2015 MLB Thread

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Might as well get this going for the new year. Go Sox:)

[icehog3]

Here's to the Detroit Tigers' bullpen! :hn :r

[MedicCook]

Go Yankees!

[kelmac07]

Let's Go Mets!!

[Dave128]

Let's Go Mets!

[Rockestone]

Let's go Braves!

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Has anyone else read Sporting News picked the Cubs to win the WS this year? How can you predict this far out let alone pick the Cubs?! :r

[icehog3]

Maybe the Sporting News heard that the Cubs cloned the 1968 Tigers? :)

[The Poet]

Has anyone else read Sporting News picked the Cubs to win the WS this year? How can you predict this far out let alone pick the Cubs?! :r

It's the law of averages, broh. They are due. :D

[Brian D.]

Has anyone else read Sporting News picked the Cubs to win the WS this year? How can you predict this far out let alone pick the Cubs?! :r

You sure you weren't reading The Onion by mistake? :D

[tsolomon]

83 days to Opening Day, go Nats.

[MedicCook]

Has anyone else read Sporting News picked the Cubs to win the WS this year? How can you predict this far out let alone pick the Cubs?! :r

They saw it happen in Back to the Future 2.

[The Poet]

They saw it happen in Back to the Future 2.

Did they commute to work on their hoverboards?

[kelmac07]

Ned Yost leads the Royals to their first AL pennant in 29 years and the only give him a one year extension. ?????????????

[The Poet]

Mac, why do you think it took them 3 decades to win? That's KC, Sunshine! :D

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Well the Cubs certainly improved with Lester in the rotation. But there's a lot unproven prospects needing mlb playing time.

[MedicCook]

Adam Dunn has announced his retirement.

[icehog3]

Adam Dunn has announced his retirement.

With 0 career playoff at-bats. Wow.

[MedicCook]

With 0 career playoff at-bats. Wow.

And 3rd all time in K's.

[MedicCook]

Dodgers sign catcher A.J. Ellis, one-year, $4.25 million contract for 2015 and avoid arbitration.

[MedicCook]

Mariners announce acquisition of LHP Mike Kickham for minor-league RHP Lars Huijer. SEA designates LHP Anthony Fernandez for assignment. - per Ken Rosenthal

[icehog3]

Mariners announce acquisition of LHP Mike Kickham for minor-league RHP Lars Huijer. SEA designates LHP Anthony Fernandez for assignment. - per Ken Rosenthal

Three of my favorites!!



Who? :r

[The Poet]

Tom, are you counting Ken Rosenthal amongst those faves?

[MedicCook]

Athletics acquire RHP Tyler Clippard from Washington for SS Yunel Escobar.

[icehog3]

Tom, are you counting Ken Rosenthal amongst those faves?

Just his bowtie, Thomas. And Tyler Clippard. :D

[jledou]

Ned Yost leads the Royals to their first AL pennant in 29 years and the only give him a one year extension. ?????????????

If they didn't actually win any series in the playoffs the speculation here was he was going to be the first coach to be fired twice after taking teams to the playoffs. Nice guy but maybe not the best field general.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Max to Nats. Damn. I guess declining the Tigers offer last year paid off.

[CigarSquid]

I am looking forward to this year. Right now, on paper, A's seem pretty decent with all the moves that went on in the off season. I'll be heading down for spring training so I can learn the team!

[VirtualSmitty]

Max to Nats. Damn. I guess declining the Tigers offer last year paid off.

Nats have one heck of a rotation now. Not like they didn't before :r

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Nats make the NL east not fun. I mean come on who can compete with their starters?? Tigers aren't left with their d!ck in their hand though, they still have good starting pitching and a nice lineup to boot.

[The Poet]

The NL East hasn't been fun for a long time. The Braves ruled for a decade+, then the Phillies had it tied up for a while, and now the Nats are ruling the roost.

Makes you wonder why anybody would be a Mets fan. :D

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Mets have some nice young prospects.. Plus bababooey can throw a hell of a first pitch!!!

[icehog3]

Shocked to hear the Sox signed Soto, Nate.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Me and you both Tom. He'll likely stay in the Minors.. I hope

[icehog3]

Me and you both Tom. He'll likely stay in the Minors.. I hope

Better weed doiwn there. ;)

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Better weed doiwn there. ;)

:r:r

[dman4505]

Cub nation in mourning today
Mr. Cub Ernie Banks passed away yesterday at the age of 83

It's a beautiful day for a ballgame... Let's play two!

Work? I never worked a day in my life. I always loved what I was doing, had a passion for it.


Don

[Whiskeyrunner]

Projected spot in the 2015 World Series ..... Go Nats!

[Whiskeyrunner]

Not to worry anybody ...... as a Nats fan, have struggled through 2 early exits (Cards ad Giants) from the 1st round of the playoffs in the past couple years.

Hitting and rookie manager did us in!

[Whiskeyrunner]

Nats have one heck of a rotation now. Not like they didn't before :r

Agreed rotation THE BEST, however as seen in the Giants playoff games, it only took some poor hitting and a rookie manager to send us packing once again :gary

[tsolomon]

Lack of hitting and rookie manager did us in!
Fixed it for you. I'm a Nats fan and trading Clippy away and adding Escobar just doesn't work for me.

[icehog3]

Yeah, the Tigers has the best rotation (on paper) for a couple years, you see how many WS rings that got them. ;)

[Whiskeyrunner]

Nats have one heck of a rotation now. Not like they didn't before :r

Fixed it for you. I'm a Nats fan and trading Clippy away and adding Escobar just doesn't work for me.

I am sure there is an outcome in these trades ( Sherzer, Clippard etc.) that have not yet become evident so I guess I have to trust that they are of sane mind. However I do not see how we ( Nats) have become a better team than last year?

[Dave128]

The NL East hasn't been fun for a long time. The Braves ruled for a decade+, then the Phillies had it tied up for a while, and now the Nats are ruling the roost.

