Another Staff Q&A Sunday. I must apologize for missing last week's Q&A. I blame Rob, to be quite honest. Well, that and the fact that I was totally out of it that weekend. This weekend I've just been plain out. Anyway, enough rambling. Q&A time!
#1. What do you think this Red Sox/Dodgers trade will mean for the rest of the AL East for the next 2-3 years? Will the Yankees remain onatopp of the East during that time?
Andrew
The Red Sox will still find a way to stay somewhat in contention and might even make a Wild Card appearance. They still have some good players that are capable of doing at least that. Despite claims of DOOM, it would be silly to not call the Yanks favorites.
Mark
It means that there will be less Josh Beckett, which is probably a good thing if you were tired of his face and forty seconds between pitches. John Lackey will have to do what he can to fill in. I would say that it's time for the Blue Jays to make a run, but it's called the American League for a reason.
Tanya
I think it will mean that the Red Sox will have plenty of money to spend that they wouldn't have otherwise, but I don't think it will really change whether or not the Yankees stay on top of the division or not.
Rob
I really like seeing the Red Sox down, but I think this will be a good deal for them a few years down the road. With a nice return of prospects, and financial flexibility, they'll be able to build while keeping they're spending in check.
I see the AL East as wide open moving forward. All the teams in the division are on the rise, and it will be that much harder for the Yankees to dominate as they have for the better part of the past two decades
I see the AL East as wide open moving forward. All the teams in the division are on the rise, and it will be that much harder for the Yankees to dominate as they have for the better part of the past two decades
Matt
It won't mean much. The Yankees will stay Onatopp of things and Boston will spend their newly freed up money on Sean Bean, who will die horrifically at the bottom of a flaming satellite dish
Greg
Nothing pleases me more than seeing the Red Sox in the gutter, where they belong. Still, it's a great trade for them. Getting rid of the laughable Crawford contract is pretty amazing. And if the Dodgers win the WS this year or next year, it's worth it for them.
#2. What do you think the Yankees rotation will look like next year? I mean players, not looks. Okay, I mean looks as well.
Andrew
CC/Hirok/Andy/Hughes/Nova. Pineda will join when he's healthy and replace whoever's injured/ineffective, with Phelps serving as another possible starter. I think Hirok will want to return since he's done so well, and Andy will want a last full season without injury. Perhaps he and Mo will both call it a career together with one last win/save combo in the '13 Fall Classic.
Mark
Large. With Michael Pineda, CC Sabathia, and Phil Hughes, it may be time to try to rerereclaim Bartolo Colon and Randy Johnson, The Big Unit.
Tanya
CC, Kuroda/Pettitte, Hughes, Pineda, Nova - If Kuroda and Pettitte both return, I think Nova is the odd man out.
Rob
Sabathia, Hughes, Nova, Pineda, (insert free agent, trade target, or nostalgic veteran here)
I have really high hopes for Pineda, and Phelps is still in the fold in the event he isn't ready for the start of the season. Who slots in behind Sabathia is the big question, and to be honest, I'm not sure what direction the club will move in. I wouldn't be opposed to another season of Kuroda, who has pitched extremely well in his first year in the AL.
Matt
Sexy, with a side of CC, Hirok, Nova, Hughes and a pitcher that is not Phelps.
Greg
They'll look rugged like lumberjacks. CC, Mechagodzilla, Pettitte, Hughes, and I don't know. Could be Nova or Pineda. I think it'll depend on Spring Training for those two at this point.
#3. Any brothers or sisters? Older or younger? Awesome relationship or are they hipster lame?
Andrew
I have a sister. She married an Australian. Your question should be answered by that.
Mark
I am the youngest of three brothers. By night, we are a secret force of vigilante justice that ensures our nation stays safe from the threat of wild bears.
Tanya
A younger brother. We aren't super close, but we get along pretty well most of the time.
Rob
I have a younger brother. He's great and I really love spending time with him whenever I can.
Matt
Nope. Only my evil twin Hugo, but I only hear from him when the vents rattle at night
Greg
An older brother. 11 years older. He has three kids. So yes, I am also Uncle Greg.
#4. Favorite Muppet Ever?
Andrew
The Count. Ah ah ah.
Mark
Dustin Pedroia.
Tanya
Beaker
Rob
Beaker... everyone should have an assistant to abuse.
Matt
'Murica
Greg
Animal. AN-I-MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!!
Current song stuck in your head?
Andrew
We Owned the Night- Lady Antebellum
Mark
Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves
Tanya
Some Nights by Fun
Rob
Sugarhill Gang- Apache
Matt
Muppets Bohemian Rhapsody
Greg