Baseball America List of Top 100 Prospects is Heavy on St. Louis Cardinals
Baseball America has dropped it’s Top 100 prospects list and here’s a breakdown of the teams with the most future stars. Fan of the Cardinals, Twins and Marlins need to get excited, yesterday.
St. Louis Cardinals 6 (four in the Top 39)
Minnesota Twins 6 (two in the Top 10)
Miami Marlins 6 (two in the Top 15)
Pittsburgh Pirates 5 (two pitchers in the top 19)
Tampa Bay Rays 5
Texas Rangers 4 (including No. 1, Jurickson Profar)
New York Yankees 4
The No. 2 prospect on the list, Dylan Bundy of the Orioles, has been prominently featured on this site before.
- Fan Runs on Field During Angels/Royals Game, Steals Rosin Bag, Trips Up Police Officer Chasing Him [Video]
- Roundup: Alex Trebek Rapping on Jeopardy, Obama’s Prom Photos & Saved by the Bell’s Graduation 20 Years Ago
- John Tortorella And a Ref Dropped F-Bombs On Live TV During the Rangers-Bruins Game [Video]
- LeBron James and Paul George’s Epic Game 1 Battle Looks Even Cooler in Slow Motion [Video]
- Manchester City Players Were Super Excited To Catch Passes From Eli Manning [Video]
- scripty on Roundup: Alex Trebek Rapping on Jeopardy, Obama's Prom Photos & Saved by the Bell's Graduation 20 Years Ago
- Nada on Roundup: Alex Trebek Rapping on Jeopardy, Obama's Prom Photos & Saved by the Bell's Graduation 20 Years Ago
- scripty on Roundup: Alex Trebek Rapping on Jeopardy, Obama's Prom Photos & Saved by the Bell's Graduation 20 Years Ago
- Caribou on Roundup: Alex Trebek Rapping on Jeopardy, Obama's Prom Photos & Saved by the Bell's Graduation 20 Years Ago
- A.P. on Roundup: Alex Trebek Rapping on Jeopardy, Obama's Prom Photos & Saved by the Bell's Graduation 20 Years Ago
aroundtheweb
167 Responses to “Baseball America List of Top 100 Prospects is Heavy on St. Louis Cardinals”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
![Chuck Norris Wants a NFL Team to Sign Tim Tebow Because He is a Winner Like Chuck Norris [NFL]](http://thebiglead.fantasysportsven.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/plugin/resize_13693275350-thumb0.jpg)
Chuck Norris Wants a NFL Team to Sign Tim Tebow Because He is a Winner Like Chuck Norris [NFL]![Is Anthony Davis Dating One of the Gonzalez Twins? [NBA]](http://thebiglead.fantasysportsven.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/plugin/resize_13693092011-thumb1.jpg)
Is Anthony Davis Dating One of the Gonzalez Twins? [NBA]![Fox Sports 1 Heavily in Pursuit of Former NFL Player Trevor Pryce and Sarah Spain of ESPN Chicago [Media]](http://thebiglead.fantasysportsven.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/plugin/resize_13693423562-thumb2.jpg)
Fox Sports 1 Heavily in Pursuit of Former NFL Player Trevor Pryce and Sarah Spain of ESPN Chicago [Media]![Birdman, Birdman: TNT Had a Great 7-Minute Interview with Chris 'Birdman' Andersen [Video]](http://thebiglead.fantasysportsven.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/plugin/resize_13693161843-thumb3.jpg)
Birdman, Birdman: TNT Had a Great 7-Minute Interview with Chris 'Birdman' Andersen [Video]![Juwan Howard Hanging out at the Beach with MSG Sideline Reporter Jill Martin [Photos]](http://thebiglead.fantasysportsven.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/plugin/resize_13692572294-thumb4.jpg)
Juwan Howard Hanging out at the Beach with MSG Sideline Reporter Jill Martin [Photos]![Baltimore Orioles Wearing Canadian Tuxedos (All-Denim) For Their Trip to Toronto [MLB]](http://thebiglead.fantasysportsven.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/plugin/resize_13693186075-thumb5.png)
Baltimore Orioles Wearing Canadian Tuxedos (All-Denim) For Their Trip to Toronto [MLB]![Sergio Garcia Apologizes For Racist Remark at Press Conference, Tiger Woods Tweets About Moving On [Golf]](http://thebiglead.fantasysportsven.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/plugin/resize_13692403596-thumb6.jpg)
Sergio Garcia Apologizes For Racist Remark at Press Conference, Tiger Woods Tweets About Moving On [Golf]![Michael Crabtree Has a Torn Achilles, And He Could Miss the 2013 Season [NFL]](http://thebiglead.fantasysportsven.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/plugin/resize_13692568007-thumb7.jpg)
Michael Crabtree Has a Torn Achilles, And He Could Miss the 2013 Season [NFL]![Max Domi Executes Magnificent Between-the-Legs Saucer Pass [Video]](http://thebiglead.fantasysportsven.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/plugin/resize_13691529938-thumb8.jpg)
Max Domi Executes Magnificent Between-the-Legs Saucer Pass [Video]![Wayne Gretzky Got Drunk at a Bar in South Carolina [Photos]](http://thebiglead.fantasysportsven.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/plugin/resize_13692402159-thumb9.jpg)
Wayne Gretzky Got Drunk at a Bar in South Carolina [Photos]
February 22nd, 2013 at 1:51 PM
Astros have five on the list as well. I’m sure that was just an accidental oversight by you though.
