Padres get Piazza

[Jeremy Ordan]

I think the White Sox still have perhaps the strongest team on paper, maybe the Cardinals (I think they may be a bit weak on the mound) but we know games aren't won on paper or at least ONCE in the last four years the Yankees would have taken home the hardware. :thumbsup:

See that hurts. I'm honest about the problems the Yanks have on paper. Two of our six potential starting pitchers are old. Mussina has never lived up to his expectations, never been a 20 game winner, and just never been able to be the big game pitcher he was supposed to be. Johnson, well, he's RJ. It's hard to put the odds against him because he has had such a great career, but remember he didn't blossum until his mid career. Early on he was wild and inconsistent. Now, he is older, prone to injury, and if that slider isn't diving, he isn't effective. Small, well he came out of no where last year, but ended up being great. Now we're putting him in the bullpen, but I wonder how much gas he's going to have left in the tank. Leiter is going to the minors for us, but I can see him being a September call up as a lefty specialist. Chacon, he came from CO (IE: pitchers hell, no games should be played at 5000' above sea level), and has proven to be great. I think that he has the potential to be a great player and have a great career in his future. Wong, now he has the potential to be incredible. This kid is young, doesn't get razzled, great command of the strike zone, and a delivery that reminds you of Orlando 'El Ducque' Hernadez at his prime. Watch out for this kid in the next couple of years, he might need a little time to fully mature, but I think he has the potential for Cy Young type numbers in 2-3 years.

Our big question marks are our last year pickups. Jarred Wright got big money for one decent year in Atl. True, he got hit more times with returning balls or bats than any other pitcher in the bigs, but this guy just doesn't have heart. I can't stand him, but he hasn't put up enough numbers to prove to be decent trade bait. Then there is Carl Pavano. The guy was injured for a good portion of the year, but personally, I just never liked him. He reminds me of a Mussina, lots of potential without delivering upon it. I want to see something from this guy because we gave him a **** ton of money and because he needs to live up to the hype.

Then again, some people can't play in NYC.

On paper, yeah, the ChiSox have the horses to prove to be unstoppable from the mound. What's more impressive is that they really play a national league style of baseball in the AL. They run well, steal well, get on base, and throw strikes.

Even a Yankee fan appreciates a game that's 1-0 rather than 13-7. That's real baseball

Sorry for the rundown on the Yanks pitching, been on my mind a lot lately.

 

[Blaine]

I understand what you're saying. I'm a BIG Dodger fan but I know our limitations. We're better this year than last AND if (a BIG if) we get over the injury but we've got a good shot at the NL West. I think we've come a long way but still have a ways to go. At least we seem to be on the right track. Still, I'd love to see a return to Dodger baseball being pitching and running.

I spent a year in West Keansburg, NJ growing up and that soured me on the Yankees. The fans were so rabid. Even with that, the Mick remains my favorite position player. :thumbsup: Tradition counts for a lot in baseball. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see you guys do well, but I think that every year. I wouldn't be surprised to see Atlanta knocked of the top of the NL East...but I think that every year.

If I had to pick the world series today I probably would pick St. Louis v Chi WS.

But wouldn't a Dodger/Yankee series be great again? (Even though it won't be this year):thumbsup:

 

[Jeremy Ordan]

Everyone get's so hyped up about the whole Yankees / Red Sox rivaly thing, but the one thing that they need to understand is that the oldest rivaly in professional sports really is the Yankees / Dodgers (going back to Brooklyn days). Originally the Dodgers were the major NY and north eastern team. They defeated NYY in the first world series that NYY reached, and the whole stadium issue became a legendary war. To go back even further, when the Yankees were known as the Highlanders they existed pretty much for the same reason that Michael Lewis writes in Moneyball the Devil Rays exist, so the Yankees and Red Sox have someone to beat up on.

I would love to see a NYY & LAD world series, but I hate the time zone thing and how it tears up the players.

After 14 division title wins, ATL is and will remain to be the team to beat. NYM has taken huge steps forward this year, but I just think that, as Rick Flair said, to be the man, you gotta beat the man. NYM needs to take out ATL in order to prove that they made solid moves this year. Then again, the Nationals made some nice strides forward, too bad they still don't have a stadium deal or an ownership group in place. Still picking up Soriano is a solid move.

