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Which MLB Team is the Most Intriguing to Play As This Year? (Roundtable)

Pitchers and catchers have or are reporting, that means all of the trappings of Spring are in the air -- just don't walk outside.

With baseball season closer than ever, and with MLB rosters becoming somewhat finalized now, there's no time like the present to talk about the teams we are most excited to play as in MLB 15 The Show.

Bob Kollars: For me, it has to be the Chicago Cubs. With the addition of John Lester, Miguel Montero, Javier Baez, Jorge Soler, and with the looming debut of top prospect Kris Bryant, Chicago is as loaded a video game team has ever been. The Cubs still posses one of the best farm systems in baseball, so either bring the kids up, or make amove at the deadline to improve your young core.

Just because the Cubs are my first choice, doesn't mean there aren't some other incredibly intriguing teams out there. The Padres remodeled their entire offense, and the addition James Shields is an interesting decision. I also think the White Sox might be entertaining with the additions of Melky Cabrera and Jeff Smardzija.

Jeremy Chisenhall: To me, the Boston Red Sox have to be the most intriguing team for this year.

The combination of franchise centerpieces that have been in Boston for years, and newcomers who are sure to improve the team, really draws my attention. They've added Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez to add to Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz and Mike Napoli. On top of that, it looks like Koji Uehara is going to take the closing role for at least one more year, which gives Boston a great chance to make one last run at a championship with the veterans they have. While that group is likely to only make one more run at a title, the Red Sox have some young guns like Mookie Betts and Blake Swihart to center their team around once the veterans hang up their cleats.

Danny Webster: The Miami Marlins finally have something going.

How they managed the wherewithal to secure Giancarlo Stanton to an absurd extension is still baffling. What's even more baffling is how Stanton put his trust in the Marlins. With Stanton locked up for a long time, he's Miami's centerpiece that you can build around offensively. Miami also has an ace, 22-year-old Jose Fernandez who, while recovering from Tommy John Surgery, is still a beast in the world of video game land.

So use the Marlins and get Ichiro a championship. Oh, and turn the Marlins from the butt of all baseball jokes to the top of the world, with that absurd fountain as the landmark that signifies just what in the world they're doing.

Brandon Kosal - This year is the Detroit Tigers' year. If you follow baseball at all, you probably rolled your eyes pretty hard after reading that sentence, since every year seems to be the Tigers' year. Calling this year 'the year' sounds odd considering they're not even the consensus favorite in their own division, but they had a strong off-season. They ignored aces and power hitters, instead focusing on what they needed. They should be at least decent defensively, not to mention the well-rounded outfield. The rotation is a question mark for the first time in years, but they should be a player again this year if they can stay relatively healthy.

Philip Varckette: Even though they are my team, I feel the Cleveland Indians are one of the most intriguing teams in baseball. With Cy Young winner Corey Kluber solidifying the top spot in the rotation, veteran Gavin Floyd, and youngsters with potential (Trevor Bauer, Carlos Carrasco), they could have one of the best rotations in the A.L. Central. If the young talent starts to pan out of course.

And we can't forget about MVP candidate Michael Brantley. I'm sure he will lead the team in the hitting department again this year. If the Indians can somehow land a right-handed power bat, they could be a dangerous team this year.

Caley Roark: For me, the whirlwind that took place in San Diego has got the Padres sitting at the top of my most intriguing teams list.

First, and most recently, the addition of James Shields solidifies a relatively good rotation. Josh Johnson represents a low-risk reclamation project, and Ian Kennedy had a quiet but decent 2014.

Then, there is the revamped outfield, including Matt Kemp, Justin Upton and Will Myers. If these guys can stay healthy and produce, is there a better outfield in baseball?

Additionally, they have a quality bullpen and a decent young third baseman in former Red Sox' Will Middlebrooks.


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Member Comments
# 61 milldaddy35 @ 02/22/15 07:53 PM
Twins....all them prospects that you can bring up halfway through the year...
 
# 62 CurlyDub34 @ 02/22/15 11:19 PM
I'm shocked that no one has mentioned the Nationals yet. I can't wait to play with that starting rotation, not to mention Rendon and Harper. They also have a nice group of top 100 prospects headlined by the top pitching prospect in the game Lucas Giolito. Some key players hitting free agency after this year and the following year so you have some key gm decisions to make. I'll probably make one with the Marlins as well even though I hate playing against the Nats.
 
