2016 Baseball Thread

[Bison]

The Nasty Boys won the Series didn't they?  Hard to argue with success unless it's the Yankees and then every criticism is on the table.

[MetalDog]

The bullpen for that Reds team was just one component of the whole.  Cincy had it all.  Not superstars in the sense we know them today, but, Eric Davis, Paul O'Neill, Chris Sabo, Barry Larkin, Todd Bentzinger, Jack Armstrong, Tom Browning, Danny Jackson, every one a solid piece and contributor. 

The Yanks this year are in transition.  Yeah, the backend of the bully is awesome, but, who knows if Tanaka will be able to come on like his rookie year.  We need Pineda to shine.  Eovaldi to get some luck to go his way and hope C.C. is content being a fourth or fifth starter.  And the hitters, a mix of old and over the hill and/or brittle, and lightly regarded role players and kids.  The short porch will help and the Pinstripes do have a little magic in them (see last year's appearance in the Wild Card game to confirm that they had enough of the magic to actually GET to that game), but, I don't see a juggernaut here.  I like Toronto's chances best if they can get their pitching to hold up.  Or maybe swap Tulowitzki for half the Rays starting staff.  THAT would make Toronto unstoppable!!

[Bison]

That can be said about any team that wins the series.   The Reds bullpen was dominate.

[MetalDog]

Eckersley was better than Dibble and Charlton.  The Nasty Boys had a great nickname and threw hard.  A requisite for dominance for sure, but, having that dominance didn't win the Reds the Series all by itself.

[Bison]

The Reds won the Series in 1990 and Eckersley didn't.   Apples and Oranges. 

[Bison]

Great news in Royals land as they resigned Perez to a 5 year extension.  It's awesome to see the ownership trying to keep the core of homegrown talent together over the next several seasons.

[MetalDog]

They need him to quit catching 150+ games a year.

[Bison]

Ideally he'd be able to pick up time in the DH slot, but Perez isn't really known for his batting and the traditional transition position of 1st base is filled by Hosmer.

[MetalDog]

A little something for my Royals friend:


http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2016/03/05/166346236

[Bison]

The World Series trophy was actually in town a couple of weeks ago but I had prior engagements and couldn't make it over to see it in person.

[Hot lead and dirty talk!]

Are we doing a Fantasy league this year? The season is quickly (thank God) approaching.

[bayonetbrant]

I'm all for it; someone has to be last this year and it might as well be me again :D

[undercovergeek]

I'm in - I shall apply my total lack of knowledge once again and dedicate myself to second to last or third to last with my usual gusto - this year, some batters and bowlers with skill please

[MetalDog]

If we don't see or hear from Bison by Sunday, ping me and I'll see if I can get the league up and running.

[Arctic Blast]

I'll hop in, make a hash of things, then irrationally blame my players for my failures!