Official MLB 2009 Season Thread

[Sect309Fan]

So much for that 8 game win streak. :lol

Man, the Braves have a terrific starting rotation. :thumbsup

[MillaKilla8]

Jurjjens ftw

[Jones31]

Smoltz clears waivers
Youklis suspended for 5 games.

[titanup23]

I can deal with a losing season once every 40 years from Michigan :thumbsup

:thumbsup

[titanup23]

So much for that 8 game win streak. :lol

Man, the Braves have a terrific starting rotation. :thumbsup

Agreed. If we can get just a little more help from the bullpen, we could make a serious run. This weekends series with the Phillies will be a big one, especially if we can get the 3 game sweep like we a month or so go.

[Titansfan777]

Interesting matchup between the phillies and cubs tonight, its Pedro Martinez' first game back and also Jeff Samardzija's (former ND WR who woulda been a 1-2 round pick) first career start.

[Jones31]

Milton Bradley is not having fun.

Jeff Samardzija has given up a double and 2 triples.

[Sect309Fan]

Braves sweep the Nats (2 games) and win their 5th in a row. Unfortunately, the Phillies are crushing the Cubs, and Pedro Martinez will very likely get his first win of the year.

It was the first game since last year where the Braves had at least 4 home runs in a single game (which shocks me as a Braves fan, since it used to be a lot more common).

The Braves also have the best record in the NL since the all-star break (17-9).

[MillaKilla8]

Mariners in 14!
Griffey game winning RBI

[ryangm2123]

Mariners placed 3B Adrian Beltre on the 15-day disabled list with an injured testicle.
Cue the laugh track. Beltre, who doesn't wear a protective cup, had a ball clip him in the groin during Wednesday's game. There was some tearing and internal bleeding. The team is waiting to see if he will require surgery. With surgery, he would be out a month.

:) thought this was a little funny, not if it were me though - tearing and internal bleeding doesnt sound too fun

[MillaKilla8]

wow that sucks i didnt hear about that

[Jones31]

Cue the Nicklas Lidstrom reference.

[titanup23]

Anyone see Cubs fan throw their beer at Victorino last night? Real classy Cubs fan.

http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/08/14/amd_victorino.jpg

[Sect309Fan]

Soriano gives up another home run to give the Phillies a 3-2 lead in the 9th. Braves have to score against Lidge to stay alive in this game.

Soriano is killing the Braves as their closer in the 2nd half of the season.

The Braves hit so many balls to or near the warning track tonight, including the out that ended the game. But each time, the Phillies caught it. The Phillies scored all of their runs by the homer.

Braves are 6 back now. This one hurts.

[MillaKilla8]

Seattle is hangin with the Yanks..2-2 right now

[NYTitan21]

Seattle is hangin with the Yanks..2-2 right now

lol so much for that

[MillaKilla8]

lol so much for that
Yeah i feel bad for Ryan Rowland Smith he pitched 7, gave up 3 hits and 2 runs and his releivers blew it kind of.

[titanup23]

Braves are 6 back now. This one hurts.

:soapbox

[titanup23]

Braves win in the bottom of the ninth thanks to Brad Lidge. Braves down 3-2 going into the bottom of the ninth, anderson gets a single, diaz then bunts towards lidge, lidge bobbles the ball then makes a bad throw to 1st which allow anderson to score. Braves load the bases and Infante gets a base hit, Braves win 4-3 and are now 5 games back. BIG win!

[LiamVengeance]

Whats with the pitcher throwing the ball at the batter?

[ZachLV27]

That line drive off of Kuroda's head was just sick.

Here's to hoping that Wright, Kinsler (he stayed but problems can arise later), and Kuroda being alright.

[Sect309Fan]

Braves win in the bottom of the ninth thanks to Brad Lidge. Braves down 3-2 going into the bottom of the ninth, anderson gets a single, diaz then bunts towards lidge, lidge bobbles the ball then makes a bad throw to 1st which allow anderson to score. Braves load the bases and Infante gets a base hit, Braves win 4-3 and are now 5 games back. BIG win!

I was listening to the game before and during the tailgate, but I turned it off after the Braves failed to score in the bottom of the 8th. I then turned it on when I was leaving to go to the game, and was so happy to hear they came back and won. :woot

That was so huge. A win today would be even bigger, though I am glad we at least avoid a sweep.

[titanup23]

That was so huge. A win today would be even bigger, though I am glad we at least avoid a sweep.


Yea, tonite is a big game for the Braves. Hopefully they can get the win and I doubt I'll be up to watch this one, especially with it just now starting in 10 minutes. Just took 2 mucinex so I'll probably be asleep by the 3rd inning :lol

[Sect309Fan]

There are 44 games left for the Braves.

9 against the Mets
7 against the Nationals
10 against the Marlins
6 against the Phillies

The rest are against Houston, St. Louis, Cincy, and San Diego (1 series each).

This is the stretch run. If they can beat up their own division, they definitely have a chance. Being 23-17 in the division is encouraging, though the Marlins and Phillies are just as good.

Braves have 3 at the Mets starting tonight. Let's go Braves!

[titanup23]

Braves up 4-0 in the 4th. LaRoche homered again and Diaz with a 3 run homer:thumbsup

[Sect309Fan]

Braves up 4-0 in the 4th. LaRoche homered again and Diaz with a 3 run homer:thumbsup

Ugh...Lowe's finger must be bothering him. Mets have tied it. Bobby, bring in a reliever, please!

Bobby refuses to change pitchers, and now the Mets lead 5-4

8 hits now for the Mets in the 4th, and only one out. When are you going to take Lowe out!?!?

6-4 Mets after they fail to turn the DP.

8-4 now. Cox is in idiot. I don't care if the pitcher spot is due up first in the next inning...Cox has lost this game.

Now he brings in a reliever...too little too late. :slap

[Sect309Fan]

This is so embarassing. :doh

Prado is having dizziness problems, but Bobby still starts him. He doesn't even last an inning, so he is replaced by LaRoche.

Braves have a nice 4-0 lead, but something is clearly wrong with Lowe's hand, as he keeps getting it worked on each inning.

Then Lowe gives up 3 straight hits in the 4th innings, and it's a 4-2 game. I would have pulled Lowe right there. Instead, Bobby lets him give up 6 more hits and 6 more runs.

I have never seen a manager in a pretty important game just let his starter get killed like that. :crazy

[titanup23]

I'm with you 309. Mets kept hitting and yet Bobby just continued to sit there in the dugout.

[MillaKilla8]

Poor Mariners...lose again last night.

[Sect309Fan]

The Phillies are doing their best to win the East, but the wild card race is really heating up. There are two huge series this weekend.

First, the Rockies (first place in wildcard) host the Giants (2 back).

Next, the Braves (4 back) host the Marlins (also 4 back).

Luckily, the Braves were able to bounce back from their devastating loss Tuesday to win the series against the Mets. They are playing so well now, but so are the teams ahead of them. They just need to keep winning each series.

[Parddy]

1 series against St.Louis eh? Maybe you will get a crack at Smoltz....:lol

[MillaKilla8]

Mariners are dominatin after blowin it yesterday

[Sect309Fan]

After a bad loss last night, the Braves score 4 in the first tonight. They hold on to beat the Marlins 4-3, despite blowing numerous opportunities to score more runs.

