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

# 81 Bobhead @ 02/03/12 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrisksaint


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

I would much rather jump on your avatar. My goodness.

Oh yeah baseball. I strongly dislike Miami teams, but I must admit the Marlins are definitely an interesting team this year.

# 82 tessl @ 02/03/12 09:32 PM

He listed Milwaukee as honorable mention. I'd like to hear his reasoning.

Miami is much improved but by far the toughest division in the NL. I'll be interested to see what attendance looks like with the new park.

# 83 mgoblue678 @ 02/04/12 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deputydon


	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.

I hate to rain on your parade, but the Indians finished 15 games back of the Tigers last year. The Tigers are going to have to have to be significantly worse than last year and the Indians are going to have to be improve quite a bit. I don't see both of those things happening. The fact of the matter is that after the Tigers acquired Fister to solidify the rotation, they were significantly better than every other team in the division last year. I think losing Victor Martinez will offset the Prince addition somewhat, but the AL Central seems to be the Tigers to lose. Not saying it is a sure thing, but the Tigers would have to play well below their potential to give the other teams a shot. The rest of the AL Central as a whole is just not a good division.

Your point of about Cabrera not having another MVP season is a bit silly, if you look at how consistently Cabrera has been in his career. He has frequently put up MVP type seasons, and I don't see that changing this year with the protection in the lineup behind him. You may be right about the other things you pointed, considering the defense worries me as well. Every team has flaws though, and top to bottom the Tigers have the most proven talent in Central by a decent margin, hence why they are the heavy favorites at this point.

And believe me the Tigers have as much "passion" as the Indians do. They desperately want to bring a WS home to the state and city. I really have no idea what you original statement was even based on, Cleveland is no more or less motivated to win than the rest of the teams in the league.

The Tigers should be fun to play as this year that is for sure, may play as an NL team like the Marlins as well.

# 84 andrewochs615 @ 02/04/12 08:54 AM

Orioles fan here, just passing through, going back to my hole now.

# 85 jgp074 @ 02/04/12 10:40 AM

Darvish won't be in the game out of the box though, right? Have to wait till opening day, when he plays his 1st game, so that kind of sucks..........

# 86 BlingBlaine @ 02/04/12 06:40 PM

nationals over pbillies

# 87 MizzouBravesFan @ 02/04/12 07:05 PM

I think if you expanded this list the Royals would be in the second tier...an up and coming team that is poised to challenge this season, loaded with great young talent both at the major league level and in the minors.

Their roster will be fun to tinker with and leaves a lot of wiggle room for trades, etc.

Plus how can you not love Kauffman Stadium lol?

I'm sure I'll tinker with a few other teams (O's, Braves, Pirates come to mind) but right now, I see myself rolling with the Royals.

# 88 garyjr33 @ 02/04/12 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewochs615


	Orioles fan here, just passing through, going back to my hole now.

You just made me laugh out loud...that was great man. I love when people can find humor, and joke about their teams when they are not playing well or the outlook isn't very positive for the upcoming season.

# 89 garyjr33 @ 02/04/12 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maddmattrix


	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.

I love the loyalty and devotion in this statement!

# 90 37 @ 02/04/12 11:16 PM

Sad but true.....hence why i fight the urges to play with my A's....this year i wouldn't be surprised if they're the worst team ratings-wise in Show '12....There's absolutely nothing to look forward to in real-life...i'd be much happier playing with any other garbage team

# 91 Nyrican127 @ 02/05/12 01:54 PM

New York Metropolitans

# 92 prot22 @ 02/05/12 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xKaoTicxLegEndx


	In my opinion, with those choices, I would narrow that down to either Washington or Tampa Bay. Nationals Park is one of the nicest stadiums in the Majors, and their team is on the verge of becoming a threat in not just the NL East. With young guys like Bryce Harper, Ryan Zimmerman, Jordan Zimmerman, and Stephen Strasburg, there's a lot of buzz in the D.C. area. I had a franchise with the Rays in MLB 11. I love their dark blue uniforms on the road, and their alternate light blue home uniforms. They've also got a few youngs guys like Desmond Jennings, Ben Zobrist, Evan Longoria and David Price. Don't forget James Shields either. I think you should go with either of those two teams.

Thanks xKaoTicxLegEndx

I played a season with the Rays back in 2009 so the Nationals may get the nod this year. It's going to be so tough going against the Phillies who are my real life favorite team 18 times a year. However, Bryce Harper is going to surpass Chase Utley and Scott Rolen as my new favorite Big Leaguer when he officially starts this year. Harper is Pete Rose gritty style but with Justin Hamilton abilities. Going to be fun this season!

