Podcast! - 2009 MLB Preview

Due to technical difficulties, the National League preview has been lost forever. But we're here to lend you our expertise for the Junior Circuit. Fish is back to help us out, along with Mike (I don't know his last name). 2009 MLB Season Preview Podcast Post your predictions for the upcoming season in the comments or on our Facebook group, which can be found HERE.

Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio?

Hey, I remember that issue. It makes me want to fly back to Ontario and root through my half a dozen bins full of SI's from 1992-1998. You know, back when the magazine was GOOD. Anyways, on to the blog. The one that everybody involved in baseball hoped was clean and untainted. Alex Rodriguez. Guilty, by his own admission.

As everyone knows by know, A-Rod tested positive for banned substances back in 2003 when he was a Texas Ranger. He was one of over a hundred names to have failed tests that year. At this point would anybody be surprised by any name showing up in steroid talk?

With Rodriguez and his legacy now shrouded with taint, fans put their faith in Card's slugger Albert Pujols and hope to hell that he is clean.

Think of the legacies that are now tarnished because of their either alleged or proven cheating; Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro, Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, Troy Glaus, Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, and now of course A-Rod.

The game of baseball is now devoid of heroes. Which begs the question, who was the last true hero? My money is on Cal Ripken Jr. If it ever came to that he was a doper, I might completely lose my faith in humanity. But, come on. Ripken's numbers got worse as he got older, which doesn't happen much these days in the steroid era of the game.

As baseball fans, the baby-boomers had it good. They grew up in a golden time of the game, cheering on larger-than-life names like DiMaggio, Williams, Yastrzemski, Aaron, and Mantle. An innocent time for the game of baseball, where the most heinous things a player could do were drink, smoke, and womanize.

Despite all the blatant cheaters that this era of baseball will be known for, I still love the game. I know its tainted. But I can't stop being interested in something that I have loved since childhood. I just wish I was around to see the golden, clean era of the game. At least I'll always have Ripken. I hope.

Jeff Kent: Son of a bitch, Hall of Famer

Baseball lost one of its best mustaches today. I mean, come on...that thing is magical. Something Jason Giambi could only dream about having. In all seriousness though, the Dodgers Jeff Kent called it a career today, and before you shrug it off as just some over-the-hill infielder retiring, take a look at his numbers. Kent retires as the all time homerun leader among second basemen with 377, 74 more than Cub legend Ryne Sandberg. He also drove in 1,518 runs, had a career batting average of .290, and a slugging percentage of .500. So what does this all mean? Hall of Famer. No doubt about it. The numbers are comparable to those of recently inducted Jim Rice, but more imporantly, they are arguably the best ever for any second baseman in the history of the game. However, if recent Hall of Fame voting has taught us anything, its that voters hold grudges and if you weren't nice to certain members of the media, your train to Cooperstown may be delayed. And lets face it... Kent was on ornery son of a bitch. He was a meat and potatoes kind of guy who clashed with a lot of teammates, and was vocal against athletes who used steroids. Not surprisingly he had infamous battles with Barry Bonds and Milton Bradley, leading to dugout dustups and pretty entertaining TV. You can't really fault him for hating Barry Bonds can you? Even the holier-than-thou Hall voters might give him some credit for feuding with Barry. But if Kent doesn't get in on credentials alone, its ridiculous. Prick or no prick, he was a five time All-Star, four time Silver Slugger award, and won the N.L. MVP in 2000 with the San Francisco Giants. Not to mention, he is the only second baseman to have 100 or more RBIs in six consectuve seasons (1997-2002). In a way, Kent helped redefine his position. Second baggers have historically been known more for their defensive prowess rather than plate presence. And lets not forget, he broke into the Majors with the Toronto Blue Jays, way back when. Way back when being 1992. He should be thought of in a fond light amongst Jays fans, because it was Kent who was traded in a package to the New York Mets in the summer of 1992 in exchange for David Cone, an integral piece in the Jays World Series win that October. Kent's closest encounter with a World Series ring was 2002 with the Giants. They lost to the Angels in 7 games. Everybody should now point their hatred at White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who with both Bonds and Kent seemingly gone from the game, takes over the reign as biggest A-hole in baseball. What do you think? Is Kent a sure bet Hall of Famer?

K-Rod close to signing

Free Agent Fransisco Rodriguez, is close to signing a three year deal with the New York Mets reportedly worth $37 million. There is said to be a fourth year potentially involved along with a $14 million vesting option depending on the young relief pitchers health.

As a type "A" Free Agent, the Angels will receive a 2009 draft pick from the signing team.

In other Free Agent news, C.C. Sabathia will be meeting with the Giants this weekend to discuss a potential contract offer.

steve@aroundsports360.com

Podcast(s)!

Well, the third riveting season of the AS360.com podcasts is upon us. After taking the summer off, we are back with our weekly go-around of the sports world. Links are below. Episode 1 - November 5th Hear our thoughts on the recently wrapped up World Series, pending MLB free agency, the start of the NHL season, and Steve's dominating Tennessee Titans. Episode 2 - November 12th "As much as I hate the Maple Leafs, I hate their fans more." Listen to me alienate several friends and family members. We also talk about Pierre McGuire, the Brian Burke-GTA love-fest-a-thon, and NFL MVP talk. Until we figure out to post them here, you can find all our podcasts and at http://podcast.aroundsports360.com/

Begun, the MLB free agent wars have

We are just over 24 hours into Major League Baseball's free agent frenzy, and the first move has been made by (surprise!) the New York Yankees. Apparently the Yanks have offered rotund lefty C.C. Sabathia a six-year deal worth over $137.5 million, more than Johan Santana got last year from the Mets. The deal would obviously make the portly fellow the highest paid pitcher in baseball history. The New York Mets seem to have their hat in the fray as well. Unbelievably, but not surprisingly, the Yankees are going after not only C.C., but A.J. Burnett AND Derek Lowe. In other words, just the three best pitchers on the open market this year. Burnett is a sure fire bet to land there, but Lowe on the other hand I'm not so sure. It would make the free agent period very boring if the Yanks went out and got all three of those guys PLUS Manny Ramirez. Oh, and they are working on a deal with the Padres for Jake Peavy. Think the Yankees are a little pissed off about last season?

