Baseball 2015

[Ochoa]

It's a new year. The Hall of Fame voting is a couple days away. Spring Training is a month away.

Many hot topics going into the season. How will the Red Sox and Cubs fare with their new signings? How will the Yanks fare in their first season post-Jeter? Will the Giants defend their crown or will someone else win it all?

Discuss.

[Bad Collin]

Go Mariners.

I'll be getting MLB.tv again and trying to watch more than the Sunday afternoon games.

[Jimmy Zero]

Rick Hahn has been such a breath of fresh air since taking over for Kenny Williams. The White Sox could still use another decent SP and a 2B, but compared to where the team was at the end of the 2014 season, I really can't complain.

[Mills]

So hall of fame announcements are coming in a hour, who is going in?

I've got Pedro, Randy, Smoltz as locks, I think Biggio gets in, maybe Piazza and Raines too.

Also, I think that it's ridiculous that guys like Piazza and Bagwell aren't in because people think they may've done steroids, it's really starting to bug me that the voters are exalting themselves as this moral police who upholds the moralities of a hall of fame full of cheaters, murderers, drug addicts and other crap. It's one thing to withhold votes for guys like Clemens and Bonds, but holding a grudge against Piazza and Bagwell, both of whom have never been busted and passed tests, is ridiculous.

For example, here's an awful article by a terrible writer:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/12/16/shaughnessy/yoF2ilYf2MFeJ9uoX49ygK/story.html

[Fro]

Yea, Shaugnessy is the worst. I wish he would just fuck off and leave Boston already. He was once respectable but has become a plague on the Boston sports media.

Did Clemens and Bonds ever get busted or fail a test?

[Mills]

I think they admitted usage, but regardless, congrats to Pedro, Randy, Smoltz and Biggio on getting in

[JRSlim21]

I thought Clemens may have admitted but I'm sure Bonds hasn't. That and his media-friendly presence doesn't help Barry's case.

Piazza and Griffey (1st time) I think should be locks next year. I can see a bunch of dickhead voters leaving off Hoffman because he's not Mariano, which is a dumb argument but again, but it wouldn't be surprising.

[Mills]

Is Hoffman on it? I doubt he gets in regardless, they don't let a lot of relievers in on the first ballot. I think Piazza and Griffey get it, I also expect to see an upswing on votes on guys like Mussina, Schilling, Clemens and Bonds too.

[Fro]

If Bonds and Clemens don't get in and Biggio and Piazza do I probably won't really care about the Hall of Fame anymore. It would pretty much be a joke then wouldn't it? At least for people who started watching in the 90s like me

[Mills]

Correct. The PED's weren't against the rules, there was 0 testing, why should it be held against them now? Makes no sense

[Fro]

As ridiculous as it was that he was charged to begin with, an actual court of law couldn't prove Clemens did steroids so what basis are we using to say he did so? And he's very arguably the best pitcher of all time.

[Jimmy Zero]

I think the baseball HOF is bullshit, anyways. There's so much wrong with it that, imo, it's a virtually meaningless honor to everyone besides the players themselves. The voters trying to punish guys they think might have possibly used steroids, making guys wait who weren't chummy with the media, the entire notion of a "first ballot hall of famer." Like much of baseball outside of the actual game played on the field, it's pretentious nonsense.

[Jimmy Zero]

If Bonds and Clemens don't get in and Biggio and Piazza do I probably won't really care about the Hall of Fame anymore. It would pretty much be a joke then wouldn't it? At least for people who started watching in the 90s like me

You still care about it?

IMO it's been a joke for a really really long time.

[MTR]

Some of the writers are jerks when it comes to voting. Some are cool. I hate the whole first ballot shit. It really doesn't matter when they get in if they get in. At the end of the day they are in. Who cares how many tries it took.

Also the whole thing where voters didn't vote for some people to prevent them from being unanimously voted in. Annoying

Also amazes me how voting for players shift from year to year. Now from what I reading from a couple of voters this year is the whole 10 vote rule. A lot of them feel like they could easily vote for more than 10 people. They like to just look at the person and say yes or no and leave it at that. But this year and probably other years voters had to narrow down their list to 10. They have asked for a change to this rule but basically told no.

I am not sure if the whole Hall of Fame is a joke but there are some issues with the way people are voted in.

I agree that voters shouldn't force their morality on things. At the end of the day if they weren't caught cheating and their numbers were not changed due to cheating or whatever, if they have the numbers they should be voted in.

[Fro]

You still care about it?

IMO it's been a joke for a really really long time.

No I don't think it's a joke yet though it's trending that way with their recent handling of the steroid guys. In terms of a few voters abstaining or leaving guys off so they don't get 100%... That stuff is trivial to me. Yes it's annoying but history won't remember the voting trends it'll just remember who got in or not.

I would say it's still the most distinctive hall of fame of any American sport and the one people care about the most. I mean look how much we talk about it in here. If they ultimately get it right and put Bonds and Clemens in then I'll be happy.

[Mills]

I hate that some people get so thoughtful with a 10 vote limit that they can't vote for people like Pedro and Randy Johnson yet people out there vote for Darin Erstad as a hall of famer, total crap.

[JRSlim21]

What's more ridiculous? Erstad with a vote or A-Aron with 2 votes?

