Oakland Park Baseball

Ok, before I lay out the argument about how it's pretty clear the Dodgers will win the NL West in 2006, I figured I'd give the Giants fans a chance to state their case, assuming you disagree.

If no one replies with a contrasting view, then my argument will be unnecessary and we can all point to the OPB consensus that LA will own the NL West in 2006.

Nah, I can't be bothered to argue with you - before spring training has even begun! Look at the sudden and catastrophic loss of stuff by Kirk Rueter, that serves as an example of how form can go wildly against your expectations. Hell, look at that crazy ass tear the A's went on mid-2005, that was some crazy shit you'd never have expected. Wait and see at least how the first month goes before you start talking about any division ownage being "clear"

I think the west will be close between LA and SF. LA still has a very weak pitching staff, while SF has improved (with Morris and a healty Benitez, we hope). Plus, the young guys will have one more year under thier belt.

We also have Randy Winn. I know he won't hit like .340+ like he did for an entire year, but he is a spark, and he will be great.

Scott, you know better than any of us than it takes more than excellent free agents and even trades to make a team win. LA has the issue of a new management, and their 3rd major overhaul in as many years. It all remians to be seen.

tallguy wrote:Hell, look at that crazy ass tear the A's went on mid-2005, that was some crazy shit you'd never have expected.

While I wasn't pleased with the A's performance up to that point, with the return of Bobby Crosby and Rich Harden, it was inevitable that the A's would start winning more games. Take a decent hitter out of the lineup (Crosby) and replace him with Marco Scutaro (who is one of the most clutch players around, no doubt) and you'll be hurtin'. Add in the fact that you have a long stretch against the abysmal AL Central, and you have a recipe for success.

retep wrote:I think the west will be close between LA and SF. LA still has a very weak pitching staff, while SF has improved (with Morris and a healty Benitez, we hope). Plus, the young guys will have one more year under thier belt.

Peter, don't forget about the return of Barry Bonds. I's think this would be a focal point of your post, since you have a personal stake in his performance. How could you overlook a man who once had 73 home runs in one season?

Peter wisely didn't mention Barry in case this would jinx him. With his knee being so screwed up, every time he has to run, jog or hell, even walk anywhere on the field I know I hold my breath.
Shit! Now I've probably jinxed him.

Maybe Peter was just trying to move away from giving the impression that Giants fans only think and care about Barry. This is far from true. We have several injury-prone guys we can fret about.

Well, I'm not counting on a healthy Barry. My focal point is this:

The Giants will contend, with or without Bonds

The LA lineup is still short of beef... Kent is the only sure bet they have as far as a solid RBI guy, because Nomar and Drew are major question marks. Furcal is a great snab.

By the way, I'm amazed the media isn't eating up the fact that LA is stoked with 6 former Giants.. 3 of whom have joined LA since Coletti became GM. They have added Tomko, Lofton, and Mueler to the other Giants trio of Ledee, Cruz Jr., and of course Kent.

Plus, Tomko has beef with SF, ebcause durring the season, he felt poorly treated and then wanted to re-sing, but couldn't. I think this is a great story in the rivalry, but I guess the media big-wigs decided that there is only room for the NYY-BOS rivalry in baseball. Too bad.. this stuff gives extra life to the sport.

Say Hey Geriatric Giants... 'Nuff said

It's great that the giants got morris. He sucks and should help the dodgers win (I made the mistake of picking him up for my fantasy team late last year). The Giants are still old. And the dodgers staff could use one more good pitcher, but they don't suck. Penny's good, Perez has shown good era frequently, Lowe's a jerk, but he's pretty decent, and getting jae sao was a great pickup. Plus, we got two viable closers, Baez and Gagne. getting furcal will give us a good steal threat with good batting average. If Drew can stay healthy, a big if, then the dodgers will whip'em.

I'm not happy to get tomko, cause he's lousy.

Chris Adams wrote:I'm not happy to get tomko, cause he's lousy.

Well, his record is no indication to his skill. he can go long innings, and is a fine 4 or 5 spot starter.

And while Morris doesn't have many fantasy league type stats, he is a winner who can give you 200 innings-plus in a season, ands age to a very young staff, and "feels" like an ace, which gives the Giants some leadership should Jason S. go down again.

Is being an "inning-eater" all that valuble? Doesn't a team need some quality, not just quantity? This concern first came to my mind when the A's signed Esteban Loiza, who really has only had that one awesome year (2nd in Cy Young voting), but is also an "innings-eater." I like the signing, but can't help but wonder why some stress this aspect of Loiza's game.

i think you are all wrong saying LAD has the west locked up dont blow millions of dollars every year last year they were 71-91... thats 11 games behind the rockies broke their fallto the cellar going 67-95 making the dodgers the 3rd worst team in the nl

oh just to clear the air I IN NO WAY MEANT THE GIANTS HAVE A CHANCE...
fuck those bastards i think it will be a close race between the padres and dodgers

the giants will be lucky to get third

i think you are all wrong saying LAD has the west locked up dont blow millions of dollars every year last year they were 71-91... thats 11 games behind the rockies broke their fallto the cellar going 67-95 making the dodgers the 3rd worst team in the nl

oh just to clear the air I IN NO WAY MEANT THE GIANTS HAVE A CHANCE...
fuck those bastards i think it will be a close race between the padres and dodgers

the giants will be lucky to get third

dude, without bonds, giants suck. seriously. i'm sorry, but no chance.


i wouldn't say that LA can walk away with it. the padres have a good young team and they keep getting better. i know LA has added some nice infield help, but they've lost a lot of pitching (though, for whatever it's worth, they just signed weaver. big whoop.). i'd put my money on San Diego, then the dodgers, then the giants. like last year, it should be a really soft division. shit, man, stick the orioles in the NL west and i'd think they'd have a shot. all these teams pretty much blow. at least the dodgers and padres have somethin' goin' for 'em, even if neither is a complete team.

again, sorry giants fans. they're just an aweful team right now.

The Giants might have on of the best top 4 starters in baseball if they can all stay healthy. Hawkins blew 9 saves last year for us... a healthy Benitez will be much more stable. For once, the Giants have the pitching they need. Also, Pedro and Neikro will have one more year under their belt, which they need. I will say this is Pedro's last chance to make it big.

if bonds only plays 81 games, he would still hit 20 or so HRs based on last years rate... and he fares to do better sicne he will have his health back, somewhat. and it won't be light hitting Ellision taking his spot if he goes downL they have Finley, how, while hurt himself, he will put up another 20 HRs if he is healthy for half the season.

SD still cant hit. Piazza has a terrible lifetime record there, and SD lost one of their top pitchers, which was what kept them going last year. They lost their excellent 2B for a backup catcher, and hate their park.

LA: Kent's age will slow him down a some point, Gange is still hurt (he is their Bonds), and may of the new peopel have question marks. Furcal has a carrer .170 AVG at Dodger Satdium, and Nomar... well, we'll need to see what he can do. Also, the staff hasn't been the same since LoDuca left. Also, their Ace, Weaver, is gone to the Angels.

Plus, the Giant's defense is underated. Besides Visquel and Matheny, they have Pedro, who suddenly became a great 3B last year. Wynn is great in CF, and even a hurt Finely last year still had wheels in CF, and will do great in LF when he spots for Bonds. at 1B, Neikro learnt much from Snow, and will keep growing in the that direrction too.

All in all, this is between SF and LA, with LA admitly in the lead. SD is way too thin to repeat.

ARI? COL? Fuck them.