MLB Thread

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah probably not. I certainly think that Scherzer is an upgrade over Zimmermann but the net improvement for the team is marginal if they basically just replace Zimmermann with Scherzer.

So probably Fister gets moved. Or they dump off Roark somewhere. I didn't realize Roark was like 28 already, just assumed he was younger because he's only been in the big leagues for a short while.</font>

[Droford]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Have heard <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/orioles?src=hash">#orioles</a> pushing for bigger value with compensation from jays in exchange for not filing tampering charges</p>&mdash; Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) <a href="https://twitter.com/masnRoch/status/558341779247083520">January 22, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Jays might have to give the Os Jeff Hoffman (2014 #9 pick #2 or 3 best prospect in Jays org) and Dalton Pompey (2010 pick OFer) for Dan Duquette if not more if they dont want tampering charges filed. Thats what tge Jays get for fucking around with a team owned by a former lawyer.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

In the no-shit news file:

Pedro is going into the Hall of Fame as a Red Sox. He is the best there was and the best there ever will be.

[ClockShot]

Chatter going around the net is that the Brewers are close to getting Jonathan Papelbon from the Phillies. Only hiccup is that Papelbon wants his $13 mil. coming up for this season guaranteed in order to waive his partial no-trade clause.

Ichiro Suzuki goes to Miami. 1-year, $2 mil.

[Droford]

Orioles got a minor leaguer from the Braves for cash consideration and someone tweeted

http://thefightins.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/225_final-cash-consideration.gif

[RP]

R.I.P Ernie Banks

[RP]

I met Ernie Banks 7 years ago. Waited in line. He greeted everyone, including me like they were family. One of the best things I've ever had happen to me.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>In his first official day as Commissioner, Rob Manfred has said that he will give strong consideration to banning defensive shifts.

Why not ban curveballs and sliders while we're at it?</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The idea would be to create more offense. Of course they'd be doing that by basically rewarding all of those lefty hitters who have no fucking clue how to hit the ball to the left side of the infield.</font>

[road doggy dogg]

smdh

[ClockShot]

Blue Jays just ended their attempts to land Dan Duquette. Toronto didn't want to give up Jeff Hoffman and 2 other prospects as compensation.

[Damian Rey]

Nor should they have done so.

[ClockShot]

Both teams got some fence mending to do.

[ClockShot]

After all the crap, Blue Jays announce they're keeping CEO/President Paul Beeston around for the 2015 season.

[Droford]

baseball on ice wasa thing (http://thebaseballbloggess.com/2015/01/28/ice-baseball-on-skates/)

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Cuban shortstop Yoan Moncada has been cleared to sign with any MLB team. It's expected that he'll get a contract of at least $30 million, which would actually cost teams around $60 million because teams need to pay a 100% tax for every dollar they pay over their international signing pool.

In unsurprising news, even though loads of teams are interested in him it's expected to come down to the Yankees, Red Sox, or Dodgers.</font>

[Nicky Fives]

2 young and unproven guys up the middle in Gregorius & Moncada could be interesting....

[Emperor Smeat]

According to Peter Gammons, Dodgers currently interested in getting both Yoan Moncada and Hector Olivera. James Shield as their backup plan if they lose out on Oliveria.


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Tigers announce DH Victor Martinez suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee and will undergo surgery. » <a href="http://t.co/V2FdzonXRb">http://t.co/V2FdzonXRb</a></p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/563417203970936833">February 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Won't know when his possible return will be until after the results from surgery.

[road doggy dogg]

Sounds like it won't be super serious but puts his Opening Day status in obvious jeopardy. Hope it's not 2012 all over again. They'll be stupid if they put him anywhere besides DH this year.

[road doggy dogg]

Also, may be going to Yankees' Opening Day... going to be in NY that weekend, trying to convince my (non-baseball-fan) buddy to go to the game. Will be super rad.

[Innovator]

Sit in the bleachers, Section 203

[Emperor Smeat]

Couple of MLB news today:
Padres were rumored to have been the frontrunners to get James Shield but something supposedly happened within the past 24 hours that they might have lost out on him.


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>MLB to use bidding to determine ASG host <a href="http://t.co/FAfFIeyfvR">http://t.co/FAfFIeyfvR</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/BBTN">@bbtn</a> No day passes without Manfred expressing something mind-opening</p>&mdash; Peter Gammons (@pgammo) <a href="https://twitter.com/pgammo/status/563835821430939648">February 6, 2015</a></blockquote>
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New MLB commish believes the Hall of Fame needs some tweaking in regards to how they've handled the Roid Era candidates. Currently thinks the Hall voters are too biased with assumptions in determining who was or wasn't a roid player and using it as the sole reason to not vote for someone.

"I think it's unfair," Manfred said, in answer to a follow-up question, "for people to surmise that Player A did X, Y or Z, absent a positive test, or proof that we produced in an investigation, or whatever. I just think it runs contrary to a very fundamental notion in our society, that you're innocent until somebody proves you're guilty."
http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2015/2/6/7993803/commissioner-manfred-hall-of-fame-steroids

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>lol @ Shields. there's always gotta be somebody who gets completely fucked over by the qualifying offer.</font>

[Damian Rey]

I hope the Padres sign him. There's a ton of questions heath wise in the current rotation.

[Emperor Smeat]

Padres ended up signing James Shield to a 4 year deal with an option for a 5th year. Money amount wasn't revealed but rumored to be in the $72-76 million range.

[Damian Rey]

Dear God this is the greatest off-season of my life.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Padres win the Shields-for-Myers trade.</font>

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Well Big Game Shields is dead.

[Clerk]

Shields being abit overpaid wouldn't you say? No way you invest 72-75 mil on a 2 or 3 guy

[Damian Rey]

That's his market value. He was expected to get a deal in the $20 mil per year range. He's durable, eats a ton of innings and puts up above average production. I think the fact that he settled for a deal far below what was expected is a plus.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I can't wait to see what the Padres do this season. Recent history (Boston '11, Miami '12, Toronto '13) shows that going crazy in the offseason is far from a sure thing for success...but it definitely will get a fanbase interested.</font>

[Damian Rey]

Even if they're only marginally over.500, say 82-84 wins, that's a vast improvement over last season. By a mile.

[RP]

I still see nothing about the Padres. They still won't beat the Giants. Maybe they have a slim shot to beat out the Dodgers, but that don't mean a wild card spot.

[RP]

The NL central might be the most stacked division in the National League assuming the Cubs actually contend. We're talking Pirates, Cards. Who knows about the Reds. Pretty sure the Brewers are mailing it in after trading Galladro.

[Emperor Smeat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" lang="en"><p>THIS JUST IN: 2017 All-Star Game will be played at Marlins Park in Miami. (via <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiHerald">@MiamiHerald</a>) <a href="http://t.co/EzHPJaQVJz">pic.twitter.com/EzHPJaQVJz</a></p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/565345574506209281">February 11, 2015</a></blockquote>
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[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>NL gets 3 straight years from 2015-2017. Cincy, SD, Miami.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Could have been 4 in a row had MLB given last year to Wrigley in honor of its 100th anniversary.

Then again they missed out on celebrating Fenway's 100th with the All-Star game a couple of years ago.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" lang="en"><p>THIS JUST IN: 2017 All-Star Game will be played at Marlins Park in Miami. (via <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiHerald">@MiamiHerald</a>) <a href="http://t.co/EzHPJaQVJz">pic.twitter.com/EzHPJaQVJz</a></p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/565345574506209281">February 11, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Well at least some good players will get to be the home team there for once.

[RP]

Could have been 4 in a row had MLB given last year to Wrigley in honor of its 100th anniversary.

Then again they missed out on celebrating Fenway's 100th with the All-Star game a couple of years ago.

I love Wrigley, but they weren't given that old piece an All Star game. Maybe after the renovations.

[Innovator]

A-Rod and the Yankees had a sit down meeting yesterday. He apologized for being a fuck up the last couple years.

"There was an honest and frank discussion on all of the issues. As far as the Yankees are concerned, the next step is to play baseball in Spring Training."

Belichickian statement there.

[road doggy dogg]

we're looking ahead to grapefruits

[Emperor Smeat]

Turns out the reason why the Padres talks with Shields stalled a bit before getting a deal done was due to them making a last ditch effort to get Cole Hamels instead.

Hamels agent and the Phillies refused so the Padres went right back to negotiating with Shields to get a deal done.

