Polishing off our first division will be the 2009 Los Angeles Dodgers.

 

Every baseball fan knows how last season went. The Dodgers were average until July 31.

 

 

Over the last two months of the season, the team was still just 30-24, but it was plainly obvious that the addition of Manny Ramirez made the team much more of a threat.

 

Trivia Question

 

Manny finished fourth in the National League MVP race after playing for the team for just two months. Can you name the last player to win the award (NL or AL) after being traded during the season?

 

The Good

 

 

The Dodgers vastly improved their defense with the addition of Orlando Hudson. Plus the team's overall makeup is full of players most other teams would die for (Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp, Chad Billingsley, Jonathan Broxton). The mixture of very talented youngsters with strong veteran presence is something you can't look past.

 

The Bad

 

As of this instant, Manny is not a Dodger for 2009. If there's no Manny, Juan Pierre becomes the likely full-time third outfielder for better or for worse. Behind the teams' best three pitchers, is a logjam of pitchers recovering from injuries (Jason Schmidt, Shawn Estes) and other unknown variables.

 

Trivia Answer

 

It's never happened. The next player to do it will be the first! There were several MVPs who won in their first season with a team, but none has been traded during the season and won the award.

 

Bottom Line

 

Even without Manny, this team is the class of the NL West. The top of their rotation is the real deal and the "gamer" attitude seen throughout much of the position players is enough to carry the Dodgers to another divisional title with or without Manny.

 

Prediction

 

I believe Manny Ramirez will be a Dodger again in 2009. But since he's not on the roster....yet, I'm rating the team without him.

 

1^st Place, NL West, 88-74.

So apparently Manny Ramirez has decided the terms of the Dodgers latest contract offer isn't good enough.

If I'm Ned Coletti or any other GM/Owner in baseball or even a casual fan, I have to read that statement this way.

"I, Manny Ramirez, do not want to play baseball!"

I was a Manny defender for a long time, right up until he pushed the Sox travelling secretary. But this decision on Manny's part is ridiculous.If earning $20MM when he's 39 (in 2010) isn't enough change for this chump, then the Dodgers aren't going to be able to meet his demands. It's as simple as that.

As for the Dodgers, the best thing they can do right now is to give Manny an ultimatum, similar to the Packers and Brett Favre after the 2007 season. The Dodgers should keep that offer on the table but put a final "drop-dead" date for Manny before they move on without him.

And that date can't be too far out. March begins on Sunday and this team as do all the others in baseball, need to focus on the 162 games that begin in a little more than a month. We all know Manny isn't focused on those 162 games yet. And while we know he could get himself ready, it's obvious he doesn't want to.

Manny knows nobody else is going to offer $45MM over two seasons and likely won't get a four year deal from anyone else either, which leads to the only possible explanation, he doesn't want to play baseball. It's evident in the way he performs, he's like the kid in 3rd grade who's tested out at 8th grade math, but still has to learn basic arithmetic. He's so talented that he gets bored with the game itself, much like the third grader. So to make things more interesting, Manny demands too much money, enough to make it interesting for himself, but leaving himself room to say it's not enough so I'm not going to play.

As for the Dodgers, would it really be that bad if Manny doesn't sign? Probably not. They've already improved their team, especially up the middle with a healthy Rafael Furcal and the addition of Orlando Hudson. Sure they missed out on all the other outfielders on the market, but really did they need one with Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp and Juan Pierre, they have enough to compete, especially in this division.

It's time for the Dodgers to excuse themselves from the table. If Manny really doesn't want to play, the Dodgers need to call him on it, see if he's bluffing. If not, they get one of the all-time greats, if he is ready to quit, then the Dodgers can return to being a normal Major League Baseball Club.

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And if you got through all that and you're interested in some good new music, check out Ume.

 

My interview with the band for Sonic Dissonance, my music blog

I've finally reached the midway point tonight with the 82-80 Arizona Diamondbacks.

In what's considered a pretty wide-open division (at least for the next few minutes right up until Manny signs), the Diamondbacks are considered the trendy and maybe safe pick for the NL West.

The Good

Any good points about the Diamondbacks have to start with Brandon Webb. He is one of the best pitchers in baseball and so long as he's healthy, he'll be in that conversation for several more seasons to come. Then you throw in the rest of the young talent including Danny Haren, Justin Upton, Stephen Drew and Chris Young and it's clear why people favor the Diamondbacks to be a solid team again in 2009.

Trivia Question

Mark Reynolds accomplished a rare feat last year, leading the league in strikeouts and errors. Can you name the last player to lead the league in both categories in the same season?

