Any Baseball Fans out There?

[Houston1099]

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.

Thanks Wally ... regardless on how good, or bad, my Astros are ... I will always support them. Good luck to your team too!

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.

That's cool Patty ... my sister dated Bagwell for 6 months! Small world we live in!

Go Astros!

[RodandStaff]

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.

No arguments there WW.. baseball "is definitely a sport"... and a very difficult one at that...esp. when you get a wild pitch from one of those fast balls. I have very little experience as "goaltender" in hockey. I always played defense for the most part, but one time our goalie had a 105 degree fever so somehow I got elected to play goalie (I don't even remember what happened to our back up goalie)... let me tell... it takes nerves of steel to let someone shoot a slap shot at you ... I honestly think those guys aim right at you to try and hit you just to see what you'll do!!! I will say this... one of the most amazing feats in sports that I have ever seen... a NHL goalie received special training one time with his vision(sorry, don't remember who it was)... he got so good that he could "read the brand label on a hockey puck" being shot at him in excess of 100-110 mph... that to me is literally unbelievable!!! Let's just say this... I am impressed with any amazing achievement in athleticism .. no matter what the sport!!! Don't let my ribbin get to you... I was raised a Midwesterner... we only rib those folks we like my friend... it's proof that your accepted in the in crowd!!! Thanks my friend for putting up with the likes of me!!!

[WallyWeaver]

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

Wow, cool! The WW. household just got a signed and framed Rod Carew Angel's jersey for Christmas. We're pretty excited about it over here. One of the greatest hitters of all time, no doubt....

I really like the Brave's chances this year with that fantastic bullpen and pretty good pitching, in general. The bottom line is dominant pitching wins championships, just ask the Giants. The only possible issue I could see with that team is the loss of Chipper. Sometimes it can be tough to lose the presence of a legend, both on the field and in the clubhouse. So we'll see how they adjust. I really like the Brave's chances this year, though. Believe it or not I think it will be between them and the Nationals for who represents the NL in the World Series.

Hey, quick question: do you have any insider info. on Tommy Hanson? We traded Jordan Walden (power armed reliever) for Tommy straight-up a few moths ago. Would love to get a fans perspective on that guy. Noticed he had a bit of a rough year last year....

Here's some of my observations on Jordan: Walden is a right handed power pitcher who routinely hits the high 90's and even hits triple digits (100 MPH) occasionally with his fast ball. He also has a slider and was working on a change-up last year but never looked comfortable with it. He has a bit of a hitch in his throwing motion which always makes me wonder about longevity. Anglel's had high hopes for him as a closer but he wasn't able to make the leap. He's still very young, though, and is still developing.

Anyway, best wishes to your Braves. I think they will do well in 2013. Thanks for joining the conversation!

WW.

[WallyWeaver]

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.

Wow, Patty! Look at you laying down the baseball info. Nice work! I'm very, very impressed.

Letting Nolan Ryan get away stands as a black mark on the pages of Angel's history. It has to go down as the biggest bonehead move of all time for an Angel's GM. No joke..... And now he's the GM for the Ranger's, too. I guess the Angel's reaped what they sowed....

My best friend growing-up was a huge Craig Biggio fan so I always got an earful of how great Biggio was. I was actually a little surprised he didn't make it into the HOF on the recent vote. My guess is he will get in and it will happen soon.

I love the story about your Mother and I can SOOO relate to that. I think I've missed something like 5 or 6 Angel's games over the past 5 years (no kidding). I either catch games on the radio, on TV, or I head over to watch a game in person after work (I work about 20 minutes away from the stadium, which is awesome). It's absolutely true that if they win I go to bed happy and am generally happy all next day. If they lose I'm miserable and don't want to talk much to anyone for the rest of the night. Pretty sad, huh?

Anyway, I'm so happy you decided to have such a presence in this thread.

WW.

