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[Musky_Cheese]

Spring Training is here. Soon opening day will be upon us. March 29th is opening day.

Who is your team? Do you only follow certain players or matchups? Have you not watched Baseball, recognize the errors in your ways, and are ready to take the walk of shame?

I can honestly say I watch 140+ regular season games, as many spring training game as I can, and all the postseason games my Washington Nationals play (maximum 5 lol).

Come on Gaf, get in here and take a seat. Join me at the Church of Baseball.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Colorado Rockies, Thursday, March 29, 10:10 p.m.
Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies, Thursday, March 29, 4:10 p.m.
Baltimore Orioles vs. Minnesota Twins, Thursday, March 29, 3:05 p.m.
Boston Red Sox @ Tampa Bay Rays, Thursday, March 29, 4:00 p.m.
Chicago Cubs @ Miami Marlins, Thursday, March 29, 12:30 p.m., ESPN
Chicago White Sox @ Kansas City Royals, Thursday, March 29, 4:15 p.m.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals, Thursday, March 29, 4:10 p.m.
Cleveland Indians @ Seattle Mariners, Thursday, March 29, 10:00 p.m., ESPN
Colorado Rockies @ Arizona Diamondbacks, Thursday, March 29, 10:10 p.m.
Detroit Tigers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, Thursday, March 29, 1:10 p.m.
Houston Astros @ Texas Rangers, Thursday, March 29, 3:30 p.m., ESPN
Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, Thursday, March 29, 4:15 p.m.
Los Angeles Angels @ Oakland Athletics, Thursday, March 29, 4:05 p.m.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants, Thursday, March 29, 7:00 p.m., ESPN
Miami Marlins vs. Chicago Cubs, Thursday, March 29, 12:30 p.m., ESPN
Milwaukee Brewers @ San Diego Padres, Thursday, March 29, 4:10 p.m.
Minnesota Twins @ Baltimore Orioles, Thursday, March 29, 3:05 p.m.
New York Mets vs. St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, March 29, 1:10 p.m.
New York Yankees @ Toronto Blue Jays, Thursday, March 29, 3:37 p.m.
Oakland Athletics vs. Los Angeles Angels, Thursday, March 29, 4:05 p.m.
Philadelphia Phillies @ Atlanta Braves, Thursday, March 29, 4:10 p.m.
Pittsburgh Pirates @ Detroit Tigers, Thursday, March 29, 1:10 p.m.
St. Louis Cardinals @ New York Mets, Thursday, March 29, 1:10 p.m.
San Diego Padres vs. Milwaukee Brewers, Thursday, March 29, 4:10 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, Thursday, March 29, 7:00 p.m., ESPN
Seattle Mariners vs. Cleveland Indians, Thursday, March 29, 10:00 p.m., ESPN
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox, Thursday, March 29, 4:00 p.m.
Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros, Thursday, March 29, 3:30 p.m., ESPN
Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees, Thursday, March 29, 3:37 p.m.
Washington Nationals @ Cincinnati Reds, Thursday, March 29, 4:10 p.m.

Links for Signings and trade rumors https://www.mlbtraderumors.com since there are so many unsigned big names out there.

Baseball Pace of Play 2018 https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/...t-limits-no-pitch-clocks-shorter-commercials/

Who is gonna win it this year? What's gonna be the big blockbuster trade? Who is gonna be MVP, Rookie Of The Year, Cy Young winner?

 

[Musky_Cheese]

JD Martinez to Boston. 5 years 110 million total. Front load with 2 opt outs

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/02/red-sox-sign-j-d-martinez.html

 

[Catphish]

Die-hard White Sox fan here.

We suck, but we have a plan. I think.

If we can place 3rd or better in the division, see some growth in our young guys, and actual progress in this rebuild, I'll be a happy man.

 

[synchronicity]

I'm a baseball nut as well, and I'll happily worship at the diamond altar with you.

