MLB Talk

[TheNamelessPoet]

The Mets better cut the crap

I'd prefer they continue the road they are on

[Jeffy25]

I'd prefer they continue the road they are on

I'm telling you, and everyone else, the Cardinals are better than people realize

[HoustonGM]

The team picks players at the beginning of the season, they are allowed three outfielders, four regular infielders, a catcher, and I think four or five pitchers.

Pitchers aren't voted on. Do you have a source for that, though, because I've never heard about anything like that...and it seems awfully strange that a team like the White Sox last year would list Jerry Owens on the ballot, and not Quentin, even though Quentin/Swisher/Dye was their starting OF from day 1.

[HoustonGM]

I'm telling you, and everyone else, the Cardinals are better than people realize

Well, most people "realize" that they are the 2nd best team in that division, but easily behind the Cubs.

[BINGLEBOP]

Pitchers aren't voted on. Do you have a source for that, though, because I've never heard about anything like that...and it seems awfully strange that a team like the White Sox last year would list Jerry Owens on the ballot, and not Quentin, even though Quentin/Swisher/Dye was their starting OF from day 1.

I remember hearing the same thing somewhere, although pitchers aren't voted on of course. I thought the managers submitted their "lineup" before Opening Day.

[Jeffy25]

Well, most people "realize" that they are the 2nd best team in that division, but easily behind the Cubs.

well the cubs are three outs away from being in fourth place, and the cards are in an easy first....that's the end of the first season of ten as lou pinella would say

[BINGLEBOP]

From the Red Sox site:

Ortiz fully supported Youkilis being on the ballot.

"We talked about it," Ortiz said. "He's the guy that plays out there [on defense]. They always come to me [for input] because I've been here longer. This is like the Army. The guy who has the longer [service] time, that's the guy who has the first choice. But I have no problem with that. He deserves it, man. He's been a hell of a player since he's been there."

I'm guessing by "they" coming to him, that's Francona and/or the front office. I'm looking for something more specific on manager's submitting their lineup, but I can't find it yet.

[Jeffy25]

Pitchers aren't voted on. Do you have a source for that, though, because I've never heard about anything like that...and it seems awfully strange that a team like the White Sox last year would list Jerry Owens on the ballot, and not Quentin, even though Quentin/Swisher/Dye was their starting OF from day 1.

I do not have a source, it could just be hear say...but I have heard that before....i'll look for a source. But they are apparently supposed to submit during spring training or something...lemme look

[HoustonGM]

well the cubs are three outs away from being in fourth place, and the cards are in an easy first....that's the end of the first season of ten as lou pinella would say

At roughly this point last season, the Cubs were 1.5 games behind St. Louis, just like they are right now (okay, 2, if they lose this one).

[BINGLEBOP]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's sometime toward the end of Spring Training too, which doesn't make a whole lot of sense since an injury could happen AFTER they submit the ballot.

[Jeffy25]

Well, most people "realize" that they are the 2nd best team in that division, but easily behind the Cubs.

I can't say we are easily behind the Cubs, I don't agree. The Cubs look better on paper, but I just (probably biased) believe the Cardinals will win this division, with surprises by the Reds. Pirates won't play this well all year, and the Astros are just terrible. Brewers, I kind of ignore, i don't know much about them. but I believe the Cards are just better than people give them credit for. 90 wins isn't a wild guess for this team.

[Jeffy25]

At roughly this point last season, the Cubs were 1.5 games behind St. Louis, just like they are right now (okay, 2, if they lose this one).

yes, but Cards also won 86 games last year with a horrible bullpen last year that blew 31 saves. This year, basically the same team, if the bullpen can hold it together, no reason we can't win 90 and make the Cubs run for their money.

[HoustonGM]

I can't say we are easily behind the Cubs, I don't agree. The Cubs look better on paper, but I just (probably biased) believe the Cardinals will win this division, with surprises by the Reds. Pirates won't play this well all year, and the Astros are just terrible. Brewers, I kind of ignore, i don't know much about them. but I believe the Cards are just better than people give them credit for. 90 wins isn't a wild guess for this team.

It's hard to give credit of better than 2nd best in the division (which basically everybody agrees on) when the Cubs are the best in the division. Luck, injuries, etc. could all easily work in the Cardinals favor and the could win the division, it's not out of the question, but, like you said, on paper, which is all we have to go on to make predictions, the Cubs are better.

[Jeffy25]

can't find my link, the cards site had it, but it is no longer on there, explaining some of the process and why Freese will be on the ballott but not Rasmus

[HoustonGM]

yes, but Cards also won 86 games last year with a horrible bullpen last year that blew 31 saves. This year, basically the same team, if the bullpen can hold it together, no reason we can't win 90 and make the Cubs run for their money.

And the Cubs won 97 games last year, and are basically the same team with a (potential) full season of Rich Harden... and Milton Bradley.