After a few colossal falls (see Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves) and a thrilling end to the 2011 MLB Season, the teams are set and the playoffs are about to get underway. We’re currently keeping our fingers crossed, hoping for an October as exciting as this past month has been. Extra Point's Josh Hyber recently talked to ESPN Wednesday Night Baseball announcer Dave O’Brien to get his thoughts on several key baseball topics. Get O’Brien’s take on everything from Manny Ramirez returning to the MLB to who can compete with the Phillies’ rotation.
Extra Point: What do you think of the state of baseball right now?
Dave O’Brien: The funny thing about Major League Baseball is that it remains, in terms of drawing ability, America’s national pastime. Football right now is the number one interest sport, but many, many more millions of people are watching baseball because there are games every day. And with the wild card, more cities are staying involved later into the season. Attendance could be down this year, but baseball remains very healthy. It is rare if the games I call for ESPN don’t have a large crowd.
What is the status of the Houston Astros moving to the AL?
From what I’ve heard the Astros have no interest in moving to the AL, although baseball wants a balance [fifteen teams in each league]. The argument is, though, that Houston has been in the NL for longer than a team like Arizona [and also wants to keep its rivalry with the Dodgers]. There is active debate but nothing has been determined.
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With Manny Ramirez not allowed to play winter ball in the Dominican Republic, do you see him ever playing in the majors again?
I don’t see how that’s possible. He would have to serve a 100 game suspension, which isn’t far off from a full season. At his age and given the fact he was in rapid decline as a hitter even before his suspension, it’s highly unlikely that a team would have interest.
What is your view on a pitcher winning the MVP? Do you think Justin Verlander can become the first since 1992 (Dennis Eckersley) to do so?
He has a chance. From my perspective, the beat writers have shown a swing from those who would not normally select a pitcher to those who would vote for Verlander. I personally agree with Detroit manager Jim Leyland that the MVP award should be a position player award. A starting pitcher only pitches every five days, as apposed to a player like Jacoby Ellsbury who can impact the game several times a night. The pitchers have their own award. I have a high regard for Eckersley, and he says the MVP shouldn’t go to a pitcher.
Can anyone compete with the Phillies rotation in the playoffs?
No. They have the best rotation by far. That’s the way they were built. They don’t have a scary offense, but their pitchers are all studs. They’re all legitimate number ones. It’s a scary rotation. And their bullpen is pretty good too.
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How do you think the Albert Pujols free-agency situation will play out in St. Louis?
I have a feeling he’ll stay in St. Louis. [Ownership and management] has recently set guidelines to talk to him about his contract. I think the fact that he didn’t have a spectacular season helps the Cards. He’s also so popular in the community. And the fact that the teams that would spend the most money, the Yankees and Red Sox, already have players at first base.
Staying with first basemen, what do you think of Prince Fielder saying this will likely be his last year in Milwaukee? Is it realistic saying that the Brewers are World Series contenders?
Prince didn’t say that he wanted to leave, but doesn’t feel like Milwaukee can afford him. He’s probably right about that. They can’t afford to pay him Pujols, Teixeira, Gonzalez money. But the timing of it was odd because they were about to win the division title. The Brewers are really good and have a chance to go very deep. They’ve sured up their pitching with Greinke and are one of the best home teams in baseball.
And Jose Reyes…
Reyes is an interesting one. He’s certainly worth elite player money, but he’s a leg player and his game is based on speed. He can only be counted on for about 120-130 each year. Potential suitors will shy away because of his injury history and his injuries this year may help the Mets. The Mets can not afford to not sign him. They need marquee players to compete in the same market with the Yankees. They can’t be seen as cheap.
Under-the-radar player to look for in the playoffs:
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| Jesus Montero (Photo: AP) |
Great question. I would say Jesus Montero of the Yankees. The guy can flat out hit. He’s on the verge of becoming a star. Another key guy is lefty reliever Antonio Bastardo of the Phillies.
World Series teams and prediction:
Well the hottest teams are the Phillies and Yanks. Milwaukee is in good shape. Texas can. It’s a bit of a crap shoot. When September rolled around last year, no one was looking at the Giants. It’s a wild ride the postseason. Al McGuire, the former Marquette coach once said, “Look for the team on the uptick.”
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