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Re: The MLB Thread
Oh and btw, the Rays are NOT getting a stadium anytime soon... thanks to the Marlins.
The Rays have basically been told, without being told by Hillsbourough County, that they won't be duped like Miami-Dade County was.
How absurd, and bullshit. The Rays are being punished for Loria being a con-artist asshole and the Fauxrida Marlins. I think the Rays will eventually have to move somewhere where they are wanted. Maybe Las Vegas, or a new Canadian team.
I don't see MLB in Vegas for a while due to all the gambling/sportsbooks down there. To be honest, I can't really come up with a really good candidate (city that is) for a team to relocate to. Brooklyn would be one of the few that I came up with. I guess Portland is another one. I think Vancouver is one of the few that actually has a stadium in place. But whenever I think about Vancouver and pro sports I remember how fucked up the Grizzlies were run.
Mariano Rivera is retiring at the end of the year. The best closer of all time and he's been doing it for 15 years or so. It's been a pleasure to watch him pitch during that time.
Re: The MLB Thread
Selig will NEVER EVER let an MLB team back in Montreal in his lifetime.
Texas is a big state, but adding a third MLB team when the Astros are struggling to stay alive -- I doubt it.
Not sure about if there's a market for MLB in any other Confederate states, that don't already have a team.
I think if a team moves or a new one is added, they will move further west again, whether its Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Portland, Vancouver, or Calgary. Could Sacremento support a team? Would they allow a 6th team in California? I think it'll happen in those spots, before another east coast team gets added, unless Selig decides to create a team for San Juan, PR.
There were rumors awhile back that if the A's can't get the Giants to lift their AAA territory rights over San Jose, CA, that the A's might move to another city and get the hell out of Oakland, beyond San Jose.
Re: The MLB Thread
I think if a team moves or a new one is added, they will move further west again, whether its Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Portland, Vancouver, or Calgary. Could Sacremento support a team? Would they allow a 6th team in California? I think it'll happen in those spots, before another east coast team gets added, unless Selig decides to create a team for San Juan, PR.
There were rumors awhile back that if the A's can't get the Giants to lift their AAA territory rights over San Jose, CA, that the A's might move to another city and get the hell out of Oakland, beyond San Jose.
Salt Lake is an interesting one. Like Portland, it only has an NBA team as the major sports attraction. I was looking at some numbers and the runs created per nine innings isn't too bad (from their PCL minor league ball club).
I think 6 teams in California is overkill. The city of Sacramento is currently fighting to keep the NBA Kings and that will require a new arena. Can't see them ponying up for another sports facility if the Kings stay in Sacramento.
To be honest, I'm thinking expanding to the Pacific Northwest would be the best option.
Re: The MLB Thread
I just think for baseball, the Pacific Northwest, and that entire side of the North American contienent is largely unexplored territory, short of the Mariners, and a shit load of minor league teams. I know alot of minor league organizations have been terrified of more major league organizations moving into their territories and destroying their business, but really they don't have much say in what happens. If MLB wants it to happen -- it happens.
Obviously territories such as Montana, Idaho, and the Dakotas don't have major cities, too much wide open spaces, and not nearly the amount of people to really make it viable to have a team.
But yeah, established major cities like the ones I listed are obvious choices to try to branch baseball into those areas. I also think it's a VERY intriguing option of adding a 2nd Canadian team back into the fold. Tons of fans across the border, still pissed the Expos are gone, and tons of fans in West Canada wearing Blue Jays hats, when they don't even have to.
Does anybody know if the Mariners have a strong fan base in West Canada? Most of the guys I knew up there used to cross the border to go to Seattle to see the M's, but typically to see them play and root for the Blue Jays when they're in town.
Re: The MLB Thread
Anyone else following the drama of the AL East. The standings are upside down compared to preseason expectations.
A little too early in the year to be going standings stalking in my opinion, time will definetely separate the legit contenders. Give it another month and then standings get interesting for me
Re: The MLB Thread
RaZor wrote:Anyone else following the drama of the AL East. The standings are upside down compared to preseason expectations.
A little too early in the year to be going standings stalking in my opinion, time will definetely separate the legit contenders. Give it another month and then standings get interesting for me
Normally I'd agree, baseball season doesn't start until after the all star break. But last year the al east was competition from day one, and wasn't decided until the last game.
Also it's surprising to see the all star Blue Jays doing do poorly, and the new look Yanks and Sox kicking ass.
Re: The MLB Thread
Bro-mero wrote:RaZor wrote:Anyone else following the drama of the AL East. The standings are upside down compared to preseason expectations.
A little too early in the year to be going standings stalking in my opinion, time will definetely separate the legit contenders. Give it another month and then standings get interesting for me
Normally I'd agree, baseball season doesn't start until after the all star break. But last year the al east was competition from day one, and wasn't decided until the last game.
Also it's surprising to see the all star Blue Jays doing do poorly, and the new look Yanks and Sox kicking ass.
A lot of people predicted the Jays not being as good as advertised. There have been plenty of examples of teams loading up in the off-season through free agency and blockbuster trades and things not exactly going to plan. Chemistry is an overlooked factor when building a team. You throw a bunch of superstars together, despite the talent, it's not certain they'll click. So far, they look pretty horrible. Not to mention a new manager, who isn't really proven, it's asking a lot for it to all come together.
The Yanks have been surprisingly competitive, although as long as they can avoid injuries to their pitching staff they should be okay. And the Red Sox had a pretty good roster, they just needed to pitch to their potential. Many hoped that Farrell coming back would have a positive impact on the staff, and it certainly has. They've been better than expected actually. Not sure they can keep up at the same pace, but Buchholz and Lester are finally pitching the way they're capable of. Although Lester has been a bit spotty his last 2 times out. Buchholz though, has been fantastic. Now, if he can just stay healthy.
Orioles still look they have a solid squad and the Rays still have the pitching but severely lack on the offensive end. It hasn't seemed to have stopped them the past few years though, so I imagine they'll still be a factor.
