2011 Major League Baseball Predictions
by Al Yellon on Mar 31, 2011 11:00 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs News
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PrintToday I will join thousands of other bloggers, websites, pundits, etc. in making my so-called "expert" predictions for the upcoming season. If you have been here for the last five years, you'll find this prediction format familiar -- and yes, you'll find most of this text familiar too (copy/paste being a useful tool). For those of you new to BCB, read on.
I started this format 19 years ago, when I was passing out my annual predictions to any of my friends who were willing to read them either with or without scoffing, because I found it both more interesting and challenging to do than traditional predictions. Even more so, if you're here I don't need to insult your intelligence by telling you who the ballclubs' best hitters, pitchers, etc. are. You already know. Instead, you'll find a pithy word or phrase describing the hitting, pitching, defense and intangibles of the thirty contenders for October glory.
I'm also not going to "predict" award winners. How hard would it be for me to sit here clacking away on a keyboard and be master-of-the-obvious by telling you that Joe Mauer is a top AL MVP candidate and that Roy Halladay is a top contender for NL Cy Young? Last year at this time people were ceding the Rookie of the Year award in the NL to Jason Heyward or Stephen Strasburg -- meanwhile, the actual winner, Buster Posey, started the year in Triple-A. And just before the 2010 season started, would you have picked Jose Bautista to lead the AL with 54 home runs? Anyone out there pick Josh Johnson to lead the NL in ERA? Maybe a handful, but not many.
And in any case, anyone using the search function here can come back here in October and tell me how wrong I was. Further, looking back at the six years of predictions here from 2004-2009, I note that I picked the Cubs to make the playoffs every year and to win the World Series every one of those years except 2006. Obviously, that was the optimist in me, not the realist, and although they did make the postseason in two of those years, those predictions were... well, not so smart. I didn't make that choice in 2010, and I'm not going to do that again this year.
One thing I did get right in 2010 was the World Series winner. That's right, on April 4, 2010 I wrote:
World Series: Giants over Red Sox on strength of outstanding pitching staff.
OK, so it wasn't the Red Sox losing the WS to the Giants. I got four out of the eight playoff teams right last year... can I improve on that in 2011?
Follow me past the jump for this year's picks.
NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST
1) PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Hitting: How do they get along without Utley?
Pitching: The best in the game
Defense: Just fine
Intangibles: They really have to win with this pitching staff; a few injury concerns
2) ATLANTA BRAVES
Hitting: Young and improving
Pitching: Reworked bullpen could be very good
Defense: Acceptable
Intangibles: New manager Fredi Gonzalez
3) FLORIDA MARLINS
Hitting: Revamped
Pitching: Starters, good. Bullpen, not so much.
Defense: Better
Intangibles: It's their last year in that football stadium. Will anyone notice?
4) WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Hitting: Werth more this year than last
Pitching: Well, they have a closer, at least.
Defense: Eek!
Intangibles: .500 mark, here we come!
5) NEW YORK METS
Hitting: Adequate
Pitching: In disarray
Defense: Confused
Intangibles: Will they have to be sold due to the Madoff scandal?
NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL
1) MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Hitting: Last hurrah for this bunch; Prince Fielder is likely gone in 2012
Pitching: Can they stay healthy?
Defense: Adequate
Intangibles: Team is built to win now
2) CINCINNATI REDS
Hitting: Outstanding
Pitching: Suddenly a bit shaky
Defense: Good
Intangibles: Always a chip on their shoulder
3) CHICAGO CUBS
Hitting: Needs to stay healthy
Pitching: Solid
Defense: Um, next question?
Intangibles: Not expected to contend; could fly in under the radar
4) ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Hitting: After Pujols, the deluge?
Pitching: Body blow suffered with loss of Wainwright
Defense: Fair
Intangibles: 2010 StL=2009 Cubs. 2011 StL=2010 Cubs?
5) PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Hitting: Improving
Pitching: Wait, we need pitchers, too?
Defense: Better
Intangibles: Out of last place for the first time since 2006
6) HOUSTON ASTROS
Hitting: Old
Pitching: Fair
Defense: No. Just no.
Intangibles: Ed Wade finally leads this team to the basement
NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST
1) SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Hitting: Who needs hitting?