The Bad

3B Mark Reynolds is a strikeout machine. If I'm not mistaken, the Brewers (Rob Deer) and Indians (Cory Snyder) of the 1980s found out that a good power hitter who strikes out every other time he struts up tot the plate isn't a recipe for success.  I'm also not too high on Chad Qualls at the closer position. He's done well for his career out of the pen and had some success last year for the Dbacks, but I'm not convinced Qualls can hang onto the lead 40 times a season for a contender.

Bottom Line

For a team with so much talent last year, 82-80 wasn't really a good record. Now the Diamondbacks are faced with a new season sans Orlando Hudson, Randy Johnson, Brandon Lyon, Adam Dunn and (presumably) Juan Cruz. On the other hand, Arizona brought Jon Garland, 41 year old Tom Gordon and the always moving (teams) Felipe Lopez in. Sure there's enough talent here to be competitive in this division again, but if you want to know what's wrong with Arizona for 2009, all you have to do is look at the Giants, Dodgers and Rockies, all of which made major moves (for better or worse) as an effort to win.

Trivia Answer

Zoilo Versailles had one of the strangest seasons on record in 1965 for the Twins. Versailles led the league with 122 strikeouts and 39 errors. He also managed to win the MVP and Gold Glove that year.

Prediction

Based on the teams as they sit currently (I.e., Dodgers without Manny Ramirez), I think the Diamondbacks are the third best team in the division. On any given day (especially when Webb starts) they could be the best team in the division, but Webb and Haren can't start 162 games, this isn't 1909.

3rd Place, NL West, 80-82

Photo credits:
Webb: http://suttonplace.mlblogs.com/
Zoilo Versailles: http://www.facebook.com/people/Zoilo-Versailles/577849633

Two of the last three years I picked the Cleveland Indians to win the World Series. The only year I didn't, they fell just short when the Red Sox came back from down 3 games to 1 in 2007. Last year, the Indians were a popular pick, although not as "hot" as the Tigers. This year, that chatter seems to have fallen off yet again and I'm not sure why.

Trivia Question

Last year, the Indians figured their season was over early and parted ways with reigning Cy Young winner CC Sabathia before midseason. Who was the last reigning Cy Young winner to be traded while holding the Cy Young crown? (Hint: I've already used this pitcher in a previous trivia question) (Double Bonus Hint: the traded pitcher was dealt for someone on this Indians team in the trade following being named Cy Young winner.)

The Good

Anytime a team adds a dependable (when healthy) pitcher like Kerry Wood and trades for an under-rated everyday guy who's exceptional in a utility role like Mark DeRosa to a team that went 44-28 down the stretch, don't you have to be considered armed and dangerous? Travis Hafner is expected to be healthy, Victor Martinez is expected to be healthy, Fausto Carmona is expected to be healthy and Grady Sizemore may be the best player in baseball that nobody talks about.

The Bad

There aren't many people that expect a repeat performance out of Cliff Lee in 2009 (count me among those). However, Lee is and always has been a good pitcher. The biggest question, is can he lead the team from Game 1 through Game 162 and beyond? Continuing with pitching questions, is what effect Carl Pavano can have on this staff. If he's even mediocre, he becomes one of the best free agent moves of this offseason. If not, the Indians have plenty of youngsters to fill in, I'm just not sure the end outcome will be as bright.

Trivia Answer

1997 marked the first Cy Young of Pedro Martinez career and it was for the Montreal Expos (the only one in franchise history). Of course, 23 days after the Marlins doused the Indians in Game 7 of the World Series, Martinez was shipped to Boston for Carl Pavano (and Tony Armas, Jr. as the player to be named later). We all know how well that deal worked for Boston and Montreal.

Bottom Line

Outside of the top three teams in the AL East, the Indians should be considered the best team in the American League. Of course all of this is tied directly to the pitching staff. CC Sabathia and Bartolo Colon are no longer the aces for this staff. So long as Lee or Carmona can fill those shoes the Indians will be playing deep into October.

Prediction

I have no doubts about the talent on this team. I think they stay healthy and Eric Wedge does another great job for the Indians getting another playoff berth. (you'll have to wait for my post-season preview after I'm done with all the teams to find out how far they go)

94-78; 1st Place AL Central.

Photo credits:
Martinez: http://bballsml.wordpress.com/2008/02/15/
Wood: http://tribechick.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/12/kerry_wood_is_officially_welco.html

19 years ago today, one of baseball's finest, Tony Conigliaro, passed away, he would have been 64 if alive today.

