tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206058351289214812024-02-18T23:33:33.430-05:00Baseball Breaks Your HeartBart Giamatii said, "Baseball breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone."
This is a few fan's thoughts on the greatest game ever invented as it provides thrills, excitement, puzzlement, and, (maybe not this year), breaks our hearts.TQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352564315930496534noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-4742041858832102182011-09-16T15:14:00.001-04:002011-09-16T15:15:41.429-04:00In Defense of Ed Wade<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmr2Q2HkadMynkZf9xyz3wog5abg-kfl9OIANmu0bWF9oJGWiJlN7vSdEO9xWrf5DkuAVP-f4nRnpUO31MZLve8gkUJdvVAjBsNtf45NSH9ursylzJMw3vtm2e7b4ut8AALvNPvKNIwM/s1600/9857359-large.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmr2Q2HkadMynkZf9xyz3wog5abg-kfl9OIANmu0bWF9oJGWiJlN7vSdEO9xWrf5DkuAVP-f4nRnpUO31MZLve8gkUJdvVAjBsNtf45NSH9ursylzJMw3vtm2e7b4ut8AALvNPvKNIwM/s200/9857359-large.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653038267224984626" /></a><br /> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">So...my attempt to revive the blog didn't work. My bad. Maybe I'll follow up with a post about my experiment later. That's besides the point.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">Rany Jazayerli over at Grantland wrote an article this week about the demise of the Houston Astros. Prominent in that piece was Ed Wade, easily the worst GM in baseball. As a Phillies fan, I suffered through Wade for far too long. I could go on about all of his shortcomings, but I won't. I, along with all other Phillies fans, am in a far better place now. Instead, I'm going to do something I never thought I'd do: defend Ed Wade.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">In a line that is only tangentially related to the point of his story, Jazayerli writes, “Wade's tenure in Philadelphia was most notable for his apparent fetish for relievers. Of his several bullpen acquisitions, the most regrettable came in 2005, when he traded starting second baseman Placido Polanco for Ugueth Urbina.” I completely disagree with this statement; this was one of the few defensible trades Wade made in his tenure as Phillies GM. What follows is a very surface-level evaluation of the trade involving data on WAR. I'm not a sabremetrician, so go easy on me if you feel I overlooked or misinterpreted the stats.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">This trade wasn't really about just acquiring Urbina - it was about opening up 2B for Chase Utley to be the full time starter. The Phillies weren't expecting to even have Polanco in 2005 - they offered him arbitration in hopes of getting draft picks, but he accepted it unexpectedly. He was a free agent after 2005, as was Urbina. The Phils weren't going to sign him - Chase was the 2B of the future, and they clearly were sticking with David Bell at 3B (that was the real failing of Ed Wade. He should have dropped Bell and moved Polanco to 3B a long time before). You can't evaluate the trade by noting how good Polanco was in later years with Detroit because that was on a 4 year extension he never would have signed with the Phils. Same goes for Urbina. He was a free agent after 2005 anyway, so the fact that he went and hacked someone up with a machete and went to jail is irrelevant. The trade was essentially 4 months of Polanco for 4 months of Urbina and Utley.</span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1">It's hard to exactly compare because <a href="http://baseball-reference.com/"><span class="s2">baseball-reference.com</span></a> doesn't break WAR down by months for individual years (at least that I can see) but Polanco put up 4.3 WAR in 2005, 1.7 with the Phils and 2.6 with the Tigers. Urbina put up a whopping 0.1 WAR in his time with the Phils. Utley had 6.2 WAR that year. Since I can't find a month by month breakdown for him, let's just prorate it, so he had about 4 WAR after Polanco was traded. 4 + 0.1 > 2.6. Yea, Urbina didn't perform, but the hope was that he would be able to duplicate his 2003 success after being traded to the Marlins at the deadline. He put up 1.9 WAR in half a season and was a big part of their World Series (for perspectives sake, Ryan Madson has never put up a 1.9 in an entire season, and Brad Lidge's perfect 2008 was worth 2.8). So considering the fact that the trade itself was based on a bad decision (David Bell had -0.5 WAR in 2005), Ed Wade probably acquitted himself as well as he possibly could have.</span></p>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774515802220841270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-10019440313561217402011-04-27T14:22:00.008-04:002011-04-27T19:51:13.569-04:00Reviving the Blog in the Most Unconventional Way<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkl0IUGTfL3gdeS7GESfKFHTo99oNjOV3S4VFl4v_pAdD5O0qYuOaobkosLufxTLGamZ8ez0PifPF-bBFInkc2NWEn-hag_baNUYuG3v17gL_DLIoHlHizZpQv1zrroYpHdJrs0S4hgk/s1600/New%252BYork%252BYankees%252Bv%252BPhiladelphia%252BPhillies%252BGame%252BDGoJ0UmI6NZl.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkl0IUGTfL3gdeS7GESfKFHTo99oNjOV3S4VFl4v_pAdD5O0qYuOaobkosLufxTLGamZ8ez0PifPF-bBFInkc2NWEn-hag_baNUYuG3v17gL_DLIoHlHizZpQv1zrroYpHdJrs0S4hgk/s200/New%252BYork%252BYankees%252Bv%252BPhiladelphia%252BPhillies%252BGame%252BDGoJ0UmI6NZl.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600335286309526722" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">I couldn't sleep last night. Turns out sleeping in until noon on your last day of spring break isn't conducive to getting back on a normal sleep schedule. Naturally, my thoughts turned to baseball. The Phillies had just followed their four game sweep of the Padres with two dispiriting losses to the Diamondbacks. Lidge and Contreras are on the DL. So is Chase Utley, and who knows if he's going to play at all this year. The offense went two weeks without scoring more than four runs. Dom Brown is starting his rehab assignment, but Ben Francisco looks exposed as an everyday player and Raul Ibanez has turned into a black hole. Never has a 15-8 team with four aces looked so vulnerable. This wasn't helping my sleeplessness.<div><br /></div><div>I took to Twitter to see what the scribes were saying. Unfounded speculation that Oswalt's back is hurting? Awesome. Now I'm concerned about our rotation. <i>(Note: News broke this morning that Oswalt has left the team for personal reasons. Super.) </i>What's that you say Matt Gelb? Harold Garcia tore his ACL and is out for the year? Uh-oh. He's never played a full season above A ball? I don't care, this is awful news! Now I'm curious and need to see who else we have in the minors could help. * * crickets * * Uh, that would be no one. Come to think about it, withholding judgment on Dom Brown, the organization hasn't developed an impact bat since Ryan Howard in 2005. We really have turned into the Yankees.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's all tangential to my point though. I'm obsessed with this team, and I don't know if that's a good thing. You wouldn't think it'd be like this though. 2008 exorcised Joe Carter crapping on my seven year old heart. Everything else should be icing on the cake. That didn't happen though. Maybe I felt like I had to escalate my commitment to the team to prove I was better than the bandwagon fans, I don't know. Why should this even be necessary? Bandwagon fans don't remember such luminaries as Wendell Magee, Jr., Desi Relaford, or Wayne Gomes. They didn't go to the Vet enough to be recognized by ushers. Yet I still need to justify my fandom. I need to read more blogs, know the farm system better, travel farther to see them play.</div><div><br /></div><div>I feel like Bill Simmons' father, or at least the character Simmons has created to feed into his schtick. I need to talk it out with someone after a tough loss. Why though? Even the best baseball team is going to lose at least 60 games each year. There is literally no reason to overanalyze any individual loss. It's tiring. I was burned out like this once before. In 2006, I had a perfect out though. I studied abroad in New Zealand for the second half of the season. Taking into account the time difference and the slow internet connections there at the time, following was nearly impossible. I watched one game on ESPN International and remember reading about Howard's three home run game against Tim Hudson in a backpacking hostel in Melbourne. That's it. It was awesome.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I'm going to try instituting a forced hiatus from my uber-fandom. <i>Step 1:</i> Twitter disconnection. I'm going to unfollow all my favorite beat writers and bloggers. <i>Step 2:</i> Cutting out the blogs. No Fightins. No 700 Level. No Zoo With Roy. If I want news, I'll have to read stories published in the newspaper. <i>Step 3:</i> This is the big one. I am going to pretend I live in a pre-internet era. I will only listen to the radio broadcasts of games, with the exception of nationally televised games of the week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Will I really lose anything by not knowing what the latest meme is or not understanding the newest ZWR shirt? I don't think so. How long will I last? Not sure. Is blogging about my disconnect a contradiction? You bet. Game on.</div></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774515802220841270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-72784054847321533242010-05-14T18:25:00.003-04:002010-05-15T09:25:02.004-04:00Nolan Reimold Bobblehead NightI had some down time this afternoon at work and took a moment to do some quick staring at the Orioles schedule I keep pinned on my cubicle wall. Yesterday's magical Orioles triumph over the Mariners (more on that later) which i watched from amazing behind home plate seats (more on those later) revived to a degree my desire to make the journey from DC to Baltimore for the purpose of watching baseball. In scanning the list of promotional dates listed on the schedule, I had to laugh. Later this month the Orioles will unveil the first of this season's set of player bobbleheads. The player? Nolan Reimold.<br /><br />Great, right? Reimold had a very promising 2009 campaign and most reputable baseball publications predicted more of the same from the Orioles' young left-fielder. He is expected to join Adam Jones and Nick Markakis for years to come to terrorize American Leage pitching. A trio of young talented outfielders. Orioles Magic. Feel it happen!<br /><br />Theres a problem. Reimold has been a combination of hurt and awful so far in 2010. Last week, he was demoted to Triple-A Norfolk in favor of a ghost from Baltimore's losing past, Corey Patterson (more on him to come, he has earned a proper welcome back. Really. He's earning my warmest praise.) Which leaves me wondering...what happens later this month on Mr. Reimold's big night? Cancel the promotion? That will make the 3 piece set with the other 2 previously mentioned outfielders kind of awkward. Do they scramble and construct a Corey Patterson bobblehead? Or, do they give out a bobblehead of a player who has been demoted (he's not rehabbing) to the minor leagues? If that is the chosen course of action, where will that rank in the all-time order or awkward baseball promotions? <br /><br />Now to what happened yesterday which shook me out of a brief torpor and once again inspired me to stare into my computer screen and type up a blog post.<br /><br />Thanks to 13 seasons of spectacular inepptitude on the part of the Orioles, very good seats for games at Camden Yards can be had online at very low prices. At about a 60% discount, I found tickets behind the visiting team on-deck circle. Thank you unholy streak of losing seasons.<br /><br />The events of the game don't really merit discussion until we reach what transpired in the bottom of the 8th inning. Well, one quick thing. Watching Ichiro bat remains one of my all-time favorite pastimes. He did not disappoint on Wednesday, notching 3 hits including a homerun to right-center field. As angry as I was about the Orioles surrendering yet another homerun, its near impossible not to appreciate the grace with which Ichiro swings, runs, stretches, and heck, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtImIqR5neU">he looks good cursing.</a><br /><br />In the bottom of the 8th with the Orioles trailing 5-1, Corey Patterson, playing in his 2nd game of the season since the Orioles took a low-cost flier on him, lined what looked like a meaningless homerun to right field. 5-2. After a wild pitch negated an Adam Jones strikeout (when will that boy learn that the strikezone has a southern border?), Nick Markakis lined a single to center. Markakis then broke up a Miguel Tejada double play ball, leaving the Orioles with runners on 1st and 3rd and one out. Ty Wigginton walked. And then Luke Scott wasted no time in lining a Brandon League fastball barely over the left field wall. At first glance I thought the Mariners' leftfielder had caught the ball, but, 20,000 fans cheering convinced me otherwise. With that one swing of his bat, Scott turned a 5-2 deficit into a 6-5 lead. <br /><br />After the inning, a Luke Scott montage played on the centerfield screen depicting the Orioles DH as a Jedi knight. They even used James Earl Jones' lines from The Sandlot as a voiceover to give Darth Vadar a baseball-y feel. <br /><br />My fiancee's father is a good sport attending baseball games but his true interests in life lie elsewhere, and, he has a strong fear of any game he attends going extra innings. So, although a somewhat neutral bystander for 8 innings, in the top of the 9th, with the Orioles leading 6-5, he joined me in rooting for the Orioles closer-du-jour Alfredo Simon. I issued a warning that the mere sight of Simon makes me nervous. And after retiring Ryan Langerhans to start the inning, Simon justified my nervousness by hitting Jack Wilson and then walking pinch hitter Ken Griffey Jr. With two outs and two men on base, Simon served up a single to the aforementioned Ichiro, Wilson sprinted around 3rd base racing for the plate, Corey Patterson fielded the ball, cocked, fired, and threw Wilson out at home plate. An excellent tag by Matt Wieters and the game ended.<br /><br />Easily the best ending to a baseball game that I have witnessed in many, many years.TQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352564315930496534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-13207696718756149652010-04-15T09:08:00.002-04:002010-04-15T09:09:06.421-04:00April Orioles HaikuThe bullpen blows it<br />Runners die at second base<br />Woe to be an OMurphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067538698299529069noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-77658889983970855522010-04-13T12:47:00.004-04:002010-04-13T13:47:19.102-04:00Comedy and Tragedy at the Small Sample Size TheaterRidiculous fluctuations in rate stats are one of my favorite parts of the first month of the baseball season. Yes, the numbers are entirely meaningless but that doesn't make it any less hilarious to look at the stats page on ESPN.com and see leaderboard-toppers like Vernon Wells for AL home runs (5), or Livan Hernandez (!) and his shiny 0.00 ERA.<div><br /></div><div>That said, a common theme of this offseason with regard to the Seattle Mariners was their focus on building another elite defense while attempting to augment 2009's offense, which oscillated between mediocre and occasionally painful to watch. The condemnation of the Mariners' offensive prowess came with some significant provisos: namely the team's poor performance with runners in scoring position (.235/.312/.358) and the complete lack of offensive production from C (.224/.282/.354, 77 sOPS+*), 3B (.247/.294/.349, 71 sOPS+), SS (.231/.262/.335, 65 sOPS+), and LF (a truly repugnant .219/.276/.333, 57 sOPS+).</div><div><br /></div><div>Building in some regression toward the mean in the team's hitting with RISP, replacing the truly horrific Yuniesky Betancourt with a full season of Jack Wilson at SS, and deploying actual major-league bats Milton Bradley and Eric Byrnes in LF should improve the club's performance in 2010. Indeed it seemed that anemic as the offense may be, they were bound to improve on the 640 runs they scored last year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Through eight games, oh man it looks like we were hilariously wrong. I wrote some context at the top of the post, but I should probably state it explicitly here: <b>None of the following numbers mean anything this early in the season.</b> That said, they are hilarious.</div><div><br /></div><div>After being two-hit by Oakland in a 4-0 loss that dropped the team to 2-6 on the year, the Mariners as a team are posting a laughable .212/.287/.286 line.** I started looking through old leaderboards yesterday for the following thought experiment: Which pitcher/year combo posted an OPS-against as low as the current Mariners squad? Put another way, the 2010 Mariners are making pitchers they have faced collectively look like <i>[Pitcher X]</i> in <i>[Year Y]</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>The comparables are not particularly uplifting.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before yesterday's "effort," the Mariners had a .612 team OPS. Pitchers facing the Mariners had performed like <b>2009 Javier Vasquez </b>or <b>2008 Tim Lincecum.</b> The Mariners are turning pitchers like Justin Duchscherer into Cy Young-caliber performers.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I re-ran the numbers through the 7th inning of yesterday's game, because (a) I'm apparently both masochistic and easily distracted at work and (b) sabrmetrics has taught me to seek out new and exciting ways to quantify suck.</div><div><br /></div><div>A team OPS of .582 at that point meant that new comparables included <b>2009 Chris Carpenter </b>and <b>2001 Randy Johnson</b>, a Cy Young winner and a close second.</div><div><br /></div><div>After the merciful end of last night's game, the Mariners' OPS stands at .573. I don't have a comparison here because only 12 pitchers in the last 10 years (min. 100 IP) have posted season OPS-against figures lower than that. We're getting into early-2000s Pedro territory here, one of the most dominant pitching performances ever. A Mariners fan friend of mine suggested that any pitcher looking to bolster his Cy Young credentials should demand a trade every fifth day so that he can join his new team just in time to make a scheduled start against the Mariners. Eight games in, with meaningless numbers, it wouldn't be the worst idea.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Mariners will start hitting. They won't hit particularly well, but they won't be this hilariously inept for long. Their 2010 success, fortunately, does not require them to mash the ball, and a season of 3-2 games is all I ask for as long as they come out on the right end the majority of the time. But thus far the offense has performed at an epically poor clip. If this continues, I'm going to keep the "Pitchers facing the Mariners are performing at a level like <i>[Pitcher X]</i> in <i>[Year Y]</i>" feature going throughout the year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because all baseball fans should get reacquainted with the pitching legends of the deadball era.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><table class="sortable stats_table" id="total" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 0.6875em; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-right-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); margin-bottom: 1em; "><tbody></tbody></table></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"></span></div><div>*split-OPS+, i.e. compared to league average=100, the Mariners' catchers were a collective 23% below the league average for catchers.</div><div><br /></div><div>**It bears mentioning that their BABIP (batting average on balls in play) is an unsustainably low .254. Even last year's team, as anemic as it was, posted a BABIP of .293.</div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12367245586041850447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-20464030264531292362010-04-11T00:10:00.001-04:002010-04-11T00:23:58.881-04:00George Sherrill and the HeartbreakersThe blown save is quite possibly the most infuriating single act which can occur on a baseball field. At least from a fan's perspective. There are all sorts of emotion that run through me as I'm watching a team I care about implode in the 9th inning. Theres a sense of betrayal at having believed for 8 innings that a win was possible. Theres anger at the closer and contempt for the manager who put said closer into the game. Then theres something akin to sadness as I realize that the once promising game has turned sour before my eyes.<br /><br />The Orioles are incredibly skilled at making me feel all of the above between the months of April and October each year. Its a stupid tradition that I would like to see concluded. But, sadly, I have very little say in these matters.<br /><br />Remember the rants that Randy Quaid's character would go on in Major League II? "You overpaid weenies!", "You no good piece of cow flop!" Those are the only say that fans get to pretend they have in these things. And those rants accomplish very little. For an example of how little anti-closer outbursts accomplish, did anyone notice that the chorus of 48,000 boos which serenaded Mike Gonzalez during his trip from the mound to the dugout on Friday accomplished absolutely nothing?<br /><br />But, without apologizing for the Bronx-like behavior on Friday of Orioles fans, let me explain the 12 year volcano that finally erupted on Friday in the form of a triumph of the Boo-Birds.<br /><br />In 1997, Randall K. Myers saved an impressive 45 games, ran up a 1.51 ERA, and allowed a grand total of 12 runs for the entire season. The Orioles, oddly enough, won 98 games that year and were wire-to-wire champions of the American League's Eastern Division. When the Orioles had a 9th inning lead, the game was as good as in the books.<br /><br />Myers left after the 97 season.<br /><br />The Orioles have been engaged in a heartbreaking, maddening, and utterly Hiroshima-esque search for a 9th inning man ever since.<br /><br /><br />Armando Benitez<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0-EcqYUlmV3-nhTALLf7bnK4_0gZAQjmFk2QnpFu2aCX-6353d1q0wo9Pc48WfkQGQCsh9Xrd7gUFnMB06BhSnFFJLVmcyRFmZ-yHXdzi0V-9XndGzw4yxfIlMkrmP050QKhQttU-X4/s1600/Yankeeso's98.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0-EcqYUlmV3-nhTALLf7bnK4_0gZAQjmFk2QnpFu2aCX-6353d1q0wo9Pc48WfkQGQCsh9Xrd7gUFnMB06BhSnFFJLVmcyRFmZ-yHXdzi0V-9XndGzw4yxfIlMkrmP050QKhQttU-X4/s320/Yankeeso's98.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458263062742876562" /></a><br /><br />Following Myers, the Orioles turned to hard-throwing set-up man Armando Benitez. In his most memorable moment on the mound Benitez touched off the above brawl by drilling Yankee 1st Baseman Tino Martinez. He saved 22 games in 1998 but ran up an ERA barely under 4.00. The Orioles let him fly from the nest following the season.<br /><br />Mike Timlin<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSi_JN60HeXzp-5UmghXIbAaRIX3kJ4D8Z05TUW752cDYMeXAm9WU2OphNS-ODUoUB5PgMs0vHpMyD_CLx-hTxbrqZulWCl8WHlcyrXMU_SxAcubCZGa__jX95rE63yFClJe8cWoNlcI/s1600/fhfhorioles.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSi_JN60HeXzp-5UmghXIbAaRIX3kJ4D8Z05TUW752cDYMeXAm9WU2OphNS-ODUoUB5PgMs0vHpMyD_CLx-hTxbrqZulWCl8WHlcyrXMU_SxAcubCZGa__jX95rE63yFClJe8cWoNlcI/s320/fhfhorioles.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458264341962131858" /></a><br /><br />Timlin (bottom right in the above photo) lasted about two years closing games in Charm City. 1999 wasn't terrible, a 3.57 ERA with 27 saves, but 2000 was a disaster. About halfway through the season, Timlin was demoted to middle relief in favor of rookie Ryan Kohlmeier.<br /><br />Ryan Kohlmeier<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTvjUrdI3UpztkU94Bx_Q0IIgwa8BZbM7Tv-rWTWsOqf-Db2JHjz2vcF71XMGWwL73HyyzmcQcI0lHrghPCI1g3dd0cNl7JgxnndsZ5S26Gb5z-0D_0ZjstRUOHQPcVgKiIl0LaHy04k/s1600/01kohlmeiertt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTvjUrdI3UpztkU94Bx_Q0IIgwa8BZbM7Tv-rWTWsOqf-Db2JHjz2vcF71XMGWwL73HyyzmcQcI0lHrghPCI1g3dd0cNl7JgxnndsZ5S26Gb5z-0D_0ZjstRUOHQPcVgKiIl0LaHy04k/s320/01kohlmeiertt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458271242836040322" /></a><br /><br />A 2.39 ERA from your rookie closer. Great, right? In Kohlmeier's case, not so much. A 1.71 WHIP in 2000 revealed that though he did an alright job of keeping runners from crossing home plate, Kohlmeier had an unfortunate proclivity for surrounding himself in the middle of the diamond with opposing baserunners. 2001 saw Kohlmeier's ERA balloon to 7.30 and he never pitched in a major league game again.<br /><br />Jorge Julio<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8azU88V_uVongQeRSiImVQrRFgvdXotfdyT1XnrwGfVF6knDFB1Kq8lbHAOuF6t5EitwMrNTr9J33KfHBgHvP1U0nkTBNdnHsGZjizsos00EkVVaTU7xAzN5s-sqMxCI68yLRB0QCDxE/s1600/julio.