The big question mark for me is BOS. I hate BOS, but I'm realistic about them. My predictions for them, Manny gets traded right after the All Star Break. Crisp is a huge acquisition for them, but I think he'll need a year to just get aclimated to the outfield. The problem with the year concept is that next year is the huge free agent market with centerfielders, so he may not have a year to prove himself and hold onto that job (I think he's a free agent next year also). BOS has a lot of questions with their starting rotation also, but they have really been selling the minor league farm to get players to make it happen this year. They still don't have a short stop, and the entire infield is new with the exception of Varitek (another good example of a catcher who calls a good game, provides leadership, and is an offensive powerhouse like Posada and Piazza).

I've been impressed with what Toronto has done this year, major acquisitions, but they really set the bar high by over paying for an unrpoven reliever and tilting the value of pitchers on the market. Still, I think that the AL east will go NYY, TOR, BOS, TMB, BAL. I think that BAL has the most problems, but they still have a great stadium.

STL is going to be a huge factor this year. They have great pitching, two of the most potent outfielders, and maybe most intimidating a farm system that can fill their rosters without trades or free agents for the next 10 years.

STL's farm system makes ATL's look like a high school program, they are that stacked, and that comes down to solid ownership.

San Diego has been rebuilding their farm system and there was actually talk about trying to get some other people involved, but baseball is built from the farm. If you look at the great championship run the Yanks had in 1996-2000 that was because of the farm system: Jeter, Posada, Rivera, Williams, Petite.

Also, we can't count Houston completely out. Come May 1 they will get the Rocket back, and the only thing Roger prefers to winning is being a savior (fuels that ego of his). He has the potential, even in a self imposed shortened season, to win 15+ games and be that dominating pitcher. Plus, his son was drafted by the Houston organization and I can see him sticking around in case he gets called up when rosters expand. Houston would use it as a PR scam.

Ultimately, I cannot wait for this season to get started. Winter bothers me because there is no baseball and I think it is the most pure sport there is. It is like a game of chess, I'm going to challenge you mano a mano and see if I can get this ball past you. It is a beautiful game. The history, the stats, the fact that you can keep score and pass those score cards down to your kids.

It's the greatest game on earth.

 

[Shaun Patrick]

As a die-hard Mets fan, it's sad to see Piazza go. I always liked him as a player.

Yankee, are you pumped for the World Baseball Classic?

 

[alveraz]

I'm a die-hard Pads fan, have been my whole life. I for one am stoked that Piazza is on board, I mean it's only for a year and SD hasn't had a solid offensive name since Tony, really. I know it's not a huge bump statistically but it'll be nice to cheer for a legend again, it's been a while. I mean he is afterall the greatest offensive catcher to play the game.

Also, don't count the Pads out so quickly, I think we'll be in the race. If Bellhorn and Castilla can snap back in to old form, which is not completely out of the question, then they're nice additions, and alongside Giles and the crew the team will be fine.

I'm not saying we're going to run out and grab the penant, but we'll fight for every game. Don't be such a whimp, and stop threatining to bail on them, it's embarrasing to us true fans.

Now that I'm in LA though, I have to watch them up here when they're in town

 

[Jim Brennan]

Go METS!

I have always been a Piazza fan. He's flawed no doubt. But I love how he calls a game and he's got that unquantifiable leadership quality that you don't find very often. That being said, I too am surprised that he went to an NL team, and for that price. I know the Padres need something, but that seems like to much. Maybe they want him to be a batting coach I hope he does well there.

I see another Subway Series sometime in the next few years. Any takers?

 

[Jeremy Ordan]

I told you, I'm predicting a NYM & NYY subway series this year. The question mark for the Mets, as with the Yanks, and all major league teams this season is going to be pitching. The only teams who I do not see having question marks with pitching are the white sox and the cardinals, but over 162 games, anything can happen.

Regarding the WBC, I am actually not looking forward to it. Baseball being an 8 month sport really leaves no good time for this type of tournament, but I don't like the risk of injury associated with it. I also think it's weird that with the whole Olympic style drug and steroid testing in place for the WBC that Bonds pulls out citing health reasons. That just makes me pull an Arsino Hall and go hmmmm.

I was reading in the Times today that Piazza is actually going to be the starting catcher for the Pads. I wasn't aware of that, so I'm going to change my prediction on him and say 400 ABs, .275 hitting, and 20 jacks. I think his average will actually improve this year, and no offense to the west coast, but the pitching out there wont be as tough on him as the NL east was. Just my opinion.

