2009 MLB Thread

[nec13]

I think there are a few FOT's that are baseball fans, as evidenced by the fantasy baseball thread. So I thought that I would create this thread as a place where we can post our thoughts about the current baseball season. This thread will be active throughout the season, I hope. With that, here's what I found interesting today.

-It was nice to see the Mets bullpen actually hold a lead for a change.
-C.C. Sabathia was shelled today in his debut for the Yankees. His line: 4.1 IP, 8 H, 5 BB, 6 ER
-Cliff Lee, the reigning AL Cy Young winner, didn't pitch so well either giving up 10 hits and 7 earned runs in five innings of work.
-There were two games that were snowed out.

Anyone else have any baseball-related thoughts?

[jbissell]

-C.C. Sabathia was shelled today in his debut for the Yankees. His line: 4.1 IP, 8 H, 5 BB, 6 ER

I enjoyed seeing that line.

Also, the Cubs won but I am determined not to be too optimistic this year.

[nec13]

Although, it's too early to judge a player's entire season based on one game, I contend that the C.C. Sabathia signing was not a very good one for the Yankees. He seems like one of those guys that will crack under the pressure of playing in New York ala Jeff Weaver or Randy Johnson. Plus, that rotund frame he possesses is not conducive to long term success. They'll run him out of New York by year 3 of his contract.

I don't know why you wouldn't be excited about the Cubs. They're shaping up to be the best team in the National League.

[yesno]

It's better to wait to judge a player's entire season on one game until after the All-Star break.

I predict that he'll have a career year, by which I mean that this year will officially count as part of his career.

[jbissell]

I don't know why you wouldn't be excited about the Cubs. They're shaping up to be the best team in the National League.

This was also the case last year.

They were also pretty good the year before.

I will be sucked back in to have my heart broken by the end of the week, if not sooner.

[nec13]

Yeah well, better to make the postseason two years in a row than to choke in the most excruciating fashion possible two years in a row.

[Gilly]

CC got off to a terrible start last year as well. He'll be fine. I hate the Yankees but I think they have a really good shot to win it all this year.

Any Nats fans in here? I don't get why they aren't giving Elijah Dukes the at bats to prove himself. They aren't going to compete, so I don't get why they give the at bats to Kearns rather than a guy who could really break out this year even if he is one at bat away from a mental breakdown.

[nec13]

Dukes has enormous talent, but he's also an enormous headcase. I don't really get what Jim Bowden was trying to do with the Nationals. It seems like he was obsessed with just acquiring toolsy outfielders. Although, I do like Lastings Milledge and some of the position prospects they have in their system.

BTW Gilly, do you think Strasburg gets called up by September?

[Gilly]

Absolutely.

[hugman]

Redbirds will be scrapping their way to the middle with a piecemeal team, a completely unproven bullpen that one wouldn't think could be worse than last years until today, and a number of impact players with health question marks.

[sushi cowboy]

-C.C. Sabathia was shelled today in his debut for the Yankees. His line: 4.1 IP, 8 H, 5 BB, 6 ER

I enjoyed seeing that line.

Also, the Cubs won but I am determined not to be too optimistic this year.

I was happy to see Gregg in action but I hate that no matter who's closing you always half-expect him to give up a run or two. Just get out there and seal the deal. Should of been a 4-1 game.

[jbissell]

Yeah well, better to make the postseason two years in a row than to choke in the most excruciating fashion possible two years in a row.

True, but getting swept in consecutive seasons (when you are heavily favored) is no walk in the park either.

[Stupornaut]

Ugh, why do the Mariners always forget that they suck when they play the Twins?

[buffcoat]

Absolutely.

I thought you guys liked cricket.

[nec13]

Redbirds will be scrapping their way to the middle with a piecemeal team, a completely unproven bullpen that one wouldn't think could be worse than last years until today, and a number of impact players with health question marks.

That must have been painful to watch. The look on Tony LaRussa's face when Jack Wilson hit that bases clearing double into the gap was priceless. The Cards bullpen reminds me of the Mets bullpen last year. They should have signed Brian Fuentes.