[bluetooner]

First big trade of the off-season went down today,

Braves get - Dan Uggla (2B)
Marlins get - Mike Dunn (LHP) and Omar Infante (Inf)


basically the braves get the right hand power hitter they need, and the Marlins get next to nothing. I love the trade. Infante is going to drop back down to a .270 hitter with no walks, no power and no speed. Mike Dunn may be a decent bullpen pitcher, if he ever gains control.

Other things happening - the major awards. So far:-

AL Rookie of the Year - Neftali Feliz
NL Rookie of the Year - Buster Posey

NL Cy Young - Roy Halladay


No arguments so far in the major awards.

[Savage Henry]

bluetooner, on 17 November 2010 - 01:29, said:

First big trade of the off-season went down today,

Braves get - Dan Uggla (2B)
Marlins get - Mike Dunn (LHP) and Omar Infante (Inf)


basically the braves get the right hand power hitter they need, and the Marlins get next to nothing. I love the trade. Infante is going to drop back down to a .270 hitter with no walks, no power and no speed. Mike Dunn may be a decent bullpen pitcher, if he ever gains control.

Other things happening - the major awards. So far:-

AL Rookie of the Year - Neftali Feliz
NL Rookie of the Year - Buster Posey

NL Cy Young - Roy Halladay


No arguments so far in the major awards.

The Marlins are also about to announce a $20m deal with John Buck. I have no idea what they are doing. That Uggla trade is retarded, they could have got much more than that at the all star break. Even now. Some GMs are stupid. Great move from Atlanta's point of view, his bat more than makes up for his iron glove.

All the awards are as expected.

[David W]

I didn't see that one coming. Wow. So excited

[bluetooner]

David W, on 14 December 2010 - 10:55, said:

I didn't see that one coming. Wow. So excited

Im wondering where C' Chris is - he is usually all over some big Phillies news.

I am actually quite happy about this. Their pitching didn't lose the playoffs last year - the lack of hitting did. With this signing, the rumor is that Blanton is off to the Red Sox (apparently the Red Sox agreed to that as long as the Phillies signed Lee - very interesting), and Ibanez is also on the way out. That means to add Lee, the Phillies are losing Ibanez and Werth (2 of their big bats). To me - the loss of those bats will have a bigger effect on the Phillies than the gain of Lee.

[David W]

Can't disagree, though Ibanez wasn't brilliant last year. If he leaves though, they'd definitely to pick something out of the hat again as I don't fancy Francisco and Brown for a full season (or even platooning to be honest).

[lichtie23]

Hideki Matsui signs for Oakland

[Savage Henry]

bluetooner, on 14 December 2010 - 17:51, said:

Im wondering where C' Chris is - he is usually all over some big Phillies news.

I am actually quite happy about this. Their pitching didn't lose the playoffs last year - the lack of hitting did. With this signing, the rumor is that Blanton is off to the Red Sox (apparently the Red Sox agreed to that as long as the Phillies signed Lee - very interesting), and Ibanez is also on the way out. That means to add Lee, the Phillies are losing Ibanez and Werth (2 of their big bats). To me - the loss of those bats will have a bigger effect on the Phillies than the gain of Lee.

I can quite see a few GMs being none too impressed by the Red Sox if they do sign Fatty Joe. This move could cripple the Phillies if they don't trade a few.

Incidentally, the Phillies rotation - Lee, Hamels, Halladay and Oswalt went 2-5 with a 4.36 ERA against the Giants (mainly Cody Ross it must be said) last post-season. Not sure what that says, other than the Giants are the World Champions! Did I mention that? The Giants won the World Series. I like the Giants.

Edited to alter; post-season, not off-season.

This post has been edited by Jim Pansy: 15 December 2010 - 10:19

[Cowshed Chris]

bluetooner, on 14 December 2010 - 17:51, said:

Im wondering where C' Chris is - he is usually all over some big Phillies news.

I am actually quite happy about this. Their pitching didn't lose the playoffs last year - the lack of hitting did. With this signing, the rumor is that Blanton is off to the Red Sox (apparently the Red Sox agreed to that as long as the Phillies signed Lee - very interesting), and Ibanez is also on the way out. That means to add Lee, the Phillies are losing Ibanez and Werth (2 of their big bats). To me - the loss of those bats will have a bigger effect on the Phillies than the gain of Lee.