Conigliaro, who's career was cut short by a tragic result from a pitch to the face, was considered by many to be one of baseball's brightest young talents in the mid 1960s.

While Canigliaro's career ended before I emerged from the womb, I understand what he meant to Boston and baseball.

To read more about young Tony C., check out this story from Rico Petrocelli.

The 2008 Texas Rangers were the best and worst when it came to runs scored. The Rangers led the majors with 901 runs scored last year behind a breakout season by Josh Hamilton and several other solid starters. Unfortunately, the Rangers still can't figure out how to pitch, as the staff allowed 83 more runs than Pittsburgh (29th in the league), and yet, the Rangers still finished just 4 games under .500.

The goal for the 2009 Rangers is obviously to improve the pitching without allowing the offense to lose ground.

Trivia Question

The Rangers were one of two teams since 1990 to lead the majors in runs scored and runs allowed. Name the other. Bonus points for the other team's top home run hitter and wins leader.

The Good

Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Elvis Andrus, Chris Davis, Taylor Teagarden, and others are bringing a new wave of young talent to the Rangers lineup. Add in the return of Hamilton, Michael Young and Ian Kinsler, and the Rangers offense should still be very dangerous to opposing staffs.

The Bad

Beyond allowing youngsters to get playing time this season, the Rangers made no moves at improving the team. Sure, management flirted with Ben Sheets and Milton Bradley, but for all the starting pitching available this offseason, the Rangers stood pat and will allow Kevin Millwood to be the king of the Rangers' hill come opening day.

Trivia Answer

The 1991 Rangers (85-77) scored 829 (+30 over Milwaukee) and allowed 814 (+18 over Baltimore). Juan Gonzalez (27) was one of three players to hit 25 or more homers for the team, Rafael Palmeiro and Ruben Sierra were the others. If you guessed Nolan Ryan as the team's leader in wins, you were incorrect. Ryan finished with 12 wins, as did Kenny Rogers. Jose Guzman topped the Rangers with 13.

Bottom Line

I just don't see how not helping the worst pitching staff in the majors will make this team better. Nobody's suggesting they should have dropped $140MM on CC Sabathia, but being in the hunt for Oliver Perez or Derek Lowe could have helped bring in someone to anchor this staff.

Prediction

The Rangers are treading water again. Their offense is one of the most dangerous in the league, but I do think they'll return to earth some with the influx of rookies and the potential slight dip from Hamilton.

3rd Place, AL West, 77-85.

Photo credits
Josh Hamilton - http://withmalice.wordpress.com/2008/07/16/tb-rays/
Juan Gonzalez - http://trsullivan.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/09/

I'm not suggesting anything here, but when players like Lance Berkman and David Ortiz come out railing against steroids, HGH, PEDs and players that have allegedly used any of the above, aren't they inviting someone to look at their past too?

It's happened too often for players to deny any use of anything, and then the truth (or alleged truth) comes out indicating otherwise.

I'm not a big fan of any of the steroid chatter, and in fact, if I was an HOF voter, I would cast my vote for the best of the Roid'ers because we're never going to know everybody who was or wasn't using over the last 20 years. I don't see it as fair to give someone like Mike Piazza a free pass into the HOF understanding that I can't 100% guarantee he never used anything.

Anyway, back to Ortiz. The story of him working out with Angel Presinal (linked to ARod & PEDs) is exactly why if an athlete is going to say something they should do some homework first.

If you're innocent, somehow get access to all your piss-tests. It can be done, otherwise we wouldn't find out about all the failed tests before testing. Then come out and make your detrimental statement about the state of the game and the using-players.

If you're innocent, be smart, in the internet age, it is way to easy to link anybody with anything.

Bonus blogging: for anybody that complains about players in the 70s using amphetamines, stop. If there had been internet in the 1970s, Mike Schmidt wouldn't be in the HOF either. It has nothing to do with the degree of the drug, it only has to do with technology. Nobody knew for years this was going on. Now, this thing called the internet can spread a story in seconds around the globe. In the 70s, I'm pretty sure it took a little longer thanks to the Pony Express.

I linked my 2009 Preview Update in the "Pieces of Me" links to the right.

There's a lot of analysts suggesting the 2009 Athletics will be in contention for the AL West crown, I am not one of those analysts. Did they improve? Yes. Did the Angels fall back? Maybe. Did the A's close the gap enough? No.

The Good

In case you haven't noticed, the A's brought back Jason Giambi (2008 - 32 HR; career - 396) and traded for Matt Holliday. The addition of those two players should greatly improve the A's offense, an offense that scored 25 less runs than Seattle in 2008, to finish dead last in the American League.

