Major League Baseball Preview 2017

These are the days I really miss doing baseball play-by-play.  The lead up to a brand new season, the hope, the dreams and the energy around a ball club and its fan base is palpable. Every team starts 0-0 and then it starts for real.

I usually don't make predictions, because the baseball season is so long and you can never account for injury, so consider the following information more of a preview than something to take to the bank. In other words, before a game is played, this is how I see things shaking out.  Use this information at your own risk, and for entertainment purposes only!!

I'll go division by division, then to the playoffs and then to the World Series...

National League Central (Projected order of finish) * = playoffs

1. Chicago Cubs *
2. St. Louis Cardinals *
3. Pittsburgh Pirates
4. Milwaukee Brewers
5. Cincinnati Reds

CUBS:
The outlook: The Cubs return one of the most potent lineups in all of baseball. They were in the top 5 in most offensive categories last season, and that was without Kyle Schwarber. Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant (NL MVP), Addison Russell and whoever plays 2B (Zobrist, Baez) is a pretty formidable offensive and defensive threat.  Albert Almora Jr will get the first crack at replacing last year's lead off man Dexter Fowler in CF.  Almora will be backed Jon Jay. Schwarber, Heyward and Zobrist will form the rest of the outfield.  The rotation returns it's top four pitchers: Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks and John Lackey. Brett Anderson will start in the rotation, with Mike Montgomery becoming a "swing" guy in the pen. The Cubs made it through 2016 relatively healthy and injuries are always a concern.  Jason Heyward. Will his new swing result in better production this season? Will Wade Davis remain a viable closer after he was acquired from Kansas City in the off season.

CARDINALS:
The outlook:  I'm sure it just killed Cardinals fans to see the Cubs hoist the World Series Trophy. How will they try to contend this season?  They added a Cubs weapon in Dexter Fowler in CF.  Fowler agreed to a free-agent deal to play in St Louis.  He'll be surrounded by Randall Grichuk in LF, and Stephen Piscotty in RF.  The Cardinals don't stack up offensively on the infield, with Jhonny Peralta at 3B, Aledmys Diaz at SS, Kolton Wong at 2B, and Matt Carpenter patrolling 1B. The Cardinals will lean on Yadier Molina not only to provide offense, but to guide the pitching staff through the season.  Health was a major issue for the rotation last season and before this one begins, the Cardinals will be without fastball specialist Alex Reyes, out for the season with an elbow injury.

PIRATES:
The outlook: The Pirates are switching things up in the outfield, moving Gregory Polanco to LF, Starling Marte to CF and former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen to right.  The move may have a wrench thrown in it, with Polanco suffering a shoulder injury.  The Pirates will also be without 3B Jung Ho Kang. He has been suspended and could be out until May 1. Josh Harrison may fill in there for the first month.  Garrett Cole anchors a rather inexperienced rotation, and Tony Watson will close for the Pirates in 2017.

BREWERS, REDS:
Milwaukee is a young team.  The only big name still on the roster is Ryan Braun and one has to wonder if he'll be with this team in June.   Cincinnati, will start former Cubs pitcher Scott Feldman on Opening Day, that tells you what you need to know about the state of the Reds rotation.  They still have Joey Votto and Billy Hamilton but not a whole lot else.

National League East (Projected order of finish) * = playoffs
1. Washington Nationals *
2. New York Mets
3. Miami Marlins
4. Philadelphia Phillies
5. Atlanta Braves

NATIONALS:
The outlook: Pitching, pitching and more pitching. That will be the Nationals calling card again this season.  Dusty Baker's rotation is loaded: Stephen Strasburg, Tanner Roark, Max Scherzer, Gio Gonzalez and Joe Ross could make life rough for the rest of the NL East. Add in Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Daniel Murphy, and the Nats look like they could be poised to make a run to the playoffs. Jayson Werth will take over in LF, after the team acquired Adam Eaton from the White Sox in the off-season. Ryan Zimmerman is not the best defensive 1B in the league, but should provide his share of offense for Washington.  The Nationals are deciding between a few closers, Koda Glover, Shawn Kelley and Blake Treinen will compete for that spot over the next few days of Spring Training.

