ACamp's MLB preseason preview
- Thread starter ACamp1900
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Rocket's Rocket Fan
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I like the sound of this. If there is one thing I like as much as Notre Dame its got to be Major League Baseball.
BDIrish4ever
GLB addict aka BDIrish79
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The anticipation is killing me!!
IrishRamMan10
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i hope i have a barf bag handy.... 
ACamp1900
Counting my ‘bet against ND’ winnings
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Here’s my predictions and breakdowns; they speak for themselves… Disagree all you want if you don’t like where I have your team, but going against perfection just makes you look silly
: I went with a few dilberately "different" picks that I felt have real logic behind them, besides where's the fun in falling in line with everyone else???
American League
West
1.) Los Angeles Angels- Hatcher’s Hackers added another free swinger with Torii Hunter. He is not the big bat (patient hitter) the Halos needed to win a world series and another post season fold may be in the cards. As far as the division goes they have a ton of Starting Pitching depth, the most depth and talent in the bullpen and almost too much depth in the field when compared to the rest of the division. I call for the Angels to win the west going away. The one move that may be in the cards that could make the Halos a legit World Series threat could be Khalil Greene being shipped up north from San Diego. The fact remains, without a big deal my Angels remain the big fish in the AL West and nothing more.
2.) Seattle Mariners- Improved on, but by how much? The starting rotation looks fabulous if the core five can stay healthy, aside from that the rest of the team is average across the board. The loss of George Sherrill may be felt more than the addition of Eric Bedard. I really like the Carlos Silva addition and Jarrod Washburn is a former number one who now has zero pressure in the four spot and that could be a recipe for big things from the starting staff.
3.) Oakland A’s- I call for the A’s to have a better year than most predictions I have seen. The bullpen is still great (if Street can stay healthy), and the starting rotation headed by Blanton and Harden is quite nice on paper. We are all starting to realize what Bobby Crosby is, an above average power hitter with holes in the rest of his game. Eric Chavez is a hall of fame caliber defensive third basemen who must rebound from a horrid year last year if the A’s are going to have a prayer, I believe he will. Look for Daric Barton to make a name for himself as the everyday first baseman. Bottom line is this; we have seen this twice before in the Money Ball era, both times the A’s stunned everyone and stayed in contention. The numbers look worse now than ever, but I'm buying on the track record alone.
4.) Texas Rangers- Ben Broussard is no Mark Teixeria, no matter how down of a year the former Georgia Tech standout had last season. The weight that now sits on Young and Blalock to carry the team offensively is pretty large. Fact is any team that is relying on Kevin Millwood and Vicente Padilla to lead a staff in a hitter’s park is most likely in for a long year.
Central
1.) Detroit Tigers- Duh. As good as this division is the Tigers look too good to even consider anyone else the favorite. The model they have displayed in the last five to ten years for turning around a dead last ball club in so good the Nationals, Reds, Royals and others have all but verbally stated they are molding their current teams after it. The offense is sick, the starters are serviceable at worst and the bullpen, while having no true studs, is fairly deep. Also one must remember if there is one team that can get away with a serviceable pitching staff in the American League its Detroit in that beautiful odd school pitchers park. One wild card with the Tigers will be Inge, plenty of pitching rich teams need a true third baseman (Angels come to mind). Put him in a hitter’s park and watch his numbers explode while the Cats get a starter for the long haul. Plain and simple, only a slue of injuries can stop them from going deep into October, or maybe, just maybe the…
2.) Cleveland Indians- The only legit threat to the Tigers comes from Cleveland. The number one problem that jumps out is the C.C. Sabathia contract situation. Watch as it negatively affects the team and Sabathia’s numbers. The rest of the rotation is nice. Carmona could be a future number one, Paul Byrd is the David Eckstein of pitchers in that he doesn’t have the stuff but man he gets the job done, a true asset to any pitching staff. I’m not sure if I like their depth as in the lineup as much as other A.L. contenders and that could hurt them if the injury bug hits even slightly. Sizemore looks like he may explode into one of the games true premiere players while Hafner will continue with his power numbers. The key be found with the trio of Blake, Peralta and Garko. If those three can continue to build on the RBI totals or at least continue them from last year, the Indians may make a run. Another factor early could be in the possibility of an aftereffect from giving away the AL crown last October.
3.) Minnesota Twins- Here we go, the first in a long line of “what?!” my predictions may bring about. Hunter is a stud, and Santana is the best lefty in the game today, both huge loses. Folks, this team still has a bunch of talent. Last year’s reining MVP, the best catcher in the game, a pitching staff loaded with young talent and a bull pen that still looks darn good on paper. Delmon Young may make up for the loss in offensive production from Hunter now that Young has a home like “The Homer Dome.” The twins won’t contend into September but they will have a nice year to build on.
4.) Chicago White Sox- Man, what happened to that rotation?? The starting staff that led to pale hose to the world title just a few years ago looks nothing like it did. The only factor that may help heel that wound is the fact that the bullpen is still anchored by Bobby Jenks. One of many players throughout the league who is going to love his new surroundings is Nick Swisher; look for him to have a big year. The only hope the Sox have is Buehrle turns it around from last year and the rotation finds a gem or two this year from aging Contreras or youngsters Floyd and Danks.