[Chris Dolmeth]

So they're putting a pitch clock in Double and Triple-A. I love this, probably the only time I've been proud of Bud.

[Mills]

It's a great idea, give them a chance to see if it's effective enough to work without ruining current MLB games.

[Chris Dolmeth]

I don't see this ruining current games.

[Rancid_Planet]

I'm taking a look at the current Braves roster and you know, I think I can make the team. I mean I'm 35, overweight and I've never played on a baseball team but I have a feeling I can make it. Maybe even start in center field.

[Greed]

Media is going with the narrative that the Nationals are the favorites to win it all, after signing Scherzer.

Incorrect.

Heard they were going to trade Jordan Zimmerman, who is comparable.

[JRSlim21]

I heard they're gonna listen to offers for Strasburg. After next year, he's no longer under team control. Interesting problem to have.

[Fro]

Would love to see the Red Sox work out a trade with Washington for one of their studs

[Jimmy Zero]

Do the Red Sox have the type of prospects the Nats would want in return for a Strasburg or Zimmerman?

I expect the Cubs to make a hard push for either one of those guys. They've got the prospects and they really do need at least one more legit starter to be competitive. I know they're the hot pick right now to win it all, but I don't see it without the addition of at least one more decent starter. If I was a Cubs fan, I'd be hopeful and optimistic about Arrieta and Hendricks, but by no means would I be thinking they're a sure thing to repeat their 2014 success. Especially Hendricks.

[TimeSplitter]

They shouldn't trade any of them. Rotation depth is needed.

[Grimario]

So, how often do bench clearing brawls happen?

I've only being going to Australian Baseball League games for a few months after winning free tickets last year... and this happened on Friday night.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQh6kmKnzLY

What it doesn't show is the previous inning where two different Melbourne pitchers hit three different Adelaide batters. Good times.

Only discovered in the last few weeks that the MLB owns 40% of the ABL and that a whole heap of the players here are part of MLB teams and being sent here to start in the minors. I imagine the ABL is a long, long, long way down in the quality though.

[Jimmy Zero]

They happen a few times a year.

Most of them are lame with a bunch of pussies hiding behind other guys. Every so often they are actually awesome with dudes punching and body slamming each other. Kyle Farnsworth is usually involved in those.

[Greed]

Do the Red Sox have the type of prospects the Nats would want in return for a Strasburg or Zimmerman?

I expect the Cubs to make a hard push for either one of those guys. They've got the prospects and they really do need at least one more legit starter to be competitive. I know they're the hot pick right now to win it all, but I don't see it without the addition of at least one more decent starter. If I was a Cubs fan, I'd be hopeful and optimistic about Arrieta and Hendricks, but by no means would I be thinking they're a sure thing to repeat their 2014 success. Especially Hendricks.

The Red Sox do not. But if the Nats end up trading Ian Desmond, they might take one of the Cubs many SS prospects and others for a Zimmerman or Fister?

[Grimario]

They happen a few times a year.

Most of them are lame with a bunch of pussies hiding behind other guys. Every so often they are actually awesome with dudes punching and body slamming each other. Kyle Farnsworth is usually involved in those.

Think the Adelaide catcher was the only one who really got involved. The rest was just jumper punching, no real swings... apart from a relief pitcher who ran in late, threw a punch and then ran off again into the locker room. He got a 6 week suspension.

[Fro]

The Red Sox do not.

Why do you say that? They have the 3rd strongest farm system according to some baseball nerds.

[Brian M.]

They very well do have the prospects it takes to get one of those guys. The question is whether or not they're willing to give them up.

Personally I'd give up pretty much the house for Strasburg. Zimmerman and Fister I'd be less inclined since you're only getting one guaranteed year out of either one. At this point I'd actually be OK with them signing Shields instead since I've heard his price is going down.

[Greed]

I'd guess Shields will get around 20M per. I do think the Sox might sign him...it would make them favorites for the division that has overall gotten weaker (sorry Blue Jays...you have to prove yourselves during the season)

[Torn]

The Red Sox do not. But if the Nats end up trading Ian Desmond, they might take one of the Cubs many SS prospects and others for a Zimmerman or Fister?

:lol: of course they do. Whether they want to trade years of controllable, affordable young talent for 1 year of Zimmermann is a different matter entirely. They aren't going to give up Betts or Swihart in a deal like that and rightly so.

[Chris Dolmeth]

Alright Super Bowl is over, which means it's almost time for some baseball. Pitchers and catchers start to report in 16 days. I haven't been this excited for the Mariners season in quite some time, really think they're ready to do some damage. All hail King Felix!

[Mills]

Should be a good season for the team. Texas regressed, the Angels are 1 year older and who knows what Oakland is doing. Hopefully Cruz can make enough of a difference to get back to the playoffs

[Chris Dolmeth]

I like the duo they got for right. Also reports are that Montero has been looking great in the off season :yes:

[JRSlim21]

I have no clue what's gonna happen with the Mets or the NL East for that matter. If Harvey comes back to form and DeGrom is legit, I say 2nd in the East and hunting for the Wild Card is their ceiling.

[Chris Dolmeth]

Should be a good season for the team. Texas regressed, the Angels are 1 year older and who knows what Oakland is doing. Hopefully Cruz can make enough of a difference to get back to the playoffs

The Mariners need some new banners. I was watching some of WrestleMania 19 last night, and all the banners are sadly the same.


