30 Teams In 30 Minutes

Spring Training is almost over and Opening Day is literally around the corner.  If I was forced to pick a favorite sport, it would be baseball.  Hockey is a close second, but it's still second.  I just love the history and spectacle of the sport.  Plus, it's all about numbers and I'm a nerd and love numbers.  I'll make my predictions for each team in the league, give or take 5 wins...so if I say 80 wins, it's really anywhere between 75-85.  Lots of leeway here.  MLB Network has done a series called 30 Teams In 30 Days, but here at For Lack Of A Better Title, have a much harder working staff than they do and can do the 30 Teams In 30 Minutes.  I'll paraphrase Henry Rollins when he saw The Ramones for the first time, "They played 30 songs in about 30 minutes and then did a 9 song encore."  (I always find a way to get music in every blog post).  "Take it Dee Dee.  1...2..3...4..."

American League

East

Boston - Went out and signed/traded for 2 of the best players in baseball in Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford.  Both of them are still young and should be productive for the foreseeable future.  On paper, they are the team to beat.  I'd take them in a fight over most teams too.  Jason Varitek is a beast and Jonathan Papelbon is plain nuts.  Outlook: 100 wins and win the East.

New York - In a rare move by the Yankees, they didn't really sign or go after anyone.  They got snubbed by Cliff Lee and then didn't seem to have a "back up plan."  It's Jennifer Lopez' fault for making such a horrible movie.  (I didn't see it, but it's J-Lo...not Liz Taylor - R.I.P.)  Lots of turmoil going on in the Bronx.  The team isn't getting any younger, to remedy that, they could try to sign Roy Hobbs...just a thought.  Outlook: 95 wins and take the Wild Card.


Tampa Bay - So what happens when a team is on the brink of being a consistent challenger to the two top teams of it's division?  It cuts payroll.  I almost put the Rays in the fourth position, but just can't convince myself that Baltimore can finish third.  The Rays still have plenty of talent, but just not as much as it did.  They took a step backwards, but time will determine how big of a step.  Outlook: 89 wins

Baltimore - This team is filled with young talent, but also signed some inexpensive veterans in the off season.  They finally have a real manager in Buck Showalter.  He had an immediate impact on the team when he came on the scene late last season.  They could make a jump to challenge for third place in the division or stay status quo.  I think they'll put a scare into the division, but ultimately finish where they usually do.  Outlook: 84 wins

Toronto - John Farrell, former pitching coach for Boston, is the new manager and he's in for a long season.  They have a few good players, but not enough to really compete on a steady basis.  Forget it when the injuries happen.  No team stays healthy all season.  Outlook: 76 wins

Central

Minnesota - I still feel like they are the team to beat in the Central.  Although, they could easily finish as low as third in this crazy division.  Ron Gardenhire is the best manager in the division and I think that's the advantage for them.  I mean what else do Minnesotans have to look forward to sports-wise.  They need the Twins to be good or it's just really depressing.  Outlook: 95 wins and win the Central

Detroit - They have the talent, but injuries always seem to plague them.  I wonder if Miguel Cabrera will play the games with a flask in his back pocket?  Asking the opposing players when they get down to first base if they want a rip.  It makes you run faster, he'll say...No?  Okay, more for me.  Sorry, got off on a tangent.  They'll be right there...they are too good not to be.  Outlook: 94 wins

Chicago - Like all the teams in the top three, they could finish first.  Ozzie Guillen is the reason they won't.  He'll blow a gasket or seven and fight the GM, announcers, ex-players (Bobby Jenks) and various others during the season both verbally and physically.  He's too hot blooded for his own good and also according to Lou Gramm.  Outlook: 92 wins

Kansas City - This team should win.  They have been drafting near the top of the draft forever.  They have good young talent, but often trade away their players a year or two before they make an impact.  They don't want to pay anyone.  Why own a team?  Outlook: Depressing...I mean, 77 wins

Cleveland - I'm going to assume you've seen the movie, Major League.  I believe Groundskeeper #1 sums it up nicely, "They're shitty."  That is a direct quote from the movie.  Outlook: 68 wins

West

Texas - They were the American League representative in the World Series last year.  I don't see anyone in their division beating them.  Anything can happen, but it would be an awfully hard thing to convince me of.  Provided nobody important gets hurt for a long period of time, *cough* Josh Hamilton *cough.*  Everything should run smoothly for them.  Outlook: 93 wins and the West title

