The Official 2013 MLB Thread

[JetsIn06]

Spring training games started today. Offseason is over! (except for Kyle Lohse)

[Johnny93g]

spring training thread :P

Go Jays

[Chief Rum]

Mark Prior signs a minor league contract with the Reds.

Rumors are false that Dusty Baker then grabbed a gun and said, "Why don't I just do this right now and we'll get it done quick this time..."

[molson]

Mark Prior signs a minor league contract with the Reds.

Rumors are false that Dusty Baker then grabbed a gun and said, "Why don't I just do this right now and we'll get it done quick this time..."

He did strike out 38 in 25 innings at AAA last year. On the down side, he also walked 23. I was hoping the Sox would get him in some games anyway strictly out of pity, but it didn't happen.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Let the spring of eternal optimism begin. Will this be the year the Royals finally have a +.500 record? Pretty please?

[SackAttack]

So what's the consensus on the Angels giving Trout a $27k raise after his 2012 season?

I noticed when looking that the last several ROY winners have all gotten more like $60-90k (and the Rays gave Hellickson an $80k boost after he won ROY).

My initial assessment is "Yeah, the Angels are within their rights, but I have to think shifting the guy to right field and then giving him a paltry raise after the year he had are going to smell like 'moves designed to suppress his value in arbitration' to Trout and his representation," and that the Angels might be costing themselves money in the long run by shorting Trout now.

[Peregrine]

So what's the consensus on the Angels giving Trout a $27k raise after his 2012 season?


Well I have to say he's earned it.

But also, to me the idea that when he does come into his big-time salary negotiations at whatever point later on, I guess arbitration, it seems silly that it would swing based around whether they bumped him 30K or 75K in 2013. To me this is spring training talk because there's nothing much else to talk about.

[rowech]

I think they just spent a ton on Hamilton and Pujols and they don't want to pay out right now -- especially off of one season. In addition, I think they're going to wait and see if he tests positive for anything this year, especially HGH now that they will test for it.

[Chief Rum]

The conventional thinking I have seen is that neither side cares right now about an extension, and that the money Trout gets won't affect his arbitration pay out, should the Angels let him get to arbitration before signing him to an extension.

The Angels don't want to sign him to an extension yet off of one season. And Trout/his reps don't want to tie his value to this one season when he could quite possibly get even better (amazingly enough).

The arb figures two years from now are going to be based more on market comparables based around his performance through that time, not what he gets now from the Angels. Future arb years do use that first arb year as a base to build on, but his current CBA established salary guidelines won't be a consideration.

[claphamsa]

i think its his agent being a blowhard. this means nothing.

[SackAttack]

The conventional thinking I have seen is that neither side cares right now about an extension, and that the money Trout gets won't affect his arbitration pay out, should the Angels let him get to arbitration before signing him to an extension.

The Angels don't want to sign him to an extension yet off of one season. And Trout/his reps don't want to tie his value to this one season when he could quite possibly get even better (amazingly enough).

The thing is, the last ten ROY winners have averaged something like a 26% pay raise from one season to the next. Ryan Braun got a 16% raise, and until Trout (5.5%), he was the lowest.

So from where I sit, it doesn't MATTER that they aren't ready to extend him yet. That's cool. But Jesus H. Christ, this guy nearly did the double on hardware as a rookie, and you're rewarding him with a $27,500 raise, while even the Rays gave Jeremy Hellickson a $77k'ish raise.

That is skinflinty as fuck, especially after the money you dropped on Hamilton and Pujols. And if the agent doesn't come back in 5 years and say "Hometown discount? I'm afraid you got that in 2013," then he's not doing his job representing Trout.

Of course neither side cares right now about an extension; Trout wants to maximize his earnings, and the Angels don't want to pay him those dollars until he proves that his 2012 season wasn't a random one-off.

But cheaping out to the tune of $50k now is going to either cost the Angels the player when his agent takes him to free agency and says 'bid for his services there,' or it's going to cost them much more in the long run than the goodwill they might otherwise have earned could have saved them once both sides ARE ready for an extension.

The arb figures two years from now are going to be based more on market comparables based around his performance through that time, not what he gets now from the Angels. Future arb years do use that first arb year as a base to build on, but his current CBA established salary guidelines won't be a consideration.

Right. What he gets paid this year won't affect him in arb. The shift to right field will, though, because he'll be getting compared to corner OFs instead of centerfielders, where his offensive output stands out much more.

That's why I say it's the two moves in conjunction that look like an attempt at suppressing his value come arbitration.

[SackAttack]

i think its his agent being a blowhard. this means nothing.

If his agent is being a blowhard now, what makes you think that's going to change in 3-5 years when he has more leverage and now has an axe to grind?

[Chief Rum]

I'm not saying it doesn't look weird, but it seems to me you're jumping to a massive conspiracy theory here without considering more logical conclusions.

I don't know what math the Angels organization uses to figure what they pay second year players, but I'm guessing they did the same thing with Trout they do with all of the others. I can't see an organization that spends $160 M on payroll two years in a row getting chintzy to save $20-30 K. Does that make sense to you?

Do I think someone in the front office could have put more thought into that? No doubt. But I figure they did it on a "treat everyone the same" kind of approach.

And the right field thing, it could be to get his value down. Or it could be because Peter Bourjos is a better centerfielder.

[SackAttack]

Do I think someone in the front office could have put more thought into that? No doubt. But I figure they did it on a "treat everyone the same" kind of approach.

And the right field thing, it could be to get his value down. Or it could be because Peter Bourjos is a better centerfielder.

Since you bring him up, here's Bourjos' salary history:

Peter Bourjos Salary Info and Value - Los Angeles Angels Salaries -- Baseball Player Salaries (http://baseballplayersalaries.com/players/1023_Peter_Bourjos)

Trout is going from $487,500 to $510,000.

*Bourjos* got a bigger raise from his rookie year to his sophomore season and he didn't even win the ROY, never mind finish 2nd in MVP balloting.

The move to RF on its own isn't necessarily a big deal. It's that combined with the WTF on the salary that has me wondering. If they were cheaping out but he were staying in center or vice versa, I wouldn't blink twice at it. It's the combination of the two that has conspiracy gears turning in my head.

[claphamsa]

i think some accountant made a stupid decision. nothing to see please drive through.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

A week in and the Royals are undefeated. Break out the champagne, baby! We're going to have a winning record in Cactus League play!

[BYU 14]

A week in and the Royals are undefeated. Break out the champagne, baby! We're going to have a winning record in Cactus League play!

I live 10 minutes from the complex they share with Texas so I make a few games every spring. If nothing else it is definitely the best place to catch a spring training game in AZ IMO. The park is very nice and they have a great selection of vendors.

[Logan]

Red Sox Pitcher Clocked At 111 MPH (While Drunk Driving) (http://deadspin.com/5988686)

[Logan]

Teixera out 8-10 weeks with a strained tendon in his wrist. This means he'll have three less hits in April than he usually does.

[stevew]

Teixera out 8-10 weeks with a strained tendon in his wrist. This means he'll have three less hits in April than he usually does.

I'm sure finding someone to go like 15-87 with 45 K's won't be too hard.

[Chief Rum]

I'm sure finding someone to go like 15-87 with 45 K's won't be too hard.

As it turns out, that someone is out until the All Star break.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Good God. KC is getting giddy about this spring training start for the Royals. 11-0?!?!?!

