Know Your Enemy: Cubs' American League Central Opponents

by Al on Mar 26, 2009 8:00 AM CDT in News Comment 108 comments

I'm leaving the Royals out of this AL Central preview, not because I have anything against them, but because the Cubs won't play them in this year's tour through the division in interleague play. The Cubs will play the usual home-and-home series vs. the White Sox (and for the first time ever, one of the series will not be held on a weekend, a Tuesday night-Wednesday afternoon-Thursday afternoon set at Wrigley), and visit Detroit to play the Tigers, while hosting the Twins and Indians.

I'm picking the Royals to finish fourth. Herewith the other four teams in the AL Central with their predicted final standing position:

1) CLEVELAND INDIANS Or, shall we say, "Cubs East", as two of the most popular Cubs of recent times, Mark DeRosa and Kerry Wood, are expected to play important roles on the 2009 Tribe. DeRo will move from second base, where he's played the bulk of the last two years, to become Cleveland's regular third baseman. He's played over 200 major league games at 3B and when he did so as a Cub, he was more than competent. Cleveland will need him to reprise his season at the bat from last year, though, and they'll also need Wood to have an injury-free year at closer. Neither is guaranteed.

Those are the only two ex-Cubs on the Indians roster. Otherwise Cleveland returns their powerful lineup led by Grady Sizemore, Ryan Garko, the surprising Shin-Soo Choo, and (they hope) a healthy Travis Hafner. Cliff Lee leads the rotation, but don't expect him to go 22-3 again. They'll need Carl Pavano to step up and be what he was five years ago with the Marlins -- and that's no guarantee, either.

Still, I think the Tribe addressed their biggest issue of the last two years -- their bullpen -- and will have enough to take this division. SS Jhonny Peralta is having the best spring among Cleveland regulars, hitting .429 with 10 RBI.

This is a 90-95 win team that should take this division.

2) MINNESOTA TWINS The Twins have had the best field management in baseball over the last two decades. Tom Kelly always seemed to get the most out of whatever talent he got, winning two World Series, and his successor, Ron Gardenhire, has won four division titles (and nearly sneaked another one in last year). Credit to their entire organization.

This year's Twins return mostly intact from 2008, with the powerful Justin Morneau leading a strong offense. The Twins do have worries about catcher Joe Mauer, who has back problems and may not be ready for Opening Day. In keeping with this theme, the Twins signed free agent Joe Crede to play third base -- Crede's a fine player, but back trouble was what made the White Sox leery about re-signing him, and playing with that on one of the three fake-turf parks left might make Crede a less than full-time player.

If the Twins' young rotation can get the ball to him, Joe Nathan remains one of the best closers in the game; he has posted 200 saves over the last five years since the Twins stole him in the A. J. Pierzynski deal with the Giants.

No Twin hitter is having a truly outstanding spring, though Delmon Young has 3 HR and backup infielder Brian Buscher is hitting .361. Starters Kevin Slowey (1.88) and Francisco Liriano (2.95) are off to good spring starts.

The Twins could challenge for this division title if everything breaks their way, but that's a lot to ask.

3) CHICAGO WHITE SOX I'm going to try to be nice here, to give credit where credit is due, and not to give too much ammunition for Dr Crawdad to quote three years from now. Credit: the White Sox won three straight elimination games against three different teams (the last day of the scheduled regular season vs. Cleveland, a makeup game vs. Detroit, and a 1-0 tiebreaker vs. Minnesota) to make the playoffs, upon which they were dispatched quickly by the Rays. And that's the last we'll see of the White Sox as contenders for a while; they dumped Javier Vazquez, who was sort of the Jason Marquis of the South Side -- a guy who drove his team's fans nuts, but when all was said & done he had made all his starts and thrown 200+ innings. Without him, the Sox are dependent on the ancient Jose Contreras and the immense Bartolo Colon as their #4 and #5 starters, and though their top three are pretty good (Mark Buehrle, Gavin Floyd, John Danks), the nether regions of the Sox rotation, and bullpen beyond closer Bobby Jenks, are pretty shaky. The Sox signed Octavio Dotel and Scott Linebrink, at considerable expense, to set up Jenks, and both were prone to meltdowns. The Cubs took advantage of that in the sweep at Wrigley last year.

The Sox will also miss Crede's bat and glove; Josh Fields is not a very good third baseman and he strikes out. A lot. They're also missing a true center fielder, and Paul Konerko and Jim Thome are getting older. Konerko is having a good spring, though, hitting .426 with 4 HR and 12 RBI.

The Sox, it says here, will struggle to get to .500.

4) KANSAS CITY ROYALS As mentioned above.

5) DETROIT TIGERS How the mighty have fallen. When the Tigers won the AL pennant in 2006, having improved 52 wins in only three years after their abysmal 43-119 season in 2003, Jim Leyland and Dave Dombrowski were hailed as genuises, and the Tigers were seen as a possible new dynasty. The next year Detroit missed the playoffs even though Curtis Granderson emerged as a star and Magglio Ordonez hit .363, the highest single-season batting average for a Tiger in 70 years (Charlie Gehringer, .371 in 1937). The offensive onslaught continued in 2008, with Detroit finishing fourth in the AL in runs with 821 -- but the pitching staff collapsed, allowing a third-worst-in-the-AL 857 runs, 60 more than in 2007 and 180 more than in 2006 when their pitching was the best in the AL.

