Baseball Hot Stove 2015-2016 (2 Viewers)

[jazzeum]

John:

It is a great thread filled with some really knowledgable baseball fans. Al, Brad, George, Louis, Sammy etc., really make it worth reading and participating in.

-Jason

Don't forget yourself Jason. We have a good cross section of Red Sox, Yankees, Giants, Nationals, Orioles, Mets and just all around lovers of The National Pastime.

 

[hotel3alpha]

Gents,

Not trying to disrespect the thread with the "full of cheaters" comment. But, the last 10 years (or so) exposed rampant cheating scandals that shook the MLB and tarnished records, fans perception and most importantly the game. I hate to bring up bad memories, but those Congressional Hearings stuck in my mind something fierce..."I'm not here to talk about what I did..." Hopefully, things have changed, but I have resigned myself that in most sports there are sheaters.

I had never heard of the TJ surgery before and forgive me for my naivete on the subject. After reading about it, it seems to be more of a enhancing surgery to create a bionic arm. I could be wrong and there is no doubt the stress on a pitchers arm is immense, but did Rollie Fingers have the surgery or Fernando Valenzuela? So, just thinking out loud here...but what's next? Titanium shoulders implants with kung fu grip motorized hands?



And on a serious, but light hearted note, that is all I got to say about that. So, out of respect for the National Pastime and the respect I have for my brethren on the forum I am not going poo poo this MLB thread. Therefore, I hereby re-cuse myself from any further contribution as to not rustle any feathers, create angst, hit nerves, be un-'Mercian, ask common knowledge questions (that everyone else knows), harass, disrespect, injure or insult the pride of one's City team or player.

So there...

John from Texas

PS: Hit "like" below and kick me off this thread.

 

[lancer]

Gents,

Not trying to disrespect the thread with the "full of cheaters" comment. But, the last 10 years (or so) exposed rampant cheating scandals that shook the MLB and tarnished records, fans perception and most importantly the game. I hate to bring up bad memories, but those Congressional Hearings stuck in my mind something fierce..."I'm not here to talk about what I did..." Hopefully, things have changed, but I have resigned myself that in most sports there are sheaters.

I had never heard of the TJ surgery before and forgive me for my naivete on the subject. After reading about it, it seems to be more of a enhancing surgery to create a bionic arm. I could be wrong and there is no doubt the stress on a pitchers arm is immense, but did Rollie Fingers have the surgery or Fernando Valenzuela? So, just thinking out loud here...but what's next? Titanium shoulders implants with kung fu grip motorized hands?

View attachment 186926

And on a serious, but light hearted note, that is all I got to say about that. So, out of respect for the National Pastime and the respect I have for my brethren on the forum I am not going poo poo this MLB thread. Therefore, I hereby re-cuse myself from any further contribution as to not rustle any feathers, create angst, hit nerves, be un-'Mercian, ask common knowledge questions (that everyone else knows), harass, disrespect, injure or insult the pride of one's City team or player.

So there...

John from Texas

PS: Hit "like" below and kick me off this thread.

John, I don't think you will have to recuse yourself from this thread for any reason. We have many passionate and devoted fans on this thread, with room for all, regardless of team affiliation or opinions. A look back through the postings will reveal many that get a little heated because of team loyalties, but no one has ever been banished and, I would bet, very few with actual hurt feelings. It is all in good fun and we all share a true love for our national pastime. The more, the merrier, so welcome aboard. -- Al

 

[Warrior]

Therefore, I hereby re-cuse myself from any further contribution as to not rustle any feathers, create angst, hit nerves, harass, disrespect, injure or insult the pride of one's City team or player.

John,
No need to re-cuse yourself from any further contribution; I do all the things you listed continually, just ask any Yankees fans on here............:wink2:^&grin:salute::{sm2}{sm3}{sm4}

 

[jazzeum]

John,

Couldn't agree more. You should see Louis and George go at it some time. It's a sight to behold.

Al and I root for competing teams but we still have a good time and it's all fun and we get along great.

Please participate. Need more people here.

Forgot to mention Rutledge. He's a Braves fan and sometimes chimes in. The more the merrier.

