MLB 2012 Season

[Troggles]

Spring training is here, so it's time to start talking about real baseball!

I have no idea what to expect from the Cubs this year. We could suck bad, or just suck the usual amount. This year is all about watching the developments of younger players and seeing how the new organization runs things.

It will be fun not having to play against Pujols and Fielder anymore, though.

[Doogie2K]

Isn't this thread about a year too early?

[Troggles]

Isn't this thread about a year too early?

It is because I am a dummie. Should say 2012.

2013 is the year of the Cub!

[TheEpicOfTyler]

I came home today, sat down and watched the Cubs game. I can't wait for the regular season to start.

[Ten19]

Cautiously optimistic for the Mets this year. Santana looks to be recovering well, and Davis is looking sharp too (Valley Fever aside). Just hope this isn't another year of ridiculous injuries.

[Troggles]

Man, the Cardinals new player looks dangerous

http://i.imgur.com/oG28R.jpg

[maharahaj]

Ouch, the Reds sign Ryan Madson to be their closer for one year for $8 million+, and now he injures his throwing arm elbow and can't play for the entire season.

I'm not a Reds fan, but a Madson fan; he was great for Philly for several years but Papelbon got his job over this off season forcing Madson to find another home.

[Dark Prince]

Man, the Cardinals new player looks dangerous

http://i.imgur.com/oG28R.jpg

Lol. Wow that is epic fail.

Personally looking forward to the new season for the Yanks. Should be petty exciting. Can't wait for opening day.

[MalReynolds]

Go Jays for 10 days and then fall part :)

[roboninja]

I am more excited for the Jays than I have been for years. The bullpen looks to be figured out and we have the offense. If the starting pitching can hold up, we have a shot.

[Hyperglide]

Jays are 22-5 :) Jus' sayin'

[maharahaj]

Jays are 22-5 :) Jus' sayin'

Let's remember to re-quote this in September when they finish 4th out of 5 in their division. ;)

[shunoshi]

I think if the Twins try really hard this year we can break that 100-loss mark. So close last year...

[maharahaj]

Opening Day has finally arrived!

Let's go Phillies, let's go!

[MalReynolds]

Go Jays Go

[Hyperglide]

Go Jays Go

Close, it's "Let's go Blue Jays." *clap clap, clap-clap-clap* Even Leafs fans were chanting it at one of there most recent home blowouts, ha ha.. You know it's bad in Leafsnation when they are chanting for the Blue Jays.

RH8fi9zK7UA

:D

[Mot Wakorb]

I think if the Twins try really hard this year we can break that 100-loss mark. So close last year...

I'm jealous, they picked up our second announcer from the Brewers - Corey is a fantastic baseball announcer.

[shunoshi]

I'm jealous, they picked up our second announcer from the Brewers - Corey is a fantastic baseball announcer.

For TV or announcer at Target Field?

[Hyperglide]

Blue Jays @ Indians Home opener broke an MLB record today.

Longest opening day game in MLB history. Currently at 16 Innings. Jaysus fack.

[Primus]

Nats with the curly "W" today.

[maharahaj]

So, my beloved Phillies played at 1:35 and I couldn't watch because I was at work. Tomorrow, I am off for Easter Holiday but they don't play tomorrow. On Saturday, they play at 7:05, but I'll be doing Easter with the family on Saturday and won't be able to watch. Woe is me.

[Mot Wakorb]

For TV or announcer at Target Field?

Radio, actually.

[shunoshi]

Radio, actually.

Oh, wow, I didn't know Gordon retired. That's a big change, he's been calling Twins games since...forever, basically. Haha.

I'll have to give this Provus guy a listen.

[Troggles]

Someone needs to remind Toronto and Cleveland that a baseball game is only supposed to be 9 innings long.

[Hyperglide]

Someone needs to remind Toronto and Cleveland that a baseball game is only supposed to be 9 innings long.

As long as the Jays got 162-0 they can play every game past 9 innings and I could care less. Oh and bring home a World Series.