They are now tied again with them. They really could use a series win against the Marlins tomorrow.

[Sect309Fan]

Yesterday was a pretty special day in at least the NL. First, the Braves rallied against the Marline to win 7-5. Diaz went 4 for 4, while McCann drove in 5 runs, tying his career best. :thumbsup

Next, John Smoltz made his Cards debut, giving up only 3 hits in 5 innings in a 5-2 win. Maybe he just is best against NL hitters?

Finally, Eric Bruntlett of the Phillies made history yesterday, becoming only the 2nd player ever to end a game on an unassisted triple play. Francouer hit a shot right to him for one out, Eric stepped on 2nd for the 2nd out, and then tagged the running coming from 1st base for the 3rd out. I just love when baseball history is made. :bowdown

[Parddy]

Next, John Smoltz made his Cards debut, giving up only 3 hits in 5 innings in a 5-2 win. Maybe he just is best against NL hitters?




Maybe the Padres are just pathetic?

[Sect309Fan]

Maybe the Padres are just pathetic?

Hopefully, the are. :D The Braves play them next.

[Bobcat]

As a Cardinals fan, I'm cautiously optimistic about Smoltz. Yes, he struck out nine in five innings, including seven in a row. However, he was doing it against the team with the lowest team batting average in the majors. San Diego as a team bats something like .239.

I did read that after reviewing some film they found that his heel was coming off the pitching rubber and affecting his release point. Along with some minor tweaks by Cards pitching coach Dave Duncan, they may have remedied those problems.

I can only hope it wasn't just the Padres...

[Parddy]

If this guy rips off 5 wins in a row the National league ought to fold!!!! Against the good teams Smoltz is batting practice. I respect the fact he has tried to come back, but it's over.

[MillaKilla8]

Yuck the fankees! :D

[Titansfan777]

phillies doing well as usual

[Sect309Fan]

Very disappointing night for the Braves. :sad

The had so many opportunities to score runs with the bases loaded in both the 8th and 10th innings. They did get to tie it 1-1 in the 9th, and even then they had a good chance to win.

Final, Padres 2 - Braves 1 in 12.

[MillaKilla8]

It was just brought to my attention that former Oregon State Beaver Jacoby Ellsbury broker the Red Sox single season record for stolen bases...nice :thumbsup

[Parddy]

Ellsbury broke Tommy Harpers 37 year old record of 54 stolen bases last night stealing 3rd. Tonight Big Papi hit walk-off HR. Red Sox sweep White Sox.. We are not dead yet.

[Sect309Fan]

Maybe the Padres are just pathetic?

Appartently not, at least not in this series. :banghead

[MillaKilla8]

Dodgers beat the Rockies last night...Ethier with two homers.

[titanup23]

Perfect day for the Braves. They get the win over the Padres 8-1, rockies, marlins and phillies all lost today. Just sucks that Padres got 2 out of 3 in Atlanta and absolutely pathetic that they put up a 12 spot on them last night. Very frustrating :soapbox

[Sect309Fan]

Hopefully Chipper is out of his terrible slump now. He actually had a couple of hits last night. The Braves really need him to start hitting again.

[NYTitan21]

Robbie Cano hits a 3 run walk off in rainy Yankee stadium today..

[MillaKilla8]

^i saw that ...^

[Sect309Fan]

I was posting about the Braves-Phillies game in the OGT last night, but here is a quick recap.

Cliff Lee of the Phillies hadn't given up a home run in 6 starts, but he gave up 3 last night in the 9-1 Braves win. :bowdown

Matt Diaz is ridiculously hot right now. In his last 6 games, he has had 29 at bats, 17 hits (4 doubles, 1 triple, 1 homer), scored 5 runs, and had 5 RBI. :thumbsup

Chipper is still trying to get out of his slump, but he did have a nice 2-run homer late in the game as his only hit.

Braves are back to 7 behind the Phillies in the East and 3.5 games behind the Rockies in the wild card.

[MillaKilla8]

sect i just put chipper back in my lineup... *hoping he picks it up*

[Sect309Fan]

I did see an unusual double play last night, which unfortunately killed the Braves chances of beating the Phillies.

Men at first and second, no one out, one run already in to close the gap to 2-3 for the Braves. McCann is up, and he hits a one hopper hard to the 2nd baseman. The player steps on 2nd, and instead of firing to first for the easy out, he fires to thrid.

Now in this situation, you have to tag the runner, but it wasn't that hard. McCann did make it to first fine, but it effectively ended the inning.

Braves are now 8 back, and the division is solidly in the Phillies hands. I guess I should be happy the Giants swept the Rockies, as the Braves (and Marlins) are still only 3.5 games out of the wild card.

[MillaKilla8]

Jimmy Rollins made a nice play.

[titanup23]

Braves get a HUGE 5-2 win over the Marlins tonight to start a 4 game series and Tim Hudson will be on the mound tomorrow night for the first time this season.

[Sect309Fan]

Tim Hudson will be on the mound tomorrow night for the first time this season.

That makes me nervous, but it can't hurt to have a well rested starter at this time of year. However, if he does perform well, I am not sure which starter you replace. Starting pitching isn't a big problem right now.

[titanup23]

That makes me nervous, but it can't hurt to have a well rested starter at this time of year. However, if he does perform well, I am not sure which starter you replace. Starting pitching isn't a big problem right now.

Its a good problem to have if that makes any sense :lol

[Serge]

NEWS FLASH!!


Airplane circles around in Dodger Stadium and crashes into the fence in front of the Diamondbacks dugout. No one hurt.

Ok, it was a remote controlled airplane.

[Jones31]

I was about to turn the TV on....

[Sect309Fan]

If you want to know what an empty Pro stadium looks like, look at the highlights of last night's Braves-Marlins game. The combination of a Tuesday night game and a 3 hour rain delay before the game started reduced the crowd to maybe 500 fans, and it was likely less than that.

It was really weird to watch the game, because it was so quiet. Hudson had a solid first start of the year, going a little over 5 innings for the win.

[Titan723]

If you want to know what an empty Pro stadium looks like, look at the highlights of last night's Braves-Marlins game. The combination of a Tuesday night game and a 3 hour rain delay before the game started reduced the crowd to maybe 500 fans, and it was likely less than that.

It was really weird to watch the game, because it was so quiet. Hudson had a solid first start of the year, going a little over 5 innings for the win.

The Reds had a makeup game Monday against the Pirates that was like that. I watched the tv broadcast and you could hear conversation in the stands. It reminded me of watching an old Montreal Expo game.

[Sect309Fan]

The Reds had a makeup game Monday against the Pirates that was like that. I watched the tv broadcast and you could hear conversation in the stands. It reminded me of watching an old Montreal Expo game.

Someone mentioned that game in the "smallest crowd" thread on the TV Maps forum today. I can imagine it not getting many fans.

[Parddy]

Beckett is going to put the final nail in the Rays coffin tonight!!!!! I hope.

Tampa bay ought to ashamed of themselves for the crowds they are drawing late in September. The Rays have a good young team still in the race, SUPPORT them.