February 22nd, 2013 at 1:53 PM
Also, several of the Cardinals on the list were signed or drafted when Jeff Luhnow was running their draft operations.
/crotch thrust
February 22nd, 2013 at 1:54 PM
get fired up. it always amused me how hardcore fans of the local MLB teams couldn’t name more than the triple A affiliate or any prospects
all in or gtfo
February 22nd, 2013 at 1:54 PM
More likely an oversight by Baseball America to include any Astros.
February 22nd, 2013 at 1:54 PM
Lindor at 28? GTFO.
February 22nd, 2013 at 1:56 PM
The Mariners also had four guys place on the list.
kind of surprised there were four Yankees on there; I hadn’t really heard much about their system. can anyone tell me what the ceilings are for those guys?
February 22nd, 2013 at 1:57 PM
More likely an oversight by Baseball America to include any Astros.
My ass. Eat it.
February 22nd, 2013 at 1:57 PM
7
Line is set at 7 as to number of TBL commenters who instantly whipped out their dick upon seeing this post. If we get a golf post next, that number will skyrocket.
February 22nd, 2013 at 1:58 PM
go play in traffic
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:02 PM
*pencils in Cole and Taillon for TJ surgery*
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:02 PM
What Kaiser, you’re not excited for YARDWORK?
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:03 PM
what’s the number gonna be for the upcoming UFC preview Rousey post?
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:03 PM
Nothing regarding the sport of baseball has ever been prominently featured on this website.
Mason Williams is a pure athlete. Plus speed and plays a premium position at a plus level. Likely the successor of Granderson once his contract runs out in NY. However, I did see that they’ve finally made the decision to move Gardner to CF and Granderson to LF (it’s about time) for this coming season. At least it appears that way early in camp. FWIW, Jason Parks wasn’t that high on Williams but admitted his projection could look foolish if Williams ever develops a power stroke.
Gary Sanchez should start in Hi-A this year. He played in the Dominican Winter League. I’m not sold on how they grade Yankee catching prospects. Cervelli is downright terrible and the only thing impressive about Montero was his bat. Sanchez is at least a year and a half from the Show so I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s used as trade bait for a starting pitcher. The Yankees need a starting catcher though.
The other two I admittedly don’t know much about.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:03 PM
I believe the Red Sox have 5 as well.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:04 PM
As opposed to what? Watch baseball? That’s not a bad idea.
I kid, people. No more comments from me. Go nuts.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:04 PM
Line is set at 7 as to number of TBL commenters who instantly whipped out their dick upon seeing this post. If we get a golf post next, that number will skyrocket.
don’t you have some flares to light at a soccer match?
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:05 PM
Go jerkoff to the rape and hate culture of Soccer you nazi sympathizer.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:05 PM
Hell, I have season tickets to the local Single A team.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:06 PM
Those chocolates are fantastic.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:08 PM
Baseball starts in like 40 days. I’m sure 40 days before CFB starts the CFB fans will be jonesing for content like whoa.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:08 PM
Also, who talks baseball in February?
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:10 PM
Cardinals well positioned for years with a good group of veterans (Wainwright, Holliday, Beltran, Molina) to go along with their young players (Craig, Taveras, Miller, Rosenthal). Not re-signing Pujols is probably the best thing that could’ve happened to the franchise.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:11 PM
Listening to a Braves-Tigers spring training game on the radio. Fred McGriff threw out the first pitch. Hoping Tom Emanski is teaching fundamentals to the ball boys during breaks.