Phillies rumored to be interested in making a deal with the Red Sox for Hamels but the asking price is likely going to be too high to get anything done (Mookie Betts or Blake Swihart as the basis).

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/02/padres-made-aggressive-offer-for-cole-hamels.html

[Damian Rey]

Ruin Tomorrow is gonna end up with his hands in his pockets. The starting pitcher market is ridiculously deep next year. If he doesn't move Hamels by the deadline he's fucked. Nobody is going to give up top prospects and take on that contract this time next year when they just go and sign Johnny Cueto or Jordan Zimmerman.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Pitchers and catchers report next week. :cool:

This feels like it's been the longest damn offseason ever but then again the Mets' only real significant move was signing Cuddyer and that was way back in November.

I'm still higher on that move than most. Yes losing the draft pick is unfortunate but they still have a top 5 farm system, badly needed an outfielder, and there were no realistic trade options. Since free agency was the way they were looking to go I'd much rather roll the dice on Cuddyer staying healthy/not declining a lot over the relatively inexpensive 2 year deal and not block Nimmo/Conforto when they're ready than give 4 or 5 years and a lot more money to Nelson Cruz.</font>

[RP]

Buster Oloney just said Verlander put on 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason. If that's true, steroids is a helluva drug.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Even though the NL will host the All Star Game for 3 straight years from 2015-17, the AL will bat last in 2016 and be the "home" team in San Diego. Manfred is basically taking a Super Bowl approach to it now and no longer considering NL/AL difference. Any city can bid for the All Star Game and the official home team will strictly alternate as it's the only potential competitive advantage.

He also sees no reason to get rid of the stipulation that the winning league gets home field advantage in the World Series. Even though it's an exhibition game that a shitload of players pull out of playing in.

Manfred sucks.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Yankees are retiring Pettite, Posada, and Bernie Williams' numbers in different ceremonies this year, bringing their total number of retired numbers to 20. Jeter's number retirement hasn't been announced but is inevitable, so that'll bring it to 21.

Jesus christ.</font>

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

They might have to ask to have 3 numbered players.

[screech]

Double zero?

[rad dggy dg]

white sox baby

[road doggy dogg]

Buster Oloney just said Verlander put on 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason. If that's true, steroids is a helluva drug.

maybe they are accounting for the 20 lbs of fat that are kate upton's tits that should be permanently attached to his face, if he is smart

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Victor Sanchez, one of the Mariners' top pitching prospects, was in a boating accident. Was swimming in Venezuela and ended up getting hit in the head by a boat propeller. In critical condition. Terrible.</font>

[Nicky Fives]

maybe they are accounting for the 20 lbs of fat that are kate upton's tits that should be permanently attached to his face, if he is smart

Well played.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>BJ Upton is now going to be introduced by his birth name of Melvin Upton, Jr.

Looks like he was tired of blowjob jokes.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Red Sox expected to announce later today that they signed Yoan Moncada to a deal. No years or total amount was revealed yet but he's getting around $30 million as a signing bonus.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Supposedly the Red Sox' offer was $31.5 million. But with the 100% tax it was really a $63 million gamble.

Yankees offered $25 million with a willingness to go to $27 million.</font>

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2-T08e2XfHg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The Red Sox pitching staff.

[Simple Fan]

Really gonna try to get back into baseball this year. Don't think I watched a single game last year.

[Emperor Smeat]

Reasons given by one of ESPN's New York reporters on why the Yankees didn't bother getting Moncada.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>There was a feeling from some that Moncada wanted to be a Yankee, team viewed it as too risky to spend a total of $60M-$70M for a prospect</p>&mdash; Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewMarchand/status/569882188499578880">February 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Yanks feeling was they can buy a proven MLBer for $60M or $70M</p>&mdash; Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewMarchand/status/569882835068293120">February 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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[ClockShot]

So the Red Sox signed this hot shot Cuban prospect who can play 2B and 3B.

You got Dustin Pedroia locked up for the foreseeable and plays 2B.

They signed Kung Fu Panda this offseason and plays 3B.

So, what's the point of this signing, I don't know. Unless Cherington is just gonna sit on him and flip him when they need a good arm.

[screech]

Really gonna try to get back into baseball this year. Don't think I watched a single game last year.

Do you have a favorite team?

[Emperor Smeat]

So, what's the point of this signing, I don't know. Unless Cherington is just gonna sit on him and flip him when they need a good arm.

Some rumors of Panda could split time at the 1B spot or as possible insurance in case Pedroia gets hurt or struggles. Also works as possible insurance for next year if Mike Napoli leaves.

More likely someone else gets traded to make room for him on the main roster if its needed this season.

[road doggy dogg]

That's an expensive-ass insurance policy.

Reminds me of when the Tigers picked up Fielder after already having two statues (Cabrera and VMart) at 1B... just cannot end well

[Droford]

The Orioles sitting on their assets not making any moves this offseason but they're still going to repeat as AL East Champions. Its going to be great.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Jurickson Profar underwent season-ending shoulder surgery, meaning he's going to be missing his second straight season due to shoulder woes.

He'll only be 23 by Opening Day next year so it's not like he's a total lost cause...but it is a waste of most of his pre-arbitration years.</font>

[road doggy dogg]

Jurickson Profar coolest baseball player name ever... Jurassic Park

[Innovator]

CC has beefed back up to 305 to "feel right"

[ClockShot]

Sounds good since less weight made him feel wrong.

[Emperor Smeat]

New commish willing to consider the idea of shortening the season to the old 154 game schedule if there is enough interest by teams and players in doing it.

[Damian Rey]

They be better off shortening the playoffs series. Best of 3 division series, best of 5 championship series, best of 7 world series.

[Simple Fan]

Do you have a favorite team?

Yankees and get a lot of Reds games on TV but just wasn't into any of it last year. Might have watched a few innings that's about it.

[Droford]

L3yIHmp09jg

Makes me laugh every time I see it

[Emperor Smeat]

MLB suspended Josh Hamilton although it wasn't leaked what he's being punished for.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Asked a baseball executive if Hamilton’s discipline was for PEDs. His response: “Worse.” The executive declined to elaborate.</p>&mdash; Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/570703393485934593">February 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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[ClockShot]

Nah. I'm thinking big time relapse.

[Emperor Smeat]

Yeup it was a relapse with this time being cocaine and alcohol. Broke the terms of his reinstatement deal when he first had these problems years ago.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton suffered a drug relapse involving the use of cocaine and alcohol in the offseason, according to a New York Daily News report.

Hamilton has a well-documented history of substance abuse problems dating to his days in the minor leagues, when he was suspended from baseball from February 2004 to June 2006 for issues related to cocaine and alcohol addiction.

The Daily News' report follows tweets by Jon Heyman of CBSsports.com on Wednesday in which he wrote: "Hear hamilton had relapse. Believe occurred a couple months back. Involved at least cocaine." In another tweet, Heyman wrote, "There's no word of a failed test. Word is, Hamilton told mlb about relapse."

[ClockShot]

Don't know if MLB should toss him out of the league for good. I think this makes relapse #3 since he's been back on this deal with all the drug tests and shit.

But he went and told MLB directly about this instead of them finding out their own way, maybe they might show some leniency on this.

[Damian Rey]

As they should. He's not a steroid abuser. He has real problems. Banning him doesn't send a good message for a guy who has to literally take it day by day.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

It's a disease. Punishment doesn't work. He needs help not people judging and punishing him.

[Damian Rey]

Agreed. All banning him would do is create a more problematic situation for him. He needs help and support right now

[Frank Drebin]

Lots of hugs

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Blue Jays left fielder Michael Saunders stepped on a sprinkler and tore his meniscus. Out until the All Star Break.</font>

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

I love David Ortiz. Telling everybody like it is with that stupid leaving the batters box shit.

[Simple Fan]

I love David Ortiz. Telling everybody like it is with that stupid leaving the batters box shit.

Yea not a fan of his but that was boss.

[Bad News Gertner]

<font color=goldenrod>Blue Jays left fielder Michael Saunders stepped on a sprinkler and tore his meniscus. Out until the All Star Break.</font>

There's been.numerous prior complaints about the field in Dunedin. Fuck sakes.

[ClockShot]

Brewers retain K-Rod. 2-years, $13 mil.

