Official MLB 2013 Season Thread

[Darth Anakin]

Jorge Posada is expected to announce his retirement within the next two weeks, a source tells Sweeny Murti of WFAN in New York.
Posada had reportedly drawn interest from the Rays, Phillies, and Orioles as a backup catcher but reportedly didn't have an interest in being evaluated as a second-tier player. The 40-year-old indicated that he would continue playing in 2012 if he could find the right situation, however, he may have had a hard time finding a guaranteed major-league deal. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com has since corroborated the report. Posada will finish seventh all-time in home runs among catchers, in addition to five All-Star appearances and four World Series rings.

Source - http://rotoworld.com/player/mlb/2146/jorge-posada

[fatediesel]

Barry Larkin was elected to the Hall of Fame today with 86.4% of the votes. He was the only player that received the necessary 75% of votes needed for election. Next year a lot of the steroid era's most controversial players become eligible for election, with implicated players Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Sammy Sosa, as well as Mike Piazza, Craig Biggio, and Curt Schilling on the ballot for the first time.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/74...cted-hall-fame

[Hatter]

Further proof that the baseball hall voting is a complete joke.

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by fatediesel

Barry Larkin was elected to the Hall of Fame today with 86.4% of the votes. He was the only player that received the necessary 75% of votes needed for election. Next year a lot of the steroid era's most controversial players become eligible for election, with implicated players Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Sammy Sosa, as well as Mike Piazza, Craig Biggio, and Curt Schilling on the ballot for the first time.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/74...cted-hall-fame

My guess...

Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens - Both get about 30-40% of the vote each year, and each following year - far from the 75% needed.

Sammy Sosa - Gets 25-30% of the vote each year, far from the HOF

Mike Piazza and Craig Biggio - Both elected first ballot. Though I suppose it's possible Piazza has a problem similar to Bagwell where he misses due purely to speculation he might have juiced.

Curt Schilling - Comes up short first ballot, likely elected 2nd ballot.

[fatediesel]

The upcoming classes are pretty stacked. In 2014 you've got 3 almost definite first ballot players in Greg Maddux, Frank Thomas, and Tom Glavine plus Jeff Kent and Mike Mussina.

In 2015 you've got probably 3 first ballot players in Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz plus Gary Sheffield (509 home runs but steroid allegations and was on the Mitchell Report), Nomar, and Carlos Delgado.

In 2016 there's a sure-fire first ballot in Ken Griffey Jr. In the past closers haven't gotten into the hall of fame often but I would think Trevor Hoffman would be first ballot. Other eligible players in 2016 include Billy Wagner, Andy Pettitte, and Jim Edmonds.

[Hatter]

Originally Posted by fatediesel

The upcoming classes are pretty stacked. In 2014 you've got 3 almost definite first ballot players in Greg Maddux, Frank Thomas, and Tom Glavine plus Jeff Kent and Mike Mussina.

In 2015 you've got probably 3 first ballot players in Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz plus Gary Sheffield (509 home runs but steroid allegations and was on the Mitchell Report), Nomar, and Carlos Delgado.

In 2016 there's a sure-fire first ballot in Ken Griffey Jr. In the past closers haven't gotten into the hall of fame often but I would think Trevor Hoffman would be first ballot. Other eligible players in 2016 include Billy Wagner, Andy Pettitte, and Jim Edmonds.

Nomar, Delgado, Edmonds and Petitte don't deserve any real consideration.

Larry walker was a better player than those guys, Jeff Kent and Sheffield although of all the non slam dunk guys you name, Sheffield is the best one and should get in. The Mitchell report unfortunately ruins Sheffield's case until there is a shift in voter mentality. It may be too late by the time that happens.

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by Hatter

Nomar, Delgado, Edmonds and Petitte don't deserve any real consideration.

Larry walker was a better player than those guys, Jeff Kent and Sheffield although of all the non slam dunk guys you name, Sheffield is the best one.

I wouldn't vote in Pettitte either. But Pettitte's career numbers are almost identical to those of Jack Morris, who narrowly missed the HOF this year and should make the cut next year. Of course the PED issue could factor into Pettitte's HOF support.

Pettitte:
Win–loss record 240–138
Earned run average 3.88
Strikeouts 2,251
5x World Series Champion

Morris:
Win–loss record 254–186
Earned run average 3.90
Strikeouts 2,478
4x World Series Champion

[filmnut5]

Originally Posted by ChadFL

Though I suppose it's possible Piazza has a problem similar to Bagwell where he misses due purely to speculation.

I always thought there was a good chance Bagwell and Brett Boone were juiced. These little fellas got big in a hurry and put up some huge numbers. Purely speculation on my part and nothing more than a gut feeling. I would however, bet money that both were on that infamous list.

[Hatter]

Originally Posted by ChadFL

I wouldn't vote in Pettitte either. But Pettitte's career numbers are almost identical to those of Jack Morris, who narrowly missed the HOF this year and should make the cut next year. Of course the PED issue could factor into Pettitte's HOF support.

