I believe it's now time we turn our attention to the NL East.
The NL East may be the second best division in all of baseball this year, with the obvious best being the AL East. Think about it though, you have the Mets, the Braves, the Marlins and the defending champs in Philly. Then you have the lowly Washington Nationals but things aren't all bad for them, I'll discuss later in this segment.
1. Philadelphia Phillies (95-67) - It's hard to pick against the defending World Champs, especially when they didn't get any worse. Injuries would be bad news for this team, speaking of which stud pitcher Cole Hamels is going to miss his start Opening Night on April 5th against Atlanta. They aren't a deep team but they are talented. Chase Utley and Ryan Howard make up one of the most powerful right sides of the infield in all of baseball. And the speed of Shane Victorino ahead of them and you have the plate setter for them. For fun, keep an eye on Brett Myers who in the past years has provided us with "Boom... outta here," he also beat his wife mid-day in the streets of Boston before a game and was sent down to the Minors last year. Let's see if he has anything in store for us this year.
2. New York Mets (91-71) - Yes, the Mets added JJ Putz and K-Rod to bolster the bullpen which blew 27 games last year. But these are the same Mets who have choked and faded the last two years in September. Can they get productivity from Luis Castillo at second base, Fernando Tatis in left field and their un-named 5th starter? At this point it'll probably be Livan Hernandez. I just don't see the Mets having enough fire power to overthrow the Phils. They should be in the run for the Wild Card if not the leaders.
3. Atlanta Braves (82-80) - I love the Braves but they are still a year or two away from competing for NL East crown again. While I love the additions of Derek Lowe and Javier Vazquez to their rotation to go with Jair Jurrjens their bullpen is questionable at beast. Mike Gonzalez is returning from surgery after a shaky 36 games as the closer last year. If Jordan Schaffer doesn't beat out Garret Anderson for the job in left field Atlanta pitching could give up a lot of extra base hits down that area. Injuries will ultimately take its toll on this not so deep Braves team.
4. Florida Marlins (78-84) - The Marlins have some fine talent on the team but how long can they keep. Hanley Ramirez is one of the best young players and shortstops in the game. Cameron Maybin could be the next Ken Griffey Jr. and Ricky Nolasco has the stuff to no hit teams. But how consistant can this talent be. And how will they respond to playing in front of 5 to 10,000 fans per home game? If the Marlins can keep these young guys expect them to challenege in two to three years. Keep an eye on Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco and Andrew Miller. If those three contribute they could pass Atlanta for third.
5. Washington Nationals (71-91) - Lastings Milledge, Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Dunn. The three driving forces behind the lowly Nationals team. Their bullpen is full of unproven guys, while their starting rotation isn't much better. Cristian Guzman was a nice surprise for the Nats last year, let's see if he can set the table for Dunn and Zimmerman this year. Don't expect much as the Nats will push the the Padres for the first pick in the 2010 draft. Bright news for the Nats this year is they have the first pick in 2009.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
School and March Madness have killed my blogging, but the show goes on!!!
I am so sorry for the huge gap between posts, as if anyone else reads this. But school and March Madness had me occupied from here. I have 13 out of 16 in the Sweet 16 this year. Those 3 not here all were losing anyways(Wake Forest, VCU and Florida State). Good news is my money maker and winner Oklahoma is still in and appears to be for real. They have a tough matchup with Syracuse tomorrow, the Orangeman like to go zone a lot. Which means Oklahoma is going to need to shoot as well as they did against Michigan, which I didn't think they could. If all goes well let's hope the Elite 8 looks like this: Louisville v Kansas, UConn v Memphis, Pitt v Duke and UNC v Oklahoma.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
MLB Breakdown 2
Well last time I broke down the NL West and keeping it in the NL, well go to the Central division.
Last year the Cubs won this division easily, the Astros and Brewers made a late run and eventually the Brewers won the Wild Card. But some of the teams in the division(Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates) are still far away from competing.
