Open Thread: AL WEST MATCHUPS

but even as a non A's fan, I'd be willing to bet Barton is most definitely a "will be."

correct on that point. However, it was still an improvement over 2006, and gives me an optimistic outlook for 2008.

he's got virtually the same career line as Millwood (1.284, 110)

...I don't think Bedard is the best current ace in this division. Sure say what you will about Spring Training, but he has given up 7 HR in his last 3 starts, along with 19 total earned runs and a robust 9.50 ERA. I really think this move is gonna come back and bite the M's. Too much money on a guy that is too injury prone.

The way that Weaver has been throwing the ball lately, makes me feel like it is a sign of things to come. I think that this will be his breakout year and maybe when he challenges Big John as the overall ace of the staff.

Aside: This whole thread has been really interesting and enjoyable to read and react to. I'd love to see it make a comeback around the All Star Break as I am sure things will be changing.

I actually saw him really foul up some games last year. Especially against the Angels and during the losing streeak. Poor bullpen use etc.

The new coaching staff will help.

Oh home field advantage for the World Series. Not that Seattle or Texas has been there or will be there this year.

Theres no reason to speculate or estimate numbers of taking him out of the BPIA since he is a RANGER with a long term deal. It doesn't matter if half of his games are on the road because its the cumulative numbers, home and away, that matter.

when ranking our farm system? or are you saying I should set the goals for our pitching staff higher...trust me, I am by no means satisfied with what we have, I think before it is all said and done we really need a true ace, and probably a lefty at that. We signed Millwood to be our ace, but that's because we can't sign a true ace - he's a # 2 at best, and on a good staff, a # 3. But we have three # 3-quality starters on this team, so if all perform how they are capable of performing, we'll be alright. The best hope for our future is to develop an ace internally, which we have had even worse luck with than signing one.

Either way, I remember the 2004 season, where we hung around for most of the year with Kenny Rogers as a solid but unspectacular # 1, and Ryan Drese the 2nd best starter on the staff (this same staff included Chan Ho, R.A. Dickey, and the starter version of Jack Benoit - each had an ERA over 5.46). If that team could compete, this one surely can - especially with your other-than-Vlad highly unspectacular offense (keep lying to yourselves - Howie Kendrick is better than Ian Kinsler!!!) and your top two starters on the shelf.

Look - you're coming from a pretty easy situation - all you've done in the past is win this division with relative ease, and certainly no battle from my beloved Rangers. All I'm saying is those days are going to come to a close sooner than you realize, and the trend may start to curve the other way as soon as this year.

Enjoy 2008, you limey bastahd

bat stinks. He can't walk, just like the rest of your team, save Vlad.

I know I am biased - but I'd take the 25/25 threat with a chance to improve his average and on-base numbers this year (hit .288 in the 2nd half last year, while getting on base at a .379 clip) that was a near-perfect 23 for 25 in stealing bases, that will most likely score well over 100 runs and knock in over 80 if healthy at the top of the lineup, that also had a streak of 40-something error-free games in the 2nd half after he took to Ron Washington's personal infield instruction. that's me personally. I don't know, maybe Howie's better...?

and I think the ballpark definitely has something to do with it, but he still produced away from home (look at the peripherals), and I think a young hitter can learn to hit on the road while continuing to take full advantage of his home park.

Oh and I'll go a step further on the player rankings - I think Hank Blalock will blow every other AL West 3rd baseman out of the waters this year. but then again, I'm biased, and maybe that's just me. do you think 100 runs, 30 HR, 100 RBI, a .285 average would get it done? and in the outfield, we're catching back up when Milton Bradley gets back onto the field. until then, he is by far and away the best DH in this division.

like 45 games (or something like that) in which Vladimir Guerrero got a hit against them. He OWNED them with all capltal letters O - W - N - E - D. That is the point at which you really have to look at your franchise and realize it is a joke.