2011 MLB Thread

[sterlingice]

Ok, I think it's time to start the season thread.

Prediction: Wow, are the Royals going to suck...

SI

[Young Drachma]

Go Jays. 3rd place here we come.

Sigh.

[cartman]

Prediction: Injuries are going to decimate the Rangers starting rotation, causing Nolan Ryan to come back and throw his 8th no hitter. In Game 7 of the World Series.

[EagleFan]

Almost time... Almost Time.... ALMOST TIME!!!!!!!

:banana:

[JetsIn06]

Go Jays. 3rd place here we come.

Sigh.

I'm going to predict that it's going to be more like 5th. :(

[Ksyrup]

Almost time... Almost Time.... ALMOST TIME!!!!!!!

:banana:

...For rainouts!

NY - 70% rain
DC - 80% rain
KC - 50% rain

Reds and Cards are looking at 40s/50s for highs. LA is the only game with good weather.

[Butter]

Low 50's I would put in the "good" half of weather overall for Opening Day in Cincy. There have been a lot of cold or rainy or windy (or all 3) days.

[Ksyrup]

I don't think Cincy is going to reach 50 today. I'm an hour south and we're headed for low-mid 40s at best (and 2 softball games tonight, yay!).

[Dr. Sak]

I have a horrible feeling that the Phillies are going to disappoint this season.

[GrantDawg]

I have a horrible feeling that the Phillies are going to disappoint this season.


Praying that is true. :D

I'll make my safe (but hopefully wrong) predicition. Chipper is going to have a hot start to the season, but will end his season/career by June. :(

[lungs]

I hope Ron Roenicke doesn't plan on Carlos Gomez batting 2nd all year if Carlos Gomez is still Carlos Gomez.

Actually, I hope Ron Roenicke doesn't play Carlos Gomez period if Carlos Gomez is still Carlos Gomez.

Wil Nieves is Brewers opening day catcher. Yuck. Mark Kotsay is the starting right fielder. Yuck.

Hopefully Corey Hart and Jon Lucroy are back soon or this is one ugly lineup when you consider Yuniesky Betancourt is also slated to play every day.

[JediKooter]

My prediction for today's Cardinals/Padres game:

Padres 42
Cardinals 3

[molson]

Best Red Sox team of my lifetime, I see about 100 wins and then losing in 3 straight in the ALDS.

[EagleFan]

I have a horrible feeling that the Phillies are going to disappoint this season.

We need to exorcize this feeling.

The power of Clarlie compels you, the power of Charlie compels you...

[kingfc22]

Finally get to open a season as the defending champs :D

Time to move forward now and pound the bums the next 4 days.

[Tasan]

I hope Ron Roenicke doesn't plan on Carlos Gomez batting 2nd all year if Carlos Gomez is still Carlos Gomez.

Actually, I hope Ron Roenicke doesn't play Carlos Gomez period if Carlos Gomez is still Carlos Gomez.

Wil Nieves is Brewers opening day catcher. Yuck. Mark Kotsay is the starting right fielder. Yuck.

Hopefully Corey Hart and Jon Lucroy are back soon or this is one ugly lineup when you consider Yuniesky Betancourt is also slated to play every day.

I'm hoping this horrible lineup stays in place as long as possible, so the Brewers are forced to move Grienke this summer.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Lemme see here ...

NL: Phillies, Reds, Padres + Braves
AL: Red Sox, Tigers, A's + Rangers

Reds over Red Sox

[Ksyrup]

I have a horrible feeling that the Phillies are going to disappoint this season.

Same here. They may make the playoffs, but this team is far from the sure thing everyone assumes. This was all put in motion with the Ibanez signing, sticking with Lidge, then throw in Utley's injury, Rollins falling off, etc. Even the long-term signing of Howard, while it doesn't impact this year, still feels like a bad omen that's going to turn a potential mini-dynasty into a shit sundae.

Yay, let's play ball!

[lungs]

I'm hoping this horrible lineup stays in place as long as possible, so the Brewers are forced to move Grienke this summer.

Greinke is under contract next year. The only one they may be forced to trade is Prince Fielder.

[GrantDawg]

Funny line: "Chipper is now leading the league in doubles." :)

[JonInMiddleGA]

Same here. They may make the playoffs, but this team is far from the sure thing everyone assumes.

They could disappoint (relative to some expectations) and still win the division, which is the basis of my prediction of them to do so.

I expect the Braves to struggle offensively once Chipper inevitably gets hurt again, Heyward remains mortal, Freeman struggles throughout & terribly once he's been around the league once or twice, and the bench ends up weaker than last year. The pitching will discover that they're one reliable veteran in the pen too short, that Jurjenns simply can't get/stay healthy for any length of time, and that rookie starters often have days where they look like rookie starters.

[Chief Rum]

Seems like everyone and their mother is picking the A's and Rangers for the AL West.

Obviously, I am a homer, but don't sleep on the Angels. Anyone really think one year out of the playoffs means they're done? They'll be in the mix this year. They have a better offense and defense than the A's, and better pitching than the Rangers.

I expect the AL West to go down to the last week of the season.

[GrantDawg]

And now Heyward leads the league in home runs. :)

[Suicane75]

Do the Nationals plan on hitting Werth 2nd all year?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Do the Nationals plan on hitting Werth 2nd all year?

That's the new plan, as of a week or so ago apparently (Google is my friend).

Due to the higher OBP of Werth & Zimmerman, they're now 2 & 3, with LaRoche & Morse at 4 & 5. That replaced the plan of Werth 3 & Zim 4 ... probably about the time Riggleman realized he didn't have a #2 isn't sure he has a #1 either.

[Ksyrup]

Nice start by Volquez.

Oh and BREAKING NEWS! Jermaine Dye retired.

[SackAttack]

...For rainouts!

NY - 70% rain
DC - 80% rain
KC - 50% rain

Reds and Cards are looking at 40s/50s for highs. LA is the only game with good weather.

I think the Dodgers have been rained out, like, twice since leaving New York. If there's a sucker prop bet in baseball, it's "rainouts in LA."

I have a horrible feeling that the Phillies are going to disappoint this season.

From your lips to the baseball gods' ears.

Finally get to open a season as the defending champs :D

Time to move forward now and pound the bums the next 4 days.

The last time the Dodgers opened the season as defending champs, the Giants won the pennant. Does it get to go the other way this time? :)

Re: 4 days of bum poundage - You might get three, but I think Opening Day, at least, is going to be a pitcher's duel. Could go either way.

Lemme see here ...

NL: Phillies, Reds, Padres + Braves
AL: Red Sox, Tigers, A's + Rangers

Reds over Red Sox

I have a tough time picking the Padres over the Giants with Adrian Gonzalez gone and with the Giants getting a full season of not-Molina behind the plate. Especially if Sandoval really is back in 2009 form.

I think the Padres will be competitive, but I think the Rockies have a better chance of knocking off the Giants than the Padres do. The Dodgers need bounceback years from Loney, Kemp and Ethier and for the rotation to be solid to be in the postseason discussion at all, never mind the division crown race.

Seems like everyone and their mother is picking the A's and Rangers for the AL West.

Obviously, I am a homer, but don't sleep on the Angels. Anyone really think one year out of the playoffs means they're done? They'll be in the mix this year. They have a better offense and defense than the A's, and better pitching than the Rangers.

I expect the AL West to go down to the last week of the season.

I never count the Angels out, just because Mike Scioscia is a fantastic manager. I think the A's are probably a paper tiger.

I still think the Rangers win this division again unless the Mariners get their shit together.

[Crapshoot]

Seems like everyone and their mother is picking the A's and Rangers for the AL West.

Obviously, I am a homer, but don't sleep on the Angels. Anyone really think one year out of the playoffs means they're done? They'll be in the mix this year. They have a better offense and defense than the A's, and better pitching than the Rangers.

I expect the AL West to go down to the last week of the season.

Uh, yeah - I'll take that bet, and give you odds on it - the Angels are a good 10 wins off the pace in the AL West when all is set and done. And the Angels have 3 starters (Weaver, Haren, Santana) who I'd have any degree of faith in - and a bullpen full of expensive veterans. I bet Texas ends up pitching and hitting better than them. :D


On the bright side, I for one am looking forward to the WORLD CHAMPION San Francisco Giants playing today - somewhat surprised that they didn't do opening day in SF, instead of LA.