I'm a huge Twins fan. I'm hoping the Odorizzi signing will help offset the early season loss of Santana. Even if it doesn't, we only gave up a guy that was at a position of strength on the farm and was going to be a rule 5 at year-end. I think the Sanchez signing is pretty ridiculous, but it's not fully guaranteed and if he stays, maybe he can eat a few innings for the overall health of the staff. I'm hoping this year is finally the year that Buxton breaks out in full, and doesn't continue to think the season starts after the break. (at the plate anyway.) Glove and speed are always electric!

I love Molitor as a manager and there's reason for optimism for this first time in a while for the Twinkies.

As for who's going to take it all. It's hard to predict back-to-back champs, but I think Houston does it. They're such a strong and balanced team.

 

[MC Safety]

The New York Mess did a good thing by getting rid of Terrible Terry and then getting a real third baseman. Mickey Callaway will do some good, but not as much as a comprehensive plan to prevent/treat/deal with injuries will.

The fish still stinks from the head down, and I don't imagine the Mess will do very well this year.

 

[sushisamurai30]

Goddammit, we're still over a month away from the regular season starting!

Spoiler

As long as the Church of Baseball denounces Satan's team (St. Louis Cardinals), I'll let this premature transgression stand

 

[Musky_Cheese]

Goddammit, we're still over a month away from the regular season starting!

Spoiler

As long as the Church of Baseball denounces Satan's team (St. Louis Cardinals), I'll let this premature transgression stand

Spring training has started. The pre regular season. Also gives people time to take off of work and get ready to worship.

 

[lil puff]

The New York Mess did a good thing by getting rid of Terrible Terry and then getting a real third baseman. Mickey Callaway will do some good, but not as much as a comprehensive plan to prevent/treat/deal with injuries will.

The fish still stinks from the head down, and I don't imagine the Mess will do very well this year.

I have been warming up to Sandy lately, and even the Wilpons have stayed in the background. I've been pretty happy about their moves lately.... getting rid of Mr Softy Collins was overdue.

However, I never go into a Mets season thinking positive. I'd rather be pleasantly surprised. I have been let down so many times by them.

I also cannot believe they are entertaining the idea of Tim Tebow.

 

[synchronicity]

However, I never go into a Mets season thinking positive.

Experience is a harsh mistress, no?

 

[TheShocker]

Royals fan checking in. I’m cautiously optimistic for the season. Not in the sense that they’ll make the postseason, but that the development process will be much quicker this time and in 4-5 years we will have a competitive team. Losing Hosmer and Cain was a tough pill to swallow, but they were just not attainable contracts. There is still hope for Moose!

 

[Musky_Cheese]

The Phillies and Arrieta are talking. I’ve heard nothing in regards to Greg Holland.


Some 2017 fights to get you hyped

Friday’s 2/23 schedule
Tigers @ Yankees 1:05 PM
Twins @ Red Sox 1:05 PM
Pirates @ Rays 1:05 PM
Cardinals @ Marlins 1:05 PM
Rays @ Orioles GM 2: 1:05 PM
Nationals @ Astros 1:05 PM
Phillies @ Blue Jays 1:07 PM
Braves @ Mets 1:10 PM
Cubs @ Brewers 3:05 PM
White Sox @ Dodgers 3:05 PM
Reds @ Indians 3:05 PM
Angels @ Athletics 3:05 PM
Brewers @ Giants GM 2: 3:05 PM
D-backs @ Rockies 3:10 PM
Mariners @ Padres 3:10 PM

 

[MaulerX]

I have been warming up to Sandy lately, and even the Wilpons have stayed in the background. I've been pretty happy about their moves lately.... getting rid of Mr Softy Collins was overdue.

However, I never go into a Mets season thinking positive. I'd rather be pleasantly surprised. I have been let down so many times by them.

I also cannot believe they are entertaining the idea of Tim Tebow.

Ha! Same here. Much easier on the emotions that way.

 

[John Day]

Can’t wait to watch the Indians and the Twins here in PR! When the Astros came years ago I went to all those games.