I have no clue what's gonna happen with the Mets or the NL East for that matter. If Harvey comes back to form and DeGrom is legit, I say 2nd in the East and hunting for the Wild Card is their ceiling.

I'm very intrigued with this division. It'll be interesting to see if the Nats can live up to their expectations. Also, how the Braves look after their fire sale.

[Rancid_Planet]

As a Braves fan I am now in full on panic mode. Everything is about being strong for the new stadium in a couple seasons. But right now this team is utter shit offensively.

[connorboy]

Bit late but my annual Go Cubs post. We might actually do it this year!

[Kdestiny]

Nah

[Chris Dolmeth]

I think it's funny that the Cubs' odds for the World Series is like 14/1. I guess Lester makes all the difference.

Bad news for Tigers fans, V-Mart has a torn meniscus.

[Kdestiny]

Too bad they will finish below .500 again

[Grimario]

Dunno if anyone is interested or if it is even being broadcast over there but the ABL Championship series kicks off tonight. Adelaide hosting Perth, some MLB minor players out here, bunch of local talent as well. Think opening pitch is in around 7 hours, 20 minutes.

[Judas Iscariot]

I'm setting my alarm for 4:00 am to catch that.

[Grimario]

I'm setting my alarm for 4:00 am to catch that.

Dedication. I like it.

Oh, wait...

[virms]

If it was football an patriots judas would be up and ready for it

[Chris Dolmeth]

Shields to the Padres, 4 years roughly 75 million. They're going all in this season, pretty intriguing.

[Kneeneighbor]

What's interesting is all these moves hey have made and they are in a difficult division. .. They must realize that it's an odd year so the Giants are out of the picture.

[Bad Collin]

Dunno if anyone is interested or if it is even being broadcast over there but the ABL Championship series kicks off tonight. Adelaide hosting Perth, some MLB minor players out here, bunch of local talent as well. Think opening pitch is in around 7 hours, 20 minutes.

It's really annoying that Baseball isn't getting popular over here. Most Brits are frothing at the gash for American Football but the best American sport doesn't get a look in.

[JRSlim21]

They've done all those moves without losing much. Padres are finally aggressive. They go nowhere, IMO, unless Kemp stays healthy and Upton actually hits better.

[Chris Dolmeth]

So MLB is thinking about shrinking th strike zone to increase scoring.
http://m.espn.go.com/mlb/story?storyId=12320861&src=desktop&rand=ref~%7B%22ref%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fm.facebook .com%22%7D&ex_cid=espnFB

This is so dumb, bring back steroids.

[Chris Dolmeth]

Happy pitchers and catchers day! Mariners need to make the playoffs damnit. They've apent 1.1 billion on player salaries since they last played in the playoffs. Only Toronto has spent more http://www.businessinsider.com/new-york-mets-payroll-playoffs-2015-2

[Pablo Diablo]

Well when it's 23 years and you have to try to stay relevant in the AL East the number does creep up there. I'm sure on a per year average we're not that far off from normal.

But it is quite a sad number to look at.

[Chris Dolmeth]

Oh for sure, by average the M's are way more pathetic. They paid Richie Sexson ffs

[Brian M.]

I feel like it's going to be Toronto and Boston competing for the AL East this year. Then again every year I think Toronto is going to be good and Baltimore is going to fall apart...but this is really the one fellas!!!

[Greed]

Boston has a pretty good lock. Toronta won't be any better than last year.

The Moncada deal is really good for you guys. He'll be elite eventually.

The Yankees really shit the bed this offseason and needed him but decided now of all times is the time to get cheap.

[Brian M.]

The Moncada deal is great because it just stocks the farm system further and they will need more hitting soon. Don't think they'll end up re-signing Napoli and Ortiz is pretty close to retirement. Who knows how Moncada or even Castillo will pan out for them, but they are building a solid nucleus of young hitters at all sorts of different positions, and with the skill sets they have, at least a couple are bound to pan out.

They're also going to have to trade a few prospects for more pitching before the season is out, I think. Their rotation could be OK, but one of those guys is bound to get injured and none of them are guaranteed to be consistent.

[Fro]

Yeah, they have a rotation filled with #3 starters. They should mash with that lineup though so I think they'll stay in it enough to trade for an ace at the deadline. They really blew the Lester deal. Not necessarily the free agency part because the deal he got is huge but they blew it by not extending him first. I fear this team is set up to be another disappointment. They made all these deals for pricey position players and have a crappy rotation to show for it (and too many outfielders). It will be exciting and I can't wait for opening day but this team seems as directionless as ever.

[TimeSplitter]

I think the signing will make them more inclined to trade Betts to Philly for Hamels.

[Brian M.]

They may look directionless right now, but I think chances are they like next year's crop of FA pitchers more than they liked this year's bar Lester. I'd much rather see them throw money at someone like Zimmerman or Price than James Shields.

[Judas Iscariot]

The Yankees young rotation and hard hitting lineup looks FIERCE.

Watch out.

[Greed]

Judas don't be delusional.

The rotation could potentially be a top in the AL but literally every pitcher in the rotation is a question mark and injury risk. CC, Pineda, Tanaka, Nova...all missed at least half of last season.

