Megatron Answers Sports Questions

[Megatron]

Will the Pirates make the playoffs or atleast get a wild card spot this year? Seems like they might based off their first half of the season.

I'll say what I said a few days ago:

Over .500? I'd say they have a very strong chance. Division winner? Eh, it's tough to see them win 90 games (which is what it'd likely take) but should they make a few nice deadline additions for some bats - even if that means adding on some salary - they have an outside chance. I do like their pitching and James McDonald should've been in the All-Star game, or at least in the final vote.

So yeah, add some bats, keep consistent pitching, and stay away from the long losing streak.

 

[Alastor]

Michael Jordan
Tiger Woods
Manny Pacquiao
Michael Phelps
Usain Bolt
Lance Armstrong
David Beckham
Anna Kournikova

All of them are icons not only in their sports but icons in the world, and some are/were very popular/polarising in the eyes of many. Which of these contributed the most in generating interest in their sports and encouraging future generation to pick up their game?

 

[Skairipa Matrix]

Whos winning the All-Star game AL or NL?

Also do you think Matt Kemp competiting in the Home Run Derby while injured is a stupid and/or selfish decision since he could cause further injure himself or no sense the Dodgers gave him permission?

 

[Megatron]

Michael Jordan
Tiger Woods
Manny Pacquiao
Michael Phelps
Usain Bolt
Lance Armstrong
David Beckham
Anna Kournikova

All of them are icons not only in their sports but icons in the world, and some are/were very popular/polarising in the eyes of many. Which of these contributed the most in generating interest in their sports and encouraging future generation to pick up their game?

I'd say Tiger generated the most interest. He's still the games biggest draw and he is well past his prime. The other people listed either are famous in more niche sports (swimming, running, cycling) or weren't the first to generate interest in their game (Magic & Bird before MJ; Pele before Beckham).

Whos winning the All-Star game AL or NL?

Also do you think Matt Kemp competiting in the Home Run Derby while injured is a stupid and/or selfish decision since he could cause further injure himself or no sense the Dodgers gave him permission?

I'll say AL just because it's a crapshoot to predict and the Tigers are in the AL.

If he's fully healthy I have no problem with it. I assume he is healthy because he's already come out and said that he plans to come back their first game after the break. However if the Dodgers medical team is still concerned it'd be best for him to sit it out.

 

[Unsold Bacon]

If your a Lions fan why do you have a Patriots avatar?

 

[Megatron]

This site doesn't have a Lions avy and I do like Brady. The selection in sports ones is weak so this was the best option.

 

[Unsold Bacon]

I agree, more avatars in every catogories is probably needed.

Where will an NFL Team go first Los Angeles, Toronto or London? Probably LA but when do you think an NFL team will arrive in Toronto? Do you think there will ever be another expansion?

 

[justinsayne]

This forum does need more sports themed avatars, hopefully next time Sly & KB decide to add new avatars they'll throw a bunch of sports one in the mix.

What's your take on players signing long-term contracts worth big money (I consider anything longer that 5 yrs. to be long term), is it better or worse for teams/sports in general when players sign these long term big money contracts?

 

[Unsold Bacon]

Yes, it drives me crazy when all those players in the NHL get a 17 year contract.

 

[Megatron]

I agree, more avatars in every catogories is probably needed.

Where will an NFL Team go first Los Angeles, Toronto or London? Probably LA but when do you think an NFL team will arrive in Toronto? Do you think there will ever be another expansion?

London I don't think will ever be an ideal site because of the time differences and the issues with FA and such. Not to mention the players families wouldn't be capable of traveling as often there since it's such a distance.

Toronto I could only see if they moved someone like the Bills there (since they've had a few games before in Toronto) but I think they'll be more of a 1 game deal than a permanent team.

That leaves us with LA, which I think will land a team in the next 5 or so years. Who? I'm not sure. But I'd expect it to be someone that has a stadium lease running out and doesn't have much history

What's your take on players signing long-term contracts worth big money (I consider anything longer that 5 yrs. to be long term), is it better or worse for teams/sports in general when players sign these long term big money contracts?

It really depends when the player is signed. In the MLB a lot of teams offer many years to young players to buy out their arbitration years and keep them in their prime (teams like Tampa Bay and Kansas City I know have done this) while the players get their guaranteed money so if they blow out their arm tomorrow they still get paid. I like that. It assures the fans that this guy will be here for a long time and is committed to the team.

Once it reaches the 9 and 10 year deals to guys older than 30 though it's bad. Albert Pujols won't nearly be as productive when he's 35 than what he is now. Either frontload the contract so it doesn't hurt you when he's older and a tradable contract or don't allow as many years.

In general I'd say it's worse since a lot of the time the players don't have many prime years left when they sign it, but if it's done right (to young potential stars) I don't have a problem with it.