[Stmfuller]

I just came here to say go Tigers.
Woooo

[TheEpicOfTyler]

The Cubs are frustrating as per usual. This year, they seem aggressive and generally competent on offense, but the pitching is still broken (maybe worse than last year). Season is young still, however. Maybe the starters will go deeper and the relievers won't blow as many games.

Of the 6 games the Cubs have played so far this season, they've held the lead for most of 5 of those games, the relief pitching just hasn't been solid enough to hold the lead.

[Hyperglide]

So if the Jays brand spankin' new shiny closer didn't have 2 blown saves already the Jays would be 6-0. But Sergio finally closed the door tonight on the BoSox. 'Bout time.

Loving the Jays this year they look like the real deal. Stellar bullpen and can't wait to get Mcgowan back.

[pronounconnoun]

Does anyone use the MLB at Bat app on the iPad?

Is it worth the $14?

[Stmfuller]

Does anyone use the MLB at Bat app on the iPad?

Is it worth the $14?

1. love the weeping angels avatar.
2. mlb at bat is really only worth having if you have a MLB.TV premium sub (and then you get it free according to the website), if not you can get the same stuff for free through ESPN's free apps etc.

[pronounconnoun]

1. love the weeping angels avatar.
2. mlb at bat is really only worth having if you have a MLB.TV premium sub (and then you get it free according to the website), if not you can get the same stuff for free through ESPN's free apps etc.

That's funny since it's $14 more for MLB TV premium and you get at Bat "free."

[Stmfuller]

I guess at least that way they don't make you buy it again.
I just think based on the content received $14/year is too high.

[maharahaj]

I was at the Phillies game last night for my first of 17 partial season ticket holder games. Thank goodness they beat the Marlins, and handsomely too. Last year, I think they went 5-11 for the home games that I attended. That was not fun.

They are at 3-3 now with Mets coming into town tomorrow. Is it too early for ESPN to have the Wild Card race constantly updated? I think the Phillies are only 1 game out.

[Ten19]

They are at 3-3 now with Mets coming into town tomorrow. Is it too early for ESPN to have the Wild Card race constantly updated? I think the Phillies are only 1 game out.

You and I (a rabid life-long Mets fan) are going to have an interesting season in this thread :p Oh also, here's hoping for the sweep tomorrow!

[maharahaj]

I fear the Phillies are going to have a losing season this year. They just don't have the offense anymore like they did in the 2008-2010 "glory days". If a team gets 3 runs on them, that team will almost surely win.

I fully expect a classic Mets collapse though, picking up speed around mid-season. A buddy of mine is a die-hard Mets fan as well, and everytime they beat Philly, I get a text message from him full of gloating.

Please don't sweep today.

[Hyperglide]

Jays really need Sergio Santos back. I'm sick of that pugface Francisco Coderpo blowing saves everytime he goes out there.

Oh and Josh Hamilton just hit 4 home runs, went 5 for 5 (4 HR's and a single) and had the most total bases in MLB history for 1 game, with 18. Effing insane.

[Troggles]

Ryan Dempster is leading the NL with an ERA of 1.02/ The Cubs are 0-5 in his 5 starts this year. Gotta love our run support and bullpen.

[Hyperglide]

Ryan Dempster is leading the NL with an ERA of 1.02/ The Cubs are 0-5 in his 5 starts this year. Gotta love our run support and bullpen.

Trade you Ryan Dempster for Francisco Coderpo. He has the most saves in the last 5 years :D

[TheEpicOfTyler]

Ryan Dempster is leading the NL with an ERA of 1.02/ The Cubs are 0-5 in his 5 starts this year. Gotta love our run support and bullpen.

The Cubs have been playing fantastically as of late. Dempster's bad luck can firmly be placed on the backs of Kerry Wood and Carlos Marmol.

Bryan LaHair is a beast. I don't know if his previous major league level play has disqualified him from Rookie of the Year contention, but if he keeps these numbers up, he's going to have to be right at the top of the ballot.