METS:
The outlook: While pitching is the strong point of the Nationals, it could be that way for the Mets again this season, if and only if the starters can stay healthy.  Steven Matz is the latest to come down with an injury in Spring Training. Matz suffered an elbow injury putting the start of the season in jeopardy for the lefty.  Matt Harvey returns to the rotation, but may be skipped a start to build up his stamina. He's touched 96 in some games.  Jacob DeGrom and Noah Syndergaard round out the rotation.  The Mets were able to re-sign Yoenis Cespedes after a 31 homer season last year. Jeurys Familia will miss some time after being suspended for violating the MLB domestic violence policy. David Wright could return, but probably not until after May 1.

MARLINS:
The outlook: The Marlins had a very tough end to last season, losing pitching sensation Jose Fernandez to a tragic boating accident.  The Marlins rotation will suffer as a result.  Edinson Volquez was signed as a free-agent to anchor the staff, after that, it's a major question mark.  Miami will rely heavily on Giancarlo Stanton offensively, the main problem with the talented right fielder has been health. He has 91 homers of the last 3 seasons but has been limited to an average of 113 games/year over that period. Christian Yelich is also expected to be an offensive contributor, fresh off a great WBC run for Team USA, he hit 21 homers and drove in 98 for Miami last year.

PHILLIES, BRAVES:
Two young teams looking for an identity. The Braves do have a potential Rookie of the Year candidate in Dansby Swanson.  He has some big league experience from last season with Atlanta.

National League West (Projected order of finish) * = playoffs
1. Los Angeles Dodgers *
2. San Francisco Giants *
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
4. Colorado Rockies
5. San Diego Padres

DODGERS:
The outlook:  The Dodgers everyday lineup may be the best in the division.  Justin Turner, 3B, Corey Seager (Rookie of Year) SS, Adrian Gonzalez, 1B and added Logan Forsythe to play 2B. Yasmani Grandal is coming off a career year behind the plate and is getting better at handling the pitching staff. Outfield consists of Joc Pedersen, Andrew Toles, and Yasiel Puig. Which Puig will the Dodgers get this season? That is anyone's guess, but when he's right, he's really good. Clayton Kershaw will lead the rotation again, and be followed by Rich Hill, who re-signed in Los Angeles after being dealt there last season. Kenley Jansen is also back in the fold, and will close games again. Health will tell the story, especially in the rotation with Kershaw and Hill.

GIANTS:
The outlook: Have been the model of consistency over the last several years.  Their even numbered year championship streak ended, when they were eliminated from the postseason by the Cubs last year. Not sure their everyday lineup can contend with the Dodgers, not to offend Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford and Hunter Pence, but they can't.  The Giants can contend in the front end of the rotation with Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto and a full season of Matt Moore.  San Francisco went out and got a closer in free agency, Mark Melancon will be the man at the back end of the pen. Derek Law will set up.

DIAMONDBACKS:
The outlook:  If any team needed a bounce back from a disappointing year, its Arizona.  Zack Greinke is one guy they are looking for a rebound year from, his big money contract looked like it would bust after one season.  Shelby Miller (who cost them Dansby Swanson) spent some time in the minors a season ago.  Fernando Rodney will be the Diamondback's closer this year. Paul Goldschmidt is the type of hitter that any team would be happy to have on its roster.  AJ Pollock was hurt most of last season, so a injury free year from him would be a welcomed addition.  New manager Torey Lovullo might be the new voice needed in Arizona.

ROCKIES, PADRES:
Colorado has a new manager as well, he's Buddy Black, who probably should still be in San Diego. Will Black be able to get a handle on the Rockies pitching staff which is young and pitches at altitude? If anyone can, its Black.  His former team, the Padres are a long way from contenting and feature a team made up of mainly inexperienced players.  Hey you have to start somewhere right?


