Johnny L's Baseball Clubhouse - Page 111 of 124 - Analyzing Our National Pastime

Rays Still Playoff Contenders

Posted on January 2, 2015 by Johnny Lumsden — 2 Comments ↓

Despite the losses of Joe Maddon, Andrew Friedman, Wil Myers, Ryan Hannigan, and Matt Joyce, the Rays could still very much be contenders to make the playoffs in 2015. Unlike other teams that are reconstructing their roster/front office, Tampa Bay has plenty of depth both in the front office and on the field. Even with guys like Myers and Joyce departing, the Rays still have 5 (maybe 6) solid starters out of the 9 on the field. Also, the newly hired Rays manager, Kevin Cash, could very well be a great fit in navy blue and white. For the team’s Continue reading Rays Still Playoff Contenders→

Kemp Brings Stardom to San Diego

Posted on December 31, 2014 by Johnny Lumsden — No Comments ↓

On December 18, the Padres finalized the deal with the Dodgers that makes Matt Kemp the new right fielder in Petco Park. Kemp will be the projected leader of the newly renovated Padre offense for 2015 and beyond. Coming off of a great comeback season, Kemp is practically back to his 2011 runner-up MVP form. Matt will not only jolt up the offense, but also the fan base, as San Diego has not had a superstar since Adrian Gonzalez in 2010. When Padre fans come to Petco Park in 2015, they will no longer be watching a batting lineup that Continue reading Kemp Brings Stardom to San Diego→

Tearing Down the Team that Rollins Built

Posted on December 31, 2014 by Johnny Lumsden — No Comments ↓

After their disastrous season in 2000 (65-97), the Phillies brought up baseball’s #31 rated prospect, shortstop Jimmy Rollins, to the big leagues. The Phillies’ front office also hired a new manager in Larry Bowa. The future was bright when Rollins and Bowa joined the Phillies’ squad in 2001, and they didn’t disappoint. Despite the fact that Philadelphia had 3 other mangers for the next 14 years besides Bowa, it didn’t stop the team from averaging 89 wins/season from 2001-2011, while capturing 5 NL East titles (2007-2011) and winning 1 WS title out of 2 appearances on the way. This great Continue reading Tearing Down the Team that Rollins Built→

Are the Reds rebuilding? Or are they just renovating?

Posted on December 30, 2014 by Johnny Lumsden — No Comments ↓

Over the years, the baseball fan base has seen teams dump their star players during the offseason in order to rebuild, because of the current team not quite performing well enough to bring home a WS trophy. This offseason (2014), has seen a few teams head in the rebuilding or remodeling direction, such as the D-backs, A’s, Braves, Red Sox, Phillies, and the Reds. There are multiple ways this process could go; dumping all-stars for top-rated prospects, letting franchise players walk in free agency, trading stars for established rookie players, etc. The road the Reds decided to take in the Continue reading Are the Reds rebuilding? Or are they just renovating?→