MLB 2012 Season Thread

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Eh, why not? It's right around the corner so I figured I'd get the thread started.

Putting the finishing touches on my predictions. Probably will post them tomorrow or something.</font>

[RP]

GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GOOOOOOOOOO!

[Supreme Olajuwon]

http://omgreds.com/wallpapers/01/VottoMaticWallpaper-2560x1140.jpg

[Supreme Olajuwon]

http://cmsimg.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=B2&Date=20120306&Category=SPORTS&ArtNo=303060111&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0&Cincinnati-Reds-Joey-Votto-still-student-hitting

[Supreme Olajuwon]

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/BubbaFan19/toon-votto.jpg

[Supreme Olajuwon]

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/damesongames/files/2011/06/VottoPhillips.jpg

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>NL East

1. Philadelphia Phillies

Injury issues to Ryan Howard and Chase Utley aside, you have to take the Phillies here. 5 straight division titles makes it a pretty easy choice. There isn’t much of a reason to expect their rotation to not continue being excellent. I think Jim Thome will be a great asset in Citizen’s Bank Park while Howard recovers and a lethal bat off the bench down the stretch. I’m also expecting a big year out of Hunter Pence in his first full season in Philly.

2. Miami Marlins (WC 2)

With the number of quality teams in this division, it’s difficult to imagine that the division doesn’t produce at least one Wild Card team. I think the Marlins’ offseason spending spree will pay off in a big way. There is a great potential for injury (Jose Reyes and Josh Johnson) and drama (Ozzie Guillen and Carlos Zambrano in particular), but the talent is clearly there. Crazy speed at the top of the lineup with Reyes and Emilio Bonifacio, continued development from Giancarlo Stanton, a bounce back year from Hanley Ramirez, and a solid pitching staff could make this a successful year and finally generate interest from the fans in Miami.

3. Washington Nationals

I love their rotation, and it’s the main reason I have them making the ascent up to 3rd place with legitimate playoff contention. I’m seeing a huge year from Stephen Strasburg (even with the strict innings limit) and Gio Gonzalez should greatly benefit from going to the National League. Their lineup seems a bit iffy to me and I still have no faith in Jayson Werth or his bloated contract, but look for phenom Bryce Harper to debut during the season and generate some serious headlines.

4. Atlanta Braves

I think that they will miss Tim Hudson early on, and that’s why I have them finishing behind the Nationals by a slim margin. Jason Heyward is in line for a bounceback season and will form a formidable middle of the lineup with Bryan McCann and Dan Uggla. The back end of their bullpen is probably the best in baseball, so as long as their offense and starting pitchers can get them the lead into the 7th inning they should be getting their fair share of wins this season.

5. New York Mets

This is the first time I can ever recall picking my Mets to finish dead last in the NL East. It’s unfortunate but the other four are just clearly better. The big issue for the Mets, as always, will be health, especially with regards to David Wright, Ike Davis, and Daniel Murphy. There is zero depth behind them so if anybody gets hurt for any length of time, kiss the season goodbye. I do think that the adjusted Citi Field dimensions will help out Wright and Jason Bay. I’m also looking forward to seeing what Lucas Duda will do in a full season. The prospect of seeing Johan Santana starting on Opening Day at least makes this somewhat easier to swallow.


NL Central

1. Cincinnati Reds

The Reds let me down in predictions last year, but I think they’ll be great this year. Joey Votto is simply excellent, and I’m looking for Brandon Phillips to come through in a big way during his contract year. The Mat Latos acquisition will prove to be an excellent move and he’ll be a great anchor in the rotation. The Ryan Madson injury could hurt a bit, but in the long run I think Sean Marshall will be just fine in the closer role.

2. St. Louis Cardinals (WC 1)

I strongly debated having the Cardinals winning the division, but I just can’t do it with the uncertainty surrounding Chris Carpenter. Adam Wainwright being able to pitch like his old self will be huge. Carlos Beltran, Matt Holliday, and Lance Berkman give the lineup some nice pop that should help the club transition well in the post-Pujols era and send the Redbirds back to the postseason with a chance to repeat.

3. Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers caught a serious break with Ryan Braun’s steroid suspension being upheld, but their lineup still seems pretty lacking to me. Aramis Ramirez is a very good player, but I just don’t see how he can come close to filling the void left by Prince Fielder. Their rotation and bullpen are still very solid, however I don’t think the offense will be able to take full advantage of it. Brewers lose out on the 2nd wild card spot, but barely.

4. Pittsburgh Pirates

It was so much fun watching the Bucs during the early part of last season, and I felt terrible when it all fell apart after a bad call. Unfortunately, I think the Bucs are going to take a step back this year. I love Andrew McCutchen, but the team around him is still mostly young and unproven. And with 3 better teams than them in the division plus a slew of really good teams in the NL, the Pirates will finish with a losing record for the 20th year in a row.

5. Chicago Cubs

The Cubs are very much a team in transition, and while I trust Theo Epstein to eventually get them into contention, this has the makings of a long year. The good spots on the team (namely Starlin Castro) are greatly outnumbered by the bad ones (especially Alfonso Soriano, who is still an albatross with one of the worst contracts in history). The Cubs pretty much have the makings of a last place team, except for the fact that…

6. Houston Astros

…these guys are awful. Just really, truly awful. They lost 106 games last season and I’d be shocked if they didn’t come close to that number this year. Their best player, Wandy Rodriguez, is going to be traded at some point. I’m really not even sure what else to say about these guys. They’re making zero attempt at being competitive this year and are just getting ready for the move to the AL West in 2013.


NL West

1. Arizona Diamondbacks

These guys just feel like a slam dunk choice here. Justin Upton is an absolute stud and their pitching staff has the potential to be one of the very best in baseball. They’re easily the most complete team on paper in this division. The only hesitation I have with them at all is the fact that I’ve gotten the NL West dead wrong for the last several years. If it happens with these guys, I’m officially cursed.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

They aren’t in the same league as the D-Backs, but with their ownership issues now a thing of the past, I think that the dark cloud looming over the franchise has been lifted. Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw are both incredible, and past them I see a team that features a decent mix of young guys and veterans. They may not be in real playoff contention, but I think they’ll have a solid year overall.

3. San Francisco Giants

The Giants seem to be constructed in much the same way that they’ve been built for a few years now – all pitching and no hitting. Buster Posey being back is a huge boost, but I just can’t see how they can contend with that offense. It’s a shame really, because a rotation headed by Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, and Madison Bumgarner really deserves some extra offensive support. For their sake, I hope they can finally lose the anemic offense next year.