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8azU88V_uVongQeRSiImVQrRFgvdXotfdyT1XnrwGfVF6knDFB1Kq8lbHAOuF6t5EitwMrNTr9J33KfHBgHvP1U0nkTBNdnHsGZjizsos00EkVVaTU7xAzN5s-sqMxCI68yLRB0QCDxE/s320/julio.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458273244848557810" /></a><br /><br />I am convinced that Jorge Julio was placed on this earth to punish me for some sort of severe transgression. After finishing 2001 by employing a motley mix of Buddy Groom, Mike Trombley, and combustible Willis Roberts to close games, the Orioles settled on young flame-thrower Jorge Julio in 2002. And he wasn't half bad. 25 saves and a 1.99 ERA in his first year. 36 saves in 2003, but a 4.38 ERA should have caused some concern within the Orioles' offices, but, back Julio went to the mound in 2004 for more maddening erratic pitching and another 4-something ERA. The folks in the B&O Warehouse got wise to Julio's incompetence and demoted him to set-up work in 2005, and how did he perform? A gut-wrenching 5.90 ERA with 14 homers allowed. Tie game in the 8th or 9th? Want to be certain you'll lose? Just call Jorge Julio. 1-800-HIGHERA.<br /><br />BJ Ryan<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgci4mRuAZNAXJxIgDrfsHIH_P5hMksZQ_Z94-QXaHYvT_YfNXLfSSQqcLOd-vm-ng8MPxWd7yFUAk9-YCBZrpzFrn7jyvBqeSYaFKe_dvKNwZ8-IBQmnHGITEg7dinj4bHt3H5mSBEcFs/s1600/11474486_79e85d7e36.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgci4mRuAZNAXJxIgDrfsHIH_P5hMksZQ_Z94-QXaHYvT_YfNXLfSSQqcLOd-vm-ng8MPxWd7yFUAk9-YCBZrpzFrn7jyvBqeSYaFKe_dvKNwZ8-IBQmnHGITEg7dinj4bHt3H5mSBEcFs/s320/11474486_79e85d7e36.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458277007903059762" /></a><br /><br /><br />By far the best of the post-Myers bunch up to 2005. Ryan dazzled for much of his one season of closing games in Baltimore (with a few memorable blown saves which unfortunately occurred in my presence, making each one count as three blown saves in the crooked calculus of fandom). He finished with 36 saves and a 2.43 ERA, enough to make him a hot item on the free agent market. Toronto gave him a big contract, and he flew the coup.<br /><br />Chris Ray<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMk0vzbhuKk7pNiau1JFdweguAAA7QoA3QXPyQVCgEqoIciOBC71_n88KWmSNIoNdykETAE_8XquRetQM6MdqvkeQ4bI3mL1cEx_NxUsVMcP1UICnDa7E3iQW-VDdmWUmnW2w9FzW_eCw/s1600/chrisray02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMk0vzbhuKk7pNiau1JFdweguAAA7QoA3QXPyQVCgEqoIciOBC71_n88KWmSNIoNdykETAE_8XquRetQM6MdqvkeQ4bI3mL1cEx_NxUsVMcP1UICnDa7E3iQW-VDdmWUmnW2w9FzW_eCw/s320/chrisray02.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458724923591482946" /></a><br /><br />With Ryan north of the border, hard-throwing almost side-armer Chris Ray assumed closer duties in 2006, holding the 9th inning role until an arm injury ended his 2007 prematurely. Prior to his DL sojourn, Ray showed signs of promise. He saved 33 games on a 2006 Orioles team which didn't win many games. He kept his ERA under 3.00. He saved 16 more games early in 2007, but his 4.46 ERA showed that all was not right. His career as an Oriole effectively ended with that 2007 injury. When he came back in 2009, he was AWFUL and was dealt to Texas for Kevin Millwood.<br /><br />George Sherrill<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9CZHL_NOI3hM94I-GwBpLSiD-atYLrMQmowBtJf1Ng4KjDJH9a4ZHUo0GesTQ_BJqUgehvltCnraBd3txeopIwN0ACzhG8t1Qw1vmR5xCFQojklEXs642OmdedjVbqynfBrGvyR6I8Qg/s1600/george-sherrill.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9CZHL_NOI3hM94I-GwBpLSiD-atYLrMQmowBtJf1Ng4KjDJH9a4ZHUo0GesTQ_BJqUgehvltCnraBd3txeopIwN0ACzhG8t1Qw1vmR5xCFQojklEXs642OmdedjVbqynfBrGvyR6I8Qg/s320/george-sherrill.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458725083562703618" /></a><br /><br />Ray's injury forced the Orioles to go with a closer by committee system for half of 2007. In the offseason, the Orioles mugged the Mariners in a dark alley and stole, inter alia, a lefty reliever with a penchant for flat-brimmed hats, George Sherrill. Though he had been exclusively a setup guy for his big league career to that point, Dave Trembley gave him the keys to the 9th inning. And he shined. Almost always. He earned an All-Star game nod in his first season in Baltimore. He was prone to tight-rope walking, but what closer isn't?!? As the 2009 trading deadline approached, the last place Orioles dealt George to the Dodgers for a 3rd baseman prospect who projects to start at the hot corner by 2011. Thus, even in his departure, Sherrill helped.<br /><br />Mike Gonzalez<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNM3fmEd4EAdiDMkm9NbfRHyFoNJgc8zNxP9SpZhR-icPuxxB3XOXVM6H69V6-EBstaYshVe__ZLwgS4lJP8eJAd7Ub28IW925SLb0YO7eT3xuxkqMTzhMGev5fNV6Xa7akUvw09s0bp8/s1600/97370079.jpg.13797_cropped.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNM3fmEd4EAdiDMkm9NbfRHyFoNJgc8zNxP9SpZhR-icPuxxB3XOXVM6H69V6-EBstaYshVe__ZLwgS4lJP8eJAd7Ub28IW925SLb0YO7eT3xuxkqMTzhMGev5fNV6Xa7akUvw09s0bp8/s320/97370079.jpg.13797_cropped.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458725272670917026" /></a><br /><br />What can one say about this poor fellow? He looked off all Spring. He blows a save on Opening Day. Very nearly blows another in the 3rd game of the year. Blows the Orioles' Home Opener. Gets booed off of the field. And, a day afterwards, Dave Trembley subtly tells reporters that Gonzalez will be working out some mechanical flaws in low-pressure middle relief situations before getting another chance to close. Talk about a quick hook. Assuming he's a professional and works out his issues soon enough to reclaim closer duties, Gonzalez's rough start becomes a blip on the radar screen. But, if he keeps setting himself on fire, Mike Gonzalez has just set a record for saddest cameo appearance in the back of the Orioles' pen.<br /><br /><br />While all of this has been going on in Baltimore, the New York Yankees have had to turn to a grand total of one man to close games. Mariano Rivera has been the stopper in the Yankees' pen for 4 World Series titles since 1997. 13 tough years in Baltimore have been anything but tough in the Bronx. Is it a coincidence that the team with the stable and reliable closer is the one that has been successful?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0y_sILMr_m5gGvBO-raa1XcynzsvbxBe0tdxNpuZuh138EMueHHu1x_gV9T34_TmDVScCTxZq_kar3xpHw9soUWS-o17i-pZDiO5krV2crvvF_hxr6kavwjxZJ7AWQ5z1eWf6sgmtJI/s1600/World+Series+Phillies+Yankees+Baseball011706--300x300.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0y_sILMr_m5gGvBO-raa1XcynzsvbxBe0tdxNpuZuh138EMueHHu1x_gV9T34_TmDVScCTxZq_kar3xpHw9soUWS-o17i-pZDiO5krV2crvvF_hxr6kavwjxZJ7AWQ5z1eWf6sgmtJI/s320/World+Series+Phillies+Yankees+Baseball011706--300x300.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458725808636922258" /></a>TQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352564315930496534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-51495677750945545782010-04-08T21:19:00.003-04:002010-04-08T22:27:38.309-04:00Good Ol' Cowboy Joe West<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I went to my first baseball game of the year last Saturday. Granted it was only an exhibition between the Phils and Pirates, but pitches were thrown and uniforms got dirty, so it counts for something. As they are wont to do in exhibitions, both managers emptied out their benches and bullpens. The game never really got into a flow and it lasted a solid three hours. Coming off college basketball season and being spoiled by the beauty of a two hour game, I was worn out by the ninth inning. I'm out of baseball watching shape and I admit that three hours of exhibition was pushing my attention span.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I don't know how Yankees and Red Sox fans do it. Their first three games, respectively, lasted 3:46, 3:48, and 3:21. And finally, FINALLY, someone in a position of power has called them on it. Joe West, crew chief for that series, exhorted both teams to pick up the pace. Not holding back, he said, "It's pathetic and embarrassing" and called the pace of their games "a disgrace to baseball." Bravo, Joe, bravo. It's a shame that West will likely be fined and perhaps even suspended by Major League Baseball for his comments, because he hit the nail right on the head. Think about it for a second - a baseball game lasting longer than four hours. That's twice the length of a college basketball or soccer game. An above average runner can run a marathon in that time. Or you could watch 1/6th of a season of 24, enough for Jack Bauer to kill at least 5 terrorists and one government agent to be compromised.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;">I'll spare you my commentary on the designated hitter. As a National League fan, you can safely assume I disagree with George Steinbrenner. The DH is naturally going to lengthen AL games a little bit. There's no need for Jorge Posade to make EIGHT trips to the mound in an inning as he did in the World Series. You're a major league catcher. They're called signs. Use them. Jonathan Papelbon, who is one of baseball's most frequent time violators was quoted as saying a Yankees - Red Sox game is like a movie you never want to see end. You know what Jonathan? I do want to see it end. No one wants to be stuck in the same seat for four hours. In fact, I get to see the same movie seventeen more times over the course of the regular season, and most likely, another five or six during the playoffs. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;">Four hours is simply too long for a baseball game. With all of our blogs and ESPN round the clock coverage we forget that baseball, more than any other sport, is a game for kids. Writers make this argument every fall, and it applies here too. How are little kids supposed to get into baseball when games start at 8 and end at midnight? Just play ball guys.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><i>An Apology on Behalf of the City of Philadelphia</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;">TQ gave the fans of Philadelphia a yellow card in the post below, and quite frankly, it's deserved. There's a line between being ultra supportive of your team and being a detriment to others enjoyment of the game. On behalf of the city of Philadelphia and the true fans (I swear, we do exist), I apologize for the boorish behavior of our fan-base. There is nothing I want less than to be lumped in with pink hatted Red Sox fans.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774515802220841270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-21581256098530683852010-04-07T16:06:00.001-04:002010-04-07T17:00:10.695-04:00Opening Day 2010: Washington DC<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSMVb_yeIIjwYRbK5HUoM9On0wdsSeagTbdPdSFRWXzW4nK6A69Yl1gFQ-onXOMZZOCy-mJ7lqGK8mrQNkeQ6pKRq8R0fgLFCA5ezQ7lGFLKK5nVTjYZ39-Y-sjMOlJaa4xojF9bMB5M/s1600/DSC00075.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSMVb_yeIIjwYRbK5HUoM9On0wdsSeagTbdPdSFRWXzW4nK6A69Yl1gFQ-onXOMZZOCy-mJ7lqGK8mrQNkeQ6pKRq8R0fgLFCA5ezQ7lGFLKK5nVTjYZ39-Y-sjMOlJaa4xojF9bMB5M/s320/DSC00075.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456840747152421186" /></a><br /><br />Shortly after 1:00pm on Monday, Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, emerged from the Nationals' firstbase-side dugout and walked into resplendent April sunshine. Sporting a red Nationals Jacket (one wonders how much kevlar was underneath) and the cap of his beloved Chicago White Sox, President Obama acknowledged cheers on his way to the mound. Mounting the mini-hill he waved some more, then kicked and threw...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bFOzAl4yfNCLD7tqz5gQDWe1_cnOW_7dcJK4YJAYXsVxK-sk1waT5U5mQIDAaxwHBbO9S8CJEbrkkyvSSRW4CZx_9AwdYxDG8NZwx5DU0ZnLj6FbjKvsk39S8tAYzecdJCdvFAbN1oc/s1600/DSC00085.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bFOzAl4yfNCLD7tqz5gQDWe1_cnOW_7dcJK4YJAYXsVxK-sk1waT5U5mQIDAaxwHBbO9S8CJEbrkkyvSSRW4CZx_9AwdYxDG8NZwx5DU0ZnLj6FbjKvsk39S8tAYzecdJCdvFAbN1oc/s320/DSC00085.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456842117496117890" /></a><br /><br />The pitch flew high and wide left of the strike zone. Not great. But definitely not bad for a presidential first pitch. (A pregame montage of Presidential First Pitches revealed an unfortunate penchant among our nation's Chief Executive's to throw like 4- year-old girls. I'm looking at you Harry Truman!)<br /><br />Unfortunately for the Nationals' fans in attendence, Mr Obama's wildness was an unfortunate sign of things to come for the home town team. By the time an 11-1 beating at the hands of the visiting Phillies was complete, Nats hurlers had walked nine Philadelphia hitters. To borrow from Edward Rooney, Dean of Students, "NINE Times!"<br /><br />Why We Liked the First Inning<br /><br />There is just something about throwing a runner out at home plate that makes fans happy. Especially when its for the 3rd out of the inning. I think it has something to do with turning a near tragedy (a run) into a great triumph (the end of the inning). With Jimmy Rollins on second, Ian Desmond muffed his first groundball of the season, throwing late to first base as Ryan Howard chugged from the batter's box. Rollins, sensing a chance to score, attempted to dash home. Alertly, Adam Dunn threw home, Ivan Rodriguez blocked the plate and neatly applied the tag. OUT. Inning Over.<br /><br />Nyjer Morgan led off the bottom of the inning with an infield single. (I'll put the over/under on infield hits for him this year at 50) On the first pitch, he stole second. Then after Willie Harris whiffed, Ryan Zimmerman launched a line drive rocket into the right outfield. A double and an RBI. Thats why he got the Silver Slugger Award for last season.<br /><br />Is There a Doc in the House?<br /><br />The Nats never scored again. Even when they got men on base, somehow, Halladay's persona on the mound made it seem that scoring more runs was outside the realm of possibility. After The Nats imploded in the 4th inning, draining the 25,000 home team partisans of most of their energy, Halladay was unhittable. He still surrendered a few base runners. But Doc was in command. The Phillies have chosen wisely in adding him to their rotation.<br /><br />The Nats never had a chance once the Phillies went up 5-1. Halladay saw to that.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEl9ThvJiWi3pYHAocRY7bINHS07hvPJIwgwbbO8xUAbE20QrpgxyVpCt_HVzeMH1Dw_GTt0GlRBDyWIM1BMJEuHz1mLDPyodqIqqAlTsU1GnkzXiOmrvFzt41A3GyYku6fs7UjiTr9kI/s1600/DSC00094.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEl9ThvJiWi3pYHAocRY7bINHS07hvPJIwgwbbO8xUAbE20QrpgxyVpCt_HVzeMH1Dw_GTt0GlRBDyWIM1BMJEuHz1mLDPyodqIqqAlTsU1GnkzXiOmrvFzt41A3GyYku6fs7UjiTr9kI/s320/DSC00094.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457503014013827506" /></a><br /><br /><br />A Stern Warning<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cnra.net/media/yellowCard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 340px; height: 231px;" src="http://www.cnra.net/media/yellowCard.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Phillies Fans. Consider this your warning. The behavior of visiting Philly fans today was, well, what one expects to get when one attends a game IN PHILADELPHIA. These are the people who booed the Easter Bunny and cheered a broken neck. And yesterday, they took Nats Park by force. In the security lines outside the park, they were loud, drunk, and profane. Inside the park, they were loud, drunk, and profane. There seemed to be an unusually large number of them who sported Eminem-style facial hair, wore plenty of visible bling, and had enough poorly chosen ink on their bodies to make most tattoo artists cringe. <br /><br />Basically, they made themselves at home. Thats just not ok. when you are a guest in another park, be my guest, cheer your lungs out for your team. Thats excellent fan behavior. But, as a guest, you don't get to shout "SUCKS" after every home team player's name is announced, you don't get to boo player introductions, and certainly, absolutely, you do not get to boo the home team's star during pre-game award ceremonies.<br /><br />This is your Yellow Card Philadelphia. Another serious infraction, and, you'll get worse than a Red Card. You'll get classified as the same species as Red Sox Fans. <br /><br />I mean it. You'll be Pink Hats.TQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352564315930496534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-36491569262966473522010-04-04T10:00:00.001-04:002010-04-04T10:14:53.674-04:002010 Season Predictions: Part Three<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.aclutx70th.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/baseball-world-series.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 375px;" src="http://www.aclutx70th.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/baseball-world-series.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><!--StartFragment--> <table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse:collapse; mso-table-layout-alt:fixed;border:none;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <tbody><tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; ">Hannigan</span></p> </td> <td width="108" valign="top" style="width:1.5in;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Phillies over Yankees<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Murph<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="108" valign="top" style="width:1.5in;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Red Sox over Phillies<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">JW<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="108" valign="top" style="width:1.5in;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Twins over Rockies<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Music<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="108" valign="top" style="width:1.5in;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Rays over Rockies<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">TQ<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="108" valign="top" style="width:1.5in;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Cardinals over Yankees<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Smith<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="108" valign="top" style="width:1.5in;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Braves<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>over Yankees<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Paul<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="108" valign="top" style="width:1.5in;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Red Sox over Cardinals<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Koz<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="108" valign="top" style="width:1.5in;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Red Sox over Phillies<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Chris<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="108" valign="top" style="width:1.5in;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Red Sox over Phillies<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <!--EndFragment-->TQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352564315930496534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-74751024584222026022010-04-04T09:30:00.003-04:002010-04-04T09:51:33.353-04:002010 Season Predictions: Part Two<div><br /></div>We at baseballbreaksyourheart.com have looked into our crystal ball and here we humbly offer our prognostications for individual awards, division winners, and the World Series for the upcoming season. And theres also the small matter of Stephen Strasburg's Big League Debut, not that anyone in Washington DC is speculating about that right now...<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: normal;font-size:16px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><!--StartFragment--> <table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse:collapse; mso-table-layout-alt:fixed;border:none;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <tbody><tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;">AL East<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;">AL Central<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;">AL West<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;">AL Wild Card<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Hannigan<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Yankees<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Twins<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Mariners<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Red Sox<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Murph<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Yankees<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Twins<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Mariners<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Red Sox<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">JW<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Red Sox<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Twins<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Angels<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Yankees<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Music<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Yankees<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">White Sox<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Angels<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Rays<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">TQ<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Yankees<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Twins<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Angels<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Rays<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Smith<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Yankees<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">White Sox<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Rangers<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Rays<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Paul<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Red Sox<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Tigers<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Mariners<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Yankees<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Koz<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Red Sox<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">White Sox<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Rangers<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Yankees<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Chris<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Red Sox<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Twins<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Angels<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Mariners<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table><br /><!--EndFragment--> </div><div><!--StartFragment--> <table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse:collapse; mso-table-layout-alt:fixed;border:none;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <tbody><tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;">NL East<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;">NL Central<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;">NL West<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;">NL Wild Card<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Hannigan<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Phillies<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Cardinals<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Rockies<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Giants<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Murph<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Phillies<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Cardinals<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Rockies<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Braves<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">JW<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Phillies<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Cardinals<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Dodgers<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Rockies<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Music<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Phillies<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Cardinals<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Rockies<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Dodgers<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">TQ<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Phillies<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Cardinals<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Dodgers<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Giants<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Smith<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Phillies<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Cardinals<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Rockies<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Braves<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Paul<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Phillies<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Cardinals<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Dodgers<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Giants<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Koz<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Phillies<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Cardinals<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Rockies<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Braves<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Chris<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Phillies<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Cubs<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Rockies<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Marlins<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <!--EndFragment--> </div><div><br /></div><div>The AL Predictions are pretty diverse: at least three different teams predicted in every category except the AL East. Our NL prediction are, umm, kind of vanilla plain. At least we all had some divergent views on the Wild Card. </div><div><br /></div><div>On the matter of Stephen Strasburg arriving in the Major Leagues...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/Stephen-Strasburg.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 452px; height: 338px;" src="http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/Stephen-Strasburg.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><!--StartFragment--> <table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse:collapse; mso-table-layout-alt:fixed;border:none;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"><tbody> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Hannigan<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">June 3<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Murph<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">June 4<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">JW<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">May 1<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Music<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">July 12<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">TQ<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">June 4<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Smith<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">May 21<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Paul<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">August 15<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Koz<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">June 4<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;">Chris<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:8.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <!--EndFragment--> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>TQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352564315930496534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-60847787083307809782010-04-04T09:00:00.002-04:002010-04-04T09:42:41.266-04:002010 Season Predictions: Part OneWe at baseballbreaksyourheart.com have looked into our crystal ball and here we humbly offer our prognostications for individual awards, division winners, and the World Series for the upcoming season. And theres also the small matter of Stephen Strasburg's Big League Debut, not that anyone in Washington DC is speculating about that right now...<br /><br /><div><!--StartFragment--> <table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse:collapse; mso-table-layout-alt:fixed;border:none;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <tbody><tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:9.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt">AL MVP<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt">AL Cy Young<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt">AL R.O.Y<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt">NL MVP<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="45" valign="top" style="width:45.0pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt">NL Cy Young<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt">NL R.O.Y.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt">Strasburg Debut<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Hannigan<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Evan Longoria<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Felix Hernandez<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Brett Wallace<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Albert Pujols<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="45" valign="top" style="width:45.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Roy Halladay<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Jason Heyward<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">June 3<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Murph<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Mark Teixeira<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Felix Hernandez<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Brian Matusz<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Albert Pujols<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="45" valign="top" style="width:45.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Roy Halladay<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Jason Heyward<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">June 4<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">JW<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Joe Mauer<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Felix Hernandez<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Brian Matusz<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Prince Fielder<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="45" valign="top" style="width:45.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Tim Lincecum<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Jason Heyward<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">May 1<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Music<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Mark Teixeira<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Felix Hernandez<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Austin Jackson<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Albert Pujols<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="45" valign="top" style="width:45.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Roy Halladay<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Jason Heyward<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">July 12<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">TQ<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Ichiro<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Justin Verlander<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Austin Jackson<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Prince Fielder<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="45" valign="top" style="width:45.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Roy Halladay<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Stephen Strasburg<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">June 4<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Smith<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Mark Teixeira<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Justin Verlander<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Wade Davis<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Hanley Ramirez<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="45" valign="top" style="width:45.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Roy Halladay<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Alcides Escobar<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">May 21<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Paul<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Mark Teixeira<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Felix Hernandez<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Brian Matusz<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Albert Pujols<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="45" valign="top" style="width:45.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Chris Carpenter<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Jason Heyward<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">August 15<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Koz<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Alex Rodriguez<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Felix Hernandez<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Neftali Feliz<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Albert Pujols<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="45" valign="top" style="width:45.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Roy Halladay<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Jason Heyward<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">June 4<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="46" valign="top" style="width:45.9pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Chris<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Joe Mauer<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Jon Lester<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="41" valign="top" style="width:40.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Brandon Wood<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Hanley Ramirez<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="45" valign="top" style="width:45.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Roy Halladay<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt">Aroldis Chapman<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="50" valign="top" style="width:49.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:8.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <!--EndFragment--> </div>TQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352564315930496534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-21827560139689518292010-04-03T22:22:00.001-04:002010-04-03T22:26:12.702-04:00Orioles MagicThe rain came down heavily at times the evening of May 29, 2009, in Baltimore, MD. But, through the clouds, 42,000+ residents of Charm City could sense that the sun was coming up.<br /><br />On that Friday night at Camden Yards, Matt Wieters made his debut behind the plate for the Baltimore Orioles, and the giddy crowd, larger than the attendance for the previous three games combined, greeted him with a standing ovation for his first at-bat. Ranked as high as #1 on several prospects lists, Wieters had torn through three levels of the minor leagues and quickly became the face of all the hope O’s fans had placed in the future. His Georgia Tech teammates had dubbed him “God” after he hit a go-ahead home run in the ninth inning against Miami and then pitched the bottom half to record the save.<br /><br />Hope for the future will be a theme in 2010, as well. Team president Andy MacPhail has made a series of wise moves and trades since taking over in mid-season in 2007. He replaced the organizational tendency to trade away prospects and overpay aging, under-producing veterans with investment in developing younger players, particularly pitchers. Several of the players developed under MacPhail’s regime are now in the majors or will make their debuts in 2010, meaning that signs of fruition will be necessary if the front office wants the fans in Birdland to demonstrate the same level of patience that it has exhibited.<br /><br />Of course, Baltimore still plays in the stacked AL East, and Boston, New York, and Tampa Bay are all tooled for deep postseason runs. The unbalanced schedule will be particularly unkind to a young team. Still, seeing stars in the making should give fans plenty of reasons for fans to head downtown and watch the smoke rise above Boog’s Barbecue on Eutaw Street. The season may not have any more games than the last twelve (all of which ended with sub-.500 records), but the Orioles will win some exciting games and be fun to watch. <br /><br />2009 in review<br /><br />The Orioles’ 2009 campaign featured all the ups and downs expected of a young team in the heart of its rebuilding process. The final record, 64-98, was good for last place in the AL East. Though the losses significantly outnumbered the wins, there were certainly several memorable moments in the first column. On Opening Day, Oriole Park lived up to its name, with home fans filling the stadium and loudly booing Yankees first baseman (and Severna Park native) Mark Teixeira as Baltimore took the game and the series. On a May 27 afternoon game, breakout rookie left fielder Nolan Reimold officially arrived on the scene with a walk-off home run in extra innings to cap a comeback against the Blue Jays. Few can forget the June 31 instant classic against the Red Sox, when, after an hour-long rain delay, the O’s overcame a 10-1 deficit to win 11-10, the largest comeback in franchise history and the largest comeback by a last-place team over a first-place team in MLB history.<br /><br />While great moments against division foes stick out in the minds of fans, the most positive development, particularly in the rebuilding process, was the debuts and progression of the Baby Birds. Though fans forget that he was that young, 24-year-old Adam Jones had a solid year (before being sidelined by injury) in center field and near the top of the lineup and earned his first trip to the All-Star game, where his sacrifice fly brought in the winning run for the American League. He also took home his first Gold Glove. At the beginning of last season, the left field spot was thought to be a competition between Felix Pie and Lou Montanez, with Luke Scott filling in when not at the DH. Nolan Reimold made the debate all but obsolete, destroying International League pitching for a month and a half at Norfolk before getting the call and remaining in contention for AL Rookie of the Year until an Achilles injury sidelined him. <br /><br />Right-handed pitcher Brad Bergesen, supposedly nowhere in anyone’s discussion of the “cavalry” of pitching prospects, made his debut in April and firmly planted himself in the rotation of the future. Working fast and with impeccable control, the California native compiled a 7-5 record with a 3.43 ERA. In his last twelve starts, he lasted six innings each time and game up more than one run only once. A Billy Butler line drive to the shin on July 30 ended his promising rookie campaign. Chris Tillman, a highly prized right-handed starter brought over in the gift that keeps on giving (the 2008 trade of Erik Bedard that also landed Jones, George Sherrill, Kam Mickolio, and Tony Butler), had a slightly rougher rookie campaign but gave no indication that he cannot live up to his high expectations. <br /><br />Finally, the much-ballyhooed prospects, in whom much hope, as well as two top-five draft picks, is invested, proved that the hype might not be misplaced. Wieters’ .288/.340/.412 line is even more impressive considering it included a non-existent bat in his first month in Baltimore; in September he clipped .362/.412/.511, perhaps unsustainable through an entire year in 2010 (unless one asks the folks at www.mattwietersfacts.com), but encouraging in its improvement. Thwarting Carl Crawford’s theft attempts twice in the same game is already used on Orioles TV promotions. Southpaw starter Brian Matusz started his first professional season at High-A Frederick and dominated the Carolina League before being called up to Double-A Bowie and not skipping a beat. Countering MacPhail’s usual conservatism with prospects, Matusz made his debut in Detroit in August and impressed AL batters with a 5-2 record and an ERA of 4.68, which included three consecutive seven-inning outings to close the year, the last being a one-run victory over the Yankees. Perhaps most importantly, the stories of Tillman, Wieters, and Matusz do not include season-shortening injuries.<br /><br />However, it was a losing season, and it was made all the more painful by the fact that it was the twelfth in a row and more discouraging by the fact that the division shows no signs of weakening, with the Yankees and Red Sox making the playoffs and the Rays primed to compete in 2010. The older players on Baltimore’s roster (Cesar Izturis’ glove and Brian Roberts excepted) played poorly. Melvin Mora failed to produce offensively and defensively, leading many to speculate about the All-Star numbers he had put up in seasons past. Aubrey Huff followed a spectacular 2008 season with a lackluster 2009, hitting .253/.321/.405 before being traded to Detroit for a minor-league middle reliever. Luke Scott had an outstanding first half but completely fell off in the second, diving into slumps that seemed to get longer and longer. Jeremy Guthrie, the Opening Day starter, went 10-17 with a 5.04 ERA and gave up a league-high 35 home runs. To put that in perspective, Luke Scott led all Orioles with 25 home runs. <br /><br />The second-half swoon, predicted by all Orioles prognosticators based on recent history, was especially painful last year, with its 13-game losing streak all but inevitable following the rash of late-season injuries. Jones, Bergesen, Reimold, Izturis, Mora, Scott, and pitchers Alfredo Simon and Koji Uehara all spent extended periods on the disabled list, and the September version of the O’s was all but unrecognizable. <br /><br />The Offseason: when Baltimore is guaranteed first place in the AL East standings<br /><br />MacPhail and company continued to make moves that improve the team, if only incrementally. Having said that “Phase 2” of his plan begins with this season, fans and writers alike have speculated that MacPhail hopes to put the Orioles in position for an improved record this year to be able to attract the big free agent bats and arms that could make the Birds truly competitive in 2011. With the win-loss record mattering for the first time in his big-league career, the front office exercised manager Dave Trembley’s option for this year, and guesses on his future with the team will continue throughout the season.<br /><br />In truthful terms, the offseason began mid-season 2009 last year with a series of trades and the Orioles out of contention. Utility infielder Oscar Salazar went to San Diego in exchange for right-handed reliever Cla Meredith, who will likely make appearances out of the middle of the bullpen. George Sherrill’s trade to the Dodgers reaped two Double-A prospects, third baseman Josh Bell and starting pitcher Steve Johnson. Johnson, son of former Orioles pitcher Dave Johnson, was taken by the Giants in the Rule-5 Draft this winter but, unable to stick with the team there, was given back to the Orioles. Though Johnson is a decent pickup, the true gem of the deal is Bell. A switch-hitter with power and an improving glove, the Warehouse envisions him as the third baseman of the future. He will begin the season in Triple-A Norfolk and possibly force his way to Baltimore by mid-season.<br /><br />In the actual offseason, the Orioles bolstered their starting pitching, corner infield, and back end of the bullpen. For the injury-plagued and struggling reliever Chris Ray, the Birds obtained Rangers starting right-hander Kevin Millwood. Millwood will take the mound on Opening Day against the Rays and take the pressure off the younger pitchers by eating innings and allowing a few to remain in Triple-A as long as necessary. Trembley also hopes Millwood will be the staff mentor, a role Guthrie unofficially had but was never quite suited for the past two seasons. Miguel Tejada will be returning to Baltimore two seasons after being traded to Houston; the humbled All-Star, signed for one year and $6 million, will switch to third base this season, something he had been unwilling to do in the past. Izturis’ outstanding defense at shortstop gave him little option if he wanted to play for the O’s. MacPhail also signed Garrett Atkins, most recently of Colorado, in the hopes that he can return to his 2006 and 2007 form (when he batted .329/.409/.556 and .301/.367/.486, respectively) and overcome his less impressive 2008 and 2009 numbers. Atkins will start at first base while Brandon Snyder, the club’s best internal option for first baseman of the future, plies in Norfolk. Mike Gonzalez, signed away from Atlanta, will take over as the closer, a role the Orioles never managed to fill once Sherrill left town. Finally, the O’s just acquired Julio Lugo in a trade for a player to be named later or cash from the Cardinals. The Red Sox will pay nearly all of the $9 million Lugo is owed this year, and he will replace Robert Andino as the club’s primary middle-infield backup.<br /><br />2010 Projected Lineup<br /><br />C Matt Wieters<br />1B Garrett Atkins<br />2B Brian Roberts<br />3B Miguel Tejada<br />SS Cesar Izturis<br />LF Nolan Reimold<br />CF Adam Jones<br />RF Nick Markakis<br />DH Luke Scott<br />Bench: Felix Pie (OF), Ty Wigginton (IF), Craig Tatum (C), Julio Lugo (IF)<br /><br />Any attempt at guessing the batting order is probably pointless; Trembley has already indicated that, besides Roberts at leadoff and Izturis ninth, the order will change significantly through the year. The most interesting spots in the lineup will probably be third and fourth, as the O’s lack the power bat that might naturally fill such positions. Expect Tejada to start the year at cleanup, with Markakis, Jones, Scott, and Wieters all possibly seeing at-bats there. The Opening Day lineup will likely include Felix Pie in left field, but he will only remain there every day if Reimold’s is slower to recover from injury than hoped.<br /><br />Offensively, the Orioles should be solid. Jones’ .277/.335/.457 line in 2009 included a significant stretch of playing while injured, and, if he continues to improve his plate discipline by swinging at fewer balls in the dirt, he will reach base more and become the 20 HR/20 SB player of his potential. Markakis regressed offensively last year, but, at age 26, he could certainly recapture the patience that led to his .406 on-base percentage in 2008. Tejada’s power numbers have declined (anyone care to guess the reason?), but he has consistently batted well over .300 and can drive in runs, and Roberts can be counted on for production of doubles and stolen bases. Wieters, Reimold, Scott, and Atkins all have offensive potential though may be plagued with inconsistency due to youth, injury, or habit.<br /><br />Defense<br /><br />There are a number of factors that make the Orioles’ 2010 defensive performance difficult to predict. First, though defensive statistics such as UZR (ultimate zone rating) are helpful, they tend to vary significantly from year to year. Fangraphs.com postulates that an entire season of defensive data could be likened to a two-month period of offensive data, so statistical slumps and streaks in the field show up with much greater frequency. Second, the Orioles have a number of players relatively new to their positions. Tejada’s only experience at the hot corner prior to this year was in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. Atkins played only 28 games at first base last season, and Luke Scott, whose first base innings have been infrequent, may see time there, as well. Roberts’ back injury may limit his range at second base. Felix Pie, likely to see a lot of time in left field, is a true center fielder (which he showed in his capable replacement of Adam Jones late last year) and has struggled in the transition. This will be the first time that Wieters sits behind the plate for an entire year.<br /><br />However, defensive production from certain players can be expected. Though Jones’ Gold Glove may be a bit dubious based on his 2009 statistics, his 2008 zone numbers prove that his defensive reputation is deserved. His arm is bested on the team only by right fielder Markakis. Markakis’ defensive numbers also slipped last year, but his assist number fell only because fewer runners attempted to take an extra base from him. With plus range and a former pitcher’s arm, expect to see solid defense in right field. Finally, Cesar Izturis lived up to his billing as a defensive shortstop, having the highest UZR of any American League shortstop last year, especially welcome to Orioles fans that saw five different players start at the position the previous year.