Double Header Weekend

Saturday April 21st 2012

Detroit 4-10 Texas (GM1)

Detroit 3-2 Texas (GM2)

The morning started with the first game of a double header thanks to a rained out Friday night game. Justin Verlander was scheduled to start this game, but due to the delay, was pushed to the evening start coming off only 4 days rest. This pushed Rick Porcello back to the 1:00pm start, but luckily I was able to find Andrea and I tickets to “fridays game” for a discounted price off eBay. This process seemed to work perfectly, utilizing the assumption that although the game was in a rain delay, I knew the weather would not clear up, therefor purchased tickets to the game “past the start time” from an eBay vendor from out of state for a discounted price.

This was the first game of the season where the damage was done quick and early… 23-year-old Rick Porcello only gave up 3 runs in his first 14 2/3 innings of the season, but more than tripled his runs scored in one disastrous inning. Giving up 8 runs in the first inning, contributed to by a Josh Hamilton 3 run homer. This inning came from the bats of a red-hot Rangers team, who had scored 34 runs in their previous 3 games.

The Rangers went on to score a total of 10 runs throughout the 9 innings. The Tigers, unfortunately, would only put 4 on the board, thanks to a solo shot from AJax, an RBI double from Delmon and a 2 run blast from Cabrera. Porcello sadly didn’t make it past the 3 outs in the 1st, and was replaced by Duane Below in the 2nd after a lead off double followed by a single. 

Hanging out with the boss at Cheli’s

Although the baseball game didn’t have a happy ending, the afternoon of sunny weather in the city made for a good start to the day. We were able to meet up with several friends as well as Andrea’s cousin Matt and his girlfriend. We had dinner at Hockeytown cafe followed by drinks at Cheli’s. 

The one two three process that we got quite familiar with at Cheli’s Chili Bar 1. smile

2. bottoms up

3. aftermath

 With some ticket maneuvering we were able to get the whole group at Cheli’s into the stadium for the game. Andrea and I sat in the 2 lower deck seats and had a great view of the field for some ‘Must See JV’. Over the next couple of innings we were able to sneak down Sean, Derick, and a few of Seans friends. Just by chance, we also found some other friends of ours merely one section over, who also came to sit by us. So needless to say, with a full day of drinking, the late innings of a double header with JV on the mound surrounded by friends made for quite the baseball game. ( I will note that, heckling began around the 7th inning, the worst of it toward Nelson Cruz…well deserved I believe, even once sober…) This did get us on the Kiss cam, us being the entire group who did not comply with the standard reaction but rather were energetically excited to have a camera on us.

The first three innings held both teams scoreless. It wasn’t until the fourth that we saw a run scored, coming from a sac fly from Daniel Murphy putting the Rangers up 1-0 early. But this early lead would not last, as the Tigers answered with 3 runs of their own, the go ahead single coming from Ramon Santiago to bring in Fielder and Young. JV finished the day with 6IP 3H 1R 8SO. 

Although the Rangers squeaked a run from Benoit in the 8th, it was Valverdes 9th innings performance that would shut the door on the Power Rangers, giving up no hits with 2 strikeouts.

I’m sure we will remember this day as one of the better days of summer baseball, an extremely active yet enjoyable day. From seeing JV pitch to talking with Chris Chelios at his own chili bar, I’d chalk the day up as a success.

“How can you not be romantic about baseball?”

Inge: No hard feelings on release

Reblogged from Beck's Blog:

One of the last Tigers players to file past Brandon Inge's locker on their way out of the clubhouse and on to New York was Octavio Dotel. He has only been a Tiger for a few months, but he played against Inge for years at plenty of stops.

"I don't know how you do it, 13 teams," Inge joked with Dotel as they hugged.

Read more… 906 more words

The Darvish Disaster

After a 6 game road trip, the Tigers were happy to come home going 4-2 during their 3 game series at US Cellular against the White Sox, and then 3 more at Kauffman stadium against the Royals. More notably, the Tigers swept the final series against the Royals, winning all three games by a margin of 4 runs total. But now it was on to our old friends the Texas Rangers, the two teams meeting for the first time since their run in during the American League Championship Series back in October (which we remember all too well).

Event wise, we had a great time before the game. Andrea and I headed down with Sean, our buddy Ryan, and a few other people Sean had invited that we were meeting for the first time. We got down to Lot C early thanks to a parking pass from Ryan, and set ourselves up for a pre-game tailgate. Nothing special, but you’ll be surprised how enjoyable a parking lot becomes with a corn hole set, car radio, and a few beers. I will mention the fact that my buddy Sean had his halloween costume still in the trunk of his car…so there may or may not have been a full size cow costume floating around the tailgate…

no comment...