Oakland - They are the one team that could challenge the Rangers for the division.  They certainly have the pitching to do it.  The hitting is the problem.  They play in a large ballpark.  Awesome for pitching, but not for hitting.  Plus, there's this...Quick, name 5 Oakland Athletics...times up sorry.  They don't have players that roll right off the tongue, but that's how GM Billy Beane operates.  Outlook: 87 wins

Los Angeles or Anahiem - Whatever they are called these days.  They are trying to bring in younger talent and stay competitive.  Easier said then done.  It's hard to try to absorb the growing pains of youth and mesh it with experience of veterans.  They are basically treading water.  Outlook: 79 wins

Seattle - They have two bona fide superstars in Ichiro and King Felix, but other than that...nothing much.  The ballpark they play in doesn't do much for the offense.  Outlook: 66 wins

National League

East

Philadelphia - They have the best starting pitching staff in baseball on paper and Joe Blanton.  They've already had some injury problems, but when you have four guys that could literally win 20 each...too hard not to pick them first.  Outlook: 97 wins and the East title

Atlanta - They have just enough to hold off the third place team.  There's not much left here.  Bobby Cox finally retired and the last holdover from the great teams of the 90's and 00's is being held together with duct tape.  Chipper Jones will probably retire at the end of this season.  Outlook: 85 wins

Washington - Yes, that says Washington and no it's not a typo.  I think they will really come into their own in 2013 when Bryce Harper is ready, but they will show flashes this year.  Oh wait, the world is supposed to cease to exist in 2012...so much for that prediction.  Outlook: 83 wins

Florida - Which team wanted it more?  Florida wanted to finish out of the basement more than the Mets.  It's scary down there.  You remember having to go change the laundry when you were a kid...hoping no one got you while you were down there.  That's why your Mom sent you, she was scared too.  It's enough motivation for the Marlins to claw their way ahead of New York.  Outlook: 77 wins

New York - They have accepted their fate.  They are in the basement with the rest of the broken toys, the Boogeyman and whatever else goes bump in the night.  I think they could lose 100 games, but will err on the side of positivity.  Outlook: 63 wins

Central

Cincinnati - They have all the talent in the world and a nice balance between youngsters and veterans.  They have a sneaky good pitching staff to go along with a very potent lineup.  They are the cream of the crop in the Central.  Outlook: 95 wins and the Central title.

Milwaukee - The Wild Card is coming out of Milwaukee, you heard it or rather read it here first.  They could even challenge for the division, but let's not get too ahead of ourselves.  An improved pitching staff will take them far.  Outlook: 94 wins - Wild Card

St. Louis - What could have been?  If Adam Wainwright didn't go down with a major injury, they could be higher in the standings.  They win with smoke and mirrors.  They appear to have a good lineup and pitching staff, but do they really?  Outlook: 82 wins

Chicago - I don't know what to do with this team.  They spend so much money and are still crappy.  I think that's the most frustrating thing about them.  They try to win, but never get there.  Another misery filled season for the loyal fans of the Cubs.  Outlook: 80 wins

Houston - I've always loved the Astros, they are the National team I would root for.  At least when Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio and Roy Oswalt were playing there, but those days are long over.  They hang in there, but their best bet is too upset the Cubs for fourth place.  Outlook: 76 wins

Pittsburgh - It's Pittsburgh...the last time they had a winning record I was finishing high school.  Outlook: 64 wins

West

San Francisco - Brian Wilson's beard will win this division all by itself.  It's that powerful.  They will hit just enough to win.  The pitching staff is still dominating, even with Barry Zito.  Outlook: 93 wins and the West title.

Colorado - They will challenge for the division, but will come up just short.  This could be the newest rivalry in baseball.  The stars of the respective teams are young and could go at it for awhile.  Outlook: 91 wins

Los Angeles - They have some great players, but I don't believe it's enough to overtake either of the top two teams.  The ownership situation could/will limit their ability to be active around the trade deadline.  That's just a mess.  Outlook: 86 wins

Arizona - I almost put Arizona ahead of Los Angeles, but just couldn't do it.  I believe they are building a good team, but they aren't there yet.  Outlook: 80 wins

San Diego - They traded away their best player and more could leave at the trade deadline.  Are they rebuilding?  I don't know what the plan is for them.  Outlook: 70 wins

World Series I'd Like To See: Boston vs Milwaukee
World Series We'll Probably See: Boston vs Philadelphia

Nine By Design 26

I just want to send out prayers to anyone that reads this little blog that may know anyone involved in the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  I have readers all over the world and though I don't know most of you, I appreciate the visit.  I wouldn't want anything to happen to anyone, let alone something as major as this was. 

