they say. They want to be overly cautious, fine. But I want to play. I made my case. I told Cash and Joe that I'm the Captain, and Yankees captains have special powers of healing, like Wolverine, which Willie Randolph and Mattingly taught me when they were here. They didn't bite. So I spent the whole night in my hyperbaric chamber, turned it up way past "Terrell Owens," cranked all the way to the "Lazarus" level. Still no dice. So, DL.

When was the last time I was even on the DL? 2003, when that catcher fell on my shoulder? I don't even remember his name. Mike Huckabee? I'm not sure he's still playing. Or alive. You crush a Yankees Captain on Opening Day and you're inviting some bad karma. I'm not saying I hope he's dead. I don't. I'm saying I don't know. That was a tough time for everybody. This isn't going to be easy, either. God, I hope Mike Huckabee isn't dead. Really. I'm gonna have my agent check tomorrow. He's probably got a nice car dealership somewhere. Maybe part of a restaurant. He's fine.

June 16

Can't sleep. At all. Snuck out of bed, left Minka there, then spent two hours standing on the roof of my building, like Batman. Back in the dynasty days, Mayor Giuliani even used to shine a giant number 2 over Manhattan each night we were playing at home — my own Bat-signal, letting me know the city needed me. Then we lost to the Diamondbacks, Bloomberg came in, and that was that. No more Jeet-signal. Bloomy's a fucking Red Sox fan. Unbelievable. But I still come up here sometimes, just looking out over the city, listening. Tonight I can hear it crying out, "We need you, Derek. Come back soon. Eduardo Nunez isn't taking us to the Series." I tell the city that's a little messed up. Nuney is a good kid, he's doing his best. We'll be fine.

Oh, great. Some joker has 2,994 lit up in his window. Hey, guy, it's not about 3,000. It's about winning. I don't care that I'm six hits away. Six hits is nothing. I'll eat six hits for breakfast tomorrow. That makes no sense. I need to sleep. This is the worst.

June 17

The team's in Chicago. Wrigley. That would've been fun. Yeah, I could've gotten 3,000 there, but I'm in Tampa for rehab. Taking it slow. Too slow. We won against the Cubbies. Nuney went 2-for-4 Good on him. You know what I did today? I got home (if you call it St. Jetersburg I'll punch you in the face. Try me), took out my Series rings, all five of them, and I detailed them with a toothpick. '96 was super-grimy. I really had to dig in the crannies. So yeah, that's what you do when you're not playing.

June 18

Bartolo's in Tampa, too, rehabbing. You ever see a guy eat a three-pound steak? You want to tell him, hey, pace yourself, it's lunch. But everyone's got their own routine. All you can do is lead by the example of not eating a three-pound steak.

June 19

Minka came down to Tampa. Said she was worried about how bummed I sounded on the phone. I'm fine. Usually I won't let her visit on a rehab trip, but I'm bored. We stayed in and watched her movie, The Roommate, again. It went like this:

"Hey, that Leighton Meester looks just like you."
"Are you saying you're attracted to her?"
"I didn't say that."
"If you're attracted to me, and she looks like me, you're attracted to her."
"I'm just saying she looks like you. That's all. The whole movie is about that!"
"I know what you were saying."

Next thing I know I'm trying to sleep on the couch in Highlight Room Two, underneath the giant flat-screen that plays The Flip on a loop. You can't even turn it off. So it's Jeremy Giambi and me, all night long. Not as fun as it sounds.

Actresses, man.

June 20

The rings are sparkling. I named them, each for a great Yankee champion:

'96: Babe
'98: Mickey
'99: Yogi
'00: Reggie
'09: Minka

Hey, I'm not sleeping on the couch again. I'm not an idiot.

