General Baseball Thread 2013

[SouthStndJunkie]

Fire up the grill....it's almost time for some Deeetroit Tigers baseball!

[SouthStndJunkie]

TAMPA, Fla. -- New York Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson suffered a fractured right forearm Sunday after being hit by a pitch in his first at-bat in a spring training game and will be out until at least the first week of May.

[maher_tyler]

I'm interested in how well the Braves do having both Upton brothers on the team. Solid offseason pick ups for them.

[COWheatGrower]

Do you think Bruce Rondon is ready to close for a team with World Series title aspirations?

Venezuelan throws serious fire (103 mph at times), but has trouble locating it and is taking a major leap (no big league experience) if he breaks camp as the closer.

[brncs_fan]

Let's Go Cardinals!

[Lestat]

ugh, goddamn cheap ass Hal, now our pitching staff is one injury away from finished and we have our best power hitters on the shelf with no relief in sight.

[jerseyboiler120]

Are the a lot of Rockies fans on The Mane?

[SoCalBronco]

Go white Sox.....you can put it on the booooooooooard, yessssss!

[Requiem]

Dear Seattle Mariners,

It is another baseball year. You have the best pitcher in baseball, and arguably three of the top ten pitching prospects in the entire majors. You have some offensive talent, but don't have any big power guys. Please score more than 2 runs a game this year so Felix can actually win 18-20 games like he should ever season. It is criminal that a guy gets ND when he throws 8 awesome innings.

Sincerely,

Sad In Seattle

[TheChamp24]

TAMPA, Fla. -- New York Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson suffered a fractured right forearm Sunday after being hit by a pitch in his first at-bat in a spring training game and will be out until at least the first week of May.

This is just flat out ridiculous. First at bat in spring training, and he fractures his forearm and will miss the first month of the season. ARod's out for awhile, Jeter's hobbled by an ankle but should be good to go by the opener, I mean dang the Yankees look like a team you don't really know what to make of right now.

[TD4HOF]

Aww yeah, hardball! Let's Go Mets!

[Lestat]

This is just flat out ridiculous. First at bat in spring training, and he fractures his forearm and will miss the first month of the season. ARod's out for awhile, Jeter's hobbled by an ankle but should be good to go by the opener, I mean dang the Yankees look like a team you don't really know what to make of right now.

they're a 210+ budget team trying to pretend they can spend 180-189 mil and not give out big contracts to win and make money.
Hal lost his damn mind and thinks the fans were just going to take it.
now he's in a panic because the rewards for being at 189 mil are half of what was expected and the fans aren't buying tickets like they normally do.

what kind of moron comes out and says you spent money, you're shocked at the fan uproar over not spending on FA's and that you don't believe in contract extensions and aren't a fan of them.

[elsid13]

Just have feeling my BoSox are going to be back in the mix this season.

[COWheatGrower]

Just have feeling my BoSox are going to be back in the mix this season.

Drinking the John Lackey kool aid?

[spdirty]

Are the a lot of Rockies fans on The Mane?

Yeah, with their ****ed up ownership, pathetic unaccountable GM that spouts the company line, and therefore gets to keep his job for life, manager that a year ago was coaching high school baseball. Because their manager last year couldn't take it and quit, leaving 1.2 million on the table without another job lined up.

It's a pretty disgusting situation. I'll watch, probably until May or June when they are eliminated from pretending to contend for a playoff berth. I won't go to any games though. I'll be damned if I'll support that joke with any of my money.

It sucks. I enjoy watching baseball and going to the games when the Rockies fool me into thinking that they actually know what they're doing.

[elsid13]

Drinking the John Lackey kool aid?

Hell no. Just a feeling that the BP is going to be nasty and that Lester/Buchlotz are going to regain All Star status.

[bombay]

Fangraphs WAR/Salary stuff on Tulo over the past 6 seasons. His 'value' to the team:


2007: $23.1M
2008: $4M
2009: $25.5M
2010: $25.1M
2011: $27.1M
2012: $6.9M (in 47 games)

[Tombstone RJ]

Yeah, with their ****ed up ownership, pathetic unaccountable GM that spouts the company line, and therefore gets to keep his job for life, manager that a year ago was coaching high school baseball. Because their manager last year couldn't take it and quit, leaving 1.2 million on the table without another job lined up.

It's a pretty disgusting situation. I'll watch, probably until May or June when they are eliminated from pretending to contend for a playoff berth. I won't go to any games though. I'll be damned if I'll support that joke with any of my money.

It sucks. I enjoy watching baseball and going to the games when the Rockies fool me into thinking that they actually know what they're doing.

this. Even though I was getting tired of Jim Tracey, and his resignation came as a pleasant suprise to me, obviously it appears to have caught the Rockies completely off base. They are gambling on Walt Weiss but Walt will find out fast that ownership and Dan O'Dowd are just fine with losing. WW will do the usual 3 years to average a .450 winning percentage before he retires or walks away, or O'Dowd fires him.

[socalorado]

http://media.elnuevoherald.com/smedia/2013/02/21/13/47/1cg1XN.St.84.JPG
Murderer's Row

[COWheatGrower]

this. Even though I was getting tired of Jim Tracey, and his resignation came as a pleasant suprise to me, obviously it appears to have caught the Rockies completely off base. They are gambling on Walt Weiss but Walt will find out fast that ownership and Dan O'Dowd are just fine with losing. WW will do the usual 3 years to average a .450 winning percentage before he retires or walks away, or O'Dowd fires him.

The ownership deserves some credit for locking up Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez to long-term contracts. This isn't Miami or Kansas City where management is just spitting in the fans' faces.

O'Dowd has gotten way too long of a leash though. The 2007 and 2009 seasons aren't enough when you consider the entire body of work over 13 years. They had a good scouting run in the mid-to-late 2000s, but the system has dried up more recently.

I do think Colorado is a difficult environment to sustain pitching success over time and it's going to be a challenge for any baseball think-tank. I applaud O'Dowd for experimenting with something different last year with the four-man rotation and 80-pitch counts.

But all in all, the Rockies could use some fresh blood in baseball ops. Arizona and San Diego have consistently produced more competitive teams in the time O'Dowd has been there.

[bombay]

Cardinals rookie righthander Michael Wacha was sensational against the mets today. Three innings, no baserunners, 5 Ks. Fastball 93-95, with an exceptional changeup and a plus curveball. He make make it to the bigs very early. He's only 21.

[Tombstone RJ]

The ownership deserves some credit for locking up Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez to long-term contracts. This isn't Miami or Kansas City where management is just spitting in the fans' faces.

O'Dowd has gotten way too long of a leash though. The 2007 and 2009 seasons aren't enough when you consider the entire body of work over 13 years. They had a good scouting run in the mid-to-late 2000s, but the system has dried up more recently.