David W, on 14 December 2010 - 18:47, said:

Can't disagree, though Ibanez wasn't brilliant last year. If he leaves though, they'd definitely to pick something out of the hat again as I don't fancy Francisco and Brown for a full season (or even platooning to be honest).

I've had alot on lately unfortunately... otherwise I'd have been on here right away.
Blanton will be traded to free up some salary... the FA market for pitching wasn't great this year so there will definately be somebody - whether Boston or not - who will want him.
Ibanez isn't going anywhere and to be perfectly honest a Francisco - Brown platoon doesn't phase me at all... what would you expect from Werth - .275, 30 HR & 90 RBI?
I'd expect a BrownFran platoon to give us around .270, 20 HR & 75 RBI.

There's been a few folk harping on about the acquisition of Lee meaning nothing if the offence doesn't sort itself out.... I'm quick to point out that the offence was absolutely decimated by injuries last year, seemed to be off form for most of the season and yet still finished 4th in NL in team BA, 2nd in runs, 5th in home runs - and obviously had the best record in baseball.

This season we will have (barring injuries) Halladay, Lee, Oswalt and Hamels going 135 times or there abouts. That is truely frightening. Even if the offence only manages the level of last season (and I'm very confident that injuries won't be as bad, and that the guys will step it up on the whole) then I reckon 100+ wins is still a very distinct possibility.

Can't wait for the season!

[lichtie23]

Merry Christmas baseball fans

[Savage Henry]

Ouch, the Angels just got stung. They traded Mike Napoli and Juan Rivera to the Toronto Blue Jays for Vernon Wells and his 4 year, $86 million contract.

In other news, Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon have both signed for Tampa Bay and not much else has happened. The Giants have avoided arbitration with all six of their guys, who seem dead keen to remain with the reigning World Series champs.

[lichtie23]

So the season is nearly apon us gentlemen.

Who is everyone's tips for the season ahead?

Division winners?
Most HRs?
AL MVP?
NL MVP?
AL Cy Young?
NL CY Young?
Best overall record?
Worst Overall Record?

Also who do u think will b the surprise package this season and the underachievers?

[bluetooner]

lichtie23, on 14 March 2011 - 10:54, said:

So the season is nearly apon us gentlemen.

Who is everyone's tips for the season ahead?

Division winners?
Most HRs?
AL MVP?
NL MVP?
AL Cy Young?
NL CY Young?
Best overall record?
Worst Overall Record?

Also who do u think will b the surprise package this season and the underachievers?

Division Winners - Red Sox, Twins, Angels, Braves, Brewers, Giants
Most HRs - Adrian Gonzalez
AL MVP - Adrian Gonzalez
NL MVP - Jason Heyward
AL Cy Young - Price (TB)
NL Cy Young - Halladay
Best Overall Record - Red Sox
Worst Overall Record - Mets
Biggest Surprise - Brewers (although are they really going to be a surprise?)
Underachievers - Phillies (major problems on offense, pitching not quite as good as people think bar Halladay)


Biased? - yeah. Correct? We will see.

[lichtie23]

That's quite a statement about the Mets having the worst record!

You looking forward too the new season Bluetooner?

[lichtie23]

Forgot too add too the list.....World Series winners!

My picks (with odds)

World Series Winners....Milwaukee Brewers (16/1)
Most HRs..... Prince Fielder (9/1)
NL MVP......Albert Pujols
AL MVP......Joe Mauer
NL Cy Young.....Tim Lincecum
AL Cy Young.....David Price
AL East......Tampa Bay Rays (11/1)
AL Central....Minnesota Twins (8/5)
AL West.....Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (13/5)
NL East.....Philadelphia Phillies (1/4), I agree there not the force they were but not much in the division that can press them in my opinion
NL Central.....Milwaukee Brewers (17/10)
NL West.....San Francisco Giants (6/5)
Best Overall....Minnesota Teins
Worst Overall....Kansas City Royals
Surprise Package.....Seattle Mariners or Tampa Bay Rays
Underachievers......New York Yankees

[Clarko_son]

Division winners? Boston, White Sox, Angels, Phillies, Brewers, Giants
Most HRs? Prince Fielder
AL MVP? If he can stay on good form all year, Robinson Cano
NL MVP? Joey Votto
AL Cy Young? CC Sabathia
NL CY Young? Tim Lincecum
Best overall record? Boston Red Sox
Worst Overall Record? don't really know, Seattle maybe

[lichtie23]

Iv been reading up a bit on Sports Illustrated.com about a few prospects....don't no if anyone has any thoughts on them.

