How' bout those Expos.....Ahem ...Nationals.

HouOilers · Post by **HouOilers** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 5:50 pm

How about the astros. Those first 2 months were brutal. It seemed like the season was already done by mid June.

But I cannot believe we lead the NL WC now! It's like the first 2 months were a bad dream and never really happened. And for the road ahead, none of the WC teams scare me as being a real challange.

It's setting up perfectly. We will meet the cards in the NLCS and beat them. Then I will bring back that 'Cards clinch in August' thread and get my revenge on all those card fans. Better yet, we will sweep them, so I can put up a big ass broom in that thread for Leebo

Then I will have my last Evil Laugh Post!! :

MUHAHAHAHAHA

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 5:54 pm

F'n Braves

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 5:55 pm

I'm upset that the latest Bad News Bears movie is titled "Bad News Bears in the Metrodome." They managed to turn a Johnny Damon 2-on single into an adventure, throwing the ball around until the Damon had crossed the plate.

The Twins put together one of the most pathetic months of baseball I have ever had the misfortune of watching. They've choked at the plate, in the field, and at the trading deadline.

Great pitching staff, ten cent offense.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 6:02 pm

Yeah, the Astros have a tendancy to play out of their minds in the 2nd half of the season. This time they don't have Beltran to carry them through the end of the year and into the post season so I don't really see them doing too much damage (nor do I think the Braves will because of all the rookies I mentioned above).

As for the Twins...now that they lost Hunter for the year, they are done...and you can probably kiss Gardy goodbye as well.

The surprise team of the year so far...the Athletics. Uneblievable how Beane has done it again...they are a bunch of no names outside of Zito and Chavez yet there they are...in contention in the AL West. They are by far the biggest surprise thus far.

bdunn13 · Post by **bdunn13** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 6:04 pm

Bobby Cox has destroyed some good teams in the past 10 years, but he deserves alot of credit this year.

There have been many games this year where there were 7/9 or 7/10 guys on the field were rookies.

Jeff - he won't have enough games to get ROH I am betting, and prob too many to get alot of consideration next year too. Right now he is just hitting EVERYTHING. He is batting 400 and has yet to earn a BB.

I have no idea whats going to happen when Brian Jordan returns. Now Chipper is hurt again(not sure for how long) as he was starting to help out some as Andruw has cooled off a little.

Then there is Wilson Betemit - this guy needs to be playing everyday SOMEWHERE and the same goes for KJ.

BD

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 6:06 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:As for the Twins...now that they lost Hunter for the year, they are done...and you can probably kiss Gardy goodbye as well.

Gardy isn't going anywhere. He drives me crazy and I think he's an awful tactical manager, but he has plenty of goodwill to burn through up here. Plus, do you think Pohlad will fire him and pay him and the new manager? Yeah right.

At least they brought up Jason Bartlett, the young SS, to get him some more time at the major league level. Time to bring up Scott Baker and Francisco Liriano, the two "untouchable" pitchers that are tearing up AAA. Let's see what they can do.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 6:15 pm

bdunn13 wrote:Bobby Cox has destroyed some good teams in the past 10 years, but he deserves alot of credit this year.

I would disagree with that...if anything Bobby has led a few Braves teams to the division crown when they clearly haven't been the favorite at the begining of the season (the past 4 years at least). The Braves have simply run into ridiculous pitching staffs (Marlins twice, Cubs, Cardinals, Astros last year, Padres when they had Kevin Brown). The only season I think the Braves lost when they were clearly the best team was the '96 season against the Yankees.

bdunn13 wrote:Then there is Wilson Betemit - this guy needs to be playing everyday SOMEWHERE and the same goes for KJ.

Betemit is a strange case to me. Sure he's hitting around .300, but only has one BIG hit (the walk-off homer against the Mets). I just don't see how the guy can play in that many games, hit .300 and only have what, 14 rbis? I like him, but I'm still trying to figure out why he hasn't been more productive from a run scoring standpoint.

KJ has been struggling mightily in the past month...it's good that Francoeur has started hitting because Johnson has been striking out way too much for a corner outfielder.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 6:57 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:This time they don't have Beltran to carry them through the end of the year and into the post season so I don't really see them doing too much damage

That may have been true last year but this year their pitching staff is sick...probably the best in the NL. Flat out - they scare me...and my Phils are looking at them from below.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 7:06 pm

Great job for the Braves to come back where they are now despite the injuries. However I still give kudos to Nats for the treat job they have done thus far, considering their roster and payroll. The truth as we all know is in the playoffs, and the Braves haven't done too well there in the past few years, but give credit to where they are now.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 7:14 pm

10spro wrote:The truth as we all know is in the playoffs, and the Braves haven't done too well there in the past few years, but give credit to where they are now.

