MLB: 2013 Pre-Season Thread

smackbunnybaby · 02-03-2013 5:02pm

Having gotten into the Cubs while doing a J1 in Chicago in 2003, and now stuck with them, I have a soft spot for Prior. He should have been elite....
I really hope it works, and by works, I just mean I dont want it to be a disaster...

smackbunnybaby · 05-03-2013 8:42am

Guys!
Newbie MLB.TV question.
Got it the other day. Looking to stream it through the PS3 but I can't seem to find the MLB.TV 2013 App to download to the PS3 on the PlayStation Store.
Not sure it has been released yet...they need to release a new app every year?
I can stream MLB.tv on the laptop alright

8-10 · 05-03-2013 12:34pm

smackbunnybaby wrote: »

Guys!
Newbie MLB.TV question.
Got it the other day. Looking to stream it through the PS3 but I can't seem to find the MLB.TV 2013 App to download to the PS3 on the PlayStation Store.
Not sure it has been released yet...they need to release a new app every year?
I can stream MLB.tv on the laptop alright

I have no idea I'm afraid but what I do know is that they haven't updated the Apple TV App so even though I can watch Spring Training on the computer, I can't through Apple TV yet. Not that I particularly want to, very little interest in Spring Training games excepting watching choice innings of a few pitchers here and there.

jack presley · 05-03-2013 8:42pm

8-10 wrote: »

I have no idea I'm afraid but what I do know is that they haven't updated the Apple TV App so even though I can watch Spring Training on the computer, I can't through Apple TV yet. Not that I particularly want to, very little interest in Spring Training games excepting watching choice innings of a few pitchers here and there.

I think it was the same last year with the Apple TV. i can't remember the exact date they became available but I do remember there being no games on the Apple Tv at the beginning of Spring Training last season

smackbunnybaby · 05-03-2013 10:05pm

Watching a small bit of Philly and a very strong Dominican Rep.

15-1 to DR so far!

Now, I know Spring Training isn't THAT serious, but Cole Hamels, 2.2 IP - 12 H - 8 R - 0 BB - 3 K - 1 HR - 27.00 ERA

Nice....

Benimar · 06-03-2013 11:29pm

Mark Teixeira out for 8-10 weeks with a strained wrist. Problems for the Yankees mount.

Coeus · 07-03-2013 12:40am

Benimar wrote: »

Mark Teixeira out for 8-10 weeks with a strained wrist. Problems for the Yankees mount.

Their nightmare from last years postseason just goes on. I make that $60M plus they are paying 3 of their players who will start the season on the DL.

Contrast that with the Royals this spring training. They won again today and are now 11-0 in Cactus league games.

rockonollie · 07-03-2013 12:37pm

Coeus wrote: »

Their nightmare from last years postseason just goes on. I make that $60M plus they are paying 3 of their players who will start the season on the DL.

Contrast that with the Royals this spring training. They won again today and are now 11-0 in Cactus league games.

Yeah but you have to look at more than just the record in spring training......for example, the Royals beat the Giants on saturday......but only because they scored 4 runs against a pitcher that won't get anywhere near the big leagues for at least another 2 years.

MoyVilla9 · 07-03-2013 4:13pm

Coeus wrote: »

Their nightmare from last years postseason just goes on. I make that $60M plus they are paying 3 of their players who will start the season on the DL.

It's all down to the pitching now. People who always complained about the Yankees and their Home Runs won't have to anymore. It's going to be small-ball for April at least.

This could be a realllllllly long season for the Yankees. Andy Pettitte is the oldest starter in the MLB, what's the chances of him spending time on the DL? Very high. Plus, the Yankees play the Blue Jays 9 times in the first month.

