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Post by i.Sarita.com on Feb 23, 2009 22:54:46 GMT -5
The problem is that players almost never have declines in their careers. That's why most closers who are young and good in the current game end up with over 600 saves. There's also the problem with teams constantly releasing their top stars. I still think it's a great baseball sim. Well I'm not quoting Soria as Jesus H. Curveball or anything. I think the guy is loaded with potential, but is being relatively squandered in Kansas City, whom will not give him NEAR the save opportunities as a team like Cleveland, the White Sox, the Red Sox, Tampa, or (potentially) the Cubs would. Soria had 42 saves last season for KC. Bobby Jenks only had 30 for the White Sox. Papelbon had 41 for the Red Sox. Percival had 28 for the Rays. Wood had 34 for the Cubs. Are you saying that if Soria pitched for any of those teams he would have in the 60's like K-Rod did last year?
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Post by Insomniac on Feb 23, 2009 22:56:22 GMT -5
If I were a closer, I'd love playing in Anaheim. They're good enough to win games, but not good enough to win by more than 3 runs.
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Post by i.Sarita.com on Feb 23, 2009 23:04:17 GMT -5
If I were a closer, I'd love playing in Anaheim. They're good enough to win games, but not good enough to win by more than 3 runs. Fuentes is lucky in those regards, that's for sure.
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H-Fist
Hank Scorpio
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Post by H-Fist on Feb 23, 2009 23:08:01 GMT -5
If I were a closer, I'd love playing in Anaheim. They're good enough to win games, but not good enough to win by more than 3 runs. Just like the ChiSox team on which Bobby Thigpen set the old record of 57. They were 94-68, but their Pythagorean record is only 87-75. They outscored their opponents by only 49 runs that year. The 2008 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were 100-62, but only held a +68 run advantage over their opponents. The Pythagorean record for them is 88 and 74. So basically, the combination of K-Rod and the team's inability to score runs was worth at least 12 more wins than they otherwise deserved.
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Post by KStrick on Feb 23, 2009 23:25:00 GMT -5
Well I'm not quoting Soria as Jesus H. Curveball or anything. I think the guy is loaded with potential, but is being relatively squandered in Kansas City, whom will not give him NEAR the save opportunities as a team like Cleveland, the White Sox, the Red Sox, Tampa, or (potentially) the Cubs would. Soria had 42 saves last season for KC. Bobby Jenks only had 30 for the White Sox. Papelbon had 41 for the Red Sox. Percival had 28 for the Rays. Wood had 34 for the Cubs. Are you saying that if Soria pitched for any of those teams he would have in the 60's like K-Rod did last year? Here's the way I see it: Kansas City did so well last year as their relief pitching is what established them. From my understanding, Ramon Ramirez (who went over for Coco) was a very good part, but it was great of them to resign Greinke. However, there's always mitigating factors. Cleveland always has incredible pitching on odd seasons, and while they did lose out by not reacquiring Casey Blake, they got a lot with DeRosa (if he's healthy, of course). Chicago had a great season last year, and with no real reason for them not to continue, they will be in contention. Minnesota should be good. Like previously mentioned, even if their team sounds "blah" on paper, they ALWAYS find a way to compete. Their team just has that drive to win. They will be in contention. Detroit probably just had a fluke last season, and while I think it'll be a joke to consider them as great as the hype last off season, they will be decent. I figure they'll have a close 4th. Being the AL Central, 4th is still better than first in the NL West... The AL Central will be difficult, and if Kansas City does play the majority of their games next season (is the schedule out yet?) against AL Central teams, chances are they won't be put into as many save situations as last year. Plus, you have to admit, on paper, pretty much every team I mentioned not only has incredible run scoring abilities, but the great relief pitching, so that's why I cite that Soaria won't have as many saves. He's still an incredible talent, and I think the sky is the limit, but being in such a heated division and with so much more going now for the Central (a new year for Cleveland and Detroit, Chicago, Kansas City and Minnesota all proving they weren't flukes), it will be interesting.