 

[lancer]

Just a week left until pitchers and catchers report in for some teams. ^&grin -- Al

 

[Louis Badolato]

John,
No need to re-cuse yourself from any further contribution; I do all the things you listed continually, just ask any Yankees fans on here............:wink2:^&grin:salute::{sm2}{sm3}{sm4}

George,

You never get under my skin, I love your sense of humor . . . "Sherman Clump" gets me every time!{sm4}

 

[Warrior]

George,

You never get under my skin, I love your sense of humor . . . "Sherman Clump" gets me every time!{sm4}

Thanks Louis; glad you understand it's all in good fun, it's only sports afterall, it's not life and death.................:salute::

 

[hotel3alpha]

All,

Man thanks guys! I don't know what to say. After the knock down drag out fights on the NFL thread I did not know if I was creeping on hallowed ground here. I'll check in from time to time. Until then:



I'll be back,

John from Texas

 

[jazzeum]

Some Vegas odds came out today. As expected, Cubs are listed as favorites. One line I heard today had in the NL in the following orders Cubs, Giants, Dodgers, and Mets and Nationals (tied at 10-1). Frankly, I don't see how the Dodgers are ahead of the Mets and I like the Mets ahead of everybody else but the Cubs but don't get too worked up about it. The same odds listed the Red Sox, Blue Jays and Yanks in that order.

What was comical was that the Mets and Yanks were both listed as 10-1 and irate Mets fans called up WFAN to complain.

Brad

 

[lancer]

Some Vegas odds came out today. As expected, Cubs are listed as favorites. One line I heard today had in the NL in the following orders Cubs, Giants, Dodgers, and Mets and Nationals (tied at 10-1). Frankly, I don't see how the Dodgers are ahead of the Mets and I like the Mets ahead of everybody else but the Cubs but don't get too worked up about it. The same odds listed the Red Sox, Blue Jays and Yanks in that order.

What was comical was that the Mets and Yanks were both listed as 10-1 and irate Mets fans called up WFAN to complain.

Brad

To my great chagrin as a Nats fan, the Mets have to be considered the favorites in the NL East. I still like the Nats outside chances, but there are too many possible unknown and known weaknesses that haven't been addressed for the Nats in almost every aspect of the game. Can only cross my fingers and hope at this point. -- Al

 

[Warrior]

Some Vegas odds came out today. As expected, Cubs are listed as favorites. One line I heard today had in the NL in the following orders Cubs, Giants, Dodgers, and Mets and Nationals (tied at 10-1). Frankly, I don't see how the Dodgers are ahead of the Mets and I like the Mets ahead of everybody else but the Cubs but don't get too worked up about it. The same odds listed the Red Sox, Blue Jays and Yanks in that order.

What was comical was that the Mets and Yanks were both listed as 10-1 and irate Mets fans called up WFAN to complain.

Brad

Brad,
If you had to quantify it, how what percentage of New York is Mets vs Yankees fans? Also, is it possible to be a fan of both teams and if not, why not?

If the Braves never left Boston, I'd be a fan, would love to go to a ballpark in Boston and see the Braves play the Cardinals, Dodgers, Giants, Mets, etc, etc.

I'd be a Red Sox and a Braves fan; I'm a fan of the game in general, so it would be great.

 

[Louis Badolato]

George,

I think its about 75% Yankees fans, 25% Mets fans, but, because the local sports talk station (WFAN) broadcasted the Mets games until 2 years ago, almost all of the sports talk people on WFAN, with the notable exception of Mike Francesa, are big Mets fans.

There is not a lot of cross-ever. The fans usually breakdown Yankees/Giants/Rangers (the old school fans) Mets/Jets/Islanders (usually people who live in Queens or on Long Island, and/or whose ages put the events of 1969 as their early sports memories).

I don't actively route against the Mets or Jets, and I would probably have taken my kids to watch the parade if the Mets had won the World Series, but my experience is that most NY fans hate the cross-town rival teams. I know quite a few Mets fans who route for the Red Sox to beat the Yankees, and quite a few Giants fans who route for the Patriots to beat the Jets.