I did have the opportunity to meet a nice gentleman named Lorenzo, one of the local street dwellers of Detroit City. Just talking with the guy, I appreciated that he didn’t have the typical ungrateful attitude you find from guys collecting cans during Tiger tailgates. We talked about the team this year, shared a beer, while he ended up talking to damn near everyone at the tailgate at some point. We gave the guy a few dollars before we had to head over to the stadium, and I hope to find him again throughout the season.

While walking toward the iron gates, fans are able to walk past the Tiger merchandise store windows, indirectly displaying the back of the clothing racks inside the store. Upon passing, Andrea noticed one of the 2010 Tiger warm-ups that sadly we had been on the hunt for since my unfortunate situation on opening day (my jacket was stolen). We entered the park, B-lines for the rack, and lone behold, the Jacket fit and was in fact a different variant of my original jacket, that I had been even more interested in owning. I’m definitely the luckiest guy I know when it comes to girlfriends, and couldn’t ask for a better person to share these experiences with (as well as share jackets with).

After enjoying the national anthem, and hearing my 3 favorite words (Lets Play Ball) it was game time. Not only was this game important because it was a rematch of the ALCS teams from 2011, but the Texans were sending out Yu Darvish to the mound, their newly acquired Japanese phenom who was both talented as well as expensive. The Tigers, on the other hand, had Adam Wilk making a spot start due to the injury to Doug Fister. Wilk, like Smyly, is a lefty, and appeared in 5 games last year for the Tigers.

The Rangers appeared as hit heavy as their11-2 record suggested, starting off the game with an RBI single from Michael Young with 2 men on. Mike Napoli added to their lead sending the 2nd pitch of the 2nd inning into the right field stands. Thanks to a Prince Fielder walk, followed by a Delmon Young double, Don Kelly was able to ground out to second baseman Ian Kinsler in the 4th, bringing Fielder home and puting the Tigers on the board (1-2). But the close game wouldn’t last, as the Rangers put up 3 more runs over the next 3 innings (1-5). Wilk was pulled after leading off the 5th with a walk to Josh Hamilton, replaced by COlin Balister who would inevitably give up the 3 runs. Darvish on the other hand, lasted 6.1 innings, giving up only 2-hits, 5 S/O, with 5 BB.

Schlereth entered the game in the 7th innings, but went on to give up FIVE more Texas runs in the 8th after 3 doubles and a single by the heavy hitting texans. The game, at this point, can be declared a disaster. Don Kelly drove in the bash brothers in the bottom of the 8th to only put Detroit behind 10-3, but the Rangers would prove to come out on top, powered by 19 hits and the Tigers making 2 ugly errors.

Definitely one of those games you put behind you 5 minutes after its finished. Andrea and I left the game uncharacteristically early based on the fact we were both feeling bad, and the weather seemed to diminish as the sun went down. It was the Tigers first encounter with this hot new pitcher, but without sounding too bitter, I think his high walk rate and major league exposer will catch up to him. Hopefully the Tigers will get another shot at Darvish and prove that there is no arm, young, new, old, left, or right, that can ultimately stop this Tiger line up.

“How can you not be romantic about baseball?”

The Last Minute Upgrade

the four of us being repaid for tuesday's snow

Wednesday night turned out to be a quiet one for Andrea and I. After a long day at work for the two of us (most of mine spent at Comerica Park) it was nice to have a relaxing night with no morning alarm clocks required. We discussed heading down to the ball park early for batting practice, but after a big omelette breakfast from Island Coney, we weren’t moving with as much gusto as we thought. Just before we were finally leaving my buddy Sean called saying that our other buddy Gabriel had called him with tickets to the game that he couldn’t use. We we’re excited to sit in our upperdeck club seats along the 1st base line, but are always interested to sit in the “foul ball territory” lower deck sections, along the 1st base line. We encouraged Sean to meet us down there, and even more last minute, called Andrea’s friend Stacy and convinced her to meet us downtown to occupy the 4th seat.