June 21

Everyone's talking about who's batting leadoff when I return. Gardy's getting hot, so are they gonna keep him there, put me back first, or whatever. Grandy's having an MVP season, so batting second is probably off the table. I wouldn't want to mess with that. But has anyone ever asked me if I care where I hit? First? Second? Eighth? Ninth? No, they haven't. I wouldn't say no if they asked me to hit at the bottom of the lineup. I'd never say no, have a Jorge Moment. Sure, I might freeze them out a little, and the total withdrawal of my love would cause them incredible, unbearable pain, and they'd probably feel like God suddenly drained all the goodness from the world. But I wouldn't say no. Go ahead, ask me to hit ninth, I'm not going to bite you. But that's not to say maybe there aren't consequences out of my control, mostly.

June 22

The key to rehab, when you're away from the guys on the team, is to make sure you have a hobby to keep you occupied in your downtime so you don't go crazy. You know, something besides this diary. So I sit out in the Great Hall with my easel and watercolors, trying to recreate the LeRoy Neiman interpretation of the classic Sports Illustrated "Five Shirtless Shortstops '97" spread I commissioned for the new house. I'm not even going to say what that thing cost me. (A lot.) But I will say that I've had no luck capturing Rey Ordonez's look of smoky determination. So elusive. Anyway, remember Rey? Three Gold Gloves, that's cute. Last year, for a goof, I sent him a Polaroid of my five GGs. I also tucked a couple hundred bucks in there for him. He had a nice little career, but you never know how a guy handled his money. Oh, by the way, my agent Casey found Mike Huckabee. He's fine, totally alive. That's a relief. Also, he's Ken Huckaby.

The calf's still got a little twinge in it. Not worrying yet. Still seven days 'til they can un-DL me. Which they will.

June 23

So I go over to rehab today and Bartolo's reading something on his iPad, laughing his ass off. I don't go on the Internet, but A-Rod's sent him a blog to show me. "No Jeter? No Problem." What the F, New York Times? They call Nuney "energetic" and say he has "more range." Yeah, watch him dig one out in the hole and then fire it into the Legends seats. You've got to play under control. I might not get to those balls anymore, but I'm not going to knock a $20 beer out of a Goldman exec's hand. Don't get too comfortable, Nuney. I'm back in six days.

June 24

Been out on the field, throwing for four straight days, testing the calf a little. It's still not there. So now they're saying I won't be ready to come off the DL on Wednesday. We tell the Post there's no timetable, and everyone's talking about how much longer I'm going to be out. Great.

I get home and Minka's just read on some gossip blog that the Charlie's Angels producers supposedly tried to get Leighton Meester from Gossip Girl before they went out to her for the new show. "She's not hot enough for that part," I offer.

That was not the right answer.

Me and Jeremy Giambi have another great night together. If this happens again, I'm going to Highlight Room Four and sleeping under The Dive.

June 25

Text from A-Rod this morning: "Heard about the setback. Eduardo's looking good. Miss u, buddy." I immediately call my favorite clubbie, have him hide Nuney's clothes and leave only a jock covered in Bengay in his locker after the game. Jorge forces him to wear it home. Swisher sends me a video of Nuney crying a little. Now I feel like an asshole.

To take my mind off it, I spend a good two hours at the easel, flailing away at my totally inept representation of Ordonez's eyes. I know this is an impressionistic thing, just splashes of color here and there, but I can't quite get it. The shadow over Edgar Renteria's left pec, Alex Gonzalez's delicate right nipple, A-Rod's stupid elf ears, these all come easy, like a liner in the right-center gap on an outside pitch. But Rey's eyes, nothing. I hate painting. I hate being hurt. I hate my calf.

I am coming off the DL on the 29th if it kills me.

June 26

It's my birthday. 37. I don't care. Every year, Mariah sings an amazing "Happy Birthday" to my voicemail. (I have great relationships with all my exes, "Page Six" can't touch me. Hi, "Page Six!") I delete it without listening.

A-Rod's sent over a giant cake in the shape of the number 2,994. "So close, buddy! See you soon!" reads the card.

