Any Baseball Fans out There?

[bamf1414]

Im a Dbacks fan, but they won't be doing anything special this year. I am thinking the Nationals have a great chance to pull it off this year though, but Toronto is definitely making a run to attempt something.

[WallyWeaver]

I think the Seattle Ms can challenge for the 2nd WC spot this year, young, young team ( similar to their NFL Hawks) and they are loaded with talent (especially the arms} /> in their farm system, they have the best pitcher (King Felix) in the game and their hitters are getting better ( young guys may need 2 more years before they have enough at bats vs ML pitching) but their arrow is definitely pointing up !. />

Well, I definitely appreciate your optimism!

I was actually just thinking about this very team and their potential so I'm glad you joined this thread. Let's take a look at the 2013 Mariner's:

1. The first thing that has to be mentioned is the Mariner's brought the fences in so that should help with overall run production (more HR's) but it could hurt your pitchers a little.

2. You guys did add a whole bunch of offense: Kendrys Morales is as good as Albert Pujols when he's healthy (see 2009 stats), in my opinion, I was very sad to see him go. But he's still only in his second year of recovery and not quite 100%; Jason Bay: we know what he's capable of but can he return to form?; and Michael Morse, pretty solid player but where does he fit on defense? Will you DH him, Smoak, Morales, or Montero? Who is the everyday first baseman (Morales, Smoak, Morse, or Montero)? Regardless of the questions I have one of the worst run producing teams over the last few years (really the Mariner's #1 problem) will now be scoring more runs.

3. Your pitching is still very good, even after losing Vargas to the Halos. Everyone knows pitching, defense, and timely hitting equals wins. While I will admit King Felix is great I don't know if I would call him the best pitcher in baseball (think Verlander, Price, Kershaw, and even Weaver, who may be as good).

4. Last year you guys were 75-87 or, 12 games under .500. Adding the Houston Astros to the AL West means there's a new whipping boy and everyone should benefit. Moving from 12 under to about 10 over .500 is probably about right.

All in all I think you are right that the M's will be better. Competing for the Wild Card may be a stretch, though. But like I said: I do love your optism! Or maybe it's just the cold, wet weather that's getting to you?

Good luck to you guys next year, I do think the M's will surprise a lot of folks with how much they've improved. I don't think anyone will be looking forward to a series with Seattle in 2013.

WW.

[WallyWeaver]

You guys just keep taking the leftovers from us.... The Rangers will win the AL West by 6 games this year. We will be strong up the middle with Gentry in center, Elvis at short and Profar (by June) at 2nd. It's called speed and we have it in spades!!! Then look at the pitching.... We will start slow but Yu, Harrison, Lewis (once he gets back in May) Holland and Feliz will be the best young staff in the AL this year.

My prediction??? Detroit and Philly in the Series with Detroit winning it all but the Rangers will go farther than the Angles will!!!!!!

Whoa, whoa, whoa..... talk about bold predictions. I can always count on you Ranger's fans to come in and skew reality.... you guys are almost as bad as Yankee's fans.

Alright, first off, let's get something straight: you guys started it by signing Vlad, Napoli, D.O. (Darren Oliver), and Darren O'Day. Yeah so we got Scott Servais in our front office along with CJ and Hambone, but that's just us getting even! And boy are you guys going to be surprised if you think "Slamilton" is just a leftover. If you're honest you know I'm speaking the truth when I say you guys started out hot last year because Hamilton started out hot. When he cooled off the whole Ranger's team cooled off. What am I trying to say? My prediction is you will sorely miss ole Hambone and you guys have not yet adequately filled the hole he left in your line-up. My understanding is the Ranger's had never won a playoff series in their history until Josh Hamilton was in the lineup. I guess I could keep going but I don't want the fork to sink in too deep.

Okay, and you guys will win the AL West by 6 games? Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.......... That's hilarious! Let's see: you guys didn't get Greinke and lost Hamilton; Koji Uehara and Mike Napoli are both Red Sox'; Michael Young is now a Phillie and you guys didn't even win the division last year! So you guys lost 4 productive players and the outcome is you will be better in 2013? Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha......... there must be something in the water in Texas!

