LA fans are on suicide watch. To coincide with Beltre leaving, they also give up (in the Randy Johnson deal) Brad Penny, Shawn Green and Yhency Brazoban (one of their only solid relievers not named Gagne after the July trade). Who do they get back? Yankees Javier Vazquez and two minor leaguers, who are actually pretty good: catcher Dioner Navarro and 3B Eric Duncan. Navarro may be able to be there #1 catcher some day, if not this season and Eric Duncan was probably the last decent prospect the Yanks had. Does he equal Beltre? Hell no. This does open the doors for them to sign Beltran though. As crazy as it sounds, it may happen. I just don't think Beltran would appreciate the ballpark. They could have the money for him now. Or Delgado may be an option.

What a crazy day. I love the Hudson trade and am really looking forward to the season to start. One has to think that Beane could have got more, but he apparently HAD to have those 3 guys from Atlanta. Fine by me, as long as Hudson signs an extension. I wouldn't see why he wouldn't since he is an Atlanta native and has always wanted to play for the Braves. Aside from LA and St Louis, the rest of the teams that were in the running for Hudson were AL teams, so i doubt Beane wanted to deal him to another AL team, in fear of it biting him in the ass during the season. It is just hard to see a deal for Hudson center around Juan Cruz. Juan Freaking Cruz? Ok....

I am a very happy man today. Very happy.

Alright goddamnit. first, to answer your question, my cousin is Lenny Dykstra. Not a close relative mind you, but I am related. (not even positive the phillies was the team he played for. as afore mentioned, I hate baseball and dont follow it)

Second off, Fuck you on the fuck the Raiders comment. Dont make me hurt ya.
And you are totally right. We need to get Al Davis and Jerry Jones togather on a plane and crash that fucker in the sea.

This is pretty easy to answer. First off, I FUCKING HATE THE GODDAMN VIKINGS!!!!!!!!!! PURPLE IS FOR FAGS! They are nothing but a bunch of overpaid pussies. Indoor, on carpet, climate controlled, look at me I'm so great cause I can catch a ball in no wind bullshit. They should call it arena ball. with the acception of the field length and boundries, it's almost the same thing. Football is meant to be played on the gridiron. Outside. Like the fucking mailman says, "Nither rain nor snow nor wicked weather will keep me from my duties." That used to be football's motto. Then they got overpaid and demanding. fucking babies. That and the fact that I just cant stand all the mini moron fans around here.

I can't say I despise the Packers (I save that resentment for Denver and Dallas), but I'm just not a fan. I mean, I respect them for having the balls to keep an open stadium way up nort, and play gridiron ball, wether snowing, freezing, raining, mud, ice, whatever, but I'm just not a fan.

I used to, and still occasionally do, root for the Bears, being my family is from Chicago, but I'm not a major fan of them.

FUCK KANSAS CITY! ASSHOLES! THIEVES! Those bastards have stolen so many great players from Oakland it's sick. Oh, and not to mention it's my dad's favorite team so I naturally have to hate them.

And if I have to elaborate on how much I fucking hate the goddamn broncos, you'll be reading an online novel by the time I'm finished typing. If I were facing denver, and Dallas, and I only had one bullet in my gun, I'd shoot myself first cause I couldn't decide which were worse, and I can't bear to live with the other of the 2.

I guess I'm a Raiders fan for several reasons.

1. They won the super bowl in '76, which is the year I was born (beat who? THE VIKINGS!)

2. Howie Long and Lyle Elzado made me want to play football back in 83 when they dominated all defenses they faced and ended up winning the super bowl that year (also the first year I recall watching football and the super bowl)

3. I have never lived in L.A. or Oakland, but I went on a huge road trip vacation last year, and risked life and limb (go to Oakland, you'll understand) to get pictures of Network stadium.

4. When I was in my early years of forming an opinion of football, the Raiders were the tough guys. the take no shit, I'll rip your fucking head off and shit down your neck team. The team that was out to play hard knock football. The team that didn't have an overpaid crybaby quarterback who always fell to his butt when the D penetrated and came in for a sack. I respected them as a team, and that's why I'm such a huge fan of them.

Hope that helps.

