The World Kinsella Blog has been created. The site will be the archive of all posts and thoughts about all things to do with World Kinsella.
In other news... Superstar Jerrod Baxter remains unsigned. His services for the remainder of this season can now be leased for the low, low price of $615,000. Speculation is running rampant about how such a player could remain in the free agent pool for so long.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
AL West Season 2 Preview
by Sweetnss355 (Originally published in HBD forum 1/18/08)
1) Anaheim Angels
The Angels look to defend last season’s AL West crown and best record in the majors but it will be a dogfight this season. Rabbit Tracy was a good addition to Haywood Charles and Benny Chouinard in a young rotation; the starting staff should be much improved this year. Chouinard tries to put an embarrassing off-season behind him; he was in US Weekly several times, linked in romantic encounters with Lindsey Lohan, Paris Hilton, Lance Armstrong, Nicole Richie, and Betty White. The bullpen won’t be as good as last year, with Mike Roberts traded away and Jorge Sierra suffering a serious injury in spring training.
The lineup will be fierce. DaRond Wagner and Tony Contreras will set the table, and Darryl Whitaker and Arthur Boggs will mash. Recently acquired Elmer Adams adds to the potent offense. Adams, of course, is well known for in incident several years back where he took off his cleat and attacked an umpire with it. The Angels hope that the rumors of his “finding God” are true.
2) Portland Beavers
New GM viperhoops was very aggressive in the offseason, and the fruits of that aggressiveness should pay dividends in his first season at the helm. Slugger Robert Dunham was acquired as part of Cleveland’s fire sale and will put up big numbers. He joins incumbent sluggers Bobby Dawkins and Luis Reynoso for what should be an improved offense. Dawkins was quoted after the trade for Dunham: “It’s about time I got some f_____g help around here. S__t, I’m a man not a machine. I needed Cortisone shots all year from trying to carry that offense on my f_____g back.” Einar Elcano and Boots Savage were also acquired to shore up the defense up the middle.
The starting staff is back from last season, which might not bode well for the Beavers since they gave up the 2nd most runs in the AL in season one. The rotation’s ratings exceeded their performances, so expect this staff about middle of the pack in season 2. The big pitching acquisition for the Beavers is Preston McMillan, an excellent reliever who should provide stability to the Portland pen. Donatello Buckley was arrested in the offseason for possession of marijuana and went with the defense of “In Portland, everybody smokes pot.” He is on probation in Texas, and the team has yet to announce whether he’ll make the road trip to face the Rangers.
3) Seattle Mariners
The Mariners finished at .500 in Kinsella’s debut season, and they should be right in the mix for the division crown this year. They bring back more or less the same lineup. Brandon Curtis and Edgard Baez lead the way. Baez recently tested positive for HGH and horse tranquilizers, but won his appeal and will be in the lineup for opening day. Richard Ishii and J.J. Campbell should again form the best left side of the infield in the division.
The Mariners lost their ace in the offseason, as renowned wife-beater and general dirt bag Alex Kubinski signed with Florida. While this helps the Mariners in the clubhouse, it hurts them greatly on the field. Seattle will try to fill the large gap with youngsters Bo Whitaker and Diego Ibarra. Graham Brown is a top notch closer and had a solid season one, despite the fact that his owner and GM intermittently aired his frustrations publicly on the league message board.
4) Oakland A’s
The Athletics bring back a similar team and many prognosticators have Oakland as their surprise team in the American League. Lariel Sardinha was added as a DH in the offseason and hopes to put his issues from Florida behind him. With the Marlins, he feuded with players, coaches, the manager, the GM, the owner, fans, and parking attendants. He blames it on the fact that he was going through a divorce at the time. We are happy to report that he has a hot young girlfriend now and is much happier. Patrick Romero and Wade Baker lead the way for the offense.
The youngsters in the Oakland rotation, Dave Hayes, Guillermo Martin, and Vic Diaz all had rough rookie seasons and hope to turn things around in season 2. Veterans Benji “Yeah I’m gay, so what?” Vazquez and Bill McKnight will try to provide the kids with some tutelage. Max Duran is an excellent lefty reliever. Hal Frederick is not a very good pitcher, but he keeps the other players loose in the bullpen with plenty of “hot foot” and “bubble gum on the cap” type antics.
Season 2 All-Division team
(C) Patrick Romero- Oakland
(1b) Robert Dunham- Portland
(2b) Tony Contreras- Anaheim
(SS) Richard Ishii- Seattle
(3b) Luis Reynoso- Portland
(LF) Edgard Baez- Seattle
(CF) DaRond Wagner- Anaheim
(RF) Brandon Curtis- Seattle
(DH) Darryl Whitaker- Anaheim
(SP) Josias Rosado- Portland
(RP) Graham Brown- Seattle
1) Anaheim Angels
The Angels look to defend last season’s AL West crown and best record in the majors but it will be a dogfight this season. Rabbit Tracy was a good addition to Haywood Charles and Benny Chouinard in a young rotation; the starting staff should be much improved this year. Chouinard tries to put an embarrassing off-season behind him; he was in US Weekly several times, linked in romantic encounters with Lindsey Lohan, Paris Hilton, Lance Armstrong, Nicole Richie, and Betty White. The bullpen won’t be as good as last year, with Mike Roberts traded away and Jorge Sierra suffering a serious injury in spring training.
The lineup will be fierce. DaRond Wagner and Tony Contreras will set the table, and Darryl Whitaker and Arthur Boggs will mash. Recently acquired Elmer Adams adds to the potent offense. Adams, of course, is well known for in incident several years back where he took off his cleat and attacked an umpire with it. The Angels hope that the rumors of his “finding God” are true.
2) Portland Beavers
New GM viperhoops was very aggressive in the offseason, and the fruits of that aggressiveness should pay dividends in his first season at the helm. Slugger Robert Dunham was acquired as part of Cleveland’s fire sale and will put up big numbers. He joins incumbent sluggers Bobby Dawkins and Luis Reynoso for what should be an improved offense. Dawkins was quoted after the trade for Dunham: “It’s about time I got some f_____g help around here. S__t, I’m a man not a machine. I needed Cortisone shots all year from trying to carry that offense on my f_____g back.” Einar Elcano and Boots Savage were also acquired to shore up the defense up the middle.
The starting staff is back from last season, which might not bode well for the Beavers since they gave up the 2nd most runs in the AL in season one. The rotation’s ratings exceeded their performances, so expect this staff about middle of the pack in season 2. The big pitching acquisition for the Beavers is Preston McMillan, an excellent reliever who should provide stability to the Portland pen. Donatello Buckley was arrested in the offseason for possession of marijuana and went with the defense of “In Portland, everybody smokes pot.” He is on probation in Texas, and the team has yet to announce whether he’ll make the road trip to face the Rangers.
3) Seattle Mariners
The Mariners finished at .500 in Kinsella’s debut season, and they should be right in the mix for the division crown this year. They bring back more or less the same lineup. Brandon Curtis and Edgard Baez lead the way. Baez recently tested positive for HGH and horse tranquilizers, but won his appeal and will be in the lineup for opening day. Richard Ishii and J.J. Campbell should again form the best left side of the infield in the division.
The Mariners lost their ace in the offseason, as renowned wife-beater and general dirt bag Alex Kubinski signed with Florida. While this helps the Mariners in the clubhouse, it hurts them greatly on the field. Seattle will try to fill the large gap with youngsters Bo Whitaker and Diego Ibarra. Graham Brown is a top notch closer and had a solid season one, despite the fact that his owner and GM intermittently aired his frustrations publicly on the league message board.
4) Oakland A’s
The Athletics bring back a similar team and many prognosticators have Oakland as their surprise team in the American League. Lariel Sardinha was added as a DH in the offseason and hopes to put his issues from Florida behind him. With the Marlins, he feuded with players, coaches, the manager, the GM, the owner, fans, and parking attendants. He blames it on the fact that he was going through a divorce at the time. We are happy to report that he has a hot young girlfriend now and is much happier. Patrick Romero and Wade Baker lead the way for the offense.
