Because P&C are getting closer, I thought I'd start a topic to talk about some of the recent moves in MLB. For example, AJ, what do you think of Roy Oswalt likely signing with the Cardinals? Bobda and Gipper, any comments on the Tigers signing Prince Fielder for 9 years and a gazillion dollars? IMO, the Phillies got a bargain, signing Hunter Pence for $10.4 million. I'm not sure what to expect from the Cubs this year. New GM, new manager, new faces in the lineup, yet to be determined. TOK, what do you think of the Astros considering a name and uniform change in preparation for moving to the AL? I see that they are starting to pare down the number of groups vying to buy the Dodgers. I'm sure other topics will come up.
I think I can explain the Tiger's move pretty easily. 1. The Tigers came within a couple of games from the World Series last season. 2. They were very optimistic that they could once again be championship contenders and then Victor Martinez went down for the season. 3. Mike Illitch is a very competitive sports owner who has built a consistant contender in his Red Wings and has been trying to do the same with his baseball club. 4. He's 82 and he probably feels it's now or never. 5. Cabrara had a monster year with Vmart behind him and Fielder shouid do the same for him this year. If Fister can repeat his late season mastery, with Verlander they have a very good one, two pitching punch. As with many teams the 3 through 5 starters are the key to the season.
This years team is going to be an embarrassment to the old Astros and the NL. Good time to change! :cry: :cry:
I can't even think until we have a new owner. The list of possibles is narrowing, but the one doing the selecting is McCourt. At least Mark Cuban got eliminated. We don't want some circus clown who will turn the team into the LA Clippers. Oh wait, that already happened... http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-0128-dodgers-bidders-20120128,0,1060031.story
JO'Co: What the story on this pitcher the Yankees picked up from the Dodgers? Does Kuroda have anything left in the tank? Our experience with Japanese pitchers is not good. Did I every thank you for Russell Martin? 8)
re: Russell Martin You Yankee fans owe us your lives and first born children for that one. He was the captain of the Dodgers... re: Hiroki Kuroda - Our experience with Japanese pitchers has been very good and this guy is a solid pro. He's popular in the clubhouse: good teammate, hard worker, gives money to local charities. - He's an innings eater, who has been known to quietly give one solid performance after another for weeks at a time. - He's a stopper. When the team has blown several games and tensions rise in the clubhouse, he restores order. He's not an ace, but he's one of those fellows who don't rattle. When all the Chicken Little's are screaming that the sky is falling, he'll toss an old-fashioned two-hitter that looks so easy it makes you sorry that you bought your ticket. - He never got much offensive support here in LA, but I never heard him complain. Check out his ERA around 3.00 and his WHIP. He concedes nothing and when he has a bad outing, he doesn't bring it back to the ballpark with him. Mentally he is VERY tough. - I think he has at least two more good years left in him. He doesn't overthrow or waste motion. He sticks to his Japanese training and stays in great physical condition. - All you need for this guy is a translator and plug him in. http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28950/hiroki-kuroda PS. He had better offers, but he CHOSE to be a Yankee... http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dodgers/2012/01/hiroki-kuroda-talks-about-leaving-the-dodgers-why-he-chose-the-yankees.html
Kuroda will get plenty of run support in the Bronx. If he can pitch six innings he will win a lot of games.
Oswalt is meeting with the Rangers on Monday, and the Red Sox reportedly also have an interest. I like Kuroda. I had him on my fantasy team last year, dropped him after a couple of months, then picked him back up a couple of months later. He performed well for me in terms of IP and WHIP.
Mean while back at the Ranch the Astros, nee Buffs, Oilers, Bulls, etc should petition to play AAA ball this year. :roll:
Kuroda goes six innings almost every time he goes out there. Last season, his first six innings were SHUT-OUT innings 25% of the time. http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/dodger-thoughts/post/_/id/17598/remembering-2011-hiroki-kuroda
Sid, for the short term this is a great pick up for the Tigers. Excellent hitter plays every day, popular in the clubhouse, surprisingly fast for his size, and his fielding problems are exaggerated. I am stunned that the Tigers gave him an 8-year contract as you wonder if he will eat himself out of the league as his father did. But, at 82, Ilich's definition of long term is probably 1/1/ 2013. Guess he wants to win it all now and let his heirs worry about the future. Brewers will not be as much fun to watch this summer, though. But, the NL Central looks pretty pedestrian so who knows.
re: Cecil Fielder A long time ago, I saw a high school football playoff game between Damien HS and Nogales HS of La Puente. It was a great game, (Damien won) that featured many future football stars. Looking back on that game, I realize now that I missed the most interesting players of all. Nogales two outside linebackers BOTH went on to become major league baseball stars: Cecil Fielder and Mark Salas. In researching my facts here (to make certain that my old memory had it right) I discovered something that I did not know: Prince Fielder graduated from Eau Gallie High School in Melborne, Florida. This is the same high school that my cousins graduated from...small world.
Ryan Braun's suspension has been overturned. MLB is "livid." Should be an interesting soap opera to spice up spring training. MLB Livid that Braun's Appeal is Upheld
I read the article. Apparently the individual with the sample didn't get it to the FedEx office as soon as possible. Well, this certainly convinces me that his good name and reputation are intact. Yeah, he's innocent because the sample was sent 24 hrs. later. :evil:
8) Manny Ramirez signs with the Oakland A's... http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1073314-manny-ramirez-signs-with-oakland-as-why-this-is-a-great-low-risk-move-for-as