Thursday, March 31, 2011

Special Edition: NL West





The X Factors: Pablo Sandoval(Giants), Ubaldo Jimenez(Rockies), Mat Latos(Padres), Rafael Furcal(Dodgers)
1. San Francisco Giants Key Additions: SS Miguel Tejada
The former World-champs are back at it again thanks to the return of key players like Brian Wilson(48 saves), Aubrey Huff, Tim Lincecum and Cody Ross, who had a huge World Series. The pitching for San Francisco is fantastic thanks to Lincecum, Jonathan Sanchez, Matt Cain and developing Madison Bumgarner. Though, the Giants need key players to return to form or in Buster Posey's case, keep it up. Posey, the second-year catcher hit .305 in his rookie year. Pablo Sandoval struggled last year and spent time in the minors but is thinner and more talented. Along with Wilson, Sergio Romo heads the bullpen.
2. Colorado Rockies Key Additions: IF Ty Wiggington, IF Jose Lopez
Colorado has a strong core in pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez. Jimenez was on fire heading into the all-star break but went cold in the playoff push, which ended up being one of the reasons the Rockies were didn't make October. He still went 19-8 with a 2.88 ERA. Todd Helton may be past his prime but he's a great leader and has a head for the game. Excluding Jimenez the rest of the Rockies rotation isn't much. Jorge De La Rosa provides some stability by being a southpaw and Jason Hammel is an end of the rotation, consistent pitcher. At the end of games Huston Street won't get a lot of oppurtunities to make saves because of the Rockies offense but he'll still be a good option.
3. San Diego Padres Key Additions: 2B Orlando Hudson, SS Jason Bartlett, SP Aaron Harang
Sure, Adrian Gonzalez is gone but the Padres aren't dead. They brought in loud Orlando Hudson who loves the game and is a good fielder. Jason Bartlett isn't a good fielder but he's an upgrade at the shortstop position. Aaron Harang can strikeout batters but his record has never been great. He'll likely be a 2 or 3 guy while Mat Latos(14-10, 2.92 ERA) takes over as the top pitcher in the staff. Ryan Ludwick has had two tough years after the career year he had in 2009 but he'll get more chances with San Diego. New Cameron Maybin hasn't reached his potential yet which means he could be a breakout player in '11 and Will Venable will be the leadoff man and has decent speed(29 steals). Heath Bell has replaced Trevor Hoffman, exactly how the Padres had hoped recording two straight 40 save seasons, including 47 in 2010.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers Key Additions: 2B Juan Uribe, C Dioner Navarro, SP Jon Garland
In the City of Angels, it just doesn't feel good to be called the Dodgers. The Dodgers have fell off lately going from a playoff team to be a possible cellar dweller. They have a strong outfield led by Matt Kemp and Andre Either but the rest of the offense doesn't have quite the talent. Juan Uribe and Rafeal Furcal are aging in the middle of the infield but remember Furcal still hit .300 at the leadoff slot. The pitching has moved Clayton Kershaw to the number one position thanks to a stiffling ERA at 2.91 and Chad Billingsley has talent. Jon Garland hasn't been effective in the NL as he was with the White Sox but he'll still record 10-15 wins. Jonathan Broxton is a talented reliever but might not fit at the closer spot.
5. Arizona Diamondbacks Key Additions: RP J.J. Putz, SP Armando Galarraga, 3B Melvin Mora, 1B Russell Branyan
The D'Backs made a lot of moves but it's highly likely that they won't make Arizona a contender. They have tons of talent extending from rightfielder Justin Upton, SS Stephen Drew and centerfielder Chris Young. Smasher Russell Branyan is a journeyman but he'll start at first. Melvin Mora is ready to make plays but I don't think he's an upgrade from Mark Reynolds. The staff has an improven number one in Ian Kennedy and Joe Saunders is either on or off. Armando Galarraga was one bad call from a perfect game but other than that he had a horrible 2010. He'll hope to get back on track down in Arizona. The Diamondbacks spent a lot of money hoping to get a top-of-the-line closer in J.J. Putz.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Special Edition: NL Central





