*2011 MLB Thread*
 

*2011 MLB Thread*

Here it is guys. Spring training is not far off. Some big moves in late 2010 has made me excited for 2011. I think its hard not to mention the BoSox transactions, and how they have improved for this year. And yes, the Phillies are ballers. KW came through for the south side, and I like the moves we made.

How's your team looking for 2011 so far?

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My Mets are looking pretty sad. Pitching might not make it through Spring Training. :D

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When will Johan Santana be ready?

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Go Yankees!

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Red Sox are looking good aquiring Crawford and Gonzales

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The Reds on Sunday agreed to terms on a three-year, $38 million contract with first baseman and National League Most Valuable Player Joey Votto.

Also, I think it's interesting that Pujols is so unwilling to speak about his status after 2011, which is his last year on the contract. I suspect he may want to play somewhere else after this year.

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Ryan, the Yankees have a tougher road to the playoffs this year for sure. I see the AL east being a close battle this year.

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Some big things going on right now. Looks like the Angels might be swapping Juan Rivera and Mike Napoli for Vernon Wells of Toronto, and it looks like Damon and Manny heading to Tampa Bay!

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Billy Butler and the Royals have agreed to a four-year, $30 million contract extension, the first baseman said on Saturday.

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Alexei Ramirez and the Sox have agreed to a contract extension, four years, $32.5 million, with a $10 million option for the fifth year. I like it. The kid has some serious skills at shortstop, and should continue to get better at the plate.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?...s_mlb&c_id=mlb

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I always liked Alexei :tu

When I watch him play I feel like his numbers should be better.
A lot of talent there.

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I guess with his great glove you expect great numbers at the plate. I actually feel the same way you do about him. He will get better at the plate with time. And even better at SS, he has one of the greats to mentor him.

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Five teams hope to cash in after going all in, Red Sox, White Sox, Tigers, Phils, Brewers play to win in 2011. The question is will it payoff. For me I don't see why it won't for the Red Sox and Phils. I see big improvements on the south side too. The Tigers and Brewers improved, but I'm still not sure on them. Time will tell. Come on Spring Training!!
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?...s_mlb&c_id=mlb


Brewers nearing deal with veteran Kotsay from the White Sox..
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?...s_mlb&c_id=mlb


Also, the Tribe are in talks with Bonderman??

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Just my :2 , and worth every penny, but until somebody proves me otherwise, I will stick with the Twinkies in the AL Central.

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Yeah, it seems that the Twins have a legit team every year. The AL central should be a nice fight to watch this year. The wild card could come out of the central.

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I like the moves the Tigers made in the offseason. Matinez and Benoit look like good additions. If Brennan Boesch can even hit for the same numbers as last year without all the ups/downs, they'll be in pretty good shape.

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What about their pitching? That may be an issue for them:2

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Starters:
J. Verlander
M. Scherzer
R. Porcello
P. Coke
B. Penny

I think 1-2 are rock solid. Porcello is extremely talented, but not sure if we'll see the 2009 version (14-9 3.96 ERA) or the 2010 version (10-12 4.92 ERA). To be honest I think he's more than capable of blowing away his rookie numbers. Coke was great for us in the pen last year. Not sure how that transition will work out. Penny seems to be a good pickup for a 5th starter.

Bullpen:
J. Valverde
J. Benoit
R. Perry
B. Thomas
J. Zumaya
D. Schlereth
A. Alburquerque

I think again, 1-2 are lights out. Perry is similar to Porcello in that he has all the talent in the world, just hoping he takes that next step. His ERA is decent, but I'd like to see him cut down on walks. Thomas has been good for us, and Zumaya could just be gravy. They aren't counting on him at all. So, if he can eat some innings up, so be it. If he returns to old form, even better. Shlereth has some promise.

Lineup looks good, especially the heart of it:
1. A. Jackson CF
2. W. Rhymes/C. Guillen 2B
3. M. Ordonez DH
4. M. Cabrera 1B
5. V. Martinez C
6. B. Boesch RF
7. D. Kelly/R. Raburn LF
8. J. Peralta SS
9. B. Inge 3B

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Tigers have a good team, no doubt about that. As good at the White Sox and Twins, well that remains to be seen. AL central should be fun to watch this year :tu

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Agreed. AL Central is usually fun to watch.

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Here are a few thoughts from some members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame on todays big game:

Cal Ripken Jr.: Green Bay, 27-24. They're both really solid teams. Hard to pick. End of the day the edge goes to the Packers offense by a slight margin."

Dennis Eckersley: "Packers 28-24 -- Packers defense can stop Big Ben easier than the Steelers can stop Rodgers."

Bill Mazeroski: "Pittsburgh,27-17. I think the Pittsburgh defense will shut down the Green Bay offense and will play a pivotal role in the outcome."

Yogi Berra: Green Bay, 23-20. The best team should win, and it could also be Pittsburgh."

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Feb. 16 appears to be deadline for Pujols talks

It will be interesting to see what comes of this.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?...s_mlb&c_id=mlb

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Maybe he will become the Yankees next DH.

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The Michael Young situation is actually pretty interesting. Curious to see if he does indeed get traded, he been a very solid player throughout his career. The Yankees are on his to trade list, but I have no idea where they could stick him.

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He would be the highest paid backup in baseball on the Yankees.

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Young has been very very good through his career.

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A lot of players list the big markets as no trade in their contract for the sole purpose of negotiating an extension if they are traded.
That said the yanks have no use for Young.
I think Posada will have a monster year at DH :2

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Getting closer.

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Pitchers and Catchers report today! :wo :wo

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For this Rangers fan, this has been the shortest/longest off-season ever!

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MRI reveals Utley has tendinitis in right knee
If this gets worse for him and carries on through the season, it could be a big hit for the team.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?..._mlb&c_id=mlb#

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Duke Snider passed away this morning at the age of 84.

RIP Duke

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It's been great watching preseason ball on TV. Glad to see the weather turning and the season fast approaching!!

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Looks like Coco might be stealing some of Miggy's negative press. What a mess.

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:tpd:

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:tt

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Can't wait for opening day!!!!

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The Yanks gonna win tomorrow Ryan?

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Of course they are. :D

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How's Sweaty Freddy been doing this spring?

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He looked good. I like him in the rotation better than Colon. I think Colon will break down with a heavy innings load.

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Yeah I'd take Freddy over Colon.

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And they have Millwood getting ready in the minors if something happens.

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LETS GO RED SOX! Going to see the Mariners vs. Indians at Safeco Field on April 8th. Got seats behind home plate 20 rows up and it will be my first MLB opening day and can't wait.

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:wo :wo Opening Day!!!

Best of luck to your team!!

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YES!:tu

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Go Jays!!!! :)

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Go Rays!!!!

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GO ANGELS!!!

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/pictur...pictureid=5507

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Go Braves!!!

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/g...4/tomachop.gifhttp://i250.photobucket.com/albums/g...4/tomachop.gifhttp://i250.photobucket.com/albums/g...4/tomachop.gif