| FBUK Season Preview - National League |
NL EAST
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
2009 record and finish: 93-69, 1st place, NL champions
Key Arrivals: RHP Roy Halladay, IF Placido Polanco, RHP Danys Baez , RHP Jose Contreras, 1B/OF Ross Gload, C Brian Schneider, IF Juan Castro, OF DeWayne Wise, RHP Phillippe Aumont
Key Departures: LHP Cliff Lee, 3B Pedro Feliz, RHP Clay Condrey, IF Eric Bruntlett, 1B Matt Stairs, RHP Kyle Drabek, OF Michael Taylor
Projected Rotation: RHP Roy Halladay, LHP Cole Hamels, RHP Joe Blanton, LHP J.A. Happ, LHP Jamie Moyer
Bullpen: RHP Brad Lidge, RHP Ryan Madson, RHP Chad Durbin, LHP J.C. Ramirez, RHP Danys Baez, RHP Jose Contreras , RHP Kyle Kendrick, RHP Scott Mathieson, LHP Antonio Bastardo
Projected Lineup: SS Jimmy Rollins, CF Shane Victorino, 2B Chase Utley, 1B Ryan Howard, RF Jayson Werth, LF Raul Ibanez, 3B Placido Polanco, C Carlos Ruiz
Bench: C Brian Schneider, 1B/OF Ross Gload, 1B/3B Greg Dobbs, IF Wilson Valdez, IF Juan Castro, OF Ben Francisco, OF Domonic Brown
Player To Watch: Where was Jimmy Rollins last year? I know, right? And they reached a World Series with him down near the Mendoza line for parts of last season, too! You’d have to figure they’d be a lock to get back there if he could find his stroke again…right?
Rundown: The rich got richer, the best got better, and other than maybe the Cardinals, it’s hard to picture anybody else but the Phillies representing the National League in the World Series again – barring major injuries, of course. Last year’s best team in the NL has added arguably the AL’s best starting pitcher, and they’ll have him for a full season. Yes, it would have been nice to keep Cliff Lee around and couple the two into the kind of two-headed monster the Majors have scarcely even imagined, let alone seen – especially with J.A. Happ (can he do it again?), Joe Blanton (solid but unspectacular) and Jamie Moyer (he’s 87, for crying out loud) quiet question marks at the back of the rotation. But Roy Halladay is a huge acquisition, and that was far from all the Phillies did to get better. Placido Polanco improves the defense, on-base percentage and overall baseball common sense on the field. Danys Baez and Jose Contreras can help in the bullpen, and the Phils have now reached that rarest of rare territory where their seasons are defined in October and nowhere else.
Predicted finish: 1st place
ATLANTA BRAVES
2009 record and finish: 86-76, 3rd place
Key Arrivals: LHP Billy Wagner, RHP Takashi Saito, 1B/3B Troy Glaus, OF Melky Cabrera, IF/OF Eric Hinske, OF Brett Clevlen, OF Mitch Jones
Key Departures: RHP Rafael Soriano, RHP Javier Vazquez, 2B Kelly Johnson, OF Garret Anderson LHP Boone Logan , OF Ryan Church, OF Brandon Jones
Projected Rotation: RHP Derek Lowe, RHP Jair Jurrjens, RHP Tommy Hanson, RHP Tim Hudson, RHP Kenshin Kawakami
Bullpen: LHP Billy Wagner, RHP Peter Moylan, RHP Takashi Saito, LHP Eric O’Flaherty, RHP Kris Medlen, RHP Scott Proctor, RHP Jo-Jo Reyes
Projected Lineup: CF Nate McLouth, SS Yunel Escobar, 3B Chipper Jones, 1B Troy Glaus, C Brian McCann, RF Jason Heyward, LF Melky Cabrera, 2B Martin Prado
Bench: C David Ross, IF/OF Eric Hinske, IF Omar Infante, OF Gregor Blanco, OF Jordan Schafer, OF Matt Diaz
Player To Watch: Tommy Hanson had a sparkling 2.89 ERA and held right-handed hitters to a .192 average in 21 starts after his mid-season recall. Yep. Who’s going to be the ‘ace’ of this staff come the All-Star Break? Ask again later.
Rundown: If this is really is Bobby Cox’s final season in a Hall of Fame career, there is a very healthy chance he can go out with a post-season bang. There are several key factors here, but none bigger than if Jair Jurrjens and Tommy Hanson can step up and lead the staff, and how much Tim Hudson has left. If all goes well and Derek Lowe is the Braves’ fourth-best starting pitcher which is precisely how things look on paper, then count this team in as a very strong wildcard contender. That’s also assuming that Billy Wagner has another year in him as a premier closer, and much-fanfared prospect Jason Heyward delivers the goods. And it goes without saying that if Chipper Jones and Troy Glaus don’t stay healthy, Cox is going out with a whimper, not a bang. A lot has to go right, but the Braves have a little depth to cover at least one of those scenarios – so much so, many folks around the National League feel this could be a 90-win wildcard team and I wouldn’t disagree.