5.) K.C. Royals- It may look the same as always with the Royals in the cellar but the presence of one thing makes this year different- hope. The entire team across the board can be summed up as ‘nice’. The mix of youth like Gordon and vets like Grudzielanek make for a ‘nice’ core group. The farm system looks ‘nice’. One thing can not be said anymore, and that is the Royals don’t even try. They are trying and they are starting to turn it around, though it’ll be a year or two before they get out of the cellar.
East
1.) Toronto Blue Jays- Before you cream at the monitor in disbelief consider this… nothing lasts forever. The Yankee and Red Sox strangle on this division is no different, it will end sometime. This looks like the perfect year from my view. The Jays are loaded with players who are coming off of down years respectively. I have little doubt that Wells and Eckstein especially will turn it around and look more like themselves this season, although Eck may have to see some time at second to make this happen. The top of the rotation is wicked scary and the bullpen is solid at worst. The true key here of course when you are talking Toronto is health, if the big guns stay healthy look out. If they fall victim once again, it’ll be another year where N.Y. or N.E. finish first.
2.) New York Yankees- The rotation really worries me, a lot. Where Chamberlain ends up could be a huge, huge decision. I personally like him in the bullpen where stability is needed now even with the rotation worries. The line up reminds me of Toronto in that there are a few big names that didn’t live up to their own billing last year... Look for Giambi to rebound from a horrible year last year and put up numbers somewhere in between what he did last year and what he is generally likened to. Jorge Posada is a beast of a man who simply does not stop hitting for a catcher, I can’t figure it out, and this may be the year he finally slows down at the plate. I also have a childhood friend who played for Girardi in Miami and I was told that Girardi was a total superstar manager, in that he hardly if ever addressed the “other players” on the team aside from Willis and Cabrera. That attitude might actually work wonders in New York with a bunch of big name vets. All things considered the foundation for the Empire seemed to crack a bit, the ownership shift seems to have righted the madness a tad but it’ll take a few years before the Yanks can truly build upon their youth and become the Yankees again.
3.) Boston Red Sox- okay, stop! Now before you Sox fans get into a rage and try looking up some internet posters address so you can bomb his house simply because he darned pick the Sox to finish third on some website just take a deep breath and listen. The Sox across the board, meaning starting staff, lineup and bullpen, were a team that saw many of their key players have career years. Becket, Youk, Lowell, Okajima, Pap with a sub 2 E.R.A., and so forth. Ask the 2003 Angels, last year’s Tigers and a number of other teams from the last ten years who rode a one year wave filled with career highs if you can expect that again. The lineup is very strong but do not expect KY, Pedroia and Lowell to duplicate what they did last year. Manny and Veritek are starting to show their age. The staff is my biggest concern. The rotation as a whole is filled with one of two things; injury prone veterans or pitchers who have yet to prove themselves at the big league level. The bullpen also had a near perfect year, many of their stars in the pen will continue to shine, but can anyone expect them to be near perfect two years in a row? The AL East will be a close race all year in the top three; I simply see two good to great teams that show all the sings of slipping and one team that shows all the signs of a bounce back year.
4.) Tampa Bay Rays- No team has more good to great young talent in my eyes than the Rays. The line up is good enough to be right up there with Boston and New York if healthy, maybe even better than both. The problem lies in the pitching. The bullpen is horrid on paper and is relying on… wait for it… Troy Percival as its best option for closer. Five years ago that would be a good thing, today not so much. Kazmir is legit when healthy, but already he is getting his now seemingly Kerry Wood like sting.
5.) Baltimore Orioles- They are finally rebuilding, problem is they have nothing to currently build upon. It’ll be a long time before the O’s make it out of the AL East cellar. Simply put, they are the worst team in baseball on paper, and should be so in the standings as well.
National League
West
1.) Arizona Diamondbacks- Look at their rotation for a second and consider the fact that those pitchers are in the NL West… that’s scary. Then look at their bullpen, it too is scary, in a bad way. The key factor with the snakes is the offense, for a playoff team last year the run production was awful. Byrnes is a constant spark plug and the young bats around him will start feeding off him more. I would look for the bats to wake up this year and for the D Backs to ride their starting pitching to another NL West title, but this time it will be a bit easier.
2.) Los Angeles Dodgers- The rotation is nice but must stay healthy and that is something those pitchers have not been for a full season since ever. The bullpen is highly underrated in my opinion and is among the best in the game. I’m not sure if L.A. was the right place to go for Andruw Jones in quest of a return to form season. Still, the mix of proven vets in the lineup looks real promising on paper. How they respond if at all to Torre could make all the difference regarding the postseason. The Dodgers should stay in contention late but as has been the trend in recent years they’ll fail to make the playoffs. Russell Martin is the best catcher that most have never heard of.
3.) Colorado Rockies- Some people are already calling them a fluke. Sorry, but there is no such thing as a fluke in a 162 game season plus playoffs. The problem in my mind is the letdown effect and the pitching. They still fail to have a true ace. The bullpen is really, really good but no matter how good a bullpen is it is hard to rely on relievers in a park like Coors. You need some innings eaters within the starting staff and I do not see any past Jeff Francis. The good news is the offense is going to continue to light up the score board despite the aging of future hall of famer Todd Helton. The Rockies could return to the postseason but the division is so close 2-4 it may be a crap shoot.