The youngsters in the Oakland rotation, Dave Hayes, Guillermo Martin, and Vic Diaz all had rough rookie seasons and hope to turn things around in season 2. Veterans Benji “Yeah I’m gay, so what?” Vazquez and Bill McKnight will try to provide the kids with some tutelage. Max Duran is an excellent lefty reliever. Hal Frederick is not a very good pitcher, but he keeps the other players loose in the bullpen with plenty of “hot foot” and “bubble gum on the cap” type antics.
Season 2 All-Division team
(C) Patrick Romero- Oakland
(1b) Robert Dunham- Portland
(2b) Tony Contreras- Anaheim
(SS) Richard Ishii- Seattle
(3b) Luis Reynoso- Portland
(LF) Edgard Baez- Seattle
(CF) DaRond Wagner- Anaheim
(RF) Brandon Curtis- Seattle
(DH) Darryl Whitaker- Anaheim
(SP) Josias Rosado- Portland
(RP) Graham Brown- Seattle
AL EAST SEASON 2 PREVIEW
by Overeasy (Originally published in HBD forum 1/11/08)
BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Season 1: 70-92; 3rd Place; 28th best in ML
Hitting
Hayes Swann, monster contract and all, did not fail to disappoint as he finished as the runner-up for the AL MVP with a spectacular offensive season. You should expect more of the same from Swann this season. Unfortunately, the “Swannettes” were not able to deliver enough help to score runs, leading to their disappointing record. Their most reliable support to Swann last season was good hitting catcher Kurt McPherson, who can be counted on for more of the same this season. The Orioles faithful are also hoping to see late season call-up, shortstop Cliff Rivers, to blossom into another offensive force for this team. Additionally, we will likely see the promotion of the excellent switch-hitting Jose Roque from the AAA squad. His bat looks ready to please the crowds at Camden Yards, while his glove will have them wishing that the other team does not hit it his way.
Pitching
The quality veteran starters were traded away mid-season last year as the O’s shifted towards a youth movement with their starting pitching. While no one is ready for major success at the ML level this season, we should get to see in the majors this season good young starters Jed Sparks, Doc Osbourne, and Martin Kielty. Expect good things from this trio in the future, as well as from Curt Gaston who is still waiting for his shot down in AA.
Last season Pedro Cabrera showed that he is one of the finest closers in the game. The only obstacle from Cabrera and the Fireman hardware was the fact that the Orioles just didn’t provide him with enough save opportunities.
Orioles Season 2 Forecast
Hayes Swann and the Swannettes look like a team headed in the right direction, but unfortunately for this season they are still in a developmental stage. Expect to see the Orioles have a similar season to the last as they once again finish in 3rd place.
Season 2 Prediction: 74-88; 3rd Place
BOSTON RED SOX
Season 1: 75-87; 1st Place; 20th best in ML
Season 1 Playoffs: Won WC round, eliminated in DCS
Hitting
The offense performed well last season at Fenway Park with a collection of solid performers and no major standouts. Leading the way are the young failed catcher turned DH Marlon Swift, mediocre fielding catchier Greg Juden, young first baseman Valerio Guillen, and veteran third baseman Adam Parrish. Unfortunately, there are no difference making prospects waiting for their call-up who are even close to ML ready, so unless the Sox make some deals, what you see is what they got.
Pitching
Jeff Bollea lived up to his pre-season billing and was the runner-up for the AL Cy Young award. Unfortunately, he was the only pitcher on the staff who had any consistent success. There is still no other starter on the team who can be counted on to win more games than he loses without massive run support and there are no prospects to be called up to help.
Rookie closer Karim Wallace had a bit of a shaky rookie season with 10 blown saves, but he should be improved this season and looks to become an annual Fireman of the Year candidate. Raul Astacio and Miguel Tatis, who both had horrible Season 1 campaigns, have the skills to rebound and provide excellent setup work for Wallace.
Red Sox Season 2 Forecast
The Red Sox should again have a good offense and shaky pitching when Bollea isn’t starting. Expect the Sox to once again finish under .500, which in this division should still be good for 2nd place.
Season 2 Prediction: 79-83; 2nd Place
CLEVELAND INDIANS
Season 1: 72-90; 2nd Place; 23rd best in ML
Hitting
The Tribe sluggers did not fail to disappoint in Season 1 as balls were constantly flying into the bleachers. Expect more of the same in Season 2 from players like first baseman Robert Dunham, right fielder Elmer Adams, and young stud hitting catcher Tripp Devereaux. Accompanying the sluggers is great contact hitter, left fielder Harry Reid, who hopes to be on base as much as possible. Opposing pitchers are once again going to have their hands full with these guys.
Pitching
Veteran righty Boomer Paige will once again lead one of the worst pitching staffs in the league. Beyond Paige, the only other hope for a starter to have a .500 record without extreme help from the offense lays with young lefties Carlos Acosta and Garry Mercedes. The Tribe bullpen is just as bad as the rotation and no lead will be safe at the Jake.
Indians Season 2 Forecast
The trade of big hitting second baseman Leon Abbott for prospects will likely lead to the Indians slipping a bit from last season, which means the Tribe appear destined for a last place finish in Season 2.
Season 2 Prediction: 67-95; 4th Place
NEW YORK YANKEES
Season 1: 68-94; 4th Place; 29th best in ML
Hitting
The Yankees had one of the most anemic offenses in the league last season. The offseason additions of first baseman Brandon Sutton and right fielder Guy Cunningham provide great hope for the future of this team. While Cunningham will probably have another season of minor league development before he sees the majors, Sutton will instantly improve an offense with returning sluggers DH Phillip Grey and left fielder Willie Torres who each hit 45 homers last season. Also bolstering this young lineup is the call-up of third baseman Francisco Guillen, a potential ROY candidate.
Pitching
What was left of the decimated Yankee pitching corp after last season’s purge performed admirably, finishing in the middle of the pack in most categories. Veteran Julio Felix hopes to duplicate his solid Season 1 and is joined by young righty Carlos Rosado at the top of the rotation. With some decent contributors, including Rule 5 pick-up Zoltan Figga, filling out the rest of the rotation, look for improvement from this staff. Waiting for their chance in AAA are future quality starters in Carter Torres, D.T. Porzio, Felipe Fuentes, and Bob Garcia.
Lefty John McCall is the leader of an adequate, unspectacular bullpen. Like the rotation, the bullpen has plenty of young talent with some in the majors now and many waiting behind them in AAA and AA.
Yankees Season 2 Forecast
The Yankees are poised to make a big step forward this season. They have a decent shot at becoming the first AL East team to finish over .500, which in the AL East would mean that a divisional banner might be raised at Yankee stadium following this season.
Season 2 Prediction: 83-79; 1st Place; Eliminated in WC round
BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Season 1: 70-92; 3rd Place; 28th best in ML
Hitting
Hayes Swann, monster contract and all, did not fail to disappoint as he finished as the runner-up for the AL MVP with a spectacular offensive season. You should expect more of the same from Swann this season. Unfortunately, the “Swannettes” were not able to deliver enough help to score runs, leading to their disappointing record. Their most reliable support to Swann last season was good hitting catcher Kurt McPherson, who can be counted on for more of the same this season. The Orioles faithful are also hoping to see late season call-up, shortstop Cliff Rivers, to blossom into another offensive force for this team. Additionally, we will likely see the promotion of the excellent switch-hitting Jose Roque from the AAA squad. His bat looks ready to please the crowds at Camden Yards, while his glove will have them wishing that the other team does not hit it his way.
Pitching
The quality veteran starters were traded away mid-season last year as the O’s shifted towards a youth movement with their starting pitching. While no one is ready for major success at the ML level this season, we should get to see in the majors this season good young starters Jed Sparks, Doc Osbourne, and Martin Kielty. Expect good things from this trio in the future, as well as from Curt Gaston who is still waiting for his shot down in AA.
Last season Pedro Cabrera showed that he is one of the finest closers in the game. The only obstacle from Cabrera and the Fireman hardware was the fact that the Orioles just didn’t provide him with enough save opportunities.
Orioles Season 2 Forecast
Hayes Swann and the Swannettes look like a team headed in the right direction, but unfortunately for this season they are still in a developmental stage. Expect to see the Orioles have a similar season to the last as they once again finish in 3rd place.