And the lineup might rebound from last year...it needs to...but will it?

Are you really counting on a guy who hit .240 who is calling himself a knight?

[Judas Iscariot]

You didn't catch the tears I was dropping there.

[Atty]

Gee, why would Tanaka be a question mark? Pretty much a sure thing. Just a matter of time.

[Greed]

Mariano Rivera had the same injury before be became the greatest closer in history.

Never needed Tommy John Surgery.

It's a ?uestion mark.

[Judas Iscariot]

Yup, Mariano was a CLOSER.

Tanaka came over as a starter from a lighter schedule in Japan, and bam.

But we're totally stacked with our young staff and in the lineup. You can't even pick a guy to hit third, that's how deep our lineup is.

A-Rod being coached by Tex on playing first so the team can have more options on rotating who will be DH on a given day, WATCH THE FUCK OUT!

BRONX BOMBERS

[Greed]

Even firing on all cylinders, there is no way in hell the Yankees are winning over 85 games.

[Atty]

Yankees need Josh Hamilton to be competitive.

[Chris Dolmeth]

Hamilton really knows how to blow an opportunity.

[Atty]

This actually makes him much more awesome, really.

[Jimmy Zero]

Blue Jays gave Johan a minor league contract.

If Chris Young, of all people, can come back and have a solid season with the Mariners, why not Johan? I used to hate him because he was so damn good.

[darkhorse]

Hamilton really knows how to blow an opportunity.

Apparently he also knows opportunities for blow.

[Chris Dolmeth]

Blue Jays gave Johan a minor league contract.

If Chris Young, of all people, can come back and have a solid season with the Mariners, why not Johan? I used to hate him because he was so damn good.

Safeco makes a lot of guys look good. Young was pretty shit on the road.

[Pablo Diablo]

Fuck baseball

[Chris Dolmeth]

The Mariners are stacked with starting pitching, so excited for the season.

[Pablo Diablo]

Would you like more salt to rub into my wound?

[Chris Dolmeth]

Yeah, that is a huge loss for the Blue Jays.

[Torn]

So errr

Atleast his arm is ok Pabs??????

PABS??

[Christopherson]

Pretty shit start to the season with the injuries, again. No Darvish and Stroman is the suck.

[Torn]

And add Zack Wheeler to that list, christ.

[TimeSplitter]

At least they didn't trade Dillon Gee...

[Chris Dolmeth]

Shitty news for the Mets, at least Harvey seems to be on track.

Sometimes though, I love baseball injuries. Kevin Pillar is out like a week because of a fuckin sneeze.

[JRSlim21]

That's 2 TJs for the Mets. Our 1 lefty reliever, Josh Edgin, and now this. It's 3 if you count Jeremy Hefner, who might as well have the surgery renamed after him

[virms]

Most excited I have been for baseball in 7 long fucking years. Cubs will be competitive this year and if they are lucky I think they can get a wildcard spot.

2016 or 2017 we will be in the world series. :hyper:

[Kdestiny]

They may compete for not last, that's about it

[Chris Dolmeth]

This is the first time since like 02 I've felt that the Mariners are legit contenders. Their pitching is gonna be so damn good, and they finally have a legit 3-4-5 in the lineup. Gonna be a lot of fun to watch.

[virms]

They may compete for not last, that's about it

they get an 80 win season This year.

[LOCONUT]

The Cubs are certainly a viable playoff team this year. Particularly if Baez is able to adjust to big league pitching. Kris Bryant looks like Babe Ruth and they upgraded the starting pitching enough to be competitive every day.

I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Junior Lake have a big year either.

Defense and bullpen will need to get addressed or magically improve for them to really get deep but no reason they can't be a wild card contender this year.

[virms]

Bryant is the tits. Like I said I am excited. Mat drop the dime on mlbtv this year.

[Chris Dolmeth]

https://tixers.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/MLB_OpeningDay_Tile.jpg

How's everyone feeling about their favorite teams? Mariners are gonna be good, their pitching is gonna be great. ALL HAIL KING FELIX

[Kdestiny]

Day before?

Real baseball starts tonight.

[Chris Dolmeth]

Shit :lol: I don't know why, but I thought they all started tomorrow. Either way

[VanillaJello]

Kimbrel and BJ Upton traded to Padres.

[TimeSplitter]

Seriously, is their GM playing a video game?

[Chris Dolmeth]

Well at the very least, the team will be entertaining to watch.

I'm surprised they still let BJ play baseball.

[Fro]

Melvin *

[Chris Dolmeth]

Ahaha I forgot about that! If he hits over .250, I'll call him Melvin.

[TimeSplitter]

He's the most expensive 4th outfielder in baseball.

[Chris Dolmeth]

I think Justin wanted him on the team so he had someone to build bunk beds with on road trips.

[Chris Dolmeth]

Atlanta dumped 66 million on this trade.

[Rancid_Planet]

*Doing the Robot in my living room after hearing this news*

The turd has left the building. :yes: Upton is finally gone and that huge contract with him haha!

[LOCONUT]

The Padres are taking a similar strategy to how I used to build my fantasy teams every year. Amazing team of guys who have high ceilings and wind up being shit.

