MLB 2015 Season Thread

jack presley

Johnny Cueto pitching to Troy Tulowitski tonight, in Canada. Not something many of us thought would be happening about a week ago.

Waitsian

8-10 wrote:

One of the best defensive players at CF this year

Check out Pillar's highlight reel this season!! I'd be surprised to see him go myself, but you have to give to get I suppose. If the Jays get Revere and call up Pompey from Buffalo it mightn't be so bad. Kevin's talented, that's for sure, he has a good future in the Bigs.

rockonollie

jack presley wrote: »

Do you think the Wheeler for Bruce trade will get done? A few of the Mets blogs are reporting that "there is an expectation" that there'll be a deal.

The Reds would be getting a great pitcher there. Obviously he's won't be pitching until next July/August at the earliest and it's not every TJ guy comes back like Jose Fernandez but if I was the Reds I'd take the gamble on him.

The next 7 hours or so are going to be great. Most of the rumoured trades won't happen of course but it's fun nonetheless.

I think the deal gets done.....but would expect that there'd by a second player going from new York to cinci.

rockonollie

Latest insider info says Yankees and Padres negotiations on Kimbral broke down yesterday and haven't revived. Chapman is the only arm they're working on right now.

Asking price for chapman is very high, but with Astros and yankees fighting, it might just be met. D-backs already backed out, unable to match other offers on the table.

jack presley

rockonollie wrote: »

I think the deal gets done.....but would expect that there'd by a second player going from new York to cinci.

I don't know what to believe anymore, so many contradicting stories flying in on my Twitter feed about this now. Apparently the deal has hit a stumbling block.

After Wednesday night, i'm not going to believe anything until it's official.

rockonollie

jack presley wrote: »

I don't know what to believe anymore, so many contradicting stories flying in on my Twitter feed about this now. Apparently the deal has hit a stumbling block.

After Wednesday night, i'm not going to believe anything until it's official.

Latest I've heard is that the Mets have concerns about Bruce's consistency.....I find it hard to believe that they'd get this far along before worrying about that.....may be a ploy to try and get the Reds to drop the price.

krustydoyle

Cubs just got Dan Haren from the Marlins for 2 minor leaguers

rockonollie

Interesting twist on the possible bruce trades......Reds have called up an OF from AAA, official line is that he is taking Leake's spot until they need to pick a starter on Sunday....but everytime a pitcher has gone down this season (and it's happened a lot), the same catcher and utility infielders have been brought up, never an outfielder.

rockonollie

Rumor from the Reds' clubhouse......ownership blocked the Wheeler-Bruce trade.

krustydoyle

Cepsedes to the mets

Waitsian

I think the Lowe pickup from the Ms is great to bolster the Jays bullpen but I don't get the Revere signing at all.

I'm surprised the Yankees were so quiet!

circular flexing

Happ got traded from the Mariners to the Pirates. Seattle really having a clearout now.

jack presley

krustydoyle wrote: »

Cepsedes to the mets

Glad they got something done and that they keep Wheeler. It is only a rental and Fulmer is apparently a good prospect so only time will tell if it was worth it. But there was no way they could do nothing, especially with what they were putting out there night after night.

I prefer Cespedas to both Gomez and Bruce but at least they would have got next year out of them as well. No bull pen help added though which is disappointing but beggars can't be choosers and there is still waiver trades I suppose.

As for the rest of the trades, is there anyone who didn't go to Toronto? They're certainly all in now anyway. Seriously though, interesting last couple of hours with the Cubs and Cardinals picking up a couple of pieces. Surprised the Yankees did nothing and that the Padres fire sale didn't happen.

Waitsian

mod9maple wrote:

I'm going to make a bold prediction! The Jays will trade one or two established players eg Encarnacion or Reyes or Hutchinson or Dickey packaged with low-level prospects, or even maybe one stud prospect eg Norris or Pompey to get a SP or maybe two.

I think I did alright there! Reyes went to the Rockies for Tulo and Norris went to the Tigers for Price. I also said one of the 4 mentioned above would be a Met so fail there. But not bad.

They're definitely all in. Going to be an exciting 2, maybe 3 months that's for sure.