Season 2 Prediction: 74-88; 3rd Place
BOSTON RED SOX
Season 1: 75-87; 1st Place; 20th best in ML
Season 1 Playoffs: Won WC round, eliminated in DCS
Hitting
The offense performed well last season at Fenway Park with a collection of solid performers and no major standouts. Leading the way are the young failed catcher turned DH Marlon Swift, mediocre fielding catchier Greg Juden, young first baseman Valerio Guillen, and veteran third baseman Adam Parrish. Unfortunately, there are no difference making prospects waiting for their call-up who are even close to ML ready, so unless the Sox make some deals, what you see is what they got.
Pitching
Jeff Bollea lived up to his pre-season billing and was the runner-up for the AL Cy Young award. Unfortunately, he was the only pitcher on the staff who had any consistent success. There is still no other starter on the team who can be counted on to win more games than he loses without massive run support and there are no prospects to be called up to help.
Rookie closer Karim Wallace had a bit of a shaky rookie season with 10 blown saves, but he should be improved this season and looks to become an annual Fireman of the Year candidate. Raul Astacio and Miguel Tatis, who both had horrible Season 1 campaigns, have the skills to rebound and provide excellent setup work for Wallace.
Red Sox Season 2 Forecast
The Red Sox should again have a good offense and shaky pitching when Bollea isn’t starting. Expect the Sox to once again finish under .500, which in this division should still be good for 2nd place.
Season 2 Prediction: 79-83; 2nd Place
CLEVELAND INDIANS
Season 1: 72-90; 2nd Place; 23rd best in ML
Hitting
The Tribe sluggers did not fail to disappoint in Season 1 as balls were constantly flying into the bleachers. Expect more of the same in Season 2 from players like first baseman Robert Dunham, right fielder Elmer Adams, and young stud hitting catcher Tripp Devereaux. Accompanying the sluggers is great contact hitter, left fielder Harry Reid, who hopes to be on base as much as possible. Opposing pitchers are once again going to have their hands full with these guys.
Pitching
Veteran righty Boomer Paige will once again lead one of the worst pitching staffs in the league. Beyond Paige, the only other hope for a starter to have a .500 record without extreme help from the offense lays with young lefties Carlos Acosta and Garry Mercedes. The Tribe bullpen is just as bad as the rotation and no lead will be safe at the Jake.
Indians Season 2 Forecast
The trade of big hitting second baseman Leon Abbott for prospects will likely lead to the Indians slipping a bit from last season, which means the Tribe appear destined for a last place finish in Season 2.
Season 2 Prediction: 67-95; 4th Place
NEW YORK YANKEES
Season 1: 68-94; 4th Place; 29th best in ML
Hitting
The Yankees had one of the most anemic offenses in the league last season. The offseason additions of first baseman Brandon Sutton and right fielder Guy Cunningham provide great hope for the future of this team. While Cunningham will probably have another season of minor league development before he sees the majors, Sutton will instantly improve an offense with returning sluggers DH Phillip Grey and left fielder Willie Torres who each hit 45 homers last season. Also bolstering this young lineup is the call-up of third baseman Francisco Guillen, a potential ROY candidate.
Pitching
What was left of the decimated Yankee pitching corp after last season’s purge performed admirably, finishing in the middle of the pack in most categories. Veteran Julio Felix hopes to duplicate his solid Season 1 and is joined by young righty Carlos Rosado at the top of the rotation. With some decent contributors, including Rule 5 pick-up Zoltan Figga, filling out the rest of the rotation, look for improvement from this staff. Waiting for their chance in AAA are future quality starters in Carter Torres, D.T. Porzio, Felipe Fuentes, and Bob Garcia.
Lefty John McCall is the leader of an adequate, unspectacular bullpen. Like the rotation, the bullpen has plenty of young talent with some in the majors now and many waiting behind them in AAA and AA.
Yankees Season 2 Forecast
The Yankees are poised to make a big step forward this season. They have a decent shot at becoming the first AL East team to finish over .500, which in the AL East would mean that a divisional banner might be raised at Yankee stadium following this season.
Season 2 Prediction: 83-79; 1st Place; Eliminated in WC round
NL North Season 1 Midseason Report
by Marsrover21 (Originally posted in HBD forum 11/12/07)
Here we are at midseason!
And the division is shaping up just how this reporter predicted. Leading the division with a 59-37 record are the Cincinnati Reds. In a close second we have the Chicago Cubs at 51-45. That's about where the competitiveness of this league ends. There is a bitter battle for last place between longtime rival Brewers and Expos. The Expos are in the lead for that race (about the only race they'll be leading in this year) by one game with a record of 41-45.
Cincinnati Reds 59-37 .615 -
Chicago Cubs 51-45 .531 8.0
Milwaukee Brewers 42-54 .438 17.0
Montreal Expos 41-55 .427 18.0
We'll see you at the playoffs.
Here we are at midseason!
And the division is shaping up just how this reporter predicted. Leading the division with a 59-37 record are the Cincinnati Reds. In a close second we have the Chicago Cubs at 51-45. That's about where the competitiveness of this league ends. There is a bitter battle for last place between longtime rival Brewers and Expos. The Expos are in the lead for that race (about the only race they'll be leading in this year) by one game with a record of 41-45.
Cincinnati Reds 59-37 .615 -
Chicago Cubs 51-45 .531 8.0
Milwaukee Brewers 42-54 .438 17.0
Montreal Expos 41-55 .427 18.0
We'll see you at the playoffs.
World Kinsella Policy #1 Passes
(Originally communicated by WIFS sitemail 10/19/07)
By a vote of 18 to 5 (8 abstentions), Kinsella Policy #1 was voted into effect:
Kinsella Policy #1
All transactions are final. If an owner performs an undesired transaction, that is their own fault and any owner that benefits from this mistake shall not be required to rectify the aggrieved owner or compensate them in any way.
By a vote of 18 to 5 (8 abstentions), Kinsella Policy #1 was voted into effect:
Kinsella Policy #1
All transactions are final. If an owner performs an undesired transaction, that is their own fault and any owner that benefits from this mistake shall not be required to rectify the aggrieved owner or compensate them in any way.
AL West Season 1 Preview
by Sweetnss355 (Originally published in HBD forum 10/17/07)
1) Seattle
The Mariners have an excellent pitching staff which should leave opposing lineups shaking their heads after a series at cavernous Safeco field. Alex Kubinski is a bonafide #1 Starter, a true ace. He seems to have put the domestic battery charges from the offseason behind him, and is off to a flying start at 2-0. Mrs. Kubinski is recovering quite nicely. Art Henry and Rob Tollberg should also pitch the Mariners deep into games. As long as these excellent starters can get the ball to closer Graham Brown, they should pick up plenty of W’s. The Seattle lineup has enough offense to support the excellent pitching staff. Richard Ishii is an excellent all-around player, Pasqual Guerrero could lead the league in steals if he gets on base enough, Edgard Baez hits bombs, and Ariel Mendez isn’t very good at baseball, but he’s a great “clubhouse guy.”
2) Anaheim
The Angels bolstered their bullpen with the recent acquisitions of Carter Andrews, Mike Roberts, and Al Fuentes. This gives them one of the deepest bullpens in the league. Unfortunately, the starting staff is a piecemeal group which will struggle to deliver a lead to that relief corps. Roland Corey leads the way for the staff. Lew Spencer was a free agent steal considering what other guys got in the open market. Most teams shied away from him because of his inopportune appearance with Chris Hansen on “Dateline NBC”. With Disneyland in the shadows of his new home stadium, let’s hope this cruel twist of irony doesn’t claim any victims. The Angels’ offense should score plenty of runs. Tony Contreras is one of the best 2nd basemen in the business. Though currently injured, Arthur Boggs is a masher. Karl Turner and Darryl “Reggie Cleveland All-Star” Whitaker are good hit, no field players.