And that's the issue with the 2009 Tigers that is going to send them to last place once again. Detroit acquired Edwin Jackson from the Rays, and he was once one of the top prospects in the Dodger organization. He did have a good year in 2008 in Tampa, but he may be the Tigers' #1 starter. Will Jeremy Bonderman and Justin Verlander ever get back what they had in 2006? Or will Dontrelle Willis remember how to pitch? The big hope for the Tigers is 20-year-old Rick Porcello, the Tigers' #1 pick in the 2007 draft. But he has only one year of pro ball and is probably best not served coming to the majors this quickly. Ex-Arizona closer Brandon Lyon will close, but if formerly solid setup men Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya can't get their 2006 form back, the Tigers won't be able to get the ball to Lyon very often.

And this isn't even mentioning that Adam Everett, whose average, OBA and SLG have all declined for four straight years, is now Detroit's starting shortstop.

Gerald Laird, who the Tigers picked up from the Rangers in the off-season to be their starting catcher, is having an excellent spring, hitting .419. (But then, keep in mind that Timo Perez has as many spring HR -- 1 -- and RBI -- 5 -- as Laird).

The Tigers aren't a terrible team, but this is suddenly a tough division, where the Royals have made progress. The Tigers will have a struggle to get out of last place.

This concludes my 2009 preseason look at all the Cubs' regular season opponents. Hope you've enjoyed it and learned a few things -- I sure did while I was looking at all the various rosters. Only 11 days left till Opening Day!

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Can't wait for that Cubs-Tigers series in June.

Should be a good one.

Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (Now #12,966 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list- UP from 13,031...WHOO HOO!)

by Zeke on Mar 26, 2009 8:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

as will the Cleveland series.

Should be a good homecoming for DeRosa and Wood.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Mar 26, 2009 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Got tickets to all 3 games at the Coma. Praying for sunny and 78...

Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (Now #12,966 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list- UP from 13,031...WHOO HOO!)

by Zeke on Mar 26, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll be there for Saturdays game, I think.

Though I might trade for Sunday, as it’s golf club cover giveaway day, iirc.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Mar 26, 2009 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Um, the games are all mid-week in Dey-twa. Unless you mean the Cleveland games...

Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (Now #12,966 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list- UP from 13,031...WHOO HOO!)

by Zeke on Mar 27, 2009 8:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thats an awesome Twins logo

Ive never seen that

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Mar 26, 2009 8:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This is the "alternate" logo which I prefer over the new primary

It incorporates the 1972-1986 primary logo (see image below). I love the nostalgic stuff. This brings back memories of me collecting baseball cards in the early 70s.

I love how they used the river and the “M” (for Minneapolis) and “S” (for St. Paul) on the sleeves, all on the state of Minnesota.

Old primary logo used 1972-1986:
Notice the “Win! Twins!” with the stars dotting the i’s.

"I knew we were in for a long season when we lined up for the national anthem on opening day and one of my players said, 'Every time I hear that song I have a bad game.'" - Jim Leyland

by flachimesa on Mar 26, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Twins were the first team named after a state.

They did this, of course, because there are two major cities in that metro area and they didn’t want to be seen as “favoring” either one. Remember, they didn’t even PLAY in either one until 1982 — their original stadium was in suburban Bloomington.

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

by Al on Mar 26, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting history on the transition from Washington Senators/Nationals to Minnesota Twins

Minneapolis was awarded an expansion team in 1960. Team owner Calvin Griffith asked MLB to move his Washington Senators to Minneapolis and give Washington the expansion team. It was approved. The old Senators moved to Bloomington after the 1960 season and the Twins were born.

"I knew we were in for a long season when we lined up for the national anthem on opening day and one of my players said, 'Every time I hear that song I have a bad game.'" - Jim Leyland

by flachimesa on Mar 26, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And if the reverse had happened...

… the Washington Senators would have made the World Series in 1965. That team was just on the cusp of becoming a contender, which they were for the entire decade of the 1960’s. That might have saved baseball in Washington (instead of them not having a team for over 30 years).

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

by Al on Mar 26, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Twins

Were originally going to be the “Twin Cities Twins” which was rejected as being too dorky sounding. (I’m pretty sure the Commissioner’s office didn’t use the word “dorky” though.) Thus the “TC” on the hats, which Calvin Griffith was too cheap to change later.

But the Lakers moved to LA in part because St. Paul residents wouldn’t support a Minneapolis team. So they had to come up with something that wouldn’t upset either city and thus the “Minnesota Twins” were born.

by Josh77 on Mar 26, 2009 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That makes sense...

… as does “Texas Rangers” for a team located in between Dallas and Fort Worth.

But what sense does “Colorado Rockies” make? What other big city is there competing with Denver? Same with “Arizona Diamondbacks”.

I’m glad the Marlins will become the “Miami Marlins” when they move into their new park in 2011 or 2012.

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

by Al on Mar 26, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the one I cannot stand

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.

by Cubbie-Tim on Mar 26, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just be glad the Oakland A's didn't move to Fremont.

They were going to become the Oakland Athletics of Fremont.

Not very good initials, there.

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

by Al on Mar 26, 2009 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually

they probably would have been the “Silicon Valley Athletics of Fremont” which has a slightly better acronym but sound a whole hell of a lot worse spelled out. They might have been called “San Jose Athletics of Fremont” too, although that would cause an interesting lawsuit. Can you name yourself after a city in another team’s territory if you don’t actually put the team in the city in question?

by Josh77 on Mar 26, 2009 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who knows where they'll wind up?

