Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Nate Robertson has left town!

Nate Robertson has just been traded back to the Florida Marlins! In the deal the Tigers receive left handed pitching prospect Jay Voss. The deal also includes cash that the Tigers will send with love to Florida to help pay for Nate's $10 Million plus salary this season. (Also his last season of his large contract he signed with Detroit)

This really helps solve one of the questions that were looming for Jim Leyland this upcoming season. It now looks like Jeremy Bonderman and Dontrelle Willis will fill out the final spots in Detroit's pitching rotation.

With Jay Voss the Tigers receive a 6'4" left handed pitcher. His stats vastly improved last season. Check out his profile at the great Baseball-Reference.com website. 

Nate's stay in Detroit started off well as he played a key role in the 2006 World Series run. In 2006 he showed off his pitching skills and his bulldog mentality. He was starting to wear out his welcome in Detroit after signing a huge contract and preforming up to it. However it's good to see Nate leave town. I really didn't see him helping Detroit this year at all. I wish him the best of luck in Florida.

Leave your thoughts and comments about the Nate Roberson Deal.

AL Central Predictions (Continued)

Were back at it here at Copa Times and today its time to predict the 4th place team in the AL Central.  And the winner is (well 2nd to last place loser)... the Kansas City Royals.

The Royals could really surprise some people this season. You may not find them in the top of the standings, yet they will give some teams some trouble during the season.

Zach Greinke is back and preparing for another stellar season on the mound. (In case you forgot he's the 2009 AL Cy Young Winner) I look for Zach to continue to dominate on the mound. He has always had nasty stuff and now is really understanding the art of pitching and getting major league hitters out.

Other familiar faces that will be seen in a Royals uniform are Joakim Soria and Billy Butler. Soria is one of baseballs top closers and has recorded 72 of 78 saves the past two years. Butler is back and ready to continue his success after being the team leader in home runs, RBI's, batting average, on base percentage, OPS and last but not least doubles. Quite a season for the big fella

Continuing to try and improve the Royals front office looked to some key free agents to help solidify their lineup for 2010. Rick Ankiel, Jason Kendall, and Scott Podsednik were all signed and ready to be in the starting line up for the Royals.

 - (Is it me or does it seem weird to not see Buck's name behind the plate for the Royals)

One thing you must keep an eye on during the 2010 season is the progression of Alex Gordon. He was a highly touted prospect  (2nd pick overall, 05' Draft) that has shown some signs of promise but hasn't produced like they hoped. After the injury bug hit him last season people now look to the 2010 season as a year Gordon could bust out.


From top to bottom the Royals has a solid ball club. I really feel like the could really shock some people in the Central. I realize I predict them in 4th place but if a few things go the Royals way this could make them much more of a contender.


Last but not least I will give you an Idea of what the Royals starting line up and rotation will possibly look like for the 2010 Season.


1. LF Scott Podsednik:
2. 2B Chris Getz 
3. RF David DeJesus
4. 1B Billy Butler
5. CF Rick Ankiel
6. DH Jose Guillen
7. 3B Alex Gordon
8. SS Yuniesky Betancourt
9. C Jason Kendall

The Royals rotation will set up something like this...

1. RHP Zack Greinke
2. RHP Gil Meche
3. RHP Brian Bannister
4. RHP Luke Hochevar
5. RHP Kyle Davies

Lefties are no where to be found in the Royals rotation, lets see if they will do anything about it.

This wraps up my AL Central 4th place prediction for the 2010 season. The Kansas City Royals are on the right path yet there is just to many questions marks in the line-up and mainly the rotation to pick them to finish any higher. However keep and eye out for the Royals they could turn more than a few heads this upcoming season.

Be sure to leave your comments as I love to hear your feedback and what you think also don't forget to check out Copa Times on Facebook and Twitter.









Sunday, March 28, 2010

AL Central Predictions - 5th Place Cleveland Indians

As the days of spring training dwindle down the excitement for the new season to begin is overwhelming. Here at Copa Times this can only mean one thing. It's time to make some predictions. I'm going to start right off with the AL Central. I'm going to start with last place and move forward. Check back everyday for another installment. (Hey before you know it it'll be opening day!)

The AL Central is going to be a tough division for the 2010 season, well at least on paper. There have been some big changes made by most teams and its really could be anyone's division this year. Now on to my 2010 AL Central Predictions.