It’s a nice distraction from hockey. Especially after a Vancouver-Chicago game that featured controversy*.
* – they all do somehow
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:13 PM
Yeah, it must be horrible to watch a great team. I’m stuck watching the Dead Wings. Dan Cleary is arguably the worst player in the NHL. He had the 3rd most TOI last game. Coach sucks. GM sucks. Team sucks. Goalie sucks.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:15 PM
Rick DiPietro, your new Detroit Red Wings starting goalie!
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:16 PM
I didn’t read the soccer post, so I’m guessing the comment section was actually interesting today?
Oh and of those 6 Twins prospects, I think 3 are legit. The rest are busts.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:17 PM
I just bought MLBtv Premium. It’s pretty awesome.
I’m paying attention to the following this year –
1) Braves – that’s my squad.
2) Oakland – their AA team is here.
3) Rangers – Because the Astros just can’t be my Texas team? Maybe they should be. I need to debate this.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:17 PM
Even I’m not as high on Javier Baez as BA is. Lots of people took the leap on him this winter. He hasn’t even cleared AA yet. He sure as hell doesn’t have the same ceiling as someone like Taijuan Walker who is two spots below him. There’s like 12 ace pitchers in baseball. I think the only two prospect pitchers who have been pegged as having that potential are Walker and Bundy right now.
… maybe Shelby Miller but he’s already having shoulder problems this spring. Mechanics need tweaking. He’s got Mark Prior legs. Use them more.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:18 PM
i had a dream last night that the red wings gave chicago its first loss. i remember being bummed
also, i have no harsh feeling towards the cardinals since TLR left. i have gone from despising them to not caring
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:19 PM
I see my boy Bubba Starling is at 35th. That number is too high. Need him to tank down to 95th and then give up baseball and come to NEB.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:19 PM
Sano could be scary good. His power potential is limitless. Add a little more bulk to that frame and look the fuck out.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:20 PM
wrong. that extensive Navy SEALs training program guarantees long, productive careers for those guys.
re: the Yankees guys – thanks. like I said, I can’t remember the last time I’ve heard of the Yankees having any kind of really good farm system and I guess my suspicions weren’t unfounded. and with Montero, he’s going to be moving to DH as soon as Zunino is ready, which I assume is the biggest reason the Mariners moved Jaso (a trade I didn’t like at the time but makes more sense now, even if I’m not crazy about Morse).
also I can’t believe that the Rays got three of the guys on this list in the Shields and Garza trades.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:20 PM
So the No. 1 dude on this list was (allegedly) born in 1993. Damn.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:21 PM
Slade Heathcott would probably be top 20 prospect but people are cautious about projecting him after 3 shoulder surgeries. Came back second half of last year and raked like nothing happened. He’ll start in AA and best bet to get to the majors first. Tyler Austin has put up huge numbers but scouts seem torn on him – some don’t think it’ll transfer. Keith Law loves Mason Williams – so that’s something.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:22 PM
Cole, Cole, Cole.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:23 PM
Whatever happened to Yardwok?
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:25 PM
I talk baseball year round.
/high fives SC and philly
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:26 PM
Baffling that nobody picks up on the February line given how much shit yall give Jason for baseball stuff.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:26 PM
Dude can rip it when he makes contact, but damn does he wiff a lot. I think he K’d 2 or 3 times the game I saw him in last year.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:27 PM
Too bad his glove is only eh
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:27 PM
BA’s rankings are not nearly as good as some of the other organizations out there.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:27 PM
1a. He’s really good, but I don’t think he’s got the stuff to be a Verlander, Price or Halladay type guy. Like I said, I think there’s 12 ace pitchers in baseball.
I’d put Cole in the same category as Matt Garza. Really solid repertoire, but lacks the dominating stuff. Let’s see how his first full season of AAA goes. Maybe he makes the jump. I don’t mind being wrong. Especially about possible ace pitchers.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:27 PM
Sano is probably thirty right?
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:28 PM
I got it, but didn’t want to give you credit
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:29 PM
I’ve read various scouting reports that say his swing is awful and he will have to revamp it as he progress through the minors. Makes me surprised that he is at 35 here.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:29 PM
You know who else won’t get credit? Sam Ponder when she’s crapped out of ESPN in three years for starting to age and her husband is coaching high school football.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:30 PM
So it’s like Rivals for recruiting? Not the best at all, but they have the biggest name?
