Cartman 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2004 Soriano will hit more Homeruns than A-Rod. Oakland will NOT make the playoffs. Boston WILL win the AL East. Atlantal WILL NOT make the playoffs. Houston will have the best record in the NL. San Diego will fight for the Wild Card. A Red Sox player will win the Batting title. No Yankee pitcher will finish the season with an ERA under 3.00. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2004 Consider these the "favorites" rather than my predictions. Yankees Twins Athletics *Red Sox Only difference between Yankees/Red Sox is that could flip-flop. Both should make the playoffs. The Twins are a tough call. I could pick the White Sox an hour from now. I still think the A's have the best rotation in the American League. Phillies Astros Giants *Cubs The Astros are the favorites in the Central, and I said that before they even signed Andy Pettitte. The Padres could surprise, but I've been burned on that prediction before. World Series - Red Sox over Astros AL MVP: Alex Rodriguez AL Cy Young: Javier Vazquez AL Rookie: Bobby Crosby AL Manager: Ken Macha NL MVP: Albert Pujols NL Cy Young: Roy Oswalt NL Rookie: Kaz Matsui NL Manager: Jimy Williams Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanadianChris 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2004 Because he was at a point in his career where family meant more to him and he really done all he could do with the Yankee Franchise? You do not walk away from the New York Yankees. What the hell is this, the Mafia? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Conspiracy_Victim 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2004 It just comes down to AS that the fact that a player DARED leave the New York Yankees, the apparent end all be all of sportdom in AS's pinstripe colored glasses. Get over it man (even though I know you won't). Pettite left because he wanted to be with his family and was angry that the Yankess seemed to talk to every pitcher outside of Bob Walk and Todd Van Poppel because Georgie has the same mindset you do (i.e. You might leave the Yankees? But we're the YANKEES! *heart attack*). Clemens has stated that the ONLY way he'd come out retirement is if Andy signed with the Astros. Even then it took some time before he decided to do it. So basically, take your fantasy league $190 million team salary, your 2 All-Star SS and no third basemen, and your holier than though attitude and just try let it go. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tom 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2004 Soriano will hit more Homeruns than A-Rod. I agree there. He's going to a hitter's park, while A-Rod is moving to a park where RH power hitters tend to see their numbers fall off a little. Oakland will NOT make the playoffs. Their rotation is too good for them to miss the playoffs. Boston WILL win the AL East. It's either going to be them or the Yankees, and I think it'll be a close race. Boston has the better pitching, so why not? Atlantal WILL NOT make the playoffs. Maybe. They've lost quite a bit this offseason, but no one's really been able to step up and wrest the regular-season title from them for about 11 years now. Houston will have the best record in the NL. This is quite likely true. Their rotation is first-rate, and their offense is good in a hitters' park. San Diego will fight for the Wild Card. I have my doubts about this one. I'd say the D-Backs and Giants are better in the division, which leaves SD in third place, presuming the Dodgers don't do much before the season begins. A Red Sox player will win the Batting title. It's possible, but a lot of their guys had career years last year. Repeating that level of production will be difficult. No Yankee pitcher will finish the season with an ERA under 3.00. False. Even if none of the starters do, Rivera will. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrigidSoul Report post Posted February 20, 2004 As far as Pettite goes I hope AngleSault knows that Steinbrenner has always believed Pettite was over-rated and rather than trying to resign him he was spending his days courting Gary Sheffield this offseason. Pettite gave the Yankees first shot and they didn't even bother call him back until a week after his agent has left a message saying Andy was interested in going to Houston. So question for AngleSault. How can you hate somebody whom your owner didn't think was good(only reason why he wasn't traded to the Phillies a couple years ago was because of Mel Stottlemyer and Joe Torre) and didn't feel serious about keeping? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the pinjockey 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2004 My picks: Oakland Kansas City Red Sox WC- Yankees Phillies Cubs Padres WC- Astros AL MVP: Arod AL Cy Young: Tim Hudson NL MVP: Pujols NL Cy Young: Kris Benson (sorry, channeling Peter Gammons a few years ago) NL Cy Young: Mark Prior As for Pettite, did the Yankees even give him a contract offer? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Ghettoman Report post Posted February 20, 2004 "You do not walk away from the New York Yankees." I'd just like to state for the record my fandom does not go to the same level, so please don't think all Yankee fans are as crazy as AS. I know there are a lot of us out there who realize baseball takes place in reality. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Anglesault Report post Posted February 20, 2004 As far as Pettite goes I hope AngleSault knows that Steinbrenner has always believed Pettite was over-rated and rather than trying to resign him he was spending his days courting Gary Sheffield this offseason. Yes, I know that. So question for AngleSault. How can you hate somebody whom your owner didn't think was good(only reason why he wasn't traded to the Phillies a couple years ago was because of Mel Stottlemyer and Joe Torre) and didn't feel serious about keeping? I can very easily hate a man that takes less money to go to a team that doesn't have a significantly better chance of winning the world series than the team he left. Honestly, what the hell is the difference between the Astros' chances and the Yankees' chances this year? Not enough of an advantage (if there's one at all) to justify leaving the Yankees and taking less money. It shows a lack of desire. What the hell is this, the Mafia? That was uncalled for. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
