Post by #1 Jays Fan on Mar 31, 2008 11:04:42 GMT -5
As video games become more and more realistic it is difficult to dismiss titles like MLB '08: The Show as viable prognosticators. Sports titles on the next gen systems allow unprecedented control over your favourite teams and players. So with that in mind, Sportsnet.ca made all the necessary adjustments on the Jays 2008 lineup and let the simulator decide if the Jays were able to make it back to the post-season.
The Show '08 for PS3 is a show piece in sports video gaming, and any hardcore baseball fan will burn the midnight oil trying to get his/her respective team in to the post-season. Franchise play aside, The Show also offers the opportunity to make yourself in the game and set out on what is called 'The Road to The Show' where you get a spring invite, try to impress, and then get the news on where your pro ball career will begin.
The Setup: Correctly predicting the action in '08 requires an attention to detail, so we made the very same electronic moves as the Jays made in reality this offseason, spring training included. So with Reed Johnson released, Scott Rolen and BJ Ryan placed on the inactive roster, Casey Janssen done for the season and ex-Jay Shannon Stewart acquired via free agency, the team mirrored the Opening Day roster. The only obstacle encountered was the unexplained AWOL status of catcher Rod Barajas, but we doubt (read: we hope) he will have a significant impact on the season outcome.
Opening Day: The most anticipated day of the new year for baseball fans deserves its own section, but the news is not good. On a chilly day in the Bronx, starter Roy Halladay lasted just 3.2 innings, surrendering seven runs on 10 hits. The Doc was victimized by an early home run from Alex Rodriguez, who finished the day with three RBI. However, the Jays rallied to tie the game behind home runs from Vernon Wells, Gregg Zaun and Alex Rios before reliever Scott Downs watched a Jason Giambi home run rattle off the third-deck facing in right field. The Yanks went on to win, 12-7.
Season tidbits: Without a contract, Alex Rios was a hot commodity on the trade market as the season opened. Impressed by Rios' Opening Day performance, the Yankees led all suitors. However, as the calendar dissolved from April to May, the Atlanta braves, Milwaukee Brewers and Minnesota Twins entered the sweepstakes.
After a 10-17 first month, general manager J.P Ricciardi was vocal in his pursuit of another quality arm, with Braves ace Tim Hudson and Indians workhorse Jake Westbrook churning the rumour mill. However, as in season's past, the July 31 deadline came and went with no player movement.
All-stars: The 2008 MLB All-Star game was played on July 15, 2008 at Yankee Stadium and included a pair of Blue Jay players. Dustin McGowan was voted midsummer classic starter thanks to a first-half record of 11-3 and a 2.42 ERA. Offseason acquisition David Eckstein was also named to the AL reserves after posting a .322 AVG, 43 RBI 10 SB.
Injuries: First off, we are not superstitious here at Sportsnet.ca. So with our conscience clear, we say the Jays season is more often than not defined by unfortunate injuries to key players at crucial times. Playstation3 spared the Jays the agony of bad timing in 2008, but injuries were still a major storyline. Starter Shaun Marcum suffered a fractured wrist in August, sidelining the right-hander for the remainder of the season.
The Show says: At 80-82, the Jays missed the playoffs for the sixth-straight year under Ricciardi. But the offseason brought new promise. Third in the AL East brings a three percent payroll increase and A.J. Burnett, who finished the year at 14-11, 3.81 ERA, shocked everyone by agreeing to a new five-year, $60 million contract. The club also kept trade bait Alex Rios (.257 AVG, 25 HR, 87 RBI) in town for five more years, at a price of $59 million.
However, slugger Frank Thomas, who posted team-high numbers in home runs (31) and RBI (101) turned down a one-year offer at $5.02 million. He is pondering retirement.
But on the upside, Sportsnet.ca created their own right-handed closer, R.J. Random, who will start the 2009 season at double-A with a big club time frame of 2010. Watch for him.