[road doggy dogg]

Saunders had surgery today, sounds like he'll be back by mid-April. Huge news for the Jays

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah lucky break for the Jays. Saunders was seriously undervalued in Seattle I think. With regular playing time he should be a solid contributor.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Anyway after the bizarre Saunders injury, two more were reported today:

Chris Sale fractured his foot stepping out of his truck at home. Expected to be out 3 weeks or so, shouldn't be a huge deal overall but he'll be behind the other pitchers on the team by the time he's ready to go.

Ronald Belisario will also be out for a while after fracturing his left shoulder getting out of a swimming pool.

It's almost like anything other than playing baseball is too dangerous for these guys.</font>

[road doggy dogg]

love when players have a good sense of humour

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I do have one regret I finished with 18 homeruns really wanted to get 20 so if any team wants to sign me for 3yrs that should be enough time</p>&mdash; Juan Pierre (@JPBeastMode) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPBeastMode/status/571462459464290304">February 28, 2015</a></blockquote>
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[Nicky Fives]

televised Spring training games start today.... so excited for the season to start and to watch games again.... and moving only a few hours away from Rogers Center, I think I may catch a few games this summer.....

[road doggy dogg]

Nice... I'm going to Jays home opener on the 13th, should be a good time even though I can't stand Rogers Center

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Glad baseball of any type is back, even spring training. Feel like March is going to drag this year though. For the first time in ages the Mets have nearly their entire 25 man roster set before a single spring game has been played. Seriously there's like one bullpen spot open and that's it...and even then it's expected to be a temporary bullpen spot until Bobby Parnell gets back from TJS in late April.

Guess that's a good situation to be in. Guys don't need to really worry about competing for jobs. Just focus on getting ready for April.</font>

[road doggy dogg]

Harvey vs Price on Friday... even though it's preseason, heck yeah

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yessssss. Gonna miss the game but SNY usually shows a replay. I'll tune in for that just to see Harvey's 2 innings.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Actually I'm a bit fussed about the Mets' plans for Harvey to start the year. They aren't considering him for Opening Day, which is fine because there's an off day right after and they don't want to throw him and the other starters off schedule. Instead they were gonna pitch him game 2 which lines him up for game 7 (the home opener) on completely normal rest.

But now they don't want him pitching the home opener either cause they're afraid he'll be "too amped up" or "try to do too much". Come on.

So he's now on track to pitch the third game of the season, which makes me salty as that's a Thursday day game I won't be able to watch. :mad: w/e there's plenty of baseball after that, I just love to watch that dude pitch and missed him last year.</font>

[Droford]

Orioles gave up 15 runs on 5 hits to the Tigers (so far)

Ugh

[road doggy dogg]

Cespedes baby

[Nicky Fives]

Ubaldo Jimenez in fine form as always.... lol

[Emperor Smeat]

:| Red Sox's big signing Rusney Castillo out indefinitely due to an oblique muscle strain. Hurt it during the split squad game the Sox had yesterday.

[ClockShot]

Hunter Pence got HBP'd today. Ended up fracturing his ulna bone. Out 6-8 weeks.


Adjust your fantasy draft rankings accordingly.

[Droford]

Daniel Norris of the Blue Jays never had a talk with Matt Foley apparently

http://impulsionandoatitudes.com.br/wp-content/gallery/universo-tuning-127/daniel_norris_van3.jpg

Feels like if Daniel Bryan played baseball

[Shisen Kopf]

What's the Tigers' magic number to win the grapefruit league? They just pwned those Baltimorons

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Sounds like Harvey was absolutely filthy today. Only 2 innings in spring, but a good sign nonetheless.</font>

[Bad News Gertner]

Daniel Norris of the Blue Jays never had a talk with Matt Foley apparently

http://impulsionandoatitudes.com.br/wp-content/gallery/universo-tuning-127/daniel_norris_van3.jpg

Feels like if Daniel Bryan played baseball

Lol he's so awesome. I hope he makes the Jays rotation this year

[Bad News Gertner]

Nice... I'm going to Jays home opener on the 13th, should be a good time even though I can't stand Rogers Center

We're going the 17th-19th

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yu Darvish has a strained PCL and may need Tommy John Surgery.

And so begins another year of pitching injuries.</font>

[road doggy dogg]

We're going the 17th-19th

Cool who they playing? I'm gonna try taking the Go train from here and see how successful I am. Always hate driving to TO for games etc, I always end up taking an hour longer than expect to and can never find parking. If this foray ends up successful I'll prolly try to catch a few Jays games this season

[ClockShot]

Royals sign Chris Young. 1-year, $675k but and get up to $5+ mil. in bonuses.

Aside from a few notable arms still available, this offseason should be wrapped up in terms of signings.

[Bad News Gertner]

Cool who they playing? I'm gonna try taking the Go train from here and see how successful I am. Always hate driving to TO for games etc, I always end up taking an hour longer than expect to and can never find parking. If this foray ends up successful I'll prolly try to catch a few Jays games this season

Atlanta Braves. There's like 8 of us making the trip. Should be a good time,

[Nicky Fives]

love watching Spring Training baseball when I can find a decent feed online....

[road doggy dogg]

Do you not have MLB.tv?

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

MLB.TV usually blackouts games in your region so it's not really worth it.

[road doggy dogg]

Never experienced a single blackout ever on it.

[road doggy dogg]

And that's without even resorting to the usual workaround shit that you typically need to do... NFL Game Pass and NHL Gamecentre are awful for that, but I've never had any issue with MLB.tv

[DaveWadding]

MLB.tv doesnt blackout spring games.

[road doggy dogg]

Stroman out for the year for the Jays with a torn ACL... that's fucking awful, and I'm not even a Jays fan

[Droford]

I don't feel the same way

http://giant.gfycat.com/HighlevelViciousLabradorretriever.gif

Fuck him

[road doggy dogg]

something about watching someone getting beaned in slo-mo while a gif loads is immensely satisfying

[Droford]

Caleb was actually lucky enough to duck out of the way of that

[Bad News Gertner]

I hope Aaron Sanchez puts Manny Machado in a coma

[ClockShot]

After getting a 2nd opinion from DR. JAMES ANDREWS (DUN DUN DUN), Cliff Lee is gonna risk it all and pitch with a torn flexor tendon.

Don't know if this is smart or stupid. But if the flavor of the postseason is surgery, you really should go for it.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Meh, I get why Lee is doing it. He's 36 years old. If he gets Tommy John, he'll be a 37 year old pitcher probably needing to take a cheap one-year deal. Instead he'll hope he can keep it together and be good enough to earn a multiyear contract. If he gets 200 innings this year he's locked in with Philly for 2016 at like $25 million or something...so he has incentive.

Frankly I don't see a chance in hell the Phillies let him reach that many innings even if he winds up staying healthy.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" lang="en"><p>Will Ferrell will play all 9 positions in a day of Cactus League, helicoptering between games: <a href="http://t.co/BWVkrvXn4O">http://t.co/BWVkrvXn4O</a> <a href="http://t.co/mhToG0oFhR">pic.twitter.com/mhToG0oFhR</a></p>&mdash; SB Nation (@SBNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/SBNation/status/575495970974220288">March 11, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Had the start times for two games changed in order to make that work but whole thing is being done as part of an MLB sponsored cancer awareness event.

The actor and comedian plans to play all nine positions during multiple Cactus League games on Thursday, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale. Ferrell is expected to travel from game to game via helicopter, proving that he is, indeed, kind of a big deal.

Ferrell will reportedly appear in the Athletics-Mariners and Dodgers-Padres games. The start times for both contests were changed to accommodate Ferrell, who is performing the publicity stunt for a good cause. Major League Baseball and HBO are teaming up to film a special about the event in the name of cancer awareness.

http://www.sbnation.com/2015/3/10/8188123/will-ferrell-mlb-cactus-league-nine-positions-hbo

[Droford]

I hope Aaron Sanchez puts Manny Machado in a coma
http://foodnetwork.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2013/3/11/0/CQ_Aaron-Sanchez_s3x4.jpg.rend.snibioportrait.jpeg

maybe he can use Mannys salsa

And it's funny Aaron Sanchez is a MLB pitcher and shows up after a tv food judge / chef

[ClockShot]

Chris Capuano suffered a grade 2 strain in his quads while covering 1B today and is probably gonna start the season on the DL for the Yankees.

Well kids, a spot just opened up on the rotation, go get it.