 

[ThisGuy]

Indians and reds fan. Love that Ohio has two teams. I usually listen to the games on the radio while doing something. Mostly follow Indians, for obvious reasons. Go to the reds games though lol. Looking forward to this year.

 

[Musky_Cheese]

Can’t wait to watch the Indians and the Twins here in PR! When the Astros came years ago I went to all those games.

Indians and reds fan. Love that Ohio has two teams. I usually listen to the games on the radio while doing something. Mostly follow Indians, for obvious reasons. Go to the reds games though lol. Looking forward to this year.

Here’s some Cleveland news for ya https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/02/indians-to-sign-carlos-torres.html They’ve signed Carlos Torres.

 

[Kotzen Ducha]

Had my heart broken in 2005 when the Astros got swept. Stayed away from baseball until this last season when a charming team went all the way. Excited for opening day.

 

[Szym]

The Phillies and Arrieta are talking. I’ve heard nothing in regards to Greg Holland.

Poor Greg Holland is starting to look like 2018's Jody Reed.

For those that don't remember, Reed turned down a 3 year, $7.8 million contract offer. Ended up signing later that offseason for 1 year, $350,000.

 

[Musky_Cheese]

Poor Greg Holland is starting to look like 2018's Jody Reed.

For those that don't remember, Reed turned down a 3 year, $7.8 million contract offer. Ended up signing later that offseason for 1 year, $350,000.

Let us not forget Ian Desmond. Turned down 7 year 107 million. Then turn down 1 year 15 million. Had to settle for 1 year 8 million.

 

[Catphish]

Had my heart broken in 2005 when the Astros got swept. Stayed away from baseball until this last season when a charming team went all the way. Excited for opening day.

We were destiny that year, mate.
Glad you guys got one of your own eventually.

 

[Szym]

Let us not forget Ian Desmond. Turned down 7 year 107 million. Then turn down 1 year 15 million. Had to settle for 1 year 8 million.

Luckily for him, the Rockies were there to incompetently give him a partial bailout later!

 

[synchronicity]

Let us not forget Ian Desmond. Turned down 7 year 107 million. Then turn down 1 year 15 million. Had to settle for 1 year 8 million.

That's powerful negotiating.

 

[Musky_Cheese]

First Spring training games today

My Nats play Houston at 1pm on MLB network

 

[Musky_Cheese]

For any Rays fans, Brent Honeywell may need Tommy John

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...nosed-as-ucl-tear-may-need-tommy-john-surgery

 

[lil puff]

For any Rays fans, Brent Honeywell may need Tommy John

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2761104-brent-honeywell-elbow-injury-diagnosed-as-ucl-tear-may-need-tommy-john-surgery

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...-tear-may-need-tommy-john-surgery[/QUOTE]Ouch

Ouch. That's going to be about 2 years, or more depending on recovery. Tommy John is no joke.

Mets have had their fair share of pitching injuries.

 

[Szym]

The rates of recovery from Tommy John are quite high -- far better than for rotator cuff injuries -- but losing a year-plus of development from Honeywell would be awful.

 

[lil puff]

The rates of recovery from Tommy John are quite high -- far better than for rotator cuff injuries -- but losing a year-plus of development from Honeywell would be awful.

Yeah, the rate of recovery is good, he'll be back, but it can take awhile to get back to 100% form if at all.

 

[TheSadRanger]

You know he'll be back

 

[Musky_Cheese]

Scherzer looking sharp... excluding that homerun allowed

 

[Musky_Cheese]

Victor Robles is hitting .400 so far this spring. Nats have 5 good major league ready OF’s. Log jam.

 

[Musky_Cheese]

TIm Lincecum to the Rangers https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/02/rangers-agree-to-terms-with-tim-lincecum.html

 

[TheSadRanger]

TIm Lincecum to the Rangers https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/02/rangers-agree-to-terms-with-tim-lincecum.html

 

[Musky_Cheese]

Royals sign Jon Jay. There is still a ton of big name players in Free Agency.

 

[lil puff]

TIm Lincecum to the Rangers https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/02/rangers-agree-to-terms-with-tim-lincecum.html

Lincecum is STILL playing? Damn!