The pitching staff finished in the top 10 in MLB in ERA and runs allowed last year, despite the team's 75-86 record.

Trivia Question

The A's have now gone back-to-back seasons allowing more runs than they've scored. Can you name the team's best home run hitter the last time the team had back-to-back seasons where their offense was worse than their pitching?

The Bad

Oakland fans understand if the team struggles, Beane is willing to implode the infrastructure and rebuild in a matter of minutes. And the short-term investment in Holliday this year has to be the scariest reminder of Beane's strategy we've seen possibly ever.

Trading away Rich Harden, Joe Blanton and Huston Street since Opening Day 2008, has completely changed the look of the pitching staff, putting Justin Duschesher in his first Opening Day start this year. It also means the A's will likely look at Brad Ziegler to hold down the 9th inning, and based on his 2008 finale, he may be capable of being a top-notch closer.

Bottom Line

I learned a long time ago not to bet against the A's, so while I don't think they've got enough to finish first in the AL West or take the Wild Card, I also wouldn't be surprised if this team is good enough to make a first round playoff exit.

Trivia Answer

The years were 1997 and 1998, and the A's had one very prominent power hitting first baseman leave and another take over the reigns.

Big Mac, Mark McGwire slugged 34 homers in 105 games for the 1997 A's before being dealt to the Cardinals. In 1998, Giambi took over at first (after playing LF in his first couple of seasons for the A's) and hit a team leading 27 homers.

Prediction

2nd Place, AL West, 86-76. The A's fool everybody by competing into July, still dealing Holliday (to the Yankees for Robinson Cano and a couple other pieces), where Cano becomes a team-leader and nearly gets the team to the playoffs.

Photo credits:
Giambi - http://kingofcali.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/01/giambi_is_back_in_oakland.html
McGwire - http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/01/22/mcgwire.steroids.ap/

The Kansas City Royals. Seriously, are there four words that conjure up failure better than those four. Other than the Royals burst of excitement in 1993, the team has just five seasons with a winning record since winning the World Series in 1985, and four of those were before 1991.

Trivia Question

Joakim Soria was one of the Royals best pitchers in years with his 42 saves and 1.50 ERA in 2008. Yet his 42 saves are good for only 4th on the Royals all-time list. Name the Royals who saved more games (hint it's 2 pitchers with 3 combined better save seasons).

The Good

GM Dayton Moore has been active. He's bringing in players that are better than what Royals fans may be accustomed too, like Kyle Farnsworth, Coco Crisp and Mike Jacobs. Sure they aren't big names, but ask yourself this. If you were Manny Ramirez, CC Sabathia or even Orlando Cabrera, would Kansas City be at the top of your "I'd like to play for" list????

The other good piece for Royals fans is they have some talented youngsters like Zack Greinke and Alex Gordon to name just two. But there isn't anybody who knows anything about baseball willing to bet the Royals get to the World Series based on their current roster.

The Bad

With massive-ugly contracts like Jose Guillen, Gil Meche and Farnsworth, the Royals are still prone to make bad mistakes with signing players. I still believe Farnsworth will be a good add for the Royals, but after seeing what the market did, $6M seems a bit high. The Royals other big concern is all of a sudden, the AL West doesn't seem to be MLB's official Disaster Division anymore. Each of the other four teams in the division can easily make a case to win the division.

Trivia Answer

You probably guessed Dan Quisenberry. Which would be correct, in 1984, Q set the Royals mark at 44, where the record stood for just one season before he reached 45.

The other, Jeff Montgomery, who also got 45 in 1993.

Bottom Line

I, like many baseball writers and bloggers, don't think the Royals will be all that bad and won't be surprised if they finish near .500. On the other hand, the Royals could be the prime example of what the economy can do to a team. The Royals have made moves as an attempt to get better (Meche, Guillen) and may end up paying out the wazoo for mediocre players who won't be easy to unload come July 31. Instead, the contenders will be targeting Gordon, Greinke and Billy Butler as pieces that may actually help. So Royals fans, even if the season looks horrid from the get-go, I think seeing the young pieces getting into place could lead to something better someday. The question becomes when is someday.

Prediction

The Royals barely edge out Detroit again this year. They use more young, excited players and just eat the Jose Guillen contract as nobody is going near that one.

4th Place AL CENTRAL, 76-86.

Photo credits
Soria - http://stateoftheline.wordpress.com/2008/08/14/royals-will-release-dull-ethnicity-reference-free-soria-shirt/
Quisenberry - http://thekclpipeline.blogspot.com/2007/03/royal-legacy-23-1983-royals-79-83.html
Montgomery - http://royals.scout.com/2/603235.html

You know what, I think the move the Mariners made by signing Ken Griffey, Jr. to a one-year deal was a good one. Not great, but certainly good.