# 63 redsox4evur @ 02/23/15 12:16 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by milldaddy35
Twins....all them prospects that you can bring up halfway through the year...
So Alex Meyer and Jose Berrios. Because those are the 2 projected to be called up this year. Buxton has NEVER played above single A. And Sano just missed ALL of last year with Tommy John.
 
# 64 Joey @ 02/23/15 07:53 AM
None of this changes the fact that the Phillies are getting old and would be an excellent choice for a rebuilding project on TS. Although the 2 championships vs 1 isn't a very good point in your argument considering the Phillies have been around more than twice as long as KC.

When he says they're garbage, I believe he's only referring to their current state - it's not an attack on the organization's history.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nwo4Life75
Um when was the last time the Royals won a world championship? How many world championships have the Phillies won in comparison the Royals? I believe that's two world championships to one I believe. The Phillies have been in postseason play a lot more then Royals have been! Also didn't the Phillies beat the Royals in the 1980 World Series. The Phillies have been around a whole lot longer then the Royals. Enough said.
 
# 65 tabarnes19_SDS @ 02/23/15 08:21 AM
Yankees for better or worst. I really have that baseball itch right now wish the Show was a early March release like in the past because I am getting impatient waiting to play 15. :-)

It is so hard going back to 14 after tasting the goodness of 15.


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# 66 sydrogerdavid @ 02/23/15 10:23 AM
Other than my Cardinals franchise, I might do a Padres one or do a spiritual successor of my Astros one from MLB 14 on PS3.
 
# 67 dubplate @ 02/23/15 10:41 AM
Will most likely continue my Twins franchise and start a new one in which I take on the monumental task of rebuilding the Phillies.
 
# 68 mrdannymartinez @ 02/23/15 11:40 AM
Marlins lineup is going to a blast playing with. A great combination of ridiculous speed, ridiculous power and youth. When Jose gets back that rotation becomes really good as well. Just an overall talented and fun club to play with. They're finally doing somethings right down there in Miami.
 
# 69 bronxbombers21325 @ 02/23/15 12:49 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nwo4Life75
Um when was the last time the Royals won a world championship? How many world championships have the Phillies won in comparison the Royals? I believe that's two world championships to one I believe. The Phillies have been in postseason play a lot more then Royals have been! Also didn't the Phillies beat the Royals in the 1980 World Series. The Phillies have been around a whole lot longer then the Royals. Enough said.
The Phillies have the 8th worst winning percentage in MLB history, at .470. Just saying.
 
# 70 sc050610 @ 02/23/15 01:10 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Clarke99
Worst and biggest head scratcher - Boston red Sox? AL east is the worst division not just in the AL maybe in the league.

The team really getting the shaft is the oakland A's almost entirely revamped with solid players and if you don't think they'll be a factor I'd bet you
How is the AL East the worst division in Baseball??? You could have a 5 team race come September for the division. Yes, the division is not as powerful as it was but now all 5 teams have a legit chance at winning the division.
 
# 71 Ghost Of The Year @ 02/23/15 06:04 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by bronxbombers21325
The Phillies have the 8th worst winning percentage in MLB history, at .470. Just saying.
Exactly!
Phillies win pct.- .473 14 playoff appearances in 131 seasons, or once every 9 seasons, roughly.
Royals win pct.- .482 8 playoff appearances in 45 seasons, or once every 5 and half seasons, roughly.
 
# 72 Trent Booty @ 02/23/15 06:51 PM
Padres, Cubs, Mariners, Nationals, and Red Soc for me.
 
# 73 RLebron12 @ 02/23/15 06:54 PM
Man some people in here have some valid points that make me reconsider who I want to play my secondary franchise with. I'm a Giants fan so of course that will be my main...my other will be between

Angels, Marlins, White Sox, and Mariners.


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# 74 Jimmydm90 @ 02/23/15 07:40 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by RLebron12
Man some people in here have some valid points that make me reconsider who I want to play my secondary franchise with. I'm a Giants fan so of course that will be my main...my other will be between

Angels, Marlins, White Sox, and Mariners.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

As a fellow Giant fan, how can you possibly play as the Angels after 2002? Haha
 
# 75 RLebron12 @ 02/23/15 07:44 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimmydm90
As a fellow Giant fan, how can you possibly play as the Angels after 2002? Haha

Ah I know but I like Trout. Plus I was 12 at the time so it didn't effect me as much as something like that would now a days. Still hate those dang rally monkeys!