Pitching: Second only to the Phillies in the NL
Defense: Good enough
Intangibles: Not a dynasty, but could have a few years run in the West
2) COLORADO ROCKIES (Wild Card)
Hitting: Outstanding
Pitching: Way better than it has any right to be
Defense: Excellent
Intangibles: They'll be very close to first place
3) LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Hitting: Overrated
Pitching: Very good
Defense: Fair
Intangibles: The McCourt divorce is going to ruin this team
4) SAN DIEGO PADRES
Hitting: Adrian Gonzalez is A-Gone.
Pitching: Good
Defense: Fair
Intangibles: They had their shot last year; now it's back to being bottom feeders.
5) ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Hitting: No more K's. But no more HR, either.
Pitching: Makeshift
Defense: Adequate
Intangibles: The bullpen has to be better, because it was the worst in MLB in 2010.
AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST
1) BOSTON RED SOX
Hitting: New and powerful
Pitching: Still some question marks
Defense: Very good
Intangibles: Want to make up for last year's failure to make the playoffs
2) TAMPA BAY RAYS (Wild Card)
Hitting: Revamped
Pitching: Very, very young and could be very, very good
Defense: Excellent
Intangibles: Don't underestimate this team -- ever.
3) NEW YORK YANKEES
Hitting: Veteran
Pitching: CC, AJ, and... ?
Defense: Outfield, fast. Infield, not so much.
Intangibles: Could win the East. Or could completely flop. It's that close.
4) TORONTO BLUE JAYS
Hitting: Lots of question marks
Pitching: Even more question marks
Defense: Still more question marks
Intangibles: Managed to dump Vernon Wells' contract
5) BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Hitting: Lots of home runs! Fun!
Pitching: Lots of home runs! F -- oh, wait.
Defense: Acceptable
Intangibles: 34-23 under Showalter in '10. Good, but hard to compete in this division.
AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL
1) MINNESOTA TWINS
Hitting: Only Q: will Justin Morneau return to form?
Pitching: Return the entire staff and get Joe Nathan back
Defense: Very good
Intangibles: Ron Gardenhire, underrated manager
2) CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Hitting: New power
Pitching: New closer
Defense: Hint. Don't let Adam Dunn play the field.
Intangibles: When will Ozzie blow up this year?
3) DETROIT TIGERS
Hitting: Improved
Pitching: Lots of question marks
Defense: Very good
Intangibles: What happens with Miguel Cabrera
4) KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Hitting: Two words -- Jeff Francoeur
Pitching: Two words -- Bruce Chen
Defense: Two words -- Melky Cabrera in CF (OK, so that's four words. Sue me.)
Intangibles: Two words -- Ned Yost
5) CLEVELAND INDIANS
Hitting: At last, have cornered the market on Cabreras
Pitching: Looks like the waiver wire
Defense: Decent
Intangibles: Biggest offseason move -- bringing back Austin Kearns
AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST
1) TEXAS RANGERS
Hitting: Strong
Pitching: No real big names -- just winners
Defense: Excellent
Intangibles: Looking to return to the World Series
2) OAKLAND ATHLETICS
Hitting: An odd mix, but somehow it works
Pitching: Young
Defense: Improved
Intangibles: Looking for a sleeper team? Might be this one.
3) LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Hitting: Too many question marks
Pitching: Adequate
Defense: Very good
Intangibles: Mike Scioscia always finds ways to win
4) SEATTLE MARINERS
Hitting: Awful
Pitching: After King Felix, pathetic
Defense: Decent
Intangibles: Ichiro should be embarrassed to play on this team, which could lose 100+ games again
NL: Phillies over Rockies, Giants over Brewers. Phillies win the NLCS rematch.
AL: Red Sox over Rangers, Twins over Rays. Red Sox are too much for the Twins in the ALCS.
World Series: The Phillies spent a ton of money on pitching last offseason and it will pay off with a four games to three win over the powerful Red Sox.
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Comments
Hmmmmm
Cubs go 99-63, winning the NL Central by 9 games over Cincinnati. They defeat Wild Card-winning Atlanta 3-0 in the NLDS then follow that up with a 4-0 sweep over SF in the NLCS. The Cubs then trounce the Red Sox in the World Series 4-0 to win their third World Series Championship, and first since 1908.
It’s Gonna Happen.
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
by mikegncb34 on Mar 31, 2011 11:07 AM CDT reply actions 7 recs
Your quite the pessimist!
they will obviously win at least 100 games.
Ummm...pass the pipe
filled with whatever you’re smoking, And some Oreos, too, if it’s not a bother.