Look at it this way. If Griffey plays even mediocre (like the rest of the Mariners), they win 60-65 games this year.

If (somehow) Griffey plays like a 39 year old stud, the Mariners win 60-65 games this year, thanks in large part to having little back up talent on the team.

If he plays like he did in Chicago last year (whether he's used full-time or part-time) the Mariners still win 60-65 games this year.

Seriously it's pretty much a win situation from the stance that Griffey will at least bring the team more income (jerseys, memorablilia, and some tickets) while really not affecting the offensive or defensive output of the franchise.

Plus, by signing him to just a one-year deal, they aren't tied down to the future, not that they have one in the immediate forecast.

The best part though, is that we as baseball fans can watch Griffey finish his HOF career in the comforts of his first home. The place where we saw the brightest talent in MLB since the playing days of Willie Mays.

To Junior, welcome home (on a personal note, I'm glad you skipped on Atlanta, the final touches of your career wouldn't have been the same).

Another major disappointment last year, the Colorado Rockies backed up their 2007 World Series appearance with a 74-88 record in 2008.

 

What I saw was overachieving down the stretch in 2007 and lots of bandwagoning going on in 2008. Then Rockies' managements delivers the critical blow to 2009's season.

 

 

 

Matt Holiday, the centerpiece of the Rockies offense (747 runs last year) was shipped off as the Rox knew they needed to get something rather than risk losing him to free agency after 2009. What they got in return was some young (mostly) unrealized talent.

 

Trivia

 

The Rockies projected opening day starter, Aaron Cook is currently third all-time in wins for the Rockies with 52 and needs just 7 to become the franchise leader (so long as he wins more than Jeff Francis, 51, does). Can you name which two former Rockies have more wins for the franchise.

 

The Good

 

The Rockies aren't the Padres or the Mariners. By that I mean they are willing to make moves to get better now, while still preparing for the future. Adding Huston Street and Alan Embree to the bullpen should help overcome the loss of closer Brian Fuentes. The Rox did up their rotation some as well, with innings eater Jason Marquis and youngster Greg Smith. As an overall, the pitching should be slightly improved.

 

The Bad

 

Dealing away Holliday may not cripple the offense, but it's not like Todd Helton is Benjamin Button. He's still getting older, while Garret Atkins, Ryan Spilborghs and Clint Barmes are still virtual gambles as impact players. I don't see any scenario where Carlos Gonzalez and Matt Murton (the two offensive pieces of the Holliday deal) make up the offense they lost.

 

Trivia Answer

 

Jason Jennings pitched for the Rockies from 2001-2006 and accumulated 58 wins; while Pedro Astacio spent 1997-2001 in Colorado racking up 53.

 

Bottom Line

 

Somebody else will be dealt before the deadline this season. It won't be Troy Tulowitzki, but don't be shocked if Atkins is sent packing even after getting an extension, especially if the Rox struggle out of the gates.

 

Prediction

 

The Rockies have NOT improved their team to the point they win more games and get back into contention. Rather they brought in pieces that will keep the team in a virtual stalemate for at least one more season while they hope the economy recovers to afford them an opportunity at bringing in other names for 2010.

 

4^th Place NL WEST, 71-91.

 

Photo credits:

Holliday: www.scoresreport.com/tag/colorado-rockies/

Astacio: www.jamd.com/image/g/275577

Jennings: blog.kir.com/archives/2007_07.asp

 

The Cincinnati Reds finished a disappointing 74-88 last year, Dusty Baker's first at the helm. It also marked the first time in Baker's managerial career that his first season with a team resulted in a losing record.

 

Trivia Question

 

With 1236 total wins for Dusty Baker, he sits tied with Joe Cronin for 33^rd all time in wins by a manager. There are five active managers with more wins, name them. Bonus points if you get the three of those managers with better winning percentages.

 

The Good

 

The Reds appear to have improved, by bringing in Ramon Hernandez, Arthur Rhodes and Willy Tavares. On a team that's pretty stocked with young talent, wily veterans like these may be the solid force this team needs to reverse its 8 season losing streak (longest since 1945-1955).

 

Players like Jay Bruce, Aaron Harang, Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto, Joey Votto and Edwin Encarnacion are expected to help turn this franchise around. Watching highlight reels explains why the Reds think these guys are capable. Each one has distinct positives that should help get fans in the seats in Cincinnati this year.

