Totally agree with the above. Especialy why the Red Sox didn't budge from their offer for an extra 1.5 Million per year??? Especially when the seemingly cash rich Red Sox give away cash with every player trade.

Hey Lecter, Think this is a double account of........

or they just came here for their 1 post because KJ is known on the internet for baseball talk!

Alright, Adrian Beltre!

I guess he could hit well in Fenway.

From the Angels website

"Veteran broadcaster Rory Markas passed away at his home in Palmdale, Calif., on Monday, according to a news release issued by the Angels. No further information was immediately available."

His "Just another Halo victory" line will never sound the same without him. RIP Rory.

Does this mean Rex will get his job back?

Just wondering who would you rather have the Red Sox's Mike Cameron or the Yankees' Curtis Granderson???

Also think Andre Dawson was the only one to get into Hall of Fame this year.

Yes, though others just barely missed, including Mark McGwire. Speaking of Hall of Fame, Randy Johnson has officially retired. The ESPN Classic network is playing his perfect pitch game from 2004.

Alomar and Blyleven barely missed. McGwire needed another 53%. He's never getting in.

Yeah. Mcguire was well short.

And on alomar. Just good not great numbers. And as a friend pointed out. The punk spat in an umps face. Which is not mentioned at all. F the writers.

Called it 3 weeks ago > Guerrero agrees to deal with Texas!!!!!

Anyway, who will be favored in AL West: Angels, Seattle or Texas.

Now this is a surprise > Chapman to sign with Reds????

Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman has agreed on a $30 million deal with the Reds????

The Angels still look the strongest of the bunch, but Seattle and Texas will give the Angels a big run. The Angels still have a more superior offense then Seattle, and have better pitching than Texas. I think it will come down on the game against each other will decide this decision. If lucky, the Wild Card could come from the AL West this year.

Actually, the reason Texas didn't sign Vladdy sooner was because they didn't have enough money. They basically spent the rest of their payroll to get him. The funny thing is that this was the team that was originally going to have him in 2004, until the Angels got him. Now they got him, but is it too late? Kinda a cheeky way of saying "Okay, he is weaker, now you can have him." It's been fun Vlad, but it was time for you to go, but I still like you. Now I wonder if the Angels-Texas rivalry will start to grow.

Yes!!! The Angels got Joel Pineiro from the Cardinals. Their quest for a 5th quality starter is complete.

Jered Weaver
Joe Saunders
Ervin Santana
Scott Kazmir
and Joel Pineiro (with Matt Palmer being our emergency starter/long reliever).

This rotation should win at least 75 games (with about 15-20 more from late come from behinds and walkoffs).

Gary Matthews Jr. was traded from the Los Angeles Angels to the New York Mets on Friday for right-hander Brian Stokes.

Boy the Angels didn't want Gary Matthews! Matthews has 23 Million left for 2 years on his contract and the Angels will send the Mets 21 Million.

So the Mets are paying 2 Million to the Angels 21 Million.

Gary Matthews was the biggest complainy pants of the bunch. He was not liking the fact that he was only a part time outfielder. He wanted to get out of the Angels as soon as possible. Beside, he is only batting .240 with barely any power, and his defense is subpar at best these days. He is our version of Brian Giles (who gets 10 million for doing nothing). Torri, Rivera and Abreu pretty much take over the outfield, and are far better than him offensively and defensively. Paycheck aside, they got rid of him cause his work ethics are not very good. At least it gains an arm in the bullpen, and one who can be reliable based on that ERA.

Bye Gary. Don't trip on your own foot on the way out.

So Dice has a bad back still?

Start printing the World Series tickets now. The Indians have made a contract offer to.....DUN DUN DUN.....RUSSELL BRANYAN!

So, the Tigers get Johnny Damon. Let's see, they took him from the Yankees, and the Yankees took Granderson from Detroit. Do I sense a pattern here?

Now that spring training on the way, it's time to make my predictions. Like in the postseason, I am now making very detailed predictions, as my knowledge of baseball has grown among all the teams. So first, let me start on the AL West.