The Braves are picked to finish 2nd or below each year and yet they win the division anyway. The only arguement anyone has against the Braves is that they don't have more than 1 world championship. Like I said before, they were really only favored in two World Series'...95 against the Indians and 96 against the Yankees. I consider it a job well done if they make it to the playoffs. How many other teams in sports HISTORY has ever won their division 14 times in a row? ZERO...in fact, I'm not sure exactly what the record was previously, but I think it was 9 (Celtics).

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 9:56 pm

Francoeur another 2 for 5 night with a homer and 2 rbis. Too bad his average is going to drop. LOL.

Gangrel · Post by **Gangrel** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 12:10 am

Part of the problem is the Nats have been hit by injuries too. Vidro, Johnson, Spivey, Castilla, even Livian Hernandez is "battling" through something.......

They've won 2 in a row now..... hopefully they can keep it going.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 12:29 am

And Hernandez is one of the big reasons they did so well up to the All Stars break.

bdoughty · Post by **bdoughty** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 12:41 am

How many other teams in sports HISTORY has ever won their division 14 times in a row? ZERO...in fact, I'm not sure exactly what the record was previously, but I think it was 9 (Celtics).

Well since you said "Sports History" they are technically tied with the UCLA Bruins at 13. Though like the Longhorn team listed at the bottom I could come up with more teams (outside the big 3 sports) with greater streaks. Should have thrown a "Pro" in before the sports history.

Consecutuve PAC 10 Mens Basketball Conference titles - 13 (during that era they won 16 out of 17 titles)

They also won 10 championships in 12 years in that timeframe. Had back to back undefeated seasons and unlike the Braves they not only won their division/conference, they won when it mattered most. Not knocking your Braves and an impressive accomplishment, simply throwing out facts.

Of course I can throw a ton of smaller sports like NCAA Men's swimming. Texas has won the SWC/Big 12 conference title 26 consecutive times.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 1:19 am

Yeah well, I should have said Pro Sports history...but you're right.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 2:22 pm

Yeah, the Braves definitely have had a silver spoon up their ass for the past 13 years. What makes it even more impressive is the fact that they are in a division with the Mets. The friggin NEW YORK METS! You'd think if there was any city out there that could put together a team to end that streak it would be New York. Looks like they're well on their way to a 14th. Congrats db.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 2:31 pm

ScoopBrady wrote:Yeah, the Braves definitely have had a silver spoon up their ass for the past 13 years. What makes it even more impressive is the fact that they are in a division with the Mets. The friggin NEW YORK METS! You'd think if there was any city out there that could put together a team to end that streak it would be New York. Looks like they're well on their way to a 14th. Congrats db.

Whoa whoa whoa...it's only 4.5 games man. I'm not saying it's over by a long shot.

I agree with you though...how can the Mets not put at least a halfway decent team on the field each and every year. Well, the first example of shoddy management is the signing of Beltran to that ridiculous contract.

Now, did I tell you guys that he was VERY overrated (I don't feel like linking it, but I was arguing with Javy). A career .260 or so hitter with a little power and some speed. What's he doing this year?

.264, 13hr, 57rbi's and 7sb's (a beautiful pair of plays in the field last night allowing like 4 runs by himself) and a last place team.

Hardly worth 12.5 mil a year...

My boy Andruw and his 13 mil a year will get you:

.271, 33hr, 82 rbis' and 3sb's, another gold glove and a first place team.

Seems to me, Andruw is the better value. Javy, where you at bro?

And it's not all the Mets fault...the Phillies have been spending like crazy too and they haven't done a damn thing either. The Marlins have been doing the same.

All four teams in the Braves division significantly increased payroll this year, while the Braves significantly CUT payroll...that's the impressive part to me.

rubba19 · Post by **rubba19** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 3:57 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:
Well, the first example of shoddy management is the signing of Beltran to that ridiculous contract.

Now, did I tell you guys that he was VERY overrated (I don't feel like linking it, but I was arguing with Javy). A career .260 or so hitter with a little power and some speed. What's he doing this year?

.264, 13hr, 57rbi's and 7sb's (a beautiful pair of plays in the field last night allowing like 4 runs by himself) and a last place team.

Hardly worth 12.5 mil a year...

