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Started By
Message
Your MLB team's 2009 expectations
Posted on 2/24/09 at 10:23 am
Posted on 2/24/09 at 10:23 am
Last year a thread like this was made where you talked about your favorite baseball team: what you did in the off-season, and how it effects what you expect for the upcoming year. I'll start.
Florida Marlins
Another off-season, more frustrating roster changes. This year's crop of former Marlins include: Scott Olsen, Mike Jacobs, Josh Willingham, Kevin Gregg, and Matt Treanor-May. However we did address the consistent bullpen issues in bringing in Leo Nunez, Scott Proctor. We also got a potential future starting infielder in Emilio Bonifaco.
With Willingham gone, the outfield is going to consist of Cody Ross, Cameron Maybin, and Jeremy Hermida. Thats pretty good talent. This is a make or break year for Hermida, and I'm curious to see how Ross does in more of a starter role. The sky is the limit for Cameron.
The infield should be solid as usual with nothing changing up the middle with Hanley and Uggla. Wes Helms and Jorge Cantu should split time at 1B, with Dallas McPherson possibly getting the call-up at 3B. Our catcher position, as usual, is dismal.
The pitching all around has the potential to be awesome: Josh Johnson, Andrew Miller, Ricky Nolasco, Anibal Sanchez. Bullpen is also pretty solid (Tank, Lindstrom, Pinto)... just missing a closer.
I expect us to be a very scary team again. I'm not sure we're in the same class as the Mets and Phillies, but I do think we will be a very good NL team. Likely in the top half of the league.
ETA: Also, keep in mind that the 'World Series/Firesale' formula should put the Marlins in the World Series in about 5, or 6 year intervals. The time for the Fish to catch fire should be either this year, or 2010.
Florida Marlins
Another off-season, more frustrating roster changes. This year's crop of former Marlins include: Scott Olsen, Mike Jacobs, Josh Willingham, Kevin Gregg, and Matt Treanor-May. However we did address the consistent bullpen issues in bringing in Leo Nunez, Scott Proctor. We also got a potential future starting infielder in Emilio Bonifaco.
With Willingham gone, the outfield is going to consist of Cody Ross, Cameron Maybin, and Jeremy Hermida. Thats pretty good talent. This is a make or break year for Hermida, and I'm curious to see how Ross does in more of a starter role. The sky is the limit for Cameron.
The infield should be solid as usual with nothing changing up the middle with Hanley and Uggla. Wes Helms and Jorge Cantu should split time at 1B, with Dallas McPherson possibly getting the call-up at 3B. Our catcher position, as usual, is dismal.
The pitching all around has the potential to be awesome: Josh Johnson, Andrew Miller, Ricky Nolasco, Anibal Sanchez. Bullpen is also pretty solid (Tank, Lindstrom, Pinto)... just missing a closer.
I expect us to be a very scary team again. I'm not sure we're in the same class as the Mets and Phillies, but I do think we will be a very good NL team. Likely in the top half of the league.
ETA: Also, keep in mind that the 'World Series/Firesale' formula should put the Marlins in the World Series in about 5, or 6 year intervals. The time for the Fish to catch fire should be either this year, or 2010.
This post was edited on 2/24/09 at 10:27 am
7
Posted on 2/24/09 at 10:44 am to Meursault
Redmann, I promise to do a longer more fleshed out versio for the MLB Blog....
THE ORIOLES
I exect the Orioles to put out their first good team since 1997. Now, they won't have a winning record because of the brutal division, but I do want a winning record outside the division. But ultimately, this is not about wins and losses. this season is about hope.
Markakis and Jones from the core of the Orioles' outfield of the future. Wieters will be the cornertone player. The Orioles need to develop some more talent, but really, those are the three offensive players who just need to show continued improvement.
Finding some pitchers would be nice. We're not asking for sudden stardom for any of the kids, but easing some of those prospects into the pen and the rotation would be nice. This is when the Orioles commitment to developing talent begins to pay dividends. For the first time in memory, the O's have oneof the best farm systems in baseball. But now they need to turn those prospects into players.
It's a big year. We find out if the team actually moves forward towards contention. Or whether we're still cuaght in neutral. The O's won't make the postseason, but this season will be judged on how the kids play. Or even if they do.
THE ORIOLES
I exect the Orioles to put out their first good team since 1997. Now, they won't have a winning record because of the brutal division, but I do want a winning record outside the division. But ultimately, this is not about wins and losses. this season is about hope.
Markakis and Jones from the core of the Orioles' outfield of the future. Wieters will be the cornertone player. The Orioles need to develop some more talent, but really, those are the three offensive players who just need to show continued improvement.