I'm not 100% convinced by the Blue Jays, though. It didn't work with the Marlins when they did this kind of trading, and the same players are now in Toronto. Melky isn't on the PED's anymore and Dickey is a pitcher who is 38.

rockonollie · 07-03-2013 4:16pm

I don't know what their CF solution will be, but I imagine with Teix going down, Youk will start the season at 1st base and the AAA shortstop prospect that has played most of spring training in Jeters place will slide over to 3rd.....they seem pretty high on the guy and he's definitely capable, he came up as a 3rd baseman and they moved him to short to eventually become Jeter's replacement.

jack presley · 07-03-2013 5:03pm

I can guarantee that whatever outfield that ends up playing opening day for the Yankees, it will still be better than the trio that'll be put out by the Mets (currently looking like it'll be Lucas Duda, Marlon Byrd and Colin Cowgill - not exactly going to put the fear into any starting pitcher).

Benimar · 07-03-2013 5:12pm

jack presley wrote: »

I can guarantee that whatever outfield that ends up playing opening day for the Yankees, it will still be better than the trio that'll be put out by the Mets (currently looking like it'll be Lucas Duda, Marlon Byrd and Colin Cowgill - not exactly going to put the fear into any starting pitcher).

It will..the Mets starting pitcher

Coeus · 08-03-2013 12:22am

rockonollie wrote: »

Yeah but you have to look at more than just the record in spring training......for example, the Royals beat the Giants on saturday......but only because they scored 4 runs against a pitcher that won't get anywhere near the big leagues for at least another 2 years.

This makes it even more remarkable that a team can go 11-0 to start spring when all teams are mixing and matching their lineups so much. Anyway I jinxed them as they have gone and lost today.

MoyVilla9 wrote: »

It's all down to the pitching now. People who always complained about the Yankees and their Home Runs won't have to anymore. It's going to be small-ball for April at least.

This could be a realllllllly long season for the Yankees. Andy Pettitte is the oldest starter in the MLB, what's the chances of him spending time on the DL? Very high. Plus, the Yankees play the Blue Jays 9 times in the first month.

You forgot about the Youk, he is sure to spend some time on the DL aswell. Hasn't he already been missing games in spring training.

rockonollie · 08-03-2013 1:08am

Amazing to see Italy beat Mexico in the WBC........everyone loves an underdog.

jack presley · 08-03-2013 2:08pm

rockonollie wrote: »

Amazing to see Italy beat Mexico in the WBC........everyone loves an underdog.

Nice game going on now between Taiwan and Japan. I've tuned in and Taiwan were 2 up in the top of the 8th but Japan have just levelled it up.

rockonollie · 08-03-2013 2:15pm

jack presley wrote: »

Nice game going on now between Taiwan and Japan. I've tuned in and Taiwan were 2 up in the top of the 8th but Japan have just levelled it up.

Well the bigger shock is that the Netherlands beat Cuba lastnight......Cuba have a hole to dig their way out of and the Netherlands have given themselves a chance to make the semi-final

PS......Double-elimination gives me a headache

jack presley · 08-03-2013 2:26pm

rockonollie wrote: »

Well the bigger shock is that the Netherlands beat Cuba lastnight......Cuba have a hole to dig their way out of and the Netherlands have given themselves a chance to make the semi-final

PS......Double-elimination gives me a headache

Taiwan just back in front. I'm not sure how I feel about double elimination to be honest. I haven't really followed many tournaments (in any sport) where they use it to be honest.

I agree the Dutch beating the Cubans was a huge shock. I'd like to see them do well. At least their players are from the Netherlands or from Dutch islands in the Caribbean. Look at the Italian team. They are worse than Jack Charlton's Irish teams - Great grandfathers etc.

rockonollie · 08-03-2013 3:47pm

jack presley wrote: »

Taiwan just back in front. I'm not sure how I feel about double elimination to be honest. I haven't really followed many tournaments (in any sport) where they use it to be honest.

I agree the Dutch beating the Cubans was a huge shock. I'd like to see them do well. At least their players are from the Netherlands or from Dutch islands in the Caribbean. Look at the Italian team. They are worse than Jack Charlton's Irish teams - Great grandfathers etc.

Double elimintation is much easier to follow after the first set of games. Both winners Netherlands and Japan will now play each other, with the winner going to the semi-final.........Cuba and Taipei will play each other, the loser of that game will be out, and the winner will play the loser of the Netherlands-Japan game for the second semi-final spot.

We could very easily see Cuba against Netherlands again.