The X Factors Zack Greinke(Brewers), Aroldis Chapman(Reds), Albert Pujols(Cardinals), Aramis Ramirez(Cubs)
1. Milwaukee Brewers Key Additions: SP Zack Greinke, SP Shaun Marcum, RP Takashi Saito
The Brewers made probably the biggest splash this off season when they landed budding Zack Greinke who was dominant in Kansas City. It's fair too say he could be even better in Milwaukee. Not only did they bring in Greinke, they also brought in Shaun Marcum who was a consistent middle of the rotation guy in Toronto. These two immediately team up with Yovani Gollardo to for an interesting but effective Big Three. The offense isn't too bad either. Prince Fielder may be a smart trading chip for Milwaukee since prospect Mat Gamel is breathing down his neck, but he still can hit. Ryan Braun was just decent in left last year and must take dramatic steps to be a NL MVP canidate. Carlos Gomez doesn't get on base much but when he does it's amazing to watch. Also, Takashi Saito, a high quality reliever, was brought in to finally make the Brewers bullpen respecutful.
2. Cincinnati Reds Key Additions: SS Edgar Renteria
Cincinnati rose to the ranks of the elite last season thanks to Joey Votto and a whole lot of pitching. The thing is both return. Votto does indeed at first after he broke out (.324 average, 37 home runs, 113 RBI's) in 2010. He's helped in the infield by second basemen Brandon Phillips, 3B Scott Rolen and newly acquired shortstop Edgar Renteria. The outfield has talent too with Drew Stubbs and Jay Bruce. The pitching surprised me the most. No-names Mike Leake(8 wins), Travis Wood(3.51 ERA) and Johnny Cueto(12 wins) had great years. And, the Reds get Edinson Volquez fully healthy along with flame throwing Aroldis Chapman who spent most of his time in the minors last year.
3. St. Louis Cardinals Key Additions: IF Nick Punto, 1B-OF Lance Berkman
We all know it's going to be a distraction. The Cardinals and all-star Albert Pujols failed to come to an agreement meaning one more year until he can become a free agent. After every game media and fans and just about everything in between the same question: Are you going to come back? And, if not, where are you going to go? So, the Cardinals signed two productive free agents in the fantastic fielder Nick Punto and the-hoping-to-get-his-career-back-on-track Lance Berkman hoping to take the pressure off Pujols. Likely not. Colby Rasmus and Jon Jay are good outfielders and the infield has Pujols, Punto and others. Behind the plate, Yadier Molina is one of the best. Unfortunately it just might not be enough.
4. Chicago Cubs Key Additions: 1B Carlos Pena, RP Kerry Wood
Sorry Cubs fans. You know that small curse hanging over your head the last century? It's going to continue. The Cubs have a new manager in Mike Quade but the same old problem: not being able to put talent into wins. They do have Alfonso Soriano, who is still a star and they signed slugger Carlos Pena to first base. Aramis Ramirez has struggled the last few years and needs to pick himself in order for a successful year. The staff has never been great. Carlos Zambrano looks to be nearing the end of his career and their number two looks to be Ryan Dempster(15-12). Matt Garza could start his career back up again in Chicago as a possible number three. The bullpen is led by Carlos Marmol.
5. Pittsburgh Pirates Key Additions: 1B Lyle Overbay, SP Kevin Correia, SP Scott Olsen
You know what would be great for the Pirates? Winning 80 games after years and years of hanging in or near the cellar. They did make a few moves including starter Kevin Correia who did go 10-10 and could be a top of the rotation guy. They also brought in Scott Olsen who never fulfilled what he could have been but could still be a 10 game winner. They also acquired first basemen Lyle Overbay from Toronto who still hit 20 homers last year. The old roster was led by Andrew McCutchen, a speedy player who can hit for power too. Garrett Jones wouldn't be a starter on any average team but he has amazing power. Pittsburgh also has a lot of young players that haven't quite developed including LF Jose Tabata and 3B Pedro Alvarez.
6. Houston Astros Key Additions: None
Yes, Houston, might have more talent than Pittsburgh but they did lose the face of the franchise in Roy Oswalt. J.A. Happ came over in the deal but he won't be the number one and still needs time to develope. The outfield has power-hitter Carlos Lee and bright Hunter Pence in left. Michael Bourn is a speedy option at the top of the lineup. In the infield Bill Hall and Clint Barmes hope to restart their dwindling careers. With no more Oswalt the staff went from decent to just plain bad. Brett Myers is an experienced veteran who can still win games but he isn't getting any younger. Wandy Rodriguez could start at Opening Day but he shouldn't be the one option. Happ and Ryan Rowland-Smith are other starters. Brandon Lyon is the lone star in the bullpen.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Special Edition: NL East