Igotadose

Dancing in the hallway in West Kerry. Cespedes! And whose to say they won't sign him long-term? This is the best news this Met's fan has had since, I dunno, 2007? *Yay* Let's Go Mets! Let's Go Mets!

jack presley

Igotadose wrote: »

Dancing in the hallway in West Kerry. Cespedes! And whose to say they won't sign him long-term? This is the best news this Met's fan has had since, I dunno, 2007? *Yay* Let's Go Mets! Let's Go Mets!

Whoa, hold the horses there. Let's not be ordering the ticker tape parade for the end of October just yet! Let's at least wait till he swings a bat. Don't get me wrong I love the signing but it's not the only piece that was needed.

As for next season, I actually don't think they'll resign him. Not only because the Wilpons are stingy but because they have Cuddyer, Grandy and now Lagares all tied up to big contracts and Conforto (and maybe Nimmo) will be around too. Unless of course they find some team stupid enough to take Cuddyer off their hands.

EDIT - Just read that the Tigers are hoping to re-sign in this Winter and they'll definitely be able to throw more money at him (as will a lot of clubs) so I'd say there's very little chance if any, of him playing for the Mets in 2016.

8-10

Jaysus Cespedes doesn't hang around for long anywhere. Playing for 4 different teams in 12 months, he was an A last July, finished 2014 with the Sox and just moved from the Tigers to the Mets!

circular flexing

mod9maple wrote: »

I think the Lowe pickup from the Ms is great to bolster the Jays bullpen but I don't get the Revere signing at all.

Working out well so far!

Igotadose

Cespedes might be a rental - so it'll behoove him to play well and max his value. Mets will have Colon and Murphy off the books this postseason, you never know he might love NYC, it's not too far from Cuba

Waitsian

circular flexing wrote:

Working out well so far!

I think we'll give him til the end of the season before we judge, and not one inning.

jack presley

mod9maple wrote: »

I think we'll give him til the end of the season before we judge, and not one inning.

...or even a couple of inning or one week etc. Getting excited/depressed over a small sample of work always makes me laugh.

jack presley

Igotadose wrote: »

Cespedes might be a rental - so it'll behoove him to play well and max his value. Mets will have Colon and Murphy off the books this postseason, you never know he might love NYC, it's not too far from Cuba

Yeah, Colon and Murphy will be off the books but if he's anyway useful, he's going to cost a fortune and they're already playing a lot of money to 3 outfielders so as I said in my previous post, they'll have to trade someone as there's no way they'll put such a chunk of their wage bill into just 4 outfielders, especially as Duda's going to getting an increase and they need to get a shortstop and Conforto will be back and Nimmo's close too.

Igotadose

if they can eat the contract of the rotting corpse of Michael Cuddyer (NY fans calls him 'Michael Cadaver' these days), there's a position that's perfect for Cespedes with his howitzer arm - Right Field. Move Granderson, who has no arm, to left.

Some have called for trading Lagares, hard to do as he's playing hurt, too and hasn't really been a great hitter - competent maybe, but no appreciable power and you do want that from your outfielders.

There are other free agent outfielders available this offseason, it's going to be VERY interesting to follow the action.

The Mets GM has saved his job after a disaster of offseason signings - Cadaver, Mayberry Jr. (DFA'd for room for Clippard), and other lamer acquisitions like Alex Torres. Blevins looked good in short service before being hurt, but who knows when he's back and how effective he'll be. And lest we forget last year with the Chris Young signing and what a disaster he turned out to be.

The Mets manager, however, is clearly in the hotseat with the player rental. Would like to see him go, but if he makes the playoffs he'll be back next year, too, which he would deserve.

As for the various rookies, well, that's life in the big leagues, none of them might ever become major league players. Plus as you point out, they need a shortstop. Not sure what the shortstop market'll be after the season's over. Tejada's had a long, underwhelming career and Flores would probably slot into 3rd base to replace Wright, or 2d base to replace Murphy. His hitting's picked up since he stopped playing short.

Still, a year ago this time the season was essentially over, so this is much more fun. Kind of regret not being back in NYC, especially watching yet another pelting, blowing squall in Dingle, with another week of similar weather on tap. One of the local shopkeepers told me people are vacationing from the US in Ireland "To get away from the heat." That's pretty funny except we've not had ANY summer weather yet.

But, NYC is an epic hole to live in and I don't miss it - except for the proximity to Citi field.




+

Itssoeasy

The yankees not wasting time. HR for Ellsbury second pitch of the game.

jack presley

Handbags are out in Toronto.

