And just that quickly my Jays go back to 500 ball with a second straight lose to TB.

The fucking Yankees absolutely spanked the Astros 16-6. Ouch

The Nats win another one.

 

You know Gibbons made a excellent point there. We really do need to lighten up a little. Have a few laughs over a beer or two, instead of constantly being after each others throat all the time. The whole damn world needs to lighten up!

 

Rockies' Trevor Story: Makes history with yet another home run
Trevor Story went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and two strikeouts in Wednesday's win over Arizona.

With the homer off Patrick Corbin in the first inning, Story became the first player since 1900 to hit home runs in each of his first three major league games. He's the talk of the baseball world right now, and deservedly so. It's just three games, but Story went 20/20 with an .863 OPS between Double-A and Triple-A last year and plays at a premium position, so there is plenty to dream on. Jose Reyes' status remains uncertain, but commissioner Rob Manfred said Tuesday that an announcement will be made in a matter of "days not weeks."

 

I couldn't agree more. It's the fucking media blowing shit out of proportion every time someone opens their mouth to state an opinion.

With Meagan Trainor it's all about the Bass, with the media it's all about the soundbite ...

 

LOL, too funny bro.

They put a pretty good lickin' onto the Rangers last night ...

I still remember crossing the border regularly to see them play when I lived in Vancouver and they were lucky to get 5000 people to a game.

Funny movie from your pic as well.

 

Steeerike! 105-year-old Fort Worth woman zips in first pitch at Rangers game
It took 105 years before Elizabeth Sullivan was ready to throw a ball overhand.

She started working on her technique last month after she was invited to toss out the first pitch before the Texas Rangers’ game Wednesday at Globe Life Park.

“I was throwing underhanded because that’s the way girls did when I was in school 50 or 60 years ago,” Sullivan said.

The Fort Worth resident was accompanied by Dr Pepper business development representative Kirk Conger and the Rangers Captain mascot as she stood halfway between the pitcher’s mound and home plate. Her throw fell just short of her catcher, Rangers coach Jayce Tingler.

“The ball hit the ground, and that wasn’t supposed to happen,” Sullivan said after the pitch.


Elizabeth Sullivan, 105, threw out the ceremonial first pitch Wednesday while being held by Rangers mascot Captain and Dr Pepper representative Kirk Conger at Globe Life Park in Arlington. (Jae Lee/Staff Photographer)

Her love for the Rangers may be topped only by her love for Dr Pepper. The retired math teacher drinks three of them every day.

Doctors have warned Sullivan to cut back, but she hasn’t listened to their advice and doesn’t plan to start.

“They died first, so I guess they made a mistake,” she said.

When she celebrated her 100th birthday in 2011, Conger was there — with a case of sodas in hand. Their conversation turned to the Rangers, and Sullivan told him she’d never been to a game.

Conger, who works closely with the Rangers, used his connections and invited Sullivan to watch from the Dr Pepper suite at Globe Life Park. And during the previous two baseball seasons, Conger’s VIP has met many current and former Rangers and other Texas celebrities.

Conger remembers Sullivan telling him, “That person must be so important,” as she watched a first pitch being thrown out last season.

He knew then that he wanted to do what he could so Sullivan would have the chance to feel that important.

“I called in a few favors,” Conger said.

Sullivan didn’t believe Conger when he told her the news. When the reality settled in, she told him she hoped no one would boo her pitch. He assured her the crowd would love her, and love her they did.

The crowd cheered wildly as she was wheeled on the field, when she wound up and let the ball whiz through the air and when she smiled triumphantly, waving the ball high above her head after it was returned to her.


Elizabeth Sullivan holds her custom Rangers jersey presented to her by Kirk Conger. (Contributed photo)

Sullivan said she is thankful for the opportunities she has had over the last few years.

“Most people don’t run around and pitch baseballs,” she said. “I am just glad I’m still up.”

What will she do with her game ball? Autograph it and put it in a little box, she said.

Sullivan said she was thrilled to be throwing out the first pitch before the Rangers’ match-up against the Mariners because her grandchildren live in the Seattle area.

“When Seattle plays Texas, they will root for Texas,” she said. Some of them were in the stands Wednesday watching along with a large group from her Fort Worth church. Her grandchildren called out to her “Mama!” and rushed next to the nets behind home plate to take pictures with her on her big day.

Conger outfitted her with an official ball from Major League Baseball, a Rangers cap and a custom “Sullivan 105″ jersey.