San Jose makes the most sense, but you & I both know the issues with going there.

In this economy, they may be stuck in the Mausoleum for a while.

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

by Al on Mar 26, 2009 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's a contractual thingie

They’ll be the Los Angeles Angels in 2016 when their lease runs out.

by Josh77 on Mar 26, 2009 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't be surprised...

… to see them build a new ballpark in LA County at that time.

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

by Al on Mar 26, 2009 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They might stay in Orange County

if someone builds them a stadium, but Whittier is the city most often mentioned possible destination for the Angels in 2016, which is in LA County but on the border with Orange County. But right now, it’s still very early to be looking at that.

by Josh77 on Mar 26, 2009 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

NO WAY that'll happen!

First off, there really isn’t a spot that could handle a ballpark in LA county. 2nd, the Dodgers would never allow that to happen, and 3rd, LA county can’t even get an NFL stadium built because it would cost so much and there are no viable locations. I hear they’re gonna build one in the City of Industry but I’m not holding my breath.

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on Mar 26, 2009 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Response

1) I’m not sure that’s true. Certainly there seems to be room in Carson for a football stadium that they can’t get financing for. The City of Industry is also going ahead with plans for a football stadium.

2) The Dodgers have absolutely no say in this. The Angels bought the rights to Los Angeles from the Dodgers in 1961. The Dodgers cannot block this in any way.

3) This is true, but who is to say what the financing would be? An NFL stadium can’t get built because the NFL is demanding a giant 1 billion dollar stadium that would seat 75k. Moreno would want something that would seat about 40K and would probably be willing to finance some of it himself.

by Josh77 on Mar 26, 2009 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There may be room in Carson geographically...

…but what I meant was LA County can’t handle a ballpark in terms of traffic. Even if they got financing in place, it would be a hard sell to those of us who sit in gridlock on the freeways out here. We have almost no public transit so there’s no option there. If LA County gets a football stadium, it will be in Industry — but just wait till you see how many lawsuits are coming since Industry’s city council approved it.

I wasn’t aware of the rights to LA thing but thanks for the info. I’d imagine the Dodgers would lobby all they could to block it just like they attacked the Angels name change.

The biggest issue facing LA County regarding baseball is I really don’t think anybody in the LA area wants the Angels. Most of they’re fans are here in OC and the Inland Empire. IMO, a move to LA would not be good for LAA

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on Mar 26, 2009 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I really doubt that

I think there would be several cities in LA County that would look at the tax revenue that the Angels could bring in and consider a stadium. I don’t any municipality would say “Jeez, we could bring in a major league franchise and get our city famous throughout the country but hey, we’re all Dodger fans here so let’s not.” LA county would certainly love to steal a big industry away from Orange County. Now whether that industry would pay for itself is another issue, but it’s one county supervisors rarely consider.

As far as traffic goes, it’s not like it’s any better in Orange County or the Inland Empire.

I agree with you that it probably wouldn’t be the best idea to build a stadium for the Angels in Echo Park or somewhere in the Valley. But I can certainly see one going in South LA County near the Orange Curtain. Or on the OC side of the border. But unless Anaheim steps up to build a new stadium without the name restrictions (possible but unlikely), Moreno is going to look to move somewhere closer to LA.

by Josh77 on Mar 26, 2009 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I meant the people not wanting them.

Who knows, maybe I’m way off here, but I’m just saying that I can’t think of a city in LA County that would be able to pull it off without a huge backlash from citizens. I can’t imagine an average Joe in LA County supporting something that would make terrible traffic more terrible — especially if they’re Dodger fans. If it went on the ballot, I guarantee it would lose BIG.

BTW, traffic here in OC is very bad, but it is nowhere near as bad as LA County; with the exception of the 91 headed towards Riverside. The rest of OC is nowhere near as bad as LA

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on Mar 26, 2009 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It sounds terrible but...

…that move made Arte Moreno a boatload of money through advertising. They were the LA Angels B4 they were the California Angels and what used to be Anaheim Stadium is Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Ridiculous

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on Mar 26, 2009 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How exactly did it make Arte a boatload of money?

I ask not because I don’t believe you, but I just don’t understand how that happened. You said advertising but if that’s true then doesn’t that make the people in the Southern California market – excuse me for saying so but – rather dense?

The team didn’t move. They still play in Anaheim. I gotta believe anyone in SoCal with half a sports pulse knows that. Yet adding “Los Angeles” to the team name makes it a more valuable brand? To who? If I’m a VP of Marketing, why am I going to pay higher ad rates to Arte? What about the name change is going to translate into higher profits for my product?

Somewhere in this money chain, there’s an emperor that’s not wearing any clothes…

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Mar 26, 2009 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

By having "Los Angeles"

in the name the team can market themselves throughout LA and Orange counties which has brought in more advertising and other sponsorship revenue. I know it sounds ridiculous but I guess something about the LA Angels rather than Anaheim Angels makes the team more attractive to sponsorships. Also, after adding LA to the name, the Angels negotiated a monster TV deal with FSN — I can’t recall how much it was, but it was huge.

Another result of the name change was Moreno lowering beer prices and freezing parking. The Dodgers charge $15, YES $15 for parking while LAA charge $8. Beers @ Dodger games are $8.75 — LAA charge $5.50

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on Mar 26, 2009 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So the Angels were NOT on FSN before the name change?

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Mar 26, 2009 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, they were.

