tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post3805575599156609172..comments2023-10-31T06:31:41.395-04:00Comments on Bottom of the Barrel: Is It Baseball Season Yet?Bengoodfellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09401971573776672570noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-70456903779536432902009-04-08T14:51:00.000-04:002009-04-08T14:51:00.000-04:00Don't mess with Brett Myers and talk about how he ...Don't mess with Brett Myers and talk about how he doesn't have it "up there." Remember, he ain't afraid to smack a bitch to set you straight. <BR/><BR/>I feel silly worrying about the Phillies pitching behind Hamels but it does look like they have a bunch of guys who are average or above average. That's my concern for them. If Moyer wasn't really, really old, I think they could count on him for another 16 win season. I just want to know who the #2 starter is and I don't see one.Bengoodfellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09401971573776672570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-55330500523465764502009-04-08T14:13:00.000-04:002009-04-08T14:13:00.000-04:00The Phils offense is very good, their bullpen good...The Phils offense is very good, their bullpen good, but I'm not sold on their starting rotation. Hamels is great, but Moyer, Blanton and Myers don't give me any confidence. They look like .500 pitchers who just kinda get by. If Myers turns in the kind of sustained year that his talent says he could, then that would be a big help. I just haven't ever seen that he's got it upstairs. If he had Moyers pitching IQ, or Moyer had Myers talent, that would be a hell of a pitcher.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00086638597582394978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-55966878760852035472009-04-08T11:54:00.000-04:002009-04-08T11:54:00.000-04:00I did not know Robertson was in the bullpen. That ...I did not know Robertson was in the bullpen. That shows how much I really know...I thought he had the 5th starter position? <BR/><BR/>I am sure managing is more difficult than you and I give it credit for being, because they have to look at matchups and things like that, but it does seem pretty simple from the outside doesn't it? <BR/><BR/>I am not as sold on the Yankees this year. I don't trust Burnett to be healthy all year but they do look pretty formidable. I also don't think Texas has what it takes to win that division when it comes to pitching. Sure the great prospects they got in the Tex trade will help, but I think Feliz and Harrison are a year away from contributing a lot. They need to trade one of the three great young catchers they have for a starter...but they would make too much sense. <BR/><BR/>If they are in contention, which I am not sure of, I could see them getting Peavy. He would work well there and the Rangers have the prospects to do it.Bengoodfellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09401971573776672570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-44150928546168713032009-04-08T09:00:00.000-04:002009-04-08T09:00:00.000-04:00Well Robertson is not starting, he's in the bullpe...Well Robertson is not starting, he's in the bullpen. I really believe he shouldnt even be on the team.<BR/><BR/>Bondermen is hurt again, and who knows if he will ever be able to stay healthy for a whole season.<BR/><BR/>What gets me about managers is the only real job they have is to manage who to bring in to pitch and when to take someone out...thats about it. And yet, they still screw that up. You have 8 guys in your pen, if the guy on the mound just isnt pitching good, change them up. This is not a hard concept.<BR/><BR/>I just feel like if the Yankees can make the playoffs that they will be hard to beat because of their starting pitching. <BR/><BR/>I wouldn't be surprised if the Rangers made a push for the playoffs this year, they have a very good offensive and defensive team. Of course, you could almost always say that about them. Its their pitchers that are the problem, but I think if they can just keep them in games they will be a pretty good team this year...one that can compete for the West title. I see them like the Brewers last year; if they are still in it at the trade deadline I think they will get a big time pitcher for a push.AJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16973629881511639449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-32205353491358285002009-04-08T08:23:00.000-04:002009-04-08T08:23:00.000-04:00Martin, those do seem like really good odds to pas...Martin, those do seem like really good odds to pass up that the Angels will win the West. I would like to put my faith and hope in Seattle in the West because they have Felix and Bedard at the top of the rotation...but I can't do it. <BR/><BR/>The Phillies do look pretty good on paper and the bullpen should be pretty good as well. It's not that the Phillies