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H-Fist
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Post by H-Fist on Feb 23, 2009 23:57:22 GMT -5
Word coming out of Sox camp is that Jose Contreras is far ahead of schedule in recovery from the leg injury that ended his 2008. He hopes to compete for the 4th spot in the rotation behind Buerhle, Floyd, and Danks. They have three young candidates for the second base spot. They hope that Brent Lillibridge, who came over in the Javy Vazquez trade, can become the speedy leadoff man they crave. Chris Getz and Jayson Nix are also in contention for a roster spot. Lillibridge is making the conversion to 2B from SS, so his versatility has also made him an almost certain lock for the roster, if not the starting job. "Nineteen-year-old" Dayan Viciedo, a 3B and Cuban defector, looks to be headed for Triple A. The team hopes that Contreras and Alexei Ramirez can help the kid this spring and convince him that losing the baby fat, as opposed to turning into mini-Miguel Cabrera, is a smart career move. If Lillibridge wins the 2B job, look for Brian Anderson to squeak past Dewayne Wise and Jerry Owens for the majority of the ABs in center. His defense is sorely needed between aging Jermaine Dye and decent Carlos Quentin. Josh Fields has third base right now; it is his job to lose. The major concern of the White Sox is the bullpen. Jenks has the closer role covered, but the setup team of Dotel, Linebrink, Carrasco, Thornton, and a cast of about a dozen prospects has the team hoping for some good showings in the spring. In CUBBIES[/size] news, Carlos Marmol has decided to skip the WBC to improve his standing in camp and help him win the closer job outright ahead of Kevin Gregg. Jeff Samardzija will start the exhibition opener, with Sean Marshall and Ted Lilly pencilled in for games 2 and 3. Zambrano and Harden are being held back, while Ryan Dempster is not throwing off a mound to rest a sore neck. Sweet Lou would prefer Marshall to win the fifth starter role in camp, allowing Samardzija to serve as starter "5b" in lieu of Harden and provide strong middle relief the rest of the time. If he struggles in camp, expect him to start the season at Triple A Iowa to develop as a starter rather than staying with the big club to vie for late inning relief opportunities. Aaron Miles and Mike Fontenot should each receive in the neighborhood of 400 ABs this season if all goes according to plan. Piniella would like his second basemen to bat second in the order, with Miles offering occasional days off to SS Ryan Theriot (likely leadoff man). The Cubs feel pretty confident with their 25-man roster for opening day. Only a few questions remain: 1. How will Kosuke Fukudome look during and after the WBC? - The Cubs are moving him to center field, where he will compete for at-bats with Reed Johnson and Joey Gathright.
- It remains to be seen whether Piniella or Kosuke himself lost more confidence in the 31-year-old rookie last season.
- While Fukudome's contract all but guarantees a roster spot, it bears mentioning that Johnson hit over .300 last year and Gathright provides unparalleled speed that could offer a spark if he can prove able to get on base.
2. Will Koyie Hill or Paul Bako win the the backup catcher job? 3. Will the team carry 11 or 12 pitchers? - Piniella would prefer 11, but doesn't know if that's possible with Marshall in the rotation. He was also the second lefty in the pen last season. Right now, Neal Cotts and non-roster invitee Mike Stanton are the only lefty options. Stanton is a long shot.
- The pen right now contains: Marmol, Gregg, Cotts, Chad Gaudin, Aaron Heilman, and Luis Vizcaino. Samardzija would be the odd man out if they went with 11 and planned to use Gaudin or even Heilman as the Harden alternate.
- An 11-man pitching staff would allow the Cubs to keep both Micah Hoffpauir and Jake Fox on the roster. Hoffpauir is a power-hitting lefty bat who can spell Derrek Lee at first. Fox is a converted catcher with a big bat who can't seem to find a place on the field.
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Post by Chilly McFreeze on Feb 24, 2009 0:04:34 GMT -5
Lillibridge looked way, way overmatched in his brief big league time last year. Minor league numbers tailed off a good bit, too. He looked like a solid prospect before that, though. Maybe the change of scenery will work out for him. If nothing else, he can really pick it at short. Imagine the same will be true for 2nd.
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H-Fist
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Post by H-Fist on Feb 24, 2009 0:11:06 GMT -5
Lillibridge looked way, way overmatched in his brief big league time last year. Minor league numbers tailed off a good bit, too. He looked like a solid prospect before that, though. Maybe the change of scenery will work out for him. If nothing else, he can really pick it at short. Imagine the same will be true for 2nd. Ozzie Guillen is salivating over the thought of Alexei Ramirez playing shortstop. Lillibridge likely will improve in the Sox clubhouse. His manager and bench coach (Joey Cora) no all about all glove/no bat middle infielders.