The 2011 MLB season is just around the corner.  It's just 20 days away before opening day.  Today's Nine By Design will be if I was putting together a MLB team and money was no object, who I would pick for my team.  This and the Fantasy Baseball League I'm in, is as close as I'll ever get to putting a major league team together.  It's just fun, if you're into that sort of thing.  On with the weekly list...

Derek's MLB Team:

Catcher: Joe Mauer - Catcher is one of those positions where you don't get a lot of production.  The position is too demanding on the body.  He's the best one going right now.  Honorable Mention:  Brian McCann and Buster Posey

1B: Albert Pujols - He does it every year.  Hits for power and batting average.  One of, if not the most feared hitter in the league.  Just too good to pass up.  Honorable Mention: Joey Votto and Adrian Gonzalez (Cabrera has a drinking problem).

2B: Dustin Pedroia - Really?  Him?  Yes, he's a former Rookie of the Year and MVP.  He never shuts up and does stuff on the field that he shouldn't be able to do.  He's a team leader.  Honorable Mention: Robinson Cano and Rickie Weeks (Utley and Kinsler have too many injuries)

3B: Evan Longoria - He's young, good looking and a really fantastic player.  He had an "off" year in 2010, but it was still better than most players "on" year.  Honorable Mention: David Wright and Ryan Zimmerman

SS: Hanley Ramirez - What could've been if the Red Sox kept him?  He's simply the best player at a very specific position.  There are very few impact SS in the league and he's done it more often than the others.  Honorable Mention: Troy Tulowitzki and Derek Jeter

OF: Carlos Gonzalez - Huge breakout year in 2010, plus great defense

OF: Ryan Braun - Great all around in the Triple Crown categories (HR, RBI, AVG)

OF: Ichiro Suzuki - Yes he's old, but has never hit under .300 or had less than 200 hits

Honorable Mention: Carl Crawford, Josh Hamilton, Shin-Soo Choo and Matt Holliday (to name a few)

SP: Roy Halladay - When he's healthy, there is no better pitcher.  The guy you want on the mound in any game.  Just always scary good.  Reminds me of a harder throwing Greg Maddux.  Honorable Mention: Felix Hernandez, Tim Lincecum and Jon Lester.

We're done with another week.  Hopefully, everyone had a good one.  See you again next time.  Cheers, Happy Weekend!

Insomnia Is Awesome

Insomnia is a very surreal feeling.  You're awake, but not fully with it.  I'm not sure I really have it, but do get into periods of not being able to fall asleep until 3 or 4 in the morning.  I'm in one of those periods currently and I'm really feeling it today.  I do have a lot of stress and anxiety currently.  I know that's what is causing my sleepless nights and not, Meg Ryan or Tom Hanks for that matter.  I can be equal opportunity and at this moment in time, Tom Hanks would be the choice over Meg.

Speaking of actors, I went 6 for 9 in my Oscar Predictions.  I feel pretty darn good about that.  If I didn't pick any upsets, I might've gone 9 for 9, but I don't want to do the coulda, woulda, shoulda thing.

Sunday was my Fantasy Baseball Auction Draft.  I had a great time.  Met some good people, saw some friends I don't get to see often, because life gets in the way.  I like my team, but I don't love my team.  I think most of the people in the league feel similar.  There's always one or two positions that you need some help in, after all is said and done.  There will be a lot of tweaking before the season gets started.  The guys in the league like to make trades and everyone is always trying to make their team better.  The downside is, the trade that you thought will make your team better, could make it worse.  There lies the rub of trying to be a GM.  That's as close as we'll ever get to experiencing it.  All of the fantasy baseball players in the world should send Dan Okrent a one time thank you of $1 each.  Considering how many people play, he'd be a multi-millionaire tomorrow.  Yes, really...

The blog may, not definite, but may, take a few days off to work on a project I will be starting for the blog and to write some long over due interviews and get those sent out.  We'll see, but I don't know what I'm doing 5 minutes from now.  Probably passing out.

The Substitute Blogger

Whenever the subject of pretty much anything comes up, there is always the request of “Name your top five….” Then we have to listen to somebody’s boring analysis on his or her list. I’m going to mix things up a bit here and do it differently. I’m going to jump right into the boring analysis without your request.

Baseball Books:

A subject that has been done to death, but no one ever gets it right… until now.