American League Central (Projected order of finish) * = playoffs
1. Cleveland Indians *
2. Detroit Tigers
3. Kansas City Royals
4. Chicago White Sox
5. Minnesota Twins

INDIANS:
The outlook: After getting to Game 7 of the World Series last year, only to lose to the Cubs, the Indians didn't lose much and added a key piece to the offense.  Edwin Encarnacion joins the club from the Blue Jays, after hitting 42 homers and driving in 127 runs last year. He will be the team's DH.  The infield is still strong, with Franciso Lindor at SS, Jason Kipnis at 2B and Carlos Santana at 1B.  Cleveland needed an offseason to get healthy. Left fielder Michael Brantley played only 11 games last year after a shoulder injury that required surgery.  The team is taking it slowly with him in Spring Training.  The rotation behind Corey Kluber is healthier as well. Carlos Carrasco was limited to 25 starts, and no appearances in the postseason.  Danny Salazar also made just 25 starts, but was able to make only 2 appearances in the playoffs.  Terry Francona is one of the game's best managers and should have the Indians in contention again.

TIGERS:
The outlook: Justin Verlander is getting a bit long in the tooth, but still was able to win 16 games last season for an 86 win team. Even with a more suspect rotation, the Tigers can contend based on offense. Miguel Cabrera comes in off a .316/.393/.563 slash line with 38 homers. He's 34, but still one of the best hitters in baseball. Victor Martinez will serve as the DH, Justin Upton and Ian Kinsler should contribute offensively as well for Brad Ausmus' team. Francisco Rodriguez will be the Tigers closer this season.

ROYALS:
The outlook: The Royals are a team still trying to cope with the death of Yordano Ventura and will have a hard time replacing him in the rotation.  Danny Duffy is scheduled to open up, with Ian Kennedy and Jason Hammel to follow.  The pen lost Wade Davis to the Cubs for Jorge Soler and Greg Holland to free agency.  Kansas City still has Eric Hosmer, Alex Gordon and Mike Moustakas in the lineup. The latter is trying to bounce back from injury.  Lorenzo Cain and Salvador Perez will also be counted on to make offensive contributions.  Perez is one of the best catchers in the game, and will have his work cut out for him with this pitching staff. 

WHITE SOX, TWINS:
The White Sox rebuild is underway, gone are Chris Sale and Adam Eaton, sent packing for prospects. Jose Quintana could be next.  Manager Rick Renteria will get to manage some young players like he did in his one season for the Cubs.  The Twins are still the Twins. 

American League East (Projected order of finish) * = playoffs
1. Boston Red Sox *
2. Toronto Blue Jays *
3. Baltimore Orioles
4. New York Yankees
5. Tampa Bay Rays

RED SOX:
The outlook: Boston bolstered the starting rotation with the addition of Chris Sale from the White Sox.  Rick Porcello and David Price will provide a potent top 3.  Price should be ready to go despite some injury issues in Spring Training.  The Red Sox core group is young.  Mookie Betts is a serious MVP candidate and Andrew Benintendi is a legit Rookie of the Year prospect as well.  The rest of the lineup is pretty good too...Xander Bogaerts at SS, Dustin Pedroia at 2B, Mitch Moreland will play 1B, and Pablo Sandoval after a less than productive first year in Boston is slated to play 3B. Hanley Ramirez will DH and Jackie Bradley Jr will be in CF.  An underrated part of last year's success was that of Sandy Leon behind the plate, he's the #1 guy this season.  Craig Kimbrel will try to bounce back from a rough 2016 and close for the Red Sox.

