Mlb 2010

[luckykitti]

spring training has started!!!


the twins signed jj hardy, thome, and orlando hudson,

we have a pretty solid team it looks like...liriano has been playing well in the south...

how are all the other teams shaping up out there?

and we have a new stadium :drool:

[Me]

what team are you rooting for? :dontknow:

[IPT]

nice stadium, i wonder how the twins'll play with 2 feet of snow in their home opener.
or temp of 30 degrees.

such a stupid idea not to put a dome or retractable on that thing.

anyway, mandatory GO YANKEES

[zurgboi]

u kind of smell funny today kitteh

[luckykitti]

what team are you rooting for? :dontknow:
:harhar: how else do you start sporting threads. I need to learn about other teams so I'm hoping the baseball nerds inform me :glasses2:

nice stadium, i wonder how the twins'll play with 2 feet of snow in their home opener.
or temp of 30 degrees.

such a stupid idea not to put a dome or retractable on that thing.

anyway, mandatory GO YANKEES
:dontknow: milwaukee doesn't have a retractable I don't think

u kind of smell funny today kitteh

like what

[zurgboi]

like what

cinnimon, sugar and butter; mixed with a hint of old spice?

[wreckonized]

lets go Giants!

[Me]

every stadium not in LA must be domed due to weather.

Texas - summer too hot/muggy; winter too cold and snowy

Florida/South - summer too hot/muggy/hurricaney; winter ok

Northeast - just a horrible place in general

Northwest - rains 367 days during a leapyear.

Midwest - summer too much rain; winter too cold/snowy

Southwest Desert - summer too farking hot; winter ok

lets go Giants!

wait till Lincecum breaks down

[vec]

Go Yankees!!!!! :woot:

[arjunsr]

:harhar: how else do you start sporting threads. I need to learn about other teams so I'm hoping the baseball nerds inform me :glasses2:


:dontknow: milwaukee doesn't have a retractable I don't think



like what
miller park has a roof.

dodgers are going backwards this year thanks to the owners divorce. pitching is going to be a mess :sadwalk:

[IPT]

:harhar: how else do you start sporting threads. I need to learn about other teams so I'm hoping the baseball nerds inform me :glasses2:


:dontknow: milwaukee doesn't have a retractable I don't think



like what
yeah what arj says, they got a fan shaped convertible roof that closes in under 10 mins.

nihilariat, sarcasm aside those mid west areas need roofs as they get snowed in like a mofo and its freezing cold. especially Minnesota imo.

[Me]

yeah what arj says, they got a fan shaped convertible roof that closes in under 10 mins.

nihilariat, sarcasm aside those mid west areas need roofs as they get snowed in like a mofo and its freezing cold. especially Minnesota imo.

:confused: sarcasm? :dontknow: what did I write that isn't factually 100% true? :scratchh:

[boobies_rule]

Tigers trade away granderson for "salary reasons" just to pay more for a washed up former yankee to come play center?

They DONT trade away a drunk that single handedly cost them the playoffs? Yup its a sad time to be a sports fan in Michigan... Rich Rod ruined the wolverines, Joe D blew up the pistons which ALWAYS were in the mix for a title, the lions blow a top pick on a QB that sucked in college.... Red Wings are the best hope for a title?

[saint.]

I didnt realize people still lived in Michigan

[boobies_rule]

I didnt realize people still lived in Michigan

yeah we just keep moving into these abandoned houses all over the place since the banks leave electricity and gas running we're all set. Funny how a $150k house 5 years ago is worth 70k I know of a ton of people just giving them back to the banks and the banks are PAYING them to move out nicely. many are getting $1500+ from the banks for moving out and not wrecking the place.

[Kair]

Go M's! :woot2:

[Me]

Go M's! :woot2:

You're a Marline's fan?

[Kair]

You're a Marline's fan?

:P
What's a marline?

M's (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=active&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&q=M%27s+baseball&aq=f&aqi=&oq=)

[wuzzy]

Yankees gonna choke in 2010

[Me]

:P
What's a marline?

M's (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=active&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&q=M%27s+baseball&aq=f&aqi=&oq=)

mets? :dontknow:

[Kramer!]

:

:dontknow: milwaukee doesn't have a retractable I don't think




Miller Park does have a retractable roof.

[luckykitti]

hmmmm chicago then?

[boobies_rule]

hmmmm chicago then?

I got a feelin about dem cubs

[Clivefrog]

this thread sucks

[luckykitti]

your life sucks

[wreckonized]

cant wait to see Mark McGuire pinch hit and hit a homerun

[jj.12321]

I'm excited about spring training starting :woot:

I think the Twins have as much chance as anyone in the division. Getting Hardy for almost nothing was great. Must be nice to be a fan of a team that doesn't suck. :)

[Me]

this thread sucks

yea like your soccer thread's better :nono2:

[Clivefrog]

yea like your soccer thread's better :nono2:

:mad:

world cup > "world" series

[arjunsr]

I'm excited about spring training starting :woot:

I think the Twins have as much chance as anyone in the division. Getting Hardy for almost nothing was great. Must be nice to be a fan of a team that doesn't suck. :)
i still can't believe they are going to lock up mauer.

[Tyler.Durden]

Go M's! With our relatively new GM and some great acquisitions these past few months, we should be quite competitive.

[Me]

:mad:

world cup > "world" series

how many world cup events have you attended?

[Kair]

Go M's! With our relatively new GM and some great acquisitions these past few months, we should be quite competitive.

:iagree: I can't wait to see the best 1-2 punch in the league! :worship:

[Tyler.Durden]

:iagree: I can't wait to see the best 1-2 punch in the league! :worship:

Soon to be the best 1-2-3 with Bedard returning mid-season. We have a realistic shot at becoming a good 1-2-3-4 punch if Washburn is picked up or RRS improves over last season.

[TeamSharkie]

:iagree: I can't wait to see the best 1-2 punch in the league! :worship:

I do believe that title belongs to Lincecum and Cain thank you very much.

[Me]

I do believe that title belongs to Lincecum and Cain thank you very much.

yea, but your team still sucks ass

[TeamSharkie]

Troll more please.

[Me]

Troll more please.

typical Giants fan response :rolleyes:

[TeamSharkie]

typical Giants fan response :rolleyes:

72-90 to 88-74 in one year with no major additions? And this season we have basically the same team save for a few minor add-ons. I wouldn't pick the team to go all the way but I would hardly call it a bad team.

"But your team still sucks ass".

Typical troll comment. :rolleyes:

[Tyler.Durden]

I do believe that title belongs to Lincecum and Cain thank you very much.

In the NL maybe, not that anyone outside of CA knows who Cain is.

[cheapskate82]

Sigh... Go Mets...

[P1t0]

:whee: :whee:..... I already have tickets to 6 games this season!!! ..... :whee: :whee:

Go Red Sox!!

[wreckonized]

In the NL maybe, not that anyone outside of CA knows who Cain is.

whos the 1-2 punch you speak of? felix hernendez and who else???
o wait, see i already forgot who that is.

and please... eric bedard? his arm is taped together with duct tape

[TeamSharkie]

whos the 1-2 punch you speak of? felix hernendez and who else???
o wait, see i already forgot who that is.

and please... eric bedard? his arm is taped together with duct tape

Cliff Lee. Pretty good 1-2 punch. Better than whoever the Yankees have.

[*JeanGrey*]

:whee: :whee:..... I already have tickets to 6 games this season!!! ..... :whee: :whee:

Go Red Sox!!

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

[P1t0]

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

:nod::nod::nod::nod:

oh..... I might have one game that I probably can't make... Interested? ;)

I'll email you the details after....

[Intrepid.]

whos the 1-2 punch you speak of? felix hernendez and who else???
o wait, see i already forgot who that is.

and please... eric bedard? his arm is taped together with duct tape
Ummm... Felix Hernandez and Cliff Lee. I'm not sure there's a better 1-2 punch in baseball.

Anyway, go Reds!!!

[luckykitti]

Whats a 1-2 punch? Bases?

[The Llama]

Tigers trade away granderson for "salary reasons" just to pay more for a washed up former yankee to come play center?

They DONT trade away a drunk that single handedly cost them the playoffs? Yup its a sad time to be a sports fan in Michigan... Rich Rod ruined the wolverines, Joe D blew up the pistons which ALWAYS were in the mix for a title, the lions blow a top pick on a QB that sucked in college.... Red Wings are the best hope for a title?

Washed up? Damon was a key force in winning a World Series title. Not bad for an "old" guy. Is he Curtis Granderson? No. But he's not washed up. I, for one, am sad to see him go from the Yankees.

You're right about the salary thing, though. Rumor is that they'd have to pay Damon more than they would have paid Granderson, so that doesn't make much sense.