King Kamala 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2004 American League MVP: A Rod CY Young: Pedro Martinez Rookie: Not a big fan of the minors, so don't know any. AL Manager: Joe Torre AL East Yankees: 115-47 Red Sox: 104-58 (Wild Card) Blue Jays: 87-75 Orioles: 79-83 Devil Rays: 71-91 AL Central Royals: 88-74 Twins: 86-76 White Sox: 80-82 Indians: 73-89 Tigers: 64-98 AL West: Angels: 104-58 Mariners: 100-62 As: 85-77 Ranger: 70-92 NL MVP:Albert Pujols NL Cy Young: Andy Petite NL Manager of the Year: Larry Bowa NL East: Phillies: 102-60 Braves: 87-75 Expos:83-79 Marlins: 82-80 Mets: 78-84 NL Central Astros: 105-57 Cubs: 99-63 (Wild Card) Cardinals:85-77 Reds: 84-78 Pirates: 75-87 Brewers: 57-105 NL West Giants: 98-64 Dodgers: 96-66 Diamondbacks: 91-71 Padres: 83-79 (They'll improve loads) but dammit they only won 64 games last year Rockies: 77-85 AL Playoffs Red Sox beat Angels in 5 Yankees sweep Royals NL Playoffs Cubs beat Phillies in 5 Astros beat Giants in 4 ALCS Red Sox defeat Yankees in 6 NLCS Astros beat Cubs in 7 World Series Astros beat Red Sox in 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrigidSoul Report post Posted February 20, 2004 So question for AngleSault. How can you hate somebody whom your owner didn't think was good(only reason why he wasn't traded to the Phillies a couple years ago was because of Mel Stottlemyer and Joe Torre) and didn't feel serious about keeping? I can very easily hate a man that takes less money to go to a team that doesn't have a significantly better chance of winning the world series than the team he left. Honestly, what the hell is the difference between the Astros' chances and the Yankees' chances this year? Not enough of an advantage (if there's one at all) to justify leaving the Yankees and taking less money. It shows a lack of desire. I don't think it shows a lack of desire. I think he wanted respect and wasn't getting it from Steinbrenner who was basically brushing him off and treating him like some 7 or 8 game winner. For all of Pettite's years in NY and contributions he was basically treated as some stiff this off-season while George was wining and dining Sheffield along with trying to get Kevin Brown to accept the trade by shmoozing him over too. Pettite has enough money now, he was looking for a team where the owner would give him some respect. Before you go off saying "The fans respected him, that should be enough" I'll tell you that's the reason he didn't go to Boston, who gave him a better offer than both NY and Houston. He said he couldn't, out of respect for all of his loyal fans in NY, go to their most hated rival. Pettite would still be with the Yankees if Steinbrenner had shown him any respect at all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Anglesault Report post Posted February 20, 2004 I don't think it shows a lack of desire. I think he wanted respect and wasn't getting it from Oh, did the big bad baseball playe get his feelings hurt? LACK OF DESIRE. He took less money to go to another (not better) team because HIS FEELINGS WERE HURT? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sfaJack 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2004 I don't think it shows a lack of desire. I think he wanted respect and wasn't getting it from Steinbrenner who was basically brushing him off and treating him like some 7 or 8 game winner. For all of Pettite's years in NY and contributions he was basically treated as some stiff this off-season while George was wining and dining Sheffield along with trying to get Kevin Brown to accept the trade by shmoozing him over too. Pettite has enough money now, he was looking for a team where the owner would give him some respect. Before you go off saying "The fans respected him, that should be enough" I'll tell you that's the reason he didn't go to Boston, who gave him a better offer than both NY and Houston. He said he couldn't, out of respect for all of his loyal fans in NY, go to their most hated rival. Pettite would still be with the Yankees if Steinbrenner had shown him any respect at all. You speak the truth, Frigid. It's all the Boss' fault, but don't try to let a reasonable argument like that interefere with Yankees' fans delusion that Pettitte had no desire to be a winner. The man earned respect with his performance for the last nine years. He wasn't shown any, so he walked (I personally would have done the same thing). And, after seeing first-hand how the Houston fans have welcomed Andy (and Roger) with fully-open arms, I'd say he made the right call. They're overjoyed to have a proven winner like Pettitte in uniform here. It's not as if the Astros are only paying him $2 mil a year or something; the money IS comparable to NY's offer, and the Astros have the potential to be a very good team. Plus, he actually gets to see his kids for most of the year now. I just don't understand how you can fault him for leaving, AS. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
