MLB: March/April 2012

[Asimovian]

One game down, 2,429 to go. I realize the pre-season is still going on for most teams, but we may as well get this show on the road.

Pujols and Fielder and Reyes are settling into their new homes, Dodger fans are waking up to the news of new ownership, and 30 teams are contemplating how they can get playing time in October.

Welcome to the 2012 season!

[yanceylebeef]

Welp, the Mariners are on pace to win 162 games this year!

[MOIDALIZE]

The Indians don't play for another week.

I call Bullshit on this thread.

[Asimovian]

Originally Posted by MOIDALIZE

The Indians don't play for another week.

Tom Hamilton's already well into mid-season form -- as far as I'm concerned, it counts.

[MOIDALIZE]

Nobody does disgust like Tom Hamilton. I like to imagine every old man in NE Ohio grimacing along with him at some terrible call or play.

[Typo Negative]

Originally Posted by Asimovian

Dodger fans are waking up to the news of new ownership

Seeing as how they spent 2 billion on the team, I fear the price for parking will not go down.

[Asimovian]

Originally Posted by spooje

Seeing as how they spent 2 billion on the team, I fear the price for parking will not go down.

I have the same concern. But since I know they're gonna be desperate to get people back in the seats after last year's attendance nightmare, I'm hopeful that the new ownership is smart enough to keep any price hikes far into the future.

[Invisible Chimp]

I didn't nap and then watch the game last night. Whoever scheduled this sucks. If you wanted to watch it on the East Coast you could get up a little early or catch a little before you went to work. Those in the Bay Area or the PNW had to get up at 3AM. After today's game, it's back to Spring Training.

[fiddlesticks]

Originally Posted by yanceylebeef

Welp, the Mariners are on pace to win 162 games this year!

LOL, unfortunately they are on pace for only 486 runs...though to be fair, their pitching staff is set to only give up 162 runs.

[Jas09]

Originally Posted by fiddlesticks

LOL, unfortunately they are on pace for only 486 runs...though to be fair, their pitching staff is set to only give up 162 runs.

One of those numbers actually seems plausible...

[NAF1138]

Originally Posted by Asimovian

I have the same concern. But since I know they're gonna be desperate to get people back in the seats after last year's attendance nightmare, I'm hopeful that the new ownership is smart enough to keep any price hikes far into the future.

I finally got around to reading the WSJ article on the sale, and the deal was apparently 100% cash, and I have seen reports of the TV rights being valued at $4 billion, so...prices might not have to go up. If they work things correctly they might be able to cut prices and raise payroll and still be turning a significant profit.

This is a good day to be a Dodger fan. Think we can bring in all three Cain, Hamels and Votto next season?

[Asimovian]

Originally Posted by NAF1138

This is a good day to be a Dodger fan. Think we can bring in all three Cain, Hamels and Votto next season?

I know I'm forever the optimist, but I'm not ready to look beyond this season yet. I know, I know, but IF Kemp and Kershaw do what they did last year, IF Loney and Rivera do what they did during the second half last year, IF Ethier and Billingsley return to prior form (and indications this spring haven't been bad), IF the rest of the rotation behind Kershaw and Billingsley all manage to have above-average years, IF Juan Uribe becomes possessed by an alien form who actually hits, and IF Arizona and San Francisco crumble, then the Dodgers could quite possibly sneak into the playoffs.

So let's hold off on talks of free agent acquisitions until at least the second week of the season, by which time several of those "ifs" will probably be crushed.

[silenus]

Spoken like a true long-time Dodgers fan!

[NAF1138]

Originally Posted by Asimovian

I know I'm forever the optimist, but I'm not ready to look beyond this season yet. I know, I know, but IF Kemp and Kershaw do what they did last year, IF Loney and Rivera do what they did during the second half last year, IF Ethier and Billingsley return to prior form (and indications this spring haven't been bad), IF the rest of the rotation behind Kershaw and Billingsley all manage to have above-average years, IF Juan Uribe becomes possessed by an alien form who actually hits, and IF Arizona and San Francisco crumble, then the Dodgers could quite possibly sneak into the playoffs.