Excited to see the pitchers we picked up all performing to expectations thus far. Alex Gordon looking like what we hoped for when we selected him in the draft.

[stevew]

Perhaps you could start a thread about how your team looking good in preseason.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Perhaps you could start a thread about how your team looking good in preseason.

Too Raider-esque. Can't stoop to that level.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Rafael Furcal of St. Louis Cardinals to have Tommy John elbow surgery - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/mlb/spring2013/story/_/id/9026686/rafael-furcal-st-louis-cardinals-tommy-john-elbow-surgery)

[spleen1015]

Rafael Furcal.

I remember back in his rookie year, the guys I was in a fantasy league with were at BW3's the night before our draft and the Braves were on tv. Furcal stole 18 bases in that game and everyone was determined to get him in the draft the next day. I think he ended up auctioning for $50-60 and he wasn't worth it.

[Jas_lov]

Mariano Rivera will announce on Saturday that this season will be his last. I suspect last season would have been it had he not gotten hurt. Hopefully he stays healthy all year so he can go out on his own terms. Guy has a career .70 postseason ERA, he was certainly the greatest ever at his role.

[stevew]

Anyone voting against him on the first ballot needs punched.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I suspect last season would have been it had he not gotten hurt.

Agreed.

No Yankee fan here by any means, but he deserves to go out on his own terms afaic. An absolute beast of all beasts.

[rowech]

Anyone voting against him on the first ballot needs punched.

There will be some who refuse to vote for a closer for the HOF.

[Scoobz0202]

I saw this last year and enjoyed it. A breakdown of his cutter.

How Mariano Rivera Dominates Hitters - Video - The New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/video/2010/06/30/sports/1247468158551/how-mariano-rivera-dominates-hitters.html)

[SirFozzie]

This is crazy. Netherlands beat Cuba and Japan and Chinese Taipei are in extra innings in the World Baseball Classic. Japan leads (they're the "visiting" team despite playing in the Tokyo Dome), but Taipei, who was one strike away in the 9th, have two on and one out.

(If Japan loses, then Japan-Cuba tommorrow will knock one team out of the tournament)

[PilotMan]

Finally getting to watch of the WBC today. Italy were not even a thought to make it out of the first round, but a win yesterday and if they can hang on here today, will put them in fantastic shape going forward.

[bhlloy]

Yes, an incredible performance by four Italians and a bunch of major leaguers with Italian sounding surnames :)

[ISiddiqui]

So, um... glad the Mets sold high on Dickey...

[IlliniCub]

I'm comfortable in going out on a limb and predicting my Cubs don't win it all this year

[MIJB#19]

This is crazy. Netherlands beat Cuba and Japan and Chinese Taipei are in extra innings in the World Baseball Classic. Japan leads (they're the "visiting" team despite playing in the Tokyo Dome), but Taipei, who was one strike away in the 9th, have two on and one out.

(If Japan loses, then Japan-Cuba tommorrow will knock one team out of the tournament)Netherlands are on a roll, another win over Cuba after the most recent World Cup final. One more win over Japan or the Cuba-Ch.Taipei winner away from the final four.

[Peregrine]

17th century colonial expansion is really paying dividends for the Netherlands now!

[ISiddiqui]

I always knew they were playing a long game ;).

[GrantDawg]

I was watching Canada-Mexico in the WBC, and a hockey game broke out.

[lungs]

Now that was a pretty decent brawl.

[GrantDawg]

This could hurt Canada, since anyone thrown out can't come back for the rest of the tournament.

[ISiddiqui]

I was watching Canada-Mexico in the WBC, and a hockey game broke out.

Seriously.

[Icy]

So weird but happy moment to see the Spanish national team playing the World Baseball Classic.

The sport is slowly growing here thanks to the south american immigration in the last 10 years.

The sad part is that only a player form the whole team is born is Spain, the rest are mainly Latin Americans that have been nationalized because having Spanish ancestors, that i find some way of cheating.

The Spanish coaches went on a tour to the USA minor leagues trying to find all the players that have Spanish ancestors and offered them to become Spanish and to join the national team, and some did and are now the national team base, like Engel Beltre (Rangers).

Hope at least it will help to make the sport more popular here now that it is on the news etc.

http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/xPrNvuUO0w_ykyd0WsE1VA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD05MTM7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/gettyimages.com/world-baseball-classic-pool-c-20130308-160044-128.jpg

[MIJB#19]

Heh, the Nertherlands getting destroyed by Japan at the moment. Another clash with Cuba is upcoming.

[PilotMan]

I really like the storylines coming out of the WBC. Quite a game that just finished up. Venezuela gets knocked out, and the US loaded with stars plays very lackluster baseball, but hangs on to stay in there. Korea, who was heavily favored doesn't get out of the first round, and now the Netherlands knock off Cuba to move on.

Yeah, so it's not perfect, but it's the best that we can do right now, and it will grow in stature by the nature of the games being played right now. It's certainly provided drama, and something to talk about moving forward.

[MikeVic]

I watched from the 7th inning-on in the Canada/USA game last night, and have to say it was pretty exciting. The commentators even noted that both benches and all the fans were standing during (I think) the 8th inning when the US ended up taking the lead. It had a great atmosphere.

[ISiddiqui]

Holy crap, I can't believe Cuba got knocked out.. by the Netherlands twice as well. And the US having to come from behind to make it to the next round. Wow!! Very exciting!

[MIJB#19]

The World Champions advance!

[ISiddiqui]

I didn't see anyone post this, but GREAT NEWS:

Gold Glove Awards Take Another Step Forward | FanGraphs Baseball (http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/gold-glove-awards-take-another-step-forward/)

Basically, Rawlings will work with SABR. Rawlings already sent out a statistical resource packet to Gold Glove voters the last few years. Now SABR’s going to improve the packet. Additionally, and more importantly, SABR will create a committee that, in turn, creates a new statistical defensive metric. This metric will play a role in determining the award winners. Much of it will still be left up to the voters, but no longer will the voters represent 100% of the input.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Hochevar to the bullpen. There is a God!!!!!!

[Vince, Pt. II]

So I've heard a few casual fans around my neck of the woods talk about how the Giants are being disrespected because people have the Dodgers as favorites for the division, or because Washington is the favorite in the NL, with perhaps Cincinnati or St. Louis even ahead of the Giants.

Am I wrong for not buying it? I think those other teams probably SHOULD be ranked higher than the Giants. Tons of questions in the rotation, the offense still isn't a juggernaut by any means...

Should I be giving my own team a little more credit?

[JPhillips]

In the NL I think the favorites are Washington, Cincy and LA, but each division has a second strong contender in ATL, StL and San Fran. Should be a fun season and the wild card race is going to be brutal.

[spleen1015]

I don't get it when people get upset because people aren't picking their team as the best team in their predictions. It is not like it has any impact on what happens on the field. Be happy if your team is good and who gives a shit if Buster Olney thinks your team is going to win the NL West?

[lungs]

Carlos Gomez gets an extension to stay in Milwaukee. 4 years, around $27 million

[Vince, Pt. II]

I don't get it when people get upset because people aren't picking their team as the best team in their predictions. It is not like it has any impact on what happens on the field. Be happy if your team is good and who gives a shit if Buster Olney thinks your team is going to win the NL West?