I do think Colorado is a difficult environment to sustain pitching success over time and it's going to be a challenge for any baseball think-tank. I applaud O'Dowd for experimenting with something different last year with the four-man rotation and 80-pitch counts.

But all in all, the Rockies could use some fresh blood in baseball ops. Arizona and San Diego have consistently produced more competitive teams in the time O'Dowd has been there.

Not buying it. O'Dowd sucks and so does ownership. The Rockies are going on 20 years and what do they have to show for it, one WS appearance? The Marlins and the Diamondbacks have what, 2 or 3 WS championships between the two? San Fran has 2 WS championships as well. Even the pathetic Dodgers are making a huge comback after their previous owners basically stole from the team.

Nah, this team sucks because ownership sucks and O'Dowd is still a joke. He was a joke when he was hired, and he is a joke now, and he will continue to be a joke until he gets fired, which will probably be never.

I bet the friggen Cubs win a WS before this franchise. I bet KC Royals wins a WS before this franchise does.

[DBroncos4life]

http://daps.tv/source-robinson-cano-alex-rodriguez-ryan-braun-and-curtis-granderson-to-be-suspended/
A Rod, Cano, Granderson, and Braun to be suspended?
Crazy if true.

[Lestat]

i don't see it. A-Rod passed multiple tests before the initial reports of him being linked again to PED's and they tested him,Gio Gonzalez and the rest of the players linked less than a week after the report and they all passed.
so how are they going to suddenly fail now?

[DBroncos4life]

i don't see it. A-Rod passed multiple tests before the initial reports of him being linked again to PED's and they tested him,Gio Gonzalez and the rest of the players linked less than a week after the report and they all passed.
so how are they going to suddenly fail now?

I don't know. He called it before so who knows.

[bombay]

I don't know. He called it before so who knows.

Yeah. He had the info on the Giants 2nd baseman before anyone else last season.

[SouthStndJunkie]

Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers have reached agreement on a new contract that could exceed $202 million, according to sources.

Verlander's deal, which would make him the highest-paid pitcher in the game, is for seven years and worth $180 million. A vesting option for an eighth year could push the deal to $202 million.

[SouthStndJunkie]

That's a lot of cheese to pay a pitcher, but Detroit needed to keep JV in town, as you don't let players like him even come close to hitting the open market.

I'd love to see JV play his entire career in Detroit and this contract has an option year through the 2020 season.

[TheChamp24]

That's a lot of cheese to pay a pitcher, but Detroit needed to keep JV in town, as you don't let players like him even come close to hitting the open market.

I'd love to see JV play his entire career in Detroit and this contract has an option year through the 2020 season.

I agree with this, but man I always grow weary of signing a pitcher to such a long contract at his age. He's thrown a LOT of innings, and look at Halladay, could be wearing down already.

[SouthStndJunkie]

Fire up your grills and get ready for some Detroit Tiger baseball....season opener this afternoon versus Minnesota.

[TonyR]

they're a 210+ budget team trying to pretend they can spend 180-189 mil and not give out big contracts to win and make money.
Hal lost his damn mind and thinks the fans were just going to take it.
now he's in a panic because the rewards for being at 189 mil are half of what was expected and the fans aren't buying tickets like they normally do.

what kind of moron comes out and says you spent money, you're shocked at the fan uproar over not spending on FA's and that you don't believe in contract extensions and aren't a fan of them.

Apparently there's a strategy behind tanking the next two seasons:

For years, the Yankees have acted as if the luxury tax was just the cost of doing business. But George Steinbrenner died in 2010, and his maniacal focus on winning seems to have gone with him. His sons, Hank and Hal, like winning just fine, but they would prefer to win and make piles of money. So, although they've been willing to maintain the team's payroll well above the current luxury-tax threshold of $178 million, they haven't increased payroll in eight years.

The Steinbrenners' unwillingness to raise payroll has made it more difficult for the Yankees to bring in fresh veterans to replace the worn-out ones. As a result, the team has stuck with its old guys even as they turned into really old guys — last year, the offense averaged 32.7 years old, the oldest in franchise history and the third-oldest in baseball history.

The newest CBA, agreed to after the 2011 season, included two key changes [PDF] to the luxury tax. The first is that the highest tax rate (which, of course, applies to the Yankees) was increased from 40 to 50 percent. The second change is that, should a team avoid the luxury tax even once, its tax rate will drop back to the lowest level (17.5 percent) the next time it exceeds the threshold, and rise incrementally from there.

In other words, if the Yankees can get below the tax threshold just once, they won't just save millions of dollars that year, they'll also save millions for the three subsequent years even if they jack up their payroll again.

The Yankees aren't shy in disclosing that this is their strategy — they've been talking about it publicly for more than a year. The threshold increases to $189 million in 2014, and the franchise plans to get its payroll below that mark next year. Which would be its lowest payroll in a decade.

It would be almost impossible to drop $30 million worth of salaries in one offseason, particularly with so many long-term contracts (which tend to escalate over time) on the books. To get payroll under control for 2014, the cost-cutting had to start this year. A franchise that had essentially never lost a free agent it wanted chose to let three of them get away this winter. http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9025135/the-evil-empire-new-york-yankees-to-fall

[DBroncos4life]

Kershaw best pitcher in the MLB and a now power hitter :thumbs:

[24champ]

Dodgers got some Koufax mojo today!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/T432SvaZO4A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[SoCalBronco]

Great effort from Chris Sale today...Sox win.

You can put it on the booooooooooard, yessss!

[Bronkota]

this. Even though I was getting tired of Jim Tracey, and his resignation came as a pleasant suprise to me, obviously it appears to have caught the Rockies completely off base. They are gambling on Walt Weiss but Walt will find out fast that ownership and Dan O'Dowd are just fine with losing. WW will do the usual 3 years to average a .450 winning percentage before he retires or walks away, or O'Dowd fires him.

Enjoyable opening day game to watch. Fowlers 9th inning homer was awesome. I predict Weiss will be one and done. Loved him as a player though....

[TheChamp24]

Enjoyable opening day game to watch. Fowlers 9th inning homer was awesome. I predict Weiss will be one and done. Loved him as a player though....

Questionable decisions? Sure sounds like a Rockies manager to me!
Takes Belisle out of the game after 1 pitch, 1 pitch! Complete waste.

[broncosteven]

It was nice to see Flowers homer in the WS win over kFc. I hope he doesn't pull a Tuffy Rhodes and disappear after opening day after losing AJ we need him to produce on offense.

Sale gets win in a solid outing en route to his Cy Young season this year!

[spdirty]

Enjoyable opening day game to watch. Fowlers 9th inning homer was awesome. I predict Weiss will be one and done. Loved him as a player though....