ERIC HOSMER, 1B, Kansas City Royals

Apparantly batting well in Spring Training and his 2 HRs have been described as "bombs"....both near 500 feet. Think he will start the season in AAA

MARK TRUMBO, 1B, LA ANGELS

Perfect replacement for Kendry Morales according too SI. 4 homers in Spring Training.

MIXHAEL PINEDA, P, SEATTLE MARINERS

Throwing 98mph fastballs this spring which is apparantly 5mph faster than King Felix Hernandez has so far. Decent chance of making what can only be called an average Mariners rotation.

[bluetooner]

lichtie23, on 14 March 2011 - 14:30, said:

That's quite a statement about the Mets having the worst record!

You looking forward too the new season Bluetooner?

The Mets are in Disarray. They are apparently going to be without Santana all year (although they claim he will be back in July). They are in so much debt that there are rumors of selling off everyone and anyone that has a pulse. THeir pitching staff could be by far the worst in the majors.

p.s. why the non-braves love from you? The Phillies are rightly favourite, but the braves pushed them close last year, and have made massive improvements this year. Chase Utley may be missing for a large chunk of the season too. That gives them an offense of, well, Howard, a bunch of AAAA players and old hasbeens.

[Savage Henry]

lichtie23, on 14 March 2011 - 15:04, said:

Forgot too add too the list.....World Series winners!

My picks (with odds)

World Series Winners....Milwaukee Brewers (16/1)
Most HRs..... Prince Fielder (9/1)
NL MVP......Albert Pujols
AL MVP......Joe Mauer
NL Cy Young.....Tim Lincecum
AL Cy Young.....David Price
AL East......Tampa Bay Rays (11/1)
AL Central....Minnesota Twins (8/5)
AL West.....Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (13/5)
NL East.....Philadelphia Phillies (1/4), I agree there not the force they were but not much in the division that can press them in my opinion
NL Central.....Milwaukee Brewers (17/10)
NL West.....San Francisco Giants (6/5)
Best Overall....Minnesota Teins
Worst Overall....Kansas City Royals
Surprise Package.....Seattle Mariners or Tampa Bay Rays
Underachievers......New York Yankees

Oh yes, a chance for all of us to show how little we actually know about baseball!

(Giants at 6/5 is a disgracefully stingy line, betting on WS winners is a daft bet - what were their odds last year?)

World Series - Boston
Home Runs - Albert Pujols
NL MVP - Buster Posey
AL MVP - Carl Crawford
NL Cy Young - Clayton Kershaw
AL Cy Young - CC Sabathia
AL East - Boston Red Sox
AL Central - Minnesota Twins
AL West - Texas Rangers
NL East - Atlanta Braves
NL Central - Cincinnati Reds
NL West - San Francisco Giants
AL Wildcard - Tampa Bay Rays
NL Wildcard - Colorado Rockies
Best Record - Minnesota Twins
Worst Record - Kansas City Royals

AL Champions - Boston Red Sox
NL Champions - Atlanta Braves

World Series Sox over Braves in 5

Surprise package - Oakland
Underachievers - San Diego Padres
Most delicious food on sale at a ballpark - Garlic fries and $9.00 beer

This post has been edited by Savage Henry: 15 March 2011 - 08:29

[lichtie23]

bluetooner, on 15 March 2011 - 02:07, said:

p.s. why the non-braves love from you? The Phillies are rightly favourite, but the braves pushed them close last year, and have made massive improvements this year. Chase Utley may be missing for a large chunk of the season too. That gives them an offense of, well, Howard, a bunch of AAAA players and old hasbeens.

it's not "non love" for the Braves it just I don't see them being able to top the Phillies this year. Tho it will happen in the future. Hayward is the best young talent in the Majors (along with Buster Posey) and there pitching staff is pretty solid. Do u not think they might need a little bit more power in the line up?