<br /><br />Pitching<br /><br />Projected Rotation<br /><br />Kevin Millwood<br />Jeremy Guthrie<br />Brad Bergesen<br />Brian Matusz <br />David Hernandez<br /><br />If 2009 repeats itself, no pitcher would want to be included in the Orioles starting rotation in early April. Guthrie got the nod on Opening Day and was the only one to survive through the season, if that is an acceptable term given his longball rate. Koji Uehara, Baltimore’s first signee from Japan, saw his season cut short when it was discovered that his body is an eggshell. Alfredo Simon found his pitching identity in spring training of last year (having found his actual identity a few seasons prior) but suffered a season-ending injury in his second start. Adam Eaton was last seen touring the dunk tank booths at county fairs across Colorado. Mark Hendrickson struggled as a starter but transitioned well into an effective long arm in the bullpen. Rich Hill later joined the rotation and was unhittable when his curveball was working; unfortunately for Trembley and pitching coach Rick Kranitz, those moments became fewer and far between until a shoulder injury ended his season. <br /><br />The 2010 rotation will be more reliable, though that is hardly saying much. Millwood will throw close to 200 innings. He has traditionally started strong each year in the majors, which is encouraging when 28 of the first 35 games of the season are against teams with winning records in 2009. Guthrie’s performance is predictably unpredictable, but Orioles fans can hope that, with Millwood’s presence, he will face less pressure. Though cast as the veteran last year, he actually had limited experience, and with patience and confidence may be able to produce more outings like he did on a June Sunday when he effectively shut down the National League champions in Philadelphia. <br /><br />Bergesen was an outstanding control pitcher with a high groundball rate and few walks. If he can pick up where he left off, he gives the Orioles a chance to win each time he takes the mound. However, his season-ending shin injury and his strained shoulder suffered during a commercial shoot in December could be more difficult to overcome than previously thought. Pitchers as accurate as Bergesen rely on rhythm and repetition in delivery. Even a slight compensation due to injury can impact his control and make him less effective. Matusz is in strong position to be the Opening Day starter in 2011 and the American League Rookie of the Year in 2010. His four-pitch repertoire has earned the praise of opposing managers, and twice in spring training he plowed through a Phillies lineup consisting largely of their regulars. His poise and intelligence have earned him comparisons to Mike Mussina. Though hopefully he does not leave when he has a chance to sign with the Bronx Bombers, such a comparison can assuage the doubts of those who thought he was rushed to the majors.<br /><br />Hernandez is a surprise choice for the fifth slot, long assumed to be Tillman’s. Hernandez entered the rotation last year when the Orioles realized that there was a reason that the Phillies were paying Adam Eaton so much money to stay away. A high-strikeout, power pitcher in the minors, he only managed to strike out 68 in 101.1 innings of work last year. Far from a disappointment considering expectations were low, he struggled but was serviceable and did not pitch his way out of consideration for a spot. However, Tillman, along with a couple other prospects starting the year at Norfolk, project considerably higher, and Hernandez could find himself as a strong candidate to be the Orioles’ closer of the future. Tillman will likely work on his control in Norfolk and, along with Jake Arrieta and Troy Patton, could find himself in Baltimore’s rotation before the end of the season.<br /><br />The Bullpen (ignore that total numbers will add up to greater than 25)<br /><br />Koji Uehara (R)<br />Mark Hendrickson (L)<br />Matt Albers (L)<br />Jason Berken (R)<br />Will Ohman (L)<br />Jim Johnson (R)<br />Cla Meredith (R)<br />Mike Gonzalez (L)<br /><br />Relief pitching may be the most difficult aspect of the Orioles season to predict and, therefore, perhaps the most critical in the bid for a .500 season. Uehara, when healthy, will likely find his comfort zone as a reliever. Not only did he pitch mostly from the bullpen in Japan, his accuracy and success the first time through a lineup mean that he should be effective. Hendrickson’s transition to the bullpen saw his performance improve; his relief ERA was 3.44 compared to 4.37 for the season as a whole, with a 2.64 K/BB against a 1.85 ratio for the season. He can also start in a pinch. Johnson pitched well before being asked to be closer after Sherrill left, and, with Gonzalez signed, he should return to his effective 7th/8th inning slot. <br /><br />Beyond that, it gets interesting. Will Ohman comes off surgery and was picked up to fill the mysterious lefty specialist role. If a righty specialist exists, it will be Meredith, whom MacPhail called a “poor man’s Chad Bradford” when he acquired him. Berken made all his appearances last year as a starter, but he was called up and stayed with the team principally because the organization did not want to rush other prospects. His usefulness as a reliever remains to be seen. Albers will likely make the Opening Day lineup not having earned it but due to Koji Uehara’s stint on the disabled list. Kam Mickolio showed much promise in his brief stints in the last two years and probably has long-term potential as an effective reliever, but he tends to be the odd man out in roster considerations and may need more time in the majors to flourish.<br /><br />The success of the bullpen will largely depend most on the success of the rotation. As the Orioles have made clear in recent years, when starters get knocked out of the game early, relievers get overworked, and production spirals even further. The rotation gave up an AL-high 5.4 runs per game, and, combined with the relievers, led the league in overall earned runs (817), hits (1633), and home runs (218). If the rotation can go deeper into games, there are enough weapons in the bullpen to make nine innings of effective pitching a regular possibility. The reality is that, even with improvement, the starters will likely be marked by inconsistency. Tillman, Matusz, Bergesen, and Hernandez are young and still on a learning curve; Millwood and Guthrie struggle putting together complete seasons. However, the future of Orioles pitching remains as bright as ever, and if Trembley and Kranitz can spread the innings effectively, this year could go a long way toward building a playoff-caliber staff.<br /><br />Injuries<br /><br />It is not an encouraging sign that this topic merits its own heading. A significant enough number of contributors battled injuries this offseason to make fans concerned that, even making the necessary improvements, the record might not show it. Uehara is simply fragile and cannot be counted on for a full season. Roberts, arguably the brightest spot of the dark decade, suffered a herniated disk in his back and has been on a delayed schedule all spring. A hustling second baseman who legs out doubles and steals bases, an ailing back could noticeably limit, or at least delay, his effectiveness. The recent acquisition of Lugo means that the organization does not have complete faith in his ability to play regularly, particularly in April with 16 consecutive games to start the season. Reimold has been slowed and reportedly limping in games with his Achilles injury. He will probably see several at-bats as the designated hitter, but, with decent but struggling defense last year, he probably needs a full season in left field to develop properly. Many have clamored for him to be trained as a first baseman, but this is unlikely; his potential is too high to be shifted each season and eventually find himself without a position. <br /><br />Brad Bergesen was only a few days behind schedule in spring training and seems to have found his stride, but he may want to find a stunt double for future commercials. Adam Jones has recovered completely from the severe ankle sprain that ended his season, but he has been stopped short in each of the past two seasons and also suffered from back problems last year. If he is to use all five of the tools that commentators have repeated he possesses, he needs to be healthy. Other minor injuries through the spring for the Orioles include Tillman (back spasms, reportedly from sleeping on a couch), Pie (shoulder tendinitis and hit-by-pitch), and Gonzalez (back stiffness).<br /><br />Projection: 82-80, 4th Place AL East<br /><br />It will be a fun year to watch the Orioles. The younger players will show poise and be unflapped by the tough competition. Against one of either the Yankees or Red Sox, they will manage a winning record. However, the inconsistencies of youth mean that they will also have losing records against teams to whom they are probably superior. They will be the only fourth place team in baseball with a winning record (if it is indeed possible for that to happen). From the positive press sure to come with avoiding a baker’s dozen of losing seasons, expect Peter Angelos to allow MacPhail to use the company card and bring in some big names before a playoff run in 2011.<br /><br />Orioles Magic. Feel it happen.<br /><br />Acknowledgements:<br /><br />Orioles.com<br />Baseball-reference.com<br />Dempseysarmy.blogspot.com (shoutout to Heath)<br />Masnsports.com School of Roch (Roch Kubatko)<br />Si.comMurphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067538698299529069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-41781405413687550602010-04-02T12:00:00.002-04:002010-04-03T09:15:15.441-04:00The Chicago Cubs 2010 PreviewThe eternal child-like optimism of baseball aficionados is pretty well personified by Cubs fans. They have no physical proof that success for their team and happiness for themselves are real possibilities. Yet they join the grand fraternity of faith-filled fans who just know that joy eventually can triumph over frustration and heartache. <br /><br />For Brooklyn Dodger fans there was the seemingly endless chorus of "wait til next year." And, eventually, the Dodgers broke through and won a World Series. For Red Sox fans (of the non-"pink hat" variety) there were several generations of belief that the end to the suffering was over, then dashed hopes, then more wandering in the desert. But, the Red Sox too were able to break through the futility and win a world title. <br /><br />Where's that kid from <span style="font-style:italic;">Angels in the Outfield</span> who reminded us all that "It Could Happen"?<br /><br />Which brings us to the matter of the 2010 Cubs. In simple terms, the Cubs could win this year's World Series. They could end 102 years of futility. They could have one of baseball's better pitching staffs, one of its more potent offenses, one of its most impressive rosters. Unlike in <span style="font-style:italic;">Angels in the Outfield</span> when it took divine intervention to compensate for the complete absence of talent on the team's roster, the Cubs are not in need of some sort of miracle to produce wine out of a roster filled with water. <br /><br />No, the grand "if" for the 2010 Cubs is this: They can contend for a pennant and a World Series <span style="font-weight:bold;">if<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> the men on their roster play to the levels which they have previously demonstrated are within their reach, keep their heads about them, and stay off of the Disabled List. If those three items constitute a miracle, then, yes, the 2010 Chicago Cubs need a miracle. <br /><br />I'd argue, however, that any team who wins the World Series stands in need of that very miracle. <br /><br />2009 and the Offseason<br /><br />The 2009 incarnation of the Chicago Cubs spent a grand total of 17 days in first place and eventually finished in second place with an 83-79 record. The consensus among all baseball fans (maybe everyone except those who call St Louis home) was that the 2009 Cubs had grossly underachieved. Catcher Giovanny Soto, after a fantastic rookie campaign in 2008, was awful in 2009, finishing with a .218 batting average and a mere 11 homeruns. Alfonso Soriano spent much of the season on the disabled list, plagued by injuries that seemed to not to want to let him out of their vice grip. Soriano managed a meager .241 mark at the plate with a pedestrian 20 homeruns. Milton Bradley, the Cubs high risk addition to the outfield, provided his expected amount of erratic behavior but did not deliver his anticipated offensive firepower, finishing with a .257 average and 12 homeruns. Carlos Zambrano failed to reach double digit wins for the first time since becoming a full-time starter and newly-acquired closer Kevin Gregg proved so maddeningly inconsistent that he was let go at season's end.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cubsfan.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/zambrano.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 325px; height: 410px;" src="http://cubsfan.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/zambrano.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />To retool for 2010, the Cubs dealt the emotionally combustible Bradley to Seattle in exchange for homerun-prone strike-thrower Carlos Silva, who figures to eat innings at the back end of the rotation or as a long reliever. To replace Bradley's outfield offense, the Cubs added Marlon Byrd, fresh off a career year as a Texas Ranger (.283 BA, 20HR, 89 RBI), and Xavier Nady, who spent most of 2009 on the surgical table. <br /><br />Most importantly for the Cubs, Carlos Zambrano showed up for 2010 having shed 15 pounds. Addition by subtraction at its finest.<br /><br />Pitching<br /><br />The aforementioned Zambrano will be the team's ace and opening day starter. His return to form is probably the biggest single determining factor for the Cubs 2010 success or failure. After Zambrano the Cubs will look to Ted Lilly (12-9 3.10 ERA) and Ryan Dempster (11-9 3.65 ERA) as the anchors of a potentially solid starting rotation. Behind those three established winners, the rotation will feature Silva (1-3 8.60ERA last year in Seattle) and Tom Gorzelanny (29-28 career record with a 4.87 ERA). It could, theres that word again, be one of the National League's best rotations.<br /><br />The bullpen is cause for slightly less optimism than the starting rotation. After cutting ties with Kevin Gregg, the Cubs will look to Carlos Marmol (23 for 30 in save opportunities for his career) to hold late inning leads. John Grabow (4.03 ERA for his career), Sean Marshall (4.55 ERA for his career), and former Notre Dame wideout Jeff Samardzija (5.20 career ERA) have the inside track on middle-inning work. Youngster Esmailin Caridad dazzled in a partial year of big league service last season and will likely be the Cubs' primary setup man. <br /><br />Hitting<br /><br />In theory, a lineup featuring Derrek Lee, Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez, and Giovanny Soto should produce enough runs to contend in the usually mediocre NL Central. In theory. Lee was nagged by injuries in 2009, ditto for Soriano and Ramirez. For the Cubs to realize their 2010 potential, those three must have healthy campaigns and Soto must return to his award-winning 2008 form. The newly acquired Marlon Byrd will be expected to repeat his excellent 2009 numbers and the double play combination of Ryan Theriot (.284 BA last season with a .712 OPS) and Mike Fontenot (.236 BA) can contribute to the team's overall offensive well-being by 1) staying in the lineup and 2) cutting down on strikeouts (Fontenot whiffed in more than 1/5 of his at-bats last season en route to losing his job to Jeff Baker). Lastly, some combination of the thus-far disappointing Kosuke Fukudome (.258 BA in 2 seasons in the USA) and newly-minted Cub Xavier Nady will handle right field duties. Production from either of them would give the Cubs yet another potent offensive weapon. <br /><br />Overall<br /><br />So there does that leave the Cubs? Certainly the talent is there, particularly in the middle of the lineup and at the front of the starting rotation, to challenge the Cardinals for supremacy in the NL Central. The entire starting lineup matches up favorably with pretty much any team not called the New York Yankees. But, 162 games must be played. The Cubs, like any team really, must have a mostly healthy team for most of those 162 games to have a real chance at winning. The problem for the Cubs is that, more so than any other team in baseball in recent years, they have an uncanny knack for finding ways to under perform and for treading the well-worn path to the trainer's room and the Disabled List.TQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352564315930496534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-39994407805500927402010-03-31T12:01:00.002-04:002010-03-31T12:01:00.205-04:00The Oakland A's<span style="font-style:italic;">I once caught a preseason game between the Giants and Athletics in the Stadium formally known as the Oakland Alameda County Colosseum. Even for that meaningless game played by two teams destined for the cellars of their respective divisions, the Bay Area fans came out in force, made noise, and turned the now enclosed ball park (thanks for NOTHING, Al Davis). There was even a Rasta Reggie Jackson sitting a few rows in front of me in the leftfield bleachers. <br /><br />The A's of 2010 do not offer much in the way of championship potential. However, what follows, compliments of Mr. Paul Campbell, is an epically entertaining tour of the Athletics roster. Enjoy!</span><br /><br />--TQ<br /><br /><br />Oakland Athletics 2010 Preview<br />Baseballbreaksyourheart.com<br /><br />2009 Recap<br />The 2009 season was a disappointing one for the A's, as they were effectively out of the playoff hunt by June and stumbled to a 75-87 finish, bringing up the rear of the AL West. Despite the last-place finish, there were reasons for optimism in Oakland, with strong performances from rookie starter Brett Anderson and closer Andrew Bailey, and continued production from OF Ryan Sweeney in his second year in Oakland.<br /><br />2010 Offseason<br />The Oakland offseason was headlined by the January 25 signing of free-agent SP Ben Sheets. Sheets, the former Brewer ace, may be the ultimate risk-reward signing of the 2009-2010 offseason. After missing all of 2009 while recovering from elbow surgery, Sheets signed a one-year, $10 million contract (+$2M in innings-based incentives) with Oakland.<br /><br />While Sheets was the highest-profile move, he was not the only piece the A's brought in to shore up the roster. The A's traded for 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff to bring stability to the hot corner and hopefully provide better production than 2009's Adam Kennedy/Jack Hannahan/Bobby Crosby combination. The team also signed CF Coco Crisp to inexplicably keep the better-fielding Rajai Davis in LF, and Gabe Gross to serve as a fourth outfielder.<br /><br />In terms of losses, the A's saw the offseason departures of minor-league IF Tommy Everidge (claimed off waivers by SEA), 3B Adam Kennedy (signed with WAS), OFs Scott Hairston and Aaron Cunningham (via the Kouzmanoff trade), IF Aaron Miles (trade), RP Bobby Casseveh (Rule V draft pick returned to LAA), and prospect OF Grant Desme (calling to Catholic priesthood), so...they are at least keeping it interesting in the East Bay.<br /><br />2010 Outlook<br />Offense<br />The 2010 Oakland Athletics aren't going to light up the scoreboard, and will be hard-pressed to match the 2009 team's 759 runs scored. That team was paced by LF Matt Holliday, dealt at the trade deadline and now of the Cardinals. The 2010 roster will rely on production from Daric Barton, Kurt Suzuki, Jack Cust, Kouzmanoff, and Sweeney to offset a collection of mediocre bats at the remaining spots in the lineup. Even among the A's offensive leaders, the only exceptional bat is DH Cust.<br /><br />Projected Lineup (2010 projected AVG/OBP/SLG/wOBA from CHONE, via Fangraphs)<br />C-R Kurt Suzuki (275/335/405/327)<br />1B-L Daric Barton (261/366/413/347)<br />2B-R Mark Ellis (248/312/386/310)<br />SS-S Cliff Pennington (243/325/341/304)<br />3B-R Kevin Kouzmanoff (259/304/431/320)<br />LF-R Rajai Davis (270/329/375/319)<br />CF-S Coco Crisp (254/330/370/319)<br />RF-L Ryan Sweeney (286/350/409/335)<br />DH-L Jack Cust (235/370/441/360)<br /><br />Bench<br />OF-L Gabe Gross (238/332/387/321)<br />IF-L Eric Chavez (234/315/392/314)<br />C-R Landon Powell (227/314/399/316)<br />IF-R Adam Rosales (245/310/395/310)<br /><br />Defense<br />In 2009 the A's found themselves in the middle of the pack (6th of 14 teams in the AL) by posting a +5.2 team UZR. Outfield defense was the A's strength, with Ryan Sweeney (+24.0 UZR) and Rajai Davis (+11.3) leading the way. Newcomer Gross, despite little career experience in LF, should bring an able glove to complement Sweeney and Davis and ensure that Oakland's pitchers are safe pitching to contact in the cavernous Coliseum outfield.<br /><br />Based on recent and career UZR numbers, the A's project to post another year of roughly league-average defense. Davis/Crisp/Sweeney should continue to form a solid defensive outfield, while Gross will do an able Matt Holliday impression as a fourth outfielder, even if he may not come close to his production at the plate. <br /><br />1B Daric Barton: +5>x>-5<br />2B Mark Ellis: +10>x>0<br />SS Cliff Pennington: +5>x>-5<br />3B Kevin Kouzmanoff: +5>x>-5<br />LF Rajai Davis: +15>x>+5<br />CF Coco Crisp: +10>x>0<br />RF Ryan Sweeney: +20>x>+10<br /><br />Pitching <br />The 2009 Oakland rotation was not the picture of inconsistency, with 14 different starters taking the mound over the course of the season, ten of them making at least five starts. Despite their inconsistency, the 14 SPs did serve as a good example of what average looks like, as the Oakland staff posted a collective 4.96 tRA, almost exactly in line with the league average 4.94. The A's were led by 21-year-old rookie Brett Anderson and his 3.58 tRA, good for a 5-WAR season. 25-year-old Dallas Braden (4.12 tRA, 3.1 WAR) was another indicator of success of Billy Beane's perpetual youth movement. Youth was not universally served, as Anderon's cohort, 21-year-old righty Trevor Cahill struggled with his command and had a rough season-long transition to Major League ball. For his troubles, Cahill will be on the outside looking in on the 2010 rotation, as the signing of Ben Sheets and the return of Justin Duchscherer (after missing all of 2009) will bolster the Oakland rotation.<br /><br />The bullpen, however, was another story. The emergence of rookie closer Andrew Bailey (2.10 tRA, 91:25 K:BB) anchored a solid performance out of the A's relief corps. Even more impressive was Michael Wuertz in a setup role (1.60 tRA, 102:23 K:BB). Repeat performances by the two will go a long way toward Oakland's success in 2010. Unfortunately, both have health concerns, and in recent weeks the front office has brought in free agents Edwar Ramirez and Chad Gaudin as insurance.<br /><br />Rotation (2010 projected IP, FIP from CHONE, via Fangraphs)<br />SP-R Ben Sheets (136 IP, 3.68 FIP)<br />Sheets, who missed all of 2009 recovering from elbow surgery, has dealt with injuries his entire career; but there is no doubt that he has the talent to be a dominant #1 starter when healthy. In 2008, his most recent complete season (198 IP), he was worth nearly 4.5 Wins Above Replacement (WAR). Obviously durability is a major question mark, but so too is the question of how much of the once-ballyhooed talent will remain following another major surgery. Oakland fans will root for Sheets' fastball velocity and breaking ball movement to return to 2008 levels. If this is the case, then Sheets could anchor the rotation. If his elbow issues flare up again, A's fans will share the experience of their divisional rivals the Mariners with Erik Bedard in 2008-2009.<br /><br />SP-L Dallas Braden (138, 4.26)<br />Braden was a success last year, posting the Oakland rotation's second-best tRA (4.12) and FIP (3.73), but for the life of me, I can't figure out why. He brings a decent but not exceptional change to complement the fastball and curve in his repertoire, but has always been below-average at inducing groundballs and getting batters to swing and miss at his offerings. He doesn't strike many batters out, and his walk numbers are marginally better than average. Unfortunately for Braden, the only number that jumps out as unusual from his 2009 performance is one that indicates unsustainable good luck on his part: a HR/FB rate of 3.2%. Regression to the mean is an inevitability, making Braden likely to pitch like what he is in 2010: an average back of the rotation starter, but probably not anyone you want to count on to lead the pitching staff.<br /><br />SP-R Justin Duchscherer (78, 4.17)<br />Duchscherer is kinda like Ben Sheets. Neither of them pitched in 2009. That's about all the similarities I have, I just wanted to put the words Duchscherer and Sheets in close proximity to one another. Duchscherer is coming off a year filled with shoulder and back injuries, compounded by a bout with clinical depression that I'm sure makes it interesting for him to swap stories with the Mariners' Ian Snell when they cross paths. (More depressing city to live in: Oakland or Pittsburgh? Go.) Duchscherer has impressive stuff despite a lack of overpowering velocity. He mixes his pitches exceptionally well to keep hitters off-balance. In 2008, Duchscherer posted an above-average 3.84 tRA (3.69 FIP), supported by a probably unsustainably low .235 BABIP and 4.6% HR/FB rate. Despite the probability of impending regression, Duchscherer is certainly talented. Assuming he comes back healthy and regains the All-Star form he demonstrated two years ago, Duchscherer will undoubtedly be a key component of the A's success in 2010.