So long as he says the things that the Monforts want him to say, he'll have that job for life. Job performance and accountability are things they will not fire you for.

Anyway, good job laying down when clutch time came Rox! 1 down, 99 to go for my hopes of a humiliating 100 loss season.

Wish the fanbase would quit rewarding the bull**** they put out there and stop going to the games.

[spdirty]

http://i.imgur.com/QSVRUj2.jpg

[socalorado]

The Hambone is 1 for 15 so far. Wow. Just wow.
http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/107/files/2013/02/7086694.jpg

[SouthStndJunkie]

Tigers smash the Yankees again today.

The Tigers 1-5 spots in the lineup are going to be fun to watch this season.

Austin Jackson, Torii Hunter, Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder, and Victor Martinez.

[Lestat]

Tigers smash the Yankees again today.

The Tigers 1-5 spots in the lineup are going to be fun to watch this season.

Austin Jackson, Torii Hunter, Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder, and Victor Martinez.

****ing cheap ass owners. i'm not used to this ****. i'm a Yankees fan dammit! we don't do cheap.

[DBroncos4life]

Crawford is playing great so far this year. Thank god he was just a thrown in player in that big trade.

[bombay]

My Cardinals totally suck. But, it's a long season, and they'll get better. And make the playoffs, where they are very dangerous.

[TheChamp24]

Tigers smash the Yankees again today.

The Tigers 1-5 spots in the lineup are going to be fun to watch this season.

Austin Jackson, Torii Hunter, Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder, and Victor Martinez.

I seriously think Hunter is on for a rapid decline, he had an extremely lucky BABIP last year. I'd expect more 2011-esque numbers with less homeruns.

Its awesome seeing the Yankees struggle to start the year. All that freely spending, the team is actually doing something smart IMO in not just throwing money to get players. They have $83 million sitting on the disabled list at the moment.

[DBroncos4life]

How is Juan Uribe still in the majors. Last two years he batted .204 and .191. Now he is batting a impressive .000 while making 21 million dollars over these three seasons.

[TheChamp24]

How is Juan Uribe still in the majors. Last two years he batted .204 and .191. Now he is batting a impressive .000 while making 21 million dollars over these three seasons.

And whats amazing is he has 2 World Series Championships in his career.
Im just curious what the heck were the Dodgers thinking signing him to that contract. I mean seriously...lololol

[elsid13]

Will Middlebrooks had three home runs game today and Lester shut down the Blue Jays. Sox looking good out of the gate.

[Dukes]

If only the playoffs started tomorrow, the Rockies would be in. You're not supposed to peak in April.

[spdirty]

If only the playoffs started tomorrow, the Rockies would be in. You're not supposed to peak in April.

LOL Don't worry. Tomorrow they begin a series against reality.

[SpringStein]

LOL Don't worry. Tomorrow they begin a series against reality.

I'll be happy if they don't get swept.

[TonyR]

Its awesome seeing the Yankees struggle to start the year...

Yanks are going to have their struggles for the next two years (see post #31 for details). That said, fun to see their B-team crush the Tigers 7-0 with Verlander on the mound.

[DBroncos4life]

Yanks are going to have their struggles for the next two years (see post #31 for details). That said, fun to see their B-team crush the Tigers 7-0 with Verlander on the mound.

Both Verlander and Felix velocity is down to start the year. About two miles an hour for both of them. They think Verlanders is due to the weather though. Something to watch for I guess.

[SouthStndJunkie]

Both Verlander and Felix velocity is down to start the year. About two miles an hour for both of them. They think Verlanders is due to the weather though. Something to watch for I guess.

Justin Verlander is a notoriously slow starter.

It's not like he gave up all 7 runs against the Yankees....his line wasn't that bad:

7.1 innings pitched, 7 hits, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 Ks

He is 1-1 with a 2.19 ERA and 11 Ks in 12.1 innings pitched.

It's was about 40 degrees in his first start and 50 degrees in his 2nd start.

JV usually kicks it into gear about May when it starts to warm up a bit.

[SouthStndJunkie]

The Los Angeles Angels placed ace Jered Weaver on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured elbow on his non-throwing arm, the team announced Tuesday.

The Angels said he is expected to miss at least four weeks with the injury, which the team termed a left non-displaced radial head fracture. The disabled-list move is retroactive to April 8.

[DBroncos4life]

And whats amazing is he has 2 World Series Championships in his career.
Im just curious what the heck were the Dodgers thinking signing him to that contract. I mean seriously...lololol

That was the former peoples dumb ass deal. The fact that Don keeps sending this tub of **** out there needs to be fired. Bases loaded. One out and he crushes the ball as far as he could to the pitcher. Inning ending double play.

[spdirty]

Holy **** that ottavino sucks. Way to blow opening day then a 6-2 lead. He is a Rockie.

[socalorado]

Holy **** that ottavino sucks. Way to blow opening day then a 6-2 lead. He is a Rockie.

No. CJ Wilson. Now he SUCKS. Blows.
I hated this move 2 years ago, and i have been justified by his piss-poor preformances ever since. The clown is easily the most overrated pitcher in MLB.
Absolutely sucks every time he pitches.
Gives up 3 in the 1st, then with the 1st pitch of the 2nd, gives up a dinger to Coco Crisp.
I absolutely cant stand Wilson.

[SouthStndJunkie]

I seriously think Hunter is on for a rapid decline, he had an extremely lucky BABIP last year. I'd expect more 2011-esque numbers with less homeruns.

Its awesome seeing the Yankees struggle to start the year. All that freely spending, the team is actually doing something smart IMO in not just throwing money to get players. They have $83 million sitting on the disabled list at the moment.

Thus far (only 9 games into the season), Torii Hunter has looked excellent for Detroit and has been the catalyst of the offense.

Hunter is batting .405 and has fit in great batting 2nd in the lineup.

I expect less HRs from him playing half his games at Comerica, but I expect he will score a ****load of runs with Miggy, Prince, and Victor Martinez batting behind him.

[bombay]

The Cardinals young bats - Matt Adams and Matt Carpenter - have helped put them back on track with a 4-1 record following an ugly 1-3 start. If Carlos Beltran doesn't pick it up at some point, you may see 20 year old Oscar Tavares in the bigs sometime soon.

[SouthStndJunkie]

SAN DIEGO -- Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke broke his left collarbone in a bench-clearing brawl with the San Diego Padres during Los Angeles' 3-2 victory Thursday night.

Juan Uribe's pinch-hit home run in the eighth put the Dodgers ahead, two innings after Greinke hit Carlos Quentin on the left shoulder with a pitch.

The slugger started walking toward the mound and Greinke appeared to say something. Quentin then charged the 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner. They dropped their shoulders and collided, and Quentin tackled the pitcher to the grass.