 

The Bad

 

The lineup still has problems; the Reds scored just 704 runs last year, only 7 teams scored less (including the Dodgers who made the NLCS). Of course players like Alex Gonzalez and Willy Tavares aren't known for their offense, and relying so heavily on young players like Bruce and Votto can easily end up with a rough season.

 

Trivia Answer

 

Dusty Baker 1236 - 1129 (.523)

Jim Leyland 1326 - 1357 (.494)

Lou Piniella 1697 - 1561 (.521)

Joe Torre 2129 - 1833 (.537)

Bobby Cox 2322 - 1852 (.556)

Tony LaRussa 2459 - 2145 (.534)

 

Bottom Line

 

Baker only has 6 losing seasons in his career (counting the strike shortened season in 1994 55-60 with SF). He's a proven manager who generally gets the best of his players. With the Reds youth movement taking center stage, Baker now can focus on creating leaders out of these players.

 

Prediction

 

The Reds become one of the most improved teams in 2009, but with the poor economy, ownership isn't willing to take on extra contracts at mid-season to stay in the hunt.

 

Third Place NL Central 82-80.

 

Photo credits

Baker and Bruce - http://cincycoolness.com/coopperson.aspx

 

In case you've missed any of my previous team reports, I'm linking them all together in this post.

AL East

Baltimore Orioles, 5th, 68-92

AL Central

Kansas City Royals, 4th, 76-86

Detroit Tigers, 5th, 75-87

AL West

Oakland Athletics, 2nd, 86-76

Texas Rangers, 3rd, 77-85

Seattle Mariners, 4th, 66-96

NL East

Atlanta Braves, 4th, 70-92

Washington Nationals, 5th, 65-97 

NL Central

Cincinnati Reds, 3rd, 82-80

Pittsburgh Pirates, 6th, 71-91

NL West

Los Angeles Dodgers, 1st, 88-74

San Francisco Giants, 2nd, 84-78

Arizona Diamondbacks, 3rd, 80-82

Colorado Rockies, 4th, 71-91

San Diego Padres, 5th, 57-105 

Who was the biggest disappointment in MLB in 2008? For most people that was the Detroit Tigers. After fielding projections that put the Tigers back in the World Series based on acquiring Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis (in particular), the Tigers fell flat on day one and never recovered.

 

The 2009 Tigers don't appear much different. Age and injury still look to be prominent factors on the diamond, as Gary Sheffield and Magglio Ordonez still roam the clubhouse. The bullpen lost closer Todd Jones to retirement, and Father Time, Jim Leyland, is still at the helm.

 

Trivia

 

Just two years ago, Magglio Ordonez finished second in AL MVP voting, behind Alex Rodriguez. Who was the last hitter to win an MVP for the Tigers?

 

The Good

 

The Tigers picked up able-bodies in free agents Adam Everett and Brandon Lyon, plus Gerald Laird and Edwin Jackson via trades. Each of the four major Tiger additions should bring some stability to question mark positions from 2008.

 

The Bad

 

Questions surrounding the pitching staff are widely circulated. Can Justin Verlander bounce back to 2006-07 form and hold the team's #1 starter spot? Is Jeremy Bonderman's 2008 injury going to play a factor in his 2009 season? Can Brandon Lyon be an effective closer? Will Joel Zumaya or Dontrelle Willis ever be healthy again? Was Edwin Jackson's 2008 a fluke year or a breakout season?

 

Developing a particular question about everybody on a pitching staff doesn't generally bode well. The Tigers pitchers have all shown brilliance at one time or another. The question is whether or not they can rebound and all be great again at the same time.

 

Bottom Line

 

On paper, the Tigers look like a contender yet again. The problem with that statement is that it's "on paper." There are sill way too many questions about the team's injuries, age and makeup to predict this team as a true World Series contender. Of course, it's not unfathomable to see everything coming together as it did in 2006.

 

Trivia Answer

 

Tigers hitters won 4 of the first 10 MVPs ever given out (between 1931-1940) but none since OF Hank Greenberg won in 1940. Tigers pitchers have won just as many since 1940 (4) Hal Newhouser (1944-45), Denny McLain (1968), Willie Hernandez (1984).

 

Prediction

 

The Tigers are treading water. The questions aren't disappearing anytime soon and the Tigers are too saddled with salaries to make positive moves for the future.

 

A high 5^th place finish again in the AL Central, 75-87.