Sullivan said before taking the mound that she’d be channeling her favorite Ranger, Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, to power her pitch. Even though Pudge was a catcher, Sullivan admired his ability to throw out runners at second base.

She said she is still picking her favorite player this season — the list is narrowed down to three — but check back with her after a few more games.

Despite Sullivan’s age, Conger said she has a great arm and overall health. Sullivan proudly said she’s been to the hospital only once since giving birth to her child many years ago.

She was asked where throwing out the ceremonial pitch stacks up in her lifetime of experiences. Sullivan said walking through campus at the University of Texas at Austin with her college degree in mathematics and down the aisle on her wedding day had been her highlights, but walking on the same field as her Texas Rangers ranks right up there.

“Sometimes life throws you a curve,” she said.

 

Some Thursday scores and finals:

 

Donaldson expected to play home opener


Josh Donaldson , The Canadian Press

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons says he expects third baseman Josh Donaldson to play in the Home Opener Friday night against the Boston Red Sox after the MVP left Wednesday's game with a calf strain.

 

MLB approves wearable technology

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Wearable technology is coming to Major League Baseball.

The sport's playing rules committee approved two devices for use during games this season, two people familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. The Motus Baseball Sleeve measures stress on elbows and the Zephyr Bioharness monitors heart and breathing rates.

In addition, the committee approved a pair of bat sensors for use on field during workouts, one from Blast Motion and the other from Diamond Kinetics.

The technology provides the potential for earlier detection of habits that could lead to injuries. However, the union is concerned about player privacy and how teams use the information. Both sides say further discussions are likely in bargaining this year.

People spoke about the decision on condition of anonymity because no announcements were authorized by MLB or the players' association. New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson, chairman of the playing rules committee, declined comment.

The sleeve had been given provisional approval by the committee last year, but these are the first full consents for use of wearable technology. The committee includes Atlanta's John Schuerholz, Cleveland's Chris Antonetti, St. Louis' John Mozeliak, Minnesota's Terry Ryan and others.

Data from the devices cannot be transmitted during games but must been downloaded afterward. The iPads MLB approved for use by teams do not have Bluetooth wireless technology and no other electronic equipment is allowed in dugouts during games.

Clubs may use the data only for internal purposes, and it will be shared with the player. It cannot be provided to broadcasters or used for commercial purposes.

"Heart rate variability is an indicator of stress and can be used in developing post game recovery routines for high intensity players such as the starting pitcher rotations and catchers," said Steven Small, director of Zephyr performance systems.

The Major League Baseball Players Association, concerned about its member's rights, negotiated rules covering use of the technology. Veteran players could be reluctant to experiment with in-game use.

"The next thing you know, the pitcher's going to have a phone in his pocket taking selfies," New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner said.

New York Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek, an adviser to Motus, hopes the device can be used to help pitchers avoid Tommy John surgery and rehabilitate from the career-interrupting operation by monitoring valgus torque — stress on the elbow.

"Zack Wheeler, it's very hard to keep him below 85 per cent now," Altchek said last month of the Mets pitcher who had Tommy John surgery last year. "Even though it's his first couple days off the mound, he just wants to bring it, and we don't want him to bring it. If we had an absolute measure of him, we could say ... dial it down."

 

2016 Power Rankings Week 1 :


Chicago Cubs
This Week: 1 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  689
• RA
  608
• Diff.
  +81
• OPS
  .719
• ERA
  3.36

Expectation are sky-high for the Cubs, who have supplemented their young players (Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Kyle Schwarber) with quality veterans (Ben Zobrist, Jason Heyward) and John Lackey ought to be an innings-eater in the rotation. If they get something resembling a repeat from ace Jake Arrieta, maybe this could be the year that the Cubs win it all, for the first time since 1908.

Key Injuries: None.


Toronto Blue Jays
This Week: 1 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  891
• RA
  670
• Diff.
  +221
• OPS
  .797
• ERA
  3.80

There may be questions about the Blue Jays pitching staff, but it may not be as big a trouble spot as expected. Aaron Sanchez has a high ceiling, J.A. Happ was great late last season with Pittsburgh and even if Marco Estrada regresses, there's still lots of room for him to be a positive contributor. The best part is that as long as the pitching is adequate, they can still be carried by the best lineup in baseball, one that will only get better when 2B Devon Travis returns to action. There may be long-term concerns about the futures of RF Jose Bautista and DH Edwin Encarnacion, but there's nothing preventing those guys from mashing this season, and that power in the middle of the order makes the Jays a World Series contender.
Key Injuries: 2B Devon Travis (shoulder), RHP Marco Estrada (back).