[SouthStndJunkie]

Interesting game between the Tigers and Mariners last night.

The Tigers won 2-1 in 14 innings.

There were a total of 40 strikeouts in the game.

Max Scherzer and Felix Hernandez both pitched gems, but obviously got no decisions.

I was up until after 2:30 am and thought it was over when Detroit scored in the top of the 14th.

Seattle almost tied it back up in the bottom of the 14th, but Torii Hunter made a nice throw from RF to Prince Fielder, who fired a bullet to backup catcher Brayan Pena, who held on to the ball, despite a big collision at the plate with Justin Smoak for the final out of the game.

[Requiem]

That was a heck of a game, Junkie. Congrats to your Tigers.

Scherzer and Hernandez were both on fire. I feel sorry for Felix. Nobody can hit for this team. If he played on a team that scored runs he would get 20 wins a year. It is just beyond sad. Twenty-five years from now, people will look at his W-L record and think he wasn't great, despite being arguably THE BEST or one of the top three pitchers in baseball since coming into the league.

The Mariners are a joke. Ackley sucks. Smoak is still doing bleh. Montero hasn't panned out.

Great thing we traded Adam Jones to Baltimore for poop arm Erik Bedard. JFC.

[SouthStndJunkie]

Yep....Felix Hernandez is one of the top few pitchers in baseball and gets little to no run support in Seattle.

Dude has 99 career wins and should have about 130 wins with they way he has pitched.

[SouthStndJunkie]

Derek Jeter had a CT scan of his injured ankle on Thursday that revealed a small crack, delaying the All-Star shortstop's return to the New York Yankees until at least midseason.

[Lestat]

like anyone not named Steinbrenner couldn't see this coming with a old team.
ugh!

[TonyR]

like anyone not named Steinbrenner couldn't see this coming with a old team.
ugh!

Considering they're missing Jeter, Granderson, Teixeira, and ARod, I'm impressed they're doing as well as they are.

[DBroncos4life]

like anyone not named Steinbrenner couldn't see this coming with a old team.
ugh!

Do you guys need Don Mattingly back?

[SouthStndJunkie]

Do you guys need Don Mattingly back?

I think they're bringing Ron Guidry out of retirement.

Old "Louisiana Lightning" told them he's easily got 260 innings in that golden left arm this season.

[Lestat]

Do you guys need Don Mattingly back?

http://www.veteransnewsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/obama-aw-hell-naw-500x319.jpg

Considering they're missing Jeter, Granderson, Teixeira, and ARod, I'm impressed they're doing as well as they are.

I have no issue with how they're doing. my issue lies in relying heavily on aging vets who are on their last leg and hoping no one gets hurt so that they can contend.
we have little to no depth behind those guys and then the controlling Steinbrenner was stunned that Yanks fans were hella pissed when they didn't do anything to improve the team in the off-season and were too busy trying to get under the austerity budget threshold and recoup some money.
now we find out the actual savings is pennies on the dollar and pointless.

[DBroncos4life]

I think they're bringing Ron Guidry out of retirement.

Old "Louisiana Lightning" told them he's easily got 260 innings in that golden left arm this season.

Ha ha nice!

[elsid13]

Lester continue to pitch well, nice rebound for him.

[TonyR]

...we find out the actual savings is pennies on the dollar and pointless.

What did we find out? Has something changed since what I posted in post #31 in this thread?

[broncosteven]

Chris Sale is teh suck this year... It is a good think Detroit is keeping us in this race. I expected them to run away with the division this year.

[SouthStndJunkie]

http://www.freep.com/article/20130419/SPORTS02/304190052/Comparing-detroit-Tigers-Miguel-Cabrera-at-30-with-the-all-time-greats

Comparing Tigers' Miguel Cabrera at 30 with the all-time greats

Miguel Cabrera turned 30 on Thursday. CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler put his stats against other great hitters' at that age:

1,822 HITS:

He's not in the all-time top 10, but he's ahead of Derek Jeter (1,619) and Pete Rose (1,547). And 15 behind Al Kaline's 1,837.

323 HOME RUNS:

That's 11th on the all-time list, led by Alex Rodriguez's 409. It's only 19 homers short of Henry Aaron's pace at that age.

1,140 RBIs

Cabrera is sixth on the all-time list, behind Jimmie Foxx, Mel Ott, Lou Gehrig, Rodriguez and Ken Griffey Jr.

725 EXTRA-BASE HITS:

That's eighth, trailing only A-Rod, Foxx, Griffey, Aaron, Albert Pujols, Ott and Lou Gehrig. (Via ESPN.com's Jayson Stark.)

.318 BATTING AVERAGE:

Kaline was hitting .307 when he turned 30, A-Rod .306, Griffey .299, Pujols .334 and Ty Cobb an incredible .369.

[SouthStndJunkie]

Miggy's 1,140 RBIs really stand out to me....that's a lot of rib eyes to be at on your 30th birthday.

[v2micca]

Well, My Braves are off to hot start keyed by the monster first month from Justin Upton and some shut down dominance by our entire pitching staff. And the legend of El Oso Blanco just continues to grow.

[Paladin]

LOL Don't worry. Tomorrow they begin a series against reality.

Which "reality" is that?

:yayaya:

[BroncosfanGuy]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jewBHBP_9g4?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
guy tries to steal 3rd and ends up safe at 1st instead

[broncocalijohn]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jewBHBP_9g4?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
guy tries to steal 3rd and ends up safe at 1st instead

The best scenario ever! I thought there was a rule years ago of a player not being able to steal the same base twice in one inning. I remember reading about a player that used to toy with the opposing team by stealing bases and then "stealing" back to the previous base only to steal the base again. That was an unusual circumstances and I would love to hear the correct ruling if this was wrong when it happened. Pure awesome and should be played for all up and coming umpires. Great post BFG.

[broncocalijohn]

How is Juan Uribe still in the majors. Last two years he batted .204 and .191. Now he is batting a impressive .000 while making 21 million dollars over these three seasons.


You can have Gary Mathews Jr and his stats for that type of money. Oh, steroids can come with it too.

Angels destroy Tigers in Hunter's first game back to Anaheim, 8 to 1.

[SouthStndJunkie]

5 more wins just like that and the Angels will be .500.

I always hate playing the Angels, it seems like they usually smack the Tigers around when they play on the West Coast.

[TheChamp24]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jewBHBP_9g4?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
guy tries to steal 3rd and ends up safe at 1st instead

What is this, I don't even.
Like...wat. Mind blown

[Dukes]

Rockies have won 7 in a row. I hope I'm wrong about them, but I still think their lack of decent pitchers will derail them.

[spdirty]

Which "reality" is that?

