MLB 2014

Feeky Magee

keen violinist
Joined
Oct 13, 2010
Messages
9,004
tQrvyklF.jpg


OFFSEASON
Free Agency
Robinson Cano to the Mariners, 10 years, $240m (Bad long-term, bad short-term if they do nothing else)
Masahiro Tanaka to the Yankees, 7 years, $155m (Think he'll do great, opt-out will hurt)
Jacoby Ellsbury to the Yankees, 7 years, $153m (Fine for the Yankees)
Shin-Soo Choo to the Rangers, 7 years, $130m (Bad bad bad)
Brian McCann to the Yankees, 5 years, $85m (Excellent)
Jose Abreu to the White Sox, 6 years, $68m (Obviously difficult to know, but potentially brilliant)
Curtis Granderson to the Mets, 4 years, $60m (Okay)
Jhonny Peralta to the Cardinals, 4 years, $53m (Excellent)
Carlos Beltran to the Yankees, 3 years, $45m (Not great)

Trades
Tigers send Prince Fielder and $30m to the Rangers for Ian Kinsler (big Tigers win)
Tigers send Doug Fister to the Nationals for Robbie Ray, Ian Krol and Steve Lombardozzi (big Nationals win)
Angels send Mark Trumbo to the Diamondbacks, who send Tyler Skaggs to the Angels and Adam Eaton to the White Sox, who send Hector Santiago the Angels (Angels & White Sox win, big Diamondbacks loss)
Cardinals send David Freese to the Angels for Peter Bourjois (big Cardinals win)

Biggest Winners
Cardinals
Nationals
White Sox

Biggest Losers
Orioles
Reds
Diamondbacks

GOOD LINKS
Payroll tracker, lists each team's payroll compared to last season with a breakdown of each individual salary owed: http://mrphilroth.com/mlbpayrolls/

Player WAR Projections: http://www.fangraphs.com/projections.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&type=steamer&team=0&players=0&sort=22,d

Team ZiPS Projections: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/2014-zips-projections-houston-astros/ (Astros here, others in links at top)

Trade and Free Agency rumours: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

PREDICTIONS
AL East
1. Rays
2. Red Sox
3. Yankees
4. Orioles
5. Blue Jays

AL Central
1. Tigers
2. Indians
3. Royals
4. White Sox
5. Twins

AL West
1. Rangers
2. Athletics
3. The The Angels Angels
4. Mariners
5. Astros

NL East
1. Nationals
2. Braves
3. Mets
4. Phillies
5. Marlins

NL Central
1. Cardinals
2. Pirates
3. Brewers
4. Reds
5. Cubs

NL West
1. Dodgers
2. Giants
3. Padres
4. Diamondbacks
5. Rockies

Playoffs
Red Sox over Athletics in AL Wild-Card
Braves over Pirates in NL Wild-Card

Tigers over Red Sox in ALDS
Rays over Rangers in ALDS

Cardinals over Braves in NLDS
Dodgers over Nationals in NLDS

Tigers over Rays in ALCS
Cardinals over Dodgers in ALCS

Cardinals over Tigers in WS​
 
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Agree with Eboue...poor form. There is a very small but loyal community of baseball fans on the caf, we should have our shinny play thing to. I expected more

Either way, one of the real pleasures of last years season for me was seeing Chris Sale pitch at Comerica last year. He wasn't his best, but it was awesome to she how competitive he was despite being on such as awful baseball team. Plus it's awesome seeing a guy who is 6'6 who weighs 180 soaking wet blow some of the best hitters away with his fastball. Plus his delivery looks so awkward and off balance yet he is in complete control of his mechanist(but not his emotions, at times as he threw at Princes head). What I'm basically saying is I'm in love with Chris Sale. I havent had this much love for a rival since the days of Joe Carter and Roy Halladay, though Toronto wasn't much of a rival when Doc was in his prime
 
Wittmann45 said:
Agree with Eboue...poor form. There is a very small but loyal community of baseball fans on the caf, we should have our shinny play thing to. I expected more

Either way, one of the real pleasures of last years season for me was seeing Chris Sale pitch at Comerica last year. He wasn't his best, but it was awesome to she how competitive he was despite being on such as awful baseball team. Plus it's awesome seeing a guy who is 6'6 who weighs 180 soaking wet blow some of the best hitters away with his fastball. Plus his delivery looks so awkward and off balance yet he is in complete control of his mechanist(but not his emotions, at times as he threw at Princes head). What I'm basically saying is I'm in love with Chris Sale. I havent had this much love for a rival since the days of Joe Carter
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I'll edit it soon ffs.

