2011 MLB Offseason Discussion - Rangers choking edition

**Akiyama** · 2012-02-20 18:34

People saying Braves can win the East.

Even though they finished way way way far back from the Phillies last year.

And basically only changed in the fact that they removed Lowe.

What the fuck.

**Bregor** · 2012-02-20 18:43

Originally Posted by Akiyama

People saying Braves can win the East.

Even though they finished way way way far back from the Phillies last year.

And basically only changed in the fact that they removed Lowe.

What the fuck.

The Phils are just another year older, are without Howard for a while, and swapped Madson for Papelbon. They seem way more vulnerable this season.

Is anyone else hearing Nats hype? Or is that just here in DC?

**Cail** · 2012-02-20 18:45

i was until fielder didnt sign.

**Brill Weave** · 2012-02-20 18:47

Have you seen the NL Central's projected lineups?

Sorry dood I have two decades worth of losing to fall back on. I stand by my statement!

**Moss** · 2012-02-20 20:20

Originally Posted by Akiyama

People saying Braves can win the East.

Even though they finished way way way far back from the Phillies last year.

And basically only changed in the fact that they removed Lowe.

What the fuck.

You are underestimating the impact of replacing Lowe with one of the many good young arms we have.

The division is in reach if(two big ifs) Hanson can come back healthy and Heyward can bounce back.

**Headspace** · 2012-02-20 20:28

Originally Posted by Bregor

The Phils are just another year older, are without Howard for a while, and swapped Madson for Papelbon. They seem way more vulnerable this season.

Is anyone else hearing Nats hype? Or is that just here in DC?

MADSON

**Soa** · 2012-02-20 22:08

Originally Posted by Bregor

The Phils are just another year older, are without Howard for a while, and swapped Madson for Papelbon. They seem way more vulnerable this season.

Is anyone else hearing Nats hype? Or is that just here in DC?

Well they did significantly improve their bench, plus Mayberry should be a sizable upgrade over Ibanez in LF, so I don't see them slipping too far. I guess if Blanton is still injured and Worley pulls a JA Happ they might slip a bit but I still see them winning 95+ games.

As for the Nats there is some buzz but most people still think they are a year or two away. They did nothing to fix a subpar offense but the pitching upgrades will probably push them into the 85-87 win range. I'm hoping to do one of the bus trips down to DC this year but haven't had any luck finding someone to come with me.

**Trichocyst** · 2012-02-21 01:17

Brown and Mayberry both project to be significant upgrades from Ibanez even in a platoon. Plus they get a full season of production from Hunter Pence which will be a big plus. Everyone shits on Howard so I figured him being out a while wouldn't be much of a factor. They're a team built on defense and pitching which are both going to be very good this season. The bullpen will probably be underrated as usual. Plus they have the D-Train to pinch hit.

The Braves are going to be strong, I don't see it being the same kind of gap as last season.

**Valisk** · 2012-02-21 09:46

Originally Posted by Bregor

Tough to block the plate standing next to first base.

Myyyyyy nicka. See, this is why I fucks wit you Breg. Always entertaining, witty, and knowledgable across all sports. *Man crush*

http://i0.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/...ofistcover.jpg

**Conrad** · 2012-02-21 10:35

Phils have a lot of questions. Starting pitching may be shaky after the big three (Worley's success last year is unsustainable, Blanton is coming back from surgery), and the bullpen is...okay. I hate dumping Madson for Papelbon and the money he got, and I don't think Bastardo/Kendrick/Stutes are going to be as good as they were last year. A lot of positive BABIP luck went their direction in 2011. As for the newcomers: Willis will be a good lefty specialist if Charlie has figured out that you don't let your LOOGYs face right-handers (lol at that ever happening), and Chad Qualls makes no sense to me.

As for the lineup: yes, they're old. Utley/Rollins/Pence should produce similarly to last year, and better in Utley's case. Chooch is a crap shoot offensively, but he's always been good for his defensive and playcalling skills. Polanco still has an amazing glove no matter what he does. Victorino's not going to put up MVP-like numbers for 3-4 months again.

I want to see Dom Brown succeed, and I hope he has an amazing camp and gets to at least platoon in left. Wiggington/Thome probably isn't going to work well, but considering Ryan Howard wasn't even league average last year there's not too far they can fall. I'm lukewarm on Laynce Nix, and I'm not going to miss Valdez. Mayberry will probably regress but still be decent. I'd like to see him take 1B.

Looking at the rest of the division: Braves didn't do much (but they didn't have to), Marlins don't impress me now but they might give the NLE a scare by July, Nationals are still a year or two from competing, and LOLMETS. I think the Phillies might stave off the rest of the division if injuries go favorably for them, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Braves win it and Philly takes a wild card.

Either way, to be the best you gotta beat the best, and the Phillies are the FIVE TIME FIVE TIME FIVE TIME FIVE TIME FIVE TIME CHAMPIONS. CAN YOU DIG IT, SUCKA?

http://mlkshk.com/r/1YH8

**Headspace** · 2012-02-21 11:29

u mad son?

**Conrad** · 2012-02-21 12:48

yes

**Dimmauk** · 2012-02-21 13:05

Just ordered my A's Manny Jersey!

**Moss** · 2012-02-21 15:50

Tommy Hanson blew a tire on his way to spring training, has a mild concussion.

**Bregor** · 2012-02-21 17:29

Originally Posted by Valisk

Myyyyyy nicka. See, this is why I fucks wit you Breg. Always entertaining, witty, and knowledgable across all sports. *Man crush*

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MUf4Eu52Nr...ekKnuckles.jpg

In other news, Cubs compensate the Red Sox for THEO with Chris Carpenter. No, not that Chris Carpenter: http://www.baseballprospectus.com/ca...ENTER19851226A

**Cail** · 2012-02-21 17:53

great story about the simpsons episode, homer at the bat

http://deadspin.com/5886723/the-maki...rs-ago-tonight

**Conrad** · 2012-02-21 20:58

mattingly get rid of those sideburns

**Akiyama** · 2012-02-21 21:31

Originally Posted by Moss

Tommy Hanson blew a tire on his way to spring training, has a mild concussion.

If the dude didn't have bad luck, he'd have no luck at all

**Cail** · 2012-02-21 21:37

Originally Posted by Skirkle

mattingly get rid of those sideburns

haha yesss fucking love that episode

**Cail** · 2012-02-22 11:57

so i know its early, but i need help..my friends' league does 1 keeper auction (we get the keeper at a discounted price to the actual value)...who should be 1 keeper? my team is brutal...

david wright, desmond jennings, ben zobrist, michael young, eric hosmer, victorino, bj upton, berkman, mauer, corey hart, melkey cabrera, darwin barney, david price, strasburg, chris carpenter, ervin santana, matt capps, jonny venters, tyler clippard, josh tomlin, lidge, and jason marquis...

im leaning towards wright, but i hate how he seems to get hurt at least once a year..i really want strasburg, but i dont think hes keeper material yet. michael young is coming off a great season, but can he keep it up this year? same with berkman

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