[MalReynolds]

Toronto now has the bats(mostly) and Starting pitching(Mostly) now we need a few relievers and a closer

[MalReynolds]

Is it this year or next where MLB is adding to the Playoff's?

[Ten19]

Is it this year or next where MLB is adding to the Playoff's?

There'll be an additional Wild Card spot in both leagues this year, with the playoff game between them to decide.

Next year is when Houston moves to AL Central.

EDIT: Also, maharahaj, how bout them Mets? :D

[Hyperglide]

Toronto now has the bats(mostly) and Starting pitching(Mostly) now we need a few relievers and a closer

It's impressive considering Joey Bats and Lind have been playing like garbage, Rasmus has been striking out with alarming regularity and Edwin Encarnacion has been carrying the RBI, HR load for the 1st month and a half. All the while still staying in the hunt in the tough AL East.

If only we had Santos for more then 2 weeks this season. I'm disgusted with Codero.

At least Farrell wised up and moved Lind out of clean-up and moved Janssen to the temporary Closer role. What a shocker he had a 1,2,3 9th inning against the A's tonight.

[Hyperglide]

Brett Lawrie had a pretty epic meltdown near the end of tonights 4-3 Jays loss to the TB Rays tonight. Here's what a fan thought of him being thrown out by the shitty umpire.

http://gif.mocksession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/UMP-ABUSE.gif

[roboninja]

That second strike call was absolutely horrible, obvious retribution for the first argument. Lawrie went too far and will deserve any suspension he might get, but the fact the ump will get away with nothing pisses me off.

[Hyperglide]

That second strike call was absolutely horrible, obvious retribution for the first argument. Lawrie went too far and will deserve any suspension he might get, but the fact the ump will get away with nothing pisses me off.

Oh he'll get a suspension alright. I'm guessing 2-4 games. Even if he didn't intend to hit the ump with the helmet he went to far and he threw it in the direction of the ump.

Here's the video:
-2MLo3YG7e4

[TheEpicOfTyler]

I cried like a little baby.

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=21544077&source=MLB&c_id=mlb&tcid=facebook_embedded_player&gid=2012_05_18_chamlb_chnmlb_1

PRjk3kVb68I

I've watched Chicago teams do a lot of amazing stuff, but watching Game 7 of the NLCS... That was the loudest, most electric stuff. We all know what happened, but it's always going to be one of my top Kerry Wood memories.

_kuR-qSeN-8

... and of course. The most dominating game ever pitched.

[Hyperglide]

I cried like a little baby.

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=21544077&source=MLB&c_id=mlb&tcid=facebook_embedded_player&gid=2012_05_18_chamlb_chnmlb_1

PRjk3kVb68I

I've watched Chicago teams do a lot of amazing stuff, but watching Game 7 of the NLCS... That was the loudest, most electric stuff. We all know what happened, but it's always going to be one of my top Kerry Wood memories.

_kuR-qSeN-8

... and of course. The most dominating game ever pitched.

Ya and the Jays trounced the Mets and Verlander almost had his 3rd no hitter. Only 2 outs away. He's going to win another Cy Young.

I remember Woods dominating 20 strike out game though in his rookie year. I'm surprised he's retiring. Do you know why Tyler? Is it an injury issues?

[TheEpicOfTyler]

I remember Woods dominating 20 strike out game though in his rookie year. I'm surprised he's retiring. Do you know why Tyler? Is it an injury issues?

He hasn't pitched well this year. He said that it's got to the point where playing through and preparing for games with all the injuries isn't worth it and he's putting a lot of stress on the bullpen that they don't need.

The Cubs record is deceiving because of poor pitching this season by Carlos Marmol mainly, and to a lesser extent, Kerry Wood. He's blown at least two games that I can think of.

I think it's very honorable of him. He loves the Cubs and he recognized that the best thing for the Cubs was for him to not be in the bullpen. He's been a great mentor to younger players though, so I hope and think he's going to stick around the clubhouse/organization.