 

Photo credits:

Magglio Ordonez - http://blog.mlive.com/state_sports/2007/09/tigers_13_white_sox_3.html

Hank Greenberg - http://www.personal.psu.edu/csr4/PSU3/Jewish-Americans/index.html

 

When I first started thinking about the 2009 Braves, I thought the additions of Derek Lowe, Javier Vasquez and Kenshin Kawakami were the icing on the cake to renew the franchise.

Then I looked at their depth chart.

Beyond Chipper Jones and Casey Kotchman the rest of the names on the depth chart are unknowns, players who've fallen short of potential or youngsters that are hard to bet on.

The Good



The pitching staff is going to be better. Lowe, Vasquez and Kawakami should help extend the rotation and take some pressure off the bullpen. Lowe's a proven winner and while calling him an ace may be a stretch, he's at least a durable #1. Vasquez and Kawakami both have to prove themselves this year, but so long as they both get near 200 innings, it won't be a complete disaster.

Trivia Question

With Derek Lowe expected to take the hill opening day, he will be just the 7th different pitcher to open a season for the Braves in 20 years. Three of the other six are obvious (Smoltz, Glavine, Maddux), but can you name the other three pitchers who served as opening day pitchers. Bonus point if you can name the pitcher who started before the three HOFers streak began.

The Bad

I'm not sure there is any real offense here. The trouble is there are two good hitters on the team and a bunch of guys that you're just not sure of anymore or yet. It's not all bad. Teams like the 2009 Braves have succeeded in the past (look at the Rays last year), but I don't think anyone is betting the Braves to have enough pop to put up a playoff run.

Then there's the Bobby Cox factor. Cox has been at the helm since 1990, easily the longest termed ML manager in present days. Only five of the 19 years he's been managing the Braves they've missed the playoffs. Of course three of those seasons were 2006-2008. I'm not sure anyone will be calling for Cox to be released at the end of 2009, but Braves fans probably already know the end is near.

Oh and did I mention the Braves decided spending some dough on career Brave John Smoltz wasn't worth it. Instead, Smoltz is taking his HOF career to Boston while the Braves piece-meal their pitching staff together.

Bottom Line

While the Braves helped out the pitching staff, there are still way too many questions throughout the roster. Last year was the Braves worst season since Cox took over in 1990 and the additions for 2009 don't appear to be enough to right the ship.

Prediction

The Braves finish a snip ahead of the Nationals with a 70-92 record.

Trivia Answer



Tim Hudson started opening day in 2006 and 2008.



Russ Ortiz started in 2004



John Burkett started in 2001

Glavine - 1990, 92, 99, 2002
Smoltz - 1991, 97, 05, 2007
Maddux - 1993, 94, 95, 96, 98, 2000, 03

Bonus Answer



Zane Smith started opening day in 1989, the year before the HOFers took control of the Braves future.

With all the unfortunate negativity floating around surrounding A-Rod & Tejada and everything else that could go wrong in the sports world, I can't help but feel ultra happy tonight.



My wife and I heard the heartbeat of our unborn child this afternoon and I couldn't be happier. We're about 13 weeks in and everything is going wonderful thus far.

Did you know the only player the Giants lost from last year's team was Omar Vizquel, yet they've added Edgar Renteria, Randy Johnson, Bob Howry and Jeremy Affeldt? I'm not going to say those four players will bring a ring to San Francisco, but talk about improving the team, the Giants may already be the most improved team in 2009 and they're still talking about adding someone like Manny Ramirez.

 

Last year, the Giants were abysmal. They had ZERO on the power scale, with C Benji Molina hitting cleanup the majority of the year. That crucial piece of the puzzle remains empty, as Molina still appears to be the Giants best hope for any power.

 

 

 

The Good

 

Pitching. Did you know the Giants have 3 former Cy Young's in their rotation (7 total: Johnson '95,'99-'02; Barry Zito '02; Tim Lincecum '08). The rest of baseball's active pitchers have a total of 17 Cy Youngs and that includes three pitchers currently without teams (Pedro Martinez -3, Eric Gagne -1 and Tom Glavine -2, meaning 11 Cy Youngs on 29 other teams). Throw in Matt Cain and Jonathan Sanchez, and I have to believe the Giants rotation is the best in the NL West, maybe in the whole National League. The additions of Howry and Affeldt should help the bullpen and could make the Giants pitching staff pretty tough.

 

Trivia

 

While it's not terribly difficult to figure out the last team to have three former Cy Young's on it's rotation (Atlanta 2002 - Glavine, Maddux and Smoltz), it may surprise you which team was the last one to have three former Cy Young's and not make the playoffs. Answer later.