New York Mets
This Week: 3 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  683
• RA
  613
• Diff.
  +70
• OPS
  .712
• ERA
  3.43

The Mets have an overpowering rotation (Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz, Bartolo Colon) that could get even better when Zack Wheeler is ready to return around midseason, so the question is whether they will hit enough. A lot of the pressure to produce will fall on Yoenis Cespedes, who might get some help from up-and-comers like LF Michael Conforto and C Travis d'Arnaud and while the new middle infield combination of Neil Walker and Asdrubal Cabrera isn't the most dynamic, they should be some reliable everyday bats.
Key Injuries: RHP Zack Wheeler (elbow).


Los Angeles Dodgers
This Week: 4 | Last Week - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  667
• RA
  595
• Diff.
  +72
• OPS
  .739
• ERA
  3.44

The Dodgers have a long list of injuries entering the season, but with a payroll over $240-million, they have enough depth to contend anyway. They still have the best pitcher on the planet, LHP Clayton Kershaw, and the rotation ought to get a lift from Japanese RHP Kenta Maeda. They have some wildcards in the lineup, like RF Yasiel Puig and second-year CF Joc Pederson is trying to recover from last year's second-half slide and rookie SS Corey Seager has a chance to be a star, so if things break right, the Dodgers offence could be formidable.
Key Injuries: LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (shoulder), RHP Brandon McCarthy (elbow), LHP Brett Anderson (back), LF Andre Ethier (tibia),


Boston Red Sox
This Week: 5 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  748
• RA
  753
• Diff.
  -5
• OPS
  .740
• ERA
  4.31

The big story for the Red Sox in spring training has been the benching of $95-million third baseman Pablo Sandoval, in favour of Travis Shaw. But, Boston's young players -- SS Xander Bogaerts, CF Jackie Bradley Jr., RF Mookie Betts -- were great in the second half last season and they added a new ace, LHP David Price, to the rotation. If young starters Henry Owens and Eduardo Rodriguez develop throughout the year, then the Red Sox should be much-improved.

Key Injuries: RHP Eduardo Rodriguez (knee).

 

San Francisco Giants
This Week: 6 | Last Week: - | Record:


2015 Team Stats

• RS
  696
• RA
  627
• Diff.
  +69
• OPS
  .732
• ERA
  3.72

Made big moves in free agency, getting starting pitchers Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija, and that fits the Giants' m.o., building around strong starting pitching. They had a surprisingly effective offence last season, with infielders Joe Panik, Brandon Crawford and Matt Duffy surprisingly productive -- if they can do it again, the Giants should push the Dodgers in the NL West.

Key Injuries: None.


St. Louis Cardinals
This Week: 7 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  647
• RA
  525
• Diff.
  +122
• OPS
  .716
• ERA
  2.94

The Cardinals start the year with some injuries, but the rotation should be in good hands with Adam Wainwright healthy and Mike Leake added to Michael Wacha, Jaime Garcia and Carlos Martinez. The potential for the Cardinals lineup comes from young outfielders Randal Grichuk and Stephen Piscotty, who both had an OPS over .850 in partial seasons last year.

Key Injuries: RHP Lance Lynn (shoulder), SS Jhonny Peralta (thumb).


Washington Nationals
This Week: 8 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  703
• RA
  635
• Diff.
  +68
• OPS
  .724
• ERA
  3.62

A lot of the Nationals' hopes hinge on RHP Stephen Strasburg, who can be great, when healthy. The rotation also gets a shot in the proverbial arm from RHP Joe Ross, a 22-year-old who looked good in 13 starts last year. The lineup is led by RF Bryce Harper, but he needs support and 3B Anthony Rendon as well as newcomer 2B Daniel Murphy will be counted on to be consistent contributors.

Key Injuries: None.


Pittsburgh Pirates
This Week: 9 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  697
• RA
  596
• Diff.
  +101
• OPS
  .719
• ERA
  3.21

Perennial contenders now, the Pirates have an okay lineup behind star CF Andrew McCutchen. They have potential in corner outfielders Starling Marte and Gregor Polanco, could use a bounce-back season from 2B Josh Harrison and will need contributions from their newcomers on the corners, 1B John Jaso and 3B David Freese. If the Pirates are going to be able to keep pace with the Cubs and Cardinals, though, they will need big performances from new starting pitchers like LHP Jonathan Niese and RHP Juan Nicasio.

Key Injuries: SS Jung Ho Kang (knee).