So let's hold off on talks of free agent acquisitions until at least the second week of the season, by which time several of those "ifs" will probably be crushed.

Well to turn this from fantasy 2013 free agency to some reality, Kemp and Kershaw will likely continue to be very good if not necessarily as good as last year (though it is possible Kershaw will continue to get better it's less likely that Kemp will improve on 2011.) I have lost faith in Loney but Rivera and him in a platoon makes sense and is probably workable. Ethier should bounce back, he played hurt almost all season last year, Bills...is a question mark. My fingers are crossed. Juan Uribe had, for him, a historically bad year. If he can stay healthy he should hit a little. That's a big if.

Also, IF Dee Gordon continues to take walks and keep his OBP over .400 and AJ Ellis also continues to walk then the automatic out of Mark Ellis batting #2 in the lineup might not be so bad.

The reality is I am more optimistic about this year than I was about 2011 (where I decided to start watching AL ball in the pre season because I couldn't face the 2011 team) But even with all that... 84-86 wins? Maybe that's enough to take the West or a Wild Card.

I think both the Giants and AZ overperformed their talent last year so there is a chance, and the NL is looking dire this season but...I am going to continue to dream of 2013... or at least the firing of Ned Colleti.

[Marley23]

I'm glad to see the Dodgers are approaching the end of the McCourt disaster. While they are not the controlling owners of the team, Magic's personal charm and Kasten's baseball expertise could do a lot for the team.

[Asimovian]

Originally Posted by NAF1138

Juan Uribe had, for him, a historically bad year. If he can stay healthy he should hit a little. That's a big if.

Your feelings about Loney are essentially my feelings about Uribe. His batting average (which I realize isn't everything) has taken a significant hit (40 points) each of the last two seasons, and thus far in spring, where one presumes him to be healthy, he's hitting .219 with just a solitary XBH in 32 at-bats. I just don't see it.

[Marley23]

ESPN is reporting that Omar Vizquel is likely to make the major-league roster for the Blue Jays. 2012 would be Vizquel's 24th season and he's said it will be his last. He is 13th all-time with 2,908 games played. I'd expect him to pass Rusty Staub for 12th (he'll have to appear in 44 games) and passing Dave Winfield for 11th (65) isn't totally out of the question. I doubt he can get to Barry Bonds for 10th (79). What I really want to see is Vizquel hitting against Jamie Moyer, who has a good shot at making the Rockies' rotation. But unless one of them changes teams or the Rockies and Jays make the World Series, it won't happen this season.

[ZipperJJ]

Originally Posted by Asimovian

Tom Hamilton's already well into mid-season form -- as far as I'm concerned, it counts.

Tom Hamilton seems to be in September 5th Place mode. He was just googly during yesterday's game. Rosie is in for a long season.

I got their autographs earlier this year. Blog post coming soon

[Asimovian]

Originally Posted by ZipperJJ

Tom Hamilton seems to be in September 5th Place mode. He was just googly during yesterday's game. Rosie is in for a long season.

I got their autographs earlier this year. Blog post coming soon

Were you in Arizona? Did we miss each other?

[Southern Yankee]

Say what you want about starting the season in Japan, but I'm happy to be at my office at 7am, watching a live game on my computer.

[Mister Rik]

Mariners SS Brendan Ryan proposed to his girlfriend in Japan - entertaining story here. My favorite bit:

"The hyperactive Ryan thought of everything on this one, even realizing he shouldn't trust himself to bring the engagement ring with him to Japan.

"One of the smartest things I ever did was give that thing to Felix [Hernandez]," Ryan said, "because I figured if anybody was going to lose it, he could afford it.""

[Mister Rik]

He's baaaaaaaack!

Moyer named No. 2 starter in Rox rotation

Huzzah!

His first win will make him the oldest pitcher to win a Major League game.

[What Exit?]

Originally Posted by Mister Rik

He's baaaaaaaack!

Moyer named No. 2 starter in Rox rotation

Huzzah!

His first win will make him the oldest pitcher to win a Major League game.

This is awesome. Still one player older then me!

I hope he does well.

Good news on the Dodgers, the end of the McCourt fiasco.

