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

# 61 deputydon @ 02/03/12 10:07 AM

I think the Indians are going to surprise people this year. We have some amazing young guys that are still in it for the love and not just the money, they have nothing to lose and personally I see more passion in the eyes of Indians players than I do almost every other team. People already think Detroit has won the Central Division, but I personally think they won't do as well as last year, even with the almighty Prince Fielder. Verlander will not have another 24 win year, Valverde will not have another perfect season, and I doubt even Miggy Cab will have another MVP quality season. Not too mention Fielder moved to a Stadium with a VERY deep center field. I imagine his homerun numbers are going to drop by a decent margin. Also have to take into consideration that Miggy at 3rd means a slightly worse infield defensively.

While the Indians have some great up and coming pitchers like Tomlin and Masterson, (I personally expect Tomlin to have an amazing year). Jimenez played some quality winter ball this year, so I expect him to be at least closer to his 2010 season, rather than his subpar 2011 season. We just signed Kotchman for 1st base, which some say is a risk, but he got lasek surgery before last season and because of that he hit .306 BA not too mention he is considered one of the best defensive 1st basemen ever. We finally got some quality minor depth for when sizemore eventually gets hurt (I give it about two weeks into the real season). We also signed Russ Canzler who was International MVP for minor leagues last season. And we have one of the most consistent, good bullpens in the MLB.

In short, keep an eye out for Josh Tomlin, Jason Kipnis, Ubaldo Jimenez, Carlos Santana, Asdrubal Cabrera, Russ Canzler, and Casey Kotchman.

# 62 Alonzo @ 02/03/12 10:30 AM

homer: RED SOX ALL THE WAY non homer: Miami, Angels and Rangers

# 63 earp4530 @ 02/03/12 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Kid 24


	Hart Morgan Braun Ramirez Weeks Gamel Gonzalez Lucroy Brewers lineup can do that too... Everyone in this lineup but Morgan has the potential to hit 20 HR's.

I do like Aramis Ramirez..pushin it with lucroy being that he hit 4 his first year and 12 last year, also Brauns out fifty games.. however will still hit twenty.

# 64 earp4530 @ 02/03/12 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yankees2009Champs


	I prefer...nevermind, you're right

dont say it..

# 65 Mike3207 @ 02/03/12 11:15 AM

The list has no validity leaving Reds off the top 5-given their trades and FA signings.

# 66 The Kid 24 @ 02/03/12 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by earp4530


	I do like Aramis Ramirez..pushin it with lucroy being that he hit 4 his first year and 12 last year, also Brauns out fifty games.. however will still hit twenty.

We don't know that yet

# 67 JasonZimmerman @ 02/03/12 11:49 AM

Big Red Machine is gonna be pretty good. They got some great bats, and great young pitching. I'm rollin with the Reds like always! I know it's a minor detail (but if it was your team you'd be pissed too) but I really hope they put the wishbone C or at least have "Reds" wrote out behind home plate I will stop buying it. They have had this for 3 and a half years now, and still blank in the game! Come On!! 2k11 got it right! Why can they??!!

# 68 bmorebirds_24 @ 02/03/12 11:55 AM

The Baltimore Orioles will be the best team in baseball this year.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

# 69 thaSLAB @ 02/03/12 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonZimmerman


	Big Red Machine is gonna be pretty good. They got some great bats, and great young pitching. I'm rollin with the Reds like always! I know it's a minor detail (but if it was your team you'd be pissed too) but I really hope they put the wishbone C or at least have "Reds" wrote out behind home plate I will stop buying it. They have had this for 3 and a half years now, and still blank in the game! Come On!! 2k11 got it right! Why can they??!!

I didn't see it in. Not to say it hasn't been added, since the stadium was being looked at.

# 70 earp4530 @ 02/03/12 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Kid 24


	We don't know that yet

Yeah, we do.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7503422/milwaukee-brewers-say-ryan-braun-team-fan-event

Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio announced Wednesday that outfielder Ryan Braun, **who is facing a 50-game suspension for a positive drug test**, will not take part in the team's fan event this weekend.