[Crapshoot]

Predictions (all which will be wrong anyway)

AL: Red Sox, Twins, Rangers, Rays (WC)
NL: Braves, Brewers, Giants, Phillies (WC)

Hardest call for me is NL Central - The Reds are probably a better team, but DUSTY is going to lose them a few games himself. On the NL West, I think Colorado is probably 50-50 with the Giants, and I could see them beating out the Phillies for the WC. The Phillies have amazing pitching, but this is an old team - and one worries that this is the year they breakdown.

[SackAttack]

On the bright side, I for one am looking forward to the WORLD CHAMPION San Francisco Giants playing today - somewhat surprised that they didn't do opening day in SF, instead of LA.

1) I suspect the schedule was done before the Giants won the World Series.

2) ESPN *tried* to get MLB to move Opening Day to SF. The MLBPA, quite rightly, told them to get bent. One team winning the World Series is not sufficient grounds to monkey with their opponent's schedule just for TV purposes - and I'd say the same thing if the Dodgers had won the Series, been scheduled to open in San Francisco this weekend, and ESPN had wanted to move it to LA.

[stevew]

Soriano to Rivera is going to be a bitch for opposing teams all year.

[Crapshoot]

1) I suspect the schedule was done before the Giants won the World Series.

2) ESPN *tried* to get MLB to move Opening Day to SF. The MLBPA, quite rightly, told them to get bent. One team winning the World Series is not sufficient grounds to monkey with their opponent's schedule just for TV purposes - and I'd say the same thing if the Dodgers had won the Series, been scheduled to open in San Francisco this weekend, and ESPN had wanted to move it to LA.

That's ok. I'm just curious if the Dodgers PA announcer will announce them as the World Champion SF Giants. :D

[SackAttack]

That's ok. I'm just curious if the Dodgers PA announcer will announce them as the World Champion SF Giants. :D

I think the Giants have a better chance of repeating than of the Dodgers' PA guy ever acknowledging the first one. ;)

[Crapshoot]

Touche, Sack. Should be fun - Kershaw vs. Lincecum - Pedro Cerrano would not enjoy this.

[SackAttack]

I wonder if we can get Pablo Sandoval to say "Straight balls, I hit very much. Curve balls, bats are afraid."

[jbergey22]

Axford is going to blow the save for the Brewers today I predict.

[Marmel]

I'll give this a try:

AL: Yankees, White Sox, Oakland, Red Sox (WC)
NL: Phillies, Cardinals, Giants, Reds (WC)

[kingfc22]

I wonder if we can get Pablo Sandoval to say "Straight balls, I hit very much. Curve balls, bats are afraid."

I'm just glad it's not "Twinkies, I eat very much. Working out, body is afraid."

[kingfc22]

AL: Red Sox, Twins, Oakland, Yankees (WC)
NL: Braves, Reds, Giants, Phillies (WC)

[jbergey22]

Red Sox, Twins, Angels, Yankees(WC)
Phils, Brewers, Rockies, Giants(WC)

WS Champs=Philly

[mauchow]

Axford is going to blow the save for the Brewers today I predict.

So far so good. First two runners on.

[bhlloy]

Torii Hunter rolling back the years, hits an absolute bomb to center field in KC. The crowd reaction was something to hear, everyone knew instantly it was gone

[molson]

This is kind of an odd opening day schedule. Traditionally you had every team playing on opening day (which I liked better), then you had the primetime high-profile game kicking of the season - but what the hell is this? 12 teams play on opening day and everyone else waits for tomorrow - I wonder what the logic behind that is.

[mauchow]

Walk off homer by Bruce would be funny as hell. Bases loaded nobody out and Reds down three.

[stevew]

This is kind of an odd opening day schedule. Traditionally you had every team playing on opening day (which I liked better), then you had the primetime high-profile game kicking of the season - but what the hell is this? 12 teams play on opening day and everyone else waits for tomorrow - I wonder what the logic behind that is.

I dunno, but it's fucking stupid.

[jbergey22]

Walk off homer by Bruce would be funny as hell. Bases loaded nobody out and Reds down three.

His control issues are bad. With his spring training Im shocked he kept the job.

Axford I am referring too;)

[mauchow]

Walk off in Cinci. Four runs in the bottom of the ninth capped off my Hernandez 3 run jack.

[SackAttack]

Oh, hey, Axford is my fantasy closer. Whee!

[fantom1979]

Wonderful. 1 game in and the Brewers bullpen has already blown a win for one of my fantasy starters.

[jbergey22]

Oh, hey, Axford is my fantasy closer. Whee!

Wonderful. 1 game in and the Brewers bullpen has already blown a win for one of my fantasy starters.

Something happened with 1st and 2nd, 0 outs in which they called it batter reaches on fielders choice. Must have been some sort of defensive screw up. The bases were then loaded with 0 outs.

Should any of them runs have been earned?

[mauchow]

Something happened with 1st and 2nd, 0 outs in which they called it a fielders choice. Must have been some sort of defensive screw up. The bases were then loaded with 0 outs.

Should any of them runs have been earned?
On a grounder to third McGahee tried tagging Phillips out on his way to third, he missed him and didn't get the throw to first in time.

[rowech]

Something happened with 1st and 2nd, 0 outs in which they called it a fielders choice. Must have been some sort of defensive screw up. The bases were then loaded with 0 outs.

Should any of them runs have been earned?

McGhee tried to tag Phillips going to 3rd, missed him, didn't get the out at 1st fast enough. All runs are earned.

[jbergey22]

On a grounder to third McGahee tried tagging Phillips out on his way to third, he missed him and didn't get the throw to first in time.

McGhee tried to tag Phillips going to 3rd, missed him, didn't get the out at 1st fast enough. All runs are earned.

Thank you!

I know thats how they call that play but its still odd that they dont call that an error when clearly the fielder screwed up.

[rowech]

A couple years back, with MLB Extra Innings you could track fantasy baseball players. Is that no longer an option?

[mauchow]

ESPN needs to do away with this new scoreboard. I don't remember last year's being like this. Also, the pitch counter? We don't need one of those when we have announcers who like to let us know every 10 pitches how many has been thrown. Also, the location of the box is horrible.

[Tellistto]

In reference to the schedule, they are paying a guy to watch every single game this season and tweet about it. Perhaps they had that in mind when they made the schedule. Stranger crap has happened, I'm sure.

Tell

[Arles]

Let's hope the next 161 aren't like today for the Cards. Errors, bad base-running, a blown save, 11 men stranded and Pujols going 0-5 with 3 DPs. Yuck...

[kingfc22]

Also, the location of the box is horrible.

It is very bad. They need it to move automatically to the corner for HD feeds.

[MrBug708]

It's always a good day when the Dodgers can give the girl the loss

[Dr. Sak]

From your lips to the baseball gods' ears.

Don't worry, I am sure the Dodgers will blow a big lead and lose in some heartbreaking fashion during a game against the Phillies this year. It's tradition by now. :)

[PilotMan]

I love a good pitchers dual, and you're right Bug, a win over Lincecum is always a great way to start. However, I still have no optimism for this year at all.

[Ksyrup]

Nothing says opening day like...

http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/687216/267747358.jpg

[Butter]

He looks more and more like my grandma every day.

What a way to open the season for the Reds though. And to counter that, Pujols grounded into 3 DPs. It really couldn't get much better.

[Ksyrup]

In reference to the schedule, they are paying a guy to watch every single game this season and tweet about it. Perhaps they had that in mind when they made the schedule. Stranger crap has happened, I'm sure.

Tell

Not literally. That's what the ad said, but they clarified thaat they person would not literally have to watch every single game.

While yesterday's schedule was a little curious, in previous years, not every team plays on opening day as someone stated on the previous page. More than half did, but the rest used to open on Tuesday. So Monday would be a fairly full schedule, and Tuesday would be only a few games.

I guess they couldn't really do that here, with the "next day" being a Friday. That would have taken away too many Friday night games from the schedule, hurting attendance.

[MrBug708]

Don't worry, I am sure the Dodgers will blow a big lead and lose in some heartbreaking fashion during a game against the Phillies this year. It's tradition by now. :)

By Dodgers, you mean Broxton?