BLUE JAYS:
The outlook: The Jays offense was second only to the Cubs in efficiency last season and produced a ton of home runs. Toronto lost Edwin Encarnacion and his 42 homers, but have Jose Bautista back in the fold.  The Jays added Kendrys Morales from Kansas City, and he could make up at least some of the numbers produced. Defensively, the left side of the infield is tough, former MVP Josh Donaldson at third and Troy Tulowitzki at SS will help the pitching staff.  Marcus Stroman anchors the rotation and appears to be in good shape after a nice run in the WBC for Team USA.  Marco Estrada, JA Happ and Francisco Liriano will help fill out the rotation for Toronto. 

ORIOLES:
The outlook:  Baltimore still has a young nucleus and it's a powerful one. Adam Jones, teamed with Manny Machado, Chris Davis and Mark Trumbo should equal a bunch of runs for the Orioles. The team added former Cubs catcher Wellington Castillo to the fold to replace Matt Weiters (Nationals) behind the plate. Chris Tillman anchors the rotation and Zach Britton should be fresh (ha ha) and return as one of the best closers in baseball. 

YANKEES, RAYS:
New York could be a sleeper team in the division. Manager Joe Girardi will have some youngsters at his disposal this season.  Gary Sanchez made quite a splash at the Major League level last season and will get the chance to be the everyday catcher. Matt Holliday was added to DH, and Aroldis Chapman returns to close.   Tampa is a work in progress for sure, the Rays are basically Chris Archer and Evan Longoria. 

American League West (Projected order of finish) * = playoffs 
1. Houston Astros *
2. Texas Rangers *
3. Seattle Mariners
4. Los Angeles Angels
5. Oakland Athletics

ASTROS:
The outlook: Youthful exuberance all over the diamond in Houston...Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman contribute in the infield, while George Springer patrols CF.  Altuve is always an MVP candidate, and could contend for the batting title again. The Astros added Carlos Beltran to DH and Josh Reddick to play the outfield. The key will be pitching.  Dallas Keuchel a former Cy Young winner will need to bounce back from a tough season to regain his form. Lance McCullers, Collin McHugh and Mike Fiers round out the rotation.  Ken Giles is set to close again for the Astros. Luke Gregerson with or without the Bald Eagle carving along with Willie Harris will set up for manager AJ Hinch. 

RANGERS:
The outlook:  Texas has an everyday lineup that could contend with the Astros.  Rougned Odor, Adrian Beltre and Elvis Andrus are three quality hitters.  Texas added Mike Napoli to play 1B after spending last season in Cleveland.  Rangers will get a full season of Jonathan Lucroy and Carlos Gonzalez which will help both their offense and defense.  Cole Hamels is the number one starter, Yu Darvish is the number two starter and needs to remain healthy.  Rangers should be a wild card team. 

MARINERS:
The outlook: Everyday starting lineup not as good as the Astros or Rangers, but they do have some talented players.  Kyle Seager at third, Jean Segura at short and Robinson Cano playing 2B is a pretty good trio.  Dan Vogelbach the former Cubs minor leaguer who was turned into Mike Montgomery at the deadline last year, is slated to start at 1B.  Nelson Cruz provides a big bat at DH. Pitching will be a question mark after King Felix Hernandez. 

ANGELS, ATHLETICS:
Angels are getting old in some key spots including DH, with Albert Pujols.  Added Cameron Maybin to play LF beside Mike Trout in CF. Andrelton Simmons is an exciting young player at shortstop.  Luis Valbuena will play first.  Will Mike Scioscia be the first manager fired this year?   Athletics are just not very good. 


PLAYOFFS:
National League
Central:  Cubs
East: Nationals
West: Dodgers
Wildcards: Cardinals, Giants

NLCS: Cubs v. Nationals

American League 
Central: Indians
East: Red Sox
West: Astros
Wildcards: Rangers, Blue Jays

ALCS: Indians v. Red Sox

World Series:  Cubs v. Red Sox 

Winner: Cubs in 7 games

There's my take on things.  Can't wait for the season to finally get here!

Cheers!

Happy New Year...