are going to be much worse than last year, they won 92 games last year and this year I put them at 90. I just think other teams in the division have improved more than they have. I could see them winning the division again but I obviously did not predict it. <BR/><BR/>AJ, I would not worry too much about the Tigers yet...though everyone did say that last year as well. I did not see the game and haven't really thought about Leyland that much as a game manager. From what you described it sounds like he should have made the choice not to let the same reliever in for the 9th inning. I am surprised at how many managers tend to mismanage their bullpen. <BR/><BR/>Edwin Jackson could very well be a good pitcher for them but I do worry about their depth and that is why I have backed off my positivity for them so much. I thought Willis was going to get back on track but it seems like that is not happening. I would not worry about Verlander either, it is still early. I don't see how they win the division without either Bonderman or Robertson pitching extremely well this year. <BR/><BR/>Yankees fans will be happy to see you think they will win the World Series. They have been starved without one for a whole 8-9 years now. I am going to just laugh when the Indians make the World Series, since no one here thinks they will be good.Bengoodfellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09401971573776672570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-38506694758376598032009-04-08T06:40:00.000-04:002009-04-08T06:40:00.000-04:00Well after watching the first two Tigers games, th...Well after watching the first two Tigers games, they are already in last seasons mid-year form. If last night was a preview to come, the Tigers are in for a longggg season yet again. I know it's only been two games, so at least that can be said (of course we said that last year after they started 0-7). To me Leyland just isn't a good enough manager. I'm sure no one watched the game but me, clearly, but you cant leave a pitcher in that gives up a 3 run HR in the bottom of the 8th to blow a 3-1 lead and then comes back out and pitches the 9th and proceeds to blow that as well.<BR/><BR/>Whats the point of having a guy that can throw 102 MPH in your bullpen if you aren't going to use him when the game matters?<BR/><BR/>Jackson looks good though, I will say that. I don't think they have the depth in the rotation to win this division though. And Verlander looked awful (but so did a lot of #1 pitchers around the league). And the defense, which was suppose to be improved, blew that game for them in the 8th. <BR/><BR/>I dont see Clevland being any good either, so I would say any of the 5 teams can win this divison.<BR/><BR/>My picks:<BR/>AL East - Boston<BR/>AL Cent - Chicago<BR/>AL West - LA <BR/>Wildcard - NYY<BR/><BR/>NL East - Mets<BR/>NL Cent - Cubs<BR/>NL West - Arizona<BR/>Wildcard - Atlanta<BR/><BR/>Playoffs:<BR/>Boston over Chicago<BR/>NYY over LA<BR/>NYY over Boston<BR/><BR/>Mets over Arizona<BR/>Cubs over Atlanta<BR/>Cubs over Mets<BR/><BR/>NYY over CubsAJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16973629881511639449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-42882770263429048672009-04-08T02:19:00.000-04:002009-04-08T02:19:00.000-04:00BGF: I look at the Phil's and see the best team in...BGF: I look at the Phil's and see the best team in baseball.<BR/><BR/>That's a solid rotation, a great bullpen, and the best lineup in baseball, IMO, bar noneChris Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12152452626681072765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-22027870665193970692009-04-08T01:13:00.000-04:002009-04-08T01:13:00.000-04:00Oh I think the Angel's will win the AL West also, ...Oh I think the Angel's will win the AL West also, but the odds for the other teams to win were just too good considering the starting pitching injuries that the Angels have. 10-1 being the next worst choice just seems to good to pass up. :) Course, like you, not living in Vegas makes gambling a moot point for me.<BR/><BR/>The Mets should win, I think the bullpen really helps them this year.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00086638597582394978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-29769801503490331922009-04-07T20:56:00.000-04:002009-04-07T20:56:00.000-04:00I did not tally how many Boras clients were on the...I did not tally how many Boras clients were on the list...but I do hear Greg Maddux is going to have a breakout year this year. Along with David Wright.