I approve of this post!
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
How'd TJ hack your user name?
I like viewing the world through Cubbie colored glasses. It’s so much fun!!
I have PMS & a GPS -- which means -- I am a bitch, and I will find you.
by cub in louies nest on Mar 31, 2011 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions
thats fair on opening day...
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
I'm still waiting for the flying pig
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
For the most part you're right on
I think the Braves are going to grab the NL Wildcard though.
I did laugh when I read the bit about the Marlins
Intangibles: It’s their last year in that football stadium. Will anyone notice?
I just imagined Marlins fans realizing “OH NO! It’s their last year in that awful stadium! We should buy tickets!!!”
Wait til next year, as they say, Marlins fans
As for the Cubbies, I think you got it right. All about the future and the money coming off the books this year. It will be nice to be competitive and watch the kids develop
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
I like Atlanta, especially later n the season
NL
E – Philadelphia
W – San Francisco
C – Cincinnati
WC – Atlanta
AL
E – Boston
W – A’s
C – Minnesota .
WC – N.Y. Yankees
NL – Atlanta
AL – Boston
WS – Boston
by jerry morales rules on Mar 31, 2011 11:08 AM CDT reply actions
If I'm really, really looking forward to a Yankees game,
and it doesn’t involve Inter-League play, it’s probably Opening Day.
good predictions
I see 3rd or 4th for the Cubs as well. Probably a 78 win team. I think 86 gets the division and the following 3 will all be within 10 games. Its going to feel like the NL West this year….
www.twentytoeighty.com
I'm calling it now
Braves or White Sox win the World Series. Bank on it.
I think the Red Sox pitching goes to hell, and the Phillies are overrated IMO. They are old and will eventually begin to fall apart.
And I think the Reds take the Central this year.
A few thoughts
I could see Baltimore as the surprise team this year. I thought the same last year, and perhaps this year, under a major league manager, they could see some of their good, young talent put it together. Buck Showalter seems to have a good year or two before wearing out his welcome.
The Twins lost a lot of depth last year. Can Morneau come back from his concussion. Can Alexi Casilla be a full time player? Bullpen took a big hit. Of course, you can never underestimate the Twins.
Off-topic a bit, because I don't know where else to put them:
Soriano is the third best LFer of the last 5 years. Or so says some statistic. Even Sarah Palin can find facts to support her causes…“I read them all.”
And Posnanski has the most awesomest conversation ever with a baseball metric.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Prediction
Charlie Sheen returns to the Indians after playing in the California Penitentiary League
Viva la Cubs Révolution!!!
You know it's a weird year
when that’s actually plausible.
by cubsonWGN4ever on Apr 1, 2011 2:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Any word on Minor League cuts?
Some were due Tuesday or Wednesday.
I wouldn't call the Astros "old"
The Cardinals hitters are a bit older…
1B – Wallace – 24
2B – Hall – 31
3B – Johnson – 26
SS – Barmes – 32
C – Quintero – 31
LF – Lee – 34
CF – Bourn – 28
RF – Pence – 27
AVe = 29.125
1B – Pujols – 31
2B – Schumaker – 31
3B – Freese – 27
SS – Tootblan – 31
C – Molina – 28
LF – Holliday – 31
CF – Rasmus – 24
RF – Berkman – 35
Ave = 29.75
“Not effective” might be a better choice.
I'll laugh if TLR does that.
He can’t really think Theriot is a good leadoff man.
Can he?
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scrappy!
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Mar 31, 2011 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Well
it looks like TLR is doing that according to the starting line-up on the Cards page. TLR is obviously smoking something to think that Theriot is a leadoff man………..LOL
This might be my favorite thing this year
Watching Theriot scrap away for the Cards.
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
He should bat him 9th
Of all his players he has had, and since he has before, Theriot is the guy.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
He'll hit like an All-Star against the Cubs
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
Gotta have hope
AL
E-Red Sox
C-Twins
W-A’s
WC-Rangers
NL
E-Phiilies
C-Cubs
W-Giants
WC-Reds
Twins/Rangers; Red Sox/A’s; Cubs/Giants; Phils/Reds
Twins/Red Sox; Cubs/Phils
Cubs/Twins
by NebraskaCubsFan on Mar 31, 2011 12:19 PM CDT reply actions
Al, just curious...