[arjunsr]

Washed up? Damon was a key force in winning a World Series title. Not bad for an "old" guy. Is he Curtis Granderson? No. But he's not washed up. I, for one, am sad to see him go from the Yankees.

You're right about the salary thing, though. Rumor is that they'd have to pay Damon more than they would have paid Granderson, so that doesn't make much sense.
one year + deferred is cheaper than the continued salaries for granderson. he's owed ~26 mill if they decline the club option for the last year. granderson has a lot of upside, but facts were he had a bad year last year, and isn't a viable starter against lefties. a move from comerica park to yankee stadium should help immensely in the hr/rbi totals, but for now he's just a platoon player.

[Tyler.Durden]

whos the 1-2 punch you speak of? felix hernendez and who else???
o wait, see i already forgot who that is.

and please... eric bedard? his arm is taped together with duct tape

Well, I was referring to Hernandez and Lee but if things work out with Bedard and RRS, then that rotation can be quite formidable. The fact fhat you don't know who Cliff Lee doesn't really take anything away from what I stated above and before it just shows how much of a baseball fan you are.

[amythyst]

I'm very anxious to see how my Redbirds do now that we have Holiday backing up Pujols... not crazy about McGwire as hitting coach mainly because I'm not sure what he has to offer.

I think we have a strong team, but afraid to get my hopes up too much after last year's disappointment...

[arjunsr]

I'm very anxious to see how my Redbirds do now that we have Holiday backing up Pujols... not crazy about McGwire as hitting coach mainly because I'm not sure what he has to offer.

I think we have a strong team, but afraid to get my hopes up too much after last year's disappointment...
you lost pinero with not many young players wiht potential break out years. i think they still win the division, and with carpenter wainright you always have a chance in a 5 game series.

but it looks like this is their only chance. they're looking soon at a best case spending 60-80% of your roster payroll on just carpenter/wainright/pujols/holliday. at very least 40% on holliday/pujols.

[iconian]

cant wait to see Mark McGuire pinch hit and hit a homerun

:crylol:

you lost pinero with not many young players wiht potential break out years. i think they still win the division, and with carpenter wainright you always have a chance in a 5 game series.

but it looks like this is their only chance. they're looking soon at a best case spending 60-80% of your roster payroll on just carpenter/wainright/pujols/holliday. at very least 40% on holliday/pujols.

and a special pinchhitter :D

ala kirk gibson!

[Me]

72-90 to 88-74 in one year with no major additions? And this season we have basically the same team save for a few minor add-ons. I wouldn't pick the team to go all the way but I would hardly call it a bad team.

"But your team still sucks ass".

Typical troll comment. :rolleyes:

no, I'm a dodgers fan. and you should have picked up on that immediately. I don't care if the Giants win the West beating out the Dodgers, I would have said the same thing. man, you bay area people really have things wedged really high up your asses. :rolleyes:

In the NL maybe, not that anyone outside of CA knows who Cain is.

cain is arguably the best number 2, if not top 3. He'd be a number 1 in half the teams in MLB. :dontknow: That's why he'll be a Yankee or Red Sox one day :lol:

[jj.12321]

Whats a 1-2 punch? Bases?

The best two starting pitchers in the starting rotation.

[luckykitti]

The best two starting pitchers in the starting rotation.

:bulb: got ya. now, i just learned that the national league has pitchers who also bat?

but the american league does not so...

:dontknow: that's all.

thanks JJ

[Me]

:bulb: got ya. now, i just learned that the national league has pitchers who also bat?

but the american league does not so...

:dontknow: that's all.

thanks JJ

:crylol:

[RonDo]

Go Bravos! Sent Bobby out with a World Series (not gonna happen...).

[maxxdragon]

spring training has started!!!


the twins signed jj hardy, thome, and orlando hudson,

we have a pretty solid team it looks like...liriano has been playing well in the south...

how are all the other teams shaping up out there?

and we have a new stadium :drool:

Sorry but o-dog is old, he D is not what it was and his bat is poor, even for a 2b. Thome is a shell of what is was.

D'backs will win the West, then not do much in the playoff (unless some of the young kids really improve a lot).

[Tyler.Durden]

cain is arguably the best number 2, if not top 3. He'd be a number 1 in half the teams in MLB. :dontknow: That's why he'll be a Yankee or Red Sox one day :lol:

I usually just follow the AL teams for some reason. It's pretty sad however that a pitcher that's that supposedly good will probably go to New York. Hopefully, he'll realize that he's wanted where he's at right now and stay like Hernandez did with Seattle or Mauer will probably do in Minnesota.

[JonRasty]

In the NL maybe, not that anyone outside of CA knows who Cain is.

I think that is a little dramatic but I see where you're going. His achievements were first tossed away due to horrible run support then he was flat out overshadowed by Tim Lincecum. When people think Giants they think 2 time Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum. And then horrible contracts like Zito, Rowand, and Rentaria. :mad:

All that aside, I think the NL West will be very interesting this year. I think Colorado is the most balanced team, Dodgers have great hitting, Giants have great pitching. Hoping for a great race until the end.

[TeamSharkie]

I think that is a little dramatic but I see where you're going. His achievements were first tossed away due to horrible run support then he was flat out overshadowed by Tim Lincecum. When people think Giants they think 2 time Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum. And then horrible contracts like Zito, Rowand, and Rentaria. :mad:

All that aside, I think the NL West will be very interesting this year. I think Colorado is the most balanced team, Dodgers have great hitting, Giants have great pitching. Hoping for a great race until the end.

Arizona's going to be up there too.

San Diego.. not so much. :lol:

[Tyler.Durden]

I think that is a little dramatic but I see where you're going. His achievements were first tossed away due to horrible run support then he was flat out overshadowed by Tim Lincecum. When people think Giants they think 2 time Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum. And then horrible contracts like Zito, Rowand, and Rentaria. :mad:

All that aside, I think the NL West will be very interesting this year. I think Colorado is the most balanced team, Dodgers have great hitting, Giants have great pitching. Hoping for a great race until the end.

That comment (from me) may have been too harsh. After looking at his stats, 2009 was a great year for him and he would be a great 1-2 pitcher on most teams based on those 2009 stats. However, 2005-2008 weren't 1-2 starter material.

[arjunsr]

That comment (from me) may have been too harsh. After looking at his stats, 2009 was a great year for him and he would be a great 1-2 pitcher on most teams based on those 2009 stats. However, 2005-2008 weren't 1-2 starter material.
which is why he was available in a trade. look at cliff lee past 2 years ago.. are they that spectacular? thow out his first few cleveland stats and he'd have the better stats.. but don't claim past performance. both lee are good for a 3 era +- .5. considering lee pitched deep into the playoffs and has the harder schedule, he's prolly going to have a worse year.

[dwells]

Another Yankees World Series would be nice.

[OwenKealy]

Where the fark is my Joe Mauer contract?

[Flickertails]

Royals fan here, as usual we signed a bunch of washed up free agents and have zero chance this year. We do get to see the cy young pitcher pitch every 5 days.

[amythyst]

Royals fan here, as usual we signed a bunch of washed up free agents and have zero chance this year. We do get to see the cy young pitcher pitch every 5 days.
you got Ankiel :woot2:

[Flickertails]

you got Ankiel :woot2:

and podsednik and kendall oh my!

[vec]

Yankees gonna choke the shit out of the rest of the AL East in 2010

FTFY :whee:

[HUGE_M00bs]

Go Pirates....:crying:

[arjunsr]

Where the fark is my Joe Mauer contract?
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/wires/03/21/2010.ap.bba.twins.mauer.extension.0191/index.html?eref=sihp

184 mill.. sadly that's a huge home town discount

[longislandmom]

Here's my two cents on the subject: I'm originally from Chicago and am a Cubs fan. What does that tell you? Come summer we'll again be saying "Wait 'til next year..."

[badchef10]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/wires/03/21/2010.ap.bba.twins.mauer.extension.0191/index.html?eref=sihp

184 mill.. sadly that's a huge home town discount

Tex signed a very similar contract, and its the 4th largest contract... ever. Doesn't seem like a HUGE hometown discount.

The only place the Twins got off easy was 8 yrs vs 10. As a catcher Mauer will prob also avg only 130 games for each contract year... I still love the signing though.

[arjunsr]

Tex signed a very similar contract, and its the 4th largest contract... ever. Doesn't seem like a HUGE hometown discount.

The only place the Twins got off easy was 8 yrs vs 10. As a catcher Mauer will prob also avg only 130 games for each contract year... I still love the signing though.
he plays a premium defensive position and is a gold glover. if he let the yanks/sox start bidding, i wouldn't be surprised to see another arod contract.

[Intrepid.]

he plays a premium defensive position and is a gold glover. if he let the yanks/sox start bidding, i wouldn't be surprised to see another arod contract.
You're probably right, but catcher is such a risky position. It's a huge gamble to give an 8 year contract to a guy whose knees could go out at any time. Good signing for the Twins, regardless.