Phew, now that I've recovered from my laughing spell I have a question for you: If Profar is at 2B where do you guys put Kinsler? 1B? DH? It is an interesting problem because I read an article where he said he doesn't want to play 1B, he likes 2B. And by the way, he's a pretty good Second Baseman. I'm not saying I have an answer all I'm saying is it will be interesting to see how Wash handles this.

Anyway, thanks for your input and for being a good sport. I'm confident the Rangers will have a good year and I think the AL West is going to be pretty tough in 2013. Were the A's a fluke last year or will they get better? I certainly think the Mariner's will be better. How will the addition of the Astro's affect everyone else? Oh, and I certainly think the Halo's will be better. Their #1 problem last year was blown saves (they actually led the league with 22 blown saves last year). Adding Ryan Madson and Sean Burnett will be a huge boost.

Either way, good luck to you guys and I am actually very glad you stopped by.

WW.

PS: Detroit is a good pick now that they've added Torii Hunter in the 2-hole and OF. All they need is a closer and they will be a lot of trouble for everyone. Philly is an interesting pick but hey, who really knows, right? I guess that's why they play the game.

[fastarnie]

Baseball is bitter sweet for me. My Mom was the sport fan, not my Dad. She was a New York Yankees fan, born and raised there. As a rebellous teenager, I of course had to pick Boston Red Sox. When the 2 teams played each other she wouldnt make me dinner, it was a great rivalry. Years later I moved to AZ. She followed me here and the next year we got the Diamonbacks. I would take her to the games. She has been gone 8 years now, she saw our Diamondbacks win the series, but she missed my beloved Red Sox winning. I rarely go to a game now, miss her.

And that to me is what it's all about....Enjoying time with loved ones. Taking that stab in the ribs once in awhile, and being able to give it back later. Sorry to hear Moms gone....God Bless ;)/>

Myself, well let's just say I like the underdogs......lol

Edited January 20, 2013 by fastarnie

[WallyWeaver]

Baseball is bitter sweet for me. My Mom was the sport fan, not my Dad. She was a New York Yankees fan, born and raised there. As a rebellous teenager, I of course had to pick Boston Red Sox. When the 2 teams played each other she wouldnt make me dinner, it was a great rivalry. Years later I moved to AZ. She followed me here and the next year we got the Diamonbacks. I would take her to the games. She has been gone 8 years now, she saw our Diamondbacks win the series, but she missed my beloved Red Sox winning. I rarely go to a game now, miss her.

What a post. You started me out with a smile and ended me off with wet eyes.

My Mother lives with me now and hopefully she still has many happy years left. She's not much of a baseball fan but loves the beach so we go as often as my schedule allows it. Don't know what I'll do when she's gone. Thanks for sharing your story.

WW.

Im a Dbacks fan, but they won't be doing anything special this year. I am thinking the Nationals have a great chance to pull it off this year though, but Toronto is definitely making a run to attempt something.

The D'backs puzzle me. Why are they so hesitant to trade Justin Upton when they clearly don't want him? Sheesh..... I say that because for the last two years they have been trying to deal him but still haven't pulled the trigger. It's baffling.

Anyway, I have to say thank you for Jerry DiPoto, he's great (came from the D'backs front office). And our fabulous owner, Arte Moreno, used to own part of the D'backs but left to become the sole owner of the Angel's. So thanks for that, too.

The NL West could be tough this year so good luck to you guys. Please try to beat the Doyers (Dodgers) as much as possible.

Toronto and Washington seems to be a popular pick for the World Series this year. I can definitely see it happening.

WW.

And that to me is what it's all about....Enjoying time with loved ones. Taking that stab in the ribs once in awhile, and being able to give it back later. Sorry to hear Moms gone....God Bless />

Myself, well let's just say I like the underdogs......lol

Thanks for stopping by, fa. Your input is valued.

I love going to games with friends and family. I have many great memories and, as you said, that's really what it's all about.

Good luck to your underdogs this year!