Makes you wonder why anybody would be a Mets fan. :D


:sad

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Football is finally over. Bring on baseball.

[The Poet]

Football is finally over. Bring on baseball.

Can I watch a little college hoops first? Please? Pretty please?

I ain't puttin' no damn sugar on top!

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Can I watch a little college hoops first? Please? Pretty please?

I ain't puttin' no damn sugar on top!

Yes, anything but football!:r

[The Poet]

Amen, bro! :tu

[icehog3]

Football is finally over. Bring on baseball.

I'll get interested in baseball after the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup. ;)

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

I'll get interested in baseball after the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup. ;)

Multitask Tom! I can see the headlines now, Blackhawks and White Sox both win Championships in 2015!:D

[icehog3]

I don't know about the Sox winning it all, but they certainly should give Detroit a run for the division.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

I don't know about the Sox winning it all, but they certainly should give Detroit a run for the division.

Tigers are still the favorite to win the central and rightly so. It'll be their bullpen that does them in again I think. They can always get some arms via trade but it doesn't seem they are looking.

[icehog3]

You are right, Nate, I dunno what Dombrowski is thinking. Hopefully he makes a couple moves by April. I think the Sox will be right in the thick of it, besides signing Soto I like all their moves this off-season.

[icehog3]

VMart out indefinitely with a torn miniscus. Well, that hurts.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

That sucks Tom. Who's the replacement? Also, an interesting note I read this morning.. Miggy who will be 32 soon, and Vmart who's 36, have a combined $330,000,000 invested in them by the Tigers for 2015-2023 seasons. Lotta dolla make ya holla. Massive dollars for guys on the wrong side of 30. I have to believe most Tiger fans will hate those contracts in a couple years.

[icehog3]

I was happy when they signed VMart for 4 years this winter, Nate, bacause all indications were that we would lose him. 2nd in MVP voting last year, offensively he was the heart and soul last season....but second major knee injury in 3 years is killer. Replacement? Nobody I know.

Miggy will need to return to 2013 form, and the Tigers will have to put a threat behind him in the order, or it will be more than the bullpen sinking the Tigers.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

I think Adam Dunn is available:r:r

[icehog3]

I think Adam Dunn is available:r:r

Ouch, That hurts.

Can we have Avasil Garcia back? Or that bum you have at first base, what's his name....Joey Abreu? :D

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Ouch, That hurts.

Can we have Avasil Garcia back? Or that bum you have at first base, what's his name....Joey Abreu? :D

Tigers still have a power lineup Tom. And really, if Miggy has a similar year to 2013, the Tigers will be fine... Other than the bullpen. But then again, a bullpen is so hard to predict, maybe they are dominate this year.

[icehog3]

I guess that's why they play the games, eh Nate? :D

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

I guess that's why they play the games, eh Nate? :D

Yep. Tell that to my Cubbie loving friends, they've all but crowned themselves:r

[icehog3]

Yep. Tell that to my Cubbie loving friends, they've all but crowned themselves:r

Good year to take the bet with the Cubs fans on who wins more games, Nate, think the Sox have that one in the bag.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Good year to take the bet with the Cubs fans on who wins more games, Nate, think the Sox have that one in the bag.

Here's hoping Tom. Health is the biggest factor for the Sox.

On another note, looks like Vmart could be ready for the Tigers by opening day.

[icehog3]

Here's hoping Tom. Health is the biggest factor for the Sox.

On another note, looks like Vmart could be ready for the Tigers by opening day.

Sure hope that happens, Nate.

[dman4505]

I'll get interested in baseball after the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup. ;)

x2

Don :noon

[dman4505]

Yep. Tell that to my Cubbie loving friends, they've all but crowned themselves:r

Not this Cubbie fan
Been through to many of "This is our year" crap
Though I will admit it's nice to see Ricketts finally open the check book

Don

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/109242478/which-division-is-the-toughest-in-baseball

My vote is either Central

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

http://chicago.suntimes.com/baseball/7/71/367859/white-sox-fan-sickness-health-life-death

Sounds like a fan I would have been friends with..

[dman4505]

http://chicago.suntimes.com/baseball/7/71/367859/white-sox-fan-sickness-health-life-death

Sounds like a fan I would have been friends with..

Even this Cub fan would've liked him

Don

[icehog3]

http://chicago.suntimes.com/baseball/7/71/367859/white-sox-fan-sickness-health-life-death

Sounds like a fan I would have been friends with..

Even this Cub fan would've liked him

Don

This Tigers fan too. :tu

[AdamJoshua]

95 million dollar contract and this is how you show up for camp? Welcome to the Red Sox, you fat bastard.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-D3AGCIEAIqJfv.jpg

[icehog3]

95 million dollar contract and this is how you show up for camp? Welcome to the Red Sox, you fat bastard.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-D3AGCIEAIqJfv.jpg

Is that Josh Hamilton??

[The Poet]

Is that Josh Hamilton??

Whoever it is, looks like he swallowed CC.


Shutting the **** up now, Tom.

[icehog3]

Whoever it is, looks like he swallowed CC.


Shutting the **** up now, Tom.

Thank you, Donnie. ;) :r

[357]

95 million dollar contract and this is how you show up for camp? Welcome to the Red Sox, you fat bastard.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-D3AGCIEAIqJfv.jpg

And here I expected a shot at Prince Fielder.

[icehog3]

Cubs signed Phil Coke. :lr :wo :lr

[The Poet]

Cubs signed Phil Coke. :lr :wo :lr

Hey, he can pitch.


He does not do so often, but he can.

[icehog3]

Hey, he can pitch.


He does not do so often, but he can.

Damn straight, gets the ball in the hitter's wheelhouse 2 times outta 3!