:yayaya:

That was the Giants. And they got swept. I'll give them this though. The starting pitching has been excellent for the most part. Especially Chacin and Garland. But of course their best pitcher gets hurt last night. Hope it isn't anything that would keep him out for awhile.

Hopefully they are good enough to keep my interest until Broncos training camp starts. It'd be nice to go onto the lake and listen to them while I'm fishing with my boys this summer and actually care about what they do.

[TheChamp24]

Rockies have won 7 in a row. I hope I'm wrong about them, but I still think their lack of decent pitchers will derail them.

The bullpen is pretty solid at least, but yeah the starting pitching is something to worry about.
Chacin seems to be on his game though(hopefully injury isn't serious), and his control is down. Nicasio needs his control to get better. Then maybe Pomeranz will be able to hone his skills and be called up if someone falters or gets injured.

[Dukes]

The bullpen is pretty solid at least, but yeah the starting pitching is something to worry about.
Chacin seems to be on his game though(hopefully injury isn't serious), and his control is down. Nicasio needs his control to get better. Then maybe Pomeranz will be able to hone his skills and be called up if someone falters or gets injured.

Still drives me crazy they traded Jason Hammel for a guy they later traded. He not going to set the world on fire, but he is a solid pitcher who could be a solid #2 or #3 in this rotation.

[Lestat]

how is that even legal? you start and 2nd and go backwards?

[TheChamp24]

Still drives me crazy they traded Jason Hammel for a guy they later traded. He not going to set the world on fire, but he is a solid pitcher who could be a solid #2 or #3 in this rotation.

Hammel isn't that good, but trading him for Guthrie was just retarded.
And then the Rockies traded Guthrie for Jonathan Sanchez right? I don't remember.
Hammel way overachieved last year, he was a borderline okay #4 starter. Thing is, he's 30 years old already. Its not like he will get better.

[broncocalijohn]

5 more wins just like that and the Angels will be .500.

I always hate playing the Angels, it seems like they usually smack the Tigers around when they play on the West Coast.

I remember about 4 years ago when Detroit came into town and we scored over 10 runs in all 3 games. It was free food at Claim Jumper for all 3 days plus Hooters had a promotion on one of the days. Filled up nicely.

Well, you had a great 2nd to 8th inning with just 1 run scored against your pitching. Too bad you let the Angels score 9 in the first inning. No sophomore slump for Trout it looks like. Grand salami in the first.

[SouthStndJunkie]

The Angels sweep with Tigers with a 4-3 win in 13 innings today.

Tigers head back to Detroit with their tails between their legs.

[DBroncos4life]

http://daps.tv/source-robinson-cano-alex-rodriguez-ryan-braun-and-curtis-granderson-to-be-suspended/
A Rod, Cano, Granderson, and Braun to be suspended?
Crazy if true.

Per ESPN Cano is being looked at for ties with that Miami PED deal.

[broncosteven]

The Angels sweep with Tigers with a 4-3 win in 13 innings today.

Tigers head back to Detroit with their tails between their legs.

Who knew KC would be leading our division. Maybe it will take the Tigers a month to get back on track and dominate or it could just be anyones race if they can't get it together. Too bad for the WS, a couple bad plays have cost them a couple games or they would be in it as well.

[Tombstone RJ]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jewBHBP_9g4?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
guy tries to steal 3rd and ends up safe at 1st instead

I didn't think you could have two guys on the same base at the same time?

[Tombstone RJ]

I think the umpire called the wrong guy out?

[broncosteven]

I didn't think you could have two guys on the same base at the same time?

The 2nd guy is out Brahm. The guy who ran back to 1st must have been confused and ran back to the base he started at. If he would have just stood there he could have kept 2nd base.

[BroncosfanGuy]

I didn't think you could have two guys on the same base at the same time?

Braun was called out for that reason

[COWheatGrower]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130422&content_id=45473356&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

Rockies are fourth in the latest power rankings. Where is the excitement?

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aNsmiqmaEWo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[SouthStndJunkie]

The Tigers shut out the Braves 10-0 tonight.

Anibal Sanchez has been tossing some gems this season.

Tonight's line: 8 innings 5 hits 0 ER 1 BB 17 Ks.

17 freaking Ks....Sanchez broke Mickey Lolich's team record of 16 strikeouts when he fanned three in the eighth inning.

[Aftermath]

The Tigers shut out the Braves 10-0 tonight.

Anibal Sanchez has been tossing some gems this season.

Tonight's line: 8 innings 5 hits 0 ER 1 BB 17 Ks.

17 freaking Ks....Sanchez broke Mickey Lolich's team record of 16 strikeouts when he fanned three in the eighth inning.

Tonight was incredible, what a game!

[Paladin]

Rockies finally pulled one out tonight..... Hope Gregorius is fine.....

[SouthStndJunkie]

The Tigers ass throttled the Astros 17-2 today.

I know I'm biased, but I've watched a lot of baseball in my life and Miguel Cabrera is one of the best hitters I've ever seen. I watch him play almost every night and a continually amazed at how smart of a hitter he is at the plate. It's worth the price of admission to watch that dude rake.

4 for 4 with 2 HRs and 6 RBIs today. Batting .390 on the season with 6 HRs and 36 RBIs in 29 games.

The Tigers have the bats and the starting pitching to win the World Series....they just need to play solid defense and get some solid relief pitching and they should be in the mix.

[SouthStndJunkie]

Justin Verlander took a no-hitter into the 7th inning today, before giving up a hit with one out.

JV already has 2 no hitters in his career and has had some other very close calls.

4-2 with an ERA of 1.55 on the season and it looks like his velocity is kicking up a notch with each start.

The Astros are futile this year....8 and 24 on the season and Detroit outscored them 37-8 in a 4 game sweep.

[Requiem]

Verlander and Felix, top two in the game. Justin is so much fun to watch.

[SouthStndJunkie]

Verlander and Felix, top two in the game. Justin is so much fun to watch.

Felix is a lot of fun to watch as well.

Felix pitched a gem against Toronto the other night.

Both pitchers are off to similar starts this season:

JV: 4-2 with a 1.55 ERA and 50 Ks.

Felix: 4-2 with a 1.60 ERA and 51 Ks.

Watching great pitchers like those 2 ply their trade is beautiful to watch.

[bombay]

Cardinals just keep rolling along.

[Heyneck]

Verlander and Felix, top two in the game. Justin is so much fun to watch.

Thank god my GIANTS own him! Specially Panda!!!

[DBroncos4life]

Did anyone see Donnie Dum Dum waste an out trying to bunt Dee Gordon over to second? Like the guy can't steal second himself. The fact that it took them so long to call up Gordon in the first place just shows how bad the managing is in LA. Sellers is hot garbage, Gordon has already has more RBI's in 7 at bats then Sellers had in 68. Also he is batting .429 vs .191. Small sample size but, Gordon is just flat out better then Sellers.