The Reservoir Dubs Anchorman

Really looking forward to this one, Thor v Zim. Mets can draw level if they win tonight! Going to be a cracking match up

MoyVilla9

Sweep for the Mets. The East in both the NL and AL is must watch from now until the end. Great year for New York baseball so far.

Igotadose

Leaping for joy in Dingle. And, heck, the sun is out for a change, and the Mets are tied for first! What a game! What a half-inning!

I *love* how the fans taunt Harper. Chants of "We're coming for you" and "Blood in the water."

Chipper Jones is retired, so the fans need someone else to hate at the games.

Harperdreams of being the next Pete Rose, a baseball tough guy. Sorry, as loathsome as Pete Rose was as a player and is as a human, he never let the fans get to him. Harper's such a poseur.


1st place! After all the crap since 2006...

jack presley

Obviously delighted with the weekend and it's great to be playing meaningful baseball in August for the first time in years.

But after two great wins over the Dodgers last week they stunk it up agains the Padres so let's hope they can keep it going in Miami this week.

jack presley

According to Baseball Prospectus, the Padres asked for Paul Goldschmidt when the D'Backs enquired about trading for Kimbrel. Hilarious stuff. Sure why not ring the Angels and see will they give you Mike Trout?

rockonollie

jack presley wrote: »

According to Baseball Prospectus, the Padres asked for Paul Goldschmidt when the D'Backs enquired about trading for Kimbrel. Hilarious stuff. Sure why not ring the Angels and see will they give you Mike Trout?

Apparently there were some odd offers for chapman. The Reds said all along that the price was high, they were trying to rebuild, and would need some high end prospects in return. According to the GM, more than one team offered veterans in the last year of their contract.

The Reservoir Dubs Anchorman

Igotadose wrote: »

Leaping for joy in Dingle. And, heck, the sun is out for a change, and the Mets are tied for first! What a game! What a half-inning!

I *love* how the fans taunt Harper. Chants of "We're coming for you" and "Blood in the water."

Chipper Jones is retired, so the fans need someone else to hate at the games.

Harperdreams of being the next Pete Rose, a baseball tough guy. Sorry, as loathsome as Pete Rose was as a player and is as a human, he never let the fans get to him. Harper's such a poseur.


1st place! After all the crap since 2006...

Disagree with you on Harper, he's matured massively the last two years. The fans don't get to him at all, the umpires now that's another story, but even as a Nats fan I have to say he's getting some terrible umpire calls just terrible.

Mets have some hitting and the great Momentum, going to be an interesting end to the season. Could come down to the series against each other if both keep it going. Still think we're just starting to get healthy and will really enjoy the next couple of months!

jack presley

The Reservoir Dubs Anchorman wrote: »

Disagree with you on Harper, he's matured massively the last two years. The fans don't get to him at all, the umpires now that's another story, but even as a Nats fan I have to say he's getting some terrible umpire calls just terrible.

Mets have some hitting and the great Momentum, going to be an interesting end to the season. Could come down to the series against each other if both keep it going. Still think we're just starting to get healthy and will really enjoy the next couple of months!

I like Harper too and you have to remember he's still on 22 or whatever he is. I think he got shafted by the media on Monday about that comment he made about 'not caring about the Mets'. He listed a load of team, not just the Mets and the point he was making was that it's all about what his team does. If they look after their own business, it doesn't matter what any one else does. But the media ran with it being a dig at NY, just to up the rivalry as they're neck and neck with 2 months to go. Getting thrown out of the game on Friday was stupid though as it messed up his team but I'll put that down to his age.

As for the NLE race, it's exciting stuff alright. For the first time in years I'm not waiting for the NFL and Premier league seasons to start. It doesn't look like a wild card will come out of the NLE either so it really will be winner takes all.

I think the Mets starters edge the Nationals slightly but I think the Nat's bullpen is much better, especially if the states can get through 7. On paper the Nats lineup is better but they haven't performed to date and I am worried that at some stage they will click into gear (it's probably inevitable right?). But having said that I'm sick of hearing Terry Collins of the past few years saying "when X gets, going" or "we have to get Y going". It never happened for the Mets so hopefully it'll be the same for the Nats (sorry TRDA!)

At least neither team can use injuries or the DL as an excuse as to why they aren't in the lead or further ahead. Both teams have been gutted by injuries this season and it's all part of the game and I don't think either team can claim they've been hurt more.