4. Colorado Rockies

These guys feel like the polar opposite of the Giants. Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez are excellent, but I just can’t see how their pitching can possibly hold up. As great of a story as it is, 49 year old Jamie Moyer is their #2 starter. Drew Pomeranz and Alex White have a ton of potential, but this year is not the year. I think it’ll be another down year for the Rockies, but their young pitchers should bring them more success in 2013.

5. San Diego Padres

I don’t think the Padres will be very good this year, and they’re clearly still firmly entrenched in rebuild mode. I’m eager to see how Yonder Alonso performs with consistent playing time, and I would not be at all surprised to see Cameron Maybin be on the All Star team this year. The West seems so weak outside of the D-Backs that I could see the Padres surprising some people to finish higher in the standings.


AL East

1. New York Yankees

Despite the AL East looking stacked, the Yankees seem like the clear choice here. They boast a great looking rotation and have depth at the AAA level should it be needed. Of course there’s the offense, which won’t be an issue at all. Mariano Rivera, Rafael Soriano, and David Robertson should form a three-headed monster in the back of the bullpen. I’d be shocked if the Yanks didn’t make the playoffs for the 17th time in 18 years.

2. Boston Red Sox (WC 1)

It will be a drama filled year in Boston, but Bobby Valentine is a good manager. I think he’ll right the ship and rebound from last year’s collapse with a vengeance. I definitely see a huge bounce back year from Carl Crawford, and the offense in general seems like it can carry the team. The bullpen is a bit spotty, but I think their rotation will come through – including a big year from Daniel Bard now that he’s finally a starter.

3. Tampa Bay Rays (WC 2)

I flip flopped a lot on my 2nd wild card pick, but it only seems fitting that the division that has been dominant in the Wild Card era will get both of them this year. They just have a ton of young talent and Joe Maddon always seems to get the best out of his players. Evan Longoria is fun to watch, and their rotation is teeming with good young pitching. Look for Matt Moore to be a beast in his first full big league season.

4. Toronto Blue Jays

These guys are definitely on the rise, and I imagine them being right in the thick of the Wild Card race until the end. I don’t think their young pitching is ready yet, but they’re close. Brett Lawrie will be a star before long, and I’m interested in seeing if Colby Rasmus can have a great fresh start on Toronto after being shunted by St. Louis. Jose Bautista should be an All Star again this year, hitting Bautista Bombs all over the place.

5. Baltimore Orioles

With 3 playoff teams in the division and a rapidly improving Jays team, the Orioles are in for a long season as you’d imagine. There are some talented players there (namely Matt Wieters, Adam Jones, and the underrated J.J. Hardy), but the odds are just too great. I imagine them getting close to the 100 loss mark, with the Astros saving them from having the worst record in baseball. Not really much else to say about them.


AL Central

1. Detroit Tigers

Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder being back to back in the same lineup is so ridiculous that it’s scary. The Tigers should have no problems scoring runs in droves all year. I’m expecting Justin Verlander and Jose Valverde to come back down to Earth a bit after their insane 2011 campaigns, but both will still be excellent and have All Star years. The Tigers just seem like the class of the AL Central this year.

2. Kansas City Royals

The years and years of rebuilding and restocking of the farm system that the fans have had to put up with may finally be coming to fruition. I see the Royals making huge strides this year, finishing over .500 and staying relevant for much later than usual. Alex Gordon, Billy Butler, Eric Hosmer, and Mike Moustakas have the makings of a young core that can make the Royals fun to watch for years to come.

3. Cleveland Indians

Health is the main concern for the Indians, and so far they’ve gotten off to a bad start to that with injuries to Grady Sizemore and Chris Perez, not to mention Roberto Hernandez being suspended for 6 weeks. I can’t say I have too much faith in Ubaldo Jimenez at this point, either. However, I do like the look of their lineup – Carlos Santana and Shin-Soo Choo in particular. It’ll be an up and down year for the Tribe overall.

4. Minnesota Twins

Last year‘s bad year from the Twins probably wasn’t an aberration. Joe Mauer seems like way too good of a player not to have a better year this year, but I think Justin Morneau is shot. Their lineup is lacking otherwise and their pitching staff as a whole seems nondescript. They’d probably be best served to get their young guys as much playing time as possible this year and get into proper rebuild mode now.

5. Chicago White Sox

I really don’t see how the Sox are going to make up all of the quality innings that they lost with Buehrle leaving town. I’m just really not impressed with their pitching at all, and Paul Konerko is about the only sure thing in their lineup. The one bit of good news is that Adam Dunn is a great candidate for Comeback Player of the Year, and I think he will be back to near 40 home run form in his second year on the South Side.


AL West

1. Texas Rangers

The AL West battle should be a lot of fun, but I think the Rangers win it for a 3rd year in a row. I’m not convinced that Yu Darvish will be quite as good as advertised, but he’ll still be a decent contributor. Neftali Feliz has electric stuff and he should be a huge asset to the rotation, and they have plenty of quality bullpen arms to make up for his loss there. Hitting wise, the Rangers should continue to have one of the best lineups in baseball. Josh Hamilton, Mike Napoli, Nelson Cruz, Elvis Andrus, Michael Young, Adrian Beltre, Ian Kinsler. They’re just stacked.

2. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

I came very close to making them the 2nd wild card team, but ended up relenting. Albert Pujols will be fine switching leagues, but their other big acquisition, CJ Wilson, just seems like a bust in the making to me and in a tightly knit AL race, a marquee player not living up to the hype might be the difference. Elsewhere, Kendrys Morales will be a huge plus if he can stay healthy, but it’s a big if. Vernon Wells still has a bloated contract, and Mark Trumbo may be an absolute black hole defensively at third base.

3. Seattle Mariners

They’ll finish a distant third behind the Rangers and Angels, but still I think the future looks bright for the M’s. Dustin Ackley and Jesus Montero are going to be fun guys throughout the year, with Justin Smoak in the mix as well. Felix Hernandez is, of course the man, and should be dominant as per usual. Also look for a great year from the legendary Ichiro in the #3 spot. It’s nice to see that he already got off to a fast start in the Japan series against the A’s.

4. Oakland Athletics

They had such a puzzling offseason. The Yoenis Cespedes signing really didn’t seem to make much sense for a team clearly trying to rebuild. Manny Ramirez’ signing was equally baffling, and he’ll almost surely be traded if he can be even remotely good when he returns from suspension. The lineup looks very weak overall. Their rotation is mostly young and has potential, but this just isn’t their year.