[Dr. Sak]

**cough**

Giants Fan Beaten: Giants Fan Critically Beaten After Dodgers Home Opener - ktla.com (http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-giants-fan-beaten,0,6802176.story)

(backs away slowly)

[Ksyrup]

Damn, the news is depressing. I click on that story, and on the right side under Popular Stories, are these:

Morbidly Obese Man Dies After Spending 2 years in Same Chair (http://www.operationsports.com/news/landing/ktla-obese-man-stuck-chair,0,3096630.story)


http://media.trb.com/media/thumbnails/story/2011-03/60519082-30095249-187105.jpg (http://www.operationsports.com/news/landing/wpix-gay-brutally-beaten-in-greenwich-village,0,1736566.story) Man Brutally Beaten for Wearing Pink Shoelaces (http://www.operationsports.com/news/landing/wpix-gay-brutally-beaten-in-greenwich-village,0,1736566.story)



http://media.trb.com/media/thumbnails/story/2011-03/60514621-30064929.jpg (http://www.operationsports.com/news/landing/ktla-victorville-tween-stabbing,0,7177324.story) 12-year-old Accused of Stabbing Romantic Rival with Steak Knife (http://www.operationsports.com/news/landing/ktla-victorville-tween-stabbing,0,7177324.story)



http://media.trb.com/media/thumbnails/story/2011-03/60499330-29144509.jpg (http://www.operationsports.com/news/landing/ktla-kids-drywalled-in-room,0,740840.story) Parents Accused of Drywalling Children into Feces Covered Room (http://www.operationsports.com/news/landing/ktla-kids-drywalled-in-room,0,740840.story)

[MrBug708]

**cough**

Giants Fan Beaten: Giants Fan Critically Beaten After Dodgers Home Opener - ktla.com (http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-giants-fan-beaten,0,6802176.story)

(backs away slowly)

Certainly sucks. There is a pretty bad gang element that attends a Dodger game and I certainly don't advocate any Giants fans ever wearing their clothes to the game. The remnants of the Raider culture

[molson]

Damn, the news is depressing. I click on that story, and on the right side under Popular Stories, are these:



Ya, I was thinking about how many people in the LA metro area were beat up, killed, robbed, vandalized, ect. over the last few days. Probably a fair amount. It'd probably be strange of one of those things didn't happen at a LA/Giants game at least every once in a while - with all that alchohol, all those young men prone to violence, ect. (Of course, this will be tied to regular, non-gang-banging Dodger fans on message boards across the country for trolling purposes, but that's just the way it works now.)

[MrBug708]

Ya, I was thinking about how many people in the LA metro area were beat up, killed, robbed, vandalized, ect. over the last few days. Probably a fair amount. It'd probably be strange of one of those things didn't happen at a LA/Giants game at least every once in a while - with all that alchohol, all those young men prone to violence, ect. (Of course, this will be tied to regular, non-gang-banging Dodger fans on message boards across the country for trolling purposes, but that's just the way it works now.)

Those news stories aren't Los Angeles based

[molson]

Those news stories aren't Los Angeles based

The point was that its a good bet there was a fair amount of crime in LA the last few days. Only when that crime is at a sporting event do we try to make it this huge, meaningful event that we can draw inferences from.

[Logan]

The point was that its a good bet there was a fair amount of crime in LA the last few days. Only when that crime is at a sporting event do we try to make it this huge, meaningful event that we can draw inferences from.

I think Sak's point is that there are certainly plenty of crimes being committed in Philly, plus a thriving gang environment across the way in Camden too, and yet Philly-related sports incidents get reported as "meaningful".

[molson]

I think Sak's point is that there are certainly plenty of crimes being committed in Philly, plus a thriving gang environment across the way in Camden too, and yet Philly-related sports incidents get reported as "meaningful".

And I agree with that point too.

I think it goes back to the colors/tribe mentality of being a sports fan. Nobody hears about someone getting beat up on subway and then goes into a tirade about violent public transportation riders. And of course, we've managed to eliminate most other kinds of charactertics as "violent" in open public coversation (race, immigration status, etc.) But we still yearn to judge so what's left - sports team affiliation! It's the perfect and most sensible (and most PC) outlet for that menality when you think about it.

Edit: And yes, obviously there was no tirade here....and maybe if we're lucky there won't be (they've taken up 10+ pages here in the past.)

[Dr. Sak]

I think Sak's point is that there are certainly plenty of crimes being committed in Philly, plus a thriving gang environment across the way in Camden too, and yet Philly-related sports incidents get reported as "meaningful".

You made my point much more eloquent than I could. If this had happened in Philly a certain few posters would have went from 6 to midnight with excitement about bashing Philly fans.

[Ksyrup]

Brilliant!

Rany on the Royals: 1985. (http://www.ranyontheroyals.com/2011/03/1985.html)

[Ksyrup]

Murray Chass says that Roy Halladay forgot how to be a winner today.

[Lathum]

You made my point much more eloquent than I could. If this had happened in Philly a certain few posters would have went from 6 to midnight with excitement about bashing Philly fans.

Maybe because everytime an incident happens in another city Philly fans are quick to point it out. Just saying...


.

[stevew]

Is it too much to ask that Marlon Byrd not have his helmet saturated by pinetar on opening day? It's like he pulled a BP on the Gulf Coast on that thing.

[Dr. Sak]

Maybe because everytime an incident happens in another city Philly fans are quick to point it out. Just saying...


.

Actually I believe you have your facts reversed. Check out the thread on that topic. I am merely pointing out the hypocrisy in it all. It's no big deal because it didn't happen in Philly, however if it did, there would be pages of posts on the subject.

Back to baseball...the Phillies relievers are a bunch of bums.

[stevew]

Neil Walker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RedKingGold]

Mayberry and Valdez being walk off heroes for the Phillies? Now I've seen everything.

[samifan24]

Tribe pitching is already in midseason form!

[stevew]

The Tribe is just waiting for Cribbs to return a kick for a TD and get them back into the game.

[mckerney]

Chicago Cubs Can't Believe They're Doing This Again | The Onion Sports Network (http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/articles/chicago-cubs-cant-believe-theyre-doing-this-again,19870/)

[lungs]

Break up the Pirates!

[MikeVic]

Jays going nuts.

[sovereignstar v2]

Strange that no one else really wanted Pavano in the offseason. Weird.

[sovereignstar v2]

QUIT THROWING SHIT ON THE FIELD HOSERS

[sterlingice]

KILA!

SI

[kingfc22]

Stop kicking the ball all over the field!!! 5 errors in 16 innings. @$%_#

[SackAttack]

Stop kicking the ball all over the field!!! 5 errors in 16 innings. @$%_#

I'm kinda enjoying that, actually.

Pay no attention to kingfc22, Giants.

[Ksyrup]

KILA!

SI

I watched that. I really don't get what managers are thinking when they trust the bottom of the 9th inning in a tie game to a guy who has like 20 MLB innings to his credit. I know Mike Scoscia apparently walks on water, but those kinds of decisions just make no sense at all.

[Suicane75]

Looking at the attendances last night, 34,000 was second lowest. The lowest of the lowest? A stout 13,000 in KC.

[samifan24]

I'm excited for my old friend Zach Britton, who makes his MLB debut for Baltimore on Sunday. Zach was one of the nicest guys I'd ever met in the minors. So happy for him.

[sterlingice]

Looking at the attendances last night, 34,000 was second lowest. The lowest of the lowest? A stout 13,000 in KC.

Oof :(

Well, we are expected to really, really suck this year

SI

[PilotMan]

A male fan in the ninth row got hit in the right temple by Buster Posey’s flying bat as the Giants catcher struck out to end the seventh. After being tended to by medics, the man held up the bat as the crowd cheered. The bat sailed over owner Frank McCourt’s box seat in the third row.

Damn.:rant:

[Chief Rum]

I watched that. I really don't get what managers are thinking when they trust the bottom of the 9th inning in a tie game to a guy who has like 20 MLB innings to his credit. I know Mike Scoscia apparently walks on water, but those kinds of decisions just make no sense at all.

That view of Scioscia is more prevalent amongst the media and among fans outside of SoCal than among Angels fans. We're aware of his idiosyncrasies and they annoy us to no end. Problem is, as much as we complain about going too "small ball", starting too many defensive options over offensive options or speed options over power options, and staying too long with some options in the pen while going too short with others (or with the starting pitchers), he usually ends up winning. So it's hard to make a case he's wrong about some things.

As for last night, Scioscia only had three veteran options in the ninth in Rodney and Takahashi and Bulger. Rodney is the Cardiac King and the closer besides (so Scioscia would have to get over the "closer with a lead" hump to bring in Rodney). Takahashi was awful on Thursday. Bulger was awful all spring and is only on the squad because Scott Downs is hurt. Scioscia basically had Kohn, Thompson and Jepsen available. Not much experience there.