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Post by i.Sarita.com on Feb 24, 2009 5:01:31 GMT -5
I'm glad Marmol decided not to pitch in the WBC. Winning the closers job is WAY more importnant than some pointless tournament. I thought he should have won the job last year, but I understand why they went with Wood. It will be good to have Gregg as a failsafe also, as he's got experience closing games out.
And I totally want Paul Bako as the backup. I missed you man! Nothing like having a guy who's been on 10 teams in 11 years back in fold!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2009 14:00:03 GMT -5
Prime 9's Top 9 Players Not in the Hall of Fame (but should be) 9. Lee Smith 8. Keith Hernandez 7. Luis Tiant 6. Andre Dawson 5. Tony Oliva 4. Dick Allen 3. Bert Blyleven 2. Mark McGwire 1. Ron Santo
To be eligible for this list, a player must play 10 years in the live-ball era (any year after 1901) and must be eligible for the hall of fame, meaning no Pete Rose or Shoeless Joe Jackson.
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Franchise
Hank Scorpio
No you didn't.
Ronnie Garvin, you idiot! I like steak, not soup, Ronnie Garvin!
Posts: 6,879
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Post by Franchise on Feb 24, 2009 14:33:12 GMT -5
Wait, why is Shoeless Joe not eligible?
Also...SPRING TRAINING BEGINS TOMORROW!!!
EDIT: OR TODAY! SOMETHING LIKE THAT!!
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Post by Drillbit Taylor on Feb 24, 2009 14:35:27 GMT -5
Wait, why is Shoeless Joe not eligible? Also...SPRING TRAINING BEGINS TOMORROW!!! EDIT: OR TODAY! SOMETHING LIKE THAT!! 1919 Black Sox.
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Franchise
Hank Scorpio
No you didn't.
Ronnie Garvin, you idiot! I like steak, not soup, Ronnie Garvin!
Posts: 6,879
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Post by Franchise on Feb 24, 2009 14:39:56 GMT -5
Wait, why is Shoeless Joe not eligible? Also...SPRING TRAINING BEGINS TOMORROW!!! EDIT: OR TODAY! SOMETHING LIKE THAT!! 1919 Black Sox. Oh. And I was originally right - spring training begins tomorrow.
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andrew8798
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Post by andrew8798 on Feb 25, 2009 13:13:18 GMT -5
Freddy Guzman is expected to miss 4-6 weeks after fracturing the hamate bone in his right hand during Tuesday's intrasquad game.
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andrew8798
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Post by andrew8798 on Feb 25, 2009 13:13:33 GMT -5
The New York Post reports that Fernando Tatis continues to be sidelined by a "mysterious injury" to his right hand.
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BRV
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
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Post by BRV on Feb 25, 2009 13:39:02 GMT -5
So I'm being offered a trade in fantasy baseball (Yes, I'm aware that the season is over a month away), what do you guys think of this offer:
I trade Johan Santana and Ryan Theriot for Scott Kazmir, Lance Berkman (or Prince Fielder), Chad Billingsley and Chris Perez
What do you think? Should I take it or let it go?
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Post by Maidpool w/ Cleaning Action on Feb 25, 2009 13:40:53 GMT -5
Hey are we doing like a 8 man Wrestlecrap Fantasy League again where I proceed to whoop everyone because of my main man CHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIPPER JOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONES?
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Post by Biggtone23 on Feb 25, 2009 13:58:02 GMT -5
So I'm being offered a trade in fantasy baseball (Yes, I'm aware that the season is over a month away), what do you guys think of this offer: I trade Johan Santana and Ryan Theriot for Scott Kazmir, Lance Berkman (or Prince Fielder), Chad Billingsley and Chris Perez What do you think? Should I take it or let it go? Depending on how your league is set up, what each stat is worth, and what the rest of your team looks like I would probably take it. The extra power of Berkman/Fielder should help ease the loss of the speed of Theriot, I think its pretty unlikely that Berkman repeats his 18 steals from last year, which was only 4 less than Theriot had but 10 more than his previous career high. As for the pitchers it depends on who else is on your staff. If Kazmir stays healthy he should be able to give pretty similar production to Santana as far as wins and strikeouts go. Kazmir will have a higher ERA playing in the AL East as compared to the NL East. Last year Billingsley put up almost the same numbers as Santana, except for ERA, and with the NL west weaker than the NL East should be able to do the same this year. So it depends on which other pitcher is getting bumped out of your starters for the two new guys. It would be hard to have 5 pitchers better than both Kazmir and Billingsley on your staff already unless your playing in a very small league. With the Cardinals closer job pretty wide open last I heard Chris Perez could be good for a dozen or so saves. So yeah I'd do it.