Chris Sale is an absolute god. His change-up is arguably his best pitch but you can't beat the slider for awesomeness (especially to lefties), it made elite pitchers look downright silly at times. Interestingly enough I was listening to a podcast yesterday which was recorded a few days after the 2010 draft, Keith Law is asked about Sale and he said "I had him ranked #47 and the White Sox took him #13, I think that says it all".
 
Feeky Magee said:
I'll edit it soon ffs.

Chris Sale is an absolute god. His change-up is arguably his best pitch but you can't beat the slider for awesomeness (especially to lefties), it made elite pitchers look downright silly at times. Interestingly enough I was listening to a podcast yesterday which was recorded a few days after the 2010 draft, Keith Law is asked about Sale and he said "I had him ranked #47 and the White Sox took him #13, I think that says it all".
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I was surprised to hear Sales name in trade rumors at the winter meetings this year. It's routine for GMs to test the market on players, but even the thought of trading Sale, no matter the package, is a bit puzzling

I love me some Keith Law hate. I remember in 2012 when he left Cabrera off his top 5 AL MVP list. I would have had no complaints if Trout had won either of Miggy's awards, although I do think there is something to be said about playing on a .500 team and being most valuable. Keith Law is a bright guy, and much better then most baseball writers, but he still says things that test my patience

Either way, I don't like traditionalists disregarding Trout because of three number categories, but I think saber metric guys can be just as petty. Take Passan last year who, before Miggy got hurt and was in the middle of a historically good year, argued that salary should be taken into consideration during MVP votes. Something like Miggy was making 40 times what Trout was making, and thus Trout was more valuable in terms of wages earned. This was at a time in the season when Miggy was destroying Trout in even the majority of saber metrics categories, except those exclusively dealing with defense or base running.

Cardinal fans seem to have an unnatural hatred for Law because he left Carpenter off his ballot in 2009. I like Cardinal fans
 
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Eboue said:
https://twitter.com/BestFansStLouis
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Still better then Boston fans. Use to be the underdogs now their fans and players are just a bunch of arrogant shit heads. Hate their fans and I hate Victorino, .125, 1 hr 5 rbis :mad: and and 9 ks, after which he complained after every one. Never seen a guy argue balls and strikes so much and not get as much as a warning. Still bitter, you notice? And that bullshit SWEET CAROLINE. It's not better then the Don't Stop Believing at Comerica mind you...
 
Wittmann45 said:
I was surprised to hear Sales name in trade rumors at the winter meetings this year. It's routine for GMs to test the market on players, but even the thought of trading Sale, no matter the package, is a bit puzzling
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He's so good and his contract is so good that the haul required to get him would be way too much for any GM to justify. That said, as much as I love him, I'd be happy if he was traded, because he's only going to get traded if some team does something very stupid (think Buxton and Sano stupid).
 
Feeky Magee said:
He's so good and his contract is so good that the haul required to get him would be way too much for any GM to justify. That said, as much as I love him, I'd be happy if he was traded, because he's only going to get traded if some team does something very stupid (think Buxton and Sano stupid).
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Yeah, it was just to gauge the market, but would you trade Sale for either of those two prospects? I mean trading established players who are young for blue chip prospects is dangerous, for both teams I guess. But with that team friendly contract, the fact that he is yet to hit his prime, and add to that he is a perenniall Cy Young candidate (if the Sox were a better team and actually supported him with runs, Sale might have won the Cy Young last year).

I'll give you Castellanos, Rondon, the 1945 World Series and the Ty Cobb statue in center field for Sale. Plus we'll take Danks' and Dunn's contract. You can keep both players mind you, we'll just pay their salary so they still have to play for you

Also, great work on the edited OP. Its a shame only me and Eboue well ever see it, but still, quality stuff
 
Wittmann45 said:
Yeah, it was just to gauge the market, but would you trade Sale for either of those two prospects? I mean trading established players who are young for blue chip prospects is dangerous, for both teams I guess. But with that team friendly contract, the fact that he is yet to hit his prime, and add to that he is a perenniall Cy Young candidate (if the Sox were a better team and actually supported him with runs, Sale might have won the Cy Young last year).

I'll give you Castellanos, Rondon, the 1945 World Series and the Ty Cobb statue in center field for Sale. Plus we'll take Danks' and Dunn's contract. You can keep both players mind you, we'll just pay their salary so they still have to play for you

Also, great work on the edited OP. Its a shame only me and Eboue well ever see it, but still, quality stuff
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I meant both of them. Hell, throw in Pinto too, considering our plan at the moment is to play a sack of human faeces at catcher. And I know that prospects break your heart and all that, but Byron Buxton is as close to a slam-dunk as they get.