<BR/><BR/>I do the Chicken Little with my teams but I prefer to see it as being realistic about their chances. I've never been a good homer. There are so many people who beat the drum for their team, it just annoys me...unless it is true of course and then it annoys me because it is right. <BR/><BR/>I actually feel really good about the Braves team this year. I did not want them to trade for Peavy, sign Burnett or Griffey, so I am glad those fell through. Now why they gave Glavine $2 million and let Smoltz go is beyond me. That complaint is for a different blog though. I don't want you to worry too much because I did pick the NYM to win the division and make the NLCS. Not to mention I am wrong a lot...or at least I feel like I am. I think the Mets are the class of the East still. <BR/><BR/>I can't deal with the Marlins winning the East. I never have liked them at all. I don't know why. I am not a huge Phillies fan either.Bengoodfellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09401971573776672570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-77020020891148530412009-04-07T20:40:00.000-04:002009-04-07T20:40:00.000-04:00BGF...Any chance you tallied up how many Boras cli...BGF...Any chance you tallied up how many Boras clients are on Heyman's list? Did G. Maddux make the list? What about ARod?<BR/><BR/>The fact that you like ATL is worrying all of us NYM fans. You're always doing the Chicken LIttle with your teams. I think the NL East must be in trouble despite your picking the NYM.<BR/><BR/>I can deal with anyone else winning the NL East but Philly.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-48239511514897980832009-04-07T20:00:00.000-04:002009-04-07T20:00:00.000-04:00The AL Central was the hardest one for me to predi...The AL Central was the hardest one for me to predict. I wanted to pick the Tigers so badly but then I looked at them and just did not think I could count on that rotation coming through. I agree with you, I have never seen a team's rotation fall apart so quickly. I thought they were going to hold down the Central for a few years with Robertson, Bonderman, Verlander, and then they drafted Porchello (spelling?). I really, really wanted to pick them but just could not do it. <BR/><BR/>I don't see anything of what everyone else sees in the Indians. I see a team with an inconsistent offense and a pitching rotation that I don't trust at all. Granted, they have a decent bullpen, but it does you no good if you can't get there with a lead. <BR/><BR/>It's not that I like the White Sox as much as, like you said and I guess how I picked, they seem to have the fewest holes. That being said, I can see this team getting old all at the same time. Which means Konerko, Dye and Thome stop hitting/get injured and Mark Buerhle starts getting knocked all over the place. I have them as the winner of the division by default. <BR/><BR/>The Twins are interesting but I think the injuries they have and the fact I believe the White Sox will have a better rotation this year, cause me to knock choose them to win the division. <BR/><BR/>I thought about your thoughts on the Angels and I did not disregard them but I do think the Angels will win the division. They may not have as good of a record as I predicted though.Bengoodfellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09401971573776672570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-12479362289102401752009-04-07T19:16:00.000-04:002009-04-07T19:16:00.000-04:00I think the AL Central is so messed up that nobody...I think the AL Central is so messed up that nobody has a clue who is going to win. I think folks think that 2007 is the more typical year for the Indians, where as recent history tells me it was the aberation, to my little baseball viewing eyes anyway. My guess is that the White Sox have the fewest weak spots. Decent offense, good starting pitching, deeper then the Twins. Detroit could be the team if it's pitching comes around. Iv'e never seen a rotation fall apart so completely so fast.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00086638597582394978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-85854913697874362592009-04-07T16:03:00.000-04:002009-04-07T16:03:00.000-04:00I actually googled the last couple of years and th...I actually googled the last couple of years and the playoff matchups that happened. I did not see proof of this but i just googled it and you are right. I am going to edit this right now.<BR/><BR/>I have a feeling about the Braves, I could be wrong.Bengoodfellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09401971573776672570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-24597908088737920742009-04-07T15:58:00.000-04:002009-04-07T15:58:00.000-04:00Nit-picking time! Although I'm probably wrong on ...Nit-picking time! Although I'm probably wrong on this one, I'm just too lazy to use the internet to research. It's like I write for Page Two!<BR/><BR/>I don't think that a division winner can play a wild card team from the same division in the first round, unless they've recently changed that. I don't think it really changes anything in the NL, but it might in the AL.<BR/><BR/>I hope you're right about the Braves.The Caseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03323030436625176444noreply@blogger.com