Normally, yes. The argument here is that the Giants have won the World Series two of the last three years.

[Scarecrow]

Hochevar to the bullpen. There is a God!!!!!!

I know he's had trouble with runners in scoring position in the past, but I wonder if he would make a decent closer. Pitch one inning, balls to the wall, as hard as he can.

[stevew]

Hochevar to the bullpen. There is a God!!!!!!

yeah, how else do you explain Jeremy Guthrie getting a 3 year deal and Dayton Moore remaining gainfully employed.

[Matthean]

Jim Leyland's Breakfast. (https://vine.co/v/bdWL97YHFXF)

[kingfc22]

Glad the WBC gets to showcase the joke that is Angel Hernandez. This guys strike zone is ridiculous.

[ISiddiqui]

Damn you Kimbrel!!!

What exciting baseball!

[Karlifornia]

USA down to their final three outs, down a run. Adam Jones, Victorino, and Rollins due up...

[Karlifornia]

Jones works the count full, then JC Romero K's him. One down.

[Karlifornia]

Victorino gets pwned on 3 pitches. All comes down to J-Roll

[Karlifornia]

And that's it. Puerto Rico advances. USA may win a World Cup before they win a WBC. Just kidding....kinda..

[henry296]

Does anyone know if McCutchon was invited. Rather him than Victorino and probably Jones too.

[Scoobz0202]

USA just isnt a baseball country i guess

[SirFozzie]

This just in: MLB owners just as much of a group of scumbags as NFL owners.

MLB owners want to abolish pensions of personnel, sources say - ESPN New York (http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/9070691/mlb-owners-want-abolish-pensions-personnel-sources-say)

They tried to keep it under wraps that they were going to be holding a vote to scrap pensions for people other than big league uniform wearers in May. In an era of multi billion dollar local TV Contracts (over many years, yes), this is penny-pinching idiocy.

[MrBug708]

I would imagine most would still have retirement or as former players, still have a pension, no?

[SirFozzie]

..Major League Baseball owners, despite boasting $8 billion in annual revenue and climbing, are moving toward eliminating the pension plans of all personnel not wearing big league uniforms, sources told ESPNNewYork.com....

The potential impact of eliminating the pension plan would affect much of the MLB family: front-office executives, trainers, minor league staff and scouts. Some of those personnel, particularly on the minor league level and in amateur scouting, make less than $40,000 a year and rely on pensions in retirement.

[sterlingice]

Hochevar to the bullpen. There is a God!!!!!!

Yeah, he just has a mean sense of humor: "Hah! Have him non-tendered in the offseason so the money can be spent on a 2B? Bah! No, we'll make sure Moore still thinks he has value but only enough to make him a $4.5M middle reliever!"

Here's the thing about Hochevar: he's got good stuff. It's the million dollar arm, ten cent head problem. He's never going to be anything but bad for the Royals. But with the right pitching coach, I think he could be a serviceable middle to back of the rotation guy for a few years. But he badly needs a change of scenery and mentality. Or he could never figure it out

SI

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Yeah, he just has a mean sense of humor: "Hah! Have him non-tendered in the offseason so the money can be spent on a 2B? Bah! No, we'll make sure Moore still thinks he has value but only enough to make him a $4.5M middle reliever!"

Here's the thing about Hochevar: he's got good stuff. It's the million dollar arm, ten cent head problem. He's never going to be anything but bad for the Royals. But with the right pitching coach, I think he could be a serviceable middle to back of the rotation guy for a few years. But he badly needs a change of scenery and mentality. Or he could never figure it out

SI

We'll see. I think the bullpen may be a good change for him. Come out and throw a couple innings balls-to-the-wall rather than trying to ease into several innings. Pretty big wake up call for him that his honeymoon period is quickly closing. He's going to be lucky to make $2M going forward if he doesn't show progress this year.

[sterlingice]

Since he melts into a puddle of crap any time there's a runner on, sending him into clean innings is his only real role. I expect he'll pitch well and replace Chen when he gets injured, melt down (again), and be released when Duffy is ready to come back from TJ surgery.

SI

[Butter]

Rumor is Aroldis Chapman is going back to closing, although Dusty and Walt Jocketty are denying any decision has been made.

Either way, I still kinda hate the Jonathan Broxton contract. But especially if Chapman ends up as a closer again.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Since he melts into a puddle of crap any time there's a runner on, sending him into clean innings is his only real role. I expect he'll pitch well and replace Chen when he gets injured, melt down (again), and be released when Duffy is ready to come back from TJ surgery.

SI

Sounds good. :)

[Chief Rum]

Rumor is Aroldis Chapman is going back to closing, although Dusty and Walt Jocketty are denying any decision has been made.

Either way, I still kinda hate the Jonathan Broxton contract. But especially if Chapman ends up as a closer again.

I had Chapman set as one of my starters on my fantasy team, and I also have Axford, Romo and Grilli on my team (as well as Jansen in a "he could end up as a closer" situation). I really don't need Chapman to go to the pen. :/

[JPhillips]

Rumor is Aroldis Chapman is going back to closing, although Dusty and Walt Jocketty are denying any decision has been made.

Either way, I still kinda hate the Jonathan Broxton contract. But especially if Chapman ends up as a closer again.

There's no harm in trying him for a month or two. If it doesn't work send him back to the pen, but if it does work he could be Randy Johnson.

[Easy Mac]

I heard Chapman wants to close. Whic is weird, because I thought he said last year he wanted to start.

[cartman]

If the regular season match-ups between the Rangers and the Angels are anything like last night's spring training game, they are going to be immensely entertaining.

[hoopsguy]

Scout on Cubs: They could build a monster | CSN Chicago (http://www.csnchicago.com/blog/cubs-talk/scout-cubs-they-could-build-monster)

I want to believe. Not expecting much from 2013, but really hoping that the Theo rebuilding plan is going to transpire the way all the ESPN Insider authors expect.

[RedKingGold]

Halladay supposedly showing Jaime Moyer-like velocity.

Shoot me now.

[Scoobz0202]

Not sure where to put this but I'll ask here.

First fantasy baseball draft coming up in a few hours. Never done one live.

Are there any tips for a baseball draft that I should know beforehand?

[rowech]

Not sure where to put this but I'll ask here.

First fantasy baseball draft coming up in a few hours. Never done one live.

Are there any tips for a baseball draft that I should know beforehand?

Offense the first four to five rounds, don't draft pitchers over 31 years of age, and go for pitchers with k/bb ratios of at least 2 to 1 with homers per 9 of less than 1. You can pick up a lot of great young pitchers that way. Don't worry about saves too much either.

[Jas_lov]

So the Angels finally got a sucker to take Vernon Wells off their hands. I don't see what Wells offers the Yankees or anyone for that matter. Certainly not worth $13 million over 2 years. He's not even worth $1 million over 12 years. Don't understand that one at all.

[sterlingice]

Play SS to start the season? ;)

SI

[Buccaneer]

I'm thinking Wash, Atl, Cincy, SF, LA in NL with Cincy winning the pennant. All I got in AL is Det and Angels.

[Scoobz0202]

Offense the first four to five rounds, don't draft pitchers over 31 years of age, and go for pitchers with k/bb ratios of at least 2 to 1 with homers per 9 of less than 1. You can pick up a lot of great young pitchers that way. Don't worry about saves too much either.