Minka hardly notices my lack of birthday cheer. She's watching Gossip Girl, muttering something about how Chuck Bass would never treat her that way.

Nuney has the game-winning hit against the Rockies.

The team, in first place, has won 9 of 12 games without me.

June 27

Two straight days of rain in Tampa, so no on-field drills, further stalling my progress. Bartolo offers to cheer me up by playing our favorite rehab game, where I pretend I'm Indiana Jones and he's the giant boulder trying to crush me. I pretend not to notice his dejected look when I decline. "I got you this, Dr. Jones," he says, handing me a replica of Indy's fedora with the interlocking NY logo stitched above the brim. Great, I'm becoming a monster. The old Jeet would have let him roll over me and have his fun.

A text comes in from Cashman: "Take your time, get healthy. See Nuney's game-winner yesterday? Really happy with his development."

I return home to a note from Minka. She had to fly to L.A. immediately to test for a movie Leighton Meester had been circling. I notice she's finished my painting. Ordonez's eyes are perfect.

I lay down underneath The Flip, eventually drifting off as Giambi fails to slide, over and over again.

June 29

I will get on a plane to New York tonight.

I will return from the disabled list tomorrow, miraculously healed. Try and stop me.

I will come to the plate six times.

I will collect six hits, including the game-winner.

And everyone will be waiting for me at home plate.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Tigers losing 14-3 to the Mets(?!) yesterday. So goddamned disgusted by that I could spit. The only team worse than LA in the whole MLB and they lose to them. :nono:

[DaveWadding]

So the Cubs finally released Doug Davis. 6.50 ERA and 1.86 WHIP through 9 starts. They could have gotten better from Casey Coleman and/or James Russell.

[ClockShot]

Hughes and Colon are due back this weekend.

Sooooooooooooo Girardi, how you gonna spin this one?

[RP]

Dempster might go nine tonight.

And then give it up on the last out

[RP]

I saw on espn that the cubs have 0 quality starts. No clue what that consist of, but maybe Dempster gets one tonight.

So far 6inn, 2 hit, 5 so's, pitch count is 58

[RP]

Totally jinxing this.

[RP]

Lincecum has been just as good

[RP]

This is the best stuff ive seen Dempster have in a long time. Needed only 7 pitches to retire the side in the seventh. He's sat down 17 straight batters. Cubs seriously need to get a run here.

[RP]

Carlos Pena lead off double.

[RP]

Dewitt knocks him in YAHHHHHHHHGGG

[RP]

I would love to see Dempster get a CG.

[RP]

Kosuke with amazing catch that true delicious

Dempster has a 2 hit complete game in play

[RP]

Only thrown 78 pitches

[RP]

So the brilliant Mike Quade takes Dempster out after he gives up a double in the ninth, brings in Marmil and Marmol just blew the save. And now the Giants have the bases loaded.

[RP]

Go Cubs go. Go cubs go!

[RP]

COMON ARAMIS DO IT

[RP]

Yes sssssss! Aramis with the walk off

[RP]

Go Cubs go. Go CUBS GO!

[RP]

Marmol should not get a win for blowing a save. Come on baseball, lets fix this shit.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Mets have scored 52 runs in 4 games. Holy shit.</font>

[DaveWadding]

For the record, here's my All-Star Ballot for this year:

Your Selections
American League:

1B - Gonzalez, Adrian
2B - Cano, Robinson
SS - Cabrera, Asdrubal
3B - Rodriguez, Alex
C - Avila, Alex
DH - Ortiz, David
OF - Bautista, Jose
OF - Granderson, Curtis
OF - Hamilton, Josh


National League:

1B - Fielder, Prince
2B - Weeks, Rickie
SS - Tulowitzki, Troy
3B - Ramirez, Aramis
C - McCann, Brian
OF - Gonzalez, Carlos
OF - Kemp, Matt
OF - Upton, Justin