What hyped team can you see missing the playoffs completely?

[TRF]

For me, that team is the New York Yankees. I see an old team here, with health issues all over the place. A thin rotation after the first two starters, and poor defense at SS, that will get worse this year if Jeter sees significant time there. I don't think they will hit enough to pass the Blue Jays or Orioles. And I think TB is better too, especially in the rotation.

I wouldn't cry seeing them miss out on the post season. :)

[Tommyjohn25]

Dodgers. Maybe they won't miss the playoffs, but I don't see them living up to the hype.

[RedsManRick]

I'd agree with the Yankees. They're just too thin. The Jays and Rays are the class of that division.

I think the Dodgers are, if anything, underrated.

[bucksfan2]

The Yankees haven't been hyped this season. IMO they have been talked about negatively this entire off season.

Two teams:
In the AL the Angles. Can they slug their way to the playoffs? Their pitching staff is Weaver and then pray for rain.

In the NL the Braves. IMO its a poorly constructed offensive team with too many swing and miss guys. I have questions as to whether their rotation can keep it together all season long. Hudson is old and can Beachy keep it all together.

[westofyou]

Toronto and Dodgers fall to the wayside

[Ohayou]

The Yankees get a lot of publicity, yes, but nothing positive. The Blue Jays, OTOH...

[cumberlandreds]

Dodgers. Other than Kershaw their starting pitching ain't anything to write home about. I can see the Blue Jays falling into this category too. I doubt that Dickey ever has a season like he had last year again.

[westofyou]

Dodgers. Other than Kershaw their starting pitching ain't anything to write home about. I can see the Blue Jays falling into this category too. I doubt that Dickey ever has a season like he had last year again.

Zach Greinke

[Salukifan2]

Zach Greinke

Has an average era of over 3.85 over the last 3 seasons. Not much to write home about.

[cumberlandreds]

Zach Greinke

I had forgotten about him. But I am not a big fan of his either.

[dougdirt]

Has an average era of over 3.85 over the last 3 seasons. Not much to write home about.

Generally speaking, he has also had some of the terrible defenses behind him in his career too (http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2013/2/11/3973066/adding-defensive-adjustments-to-era-plus).

[MikeThierry]

Has an average era of over 3.85 over the last 3 seasons. Not much to write home about.

I'm glad I'm not the one who thinks he's an overrated pitcher. Yes his war is good only because he strikes out people. However, he's a mentally weak player that you cannot rely on. When I see him pitch, I do not have in my mind that he has the ability to throw a perfect game unlike the image I have in my mind of elite ace pitchers.

Still, I think the Dodgers will make it.

[TRF]

Has an average era of over 3.85 over the last 3 seasons. Not much to write home about.

And now half his games are in one of the better pitchers parks, in a division filled with pitcher's parks.

I like the Dodgers.

I also read constantly that the Yankees are hyped to at least get a wild card. Some writers like the SP and despite the age of the team, still like that offense. I'm not sold, but i mentioned them because of what i read. They were in the playoffs last year, and even though they were swept, two of those games were pretty winnable.

I think they are out this year, more because of TOR getting better and BAL can't be discounted, but then again... maybe.

[edabbs44]

Toronto and Dodgers fall to the wayside

Was going to say Toronto as well. Feels like Florida circa last year.

[Tom Servo]

I want to say the Dodgers, but it seems like they are doing everything possible to ensure a playoff appearance. They already have a stacked bullpen but are regularly signing great/once great relievers whose market has been hurt by their injuries to minor league deals, and they have EIGHT starters (Kershaw, Greinke, Beckett, Ryu, Billingsley, Lilly Capuano, and Harang) who are starters in any team's rotation.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Was going to say Toronto as well. Feels like Florida circa last year.

Likely because they have half of their roster now :D

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cardinals and Angels. Just a gut feeling.

[sdwagers]

Cardinals and Angels. Just a gut feeling.

+1 .. I agree. I think they will both be sellers at the Allstar Break.

[MikeThierry]

+1 .. I agree. I think they will both be sellers at the Allstar Break.