It was another gorgeous sunny day, and where we were sitting we had a clear view of the field as well as appearing on TV a few times from the camera stationed next to the Tigers dugout. More importantly, this game marked the major league debut for young left handed pitcher Drew Smyly. Having gone down to see his spot start in Toledo, Andrea and I were skeptical of the ability he showed during spring training, only lasting 1 2/3 innings before being pulled by Toledo manager Phil Nevin. He was going against Rays righty Jeff Niemann (11 game winner in 2011) and a clutch Tampa Bay lineup with familiar faces, including returning first baseman Carlos Pena (former Detroit Tiger) and outfielder Matt Joyce (also a former tiger). Smyly evidently had a decent outing for his MLB debute, going 4 innings, giving up 4 hits, 1 ER (off a Carlos Pena solo shot to right field) striking out 4 while walking 3. Of all our up and coming pitchers, Smyly proved to have the best control during the spring training auditions, as well as being the only lefty in our starting rotation.

It didn’t take long for the tigers to get their bats going and capitalize on a much needed rebound from the game the day before. The Tigers opened it up in the bottom of the 5th, scoring 3 off an RBI triple from Andy Dirks and a 2RBI single from Brennan Boesch, making it a 3-1 game. Also it is important to mention, today was Brennan’s birthday, as well as a turn around after an unexpected slow start to the season. Newly acquired Colin Balester came in to relieve Smyly and ultimately picked up the W after the Tigers big 5th inning, despite giving up an RBI single to Evan Longoria shortly after entering the game. (3-2)

Boesch 2-run single on his birthday

Boesch added to his birthday production with another 2 RBI single in the bottom of the 7th off relief pitcher Jake McGee. The game, as they say, was ‘in the bag’ as the Tigers topped off the win with another 2 runs in the 8th from an Alex Avila triple and a wild pitch by reliever/closer Joel Peralta. After a 1-2-3 9th inning by the big potato himself Jose Valverde, the Tigers would end the series taking 2 of 3. Hey, even at home, against the Rays I’ll take that all year.

It’s interesting how many of our games end up being completely different experiences because of last minute change in plans. What was originally scheduled to be an upper deck game between just Andrea and I, turned into a field side one man show by Brennan Boesch shared with friends.

Tigers at this point, begin the season 5-1, and happy to do so considering our first two series were against the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays series are always my favorite to attend. I’m glad I got to see them for all 3 games, but sad it’s the last time they play at Comerica (unless ofcourse they are unfortunate enough to draw the Tigers first round of play offs).

“How can you not be romantic about baseball?”

Getting Paid to be at a Tigers Game

Wednesday April 11th 2012

Detroit 2-4 Tampa Bay

It’s not often someone who isn’t a Comerica employee is able to say that. But thanks to the circumstances of my job, this marked the first (and hopefully not the last) day I was technically on the clock while attending a Detroit Tigers game. Without getting in to too much, my job is as a caregiver. I take care of the same patient, at his home, which also includes taking him to events, and in this case, I had gotten tickets for us to a wednesday day game. Technically I HAD 2 tickets, as I mentioned in my previous post, but through some crafty dealing at the box office, was able to purchase more and upgrade to disabled seating.

Turned out to be a great day weather wise. We headed down to Detroit around 11:30am and after getting settled with a good parking spot in the lot in front of the big tiger statue, we were prepped and ready for the ball game. The seats were awesome. I have always wanted to sit in the disabled seating (without actually NEEDing them) and had plenty of working space to ensure my patient had a comfortable time.

Verlander threw a no-hitter for first 4 1/3 innings

The match-up was one of the best you’ll find in the American League this year. Justin Verlander (reigning MVP and Cy Young winner) going against Tampa Bay ace James Shields (16 game winner in 2011, 11 CG, 4 SHO, 2.82 ERA), and the boys did not disappoint. The Tigers took an early lead after Austin Jackson scored from a Miguel Cabrera RBI single. But it would be Verlander’s performance that would make up the highlights of the game. After giving up his first hit in the top of the 5th inning (Ben Zobrist single to right field), Verlander advanced Zobrist to 2nd base on a balk. Later in the inning, it was James Shields turn, except it would bring Andy Dirks home from 3rd, on a balk. I’m not 100% confident in my understanding of the balk rule in baseball, but from what I understand…no body really is. But it must be rare to see 2 disciplined pitchers like these guys commit the same err.

