A.L. Central Smack Talk 2014

[lainey12]

No worries. The A's and Yankees have basically been byes in the playoffs for the last decade.

not worried about the Yankees, even if they make it, they'll get shelled....again.
The A's though, pretty tough, this may be their best team in a long time

I always pull for Detroit in the playoffs, but if you don't make it, (which I really doubt.)
I'm okay with rooting for the Royals, they've certainly put their suffering time in.

Anyway, hopefully Detroit can get some BP pieces.. not worried about the rest of your team...they'll be fine, too much talent.

 

[lainey12]

The Yankees for the 2nd year in a row are buzy with a farewell tour, please don't bother them, unless you have a gift you wish to give.

fresh out of gifts...

 

[CSD]

The 2014 Rangers have had an even more extreme rash of injuries.

Let's not exaggerate. IMO last season's Yankees and this season's Rangers are on the same page.

This... at least the Yanks had *some* stability in the rotation (4 of their 5 starts made 29+ starts, Nova made 20 and Phelps made 12). There's only two Rangers pitchers with a shot at making that many starts (Darvish and Lewis). Rangers have already had 10 different starting pitchers. Hell, Kevin Kouzmanoff is getting playing time.

Ok, and the Yankees have had 8 different starting pitchers this season. Injuries happen, it's part of the game you know that. I thought the Rangers have a deep farm system? Bottom line is they should be doing better than they are today.

As for last season, I agree the Yankees had stability in the rotation but in the field was a different story. They only had 3 starters for the entire season (Cano, Gardner, and Ichiro) everyone else was either a call up or fill in. You'd have to go back more than two decades to find a Yankees team that was as mediocre as the 2013 team. A-Rod, Jeter, Cervelli, Teixeira, Granderson, and Youkilis all on the DL.

The Yankees for the 2nd year in a row are buzy with a farewell tour, please don't bother them, unless you have a gift you wish to give.

You sound jealous.

fresh out of gifts...

July 28-30th so you guys have some time to put together a nice presentation for Jete.

 

[Howie115]

I am surprised they have won as many as they have with all the crap they have dealt with. That farm is deep...

And the Tigers farm system is not -- particularly with pitching. That's the only reason Phil Coke is still on a major league roster. Very few promising arms in AA or AAA. A couple good ones playing for the West Michigan Whitecaps (Low-A), I hear, but they are a good 2 years off.

 

[gvsulaker82]

they are who we thought they are.... believe dennis green said that first.
but come on. Its the Royals. its June 17.
its a long season. 4th straight ALCS for the Tigers. you know it.

Royals are like little brother to the Tigers. just like sparty is little brother to the mighty Wolverines.

I still think the tigers take the division. Just pointing out that as tigers fans, myself, cleaves and I believe howie all said the royals would be the team to threaten the tigers this year. When the tigers add a couple of legit arms to the pen, they will be much improved.

 

[Fountain City Blues]

There was a Royals scout watching Samardzija his last start. Interesting...

 

[gvsulaker82]

This season? they'll need a modern day miracle to even make the playoffs, let alone the ALCS.

Why? Their rotation is still one of the best, they have the best hitter on the planet, and hell a rookie manager haha. They will be fine. Its a stretch to say it would be a modern miracle, you are losing what little credibility you have just to hate on a team you fear. The tigers very well could miss the playoffs, but it definitely will not be a miracle if they make it. Lets get some real fans of baseball in here.

 

[broncosmitty]

There was a Royals scout watching Samardzija his last start. Interesting...

Wow. That'd be a surprise move. Who do you think would be involved? Ventura and Duffy?

 

[Fountain City Blues]

Wow. That'd be a surprise move. Who do you think would be involved? Ventura and Duffy?

I don't those two will be in the trade, but Duffy might eclipse the 150 IP mark originally set out for him and we have basically zilch (Chen doesn't count) to replace him. I would imagine it would involve the higher end pitching prospects since that is what the Cubs system needs more of to my understanding.

 

[gvsulaker82]

is Torii Hunter now a part timer, JD looking to take over it looks like?

Detroit (before Max's 10 runs) was 25th in the majors in team ERA...(not sure about the SPs now, trading Fister was HORRIBLE and proving out to be)

Couldnt agree more about the fister comment and most fans agree. Torii has really went downhill. The tigers rotation will be fine when all is said and done. I wasnt expecting the max of last year and he will be adequate this year. JV will turn it around, he may have an injury or fatigue. Sanchez is better than average and porcello is adequate as a fourth starter.

 

[gvsulaker82]

I agree, the only talent on the Yankees is Tanaka. Without him, they would be in last place. It makes no sense why they pay anyone else wearing those classy pinstripes.

He is definitely their MVP.

 

[gvsulaker82]

One of the worst players in baseball this year, and somehow he has more votes than Gordon. Unreal what a reputation will give...

Yeah that kind of bullshit pisses me off.

 

[broncosmitty]

Im not very good with breaking up prospects and young players. In my mind, Duffy and YV are still prospects. I just figure the Cubs would want something that fans can see now for an arm like JS'.

 

[Howie115]

Why?
Their rotation is still one of the best, they have the best hitter on the planet, and hell a rookie manager haha. They will be fine. Its a stretch to say it would be a modern miracle, you are losing what little credibility you have just to hate on a team you fear. The tigers very well could miss the playoffs, but it definitely will not be a miracle if they make it. Lets get some real fans of baseball in here.

Well said, laker.

Haters gonna hate.

 

[Fountain City Blues]

Im not very good with breaking up prospects and young players. In my mind, Duffy and YV are still prospects. I just figure the Cubs would want something that fans can see now for an arm like JS'.

Yeah, makes me wonder what exactly what they would offer. I can't see them moving Zimmer or Manaea. And I doubt the Cubs want any of our position player prospects that worth anything. Would take a top 100 caliber prospect and 1-2 other guys.

 

[da55bums]

I don't those two will be in the trade, but Duffy might eclipse the 150 IP mark originally set out for him and we have basically zilch (Chen doesn't count) to replace him. I would imagine it would involve the higher end pitching prospects since that is what the Cubs system needs more of to my understanding.

The Cubs have the money to sign Shields long term also, just a thought, and maybe Binford or Almonte.

 

[gvsulaker82]

Im not sold on ray or krol although krol has been adequate so far. I never think its a good idea to trade a solid, proven number two starter for prospects unless his contract is expiring and he wont be retained or you are rebuilding.

 

[gvsulaker82]

Well the royals wouldnt be interested in trading too many important pieces this season, so I would be thinking minor league prospects over duffy and yordano. If they got samardzija he would be their best pitcher immediately.

His fantasy value would skyrocket as well.

 

[gvsulaker82]

Well said, laker.

Haters gonna hate.

Yeah i dont care if you are a yankees fan, royals fan, tigers fan etc. As long as you are somewhat objective toward your team and others. His saying that about the tigers is akin to me saying it would be a miracle if jeter makes the hall of fame. Its absurd, that thought process.

 

[Fountain City Blues]

The Cubs have the money to sign Shields long term also, just a thought, and maybe Binford or Almonte.

Almonte is a top 100 guy in some circles (who knows what the Cubs think) which is why I bring it up. Labeled as a potential quick mover with a plus changeup.

Most probable guy to be traded in that scenario is Almonte, IMO. Would need another guy though. Really liked Binford...