To be honest at the start of the season all I was hoping for was a 82-80 record as I've been let down so many times since 2007 by these Mets and if the Nats do win the division, I hope it's because they just play better baseball and not because the Mets do all Mets things and implode.

jack presley

Is it just me or does it seem like every second day the Yankees are scoring 10+ runs? I keep thinking it's only a matter of time before they come back to the pack but they keep winning and scoring a load of runs.

Waitsian

jack presley wrote:

Is it just me or does it seem like every second day the Yankees are scoring 10+ runs? I keep thinking it's only a matter of time before they come back to the pack but they keep winning and scoring a load of runs.

It definitely won't last, they're due for a heavy crash back to earth. The bats will level off, and they're SP is shot all to hell.

krustydoyle

mod9maple wrote: »

It definitely won't last, they're due for a heavy crash back to earth. The bats will level off, and they're SP is shot all to hell.

Sssshhh don't be talking that rubbish

The Reservoir Dubs Anchorman

jack presley wrote: »

I like Harper too and you have to remember he's still on 22 or whatever he is. I think he got shafted by the media on Monday about that comment he made about 'not caring about the Mets'. He listed a load of team, not just the Mets and the point he was making was that it's all about what his team does. If they look after their own business, it doesn't matter what any one else does. But the media ran with it being a dig at NY, just to up the rivalry as they're neck and neck with 2 months to go. Getting thrown out of the game on Friday was stupid though as it messed up his team but I'll put that down to his age.

As for the NLE race, it's exciting stuff alright. For the first time in years I'm not waiting for the NFL and Premier league seasons to start. It doesn't look like a wild card will come out of the NLE either so it really will be winner takes all.

I think the Mets starters edge the Nationals slightly but I think the Nat's bullpen is much better, especially if the states can get through 7. On paper the Nats lineup is better but they haven't performed to date and I am worried that at some stage they will click into gear (it's probably inevitable right?). But having said that I'm sick of hearing Terry Collins of the past few years saying "when X gets, going" or "we have to get Y going". It never happened for the Mets so hopefully it'll be the same for the Nats (sorry TRDA!)

At least neither team can use injuries or the DL as an excuse as to why they aren't in the lead or further ahead. Both teams have been gutted by injuries this season and it's all part of the game and I don't think either team can claim they've been hurt more.

To be honest at the start of the season all I was hoping for was a 82-80 record as I've been let down so many times since 2007 by these Mets and if the Nats do win the division, I hope it's because they just play better baseball and not because the Mets do all Mets things and implode.

I wouldn't argue against a lot of that. The Nats have the better line up but they are hitting like crap.

I think our starters are right up there though and are as good as the Mets but the Mets guys are pitching better right now as a unit but in my opinion. I like Sherzer over anybody (Harvery). Zimmerman and Strasbourg are as good if not better than De Gromme and Colon and I think Gio and Fister just get the edge of Noah and Niese but that's just my opinion.

With that said I love Storen and Pap but depth in our bull pen is limited, that's where your weakness is no doubt though the addition if Clippard could be huge.

I felt like this season the Mets and Nats would both make the playoffs and I have seen nothing yet to dissuade me from that. The addition of Cespedes for you guys is massive.

One thing is for certain the season is gearing up to be a great one and really interesting. I have an American trip planned for the end of September and first few weeks of October.

Also Harper is not the only one saying what he said. Werth said the same thing yesterday we're number one but we have been hurt all year, that is fine, but they now need to go out and prove they are number one. Which I think they will. I have a soft spot for the Mets, always have, no clue why but believe me when I say honestly I hope the Mets keep it together the rest of the way but that we win it all ..

The Reservoir Dubs Anchorman

On a side note, any Mets season ticket holders here? I want to catch the last three games between the two in New York and would love to be able to give someone cash here rather than try to stub hub it.

Igotadose

I actually agree on the Nationals starters having the edge. Mets guys need to prove they can be successful over a long haul, after seeing teams a few times and so forth. These professional hitters can hit the 100mph fastball, so the pitchers need more than that. Mets beating Zimmerman really impressed me - he's owned the Mets for so long. They have had some success, not huge, against Gonzalez. Last game I went to last year, Strasburg just plain blew them away (though, they had a pretty pathetic lineup.)