Angels - They are my team, yes you know. Last year, they had inconsistencies in the bullpen, but they signed Fernando Rodney and Brian Stokes to bolster that, and if Shields comes back to his 2008 form, then watch out. They lost Lackey, but gained Pinero, lost Vlad, but gained Matsui. They lost Figgins, so they are trying Brandon Wood, who is more of a power hitter than a lead off guy. He is only question mark of the offense, but then again, it worked for Kendry Morales after losing Teixara, and it may work here. We may not have a number one starter, but they do have 5 number two starters (Weaver, Santana, Saunders, Kazmir and Pinero). They key to winning this division if our rotation stays healthy, and if our free agent offense delivers, than the Angels may make it four in a row.

Athletics - Not much to say about them. They did sign Ben Sheets, which is a very risky move since he is very injury prone. Their offense did not take off, but they looked great in the last month of the season. The young pitchers, who were questionable last year, showed us that they are maturing and they did proved that they were for real. They may not compete with the other three teams, but they could have a winning record, but may still come in last place.

Mariners - They gained alot in the offseason. Pickup up Cliff Lee will give the Mariner the biggest one two punch with Lee and Felix in the MLB after Carpenter and Wainwright. But the question is, how about the other three pitchers (Fister, Snell, and Rowan-Smith), they were mixed last year, but with more disipline, they could compete with the Angels. But the one problem is the offense. Last year, they scored the least runs in the majors. They did sign Figgins and Kotchman, but lost Beltre and Branyan. This means that they are going for the small ball approach since they virtually have no power. It's a bold move since Safeco is not a homerun hitting park, so it may work. The one flaw to this is on the road. In homerun hitting parks, they could suffer cause of their lack of power. In order in win games, the pitchers have to give up less than three runs, or they are in trouble. Still, they have a chance to be competitive, and may take either 2nd or 3rd place, with a similar record to last year.

Rangers - Vladdy, what a great pickup. He has hit most of his homeruns in Texas. If he stays healthy, then he can have a resurgant year. Last year, their pitching staff proved that they were real, and they gained Darren Oliver to boost the bullpen. With new and improved management, they can be a club that can compete for the next couple of years, and gain a rivalry with the Angels. Last year, they were plagued with injuries at the end and it hurt their chances. But if they stay healthy all year, then they could dethrone the Angels.

Predictions - I think the Angels will still take the division despite looking weaker than the previous year, but the one thing they have that Mariners and Rangers don't have is Scioscia, who manages game far better than Washington and Wakamakalaka. Although Texas will make it very close and take very close second, with the M's taking close third. The A's will be in the rear, but may have a winning record. If this happens, the West will rule the league will show those East Coast Bias ESPN folks on who is best in baseball. I hope that the wildcard comes from this division. Coming up next, the AL Central.

AL Central

Indians - Over the last three years, Cleveland has been collapsing for the last two years. Two years ago, they has great pitching, but no offense, but last year, they had good offense, but no pitching. This is one of the clubs that fans are giving up on increasingly (datorri even told me so), hance the big decline in attendence, and a $10 million loss. The state of the Indians this year does not looks much better, and they made trade off more of their best players are the trading deadline for prospects, which this club is notorious for doing. Anyone who can only manage to get Manny Acta to manage the team, you know you're in trouble. Therefore, they should come dead last in the American League again.

Royals - They seemed to be rebuilding themselves this year. Last year, they have a great starting rotation (with Greinke leading a way, and a decent supporting cast). Their bullpen suffered last year, but they found out late in the season that their triple A bullpen were performing better than their Major League bullpen. Could this be a sign for the future. Billy Butler proved himself to be the slugger of the bunch, and adding Posednik could boost their offense. They may not win, but they could come in third place with a winning record.

Tigers - Like the Indians, they could be looking at a big collapse. Aside from getting Johnny Damon, they didn't really gain too much. They lost alot of key players (Edwin Jackson, Granderson, Rodney), and they lost alot of money this past year. Last year, blowing a 7 game lead with two weeks to go could hurt them mentally too, and may take a while to recover too. With the biggest drop in attendence last year, this means a big loss of money, meaning even more losses. This means that they have to have to rely on prospects. If they don't deliver, then they will be hurting big time.

Twins - Once a small ball team, they proved that they were a power team last year. They gained Jim Thome as a DH, and the O-dog at second base improving their already great defense, and their offense. Their starting pitching was inconsistent last year, despite being great in 2008. It the starters can go back in their 2008 form, watch out. The biggest question lies in playing in a new stadium. The Yankees built a new stadium and wins a world series, could the same thing happen to them. At least attendence should be great since Twins fans will be happy to be in a real stadium (in fact, opening week and all Yankees games are all sold out). Big attendence means more money which means getting more players. They are the favorites to win this division.

