2011 Predictions

Scoop with a fanpost! Awesome.

I’m not doing records.

For the AL

Red Sox in the East.

Minnesota in the Central.

Texas in the West.

For the NL

Philly in the East.

St. Louis in the Central.

Giants in the West.

Rangers win the World Series in a rematch of last year.

I'm just goofin' new boot goofin'

My blog: That's baseball for you

by iorange555 on Mar 30, 2011 6:53 PM CDT reply actions

Hmm

AL West Champs: Texas Rangers
AL Central Champs: Chicago White Sox
AL East Champs: Boston Red Sox
AL Wild Card: Oakland Athletics

NL West Champs: Colorado Rockies
NL Central Champs: Milwaukee Brewers
NL East Champs: Philadelphia Phillies
NL Wild Card: Atlanta Braves

AL Champs: Boston Red Sox
NL Champs: Atlanta Braves

World Champs: Atlanta Braves

AL MVP: Ian Kinsler
NL MVP: Prince Fielder

AL Cy Young: Jon Lester
NL Cy Young: Yovani Gallardo

AL ROY: Jeremy Hellickson
NL ROY: Brandon Belt

>mfw

by MonkeyEpoxy on Mar 30, 2011 6:54 PM CDT reply actions

Division winners

AL

E: Boston
C: Chicago
W: Texas
WC: Tampa Bay

NL

E: Phillies
C: Cincy
W: SF
WC: Atlanta

Boston over Texas in the ALCS
Phillies over Giants in NLCS
Boston over Phillies in WS

MVPs: A-Gon, AL / Pujols, NL
CYs: Lester, AL / Ubaldo, NL
ROYs: Jeremy Hellickson, AL / Aroldis Chapman, NL

A nightingale in a golden cage
That's me locked inside reality's maze

by LSJ on Mar 30, 2011 7:02 PM CDT reply actions

American League
West: Texas Rangers
Central: Twins
East: Boston Red Sox
Wild Card: Tampa Bay Devil Rays

National League
West: Rockies
Central: St. Louis Cards.
East: Philly
Wild Card: Reds

World Series
Rangers v. Philly

World Series Champion
Rangers in 7. CJ over Lee

Josh Hamilton: "I just show up, look at the lineup and play where I’m told. If they want me to catch, I’ll catch."
Jon Daniels on relationship with #Rangers Young: "I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." 2/19/11

by boomer1 on Mar 30, 2011 7:04 PM CDT reply actions

>devil

>mfw

by MonkeyEpoxy on Mar 30, 2011 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions

No

I liked it better when they had it in their name.

Josh Hamilton: "I just show up, look at the lineup and play where I’m told. If they want me to catch, I’ll catch."
Jon Daniels on relationship with #Rangers Young: "I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." 2/19/11

by boomer1 on Mar 30, 2011 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions

I suspect

the window may close this year on the Devil Rays.

"I wanted to go out there and punch Julio" - Ron Washington

by DJCahill on Apr 2, 2011 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions

and then reopen in 2012

if by window you mean actually obtaining a playoff spot as opposed to simply contend for one. They still have a lot of talent in prime years and a very strong farm system.

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Apr 2, 2011 11:33 PM CDT up reply actions

AL:

Rangers
Red Sox
Twins
White Sox (WC)

ALCS: Red Sox over Rangers

Adrian Gonzalez (MVP)
David Price (CY)
Jeremy Hellickson (ROY)
Terry Francona (MOY)

NL:

Phillies
Rockies
Reds
Braves (WC)

Albert Pujols (MVP)
Roy Halladay (CY)
Jim Leyland (MOY)
Brandon Belt (ROY)

NLCS: Phils over Rox

World Series: Red Sox over Phillies

by mizzou918 on Mar 30, 2011 7:04 PM CDT reply actions

Who hires Leyland

after Det. fires him?

by robert_d_wilfong on Mar 30, 2011 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions

I kinda wish we would

But we’d probably have to lose to the A’s for that to happen.

A nightingale in a golden cage
That's me locked inside reality's maze

by LSJ on Mar 31, 2011 5:44 AM CDT up reply actions

I meant Jim Tracy. My bad.

by mizzou918 on Mar 31, 2011 7:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Okay, have to do one so I can mock Josey.

And he can mock me.

AL West
Texas 91-71
Oakland 83-79
Los Angeles 74-88
Seattle 70-92

AL Central
Chicago 93-69
Minnesota 88-74
Detroit 82-80
Cleveland 73-89
Kansas City 61-101

AL East
Boston 97-65
Tampa Bay 91-71
New York 88-74
Baltimore 74-88
Toronto 67-95

NL West
San Francisco 93-69
Colorado 87-75
Los Angeles 85-77
San Diego 71-91
Arizona 68-94

NL Central
Cincinnati 89-73
St Louis 85-77
Chicago 82-80
Milwaukee 82-80
Houston 75-87
Pittsburgh 64-98

NL East
Atlanta 93-69
Philadelphia 89-73
New York 86-76
Florida 77-85
Washington 72-90

AL WC – Tampa Ba
NL WC – Philadelphia

ALCS Texas over Boston
NLCS Atlanta over Philly

WS Texas over Atlanta

"I hope the image of my erect penis sears into your brain." by ab03 on Mar 24, 2011 9:13 PM CDT

by Brad on Mar 30, 2011 7:25 PM CDT reply actions

We have the exact same division and wild card winners.

Guess we’ll have to stick to Young v. Beltre.

Que sera, sera.

by scoop16 on Mar 30, 2011 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Heh

I didn’t even look at yours yet.

"I hope the image of my erect penis sears into your brain." by ab03 on Mar 24, 2011 9:13 PM CDT

by Brad on Mar 30, 2011 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Those AL West win totals look awful similar to someone else's down there. . .

SB Nation Dallas-Ft. Worth - Christopher Fittz is better than porn!

by philkid3 on Mar 30, 2011 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Yep.

But I posted mine first!

"I hope the image of my erect penis sears into your brain." by ab03 on Mar 24, 2011 9:13 PM CDT

by Brad on Mar 30, 2011 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Let the mocking begin!!

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 12:34 AM CDT up reply actions

I didn't do awards,

Because I generally don’t give a shit.

But I’ll do one.

AL MVP: Adrian Beltre

Or at the very least…

Rangers position player fWAR leader: Adrian Beltre

"I hope the image of my erect penis sears into your brain." by ab03 on Mar 24, 2011 9:13 PM CDT

by Brad on Mar 31, 2011 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions

Does Fangraphs not factor BBs?

Que sera, sera.

by scoop16 on Mar 31, 2011 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions

They absolutely do.

"I hope the image of my erect penis sears into your brain." by ab03 on Mar 24, 2011 9:13 PM CDT

by Brad on Mar 31, 2011 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Yup, about a third of a run created.