Thanks. I don't think it was a total dumpster fire, but shit started going real fast and I got kind of confused lol.

My bench was filled out just by complete sleepers. Probably should have thought that out better.

http://i.imgur.com/VygBkXs.png

Roto league:

R, H, HR, SB, OBP, SLG
IP, SV, K, ERA, WHIP, QS

[lungs]

Brewers are signing Kyle Lohse, aka Jeff Suppan v2.0

It will improve the rotation this year at least (which isn't saying a whole lot)

[sterlingice]

I don't really understand that signing but whatever

SI

[stevew]

So the Angels finally got a sucker to take Vernon Wells off their hands. I don't see what Wells offers the Yankees or anyone for that matter. Certainly not worth $13 million over 2 years. He's not even worth $1 million over 12 years. Don't understand that one at all.

I guess he counts little against next years tax. Our heroes are supposedly paying 12m this year and 1m next.

[lungs]

I don't really understand that signing but whatever

SI

Well, from the perspective of right now, the Brewer rotation was shaping up to be pretty bad behind Gallardo. This will help right now. And comparing Lohse to Suppan is not fair to Lohse because he is definitely better than Suppan. I'm just not sure the rest of the pitching will be good enough to contend even with Lohse (The offense is a playoff caliber offense).

My biggest thing is losing that first round pick AND having Lohse around for three years, starting at age 34.

I'd still only put the Brewers around 80 wins right now and it'll take a lot of good fortune for this pitching staff to get them into the playoffs.

[Suicane75]

I don't know about the dollars/years but for this season I think it's a good move for them. Takes a little pressure off the younger guys in the rotation and surely makes the staff better. Still don't think it's gonna be enough but at least they're trying.

[stevew]

http://m.nydailynews.com/1.1298453

Basically Wells earns up to a 2m luxury tax credit next year. If he can juice it up enough to be average, I like it.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Watched the Royals win their 22nd spring training game last night on TV. It's a franchise record. When you've had as bad of a run as our team has had, this is pretty exciting. Hell, Luke even looked good out of the bullpen, striking out a couple batters in the 9th to finish it off.

Ready for opening day to see if it the success continues into the regular season.

[lungs]

BREAKING NEWS: Brewers sign Yuniesky Betancourt.

Now I can finally say that a playoff berth is within grasp.

[Atocep]

BREAKING NEWS: Brewers sign Yuniesky Betancourt.

Now I can finally say that a playoff berth is within grasp.

So he's now gone from KC to MIL to KC to MIL over the last 4 seasons.

Did either of these teams really see enough to want to bring him back for a 2nd go around?

[lungs]

So he's now gone from KC to MIL to KC to MIL over the last 4 seasons.

Did either of these teams really see enough to want to bring him back for a 2nd go around?

Thankfully at this point it's just a right-handed bat off the bench that can play three infield positions. The problem is that the Brewers brought in Betancourt because that means Alex Gonzalez will probably be getting the bulk of the playing time at first base while Corey Hart is down. Gonzalez makes a decent shortstop offensively where the bar is set much lower, but that kind of offense doesn't cut it at first base.

If Gonzalez is the plan at first base (which I disagree with, something better has to be out there), that left Donnie Murphy (career line of .205/.270/.373) as the utility man. I guess Yuni's career .266/.292/.392 line is a little more palatable than Murphy, but not by much.

Thankfully, Jean Segura is looking like he'll make a fine shortstop. So long as Ron Roenicke doesn't get some stick up his ass about Yuni having some low sample success against certain pitchers and throwing him in the lineup over Segura more than he should.

[stevew]

Johnathan Sanchez is supposedly the pirates #4 starter. This is probably not going to end well. Plus we kept Brandon Inge.

[sterlingice]

Do not get me started on Yuni

SI

[sterlingice]

I know one already has its own thread but two awesome bits of baseball news (that I couldn't resist putting next to each other):

Tim McCarver to step down from Fox after season - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/tim-mccarver-step-down-fox-164551913--mlb.html)

Lehigh Valley IronPigs' ballpark to feature interactive urinal game - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/minor-league-baseball/story/_/id/9100717/lehigh-valley-ironpigs-ballpark-feature-interactive-urinal-game)

SI

[lungs]

Do not get me started on Yuni

SI

At least my Yuni B memories include him starting on a division winner with an NLCS appearance :)

[stevew]

Good on McCarver. That fucker makes enjoying a game real hard.

[stevew]

Just looking at the team the Pirates break camp with and I basically see the streak continuing yet another year. Spots 3-5 in the rotation are shaky. They're counting on unproven guys in both corners.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Good to see Luke back to being Luke. Single-handedly blew a comfortable 6 run lead for the Royals last night. When you can't hold that kind of lead for an inning, I'm not even sure you're fit for the mop-up role.

[PilotMan]

Good on McCarver. That fucker makes enjoying a game real hard.

+1

[claphamsa]

Good on McCarver. That fucker makes enjoying a game real hard.

I almost always watch games on mute....

[Crapshoot]

Now that McCarver is gone, can we work on getting rid of Buck pls?

[Suicane75]

I have such fond memories of McCarver from when I was a kid watching Mets games. Did he suck back then too and I was just too young to realize?

[fantom1979]

I have such fond memories of McCarver from when I was a kid watching Mets games. Did he suck back then too and I was just too young to realize?

I wonder about that as well. I liked Madden when I was a kid to, so maybe I was just too young to know better.

[Scoobz0202]

Reading Johan Santana's season may be over (even career maybe?). Re-injury of the shoulder.

[Ramzavail]

:(

[stevew]

At least they got a no hitter

[molson]

I have such fond memories of McCarver from when I was a kid watching Mets games. Did he suck back then too and I was just too young to realize?

I always liked him too, but I've always preferred the older/campy/possibly drunk/uncle-like/former player-type announcers ahead of the provides accurate information and insightful-analysis-type announcers. There's so many tools available now if you want the latter, I want my announcers to have a unique sound and style.

[Logan]

At least they got a no hitter

You're god damn right. Thanks Johan.

[sterlingice]

I always liked him too, but I've always preferred the older/campy/possibly drunk/uncle-like/former player-type announcers ahead of the provides accurate information and insightful-analysis-type announcers

Can we put this on his gravestone? Or at least read it as a fan letter on the air?

SI

[Vince, Pt. II]

Now that McCarver is gone, can we work on getting rid of Buck pls?

I'm worried that Dave Flemming might start to be considered for a big time gig. Dude is getting a lot of coverage in a lot of prime areas these days, his name has to be getting out there.

[Scoobz0202]

Buster Olney just posted:

Sources: Justin Verlander can make $202m under terms of his new deal. He'll get $180m over next seven seasons, plus vesting option of $22m.

That's a lot of green.

[Chief Rum]

Buster Olney just posted:

Sources: Justin Verlander can make $202m under terms of his new deal. He'll get $180m over next seven seasons, plus vesting option of $22m.

That's a lot of green.

You put the cart before the horse, Scoobz. It's not even posted in this thread that Verlander and reprotedly agreed to a five year extension.