But when the previous contract expired, they renegotiated. I think it was something like $500,000,000 — a ridiculous amount of money. Please don’t quote me on specifics as I can’t remember the exact details.

I do remember the city of Anaheim sued — and lost — then appealed — and lost again — then explored other legal avenues but pulled back after the public learned about attorney fees reaching several million dollars.

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on Mar 26, 2009 10:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Angels

had a terrible contract with FSN—they were only required to carry (and pay for) about 70 games. After the name change they did get a huge increase in their TV contract—one pretty much equal to what the Dodgers were getting. Of course, they also won a World Series between contract negotiations, and that had a lot to do with the increased contract as well.

by Josh77 on Mar 26, 2009 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You don't like the "Michigan Tigers" Al?

Hmmm. Come to think about it, for Spartan fans, that name would suck big time…bleck.

Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (Now #12,966 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list- UP from 13,031...WHOO HOO!)

by Zeke on Mar 26, 2009 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I always thought...

that “Miami Marlins” and “Denver Rockies” sounded much better.

"That’s what I love about my skip, man. He’ll tell you that you suck...I know I suck. We know we suck...Yeah, we suck. But we’ll see who sucks at the end."
- Gary Sheffield

by DrGalazkiewicz on Mar 26, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe

Minn and Cle will battle out for the AL Central title, and the “loser” will take the Wild Card

Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.

by Cubbie-Tim on Mar 26, 2009 8:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

With that three-headed monster in the AL East

Those two teams would have to have awesome seasons to get the Wild Card.

That, or let Boston, New York and Tampa Bay beat each other to a pulp so that the AL East winner has 91 wins or so, letting Cleveland and Minnesota slide by.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Mar 26, 2009 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Either of those scenarios is plausible.

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

by Al on Mar 26, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

this is what i am expecting to happen

That, or let Boston, New York and Tampa Bay beat each other to a pulp so that the AL East winner has 91 wins or so, letting Cleveland and Minnesota slide by.

Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.

by Cubbie-Tim on Mar 26, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Detroit and Chicago are the teams to beat

Don’t be seduced by the Cleveland Indians. Their starting pitching is actually so threadbare that Carl Pavano is the # 3 starter. Yes, THAT Carl Pavano. They also are banking on a serious return to form out of Jhnny Peralta and Travis Hafner which I would be dubious on.

Minnesota is going to miss Joe Mauer big time. I like Minnesota and love Ron Gardenhire, but their pitching situation isn’t all that it is cracked up to be.

Detroit? It all hinges on whether Jeremy Bonderman and Justin Verlander can pitch like they are capable. But never underestimate a Jim Leyland team. Plus, look for Curtis Granderson and Miguel Cabrera to be vying for the AL MVP award. Lots of offensive firepower in Detroit, and the defense has been significantly shored up with Brandon Inge back at 3rd and Adam Everett the new shortstop.

The Chicago White Sox are a team with issues, but a team I think will be solidly in the race all season. Aaron Poreda will be a big shot in the arm when he is called up. And look for Gordon Beckham ot make a mid-season arrival and have an immediate impact as well.

Kansas City? Sleeper team in the AL. They have a lot more pitching then they get credit for. It is up to Alex Gordon, Billy Butler and David DeJesus to take the next step in their developments.

by BLou on Mar 26, 2009 8:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Detroit is a team to beat......

just like last year?

I can buy that the Tigers will be better, I have difficulty believing they will make a big rebound (and big jump in the standings) as they didn’t make many changes to a pitching staff that was awful a year ago.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Mar 26, 2009 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My take on the AL Central

The AL Central is hard to figure out, because I think, if a few things break right for each team, they could all be there. It’s the division I feel the least confident about in making a stab at a guess. My tentative guess in reverse order …

5. Detroit Tigers

See, I don’t know if they have enough pitching, but if things break right, then the pitching could be alright (granted, it looks like a big if right now). Problem is, the offense isn’t nearly as good as it was in recent years, particularly if you factor in some age-related regression. Add in a weak system and some financial issues, and they could be selling a big asset, like a Miguel Cabrera, at midseason if they aren’t in it. Porcello should be a good one though, and I think he’ll be up at some point in 2009, even though I’d wait until 2010 on him. I’m thinking 70-80 wins.

Okay, after that, I’ve got no real clue. My initial hunch would be

4. Chicago White Sox

Started off a month ago not really caring for this club, and it has nothing to do with being a Cubs fan. I don’t particularly love the pitching, and I think the offense will run hot and cold. Just think the mesh of veterans and youth isn’t quite there. Problem is … I can see a scenario where the veterans put in one final quality year and they get a little luck in pitching, enough to push them forward. The system is improved, though, and should be able to help internally, or help through trades. I’m thinking 75-82 wins.

I think 1-3 should be close, perhaps all in that 83-90 win range.