SB Nation Dallas-Ft. Worth - Christopher Fittz is better than porn!

by philkid3 on Mar 31, 2011 8:49 PM CDT up reply actions

I hope all of these people that have the Brewers not winning are right

We could use greinke

>mfw

by MonkeyEpoxy on Mar 30, 2011 7:31 PM CDT reply actions

Josey's Predictions

http://www.lonestarball.com/2011/3/29/2078248/tuesday-morning-rangers-update#62520346

AL West

Oakland 89-73
Texas 85-77
LAAAA 81-81
Seattle 70-92

AL Central

Chisox 94-68
Detroit 91-71
Minn 81-81
Cle 75-87
KC 64-98

AL East

Boston 94-68
NYY 86-76
TBay 84-78
Balt 77-85
Tor 66-96

NL West

Col Rox 93-69
SFO 82-80
LAD 81-81
SDO 74-88
AZ 66-96

NL Central

Milw 92-70
STL 86-76
Cincy 82-80
Cubs 78-84
Hou 77-85
Pitt 63-99

NL East

ATL 95-67
FLA 90-72
Philly 83-79
Wash 70-92
NY Mets 68-94

Boston defeats Atlanta in World Series

"I hope the image of my erect penis sears into your brain." by ab03 on Mar 24, 2011 9:13 PM CDT

by Brad on Mar 30, 2011 7:49 PM CDT reply actions

Philly winning just 83 is gutsy

by groundingout on Mar 31, 2011 2:22 AM CDT up reply actions

it's odd

I’d like to see his reasoning on that one. But then he doesn’t do reason very well.

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions

"...he doesn't do reason very well."

If Philly gets to the post-season, they’re going to be hell to deal with in a 5 or 7 game series. The big problem they face is getting to post-season.

Look at the history of baseball, more specifically the last 40 years. How many teams in history have made it to the post-season 5 straight seasons?

The A’s of the early 70s did it (’71-75) but they were one of the all-time greatest teams.

The Yankees did it but they also had one of the great all-time teams in the history of the sport plus the payroll advantage to plug holes.

The 90’s Braves did it but they had a HOF staff (which Philly has) but they also kept a pipeline of young elite talent constantly coming in which is something the Phillies don’t have.

The Phillies are old and old players either leave, decline or get hurt. Werth is gone and his replacement is hurt. Utley is hurt and doesn’t know when he’s coming back. Polanco is now hurt. Ibanez is 39 in June. Rollins is in a deep state of decline. Lidge is old, hurt and they don’t know when he’s coming back. Their GM has also said they have no room in the budget to acquire any more talent.

Is this current group of Phillies one of the all-time great teams? They’ve won a title, made it to another World Series and have gone to the playoffs four straight years so they’ve had a very good four year run but I don’t view them as one of the all-time great teams in the recent history of the sport.

So yeah, 83-79.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions

Those are good reasons for them to maybe finish 2nd

but how do the Marlins get to 90 wins?

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions

Marlins to 90 wins is a hunch play based

mostly on the fact that they are stocked with under 30 talent, some of it elite plus I like their pitching. They’re ready to take a step forward.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions

You don't like the Army insects in the West?

Que sera, sera.

by scoop16 on Mar 31, 2011 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm not a big fan of the team wins or goes to a World Series by catching lightning in

a bottle during the post-season having success the next year.

In recent years, look at what happened the next season to the 2002 Angels, 2005 Astros, 2006 St.Louis, 2007 Rox.

As late as August 25 of last year, they trailed the Padres by 6.5 games before getting en fuego.

The Giants won the NL West last year because they gave up 60 runs in their last 29 games (2.06 runs per game). Now if they’re going to give up 2.06 runs per game over 162 games, they’re going to be hell to deal with but there’s no way they can sustain that.

Posey is going to be star/superstar, Kung Fu Panda lost the basketball that was stapled to his gut and the Belt kid looks good but other than that…you’re telling me that Huff & Burrell are going to be on the corners? Tejada and DeRosa are also old but the Giants are depending on them.

Tiny Tim & Cain also both put a lot of miles on their arms last year and Wilson is hurt as well.

I’m pretty comfortable with the Giants winning less than 85 games this year.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions

I have the Marlins as the Wild Card

for essentially the exact same reasons. They have a lot of guys who people are assuming will be non-factors, but have the ability to be really good. Whereas Philly has a lot of guys people are assuming will be studs, and so if anything goes wrong, down is the only way to go.

Go Rice Owls!
Matt Harrison - 2011 Rangers #3 Starter!

by JBImaknee on Apr 1, 2011 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Alright

AL East:
Boston
TBR
Toronto
NYY
Baltimore

AL Central:
Minnesota
Detroit
Chicago
Kansas City
Cleveland

AL West:
The Motherfucking Rangers
Oakland
LAA
Seattle

Wild Card: Detroit

Boston over Detroit
Minnesota over Texas

Boston over Minnesota

AL MVP: Joe Mauer
AL CY: David Price

NL East:
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Florida
Washington
NYM

NL Central:
Cincinnati
St. Louis
Milwaukee
CHC
Pittsburgh
Houston

NL West:
San Francisco
Colorado
LAD
SDP
Arizona

NL Wild Card: St. Louis

Philadelphia over St. Louis
Cincinnati over San Francisco

Philadelphia over Cincinnati

NL MVP: Carlos Gonzales
NL CY: Roy Halladay

World Series: Boston over Philadelphia in 7.

by vfn on Mar 30, 2011 8:02 PM CDT reply actions

Click Here to Minimize!

AL East
Red Sox 98-64
Yankees 89-73*
Rays 87-75
Blue Jays 76-86
Orioles 72-90

AL Central
Twins 90-72
Tigers 85-77
White Sox 81-81
Indians 72-90
Royals 67-95

AL West
Rangers 91-71
Athletics 84-78
Angels 79-83
Mariners 71-91

NL East
Phillies 94-68
Braves 89-73
Marliners 82-80
Mets 81-81
Nationals 70-92

NL Central
Reds 88-74
Brewers 84-78
Cardinals 82-80
Cubs 78-84
Astros 67-95
Pirates 64-98

NL West
Rockies 92-70
Giants 91-71*
Dodgers 83-79
Padres 73-89
Diamondbacks 70-92

ALCS: Rangers over Red Sox
NLCS: Phillies over Rockies
World Series: Rangers!!!

(Yeah, probably Red Sox, but I don’t feel like it.)

SB Nation Dallas-Ft. Worth - Christopher Fittz is better than porn!

by philkid3 on Mar 30, 2011 8:05 PM CDT reply actions

Same here.

If I weren’t a Rangers fan I’d pick the Sox… but fuck it. 2011: It’s Time, Again, For Realz.

"I hope the image of my erect penis sears into your brain." by ab03 on Mar 24, 2011 9:13 PM CDT

by Brad on Mar 30, 2011 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Awards:

AL MVP: Ian Kinsler (or Adrian Gonzalez)
AL RotY: Tanner Scheppers (or Mike Moustakas)
AL Cy Young: Colby Lewis (or Felix Hernandez)

NL MVP: Carlos Gonzalez (
AL RotY: Brandon Belt
AL Cy Young: Tim Lincecum

SB Nation Dallas-Ft. Worth - Christopher Fittz is better than porn!

by philkid3 on Mar 30, 2011 8:09 PM CDT up reply actions

WE TRADED FOR LINCECUM THAT'S SO AWEOME!