[The Poet]

Yu Darvish having a MRI, and may need Tommy John.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

RIP Mr. White Sox. He passed away this past Sunday. I've been fortunate to shake the legends hand multiple times, awesome man and certainly HOF numbers. Chicago will miss him greatly.
http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/7417714/v39706083/mlb-network-honors-white-sox-legend-minnie-minoso

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

A conversation with Minnie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YRHfu1786M

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

During the 1950's, two players had 100 HR & 100 SB while hitting .300
Willie Mays & Minnie Minoso.

[icehog3]

R.I.P., Mr. Minoso.

[jledou]

anyone up for Fantasy Baseball this year?

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?p=2023176&posted=1#post2023176

[AdamJoshua]

Blue Jays' Split Squad Beats Canada Juniors 17-3

The BlowJays keeping it classy by putting up 10 runs after the 5th inning against the Canada Juniors team. :r :r :r

[icehog3]

Toronto is great at beating up on kids, too bad their hockey team can't beat up on ANYBODY. :lr

[jonumberone]

I can't believe opening day is less than a week away.
It's still so cold here.
It's really hard to think about baseball!

[The Poet]

Hell, Dom, it got within a sac fly of 50 yesterday. Let's play two!

[Wharf Rat]

Opening Day! Woo Hoo! What to smoke??? Go Cards!

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Cards looking pretty good tonight.

[icehog3]

Better than the Cubs anyway. ;)

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Uh, anyone go to the game tonight at Wrigley? Apparently fans were pissing against the walls and pissing in cups on the concourse due to long lines for the bathrooms.

[icehog3]

Stay classy, Cubs fans!

My cousin went, I'll ask her about that when I talk to her tomorrow.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Stay classy, Cubs fans!

My cousin went, I'll ask her about that when I talk to her tomorrow.

Let me know Tom. How do grown ass men and women just decide to piss out on the concourse? I mean come on, walk to a bar or restaurant close to the park. I'm hoping what I'm hearing isn't true just for the sake of my friends that are Cub fans.

[icehog3]

I am betting it wasn't women, but who knows. Hopefully it was just a couple/few drunken asswipes, Nate.

[The Poet]

They should have moved the games elsewhere until renovations were completed.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/fans-urinate-in-cubs-merchandise-as-season-starts-woefully-for-franchise-061516674-mlb.html

[icehog3]

They should have moved the games elsewhere until renovations were completed.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/fans-urinate-in-cubs-merchandise-as-season-starts-woefully-for-franchise-061516674-mlb.html

Yankee Stadium? :D

[The Poet]

Yankee Stadium? :D

Well, I was actually thinking Cellular, since the Sox are at Kauffman, or even juggling the schedule and opening at Busch instead, but yeah, OK, why not Yankee Stadium?

That's the OLD Yankee Stadium, which is now three youth sandlot fields. That should serve the historically hapless Cubbies. :D

[The Poet]

Now that was interesting. Predictions were that the crowd's response to A-Rod's return to Yankee Stadium would be 50/50 mixed cheers and boos. But when the line-up was announced, Alex got, in the words of John Sterling, "a phenomenal reception." Suzyn Waldman speculated that the fans were saying he'd paid his dues, so welcome back . . . which would change with his first strike-out. John opined the fans were telling the media that he's one of our players, so leave him alone.

I'd be surprised if he does better than 15 and 70 this year, and not so if he does worse, yet still it is interesting for all baseball fans, for whatever reasons . . . even those who hate his guts.

[icehog3]

Well, I was actually thinking Cellular, since the Sox are at Kauffman, or even juggling the schedule and opening at Busch instead, but yeah, OK, why not Yankee Stadium?

That's the OLD Yankee Stadium, which is now three youth sandlot fields. That should serve the historically hapless Cubbies. :D

Unfortunately the Wrigley construction is a long ways from being complete, si I don't think Cellular is the answer. That and all those cars with Cubs bumper stickers getting vandalized.... ;) :r

[AdamJoshua]

Red Sox opening the season against the NL... lame.

Dustin P starting the season with a homer to left, I'll take it.

[The Poet]

Yankees played at Shea two seasons, '74-'75, while the original House That Ruth Built was being renovated. Many Yankee fans may not bother to hate the Mets, but do you really think Pinstripes in Flushing are more welcomed than Cubbies on the South Side? :r

[icehog3]

Yankees played at Shea two seasons, '74-'75, while the original House That Ruth Built was being renovated. Many Yankee fans may not bother to hate the Mets, but do you really think Pinstripes in Flushing are more welcomed than Cubbies on the South Side? :r

I do not, Thomas. But I think the Cubs relaized that the construction was longer term than they thought after the 2015 schedule was published, so I am guessing they and their fans are SOL this year.

On the bright side, Tigers win 4-0 on their opening day, Price with 8.2 shouout innings. :tu

[AdamJoshua]

I do not, Thomas. But I think the Cubs relaized that the construction was longer term than they thought after the 2015 schedule was published, so I am guessing they and their fans are SOL this year.

On the bright side, Yankees lose on their opening day, Price with 8.2 shouout innings in some other game. :tu

I agree.

[The Poet]

SOL this year? Don't you mean SOL for a century-plus, and counting? :D

[icehog3]

SOL this year? Don't you mean SOL for a century-plus, and counting? :D

There's Always Next Year, said every Cubs dan since 1909.

[icehog3]

You do know I am not a Cubs fan, right Thomas? ;)

[The Poet]

You do know I am not a Cubs fan, right Thomas? ;)

Of course. Were you, I'd never bust on them. I don't believe in busting anybody's chops on Opening Day. Bad karma, and the Baseball Gods take notes.

I simply thought that public urination story was too good to ignore.

[icehog3]

Of course. Were you, I'd never bust on them. I don't believe in busting anybody's chops on Opening Day. Bad karma, and the Baseball Gods take notes.