3) Oakland
The A’s offense should be a force to be reckoned with. Patrick Romero is one of the best hitting catchers in the league. Recently acquired Tommy Blakely moved across the Bay from San Francisco, and will man 2nd base for the A’s. All three starting outfielders should be .300+ hitters this season. Benji Vazquez was acquired by the A’s via trade from Florida, and should be the anchor of the staff. He demanded a trade to Oakland so his “alternative lifestyle” could spread its wings in nearby San Fran. Beyond the super fabulous Vazquez, the starting staff is looking pretty thin. The other starters will have a hard time pitching deep into games, but Oakland does have a very solid bullpen with Eddie Carver and Max “Duran” Duran leading the way.
4) Portland
The Portland rotation looks to be very solid. Josias Rosado is an ace in the making. Kip Redmond is a steely veteran whom opponents charge with doctoring the ball. Parker Parris and Furio Ferrell have goofy names but are serviceable SPs. The bullpen is also above average, and the pitching staff as a whole should put up good numbers in a pitchers’ park.Luis Reynoso is a stud at 3b and anchors the Beaver lineup. He works at a local soup kitchen in his spare time and won the Roberto Clemente Award last season. Bobby Dawkins is a man on a mission, motivated by the owners throughout the league who denigrated his abilities after the controversial trade with Arizona. He will be a solid player for a long time. Beyond those two, however, there is not much offense on this squad. They will struggle to score runs.
All-Division Team
C) Patrick Romero, Oakland
1b) Arthur Boggs, Anaheim
2b) Tony Contreras, Anaheim
SS) Richard Ishii, Seattle
3b) Luis Reynoso, Portland
LF) Edgard Baez, Seattle
CF) Wade Baker, Oakland
RF) Bobby Dawkins, Portland
SP) Alex Kubinski, Seattle
RP) Graham Brown, Seattle
1) Seattle
The Mariners have an excellent pitching staff which should leave opposing lineups shaking their heads after a series at cavernous Safeco field. Alex Kubinski is a bonafide #1 Starter, a true ace. He seems to have put the domestic battery charges from the offseason behind him, and is off to a flying start at 2-0. Mrs. Kubinski is recovering quite nicely. Art Henry and Rob Tollberg should also pitch the Mariners deep into games. As long as these excellent starters can get the ball to closer Graham Brown, they should pick up plenty of W’s. The Seattle lineup has enough offense to support the excellent pitching staff. Richard Ishii is an excellent all-around player, Pasqual Guerrero could lead the league in steals if he gets on base enough, Edgard Baez hits bombs, and Ariel Mendez isn’t very good at baseball, but he’s a great “clubhouse guy.”
2) Anaheim
The Angels bolstered their bullpen with the recent acquisitions of Carter Andrews, Mike Roberts, and Al Fuentes. This gives them one of the deepest bullpens in the league. Unfortunately, the starting staff is a piecemeal group which will struggle to deliver a lead to that relief corps. Roland Corey leads the way for the staff. Lew Spencer was a free agent steal considering what other guys got in the open market. Most teams shied away from him because of his inopportune appearance with Chris Hansen on “Dateline NBC”. With Disneyland in the shadows of his new home stadium, let’s hope this cruel twist of irony doesn’t claim any victims. The Angels’ offense should score plenty of runs. Tony Contreras is one of the best 2nd basemen in the business. Though currently injured, Arthur Boggs is a masher. Karl Turner and Darryl “Reggie Cleveland All-Star” Whitaker are good hit, no field players.
3) Oakland
The A’s offense should be a force to be reckoned with. Patrick Romero is one of the best hitting catchers in the league. Recently acquired Tommy Blakely moved across the Bay from San Francisco, and will man 2nd base for the A’s. All three starting outfielders should be .300+ hitters this season. Benji Vazquez was acquired by the A’s via trade from Florida, and should be the anchor of the staff. He demanded a trade to Oakland so his “alternative lifestyle” could spread its wings in nearby San Fran. Beyond the super fabulous Vazquez, the starting staff is looking pretty thin. The other starters will have a hard time pitching deep into games, but Oakland does have a very solid bullpen with Eddie Carver and Max “Duran” Duran leading the way.
4) Portland
The Portland rotation looks to be very solid. Josias Rosado is an ace in the making. Kip Redmond is a steely veteran whom opponents charge with doctoring the ball. Parker Parris and Furio Ferrell have goofy names but are serviceable SPs. The bullpen is also above average, and the pitching staff as a whole should put up good numbers in a pitchers’ park.Luis Reynoso is a stud at 3b and anchors the Beaver lineup. He works at a local soup kitchen in his spare time and won the Roberto Clemente Award last season. Bobby Dawkins is a man on a mission, motivated by the owners throughout the league who denigrated his abilities after the controversial trade with Arizona. He will be a solid player for a long time. Beyond those two, however, there is not much offense on this squad. They will struggle to score runs.
All-Division Team
C) Patrick Romero, Oakland
1b) Arthur Boggs, Anaheim
2b) Tony Contreras, Anaheim
SS) Richard Ishii, Seattle
3b) Luis Reynoso, Portland
LF) Edgard Baez, Seattle
CF) Wade Baker, Oakland
RF) Bobby Dawkins, Portland
SP) Alex Kubinski, Seattle
RP) Graham Brown, Seattle
NL North Season 1 Preview
by Marsrover21 (Originally published in HBD forum 10/13/07)
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs may have the best middle in field combo in the game with veterans Mark Moore and Rafael Nieves. Both show great plate discipline with the ability to drive the ball to both sides of the field. Neither will be a liability on double plays.Speaking of double plays, Chicago's 6-4-3 combo could be the league's most productive, offensively speaking. Al Phillips, while not winning any gold gloves at first base, will provide some nice power from either the four or five spot. But at a combined age of 95, these guys better help the team this year. Luckily, right fielder Gary Decker is only 27 and will be able to provide the Cubs with a cheap, solid bat for the foreseeable future. At the top of the lineup, 22 y/o CF'er Brian Ferguson is a star in the making with all five tools. And just like a National League team, the 6, 7 and 8 hitters in this lineup will kill a few rallies. Hopefully the big guns will give Chicago the big league early.
Rotation
As it is currently situated, Chicago's rotation will see some fatigue problems. But one thing is for sure, you better get a hit, cause you ain't walking in against this rotation (unless Gerald Dunn is pitching)! Torey James need to pitch like the horse he is to give this team a chance. If he can go 260 innings this year, CHI should make a playoff push. The rest of the staff requires a strong bullpen, though. But they are talented, and young. This may not be Chicago's year. But look out for them if they get two more solid starting pitchers!
Analysis:
If the 1-5 batters perform like they should, Chicago will be tough to beat at home. But if those guys faulter, teams should be able to get to this team's bullpen. I like Chicago, but not this year. Mark them for second place unless they upgrade the bottom of that lineup.
Brewers
If it weren't for Jake Clapp, Chicago would have the best SS in this division. The 12 million dollar wonder better produce, or Milwauke's chances are nil. Leadoff man Robert Jefferson should prove he is worth $8.8 million with his combination of speed, defense (I smell gold glove), patience, and ability to make contact with the ball. Batting third, Andy Rowe will absolutely CRUSH the ball. But Rowe's been doing it 11 years, so no one should be suprised when he hits .350 w/ 50 dingers and 160 RBIs this year. If he stays healthy (which is a good bet), Rowe will win the batting title and make a run at .406. Stargell will be solid in LF, and Gray will hit 0 HRs, but walk a TON in right. The Brew-Crew probably has the most complete lineup up and down with a combination of patience, power, and speed. But with the amount of money this team has invested in the lineup, expect to see a complete makeover if they don't make the playoffs.
Rotation
This rotation should be solid. Staff ace Kareem Hamilton will get his first taste of the big leagues. And this kid is FOR REAL! Expect him to win 25 games this year. Haywood Charles may be the best number two in the division with ball command, stamina, and a devastating sinker. His change-up is improving, and he has developed a good slider. These two pitchers should be able to put the Brewers in a position to win at least fifty of their games this year. Which is important, because the rest of the rotation is a mess. Of the guys who can find the strike zone, they'll be lucky to go three innings. The good news here, though, is if the team finds solid 3,4,5 pitchers, the bullpen should be able to keep them in the game.