 

[jazzeum]

I don't think it has anything to do with WFAN. It just happens that many of the hosts are Mets fans, plus everybody in Francesa's family are Mets fans so he is not too bad. Lots of Yankee talk on WFAN.

As far as how the City is split, you have your hardcore in the City but as to who has most, it's cyclical. In the 80s the Mets were good and more people were Mets fans than Yankee fans. In the late 90s the Yankees were good and since then until last year more people identified with the Yankees. Things are now reversing and it's becoming a Mets town again. Moreover, NY has always been a National League town. 75-25 Yankees? That's a typical Yankee fan talking. Until last year, probably 60-40 Yankees. This year, probably 55-45 or 50-50.

As far as football, probably more of a Giants town. I watch both teams but don't watch the Yankees that often, not to mention Michael Kay, the Yankees TV voice, is unlistenable. He's judt terrible.

 

[Panzer ace]

Don't forget yourself Jason. We have a good cross section of Red Sox, Yankees, Giants, Nationals, Orioles, Mets and just all around lovers of The National Pastime.

Brad:

Thanks, and you are right about the cross section of teams that get discussed. It is great to get local takes too as evidenced by the current posts about WFAN.

Best,
Jason

 

[Warrior]

Thanks for the explanation Louis and Brad; funny how it's either Yankees/Giants/Rangers or Mets/Jets/Islanders.

Regardless, it must be interesting to have two teams for every sport.....................

 

[jazzeum]

The breakdown shows established teams vs upstarts. In the mid to late 60s the Jets were the cool team, they had Broadway Joe and the AFL were the new boys whereas the Giants and the NFL was established and boring.

 

[DMNamiot]

Thanks for the explanation Louis and Brad; funny how it's either Yankees/Giants/Rangers or Mets/Jets/Islanders.

Regardless, it must be interesting to have two teams for every sport.....................

Hi Guys,

George, that split was exactly how it was in my house growing up. Yankees/Giants/Rangers are my dads teams and mine if I watch anything beside baseball.

Dave

 

[jazzeum]

SI has come out with their rankings as spring training begins:

Cubs
Mets
Astros
Dodgers
Pirates
Giants
Rangers
Red Sox
Blue Jays Royals

After the top 10, Yankees are 12, Cardinals, 13, Nationals 14, Angels 21, Os 23 and Braves 29.

 

[Louis Badolato]

I don't think it has anything to do with WFAN. It just happens that many of the hosts are Mets fans, plus everybody in Francesa's family are Mets fans so he is not too bad. Lots of Yankee talk on WFAN.

As far as how the City is split, you have your hardcore in the City but as to who has most, it's cyclical. In the 80s the Mets were good and more people were Mets fans than Yankee fans. In the late 90s the Yankees were good and since then until last year more people identified with the Yankees. Things are now reversing and it's becoming a Mets town again. Moreover, NY has always been a National League town. 75-25 Yankees? That's a typical Yankee fan talking. Until last year, probably 60-40 Yankees. This year, probably 55-45 or 50-50.

As far as football, probably more of a Giants town. I watch both teams but don't watch the Yankees that often, not to mention Michael Kay, the Yankees TV voice, is unlistenable. He's judt terrible.

Brad,

Real fan bases don't change with how good or bad the team is, its only the casual fan that changes when times get better or tougher. You get the perception that a town is a "Yankees town" or a "Mets town" because of media coverage, but the proof is in the attendance, and the value of the TV contracts (which reflect viewership). The Giants, for example, have no trouble selling all their season tickets even with PSL's, whereas the Jets have literally thousands of season tickets available. The Mets did well last year, but 55-45 or 50-50? Not a chance. 75%-25% is pretty much what it always is, except when you pull in new fans when one team is winning titles, and the other stinks on ice. The Mets pulled in most of their die hard fans as new fans in 1969 (like the Jets did in '69 as well) and 1986, which is why most people who are Mets fans fit in the 50-something (1969) and 38-42 (1986) age groups, while the Yankees own the people in the mid-40's (1977, 1978) and 25-37 age groups (1996-2000, 2009). Overall, however, its not even close, the Yankees/Giants/Rangers fans are way more numerous.