MoyVilla9 · 08-03-2013 7:42pm

Coeus wrote: »

You forgot about the Youk, he is sure to spend some time on the DL aswell. Hasn't he already been missing games in spring training.

He has. It was something minor, but still.

Coeus · 08-03-2013 11:43pm

rockonollie wrote: »

Amazing to see Italy beat Mexico in the WBC........everyone loves an underdog.

And now they beat Canada, these guys are world beaters

That said the Canadian pitching was poor today.

jack presley · 09-03-2013 9:39pm

Don't know when over the past few days they appeared but spring training games are now on the Apple TV.

8-10 · 11-03-2013 11:00am

jack presley wrote: »

Don't know when over the past few days they appeared but spring training games are now on the Apple TV.

Yep I noticed on Saturday. Watched a bit of Orioles at Fenway South. My 50" Full HD screen I got in the January sales is finally coming to life! Can't wait for real baseball.

jack presley · 11-03-2013 11:26am

8-10 wrote: »

Can't wait for real baseball.

I know it's not 'real' baseball in the true sense but I'm really enjoying some of the WBC games. The Japan v Chinese Taipei and USA v Canada games were great with plenty of tension and excitement. I haven't seen the Dom Republic play yet but their line up looks very exciting.

8-10 · 11-03-2013 12:47pm

jack presley wrote: »

I know it's not 'real' baseball in the true sense but I'm really enjoying some of the WBC games. The Japan v Chinese Taipei and USA v Canada games were great with plenty of tension and excitement. I haven't seen the Dom Republic play yet but their line up looks very exciting.

Oh yes true, I was just referring to Spring Training. Hoping Netherlands can close out this game v Cuba, would be great to see!

jack presley · 11-03-2013 1:18pm

8-10 wrote: »

Oh yes true, I was just referring to Spring Training. Hoping Netherlands can close out this game v Cuba, would be great to see!

In work so can't watch but following the score. It looks like its a good game. 4-4 now in the 6th

rockonollie · 11-03-2013 4:19pm

Fantastic win for the Netherlands......don't think anyone would have made a bet before the tournament that they would beat Cuba twice.

8-10 · 13-03-2013 1:45pm

Roy Halladay had a dismal outing yesterday. Have to say it's not looking promising that he'll go back to pre-2012 Roy.

Still my favourite active player though. Watching him pitch on form is a real joy. Fingers crossed it happens for him this year.

rockonollie · 13-03-2013 1:50pm

8-10 wrote: »

Roy Halladay had a dismal outing yesterday. Have to say it's not looking promising that he'll go back to pre-2012 Roy.

Still my favourite active player though. Watching him pitch on form is a real joy. Fingers crossed it happens for him this year.

He's only pitched 11 innings so I'm not worried about his issue with his fastball being slower than last year (it's been declining every season for the last 3 years), but his control of pitches is something to be concerned about, if you watch the big hits that did the damage, most of them the catcher was set up knee high and Halladay threw it in belt high.........anyone that is more than a casual follower knows that if you throw in a fastball belt high, just about any player in the game can crush it.

8-10 · 13-03-2013 2:39pm

rockonollie wrote: »

He's only pitched 11 innings so I'm not worried about his issue with his fastball being slower than last year (it's been declining every season for the last 3 years), but his control of pitches is something to be concerned about, if you watch the big hits that did the damage, most of them the catcher was set up knee high and Halladay threw it in belt high.........anyone that is more than a casual follower knows that if you throw in a fastball belt high, just about any player in the game can crush it.

Yes and control is the strongest point of his game. However the fact he's coming off a bad season means it would be surprising if he wasn't trying to throw slightly differently in spring so maybe it's that too. Won't be overly concerned until he's a few starts in.

Masked Man · 13-03-2013 11:03pm

I'm guessing he'll wear a cup from now on. If he even needs it anymore.

Coeus · 14-03-2013 12:56am

Masked Man wrote: »

I'm guessing he'll wear a cup from now on. If he even needs it anymore.

That is a great shot, captures the pain of the incident. Pitch was probably thrown with some heat aswell coming from Verlander...

