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Who is your AL team?

We all know you root for the Cubs in the NL. For the sake of my sanity, in case the Cubs stink it up, I need to have an AL team to root for as well. I typically root for the Indians, as I live in Cleveland, which is just like me since they have the SECOND longest drought in history. Speaking of which, although the Indians lost to the Red Sox last yaer, none of us were pissed off. They fought hard, beat the Yankees and gave us a great year and great postseason. It was not the abomination that was the Cubs' 2008 postseason. Anyhow, just wanted to get a feel to see who y'all root for in the AL. And don't tell me it's the Rays.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Haven't been a Rays fan before.

But I do like the way they play. In this ALCS, given the choice of teams, I’ll pick Tampa Bay.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Oct 8, 2008 9:36 AM CDT reply actions  

Twins

I’ve seen several games there, spend a 1/2 my summer 3 hours from Minneapolis and really like the organization.

I will be rooting for the Devin Rays. I am sick of the Red Sox.

by dmlichte on Oct 8, 2008 9:42 AM CDT reply actions  

Ditto

Born and raised in Minneapolis, one grandfather a Cubs fan, the other a Twins fan…I just saw the Cubs fan a lot more often.

by jbertram on Oct 8, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

Same here

The Twins played the greatest baseball game—in my opinion—ever played.
I went to college in Minneapolis and I must’ve gone to about 40 games during the 1998 season.
Once I moved to Chicago, I took up to them again just to antagonize with the Sux.
But this postseason, I’ll root for the Rays.

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Oct 8, 2008 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions  

Red Sox

The series that hooked me on non Cubs baseball was 1975 so I’ve always had a special place in my heart for the Red Sox and Reds.

Thngs of worth are worth fighting for regardless of the odds.

by puckishcubsfan on Oct 8, 2008 9:46 AM CDT reply actions  

Game 6 is STILL the greatest game EVER.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Oct 8, 2008 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

1978 One Game Playoff

Broke my heart and I cried at the end but for my moola it was the best game I ever saw.

Never, but NEVER, put ketchup on a hot dog.

by CaliCub on Oct 8, 2008 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

growing up my best friend was a Cubs fan

and that is how I became a Cubs fan. However, my uncles were all Yankee fans and they are my favorite AL team. Years ago one couldn’t see or hear the Yanks on TV everyday like now. Now I watch/listen to the Cubs first and then listen to the Yanks if they play at a different time.

I only have one other AL team I like and that is the A’s.

What does a mama bear on the pill have in common with the World Series? No cubs. ~Harry Caray

by collies-n-baseball on Oct 8, 2008 9:48 AM CDT reply actions  

Rooting for the story now

Dodgers-Red Sox. I can’t WAIT to see Boston implode.

The worst beer I had was pretty good.

by Worf on Oct 8, 2008 9:59 AM CDT reply actions  

Phillies

A very good internet friend loves the Phillies as much as I love the Cubs so I’m rooting for the Phillies.

Thngs of worth are worth fighting for regardless of the odds.

by puckishcubsfan on Oct 8, 2008 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions  

Torre's OK But Manny is Dick Allen The 2nd

the way that he quit on his team in order to get out.

Never, but NEVER, put ketchup on a hot dog.

by CaliCub on Oct 8, 2008 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

Deytwa Tiggers

They were my introduction to MLB, but lost most all interest when they left the real ballpark.

Am on record with my disdain for the Rouge Sox and their “nation.”

Go Rays!

But the wind blew me back via Chicago, In the middle of the night

by N Oakley on Oct 8, 2008 10:20 AM CDT reply actions  

about 8 years ago

I came to the realization that I could pick and AL team to follow. I was hoping to find an AL equivalent of the Cubs at that point in time, that lead me to the Red Sox. Obviously a few things have changed since then (for them sadly, not for us) but I still don’t mind seeing em do well. I’d almost be tempted to get the EI package just to watch David Ortiz on a nightly basis. When I was in Boston in April I went to a game at Fenway and the place absolutely blew me away. When we did the tour I was impressed with how much they have done with that place to modernize it while still maintaining the feel of fenway.

---AC 00 00 00 - Believe

by mjk83 on Oct 8, 2008 10:26 AM CDT reply actions  

This is what Crane Kenney wants to do to Wrigley Field.

Let’s hope he and the new ownership, whoever it is, succeed.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Oct 8, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions  

based on what they have done so far

I have great faith in their ability to continue to do so.