Onrait wants Manny in a Jays uniform

One of the best personalities TSN has these days is Jay Onrait. Actually, he is pretty much the only bright spot on an overly-serious network that is growing lame.

Today marks the start of MLB's free agent frenzy, and players are able to sign with the team that offers them the most cashitos.

Onrait's blug at TSN.ca today is all about J.P Ricciardi and how he should bring Manny Ramirez to the Blue Jays. Its a longshot (even Onrait admits that), but it would really solve a lot of problems with the Jays, most notably its anemic offence.

"I know what you're thinking: "Onrait, there's no way Manny signs in Toronto" and I admit it's a massive long-shot. But during J.P's entire rocky tenure as General Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, there has never been a single, one-shot opportunity to change his fortunes with the signing of one player. One player who can flat-out hit right now and will probably be able to flat-out hit for the next 5 seasons."

Jay has a point and many Jays fans hope the longshot odds play out. Too good to be true though, in all likelihood.

Read the entire blog, here....

This little kid just won the Cy Young

The little kid is of course San Francisco Giants phenom Tim Lincecum. Not really much of a surprise, he had my vote (if I had one. Surprisingly, I do not). Lincecum was 18-5 for the horrible Giants, with an MLB leading 265 strikeouts. He also posted a second-best N.L earned run average of 2.62. Opponents hit just .221 against him. Not too shabby. Here is how the voting broke down... 1. Tim Lincecum 137 pts 2. Brandon Webb 73 pts 3. Johan Santana 55 pts 4. Brad Lidge 10 pts 5. C.C Sabathia 9 pts 6. Ryan Dempster 4 pts The American League Cy Young award will be awarded on Thursday, with Cliff Lee the favourite to win it. Throw in Roy Halladay and K-rod in the discussion too, they'll both get first place votes. I can't write about Lincecum without throwing another jab at inept Blue Jays G.M J.P Ricciardi. Rumours were floating around this time last year that a Alex Rios-for-Lincecum deal was in the works. Obvioulsy it never panned out and I had to watch Rios phone it in every game he played for the Jays this summer.

Holliday wants to go to a perennial contender, so Oakland makes sense

Matt Holliday is apparently on the move to the Oakland Athletics, in a deal that apparently will see closer Huston Street head to the Coors Light State. This is a bit of surprise. Last week, the should-have-been 2007 National League MVP (see image) stated that he wanted to be dealt to a team that has a chance to compete for the World Series year in and year out. Apparently, that team is Oakland. Quick! Name five other current Oakland A's! I can't either. Doesn't matter though, Holliday is one hell of a pick up for Oakland, but does he make them an immediate favourite in the A.L West? He'll need some help. And a better question is do the A's have the resources to lock him up after next season? Might they be starting to build their empire now, preparing to move into a new stadium in the next few seasons?

Rays and Phillies: REALLY?!

Quick, put your hand up if you thought the Tampa Bay Rays would win 70 games this year. Ya, me neither. But alas, the time has come, hell hath frozen over. The Rays are the American League representatives in the 2008 World Series. The Phillies are coming off a surprising cake-walk of Manny's Dodgers and the debate will now begin. Is it better to be the team who has been waiting and resting, or the one with an engine full of Red Sox killing momentum? I happen to side with the latter. The Rays and Phils lineups are both strong, top to bottom. The advantage the Rays have is on the mound. Beyond Cole Hamels, there are question marks. Brett Myers has been perorming out of his skull so far in the playoffs and against a hot lineup with the likes of Longoria, Upton, et al., I just can't see it continuing. Same thing for his batting too. Somethings gotta give. And how about that spritely Jamie Moyer? In his two starts so far in the postseason, he has been lucky to escape the first inning. Moyer would be better served in this series as a second Phillies pitching coach. All I'm saying is I'd take an Andy Sonnanstine over a Jamie Moyer anyday. The only way I see the Rays losing this series is if their bullpen blows it for them. Having said that, they may have found their fireman for the remainder of the playoffs in super rookie David Price. And his stomach soothing performance couldn't have come at a better time. Rays manager Joe "Don't Call Me John" Maddon is done relying on Dan Wheeler to get 9th inning outs. At least Rays fans should hope so. On the topic of bullpens, I've never been one to hold in my opnions of Brad Lidge. The guy was brutal in the playoffs for the Astros when they went to the World Series in 2005, only to be swept by the ChiSox. Seemed like he was going to be one of those closers who couldn't handle the heat in big situations. So yes, he has yet to blow a save yet this season, but each opportunity seems a little bit more Miguel Batista-esque than the last. The Phillies and the city of Philadelphia are looking for another Mitch Williams. Time will tell if they have found him in Lidge. (God, I hope so. Nothing like a good ol' lynching). So, ultimately to my predicition. Rays in 5. Too much hot, sticky momentum. Sorry, Philadelphia. But not really.