Sudden Impacts of the 2008 MLB Season

by Bodog Sportsbook | Apr 1 2008

Top 10 Things That Could Impact The 2008 MLB Season

1. A-Rod Re-signs
Oct. 29, 2007. Game 4 of the World Series is about to start and the big news is… A-Rod opts out of a 10 year, $252 million contract with the New York Yankees. He’s like Paris Hilton with a bat. Except with more money. Rodriguez resigned then re-signed with the Yankees for a paltry sum of $275 million over 10 years. Bet on A-Rod with Bodog Live as he starts to chase some of the ghosts out of Yankee stadium by trying to break their records.

2. Joe Torre Loves LA
There’s been five L.A. Dodgers managers in the last 10 years. There were only two, Tommy Lasorda and Walter Alston, who guided the legendary Dodgers for the previous 42 years. Time will tell if Joe Torre will be able to add to the storied history of this once proud franchise, but like an eye-patched action hero standing on a hilltop next to the American flag, holding an M16 with a mouthful of Viagra, Torre instantly inspires confidence and commands respect back in the Dodgers dugout. Look for the Dodgers to increase production and begin to start playing more intelligent baseball within a short period of time.

3. Angels in the Outfield
Torii Hunter signs with the <deep breath> LosAngelesAngelsofAnahiem. Owner Arte Moreno should demand some analysis on the previous year's free agent acquisition of Gary Matthews, Jr. His team wasted signed a $50 million contract last summer with CF Matthews, Jr. Did they forget? Nope. Matthews, Jr., like a Brett Ratner movie, was nowhere near as good as advertised. While they have now admitted the Matthews, Jr. contract was a mistake, this signing seals the deal as Hunter takes over and should improve the Angels by a few wins.

4. The Mitchell Report
On Dec. 13, 2007, a collection of Major League Baseball players ruined their jockey shorts. U.S. Senator George Mitchell’s 20-month investigation into the use of steroids and human growth hormones in the MLB was a huge event. The rats ratted, the fingers were pointed and the names have been named. The greatest problem facing the league now is how to rebuild a reputation that has been rebuilding since 1919. Eventually the fans will all come back, because the simple fact remains - they want to see homers. No matter how they get hit.



5. Barry Bonds is Homeless
He must have contracted leprosy, because no team will go near him. He could help a lot of small market teams get either some extra publicity or into the pennant race. Toronto, Oakland, or Tampa Bay could be a great fit for the guy with the most home runs* in history. Except for the fact that he brings with him some extra baggage. Baggage, like more security, more scrutiny and more questions. Questions about steroids. And with that – the juice just isn’t worth the squeeze - (groan inducing pun intended).

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6. Tigers Trade
The Detroit Tigers took a huge step towards getting over the hump this offseason by trading for 3B Miguel Cabrera. Opposing teams can no longer pitch around him because Detroit’s lineup is solid throughout. This could help elevate Cabrera as a Bodog Live betting option due to the fact that he will automatically take fewer walks than he was given last season.

7. Giant Signing
Aaron Rowand was signed by the San Francisco Giants for $60 million over five years. This is huge. Maybe even the smartest move this offseason. Not only can he drive in runs, but he should also give the Giants faithful someone to help them move on from Barry Bonds. Kind of like a rebound hitter. Then, when they’re ready, they can sign someone younger and prettier.

8. Sox Success
Re-signing Mike Lowell was crucial to the Red Sox's success this season. One of the best gloves at third base in the league, Lowell proved his worth last season when the team’s big guns started slumping early. (Yeah, we’re looking at you, Ortiz.) Keeping him, like the Cabrera trade, makes the rest of the team’s lineup stronger and increases the already high expectations (4/1) for another championship season.

9. The Brave One
With John Schuerholz moving on from his legendary career as a general manager, the Atlanta Braves see one of their Most Valuable Players move on. While he has moved within the organization to the role of team president, Schuerholz will be surely be missed in the coming offseasons as he was arguably the driving force behind 14-straight division titles in Atlanta.                                                                                           

10. RIP Yankee Stadium                  
“The House That Ruth Built” will have its last season played in 2008. It has become hallowed ground, not just in baseball, but also to the entire world of sports. Expect to give the Yankees a huge home field advantage this year as all of the players will want to say their goodbyes... by hitting homers.

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