Finding some pitchers would be nice. We're not asking for sudden stardom for any of the kids, but easing some of those prospects into the pen and the rotation would be nice. This is when the Orioles commitment to developing talent begins to pay dividends. For the first time in memory, the O's have oneof the best farm systems in baseball. But now they need to turn those prospects into players.
It's a big year. We find out if the team actually moves forward towards contention. Or whether we're still cuaght in neutral. The O's won't make the postseason, but this season will be judged on how the kids play. Or even if they do.
Posted on 2/24/09 at 10:48 am to Meursault
quote:
SenorPablo
is west, the minor league pitcher from shrveport, anywhere close to being called up to the big team?
dude had sick skillset as a tall lefty who can bring gas
Posted on 2/24/09 at 10:56 am to Ron Mexico
He had shoulder surgery that cost him to miss the entire 2007 season. But he has bounced back getting some quality time in Arizona last year in Single-A. We're hoping for a short tenure in AA, then a long duration in AAA for the Zephyrs. I think he's still got the highest ceiling of all our pitching prospects. I know he's rated to be about our 2nd or 3rd best prospect.
Posted on 2/24/09 at 11:06 am to Meursault
quote:
SenorPablo
What happened with the vote?
Can I start buying timeshares in downtown Portland?
Posted on 2/24/09 at 11:16 am to ToplessTenors4evuh
has there been a MLB Prediction thread yet?
Posted on 2/24/09 at 11:18 am to Prominentwon
I've seen a couple.
Get back to me around September 29th.
Get back to me around September 29th.
Posted on 2/24/09 at 11:24 am to Meursault
New York Yankees-
Win the World Series. That's the expectation every season.
Win the World Series. That's the expectation every season.
Posted on 2/24/09 at 11:31 am to ToplessTenors4evuh
quote:
What happened with the vote?
The city vote was tied at 2-2. The commissioner with the deciding vote was sick, and couldn't make out of bed. True story. As of right now the deal is 'dead', but they are going to re-vote on March 4 when hopefully all 5 Miami city commissioners will attend.
Even if it passes that vote it would still have to pass the county vote later on the 9th which, at this point, I have no idea if the deal would pass or not.
This post was edited on 2/24/09 at 11:37 am
Posted on 2/24/09 at 11:31 am to ToplessTenors4evuh
quote:
I've seen a couple.
Get back to me around September 29th.
I'm hoping by the middle of May, I'm still interested as I am when the season starts and expectations are generally mediocre.
Posted on 2/24/09 at 11:47 am to BayouBengals03
quote:
New York Yankees-
Win the World Series. That's the expectation every season.
+10000000000000000000000000
Posted on 2/24/09 at 1:52 pm to Meursault
quote:
The city vote was tied at 2-2. The commissioner with the deciding vote was sick, and couldn't make out of bed. True story. As of right now the deal is 'dead', but they are going to re-vote on March 4 when hopefully all 5 Miami city commissioners will attend.
Even if it passes that vote it would still have to pass the county vote later on the 9th which, at this point, I have no idea if the deal would pass or not.
Color me not surprised that even the city commissioners are apathetic about this.
Posted on 2/24/09 at 3:07 pm to Meursault
New York Yankees
The expectations are sky high. After missing out on the playoffs for the first time in 13 years, the Yankees had to do something to rebound - and they did.
Not knowing if Mike Mussina or Andy Pettitte would put on the pinstripes last year, Brian Cashman went all out in the pitching department. Obviously, the number one priority was establishing a dominant rotation that could compete with Boston and Tampa Bay.
CC Sabathia was NY's number one target - and they got him. Even after there were rumors that he prefered the west coast, and wanted to play for the Dodgers/Giants/Angels more than any other team. Sabathia should be a dominant #1 starter.
Cashman didn't stop there. Just a few days later, AJ Burnett was signed. Choosing the Yankees over the Braves. I expect Burnett to be in the 3 position in the rotation, behind Wang, and Sabathia. While he's had a bad reputation for getting injured, I expect a decent season, and for AJ to stay healthy throughout.
With Jason Giambi's contract expiring, NY needed to get someone at first base. They were considered long shots, after already spending so much on AJ and CC. But, much to my, and other Yankee fans delight - Mark Teixera picked the Yankees over the Red Sox, Nationals, and Orioles.
Before any of the "Big 3" were signed, Damaso Marte resigned with the Yankees - and expectations are high that he will be the dominant arm in the pen that the Yankees hoped he would be last year when they traded for him at the deadline.
Nick Swisher was aquired, for Wilson Betemit and another player. At the time, Swisher was expected to start at 1st base - but obviously he was aquired before Tex was signed. I like the move. I don't expect him to hit over .250, but I think he can be a great platoon for 1B/RF/CF.
Andy Pettitte was resigned just about a month ago. Pettittes return to pinstripes allows Joba to be the 5th man in the rotation. Any time you have a guy like Pettitte as your 4th starter, you're in good shape. I'm glad we got him back.
