Senior Circuit Preview
NL EAST
The Atlanta Braves are still the class of this division. Bobby Cox knows how to manage and Leo Mazzone gets the most out of pitchers (see guys like John Thomson & Horatio Ramirez). Plus their GM John Schuerholz is great, remember 2 years ago when he cast off Kevin Milwood for some minor league catcher named Johnny Estrada? Well you will when Estrada is an All-Star this year. They have a solid starting staff anchored by a revived John Smoltz, newcomer Tim Hudson and Dan Kolb closing games. Defensively they are solid, but they do need more consistent offense from young Adam LaRoche and the corner outfield positions of Brian Jordan & Raul Mondesi. They are the class of the division for sure
The Florida Marlins are the fancy pick for everyone. I do think Miguel Cabrera will be an MVP candidate. But remember when they won the series 2 years ago they had career years by the Juan Pierre, Mike Lowell, and Juan Encarnacion’s of the world. I have never been a fan of Carlos Delgado, he never plays well in important spots and their rotation still has a ton of question marks. If all their pitchers pitch to their potential they could be very good; but are you really going to trust the tender arm of AJ Burnett, the tender ego of Guillermo Mota, and the age & stuff of veterans Al Leiter and Ismael Valdez? I for one am not. They are a second to third place team.
The New York Metropolitans have certainly improved their club, but the still have a great deal of question marks. First in the dugout, Willie Randolph is in his first year as a manager and the pressure cooker of New York is one he is familiar with, but it is whole new ballgame when you have to answer the questions everyday. The bullpen is a disaster and with their aging pitching staff they need a better than average pen. Defensively they are pretty solid, but I am not enamored with their outfield depth and while David Wright has all the makings of being a great player, he has to perform with all the pressure on his shoulders.
The Philadelphia Phillies are the epitome of mediocre. They have a cast off as a manager and a list of cast offs up and down their roster. Their pitching staff is peppered with journey men like Cory Lidle, Terry Adams, Rheal Cormier, Jon Leiber, Aaron Fultz, and Tim Worrell. Bobby Abreu, Mike Leiberthal, and Vincente Padilla who all seemed to be the cornerstone of a Phillies title run are on the downside of their careers. It seems none of these guys became the superstars some thought they might. Jim Thome has yet to hit .300 in the senior circuit, and they round out the lineup with other ageing vets Kenny Lofton & David Bell. Pat Burrell seems to breaking through this season, but not nearly enough to carry this team.
Again the Washington Nationals are a team filled with castaways. It is good to see baseball (or Frank Robinson’s team version of baseball) in the nation’s capital again. However, the novelty will soon wear off after watching Cristina Guzman strikeout and former All Star Jose Vidro struggle to field the baseball. The only reason to watch this team is to see the development of Brad Wilkerson. I cannot even mention their pitching staff because typing some of the names will cause me to pass out.
NL CENTRAL
Tony LaRussa’s St Louis Cardinals are once again on track to win the NL central. They bolstered their pitching staff by adding Mark Mulder; a super left hander in a new league should be very effective at the top of the rotation. The staff is by7 no means great, but Dave Duncan always gets solid performances out of veterans like Chris Carpenter, Jeff Suppan and Matt Morris as starters, and in the pen the added Bill Pulsipher along with returnees Ray King and Jason Isringhausen. They lost their middle infielders and catcher, but replaced them with veterans David Eckstein, Mark Grudzielanek and behind the plate vet Einer Diaz and up and comer Yadier Molina (who’s 2 brothers are both major league catchers.) Their line up is still very potent and they have a great veteran presence off the bench, LaRussa will again lead this team to a central crown.
I think the Houston Astros could surprise people this year. Everyone thought they were loaded last year, but I think this year’s team has less pressure on it. They have the best 3 man rotation in baseball when healthy with Oswalt, Pettitte, and the Rocket. Brad Lidge appears to be a front line closer for years to come. In the field they have great player, with mainstays Biggio, Bagwell, Berkman, plus a good core of young players; SS Adam Everett, OF’s Willy Tavares, and Chris Burke. They also have quality vets coming off the bench. I like this teams make up a lot.
Everyone loves the Chicago Cubs, except me. They have a solid top 3 starters, sans the inevitable arm trouble, but I don’t like the rest of their staff. I just do not trust guys like Joe Borowski, LaTroy Hawkins, and Glendon Rusch et al. Their line up is not nearly as potent as it had been with the likes of Sammy Sosa and Moises Alou. I thin Nomar Garciaparra will have a big year, but can you win with bums like Jeromy Burnitz, Jerry Hairston jr, and Todd Hollandsworthless as the core of your team? The loveable losing Cubbies will be back to their old ways this year.
