2009 Baseball Season/Off-Season Discussion

[sandman]

so who's the pick to win it all this year? Can the phils repeat? they are definitely set up to make another run. on paper, the SP is actually the best it's been heading into the season in several years. we actually have a great competition going on for the 5th spot. but repeating in any sport is really tough. such a long season.

here's the vegas odds...

Odds to win 2009 World Series
Updated March 12, 2009
Team               Open Current
New York Yankees 9/1  11/4 
Chicago Cubs 15/2  11/2 
Boston Red Sox 13/2  15/2 
Philadelphia Phillies 12/1  17/2 
Los Angeles Dodgers 8/1  10/1 
New York Mets 16/1  10/1 
Tampa Bay Rays 10/1  12/1 
Los Angeles Angels 8/1  13/1 
Arizona Diamondbacks 12/1  14/1 
St. Louis Cardinals 18/1  18/1 
Minnesota Twins 16/1  20/1 
Cleveland Indians 25/1  22/1 
Chicago White Sox 30/1  25/1 
Detroit Tigers 30/1  26/1 
Milwaukee Brewers 28/1  30/1 
Atlanta Braves 60/1  35/1 
Oakland Athletics 40/1  35/1 
Colorado Rockies 38/1  38/1 
Florida Marlins 20/1  40/1 
Houston Astros 40/1  40/1 
San Francisco Giants 60/1  50/1 
Toronto Blue Jays 35/1  60/1 
Texas Rangers 75/1  70/1 
Cincinnati Reds 80/1  80/1 
Baltimore Orioles 80/1  100/1 
Kansas City Royals 125/1  100/1 
Washington Nationals 125/1  100/1 
Seattle Mariners 80/1  100/1 
San Diego Padres 100/1  100/1 
Pittsburgh Pirates 150/1  150/1 

[pilferk]

so who's the pick to win it all this year? Can the phils repeat? they are definitely set up to make another run. on paper, the SP is actually the best it's been heading into the season in several years. we actually have a great competition going on for the 5th spot. but repeating in any sport is really tough. such a long season.

here's the vegas odds...

Odds to win 2009 World Series
Updated March 12, 2009
Team               Open Current
New York Yankees 9/1  11/4 
Chicago Cubs 15/2  11/2 
Boston Red Sox 13/2  15/2 
Philadelphia Phillies 12/1  17/2 
Los Angeles Dodgers 8/1  10/1 
New York Mets 16/1  10/1 
Tampa Bay Rays 10/1  12/1 
Los Angeles Angels 8/1  13/1 
Arizona Diamondbacks 12/1  14/1 
St. Louis Cardinals 18/1  18/1 
Minnesota Twins 16/1  20/1 
Cleveland Indians 25/1  22/1 
Chicago White Sox 30/1  25/1 
Detroit Tigers 30/1  26/1 
Milwaukee Brewers 28/1  30/1 
Atlanta Braves 60/1  35/1 
Oakland Athletics 40/1  35/1 
Colorado Rockies 38/1  38/1 
Florida Marlins 20/1  40/1 
Houston Astros 40/1  40/1 
San Francisco Giants 60/1  50/1 
Toronto Blue Jays 35/1  60/1 
Texas Rangers 75/1  70/1 
Cincinnati Reds 80/1  80/1 
Baltimore Orioles 80/1  100/1 
Kansas City Royals 125/1  100/1 
Washington Nationals 125/1  100/1 
Seattle Mariners 80/1  100/1 
San Diego Padres 100/1  100/1 
Pittsburgh Pirates 150/1  150/1 

I gotta say, I'm surprised to see the Yanks as that "big" of a favorite...especially given they missed the post season last year, and nobody is EXACTLY sure how A-rod will be this season (physically) and if his hip will hold up.  I mean, I KNOW the additions helped them but from 3rd in the AL East and outside the playoffs to WS FAVORITE?  I don't know.

I'd peg the Phillies as the current favorite (something you'll probably want to shoot me for when it turns out I jinxed 'em), but that's dependent on their pitching being healthy and effective.  It looks like it will be, though.  Hamels looks like he's on track to be back, and effective.  I think the only other one you really have to worry about is Lidge...can he continue to be effective and healthy?

[faldor]

The Yankees have been the favorite the last 10 years or so, haven't they?  Why would this year be any different?

[pilferk]

The Yankees have been the favorite the last 10 years or so, haven't they?  Why would this year be any different?

In Vegas?  I'm not sure.  I don't think they were last year...OR the year before. ONE of them, but not the overall favorite.  Maybe I'm wrong....the memory goes with age, ya know....but I remember them being 3rd or 4th down the list (with Boston being in front both years).  I think even the Angels were in front of them LAST year.  Of course, the Rays were RIDICULOUS long shots last year, so I'm not saying they're RIGHT all the time....

I know that many people PICK them to win it all every year...but the Vegas oddsmakers are usually a bit more fickle.  And I'm not exactly surprised they're THE favorite this year, but more by the MARGIN in which they're the favorite.  It's bigger than I would have though it to be all things considered, at the very least.

[Layne Staley's Sunglasses]

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090325&content_id=4063684&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy

[tim_m]

OK, here's a sticker:

I manged to weasel my way into a free ticket to the opening night (Friday, April 3rd) of Yankee stadium:  The exhibition with the Cubs.

But my ticket is for the Audi club.  I have no fucking idea where it is, but I DO know we're supposed to get fed and boozed up with the ticket.

Does ANYONE have any more info on it?  I don't care where the seats are, or how much of the "game" I get to see...I'm just happy to be there.

Also, anyone from NYC know if the Metro North stop at the stadium is up and running yet (or will be by next week)?  Wondering if I have to go through Harlem and catch the subway or not....

Edit:  This is all I've been able to find, via the Yanks web site:

Audi Yankees Club

The Audi Yankees Club is a membership club located on the H&R Block Suite Level. The club features a cocktail bar and a dining lounge and offers sweeping views of Yankee Stadium from left field. The experience is highlighted by performance-cooking stations, a dessert station and full cocktail service. Membership is available on an annual basis. For more information, visit www.yankees.com. Individual- game tickets are also available.

Judging by pics on yankees.com of the new stadium it appears to be in left field somewhere.

[pilferk]

Yup, looks like it "wraps around" the foul pole somewhat.

I'm gonna try to bring a camera and take some snapshots....

I just wish the new Metro North station was open...save me the subway fare from Harlem to 161st.

[tim_m]

Yup, looks like it "wraps around" the foul pole somewhat.

I'm gonna try to bring a camera and take some snapshots....

I just wish the new Metro North station was open...save me the subway fare from Harlem to 161st.

Looks like you'll have a great view of the whole field from there to get some pics.

[freedom78]

rant:

Why the hell would the first Cubs game of the year be on a channel that is only available in the Chicago market?  They're a team with a national following, and in the last 7 or 8 years, the opener has always been on WGN, which is available nationwide in most cable packages.  But this year's opener is on Comcast Chicago.  I'm sure many of us get a Comcast sports station, but it's regional, much like Fox Sports, and a just a three hour drive away, in Indy, we don't get it.  How lame is that? 

I suppose I'll have to call around to the various bars and wing joints to see who'll have it.

/rant

[Layne Staley's Sunglasses]

Or you can stream it on the intranetz.

[freedom78]

Or you can stream it on the intranetz.

Unless there's something other than MLB.tv, that costs unnecessary $$$.

[Layne Staley's Sunglasses]

Or you can stream it on the intranetz.

Unless there's something other than MLB.tv, that costs unnecessary $$$.

Nooooooo, it's free.

I will look into this for you.

I watch all sorts of sporting events at work from around the world on my computer thanks to these sites.

[pilferk]

Looks like you'll have a great view of the whole field from there to get some pics.

It's glassed in, so....field pics might be tough (flash bounce...maybe won't need it with the stadium lights on).

And now...it's looking like it might rain.  Hopefully it's not a wash out and they don't call it early.  I'd be happy with the free sneak peak of the stadium!

[tim_m]

Looks like you'll have a great view of the whole field from there to get some pics.

It's glassed in, so....field pics might be tough (flash bounce...maybe won't need it with the stadium lights on).

And now...it's looking like it might rain.  Hopefully it's not a wash out and they don't call it early.  I'd be happy with the free sneak peak of the stadium!

That's what i hate about New York in april, it rains so damn much and rains games out.

[D]

296345
coachcal



if anyone is interested in my 2nd annual "World Series of Fantasy"


Sign up at yahoo

It features head to head and 20 awesome stat categories.

very fun, very competitive league.

[pilferk]

The prediction for today is a WET day...with everything passing by 6 or 7 PM.

Here's hoping.

[faldor]

Kid Rock Is A Stadium
by Music-News.com - April 3 2009


Kid Rock Field. I like the way it sounds and so does Kid Rock.


Kid Rock is to have a baseball stadium named after him.

The singer acquired the naming rights for the Detroit Tigers's ground for an undisclosed sum.

The Comerica Park ground will now be known as Kid Rock Field.

He said: "This has been a dream of mine for a long time, and with the banks in trouble it seemed like the right time for me to reach out to the fine people at Comerica Bank."

He added: "I've never been more excited for opening day, and I'm proud to be able to add my name to the legacy of my favourite baseball team."

The musician is also working alongside Michigan Brewing Company on a new official Detroit Tigers beer.

music-news.com




Is this an April Fools joke?  I just read it today.

Edit - I guess it WAS an April Fools Joke.  Kinda figured it was but the article I read was dated April 3, so that made me think twice.

[russkwtx]

mark my words: the Royals will be competitive this year and will sneak up on a lot of teams.
of course, I've been drinking beer all night so who knows if I am even sane at this point. But in general it sounds like a good thing to say at this particular time. I'll check back with you around July 10 and we will see....

[pilferk]

Obviously, the game went on.

The new park is GORGEOUS.....and the Audi club is amazing.  My wife and I are going back on the 18th for the Saturday Fox game....

I have pics...was going to post them yesterday...but jarmo decided it would be a good time to upgrade. 

I'll try to post a few sometime this week.

[GeorgeSteele]

I saw the Mets get crushed by the Red Sox at Citifield on Saturday.  It's a beautiful ballpark, but here are my gripes:

1 - While granted I was sitting in the left field nosebleeds, I could not see most of left field and centerfield.  Absolutely unacceptable.  Two deep ball were hit to left and center; one was a homerun, the other was a double to the warning track, but when it happened I had no idea either way.

2 - The only mention of the Mets is a banner under the enormous Citifield sign that says "Let's Go Mets".  That's it, nothing else, no logos, nothing.  It's basically a mega-advertising whore of a shrine to Corporate America. 

3 - The $3/cup coffee sucked.  I know, who gets coffee at a baseball game; but it was friggin freezing on Saturday.

4 - Not sure about this one yet, but it appears that Citifield has not made the Mets a better team.