[Heyneck]

The Tigers ass throttled the Astros 17-2 today.

I know I'm biased, but I've watched a lot of baseball in my life and Miguel Cabrera is one of the best hitters I've ever seen. I watch him play almost every night and a continually amazed at how smart of a hitter he is at the plate. It's worth the price of admission to watch that dude rake.

4 for 4 with 2 HRs and 6 RBIs today. Batting .390 on the season with 6 HRs and 36 RBIs in 29 games.

The Tigers have the bats and the starting pitching to win the World Series....they just need to play solid defense and get some solid relief pitching and they should be in the mix, and hope to god they don't have to face the Giants!

Fixed!

[Heyneck]

Did anyone see Donnie Dum Dum waste an out trying to bunt Dee Gordon over to second? Like the guy can't steal second himself. The fact that it took them so long to call up Gordon in the first place just shows how bad the managing is in LA. Sellers is hot garbage, Gordon has already has more RBI's in 7 at bats then Sellers had in 68. Also he is batting .429 vs .191. Small sample size but, Gordon is just flat out better then Sellers.

Yup... they fooled their fan base that their 200 + million payroll would buy them a ring. Lol! They have the same wins that the Pads and have a payroll that is almost 3 times what the Pads pay.

[DBroncos4life]

Yup... they fooled their fan base that their 200 + million payroll would buy them a ring. Lol! They have the same wins that the Pads and have a payroll that is almost 3 times what the Pads pay.

It's coaching it's not the players.

[SouthStndJunkie]

Thank god my GIANTS own him! Specially Panda!!!

What's up with Tim Lincecum's new haircut?

He looks like a 40 year old lesbian now.

<IMG SRC="http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL637/2498345/22431097/406528872.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosting by PictureTrail.com">

[Heyneck]

It's coaching it's not the players.

While true that their GM sucks, they aren't the one out there batting. They have a bunch of "superstars" that can't hit with RISP even if they life depended on it. They have no clue what is the meaning of clutch. Feel so sry for Kershaw. He is my favorite player outside my Giants.

Mattingly does suck, but his players have been in position to win games or do something when it must count, yet they have failed most of the time.

The season is still young, they will get healthier and put a better product on the field. But will it be enough to keep that pace with SF and COL?

[Heyneck]

What's up with Tim Lincecum's new haircut?

He looks like a 40 year old lesbian now.

<IMG SRC="http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL637/2498345/22431097/406528872.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosting by PictureTrail.com">

LOL!!! I know!!! Dude totally lost his mojo (he has been servicable this year though)!!!

[DBroncos4life]

While true that their GM sucks, they aren't the one out there batting. They have a bunch of "superstars" that can't hit with RISP even if they life depended on it. They have no clue what is the meaning of clutch. Feel so sry for Kershaw. He is my favorite player outside my Giants.

Mattingly does suck, but his players have been in position to win games or do something when it must count, yet they have failed most of the time.

The season is still young, they will get healthier and put a better product on the field. But will it be enough to keep that pace with SF and COL?

My brother is a Giants fan an he even knows that Donnie is the reason they are not winning. He changes the line up every day and plays AL ball. Puig needa to be moved up and Either needs traded for a 2nd baseman. Like I said earlier Dee Gordon should have been the SS all year not Sellers. That is poor coaching decision making.

Hopefully this gets Donnie fired and Bobby Cox is brought in.

[Heyneck]

My brother is a Giants fan an he even knows that Donnie is the reason they are not winning. He changes the line up every day and plays AL ball. Puig needa to be moved up and Either needs traded for a 2nd baseman. Like I said earlier Dee Gordon should have been the SS all year not Sellers. That is poor coaching decision making.

Hopefully this gets Donnie fired and Bobby Cox is brought in.

Again, agree Mattingly has done a terrible job, but again... is not like their player aren't underachieving. Kershaw has the same number of HR as Kemp. Lol!!! That overpaid lineup has no chemistry. Their SP have sucked outside of Kershaw and maybe Ryu.

Again, totally agree that Mattingly is their main problem, but they have to clean house and start building and believing in their farm system.

[DBroncos4life]

Again, agree Mattingly has done a terrible job, but again... is not like their player aren't underachieving. Kershaw has the same number of HR as Kemp. Lol!!! That overpaid lineup has no chemistry. Their SP have sucked outside of Kershaw and maybe Ryu.

Again, totally agree that Mattingly is their main problem, but they have to clean house and start building and believing in their farm system.

Kemp is coming back from shoulder surgery, I'm not sure why you don't think that is the issue with his power right now. Again it is hard to get chemistry with a retard manager changing the line up everyday. LA had one game where it could have had the full line up and he sat Crawford to rest him. That was just last week.

Also I knew you would talk about the farm system. It is now ranked 13th, while the Giants is ranked last. Ha! Puig is the 8th ranked player, Joc Pederson is 38, and Zac Lee is 51. They are rebuilding the farm, it just takes more then a season. Also the GM doesn't bring up young talent. He sucks too!!! Puig and Pederson play OF, so Ethier should be turned into a 2nd and Puig should be brought up.
Van Slyke should be brought up to back up first base if Gonzo is out for a long period of time. He is tearing it up in AAA and deserves a shot. He's only hitting .404 with 9 homeruns, 27 rbis, and slugging percentage of .760. We will still go with Urine instead though because he is so f'ing great. :spit:

[Heyneck]

Kemp is coming back from shoulder surgery, I'm not sure why you don't think that is the issue with his power right now. Again it is hard to get chemistry with a retard manager changing the line up everyday. LA had one game where it could have had the full line up and he sat Crawford to rest him. That was just last week.

Also I knew you would talk about the farm system. It is now ranked 13th, while the Giants is ranked last. Ha! Puig is the 8th ranked player, Joc Pederson is 38, and Zac Lee is 51. They are rebuilding the farm, it just takes more then a season. Also the GM doesn't bring up young talent. He sucks too!!! Puig and Pederson play OF, so Either should be turned into a 2nd and Puig should be brought up.
Van Slyke should be brought up to back up first base if Gonzo is out for a long period of time. He is tearing it up in AAA and deserves a shot. He's only hitting .404 with 9 homeruns, 27 rbis, and slugging percentage of .760. We will still go with Urine instead though because he is so f'ing great. :spit:

Who cares what our current farm system looks like right now? About 90% of our roster is homegrown. Our core players are signed for the long run. Plus if there's something that Saban is good at, is at building and stacking up our farm. He rarely trades our top prospects... (cough cough Zack Wheeler... though he is sucking in AAA).

