MLB

[Koby-7]

just wondering if theres any jays fans or baseball fans here. im a huge jays fan i cant wait for the season especially with no nhl.

[Flickered Flame]

Jays suck but I am a huge MLB fan...I love the A's and I think it could be along year in O-town.

[Koby-7]

hey dont write off the jays just yet, they could surprise some ppl. as for the A's they'r not going anywhere without hudson and mulder.

[moon]

I am a huge Cardinals fan, but do follow the Jays as well because of living in Canada. Cardinals should have another great year. They lost Renteria and that hurts but they still have the core of the team and the addition of Mark Mulder should really help.

I think the Jays will struggle this year but seem to be set up nicely for 2006.

[Jiggy_12]

I'm a bigger baseball fan than I am a hockey fan, and the Jays are my team. Sadly, they will struggle to finish in 4th in the AL east.

[Koby-7]

hey no body ever expected the flames to make the playoff and look what they did. no body can predict the future.

[RougeUnderoos]

I need a team to cheer for. I'm going to give this baseball thing a whirl this year and if I can sit through a whole game then I'll be set.

I've got a few teams picked out but I have to settle on one of them:

1) Mets. When I was a kid I cheered for the Mets but I can't remember why. Maybe because they were really good and my brother cheered for the BoSox in '86 so I was going against him. Never got too into them because they have Oilers colors and I also thought Paul Coffey looks like Keith Hernandez without the moustache. But... I know they have big new players this year so maybe I'll jump on that bandwagon.

2) Blue Jays -- I cheered for them in the glory days but now I can't stand all things Toronto so that's a longshot.

3) Red Sox -- I cheered them on pretty good last season, at least in the playoffs, but since they are currently the WS champs that's kind of lame to jump on that wagon right now

4) Yankees. Actually never the Yankees I hate the Yankees so maybe a team that goes against them. See above I guess.

I like the color red and I like to cheer for the underdog I like to cheer for the underdog, but I don't want to pick a hopeless longshot like the Brewers. Any suggestions?

[JiriHrdina]

Ugh. Don't cheer for the Sox, Yankees or Mets - they are everything that is wrong with baseball.

Some suggestions:
As - have managed to remain competitive with a wee budget. Although this year could be tough for them
Twins - Another small market that is competing with the big boys.
Angels - They spend quite a bit, in fact they paid the luxury tax last year but they have some likeable players like Vladdy.
Indians - Exciting young team that could compete this year
Cubbies - Now that the Sox have won is it not the Cubs' turn?

[flambers]

I am a huge Blue Jays Fan. They may suck but they are my team.

[Sylvanfan]

Yeah, I was an Expo fan, but really can't bring myself to cheer for a team in DC. I guess I'll have to go to loving the closest geographical team...Those lovable, laughable, pitiful Mariners. I still like Vladdy and watch him with the Angels, but the Angels do spend too much on players. Come playoffs I'll likely be rooting for the Twins again. Go Johan Santana!!

[Jiggy_12]

Originally posted by Koby-7@Feb 10 2005, 06:06 PM
hey no body ever expected the flames to make the playoff and look what they did. no body can predict the future.

In the NHL all you have to be is mediocre to make the playoffs, 16 out of 30 teams isn't a great accomplishment. In the MLB, you need to either win the division, or be the best team out of the teams that didn't win the division. And when you are in the same division as Boston and New York, it is seemingly impossible to make it there.

[Gugstanley]

I can't wait for the season to start When do pitchers and catchers report anyway? The Jays are my team in baseball but I can watch any other team play except the Yankees or Atlanta.
When I watch Hockey I can only watch Calgary at the NHL level. Everyone else is the bitter enemy and I can't stand to see them play

[socalwingfan]

Originally posted by Gugstanley@Feb 11 2005, 05:30 PM
I can't wait for the season to start When do pitchers and catchers report anyway? The Jays are my team in baseball but I can watch any other team play except the Yankees or Atlanta.
When I watch Hockey I can only watch Calgary at the NHL level. Everyone else is the bitter enemy and I can't stand to see them play

Pitchers and catchers report in approximately 3 days 21 hours -- with no hockey MLB is all I have left

[flames_1987]

Right there with you, I'm defintley gonna be supporting the Jays big time this year. Season opener against TB a few of us will enjoy it at Schanks with the nice jays cap on.

Anyways as for the team this year, I think we just may be in for a treat. I thought it be cool to go through the team so I thought the batting order should be the first thing.

1. Russ Adams ss- Potential Potential Potential. Looked great in his short stint last year but his defense is weak

2. Orlando Hudson 2b- Could be on the verge of an all star year. It's his contract year so I expect big big things out of Hudson. Thats why I think the 2 slot is perfect for him.

3. Vernon Wells of- Guy reminds me of Jarome Iginla in the way he handles himself. He'll bounce back big time and will stay have a great glove.

4. Corey Koskie 3b- The Canadian kid has always put up really good stable numbers. Now that he's back in Canada and batting behind Wells, he'll get an even better chance. Great glove as well.

5. Shea Hillenbrand dh- I think Shea is gonna have a huge year! I think he was a great pickup. The guys numbers have remained constant and if he plays a full year of ball, he could most defintley end up with 90 rbi's.

6. Frank Catllanato of- Lots of people like Rios here but I think Franks the man for the job. He's been the man when hes been healthy in TO. Guy can hit .300 and if stays healthy will have a huge year. With the Jays looking like a hit and run team that won't hit many HR's I think Cat is perfect for the 6th spot

7. Alex Rios of- Potential like crazy although will he find his power swing? Good D good hustle and good average. Should make for a great 2nd year.

