** The Offical 2008 MLB Thead!!! **

[Absolut]

We'll take care of that NL Central for you....and take care of you in the playoffs!Hey,this is fun...I wish we could have an "Eat Me"siggie too for the times we will get our trash talking going on!

Speaking of sonny....I remember when I saw my first look at Lee Mazzilli ,the then sex symbol centerfielder of the Mets shirtless in a newspaper photo years back....talk about an Italian Stallion!

 

[sonny10305]

I have written about yesterdays Mets/Cards game in my NY Mets 2008 thread which I invite all of you to read. http://www.justusboys.com/forum/showthread.php?t=204580
I see some posts here about Friday’s game.
Remember, this is spring TRAINING, there are no record books for spring training, it means nothing except managers trying to fill those final spots, coaches to do some tweaking and the guys getting their work and pitchers hitting their spots. so I was not bothered by the homers at all, it’s just batting practice as far as I am concerned. It’s all meaningless. I love what David Wright said, “It was like a bullpen session”

It sure was a completely different St. Louis team, Eckstein, Rolen and Edmonds are gone.
But Pujols, who is still prolly the best hitter in baseball, looked really good. He is just so much fun to watch. Molina was looking good as well, and man, does that dude love to throw behind the hitters.

 

[Absolut]

Well, you guys won a game today, by scoring a run off of a bases loaded situation and the pitcher pegging the batter! A win's a win, right?

Although, on a serious note, I would NEVER wish injuries upon a team, and I genuinely hope that the Mets, as beat and battered that they are right now - before the real season even starts - get healthy in the very near future.

 

[Sausy]

Well, you guys won a game today, by scoring a run off of a bases loaded situation and the pitcher pegging the batter! A win's a win, right?

Although, on a serious note, I would NEVER wish injuries upon a team, and I genuinely hope that the Mets, as beat and battered that they are right now - before the real season even starts - get healthy in the very near future.

Yes,a win is a win....wanna start somethin' this early already!

I talked about that in sonny's thread....injuries suck and I'm with you that I wouldn't wish injuries on any team.I want to beat Boston when we play them in the World Series so bad,and St. Louis to get to the WS...the only way that can happen is if everyone stays healthy,or it's no fun!!!

 

[sonny10305]

it looks lke all three boys are gonnna be ok.

Details in my NY Mets 2008 thread

 

[Absolut]

A commentary today in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch...Ever since Marquis flipped off Tony LaRussa from the dugout two years ago, I've always thought that guy had no respect for management. And he can be kind of an asshole regardless sometimes PLUS! A positive comment about the Mets! Just for sonny/Sausy...

Marquis angers Piniella with comment on trade
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
03/02/2008

TEMPE, Ariz. — A relatively sleepy Cubs camp exploded into a war of words Saturday when Jason Marquis said he'd rather be traded than go to the bullpen, prompting an angry response from manager Lou Piniella.

"Well, if that's the case, he can go somewhere else," Piniella said. "Win a spot in the rotation, you don't have to worry about it. … I've got seven starters here for five spots. It's a little bit too early to start talking about what he wants to do or not do."

The tempest in Tempe began after Marquis' spring debut, a 6-2 loss to the Angels in which he allowed two runs on three hits in two innings. Marquis spoke his mind for the first time in public about his uncertain status.

"I love Chicago," Marquis said. "I definitely want to stay here. This is the place I want to be. I signed here for a reason. But I also signed as a starter, and I think that's where I help the team the most. We'll see what happens when it's time for them to make their decision.


"So as much as I want to be here in Chicago — I love it, I love the fans, I love the stadium — I also have a family to worry about. I think I can take my services elsewhere if that's the case and I can help another team, in that capacity as a starter. So, my value doesn't lie in the bullpen in my mind."

Piniella was so upset about Marquis' comment that after being asked about Kerry Wood's performance, he stopped in mid sentence and turned the subject back to Marquis.

"You know, that galls me about Marquis, it really does," he said. "I'm not pleased with that comment. We've had a good camp, everybody's getting an opportunity. Go out and win a spot in the rotation. Nobody is going to stand in your way if you do it. That's the easy way out."