[MrBug708]

Actually I believe you have your facts reversed. Check out the thread on that topic. I am merely pointing out the hypocrisy in it all. It's no big deal because it didn't happen in Philly, however if it did, there would be pages of posts on the subject.

Back to baseball...the Phillies relievers are a bunch of bums.

Most LA people know we have a really bad element that goes to a Dodger game. It's unfortunate, but we can't do much about it.

[sovereignstar v2]

Looking at the attendances last night, 34,000 was second lowest. The lowest of the lowest? A stout 13,000 in KC.

Kauffman Stadium: The Twins' home away from home whenever they play there

[Comey]

Kauffman Stadium: The Twins' home away from home whenever they play there

Sounds like the Nationals stadium for the Phils.

[sterlingice]

Kauffman Stadium: The Twins' home away from home whenever they play there

On the whole, pretty polite fans when visiting

SI

[molson]

It seems odd for the Red Sox to hit Crawford #3, with all the good hitters they have.

[jbergey22]

It seems odd for the Red Sox to hit Crawford #3, with all the good hitters they have.

I was thinking that same thing when watching them the other day. Why A Gon 5th?

[Big Fo]

Tommy Hanson has been pretty sloppy so far.

edit: and then Rick Ankiel hits a 2-run homer, Nationals up 4-1 in the 3rd.

[McLovin]

Kyle Drabek had a pretty nice debut against the Twins. 7 innings pitched, 1 hit, 3 walks and striking out 7. Not too bad !!

[Ksyrup]

As for last night, Scioscia only had three veteran options in the ninth in Rodney and Takahashi and Bulger. Rodney is the Cardiac King and the closer besides (so Scioscia would have to get over the "closer with a lead" hump to bring in Rodney). Takahashi was awful on Thursday. Bulger was awful all spring and is only on the squad because Scott Downs is hurt. Scioscia basically had Kohn, Thompson and Jepsen available. Not much experience there.

Watching the game right now. Point taken.

[sterlingice]

Holy crap- that game went from defeat to victory in record time.

Sorry, Angels fans, we have no delusions that the Royals will do anything this season. But if you're hoping to get to the playoffs, team's gotta get better. Matt Treanor with a walk (what was Santana thinking) and then not being pinch hit for... *sigh* sometimes you can make the wrong moves and still win.

SI

[Ksyrup]

Wow, did MLB actually lose the Saturday afternoon restriction on the pay-per-view package? Tigers/Yanks is on Fox, but I'm watching the other games. I can't believe they made a change that benefits the fans!

[Ksyrup]

Now that I think about it, all the early games started at 1 and the Yanks/Tigers at 4, so maybe they haven't changed anything, just nade sue that game was the only one starting at 4. Nats/Braves is still going, but that's because of a rain/hail delay. Next set of games isn't until 7pm.

[jbergey22]

Now that I think about it, all the early games started at 1 and the Yanks/Tigers at 4, so maybe they haven't changed anything, just nade sue that game was the only one starting at 4. Nats/Braves is still going, but that's because of a rain/hail delay. Next set of games isn't until 7pm.

Are the Cards/Pads and Giants/Dodgers on currently? That might answer your question.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I'm a bit baffled by the early talk about the Royals being so terrible. Granted, our payroll is ridiculously low, but that's mainly because we got rid of Greinke and several huge dead-weight contracts. The players we have playing right now may not have huge dollar amounts, but it's full of prospects that have a lot of potential. I'd rather watch that anyday.

2-1 baby.

[Ksyrup]

Are the Cards/Pads and Giants/Dodgers on currently? That might answer your question.

Yeah, that answers my question. :mad:

[jbergey22]

I'm a bit baffled by the early talk about the Royals being so terrible.

When was the last time they put a good product on the field?

Plus Hochever is their #1 starter. Im not sure it could get worse than that.

[Ksyrup]

I'm a bit baffled by the early talk about the Royals being so terrible. Granted, our payroll is ridiculously low, but that's mainly because we got rid of Greinke and several huge dead-weight contracts. The players we have playing right now may not have huge dollar amounts, but it's full of prospects that have a lot of potential. I'd rather watch that anyday.

2-1 baby.

The current team is full of year or two placeholders, especially in the starting rotation. And 2/3s of today's starting lineup shouldn't be with the team in two years, or maybe bench players at best (Francoeur, Cabrera, Getz, Treanor, Betemit, Aviles, etc.).

If things work out right, this team could be special in 2012 or 13, similar to the Rays a couple of years ago or the Braves in 91 (although who knows if it can be sustained).

[Izulde]

White Sox offense has started off impressive. 15-10 and 8-3 to go 2-0 so far.

[jbergey22]

White Sox offense has started off impressive. 15-10 and 8-3 to go 2-0 so far.

As impressive as the Sox have been the Twins have been equally unimpressive. Their hitters have come out of the gates slow, the pitching has been brutal and even the fielding has been subpar.

Very unimpressed with Nishioka especially in the field.

[sterlingice]

I'm a bit baffled by the early talk about the Royals being so terrible. Granted, our payroll is ridiculously low, but that's mainly because we got rid of Greinke and several huge dead-weight contracts. The players we have playing right now may not have huge dollar amounts, but it's full of prospects that have a lot of potential. I'd rather watch that anyday.

2-1 baby.

You're confusing 2 points. Yes, I think most fans would rather watch young and crappy rather than old and crappy because at least with the former, there's hope. There are quite a few young guys (Escobar, Crow, Jeffress, Collins, later callups) who we're getting our first look at. And, on top of that, I'd like to see what we have with some of these guys who are not quite young but not quite old (Pena, Ka'ahuie, Francis off of an injury, etc). And that's on top of the young, good players (Butler, Soria).

That said, the rotation is awful with the potential to be merely mediocre as the ceiling. And the lineup has huge holes in it at OF (Cabrera, Francouer), C (any day Treanor plays), possibly SS (Escobar looked bad last year but there's hope), and 2B/3B are potentially pretty bad (Getz, Betemit)

SI

[samifan24]

The Royals have a bright future in Hosmer, Moustakas, Myers, Montgomery and Duffy, among others, and most of those guys should debut in KC in the next 12-16 months. The Royals will be really nasty in about 2013 when most of those guys are up and acclimated to MLB play.

[sterlingice]

Hopefully, tho there is a lot of talk about the realistic impact of a great farm system when your GM is incapable of judging major league talent

SI

[samifan24]

Hopefully, tho there is a lot of talk about the realistic impact of a great farm system when your GM is incapable of judging major league talent

SI

Yeah, Dayton Moore was not a good hire at all. The farm system is doing its part for the Royals, though, so really the only way Moore could hurt long term planning is if he trades some of their prospects or messes up their service clocks.

[stevew]

Is this the part where this thread turns into RoyalsTalk?

[sterlingice]

Yeah, Dayton Moore was not a good hire at all. The farm system is doing its part for the Royals, though, so really the only way Moore could hurt long term planning is if he trades some of their prospects or messes up their service clocks.

I don't think he'll do that (service clocks- I think he's going to be smart about that- trades, not sure, as he traded away some Baird guys but his guys he clutches hard). But he's still going to have to put some more major league talent around it as some of those guys aren't going to do well. And he's going to have to give the correct guys a shot- just because he has a scrappy, fast CF with a low OBP doesn't mean you should play him over a DDJ-type.

SI

[sterlingice]

Is this the part where this thread turns into RoyalsTalk?

I'll join in on Reds or whoever talk- I'm just not as knowledgeable

And, hey, we've played 50% more baseball this year than everyone else (save the Giants/Dodgers- I was listening to Timmay/Kershaw the other night on MLB audio and taking in some Vin Scully)

SI

[Chief Rum]

Holy crap- that game went from defeat to victory in record time.

Sorry, Angels fans, we have no delusions that the Royals will do anything this season. But if you're hoping to get to the playoffs, team's gotta get better. Matt Treanor with a walk (what was Santana thinking) and then not being pinch hit for... *sigh* sometimes you can make the wrong moves and still win.

SI

The team is still a work in progress this year, especially with Kendry still out, and several rookies or near rookies on the roster at the moment.

Keep in mind, this actually comes down to the pen. If the pen is a little better than it has been, the Angels are likely 3-0 this year. The pen has gotten off to poor starts the few couple years for some reason, and that's even more apparent this year with Downs hurt and several kids in the pen.

In the end, the Angels will still be there and contending in the AL West. Three games isn't a good sample to go on.