[saint.]

I couldnt give that much cash to a catcher.

[arjunsr]

You're probably right, but catcher is such a risky position. It's a huge gamble to give an 8 year contract to a guy whose knees could go out at any time. Good signing for the Twins, regardless.

I couldnt give that much cash to a catcher.

very true, but when has common sense mattered to yanks/sox when it comes to contracts? even guys that seem almost no brainers at the time in less demanding positions like helton don't really fare well under contracts that long.

[Mavtech]

The Rays are looking good so far. Kicking ass in ST. They finally have a legit closer. Hopefully, Maddon doesn't over coach the pitchers again this year. Stop with the match up crap!

[badchef10]

very true, but when has common sense mattered to yanks/sox when it comes to contracts? even guys that seem almost no brainers at the time in less demanding positions like helton don't really fare well under contracts that long.

I was just pointing out earlier that it was not a "huge" hometown discount. The only difference the Yanks and Sox might have done for Mauer would be to give him 10 yrs on his contract, I dont think any team would top 25 mill a yr regardless though (Twins came in at 23).

Helton enjoyed a lot of great seasons in COL after his contract, but its interesting because he put up stats without the humidor and also there was some controversy that he might have used roids. I'm hoping almost all of the players now are in fact clean. Regardless, I don't think that is a particularly bad contract. If you want to talk about bad, look at Jason Schmidt.

[SkeezaPleez]

Go White Sox!

[dan9124]

Braves up 8-3 :whee:

[wreckonized]

great play by mark buehrle today

[cheapskate82]

Let's go Mets!! Awesome way to start the season!!

[ProfessorChaos]

Here's hoping Lincecum gets the Cy Young trifecta!

[PhoenixFP]

Yankees lose, and the Braves put a huge ass spanking on the Cubs.

Great day.

[luckykitti]

patiently waiting for next mondays big opening day at the target field... :pace:

[arjunsr]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100405&content_id=9091930&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

impressive.

and dodgers suck. :sadwalk:

[luckykitti]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100405&content_id=9091930&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

impressive.

and dodgers suck. :sadwalk:

maybe you should be an angels fan this week :lol:

[dan9124]

Yankees lose, and the Braves put a huge ass spanking on the Cubs.

Great day.

:cheers: Going to the game tomorrow!

[Mavtech]

I'm going to try to make a Rays/Yankee game this weekend. The opener tonight at the Trop is sold out.

[PhoenixFP]

I'm going to try to make a Rays/Yankee game this weekend. The opener tonight at the Trop is sold out.

"sold out" would be the correct term.

Tampa doesn't ever actually sell out :lol:

[Mavtech]

"sold out" would be the correct term.

Tampa doesn't ever actually sell out :lol:

Yeah, I'm wondering how they are defining that. They did close down quite a few of the rows at the top of the upper deck. We'll see what the official attendance is.

[arjunsr]

Yeah, I'm wondering how they are defining that. They did close down quite a few of the rows at the top of the upper deck. We'll see what the official attendance is.
by available seats available to be sold. if they close down seats that's subtracted from max capacity

[PhoenixFP]

by available seats available to be sold. if they close down seats that's subtracted from max capacity

They say the seats are closed but it takes 10 seconds and careful crafting by a fan to sit anywhere up top.

It's only like 1500 seats maybe that they closed off. I know last year the 3 Doors Down concert day was packed as hell, but not a sellout, and they actually uncovered a lot of the seats.

[Mavtech]

Impressive. 14 teams have 1.000 winning percentages right now.

[PhoenixFP]

Did anyone catch that the Giants can't spell their own city?

They had San Francisco misspelled on their jerseys :facepalm2:

[Mavtech]

Rays are 2-0. Longoria hit another bomb. At this pace, he's due for 162 of them this season.

[utl768]

Same old shit from the mets

luckily it won't last much longer

bye bye Manuel and minaya

[dan9124]

Braves are 2-0 despite Troy Glaus's efforts (6Ks in 7 ABs) :woot:

didn't get to go to the game last night like I thought, I'll catch one soon though

[PhoenixFP]

So, anyone want to guess how many times Bobby Cox is ejected from a game this year? I'll guess 15. It's his last season (:() and I think he'll go out with a bang, of sorts.

[PhoenixFP]

:facepalm:

Is it too early to start wearing the brown paper bag as a Braves fan?

[Claudia365]

:yahoo::yahoo: Let's go Yankees !!!!! :yahoo::yahoo:

[luckykitti]

kubel got a home run!! :whee: yesterday was so awesome at the stadium!

and i got a pic with puckett. :lol:

[dan9124]

:facepalm:

Is it too early to start wearing the brown paper bag as a Braves fan?

yes. it may not be by the end of this series though...

[Intrepid.]

kubel got a home run!! :whee: yesterday was so awesome at the stadium!

and i got a pic with puckett. :lol:
There was picture in my local paper of the Kirby statue with a couple people in front of it today. I like yours better :thumbup:

[PiratesSayARRR]

yes. it may not be by the end of this series though...

I was at opening day yesterday and it just looked like the Braves were dragging ass out there.

Your new phenom Heyward needs a talking to about what hustle means I have never seen such a lackadaisical right fielder.

[Mavtech]

Why are the Yankees being such cry babies about the catwalk in the Trop? Even though I think that Longoria's pop up should have been an out, the Yankees have known the ground rules for years.

[jillyq]

I like the Cardinals this year. :D

[luckykitti]

There was picture in my local paper of the Kirby statue with a couple people in front of it today. I like yours better :thumbup:
:hug2: thanks! i have a picture groping one of the statues too. oops.

Why are the Yankees being such cry babies about the catwalk in the Trop? Even though I think that Longoria's pop up should have been an out, the Yankees have known the ground rules for years.

i read a little about that :dontknow:

[Intrepid.]

:hug2: thanks! i have a picture groping one of the statues too. oops.

As a Twins fan, I'm guessing you get the irony of that :lol:

[luckykitti]

it is kinda weird i guess

[Intrepid.]

it is kinda weird i guess
Puckett was accused of groping a woman a couple years before he died and now you're groping his statue :lol: Just thought it was ironic.

[PhoenixFP]

Your new phenom Heyward needs a talking to about what hustle means I have never seen such a lackadaisical right fielder.

Brian Jordan?

[dan9124]

I was at opening day yesterday and it just looked like the Braves were dragging ass out there.

Your new phenom Heyward needs a talking to about what hustle means I have never seen such a lackadaisical right fielder.

The game the day before was miserable (4+ hour rain delay, 40-50 degree wind blown weather) so I can halfway understand. Still though, they're paid well to perform under any conditions, so that only goes so far.

I haven't seen Heyward in person yet so I'll reserve judgement til then. I'm impressed with his power at the plate so far, but he needs to work on his discipline, which will come with time. Can't speak much for his fielding attributes yet.

And what's up with these random days off in the middle of series? They had one at the Braves' home opener, now another at the Padres'. I'm not gonna complain about this one though, after getting stomped like we did a day off should only help.

[PhoenixFP]

Tampa: 5-3
Atlanta: 3-4

:(

[luckykitti]

Puckett was accused of groping a woman a couple years before he died and now you're groping his statue :lol: Just thought it was ironic.

ohhhhhh yea. i see. i am not groping i am hugging! now the killebrew statue is another story.... :roll:

[Mavtech]

The Rays are owning the Red Sox right now. Bring out the brooms for the 4 game sweep! 11 AM game today.

Garza is pitching well right now. 3-0 with a 0.75 ERA. Not too shabby.

[Intrepid.]

Reds can't hit at all. It's going to be a long season :facepalm2:

[dan9124]

Heyward continues to impress for the Braves. Down to our last strike of the game, and the kid comes through with a 2 run hit!

Still worried about the Braves' lack of hitting lately though. Looking forward to the series against Philly, should be a good gauge of where both teams stand right now.

[Mavtech]

Rays are up 8-0. Bring out the brooms!

[wuzzy]

Ever since Ellsbury got injured, Sox have been doing AWFUL.

[wreckonized]

its time for ortiz to STFU and sit on the bench boston.

[Mavtech]

Ever since Ellsbury got injured, Sox have been doing AWFUL.

I'm sure they'll improve. It also hurts how bad Ortiz and Drew are hitting.

[PhoenixFP]

Tampa, you're peaking a few months too early.

[luckykitti]

:lol: did anyone happen to watch the twins/royals saturday night?

[luckykitti]

our new stupid song (http://www.reviler.org/2010/04/14/video-gb-leightons-laughable-twins-song/)

if anyone wants to hate the twins here is your chance.... first prince ruins football now this sorry sap ruins our baseball

:vomit:

[PhoenixFP]

Tampa Bay 17-5
NY Yankees 14-7
Baltimore 4-18
Atlanta 8-14 (current streak: Lost 9 :omg: :eek: WTF?)