Awards

NL MVP: Justin Upton, Arizona Diamondbacks
NL Cy Young: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
NL Rookie of the Year: Yonder Alonso, San Diego Padres
NL Comeback Player of the Year: Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals
NL Manager of the Year: Mike Matheny, St. Louis Cardinals

AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
AL Cy Young: Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners
AL Rookie of the Year: Matt Moore, Tampa Bay Rays
AL Comeback Player of the Year: Adam Dunn, Chicago White Sox
AL Manager of the Year: Ned Yost, Kansas City Royals


Playoffs

Wild Card

-Cardinals over Marlins
-Red Sox over Rays


Division Series

-Diamondbacks over Cardinals in 4
-Phillies over Reds in 5
-Tigers over Rangers in 4
-Yankees over Red Sox in 5


Championship Series

-Diamondbacks over Phillies in 6 (MVP: Justin Upton)
-Yankees over Tigers in 7 (MVP: CC Sabathia)

World Series
-Yankees over Diamondbacks in 5 (MVP: Mark Teixeira)</font>

[Droford]

http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/web05/2012/4/3/11/enhanced-buzz-7786-1333467217-2.jpg

I think they might be taking a liberty on the hat color

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Love that every division minus the AL Central looks super competitive this year. NL East has 4 teams that could win it, NL Central has 3, NL West has 3 maybe 4, AL East has 4, and AL West has 2. Gonna be an awesome year.

[Emperor Smeat]

<font color=goldenrod>
AL East

1. New York Yankees

Despite the AL East looking stacked, the Yankees seem like the clear choice here. They boast a great looking rotation and have depth at the AAA level should it be needed. Of course there’s the offense, which won’t be an issue at all. Mariano Rivera, Rafael Soriano, and David Robertson should form a three-headed monster in the back of the bullpen. I’d be shocked if the Yanks didn’t make the playoffs for the 17th time in 18 years.

2. Boston Red Sox (WC 1)

It will be a drama filled year in Boston, but Bobby Valentine is a good manager. I think he’ll right the ship and rebound from last year’s collapse with a vengeance. I definitely see a huge bounce back year from Carl Crawford, and the offense in general seems like it can carry the team. The bullpen is a bit spotty, but I think their rotation will come through – including a big year from Daniel Bard now that he’s finally a starter.

3. Tampa Bay Rays (WC 2)

I flip flopped a lot on my 2nd wild card pick, but it only seems fitting that the division that has been dominant in the Wild Card era will get both of them this year. They just have a ton of young talent and Joe Maddon always seems to get the best out of his players. Evan Longoria is fun to watch, and their rotation is teeming with good young pitching. Look for Matt Moore to be a beast in his first full big league season.

With the news of the Red Sox loosing Bailey for almost the entire season (I think August is his early return date), probably going to be Tampa taking the #2 spot.

Tampa is deep in quality for bullpen and pitching while Red Sox bullpen might be just as bad as last year and has no quality depth. Red Sox also have huge issues for #4 and #5 starters but do have stronger hitting and power in their lineup.

[Droford]

The Orioles are going to surprise the world!





and finish 4th.

[MVP]

AL East
Yankees
Red Sox
Rays
Blue Jays
Orioles

AL Central
Tigers
Indians
Royals
White Sox
Twins

AL West
Angels
Rangers
Mariners
Athletics

NL East
Marlins
Phillies
Nationals
Braves
Mets

NL Central
Reds
Cardinals
Brewers
Pirates
Cubs
Astros

NL West
Diamondbacks
Giants
Dodgers
Rockies
Padres

AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera
AL Cy Young: David Price
AL Rookie of the Year: Matt Moore
AL Manager of the Year: Joe Maddon
AL Comeback Player of the Year: Kendrys Morales

NL MVP: Justin Upton
NL Cy Young: Clayton Kershaw
NL Rookie of the Year: Drew Pomeranz
NL Manager of the Year: Bruce Bochy
NL Comeback Player of the Year: Adam Wainwright

AL Wild Card: Rangers over Red Sox
NL Wild Card: Cardinals over Phillies

ALDS: Tigers over Rangers, Angels over Yankees
NLDS: Cardinals over Diamondbacks, Marlins over Reds

ALCS: Tigers over Angels
NLCS: Cardinals over Marlins

World Series: Tigers over Cardinals

Maybe I'm being optimistic about the Red Sox finishing ahead of the Rays, but I don't care.

[Evil Vito]

Fuck I wish I wasn't going to be in training at work tomorrow. My Opening Day watching streak is gonna come to an end.

[ClockShot]

Yankees do some last minute moves.

Bill Hall didn't make the final roster. He elects free agency.

Traded pitcher George Kontos to the Giants for catcher Chris Stewart. Which leads to...........

Frankie Cervelli starting in AAA.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Andres Torres and Tim Byrdak both avoid starting the year on the DL, and so yesterday and today the Mets fielded their full Opening Day lineup for the first time all ST.

They are probably the healthiest team in the division at this point...not a sentence I'd ever thought I'd type.</font>

[Kris P Lettus]

An aquarium behind home plate at Miami??

[Triple Naitch]

Holy shit Ali got worse. I'm adding him to my 2013 Death Pool.

[Skippord]

I still :heart: the sculpture

[Droford]

The green walls look like they should be replaced with computer graphics on tv.

[screech]

"It looks like a cruise ship had a baby with a spaceship." Love this crew.

[Droford]

could there be anything worse than getting no hit in your new ballparks debut with your new team name and everything?

[screech]

Damn you, Droford.

[Droford]

The announcers jinxed it way more than I did!

[Droford]

Im having a hard time getting over the fact the Orioles cant even beat a Community College Team. I understand the Manatees used Os pitchers and catchers and they only allowed them to score 2 runs, but still..

[Supreme Olajuwon]

man i wish the cardinals werent so gay and fat and stupid

[OssMan]

I wonder if I will watch 10 full games this season. Can people bet on how many they think I will watch :(

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Like the innings will add up to equal 10 full games or you'll watch 10 games from start to finish?

[MVP]

Happy Opening Day everyone except Cardinals, Marlins, A's and Mariners fans!

[OssMan]

Like the innings will add up to equal 10 full games or you'll watch 10 games from start to finish?

10 full games start to finish

[Innovator]

WOOOO OPENING FUCKING DAY

[Frank Drebin]

WOOOO OPENING FUCKING DAY

[JimmyMess]

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/baltimore-orioles-drop-exhibition-game-community-college-164735728.html
Baltimore Orioles lose to community college team

By David Brown | Big League Stew – 23 hours ago

Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter termed the event a "controlled scrimmage." The opponent used pitchers (including left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada) and a catcher from the Orioles roster. Major league stars such as J.J. Hardy, Adam Jones and Matt Wieters took only a couple of turns apiece at the plate and played about five innings. And the adversaries played for eight innings total, not a full regulation game.