[Sect309Fan]

Tampa bay ought to ashamed of themselves for the crowds they are drawing late in September. The Rays have a good young team still in the race, SUPPORT them.

Floridians are too busy with football to support baseball this time of year. :sad

[Jones31]

Par for the course... Florida teams don't draw well no matter what time of the year it is. With the exception of playoffs.

[Jones31]

Wondering how much longer we get to hear nothing is wrong with Josh Beckett..... geez

[Parddy]

Beckett blows lately!!!!!

[Old Oilers Fan]

Hey 309 how about them Reds.

I thought I say this now since the rest of the series should be different. :lol

[MillaKilla8]

Mariners beatin Oak 3-0.
Gotta start winnin em all with about 20 games left theyre 6 gb in the wild card...theyll need some help also.

[Old Oilers Fan]

:whistling

[Sect309Fan]

Braves are seriously sucking right now. :banghead

[Parddy]

So are the Sox. :mad:

[Titansfan777]

and the phils...

[MillaKilla8]

My fantasy team is doin good right now though.

[Titan723]

Back to back sweeps for the Reds. Taking 4 against Pittsburgh and now the weekend series with Atlanta.

[Sect309Fan]

Back to back sweeps for the Reds. Taking 4 against Pittsburgh and now the weekend series with Atlanta.

:banghead :buttkick

Done in by the Reds...what a way to end our playoff hopes,

[Old Oilers Fan]

Hey titanup us Reds fans didn't forget about you. :lol

[Jones31]

Told ya not to get your hopes up for the Bravos.

[Parddy]

Lester saves the Sox again, thankfully. We need to get back to Fenway, in a hurry.

[titanup23]

Hey titanup us Reds fans didn't forget about you. :lol

ha, thanks for basically ending our season. Glad I didn't go to Atlanta this weekend

[Old Oilers Fan]

ha, thanks for basically ending our season. Glad I didn't go to Atlanta this weekend

:lol I can remember the Braves doing it to the Reds all the time. :thumbsup

[Titansfan777]

so the playoffs are getting near

[Sect309Fan]

Braves win! Braves win! Braves win!

Now we are only 7.5 games back in the Wild card! :D

[Sect309Fan]

After blowing another save Wedsnesday night, the Braves did win the series with Houston after a win last night.

But with just 22 games left, the Braves are 8.5 games out of the Wild Card. Colorado has been unstoppable lately. Unless the Braves go crazy and win 20 out of 22, they just are too far out.

They are actually closer to the division, being 8 games out. Unfortuantley, they only have 3 games against the Phillies, so they can't make up too much ground.

The Braves are starting their one series in St. Louis tonight. To bad they won't face Smoltz.

[Old Oilers Fan]

The cReds are back.

[Sect309Fan]

The cReds are back.

The Braves are back too with a sweep of the Cards. Too bad they are about a week too late. :sad

[Sect309Fan]

The wild card race in the NL has turned interesting again. Colorado has lost 4 in a row (after winning about 9 in a row), which has allowed other teams to close the gap.

Giants 2.5 back
Marlins 4.5 back
Braves 5 back
Cubs 5.5 back

There are still only 16 games left, but if any of these teams can just come close to winning out, they have a chance.

[Titan723]

The wild card race in the NL has turned interesting again. Colorado has lost 4 in a row (after winning about 9 in a row), which has allowed other teams to close the gap.

Giants 2.5 back
Marlins 4.5 back
Braves 5 back
Cubs 5.5 back

There are still only 16 games left, but if any of these teams can just come close to winning out, they have a chance.

Please anyone but the Cubs!

[Parddy]

Still alive eh 309?

Adam Laroche is on fire lately. It's good to see, I like him, he is a class act and a really good player. Adam has a really sweet swing.

[Sect309Fan]

I really hope the Braves re-sign Adam. He wants to stay in Atlanta, and with Chipper maybe retiring, they need his power badly.

The Braves are on life-support, but they aren't dead yet. If the Rockies go 8-8, the Braves have to go 13-3 to tie (and that's assuming the Giants slip up some).

[Sect309Fan]

I almost hate what the Braves are doing now. They rally with 2 runs in the 9th to beat the Mets and win their 6th straight game. :thumbsup

However, both the Phillies and Rockies won, so it didn't make a dent in the standings. But if the Braves keep this streak alive, who knows what might happen.

[Old Oilers Fan]

I almost hate what the Braves are doing now. They rally with 2 runs in the 9th to beat the Mets and win their 6th straight game. :thumbsup

However, both the Phillies and Rockies won, so it didn't make a dent in the standings. But if the Braves keep this streak alive, who knows what might happen.

They will end their season with a winning streak. :lolhit

Sorry 309 just had to be that smart ass. :lol

[Sect309Fan]

7 in a row now...longest win streak since 2006.

Thank you Reds for beating the Marlins. Now only the Giants and Rockies are in front of the Braves for the wild card. Braves are only 4 back in the loss column.

[titanup23]

5 back now but they're playing good baseball. The Rockies are going to have get cold real quick for the Braves to have any chance at the playoffs.

[Sect309Fan]

5 back now but they're playing good baseball. The Rockies are going to have get cold real quick for the Braves to have any chance at the playoffs.

Crap, I was hoping the Padres could keep their lead on the Rockies last night. :sad

After finishing 70-92 last year, I am pleased with how the Braves have played down the stretch. They are 81-70 right now, so they can do no worse than .500.

It just is so hard to make up 5 games with only 11 left. At least they are tied for 2nd in the wildcard now. But they pretty much have to win out.

At least it's possible. They have one more game against the Mets, seven against the lowly Nationals, and 3 at home against the Marlins.

The Rockies still have to play 3 against the Cards and 3 at the Dodgers, as well as two against the Padres and three against the Brewers.

[Jones31]

Bobby Cox to retire after 2010 season.

[Sect309Fan]

Bobby Cox to retire after 2010 season.

http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/cox-to-retire-after-145108.html

Braves manager Bobby Cox will retire after the 2010 season.

The Braves announced Wednesday that they have agreed to terms with Cox on a one-year contract extension through 2010. His retirement at that point will bring to an end one of the greatest managerial careers in the history of the game.

As part of Cox’s contract extension, he has been given a five-year consulting agreement, from 2011 to 2015, where he will advise and consult in all areas of Baseball Operations, including the Major League Club, spring training, minor league operations and scouting. In addition, Cox will work with the office of the President on special business projects.

----------------------------------------------

Bobby, I wish you the best, and maybe you can make the playoffs next year before you leave. I have always been a huge Bobby Cox fan, even during these recent bleak years of the team. While there are always some games that I will vent toward Cox, I don't blame him for what has happened to this franchise.

[Sect309Fan]

The Braves sweep the Mets, and the Rockies lose. Braves are now 4 back in the wild card (along with the Giants, who also won). Marlins are 4.5 back. 10 games left...

[Titansfan777]

Race is getting closer

[titanup23]

I'll be the biggest Padres fan tonight

[ATL_Titan]

Cubs lose tonight to SF and Cards Clinch the Central!!!

GO CARDS!!