---AC 00 00 00 - Believe

by mjk83 on Oct 8, 2008 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

If you're looking for a Cubs mirror

You should probably be looking at the Indians. For a long while, I did follow the Indians (and still do to some extent) because Mike Hargrove was their manager and I’m “related” to him by marriage—actually related to his wife. While he was still playing for the Indians, he would always get my aunt and uncle and dad tickets to their games when they would play in Chicago. In the current post season, I would love to see the Rays win it all this year—great story of a team building itself up from the ground up and doing it right. However, I also follow the Royals. They are completely harmless, they too are trying to ressurect their franchise from the ground up, and I currently live only an hour away from the K (Kauffman).

Time is an illusion--lunch time doubly so.

by snowyman28 on Oct 8, 2008 10:39 AM CDT reply actions  

keep in mind that I made that leap in 2002

at that point a quick look at the Sawx showed: 1) old historic stadium, 2) rabid fan base, 3) a long run without a championship and a supposed “curse”.

they still have 2 of those 3 things.

---AC 00 00 00 - Believe

by mjk83 on Oct 8, 2008 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

I've come to the conclusion...

…that I don’t need another team to root for. I actually enjoy watching non-Cubs games with complete objectivity. Don’t care who wins, don’t care who loses. I just enjoy the game itself and the myriad conundrums that pitchers and hitters and fielders work themselves into. I guess what I’m saying is: My heart is (and always will be) with the Cubs, but sometimes it’s fun – well, a relief, actually – to leave my heart out of it.

That said, I’m still picking the Rays to win it all. I know the Red Sox looked pretty calm, cool and collected in the ALDS. But (warning: incoming cliche) the Tampa Bay Rays are the Team of Destiny.

So this is how it ends.

by daver on Oct 8, 2008 10:42 AM CDT reply actions  

Roger that

As a subscriber to EI, I enjoy watching other teams’ games that have no impact on the Cubs. I get to watch them with complete objectivity and enjoy the beauty of the game.

"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey

by TheRiot Police on Oct 8, 2008 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions  

The Orioles

I grew up a fan of them, and still follow them, though there hasn’t been much to cheer for in the last 10 years.

They seem to be heading in the right direction though, however it was monumentally shortsighted that they didn’t trade Roberts last season.

by Wreckard on Oct 8, 2008 10:48 AM CDT reply actions  

+1

I’m pulling for the Rays as well. I would probably pull for the Red Sox if it weren’t for the constant drone from the TV media on how great the sox players are. They make it seem like they walk on water. Don’t get me wrong, the sox are a great team, probably the best in baseball, but I don’t have to be constantly reminded how Terry Francona is always right and how much heart the great captain Jason Varitek has.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Oct 8, 2008 10:51 AM CDT reply actions  

Everyone hates a winner...

Somebody I hope to be able to go to another site and read an article about how folks hate the Cubs for winning and hate their great Captain Soto….

That is my dream….

"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey

by TheRiot Police on Oct 8, 2008 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

BCB

Bleed Cubbie Blue is my favorite AL team! Oh you mean AL as in American League.

Thngs of worth are worth fighting for regardless of the odds.

by puckishcubsfan on Oct 8, 2008 11:06 AM CDT reply actions  

Red Sox

I have always had a warm place in my heart for them. Plus it will annoy a co-worker who hates all Boston teams, so it will be fun to hear more and more anti-Boston rants as they go further on.

by SuperContext on Oct 8, 2008 11:48 AM CDT reply actions  

New York Yankees

The history and success of this crazy franchise has always deeply intrigued me. I admit to rooting very hard for them when it doesn’t impact the Cubs in any way, shape or form.

"What pressure should I have on me? There's no pressure on me." -- Lou Piniella (10/3/08)

by MDBNIU on Oct 8, 2008 12:03 PM CDT reply actions  

In terms of postseason 2008 I am rooting for the Phillies all the way

"What pressure should I have on me? There's no pressure on me." -- Lou Piniella (10/3/08)

by MDBNIU on Oct 8, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

Oh that figures.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Oct 8, 2008 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

This talk is blasphemy.

You should not have a favorite AL team, as you should not recognize the American League as playing real baseball. They play a nasty bastardized version that I will never recognize.

The day we lose our will to fight - Is the day we lose our Freedom.

by sanantonecub on Oct 8, 2008 12:10 PM CDT reply actions  

John McGraw Lives!

:-D

Never, but NEVER, put ketchup on a hot dog.

by CaliCub on Oct 8, 2008 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

KC Royals

There were the parent club of the Memphis Chicks from 1984-94. I can remember when the Royals were actually good. Hey, they did win 75 games this season, which is great by KC standards. I was hoping the Royals would play the Cubs in the 1984 World Series. Both teams lost in the LCS that year.