Analysis:
I really liked the Brewers chances before I saw that rotation. If they can't upgrade the back end, they'll be spending all that money on offense for nothing. At this point, put them in a position to finish third in the division.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds are the best fielding team in the division. These guys will absolutely gobble up any ball hit towards them. More than that, they can hit. Chris Mullens will CRUSH the ball this year at the catcher position. If he stays healthy, look for 70 homeruns (and don't try to steal on his arm!). Look for Max Ortiz to provide great support from the 3-hole. This left fielder is durable and dangerous. He should hit .300/.400/50 (and w/ a $9mill price-tag, he better!). The team has no true leadoff hitter, but this reporter's money is on SS Anthony Hunter and his BLAZING fast speed. Of course, the best part about Tony will be his glovework at short. The only flaw in this lineup will occur when it's the CF'ers turn to hit. But with the way this team plays defense, they will not need to score alot of runs (but will when Mullens is in the lineup).
Pitching
And who is this lucky pitching staff that will be going in front of these great defenders? We don't know. Number one guy Scot Pickford is only 23. The two and three guys are 26 and 28 respectively. Hopefully the crafty veteran Enrique Almanzar will teach these guys how to pitch. Not that they need any help! Cincinnati's rotation should be solid. And they'll need to be. Because beyond closer Alex Nunez, there's not much protecting them in the bullpen.
But these guys should be fine with that lineup and the defense behind them. Look for the Reds to take the division.
Montreal Expos.
"This is our year," says team president marsrover21. I asked him what kind of a name marsrover is, but then he hung up.
Hitting
This team could use some work. The leadoff guy can't run. The SS can't field. The thirdbaseman is a $7mill quagmire that the team just picked up off of waivers (add to the confusion that the team's 3B of the future is ready to play today). Top outfield prospect Trenidad Woodward should provide great defense in CF and will hit the ball, but will be lucky to play in 120 games this year. The team has two catchers on its ML roster, and neither one can call a game or throw out a baserunner to save his life (but they sure can hit). If the season goes the way it looks, fans will be screaming for top prospect Kevin Marte to take over first by years end. The manager told me he intends to win 80 games this year. I'd be surprised if they win 50.
Rotation
The top of the rotation is dangerous, but the rest is in shambles. Either the guys can't find the plate, or they can't go six innings. Nor is the bullpen going to bail them out of many games. The one thing this team has going for it is it's deep farm system. But a lot of people in the organization are asking why the team is not getting younger.
Asked for his comment, bench coach P.T. Mesa said, "What the heck should I know. I can't even figure out why they gave me a $3mil contract to basically be a figure head at the ML level. How am I going to figure out what the higher-ups are thinking?"If this season goes anything like it looks, expect the Expos to be in contention early. For the first pick.
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs may have the best middle in field combo in the game with veterans Mark Moore and Rafael Nieves. Both show great plate discipline with the ability to drive the ball to both sides of the field. Neither will be a liability on double plays.Speaking of double plays, Chicago's 6-4-3 combo could be the league's most productive, offensively speaking. Al Phillips, while not winning any gold gloves at first base, will provide some nice power from either the four or five spot. But at a combined age of 95, these guys better help the team this year. Luckily, right fielder Gary Decker is only 27 and will be able to provide the Cubs with a cheap, solid bat for the foreseeable future. At the top of the lineup, 22 y/o CF'er Brian Ferguson is a star in the making with all five tools. And just like a National League team, the 6, 7 and 8 hitters in this lineup will kill a few rallies. Hopefully the big guns will give Chicago the big league early.
Rotation
As it is currently situated, Chicago's rotation will see some fatigue problems. But one thing is for sure, you better get a hit, cause you ain't walking in against this rotation (unless Gerald Dunn is pitching)! Torey James need to pitch like the horse he is to give this team a chance. If he can go 260 innings this year, CHI should make a playoff push. The rest of the staff requires a strong bullpen, though. But they are talented, and young. This may not be Chicago's year. But look out for them if they get two more solid starting pitchers!
Analysis:
If the 1-5 batters perform like they should, Chicago will be tough to beat at home. But if those guys faulter, teams should be able to get to this team's bullpen. I like Chicago, but not this year. Mark them for second place unless they upgrade the bottom of that lineup.
Brewers
If it weren't for Jake Clapp, Chicago would have the best SS in this division. The 12 million dollar wonder better produce, or Milwauke's chances are nil. Leadoff man Robert Jefferson should prove he is worth $8.8 million with his combination of speed, defense (I smell gold glove), patience, and ability to make contact with the ball. Batting third, Andy Rowe will absolutely CRUSH the ball. But Rowe's been doing it 11 years, so no one should be suprised when he hits .350 w/ 50 dingers and 160 RBIs this year. If he stays healthy (which is a good bet), Rowe will win the batting title and make a run at .406. Stargell will be solid in LF, and Gray will hit 0 HRs, but walk a TON in right. The Brew-Crew probably has the most complete lineup up and down with a combination of patience, power, and speed. But with the amount of money this team has invested in the lineup, expect to see a complete makeover if they don't make the playoffs.
Rotation
This rotation should be solid. Staff ace Kareem Hamilton will get his first taste of the big leagues. And this kid is FOR REAL! Expect him to win 25 games this year. Haywood Charles may be the best number two in the division with ball command, stamina, and a devastating sinker. His change-up is improving, and he has developed a good slider. These two pitchers should be able to put the Brewers in a position to win at least fifty of their games this year. Which is important, because the rest of the rotation is a mess. Of the guys who can find the strike zone, they'll be lucky to go three innings. The good news here, though, is if the team finds solid 3,4,5 pitchers, the bullpen should be able to keep them in the game.
Analysis:
I really liked the Brewers chances before I saw that rotation. If they can't upgrade the back end, they'll be spending all that money on offense for nothing. At this point, put them in a position to finish third in the division.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds are the best fielding team in the division. These guys will absolutely gobble up any ball hit towards them. More than that, they can hit. Chris Mullens will CRUSH the ball this year at the catcher position. If he stays healthy, look for 70 homeruns (and don't try to steal on his arm!). Look for Max Ortiz to provide great support from the 3-hole. This left fielder is durable and dangerous. He should hit .300/.400/50 (and w/ a $9mill price-tag, he better!). The team has no true leadoff hitter, but this reporter's money is on SS Anthony Hunter and his BLAZING fast speed. Of course, the best part about Tony will be his glovework at short. The only flaw in this lineup will occur when it's the CF'ers turn to hit. But with the way this team plays defense, they will not need to score alot of runs (but will when Mullens is in the lineup).
Pitching
And who is this lucky pitching staff that will be going in front of these great defenders? We don't know. Number one guy Scot Pickford is only 23. The two and three guys are 26 and 28 respectively. Hopefully the crafty veteran Enrique Almanzar will teach these guys how to pitch. Not that they need any help! Cincinnati's rotation should be solid. And they'll need to be. Because beyond closer Alex Nunez, there's not much protecting them in the bullpen.
But these guys should be fine with that lineup and the defense behind them. Look for the Reds to take the division.
Montreal Expos.
"This is our year," says team president marsrover21. I asked him what kind of a name marsrover is, but then he hung up.
Hitting
This team could use some work. The leadoff guy can't run. The SS can't field. The thirdbaseman is a $7mill quagmire that the team just picked up off of waivers (add to the confusion that the team's 3B of the future is ready to play today). Top outfield prospect Trenidad Woodward should provide great defense in CF and will hit the ball, but will be lucky to play in 120 games this year. The team has two catchers on its ML roster, and neither one can call a game or throw out a baserunner to save his life (but they sure can hit). If the season goes the way it looks, fans will be screaming for top prospect Kevin Marte to take over first by years end. The manager told me he intends to win 80 games this year. I'd be surprised if they win 50.
Rotation
The top of the rotation is dangerous, but the rest is in shambles. Either the guys can't find the plate, or they can't go six innings. Nor is the bullpen going to bail them out of many games. The one thing this team has going for it is it's deep farm system. But a lot of people in the organization are asking why the team is not getting younger.
Asked for his comment, bench coach P.T. Mesa said, "What the heck should I know. I can't even figure out why they gave me a $3mil contract to basically be a figure head at the ML level. How am I going to figure out what the higher-ups are thinking?"If this season goes anything like it looks, expect the Expos to be in contention early. For the first pick.