WW.

[fastarnie]

What a post. You started me out with a smile and ended me off with wet eyes.

My Mother lives with me now and hopefully she still has many happy years left. She's not much of a baseball fan but loves the beach so we go as often as my schedule allows it. Don't know what I'll do when she's gone. Thanks for sharing your story.

WW.

The D'backs puzzle me. Why are they so hesitant to trade Justin Upton when they clearly don't want him? Sheesh..... I say that because for the last two years they have been trying to deal him but still haven't pulled the trigger. It's baffling.

Anyway, I have to say thank you for Jerry DiPoto, he's great (came from the D'backs front office). And our fabulous owner, Arte Moreno, used to own part of the D'backs but left to become the sole owner of the Angel's. So thanks for that, too.

The NL West could be tough this year so good luck to you guys. Please try to beat the Doyers (Dodgers) as much as possible.

Toronto and Washington seems to be a popular pick for the World Series this year. I can definitely see it happening.

WW.

Thanks for stopping by, fa. Your input is valued.

I love going to games with friends and family. I have many great memories and, as you said, that's really what it's all about.

Good luck to your underdogs this year!

WW.

Yeeaaaa....Luck I'm afraid won't help...Cubs and Mariners need I say more....lol

I was born in Wa, but lived in Illinois. for 4 years as a kid. When it was time to move back my friend jeered me about having to be a Mariners fan. Like the Cubs were any better, but still. That was in 1982. Since then the Mariners have done great things, but I'll never forget the Cubs.

[KiaKaha]

I'm kind of afraid to speak up, here... good news and bad news... Mr KK is an Angels fan, has been since forever. He was born and raised in So Cal. On the other hand... Mrs KK was born and raised in the east... yup, Yankee fan from birth. BUT, if they aren't playing each other, I'll cheer for the Angels as they are my second favorite. All of the kkids are Angels fans, so it gets a little hairy for me when they play each other, but I'm not usually brought to tears! LOL Losing The Captain was brutal...

Unfortunately, we don't have tv right now and I'm way out of the loop, don't spend time reading up on the teams off-season and won't see too many games unless things change dramatically... but I do intend to be faithful to my team(s)...

*please don't hurt me*

KK

MADD for Heather

[WallyWeaver]

Yeeaaaa....Luck I'm afraid won't help...Cubs and Mariners need I say more....lol

I was born in Wa, but lived in Illinois. for 4 years as a kid. When it was time to move back my friend jeered me about having to be a Mariners fan. Like the Cubs were any better, but still. That was in 1982. Since then the Mariners have done great things, but I'll never forget the Cubs.

Hey, thanks for bringing in your favorite team(s). I actually have a confession to make: Growing up as a kid my favorite player was Ryne Sandburg. No kidding. I actually followed the Cubbies back then because I was enamored with Ryno.... Mark Grace, Andre Dawson, Rick Sutcliffe, Greg Maddux, Harry Caray..... memories.

So you must've been to at least 1 game at Wrigley? That's on my list as a place I must see.... I think the Cubbies are a team on the rise. Theo Epstein, the guy who built the Red Sox into a powerhouse, is now running the Cub's. Cub's fans just need to be patient a little longer, they should start getting good in about 2 years, in my opinion. Theo is restocking the farm system with good prospects so it's only a matter of how long it takes them to get to the Big Show.

I don't have anything against the Mariner's, either. They are doing it right, as well. They're just in a tough division. I love their pitching, though. And as I stated before, it's going to be very interesting to see what happens to their offense now that they've moved their fences in.

And take it from an Angel's fan: you're going to love having Kendrys Morales on your team. We call him KMO (pronounced Kay Moe) down here in SoCal. That dude is an elite level player, you'll see.

I'd say good luck to your teams but neither one of them may need it in few years.

WW.

[WallyWeaver]

I'm kind of afraid to speak up, here... good news and bad news... Mr KK is an Angels fan, has been since forever. He was born and raised in So Cal. On the other hand... Mrs KK was born and raised in the east... yup, Yankee fan from birth. BUT, if they aren't playing each other, I'll cheer for the Angels as they are my second favorite. All of the kkids are Angels fans, so it gets a little hairy for me when they play each other, but I'm not usually brought to tears! LOL Losing The Captain was brutal...