Predicted finish: 2nd place
NEW YORK METS
2009 record and finish: 70-92, 4th place
Key Arrivals: LF Jason Bay, IF Alex Cora, OF Gary Matthews Jr. , RHP Kelvim Escobar, C/IF Chris Coste, C Henry Blanco, OF Jason Pridie, LHP Jay Marshall, RHP Ryota Igarashi, RHP Josh Fogg, IF Frank Catalanotto, LHP Hisanori Takahashi, C Shawn Riggans
Key Departures: 1B Carlos Delgado, RHP J.J. Putz, RHP Brian Stokes, LHP Ken Takahashi, OF Jeremy Reed, OF Cory Sullivan, RHP Tim Redding, RHP Lance Broadway
Projected Rotation: LHP Johan Santana, RHP Mike Pelfrey, LHP Oliver Perez, RHP John Maine, LHP Jonathon Niese
Bullpen: RHP Francisco Rodriguez, RHP Sean Green, LHP Pedro Feliciano, RHP Kelvim Escobar, RHP Nelson Figueroa, RHP Ryota Igarashi, LHP Hisanori Takahashi, RHP Jenrry Mejia
Projected Lineup: SS Jose Reyes, 2B Luis Castillo, 3B David Wright, CF Carlos Beltran, LF Jason Bay, 1B Daniel Murphy, RF Jeff Francoeur, C Rod Barajas
Bench: C Henry Blanco, C/IF Omir Santos, IF/OF Fernando Tatis, IF Alex Cora, OF Gary Matthews Jr., OF Angel Pagan
Player To Watch: Fernando Martinez is coming off a strong Caribbean World Series showing, and with Carlos Beltran due to start the year on the DL, he or Angel Pagan could make the most of an early-season opportunity.
Rundown: First, the good news. Johan Santana looks great so far this spring, Jose Reyes also is on track – just - and signing Jason Bay addressed an obvious lack of power. But whether it’s due to financial restraints they’d rather not talk about, or just stubbornly high opinions of their current talent, the Mets didn’t address what appear to be other problem areas: namely, the starting rotation and catching situation. Rather than add a John Lackey or even a Jason Marquis, they chose to go with what they had, and hope that Oliver Perez, John Maine and Jonathan Niese stay healthy, figure it out and step up – even though that trio combined to go 11-11-5.28 in only 34 starts and 174 innings. Good luck with that. And Rod Barajas, although experienced, smacks of a ‘let’s just grab what’s left on the market’ instead of a true acquisition of a need-filler. The dimensions of Citi Field have been altered to help offense; that should help. But Carlos Delgado is gone, but Jose Reyes could be forgiven for starting slowly and Carlos Beltran is coming off knee surgery. It’s a stretch to think this can be a playoff team.
Predicted finish: 3rd place
FLORIDA MARLINS
2009 record and finish: 87-75, 2nd place
Key Arrivals: RHP Nate Robertson, RHP Seth McClung, RHP Derrick Turnbow , OF Brian Barden, IF Hector Luna, IF Danny Richar, RHP Robert Bono, IF Luis Bryan
Key Departures: RHP Matt Lindstrom, OF Jeremy Hermida, 1B/OF Ross Gload, OF Alfredo Amezaga, RHP Kiko Calero, RHP Brendan Donnelly
Projected Rotation: RHP Josh Johnson, RHP Ricky Nolasco, RHP Anibal Sanchez, RHP Chris Volstad, LHP Nate Robertson
Bullpen: RHP Leo Nunez, RHP Jose Veras, RHP Brian Sanches , LHP Dan Meyer, LHP Renyel Pinto, LHP Taylor Tankersley, RHP Burke Badenhop, RHP Clay Hensley
Projected Lineup: LF Chris Coghlan, CF Cameron Maybin, SS Hanley Ramirez, 1B Jorge Cantu, 2B Dan Uggla, RF Cody Ross, C John Baker, 1B Gaby Sanchez
Bench: C Ronny Paulino, 1B/3B Wes Helms, OF Brett Carroll, INF Brian Barden, IF Emilio Bonifacio, 1B Mike Lamb
Player To Watch: If perennial top prospect Cameron Maybin, 23, can follow 2009 NL Rookie of the Year Chris Coghlan’s lead, the Fish’s outfield won’t be quite so questionable.
Rundown: Every spring, you look at the Marlins’ pared-down roster and you think it’s going to be a losing season – not that anybody in South Florida cares. But funny thing is, underrated skipper Fredi Gonzalez gets the most out of what he has to work with, and the drastically under-financed Fish make a run for a playoff spot. It’s the same old story again, with Matt Lindstrom, Jeremy Hermida, Kiko Calero, Alfredo Amezaga and Ross Gload being the financial casualties of life on a $40-million budget. At least the Fish locked up Josh Johnson long-term, as outside pressure finally was exerted - thank you, players union! - to spend some of their revenue sharing money. As usual, the young-and-cheap will have to step up, as the only roster additions are role-player, middle-reliever types led by Seth McClung and Derrick Turnbow…both of whom have already been released from the team.