Speaking of Johnny Danks, I don't think he's quite a sunk cost, his results were actually quite typical from someone in a post-shoulder surgery year and his numbers were very home-run inflated, I like his chances to bounce back this year.
 
Also speaking of the Tigers, if either of you Tigers guys want Keith Law's Tigers Top 10 prospects from ESPN Insider, PM me. (spoiler alert: Castellanos and feck all else). Although I like Devon Travis. Law doesn't even have him in his top 10, which seems to be stubbornness from what he had projected him as in and around the draft.
 
I'll be happy if Choo can be a solid leadoff hitter with a .400 OBP for the next 3-4 years. They overpaid but Ellsbury's ridiculous contract forced it.

They still need to find another starter IMO, or hope those other guys can finally be healthy simultaneously.

Has Price been traded yet? Read somewhere online that he could be a Diamondback very soon.
 
MrMarcello said:
I'll be happy if Choo can be a solid leadoff hitter with a .400 OBP for the next 3-4 years. They overpaid but Ellsbury's ridiculous contract forced it.

They still need to find another starter IMO, or hope those other guys can finally be healthy simultaneously.

Has Price been traded yet? Read somewhere online that he could be a Diamondback very soon.
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His defence is horrible, his BABIP, although remaining above average, will start regressing, and managers will surely start figuring out he can't hit lefties. Having said that, the Rangers are very close to the Athletics and this maybe puts them over the top right now, so perhaps a bit harsh.

The word is that the Rays may very well keep Price, although I'll believe it when I see it. Probably depends on whether the Diamondbacks or Mariners are stupid enough to give up Bradley or Walker.
 
Unless the haul is huge the Rays should hold onto Price, the AL East is still wide open and they can always dangle him at the trade deadline if they feel they are out of it, some team looking to win at all costs will move heaven and earth for him even if his numbers dip.

Yankees have strengthened but I don't feel like they have all the pieces to win it all yet, too many question marks on the rotation/bullpen and I don't think the infield is anywhere near the required quality.
 
Leg-End said:
Unless the haul is huge the Rays should hold onto Price, the AL East is still wide open and they can always dangle him at the trade deadline if they feel they are out of it, some team looking to win at all costs will move heaven and earth for him even if his numbers dip.

Yankees have strengthened but I don't feel like they have all the pieces to win it all yet, too many question marks on the rotation/bullpen and I don't think the infield is anywhere near the required quality.
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I feel like teams are finally starting to properly take notice of years of team control. Letting Price go to the deadline would a) possibly lessen the haul given less amount of control and b) lesson leverage with teams knowing the Rays would be loathe to let him go into his final year. Although having said that, maybe someone like the Mariners get within 3 games or something and do something silly.
 
Feeky Magee said:
I feel like teams are finally starting to properly take notice of years of team control. Letting Price go to the deadline would a) possibly lessen the haul given less amount of control and b) lesson leverage with teams knowing the Rays would be loathe to let him go into his final year. Although having said that, maybe someone like the Mariners get within 3 games or something and do something silly.
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There is usually atleast one team that will do it, I mean if you grab Price at the deadline he still isn't a free agent until 2016. If he is putting up his usual numbers, more than one team will want him bad enough. But yeah teams are showing much more willingness to hold onto prospects and tie up young talent early which is good, the new CBA and change in free agent types has a lot to do with that I think.
 
Leg-End said:
There is usually atleast one team that will do it, I mean if you grab Price at the deadline he still isn't a free agent until 2016. If he is putting up his usual numbers, more than one team will want him bad enough. But yeah teams are showing much more willingness to hold onto prospects and tie up young talent early which is good, the new CBA and change in free agent types has a lot to do with that I think.
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Next step will be teams regularly buying out league-minimum, arb and free agency years, all in one go.
 
Feeky Magee said:
His defence is horrible, his BABIP, although remaining above average, will start regressing, and managers will surely start figuring out he can't hit lefties. Having said that, the Rangers are very close to the Athletics and this maybe puts them over the top right now, so perhaps a bit harsh.

The word is that the Rays may very well keep Price, although I'll believe it when I see it. Probably depends on whether the Diamondbacks or Mariners are stupid enough to give up Bradley or Walker.
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They needed a leadoff man, and got one that routinely gets on base, has some pop, can steal bases, and generates runs. He's a virtual replacement for Cruz in the OF, the same Cruz who couldn't field (lost Game 6 and the WS with his inability to catch a fly ball for the final out), struck out too much, has a low OBP, and was stupid enough to get popped for PEDs. They trade equally below average defense but get increased on base production.

