Quietly Jim Thome hit his 600th career home run and that's too bad, because Thome's numbers should be more celebrated, but have been tapped down due to the steriods era. Plus some are questioning if he is a Hall of Famer and that should not be much of an arguement. Plus a look at Logan Morrison's demotion to AAA by the Florida Marlins.
The SportsFan Buzz: August 16, 2011 (right click to "save as target")
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Showing posts with label Minnesota Twins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minnesota Twins. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
MLB Playoff Predictions & Award winners.....
It has been another good year for baseball and we even had to wait for game 162 until we found out the NL West and Wildcard winners. There were also quite a few great player performances this year. Well, here is what my crystal ball says as we start the playoffs and also who I think should get the year end awards.
Overall, I think the Philadelphia Phillies will be Word Series champs for the second time in three years.
NL Divisional Series:
Giants over Braves
Phillies over Reds
While neither team knocks the cover off the ball, I think the Giants have more offense than the Braves and better starting pitching and closer. As for the Phillies / Reds, I just can't see a way for Cincinnati to stay with Philadelphia unless the Phillies' starting pitching completely comes off the rails in this series.
AL Divisional Series:
Twins over Yankees
Rangers over Rays
Both of this series predictions are more of gut feelings. Common sense says the Rays and Yankees were the best of the AL all year and should meet in the ALCS, but there is something about the Twins and Rangers that draws me towards them to move forward. The Twins overcoming the loss of their long time closer, Joe Nathan, at the start of the year and and then losing Justin Morneau in July, while still playing at such a high level. For the Rangers, it is Nolan Ryan being the face of an organization that just three months ago was facing bankruptcy and the story of Josh Hamilton's comeback never gets old to me.
NL MVP: Joey Votto (Reds)
AL MVP: Josh Hamilton (Rangers)
NL Cy Young: Roy Halladay (Phillies)
AL Cy Young: Felix Hernandez (Mariners)
NL Rookie of Year: Buster Posey (Giants)
AL Rookie of Year: Neftali Feliz (Rangers)
I am of the belief that MVP does mean most valuable player, so I do not consider great individual years for players who were on teams never in contention during the year. That is why both Votto and Hamilton got my picks. Votto leading the surprising Reds to the NL Central crown get the nod over Albert Pujols, while despite missing the last month of the season, Josh Hamilton meant everything to Texas as they reached first place in the AL West and then ran away with the division.
Roy Halladay was a pretty easy choice for Cy Young in the National League. While Ubaldo Jimenez and Adam Wainwright had very good years, Halladay was simply the best. In the American League, I had to go back to "who was the best pitcher"? When looking at everything, that best pitcher was Felix Hernandez. His 13-12 record will be questioned by many, Hernandez was the best pitcher and had better stats than David Price, CC Sabathia, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz in all categories except for the number of wins.
For the Rookie of the Year choices, I added the fact that both of my choices also played for division winners, and while Jason Heyward was in the Atlanta lineup all year, while Posey came up at the end of May, it was Posey catching the Giant pitching staff along with the offense he put up that put him over Heyward in my opinion. Same thought for Neftali Feliz, as his 40 saves for the Rangers was an important and unexpected part of this year's success.
Overall, I think the Philadelphia Phillies will be Word Series champs for the second time in three years.
NL Divisional Series:
Giants over Braves
Phillies over Reds
While neither team knocks the cover off the ball, I think the Giants have more offense than the Braves and better starting pitching and closer. As for the Phillies / Reds, I just can't see a way for Cincinnati to stay with Philadelphia unless the Phillies' starting pitching completely comes off the rails in this series.
AL Divisional Series:
Twins over Yankees
Rangers over Rays
Both of this series predictions are more of gut feelings. Common sense says the Rays and Yankees were the best of the AL all year and should meet in the ALCS, but there is something about the Twins and Rangers that draws me towards them to move forward. The Twins overcoming the loss of their long time closer, Joe Nathan, at the start of the year and and then losing Justin Morneau in July, while still playing at such a high level. For the Rangers, it is Nolan Ryan being the face of an organization that just three months ago was facing bankruptcy and the story of Josh Hamilton's comeback never gets old to me.