Yes, I know, it's been a while, but I'm back.  Happy New Year everybody!

I've been traveling the country the last few weeks visiting friends and family for the Holidays, and now it's time to write again!  So here goes...

No News Is Good News?
Not much has changed since my last post in San Diego Padres land.  It's been quiet at Petco Park, but I think that will change shortly.  GM Jed Hoyer has been keeping a watchful eye on what other teams are doing, trying to figure out who may become expendable as a result.  This much is true, he knows there are still holes to fill and will start that process soon.

As it looks now, Adrian Gonzalez will start the year with the Padres, but will he be here come August?  I think A-Gonz's trade value will increase as his numbers do, and as the July 31 trade deadline arrives during the season.  Teams are much more likely to over pay for players if they feel that guy will put them over the top and push that team to the playoffs.

It also seems to me that Kevin Kouzmanoff will be here when the season starts as well.  To me that's great news.  Kouz has been more than dependable both in the field and at the plate (save the first two months!) in his time in Southern California.

The most immediate move will likely be a back up catcher.  Nick Hundley is improving season to season, but I know that the organization would like to have a veteran in there, to continue to bring the young backstop along.  Brad Ausmus is a name you hear a lot about.  The Padres tried to get him a year ago, but decided instead, after Ausmus signed with the Dodgers, to sign Henry Blanco.  Ausmus has the same reputation throughout the league as Blanco, for being a great clubhouse guy and a veteran not afraid to help a youngster along.  Ausmus would also be good for the young pitching staff.

Eyes are still open for a right handed hitting center fielder to compliment Tony Gwynn Jr.  This could be a little more costly a position to fill than the catcher's spot.  Here are a few names to consider:  Reed Johnson, ex of the Chicago Cubs.  A great defender and at age 33 still has something left in the tank.  Another name to consider is that of Jerry Hairston Jr.  I was chatting with Corey Brock of mlb.com about Hairston Jr.  We both agreed that he'd be a great influence in the clubhouse, like his brother Scott was.  He's also a player that gives you a lot of versatility. He can play the outfield, shortstop and second base.  Jerry Jr is a right handed hitter with a little pop and he has some speed too, which fits into what the Padres are looking for.  Hairston is 34.  Food for thought.

I'm sure that Hoyer would like to add another veteran arm to the rotation as well.  Makes sense, with some youth in the starting five, it's always nice to have that experienced arm to count on once in a while.

Stay tuned, the hot stove should be getting a bit warmer in the next week or so for the Padres.

Big Unit hangs it up...
Randy Johnson is calling it a career.  The "Big Unit" hangs em up after a 22 year career with several teams.  He started with the Expos, but came to become a pitcher, with the Seattle Mariners.  Johnson winds up his career with 303 wins, and finishes up second on baseball's all time strike out list, with 4,875 punch outs, only behind Nolan Ryan.  Johnson was the co-mvp of the 2001 World Series with the Arizona Diamondbacks.  He also owns 2 no hitters, including a perfect game, which he threw in 2004. Might he be the final pitcher to ever reach the magic 300 win number?  Could be.  

Happy Holliday in St. Louis...
So Matt Holliday is going to stay in St Louis after all for 7 years and $120 million.  Shocking.  Not.  Where else was he really going to go?  My question is this...the Cardinals are considered a mid-market team, and now has two, $100 million players, how?  Especially considering, Albert Pujols is entering the final year of his 7 year, $100 million dollar deal.  Good luck Cardinals.  Enjoy this year.

Mourning Markas...
I woke today to some terrible news, that of the untimely passing of Angels play-by-play man Rory Markas.  He was only 54, and died of an apparent heart attack.  He was with the Angels the last 8 seasons, and was also the voice of USC Trojans basketball.   I didn't know Rory very well, but he would always have a "hello" or a "how you doing?" when the Padres and Angels would play in Spring Training or during the season.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all of those in the Angels family, who have had a rough year, with the passing of Preston Gomez, Nick Adenhart and now Markas.  He will be missed.