All that said, of course, I am beyond annoyed at the team right now.

[sterlingice]

The team is still a work in progress this year, especially with Kendry still out, and several rookies or near rookies on the roster at the moment.

Keep in mind, this actually comes down to the pen. If the pen is a little better than it has been, the Angels are likely 3-0 this year. The pen has gotten off to poor starts the few couple years for some reason, and that's even more apparent this year with Downs hurt and several kids in the pen.

In the end, the Angels will still be there and contending in the AL West. Three games isn't a good sample to go on.

All that said, of course, I am beyond annoyed at the team right now.

I think the fielding has cost them as much as the bullpen as those two go hand-in-hand at giving up hits. However, the bolded part is obviously the most important.

SI

[samifan24]

I'll be rooting for Zach Britton as he makes his MLB debut for the Orioles this afternoon. Zach is one of the nicest guys I ever met while working in the minors, a truly good guy who was nice to everyone from the manager to the ushers to every fan waiting for an autograph. You can't say that about everyone anymore. I'm glad he made it to the show.

[JPhillips]

I'll be rooting for Zach Britton as he makes his MLB debut for the Orioles this afternoon. Zach is one of the nicest guys I ever met while working in the minors, a truly good guy who was nice to everyone from the manager to the ushers to every fan waiting for an autograph. You can't say that about everyone anymore. I'm glad he made it to the show.

Bet he's a serial killer.

[TroyF]

The team is still a work in progress this year, especially with Kendry still out, and several rookies or near rookies on the roster at the moment.

Keep in mind, this actually comes down to the pen. If the pen is a little better than it has been, the Angels are likely 3-0 this year. The pen has gotten off to poor starts the few couple years for some reason, and that's even more apparent this year with Downs hurt and several kids in the pen.

In the end, the Angels will still be there and contending in the AL West. Three games isn't a good sample to go on.

All that said, of course, I am beyond annoyed at the team right now.

I think the issue the Angels have is going to be Texas. Those guys just mash the hell out of the ball. You go through their lineup and there just isn't any really weak spots.


1B - Moreland - going to hit 20 and play solid defense
2B - Kinsler - One of the more underrated players in the game
SS - Andrus - not a great hitter yet, but fast as hell and certainly not a "gimme" out
3B - Beltre - Terrific defense and hitter
C - Napoli - Going to hit 20 again
OF - Hamilton, Cruz, Murphy - A couple of MVP candidates and a decent young player
DH - Young - A guy who can fill in just about anywhere. And he'll hit wherever he's doing it.

The only hope for the Angels is injuries to Texas which could happen. Unless the Rangers injuries are severe, I don't see the Angels within 5 games of them at the end of the year, even if they play at their best.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

The team is still a work in progress this year, especially with Kendry still out, and several rookies or near rookies on the roster at the moment.

Keep in mind, this actually comes down to the pen. If the pen is a little better than it has been, the Angels are likely 3-0 this year. The pen has gotten off to poor starts the few couple years for some reason, and that's even more apparent this year with Downs hurt and several kids in the pen.

In the end, the Angels will still be there and contending in the AL West. Three games isn't a good sample to go on.

All that said, of course, I am beyond annoyed at the team right now.

I think the bullpen on the Royals end has been that good the other way. Crow/Tejada/Soria is an excellent trio to have for end-game situations. Crow has been nails in tough situations thus far.

[sterlingice]

Yeah, Crow has become a fan favorite in about 3 days flat. He went to Mizzou and is from Topeka so he's got a good setup to be well liked.

SI

[sterlingice]

I'll be rooting for Zach Britton as he makes his MLB debut for the Orioles this afternoon. Zach is one of the nicest guys I ever met while working in the minors, a truly good guy who was nice to everyone from the manager to the ushers to every fan waiting for an autograph. You can't say that about everyone anymore. I'm glad he made it to the show.

Good deal :D

SI

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, Crow has become a fan favorite in about 3 days flat. He went to Mizzou and is from Topeka so he's got a good setup to be well liked.

SI

Rob Neyer had an article about Crow, Collins, and Adcock last week:

Embracing the Beauty of the Unlikely - Baseball Nation (http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/3/31/2083995/embracing-the-beauty-of-the-unlikely)

[sterlingice]

Adcock is a favorite just for the puns that can be made...

SI

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Rob Neyer had an article about Crow, Collins, and Adcock last week:

Embracing the Beauty of the Unlikely - Baseball Nation (http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/3/31/2083995/embracing-the-beauty-of-the-unlikely)

Thanks. Hadn't see that.

[Chief Rum]

I think the fielding has cost them as much as the bullpen as those two go hand-in-hand at giving up hits. However, the bolded part is obviously the most important.

SI

I have been working a lot during gametimes so far, so I haven't been able to watch every at bat of the first three games. But looking at the history of the players the Angels will be putting out there, it doesn't seem likely defense will be their problem. Not saying it will be a great fielding team, especially in the infield, but it's an above average fielding team. The outfield defense, when it goes with Wells-Bourjos-Hunter, might be the best in baseball. Two years ago, Aybar was the second best fielding SS in the league, behind only Andrus (and stupid Jeter won the GG, don't get me started...). Both he and Mathis, who is great handling pitchign staffs, had regressions last year, but they're expected to rebound. The remaining infielders aren't great, but none of them are awful fielders either; league average, little under, little above, is best way to describe them (Izturis, Callasp, Kendrick, Morales).

No, right now, the bullpen is far more the issue than fielding, and I am pretty sure that's going to stay that way.

[Chief Rum]

I think the issue the Angels have is going to be Texas. Those guys just mash the hell out of the ball. You go through their lineup and there just isn't any really weak spots.


1B - Moreland - going to hit 20 and play solid defense
2B - Kinsler - One of the more underrated players in the game
SS - Andrus - not a great hitter yet, but fast as hell and certainly not a "gimme" out
3B - Beltre - Terrific defense and hitter
C - Napoli - Going to hit 20 again
OF - Hamilton, Cruz, Murphy - A couple of MVP candidates and a decent young player
DH - Young - A guy who can fill in just about anywhere. And he'll hit wherever he's doing it.

The only hope for the Angels is injuries to Texas which could happen. Unless the Rangers injuries are severe, I don't see the Angels within 5 games of them at the end of the year, even if they play at their best.

We'll see, Troy. Texas is very good. But I think you overrate them a little here. Plus, the primary reason they could be caught isn't the lineup, but their pitching.

[Chief Rum]

I think the bullpen on the Royals end has been that good the other way. Crow/Tejada/Soria is an excellent trio to have for end-game situations. Crow has been nails in tough situations thus far.

The Royals pen has been excellent. Maybe the Angels were paying attention and will pick up clues how to put together a good one themselves.

[mauchow]

Crawford going to bat 7th.

[Ksyrup]

Do the Angels have a Farnsworth they can drop? That would be a good start.

[JPhillips]

I know it's early and the Reds are winning, but please, Dusty, don't tell me Bruce is going to back behind Rolen and Gomes all year.

[molson]

Crawford going to bat 7th.

Behind Lowrie even.

There were reports all spring that he was pressing, and that seems to have carried into the first two games. Maybe less pressure down there.

[Chief Rum]

Do the Angels have a Farnsworth they can drop? That would be a good start.

The guy they really need to drop is starting for them today.

[Ksyrup]

Let me guess - Kazmir? I didn't get that trade from day 1.

[Chief Rum]

Let me guess - Kazmir? I didn't get that trade from day 1.

Yeah, I remember. It was a good trade if Kazmir was anything like the old Kazmir, which the Angels apparently thought he was. I wasn't following Kazmir along closely enough to know, so I, too, thought it was an okay trade. Now I know a bit of what was going on with Kazmir and that was an awful trade.

[sterlingice]

Well, it was a riveting start by him: 2 HBP, a balk, 63 pitches, and 5 runs in 1 2/3 innings.

To be fair, the last two runs sounded like they were the fault of Wells.

SI

[Chief Rum]

Well, it was a riveting start by him: 2 HBP, a balk, 63 pitches, and 5 runs in 1 2/3 innings.

To be fair, the last two runs sounded like they were the fault of Wells.

SI

It's a weird weather day apparently. The ball's moving around and it was coming from a bright sky (not sure of the sun location, but no doubt it figured, too). The ball bounced off of the heel of Wells glove at the warning track. While Wells certainly bares responsibility, the ball DID travel all the way to the warning track. Kazmir has been so bad, it's almost like he read his own negative press clippings and said "I can beat that!"

