No, and most things can be attributed to Ricketts. He's cutting payroll! He's letting the Dodgers be the mid-tier but big market team to make the rise to the top (with Ned Colletti)! He's the reason I've watched three seasons of three different shows this week. That's got to total 24 hours, easy. You do realize that Ricketts offered Epstein a virtually open checkbook and he was the one to chose this direction, right? Hmmmm.....
I find it unusual that the Sickels projection has Castro randomly playing for the White Sox, Cardinals and Braves for 6 years at the end of his career.
What about the flip side though? Do you really think Arizona would trade Upton, Bauer, Skaggs or whoever as some combination for Starlin? Or Bundy, Machado, Wieters, etc. What about Hultzen, Montero, T. Walker... I doubt it.
They've had an amazing season and have a really strong RPI. Weak competition or legit draft-able players? Did you not read what Raisin said? Amazing season on top of a strong RPI. If you had a really strong RPI, it can't be weak competition. STFU, it's the Big Ten, of course it's weak competition. I'm pretty sure if you're 30-0, no matter who you play, you're gonna have a high RPI.
Yeah, you have to think Garza will have better command than last time out. I'm really hoping for a win tonight and a solid game by Volstad tomorrow. This is not the Phillies team of old and if the starting staff can hold them down there's a decent chance of a sweep IMO.
I didn't realize pitchers salaries had gotten so high -- honestly I try not to look at that crap, it just pisses me off. I still don't get the BJ Upton love, at all really.
Greinke? Social anxiety issues could rear up in a large market. He's not high on my list for this reason as well. Yes, this mixed with more $$ than anyone except Hamels. I'd much rather have Edwin Jackson/Marcum at a cheaper price. Those guys could both be Lilly/Dempster type signings. I'm actually pretty set on the sign Hamels side, I know there's a much larger discussion in another thread. I would be very happy with adding him. 6/$114?