Predicted finish: 4th place
WASHINGTON NATIONALS
2009 record and finish: 59-103, 5th place
Key Arrivals: RHP Jason Marquis, RHP Matt Capps, 2B Adam Kennedy, C Ivan Rodriguez, RHP Brian Bruney, RHP Miguel Batista, RHP Tyler Walker, LHP Doug Slaten, LHP Eddie Guardado, 1B Josh Whitesell, IF Eric Bruntlett
Key Departures: OF Austin Kearns, RHP Mike MacDougal, RHP Saul Rivera
Projected Rotation: LHP John Lannan, RHP Jason Marquis, RHP Livan Hernandez, RHP Craig Stammen, RHP Garrett Mock
Bullpen: RHP Matt Capps, RHP Brian Bruney, RHP Miguel Batista, RHP Tyler Walker, LHP Sean Burnett, RHP Tyler Clippard, RHP Jason Bergmann, RHP Drew Storen
Projected Lineup: CF Nyjer Morgan, SS Ian Desmond, 3B Ryan Zimmerman, 1B Adam Dunn, LF Josh Willingham, 2B Adam Kennedy, C Ivan Rodriguez, RF Willie Harris
Bench: SS Cristian Guzman, C Jesus Flores, IF Alberto Gonzalez, IF/OF Willie Harris, IF/OF Mike Morse
Player To Watch: Speedster Nyjer Morgan hit .351 (.396 OB) and stole 24 bases in 49 games after being acquired from Pittsburgh last June, and could do some damage hitting atop any lineup.
Rundown: When you lose 103 games and finish 11 games out of fourth place, you figure to either have the toughest or easiest job in baseball. On the one hand, you know there’s so much to do. On the other, it’s not as if things can get much worse. At least the Nats finally got Jim Bowden out, and Mike Rizzo in – and that has started in motion what will be a lengthy but likely-to-succeed process. Rizzo has brought in a bunch of temporary veteran band-aids who will improve the bottom line slightly, led by Jason Marquis, Matt Capps, Brian Bruney, Pudge Rodriguez and Adam Kennedy. Rizzo has little choice, really, as the organization pipeline is led by pitchers who came in the 2009 draft. You may have heard of one of them. Stephen Strasburg, 21, is already the face of the franchise and probably the most-talented starting pitcher in the organization, and likely will surface by June – as will reliever Drew Storen, already tabbed as a likely closer of the future. Former Yankee RHP Chien-Ming Wang is also waiting in the rings to join the middle of the rotation if needed.
Predicted finish: 5th place
NL CENTRAL
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
2009 record and finish: 91-71, 1st place
Key Arrivals: RHP Brad Penny, LHP Rich Hill, LHP Ben Jukich, IF Ruben Gotay
Key Departures: IF Mark DeRosa, RHP Joel Pineiro, IF Troy Glaus, IF Khalil Greene, RHP John Smoltz, RHP Todd Wellemeyer, RHP Brad Thompson, IF Joe Thurston, OF Brian Barden, SS Julio Lugo
Projected Rotation: RHP Chris Carpenter, RHP Adam Wainwright, RHP Kyle Lohse, RHP Brad Penny, LHP Jaime Garcia
Bullpen: RHP Ryan Franklin, RHP Jason Motte, LHP Trever Miller, RHP Blake Hawksworth , RHP Mitchell Boggs, RHP Kyle McClellan, LHP Denys Reyes, RHP Adam Ottavino
Projected Lineup: 2B Skip Schumaker, CF Colby Rasmus, 1B Albert Pujols, LF Matt Holliday, RF Ryan Ludwick, C Yadier Molina, 3B David Freese, SS Brendan Ryan
Bench: C Jason LaRue, IF Felipe Lopez, IF/OF Joe Mather, 3B/OF Allen Craig, OF Nick Stavinoha , OF Shane Robinson
Player To Watch: LHP Jaime Garcia was the best pitcher in camp, and rounds out an impressive-looking rotation. Don’t underestimate the kid – he beat out some far more well-known names than his own for that #5 slot.
Rundown: It’s win-win for Matt Holliday and the Cardinals – a right guy/right place situation if there ever was one. So he gets to continue hitting behind Albert Pujols, and the Cardinals still have arguably the best 3-4 combination in the NL, as well as arguably the best 1-2 duo at the top of their rotation in Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. Brad Penny may not match Joel Pineiro’s 2009 numbers, but he fits nicely in the No. 4 rotation spot. And it’s logical to assume David Freese and Brendan Ryan will keep their progression and improve the left side of the infield – it’ll be interesting to see what kind of effect it will have on players like those, working with Mark McGwire every day. Watch for Colby Rasmus taking another step to stardom in his second season also. His left-handed power definitely is needed – and don’t be surprised to see the Cards add another left-handed bat as an outfield/1B/3B option off their bench. Otherwise, there aren’t any overly troubling areas here, and even if one develops, the Cards have some wiggle room in what is an otherwise weak division overall. Their season will be determined by what happens in October.