So, for those of you slow on the up take, it is being reported that Verlander has agreed to an extension with the Tigers. :)

[Scoobz0202]

I didn't know he agreed to an extension either but when I read that I knew 2+2=4 :D

[Chief Rum]

I didn't know he agreed to an extension either but when I read that I knew 2+2=4 :D

Heh... that's what I am saying, take credit for being the first to post about it here bedore the FOFC baseball cognescenti chime in. ;)

I'm actually impressed an Ohio State fan saw it before anyone from our numerous Detroit faction did.

[Chief Rum]

BTW, I absolutely love that baseball is starting this weekend. It feels kinda forgotten in the media, with NFL draft talk, LeBron and the streak and college bball, but I'm really excited to get this thing going.

[Scoobz0202]

Best time of the year. March Madness. Opening day. Winter is coming to an end. Golf clubs about to come out.

[spleen1015]

Orioles don't play until Tuesday. Disappointed.

[CraigSca]

BTW, I absolutely love that baseball is starting this weekend. It feels kinda forgotten in the media, with NFL draft talk, LeBron and the streak and college bball, but I'm really excited to get this thing going.

Amen, brother!

[Scoobz0202]

Orioles don't play until Tuesday. Disappointed.

What's the reasoning for certain teams playing on Monday then having Tuesday off and vice versa. Is it a television ratings grab thing? It's frustrating when I'm in full LETS GO BASEBALL WOOO mode on Monday and then Tuesday there's nothing (Reds-wise)...

[spleen1015]

I don't know why it is like that, but it is always like that.

1 game on Sunday night, a few on Monday, a few on Tuesday and some of the Monday teams don't play on Tuesday.

[henry296]

Most teams have off day after opening day in case opening day is postponed.

[Buccaneer]

I don't know why it is like that, but it is always like that.

1 game on Sunday night, a few on Monday, a few on Tuesday and some of the Monday teams don't play on Tuesday.

Not really. The Reds always had the opener and then the rest followed. Why make it anymore complicated than that?

[claphamsa]

Orioles don't play until Tuesday. Disappointed.

your an Os fan.... you should be used to disappointment!

[spleen1015]

your an Os fan.... you should be used to disappointment!

Disappointment is driven by expectations. When you have low expectations, you can't be disappointed.

Granted, I cried when they lost to the Yankees in the playoffs last year.

[claphamsa]

Disappointment is driven by expectations. When you have low expectations, you can't be disappointed.



fair enough!

[Chief Rum]

your an Os fan.... you should be used to disappointment!

I actually really like the O's this season. Last year was a bit flukish, a team that caught some breaks. Everyone noted how their run differential was about even as they were headed to the playoffs.

They are in the odd position that they could be better this season, but have a worse record, because the law of averages says they'll regress toward their run differential. Now that run differential will probably improve this season, as young players like Weiters and Machado get better, and their young pitchers get more seasoning.

But they are in a tough division where no team except maybe the Bluejays look like playoff locks, but every team is pretty solid or has reason to think they can pull off a solid season. The Rays still have tremendous pitching and some key hitters. The Yanks still have a tremendous lineup when healthy and SP depth and Rivera. The Sox made some underrated signings and still have some stars in tow, even after the deal with the Dodgers. And the Jays talent additions this offseason were just ridiculous. The AL East is going to beat up on each other big time, and for that reason, I see the wildcards coming out of the central and west, where those teams will get benefits of playing more games against the Astros and Twins.

So good luck to the O's. I think their team will be better than last year's squad in quality and talent, even if they end up having a worse year in the win column in 2013.

[Ramzavail]

Markakis should hit leadoff.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Buster Posey signs an 8-year contract extension, buying out his arbitration years. His contract is now 9 years, $167,000,000.

[JPhillips]

I actually really like the O's this season. Last year was a bit flukish, a team that caught some breaks. Everyone noted how their run differential was about even as they were headed to the playoffs.

They are in the odd position that they could be better this season, but have a worse record, because the law of averages says they'll regress toward their run differential. Now that run differential will probably improve this season, as young players like Weiters and Machado get better, and their young pitchers get more seasoning.

But they are in a tough division where no team except maybe the Bluejays look like playoff locks, but every team is pretty solid or has reason to think they can pull off a solid season. The Rays still have tremendous pitching and some key hitters. The Yanks still have a tremendous lineup when healthy and SP depth and Rivera. The Sox made some underrated signings and still have some stars in tow, even after the deal with the Dodgers. And the Jays talent additions this offseason were just ridiculous. The AL East is going to beat up on each other big time, and for that reason, I see the wildcards coming out of the central and west, where those teams will get benefits of playing more games against the Astros and Twins.

So good luck to the O's. I think their team will be better than last year's squad in quality and talent, even if they end up having a worse year in the win column in 2013.

Even when healthy the Yanks lineup isn't tremendous anymore. They'll have to get by on a staff of very good, but very old starting pitchers. A couple of injuries in the rotation and they could struggle to play .500.

[Crapshoot]

posey's contract is a very good deal for the Giants - even accounting for buying 3 years of arb, its a 21.4M AAV for FA, which is ridiculously good in a world where Jeyson Werth gets $18M a year.

[cartman]

ARod will make more than the entire Astros roster.

Ultimate Astros » Ailing A-Rod will make more than Astros this season (http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2013/03/29/ailing-a-rod-will-make-more-than-astros/)

[Chief Rum]

Even when healthy the Yanks lineup isn't tremendous anymore. They'll have to get by on a staff of very good, but very old starting pitchers. A couple of injuries in the rotation and they could struggle to play .500.

Yeah, you're right, I was overstating it there. I was thinking about Cano and when healthy the top power of Granderson and all the "names" in there, but, yeah, that offense, even when healthy does look much more pedestrian. Teixeira took a step back. ARod did, too, and now he's more or less done. Jeter isn't getting younger. Swisher is in Cleveland. Posada is enjoying retirement. I'm not sure you're going to find the answer to those problems with Youklis (injury) and Ichiro (age).

I think they will mix some things up and produce a decent lineup, but definitely not tremendous.

I do think their pitching will be fine. Not great, but fine. They really have a wealth of options, for all of the poopoo talk about it. Sabathia, Hughes, Nova, Kuroda, Pettite, Phelps has looked good, Pineda on his way back. I seem to recall others, too, but I am drawing a blank right now. But there's enough there to build a pretty strong rotation, if not top billing.

It's weird to think that maybe the Yanks and Red Sox will be 4th and 5th in the AL East.

[JPhillips]

The Yanks lost @100 HRs from last year and are relying on Youk, Wells, and a full season of Ichiro and Gardner to make that up. If Tex is out long term they are in a lot of trouble.

This opening day lineup from Yahoo is very un-Yankees like.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

1. Brett Gardner, cf: The Yankees wanted to take a look at moving Gardner to center field this spring. Granderson's injury made more necessity than curiosity.

2. Ichiro Suzuki, rf: Which Ichiro will the Yankees get? The guy who hit .322 with some pop (.454 slugging percentage) after he was traded from the Seattle Mariners in late July? Or will it be the guy who had hit .261 with almost no pop (.353 slugging percentage) over the first four months or so of the season in the Pacific Northwest?

3. Robinson Cano, 2b: Cano had a huge World Baseball Classic, winning Most Valuable Player honors while leading the Dominican Republic to its first title in the event. The four-time All-Star is entering his contract year, so the pressure to put up big numbers will be ... significant.

4. Kevin Youkilis, 1b: Hey, whenever you can put a guy whose hitting numbers have dropped from .307/.411/.564 in 2010 to .235/.336/.409 last season in your cleanup hole, you have to do it, right? Wait ... what?