[WallyWeaver]

No arguments there WW.. baseball "is definitely a sport"... and a very difficult one at that...esp. when you get a wild pitch from one of those fast balls. I have very little experience as "goaltender" in hockey. I always played defense for the most part, but one time our goalie had a 105 degree fever so somehow I got elected to play goalie (I don't even remember what happened to our back up goalie)... let me tell... it takes nerves of steel to let someone shoot a slap shot at you ... I honestly think those guys aim right at you to try and hit you just to see what you'll do!!! I will say this... one of the most amazing feats in sports that I have ever seen... a NHL goalie received special training one time with his vision(sorry, don't remember who it was)... he got so good that he could "read the brand label on a hockey puck" being shot at him in excess of 100-110 mph... that to me is literally unbelievable!!! Let's just say this... I am impressed with any amazing achievement in athleticism .. no matter what the sport!!! Don't let my ribbin get to you... I was raised a Midwesterner... we only rib those folks we like my friend... it's proof that your accepted in the in crowd!!! Thanks my friend for putting up with the likes of me!!!

Wow R&S, I love to learn new things about people that I didn't know, especially when it's something I didn't expect. I certainly never would've thought of you as a hockey player. Football lover: check. Gun enthusiast: check. Big heart: check. Midwesterner: check. And now, Hockey Player/ lover: check. Pretty cool! Did you play in college? Adult leagues? etc......

I've never played hockey before as it's not really all that big out here in SoCal, at least not when I was growing up. It may be now but I'm a long way away from being a kid. It was just too warm out here in the beach cities where I spent my youth to get into a sport like that. It was pretty much football, basketball, and baseball as our big 3. All sports you can play in the warm southern California sun.

Anyway, neat story on the guy who could read the brand label on a hockey puck. That is pretty crazy, no doubt about it.

I wasn't bothered by your ribbin', I think I'm just used to defending the merits of baseball as a natural reaction. Also, I love to debate/ defend things I'm passionate about, it's enjoyable to me. But, I didn't see your posts as anything but light-hearted jabs and I wasn't upset about them in the least.

If that's as bad as it gets in putting up with you then you will be the easiest friend I've ever had to get along with!

Take care.

WW.

[puckster_guy]

Hey rod good to know you used to be a hockey player. I'm 55 and still play 2 gamea a week. Awesome. My biggest regret was putting away my glove and giving up playing ball. I should have kept it up as a summer sport oh well dems da breaks. I am likely joining my daughters team next summer. Just for fun and beer. My hockey is the most fun i have all week. A night out and a few beers and wonderful exercize. Not as good as i used to be but i still keep up.

Great thread wally, gj

[pattyangel]

Wow, Patty! Look at you laying down the baseball info. Nice work! I'm very, very impressed.

Thanks WW, I really enjoy the sport, but my knowledge of the current teams are below average.

Rod and Puckster, hockey is a fun and fast game. Enjoyable and scarey. When one of those pucks get to flying into the crowd you better take cover. So guess what, I would take my baseball glove. Didn't happen to often.

Went to a few games, just didn't trust the barrier. But they are truly built to block a flying puck. Eyes on the game at all times.

[RodandStaff]

Rod and Puckster, hockey is a fun and fast game. Enjoyable and scarey. When one of those pucks get to flying into the crowd you better take cover. So guess what, I would take my baseball glove. Didn't happen to often.

Went to a few games, just didn't trust the barrier. But they are truly built to block a flying puck. Eyes on the game at all times.

When I was growing up as a kid in Northern WI. we started out playing hockey in outdoor rinks. I know what you mean by dangerous pucks flying Patty. One time a shot went over the boards... back then there was no glass or screens... and was headed for this big, tall guy, who just happened to be the mayor of our town. The puck would have hit him in the chest... but he saw it coming and ducked!!! Unfortunately right behind him was a much shorter older woman... and the puck hit her right in the face. I seem to remember her going to the hospital for stitches. That didn't go over real well for the major... but I'm sure it was just pure natural reflex!!! The plexiglass makes for a much safer spectator sport now though!

[RodandStaff]

Wow R&S, I love to learn new things about people that I didn't know, especially when it's something I didn't expect. I certainly never would've thought of you as a hockey player. Football lover: check. Gun enthusiast: check. Big heart: check. Midwesterner: check. And now, Hockey Player/ lover: check. Pretty cool! Did you play in college? Adult leagues? etc......

I took a different direction with things after High School... so only played when I was younger. I loved playing... I just couldn't compete with the kids who went to every training camp and clinic their dad's could afford... I never got that chance. I did used to love to play the game though. In fact I hadn't had a chance to see a pro game in years and years ... recently I got to go and I took my daughter... I had to confess to her that I forgot how fun it was to hit people!!! ... Thankfully I don't deem it necessary to hit someone to let out my aggression's .. after all, now I have camel jockeys and CBI members to get upset with... good thing there over the pond!!!

