I agree, the Reds will be a fun team to watch in 2019. I'm rooting for them and think they could be around .500 and surprise. Though you said yes one of the best lineups in baseball. I have 8-9 lineups currently ahead of them even if they added Realmuto, who I'm not that crazy about to begin with.
I expect Votto to improve his power numbers and have a better season. Puig I think could put together a big season in Cincy. I'm a big fan of Winker and Senzel at some point in 2019 once called up could really be an impact bat in that lineup. I think there is some regression offensively with Gennett, Suarez and Realmuto
Just off the top of my head, I still take the Red Sox, Yankees, Astros, Dodgers, Cubs, Brewers, Nats, Rockies, Cards lineup over the Reds. So not a Realmuto away from being the best lineup in baseball.
Yeah I was strongly considering going since I've never been to Cooperstown before and seeing Doc being inducted as a Blue Jay would have been special, but him going in neutral, I'm just not that crazy about going anymore.
I'm looking more forward to seeing Vladdy's home debut than the Home Opener or Canada Day. The game is going to attract the real die hard fans + the casuals.
Depends when his first home game is. If they decide to have his MLB debut at home and against a good team like Boston or the Yankees, I think the dome will be pretty full.
I would imagine ticket sales are down again. There are still a lot of tickets available for the Home Opener lol.
The game I'm aiming for is Vlad's home debut. I'm sure that game will be a hot item and sold out for sure.
Hotels in Albany are still pretty reasonable. I was planning on going, but just seems too crazy on the Sunday. I'll stream it online and watch it at the cottage.
Yeah I thought Shapiro would have been all over Pomeranz due to his days drafting him back with Cleveland.
If I'm Pomeranz though, signing with San Fran on a one-year contract to rebuild his value is a lot better than signing with the Jays. Don't have to pitch in the AL East, and get to pitch in a pitcher-friendly ballpark in the NL.
Trade in a 20-team dynasty league.
To Team A: 1B Jesus Aguilar, OF Jorge Soler, SP Cal Quantrill, 2020 1st round pick
To Team B: 1B Paul Goldschmidt
Thoughts?
I think Gray is better suited pitching in the NL.
Still, the Reds overpaid for just one year of Sonny Gray and it's not like they're going to be real contenders in 2019 as well.
I could see the Padres definitely being a mystery team. AJ Preller isn't afraid to spend big, like we saw back in 2015 when he went after Justin Upton, Matt Kemp and Craig Kimbrel or signing Hosmer last offseason.