[Mavtech]

The Rays are no doubt the best team in MLB right now. Let's hope they keep it up. I hope this helps the push for a new stadium.

[PhoenixFP]

I hope this helps the push for a new stadium.

Yeah, a team that's had 1 good season in their existence really deserves a nearly $500M stadium :rolleyes:

When they prove they deserve it- and I don't count one good season as proving it- then we can talk of a new stadium.

Don't sign on for a 30 year lease of a building if you have no intentions of fulfilling HALF the lease.

[Mavtech]

Yeah, a team that's had 1 good season in their existence really deserves a nearly $500M stadium :rolleyes:

When they prove they deserve it- and I don't count one good season as proving it- then we can talk of a new stadium.

Don't sign on for a 30 year lease of a building if you have no intentions of fulfilling HALF the lease.

Where were you in 2008 and 2009? This is their 3rd good season.

There is already a push for a new stadium. But, there most likely will be a stipulation of staying in or near St. Pete to get out of the current lease. This is why I think the Carillon/Gateway area is going to be the spot.

[PhoenixFP]

I don't consider a fast start a "good season." They're 23 games into the season. Sure, they're doing well, but how many teams start off amazing just to flounder? Don't count your chickens before the eggs hatch.

As for 08 and 09, 08 was a great year and 09 was better than average, but not a phenomenal year.

If TB wants a new stadium, they should have to pay for it themselves, AND have to pay the current lease on the Trop. However, since they can't fill the Trop to save their lives 99% of the time, I don't think they should spend a half billion on a new stadium with 1/3 of the seats (like their waterfront proposal).

Their biggest problem is location. If they moved to Tampa, it would help their attendance a lot. It's almost 2 hours from my house to the Trop. A LOT of people I know that go to games every year would go more often if it wasn't a 4 hour round trip. Tampa's a LOT closer... and there's plenty of venues that they could go to.

I haven't ever supported their push for a new stadium, unless they were going to pay for it. They are the idiots that signed a long-term lease for the Trop (which is a nice venue). They need to either pay off the lease or abide by their legal obligations before they start talking about how a new stadium would make the team more attractive to fans.

[Mavtech]

Ok. True that we can't yet judge this season. But, they had 2 good seasons in a row. I'm willing to bet this one will at least be a good season.

Even the richest team in baseball didn't pay for their new stadium themselves. That's not how it works. Since both the team and the local economy benefit, they share the cost.

If you recognize that the current location doesn't work, then why don't you support a new stadium? They need to do something to boost attendance. I doubt a Tampa location will happen since there would be a slew of legal activity if they attempted it. The most ideal spot is something centrally located to include as many fans as possible. The current location alienates north and east Hillsborough residents. A move to Tampa would alienate the Bradenton/Sarasota people. This is why I think right near I275 just on the Pinellas side is going to be the winning location.

The Trop is definitely not a good venue. It was built on a budget in 1990 and was outdated in many ways (compared to other stadiums) by the time we got a team here. It's poorly designed for baseball. Many fans dislike the dome and the location. Baseball traditionalists such as myself dislike it due to baseball being an outdoors sport. It just doesn't feel or sound right in that dome. Visiting players dislike it. They need a new one to maintain their competitiveness in baseball.

[PhoenixFP]

A much better location would be at the Fairgrounds. It's centrally located. The people traveling from Sarasota/Bradenton will still go to the games, and there are way more ways out of the Fairgrounds (I-4, MLK, 301, I-75, etc) than the Trop- which has just 275.

The Trop is fine. It might be "outdated" or whatever, but IT'S FINE. It's not worth $500 fricking million dollars to build an outdoor stadium. If you think the Rays have trouble selling seats now, build an outdoor stadium like they were wanting on the water. Come July when it's 95 outside and feels like 105, and the fans will revolt.

You have to realize that the fans that want (or have this crazed idea that the Trop sucks, or the dipshits that think "tradition" is everything) a new stadium are in the minority. Also, who gives a frick what the visiting players think? They don't play 80+ games in the stadium.

And the Rays have never had competitiveness in baseball. They just fricking started actually winning games regularly. And I find it coincidental that the talk of a new stadium magically started in the first season that the Rays actually started winning. You can't tell me that the talk just started that season.

I think the Rays should be held to their contract with the Trop. Going off this article (http://www.baseballpilgrimages.com/american/tampabay.html) they won't pay off the Trop until 2025 and are under contract to play there until 2027. Sure, I don't expect Tampa to play baseball there for 17 more years, but I don't think we should be talking about a new $500M stadium less than halfway through the contract.

Personally, I think that if Tampa Bay does move from the Trop, they're going to move to the Wide World of Sports. Orlando is way more inviting to baseball than Tampa Bay.

[Mavtech]

The fairgrounds would not be centrally located to Pinellas county. That moves the long drive the north HB residents had to the residents in Pinellas. However, it is still accessible to Bradenton/Sarasota due to I75.

Letting the Rays out of the lease is up to the city of St. Pete. If they build a stadium in or near St. Pete, I'm sure letting them out won't be an issue. If they try to move to the Tampa side, I'm sure there will be a legal battle.

[PhoenixFP]

The fairgrounds would not be centrally located to Pinellas county.

Who cares? They don't support their team now. Tampa is a better location for the Tampa Bay Rays.

If attendance was any better than it was, we could say that making the Pinellas residents drive further would be bad- except they don't give a shit about baseball. Remember, the Trop used to be a hockey arena. That was the main reason they built the ugly ass building.

[Mavtech]

Who cares? They don't support their team now. Tampa is a better location for the Tampa Bay Rays.

If attendance was any better than it was, we could say that making the Pinellas residents drive further would be bad- except they don't give a shit about baseball. Remember, the Trop used to be a hockey arena. That was the main reason they built the ugly ass building.

The sports teams are purposely named "Tampa Bay" to include the surrounding area. It's the name of a body of water. It includes much more than just Tampa. Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, Citrus, etc. I live in Pinellas. I live in the Tampa Bay area just same as someone who lives in the city of Tampa.

[shhaggy]

Ok. True that we can't yet judge this season. But, they had 2 good seasons in a row. I'm willing to bet this one will at least be a good season.

Even the richest team in baseball didn't pay for their new stadium themselves. That's not how it works. Since both the team and the local economy benefit, they share the cost.

If you recognize that the current location doesn't work, then why don't you support a new stadium? They need to do something to boost attendance. I doubt a Tampa location will happen since there would be a slew of legal activity if they attempted it. The most ideal spot is something centrally located to include as many fans as possible. The current location alienates north and east Hillsborough residents. A move to Tampa would alienate the Bradenton/Sarasota people. This is why I think right near I275 just on the Pinellas side is going to be the winning location.

The Trop is definitely not a good venue. It was built on a budget in 1990 and was outdated in many ways (compared to other stadiums) by the time we got a team here. It's poorly designed for baseball. Many fans dislike the dome and the location. Baseball traditionalists such as myself dislike it due to baseball being an outdoors sport. It just doesn't feel or sound right in that dome. Visiting players dislike it. They need a new one to maintain their competitiveness in baseball.

The Mets and Yanks both paid for and own their own stadiums. They got some help from the city with cheap or no interest bonds, but they didn't get any money flat out. The city spent some money to improve infrastructure (both local subway stations were redone, for example), but they did not pay for and do not own their own stadium. I don't think any city should pay for a team's stadium.

[Mavtech]

The Mets and Yanks both paid for and own their own stadiums. They got some help from the city with cheap or no interest bonds, but they didn't get any money flat out. The city spent some money to improve infrastructure (both local subway stations were redone, for example), but they did not pay for and do not own their own stadium. I don't think any city should pay for a team's stadium.

Ok. I see how the Yanks are doing it. They are paying the bonds. The city paid for the parking garage which was a big chunk of change. Also, according to this (http://nyyu.blogspot.com/2009/01/stadium-financing-simplified.html) Yankee blog, the city owns the new stadium. The Yanks have a 43 year lease. That doesn't make sense to me. Why would they do that?

Even though the Yankees are picking up the tab, the CITY OF NEW YORK is the owner of the stadium and the Yankees hold a 43 year lease to the building. That's right, the Yankees are basically giving NYC a stadium for FREE.

Anyway, new stadiums would almost never happen if the costs were not shared. Just because the Yanks and Mets can do it this way, doesn't mean that all the other teams can. The usual way they do it is to share the cost.

[luckykitti]

hennepin county paid for the twins stadium.