How much attention do you pay to the opposing teams @ ST. Are you ‘scouting’ them at all, or just there to focus on (and enjoy?) the Cubs. Who was the most impressive opponent you saw?
Yes, I do "scout" to some extent.
The best team I saw in the spring was definitely the Rockies, although I can’t say anything about the Brewers because I didn’t see them. The Giants looked decent, although I only saw a split squad.
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I saw the Rockies at Talking Stick
They are solid. Gonzalez is going to be a monster.
BTW – not a fan of Talking Stick. Too big IMO and awful sight lines. Surprise is my favorite place to watch a game.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
I found the sightlines at Talking Stick just fine.
The scale of the park is a little too large, though, I agree with that.
Agreed too on Surprise. That’s a gem of a spring training park. And parking is free.
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I found it so hard to see the hitter
from the LF lawn. Maybe because it was night and the surrounding fields had lights on or something.
Surprise is perfect PLUS I can drive my grandparents golf cart there which is cool.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
I didn't sit on the lawn for the game I saw there.
Maybe it would be different at night, yes.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Silva Question
Why do the Cubs still have to pay Silva $11.5 million if he isn’t willing to stay in the pen or AAA, isn’t that insubordination of an employee.
(I realize this question is dated, and probably has been answered)
Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air...
He's been around long enough to
refuse a minor league assignment.
Well..
National League
C – Reds
W – San Francisco
E – Phillies
WC – Rockies
American League
C – Twins
W – Angels
E – Red Sox
WC – Yankees
Phillies over Twins
Even Steven
81-81 and 3rd place in the central.
I hate to say it...
but I think we’re about a 75-win team this year. I’ll say 75-87, 4th in the Central. I’ll spend everyday hoping I’m wrong.
The Cubs won 75 games last year.
This is a better team than that one.
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That logic doesn't always play out that way Al.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 31, 2011 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Snark, even here?
I know that. Nevertheless, this team is better than last year’s. I expect more than 75 wins.
Tell me something. Do you like ANYTHING?
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I guess you have decided to see snark behind every single one of my posts now...
regardless of what I say.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 31, 2011 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm just wondering why you felt you had to say that when I was simply stating fact.
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Saying this team is "better" than last year's team is your opinion....
this fact can’t be a fact until after the season is over. I’m not trying to bust your balls Al…I’m just trying to have a discussion.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 31, 2011 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions
This team has better talent than last year's team.
Yes, that’s my opinion, shared by many here.
Your snarky reputation, unfortunately, has me looking at a lot of the things you post with an eye toward wondering what your angle is, rather than having a discussion.
You want to have a discussion, sure. Go for it.
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Better talent?
Really?
Do you think Garza is more talented than Lilly? Pena is more talented than Lee?
Since those are the only changes of note, I would be curious to know what you base your opinion on. Other than those changes, all you have is the same players a year older.
There's one thing we DON'T have this year that we DID last year...
…Lou Piniella…and that’s, hopefully, a gigantic step forward.
"The trouble is not that players have sex the night before a game. It's that they stay out all night looking for it." - Casey Stengal
You have a healthy Geovany Soto...
… a healthy Aramis Ramirez, a rejuvenated Carlos Zambrano, a better back end of the bullpen, a potential solid rookie in Darwin Barney.
And yes, Garza is better than Lilly, and Carlos Pena will put up better numbers than Derrek Lee did last year.
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Change of argument
As usual, you can only defend what you have posted by altering the argument. You said the team this year has better TALENT. You didn’t say better health (which is yet to be determined in any event).
If you think Garza is more talented than Lilly, I respectfully disagree.
And you didn’t say Pena would put up better numbers this year than Lee did last year (when he was hurt). You said he was more talented, which of course, is not the case.
Man,
You’ll nitpick anything, won’t you.
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by Al Yellon on Mar 31, 2011 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Nitpick?
You made the comment that the Cubs have more talent this year than last, and all I did was ask you what that was based on.
You replied that Soto and Ramirez are healthier, which has nothing to do with talent.
I don’t see nitpicking…I see someone who makes odd posts, and then can’t support them when asked.
It's my opinion.
Now you’re going to tell me my opinion is wrong.
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We disagree with your opinion...it's not wrong...
but you presented your opinion as a fact and even went so far as to tell me it WAS a fact before admiting it was just your opinion, and jazzman is sort of splitting hairs here, but he does have a point.