Unfortunately, we don't have tv right now and I'm way out of the loop, don't spend time reading up on the teams off-season and won't see too many games unless things change dramatically... but I do intend to be faithful to my team(s)...

*please don't hurt me*

KK

MADD for Heather

You're too funny. No need to be afraid, most of your family has it right.

No TV, huh? Here's what I can tell you on the Yankee's:

You guys lost Raul Ibanez to Seattle; Russell Martin signed with the Pirates; A Rod will be out until summertime recovering from hip surgery (you signed Kevin Youkilis to play 3B until A Rod recovers); Jeter is on track to start on opening day; Ichiro signed on for 2 more years at a discount because he likes playing for the Yank's; Nick Swisher signed with the Indians; Hiroki Kuroda singed on for one more year; Mo (Mariano Rivera) should be ready on opening day, as well... that's all I've got off the top of my head.

I'm sure the Yank's will be good, just like they always are. Even with all of their age problems they still finished with the best record in the AL last year. Anytime time you've got Curtis Granderson, Mark Teixeira, and Robinson Cano in your line-up you're going to be pretty good. Throw in CC, Robertson, and Mo on the mound and I'm sure the Yanks will be fine. The only real problem they may have is finding a catcher after losing Russell Martin. But, again, I'm sure they'll have a great season.

I can't believe I'm going to say this but good luck to you guys this year. I'm calling your division (AL East) the "meat grinder."

WW.

[RodandStaff]

O.K.... my one and only baseball joke/comment (thank God for that).... The definition of Baseball....

"Baseball is 15 whole minutes of action packed into 2 hours of play"!!!

Though I do love to watch an occasional game when I get the chance!!! I'm more of a NFL fan... but to each his own... I just couldn't miss my chance to use up my one and only baseball joke... sorry WW... hope were still friends!!!

[WallyWeaver]

O.K.... my one and only baseball joke/comment (thank God for that).... The definition of Baseball....

"Baseball is 15 whole minutes of action packed into 2 hours of play"!!!

Though I do love to watch an occasional game when I get the chance!!! I'm more of a NFL fan... but to each his own... I just couldn't miss my chance to use up my one and only baseball joke... sorry WW... hope were still friends!!!

It's okay R&S...... yeah, we're still friends. And yes, I know your post is light-hearted but I do have to defend the players in your picture. That actually looks like a minor league team for the A's (look at the logo on the hat's and add the youth of the players). I say that because there are a fair amount of guys in the minor's who also have to work jobs, sometimes full-time jobs, because not everyone makes the big bucks. I know this because I worked with a guy who also played for the Las Vegas Area 51's back when I was in my early 20's. So, there you go.

The one thing I can say is in order to appreciate baseball you really have to follow the off-field stuff. In other words, a big part of baseball is understanding all of the story lines that go into making each roster. That's one thing about baseball is there's a lot of "swapping of the parts" that goes on amongst the teams, a lot more than any other major American sport, to be sure. Of course, you also have to love the technical stuff. Baseball is very technical, especially at the Major League level. In light of the saying you shared here's a little saying I've heard in reply: I've heard it said that the single hardest thing to do, in any sport, is to hit a baseball. Think on that for a bit.

I do want to say that I also love football, but I am very close to boycotting the NFL. If they don't do something to loosen up some of these new rules on protecting QB's and hitting defenseless WR's I'm going to have to stop watching. It's getting a little ridiculous, if you ask me. There was actually a game this year, on a Monday night, where Michael Vick was in the pocket and just as he was about to get sacked he lowered his head into the D'lineman to protect himself. The D'lineman was penalized for roughing the passer (helmet-to-helmet contact)! I'm not kidding you when I say that was almost the last game I ever watched, I was so disgusted. It wasn't that it was just that one play, it had been many similar calls like that over this season and last year that almost caused that play to be the one that broke the camel's back. I will say this: if the NFL doesn't do something to loosen up those rules I will stop watching, simple as that. Roger Goodell is destroying the game....