# 93 abjsuperstar @ 02/06/12 12:52 AM

twins like every other yr! josh willingham and always my boy joe mauer.

# 94 mmorg @ 02/06/12 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgoblue678


	I hate to rain on your parade, but the Indians finished 15 games back of the Tigers last year. The Tigers are going to have to have to be significantly worse than last year and the Indians are going to have to be improve quite a bit. I don't see both of those things happening. The fact of the matter is that after the Tigers acquired Fister to solidify the rotation, they were significantly better than every other team in the division last year. I think losing Victor Martinez will offset the Prince addition somewhat, but the AL Central seems to be the Tigers to lose. Not saying it is a sure thing, but the Tigers would have to play well below their potential to give the other teams a shot. The rest of the AL Central as a whole is just not a good division. Your point of about Cabrera not having another MVP season is a bit silly, if you look at how consistently Cabrera has been in his career. He has frequently put up MVP type seasons, and I don't see that changing this year with the protection in the lineup behind him. You may be right about the other things you pointed, considering the defense worries me as well. Every team has flaws though, and top to bottom the Tigers have the most proven talent in Central by a decent margin, hence why they are the heavy favorites at this point. And believe me the Tigers have as much "passion" as the Indians do. They desperately want to bring a WS home to the state and city. I really have no idea what you original statement was even based on, Cleveland is no more or less motivated to win than the rest of the teams in the league. The Tigers should be fun to play as this year that is for sure, may play as an NL team like the Marlins as well.

It'll be a fun year for the AL Central that's for sure. I will be curious to see what line-up the Tigers trot out. If Delmon Young has Cabby and Prince batting behind him he might have a great year as he will be seeing a ton of fastballs and that will definitely help solidify that line-up. On the other hand, I don't see Verlander having the same year he did last year. What he did last year was nothing short of amazing and if he did it again I will be even more impressed with how great of a pitcher he is.

As an Indians fan, the fact that the Indians finished 15 games back is kind of erroneous though. The Indians were decimated with injuries and playing with back ups at every Outfield position for the majority of the year. A few of our pitchers went down and we had a black hole offensively at 1B. I'm anticipating it being a little different this year with some slight regression from Asdrubal Cabrera but hopefully better offensive output from LF Brantely, CF Sizemore, and RF Choo if they can all stay healthy.

Nonetheless it should be a great year and I am excited to play as the Indians against the Tigers.

# 95 authentic @ 02/06/12 03:01 AM

I'm pumped to play with my new look Cubbies. Can't wait to play with Bryan LaHair, guys a stud!

# 96 The Kid 24 @ 02/06/12 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alstl


	He listed Milwaukee as honorable mention. I'd like to hear his reasoning. Miami is much improved but by far the toughest division in the NL. I'll be interested to see what attendance looks like with the new park.

Why do you need a reasoning?

The Brewers were one of the best teams in the NL last year with winning the NL Central and making it to the NLCS... Other then losing a little offense from Prince to Aramis Ramirez... I don't see how they won't be one of the best teams in the NL again!

# 97 jimshaw25 @ 02/06/12 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jon1960ca


	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.

good choice that probably makes 2 of us, what a nice 2013 rotation it might be witha 1,2 punch of kershaw/hamels!

# 98 gopadres @ 02/07/12 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willz1985


	GO PADRES!!!

Uh, look at my user name. Ya buddy!

# 99 sink4ever @ 02/07/12 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenngoldbaseball


	In previous years, the first thing I would do is start a franchise with the A's, sim to the end of the year and create a save. I would then use this save to fire Bob Geren after every single A's game I watched. It made me feel a little less powerless. This year I don't even have that. Melvin is actually a good manager. That is why I will most likely just pick a new team to play that I have nothing vested in and won't care as much about the lineup or even winning.

I just have to say that's one of the funniest things I've read in a while.

# 100 37 @ 02/07/12 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenngoldbaseball


	In previous years, the first thing I would do is start a franchise with the A's, sim to the end of the year and create a save. I would then use this save to fire Bob Geren after every single A's game I watched. It made me feel a little less powerless. This year I don't even have that. Melvin is actually a good manager. That is why I will most likely just pick a new team to play that I have nothing vested in and won't care as much about the lineup or even winning.

Melvin may be a decent manager but the team stinks

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