Predicted finish: 1st place
MILWAUKEE BREWERS
2009 record and finish: 80-82, 3rd place
Key Arrivals: OF Carlos Gomez, LHP Randy Wolf, RHP LaTroy Hawkins, C Gregg Zaun, LHP Doug Davis, C George Kottaras, RHP Claudio Vargas, IF/OF Joe Inglett, C Matt Treanor, RHP Kameron Loe, LHP John Halama, RHP Marco Estrada , IF Luis Cruz, OF Jim Edmonds
Key Departures: RHP Braden Looper, SS J.J. Hardy, CF Mike Cameron, C Jason Kendall, RHP David Weathers, RHP Seth McClung, RHP Mark DeFelice, C Mike Rivera
Projected Rotation: RHP Yovani Gallardo, LHP Randy Wolf, LHP Doug Davis, RHP Jeff Suppan, LHP Manny Parra/RHP Dave Bush
Bullpen: RHP Trevor Hoffman, RHP LaTroy Hawkins, LHP Mitch Stetter, RHP Todd Coffey, RHP Carlos Villanueva, RHP David Riske, LHP Chris Narveson, RHP Claudio Vargas
Projected Lineup: 2B Rickie Weeks, SS Alcides Escobar, LF Ryan Braun, 1B Prince Fielder, RF Corey Hart, 3B Casey McGehee, C Gregg Zaun, CF Carlos Gomez
Bench: C George Kottaras, IF Craig Counsell, 3B Mat Gamel, IF/OF Joe Inglett , OF Jody Gerut, OF Jim Edmonds
Player To Watch: So impressive was rookie SS Alcides Escobar in a six-week stint at the end of last year, the Brewers felt good about trading 5-year incumbent JJ Hardy to Minnesota. Rookie of the Year alert.
Rundown: GM Doug Melvin quietly did another nice job of filling needs this winter. Randy Wolf and Doug Davis were plugged into the rotation, Claudio Vargas and LaTroy Hawkins shore up the bullpen , and the catching situation with reliable Gregg Zaun and potenial-filled George Kottaras. The other big move was swapping disappointing J.J. Hardy for mercurial Carlos Gomez, a move made possible by the arrival of Alcides Escobar, an exciting talent to say the least. This is a pretty solid-looking team coming off a slip-up year as it adapted to the devastating losses of CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets. Ken Macha may be a bit taciturn, but his .553 winning percentage in five seasons in Oakland and Milwaukee should speak for itself. The offense is a nice blend of power and speed, and will be one of the league’s run leaders. Assuming future Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman has one more solid year in him, the Brew Crew will be the biggest challengers to tentative favorites the Cardinals.
Predicted finish: 2nd place
CINCINNATI REDS
2009 record and finish: 78-84, 4th place
Key Arrivals: SS Orlando Cabrera, LHP Aroldis Chapman, IF Aaron Miles, RHP Jose Arredondo, IF Miguel Cairo
Key Departures: OF Willy Taveras, IF Adam Rosales , OF Darnell McDonald
Projected Rotation: RHP Bronson Arroyo, RHP Aaron Harang, RHP Johnny Cueto, RHP Homer Bailey, RHP Mike Leake
Bullpen: RHP Francisco Cordero, RHP Nick Masset, LHP Arthur Rhodes, RHP Jared Burton, RHP Mike Lincoln, LHP Bill Bray, LHP Danny Ray Herrera, RHP Micah Owings
Projected Lineup: CF Drew Stubbs, SS Orlando Cabrera, 1B Joey Votto, 2B Brandon Phillips, 3B Scott Rolen, RF Jay Bruce, LF Jonny Gomes, C Ramon Hernandez
Bench: C Ryan Hanigan, IF Paul Janish, OF Chris Dickerson, OF Laynce Nix, OF Josh Anderson
Player To Watch: Tough to choose between Jay Bruce and Drew Stubbs, because both offer so much upside. Stubbs could be a potential 20/20 candidate in the future, while Bruce has a .240 average after his first 209 big-league games - but he won’t turn 23 until just before Opening Day.
Rundown: The Aroldis Chapman signing was a milestone event for the mid-market Reds, but it might not be all that important to their 2010 season. Then again, Chapman has made a favorable first impression, so who knows? But what likely will be key is the maturation and developments of Johnny Cueto, Edinson Volquez and Homer Bailey. If they can step to the front of the rotation, and push Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang back a few spots, then the Reds could put together their first winning season since 2000 and jump up a couple places in the standings. If not, well, this team isn’t one of the deepest or most-talented in the NL. There are some nice young pieces in Joey Votto and Bruce, and now Stubbs will get his chance to establish himself as a regular. Was his power in 42 big-league games an aberration? Another thing working in the Reds’ favor is only Brandon Phillips and Votto played in more than 131 games last year, so the health picture figures to improve. They also went 27-13 over the final 40 games in 2009. But if they aren’t close enough before the trade deadline, Harang and/or Arroyo could go, as both are in the last years of their contracts. In other words, there is some urgency to win now for this Reds team.