Okay, I guess I got a little too serious, this is a light-hearted sports thread, after all. Maybe you will come around after the NFL declares itself as the NFFL (The National Flag Football League). Once that happens know that I'll have been keeping a seat warm for you in the world of baseball!

WW.

[pattyangel]

"you guys are almost as bad as Yankee's fans."

What!!! Oh no you didn't. Mr. WW, those there words are fighting words.

I may have to just brush up on my sport and throw some punches your way.

Just kidding, you know your game and for me it is my leisurely pleasure. So I will be an angel.

....all I eyes on this post.

[WallyWeaver]

What!!! Oh no you didn't. Mr. WW, those there words are fighting words.

So I will be an angel.

There you go, Patty, now you're talking. There's always room for one more Angel! You probably look better in red than in blue, anyway!

I must say: I did start this thread by saying I am a HUGE baseball fan. So I did give everyone a fair warning.

I actually think it's been pretty cool as far as member participation goes. I've tried to start some other baseball threads before but those didn't generate too much interest. This one seems to have been somewhat of a success. So, thanks to everyone who has participated so far, I am sincerely appreciative.

Oh, and I relish the trash talk, if anyone is interested.....

WW.

[pattyangel]

Chalk one up for you WW, you got me on the Angel thingy. Although red is my color.

[Houston1099]

I am a Houston Astro's fan and ... ummm .... I go to the games for the .... ummmm ...... to see ....... ummmmm ....... Nevermind!

The Astros are barely existing with absolutely no chance for a world series. I will be happy to just see them win a few games.

[RodandStaff]

It's okay R&S...... yeah, we're still friends. And yes, I know your post is light-hearted but I do have to defend the players in your picture. That actually looks like a minor league team for the A's (look at the logo on the hat's and add the youth of the players). I say that because there are a fair amount of guys in the minor's who also have to work jobs, sometimes full-time jobs, because not everyone makes the big bucks. I know this because I worked with a guy who also played for the Las Vegas Area 51's back when I was in my early 20's. So, there you go.

Sorry... I just pulled a random "baseball players sitting on their tush photo" WW just for a little friendly ribbing!!! I know a baseball is hard to hit... I can also say a hockey puck coming in at up to 119 MPH (by Bobby Hull)... especially if your job is to stop it! All that padding doesn't always protect those goalies... then there are a lot of players in the way who don't have nearly the same amount of padding.... I've been on both ends of that scenario!!! I miss those days when I could play the games myself... sadly that ain't happening anymore.

I know baseball is way more technical than folks give it credit... but then so is golf, tennis, and many other sports. The pro's make it look easy... when in fact, like you say.. how do you hit a 90+ fast ball??? (gulp!!!)

I do want to say that I also love football, but I am very close to boycotting the NFL. If they don't do something to loosen up some of these new rules on protecting QB's and hitting defenseless WR's I'm going to have to stop watching. It's getting a little ridiculous, if you ask me. There was actually a game this year, on a Monday night, where Michael Vick was in the pocket and just as he was about to get sacked he lowered his head into the D'lineman to protect himself. The D'lineman was penalized for roughing the passer (helmet-to-helmet contact)! I'm not kidding you when I say that was almost the last game I ever watched, I was so disgusted. It wasn't that it was just that one play, it had been many similar calls like that over this season and last year that almost caused that play to be the one that broke the camel's back. I will say this: if the NFL doesn't do something to loosen up those rules I will stop watching, simple as that. Roger Goodell is destroying the game....

Okay, I guess I got a little too serious, this is a light-hearted sports thread, after all. Maybe you will come around after the NFL declares itself as the NFFL (The National Flag Football League). Once that happens know that I'll have been keeping a seat warm for you in the world of baseball!

WW.

Yeah... much of the sport is going downhill.. just at a time when they have some amazing athletes... kinda sad really!!!

"you guys are almost as bad as Yankee's fans."