1. Chicago Cubs (95-67) - The Cubs are still the best team in this division even though they weren't able to complete a trade for Jake Peavy in the offseason. And while they did lose Mark DeRosa(traded) and Kerry Wood(free agency) they still have the most talent in the division. A starting lineup that features Alfonso Soriano, Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez. One of the best young catchers in the game, Geovany Soto and a scrappy shortstop in Mike Fontenot. Then you add Milton Bradley to this lineup and you have a powerful lineup. Their starting rotation features Carlos Zambrano, Rich Harden, Ryan Dempster and Ted Lilly. Those four when healthy could all win 15 games. The biggest question on this team is can Carlos Marmol or Kevin Gregg effectively save games in the 9th when called upon?
2. Houston Astros (86-76) - A tough decision because teams 2-4 could go anyway. But I feel Houston has a great mix of talented veterans with talented youngsters to able to take second in this division. The thing that concerns me about this team though is its lack of starting pitching. Outside of Roy Oswalt, the starting pitching is thin. But this team does have the offense to score some runs, if they get leads to the bullpen late this team could win some games and put a scare into the Cubs. Big questions though, can they get quality starts out of 2-5? Can Tejada stay healthy? Who's going to catch?
UPDATE: Houston signed Pudge Rodriguez to a one year deal, pencil them in for second.
3. St. Louis Cardinals (84- 78) - The Cardinals are an interesting team. They have some talent in starting pitching and in their lineup. They could give the Cubs a run for their money. If they could only stay healthy. Which will be the event downfall of the Cardinals. Adam Wainwright and Todd Wellemeyer were pleasant surprises for this team last year and allowed them to let Braden Looper walk away and test the market. The one thing that scares me about this team is its bullpen and closer. Easily the biggest question mark about this team. Player to keep an eye from this team is shortstop Khalil Greene, will this explosive lineup help him or will he continue to be a .240-.250 hitter who plays exceptional defense? Or will he show the promise he showed his senior year at Clemson?
4. Milwaukee Brewers (81-81) - The Brewers made one heck of a run down the stretch last year to win the Wild Card. C.C. Sabathia was unstoppable after being acquired from Cleveland. He even went on to pitch on 3 days rest when needed. The problem this year? Well incase you missed it, Sabathia left for pinstripes in New York and a whole lot of money to go with it. Then on top of that, they lost the potentially dangerous when healthy Ben Sheets. Their 1-2 now looks like Dave Bush and Manny Para. If you're scratching head asking "who are they?" don't feel bad, many people are and probably will be this season. They still have Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder and JJ Hardy but don't be surprised if Hardy gets traded. Rumor is Milwaukee has a prospect waiting in the wings they'd like to bring up.
5. Cincinnati Reds (76-86) - The Reds are a young team with potential. They have one of the game's best young hitters in Jay Bruce. Joey Votto isn't too bad either. They also have two of the game's best young arms in Edinson Volquez who won 17 games last year as a rookie. And Johnny Cueto who fell hard after a hot start to his rookie season. Led by veteran Brandon Phillips this team could compete but it's unlikely. They lack enough needed talent to make a run for the division or wild card. But give this team time and the Reds could be a force in the Central. Key players from this team: Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips, Joey Votto, Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto.
6. Pittsburgh Pirates (70-92) - The Pirates are considered to have one of the best minor league systems around, just flourishing with talent. So at what point does management bring them up and decide to see what they can do? With a lack of quality starters, this team will struggle. Not to mention its less then stellar bullpen. They have some potential is their lineup with the LaRoche brothers and Nate McLouth but they can't carry this team themselves. Good news is things aren't as bleak as they are in San Diego.
Last year the Cubs won this division easily, the Astros and Brewers made a late run and eventually the Brewers won the Wild Card. But some of the teams in the division(Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates) are still far away from competing.