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Mar 31, 2011 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions

copypasta fail.

That’s why you must beware the copypasta.

"I hope the image of my erect penis sears into your brain." by ab03 on Mar 24, 2011 9:13 PM CDT

by Brad on Mar 31, 2011 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Actually, it wasn't copypasta.

So. . . I don’t really have an excuse.

SB Nation Dallas-Ft. Worth - Christopher Fittz is better than porn!

by philkid3 on Mar 31, 2011 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions

x

Bosox, Twins, Rangers, Rays

Phillies, Reds, Rockies, Giants

ALCS Twins (because they don’t face the MFNYY in the playoffs)

NLCS Reds

WS Twins

by RangerMad on Mar 30, 2011 8:17 PM CDT reply actions

I'll give it a shot, I calculated WAR values based on my personal forecasts for the Rangers, came up with 94 wins.

AL East
Boston 97-65
Tampa 90-72
NYY 89-73
Toronto 80-82
Baltimore 74-88
AL Central
Detroit 89-73
CWS 86-76
Minnesota 86-76
KC 74-88
Cleveland 70-92
AL West
Texas 94-68
Oakland 87-75
LAA 80-82
Seattle 78-84
NL East
Atlanta 92-70
Philadelphia 92-70
Florida 80-82
Washington 79-83
NYM 70-92
NL Central
Cincy 90-72
Milwaukee 84-78
STL 80-82
Cubs 76-86
Pittsburgh 71-91
Houston 63-99
NL West
Colorado 91-71
SF 86-76
SD 82-80
LAD 80-82
Arizona 69-93

ALCS: Rangers over Red Sox (with some help through the trade market)
NLCS: Rockies over Phillies
World Series- Rangers! over Rockies in 6

AL MVP- Ian Kinsler
NL MVP- Halladay

AL CY- Felix
NL CY- Halladay

AL ROY- Jeremy Hellickson
NL ROY- Brandon Belt

Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good.

by Bface on Mar 30, 2011 8:22 PM CDT reply actions

Thanks for posting this, Scoop

AL West
Texas (88-74)
Oakland
LAA
Seattle

AL Central
Twins
Tigers wild card
White Sox
KC
Cleveland

AL East
Boston
Tampa
NYY
Toronto
Orioles

NL West
Rockies
Giants wild card
Dodgers
Padres
DBacks

NL Central
Brewers
Cubs
Reds
Cardinals
Astros
Pirates

NL East
Phillies
Braves
Marlins
Mets
Nationals

ALCS Red Sox over Twins
NLCS Phillies over Giants

World Series Champ Boston Red Sox

AL MVP Kevin Youkilis
NL MVP Ryan Braun

AL Cy Young Justin Verlander
NL Cy Young Cliff Lee

AL Manager of Year Jim Leyland
NL Manager of Year Mike Quade

"Whenever I'm about to do something, I think 'Would an idiot do that?' And if they would, I do not do that thing."

by Hard8 on Mar 30, 2011 8:47 PM CDT reply actions

hmmm

AL
East – Boston, Tampa, NY, Toronto, Baltimore
Central – Chicago, Minn, Detroit, Clev, KC
West – Texas, Oakland, Anaheim, Seattle

NL
East – Atlanta, Phili, Florida, Washington, NYM
Central – Cinci, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Chicago, Houston, Pitt
West – Colorado, San Fran, SD, Arizona, LAD

AL Champion – Red Sox
NL Champion – Phili
WS Champion – Phili

AL MVP – Mauer
NL MVP – Pujols

AL Cy Young – Price
NL Cy Young – Gallardo

AL ROY – Hellickson
NL ROY – Brandon Belt

Dallas Stars Examiner

by MayurP on Mar 30, 2011 9:00 PM CDT reply actions

OK i'll go on record with mine I guess

DIVISION WINNERS:

Texas, Chicago, Boston
Philly, Cincy, Colorado

WC
TB
San Fran

WS: Texas over San Fran

MVP: Hamilton / CarGo
CY: Felix / Halladay
ROY: Hellickson / Freeman

by bigsteve on Mar 30, 2011 9:56 PM CDT reply actions

x

AL West: Texas, LAA, Oakland, Seattle
AL Central: Minny, Detroit, KC, ChiSox, Cleveland
AL East: Boston, Tampa, NYY, Toronto, Baltimore

NL West: Colorado, SFG, LA, Arizona, SD
NL Central: St Louis, Milwaukee, Cincy, Houston, ChiCubs, Pitt
NL East: Atlanta, Florida, Philly, Washington, NYM

AL: Texas over Detroit; Minny over Boston; Minny over Texas (:(…)
NL: St Louis over Florida, Atlanta over Colorado; Atlanta over StL
WS: Atlanta over Minny.

AL MVP: Mauer; CY: ~~Harry~~ Lester; ROY: Ackley
NL MVP: Pujols; CY: Oswalt; ROY: Alvarez

Go Rice Owls!
Matt Harrison - 2011 Rangers #3 Starter!

by JBImaknee on Mar 30, 2011 10:37 PM CDT reply actions

Rangers win 88 games

The rest….

AL West: Texas, Oakland, LAA, Seattle
AL Central: Chicago, Detroit, Minnesota, KC, Cleveland
AL East: Boston, NYY, Tampa, Toronto, Baltimore

NL West: Colorado, SFG, Arizona, SD, LAD
NL Central: Cincy, Milwaukee, St. Louis, ChiCubs, Pitt, Houston
NL East: Philly, Atlanta, Florida, NYM, Washington

AL: Boston over Detroit; ChiSox over Texas; ChiSox over Boston
NL: Colorado over Philly; Atlanta over Cincy; Atlanta over Colorado
WS: Atlanta over ChiSox

AL MVP: Someone on the Boston Red Sox (take your pick of AGon, Pedroia, or Youk)
NL MVP: CarGo

AL Cy Young: Jon Lester
NL Cy Young: Roy Halladay

AL ROtY: Michael Pineda
NL ROtY: Freddie Freeman

"I have thought a lot about why people get so hostile online, and I have come to believe it is primarily because we live in a society with a hypertrophied sense of justice and an atrophied sense of humility and charity, to put the matter in terms of the classic virtues." --Alan Jacobs

by JDT217 on Mar 30, 2011 11:03 PM CDT reply actions

Go Rangers

AL East
BOS 100-62
NYY 93-69
TAM 86-76
TOR 82-80
BALT 79-83

AL Central
MIN 86-76
CHI 85-77
DET 80-82
KC 73-89
CLE 68-94

AL West
TEX 92-70
OAK 83-79
LAA 76-86
SEA 74-88

AL MVP Nelson Cruz
AL CY Jon Lester
AL ROTY Carlos Santana

NL East
PHI 94-68
ATL 90-72
FLA 83-79
NYM 78-84
WAS 70-92

NL Central
CIN 86-76
MIL 81-81
CHI 80-82
STL 78-84
PIT 70-92
HOU 64-98

NL West
SFG 92-70
COL 88-74
LAD 83-79
SDP 76-86
AZD 70-92

NL MVP Albert Pujols
NL CY Roy Halladay
NL ROTY Craig Kimbrel

WS Boston over Philly

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 12:15 AM CDT reply actions

Pretty safe picks...what's your reasoning for the Brewers finishing at .500?