[shhaggy]

Ok. I see how the Yanks are doing it. They are paying the bonds. The city paid for the parking garage which was a big chunk of change. Also, according to this (http://nyyu.blogspot.com/2009/01/stadium-financing-simplified.html) Yankee blog, the city owns the new stadium. The Yanks have a 43 year lease. That doesn't make sense to me. Why would they do that?



Anyway, new stadiums would almost never happen if the costs were not shared. Just because the Yanks and Mets can do it this way, doesn't mean that all the other teams can. The usual way they do it is to share the cost.

That website has their information a little off. What happened in NY is a strange situation in which private stadiums were built on public land. The stadiums themselves are privately owned, operated, and maintained, but the city retained ownership of the land, and offered a perpetual lease.

[PiratesSayARRR]

Ok. I see how the Yanks are doing it. They are paying the bonds. The city paid for the parking garage which was a big chunk of change. Also, according to this (http://nyyu.blogspot.com/2009/01/stadium-financing-simplified.html) Yankee blog, the city owns the new stadium. The Yanks have a 43 year lease. That doesn't make sense to me. Why would they do that?


Probably for tax purposes....writing off the lease expenses each year instead of depreciating the asset and paying property tax.

[shhaggy]

Probably for tax purposes....writing off the lease expenses each year instead of depreciating the asset and paying property tax.

Exactly. They own the building but they never took possession of the land it's built on. The lease is minimal.

[shhaggy]

hennepin county paid for the twins stadium.

I'm not sure what the Twins situation is, but it's a little different when you're trying to get or keep a team vs. when the team just wants a new stadium. Also it depends on how much that team is actually helping your city. NY could probably survive just fine if the Mets or Yanks ran to Jersey, so there's no desperation to build them a new stadium. In fact, NYC desperately DOESN'T want it's teams in the heart of the city. That's why the Jets Stadium in Manhattan fell apart and they stayed in East Rutherford.

[luckykitti]

I'm not sure what the Twins situation is, but it's a little different when you're trying to get or keep a team vs. when the team just wants a new stadium. Also it depends on how much that team is actually helping your city. NY could probably survive just fine if the Mets or Yanks ran to Jersey, so there's no desperation to build them a new stadium. In fact, NYC desperately DOESN'T want it's teams in the heart of the city. That's why the Jets Stadium in Manhattan fell apart and they stayed in East Rutherford.

ehh the twins weren't going anywhere. its just that mauer = most of the twins. lol.

we are now trying to get a vikings stadium... i guess the taxes from rental cars, hotels, etc are going towards it. well that's the proposal. a tiny fraction of it. that's all i know about that one.

[wreckonized]

LOL @ a roid. Looks like Dallas Braden's "15 min of fame" has been extended.

perfect game > anything aroid will ever do on the baseball diamond

[PhoenixFP]

I called Tampa failing.

Great history Tampa :D

[wreckonized]

I called Tampa failing.

Great history Tampa :D

it might look bad, but how many can stay there saw 2 perfect games first handed

[Intrepid.]

perfect game > anything aroid will ever do on the baseball diamond

All time home run record > perfect game.

[marg_fan]

it might look bad, but how many can stay there saw 2 perfect games first handed

Is my dyslexia kicking in again? :dontknow:

[Mavtech]

All time home run record > perfect game.

Even as a former pitcher who only dreamed of pitching a perfect game, I would have to agree with this. ARod may have a shot at this record.

That was a sickening game to watch. I thought Navarro broke it up.

[PhoenixFP]

it might look bad, but how many can stay there saw 2 perfect games first handed
It depends, when was the last one against the Rays? I don't think too many players are still around from the first one.

edit- they allowed one LAST JULY? WTF?

Yeah, I guess a lot of baseball players can say that :lol:

[Intrepid.]

It depends, when was the last one against the Rays?

I don't think too many players are still around from the first one.
Rays got no hit last season if I remember correctly.

[Mavtech]

Rays got no hit last season if I remember correctly.

That's correct. July 2009 by Mark Buerle.

2 of the 19 perfect games against the Rays in the past year. Yippee! Not a stat I would be happy with. LOL

[wreckonized]

It depends, when was the last one against the Rays? I don't think too many players are still around from the first one.

edit- they allowed one LAST JULY? WTF?

Yeah, I guess a lot of baseball players can say that :lol:

Mark buehrle threw a perfect game against the rays just last season o.0

All time home run record > perfect game.

how is breaking the all time HR record better, when he cheated?

[Intrepid.]

That's correct. July 2009 by Mark Buerle.

2 of the 19 perfect games against the Rays in the past year. Yippee! Not a stat I would be happy with. LOL
Ah you're right, I was thinking it was just a no hitter. Still have the best record in baseball, no reason for concern.

[Intrepid.]

how is breaking the all time HR record better, when he cheated?
He still would have broken it anyway. I don't like A-Rod, but Braden has nothing on him.

[Mavtech]

Ah you're right, I was thinking it was just a no hitter. Still have the best record in baseball, no reason for concern.

The good thing is that the RS beat the Yanks last night. I hate rooting for the Red Sox. But, I will when they are playing the Yanks.

[PhoenixFP]

I'm a bit biased as a Braves fan since birth (seriously, got pictures of me in a Braves outfit when I was like a week old :lol:) but I have to say Barry Bonds breaking the HR record wasn't all that amazing, when you consider that he did it in the Steroid era.

If A-Rod breaks it, it won't mean much. I hope the guy that bought the Barry Bonds HR ball does the same asterisk thing with A-Rod's HR ball. It would be funny.

[Intrepid.]

The good thing is that the RS beat the Yanks last night. I hate rooting for the Red Sox. But, I will when they are playing the Yanks.
I don't like either team, but I will always root for the team playing the Yankees.

[Mavtech]

The "Steroid Era" should be renamed to "They Finally Got Busted For Doing Steroids Era". It's silly to think that it wasn't being used for years and years before it all went public. This is precisely why I don't agree with taking records away. People would be surprised to find out how many players have been using steroids and performance enhancers all these years.

I don't like either team, but I will always root for the team playing the Yankees.

Exactly my point! However, I only dislike the Red Sox. I don't dislike the Yankee players. Just the organization.

[Intrepid.]

The "Steroid Era" should be renamed to "They Finally Got Busted For Doing Steroids Era". It's silly to think that it wasn't being used for years and years before it all went public. This is precisely why I don't agree with taking records away. People would be surprised to find out how many players have been using steroids and performance enhancers all these years.

So you think Hank Aaron may have been on steroids?

[Mavtech]

So you think Hank Aaron may have been on steroids?

My opinion about Hank Aaron would be no. I don't think he did. But, you never know. Not all guys take steroids to bulk up. Take pitchers for example. You can't bulk up. They take steroids to bounce back faster. So, you can't go by appearance.

[wreckonized]

everything is legal until you get caught. so it doesnt matter if they did take steroids or anything else. they never got caught. they are innocent until proven guilty. but those who have been caught should have their records taken away.

[Mavtech]

everything is legal until you get caught. so it doesnt matter if they did take steroids or anything else. they never got caught. they are innocent until proven guilty. but those who have been caught should have their records taken away.

The problem is that people took it to mean that only recently did baseball players start taking steroids.

[PhoenixFP]

The problem is that people took it to mean that only recently did baseball players start taking steroids.

Yes and no.

I don't doubt that before steroids were made illegal in the MLB that people took them. I bet the numbers of those that took them are higher than those that didn't.

I think a lot of the HR records set in the last decade or so should be removed. They're pretty much all a sham anyway.

[shhaggy]

everything is legal until you get caught. so it doesnt matter if they did take steroids or anything else. they never got caught. they are innocent until proven guilty. but those who have been caught should have their records taken away.

The problem is that people took it to mean that only recently did baseball players start taking steroids.

Steroids were only recently made illegal in baseball.

[Mavtech]

Steroids were only recently made illegal in baseball.

No, "performance enhancing substances" were recently banned in baseball which included steroids, HGH, Andro, etc. Steroids were illegal long before that ban (1990 I believe). They just never really openly tested for it. The average sports fan takes that to mean that they only recently started taking steroids.

[shhaggy]

No, "performance enhancing substances" were recently banned in baseball which included steroids, HGH, Andro, etc. Steroids were illegal long before that ban (1990 I believe). They just never really openly tested for it. The average sports fan takes that to mean that they only recently started taking steroids.

It was never in the rule book, it was a memo that was passed around in 1990, which is pretty weak. To me, before this recent ban, we should've treated steroid users no differently than recreational drug users.

[Mavtech]

It was never in the rule book, it was a memo that was passed around in 1990, which is pretty weak. To me, before this recent ban, we should've treated steroid users no differently than recreational drug users.

No, I mean illegal is in our laws which makes it illegal to use in baseball. MLB kinda turned their backs to it until recently. I still don't think it should be treated any differently than a recreational drug. I think all this has been blown out of proportion. You get an increase in strength and you recover quicker when on steroids. But, you do not gain skill.