NL MVP: Joey Votto (Reds)
AL MVP: Josh Hamilton (Rangers)
NL Cy Young: Roy Halladay (Phillies)
AL Cy Young: Felix Hernandez (Mariners)
NL Rookie of Year: Buster Posey (Giants)
AL Rookie of Year: Neftali Feliz (Rangers)
I am of the belief that MVP does mean most valuable player, so I do not consider great individual years for players who were on teams never in contention during the year. That is why both Votto and Hamilton got my picks. Votto leading the surprising Reds to the NL Central crown get the nod over Albert Pujols, while despite missing the last month of the season, Josh Hamilton meant everything to Texas as they reached first place in the AL West and then ran away with the division.
Roy Halladay was a pretty easy choice for Cy Young in the National League. While Ubaldo Jimenez and Adam Wainwright had very good years, Halladay was simply the best. In the American League, I had to go back to "who was the best pitcher"? When looking at everything, that best pitcher was Felix Hernandez. His 13-12 record will be questioned by many, Hernandez was the best pitcher and had better stats than David Price, CC Sabathia, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz in all categories except for the number of wins.
For the Rookie of the Year choices, I added the fact that both of my choices also played for division winners, and while Jason Heyward was in the Atlanta lineup all year, while Posey came up at the end of May, it was Posey catching the Giant pitching staff along with the offense he put up that put him over Heyward in my opinion. Same thought for Neftali Feliz, as his 40 saves for the Rangers was an important and unexpected part of this year's success.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Baseball Playoffs & Ichiro - The SFB Podcast (10/4/2010).....
It is October, and that means playoff baseball. Paul Lebowitz joins me to discuss how the final weeks of the season played out as the Braves, Padres and Giants battled until the final day. We also let you know who we think should get the year end awards and will preview the playoffs and give our predictions. Plus we will discuss Paul's article where he takes on Ichiro Suzuki. Enjoy.
Paul on Twitter
Paul's website
The SportsFan Buzz: October 4, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Paul on Twitter
Paul's website
The SportsFan Buzz: October 4, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Baseball's homestretch - The SFB Podcast (9/16/2010).....
We have a little over 2 weeks left in the baseball season and while the American League's playoff teams are pretty much set, the story in the National League is much different. Paul Lebowitz joins me to discuss what has been going on around the majors and we look ahead to the final weeks. Will the Padres waste their first five months with a dreadful September? Will the Rockies again streak their way into the playoffs? Plus, does it matter who wins the American League East between the Ray and Yankees? Enjoy.
Paul on Twitter
Paul's website
The SportsFan Buzz: September 16, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Paul on Twitter
Paul's website
The SportsFan Buzz: September 16, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Talking Baseball - The SFB Podcast (9/2/2010).....
The baseball season is down to the final month of the 2010 season and there are still many questions that need to be answered. Paul Lebowitz joins me to discuss the divisional and wild card battles and Manny Ramirez to the White Sox. Can Ozzie and Manny play nice during the final month and possibly help the White Sox catch the Twins? We also discuss Stephen Strasburg, Aroldis Chapman and the collapse of the Cardinals. Enjoy.
Paul on Twitter
Paul's website
The SportsFan Buzz: September 2, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Paul on Twitter
Paul's website
The SportsFan Buzz: September 2, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Friday, April 30, 2010
April Baseball - The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (4/30/2010).....
Paul Lebowitz joins me to discuss the first month of the 2010 Major League Baseball season. Among our points of discussion are the Braves, Dodger & Red Sox slow starts, while the Mets, Rays & Padres have gotten out of the game quickly, and the massive contract extension that Ryan Howard received. Enjoy.
Paul on Twitter.
Paul's website.
The SportsFan Buzz: April 30, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Paul on Twitter.
Paul's website.
The SportsFan Buzz: April 30, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
MLB 2010 predictions.....
I gave my predictions for this upcoming baseball season on the last podcast, but let's get them in print so that all can ridicule them come October. Yes, it is more heart than brains in picking my Los Angeles Dodgers to win it all.
AL playoff teams:
Boston Red Sox
Chicago White Sox
Los Angeles Angels
Minnesota Twins (wild card)
NL playoff teams:
Philadelphia Phillies
St. Louis Cardinals
Los Angeles Dodgers
Atlanta Braves (wild card)
World Series: Dodgers over White Sox
Yes, there is no mention of the defending champion New York Yankees. For some reason their age keeps coming into my head and scaring me off of them. I am possibly completely off base with that fear, but it will hit them sooner than later and I just think it might happen in 2010.