[Caito]

I'm just happy that I finally get regular season Red Sox baseball.

Though I will have to figure out the best way to continue to follow it for when I move to LA in a couple months. Time difference is gonna throw me off.

[Fro]

The Red Sox will lead the league in runs, have shit pitching but trade for an ace at the deadline then shape up into a beast and win the World Series

[Atty]

The Padres took on the contract? Well, that answers any questions I had about the trade.

Damnit, Tigers. You could have eaten money.

[Chris Dolmeth]

They're still paying Prince, so they already are.

Cubs had like two working bathrooms in the upper concourse. People ended up peeing in corners, cups and their pants. Also they ran out of food. Way to go Cubs.

[Caito]

The Red Sox will lead the league in runs, have shit pitching but trade for an ace at the deadline then shape up into a beast and win the World Series


Love your enthusiasm, just can't see a WS win.

[PurePlayer]

Who are the favorites this year anyway? I read the Nationals have the best odds from the NL. It seems like the AL is pretty open. Maybe the Angels?

Now I am reading the Whitesox have a legit squad this year. That should be interesting to see them make some noise.

[Chris Dolmeth]

I'd put the Mariners, Red Sox, Tigers, and Indians above the Angels.

[PurePlayer]

The Tigers don't do it for me. Are they really that good this year? They lost their best pitcher and bullpen is always shaky.

[TimeSplitter]

The Tigers are the favorites because the rest of the AL Central is weak. I like the White Sox as a suprise contender.

CBS Sports have the Nationals' odds of winning the division at 1-5. 1-5!!!

[Kdestiny]

They're still paying Prince, so they already are.

Cubs had like two working bathrooms in the upper concourse. People ended up peeing in corners, cups and their pants. Also they ran out of food. Way to go Cubs.

Sounds par for the course

[Caito]

Supposedly the Mariners are the sexy pick among the baseball pundits the last few days. I don't see it but whatever.

[Chris Dolmeth]

They were one game out last year and filled their needs well. Cruz got the headlines, but I love what they did for RF. Also, their pitching is amazing.

[Brian M.]

The Tigers are the favorites because the rest of the AL Central is weak. I like the White Sox as a suprise contender.

CBS Sports have the Nationals' odds of winning the division at 1-5. 1-5!!!

I don't think the Central is weak at all. Every team but the Twins has the potential to be good.

In the AL I like: Red Sox, Indians, Mariners as division winners. Angels and White Sox as the wild cards.

NL: Nationals, Pirates, Dodgers division winners. Marlins and Cubs wild cards.

Nationals over Red Sox in the World Series.

[Christopherson]

MOOKIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!

God he's so sexy.

[Fro]

http://youtu.be/D_EtgFZCpfE

[Christopherson]

"You must spread some Reputation before going it to Fro again."


Sorry dude.

[Caito]

Sandoval on the other hand has looked silly in both at bats. I mean hamels will do that to you but still.

[Christopherson]

He's a hacker, Cherington didn't get him for his eye.

[Chris Dolmeth]

Fuck Trout. Stupid fish.

[Caito]

IT"S A LAZER SHOW!!!!!!!!

[Rancid_Planet]

"You must spread some Reputation before going it to Fro again."


Sorry dude.
Got it.

Always do the right thing.

That's it?

Got it. I'm out.

[Chris Dolmeth]

Seth Smith is gonna win MVP, guys.

[Christopherson]

It is sooooo good to have baseball back....missed you friend.


:heart:

[Fro]

Hanley with the grand salami and second HR of the day. The Red Sox could score 900 runs this year TBH.

[Caito]

Must look up bars to watch BoSox baseball in LA.......

[Judas Iscariot]

Yankeesofftoaremarkablestartgodkillme

[Atty]

Thank you Hanley. Torn will now hate you even more since he's on my team.

[Chris Dolmeth]

Felix is a beast.
Fuck Mike Trout.
Seth Smith for MVP.

I'm bad at haikus

[Atty]

Angels should trade Trout for Rajah Davis and Anthony Gose. I think that would work out nicely for all the parties involved that I care about.

[Chris Dolmeth]

I need to find a way to make Trout and Johnny Manziel best friends.

[Chris Dolmeth]

I like the idea that somebody was such a huge Rajah Davis fan, they named a wrestling site after him.

[Pablo Diablo]

Why are we calling Rajai Rajah?

[Pablo Diablo]

And Atty I know very well how it feels to have either Davis or Gose as your options for an OF position.

[Christopherson]

Sox extend Porcello 4 yrs to 2019 (4/$82.5 million). This is this opening day that just keeps on giving.

[Fro]

wtf he's not a $20 million per year pitcher, that's stupid

[Christopherson]

Homer Bailey got 6/$105M, I don't think any of us realise the escalating cost for FA pitching now. We've signed him through his prime years, to me the only cause for concern is his low SO rate bar that all his other peripherals are good. I like it, if I'm honest.

[TimeSplitter]

Horrible deal. Good for him, though. He can cash out again when he turns 30. Too much money for a #4 starter.

[Atty]

Tigers should offer one dollar less than that to Cespedes to be dicks.

