*2011 MLB Thread*

Here it is guys. Spring training is not far off. Some big moves in late 2010 has made me excited for 2011. I think its hard not to mention the BoSox transactions, and how they have improved for this year. And yes, the Phillies are ballers. KW came through for the south side, and I like the moves we made.

How's your team looking for 2011 so far?
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My Mets are looking pretty sad. Pitching might not make it through Spring Training. :-)
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When will Johan Santana be ready?
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Go Yankees!
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Red Sox are looking good aquiring Crawford and Gonzales
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The Reds on Sunday agreed to terms on a three-year, $38 million contract with first baseman and National League Most Valuable Player Joey Votto.

Also, I think it's interesting that Pujols is so unwilling to speak about his status after 2011, which is his last year on the contract. I suspect he may want to play somewhere else after this year.
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Ryan, the Yankees have a tougher road to the playoffs this year for sure. I see the AL east being a close battle this year.
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Some big things going on right now. Looks like the Angels might be swapping Juan Rivera and Mike Napoli for Vernon Wells of Toronto, and it looks like Damon and Manny heading to Tampa Bay!
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Billy Butler and the Royals have agreed to a four-year, $30 million contract extension, the first baseman said on Saturday.
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Alexei Ramirez and the Sox have agreed to a contract extension, four years, $32.5 million, with a $10 million option for the fifth year. I like it. The kid has some serious skills at shortstop, and should continue to get better at the plate.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?...s_mlb&c_id=mlb
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I always liked Alexei :-)

When I watch him play I feel like his numbers should be better.
A lot of talent there.
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I guess with his great glove you expect great numbers at the plate. I actually feel the same way you do about him. He will get better at the plate with time. And even better at SS, he has one of the greats to mentor him.
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Five teams hope to cash in after going all in, Red Sox, White Sox, Tigers, Phils, Brewers play to win in 2011. The question is will it payoff. For me I don't see why it won't for the Red Sox and Phils. I see big improvements on the south side too. The Tigers and Brewers improved, but I'm still not sure on them. Time will tell. Come on Spring Training!!
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?...s_mlb&c_id=mlb


Brewers nearing deal with veteran Kotsay from the White Sox..
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?...s_mlb&c_id=mlb


Also, the Tribe are in talks with Bonderman??
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Just my :-) , and worth every penny, but until somebody proves me otherwise, I will stick with the Twinkies in the AL Central.
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Yeah, it seems that the Twins have a legit team every year. The AL central should be a nice fight to watch this year. The wild card could come out of the central.
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I like the moves the Tigers made in the offseason. Matinez and Benoit look like good additions. If Brennan Boesch can even hit for the same numbers as last year without all the ups/downs, they'll be in pretty good shape.
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What about their pitching? That may be an issue for them:-)
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Starters:
J. Verlander
M. Scherzer
R. Porcello
P. Coke
B. Penny

I think 1-2 are rock solid. Porcello is extremely talented, but not sure if we'll see the 2009 version (14-9 3.96 ERA) or the 2010 version (10-12 4.92 ERA). To be honest I think he's more than capable of blowing away his rookie numbers. Coke was great for us in the pen last year. Not sure how that transition will work out. Penny seems to be a good pickup for a 5th starter.

Bullpen:
J. Valverde
J. Benoit
R. Perry
B. Thomas
J. Zumaya
D. Schlereth
A. Alburquerque

I think again, 1-2 are lights out. Perry is similar to Porcello in that he has all the talent in the world, just hoping he takes that next step. His ERA is decent, but I'd like to see him cut down on walks. Thomas has been good for us, and Zumaya could just be gravy. They aren't counting on him at all. So, if he can eat some innings up, so be it. If he returns to old form, even better. Shlereth has some promise.

Lineup looks good, especially the heart of it:
1. A. Jackson CF
2. W. Rhymes/C. Guillen 2B
3. M. Ordonez DH
4. M. Cabrera 1B
5. V. Martinez C
6. B. Boesch RF
7. D. Kelly/R. Raburn LF
8. J. Peralta SS
9. B. Inge 3B
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Tigers have a good team, no doubt about that. As good at the White Sox and Twins, well that remains to be seen. AL central should be fun to watch this year :-)
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Agreed. AL Central is usually fun to watch.
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