4.) San Diego Padres- Great staff, not so great bats. I love Khalil Greene but after that you have to wonder where they improved anywhere in their lineup. I also wonder what Hoffman has left in the tank, and after that the bullpen doesn’t look as strong as it has in recent years. The one constant of course is Peavy who if healthy will be at the top of the Cy Young list again this year. After Peavy the rotation remains strong if not great. That alone will keep the Fryers in the race, if it doesn’t look for the Greene trades talks to heat up again, and he could be the most important trade deadline move of the season.
5.) San Francisco Giants- Life after Bonds is going to start in tumultuous times for the Giants. The staff is decent but that may be the only bright spot. Here’s the gist of the Giants situation, and let this sink in for a moment… their clean up hitter may actually be Bengie Molina. Molina is one of the best defensive catchers in the game but seriously. Los Gigantes must rebuild from within for the future but the powers that be don’t seem to have much interest currently. I personally wonder if the ownership hasn’t gotten a case of the Wrigley Syndrome where management sits back and watches money flow in from the park alone while the team and fans suffer through loses. The Giants can be summed up as the Baltimore Orioles of the National League.
Central
1.) Chicago Cubs- Happy Anniversary Cubs fans!!! It’s been 100 long years since last you’ve known victory. What a story a World Championship would make and it just may happen too. From what little I have seen from Fukudome I can say Kaz Matsui he is not and should provide some real punch. The corners are simple the best in baseball and I expect fully to see the rest of the offense follow the two big guns lead. The starting rotation is top heavy but you can get away with that in the NL Central. What could end up being the most interesting story of the year may be Kerry Wood developing into a closer, if that pays off for the Cubbies look out. In this division the Cubs should be destined for the postseason for a second straight year.
2.) Milwaukee Brewers- Here’s your situation if you're a Brewer fan; your team collapses last season behind poor performances from your bullpen and here is your GM’s mighty answer… Eric Gagne and Guillermo Mota. Six years ago that would have made the Brew Crew world champions. The problem is someone must have forgotten to tell Doug Melvin he is living in the year 2008. The lineup looks really strong but I can’t see Fielder duplicating what he did last year. This is a tem that has been on the rise for a few years now and aside from the bullpen all the pieces seem to be in place. Unlike last year when the division seemed to be wide open, this is a two horse race and I’m not sure the Brewers have the experience to hang with the Cubs in the long run. Although if they do, I wouldn’t be exactly stunned.
3.) Cincinnati Reds- Yep you read that right. The Reds have been building from within while adding some veteran presence for a few years now and it may start to finally pay off this year. Only in this division could you put this team this high. Even so the fact remains, I love this Rotation in the NL and the lineup looks poised to put up some really big numbers. The veteran filled bullpen is the only troublesome spot for me, especially in that ballpark. I will say this, the Reds are slowly following in Detroit’s footsteps and the change in management and at the GM position to two of the games biggest names can’t hurt. It seems as though it won’t be long before Cincy has a winner again.
4.) Houston Astros- A lot about this team makes me wince. The Tejada situation, Matsui and second, Wiggington at the hot corner, the health of the starters… Even so, that bullpen looks really good. I wouldn’t expect Berkman to drop 35 and 100+ again this season but he’ll still have numbers. The one real problem may be found in team chemistry, in looking over team rosters this year no team came close to having as many changes to it as the ‘Stros, That usually is not a good thing. Still the fact remains they are in the NL Central, and with a bullpen like that they could surprise some people. I would consider them an outside threat under optimum circumstances.
5.) St Louis Cardinals- This one hurts me deep. I grew up an Angel fan in the AL and a Cards fan in the NL. This team looks so bad in the starting rotation I actually asked myself if I should put the Pirates in the fifth spot. The bullpen is good but they’ll be worn out by mid season. The lineup actually looks a lot better than most people want to give it credit for and there is always Big Albert to deal with in the middle. I wonder how Ankiel will hold up in center and seriously, who the heck is Skip Schumaker? Adam Kennedy must bounce back to form from a dismal 07 if the cards are looking to make a push. All in all is really seems as though Jocketty took some of the luster out the door with him.
6.) Pittsburgh Pirates- Good news? They have the nicest ballpark in the majors. Bad News? They are the only team I can honestly say has not tired to win in any regard in the last 15 years. That attitude has gotten them no where and sadly it doesn’t look to be changing anytime in the near future. Mark Cuban anyone????
East
1.) Atlanta Braves- The Braves offense is simply sexy. They should be solid defensively too. The rotation is proven if not young and the bullpen looks really good, although I wonder who will emerge as the closer. Of course the key to the team’s success will be Smoltz and Glavine. If they can keep it up the Braves will go a long way. Even if they don’t the offense should carry the Braves into contention late into September. My super sexy pick of the year is for Jeff Francoeur to become more and more patient with the bat, up his power numbers, continue to dominate defensively and earn the NL MVP while leading the Braves to the promise land. It’s going to feel like the good old days in Dixie with Smoltz, Glavine and the Braves in the World Series.
