We have now moved to the AL Central, a division that I feel will be up and down, with three teams battling all year. Let's get it.
1. Minnesota Twins- KEY ACQ: 2B Orlando Hudson, SS JJ Hardy I LIKE: Francisco Lirano- Everything that I am hearing about him has been fantastic. I wouldn't be surprised if he has a huge year like he did a couple years back. I HATE: Closer by Committee- Honestly, there isn't a guy on the Twins I hate but I do not like Gardy's idea of going with CbC because it never seems to work, trust me Ned Yost tried a couple times leading to epic fails. PREDICTION: The Twins will win because I think they have a good nucleus of good players and they have enough starting pitching to win the average AL Central. I do not expect the Twins to make any noise in the postseason unless they get a closer.
2. Chicago White Sox- KEY ACQ: DH Andruw Jones 3B Mark Teahan I LIKE: Gordon Beckham- Most people would know that Becks is a big time prospect and with his feet offically wet in the big leagues could lead to a big year. I HATE: Jake Peavy- I think this was a horrible trade to begin with, injury prone plus NL to AL is not a positive sign, and to add he pitched in a very friendly pitchers' park. PREDICTION: If Peavy doesn't disappoint, the Sox have four go-to-guys that can win games and that will propel them in some ways. But I do not feel that their offense has enough to do it.
3. Detroit Tigers- KEY ACQ: OF Johnny Damon OF Austin Jackson RP Jose Valverde I LIKE: Rick Porcello- I believe he is 21, and last year I saw a ton of promise from him, I expect him to continue to grow and be in the convo for Cy Young. I HATE: Valverde/Damon- I think this was horrible offseason for the Tigers, I think both of their big guns will do little for them... Damon was awesome at a left-handed friendly Yankee Stadium and Valverde never pitched in the American League, which scares me. PREDICTION: They could contend for the AL Central title, but I think relying on Dontrelle Willis and Max Schrezer to carry your staff at certain points worries me.
4. Kansas City Royals- KEY ACQ: C Jason Kendall (yikes!) OF Scot Posednik OF Rick Ankiel SS Yuniesky Betancourt I LIKE: Billy Butler- He seems to be coming into his own as a hitter and I like the chances of him having a great season. I HATE: Trey Hillman batting Kendall second- Are you kidding me?! I would be so disappointed if I was a Royal fan. That is atrocious and a running joke for the first two months. PREDICTION: Zach Greinke will gain some victories for this team and they have a promising young staff that will probably earn some wins as well. It will all depend if the Royals are able to hit the baseball. Also watch for Joakim Soria to probably be on the move.
5. Cleveland Indians- KEY ACQ: OF LeBron James... oops actually they acquired practically no one. I LIKE: Fausto Carmona- Everything that I have read out of Spring Training says that he will have a big year for the Indians like he did 2008. I think he will be a small glimmer for the Indians this year. I HATE: Travis Hafner- He hasn't done anything in about two years and now just seems like a DH who probably will not withstand the entire season. PREDICTION: It could be an ugly one for the Indians comparable to the early Major League team and I could see Grady Sizemore on the move come July.
-Charlie.
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Showing posts with label Minnesota Twins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minnesota Twins. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Joe Mauer Helping or Hurting Prince's Stay in Milwaukee?
One of the things that I noticed in the past couple of days was Joe Mauer, arguably the best catcher in my generation and your older brother generation signing a monstrous eight year, 183 million dollar deal with the Minnesota Twins. I, for one am applauding this decision by both sides of the spectrum.
The Twins side of things I am glad that they realized that even though the money is pretty steep, they knew they had to mortgage the future on Mauer. They didn't go cheap on him and they went for it. The city would have burned down had Mauer left because the Twins didn't give him enough. I believe personally that Minnesota would probably rank baseball second in professional sports fandom (1. Hockey 2. Baseball 3. Football 4. Basketball).
I praise Mauer for staying in his home town of Minneapolis/St. Paul and staying with his best buddy Justin Morneau is just awesome. I love that Mauer said "I could get 10 years 250 million this summer on the open market, but this has always been my home so screw it, I will be okay with making 23 million a year." To me that speaks volumes of the type of person that Mauer really is. But the subsection of this story for me as a Milwaukee Brewer fans, does this now put pressure on the Brewers to get Prince Fielder to a long term deal?