With that context — perhaps you call it "spin" — understood, there's no other way to put this: A community college team beat the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday.

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota chapter, edged the O's 2-1 in a charity game at Ed Smith Stadium. The O's look like a charity case, all right. If this were European soccer, or if baseball did relegation, Nick Markakis might be carrying a book bag and a class schedule around Camden Yards this spring. And he didn't even play!
Orioles pitcher Jason Hammel, who has logged 734 career innings in the majors, allowed two runs and three hits over five innings to the Manatees. Those sweet, lovable manatees. SCF freshman Orlando Rivera — a freshman! — went 2 for 3 with a stolen base, scoring the eventual winning run on a wild pitch in the fifth inning. Hammel said very little about the experience to MLB.com:

"I got my work in, so let's leave it at that," said Hammel.

I'd just back away from him. Slowly.


Awesome. ha

[Evil Vito]

Heard the Opening Day intros in the car during lunch. As expected, Pelfrey and Bay were loudly booed. Also heard a fair amount of boos for Frank Francisco based solely on his bad spring. Never change, Mets fans.

[Droford]

Nolan Reimold will be coming out to the nWo Wolfpack theme this season.

lol

[Droford]

Happy Opening Day everyone except Cardinals, Marlins, A's and Mariners fans!

Orioles dont open til tomorrow.

[MVP]

Close enough.

Verlander is dealing right now.

[Emperor Smeat]

:D 1st blown save in a Red Sox game and it doesn't involve the Red Sox bullpen.

Yeah Verlander looked just as dominating as he was last year.

:nono: Aceves

[MVP]

I hope that's not a preview of the bullpen this season.

[Skippord]

Nolan Reimold will be coming out to the nWo Wolfpack theme this season.

lol
Giambi's been doing that for awhile

and it is the greatest thing ever so good call Nolan Reimold

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>FIRST. FUCKING. PLACE! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! :shifty:

Glad to see the pitching staff throwing up 0's. Sucks that Torres only played in one damn game though before re-aggravating his calf injury. Sounds like he's ticketed for the DL.</font>

[Cooler Tom Schuler]

I'm hoping the Twins can make it up to .500 this year, but the offense needs to recover from a plague of injuries and the pitching needs to just be different people.

[Droford]

Pitching is usually way ahead of the hitting early, i dont know why this is such a huge surprise.

[Gertner]

Jays game stilllllllll going

[Gertner]

Arencibia with a 3 run bomb!!!!! Game finally might be over. 16th inning.

[RP]

Go cubs gooooooo!

[Corndad]

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/_fTuNjhn6G_LRszRx92kWA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusmlbexperts/rangersfansstatue.jpg

Wow. How sad is this. The Rangers should be commended for the statue though. Can't imagine looking up at statue of you and your deceased Father when you are that young. Sad stuff.

[RP]

And Dempster was amazing today too. Out pitched Strasburg. But ofcourse, Kerry Wood and Carlos Marmol poo'ed all over that.

Go Cubs Gooooooo!

[Innovator]

Jeter
Granderson
Cano
A-Rod
Teixeira
Swisher
Ibanez
Martin
Gardner

P Sabathia. Let's Go.

[ClockShot]

Yankees fans...................are you ready?

[SammyG]

Kershaw had the shits and still pitched haha

[ClockShot]

The Trop is practically empty right now.

[Innovator]

The Trop is practically empty right now.

As per tradition.

[ClockShot]

Sooner they move this team, the better.

[ClockShot]

Opening Day in Tampa and the best they could find for the national anthem is a black sax player?

Pathetic.

[Droford]

I feel like Im watching the beginning of Major League 4.

Nick Markakis and Matt Wieters are honored before the game for winning Gold Gloves.

Jim Hunter, longtime Os announcer : "Congratulations Matt and Rick.."

[ClockShot]

I wonder who inherited "Role Call" responsibilities at Yankee Stadium since Bald Vinny won't be there anymore?

[Dragon]

Joe Girardi gets dumb move #1 out of the way early.

Intentionally walking Sean Rodriguez to load the bases for Carlos Pena? In the first inning no less?

[Emperor Smeat]

The Trop is practically empty right now.

Not surprised although whatever happened to those plans involving a new stadium?

I forgot if it was rejected or stopped getting talked about but it did have the small benefit of being a lot less of a hassle to drive to for games than the Trop.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Kirk Nieuwenhuis called up to replace Andres Torres in center. I knew he'd be roaming the outfield at Citi Field some point this year, I just never expected it to be Game 2 of the regular season. Eager to see what he can do.

The Captain Kirk era has begun.</font>

[ClockShot]

High Sox Robertson hasn't missed a beat.

[Droford]

Os almost blew a brilliant outing by Arrieta (7 ip 2 h)..the bullpen is going to piss me off this year a lot I guess.

[Droford]

yankees lose!

Yankees/Red Sox in LAST PLACE
Orioles/Rays/Blue Jays in FIRST PLACE

[Emperor Smeat]

The Rays, who've made the playoffs three of the past four years, raised a 2011 AL wild-card banner to the left-field catwalk before the game and Pena brought the sellout crowd of 34,078 to its feet again in the bottom of the first when he sent a 3-2 pitch into the right-field stands for his eighth career grand slam.

Really starting to think Tampa Bay has no clue how sports banners actually work since this would be the second time they've added more banners than done traditionally. Also might be the first time in baseball history a banner for a wild card spot was actually made instead of just normally celebrated.

[ClockShot]

Back pages of the Post and Daily News should be obvious tomorrow.

I'll give the great one the benefit of the doubt for now.

[Evil Vito]

Really starting to think Tampa Bay has no clue how sports banners actually work since this would be the second time they've added more banners than done traditionally. Also might be the first time in baseball history a banner for a wild card spot was actually made instead of just normally celebrated.

<font color=goldenrod>The Braves had one raised for the 2010 Wild Card appearance apparently...which is baffling given how many others they have to begin with from all of the division titles. The Mets have a wild card banner up for their 1999 wild card berth/NLDS win as well. Fans have constantly complained that it should be taken down.

I don't really see the big deal of it if you're a team without much playoff history. Once you rattle off a shitload of division titles though you should probably just stick with that.</font>

[RoXer]

Kershaw had the shits and still pitched haha

haha

[DaveWadding]

Paul Goldschmidt owns Tim Lincecum.