LA has a lot of problems right now. Kemp has been struggling since last year and they have been hit hard by the injury bug. Still that is no excuse. In 2011 not once during the whole season did we start our projected lineup, we still ended up wining 86 games.

You guys can hit for singles, but cant hit a lick for power. Puig is not a power hitter, you could end up bringing a player and shatter his confidence if he doesn't do well like Bochy did with Belt the first couple of times they brought him up.

PS. Cruz should not be MLB player.

[DBroncos4life]

Who cares what our current farm system looks like right now? About 90% of our roster is homegrown. Our core players are signed for the long run. Plus if there's something that Saban is good at, is at building and stacking up our farm. He rarely trades our top prospects... (cough cough Zack Wheeler... though he is sucking in AAA).

LA has a lot of problems right now. Kemp has been struggling since last year and they have been hit hard by the injury bug. Still that is no excuse. In 2011 not once during the whole season did we start our projected lineup, we still ended up wining 86 games.

You guys can hit for singles, but cant hit a lick for power. Puig is not a power hitter, you could end up bringing a player and shatter his confidence if he doesn't do well like Bochy did with Belt the first couple of times they brought him up.

PS. Cruz should not be MLB player.

Puig is not a power hitter Ha!:spit: WOW

[Heyneck]

Puig is not a power hitter Ha!:spit: WOW

Uhh yeah! I stand by that! The dude has hit only 3 doubles, 1 triple and 5 HR in 19 hits out of 66 AB. Sure, the HR % number is pretty nice... but that is in freaking AA! Lol!!! Buster Posey skipped AA because the FO knew he would rape the hell out of that league.

You guys bring up Puig and if he struggles you will shatter his confidence with the crappy chemistry in that club.

[DBroncos4life]

Uhh yeah! I stand by that! The dude has hit only 3 doubles, 1 triple and 5 HR in 19 hits out of 66 AB. Sure, the HR % number is pretty nice... but that is in freaking AA! Lol!!! Buster Posey skipped AA because the FO knew he would rape the hell out of that league.

You guys bring up Puig and if he struggles you will shatter his confidence with the crappy chemistry in that club.

LOL, I'm not even going to justify this with anymore responses. If you don't know why Puig is stuck in the minors right now I don't know what to tell you.

[Heyneck]

LOL, I'm not even going to justify this with anymore responses. If you don't know why Puig is stuck in the minors right now I don't know what to tell you.

Because that Magical FO of yours is spending a huge amount of cash on 3 OF... with what Puig is making you could say 4. And he ain't even contributing to the team lol. Kemp is sucking bad, Either is way overrated, and Crawford is the only one of the that is constantly producing. Though he is starting to come down to earth after his hot start. And that even makes it worst for you right now, because about the only chance of seeing Puig come up is for 1 of them getting injured for the long run or traded. And the most obvious choice for those categories would be Crawford but by the way things are going that is unlikely to happen.

[bombay]

Cardinal rookie Shelby Miller gave up a hit to open the game last night against the Rockies, then recorded 27 consecutive outs. 13 Ks. One of the better pitching performances I've ever seen.

[bombay]

After three innings today, the Rockies have made 36 consecutive outs.

43 consecutive Rockies were retired before Helton walked in the 5th.

[bombay]

Rockies break up Wainwright's no hit attempt with one out in the 8th. They made 48 outs between hits.

[TheChamp24]

Rockies went 28 consecutive innings without scoring a run. Wow.
Probably the best pitching they will have all year in a week and the most wins they'll get out of it is 2.

[SoCalBronco]

Chris Sale perfect thru 6. Unfortunately the White Sox haven't given him any run support. 0-0

[TonyR]

Good read on the amazing job Brian Cashman has done putting together this patchwork Yankees team of has-beens and never-weres that was understandably all but written off for this season and yet is currently tied for the 2nd best record in MLB. No Jeter, no Granderson, no Texeira, no A Rod, lost Swisher and Martin in FA, key fill in Kevin Youkilis hurt, and yet only the Texas Rangers have a better record by a half a game. Also have to give Joe Girardi some credit for managing this could be train wreck.

http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/35767/these-yankees-arent-going-away-so-soon

[BroncosfanGuy]

congrats on staying competitive with the league's highest payroll (http://deadspin.com/2013-payrolls-and-salaries-for-every-mlb-team-462765594)

[TonyR]

congrats on staying competitive with the league's highest payroll (http://deadspin.com/2013-payrolls-and-salaries-for-every-mlb-team-462765594)

That's a lazy argument. But also a predicatable one.

First, the Yankees payroll is overstated because they pay a Yankee/NYC "tax". In other words, they have to pay more because they're the New York Yankees.

Second, that number is skewed by contracts like that of Vernon Wells. It shows he's making $25 million but that number doesn't look right (see here http://www.spotrac.com/mlb/new-york-yankees/vernon-wells/ for example) and, to the extent it is correct, the Yankees are paying only a portion of that because the Angels are picking up a large portion of what he's owed. It also includes $10 million in dead money for A.J. Burnett and Rafael Soriano.

Third, a huge portion of their payroll hasn't played yet this year. From your link over $84 million (that's over 37%!) of their payroll is owed to players who haven't yet played. Add Kevin Youkilis, who is currently out, and you get over $96 million (over 42%!).

If you don't think what the Yankees have accomplished with the garbage lineup they put out there is notable then you clearly don't follow MLB very closely. They're missing 6 of their regulars from last season, and probably 4 of their 5 best players, and somehow have the 2nd best record in baseball.

But, haters gonna hate.

[broncocalijohn]

congrats on staying competitive with the league's highest payroll (http://deadspin.com/2013-payrolls-and-salaries-for-every-mlb-team-462765594)


I think he fairly described many top guys out for part or the whole season. When I saw the Yankees record yesterday, I was surprised they have been that good with all their injuries. Hell, Vernon Wells is loving his time in NY. Too bad he couldn't do that in Anaheim while being paid a huge salary.

[bombay]

I think he fairly described many top guys out for part or the whole season. When I saw the Yankees record yesterday, I was surprised they have been that good with all their injuries. Hell, Vernon Wells is loving his time in NY. Too bad he couldn't do that in Anaheim while being paid a huge salary.


Artie doesn't seem to be getting his money's worth from any of his big name free agents.

[Requiem]

I am waiting for Jay Buhner and Edgar Martinez to come out of retirement and give the Mariners with someone who can average above .250 and slam 25+ homers. Yeah, we really don't have that.

[ludo21]

Rockies went 28 consecutive innings without scoring a run. Wow.
Probably the best pitching they will have all year in a week and the most wins they'll get out of it is 2.

thanks for this :thumbs: D Backs able to gain so ground although the bullpen continues to dissapoint

[BroncosfanGuy]

That's a lazy argument. But also a predicatable one.