Piniella reiterated that he never said Marquis would go to the bullpen if he didn't make the rotation, but the Cubs would have no other option if they couldn't trade him. Marquis is due $16.25 million over the final two seasons a three-year, $21 million deal.

Piniella has not spoken to Marquis about his situation and was surprised to hear he was basically giving the Cubs an ultimatum. Piniella walked off the field at Tempe Diablo Stadium in an animated discussion with pitching coach Larry Rothschild.

SELIG SPEAKS — Bud Selig says he isn't trying to keep Barry Bonds out of baseball, and the commissioner told the Houston Astros it's up to them whether to have Roger Clemens in their spring training camp.

Selig made the comments in an informal meeting Saturday with reporters in Scottsdale, Ariz., where the San Francisco Giants played the Oakland Athletics.

He also confirmed that he met with Giants owner Peter Magowan and that Major League Baseball investigators spoke with the team's general manager, Brian Sabean, about the findings in the Mitchell Report on drugs. He declined to offer any other information on the talks.

METS — Rightfielder Ryan Church sustained a concussion in a collision with teammate Marlon Anderson and will be sidelined at least a couple of days. They crashed into each other in shallow right field while chasing a popup in New York's 1-0 victory Saturday over the Dodgers.

First baseman Carlos Delgado will sit out for a couple of days with a sore right hip. An MRI done in New York was negative.

NATIONALS — Pitcher Shawn Hill had an MRI on Friday after complaining of tightness in his right forearm. It showed no evidence of a tendon tear or swelling, and the injury is being treated as overuse syndrome, the team said. Manager Manny Acta said Hill, who is slated to start Wednesday against the Cardinals, will seek a second opinion Sunday.

Link is here as well....http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sp...68525052DB81DE738625740000139245?OpenDocument

 

[Sausy]

Thanks Abs!Jason Marquis should just do the best he can and focus on winning a starting rotation spot.Even if he is more valuable starting than relieving,there is no shame in a relief role,and he has not proven himself a consistent enough starter to warrant such a start me or trade me kind of ultimatum.The team is more importamt than an individual desire on how best to be used.You don't win points by griping,and you also make other organizations who may be interested in you wary about your willingness to work as a team player.Who wants a potential malcontent? Piniella was right to be pissed off by Marquis' comments.These players are already getting more money than they'd ever see in their lives if they didn't have baseball...be thankful for where you have put yourself and let your performance do the talking,not your mouth.

I really think Barry Bonds,after the whole performance enhancement drugs in baseball hearings in Congress,should jusdt hang 'em up and go away.Why does a team signing him need the headache of the specter of more steroid/HGH talk around with Barry Bonds,alleged home run king,that would be the topic of conversation from the get go?no team in their right mind would want to have anything to do with this overinflated(in muscle and ego) self-centered liar?

I'm glad the Mets injuries don't appear to be too serious,but I'm just really hopin for decent health teamwise the rest of the way.

 

[Absolut]

This makes me sad...ONLY because (while I'm not the biggest fan of Joe Buck) his father's voice reminds me of summertime, open screen doors, fireflies, and childhood...

god I'm so corny...

anywho -

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sp...8CFCC3972CF335E28625740200190400?OpenDocument

 

[sonny10305]

So yesterday I’m watching the Mets, and noticed the coaches are now wearing helmets.
I had not heard of this new rule but apparently starting this year all coaches must wear helmets on the field.
I did some research about it and found a funny story; It seems the Dodgers third base coach Larry Bowa and first base coach Mariano Duncan were not to happy about the new rule.
Bowa said he was not gonna wear a helmet; he said “go ahead fine me, just take the total for the fine times 162 and I’ll write a check”. Then he said if he had to wear a helmet he was going to mock the whole thing by wearing a chest protector and shin guards.
Well the MLB commission told both of them if they did not wear a helmet they could not go on the field and coach.
That’s the end of that little tantrum.
Ah, it’s good to have baseball back

 

[Sausy]

Aww....Abs going soft,squishy and sentimental on us!Seriously,it's tough to not hear such a warm,familiar perfect voice for the season.Too many of the modern voices like Joe Buck try to sound fratboy hip and current,forcing things rather than letting things take its natural flow!