Tom Hardicourt, the Prince of Darkness wrote a blog post asking the same sort of questions but I never really think it covered whether this helped the Brewers' chances or hurt them. For Hardicourt, it's hard for him to ask that question because you are going to get the politically correct answer rather than the real answer.
I feel like the extension depends on how the season goes honestly. My Brewer stuff will not come out until right before the season by the way so I really do not want to let you in on what I am predicting for the upcoming year. I really want to believe that Fielder doesn't buy into the bullshit that Scott Boras is selling right now about how he will make x amount of dollars from the big markets if he has a mega-year. Am I probably naive for thinking this way? Absolutely, but do I think Mauer saying "I like where I am, and I don't need to leave this place for more money" gets into Prince's head a bit? Yeah it does.
He sees the dollar signs that Mauer made and it would be shocked if it's over 135 million dollars for multiple reasons... The sudden influx of so many good first basemen, the weight issue, and the perceived attitude that people feel Fielder has. In my opinion, Prince knows if he has a huge year like he has done the last two years, the money increases. He knows that, I know that, you know that, Scott Boras knows that. I just worry (sad I have to think this way) that maybe Fielder wants his own spotlight.
No one can argue that Fielder/Braun share the spotlight like Manny/Big Papi did for a bunch of years. When will Fielder say, "Hey I want my own spotlight in Baltimore, or some other average team" or hopefully that never is the case. To me, I think the Fielder contract will show the true colors of Prince himself.
-Charlie.
The Twins side of things I am glad that they realized that even though the money is pretty steep, they knew they had to mortgage the future on Mauer. They didn't go cheap on him and they went for it. The city would have burned down had Mauer left because the Twins didn't give him enough. I believe personally that Minnesota would probably rank baseball second in professional sports fandom (1. Hockey 2. Baseball 3. Football 4. Basketball).
I praise Mauer for staying in his home town of Minneapolis/St. Paul and staying with his best buddy Justin Morneau is just awesome. I love that Mauer said "I could get 10 years 250 million this summer on the open market, but this has always been my home so screw it, I will be okay with making 23 million a year." To me that speaks volumes of the type of person that Mauer really is. But the subsection of this story for me as a Milwaukee Brewer fans, does this now put pressure on the Brewers to get Prince Fielder to a long term deal?
Tom Hardicourt, the Prince of Darkness wrote a blog post asking the same sort of questions but I never really think it covered whether this helped the Brewers' chances or hurt them. For Hardicourt, it's hard for him to ask that question because you are going to get the politically correct answer rather than the real answer.
I feel like the extension depends on how the season goes honestly. My Brewer stuff will not come out until right before the season by the way so I really do not want to let you in on what I am predicting for the upcoming year. I really want to believe that Fielder doesn't buy into the bullshit that Scott Boras is selling right now about how he will make x amount of dollars from the big markets if he has a mega-year. Am I probably naive for thinking this way? Absolutely, but do I think Mauer saying "I like where I am, and I don't need to leave this place for more money" gets into Prince's head a bit? Yeah it does.
He sees the dollar signs that Mauer made and it would be shocked if it's over 135 million dollars for multiple reasons... The sudden influx of so many good first basemen, the weight issue, and the perceived attitude that people feel Fielder has. In my opinion, Prince knows if he has a huge year like he has done the last two years, the money increases. He knows that, I know that, you know that, Scott Boras knows that. I just worry (sad I have to think this way) that maybe Fielder wants his own spotlight.
No one can argue that Fielder/Braun share the spotlight like Manny/Big Papi did for a bunch of years. When will Fielder say, "Hey I want my own spotlight in Baltimore, or some other average team" or hopefully that never is the case. To me, I think the Fielder contract will show the true colors of Prince himself.
-Charlie.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Lovers of JJ Hardy in Critical Depression
I said in September that this off-season will decide the Brewers fate for the next couple of years. The first move was made on Friday (apologies for being late but no computer really since today). The Brewers dealt the once All-Star JJ Hardy to Minnesota for Carlos Gomez. Some have been wary about this deal but I personally love this deal, I will give some reasons why shortly but here is what is to believe to be the starting lineup in my opinion per what Doug Melvin said to the Journal Sentinel.