Season 1 AL South Preview
by Kingdime1332 (Originally published in HBD forum 10/12/07)
Predicted Finish:
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Kansas City Royals
Texas Rangers
Charlotte Knights
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Tampa was a big time player in the trade and free agent market this off-season. First, the signing of perennial All-Star Jose Pichardo was considered a giant move in the right direction. This was followed by a solid starter in David Aoki and the likable Rob Kennedy. Tampa Bay also rounded out the free agent class by signing to great pitch-calling catchers. Tampa Bay then sent some great young talent to Toronto to pick up pitcher Louis Donahue. Between the tandem of Donahue and Aoki it should be a very good starting staff.
Tampa also has quality leadoff combination of Ruben "Sandwich" Johnson and Will Martin who will play adequate defense in center and right. Orber Julio will provide some pop from left. Overall the lineup seems to be built around the top and may struggle in after the 4 of 5 spot.
The pitching is a definite strength for the Devil Rays. Ramiro Diaz should contend for the Cy with Aoki. The backend of the bullpen is a great strength too with Larry "I'm not" Scharein.
Overall it should be tough to combat the strength of the starting staff from Tampa and their upper half of the order.
Texas Rangers
Texas started this off-season by putting the most hated man in Kinsella Jerrod Baxter on the trading block. After getting rid of his bad contract that he somehow negotiated the team seems to be coming together more. Jerrod Baxter is the one of the ill-fated banana-cream pie incident that cannot be reported in a forum like this. The Rangers made some pickups for the bullpen with Kerry Dispenza, Don Lyon, and Grant Snavely. These all came through trades and they may cost the team in the future. The one big free agent signing was starting pitcher Jeff "Kevin" Nash. Nash should really help the meek starting staff of the Rangers.
The Rangers offense is led by speedster Judy "Don't call me Judy" Romano and is a solid group top to bottom. Even some of the bench players should have some success with the bat. Shep McNeil should be the best offensive player and Thom Stewart will deliver some pop. This offense should really click in the Texas ballpark.
The Starting staff of the rangers has questions all over the place, but the bullpen should be a great strength. The biggest problem with the starting staff is the length at which they can pitch. They do have some good pitchers in Geraldo Gonzales and Jim Philips but they do not have the stamina to go deep into games. The bullpen though will start from the back with Don Lyon playing the stopper. Dispenza and Snavely should combine for a quality set up combination.
This team does have a chance to be good or have the starting staff struggle and bring the team down with them.
Charlotte Knights
The Knights were not a big player in the free agent market picking up Junior Pena to play some center field defense and some other lesser players. They also decided to not participate in the trade frenzy.
The lineup for the Knights consists of the superstar B.C. (Byron Charles) Javier. He will really carry this team. He will get some help from Ted Perisho, Horace Henderson, and Jose "My name is not Raul" Mondesi, but this team does not seem to have enough to get through the long baseball season. A lot of the players in the starting lineup have health issues and that will end up being bad news for the Knights.
The other problem with the Knights lies with the pitching. After All-Star starter Banana Klein they will have some real problems getting back to him in the rotation. The bullpen does seem to have a good core of guys with Chief Collier and Ricardo Uribe at the end. But the lack of some other starters will really dampen this team’s hope.
This team does not seem to have the fire power on offense or pitching to put together a consistent year, and may be in for a long season if some of their regulars go down to injury.
Kansas City Royals
The Royals came away with one of the prizes of the trade market with Patrick Rivera. It definitely cost them but he will pay immediate dividends and put them in a great place to succeed now. The Royals also came away with another great starter in Stephen Fischer. Both of these pitchers will give a 1-2 punch that will put them among the elite. They also got Philip Grey to hold down their DH spot, who has some great pop for a young kid. He will be a ROY candidate. Tito Holmes was signed in free agency and should give the Royals a great leadoff batter and center fielder. Willie Alvarez, who also can man the leadoff spot and play second, was signed in the free agent market.
As good as the pitching in KC is the Royals may have some problems giving them some support. Danny Alexander and Sandy Valentin are the two big players in the KC offense. They are All-Stars for sure but the team may have some problems after that. Alejandro Martin is a good contact hitter at catcher but lacks any real pop, Hector Joseph is in that same boat. Rich Coppolecchia will provide backup behind Alexander and Valentin but this team may struggle at times unless some lesser players can really step up.
The reason why the Royals could win this division is their pitching. Behind Rivera and Fischer they can boast a very good number three in Louis Bottalico. They have a top-tier closer in Vic Castillo and a very good setup man in Wes "Eleanor" Roosevelt.
This team should contend heavily with the Rays, but their offense may do them in in the end.
Pre-Season All Division
SP Patrick Rivera (KC)
RP Larry Scharein (TB)
C Jimmie Ruiz (TEX)
1B Shep McNeil (TEX)
2B Earl Jorgensen (CHA)
3B Harry Lee (TEX)
SS Danny Alexander (KC)
RF B.C. Javier (CHA)
CF Jose Pichardo (TB)
LF Orber Julio (TB)
DH Rich Coppolechia (KC)
Predicted Finish:
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Kansas City Royals
Texas Rangers
Charlotte Knights
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Tampa was a big time player in the trade and free agent market this off-season. First, the signing of perennial All-Star Jose Pichardo was considered a giant move in the right direction. This was followed by a solid starter in David Aoki and the likable Rob Kennedy. Tampa Bay also rounded out the free agent class by signing to great pitch-calling catchers. Tampa Bay then sent some great young talent to Toronto to pick up pitcher Louis Donahue. Between the tandem of Donahue and Aoki it should be a very good starting staff.
Tampa also has quality leadoff combination of Ruben "Sandwich" Johnson and Will Martin who will play adequate defense in center and right. Orber Julio will provide some pop from left. Overall the lineup seems to be built around the top and may struggle in after the 4 of 5 spot.
The pitching is a definite strength for the Devil Rays. Ramiro Diaz should contend for the Cy with Aoki. The backend of the bullpen is a great strength too with Larry "I'm not" Scharein.
Overall it should be tough to combat the strength of the starting staff from Tampa and their upper half of the order.
Texas Rangers
Texas started this off-season by putting the most hated man in Kinsella Jerrod Baxter on the trading block. After getting rid of his bad contract that he somehow negotiated the team seems to be coming together more. Jerrod Baxter is the one of the ill-fated banana-cream pie incident that cannot be reported in a forum like this. The Rangers made some pickups for the bullpen with Kerry Dispenza, Don Lyon, and Grant Snavely. These all came through trades and they may cost the team in the future. The one big free agent signing was starting pitcher Jeff "Kevin" Nash. Nash should really help the meek starting staff of the Rangers.
The Rangers offense is led by speedster Judy "Don't call me Judy" Romano and is a solid group top to bottom. Even some of the bench players should have some success with the bat. Shep McNeil should be the best offensive player and Thom Stewart will deliver some pop. This offense should really click in the Texas ballpark.
The Starting staff of the rangers has questions all over the place, but the bullpen should be a great strength. The biggest problem with the starting staff is the length at which they can pitch. They do have some good pitchers in Geraldo Gonzales and Jim Philips but they do not have the stamina to go deep into games. The bullpen though will start from the back with Don Lyon playing the stopper. Dispenza and Snavely should combine for a quality set up combination.
This team does have a chance to be good or have the starting staff struggle and bring the team down with them.
Charlotte Knights
The Knights were not a big player in the free agent market picking up Junior Pena to play some center field defense and some other lesser players. They also decided to not participate in the trade frenzy.
The lineup for the Knights consists of the superstar B.C. (Byron Charles) Javier. He will really carry this team. He will get some help from Ted Perisho, Horace Henderson, and Jose "My name is not Raul" Mondesi, but this team does not seem to have enough to get through the long baseball season. A lot of the players in the starting lineup have health issues and that will end up being bad news for the Knights.
The other problem with the Knights lies with the pitching. After All-Star starter Banana Klein they will have some real problems getting back to him in the rotation. The bullpen does seem to have a good core of guys with Chief Collier and Ricardo Uribe at the end. But the lack of some other starters will really dampen this team’s hope.