My only concern is if he's already peaked and will not produce as anticipated, at least for 2-4 years. Obviously, it's expected he'll drop in form as he ages. Texas has boatloads of money so they can afford this gamble. Kinda like Chelsea can splash for Willian because they have the funds.
 
Feeky Magee said:
Diamondbacks pitchers and catchers reported today. It begins.
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Childish laugh at "pitchers and catchers".

Back in my youth got to travel to Florida a couple of times and see some of spring training. A few open workouts and a few games. Good times. Remember following Bench and Rose out of the stadium to get their autographs after they left the game after the 2nd inning and then having to find a way to sneak back in. Getting lectured by Tommy Lasorda for wearing a Cincinnati Reds hat but coming up to him in the parking lot for an autograph, what a ball buster.

Trying to get the autograph of one of the Toronto Blue Jays when this "groupie" (fine looking woman to) came up to make her move with a very direct description of what would be involved if they were to hook up. He politely pointed out his wife sitting a few feet away staring daggers into the womans back. The groupie beat a hasty retreat to try her luck with a player from the opposing team.
 
News:

- 2014 will be Jeter's last
- Dempster to sit out 2014, forfeits $13.25m
- Orioles to sign Ubaldo Jiminez for 4 years, $48m
- Braves extend Craig Kimbrel, 4/42 or 5/55 with team option
 
"I would say there is absolutely zero excitement for it," "There just isn't any excitement to it. I can't think of one reason to be excited for it." - Zach Greinke pumps up the hype for the opening series in Australia.
 
CC looks bad, like really bad. I mean he's lost weight which is good for him, but his velocity is just gone and he's throwing 87 up there. I know its early spring but I think the miles on that arm have caught up and the Yankees are gonna be crying in their hats over whats left on his contract. $23 million a year for a 87mph ace.

On the flipside Tanaka's splitter is pure filth.
 
Jose Iglesias likely to miss most of season with shin injury. Guess the Tigers will sign Drew now.

@Eboue
 
Heading off to LA v Arizona in Sydney this week. It's great that the match actually counts and it's not the average exhibition match. Used to play baseball at a high level before I had to choose football or baseball as they started to overlap. I didn't really support anyone but always had an interest in the Yankees because of Seinfeld and Jeter was my favourite player.

Can anyone give me a general overview on what the Yankees look like these days? How are they looking going into this season, I would like to take more of an interest this season.
 
Eric'sCollar said:
Heading off to LA v Arizona in Sydney this week. It's great that the match actually counts and it's not the average exhibition match. Used to play baseball at a high level before I had to choose football or baseball as they started to overlap. I didn't really support anyone but always had an interest in the Yankees because of Seinfeld and Jeter was my favourite player.

Can anyone give me a general overview on what the Yankees look like these days? How are they looking going into this season, I would like to take more of an interest this season.
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After a poor last season (finished 85-77 but were lucky to get to that), they abandoned their plan to avoid the luxury tax and made lots of big offseason signings, including the most expensive international player ever (Tanaka, Japanese pitcher, up to $155m), and the most expensive catcher (McCann) and the most expensive outfielder (Ellsbury) on the market. Their infield is gonna be horrendous and their rotation has lots of question marks and most would project them third in the East, behind the Red Sox and the Rays.
 
Thanks for that @Feeky Magee

Did I hear correctly that this will be Jeter's last season? Is he still a top player?
 
Eric'sCollar said:
Thanks for that @Feeky Magee

Did I hear correctly that this will be Jeter's last season? Is he still a top player?
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Yep, retiring at the end of the season. He's not a top player anymore, although he did have a good season his last full year (2012). Last year he was injured for most of it and the bit he did play, he was horrible. He's projected to be below league average next year.
 
Think we can gather enough people for some Yahoo Fantasy Baseball this year? Always like a bit of that to go along with the season.
 
Leg-End said:
Think we can gather enough people for some Yahoo Fantasy Baseball this year? Always like a bit of that to go along with the season.
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I would probably be no good at fantasy baseball, id give it a go though to make up numbers, would be up for a tipsters/picks league type thing if anybody knows of one anywhere?
 
I got us started anyway, you can join via this link

http://y.ahoo.it/YIJWybgT

I think we need a mimimum of 4 to start but really we need atleast 8 for it to be competitive else we will all just have elite teams. I've set the draft date for the 31st but if need be we can delay that further, I've just gone with the default scoring system.
 
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