First, the Yankees payroll is overstated because they pay a Yankee/NYC "tax". In other words, they have to pay more because they're the New York Yankees.

Second, that number is skewed by contracts like that of Vernon Wells. It shows he's making $25 million but that number doesn't look right (see here http://www.spotrac.com/mlb/new-york-yankees/vernon-wells/ for example) and, to the extent it is correct, the Yankees are paying only a portion of that because the Angels are picking up a large portion of what he's owed. It also includes $10 million in dead money for A.J. Burnett and Rafael Soriano.

Third, a huge portion of their payroll hasn't played yet this year. From your link over $84 million (that's over 37%!) of their payroll is owed to players who haven't yet played. Add Kevin Youkilis, who is currently out, and you get over $96 million (over 42%!).

If you don't think what the Yankees have accomplished with the garbage lineup they put out there is notable then you clearly don't follow MLB very closely. They're missing 6 of their regulars from last season, and probably 4 of their 5 best players, and somehow have the 2nd best record in baseball.

But, haters gonna hate.
what Oakland did last year is more impressive than what NYY are doing right now. What Gardy and the Twins did through the early to mid-aughts was more impressive than what the NYY are doing now. Sorry, not all that impressed that the Yankees are currently sitting in 1st place on May 13 with the highest payroll in beisbol. I don't care if their roster is overpaid, injured and/or overaged. It's just not that impressive a feat to me. They are missing 6 of their regulars, but have the luxury of buying one of the deepest rosters in the majors. It's not like the Yanks are fielding a AAAA team even after the injuries. If that not impressing me means I'm not a baseball superfan, I am ok with that

[TonyR]

It's just not that impressive a feat to me...

Go look at the lineup they trotted out today and tell me, other than Robinson Cano, which guy you'd want starting for your team, whoever that might be. Go ahead, take a look. How many of them have you ever even heard of?

[BroncosfanGuy]

Go look at the lineup they trotted out today and tell me, other than Robinson Cano, which guy you'd want started for your team, whoever that might be. Go ahead, take a look. How many of them have you ever even heard of?

all but Corban Joseph and Romine I've heard of.

Gardner and old Ichiro are easy upgrades over Aaron Hicks
Hafner could DH for probably half the AL teams--his issue has been health not talent
Cano is obvious
Boesch was a regular for the Tigers as a fringe starter/4th OF and would find a role with any other MLB team

If we are looking solely at lineups, sure it's impressive. But this is a team that's able to mask deficiencies in one area because they vastly overspend on bats, SP, and RP when compared to the rest of the market. So yeah, the bats are watered down, but they are still trotting CC, Kiroda, Rivera, Robertson, etal out there. And again, it's May 13.

[Requiem]

I am an upgrade over Aaron Hicks. Batting in the .180s is just pathetic.

[BroncosfanGuy]

I am an upgrade over Aaron Hicks. Batting in the .180s is just pathetic.

with that average he could be hitting right behind Michael Saunders in Seattle

ETA: that's a joke, btw. I like the M's too. That Pineda-Montero trade is looking like a big dud for both sides right now. Not sure what they are going to do as far as getting competent bats at the plate, but they need to figure it out. Felix is locked down and Safeco (even with the new dimensions) is a pitcher's haven. They made a few moves this past offseason, but it's gonna take a bigger boat than Kendrys and Morse. I think the plan was for Montero and Ackley to be cornerstones and neither one can get going at the plate.

[TonyR]

...it's May 13.

I'm well aware of this. I'm not crowning the Yanks. I don't expect them to be in the championship mix. My point is/was that I'm surprised how well they've done with a patchwork team that is gearing up to shed payroll to get under the luxury tax and that is missing $90 million worth of players. If the bottom falls out tomorrow I won't be surprised.

[bombay]

My Cardinals are in the playoffs every season with a payroll around $110 million. They have a very young roster, and new studs emerge every season. I'd hate to be a fan of any other team.

They're currently 24-13. I don't think anyone has a better record, but don't care much.

[Requiem]

with that average he could be hitting right behind Michael Saunders in Seattle

ETA: that's a joke, btw. I like the M's too. That Pineda-Montero trade is looking like a big dud for both sides right now. Not sure what they are going to do as far as getting competent bats at the plate, but they need to figure it out. Felix is locked down and Safeco (even with the new dimensions) is a pitcher's haven. They made a few moves this past offseason, but it's gonna take a bigger boat than Kendrys and Morse. I think the plan was for Montero and Ackley to be cornerstones and neither one can get going at the plate.

Saunders is actually coming around. He is a legitimate every day player. It is a shame that Franklin Gutierrez can never stay healthy. I expect him to be traded for scraps somewhere in the near future. We could have had a legit outfield had he ever panned out.

Montero, Ackley and Smoak are good enough for the 25 man roster, but might not be every day players. It hurts that these are all whiffs. Those guys probably deserve the rest of this year and then some, but I am not holding my breath on either of them. Ackley's new batting stance is ridiculous. The good thing with Ackley is his strike outs are down, but he isn't as patient at the plate and isn't getting walked a lot.

Smoak is actually having his best year, but isn't hitting for much power. His OBP is way higher than it was last year. He still hacks at it a ton. He is seeing a few more pitches this year, but damn, last year was a nightmare. With his dad passing in 2012, I felt like he mentally wasn't there. My guess is at some point in time he gets dealt too.

As far as Montero goes, I have no idea what his deal is this year. I was OK with his performance last year, but he isn't catching or hitting well. He isn't a good enough hitter to be DH, and we already have a guy who can't field well or hit for **** in Smoak at 1B.

I don't think we call up Zunino this year at catcher. He dominated A, AA -- but it struggling a bit right now with AAA Tacoma. Defensively he is + grade and way better than Montero, but he still has to get used to major league caliber pitching. We don't need to stunt his development quite yet. I would expect a September call-up for him to get some at bats, but that is about it.

So in short: Yeah, it is disappointing.

If Montero, Smoak, Ackley all lived up to potential things would be awesome. Probably not going to happen.

[Requiem]

And yes Houghtam, Seager has been a pleasant surprise. He is a good ball player.

[Rascal]

Dietrich is batting third...interesting

[broncocalijohn]

Artie doesn't seem to be getting his money's worth from any of his big name free agents.

Nope and he didn't learn from hamilton. I would throw Hamilton nothing but breaking balls in the dirt. Add a lefty and he is toast. We needed arms and all fans I know stated the same. Greinke leaving was huge. We are getting away from small ball, Scioscia style and it makes the team worse. We should be winning 8 to 7 with this batting lineup. Instead we are losing 6 to 2.