Regarding Bellhorn, the guy is a strikeout machine, but when he makes contact, look out. There is something just not right with him at the plate. I'm surpised that either he didn't take advantage of Mattingly when he was a Yankee, or that Mattingly didn't work with him on improving his batting (look at what Donnie did for Giambi). Bellhorn has the potential to be the bargain of the year though if they can help improve his eye. He has amazing bat speed and really a great hitter, he just isn't a smart hitter.

The Pads have a solid chance, but let's face it, a .500 team won that division last year and there hasn't been a move out there that screams brilliant. I personally think the best move the Pads could make would be to acquire Weaver. He will give you 200 innings a year, a 3 & change ERA, and he likes the west coast. He is not a major market player, though, couldn't handle NY (I called him Blow it all Weaver). He would be a nice insurance pitcher for the Pads though. Also, there is a hot stove rumor right now that the Pads might get, who else, but Boomer (David Wells) for this upcoming season. Now, if they can get Boomer & Weaver then I will change my choice for NL West champ to San Diego. That would be a coup that could really solidify them and get them in position to make a huge run this season.

Piazza is going to give the Pads something that they haven't really had, a catcher who can call a great game and contribute offensively. I think the guy will start 120 games at catcher, which is going to take its toll, but I could see that team going places if they shore up their rotation.

I also have four dark horse teams that I'm going to pay attention to. #1 is going to be the Brewers. They lost 100+ games last year and are still reeling from the Selig ownership era, but this is the youngest team in baseball and in 2007 they'll make a run that will be impressive. This year I think they'll lose 90, which is an improvement, but in 2007 I'm predicting wild card berth. The second team is the Marlins. I hate the Marlins, I hate any team that floods the market with players that my team can't use, but the Marlins are prospect heaven. In 2006 they'll lose at least 100 games. In 2007 they'll lose 90. In 2008 or 2009 they'll be out of FL (who knows where?), but this team is going to light the field on fire. Right now they're fielding a AAA or AA team, in a couple of years they'll be the hottest team in baseball, all that youth and pitching. They actually have 16 starting pitchers between the pro team, AAA, and AA. 16 pitchers!!! This season we'll see 10 of them. The next team, is Oakland. I'm a huge Moneyball fan, as I've said, but Beane just puts things together and I think the fact that ownership actually spent some money (the Big Hurt Frank Thomas and Milton Bradley), I mean c'mon. I think that Oakland is going to really do some damage in their match ups with LAA and put a hurting on Anaheim. The AL West is going to be interesting though. Seattle has a catcher who doesn't speak Enlgish, Texas has lost some pitching, picked up big money pitching, and is full of kids who hit. Then again, the lost Soriano, so I'm writing off the Rangers this season. The Mariners lose 100 in my opinion, but Ichiro puts up 300+ hits and 30 jacks. Anaheim and Oakland? I'm picking Oakland, they have pitching, they play smart, cheap, and they got two great players. If Beane can control Bradley he has the potential for MVP. My last team to watch, and this is going to strike people as crazy, but, yeah... the Nationals. Last year I watched those Expos (c'mon, thats who they were) play the best baseball I have ever seen. The small ball was a huge weapon for them and they played brilliantly. Something happened mid season and they just crashed completely, falling out of first place and just ending on a low note. This season I expect that, since they have no ownership and work under a nasty budget, they are going to have struggles with pitching and having no real farm system, but there is something with that team. I think that they have the potential to impress and surpise a lot of people, and Soriano when he lays off the outside curve ball is a great hitter with good speed. The question is how will Soriano deal with playing the outfield? From initial reports and press comments, not at all. I think that if they can get Alfonso under control then the Nationals could steal second place away from ATL.

Now, I'm not writing off ATL, but ATL hasn't really gotten stronger. They've lost key players and they have only improved by getting Edgar Renterria. I'm not a fan of his at all and think that he has butter hands, but ATL I think has lost their real power and ticket to the post season, their pitching coach. ATL is in trouble. They'll finish ahead of FL, but what's that saying?

One final thing, I am not really looking forward to the WBC, but then again I'll watch it because I want to see the Cuban team and the Chinese team. Actually, I just want to see some damn baseball, so I'll watch it, but I'm still against it.

 

[Blaine]

I'm a die-hard Pads fan, Also, don't count the Pads out so quickly, I think we'll be in the race. If Bellhorn and Castilla can snap back in to old form, which is not completely out of the question, then they're nice additions, and alongside Giles and the crew the team will be fine.