How do you see the Giants repeating their success in the NL West and what are your specific reasons for thinking after this off-season and with better teams within the division, the Rangers are somehow going to improve their record?

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions

I stated my Rangers reasons in a reply to one of your other posts

I think some of the younger Giants are going to hit well enough to offset the older guys, and Lincecum is going to have a great year and finish 2nd to Halladay in CY voting. They have a very good bullpen, too, and the other NL West teams just look too flawed.

I think the Brewers could win anywhere from 75-90 games. How soon will Greinke pitch? Marcum is also dinged, along with Corey Hart and their starting catcher. Their SS is a terrible player. And they’ve already spent all their bullets getting Marcum and Greinke, how do they add anything during the season?

The Rangers have one of the top two or three defensive alignments in baseball. They have a top 5 offense. And they have the will and the resources to fill holes to add to their stable of talented arms. I see no reason not to pick TX.

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions

I sure wish the Rangers used "the will and the resources to fill holes to

add to their stable of talented arms" before Opening Day.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions

Too soon

They have a lot of young arms. As Beane says, use the first couple of months to sort them out, then add to it internally (Webb if he pans out) and/or externally. The trade market is better mid-season when some teams are forced to look to the future and guys become available.

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions

I think the Cliff Lee acquisition was much more once in a lifetime than

something we should plan on happening every year.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions

why?

Lee was awesome in the playoffs but went just 4-6, 3.98 ERA here in the reg. season. The Rangers didn’t really need him to win the West, and I didn’t predict the Rangers to win the WS. The Rangers can pick up a 4.00 ERA pitcher at the very least in the summer if they need one. Not getting someone like Lee for the playoff games is one reason I didn’t pick the Rangers to go very far in the playoffs.

They will win the West, after that who knows.

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions

Lee was amazing in the regular season when rested properly (not flying in

from Seattle the night before a start) and healthy.

He was great the first month, got hurt , got healthy and then was a bad MF the last 3-4 weeks of the season.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions

well, yeah

but all in all that added up to a guy the Rangers could acquire mid-2011 if need be. I don’t see why they can’t go find a pitcher expected to put up a 3.98 ERA. Or better. Maybe Greinke is available, maybe Chris Carpenter, Nolasco, Brett Myers or Wandy, Buehrle, all depending on how things play out.

Hell, if Philly has as bad a time of it as you predict, Oswalt could be available.

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions

You gonna cash in MPerez plus others to do it?

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions

Not Perez

for others depends on who the return is, as always.

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions

Mike Olt, Tanner Scheppers, and Luke Jackson for Greinke at the break if they're out of contention

Assuming that the improvements Olt was flashing during ST carries into the regular season

>mfw

by MonkeyEpoxy on Mar 31, 2011 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks scoop. I was hoping someone would put one of these up...

Here are my picks:

AL East
1. Boston Red Sox
*2. New York Yankees
3. Tampa Bay Rays
4. Baltimore Orioles
5. Toronto Blue Jays

AL Central
1. Minnesota Twins
2. Chicago White Sox
3. Detroit Tigers
4. Kansas City Royals
5. Cleveland Indians

AL West
1. Texas Rangers
2. Oakland Athletics
3. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
4. Seattle Mariners

ALDS
Boston over Minnesota
Texas over New York

ALCS
Boston over Texas

AL MVP
Nelson Cruz

AL Cy Young
Jon Lester

AL Rookie of the Year
Jeremy Hellickson

NL East
1. Philadelphia Phillies
*2. Atlanta Braves
3. Florida Marlins
4. Washington Nationals
5. New York Mets

NL Central
1. Chicago Cubs
2. St. Louis Cardinals
3. Milwaukee Brewers
4. Cincinnati Reds
5. Pittsburgh Pirates
6. Houston Astros

NL West
1. Colorado Rockies
2. San Francisco Giants
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
4. San Diego Padres
5. Arizona Diamondbacks

NLDS
Atlanta over Colorado
Philadelphia over Chicago

NLCS
Atlanta over Philadelphia

World Series
Atlanta over Boston

NL MVP
Jason Heyward

NL Cy Young
Ubaldo Jimenez

NL Rookie of the Year
Freddie Freeman

Notes:
Damn it feels nice to pick the Rangers and feel confident in that pick
and not just feel like a homer who just wants to have something to
hope for on the year.

I was pretty close to picking the A’s as the AL Wild Card. Then I was
close to picking the White Sox. But I guess it’s still really likely
that it comes from the East. It’s just tough to pick the Yankees
because they’re the Yankees but also because they don’t look like
they’re going to be as good as they were last season.

The Cubs are my “Well, some weird team seems to win a division each year” pick.

I had to do something different than the trendy Boston/Philadelphia pick.

If Nelson Cruz doesn’t win the AL MVP, Ian Kinsler will. Or Josh Hamilton.

SB Nation DFW - Come Read Robbie Griffin's Articles!

by ghostofErikThompson on Mar 31, 2011 12:21 AM CDT reply actions

Predictions

AL West Champs: Texas Rangers
AL Central Champs: Chicago White Sox
AL East Champs: Boston Red Sox
AL Wild Card: Tampa Bay Rays

NL West Champs: Colorado Rockies
NL Central Champs: Cincinnati Reds
NL East Champs: Philadelphia Phillies
NL Wild Card: Atlanta Braves

AL Champs: Boston Red Sox
NL Champs: Philadelphia Phillies

World Champs: Philadelphia Phillies

AL MVP: Adrian Gonzalez
NL MVP: Albert Pujols

AL Cy Young: Felix Hernandez
NL Cy Young: Roy Halladay

AL ROY: Jeremy Hellickson
NL ROY: Brandon Belt

"Either we need to re-calibrate our rectangle, or Alfonzo Marquez is not having a good night." - Josh Lewin

by utlonghorn24 on Mar 31, 2011 12:42 AM CDT reply actions

AL Cy Young

Chris Carpenter…

as a member of the Rangers.

Coming Home Newcastle

by Robert L. Bishop on Mar 31, 2011 1:41 AM CDT reply actions

Real picks

AL West – Texas
AL Central – Chicago White Sox
AL East – Boston
AL Wild Card – Minnesota
I think the presence of 5 strong teams in the AL East will make it very hard for more than one team to rise above a 90-win record. The Twins will edge out the Yankees.
MVP – Evan Longoria
Cy Young – Chris Carpenter (as a member of the Rangers)
Ok, I’m really picking Jon Lester
ROY – Mike Moustakas
Manager of the Year – Terry Francona (though he won’t deserve it)
Comeback Player of the Year – Justin Morneau

NL West – Colorado
I think this one comes down to the end with the Rockies and the Giants. This pick is probably more wishful thinking than anything.