Sweet! Good old Dykstra. You get points for that name drop too! Plus, he has a World Series ring to his credit! Too bad he played for two of the teams i hate: Mets and Philths.

Aight this is going to be a long one.

First, you think I was happy about Beltre leaving the Dodgers, well as soon as this trade gets confirmed I will do a happy dance. This deal should pretty much seal the Dodgers fate for the season. It does however make the D-backs tougher, but I still think the NL West is now the Giants division to lose. Which, being a lifelong Giants fan, is higly probable.

There's a name I haven't heard in a while. Not sure why, but I always liked Lenny Dykstra. Maybe it was the massive wad of chaw, or just the fact that he was a scrappy player, he always seemed to give his all.

As far as my fuck the Raiders comment, I stand behind it. This is a team that left my beloved bay area (granted it was the not quite as beloved east side) to go to ***shudders*** LA. Which is a completely unforgivable offense. (see my comment about the Jeff Kent voodoo doll). Secondly, the first time I saw Jerry Rice in Silver & Black it hurt, real bad. I understand the reasons for him leaving, but it just doesn't look right. Speaking of, I see Seattle has someone who's number 80 whose name is Rice, it's just not right to take his number even if you do have the same last name. I'm so glad Jerry retired before disgracing himself by hanging on for too long.

I think you forgot 1 owner from your airplane scenario George Steinbrenner.

I don't so much hate the Vikings as I feel sorry for them. I mean they were stuck with Dennis Green as the head coach for years. The also had 2 washed up has been quaterbacks (Cunnigham & that hack from Chicago). Not to mention all the Super Bowl losses, and of course Jim Marshall running the wrong way. Oh yeah, amen on the dome, I think full-time domes should be outlawed.

I never liked the Packers cause well i think it has to do with Green and Yellow, I mean those uniforms are hideous, and I HATE Brett Favre (note the R does NOT come before the V). I however do respect more than anything that they are and will be the only community owned football team.

I was indiffrent on the Bears 'till I saw the Super Bowl shuffle, and ever since then I have hated them. Dallas, of course I hate them, if your not a Dallas fan then you hate them. There is no middle ground, it's kinda like no it's exactly like the Yankees.

BTW Big U I've been to the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum (please don't ever call it anything else ever again), and I know what your talking about. However, that is far from the BAD part of Oakland.

And now..without further delay..."The Bear's Shuffling Crew!!"



(CHORUS)
We're the Bears Shufflin' Crew.
Shufflin' on down, doin' it for you.
We're so bad we know we're good.
Blowin' your mind like we knew we would.
You know we're just struttin' for fun
Struttin' our stuff for everyone.
We're not here to start no trouble.
We're just here to do the Super Bowl Shuffle.

Well, they call me Sweetness,
and I like to dance.
Runnin' the ball is like makin' romance
We've had the goal since training camp
To give Chicago a Super Bowl Champ.
And we're not doing this because we're greedy.
The Bears are doin' it to feed the needy.
We didn't come here to look for trouble,
We just came here to do
The Superbowl Shuffle.

This is Speedy Willie, and I'm world class.
I like runnin', but I love to get the pass.
I practice all day and dance all night,
I got to get ready for the Sunday fight.
Now I'm smooth as a chocolate swirl,
I dance a little funky, so watch me girl.
There's no one here that does it like me,
My Superbowl Shuffle will set you free.

I'm Samurai Mike. I stop 'em cold.
Part of the defense, big and bold.
I've been jammin' for quite a while,
Doin' what's right and settin' the style.
Give me a chance , I'll rock you good,
Nobody messin' in my neighborhood.
I didn't come here lookin' for trouble,
I just came to do the Superbowl Shuffle.

(CHORUS)
I'm the punky QB, known as McMahon.
When I hit the turf, I've got no plan.
I just throw my body all over the field.
I can't dance, but, I can throw the pill.
I motivate the cats, I like to tease.
I play so cool, I aim to please.
That's why you all got here on the double,
To catch me doin' the Superbowl Shuffle.