<br /><br />SP-L Brett Anderson (138. 3.92)<br />Amazingly, Anderson was the less-heralded of the A's two 21-year-old starters coming into 2009. The lefty was considered a top prospect but overshadowed by cohort Trevor Cahilll. Despite the hype, it was Anderson that made the most of his promotion to the big leagues, putting up a 3.58 tRA/3.69 FIP. Anderson will be called on to deliver a repeat performance in 2010. With a fastball in the low-90s and a wickedly effective slider, the only questions regarding Anderson entering his age-22 season are (a) if he can manage the demands of a second year in the majors without a dropoff in production and (b) if the A's can find a third top SP prospect to complement Anderson and a resurgent Cahill to form the third generation of Oakland's Big Three.<br /><br />SP-L Gio Gonzalez (155, 4.57)<br />Gonzalez makes heavy use of his impressive curveball (28.9% of all pitches in 2009) to complement an ineffectual fastball and change. He did show significant improvement in 2009 over 2008, with his swinging strike rate increasing from 6.9% to 9.8% (league average: 7.8%). Despite the improvement, Gonzalez was still moderately unlucky, with a below average strand rate (68.8%), and above-average HR/FB rate (10.3%) and BABIP (.355). Gonzalez is still only 24 and has room for improvement, but in 2010 will be a decent back of the rotation starter for the A's.<br /><br />Bullpen (2010 projected IP, WHIP, FIP from CHONE via Fangraphs)<br />CL-R Andrew Bailey (62 IP, 1.23 WHIP, 3.81 FIP)<br />Bailey came in and took over the closing role with aplomb for Oakland in 2010, with the 25 year old converting on 26 of 30 save opportunities and posting a 2.10 tRA (2.56 FIP) while striking out 28% of batters faced. With an average fastball in the mid-90s and above-average command, Bailey should see similar success in his second year in the closing role. <br /><br />RP-R Mike Wuertz (66, 1.23, 3.49)<br />RP-R Brad Ziegler (74, 1.26, 3.49)<br />RP-R Chad Gaudin (152, 1.48, 4.58*)<br />RP-L Craig Breslow (58, 1.28, 4.18)<br />RP-R Edwar Ramirez (62, 1.35, 4.37)<br />RP-L Jerry Blevins (72, 1.22, 3.82)<br /><br />*CHONE projection as SP<br /><br />2010 Outlook/Projection<br />The AL West collectively decided it wanted to get serious about ending the Angels' stranglehold on the division in the 2010 offseason. Signing Ben Sheets was the A's salvo in the rotation-upgrade competition, joining high-reward but injury-prone aces Rich Harden (TEX), Erik Bedard (SEA), and Cliff (--gulp--) Lee (SEA).<br /><br />The A's lost one of their major offensive contributors when they traded Matt Holliday to St. Louis, and again when Adam Kennedy left for free agency. Even assuming continued production from Rajai Davis and Ryan Sweeney, bringing in Kevin Kouzmanoff and Coco Crisp is not the answer. The A's are likely not going to score a lot of runs, putting the onus for their season's fate on their ability to prevent runs. The pitching staff, despite its talent, has substantial injury questions: Sheets, exceptional as he may be, is not reliable to perform over a full season. Justin Duchscherer's return to the mound is similarly up in the air. In the bullpen, the dominant Bailey and Wuertz will have to fight through health issues to be effective in 2010. And the team's defense, while absent of any major sieves, is nothing exceptional on balance, despite a collection of defensive prowess in the outfield.<br /><br />The A's have made substantive, if risky, improvements in 2010. Unfortunately for the Oakland faithful, the results might not be there as the Mariners and Rangers have both made more drastic improvements in the offseason, and even the Angels have mitigated against severe losses and will still be front-runners to win the division. Oakland will see some improvement on the field, but it probably won't come in the standings.<br /><br />Prediction: 78-84, 4th place in the AL WestTQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352564315930496534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-5028426427556893542010-03-30T18:54:00.005-04:002010-03-30T18:59:34.378-04:00The "Dangerous" Florida Marlins<div style="text-align: left;"><i>In this preview I completely forgot to mention their impending new stadium and renaming to the Miami Marlins, as well as their being ordered by baseball to spend more money. Whoops. Here's a picture of the new stadium to make up for it. - Andrew</i></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQSquKu4Bo8SglREQ1OdxuwvvOoKMc31j52m1Mh-4PFaAIwndhXhrWHJPyxbajk2A1-U0wuQGiWD4Sf58avz7sVs5DbeabkDnphmpVdJ_gZUXw1ICKO0WQUcBh2e7HMJDG0y1AdGgiQQ/s1600/front-page-image.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQSquKu4Bo8SglREQ1OdxuwvvOoKMc31j52m1Mh-4PFaAIwndhXhrWHJPyxbajk2A1-U0wuQGiWD4Sf58avz7sVs5DbeabkDnphmpVdJ_gZUXw1ICKO0WQUcBh2e7HMJDG0y1AdGgiQQ/s400/front-page-image.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454564774096309106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 159px; " /></a></div><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">The Florida Marlins are one of those teams that sportswriters always label as “dangerous.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Unfortunately, that “dangerous” seems to have been stuck in neutral the last few seasons, unable to escalate to “ready to win.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Last year they finished 87-75, sometimes good enough to win the Wild Card or, more often, the NL Central.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Unfortunately, the play in the NL East and had to settle for 2<sup>nd</sup> place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Are the Marlins ready to win this season?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>According to most prognosticators, probably not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Braves have gotten more hype as the threat to the Phillies in the NL East and common opinion is that the Wild Card will come out of the NL West.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But don’t overlook the Marlins.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">After all, they do have the best player in baseball not named Albert Pujols.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s amazing to think that the Red Sox traded away Hanley Ramirez.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Granted, they got Josh Beckett and the 2007 World Series title, but Ramirez is so special a talent that what Boston got in return may not have been enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Last year Ramirez put up an insane .342 BA/.410 OBP/.543 SLG/.954 OPS, in addition to 24 home runs and 27 stolen bases (which were down years for him).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Unlike the Padres and Adrian Gonzalez though, Ramirez is no one man show.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leading the way, literally and figuratively, is the reigning Rookie of the Year, Chris Coghlan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>His .321 BA was good for 6<sup>th</sup> in the NL (note, all of the NL, not just among rookies), and after the All-Star break, Coghlan led all major leaguers in batting average (.372) and hits (113).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>CF Cameron Maybin may have only hit .250 with disappointing numbers in 2009, however his bright future is not debated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After all, he was one of the centerpieces of the Miguel Cabrera trade (note that Dontrelle Willis is barely even mentioning as a side note in that trade).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Also, both Dan Uggla and Jorge Cantu offer power alternatives from the infield.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then there’s also speedster Emilio Bonifacio on the bench.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Sure, his 2009 flamed out after the first three weeks, but he still has game-changing speed. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Marlins rotation is led by Cy Young candidate Josh Johnson, who won 15 games in his first full season back from Tommy John surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>With a WHIP of 1.16 and 119 strikeouts in ‘09, it’s not surprise that Johnson has the stuff to post a career ERA of 3.40.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Tom Verducci warns that Johnson’s rapid increase in innings pitched last year could lead to injuries, but I expect Johnson to escape the dreaded Verducci effect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Behind Johnson are Ricky Nolasco, Anibal Sanchez (who once threw a no hitter), and talented if enigmatic youngster Chris Volstad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They may not be as reliable a top 4 that of the Yankees, however, they are “dangerous”, as<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>sportswriters would say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m not sure any team would want to face that rotation in one last series with their seasons on the line.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once again, I don’t know enough about the Marlins bullpen to adequately critique it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Hayden Penn, once a touted prospect, has a lifetime ERA close to 9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dan Meyer never amounted to much until posting a 3.09 ERA last season, but can he build on it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Despite his great 2009, Brian Sanches was once released by both the Phillies and Nationals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Is he a fluke or did those teams make poor judgment calls?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Leo Nunez at closer put up some pretty impressive numbers – he held opposing hitters to a .230 average and also put up 26 saves – but he also blew 7 saves, a number approaching Brad Lidge territory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Like most bullpens, there seem to be as many if not more questions than answers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So what Marlins team will we see this season?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They will most certainly be “dangerous.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The lineup has just enough power behind Hanley Ramirez and is the rotation is competent enough behind Josh Johnson that no one would be surprised if the Marlins challenge for a playoff spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Could everything fall apart with the right combination of injuries?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But even in that case, they’d still be better than the Nationals.</p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774515802220841270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-20484631182520575302010-03-29T21:24:00.004-04:002010-03-29T21:37:01.888-04:00The 2010 Cardinals<span style="font-style:italic;">I've never driven a pregnant woman to the hospital. Not something I've had the pleasure of doing. <br /><br />But, I have been behind the wheel of a car while an anxious Cardinals fan grits her teeth in the backseat en route to the nearest television to watch the clinching game of a World Series. On a chilly October night in 2006, I broke a few dozen traffic laws racing through the hills of Maryland to get my friend Jenny to a TV so that she could witness, through the miracle of broadcast media, her team's triumph over the Detroit Tigers. <br /><br />Her thoughts on the 2010 Cardinals follow. Enjoy!</span><br /><br />--TQ<br /><br />2009 Review<br /><br />The Cardinals put up another solid effort in the 2009 season. The acquisition of Matt Holliday was a real turnaround for this ball club. After gaining Holliday in the second part of the 2009 season, everything started going right for the Redbirds. Carpenter returned to full form and landed himself a spot on the Cy Young ballot with co-pitcher, Adam Wainwright. The Cardinals hitting continued to be strong throughout 2009. Despite a tough loss in the NLDS to the Dodgers, the Cardinals displayed their usual competitive edge throughout the season. The offseason signing of Matt Holliday will continue to give the Cards a great offensive boost. There were little other offseason movements (with the exception of resigning Pujols, much to the delight of every citizen of St. Louis), but the Cardinals will continue to build on what they have and once again prove to be one of the best NL teams in 2010.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP64A9vnWlILgCPsLm8LUeV_ato4dPPx_aatoiZdj0F6q3Ny73OvrmZWQV_7VMSiEBuv1JU2AojWvHJTHErhZIMKDinjnpCMJJ2O6jKLJT3ffDaPr-NtbBHw9pnlGCL2U6uGfTpncgZc0/s1600/27032_715936176054_5319526_40852073_7288427_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP64A9vnWlILgCPsLm8LUeV_ato4dPPx_aatoiZdj0F6q3Ny73OvrmZWQV_7VMSiEBuv1JU2AojWvHJTHErhZIMKDinjnpCMJJ2O6jKLJT3ffDaPr-NtbBHw9pnlGCL2U6uGfTpncgZc0/s320/27032_715936176054_5319526_40852073_7288427_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454234500551071010" /></a><br /><br /><br />PITCHING<br /><br />The Carpenter/Wainwright combination, with their 2.24 and 2.63 ERA’s respectively, is arguably the best 1-2 combination in the major leagues right now. Carpenter will continue to be a team ace. Wainwright, if he’s anything like what he’s been in the last three years, will keep improving and prove himself as one of the best pitchers in baseball right now. Any one of these guys is a likely candidate for the Cy Young award. Of course, all of St. Louis is on their knees praying that Carpenter doesn’t get injured again. If they both stay healthy, expect record breaking seasons from both of them. Losing Joel Piniero and his 3.49 ERA will definitely put some pressure on the Cardinal prospective 3-4-5 spots. Kyle Lohse will fill in behind Wainwright. His unpredictability will make it difficult to know how he will perform this season. There is hope in St. Louis that Brad Penny will recover and add great depth to the Cardinal’s starting rotation. Imagining a 2007 form Brad Penny added to the Carpenter/Wainwright combination should blow anybody’s mind. Assuming the more likely scenario that he will recover average ability, he’ll fill the number four spot in the rotation. Possible prospects for the number 5 spot include Kyle McClellan and a young prospect Jamie Garcia. McClellan, an unpopular reliever in St. Louis, is not the favored pick because of his very untimely pitching messups. If Jamie Garcia can work up a little endurance during this Spring Training season, he could prove a solid rookie for the 2010 season.<br /><br />This fan’s picks for 2010 starting pitching rotation:<br /><br />Chris Carpenter<br />Adam Wainwright<br />Kyle Lohse<br />Brad Penny<br />Jamie Garcia<br /> <br /><br />BULLPEN<br /><br />The bullpen was by far the weakest link in the 2009 Cards season. Due to the management’s lack of movement in this area during the offseason, it is likely to prove, once again, a sore spot in the Cardinal’s 2010 season. Ryan Franklin, in 2009, certainly lived up to the reputation that players like Isringhausen and Wainwright had left him as a solid closer for this ballclub. Other bullpen notables are:<br /><br />Trever Miller—Franklin aside, the Redbirds best bullpen pitcher. He goes up great against left-handed batters (a winning point for Tony LaRussa). If he works up the ability to pitch the same way to righties, he’ll be a major asset in 2010. <br /><br />Kyle McClellan—LaRussa’s favorite. Assuming Garcia takes the spot in the starting rotation, he’s likely to see the most playing time in the bullpen.<br /><br />Mitchell Boggs, Blake Hawksworth, Jason Motte and Dennys Reyes comprise the rest of the Cards very weak and inexperienced (Reyes aside) bullpen for 2010.<br /><br />INFIELD<br /><br />The Cards infield is looking very promising for the upcoming season. Pujols, Molina and Ryan have all proven themselves as greats in their positions. With Schumaker still adjusting at second base, and David Freese getting another chance at the majors, the infield’s greatest challenge in 2010 is learning to play well together. Here’s a glance at the players individually:<br /><br />1st base: Albert Pujols— While better known for his hitting ability, Pujols has certainly proven himself as a great defensive first baseman. He pushes himself and tries hard to make every play. His relentless effort in defense shows just what type of player he is. A valuable leader in the Cardinals young infield.<br /><br />2nd base: Skip Schumaker—Last season he made the difficult adjustment from center field to second base. He proved unexpectedly well at his new position, though definitely shows room for improvement. His teammates commend his eager to learn attitude, which will help him master his new position.<br /><br />Shortstop: Brendan Ryan—He really picked it up at the end of last season, making some spectacular defensive plays. He managed to gain some national fame at the close of the season as a great, young shortstop. If he keeps playing like he did in the second half of 2009, he’s likely to draw in that same sort of attention and earn some fame to his name.<br /><br />3rd base: David Freese—Straight from the Cardinals minor leagues. He made a number appearances in the big leagues last year before the Cardinals acquired Mark DeRosa and also for covering DeRosa a number of times throughout the season. He’s had a great spring training and is anticipated to be the starting 3rd baseman by many in the Cards club. It’s tough to tell how he’ll play out as the kid now has a history of having good spring trainings and rough season starters.<br /><br />Catcher: Yadier Molina— This guy is the best in the game at his position. Consecutive two time gold glove award winner. Enough said.<br /><br /><br />OUTFIELD<br /><br />The following three players committed a combined total of three errors in the 2009 season. They complement each other spectacularly and are one of the greatest strengths to the 2010 Cardinals team.<br /><br />Left field: Matt Holliday—Now famous in St. Louis for his missed catch in game 3 of the playoffs last year, which many argue cost them the series against the Dodgers. A decent outfielder, but will definitely need to re-prove himself in 2010 to many doubtful fans in St. Louis.<br /><br />Center field: Colby Rasmus—The golden star in the Cardinals outfield. As a rookie last year, he followed well in the footsteps of Jim Edmonds and Rick Ankiel making fantastic acrobatic plays. If his rookie season in 2009 was anything of a preview, it will be exciting to see what Rasmus has in store for this upcoming season and the rest of his career.<br /><br />Right field: Ryan Ludwick—Definitely more famous for his offensive greatness. However, Ludwick has proven to be extremely valuable in the Cards outfield, committing only one error in the 2009 season. He has proven himself as threatening defensively as he is offensively.<br /><br />THE 2010 LINEUP<br /><br />1-2B: Skip Shumaker- Solid .300 hitter for the past two years. Hits a good number of doubles.<br /><br />2-CF: Colby Rasmus- .251 BA, expected to improve as he gains experience.<br /><br />3-1B: Albert Pujols- 3 time MVP. Enough said.<br /><br />4-LF: Matt Holliday- Had a .353 with the Redbirds last year and will likely claim the cleanup spot again this season.<br /><br />5-RF: Ryan Ludwick- A great homerun hitter. Hit 97 RBIs last year.<br /><br />6-C: Yadier Molina- He’s picked up offensively in the past few years and in 2009 gained a reputation for stealing last year with a 75 SB%. The fans go crazy for this guy.<br /><br />7-3B: David Freese- He had a .323 BA with only 31 AB. He’s had a good spring training so far this year.<br /><br />8-SS: Brendan Ryan- .340 OBP. A decently clutch hitter.<br /><br /><br />2010 SUMMARY<br /><br />The 2010 Cardinals are the best in the NL Central. Their offense is unbelievable on paper, and I see no reason why they won’t perform as everyone in St. Louis is anticipating them too. The pitching staff definitely has some holes in it. Many things will have to go right for the pitching to hold it together for the Cards in 2010. Wainwright and Carpenter will need to match their impeccable 2009 records. Brad Penny needs a decent recovery and Dave Duncan needs to find a solid player to fill the number five spot in the rotation. Oh, and the bullpen can’t blow every single save that comes their way. That being said, the Cardinals hitting and fielding will compensate for any pitching weaknesses and they will be the most competitive team in the NL Central.<br /><br />MY HOPEFUL 2010 PREDICTION<br /><br />95-67 and take the NL Central at least five games ahead of the Cubs.<br /><br />A too close to call NLCS against the Phillies.TQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352564315930496534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-29175368639169551532010-03-29T06:00:00.000-04:002010-03-29T06:00:00.874-04:00Step Right Up and Greet the Mets<span style="font-style:italic;">Last season I ventured up to New York to catch a Mets-Giants game at brand new Citi Field in beautiful Flushing, Queens. Always one to brag about my devotion to collecting baseball stadiums, I fired off a text to my friend LD to let her know I would be seeing her favorite team play in their new park. As luck would have it, 2 things happened that day: 1) She also happened to be at the game and 2) The Mets staged a valiant comeback only to lose in extra innings. Oh, and David Wright got clunked on the noggin by Matt Cain. All in all, the game was a nice summary of the Mets not-so-nice 2009 season: injuries, near-misses, and agony all set in a bright new ballpark. It was a rough year for Mets fans and I appreciate LD's willingness to give us a brief commentary on the State of the Mets. Enjoy!</span><br /><br />--TQ<br /><br /> Despite the hype of a new $850-million stadium, the New York Mets finished last season winning a mere 70 games and going yard only 95 times, leaving them fourth in the National League East and fans wanting more. Granted, the inaugural season was not without its milestones, among them Gary Sheffield knocking out his 500th homerun. But visiting teams saw arguably more success in the stadium than the home boys did: New York Yankee Mariano Rivera recorded his 500th career save, becoming only the second relief pitcher to do so, and the Philadelphia Phillies’ Eric Bruntlett recorded a game-ending unassisted triple play, only the second in Major League history.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/S7qOq0sU4fw&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/S7qOq0sU4fw&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iyjsrrGHH_8&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iyjsrrGHH_8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/k08vKDTY_J8&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/k08vKDTY_J8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /> So, where does that leave the Mets this spring?<br /><br /> For starters, the Mets will have to exterminate the injury bug plaguing the clubhouse. It seems there is still speculation on whether shortstop Jose Reyes will be on the field for Opening Day after he was diagnosed with a hyperthyroid condition during spring training. Without his offensive drive, the lineup will be hurting. Centerfielder Carlos Beltran has come up big several times for the team since his acquisition, but his health has been on again, off again as well. A knee injury will keep him off the field in the beginning of 2010.<br /><br /> Offensively, the Mets need thirdbaseman David Wright to step up to the plate – literally – and get back to his old self, as well as bring his consistently solid defensive skills. Newcomer Jason Bay, an outfielder, is also expected to be a strong offensive contributor.<br /><br /> Starting pitchers may also present some issues. Johan Santana has established himself as a solid bet, but after him, reliability dwindles. John Maine and lefty Oliver Perez are recovering from injuries, and though Mike Pelfrey and Maine have come through for the team before, neither have secured the votes of confidence the Mets need.