I like that. :tu

[Bruins Fan]

Red Sox flex their muscles with 5 homers and shut out the Phillies 8-0.
Nice start:D

[kelmac07]

How about them Mets!! :wo :wo

[AdamJoshua]

A really good win, but I don't know Mac, the Red Sox have a Mookie now too, I just can't deal with it, i keep thinking Mookie Wilson. :r

[icehog3]

White Sox got lambasted today....Jeff Z. wasn't horrible as a starter, but the bullpen was rough.

I read that only 2 teams had a worse bullpen ERA last year than the Tigers didf, and one of them was the White Sox. I did not know that.

Sox' one run was an Abreu home run. I'm betting we see about 50 more of those this season.

[AdamJoshua]

I saw Seepaydus had a great jump and took away a homerun for the Tiggers today and on the flip side the Sox signed the player they traded him for. Rick Porcello for over 20 million a year?? I think he was 15-13 last year or something not very 20 million a year like... glad it's not my money :r

I also enjoy that yesterday he said that he wouldn't discuss his contract during the season, today he signed, I guess he saw 82 million dollars in black and white and he had a change of heart. lol

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

White Sox bullpen:td

Not worried about our bats, but the bullpen and Jeff have me concerned..

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

White Sox got lambasted today....Jeff Z. wasn't horrible as a starter, but the bullpen was rough.

I read that only 2 teams had a worse bullpen ERA last year than the Tigers didf, and one of them was the White Sox. I did not know that.

Sox' one run was an Abreu home run. I'm betting we see about 50 more of those this season.

Our bullpen was hot garbage last year. Hopefully they turn it around.

[Subvet642]

A really good win, but I don't know Mac, the Red Sox have a Mookie now too, I just can't deal with it, i keep thinking Mookie Wilson. :r

I can! :tu

[icehog3]

I think Jeff will be OK, Nate. The bullpen, not so sure.

I saw that too, Adam, baseball kills me. :lr

[Subvet642]

The Red Sox conducted a batting clinic today! :sl

[icehog3]

The Red Sox conducted a batting clinic today! :sl

They're guaranteed to finish no worse than 1-161 now. :)

J/K, Brother, I am sure they will win at least 60. ;)

[Subvet642]

They're guaranteed to finish no worse than 1-161 now. :)

J/K, Brother, I am sure they will win at least 60. ;)

As long as it isn't as bad as last year...

[The Poet]

So what about that Astros DH, Evan Gattis? He dons the golden sombrero Wednesday, then wears it again yesterday. Back-to-back, 0 for 8 with 8 Ks.

Records are a little fuzzy, but it is thought no one has started the season this way since at least 1914.

[icehog3]

So what about that Astros DH, Evan Gattis? He dons the golden sombrero Wednesday, then wears it again yesterday. Back-to-back, 0 for 8 with 8 Ks.

Records are a little fuzzy, but it is thought no one has started the season this way since at least 1914.

I didn't realize Adam Dunn was that old. :noon

[AdamJoshua]

Mookie "named after Blaylock not Wilson" Betts has a huge opening day at Fenway, leaps and grabs a ball from over the bullpen wall and brings it back in, steals two bases on the same play and hit a three run bomb into the Monster seats.

[The Poet]

Mookie "named after Blaylock not Wilson" Betts has a huge opening day at Fenway, leaps and grabs a ball from over the bullpen wall and brings it back in, steals two bases on the same play and hit a three run bomb into the Monster seats.

Talk to me when he brings one back over the Monster in left. :cf2


;)

[icehog3]

Tigers got their first loss today. The dream of 162-0 is over. :hn

[pnoon]

Tigers got their first loss today. The dream of 162-0 is over. :hn

So sorry, Tom. Maybe the Rangers can do better. :)

[kelmac07]

Mets win their home opener. :wo :wo

[icehog3]

So sorry, Tom. Maybe the Rangers can do better. :)

You best mean the Texas Rangers, Peter. -(P :lr

[pnoon]

You best mean the Texas Rangers, Peter. -(P :lr

I was speaking of the NY Rangers, Tom.
Aside from the Habs, I wish you nothing but the best. :)

[The Poet]

Hell, and I thought youse guys meant the Drew Rangers.

[JIMBETHYNAME]

Go bosox! They are on a roll after pounding on the jankees,for 2/3 games last weekend!

[icehog3]

I was speaking of the NY Rangers, Tom.
Aside from the Habs, I wish you nothing but the best. :)

If it's the Hawks and Habs in the Finals, I am OK with that. :)

[pnoon]

If it's the Hawks and Habs in the Finals, I am OK with that. :)

:tu :)

[357]

If it's the Hawks and Habs in the Finals, I am OK with that. :)

What happened to our Wings/Hawks finals? It seems you traded me in for some French Canadiens. :td

Oh yeah, I too am bummed about the Tigers' first loss. Overall though it's a good start. However, I'm still worried to death about the bullpen.

[icehog3]

Yeah, we need 8 innings a night out of our rotation, Mike. :tu :r

And yeah, I'm a whore. As long as the Hawks make the Finals, I don't care if they play the Care Bears. :lr

[GreekGodX]

Sofia's cutter looked good today and Shane Greene looked even better :) such a good win for the Tigers.

Mets are keeping up too. Beat the Phillies tonight with Harvey pitching another good game.

[icehog3]

7 of 8 for the Tigers, if they keep up this pace, they'll go 141-21. :D

[GreekGodX]

Won the series vs the Pirates. Pops I'm on the 141 win train!!!!!!

Soria's (not Sofia's) cutter is back. He is a different pitcher with it.

[icehog3]

Tigers' starting pitching has been awesome, Son, and Soria is looking good. If we can just keep Chamberlain and Albuqerque out of there, 141 wins are a lock!

[357]

Tigers' starting pitching has been awesome, Son, and Soria is looking good. If we can just keep Chamberlain and Albuqerque out of there, 141 wins are a lock!

You forgot Nathan. We need him out of the picture as well. I'm worried they'll demote Soria when he gets back.