Haven't people been saying that on here for ages now? They've said it every year since I've been a member here. Plus, I don't know how the Cardinals are overrated. People aren't picking them to win the NL Central. The most I've heard from national talking heads is that they're one of those teams that will always be in the discussion at the end of the year. Hardly hype if you ask me.

EDIT: Basically the Cardinals are the Detroit Red Wings of Baseball. You keep expecting them to fall off but they are always in the conversation at the end of the year.

[RichRed]

Dodgers

[TRF]

I also think the Giants could miss the post season

[_Sir_Charles_]

Haven't people been saying that on here for ages now? They've said it every year since I've been a member here. Plus, I don't know how the Cardinals are overrated. People aren't picking them to win the NL Central. The most I've heard from national talking heads is that they're one of those teams that will always be in the discussion at the end of the year. Hardly hype if you ask me.

EDIT: Basically the Cardinals are the Detroit Red Wings of Baseball. You keep expecting them to fall off but they are always in the conversation at the end of the year.

LOL. If by "people" you mean me...then yes. I've been very underwhelmed by the Cards for the past 5 years or so and they keep producing. Eventually I'm bound to be right....right? :p

[MikeThierry]

LOL. If by "people" you mean me...then yes. I've been very underwhelmed by the Cards for the past 5 years or so and they keep producing. Eventually I'm bound to be right....right? :p

The blind squirrel doesn't eventually catch the nut with the Cardinals. In fact, the squirrel becomes part of the team mascot in a playoff run :)

You also have to remember that the Cards have a very deep system and I don't see them selling off any of their team. If anything, they will be looking to trade for big name players if push comes to shove.

[M2]

I also think the Giants could miss the post season

Easily.

Put the Braves in that basket too.

Yet my pick, though I'm not sure how widespread its playoff expectations are, is the Rays.

[15fan]

Agree w/ the Braves.

When you look at the park factors, it's foolish to expect a big jump in power numbers from BJ Upton, and it's realistic to expect a slight dip in power for Justin.

[Tommyjohn25]

I correctly pick the "let-down" team every year, at least as far back as I can remember. So my Dodgers pick may as well be set in stone. <end thread> ;)

[mth123]

Man, Should be good races this year. I could easuily see the Yankees, Dodgers, and Braves missing the post season. I'll add the Rangers to that list.

NL. Nats, Reds, Giants. Cards. Phillies.

AL:A's, Jays, Rays, Tigers, and Angels.

If those teams miss out, it should be a heckuva season.

[cincrazy]

The hype surrounding the Dodgers is just unreal. Just because they spent enough money doesn't mean they have a great team. I think they're better, because any rotation that fronts Kershaw and Greinke is pretty damn good. And they run eight deep in starting pitchers, with a bullpen that's pretty good. But the lineup, and especially their infield defense, has so many holes, I can't see them being anywhere close to one of the top teams in the NL.

[jojo]

Generally speaking, he has also had some of the terrible defenses behind him in his career too (http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2013/2/11/3973066/adding-defensive-adjustments-to-era-plus).

No Reds fan should dismiss the impact of defense on pitching stats given the last 5 seasons.

[SweetLou1990]

I want to say the Blue Jays and the Angels, my reason being that they didn't make it to the playoffs last year - that is a big hurdle to overcome in a years time.... Theres so much hype, but they haven't won anything yet.

If I can throw one player in the same category, it would be Bryce Harper, in part due to the Mothers day miracle (2012) that he gave us.

[RedEye]

Cardinals and Angels. Just a gut feeling.

Totally agree about the Angels. They feel distinctly like a roster that is less than the sum of its parts.

Hope you are right about the Cards, but I have a feeling they are going to be a constant nemesis for this Reds team. They're just stocked in the minors, and prospects like Miller and Taveras could help even this year. Holliday, Craig, Beltran and Freese should be able to keep the O afloat, and Duncan seems to be able to turn around anyone.

[Boss-Hog]

Duncan seems to be able to turn around anyone.