Yes sonny.....thank God baseball is back!

 

[sonny10305]

Ryan Howard, Dontrelle Willis & David Wright were filming a commercial for the Topps trading card company and this is a clip of them goofin around between shots. Who knew The D-Train was such a funny dude.

 

[Absolut]

A "2008 MLB Season Preview" is now available for free on iTunes!

I just saw it and it is now currently downloading

Hurry! Get it!

 

[sonny10305]

Hey abs, what do you think of your new pitcher,Kyle Lohse?
He is a mediocre pitcher. But I guess you guys need him in the rotation. He will prolly be your number 3 starter in this year’s rotation.
I guess he ill fill some hole in the rotation with so many injured starters.

Do you think he is gonna help at all? Lohse has a career record of 63-74 with a 4.82 ERA and hasn't had a winning record since 2003, Not good do ya think?

 

[Sausy]

Hey abs, what do you think of your new pitcher,Kyle Lohse?
He is a mediocre pitcher. But I guess you guys need him in the rotation. He will prolly be your number 3 starter in this year’s rotation.
I guess he ill fill some hole in the rotation with so many injured starters.

Do you think he is gonna help at all? Lohse has a career record of 63-74 with a 4.82 ERA and hasn't had a winning record since 2003, Not good do ya think?

Why toy with our dear Abs so early....he has all season to be disappointed!Give him the spring,at least!

 

[Absolut]

^ Ya know, when you come to STL, I'll take you by Busch Stadium and show you the "2006 World Champion" banners and announcements that adorn the place

You might even be able to see it from the plane!!!

Anywho, sonny I know Lohse's numbers aren't all that impressive. Actually, I don't think the Cards are going to do much at all this season - it's an empty shell of what team I have come to know within the past 7-8 years. I would be hopeful for third place in the shitty NL Central

I mean I know teams change (obviously) but the majority of our core players are gone, many of whom I thought would be around longer than they have been (Edmonds springs to my mind first, even if he retires after this season.)

I will love them no matter what, but it's kinda like I've taken a new lover to bed and he needs to find out what makes me randy

 

[Sausy]

^ Ya know, when you come to STL, I'll take you by Busch Stadium and show you the "2006 World Champion" banners and announcements that adorn the place

You might even be able to see it from the plane!!!

Now you're just being really,really mean!

Anyway,it is kind of strange to see the Cards without Rolen,Eckstein or Edmonds this year.And counting on full returns to form from Chris Carpenter and Mark Mulder is probably expecting too much.Lohse is a mediocrity,a fifth starter at best....but then again,you said it,the LOUSY NL Central....you guys catch a few breaks,our Mets will be pleased to finish you off in the playoffs!

You know I'm only kind of kidding though,Abs!

 

[sonny10305]

I will love them no matter what, but it's kinda like I've taken a new lover to bed and he needs to find out what makes me randy

Abs, thaqt is spoken like a true fan. As a a Mets fan, who has had to go through some tough seasons, I can relate. Good for you, stick with your team, it's what we real baseball fans do.
By the way i was very impressed with Adam Wainwright yesterday.

Now you're just being really,really mean!

Anyway,it is kind of strange to see the Cards without Rolen,Eckstein or Edmonds this year.And counting on full returns to form from Chris Carpenter and Mark Mulder is probably expecting too much.Lohse is a mediocrity,a fifth starter at best....but then again,you said it,the LOUSY NL Central....you guys catch a few breaks,our Mets will be pleased to finish you off in the playoffs!

You know I'm only kind of kidding though,Abs!

you are so right, I mentioned that in another post, it sure is a different team.
But of course they still have one of, if not the best, hitter in the game in Albert Pujols. I LOVE to watch that dude hit.

Oh, and what we we do if we did not have Cory (Abs) to bust with.
Plus it must have taken a lot for him not to get on us about that game on Saturday Shhhhhhhhhh, maybe he did not see that massacre
Plus the fact that the Cards have beaten the Mets in all three games so far this spring. What's up with that?

Hey! Beltron hit a homer in Saturdays game, He's alive, He's alive!!