 

[prag16]

Die hard Mets fan checking in.

Not mad about the offseason. I think the moves made were decent. Assuming reasonable health this is a playoff contender.

I'm not assuming reasonable health. Better to set myself up to be pleasantly surprised. But they allegedly made a bunch of changes to training staff and methods. Here's hoping that helps. Also I think I'm correct in assuming deGrom's haircut caused his minor spring training injury issues. Never shoulda done that, Jake.

 

[lil puff]

Die hard Mets fan checking in.

Not mad about the offseason. I think the moves made were decent. Assuming reasonable health this is a playoff contender.

I'm not assuming reasonable health. Better to set myself up to be pleasantly surprised. But they allegedly made a bunch of changes to training staff and methods. Here's hoping that helps. Also I think I'm correct in assuming deGrom's haircut caused his minor spring training injury issues. Never shoulda done that, Jake.

Pretty much agree 99%, I am on the fence about Grom's hair lol.

One move I did not like last season was getting rid of The Grandyman, because I thought he had a nice leadership presence on the team, positive attitude. Even when he was slumping (I always loved how they would pile up on Grandy's slump, while no one else on the team was hitting either). I think he gave good vibes on a team that was getting used to feeling dejected and almost expecting to lose. Also since there is no way Wright can claim to be a leader anymore.

 

[Szym]

Lincecum is STILL playing? Damn!

A year in the wild. I'm actually surprised that he wasn't given an extended shot as a reliever before this. He's not even all *that* old now.

 

[Musky_Cheese]

Moustakas, Lynn, and Lucroy all sign 1 year deals. Will the money flow next year.

 

[Musky_Cheese]

Arrieta to Phillies. Multi year contract

 

[prag16]

Moustakas, Lynn, and Lucroy all sign 1 year deals. Will the money flow next year.

Arrieta to Phillies. Multi year contract

Moustakas deal insanely cheap.

Surprised Phillies opened the pocketbook for Arrieta 3/75. Might be a bit of a threat now. Nola/Arrieta is a nice 1/2. Gotta see if the young bats step it up.

 

[Musky_Cheese]

Neil Walker to the Yankees.

Next years Free Agency is going to be worse imo.

 

[Musky_Cheese]

Altuve passed physical. Extension with Astros is final. 5 years $151 million.

 

[Musky_Cheese]

Justin Turner out with a broken wrist. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/03/justin-turner-diagnosed-with-broken-wrist.html

Will not need surgery

 

[prag16]

This snow in the northeast has got to stop. Better not interfere with baseball.

 

[Musky_Cheese]

Baltimore and Alex Cobb have a 4 year deal. Almost $60 million

 

[prag16]

Madbum, broken pitching hand. Ouch.

 

[Musky_Cheese]

Madbum, broken pitching hand. Ouch.

Unlucky. At least it wasn't on a dirt bike

 

[Musky_Cheese]

It's almost Thursday. Anyone got Opening Days Plans?

I have people coming over. Gonna smoke some Ribs and make Wings.

FYI. Jayson Werth is signing with Seattle

 

[John Day]

A Boston Papi here, can’t wait!!

Ps: soft spot for Astros because of Correa and the team as a whole but, I’m Red at heart!

 

[MC Safety]

SI.com has its annual baseball predictions up.

I am surprised, but a few of the reporters predicted the New York Mess will win the wild card. It would be a nice surprise if the Mets were competitive, but I'm not entirely sure that's going to be the case.

https://www.si.com/mlb/2018/03/23/world-series-playoff-predictions

 

[It's Jeff]

SI.com has its annual baseball predictions up.

I am surprised, but a few of the reporters predicted the New York Mess will win the wild card. It would be a nice surprise if the Mets were competitive, but I'm not entirely sure that's going to be the case.

https://www.si.com/mlb/2018/03/23/world-series-playoff-predictions

Bleah! This article has a clean sweep of picks of Yankees in the East! They're right of course, but one of you should show the Sox some love.