Omen: The Cards and Titans are never good at the same time -:unsure

[Titansfan777]

Cubs lose tonight to SF and Cards Clinch the Central!!!

GO CARDS!!

Omen: The Cards and Titans are never good at the same time -:unsure

Yea I have had a tough time since 2003/04 when the titans, grizzlies, and Michigan all had great seasons.

[Sect309Fan]

The Padres rally to beat the Rockies! Braves are only 3 back in the loss column now. :thumbsup

[Sect309Fan]

I wish the Cards would clinch the Central. Come on guys, beat the Rockies this weekend. Don't let them beat you in the 9th again. :sad

The Braves won again to stay 3 back in the loss column. They have now won 12 of 14. :bowdown

[Sect309Fan]

The Braves score 4 in the first, 5 in the ninth, and beat the Nationals again 11-5. :thumbsup So now it is 13 wins in 15 games, plus 9 straight on the road.

This team is so hot right now. Hopefully the Cards will beat the Rockies tonight to give the Braves a chance.

[Sect309Fan]

Cards get some nice insurance runs in the 9th on a Ludwick 2 run homer. Hopefully the 6-3 score will hold.

The Rockies put 2 men on in the 9th, but the Cards didn't let them score. Cards clinch the Central and the Braves are only 2 back in the loss column.

[Jones31]

Boooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Titanico]

The Dodgers are in Playoffs again. :thumbsup

[Sect309Fan]

The Braves rally twice and beat the Nats in the 10th inning. That was their 6th in a row, 10th in a row on the road. :thumbsup

Cards are leading the Rockies 4-3 in the 4th. Come on Cards!

Cards lose...boo

[Sect309Fan]

The streak continues. :thumbsup

Braves beat the Marlins 4-0. Plus the Phillies lost to Houston. So the Braves are 2 out of the wild card with 6 to play and 4 out of the division. Just keep winning!

[FearKVB93]

A month ago I would have never dreamed we'd make this big of a run at it. C'mon Milwaukee and Prince, we need your help

[Titan723]

The Cubs are 1 game from post season elimination. :thumbsup :D

[Sect309Fan]

Twins win first game of double-header with Detriot, so they are just one back in the AL Central now.

[Toronto]

Twins win first game of double-header with Detriot, so they are just one back in the AL Central now.

Nice to have one pennant race to keep us interested this week.

[Parddy]

Toronto,

I was at Fenway last night and watched your Blue Jays hand it to us 11-5 in 6... Right before the rain... The Blue Jays are an enigma.

[titanup23]

A month ago I would have never dreamed we'd make this big of a run at it. C'mon Milwaukee and Prince, we need your help

We could definitely use their help but the Braves just need to keep winning. And regardless if they make it to the playoffs or not this season, I feel pretty confident about the Braves going into next season.

[Toronto]

Toronto,

I was at Fenway last night and watched your Blue Jays hand it to us 11-5 in 6... Right before the rain... The Blue Jays are an enigma.

Hah, am an Astros fan. I work for the company that owns the Jays, and trust me, the poohbahs here are just as confused, but for one thing - JP Riccardi needs to go the second the last game is over.

His 8 year legacy is Adam Lind and Aaron Hill, and that's really about it.

[Sect309Fan]

Last night was pretty rough for the Braves. At one point I was really excited because Diaz hit a 3-run game-tying home run, and the Rockies were losing to the Brewers. But the Braves lets the Marlins score the next inning, and the Braves just couldn't score again. :sad

The Rockies eventually won in 11 innings. So it's 3 games down with 5 left. The Braves pretty much have to win out now and hope the Rockies lose at least one to the Brewers and two to the Dodgers.

[Jones31]

Phils clinch the NL East.
Braves LOSE
Rox are leading the Brew Crew by one top 6, with the bags loaded w/2 out, and the next batter goes down on 3 straight.
Rox extend the lead to 8-4 in the bottom of the 6th.

I feel safe saying the Braves are done.

[Sect309Fan]

It was an up and down season for the Braves. They couldn't score runs in the first half of the season, but the starting pitching kept them at .500.

Then in the 2nd half, the closer fell apart, blowing way too many games, games that might have put the Braves in the playoffs. Hitting was much improved, even though Chipper fell apart as well. The starting pitchers either looked awesome or mediocre, like these last two nights.

This was still a fun year for me as a fan. I have hope for this team for the first time is a few years. If they can just keep their pitchers and sign LaRoche for a few more years, this team can compete for the playoffs next year.

[Parddy]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/3199512260_4544b2438c.jpg

[Old Oilers Fan]

Are those holes in your red socks? :lol

[Parddy]

Those are patches over holes..... :lol

Not sure who came up with that and why... :p



The playoffs are FINALLY here. :toast


And just maybe the Yankees are coming to town... Grade schools everywhere in New England are preparing:








http://www.ayeletlikeitis.com/archives/red%20sox%20fan.jpg

[don28]

Those are patches over holes..... :lol

Not sure who came up with that and why... :p



The playoffs are FINALLY here. :toast


And just maybe the Yankees are coming to town... Grade schools everywhere in New England are preparing:








http://www.ayeletlikeitis.com/archives/red%20sox%20fan.jpg

:finger Be careful what you wish for. You may just get it. You have the mojo now; it can be lost again.

[Parddy]

:finger Be careful what you wish for. You may just get it. You have the mojo now; it can be lost again.

Win or lose Don... We greet and say goodbye with the same gesture to the hated Yankees. :finger

[Titan723]

Celebrate tonight Twins, I am sure the Yankees will knock them out like they always do.

[Parddy]

The Yankees feast on Minnesota pitching... :-(

[don28]

I take nothing for granted. I figure that we'll see the Red Sox if the Yankees beat the Twins.

[Toronto]

FWIW, that game today was one of the best games I have seen in MLB in ages. A true classic

[Parddy]

FWIW, that game today was one of the best games I have seen in MLB in ages. A true classic

It was an outstanding baseball game. The drama of elimination baseball is like no other...IMO

[ZachLV27]

The Dodgers like being the underdogs.

[Jones31]

Buck Martinez is highly annoying. The umpiring crew isn't much better.
Oh look
http://bertrandsblog.com/?p=55

[Titanico]

The Dodgers like being the underdogs.

And I like them being 2-0 and aiming to win the series against the Cards :D

[Hookem Horns]

The Dodgers like being the underdogs.

It's funny how they are the underdogs yet have the NL's best record. As a Dodgers fan that is fine with me. Hopefully they get passed the Cards and are the underdogs again during the next series.

[Toronto]

Matt Holliday - goat of the week.

edit - adds Joe Nathan.

Anyone that makes A-Rod look like a hero earns a special place in my bad books.

[Jones31]

Watching NYY fans hold their breath on Texiera's shot made me giggle.

[don28]

Watching NYY fans hold their breath on Texiera's shot made me giggle.

Take nothing for granted after 2004.

[Jones31]

You guys have little faith. I knew it was gone.

[t1tan5]

Apparently if you're having trouble getting it up during the playoffs, just sleep with Kate Hudson.

[ZachLV27]

I want a rematch against Philly.