White Sox - They are getting stronger too. The staring rotation gained Peavy, and their offense gained Teahen, Viquel, and Juan Pierre. Last year, they were only average, but with these big signings, they could compete with the Twins and steal the division.

My prediction. A toss up between the White Sox and the Twins, but I think the Twins will win this because of the great managing skills of Gardenhire, and the advantage of being in a new park. Kansas City should take third place, with the Tigers taking fourth, and Cleveland coming in last place. AL East coming next.

AL East

Blue Jays - With the loss of the Doc, the pitching staff is going to be inconsistent. They have to rely on their offense to win these games, but losing Scutaro will not help them offensively nor defensively. Okay, it only one players, but this club just can't find the consistency to win games, and this year may be a little worse for them. A last place finish is possible for them.

Orioles - They seemed to be on a Youth movement. The offense was having a resurgent year last year, but it was the pitching staff that made them suffer. The pitching staff was the worse they have ever seen as they gave up more runs than anyone in the majors. Getting Millwood is not going to be enough, they have to rely on the farm to help them out. But even with that, it will take a while for the prospects in the farm to develope anything. A losing record should be in store once again cause they can't pitch at all.

Rays - Last year, they were the most all over the place team, meaning that they are very good or very bad, they had long winning streaks or long losing streaks. The problem last year was their bullpen, as they had no closer. Getting R. Soriano helped solve that problem. Injuries hurt the team last year (especially Upton), but if they get back to their 2008 form and stay healthy, they could be a team that can contend. Some of the players were really growing up and competing with others for batting titles and gold gloves. The keys to winning this division with how they do against the Red Sox and Yankees.

Red Sox - They were one the best teams in the majors in the first half last year, but their offense collapsed in the second half, and Papelbon threw away game 3 in the ALDS. If they could learn from their mistakes, then they can put all that behind them and play on as usual. Getting John Lackey gives them one of the most powerful Starting Rotation in the majors. They lost Bay, but gained Mike Cameron. Getting Scutaro and Beltre will bolster their infield defense, which underformed last year. If these peices to their puzzle helps them, they can win their division like push the Yankees from their perch.

Yankees - Like the Red Sox, they too are relying on winning with a new cast of players. Can Winn replace Damon? Can Granderson replace Melky? Can they get a fifth starter? The key to winning the division is not getting hurt. If someone gets hurt, they have a lack of bench players for replacements. Like last year, they overcame these obstacles and prevailed. Can they do it again? One game at a time.

Predictions - This could be a three way race between the Yanks, Sox and Rays. The order could go either way. It all depends on how they do against each other. But I predict that the Sox will win this time cause of their depth (no offense to Yankees fans). Yankees and Rays could fight for a second place spot, maybe with a wildcard in stake. As for the other two, this could be a fight for fourth place, but both should still have losing records. NL teams coming soon.

Now, the NL West

Diamondbacks - Last Year, they suffered from poor defense, no offense, the Webb injury, and bad managing skills from AJ Hinch. This season, they hope to recover with Webb healthy this time. But in order to make it this time, they have to work on their fundlementals. Unfortunately, they may not recover this time. Maybe in a couple of years.

Dodgers - Losing the O-dog, Juan Pierre, and Randy Wolf, the Dodgers look weaker than last year. They didn't do to much in the Free Agent market. They have to rely on the starting player staying healthy, or they can get hurt throughout the year. They only have a 4-man rotation, not a good sign. Spring Training will decide if they can contend like they did in the past two years. But this year, it looks more questionable this time.

Giants - Last year, they dominated in the pithcing department, but had almost no offense. Signing Huff and DeRosa helps boost the offense. Will it be enough. Did I mention they have the pitching? That alone makes them contenders. If the offense delivers, they can contend for the title. They are definetly playing in the right division.

Padres - Not much different from the previous years. Lack of offense, and losing Peavy will hurt their pitching staff. And with Adrian Gonzales wanting to be traded somewhere else. This shows that the Friars don't look to be a threat to anyone anytime soon. Last Place for sure.

Rockies - Jim Tracy literally changed this club. Can he do it again? They didn't make too many changes to their team. They are basically keeping the same team they have and hopefully that they can improve on what they have. Will it work? Only time will tell.

Predictions - I think this year, it will be between the Rockies and Giants. I think the Rockies have the edge to win their first Division Title ever. The Dodger are looking at a third place finish this time. D-backs will take 4th, with Padres taking last place. NL Central coming up next.