NFL Playoffs...the Weekend of Rematch...
How strange is that?  3 of the Week 17 match ups will happen again, in the first round of the playoffs.  In the AFC, the Jets who destroyed the Bengals Sunday night, will meet again, but this time with something on the line for both teams and in Cincinnati.  My pick, Cincinnati.  Also in the AFC,  Baltimore visits New England.  Even without Wes Welker, I think the Patriots will be able to get it done and advance this weekend.  Of course that would mean that the Chargers would host the Patriots and make it 12 in a row after dispatching of "The Hoodie" and "Tom Terrific".  In the NFC, it's an all rematch slate.  The Packers face the Cardinals in Arizona.  I think (and this kills me as a Bears fan) the Packers will advance and then beat the highly over rated New Orleans Saints.   Dallas hosts Philadelphia again, and I see the same result happening in this one, Cowboys over Eagles in Jerryworld.   I'll keep an eye on the games, and have more after the weekend.

Alright, that will do it for now.  My New Year's resolution is to keep this blog a bit more updated.  Hope I can stick to it!!!

Andy

Padres Post Season Awards…

Ok, it’s time for the inaugural Andy Awards.

I’m going to tell you who I think was the Padres, MVP, Pitcher of the Year, Rookie of the Year Player/Pitcher, Comeback Player, Unsung Hero of 2009 and the Padre I’m Most Looking Forward to Seeing in ’10 (The PIMLFS ’10). Here we go:

2009 Padres MVP: Adrian Gonzalez

Also considered: David Eckstein, Kevin Correia, and Kevin Kouzmanoff.

Tough to argue this one. Adrian once again showed why he is one of the elite in Major League Baseball. He hit .277, with 40 homers and drove in 99. He became one of just 4 San Diego hitters to belt 40 long ones in a season. He now has 30+ hr’s in 3 consecutive seasons (30, 36, 40). Not to mention his ability to walk, a career high 119 times in 2009. Gonzalez also plays a gold glove caliber first base.

2009 Padres Pitcher of the Year: Kevin Correia

Also considered: Heath Bell, Mike Adams, Edward Mujica and Luke Gregerson.

Correia was a non-roster invitee to spring training and won a spot out of camp. His early starts showed a little inconsistency, but something changed on or around May 15 in a start at PETCO against the Reds. He started showing faith in his curve and change up, and the rest was history. Culminating with a complete game shutout victory at Arizona, September 25^th. Correia finished 12-11 with a 3.91 ERA in a career high 33 starts.

2009 Padres Rookie Player of the Year: Everth Cabrera

Also considered: Will Venable, and Kyle Blanks.

I went with Cabrera because to me he was the most exciting player to watch this entire season. He continued to improve from day one, and when he returned from injury, he started every game. I was impressed with his plate discipline and of course his fielding. He did boot some routine grounders, but come on, he made some plays that still have me thinking, WOW! EC, you make it look EZ.

2009 Padres Rookie Pitcher of the Year: Luke Gregerson

Also considered: Mat Latos, and Ryan Webb.

Gregerson came out of nowhere. Seriously. Part of the retooled pen at the end of spring training, he was acquired as part of the Khalil Greene trade and never looked back. Luke appeared in 72 games, pitched in 75 innings and struck out 93 hitters. He became a stabilizing force in the 7^th and sometimes the 8^th. He also recorded his first ML save this season. His slider is among the best I’ve seen.

2009 Padres Comeback Player of the Year: Wade LeBlanc

Also considered: Joe Thatcher, Kevin Correia, and Tim Stauffer.

This was a tough choice. Considering that Thatcher who rode the Portland shuttle as many times as Drew Macias, made an adjustment in the minors and came back strong. He turned into a reliable reliever and situational lefty for Bud Black. But LeBlanc made his comeback after a demotion following a start in Seattle, and turned heads. His numbers after his first two outings, 0-1, 14.50 ERA, 4 1/3 innings, 7 earned runs. He finished the season, 3-1, with a 3.69 ERA. He cut down on his walks and struck out a career high 8 Giants in his last start.