Some bad news for the Yanks, Michael Pineda has a sore shoulder and is headed for an MRI. The old adage about "You can never have too much pitching" could well prove itself again for the Yanks.

[RickJay]

Originally Posted by Mister Rik

He's baaaaaaaack!

Moyer named No. 2 starter in Rox rotation

I think it's awesome that today's rookies will get to face a man who struck out Ty Cobb.

[ElvisL1ves]

Good point. How far back can you go with only 1 degree of separation from Moyer? Who, among people he's played with or against, started his career the earliest? I'm thinking it has to be somebody who broke in in the Sixties.

[What Exit?]

Originally Posted by ElvisL1ves

Good point. How far back can you go with only 1 degree of separation from Moyer? Who, among people he's played with or against, started his career the earliest? I'm thinking it has to be somebody who broke in in the Sixties.

Here is a quick chain courtesy of Baseball-Ref.

Jamie Moyer played with Andy Van Slyke for the 1995 Baltimore Orioles

Andy Van Slyke played with Jim Kaat for the 1983 St. Louis Cardinals

Jim Kaat played with Elmer Valo for the 1960 Washington Senators

Elmer Valo played with Al Simmons for the 1941 Philadelphia Athletics

Al Simmons played with Ty Cobb for the 1928 Philadelphia Athletics

[What Exit?]

Now on my own, I checked and his rookie year (age 23, 1986) he played with Gary Matthews who started in 1972 at age 21. Chris Speier started in 1971 and was another teammate the year.

The real prize is in 1990 when he was a teammate with Ryan. Ryan first pitched in 1966 for the Mets.

[RickJay]

Missed the Ryan connection.

So using Ryan,

Moyer played with Nolan Ryan (1990 Rangers)

Ryan played with Bob Friend (1966 Mets)

Friend played with Murry Dickson (1951 Pirates)

Dickson played with Pepper Martin (1939 Cardinals)

Martin played with Pete Alexander (1928 Cardinals)

Alexander played with John Titus (1911 Phillies)

Titus was on a show with Stacy Keach - no wait, wrong guy

[mkecane]

Has anyone griped elsewhere about the messed up Opening Day? I'm happy baseball is back, but not even counting the M's and A's series a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, MLB is having a one game "series" between the Cards and Marlins on Wednesday night (in Miami), and then 7 games on Thursday, of which I think just 3 are nationally televised. One of those 3 games will have the Marlins vs the Reds...in Cincinnati. Lucky Fish get to hop on a red-eye flight for an afternoon game after all the commotion that will come with the new stadium. Everyone else opens Friday. I hate this mess. Go back to Opening Day on a Monday, dammit!

[RickJay]

I have no idea why the season isn't starting today. It's senseless. Starting on April 2 would tighten up the schedule later in the year, too.

[Yorikke]

http://espn.go.com/mlb/spring2012/st...sion-matt-cain

Very happy about this. Lincecum-Bumgarner-Cain for two (or is it three?) more years, guaranteed...

Joe

[Suburban Plankton]

Originally Posted by wheresgeorge04

http://espn.go.com/mlb/spring2012/st...sion-matt-cain

Very happy about this. Lincecum-Bumgarner-Cain for two (or is it three?) more years, guaranteed...

Joe

Even better, Barry Zito is now only the third highest paid player on the team.

Now, if they can just figure out which of their 37 infielders are going to make the team, we'd be all set. Of course, I guess there are worse problems than having too many prospects...

[NAF1138]

Originally Posted by wheresgeorge04

http://espn.go.com/mlb/spring2012/st...sion-matt-cain

Very happy about this. Lincecum-Bumgarner-Cain for two (or is it three?) more years, guaranteed...

Joe

Well, there goes my dream of Kershaw, Hamels, Cain, Billingsly. Oh well. Here's hoping Hamels holds out.

[Hawkeyeop]

Originally Posted by NAF1138

Well, there goes my dream of Kershaw, Hamels, Cain, Billingsly. Oh well. Here's hoping Hamels holds out.

Still can get Greinke.

There are varying reports on quite how rich Joey Votto has become, but he is going to be a Red for a long long time.