I've never played hockey before as it's not really all that big out here in SoCal, at least not when I was growing up. It may be now but I'm a long way away from being a kid. It was just too warm out here in the beach cities where I spent my youth to get into a sport like that. It was pretty much football, basketball, and baseball as our big 3. All sports you can play in the warm southern California sun.

I was shocked W.W. to hear the Carolina Hurricane's win the Stanley Cup shortly after we had moved to NC a few years back. Now I follow the Predator's here in Music City! I guess you don't have to live in the frozen tundra to

If that's as bad as it gets in putting up with you then you will be the easiest friend I've ever had to get along with!

In the Midwest... your not a friend until you've tolerated a bit of ribbing... I guess some of the old training from childhood still comes out now and again... so I'm glad ya'll know I'm not serious or mean spirited or anything... even if we all don't see eye to eye... or ball to puck all the time !!!

[caz1104]

Wow, cool! The WW. household just got a signed and framed Rod Carew Angel's jersey for Christmas. We're pretty excited about it over here. One of the greatest hitters of all time, no doubt....

I really like the Brave's chances this year with that fantastic bullpen and pretty good pitching, in general. The bottom line is dominant pitching wins championships, just ask the Giants. The only possible issue I could see with that team is the loss of Chipper. Sometimes it can be tough to lose the presence of a legend, both on the field and in the clubhouse. So we'll see how they adjust. I really like the Brave's chances this year, though. Believe it or not I think it will be between them and the Nationals for who represents the NL in the World Series.

Hey, quick question: do you have any insider info. on Tommy Hanson? We traded Jordan Walden (power armed reliever) for Tommy straight-up a few moths ago. Would love to get a fans perspective on that guy. Noticed he had a bit of a rough year last year....

Here's some of my observations on Jordan: Walden is a right handed power pitcher who routinely hits the high 90's and even hits triple digits (100 MPH) occasionally with his fast ball. He also has a slider and was working on a change-up last year but never looked comfortable with it. He has a bit of a hitch in his throwing motion which always makes me wonder about longevity. Anglel's had high hopes for him as a closer but he wasn't able to make the leap. He's still very young, though, and is still developing.

Anyway, best wishes to your Braves. I think they will do well in 2013. Thanks for joining the conversation!

WW.

WW, My take on Tommy Hanson is he will be a good middle top bottom of the rotation pitcher for you (10-15 wins) with ERA somewhere in the mid 3's. His fastball early in his career was in the 90-94 mph range with a good curveball. His delivery was always unusual to me and his stamina (avg 6 innings) was also a concern. I think a change of scenery will be good for him and is'nt he from SOCAL?

Rod Carew................WOW yes a special player, sad he never got WS ring or even a chance to play in one. Almost when he played for the Angels (tragic Moore incident). I used to mimick his batting stance as a kid. Everything he did was smooth,baseball could use a few more like him.

[WallyWeaver]

Hey rod good to know you used to be a hockey player. I'm 55 and still play 2 gamea a week. Awesome. My biggest regret was putting away my glove and giving up playing ball. I should have kept it up as a summer sport oh well dems da breaks. I am likely joining my daughters team next summer. Just for fun and beer. My hockey is the most fun i have all week. A night out and a few beers and wonderful exercize. Not as good as i used to be but i still keep up.

Great thread wally, gj

Thanks pg!

You seem like a pretty impressive fellow.... Still playing hockey at 55? That's fantastic!

It's contributions like yours that are making this thread what it is!

WW.

[WallyWeaver]

Thanks WW, I really enjoy the sport, but my knowledge of the current teams are below average.

It's okay..... never to late to catch up, though.

Take care.

WW.

[/size]

In the Midwest... your not a friend until you've tolerated a bit of ribbing... I guess some of the old training from childhood still comes out now and again... so I'm glad ya'll know I'm not serious or mean spirited or anything... even if we all don't see eye to eye... or ball to puck all the time !!!

It's all good, R&S. I suppose I should get into hockey at some point, anyway. Heck, the Kings just won the Stanley Cup.... I live much closer to the Ducks, though. Actually, the Honda Center (where the Duck's play) and the Big A (where the Angel's play) are right next to each other (walking distance). Maybe I will check out a live Ducks game this year, in your honor.