MoyVilla9 · 14-03-2013 1:43am

Collins was pissed that he wasn't wearing one from the start.

rockonollie · 14-03-2013 1:11pm

Masked Man wrote: »

I'm guessing he'll wear a cup from now on. If he even needs it anymore.

Most players say that cups are too uncomfortable baserunning and when the have to dive to field a ball.........but I say a 90+ MPH fastball to the nads is a slight bit more uncomfortable :eek:

jack presley · 14-03-2013 4:23pm

rockonollie wrote: »

Most players say that cups are too uncomfortable baserunning and when the have to dive to field a ball.........but I say a 90+ MPH fastball to the nads is a slight bit more uncomfortable :eek:

This is Jordany Valdespin we're talking about. I don't think he'll be on base enough to worry about baserunning........!!!!

jack presley · 17-03-2013 8:43pm

8-10 wrote: »

Roy Halladay had a dismal outing yesterday. Have to say it's not looking promising that he'll go back to pre-2012 Roy.

Still my favourite active player though. Watching him pitch on form is a real joy. Fingers crossed it happens for him this year.

Pulled after 1 inning today. Phillies say he had a stomach virus but apparently his velocity was down again. He didn't give up any runs though.

8-10 · 19-03-2013 6:40pm

Paddy Power have Stanton at 30/1 to be MLB HR leader and 11/1 to be NL HR leader...for those of you so inclined.

rockonollie · 19-03-2013 7:08pm

I don't think he'll get much more than he did last year......he won't get as many strikes now that the Marlins line-up has been gutted. It's amazing that he hit 37 last season, playing half of his games in that joke of a ballpark.

IMO, he'll be lucky to break 40.

8-10 · 19-03-2013 7:21pm

rockonollie wrote: »

I don't think he'll get much more than he did last year......he won't get as many strikes now that the Marlins line-up has been gutted. It's amazing that he hit 37 last season, playing half of his games in that joke of a ballpark.

IMO, he'll be lucky to break 40.

Most people seem to project over 40 and more than anyone else. Bill James, Steam, Oliver, RotoChamp, Zips all have over 40 and leading the majors in 2013, I posted about it in the gambling thread.

He hits homers. Will it be the most? His 37 last year was 2nd in the NL only playing 123 games. 11/1 is a terrific price with the likes of Pujols, Cabrera, Fielder, Bautista, Granderson all in a different league.

Also he had 121 less at bats than Miggy last year. 30/1 seems way undervalued to me. Again I'm not suggesting he's the definite winner, but you gotta say he'll be closer than a 30/1 shot surely?

rockonollie · 19-03-2013 7:32pm

8-10 wrote: »

Most people seem to project over 40 and more than anyone else. Bill James, Steam, Oliver, RotoChamp, Zips all have over 40 and leading the majors in 2013, I posted about it in the gambling thread.

He hits homers. Will it be the most? His 37 last year was 2nd in the NL only playing 123 games. 11/1 is a terrific price with the likes of Pujols, Cabrera, Fielder, Bautista, Granderson all in a different league.

Also he had 121 less at bats than Miggy last year. 30/1 seems way undervalued to me. Again I'm not suggesting he's the definite winner, but you gotta say he'll be closer than a 30/1 shot surely?

I agree 30/1 odds are way off......but I do think that the bookies are expecting him to suffer from the lineup.

As a matter of interest (i can't look up any bookie sites at work) what are the NL odds for Jay Bruce......with votto out of the lineup for 1/4 of the season and no leadoff batter to be seen, Bruce didn't get much to hit, but still finished 3rd in the NL in HR, and his HR total has increased every season since his rookie year. Was only 3 behind Stanton last year

8-10 · 19-03-2013 7:39pm

rockonollie wrote: »

I agree 30/1 odds are way off......but I do think that the bookies are expecting him to suffer from the lineup.