The Cincinnati Reds have a great line up. I have no idea who can pitch for them, or even the name of there managers, but boy they are fun to watch at the plate. They can rival any line up in baseball, hitters 2-7 look like this; Ken Griffey jr, Sean Casey, Austin Kearns, Adam Dunn, Joe Randa, and Rich Aurilia. That is what we call potent, however their pitching leaves a lot to be desired. A staff of Eric Milton, Paul Wilson, Aaron Harang, and Ramon Ortiz just does not frighten me at all. They will battle the Cubs for third place all year long.
The Milwaukee Brewers are not very good. They are looking toward the future, and it could be pretty bright. They are still reaping the benefits of the Richie Sexson trade with starters Junior Spivey, Damian Miller, and Lyle Overbay. The added a big bat in their line up with Carlos Lee. I cannot wait until their young players begin to round into shape, SS JJ Hardy is already with the club and they have Prince Fielder (Cecil’s son) and Rickie Weeks waiting in the minors. Unfortunately the have only one arm on the whole staff, Ben Sheets, and boy is he fun to watch, he is a Cy Young Caliber pitcher.
It is a shame that the people of Pittsburgh have to watch a team as poor as the Pittsburgh Pirates. They have a few talented players, but have absolutely no depth. There #1 starter is little known Oliver Perez, a 23 yr old fireballing lefty who had a 2.99 ERA last year. They also have three talented players in the filed; power hitting outfielder Jason Bay, slick fielding SS Jack Wilson, and 1B Craig Wilson. All of these players will most likely be dealt along with veteran outfielder Matt Lawton. They are a last place team all the way.
NL WEST
I love picking the San Diego Padres every few years. This team was built from the ground up through their minor league system. They have a solid staff with a good mix of veterans like Tim Redding & Woody Williams and youngsters Adam Eaton, Jake Peavy and Brian Lawrence. Peavy is one of the best young arms in the game, leading the NL in ERA last season. There line up is strong from top to bottom. Mark Loretta & Khalil Greene up the middle are excellent defensively. They have power in the line up with veterans Phil Nevin, Ryan Klesko, and emerging star Sean Burroughs. Bruce Bochy knows how to win, and has just the team to do it in the undermanned NL West.
The San Francisco Giants are a very good ball club. There only problem is there age, the average over 32 years of age. This is also their strength. Defensively they are a very good team, Omar Vizquel, Ray Durham, Edgardo Alfonzo, and JT Snow around the horn can still all pick it. Until they get Bonds and Alou back from the DL they will rely on a veteran staff anchored by Jason Schmidt and book ended with Armondo Benitez and their defense which also sports Gold Glover Mike Matheny behind the plate. Manager Felipe Alou will keep this team in contention till his sluggers get back, and maybe GM Brian Sabian can add another arm before the trade deadline.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a team that looks like it was thrown together by someone who does not really know what they are doing. It consists of over paid pitchers; Odalis Perez ($4.5), Darren Dreifort ($11.4), Derek Lowe ($7), and Brady Penny ($5.1) and some decent position players at best. JD Drew and Jeff Kent are the 2 best guys in the line up, but they lack an overall punch offensively. Defensively they leave a lot to be desired too, outside of Milton Bradley and Cesar Izturis. Overall they have no real team concept, except spending a lot of money, they are the New York Knicks of baseball, just spend a lot of money every year and hope.
I like what the Arizona Diamondbacks have done to retool their team. The got rid of Randy Johnson but were able to get 2 starters back for him, Brad Halsey & Javier Vazquez. Also adding veterans Russ Ortiz & Shawn Estes to go with Brandon Webb improves there starting staff 1-5. Also, adding 3B Troy Glaus and OF Jose Cruz jr. helps that line up tremendously. The give some much needed pop to what was a very weak line up last season. They have solid veterans Luis Gonzalez, Shawn Green and Craig Counsell to help round out their lineup. This team could make some noise in the weak and whacky NL West.
The Colorado Rockies are perhaps the worst team in all of baseball. No matter what this team does they will never be able to win in Colorado. Their pitchers have absolutely no chance to survive 81 home games. Their closer Shawn Chacon last year saved 35 games, but had a 7.11 ERA, that is ridiculous. They have an average age of only 26 years old, a slew of rookies and journeyman fill out their line up card, with one exception. Todd Helton is one of the best and most forgotten players in the game, he is wasting away in Colorado, and I think you may see him push for a trade this year.