[Savage Henry]

lichtie23, on 15 March 2011 - 10:40, said:

it's not "non love" for the Braves it just I don't see them being able to top the Phillies this year. Tho it will happen in the future. Hayward is the best young talent in the Majors (along with Buster Posey) and there pitching staff is pretty solid. Do u not think they might need a little bit more power in the line up?

An adequate batting lineup is all that you require. 20 HRs across the board, guys with a bit of spirit and baseball brains, and a top notch pitching staff will, well, win you the World Series. I kind of saw the Braves last year as the "Giants lite" - a similar team with not perhaps as much bench depth - injuries basically killed the tail end of their season - and not quite as much pitching. They've upped their depth a little since last season, whereas the Phillies are a bit weaker. I'd suggest the Braves could do very well if they make the post-season.

[bluetooner]

lichtie23, on 15 March 2011 - 10:40, said:

it's not "non love" for the Braves it just I don't see them being able to top the Phillies this year. Tho it will happen in the future. Hayward is the best young talent in the Majors (along with Buster Posey) and there pitching staff is pretty solid. Do u not think they might need a little bit more power in the line up?

They added the power by adding in Uggla (30HR for the past 5 years) instead of Melky Cabrera, as well as Heyward being healthy for a full season. Add in expected improvement of Mclouth, then we should have plenty of power. We also have what should be an upgrade and ROTY candidate at 1B.

This post has been edited by bluetooner: 15 March 2011 - 11:49

[Skeletar Spider]

bluetooner, on 17 November 2010 - 01:29, said:

First big trade of the off-season went down today,

Braves get - Dan Uggla (2B)
Marlins get - Mike Dunn (LHP) and Omar Infante (Inf)


basically the braves get the right hand power hitter they need, and the Marlins get next to nothing. I love the trade. Infante is going to drop back down to a .270 hitter with no walks, no power and no speed. Mike Dunn may be a decent bullpen pitcher, if he ever gains control.

Next to nothing? Fair enough the Braves want a bit of power, and they get that with Uggla, but Infante is a quality player, hit for great average and on-base-percentage last year, and I'd back him to do the same again this year. Not that I'm saying the Braves weren't right to trade him, but they have had to give something up.

[Savage Henry]

bluetooner, on 15 March 2011 - 11:48, said:

They added the power by adding in Uggla (30HR for the past 5 years) instead of Melky Cabrera, as well as Heyward being healthy for a full season. Add in expected improvement of Mclouth, then we should have plenty of power. We also have what should be an upgrade and ROTY candidate at 1B.

Expected improvement of McLouth.... wouldn't hold my breath! Again!

[bluetooner]

Skeletar Spider, on 15 March 2011 - 11:54, said:

Next to nothing? Fair enough the Braves want a bit of power, and they get that with Uggla, but Infante is a quality player, hit for great average and on-base-percentage last year, and I'd back him to do the same again this year. Not that I'm saying the Braves weren't right to trade him, but they have had to give something up.

Infante has no power, he doesnt walk (i.e his OBP is so high because his avg was high). His avg is likely unsustainable, and he is terrible defensively. You probably didn't watch that much of him, but about 50% of his hits were ground balls that somehow managed to find a gap. I'm not complaining because a hit is a hit, but the braves sold way high on him, and the player that will have the bigger impact in the deal is going to be Dunn.

Savage Henry, on 15 March 2011 - 12:00, said:

Expected improvement of McLouth.... wouldn't hold my breath! Again!

The opposite of Infante, Mclouth was quite unlucky last year. He had a down year, which everyone can have. While i don't think he will have as nice a rebound as Kelly Johnson did last year (after a similarly bad year the year before with us), i'd expect him to get back to his .250, .350 (he always takes walks unlike Infante) batting line with 10-20HRs and 20+ steals. That will be a huge improvement over what we had in the OF last year - and with Prado in LF, we should be far better.

[lichtie23]

I see Milton Bradley is in bother again!

McLouth has been expected to explode in the past and hasn't.....I think he has to hav a good year or his career will peter out into averageness. I still quite like him tho