The White Sox are my pick because I think they greatly improved their team last summer when they acquired Jake Peavy. I don't think Peavy is an "NL pitcher" and if healthy, will do real well this year being new to AL batters.
The Red Sox may not have the best offense, but their starting rotation is so deep they will not have prolonged skids during the year. The Angels have Mike Scoiscia managing them, and he will get them to the top of the division by the time August / September rolls around.
The Twins could be the "team" this year with the new ballpark, plus the signing of Joe Mauer, but the Joe Nathan injury scared me off from my early spring feeling that they would win it all. October baseball in Minnesota will be fun.
Injuries to Phillie pitchers should have made me pick the Braves or even the New York Mets to rule the NL East, but those teams have their own injury problems that concern me (hello Chipper "day to day" Jones). If the Braves stay healthy and Jason Heyward is steady in his rookie year, they could give manager Bobby Cox a nice retirement present.
The Cardinals are head and shoulders above the rest of the NL Central. Only a collapse by them, along with a great year by one of the other Central contenders could make this a race.
Oh, my Los Angeles Dodgers. Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley should be the anchors to the rotation and Jonathan Broxton in the closer role. While Matt Kemp, James Loney, Andre Ethier and Manny Ramirez are the bats for Joe Torre's lineup. I think Torre is able to get the most out of Manny this contract year and the two kids do step up to lead the pitchers. That combination will be enough to bring the World Series trophy to LA. We'll see.....
AL playoff teams:
Boston Red Sox
Chicago White Sox
Los Angeles Angels
Minnesota Twins (wild card)
NL playoff teams:
Philadelphia Phillies
St. Louis Cardinals
Los Angeles Dodgers
Atlanta Braves (wild card)
World Series: Dodgers over White Sox
Yes, there is no mention of the defending champion New York Yankees. For some reason their age keeps coming into my head and scaring me off of them. I am possibly completely off base with that fear, but it will hit them sooner than later and I just think it might happen in 2010.
The White Sox are my pick because I think they greatly improved their team last summer when they acquired Jake Peavy. I don't think Peavy is an "NL pitcher" and if healthy, will do real well this year being new to AL batters.
The Red Sox may not have the best offense, but their starting rotation is so deep they will not have prolonged skids during the year. The Angels have Mike Scoiscia managing them, and he will get them to the top of the division by the time August / September rolls around.
The Twins could be the "team" this year with the new ballpark, plus the signing of Joe Mauer, but the Joe Nathan injury scared me off from my early spring feeling that they would win it all. October baseball in Minnesota will be fun.
Injuries to Phillie pitchers should have made me pick the Braves or even the New York Mets to rule the NL East, but those teams have their own injury problems that concern me (hello Chipper "day to day" Jones). If the Braves stay healthy and Jason Heyward is steady in his rookie year, they could give manager Bobby Cox a nice retirement present.
The Cardinals are head and shoulders above the rest of the NL Central. Only a collapse by them, along with a great year by one of the other Central contenders could make this a race.
Oh, my Los Angeles Dodgers. Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley should be the anchors to the rotation and Jonathan Broxton in the closer role. While Matt Kemp, James Loney, Andre Ethier and Manny Ramirez are the bats for Joe Torre's lineup. I think Torre is able to get the most out of Manny this contract year and the two kids do step up to lead the pitchers. That combination will be enough to bring the World Series trophy to LA. We'll see.....
Friday, April 2, 2010
MLB Preview - The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (4/2/2010).....
It is baseball time as the season kicks off this Sunday night with the Yankees visiting Boston to take on the Red Sox. Author Paul Lebowitz joins me to preview the 2010 season as we go through each division to see who will come out on top this October. Will the Yankees win championship #28? Does the divorce of the Dodger owners cause them trouble? Plus we look at other storylines that will make up the 2010 season. Enjoy.
Paul on Twitter.
Paul's website.
Paul's novel, Breaking Balls.
Paul's 2010 Baseball Guide
The SportsFan Buzz: April 2, 2010 (American League) (right click to "save as target)
The SportsFan Buzz: April 2, 2010 (National League) (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas
Paul on Twitter.
Paul's website.
Paul's novel, Breaking Balls.
Paul's 2010 Baseball Guide
The SportsFan Buzz: April 2, 2010 (American League) (right click to "save as target)
The SportsFan Buzz: April 2, 2010 (National League) (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas
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