<br /><br /> Let’s hope the team gives Mets fans something more to cheer for this season than the Yankees to lose.TQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352564315930496534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-17531745685742871722010-03-28T12:36:00.008-04:002010-03-28T18:38:42.542-04:00Your Washington NationalsThe Nationals lost games pretty frequently in 2009. Without any real veteran options on the mound and with season-long black holes at second base, catcher, and right field, Manny Acta and later Jim Riggleman had little hope for putting together a lineup night after night that had more than a puncher's chance of winning. It took a season-ending seven game win streak for the Nats to finish with a 59-103 record. Good for the worst in the Major Leagues. <br /><br />By my unofficial count of ticket stubs in a shoebox under my bed, I saw 12 Nationals games in person last season. I saw young starting pitchers with not much potential implode and then get replaced by relievers with even less potential and an unfortunate penchant for making bad situations worse. I saw Cristian Guzman flail at just about any pitch in his continued crusade to never, ever, draw a walk. I watched Josh Bard stand in the box for a several dozen overmatched at-bats. <br /><br />But I was also standing and clapping on a cold September evening when in a 2/3 full stadium, the Nationals rallied for 5 runs in the bottom of the 9th inning to beat the Mets in their final home game of the season. As Justin Maxwell approached home plate on his game-winning grand slam, he tossed his helmet skyward and was mobbed by an exuberant throng of bouncing teammates. In the brisk fall air 30,000 fans cheered the victory as if it was a game of some consequence. There was genuine excitement in Nationals Park that night. In some strange way, it was as if the entire putrid season hadn't happened. For all we cared, Maxwell was as good as hopping, skipping, and leaping homeward having just won a post-season game. <br /><br />Even in their 4th straight miserable losing season, the Nats could provide excitement and joy. And this year, though the soul-crushing ineptitude remains to a degree, the arrival of Stephen Strasburg in a professional uniform, the continued flowering of Ryan Zimmerman, and an overall improved roster hold out the promise of more frequent competence. For those of use who will frequently make the subterranean journey to the Navy Yard stop on game nights this season, that hint of competitive play should make this summer a little brighter in DC.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2008/0509/WAS_80810873_580.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 480px; height: 286px;" src="http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2008/0509/WAS_80810873_580.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />New Faces<br /><br />The Nats allowed an apocalyptic 5.4 runs per game in 2009, the worst average in baseball. Not surprisingly, they have added a number of new arms to the organization. Jason Marquis, fresh off of a 15-win season in Colorado, signed as a free agent and will likely be the Nationals' Opening Day starter. Matt Capps, who managed 27 saves at the back end of the Pirates' bullpen in 2009, also signed as a free agent and will be expected to close games. Last year's part-time closer, Mike MacDougal was non-tendered at the close of 2009, signed with the Marlins, got released, and re-signed with the Nats, so technically, he's a new arrival too. However, two of the potentially most important new faces in 2010 will not arrive on the banks of the Anacostia until undisclosed future dates this summer. Stephen Strasburg, last year's Number One Overall Draft Pick, earned the nickname "Jesus" in his eye-catching and radar gun-melting audition this Spring but will start the season in Double-A. Chien-Ming Wang had a 9.64 ERA when the Yankees ended his 2009 campaign and sent his shoulder to an operating table. He won 19 games in 2007, and when he's on, he's as effective of a sinker-baller as exists in the game today. The Nationals hope he can fill a spot near the top of their rotation once he's healthy. <br /><br />Former Astros and Rockies speedster Willy Taveras recently inked a minor league deal with the team. With Elijah Dukes' recent dismissal from the team, Taveras is an early likely candidate for at least part-time duty in right field. Veteran catcher Ivan Rodriguez, arguably the finest defensive catcher of the past two decades, signed a two-year contract this winter. He will be the primary catcher as Jesus Flores works his way back into good health, which may take most of the season, according to some reports. Adam Kennedy signed early in the Spring and is slated to bring overall competence and stability to second base. <br /><br />Offense<br /><br />The 2009 incarnation of the Nationals' offense was far from great, but also far from the worst in baseball. 4.4 runs per game from the Nats' bats was good for 10th best in the National League. Compared to the effort by the pitching, the offense wasn't half bad. And with most of the critical pieces back from 2009, and a few younger faces looking to make bigger contributions, the Nationals will likely do an even better job in 2010 of putting big numbers up in the proper boxes on the <a href="http://twoguysandamap.com/art/nationals_park_3.jpg">MASSIVE CENTER FIELD SCOREBOARD</a>. <br /><br />-- 3rd Baseman Ryan Zimmerman hit like a man possessed for much of 2009, finishing with 33 homeruns, 106 RBI, and an impressive .292 batting average. After an injury-marred 2008, Zimmerman's 2009 campaign was exactly the statement year Nats fans wanted to see and it loudly announced Zimmerman as a real contender for the title of Best National League Third-Sacker. <br /><br />-- Adam Dunn looked like a statue in left field for much of the season but after Nick Johnson was traded away, Dunn moved to the infield and played an almost serviceable 1st Base. His streak of consecutive 40-homer seasons came to an end last year, but the 38 dingers he did manage are certainly worth the $8 million he earned. To paraphrase a great President, I cannot spare this man. He hits!<br /><br />-- Josh Willingham began the year as a man without a position but finished 2009 as the every day left fielder, launching 24 homers in the process. For much of the second half of the season, Willingham joined Dunn and Zimmerman to form a triumvirate of terror in the middle of the order for opposing pitchers. <br /><br />-- Centerfielder Nyjer Morgan, <a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2009/07/nyjer_morgans_gentlemans_name.html">aka Tony Plush</a>, dazzled in DC after arriving in a trade from Pittsburgh. He hit .351 as a Nat, stole 24 bases, and generally endeared himself to the organization and its fans. Both of whom would like to see an encore of those numbers in 2010. <br /><br />-- Cristian Guzman, as of earlier today, has finally lost his hold on the job of Nationals' shortstop. Ian Desmond who hit the ball with General Patton-esque authority during his September cameo last year, will bring youth, energy, talent, and the ability to occasionally take pitches to the lineup this season and start the season as the every day shortstop. Similar to Morgan, much is expected of Desmond this season by fans and management alike. <br /><br />-- Willie Harris should be a part of the rightfield platoon to start the season, but should see action up and down the lineup and all over the field. He won't contend for the team lead in homeruns (oh how 2008 was a dark year for the Nats offense) but Harris has proven a competent utility man whose bat and legs provide occasional offensive spark.<br /><br />Pitchers<br /><br />In a perfect world, the previously discussed Strasburg, Marquis, and Wang will be fixtures in the Nationals' rotation for much of the season, allowing Jim Riggleman to lean less and less heavily on "John Lannan and the chuck-and-duckers," who saw most of year's mound time. Lannan is a legit big league pitcher who was forced last season to play the role of staff ace on a very bad team. He kept his ERA under 4.00 but only managed 9 victories. He'll be near the top of the Nats rotation this year and likely for seasons to come. For the time being, Lannan will be joined in the rotation by some combination of Scott Olsen, Garrett Mock, JD Martin, Livan Hernandez (yes, the same guy who made the all-star team in 2005 as the Nationals' ace), and Craig Stammen.<br /><br />The bullpen will, ideally, be anchored by the arrival of Capps, the return of MacDougal, and continued development by Tyler Clippard, Sean Burnett, and Jason Bergmann. New arrival Brian Bruney had an eye-catching 0.99 WHIP and 1.83 ERA in 2008 and serviceable numbers last year as a Yankee. He'll see a lot of action out of Riggleman's pen. Non-roster invitee Miguel Batista, and whoever loses the 5th starter sweepstakes also figure to join the bullpen mix.<br /> <br />Overall <br /><br />Every time the Nationals lose, the following plays over the Nats Park PA system<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zaGUr6wzyT8&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zaGUr6wzyT8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />That got a lot of air time in 2009. With new big league additions to the team and more experience for young role players, the Nationals should subject their fans to noticeably less losing in 2010.<br /><br />And even if Bob Marley once again does fill the air this summer at Nats Park, with the arrival of Stephen Strasburg on the horizon, Nats fans can listen to the song's wise advice and not worry about a thing. Things may turn out all right in DC sooner rather than later.TQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352564315930496534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-24648452655342163812010-03-26T00:01:00.005-04:002010-03-26T06:42:28.809-04:00The Detroit Tigers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFt3G7IJx09DDq1sgjP2TeNJkPm0MsqeTXBsQ2cYS9MfQxoePMY-o5mSsN2XH_PPWOURl5h4NisGmpOvswpEOAN8crEKsWDg87m5u6tdDmLRlHCwsBoSUTf_8aFJe029twbmFZBJTe6M/s1600/000_0470.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFt3G7IJx09DDq1sgjP2TeNJkPm0MsqeTXBsQ2cYS9MfQxoePMY-o5mSsN2XH_PPWOURl5h4NisGmpOvswpEOAN8crEKsWDg87m5u6tdDmLRlHCwsBoSUTf_8aFJe029twbmFZBJTe6M/s400/000_0470.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452708089502802610" /></a><br /><br /><br />I feel a certain connection to the Tigers. I think that feeling goes back to a simple combination of events. I visited Comerica Park, the Tigers' magnificent home in the summer of 2005 and was very very impressed. Then, almost out of nowhere, the 2006 Tigers stormed out to a big lead in the AL Central, faltered down the stretch, limped into the playoffs as a wild card, then proceeded to upset the favored Yankees in the ALDS before eventually falling to the Cardinals in a very sloppy World Series. I rooted hard for the Tigers in the 2006 playoffs, right up until that final fatal whiff by Brandon Inge ended the Series and the Tigers' hopes for a title. <br /><br />In short, I like the Tigers. They're not my favorite team, or, honestly, even my second favorite, but I've got absolutely nothing against them.<br /><br />So it was with a certain amount of dismay and confusion that I initially observed the Tigers' offseason transaction following their second-place finish in 2009. In a three-team-swap the Tigers dealt away centerfielder Curtis Granderson, fresh off of a 30 homer season, and hard-throwing starter Edwin Jackson, who won 13 games and tossed 214 innings in 2009. In return, the Tigers received 2 young lefty relievers, a 2nd year starter, and a prized centerfield prospect. Trading Granderson before his contract expired and Jackson before he could ask for a raise and letting reliable second baseman Placido Polanco leave town, while obtaining mostly unproven talent in return signaled to me that Detroit was embarking on a rebuilding campaign. Let young talent develop while the team waits out or sells off its remaining big bucks contracts, and then, with a new nucleus ready to rock, make another charge at contention. <br /><br />But then the Tigers management did some things that simply did not fit into my initial analysis. They inked Justin Verlander, their staff ace and probably best trading chip to a long term, mega-bucks extension. They signed closer Jose Valverde, and brought in aging <a href="http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/wackyplanetshop_2100_233100205">Johnny Damon</a> presumably to play left field. Basically, they aborted the sell-off and started buying.<br /><br />I was confused. <br /><br />Then, in reading in preparation to write this article, I realized very clearly that my initial assumption after the Granderson trade had been wrong. Sure, the modus operandi of teams looking to go cheap and young is usually to trade talent right before the time comes to renegotiate contracts. But that does not mean that every time a team opts not to resign a good player who is about to cash his first big check the team in question is thinning its payroll. Sometimes, and I think this is the case with the 2010 Tigers, a team trades a star (or two) because that trade will get them the pieces they feel they need to contend sooner rather than later. <br /><br /><br />Pitching<br /><br />The recently re-signed Justin Verlander had a splendid 2009 season. 19 wins, a 1.18 WHIP, and 269 strikeouts, Verlander is a staff ace, a big game clutch pitcher, and one of the 5 or 6 best pitchers in the American League. And he's only 27. After Verlander the Tigers can feel confident sending Rick Porcello (14 wins, 3.96 ERA last season in his FIRST SEASON ABOVE A-BALL) and newly-acquired Max Scherzer (9 wins 174 K's and a 4.12 ERA in his first full big league season) to the mound as 2nd and 3rd starters. The Tigers are betting heavily on Verlander's ability to repeat his great 2009 and Scherzer and Porcello taking the next step up from transcendentally promising rookie campaigns. The 4th and 5th slots will be filled by two of the following: Dontrelle Willis, Nate Robertson, and Jeremy Bonderman. Willis used to be a star and is now a head case with a frail psyche and frailer body, Nate Robertson followed up a 6.35 ERA in 2008 with a 5.44 ERA in 2009. Bonderman hasn't been healthy since 2007. If one of those three somehow pulls it together this season, the Tigers will have a formidable rotation. If not, tune into Tigers games once in a while this summer, you may see an endless line of retreads that you haven't seen for year toeing the rubber. <br /><br />Jose Valverde brings his portly pitching prowess to the Motor City in 2010. He should bring stability in the 9th inning. If somehow, flame-throwing Joel Zumaya can keep his arm attached to his body, he'll provide supperior 8th inning relief. Lefty relief ace Bobby Seay has an appointment with Dr. James Andrews. Other than Doctor Kavorkian or Doctor No, there is no doctor's name I dread hearing more in relation to any athlete. New arrivals Daniel Schlereth and Phil Coke will also see a lot of innings out of Jim Leyland's bullpen. <br /><br /><br />Motor City Mashing<br /><br />Statistical Note: OPS= On Base Percentage + Slugging Percentage<br /><br />1B) Miguel Cabrera .324 BA, 34 HR, 103 RBI, .943 OPS<br />2B) Scott Sizemore .308 BA, 17 HR, .889 OPS (Combined 2009 Stats in AA and AAA)<br />SS) Adam Everett .238 BA, .613 OPS<br />3B) Brandon Inge .230 BA, 27 HR, 170 SO, .720 OPS<br />LF) Johnny Damon .282 BA, 24 HR, .854 OPS<br />CF) Austin Jackson .300 BA, .759 OPS (2009 AAA Stats)<br />RF) Magglio Ordonez .310 BA, .804 OPS, 50 RBI<br />C) Gerald Laird .225 BA, .626 OPS<br />DH) Carlos Guillen .242 BA, .758 OPS<br /><br />Likely bench<br /><br />Clete Thomas .240 BA, .709 OPS<br />Ryan Rayburn 16 HR, .892 OPS<br />Ramon Santiago .267 BA, .703 OPS<br />Alex Avila .279 BA, .965 OPS <br /><br />There is star power (Cabrera), former stars (Damon and Ordonez), serviceable major leaguers (Laird, Everett, and Guillen) two top prospects who have played a grand total of ZERO big league innings (Sizemore and Jackson) and a player whose statistics call into question the sanity of the men who sign his massive checks every two weeks (Inge). Miguel Cabrera had some personal troubles in 2009 but assures the public that his drinking and anger issues are behind him. He's a superstar when his head on on straight. Magglio Ordonez is in the final year of a huge contract and Tiger fans can only hope that now, at last, he delivers production commensurate to his wages. Carlos Guillen's offensive output was way above league average...when he was still a shortstop. As a DH, his batting prowess likely will not be as impressive. Despite hitting 27 homeruns last year, Brandon Inge managed an OPS barely above .700 and struck out 170 times. His .236 batting average in 2007 remains his highest in the last three years. Look for Alex Avila to steal more and more time behind the plate from Laird as the season rolls on. Avila hit very well in a late season cameo last season, his first action above Double-A. <br /><br />Overall<br /><br />Jim Leyland is a notorious chain-smoker. There is a good chance that this incarnation of the Tigers will have Leyland lighting up with great frequency. There is also a chance, however, that if the starting rotation meets expectations, bullpen health holds, and the offense functions without too many hiccups, the Tigers could challenge for the top spot in the AL Central. With Kansas City and Cleveland likely to lose prodigiously, Detroit would have to really stink up the joint to fall to the bottom of the AL Central. The above question marks will determine whether the Tigers settle into the middle of the standings or put up a winning record.TQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352564315930496534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-46333450673433767122010-03-25T00:01:00.001-04:002010-03-25T18:55:14.622-04:00The 2001 World ChampionsAlot went wrong for the 2009 incarnation of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Opening Day starter and perennial Cy Young contender Brandon Webb hurt his shoulder a mere four innings into the season and never pitched again in 2009. Lefty reliever Scott Schoeneweis' wife died suddenly in the couple's home in May. Outfielders Conor Jackson and Eric Bynres had miserable campaigns; Jackson caught <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/valley-fever/DS00695/DSECTION=symptoms">Valley Fever</a> and missed almost all of the season while Byrnes was injured and just plain awful. Shortstop Stephen Drew saw his power numbers and batting average plummet and Centerfielder Chris Young hit maddeningly poorly, earning himself a demotion to AAA at one point. The pitchers allowed a woeful 4.8 runs a game, good for 14th in the National League. <br /><br />The <span style="font-style:italic;">Baseball Prospectus</span> postmortem on the 2009 Diamondbacks does not apologize for the team's dissapointing campaign. However the statheads who write for that publication of publications used a new and relatively untried statistic to demonstrate that though the Diamondbacks hurlers were wretchedly awful in 2009, their poor performance does have a possible explanation slightly more nuanced than a simple "THEY SUCK!" Consider the following set of events in an inning, in no particular order. A pitcher strikes out the side, allows a single, a walk, and a homerun. Depending on the order of those events, the inning is either alright (1 run scored), less desirable (2 runs across the plate), or horrific (3 runs home). The Diamondbacks pitchers did not witness sharp rises in other key stats (WHIP, walks, etc) but their ERAs did shoot up. The explanation, <span style="font-style:italic;">Baseball Prospectus</span> argues is "Order of Operations Syndrome." In 2009, Diamondbacks pitchers had the bad fortune of giving up base runners and longballs in the wrong order, resulting in a substantial rise in runs allowed without a huge rise in runners allowed on base. Those big hits tended to come with men on base. Its one explanation. <br /><br />To the Future...<br /><br />To attempt to reverse their rotation's fortunes in 2010, the Diamondbacks had an active offseason, trading away top prospect Max Scherzer in order to obtain talented Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy, who once Webb returns (fingers crossed) will fill the 3rd and 4th slots in the Arizona rotation. Staff ace Dan Haren, who despite a less-than-stellar 2009, remains one of the top 10 starters in all of baseball and an annual threat to win a Cy Young Award. A rogues gallery (including Rodrigo Lopez!) will vie for the 5th starter slot.<br /><br />Two offseason additions, Bob Howry and Aaron Heilman are expected to perform heavy labor in steadying the Arizona bullpen. Chad Qualls will return in 2010 as the team's closer, he had passable numbers a season ago but, like many of his brethren who toed the rubber for the D-Backs, Qualls had "order of operations" issues." His WHIP was low, but his ERA was a little on the high (for a closer) side. Joar Gutierrez can regularly hit 95 on a radar gun and posted reasonable numbers in his first full season in the big leagues; he'll fill a middle relief slot. <br /><br />On offense, the Diamondbacks 2009 effort was a mixed bag of breakout seasons and maddening underachievement. <br />Third baseman Mark Reynolds struck out 223 times last season, smashing his own single season whiff record. He also connected for 44 homeruns and drove in 102 runs, so the Diamondbacks recently re-signed the slugging 3rd baseman for 3 years and $14.5 million. Justin Upton will turn 23 in August but has already established himself as an elite hitter, batting .300 last season with a gaudy .532 slugging percentage. Catcher Miguel Montero clubbed 16 homers a year ago and batted a cool .294. When he wasn't deathly ill, Conor Jackson batted a meager .182 in 2009, he and Stephen Drew (a paltry .748 OPS), must regain form to provide the lineup with top-to-bottom pop. <br /><br />Like the bullpen, two new additions will be critical to the offense's success. Kelly Johnson hit a disappointing .224 a season ago in Atlanta. The Diamondbacks would like Johnson to hold down second base, gambling that Johnson can regain his 2007-08 form which saw batting averages around .280 and double-digit homerun totals. New first baseman Adam Laroche plays plus defense but has a checkered past in the batters box. He has an unfortunate penchant for hanging around the Mendoza-line until the All-Star Break, then finishing with a flurry for an overall respectable season. The Diamondbacks would like a full season of competent glove work AND a full season of line drives off of their new First Baseman's bat. <br /><br />So Where Does This Leave Us?<br /><br />Lets say Brandon Webb is actually able to return to the rotation in mid-April and regains his old form. Lets say the offensive question marks (Young, Drew, Laroche) pull their weight and Reynolds and Upton build on their 2009 successes. Then lets say that the starting pitchers not named Webb and Haren keep their ERAs and all other statistical measures on the happy side of average. And the bullpen doesn't completely melt down. Then, this is a team that can run with the Dodgers, Giants, Rockies. <br /><br />If the above pleasant thoughts do not turn into reality, then we can all say in October, "No wonder the _______ (fill in the blank with the NL West winner) won so many games. They got to play several series against the Padres AND the Diamondbacks."TQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352564315930496534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-74002494370679993102010-03-24T00:01:00.001-04:002010-03-24T00:01:01.375-04:00Since March 1st...The truly fantastic thing about the month of March is that, unlike say November, baseball teams are active, living, and giving off subtle hints of glories or colossal failures to come. Devotees can argue the merits of one team versus another all through the dark winter months while their favorite nines are, more or less, static. Sure there are a few glimmers of activity between November and February, but the Hot Stove League gives off precious little warmth compared to the radiant sunshiny goodness of March in places like Sarasota, Scottsdale, and Kissimmee. Is it any wonder that two teams call a town named Goodyear home during the Spring and two others train in Surprise? <br /><br />My point? <br /><br />Since we at baseballbreaksyourheart.com started our round-the-league season snapshots, the teams about which we've been writing have been out and about and providing the careful observer with new nuggets of insight. New plot lines unfold, and we start to get a little clearer picture of what 2010 has in store. <br /><br />Here are 10 quick items that have caught my eye since March 1st:<br /><br />10) The retirement of Nomar Garciaparra.<br /><br />Nomar kept playing baseball after July 2004? Well. Sort of. After Theo Epstein shipped his 5-time All-Star shortstop to Chicago in 2004, No-MAH simply became Nomar, and his fragile mortality was painfully and clearly revealed. Once the iconic batters box hyperactive from Beantown, Garciaparra became a nomadic traveling injury show after the trade. He managed 500 plate appearances only once in his life after Boston, that came in 2006 when he made the NL All-Star team as a member of the Dodgers and went on to win the Comeback Player of the Year Award. But injuries had him in their death grip. Last season, he appeared in 65 games for the hapless Oakland Athletics. On March 10, <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/story?id=4981701">Garciaparra signed a one-day contract with the Boston Red Sox</a>, and, No-MAH for one final day, he announced his retirement. He will join ESPN as a talking head on Baseball Tonight. <br /><br />9) The Fall of Vin Scully<br /><br />Have you ever seen or heard someone do something so perfectly that the thought flashes in your mind, "Wow, they're doing exactly what they were born to do!"