AL Central 5th Place - Cleveland Indians


It seems like yesterday that the Indians were the up and coming team in the AL Central. Trades the past few years have sent some of the Teams best major league talent packing for up and coming prospects.

Grady Sizemore and Shin-Soo Choo are solid in the outfield, and Cabrera is a talent at shortstop.

There pitching staff is the big question mark! Fausto Carmona has pitched well this spring and the Indians will need a big season from him. Last year was very disappointing going 5-12 with a 6.32 ERA.

After Carmona the next known starting arm would be Jake Westbrook and he didn't even pitch in 2009.

Another injury that I feel Cleveland never really recovered from is the Travis "Pronk" Hafner shoulder injury. He was such a great run producer in the middle of the line-up and never was replaced.

Cleveland has a strong nucleus of Sizemore, Choo, & Cabrera, however there pitching is something that will make or break them in 2010. Unless alot of the teams in the AL Central struggle I really don't see Cleveland making much noise in the Standings. Cleveland might struggle to get to 60 wins this year.

Maybe the Indians will use the kind of magic seen from the Indians in the Movie, Major League, it looks at least on paper that they could use Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn in the rotation.

Monday, March 22, 2010

13 Days of Spring Training Left

Opening Day is right around the Corner. Lately I've been doing research and work for my upcoming post on predictions for the 2010 season. Check back soon and I will have my American League Central predictions posted. I would also love to hear your predictions for upcoming Major League Baseball Season.

I will be back to posting much more often and even try to post daily as the season approaches and beings. It has been busy the past few weeks and not even to mention my Fantasy Baseball Draft is right around the corner. (I'll post my auction draft results on the blog if anyone is interested)

Also please use the new email icon on the top right side of the blog to send us your comments and feedback, I love hearing back from the Tiger fans.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Friday, March 5th 2010 Update

Happy Friday, all you Tigers fans. Here is the daily news and info update to help you easily move into the weekend.

Yesterday the Tigers fell to the Blue Jays 7 to 9. However at this point the score really doesn't mean much as you all know.

Overall there were some bright spots for the Tigers on the day.

-Rick Porcello had a good outing pitching two innings of no hit baseball including one strikeout.

Other Tiger positives on the day include Brent Dlugach and Austin Jackson. Mr Dlugach added an oppo (Opposite field) homerun. Austin Jackson also added a hit and two walks.

Dlugach has shown some great power so far this spring which is a good surprise.
It may also be a little early to give Austin Jackson alot of praise but having him show patience and a good eye at the plate is a good sign. Yet keep in mind it is Spring Training and the pitching may not be up to par yet.

On a Negative note for yesterdays game Armando Galarraga gave up four runs on four hits and two walks while facing the entire Blue Jays line up 1-9.

-I was really hoping for a strong showing this season for Armando and this may only be a small step back or he may be just getting into shape for the season. I guess it's better to have this happen in spring ball but I expect much more from Galarraga this season.

Last but no least, check out The Detroit News youtube video's that they will be posting from time to time this year. Check out the video below on the Detroit Tigers and spring training. A nice video short on the Tigers and on adding Johnny Damon. Enjoy

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Sean Casey Is A Hulkamaniaic!

Sean Casey, Al Leiter & Harold Reynolds all former MLB ball players and on air personalities for MLB Network TV Station (MLB TV) where on the set of Fox & Friends, a morning show aired on Fox News station. Hulk Hogan was also another guest that was on the show this morning. Sean Casey was the happiest of everyone that the Hulkster was in the building and looked like a kid on Christmas morning. Here is a quick link to some of the after show photos with Casey and his MLB crew along with Hulk Hogan.

What cha gonna do when the Mayor Sean Casey Runs Wild On You!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Tigers Featured on MLB TV's 30 Clubs in 30 Days Today!

Just a quick heads up out there for you Tiger Fans that also get the Major League Baseball Channel. They begin there annual 30 clubs in 30 days preview of all the teams spring training camps. Its really a great show and low and behold the Tigers are going to be the 1st team to be featured. (You would think it would be New York or Boston, but will take it)

Head over to Major League Baseball's website (link below) for a trailer of the show.

MLB's 30 in 30 Trailer


The show will air on MLB Network at 5 pm and again at 10 pm. Be sure to check it out. Tomorrow the Yankess evil empire will be featured on MLB's 30 & 30 Show. (They might be a little less evil since Curtis Grandson is on the team)

Click Here For The Complete Schedule of MLB's Network of 30 Clubs in 30 Days.
 

Resistance Bands is a Free Blogger Template