Official 2011 MLB Thread: Playoffs??

[The Incredible Hulk]

Tigs on a roll. Looking at our first Division title since 1987 when we were still in the AL East.

Still hate the rule that teams in the same Division can't meet in the Division Series', that's totally put there so MLB can increase the likelihood of having Yanks/Sox in the ALCS.

 

[steintym]

Not gonna lie, I'd never heard of him before tonight.

I had never heard of him until the Sox picked him up. He was primarily a minor leaguer with a couple of big league starts.

 

[Poeman]

Team of the year is the, "How the hell are they good?" Diamondbacks team.

 

[Liam_H]

Almost every year has an upstart team that does better than what everyone predicts, San Diego was that team last year even though they fell short.

 

[cyborg ninja 14]

Team of the year is the, "How the hell are they good?" Diamondbacks team.

Yeah, how the hell are they good? As a fan I often wonder the same thing, I thought their ceiling this season was 3rd place, truly exceeded every possible expectation.

Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson are a solid 1-2 combo. Josh Collmenter was been excellent in his rookie season, pretty dependable for the most part. Joe Saunders is Joe Saunders, you just hope he doesn't suck. JJ Putz and David Hernandez have been lights out in the 8th and 9th innings.

The offense is for the most part very balanced, there aren't a lot of dead weights (unless you count Willie Bloomquist, who has been a clutch hitter at times). Justin Upton, Ryan Roberts, Miguel Montero, Gerardo Parra, Chris Young all have good offense and defensive value. And while you're at it, look up some of the bombs that rookie first basemen Paul Goldschmidt has hit

I think its been a perfect storm of the young hitters coming into their own since they came up in 06/07, and young pitchers finding their stride, coupled with a mostly healthy season from vintage Putz. Feels good man.

 

[steintym]

^ I think you pretty much nailed. A lot of young, good hitters who are also plus defensive players teamed up with some pitchers who are having above average (career?) years. The perfect match.

 

[John McGuirk]

It looks like the Tigers are most likely... Roaring, into the playoffs.

YYYYEEEEAAAAHHHH

 

[cyborg ninja 14]

^ I think you pretty much nailed. A lot of young, good hitters who are also plus defensive players teamed up with some pitchers who are having above average (career?) years. The perfect match.

Yeah, pretty much. It's been a fun ride, I don't know how long it'll carry them when October rolls around, but I do hope at least a first round upset of Philly/Atlanta.

 

[steintym]

Might be tough to pull off the upset, but they're a fun team to watch. I really like Young and Upton.

 

[Raiden]

Phillies’ Mayberry uses agent to try for date with ‘Pirates’ mermaid

Too bad she's taken already.

 

[cyborg ninja 14]

Tony Plush is going to be prime entertainment in the playoffs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u6GxWjVJUQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mDG6WOGIy0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEBdJm9uf5A
Plushdamentals

 

[John McGuirk]

10.5 up with 16 left. Getting very excited. t:

 

[Paroxysm]

Former World Series MVP Manny Ramirez has been arrested in Florida ... TMZ has learned.

He is currently in custody.

Story developing ....

 

[Erzengel]

It's just domestic abuse and Manny being Manny.

 

[Poeman]

Tampa vs Boston for this 4 game series will be a dandy.

Lets all root for the Rays. F the Sox

 

[Spidey-Bat]

Nah, I think I'll root for the Red Sox.

 

[enterthemadness]

Tampa vs Boston for this 4 game series will be a dandy.

Lets all root for the Rays. F the Sox

*jumps on Rays bandwagon*

 

[cyborg ninja 14]

Nah, I think I'll root for the Red Sox.

Red Sox losing to the Rays is the better story

 

[cyborg ninja 14]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/print.jsp?ymd=20110913&content_id=24624716&c_id=mlb

Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda: Today, they manage with statistics. You can't do it. Statistics are lies. Believe me, they're lies.

LIES

 

[Liam_H]

Well then what's the point of voting for MVPs and Cy Youngs then. Might as well randomly pick a pitcher and hitter from the team with the best record.

 

[cyborg ninja 14]

The races are really close, you could make a coin flip in the NL Cy Young race (Halladay, Kershaw, Lee) and there's no real wrong answer. NL MVP I'm leaning Braun, although I think Upton could make a splash.

AL MVP I'm convinced more and more everyday that it could go to Verlander, especially if he wins out.

 

[steintym]

That will be interesting to see if the voters have the guts to give Verlander the Cy Young and MVP.

 

[Liam_H]

I see it highly unlikely that Verlander get the MVP because there are viable candidates besides him. If everybody else was mediocre I could see more of an argument but they're not.

I'm wondering what other people think about the issue of MLB not allowing the Mets to wear the special caps for 9/11? I partially agree with it and accept it.

 

[John McGuirk]

If Justin gets 2 more wins, he's taking both home.

If Valverde gets to 50 saves in a row, maybe he gets Cy Young and Verlander can get MVP.

 

[Matt]

I see it highly unlikely that Verlander get the MVP because there are viable candidates besides him. If everybody else was mediocre I could see more of an argument but they're not.

I'm wondering what other people think about the issue of MLB not allowing the Mets to wear the special caps for 9/11? I partially agree with it and accept it.

I think it was pretty tactless on the MLB's part.