OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - CBL

toanstrom · 08-13-2003, 12:59 AM

Chip: Well Chuck just before the break you told us that you didnt see the Carolina Hogs wininng the Atlantic Confrence that you would put your money, so to speak, on the Washington Nationals, who barely lost the Confrence last year with one win fewer than Baltimore, care to explain?

Chuck: Well Chip its pretty simple last years team was ravaged by injuries a problem that may not hit them as hard as last year. But the main reason I'm picking them is very simple. How many other teams can boast five legitimate superstars in their primes? Not many.

Chip: Five guys do not a pennant winner make though, is that fair to say?

Chuck: I would agree with that as a general statement sure but with the five superstars and strong supporting cast they'll be tough to beat. I mean you just go down that lineup and its flat out scary. Orlando Dawkins [99 R.Henderson] is one of the best leadoff men in the league. Ronny Guilford [99 R.Durham] is a stud at second. And then you get to the scary part.

Chip: I take it the next three guys, those are the superstars your talking about?

Chuck: Thats right, I think its hard to find a better 3,4,5 than "Automatic" Andy Edwards [99 T.Helton], Neil Johnson [99 C.Jones] and Marshall Underwood [00 K.Griffey]. And the rest of the club aint shabby. Johnny Ibanez [96 J.Lopez] is a borderline allstar.

Chip: But Washington's always been able to score runs, what about the pitching?

Chuck: Well I think they are not bad. Certainly not as bad as Baltimore. I mean Joe "Big Dog" Bullock [92 Schilling] burst on to the scene as a legitimate ace last year. Ron Strine [94 D.Wells] and Shaun White [88 D.Gooden]are both horses, and if the kid Mike Castillo [01 Zito] pitches as well as he did last year, then he could be one of the best lefties in the league in the years to come.

Chip: And the bullpen? Is it a difference maker? It sure wasnt last year.

Chuck: Thats something that they focused a great deal on. Juwan Scott is one of the top five closers in the league. And the rest of the bullpen has been upgraded considerably. I think that if they can stay off the DL more than they did last year, they'll improve their win total by 10+ games from last season. And cruise to a confrence title.

Chip: Cruise?!? Baltimore won it last year, and they've been the dominant team in the confrence for the past five years. you dont think they can keep winning?

Chuck: No, I seriously doubt Baltimore can keep up with Washington anymore.

Chip: Wow. We'll you'll have to tell us why when we get back from commercial.

08-13-2003, 12:59 AM	#4
toanstrom Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 277	Chip: Well Chuck just before the break you told us that you didnt see the Carolina Hogs wininng the Atlantic Confrence that you would put your money, so to speak, on the Washington Nationals, who barely lost the Confrence last year with one win fewer than Baltimore, care to explain? Chuck: Well Chip its pretty simple last years team was ravaged by injuries a problem that may not hit them as hard as last year. But the main reason I'm picking them is very simple. How many other teams can boast five legitimate superstars in their primes? Not many. Chip: Five guys do not a pennant winner make though, is that fair to say? Chuck: I would agree with that as a general statement sure but with the five superstars and strong supporting cast they'll be tough to beat. I mean you just go down that lineup and its flat out scary. Orlando Dawkins [99 R.Henderson] is one of the best leadoff men in the league. Ronny Guilford [99 R.Durham] is a stud at second. And then you get to the scary part. Chip: I take it the next three guys, those are the superstars your talking about? Chuck: Thats right, I think its hard to find a better 3,4,5 than "Automatic" Andy Edwards [99 T.Helton], Neil Johnson [99 C.Jones] and Marshall Underwood [00 K.Griffey]. And the rest of the club aint shabby. Johnny Ibanez [96 J.Lopez] is a borderline allstar. Chip: But Washington's always been able to score runs, what about the pitching? Chuck: Well I think they are not bad. Certainly not as bad as Baltimore. I mean Joe "Big Dog" Bullock [92 Schilling] burst on to the scene as a legitimate ace last year. Ron Strine [94 D.Wells] and Shaun White [88 D.Gooden]are both horses, and if the kid Mike Castillo [01 Zito] pitches as well as he did last year, then he could be one of the best lefties in the league in the years to come. Chip: And the bullpen? Is it a difference maker? It sure wasnt last year. Chuck: Thats something that they focused a great deal on. Juwan Scott is one of the top five closers in the league. And the rest of the bullpen has been upgraded considerably. I think that if they can stay off the DL more than they did last year, they'll improve their win total by 10+ games from last season. And cruise to a confrence title. Chip: Cruise?!? Baltimore won it last year, and they've been the dominant team in the confrence for the past five years. you dont think they can keep winning? Chuck: No, I seriously doubt Baltimore can keep up with Washington anymore. Chip: Wow. We'll you'll have to tell us why when we get back from commercial. Last edited by toanstrom; 08-13-2003 at 10:34 AM.