[shhaggy]

No, I mean illegal is in our laws which makes it illegal to use in baseball. MLB kinda turned their backs to it until recently. I still don't think it should be treated any differently than a recreational drug. I think all this has been blown out of proportion. You get an increase in strength and you recover quicker when on steroids. But, you do not gain skill.

There's a big difference between warning track skill and HR skill, and steroid can make a big difference there. Lots of 30 HR sluggers can become 40 HR sluggers with steroids. Nobody is saying that Joe the Accountant made it in major league baseball because of steroids, but it does make you better.

[wreckonized]

it really doesnt matter if it helped or not. they got caught cheating their stats should not be recorded

[PhoenixFP]

it really doesnt matter if it helped or not. they got caught cheating their stats should not be recorded

:iagree:

[PhoenixFP]

Tampa Bay 27-11 .711
Atlanta 18-20 .474

I'll be honest. Given the fact Atlanta's last in their division, they are saying something about the strength of the NL East.

[PhoenixFP]

:whee: Tampa's on a losing streak, Atlanta actually started winning (then lost :lol:), and the Yankees still suck!

Oh, and Mavtech if you watch Fox 13, they're seriously beating a dead horse about a new stadium. They're arguing now that a stadium in downtown Tampa is where the Rays should go. WHY? There's no parking downtown, much less enough to support the 30k fans that might show up at a baseball game.

[Mavtech]

Yeah, I just think anything in either downtown is crazy. From what I've read, the fairgrounds is out of the question. That's way out there for Pinellas and Pasco residents. I'm hoping that just west of the Howard Frankland wins the stadium. That's some easy access to games. I know I would definitely go to more games there.

[PhoenixFP]

The fairgrounds aren't "out there" though. Actually, it's easier to get there than it is the Trop. You've just got to get to either 301 or I-75 then MLK to get to the fairgrounds. That's either right down 301 (East Pasco) or 52/54 to I-75 (West Pasco). As for Pinellas, 275 to I-4 to the 301 exit gets you to the Fairgrounds. Plus, it opens up the possibility for Polk county residents to easily go to a game.

I dunno. I'm partial to the Fairgrounds. Personally, St. Pete is too far, and a waterfront park in downtown Tampa is just insane. Hell, I love the Aquarium but don't go because it's just an asinine setup.

[Mavtech]

The fairgrounds aren't "out there" though. Actually, it's easier to get there than it is the Trop. You've just got to get to either 301 or I-75 then MLK to get to the fairgrounds. That's either right down 301 (East Pasco) or 52/54 to I-75 (West Pasco). As for Pinellas, 275 to I-4 to the 301 exit gets you to the Fairgrounds. Plus, it opens up the possibility for Polk county residents to easily go to a game.

I dunno. I'm partial to the Fairgrounds. Personally, St. Pete is too far, and a waterfront park in downtown Tampa is just insane. Hell, I love the Aquarium but don't go because it's just an asinine setup.

West Pasco people have a very long drive to get to I-75. They have to drive about 30-40 minutes across 54 or 52. I-275 runs along the far east side of Pinellas. It takes about 25-35 to get there from the west side of the county depending on traffic. Then, you have the drive the rest of the way to the fairgrounds at 301. That's a long drive for most of Pinellas and Pasco. But, it is easier for Polk residents. With the location just on the west side of the bridge, I think that brings access to a greater amount of people. There's a main road from all directions and is as central as you can get where there is available land. Suncoast for Pasco, 275 from the south and north. Ulmerton from the west.

The developer who was working on the fairgrounds as a site has backed down. So, it looks like that leaves the 3 sites that the coalition has suggested.

[PhoenixFP]

Yeah, I'm afraid they're not going to get any deal done, and the "Tampa Bay Rays" will become the Orlando Rays or something. They've got a couple venues over in Orlando that are perfect for a team that can't attract people when they're #1.

I wouldn't be surprised that if the Rays made the World Series this year there wouldn't be a sellout. It's a sad reality.

Another suggestion: Somewhere like Joker Marchant in Lakeland? Maybe not that far, but Orlando won't hesitate if they can get the Rays, might as well try to please them somewhat.

The worst idea though right now is a downtown Tampa location. I'd rather it be right across 275 than downtown. Hell, I went to the TBPAC in March and god it was hell. There's no way anyone will go to the games.

[Mavtech]

I agree. I would not go to the games in downtown Tampa. I hate going to the Lightning games as it is.

Joker Marchant is just a minor League stadium. It can't hold the Rays. It only seats about 8500. It's pretty old too.

I think the Tampa Bay area will accommodate them. If they tried to move to Orlando, that's when the city of St. Pete would enforce the 27 year lease. lol

[PhoenixFP]

Oh god, not JM. But something like where it's located would be perfect to get the Tampa/St Pete/Lakeland/Orlando/Pasco/Hernando people.

Although I guess since we're supposed to be getting the bullet train and everything, where the stadium is located between Tampa and Orlando doesn't matter :dontknow: I woulda vetoed the train personally, but Pasco didn't get a say.

[Mavtech]

Oh god, not JM. But something like where it's located would be perfect to get the Tampa/St Pete/Lakeland/Orlando/Pasco/Hernando people.

Although I guess since we're supposed to be getting the bullet train and everything, where the stadium is located between Tampa and Orlando doesn't matter :dontknow: I woulda vetoed the train personally, but Pasco didn't get a say.

We need some sort of improvement in public transportation. After visiting Boston and NYC, I realized just how bad our transportation system is. Of course, based on population, LA's is even worse than ours. LOL

[PhoenixFP]

Well we can't have a subway, because whereas Boston and NYC have the capabilities of building a subway 100 feet deep, you can barely dig 10 feet down without hitting water.

Doesn't Chicago (I think) have an above-ground subway or whatever they call it? :lol:

[Mavtech]

Well we can't have a subway, because whereas Boston and NYC have the capabilities of building a subway 100 feet deep, you can barely dig 10 feet down without hitting water.

Doesn't Chicago (I think) have an above-ground subway or whatever they call it? :lol:

We could have an underground ferry! :D

[maxxdragon]

I jus think it's lame the changed their name from the Devil Rays to the Rays, Just my .02.

Oh, and how painful is it to watch the Diamondback bullpen. :shuder:

[Mavtech]

I jus think it's lame the changed their name from the Devil Rays to the Rays, Just my .02.

The baseball gods obviously didn't like the name. The first year as the Rays, they go to the World Series.

[wuzzy]

Rays are up 8-0. Bring out the brooms!

The Redsox have the brooms this time ;)

[Mavtech]

The Redsox have the brooms this time ;)

Yep. They played like crap this series.

[PhoenixFP]

The baseball gods obviously didn't like the name. The first year as the Rays, they go to the World Series.

Pure luck, considering the year before they did they almost made the playoffs, didn't they?

[Mavtech]

Pure luck, considering the year before they did they almost made the playoffs, didn't they?

Nope. Worst to first. Getting to the WS can't be luck. Or are you just saying that it was coincidental?

[PhoenixFP]

yeah that, sorry :lol:

I wrote down coincidental in an IM conversation and luck here, and needed to switch them :doh:

[dan9124]

this is driving me crazy...I saw on Sportscenter this morning that people have been buying up Strasburg merchandise like crazy. But in early April, the AJC reported on how the Braves had to wait until the 5th inning of Heyward's first game before they could begin selling his jerseys and stuff per MLB rules. What the heck is going on? How did the Nationals get around this? I even emailed the AJC Braves reporters about it but of course they didn't respond...

[Intrepid.]

Strasburg was great tonight, but the best rookie pitcher so far is still Mike Leake.

[Mavtech]

Strasburg was great tonight, but the best rookie pitcher so far is still Mike Leake.

I haven't seen Leake pitch yet. But, based on all the hype, that doesn't seem to be true. I didn't even hear of Leake until about 2 weeks ago. I've been hearing about Strasburg for months. The guys on Yahoo Sports (Jeff Passan/Tim Brown) just said that no rookie is as good as Strasburg. Obviously, we're speaking in terms of potential since this is his first day in the majors.

[Intrepid.]

Leake: 5-0, 2.22 ERA, 50 K's
Strasburg: 1 outing

Strasburg's had the hype for well over year and will probably be the better pitcher, but I'm very happy with Leake so far.

[Mavtech]

Leake: 5-0, 2.22 ERA, 50 K's
Strasburg: 1 outing

Strasburg's had the hype for well over year and will probably be the better pitcher, but I'm very happy with Leake so far.

Yeah, that's why I said it's all about potential right now. I need to watch Leake. He must be pretty good to be one of the few players to totally skip the minors.