In 1989, the Royals contended until late in the season with Oakland for the AL West title. I was hoping for a Cubs-Royals World Series that year. It’s hard to believe that the Royals once-great franchise has gone 23 straight seasons without making the playoffs. There appears to be a glimmer of hope now for the Royals with the way they finished this season.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Oct 8, 2008 12:14 PM CDT reply actions  

Pirates too

Pirates too.

Thngs of worth are worth fighting for regardless of the odds.

by puckishcubsfan on Oct 8, 2008 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

no.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Oct 8, 2008 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

hey, if the Rays can do it, ANYBODY can

Never, but NEVER, put ketchup on a hot dog.

by CaliCub on Oct 8, 2008 9:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

The Rays are well managed.

The Pirates aren’t.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Oct 9, 2008 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions  

I'd be happy if we traded

for Alex Gordon. Of course, that’s part of the Husker fan in me but I also think he is a great player

The day we lose our will to fight - Is the day we lose our Freedom.

by sanantonecub on Oct 8, 2008 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

Red Sox

and I have a soft spot for the Royals too.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Oct 8, 2008 12:59 PM CDT reply actions  

huh AL team???

i made a whole lot of money betting the over on the Rays this year, so i guess you could say them….

but no I don’t have an AL team…

I have an appreciation for how other teams develop and manage talent in both leagues but the only team i root for is the Cubs

by DartmouthCubsFan on Oct 8, 2008 1:59 PM CDT reply actions  

Can't do it

I can’t root for anyone else but the Cubs. Personally, I’ve always felt that you only get one team to cheer for. For that reason alone, I don’t have an AL team. Though does cheering for the Sox to lose count?

I will however watch the rest of the postseason as I am a fan of the game itself.

by bowa41 on Oct 8, 2008 2:55 PM CDT reply actions  

Indians and Red Sox

Indians because I fell in love with the movie Major League a few years after it was released. I stopped paying attention to them for awhile, but my cousin has been with and is now married to a huge Indians fan, so that got me back into them. Talking to him, it was either discuss the Tribe or the Cubs, or how much we disliked the White Sox.

The Red Sox because during that time I didn’t pay much attention to the Indians, I looked to the Red Sox as a team similar to the Cubs. I read all about their history, and was pretty fascinated by them. I’ve followed them since. Now, with how good they’ve been, I haven’t been as interested in them, but it’s nice to see them be a constant threat to the AL, and even the NL in the WS.

by Craig in South Bend on Oct 8, 2008 3:16 PM CDT reply actions  

If I bother to root at all, it'll be for the Rays.

Right now, I am focuing on the Bears.

Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB

by californiachicagoan on Oct 8, 2008 5:04 PM CDT reply actions  

my pet al team

would have to be the tigers. why, i don’t know. i’ve always had a soft spot for ’em.

by clrkaddison on Oct 8, 2008 8:37 PM CDT reply actions  

Oakland A's

Take your pick for reasons why.

by cubsfaninatl on Oct 8, 2008 9:55 PM CDT reply actions  

heh, beat me to it!

Second to the Yankees for most American League pennants. Run differential of the 1929 A’s (Lefty Grove, Al Simmons, Jimmie Foxx, Mickey Cochrane, etc) was just ONE RUN LESS than the Murderer’s Row 1927 Yankees. Last team to win three consecutive WS titles (72-73-74). Three consecutive pennants from 88-90. History of colorful characters and Hall of Famers. Origin of the “Moneyball” method of management.

Never, but NEVER, put ketchup on a hot dog.

by CaliCub on Oct 8, 2008 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

the A's have a great history....

I remember those 72-73-74 A’s and that was fun. The A’s have a knack for going into nosedives and being really bad for a few years then bouncing back and putting together some great teams. My 2nd favorite AL team (I only like two AL teams… ). I also loved the 98-99-00 Yankees. :) That 98 team was unreal…. Back tot he A’s, Jimmy Foxx put up some unbelieveable numbers… wish I could have seen him play!

What does a mama bear on the pill have in common with the World Series? No cubs. ~Harry Caray

by collies-n-baseball on Oct 10, 2008 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

The Angles

I grew up in Anaheim and was happy when they won the WS in 02. Became a Cubs fan after moving to Chicago since I wanted to root for a team here, and could just not bring myself to root for the White Sox. Even though they broke my heart this year, I know I made the right choice.

by Kimanism on Oct 9, 2008 12:02 AM CDT reply actions  

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