 

[Unsold Bacon]

London I don't think will ever be an ideal site because of the time differences and the issues with FA and such. Not to mention the players families wouldn't be capable of traveling as often there since it's such a distance.

Toronto I could only see if they moved someone like the Bills there (since they've had a few games before in Toronto) but I think they'll be more of a 1 game deal than a permanent team.

That leaves us with LA, which I think will land a team in the next 5 or so years. Who? I'm not sure. But I'd expect it to be someone that has a stadium lease running out and doesn't have much history

The Jags should really be the ones to move (sorry, Bearded One) for obvious reasons. But Shadid Khan said he had no intentions of moving them when he took over.

 

[Owen 3:16 says I just stole your Slammy!!]

That leaves us with LA, which I think will land a team in the next 5 or so years. Who? I'm not sure. But I'd expect it to be someone that has a stadium lease running out and doesn't have much history.

I think the Raiders are going to move back to LA. I think their lease in Oakland is up after '13 or '14 season. Marc Davis wants a new stadium and dont care what city its in. Also, it would make sense cause the Raiders are the only NFL team to win a Super Bowl representing LA. The Raiders also still have a huge fan base down there. As a Raider fan, I would love to see the move to LA.

 

[Skairipa Matrix]

Rumor has it the Pirates are in talks with the Padres for Carlos Quinten and in talks with the D-Backs for Justin Upton which outfielder would be a better pick up for the Pirates?

 

[Megatron]

Upton would be the better piece by far. You can build an offense around him and McCutchen. However, his price is also much steeper. For Pittsburgh it's going to be are they willing to deal multiple top prospects for a guy who has MVP potential. I personally would. Upton could be a gamechanger. While he's slumped this year, he's 24 and has immense potential.

I think Quentin is the more realistic option, but if I'm Pittsburgh, I'm trying for Upton and seeing what I'd have to give up.

 

[Skairipa Matrix]

Upton would be the better piece by far. You can build an offense around him and McCutchen. However, his price is also much steeper. For Pittsburgh it's going to be are they willing to deal multiple top prospects for a guy who has MVP potential. I personally would. Upton could be a gamechanger. While he's slumped this year, he's 24 and has immense potential.

I think Quentin is the more realistic option, but if I'm Pittsburgh, I'm trying for Upton and seeing what I'd have to give up.

Yeah I agree Upton is the better choice even in a slump hes hitting better then Quentin who last I saw didnt have a hit in atleast 7 games (when I had him on my fantasy baseball team I got sick of dealing with him sucking)

 

[Unsold Bacon]

I think the Raiders are going to move back to LA. I think their lease in Oakland is up after '13 or '14 season. Marc Davis wants a new stadium and dont care what city its in. Also, it would make sense cause the Raiders are the only NFL team to win a Super Bowl representing LA. The Raiders also still have a huge fan base down there. As a Raider fan, I would love to see the move to LA.

This. This makes just as much if not more sense than the Jags.

Still somewhere down the line I beg for a NFL team in Toronto.

 

[Harthan]

What do you think of the starting pitchers in the All-Star game?

To me, it's incredible disparity. Verlander for the AL was spot on, no doubt, couldn't have been anyone else. But Cain for the NL? He's great, sure, but they could have done a lot better. Now, look, I understand not pitching RA Dickey. Of the pitchers they chose, he deserved it (Greinke should have started, but he was ignored, of course). But, the knuckleball is a big risk with a catcher who doesn't catch it regularly, like Posey. But, you've got Strasburg and Gio on the roster. What the hell? Here, in order, are the remaining pitchers who should start before Cain. Gio Gonzalez, Stephen Strasburg, Johnny Cueto, and James McDonald. Two of whom were mega snubbed. Rather disappointing.

 

[Harthan]

And a second question. If you were handing out the standard round of awards for the first half, how would you decide?

Here's my ballot, for comparison. I've ignored pitchers for SS and GG, because nobody cares.

Spoiler

American League:

MVP - Mike Trout
ROTY - Mike Trout
Cy Young - Justin Verlander
Silver Sluggers:
C: Joe Mauer
1B: Paul Konerko
2B: Robinson Cano
SS: Asdrubal Cabrera
3B: Miguel Cabrera
OF: (They just give it to three, right? No LF/CF/RF) Mike Trout, Josh Hamilton, Austin Jackson
DH: David Ortiz
Gold Gloves:
C: Carlos Santana/Matt Wieters (tie)
1B: Mark Teixeira
2B: Robinson Cano
SS: Mike Aviles
3B: Miguel Cabrera (JK Brett Lawrie)
OF: Alex Gordon, Ichiro Suzuki, Mike Trout

National League:
MVP: Joey Votto
ROTY: Wade Miley
Cy Young: Zack Greinke
Silver Sluggers:
C: Carlos Ruiz
1B: Joey Votto
2B: Aaron Hill
SS: Ian Desmond
3B: David Wright
OF: Andrew McCutchen, Ryan Braun, Carloz Gonzalez

Gold Gloves:
C: Yadier Molina
1B: Joey Votto
2B: Brandon Philips
SS: Starlin Castro
3B: Chase Headley
OF: Michael Bourn, Jason Heyward, Martin Prado (All the same team...damn, right?)