[Cyndair]

Man, the Indians are tearing it up right now. Swept Detroit. Loving it!

EDIT: And beat Verlander for the sweep, no less!

[Zecon]

Man, the Indians are tearing it up right now. Swept Detroit. Loving it!

EDIT: And beat Verlander for the sweep, no less!

Yeah, I was actually not ashamed to buy my son an indians jacket this year. Hope it keeps up.

[TheEpicOfTyler]

The Cubs are so bad.

The dream is dead.

Again.

[Rogue_hunter]

The Cubs are so bad.

The dream is dead.

Again.

And the Dodgers are on a tear, even with Kemp, Rivera and Uribe injured.

It's amazing how new ownership has utterly rejuvenated the team, and they haven't really done much of anything except lower parking fees.

[Hyperglide]

Texas looks like a lock for the WS. Damn that's a scary line-up.

[MalReynolds]

Go blue jays go.... i haven't a clue how they are doing because ive barely been watch/keeping up on baseball this year

[Hyperglide]

Go blue jays go.... i haven't a clue how they are doing because ive barely been watch/keeping up on baseball this year

Morrow has been great, until last night. The Rangers ate him alive.

A few things have happened. The jays picked up Vlad Guerrerro to a minor league deal to see if he gets a permanent bench spot (I assume to replace Ben Francisco) as a dangerous bat off the bench. His power is gone but he can still hit for avg. NO batting gloves ftw!

When Lawrie got suspended they called up Yan Gomes. The first ever Brazilian in MLB history. Kinda seems hard to believe. He's stayed up for the struggling Adam Lind who was sent down to Triple AAA Las Vegas.

Our pitchings overall has looked pretty good and Casey Jannsen has done an admirable job as the closer since taking over for Cordero. Can't wait for Sergio Santos to come back though.

[TheEpicOfTyler]

And the Dodgers are on a tear, even with Kemp, Rivera and Uribe injured.

It's amazing how new ownership has utterly rejuvenated the team, and they haven't really done much of anything except lower parking fees.

The Cubs have new, great owners, but it did little to inspire the team.

They have scored 4 runs in the last 54 innings.

They lost last night in a 1-0 shut out by a team with worse offense than them, the Pirates.

I just don't get it. There was a span of about a month where they played really well (See the time period in which they got all of their current wins), and now they just suck. I've watched a lot of bad Cubs baseball in my life, but I almost don't even want to turn the TV on lately. It's so discouraging.

[Dark Prince]

Anybody see the Yankees and O's game tonight?

Texiera was safe by a mile, literally diving on a calf injury to first and gets called out.

[Satertek]

Exciting but awful game. The game should not have been defined by that call, way too many mistakes gave the Cards runs.

Sucks.

Bye Chipper.

(Have to wonder if infield fly rule will be modified in the offseason, it doesn't make sense that the rule doesn't not allow the defense to make an error. No matter what they do after the ump declares the rule into effect, it's an out for the offense. Does not make sense.)

(Oh, and the new wildcard format sucks too. Bah!)

[maharahaj]

(Oh, and the new wildcard format sucks too. Bah!)

Keep in mind that the wild card round may change to a 3 game series starting as early as next year. This year's 1 game playoff was a factor of deciding to add the extra round after the regular season schedule was already set. Since they couldn't shift the schedule forward and didn't want to extend the playoff's any further into early November, the 1 game system was the only option for this year.

[maharahaj]

Though I am not a Brave's fan, I understand them playing the game in protest.

It's going to be weird not have Chipper Jones in MLB. I can't remember baseball without him.

[Ten19]

I for one can't wait for a bright, beautiful Larry-free future!

Also, completely pathetic and shameful of Braves fans who wasted 20 minutes throwing shit on the field. They actually ruined any chance the team had at keeping the momentum they were building up until that point. Two outs with runners at second and third wasn't the end of the effing world. Stay classy, Atlanta!

Lastly, I've decided to root for the Orioles this Postseason, so let's go O's!