Assuming you're talking about Dave Duncan, he left with LaRussa, but point still taken. :)

[Salukifan2]

I gotta agree about the braves. IMO BJ upton is a step down from Bourn, and Justin Upton is, well, justin upton. He's going to underachieve. Uggla is going to really start declining imo, and so is brian McCann. I just don't see Freddi Freeman, Jason Heyward, and the Upton Bros living up to the hype.

Also, Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy won't pitch like they did last year again.

[Ohayou]

I gotta agree about the braves. IMO BJ upton is a step down from Bourn, and Justin Upton is, well, justin upton. He's going to underachieve. Uggla is going to really start declining imo, and so is brian McCann. I just don't see Freddi Freeman, Jason Heyward, and the Upton Bros living up to the hype.

Also, Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy won't pitch like they did last year again.

Bourn completely disappeared in the 2nd half of the season last year. Assuming BJ can get his OBP back up to a reasonable level, he isn't much of a downgrade TBH. Prado and J. Upton we can, at the very least, call a wash. Uggla is not going to live up to his contract, but he hit 19 HRs and led the league in walks last season. Batting average? Forget about it! McCann's best seasons are likely behind him, but his shoulder is healthy and he should post an OPS around the .800 mark.

[LexRedsFan]

Was going to say Toronto as well. Feels like Florida circa last year.

Funny you say that, since about half their roster played for Florida last year.

[Cant Touch This]

I just hope this thread isn't a jinx of tragic proportions.

[bucksfan2]

Haven't people been saying that on here for ages now? They've said it every year since I've been a member here. Plus, I don't know how the Cardinals are overrated. People aren't picking them to win the NL Central. The most I've heard from national talking heads is that they're one of those teams that will always be in the discussion at the end of the year. Hardly hype if you ask me.

EDIT: Basically the Cardinals are the Detroit Red Wings of Baseball. You keep expecting them to fall off but they are always in the conversation at the end of the year.

I can absolutely see the Cards missing the playoffs this season. They haven't won the division in the past two seasons and with the exception of an epic collapse and an ill thought of 5th WC team they wouldn't have made the playoffs. They embody the idea of just get into the playoffs and you are dangerous.

I don't think they are better than the Reds, Nats, Giants or Dodgers. In essence I see them competing with the likes of the Braves, DBacks, Phillies, and the likes for a final WC spot. One thing to take into consideration is the Reds, Cards and the rest of the NL central won't have 18 games against the Astros.

[MikeThierry]

I can absolutely see the Cards missing the playoffs this season. They haven't won the division in the past two seasons and with the exception of an epic collapse and an ill thought of 5th WC team they wouldn't have made the playoffs. They embody the idea of just get into the playoffs and you are dangerous.

I don't think they are better than the Reds, Nats, Giants or Dodgers. In essence I see them competing with the likes of the Braves, DBacks, Phillies, and the likes for a final WC spot. One thing to take into consideration is the Reds, Cards and the rest of the NL central won't have 18 games against the Astros.

I can get on board with what you said but at the same time, I don't know if people can put them in the hype category when most "experts" and media talking heads aren't picking them to win their division.

I also feel that they were sort of unlucky last year in the regular season. Their run differential was that of a 93-95 team and they were near the tops in the majors in blown saves and were god awful in 1 run games. The last two should normalized with a better bullpen. You have to remember that going into last year, they had a bullpen that consisted of Victor Marte, Kyle McClellan, JC Romero, and Fernando Salas. This year, the Cardinals bullpen is light years better with young, power arms going into the season. I don't see them having nearly as many problems as they did last year. My only real question for them is the starting pitching. I question if the young guys can be step it up and fill some spots. They have all the talent in the world but right now they're an unknown. The Cards will still score a ton of runs though.

[RedEye]

Assuming you're talking about Dave Duncan, he left with LaRussa, but point still taken. :)

Oops. Didn't realize that. :eek: Well, there must be some sort of residual Duncan effect in the StL clubhouse, because they keep churning viable arms out of retreads.

[RedEye]

I gotta agree about the braves. IMO BJ upton is a step down from Bourn, and Justin Upton is, well, justin upton. He's going to underachieve.