Predicted finish: 3rd place
CHICAGO CUBS
2009 record and finish: 83-78, 2nd place
Key Arrivals: OF Marlon Byrd, OF Xavier Nady, 1B Kevin Millar, 1B/3B Chad Tracy, RHP Carlos Silva , RHP Jeff Gray, RHP Mike Parisi
Key Departures: OF Milton Bradley, RHP Rich Harden, LHP Neal Cotts, OF Reed Johnson, RHP Aaron Heilman, IF Jake Fox, IF Aaron Miles
Projected Rotation: RHP Carlos Zambrano, RHP Ryan Dempster, RHP Randy Wells, RHP Carlos Silva, LHP Tom Gorzelanny, LHP Ted Lilly (DL)
Bullpen: RHP Carlos Marmol, LHP John Grabow, LHP Sean Marshall, LHP James Russell, RHP Jeff Samardzija, RHP Esmailin Caridad, RHP Justin Berg
Projected Lineup: SS Ryan Theriot, RF Kosuke Fukudome, 1B Derrek Lee, 3B Aramis Ramirez, CF Marlon Byrd, LF Alfonso Soriano, 2B Mike Fontenot, C Geovany Soto
Bench: C Koyie Hill, 1B/3B Chad Tracy, IF/OF Jeff Baker , OF Xavier Nady, OF Sam Fuld, OF Tyler Colvin
Player To Watch: Alfonso Soriano’s days of leading off are gone for good, according to manager Lou Piniella, but he can still be an enormously influential player when he’s on a roll.
Rundown: New ownership finally is in place, but the next shoe to drop could be a roster heading for an implosion. This very well could be Sweet Lou’s final managerial season, and most likely, he’s not going to like how it unfolds. The problem during a difficult 2009 season lay in a disharmonious state between the old-school Piniella and a few of his players who didn’t always think as team-first as the manager would have liked. That could change, as Geovany Soto and Carlos Zambrano have reported in much better shape, determined to rebound after personally disappointing seasons. But also keep in mind that the Cubs lost an amazing total of 20 games when they allowed three runs or less. It’s hard to imagine them getting that kind of quality pitching again – especially with Ted Lilly iffy in early-April off arthroscopic shoulder surgery - meaning this right-handed-dominant offense must produce more…or else. The payroll is also bloated – in the $135-million range, third-highest in MLB in 2009 – and there will be eight players at $9 million or more, including Carlos Silva, whose role is undetermined. It would be tough to tell that just looking at the names on the roster sheet on any given day, as there really isn’t $135m worth of talent here. Still, at least there’s no Milton Bradley, who has taken his immature and tiresome act out West to Seattle. Marlon Byrd is his replacement, and long has been a disciple of new hitting instructor Rudy Jaramillo, who made the move from Texas too. Byrd also makes the outfield defense better, as Kosuke Fukudome will move back to right, where he belongs. There is a chance this roster could catch lightning in a bottle and make a run at the post-season. But unfortunately for Cubbies faithful it’s more likely to be a season of upheaval on the North Side.
Predicted finish: 4th place
HOUSTON ASTROS
2009 record and finish: 74-88, 5th place
Key Arrivals: RHP Brett Myers , 3B Pedro Feliz, RHP Brandon Lyon, OF Cory Sullivan, OF Jason Bourgeois
Key Departures: RHP Jose Valverde , IF Miguel Tejada, C/IF Chris Coste
Projected Rotation: RHP Roy Oswalt, LHP Wandy Rodriguez, RHP Brett Myers, RHP Bud Norris, RHP Felipe Paulino
Bullpen: RHP Matt Lindstrom, RHP Brandon Lyon, RHP Chris Sampson, RHP Brian Moehler, RHP Jeff Fulchino, RHP Sammy Gervacio, LHP Tim Byrdak
Projected Lineup: CF Michael Bourn, 2B Kaz Matsui, 1B Lance Berkman, LF Carlos Lee, RF Hunter Pence, 3B Pedro Feliz, C J.R. Towles , SS Tommy Manzella
Bench: C Humberto Quintero/C Jason Castro, IF Geoff Blum, IF Jeff Keppinger, OF Jason Michaels, OF Cory Sullivan
Player To Watch: Right-hander Bud Norris put up solid numbers in 10 starts after his 2009 mid-season call, and has long been the Astros’ #1 pitching prospect. If he can temper that wild arm of his, expect a very solid season.
Rundown: The Astros seem to have settled into a down period following a nice run that included six playoff appearances and their lone World Series in 2005. Former GM Gerry Hunsicker’s departure had much to do with the decline, and there’s no immediate improvement expected – although Brad Mills will likely create a better team atmosphere than the outgoing Cecil Cooper. This is a team that was 14th in runs scored and 13th in ERA in 2009, and the only significant changes were the signing of Brett Myers and the departures of Miguel Tejada and Jose Valverde. Neither of their replacements – Pedro Feliz and Matt Lindstrom respectively – are upgrades. The payroll is decidedly top-heavy, with Carlos Lee overpaid at $19 million, Lance Berkman ($14.5 million), Roy Oswalt ($14 million), and Myers at $12 million. That hamstrings major improvements to the rest of the roster. All in all, not much to get excited about here - another sub-.500 transition season is in the works, with mid-season salary shedding a possibility.
