caulfield12

https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article293397049.html#storylink=mainstage_card mlb.com AJ Cassavell "With the win, the Padres advanced to their third NLDS in five years -- all of which have come against Los Angeles. They were swept in 2020, before stunning the 111-win Dodgers in ‘22. It was that summer that beloved late Padres owner Peter Seidler proclaimed the Dodgers as, “That dragon up the freeway we’re trying to slay.” They’ll have to slay it again."

Suarez survives to fight another day. Rematch with the Dodgers from two seasons ago. NLDS.

https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/10/02/orioles-royals-game-2-al-wild-card-series/ Orioles’ season ends in another postseason sweep with 2-1 loss to Royals: ‘Just sucks’

Looks like Yu Darvish is going to be a big factor in the next series against LA with Musgrove out with elbow soreness. Jackson Chourio is such a stud btw. That guy can really play ball.

Eflin is going to $18 million. Burnes will be gone. Grayson is a massive question mark health wise. Suarez can't be counted upon based on the last month. That leaves Bradish and Means but lots of question marks and no ace. "The infield is mostly set. Rutschman should bounce back offensively and is incredibly valuable either way. Ryan Mountcastle has failed to make improvements in recent years but has likely done enough to remain the first baseman. Even though Holliday struggled this year, he was such a terrific prospect that he will open 2025 as the Orioles’ second baseman. That leaves Henderson at shortstop and the versatile Jordan Westburg at the hot corner. Ramón Urías and Jorge Mateo are capable reserve infielders. The outfield has two certainties and one notable vacancy. Cedric Mullins is under contract for one more year and will patrol center field, with Colton Cowser coming off a solid rookie season as the left fielder. Santander is heading to free agency, and losing him would be a massive blow to the lineup. If that happens, the team could pivot to Kjerstad or bring in a replacement from outside the organization. The Orioles will also have a tough call on the $7.5 million option for Ryan O’Hearn, who is a useful offensive player and can float among DH, first base and the outfield. With Burnes heading to free agency, there is a massive hole in the rotation. That said, Grayson Rodriguez has emerged as an effective starter and could develop into an ace. He will be joined by Zach Eflin and Dean Kremer. Cade Povich didn’t have much success as a rookie but is young (24) and talented. He could be the fifth starter. Still, there is a major need to either re-sign Burnes or replace him with a similarly talented pitcher. As for the bullpen, the key relievers are under contract for 2025, and major help is coming in the form of Félix Bautista, who is returning from 2023 Tommy John surgery. The presence of Bautista will shift Domínguez to the setup committee with Cano and Pérez." https://sports.yahoo.com/baltimore-orioles-2024-offseason-preview-how-do-the-os-continue-their-ascension-in-2025-235101040.html Forgot they had an option on Mullins....but payroll will be significantly higher and that's without even replacing Burnes.

Good luck ticket agents trying to convince anyone to buy in. The real test is probably 2026 when Montgomery Quero Schultz Smith need to be making significant contributions.

Not without significant FA spending on the pitching front...but not going to count out a system with that much depth. Cowser will win RoY. Still have Westburg Mayo Basallo Hjerstad...but the key obviously is Rutschman and Holiday playing as projected. Gunnar Henderson is already one of the Top 5-7 players in baseball.

Without FA and a high #1 draft pick, it's almost impossible. The only way is trading Crochet and trusting Getz. https://www.milb.com/player/jac-caglianone-695506#:~:text=Draft: 2024, Kansas City Royals, Round: .690 ops in Quad Cities...at least two if not three years away from the majors.

Thinking of the WNBA lol. Brewers trying to make it a series. Down 3-2 bit escaped bases loaded situation.

Ultimately it's going to be perceived as a failure...especially both Rutschman and #1 prospect Holiday. Then they have to replace the leadership of Mullins Santander and Burnes. Lots of uncertainty around Grayson Rodriguez moving forward as well.

Joe Musgrove wearing #44 for Jake Peavy lol. Cease would be starting G3 in his home state of GA or in LA on Sat Gm1.

Royals last three playoff appearances ended in WS, 1985 2014 2015. That takes the White Sox all the way back to 1917-1919 lol. And I wouldn't discount the Tigers at all continuing their run against a Guardians' team where the main point is simply containing Jose Ramirez.

https://twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/minnesota-twins/one-year-from-now-predicting-the-2025-twins-lineup-r16519/ Even if Brooks Lee was considered the industry equivalent of Montgomery, the Twins also have a better farm system and Walker Jenkins is projected as a future superstar. https://puckettspond.com/posts/minnesota-twins-pitching-rotation-future-success Not to mention they're likely going to replace Baldelli and Jhoan Duran is due for a rebound season with far better health.

Brewers looking like NL version of Baltimore....Mets simply a buzzsaw right now.

1/13 with runners on base Former Sox farm hand Sam Long gets it done two consecutive days on the road. Baltimore 5000 fans less than capacity...pretty embarrassing not to sell out except for Yankees' games.

At least they spent on Correa Buxton and have Royce Lewis. Ofc Hinch and Quatraro will finish 1-2 MoY whereas the Sox somehow picked perhaps the worst manager in MLB history. Just unreal. Grifol famously rejected by his own organization for an outsider from TB.

Witt is unreal. .388 average with risp who does that? Fastest player, best infield arm or close...the very definition of a franchise player.

Hinch/Benetti lol...plus best bullpen management in ages. Brieske was absolutely fearless. 27th round pick 802 overall. Tarik Skubal and Jackson Jobe are going to be quite the combo, and to think they seriously considered trading him.

Rutschman just has been terrible the entire second half. Cedric Mullins would be a good replacement for Robert but he'll have better offers than the Sox as a former 30/30 guy.

Best record in baseball since August 11th when they were at 0.2% playoff odds. 36-13 since. Two losses to the White Sox haha.

Pretty crazy it is going to be Cle/Detroit and possibly KC/NYY left.

MJ Melendez with a pretty unreal catch for him...and pressure really mounting on Baltimore offense.

Poor Mattress Mack lol Motown Magic Cleveland vs. Toronto 2016 last ALCS without Astros.

Plus he refused to ever pitch more than one inning last year for SD.

47 straight playoff wins for Houston when they had been leading in the 8th...