2.) Philadelphia Phillies- Close call for second here, but I’m taking the Phils youth and talent over the Mets age and contracts. What is not to love about Ryan Howard? He’s a beast on the field, he’s American, and he’s humble with a great smile. The guy is the poster child of the new generation good guy “anti-Bonds” superstar. (The same can be said about Vlad Guerrero, David Wright, Travis Hafner and others, I love this new crop) The rest of the lineup is loaded with young blossoming talent. Cole Hamels is indeed the real thing but after that the rotation is simply serviceable. The bullpen may become a problem and the Phils may need to make a deal for the stretch run if they want to go deep into October.
3.) New York Mets- Everyone jumped on the Metropolitans band wagon after the Santana deal and that deal may very well land the Mets a title, but I personally want to see it first before I jump off the cliff. Santana is the best lefty of the last 20 years not named Johnson and that deal gives the Mets a much needed front end stopper. Jose Reyes and David Wright make up the best left side in the game BY FAR. After that any other contributor is old, older or overrated. I simply don’t see Alou, Delgado, Perez, Pedro, Beltran, Church and the others to fall in line with the example that will be set by the big three of Reyes, Wright and Santana. The one constant that should keep pace is Wagner; captain automatic may be the key for the Mets to avoid another disappointing end to the season. Another factor is what effect last year’s epic collapse will have on the team if any. The fact with the NL East is this, you have three very good teams at the top and anyone could walk away with it if they get hot and the other two stumble. I just don’t see that happening.
4.) Washington Nationals- When the current ownership bought the Nats they had the worst farm system in baseball and nearly nothing to build upon. In a couple short years the Ownership team has built a park that is already being called to nicest watch in baseball and completely turned around the Nationals future from within. The once laughed at farm system is the fastest growing in the league. Sometimes you can just feel the culture of a franchise shift. I personally felt it in Cleveland in 93, I felt it in Anaheim in 01, I felt it in Detroit and Milwaukee a few years back, and I am really feeling it in Washington. It won’t be a quick fix but the Nationals are putting together a recipe that could have them a league wide power within four to five years.
5.) Florida Marlins- Hanley Ramirez is the real deal, Fish fans must hope he stays in town. Another Florida one year run to glory could be centered on him in a few years. The rest of the team is far too young but there is a lot of hope for the future. The Marlins have mastered the plan of build within, sign vets when the time is right and try to win big all at once before blowing it up. They seem to be in the first year of a real nice start to that plan this year. We’ll have to see how the youth develops before we crown them 2012 Champions and 2013 cellar dwellers.
A.L. MVP- Vernon Wells
A.L. Cy Young- John Lackey
A.L. Champion- Detroit Tigers
N.L. MVP- Jeff Francoeur
N.L. Cy Young- Brandon Webb
N.L. Champion- Atlanta Braves
World Series Champion- Atlanta Braves
: I went with a few dilberately "different" picks that I felt have real logic behind them, besides where's the fun in falling in line with everyone else???
American League
West
1.) Los Angeles Angels- Hatcher’s Hackers added another free swinger with Torii Hunter. He is not the big bat (patient hitter) the Halos needed to win a world series and another post season fold may be in the cards. As far as the division goes they have a ton of Starting Pitching depth, the most depth and talent in the bullpen and almost too much depth in the field when compared to the rest of the division. I call for the Angels to win the west going away. The one move that may be in the cards that could make the Halos a legit World Series threat could be Khalil Greene being shipped up north from San Diego. The fact remains, without a big deal my Angels remain the big fish in the AL West and nothing more.
2.) Seattle Mariners- Improved on, but by how much? The starting rotation looks fabulous if the core five can stay healthy, aside from that the rest of the team is average across the board. The loss of George Sherrill may be felt more than the addition of Eric Bedard. I really like the Carlos Silva addition and Jarrod Washburn is a former number one who now has zero pressure in the four spot and that could be a recipe for big things from the starting staff.
3.) Oakland A’s- I call for the A’s to have a better year than most predictions I have seen. The bullpen is still great (if Street can stay healthy), and the starting rotation headed by Blanton and Harden is quite nice on paper. We are all starting to realize what Bobby Crosby is, an above average power hitter with holes in the rest of his game. Eric Chavez is a hall of fame caliber defensive third basemen who must rebound from a horrid year last year if the A’s are going to have a prayer, I believe he will. Look for Daric Barton to make a name for himself as the everyday first baseman. Bottom line is this; we have seen this twice before in the Money Ball era, both times the A’s stunned everyone and stayed in contention. The numbers look worse now than ever, but I'm buying on the track record alone.
4.) Texas Rangers- Ben Broussard is no Mark Teixeria, no matter how down of a year the former Georgia Tech standout had last season. The weight that now sits on Young and Blalock to carry the team offensively is pretty large. Fact is any team that is relying on Kevin Millwood and Vicente Padilla to lead a staff in a hitter’s park is most likely in for a long year.