Predicted finish: 5th place
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
2009 record and finish: 62-99, 6th place
Key Arrivals: RHP Octavio Dotel, 2B Akinori Iwamura, IF Bobby Crosby, RHP D.J. Carrasco , OF Ryan Church, LHP Neal Cotts, RHP Tyler Yates, OF John Raynor, LHP Brian Burres, LHP Jack Taschner, RHP Vinnie Chulk, RHP Chris Jakubauskas, C Luke Carlin
Key Departures: RHP Matt Capps, IF Brian Bixler, RHP Chris Bootcheck
Projected Rotation: LHP Zach Duke, RHP Ross Ohlendorf, LHP Paul Maholm, RHP Charlie Morton, RHP Daniel McCutchen
Bullpen: RHP Octavio Dotel, RHP Brendan Donnelly, RHP Evan Meek, RHP Joel Hanrahan (DL), LHP Javier Lopez, LHP Jack Taschner, RHP D.J. Carrasco. RHP Hayden Penn
Projected Lineup: CF Andrew McCutchen, 2B Akinori Iwamura, RF Garrett Jones, C Ryan Doumit, LF Lastings Milledge, 1B Jeff Clement, 3B Andy LaRoche, SS Ronny Cedeno
Bench: C Jason Jaramillo, 1B/OF Steve Pearce, IF Bobby Crosby, 2B/OF Delwyn Young, IF Ramon Vazquez, 3B Pedro Alvarez, OF Ryan Church, OF John Raynor
Player To Watch: You just have to love the way Andrew McCutchen plays the game. He’s maybe the only reason to watch a Pirates game.
Rundown: Poor John Russell. He’s staring at a .399 winning percentage after two seasons, and things aren’t going to get a whole lot better in 2010. This organization just continues to plumb the depths, no matter who’s calling the shots - because bottom line, there’s not enough on the bottom line. What does it say about a team when four of its highest-paid players were picked up on the cheap this off-season: Octavio Dotel ($6 million), Bobby Crosby ($5.3 million), Akinori Iwamuri ($3.25 million) and Ryan Church ($2 million)? The Nyjer Morgan-Lastings Milledge deal was the latest example of clueless decision-making. So now they’re stock-piling ‘prospects’ again, spent big money to sign Pedro Alvarez, went above the MLB slotting figures on a couple of occasions in last year’s draft, and garnered much puzzled publicity with their signings of two Indian pitchers who’d barely heard of the sport. So this latest plan might bear fruit in 2012 or 2013? Wonderful. Here’s a potential bright spot: Look for Jeff Clement to make the most of a fortuitous change in home parks.
Predicted finish: 6th place
NL WEST
COLORADO ROCKIES
2009 record and finish: 92-70, 2nd place (wild card)
Key Arrivals: IF Melvin Mora, C Miguel Olivo, RHP Tim Redding , LHP Jimmy Gobble, RHP Justin Speier, C Paul LoDuca, OF Jay Payton
Key Departures: RHP Jason Marquis, 1B/3B Garrett Atkins, C Yorvit Torrealba, LHP Alan Embree, OF Matt Murton, LHP Joe Beimel
Projected Rotation: RHP Ubaldo Jimenez, LHP Jeff Francis, RHP Aaron Cook, LHP Jorge De La Rosa, RHP Jason Hammel
Bullpen: RHP Huston Street, LHP Franklin Morales, RHP Manuel Corpas, RHP Rafael Betancourt, RHP Matt Daley, RHP Matt Belisle, LHP Randy Flores, LHP Joe Beimel, RHP Tim Redding
Projected Lineup: LF Carlos Gonzalez, CF Dexter Fowler, 1B Todd Helton, SS Troy Tulowitzki, RF Brad Hawpe, 3B Ian Stewart, C Chris Iannetta, 2B Clint Barmes
Bench: C Miguel Olivo, 1B Jason Giambi, IF Melvin Mora, OF Seth Smith, OF Ryan Spilborghs
Player To Watch: Outfielder Carlos Gonzalez showed plenty of second-half flashes of five-tool ability - his first full season at the top of the order with Dexter Fowler is a highly anticipated one.
Rundown: One pennant, two playoff appearances, three seasons – suddenly, the Rockies have become the latest mid-market model to follow. They've done it in large part by producing their own quality big-league talent, plus the trading/signing acumen of GM Dan O'Dowd, the humidor's equalizing effects on Coors Field, and lately, the motivational and in-game talents of Manager of the Year Jim Tracy. The offseason brought little more than an exchange of role-player parts, so the key to improvement and a playoff stint lies in returns to health and form for Jeff Francis, Manny Corpas and Taylor Buchholz (the latter by mid-season), alongside continued development of key young players Ubaldo Jimenez, Carlos Gonzalez, Dexter Fowler and Franklin Morales. Erstwhile staff ace Francis should replace Jason Marquis’ solid 2009 season, and the bullpen returns all but intact – although Huston Street will start the season on the sidelines as he recovers from a shoulder problem. Also, there is no deeper team in the division – and this is arguably the best bench Colorado has ever had. Tracy created a great vibe around this team after replacing Clint Hurdle, and there's no reason to think it can't continue.