Kansas City Royals
This Week: 10 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  724
• RA
  641
• Diff.
  +83
• OPS
  .734
• ERA
  3.73

The defending champions don't seem to be an overpowering club. Their lineup is fine -- CF Lorenzo Cain and 3B Mike Moustakas have developed nicely and 1B Eric Hosmer is a threat -- but the starting rotation is underwhelming. Edinson Volquez, Yordano Ventura, Ian Kennedy, Chris Young and Kris Medlen have all had their moments, but none are dominant workhorses either. Which leaves the bullpen, and that's worked well for the Royals in recent seasons. Wade Davis, Kelvin Herrera and Joakim Soria provide the power arms they need to shorten games.

Key Injuries: LHP Jason Vargas (elbow).

 

Seattle Mariners
This Week: 11 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  656
• RA
  726
• Diff.
  -70
• OPS
  .722
• ERA
  4.16

The lineup should be upgraded by 1B Adam Lind and LF Nori Aoki (maybe not so much by CF Leonys Martin) and SS Ketel Marte adds a dynamic presence. What the Mariners hope for is that new starting pitchers Wade Miley and Nathan Karns can solidify the back-end of the rotation.

Key Injuries: None.


Arizona Diamondbacks
This Week: 12 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  720
• RA
  713
• Diff.
  +7
• OPS
  .738
• ERA
  4.04

Bringing in Zack Greinke and Shelby Miller, and getting a healthy Patrick Corbin for a full season, should make the Diamondbacks' starting rotation dramatically better. The challenge now is to find help for 1B Paul Goldschmidt and CF A.J. Pollock, the only two in the lineup who could be considered threats.

Key Injuries: None.


Cleveland Indians
This Week: 13 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  669
• RA
  640
• Diff.
  +29
• OPS
  .725
• ERA
  3.67

The Indians have the arms -- led by LHP ace Corey Kluber -- to be contenders, particularly if they get continued offensive production from promising young players like SS Francisco Lindor,. LF Michael Brantley and 2B Jason Kipnis are the big offensive producers, and someone like C Yan Gomes might be a bounce-back option to bolster the lineup.

Key Injuries: LF Michael Brantley (shoulder).


Houston Astros
This Week: 14 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  729
• RA
  618
• Diff.
  +111
• OPS
  .752
• ERA
  3.57

A few injuries knock the Astros down a bit off the start of the year, but there are naturally high expectations for a team on the rise. Their middle infield combination of 2B Jose Altuve and SS Carlos Correa is amazing and they have some support, from the likes of CF Carlos Gomez and RF George Springer, so the offence should be decent. They have reigning AL Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel, Collin McHugh, Lance McCullers and Michael Fiers as a strong core to the rotation.
Key Injuries: DH Evan Gattis (hernia), RHP Lance McCullers (shoulder).


New York Yankees
This Week: 15 | Last Week:- | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  764
• RA
  698
• Diff.
  +66
• OPS
  .744
• ERA
  4.05

There are naturally questions about a lineup whose most productive players -- DH Alex Rodriguez, 1B Mark Teixeira, RF Carlos Beltran -- are nearing the end of their careers, but the Yankees don't have massive holes in the lineup. The strength of the team, eventually, is supposed to be the bullpen, as Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances should be the league's best late-game trio and hopefully they provide ample support for a pitching staff that has its own question marks. Masahiro Tanaka seems to be holding off elbow surgery and who knows when Michael Pineda will get hurt next or if hard-throwing RHP Nathan Eovaldi can get results? RHP Luis Severino may be the saving grace, but that's a lot of pressure to put on a guy who has made 11 major-league starts.
Key Injuries: LHP Andrew Miller (wrist), LHP Aroldis Chapman (suspension).

 

Miami Marlins
This Week: 16 | Last Week: - | Record:


2015 Team Stats

• RS
  613
• RA
  678
• Diff.
  -65
• OPS
  .694
• ERA
  4.02

The Marlins have elite talent, like RF Giancarlo Stanton and ace starting RHP Jose Fernandez, but if they are going to contend, it's going to be the supporting cast that produces more. Whether that's LF Christian Yelich, 1B Justin Bour, CF Marcell Ozuna or C J.T. Realmuto, the Marlins need more offensive threats, and need someone to step up in the rotation, with free agent LHP Wei-Yin Chen probably the one facing the greatest expectations.

Key Injuries: None.




Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
This Week 17 | Last Week - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  661
• RA
  675
• Diff.
  -14
• OPS
  .702
• ERA
  3.94

The Angels may have the best player in baseball, CF Mike Trout, but there isn't enough help for him. They've added elite defender Andrelton Simmons at shortstop, but 36-year-old 1B Albert Pujols maybe their second-best hitter.

Key Injuries: RHP Tyler Skaggs (elbow), LHP C.J. Wilson (shoulder).


Texas Rangers
This Week: 18 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  751
• RA
  733
• Diff.
  +18
• OPS
  .739
• ERA
  4.24

Maybe there will be a time, when RHP Yu Darvish returns, that the Rangers rotation will be okay, but as it is right now, Cole Hamels is good, but Derek Holland, Colby Lewis, and Martin Perez have been up and down. There's still lots to like about the lineup, though, as veterans Adrian Beltre, Prince Fielder and Shin-Soo Choo are still productive, and Ruogned Odor and Delino DeShields Jr. add some youthful exuberance.
Key Injuries: RHP Yu Darvish (elbow), LF Josh Hamilton (knee).

Detroit Tigers
This Week: 19 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  689
• RA
  803
• Diff.
  -114
• OPS
  .748
• ERA
  4.64

The Tigers have high-end talent, with a healthy 1B Miguel Cabrera, power-hitting LF J.D. Martinez, LF Justin Upton and 2B Ian Kinsler, but the pitching staff is still a concern. If RHP Justin Verlander is back in form, as he was last year, that's great, but they will need newcomer Jordan Zimmermann and Anibal Sanchez to perform at a high level if the Tigers are going to climb into contention.

Key Injuries: CF Cameron Maybin (wrist), LHP Daniel Norris (back).


Oakland Athletics
This Week: 20 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  694
• RA
  729
• Diff.
  -35
• OPS
  .707
• ERA
  4.14

LF Khris Davis and a full season from 3B Danny Valencia should add some pop to the lineup, but there are a lot of questions in the rotation behind ace Sonny Gray. Young starters Chris Bassitt and Kendall Graveman are still developing, veterans Felix Doubront and Rich Hill are journeymen, RHP Henderson Alvarez is hurt and RHP Jesse Hahn is starting in the minors. It's possible that they can cobble together an effective group, but it's also possible that the pitching lets them down.

Key Injuries: RHP Henderson Alvarez (shoulder), LF Sam Fuld (shoulder).

 

Tampa Bay Rays
This Week: 21 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  644
• RA
  642
• Diff.
  +2
• OPS
  .720
• ERA
  3.74

As always, the Rays are making savvy moves to put together a cost-effective lineup, but even with new RF Corey Dickerson, 3B Evan Longoria and a promising player like 2B Logan Forsythe, they don't have enough offensively. Chris Archer is an ace starter, but there are promising pitchers -- Jake Odorizzi, Erasmo Ramirez, Drew Smyly and Matt Moore -- behind him and strong pitching is likely the best shot they have to be competitive.

Key Injuries: RHP Alex Cobb (elbow).


Chicago White Sox
This Week: 22 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  622
• RA
  701
• Diff.
  -79
• OPS
  .686
• ERA
  3.98

It probably doesn't bode well for the White Sox that their biggest offseason story was how they came up with a rule that sent DH Adam LaRoche into an early retirement, but they have a few stars -- LHP Chris Sale, 1B Jose Abreu and CF Adam Eaton -- that make them a little bit interesting, but probably not competitive.

Key Injuries: None.


Baltimore Orioles
This Week: 23 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  713
• RA
  693
• Diff.
  +20
• OPS
  .728
• ERA
  4.05

The Orioles lineup has some power, with 3B Manny Machado, 1B Chris Davis, CF Adam Jones, RF Mark Trumbo, C Matt Wieters and DH Pedro Alvarez all capable of going deep, but what do you make of a starting rotation led by Ubaldo Jimenez, Chris Tillman and Yovani Gallardo?

Key Injuries: RHP Kevin Gausman (shoulder).


Colorado Rockies
This Week: 24 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  737
• RA
  844
• Diff.
  -107
• OPS
  .748
• ERA
  5.04

Naturally, pitching remains a massive problem for the Rockies, though they still have some interesting players like star 3B Nolan Arenado, CF Charlie Blackmon and RF Carlos Gonzalez, but they aren't overpowering anyone.

Key Injuries: RHP Jon Gray (abdominal), SS Jose Reyes (suspension).