Hope you are well, my friend.

Take care.

WW.

[WallyWeaver]

WW, My take on Tommy Hanson is he will be a good middle top bottom of the rotation pitcher for you (10-15 wins) with ERA somewhere in the mid 3's. His fastball early in his career was in the 90-94 mph range with a good curveball. His delivery was always unusual to me and his stamina (avg 6 innings) was also a concern. I think a change of scenery will be good for him and is'nt he from SOCAL?

Rod Carew................WOW yes a special player, sad he never got WS ring or even a chance to play in one. Almost when he played for the Angels (tragic Moore incident). I used to mimick his batting stance as a kid. Everything he did was smooth,baseball could use a few more like him.

Hey, Caz, thanks for the info. on Tommy. He's slotted to be our #4 pitcher in the rotation this year and yes, he is a SoCal kid. Actually, many of our players originated from SoCal and grew up going to Angel's games. So that's pretty cool. I suppose it's pretty cool when you end up playing for the team you rooted for as a kid.

By the way, I was just watching MLB Network and the word on the street is the Brave's have a very good shot to land Justin Upton from the D'Back's. Any deal for Upton (or Kubel) will be completed before this Friday, so keep your eyes open.... But could you imagine that? That would give the Brave's an outfield of BJ Upton, Justin Upton, and Jason Heyward.... that would be nuts. If they can close the deal on Upton, depending on who they have to give up, I definitely think the Braves will be contenders next year. I already thought they would be but this seals it.

Think about it: solid rotation (1-5 starters), one of the best bull pens in baseball (Kimbrel), and now a studly offensive/ defensive outfield. Wow! Could be Angel's vs. Brave's in the World Series..... that would be fun.

Anyway, take care.

WW.

[puckster_guy]

tyvm WW your comments are most appreciated

[caz1104]

Hey, Caz, thanks for the info. on Tommy. He's slotted to be our #4 pitcher in the rotation this year and yes, he is a SoCal kid. Actually, many of our players originated from SoCal and grew up going to Angel's games. So that's pretty cool. I suppose it's pretty cool when you end up playing for the team you rooted for as a kid.

By the way, I was just watching MLB Network and the word on the street is the Brave's have a very good shot to land Justin Upton from the D'Back's. Any deal for Upton (or Kubel) will be completed before this Friday, so keep your eyes open.... But could you imagine that? That would give the Brave's an outfield of BJ Upton, Justin Upton, and Jason Heyward.... that would be nuts. If they can close the deal on Upton, depending on who they have to give up, I definitely think the Braves will be contenders next year. I already thought they would be but this seals it.

Think about it: solid rotation (1-5 starters), one of the best bull pens in baseball (Kimbrel), and now a studly offensive/ defensive outfield. Wow! Could be Angel's vs. Brave's in the World Series..... that would be fun.

Anyway, take care.

WW.

ww,Yeah just read about the proposed trade. Martin Prado,Randall Delgado and others for Upton & one other. If it happens yes this evens the balance of power in NL East. Angels/Braves World Series would be awesome-peace

WW-I do wish there was a way to keep Prado,he's been a valubale piece to our limited success the last few years. Not to mention versatle,something you don't much of in today's athelete(little ego). - peace

[WallyWeaver]

ww,Yeah just read about the proposed trade. Martin Prado,Randall Delgado and others for Upton & one other. If it happens yes this evens the balance of power in NL East. Angels/Braves World Series would be awesome-peace

WW-I do wish there was a way to keep Prado,he's been a valubale piece to our limited success the last few years. Not to mention versatle,something you don't much of in today's athelete(little ego). - peace

Wow, you had it right, Caz! Unfortunately you did lose Prado and it never feels good losing All-Star talent in a trade, I can relate (see Kendrys Morales).

But look at that outfield! Take it from a guy whose team was considered one of the best defensive outfields in baseball last year (Mike Trout, Torii Hunter): having a great defensive outfield makes a HUGE difference. As good as your guys' pitchers are this will only make them better (less balls will be finding grass out there). A great defensive outfield gives a huge advantage to any team.

I did hear Buster Olney say this gives the Brave's possibly the best outfield in all of baseball. To that I say: "Heavy emphasis on POSSIBLY, bud."