Predicted finish: 1st place
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
2009 record and finish: 95-67, 1st place
Key Arrivals: IF Jamey Carroll, OF Reed Johnson , OF Garret Anderson, RHP Carlos Monasterios
Key Departures: LHP Randy Wolf, OF Juan Pierre, 2B Orlando Hudson, RHP Jon Garland, RHP Guillermo Mota, LHP Wil Ohman, 1B Jim Thome, IF Mark Loretta
Projected Rotation: RHP Vicente Padilla, RHP Chad Billingsley, LHP Clayton Kershaw, RHP Hiroki Kuroda, RHP Charlie Haeger
Bullpen: Jonathan Broxton, LHP George Sherrill, RHP Ronald Belisario, RHP Jeff Weaver , LHP Hong-Chih Kuo, RHP Ramon Troncoso, RHP Carlos Monasterios, RHP Ramon Ortiz
Projected Lineup: SS Rafael Furcal, CF Matt Kemp, LF Andre Ethier, LF Manny Ramirez, 1B James Loney, 3B Casey Blake, 2B Blake DeWitt, C A.J. Ellis
Bench: C Brad Ausmus, C Russell Martin (DL), IF Jamey Carroll, IF Ronnie Belliard, OF Reed Johnson, OF Garret Anderson
Player To Watch: There’s very little doubt that Clayton Kershaw is on his way to becoming one of the league’s elite lefties. Does he arrive there in 2010?
Rundown: General manager Ned Colletti's hands were tied much of the winter thanks to a messy divorce settlement at ownership level tying up finances, and as a result, the only additions are role players Jamey Carroll, Garret Anderson and Reed Johnson. If the last time you checked in on the Dodgers was somewhere around the middle of October or so, then you really haven't missed much. Meanwhile, a handful of veteran contributors have departed, led by Randy Wolf. So what Joe Torre is left with is much the same team that reached the NLCS last season, minus some bench and rotation depth. That will make health a key to whether the Dodgers can return to the post-season. And already, Russell Martin is out for at least a month due to a groin strain, leaving rookie A.J. Ellis as the temporary regular catcher. And it also means that Chad Billingsley and Clayton Kershaw have to step up and lead the rotation with 15-win seasons each – which they’re fully capable of doing, but we know that means little in the world of baseball. Another pivotal issue is how much Manny Ramirez really have left. Questions abound after his mediocre 2009, but keep in mind that he will be playing for a new contract. There is plenty of talent here, and Torre's leadership is beyond question. But a too-quiet off-season could cost the Dodgers.
Predicted finish: 2nd place
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
2009 record and finish: 88-74, 3rd place
Key Arrivals: OF/IF Mark DeRosa, 1B Aubrey Huff, RHP Guillermo Mota, RHP Santiago Casilla , RHP Todd Wellemeyer
Key Departures: LHP Randy Johnson, OF Randy Winn, 1B Ryan Garko, RHP Bob Howry, IF Rich Aurilia, RHP Brad Penny, RHP Justin Miller, OF Kevin Frandsen, RHP Merkin Valdez
Projected Rotation: RHP Tim Lincecum, RHP Matt Cain, LHP Barry Zito, LHP Jonathan Sanchez, RHP Todd Wellemeyer
Bullpen: RHP Brian Wilson, LHP Jeremy Affeldt, RHP Sergio Romo, LHP Dan Runzler, RHP Kevin Pucetas, RHP Guillermo Mota, RHP Santiago Casilla
Projected Lineup: CF Aaron Rowand, 2B Freddy Sanchez (DL), 3B Pablo Sandoval, 1B Aubrey Huff, LF Mark DeRosa, C Bengie Molina, RF Nate Schierholtz, SS Edgar Renteria
Bench: C Eli Whiteside, C/1B Buster Posey, 1B Travis Ishikawa, 1B/OF John Bowker, IF Juan Uribe, OF Fred Lewis, IF/OF Eugenio Velez, OF Andres Torres
Player To Watch: Jonathan Sanchez allowed only 135 hits while striking out 177 in 163.1 innings last year. Now, how about them there 88 walks?
Rundown: It’s not that easy to predict a 3rd-place finish for a team with this type of loaded rotation. But other than Pablo Sandoval and Brian Wilson, what else is there to really get excited about here? Mark DeRosa is a nice addition, but is 35. Aubrey Huff is a well-rounded and knowledgeable hitter, but hit just .241 with 15 homers in 2009. And both fall into that same old (emphasis on old) Brian Sabean method of adding marginal veteran stop-gap regulars. He has little choice, in all honesty, because the real problem with this organization has been a chronic failure to develop everyday position players. At least help is on the way in that regard, with catcher Buster Posey breaking in at some point this season, likely to be followed by outfielder Thomas Neal. But this year’s every-day lineup will have six 32-and-olders including slow-as-mud Bengie Molina – and three of them will be coming off surgeries. So there is precious little speed anywhere in the lineup, and nowhere near enough power to compensate. In other words, a lot like 2009 – when they were dead last in the majors in OPS -- with everybody another year older.