You're SEVERELY under-estimating the D-Backs and Tigers. They can both win their divisions.

NL Central

Astros - Not much to say about them. They are a scrappy young group they tries hard, but they are not good enough. Their pitching does not have much talent, but their bullpen is even worse, as they threw away to many games. They didn't do much in the offseason (unless you count Brett Myers as a big signing). I don't expect results to be much different unless they step it up.

Brewers - Last year, they have a very inconsistent pitching staff. Signing Randy Wolf and Doug Davis was the right thing to do. If Manny Parra and Suppan can step it up, they can contend again. We know the offense is good, and the Fielder/Braun duo is dangerous. If they can put these pieces of the puzzle together, they may have a sucessful year.

Cardinals - With Adam/John and Albert/Matt duo, can they carry the team again. But there are still some pieces of the puzzles still missing. They are using Spring Training to fill the roster. It all the pieces go together, look for them to top again.

Cubs - They had a bad year last year, as their offense did not take off, and Bradley did not deliver. So they got rid of him and got Marlon Byrd instead (also a former Ranger). And this being Lou's last year as manager, can this be a year for Cubs fan. If they get can get their act together, then maybe?

Pirates - They are in a rebuilding mode this eye. Signing Cedeno and Iwamura will boost them offensively and defensively. Their rookies, including McCutchen, and the farm are developing, meaning that the Pirates are trying to relieve their glory days in the early 90's. If the pitching staff keeps up (they were average last year), then they could break the streak of losing records.

Reds - Like the Pirates, they are trying to rebuild too. Last year, they team looked imcomplete (holes in the infield, a 5th starter, and offense). At least they have Joey Votto to be a proven leader. Fortunetely, they filled these holes by getting Scott Rolen, Orlando Cabrera, and most surprisingly, Aroldis Chapman. This could be enough to have a winning record too.

Predictions - The Cardinals may have the two one two punches, but they still have holes to fill up. For now, I am thinking the Brewers could win this division this year, since they look stronger. Cards may contend if they fill the holes. Cubs should be in 3rd, followed by the Red, then the Pirates, with the Astros taking last place. This is probably the most unpredictable of the divisions.

Finally, the NL East.

Braves - The Braves rebuilt themselves again last year being very close to winning the wildcard. Hopefully, they can do it again with no pieces to the puzzle. They got Troy Glaus to play first base, and they hope they be can return to his Angels days. They also got Melky Cabrera and Billy Wagner as their closer. They excelled in the 2nd half, which usually means a good sign for the upcoming season. This being the Swan song of Bobby Cox, this will definetly inspire the players, and the fans. Could this be their year. Maybe?

Marlins - I don't have much to say since they basically since they are basically staying with the same players. They are doing the same thing by using the farm and young players to build the team. They had a winning year last year, but it doesn't mean it will click again, cause it didn't work two years ago. And even if they do, it may not be enough to compete with the Braves nor Phillies.

Mets - Last year, the Mets Suffered from injuries, poor fundamentals, and Luis Castillos defense. Signing Bay helps the defense, but not by alot. If Santana can stay healthy, they may be better than last year, but will still choke to the Phillies yet again.

Nationals - Are they trying to compete with all the great signings they did. Getting Adam Kennedy completes the infield. Jason Marquis will boost the starting pitching, and Brian Bruney for the bullpen, and best of all, Pudge. Okay, winning the division is a stretch, but the farm system is a good one, and may use some of these talented players to play in the majors, including Colin Balestar (who happens to be my cousin), who improved on his velocity by tossing 95mph. Riggleman is better at managing than Acta was. And they did win their last 6 games (signs for the farm perhaps). They may have a winning record, but they are playing in the wrong division.

Phillies - Well, they did get Polanco to boost the infield defense. And they did get Doc-Halliday. Need I say more. The key to this season is if the bullpen can get back to their 2008 form and forget all about 2009. If so, then look out.

Predictions - The Phillies will get 4 in a row with their offense alone. The Braves look to be the competitors to the Phils this time, like last year. Mets may improve, but still will get no higher than third. Whether the Nats can get out of last place will be a stretch. Unless the Marlins choke, then the Nats may not get out of last place, but don't be surprized if they do.

Wow, that was a bunch to write about. I like to hear other peoples opinions. What do you others have to say.