[icehog3]

You forgot Nathan. We need him out of the picture as well. I'm worried they'll demote Soria when he gets back.

Not if he keeps shuttin' 'em down... :tu

[The Poet]

Tom, did your Tigers give up any runs today?


:hf

[icehog3]

Tom, did your Tigers give up any runs today?


:hf

They did. A crapload. And they're still first place in the Majors. :D

[The Poet]

And in this time zone it's still April. :D

[icehog3]

Tied with St. Louis for current playoff streak. I know they're not the Yankees, Thomas, but oh what they've done for me lately. :lr

[The Poet]

Damn right they ain't the Yankees, though I'm not sure what you mean by that. :D

Just FYI, I never jumped on any bandwagon. I became a Yankee fan when I fell (in a manly sorta way) for a young first baseman they brought up named Don Mattingly. He epitomized what I thought a pro athlete should be, and he only got a taste of the playoffs in the last year of his career. It's not about the banners for me . . . it's about the Gehrigs, the Donnie Baseballs, the Jeters who wore pinstripes.

[icehog3]

Not questioning your reasons for allegiance, Thomas, nor diminishing the Yankees past greats or successes. Just pointing out that Detroit has the longest current playoff streak in response to your quip about it being April. And channeling my inner Janet Jackson by posing the question, "What have you done for me lately". ;) :D

[The Poet]

And I cannot dispute facts, even if I'd wish to. Fact is, the Tigers have built a good team in recent years that has had much success, much to the delight of its fans. Good for them, and you. :tu

And fact is, it IS April, and baseball has a loooooong season. Not only ain't it over till it's over, it ain't over when it's just begun. :D

And fact is also, Tanaka looked good last night.

[icehog3]

Absolutely, Thomas. And the AL Central is stacked with talent this year, so definitely not counting any 2015 chickens yet....just having some fun, after all, that's what baseball's all about. :)

[The Poet]

True dat. Too often too many forget it's just a game.

[kelmac07]

How about them Mets? :wo :wo I know it's early...but I enjoy it while I can. :D

[The Poet]

How about them Mets? :wo :wo I know it's early...but I enjoy it while I can. :D

Mac, gather ye rosebuds while ye may . . . or April in this case . . . lest tomorrow thee drop thy ball.

https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=A0LEVv785TNV7lkADjUnnIlQ;_ylu=X3oDMTBsa3 ZzMnBvBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA2JmMQR2dGlkAw--?p=citizen+kane+rosebud&tnr=21&vid=33DFC61D931BD57FED3C33DFC61D931BD57FED3C&l=42&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DWN.6 zriBBVzuSDBS1gLdXJ7gg%26pid%3D15.1&sigi=11vmhlibo&rurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DO 4mQqVqRB7I&sigr=11b5mbm6d&tt=b&tit=CITIZEN+KANE+-+Rosebud&sigt=10msdmfth&back=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fyhs%2Fsearch %3Fp%3Dcitizen%2Bkane%2Brosebud%26ei%3DUTF-8%26hsimp%3Dyhs-001%26hspart%3Dmozilla%26fr%3Dyhs-mozilla-001&sigb=13j28i8fj&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-001

:D

[The Poet]

Pineda was reasonably effective, the Yankee batters not so much (5 runs off 11 hits and 6 walks), the bullpen did their job, and Yanks sweep the Bay Rays to reach .500. Now if they can just still be there after 4 upcoming in Detroit. :D

[icehog3]

Tigers scored a few today. Cespedes en fuego!

[Brian D.]

Anybody catch Reds manager Brian Price's F-bombapalooza rant ? i'd say he's a little frustrated.

[The Poet]

So I wanted 2 of 4 for my Yanks in Detroit, and I got it with one still to play. Smacked Price, one of the Tigers' thirteen aces, around like a rented mule.

Guess I could get greedy and hope for 3 of 4, but I'll take whatever at this point. If nothing else, we've doubled Detroit's Ls in two days. :D

[icehog3]

Yup, that was a good old fashioned schelacking last night, Thomas. Sanchez hasn't been great so far either so 3 outta 4 is a distinct possibility.

I would be much more upset about this if it were late June and the Blackhawks were out of it. :)

[The Poet]

Tom, I'm concerned how Tanaka's gimpy arm will fare in chilly air this afternoon.

[The Poet]

Like the first game in Detroit, the fourth was a pitching duel. Unlike the first, it was my Yanks who scored late to take the 2-1 win. Tanaka was very good for 6 1/3, and the bullpen did their job. What with the sweep in Tampa, then 3 of 4 in The Motorless City, it turned into a good road trip.

[icehog3]

Congrats to your guys, Thomas. Sanchez with only a hit and run allowed in 6 1/3, I'm about as happy as one can be with a loss.

[The Poet]

Yeah, considering it was cold as $#!+ all the pitching was outstanding, for both teams. I don't think I could have even gripped a baseball.

[The Poet]

Wow. KC was at it again tonight, this time brawling with the CWS. They need to consider changing their name to the Battle Royals.

[icehog3]

And they won again too. I think they should change their name to the "Kansas City ****suckers". ;)

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Agreed Tom. Ventura is a loose cannon.

I'll also say that the Sox shouldn't entertain them or retaliate. They just need to focus on winning some gd games.

[icehog3]

The Sox said all the right things about Ventura, "He's a competitor", "We respect him", but the truth his he seems like a stone jagoff, Nate.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

He's a dunce for sure. Just wish the Sox would beat the **** outta them on the scoreboard..

[icehog3]

He's a dunce for sure. Just wish the Sox would beat the **** outta them on the scoreboard..

I hear ya, Nate.

Tigers have lost 4 in a row, including their best 2 pitchers to date getting pounded for 8 runs apiece the last 3 days. Usually I'm just worried about the bulpen. :r

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Tigers are in a lot better shape than the South Siders. $hit, they can't even knock in RISP with less than 2 outs.:r I believe they're the worst in the league. I just don't get it, lots of talent but no results.