What!!! Oh no you didn't. Mr. WW, those there words are fighting words.

I may have to just brush up on my sport and throw some punches your way.

Just kidding, you know your game and for me it is my leisurely pleasure. So I will be an angel.

....all I eyes on this post.

Patty... our little angel has claws!!!

[KiaKaha]

Gotta tell ya, Wally, Mr KK enjoyed reading your posts and you guys are in total agreement. You'd easily be able to spend hours talking baseball. He's looking forward to more of your commentary!

KK

MADD for Heather

[WallyWeaver]

I am a Houston Astro's fan and ... ummm .... I go to the games for the .... ummmm ...... to see ....... ummmmm ....... Nevermind!

The Astros are barely existing with absolutely no chance for a world series. I will be happy to just see them win a few games.

I feel for you..... I think you are going to find that the AL West is one of the toughest divisions in baseball. The pitching in this division is top notch (it's what this division has been know for for quite awhile). But now teams seem to be concentrating on offense so it should be an interesting year.

That said, welcome to the AL West! It does, at least, look like your team is trying to improve by making some moves in free agency this offseason. They did sign reliever Jose Veras and DH Carlos Pena. These aren't moves that will wow anyone but they will help Houston be competitive.

Good luck to you guys, you'll need it this year! Thanks for stopping by.

WW.

[Shabibilicious]

The corner of Carnegie and Ontario. Go Tribe!

[WallyWeaver]

Sorry... I just pulled a random "baseball players sitting on their tush photo" WW just for a little friendly ribbing!!! I know a baseball is hard to hit... I can also say a hockey puck coming in at up to 119 MPH (by Bobby Hull)... especially if your job is to stop it! All that padding doesn't always protect those goalies... then there are a lot of players in the way who don't have nearly the same amount of padding.... I've been on both ends of that scenario!!! I miss those days when I could play the games myself... sadly that ain't happening anymore.

I know baseball is way more technical than folks give it credit... but then so is golf, tennis, and many other sports. The pro's make it look easy... when in fact, like you say.. how do you hit a 90+ fast ball??? (gulp!!!)

Yeah... much of the sport is going downhill.. just at a time when they have some amazing athletes... kinda sad really!!!

Didn't know you were a hockey guy, R&S. But yeah, there are a lot of difficult scenarios in sports. Have you ever seen that show Pro's vs. Joe's? It's a favorite in the WW. household. The basic premise of the show is you take guys off the street and have them compete against ex-professional athletes in the sports they used to play. Pretty entertaining stuff. I love it when the "Joes" talk trash to the "Pros," it's hilarious. My only beef with the show is it seems like sometimes the Pro's hold back a little. It would be a lot more entertaining if they held nothing back and unleashed on the Joe's.

I've not played hockey before but I imagine taking a 119 MPH puck in the chest wouldn't be all that pleasant. Could you imagine taking one of those in the face? Ouch!....

I will still stick with hitting a baseball from a professional pitcher as the hardest single thing to do in all of American professional sports, though. I was just talking to an ex-pro baseball player last night (close friend of mine) about this. Crazy, right? We were discussing how difficult it would be to face Justin Verlander (considered the best pitcher in baseball right now) and his 100 MPH fastball. My friend was telling me that it is virtually impossible for someone off the street to hit a ball moving that fast. He was telling me that from the time the ball leaves the pitchers hand until the time it passes home plate (the distance is 60'6") is a little under 4 tenths of a second! Professional hitters have to receive a lot of training and practice just to have a chance at a pitch moving that fast. And all we're talking about is speed, so far. They say the hardest pitch to hit in baseball is a fast ball with movement. Think about the difficulty of hitting a fast ball in the first place. And then add in the ball tailing a little to the left or a little to the right, as it crosses the plate. It's virtually unhittable, even for guys who get paid to do it for a living......

Anyway, just a few thoughts. That's usually the first thing I think of when people say baseball shoudn't even be considered a sport. I like to ask them have you ever experienced trying to hit a baseball from a professional pitcher? I guarantee it will be a humbling experience.