The game flew by, both pitchers performing as expected. Verlander would only give up one other hit before the 8th inning ended, leaving everyone to asking the same question: “Can JV come out for the 9th inning and finish the game?” Now when discussing this scenario the rest of the season with friends, anyone who tells you they ‘knew he shouldn’t have come out for the 9th’ is a liar and deserves to be punched in the nose. Heading into the inning Justin was throwing a 2-hitter, with 6 strike outs, and a pitch count just above 80. 101 times out of 100, you let JV enter the 9th inning. Sadly, this inning was his undoing. Giving up 2 singles, and walk, and another single, the Rays were able to tie the game, and force Justin from the mound, inevitably canceling his chance to score the Win also. After a brief showing from Schlereth, Jose Valverde entered the game, giving up another 2 runs off a Ben Zobrist single that would ultimately be the winning go ahead runs.

Rodney celebrating the save

The Tigers had the heart of their lineup stepping to the plate, and with Fernando Rodney (current Rays closer and former Tigers pitcher) stepping to the mound, you could tell the fans really  wanted to pull out another late inning come back. But the notorious ROD would prove successful in his save attempt, followed by a new stupid celebration dance of his own where he appears to shoot a bow and arrow a couple of times…

When buying a ticket to the ball game, you are directly buying 9 innings of baseball, and I couldn’t deny the fact that I got to see 8 great innings of baseball… it just so happens the 9th was an absolute train wreck, and a sad ending to an over all great outing by Justin Verlander. The Rays proved they are no team to fall asleep on, but more importantly, Verlander proved he’s bringing the same exceptional stuff he had in 2011. It was a little extra hard swallowing the fact Fernando Rodney came in to seal the deal against our 3, 4, and 5 batters… but hey, heres to hoping Clete Thomas doesn’t come back with the Twins and have the same effect playing in Comerica again this season.

“How can you not be romantic about baseball?”

Michigan Weather’s Last Stance

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Detroit 5-2 Tampa Bay

Having to work the midnight shift comes with some advantages, but the biggest disadvantage is getting off work in the morning, throwing off the entire following day. We had two sets of tickets purchased, Andrea had me get her and Stacy a set of tickets to celebrate Stacy’s birthday that week, while I myself was taking my buddy Sean. His house is only 10 minutes from the ballpark, so I made my way there after work to grab a few hours of sleep before game time. The four of us met up, and bundled up in anticipation of a cold game as the forecast predicted.

the girls displeased with the snow

We did not, however, expect the kind of weather we got. When looking around the stadium at the chunks of empty sections, the attendance clearly reflected the weather. It snowed (yes, snowed) for most of the game. Luckily, while there was still snow, the temperature never really dropped to an uncomfortable degree (standard michigan weather). The girls bought nachos and pretzels, and bundled under coats and gloves to stay warm. Fortunately, we able to sit together, accompanied with the entire row to ourselves. The weather did, after all, seem to slow down the Tropicana Field squad, as the Tigers would go on to take the W.

This was the first of a three game series with the Tampa Bay Rays, and the second series of the season for the Tigers. I was particularly excited for this series because 1. Besides my Tigers, I do enjoy watching the Rays, although with all their success, they seem more like a threat these days than a candidate for my “2nd favorite team.” and 2. This was the only time the Rays would travel to Detroit, so naturally I had to get tickets to all three games of the series.

The pitching matchup was an interesting one, Rick Porcello was gearing up for his first start of the season, against the much talked about 2011 Minor League player of the year, Matt Moore. It wasn’t until the 3rd inning that we saw much action from either offense. After allowing a run in by walking Evan Longoria with the bases loaded, Porcello was able to get out of the jam, followed by Jackson scoring on a wild pitch by Moore with Cabrera at the plate in the bottom of the 3rd. The two young pitchers went toe to toe for another 3 strong innings, but the Rays are a hard team to contain, and eventually took back the lead in the top of the 7th off a single from center fielder Desmond Jennings. Porcello finished the inning, but the pressure was back on the Tigers.

No retractable roof in Detroit

Once again, Mr. Austin Jackson volunteered as the man for the job, slapping the 7th pitch of the at-bat into the left field stands, thus tying the game as well as causing Manager Joe Maddon to pull his young star. After drawing out Tampa’s bullpen, the Tigers seemed to find the pitches they were looking for, going up 5-2 in the bottom of the 8th thanks to an RBI single from Prince Fielder, a sac fly from Jhonny Peralta, and an RBI single from back up catcher Gerald Laird (or as Rod Allen likes to say, G-money) .

Phil Coke entered the game in the 8th, striking out two and inheriting the win, followed by a 1-2-3 9th inning performance from “the big potato” Papa Grande (Jose Valverde).

