rjortiz

Very good post.

Not even close. The Marlins and Astros are substantially worse than the Cubs. They were always going to be bad in Years 1 and 2. Epstein inherited a pretty lousy team with a barren farm system and bad contracts. Epstein has rebuilt the farm system into a strength, and they'll only have $50 million in contracts going into 2014. They'll definitely be players for Ellsbury in the offseason. I don't think they're quite ready to compete in 2014, although they could come close if Rizzo and Castro have rebound years, but they're in much better shape than they were before Epstein took over.

I don't see us as massively behind any team in a playoff series right now. The Rays really only have one number one starter in David Price, and if Buchholz can give us 80% of what he was earlier in the year, he matches up well with him. Peavy, Lackey, Lester match up pretty well with Moore, Cobb, and Archer. The bullpens are also pretty even, but we have an advantage on offense. The Rangers have two great starters, but they'll struggle to score runs. I really don't see the A's as much as a threat. The only team that really worries me is Detroit, because they arguably have four pitchers that have pitched like number ones. However, they had the pitching advantage over San Francisco last year, and still got swept. Like the Giants, I think we have a deeper roster than they do, plus the ability to score in different ways. We also have a much better defense, and our high leverage relievers are better. I also think the downgrade from Iglesias from Peralta is being overlooked. That being said, the playoffs are just too hard to predict. I don't see a clear favorite in any league. Red Sox are +900 to win the whole thing. That looks like pretty good value to me. The Dodgers are +150, which is a total joke.

I don't see the similarity. The Red Sox offense will score more runs than the Orioles did, and they have a stronger rotation. The Orioles were insanely lucky last year to make the playoffs.

And this is based on your 14 years of expertise on the subject?

I think you mean, student loans will not cover the cost of tuition.

Oh, no! There's nothing worse than college kids receiving a free education. Truly the mark of a pathetic country.

No, because he's just a baseball player.

You're pathetic.

He's one of the guys right?

I guess I'm not as high on Workman. Although, he's been good so far. A 4.20 ERA wouldn't shock me.

Workman is a clear downgrade from Lester. I wouldn't break up the rotation during a championship window opening.

Mookie Betts is having a great year.

omg my team lost looks like i have to end my life this means so much to me

Really? And you have evidence for this statement?

Red Sox slight underdogs tonight at EVEN money. Dodgers at -110.

Why is everyone rooting for the Rays?

Red Sox slight underdogs tonight at EVEN money. Dodgers at -110.

You take this too seriously.

Does it really matter?

Skankees? Is that the best you got?

Yeah, I should have added that in my post. The prison system is obviously overcharging the taxpayers.

The article mentions that they factor the cost of staff salaries, fringe benefits, facility maintenance and capital expenditures into the cost of an inmate. Inmates usually sleep four to a cell, and are fed very poorly. I would guess the actual cost of an inmate is no more than $12,000. The rest goes to the prison system.

I think one of them said something about, "knoccing out 5 woods (white people) since Zimmerman trial." Kids were definitely racists.

If someone offered me straight up odds on the Red Sox just to qualify for the playoffs, I'd be a whole hell of a lot more than $100.