[Chief Rum]

Sweet. Back to back homeruns by, wait for it, Maicur Izturis and Howie Kendrick.

So it's only 5-2 now. If we can get Kazmir out of the game, we might even stand a chance to comeback, lol.

[Chief Rum]

Haha...completely missed that we actually did take Kazmir out. Thank... God.

[MikeVic]

Lol I didnt know Yunel Escobar doesn't understand English. They have Jose Bautista translate for the coaches.

[sterlingice]

It's a weird weather day apparently. The ball's moving around and it was coming from a bright sky (not sure of the sun location, but no doubt it figured, too). The ball bounced off of the heel of Wells glove at the warning track. While Wells certainly bares responsibility, the ball DID travel all the way to the warning track. Kazmir has been so bad, it's almost like he read his own negative press clippings and said "I can beat that!"

Yeah, huge swirling winds. Still...

SI

[Chief Rum]

You are a bigger than average 37 year old. You still have, at best, "okay" speed. You are on 1B. A popup is hit into shallow center, with three players converging, and it appears that the CF, who is running toward you, is calling for the ball.

Do you:

1. Stay rooted to 1B.
2. Drift off just a few feet, recognizing you're no longer 27.
3. Go more than halfway to 2B and stand there.

If you're Bobby Abreu, apparently the answer to this question is #3, FFS.

[Chief Rum]

Yeah, huge swirling winds. Still...

SI

Like I said, at the warning track. It was a very difficult catch to make. Kazmir doesn't deserve one little bit of credit for today.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Yeah, huge swirling winds. Still...

SI

It's not even swirling. The wind is steady out blowing out to left field at 30-40 MPH. I almost fell over going to my mailbox this morning. Really warm and humid too. Great day for batters, not for pitchers.

[TroyF]

We'll see, Troy. Texas is very good. But I think you overrate them a little here. Plus, the primary reason they could be caught isn't the lineup, but their pitching.


I'm not sure I overrated their lineup, if anything I think I underrated it.They scored 787 runs last year despite Cruz, Hamilton and Kinsler missing a combined 116 games, their 1B being a complete sinkhole until 2/3 of the year were gone (Davis and Smoak barely cracked the Mendoza line) and the catching hitters combined for about .225.

Assuming the big guns miss fewer games, I've VASTLY underrated the offense. Napoli and Moreland are monumental upgrades over the players who played in their place last year.

The pitching is the question mark, but they have a top line closer and they really only have to be average. This team is scoring 850 runs this year. And they are only going to have to win 85-87 games to get the division. I don't see anyone else in that division doing any better.

[Chief Rum]

I'm not sure I overrated their lineup, if anything I think I underrated it.They scored 787 runs last year despite Cruz, Hamilton and Kinsler missing a combined 116 games, their 1B being a complete sinkhole until 2/3 of the year were gone (Davis and Smoak barely cracked the Mendoza line) and the catching hitters combined for about .225.

Assuming the big guns miss fewer games, I've VASTLY underrated the offense. Napoli and Moreland are monumental upgrades over the players who played in their place last year.

The pitching is the question mark, but they have a top line closer and they really only have to be average. This team is scoring 850 runs this year. And they are only going to have to win 85-87 games to get the division. I don't see anyone else in that division doing any better.

Actually my overrate comment was about your projection of Texas's overall success, not the your specific lineup comments. And if everyone stayed healthy on most teams, those teams would be much better. How much better would the Angels be with a healthy Morales?

And they're going to need more than 85-87 wins.

[Chief Rum]

It's not even swirling. The wind is steady out blowing out to left field at 30-40 MPH. I almost fell over going to my mailbox this morning. Really warm and humid too. Great day for batters, not for pitchers.

It is definitely headed out to the wall. As for the swirling, I am not there, of course; I am just repeating what the announcers are saying.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

LOL.....wind is just crazy today in KC. Balls flying out of the park.

[Chief Rum]

lol...2nd HR for Howie Kendrick. Man, such power! :D

It's 6-5 Royals now. Looks like we're going to get a barnstormer.

[Chief Rum]

Abreu's up right now. Looks like he's swinging for the fences. Saw Kendrick going long and again and is saying to himself, "WTF?!? If Howie can go long twice..."

[Ksyrup]

Joe Nathan might get this save, but he is getting hit hard. One ball to the fence, another in the gap that Span caught, and 1 run in already.

[mauchow]

Starlin Castro is going to be a stud for the Cubbies.

[samifan24]

The Tribe picks up its first win of the season by outlasting John Danks, who was masterful for most of the afternoon. Down in Tampa, Zach Britton earned his first MLB win with a strong outing against the Rays.

[Ksyrup]

Once again, I am reminded how great it feels to not have to root for a team that employs Fernando Rodney.

[Ksyrup]

Vernon Wells FT...WTF?

[sterlingice]

Both the Royals and Angels trying their best to not win this afternoon

SI

[Ksyrup]

Yep. This is painful to watch. Except Collins.

[molson]

The Red Sox I think decided to take an extra few spring training games, you know, just to make sure they're all warmed up and everything. Can't wait for opening day on Tuesday against Cleveland!

[terpkristin]

The Red Sox I think decided to take an extra few spring training games, you know, just to make sure they're all warmed up and everything. Can't wait for opening day on Tuesday against Cleveland!

Les sigh.

/tk

[stevew]

Pirates got to Carlos Marmol today.

[Ksyrup]

Abreu's been on base 7 times today, I believe.

[stevew]

Starlin Castro is going to be a stud for the Cubbies.

Helluva throw to first today as well.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Really good series to start the year for the Royals. Bullpen performed really well again. Watching Collins brings back memories of Flash Gordon. Really good curve ball and a stout fastball.

[stevew]

RoyalsTalk.com

[sterlingice]

I did not have Matt Treanor walk off 3-run homer in the "how will KC win today" pool

SI

[Chief Rum]

Once again, I am reminded how great it feels to not have to root for a team that employs Fernando Rodney.

:mad:

I just can't stand him. It's not even just that he sucks, but he always seems like he's a cocky SOB, too. WTF have you done, Rodney? What a sad sack of shit. The sooner we get that F'er out of the closer role the better.

I knew his contract meant that he would get first crack, but the Angels have always indicated it was a tenuous hold on that spot at best. Hopefully that will be very tenuous and Rodney will shortly be shown the door.

[kingfc22]

Giants need to do something about having Huff and Burrell on the OF. Just too much given up defensively with this lineup unfortunately.

[DaddyTorgo]

The Red Sox I think decided to take an extra few spring training games, you know, just to make sure they're all warmed up and everything. Can't wait for opening day on Tuesday against Cleveland!

Seriously. Blah.

[SackAttack]

Finally get to open a season as the defending champs :D

Time to move forward now and pound the bums the next 4 days.

Does one out of four work for you?

[Vince, Pt. II]

Giants need to do something about having Huff and Burrell on the OF. Just too much given up defensively with this lineup unfortunately.

Huff + Burrell + Tejada + Sandoval = not so hot defense.

I'm actually wondering if the Giants can afford to punt offense at short and get a glove whiz (a la Bocock) to help make up some range. Then again, what do you do when Ross gets back? You have 4 guys for three positions in Burrell, Ross, Huff and Belt. And each of them seems capable at the plate. Platoon Burrell and Belt while rotating Huff from 1B to OF?

I don't think Huff's as bad in the OF as he looked tonight, but he will occasionally have games like this.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Actually my overrate comment was about your projection of Texas's overall success, not the your specific lineup comments. And if everyone stayed healthy on most teams, those teams would be much better. How much better would the Angels be with a healthy Morales?

And they're going to need more than 85-87 wins.

I'm with CR on the 85-87 wins. I think that the A's, Angels and Rangers are all contending, it's just a question of health and productivity out of the marginal players.

I also just may be including the A's because I'm buying into the hype that everyone seems to be up on recently. But I think the division is the Rangers' to lose in any case.

[MrBug708]

Does one out of four work for you?

One outta fifty has done wonders for the Giants, so I would image so :)

[jbergey22]

Its soooooooooooooooooo early in the season. Trying to make any sort of predictions based on what has went on over 4 days is all but meaningless. Many of the starting pitchers are still 2-3 weeks from being in top form.

Past history says the Angels will likely finish above expectations so the safe bet would be on them winning over 82 games. They are very much like the Twins that way. Its always easier to pick teams like the Rangers, White Sox or Tigers but when its all said and done you tend to see the Angels and Twins high up in the standings.

