King Kamala 0 Report post Posted February 16, 2004 Which of these out of left field (No pun intended) teams do you think have a shot at making a solid playoff run. I included the Marlins because despite being last year's world champs, no one is predicting them to even make the playoffs. I didn't include the Brewers, Pirates and Reds, because they have basically just stood their the entire off season twiddling their thumbs. Why I included the Indians? Cause I wanted ten options, anyways onto my pick. The Royals are my pick to win the AL Central and in this poll, they have a lot of pop and added a few solid players for cheap. Sure they have some major flaws, but so does every other team in the AL Central and I think the Royals just may win the division. Although I do think they'll get tossed early in the playoffs. I honestly don't think they'll be another team along the lines of the Florida Marlins and Anaheim Angels, but with the Yankees $200 million payroll, this is the first time I could say I would appreciate one (That is if the Red Sox or Cubs don't win it). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Salacious Crumb Report post Posted February 16, 2004 The Royals have silently added a lot to the roster this season. Santiago and Gonzalez are very solid additions to the team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mik 0 Report post Posted February 16, 2004 Marlins, because I still believe. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrigidSoul Report post Posted February 16, 2004 I'm leaning towards the Padres myself. They added Brian Giles at the trade deadline last year, and in the off-season added Ramon Hernandez and T-Long(who I feel was hurt more by Ken Macha than anything else). They added a couple of lefty starters in David Wells and Sterling Hitchcock along with shoring up their bullpen for a healthy returning Trevor Hoffman. Looking at their page they also got Ismael Valdez who may just do better out of Texas. They're going to be a wildcard contender I believe, especially with the middle of their line-up Giles Nevin Klesko Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alfdogg 0 Report post Posted February 16, 2004 What about the White Sox? If I recall, they led their division going into the last few weeks. I haven't been following the offseason, but I don't think they lost any key guys, either. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MrRant 0 Report post Posted February 16, 2004 Royals probably have the best chance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanadianChris 0 Report post Posted February 16, 2004 Any last shred of hope I had for the Blue Jays being that team went out the window yesterday. I'd probably say the Royals, but the Padres also have an outside shot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Ghost of bps21 0 Report post Posted February 16, 2004 I voted Royals. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrigidSoul Report post Posted February 16, 2004 What about the White Sox? If I recall, they led their division going into the last few weeks. I haven't been following the offseason, but I don't think they lost any key guys, either. They lost Scott Sullivan, Tom Gordon, and Bartolo Colon Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vern Gagne 0 Report post Posted February 16, 2004 The Royals can win the Division. However, I don't see them doing what Anaheim or Florida did. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alfdogg 0 Report post Posted February 16, 2004 What about the White Sox? If I recall, they led their division going into the last few weeks. I haven't been following the offseason, but I don't think they lost any key guys, either. They lost Scott Sullivan, Tom Gordon, and Bartolo Colon I stand corrected, then. Thank you. As for this poll, the obvious choices are Florida and KC. Toronto is solid, but in the same division with the Yanks and Sox I don't see them having much of a chance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Your Olympic Hero Report post Posted February 16, 2004 Devil Rays won't win anything big, but I feel their record will improve alot. They have alot of young players looking to improve. In the AL, I'll go for Royals or White Sox. In the NL, say the Mets or the Expos, just because I hate the Braves and the Marlins beat the Yankees last year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vern Gagne 0 Report post Posted February 16, 2004 How can Florida be this years Florida? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Anglesault Report post Posted February 16, 2004 No one. And if the Sawx or Cubs won the World Series, I'd swear off baseball forever. Of course, it wouldn't last long, but the principle is there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Olympic Slam Report post Posted February 16, 2004 I'd like to see the KC Royals make a run at things in the Central. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Anglesault Report post Posted February 16, 2004 I'd like to see the KC Royals make a run at things in the Central. ... Why? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vern Gagne 0 Report post Posted February 16, 2004 Good question Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrigidSoul Report post Posted February 16, 2004 maybe because Kauffman Stadium is a beautiful park and it would be nice to see fans fill it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vern Gagne 0 Report post Posted February 16, 2004 They filled it last year. It wasn't all that great. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Anglesault Report post Posted February 16, 2004 Besides, less people makes it easier to see the Stadium. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vern Gagne 0 Report post Posted February 16, 2004 too many people make it less fan friendly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkktookmybabyaway 0 Report post Posted February 16, 2004 Padres -- just because. Also, KC already had a "breakout" year -- for them to win should be expected. Rangers will be the most improved team, but that's because they can't get any worse. PS: Did Jason Kendall get traded yet? How sad is it that I'm from the area but don't know... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Anglesault Report post Posted February 16, 2004 Rangers will be the most improved team, but that's because they can't get any worse. I switch "Rangers" for "Tigers" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest OctoberBlood Report post Posted February 16, 2004 San Diego. Huge update to their defense. Huge update to their offense. Huge update to their bullpen. And a good update to their rotation, plus their young studs has another year under their belt and they should be ready for a breakout season. San Diego is my pick for NL West Champs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted February 17, 2004 I think an established team will win it all. But if any team has a chance to surprise, its definately the Padres. A ton of young pitching, and a solid lineup. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
snuffbox 0 Report post Posted February 17, 2004 I picked the Royals... and the Brewers have to be the saddest team in sports. They actually looked promising last year - 2 allstars(Sexson/Jenkins), a 10 game win streak, rookie of the year(Podsednik), and an exciting new closer(Kolb). Of course they chose to get rid of the hugely popular Richie Sexson and have yet to resign Jenkins beyond next year. They made no major acquisitions, and I no longer count Ben Grieve as major. Was looking good, so they dump there top guy....wonderful. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted February 17, 2004 Cincinnati Reds. Yeah. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
King Kamala 0 Report post Posted February 17, 2004 How can Florida be this years Florida? Nobody expects them to win yet again. They lost a lot of their offensive star power. Sure they still have good pitching but there offense is still meh. The Royals are an unexpected team because they're projected third in AL Central despite making solid additions to teams. I wanna see the Yankees lose this year just to hear AngleSault cry like a bitch.....oh wait..... Anyways I actually think the Rangers will do better this year without A Rod mind you only 5 or 6 games better. A huge amount of pressure has been lifted off their shoulders, Soriano isn't that much worse offensively then ARod and Blalock and the other young guys should continue to develop. Call me crazy but I think the Expos will hover around .500 again, sure they lost Vlad but I think Nick Johnson's gonna have a breakout year and Jurassic Carl will hit 30-40 longballs into the empty bleachers. I'm gonna trek up to Montreal to see them against the Astros in August, hopefully they won't be too good. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest OctoberBlood Report post Posted February 17, 2004 Cincinnati Reds. Yeah. Yay. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
King Kamala 0 Report post Posted February 17, 2004 I probably should have included the Reds instead of the Indians. The Reds have a much better chance with Griffey back "healthy", heck the outfield as a whole is one of the best in the NL. I can't even name three Indians, in fact all I can think of off the top of my head is Milton Bradley. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