Mike Mussina retired - I will miss Moose. One hell of a season last year.
Jason Giambi was not resigned, and later signed with the A's - I respect him for what he went through in NY, and how he handled it all. I will miss the "Giambino", or "The Stache"
Bobby Abreu was not resigned. I will miss this guy. Wasn't the best in the field, but he could do everything else, hit, walk, steal bases, drive in runs. I wish him well in LA.
Expectation for the season - World Series.
The expectations are sky high. After missing out on the playoffs for the first time in 13 years, the Yankees had to do something to rebound - and they did.
Not knowing if Mike Mussina or Andy Pettitte would put on the pinstripes last year, Brian Cashman went all out in the pitching department. Obviously, the number one priority was establishing a dominant rotation that could compete with Boston and Tampa Bay.
CC Sabathia was NY's number one target - and they got him. Even after there were rumors that he prefered the west coast, and wanted to play for the Dodgers/Giants/Angels more than any other team. Sabathia should be a dominant #1 starter.
Cashman didn't stop there. Just a few days later, AJ Burnett was signed. Choosing the Yankees over the Braves. I expect Burnett to be in the 3 position in the rotation, behind Wang, and Sabathia. While he's had a bad reputation for getting injured, I expect a decent season, and for AJ to stay healthy throughout.
With Jason Giambi's contract expiring, NY needed to get someone at first base. They were considered long shots, after already spending so much on AJ and CC. But, much to my, and other Yankee fans delight - Mark Teixera picked the Yankees over the Red Sox, Nationals, and Orioles.
Before any of the "Big 3" were signed, Damaso Marte resigned with the Yankees - and expectations are high that he will be the dominant arm in the pen that the Yankees hoped he would be last year when they traded for him at the deadline.
Nick Swisher was aquired, for Wilson Betemit and another player. At the time, Swisher was expected to start at 1st base - but obviously he was aquired before Tex was signed. I like the move. I don't expect him to hit over .250, but I think he can be a great platoon for 1B/RF/CF.
Andy Pettitte was resigned just about a month ago. Pettittes return to pinstripes allows Joba to be the 5th man in the rotation. Any time you have a guy like Pettitte as your 4th starter, you're in good shape. I'm glad we got him back.
Mike Mussina retired - I will miss Moose. One hell of a season last year.
Jason Giambi was not resigned, and later signed with the A's - I respect him for what he went through in NY, and how he handled it all. I will miss the "Giambino", or "The Stache"
Bobby Abreu was not resigned. I will miss this guy. Wasn't the best in the field, but he could do everything else, hit, walk, steal bases, drive in runs. I wish him well in LA.
Expectation for the season - World Series.
Posted on 2/24/09 at 3:26 pm to derekinne
I know Yankees fans are sky high, especially after the team shelled out big bucks to Sabathia, Burnett, and Texiera. And I know I hate the Yankees more than anyone else on the planet. I once even bad mouthed Lou Gehrig. So I’m not the most credible guy on this one, BUT…
Am I the only one who still thinks the Yanks are the third best team in their division? They have the oldest lineup in baseball AND the oldest rotation. That means one thing: injuries. When the Yankees start piling up days on the DL this year, I don’t want any Yankee fans complaining about bad luck. It is the residue of design, and in this case, the poor design of relying on a bunch of guys on the wrong side of 30. Expecting Burnett to stay healthy for a season strikes me as WAY too hopeful. Also, when did we start gushing about guys who posted a 4.07 ERA, the worst since his rookie season?
Also, the Yankees defense is TERRIBLE. At every position except 1st base, they put a guy out there who ranges from mediocre to cover your eyes awful at fielding his position. A lot of what we think is pitching is actually defense, and the Yankees will be one of the worst teams at converting batted balls to outs. This is not going to be good for the pitchers.
Look, the Yankees will field an All-Star lineup. But I do think they are going to be hurt more than they think by the probable death throes of Jorge Posada’s career. He’s been remarkably durable for a catcher and he’s been effective for a long time. But history is not kind to 37 year old catchers. The Yankees will likely get Brad Ausmus-like production from their catchers this season. OK, not that bad, but pretty bad.
There’s lots of reasons to be excited if you root for Satan’s Team. But I don’t think they are quite the shoo in they think they are, and every little struggle this season is going to be magnified by the offseason spending spree. And I’m not sure I wouldn’t rather have the Rays roster (definitely I would long term). And I’m positive I’d rather have the Red Sox’s roster. Just a thought. When the Yankees fail to win the World Series this year, it’s gonna be awesome for us Yankee Haters of the world.