NL Central – Cincinnati
NL East – Atlanta
NL Wild Card – Philadelphia
MVP – Brian McCann
Cy Young – Josh Johnson
ROY – Freddie Freeman
Manager of the Year – Fredi Gonzalez
Comeback Player of the Year – Edinson Volquez

ALDS
MIN over BOS
TEX over CWS

ALCS
TEX over MIN

NLDS
PHI over COL
ATL over CIN

NLCS
PHI over ATL

World Series
Texas in 5, for the poetry of it all. Yeah, this totally a homer pick. I’m always going to pick Texas if there’s even a modicum of chance that it could happen.

Coming Home Newcastle

by Robert L. Bishop on Mar 31, 2011 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions

x

AL East:
Boston 98-64
New York 90-72 (WC)
Tampa Bay 87-75
Toronto 79-83
Baltimore 74-88

AL Central:
Minnesota 89-73
Chi Sox: 87-75
Detroit: 84-78
Cleveland: 70-92
Kansas City: 65-97

AL West:

Texas: 89-73
Oakland: 84-78
LA Angels: 80-82
Seattle: 68-94

NL East:

Atlanta: 94-66
Philadelphia: 93-69 (WC)
Florida: 82-80
NY Mets: 77-85
Washington: 72-88

NL Central:
Cincinnati: 91-71
Milwaukee: 86-76
St. Louis: 84-78
Chicago Cubs: 77-85
Houston: 69-93
Pittsburgh: 66-98

NL West:
Colorado 90-72*
San Francisco 90-72
LA Dodgers 83-79
San Diego 77-85
Arizona 72-90

ALDS:

Rangers over Yankees
Red Sox over Twins

NLDS:

Braves over Rockies
Phillies over Reds

ALCS:

Red Sox over Rangers

NLCS:

Braves over Phillies

World Series:
Red Sox over Braves, followed by my suicide in infuriation at asshole Boston fans

AL MVP: Adrian Gonzalez
AL CY: Felix Hernandez

NL MVP: Troy Tulowitzki
NL CY: Roy Halladay

AL ROY: Jeremy Hellickson
NL ROY: Craig Kimbrel

Comeback player of the year: Grady Sizemore. You heard it first, as he slinks off to the DL to start the season

Player most likely to be subject of major scandal midseason? Surely the odds are on Nyjer Morgan, again.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."

by jonthefon on Mar 31, 2011 1:43 AM CDT reply actions

I'm a little surprised at all the picks of the Braves in the WS.

I did the same thing, but I expected more Phillies from most peopel.

"I hope the image of my erect penis sears into your brain." by ab03 on Mar 24, 2011 9:13 PM CDT

by Brad on Mar 31, 2011 6:57 AM CDT reply actions

Well, it's not out of the ordinary to see that offense and think it's mediocre this season

especially if even just a couple of Utley being affected (or simply sidelined completely) by injuries, Rollins not returning to some semblance of his previous form, Ibanez’s aging, Domonic Brown struggling to adapt, and who knows what Ryan Howard does.

Plus add to that the fact that the rotation probably isn’t going to give a full season of awesomeness – one or maybe two of the starters will probably go down at some point in the season.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."

by jonthefon on Mar 31, 2011 7:34 AM CDT up reply actions

Yep

It seems collectively we all drew the same conclusion.

"I hope the image of my erect penis sears into your brain." by ab03 on Mar 24, 2011 9:13 PM CDT

by Brad on Mar 31, 2011 7:36 AM CDT up reply actions

I think all of that is possible

but it’s not like the Braves are flawless. Still, Heyward is a guy who could absolutely carry a team, a la Josh Hamilton, if he gets hot.

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions

I actually like the Braves and Giants pitching top to bottom better than Philly.

Que sera, sera.

by scoop16 on Mar 31, 2011 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions

Giants, definitely

people talk about their rotation a lot, but that bullpen is good. The Braves have a pretty good rotation, I’m not so sure about the bullpen. The Braves and Philly are actually pretty close in both offense and run prevention, I think, but I give the edge to the Phillies rotation.

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions

Venters and Kimbrel

even their walk rate is just subpar, they’re going to fucking own.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."

by jonthefon on Mar 31, 2011 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions

AL East
1. Boston Red Sox
*2. Tampa Bay Rays
3. New York Yankees
4. Baltimore Orioles
5. Toronto Blue Jays

AL Central
1. Detroit Tigers
2. Minnesota Twins
3. Chicago White Sox
4. Kansas City Royals
5. Cleveland Indians

AL West
1. Texas Rangers
2. Oakland Athletics
3. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
4. Seattle Mariners

ALDS
Detroit over Boston
Texas over New York

ALCS
Texas over Detroit

AL MVP
Evan Longoria

AL Cy Young
Justin Verlander

AL Rookie of the Year
Eric Hosmer

NL East
1. Philadelphia Phillies
2. Atlanta Braves
3. Florida Marlins
4. New York Mets
5. Washington Nationals

NL Central
1. Cincinnati Reds
*2. Milwaukee Brewers
3. St. Louis Cardinals
4. Chicago Cubs
5. Pittsburgh Pirates
6. Houston Astros

NL West
1. Colorado Rockies
2. San Francisco Giants
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
4. San Diego Padres
5. Arizona Diamondbacks

NLDS
Milwaukee over Colorado
Philadelphia over Cincinnati

NLCS
Philadelphia over Milwaukee

World Series
Philadelphia over Texas

NL MVP
Troy Tulowitzki

NL Cy Young
Josh Johnson

NL Rookie of the Year
Aroldis Chapman

Notes:
I picked Texas in the AL, assuming they make a deadline trade for a pitcher.

I feel like this is the season that Evan Longoria solidifies himself as the best player in the American League.

I have good feelings about Milwaukee and Cincinnati. Jay Bruce AND Joey Votto will both be MVP candidates. Yovani Gallardo stays healthy and gets some Cy love. Zach Greinke returns from injury and looks more like 2009 Greinke than 2010 Greinke.

I just can’t see Philly not winning the NL, unless Ubaldo goes all Cliff Lee in the playoffs.

by cmkelly29 on Mar 31, 2011 7:47 AM CDT reply actions

Interesting

Not one person has picked the A’s yet?

by SaltyGoesYard on Mar 31, 2011 7:53 AM CDT reply actions

I almost did, just to fuck with people

Didn’t really feel like kicking that hornets nest though.

A nightingale in a golden cage
That's me locked inside reality's maze

by LSJ on Mar 31, 2011 7:59 AM CDT up reply actions

Josey did

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions

Did one sane person pick the A's?