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Post by ani on Feb 25, 2009 14:04:43 GMT -5
Hey are we doing like a 8 man Wrestlecrap Fantasy League again where I proceed to whoop everyone because of my main man CHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIPPER JOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONES? I'm probably going to start a league since I'm going to have to drop out of Tyfo's (It's on Tuesday, my ultra mega busy day). Will set it up right now. To BRV: Hmm...let's break it down: To your opponent: Johan Santana is easily a top 5 pitcher in the league Theriot gets singles. Don't think he'll hit .300 on a consistent basis To you: Scott Kazmir is a good #2 but has health risks Lance Berkman or Prince. Both are great hitters. I'd prefer Berkman. Chad Billingsley good young pitcher that could be a #2-3 soon. Still inconsistent. Chris Perez has a good chance of being the Cards closer this year. Overall: If you feel like you need another closer option, I'd do it. Otherwise, I'd hang on to Johan.
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BRV
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Wants him some Taco Flavored Kisses.
Posts: 17,061
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Post by BRV on Feb 25, 2009 15:42:39 GMT -5
So I'm being offered a trade in fantasy baseball (Yes, I'm aware that the season is over a month away), what do you guys think of this offer: I trade Johan Santana and Ryan Theriot for Scott Kazmir, Lance Berkman (or Prince Fielder), Chad Billingsley and Chris Perez What do you think? Should I take it or let it go? Depending on how your league is set up, what each stat is worth, and what the rest of your team looks like I would probably take it. The extra power of Berkman/Fielder should help ease the loss of the speed of Theriot, I think its pretty unlikely that Berkman repeats his 18 steals from last year, which was only 4 less than Theriot had but 10 more than his previous career high. As for the pitchers it depends on who else is on your staff. If Kazmir stays healthy he should be able to give pretty similar production to Santana as far as wins and strikeouts go. Kazmir will have a higher ERA playing in the AL East as compared to the NL East. Last year Billingsley put up almost the same numbers as Santana, except for ERA, and with the NL west weaker than the NL East should be able to do the same this year. So it depends on which other pitcher is getting bumped out of your starters for the two new guys. It would be hard to have 5 pitchers better than both Kazmir and Billingsley on your staff already unless your playing in a very small league. With the Cardinals closer job pretty wide open last I heard Chris Perez could be good for a dozen or so saves. So yeah I'd do it. Well it's a twelve-team league, and each team gets $100 worth of players to keep from the season before. As currently constituted (the league draft isn't for another two weeks), my starting rotation is Santana, Roy Oswalt, Mark Buehrle and Jamie Moyer and Joba Chamberlain, though I'll probably put Joba in at RP because I didn't keep any relievers. The trade would allow my five-man rotation to consist of Oswalt, Kazmir, Buehrle, Moyer and Billingsley, with a bullpen of Joba and Perez. And that's before entering into the draft. So I'd have a pretty stout pitching staff before even walking into the league's draft. The scoring for the league is 1 for a single, 2 for a double, 3 for a triple, 4 for a HR, 1 per RBI, 1 per run, 1 per SB, etc. So I'm losing some points for hits and steals with Theriot, but I'm gaining big power numbers in acquiring Berkman/Fielder. I'm keeping Ryan Howard to play 1B and Rick Ankiel is one of my three OF options. I think I'll pick up Berkman, as he is 1B/OF eligible, and would be a valuable commodity for the utility position. I am torn, though. I've always felt that with a close trade, always go with the option of "Who is getting the best player in the deal?", and in this deal, I'm getting rid of the best player. But the resounding response has been "Accept the trade", so it looks like I'm going to pull the trigger on my first trade since 2005. Thanks for the help, guys.
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