Am I the only one who still thinks the Yanks are the third best team in their division? They have the oldest lineup in baseball AND the oldest rotation. That means one thing: injuries. When the Yankees start piling up days on the DL this year, I don’t want any Yankee fans complaining about bad luck. It is the residue of design, and in this case, the poor design of relying on a bunch of guys on the wrong side of 30. Expecting Burnett to stay healthy for a season strikes me as WAY too hopeful. Also, when did we start gushing about guys who posted a 4.07 ERA, the worst since his rookie season?
Also, the Yankees defense is TERRIBLE. At every position except 1st base, they put a guy out there who ranges from mediocre to cover your eyes awful at fielding his position. A lot of what we think is pitching is actually defense, and the Yankees will be one of the worst teams at converting batted balls to outs. This is not going to be good for the pitchers.
Look, the Yankees will field an All-Star lineup. But I do think they are going to be hurt more than they think by the probable death throes of Jorge Posada’s career. He’s been remarkably durable for a catcher and he’s been effective for a long time. But history is not kind to 37 year old catchers. The Yankees will likely get Brad Ausmus-like production from their catchers this season. OK, not that bad, but pretty bad.
There’s lots of reasons to be excited if you root for Satan’s Team. But I don’t think they are quite the shoo in they think they are, and every little struggle this season is going to be magnified by the offseason spending spree. And I’m not sure I wouldn’t rather have the Rays roster (definitely I would long term). And I’m positive I’d rather have the Red Sox’s roster. Just a thought. When the Yankees fail to win the World Series this year, it’s gonna be awesome for us Yankee Haters of the world.
Posted on 2/24/09 at 5:17 pm to Baloo
quote:
Baloo
I'm really surprised they signed Brian Roberts to that big contract at his age. I'm a Roberts fan, but I would have shopped him around for a pitcher and used that money to sign Orlando Hudson or somebody on the cheap. In this market, that contract was ridiculous.
Posted on 2/24/09 at 5:19 pm to FredSecunda
Pittsburg Pirates
nothing less than a championship is acceptable
jk i have no team i need one
nothing less than a championship is acceptable
jk i have no team i need one
Posted on 2/24/09 at 5:24 pm to Meursault
quote:
Your MLB team's 2009 expectations
Nats:
zilch
nah, I take that back.... I expect Adam Dunn to reach the elusive 300 K mark
Posted on 2/24/09 at 5:30 pm to gizmoflak
Diamondbacks should be in the NL West hunt going into the last week of the season. If Manny for some reason doesn't end up in Dodger blue I will expect us to win the West.
Hopefully we will then draw the Cubs in the NLDS and get a bye into the NLCS.
Hopefully we will then draw the Cubs in the NLDS and get a bye into the NLCS.
Posted on 2/24/09 at 5:52 pm to Baloo
quote:
the oldest rotation
complete bullshite lie
quote:
Also, when did we start gushing about guys who posted a 4.07 ERA
Since he posted a 2.82 ERA after the all star break and lead the AL is strikeouts
Posted on 2/24/09 at 6:05 pm to 1ranter1
Los Angeles Angels
After losing out on Big Tex
and KROD 
the Angels are still the best team in the AL West. The pickup of Bobby Abreu is a good thing as is the news of Escobar's recovery. Another positive is the resurgence of a HEALTHY Vlad!
I fully expect the Angels to have 100 wins and to have one of the best records in MLB. Playoffs are always a crap shoot, but this team has all the pieces to excel in the playoffs.
Lineup:
Figgins-3b
Abreu-LF/DH
Vlad-RF
Hunter-CF
Morales-1B
Rivera-DH/LF
Kendrick-2B
Napoli/Mathis-C
Aybar/Izturis-SS
Rotation:
Lackey
Santana
Saunders
Weaver
Mosley/Escobar/Adenhart
Bullpen:
B. Fuentes-Closer
S. Shields-8th inning man
J. Arredondo-7th inning man/closer in waiting
D. Oliver-solid veteran lefty
J. Speier-bounce back year???
After losing out on Big Tex
and KROD the Angels are still the best team in the AL West. The pickup of Bobby Abreu is a good thing as is the news of Escobar's recovery. Another positive is the resurgence of a HEALTHY Vlad! I fully expect the Angels to have 100 wins and to have one of the best records in MLB. Playoffs are always a crap shoot, but this team has all the pieces to excel in the playoffs.
Lineup:
Figgins-3b
Abreu-LF/DH
Vlad-RF
Hunter-CF
Morales-1B
Rivera-DH/LF
Kendrick-2B
Napoli/Mathis-C
Aybar/Izturis-SS
Rotation:
Lackey
Santana
Saunders
Weaver
Mosley/Escobar/Adenhart
Bullpen:
B. Fuentes-Closer
S. Shields-8th inning man
J. Arredondo-7th inning man/closer in waiting
D. Oliver-solid veteran lefty
J. Speier-bounce back year???
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