Predicted finish: 3rd place
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
2009 record and finish: 70-92, 5th place
Key Arrivals: RHP Edwin Jackson, 1B Adam LaRoche, RHP Ian Kennedy, 2B Kelly Johnson, RHP Aaron Heilman, RHP Bob Howry, OF Drew Macias, RHP Kris Benson
Key Departures: LHP Doug Davis, RHP Max Scherzer, LHP Daniel Schlereth, LHP Scott Schoeneweis, OF Eric Byrnes, IF Chad Tracy, RHP Yusmiero Petit, LHP Doug Slaten, 1B Josh Whitesell
Projected Rotation: RHP Dan Haren, RHP Edwin Jackson, RHP Ian Kennedy, RHP Bill Buckner, RHP Rodrigo Lopez/RHP Kris Benson, RHP Brandon Webb (DL)
Bullpen: RHP Chad Qualls, RHP Aaron Heilman, RHP Bob Howry, RHP Juan Gutierrez, RHP Blaine Boyer, RHP Esmerling Vazquez, RHP Leo Rosales, LHP Clay Zavada, LHP Zach Kroenke
Projected Lineup: SS Stephen Drew, LF Conor Jackson, RF Justin Upton, 1B Adam LaRoche, 3B Mark Reynolds, C Miguel Montero, CF Chris Young, 2B Kelly Johnson
Bench: C Chris Snyder, IF Augie Ojeda, IF Tony Abreu, IF/OF Ryan Roberts, OF Gerardo Parra, OF Drew Macias, IF/OF Rusty Ryal
Player To Watch: Sit back and watch Justin Upton for just a couple of games, and it becomes very obvious that you're looking at one of the game's top young five-tool talents. Oh, and he won't turn 23 until August.
Rundown: The idea of a healthy Brandon Webb coupling with Dan Haren and newly acquired Edwin Jackson at the top of the rotation was a very promising one, but it’s not going to happen – at least not for the early part of the season. So something along the lines of 20 starts is probably the best that can be expected for Webb. Ian Kennedy has had a nice spring to grab the No. 3 spot, but there are gaping holes at the back of the rotation. Financial limitations kept Arizona from signing a Jarrod Washburn or Braden Looper type - instead, they’re looking at Billy Buckner, Rodrigo Lopez and Kris Benson. So much for the series of contend-now moves made over the winter that added Adam LaRoche, Kelly Johnson, Aaron Heilman and Bob Howry in addition to Edwin Jackson. If Conor Jackson can bounce back from his bout of valley fever – and he has had a productive spring - the offense gains another run-producing threat that was all but missing in 2009. But with a bullpen that also has a few question marks, even with largely untested closer Chad Qualls, look for too many high-scoring games at Chase Field, and another disappointing season in the desert.
Predicted finish: 4th place
SAN DIEGO PADRES
2009 record and finish: 75-87, 4th place
Key Arrivals: RHP Jon Garland, IF/OF Jerry Hairston Jr. , C Yorvit Torrealba, 1B/OF Matt Stairs, RHP Aaron Cunningham, RHP Radhames Liz, C Dusty Ryan
Key Departures: 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff, OF Brian Giles, IF Edgar Gonzalez, RHP Shawn Hill, RHP Cha-Seung Baek, C Eliezer Alfonzo, OF Drew Macias
Projected Rotation: RHP Jon Garland, RHP Chris Young, RHP Kevin Correia, LHP Clayton Richard, RHP Tim Stauffer
Bullpen: RHP Heath Bell, RHP Luke Gregerson, RHP Mike Adams, RHP Edward Mujica, RHP Adam Russell, RHP Sean Gallagher, LHP Joe Thatcher,
Projected Lineup: CF Tony Gwynn Jr., 2B David Eckstein, 1B Adrian Gonzalez, 3B Chase Headley, LF Kyle Blanks, RF Will Venable, C Nick Hundley, SS Everth Cabrera
Bench: C Yorvit Torrealba, 1B Matt Stairs, IF/OF Jerry Hairston Jr., IF Oscar Salazar, OF Scott Hairston, 2B Matt Antonelli
Player To Watch: There’s no better place for a young starting pitcher to quietly break out than sunny San Diego - so why not Clayton Richard, who showed definite upside after being acquired from the White Sox in the Jake Peavy deal last summer.
Rundown: There’s a temptation to look at the Padres’ 37-25 finish to 2009 as a sign of better things to come. But as improved as the pitching situation is compared to this time last Spring, the likelier outcome is a drop to last place for a financially strapped franchise with only one true star who most likely will be dealt by the All-Star break. There also is little coming from the system this year or next to make you think things are about to turn for the better - as a startling 24 rookies had to be used last season. New GM Jed Hoyer is in place, and a front office reorganization is ongoing, but at least for now, Bud Black has managed to keep his job. Jon Garland was a relatively cheap signing for a team in need of an innings eater in the rotation, but Kevin Correia is the only other projected rotation member who won more than five games in 2009. The Kevin Kouzmanoff trade allows Chase Headley to return to his natural position – third base. And when Adrian Gonzalez is dealt at some point before the All-Star break, Kyle Blanks will switch back to first base. On the plus side, the back end of the bullpen looks very solid.
Predicted finish: 5th place
|
|
|