The late inning rally seemed to warm the crowd and rewarded all in attendance with a Tigers victory. We followed up the win by meeting friends at Norm’s Field of Dreams Bar in Troy, which I will definitely be going back to once we discovered they had corn hole to go with their pool table and dartboard.

Safe to say we successfully started Stacy’s birthday celebration the right way, but I will add I hope it’s the last we see of snow at Comerica Park this season.

“How can you not be romantic about baseball?”

The Iron Gates are Finally Open.

Thursday April 5th 2012

Detroit 3-2 Boston

Attendance: 45,027 (Largest in park history, 2nd largest all time)

When the day starts with a $40 cab ride downtown on a Sunny thursday morning at 8am, you know its going to be a long as well as eventful. We got into the city around 830am, and when waiting for the tailgate crew of family and friends to arrive, we stopped in at one of Detroit’s more popular game day spots, ‘The Well’ on Randolph St. After a quick round of darts and beers to start the morning, we headed to Andrea’s family tailgate. From grilled hot dogs & burgers to orange slice jello shots, the spread was vast and plentiful. Of course I brought down the famous ‘tiger fist/ cup holder’ (that I only bring to important games naturally) which was a big hit with the family. Andrea’s cousin Tommy and his wife Candice put together an amazing tailgate that will be my go to spot for years to come.

We headed over to the stadium a little later than we would have liked, as it was hard to leave such a great tailgate. But once the clock hit 11:30, the excitement of Opening Day started creeping into all of our minds. The stadium was an absolute mad house, we stood in a line that reached almost to ‘Cheli’s Chili Bar’ just to get through the iron gates. We received the tickets as part of our 15-game season ticket package. Thanks to organized planning, we utilized the cash deposit offered a few months prior to tickets going on sale, which guaranteed our first game would be Opening Day.

Appreciating the fact that the first game of the season was against the Boston Red Sox, it was all the hype surrounding the tigers off season moves that most fans were looking forward to, myself included. Accompanied by a new scoreboard, there were obvious raised questions: Will the ‘Detroit Bash Brothers’ be as dominant as their potential suggests? Can Justin Verlander repeat his MVP performance? Who will be the biggest competition in the AL Central? To the more specific yet relevant questions: Will Brennan Boesch utilize the best batting order spot in the AL? Will Austin Jackson find his swing, better OBP with less strike outs? Will the new faces in the bullpen be able to hold down the late innings throughout the season (Ballester, Dotel)?

These were the questions on every dedicated fan’s mind, and as the national anthem finished, and the legendary Al Kaline threw out the first pitch (while we were filling through the gates with the sea of crisp white tiger jerseys and Old English D caps) it was time to hear those renowned three words we had been waiting all winter to hear, “Lets Play Ball.”

The first 6 innings made it evident of the pitching matchup. With Justin Verlander and Jon Lester going head to head, it isn’t surprising we didn’t see any runs scored until the 7th inning. Jackson lead off the 1st inning as well as the Tigers 2012 offense with a single, and would go on to hit an important triple in the 8th inning with Prince Fielder bringing him home on a sac fly to put the tigers up 2-0 (After an RBI double by catcher Alex Avila in the 7th). Fielders first official at-bat as a Detroit Tiger was a single on a ground ball to right field, an exciting moment to start his decade long career here in Detroit. But it would be Austin Jackson who would come through yet again to win the ball game.

After an entire season never missing a save opportunity, its easy to be spoiled and find yourself expecting the same turn out every time. Well Papa Grande brought everyone back to reality hard, by giving up 2 runs in the 9th inning, thus tying the game, as well as voiding JV’s chances at the win after a stellar 8 innings, 2 hits, 0 ER, 7 SO. Mind you, it was commented later that Valverde was battling sickness and was not 100% health wise. With Cody Ross lining out to SS Jhonny Peralta for the final out of the inning, the stage was set.

Bottom of the 9th, the score tied 2-2. Mark Melancon entered the game, one of Boston’s options for the closing role, with newly aquired Andrew Bailey requiring surgery that will sideline him for 3-4 months. Melancon got Rayburn to fly out to right field, but after giving up back to back singles to SS Peralta and C Avila, the Red Sox brought in their second closing candidate, Alfredo Aceves (whom was announced as their closer by manager Bobby Valentine). Danny Worth entered as a pinch runner for SS Peralta, and with one out, runners at first and second, Ramon Santiago was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Everything seemed to fall right into place for this final moment. Austin Jackson stepped into the batters box determined. And with the 4th pitch, on a 1-2 count, Jackson sent an 87 mph change up to left field for a walk off, game winning single.