[PiratesSayARRR]

Probably my biggest regret was not seeing Strasburg pitch at San Diego State.

[wuzzy]

I'd like to see Strasburg pitch to a good hitting team. The 14 K's were impressive however.

[Intrepid.]

I'd like to see Strasburg pitch to a good hitting team. The 14 K's were impressive however.
Yep, and I'd like to see him after some teams have some game tape on him as well. He's going to be great though.

[shhaggy]

The Nats did a good job picking a shitty team to debut him against, but the bottom line is that they're going to baby this kid way too much for him to come up here and dominate. He's on a 90 pitch count, which left him pitching 5 innings to even AAA teams. He happened to dominate the Pirates and stretched those pitches out to 7 innings, but he's not gonna do that to the better teams. We're gonna see a lot of 5 IP outings, and even then we're gonna see him shut down with an innings cap, because he's still young. You almost wish they'd have just left him down for the season and then turn him loose next year.

[Mavtech]

Yeah, they don't want to burn him out. But, he's a strikeout pitcher. So, they will eventually have to ease off the 90 pitch limit.

Based on what I saw tonight, regardless of opposing team, the kid is frickin nasty. 98-99 MPH with a sharp breaking curve and a nasty change.

[imaguy10101010]

What about that idiot who threw the ball back! COMON you catch a home run ball ANYWHERE and you throw it back is just stupid, but catching the first HR given up by Strasburg coulda been some good $$$ let alone a great souvenier

[Mavtech]

I agree. I sure as hell am not throwing any ball back. I don't care if it's off Kevin Youkalis' bat, I'm keeping it.

[PhoenixFP]

I don't care whose bat it's off, if I catch a ball (foul, HR, anything) I'm keeping it.

Hell, last time I even came close to catching one was the last time the Braves played in Tampa in like 2006. :(. It was a HR from Chipper Jones. :whee:

But Strasburg is getting babied, but that's because the Nats don't want to flush the money down the drain. While yes, it would be great to see him pitch more than 5 innings, but when he's getting paid more per pitch than some of us make a month, I can see why they're doing what they are doing.

[PhoenixFP]

Shameless :bump:

The Rays can't play an NL team to save their life can they? Weren't they just leading the MLB? Now they're tied for 2nd in their division.

ETA:
edited the info. Thought Toronto was fewer than 7.5 back :lol:

[Mavtech]

Yeah, the Rays have been horrible lately. Maddon's management of the pitchers is to blame for much of it. He is horrible at managing the bull pen.

[PhoenixFP]

:clap: Great game today Tampa. I couldn't be more proud of you guys.

I'm glad Longoria got pissed at BJ Upton for jogging towards the ball. Give 100% or get the fark off the field.

[wuzzy]

:clap: Great game today Tampa. I couldn't be more proud of you guys.

I'm glad Longoria got pissed at BJ Upton for jogging towards the ball. Give 100% or get the fark off the field.

For some reason that play reminded me when Shane Victorino claimed the ball got stuck under the wall last year. Rays are falling apart and play the Sox next :D

[PhoenixFP]

I wouldn't say they are falling apart. They just can't play any NL teams :lol:

[luckykitti]

anything worth posting? :look:

[PhoenixFP]

Not really :lol:

All-Star ballots were announced, but it's pretty much the expected.

[Mavtech]

This thread has gone stale.

Anyway, I'm watching Jeremy Hellickson's 4th ML start. Before tonight, he was 3-0, 1.27 ERA. This kid is the real deal. Possibly better than Strasburg.

[PhoenixFP]

Atlanta won today, that was nice. The Rays are only a 1/2 game out of first, too.

Oh, I saw some special on TV (I want to say it was on the Sun Network, maybe?) about the Rays. Their stadium in Birmingham (Montgomery?) Alabama is nice. I'm talking, really nice. For a minor league team!

I hate to tell St Pete this, but they need to realize that the Rays have much better stadium choices available to them, elsewhere. I've heard rumors that Charlotte would pony up the cash for them, but I doubt it. Their Alabama stadium is pretty nice though.

[arjunsr]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5502866

strasburg has torn ulnar collateral ligament, most likely needing tommy john surgery

[Intrepid.]

The Nats may be the Clippers of MLB.

[Mavtech]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5502866

strasburg has torn ulnar collateral ligament, most likely needing tommy john surgery

That just gave me chills to read. What a shame. Kerry Wood all over again. I hate to see this.

[w3kn]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5502866

strasburg has torn ulnar collateral ligament, most likely needing tommy john surgery

And ticket sales for the remainder of the Nationals games just plummeted.

[Intrepid.]

And ticket sales for the remainder of the Nationals games just plummeted.
Bryce Harper next year possibly...

[arjunsr]

Bryce Harper next year possibly...
harper is 17 and being converted to outfield. i doubt he'll make it to the majors next year.

That just gave me chills to read. What a shame. Kerry Wood all over again. I hate to see this.
such a shame. happened so fast, hope he can stay injury free after he comes back from this

[PhoenixFP]

And ticket sales for the remainder of the Nationals games just plummeted.

Can ticket sales that are that low really plummet?

It's like saying the Rays ticket sales will plummet... It's not possible to plummet when they're already really bad to begin with.

[shhaggy]

That just gave me chills to read. What a shame. Kerry Wood all over again. I hate to see this.

How is it Kerry Wood all over again? This kid was the opposite of Kerry Wood. Kerry Wood was overworked his entire life, he came out of high school where there were rumors that his coach worked him terribly hard and even started him both ends of a double-header, zoomed through the minors and was promoted at the age of 20 and was overworked in the majors until he broke down. Strasberg was babied the whole time, spent all 4 years in college, had his pitch counts monitored throughout, and he was on a 90 pitch count when he came up for Christ's sake.

Can ticket sales that are that low really plummet?

It's like saying the Rays ticket sales will plummet... It's not possible to plummet when they're already really bad to begin with.

Starsberg's games did well though, there was a great walk-up and short term sales once fans knew which games he'd pitch in. I heard a report earlier that they were averaging 13k more on nights he pitched.

[shhaggy]

harper is 17 and being converted to outfield. i doubt he'll make it to the majors next year.


Maybe not next year but they signed him to a 5 year major league contract, which means he has to sit on the 40 man roster right from the get go and will start making his money right away. I have to believe he'll see major league action by 2012 at the latest, you don't guarantee a player nearly $10M and then park him in the minors for 3 years.

[Mavtech]

How is it Kerry Wood all over again? This kid was the opposite of Kerry Wood. Kerry Wood was overworked his entire life, he came out of high school where there were rumors that his coach worked him terribly hard and even started him both ends of a double-header, zoomed through the minors and was promoted at the age of 20 and was overworked in the majors until he broke down. Strasberg was babied the whole time, spent all 4 years in college, had his pitch counts monitored throughout, and he was on a 90 pitch count when he came up for Christ's sake..

You spent waaaay too much time reading in to that. Let's keep it simple. They both were huge phenoms who had arm issues real early in what was supposed to be a real promising career. Good enough?

[Mavtech]

Maybe not next year but they signed him to a 5 year major league contract, which means he has to sit on the 40 man roster right from the get go and will start making his money right away. I have to believe he'll see major league action by 2012 at the latest, you don't guarantee a player nearly $10M and then park him in the minors for 3 years.

I've read multiple times that they are counting on 2014 for a MLB debut. He's not even going to start playing until 2011.

[shhaggy]

You spent waaaay too much time reading in to that. Let's keep it simple. They both were huge phenoms who had arm issues real early in what was supposed to be a real promising career. Good enough?

Fine, I just think "Kerry Wood all over again" carries some connotations with regard to how much he was overworked. This Strasburg injury seems to have been destined given his violent delivery, while Wood might have been saved if not for being overworked so much at a young age.

[Mavtech]

Fine, I just think "Kerry Wood all over again" carries some connotations with regard to how much he was overworked. This Strasburg injury seems to have been destined given his violent delivery, while Wood might have been saved if not for being overworked so much at a young age.

Nah, I was just referring to a phenom crashing so tragically. Hopefully, Strasburg can make a better comeback than Wood did.

[shhaggy]

I've read multiple times that they are counting on 2014 for a MLB debut. He's not even going to start playing until 2011.

He just signed, I don't think it's necessarily set in stone when he'll start playing. They may ultimately decide to debut him in the AFL this fall. At least some of this is going to be variable, dependent on how well he performs in the minors obviously. Nobody can say for certain when he'll come up.