This team does not seem to have the fire power on offense or pitching to put together a consistent year, and may be in for a long season if some of their regulars go down to injury.
Kansas City Royals
The Royals came away with one of the prizes of the trade market with Patrick Rivera. It definitely cost them but he will pay immediate dividends and put them in a great place to succeed now. The Royals also came away with another great starter in Stephen Fischer. Both of these pitchers will give a 1-2 punch that will put them among the elite. They also got Philip Grey to hold down their DH spot, who has some great pop for a young kid. He will be a ROY candidate. Tito Holmes was signed in free agency and should give the Royals a great leadoff batter and center fielder. Willie Alvarez, who also can man the leadoff spot and play second, was signed in the free agent market.
As good as the pitching in KC is the Royals may have some problems giving them some support. Danny Alexander and Sandy Valentin are the two big players in the KC offense. They are All-Stars for sure but the team may have some problems after that. Alejandro Martin is a good contact hitter at catcher but lacks any real pop, Hector Joseph is in that same boat. Rich Coppolecchia will provide backup behind Alexander and Valentin but this team may struggle at times unless some lesser players can really step up.
The reason why the Royals could win this division is their pitching. Behind Rivera and Fischer they can boast a very good number three in Louis Bottalico. They have a top-tier closer in Vic Castillo and a very good setup man in Wes "Eleanor" Roosevelt.
This team should contend heavily with the Rays, but their offense may do them in in the end.
Pre-Season All Division
SP Patrick Rivera (KC)
RP Larry Scharein (TB)
C Jimmie Ruiz (TEX)
1B Shep McNeil (TEX)
2B Earl Jorgensen (CHA)
3B Harry Lee (TEX)
SS Danny Alexander (KC)
RF B.C. Javier (CHA)
CF Jose Pichardo (TB)
LF Orber Julio (TB)
DH Rich Coppolechia (KC)
AL EAST SEASON 1 PREVIEW
by Overeasy (Originally published in HBD forum 10/12/07)
BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Hitting
It’s Hayes Swann's world and the rest of us just live in it. After signing the largest contract in league history ($98 mil/ 5 years), Swann has some huge expectations to fill as their slugging first baseman and franchise cornerstone. When asked for comment, Swann stated, “I am worth every penny!” If his big bat cannot live up to the hype, expect the boo-birds to be out in force in Camden Yards. Other hitting standouts, with nowhere near the expectations of Swann, include third baseman Bernie Tatis, shortstop Sean Gwynn, and catcher Kurt McPherson.
Pitching
Free agency has brought the O’s a veteran leader for their rotation in the form of southpaw Pedro Armas. His steady presence along with that of right-hander Bernie Delgado should provide some quality innings at the top of the rotation.
Closing the door to would-be comebacks is junk balling lefty Pedro Cabrera. His array of nasty breaking pitches has led some to believe that he sometimes doctors the baseball. When asked about it, Cabrera responded, “El doctor check mi arm make sure pitch good.” Clearly his 10 years in professional baseball have done wonders for his English language skills.
Hot Prospects
Cliff Rivers has what looks to be a major league quality bat right now, but will spend the year at AAA developing his glove work in the hopes to someday take over as the everyday shortstop for the big club.
Jose Roque doesn’t plan to win any gold gloves, but his big bat will make him very wealthy in the near future. He has a great ability to put wood on the ball with a lot of pop behind and he looks to get even better this season in AAA.
Newly acquired Martin Kielty (AAA) and Curt Gaston (AA) are a couple of 20 year old right-handers that look to have the most promising futures on the pitching mound at Camden Yards.
Orioles Season 1 Forecast
While the Orioles have decent quality players on the roster, Hayes Swann and the Swannettes, as the local media has dubbed the team, don’t seem to have enough pieces put together for a serious playoff push. Look for the Orioles to be in the middle of the pack come October.
BOSTON RED SOX
Hitting
There doesn’t look to be a lot of runs scored by the home team at Fenway Park this season. Leading the way are the young failed catcher turned DH Marlon Swift and the mediocre fielding catching tandem of veterans Pinky Dickerson and Greg Juden. We asked the Sox highly paid hitting coach, Enos Parrish, about the team’s offensive outlook this season, “I don’t give a damn about what the papers have been saying about us. I’ve been working with the guys to take advantage of the quirks of Fenway and I think we will do just fine.” He appears to have his work cut out for him and a chance to earn that big paycheck.
Pitching
The Sox have got a couple of stud right-handed fireballers to lead their rotation and bullpen. Veteran Jeff Bollea is a possible AL Cy Young candidate provided he can get enough run support. Rookie closer Karim Wallace looks to be the leader of the Sox bullpen for years. As for the rest of the staff, there are a few with some nasty stuff but they just can’t find the plate with enough consistency to be successful. The others appear to be a lot of journeyman major leaguers who just don’t have the skills and/or stamina to be difference makers for the big club. When asked about the Sox staff, Bollea stated, “I am going to step on that mound every fifth day and do what I do best, get hitters out. Hopefully the other guys can follow my lead and we’ll have a good shot at taking this division.”
Hot Prospects
If the offense struggles as predicted, we may see the call up of Valerio Guillen, a 23 year old Dominican first baseman with supreme skills at the plate.
Young right-handers Mike Brown (AA) and Miguel Padilla (HiA) appear to be the best pitching prospects in what appears to be a ML prospect thin farm system.
Red Sox Season 1 Forecast
The Red Sox have a very shallow talent pool to work with this season and it will take a managerial masterpiece to get this team out of the AL cellar.
CLEVELAND INDIANS
Hitting
The Tribe has assembled some hitters that are going to produce some runs. They have some potent sluggers in second baseman Leon Abbott, first baseman Robert Dunham, and right fielder Elmer Adams. While Abbott and Dunham also have excellent awareness of the strike zone, Adams will swing at anything and looks like a prime candidate to lead the league in strike outs. When asked about his propensity to whiff, Adams countered, “The fans don’t fill the stadiums to watch a guy trot to first base. I’m trying to put the ball into the bleachers and if that means I strike out a few times, so be it.” Accompanying these sluggers are great contact hitters like left fielder Harry Reid and catcher Herb Houston. Opposing pitchers are going to have their hands full with these guys.
Pitching
For all of those runs the offense looks to score, the pitching may just give them all back. The mediocre pitching staff is without a true ace and is led by veteran righty Boomer Paige at the top of the rotation. The Tribe has tabbed the very hittable Duke Duffy for the closer role to start the season. When asked about his new closer role, Duffy replied, “I was a bit shocked when the skip told me that I would be closing. I don’t know if I’m right for the job but I am going to try my best.” If you could say one thing about this staff, it’s that they are going to make the games interesting.
Hot Prospects
Young slugger, mediocre catcher, and likely future DH Tripp Devereaux looks like he is going to become one of the best hitters in the game. With a powerful swing and excellent plate discipline, he punishes all pitchers indiscriminately.
ML ready arms are available for the Tribe in the form of lefties Carlos Acosta (AAA) and Garry Mercedes (AA). Considering the state of the ML staff, it is quite likely that we may see both of these young hurlers on the big club at some point this season. In addition to these two, they also have a great prospect in 21-year-old lefty Malcolm Simmons.
Indians Season 1 Forecast
The Indians season is difficult to predict. There is no question that they will be scoring runs, but can they score more than the other team? The Indians look to be the division favorite in what is currently a weak AL East.
NEW YORK YANKEES
Hitting
After purging their two best hitters, who also had big contracts, the Yankees look like they will struggle to score runs. Their best hope lies with center fielder Graham Daniels and first baseman Alex Mairena to get on base so that developing slugger DH Phillip Grey or slugging left fielder Willie Torres can drive them home.
Pitching
The Yankee youth movement really took its toll on the ML pitching staff. They only have two legitimate major leaguers among the starters, Darin Lee and Julio Felix, neither of whom belongs anywhere but at the bottom of a rotation. Here they are the #1 and #2. The bullpen lacks anything close to a legitimate closer with the only bright spot being developing setup man, Andrew Newfield. When asked about the current state of his pitching staff, Yankee pitching coach Sandy Maroth said, “What the hell is that GM doing! I had one of the best pitching staffs in baseball with three aces and a lights out closer. Most of these guys should be pitching for the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees (AAA), not the New York Yankees.”