I'm mama's boy Otis, one of a kind.
The ladies all love me
For my body and my mind.
I'm slick on the floor as I can be.
But ain't no sucker gonna get past me.
Some guys are jealous
Of my style and class.
That's why some end up on their (bleep).
I didn't come here lookin' for trouble,
I just get down to the Superbowl Shuffle.

They say Jimbo is our man.
If he can't do it, I sure can.
This is Steve, and it's no wonder.
I run like lightnin', pass like thunder.
So bring on Atlanta, bring on Dallas.
This is for Mike and Papa Bear Halas.
I'm not here to feather this ruffle,
I just came here to do
The Superbowl Shuffle.

I'm L.A. Mike and I play it cool.
They don't sneak by me 'cause I'm no fool.
I fly on the field and get on down.
Everybody knows I don't mess around.
I can break 'em, shake 'em,
Any time of day.
I like to steal it and make 'em pay.
So please don't try to beat my hustle,
'Cause I'm just here to do
The Superbowl Shuffle.

(CHORUS)
The sackman's comin', I'm your man Dent.
If the quarterback's slow,
He's gonna get bent.
We stop the run, we stop the pass.
I like to dump guys on their (bleep).
We love to play for the world's best fans.
You better start makin'
Your Superbowl plans.
But don't get ready or go to any trouble,
Unless you practice
The Superbowl Shuffle.

It's Gary here, I'm Mr. Clean.
They call me "hit man"
Don't know what they mean.
They throw it long and watch me run.
I'm on my man, one on one.
Buddy's guys cover it down to the bone.
That's why they call us the 46 zone.
Come on everybody, let's scream and yell.
We're goin' to do the Shuffle,
Then ring your bell.

You're lookin' at the Fridge,
I'm the rookie.
I may be large, but I'm no dumb cookie.
You've seen me hit, you've seen me run.
When I kick and pass, we'll have more fun.
I can dance, you will see.
The others, they all learn from me.
I don't come here lookin' for trouble,
I just came here to do
The Superbowl Shuffle!

(CHORUS)
(Applause)

*****COUGHFUCKYOUCOUGH*****

I would like to see that.

Purple is the color of ROYALTY, Jackson.

Fuck the Packers, Fuck the Bears, Fuck football. It's only once a week. Even college hockey is twice a week.

Oh yeah, it's TONIGHT. Fuck yeah!

So, Hudson's with the Braves, Renteria is with the Red Sox (good move on the Sox's part!) and Beltre is with the Mariners (for FIVE YEARS.)

It's interesting to see how shitty teams like Seattle and Arizona are really trying to win it all next year. Evidently money is not an issue for them.

The Red Sox also got David Wells recently, but I hate him. He is so gross. He is an affront to humanity.

And AJ Pierzynski is out on waivers... don't think he will be back with the Twins, though.

I wouldn't necessarily say that Arizona is trying to win it all, I do believe they are trying to field a winning team. However, signing Russ Ortiz to an obscenely large contract still strikes me as odd. Seattle has a shot at being a contender and look out Ryan the Mets are trying to put together a team to both give your Braves a run for their money, and to try and convince someone to build them a new stadium.

Maybe the federal government should have a stadium lottery every year. All the teams in every sport with crappy stadium get to pay $10 million per play and picks 5 numbers. Then they break out the powerball machine and choose the winning numbers. If nobody wins this year, then it rolls over to next year.

Hmmm, I moved from California to Minnesota. The other AJ went from Minnesota to California. Maybe where he winds up is the city I'll move to next? Unless of course he goes to LA, NY or DET.

Yeah, the Mets are looking like they have a nice rotation. To tell you the honest truth, i feared the Mets more with Al Leiter. What good is their pitching staff with no defense behind them? They have holes everywhere, but they'll be filled. It just depends on who. Let's look at them right quick, shall we?

1B- Piazza/Phillips- if Piazza remains with the team, it is hard to judge what he'll be like. Phillips isn't filling the expectations. One of those guys will catch while the other plays first.
2B- Kaz Matsui- free agent bust of last year. Defense was horrible at SS, so they'll move him to second. He can only improve, but i expect only marginal results.
3B- David Wright- this guys is gonna be tough. Good young fielder and has a great bat.
SS- Jose Reyes- flipping with Kaz, he is more natural at SS. But he cannot stay healthy.
CF- Cameron- nice defense, horrible offense, despite 30 homers.
LF- Cliff Floyd- fragile as glass.
RF- Victor Diaz? Rookie will start, unless they make a move (which they likely will) JD Drew or Magglio Ordonez could fill that spot, if they have the money.