5. The Wrong Stuff by Bill Lee

I think it’s been mentioned before here on this very blog, but it needs another mention even if it has. There is very much a New England bias here. If you suffered brain trauma and root for some other team, by all means skip this and exchange it with Ball Four by Jim Bouton. But for the rest of us, this is it. There have been a lot of books about seventies baseball but the information gets lost by the end of the book. By connecting players to stories and anecdotes, The Spaceman makes that information stick. Oddly, considering this is supposed to be a hip and funny book, I’m not a huge fan of listening to what he has to say (I think he is ridiculous and mostly roll my eyes to be honest) but from a pure baseball book about the seventies, he nails it.

4. Clearing the Bases by Allen Barra 

Settling those pesky baseball disputes once and for all. Willie, Mickey, or The Duke? Was Babe Ruth overrated? What the heck happened to the 1986 New York Mets? And it has my favorite best of all time argument. (I don’t want to give it away, but years ago I used to always say this guy. I got laughed at. No wonder I like this book.). Dimaggio vs. Williams. Clemens vs. Koufax. Even for the weirdos that like football, there is a section on Don Shula and Walter Payton. But, the section on pitching is what really takes it to the next level. First off, there was a book called “The Diamond Appraised” in which the stats geeks took on the eyeball test people when it came to pitchers. It was groundbreaking (and yet teams STILL don’t follow it) in its way of showing how to keep pitchers arms from breaking down. The book, under review here follows that, but condenses it for normal people. Like The Davinci Code, each chapter is thankfully very short (“So you can feel smart” as Lois Griffin would say). One of the few books I won’t lend out. This is one of the most important books you’ll read if you are a baseball fan. Plus Tim Raines gets lots of love in it.

3.  Moneyball by Michael Lewis

Okay, Let me put on my helmet and protective gear. Here goes: THE MOST IMPORTANT BOOK ABOUT BASEBALL EVER WRITTEN. Yup, May not be the best, or even close to the first about sabermetrics but the term "moneyball" is now a term like Kleenex. People on a message board I frequent bash it “We’ve known about the importance of on base percentage for years”. No kidding. Me too. But 90% of the country didn’t. People complain about how The Red Sox and Yankees are ruining baseball because of their payrolls. Sorry to report, it’s always been this way. The only difference is they don’t have idiots running the front offices anymore. Give a team unlimited resources AND knowledge, and they will win. The Red Sox had wheelbarrows full of money for close to 100 years and couldn’t win. Nothing has changed EXCEPT they now use numbers and can avoid what Bill Lee (I told you his book was good) called “The Curse of Fenway”. For years the Sox tried to get right handed power hitters to hit homeruns over the left field wall. ANY major leaguer can do that. It was a stupid way to go about things. There are 82 games in bigger parks to worry about. Moneyball is a great read in addition to teaching something. The story of the amazing small market Oakland A’s of the early 2000’s is the easiest book to read nonstop on this list.

2. Over the Edge by Jay Johnstone

I know, 1980’s comedy doesn’t hold up very well (see Piscopo, Joe) but this book, his second, is a better book than his first. I knew nothing of 1960’s baseball when I read this book. Even though it was written in the 80’s, now when I read it, I see names from my Strat-o-Matic 1960’s retro league popping up throughout the book. He tells stories about being in the military, his childhood, and his minor league and winter ball days. Plus it’s really short. One of my favorite baseball childhood sports memories was “Fernando Mania”. This captures enough early 80’s Dodgers stuff to bring some of it back. It is the 1980’s equivalent to Bill Lee’s book (I really should move that up the list) in the subjects written about. If you like one you will like the other. Any book with light bulb fights in it has to be good. Be warned, it’s corny in its humor.

1. Dodger Dogs to Fenway Franks by Bob Wood

This never gets listed and I don’t get it. This is easily my favorite baseball book of all time. It is a story of a schoolteacher who takes a summer in his little Toyota hatchback and visits all of the major league ballparks. It is funny enough, sad enough, and has enough of his childhood memories to make it a good read even if you are not a baseball fan. The “Pride of Kalamazoo” grades all of the stadiums based on different categories like food (Dodger Dogs get an A+, while Fenway Franks get a D) and atmosphere (the grades get reversed). The traveling is written simply (unlike newer ballpark excursion books where it has to be filled with catch phrases and other nonsense, this flows because it is a well written novel). I think it is out of print (it was written in 1986?) but it’s worth looking for.

Thanks for reading and I apologize for leaving, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Bronx Is Burning off the list. It to me is more than a baseball book. It is a time capsule of a subject I love (1970’s New York). If you haven’t read it, read it before any of these.

(That was the first installment of "The Substitute Blogger" with Brian Smith.  I hope you enjoyed it, because I know he worked really hard on it.  He'll be back in the future with more views on a variety of other things.)