Central
1.) Detroit Tigers- Duh. As good as this division is the Tigers look too good to even consider anyone else the favorite. The model they have displayed in the last five to ten years for turning around a dead last ball club in so good the Nationals, Reds, Royals and others have all but verbally stated they are molding their current teams after it. The offense is sick, the starters are serviceable at worst and the bullpen, while having no true studs, is fairly deep. Also one must remember if there is one team that can get away with a serviceable pitching staff in the American League its Detroit in that beautiful odd school pitchers park. One wild card with the Tigers will be Inge, plenty of pitching rich teams need a true third baseman (Angels come to mind). Put him in a hitter’s park and watch his numbers explode while the Cats get a starter for the long haul. Plain and simple, only a slue of injuries can stop them from going deep into October, or maybe, just maybe the…
2.) Cleveland Indians- The only legit threat to the Tigers comes from Cleveland. The number one problem that jumps out is the C.C. Sabathia contract situation. Watch as it negatively affects the team and Sabathia’s numbers. The rest of the rotation is nice. Carmona could be a future number one, Paul Byrd is the David Eckstein of pitchers in that he doesn’t have the stuff but man he gets the job done, a true asset to any pitching staff. I’m not sure if I like their depth as in the lineup as much as other A.L. contenders and that could hurt them if the injury bug hits even slightly. Sizemore looks like he may explode into one of the games true premiere players while Hafner will continue with his power numbers. The key be found with the trio of Blake, Peralta and Garko. If those three can continue to build on the RBI totals or at least continue them from last year, the Indians may make a run. Another factor early could be in the possibility of an aftereffect from giving away the AL crown last October.
3.) Minnesota Twins- Here we go, the first in a long line of “what?!” my predictions may bring about. Hunter is a stud, and Santana is the best lefty in the game today, both huge loses. Folks, this team still has a bunch of talent. Last year’s reining MVP, the best catcher in the game, a pitching staff loaded with young talent and a bull pen that still looks darn good on paper. Delmon Young may make up for the loss in offensive production from Hunter now that Young has a home like “The Homer Dome.” The twins won’t contend into September but they will have a nice year to build on.
4.) Chicago White Sox- Man, what happened to that rotation?? The starting staff that led to pale hose to the world title just a few years ago looks nothing like it did. The only factor that may help heel that wound is the fact that the bullpen is still anchored by Bobby Jenks. One of many players throughout the league who is going to love his new surroundings is Nick Swisher; look for him to have a big year. The only hope the Sox have is Buehrle turns it around from last year and the rotation finds a gem or two this year from aging Contreras or youngsters Floyd and Danks.
5.) K.C. Royals- It may look the same as always with the Royals in the cellar but the presence of one thing makes this year different- hope. The entire team across the board can be summed up as ‘nice’. The mix of youth like Gordon and vets like Grudzielanek make for a ‘nice’ core group. The farm system looks ‘nice’. One thing can not be said anymore, and that is the Royals don’t even try. They are trying and they are starting to turn it around, though it’ll be a year or two before they get out of the cellar.
East
1.) Toronto Blue Jays- Before you cream at the monitor in disbelief consider this… nothing lasts forever. The Yankee and Red Sox strangle on this division is no different, it will end sometime. This looks like the perfect year from my view. The Jays are loaded with players who are coming off of down years respectively. I have little doubt that Wells and Eckstein especially will turn it around and look more like themselves this season, although Eck may have to see some time at second to make this happen. The top of the rotation is wicked scary and the bullpen is solid at worst. The true key here of course when you are talking Toronto is health, if the big guns stay healthy look out. If they fall victim once again, it’ll be another year where N.Y. or N.E. finish first.
2.) New York Yankees- The rotation really worries me, a lot. Where Chamberlain ends up could be a huge, huge decision. I personally like him in the bullpen where stability is needed now even with the rotation worries. The line up reminds me of Toronto in that there are a few big names that didn’t live up to their own billing last year... Look for Giambi to rebound from a horrible year last year and put up numbers somewhere in between what he did last year and what he is generally likened to. Jorge Posada is a beast of a man who simply does not stop hitting for a catcher, I can’t figure it out, and this may be the year he finally slows down at the plate. I also have a childhood friend who played for Girardi in Miami and I was told that Girardi was a total superstar manager, in that he hardly if ever addressed the “other players” on the team aside from Willis and Cabrera. That attitude might actually work wonders in New York with a bunch of big name vets. All things considered the foundation for the Empire seemed to crack a bit, the ownership shift seems to have righted the madness a tad but it’ll take a few years before the Yanks can truly build upon their youth and become the Yankees again.
3.) Boston Red Sox- okay, stop! Now before you Sox fans get into a rage and try looking up some internet posters address so you can bomb his house simply because he darned pick the Sox to finish third on some website just take a deep breath and listen. The Sox across the board, meaning starting staff, lineup and bullpen, were a team that saw many of their key players have career years. Becket, Youk, Lowell, Okajima, Pap with a sub 2 E.R.A., and so forth. Ask the 2003 Angels, last year’s Tigers and a number of other teams from the last ten years who rode a one year wave filled with career highs if you can expect that again. The lineup is very strong but do not expect KY, Pedroia and Lowell to duplicate what they did last year. Manny and Veritek are starting to show their age. The staff is my biggest concern. The rotation as a whole is filled with one of two things; injury prone veterans or pitchers who have yet to prove themselves at the big league level. The bullpen also had a near perfect year, many of their stars in the pen will continue to shine, but can anyone expect them to be near perfect two years in a row? The AL East will be a close race all year in the top three; I simply see two good to great teams that show all the sings of slipping and one team that shows all the signs of a bounce back year.
