*** Official *** 2012 MLB Season Thread!!

[TallBill]

Was waiting till the new year rolled around to get the discussion for this upcoming season that's about to roll around. Last year was quite the fantastic season as a baseball fan even if the White Sox completely under-performed.

My comments on the White Sox:

We all knew that "56" was going to be gone this year, even if they made a deep playoff run last year. No way they were going to give him a lengthy contract, and I'm kinda glad that they didn't tie up all that money. Buehrle should dominate in the national league.

Losing Quentin kind of stung a bit, although I feel like De Aza or Viciedo will be absolutely awesome as starters, we just need Rios to not suck.

I was pretty sad about losing Santos though, I thought he did an excellent job last year.

Lastly, Dunn needs to not blow this year. WTF!!!



Around the league:

Pujols, wow! Way too many years for an old man. Following Fielder should prove to be interesting. Selig is looking to fuck even more things up in the league, I hate the idea of the extra wild card teams, this isn't the damn NBA.

Although I still predict him trying to edge out the DH in the NL, since he did take it out of the All-Star game. I think that might be a precursor of things to come. I did just read that he plans on moving the All-Star game to a Wednesday as well, so that pitchers throwing on Sunday could still play.

 

[drebo]

Yankees are going to suck again this year. 97 wins was a mistake. No pitching upgrade = shitty year again.

 

[Cyrus9008]

My prediction is... wait I hate baseball. Go Hockey!

 

[paperfist]

Yankees are going to suck again this year. 97 wins was a mistake. No pitching upgrade = shitty year again.

Hopefully Cashman starts calling up some farm help instead of letting them rot pitching in AAA/AA.

 

[Dirigible]

As an A's fan, I've already given up on this year. And next year. Maybe even the year after that. I'll only go to a game if I want to get drunk and holler.

 

[Baked]

SF Giants will win it all.

 

[angminas]

Here's hoping Chipper has a really good year, then retires on a high note.

Here's also hoping I win a Ferrari at a raffle.

 

[TallBill]

As an A's fan, I've already given up on this year. And next year. Maybe even the year after that. I'll only go to a game if I want to get drunk and holler.

Getting drunk and hollering can be quite fun.

Btw, I think it's hilarious that anyone found the Zambrano trade to be a surprise. The cubs couldn't wait to get rid of him, he wasn't going to play for them anyways, plus he's best buds with Ozzie.

 

[hclarkjr]

yikes!! kind of early to start thread about baseball

 

[chorb]

never too early!

While I agree the Angels way over paid for Pujols (in length of contract) I can't wait to see him on the field in my town!

 

[zinfamous]

yikes!! kind of early to start thread about baseball

Spring training starts in a few weeks, no?

:hmm:

 

[KMFJD]

Let's Go Blue Jays

/sigh

 

[chorb]

Let's Go Blue Jays

/sigh

I feel ya, my home team is the Padres...

I still root for them, but this year I've convinced myself that its ok to root for an AL team as well :whiste:

 

[TallBill]

Pitchers/Catchers report in about a month I actually wanted to start this thread a few weeks ago after the winter meetings.. Never too early though

 

[drebo]

Welp, I'm more excited now. Two moves make the Yankees much stronger.

A true #2 starter in Kuroda and a potential #3 in Pineda (who will be there for a while). I like. Anyone who expects Hughes to have another 17 win season is deluding themselves. Even with epic run support last year, he was terrible. With AJ eating innings at the 4 or 5 spot and an up-for-grabs 5th spot, the rotation is looking a LOT better.

I also like getting rid of Montero. Romine is a better catcher and will eventually hit. Maybe not like Posada did in his prime, but I'd take a .280 clutch hitter over a .300 hitter that only hits solo home runs (I'm looking at you, Cano).

Plus, the Yankees have two DHs that will open themselves up in the next two-three years in A-Rod and potentially Jeter. With Jones (fucking hate him) and Jeter and A-Rod and Granderson and Tex all needing rest once per week, I don't think the DH will be a problem this year.

Anyway, I'm a lot more excited about this year than I was about last.

 

[raystorm]

My Mets are going to be awesome! ...awesomely bad that is. Last place for sure. <sigh>

The Marlins will be an interesting team to watch. Jose Reyes, Hanley Ramirez, Carlos Zambrano and Ozzie Guillen in the same clubhouse. The continued development of Mike Stanton. New closer (Heath Bell), old closer with a new name (Leo Nunez is now Juan Carlos something). Don't forget the new stadium with some fabulous looking thing that will animate when a marlin hits a homer..etc. Should be entertaining.

 

[drebo]

I predict the Marlins to be the epic failure of the National League. LOL!

 

[Away]

Go Padres!

 

[anxi80]

Go Padres!

:thumbsup:

 

[Squisher]

Please mister Leyland sir, don't play Bandon Inge at third base unless Don Kelly breaks a leg.

How can a major leaguer only bat good after the all star game EVERY FREAKING year? Do you hear me Ryan Raburn? How about someone stealing his calendar and telling him it's August.

Tigers pitching might be scary good this year.

 

[hclarkjr]

My Mets are going to be awesome! ...awesomely bad that is. Last place for sure. <sigh>

The Marlins will be an interesting team to watch. Jose Reyes, Hanley Ramirez, Carlos Zambrano and Ozzie Guillen in the same clubhouse. The continued development of Mike Stanton. New closer (Heath Bell), old closer with a new name (Leo Nunez is now Juan Carlos something). Don't forget the new stadium with some fabulous looking thing that will animate when a marlin hits a homer..etc. Should be entertaining.

have some hope!!! maybe 5th!!!

 

[rockyct]

Go Padres!

Let's dream for a 50/50 record this season.

 

[dabuddha]

The world series is still painful to think about!

 

[hclarkjr]

mets made some deals today -


The Mets were able to take care of deals with all four of their arbitration-eligible players on Tuesday, inking Mike Pelfrey, Andres Torres, Ramon Ramirez and Manny Acosta each to one-year deals.
The Mets have gone to arbitration just once in the past 20 years -- with Oliver Perez in 2008.
Pelfrey comes away with the weightiest deal, valued at $5.68 million. The 28-year-old right-hander has spent all six of his big league seasons with the Mets, tallying a 50-54 record and a 4.40 ERA for his career. He was 7-13 in 2011, after winning at least 10 games in each of the three previous years. orres, 33, will be in his first season with the Mets after spending the past three in the Giants' outfield. His contract is worth $2.7 million.
Ramirez, who was acquired in the same Dec. 7, 2011, deal that brought Torres to New York and sent Angel Pagan to San Francisco, will make $2.67 million. The right-hander was 3-3 with a 2.62 ERA in 66 appearances last season out of the Giants' bullpen.
Acosta, signed for $875,000, will be in his sixth season, and he is 12-10 with a 3.41 ERA in his career. He has spent the past two seasons with the Mets and was 4-1 last year in 44 games.

 

[marrr]

Detroit took a hit...

Victor Martinez of Detroit Tigers tears ACL, likely needs season-ending surgery
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7...-tears-acl-likely-needs-season-ending-surgery