[Red Birds]

Yep, I really thought the LA-STL series would be a battle with Stl winning in the end. But after giving away game 2 the Cardinals did not play with any fight tonight and the Dodgers took advantage of it. Good luck to LA.

[Jones31]

27 degrees in Denver... and there is a baseball game going on.... that's nuts.

[Sect309Fan]

Boy, if you are fans of the Twins, Red Sox, Cardinals, and Rockies, these games have been heartbreakers. I am amazed at all the 9th inning comebacks in these playoffs, many by 2 runs or more, like last night.

Brutal. :ohmy

[Serge]

Just chiming in for my Dodgers!!

Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good, I guess.

Two game two errors that have helped the Dodgers. It's all good.

Go DODGERS!!!!!

[Serge]

Watching the Dodgers this year against the Braves.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Sargeman/Picture389.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Sargeman/Picture394.jpg



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Sargeman/Picture395.jpg

[Serge]

Lets GO DODGERS!!!

[ZachLV27]

Lets GO DODGERS!!!

:toast

[ZachLV27]

This is just not a good day. I might have to forget it ever happened.

[t1tan5]

Joe Girardi is such an idiot. Robertson was pitching amazingly and he randomly pulls him for Aceves. Result: a base hit and a walk-off double. IDIOT!

[Toronto]

Any game the Yanks lose is fine by me.

No team's fans make me more ill than Yankee fans, and that includes the Cowboys.

[MillaKilla8]

go dodgers!
go angels!

[Jones31]

Dodgers about to get sent packing.

[Titanico]

I hope the Dodgers are able to make a comeback.

But to be realistic they don't have a good starting pitching roster. :(

[Serge]

My heart is so gentle and fragile, I just don't think I can watch another Dodgers game this season.

I just can't take that kind of a letdown again.

I really don't have a heart, but I really can't take that kind of a letdown again by the Dodgers. I don't know that I can watch them implode again. :sad

[Titansfan777]

Broad street going crazy right now. Phillies!!!

Phillies v. Yankees.

[Titan723]

This World Series could be quite intersting. (Assuming Yankees dont choke against the Angels.)

[ZachLV27]

Can we just start talking about the 2010 season now? /sigh

[Titan723]

Can we just start talking about the 2010 season now? /sigh

Yeah, football and baseball.

[ryangm2123]

damnit, why did he take out lackey

stupid!!!!

[Toronto]

Please win Phillies. Please.

Anyone but the Yanks. Anyone.

[Sect309Fan]

Cliff Lee is simply amazing. :bowdown

A complete game, 10 strikeout, 0 walk, 0 earned run performance...a first in World Series history. Amazing!

Phillies win 6-1 and take a 1-0 series lead.

[Parddy]

Hopefully Pedro has one more clutch performance left in the tank. I would love to see the Phillies smack Burnett around.

I know Cliff Lee was phenominal last night but the Phils just seemed to have the look of a Champion that was not going to give up the trophy without a fight.

Games 2 and 3 will be a battle of the bullpens. IMO

[ryangm2123]

brad lidge is a moron...that is all

[Titan723]

Getting ready to go to bed. But first, assuming the Yankees hold their 4-1 lead, I would like to congratulate them on buying the World Series.

[Titansfan777]

If the Yankees win, then congrats to jeter, posada, and pettite...the only Yankees on the team.

[Toronto]

It's fitting that I'm floored by the flu watching this - I can't get any more nausea.

[t1tan5]

If the Yankees win, then congrats to jeter, posada, and pettite...the only Yankees on the team.

Excuse me...forgetting the best closer of all time? lol

[Titansfan777]

Oops. Him too. No others tho :)

[MDK Titan]

Philly's good enough to beat this team, they just didn't execute. What happened to Ryan Howard LOL

[Titansfan777]

And it's over. Howard was terrible. Utley should be MVP either way. If lodge was worth a s*#% it would only be a 3-3 series tie but he is a pathetic excuse of a closer who should never, ever, ever, ever, ever, play another game of baseball again.

[ryangm2123]

well ****

[t1tan5]

YEAHHH!!!! The World Series is back where it belongs!

[Toronto]

FML and F them. I've never hated a champion more. Ever. Even more than the Ravens in 2000, any Cowboy team in the 90s, or the last 4 Yank teams that won. This team represented everything that is wrong with baseball.


If I hear one Yankee make a comment about 'adversity' I'm going to kick my TV.

[t1tan5]

You either love em or you hate em. Sure is a great time to love em!

[Titansfan777]

Awsome. First my commuter rail train catches on fire and burns. Then this. I laugh every time I think of the Yankees bc of how pathetic baseball is bc of no cap. And right now selig is talking. If there is one person I hate more in the world than manning it is selig. He represents everything I hate in baseball.

[Titansfan777]

You either love em or you hate em. Sure is a great time to love em!

Even better time to hate them

[t1tan5]

Isn't it the worst possible time to be a hater of the Yankees?

[Titansfan777]

Isn't it the worst possible time to be a hater of the Yankees?

There is never a bad time to be a Yankee hater

[NYTitan21]

27 timee 27 time 27 time WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!

NEW YORK YANKEES!!!

[Titan723]

Now I guess they go out and have a payroll of over $300 million next year so they can repeat.

[ZachLV27]

Isn't it the worst possible time to be a hater of the Yankees?

No, quite the opposite actually. Yankee fans are extremely happy that their team just won the World Series. Good for you guys. The thing you have to realize is this series matters less than say if the Pirates lost to the Yankees. We'd all still feel the same and that is a feeling of "this is why Major League Baseball is so much worse than it was 20 years ago and why the NFL now dominates it".

You guys just bought your championship. What exactly is so great about that? It's like being in grade school and paying some high school kid to beat up your nemesis. Grats! You wouldn't have a chance if on equal ground!

I don't hate the Yankees because they spend like they do. They are doing everything within the rules of the game. I hate the Yankees because they are the main reason that the rules of the game are what they are. Without Steinbrenner around this league would have had a salary cap 15 years ago. Without Steinbrenner this league would be a lot more competitive and much more enjoyable to watch (I didn't bother to watch a single WS game).

I also hate the Yankees because a majority of their vocal fans are acting like they actually accomplished something. Those fans are gloating about the fact that they could beat up on teams that couldn't even dream to sign half the players they have. Those same fans love to point out the "homegrown talent" that the Yankees have and that other teams can't manage to keep their own talent. They completely ignore the fact that the only reason Jeter, Rivera, Posada, Bernie Williams, etc. ever stayed around was because they could spend a fortune to keep them while spending even more to get great players to play around them.

I am happy for the longtime Yankee fans (sort of..I'm a Dodger fan so I still kinda hate you) that were there cheering on their teams during the down times and by down times I don't mean from their last championship until now. I mean for most of the 80's and early 90's.

So back to the original question. Is it the worst time to be a Yankee hater? Not even close. Most of us are indifferent to the fact that you guys won. We had the circumstances in which you won though.


/endrant

[don28]

No, quite the opposite actually. Yankee fans are extremely happy that their team just won the World Series. Good for you guys. The thing you have to realize is this series matters less than say if the Pirates lost to the Yankees. We'd all still feel the same and that is a feeling of "this is why Major League Baseball is so much worse than it was 20 years ago and why the NFL now dominates it".