1. Chicago Cubs (95-67) - The Cubs are still the best team in this division even though they weren't able to complete a trade for Jake Peavy in the offseason. And while they did lose Mark DeRosa(traded) and Kerry Wood(free agency) they still have the most talent in the division. A starting lineup that features Alfonso Soriano, Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez. One of the best young catchers in the game, Geovany Soto and a scrappy shortstop in Mike Fontenot. Then you add Milton Bradley to this lineup and you have a powerful lineup. Their starting rotation features Carlos Zambrano, Rich Harden, Ryan Dempster and Ted Lilly. Those four when healthy could all win 15 games. The biggest question on this team is can Carlos Marmol or Kevin Gregg effectively save games in the 9th when called upon?
2. Houston Astros (86-76) - A tough decision because teams 2-4 could go anyway. But I feel Houston has a great mix of talented veterans with talented youngsters to able to take second in this division. The thing that concerns me about this team though is its lack of starting pitching. Outside of Roy Oswalt, the starting pitching is thin. But this team does have the offense to score some runs, if they get leads to the bullpen late this team could win some games and put a scare into the Cubs. Big questions though, can they get quality starts out of 2-5? Can Tejada stay healthy? Who's going to catch?
UPDATE: Houston signed Pudge Rodriguez to a one year deal, pencil them in for second.
3. St. Louis Cardinals (84- 78) - The Cardinals are an interesting team. They have some talent in starting pitching and in their lineup. They could give the Cubs a run for their money. If they could only stay healthy. Which will be the event downfall of the Cardinals. Adam Wainwright and Todd Wellemeyer were pleasant surprises for this team last year and allowed them to let Braden Looper walk away and test the market. The one thing that scares me about this team is its bullpen and closer. Easily the biggest question mark about this team. Player to keep an eye from this team is shortstop Khalil Greene, will this explosive lineup help him or will he continue to be a .240-.250 hitter who plays exceptional defense? Or will he show the promise he showed his senior year at Clemson?
4. Milwaukee Brewers (81-81) - The Brewers made one heck of a run down the stretch last year to win the Wild Card. C.C. Sabathia was unstoppable after being acquired from Cleveland. He even went on to pitch on 3 days rest when needed. The problem this year? Well incase you missed it, Sabathia left for pinstripes in New York and a whole lot of money to go with it. Then on top of that, they lost the potentially dangerous when healthy Ben Sheets. Their 1-2 now looks like Dave Bush and Manny Para. If you're scratching head asking "who are they?" don't feel bad, many people are and probably will be this season. They still have Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder and JJ Hardy but don't be surprised if Hardy gets traded. Rumor is Milwaukee has a prospect waiting in the wings they'd like to bring up.
5. Cincinnati Reds (76-86) - The Reds are a young team with potential. They have one of the game's best young hitters in Jay Bruce. Joey Votto isn't too bad either. They also have two of the game's best young arms in Edinson Volquez who won 17 games last year as a rookie. And Johnny Cueto who fell hard after a hot start to his rookie season. Led by veteran Brandon Phillips this team could compete but it's unlikely. They lack enough needed talent to make a run for the division or wild card. But give this team time and the Reds could be a force in the Central. Key players from this team: Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips, Joey Votto, Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto.
6. Pittsburgh Pirates (70-92) - The Pirates are considered to have one of the best minor league systems around, just flourishing with talent. So at what point does management bring them up and decide to see what they can do? With a lack of quality starters, this team will struggle. Not to mention its less then stellar bullpen. They have some potential is their lineup with the LaRoche brothers and Nate McLouth but they can't carry this team themselves. Good news is things aren't as bleak as they are in San Diego.
Time To Get Back To Work.
Well I am a little behind so I guess it's time to catch up. First things first. Yesterday the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team has almost punched their ticket to the Big Dance. I say almost because if they lose or get blown out by Iowa in the Big Ten Tournament, they may be NIT bound. However, they beat Minnesota on the road coming back from 12 down with 13 minutes to go. The win was big for numerous reasons. It was a road win vs an RPI top 50 team, it was a come from behind road win, it put Michigan at 9-9 in the Big Ten and maybe most importantly it boosted team confidence, especially Lavell Lucas-Perry who's 17 points and three big 3s in a row cut the 12 point lead to 3 with 10 minutes to go.