2B Rickie Weeks
SS Alcides Escobar
LF Ryan Braun
1B Prince Fielder
RF Corey Hart
3B Mat Gamel/Casey McGehee (Honestly this could be the five spot but I except Gamel to start, I doubt the Brewers put the pressure on him to bat fifth at the start of things)
C Mike Rivera
CF Carlos Gomez
The man with the mustache said that he would like to see Gomez at the bottom of the order with speed which makes sense to me. Here we go with my reasons...
1. Speed, Speed, Speed- Honestly, we now have five to six legitimate base stealers. That will facilitate so much for the Fielder/Braun combination. In my opinion, there should be no reasons why the Brewers will not have runners in scoring position for 3 and 4. Also Ken Macha needs to adapt to this as well.
2. Upgrade on Defense?- Honestly that might sound crazy but I always thought Cam never lived up to the three-time Gold Glove award when he was at Milwaukee. Gomez covers the whole centerfield and can make the big plays that are needed in the outfield.
3. Very Young- He is only twenty-three. I could give two shits about his hitting with his great speed and defense in the first place. Dale Sveum has been proven to help young hitters and he will continue to grow into a leadoff spot type of guy in the coming years.
4. Minnesota History- The Twins have done this before and given up talent for no real reason. Matt Garza for Delmon Young is a perfect example. They gave up on Garza for whatever reason and he proved to be a solid second or third starter if the team is good. While they have brought in prospects, they have also dealt some away.
5. We are Active- This excites me that the Crew already making moves. Milwaukee Brewers have an extra ten million dollars without the Mike Cameron contract, probably the Jason Kendall contract (I will go Freddy Krueger on someone if Doug resigns him). Why not go after John Lackey? Make the pitch to him; see what happens who knows it could turn out great.
-Charlie.
2B Rickie Weeks
SS Alcides Escobar
LF Ryan Braun
1B Prince Fielder
RF Corey Hart
3B Mat Gamel/Casey McGehee (Honestly this could be the five spot but I except Gamel to start, I doubt the Brewers put the pressure on him to bat fifth at the start of things)
C Mike Rivera
CF Carlos Gomez
The man with the mustache said that he would like to see Gomez at the bottom of the order with speed which makes sense to me. Here we go with my reasons...
1. Speed, Speed, Speed- Honestly, we now have five to six legitimate base stealers. That will facilitate so much for the Fielder/Braun combination. In my opinion, there should be no reasons why the Brewers will not have runners in scoring position for 3 and 4. Also Ken Macha needs to adapt to this as well.
2. Upgrade on Defense?- Honestly that might sound crazy but I always thought Cam never lived up to the three-time Gold Glove award when he was at Milwaukee. Gomez covers the whole centerfield and can make the big plays that are needed in the outfield.
3. Very Young- He is only twenty-three. I could give two shits about his hitting with his great speed and defense in the first place. Dale Sveum has been proven to help young hitters and he will continue to grow into a leadoff spot type of guy in the coming years.
4. Minnesota History- The Twins have done this before and given up talent for no real reason. Matt Garza for Delmon Young is a perfect example. They gave up on Garza for whatever reason and he proved to be a solid second or third starter if the team is good. While they have brought in prospects, they have also dealt some away.
5. We are Active- This excites me that the Crew already making moves. Milwaukee Brewers have an extra ten million dollars without the Mike Cameron contract, probably the Jason Kendall contract (I will go Freddy Krueger on someone if Doug resigns him). Why not go after John Lackey? Make the pitch to him; see what happens who knows it could turn out great.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Whose Ready for the Four-Hour Drama?!
In my opinion, I enjoyed the baseball playoffs a lot because it is very simple and clear cut plus there have been those years where every game has been an absolute classic. Who can forget 2003 with the Red Sox losing to Aaron effin' Boone and the Cubs losing thanks to Steve Bartman. Then in 2004, you have the Red Sox epic comeback along with the Brad Lidge game against Albert Pujols. Here are the picks for the first round of games.