I CANNOT believe the Pads let go of Mark Loretta. :shocked: For whatever reason they seem to beat up on my Dodgers. :angry:

The big question mark for me is BOS. I hate BOS, but I'm realistic about them.

Boston had the worst off season. They lost too much. Manny's never happy but Boston needs him to complement Ortiz. They need each other. On the West Coast I get a little tired of the Boston/NY rivalry. My favorite is the Dodgers/Giants. It goes back a ways, too. Did I mention I hate the Giants? :grin:

I see another Subway Series sometime in the next few years. Any takers?

I think the Dodgers got the better part of the Seo/Sanchez trade in the short term but for the long run I think the Mets got a potential star in Chuck Tifany. Keep an eye on him. He's the first of the highly touted Dodger prospects to get traded away. We're drooling over the guys in our farm system making to the bigs. I haven't been this excited about our prospects since the great Dodger players of the 70s came up. :thumbsup:

 

[Jeremy Ordan]

Really good solid observations there. Regarding the BOS NYY rivalry, it is a real rivalry, but heated by the fans. I personally own three tshirts just about the rivalry, and I wear them quite often and with pride (Red Sox Suck is my favorite).

At the end of the day there are a lot of issues that need to be considered with this upcoming season (then again this is all mental masterbation because games aren't played on paper, otherwise my Yanks would have a lot more than 26 championships).

I think the major issues this year will be the health of older players, the response to the steriods issue, and the role of the closer. First, older players. Most teams are loaded with some vets, especially in their pitching rotations. While this is always a question mark, certain pitchers such as Maddox, Martinez, Johnson, Clemmons, Wells, Hernandez are really getting up there in age. I think the health of these players and how often they can take the mound will really determine how a good portion of the season plays out. Each of these players contributes or is expected to contribute about 15 wins per season and be good for at least 175+ innings. That's a lot of weight to carry.

Second, the continued issue of the steriods issue. This year we're going to have tougher penalities and I think there will actually be an increase in busts. The fact that the testing program now is for steriods, human growth hormones, amphetamines, and illegal drugs makes this a massive testing program. Feasilby a player drinking 10 Red Bulls could get dinged, and that's 50 games right there. The first superstar who gets hit will prove that the system works (I just hope it is David Ortiz or Manny).

The final issue of this upcoming season will be the role of the closer. While you will have such established people as Rivera out there, there is a new generation of closer coming up. BJ Ryan and Bobby Jenks have reshaped the way we view a closer and furthered the notion that a closer pitches the last three outs. I like the image of the closer being that go to guy whenever you need outs with no pitch or out count associated. I think this year we're going to hear a lot about closers, mentality of closers, and the health and viability of the 1, 2, 3 closer.

That being said, San Diego has a A kid named Thimkin. This kid is a fireballer at 103 MPH. He has control problems, but this kid has a ton of potential. I wouldn't be surpised to see him traded or move up quickly. He's a starter who they are trying to build into a closer, this kid has heat...

BOS' off season. The only big news they made was Theo leaving and then coming back. I hate BOS, but I think that you can never write them off. They are an offensive team, and they are one of the only teams that can put up 7 or 8 runs in an inning. As much as I HATE them both, Manny & Ortiz are the most deadly 3 4 combination in baseball. The Mets are hoping the Carlos' (Beltran and Delgado) can be that, but its not going to happen. BOS only has Varitek returning in the infield, their outfield has a new center fielder (in the hardest angled outfield in baseball) and their pitching has gotten stronger. I hate him, I hate him, I hate him, but Schilling is going to have a lot to prove and I think he could be a 20 game winner. Ihope not though.

 

[Blaine]

At the end of the day there are a lot of issues that need to be considered with this upcoming season (then again this is all mental masterbation because games aren't played on paper, otherwise my Yanks would have a lot more than 26 championships).

So true. :thumbsup:

Second, the continued issue of the steriods issue. This year we're going to have tougher penalities and I think there will actually be an increase in busts. The fact that the testing program now is for steriods, human growth hormones, amphetamines, and illegal drugs makes this a massive testing program. Feasilby a player drinking 10 Red Bulls could get dinged, and that's 50 games right there. The first superstar who gets hit will prove that the system works (I just hope it is David Ortiz or Manny).

It's about time, too.

The final issue of this upcoming season will be the role of the closer. While you will have such established people as Rivera out there, there is a new generation of closer coming up.