Where does this "Justin Upton is going to underachieve" thing come from? He has been inconsistent, yes, but he's 25 and has already had two All-Star / MVP caliber seasons. Joey Votto, by comparision, hadn't even emerged as an All-Star until he was 25. Last year Upton struggled with injuries, too -- so there is an alternate explanation for this supposed underachievement. I think it is just as likely that he has a resurgent year in 2013.

[MikeThierry]

Oops. Didn't realize that. :eek: Well, there must be some sort of residual Duncan effect in the StL clubhouse, because they keep churning viable arms out of retreads.

Derek Lilliquist has essentially been the Cards pitching coach since the last month or so of 2011. He's seems to be doing a good job.

[bucksfan2]

Where does this "Justin Upton is going to underachieve" thing come from? He has been inconsistent, yes, but he's 25 and has already had two All-Star / MVP caliber seasons. Joey Votto, by comparision, hadn't even emerged as an All-Star until he was 25. Last year Upton struggled with injuries, too -- so there is an alternate explanation for this supposed underachievement. I think it is just as likely that he has a resurgent year in 2013.

There was an article/blurb on SI a couple of years ago talking about Jay Bruce/Justin Upton. The gist of the article was that when players reached the majors at a young age, more often than not they didn't follow the same trajectory a regular major leaguers. The standard rule is that your peak is 28 and then you go downhill after that. IIRC the article was saying that after so many at bats the player is who they are going to be. Many people have pointed out that Upton is still only 25 and believing that he will only improve as he ages. The question is what happens if he doesn't? What happens if 2011 was the best season he will ever have and last season was more of the norm?

When a team gives up on a player who is good, young, and cost controlled for a number of years that should raise red flags.

[_Sir_Charles_]

The blind squirrel doesn't eventually catch the nut with the Cardinals. In fact, the squirrel becomes part of the team mascot in a playoff run :)

You also have to remember that the Cards have a very deep system and I don't see them selling off any of their team. If anything, they will be looking to trade for big name players if push comes to shove.

They'll finish last and the owners will sell the team to the Chicago Tribune. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. :p

[OGB]

I gotta agree about the braves. IMO BJ upton is a step down from Bourn, and Justin Upton is, well, justin upton. He's going to underachieve. Uggla is going to really start declining imo, and so is brian McCann. I just don't see Freddi Freeman, Jason Heyward, and the Upton Bros living up to the hype.

Also, Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy won't pitch like they did last year again.

Hope you're wrong about Uggla. Guy came into my bar last year and was one of the nicer athletes I've ever met. One of the few non Reds that I actively root for.

[texasdave]

Wishbone C.

[Vada Pinson Fan]

I'd have to say the Braves won't gel in the team chemistry area at least not right away and will miss the 2013 playoffs but largely due to injuries being the tell-tale reason Atlanta misses postseason.

The Yankees as others here have said are old and aren't the championship caliber club the were or ever will be again with their current roster and the on the outs relationship with AROD gets old fast as the New York media asks the daily question of the Yankee players- What have you heard today about Alex? GMCashman starts the Yankees retooling.

[5TimeWSChamps]

Toronto and Angels

Tampa, New York, Texas, Oakland will make the playoffs out of those two divisions

[blumj]

Nationals and/or Tigers.

[RadfordVA]

Tigers. Way overhyped due to the star power. They were an 88 win team last year despite being in a weak AL Central. They only thing that makes it difficult for them not to make the playoffs is the same weak division. Perhaps Indians and White Sox can take a bigger leap this year.

[M2]

Tigers. Way overhyped due to the star power. They were an 88 win team last year despite being in a weak AL Central. They only thing that makes it difficult for them not to make the playoffs is the same weak division. Perhaps Indians and White Sox can take a bigger leap this year.

The Tigers are definitely there for the taking. I'm keeping an eye on the Royals in ST. The division is so soft if that team could catch lightning in a bottle (particularly in terms of pitching) then it might surprise people.

[The Operator]

Wishbone C.http://cdn5.7ajidude.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/red-oh-no-you-didn-t-women-s-t-shirts_design.png