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:30 PM
He’s never played above Short Season ball, and he’s older than Bryce Harper.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:30 PM
That’s two that have flown right over everyone’s heads today.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:31 PM
Perfect analogy. I “trust” Keith Law’s and Fangraph’s ranking/scouting more than BA’s.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:31 PM
The Pirates prospect that intrigues me most is Alen Hanson, mole. He was a nobody before last year and then all of a sudden his bat exploded into an extra-base hit tool. Problem is, he doesn’t have a position. Not real strong anywhere on the infield so he might get stuck in LF. That puts an awful lot of pressure on his bat to keep the pace it set last year.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:33 PM
I agree with this. Then again, I always follow middle infield prospects a little more closely because, as a Tigers fan, I don’t know what one looks like.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:34 PM
While I’m a Baseball Prospectus and John Sickels kind of guy. That could totally be because they are high on certain Cubs guys (Dan Vogelbach!) but also because Sickels’ content is free and BP is cheaper to subscribe to than BA.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:34 PM
Keith Law’s a douche.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:34 PM
SC – DM the info for that roto league when you have a minute.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:34 PM
On the flip side though, D’arnaud is functionally retarded following his beaning and Mercer cannot hit for shit so if they can get him playing at the very least competent infield they’ll finally have a SS prospect that can hit the ball.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:35 PM
Didn’t he change positions last year?
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:35 PM
It’s a sign of the apocalypse. TBL has made a non-trolling, non-baseball bashing post.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:35 PM
And this is that point where my love for talking sports with y’all is outweighed by trolling wanna-be journalists who hate sports and have terrible grammar.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:36 PM
/high fives back
KLaw & BP >>>> BA in my opinion for prospect rankings.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:36 PM
BP is another I’d put above BA. Cannot believe I forgot about them.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:37 PM
Yeah, but he is “right” more than BA.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:37 PM
I just asked JCK. I’ll have it to you before I leave work.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:38 PM
DYLAN BUNDY, MOTHERFUCKERS!
And Kevin Gausman.
And Manny Machado, even though he’s in the Show now.
/GO BIRDS
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:38 PM
Law’s rankings came out recently and were even higher on the Cardinals farm right?
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:38 PM
Sox should have 5 in the top 50 though, with Carlos Martinez being taken away (with StL now) for bullshit birth cert reasons.
Also… SC if you don’t like how they grade catchers, check out Swihart. His defense has been surprisingly good for a guy who has played catcher for only a couple years, and he looks like he could be legit switch-hitter. Long way away, but high ceiling, and great tools. There are a few Texas fans here who were more than a little dismayed Boston signed him away from Austin.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:38 PM
And the o’s are ruining him.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:38 PM
Need some more for Yahoo Baseball
ID 31243 PW LGRW
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:38 PM
Agreed. I do think differently on Cole though. Power pitchers eventually learn the nuances more as they develop and pitch more. You can’t blow everyone away with an 80 grade fastball. He won’t be a top 10 pitcher, but could be a very good #2.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:39 PM
I came across this link on Twitter (may have been SC). It basically compiles the ‘big’ prospect rankings into a matrix so you can see everything at a glance. Some wildly different opinions on certain players (Olt, Hultzen, Sanchez).
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:40 PM
I think they trade JJ Hardy mid-season once the O’s are 15 games under .500. Sorry O’s, but last year was an aberration.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:40 PM
I’m assuming J.J. is gone by season’s end and he can move back to short. That’s my hope, anyways. Mind you, I love Hardy.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:41 PM
Yep. It’ll be fun to watch him at AAA. They said the focus they want him to have this season is sequencing. He’s got a changeup that works. He just needs to know when to use it.
They really are. Just find a buyer for Hardy already.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:42 PM
15 games under is a bit strong, I think we sniff 80 wins, maybe hit .500. But yeah, not winning 93 again.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:42 PM
Yeah, but he is “right” more than BA
He couldn’t have been more wrong on Dustin Pedroia thank god. But snark aside I do “trust” his analysis more than most others.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:42 PM
Trade him to Detroit, please.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:43 PM
The changeup is such a criminally underused pitch. Love watching Hamels make batters look foolish with his change.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:43 PM
Yeah, not sure why they rejected the Tigers reported offer of Porcello. It’s JJ Hardy, not like he’s gonna bring back a few prospects.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:44 PM
Vlad – I tried to sign-up but it says your league is full if all previous owners return.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:44 PM
For whatever reason, I just was insulted that that they seemed to think Peralta would suffice. I felt like I read that at first, then found out it was Porcello.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:44 PM
The BP PECOTA projections are not kind to the Orioles. They give them a 1.3% chance of making the playoffs. Mind you, the Chicago Cubs have roughly a ~6% chance in the same system.