3. Cleveland Indians

I really want this team to do well for Kerry and Mark, but my initial hunch has them third. Why? It’s actually a rather simple question – how good is their pitching? I’m not sure what the answer to that is. I don’t think anyone expects Cliff Lee to be as good as he was – maintaining that level of control will be hard. He was an ace last year, but I think he’ll regress more to what he is – a solid mid-rotation lefty. Let’s leave that aside though, and let’s leave aside the 3-5 of the rotation, which currently is Pavano/Reyes/Lewis, decent talent but a huge question mark. How good is Fausto Carmona? I’m a big believer in valuing “stuff” … but at some point, “stuff” has to lead to top performance. Fausto’s 2007 wasn’t nearly as good as his win total and ERA suggested (although it was still solid). Can he show that level of command again? I think he’ll be more mid-rotation level than TOR level, and that’ll make a big difference. The pen should be good. The defense won’t be as good as it could be (Why the heck is Mark DeRosa at 3rd … they are better off having him at 2nd, Cabrera at short, and Peralta at 3rd, particularly since Peralta worked some at 3rd, and particularly since Luis Valbuena is a 2nd baseman at AAA, which means that, in 2010, if he’s ready, they can just slide him in.) I’m not sure how much Pronk or VMart have left, although one last surge isn’t impossible. They’ll need Choo, Garko, Peralta, Francisco and others to step up, which is why I think they really need Lee/Carmona to be elite to win (that is, I’m not sold on that foursome doing enough to carry their offense if Pronk or VMart struggle). They do have a quality system that could provide solutions (David Huff and Matt LaPorta come to mind), as well as trade assets. Now, it’s not as if I am that down on them – I can see them winning the division. Just if I had to make a call right now, Cleveland would be third.

2. Kansas City Royals

They have arguably the best one-two rotation punch in the division and perhaps the best closer as well. That’s going to be a big help. Greinke is appreciated by most – I don’t think people realize how solid Meche has been since going there. He’s turned out to be a shrewd signing, whereas when the deal was made, some folks laughed. It was a statement signing, a signing to say we are in the game, but he’s given them quality performance and was good last year. Now, I expect some regression (doubt he can maintain a K rate that high), but I think he’ll be solid. Can they fill out the back end of the rotation with enough assets? I think so, but it is a concern. I like the pen – Dayton Moore shrewdly dealt pen pieces away for other assets this offseason, knowing he could replace the pen assets. Cruz and Farnsworth both run hot and cold, but I think there will be enough to get to Soria. I actually wouldn’t mind seeing them put Soria in the rotation and giving them a potentially great 1-3, as I think they can piece a pen together, but I doubt that happens in 2009. The defense should be improved in 2009, so the main question is whether or not the offense will. Namely, whether or not some young bats can emerge. If that happens, they could go a long way. Their system has some upper level assets (particularly pitching) that should help them during the year.

1. Minnesota Twins

I don’t love this team. I think the rotation is good, but not great. Baker/Liriano are a solid 1-2 punch, but do I love going to the bank with Slowey/Perkins/Blackburn. Not as much as Twins fans do. They don’t have much quality pitching in the upper levels to say someone would definitely help if called up. I also don’t love the pen as much as I used to, but it should still be a solid unit. Hey, any unit with Nathan closing should be solid. I think they need at least one more big bat, unless Crede comes up with a big year. So, why first? I think their pitching will be enough, I think their pen will be enough, I think their offense will be enough, and I think their defense will be enough. I like Casilla/Gomez to get better. I think the depth with Buscher, Harris, and Young (granted, how good of a soldier Delmon is has to be a question). Short of it is, with no team looking great, their balance is something I like as of right now.

by toonsterwu on Mar 26, 2009 9:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you on the Royals

I think they are going to be the surprise team to watch in ‘09. I also think the pitching is going to be a strength but think the offense will be pretty good as well. Gordon will finally come around to what he has been touted as being a couple years ago. Jacobs will continue to mash, even with a low average, but will provide protection for Gordon (guessing Gordon will bat 3rd and Jacobs 4th). Coco Crisp is going to be a man on a mission this year and prove to be a formidable lead-off batter for them (something they have been missing). Butler, IMO, will become a good DH option for them. Aviles is an up and comer. Guillen is not very good but he’s also not very bad. Buck and Olivo will probably provide league average offensive stats for their position.

Overall, I think they could come out as a pretty good offensive team. However, I think it all hinges on Gordon becoming the player he was supposed to become. Even if he still maintains what he has provided over the last 2 years, they could still have an above average offense.

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Mar 26, 2009 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dome turf is much improved in recent years.

I’ve been on both surfaces – the new one put in a few years back is far kinder to knees and backs than the original.

Will it help Crede? Who knows? Will the Twins contend? Maybe – they’re thin – it’s Gardy’s leadership that makes them competitive. He’s probably the best skipper in baseball right now.

Mauer is a huge question mark. If he can play, they’ll be much more solid.

by MN exile on Mar 26, 2009 12:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

One of the more intriguing prospect stories this year, IMO

will be the development of Wilson Ramos, the top catching talent in the Twins system and a top 10 Twins prospect. He’ll be in AA. Now, I think he’s getting a bit overhyped (to the extent that a lot of people seem to feel that he is several notches above Welington Castillo (had a debate or two on Ramos with some Twins fans online), but I just don’t see it). That said, Ramos is a quality talent. As soon as he is ready, I’d expect Mauer to start DH’ing more, and potentially, move to another spot at the beginning of the next year (that is, if Ramos is ready this year, unlikely IMO, then I would look to Mauer to DH/C/1st the rest of the year, and in 2010, start taking groundballs at another position – probably 3rd base).

by toonsterwu on Mar 26, 2009 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Joe Mauer is out right now

And his return is far from certain. There are some who think he might miss several months with his back. That is a HUGE blow to the Twins. Mauer is the leader of that ballclub and the straw that stirs the drink. Mark Redman is a capable backup, but losing Mauer will be very difficult to overcome. Especially with an uncertain and overrated pitching situation. Ron Gardenhire is the best manager in the game in my view, so if anybody can get it to work he can. But….

by BLou on Mar 26, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Correction.