 

[Absolut]

you guys catch a few breaks,our Mets will be pleased to finish you off in the playoffs!

Well, as sonny said, we've already beat you guys three times in Spring Training barring no major injuries, bring it on in the playoffs

Abs, that is spoken like a true fan. As a a Mets fan, who has had to go through some tough seasons, I can relate. Good for you, stick with your team, it's what we real baseball fans do.
By the way i was very impressed with Adam Wainwright yesterday.

Ya know, I do love me some Adam Wainwright. Besides being extremely hot, he is an excellent pitcher coming into his niche as a player and starting pitcher.

you are so right, I mentioned that in another post, it sure is a different team.
But of course they still have one of, if not the best, hitter in the game in Albert Pujols. I LOVE to watch that dude hit.

Oh, and what we we do if we did not have Cory (Abs) to bust with.
Plus it must have taken a lot for him not to get on us about that game on Saturday Shhhhhhhhhh, maybe he did not see that massacre
Plus the fact that the Cards have beaten the Mets in all three games so far this spring. What's up with that?

Yeah, Albert imho is the best hitter in the game right now. I love watching him hit too sonny. Me and the family went to the game last year on Easter when he hit three home runs in one game, the last one being a 3 run walk off if my memory serves me correctly. I was going apeshit Plus, I kinda just want to take a bite out of his unbelievably hot thighs...when he squats down at the plate, holding the bat back at that angle he does with his arms bent... (wow I'm horny today...)

Oh and I didn't see the game yesterday, but I did watch highlights....10-4 I believe?

It's ok - like I've said before, even though you guys are Mets fans, I still love ya

 

[Sausy]

As long as you have Albert Pujols,you guys will be relevant and potentially dangerous.He is an unbelievable hitter and he reall doesn't strike out...that's what impresses me most about him.Glad you and the family got an opportunity to witness Albert having one of those magical,unforgettable games....best thing for a fan ever is to witness a historic game like that.

Wainwright is definitely being keopt in the starting rotation?I know he has rthe ability,but with the Cards unlikely to re-sign Jason Isringhausen(my favorite Card whop started off as a Met ever!)do they have a plan for a closer to take over for him?

Heard that Tony La Russa is contemplating a double leadoff strategy to increase at bats and RBI opportunities for Pujols,batting the pitcher eighth and having a ninth place and leadoff speedster pair up.....but losing David Eckstein,will anyone get on enough to make it work?

You know me and sonny love to bust your balls as much as you love to bust ours,but this baseball talk we have among us is always fun and you're kind of cool for a Cardinal fan yourself!

 

[Sausy]

Abs, thaqt is spoken like a true fan. As a a Mets fan, who has had to go through some tough seasons, I can relate. Good for you, stick with your team, it's what we real baseball fans do.
By the way i was very impressed with Adam Wainwright yesterday.





you are so right, I mentioned that in another post, it sure is a different team.
But of course they still have one of, if not the best, hitter in the game in Albert Pujols. I LOVE to watch that dude hit.

Oh, and what we we do if we did not have Cory (Abs) to bust with.
Plus it must have taken a lot for him not to get on us about that game on Saturday Shhhhhhhhhh, maybe he did not see that massacre
Plus the fact that the Cards have beaten the Mets in all three games so far this spring. What's up with that?

Hey! Beltron hit a homer in Saturdays game, He's alive, He's alive!!

Sonny's right....a real fan gets through the down times and transitions and stays with their team.And St. Louis has a grand history all Cards fans can be proud of!So many changes...it will take a period of development and adjustment,but the Cards will be fine soon enough!And the Mets will be ready for them in the playoffs!Let's bring it on,Abs!

Well,if we're going to bust anyone's balls sonny I can't think of anyone whose balls would be more fun to bust than Abs!As for the Cards dominating the Mets in spring training...it ain't where you start but where you finish...and with Santana,Martinez,Maine and Perez anchoring our pitching staff,and David Wright,Jose Reyes,and Carlos Beltran the core of our offense,Mets should be fine(though I am concerned about the offense more than the pitching,more question marks than you'd like as the season is about to begin)

Abs was kind of quiet on the unfortunate massacre....I guess he wanted to give us a break...this time!