[NAF1138]

Originally Posted by Hawkeyeop

Still can get Greinke.

There are varying reports on quite how rich Joey Votto has become, but he is going to be a Red for a long long time.

I know. Everyone is locking up their stars right now. Votto is a Red until age 40 if I did my math right. That's nuts.

[Asimovian]

One. More. Day.

The Dodgers are, for the first time, hosting an Opening Day party at the stadium. Since the team opens on the road, they're inviting fans to come down to Dodger Stadium and watch the game on the big screen. And just to make sure we know the McCourt Era is over, it's free admission, free parking, and discounts on Dodger Dogs.

If I can convince my boss to let me out early tomorrow, I am so there.

[Jas09]

Originally Posted by Asimovian

One. More. Day.

Or, for those of us that follow the defending champs (or the newly-christened Marlins): ONE. MORE. HOUR!

[Southern Yankee]

Anyone have any impressions of the new Miami stadium? Looks pretty nice to me, at first glance.

[What Exit?]

I have to wait so long.

Yanks traded for a backup catcher today. 30 year old Chris Stewart from the Giants in exchange for right-hander George Kontos.This bumped Cervelli to AAA. Kontos may be a good bullpen pickup for the Giants and was a spare part for the Yanks.

David Phelps, age 25 made the cut as the final man in the bullpen. He had an excellent spring and it helped he was already on the roster.

Andy Pettitte looked good today in one inning of work against the Mets.

[Southern Yankee]

Originally Posted by Southern Yankee

Anyone have any impressions of the new Miami stadium? Looks pretty nice to me, at first glance.

Ok, NOT loving the sculpture behind CF...

[Southern Yankee]

Originally Posted by What Exit?

I have to wait so long.

Yanks traded for a backup catcher today. 30 year old Chris Stewart from the Giants in exchange for right-hander George Kontos.This bumped Cervelli to AAA. Kontos may be a good bullpen pickup for the Giants and was a spare part for the Yanks.

David Phelps, age 25 made the cut as the final man in the bullpen. He had an excellent spring and it helped he was already on the roster.

Andy Pettitte looked good today in one inning of work against the Mets.

I like Cervelli. He never got a real chance.

[NAF1138]

Originally Posted by Southern Yankee

Ok, NOT loving the sculpture behind CF...

Agreed. Love the windows looking out on downtown though. Kinda like the lime green walls too.

Fish tanks are kinda neat too.

Just listening on the radio for the first inning not watching, is Johnson not looking sharp or is Stl just hitting really well?

[Southern Yankee]

37,000 seats? I like it. Better to more often have a full stadium and a handful of people who can't get in, than a few huge crowds and a lot of half-empty games.

[What Exit?]

Originally Posted by Southern Yankee

I like Cervelli. He never got a real chance.

His defense dropped after his first season and he is injury prone. Seemed like every time he got on any kind of a roll he got hurt. He is a good enough backup when not on the DL but that is all he is. With Romine injured Cashman got some quick major league depth at Catcher. Chris Stewart can't hit at all but he is a very good catcher with around a 36% throw out rate. Seems like a good move.

[Southern Yankee]

Originally Posted by What Exit?

His defense dropped after his first season and he is injury prone. Seemed like every time he got on any kind of a roll he got hurt. He is a good enough backup when not on the DL but that is all he is. With Romine injured Cashman got some quick major league depth at Catcher. Chris Stewart can't hit at all but he is a very good catcher with around a 36% throw out rate. Seems like a good move.

Never heard of him. I'll give him a chance...

[NAF1138]

And that is why defense matters. Ramirez/Reyes, defensive comedy gold.

[dalej42]

I despise the new Miami stadium. That thing will age more quickly than the Kingdome and Astrodome.

[Southern Yankee]

Ok, Miami or not, the lime green has got to go. Not to mention that the advertising banner behind home plate looks like it's falling off already.

[Marley23]

The new look Cardinals are looking pretty good so far. I do sort of want to see Miami hit a home run so that hideous thing in left-center can spring into action, but I'm also feeling some baseball-purist-ish guilt about that.

[NAF1138]

Is Miami going to end up an extreme pitchers park? It seems to just be crushing fly ball power.