2013 MLB Regular Season Wrapup Discussion Thread | Page 221

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.

Sep 30, 2013 at 12:07 PM

#3301

robniner
Veteran
Posts: 5,547

The Mets are reportedly have Reds OF Shin-Soo Choo as their #1 off-season target but the problem is they don't have the money to pay him like Hunter Pence.

Why make such an interest and may not have the funds. They have this new stadium they've had for four seasons and no substantial profit? Wow.

Sep 30, 2013 at 1:55 PM

#3302

JustinMT
Veteran
Posts: 45,668

I don't know why the Cubs would fire their manager. Its not his fault theres hardly any talent in their clubhouse or farm system.

Sep 30, 2013 at 5:56 PM

#3303

jrg
Veteran
Posts: 166,549

Originally posted by NinerFanMT:
I don't know why the Cubs would fire their manager. Its not his fault theres hardly any talent in their clubhouse or farm system.

Yep. Guy didn't stand a chance with that roster. Hell even Castro under performed

Sep 30, 2013 at 6:44 PM

#3304

jrg
Veteran
Posts: 166,549

BREAKING: The #Rangers struggling in a must win game.

Also breaking, the grass is green, and the sky is blue.

Sep 30, 2013 at 6:52 PM

#3305

captveg
Veteran
Posts: 29,921

Originally posted by robniner:
This got missed

We all knew the Astros were going to suck this year but losing 15 in a row to end the season, and be on the same list with The Cleveland Spiders-that's extreme suckage there.

Blech

Sep 30, 2013 at 7:31 PM

#3306

jrg
Veteran
Posts: 166,549

Rangers lol

Sep 30, 2013 at 7:37 PM

#3307

vaden
Veteran
Posts: 4,026

It's 2013 and they still won't allow instant replay for a play like that. Just absurd and shame on the supposed "purists" like Tim Kurkjian who argue against instant replay. Shows how little they really care about the integrity of the game.

Sep 30, 2013 at 7:59 PM

#3308

robniner
Veteran
Posts: 5,547

Ron Washington might be three outs away from losing his job.

Sep 30, 2013 at 8:01 PM

#3309

jrg
Veteran
Posts: 166,549

Originally posted by robniner:
Ron Washington might be three outs away from losing his job.

he just can't get it done

Sep 30, 2013 at 8:01 PM

#3310

captveg
Veteran
Posts: 29,921

Originally posted by vaden:
It's 2013 and they still won't allow instant replay for a play like that. Just absurd and shame on the supposed "purists" like Tim Kurkjian who argue against instant replay. Shows how little they really care about the integrity of the game.

At least they're fixing it next year. I don't think they chose the best method to implement it, but at least it will fix a play like that.

Sep 30, 2013 at 8:13 PM

#3311

jrg
Veteran
Posts: 166,549

Rangers

Sep 30, 2013 at 8:23 PM

#3312

robniner
Veteran
Posts: 5,547

Originally posted by jrg:
Rangers

Now Ron Washington's future.

Sep 30, 2013 at 8:34 PM

#3313

jrg
Veteran
Posts: 166,549

GO CARDINALS!

Sep 30, 2013 at 9:23 PM

#3314

jrg
Veteran
Posts: 166,549

Oct 1, 2013 at 8:20 AM

#3315

robniner
Veteran
Posts: 5,547

Originally posted by robniner:
Originally posted by jrg:
Rangers

Now Ron Washington's future.

After speculation on his future, this tweet came out

Jon Morosi
@jonmorosi

Just spoke to Rangers GM Jon
Daniels. He said there is "not a
question" Ron Washington will be
back in 2014. @FOXSportsLive
10:35 PM - 30 Sep 2013