6/11, 3 HRs

[Gertner]

Wow, Ubaldo and Morrow both go 7 innings 1 hit.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>2-0. Break up the Mets!

I love Lucas Duda. Think he actually has a shot at 30 HRs this year. Huge power.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Really not feeling the Red Sox this year. Probably gonna try and find a young up and coming team to adopt this year. Maybe the Royals.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Cheer for the Redlegs of Zinzinnati

[Triple Naitch]

I'm in. I'm now officially a Reds/Royals fan until the Red Sox get good again.

[OssMan]

N a t s

When's the home opener, maybe I go.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>If you go, get the 8 lb. Strasburger</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Nice of Beckett to be playing just like he was last year which was sucking badly

:mad:

[Nark Order]

Prince Fielder. Jesus

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Think the Tigers might have a decent offense this year.

[Droford]

The Yankees and Red Sox suck, the Orioles and Blue Jays are good.

the ole up is down, left is right deal.

[DaveWadding]

I dont care how shitty the teams are, listening to Vin Scully call any game is a treat.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Cespedes is the real deal. God damn.</font>

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

The Yankees and Red Sox suck, the Orioles and Blue Jays are good.

the ole up is down, left is right deal.

No, it's the old "forgot to take a chill pill deal." It's just two games into the season. Jesus fucking Christ.

[Skippord]

Cespedes has 3 home runs and 10 strikeouts in 13 at bats apparently

that is crazy

[Skippord]

he does fucking hammer the ball when he hits it though

[DaveWadding]

3 HRs, a double and 7 Ks in 13 ABs.

[Skippord]

Oh yeah. That's my bad.

[Innovator]

I wonder if Girardi forgot how to manage in the offseason.

[Gertner]

Jays win first two in 16 and 12 innings.....and I missed both for work.,

[Shisen Kopf]

Tigers gonna win the AL. They got that big darkie Prince Fielder now.

[SammyG]

3-0, WORLD SERIES !! UNDEFEATED!

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Zambrano might have his first meltdown in Game 1 as a Marlin

[Anybody Thrilla]

Zack Cozart is a stud. That is all.

[Triple Naitch]

Ayo did you guys just see MY Cincy Reds come from behind W?

Jay Bruce Bruce wit it.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>YES! Sweeping the Braves is a better start than I ever could have hoped for.</font>

[ClockShot]

Hmmmm, and I thought the Yankees pitching staff was looking good on paper. Perhaps Andy will be getting on the SWB shuttle sooner than later.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Ahahahahaha suck it all of TPWWs Miami Marlins fans!!!

[Emperor Smeat]

wow Aceves sucks badly.

Need to toss him out of the closer spot.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>ERA of infinity for Aceves.</font>

[MVP]

The Red Sox would be better if there wasn't a 9th inning.

[ClockShot]

0-3 for the Yankees.

Who would have thought?

[Emperor Smeat]

:|

A double blown save today. Bullpen in terms of closers (Aceves vs Melancon) is complete garbage.

[Triple Naitch]

I don't give a shit if it's three games. Fire Bobby Valentine.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>3 games into the year and I think this Red Sox bullpen might be the worst of all time.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

At least this year has the excuse of Bailey being out really screwed up the closer role while Bard has already complained he doesn't want to go back to the bullpen.

Melancon didn't do himself any favors by sucking badly so far when there was some serious debate of him and not Aceves as the closer.

Last year was a huge WTF with Papelbon and Bard struggling right out of the gate.

[Boomer]

The Braves offense is just awful. Not being patient at the plate at all.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>At 1-2, the Phillies are under .500 for the first time since April 24, 2009.

Wow.</font> :o

[DaveWadding]

lolGiants

[Nark Order]

Quit being a jerk, DaveWadding.

:(

[Splaya]

How are the Tigers doing so far :shifty:

[OssMan]

Mets sweep Braves :drool:

[Droford]

Last time the Os started 3-0...

Wire to wire 1997 season.

I will really like the Guthrie trade if Hammel pitches like he did today..

Os starters: 1 ER in 22 IP which is incredible. I have no idea how Wei-Yin Chen will pitch tomorrow vs the Yankees..

[The Fraze]

Giants off to a great start. :-\

[Evil Vito]

http://i.imgur.com/6W9E7.png

<font color=goldenrod>The answer was C, apparently. Moyer has faced 8.9% of the batters in MLB history. Jesus christ.</font>

[Droford]

Ben Maller had that fact on his show.

[Dragon]

Yankees players sucked this series but Girardi has made so many idiotic decisions already its kind of unbelievable.

First game it was intentionally walking a .220 hitter to load the bases for Carlos Pena, in the first inning. Then in the 2nd game of the season he thinks Jeter needs a half day off already so plays him at DH. Nunez predictably boots a routine grounder that leads to two runs. And then in the third game decides to play 87 year old Raul Ibanez in the OF because Swisher needs a half day off in the third game of the season. There really shouldn't be any reason Ibanez should be in the OF over Andruw Jones anyway.

At least Aceves and Melancon are earning their Yankee pinstripes...

[Droford]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9o1xcQuXdII" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Someone needs to redo this song for 2012.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>4-0!!! What a start.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

:eek: Red Sox bullpen didn't blow it today. Strange season so far with Red Sox having a double blown save in a game while their opponents have blown 2 saves already.

http://www.tpww.net/forums/image.php?u=14015&dateline=1333423958 They finally won a game. Doubront looked pretty good for his first start ever in the bigs I believe.

[RP]

Lol why are the Astros honoring Chipper Jones on there home field?

What a horrible franchise.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9o1xcQuXdII" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Someone needs to redo this song for 2012.

Why Not?

Yankees.
Red Sox.
Rays.

[Nark Order]

Wish I was able to get some fucking Indians games around here. I'd get the MLB League Pass thing or whatever it is but my other team is local so all those game would pretty much be blacked out on it.

[Kris P Lettus]

http://i.imgur.com/THNA6.jpg

[Triple Naitch]

I don't get it.

[Kris P Lettus]

I think you have asperger's..

[ClockShot]

Marlins suspend Big Mouth Ozzie for 5 games for his Fidel Castro remarks. Selig backs it.

[ClockShot]

John Moores is selling the Padres. Jeff Moorad was supposed to be a shoo-in to the be next owner since he got a 49% stake in the team, but since he didn't get enough owner support, he withdrew his application. Forbes got it valued at $458 mil., but with the recent Dodgers sale, that number may jump.

3rd time's a charm for Mark Cuban?

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The owners will never allow Cuban to own a team.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

I think you have asperger's..

Busted

[Kris P Lettus]

:cool:

[Droford]

Why Not?