5. Ben Francisco, dh: The guy played for three teams and had 117 plate appearances with a .234/.282/.402 batting line in 2012. Francisco was released by the Cleveland Indians on March 11. He's going to open the season in the No. 5 slot for the New York Yankees. I am now going to stock up on bottled water and canned goods.

6. Vernon Wells, lf: The Vernon Wells who hit .303/.357/542 with 32 homers and 106 RBIs would be a great addition to this club. Unfortunately, that was in 2006. Instead, the Yankees are getting the Vernon Wells who hit .230/.279/.403 with 11 homers and 29 RBIs in 2012 ... and improved markedly from his 2011 batting line of .218/.248/.412.

7. Eduardo Nunez, ss: Look at the bright side, Yankee fans. You finally get your chance to see what Nunez can do with a regular spot in the lineup, for however long that may last before Jeter returns.

8. Jayson Nix, 3b: Rodriguez is a lifetime .300 hitter with 647 home runs and 1,950 RBIs. Nix is a lifetime .214 hitter with 34 home runs and 102 RBIs. So there may be an ever-so-slight drop in production at third base.

9. Chris Stewart, c: Think Russell Martin, only with better defensive skills and less power. That is as opposed to the alternative, Francisco Cervelli, who is like Russell Martin, only without the same defensive prowess and less power.

[Chief Rum]

The Yanks lost @100 HRs from last year and are relying on Youk, Wells, and a full season of Ichiro and Gardner to make that up. If Tex is out long term they are in a lot of trouble.

This opening day lineup from Yahoo is very un-Yankees like.

Yeah, that's why I agreed with you. ;)

[JPhillips]

I just can't get over how bad that lineup looks. Good for Toronto seeing this is the year to go all in.

[stevew]

The Yankees will be just fine. Their rotation and bullpen are great

[Chief Rum]

The Yankees will be just fine. Their rotation and bullpen are great

Great?

[stevew]

Near the top in like every pitching category. Plus their defense should be better. They don't walk guys and they strike out a lot of guys. Plus Mariano is back.

Once Granderson gets back their OF defense should be in the top few.

[stevew]

Dola-
The Yanks are much more likely to win 95 games instead of 85 or 75 imho.

[Vince, Pt. II]

I need to look before I speak, but my first reaction is "huh?"

The Yankees' pitching staff has been their major achilles heel in the last umpteen years. What the hell changed to make it a strength suddenly? I'd be absolutely floored if the Yankees win 95 games, especially in a stacked AL East this year.

[Chief Rum]

Dola-
The Yanks are much more likely to win 95 games instead of 85 or 75 imho.

They had the 5th best ERA in the AL last year, and were just a shade ahead of a couple others. It's a good staff, I made that argument above to JPhillips. It is nowhere near great. Much closer to average than great, IMO.

The Yanks won 95 games last season with that staff, but more importantly, with the second best offense (and only behind Texas by four runs).

They have lost a TON of scoring from that lineup thanks to injury, age and free agency.

So you're saying with the same staff and a lineup that is a shadow of what it was, the Yanks will equal their win total last year?

No way. They're going to be at around 85, not 95.

[Jas_lov]

The argument for the Yankees pitching staff is probably that they have Andy Pettitte for an entire year. The question with him is age and can he hold up. Kuroda had a great year last season but he's in his upper 30s. Sabathia had two DL stints last year. They'll want Ivan Nova and Phil Hughes to show progression at the back end of the rotation.

They can be great but Pettitte and Kuroda have to hold up. Nothing can happen to CC and Nova/Hughes have to continue to progress.

Mo is back but the bullpen no longer has the security blanket in Raphael Soriano so nothing can happen to him. Can Joba be an effective set up man for Robertson and Rivera?

There is just much less margin for error. The Yankees definitely aren't as deep as they usually are. They lost Swisher, Chavez and Martin and didn't replace them with anyone good. The pitching will have to be great if they're going to win 90 games. The defense is only better if Teixera and Gardner are healthy all year.

[Jas_lov]

Also, I wonder why the rest of the AL East is considered such a sure thing. The Orioles played above their ability last year with all those close and extra innings victories. Are they really a 93 win club? The Red Sox pitching is worse than the Yankees, one of the worst in baseball last year. The Rays offense is always suspect, lost Shields and Upton. Toronto made a lot of big moves, but so did the Marlins and Angels last year. It will be a competitive division all year.

[kingfc22]

posey's contract is a very good deal for the Giants - even accounting for buying 3 years of arb, its a 21.4M AAV for FA, which is ridiculously good in a world where Jeyson Werth gets $18M a year.

VERY happy this deal got done.

Looking forward to the next few years especially with the loan for the stadium almost paid off.

[mauchow]

I'll be curious to see Johan Santana's next contract..

[Shkspr]

I'll be curious to see Johan Santana's next contract..

Pretty sure he's going to be making 5.5-7 million next year.

[mauchow]

Yeah far cry from 25

[Scarecrow]

I'll be curious to see Johan Santana's next contract..

$5,000 appearance fee at a Dick's Sporting Goods.

[korme]

The fact that I'm going to start talking about the Reds every day starting tomorrow has me bonkers.

[cartman]

Looks like the roof is going to be closed for the Rangers-Astros game tonight.

[Chief Rum]

The fact that I'm going to start talking about the Reds every day starting tomorrow has me bonkers.

Starting tomorrow? :p

Good luck in the series with the Angels, BTW. I like the Reds in general, and it will be interesting to see the ANgels open their season in the traditional opening city of baseball.

[Lathum]

The Astros GM is very gay.

[claphamsa]

The Astros GM is very gay.

I didnt get that. seemed well spoken to me.

[BishopMVP]

JBJ starting in LF for Boston. He should spend 20 days in the minors at some point this year (to maintain team control for 2019), and it makes the Victorino signing look even worse, but it's great to see the rapid progress he's made. Iglesias at SS too for at least 2 weeks until Drew gets back, and a healthy WMB at 3rd, so even if we lose games we've got some young players to root for instead of an entire roster of AAAA cast-offs and disappointing, overpaid veterans.

SP's Allen Webster and Rubby De La Rosa will both start in AAA, but have been getting great reviews all spring, and I'm excited to see them when the inevitable SP DL stints hit.

[Scoobz0202]

It's time, gentlemen and ladies.

http://i.imgur.com/u4Vjx5L.png

[spleen1015]

Bryce Harper starts his MVP run early.

HR!!!!!

[Lathum]

David Wright starts his MVP run early

REACH ON AN ERROR!!!!!

[spleen1015]

Let's be real. David Wright doesn't stand a chance at winning the MVP. :D

MLB.tv on my iphone is good stuff.

[Lathum]

MLB.tv on my iphone is good stuff.

I get it every year, awesome stuff.

If you have Apple TV you can watch the games on your TV through it

[spleen1015]

I get it every year, awesome stuff.

If you have Apple TV you can watch the games on your TV through it

I have the app on the 360 and watch them with that.

[Scoobz0202]

Yea, MLB.tv is a glorious thing. On the PC, my phone, PS3. Baseball overload wherever I am.

edit: meh, this probably isn't allowed on FOFC

[Crapshoot]

Newsflash. Bryce Harper is very very good.