Pedro- will be a star in the NL, if he can stay healthy. The shoulder has to be of concern.
Glavine- Braves KILLED him in all his starts against them, except one. He had a great 1st half and a miserable 2nd. Who knows which one will show up.
Kris Benson- mediocre.
Victor Zambrano- Russ Ortiz' twin with less luck
Steve Trachsel- a good guy that typically gives 200 solid innings. He is VERY slow when runners are on base, making his concentration leave a lot to be desired.

Bullpen- in shambles. No one to count on. Braden Looper is the only decent guy at the moment. I haven't looked to see who they have acquired at this point, but i know their recent acquisition of Felix Heredia is not the answer.

Honestly, i would welcome another NY/Atlanta rivalry. Those were some of the best games in baseball in the late 90s. But the Mets have a lot to prove. They grab the biggest free agents each offseason and still finish close to last. I am not saying that they will, but i'll believe it when i see it. Games are not won on paper, just ask Philadelphia.

And i would take the Braves 3-5 pitchers easily....(to be a total hypocrite and ignore my "can't be won on paper" comment)

3- Hampton vs Benson
4- Thomson vs Zambrano
5- Ramirez vs Trachsel

I'd take Hudson over Martinez, but i think Smoltz will be matching up with Pedro. So you gotta go with Pedro because of his consistancy and the uncertainty coming with Smoltz. If that is the case, Hudson is the easy winner over Glavine.

I believe the Mets are talking about trading both Piazza & Floyd to fill some gaps, plus I expect them to continue to be active in the free agent market. Don't get me wrong they won't be going to the WS, but they could be a thorn in Atlanta's side.

Pitching matchups dont' really mean much after the first month. Due to diffrences in schedules you could wind up with a Pedro VS Ramirez or something like that. Also, what diffrence does it make if a pitcher is out pitched? The offense still has to score.

Kris Benson- slutty wife!

NY is ALWAYS supposed be a thorn in Atlantas side. I'll believe it when i see it. I think they'll be better this year and like i said, i welcome the rivalry. If anything, Atlanta gets a bad rap for playing in such a bad division, so if the Braves win the NL East next year, i expect there to be some good competition. All teams (including Washington/Las Vegas/Montreal) will be tough.

As far as the rotations are concerned, i posted my comparisons because i like the Braves chances of winning against those starters. True you have to score runs, but the bullpens also have to protect leads....something the Mets haven't been able to do very well. Glavine could have won at least 15 games last year, but the bully blew it. The Mets bullpen is the NL version of the Indians, second only to Philly.

A new year and i'm pumped. The Mets will add some punch, but don't forget that the Braves still have LF and RF holes to fill as well. If the Braves add Jacque Jones for RF and the Mets get Beltran for CF, well...we all know who comes out better in that one. But the Mets are such a fragile team and they'll really have to get rid of those cogs (Piazza and Floyd), but unless they can't....it could be a long year in the Big Apple. It could very well be a long year in Atlanta too if Smoltz doesn't work out in the rotation. I just like the depth of Atlanta more.

True, Atlanta does have a much better pen, and probably all around better depth. I think the NL East is going to be a all around better division this year. Althought the Phills dont' look any better this season than last, so far. The NL West isn't shapping up so nice. SD hasn't made and major moves, the Dodgers seem to be getting ready to trade themselves right out of contention and Arizona would have a better shot with the Big U than without him.

Jones to Atlanta eh, who would Atlanta give up for such a deal? I don't really see Beltran going to the Mets with the money they already spent, but then again nobody know where he'll wind up.

Hey, I just saw this past headline on the San Diego site: "Padres sign speedster Eric Young."

Speedster, huh maybe 10 years ago. This guy is 37, i'm sure he's lost a few steps.

Oh yeah, I just remembered JD Drew was a free agent. I was thinking how nice he's look in a Giants jersey. Doubtful, but on can hope.