"I hope the image of my erect penis sears into your brain." by ab03 on Mar 24, 2011 9:13 PM CDT

by Brad on Mar 31, 2011 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions

I only have a 2 game difference. I think it's gonna be a race all season.

Though, I’m not sure of my sanity.

Que sera, sera.

by scoop16 on Mar 31, 2011 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions

well within the realm of possibility

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions

You're supposed to be PhilkidIsHero.

SB Nation Dallas-Ft. Worth - Christopher Fittz is better than porn!

by philkid3 on Mar 31, 2011 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Mine...

AL West – Rangers
AL Central – Tigers
AL East – Red Sox
AL WC – Twins

NL West – Dodgers
NL Central – Cardinals
NL East – Phillies
NL WC – Giants

AL MVP – Cruz
AL Cy Young – Liriano
AL ROY – Hellickson

NL MVP – Pujols
NL Cy Young – Kershaw
NL ROY – Chapman

WS – Phillies over Red Sox

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Mar 31, 2011 8:02 AM CDT reply actions

Twins for the WC

could happen, I suppose. I just don’t see both of the Yankees and Rays being behind whoever is 2nd in the AL Central.

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions

Honestly...

I think the Yankees pitching is going to finish them 3rd in the AL East.

I like the Rays, I think it will come down to the Twins and Rays for the WC. I just think the Rays pitching may be a little young still, and it just seems like the Twins always find a way to sneak into the playoffs.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Mar 31, 2011 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions

Nah, the Yankees pitching woes are overstated

They still have a lot of good arms and the ability to go get whatever they need. The Rays bullpen is very different than last year and I think they’ll have a hard time keeping up. The wild card is injuries, and the Yankees are at risk there. But, then again, they can go get someone with their resources.

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions

Perhaps it's just wishful thinking on my part...

I know the Yankees can always go get help, but I still think the Rays are better.

I guess we’ll see.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Mar 31, 2011 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions

I see the Yankees

being a MAJOR disappointment this year. They are a mess arms-wise, and they are OOOOOOOLD everywhere else.

by vfn on Mar 31, 2011 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions

Play ball!

AL West Champs: Texas Rangers
AL Central Champs: Chicago White Sox
AL East Champs: Boston Red Sox
AL Wild Card: New York Yankees

NL West Champs: Colorado Rockies
NL Central Champs: Cincinnati Reds
NL East Champs: Philadelphia Phillies
NL Wild Card: Atlanta Braves

AL Champs: Texas Rangers
NL Champs: Philadelphia Phillies

World Champs: Philadelphia Phillies

AL MVP: Nelson Cruz
NL MVP: Albert Pujols

AL Cy Young: Jon Lester
NL Cy Young: Roy Halladay

AL ROY: Jeremy Hellickson
NL ROY: Aroldis Chapman

-- Micah
Baseball Is My Boyfriend
I'm an Andrus-caliber catch. :-)

by The Best Micah on Mar 31, 2011 8:36 AM CDT reply actions

I'll give it a go.

AL East-Red Sox
AL Central – Tigers
AL West – Rangers
AL Wild Card – Rays

NL East – Phillies
NL Central – Brewers
NL West – Giants
NL Wild Card- Braves

ALCS – Red Sox over Rays
NLCS – Phillies over Giants
World Series – Red Sox over Phillies

AL MVP – Evan Longoria (or Adrian Gonzalez)
AL CY – Jon Lester
AL ROY – Jeremy Hellickson

NL MVP – Albert Pujols
NL CY – Cliff Lee
NL ROY – Brandon Belt

by michael bluth on Mar 31, 2011 8:38 AM CDT reply actions

25 predictions so far and only Josey predicting

Someone other than the Rangers to win the West.

You can only be young once but can be immature forever!

by Bigfan16 on Mar 31, 2011 9:14 AM CDT reply actions

We're a buncha homers.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Mar 31, 2011 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions

Well, it is a Rangers board

Even if people wanted to pick the A’s for some reason I doubt they would.

A nightingale in a golden cage
That's me locked inside reality's maze

by LSJ on Mar 31, 2011 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions

It's not like its a ridiculous prediction.

Dave Cameron picked us to win the division by 10+

If you’re the consensus favorite… and you’re a fan of the team… why would you pick any other team unless you’re just a pessimistic asshole who likes to get under people’s skin?

"I hope the image of my erect penis sears into your brain." by ab03 on Mar 24, 2011 9:13 PM CDT

by Brad on Mar 31, 2011 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions

I do think the A's will wind up posing more of a challenge than most think

But I don’t see any actual reason to pick them over the Rangers going in other than to fuck with people either.

A nightingale in a golden cage
That's me locked inside reality's maze

by LSJ on Mar 31, 2011 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm more concerned with being right than I am being popular.

Lots of people on XM 175 also picked Oakland.

Sports Ilustrated also picked Oakland to win the AL West.

BP has the A’s within two games of the Rangers.

Let it be known that I’d rather the Rangers win the West than be correct with my prediction.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions

I disagree with some of your predictions but I don't see why anyone would have a problem with them

They’re predictions and we’re all just making educated guesses and hunches. The reason I can’t see Oakland outlasting the Rangers is TX has more resources right now in both cash and talent to fill holes during the season. TX has better players right now overall and will have an easier time plugging in through the year. That’s a hill Oakland will have a hard time climbing.

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions

The difference between us

Is you’re a pessimistic asshole and I’m an optimistic asshole.

Your predictions aren’t horrible or without reason.

"I hope the image of my erect penis sears into your brain." by ab03 on Mar 24, 2011 9:13 PM CDT

by Brad on Mar 31, 2011 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions

Not pessimistic but realistic.

Nothing wrong with being an asshole if the occasion calls for it.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions

any time someone says

that they are a realist, not a pessimist, it means they are a pessimist.

Why don't you have a nice big cup of shut the fuck up? - Lisa W 3/4/2011

by iblum on Mar 31, 2011 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions

Did Marlon Brando say that in The Godfather or was it Confucious?

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions

you seem much more "realistic" for the Rangers

than for the A’s.

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions

A lot of people out there in the national media agree with me.

Jeff Nelson (XM) just said he doesn’t like this Rangers team, hated their off-season and thinks they could finish 3rd.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions

as I said elsewhere in this thread

it’s not ridiculous to pick the A’s, but anyone doing so is being optimistic about them and pessimistic about the Rangers. The Rangers are being picked about 2 to 1 over the A’s by most in the media it seems. That seems about right to me if you convert that to the probability of each team having things work out in their favor.

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions

Dibble and Menelo both picked the Angels

nearly puked in my car. funny thing is that they had good things to say about the Angels rotation but didn’t mention their shitty bullpen, bad defense, and complete lack of offense.

Why don't you have a nice big cup of shut the fuck up? - Lisa W 3/4/2011

by iblum on Mar 31, 2011 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions

It's not completely unreasonable

If you’re assuming some of the Rangers’ most important bats will miss a lot of time, and that’s a distinct possibility.