# 71 CPRoark @ 02/03/12 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrs844224


	The list has no validity leaving Reds off the top 5-given their trades and FA signings.

There is probably a little bias toward the really big names in this list, but I'm not sure who you'd bump from the top 5 to include the Reds. Maybe the Phillies, but Papelbon is a bigger name than Madson. Latos consistency seems questionable, and Sean Marshall, Wilson Valdez, and Willie Harris don't make quite the same splash as Thome, Pierre, and Dontrelle Willis. Not to say the latter are more talented, just more interesting.

I think there is certainly a case for the Reds to be on the list, just not 1-5. I don't think many would agree with you, or your assessment that the list is invalid.

The real issue is the Washington Nationals, who should definitely be among the top 5 (though the article was submitted before the Jackson signing). Their rotation is a little scary, and their core of young talent seems poised to challenge the NL East's top dogs.

# 72 The Kid 24 @ 02/03/12 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by earp4530


	Yeah, we do. http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/75...team-fan-event Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio announced Wednesday that outfielder Ryan Braun, who is facing a 50-game suspension for a positive drug test, will not take part in the team's fan event this weekend.

That is just speculation right now...

He is in appeal process at this point... There is no final decision whether he will or won't be suspended... That's why I said that.

# 73 earp4530 @ 02/03/12 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Kid 24


	That is just speculation right now... He is in appeal process at this point... There is no final decision whether he will or won't be suspended... That's why I said that.

LOL. I highly doubt he will win in appeal.. That's a huge bat in the order but I think they will be fine.. how do u feel about T PLUSH?

# 74 coopsta007 @ 02/03/12 02:02 PM

I'll probably start a season with an NL club. As for who, I've got it narrowed down to the Cubs, Marlins, Dodgers and Giants.

# 75 The Kid 24 @ 02/03/12 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by earp4530


	LOL. I highly doubt he will win in appeal.. That's a huge bat in the order but I think they will be fine.. how do u feel about T PLUSH?

Yea I doubt it too... But I just wanted to throw that out there...

Bout T Plush... I really think us Brewer fans will get sick of the "T Plush" crap if he goes back to hitting like 2010 in Washington when he posted the .253/.319/.314/.633 slash line

When your having a good year, do w/e you want... just stop it when your having a bad year... Plus now that we signed Aoki, I really believe Morgan will be traded and we will bring in a RH power hitting OF for the bench or I could be absolutely wrong!

# 76 earp4530 @ 02/03/12 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Kid 24

Yeah I agree. It's fun to watch when you're winning lol I wonder how Aoki will look. You never know at the trade deadline!

# 77 The Kid 24 @ 02/03/12 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by earp4530


	Yeah I agree. It's fun to watch when you're winning lol I wonder how Aoki will look. You never know at the trade deadline!

I'm excited to see what we have in Aoki... Supposedly he is the "next Ichiro"... But we shall see about that!

http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/po...er-next-ichiro

# 78 earp4530 @ 02/03/12 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Kid 24


	I'm excited to see what we have in Aoki... Supposedly he is the "next Ichiro"... But we shall see about that! http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/po...er-next-ichiro

Nice find. I hope he is the next Ichiro, we need the next Japanese all star to carry that torch!

# 79 Chrisksaint @ 02/03/12 06:26 PM

Jose Reyes
Hanley
Stanton
LoMo
Gaby Sanchez
Omar Infante
Bonifacio(maybe Cespedes later?)

JJ, Buerhle, Anibal, Zambrano, Nolasco.

Throw in new stadium/uniforms

You may now jump on the Miami bandwagon if you want.

# 80 maddmattrix @ 02/03/12 09:04 PM

I'll be playing as the A's because I want my head kicked in in the virtual world right after I get through watching the real A's getting their head kicked in. Second Life kinda thing.

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