Five Teams to Be Excited About in MLB 12: The Show

Feature Article

Submitted on: 02/02/2012 by Caley Roark

It’s a hard time to be a baseball fan: the “hot stove” is cooling down, pitchers and catchers still have a few weeks, and MLB: The Show 12 doesn’t release for another month. While we wait, let’s take a quick look at those teams you will most likely want to control when your fire up your PS3 on Mar. 6.

The following list isn’t necessarily composed of the best, most popular or most promising teams. These five teams are simply the ones that feature the biggest and most exciting signings, trades and roster moves from this off-season.

Texas Rangers

If there is one player I’m looking forward to seeing in The Show, it would be Texas’ Yu Darvish. His imported numbers are astounding, and it will be interesting to see how they translate to both the real and virtual American game.

You will also get to test out a starting Neftali Feliz, see what Joe Nathan has left and scare opposing pitchers with a line-up that is stacked from top to bottom.

The Angels only signed the best hitter in the game in the off-season, NBD

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

An easy choice, really. Adding the best player in baseball in Albert Pujols sort of guarantees them a spot on this list. Of course, they also added C.J. Wilson, a highly coveted free agent starter. Besides these surprising moves, the Angels still have a solid outfield, including the young Mike Trout, and another ace in Jered Weaver.

If you are curious to see how much impact one everyday player has on a line-up, you will want to give the Angels a go come March.

Detroit Tigers

Much like the Angels, their signing of a top free agent really changes the make-up of this team. You will get to decide where to slot Miguel Cabrerra and Prince Fielder (most likely 3-4), potentially creating the best Righty/Lefty punch in baseball.

Like Pujols’ contract, Prince’s weighty deal is more of an issue in franchise mode; in exhibition, the only weight you need to worry about is how his 275 pounds can launch bombs.

Let’s not forget they also have the reigning AL Cy Young and MVP Justin Verlander at the top of the rotation.

The Phillies got a much needed bullpen boost with Paplebon on the mound to close it in the 9th.

Philadelphia Phillies

The rotation already seems like something found only after you scam trade logic, and the additions to this perennial National League favorite only add to the hype.

First, they added an elite closer in Jonathan Papelbon. Then, Philadelphia beefed up their bench with an interesting mix of veterans in the twilight of their careers: Jim Thome, Juan Pierre, and Dontrelle “I can hit!” Willis. These additions complement an already dynamic line-up with Pence, Utley, Rollins, and Howard. Heavy contracts don’t really effect exhibition play, where this team can bring it as well as anyone.

Miami Marlins

There are three big reasons to control the Marlins in one of your first exhibition games: the joy of playing with a virtual Jose Reyes, with his lightning speed, gaudy average and quick glove skills; to see what Hanley Ramirez can do at third, and how well that change is reflected in his ratings; you will get to witness what (depending on who you talk to) are either the ugliest or trendiest uniforms in the game.

Bonus reason: The hideous/spectacular home run fountain

Other exciting teams, based on existing roster and off-season moves:

Colorado, San Diego, Cincinnati, St. Louis and Milwaukee

Who do you plan to roll with when you crack open MLB: The Show 12?

MLB 12 The Show Videos

Member Comments

# 21 MelMan1486 @ 02/02/12 02:14 PM

After reading this I immediately starting thinking about my line ups and rotations and got that "excitement" feeling. Can't wait for this game to come out so I can start to rebuild my aging Yankees.

# 22 careLOS @ 02/02/12 02:26 PM

I'm probably the only person excited to play with the Blue Jays this year. It'll be nice to see how Brett Lawrie will do. Rotation needs major improvement. Bullpen is one of the best in the AL East. And try to finally get Bautista's long awaited AL MVP.

# 23 garyjr33 @ 02/02/12 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MelMan1486


	After reading this I immediately starting thinking about my line ups and rotations and got that "excitement" feeling. Can't wait for this game to come out so I can start to rebuild my aging Yankees.

My grandfather and dad are diehard Yankees fans so naturally I am a Yankees fan as well. Last year I used them and went about re-signing guys and building from within and not trying to sign anyone or trade anyone except when they made moves. But when I play a video game I love having a young team. The Yankees are anything but that so this year I may do the same and "rebuild" even though they really don't need it quite yet. The day Mariano Rivera retires the landscape will change dramatically. Soriano will more than likely become the closer, and I believe it will lead to some other interesting changes as well.

# 24 TallyBoi7 @ 02/02/12 02:41 PM

I always roll with the Braves

If I decide to do an A.L. franchise, then I'll roll with Tampa Bay

# 25 earp4530 @ 02/02/12 02:44 PM

My Texas Rangers have the best line up in the MLB.

# 26 DJ @ 02/02/12 02:45 PM

Since 09 I've done franchises with the Rockies and Mets, although I didn't get very far last year and wound up running with the Mariners.

This year, I'm looking at the Orioles and Blue Jays, but will probably also go back to my 2 standard teams. The Mets are a legit rebuilding team, so that would make Franchise Mode interesting, and I just really enjoy playing at Coors Field.

# 27 jimshaw25 @ 02/02/12 03:11 PM

Although I'm from philly and gotta go with my hometown team I'm going with the challenge of the pittsburgh pirates I love rebuilding teams, 2nd team I might go with are the Dodgers. If I'm the Dodgers, yes I will offer cole hamels a contract in the off-season.