Any Royals fan could have told the Mets that his stats go up when his team is out of it.....then he decided to show up in the clutch for once in last years playoffs in a contract year to sucker the Yankees. Mets fell for it instead.

Jayhawker · Post by **Jayhawker** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 5:12 pm

Two out of three for the Cards over the Braves, and what a way to do it!

Reitsma blows the the 3-1 lead by allowing hits up the middle to Abraham Nunez and So Taguchi. Hector Luna gets an infleld hit on a misplayed ball. The Cards now have bases loaded from players no one has heard of.

One out later the obviously 'roid ridden Eckstein hits a Grand Salami. Cards win 5-3.

In the top of the ninth, two out, with men on first and third, and two strikes on the batter, Larussa had King walk the guy to force the Braves to pinch hit for Reitsma. Cox didn't bite, and sent Reitsma up to hit an easy grounder with the bases loaded.

Double bonus for me. I have Farnsworth in my fantasy league. Looks like the Braves may have to use him. He has been amazing this season for Detroit. If the Braves do, I will easly turn him into another hitter, as I already have Hoffman and Nathan for my closers.

The injury riddled Cards have slid of late. They are only on a pace to win 102 games. They have just taken two out of three from the Marlins as well as the Braves. They've done it with a gimpy line-up. Four starters have been on the DL.

L. Walker RF Jul 23 15-day Herniated disc in neck
S. Rolen 3B Jul 22 15-day Inflammation, left rotator cuff
R. Sanders LF Jul 16 15-day Hairline fracture, right fibula
Y. Molina C Jul 9 15-day Hairline fracture, left pinkie finger

For all of the injuries, they have sure lead a charmed season. Still waiting for the tough teams to knock them down though. When will they be playing the Cards?

Jayhawker · Post by **Jayhawker** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 5:24 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:
My boy Andruw and his 13 mil a year will get you:

.271, 33hr, 82 rbis' and 3sb's, another gold glove and a first place team.

Seems to me, Andruw is the better value. Javy, where you at bro?

I have to give you credit. You told me Jones would have a breakout year when I mentioned that I was not going designate him as one of my keepers.

My loss.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 9:50 pm

How about the Athletics since the All Stars break. 20-4.

Toper · Post by **Toper** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 9:52 pm

10spro wrote:How about the Athletics since the All Stars break. 20-4.

"In Beane we trust".

Toper

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 11:29 pm

Farnsworth won't be used as a closer...Reitsma will continue to do it. He's saved 9 in a row and he just had a bad outing. Cards played good...even at like half strength...but if you remember correctly, the series is tied now.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 11:34 pm

10spro wrote:How about the Athletics since the All Stars break. 20-4.

Yeah, like I said last page:

The surprise team of the year so far...the Athletics. Uneblievable how Beane has done it again...they are a bunch of no names outside of Zito and Chavez yet there they are...in contention in the AL West. They are by far the biggest surprise thus far.

jLp vAkEr0 · Post by **jLp vAkEr0** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 8:43 am

dbdynsty25 wrote:
ScoopBrady wrote:Yeah, the Braves definitely have had a silver spoon up their ass for the past 13 years. What makes it even more impressive is the fact that they are in a division with the Mets. The friggin NEW YORK METS! You'd think if there was any city out there that could put together a team to end that streak it would be New York. Looks like they're well on their way to a 14th. Congrats db.
Whoa whoa whoa...it's only 4.5 games man. I'm not saying it's over by a long shot.

I agree with you though...how can the Mets not put at least a halfway decent team on the field each and every year. Well, the first example of shoddy management is the signing of Beltran to that ridiculous contract.

Now, did I tell you guys that he was VERY overrated (I don't feel like linking it, but I was arguing with Javy). A career .260 or so hitter with a little power and some speed. What's he doing this year?

.264, 13hr, 57rbi's and 7sb's (a beautiful pair of plays in the field last night allowing like 4 runs by himself) and a last place team.

Hardly worth 12.5 mil a year...

My boy Andruw and his 13 mil a year will get you:

.271, 33hr, 82 rbis' and 3sb's, another gold glove and a first place team.

Seems to me, Andruw is the better value. Javy, where you at bro?

And it's not all the Mets fault...the Phillies have been spending like crazy too and they haven't done a damn thing either. The Marlins have been doing the same.

All four teams in the Braves division significantly increased payroll this year, while the Braves significantly CUT payroll...that's the impressive part to me.

What can I say, Beltran has struggled basically all year. He started fine but then got injured and he hasn't been the same since.

But I'm confident he will turn the corner. I'm happy he's the CF for my team for the long run.