? Like the goosebump-y feeling I get watching Usain Bolt sprint, Tiger Woods hit a golf ball, or Jerry Seinfeld tell jokes, my nervous system gets all wacky when I hear Vin Scully broadcast a baseball game. He's been a voice of the Dodgers since about the time that my mother was born. Heck, he was the person who, in 1955 after their triumph over the Yankees, proclaimed to unseen millions, "Ladies and Gentlemen, the Brooklyn Dodgers are the champions of the world!" Scully's voice soothes, excites, and in his pleasing baritone he describes the game in a way that invites listeners to close their eyes and imagine the scenes unfolding on the field. But, Vin is getting up in years. Last Thursday, he took an unplanned spill to the floor in his home, suffering some bruises and earning himself a hospital visit. But Scully, who for health reasons only broadcasts the Dodgers home games and away games played nearby, <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2010/mar/21/sports/la-sp-dodgers-fyi-20100322-23">was back behind the microphone on Sunday, telling the Dodger faithful, "I'm sorry to have caused the accident that caused so much concern."</a> If you happen to be able to tune into the occasional Dodger broadcast and happen to hear the voice of voices calling the play-by-play, do yourself a favor: stop what you're doing and listen. Scully is par excellence. <br /><br />8) Cliff Lee's Suspension<br /><br />This is a new one. Before so much as lacing up his spikes for a regular season game with his new team Seattle, Cliff Lee, the Mariners cherished top-of-the-line starter has run afoul of the Commissioners Office. During a March 14 game in Arizona, the prized left-hander buzzed the head of Arizona's Chris Snyder, <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2011373004_lee18.html">earning himself an early exit from the contest, and a five-game regular season banishment. </a> The enforced time off may prove a blessing in disguise for Lee and for perilously optimistic Mariner faithful; multiple news sources report that Lee has recently experienced significant pain while throwing side-sessions. <br /><br />7) Elijah Dukes' Unemployment<br /><br />Yo. You out of work Dawg! In a move which caught most baseball people unawares, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/17/AR2010031703602.html">the Washington Nationals abruptly severed ties with their troubled but talented rightfielder last week</a>. The Nationals had hoped that Dukes would leave his checkered past (<a href="http://www.sptimes.com/2007/05/23/Tampabay/Ballplayer_s_wife__He.shtml">You dead dawg!</a>) in Tampa and bring only his immense talent to the Nation's Capital. To his credit, Dukes has stayed out of trouble, as far as this writer knows, since arriving in DC. But the incredible physical gifts of young Elijah have not yet translated into noteworthy on-field production. Although, he did provide one of my favorite moments thus far at Nats Park in June 2008 by launching a laser-like game winning two-run homer against the Cardinals on a night that I had gotten stuck with overpriced outfield terrace seats. The move leaves two big questions: Who will play rightfield in Washington this summer? AND What <span style="font-style:italic;">really<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span> happened to earn Elijah his walking papers?<br /><br />6) A New Number in the Bronx<br /><br />This isn't exactly a new development, per se, but, this March, we got our first in-game look at Joe Girardi's new number. As a constant reminder to himself, the team, and fans that the Yankees are pursuing their 28th world championship this season, Girardi <a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2638/4457706072_1bf3565605.jpg">has upped his uniform identifier from 27 to 28.</a> Yankee fans, upon seeing the new number in Spring Training games, were reminded of all of the reasons that they love their team. Some of us saw 28 and thought of famine, suffering, and <a href="http://i.cdn.turner.com/sivault/multimedia/photo_gallery/0908/mlb.recent.beanball.incidents/images/yankees-orioles-1998-brawl(2).jpg">war</a>. <br /><br />5) Twitter Trouble in Chicago<br /><br />Has anything good ever come into this world because of Twitter? Really. I'm curious, anyone who has ever witnessed the world becoming a brighter place because of a "tweet," please, let me know. Twitter is like a big can of Raid and we are all little bugs. Just ask the Guillen family. Not that Ozzie Guillen ever needs help in finding controversy, Twitter helped the outspoken White Sox skipper to land in the middle of a heap of it earlier this month. <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/ct-spt-0323-haugh-chicago--20100322,0,7476656.column">Thanks to his overactive tweeting, Guillen's son Oney was forced out of his job with the White Sox.</a> The ensuing brouhaha has exposed what many feel is a widening chasm between Guillen and White Sox GM Ken Williams. It will be worth watching as the year progresses. <br /><br />4) Brian Roberts' Back and Jose Reyes Thyroid<br /><br />Did anyone else notice how far middle infield stalwarts Brian Roberts and Jose Reyes fell in their fantasy drafts? Roberts, the Orioles leadoff man extraordinaire and a lock for 50 doubles and 25 stolen bases every season <a href="http://content.usatoday.com/communities/dailypitch/post/2010/03/orioles-getting-itchy-about-second-baseman-brian-roberts-ailing-back/1">has been plagued all spring by a herniated disc in his back</a> which has caused him to spend most of the month shuttling between Orioles Camp in Florida and a back specialist in Baltimore. He is the table-setter for a Baltimore offense that will be leaned on heavily this season as young pitchers chuck and duck their way towards becoming bona fide big leaguers. <br /><br />Reyes has a Thyroid gland problem. Of all the things to sideline a member of the Mets after last season's Hiroshima-esque explosion of bad luck, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/12/sports/baseball/12mets.html?src=me">their shortstop has been disabled by one of his glands.</a> As of this writing Reyes has been cleared for baseball activities but news outlets express skepticism about his readiness when the Mets open their season on April 5th in Queens against the Marlins.<br /><br />3) Ron Washington Failed D.A.R.E<br /><br />Theres a movie coming out which promises to be one of the worst of this generation, which makes it a strong candidate for worst all-time. <br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4DCFPS58KYY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4DCFPS58KYY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Really. Almost certainly epically bad. <br /><br />I can't help but feel, however, that I myself have been transported back to the mid 80s. Earlier this month, i<a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20100319/SPORTS12/3190333/1060/Rangers-manager-Ron-Washington-admits-he-used-drugs-as-a-player">t was revealed that Rangers' manager Ron Washington had tested positive for cocaine last season.</a> For anyone who has ever heard stories about Dave Parker testifying in Federal Court about rampant baseball drug use, or heard tales of Tim Raines sliding headfirst so as to avoid breaking cocaine viles hidden in his pants pockets, or been exposed to the sad saga of Steve Howe, Washington's admission is a sad reminder to baseball fans that, alas, drug use still haunts the National Pastime just as it haunts the nation itself. <br /><br />I've always had a soft spot in my heart for the 80s. Heck, its when I was born. But I can do without 1980s-style athletes and drugs revelations. <br /><br />2) Stephen Strasburg Facing Hitters<br /><br />The Nationals recently <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/20/AR2010032001392.html">sent uber-phenom Stephen Strasburg to their Minor League Camp</a>, ensuring that the talented hurler will begin his pro career in the minors, likely in Double-A. In what we were able to see of him this spring, Strasburg seems a likely candidate to deliver on the lofty expectations which surround him. To quote the Washington Post, "Strasburg's spring performance cemented his can't-miss status." He struck out 12 hitters and walked only 1 in 9 innings of Spring Training work, running up a nifty 2.00 ERA in the process.<br /><br />Once March Madness is over, set up your Stephen Strasburg Debut Office Pool. He's coming. <br /><br />1) Joe Nathan to the DL, Joe Mauer to the Bank<br /><br />Shortly after announcing that All-Star closer Joe Nathan will, as feared, miss the entire 2010 campaign, the Minnesota Twins went public with the news that they had <a href="http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/88882532.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUss">signed AL MVP Joe Mauer to an 8-year $184 million extension</a>. This is a remarkable paradigm shift for an organization which faced contraction in 2002. With a new ballpark opening this year, the Twins apparently do not view themselves as "small market" anymore. The Twins, it seems, intend to contend for the remainder of this oh-so-brand-new decade. The Mauer signing does nothing to fill their suddenly gaping void at closer. But, its noteworthy nevertheless. <br /><br /><br />Thank you for allowing me that brief interruption. Tomorrow, we're back to team previews with a look at everyone's favorite team to undergo a complete color-scheme overhaul in recent years: The Arizona Diamondbacks.TQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352564315930496534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-50887620741333397732010-03-23T00:01:00.000-04:002010-03-23T00:01:00.562-04:00The Kansas City RoyalsIts been 20 years since a group of wise and wonderful men brought the world the movie <span style="font-style:italic;">Major League</span>. In Hollywood time, that means its almost ripe enough to re-make. May I offer my humble suggestion that instead of basing the next great movie following the "baseball team goes from loser to champ" plot line on the Cleveland Indians, we should consider the Kansas City Royals a much better option. If an ex-showgirl were to buy the Royals tomorrow, how many people would notice? If she were to staff the team with ex-cons, 40 year-olds, and a Cuban defector who can't hit curveballs...would it make your local newspaper? <br /><br />Fast, name someone on the Royals not named Zack Greinke. <br /><br />Perhaps the above exagerates the Royals' misery somewhat. There really are bright spots in Kansas City in the summer time. Zack Greinke was the American League's best pitcher in 2009 and received the Cy Young Award for his efforts. First Baseman Billy Butler hit .301 last year while slugging 21 homers and 51 doubles. The team added Rick Ankiel and Scott Podsednik to (theoretically) improve the outfield. This year <span style="font-weight:bold;">could<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> be the year in which Alex Gordon finally becomes the second coming of George Brett. And Jose Guillen has yet to do anything so egregiously crazy as to cause harm to his teammates or the Royals fanbase. <br /><br />Pitching<br /><br />A story. I braved ungodly traffic on a Tuesday night last July and drove up to Baltimore because I couldn't resist the pitching matchup offered by an Orioles-Royals game. Baltimore's prized pitching prospect Chris Tillman would be making his big league debut against Royals ace Zack Greinke. Too good to miss. Tillman's 4 2/3 inning performance was more or less unmemorable, but Grienke's outing and the game's eventual outcome proved a nifty microcosm of the 2009 Kansas City Royals experience. <br /><br />The top of the Orioles lineup took some good hacks against Greinke in the first inning. An Adam Jones homer put the Birds up 2-0 and Nick Markakis followed with a resounding double that nearly left the Yard. After a walk and a hit batter, Greinke struck out 2 Orioles and wriggled himself out of trouble. He then proceeded to allow a grand total of 3 baserunners in the next 5 innings and finished his outing at 6 IP, 2 R, 7K. Greinke made big league hitters look silly over and over again all night. He left with the Royals ahead 3-2. In the bottom of the 7th, the Royals bullpen took over. Before the Kansas City relief corps had recorded an out, the Orioles led 5 to 3. Two more Orioles runs in the 8th gave the game its final score: Baltimore 7 Kansas City 3. <br /><br />Zack Greinke's 2009 was fully worthy of the post-season accolades he received. He is a top flight major league starter and a bona fide staff ace. Behind Greinke, however, things get dicey. Gil Meche met and often exceeded expectations in his first two seasons in Kansas City after he signed a rich contract to lead the Royals' staff but last year, in year number 3, Meche struggled mightily, finishing with a 6-10 record. After Meche, the Royals will turn to Lukle Hochevar, who pitched to the tune of a 2.49 in his 7 wins but to the off-pitch screech of a 10.88 in his 13 losses. The final 3 slots in the rotation will likely go to two members of the three-headed monster of Kyle Davies (5.27 ERA), Brian Bannister (a hopeful 1.37 WHIP), and Robinson Tejeda (only 6 starts last year, but, in combined starting/relieving he ran up a dandy 3.54 ERA).<br /><br />Like the rotation, the bullpen features a lights-out performer. Closer Joakim Soria managed 30 saves in 2009 despite some DL time and despite playing for a team that managed only a meager 65 wins. Unfortunately, like the rotation, the rest of the bullpen often stinks up the joint. Kyle Farnsworth, though in possession of a strong right arm, is highly flammable between the months of April and October. Juan Cruz had a 5.72 ERA last year, Victor Marte ran up an 8.25, and Dusty Hughes posted a 5.14. Possible bright spots include Carlos Rosa (1.22 WHIP in late season action last year) and Ramon Colon (3rd best ERA in the Royals pen last year). <br /><br />Hitting<br /><br />The aforementioned Billy Butler hits line drives. Sometimes those line drives travel great distances or land between outfielders. He'll still be 23 on Opening Day, the best is yet to come. Joining Butler in the middle of the Royals' lineup will be Alex Gordon, who just turned 26 and has yet to fulfill very lofty expectations for his offensive prowess. If he's healthy in 2010, this could be the year he improves on his pedestrian .250 career BA and .746 career OPS. <br /><br />The outfield will feature a rotation of Guillen, Ankiel, Podsednik, David DeJesus, and Josh Fields. Fields came over in the offseason along with Chris Getz (who will likely have second base duties this season) in the trade which made the once promising Mark Teahan a White Sock. Ankiel, as of this writing, is nursing a sore ankle and is missing Spring Training time; not the most promising start to the pitcher-turned-outfielder's new life in Kansas City. <br /><br />Behind the plate, the Royals will turn to Jason Kendall this season. Since the 2000 season, Kendall has managed a slugging percentage above .400 only once. Last year, Kendall's .305 slugging percentage was less than half of what Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols managed. The Royals speak highly of his ability to handle pitchers and "call a game," but his offense really is awful. Backing up Kendall will be Brayan Pena, who hit a grand total of 25 homeruns in 654 minor league games. Thats not many. The Royals won't get much punch from their catchers this year. <br /><br /><br />Wrapping Up<br /><br />In 2009 the Royals got featured twice in an excellent commercial.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PxfFMkA3xPg&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PxfFMkA3xPg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />In 2010, the Royals will have to hope that Greinke, Soria, and Butler repeat and even magnify their past successes, Gordon finally reaches his potential, and Ankiel, Meche, Kendall and Podsednik rediscover whatever magic they cast in previous successful years. This is not the worst team in baseball. And, in an AL Central which boasts mediocre Detroit and Cleveland clubs, the Royals may even be able to make a run at 3rd place. But alot has to go right for that to happen.<br /><br />A LOT has to go right. <br /><br />Otherwise, with the team far out of contention, August in Kansas City may be a long, intolerable month.<br /><br />Warning. THIS CONTAINS ONE PIECE OF ADULT LANGUAGE. But its Ichiro. So its funny. <br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GtImIqR5neU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GtImIqR5neU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>TQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352564315930496534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-57567153698470318722010-03-21T00:01:00.001-04:002010-03-21T19:20:47.346-04:00The Minnesota Twins<span style="font-style:italic;">The last time we saw the Minnesota Twins they were fighting a valiant up-hill October battle against the eventual world champion Yankees. Alot has happened to the Minnesota team since that series last season. Some of it good (new stadium), some of it bad (new arm ligaments needed for ace closer). My buddy Jonathan kindly volunteered to fill us in on the aftermath of 2009 for the Twins and their prospects for 2010. Also, since this is a Minnesota baseball team we're talking about here, feel free to read what follows out loud in your best Bobby's World/Fargo accent. Enjoy!</span><br /><br />--TQ<br /><br />Early March brought the 2nd worst news any Twins fan could hear: due to a tear in the lower part of his ulnar collateral ligament Joe Nathan likely needs Tommy John's surgery and will miss the 2010 season. Only an injury to 2009 MVP Joe Mauer could be worse news to Minnesotans. As of this writing, we are in the two-week resting period before Nathan tests his arm away from reporters on March 20th or 21st. Still, recovery looks unlikely and the Twins are going to be looking for a closer for the first time since 2004. After expanding their payroll by $31 million already, it is doubtful that the Twins would be willing to pay much for or be able to find a quality closer on the free agent market and will likely look to their solid bullpen to replace Nathan. Despite being a fan favorite, I don't think Nathan's absence will have great effect. With Jon Rauch, Matt Guerrier, Jesse Crain, Jose Mijares and Pat Neshek—once he is fully healthy—all possibilities to close, the Twins' bullpen is still one of the league's best.<br /><br />The most important developments for the Twins involve the other Joe, the new stadium and the direction the club takes after the death of long time owner Carl Pohlad in 2009. Target Field (pictured) puts the Twins back outdoors after spending 1982 to 2009 inside the HHH Metrodome. Target field is everything a modern field should be, but what it really means to the Twins are two things, attendance and money. Its location near downtown Minneapolis makes it even more of an attraction for fans as does being able to sit outside on a summer night rather than in an inflatable white dome.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.twinsbobbleheads.com/Pictures/Target%20Field.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 398px;" src="http://www.twinsbobbleheads.com/Pictures/Target%20Field.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It's hard to tell if the new stadium or new ownership is a bigger factor behind the 2010 $96 million opening day payroll. In a begrudging way I can respect the way Carl Pohlad refused to lose money for “the privilege of showing baseball”, but I am optimistic about the increased payroll. The only thing that could sidetrack the Twins from the promising new direction in which they are moving would be the loss of their MVP, favored son, and hoped-for husband of almost every Minnesotan woman, Joe Mauer, to the Red Sox, Yankees or any other non-Twins club. Signing Joe Mauer has to be priority number one for the Twins front office or they could face decreased interest, attendance and money after only one season in their new digs.<br /><br /><br />2009 Wrapup<br /><br />As a Twins fans since 1987, I've often wondered if the Twins are trying to have a baseball season or write the plot of the next baseball movie in any given year. Given the seriousness and competence of Tom Kelly and Ron Gardenhire I'll grant them the former, but take a look at the evidence. Without straying into superlative territory too far, the 1991 World Series against the Braves was the most exciting and dramatic WS ever. A game seven that goes into extra innings with no runs scored, amazing! It was almost certainly the most exciting pitching dual any of us will ever see. In 2002, facing extinction, the Twins under first-year manager Gardenhire won their division and the ALDS and talk of contracting the Twins ended. Fast-forward to last year.<br /><br />The 2009 season passed in similar storybook fashion. After an extremely average season, the Twins, sitting at 70-72 and 5.5 games behind the Tigers, watch their clean-up hitter and former MVP, Justin Morneau, injure his lower back sliding into first and get benched for the rest of 2009. At this point it's over, they'll finish around .500 and hope for a better 2010, right? No. Led by a ragtag bunch of no-namers and a to-be-named 2009 MVP (think of the teams from Major League, Mighty Ducks or Dodgeball here), they close out the regular season on a 16-4 run with major contributions coming from Nick Blackburn (RHP), their bullpen (Joe Nathan was 9 for 9 in save opportunities) and such names as Nick Punto (.400 OBP), Delmon Young (.600 SLG), and Matt Tolbert, who? (.795 OPS). To close out the fairy tale regular season the Twins won a one-game playoff against the Tigers on the 12th inning hitting of Alexi “.202” Casilla (think of Charlie in Mighty Ducks taking the penalty shot in overtime to win the game).<br /><br />In the postseason, to quote BP, they got squashed by the Yankees in the ALDS (ending the season series 0-10)... because in the real world, Cinderella usually has to settle for the townhouse and the station wagon, not Prince Charming and the palace. The ALDS ended not in Game 3, but in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 2, when A-Rod homered off of Nathan to tie the game. After that it was a foregone conclusion. Side note, the last playoff game the Twins won was in 2004.<br /><br /><br />Offseason<br />Here is a rundown of the offseason news that doesn't include Joe Nathan. Playing for the Leones del Escogido, Francisco Liriano torched his way through the Dominican League playoffs going 3-1 with a 0.49 ERA in 7 starts. In spring training, Liriano has continued to look good and hopefully can approach his 2006 performance level in 2010.<br /><br />In 2009, the Twins opening day payroll was $65 million. Heading to opening day 2010, their payroll now stands at $96 million after re-signings—notably Span for 5 years and $16.5 million—and acquiring Orlando Hudson (2B) from the Dodgers, J.J. Hardy (SS) from Milwaukee, and Jim Thome (DH/1B) from the Dodgers while losing Orlando Cabrera (SS) to the Reds, not re-signing Joe Crede and sending Carlos Gomez (CF) to the Brewers for J.J. Hardy and a promise that no one ever speak of the Johan Santana trade ever again.<br /><br />2010 Twins<br />(All stats are for the complete 2009 season.)<br /><br />Lineup<br />Offensively, this is a very exciting team. Despite a fairly weak ninth hitter, the Twins have the best lineup in memory.<br /><br />1. CF Denard Span (my favorite and the most underrated Twin, .392 OBP and a prototypical lead-off man)<br />2. 2B Orlando Hudson (.283 BA, Gold Glove winner, every Twins fan is happy to have him)<br />3. C Joe Mauer (2009 MVP, what else is there to say?)<br />4. 1B Justin Morneau (sadly, his MVP year is starting to look like an outlier)<br />5. RF Michael Cuddyer (Virginia Beach's own; Cuddy was vital during last year's end-of-season surge)<br />6. DH Jason Kubel (appeared on some MVP ballots last year, but struggles against LHP)<br />7. LF Delmon Young (improving and still young at only 24)<br />8. SS J.J. Hardy (stellar defensively; struggles against RHP)<br />9. 3B Punto/Harris/Tolbert/Cassila (a tossup, but at least this year the Twins have 8 solid starters)<br /><br />Bench<br />Drew Butera and Wilson Ramos will compete for the backup catcher position until Jose Morales recovers from surgery on his right wrist. Morales batted .311 last year when he shared time with Mike Redmond during Mauer's absence and is a good bet to get the backup position once he is healthy. Jim Thome will try to stay healthy and DH off the bench. Brendan Harris (IF) and Nick Punto (IF) will take positions on the roster and only one of Alexi Cassila (IF) and Matt Tolbert (IF) will likely make it. For the record, I don't agree with many pundits who say that Punto is a terrible player. With OBP's of .337 and .341 in the past two seasons, Punto keeps rallies alive and that is all you can ask for from your #9 batter.<br /><br /><br />Rotation<br />Here is where the Twins run into trouble. I expect my predictions for the starting lineup and bullpen to be mostly accurate, but here, I wouldn't bet money that more than three of these guys will be in the rotation at the end of the season.