4.) Tampa Bay Rays- No team has more good to great young talent in my eyes than the Rays. The line up is good enough to be right up there with Boston and New York if healthy, maybe even better than both. The problem lies in the pitching. The bullpen is horrid on paper and is relying on… wait for it… Troy Percival as its best option for closer. Five years ago that would be a good thing, today not so much. Kazmir is legit when healthy, but already he is getting his now seemingly Kerry Wood like sting.
5.) Baltimore Orioles- They are finally rebuilding, problem is they have nothing to currently build upon. It’ll be a long time before the O’s make it out of the AL East cellar. Simply put, they are the worst team in baseball on paper, and should be so in the standings as well.
National League
West
1.) Arizona Diamondbacks- Look at their rotation for a second and consider the fact that those pitchers are in the NL West… that’s scary. Then look at their bullpen, it too is scary, in a bad way. The key factor with the snakes is the offense, for a playoff team last year the run production was awful. Byrnes is a constant spark plug and the young bats around him will start feeding off him more. I would look for the bats to wake up this year and for the D Backs to ride their starting pitching to another NL West title, but this time it will be a bit easier.
2.) Los Angeles Dodgers- The rotation is nice but must stay healthy and that is something those pitchers have not been for a full season since ever. The bullpen is highly underrated in my opinion and is among the best in the game. I’m not sure if L.A. was the right place to go for Andruw Jones in quest of a return to form season. Still, the mix of proven vets in the lineup looks real promising on paper. How they respond if at all to Torre could make all the difference regarding the postseason. The Dodgers should stay in contention late but as has been the trend in recent years they’ll fail to make the playoffs. Russell Martin is the best catcher that most have never heard of.
3.) Colorado Rockies- Some people are already calling them a fluke. Sorry, but there is no such thing as a fluke in a 162 game season plus playoffs. The problem in my mind is the letdown effect and the pitching. They still fail to have a true ace. The bullpen is really, really good but no matter how good a bullpen is it is hard to rely on relievers in a park like Coors. You need some innings eaters within the starting staff and I do not see any past Jeff Francis. The good news is the offense is going to continue to light up the score board despite the aging of future hall of famer Todd Helton. The Rockies could return to the postseason but the division is so close 2-4 it may be a crap shoot.
4.) San Diego Padres- Great staff, not so great bats. I love Khalil Greene but after that you have to wonder where they improved anywhere in their lineup. I also wonder what Hoffman has left in the tank, and after that the bullpen doesn’t look as strong as it has in recent years. The one constant of course is Peavy who if healthy will be at the top of the Cy Young list again this year. After Peavy the rotation remains strong if not great. That alone will keep the Fryers in the race, if it doesn’t look for the Greene trades talks to heat up again, and he could be the most important trade deadline move of the season.
5.) San Francisco Giants- Life after Bonds is going to start in tumultuous times for the Giants. The staff is decent but that may be the only bright spot. Here’s the gist of the Giants situation, and let this sink in for a moment… their clean up hitter may actually be Bengie Molina. Molina is one of the best defensive catchers in the game but seriously. Los Gigantes must rebuild from within for the future but the powers that be don’t seem to have much interest currently. I personally wonder if the ownership hasn’t gotten a case of the Wrigley Syndrome where management sits back and watches money flow in from the park alone while the team and fans suffer through loses. The Giants can be summed up as the Baltimore Orioles of the National League.
Central
1.) Chicago Cubs- Happy Anniversary Cubs fans!!! It’s been 100 long years since last you’ve known victory. What a story a World Championship would make and it just may happen too. From what little I have seen from Fukudome I can say Kaz Matsui he is not and should provide some real punch. The corners are simple the best in baseball and I expect fully to see the rest of the offense follow the two big guns lead. The starting rotation is top heavy but you can get away with that in the NL Central. What could end up being the most interesting story of the year may be Kerry Wood developing into a closer, if that pays off for the Cubbies look out. In this division the Cubs should be destined for the postseason for a second straight year.
2.) Milwaukee Brewers- Here’s your situation if you're a Brewer fan; your team collapses last season behind poor performances from your bullpen and here is your GM’s mighty answer… Eric Gagne and Guillermo Mota. Six years ago that would have made the Brew Crew world champions. The problem is someone must have forgotten to tell Doug Melvin he is living in the year 2008. The lineup looks really strong but I can’t see Fielder duplicating what he did last year. This is a tem that has been on the rise for a few years now and aside from the bullpen all the pieces seem to be in place. Unlike last year when the division seemed to be wide open, this is a two horse race and I’m not sure the Brewers have the experience to hang with the Cubs in the long run. Although if they do, I wouldn’t be exactly stunned.
3.) Cincinnati Reds- Yep you read that right. The Reds have been building from within while adding some veteran presence for a few years now and it may start to finally pay off this year. Only in this division could you put this team this high. Even so the fact remains, I love this Rotation in the NL and the lineup looks poised to put up some really big numbers. The veteran filled bullpen is the only troublesome spot for me, especially in that ballpark. I will say this, the Reds are slowly following in Detroit’s footsteps and the change in management and at the GM position to two of the games biggest names can’t hurt. It seems as though it won’t be long before Cincy has a winner again.