I was shocked to see the Red Sox at #3 in the East in PECOTA. I’m not that high on the Blue Jays (I can’t even explain it either. It’s a stupid “gut feeling”) but I still think they finish ahead of Boston in the division.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:44 PM
The AL East isn’t gonna be easy. The winning team in the division might only win 90 games tops. The rest could settle in a 75-85 range.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:45 PM
You’ll keep Jhonny and you’ll like it.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:45 PM
Along with every Red Sox fan who wanted him back to Pawtucket after hitting <.200 for two months.
I looked up his splits at one point… after that May, I don't think he hit below .290 in a month for 2+ years or something.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:45 PM
Hopefully
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:45 PM
I think they’re hoping he hits like he did in ’11, since he seems to alternate good and bad seasons with the bat. That’s how I’m trying to justify it in my head, anyways.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:45 PM
What are the Pirates at?
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:46 PM
Baltimore’s offseason was baffling. Seemed to have no direction. Either bring in some pieces to compete in the east, or stockpile some more prospects. They did neither.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:46 PM
All I know is, Nats versus Metropolitans tomorrow, 10a MST.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:47 PM
Personally, I think Boston is going to blow. But that’s possibly wishful thinking affecting my thinking.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:47 PM
I’m a Red Sox fan and I envision them in a battle for 4th with the Yankees. I think it is going to be Tampa and Toronto battling for division crown.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:47 PM
I think he’s changed a couple times. Heading to the outfield next, I think
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:48 PM
As a Marlins fan, I’m thrilled that we have essentially traded away an all-star team and all we have to show for it is 6 top 100 prospects in our system. Jeffrey Loria is the biggest scumbag in all of sports.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:48 PM
Pirates at 17% and 4th in the NL Central. (no sub req’d)
I was wrong about the Orioles. 4.8% chance. The Cubs have a ~12% chance.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:48 PM
Wheeler and somebody else vs. Strasberg? Yes please.
Also Sunday…Verlander/Halladay. That is appointment watching.
Re: Hardy, the O’s are probably trying to re-establish his value to trade him, so that Manny can go back to SS and in a mid-season 2014 they can bring up Schoop.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:49 PM
M’s have 5…
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:49 PM
And I’ll admit to being one of those. Wasn’t Alex Cora red hot at that time too? Francona sticking to Pedroia was certainly commendable.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:49 PM
I guess, but what were they going to bring in? Payroll is already at $90MM, Greinke wasn’t coming to Baltimore, they won’t give up a pick for Lohse, Hamilton was never going to happen. I mean, I’m not thrilled, but there wasn’t THAT much to do. They’ll hope Davis is an abortion at first, and that Reimold stays healthy for more than 5min and go from there, I guess.
Plus, Bundy and Gausman up late in the season is probably as good as any move Duquette was going to make. Moving Hardy?
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:50 PM
I’m a huge baseball fan, but not in your league. No game in February is ever appointment watching for me.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:50 PM
All I know is that in one week, I’ll be in Sarasota watching some Spring Training ball. Fuck. Yes.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:50 PM
They are my token NL team this year. I really hope they can beat the Reds in the NL playoffs this year. That’s my NLCS pick. Although I am hoping the Reds are a first round exit like last year.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:51 PM
I read that as negative twelve at first and nodding in agreement.
Also watch the Dodgers miss the playoffs.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:52 PM
The Nats are bananas.
But these Nats fans here in DC are going to drive me fucking insane. What a stupid fanbase, holy shit.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:52 PM
Didn’t have to be one of the big names. But they appeared to just sit on their hands and do nothing.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:53 PM
I really hope that the D’Backs moves backfire in their face. I really really hope this.
/sorry YYSA
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:53 PM
Apropos of nothing I’ve noticed a trend that fat white chicks love taking trips to Florida for spring training. My theory is that they’re under the delusion they’ll land a baseball player.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:53 PM
They likely shelved their Ovechkin sweaters for a Harper or Strasburg jersey sometime last spring. Same crop of people. They just like winning products, doesn’t matter the sport. That city is such a transplant haven that other than the Skins, it’s hard for them to establish a fanbase with any sort of cling.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:54 PM
I’m not buying on Toronto, simply because they picked up a bunch of players off crappy teams. Congrats to them for joining their team with the Marlins, but IIRC, the Marlins sucked last year.