::disclaimer stating I’m not trying to be a jerk about this::
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 31, 2011 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
I would rather have
32 starts of Garza to the 18 starts Lilly.
Garza may not have a better year but hes a net gain since hell be on the team all year.
Al,
As someone who disagrees with SWL quite a bit, I can say this as an impartial observer. Regardless of who is right or not, both of you can state your opinion, which both of you did here.
I did not see anything snarky in his posts at all.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 31, 2011 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Well...
I have a reputation now…so it’s up to me to choose my words very carefully.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 31, 2011 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions
It's okay.
Regardless of whether or not I agree with you about what you said, I’m going to stand up for you no matter what.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 1, 2011 6:58 AM CDT up reply actions
Thanks for the insight Josh.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 31, 2011 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions
paranoid much Al?
disagreeing with you does not = snark
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Apr 1, 2011 7:44 AM CDT up reply actions
sounds about right
a lot of things have to go really right for the Cubs to play in the post season, like Soriano, ARam, Pena and Z all have big bounce back years, a full season of good ball from Byrd, plus no soph jinx for Castro.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Apr 1, 2011 7:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Last years team did win 75 games
but only with an unlikely hot streak to end the season. Some would say that they played closer to their potential, I would say they played way over their heads. I don’t think we’ve improved all that much this year. Our corner outfield is a year older and have never provided a season-long contribution. Our corner infield is older by a year and we’re just hoping that they can contribute up to their potential. Pitching staff is virtually the same.
Again, I hope they win more than 75… but
BTW, didn’t mean to start a spat with everyone. Guys just give your opinions… no need to get personal. Let’s enjoy baseball!
I really like the Braves this year.
I don’t think they win the division, but I think it ends up them against the Phils in the NLCS. Cubs will probably fall just shy of .500. Red Sox win it all.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Mar 31, 2011 1:20 PM CDT reply actions
I think people are missing something in the AL
Everyone is predicting either Tampa or the Yankees to win the Wild Card, and in fairness, they’re probably the second and third best teams in the AL.
But the problem is that with the unbalanced schedule, Boston, New York and Tampa Bay are going to be beating each other up all the time. Toronto is much improved and Baltimore isn’t a pushover anymore.
Whereas in the AL Central, the Twins, White Sox and Tigers are all decent, but Cleveland and Kansas City are out and out terrible. (Yes, KC will improve. But not until late in the season.)
My AL Picks have the Red Sox, White Sox and Athletics winning their divisions and the Tigers taking the Wild Card. (although it wouldn’t shock me to see the Twins in the post season as well.)
In the NL, I’ll go with Atlanta, Milwaukee and San Francisco with the Phillies as the WC.
I’ll go conventional and say Boston over Philly in the World Series.
Thanks for putting the Cubs over the Astros & Pirates at least
Volquez looked awful in the first inning today and that can’t help. Brewers pitching is also badly depleted. Cards i just expect Duncan to pull off his usual miracle with starters, but not so much with relief pitchers.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Mar 31, 2011 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Only a game or two separating the Cards and Cubs
A clutch Soriano K against Ryan Franklin with RISP and 2 out to end the game will be the difference.
NLC
Cards
Reds
Cubs
Brewers
Bucs
’stros
If any team other than the Cubs are gonna win the division might as well be the RedBirds. Dusty will kill his pitchers, no way can Chicago’s largest suburb ever be allowed to win anything and the Bucs/‘stros combined can’t be the camp fire girls all star squad.
Just win the next game...!
84 wins this year, Cubs Fans!
Mark my words. We take the WC, and then TAKE IT ALL!
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
few things on earth would make me happier
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 31, 2011 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions
We can agree on that
I would probably watch highlights and video of the championship every morning with breakfast.
I would do anything for a 95 Mariners type win with Cora scoring the tying run and Griffey the winning run from 1st. THAT is my favorite baseball moment ever.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Joe Carter Walkoff.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 31, 2011 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions
84 wins takes the WC?
Really?
"Any old kind of run wins it!"--Jack Brickhouse
by MannyTrilloFlipsTo1B on Mar 31, 2011 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions
That was my first thought as well...
There’s only been five times that the Wild Card winner for either league has had fewer than 90 wins…and two of those occurred in the shortened 1995 season. The other three were either 88 or 89 wins. While it’s possible to take it with 84, it’s EXTREMELY unlikely…
looks like Theriot leading off
good for us
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
how much would it suck...
if he actually went back to being able to slap the ball over the 2ndbaseman’s head twice a game like he did in 2008?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 31, 2011 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Well it could be ok
If he gets thrown out while thinking he is a base stealer.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
That would, indeed, suck.