The X Factors Roy Oswalt(Phillies), Jason Heyward(Braves), Javier Vazquez(Marlins), Nyjer Morgan(Nationals)
1. Philadelphia Phillies Key Additons: SP Cliff Lee
No team made the biggest splash at the trade deadline last season than the Phillies who snatched Roy Oswalt away from the Astros and brought him into immediate contention. Sure Oswalt was a mediocre 13-13 but he had a 2.76 ERA showing how poor the Astros run support was. Now, thanks to guys like Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Shane Victorino and the productive Raul Ibanez he'll get that much need run support. Amazingly, he won't be the number one pitcher. Or maybe not even two. Thanks to the signing of Cliff Lee, the return of Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels the Phillies have a pitching staff any manager would love to have. Unless Philadelphia gets showered by injuries there is no doubt they will be playing in the World Series. And, maybe even winning it.
2. Atlanta Braves Key Additions: 2B Dan Uggla, RP George Sherrill
I guess you could call it unfair. The Braves know every season they will likely have to face a hard-hitting, flame-throwing Phillies team for the NL East crown. This season, though, they will still compete for a wild card slot. Jason Heyward exploded onto the scene last year with the Braves and needs to have another solid year. The thing, that might determine the Braves success is second basemen Dan Uggla. Uggla knows how to hit and hit it well (33 homers, 105 RBI's in '10 with the Marlins) but his fielding has been pretty poor throughout his career. Don't be surprised if upstart Martin Prado steals a few starts. The staff is headed by Derek Lowe and Tim Hudson while Atlanta got a pick-me-up when Tommy Hanson squeaked out 10 wins at just 24. It will be tough to surpass the Phillies but if they get some more production from their younger guys they could get into the playoffs.
3. Florida Marlins Key Additions: 2B Omar Infante, SP Javier Vazquez
The Marlins have always been a mystery to me. Despite not having any obvious stars other than Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla the Marlins still won 80 games. Well Uggla is gone but amazingly this may help the M's. Omar Infante was involved in the Uggla deal and is a better average hitter and better fielder. Ramirez returns as one of the best players in the MLB once more this season. Josh Johnson had a magnificent season on the mound in 2010 going 11-6 with a 2.30 ERA. He'll be joined by Ricky Nolasco and new addition Javier Vazquez. Vazquez will be asked to give a better peformance then he had last year with the Yankees (10-10) but I think he fits better in the NL. Outfielder Chris Coghlan is a bright young star.
4. Washington Nationals Key Additions: OF Jayson Werth, SP Chien-Ming Wang, 1B Adam LaRoche
Okay, I know what you're thinking: the Nationals in front of the Mets? Or, the Nationals not in fifth? But, this team seems different, in a good way. Washington added tons of fresh blood including Jayson Werth and Adam LaRoche both consitent contributors. Chien-Ming Wang was also brought in despite being littered with injuries. Before this, though, Wang was a consistent starter for the Yankees. Coming back are Ryan Zimmeran and Nyjer Morgan. And theres the kid. Stephen Strasburg. Strasburg has a blazer of a heater and can buckle your knees with his curve. And then theres the other kid. For people who haven't heard of Bryce Harper read up on him.In the next five years him and Strasburg will combine to dominate the NL. That's in five years of course.
5. New York Mets Key Additions: None
And the Mets. It's tough to see the Mets where they are now after what looked to be a flourishing organiaztion. Sure, they still have bunches of stars. Jason Bay, David Wright and Jose Reyes are still here. And, guys like Ike Davis and Daniel Murphy have showed so much promise. The problem is they just don't have enough. Johan Santana has been a bust with the Mets always seeming to be injured. Francisco Rodriguez has also been one. After setting the single season saves record with the Angels, New York decided to spend a fortune on the closer. Bad choice. The staff does have R.A. Dickey who's knucklers have been surprisingly successful. To sum it all up, the Mets could still definitely win 80 games. Or, they could not.

National Championship Early Prediction



1 Duke vs. 1 Kansas
Sure Duke won it all last year but they have the talent to win it all. Kansas lost in the second round last year but lead by the Morris brothers the Jayhawks have enough to get back to the title. Both of these will get tough times but Duke is led by Nolan Smith who has altered his game for the better. Kyle Singler hasnt quite fulfilled expectations yet but he will still be an effective difference maker and will have to shut down Arizona in the Sweet Sixteen. The Plumlee brothers will also have to make contributions. Meanwhile, Kansas will have to get production from scrappy Thomas Robinson and Morris twins. Plus, Brady Morningstar's shooting must come into play. If these teams can win early they will be able to win late.