I saw Nathan is out. That probably is a good thing opening up a roster spot for a young gun. And yeah, I'd expected the Tigers bullpen to $hit the bed, not the starters!!:r

[The Poet]

After a 3-6 start, Yanks have now won 9 of 11, and are in 1st place in the AL East. Yeah, April still has a few days to go, but I figured I'd better brag now . . . it might be my only shot. :r

[The Poet]

Orioles will play today in an empty stadium due to the riots. Meanwhile Tampa Bay is scrambling to reschedule its upcoming series in Baltimore and will act as host instead, where they are accustomed to playing before empty seats at Tropicana Field. :D

[icehog3]

Got the game on in the office right now. Eerie.

[The Poet]

Yeah, I found it streaming on MLB.com. Odd indeed. Did you catch that Susyn Waldman quote in the bottom of the 7th? She tweeted from Yankee Stadium that, with 6 runs scored in the first, Buck would never let another fan into Camden Yards. :r

[Starscream]

Camden did look a little strange today.

[icehog3]

Yeah, I found it streaming on MLB.com. Odd indeed. Did you catch that Susyn Waldman quote in the bottom of the 7th? She tweeted from Yankee Stadium that, with 6 runs scored in the first, Buck would never let another fan into Camden Yards. :r

:lr

[AdamJoshua]

Camden did look a little strange today.



Chris Davis throwing ball to "fans" at the end of the inning in Baltimore today.

https://twitter.com/drew/status/593500510696574976

[357]

Tigers are in a lot better shape than the South Siders. $hit, they can't even knock in RISP with less than 2 outs.:r I believe they're the worst in the league. I just don't get it, lots of talent but no results.

I saw Nathan is out. That probably is a good thing opening up a roster spot for a young gun. And yeah, I'd expected the Tigers bullpen to $hit the bed, not the starters!!:r

Not that I wish injury on anyone but I'm glad we have Soria as our closer. He's 9 for 9 and looking good. He's one of the few bright spots, if not the only one, for the Tigers bullpen.

BTW, Miggy is a BEAST.

[The Poet]

Everybody's favorite Yankee hit his 660th home run tonight, tying the mark of Willie Mays for 4th all-time. It was a line-drive shot over The Green Monster, meaning it would have been out of Yellowstone Park. To make it even better, or worse depending on your POV, it was a pinch-hit HR in the 8th that broke a 2-2 tie for the win.

[icehog3]

I liked Willie Mays better.

[The Poet]

I liked Willie Mays better.

Well it takes all kinds. :r

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Yep Miggy is a beast Mike. Can the Sox rent him for a month or 2?:D I can't believe the absolute $hit show on the South Side. :gary

[The Poet]

Yep Miggy is a beast Mike. Can the Sox rent him for a month or 2?:D I can't believe the absolute $hit show on the South Side. :gary

I understand the Brewers are looking for new fans. :D

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

I understand the Brewers are looking for new fans. :D

Sox aren't a total lost cause Thomas.. yet. :r

[The Poet]

Sox aren't a total lost cause Thomas.. yet. :r

True. They are a game up on the Indians, and two Ls out of the cellar. On the minus side, they can't score a run to save their lives.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

True. They are a game up on the Indians, and two Ls out of the cellar. On the minus side, they can't score a run to save their lives.

Don't beat around the bush Thomas, they are absolute trash offensively.

Some Sox hitting ranks:
Avg: 21st
Hits: 29th
2B: 24th
HR: 29th
W: 29th
SBs: 29th
Runs: 30th

Does that count as a $hit show?:noon:noon

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

From Mark Parent in the Sun-Times this morning:

"We’re not going to go around with every play that happens every day and re-teach that. This is the big leagues. You have to be accountable for that."

No wonder they look like a single A ball club. That's a horrible attitude to have as a coach and grounds to get his ass booted. Same with RV. There's a fundamental lack of leadership and accountability within the coaching staff of Chicago. Probably the worst coaching staff in all of MLB. I feel bad for Hahn.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

:bh:bh

[The Poet]

I just checked on your Sox. Thirteen runs and 18 hits (so far) to the Twinkies is bad enough, but sh!t like that happens. Those 4 errors though, that's gotta hurt.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

I'm gonna have to avoid all White Sox news for awhile. It's brutal. Hawks save me tonight!

[icehog3]

Tigers win last 2 versus the Royals to salvage a series split and 2st place in the Central.

Sanchez had a perfect game through six, gave up 2 in the 7th, and the bullpen tried to blow it in the 8th.

Hey, at least we're not the White Sox. ;s Nate

[The Poet]

It was harder than it should have been, but Yankees sweep BoSox in Fenway for the first time in forever . . . or nine years or so. It's always good to beat them, it's even better to beat them in their house, it's even better better to beat them all three games, but it's even better better best to tease them a bit before you beat them. With an 8-5 lead and 2 out in the bottom of the 9th, Miller loaded the bases and brought the winning run to the plate in Bib Papi. The crowd went nutz, until Papi poopied out.

[Bruins Fan]

You can win in May against a beat up sox squad. We will see were you are in September?

[The Poet]

You can win in May against a beat up sox squad. We will see were you are in September?

Yeah, it wouldn't shock me one bit if they crash and burn in The Bronx before it's over. Wouldn't be the first time, would not be the last.

Were Red Sox fans so sanguine they'd not be so insane. :r

[icehog3]

Chamberlain blows a 3 run lead in the 9th. NOW we're back to business as usual. :hn

[The Poet]

Chamberlain blows. :hn

Fixed it for ya, Tom.

[icehog3]

Fixed it for ya, Tom.

You most certainly did, Thomas. :tu

[357]

I too agree Thomas. Stick a fork in Joba

[The Poet]

You most certainly did, Thomas. :tu

I too agree Thomas. Stick a fork in Joba

As a Yankee fan, I have to say "You're welcome." :r

[357]

Can't we just stamp him "Return to sender" or something?