4.) Houston Astros- A lot about this team makes me wince. The Tejada situation, Matsui and second, Wiggington at the hot corner, the health of the starters… Even so, that bullpen looks really good. I wouldn’t expect Berkman to drop 35 and 100+ again this season but he’ll still have numbers. The one real problem may be found in team chemistry, in looking over team rosters this year no team came close to having as many changes to it as the ‘Stros, That usually is not a good thing. Still the fact remains they are in the NL Central, and with a bullpen like that they could surprise some people. I would consider them an outside threat under optimum circumstances.
5.) St Louis Cardinals- This one hurts me deep. I grew up an Angel fan in the AL and a Cards fan in the NL. This team looks so bad in the starting rotation I actually asked myself if I should put the Pirates in the fifth spot. The bullpen is good but they’ll be worn out by mid season. The lineup actually looks a lot better than most people want to give it credit for and there is always Big Albert to deal with in the middle. I wonder how Ankiel will hold up in center and seriously, who the heck is Skip Schumaker? Adam Kennedy must bounce back to form from a dismal 07 if the cards are looking to make a push. All in all is really seems as though Jocketty took some of the luster out the door with him.
6.) Pittsburgh Pirates- Good news? They have the nicest ballpark in the majors. Bad News? They are the only team I can honestly say has not tired to win in any regard in the last 15 years. That attitude has gotten them no where and sadly it doesn’t look to be changing anytime in the near future. Mark Cuban anyone????
East
1.) Atlanta Braves- The Braves offense is simply sexy. They should be solid defensively too. The rotation is proven if not young and the bullpen looks really good, although I wonder who will emerge as the closer. Of course the key to the team’s success will be Smoltz and Glavine. If they can keep it up the Braves will go a long way. Even if they don’t the offense should carry the Braves into contention late into September. My super sexy pick of the year is for Jeff Francoeur to become more and more patient with the bat, up his power numbers, continue to dominate defensively and earn the NL MVP while leading the Braves to the promise land. It’s going to feel like the good old days in Dixie with Smoltz, Glavine and the Braves in the World Series.
2.) Philadelphia Phillies- Close call for second here, but I’m taking the Phils youth and talent over the Mets age and contracts. What is not to love about Ryan Howard? He’s a beast on the field, he’s American, and he’s humble with a great smile. The guy is the poster child of the new generation good guy “anti-Bonds” superstar. (The same can be said about Vlad Guerrero, David Wright, Travis Hafner and others, I love this new crop) The rest of the lineup is loaded with young blossoming talent. Cole Hamels is indeed the real thing but after that the rotation is simply serviceable. The bullpen may become a problem and the Phils may need to make a deal for the stretch run if they want to go deep into October.
3.) New York Mets- Everyone jumped on the Metropolitans band wagon after the Santana deal and that deal may very well land the Mets a title, but I personally want to see it first before I jump off the cliff. Santana is the best lefty of the last 20 years not named Johnson and that deal gives the Mets a much needed front end stopper. Jose Reyes and David Wright make up the best left side in the game BY FAR. After that any other contributor is old, older or overrated. I simply don’t see Alou, Delgado, Perez, Pedro, Beltran, Church and the others to fall in line with the example that will be set by the big three of Reyes, Wright and Santana. The one constant that should keep pace is Wagner; captain automatic may be the key for the Mets to avoid another disappointing end to the season. Another factor is what effect last year’s epic collapse will have on the team if any. The fact with the NL East is this, you have three very good teams at the top and anyone could walk away with it if they get hot and the other two stumble. I just don’t see that happening.
4.) Washington Nationals- When the current ownership bought the Nats they had the worst farm system in baseball and nearly nothing to build upon. In a couple short years the Ownership team has built a park that is already being called to nicest watch in baseball and completely turned around the Nationals future from within. The once laughed at farm system is the fastest growing in the league. Sometimes you can just feel the culture of a franchise shift. I personally felt it in Cleveland in 93, I felt it in Anaheim in 01, I felt it in Detroit and Milwaukee a few years back, and I am really feeling it in Washington. It won’t be a quick fix but the Nationals are putting together a recipe that could have them a league wide power within four to five years.
5.) Florida Marlins- Hanley Ramirez is the real deal, Fish fans must hope he stays in town. Another Florida one year run to glory could be centered on him in a few years. The rest of the team is far too young but there is a lot of hope for the future. The Marlins have mastered the plan of build within, sign vets when the time is right and try to win big all at once before blowing it up. They seem to be in the first year of a real nice start to that plan this year. We’ll have to see how the youth develops before we crown them 2012 Champions and 2013 cellar dwellers.
A.L. MVP- Vernon Wells
A.L. Cy Young- John Lackey
A.L. Champion- Detroit Tigers
N.L. MVP- Jeff Francoeur
N.L. Cy Young- Brandon Webb
N.L. Champion- Atlanta Braves
World Series Champion- Atlanta Braves
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Rocket's Rocket Fan
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wow...Very nice ACamp...reps
Rocket's Rocket Fan
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Although as a Cleveland fan I would like to think that our pitching could stop the Tigers bats, but we will see. As for CC he will not be with the Indians this time next year, which is too bad for the Tribe. They will be loosing there number 1 and not be getting anything back for him, and there is noway that you will see a trade this season with for CC. If I was a betting man and I am I would say he will end up out in California in the NL his bat is too good for the AL.