8. Eric Hinske 3b- Downhill ever since the rookie year. At least his D has vastly improved and in the 8th spot he won't have much pressure on him, so he can work his way up and try to get back to normal. I like Eric and think he'll have a good year, I like how he wanted to stick with the Jays to but telling JP not to trade him.

9. Greg Zaun- Good vetran catcher who can share the role with Greg Myers, until Qurioz is ready from the farm. I really like our catchers and they should make for a great 9th spot.

Thoughts? What would your lineup look like?

[JiriHrdina]

My lineup

Leadoff - Reed Johnson/Rios
2nd - Orlando
3 - Vernon
4 - Koskie
5 - Hillebrand
6 - Cat
7 - Zaun
8 - Hinske
9 - Adams

[flames_1987]

Originally posted by JiriHrdina@Feb 11 2005, 09:42 PM
My lineup

Leadoff - Reed Johnson/Rios
2nd - Orlando
3 - Vernon
4 - Koskie
5 - Hillebrand
6 - Cat
7 - Zaun
8 - Hinske
9 - Adams

I'm intested to see if Gibbons will play reed or rios over cat. I know there were a lot of trade rumours last year surrounding him, and he's always been my fav. Jay.

[moon]

Originally posted by flames_1987@Feb 11 2005, 02:18 PM
Right there with you, I'm defintley gonna be supporting the Jays big time this year. Season opener against TB a few of us will enjoy it at Schanks with the nice jays cap on.

Anyways as for the team this year, I think we just may be in for a treat. I thought it be cool to go through the team so I thought the batting order should be the first thing.

1. Russ Adams ss- Potential Potential Potential. Looked great in his short stint last year but his defense is weak

2. Orlando Hudson 2b- Could be on the verge of an all star year. It's his contract year so I expect big big things out of Hudson. Thats why I think the 2 slot is perfect for him.

3. Vernon Wells of- Guy reminds me of Jarome Iginla in the way he handles himself. He'll bounce back big time and will stay have a great glove.

4. Corey Koskie 3b- The Canadian kid has always put up really good stable numbers. Now that he's back in Canada and batting behind Wells, he'll get an even better chance. Great glove as well.

5. Shea Hillenbrand dh- I think Shea is gonna have a huge year! I think he was a great pickup. The guys numbers have remained constant and if he plays a full year of ball, he could most defintley end up with 90 rbi's.

6. Frank Catllanato of- Lots of people like Rios here but I think Franks the man for the job. He's been the man when hes been healthy in TO. Guy can hit .300 and if stays healthy will have a huge year. With the Jays looking like a hit and run team that won't hit many HR's I think Cat is perfect for the 6th spot

7. Alex Rios of- Potential like crazy although will he find his power swing? Good D good hustle and good average. Should make for a great 2nd year.

8. Eric Hinske 3b- Downhill ever since the rookie year. At least his D has vastly improved and in the 8th spot he won't have much pressure on him, so he can work his way up and try to get back to normal. I like Eric and think he'll have a good year, I like how he wanted to stick with the Jays to but telling JP not to trade him.

9. Greg Zaun- Good vetran catcher who can share the role with Greg Myers, until Qurioz is ready from the farm. I really like our catchers and they should make for a great 9th spot.

Thoughts? What would your lineup look like?

Just out of curiosity are you planning on playing a new defensive formation with 2 3rd Basemen and no one at first?

I think that Catalanatto, Rios and Reed will split time in the two corner outfiled spots.

[postal]

THat lineup sure isnt going to intimidate too many pitchers, there are some real good prospects though....in the field and pitchers. What is the rotation going to look like anyhow? Halladay, Lilly, Justin Miller, Towers, Batista (I heard he was going to the closers role though) ...am i missing someone? Cause that rotation aint any good.

My favorite thing about the baseball season starting:
FANTASY BASEBALL (fantasy sports works best with baseball IMO)

[flames_1987]

Originally posted by postal@Feb 14 2005, 05:07 AM
THat lineup sure isnt going to intimidate too many pitchers, there are some real good prospects though....in the field and pitchers. What is the rotation going to look like anyhow? Halladay, Lilly, Justin Miller, Towers, Batista (I heard he was going to the closers role though) ...am i missing someone? Cause that rotation aint any good.

My favorite thing about the baseball season starting:
FANTASY BASEBALL (fantasy sports works best with baseball IMO)

Second Off It's Time To Look At The Rotation

1. Doc Halladay- Healthy again, and is primed for another cy young season. This guy is gonna be the man for the Jays this year and will post 20 wins

2. Ted Lilly- Had a very productive year, last year and made the trip to the All Star game. Good number two and will have an over .500 record

3. M. Batista- This guy at least has the "stuff" to be a very good pitcher in this league. The Jays need to manage his time and if so he could have a very good year.

4. David Bush- This kid is gonna be soooo good. Last year he had a no hitter through 9 had it not been that it was a 0-0 game. He had a real good stint last year and looking for bigger and better things

5. I'd say Towers here. He's shown he can be a productive pitcher. At times, he can show stuff that could make him a #3 pitcher. If he can pitch around the .500 mark and decent, he will do just fine in the 5 spot.

I like the staff this year, and am intrested to see how Bush plays.

[jam26]

Originally posted by RougeUnderoos@Feb 11 2005, 01:48 AM
I need a team to cheer for. I'm going to give this baseball thing a whirl this year and if I can sit through a whole game then I'll be set.

I'm in the same boat...I've never been able to get into baseball except during the playoffs. However, I'm feeling really sports-deprived right now and I am going to give MLB a shot.
I'll cheer for the Jays, but I would also like to follow a team with some more history. I'm torn between the Cards and the Cubs. I would like to root for a team in the Midwest for some reason.
It's kinda hard to pic a team to cheer for out of the blue.