But players signed to big major league contracts out of the gate don't typically sit in the minors for 3 years. Let's go through them:

Strasburg is obviously on top, he was up less than a year after the draft with just a couple of months in the minors.
Then comes Prior, he too was up less than a year after the draft, just a couple of months in the minors.
Teixeira is next, he was up after just one season in the minors.
David Price was up in September the year after he was drafted, with close to a full minor league season in the minors.
Pat Burrell was up about two months into his second minor league season.
Next is an interesting situation, Dustin Ackley, and probably the best comparison. He was drafted last year as an OF and is learning 2B. Some think he could come up this year if he catches fire, but most think next year is a better target. Either way, it's not 3 years into the future.
Rick Porcello was up after just one minor league season.
JD Drew was up in September the year he was drafted!
Josh Beckett pitched almost two full seasons in the minors.
and Eric Munson was up less than a year after the draft with just a couple of months in the minors.

Those are the top 10 major league contracts handed out before Harper's. None of them spent 3 years in the minors, most didn't even spend 2 or close to it.

[shhaggy]

Nah, I was just referring to a phenom crashing so tragically. Hopefully, Strasburg can make a better comeback than Wood did.

Wood made about as good a recovery from Tommy John as you could hope for, he actually regained his velocity and form. It was for a short period, likely because of his overuse early in his development, but he recovered from the injury very nicely.

The best recovery ever though was Billy Wagner, who returned in uniform on a major league mound just 11 months after his second Tommy John surgery, in his late 30s. To boot, he was actually in form, and had a great season this year, not falling prey to the season most pitchers take to regain their best form.

[Mavtech]

He just signed, I don't think it's necessarily set in stone when he'll start playing. They may ultimately decide to debut him in the AFL this fall. At least some of this is going to be variable, dependent on how well he performs in the minors obviously. Nobody can say for certain when he'll come up.

But players signed to big major league contracts out of the gate don't typically sit in the minors for 3 years. Let's go through them:

Strasburg is obviously on top, he was up less than a year after the draft with just a couple of months in the minors.
Then comes Prior, he too was up less than a year after the draft, just a couple of months in the minors.
Teixeira is next, he was up after just one season in the minors.
David Price was up in September the year after he was drafted, with close to a full minor league season in the minors.
Pat Burrell was up about two months into his second minor league season.
Next is an interesting situation, Dustin Ackley, and probably the best comparison. He was drafted last year as an OF and is learning 2B. Some think he could come up this year if he catches fire, but most think next year is a better target. Either way, it's not 3 years into the future.
Rick Porcello was up after just one minor league season.
JD Drew was up in September the year he was drafted!
Josh Beckett pitched almost two full seasons in the minors.
and Eric Munson was up less than a year after the draft with just a couple of months in the minors.

Those are the top 10 major league contracts handed out before Harper's. None of them spent 3 years in the minors, most didn't even spend 2 or close to it.

You just listed a bunch college players. You cannot compare a 17 year old to the far more experienced 3/4 year college player. Also, you are wrong about JD Drew. After FSU, he didn't sign at all with the first team that drafted him. He played a year in the Northern League (independent) before being signed. However, you are right that nothing is set in stone. They basically just set a road map. Many times, they use this road map to pay out incentives. Harper has incentives in his contract.

[shhaggy]

You just listed a bunch college players. You cannot compare a 17 year old to the far more experienced 3/4 year college player. Also, you are wrong about JD Drew. After FSU, he didn't sign at all with the first team that drafted him. He played a year in the Northern League (independent) before being signed. However, you are right that nothing is set in stone. They basically just set a road map. Many times, they use this road map to pay out incentives. Harper has incentives in his contract.

Josh Beckett was. More importantly though, the reason the list is full of college players is because high school players almost never get major league contracts. It's an indication that Harper is incredibly advanced for his age. Before Beckett, the last high school player to receive a major league contract wasn't since 1993. You might have heard of him, he debuted at the age of 18 and has like 600 HRs right now.

[wuzzy]

Strasburg was overrated from day 1 IMO. All of this talk was because it was the Nats who suck hard. The 15? K's were nice in his debut but that's about it. Maybe in the future he will be an ace.

[shhaggy]

Strasburg was overrated from day 1 IMO. All of this talk was because it was the Nats who suck hard. The 15? K's were nice in his debut but that's about it. Maybe in the future he will be an ace.

I disagree, Strasburg was the closest thing to a Doc Gooden-like phenom as we've seen in the past 30 years. A high 90s fastball and a devastating curveball that he can throw at any time in the count with immaculate control? That's two ++ pitches when most pitchers don't even have one.

[w3kn]

Strasburg was overrated from day 1 IMO. All of this talk was because it was the Nats who suck hard. The 15? K's were nice in his debut but that's about it. Maybe in the future he will be an ace.
Overrated? I don't think he was, just over hyped. Watch him pitch in person - it's interesting to watch

[PhoenixFP]

You just listed a bunch college players. You cannot compare a 17 year old to the far more experienced 3/4 year college player. Also, you are wrong about JD Drew. After FSU, he didn't sign at all with the first team that drafted him. He played a year in the Northern League (independent) before being signed. However, you are right that nothing is set in stone. They basically just set a road map. Many times, they use this road map to pay out incentives. Harper has incentives in his contract.

Correct me if I am wrong (I probably am), but at one point didn't JD Drew play for Atlanta?

I am likely thinking of the wrong player, but about 7 years ago (so we'll say, 5-9, cause I can't remember when), I would have sworn Atlanta drafted him,

[wuzzy]

J.D. Drew played for the Braves in 2004 which was his best season ever.

[PhoenixFP]

Alright, thought so. I remember it being huge in 03 or 04 that the Braves either drafted or traded for a player from near Atlanta. I thought it was JD Drew, but Valdosta's not that close to the city. I'm thinking someone else, I guess.

On December 13, 2003, Drew was traded to the Atlanta Braves along with catcher Eli Marrero for starting pitcher Jason Marquis, relief pitcher Ray King, and rookie prospect Adam Wainwright.

Thanks, Wikipedia.

[Mavtech]

Strasburg definitely has nasty stuff. Every one of his pitches is overpowering.

JD Drew was the first baseball player I can say that I disliked. What he and that cancer Boras did when he originally got drafted by the Phillies was greedy and damaging to the sport. They need to hard slot the signing bonuses. They should make a recommended amount for that slot and then a max amount. Of course, I am also in favor of a salary cap as well to reign in these salaries.

[wuzzy]

That must be why the Phillies boo the shit out of J.D come inter league time.

[wuzzy]

Interesting

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Report-Scout-clocks-Reds-pitching-prospect-Cha?urn=mlb-265783

Off to watch Sox and Rays.

[Intrepid.]

Interesting

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Report-Scout-clocks-Reds-pitching-prospect-Cha?urn=mlb-265783

Off to watch Sox and Rays.
He's gonna be good. He'll be making his debut in a few days.

[PhoenixFP]

That must be why the Phillies boo the shit out of J.D come inter league time.

Pretty much.

[Mavtech]

Geez. Only 11,000 at the Rays game. That's terrible. But, I can't say that I've helped much. I haven't been to a game this year. Decent seats are expensive. To take all 3 of us, it costs $90+ for a night of baseball.

[Intrepid.]

14,000 at the Reds game last night. Very disappointing considering the fact that we're playing great and in a pennant race. Going to the game tonight. Hoping to see Aroldis Chapman debut.

[Mavtech]

14,000 at the Reds game last night. Very disappointing considering the fact that we're playing great and in a pennant race. Going to the game tonight. Hoping to see Aroldis Chapman debut.

The Reds and their attendance issues with the new stadium is what worries me about the Rays. You never know if a new stadium will bring the crowds until its built. It didn't work for the Reds. But, it did work for the Twins.

[Intrepid.]

Winning sells tickets. We haven't had a winning season in 10 years. We're a baseball town so hopefully if we make the playoffs this year we'll be selling more next season.

[Mavtech]

Winning sells tickets. We haven't had a winning season in 10 years. We're a baseball town so hopefully if we make the playoffs this year we'll be selling more next season.

If winning sells tickets, what's the issue with the Rays? We're tied for the best record in baseball. We went to the WS in 2008. There are a bunch of theories. Stadium location, stadium itself, parking, are some of the proposed issues.

[Intrepid.]

Tampa's just not a baseball town. Cincy is a baseball town with great tradition. If we consistently win, the seats will be mostly filled.

[arjunsr]

Winning sells tickets. We haven't had a winning season in 10 years. We're a baseball town so hopefully if we make the playoffs this year we'll be selling more next season.
sustained winning does. same thing is happening to the pads. fans havent forgiven the dismanting/slashed payrolls. they keep winning and they can support 2-3x the payroll

[Mavtech]

Tampa's just not a baseball town. Cincy is a baseball town with great tradition. If we consistently win, the seats will be mostly filled.

I guess you could say that. We've only had a decent team for 3 years.

I'm afraid of this season ending. We're in the $70 millions in payroll. Sternberg says he is lowering it to the $50s next year. That most likely means no Crawford or Soriano and possibly no Pena.