You guys just bought your championship. What exactly is so great about that? It's like being in grade school and paying some high school kid to beat up your nemesis. Grats! You wouldn't have a chance if on equal ground!

I don't hate the Yankees because they spend like they do. They are doing everything within the rules of the game. I hate the Yankees because they are the main reason that the rules of the game are what they are. Without Steinbrenner around this league would have had a salary cap 15 years ago. Without Steinbrenner this league would be a lot more competitive and much more enjoyable to watch (I didn't bother to watch a single WS game).
I also hate the Yankees because a majority of their vocal fans are acting like they actually accomplished something. Those fans are gloating about the fact that they could beat up on teams that couldn't even dream to sign half the players they have. Those same fans love to point out the "homegrown talent" that the Yankees have and that other teams can't manage to keep their own talent. They completely ignore the fact that the only reason Jeter, Rivera, Posada, Bernie Williams, etc. ever stayed around was because they could spend a fortune to keep them while spending even more to get great players to play around them.

I am happy for the longtime Yankee fans (sort of..I'm a Dodger fan so I still kinda hate you) that were there cheering on their teams during the down times and by down times I don't mean from their last championship until now. I mean for most of the 80's and early 90's.

So back to the original question. Is it the worst time to be a Yankee hater? Not even close. Most of us are indifferent to the fact that you guys won. We had the circumstances in which you won though.


/endrant

I have to disagree with the bolded above. The Yankees have a very good GM in Brian Cashman, and to state that they could not have competed on equal ground is unfounded.

Also, George Steinbrenner is not the commissioner of baseball. George is not the only owner who is against having a salary cap. Boston spends a lot of money, but somehow they never took the abuse that the Yankees have because they went so long between championships. I agree that MLB should have a salary cap, but Steinbrenner is not the sole reason there currently is no salary cap.

[Sect309Fan]

The salary cap is difficult for baseball due to the minor league system. Players move up and down quite a bit, which doesn't happen in the NBA or NFL (though it does happen somewhat in the NHL). I just don't know the best way to account for all of that movement.

Congrats to the Yankees. It's fitting they finish the season at their new ballpark with a WS championship.

[Old Oilers Fan]

BOOOOO Yank-mees :finger From a jealous Reds fan. :lolhit

Seriously congrats on number 27. :thumbsup

[ZachLV27]

I have to disagree with the bolded above. The Yankees have a very good GM in Brian Cashman, and to state that they could not have competed on equal ground is unfounded.

Also, George Steinbrenner is not the commissioner of baseball. George is not the only owner who is against having a salary cap. Boston spends a lot of money, but somehow they never took the abuse that the Yankees have because they went so long between championships. I agree that MLB should have a salary cap, but Steinbrenner is not the sole reason there currently is no salary cap.

I hate when people say Cashman is a good GM. What exactly has he ever done to prove that? He's got the biggest wallet (by far) in all of baseball behind him and all he does is outbid everyone to get the players he wants. How difficult is that to do? Cashman and Steinbrenner (George had a lot to do with this) destroyed their farm system for a number of years by continually trading away prospects to try and win with their current team. No other team could do that on the level they did.

Now onto Steinbrenner not being the commissioner of baseball. I hate Bud Selig just as much as the next baseball fan, but why is all the blame always put on him. He only follows what the biggest owners tell him to do and if he tried to go against that then he'd no longer be commissioner. Commissioners in sports are not the middle man between the players and owners that are supposed to be unbiased. They are in the owners pockets and do their biddings.

As for other owners being the reason there isn't a salary cap. That is quite true, but Steinbrenner is the biggest reason we don't. A lot of owners (pretty much a majority of the teams that spend less than $90 mil) have been for a salary cap and haven't been able to get one because they don't have the full support of all the owners. The fact that Steinbrenner was so adamant against one made it so the players had all the bargaining chips when it came to this.

Now onto Boston. Boston didn't take the abuse partially because they did have such a long drought between winning and because every single Boston fan I know would say something like "I know we just bought our World Series, but I don't care. We haven't won in so long that it feels great". That right there is why one fanbase / team gets blasted while the other doesn't (though most baseball fans outside of Boston hate them too now). The Boston fans know what they did and know that is why they won. Too many Yankee fans don't like to admit that though. Too many Yankee fans say that their payroll isn't a big deal and they could have won anyways. And my favorite, too many Yankee fans like to say "The Red Sox spent a ton of money too so don't just get mad at us". The Red Sox spent a ton. The Red Sox spend way more than they should be allowed to. The Red Sox still don't even come close to spending what the Yankees do though.

Don't get me wrong though. I don't put all of baseballs problems on the Yankees and Red Sox. I'm a Dodgers fan and know we spend too much as well (about half of what the Yankees spend but still too much). The top spending teams are just as much to blame as the teams that are on the bottom of the spending lists. Teams like the Pirates and Royals make a nice little profit each and every year and always say they can't afford to spend more. those markets aren't the best out there but they would easily support a team that would actually give the delusion of trying to win.

To end my wall of text I will say there needs to be a salary bottom as well as a salary cap if baseball ever wants to get back to being one of the best sports to watch in the world.

I'll still watch every single Dodgers game I get on tv. I'll still try to attend a few games a year. I just wish I could enjoy it even more.

[Jones31]

2007 World Series Payrolls
Boston $143,026,214 (2nd)
Colorado $54,424,000 (25th)

2008 World Series Payrolls
Philadelphia $98,269,881 (13th)
Tampa Bay $43,820,598 (29th)

2009 World Series Payrolls
New York $201,449,289 (1st)
Philadelphia $113,004,048 (7th)


Hate the system or lack their of, not the teams.

[MDK Titan]

Congrats to the Yanks especially A-Rod. One of the best postseasons I can remember from an individiual. I can't believe how quickly he exorcised the ghosts of postseasons past. Yeah he did slow down a little in the World Series, but the go ahead run he hit in Game 4 turned the series around imo.

[don28]

I hate when people say Cashman is a good GM. What exactly has he ever done to prove that? He's got the biggest wallet (by far) in all of baseball behind him and all he does is outbid everyone to get the players he wants. How difficult is that to do? Cashman and Steinbrenner (George had a lot to do with this) destroyed their farm system for a number of years by continually trading away prospects to try and win with their current team. No other team could do that on the level they did.

They missed the playoffs in 2008 by NOT doing their usual MO of trading for older, big name players. Cashman was able to convince Hal Steinbrenner that rebuilding the farm system was the way to go.

Robinson Cano
Phil Hughes
Joba Chamberlain
Melkys Cabrera
Brett Gardner

All homegrown talent, chosen by Cashman, who played a part in the Yankees successful season.


Now onto Steinbrenner not being the commissioner of baseball. I hate Bud Selig just as much as the next baseball fan, but why is all the blame always put on him. He only follows what the biggest owners tell him to do and if he tried to go against that then he'd no longer be commissioner. Commissioners in sports are not the middle man between the players and owners that are supposed to be unbiased. They are in the owners pockets and do their biddings.