Yankees.
Red Sox.
Rays.
I dont really have a problem with the Rays, but fuck the Red Sox and Yankees. The Sox and Yankees are both entirely vulnerable this year, neither of them scares anyone right now. The Os stood up to the Red Sox last year and knocked em out of the playoffs, all the Os need to do now is do the same thing vs the Yankees (and not go 5-13 vs the Yankees like they've done the last 3 years).

[Droford]

Freddy Garcia sucks

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Reds break out the checkbooks again and lock up Brandon Phillips. 6 years, $72.5 million</font>

[Droford]

One of the worst games Ive seen..Yankees/Os are a combined 1-20 with RISP, with the Os going 0-9

Os scored 2 runs on 2 of Garcia's 5 wild pitches, and they just left the bases loaded in the bottom of the 9th.

somehow its 4-4 in the 10th...

[JimmyMess]

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l30-TpY1b6o/T4V19Ej_uNI/AAAAAAAAANQ/6Ty27D0V8Do/s500/blowjays.gif

haha

[Cooler Tom Schuler]

Twin's best pitcher from their 95-loss 2011 season is now out for 2012. This bodes well. 0-162, here we come!

[ClockShot]

.500 for the Yankees.

[ClockShot]

Rosenthal is reporting that Johnny Damon got a deal in place to play for the Indians. He got a full no trade clause and an opt-out clause he can use when Grady Sizemore returns. But he later tweeted that there's nothing firm as of yet.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

These Nationals announcers are really goofy. I can't tell if it's obnoxious or endearing. I'll let you know at the end of the game.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Ugh, the team's slogan is Ignite Your Natitude. That's fucking terrible.

[Cooler Tom Schuler]

Expect Mass Natalities

[DaveWadding]

This is dedicated to Chris Young:

<div style="background-color:#000000;width:368px;"><div style="padding:4px;"><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:cms:item:southparkstudios.com:412210" width="360" height="293" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="." flashVars=""></embed><p style="text-align:left;background-color:#FFFFFF;padding:4px;margin-top:4px;margin-bottom:0px;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><b><a href="http://www.southparkstudios.com/full-episodes/s16e05-butterballs">Butterballs</a></b><br/>Get More: <a style="display: block; ██████████ relative; top: -1.33em; float: right; font-weight: bold; color: #ffcc00; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.southparkstudios.com/">SOUTH<br/>PARK</a><a href="http://www.southparkstudios.com/guide/characters/leopold-butters-stotch">Leopold "Butters" Stotch</a>,<a href="http://www.southparkstudios.com/guide/characters/mr-mackey">Mr. Mackey</a>,<a href="http://www.southparkstudios.com/guide/episodes/s16e05-butterballs">more...</a></p></div></div>

[RP]

Matt Garza spits hotfire

[RP]

Crawford stopping bullets now

[Innovator]

Some guy found a baseball digest from 1986, with the UNWRITTEN RULES OF BASEBALL printed.


1. Never put the tying or go-ahead run on base.

2. Play for the tie at home, go for the victory on the road.

3. Don't hit and run with an 0-2 count.

4. Don't play the infield in early in the game.

5. Never make the first or third out at third.

6. Never steal when you're two or more runs down.

7. Don't steal when you're well ahead.

8. Don't steal third with two outs.

9. Don't bunt for a hit when you need a sacrifice.

10. Never throw behind the runner.

11. Left and right fielders concede everything to center fielder.

12. Never give up a home run on an 0-2 count.

13. Never let the score influence the way you manage.

14. Don't go against the percentages.

15. Take a strike when your club is behind in a ballgame.

16. Leadoff hitter must be a base stealer. Designated hitter must be a power hitter.

17. Never give an intentional walk if first base is occupied.

18. With runners in scoring position and first base open, walk the number eight hitter to get to the pitcher.

19. In rundown situations, always run the runner back toward the base from which he came.

20. If you play for one run, that's all you get.

21. Don't bunt with a power hitter up.

22. Don't take the bat out of your best hitter's hands by sacrificing in front of him.

23. Only use your bullpen stopper in late-inning situations.

24. Don't use your stopper in a tie game—only when you're ahead.

25. Hit behind the runner at first base.

26. If one of your players gets knocked down by a pitch, retaliate.

27. Hit the ball where it's pitched.

28. A manager should remain detached from his players.

29. Never mention a no-hitter while it's in progress.

30. With a right-hander on the mound, don't walk a right-handed hitter to pitch to a left-handed hitter.

[OssMan]

These Nationals announcers are really goofy. I can't tell if it's obnoxious or endearing. I'll let you know at the end of the game.

I know

It's so much easier to root for them when they're on national TV, which is never

[Cooler Tom Schuler]

Some guy found a baseball digest from 1986, with the UNWRITTEN RULES OF BASEBALL printed.

Many of those are just common-sense strategy.

[Innovator]

Which is why Girardi breaks a lot of those

[Innovator]

Kuroda! Great performance today.

[Emperor Smeat]

:D nice 12-2 home opener win against the Rays.

Rays fell apart badly in the 8th (8 runs allowed) while Beckett didn't go into "fat" mode today. Ellsbury getting hurt today was the only sour thing about the game.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Sounds like Wright is 98% likely to go on the DL unless he can somehow swing a bat tomorrow. Should have known that the dark clouds were due to come rolling in after the nice start.</font>

[ClockShot]

Good to be home. Kuroda had a nice gem today.

[Nicky Fives]

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l30-TpY1b6o/T4V19Ej_uNI/AAAAAAAAANQ/6Ty27D0V8Do/s500/blowjays.gif

haha

I saw that during the game and was secretly hoping a .gif would show up.....

[Triple Naitch]

Ellsbury has me worried.

[Droford]

Home Run Derby in Toronto - 6 HRs total (4 Jays, 2 Os, all solo)

[ClockShot]

Matt Cain 1-hits the Pirates and notches 11 Ks at the same time.

Money talks.

[screech]

Not a Giants fan, but love Matt Cain.

[Nark Order]

Holy fuck, Matt Cain. We listened to the entire game on the way back from SLO.

[RoXer]

Matt Cain 1-hits the Pirates and notches 11 Ks at the same time.

Money talks.

How did he do against the dbacks?

