2013 MLB Regular Season Wrapup Discussion Thread

robniner · 2013-03-27T21:53:12-07:00

Spring is in the air. The smell of grass fills up ballparks across the nation The crack of bats awaits The first pitch signals the start of a new season BASEBALL IS BACK!!! Before an umpire says: "PLAY BALL!", let's recap in what took place during the off-season =================================================================================================== OFF-SEASON IN SUMMARY AMERICAN LEAGUE Making a splash in the East were the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. The Red Sox continued repair work on the ballclub (thanks to last season) by adding a familiar face (John Farrell) to the manager's role,and new players (Dempster, Napoli, Victorino, Hanrahan, Drew, Gomes). The Blue Jays literally went extreme makeover as they picked up last season's All=Star MVP ( Me.Cabrera), all of the Marlins proven players (Bonifacio, Reyes, Jo. Johnson, Buerhle) and a NL Cy Young knuckler (Dickey); to top it all off-an old face (John Gibbons) for a second go ahead at the helm. As for the Yankees, they brought in former Red Sox cornerman Kevin Youkilis and kept their Asian players (Ichiro, Kuroda). In the Central, the Tigers upgraded right field with Torii Hunter and regained a hopefully healthy Victor Martinez. The Indians went new look with Tito Franconca and brought along a cavalcade of players (Bourn, Swisher, Reynolds, Stubbs, B.Myers). The Royals meant business as they acquired a quarter of the Rays pitching staff (including an ace in James Shields) and a former Halo (Ervin Santana). Coming off a shopping heavy last off-season, the Angels added Josh Hamilton from intra-rival Texas. To make-up for the lost power, the Rangers are counting on Lance Berkman and A.J. Pierzynski. To complement the rise of Yoenis Cespedes, the A's added Chris Young. The Mariners went power tripping (to complement their moving forward of their fences) by adding the likes of Michael Morse, Kendrys Morales, Raul Ibanez (for a second stint) and Jason Bay. Then there's the Houston Astros, converted from being an NL team from its inception. NATIONAL LEAGUE Each of the three top teams in the East added pieces: the Braves added the Upton brothers; the Phillies added a versatile infielder in Michael Young and speed in the outfield in Ben Revere; the Nationals added a new centerfielder (Span) and a closer (R. Soriano). Meanwhile the Marlins and Mets dumped their proven and Cy-Young winner to the AL's Toronto Blue Jays. The Central seemed quiet but there were still moves made. The Reds added hopefully an upgrade in Shin-Shoo Choo. The Brewers made a very,very late add in former Cardinal pitcher Kyle Lohse. The Pirates added a couple of interesting pieces in Russell Martin and Francisco Liriano. While the Cards didn't make any noise as the Lohse loss didn't have an effect, the rival Cubs added two starters in Edwin Jackson and Carlos Villanueva. The World Champion Giants kept Pagan but let go of the bearded one (Wilson); they felt upgrades were not needed. As for the division rival Dodgers, their spurge continued with the addition of Zach Greinke and Far East import Hyun-Jin Ryu. The D-Backs lost an Upton but gained a Prado. The Rockies decided to be part of the "Cardinals and White Sox experience" in adding former player Walt Weiss to the managerial role. NOTE: A few teams weren't mentioned due to lack of significant moves. ==================================================================================================== This season, interleague play becomes a daily occurrence due to the balancing of the leagues (15-15) ==================================================================================================== PROJECTED OPENING DAY STARTING LINEUPS http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130327&content_id=43378276&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb ==================================================================================================== Baseball is back. Another season awaits. Let the games begin and the discussions commence.

Mar 27, 2013 at 9:54 PM

vrabbit
Veteran
Posts: 35,953

yup, this thread was needed

Mar 30, 2013 at 7:15 AM

robniner
Veteran
Posts: 5,547

BUMPED DUE TO SEASON ON THE BRINK

Mar 30, 2013 at 7:19 AM

Rubberneck36
HOF
Posts: 141,812

Awesome! Cant wait for the 2013 season.

My prediction: Giants VS Angels in the WS! Thanks Rob for making a new thread.

Rubs

Mar 30, 2013 at 7:25 AM

robniner
Veteran
Posts: 5,547

Originally posted by Rubberneck36:
Awesome! Cant wait for the 2013 season.

My prediction: Giants VS Angels in the WS! Thanks Rob for making a new thread.

Rubs

Mar 30, 2013 at 7:44 AM

VaBeachNiner
Veteran
Posts: 59,755

Originally posted by robniner:

Originally posted by Rubberneck36:
Awesome! Cant wait for the 2013 season.

My prediction: Giants VS Angels in the WS! Thanks Rob for making a new thread.

Rubs

Mar 30, 2013 at 10:28 AM

marshulk
Veteran
Posts: 45,242

2002 all over again

GO HALOS

[ Edited by marshniners24 on Mar 30, 2013 at 10:29 AM ]

Mar 30, 2013 at 10:31 AM

SoCold
Hall of Dumb
Posts: 132,635

Tigers will win the WS
End thread

Mar 30, 2013 at 10:34 AM

InconvenientTruth21
Veteran
Posts: 15,479

A's vs Giants world series

A's in 4

Mar 30, 2013 at 10:57 AM

robniner
Veteran
Posts: 5,547

Start agreeing, disagreeing, ridiculing these guys at MLB.com about their season predictions.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130328&content_id=43434754&c_id=

Mar 30, 2013 at 11:01 AM

#10

AXEGRINDER
Veteran
Posts: 25,679

Originally posted by robniner:
Start agreeing, disagreeing, ridiculing these guys at MLB.com about their season predictions.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130328&content_id=43434754&c_id=

Meaningless.

Mar 30, 2013 at 11:07 AM

#11

jrg
Veteran
Posts: 166,549

Cardinals >>>>>>>>>>

Mar 30, 2013 at 11:21 AM

#12

TheXFactor
Veteran
Posts: 25,990

I predict the Reds will be in the NCLS

Mar 30, 2013 at 11:25 AM

#13

SoCold
Hall of Dumb
Posts: 132,635

Originally posted by AXEGRINDER:
Originally posted by robniner:
Start agreeing, disagreeing, ridiculing these guys at MLB.com about their season predictions.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130328&content_id=43434754&c_id=

Meaningless.

Looks like 5 dudes know what's up

Mar 30, 2013 at 11:44 AM

#14

robniner
Veteran
Posts: 5,547

Originally posted by 9erfan4life:
Originally posted by AXEGRINDER:
Originally posted by robniner:
Start agreeing, disagreeing, ridiculing these guys at MLB.com about their season predictions.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130328&content_id=43434754&c_id=

Meaningless.

Looks like 5 dudes know what's up

Would not want to pick the Tigers to win it all because they can have suspect starting pitching after Verlander and they do not have a closer in place.