King Kamala 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2004 I don't see why people are picking the Padres to win the NL West, sure they will be the most improved team in the league but you gotta remember they aren't exactly in a chickenshit division. They're team is still too young to run toe to toe with the Giants or even the Dodgers for that matter. They won 64 games last year, I think they've still got two more years to go before coming viable NL West contenders. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Anglesault Report post Posted February 20, 2004 It's not as if the Astros are only paying him $2 mil a year or something; the money IS comparable to NY's offer, and the Astros have the potential to be a very good team. Plus, he actually gets to see his kids for most of the year now. Yes, comparable, but less. Very good team, but not better than the team he left. Someone needs to reevaluate his reasons for playing the game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrigidSoul Report post Posted February 20, 2004 I'd wager right about now that AngleSault has no soul and is in fact just a computer program running from someplace inside NYC. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2004 I don't see why people are picking the Padres to win the NL West, sure they will be the most improved team in the league but you gotta remember they aren't exactly in a chickenshit division. They're team is still too young to run toe to toe with the Giants or even the Dodgers for that matter. They won 64 games last year, I think they've still got two more years to go before coming viable NL West contenders. I picked them to finish behind the Giants. I do think they're better than the Dodgers last year. The Dodgers had four players in their lineup post sub-.300 OBPs, and they've done nothing to address their offensive woes. Worse, they traded their ace starter for Jeff Weaver. The Padres, meanwhile, made upgrades at catcher and acquired some quality veteran starters to accompany their young starters. They've also got Brian Giles, Phil Nevin, and Trevor Hoffman around for a full season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Anglesault Report post Posted February 20, 2004 I'd wager right about now that AngleSault has no soul and is in fact just a computer program running from someplace inside NYC. That's not very nice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrigidSoul Report post Posted February 20, 2004 I'd wager right about now that AngleSault has no soul and is in fact just a computer program running from someplace inside NYC. That's not very nice. sorry AngleSault:BetaVersionI-37.exe but you were not programmed with human emotions or an understanding of them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Anglesault Report post Posted February 20, 2004 I'd wager right about now that AngleSault has no soul and is in fact just a computer program running from someplace inside NYC. That's not very nice. sorry AngleSault:BetaVersionI-37.exe but you were not programmed with human emotions or an understanding of them. I absolutely have human emotions. How else would I be so passionate about my Yankees? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrigidSoul Report post Posted February 20, 2004 You were programmed to write off all other teams as inferior. Its not passion, its just how you were programmed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Anglesault Report post Posted February 20, 2004 You were programmed to write off all other teams as inferior. I do no such thing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sfaJack 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2004 Worse, they traded their ace starter for Jeff Weaver. Al, do you think there's any chance for Weaver to turn himself around now that he'll be out of the NY spotlight AND pitching at Dodger Stadium? Not that I'd expect him to fully replace Kevin Brown, but it seems possible to me. I know that Anglesault would explode with rage if he has a good year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest OctoberBlood Report post Posted February 20, 2004 I don't see why people are picking the Padres to win the NL West, sure they will be the most improved team in the league but you gotta remember they aren't exactly in a chickenshit division. They're team is still too young to run toe to toe with the Giants or even the Dodgers for that matter. They won 64 games last year, I think they've still got two more years to go before coming viable NL West contenders. Their offense can match up with anyone in the league. Their bench is probally the best in the league. Someone gets hurt, no problem at all either. David Wells, Adam Eaton, Jake Peavy, Brian Lawerence, and Valdes or Hitchcock is a very solid/very good starting 5. The 3 youngsters have filthy stuff, and has had good experience besides their age. And their bullpen is real solid, with a dominate closer. There is no reason why they can compete wit the Dbacks, Dodgers or Giants. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nl5xsk1 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2004 AS, shutup already. No. Red Sox/Cubs is awful for baseball because one of them has to win Sure, there will be monster ratings for that Series, but the SECOND one of those teams wins, their appeal has been totally shot to shit and they are no longer any kind of a draw for major league baseball. Really, what's the hook for the Sox and Cubs once they win? Why should fans give a shit about them anymore? when they challenge in the play offs, what's the hook for fans outside of Boston and Chicago? I just can't fathom how the biggest ratings in World Series history, plus one of the biggest matchups in sports history, would be bad for the game of baseball. I've lived in places other than Boston and Chicago (although I've lived in both Boston and Chicago as well) and there really isn't a "national following" for either team. Unless you mean that they won't be there to serve as a punch line anymore - because other than that neither team really has a national following to speak of. Other than the Yankees (who actually have a huge international following) there really isn't a MLB team that has a strong national following. And I think that the year after either team wins it all, FOX, ESPN, and MLB will promote the FUCK out of the team. "See the Curt Schilling and the no-longer Cursed Boston Red Sox, take on ARod and the New York Yankees this Saturday on Fox Game of the Week". World Champion Red Sox or Cubs = Ratings. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Anglesault Report post Posted February 20, 2004 AS, shutup already. No. Red Sox/Cubs is awful for baseball because one of them has to win Sure, there will be monster ratings for that Series, but the SECOND one of those teams wins, their appeal has been totally shot to shit and they are no longer any kind of a draw for major league baseball. Really, what's the hook for the Sox and Cubs once they win? Why should fans give a shit about them anymore? when they challenge in the play offs, what's the hook for fans outside of Boston and Chicago? I just can't fathom how the biggest ratings in World Series history, plus one of the biggest matchups in sports history, would be bad for the game of baseball. It would be good for that one year. Believe me, Yankees/Cubs or ::pulls name out of hat:: Braves/Red Sox going every year with the Cubbies or Red Sox NEVER winning is MUCH better for baseball because it gives you those ratings every year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nl5xsk1 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2004 It would be good for that one year. Believe me, Yankees/Cubs or ::pulls name out of hat:: Braves/Red Sox going every year with the Cubbies or Red Sox NEVER winning is MUCH better for baseball because it gives you those ratings every year. See, I disagree. After too many years of a team getting there and then losing, the average fan will just presume that they're going to lose again and not care and not tune in. For example, I don't care about basketball but if it were to be a good championship series, where either team could win, I'd be more likely to tune in. As it is now (with the Western teams being so dominant that their victory is virtually assured) I'm not going to spend 5 minutes watching. Basically, if I know that the Eastern team will lose, why should I bother watching? Same with the average baseball fan, if they start to think "well, the Cubbies have no chance of winning, why should I bother watching?" The ratings will peak early and then bottom out bigtime. While I'm disagreeing, I have to disagree about Pettite, too. The guy's already won several World Series, and earned more money than he'll be able to spend in this lifetime. Rather than just go for the biggest payday possible, he went to a place where he could spend more time at home and more time with his family. He's already been to the mountaintop, why not go home for the twilight of his playing days? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Your Paragon of Virtue 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2004 This season is going to piss me off, I'm sure of it...The Blue Jays have their best team in a decade, and they're in the WRONG DAMN DIVISION. Being a Jays fan, I'm curious as to what makes you so optimistic about their ability? Notice how I didn't say chances, since they are playing with the Bosox and Yankees. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Anglesault Report post Posted February 20, 2004 It would be good for that one year. Believe me, Yankees/Cubs or ::pulls name out of hat:: Braves/Red Sox going every year with the Cubbies or Red Sox NEVER winning is MUCH better for baseball because it gives you those ratings every year. See, I disagree. After too many years of a team getting there and then losing, the average fan will just presume that they're going to lose again and not care and not tune in. It's not like wrestling where it's just the same guy blowing title shot after title shot. It's (very possibly) a different group of men every year trying to break a hex. They have no real reason to say "Well, that Red Sox team couldn't do it in 08, why should this one do it in 09?" The Red Sox will be different, whomever they're facing will be different, and conditions will be different. While I'm disagreeing, I have to disagree about Pettite, too. The guy's already won several World Series, and earned more money than he'll be able to spend in this lifetime And? When playing a sport, priority number one should always be rings, number 2 should be money. You can never get enough of either. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrigidSoul Report post Posted February 20, 2004 Worse, they traded their ace starter for Jeff Weaver. Al, do you think there's any chance for Weaver to turn himself around now that he'll be out of the NY spotlight AND pitching at Dodger Stadium? Not that I'd expect him to fully replace Kevin Brown, but it seems possible to me. I know that Anglesault would explode with rage if he has a good year. Personally I think that if he gets run support he may be a 14 game winner. Besides San Diego as far as whole team offense goes the NL West is pretty sucky. Bonds and nobody else on San Fran. Arizona has some offense but these days its homer or nothing for Sexon and Gonzo while Finley and Hillenbrand seem to be singles/doubles hitters. Not to mention he'll get to face Milwaukee, Pitts(sorry KKK), Cinci, and Montreal Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