The stadium went nuts. Everyone already on their feet, began jumping, high five-ing, and hugging. Andrea and I high five for every scoring play to the degree of superstition, but with this particular hit, we couldn’t help throwing a few extra high fives and hugs in. We walked out of the ball park in a euphoric state, giving in to listening to fan’s elaborated talks of an ‘unbeatable’ Tigers team, soaking in the moment for as long as we could.

We enjoyed the city for a few more hours after that, my friend Sean and I eventually heading to corktown in the evening to enjoy the city further, and probably longer than we should have. Aside from a disappointing run in at Detroit Pub while we were grabbing dinner after the game, the day couldn’t have been better. I can’t say I’d want to have every game come down to the 9th inning, the anxiety of that kind of season would be deadly, but to win opening day in walk off fashion, against one of the stronger teams in the American League, from a player surrounded with hopeful anticipation for a turn around year, I have to say it…

“How can you not be romantic about baseball?“

Can you have a “2nd” favorite team?

Received a few tickets in the mail for the upcoming season. The first indication that it’s time to let some of the excitement creep in, because baseball is right around the corner. haven’t received the 15-game ticket package yet, but should be any day now. This is my first year as a “season ticket” holder, but the 1st of many, with plans of increasing my season package over time.

When it comes to sports, home town fans are essential as well as respectable. This applies more toward lion fans in 2008, or tiger fans in 2003, both fan bases rewarded over the next few years (lions fans still have rewards to come). One of my biggest pet peeves is someone who jumps all over the country when explaining their favorite teams between various sports. Dont be a packer, yankee, laker, and UNC basketball fan (ultimate bandwagon) But I do think its alright to have “2nd favorite” “3rd favorite”, or more maturely, other teams that you enjoy to watch and appreciate their success. For me its always been the Tampa Bay Rays. Through the alignment of a florida vacation, and baseball season, I found myself at their opening day last year, and a few games the two seasons prior. I love that they compete in the AL East with all the deemed “baseball bigboys” in that division, with a far smaller budget. I can’t stand the Yankees for obvious reasons, and with Canada being so close to Detroit, the Toronto fans are ANNOYINGLY abundant when the bluejays come to town; loud, proud, and out of place. Plus with the success of former tigers like kyle farnsworth, johny damon, and matt joyce, they hold a soft spot in my heart.

With my growing obsession with the home town boys, its getting harder and harder to hold onto my secondary love for tampa, but I just hide behind my ‘love of baseball’ whenever I want to switch it up and wear my rays hat some days…

“how can you not be romantic about baseball”

1st fantasy draft of the year: PrinceFielder’sChoice

 

Had the 8th pick in a 10 tema league. Went with Jacoby Ellsbury with my 1st overall pick. Have a lot of hopes in him, can put up numbers in every category. Had to, absolutely had to, have one of the tigers big 3, so I went with Prince Fielder on my next pick. I told myself I would go heavy on pitchers, and to be honest, could have grabbed JV here, but I guess I let my love for hitters get the best of me. Still went strong on pitching from there, picking up 2 of the 3 Cy Young candidates (CC and Weaver) can’t stand Jared Weaver, but I was already allowing mlb team preference to affect my drafting by refusing to draft Indians or Twins… As much as I don’t like LA (especially after their off season moves) I couldn’t deny Weavers capability as an ace. Of course my computer froze and I autodrafted Greinke next… did not intend on using picks 3-5 on ALL pitchers, but it is what it is. 

I always try to go with a prospect/ young gun that I think will step up big, first choice was obviously Matt Moore, after he was picked up, I had my eyes on Dee Gordon but it just wasn’t in my drafting to get him at a reasonable pick, so I went with Dodgers reliever Kenley Jansen. Hopefully he takes the reliever gig quick, will leave me with 3 solid RPs

I don’t have too many people actually reading this, but criticism is encouraged, would love any sleepers you think may be available that you want to pitch. 

PS- after reading up on Texas and the battle for a starting spot, I dropped Alexi Ogando (my last pick of the draft) for Pirates outfielder Alex Presley. I’m predicting Ogando will end up back in the bullpen, shame after making the all star team last year, but whatever, don’t care much for texas after ALCS last year…lol

enjoy 

the brady bunch