2009 MLB Thread

[Gilly]

I think Omar has one of the toughest jobs. He has to compete with the Yankees but doesn't have an owner who's willing to spend as much as Steinbrenner. He's operating on the level of the second tier market teams like the Dodgers and Angels but in a city that expects first tier market results. Has he done a bad job? Yes. But, I wouldn't want his job, that's for sure. Well maybe I would... but I don't think I'd do any better.

[hugman]

Hey TRG, with the Cards' recent acquisitions and the amazing productivity they've provided so far, and with the excellent job the pitching staff is doing (barring Wellemeyer) do you still think the Cardinals will end up with around 85 wins or do you think they'll fare better?

[nec13]

I'm an idiot, hugman. I admit it. 

To answer your question, I say they will finish with 89 wins. But you shouldn't take my predictions seriously, because I know nothing. 85 wins? Hahahahaha!

[hugman]

I'm an idiot, hugman. I admit it. 

To answer your question, I say they will finish with 89 wins. But you shouldn't take my predictions seriously, because I know nothing. 85 wins? Hahahahaha!

I wasn't challenging you, I was genuinely curious. Do you, as an outside observer, think they will take the hotly contested NL Central?

[jbissell]

I'm an idiot, hugman. I admit it. 

To answer your question, I say they will finish with 89 wins. But you shouldn't take my predictions seriously, because I know nothing. 85 wins? Hahahahaha!

I wasn't challenging you, I was genuinely curious. Do you, as an outside observer, think they will take the hotly contested NL Central?

Obviously I'm biased but I think its going to come down to the Cubs and Cards.  The Cards clearly have a stronger offense at the moment, but the Cubs can really only get better at this point.  With Lilly on the DL, the Cards have a better 1-2 in Carpenter and Wainwright but I refuse to believe that Pineiro will keep it up.  Both pens are pretty shaky but I think the Cubs have a slight advantage there, although Franklin has easily been the best reliever on either team and the Cubs always have Heilman to ruin everything.  I really wouldn't be surprised if the Cards win the division because the only move I could see the Cubs making is for a lefty reliever and right now they just don't have enough (though you better believe I'm hoping they manage to sneek into the playoffs and catch fire at just the right time).  It's a shame that they only play each other 3 more times.

[nec13]

I agree with jbissell. It's the Cubs or Cards division to lose. However, I believe that Cardinals are better than the Cubs.

WRT to the Cards, I think they will finish with around 88 or 89 wins. It appears that they have fortified the lineup with the additions of Mark DeRosa and Matt Holliday and if the pitching continues to perform at a high level, I don't see any reason why they can't win the NL Central. I certainly believe that they are the best team in the division. The Cubs are there only real competition, but they have some holes.

[nec13]

Jack Wilson, Ian Snell, and cash to the Mariners for Jeff Clement and a bunch of pitching prospects.

[Trotskie]

Phillies get CLee and BFransisco for Cleveland for Carrasco, Knapp, Donald and Marson.

[nec13]

Phillies get CLee and BFransisco for Cleveland for Carrasco, Knapp, Donald and Marson.

A great trade for both teams. I think that this makes the Phils the favorites to win it all.

[Gilly]

I wonder if they are still going after Halladay as well.

[nec13]

I think the Phillies are basically set. There's really no need for Halladay at this point. They got a slightly lesser pitcher, but they didn't have to give up Kyle Drabek or Dominic Brown. Besides, a top two of Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee is really good.

[chris v]

Hearing people slightly disappointed with trading for a reigning Cy Young winning pitcher is odd. Having a really good baseball team with lofty expectations takes some getting used to, I guess.

I'm also interested in seeing how the back of the rotation will play out with Happ/Moyer/Martinez/Lopez.

[Trotskie]

Regarding the Phillies pitching, I've heard (rumors) that Pedro would be considered for closer duty if he performs and Lidge continues to suck it.  Likewise Brett Myers who is doing better than expected in his rehab.  He's already volunteered to go to the pen for the rest of the year, should he be able to make it back. 

[nec13]

Hearing people slightly disappointed with trading for a reigning Cy Young winning pitcher is odd. Having a really good baseball team with lofty expectations takes some getting used to, I guess.

I'm also interested in seeing how the back of the rotation will play out with Happ/Moyer/Martinez/Lopez.

Any Phils fan that is disappointed with this deal needs to have his or her head examined. The Phillies got the reigning AL Cy Young award winner without giving up their blue chip prospects (save for Jason Knapp). Cliff Lee is only a slight step down from Roy Halladay in terms of pure ability. Moreover, he's a left-hander and a full year younger than Halladay. And you can probably shave .50 points off his ERA with him being in the NL. This was a masterful trade by Ruben Amaro Jr. It irritates me to no end as a Mets fan, but I have to give the Phils credit for this deal.

On a side note, it must be nice to root for a really good baseball team with lofty expectations.

Oh well, at least I still have the Penguins and Steelers.

[jbissell]

I'm more upset for them signing Ibanez because I was really hoping the Cubs would get him.  Oh well, watching Milton Bradley is so much fun!