Joe Mauer’s backup is Mike Redmond, not Mark Redman.

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

by Al on Mar 26, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This division is a bit of a jumbled mess in my mind.

No one or even two teams really stick out. For obvious reasons, I’d like to see the Indians wind up in first place. I’d also like to see the Royals shock a few people with a strong showing. It’ll be interesting to see what becomes of the White Sox. Seems like they have a lot of either really young or really old players. (Speaking of which, I’m really surprised DrCrawdad hasn’t weighed in here yet.)

"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 26, 2009 3:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh, just wait

He’s formulating his attack at this very moment.

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Mar 26, 2009 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

In this case, not certain what there is to attack.

The White Sox are a riddle. They are a team trying to get younger.

If Thome, Konerko, Dye, Jenks & Contreras produce as capable and stay healthy and Ramirez, Quinten, Floyd & Danks give what they gave last year, AND the youth at CF, 2B, & 3B can give something, they may be the best team in the division.

Too many ifs to predict them the division champion. The Indians and Twins just have fewer questions at the start.

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Mar 26, 2009 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, I know

Its more just a comment about Dr. Crawdad than anything else. There’s a BCB picture (think it was SWL) of a crawdad with its pinchers up and a statement saying, “Crawdad Attack!” It was about Dr. Crawdad I’m pretty sure.

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Mar 26, 2009 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, it absolutely was.

"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 26, 2009 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love this picture

In my mind, when DrCrawdad posts, I think of this angry little crawdad with his pinchers up at his keyboard every time. It makes me smile.

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Mar 26, 2009 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, it is about him.

He’s not prone to attacking a rational discussion like presented by Al. He’s more looking for a negative comment on the southsiders to support his mistaken belief that all Cub fans rejoice when the Sox lose.

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Mar 26, 2009 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

THE WHITE SOX SUCK.

I’m happier when the WHITE SOX lose than when the cubs win. Also, all WHITE SOX FANS are drug dealers and ex-cons.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 26, 2009 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

(this is known as trolling)

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 26, 2009 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Even funnier if you post that at South Side Sox

"I knew we were in for a long season when we lined up for the national anthem on opening day and one of my players said, 'Every time I hear that song I have a bad game.'" - Jim Leyland

by flachimesa on Mar 26, 2009 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No its not

We get annoyed people come troll here why on earth would you do that over there?

The shortest distance between two points is under construction.

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 26, 2009 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's the point....he was mocking a troll

oh….nevermind

"I knew we were in for a long season when we lined up for the national anthem on opening day and one of my players said, 'Every time I hear that song I have a bad game.'" - Jim Leyland

by flachimesa on Mar 27, 2009 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Will never understand Cub fans mocking the White Sox

The White Sox actually won a World Series in 2005 and are one of the better run organizations in baseball, yet some Cub fans bizarrely like to ridicule the Sox. It is very, very, very strange phenomenon.

by BLou on Mar 26, 2009 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah...

just like Mets/Yankees fans. So dumb. In cities with more than one team, everyone should just root for the team they like and keep their trap shut about the ones they don’t root for. That’s the civil thing to do.

On second thought…no.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 26, 2009 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And here I was trying to be nice to the White Sox.

I just don’t think they’ll be very good this year.

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

by Al on Mar 26, 2009 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Track record...

Here was your prediction for last year:

4) CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Hitting: Unbalanced
Pitching: Pitching? Who needs pitching?
Defense: Defense? Who needs defense?
Intangibles: Watch Ozzie’s head explode! First manager fired! Fun!

I think you were wrong on every aspect. I called you on the “Defense? Who needs defense?” comment last year when you posted that. I don’t believe you ever responded. That was a silly comment, one had to wonder if you were aware that they had acquired a Gold Glove SS.

And you’ve been predicting Ozzie’s “head exploding” and his being fired for a few years. Keep saying it and eventually you’ll be right.

“Pitching: Pitching? Who needs pitching? Defense? Who needs defense?”

Answer: The Cubbies in the post-season.

"People shouldn’t bust your chops just because you’re a Sox fan on a Cub board — but I know it happens. FWIW, I think sites like this are more interesting when fans of other teams join in the conversation." by Shanghai Badger on Mar 13, 2009

by DrCrawdad on Mar 28, 2009 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We all know you love of the search feature

but no analysis on how you think the White Sox will do this year?

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on Mar 28, 2009 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Relevant?

Clever diversion with the “search feature” slam. Please explain why it’s wrong to use the “search feature” to point out someone’s uninformed past predictions. Isn’t it relevant to consider the track record someone making a prediction?

I know you’re breathlessly waiting for my Sox analysis, and I’ll get to that later today.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 28, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, I wasn't the only one wrong about the 2008 White Sox.

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

by Al on Mar 28, 2009 11:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for reaching deep in White Sox base ball history

Please tell me more.

by Employee22 on Mar 26, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The one positive comment he ever got from someone

he actually made his tag line.

by Madison Cub Fan on Mar 26, 2009 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think he printed that out and keeps a framed copy on his desk

and another copy folded up in his wallet.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Mar 26, 2009 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Funny...

… from an adult who stands on the street wearing a baseball glove waiting for hours to catch a baseball.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 26, 2009 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What - I don't get a fancy GIF or a JPG like Al does? Bummer...

