I know it's a bit early to start the new season thread, but winter trading is setting up some interesting looking teams for 2015.
The Cubs could be the really big story this year. They have just landed Jon Lester as the new headline to their starting rotation and with Epstein building steadily from the bottom up for the last few years, this might be the season they start making waves, especially as they've signed up Joe Maddon to lead them.
Also, never forget that in Back to the Future Part 2, the Cubbies clean up in the 2015 World Series. Place your bets now please...
The Red Sox missed out on Lester, but they've already landed a couple of big names by getting Panda and Ramirez to sign up. They'll surely add an alternative big name pitcher to fill the Lester shaped hole (Lefty Hamels or Righty Scherzer maybe?) and are looking to go worst to first to worst to first.... Possibly into eternity.
Reigning champions the Giants, moneybags LA Dodgers, ever reliable Cardinals and those Damn Yankees are always likely to figure in some way or another. But then again, there's another 24 teams out there and one of them may well win it all this year.
So who's your money on?
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Think it's also worth giving a nod to the Jays, they seem to be assembling a very decent roster. It seems to be said at the beginning of every season but the AL East is looking very strong.
We need Hamels and Shields at least in my opinion along with maybe a mod rotation man like Masterson or Porcello. As Kelly (who I do like) and Buchholz are only really back of the rotation men.
Offensively we look lethal as balls will b flying out of Fenway left right and centre. But we don't want to be giving away as many as we score.
There's a real feeling across the pond that they're on the verge of something. In Epstein, they've got a proven boss pulling the strings at the top and they've given him time to build. They've made some statements of intent this year while everyone knows they have the best youth and some of them are starting to come of age.
Yes, there's a feeling that, if anyone can screw it up, the Cubs can, but I think we may see a period (maybe not a dynasty though, lol) of success, starting this year or next.
I hope so. Im a Red Sox fan, but I'm fond of the Cubs. Definitely my second team.
The thing is, the Lester deal is the real headline so far this year and is a big statement. Just thought it's an interesting early development, that's all.
Bookies favourites are Nats (13/2), Dodgers (17/2), Redsox and Cubs (both 10/1) with the Angels, Cards(both 12/1) and Padres (14/1) just behind.
Last season's champs the Giants are on 16/1 with 3 others, Mets and Yanks are both 28/1, last season's runners-up (Royals)are out at 33/1 while the Phillies and Rockies are the outsiders on 150/1
There's plenty more to choose from too.
I have an inkling it's the Dodgers' year.
How about you?
If the Sox don't do it, I would love to see the Cubs for the romance of it all but I am fully expecting them to under deliver with a .500 season and to hear the claims of work in progress AGAIN.
I like to think the Bo Sox have a chance but just feel the pitching isn't strong enough to be considered true contenders. Should be an exciting year in the AL East though.
I'd also like to see the Cubs do it, although they do always seem to find a way to fail. However, this year does feel a bit different. I'd still be surprised if they won the lot this year, but I'd be equally, if not more, surprised if they were under 500. I envisage a season where they fall slightly short of the playoffs. Probably, knowing the Cubs, because of some weird freaky incident in the all important final game of the regular season.
But then again, what the hell do I know?
Cards to win the Central again though.
Who am I kidding? Il be shocked if we aren't shite
Just call it a consolidation year. That's what the Cubs have done for the last, er, 107 years.
Go Giants!
Who cares if the pitching isn't at the same level (still think we will trade for an ace by mid season). We can win every game 10-5.
Countdown to Opening Day
We aren't so different after all @Rossman92!