NL MVP: Chipper Jones, 3B Atlanta Braves
(Nomar Garciaparra, SS Chicago Cubs)
NL CY YOUNG: Jason Schmidt, RHP San Francisco Giants
(John Smoltz, RHP Atlanta Braves)
NL ROOKIE: Chris Burke, RF Houston Astros
(JJ Hardy, SS Milwaukee Brewers)
Atlanta Braves over San Diego Padres
San Francisco Giants over St. Louis Cardinals
Atlanta Braves over San Francisco Giants
The Atlanta Braves are still the class of this division. Bobby Cox knows how to manage and Leo Mazzone gets the most out of pitchers (see guys like John Thomson & Horatio Ramirez). Plus their GM John Schuerholz is great, remember 2 years ago when he cast off Kevin Milwood for some minor league catcher named Johnny Estrada? Well you will when Estrada is an All-Star this year. They have a solid starting staff anchored by a revived John Smoltz, newcomer Tim Hudson and Dan Kolb closing games. Defensively they are solid, but they do need more consistent offense from young Adam LaRoche and the corner outfield positions of Brian Jordan & Raul Mondesi. They are the class of the division for sure
The Florida Marlins are the fancy pick for everyone. I do think Miguel Cabrera will be an MVP candidate. But remember when they won the series 2 years ago they had career years by the Juan Pierre, Mike Lowell, and Juan Encarnacion’s of the world. I have never been a fan of Carlos Delgado, he never plays well in important spots and their rotation still has a ton of question marks. If all their pitchers pitch to their potential they could be very good; but are you really going to trust the tender arm of AJ Burnett, the tender ego of Guillermo Mota, and the age & stuff of veterans Al Leiter and Ismael Valdez? I for one am not. They are a second to third place team.
The New York Metropolitans have certainly improved their club, but the still have a great deal of question marks. First in the dugout, Willie Randolph is in his first year as a manager and the pressure cooker of New York is one he is familiar with, but it is whole new ballgame when you have to answer the questions everyday. The bullpen is a disaster and with their aging pitching staff they need a better than average pen. Defensively they are pretty solid, but I am not enamored with their outfield depth and while David Wright has all the makings of being a great player, he has to perform with all the pressure on his shoulders.
The Philadelphia Phillies are the epitome of mediocre. They have a cast off as a manager and a list of cast offs up and down their roster. Their pitching staff is peppered with journey men like Cory Lidle, Terry Adams, Rheal Cormier, Jon Leiber, Aaron Fultz, and Tim Worrell. Bobby Abreu, Mike Leiberthal, and Vincente Padilla who all seemed to be the cornerstone of a Phillies title run are on the downside of their careers. It seems none of these guys became the superstars some thought they might. Jim Thome has yet to hit .300 in the senior circuit, and they round out the lineup with other ageing vets Kenny Lofton & David Bell. Pat Burrell seems to breaking through this season, but not nearly enough to carry this team.
Again the Washington Nationals are a team filled with castaways. It is good to see baseball (or Frank Robinson’s team version of baseball) in the nation’s capital again. However, the novelty will soon wear off after watching Cristina Guzman strikeout and former All Star Jose Vidro struggle to field the baseball. The only reason to watch this team is to see the development of Brad Wilkerson. I cannot even mention their pitching staff because typing some of the names will cause me to pass out.
NL CENTRAL
Tony LaRussa’s St Louis Cardinals are once again on track to win the NL central. They bolstered their pitching staff by adding Mark Mulder; a super left hander in a new league should be very effective at the top of the rotation. The staff is by7 no means great, but Dave Duncan always gets solid performances out of veterans like Chris Carpenter, Jeff Suppan and Matt Morris as starters, and in the pen the added Bill Pulsipher along with returnees Ray King and Jason Isringhausen. They lost their middle infielders and catcher, but replaced them with veterans David Eckstein, Mark Grudzielanek and behind the plate vet Einer Diaz and up and comer Yadier Molina (who’s 2 brothers are both major league catchers.) Their line up is still very potent and they have a great veteran presence off the bench, LaRussa will again lead this team to a central crown.
I think the Houston Astros could surprise people this year. Everyone thought they were loaded last year, but I think this year’s team has less pressure on it. They have the best 3 man rotation in baseball when healthy with Oswalt, Pettitte, and the Rocket. Brad Lidge appears to be a front line closer for years to come. In the field they have great player, with mainstays Biggio, Bagwell, Berkman, plus a good core of young players; SS Adam Everett, OF’s Willy Tavares, and Chris Burke. They also have quality vets coming off the bench. I like this teams make up a lot.