[road doggy dogg]

http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2015/03/12/112259358/heres-your-essential-viewing-guide-for-will-ferrells-epic-day-at-mlb-spring-training

irrationally excited for this

[road doggy dogg]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Beane &amp; Melvin broke the trade news to Will. Told teammates he won't forget where he came from. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FerrellTakesTheField?src=hash">#FerrellTakesTheField</a> <a href="http://t.co/oRHH5z57aX">pic.twitter.com/oRHH5z57aX</a></p>&mdash; Oakland Athletics (@Athletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Athletics/status/576102091657060352">March 12, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

lmao

[Ruien]

What is the cheapest way to get baseball tickets? Wanting to go to a few White Sox games this year and they are fairly expensive for how shitty the team is. At least the Miami Marlins sold really good seats for like $10.00 a ticket at face value.

[road doggy dogg]

Stubhub is great, especially for baseball where there's a much higher chance of a season-ticket holder not attending a given game. They sell the tickets for peanuts to recoup *something* for a ticket they won't be using.

Scalpers are a pretty good bet too if you're willing to go that route. Definitely less reliable though.

The usual obvious caveats for both apply... weekend games or good pitcher matchups tend to be pricier. Teams that travel well (BoSox, Yankees, etc) when they're in town have a bit of a markup too usually

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Booooooooooooo. Will Ferrell is gonna play catcher for the Giants but apparently he's just gonna be there to have a batter get intentionally walked and then get subbed back out again.

Well, it's understandable of course but the thought of him trying to actually catch a Major League fastball is hilarious.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>November 2013: "We need to upgrade at shortstop this offseason, Ruben Tejada is a lazy, out-of-shape, malcontent"

*team fails to acquire a shortstop due to lack of money*

Spring Training 2014: "We are happy to have Ruben Tejada as our Opening Day shortstop and see big things for him"


November 2014: "We are looking to acquire a second lefty reliever to go along with Josh Edgin"

*team fails to acquire a lefty reliever due to lack of money, Josh Edgin is now likely to get Tommy John surgery and the minor league lefties brought in have a combined ERA of 15.00+*

Spring Training 2015: "We are happy with what we have in camp in the left-handed relief department"


Such is the life of the Mets. Gonna have to get Alderson's new book. Supposedly it confirms what I long suspected: 90% of what he says to the media about the Mets is stuff he doesn't believe himself</font>

[Ruien]

Stubhub is great, especially for baseball where there's a much higher chance of a season-ticket holder not attending a given game. They sell the tickets for peanuts to recoup *something* for a ticket they won't be using.

Scalpers are a pretty good bet too if you're willing to go that route. Definitely less reliable though.

The usual obvious caveats for both apply... weekend games or good pitcher matchups tend to be pricier. Teams that travel well (BoSox, Yankees, etc) when they're in town have a bit of a markup too usually

For Stubhub is it better to buy the tickets on game day or a month before the game to get a cheaper ticket? For a shitty day game that no one is going to go to.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

What is the cheapest way to get baseball tickets? Wanting to go to a few White Sox games this year and they are fairly expensive for how shitty the team is. At least the Miami Marlins sold really good seats for like $10.00 a ticket at face value.

TiqIQ shows a few different sites for the best price available.

[road doggy dogg]

It depends. Conventional wisdom (like, say, booking a flight) would dictate that buying well in advance would be the way to go, but for something like a ball game people don't really plan their schedule that far in advance so they typically don't know until "day-of" that they won't be able to make it.

It's risky but you can usually find really dirt-cheap tickets a couple hours before game time.


For weekday afternoon games you're pretty good regardless, since a lot of season-ticket holders tend to be 9-5ers that couldn't make the game anyway

[Ruien]

Thanks

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Also rain replacement games can have cheap ass tickets too.

[ClockShot]

Yu Darvish is going under the knife. No 2015 season for him.

Adjust your fantasy pre-draft rankings accordingly.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

That will effect rankings more than that tidbit Hunter Pence. Although I'm in a 2 year keeper league. Might be worth grabbing him to safe him for next year if he's available.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Zack Wheeler has a partially torn UCL. Tommy John surgery likely. Devastating news for the Mets.

The dream Harvey/Wheeler/deGrom/Syndergaard/Matz rotation will need to wait another year. :(

In fact I'd be surprised if that rotation ever comes to fruition as the others will probably need TJS too at some point. That's not me being a downer as much as it is just a reality of baseball at this point.</font>

[Evil Vito]

http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1407335!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_635/min24s-1-web.jpg

<font color=goldenrod>It was inevitable really. The dreaded Inverted W mechanic...a TON of torque on the right elbow. Not terrible for a soft-tossing pitcher, but for a guy consistently hitting the high 90s it's not a matter of if there will be an elbow tear, but when.</font>

[DaveWadding]

Need more people for TPWW fantasy baseball league. Holler @ ya boy

[RP]

Lester is looking rough today.

[ClockShot]

Let's open up a can of worms, shall we?

If anybody's been keeping an eye on baseball news lately, then you may have heard that the MLB Hit King Pete Rose has filed a formal application for reinstatement in MLB. http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/12494312/pete-rose-makes-formal-request-mlb-commissioner-rob-manfred-lift-life-ban


Today, MLBPA chief Tony Clark is in favor of Rose getting reinstated. Even though the union has no say in the matter. http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/12500304/mlbpa-head-tony-clark-wants-see-pete-rose-reinstated-rob-manfred

Now I know Rob Manfred has been in the commissioner's chair for about a couple months now, and since then his "opinions" have rubbed some fans the wrong way. And granted this is just a ploy by Rose to get back in MLB since Manfred is not Bud Selig.

Question is, you guys all for Pete Rose getting reinstated into Major League Baseball? If so what would it mean to you? Front office job with x team? Manage a team? Hall of Fame entry? If not, what are you're reasons against?

Just curious to know what everyone's stance on this is because it could have big ramifications on whichever way this plays out.

[road doggy dogg]

I'm 100% for him being in the HoF. However, my opinion is, and has always been, that a HoF should reflect the events of historical importance of the league, good or bad. A hall of fame should be more of a museum than a self-gratifying circle jerk, where someone who has no knowledge of baseball can go into and learn about the history of the sport. That includes its best players, and even shed some light on some of its not-so-peachy history. Not in a reverent sort of way, but more as a frame of reference. It seems ridiculous to me that someone who has been as important to the game as Pete Rose is not mentioned in the halls of the sport's most significant contributors.

[road doggy dogg]

As for reinstated as a manager... ehh. If a club is willing to sign him, why not?

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Pete should be reinstated to all phases of the game. I don't see a team hiring a 73 year old manager anyway so what's the harm?

Rose should definitely be in the Hall, as should Shoeless Joe Jackson.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Reinstate him for Hall of Fame purposes. Doubt he would get voted in any time soon considering the vendetta-like voting habits the writers have.

[screech]

Hall of Fame 100p

If a team wants to bring him on as a "consultant" or something, let him do that too.

[Nicky Fives]

I only condone Rose being inducted into the Hall Of Fame if it is done by Kane.... :shifty:

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Actually I'm a bit fussed about the Mets' plans for Harvey to start the year. They aren't considering him for Opening Day, which is fine because there's an off day right after and they don't want to throw him and the other starters off schedule. Instead they were gonna pitch him game 2 which lines him up for game 7 (the home opener) on completely normal rest.

But now they don't want him pitching the home opener either cause they're afraid he'll be "too amped up" or "try to do too much". Come on.

So he's now on track to pitch the third game of the season, which makes me salty as that's a Thursday day game I won't be able to watch. :mad: w/e there's plenty of baseball after that, I just love to watch that dude pitch and missed him last year.</font>

<font color=goldenrod>I posted this about a month ago, and now that the rotation plans are officially set the NY media has gone into its typical sensationalist outrage. Boomer and Carton went on WFAN and claimed the Mets have "ruined" Opening Day and killed any excitement for it by starting Bartolo Colon against Max Scherzer. They do realize it's just game 1 of 162, right?</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Any and all gripes about the home opener are completely valid, though. Collins and Alderson both said a month ago that Harvey was likely to get that start.

Tickets sold out almost immediately after the announcement, including people spending hundreds on special ticket packages just to get that game.

So with a sellout already in hand, they of course changed it and now Harvey is pitching the second home game of the year to draw a bigger gate in a pretty blatant cash grab. I know it's a business, etc. and it's not like seeing deGrom in the home opener is a huge dropoff, but it's still a shit thing to do to the fans. It's some WWE-esque "card subject to change" bullshit.</font>

[screech]

Love Bartolo Colon, for the record

Shitty thing to do by THE BRASS though

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>yah Colon is impossible to dislike. Especially when he tries to hit.</font>

[Damian Rey]

Opening day's typically do big business anyway. Whining over who starts is a moot point.