Pettitte:
Win–loss record 240–138
Earned run average 3.88
Strikeouts 2,251
5x World Series Champion

Morris:
Win–loss record 254–186
Earned run average 3.90
Strikeouts 2,478
4x World Series Champion

The problem with voters is that for the most part, they fail to realize that these guys don't step up their game in the postseason. With exception to that ridiculous 10 inning masterpiece, Morris pitched roughly the same that he did in the postseason. Same thing with Petitte.

Guys who really took it up a notch in the postseason were guys like Schilling, Smoltz and Orlando Hernandez.

Originally Posted by filmnut5

I always thought there was a good chance Bagwell and Brett Boone were juiced. These little fellas got big in a hurry and put up some huge numbers. Purely speculation on my part and nothing more than a gut feeling. I would however, bet money that both were on that infamous list.

Kind of insulting to lump Bagwell in with Boone. Boone's career year (and his only standout year) in 2001 isn't even a top five Bagwell season.

[3DForLife]

Originally Posted by Hatter

Nomar, Delgado, Edmonds and Petitte don't deserve any real consideration.

Larry walker was a better player than those guys, Jeff Kent and Sheffield although of all the non slam dunk guys you name, Sheffield is the best one and should get in. The Mitchell report unfortunately ruins Sheffield's case until there is a shift in voter mentality. It may be too late by the time that happens.

Just wondering, why should Edmonds not get any real consideration?

[Hatter]

Originally Posted by 3DForLife

Just wondering, why should Edmonds not get any real consideration?

My reason is Andruw Jones. He's blown his shot now despite being the best CF ever for nearly a decade. Perhaps no real consideration is a tad harsh but given Jones and the fact Edmonds offensive numbers don't jump out at you (though they're pretty good in under 2100 games), his shot is slim.

Larry Walker excelled in all areas of the game yet he only garnered 23% today. What gives Edmonds serious consideration when a much better overall player gets little love?

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by 3DForLife

Just wondering, why should Edmonds not get any real consideration?

I think he does deserve some consideration, though I doubt I'd vote him in. His offensive numbers were good, but not great. Finished top-10 in MVP voting only 2 times. Of course his defense helps his cause. Winning 8 Gold Gloves helps.

[filmnut5]

Originally Posted by Hatter

The problem with voters is that for the most part, they fail to realize that these guys don't step up their game in the postseason. With exception to that ridiculous 10 inning masterpiece, Morris pitched roughly the same that he did in the postseason. Same thing with Petitte.

Guys who really took it up a notch in the postseason were guys like Schilling, Smoltz and Orlando Hernandez.



Kind of insulting to lump Bagwell in with Boone. Boone's career year (and his only standout year) in 2001 isn't even a top five Bagwell season.

It's not insulting at all. From 2001 thru 2004 (4 seasons) Boone hit 120 HRs and knocked in 448 runs. Averaging out his numbers in 162 game incriments proves he was most certainly not a slouch at the plate. Bagwell's numbers are better but you make it sound as though Boone were Mario Mendoza...C'mon Hat.

[Hatter]

Originally Posted by filmnut5

It's not insulting at all. From 2001 thru 2004 (4 seasons) Boone hit 120 HRs and knocked in 448 runs. Averaging out his numbers in 162 game incriments proves he was most certainly not a slouch at the plate. Bagwell's numbers are better but you make it sound as though Boone were Mario Mendoza...C'mon Hat.

Well I don't give much thought to rbi's. I'm big on slash lines though and Boone's slash line from 2002-2004 isn't that impressive.

.275 BA .341 OBP .474 SLG

It's not bad or anything and he was very productive, but Bagwell crushes him.

[ChadFL]

Wow, mods nuked the NFL forum. Not unexpected the way mods are abusing power around these forums of late.

[filmnut5]

Originally Posted by ChadFL

Wow, mods nuked the NFL forum. Not unexpected the way mods are abusing power around these forums of late.

I just saw it got closed. Sorry to post this here guys but I just saw it and couldn't resist.

Checkout Dick Tracy in his pressy after the Bronco loss. Hahahahahahahahahaha.

[Show spoiler]roethlisberger_hat_540.jpg

[Hatter]

Originally Posted by filmnut5

I just saw it got closed. Sorry to post this here guys but I just saw it and couldn't resist.

Checkout Dick Tracy in his pressy after the Bronco loss. Hahahahahahahahahaha.

[Show spoiler]Attachment 42747

Lucky for you that funny pictures supercedes putting things in the right place.

[filmnut5]

Originally Posted by Hatter

Lucky for you that funny pictures supercedes putting things in the right place.

[Show spoiler]I know........um.....how 'bout those Jays.

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by filmnut5

I just saw it got closed. Sorry to post this here guys but I just saw it and couldn't resist.

Checkout Dick Tracy in his pressy after the Bronco loss. Hahahahahahahahahaha.

[Show spoiler]Attachment 42747

I checked with MaCruz and apparently the NFL thread is only to be locked for a few hours. Would have been beyond stupidity locking it for good essentially over nothing.

[filmnut5]

Originally Posted by ChadFL

I checked with MaCruz and apparently the NFL thread is only to be locked for a few hours. Would have been beyond stupidity locking it for good essentially over nothing.

Good.