I’m not sold on Baltimore at all, though I do think they push and ruin Bundy this year to throw him on the scrap heap with Matusz and Britton.
To me, the East is a bunch of 89-win teams, and too many question marks, new players (Red Sox especially). Tampa has the rotation, but not the lineup. Baltimore has a fool’s gold run differential and a rotation that still needs a lot of hits. And NYY has a lot of age-related question marks.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:54 PM
Oxygen deprivation. They haven’t been at these lofty heights before.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:54 PM
There’s potential for many things to go wrong with the Jays. If Bautista’s wrist isn’t right, if Johnson’s arm falls off, if Melky goes back to sucking, etc…, they’re probably screwed. The flip side is that they could be a killing machine if everything goes right. I’m excited to see how it plays out.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:54 PM
True, they did. I guess they’re just waiting and seeing. See whether Hammell is actually that good, if Chen can hold up, if Reimold stays healthy, and if Brian Roberts can play without killing himself. Also, extend Matt Wieters right fucking now, before he figures out whether or not he can hit (damn you, Boras).
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:54 PM
ROCK THE RED
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:56 PM
He did it with Papi, too. I disagreed with a lot of things Francona did, but I always ended up being wrong. I’ll be keeping the corner of my eye on Cleveland this season.
/contracts conjunctivitis
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:56 PM
This is an absolute fact, if Facebook has shown me anything.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:56 PM
Man I totally forgot this was the year Houston flipped sides.
Also missed them changing the logo up. Looks like a generic SBN site logo.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:56 PM
“IF” – the 2013 AL East slogan
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:57 PM
I also remember knowing people who referred to Youkilis as “Kevin Useless” back during the beginning of his career.
well, the Red Sox pitching can’t possibly be as bad as it was last year. I’m assuming PECOTA’s accounting for a bounceback year for Lester, and Dempster/Lackey/whoever giving them better innings than Beckett, Cook, Bard and Daisuke did last year (which isn’t saying much). of course I don’t like their outfield one bit.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:57 PM
I will cry for the rest of my life if this happens. Seems like they’re doing the anti-Strasburg with him, short stints so he can pitch the entire season, just like last year. But pitching development is such a crapshoot.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:57 PM
Billy Buckner is a fat white chick.
/updates spreadsheet
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:59 PM
Busted. Fuck.
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:59 PM
Pretty much. I think the Red Sox are okay. But I thought last year that there was no way they could get worse than 2011. I’m starting to wonder if Lester isn’t very good, which basically would hollow out that team, not having a single #1 or #2 pitcher, besides Buchholz-if-he-stays-healthy.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:00 PM
That’s some flawed logic. They acquired most of the Marlins who didn’t suck in that deal. It’s totally reasonable to expect them to be significantly better than last year, provided health/luck is on their side. You also didn’t mention the Dickey acquisition and Bautista being healthy, which are pretty big factors.
I expect Boston to bounce back to respectability but they replaced a horrible manager with a bad manager. Farrell going to a division rival was awesome. I’m sure Boston media will love the five minute answers he gives without actually saying anything.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:01 PM
Britton was hurt last year, but wasn’t bad in 2011. They have a whole new pitching regime. They better not ruin Bundy.
And I would kill to go back to Spring Training. Clearwater is quite awesome, if you can deal with the Scientologists.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:03 PM
Britton apparently looks incredible so far, but I’m writing that off as the same annual bullshit columns that they just use to fill space.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:04 PM
Rick Peterson has been doing some good, interesting stuff. Just hoping it actually pays off.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:04 PM
I don’t like the Farrell move at all, unless he can somehow fix Lester. I think the managerial search was a joke, and the owners were completely transparent, and just are doubling down on shit instead of cutting losses.
As far as my ‘flawed logic’ regarding Toronto. I get it, they got good players. But I’ve seen a lot of teams in a lot of sports win the offseason, and fail to end the season on a win. I just gotta see all those guys repeat good seasons (Dickey), stay healthy (Reyes, Johnson, Bautista), avoid getting older (Buehrle, Dickey), the young guys keep improving, the NL guys adjusting to a good division (I don’t think this is a big issue, the AL East is down)… there’s a lot of variables, and Toronto being the ‘favorite’ for anything is a sucker bet, IMO.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:05 PM
uh-oh.
what the fuck did happen to Lester last year, anyway? from what I saw (which, granted, wasn’t a lot) it looked like he lost a lot of movement on his pitches. and I don’t really remember hearing anything about him being hurt.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:06 PM
Fenway Sports Group, amazing at turning profits, awful at running teams.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:06 PM
If Toronto wins 105 games and the World Series, I won’t be very surprised… they have good young players we’ve been waiting on, and a re-vamped pitching staff. But it doesn’t strike me as all that different from my expectations for Boston in 2010-11, and that story didn’t end well.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:07 PM
Only thing he’s doing that’s wrong is not letting Bundy unleash his 70 grade cutter.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:09 PM
I think he took a lot of stuff personally from the fried chicken story etc. But I also think he was on a two-year trend of his stuff diminishing, esp in velocity. Just ask John Lackey how that ends.