As for our prediction I agree, but I'm still not sold and any one yet. I think it will come down to the Redsox, the Tiger,and the Indians in the AL, and in the NL I think it will between the Mets, the Braves, and the Phillies.
Ask me again later on in the season and I might have it slimmed down of totally different.
As for our prediction I agree, but I'm still not sold and any one yet. I think it will come down to the Redsox, the Tiger,and the Indians in the AL, and in the NL I think it will between the Mets, the Braves, and the Phillies.
Ask me again later on in the season and I might have it slimmed down of totally different.
stonebreakerwasgod
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Nice, although I do think the Reds can beat the Brewers for 2nd place. Who knows.
IrishGrizz
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Whether or not you were high putting these predictions together, i hope you are right. 1) I hate the yankers and second, I love the Braves. And c) I'd love to see the Braves beat the metropolitans down.
Reps, ACamp!
:allhail: 
Reps, ACamp!
:allhail: IrishGrizz
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newc- who you like to play against your sox in the series?
IrishGrizz
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Kap- he actually likes the Angels-thats his team. Now, if I would have picked the Braves, you could chalk it up to me drinking the cool-ade. But w ACamp, it must be gospel!
Newc
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To be honest, I am not all that convinced that my Sox are deserving of my World Series claim just yet. Beckett is a huge key to our success and the young guns have alot to prove on the mound there for me to ordain them the AL Champs. If I were to make my predictions right now, with the info we have, I would say the series will be a showdown between the Detroit Tigers and the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Tigers just look too loaded and have a great manager in Leyland, while the D-Backs with Haren and Webb should be able to work their way through the NL, even with an average NL offense. I have to say though Grizz, I really do like your Braves, and like ACamp I have them to with the NL East, but Glavine and Smoltz have a few too many miles on them to make it all the way into November (though it hurts me to say that as Maddux, Smoltz, Glavine and Avery contributed to my all time favorite roation).
Tigers just look too loaded and have a great manager in Leyland, while the D-Backs with Haren and Webb should be able to work their way through the NL, even with an average NL offense. I have to say though Grizz, I really do like your Braves, and like ACamp I have them to with the NL East, but Glavine and Smoltz have a few too many miles on them to make it all the way into November (though it hurts me to say that as Maddux, Smoltz, Glavine and Avery contributed to my all time favorite roation).
IrishGrizz
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I'm w you- can't get all excited about this rotation anymore, past Smoltzie, and he is getting miles on him, too. This isn't 1995-2000. The offense will be fine, just need to develope some new arms. I just want to beat the mets and marlins.
In the AL, anyone other than the yankers is good w me.
In the AL, anyone other than the yankers is good w me.
The Yankees have gotten better b/c of addition by subtraction. They are finally going with some youth. Joba will save Riveria's arm and Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy are going to be the real deal, pair that with Wang, Mussina, and Pettitte that is a solid rotation to go with the #1 offense in baseball. Prepare b/c the dynasty will be back on its throne.
IrishGrizz
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Sad, but it won't surprise me. I tip my hat to them when they win. I respect them, just don't like em. Too many years of kicking the Orioles butts.
A
ALLND62
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ACamp good job and I appreciate your efforts......of course I am a Tiger fan so I appreciate it more than most. I also agree with you on the reds they could move up or down a spot depending on how the breaks fall but they are going in the right direction.
Good Job!
Good Job!
A
ALLND62
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Newc I agree, I have never been a Braves fan but have always liked their rotation and it has lasted a long time. I am not sure why they couldn't win the big one a few more times though.
Newc
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The offense never showed up in the post-season. It a shame, they really could have challenged the Yanks for '90s domination.
Newc
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That was a very classy/noble move on the part of the Yanks and the fact that they hung out at the memorial with VT students makes their trip even more admirable.
Though they are my nemisis, you've gotta commend an organization for doing something like this, afterall, baseball is just a game but those tragedies effect us all.
IrishGrizz
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Also, they could never close out with a bullpen late in the games. I lived thru that for a whole decade!
ACamp1900
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Anyone who can't see the possibility that drove my logic has tunnel vision issues... and as I said, what's the point of even doing this if I simply carbon copy every prediction out there... but I still picked the upsets I can honestly see happening, not just different for the sake of... I need no extra explaining
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ACamp1900
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got to love red sox to yankee love... reps for that... I can't help but remember the Little League day at Fenway where the 12 year old Yankee team got booed and had sodas and such thrown at them a few years back...
ACamp1900
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THanks for actually reading my post before ripping it... I only state my team twice in the predictions..
Yet I'm biased...
THanks for actually reading my post before ripping it... I only state my team twice in the predictions..
Yet I'm biased...
I did not write a post. I am biased and think the Yankees should win every year. In the National League I could see the Dodgers, Mets, or Brewers making a run. The Cubs should also make a run. I read the highlights, ie the rankings. For someone to pick the Braves to win they either have to be a fan or crazy. I pegged you as the former, my fault.
ACamp1900
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I can't stand Atlanta to be honest... but as a life long Baseball guy... the best offense in the National League by far is in Atlanta... and in the NL that's all you need and once you get to a 7 game series it's more who's healthy than who is better more often than not