DeShawn "Peedi" Sims was a beast again dropping 24, LLP added 17 and Manny "Fresh" Harris had 14. It was nice to see Manny mature a bit yesterday. He had 3 first half points, games like those he usually tends to stay quiet on the road but he fought the tough defense Minnesota threw at him all game long and scored some big points when Michigan needed it. Many people won't agree with this but this Michigan team could make a run in the tournament if the matchups are right. Just hear me out on this...
Michigan's defense has been known to stiffle teams at times. While Minnesota shot 55% yesterday, they were forced into 21 turnovers and scored one basket in the final 8 minutes of the game. The 1-3-1 zone can cause teams to turn the ball over and when played with intensity, Michgan can trap and get easy fast break points out of it. More importantly is Michigan has the shooters to help Peedi and Fresh out. If a Stu Douglass, Zack Novak or LLP can add 10 to 12 points on a given night this team could shock. However, Michigan is gonna be in trouble with teams who have more then two big forwards/centers. Michigan is a small team and will usually be outrebounded every game. But if they can get Sims into foul trouble it takes away a big piece of Michgan's scoring.
Who knows what will happen, but they call it March Madness for a reason.
DeShawn "Peedi" Sims was a beast again dropping 24, LLP added 17 and Manny "Fresh" Harris had 14. It was nice to see Manny mature a bit yesterday. He had 3 first half points, games like those he usually tends to stay quiet on the road but he fought the tough defense Minnesota threw at him all game long and scored some big points when Michigan needed it. Many people won't agree with this but this Michigan team could make a run in the tournament if the matchups are right. Just hear me out on this...
Michigan's defense has been known to stiffle teams at times. While Minnesota shot 55% yesterday, they were forced into 21 turnovers and scored one basket in the final 8 minutes of the game. The 1-3-1 zone can cause teams to turn the ball over and when played with intensity, Michgan can trap and get easy fast break points out of it. More importantly is Michigan has the shooters to help Peedi and Fresh out. If a Stu Douglass, Zack Novak or LLP can add 10 to 12 points on a given night this team could shock. However, Michigan is gonna be in trouble with teams who have more then two big forwards/centers. Michigan is a small team and will usually be outrebounded every game. But if they can get Sims into foul trouble it takes away a big piece of Michgan's scoring.
Who knows what will happen, but they call it March Madness for a reason.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
MLB Division Breakdown 1
Well I figure I might as well get my MBL predictions started with the league's easiest divison... The National League West.
Look boys and girls, it's pretty simple. The Los Angeles Dodgers just re-signed Manny Ramirez. Discussion over. But if for some reason he gets hurt, look for the 2nd place team to swoop past the Dodgers. We'll break this down anyways.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (85-77) - Two words people. Manny Ramirez. ManRam was flat out sick last year after being acquired by LA. He hit .396 with 17 HR and 53 RBI in 53 games for the Dodgers last year. He single handedly put them in the playoffs, where he hit .517 with 4 HR and 10 RBI in 8 games. While their starting pitching is a bit suspect, they should be fine if Manny stays in the lineup. Look for Clayton Kershaw to surprise as backend rotation guy.
2. Arizona Diamondbacks (81-81) - While the Diamondbacks do have the best 1-2 combo in Webb and Haren, they have a tendency to fall apart in September. They're gonna need some unprovens in guys 3-5 in the rotation to step up otherwise Webb, Haren and Conor Jackson may have nice seasons with nothing to show. Shane Reynolds at 3rd base is my lock to lead the league in strikeouts again this year, 204 in 2008. Upton and Chris Young need to improve their batting averages to help out Conor Jackson.