[Rock Bandit]

Oriole magic baby!

[Dark Prince]

Pinstripes all the way!

[Stmfuller]

Oriole magic baby!

I wish the Orioles well. Very happy to see them in the thick of things again.
But they will lose to Detroit.

Go Tigers.

[Stmfuller]

Tigers up 2-0.
Oh happy day!

[Dark Prince]

Gotta love Ichiro, what a play, never give up on it!

EDIT: Boo, don't like the current score. Come on Yanks, don't let this one slide before coming home!

[Rock Bandit]

Whoo, tied up. A-Rod is so the exact opposite of clutch.

[Stmfuller]

today, detroit goes for the sweep.
LETS GO DEEEEEETROOOOIITT

[pronounconnoun]

Lets go Oakland.

[Rock Bandit]

Orioles sure don't like to do anything the easy way.

[Urizen]

Super happy for the Giants. I definitely like them the best of the remaining teams.

[pronounconnoun]

Shit, the Giants advance and Oakland is eliminated. Cruel world. Seriously though, Posey is kicking a ton of ass. He is definitely carrying the team.

My brother predicted that Detroit would dominate the post season and the world series. After seeing Verlander last night against the A's, I'm beginning to think he's right. I'm still pulling for the Orioles though.

I really hope Washington pull through. Besides my natural aversion to the Giants, they're the underdog and I would really like to see them go all the way.

[maharahaj]

Man, this Cardinals vs. Nationals game took a sudden turn here in the top of the 9th. 4 runs and the lead for the Cardinals? F-that.

[Urizen]

Sad for the Nats, but now I have no mixed feelings about how I want the NLCS to play out.

[Mot Wakorb]

Man, this Cardinals vs. Nationals game took a sudden turn here in the top of the 9th. 4 runs and the lead for the Cardinals? F-that.

Years of being in the NL Central... christ do I hate the Cardinals.

[Rock Bandit]

For a team I didn't expect to have a winning record this year, a Game 5 loss in the ALDS is not that bad. Good job Birds.

[maharahaj]

I guess I'm rooting for Detroit to win it all then, as I despise the other three teams.

[Dark Prince]

Gotta love it! Ichiro with a 2 run shot and then the clutch master, Ibanez is on fire!! 4-4 game now!

[raymeswh]

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/22693_672865690275_871581013_n.jpg

[Urizen]

That was a great game, but Jeter's injury is going to ruin what was shaping up to be a great series. Not often I feel bad for Yankee fans...

[Dark Prince]

Boo :-(. Not the end result I was hoping for, and Jeter's injury doesn't make it better. :-(

Sucks that he'll be out the rest of the post season now, hopefully the team can rally up and win for him, he deserves it. Hopefully this'll be the spark to get them going.

[Rock Bandit]

http://i.minus.com/iS9oPgcNwt0Fo.gif

Not a good watch. Never want to see something like that happen to anybody, even a stinking Yankee. Also, mad respect for still trying to make a play happen after snapping his ankle.

[Stmfuller]

Yeah, I'm a little disappointed that Jeter is hurt. If anything would cheapen the series it would be not being able to laugh in jeters face should Detroit take the series.

Edit up 2-0 in the series, go tigers

[Ten19]

Grats to the Tigers, they really made my day by sweepifying those damn Yankees. Not sure who I'll root for in the Series, but they made a friend today!

[Dark Prince]

It's a shame the season has come to an end. :(

But it really fell apart early, and I think because of Jeter being hurt. I think the team needs a shake up internally. Cut a few loose ends perhaps for those that didn't perform. (I'm look at you ARod).

Looks like I'll be rooting for the National League now.

[Mot Wakorb]

It's a shame the season has come to an end. :(

But it really fell apart early, and I think because of Jeter being hurt. I think the team needs a shake up internally. Cut a few loose ends perhaps for those that didn't perform. (I'm look at you ARod).

Looks like I'll be rooting for the National League now.

That's an expensive cut loose.