That being said, I'd have tabbed Harvey.

[screech]

It's not a moot point if you shelled out big cash money to see a particular pitcher on Opening Day.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah it's hardly a moot point. As a business move I totally understand having Harvey go for the second home game instead. Weekday night games in April in New York are a tough sell and pitching Harvey then will lead to a bigger crowd.

But they handled it wrong by misleading the fans. They could have announced deGrom as the home opener starter a month ago and the game still would have sold out. Opening Day is practically a guaranteed sellout for every team every year.

Instead the opener not only sold out but people paid extremely high prices on StubHub and have bought premium ticket plans just because the expectation given by Alderson was that Harvey would be starting that game. For a team constantly trying to claim that they aren't financially strapped, doing stuff like this doesn't really help their cause.</font>

[ClockShot]

Dodgers win the Hector Olivera sweepstakes. 6-years, $62.5 mil. with a $28 mil. signing bonus.

[Droford]

On the Os forum I'm on I'm playing home run derby contest, pick 7 players plus a replacement who collectively hit 162 or fewer home runs the previous year and win money. Last year I won with this lineup

Bench Jose Abreu 0 (36, credit for 32)
Ryan Braun 9 (19)
Yasser Puig 19 (16)
Josh Hamilton 21 (10, credit for 2 as subbed him out for Abreu like 2 weeks in)
Anthony Rizzo 23 (32)
Giancarlo Stanton 24 (37)
Evan Longoria 32 (22)
Adam Jones 33 (29)
total 161 (189)

This year my team is
Mike Trout 36
Anthony Rizzo 32
Adam Jones 29
Chris Davis 26
Paul Goldschmidt 19
Mark Trumbo 14
Prince Fielder 3
Bench Joc Pederson 0
Total HR 159

Wanted to go Kris Bryant but since Pederson is opening day starter and projected to hit around the same number of hrs (20ish) I went with Joc. Partly because I know everyone will go with Bryant like they did with Abreu last year. Abreu actually out performed his projection of 34 Homers too..and I don't think Bryant will live up to the hype, especially with all the other guys in that lineup.
Goldschmidt and Trumbo were my must have since they both project for 30 hr after injuries last year. Fielder projects in low 20s.

[Nicky Fives]

Sandoval in Fenway should be good for a few more than in SF

[Droford]

http://33.media.tumblr.com/3c7e52d5a3475f6c7e5411e3f0ff6ba5/tumblr_nlqlhnl4pO1rrei1bo1_400.gif

Prince Fielder beating the shift with a bunt. More guys do this and the extreme shifting will end without any dumbasses rule chsnges

[road doggy dogg]

I agree.

On a tangential note, good to see Prince playing right now. Has he stolen his honorary spring training base yet?

[Droford]

Sandoval in Fenway should be good for a few more than in SF

Projected 17-19 after hitting 16 last year. 2 out of last 3 odd years 09 and 11 he hit over 20..

[Emperor Smeat]

MLB investigating Marlins pitcher Jarred Cosart over gambling issues.

Cosart, 24, allegedly exchanged multiple direct messages with a gambling authority on his Twitter account, and the interaction became public and created a social media storm when it was shared on the site by a third party. Cosart deleted his official Twitter account after screen shots of the exchange began appearing on the Internet on Tuesday night.

MLB spokesman Pat Courtney confirmed that the commissioner's office is investigating the matter, which was first reported by the Miami New Times.

It's unclear whether the allegations involving Cosart revolve around baseball betting or sports betting in general. MLB Rule 21 prohibits gambling on baseball.

Cosart is claiming his Twitter account was hacked while MLB wants to know what he was placing bets on and if any involved baseball games.

[road doggy dogg]

amazing

<div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-video" data-allowfullscreen="true" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10153181101852744&amp;set=vb.184431752743&amp;type=1"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10153181101852744&amp;set=vb.184431752743&amp;type=1"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10153181101852744&amp;set=vb.184431752743&amp;type=1"></a><p>This might be the best dance off ever.Check out our new song &quot;All About That Bass&quot; here! http://bit.ly/1EOBVRJ</p>Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10153181101852744&amp;set=vb.184431752743&amp;type=1">Paz</a> on Thursday, March 26, 2015</blockquote></div></div>

[road doggy dogg]

stupid plug for shitty song bc linking from a FB page

amazing vid though yeah baby

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Yankees doing the Great Bambino scene from the Sandlot. Very funny.

[Nicky Fives]

Projected 17-19 after hitting 16 last year. 2 out of last 3 odd years 09 and 11 he hit over 20..

He'll hit WAY more than 16 if he stays healthy.... I'd be betting the over hard.....

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Victor Sanchez, one of the Mariners' top pitching prospects, was in a boating accident. Was swimming in Venezuela and ended up getting hit in the head by a boat propeller. In critical condition. Terrible.</font>

<font color=goldenrod>He has now died. 20 years old. Fucking hell. RIP.</font>

[road doggy dogg]

guys it is almost baseball season

super pumped

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets went from looking like they were gonna start Opening Day without a decent lefty reliever on the roster to acquiring 2: Jerry Blevins from the Nats and Alex Torres from the Pads.

Blevins seems like a traditional lefty specialist whereas Torres actually fared better against righties last year. But whatever, as long as he brings his hilariously oversized cap that trade is a win.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Kris Bryant was sent down to the minors yesterday and so the MLBPA and Scott Boras are threatening litigation against the Cubs.

They have zero case. The CBA says that players can't accrue a full year of service if they spend 12 days of the season before September in the minors, therefore keeping the player under team control for a whole extra year. The Red Sox are doing the same thing with Blake Swihart, and they actually NEED a catcher.

Any team would be stupid to not do this especially since it's the difference between negotiating with an asshat like Boras a year earlier than you have to.

I don't like the rule either, but that's how the CBA is structured. The union doesn't like it? Try to negotiate to have it changed next time the CBA is up.

The only "wrong" thing the Cubs are doing is saying they're sending him down because his defense at 3B isn't up to par. It'll make them look dumb when in a few weeks Bryant is suddenly pronounced ready to debut. Just say it's to get an extra year of eligibility, everybody knows that's the reason anyway.</font>

[road doggy dogg]

Some annoying loudmouth in my one D&D league drafted him in like the third round. I would secretly love if he stayed down there for an extended period of time so that guy looks like a fool. (yes I know Bryant will be a stud)

[DaveWadding]

I paid $17 for him in our auction draft. I was overly excited because he hit 3 HRs in the one game I saw him with Frank Drebin.

[Emperor Smeat]

12 days seems really short as a limit to what counts as a full season or not.

Did the Cubs get a new player to fill Bryant's spot or just sent him down? Red Sox got Sandy Leon recently to fill in as their excuse to give Swihart more development time and trigger the loophole.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Cubs already have Mike Olt at third, who's been pretty dreadful at the big league level to date but is still not far removed from being a top 100 prospect in the league.

Seems likely that Olt will slide into the role of corner infielder with pop once Bryant comes up.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>You know the season is getting close when nearly every Opening Day starter has been announced:

Rays - Chris Archer
Orioles - Chris Tillman
Red Sox - Clay Buchholz
Yankees - Masahiro Tanaka
Blue Jays - Drew Hutchison
Indians - Corey Kluber
Tigers - David Price
White Sox - Jeff Samardzija
Twins
Royals - Yordano Ventura
A's - Sonny Gray
Angels
Mariners - Felix Hernandez
Rangers - Yovani Gallardo
Astros - Dallas Keuchel
Braves - Julio Teheran
Nationals - Max Scherzer
Mets - Bartolo Colon
Marlins - Henderson Alvarez
Phillies - Cole Hamels
Cardinals - Adam Wainwright
Brewers - Kyle Lohse
Reds - Johnny Cueto
Pirates - Francisco Liriano
Cubs - Jon Lester
Diamondbacks - Josh Collmenter
Giants
Padres - James Shields
Rockies - Kyle Kendrick
Dodgers - Clayton Kershaw

It's setting up to be Phil Hughes for the Twins and Jered Weaver for the Angels. Oh and Bumgarner for the Giants is so obvious that they probably don't even need to announce it formally.</font>

[Bad News Gertner]

Wow, Osuna, Castro, Sanchez and Norris all made the Jays pitching staff, with Travis and Pompey starting at 2nd and Centre field. Jays are going.to be fun to watch.