[RoXer]

Oh thats right

[Skippord]

I actually like Matt Cain too for some reason

Giants are still fags though

[ClockShot]

U.S. Bankruptcy court approves the Dodgers sale. Team control should go to Magic Johnson and Stan Kasten by the end of the month.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>R.A. Dickey is probably my favorite player in MLB.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>LOL Citizen's Bank Park was clearly half empty last night and yet it's being touted as their 224th straight sellout. Shouldn't really count if you have to buy out your own tickets.</font>

[ClockShot]

Found out Mike Cameron signed a 1-day deal with the Mariners yesterday and retired with them.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

lol really?

guy was on like 7 different teams

come on

[SammyG]

I guess I will take 7-1...

[Cooler Tom Schuler]

<font color=goldenrod>R.A. Dickey is probably my favorite player in MLB.</font>

Too bad he sucked with Minnesota. Like so many others.

[Droford]

Yankees are getting their asses kicked, yay

[Triple Naitch]

LOL Citizen's Bank Park was clearly half empty last night and yet it's being touted as their 224th straight sellout. Shouldn't really count if you have to buy out your own tickets.

Coming from the team that had to give away tickets to opening day.

[Droford]

This Os/Jays game is turning into a takeout contest at 2b on slides..youd think what happened yesterday with Ellsbury would be fresh in their minds..

[Droford]

http://i.imgur.com/KPhxk.gif

[Droford]

Somebody break up the Nationals! Edwin Jackson with the CG and 9ks

[Emperor Smeat]

Tampa Bay managed to out suck the Red Sox bullpen.

A bit of a worrisome to see Buchholz once again struggle in the 1st inning but at least he managed to get a lot better once the game went on like his first start.

[DaveWadding]

Goddamn Todd Helton just hit a fucking moon shot walk off home run. Fuck.

[Skippord]

I could hit a moonshot with the Todd Helton related erection I have right now

[Cooler Tom Schuler]

Royals' Jeff Francoeur delivers pizza to A's fans

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Pizza delivery, courtesy of Jeff Francoeur.
The Kansas City Royals' right fielder had 20 personal pizzas delivered Wednesday to a small but animated group of Oakland Athletics fans in section 149 of the Coliseum.

The gesture came a day after the second annual "Bacon Tuesday," as it has become known. Last year, Francoeur tossed a ball wrapped in a $100 bill into the elevated bleacher seats above his outfield spot, instructing fans to use it to buy bacon or beer.
They now love Francoeur and cheer him at every chance. On Tuesday, fans wore "Bacon Tuesday" shirts, and there's a large piece of paper bacon hanging from the railing in his honor.

A member of the visiting clubhouse staff brought the pizzas to the fans in the first inning during the finale of a three-game series. With the free eats came a signed bat from Francoeur and a note: "Right field bleacher crew, keep making bacon."
The crowd oohed and aahed, clapped, hollered and repeatedly chanted, "Thank you, Jeff!" as he took his position in the bottom of the inning. Francoeur tipped his cap and waved.
"Baseball is fun. We can take it too serious sometimes," Francoeur said before the game. "This is something more than just baseball. That right-field section are here every game, they cheer for every (A's player). They are diehards. I just enjoy them out there. It's a lot of fun. You don't get to build relationships like that every day."
The fans will have to enjoy the pizza while they can. This is the Royals' lone trip to the Bay Area this year.

[Droford]

fans in the bleachers in KC should let him have it every game til they get free pizza too lol

[Droford]

Endy Chavez - LF
Nick Johnson - DH
Nick Markakis - RF
Adam Jones - CF
Wilson Betemit - 3B
Chris Davis - 1B
Ronny Paulino - C
Ryan Flaherty - 2B
Robert Andino - SS
--
Brian Matusz - P

Outside of Adam Jones/Nick Markakis, that is quite possibly the worst line up in the history of baseball

[Cooler Tom Schuler]

fans in the bleachers in KC

I'm going to go ahead and stop you right there.

[Cooler Tom Schuler]

Endy Chavez - LF
Nick Johnson - DH
Nick Markakis - RF
Adam Jones - CF
Wilson Betemit - 3B
Chris Davis - 1B
Ronny Paulino - C
Ryan Flaherty - 2B
Robert Andino - SS
--
Brian Matusz - P

Outside of Adam Jones/Nick Markakis, that is quite possibly the worst line up in the history of baseball

Nah, you should have seen the lineups Minnesota threw out there while Mauer, Morneau, Thome, and Span were injured simultaneously.

[Emperor Smeat]

Tampa pitched a lot better today but Red Sox still managed a win.

Doubront looked good again although doesn't get the win due to Bobby V putting him in one inning too long and when the Rays were starting to get a string of runs and hits in the game.

[Triple Naitch]

Sox have really turned it around this series. The hitting is really starting to come along.

[ClockShot]

Not a bad game for the Yankees. Can't remember the last time we won a series against the Angels at home.

Oh, and welcome to the American League, Pujols. Home to big boy pitching. Good luck searching for that first home run.

[Innovator]

Sox have really turned it around this series. The hitting is really starting to come along.

How do you feel about Bobby V calling out Youkilis?

[ClockShot]

Rays give the Red Sox a 1-0 defeat on Patriots Day today and avoid the sweep.

[Triple Naitch]

How do you feel about Bobby V calling out Youkilis?

Bobby V is still in analyst mode and needs to start keeping tings in-house.

[Droford]

The White Sox have absolutely imploded in the 9th/10th here lol.

[Droford]

Can't believe it was 4-1 in the 8th and then the Os scored 9 runs over the the 8th-10th to be up 10-4. The Wieters grand slam to cap it off was magnificent.

[DaveWadding]

Chris Young is hotter than the 9th circle of hell right now.

405/500/892 7/5/13/2

[Innovator]

Wow Rick Ankiel

[DaveWadding]

<object width="400" height="254"><param name="movie" value="http://mlb.mlb.com//shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?width=400&height=254&content_id=20672793&property=mlb" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="tl" /><embed src="http://mlb.mlb.com//shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?width=400&height=254&content_id=20672793&property=mlb" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" window="transparent" width="400" height="254" scale="noscale" salign ="tl" /> </object>

[ClockShot]

Swisher's at 1B. Girardi trot out the C Team today?

Nevermind, Tex got scratched with "flu like symptoms".

[Emperor Smeat]

:nono: Melancon has been a disaster so far for the bullpen. 7 runs alone he gave up tonight although Lester stunk as a starter (2 innings, 80 pitches, 7 runs with 4-5 his fault).

[Innovator]

Swisher's at 1B. Girardi trot out the C Team today?

Nevermind, Tex got scratched with "flu like symptoms".
Tex is out, Jeter better DH tonight. He played in what 4 games STRAIGHT?!?!

[Droford]

Os win again. 20 Homers and 1 in each of their first 11 games. Record as far back to 1954 is the Rangers with 27 straight games with a home run.