[Terps]

The Tribe picks up its first win of the season by outlasting John Danks, who was masterful for most of the afternoon. Down in Tampa, Zach Britton earned his first MLB win with a strong outing against the Rays.

Britton should have made the team out of spring training. Sucks we had to lose Matusz for him to come up. But, with his extreme ground ball tendencies he'll do well in OP@CY, and should be here to stay.

I was kind of hoping they would have him start the home opener, since I'm making the 3 hour trip down for opening day, but I'll settle for Jake Arrieta.

[fantom1979]

I think Mark Teixera is on pace for about 600 homeruns this year. I bet he is hoping that the Tigers never leave town.

[RedKingGold]

Thanks to my girlfriend's Christmas present, I was at the Cliff Lee game on Saturday night. As reported, the atmosphere was electric and the game had a decent playoff feel to it.

Overall, it's a nice three-game sweep from the Phils over the Astros, but it's hard to take too much away from it because (a) it's early season and (b) I think the Astros will stink. But the Phillies usually start really slow, so to see a strong start is a welcome surprise. It was the the first time the Phillies swept their opening season at home since 1970.

The biggest takeaway, however, is that Jimmy Rollins is playing like a man possessed (and he is...by his need for a new contract). If he can just stay healthy, this lineup is so much more productive when Rollins is playing at his peak.

[Butter]

Reds couldn't have picked a better way to open the season. The come-from-behind win on Opening Day, and then getting out to early leads in both of the final 2 games and pretty much cruising in both.

If you are Milwaukee, you've gotta be concerned about the bullpen. Axford got destroyed on Thursday, and didn't look much better in mop up duty yesterday.

Reds with Houston coming in for 3 starting tomorrow. Good chance to win 2 of 3 in that series and make it a nice 5-1 homestand to start.

Hate the way the Reds always start the year. Opening Day... Day off... 2 games... day off...

I've been waiting 5 months for baseball, why tease me so much!

[stevew]

Charlie Morton is a festering anal wart.

[stevew]

At Bat 11 is really good. The audio quality is so much better than it was a few years ago.

[stevew]

Evan Meek is starting to piss me off. Blew Game #2 and tried to lose tonight. Congrats to Morton for not sucking ass tonight.

Hanrahan will have his arm fall off by midseason at this rate.

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, congrats to Morton and his 1.50 ERA with 5 walks/2 Ks. That should hold up.

[cartman]

The Rangers keep on rolling, beating Seattle 6-4. Nelson Cruz joins Willie Mays and Mark McGwire as the only players to hit a homer in their team's first four games of the season.

[stevew]

Lol. He at least had a redic GB%. If he posts greater than 9:1 all year I'm sure he will be awesome!

[jbergey22]

The Rangers keep on rolling, beating Seattle 6-4. Nelson Cruz joins Willie Mays and Mark McGwire as the only players to hit a homer in their team's first four games of the season.

He is scary good when he gets hot.

[jbergey22]

Does this make the Pirates 3-1?

[Butter]

Indeed it does. They are a half game behind the 3-0 Reds. Pirate Fever, catch it!

[Butter]

Speaking of, I was catching the end of their game last night rather than watch Butler miss 80% of their shots in an absolutely brutal game, and noticed that Fox Sports Pittsburgh is now something called "Root Sports". WTF happened there? Is Fox trying to get out of the regional sports game, or is this just an aberration?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Speaking of, I was catching the end of their game last night rather than watch Butler miss 80% of their shots in an absolutely brutal game, and noticed that Fox Sports Pittsburgh is now something called "Root Sports". WTF happened there? Is Fox trying to get out of the regional sports game, or is this just an aberration?

Apparently Fox Sports sold regional nets in three markets (Pittsburgh, Seattle, Denver) to something called DirectTV Sports about three years ago. They finally decided to rebrand them.

FSN Pittsburgh becomes ROOT Sports Friday | Pittsburgh Business Times (http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2011/03/31/FSN-Pittsburgh-ROOT-Sports.html)

[Butter]

Hmmm. DirecTV buying regional sports networks? Wondering if they are trying to put the squeeze on their competitors this way, by taking more ownership of sports knowing how valuable of a commodity that is on a per-subscriber basis to cable and the other Dish company.

If anyone wants to explain the sense of this, feel free.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Hmmm. DirecTV buying regional sports networks? Wondering if they are trying to put the squeeze on their competitors this way, by taking more ownership of sports knowing how valuable of a commodity that is on a per-subscriber basis to cable and the other Dish company.

If anyone wants to explain the sense of this, feel free.

It's more complicated than I've ever tried to figure out. Back in '03 News Corp (aka Fox) acquired almost 40% of DirectTV. In '06, News Corp did a stock swap with Liberty Media, giving up their interest in DirectTV in return for the News Corp stock that Liberty owned.

In 2009, DirectTV Group became part of Liberty but then spun part of itself off into DirectTV, which owned their share in the three regional sports nets, Game Show Network, and online gaming company Fun Technologies. Apparently in turn that group spun the sports nets into DirectTV Sports.

In addition to all that fun stuff, some of the FSN nets were actually owned by Cablevision for a while, and then Comcast Sports nets are actually like sister-stations to the FSN's.

[Ksyrup]

I seem to have a vague recollection of DTV wanting to own regional sports networks being an issue in someone's contract negotiations. I can't remember if it even involved DTV directly. Maybe it lead to the 2006 stock swap. I really can't remember.

[henry296]

Does this make the Pirates 3-1?

All three wins are on the road and they only won 17 road games all last year. Almost 20% of the total in just the first week.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I seem to have a vague recollection of DTV wanting to own regional sports networks being an issue in someone's contract negotiations. I can't remember if it even involved DTV directly. Maybe it lead to the 2006 stock swap. I really can't remember.

One of the things I ran across while pulling that mess together referenced DTV being forced to divest it's interest in DTV Puerto Rico at the time.

Truth is, the way it looks from the backstory, not too many people have "wanted" the regional sports nets in some markets but rather ended up with them until they could figure out a way to unload them. Based on how little revenue many of them generate outside of live event sports (and the high cost of producing those), I can sort of understand that feeling.

[ISiddiqui]

Somehow the Orioles are 4-0. This isn't computing with me.

[Terps]

Somehow the Orioles are 4-0. This isn't computing with me.

... and it's great.

[Logan]

Mets put up a 6 spot on the Phillies in the 3rd, knocking Hamels out of the game, with the rally fueled by two hits in the inning by SP Chris Young. He added a 3rd in the 5th.

[cougarfreak]

Reds maintaining their hot ways tonight.

[samifan24]

Indians continue Red Sox' misery behind a strong outing from starter Josh Tomlin tonight.

[Scoobz0202]

Just booked a hotel in Newport, KY for the weekend of the 13th in May. Now I need to purchase tickets. Planning on hitting the entire series when the Cardinals come to town to take on the Reds. Can't fucking wait.

[Ksyrup]

Just flipped over to the Texas game, and they were interviewing a couple getting married at the ballpark tomorrow. Interviewer says to the guy, "You must be pretty excited." And they guy goes, "Not really, this is going to be the worst day of my life." Fiance sitting right next to him.

HA!

[JPhillips]

Reds maintaining their hot ways tonight.

Last time they started 4-0 was 1990.

[Scoobz0202]

Last time they started 4-0 was 1990.

Wire to wire in 2011.

[Tellistto]

Rangers start 5-0 with a 3-2 win over Seattle tonight.

Tell

[Lathum]

Pretty excited about the Mets win tonight. Guarantees at worst a 3-3 road trip to start the season.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Royals keep on rollin'! 4-1. First place. First time they've been three games over .500 since early 2009.

[sterlingice]

I had to get to sleep before the game finished last night so I missed the 12th

SI

[JPhillips]

Pretty excited about the Mets win tonight. Guarantees at worst a 3-3 road trip to start the season.

And a 3-159 season record.

[Ksyrup]

SBNation recap of Royals win:


Then came the Royals magic that everyone has come to expect in the past <STRIKE>few years</STRIKE> week. After six scoreless innings from the bullpen, Kansas City played small ball in the 12th inning. A Chris Getz (http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/32874/chris-getz) single and a sacrifice bunt set up Cabrera, who singled up the middle off Tony Pena to seal the second straight home-plate celebration for the Royals. The game marked the fifth time in history that someone named "Tony Pena" contributed to a Royals win.

:D

[ISiddiqui]

And a 3-159 season record.