Let's not forget the Angel's will be fielding an outfield of : Mike Trout in LF, Peter Bourjos in CF, and Josh Hamilton in RF. Plus we've got past All Star and Gold Glover Vernon Wells coming off the bench as our reserve outfielder. How can that not be the best outfield in baseball, no questions asked, both offensively and defensively?

I guess the bottom line is this is going to be a GREAT season. There are so many teams that are going to be competitive this year. When it's all said and done the 2013 MLB playoff's could be one of the most competitive/ exciting to watch in MLB history!

Can't wait to see your Brave's get it going. And, again, best of luck this year!

WW.

[pattyangel]

Just checking in to see if WW posted any new baseball thoughts. But haven't seen him in awhile.

Did someone get Mr. Wally mad and he took his ball and bat home.

[WallyWeaver]

Did someone get Mr. Wally mad and he took his ball and bat home.

Hey Patty. No, I'm still hanging around, just not as much. Life has been starting to get busy again as I rapidly approach a return to work date. I have to tell you, I haven't been this excited to return back to work, maybe ever....

I'm more than willing to talk baseball with anyone else who wants to, there just haven't been anymore takers. Feel free to step up to the plate, my friend!

I'm well versed and pretty opinionated when it comes to just about anything that has to do with baseball.

Maybe someone would like to make their case for the best pitcher in baseball today. How about the best pitcher, ever? Who has an opinion on the greatest hitter of all time? What about the best team ever? I'm ready and waiting!

WW.

[willy1der]

OK WW, I haven't been following baseball like I did as a young boy, '68' Tigers and Denny, Mickey, ALKALINE (haha) Storm'n Norm'n Cash, Willie Horton and the rest of them but in your opinion, who will win the 2013 World Series or who will represent the National League and who will represent the American League? You like you California teams, are they up to the task like last season with the Giants sweeping my Tigers?

I wish I would have held on to all those team sets of baseball cards, might of been worth some money today. In 1976 I had a try out with the Reds, my wife said no way, she wasn't into me traveling around, she didn't understand the potential at that time and was comfortable with my weekly paycheck from the chemical plant. Oh well.

But getting back to the WS, who will represent both leagues and if/when the dinar revalue, what would you think about meeting at the WS, a bunch of the dinarvets folks having a great time.

I would love to see my Tigers in it again, maybe even avenging their loss against the Giants so I'm going to take my Tigers in the AL, and the Giants in the NL. You up for it. Hey, if my Tigers are in it you'll have to wear a Tiger jersey and if your Angels win it I'll wear the Angels jersey! What ya think? I think it would be fun. We can all rib each other about our favorite college football teams or what have ya. Maybe even play a little golf while we're at it. Now I just reread your original post and you have "LA Angels vs. Washington Nationals". If the dinar hit prior to the WS ya want to hook up, and we need to include the family, I have a grandson that I would love to see him experience something like that.

[RodandStaff]

It's all good, R&S. I suppose I should get into hockey at some point, anyway. Heck, the Kings just won the Stanley Cup.... I live much closer to the Ducks, though. Actually, the Honda Center (where the Duck's play) and the Big A (where the Angel's play) are right next to each other (walking distance). Maybe I will check out a live Ducks game this year, in your honor.

Hope you are well, my friend.

Take care.

WW.

Sorry I missed your response WW... I would be honored by that..

.. I'll just warn ya though... just like baseball, ya gotta watch out

for flying objects!!!

[WallyWeaver]

If the dinar hit prior to the WS ya want to hook up, and we need to include the family, I have a grandson that I would love to see him experience something like that.

A tryout for the Big Red Machine vs. a job at the chemical plant?...... That's one of those decisions that can haunt a person for awhile. The "what if's" of life, right?

Okay: here's my complete 2013 MLB playoff's breakdown:

Division Winners:

AL East: Tampa Bay

AL Central: Detroit Tiger's

AL West: LA Angel's

NL East: Washington National's

NL Central: Cincinnati Red's

NL West: LA Dodger's (AKA LA Doyer's in SoCal only)

AL Wild Card: Toronto Blue Jay's

AL Wild Card: NY Yankee's

NL Wild Card: Atlanta Brave's

NL Wild Card: San Fransisco Giant's

ALCS: Detroit Tiger's vs. LA Angel's

NLCS: Atlanta Brave's vs. Washington National's

World Series: LA Angel's vs. Washington National's

World Series Champ: LA Angel's (Yep, I'm that much of a homer)

Think about it, though:

This is a lineup that produced the third best offense in MLB last year, and now they have Josh Hamilton! There are 4 guys in that lineup who have 30+ HR potential (Pujols, Hamilton, Trout, Trumbo) and 3 of them have 40+ HR potential (Pujols, Hamilton, Trumbo). By the way, Pujols has hit over 40 three times in his career and Hamilton has done it once, so far.

The Angel's will also have the best outfield in MLB, both offensively and defensively, with Trout in LF, Peter Bourjos in CF, and Josh Hamilton in RF. Coming off the bench you have past All Star and Gold Glover Vernon Wells and also Mark Trumbo will see time out there. I'm sorry, but no other outfield comes close (sorry Atlanta Braves).

What about All Star's Jered Weaver and CJ Wilson at the top of the rotation? And then you add a solid guy like Jason Vargas? Sheesh! And don't forget about adding Ryan Madson and Sean Burnett to the Bull Pen with current sutds Ernesto Frieri, Kevin Jepsen, and Scott Downs.

The bottom line is the Angel's biggest weakness last year was the Bull Pen. Last year the Halo's led the Major's with 22 blown saves! If they could've cut that in half they would've had the best record in baseball last year. Now that the Bull Pen issue has been addressed (Madson and Burnett) I expect the Angel's to be the best team in MLB in 2013. Again: big-time homer, I know, but that's how I see it.

WW.

PS: If the IQD hits before the WS my family would love to meet your family. That sounds like it would be a lot of fun, especially if the Halo's make it.

[WallyWeaver]

Sorry I missed your response WW... I would be honored by that..

.. I'll just warn ya though... just like baseball, ya gotta watch out

for flying objects!!!

Great picture, R&S. With any luck that's what will happen to me at my first game!

I do have to say, it's pretty amazing how many people have been talking to me about getting into hockey lately. I'm getting it here on DV, 2 of my best friends are now pressuring me about it, and even my own Mother wants to go see a Duck's game with me this year! Sheesh, it's like a full-court press to turn me into a hockey fan!

Ah well, at least I'm not being pressured to watch Soccer.... To me that is the most useless sport of all and I don't ever see myself liking it. Here's my quick list of why I will never like soccer:

1. No violence

2. No risk for serious bodily injury (ie. fastball to the head, bone-jarring hit from a LB, fast moving puck, etc.) In my opinion there has to be an element of danger to make a sport exciting.

3. You only use your legs in Soccer, how lame is that? In all major American sports the entire body is utilized. Soccer is essentially wasting usage of the entire upper body! I could definitely see myself becomming a fan of Soccer if, for example, NFL style tackling was allowed. That would be fantastic!

4. Not enough scoring. Watching a bunch of dudes run up and down the field with no violence and very little scoring makes for a very boring game, in my opinion.

5. Little girls play Soccer, literally. (In my experience little girls do not play full contact football and they do not play baseball (they play softball) or hockey). If a little girl can play it what does that say about the grown men who play it?....

Okay, that's just my quick list.

Take care.

WW.

PS: With all of this pressure to go see a NHL game I'm confident it will happen soon. I'll keep you updated. Also, sorry about the Soccer tirade, I just really don't like the sport (in case you couldn't tell). The rest of the world can have their pansy sport, we'll keep our violence thank you very much.

[RodandStaff]

Great picture, R&S. With any luck that's what will happen to me at my first game!

I do have to say, it's pretty amazing how many people have been talking to me about getting into hockey lately. I'm getting it here on DV, 2 of my best friends are now pressuring me about it, and even my own Mother wants to go see a Duck's game with me this year! Sheesh, it's like a full-court press to turn me into a hockey fan!

Ah well, at least I'm not being pressured to watch Soccer.... To me that is the most useless sport of all and I don't ever see myself liking it. Here's my quick list of why I will never like soccer:

1. No violence

2. No risk for serious bodily injury (ie. fastball to the head, bone-jarring hit from a LB, fast moving puck, etc.) In my opinion there has to be an element of danger to make a sport exciting.

3. You only use your legs in Soccer, how lame is that? In all major American sports the entire body is utilized. Soccer is essentially wasting usage of the entire upper body! I could definitely see myself becomming a fan of Soccer if, for example, NFL style tackling was allowed. That would be fantastic!

4. Not enough scoring. Watching a bunch of dudes run up and down the field with no violence and very little scoring makes for a very boring game, in my opinion.

5. Little girls play Soccer, literally. (In my experience little girls do not play full contact football and they do not play baseball (they play softball) or hockey). If a little girl can play it what does that say about the grown men who play it?....

Okay, that's just my quick list.

Take care.

WW.

PS: With all of this pressure to go see a NHL game I'm confident it will happen soon. I'll keep you updated. Also, sorry about the Soccer tirade, I just really don't like the sport (in case you couldn't tell). The rest of the world can have their pansy sport, we'll keep our violence thank you very much.

No violence in soccer... absolutely!!!

[pattyangel]

I'm more than willing to talk baseball with anyone else who wants to, there just haven't been anymore takers. Feel free to step up to the plate, my friend!

Well, you are definitely a pro in this area, you know your stuff, can't compete with you there. But I do enjoy all the input on the sport from the members. It may pick up when the season gets started. Looking forward to opening day for both the Astros and Rangers. In fact my Mom hinted in attending a game or two. And guess what, that will be me taking her. Need to get the ole' ball and glove out and give it a spit shine. Ooops for got about the baseball cap. My mom has one two.

She loves the excitement of the crowd...who doesn't.

I can just feel your excitement in returning back to work. I'm taking that is a good thing for you. Good luck in returning back.

Later my friend, time for some shut eye.

[willy1der]

A tryout for the Big Red Machine vs. a job at the chemical plant?...... That's one of those decisions that can haunt a person for awhile. The "what if's" of life, right?

Okay: here's my complete 2013 MLB playoff's breakdown:

Division Winners:

AL East: Tampa Bay

AL Central: Detroit Tiger's

AL West: LA Angel's

NL East: Washington National's

NL Central: Cincinnati Red's

NL West: LA Dodger's (AKA LA Doyer's in SoCal only)

AL Wild Card: Toronto Blue Jay's

AL Wild Card: NY Yankee's

NL Wild Card: Atlanta Brave's

NL Wild Card: San Fransisco Giant's

ALCS: Detroit Tiger's vs. LA Angel's

NLCS: Atlanta Brave's vs. Washington National's

World Series: LA Angel's vs. Washington National's

World Series Champ: LA Angel's (Yep, I'm that much of a homer)

Think about it, though:

This is a lineup that produced the third best offense in MLB last year, and now they have Josh Hamilton! There are 4 guys in that lineup who have 30+ HR potential (Pujols, Hamilton, Trout, Trumbo) and 3 of them have 40+ HR potential (Pujols, Hamilton, Trumbo). By the way, Pujols has hit over 40 three times in his career and Hamilton has done it once, so far.

The Angel's will also have the best outfield in MLB, both offensively and defensively, with Trout in LF, Peter Bourjos in CF, and Josh Hamilton in RF. Coming off the bench you have past All Star and Gold Glover Vernon Wells and also Mark Trumbo will see time out there. I'm sorry, but no other outfield comes close (sorry Atlanta Braves).

What about All Star's Jered Weaver and CJ Wilson at the top of the rotation? And then you add a solid guy like Jason Vargas? Sheesh! And don't forget about adding Ryan Madson and Sean Burnett to the Bull Pen with current sutds Ernesto Frieri, Kevin Jepsen, and Scott Downs.

The bottom line is the Angel's biggest weakness last year was the Bull Pen. Last year the Halo's led the Major's with 22 blown saves! If they could've cut that in half they would've had the best record in baseball last year. Now that the Bull Pen issue has been addressed (Madson and Burnett) I expect the Angel's to be the best team in MLB in 2013. Again: big-time homer, I know, but that's how I see it.

WW.

PS: If the IQD hits before the WS my family would love to meet your family. That sounds like it would be a lot of fun, especially if the Halo's make it.

If I would've known then what I know now scenarios. I tried out, they offered minor league position which was fine with me, I knew the potential. I went home and discussed it and she said it would be divorce if I played ball. I asked why did you consider the tryout and her response blew me away, she said she didn't think I was good enough to get an offer. Me being in love was crushed so like a good little boy I kept working in the plant. I was 19 and she was 17, She got pregnant and we did the right thing to get married. I think if I was to do things over I would have listened to Pops and kept things where they belonged, then again probably not.