I think he’ll do a lot better, and Lackey could be okay, and Buchholz has near-ace stuff at times (not the mentality though, but a good #2 when healthy). As long as Dempster and Doubrant don’t implode, they should win 85 games with that rotation. I would hate them in a playoff series though.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:10 PM
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:11 PM
I’ve tried to defend them, and really thought a lot of crap was misguided, but the Francona stuff and this toradol stuff really pissed me off. Not to mention I don’t fully love their moves this year (I don’t hate them that much, because hey if you have $100 million to spend on a ‘bridge’ year, go for it). I just don’t think they have the direction they need, and the Bill Belichick “stick to your principles and never deviate” type of attitude towards the team building, and it cost them a lot of prospects/draft picks the past few years.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:13 PM
I was at lunch. The conversation still going on in here?
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:15 PM
If Bogaerts/JBJ/Barnes don’t all reach close to their ceilings, this team will be in a lot of trouble in the future.
The Boston FO did a good job extended young players to club-friendly terms (Lester/Buch/Youk/Pedroia) but traded away the next group of guys to extend (Rizzo/Kelly etc) to pay for wins on the free market, which is just not a value buy.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:15 PM
At least the Red Sox press secretary hasn’t threatened to kill any bloggers yet.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:16 PM
If he’s here, I’m leaving.
/can’t remember why we are fighting
//slams door anyway
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:16 PM
Well, don’t hold out. What did you have for lunch?
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:17 PM
If he’s here, I’m leaving.
/can’t remember why we are fighting
I didn’t know we were fighting. You never talk to me anymore. I don’t like where this relationship is going. I want to see other people.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:18 PM
Over/Under on Astros losses this year?
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:18 PM
Well, don’t hold out. What did you have for lunch?
Sandwich. Sliced chicken breast with cheddar and mayo. Sea Salt Ruffles and a honeycrisp apple.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:19 PM
Over/Under on Astros losses this year?
PECOTA has us at 67.5 wins and 94.5 losses. That seems generous to me. I think 100 losses is in order once again.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:19 PM
Over.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:19 PM
Well, with spring training officially under way, has the EIC yet issued his annual call to contract the Pirates?
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:20 PM
Well, with spring training officially under way, has the EIC yet issued his annual call to contract the Pirates?
It’s implied at this point.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:22 PM
Sounds like you dined chez desk.
Man, Uptown has some great lunch places. Nick & Sam’s Deli (no, no, not the steak house). Prime Bar. Common Table. Company Cafe. Naan Sushi.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:22 PM
I played the under last year and profited handsomely. Don’t see how they’ve gotten better, but it’s awfully hard to lose 105-ish every year.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:22 PM
Over.
Yeah, this.
2014 is when I expect major improvement and 2015 is when I expect us to be competing in the division for at least part of the season if not the whole way.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:23 PM
Sounds like you dined chez desk.
Man, Uptown has some great lunch places. Nick & Sam’s Deli (no, no, not the steak house). Prime Bar. Common Table. Company Cafe. Naan Sushi.
Nope, I went home for lunch. It’s nice to live less than 10 minutes away from where you work.
I didn’t know Nick and Sam’s had a deli. I’ll have to check that out.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:24 PM
I think you’re right but I like the direction they’re going in. They’ve committed to sucking in the short term and developing talent in their system. A couple more years of high first round picks should help.
I’m a big Singleton fan. Hoping to see him arrive at some point this year.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:25 PM
the Crawford and Lackey signings are still totally baffling to me.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:26 PM
Don’t see how they’ve gotten better, but it’s awfully hard to lose 105-ish every year.
We did jettison some deadweight from last year: Bogusevic, Schaefer among them. I think Bud Norris will have a decent year and Lyles is due for a bounce back from the rough year he had last year. Harrell, though, bothers me. Great season last year but a low K-rate.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:27 PM
Corner of Cedar Springs and Fairmount. They do great sandwich-soup combos for $10-13.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:28 PM
Lyles k-rate is super low, too, no?