Hey, I'll take any win with this team :D.

[Suicane75]

Hellickson had 10 K's in 5 innings today. Willie Bloomquist is looking like Rickey Henderson.

[TroyF]

Royals keep on rollin'! 4-1. First place. First time they've been three games over .500 since early 2009.

The Royals are 4-1 but the story I'm interested in with them is Alex Gordon. He had a terrific spring and has started off on fire. 6 extra base hits in his first 25 at bats. He seems like a good guy. I hope he keeps it up.

[PilotMan]

I never thought that I would be excited for Minor League opening day. However, this year I got the Minor League package along with my MLB.TV package, and the games start tomorrow. I have never paid so much attention to who was in the LA and Cincy minor league systems and being able to watch some of the games. It's weird.

[JediKooter]

Wondering how long before Giants fans call for Bruce Bochy's firing? I know they were wanting it by the 3rd week of the season last year, from all the phone calls that came into KNBR.

[Suicane75]

Come on, he gets at least a one year grace period.

[JediKooter]

Not with Giants fans. They are (not all of them) some of the whiniest, cry baby fans I've ever heard/seen. I'm surprised there's not a 'Bring Your Therapist to the Game' promo at AT&T park.

[Karlifornia]

Yeah....Giants fans kinda suck sometimes, especially after the bandwagon ballooned during the World Series run.

The team simply isn't playing good defense, whereas they played terrific defense last year. It'll turn around, unless, of course, it doesn't.

[JediKooter]

Yup, their defense is killing them. That and the lack of run support as well.

[kingfc22]

Yup, their defense is killing them. That and the lack of run support as well.

And what is with all the non-standard start times. Can they play some 1PM or 7PM games?

[molson]

It's amusing to read the brainy Red Sox fans at Sonsofsamhorn put together statistical analysis of their crappy start and how meaningful it is.

"Just because starting 0-4 doesn't follow normal distribution doesn't make it non-random, any more than a 4-game losing streak to end the season is non-random, or any isolated 4-game stretch*. All we know for certain is that there appears to be a mild correlation between starting badly and ending the season out of contention. History tells us that's because these two factors are likely caused by an 0-4 starting team being, on average, worse than playoff teams. But that likelihood is far from certain, and there is enough variance that drawing conclusions at this stage is making a mountain out of a molehill. This type of reasoning is precisely why people here lament the use of small sample sizes to draw conclusions that are disproportionate to that sample.

*EDIT - This is to say: flip a coin 4 times in a row and tell me that the result is non-random. I just flipped a quarter and got 3 heads and 1 tails. The tails side clearly has a problem facing up. Have 30 people flip coins 4 times in a row, and there's a good chance results will still not follow a normal distribution in terms of <.500 vs. .500 vs >.500"

[JediKooter]

And what is with all the non-standard start times. Can they play some 1PM or 7PM games?

Oh man, no kidding. Did the same people who were responsible for New Coke, come up with the game times this season?

[JonInMiddleGA]

And what is with all the non-standard start times. Can they play some 1PM or 7PM games?

I decided to glance at the Giants schedule (that's who was being talked about, right?) since I kind of had the same feeling about the Braves so far this year.

Sure enough, it's a mess of starting times for the Giants.

For April/May/June at least (I didn't go farther) it looks like the Giants are committed to playing at least one weekday day game a week when they're at home. Most of those are on getaway days but not all of them.

Saturdays are a real puzzle though, Sat home games in the first half start at 705p,110p,605p, 410p,105p, 110p, and 605p. About the only consistent start time seems to be Sundays at 105p.

[Ksyrup]

What in God's name is going on with the Royals? Will they not win unless it's a walk-off?

Up 6-3 in the 9th with 2 out, none on, and Soria gives up 4. Bottom of the 9th, Kila just doubled in the tying run with 1 out.

[Crapshoot]

Have the Royals decided that fans are entitled to see extra-innings baseball every time around?

[DanGarion]

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/y64appvE09g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Crapshoot]

Not with Giants fans. They are (not all of them) some of the whiniest, cry baby fans I've ever heard/seen. I'm surprised there's not a 'Bring Your Therapist to the Game' promo at AT&T park.

Wait, where the heck do you live? Bochy is what he is - he loves his vets unless they are taken away from him (ie, Cody Ross only played last year once Guillen was left off the roster; Molina continued to catch when Posey was called up), but he's very very good handling a pen. The Giants were very lucky last year, and I could comfortably see them losing out to CO in the West this year.

[stevew]

If you thought the Cards were using steroids before.....I shudder at how they will overcompensate for losing 2 of 3 to the Pirates.

[bhlloy]

What in God's name is going on with the Royals? Will they not win unless it's a walk-off?

Up 6-3 in the 9th with 2 out, none on, and Soria gives up 4. Bottom of the 9th, Kila just doubled in the tying run with 1 out.


Unfortunately for the Royals, Sean O'Sullivan is still one of the worst pitchers in baseball. How this guy is still in the majors I have absolutely no idea.

[Ksyrup]

Francoeur blew it in the bottom of the 11th. First and third, 1 out, all he needed was a fly ball and he K'd.

[RedKingGold]

Last night, the Met's have a crazy good 3rd inning, scoring six runs due largely to key hits from their pitcher.

Tonight, the Phillies are having a crazy good 3rd inning, having scored six runs in the inning so far due largely from a key 2-run single hit by pitcher Joe Blanton.

[kingfc22]

Lincecum looks great tonight. 10 K's through 5 IP and only 2 hits allowed.

[EagleFan]

I would LOVE to see Blanton win 16+ games this year. Just because he is always the guy on the outside looking in when talking about the team's pitchers.

[panerd]

The Reds offense looks really good this season. Edinson Volquez gets shelled for 4 runs in the first and they are still up 6-4. Through the first two innings he had given up 4 hits, 4 walks, and 4 runs but also struck out 6.

[korme]

Go REDS Go REDS Go REDS

[sterlingice]

Have the Royals decided that fans are entitled to see extra-innings baseball every time around?

Yeah, it keeps messing with my schedule

SI

[PilotMan]

<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/y64appvE09g" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" width="640"></iframe>

Funny! LOL!

[JediKooter]

Wait, where the heck do you live? Bochy is what he is - he loves his vets unless they are taken away from him (ie, Cody Ross only played last year once Guillen was left off the roster; Molina continued to catch when Posey was called up), but he's very very good handling a pen. The Giants were very lucky last year, and I could comfortably see them losing out to CO in the West this year.

San Diego and the Bay Area for the last 16 years and grew up in San Diego watching Bochy as a player. He wasn't an All-Star player by any stretch, but, very smart and knows the game.

The whole 'he likes his veterans' thing has been way over blown since he came up to Frisco. I'm not saying that he doesn't, I'm saying it's being made out to be more than what it actually is. What he likes, as he did for many years in San Diego, is players that produce first and foremost. He plays who he thinks will give them best chance to win. He will play players that are on hot streaks, so if you get hot, you're starting, veteran or not. He knows his players and that's why he has been successful. If he's not starting someone, it's based on a number of factors, not just based on a comparison of service time.

He's a pretty dang good coach. He took very mediocre Padres teams and got them to the playoffs more times than they probably should have. He's taken two teams that don't spend money on players like the Red Sox and Yankees do, to the World Series and is 1-1. He's no Joe Torre, but, he also never worked with Steinbrenner's money. It takes luck to be a champion in any league. Everything has to fall into place at the right time, injuries minimized, other teams getting cold at the wrong time, etc...I think the Giants will be fine this year, baring any unforeseen injuries.

[Easy Mac]

Francoeur blew it in the bottom of the 11th. First and third, 1 out, all he needed was a fly ball and he K'd.

That's like blaming a dog for licking itself when all you need it to do is shake.

[molson]

Wow, two innings today so far and the Red Sox staff STILL hasn't given up a home run! Not one so far today!

[Ksyrup]

I hate Thursdays, with all the early games. Only 2 games to watch tonight, both 7pm games. I can't wait until the west coast teams start hosting games.

[MikeVic]

What's with all the weird times and afternoon games? Are there some holidays I don't know about in uhh Toronto? Why is there a Thursday noon game?

[Ksyrup]

It's a combination of the second wave of opening series for teams that started the year on the road and Thursday as the traditional "get away" day for travel to the next series that starts on Friday. Thursdays are usually light schedules to begin with, because it's used as one of the off-days, and the games that are played that day are mostly afternoon so teams can fly out earlier for the weekend series.