 

[Megatron]

What do you think of the starting pitchers in the All-Star game?

To me, it's incredible disparity. Verlander for the AL was spot on, no doubt, couldn't have been anyone else. But Cain for the NL? He's great, sure, but they could have done a lot better. Now, look, I understand not pitching RA Dickey. Of the pitchers they chose, he deserved it (Greinke should have started, but he was ignored, of course). But, the knuckleball is a big risk with a catcher who doesn't catch it regularly, like Posey. But, you've got Strasburg and Gio on the roster. What the hell? Here, in order, are the remaining pitchers who should start before Cain. Gio Gonzalez, Stephen Strasburg, Johnny Cueto, and James McDonald. Two of whom were mega snubbed. Rather disappointing.

If I had a vote I would've went for Strasburg just because he's been as good as advertised and I think everyone would love to see a Verlander/Strasburg duel even for only an inning or two. However, I don't think picking Cain was an egregious snub. He's been very good himself and has a perfect game to his resume which many people will remember. Not my first choice, but an understandable one.

And a second question. If you were handing out the standard round of awards for the first half, how would you decide?

Here's my ballot, for comparison. I've ignored pitchers for SS and GG, because nobody cares.

Spoiler

American League:

MVP - Mike Trout
ROTY - Mike Trout
Cy Young - Justin Verlander
Silver Sluggers:
C: Joe Mauer
1B: Paul Konerko
2B: Robinson Cano
SS: Asdrubal Cabrera
3B: Miguel Cabrera
OF: (They just give it to three, right? No LF/CF/RF) Mike Trout, Josh Hamilton, Austin Jackson
DH: David Ortiz
Gold Gloves:
C: Carlos Santana/Matt Wieters (tie)
1B: Mark Teixeira
2B: Robinson Cano
SS: Mike Aviles
3B: Miguel Cabrera (JK Brett Lawrie)
OF: Alex Gordon, Ichiro Suzuki, Mike Trout

National League:
MVP: Joey Votto
ROTY: Wade Miley
Cy Young: Zack Greinke
Silver Sluggers:
C: Carlos Ruiz
1B: Joey Votto
2B: Aaron Hill
SS: Ian Desmond
3B: David Wright
OF: Andrew McCutchen, Ryan Braun, Carloz Gonzalez

Gold Gloves:
C: Yadier Molina
1B: Joey Votto
2B: Brandon Philips
SS: Starlin Castro
3B: Chase Headley
OF: Michael Bourn, Jason Heyward, Martin Prado (All the same team...damn, right?)

You have them pretty spot on aside from I'd have Brendan Ryan as the AL GG SS. Agree with all of your major awards as well.

 

[Alastor]

I'd say Tiger generated the most interest. He's still the games biggest draw and he is well past his prime. The other people listed either are famous in more niche sports (swimming, running, cycling) or weren't the first to generate interest in their game (Magic & Bird before MJ; Pele before Beckham).

But I would say golf is a rather niche sports too. Not being the first to generate interest doesn't mean they didn't contribute more to their popularity. I would think Beckham opened soccer far more to non-fans than Pele because of his lifestyle off the field. Jordan got fans outside of America to follow basketball with his dominance. (Everybody is a glory hunter when first introduced to a new sports ) But in terms of generating sponsorship and viewers, I guess your choice of Tiger Woods is the best one. He defined golf for many.

 

[The Bearded One]

The Jags should really be the ones to move (sorry, Bearded One) for obvious reasons.

What obvious reasons are there now? Or is the same ones that have been wrong for years?

 

[Harthan]

Did you enjoy the Home Run Derby?

 

[Megatron]

Did you enjoy the Home Run Derby?

Eh. I liked that Prince won, of course, but it really loses my attention after the first round. Goes on far too long. Cut a round out or change up the system. Or do something crazy like have a pitchers derby. Who wouldn't wanna see Sabathia and Zambrano out there mashing? I've seen Prince enough in a HR derby. Either shorten it up or change up the system. Maybe a points system. Idk, something needs to be changed though. Each year (aside from Hamilton's crazy 1st round year, when he didn't even win) seems the same.

 

[Skairipa Matrix]

Was this the worst all star game you ever saw?

 

[Jay Sherman]

Why is everyone who features Matt Stafford in there signature so handsome?