Everyone loves the Chicago Cubs, except me. They have a solid top 3 starters, sans the inevitable arm trouble, but I don’t like the rest of their staff. I just do not trust guys like Joe Borowski, LaTroy Hawkins, and Glendon Rusch et al. Their line up is not nearly as potent as it had been with the likes of Sammy Sosa and Moises Alou. I thin Nomar Garciaparra will have a big year, but can you win with bums like Jeromy Burnitz, Jerry Hairston jr, and Todd Hollandsworthless as the core of your team? The loveable losing Cubbies will be back to their old ways this year.
The Cincinnati Reds have a great line up. I have no idea who can pitch for them, or even the name of there managers, but boy they are fun to watch at the plate. They can rival any line up in baseball, hitters 2-7 look like this; Ken Griffey jr, Sean Casey, Austin Kearns, Adam Dunn, Joe Randa, and Rich Aurilia. That is what we call potent, however their pitching leaves a lot to be desired. A staff of Eric Milton, Paul Wilson, Aaron Harang, and Ramon Ortiz just does not frighten me at all. They will battle the Cubs for third place all year long.
The Milwaukee Brewers are not very good. They are looking toward the future, and it could be pretty bright. They are still reaping the benefits of the Richie Sexson trade with starters Junior Spivey, Damian Miller, and Lyle Overbay. The added a big bat in their line up with Carlos Lee. I cannot wait until their young players begin to round into shape, SS JJ Hardy is already with the club and they have Prince Fielder (Cecil’s son) and Rickie Weeks waiting in the minors. Unfortunately the have only one arm on the whole staff, Ben Sheets, and boy is he fun to watch, he is a Cy Young Caliber pitcher.
It is a shame that the people of Pittsburgh have to watch a team as poor as the Pittsburgh Pirates. They have a few talented players, but have absolutely no depth. There #1 starter is little known Oliver Perez, a 23 yr old fireballing lefty who had a 2.99 ERA last year. They also have three talented players in the filed; power hitting outfielder Jason Bay, slick fielding SS Jack Wilson, and 1B Craig Wilson. All of these players will most likely be dealt along with veteran outfielder Matt Lawton. They are a last place team all the way.
NL WEST
I love picking the San Diego Padres every few years. This team was built from the ground up through their minor league system. They have a solid staff with a good mix of veterans like Tim Redding & Woody Williams and youngsters Adam Eaton, Jake Peavy and Brian Lawrence. Peavy is one of the best young arms in the game, leading the NL in ERA last season. There line up is strong from top to bottom. Mark Loretta & Khalil Greene up the middle are excellent defensively. They have power in the line up with veterans Phil Nevin, Ryan Klesko, and emerging star Sean Burroughs. Bruce Bochy knows how to win, and has just the team to do it in the undermanned NL West.
The San Francisco Giants are a very good ball club. There only problem is there age, the average over 32 years of age. This is also their strength. Defensively they are a very good team, Omar Vizquel, Ray Durham, Edgardo Alfonzo, and JT Snow around the horn can still all pick it. Until they get Bonds and Alou back from the DL they will rely on a veteran staff anchored by Jason Schmidt and book ended with Armondo Benitez and their defense which also sports Gold Glover Mike Matheny behind the plate. Manager Felipe Alou will keep this team in contention till his sluggers get back, and maybe GM Brian Sabian can add another arm before the trade deadline.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a team that looks like it was thrown together by someone who does not really know what they are doing. It consists of over paid pitchers; Odalis Perez ($4.5), Darren Dreifort ($11.4), Derek Lowe ($7), and Brady Penny ($5.1) and some decent position players at best. JD Drew and Jeff Kent are the 2 best guys in the line up, but they lack an overall punch offensively. Defensively they leave a lot to be desired too, outside of Milton Bradley and Cesar Izturis. Overall they have no real team concept, except spending a lot of money, they are the New York Knicks of baseball, just spend a lot of money every year and hope.
I like what the Arizona Diamondbacks have done to retool their team. The got rid of Randy Johnson but were able to get 2 starters back for him, Brad Halsey & Javier Vazquez. Also adding veterans Russ Ortiz & Shawn Estes to go with Brandon Webb improves there starting staff 1-5. Also, adding 3B Troy Glaus and OF Jose Cruz jr. helps that line up tremendously. The give some much needed pop to what was a very weak line up last season. They have solid veterans Luis Gonzalez, Shawn Green and Craig Counsell to help round out their lineup. This team could make some noise in the weak and whacky NL West.
The Colorado Rockies are perhaps the worst team in all of baseball. No matter what this team does they will never be able to win in Colorado. Their pitchers have absolutely no chance to survive 81 home games. Their closer Shawn Chacon last year saved 35 games, but had a 7.11 ERA, that is ridiculous. They have an average age of only 26 years old, a slew of rookies and journeyman fill out their line up card, with one exception. Todd Helton is one of the best and most forgotten players in the game, he is wasting away in Colorado, and I think you may see him push for a trade this year.
