2008 #1 NL Sleeper Team is...

[sportsdude]

Re: 2008 #1 NL Sleeper Team is...

Baker has no end of faults, no question (runs young pitchers into the ground, thinks taking a walk "clogs up the basepaths", has an unhealthy obsession with Neifi Perez, etc.).

But it doesn't surprise me that he keeps getting job offers. Dusty came up to Vancouver's EA studio once to give a speech/Q&A session with the (at the time) Triple Play team. Very well-spoken and charismatic dude. One of the few people I've met who really had "presence" and could command a room's attention. I don't doubt for a second that he's a fantastic motivator, well respected by players, and excellent at the interview process.

which would be good if he were a football, basketball or hockey coach. baseball is a different animal.

NOTE: Dusty's visit was shortly after the 2000 World Series. Somebody asked him if he thought Clemens intentionally tried to hit Piazza with the sawed-off bat. Dusty's response: "Of course he did! If I was Piazza, I would've killed the mother******!"

lol that's good, and I agree with his sentiment.

[RAZRr1275]

Re: 2008 #1 NL Sleeper Team is...

They just don't have enough pitching.

It wouldn't be shocking for them to manage a .500 record though and the NL Central is putrid.

I agree with this. They really lack in pitching.

[ohyeahbaby123]

Re: 2008 #1 NL Sleeper Team is...

I found your post to be condescending, and didn't really like your tone.

Plus I tend to notice that you like to bash my posts as evident in other threads, and I don't really see it as you plainly stating your opinion. That's what I did, and you jumped on it...I wouldn't consider you as merely disagreeing...so if I can't state my opinion why should you be able to?

Looking at the NL as a whole I dont see how you cannot count LA as a sleeper. They play in a comeptitive division...Arizona has made moves, Colorado has a lot of talent, and San Diego has pitching and Petco. Those 3 teams fair better in competing for that division than LA does. LA has had some lofty expectations, but that does count them out of the sleeper category. Atlanta is two wins better than LA, and in a tight division too. Their chances of winning the NL East are slim, but yet they have a lot of talent...can I not say they are a sleeper? Lets eliminate the non-sleepers...NYM, PHI, MIL, CHI, ARI, COL, and SD.

Everyone else is either a sleeper...Or in the cases of WAS, PIT, FLA, and SF... nothing.

Hey!
The Pirates are NOT Nothing!!!!!
We have a good, young rotation with Gorzo, Maholm, and Duke (if he can stay healthy.) Plus, we have Steady Freddy who is a consistent hitter, Adam LaRoche (if he can play up to his potential) and Jason Bay(if we don't trade him.)
McClouth showed some good signs on the field and batting.
And I almost forgot Nady, who can hit too if he is healthy.
Our big holes are in the middle rotation and 3rd base.
BUT, if a couple players can live up to their potential, I would not be surprised if we finished only a couple games under .500

But then again, I am a homer.

[ehh]

Re: 2008 #1 NL Sleeper Team is...

Why would you say that? He hit 30 hrs and drove in 93 runs last year.
The Mariners did not win it all when they traded Jr.

The Ewing Theory.

[JBH3]

Re: 2008 #1 NL Sleeper Team is...

Hey!
The Pirates are NOT Nothing!!!!!
We have a good, young rotation with Gorzo, Maholm, and Duke (if he can stay healthy.) Plus, we have Steady Freddy who is a consistent hitter, Adam LaRoche (if he can play up to his potential) and Jason Bay(if we don't trade him.)
McClouth showed some good signs on the field and batting.
And I almost forgot Nady, who can hit too if he is healthy.
Our big holes are in the middle rotation and 3rd base.
BUT, if a couple players can live up to their potential, I would not be surprised if we finished only a couple games under .500

But then again, I am a homer.

The Pirates will be a good pet project of mine for MLB 2K8. But they don't have what it takes to compete w/ the rest of the NL...the Phillies...

[Motown]

Re: 2008 #1 NL Sleeper Team is...

i think we all forget one thing.. who manages the team, dusty baker.

that alone will stop them from being a great team.

that being said jay bruce is gonna be a freaking stud

Well, I'm happy to say Walt Jockety is in the house & if Baker doesn't come thru...it's "One & Done"...mark it down.

[ohyeahbaby123]

Re: 2008 #1 NL Sleeper Team is...

The Pirates will be a good pet project of mine for MLB 2K8. But they don't have what it takes to compete w/ the rest of the NL...the Phillies...

You are probably true, but there is always hope in a bad Central Division!

[DrJones]

Re: 2008 #1 NL Sleeper Team is...

which would be good if he were a football, basketball or hockey coach. baseball is a different animal.

I'm not saying this makes Dusty a good manager. But it goes some way in explaining why Baker keeps getting opportunities.

[sportsdude]

Re: 2008 #1 NL Sleeper Team is...

I'm not saying this makes Dusty a good manager. But it goes some way in explaining why Baker keeps getting opportunities.

nah I understood what you meant and I can totally see that happening. I know he wasn't hired strictly for that reason, but it's unfortunate that the higher-ups see that and think "gosh he would be great in the locker room."