The Official 2018 MLB Thread!

[Todd Anderson]

What?

What's this? 2017 is in the history books... time to begin looking forward to the 2018 season! Lots of offseason moves to be made and discussed!

 

[tripplej]

Astros to repeat??

 

[Todd Anderson]

Repeating is tough to do. I haven't looked over their roster situation. Even if they return a relatively full squad, it's tough to bring it all home two years in a row.

 

[tripplej]

That is true.. But, I can dream.

 

[JBrax]

Repeating is extremely hard to do! Todd, I think it’s going to be tough sledding for the Royals and O’s for the foreseeable future. Cleveland, New York, and Houston are going to lock down the AL for some time me thinks.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Hope not... I’m curious as to why NY let Joe Girardi go. Hmmm...

Baltimore needs pitching. If we can get one or two decent starting arms, 2018 could be interesting. Otherwise, time to rebuild!

 

[Todd Anderson]

Wow... @JBrax , Lorenzo Cain just pulled in a huge contract.. I thought he’d end up landing in the 4 for 50 category. Didn’t see this coming.

The Brewers look like they’re making a move. Wonder if they pull in Arrietta or Darvish?

 

[JBrax]

Yep, I was surprised LoCain pulled in that type of contract. He's a good piece for what appears to be a rapidly improving Brewers team. Luckily with his contract exceeding the 50mil threshhold we'll at least get the compensatory pick to stock our farm system. Sadly I think we're gonna stink for a few years but honestly I'm ok with that considering all the Royals have done to reinvigorate KC.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I was hoping the O's were going to make a move on him, but that apparently was a fan's pipe dream.

Hopefully KC will make good use of the comp pick. It's a real shame to see him leave the Royals. He had a huge impact during the playoffs.

MLB needs a salary cap. The coming era of insane money is going to let a lot of fans down.

 

[JBrax]

I really hope you're wrong Todd! As far as the draft pick/picks we need to hit on them to rebuild our shallow farm system. Hopefully Moose gets a deal north of $50mil and if Hosmer doesn't sign with KC we'll definitely get another compensatory pick for him. 3 additional picks should help if the scouting department gets it right.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I thought Moose had a chance to land in Baltimore (too)...lots of noise about it this past week. But, thy are opting to shift Manny to short and move Tim Beckham to third. So, no where to put him.

I read a really interesting - rather unfavorable - analysis/comparison of him that made it sound like he’s asking for too much.

Not easy to get those minor league picks right... so many never pan out!

 

[JBrax]

It wouldn't surprise me at all that he's asking too much. He would make me nervous because he doesn't seem to take very good care of his body. I think the Royals are very leery and many local media members don't care for his attitude at times. He's a gamer though. As for the success rate on drafting players you're right it's a crap shoot. I like throwing numbers at it though so gimme those comp picks!

 

[Todd Anderson]

He is a gamer... so true. I'd guess he's going to end up settling for a 1 year contract somewhere.

 

[JBrax]

Hosmer gone.....

 

[Todd Anderson]

Bummer.

I think KC might be doing the right thing... hard to say.

I really question why Hosmer would want to go play in SD, though. Sure doesn't seem like a team that's ready to make a jump to the next level.

 

[JBrax]

Yeah, I’m not sure why SD? Maybe just trying to get paid and the beautiful weather. That opt out after year 5 probably was a major selling point. Oh well, we need those draft picks.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I think I read somewhere that it’s his home town?

At any rate - he’s a solid player. I’m sure he was fun to watch on a nightly basis.

 

[JBrax]

I believe he’s from Miami, FL if memory serves me correct. He was one of the most clutch players I’ve ever seen in pressure situations. When the lights are bright and the game is on the line he seemed to deliver the big hit. He’ll be missed but it’s time to move on and trust Dayton Moore with another rebuild.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I watched a little Spring Training action today... Machado hit a Grand Slam and Chris Davis had a 3-run bomb...

and I'm hooked all over again!

 

[JBrax]

It looks like the Royals recent signings will have them at least competitive. Moose, Duda, and John Jay were quality affordable additions. We’ll see how Dayton Moore’s rebuild while also trying to win plays out. I’d prefer the tanking method to draft the elite talent but in Dayton we trust.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I’m a little disapppinted we didn’t snag Jay when he was available. Why Baltimore didn’t sign Lance Lynn is BLOWING MY MIND.

We need starting pitching... and the Os are signaling that they’re going all in for 2018.

There are two quality pitchers left in FA. I’d like to see one signed ASAP!

 

[Todd Anderson]

And Arrietta is off the board... although I think the chances of him returning to Baltimore were burned when they made the mistake of trading him.

 

[Todd Anderson]

O’s just signed Alex Cobb.... all signs point to all in... I am READY for the season to start!

 

[tripplej]

Baseball started for 2018!

All teams playing on the first day!

• Astros at Rangers
• Angels at Athletics
• Indians at Mariners
• White Sox at Royals
• Pirates at Tigers
• Twins at Orioles
• Red Sox at Rays
• Yankees at Blue Jays
• Rockies at Diamondbacks
• Giants at Dodgers
• Brewers at Padres
• Cubs at Marlins
• Nationals at Reds
• Cardinals at Mets
• Phillies at Braves

Team by Team schedule here.

 

[tripplej]

Astros are off to a good start.

First game of the season and they had to play on the road. Regardless, they won!

4-1 over the Rangers.

Repeat! Repeat!