2009 Unsung Hero of 2009: David Eckstein

Also considered: Mike Adams, Heath Bell, Henry Blanco, and Oscar Salazar.

What can you say about Eckstein. Numbers do not tell his story. He meant as much to the team in the clubhouse, lockering right next to Everth Cabrera, as he did on the field. He just made every play. How? Not sure, but he did. A stabilizing force in the lineup in the 2 hole, always gave a tough at bat, and who didn’t love watching him choke up on the bat? You know you did. Glad that Eckstein is going to be back in 2010. A class guy.

2010 Player I’m Most Looking Forward to Seeing 2010: Kyle Blanks

Also considered: Tony Gwynn, Luis Durango, Everth Cabrera, Will Venable

Blanks season was cut short due to a foot injury after 54 games. He hit .250, with 10 homers and 22 runs batted in. The sample size was good to get an idea of what raw power this young man possesses, but I would have loved to see more. His adjustment to the outfield seemed pretty smooth. He’s not Tony Gwynn or Will Venable out there, but he certainly made all the plays. His power and speed intrigue me, and I’m looking very forward to seeing more of Kyle Blanks in 2010.

Well there you have em, the first ever, Andy Awards. Let me know if you agree with my selections, and who some of your picks are.

Thanks for checking in!

Andy

Welcome!

I've taken the plunge into the world of blogging! As if Twitter and a website aren't enough. Oh well.

Here's what you can expect in this spot from now until, well whenever...

During the Padres season, I'll try my best to keep you updated on the goings on at the ballpark and in the XX broadcast booth. Perhaps some photos, and amusing anecdotes along the way as well.

Off-season, I'm the voice of USD Toreros men's basketball, so I'll update you on where we are, and what's going on around the program. Plus as always, I'll stay on top of Padres off season news and notes, and how things are shaping up for 2010.

This is a collaborative effort. I'll post. You comment. Deal?

Random Thoughts on a Thursday...

PITCH TRAX

TBS has added something to the telecast for their playoff coverage, but only if you are watching in HD. A "PitchTrax" is constantly on the screen in the lower right corner, showing location of pitch and speed of pitch. Not a bad idea. Wondering though (tongue firmly implanted in cheek) is George Lopez really hosting a Late Night TV Show on TBS??????

PADRES ROSTER MOVES

The Padres made 3 roster moves today, saying good bye to pitchers, Cha Seung Baek and Shawn Hill, and outfielder Cliff Floyd. It's unfortunate that things didn't work out for these three good people. Injuries affected all of their performances. Baek was penciled in as the #3 starter, and never pitched an inning for the team. Hill was a good pick up, but the injury bug got him again and it was "tommy john surgery" for the 2nd time. Floyd hurt his shoulder in Spring Training, then his quad, then ultimately his knee. He only recorded 2 hits for the Padres this season. Wish them all well.

NLDS...

Count me among those that are surprised the Dodgers are up 2-0 in their series against the Cardinals. I thought with the pitching and offense of the Cardinals it would be the other way around...

Good series with the Rockies and Phillies...Cliff Lee was awesome in game 1, and the Rockies get a home run from Yorvit Torrealba (noted Padre killer this year) to even up the series...

ALDS...

It's about time the Angels win a series over the Red Sox...and tonight they took game 1 in Anaheim...

Let's see what the Twins do now that they've had a day to recover from the euphoria of the tie-breaker game...have to admit though, with the hard throwing youngsters in the Yankees bullpen, it's going to be hard to beat the Yanks...

That's it for now, thanks for checking me out here, I hope to be linked to the Padres website during the season, and to the XX 1090 (doublex1090.com) website soon...check back often!

Andy