As for the rest of the league in 2008, a Subway World Series went to the Yankees in six games. The Tigers' Kenny Rogers (15 W, 2.94 ERA) won the Cy Young and Boston's Big Papi (43 HR, 133 RBI) collected MVP honours.
The Show '08 for PS3 is a show piece in sports video gaming, and any hardcore baseball fan will burn the midnight oil trying to get his/her respective team in to the post-season. Franchise play aside, The Show also offers the opportunity to make yourself in the game and set out on what is called 'The Road to The Show' where you get a spring invite, try to impress, and then get the news on where your pro ball career will begin.
The Setup: Correctly predicting the action in '08 requires an attention to detail, so we made the very same electronic moves as the Jays made in reality this offseason, spring training included. So with Reed Johnson released, Scott Rolen and BJ Ryan placed on the inactive roster, Casey Janssen done for the season and ex-Jay Shannon Stewart acquired via free agency, the team mirrored the Opening Day roster. The only obstacle encountered was the unexplained AWOL status of catcher Rod Barajas, but we doubt (read: we hope) he will have a significant impact on the season outcome.
Opening Day: The most anticipated day of the new year for baseball fans deserves its own section, but the news is not good. On a chilly day in the Bronx, starter Roy Halladay lasted just 3.2 innings, surrendering seven runs on 10 hits. The Doc was victimized by an early home run from Alex Rodriguez, who finished the day with three RBI. However, the Jays rallied to tie the game behind home runs from Vernon Wells, Gregg Zaun and Alex Rios before reliever Scott Downs watched a Jason Giambi home run rattle off the third-deck facing in right field. The Yanks went on to win, 12-7.
Season tidbits: Without a contract, Alex Rios was a hot commodity on the trade market as the season opened. Impressed by Rios' Opening Day performance, the Yankees led all suitors. However, as the calendar dissolved from April to May, the Atlanta braves, Milwaukee Brewers and Minnesota Twins entered the sweepstakes.
After a 10-17 first month, general manager J.P Ricciardi was vocal in his pursuit of another quality arm, with Braves ace Tim Hudson and Indians workhorse Jake Westbrook churning the rumour mill. However, as in season's past, the July 31 deadline came and went with no player movement.
All-stars: The 2008 MLB All-Star game was played on July 15, 2008 at Yankee Stadium and included a pair of Blue Jay players. Dustin McGowan was voted midsummer classic starter thanks to a first-half record of 11-3 and a 2.42 ERA. Offseason acquisition David Eckstein was also named to the AL reserves after posting a .322 AVG, 43 RBI 10 SB.
Injuries: First off, we are not superstitious here at Sportsnet.ca. So with our conscience clear, we say the Jays season is more often than not defined by unfortunate injuries to key players at crucial times. Playstation3 spared the Jays the agony of bad timing in 2008, but injuries were still a major storyline. Starter Shaun Marcum suffered a fractured wrist in August, sidelining the right-hander for the remainder of the season.
The Show says: At 80-82, the Jays missed the playoffs for the sixth-straight year under Ricciardi. But the offseason brought new promise. Third in the AL East brings a three percent payroll increase and A.J. Burnett, who finished the year at 14-11, 3.81 ERA, shocked everyone by agreeing to a new five-year, $60 million contract. The club also kept trade bait Alex Rios (.257 AVG, 25 HR, 87 RBI) in town for five more years, at a price of $59 million.
However, slugger Frank Thomas, who posted team-high numbers in home runs (31) and RBI (101) turned down a one-year offer at $5.02 million. He is pondering retirement.
But on the upside, Sportsnet.ca created their own right-handed closer, R.J. Random, who will start the 2009 season at double-A with a big club time frame of 2010. Watch for him.
As for the rest of the league in 2008, a Subway World Series went to the Yankees in six games. The Tigers' Kenny Rogers (15 W, 2.94 ERA) won the Cy Young and Boston's Big Papi (43 HR, 133 RBI) collected MVP honours.