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# 76 Ghost Of The Year @ 02/24/15 11:14 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimmydm90
As a fellow Giant fan, how can you possibly play as the Angels after 2002? Haha
I'm sure those 3 World Series Championships since the 2002 WS Game 7 has gone a long way to ease that pain.
Maybe even enough for Giants fans to Be the Dodgers, instead of 'Beat L.A.'?
 
# 77 Joey @ 02/24/15 12:59 PM
Why are you so angry? The whole point of the conversation was that, in their current state, the Phillies would be a good team to use and attempt to rebuild. If you don't agree with that, well, don't. This thread isn't about discussing the history of franchises though, it's about who people want to use in '15 and why.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nwo4Life75
Having two world championships in a organization that is very old make those two championships make them that more special! I 've been a Diehard Phillies fan since the 70s,granted I've witnessed some pretty bad seasons,I'm tired of hearing people rip them and knocking them calling them looser franchise the worst ever! For a franchise that's been ripped by people forever,they have been in the postseason more then the Royals! When was the last time the Royals have been in the postseason before last season. Those 70s Phillies teams are some of the best teams in the history of baseball! They won three straight eastern division championships! Two of those teams had 101 wins in 1976 and 1977! Some of the greatest players in the history of baseball! Mike Schmidt,Richie Ashburn,Dick Allen to name a few and Steve Carlton arguably one of the greatest pitcher's of all time!
 
# 78 RLebron12 @ 02/24/15 01:13 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ghost Of The Year
I'm sure those 3 World Series Championships since the 2002 WS Game 7 has gone a long way to ease that pain.
Maybe even enough for Giants fans to Be the Dodgers, instead of 'Beat L.A.'?

Lol No way Giants fans play as the Dodgers...that's just pushing it too far! I mean I'm digitally downloading it just so I don't own anything Dodger related inside of my room that is surrounded by Giants memorabilia and Bobbleheads lol


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# 79 HozAndMoose @ 02/24/15 01:58 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nwo4Life75
Having two world championships in a organization that is very old make those two championships make them that more special! I 've been a Diehard Phillies fan since the 70s,granted I've witnessed some pretty bad seasons,I'm tired of hearing people rip them and knocking them calling them looser franchise the worst ever! For a franchise that's been ripped by people forever,they have been in the postseason more then the Royals! When was the last time the Royals have been in the postseason before last season. Those 70s Phillies teams are some of the best teams in the history of baseball! They won three straight eastern division championships! Two of those teams had 101 wins in 1976 and 1977! Some of the greatest players in the history of baseball! Mike Schmidt,Richie Ashburn,Dick Allen to name a few and Steve Carlton arguably one of the greatest pitcher's of all time!
You are not made for the internet. 2015 Phillies are going to be garbage. Them being good in the 70's doesn't change that one bit.
 
# 80 rpagz3 @ 02/24/15 02:21 PM
My most intriguing team:

Mets

This is my favorite team. So I'll try to sell you on them for the purposes of MLB The Show.

They have a plethora of young, controllable, high ceiling, power arms. & a top 10 farm system.

Pitching:

Harvey, deGrom, Wheeler, Syndergaard, Matz, Montero... (to go along with veterans Niese, Colon, Gee) Makes for the potential of a truly dominant starting rotation currently, and in the future.

The bullpen has young fire ballers in Mejia, Familia, & Black. With Parnell coming of TJ, the bullpen is likely one piece away from being a strength.

Hitters:

They also have a decent core of hitters w/ Wright, Duda, d'Arnaud, Granderson, & Lagares.. (To go along with stop gaps in Murphy, Flores*, Cuddyer) With top prospects on the horizon like Herrera, Nimmo, & Conforto to replace these guys, could be a fun, exciting, young core

Additions/GM Moves:

Having a youthful major league ballclub, with an excess of arms, and a top 10 farm system, you can get creative to make the leap to a playoff bound club.

One or two trades (Tulo!!, or maybe something like a Syndergaard for Addison Russell type swap). Or one major FA signing in the offseason like (JUpton, Heyward, A.Gordon, Desmond, or Cespedes) You could turn the Mets into a perennial playoff contender for several years.

Extras:

The ballpark is awesome, the jerseys are dope, they play on the biggest stage in NY, NL = No DH.

Overall they are an organization on the up swing. It would be fulfilling to take them from 6+ straight losing seasons, to a winning ballclub.
 


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