3. San Francisco Giants (75-87) - Poor Tim Lincecum. He wins the NL Cy Young last year with 18 wins, 265 Strikeouts and a 2.62 ERA. His reward? A 1-year $650,000 contract and no offensive support. San Fran will be a very young team this year with a lot of rookies or second year players in their lineup. It'll be hard for Lincecum to produce last year's win total but look for him to dominate in the strikeout and ERA categories. Kid is a beast.
4. Colorado Rockies ( 70-92) - This team isn't very good. And they lost last year's closer(Brian Fuentes to LAA) and last year's best hitter(Matt Holiday trade to Oakland). Now before Spring Training even starts their best pitcher, Jeff Francis to season ending shoulder surgery. Unless Troy Tulowitzki regians his rookie year composure and stats, it could be a very long year in Colorado. The only real question is, will they trade Todd Helton to a contender at the trade deadline?
5. San Diego Padres (65-97) - This team could very well be the worst team in baseball this year. They might even lose over 100 games. They've got no offense and no closer. They cut payroll tremendously. They might have the lowest payroll in baseball. Jake Peavy and Chris Young won't be enough for this team to contend let alone win many games. This team even tried to trade Peavy in the winter. Trade a possible Cy Young winner, this could be the start of a long rebuilding process in San Diego. Good thing they got that new ballpark right?
Tomorrow I'll breakdown the NL Central.
Look boys and girls, it's pretty simple. The Los Angeles Dodgers just re-signed Manny Ramirez. Discussion over. But if for some reason he gets hurt, look for the 2nd place team to swoop past the Dodgers. We'll break this down anyways.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (85-77) - Two words people. Manny Ramirez. ManRam was flat out sick last year after being acquired by LA. He hit .396 with 17 HR and 53 RBI in 53 games for the Dodgers last year. He single handedly put them in the playoffs, where he hit .517 with 4 HR and 10 RBI in 8 games. While their starting pitching is a bit suspect, they should be fine if Manny stays in the lineup. Look for Clayton Kershaw to surprise as backend rotation guy.
2. Arizona Diamondbacks (81-81) - While the Diamondbacks do have the best 1-2 combo in Webb and Haren, they have a tendency to fall apart in September. They're gonna need some unprovens in guys 3-5 in the rotation to step up otherwise Webb, Haren and Conor Jackson may have nice seasons with nothing to show. Shane Reynolds at 3rd base is my lock to lead the league in strikeouts again this year, 204 in 2008. Upton and Chris Young need to improve their batting averages to help out Conor Jackson.
3. San Francisco Giants (75-87) - Poor Tim Lincecum. He wins the NL Cy Young last year with 18 wins, 265 Strikeouts and a 2.62 ERA. His reward? A 1-year $650,000 contract and no offensive support. San Fran will be a very young team this year with a lot of rookies or second year players in their lineup. It'll be hard for Lincecum to produce last year's win total but look for him to dominate in the strikeout and ERA categories. Kid is a beast.
4. Colorado Rockies ( 70-92) - This team isn't very good. And they lost last year's closer(Brian Fuentes to LAA) and last year's best hitter(Matt Holiday trade to Oakland). Now before Spring Training even starts their best pitcher, Jeff Francis to season ending shoulder surgery. Unless Troy Tulowitzki regians his rookie year composure and stats, it could be a very long year in Colorado. The only real question is, will they trade Todd Helton to a contender at the trade deadline?
5. San Diego Padres (65-97) - This team could very well be the worst team in baseball this year. They might even lose over 100 games. They've got no offense and no closer. They cut payroll tremendously. They might have the lowest payroll in baseball. Jake Peavy and Chris Young won't be enough for this team to contend let alone win many games. This team even tried to trade Peavy in the winter. Trade a possible Cy Young winner, this could be the start of a long rebuilding process in San Diego. Good thing they got that new ballpark right?
Tomorrow I'll breakdown the NL Central.
Back In Action
Well I doubt anyone will or does read this but I'm back in action. And to get things started, I can now can get started on my MLB Division Breakdown thanks inpart to Manny Ramirez signing with the Dodgers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