Take care, friend. And thanks for stopping by with your input, it is appreciated.

WW.

[WallyWeaver]

Gotta tell ya, Wally, Mr KK enjoyed reading your posts and you guys are in total agreement. You'd easily be able to spend hours talking baseball. He's looking forward to more of your commentary!

KK

MADD for Heather

Aw, thanks for the nice words, KK! If Mr. KK loves the Angel's then I'm confident we would be able to talk for many, many hours.

Below is another great video for Angel's fans. This one is of the amazing Mike Trout (we call him Trouty here in SoCal). It may be a bit premature but I've been calling him the Michael Jordan of baseball as there doesn't seem to be anything that he can't do. It's especially remarkable when you consider he spent most of last year as 20 year old! Anyway, if anyone wants to see what a true 5-tool baseball player looks like check out this video, I guarantee you will be amazed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b6K-oj8bQo

[WallyWeaver]

The corner of Carnegie and Ontario. Go Tribe!

I have a confession to make: I have manager-envy with your team.

This might seem like blasphemy to many Angel's fans but I was secretly hoping the Halo's were going to hire Francona out of his analyst role and replace Scioscia. I know, it's terrible; I probably shouldn't have admitted that. I even feel bad writing it because I love Scioscia. But Francona might be the best current Manager in the game. He consistently out-managed Sciosica in the play-offs, for years, when he was the Skipper of the Red Sox. The man knows how to produce a winning ball club.

All that to say, you guys have a good one at the helm. It really seems like the Tribe are starting to be interested in winning again after a decade of consistently trading away their best players (see CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee, among others).

Good luck to you guys this year. I hope you give the Tiger's fits!

WW.

[Shabibilicious]

I have a confession to make: I have manager-envy with your team.

This might seem like blasphemy to many Angel's fans but I was secretly hoping the Halo's were going to hire Francona out of his analyst role and replace Scioscia. I know, it's terrible; I probably shouldn't have admitted that. I even feel bad writing it because I love Scioscia. But Francona might be the best current Manager in the game. He consistently out-managed Sciosica in the play-offs, for years, when he was the Skipper of the Red Sox. The man knows how to produce a winning ball club.

All that to say, you guys have a good one at the helm. It really seems like the Tribe are starting to be interested in winning again after a decade of consistently trading away their best players (see CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee, among others).

Good luck to you guys this year. I hope you give the Tiger's fits!

WW.

Thanks Wally.....I think we may be on the road back. We've always played the Tigers pretty even.....it's those pesky cellar dwellers the Royals we can't seem to handle. And I don't think the Angels have anything to worry about. Maybe we'll see each other in the playoffs sometime down the road.

GO RV, then BV

[caz1104]

As a young kid I was a big Minnesota Twins fan(Killebrew,Oliva,Carew.............etc) don't why I never lived there. I later beacme a California Angels fan when my favorite player (Carew) signed as a Free agent. I have now lived in the ATL for most of my adullt life and have grown to Love the Braves. With the starting pitching we have (not the caliber of Smoltz,Glavine,Maddox, & Avery-but good enough)and IMO the best bullpen in baseball, we will be in most/all games. If we could somehow swing a trade for the other Upton brother I would really like our chances. I give us (Braves) an outside chance of claiming one of the wildcard births-Peace

[pattyangel]

I am a Houston Astro's fan and ... ummm .... I go to the games for the .... ummmm ...... to see ....... ummmmm ....... Nevermind!

The Astros are barely existing with absolutely no chance for a world series. I will be happy to just see them win a few games.

Houston1099, I too will cheer on the Astros. My mother is a dedicated fan of thiers. I would sit with her and watch games with her all the time, she still remembers when the Astros had Nolan Ryan, Jose Cruz, Jim Deshaise, Mike Scott, Kevin Bass, Ken Caminiti, Billy Hatcher, Glen Davis and others, her favorites were Jeff Bagwell, and Biggio.

In fact Bagwell is an ex-cousin in law of the family's. But fame took him in another direction.

She still watches them and when they win she is thrilled.