<br />Scott Baker-RHP (Opening Day starter for 2010 and a diamond in the rough that is the starting rotation; after a slow start last season, Baker turned hot, posting a 3.67 ERA and going 13-3 in his last 24 starts)<br />Kevin Slowey-RHP (rrom BP, the Twins are an organization that collects finesse pitchers as if they'll be used as currency following the apocalypse; Slowey fits this mold perfectly, but it is very much up in the air if he can recover from last year's season-ending wrist injury)<br />Carl Pavano-RHP (the fact that he's here shows how badly the Twins need starting pitchers, look for a lot of 4 to 5 inning efforts from him)<br />Nick Blackburn-RHP (he gets his outs through forcing grounders, not strikeouts; again, his presence in the starting lineup is not a good sign)<br />Francisco Liriano-LHP (optimistically Liriano will be 80% of his 2006 self and therefore a solid contributor; if he fails as a starter again, look for him in the bullpen)<br /><br />Bench<br />Jeff Manship-RHP (has given up 9 ER in 5.2 innings so far in spring training; still in competition for the 5th spot)<br />Glen Perkins-LHP (the Twins were hoping to trade him before he allowed 9 earned runs in 8.1 innings this spring; now his trade value is even lower)<br />Brian Duensing-LHP (not having the best Spring so far giving up 5 runs in 4 innings)<br /><br /><br />Bullpen<br />Jose Mijares-LHP (solid set-up man last year and may play an expanded role in Nathan's absence)<br />Jesse Crain-RHP (ditto)<br />Jon Rauch-RHP (ditto)<br />Pat Neshek-RHP (coming off Tommy John's surgery this side-armer is one of my favorite Twins' relievers and is having a good spring so far (5.0 IP, 1 ER))<br />Matt Guerrier-RHP (lead the AL in appearances last year; another solid set-up man)<br />Clay Condrey-RHP (picked up from Philadelphia in the off-season, will likely play a role as the Twins starting rotation will require the bullpen to pitch 3 to 4 innings in many games)<br />Anthony Slama-RHP (after a good spring is now referred to by Gardy as Slama Jama; more likely to make the roster with Nathan out)<br />Anthony Swarzak-RHP (a rarity, a power pitcher in the Twins' system)<br /><br />2010 Predictions<br /><br />Worst-case scenario:<br />The starting rotation lives up to its billing and no matter what replacements are made, nothing works. The talented lineup is plagued by injuries (Morneau's back, Mauer's knees, etc.). The excellent bullpen never becomes a factor.<br />At some point during the season it leaks that Mauer's agent is in serious negotiations with the Yankees. This will coincide with an announcement by Brett Favre that he was really working for the Packers the whole of last season and gained all of Minnesota's trust just to crush them when they were minutes away from the Super Bowl, and also news that the T-Wolves are hiring back Kevin McHale. Target Field is found to be structurally unsound and Minnesotan decide to give up all non-hockey sports for eternity because their hearts just hurt too much.<br /><br />Best-case scenario:<br />Let's face it, the Twins will almost certainly never have a roster that compares to that of the Red Sox or Yankees on paper. Losing players to free agency, not gaining them has been the norm. So if the Twins are going to win a World Series anytime soon it will be somewhat as a Cinderella. 2010 seems as likely a year for this as any. Offensively, the Twins haven't looked this good for years. Defensively, if the Twins can cobble together 5 starters that will allow games to get to a point where their bullpen can work their magic then they can compete with anyone.<br /><br />Bottom Line Bottom Line:<br />Look for the Twins to capture a weak AL Central with one more victory that the second place White Sox. At this point they will play the Red Sox or the Yankees in the ALDS, losing 2 games to 3, which at least gives them their first playoff victories since 2004.TQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352564315930496534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-43733411480373724602010-03-20T11:27:00.004-04:002010-03-20T23:16:17.439-04:00Your East Coast Guide to the 2010 Padres<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgpcGrMEe_wI_KoLLG-Gyy_iO4FFVb5J9FFIIXjkI46QJ4gvOPyVdKypggwifcqH9d9amyffRQmaO56Ra7gonOeqYVGH05dgvSmIACmgiAru_Zdl_HZMAgRW6rfE6dxaK20y0ThSyUj4/s1600-h/petco2007911.JPG.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgpcGrMEe_wI_KoLLG-Gyy_iO4FFVb5J9FFIIXjkI46QJ4gvOPyVdKypggwifcqH9d9amyffRQmaO56Ra7gonOeqYVGH05dgvSmIACmgiAru_Zdl_HZMAgRW6rfE6dxaK20y0ThSyUj4/s320/petco2007911.JPG.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450738898160068002" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination: none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">At the far southwest of our great nation lies a beautiful city.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Discovered by the Germans in 1904, they named it San Diego, which of course in German means a whale’s…well, you get the point.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">In this beautiful city lies a beautiful baseball stadium, which some people know, seeing as it drew over 1.9 million visitors last year.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">In this stadium play the local nine, the Padres.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Decidedly fewer people know anything about the Padres, at least I’m willing to presume.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Quick quiz: how many players </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">not</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> named Adrian Gonzalez do you know who play for the Padres?</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I consider myself fairly knowledgeable about baseball and I was able to come up with two: Heath Bell and Tony Gwynn, Jr.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">If you were able to come up with more than that, congratulations, pat yourself on the back.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination: none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Many people forget that in 2007 the Padres were a Matt Holliday chin-scraping slide away from winning the wild card.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Gone from that team are Jake Peavy, Trevor Hoffman, and Greg Maddux.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I tried finding star offensive players other than Gonzalez from that team, but a partial Milton Bradley was as good as I got.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">That, if you recall, is the year he tore his ACL while being restrained from arguing with an ump.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination: none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">We might as well start with the two bright spots on the 2009 team: Gonzalez and Bell.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Gonzalez has developed into a star about as quietly as possible.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Between playing on the West Coast and playing for a team that has been awful to not quite mediocre the last two years, the “East Coast Bias” has definitely overlooked Gonzalez’s development.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Since coming over to the Padres in 2006, he has never hit below .277 and has seen his power numbers steadily increase.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Last year he put up a line worthy of his all-star selection: .277 BA/.407 OBP/.551 SLG/.958 OPS/40 HR/99 RBI.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">However, with the great Albert Pujols and the very good Ryan Howard playing for National League contenders, Gonzalez will continue to find himself playing 3</span></span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">rd</span></span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> string in the popularity contest.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Given the expectations for the Padres, many wonder how long it will be before Gonzalez is traded.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">His contract through 2011 (2010 with a club option) is a steal, so if they trade him, the Pads better ask for a king’s ransom in return.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination: none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Heath Bell is currently the Padres’ closer.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I say currently because in the wake of Joe Nathan’s elbow injury, rumors are swirling that the Twins may be interested in Bell’s services.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">For now, let’s just assume that Bell will be a Padre.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Since Bell came over from the Mets in 2007, he has steadily become the Padres’ go-to-guy.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Although he didn’t become closer until Trevor Hoffman’s departure in 2009, Bell played a huge role in the Pads 2007 bullpen, posting a 2.02 ERA and 0.96 WHIP.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Those numbers increased to 2.71 and 1.12, respectively, in 2009, however there was one key addition: 42 saves.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">For a team struggling to re-establish itself in the competitive NL West, having a reliable closer is huge.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination: none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Unfortunately there are 23 other players who will need to contribute for the Padres to contend in 2009, and therein lies the rub.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The Padres are counting on Chris Young on being their ace.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Yup, the same Chris Young coming back from labrum surgery.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The same Chris Young whose career high in wins is 12 and whose career ERA hovers around 4.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The rest of the rotation is likely filled out by Kevin Correia, Jon Garland, Clayton Richard and Mat Latos.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Correia, after 6 unremarkable years as a Giant, was serviceable last season.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Jon Garland is somewhat of a mystery: his career ERA in no way corresponds with his impressive career win-loss record.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Richard and Matos are too young to evaluate, but any positive contributions from them will be gladly accepted.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">As for the bullpen – I’ve never heard of any of their current arms.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Seriously.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">So I’m not even going to go there.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination: none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">According to their depth chart, their field will look like this:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination: none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">C: Nick Hundley: Youngin’ whose never played more than 80 games or hit above .240</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination: none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">1B: Adrian Gonzalez:</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Enough said</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination: none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">2B: David Eckstein: He’s a gamer! He plays the game the right way!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination: none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">3B: Chase Headley: Hit .262/12 HR/64 RBI in his first full season</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination: none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">SS: Everth Cabrera: Another young player – stole 25 bases in 103 games.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination: none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">LF: Kyle Blanks: Probably the Pads’ best offensive prospect.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Hit 10 HRs in only 54 games, though he did strike out 55 times.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination: none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">CF: Scott Hairston: Well, there have to be some veterans on the team.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination: none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">RF: Will Venable: Another young outfielder.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">May hit for less power than Blanks, but a better average.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination: none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">So…yea.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Those are the Padres.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I’m sorry for the brief preview but there’s not much for an East Coaster to write about a young, at best mediocre, team from California.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I don’t’ know much about their young players, but I find it nearly impossible to believe that this team will contend in the NL West.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">There are at worst 3 teams ahead of them (depending on which way the Diamondbacks decide to turn out).</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The Dodgers have been to the NLCS two consecutive years.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The Rockies are built solidly for another Rocktober.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Even the offensively challenged Giants have the pitching to contend.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">At least the fans have the gorgeous stadium to enjoy.</span></span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12774515802220841270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520605835128921481.post-88694978805911283242010-03-19T00:01:00.002-04:002010-03-19T06:55:56.652-04:00The 2010 Tribe<span style="font-style:italic;">Chris Music brings us an Indians Preview for the second year in a row. The tssk would have probably been much more enjoyable if I had asked Chris to cover the Indians from 1995 until about 2000. Its been a rough couple of years for the Erie Warriors. Chris gives a very honest fan's view, this is worth a read. Enjoy!<br /></span><br />--TQ<br /><br /><br />Yes there are other sports teams in Cleveland besides the Cleveland Cavaliers. Johnny from the cult film “The Room” also laments about the Tribe:<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Plz-bhcHryc&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Plz-bhcHryc&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />Note: For anyone who has not seen this movie, make time to borrow, or rent the DVD, or if you’re lucky a screening may be showing in your area, as this movie is still in theaters on select occasions!'<br /><br />Upon reviewing my preview of the 2009 Indians, I realized that the only thing remotely correct from the preview was that it was a “year of change for baseball in Cleveland.” Management’s trading of fan favorites Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez at the trade deadline capped a very disappointing season in Cleveland, culminating in the termination of manager Eric Wedge. <br />65-97, Fourth place in AL Central (Won head-to-head tiebreaker with the Kansas City Royals)<br /><br />2009 Recap:<br />Positives:<br />· Shin Shoo Choo: (.300, 20 HR, 86 RBI, 21 SB, .883 OPS)<br />· Asdrubal Cabrera (.308, 42 2B, 17 SB)<br />· Michael Brantley (.313 in 28 games in his first MLB experience)<br />· Tony Sipp (2.93 ERA, 40IP, 48K)<br />· Joe Smith (3.44 ERA, 34IP, 30K)<br />Negatives:<br />· Grady Sizemore (.248, 18 HR, 106 Games)<br />· Travis Hafner (.272, 16 HR, 94 Games)<br />· Kelly Shoppach (.214, 12 HR, 89 Games)<br />· Fausto Carmona (5-12, 6.32 ERA, 24 starts)<br />· Anthony Reyes (1-1, 6.57 ERA, 8 starts)<br />· Rafael Perez (7.31 ERA, 48IP, 1.90 WHIP)<br />· Masa Kobayashi (8.38 ERA, 9.2IP)<br /><br />Given the Tribe’s 90+ win seasons in 2005 and 2007, followed by disappointing performances in 2006 and 2008, Cleveland fans hoped for a strong season in an odd numbered year, ala the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA. In what seemed to be typical fashion during the Eric Wedge era, the Indians quickly started off the season losing seven of eight and finishing April 8-14. Unfortunately, the team was unable to bounce back from the slow start, primarily due to the struggles of the pitching staff, outside of ace Cliff Lee. Unfortunately, when Lee took the hill, Tribe bats suddenly turned into wet noodles, as he ended May with a 2-6 record, despite having an ERA of 3.16. On June 14th, after Lee pitched no-hit baseball through seven innings, defeating Chris Carpenter and the St. Louis Cardinals, the Tribe clawed to a record of 29-36, only six games behind first place Detroit. All momentum was quickly lost, as the next night Indians relievers squandered a 12-7 lead, surrendering a total seven unanswered runs in the seventh and eighth innings. This loss began a period where the Tribe lost 13 of 15 games, leading to a 35-54 record at the All-Star Break.<br /><br />With the Dolan ownership apparently losing $20M, and the team struggling to climb out of last place in the Central, GM Mark Shapiro began to shed payroll via trades which further irritated fans still lamenting over the disappointing end to the 2007 season. On June 28th, Shapiro dealt infielder Mark DeRosa to St. Louis for relievers Chris Perez and Jess Todd. Nearly one month later Shapiro began a flurry of deals over a two week period, sending:<br />· Rafael Betancourt to Colorado for Class A pitching prospect Connor Graham,<br />· Ryan Garko to San Francisco for Class A pitching prospect Scott Barnes,<br />· Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco to Philadelphia for Class A pitching prospect Jason Knapp, Triple-A pitcher Carlos Carrasco, catcher Lou Marson, and shortstop Jason Donald<br />· Victor Martinez to Boston for pitchers Justin Masterson, Nick Hagadone, and Bryan Price, and<br />· Carl Pavano to Minnesota for pitcher Yohan Pino<br /><br />Fans and the Cleveland media were outraged at the deals namely the Lee deal, as the more highly touted prospects rumored to be offered for Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay were not included in the deal. Of the players acquired Masterson was the only one who made a considerable contribution to the team, finishing the season with a 4.55 ERA in 11 appearances (10 starts). Carrasco struggled mightily in his five starts, collecting an ERA of 8.87 and a case of whiplash from all of the batted balls sprayed into the outfield and into the bleachers. Marson was a September call-up, playing in a handful of games, and all others remained in the minor leagues. <br /><br />Unfortunately there was no wild turnaround from the team like the second half 2008 Indians following the trades of CC Sabathia and Casey Blake. Early in September Grady Sizemore, who had been battling an elbow injury for several months, decided to sit out the rest of the season. Looking like the squad at the beginning of the film Major League, the Indians finished season with a 7-25 stretch to finish with a record of 65-97.<br /><br />2010 Preview:<br />Regrettably, there are no expectations of a World Series run from this roster. Given the current economic state and the hierarchy of sports in Cleveland, the buzz surrounding the Indians is almost non-existent. Cleveland sports talk is dominated by discussing the Cavaliers playoff run, fending pokes by the national media about which city Lebron will make his hometown, and debating the personnel moves made by Browns Team President Mike Holmgren and GM Tom Heckert. In fact, the most talked about Indians story this offseason, arguably could be the scandalous pictures of Grady Sizemore which graced Deadspin and many other websites. The hiring of Manny Acta was met with disappointment and confusion by many, given that Acta’s current career record as a manager is 158-252, and that he did not even finish the 2009 season with the Washington Nationals. Finally, given my Georgetown heritage, I must take time to congratulate MSB Alum Chris Antonetti on his promotion to General Manager, as Mark Shapiro was promoted to Team President.<br /><br />Acquisitions:<br />· Mike Redmond (C): Likely backup catcher to Lou Marson<br />· Mark Grudzielanek (INF): Signed to minor league deal; potential utility infielder replacement for Jamey Carroll<br />· Austin Kearns(OF): Signed to minor league deal; potential backup outfielder<br />· Shelley Duncan(OF): Signed to minor league deal; potential backup outfielder<br />· Russell Branyan (1B): Potential starting first baseman, can play some third base and outfield<br /><br />After the trades Shapiro made in the summer, and offseason (Shoppach to Tampa Bay), it was expected that the Indians would not be making any high priced free agent signings. The signing of Branyan was not received popular by most, given Branyan’s penchant for causing gale force winds when not making contact with the ball. Additionally, Branyan is recovering from a herniated disc in his back.<br /> <br />Projected Lineup, Bench, and Pitchers:<br />1. Asdrubal Cabrera (SS): Does not quite have the OBP desired for an leadoff hitter, but more important that Sizemore slides down in the order<br />2. Grady Sizemore (CF): Hopefully will bounce back from his injury plagued year<br />3. Shin-Soo Choo (RF): Arguably the most dangerous hitter on this team. In typical Cleveland fashion, fans have been more concerned with his impending military duty to Korea<br />4. Travis Hafner (DH): Tribe beat writers are reporting that Pronk cannot even throw a baseball. It’s truly amazing what the DH has done for aging power hitters….<br />5. Jhonny Peralta (3B): In his last year of his contract, could be poised for a big year. At the same time, rumblings out of Cleveland starting about trading Peralta at the deadline to make room for prospect Wes Hodges<br />6. Matt LaPorta/Russell Branyan (1B): From what has been said locally, it appears Branyan will start, but signs point to Laporta, Branyan, and Brantley splitting time over the two positions<br />7. Michael Brantley (LF): Had a solid debut with last season, and hopefully will eventually develop into the leadoff hitter to replace Sizemore<br />8. Luis Valbuena (2B): Offers solid defense and a decent bat at second base<br />9. Lou Marson (C): First season starting behind the plate, the team has been impressed with his ability to call a game<br />Bench:<br />· Mike Redmond<br />· Mark Grudzielanek<br />· Branyan/LaPorta<br />· Austin Kearns<br /><br />Starting Rotation:<br />· Jake Westbrook: Thus far having a solid spring training coming off of Tommy John surgery in 2008. Rumblings have been made about him being traded at the deadline as well<br />· Fausto Carmona: Tribe fans still hoping for a return to the 2007 form<br />· Justin Masterson: Posted a 4.55 ERA in 11 appearances; should be a solid rotation contributor this season<br />· Aaron Laffey: Has been fairly consistent despite being shuffled from the rotation, to the bullpen, and down to AAA<br />· David Huff: Led the team in wins with 11 last year, despite having a lofty ERA of 5.61<br />Bullpen<br />· Kerry Wood (CP): Most likely will not be a fantasy stud for players looking to rack up Saves. (20-26 in Save opportunities in 2009)<br />· Chris Perez: Likely setup man, as he has a power arm. On occasion had instances of Rick Vaughn wildness in 2009<br />· Rafael Perez: Hopefully will return to the form of 2007 and 2008, when he was unhittable against left handed hitters<br />· Joe Smith: One of the more solid middle relief pitchers in 2009; hopefully will pick up more than 37 appearances<br />· Tony Sipp: As a rookie, posted the lowest ERA among Tribe relievers (2.93), and proved to be very strong against lefties<br />· Jensen Lewis: Struggled for most of 2009, spending some time in AAA; hopefully can return to the form of 2008 and 2007<br />· Jeremy Sowers: Currently out of options, and most likely will be on the team as a long-man/sixth starter in case of injury.<br /><br />Prospects waiting in the wings:<br />· Pitchers: Hector Ambriz, Carlos Carrasco, Jeanmar Gomez (pitched a perfect game in AA), Hector Rondon, Mitch Talbot, Jess Todd<br />· Position Players: Catchers Carlos Santana and Wyatt Toregas, Wes Hodges (3B), Outfielders Jordan Brown, Trevor Crowe<br /><br />Expectations out of Cleveland are not very high on the team, as it does not have significant star power. Thus far the Tribe has had modest success in spring training, and this corner hopes that the team can sneak up on its opponents in April and post a decent record in the first month. As management stated last year, this team is not built to win until 2011 at the earliest; as a result my prediction will be made accordingly:<br />Final Record: 71-91, fourth place in AL CentralTQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352564315930496534noreply@blogger.com0