Minnesota Twins
This Week: 25 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  696
• RA
  700
• Diff.
  -4
• OPS
  .704
• ERA
  4.07

There's no reason to expect the Twins to pitch well enough to win, but the Minnesota lineup holds some promise. Power-hitting (though positionally-miscast) RF Miguel Sano, top prospect CF Byron Buxton and 2B Brian Dozier are compelling, and Korean DH Byung-Ho Park is a wildcard if he can be a middle-of-the-order power hitter.
Key Injuries: None.

 

San Diego Padres
This Week: 26 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  650
• RA
  731
• Diff.
  -81
• OPS
  .685
• ERA
  4.09

RF Matt Kemp is about the only dangerous bat in the Padres lineup, and that's not going to do it in the long run. Their pitching is okay, and that may be enough some days, but they will need something like a breakout year from 1B Wil Myers to be more than also-rans.

Key Injuries: None.


Milwaukee Brewers
This Week: 27 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  655
• 134
  737
• DIFF
  -82
• OPS
  .700
• ERA
  4.28

LF Ryan Braun is the Brewers' one legit threat, and C Jonathan Lucroy was really good before last season, but the rest of the lineup is full of holes and the ace of the pitching staff is Taylor Jungmann, a 26-year-old who made the first 21 starts of his career last season.

Key Injuries: LHP William Smith (knee).


Atlanta Braves
This Week: 28 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  573
• RA
  780
• Diff.
  -207
• OPS
  .674
• ERA
  4.41

The Braves are in full rebuild mode. 1B Freddie Freeman is a legit slugger, but doesn't have much help, and LHP Julio Teheran is the best starter they have, but it's pretty much a mess behind him.

Key Injuries: None.


Cincinnati Reds
This Week: 29 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  640
• RA
  754
• Diff.
  -114
• OPS
  .706
• ERA
  4.33

The Reds have some promising arms, but it's asking a lot for Raisel Iglesias and Anthony DeSclafani to anchor a major-league rotation. The lineup is okay, as 1B Joey Votto is great and C Devin Mesoraco mashed 25 homers with a .893 OPS in 2014.

Key Injuries: None.


Philadelphia Phillies
This Week: 30 | Last Week: - | Record:

2015 Team Stats

• RS
  626
• RA
  809
• Diff.
  -183
• OPS
  .684
• ERA
  4.69

There are so many holes in the Phillies lineup, but they are working on filling them. 2B Cesar Hernandez, 3B Maikel Franco and CF Odubel Herrera show some promise, and starting pitchers Aaron Nola and Vince Velasquez could be something, someday, but this looks like another long year in Philly.

Key Injuries: RF Aaron Altherr (wrist).

 

2016 odds of winning the pennant:

 

Rogers Centre to get grass infield, wonder if it will be Kentucky Blue?

 

Don't know where you got that from ...

Blue Jays debut Rogers Centre all-dirt infield on Friday

A look at the new dirt infield at Rogers Centre home of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Argonauts’ move from Rogers Centre to BMO Field clears way for Blue Jays to put in all-dirt infield.
The Blue Jays may have added a division-title banner to the Rogers Centre rafters last season, but the organization this year is losing a long-held, global distinction.

The stadium’s grounds crew will no longer be recognized as “The World’s Fastest.”

“We won’t use that title any more,” confirmed Stephen Brooks, the Jays senior vice-president of business operations. “I won’t say what we’re going to use instead just yet.”

Granted, the self-appointed title was always dubious. The groundskeepers did seem to be running as fast as they could as they raced from beyond the outfield wall to rake the dirt around the bases after the third and sixth innings. But as the only stadium in Major League Baseball without an all-dirt infield, they had the least ground to groom.

Of course they were the fastest, but those days are over.

While natural grass remains a distant dream, the Toronto Argos’ move to BMO Field means an all-dirt infield is finally a reality for the Jays. It will make its official debut in Friday’s home opener against the Boston Red Sox.

“It’s the way baseball was meant to be played,” said Brooks, who would not disclose the total cost of the project. “It makes us consistent with every other team now.”

Tampa’s Tropicana Field, the only other major-league stadium with artificial turf, has always had an all-dirt infield, which left many Jays fans wondering why the Rogers Centre couldn’t do the same. But a key difference between the two fields is that Tampa’s is permanently in place, while the Rogers Centre’s turf came up and down to accommodate football and other events. The constant conversions made an all-dirt infield impossible.
http://www.thestar.com/sports/bluej...-rogers-centre-all-dir-infield-on-friday.html

 

Glad to see St. Louis is ranked ahead of Pittsburgh, who spanked their asses three straight to start the season. What bonehead comes up with these "power rankings"?

 

Here is the before picture ...