As for other owners being the reason there isn't a salary cap. That is quite true, but Steinbrenner is the biggest reason we don't. A lot of owners (pretty much a majority of the teams that spend less than $90 mil) have been for a salary cap and haven't been able to get one because they don't have the full support of all the owners. The fact that Steinbrenner was so adamant against one made it so the players had all the bargaining chips when it came to this.

Bud Selig gets the blame because he is supposed to be the commissioner of ALL of baseball. Especially a guy who was the owner of a small-market team (Milwaukee), he should have been much more instrumental in convincing the owners to go down an NFL-style pathway toward equality.

I'm not sure of baseball's ownership voting rules, but if a 3/4 majority is needed to change a system, that would mean 22/30 owners would have to approve a change to a salary cap. Since Steinbrenner owns one team, not 8, there are 7 more owners you should be willing to throw under the same bus.

The baseball players' union is the strongest of the major sports. So by all means throw all of its membership under the bus, since they have fought tooth and nail against the salary cap.



Now onto Boston. Boston didn't take the abuse partially because they did have such a long drought between winning and because every single Boston fan I know would say something like "I know we just bought our World Series, but I don't care. We haven't won in so long that it feels great". That right there is why one fanbase / team gets blasted while the other doesn't (though most baseball fans outside of Boston hate them too now). The Boston fans know what they did and know that is why they won. Too many Yankee fans don't like to admit that though. Too many Yankee fans say that their payroll isn't a big deal and they could have won anyways. And my favorite, too many Yankee fans like to say "The Red Sox spent a ton of money too so don't just get mad at us". The Red Sox spent a ton. The Red Sox spend way more than they should be allowed to. The Red Sox still don't even come close to spending what the Yankees do though.

Once a team is spending "an obscene amount of money", how much is pretty much a moot point. Being a Dodgers fan, you should not be pointing a finger at any other team. The money that they have given Manny Ramirez alone is more than he's justified. It's not as if the Dodgers are poor. If they choose to spend less, that is well within their rights.



The top spending teams are just as much to blame as the teams that are on the bottom of the spending lists. Teams like the Pirates and Royals make a nice little profit each and every year and always say they can't afford to spend more. those markets aren't the best out there but they would easily support a team that would actually give the delusion of trying to win.

To end my wall of text I will say there needs to be a salary bottom as well as a salary cap if baseball ever wants to get back to being one of the best sports to watch in the world.

I'll still watch every single Dodgers game I get on tv. I'll still try to attend a few games a year. I just wish I could enjoy it even more.

The Pirates and Royals are barely making money, if they don't in fact lose a small amount of money each year. They don't have deep pocket ownership, so blaming them for being on the bottom of spending is unfair. Those two teams have a good history of quality players. They would compete in a salary cap system. I have no problem with a salary cap system. I have a problem with the Yankees being singled out as the lone franchise causing the problem. There are at least 8, and probably more who are happy with the status quo.

[Jones31]

2009 Payrolls (http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/salaries)

[Sect309Fan]

2009 Payrolls (http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/salaries)

It's still pretty impressive that the bottom spender Marlins finished 2nd in the NL East, well ahead of the #2 spending Mets.

The #24 Twins were the lowest payroll to make the playoffs this year. The rest were #1, #4, #6, #7, #9, #13, and #18.

[Jones31]

Just goes to show, payrolls aren't everything.

[Titan723]

BOOOOO Yank-mees :finger From a jealous Reds fan. :lolhit

Seriously congrats on number 27. :thumbsup

A World Series would be nice, but hell I would like to see the Reds finish over .500 for a change.

[Jones31]

Rollins: Phillies are the better team. (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/2009/11/05/2009-11-05_philadelphias_jimmy_rollins_phillies_are_still_ better_than_new_york_yankees.html)

[Jones31]

Here's a funny fact. The last nine Yankees titles have all been won with a Democrat in office

[NYTitan21]

Here's a funny fact. The last nine Yankees titles have all been won with a Democrat in office

good stuff! :thumbsup

[ryangm2123]

2009 Payrolls (http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/salaries)

lol at them not even giving the nationals and pirates their states/cities

[Jones31]

Heh, I didn't even notice that.

[MillaKilla8]

i was hoping the phillies would win

[Parddy]

First the Steelers and now the Yankees. It's like a nightmare.

[Titan723]

First the Steelers and now the Yankees. It's like a nightmare.

Some people would add the Lakers as well.

[Parddy]

Some people would add the Lakers as well.


OMG how could I forget the Lakers??? Yes, as a Celtic die-hard, this completes the triple crown... lol


:doh :cry

[Titan723]

Here is another reason steriods are bad.

http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_mlb_experts__42/ept_sports_mlb_experts-994843822-1257786137.jpg?yma8dLCDd6Kw1YfF

[Titansfan777]

who is that?

[Parddy]

Is that Sammy Sosa? Jesus.

[TitansFan23]

Here is another reason steriods are bad.

http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_mlb_experts__42/ept_sports_mlb_experts-994843822-1257786137.jpg?yma8dLCDd6Kw1YfF

OMG!

Sosa got bit by a Vampire.

[Parddy]

OMG!

Sosa got bit by a Vampire.

By a vampire or Michael Jackson.

[TitansFan23]

Seriously, what the hell is Sammy doing?

[Titansfan777]

wow. if those photos arent doctored or anything thats messed up

[Parddy]

Very strange indeed.

[TitansFan23]

Over the past few days, photos of former MLB slugger Sammy Sosa have been storming around the Internet, showing the normally dark-skinned Sosa with what appears to be very light skin. Rumors have been swirling -- is he going the way of Michael Jackson? Is it a side effect of his alleged steroid use? What's going on?

Sosa appeared at an awards event in Las Vegas on November 4 with his wife. He gladly posed for red carpet photos. Those photos show a very different "Slammin' Sammy," who used to hit monster home runs at Wrigley Field and beyond. His skin is nearly white, compared to the dark-skinned Dominican we're used to seeing.

Despite all of the rumors of steroids or skin bleaching or the dermatological disorder vitiligo, a friend of Sosa's says there is a very simple explanation. "He is going through a rejuvenation process for his skin," Rebecca Polihronis, a former employee of the Chicago Cubs, Sosa's former team, told the Chicago Tribune. "Women have it all of the time. He was surprised he came out looking so white. I thought it was a body double. Part of it is just the lighting.

"He is in the middle of doing a cleansing process to his skin," continued Polihronis, who said she speaks to Sosa often. "The picture is deceiving, he said, 'If you saw me in person, you would be surprised. When you see me in person, it is not going to seem like the picture.'

"People who saw him in person did not react the same way. He can't believe it is such a big deal."

But writing in the Tribune's "Exploring Race" blog:

The reason it’s such a big deal is because, well, we know historically darker skin often has been deemed more of an albatross than an asset. I would like to say we’ve moved away from that unfortunate type of thinking. But it’s still prevalent in far too many circles...

The reason Sosa is in the spotlight is because he appears to be yet another brown person unhappy in his skin. He says that’s not true.