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions

Athletics Nation

has 441 people picking the A’s for the division title compared to 93 for the Rangers. And the Rangers have a hell of a lot more reason to be confident. Namely, an offense.

by vfn on Mar 31, 2011 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions

But what has made the Rangers so good the last two years was

the pitching staff and our pitching staff is nowhere near as good as either the A’s or Angels this year.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions

The Rangers have a much better bullpen

than the Angels, especially when you consider depth in the high minors and on the DL. The A’s offense will be lucky to get within 75 runs of TX.

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions

The Rangers have an elite closer but the rest of the bullpen is a dumpster fire...

so horrific that it’s keeping Feliz out of the rotation (plus they’re carrying 13 pitchers!!!).

The Angels (and the A’s) have far superior starters which is much more important which you’ve acknowledged with one of your other predictions. You have the Phillies winning 94 games although their bullpen and offense are both currently a mess.

The offense of the A’s is a major question but it was addressed in the off-season. Something that is not a question is that the A’s have a much better pitching staff than the Texas Rangers.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions

I predict

the A’s will give up about 30 fewer runs than the Rangers this year, while being outscored by 75 or more runs. Advantage Rangers. The Angels do have a very good rotation, but they are nowhere near the level of Philly. Weaver and Haren are excellent, Pineiro is injured and has had a very up and down career. Santana is also inconsistent, and after that their depth is no better than the Rangers, maybe worse.

The Rangers bullpen is far from a disaster. Feliz, Ogando (when he returns there in about 6 weeks), Rhodes and Oliver are solid, O’day has been terrific for two years now, Strop has closer potential…overall, that’s a better group than they started with last year at this time.

You always seem to look at the Rangers with a glass half-empty view while being much more rosy about the outlook of the opposition. The Rangers have some risks, but right now, the A’s and Angels just don’t look strong enough to take advantage. Last year the Rangers won the division by NINE games even though they missed a ton of time from their top 3 hitters, had Harden and Feldman polluting the rotation, got nothing from catcher and 1B on offense and had no money to work with. I fail to see how this year doesn’t look much stronger in all of those ways. They have addressed every single one of those weaknesses excepting health, which you can’t do much about.

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions

I'll belive that O'Day sucks

when he does it during the season. He’s been an elite reliever 2 straight years, and a few innings in spring training means nothing to me.

Oliver may be old, but he’s been excellent for us last year and excellent for the Angels for years before.

Rhodes is hurt and may remain that way, he’s OOOOOLD.

Tobin seems exciting.

and then there’s Bush. well, lets just hope our pitchers don’t force us to use a long man much.

Why don't you have a nice big cup of shut the fuck up? - Lisa W 3/4/2011

by iblum on Mar 31, 2011 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions

No reason not to pick the favorites unless you just want to be different.

SB Nation Dallas-Ft. Worth - Christopher Fittz is better than porn!

by philkid3 on Mar 31, 2011 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Bullshit.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions

No...

He’s right.

SB Nation DFW - Come Read Robbie Griffin's Articles!

by ghostofErikThompson on Mar 31, 2011 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions

The Giants & Phillies are both heavy favorites to win their divisions and

I think they both have serious issues in making that happen. I don’t want to be different, I want to be correct.

On the flip side, the Red Sox are heavily favored to win not only the AL East but the whole enchilada and I believe it’s completely justified.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions

The Rangers won the West by 9 games...

Then they improved offensively and defensively at catcher, first, and third and have pretty much the same pitching staff that they had last season.

Did the A’s really improve +9 games with a few moderate offensive upgrades, Brian Fuentes, and Grant Balfour? Possibly, but not nearly enough that I think they are the favorites as you do.

SB Nation DFW - Come Read Robbie Griffin's Articles!

by ghostofErikThompson on Mar 31, 2011 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Baseball Prospectus was so impressed with the Ranger "improvements"

this past off-season that they have them going 85-77 this year.

It’s quite difficult to repeat for a variety of reasons but my choosing the A’s to win the AL West has nothing to do with wanting to be different. I absolutely hated our off-season and I think the A’s have improved just enough to nudge past us.

And….I hope I’m wrong and the Rangers win the AL West.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2011 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions

Predictions

Texas wins the West with 92 wins.

AL:

Texas
Minnesota
Red Sox
Rays — WC

NL:

Rockies
Reds
Phillies
Giants — WC

Texas over Philly in 7 in the WS

by Adam J. Morris on Mar 31, 2011 10:40 AM CDT reply actions

Thought you had the Brewers winning the NL Central on the podcast?

I like the Reds but their staff is beat up right now.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions

I don't like anyone in the NL Central

Brewers early injury problems has me off them.

by Adam J. Morris on Mar 31, 2011 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions

I liked the Reds until the last two weeks or so.

Bailey & Cueto are both hurt and Arroyo has mono.

I think the Brews can play .500 (they did it after late May last year) until they get ZG back at the end of April and then take off.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions

The NL Central is the worst division...

That’s why I picked the Cubs. I should have picked the Astros just to get Sharky in this thread.

SB Nation DFW - Come Read Robbie Griffin's Articles!

by ghostofErikThompson on Mar 31, 2011 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions

I'd have picked the Astros to win it

but I think the Reds injury issues are a bit overblown.

Why don't you have a nice big cup of shut the fuck up? - Lisa W 3/4/2011

by iblum on Mar 31, 2011 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions

I'll admit it...

I picked the Astros to win one more game because I felt like trolling Seattle, considering how M’s fans spent all of the 09-10 offseason mocking the Astros…and finished 15 or so games behind them.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."

by jonthefon on Mar 31, 2011 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions

ok i'll play

AL:
Rangers
White Sox
Red Sox
Rays (WC)

NL
Rockies
Reds
Phillies
Braves (WC)

Rangers over Braves in 6 (homer pick)
Red Sox over Phillies in 7 (real pick)

by Dirk Diggler on Mar 31, 2011 11:23 AM CDT reply actions

My predictions

Note: there are some differences from earlier predictions.

AL:

East: Boston, 99-63; Baltimore*, 91-71; Yankees, 89-73; Rays, 84-78; Toronto, 79-83
Central: Twins, 90-72; White Sox, 85-77; Tigers, 85-77; Royals, 68-94; Indians 61-101
West: Rangers, 100-62; Oakland, 81-81; Seattle, 70-92; Anaheim, 65-97

NL:

East: Phillies, 97-65; Braves*, 93-69; Marlins, 87-75; Mets, 78-84; Nationals, 61-101
Central: Reds, 90-72; Astros, 87-75; Brewers, 85-77; Cubs, 81-81; Cardinals, 80-82; Pirates 62-100
West: Giants, 88-74; Dodgers, 83-79; Rockies, 81-81; Padres, 70-92; Diamondbacks, 60-102

Rangers over Orioles, Boston over Minnesota
Rangers over Red Sox in 7

Phillies over Giants in a rematch
Reds over Braves in another rematch
Reds over Phillies in an epic battle

Rangers sweep Reds.