[Christopherson]

Disagree that he's a 4 but I guess if you think that or worse then no way is he worth the 4/82.5M, also like the Sox are sticking to their plan of GB pitchers. They better make sure our D is up to snuff over the next 5 years, Pedey is godlike, jury is out on Bogaerts and metrics like Panda despite his girth so really we need a good defensive 1B after this year.

Matt Cain with forearm tightness oh oh, more TJ's incoming, Andrews must be racking it in.

[Fro]

He just turned 26, he's a former first round draft pick and his ERA has gotten better every year since 2010. The Red Sox are betting that last year (200 innings, 3.43 ERA) was indicative of what he'll give them this year and if he delivers on that this deal will be less than what he would have gotten on the market. It just doesn't seem like such a discount that it's worth the risk that he regresses back into a mid-4 ERA guy this year.

[TimeSplitter]

You two make solid points. I've just never been blown away by his stuff. Guess this is just the market for pitchers these days. Just means when Bumgarner's going to get $500 million.

[Brian M.]

This is the type of deal that is hard to judge right now. Given his age, the best could very well be yet to come for Porcello. Then again, last year could end up being a fluke. I tend to lean toward the thinking that he's going to be a number 2 type starter, which would make this a good deal in the current market. We'll see. In the meantime, Buchholz looked like a beast today.

[Christopherson]

:mad:

I'm not getting suckered into the Buchholz vortex yet again, no way Jose, it ain't happening.

:mad:

[PurePlayer]

This is the type of deal that is hard to judge right now. Given his age, the best could very well be yet to come for Porcello. Then again, last year could end up being a fluke. I tend to lean toward the thinking that he's going to be a number 2 type starter, which would make this a good deal in the current market. We'll see. In the meantime, Buchholz looked like a beast today.

Ehh the Phillies offense is so so bad. Might be the worst in the majors.

[Torn]

Hanley with the grand salami and second HR of the day. The Red Sox could score 900 runs this year TBH.

And a game later shut down by Aaron Harang!

[Fro]

dammit hanley was so close to hitting another grand slam right after you posted that

[NWo4LifeOr2Years]

Matt Harvey returns in one hour,

'nuff said.

[Caito]

Sounds like somebody who likes to forget that the guy has only 32 major league decisions and coming off major surgery.

I understand he had an extremely good spring, but let's not immortalize the guy just yet like the majority of the Metropolitan fans seem ready to do.

[JRSlim21]

9 Ks in 6 IPs. Not bad.

[Judas Iscariot]

The Yankees fucking suck. God damn it.

[Judas Iscariot]

Of course the first Yankees Red Sox game would last for like 30 fucking hours

[Fro]

Fucking hell can we get a fucking save

[Defrost]

As a Yankees fan I can say that they are un fucking watchable

[Fro]

Yea they suck

[Defrost]

Yea they suck

They are a deadly combination of terrible and unspeakably boring

[Greed]

They have a great bullpen, aside from Rogers. They need to bring up Montgomery or Lindgren as they can't be worse and have upside. Basically anyone. I can't see him being on the team in June as long as there aren't many injuries.

[Greed]

But they're going to have a daily struggle to score more than 4 runs. The refusal to bring up some of the young guys in favor of guys like Drew will cost them. Didi has fucked up multiple plays each game in the young season as well. So much for defensive specialist.

He might be the worst offensive player on the team, and that's saying a lot.

[Judas Iscariot]

They were exciting the 4 times they came back during the 34 hour game.

Rogers could have been a lot worse, he just pitched the night before.

But we're back to the late 80s early 90s Yankees I grew up with. The Mets are gonna wind up taking over this town again. Also they're hosting a bacon and beer festival in a couple of weeks that I'm absolutely going to. The Yankees aren't hosting a bacon and beer festival. Twats.

[Caito]

I couldn't stay awake the whole game. I tried, I really tried. Fell asleep in the 16th.

[Chris Dolmeth]

Mariners look like shit, but I think they'll be okay. Plus, rumor has it, skinny Jesus Montero beat out an infield single yesterday in AAA. He will save the season!

[Defrost]

But they're going to have a daily struggle to score more than 4 runs. The refusal to bring up some of the young guys in favor of guys like Drew will cost them. Didi has fucked up multiple plays each game in the young season as well. So much for defensive specialist.

He might be the worst offensive player on the team, and that's saying a lot.


I have already had enough of Drew and Gregorius

[Pablo Diablo]

It was great in the opening game of the season when you have a rookie pitcher with runners on first and second with 2 outs and Tex up to bat then Didi tried to steal third against Russell Martin.

Was good times.

[Greed]

Letting Martin go a few years back might have been the biggest mistake since. That and the Beltran contract. And not signing Moncada.

I'll go with Martin though. So under rated and they treated him like an afterthought.

As much as I dislike Bautista and Encarnation, I wouldn't mind the Jays running the division this year.

[Caito]

I would.

[Pablo Diablo]

We don't have the pitching to run the division, but our lineup gives us a shot. Even that though requires the Jays to be unnaturally healthy and with Reyes, Encarnacion and Bautista that's definitely asking for a lot.

[Greed]

Who do you expect to run the AL east then?

[Greed]

That was toward Caito

[Caito]

I'm a Sox fan. Therefore I am biased and completely full of hope and piss and vinegar until we get our asses kicked.