Gagne (hopefully healthy this season) if not we made a great pickup in Danys Baez. They COULD turn out to be the best 1-2 punch in baseball. I really like the Dodgers' bull pen. Add to them and improved Brazoban who has added a new pitch over the winter. If Jonathan Broxton can add something to complement his heat he could be a factor. They could very easily be looking at shortening a game to 6 innings.

I hate him, I hate him, I hate him, but Schilling is going to have a lot to prove and I think he could be a 20 game winner.

If he's healthy he could be the most dominating pitcher in the AL. But Boston is going to need more than him. So many holes.

STL is going to be a huge factor this year. They have great pitching, two of the most potent outfielders, and maybe most intimidating a farm system that can fill their rosters without trades or free agents for the next 10 years.

Yeah, STL is just scary good. Sometimes I wonder how they EVER lose a game.

 

[J.R. Hudson]

I CANNOT believe the Pads let go of Mark Loretta

See Alveraz ? That's what I mean. They get rid of Mark Loretta for Mirabelli ?

You cannot be serious ! (Johnny Mac).

And you can scream realfan all day long; I've been routing for this sad franchise since I was 7 years old. They're ownership is as lame as the Chargers' is.

poo poo it. It may be official. I might have to go for Beantown from now on.

 

[Jeremy Ordan]

I really doubt Schilling will ever be able to regain his form from 2001, so I have to disagree that he will be the most dominating pitcher in the AL. I just don't think he's all that. I think he has the potential to be a great pitcher, but if I were the Red Sox I would take Garland, Colon, or Johnson over Schilling. Just my opinion.

Regarding STL, they have two of the scariest corner outfielders in the game and their pitching staff is just plain intimidating. They have a ton of potential and could really lead the charge in the NL central.

What's weird about baseball is the fact that it has no salary cap. Now, without starting a massive Yankee conspiracy conversation, the Yankees are actually one of the least profitable teams based off of year end revenue (they are the most valuable franchise when you factor in the Yes Network). Last year they actually reported a $600,000 loss, even with a record breaking attendence.

In general there are only so many teams that can afford to do whatever they want in baseball: The Yankees, Mets, Cardinals, Dodgers, and Cubs. These are your marquee teams that can work without a budget. What's weird is that the Cardinals and Dodgers actually operate with a budget, the Yankees found what their budget was last year, and the Mets are quickly approaching theirs. Now let's talk about the Cubbies. Even Boston found how far they could go with letting Damon go (then again Boston reported a $24M profit last year, the Yanks reported a loss)

The Cubs make more money than any other team in baseball. They sell more tickets than almost any other team and reported the highest revenue in history last season. The problem with the Cubs is only 10% the fact that they refuse to spend money building a team. The problem with the Cubs is Wrigley. The wind changes, you can't jack the ball out of there, and the reason they haven't won isn't the team they have fielded... It's that stupid ballpark. It's like Boston stacking their roster to play with the green monster, you almost want to stand up and yell, 'Don't you understand you only have 81 games at home?"

I love the history of baseball. I'm against a new Yankee stadium (although they need it) and I hate the idea of losing a Fenway or a Wrigley. Then again, these things need to happen.

From my little tour of stadiums last year the two nicest ball parks I've ever seen are Baltimore and Philly. Camden is beautiful, but Philly has a park where you actually walk in and then down. It's awesome.

(Sorry for being so long winded. I love my baseball and am sort of a junkie for this stuff and can talk about it all day).

 

[Jeremy Ordan]

See Alveraz ? That's what I mean. They get rid of Mark Loretta for Mirabelli ?

You cannot be serious ! (Johnny Mac).

And you can scream realfan all day long; I've been routing for this sad franchise since I was 7 years old. They're ownership is as lame as the Chargers' is.

poo poo it. It may be official. I might have to go for Beantown from now on.

Hudson and I will go from civilized to... well something less civilized.

C'mon, you have to admit, there is something about watching your team, whether you are winning or losing that is just pure. They are your team, the team that you cheared for with your father, the team you opened the paper to check out the box scores on. The team who is the background on your computer (maybe that's just me).

I remember my Yanks with Henderson, Winfield, Sax, Pags, Guidry, and the greatest player of all time, Don Mattingly. We finished last place almost every year... Those were the days.

 

[J.R. Hudson]

Dave Winfield; yes. I too remember.