As a matter of interest (i can't look up any bookie sites at work) what are the NL odds for Jay Bruce......with votto out of the lineup for 1/4 of the season and no leadoff batter to be seen, Bruce didn't get much to hit, but still finished 3rd in the NL in HR, and his HR total has increased every season since his rookie year. Was only 3 behind Stanton last year

Both Bruce and Ryan Howard are 30/1 overall and 11/1 for NL. The fact they have Howard at the same price as Stanton and Bruce shows how off it is, I agree Jay is the most likely NL rival. PP have Adrian Gonzales favourite

Coeus · 19-03-2013 10:25pm

8-10 wrote: »

Both Bruce and Ryan Howard are 30/1 overall and 11/1 for NL. The fact they have Howard at the same price as Stanton and Bruce shows how off it is, I agree Jay is the most likely NL rival. PP have Adrian Gonzales favourite

People in the know must have seen the odds as the market has moved. Still dunno how Gonzalez and Stanton have the same odds (17/2) for NL only market especially when he is 9 points shorter in the MLB market. Stanton on any other team than the Marlins would be a lock for the NL only market. I dont see odds for Matt Kemp either...

I like Joey Bats in the AL only and MLB markets.

jack presley · 22-03-2013 11:13pm

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mlb/news/20130322/mlb-sues-biogenesis.ap/?sct=hp_t2_a6&eref=sihp

To me, this sounds like they really really want to take down Ryan Braun and A-Rod

rockonollie · 23-03-2013 3:15am

Reds announce Chapman will close this season........for now Mike Leake will be the 5th starter.

Rumours are bound to come out linking the Reds to Kyle Lohse......he is still unemployed and a 1 year pillow deal may be tempting, especially on a team considered a contender.

jack presley · 23-03-2013 9:04am

rockonollie wrote: »

Reds announce Chapman will close this season........for now Mike Leake will be the 5th starter.

Rumours are bound to come out linking the Reds to Kyle Lohse......he is still unemployed and a 1 year pillow deal may be tempting, especially on a team considered a contender.

Isn't there draft pick issues for anyone who signs him though? That's probably why he's still available

Coeus · 23-03-2013 1:22pm

jack presley wrote: »

Isn't there draft pick issues for anyone who signs him though? That's probably why he's still available

Yea, it was the same with Bourn, unless your one of the 10 worst teams from last season, you lose your 1st round pick. That fact is agent is Scott Boras hasn't helped either as he always overvalues his clients. Once they rejected the Cardinals qualifying offer the draft pick was tied to him.

Oneyear deal with a contender is probably the most likely outcome for him now. I guess the interested teams have to weight up whether one year of Lohse now is worth giving up the pick or giving up a prospect(s) in a trade for another teams surplus pitching.

rockonollie · 23-03-2013 10:11pm

jack presley wrote: »

Isn't there draft pick issues for anyone who signs him though? That's probably why he's still available

Which is one of the reasons why the Reds would be a likely team.....they have one of the youngest rotations and overall roster in baseball and would be able to afford to give up that pick......

of course the reds may give leake a chance first.....doesn't look like lohse is going anywhere before opening day

smackbunnybaby · 25-03-2013 10:10am

Vernon Wells to the Yankees...is this the best they could do?

boccy23 · 25-03-2013 10:57am

smackbunnybaby wrote: »

Vernon Wells to the Yankees...is this the best they could do?

Mad isn't it. How much of his massive wage did the Yanks pick up?

smackbunnybaby · 25-03-2013 10:58am

boccy23 wrote: »

Mad isn't it. How much of his massive wage did the Yanks pick up?

From Yahoo:

"A person familiar with the negotiations, speaking on condition of anonymity because talks were ongoing, said the sides were bargaining over the money that would be included in a trade. Wells is owed $42 million over the next two seasons, and the Yankees anticipated they would end up being responsible for about $12 million to $13 million of that total."

boccy23 · 25-03-2013 11:21am

smackbunnybaby wrote: »

From Yahoo:

"A person familiar with the negotiations, speaking on condition of anonymity because talks were ongoing, said the sides were bargaining over the money that would be included in a trade. Wells is owed $42 million over the next two seasons, and the Yankees anticipated they would end up being responsible for about $12 million to $13 million of that total."

The Angels signing him in the first place was a really bad piece of business.

MLB: 2013 Pre-Season Thread

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