"He has always been concerned with the way he looks," Polihronis said. "Probably just bad timing going to an awards show. He is not trying to be Michael Jackson."

http://www.opposingviews.com/articles/news-what-has-happened-to-sammy-sosa-his-skin-turning-white-r-1257804963

[t1tan5]

Brown and proud! Go brown!

[Jones31]

John Lackey looks to be heading to Boston.
$82.5 million, five-years (http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/mlb/news/story?id=4741437)
Roy Halladay to Philly..... Lee to Seattle.
3 team deal (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4742072)

[don28]

John Lackey looks to be heading to Boston.
$82.5 million, five-years (http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/mlb/news/story?id=4741437)
Roy Halladay to Philly..... Lee to Seattle.
3 team deal (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4742072)

That's a good pickup for the Red Sox. If they manage to get Matt Holliday too, they will be a tremendous threat to win the division.

[MDK Titan]

damn looks like the Phillies are returning to the Series for a 3rd straight season

[ZachLV27]

damn looks like the Phillies are returning to the Series for a 3rd straight season

They lose their best pitcher and their top prospect (a guy that was "untouchable" in trades last season) for a guy that that will be just as good as Lee was for them. If it wasn't for the fact that Lee is determined to test the FA market next season I'd say Philly lost out in the trade.

[Jones31]

I agree, Philly made a lateral move, while losing their top prospect. They may make the series again but, unless they can win more than the 2 games that Lee did.......

[Parddy]

The Sox are not going to sign Jason Bay. Big mistake. My bet is he is headed for Seattle. The Sox also signed Mike Cameron for 15.5 million. Why?

The Lackey signing will help however, the loss of Bay and the unknown that is an aging David Ortiz looms large in Boston.

They may go after Miquel Cabrera (Sp?) and all his off field issues from Detroit for Clay Buckholtz and some other prospects and of course cash.

Right now though things are bleak in the nation... :-(

[Jones31]

Why thay sign Mike Cameron.... supposedly withdrew from the Matt Holliday chase. If they some how surprise people and land Holliday, people won't miss K Bay.

[Sect309Fan]

Guys, do you have a baseball team that is worth cheering for? I am looking for a team that really wants to contend, not just save money.

I am not sure how much longer I can stand the Braves and their cheap-ass ways. :mad:

[Jones31]

Well there is always them 2 teams up north.

[Sect309Fan]

Well there is always them 2 teams up north.

Just not them. :p

[ZachLV27]

Guys, do you have a baseball team that is worth cheering for? I am looking for a team that really wants to contend, not just save money.

I am not sure how much longer I can stand the Braves and their cheap-ass ways. :mad:

As a Dodgers fan I've actually had a few enjoyable seasons to watch lately but this offseason has been painful. After making it to the NLCS two straight seasons you'd think a team would want to try and add that missing piece or two that will push them over the hump, but not the Dodgers. Our ownership is too worried about how much money they will lose in their ugly divorce.

[Old Oilers Fan]

Guys, do you have a baseball team that is worth cheering for? I am looking for a team that really wants to contend, not just save money.

I am not sure how much longer I can stand the Braves and their cheap-ass ways. :mad:

I am more than willing to share the cReds with you but you will be in the same boat. Only thing different is the cReds has more experience in being tight asses. :D

[don28]

How about the St. Louis Cardinals? They are relatively close, and seem to contend more years than not.

[Jones31]

Cards are pretenders.

[don28]

Cards are pretenders.

Didn't they win a World Series in the last 5 years? They are not a bottom feeder. They don't pinch pennies. I disagree with you.

[Jones31]

Yeah they did.... no thanks to a Tigers team that flamed out in the World Series. That Cards team wasn't that great 83-78.

[Titansfan777]

phillies? tigers? nats? 309...

[Jones31]

Mark Mcgwire finally comes clean.
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/34809569/ns/sports-baseball/

[Yvette]

Why? Guilty conscience or fear of being outed? Motive is everything for me.

[Sect309Fan]

Why? Guilty conscience or fear of being outed? Motive is everything for me.

McGwire’s decision to admit using steroids was prompted by his decision to become hitting coach of the St. Louis Cardinals, his final big league team. Tony La Russa, McGwire’s manager in Oakland and St. Louis, has been among McGwire’s biggest supporters and thinks returning to the field can restore the former slugger’s reputation.

[Jones31]

Vladimir Guerrero is a Texas Ranger.

[Old Oilers Fan]

Yes the Reds made some news.

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100110&content_id=7896508&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin

[Parddy]

Yes the Reds made some news.

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100110&content_id=7896508&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin


A lefthanded Cuban fireballer? I will be very anxious to see this guy throw. Nice pick up.

[Old Oilers Fan]

Mark Mcgwire finally comes clean.
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/34809569/ns/sports-baseball/

Now I wonder if he gets any jail time? He did sworn on Capitol Hill that he did not use them.

[Sect309Fan]

Now I wonder if he gets any jail time? He did sworn on Capitol Hill that he did not use them.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/ALLPOLITICS/03/17/steroids.baseball/

He just refused to talk about them.

[don28]

Now I wonder if he gets any jail time? He did sworn on Capitol Hill that he did not use them.

The statute of limitations has expired on that, hence why he talked now.

Jose Canseco looks better by the day with each revelation that comes out.

[Parddy]

McGuire took steroids? I'm shocked at this revelation.

[Jones31]

The statute of limitations has expired on that, hence why he talked now.

Jose Canseco looks better by the day with each revelation that comes out.

I'd give real money if he'd shut up at this point.

[Titan723]

I'd give real money if he'd shut up at this point.

Which one, McGwire or Canseco? :D

[Jones31]

Jose'

[Serge]

Now I wonder if he gets any jail time? He did sworn on Capitol Hill that he did not use them.

I don't think he ever confirmed or denied that he used them. I think it was Rafael Palmero that denied it.

[don28]

I don't think he ever confirmed or denied that he used them. I think it was Rafael Palmero that denied it.

Yes, Palmeiro was the one who vehemently denied steroid use to Congress, only to be caught red-handed later.

[Titanico]

The Dodgers avoided arbitration with at least four players on Tuesday, signing catcher Russell Martin, first baseman James Loney, and left-handed relievers George Sherrill and Hong-Chih Kuo to one-year deals, Major League sources confirmed to MLB.com. In addition, the team has reportedly reached agreements with right fielder Andre Ethier and Jonathan Broxton on two-year contracts.

The Ethier and Broxton signings are unconfirmed. Ethier's deal is reportedly worth $15.25 million with incentives; the terms of Broxton's deal are unknown. Both deals are said to be pending physicals.

More (http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100119&content_id=7936764&vkey=news_la&fext=.jsp&c_id=la)

[Old Oilers Fan]

Isn't it time to have a 2010 MLB season Thread?

[Parddy]

You need not ask permission OOF. It's okay with me anytime you wish to start a thread on your own . I'm thinking nobody will mistake you for a troll at this juncture... We trust your judgement... :lmao

[Old Oilers Fan]

You need not ask permission OOF. It's okay with me anytime you wish to start a thread on your own . I'm thinking nobody will mistake you for a troll at this juncture... We trust your judgement... :lmao

The sad thing is Parddy I do not know how to start a Threads. :sad

[Jones31]

New Thread Started!