Doesn’t seem too likely, though.
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Don't take this the wrong way...
but that’s just as likely as Soriano reverting back to his 2008 form.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 31, 2011 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions
In 2010, Soriano played in 38 more games, had 45 more PAs, 43 more ABs, scored 9 fewer runs, had one more hit, 13 more doubles, 3 more triples, five fewer HRs, and four more RBIs, as well as two more walks compared to 2008. He did strike out 20 more times. All of that combined for a 110 OPS+, only 9 points down from 119 in 2008.
Soriano wasn’t the problem last year.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Mar 31, 2011 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions
What magic thread are you reading that contains the comments that say he was?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 31, 2011 11:30 PM CDT up reply actions
If something is as likely as Soriano returning to 2008 form
he appears to have pretty much done that already.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 1, 2011 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions
My picks
AL East: Boston
AL Central: Chicago AL
AL West: Texas
AL Wild Card: Detroit
NL East: Philadelphia
NL Central: Milwaukee
NL West: Colorado
NL Wild Card: San Francisco
My NL Central Standings
1) Milwaukee
2) Cincinnati
3) St. Louis
4) Chicago NL (losing record)
5) Pittsburgh
6) Houston
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
I'll say this about the Yankees after watching their game...
I know their starters are pretty weak 3-5, but, you better have the lead before the 7th inning against them, because, Soriano and Rivera are lights out.
"The trouble is not that players have sex the night before a game. It's that they stay out all night looking for it." - Casey Stengal
I'll say this about the Yankees after not seeing any of their game...
I hate them.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 31, 2011 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
They hate you, too.
"The trouble is not that players have sex the night before a game. It's that they stay out all night looking for it." - Casey Stengal
We don't need luck...
we have Koyie Hill.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 31, 2011 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions
no kidding....
i just clicked on espn.com and couldn’t believe it…. way to brew crew! i guess someone had to lose but I was sure hoping it was going to be cincy!
Anything that pushes
Milwaukee and/or St. Louis closer to deseration mode is all good with me.
saw that live
wacky ballgame.
that’s really all i have to say about that. great finish.
gawwwwwwd i can’t wait til tomorrow
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
i hear ya...
although i have to dvr the game… might be able to catch the first few innings before i board a 2:30 flight home. what was i thinking when i schedule that flight!
have a safe flight!
i have to listen to it on mlb gameday audio since i’m in ohio my family is dvr-ing the game from IL so I can see everything from “This is the Year” at 12:30 through the 10th inning show when I come home in may
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
Rasmus
is one funny looking guy.
Holliday unties it.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Padres tie it in the 9th on a Maybin HR.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 31, 2011 5:54 PM CDT reply actions
Pujols is due up by the 10th...so I'm calling a walk-off hit by him.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 31, 2011 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Pujols is 0-5....huh
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 31, 2011 6:17 PM CDT reply actions
Maybin singles in the go-ahead run! Padres lead 4-3
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 31, 2011 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Run scores
on missed catch error by Theriot. Baseball is back.
It's great
to watch somebody else lose on Theriot’s suckage
by Liverpoolcubsfan on Mar 31, 2011 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions
This is so great.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 31, 2011 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions
hahahahaha
Not only did he drop the ball but a terrible throw too. Awesome!!!!
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie" -- Tony Montana
this brings a smile to my face
He's my Hossa
HO-HO-HO-HO-HOSSA
by jesus christos on Mar 31, 2011 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions
I posted this on facebook. Here's my prediction
NL EAST NL Central NL West AL East AL Central AL West
Phillies Cubs Giants Red Sox White Sox Rangers
Braves Reds Rockies Rays Twins A’s
Marlins Brewers Dodgers Yankees Tigers Angels
Nationals Cardinals Padres Orioles Royals Mariners
Mets Astros Diamondbacks Blue Jays Indians
Pirates
NL Wild Card:Braves AL Wild Card:Twins
Worlds Series Matchup: Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago White Sox (I hate it too)
AL Wins the All Star Game
by braziliancubsfan on Mar 31, 2011 6:28 PM CDT reply actions
The Riot Update
Catching error by St. Louis SS Ryan Theriot costs Cards two runs in to top of the 11th. Another reason for Al to pick the Cards where he did.