No disrespect Yankee

But you have the luxury of saying that being a Yankee fan. Let's see:

26 World Series Titles
39 AL Pennants
14 East Division Pennants
2 Wild Card Berths

and a Team history as storied as the game itself. Yeah, I guess it's rough having to bear with them during the off years.

Mattingly ? The best of all time ? The conversaton just got even more uncivilized ! And what do you mean finshing in last every year? For like what a few years here and there ?

I've been watching the Padres finish last my entire life. They thought last year was succesful !

 

[Blaine]

I've been watching the Padres finish last my entire life. They thought last year was succesful !

Think about the poor Astro fans. Last year was the 1st time they've made it to the series. The Pads have been there twice. (And more recently that the Dodgers I might add.)

 

[Jeremy Ordan]

Couple of issues Hudson.

The Yanks are the top sports franchise. Most titles, yada yada yada. I know this (trust me, I know this). The thing is, until we won and kept winning in the late 90's, in my lifetime I had never seen the Yanks win. I was brought up with stories of our championships and all that, I had seen the counter hanging at the ballpark, but I had never seen them win. Those teams in the 80's, thats when I was growing up, watching ball, and chearing for a team that wasn't winning. You have a couple of years on me, and less championships, so I can only imagine what it's like to live and die with a team that leaves you with nothing. If I came from a point of arrogance (as NYY fans do), then I am sorry. I guess sometimes I forget that while I am hurting from 5 years without a championship, other teams are suffering from decades. I am sorry if I came across as arrogant with that comment though.
Now, let's talk Donnie. Growing up he was to me what Mantle was to my father. He was this tiny guy who just hit the ball. Is he honestly the best player of all time, no. Is he a hall of fame guy, honestly, no. His bad back took that away from him (although that pisses me off). Mattingly was one of the classiest Yanks ever. He was an amazing hitter, golden glover, and silver slugger. He was a captain who never got a ring. He is one of those players who just never got it all. To me, he was my hero growing up. I used to try to copy his swing. He is still my... and it sounds so silly. I'm quickly about to his the 30 and I talk about a man who I've never personally met in this diety like way, but he is the player who got me interested in baseball. I used to buy baseball cards and just thumb through them to see if I got a Mattingly.

Is he the best ever? No. Is he in the top 10 first basemen? Maybe not top 10. In my eyes was he the best ever, yeah, he was, is, and will be.

Thanks for keeping me honest though.

 

[J.R. Hudson]

It's cool Yankee!

I never took offense to any comments!

The team has just sucked and sucked and mangement is pathetic; it's not just one or two moves here and there but just a history of stupid moves. And although I will watch and route and welcome Piazza with open arms ? They just have a history of signing marquee players a day late and a dollar short; always at the end of their careers or in the very beginning and then they get rid of them.

San Diego Discount anyone? There is truth to that rumour.

 

[Blaine]

Wow, I just looked at the Red Sox's depth chart...
http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/depth_chart/index.jsp?c_id=bos
and it's not as bad as I thought.

C - Varitek
1b - Youkilis and Snow
2b - Loretta
SS - A. Cora
3b - Lowell
LF - Manny
CF - Crisp
RF - Nixon
SP - Shilling
SP - Beckett
SP - Wells
SP - Clement
SP - Wakefield
CL - Foulke

I watched Cora play in LA and he's a decent fielder and can have some big moments but I don't see him as an everyday player. If Lowell bounces back after a change of scenery he could put up some numbers (think Green Monster). And Loretta? Apologies to John. But Shilling and Wells are both getting long in the tooth.

 

[Jeremy Ordan]

DISCLAIMER: When it comes to BOS I cannot be objective.

The big problem with your analysis of BOS is that there are a lot of ifs. For example: Crisp adjusting to a major market and a weird outfield, Schilling returning to old form, Wells not getting traded, Wells pitching for BOS, Wells not throwing an attitude, Lowell getting back to old form, Beckett living up to expectations, Beckett being effective, Beckett not throwing an attitude, Cora being able to move up to the big leagues, the fans not killing Cora (they're used to names being there), and then most glaringly, what's up with Manny and will he demand a trade and start being Manny (complaining, whining, and everything else). Plus their whole pitching roster is a question mark

 

[Blaine]

DISCLAIMER: When it comes to BOS I cannot be objective.

I feel the same way about SF :thumbsup: :grin: :grin:

Yeah, there are a lot of "ifs" but I had forgotten a couple of their pickups.