Hot Prospects
With the youth movement in full force in the Bronx, the majority of talent in the Yankee organization currently resides in AAA and AA.
Francisco Guillen looks to be the future fixture for the Yankees at the hot corner. He has the talent to become a consistent .300/30/100 type of player.
A future starting rotation consisting of (AA) D.T. Porzio, Carter Torres, (AAA) Carlos Rosado, Alvin Sasser, and Roland Coveleski looks very impressive, and with all between 21-23 they could be together for awhile.
The bullpen looks to be in great shape as well with (AAA) lefties John McCall, Billy Washington, Lloyd Hoffman, (AA) Joe May, and Walt Erickson
Yankees Season 1 Forecast
The Yankees are definitely not built to win this season and have their eye on the future. The Yankees will likely be fighting it out with the Red Sox for the AL East cellar.
BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Hitting
It’s Hayes Swann's world and the rest of us just live in it. After signing the largest contract in league history ($98 mil/ 5 years), Swann has some huge expectations to fill as their slugging first baseman and franchise cornerstone. When asked for comment, Swann stated, “I am worth every penny!” If his big bat cannot live up to the hype, expect the boo-birds to be out in force in Camden Yards. Other hitting standouts, with nowhere near the expectations of Swann, include third baseman Bernie Tatis, shortstop Sean Gwynn, and catcher Kurt McPherson.
Pitching
Free agency has brought the O’s a veteran leader for their rotation in the form of southpaw Pedro Armas. His steady presence along with that of right-hander Bernie Delgado should provide some quality innings at the top of the rotation.
Closing the door to would-be comebacks is junk balling lefty Pedro Cabrera. His array of nasty breaking pitches has led some to believe that he sometimes doctors the baseball. When asked about it, Cabrera responded, “El doctor check mi arm make sure pitch good.” Clearly his 10 years in professional baseball have done wonders for his English language skills.
Hot Prospects
Cliff Rivers has what looks to be a major league quality bat right now, but will spend the year at AAA developing his glove work in the hopes to someday take over as the everyday shortstop for the big club.
Jose Roque doesn’t plan to win any gold gloves, but his big bat will make him very wealthy in the near future. He has a great ability to put wood on the ball with a lot of pop behind and he looks to get even better this season in AAA.
Newly acquired Martin Kielty (AAA) and Curt Gaston (AA) are a couple of 20 year old right-handers that look to have the most promising futures on the pitching mound at Camden Yards.
Orioles Season 1 Forecast
While the Orioles have decent quality players on the roster, Hayes Swann and the Swannettes, as the local media has dubbed the team, don’t seem to have enough pieces put together for a serious playoff push. Look for the Orioles to be in the middle of the pack come October.
BOSTON RED SOX
Hitting
There doesn’t look to be a lot of runs scored by the home team at Fenway Park this season. Leading the way are the young failed catcher turned DH Marlon Swift and the mediocre fielding catching tandem of veterans Pinky Dickerson and Greg Juden. We asked the Sox highly paid hitting coach, Enos Parrish, about the team’s offensive outlook this season, “I don’t give a damn about what the papers have been saying about us. I’ve been working with the guys to take advantage of the quirks of Fenway and I think we will do just fine.” He appears to have his work cut out for him and a chance to earn that big paycheck.
Pitching
The Sox have got a couple of stud right-handed fireballers to lead their rotation and bullpen. Veteran Jeff Bollea is a possible AL Cy Young candidate provided he can get enough run support. Rookie closer Karim Wallace looks to be the leader of the Sox bullpen for years. As for the rest of the staff, there are a few with some nasty stuff but they just can’t find the plate with enough consistency to be successful. The others appear to be a lot of journeyman major leaguers who just don’t have the skills and/or stamina to be difference makers for the big club. When asked about the Sox staff, Bollea stated, “I am going to step on that mound every fifth day and do what I do best, get hitters out. Hopefully the other guys can follow my lead and we’ll have a good shot at taking this division.”
Hot Prospects
If the offense struggles as predicted, we may see the call up of Valerio Guillen, a 23 year old Dominican first baseman with supreme skills at the plate.
Young right-handers Mike Brown (AA) and Miguel Padilla (HiA) appear to be the best pitching prospects in what appears to be a ML prospect thin farm system.
Red Sox Season 1 Forecast
The Red Sox have a very shallow talent pool to work with this season and it will take a managerial masterpiece to get this team out of the AL cellar.
CLEVELAND INDIANS
Hitting
The Tribe has assembled some hitters that are going to produce some runs. They have some potent sluggers in second baseman Leon Abbott, first baseman Robert Dunham, and right fielder Elmer Adams. While Abbott and Dunham also have excellent awareness of the strike zone, Adams will swing at anything and looks like a prime candidate to lead the league in strike outs. When asked about his propensity to whiff, Adams countered, “The fans don’t fill the stadiums to watch a guy trot to first base. I’m trying to put the ball into the bleachers and if that means I strike out a few times, so be it.” Accompanying these sluggers are great contact hitters like left fielder Harry Reid and catcher Herb Houston. Opposing pitchers are going to have their hands full with these guys.
Pitching
For all of those runs the offense looks to score, the pitching may just give them all back. The mediocre pitching staff is without a true ace and is led by veteran righty Boomer Paige at the top of the rotation. The Tribe has tabbed the very hittable Duke Duffy for the closer role to start the season. When asked about his new closer role, Duffy replied, “I was a bit shocked when the skip told me that I would be closing. I don’t know if I’m right for the job but I am going to try my best.” If you could say one thing about this staff, it’s that they are going to make the games interesting.
Hot Prospects
Young slugger, mediocre catcher, and likely future DH Tripp Devereaux looks like he is going to become one of the best hitters in the game. With a powerful swing and excellent plate discipline, he punishes all pitchers indiscriminately.
ML ready arms are available for the Tribe in the form of lefties Carlos Acosta (AAA) and Garry Mercedes (AA). Considering the state of the ML staff, it is quite likely that we may see both of these young hurlers on the big club at some point this season. In addition to these two, they also have a great prospect in 21-year-old lefty Malcolm Simmons.
Indians Season 1 Forecast
The Indians season is difficult to predict. There is no question that they will be scoring runs, but can they score more than the other team? The Indians look to be the division favorite in what is currently a weak AL East.
NEW YORK YANKEES
Hitting
After purging their two best hitters, who also had big contracts, the Yankees look like they will struggle to score runs. Their best hope lies with center fielder Graham Daniels and first baseman Alex Mairena to get on base so that developing slugger DH Phillip Grey or slugging left fielder Willie Torres can drive them home.
Pitching
The Yankee youth movement really took its toll on the ML pitching staff. They only have two legitimate major leaguers among the starters, Darin Lee and Julio Felix, neither of whom belongs anywhere but at the bottom of a rotation. Here they are the #1 and #2. The bullpen lacks anything close to a legitimate closer with the only bright spot being developing setup man, Andrew Newfield. When asked about the current state of his pitching staff, Yankee pitching coach Sandy Maroth said, “What the hell is that GM doing! I had one of the best pitching staffs in baseball with three aces and a lights out closer. Most of these guys should be pitching for the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees (AAA), not the New York Yankees.”
Hot Prospects
With the youth movement in full force in the Bronx, the majority of talent in the Yankee organization currently resides in AAA and AA.
Francisco Guillen looks to be the future fixture for the Yankees at the hot corner. He has the talent to become a consistent .300/30/100 type of player.
A future starting rotation consisting of (AA) D.T. Porzio, Carter Torres, (AAA) Carlos Rosado, Alvin Sasser, and Roland Coveleski looks very impressive, and with all between 21-23 they could be together for awhile.
The bullpen looks to be in great shape as well with (AAA) lefties John McCall, Billy Washington, Lloyd Hoffman, (AA) Joe May, and Walt Erickson
Yankees Season 1 Forecast
The Yankees are definitely not built to win this season and have their eye on the future. The Yankees will likely be fighting it out with the Red Sox for the AL East cellar.
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