Nolan Reimold has a Homer in 4 straight games on the road. Didnt do anything at home..might wanna change out the nWo Wolfpack theme to come to the plate to lol.

[Droford]

Os pitcher of the future (maybe sooner than later) Dylan Bundy pitched in A ball here tonight 3 innings 0 h 3 k 1 BB. Hes only pitching 3 innings a start..so far in 3 starts 9 ip 0 h 1 bb 15 ks

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Nobody cares about your stupid ass single A pitchers. Nobody even cares about your stupid ass major league pitchers.

[Skippord]

Jamie Moyer won tonight :)

and his slammin hot wife was thrilled

[screech]

Love Jamie Moyer and his slammin hot wife.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Johan was brutal last night :( tanked me in fantasy</font>

[Tb1]

How did he do against the dbacks?

Love the dbacks

[Tb1]

Are they coming in town to play the River Cats? Want to go check out a game

[Ermaximus]

I really don't get the Braves. Start 0-4, then win 5 in a row, drop a game to the Mets, then beat them 2 in a row including a 14-6 ass raping today. Inconsistant as fuck Atlanta.

[DaveWadding]

Are they coming in town to play the River Cats? Want to go check out a game

I think Tim Lincecum might be pitching that game.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

BOOM

[ClockShot]

Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez is gonna call it a career. He's gonna retire monday with the Rangers.

Indians pitcher Jeanmar Gomez got suspended 5 games after hitting Mike Moustakas and causing the benches to clear a 2nd time. I guess with Baldy getting suspended earlier, think they're going for a bad boy image?

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I'm shocked that nobody took a flyer on Pudge. He seemed content settling for a backup catcher/mentor job before ST and he would have been perfect for that. Incredible defense still even at his age. Great career.</font>

[Innovator]

I have zero confidence when Tex is batting nowadays.

[Cooler Tom Schuler]

The Twins have won two games at Yankee Stadium. IN THE SAME SEASON!

[ClockShot]

I like Derek Jeter as much as the next Yankee fan, but do you think with all these home runs he's been hitting seem suspicious? Or did he simply spend the winter at Kevin Long's house?

[Tb1]

I think Tim Lincecum might be pitching that game.

BUT THAT'S THE A'S AFFILIATE :-\

[Droford]

Im going to go out on a limb and say that the Os trade for Jason Hammel has so far gone in the Os favor. Hammel had 10ks in 6 ip today, 2 ER.

He will be 2-0 in 3 starts with a 2.37 ERA after the Os win in about 5 minutes..

Guthrie is 1-1 with a 7.79 ERA..

[ClockShot]

I see The Grandyman has finally arrived with a vengence.

[Innovator]

Funny how they were saying Granderson was due to break out any day.

[Ermaximus]

I'm saying it now, the Braves are going to ride this hot streak until about mid July and then they'll hit their yearly "choke like a dog" stride and finish as the 6th seed in the NL.

[RoXer]

Pudge retiring
Going to tonight's game to hopefully see Chipper play for the last time
Childhood baseball card team slowly dying

[DaveWadding]

shut up

[Supreme Olajuwon]

hey dave u watchin this game

[DaveWadding]

No, the Cubs are causing too much psychological trauma for me this year. :'(

[ClockShot]

Happy Birthday, Fenway. Eat your cake and let's get this show going already.

[ClockShot]

Daaamn. BoSox and Yankees dusted off the relics today.

Yankees sporting the old Highlanders jerseys.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

No, the Cubs are causing too much psychological trauma for me this year. :'(

ok well the Reds are beating the Cubs

I'll let you know if anything happens

[DaveWadding]

I turned the game on. I guess I have the pathological need to want to hate myself.

Then I can watch that really depressing MLB 12 The Show commercial and cry.

[DaveWadding]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JVGAfA15U1I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

For later.

[Emperor Smeat]

:mad: Nice to see not even Fenway's 100th anniversary has the Red Sox motivated enough to play well.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

dave the game is over

the Reds defeated the Cubs

[Supreme Olajuwon]

oh hey that was the Reds' 10,000th victory

neat!

[Triple Naitch]

Watching all the old Red Sox guys coming out was pretty cool.

No fucking way Pumpsie Green is still alive.

[Emperor Smeat]

Yeah the pre-game festivities was amazing.

2 years from now its going to be the Cubs turn to celebrate their 100th anniversary and last I heard they are still trying to get an exception to be made so they can host it (AL year).

[Triple Naitch]

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/17k6ktzdz7vnqpng/original.png

[The Gold Standard]

There is nothing better than the Yankees defeating the Red Sox on 100th anniversary of Fenway Park.

Also, $35 for a plain white hat?

[RoXer]

Chipper better play today

[RoXer]

He did.

And he had a pretty good game.

And I had pretty good seats.

And it was an enjoyable time.

[DaveWadding]

if by pretty good you mean the DBacks got submarined, then yes.

[RP]

Go cubs go! Fml

[RP]

I love Chris Volstad. No ..i really do.

I can't wait for today when I get to see Paul Maholm...yah!

[RP]

10 games out of the division before we've even played 20 games! GO CUBS GOOOOOOOOO!

[DaveWadding]

RP & I might make this thread more pathetic than an Iop thread by the end of this season. :'(

[Ermaximus]

That's not even possible Dave, you're good. For all we know, as soon as the Braves pull their yearly choke-athon, the Cubs will start a win-athon.

[Boomer]

The Braves have looked scary recently. They never blow teams out, and I believe they've done it four games in a row

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

<font color=goldenrod>LOL Citizen's Bank Park was clearly half empty last night and yet it's being touted as their 224th straight sellout. Shouldn't really count if you have to buy out your own tickets.</font>

It's the Stub-Hub/Ace-tickets thing.

[Skippord]

this season keeps going the way that it has so far and I will marry Michael Cuddyer

[Skippord]

lololMets

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Welp, the LOLMets have finally arrived in 2012. It was a nice start they once had.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Seriously though, the fuck is Collins doing pulling Pelfrey? He was cruising. The announcers speculated that he was trying to give Francisco a confidence booster save since he hasn't had one in 2 weeks. Ugh.</font>

[Skippord]

Equally as lolGiants

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>And the Giants somehow, someway, out LOL the Mets</font>

[ClockShot]

Yep, Steady Freddy looking like the most likely candidate to get bounced to the bullpen when Pineda gets back.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Phil Humber with a perfect game! Holy shit.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

And another former Met throws a No-Hitter/PG.

[Skippord]

Phillip Humber just threw a perfect game

that most of the country missed because of stupid blackout rules