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Mar 26, 2009 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

guess you aren't that special :(

by Madison Cub Fan on Mar 26, 2009 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

by DrCrawdad on Mar 26, 2009 10:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dude, I know I have a receding hairline, but I'm not that bald! (yet)

and that looks like a Dell or a Toshiba. I have a Mac. Thanks for the effort though.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Mar 26, 2009 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's the man!

"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 27, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

(this is known as the usual Cubbie fan comments on the Sox and Sox fans)

by DrCrawdad on Mar 26, 2009 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm all for a rational discussion about the Sox...

… but I don’t see much (if any) of it here, even by Al.

Al’s comments on the Sox last year were uninformed (to be kind). Al’s upside down comments on the 2005 Sox still put a smile on my face. And then this swipe is the very definition of pot/kettle:

…they were dispatched quickly by the Rays.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 26, 2009 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They WERE dispatched quickly.

IMO, losing 3 games to 1 is quickly. As for the pot/kettle — the discussion was about the Al Central and focusing, in that paragraph, on the White Sux. Al was stating FACT.

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on Mar 26, 2009 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you used the "S" word be prepared in a month or 5 to have it used against you

by Madison Cub Fan on Mar 26, 2009 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Typo, I swear

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on Mar 27, 2009 12:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How is that a swipe?

It’s the truth.

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

by Al on Mar 27, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK, so let's hear it Dr. C.

Your thoughts on the ‘09 Sox. Like I said above, it seems like they have a sizeable age chasm between their younger and older players. Does this concern you? Dye, Konerko, Thome…man, those dudes are old. What’s left in the tank?

Do you think the rotation will hold up? Will Contreras shatter into a million pieces by May? Is Buerhle in decline? Will Danks and Floyd step up again?

And I’ve said this before, but I’m looking forward to seeing what Alexei Ramirez can do at his natural position. But will the league adjust to his hitting approach? And do you agree or disagree with Al’s assessment of Josh Fields?

Give us some insights on what to look for in this season’s interleague matchups.

"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 27, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Has anyone else clicked on his profile?

I just did. In the White Sox forum he has TEN COMMENTS and ZERO fan posts. One here it is 19 fan posts and almost 1700 comments.

Yet we are the ones obsessing over his team?

by Madison Cub Fan on Mar 28, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hypocritical?

Let’s see, just a little up from here you slammed me for using the user profile search feature, now you’re using that type of activity to slam me?

I’m guilty. I rarely participate at SouthSideSox. You’ve got me.

However, I do regularly participate at 3 White Sox discussion sites. Al knows of two of these. Some of the leading Cubbie bloggers lurk there…

Yet we are the ones obsessing over his team?

Are you directing that at me?

by DrCrawdad on Mar 28, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I still don't get why...

…you spent all your time bickering with people on this thread and didn’t seize the opportunity to post some substantive content on the Chicago White Sox. This was a perfect – and on-topic – forum for you to do so. Of course, this thread is just about dead, so I guess there’s little point now.

"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 28, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Substantive content on the Chicago White Sox"

Was this discussion ever substantive?

by DrCrawdad on Mar 28, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It could have been if you'd contributed meaningfully...

…instead of nit-picking and dwelling on the past.

"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 28, 2009 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You spend a lot of time nit-picking.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 28, 2009 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do you mean on this thread or in general?

"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 29, 2009 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree.

Thanks for some substance!

by DrCrawdad on Mar 28, 2009 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you're being sarcastic...

…how is he wrong? And if you’re not, are you saying a Cubs fan just said everything about the White Sox that a White Sox fan like yourself could have?

"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 28, 2009 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

More nit-picking

by DrCrawdad on Mar 28, 2009 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

More failure to provide substance re: the one topic on which you're supposedly an expert.

"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 29, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK, OK...

…I take this back having read the posts below. Thanks for finally sharing.

"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 29, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Expert? When did I make that claim? Are you fighting the strawman, again?

by DrCrawdad on Mar 29, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fine, fine. You're not an expert.

Remind me never to give you too much credit again.

"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 30, 2009 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your strategy: Nit-pick, build strawman, nit-pick, attack strawman...

I like how you argue and nit-pick. You put accusatory titles and words in my mouth and then attack me for those things. Imagine if said about you, “So much for you being an expert on the Cubbies.”

I am a baseball fan. I am a fan of the White Sox. I also follow (pay attention to) the Cubbies. I have opinions on the Sox and the Cubbies.

Expert? No, never claimed such a title nor imagine myself to be such. I am a fan, and not being an expert does not prevent my from posting my opinions.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 30, 2009 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh, and by the way, everyone who posted in this sub-thread...

…prepare to be “searched” and said results put on display later on.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Mar 26, 2009 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wish I had that kind of time on my hands

by Madison Cub Fan on Mar 26, 2009 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please don't tell my mom.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 27, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just hope he's gentle.

I bruise easily.

"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 27, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Tigers

have too much offense to finish last in that division. I wouldn’t pick them to win because their pitching is a mess. But they should be better than at least the White Sox, probably the Royals and if things go bad for the Twins, they could finish second.

by Josh77 on Mar 26, 2009 5:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I've also heard

that Carlos Quentin often goes through the ten items or less line in grocery stores with as many as 16 items. Jermaine Dye is well-known for taking seconds at the post-game buffet before everyone has a chance to gets firsts. Alexei Ramirez often doesn’t bring enough cupcakes for the whole team.

