The 2013 MLB season discussion thread

[Luke]

First topic message reminder :

The bands are warming up, people are getting ready, the players anxious as next tues(2nd) major League baseball returns with the start of the regular season.

And some of the questions will be answered like. How will the Yankees fair without half there team?(sorry Kiwi), What will Toronto be like with a new team, coach, kit, pretty much everything? and converseley how will the Marlins do after there salary dump? Will the White Soxs recover from blowing there division after leading it pretty much all season? Are the Orioles a 1 season wonder? Can the Red Soxs improve from the last couple of years. Are the Giants on the verge of becoming a dynasty(2 world series in 3 years is a good start)?

Below is an over all very loose look at the divisions.

The East divisions in both confrences look intresting. in the AL at this moment any one of the 5 teams could win it, all will be fairly confident as what looks the most intresting division starts. in the NL, last years winners the Nationals have strengthened there rotation without really losing anyone. But the Phillies and Braves have both strengthed with experince during the post season. These 3 you have to fancy will win it.
In the Central divisions, the AL again looks fascinating. Like i said above how will the White Soxs bear after last season, Will Detroit shake of there world series blues, these 2 you would think are favorites. But both Cleveland and Kansas have been on the quiet building decent squads and could be in the shake.
The NL again looks like its Cincinnati's to lose, espically given that the Cardinals have lost Chris Carpenter a truely great pitcher.
The West Divisions are really about one city - Los Angeles. In the NL, the Dodgers big signings over the last few seasons next to step up, espcally given there rivals San Francisco's dominence the last few years. Arizona could be the wild card in this division with a compitent squad ready to pounce should the other 2 slip up.
In the AL, Anaheim have once again aquired a big signing, one that strenghthens there batting no end. But strangly let go of 2 pitchers, so will there rotation be any good to back up there batting. Last seasons division winners the A's have lost a couple of big players for them, but continue to churn out promising youngsters and players overlooked by others. And could Seattle upset the apple cart.

All these and more will be answered in the next 6 months.

[Luke]

World Series Game 6.

Fenway Park Boston

St Louis Cardinals 1
Boston Red Soxs 6.

Boston win the series 4-2.

2013 MLB CHAMPIONS - BOSTON RED SOXS.

So back to Boston for a game that St Louis just had to win. The start was strange, as neither pitcher was pitching that we'll, but as neither side was batting particularly well. But we're as Lackey grew into the game, Wacha wasn't.
So it was no suprise in the 3rd, that a bases loaded situation arose, one that Shane Victorino took advantage on with a 3 RBI double to put the Red Soxs 3 up and St Louis in a hole. This was Victorino's 1st hit of the series.
But it got a whole lot worse for ST Louis in the 4th. As Stephen Drew hit a solo HR, Wacha was withdrawn (despite an outstanding post season, this was a terrible game from him), On another bases loaded Napoli and then Victorino got RBI singles, which meant Lynn was withdrawn. And you just new that this was Boston's series.
Proven in the next inning, when a routine pick off was messed up badly.
In the 7th Beltran got an RBI single to put ST Louis on the board. But it was too little, way to late. As Boston closed out the game to win the world series at Fenway for the first time in  95 years.

Its hard to argue against Boston who were the best side in the AL this season, and deserved to win through the post season and the world series. I don't think that they have an outstanding side, but they do have a very hard working, togetherness that shines through, and a very good squad.

In my opinion the 2 main reasons they won is because 1) There at bats, even when they were out were real grinds, tough for pitchers who threw extra pitches, whilst ST Louis didn't really do that and there outs seemed quite quick.
2) When required Boston came up with the big hits, with all batters having at least one big play. Where as St Louis Batters just weren't there.

So well done to the new Champions of baseball, the Boston Red Soxs. Thoroughly deserved, after a great season.

Though no offence, but I hope you don't get there next year (as will Kiwi & Teassoc).

[kwinigolfer]

Not good enough from the Cards. They seemed to begin last night's game feeling they weren't going to win; after the Sawx went up 3-0 they knew they weren't going to win, and played like it.

Well done Boston, just don't do it again.

Early prices for next year's World Series:
5/1: Dodgers
8/1: Tigers
10/1: Red Sox (who have to find a centre-fielder with Ellsbury almost certain to leave via free agency, Drew, Saltalamacchia and Napoli also free-agent-eligible. Beltran the leading Card on limbo but he's said he'd like to re-up in St.Louis - and I'd think they'd be crazy not to sign him.)

[Luke]

Intresting odds, as I would expect quite alot of movement post season. Putting Dodgers top and Tigers second can understand, as I don't think they will be major movers. Boston though could be, and I expect the Yankees to sign quite a few.

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