# 28 ozcore @ 02/02/12 03:17 PM

ill start with the d-backs as usual. cant wait to pitch with trevor cahill recently acquired by the a`s.

# 29 Doormat @ 02/02/12 03:37 PM

This is actually a good list, pretty accurate to mine except my Yankees are #5, I want to test out Pineda!

# 30 ped3328 @ 02/02/12 04:03 PM

Being from Montreal, I have remained pretty close to the Nationals fortunes. With today's addition of Edwin Jackson (probably sporting an FA hat!), the pitching will be very solid. If they could get a decent leadoff hitter (hopefully a CF) thru a trade, they will be fun to play in the Show. That being said, I am more a Season mode player than a Franchise one. I go from team to team, because I like variety. To me, playing 162 games with the same team kind of bores me. To each his own, I guess. Have fun everyone!

# 31 Double Deuce @ 02/02/12 04:17 PM

"If there is one player I�m looking forward to seeing in The Show, it would be Texas� Yu Darvish."

And yet, that's the one big name player who will NOT be in the game when it ships. I can't be the only one who found this funny.

# 32 The Kid 24 @ 02/02/12 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double Deuce


	"If there is one player I�m looking forward to seeing in The Show, it would be Texas� Yu Darvish." And yet, that's the one big name player who will NOT be in the game when it ships. I can't be the only one who found this funny.

SCEA doesn't have a choice... Yu hasn't played in a MLB game yet, so he can't be added until then.

# 33 Double Deuce @ 02/02/12 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Kid 24


	SCEA doesn't have a choice... Yu hasn't played in a MLB game yet, so he can't be added until then.

Yup, I know. Just thought it was funny that Darvish would be the first name mentioned in the article, and the one player who can't be in the game until the first roster update after opening day.

# 34 The Kid 24 @ 02/02/12 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double Deuce


	Yup, I know. Just thought it was funny that Darvish would be the first name mentioned in the article, and the one player who can't be in the game until the first roster update after opening day.

Ok bro... I got you now

# 35 MelMan1486 @ 02/02/12 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garyjr33


	My grandfather and dad are diehard Yankees fans so naturally I am a Yankees fan as well. Last year I used them and went about re-signing guys and building from within and not trying to sign anyone or trade anyone except when they made moves. But when I play a video game I love having a young team. The Yankees are anything but that so this year I may do the same and "rebuild" even though they really don't need it quite yet. The day Mariano Rivera retires the landscape will change dramatically. Soriano will more than likely become the closer, and I believe it will lead to some other interesting changes as well.

Yea I'm just jumping the gun. The next couple years will be big though for the franchise, Posada retired and I don't see Jeter or Rivera staying much longer. To me those three are the face of the Yankees because I grew up watching them.

# 36 jon1960ca @ 02/02/12 05:07 PM

Dodger Blue Baby!

We have the reigning Cy Young Award winner in Kershaw, and the guy who SHOULD have won the NL MVP (Kemp). That's a great core, making The Blue a serious contender in the west this year.

# 37 ajsdaddy @ 02/02/12 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdawg17


	It's tough being an A's fan and an MLB Show fan...it's such a great game but it's tough to enjoy it when every player has crappy ratings because either a) they are crappy or b) they are unproven and therefore crappy rating...

I feel you, I've been an A's fan since, well a baby (pics to prove it.) Last years game was incredible, and thanks to solid pitching, speed, the addition of DeJesus, Willingham and Matsui, the A's were actually a fun team to play with. This year however I feel like playing with the A's will be nothing but frustration. Pitching staff is depleted, top hitters have left us, fielding will be atrocious, etc. Guess I'll be running a multi-team season to really appreciate this game.

# 38 jrivera34 @ 02/02/12 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil Dee


	Been a Mets fan since the 80s but i'm not really interested in using them in the game. I'm actually intrigued by the Nationals. They have a good up and coming team and a decent ballpark. Plus I get to visit all the other NL east ballparks on a regular basis. I'll probably sim when they play the Mets though.

I was thinking the same but I may just stick with the mets, keep my salary under 90mm and see what it is like to play with a small market club lol

# 39 KingV2k3 @ 02/02/12 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenngoldbaseball


	I can't believe that A's didn't make the top five. I mean who wouldn't want to play a team that could be beaten by most other teams' AAA clubs, including the Sacramento River cats. The A's are for those people who have mastered the legend difficulty, swat over 50 home runs a year for each of your nine starters and maybe even a bench player, can pitch more no hitters than most guys can get saves, and are looking for a true challenge. There must be at least one of you out there.

I concur with this message!

Plus, the uni color scheme is totally 70's, very "responsive chord" / nostalgic for...well...me!

Nats are fun for similar challenge...plus you don't have the DH and lots of uni choices...

# 40 rudyjuly2 @ 02/02/12 05:28 PM

I'll most likely be using the Tigers as a Tiger fan. I do like NL play though. Late game subs are fun and I had a lot of fun with the Reds in a past season. I love A T& T park in SF and would love to do a franchise there as well although that lineup could use one more good bat in the OF to entice me. Maybe I will run with two franchises but I don't normally have the time for that.

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