Worst of all is John Danks, who double-dips.

by Josh77 on Mar 26, 2009 5:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Danks double-dips?!

That’s like putting your whole mouth in the dip!

"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 26, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My observations...

Pitching: Buehrle, Floyd & Danks. That’s a damn good 1-3. Buehrle has been very consistent, barring an injury he’ll no doubt have another very good year. When the Sox traded Garcia for Floyd, Cubbie fans mocked the deal. Looks very good now, doesn’t it? I expect Danks to put up even better numbers this season and look for Floyd to repeat. The Sox have a lot of options for 4 & 5 – Colon, Contreras, Richard, Broadway & Marquez.

Defense: With the exception of Fields, the Sox have probably got stronger defensively. Ramirez gets to play his natural position, SS. Getz is a very good defensive player. And in CF, Anderson is very good and Owens is good too.

Fields was a butcher at 3B, last he played there regularly. I have not seen much of Fields this spring, but supposedly he’s better (not that he could get much worse). Players can improve (see Aramis Ramirez).

Offense: The Sox lost Crede, but he played only about half the season last year and was not around in the ALDS. At 3rd it’s basically Fields replacing Uribe. Fields in his first go with the Sox hit 26 HRs. Fields will strike out a ton, but he’ll hit much better than Uribe. Getz has put up good numbers in the minors. We’ll see how that translates. I expect he’ll be fine. If not, the Sox have plenty of options. In the OF it’s basically, Swisher for Anderson. I’ll take that on the defensive side and Anderson may very well do better offensively too.

Bullpen: Jenks, Thornton, Dotel, Linebrink and assorted cast – could do well but that could easily go the other direction and if that’s the case the Sox improvements in Offense and Defense will be negated.

I’m expecting it to be a battle of Indians, Twins and Sox. Each of the Sox opponents have their issues. As a fan, I hope for first but 2nd is probably where they’ll land.

A side note on the Twins, this is there last year in the Metrodome. I lot of their success has been in the crappy dome. It will be interesting to see how they’ll do in an outdoor park all season long.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 28, 2009 8:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Clayton Richard looked pretty bad yesterday.

I agree with you, the White Sox have a good 1-2-3 in their rotation. 4 & 5 — big dropoff.

Fields is a statue at 3B. The Sox will wish they kept Crede.

Finally, I spoke to a good friend of mine who is a big Sox fan. He’s really down on the team this spring — says they look awful.

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

by Al on Mar 28, 2009 11:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

See below.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 29, 2009 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fields is a statue at 3B. The Sox will wish they kept Crede.

Crede was a great fielder. He’s just been hurt so much the last few years it didn’t make sense to sign him long-term IMHO.

Fields has been brutal at 3rd. However he can hit and hit for power. I was at a game in 2007 against Boston when the Sox had him in LF. A routine flyball dropped right in front of him. Brutal!

Interestingly, I remember Cubbie fan Les Grobstein railing on how Crede (when Crede was in minor league ball) was a terrible fielder and the Sox would regret having him play 3rd base. I specifically remember Les drawing negative comparisons of Crede to Ventura. Now either Les was wrong or Crede improved. Aramias Ramirez was not a good fielder and he’s got better.

Fields had a very bad game against the Cubbies and many people saw that. But from what I’ve heard that was not representative of his play the rest of ST.

How many games have you seen Fields play at 3rd this spring? I have seen one, maybe, as I haven’t watched many games this ST.

As a Sox fan I sure hope the reports I’ve heard are true and he’s improved. We’ll see what happens. As of right now, if I were an opposing team I’d test him every chance I had.

Finally, I spoke to a good friend of mine who is a big Sox fan. He’s really down on the team this spring — says they look awful.

I met a Sox fan in the line at the grocery store who said he has season tickets. He said the Sox will be horrible this season, as your friend reported.

I think in general Sox fans are overly pessimistic about the Sox whereas Cubbie fans tend often to be overly optimistic (Pollyanna’s – why does WGN Radio still play that “THIS IS OUR YEAR!” from Santo? My god, have they been playing that for 101 years?) In 2005 I’d bet there were many Sox fans predicting doom and gloom. In 2006 I’d bet that there were many Cubbie fans predicting that it was ‘their year’ some even holding out false hope at the midpoint in the season as that ship was already sunk.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 29, 2009 8:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes, it’s time for the Indians to panic
The Cleveland Indians reached the Panic Number on Monday.

This is not some nebulous figure. The Panic Number is serious business. It portends doom for those unlucky enough to tumble into it. A sub-.500 record is almost a given. Playoffs? Say it like Jim Mora, because the chances are that slim.

And the thing is, because teams reach the Panic Number roughly a week into the season, there’s a natural inclination to scoff at it, to laugh it off as some kind of reactionary hokum not worth discussing.

So before burying the Indians with more than 95 percent of their season to play, allow us to present a few facts: Over the past 25 full seasons, 45 teams in Major League Baseball have begun their seasons 1-6 or worse. Of those 45, eight have finished the year with a better-than-average record. And of those eight, only one – the 2007 Philadelphia Phillies – made the postseason. In which they were promptly swept.

See why we call 1-6 the Panic Number?

It gets uglier when looking at the full seasons of the wild-card era. Since 1996, only three teams have finished above .500 after starting 1-6: the ’04, ’06 and ’07 Phillies, who seem to have a knack for reversing ugly starts.

by DrCrawdad on Apr 14, 2009 11:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs