The Beer Is Brewing, The Trash Is Flying, And Ian Kinsler Apparently Hates Texas

[Gone_Phishin]

It's that time again ladies and gents...the sights, the smells, the binge drinking when your team is mathematically eliminated from the post season by the All Star break.

 

Spring training is here, and there are a lot of big names in new places: Cano; Fielder; Kinsler;

 

How do you have this year?  What prospects are going to contribute to their respective big league team?  Who are this year's sleepers?  What players are going to boom?  Who is going to bust?

 

With all that said, Play ball!!!

[MCS]

Well I am glad it is that time again! Draft is Sunday.

Must haves Jose Fernandez, David Price

Matt Moore is in line for a great yr Archer and Cobb looking good too.

Top prospects are Walker and Salazar. Trevor Bauer may surprise

I am undecided on position players. Like miller at SS for Seattle. Hopeful for a big rebound for muchado at 3B shooting for Cabrera, Davis or Trout first round then maybe a pitcher.

My sleepers in the OF are yelich and urrita

Going to go with Ramos behind the plate.

[flyfisher]

As anyone knows who has seen any of my posts i am a phillies fan.....well Hamels is now out till may at least because of a "tired arm", that's never good.  There are a lot of young arms in the lineup and as is the hallmark for a rueben amaro destroyed team, they are old but, and that is a big but, if they can play the entire season they could be in the hunt for a wild card....maybe.

 

I do think Howard is going to have a breakout year after being riddled with lower leg injuries which severely limited his power as he had to swing all upper body.  In the few spring training games i have watched he looks to be in great shape too.  A couple of the young guys need to keep progressing like Asche and Ruf and Brown also needs to keep it up because with hamels out they are gonna need to score 5+ runs a game to compete, especially with the wreck of a bullpen they had.

 

Part of me is holding out for the one last chance and the other part of me is saying well i hope they are all playing well and out of it by the trade deadline so they can sell off everyone and start the rebuilding process.

[deaknh03]

I'm clinging onto the World Champs tag, at least until this October. 

[pkpence]

I cannot be more excited to see spring training pick up. I am a Braves fan, have been forever... 

 

I can't wait to see how the young guys like Freeman, Teheran and Simmons perform with their new contracts, and am really excited to watch Medlen, Minor and Beachy continue to grow. It will also be interesting to see if our bullpen can continue to be as good as it has been over the last couple of years.

 

Big 'un, you may want to pick up McCann with the Yanks as your catcher, that swing of his is perfect for the short porch in Yankee Stadium

 

Kevin

[Jigfishn10]

It will be interesting to see how the Red Sox do this year now that they are starting some youngsters up the middle - Jackie Bradley Jr. in cf and Xander Bogaerts @ ss. Bogaerts doesn't worry me as much as Bradley does. I really like the way he plays cf and don't think there will be much of a drop of from Ellsbury defensively, but he's not Ellsbury in the batting order or on the bases.

 

Third base is another question mark as well, but I think they will make an in-season trade to try and upgrade that postition.

 

Starting pitching will be fine, would love to see Clay Buchholz play whole season and not have a teacher's summer schedule (DL mid-late June and comeback in September).

 

Bullpen should be fine as well, just hope that Koji Uehara can turn in another fine perfomance he did last year, otherwise it's closer by committee.

 

Gonna be a great season for sure, the American League East has some good quality respectable teams this year.

[Jar11591]

I cannot be more excited to see spring training pick up. I am a Braves fan, have been forever... 

 

I can't wait to see how the young guys like Freeman, Teheran and Simmons perform with their new contracts, and am really excited to watch Medlen, Minor and Beachy continue to grow. It will also be interesting to see if our bullpen can continue to be as good as it has been over the last couple of years.