AlaskaFan
"Year after year after year after year . . . . . after year after year after year . . ." - Steve Goodman, "Dying Cub Fan's Last Request"
over/under on how long Theriot gets to be the everyday Cardinal SS....3 weeks?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 31, 2011 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Who's his backup?
Barney for Shelby Miller (j/k) Do it Jimbo.
Actually he cost them one run.
Bad enough.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Mar 31, 2011 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions
That St. Louis doesn't have
minor league plug-ins to prevent spending real money on Theriot warms my heart.
I am so excited for tomorrow.
That is all.
Twitter: @brandonrifkin
Blog: The Hot Glove || Heckler: The Heckler
I hate the term LOL
But LOL on Theriot – wait LOL AGAIN…..hahahahaha
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Oh, here goes...
National League
E – Phillies
C – Cubs (I’m not sure I believe this completely, but I just don’t have any more faith in anyone else in the Central, so why not?)
W – Giants
WC – Braves
American League
E – Red Sox
C – Twins
W – A’s
WC – Rays
WS – Phillies over Red Sox
I like the Braves this year
Pitching deep and power arms in the pen. Chipper looks like he is 25 again.
I have no idea what the Cubs will do. Could win 88 games or could lose 88 games.
Stanton for the Marlins will go nuts.
Valentine
Bobby
Man he knows is stuff – but boy is he annoying
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Phillies will suprise a lot of people
by not even making it to the playoffs. I am predicting a lot of injuries, and with Utley being out for a little while he will not come on as strong as others may think. Phillies will win over 85 games, but will be beat out by 1 1/2 by the Cubs.
NL East
Braves
Phils
Marlins
Nationals
Mets
NL Central
Reds
Cubs (Wild Card)
Cards
Brewers
Astros
NL West
Giants
Rockies
Dodgers
Padres
Dbacks
AL East
Red Sox
Yanks (Wild Card)
Blue Jays
Rays
Orioles
AL Central
Twins
W Sox
Tigers
Royals
Indians
AL West
Rangers
A’s
Angels
Mariners
NL- Cubs over Braves, Reds over Giants
Cubs over Reds
AL- Twins over Yanks, Red Sox over Rangers
Red Sox over Twins
WS- Cubs over Red Sox in 5
Cardinals and Cubs
I usually pick the Cardinals to win the NL Central. This year I’m more reluctant to do so because of the hard luck they have had. I want them to be a strong contender then lose, preferably to the Cubs, right near the end. If they’re not in the race, then they might trade Pujols and I don’t think they would trade him to the Cubs. He wouldn’t necessarily stay with any team that picks him up, ala Cliff Lee, but I still think the Cubs would have a better shot with him being a Cardinal throughout the season.
For the Cubs, I’m not looking too far ahead. I hope they can beat the Pirates and that the weather cooperates. Like Dempster said in 2010, you can’t win it in April but you can sure as heck lose it.
Seasons Greetings and Good Night Everybody...
No complaint from me regarding your prediction about the AL Central this year. In the past I pointed out how I thought your view of the Sox was uninformed & perhaps swayed by irrational hatred of the Sox. Need I remind you of your prediction about the 2005 Sox? Of course I love how that worked out.
The Twins have a great organization. They turn over players but just keep on restocking with talent. So, I agree with your prediction about the Twins finishing first. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Tigers surpassed the Sox either.
Intangibles: When will Ozzie blow up this year?
IIRC you’ve said something like this just about every year during Ozzie’s tenure as Sox manager. Mike Quade’s got a bit of Ozzie in him with his curse-word laced rant on Silva’s departure. Interesting that Quade’s emotional outburst was warmly received by many Cubs fans.
In the end though, damn glad that the Chicago baseball season starts tomorrow. You won’t be seeing me much here this season, good news for many here no doubt.
May the season bring you fond memories and lots of fun.
"Don’t belittle entire fanbases or neighborhoods…simply because they are within proximity to some people who don’t operate (or look) the same way you do." - AndrewJStone 6/29/2010
My take
Giants have a reality check this season, a lot of things broke their way last season, hard to see that happening again.
Phillies and BoSox are the teams to beat, with Philly taking the crown.
Sleeper: Athletics. Like their cross bay rivals, a very young and talented rotation that could dominate and carry them like it did for the Giants last season.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
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