[spleen1015]

ANOTHER HARPER HR!!!!!!!!!!!

He is on pace to hit 324 HRs this season!

[BishopMVP]

Sox score 4 on Sabathia in the 2nd. Yankees pitching staff is clearly terrible - they'll be lucky to go .500. Jon Lester no-hitter thru 8 batters - he's back! Jose Iglesias OPS'ing 2.000 with an RBI single (ok, infield hit). Jackie Bradley with a walk and a run - HAS STILL NEVER MADE AN MLB OUT!!!

(What's this SSS people keep mentioning?)

[tucker rocky]

ANOTHER HARPER HR!!!!!!!!!!!

He is on pace to hit 324 HRs this season!

Must be the OOTP player editing, all batting skills set to max.

[Coffee Warlord]

Brent Lillibridge has a 0% fielding percentage.

[Coffee Warlord]

And Marmol is still awful. The entire office let out a collective groan when he came in, and he lived down to our expectations.

[ISiddiqui]

And that sound you hear is the collective clicks of fantasy baseball owners trying to add Collin Cowgill to their teams (only to drop him a week later).

[Scoobz0202]

And Ludwick with a probably dislocated shoulder already. Ugh

[spleen1015]

Yankees are in last. Perfect start to the season.

[tucker rocky]

Cubs start the season not in last place.

Anyone predicting a Cubs/Mariners WS? :lol:

All in jest though, to Cubs and Mariners fans out there. :cool:

[Big Fo]

Kershaw's having a nice game.

[claphamsa]

all you DH fans can suck it! Kershaw going deep!

[MrBug708]

Great Dodger game! Even better result!

[PilotMan]

all you Giants fans can suck it! Kershaw going deep!

Fixed

Great Dodger game! Even better result!

Hell yeah!

[Danny]

Dodgers better lock up Kershaw for 200 million before he ends up costing 300 mil

[Crapshoot]

That's ok. Ned Colleti will give Aaron Harang a 3/30 extension soon.

[Suicane75]

Cubs start the season not in last place.

Anyone predicting a Cubs/Mariners WS? :lol:

All in jest though, to Cubs and Mariners fans out there. :cool:

Mariners will make the playoffs.

[MizzouRah]

Ahhh.. another season of arguing with Reds fans!!!

GO CARDINALS!!!

[kingfc22]

Glad Kershaw can only pitch once a series max against us.

[SackAttack]

Glad Kershaw can only pitch once a series max against us.

kingfc22 when the 2013 NLCS rolls around: "Son of a BITCH."

[Crapshoot]

Clayton Kershaw has a career ERA of 1.37 against the Giants. I see that SOB in my nightmares.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Clayton Kershaw has a career ERA of 1.37 against the Giants. I see that SOB in my nightmares.

Definitely an "I hate you, but goddammit I respect you" kind of guy.

[Crapshoot]

Definitely an "I hate you, but goddammit I respect you" kind of guy.

I'd respect him a lot more as a Yankee. :D

[stevew]

Cano leaving Boras to join some new agency founded by JayZ and CAA. I wonder if this means that they will be more willing than Boras to play ball, or if they will go hardass in order to try to get more clients. I don't see it as some Master P type situation though. Most likely JayZ will end up selling his "share" of the Nets in order to handle basketball players.

[kingfc22]

I'd respect him a lot more as a Yankee. :D

Haha. Or anywhere else in the AL for that matter.

[Senator]

Is Yu Darvish throwing a no hitter right now?

[Crapshoot]

Yu Darvish is doing even better. Turn on the game.

[PilotMan]

Must be cartman being at the game that's inspired him.

[Scoobz0202]

Must be cartman being at the game that's inspired him.

God damn, that would be awesome

[kingfc22]

Dun dun dun...

[JeeberD]

Fucking cartman... :mad:

[PilotMan]

We have to keep this in perspective though, it is the Astros.

[Crapshoot]

That slider is filthy. Darvish is a popular Cy Young pick this year, and Astros aside, its easy to see why.

[stevew]

Houston is trying to outdo their Cain 14k perfect game.

[bhlloy]

He's gonna get pulled

[Lathum]

Damn Yu Darvish I need to go to sleep.

[stevew]

Dola-

Under-do instead of outdo maybe

[Crapshoot]

Damnit Rangers stop scoring runs!

[Atocep]

Houston is trying to outdo their Cain 14k perfect game.

At this point it feels like if it happens to the Astros it shouldn't even count.

[Crapshoot]

GODDAMNIT !

[DaddyTorgo]

Whoops.

[PilotMan]

awwwwwwww

[kingfc22]

Ohhhh so close.

[mauchow]

Shoot... bummer

[cartman]

Damn it!!! I was this close to seeing it in person!!!

[korme]

Baseball is a cruel game :)

[stevew]

52million for a Darvish posting fee? Shiiiit, I can buy 25 Astros for that and still have almost enough to buy a carcass of an A-Rod.

[Senator]

damn

[cartman]

My buddy that was with me at the game, this would have been the 2nd perfect game he'd have attended. He was at the old Arlington Stadium when Mike Witt threw the perfect game on the last day of the season.

[cartman]

Dola,

Seeing the pitches in person, Yu's stuff was simply filthy. The batters had no clue what was coming. It might be a 92 mph fastball, or a 58 mph curve, or an 83 mph slider.

[Crapshoot]

Dola,

Seeing the pitches in person, Yu's stuff was simply filthy. The batters had no clue what was coming. It might be a 92 mph fastball, or a 58 mph curve, or an 83 mph slider.

Fully expect Yu to be a good contender in the non-Felix, non-Verlander category for the Cy Young.

[Chief Rum]

My buddy that was with me at the game, this would have been the 2nd perfect game he'd have attended. He was at the old Arlington Stadium when Mike Witt threw the perfect game on the last day of the season.

Wow, now that's a good reference. That was almost 30 years ago.

[Matthean]

A nice ode to baseball.

Our National Pastime – Kevin DeYoung (http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2013/04/02/our-national-pastime/)

[Crapshoot]

A nice ode to baseball.

Our National Pastime – Kevin DeYoung (http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2013/04/02/our-national-pastime/)

Amen (First thing I've ever read on the gospel coalition website!) - baseball is perfect. I always said I'd gladly trade every other Bay Area team winning anything in my lifetime for one Giants WS, and that worked out just fine. :D

[Ramzavail]

My buddy that was with me at the game, this would have been the 2nd perfect game he'd have attended. He was at the old Arlington Stadium when Mike Witt threw the perfect game on the last day of the season.

Awesome!

[fantom1979]

We have to keep this in perspective though, it is the Astros.

43 batter strikeouts in 3 games for the Astros.

Brett Wallace is 1 for 10 with 8k
Chris Carter is 0 of 11 with 7k

Ouch

[fantom1979]

Horrible way for the Tigers to blow one.

[SirFozzie]

Kuroda leaves a game with a possible hand injury (he got his bare hand on a leadoff single in the second, then hit batsman, walk, hits batsman).

Not a good start for the NYY.

[Big Fo]

Evan Gattis, the post-Upton trade obsession of Braves blogs all through winter and spring, just hit a homer in his first MLB game.

I'm feeling far too giddy with it only being thirteen innings into the season but I can't seem to repress my optimism. This could be a good year.

[SirFozzie]

It looks like half the players in the BOS-NYY game just came from robbing a bank, with the stretchable undersuit over their mouth

[Recoil]

Evan Gattis, the post-Upton trade obsession of Braves blogs all through winter and spring, just hit a homer in his first MLB game.

I'm feeling far too giddy with it only being thirteen innings into the season but I can't seem to repress my optimism. This could be a good year.

Gattis is a great story. I was convinced they were gonna go with Pagnozzi at the beginning of spring training and start Gattis at AAA playing catcher every day. After Evan's spring training performance, I don't think they had much of a choice but to start him in the bigs. It'll be interesting to see the moves they make when McCann returns.

There's no doubt the Braves will score runs, but how will the pitching hold up? The depth at AAA doesn't look particularly deep, so hopefully every one will pitch well/stay healthy until Beachy returns.

[ISiddiqui]

Matt Harvey looks great in his start. Just filthy stuff. Though he is pitching against the Padres.

[Big Fo]

Gattis is a great story. I was convinced they were gonna go with Pagnozzi at the beginning of spring training and start Gattis at AAA playing catcher every day. After Evan's spring training performance, I don't think they had much of a choice but to start him in the bigs. It'll be interesting to see the moves they make when McCann returns.

There's no doubt the Braves will score runs, but how will the pitching hold up? The depth at AAA doesn't look particularly deep, so hopefully every one will pitch well/stay healthy until Beachy returns.

Maholm is solid but it's true there are questions everywhere else in the rotation. Hudson's done well over the last few years but he is 37. Medlen was amazing at the end of last season but it was only 12 starts. Same with Minor, I don't know if is he more like first half of 2012 Mike Minor or the guy from the second half of the season. And while Teheran is a bright prospect who dominated this spring, he still has to prove he can do it when it matters.

But I think with the great bullpen and strong lineup the Braves might be able to get away with one or two of these guys struggling a bit.

[Logan]

Matt Harvey looks great in his start. Just filthy stuff. Though he is pitching against the Padres.

7 IP, one hit, 10 Ks. Not bad kid.

[Lathum]

7 IP, one hit, 10 Ks. Not bad kid.

Really excited to see what he will do with some run support.Excited to finally watch young kids get a shot instead of washed up free agents.

[Crapshoot]

Really excited to see what he will do with some run support.Excited to finally watch young kids get a shot instead of washed up free agents.

Mets are going about re-build the right way. Harvey, Wheeler (bitter as a Giants fan about that deal), D'Arnaud, Syndegard - this is a team on the up, and Niese is a good young MLB starter. Need some star power, but Wheeler and Harvey could both do that.

[Crapshoot]

Also, Pablo Sandoval just hit a fastball at shoulder level for a line-drive HR. Justin Verlander understands.

[Atocep]

Mets are going about re-build the right way. Harvey, Wheeler (bitter as a Giants fan about that deal), D'Arnaud, Syndegard - this is a team on the up, and Niese is a good young MLB starter. Need some star power, but Wheeler and Harvey could both do that.

The Madoff thing may end up being the best thing that could have happened to the Mets. The Wilpons had to go out and find a GM and front office capable of rebuilding from the ground up rather than finding another Omar Minaya that could really do nothing more than write checks.

[ISiddiqui]

It also gave the team cover for doing a youth movement and sucking for a few years, rather than having the fan base push for big signings and being competitive every year.

[Shkspr]

The Astros should take another look at their decision to score all of this month's runs on Monday.

[stevew]

The Mets have really been good about 7 times in the past 22 or so years. It seems like they've been doing that youth movement sucking thing more often than not.

[bhlloy]

I think the point is they haven't been doing that, they've been doing the veterans getting paid way too much money and still sucking for most of that time.

[stevew]

Maybe they just needed Bob to step in and start negotiating all their long term deals

[NorvTurnerOverdrive]

the omar minaya era led to much wheel spinning. minaya's reputation was based off his connections in latin america during his time with the expos. when those pipelines dried up he was exposed as a poor decision maker. i could run down the list but it would give me a headache.

iirc, there was a couple pages in moneyball dedicated to mianya's cluelessness

[ISiddiqui]

I think the point is they haven't been doing that, they've been doing the veterans getting paid way too much money and still sucking for most of that time.

Ding! Ding! They felt that the fans would be satiated with a big name, even though in no way would one big name make a breakthrough (and you'd kill the farm system).

The Mets for too often thought they had to directly compete with the Yankees in the FA market. Hence any youth movement was usually squashed too soon.

[MizzouRah]

Cards - D Backs

Fell asleep in the 12th.. just saw we lost in the 16th.. ugh..

[bhlloy]

I don't know if the stats reflect this but the pitching explosion sure seems to have resulted in far more games going deep into extras in the last few years. May just be my perception but feels that way

[sposfan]

Congratulations! If you're reading this, then you have scored as many runs as the Marlins this season! :)

[Subby]

Yeah not getting to excited about the Nats start. They need to play a team first.

Although Gio sure did make Gianarlo look silly a few times.

[Lathum]

The Mets have really been good about 7 times in the past 22 or so years. It seems like they've been doing that youth movement sucking thing more often than not.

you don't pay attention to the Mets then ( most people don't). They haven't gone with a youth movement in a long time, the Big 3 was the last thing I remeber that was even close, unless you count Wright and Reyes coming up together.

Johan, Bay, Mo Vaughn, etc..., guys like this have been their M.O., not stockpiling yourn talent and letting that talent develop

[BYU 14]

The Mets have really been good about 7 times in the past 22 or so years.

The neighbor behind me is a Mets / Red Sox fan (yeah some combination) and with me being a die hard Yankees fan we have plenty of interesting discussions over the back fence.

Yesterday he had some thoughts that I just found weird. He seemed to insinuate the Mets were biased because they got rid of their Latin American players in favor of white guys who should be in the minors or were washed up (Jason Bay).

Went on to say that they needed to have a demographic that represented the surround community or the fans would desert them. Just found this a really weird take as couldn't car less where the players on my team come from, I just want to see them win and that pretty much all fans I know seemed to share that sentiment. Just bizarre, especially since their main problem the last few seasons has been a bullpen that can't hold a lead.

BTW, baseball has to be the best radio sport there is. Love these afternoon games on Sirius right now, can listen and work without getting distracted.

[JonInMiddleGA]

you don't pay attention to the Mets then ( most people don't). They haven't gone with a youth movement in a long time, the Big 3 was the last thing I remeber that was even close, unless you count Wright and Reyes coming up together.

Johan, Bay, Mo Vaughn, etc..., guys like this have been their M.O., not stockpiling yourn talent and letting that talent develop

Not sure Bay really belongs on that list.

I mean, the Mets signed him after the 2009 season - 4yr/$66m. He was coming off an All-Star & Silver Slugger season, 30+ HR for 4 of the previous 5 seasons and was still only 30 yrs old.

That's certainly not to say he didn't disappoint once he got to NY, and they might have hung on a year too long but with that investment in him I don't know that they could have dropped him before 2012 nor did he look like a terrible investment at the time they signed him.

[fantom1979]

Congratulations! If you're reading this, then you have scored as many runs as the Marlins this season! :)

The Marlins have almost 1/3 of the strike outs the Astros do. The Marlins as a team have a BABIP of .163 and amazingly two teams (Blue Jays and Reds) are worse.