 

Big 'un, you may want to pick up McCann with the Yanks as your catcher, that swing of his is perfect for the short porch in Yankee Stadium

 

Kevin

 

 

 

Braves fan!! YEAH!  Im one of the only Braves fans in NYS. I was so happy to see that we locked up all of our young talent. I think the 1-2-3 punch of Medlen, Minor and Teheran is going to be pretty tough to beat. And if Beachy can stay healthy then we have a very strong rotation, regardless of the 5th starter, whether its Floyd, Wood or Hale. If Chris Johnson and Freeman can repeat last season, and Fredi Gonzalez learns how to put together a lineup, then we should be able to win the NL east again. If i managed my lineup would look like this:

 

1. Heyward     RF

2. Johnson     3B

3. J. Upton      LF

4. Freeman    1B

5. Gattis         C

6. Simmons    SS

7. B. Upton     CF   (He cant possibly do any worse, and he is good at defense)

8. Uggla         2B    (if he doesnt preform 100% better, then we need to replace him!)

 

Rotation:

1. Medlen

2. Minor

3. Teheran

4. Beachy

5. Wood  (I wasnt thrilled with the Gavin Floyd acquisition)

[Jar11591]

 

I do think Howard is going to have a breakout year after being riddled with lower leg injuries which severely limited his power as he had to swing all upper body. 

 

 

 

 

 

Now this is not just because I am a Braves fan but, What do mean by "breakout year"? Do you think he can return to the MVP Ryan Howard? Or even just to 30HR 100RBI again? I'm not so sure. I definitely think he can be a valuable part of that offense (not necessarily due to lack of any other option), but the Phillies might need some changes. The stars are aging, and the farm system is almost void of prospects. But these aging stars are who dominated the NL a few years back. I wish the Braves would have the "win now" mentality more often. We do have a steady supply of farm talent and our current home grown players are really becoming stars, but I'm just sick of an NLDS exit every time.

[A-Jay]

It will be interesting to see how the Red Sox do this year now that they are starting some youngsters up the middle - Jackie Bradley Jr. in cf and Xander Bogaerts @ ss. Bogaerts doesn't worry me as much as Bradley does. I really like the way he plays cf and don't think there will be much of a drop of from Ellsbury defensively, but he's not Ellsbury in the batting order or on the bases.

 

Third base is another question mark as well, but I think they will make an in-season trade to try and upgrade that postition.

 

Starting pitching will be fine, would love to see Clay Buchholz play whole season and not have a teacher's summer schedule (DL mid-late June and comeback in September).

 

Bullpen should be fine as well, just hope that Koji Uehara can turn in another fine perfomance he did last year, otherwise it's closer by committee.

 

Gonna be a great season for sure, the American League East has some good quality respectable teams this year.

 

First off I'll say I like their motto this year in spring training - "Turn the ###### Page"

 

I fully expect Middlebrooks to stay healthy and besides being a super star at third, I'm looking for him to Tear The Cover off the Ball . . . . . . Also it will be interesting to see what Mr. Congeniality -

AJ Pierzynski - will bring to the table.

 

 I was a little disappointed to see Big Papi was actually Big - could ya have a salad once in a while . . .

 

A-Jay

[Jigfishn10]

First off I'll say I like their motto this year in spring training - "Turn the ###### Page"

 

I fully expect Middlebrooks to stay healthy and besides being a super star at third, I'm looking for him to Tear The Cover off the Ball . . . . . . Also it will be interesting to see what Mr. Congeniality -

AJ Pierzynski - will bring to the table.

 

 I was a little disappointed to see Big Papi was actually Big - could ya have a salad once in a while . . .

 

A-Jay

I like that trade off at catcher, I actually see that as an improvement.

 

Papi, yeah, probably should have stayed away from those extra calories. I wish he would stop b1tch1ng about his contract as well. I like him, but sheeze!

 

I'm glad you're bullish on Middlebrooks, cause I need more convincing.

 

Steven Drew still out there or did he finally sign with someone?

[A-Jay]

I like that trade off at catcher, I actually see that as an improvement.

 

Papi, yeah, probably should have stayed away from those extra calories. I wish he would stop b1tch1ng about his contract as well. I like him, but sheeze!

 

I'm glad you're bullish on Middlebrooks, cause I need more convincing.

 

Steven Drew still out there or did he finally sign with someone?

 

Nope - with that draft pick attached to his contract no one wants to take the plunge -

 

Once the draft is over, he & his turd of an agent expect to get a contract but I'm betting it won't be close to what the Sox had initially offered.  I like Drew but he played this one poorly.

 

A-Jay

[FD.]

Go Rays - World Series Champs this year.

[MCS]

Go Rays - World Series Champs this year.

Got a good shot.

[flyfisher]

Now this is not just because I am a Braves fan but, What do mean by "breakout year"? Do you think he can return to the MVP Ryan Howard? Or even just to 30HR 100RBI again? I'm not so sure. I definitely think he can be a valuable part of that offense (not necessarily due to lack of any other option), but the Phillies might need some changes. The stars are aging, and the farm system is almost void of prospects. But these aging stars are who dominated the NL a few years back. I wish the Braves would have the "win now" mentality more often. We do have a steady supply of farm talent and our current home grown players are really becoming stars, but I'm just sick of an NLDS exit every time.

I should have been more clear and said break out of his bad streak.  Before his injuries he hit 33 hr and 116 rbis and i could see that same type of production again this year assuming people actually get on base in front of him.

 

As far as the farm system goes, they have some really good talent in there but they just aren't ready for the bigs yet which is ok in a way because i wouldn't want to see them blocked because of the aging team they now have holding on to spots.  It is going to be an interesting year for sure.

 

As far as being a braves fan goes, you know  this is their MO and has been for at least 20+ years.  They build their teams for the regular season and last year they had the benefit of being in a horrible division.  I still see them as the cream of the NL east but not because they are a dominant team but rather they are the best in an average division right now.  

 

I see the nats continue their downward trajectory too. 

[VolFan]

I see the Nats in the hunt for the Wild Card more so than the NL East...but I think the NL East seems a little weak so who knows? Good to great starting outfield, solid infield, and some more offense behind the plate. Best top 3 starters in the game and solid at 4 and 5... What's not to like? Much like past years, the injury and age bug will be the up or down.

[MCS]

Thing I can't believe is the contract Freddie freeman got for one or two good yrs not MVP numbers though. His first yr or two he battled injuries and adjusting. Just a lot of doe for not a lot of track record

[Gone_Phishin]

Thing I can't believe is the contract Freddie freeman got for one or two good yrs not MVP numbers though. His first yr or two he battled injuries and adjusting. Just a lot of doe for not a lot of track record

 

 

Agreed.  He is one of the players I may target this year though...the way many mock drafts have worked out I have gotten good value on him.

[Gone_Phishin]

Well I am glad it is that time again! Draft is Sunday.

Must haves Jose Fernandez, David Price

Matt Moore is in line for a great yr Archer and Cobb looking good too.

Top prospects are Walker and Salazar. Trevor Bauer may surprise

I am undecided on position players. Like miller at SS for Seattle. Hopeful for a big rebound for muchado at 3B shooting for Cabrera, Davis or Trout first round then maybe a pitcher.

My sleepers in the OF are yelich and urrita

Going to go with Ramos behind the plate.

 

 

Amen!  Where are you drafting?  I have the one spot a week from Sunday.  I am happy it is before Paddy's Day...those hangovers usually last several days for me. 

 

Out of curiosity what makes you think Moore is going to rock this year.

[MCS]

Amen! Where are you drafting? I have the one spot a week from Sunday. I am happy it is before Paddy's Day...those hangovers usually last several days for me.

Out of curiosity what makes you think Moore is going to rock this year.

Reading a few sports websites and news articles said his fastball has gained a couple mph and it is lively. He improved control and conditioning too. At least that is what i heard from last months workouts. Last yr he was good for k's and w's but if he can keep the walks down he will be a good 3 or even 2 starter.

[Gone_Phishin]

Who are you avoiding in this year's draft. Most guys I am will be taken by others simply because of my draft position. Encarnacion comes to mind.

[pkpence]

I hear you guys talking about the weak east, and it is to some extent, though I think the Nats will be really tough with Gio, Stras, Zimmerman, and the trade for Fister really makes their rotation really tough. Also, Werth has the highest BA in baseball dating back to July, and if Harper gets better with Span at the top, it could be a really tough team to beat. 

 

Also the Mets have the potential for a .500 season this year with their off season acquisitions and the pitching staff that they have. 

 

The Marlins should be better this year also with a full year of Fernandez and Stanton trying to get a bid payday.

 

I think the Phils finish 3rd in the division, just due to guys like Utley not being able to stay on the field. I really don't think his knees will let him play 150 games. Rollins is aging, Howard hasn't caught up to a good fastball in 2 years (we will see how that changes with him being "healthy" this year), and their pitching staff is getting tired

 

I think the Braves will still win the division, but not by the margin that they did last year. In a perfect world, Freeman has another top 5 MVP type year, Heyward can work his BA up to the .280 mark, Justin Upton can have a similar year to last year, just a little more consistent, and we get BJ and Struggla up over the .220 mark. If we do those things, and the pitching staff can have a similar year to last year, then we have a good shot at winning the division. 

 

Just my thoughts

Kevin

[MCS]

Who are you avoiding in this year's draft. Most guys I am will be taken by others simply because of my draft position. Encarnacion comes to mind.

 carl crawford, I love carlos Gonzalez as a player but man two injury plagued seasons in a row have me shying away. Tex and Sabathia because they are yanks and stink on a player lever too. A little timid if Zimmerman, strausburg or harper came available injuries and just  a new manager scare me.

 

I have always wanted to get Josh Hamilton in a draft, I keep thinking this year would be his big comeback year from injuries......Then he hurt his calf.

[MCS]

I see the Mets thrown out there, that is one of the young guns I might grab, Wheeler should be a bit more solid after his call up last year. Cole too.....

[deaknh03]

It will be interesting to see how the Red Sox do this year now that they are starting some youngsters up the middle - Jackie Bradley Jr. in cf and Xander Bogaerts @ ss. Bogaerts doesn't worry me as much as Bradley does. I really like the way he plays cf and don't think there will be much of a drop of from Ellsbury defensively, but he's not Ellsbury in the batting order or on the bases.

 

Third base is another question mark as well, but I think they will make an in-season trade to try and upgrade that postition.

 

Starting pitching will be fine, would love to see Clay Buchholz play whole season and not have a teacher's summer schedule (DL mid-late June and comeback in September).

 

Bullpen should be fine as well, just hope that Koji Uehara can turn in another fine perfomance he did last year, otherwise it's closer by committee.

 

Gonna be a great season for sure, the American League East has some good quality respectable teams this year.

Drew gets resigned by the sox soon, Farrell and management hates Middlebrooks, theyre just looking to trade him. They are waiting for Drew to come to his senses and accept a low 1 year offer, seeing as tho no team is going to pony up a draft pick to sign him. I think the biggest 2 questions for the sox are leadoff, who can replace Ellsburys production, and can Uehara repeat his performance fro last year..I dont think they have a legit leadoff, nobody to replace Ellsbury at bat, and I give Uehara a very slim chance of repeating, after all hes late 30s. he caught lightening in a bottle last year. Other than that, they have a nice bullpen, above average starters, and a pretty decent lineup.

[Jigfishn10]

Drew gets resigned by the sox soon, Farrell and management hates Middlebrooks, theyre just looking to trade him. They are waiting for Drew to come to his senses and accept a low 1 year offer, seeing as tho no team is going to pony up a draft pick to sign him. I think the biggest 2 questions for the sox are leadoff, who can replace Ellsburys production, and can Uehara repeat his performance fro last year..I dont think they have a legit leadoff, nobody to replace Ellsbury at bat, and I give Uehara a very slim chance of repeating, after all hes late 30s. he caught lightening in a bottle last year. Other than that, they have a nice bullpen, above average starters, and a pretty decent lineup.

There was talk about Drew to the Yanks. 3rd base when Jeter is in the line-up and SS when he's not. Not sure what happened to that one tho.