Is it Spring Yet????

[SLYinKC]

Hey Guys, I just got back from being out for the day.  Here in KC we're having a KC Royals FanFest this weekend.    It's a big event down at the convention center that's sponsored by the Royals and highlights the upcoming season.

It's currently just barely above zero (high is about 10 degrees today).  So after being out at the Fanfest, I'm really thinking I'm ready for spring and baseball season.  Here in KC, we're starting to get a little pumped.  Our Royals haven't done so well the past couple of years.  But last year was the first time in the past couple of years that our team didn't lose 100 games.  That, combined with some other postive changes has things only looking up for us.  Our stadium is getting a make over with a whole new look.  It looks to be pretty nice.

So is anyone else starting to get the "Spring Fever" and is anyone else looking forward to baseball.  Baseball is my favorite sports season.  Let's hear from all of you and this is the time to brag on your team and the outlook for the '08 season.

[Paul]

At a high today Rick of 1 degree and this morning's low of minus 8 Speing IS on the mind.  Spent last week at the All Canada show.  It is a show dedicated to Canadian resorts that offer hunting and fishing trips.  Gathered up all the info and planning a walleye trip for June to Ontario. 

[Kyfho]

I would be looking forward to Spring more if Summer didn't follow so closely...As far as baseball, it is admittedly second on my sports list, but a close second. 

As a lifelong Cubbie fan I am awaiting this season with baited breath.  Continuing excellence at the corner infield positions, a pretty dang good outfield (as long as we keep Sori out of center and Pie in the dugout), and some new blood from Nippon, although I am unsure of what to think of Fukudome so far.  I am also very glad to be rid of the glassman (Prior) but I am now waaaay unsure of our pitching.  Anyway, hopefully for you, KC, your Royals will be a bit improved this year!  A lot of young talent, may be something to look forward to.

Looking forward to hearing more news about everyone else's outlooks.

[warhawk]

rick....good topic...as far as baseball season goes i haven't really thought about it since it is january so i won't b able 2 give u an outlook on my 2 favorite baseball teams.  i know i know ...why do i have 2 favorite teams in baseball?  well.... i've been a cubs fan since i was a kid.   i miss going 2 wrigley field (best ballpark in all of baseball).  however....i've been living in florida since graduating hs and i'm a big braves fan.  most floridians were braves fans b4 the devil rays and marlins were born.  however...i'm looking 4ward 2 some very high expectations 4 my cubbies and braves this '08 season.

WARHAWK

[Scott]

Rick, great topic.  Yeah Warhawk I knew you were a good man, but now I know you def know your stuff.  Why?  Because you're a BRAVES FAN bro!  That's my team and has been since I was 11 years old.  That's right, I was a Braves fan before they got so good and starting winning all those division titles.

I can't wait for Spring and the upcoming season.  I'm looking forward to having Tom Glavine back and even though I'll miss Andruw Jones and his amazing defense, I saw that we just traded for Oakland's Mark Kotsay so I'm interested in seeing how he'll do. 

With the way my UK Wildcats hoops team has been playing lately, I wish Spring would get here quickly so I can look forward to the next college hoops season.

[BaldRob]

I'm definitely ready for the Steroid... er... ah... uh... Baseball season to begin!  While it would be nice to see my beloved Cubbies finally win the World Series during their 100 year drought, I hold no false hopes that it will happen.  But it would be awesome and the party would be unbelieveable!  Especially if it was a Windy City Showdown with the hated White Sux!!

[schro]

I'm definitely ready for the Steroid... er... ah... uh... Baseball season to begin!  While it would be nice to see my beloved Cubbies finally win the World Series during their 100 year drought, I hold no false hopes that it will happen.  But it would be awesome and the party would be unbelieveable!  Especially if it was a Windy City Showdown with the hated White Sux!!

Hater.

[BaldRob]

I'm definitely ready for the Steroid... er... ah... uh... Baseball season to begin!  While it would be nice to see my beloved Cubbies finally win the World Series during their 100 year drought, I hold no false hopes that it will happen.  But it would be awesome and the party would be unbelieveable!  Especially if it was a Windy City Showdown with the hated White Sux!!

Hater.

When it comes to the White Sux and the Packers, absolutely YES!

[schro]

Hell Yes I'm looking forward to Spring! However, as 2008 ushers in a complete rebuilding process for my beloved Oakland A's, I guess I'm tempering my expectations. Billy Beane (our GM) looked at the long term and traded away:
1. Dan Haren (AL All-Star game starter) to the D-Backs for 6 of their top minor league prospects (Baseball America and several other execs say the A's made out like bandits in the transaction). This one stung a bit because top tier starters are prime. But we clearly are planning for 2009 and beyond.
2. Nick Swisher to the White Sux for 3 minor leaguers. The reviews are mixed on this one (Swish was hugely popular in Oakland). Apparently a lot of CWS fans thought they gave up too much for a power hitting, slow OF/1B with 30hr/100rbi potential. We'll see.
3. Mark Kotsay to the Braves for one of their top pitching prospects (Joe Devine). As much as I liked Kotsay, he couldn't stay healthy, made too much $, and was clearly not in our long term plans. Granted we have to eat part of his salary, Devine was apparently being groomed as their closer. Apparently, Braves fans are pissed about this trade. With this trade, I see the A's trading Huston Street (our 24 yo closer) to a pennant contender in July. We could fetch some talent for this kid.

So, if the A's are anywhere near .500, I'd consider 2008 a success. Still, I love baseball and my A's. Bring on Spring Training!!!

[Marz]

As soon as the Seahwks lost to Lambeau field (lets face it, that is Green Bays 12th man) I have been waiting for Baseball season to start.

I am with your Schro, Go A's. Although I live in Mariners land now, I am still a die hard A's (and Raiders) fan. (You can take the boy outta Oakland but you cant take the Oakland out of the boy).

I am a Seahawks / Mariners fan too but they always take a backseat to Oakland. 

[Asher]

brewers fan here.  alot to look forward to with prince fielder and ryan braun destroying pitchers last season.  we signed mike cameron for a year so we can move bill hall back to third and put braun in left--that upgrades our defense instantly.  signed a bunch of pitchers to our bullpen who are looking to bounce back from off years (mota, gagne...).  still have some trades and decisions to make, but at least there is optimism again!!

[PigPen]

I'm looking forward to the season as an Isotopes fan. Who you say? The Albuquerque Isotopes, that's who. Yes, we got the name from The Simpsons series, but we're not too proud to admit it. We're a AAA farm club for the Marlins, and finished 2nd in our PCL division for 2007. Don't see a whole lot of changes yet, but we just like going to the games. The boss will usually give out extra tickets if he doesn't use them. It's great to take the kids to, and a fun family activity. So yes, I can't wait for Spring!!!

[PBurke]

go braves