AL MVP: Cruz
AL Cy Young: Lester (though the shocker is that Derek Holland gets a first place vote, in finishing 4th)
AL RotY, don’t know. (I hate predicting these)

NL MVP: Kung Fu Panda
NL Cy Young: Oswalt

Why don't you have a nice big cup of shut the fuck up? - Lisa W 3/4/2011

by iblum on Mar 31, 2011 11:25 AM CDT reply actions

Please

go ahead and roast me. I like Baltimore a lot and hate the Yankees starters. Things have been way too quiet out in Astros land considering the rash of injuries in the NL central. I think that the Angels fold up tents in July and trade Weaver and Haren. (Weaver to the Orioles? Haren to the Reds?) And the Rangers winning 100 is based on me being an enormous homer and Holland winning 20 games.

Why don't you have a nice big cup of shut the fuck up? - Lisa W 3/4/2011

by iblum on Mar 31, 2011 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm kicking myself for not being more ballsy with the Orioles although 91 might be a little high (I'm thinking more around 85-87 wins being very possible).

I also don’t think your Astros pick is THAT outrageous. They played really well in the second half of the season (40-33). I think they’ll be better than they were in 2010 but a really good season for them would be .500.

The thing about your surprise picks is that shit like that happens every year. Remember the Royals in ’03 going 83-79? Where the hell did that come from? How about the ’86 or ’04 Rangers?

Somebody this season (maybe Cleveland or Seattle?) is going to shock the world with a performance because it usually happens every year.

The Rangers and 100 wins!??!?!

Everything has to go right, they gotta be healthy, CJ & Cobra have to repeat and both Holland and Matty Ice have to take quantum steps forward. Plus we’re going to need somebody in the bully step up that can get the game to Feliz.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions

yes.

baseball is random. Neither Cleveland nor Seattle is going anywhere, but its the other teams. It could be Colorado. It could be St Louis. or Florida, or Toronto or the Mets or Cubs. but Not Pittsburgh, or Washington, or Seattle, or Cleveland, or KC.

Yes, 100 wins for the Rangers. health and big years from Beltre, Hamilton, Cruz, and Kinsler. Decent years from Young, Moreland, Elvis, and Borbon. Average from Torrealba. Excellence off the bench from Napoli and Murphy.

950 runs scored, and 730 runs allowed.

Why don't you have a nice big cup of shut the fuck up? - Lisa W 3/4/2011

by iblum on Mar 31, 2011 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions

You like Baltimore to the tune of 91 wins?

Ooooookay then.

SB Nation Dallas-Ft. Worth - Christopher Fittz is better than porn!

by philkid3 on Mar 31, 2011 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions

That's more likely than the 72 games YOU have the Orioles winning.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions

not really

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions

Buck Showalter will kill

somebody (or be killed by a player) if the Orioles go 72-90 this year.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions

or just lose it and get fired again

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Buck improved the Yankees by 12 games his second season, the expansion DBacks by 35 games his second season, the Rangers by

18 games his second season.

He’s a damned good manager, probably top 10 in the game and the perfect person to take over the O’s.

The fact that they went 34-23 in his first 57 games tells you that there was a decent level of talent already in place plus they had a very solid off-season.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Buck is an autocrat

and he pushes his players to the limit

That can work for a while on certain teams, but it gets old eventually.

Why don't you have a nice big cup of shut the fuck up? - Lisa W 3/4/2011

by iblum on Mar 31, 2011 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions

And if the O's win 79 games as I predicted

it would be a 13 game improvement. More is certainly possible, but I have my doubts that Lee and Guererro are going to stay healthy and productive all year.

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions

hey

lets see:
Roberts, Markakis, Lee, Scott, Guerrero, Jones, Reynolds, Wieters, Hardy if Wieters hits like he should, that’s gonna be a nasty lineup.

Guthrie, Matusz, Bergesen, Arrieta, and Britton. Not a great rotation. Matusz has some potential TORP in him though there’s not really a bunch of 2-3 types.

Uehara setting up Gregg with Gonzalez and the like could be a nice pen.

But hey, stranger things can happen.

Why don't you have a nice big cup of shut the fuck up? - Lisa W 3/4/2011

by iblum on Mar 31, 2011 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions

Look at Buck's history in the second year he gets a team.

They added to a core that went 34-24 after Buck took over plus it’s a young team.

They’re going to be much better in 2011 than they were last year.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions

Health and age questions in the offense

and young variable pitching. They’ll be better than last year but they’re not ready to win 90 games.

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Mar 31, 2011 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions

When I look at the roster, I feel like it's a .500 team.

But projection systems are better than I am at looking at the roster, so I’m not comfortable going that different.

And, of course, if I add 10 wins to the Orioles, I have to take 10 wins from other teams.

SB Nation Dallas-Ft. Worth - Christopher Fittz is better than porn!

by philkid3 on Mar 31, 2011 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Shaving 10 wins from your list would be very easy.

Do you really think the Phillies can fade everything they’re having go wrong right now (not to mention the loss of Werth / amount of decline they’re facing) and essentially have the same record they had last year?

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."

"You want false modesty? F that."

by Josey Wales on Mar 31, 2011 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Yes

Replace 19 starts by Jamie Moyer with Roy Oswalt and 31 starts by Kyle Kendrick with Cliff Lee and that’s a pretty big upgrade.

Contreras and Madson will close well enough in Lidges absence (he was pretty absent last year too. And with Halladay and Lee you’ve got 16!!!! complete games from last year you don’t need that great of a bullpen.

last year philadelphia led the AL with 14 complete games, second was the Mets with 8.

Or to put it another way, the top 9 in the majors in complete games went like this:

Halladay – 9
Lee – 7
Pavano – 7
F. Hernandez – 6
Indians not Carmona – 6
Angels not Santana – 6
Braden – 5
Wainwright – 5
Phillies not Halladay – 5

Why don't you have a nice big cup of shut the fuck up? - Lisa W 3/4/2011

by iblum on Mar 31, 2011 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions

A bit late to the party

But here’s my picks:

AL East: Red Sox
AL Central: White Sox
AL West: Rangers
AL Wild Card: Rays

AL ROY: Jeremy Hellickson, Rays
AL MVP: Evan Longoria, Rays
AL Cy Young: Jon Lester, Red Sox

NL East: Phillies
NL Central: Reds
NL West: Giants
NL Wild Card: Dodgers

NL ROY: Brandon Belt, Giants
NL MVP: Albert Pujols, Cardinals
NL Cy Young: Tim Lincecum, Giants

ALCS: Red Sox over Rangers
NLCS: Phillies over Giants
World Series: Red Sox over Phillies in 6

"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."

-- RevHaloFan

by RCCook on Mar 31, 2011 4:43 PM CDT reply actions

Rangers win 91 games

"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."

-- RevHaloFan

by RCCook on Apr 1, 2011 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions