Baseball Predictions

[MadMax]

I'm so jazzed about baseball season starting....seriously, last night I was literally (ok, no literally) crying for baseball. Sunday night...there should be a good baseball game to watch!! The weather is warmer...I spent Saturday out in the backyard playing catch with my son. Bring on the Boys of Summer, already!!!


National League
West -- Giants (by default! what happened to this once great division?) Scary that the Padres MIGHT finish second!

Central -- Astros - come on...who did you think I'd pick? it's freaking MadMax, here.

East -- Phillies

Wild Card -- Cubs

American League
West -- Athletics...i see this division weakening, too..at least at the top

Central -- White Sox (by default)

East -- Red Sox -- i think their starting rotation is better than the Yankees...and that's why I'm picking them to win here.

Wild Card -- Yankees


AL Championship: Yankees over Red Sox

NL Championship: Astros over Cubs

WORLD CHAMPS: HOUSTON ASTROS (woo hoo)

[BALLhog 247 365]

nl:
west-giants
central-astros
east-phillies
wc-cardinals

al:
west-angels
central-royals
east-yankees
wc-redsox

ws-astros over redsox

[Rocket Fan]

I agree with all of those picks pretty much.. I don't follow the AL West closely enough to know if Anaheim or Oakland is a better team...

I think the Red Sox can win the division over the Yankees.. shef is apparently already out for 2-3 months ..

[leroy420]

I've got it this way...

NL West - Arizona...The get a healthy Unit back and Richie Sexson. SF simply doesn't have the pitching or the offense around Bonds to scare anyone. They also still don't know who is going to be their closer.

NL Central - Astros...Duh!

NL East - Phillies...Florida will be a close second with Atlanta's stranglehold on the NLeast finally over. They simply did nothing to fill the holes of losing Sheffield and Maddux.

Wild Card - Cubs.

AL West - Anaheim...With what they added in the offseason, they will be very strong. Seattle will finish second and miss the playoffs once again. The A's have no offense. Texas...well I'll just leave that alone.

AL Central - Cleveland...I think they are going to suprise a lot of people with their youth. They have some good players that have been waiting for a chance, with a good young manager to lead them.

AL East - Boston...Yep, I think they will beat out the Yanks, barely. This might come down to the last day.

Wild Card - Yankees


NL Divsional - Astros over Arizona
Phillies over Cubs

AL Divisional - Boston over Cleveland
Yankees over Anaheim

NLCS - Astros over Phillies
ALCS - Boston over Yankees

World Series - Astros in 6. Bagwell is named WS MVP


Other predictions...

Oswalt will go 20-5, 2.90 era, finish 2nd in cy young to Mark Prior
Pettite will go 17-9, 3.60 era
Clemens - 15-10, 4.10 era
Dotel will have 45 saves
Berkman - .320/45/135

[Buck Turgidson]

NL East: Philly, Atl, Florida, Montreal, NY
NL Cent: Astros, Chi, Stl, Cincy, Pit, Milw
NL West: SF, LA, SD, AZ, Col.

AL East: Bos, NY, Bal, Tor, TB
AL Cent: KC, Minn, Clev, Chi, Det
AL West: Ana, Oak, Sea, Tex

NLDS: Astros over Giants, Cubs over Philly
ALDS: Bos over KC, Ana over NY
WS: 'Stros beat Halos

[RocketManJosh]

NL:
West - Padres
Central-Astros
East-Phillies
WC-Cubs

AL:
West-Angels
Central-Royals
East-Red Sox
WC-Yankees

NL Divisional:
Astros over Padres - REVENGE FOR 1998 .. DAMN YOU KEVIN BROWN!!
Cubs over Phillies

AL Divisional:
Red Sox over Royals
Angels over Yankees

NLCS:
Astros over Cubs

ALCS:
Red Sox over Angels

WS:
Astros over Red SOx


Go STROS!!!

[Fegwu]

American League
West = Giants
Central = Astros
East = Braves (What else do you expect?) (Also we have a date with destiny with them in the first round of the playoffs)
Wild Card = Phillies

American League
West = Mariners (Ken Griffy is/will_be back)
Central = ChiSox
East = RedSox ("How sweet it is").
Wild Card = Yankees


WS
Astros over Yankees (in 6 in Houston after Lance Berkman hits the go ahead grand slam for the NL in ML ASG in Houston). :eek:

[rockets-#1]

National
East: Phillies - I agree with those who say ATL hasn't really done anything to improve or replace their holes.
Central: Astros - It's gonna be close, but we're going to be the ones to win it by a small margin this year.
West: Giants - What a weak division
Wild Card: Cubs

American
East: Yankees - Are yall kidding me when you say the Sox will win this!?!?! Yankees are gonna have the best record in baseball and just plough through everyone.
Central: Twins? - This is a tough division - All Chi, Min, and KC are pretty mediocre and all about the same, Twins always seem to get it done somehow though as of late.
West: Athletics MM, I can't believe you said this division is starting to weaken. It just might be the best division in baseball as SEA, ANA, and OAK are all solid. You can't really pick a team in this and be totally confident in that pick, it will be REAL close.
Wild Card: Red Sox

Playoffs
NL: Astros over Cubs - WOO! That's for last year and for also thinking your pitching is better than ours.
AL: Yankees over Red Sox - Man, gotta feel for those Sox fans.

World Series : Astros over Yankees!!!

[BALLhog 247 365]

am i the only one that thinks that the cardinals will finish ahead of the cubs? i think borowski, clement, and zambrano are going to have terrible seasons.

[Lil Francis]

AL East- Yanks (Duh)
AL Central- Twins
AL West- A's
AL Wild Card- Mariners
AL Cy Young- Mark Mulder
AL MVP- Alex Rodriguez
AL Champ- Mariners

NL East- Atl Machine
NL Central- Astros
NL West- Dodgers
NL Wildcard- Cards
NL Cy Young- Mark Prior
NL MVP- Chipper Jones
NL Champ- Braves

World Series- Braves in 5
Manager of the Year- Jimy Williams
Comeback Player of the Year- Mike Piazza

[stubbyc]

AL East- Red Sox
AL Central- Royals
AL West- A's
AL Wild Card- Yankees
AL Cy Young- Roy Halladay
AL MVP- Vladamir Guerrero
AL ROY- Joe Mauer

NL East- Phillies
NL Central- Astros
NL West- Padres
NL Wild Card- Cubs (Unfortunately)
NL Cy Young: Tie Roy Oswalt, Mark Prior
NL MVP- Albert Pujols
NL Roy- Jason Bay

Comeback Player of the Year- Pat Burrell

Red Sox over Royals
A's over Yankees
Red Sox over A's

Astros over Padres
Cubs over Phillies (Unfortunately)
Astros over Cubs

Astros over Red Sox in 7

[rockets-#1]

Originally posted by Lil Francis
NL East- Atl Machine
NL Champ- Braves
World Series- Braves in 5


Tell me Francis, who did the Braves replace Sheffield and Maddux with? Also, who were their other key acquisitions this offseason?

Maybe you're saying this because the Braves are your favorite team or something, I don't know, but the Braves are done - least for this season. I say they'll be lucky to make it into the playoffs or beat the Cubs in the postseason. I sure as hell know they won't be beating the Astros in the playoffs.

[Lil Francis]

Originally posted by rockets-#1
Tell me Francis, who did the Braves replace Sheffield and Maddux with? Also, who were their other key acquisitions this offseason?

Maybe you're saying this because the Braves are your favorite team or something, I don't know, but the Braves are done - least for this season. I say they'll be lucky to make it into the playoffs or beat the Cubs in the postseason. I sure as hell know they won't be beating the Astros in the playoffs. No I like the Astros but Im just telling the turth. Every year people say the Braves are done and they win 95+ games every year. Last season they started off like 5-11 and won 100+ games. There is no way the Astros can beat the Braves in the playoffs. Its like the Rockets trying to beat the Spurs,RedSox winning more games than the Yankees, or the Cubs getting to the World Series. Its just not going to happen.

[rockets-#1]

Originally posted by Lil Francis
Every year people say the Braves are done and they win 95+ games every year. Last season they started off like 5-11 and won 100+ games. There is no way the Astros can beat the Braves in the playoffs.

Its like the Rockets trying to beat the Spurs. Its just not going to happen.

Yes, the Braves usually find a way to win each season, but you didn't answer my question about their key additions. Their run has to end sometime and this looks like the year because they haven't done much of anything to improve themselves. You overate them.

I REALLY RESENT THAT LAST COMMENT!:mad:

[StupidMoniker]

Yankees over the Cubs in the WS.

[Al22ex]

No I like the Astros but Im just telling the turth. Every year people say the Braves are done and they win 95+ games every year. Last season they started off like 5-11 and won 100+ games. There is no way the Astros can beat the Braves in the playoffs. Its like the Rockets trying to beat the Spurs,RedSox winning more games than the Yankees, or the Cubs getting to the World Series. Its just not going to happen.

Its like the Rockets trying to beat the Spurs

Umm didnt we beat the Spurs in the 95 playoffs I mean I could be wrong.... And come to think of it I dont think we have played them in the Playoffs since.. this refernce has no historical backing


Picks
NL E:Phillies (Braves will finish second Marlins Third... the fish lost to much
NL C: Just as close as it was last year both teams will win 100 games....
NL W: Giants by default... watch out for the Rockies
NLWC: Cubs

AL E: Same situation as NL central Red Sox.. Yanks still win 100
AL C: Kansas City... Cleveland will be close.. if the royals strgule early the Indians will win
AL W: Angels if everyone is healty this is a special team could win 100 games as well but probly 95
ALWC: Yankess will be a close race with Mariners if they get Griffey

Playoffs NL Astros over Giants, Cubs over Phillies
NLCS Astros over Cubs in 7
Playoffs AL Red Sox over Royals Yankees over Angels in 7
ALCS Red Sox over Yankees in 7
WS: Toss up in 7 but I will say Astros

[BigM]

NL West - giants - like madmax by default. don't see any great teams in this division

NL Central - astros - like i'm putting somebody else here.

NL East - phillies - i think they've improved enough to dethrone the braves who haven't done a thing.

WC - cubs - just as likely to be the division winners but i think both them and houston will make the playoffs.

AL West - angels - made enough improvements to get past oaklands strong rotation.

AL Central - twins - because somebody has to win it.

AL East - yankees - i'd prefer boston because i like them but vazquez is a stud and i think brown can have another good year.

WC - boston - pedro, schilling, and lowe could potentially be the best top of the rotation in baseball.

world series - astros over boston in 7.
pedro vs. oswalt

[moestavern19]

The Twins will force their will upon the MLB with 30 game winner Johan Santana and AL ROY and Batting Champ Joe Mauer en route to a World Series Win over the mighty Astros.

[UTweezer]

NL WEST - LA
NL CENTRAL - HOU
NL EAST- PHIL
NL WILDCARD - CHI

AL WEST - SEATTLE
AL CENTRAL - CHI
AL EAST - NYY
AL WILDCARD - BOS

[mrpaige]

Whatever happens, I hope the Twins fail miserably this season. :)

[A-Train]

I don't think the Astros are a lock like everybody believes. The Astros didn't do anything to improve their lineup, and Chicago's rotation is as good if not better than Houston's...

[robbie380]

Originally posted by BALLhog 247 365
am i the only one that thinks that the cardinals will finish ahead of the cubs? i think borowski, clement, and zambrano are going to have terrible seasons.

even if borowski sucks they still have hawkins. and after hawkins they have farnsworth and after farnsworth they have remlinger. i think people get on borowski because he came out of nowhere, but i'm not gonna argue with the guys numbers. they are just flat out good. about a 3 to 1 k/bb ratio with a low whip, low era, and low batting average against him in the past 2 years. he was good in 2002 as a setup guy and he was even better in 2003 as a closer.

we can probably expect the same thing from clement. i dunno why that would change. he is a guy who can be dominating but when he isnt he is terrible. thats something that has been established thru his career.

zambrano might go into a sophomore slump. its something im fearing because he is on my NL only fantasy team. however, the guy is a very hard worker with a lot of talent and he has a lot of love for the game and you can see that when he pitches. if zambrano faulters the cubs still have juan cruz who has as much potential as anyone around even though his control isnt great. if cruz doesnt work out then i'm sure they can sign a veteran arm if zambrano does terrible.

[MadMax]

AL West -- someone asked me why i thought this division was weakening. I guess it's because sans Anaheim, I don't think any team in this division has improved. Moyer is a year older for Seattle, and eventually that magic will diminish...not to mention that they don't have Cameron anymore either...Freddy Garcia is a wild card...Oakland is still Oakland...they still have that great rotation...but frankly that's meant very little in the whole scheme of things. I'm certainly not saying it's as weak as the AL Central...but I don't think I'm even saying it's a weak division...just that I think it is on the decline.

Atlanta Braves -- just because you wear a Braves jersey doesn't mean you're entitled to a playoff spot. i don't see this team even competing for a playoff spot this year. not because they're a year older...but because they lost a key starter and their most productive hitter, and replaced them with NOTHING. the Jazz won't make the playoffs in the NBA this year...and the Braves won't make the playoffs in MLB this year...for many of the same reasons.

[leroy420]

Originally posted by A-Train
I don't think the Astros are a lock like everybody believes. The Astros didn't do anything to improve their lineup, and Chicago's rotation is as good if not better than Houston's...

It's not that I think the Astros are a lock, however, I think they have the intangibles to stay ahead of the Cubs. It will be a very tight race, probably coming down to the last series. It's the Cubs defense that is going to hurt them. Todd Walker is a walking error. Alou could trip over the wrong blade of grass and be out for the season. Corey Patterson is coming off major knee surgery. Their staff is great, but Clement and Zambrano have yet to put together back to back seasons. If they do so, then it will be a dog fight at the least.

The other thing I'm going on is starting pitcher depth. What happens if one of the Cubs starters goes down? They bring in Juan Cruz? What happens if one of the Astros starters goes down or if Tim Redding is ineffective? They can bring in a 15 game winner in Robertson (I know, the near 6 era is scary but look at his era in his wins compared to his losses), Kirk Saarloos, Carlos Hernandez (who had a great winter in Venezuela), Brandon Duckworth, bring up Taylor Bucholz or Chad Qualls, etc., etc.

[MadMax]

leroy --

excellent points...and i'm hearing already that there are health concerns with zambrano.

[SWTsig]

all this talk is getting me pumped.

i cant wait til opening day!

[deadlybulb]

Originally posted by rockets-#1
Tell me Francis, who did the Braves replace Sheffield and Maddux with? Also, who were their other key acquisitions this offseason?

And don't forget they lost Javy, who was their best bat last year.

[derrock]

NL West - Diamondbacks A team loaded with veterans (some over the hill) but it will be Brandon Webb and other young arms leading the way.

NL Central - Cubs Let's see, the defending division champs improved in every category and still have a better pitching staff than the 'Stros.

NL East - Marlins - Marlins aren't as strong as last year but still better than the Phillies, the most overrated team in baseball.

Wildcard - Astros - Last two champs also were wildcards.

AL West - Athletics - Better bullpen, Jermaine Dye = Comeback POY, Eric Chavez = AL MVP

AL Central - Royals - For the first time in a decade, Kansas City fans are excited in March.

AL East - Red Sox - Offense comes back down to earth but improved bullpen will compensate.

Wildcard - Anaheim - No Yankees?!?! Injury-filled season in the Bronx can't overcome Latino fever in the OC

world series - A's over Astros in 6
Let's see, a team who has had recent first round troubles and a team who has never won a playoff series. Gotta believe!

[Raven Lunatic]

Originally posted by A-Train
I don't think the Astros are a lock like everybody believes. The Astros didn't do anything to improve their lineup, and Chicago's rotation is as good if not better than Houston's...

Astros were like 4th in the NL last season in runs scored... and that's with Geoff Blum taking a considerable chunk of Ensberg's ABs (which he may or may not have done more with than Blum...hard to say). I don't think the Astros offense will be a big problem.

[Nick]

Originally posted by Raven Lunatic
Astros were like 4th in the NL last season in runs scored... and that's with Geoff Blum taking a considerable chunk of Ensberg's ABs (which he may or may not have done more with than Blum...hard to say). I don't think the Astros offense will be a big problem.

Indeed, they were fourth... but their offense was too much "Feast or Famine."

They'd go a week without scoring more than 3 in any game... then they'd have back to back 10 run games... or the occasional 17 run game.

They DID do a better job of hitting the tough-as-nails right handers (Brown, Schilling, Morris - actually, they just beat him... they didn't hit him well), but the key word for the offense this year will be CONSISTENCY.

Plus, with the pitching they have, they should no longer have to feel like they have to outscore the other team every game. That can do a lot to help some tension.

Anybody else noticing a lot more "small ball" being played by the 'Stros in the Spring (sacrifices, steals, etc.). I don't think you can discount this too much... with this pitching staff, you just want to give yourself a lead.

[Lil Francis]

Originally posted by rockets-#1
Yes, the Braves usually find a way to win each season, but you didn't answer my question about their key additions. Their run has to end sometime and this looks like the year because they haven't done much of anything to improve themselves. You overate them.

I REALLY RESENT THAT LAST COMMENT!:mad: Well its the truth man. The Braves will win about 96 games this year and of course they will get eliminated at home like they do almost every year. If the Astros can someway avoid playing the Braves in the playoffs I think they have a great shot of reaching the world series.

[Lil Francis]

Originally posted by Al22ex
Its like the Rockets trying to beat the Spurs

Umm didnt we beat the Spurs in the 95 playoffs I mean I could be wrong.... And come to think of it I dont think we have played them in the Playoffs since.. this refernce has no historical backing


Picks
NL E:Phillies (Braves will finish second Marlins Third... the fish lost to much
NL C: Just as close as it was last year both teams will win 100 games....
NL W: Giants by default... watch out for the Rockies
NLWC: Cubs

AL E: Same situation as NL central Red Sox.. Yanks still win 100
AL C: Kansas City... Cleveland will be close.. if the royals strgule early the Indians will win
AL W: Angels if everyone is healty this is a special team could win 100 games as well but probly 95
ALWC: Yankess will be a close race with Mariners if they get Griffey

Playoffs NL Astros over Giants, Cubs over Phillies
NLCS Astros over Cubs in 7
Playoffs AL Red Sox over Royals Yankees over Angels in 7
ALCS Red Sox over Yankees in 7
WS: Toss up in 7 but I will say Astros Im talking about the Rockets now not the Hakeem Rockets.

[MadMax]

Originally posted by Lil Francis
Well its the truth man. The Braves will win about 96 games this year and of course they will get eliminated at home like they do almost every year. If the Astros can someway avoid playing the Braves in the playoffs I think they have a great shot of reaching the world series.


dude, the Braves will not win 96 games...and they will not be in the playoffs.

quick...name the Braves' starting rotation! name who replaced javy lopez and gary sheffield in terms of run production. you can't lose key ingredients and just shrug it off like that. over the course of the last 2 seasons, they've lost way too much.

[pgabriel]

Originally posted by leroy420
It's not that I think the Astros are a lock, however, I think they have the intangibles to stay ahead of the Cubs.

Which ones, defense or situational hitting.

[MadMax]

Originally posted by pgabriel
Which ones, defense or situational hitting.
i don't think the astros are a great defensive team...but i think they're clearly better than the Cubs. certainly at C, RF, SS, 3B and LF.

situational hitting seems to change from year to year.

[Lil Francis]

Originally posted by MadMax
dude, the Braves will not win 96 games...and they will not be in the playoffs.

quick...name the Braves' starting rotation! name who replaced javy lopez and gary sheffield in terms of run production. you can't lose key ingredients and just shrug it off like that. over the course of the last 2 seasons, they've lost way too much. I gurantee you the Braves will make the playoffs this season. J.D. Drew will have a career year. He won't hit 40homers like Shef did but I see him hitting .285,23hrs,95rbi. Braves haven't gone anywhere.

[MadMax]

Originally posted by Lil Francis
I gurantee you the Braves will make the playoffs this season. J.D. Drew will have a career year. He won't hit 40homers like Shef did but I see him hitting .285,23hrs,95rbi. Braves haven't gone anywhere.

man...i wish i could shake your hand on a friendly wager on this one. i just don't see it...at all. you don't lose greg maddux's 15 wins...javy lopez's bat...and gary sheffield's bat...in one offseason, and expect to compete at the same level you did the year before.

if the astros let that quality of players go, you would be screaming at drayton and we'd be predicting them headed for the bottom tier of the NL Central.

with philly's improvements...i don't see atlanta doing anything but falling behind.

[rockets-#1]

Yeah, listen to MadMax on this one Lil Francis. No way the Braves are going to win even 90 games. Their run ends sometime.

Also, I hate to say it, but the Cubs have the #1 rated minor league pitching out of all MLB teams. We do have Robertson incase of injury, but I think they got more guys to lean on than us. I'd take their bullpen over ours too.:( My hope is just that our STACKED lineup and SOLID rotation will outlast their best starters in close games.

All yall predicting the Yanks to not make it to the world series or even make the playoffs are crazy! They are so loaded it hurts. Yes, pitching is what wins in the playoffs, but they got like 8 friggin' current or former all-stars in their lineup. And Vasquez, Brown, and Mussina are no slouches.

[MadMax]

Originally posted by rockets-#1
Yeah, listen to MadMax on this one Lil Francis. No way the Braves are going to win even 90 games. Their run ends sometime.

Also, I hate to say it, but the Cubs have the #1 rated minor league pitching out of all MLB teams. We do have Robertson incase of injury, but I think they got more guys to lean on than us. I'd take their bullpen over ours too.:( My hope is just that our STACKED lineup and SOLID rotation will outlast their best starters in close games.

listen to your own advice and listen to MadMax on this one, rockets-#1! :D

the Cubs bullpen is not stronger than the Astros...not even close...seriously...not even in the same discussion.

and the minor league thing tells us zero about who is ready to pitch this year. they have some studs in their farm system, no doubt...but few are major league ready...i'd be glad for them to rush someone along in the middle of a tight pennant race.

[rockets-#1]

Originally posted by MadMax
listen to your own advice and listen to MadMax on this one, rockets-#1! :D

the Cubs bullpen is not stronger than the Astros...not even close...seriously...not even in the same discussion.

and the minor league thing tells us zero about who is ready to pitch this year. they have some studs in their farm system, no doubt...but few are major league ready...i'd be glad for them to rush someone along in the middle of a tight pennant race.

:D I like it MadMax...

I love the Astros and DESPISE the Cubs, but really, after Stone, Lidge, and Dotel who do we have in the pen that's solid ?

[robbie380]

Originally posted by MadMax
the Cubs bullpen is not stronger than the Astros...not even close...seriously...not even in the same discussion.

dotel is better than borowski but thats the only advantage we have. lidge can be dominant but you can't mention lidge's name without mentioning injuries. the guy would have been one of the dominant closers in the league if he could have stayed healthy....but he can't. after those 2 who do we have?

i'll take latroy, remlinger, and farnsworth over lidge, stone, and gallo or whoever you want to throw in there

[bobrek]

Originally posted by rockets-#1
:D I like it MadMax...

I love the Astros and DESPISE the Cubs, but really, after Stone, Lidge, and Dotel who do we have in the pen that's solid ?

Miceli

[stubbyc]

Originally posted by moestavern19
The Twins will force their will upon the MLB with 30 game winner Johan Santana and AL ROY and Batting Champ Joe Mauer en route to a World Series Win over the mighty Astros.

Santana is a good pitcher, formerly a member of the Astros farm system before being stolen by way of the Rule 5 draft, but 30 games? I see 17-20 a lot more likely.

Mauer hasn't proven anything at the major league level, so I don't know how he is automatically the Batting Champ.

[stubbyc]

Originally posted by derrock
NL West - Diamondbacks A team loaded with veterans (some over the hill) but it will be Brandon Webb and other young arms leading the way.

NL Central - Cubs Let's see, the defending division champs improved in every category and still have a better pitching staff than the 'Stros.

NL East - Marlins - Marlins aren't as strong as last year but still better than the Phillies, the most overrated team in baseball.

Wildcard - Astros - Last two champs also were wildcards.

AL West - Athletics - Better bullpen, Jermaine Dye = Comeback POY, Eric Chavez = AL MVP

AL Central - Royals - For the first time in a decade, Kansas City fans are excited in March.

AL East - Red Sox - Offense comes back down to earth but improved bullpen will compensate.

Wildcard - Anaheim - No Yankees?!?! Injury-filled season in the Bronx can't overcome Latino fever in the OC

world series - A's over Astros in 6
Let's see, a team who has had recent first round troubles and a team who has never won a playoff series. Gotta believe!

The Cubs improved in every category, but I can't see them having the edge over the Astros. Roy Oswalt and Carlos Hernandez missed a combined 45 starts last season. Those starts were replaced by Jeriome Robertson, Jared Fernandez, and Ron Villone. Despite the injuries last season the Cubs still only won the division by a mere game.

Now we have Andy Pettitte, Roger Clemens, and Roy Oswalt (Back from injury) to take the starts of Ron Villone, Jared Fernandez, and Jeriome Robertson.

The addition of Lee, Hawkins, and Mercker will help. However, I am sick of this Corey Patterson and Aramis Ramirez for the entire season will help. Corey Patterson's OBP last season was an awful .329 and basically had one good month and Erroramis Ramirez just might be the worst defensive 3B ever.

The one thing people overlook with the Cubs is their defense. It is atrocious. Ramirez is terrible, Grudz/Walker have little range, Sosa has no arm, and Alou just can't do anything defensively.

[stubbyc]

Originally posted by rockets-#1
:D I like it MadMax...

I love the Astros and DESPISE the Cubs, but really, after Stone, Lidge, and Dotel who do we have in the pen that's solid ?

Miceli, Gallo, Duckworth, and Veres *should* all be solid. Miceli and Gallo both had very respectable ERAs with us last season. Duckworth has excellent stuff and needed to get away from Bowa. Veres didn't have a good year last season, but should return to form after shoulder surgery.

[rockets-#1]

Originally posted by stubbyc
Miceli, Gallo, Duckworth, and Veres *should* all be solid.

Yeah I hope so because that would pretty much mean our weaknesses are only stealing (which I don't really care about with our power), defense, and that hole in center field.

Erroramis Ramirez haha, good one. :D

[Lil Francis]

Originally posted by MadMax
man...i wish i could shake your hand on a friendly wager on this one. i just don't see it...at all. you don't lose greg maddux's 15 wins...javy lopez's bat...and gary sheffield's bat...in one offseason, and expect to compete at the same level you did the year before.

if the astros let that quality of players go, you would be screaming at drayton and we'd be predicting them headed for the bottom tier of the NL Central.

with philly's improvements...i don't see atlanta doing anything but falling behind. I wish I could shake your hand too because that would be the easiest bet I ever won. It seems the Braves lose a key player each year but someway or another they keep winning. People said they were finished when they lost Gant, and Justice but they kept on rolling after that. This team is the real deal and will win more games than the Astros. Thats another bet you can take if you want it.

[StupidMoniker]

I see a lot of people picking the Red Sox to go to the WS. I will bet my sig against anyone for a year that the Sawx do NOT go to the Series.

[MadMax]

Originally posted by Lil Francis
I wish I could shake your hand too because that would be the easiest bet I ever won. It seems the Braves lose a key player each year but someway or another they keep winning. People said they were finished when they lost Gant, and Justice but they kept on rolling after that. This team is the real deal and will win more games than the Astros. Thats another bet you can take if you want it.

1. in the past, when they've lost a player they've also replaced him...they haven't done that this year.

2. they didn't lose ONE player this offseason. they lost a key pitcher, and arguably their two biggest offensive threats from last season.

by the way...no one said they were finished when the lost Gant and Justice. no one at all. there were zero teams in the NL East even putting pressure on the Braves back then...and they still had easily the best rotation in baseball...they don't have anything even close to that, anymore.

i'll take that astros bet, too.

like candy from a baby! :D

[MadMax]

Originally posted by stubbyc
Miceli, Gallo, Duckworth, and Veres *should* all be solid. Miceli and Gallo both had very respectable ERAs with us last season. Duckworth has excellent stuff and needed to get away from Bowa. Veres didn't have a good year last season, but should return to form after shoulder surgery.

what he said....


and I'd like to add that saying, "well, sure we have dotel, but what about the rest?" is like saying, "sure you have nuclear weapons, but we have some great tanks." having a distinct, strong closer is something good teams salivate over. Dotel has been the best relief pitcher in baseball over the past 2 seasons, statistically. i also think you're drastically underestimating brad lidge.

i feel much more comfortable being an astros fan late in close games than i would as a cubs fan.

[codell]

Max,

I'd take that bet too, but I think Atlanta will be pretty competitive as always.

They have a nice outfield of C. Jones, A. Jones and Drew. The front 3 in their rotation is solid (Hampton/Ortiz/Ramirez).

Their problem will be offense from the infield.

Regardless, like the Utah Jazz, I just feel Atlanta will find a way to fight for a playoff spot, even if its just a wild card.

[MadMax]

Originally posted by codell


Regardless, like the Utah Jazz, I just feel Atlanta will find a way to fight for a playoff spot, even if its just a wild card.

in years past i might agree...but i don't think they're going to beat out Philly for the NL East...and I don't think they'll end up with a better record than either the Cubs or the Astros...and that leaves them home in October.

[Master Baiter]

Originally posted by MadMax
in years past i might agree...but i don't think they're going to beat out Philly for the NL East...and I don't think they'll end up with a better record than either the Cubs or the Astros...and that leaves them home in October.
I agree that Atlanta is screwed. They lost way too much and Philly loaded up. Florida is still a good team and New York isnt a slouch. I think Atlanta will end up behind Philly and Florida this year.

[leroy420]

Originally posted by MadMax
i don't think the astros are a great defensive team...but i think they're clearly better than the Cubs. certainly at C, RF, SS, 3B and LF.

situational hitting seems to change from year to year.

Also at 2B. As I said before, Todd Walker is a walking error. I also don't think his .270/25/85 comes close to comparing to Kent.

[Buck Turgidson]

Originally posted by Lil Francis
J.D. Drew will have a career year....I see him hitting .285,23hrs,95rbi.
I think he'll have a year just like the rest of his career.

He'll hit .285, with 23 complaints about his knees and 95 days spent on the DL.

[bobrek]

Originally posted by Lil Francis
I gurantee you the Braves will make the playoffs this season. J.D. Drew will have a career year. He won't hit 40homers like Shef did but I see him hitting .285,23hrs,95rbi. Braves haven't gone anywhere.

Considering he hit .323 with 27 HRs and 73 RBI in only 109 games in 2001, those stats you cite wouldn't qualify as a career year.

A career year for Drew will be being healthy enough to play in 150+ games.

[Jebus]

2 words for MadMax and Lil Francis:

sig. bet.

[Groogrux]

Lil Francis must be the President of the J.D. Drew Fan Club.

[Nick]

JD Drew does have the sweetest swing in the game... after living in St. Louis for four years, I'll be the first to admit that.

But, also after living there, you'll notice that he has the propensity to get injured just by sitting in the dugout.

Its damn frustrating watch a guy of his talent be reduced by constant injury problems.

If he's healthy (or relatively so), there really isn't any reason why he can't have a great year... of course, him having good health is even less likely than him having an MVP year.

That's how frail he is.

[stubbyc]

Originally posted by MadMax
what he said....


and I'd like to add that saying, "well, sure we have dotel, but what about the rest?" is like saying, "sure you have nuclear weapons, but we have some great tanks." having a distinct, strong closer is something good teams salivate over. Dotel has been the best relief pitcher in baseball over the past 2 seasons, statistically. i also think you're drastically underestimating brad lidge.

i feel much more comfortable being an astros fan late in close games than i would as a cubs fan.

I was answering the question who should be good besides Dotel and Lidge. Dotel was the best setup man in baseball the past 2 seasons and he should have no problem as a closer.

Lidge, in my opinion, will be the most improved Astro this season. He tailed off at the end of last season, but he should be better conditioned this time. He has also been working on a change that should give him more options on lefties.

Dotel, Lidge, Miceli, Gallo, Veres, and Duckworth is a pretty good bullpen.

[MadMax]

Originally posted by stubbyc
I was answering the question who should be good besides Dotel and Lidge. Dotel was the best setup man in baseball the past 2 seasons and he should have no problem as a closer.

Lidge, in my opinion, will be the most improved Astro this season. He tailed off at the end of last season, but he should be better conditioned this time. He has also been working on a change that should give him more options on lefties.

Dotel, Lidge, Miceli, Gallo, Veres, and Duckworth is a pretty good bullpen.


my post wasn't directed to you...it was in support of you.

[Lil Francis]

Originally posted by MadMax
1. in the past, when they've lost a player they've also replaced him...they haven't done that this year.

2. they didn't lose ONE player this offseason. they lost a key pitcher, and arguably their two biggest offensive threats from last season.

by the way...no one said they were finished when the lost Gant and Justice. no one at all. there were zero teams in the NL East even putting pressure on the Braves back then...and they still had easily the best rotation in baseball...they don't have anything even close to that, anymore.

i'll take that astros bet, too.

like candy from a baby! :D He Max I want you to remember this thread and our little bet. If I win I want you to put "Lil Francis was right again" on your sig for the entire month of November and if you win I will do the same on my sig. :cool:

[rockets-#1]

And you forgot Stone on the list of our bullpen guys, stubbyc, so I guess I'm starting to feel better about them.

Can I bet you too Lil Francis because the stuff everyone has been saying against the Braves is absolutely right. They WILL NOT make the playoffs this year.

....J.D. Drew HA! :D

[MadMax]

Originally posted by Lil Francis
He Max I want you to remember this thread and our little bet. If I win I want you to put "Lil Francis was right again" on your sig for the entire month of November and if you win I will do the same on my sig. :cool:

absolutely!! works for me!

[Lil Francis]

Originally posted by rockets-#1
And you forgot Stone on the list of our bullpen guys, stubbyc, so I guess I'm starting to feel better about them.

Can I bet you too Lil Francis because the stuff everyone has been saying against the Braves is absolutely right. They WILL NOT make the playoffs this year.

....J.D. Drew HA! :D Of course you can get in on the bet. I want my name on as many sigs as possible:D J.D. is going to have a monster year and so are the Braves. If the bet splits then I guess we get off the hook but I don't see that happening

[rockets-#1]

Alright...

So, bet #1: MadMax and I say the Braves don't make the playoffs.
bet #2: We say the Braves don't win 96, like you said.

Is that right?
:D

[Lil Francis]

Originally posted by rockets-#1
Alright...

So, bet #1: MadMax and I say the Braves don't make the playoffs.
bet #2: We say the Braves don't win 96, like you said.

Is that right?
:D Bet #1 is correct but bet #2 was that the Braves would win more games than the Astros.

[Master Baiter]

Originally posted by Lil Francis
Bet #1 is correct but bet #2 was that the Braves would win more games than the Astros.
That would be an even safer bet.

[4chuckie]

NL West - Padres
NL Central - Cubs
NL East - Florida
Wild Card - Houston

Al West - Angels
AL Central - Royals
Al East - Yankees
Wild Card - Red Sox

World Series: Cubs over the Red Sox in 6

[Roc Paint]

World Champs: Houston Astros

[rockets-#1]

Originally posted by Master Baiter
That would be an even safer bet.

Yeah no joke, I can't wait 'till after 1/4 of the season has been played and we all see how much better the 'Stros are doin' then the Braves.