[road doggy dogg]

woo! I'm going over on the 13th around 10:00 or so to meet some friends. I may remember walking into the stadium when the game starts. maybe.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets sign Juan Lagares to a 4-year extension worth just north of $20 million or so with a club option for 2020. He was going to be Super 2 eligible next offseason, so this deal basically covers all four arbitration years and the option for his first year of free agency.

Thrilled by this news. Lagares is so ridiculously fun to watch defensively, and I'm expecting him to take big strides in the leadoff role as well.</font>

[Droford]

I think Kate Upton has just about finished ruining Justin Verlanders career.

[Sepholio]

At least he gets to ruin that strange.

[Droford]

http://news.sportslogos.net/2015/04/01/miami-marlins-are-going-back-to-the-future-with-season-long-promotion/

http://content.sportslogos.net/news/2015/04/Miami-Marlins-Gators.png

I think this might be April Fools but it's funny

[ClockShot]

Adam Warren was "finally" announced as the Yankees' 5th starter. Really wasn't a contest to being with during spring training.

[Emperor Smeat]

:-\ Christian Vazquez out for the entire season. Was speculated his injury was going to need Tommy John surgery and the Red Sox confirmed today that was happening.

Team didn't think it was serious at first but got hit with the worst case scenario days later from the MRI results and Vazquez's pain flaring up.

[Droford]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CBhfF5YWwAMA2eX.jpg:large

I'm glad I got to Wrigley last year before they fucking destroyed it

That jumbotron looks so out of place

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Shark will still look fake.

[ClockShot]

Arodys Vizcaino suspended 80 games for popping positive for PEDs.

[Clerk]

Espn needs to stop televising mlb. So boring.

[Sepholio]

Shut up Clork

[ClockShot]

D-Backs and Braves swap Trevor Cahill and Josh Elander

[Keith]

I'm glad I got to Wrigley last year before they fucking destroyed it

That jumbotron looks so out of place


You'll love it when the Cubs clinch at home and it reads "2015 NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL DIVISION CHAMPIONS!"

[Shisen Kopf]

Wow, Osuna, Castro, Sanchez and Norris all made the Jays pitching staff, with Travis and Pompey starting at 2nd and Centre field. Jays are going.to be fun to watch.

Is that goofy Jap still on the team?

[Bad News Gertner]

No he got sent to the minors :(

[ClockShot]

Josh Hamilton wins his arbitration case involving his relapse over Super Bowl weekend. He won't be suspended for it.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Good.

[Emperor Smeat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" lang="en"><p>THIS JUST IN: Twins pitcher Ervin Santana suspended 80 games without pay for testing positive for Stanozolol. <a href="http://t.co/CVjVJaQZxu">pic.twitter.com/CVjVJaQZxu</a></p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/584092295424778241">April 3, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>That would be a big blow if the Twins had a chance of not finishing in last place.</font>

[ClockShot]

Damn. And right at the start of the season, too.

Twins are probably scrambling for a last minute starter now.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Stanozolol

I don't think the Twins are laughing out loud about that one. HIYOOO

[ClockShot]

MLB concluded it's investigation into Marlins pitcher Jarred Cosart. No evidence that he bet on baseball. But he was fined for making bets on other sports with a bookie. That's a no-no in the MLB rule book.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Why? It has no effect on the MLB at all. Are they legal bets? Nvm. Bookie.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>On the eve of the season it's time for my annual predictions. I got pretty lazy with them last year, so this year I actually put some effort in:

Regular Season Standings

American League East
1. Toronto Blue Jays
2. Boston Red Sox (Wild Card 2)
3. Baltimore Orioles
4. New York Yankees
5. Tampa Bay Rays

As has been the case the last several years, the AL East is incredibly difficult to forecast with no fewer than four teams I can see taking the division if things break the right way. But after years of entering the season with promise, I think this is the year the Jays step up to the next level. They added Josh Donaldson, Russell Martin, and Michael Saunders to an already quality lineup which could push them into a level of elite offensive production provided the usual injury suspects that occupy the rest of their lineup manage to stay on the field. The biggest knock I’ve seen on Toronto is their rotation, but I’m very bullish on the potential of Drew Hutchison, Aaron Sanchez, and Daniel Norris and think R.A. Dickey and Mark Buehrle are great veteran pieces to put them with.

Boston is also a team with a lineup that could be elite, with Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez being two of the biggest acquisitions in free agency this year. The rotation should be solid if unspectacular, although I think they will miss having a guy with Jon Lester’s mental makeup. Still, I think Boston will play their way into a Wild Card spot. The Orioles crashing the Wild Card party wouldn’t surprise me either, they did next to nothing in the offseason but did win 96 games last year and should be getting Manny Machado and Matt Wieters back for a healthy chunk of the campaign. The Yankees are a coin flip team, currently I just see too many question marks to pick them especially with the inevitable drama of Alex Rodriguez and the constant worry about Masahiro Tanaka’s elbow. The Rays are the only team I feel comfortable ruling out altogether. They have a solid young pitching staff but the lineup seems unimpressive outside of Evan Longoria. Unless Kevin Cash can get the most out of every play on the roster like Joe Maddon did, I think it will be a year to forget in Tampa Bay.


American League Central
1. Detroit Tigers
2. Chicago White Sox
3. Cleveland Indians
4. Kansas City Royals
5. Minnesota Twins

Everybody seemed quick to write off the Tigers when Max Scherzer left town, but I really think a full season of David Price will come close to mitigating his loss, and I’m a big believer in Anibal Sanchez as well, he and Price will be a really nice 1-2 punch even if Justin Verlander continues to decline. I have a hard time seeing the bullpen being as terrible as it was down the stretch last season and I think Bruce Rondon will be a great boost in his return from Tommy John Surgery. As for the lineup, barring injury I think there should be plenty of offense to go around. Miguel Cabrera is still the best pure hitter in baseball, and Victor Martinez, Ian Kinsler, and Yoenis Cespedes should all combine to keep the Tigers’ window of contention from slamming shut for one more year.

The White Sox had one of the more surprising offseasons in recent memory. Of all the teams to go on a wild spending spree, I didn’t think they would be one of them. But they’re clearly going for it this year and attempting to make last year’s 73-win effort a distant memory. Although I have them missing out on October baseball, I imagine they’ll be in heavy contention throughout the summer. Cleveland feels like a middle of the road team to me, they have the reigning Cy Young Award winner but an otherwise unproven rotation and a middling lineup that didn’t get any better or worse in the offseason. Poor Royals – I think the fans in Kansas City may be having nightmares about Madison Bumgarner for a while. They aren’t bad but James Shields was a big loss and, as amazing as their bullpen was last year, the nature of relief pitching suggests that it will be very difficult to repeat that sort of performance. The Twins are what they are – simply biding their time in the cellar waiting for top offensive prospects Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano to be ready for the big league level and hoping they can revitalize the franchise.


American League West
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
2. Seattle Mariners (Wild Card 1)
3. Oakland Athletics
4. Houston Astros
5. Texas Rangers

The Angels didn’t do a whole lot in the offseason, but I really don’t think they needed to. They won 98 games last season and are returning with nearly the entire roster intact, the only swap being at second base where Howie Kendrick is now gone in favor of the unproven Johnny Giovatella. Mike Trout is clearly the best player in baseball and will be the heart of that team, and in spite of decline I still think that Albert Pujols has good baseball left in him. Garrett Richards should return from injury fairly early in the season, and once he’s back he’ll join Matt Shoemaker and Hector Santiago in an impressive your rotation that will also include Jered Weaver and CJ Wilson as veteran stabilizers. The top two teams in the West should be in a dogfight all year long but in the end I’ll take the Angels to repeat at the top of the division.

Mariners fans have every reason to expect their team to get to the playoffs for the first time since 2001. Felix Hernandez is about as good as they come, and I view James Paxton and Taijuan Walker in much the same light as I view the Blue Jays’ young starters. Robinson Cano is still a truly great hitter and Nelson Cruz, while due for a decline in power in Seattle’s spacious park, should still provide a dangerous bat for the lineup. Add those guys in with the quality homegrown position players Seattle has and it’s a recipe for success. Billy Beane is pretty much a mad genius – I have no idea what he was trying to accomplish with this offseason in terms of contending now vs. loading up for the future, but I think Sonny Gray and their bullpen will keep them over .500. The Astros don’t seem quite ready to contend, but I think they’ll continue to take a step in the right direction at around 75-78 wins with Wild Card contention a real possibility by 2016. The Rangers’ lineup should be better this year with a healthy Prince Fielder, but I think the Yu Darvish injury realistically dashed any aspirations they had for this season.