[Fro]

Well the Red Sox are the majority pick to win the division but their pitching is suspect. The division itself will likely have a down year and I don't expect anyone to run away with it.

You gotta cut that doom and gloom shit out though Caito, that attitude is so early 2000's.

[hithit]

Man, the brewers look BAD! I figured this year was gonna be a struggle, but they have been damn near unwatchable so far.

[Bad Collin]

Mariners look like shit, but I think they'll be okay. Plus, rumor has it, skinny Jesus Montero beat out an infield single yesterday in AAA. He will save the season!

There we go, a hard fought win today with Felix back on the mound tomorrow. Amazingly I can even watch the game tomorrow.

[Chris Dolmeth]

Even with the season being so young, that was a huge win for them. Great to see Cruz murder a baseball.

[Greed]

Well the Red Sox are the majority pick to win the division but their pitching is suspect. The division itself will likely have a down year and I don't expect anyone to run away with it.

You gotta cut that doom and gloom shit out though Caito, that attitude is so early 2000's.

I know it was against the Yankees but Kelly and Miley looked better than expected and better than advertised.

[Caito]

No doom and gloom here Fro, my BoSox brethren.

[Fro]

I know it was against the Yankees but Kelly and Miley looked better than expected and better than advertised.


Yeah and beyond that the whole first run through their rotation was excellent. If all 5 of them have good years based on their past outputs, the Sox could be the best team in the AL (though obviously 1 start each isn't enough to say anything). Kelly and Buchholz are injury prone too so even if there're dealing in the first month or two it's always a question of whether they'll hold up all year. Plus the bullpen is far too dependent on a 40 year old Uehara rounding into form as closer.

[Bad Collin]

Rodney you fucking plonker

[Chris Dolmeth]

Cruz saves the day again

[Bad Collin]

Yeah, he's showing his value already.

[Chris Dolmeth]

Rickie Weeks though.. That guy was really starting to piss me off. Great to see him come through.

I think it's minor, but hopefully Felix is ok. He wasn't himself today, that's for sure.

[Chris Dolmeth]

Just wanna point out, Felix has the shittiest luck when it comes to getting wins.

[Fro]

Mookie Betts is a real one

[Judas Iscariot]

You know who's a real one? Didi. Because he's a fucking KNIGHT.

[Defrost]

I wish he'd get sent to a medieval war then

[TimeSplitter]

Lester sucking it up. Go Reds!!

[Caito]

Mookie Betts is a real one


Brock Holt is gonna have some competition for my baseball man crush methinks.

[Atty]

So sad Miggy only went 2-4 today. I hate seeing his average drop like that.

[virms]

Lester sucking it up. Go Reds!!

hard to hear you peons from the top of the mountain.

(Sorry had to brag while we are in 1st for the day :lol: )

[Atty]

What's that, the first time in twelve years?

[Chris Dolmeth]

The fact that Lester can't make throws to bases is hilarious.

[virms]

What's that, the first time in twelve years?

First time over 500 since 2009 :cool:

[Chris Dolmeth]

Mookie Betts is a real one

Fuck the Red Sox but this guy is good.

http://i.imgur.com/uguZ2ow.gif

[Fro]

Same game:

http://mlb.mlb.com/images/3/4/2/118005342/041315_bos_betts_catch_med_9die9zem.gif

Plus he had a 3 run home run

[virms]

Bout time there was another tremendous mookie in baseball.

[Chris Dolmeth]

Nelson Cruz has found his lucky bat.

[Atty]

That Mookie double steal is amazing.

[Chris Dolmeth]

It really is.. Talk about awareness.

[TimeSplitter]

hard to hear you peons from the top of the mountain.

(Sorry had to brag while we are in 1st for the day :lol: )

That didn't last long...

[Bad Collin]

Rodney you fucking plonker

And again. I really hope he isn't going to be the weak link this season.


Dodgers are up 2-0 in this series and they haven't taken a single at-bat with a lead

Rodney's ERA at Dodger Stadium rises from 19.29 to 23.63.

[Bad Collin]

Holy shit


http://cdn.streamable.com/video/6df61ef0e32c11e49c103b5faa9f6854.webm

[Chris Dolmeth]

Baseball is such a fickle bitch sometimes.

[Fro]

Holy shit


http://cdn.streamable.com/video/6df61ef0e32c11e49c103b5faa9f6854.webm

What is it? doesn't work on my phone

[Bad Collin]

It was a great play by Nolan Arenado.

Just watched last night's game, another interesting loss. Cano not knowing that the bases were loaded and getting forced out was the lowlight but Cruz making it 5 homers in a row was pretty good.

[Kneeneighbor]

Cano is a bum.

[Chris Dolmeth]

Nah.

[Kneeneighbor]

Yeah.

Lazy, makes a lot of mental errors when you watch him. Happy to cash his pay check and swing. Doesn't do the things to be a leader or take a team into the playoffs.

[Chris Dolmeth]

Yeah that's just all sorts of wrong.

[Fro]

I like Cano but he does seem like a guy who has a lot of ability but not a lot of mental focus or leadership skills. I mean he's no Pedroia.

[Chris Dolmeth]

He really doesn't make that many mental errors. And he sure as hell has been a leader on the Mariners. The team got a pep in their step the minute he walked in.