Harrell was almost the lone bright spot last year. Lowrie is gone too. He wasn’t dead weight, especially by Astros standards.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:29 PM
I think you’re right but I like the direction they’re going in. They’ve committed to sucking in the short term and developing talent in their system. A couple more years of high first round picks should help.
I’m a big Singleton fan. Hoping to see him arrive at some point this year.
I’m fully on board with what Luhnow and Crane are doing. It’s necessary. The McLane/Purpura/Wade approach was a terrible one and only put off this rebuilding project longer. They deserve the blame for where we are. But mostly under Luhnow’s watch we’ve gone from having the second worst farm system in baseball to the 9th best.
I’m really big on Singleton and if he handles his 50 game suspension well and has a solid stint at Oklahoma City this year then I bet he gets a September call up. It could be earlier if Pena and Wallace suck this year, but Singleton is also going to be missing 250+ ABs and he might need another season in AAA to get on track. He will compete for the first base slot in 2014 spring training though.
I think George Springer is either on the Opening Day Roster this year or is one of the first call ups. Everything about him suggests he is really close to ready for the show.
Matt Dominguez intrigues me at third this year. The only problem with that is that the last time I was intrigued by a guy coming off a solid second half of a season it was J.D. Martinez in 2011…and we saw how that turned out.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:32 PM
Lyles k-rate is super low, too, no?
Harrell was almost the lone bright spot last year. Lowrie is gone too. He wasn’t dead weight, especially by Astros standards.
Yeah Lyles is supposed to be a ground ball pitcher. He’s never going to be a K machine, so when he has a shitty defense behind him, like he did last year, he’s going to be in trouble. I don’t know what the BABIP for batters facing Harrell was last year, but I bet it was pretty low…which means he could come back down to earth a little this year.
The Lowrie trade was the first one by Luhnow that caused me to do a double take. But I still think it’s a good deal in the long term. Lowrie is never a lock to play 100 games let along 140 or 162. He may be good when he’s in, but the problem is that he’s never in the game because he can’t stay healthy.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:35 PM
they got a decent haul for him too, I think. Peacock and Carter at the very least are worth a shot.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:37 PM
I’m still upset about that trade. Had we not traded Singleton, we could’ve cast off Howard onto the Dodgers at this point. And Cosart too.
/fire RAJ
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:37 PM
I don’t question Luhnow at all. Oddly, I would give him an A so far despite the almost historically bad records. Of course, if some of these drafts turn out to be busts, that goes out the window.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:37 PM
they got a decent haul for him too, I think. Peacock and Carter at the very least are worth a shot.
Agreed. That trade is emblematic of what Luhnow has been doing. Take a guy with some value and turn him into two or three other minor leaguers with lots of potential. He’s throwing lots of bodies and talent at the lack of depth on the bench and in the farm system. One of them is bound to be a hit.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:39 PM
I’m still upset about that trade. Had we not traded Singleton, we could’ve cast off Howard onto the Dodgers at this point. And Cosart too.
I still can’t believe you guys gave us Singleton and Cosart in that deal. It’s funny because at the time Philly fans were saying how stupid we were, specifically Ed Wade, for not getting Domonic Brown. Yes it’s possible that Singleton and Cosart could both bomb, but I’d rather get an organization’s second and third best prospects instead of their #1 by himself.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:41 PM
I don’t question Luhnow at all. Oddly, I would give him an A so far despite the almost historically bad records. Of course, if some of these drafts turn out to be busts, that goes out the window.
Right. Not every move is going to turn out to be a good one. I could see Correa never quite becoming what’s expected of him. But with Luhnow turning so many guys who were on the Opening Day Roster in 2012 into 2-3 prospects from other teams he’s built in a lot of redundancy against failure.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:43 PM
dying sport
February 22nd, 2013 at 4:13 PM
Also, who talks baseball in February?
All year in our house.
February 22nd, 2013 at 4:14 PM
Amen to that.
February 22nd, 2013 at 4:16 PM
But seriously, is this yardwork?
February 23rd, 2013 at 10:33 AM
I saw an Astros O/U at 59 1/2 wins. As a ‘Stros fan, I would have bet the under last year (when it was in the 70′s).
I don’t care about them much this year, but I’ll still go to a couple of games at MMP this year.
//St. Arnold’s on the on concourse in right field…