National League East
1. Washington Nationals
2. New York Mets (Wild Card 2)
3. Miami Marlins
4. Atlanta Braves
5. Philadelphia Phillies

I don’t think I’ve seen a single writer, blogger, or prognosticator pick anybody other than the Nationals to win the division. And with that rotation, who can blame them? When Gio Gonzalez is your worst starter and you have Tanner Roark, a guy who had All Star credentials as a starting pitcher a year ago getting relegated to the bullpen, you know you’ve assembled a ridiculously good pitching staff. Offensively, I’m expecting big things from Bryce Harper, Jayson Werth, and Anthony Rendon among others. The lineup will be a bit banged up to start the year, but once everybody is healed up they’ll have plenty of offensive production. I don’t think the division will be the cakewalk that most are projecting it to be, but the Nationals simply have too much talent to safely pick against them.

Maybe I’m a homer, but I really do feel more optimistic about this Mets team than I have in years. Yes, losing Zack Wheeler for the year hurts, but they’re getting Matt Harvey back and appear to have put together a quality rotation and stout bullpen after a few crafty trades for lefty relief pitchers this week. David Wright finally looks healthy again and his good friend Michael Cuddyer will give him the protection he didn’t have last year. The Marlins should be another team gunning for the Wild Card all year long with Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna, and Christian Yelich combining to form one of the best outfields in the National League and they should provide run support for a steady pitching staff that could get back Jose Fernandez by July. The Braves have a couple of budding stars in Freddie Freeman and Andrelton Simmons but otherwise seem content with playing for the opening of their new stadium in 2017. I can’t see the Phillies being much more than a trainwreck this season. They need to do a total rebuild and it will likely start by trading Cole Hamels by the trade deadline.


National League Central
1. St. Louis Cardinals
2. Pittsburgh Pirates (Wild Card 1)
3. Chicago Cubs
4. Cincinnati Reds
5. Milwaukee Brewers

There seem to be only three certainties in life: death, taxes, and the Cardinals playing baseball in October. They’ve just gotten to the point where it’s nigh on impossible for me to bet against them making the postseason. Adam Wainwright is a year older and John Lackey is decent, but behind them they seem to grow hard-throwing young pitchers on trees and have no shortage of depth. Yadier Molina should continue to be a great defensive general on the field as always. I actually really like the Jason Heyward trade for them, he’s bound to be extra-motivated in his last year before free agency. While the lineup may be susceptible against lefty starters with Heyward, Matt Adams, and Matt Carpenter, I’m pretty sure the team will find a way to navigate through any problems they have just like they always do.

After two decades of losing, I’m predicting the Pirates to earn the top Wild Card spot for the third straight year. Francisco Liriano and Gerrit Cole are a nice 1-2 punch atop the rotation, and they have one of the best players in the league in Andrew McCutchen. Also be on the lookout for Starling Marte who I think is a star in the making. The Cubs feel like a team that will be around the .500 mark but still one year away from serious playoff contention. But their long-term outlook is very bright. Jon Lester will prove to be a key cog to a future contender, Joe Maddon will do great things with that team soon enough, and Kris Bryant will be electrifying the North Side within a month or two. I actually really like the look of the Reds offense more than most. I think Joey Votto bounces back in a big way and the rest of the lineup follows suit, but I don’t see there being quite enough pitching. I really don’t know how the Brewers were in first place for most of last year, aside from Carlos Gomez and maybe Ryan Braun they really don’t have a big offense, and their pitching is mediocre at best.


National League West

1. Los Angeles Dodgers
2. San Diego Padres
3. San Francisco Giants
4. Colorado Rockies
5. Arizona Diamondbacks

With this pick I’m now forecasting five of the six division winners from last year to repeat. Hardly the most exciting of predictions, but the Dodgers feel like the right call here. For starters, the division isn’t exactly strong with two teams that might be in the bottom five of the league in Colorado and Arizona. They have the best pitcher in baseball in Clayton Kershaw along with Zack Greinke who is better than most teams’ ace. The bullpen will be shored up from within when Kenley Jansen and Brandon League return from their injuries. Yasiel Puig should continue to develop as long as he keeps his head on straight, and I can’t really say anything bad about Adrian Gonzalez. As if that wasn’t enough, they would seem to have an unlimited budget in case they felt compelled to make a big trade at the deadline.

I know the Padres’ offseason bonanza was possibly the top story of the offseason, but how many times have we seen teams have a huge offseason only to not perform up to expectations? I’d be surprised if they aren’t in Wild Card contention with their pitching, but it remains to be seen how their three new outfielders perform in a big ballpark, and their infield doesn’t seem to be much to write home about. The Giants probably won’t be bad, but they had a pretty quiet offseason and I think the loss of Pablo Sandoval will really hurt them. Fear not though San Francisco Faithful, we all know that they play best during even years. The Rockies should be able to put together a very formidable offense if Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez can somehow stay on the field, but when you play in that ballpark and your best starting pitcher is Kyle Kendrick, that’s not a good thing. Arizona doesn’t feel like much more than a one-man team, Paul Goldschmidt is amazing and all but I don’t think he’ll be able to put the team on his back and carry them past the deficits that their pitching staff will create.


Awards

American League
MVP: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Cy Young: David Price, Detroit Tigers
Rookie of the Year: Daniel Norris, Toronto Blue Jays
Comeback Player of the Year: Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles
Manager of the Year: Lloyd McClendon, Seattle Mariners

I’m taking the chalk with my MVP choice, but after what Trout has done in the last three years – how can I not? As mentioned earlier, I see really big things from Price in his final year before free agency. Norris’ toughest competition for the award may come from his own team with Toronto bringing so many rookies to the table. Although the Rangers have a ton of viable candidates for the Comeback award, I think the voters are more likely to vote for somebody on a decent team and can’t possibly see them voting for Alex Rodriguez no matter how he does. Lastly, history supports that voters like to reward a manager who helped end a long playoff drought – based on my predictions that leaves me with McClendon or John Gibbons. I’ll go with McClendon simply because I can see Seattle finishing with a better record than Toronto despite being a Wild Card team.


National League
MVP: Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals
Cy Young: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
Rookie of the Year: Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs
Comeback Player of the Year: Matt Harvey, New York Mets
Manager of the Year: Joe Maddon, Chicago Cubs

Harper has been scrutinized since he was a teenager and at age 22 has foolishly been labeled as a bust by pundits who demand instant gratification. I think he puts up a monster campaign and restarts the Harper vs. Trout debate for future years. With Kershaw, my reasoning is the same as Trout: how can I bet against him at this point? Bryant shouldn’t be in the minors for very long and when he gets recalled he’ll tear the cover off the ball, his teammate Jorge Soler should be his top competition. If Harvey even close to resembles his 2013 season, I think he should take the Comeback award given that it’s been 18 full months since his last pitched in a Major League game. Only five times in history has a manager of team below second place in his division won Manager of the Year, but with the Cubs figuring to be exciting and a powerhouse on the rise, Maddon takes it for setting the tone for the future of the franchise.


Playoffs

Wild Card Games
Mariners over Red Sox
Pirates over Mets

It’s nearly impossible to get most of these predictions right, let alone try to forecast individual games. I figure the Mariners would be coming to the table with either Felix Hernandez or Hisashi Iwakuma, both of whom should be better options than Boston will have unless they were to swing a trade for Cole Hamels. The Mets should have the pitching edge against the Pirates, but Pittsburgh got humiliated in the Wild Card game at home last year and will be extra charged up to avoid it happening again. Both home teams advance for the first time since the advent of the wild card round.


Division Series
Angels over Mariners
Tigers over Blue Jays
Dodgers over Pirates
Nationals over Cardinals

These short series really just come down to who is peaking at the right time. They’re essentially a total crap shoot. On the American League side I’m going to go with experience and say that the Angels and Tigers put an end to the dream seasons of the Mariners and Blue Jays, with Mike Trout and Miguel Cabrera doing what they do best and tearing the cover off the ball. Clayton Kershaw silences the critics who call him an October choke artist as he helps get the Dodgers to the next round. I feel dirty ever picking against the Cardinals, but if any rotation can stop them in a short series, its Washington’s. Nationals end the Cardinals’ streak of NLCS appearances.