[hithit]

And who is? Really don't need to bring Boston sports into every discussion. Shit is tired already

[Chris Dolmeth]

That Kris Bryant kid is a bum. 0-4 with 3 K's.. Send him back to Triple A!

[Fro]

And who is? Really don't need to bring Boston sports into every discussion. Shit is tired already

Who me? Never. Hey remember when you said this


are revis and browner playing offense too? if not, really not to be afraid of.

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view3/1751530/belichick-laughing-o.gif

[Chris Dolmeth]

Why we gotta bring football into this? Tryin to fight brah?

[Atty]

I didn't realize they called up Javy Baez already

[Kdestiny]

I am all for Bryant failing because it means the Cubs are failing :yes:

[hithit]

What does that have to do with you constantly bringing up Boston sports tho?

[virms]

That Kris Bryant kid is a bum. 0-4 with 3 K's.. Send him back to Triple A!

Let the kid settle in ffs. He is bound to be full of nerves.

[Chris Dolmeth]

Yeah, that was sarcasm.

[Judas Iscariot]

WATCH OUT THE YANKEES ARE ON THE UP

[Kdestiny]

Wacha Wacha

[Chris Dolmeth]

Fun fact, Kershaw and Greinke will make more money than the Arizona Diamondbacks. Baseball needs a salary cap.

[Fro]

or salary floor

[Kneeneighbor]

There are a lot of ways to skin the cat in baseball. Spending a lot of money is one way to go for your goal but it doesn't always work... The Angels are learning this right now.

[Bad Collin]

Anyone see the M's tonight? What a finish, worth staying up until 1am for :)

[Fro]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFFQkQ6Va3A

[Defrost]

I remember all the snarky comments about Jeter's fielding. Didi is a fucking garbage fielder.

[JRSlim21]

I don't care if it's a jinx. My Mets are losing 1 game in Yankee Stadium. I'm 50/50 that they'll lose the series, considering we're tossing out our 2 best starters this weekend.

[Torn]

I remember all the snarky comments about Jeter's fielding. Didi is a fucking garbage fielder.

Ridiculous. Gregorious makes mistakes on plays Jeter couldn't even get close to. His range is awesome and he has a huge arm, he's a very good defensive shortstop. Give the guy more than a couple of weeks to settle in, a few errors doesn't make him suddenly garbage overnight.

[Kneeneighbor]

Ventura has a lot of piss and vinegar in him.

[Chris Dolmeth]

I've never been so happy to see the Twins come into town.

[Caito]

I remember all the snarky comments about Jeter's fielding. Didi is a fucking garbage fielder.


There was a guy yesterday calling in to EEI during the afternoon show. Was upset Kelly wasn't better because it was "crutch time" in the baseball season....

Crunch time... 15 games in to a 162 game season...

That comment was asinine and so is yours. Didi is in his first year and has so much upside to him it is ridiculous. His biggest issue so far is he is playing shortstop for the NYY a year after Jeter retires. Give the kid some time. He is going to have a big chance to grow into himself and the position this year because the Yankees are probably not going far so it gives the one young guy on the team a chance to grow.

[Mills]

Man, I can't wait til Rodney figures out what the hell he's doing.

[Chris Dolmeth]

Rodney never knows what he's doing. That said, I think he'll be fine. I do worry about others in the pen though.

[Atty]

He doesn't even know how to put on his fucking hat!

[Bad Collin]

So much for that winning streak.

[Chris Dolmeth]

He doesn't even know how to put on his fucking hat!

He just tosses it up in the air. If it happens to land on his head, so be it.

[Christopherson]

Ridiculous. Gregorious makes mistakes on plays Jeter couldn't even get close to. His range is awesome and he has a huge arm, he's a very good defensive shortstop. Give the guy more than a couple of weeks to settle in, a few errors doesn't make him suddenly garbage overnight.



:heart:


However, when it comes to our fantasy sports wars it's mostly :mad:

[JRSlim21]

Happy #HarveyDay everyone.

[Bad Collin]

Seattle are such a jekyll and hyde team at the moment. Felix was backed by great defence on Friday but Paxton was let down by three big errors last night.

[Pablo Diablo]

I'm so glad we have the National League where pitchers can get injured in their futile attempts at hitting.

[Caito]

But that's tradition Pablo. Tradition y'all can keep if you really think that makes the game better.

[virms]

I'm so glad we have the National League where pitchers can get injured in their futile attempts at hitting.

That's a st. Louis thing. sad for wainwright but hey....that's a break for the Cubs. :hyper:

[Chris Dolmeth]

I almost died from a foul ball at the Mariners game today. Good times.

[Bad Collin]

Were you behind the plate? Was it that million mile an hour cut from Cruz?

Another tough loss tonight, when it's 2-2 in the bottom of the eighth and you don't score from a lead off double you deserve to struggle.

[Chris Dolmeth]

Nah I was in the front row of the 300 level. First inning, I'm in middle of a conversation and eating my bland ass fries when I see the ball outta the corner of my eye. Turn my head and it hits the metal rope in front of me.

[Kneeneighbor]

I've never been so happy to see the Twins come into town.

Gota love Cano being such a leader and leading his team to a series loss against the Twins.

[Kdestiny]

Too bad STL is still taking the central.

Pitchers going to bat is stupid, always has been and always will be.