NL
Colorado Rockies vs. Philadelphia Phillies- This is probably the least exciting series out of the four for sure and I really feel that this series could go either way. Colorado has struggled with left-handed pitchers this season, which isnt a good thing when they are facing Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels in the first two games. But here is the kicker, if the Rockies keep it close they get to face the arguably the worst bullpen in the playoffs right now. We all know how Colorado are the comeback kids. I am taking Philly because I have rolled with them all year might as well stick to it. Wont be easy though. PHI in 5
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers- Everyone is talking about the Cardinals going to the World Series and I have been saying that since early July. The pitching staff they have, add the offense, and they play pretty good defense too. I really cannot find a chink in their armor. It also tough to pick the Dodgers when they have struggled all second half but never count out Joe Torre/Manny Ramirez. STL in 4
AL
Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees- Honestly, the game tonight that the Twins won was epic. They were down a bunch of times and just battled back consistently. Now they play a Yankee team who has looked strong on the offensive end but you have to wonder about their starting pitching. Also CC Sabathia has been less than stellar in the playoffs. The Twins are the hottest team and the recent trends have signaled that leads to a big playoffs. The big spenders get it done though. NYY in 4
Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels- Now this has been an absolute bashing whenever these two teams get together and the Sox have came out ahead every time. I feel like Mike Scioscia tends to choke when the playoffs are on the line in the past couple of years. The pitching staff of the Sox will be the difference in this one, they have the experience and they know how to handle this opponent. BOS in 4
-Charlie.
NL
Colorado Rockies vs. Philadelphia Phillies- This is probably the least exciting series out of the four for sure and I really feel that this series could go either way. Colorado has struggled with left-handed pitchers this season, which isnt a good thing when they are facing Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels in the first two games. But here is the kicker, if the Rockies keep it close they get to face the arguably the worst bullpen in the playoffs right now. We all know how Colorado are the comeback kids. I am taking Philly because I have rolled with them all year might as well stick to it. Wont be easy though. PHI in 5
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers- Everyone is talking about the Cardinals going to the World Series and I have been saying that since early July. The pitching staff they have, add the offense, and they play pretty good defense too. I really cannot find a chink in their armor. It also tough to pick the Dodgers when they have struggled all second half but never count out Joe Torre/Manny Ramirez. STL in 4
AL
Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees- Honestly, the game tonight that the Twins won was epic. They were down a bunch of times and just battled back consistently. Now they play a Yankee team who has looked strong on the offensive end but you have to wonder about their starting pitching. Also CC Sabathia has been less than stellar in the playoffs. The Twins are the hottest team and the recent trends have signaled that leads to a big playoffs. The big spenders get it done though. NYY in 4
Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels- Now this has been an absolute bashing whenever these two teams get together and the Sox have came out ahead every time. I feel like Mike Scioscia tends to choke when the playoffs are on the line in the past couple of years. The pitching staff of the Sox will be the difference in this one, they have the experience and they know how to handle this opponent. BOS in 4
-Charlie.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Mark Buerhle is the Man.
The Chicago White Sox are battling for the American League Central division right now and one guy that is definitely helping out the cause is Mark Buerhle. Despite giving up four runs in the seven innings to the Minnesota Twins, Buerhle did something that no one had ever done before. He retired forty-five straight batters before Alexi Casilla broke it up with a walk. Then Denard Span hit a single shortly thereafter.
I think what Mark Buerhle did was stellar because the two guys behind him in consecutive outs have been both relievers (one of them being teammate Bobby Jenks). For a starting pitcher to first throw a perfect game is something that we only see only once every five years if we are lucky and then to see him come out the next game to get a perfect game into the latter part of the innings is phenomenal.
It does suck that Buerhle did get rocked in the seventh inning and he seemed very upset that they were not able to get the win obviously. Now he is 11-4 this season which I think you have to put him in the conversation for American League Cy Young. Obviously if he stays in the AL, Toronto's Roy Halladay will be right there along with Boston's Josh Beckett. Buerhle will need to keep pitching strong if the Sox wants to get into the playoffs again this year.
-Charlie.
I think what Mark Buerhle did was stellar because the two guys behind him in consecutive outs have been both relievers (one of them being teammate Bobby Jenks). For a starting pitcher to first throw a perfect game is something that we only see only once every five years if we are lucky and then to see him come out the next game to get a perfect game into the latter part of the innings is phenomenal.
It does suck that Buerhle did get rocked in the seventh inning and he seemed very upset that they were not able to get the win obviously. Now he is 11-4 this season which I think you have to put him in the conversation for American League Cy Young. Obviously if he stays in the AL, Toronto's Roy Halladay will be right there along with Boston's Josh Beckett. Buerhle will need to keep pitching strong if the Sox wants to get into the playoffs again this year.
-Charlie.
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