NL MVP: Chipper Jones, 3B Atlanta Braves
(Nomar Garciaparra, SS Chicago Cubs)
NL CY YOUNG: Jason Schmidt, RHP San Francisco Giants
(John Smoltz, RHP Atlanta Braves)
NL ROOKIE: Chris Burke, RF Houston Astros
(JJ Hardy, SS Milwaukee Brewers)
Atlanta Braves over San Diego Padres
San Francisco Giants over St. Louis Cardinals
Atlanta Braves over San Francisco Giants
5 Comments:
I'll keep this as short as I can because it's your website...
Yes, the Braves are the toast of the NL East, but they have to get to Dan Kolb to win games. For all the talk about the Mets' relief staff, who besides Kolb puts an air of confidence under your wings? And if someone says something more about Pedro's pitch count and doesn't remark about the last time John Smoltz had to throw more that 90 pitches, I will strangle two puppies each day for the next fortnight.
The NL Central is a big joke and the Reds could win it by just pounding the baseball, but they'll lose too many 13-11 games to the Cards. By the way, who's leading off for the Redbirds this year? Who's the table setter, ala Jeter, Reyes, Furcal, Pierre, etc. that's gonna set the table for Walker, Pujos and Edmonds. I'm just wondering...
The NL West will be wild, but they'll all beat up on each other. What will be even wilder is the wild card chase and I think it's gonna be decided at the trade deadline. The team that makes the big move between the Marlins, Mets, Reds, Astros, Cubs, Padres, Giants and/or Dodgers will either sneak a division title or earn a postseason berth.
By the way, is it just the last two years that a wild card team has won the Series, or is it three out of the last four? I'm just curious...
B.J. Kim OUT
Tubby, last year Abreu hit .305 with 47 doubles, 30 homers, 105 rbis and had 47 steals. I don't call that being on the downside. Who cares if Thome dosen't hit .300, that's not his job. Having said that, I still think the Braves are the team to beat. If the Phils stay healthy and Burrell provides some protection for Thome they will be right in the thick of the wildcard chase. I also like the Astros and the Cards to fight it out in the central. The arms of Wood and Prior are to fragile. I also like the Padres, they have alot of good young talent.
Turd Fish
Hey Slim, you mention San Diego;s power but fail to mention Brian Giles!!!! HELLO??? B-GILLY! Also of the Astros youngsters, look for Jason Lane to be a 40 home run guy by next year, and Morgan Ensberg to be the surprise bat of the year.
Braves are good and will win it again. Mets are talented and will find ways to win. Cards are tough but Houston will battle them in the end. Padres will run the table out west, but in 2 the Rockies will have the best young offensive team in abseball 1-8!!! Tons of talent their.
NL MVP:
Albert Pujols 1B STL
(Carlos Beltran CF NYM)
NL Cy Young:
Tim Hudson SP ATL
(Jake Peavy SP SD)
NL ROY:
Garrett Atkins 3B COL
(Clint Barmes 2B COL)
Cards over Braves
Padres over Mets
Padres over Cards sinc epitching in defense along with timely hitting wins!
Regardless then Yanks won't be there since 3/4 of their team will be on the DL for much of the season!! GO BANANA!!!!
Dann, The Mets as the wild card??!! Seriuosly, have you watched them play? They need some pitching. Tom Glavine has aged about 10 years since the start of last year. Benson and Traschel are hurt and I would not be comfortable with Ishii picking up the slack. I won't even get into the bullpen. This isn't baketball Beltran can't carry the whole team!! Mets finish 4th while Phils and Marlins battle for 2nd.
TF
P.S. Slipps did you see Gavin Floyd mow down the Cards the other day? What a nasty curve!! He is the real deal!!
Fish....they're pitching will come together. They don't play in a little league field like the Phils do. It's only been a week....give them some time to get healthy. That being said, the Phils staff is worse then the Mets is. Descent bullpen, but the starters are nothing to crow home about. They have the potential to win the division but for whatever reason always choke down the stretch. I don't trust any manager that allows Placido Polanco to play every day over Chase Utley...aka, the next great offensive second baseman.
The Marlins staff is just as inconsistant and scary as the Mets and Phils. Compared to the Braves starters, these 3 teams are a distance behind, but the Mets do have Pedro, the best pitcher not a Brave in the East,a nd when healthy I feel Benson will be the secon best. Their offense is so scrappy and the defense is very talented that they will edge the other underachievers for 2nd place.
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