Championship Series
Angels over Tigers
Dodgers over Nationals

The Angels and Tigers are really built two totally different ways: with a few exceptions here and there the Angels lean heavily on youth while the Tigers are a predominantly veteran ball club. It’s not unusual for young arms to burn out at this time of year. But after seeing the Royals last year, all bets are off in October. I’ll go with the Angels to advance with the MVP of the series being, who else, Mike Trout. The Dodgers and Nationals are viewed as the consensus top two teams in the NL so really it’d be tough to label either team advancing as an upset. Although the Nationals have the better rotation, the Dodgers aren’t very far behind them. Between the good pitching and a better lineup, I’ll give the Dodgers the edge. With most of Washington’s starters being right-handed, let’s say left-handed slugger Adrian Gonzalez has a big performance to take home MVP of that series.


World Series
Dodgers over Angels

Even though this World Series would have a distinctly West Coast feel and would appropriately be dubbed the Freeway World Series, it’s tough to imagine fans throughout the country not being intrigued with this matchup. Who wouldn’t be compelled any time Mike Trout gets to step into the box against Clayton Kershaw? Anyway, earlier on I referenced the huge chip on Kershaw’s shoulder from his past playoff failures. I think he’ll be a man on a mission and could do his best Madison Bumgarner impression – two, possibly three really good starts wrapped in between Zack Greinke and Hyun-jin Ryu. Kershaw backs up his 2014 NL MVP performance with a 2015 World Series MVP performance, the Dodgers win their first championship since 1988, and with their seemingly unlimited financial resources fans around the country worry that they might get even better in the next offseason.</font>

[Droford]

East
Orioles
Blue Jays
Red Sox
Yankees
Rays

Nationals
Marlins
Mets
Braves
Phillies

Central
White Sox
Indians
Royals
Tigers
Twins

Cubs
Pirates
Cardinals
Reds
Brewers

West
Mariners
Angels
Astros
Rangers
As

Dodgers
Padres
Diamondbacks
Rockies
Giants

AL WC
Indians & Blue Jays

NL WC
Pirates and Padres

[Droford]

Braves finished blowing their team up by trading Kimbrel and Melvin Upton to the Padres

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>lol what the fuck.

guess that renders Joaquin Benoit rather useless in the 2 leagues I drafted him in</font>

[Damian Rey]

FUCK YES

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Well I already locked my season picks in but damn this should be a fun NL Wild Card race. I had picked the Pirates and Mets but Padres, Marlins, Cubs, maybe even the Reds and Giants I can all see making a push as well. And that's not even mentioning the Nationals, Cardinals, and Dodgers who I've picked to win their divisions but if they don't they'll surely be in the Wild Card hunt too.

Should be a fun summer in the Senior Circuit.</font>

[Frank Drebin]

Want to destroy every "it's gonna happen" sign at wrigley. Can't believe those made their way back.

[Droford]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CB3KVI3UEAECK8O.png

[Droford]

http://cdn.rsvlts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/upton10.jpg

Padres fans might have one more thing to look forward to

[ClockShot]

Padres give their fans an Opening Day surprise.

San Diego goes all the way this season, A.J. Preller might as well be GM for life on that team.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Nobody went deep last night, so first HR of the year is still up for grabs. The two earliest games are Blue Jays/Yankees and Twins/Tigers so it'd probably come from one of those.

It'll probably be A-Rod just because.</font>

[Schlomey]

Happy Opening Day, TPWW! I'll be watching the Pirates/Reds & the Nationals/Mets game and keeping the Red Sox game on my mobile. Enjoy!

[screech]

Phillies/Red Sox today. Fuck yeah

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Supposedly MLB was going to come up with a streaming app that would have eliminated blackout restrictions by Opening Day but it never happened. Only gonna miss about half of the game today, but will miss Harvey on Thursday.</font> :(

[screech]

MLB.TV doesn't work on my phone. Need to find it on radio via fancy gadget, which is usually a pain in the peehole.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Remember a couple years ago when Opening Day was on a Thursday/Friday? That shit sucked.

It should always be a Monday. Since the Mets start at 4 today I said screw it and took next Monday off instead so I can watch the entire home opener. :cool: Would love to actually go to it next year, we'll see.</font>

[road doggy dogg]

Opening day yeaahhhhh

[Droford]

http://deadspin.com/an-absolute-shit-show-tales-from-the-wrigley-field-b-1695920768

Again glad I went last year

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Collins drives me up the goddamn wall. Juan Lagares tore the cover off the ball and showed plenty of speed all spring out of the leadoff spot. Guess we should move him to #6 in the order so we can continue our fascination with Granderson out of the leadoff spot.</font>

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/04KQydlJ-qc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Bad News Gertner]

Encarnacion is such a beast lol

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Pedroiahhh the Destroyahh.

[ClockShot]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/04KQydlJ-qc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>


Also appropriate for this season,


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TT8e7i0ccLQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

[Emperor Smeat]

Buchholz was great today. Between the Red Sox winning and Yankees losing, Opening Day has been good.

[RoXer]

BASEBALL Y'ALL

[RoXer]

Happy

Opening

Day

To

You

And

Yours

!!!!!!!

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Still don't like starting the season in interleague play but at least it was against Flip...Flip Flipadelpahia. Sort of thought Clay was going to have one of his blow up innings but fought through it twice.

[RoXer]

http://images.clipartpanda.com/league-clipart-baseball-clip-art-9.gif

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/page/instantawesome-WWELogos-150406/check-awesome-wwe-inspired-mlb-logos

[RoXer]

http://www.engravingcreations.com/clipart/sports/baseball/big/BAV05.jpg

[RoXer]

http://images.clipartpanda.com/baseball-20clipart-sports-clip-art-of-a-baseball-player-hitting-a-ball-by-jtoons-7462.jpg

[RoXer]

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/images/baseball.gif

[RoXer]

http://cliparts.co/cliparts/8i6/ozq/8i6ozq4bT.jpg

[RoXer]

https://img0.etsystatic.com/026/0/8817488/il_fullxfull.585358802_8fkl.jpg

[RoXer]

http://telusers.com/image/2013/21/baseball-ball-clipart-16311-hd-wallpapers.jpg




http://images.clipartof.com/Clipart-Baseball-Player-Pitcher-Throwing-Royalty-Free-Vector-Illustration-10241112308.jpg

[RoXer]

http://static2.artfire.com/uploads/product/8/78/97078/5197078/5197078/large/printable_digital_clipart_clip_art_pdf_png_file___mini_figure_baseball_fd633a82.jpg

[RoXer]

https://img1.etsystatic.com/028/0/5770482/il_570xN.563532447_s44t.jpg

[RoXer]

http://bestclipartblog.com/clipart-pics/baseball-clip-art-14.gif

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Vintage FakeLazor, RoXer.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets win :love:

Even though it's merely game 1 of 162, it just feels so good to open the year with a win. Bartolo Colon looked great today.</font>

[ClockShot]

Yankees lose Opening Day. With that lineup whatcha expect?

Joe Nathan cheated me out of an David Price complete game opening day shutout win. Would have done wonders for me in fantasy.

Thanks alot, Brad Ausmus. :fu:

[road doggy dogg]

'ell yeah baseball

[Droford]

I had this feeling there was gonna be a no hitter today and look and behold Sonny Grays got one through 7 vs Texas

[Droford]

And there it went

[Supreme Olajuwon]

love baseball

[road doggy dogg]

baseball is the best

hate the day after opening day where there's like 6 games on. so annoying

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah it sucks. I mean I get it. The only teams that play the day after their opener are teams with roofs or on the west coast. People spend a small fortune for Opening Day tix so they want to make sure those fans don't get screwed in the event of a rainout, but still. It's a buzzkill. Way worse if you lose your opener too.</font>

[Droford]

Steve Pearce is on pace for 162 homers and the O's are 2-0

[Frank Drebin]

The bathroom situation at Wrigley is hilarious. If I were the Cards, I would be very skeptical of last night's weather cancelation. It was about 45 and had light drizzle from time to time but they made it seem like it was going to be hurricane. Bathrooms and an extra game of Kris Bryant against the Cards? I'm not saying, I'm just saying.