[The Poet]

Can't we just stamp him "Return to sender" or something?

I could just say no backsies, but instead I pose a question. What fallback option do you have in mind? With or without Joba, your bullpen is bull$#!+.

[icehog3]

Soria has been a decent closer, but yeah, the middle relief is garbage.

[The Poet]

Soria has been a decent closer, but yeah, the middle relief is garbage.

If you say so. Not being snide, just I don't follow the Tiggers well enough to know. Plus, after almost 2 decades of Mariano Rivera, my idea of "decent" is biased. :r

[The Poet]

661 for 13 tonight.

[AdamJoshua]

Don't beat around the bush Thomas, they are absolute trash offensively.

Some Sox hitting ranks:
Avg: 21st
Hits: 29th
2B: 24th
HR: 29th
W: 29th
SBs: 29th
Runs: 30th

Does that count as a $hit show?:noon:noon

Would still beat the **** out of the RedSox :r

[The Poet]

Pirates turn a 4-5-4 triple play against the Cards last night, which is reported to be the first such in MLB history. Though the play hinged on a good leaping snag of a screaming liner by 2B Walker, it was greatly aided by the bone-headed SL runners on 2nd and 3rd who ran on contact . . . right with 2 out, dumb with one, and totally stupid with none.

[The Poet]

Cubbies win a pitching duel against the Pirates in 12, 11-10.

9, 8, 7, 6, 5 . . . . :D

[icehog3]

Cubbies win a pitching duel against the Pirates in 12, 11-10.

9, 8, 7, 6, 5 . . . . :D

Polanco did the newborn baby deer on an easy pop-up, or it would probably be in the 15th by now.

[CigarSquid]

Well, I have been scared to come in here due to how the A's have been playing. Errors. 38 errors so far. Yesterday was game 38 for them.

Bullpen... Horrible.

[icehog3]

The good news may be that it's only mid-May, Garry, lots of time to get on track.

Tigers going for the sweep on the Cards tonight, that would be sweet.

[CigarSquid]

True for enough time to turn it around... But watching them, and them doing nothing to fix it yet.....

When will the slide stop.

Going for the sweep... Sh!t, I hope the A's can avoid a sweep from the White Sox this afternoon.

[Brian D.]

Think I caught a teaser about the Marlins having a bit of personnel shakeup today? Okay, been busy, what happened?

[icehog3]

Fired their manager, now they have 3 managers on the payroll. Maybe Ozzie can come back and co-manage?

[Stephen]

Has anybody read up on Barry Bonds filling a lawsuit against MLB for collusion? It'll be interesting to see how all this plays out.

[yourchoice]

Wow... serious investigation against the Cardinals. http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/report--fbi-investigating-cardinals-for-hacking-astros--database-153025830.html

[The Poet]

Wow... serious investigation against the Cardinals. http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/report--fbi-investigating-cardinals-for-hacking-astros--database-153025830.html

Old news. :r

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxszN_1k6fQ

[omahaorange]

Let's look at the Pirates. One of the hottest teams in the league right now. Cole is one of the best pitchers in the majors right now. Burnett has been good, just didn't get much offensive support early on.

Biggest surprise is Jung Ho Kang. Preseason talk was he should be assigned to AAA or even AA because Korean baseball wasn't on a par with the major leagues. All the talk show hosts are changing that tune now. He's contibuted quite a bit both offensively and defensively so far this season.

[The Poet]

OK, this is kinda freaky. Remember back when Derek Jeter got his 3000th hit, by smacking a home run at Yankee Stadium? Well everybody's OTHER favorite Yankee, Alex Rodriguez, just smacked a HR there for HIS 3000th hit.

These are two of only three players (of the 29 in the 3000 club) who hit a dinger for their 3K mark. The other one was Wade Boggs . . . but sadly he did it after he took off the Pinstripes. :D

[icehog3]

And he did it off the Tigers and Verlander, which makes it all the more sour for me. :r

[The Poet]

And he did it off the Tigers and Verlander, which makes it all the more sour for me. :r

I wasn't gonna go there, Tom, out of respect for you, but since you did, :noon :gary

[CRIMPS]

Oof. Sorry, Chris Sale. Rangers come through with a 2 RBI single in the ninth with two outs and two strikes.

[icehog3]

I wasn't gonna go there, Tom, out of respect for you, but since you did, :noon :gary

No worries, Thomas, just another kick in the nuts from Detroit's .500 season. I'm sure there will be even more painful ones to come. :lr

[Tommyboy TbM]

I have heard that The Party Source, Newport KY will be having a blow out event to coincide with the All Star Game in Cincinnati. I've sent a note to TPS to confirm.

[The Poet]

How stupid does Max Scherzer feel tonight? He put down 26 Pirates in a row, and had Jose Tabata down 2-2, putting him one good pitch away from a perfect game. So what did he do? HE PLUNKED HIM!! The only man on base all day, hit-by-pitch.


:lr

[The Poet]

Mariners demote HoJo to the minor league system, and surprise everyone by naming Edgar Martinez as their new hitting coach. Question is now, how can they possibly ever fire him?

Oh, and Yankees edge Detroit 14-3.

[AdamJoshua]

How stupid does Max Scherzer feel tonight? He put down 26 Pirates in a row, and had Jose Tabata down 2-2, putting him one good pitch away from a perfect game. So what did he do? HE PLUNKED HIM!! The only man on base all day, hit-by-pitch.


:lr

It's really almost comical. :lr

[icehog3]

Yet he threw a no hitter, how many guys can say that?

Could be worse....he could be Milt Pappas, and be bitter about it for 40 years. At least he can't blame anyone but himself.

[The Poet]

Yet he threw a no hitter, how many guys can say that?

Could be worse....he could be Milt Pappas, and be bitter about it for 40 years. At least he can't blame anyone but himself.