I would've been overjoyed at finishing above .500 (and getting rid of Terry Collins) at season's start. Now, I want to see them in the playoffs. The image of Carlos Beltran taking a called 3d strike against Adam Wainwright can't be the last Mets postseason AB I'll ever see....

jack presley

Zack Greinke's human after all. Apparently he had only given up 4 runs in his last 8 starts then today he gives up 4 before making an out! 5 in toatl for the first inning.

EDIT - It must have pissed him off. He's gone 2-2 with the bat since including a home run.

jack presley

Igotadose wrote: »

Blevins looked good in short service before being hurt, but who knows when he's back and how effective he'll be.

Looks like it'll be 2016 before we are able to answer that question. He fell off a curb on Monday (I presume there was no alcohol involved) and fractured the same arm again. You couldn't make this up!

All down to O'Flaherty with the lefties now and he didn't get off to a good start last night by almost blowing an 8 run lead.

Igotadose

Too bad about Blevins. Stuff happens. Still in 1st place, excellent game (and outcome) @ Tampa yesterday. All looking good, even David Wright in some minor league rehab assignments, so maybe he'll be back this season after all. Definitely feels good after so many awful years and the big black cloud of the Madoff scandal hanging over the team.

zuutroy

Could it happen? After 15 years of watching, might I see a Jays playoff game?!

Igotadose

here's hoping for Jays/Mets world series.

Waitsian

zuutroy wrote:

Could it happen? After 15 years of watching, might I see a Jays playoff game?!

Well there's a ways to go yet but they're certainly looking very good at the moment.

Igotadose wrote:

here's hoping for Jays/Mets world series.

As a young kid growing up my Dad was a Red Sox fan - Irish Canadian, no Canadian teams as he grew up in the 40s, 50s & 60s, Boston being an 'Irish' city - so before the Jays came on the scene, to be different from my Dad, I had a soft spot for the Pirates, so that's my wish for a World Series.

Joey Bats against his former team would be kinda cool. Then there's Martin, and Happ and Burnett.

Plus they're my two favourite uniforms. :-)

jack presley

Bad news for the Marlins (and fans of baseball in general) as Joe Fernandez is reportedly going to the DL again with a bicep strain.

jack presley

mod9maple wrote: »

I can feel a long winning streak coming on for the Jays, their confidence is sky high at the moment. .

You don't have next week's lotto numbers do you? 9 wins out of 10!

Waitsian

jack presley wrote:

You don't have next week's lotto numbers do you? 9 wins out of 10!

Incredible run, though they already have an 11 game streak this season. Just firing on all cylinders at the moment. Dickey has found form, Estrada has been a revelation, Beurhle (sp) just doing what he's always done, bullpen much improved since the all-star break, new acquisitions all doing well and the team still hitting well.

Can't complain when they hold the Yankees to 1 run over 3 games in the Bronx! Just 1 1/2 back now but with more games played. They meet again in Toronto next weekend and all 3 games are already sold out.

jack presley

mod9maple wrote: »

Incredible run, though they already have an 11 game streak this season. Just firing on all cylinders at the moment. Dickey has found form, Estrada has been a revelation, Beurhle (sp) just doing what he's always done, bullpen much improved since the all-star break, new acquisitions all doing well and the team still hitting well.

Can't complain when they hold the Yankees to 1 run over 3 games in the Bronx! Just 1 1/2 back now but with more games played. They meet again in Toronto next weekend and all 3 games are already sold out.

A kind of nerdish stat just appeared in my notifications in the At-Bat app. This was the first time since May 1999 that the Yankees have been shut out in successive games (2,665 games). Apparently it was the longest streak in MLB history.

zuutroy

mod9maple wrote: »

Incredible run, though they already have an 11 game streak this season. Just firing on all cylinders at the moment. Dickey has found form, Estrada has been a revelation, Beurhle (sp) just doing what he's always done, bullpen much improved since the all-star break, new acquisitions all doing well and the team still hitting well.

Can't complain when they hold the Yankees to 1 run over 3 games in the Bronx! Just 1 1/2 back now but with more games played. They meet again in Toronto next weekend and all 3 games are already sold out.

It's just mad. I've never seem a Jays team with such a 'swagger'. Sweeping a good NY team in NY without even looking threatened. Typical that they have to wait until I've two kids (and thus no time to watch) to get good....Need to earn some points by next weekend