Yeah, Milt's still Froemming at the mouth.

[Tommyboy TbM]

I have heard that The Party Source, Newport KY will be having a blow out event to coincide with the All Star Game in Cincinnati. I've sent a note to TPS to confirm.
I got confirmation that the fest is on hold.

[The Poet]

Returning to this Scherzer thing briefly, many are faulting Tabata for not making enough of an effort to avoid getting hit by that pitch. Yeah, like it's his job to give an opponent a break. Others are blaming the umpires for not calling out Tabata for letting his elbow make contact. Yeah, like it's their job to make calls for the benefit of one team, or one player.

Apparently these critics assess no blame onto Scherzer for throwing a slider a foot inside. :r

[icehog3]

Like I said, Max has no one to blame but himself. :2

Tiger toast the Yankees to avoid the sweep and avoid falling below .500. Not much of a season to this point for the Tigers.

[The Poet]

Max himself has taken the high road, so good for him. :tu

And yeah, Tiggers got some payback this afternoon, fer sure. :r

[The Poet]

I got a chuckle outta this.

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/07/01/bobby-bonillas-isnt-the-only-deferred-money-deal-in-the-game-and-isnt-even-the-worst/?ocid=Yahoo&partner=ya5nbcs

[The Poet]

Last night the Yankees got their first walk-off win since Derek Jeter's final game when Brian McCann smacked a three-run homer in the bottom of the 12th. Then this afternoon, on the 85th anniversary of George Steinbrenner's birth, the 76th of Lou Gehrig Day, and the 33rd of Dave Righetti's no-hitter against the BoSox, the Yanks notched a second consecutive walk-off win against the Rays . . . on a 9th-inning throwing error by pitcher Brad Boxburger.

Hey, a win is a win, and at least this shows the Bombers do not need to rely only upon the long ball. :r

[Stephen]

For those who watched all of the All-Star game festivities last night, what were your thoughts on the four, "greatest living players"? Mays/Aaron are obvious, but Koufax/Bench? I can easily think of a dozen guys that should've been there besides them, and that's eliminating the two obvious choices of Bonds/Clemens.

[icehog3]

Billy Williams? Willie McCovey? Dave Winfield? Fergie Jenkins? It's all subjective, I guess.

[The Poet]

Well, Winfield was one of four for the Padres, so who else did they have to choose from? :r

Me, I have more of a problem with some of the old-timey teams having selections too modern. The Giants with Barry Bonds and Buster Posey? The Red Sox with Pedro Martinez and David Ortiz? Or how about the hometown Reds being basically just one Machine?

Of course, it is a given this is an impossible task . . . especially for my Yankees. :D

[icehog3]

Bucky Dent?

[The Poet]

That's Bucky Fudgin' Dent to you . . . or Adam, anyway. :D

Nah, serious. Just a casual look at that list showed 8 or 10 guys listed by other teams who played for the Yankees, yet didn't make the cut. And that's not even considering all the other "true" Yankees, from Whitey Ford and Yogi Berra through Donnie, Jeter, and Mo.

[Stephen]

Well, Winfield was one of four for the Padres, so who else did they have to choose from? :r

Me, I have more of a problem with some of the old-timey teams having selections too modern. The Giants with Barry Bonds and Buster Posey? The Red Sox with Pedro Martinez and David Ortiz? Or how about the hometown Reds being basically just one Machine?

Of course, it is a given this is an impossible task . . . especially for my Yankees. :D
Bonds is a given as one of the four greatest Giants of all time, seeing as how he's one of the five best players of all time. But Posey making it over Ott or Mathewson? Ridiculous.

I don't think it's unreasonable to include Pedro on the Red Sox list. But over Roger Clemens, Cy Young, or Wade Boggs? Not so much...

And the Yankees got it right.

[Stephen]

Billy Williams? Willie McCovey? Dave Winfield? Fergie Jenkins? It's all subjective, I guess.
Billy Chapel.

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BNjgwMDQ3NzUzOV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMzI5NTg2._V1._ SX475_SY774_.jpg

[icehog3]

Bonds is a given as one of the four greatest Giants of all time, seeing as how he's one of the five best players of all time.

We are talking Bobby, right?

[The Poet]

I think he means A-Rod Bonds.

[Stephen]

We are talking Bobby, right?
More like the fruit of Bobby's loins.

[icehog3]

While Bonds is obviously one of the five best home run hitters of all time, he wouldn't be in my top 5 players, Stephen....but it's all subjective, just one fan's opinion here.

[Stephen]

While Bonds is obviously one of the five best home run hitters of all time, he wouldn't be in my top 5 players, Stephen....but it's all subjective, just one fan's opinion here.
Of course it's all opinion. But Bonds was so much more than a home run hitter, Tom. Top five all time in OPS, SLG, runs scored, and total bases. 6th all time in OB%. Over 500 stolen bases, which I believe puts him around 30th all time. Was a good fielder, also.

[The Poet]

Of course it's all opinion. But Bonds was so much more than a home run hitter, Tom. Top five all time in OPS, SLG, runs scored, and total bases. 6th all time in OB%. Over 500 stolen bases, which I believe puts him around 30th all time. Was a good fielder, also.

Yeah, and nearly as shameless a liar as Pete Rose. :r

[AdamJoshua]

Barry was the best doubles hitter of all time ;) he had a great eye and always made contact
Just had a little help with the distance later in his career.

[Stephen]

Barry was the best doubles hitter of all time ;) he had a great eye and always made contact
Just had a little help with the distance later in his career.
As you probably know, any PEDs that Bonds took helped with recovery and stamina, not hit a ball over a fence. You know, like amphetamines that players such as Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle and countless others took. But I digress, cause nostalgia.

[icehog3]

Not disputing Bonds as a great player at all, Stephen, the stats certainly speak for themselves.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

I'm backing Blue Jays and Mets at this point. What a disappointing year for my Sox..