 

The Bad

 

I have no idea who projected starters 1B Travis Ishikawa or 2B Eugenio Velez are. There isn't one position player on the Giants roster who I'd list even in the top 5 of his position. That said, most of the players are pretty good team guys and can be good links from now until the future.

 

The Future

 

If the Giants can somehow end up with Manny, they immediately become 1^st or 2^nd in the division. Or if they want to spend their money wisely, they abandon the Manny pursuit and sign Orlando Hudson to play 2B and one of the other big name OFs (Abreu, Dunn, Griffey, whomever). You have to figure even the addition of just Manny doesn't make the Giants a World Series contender. Manny would likely draw as many intentional walks as Bonds did in his Hulk-ish years. By bringing in two guys for the price of one (especially Hudson) you may help your defense while adding some more pop to the lineup in two holes.

 

Fantasy Special

 

 

I'm not a huge fantasy guy, but I do play and I'm going out on a limb and calling for Barry Zito to be one of the best Sleeper picks of the 2009 fantasy season. With the Giants addition of Randy Johnson, Zito now has the chance to pick up some tips from possibly the best lefthander of the past 50 years. I wouldn't go out of my way to take him, but if he's around in the early to mid-teens you've got to think about him this year.

 

Trivia Answer

 

This one even shocked me.

 

Bret Saberhagen - Cy Young in 1989 with KC

 

David Cone - Cy Young in 1994 with KC

 

Pedro Martinez Cy Youngs in (with) 2000 Bos; 1999 Bos; 1997 Mon

 

The 2001 Red Sox finished 82-79. The Yankees won the AL East with 95 wins and the A's won the Wild Card with 102 wins. Yet it was the Red Sox with 3 former Cy Young winners.

 

Bottom Line

 

The Giants will be much improved in 2009 even if they continue into the season with no other additions. Even at 45, Randy Johnson makes this pitching staff that much more exciting as he could be the best "coaching" addition any team made this year for a rotation that features Zito and the two youngsters in Lincecum and Cain.

 

Predction

 

Not good enough for a playoff run as they stand, they do finish second in the division with this roster, 84-78.

It's been 11 full seasons since the Baltimore Orioles last finished with a plus .500 record and we all remember what happened that year.



In 2009, it's going to take more than Jeffrey Maier to end the 11 season losing streak. The additions of Cesar Izturis, Felix Pie, Rich Hill, Ty Wigginton and others should help, as the Orioles have brought in better pieces than they've lost. There still is no big free agent signee or blockbuster deal to move the Orioles back into AL East contention, but topping 68 wins shouldn't be a major obstacle.

The Good

As mentioned, the O's front office has been busy bringing in some help to the AL East's worst team last year. Wigginton, Izturis and Gregg Zaun should be impact help at least in the sense of keeping the ship heading the right direction. Then you add



Wieters is viewed by many as the odds-on favorite to win AL Rookie of the Year, so long as he gets ample playing time for the 09 O's, Wieters could be a big help. Of course Baltimore management must decide whether or not throwing the rookie into the fire-waters of the AL East in a sure-bet 5th place finish is really worth it this year. (Trivia question: Who was the last Oriole to win Rookie of the Year? Answer later)

The Bad

The pitching staff is as much of a question mark as it was last year. Jeremy Guthrie is expected to be a solid #1, although he may not even be a #2 anywhere else in the division. He's likely followed up by Koji Uehera, Chris Waters, Rich Hill and Radhames Liz. Barring a couple of breakout seasons by some of these guys, the O's bullpen is going to have a lot of innings to eat in 2009. Throw in the question of who closes (Chris Ray or George Sherrill) and this staff is going to be pieced together throughout the year.

The Ugly

The last time the Orioles had an 11 season losing streak, it ended with a 76-76 record prior to having two more losing seasons to make a disturbing 14 seasons of .500 or lower baseball (1946-1959: 1946-1953 as the St. Louis Browns). Knowing who the Orioles compete against in the AL East, it's not out of the question to believe 3 more losing seasons are ahead before seeing some real positives.

Trivia answer:



Gregg Olson played just six seasons in Baltimore before becoming a game-used batting practice pitcher for Atlanta, Cleveland, Detroit, Kansas City, Houston, Minnesota, Kansas City (again), Arizona and Los Angeles before retiring in 2001. In his six years in Baltimore, Olson was an All-Star quality closer, earning 160 saves in five full seasons. Here's to hoping Wieters ends up with a career more inline with Baltimore's 1982 ROY, some guy named Ripken.

The Bottom Line

Orioles fans know it's an uphill battle and even a couple more wins plus solid performances by Wieters and the pitching staff could go a long way in determining what the Baltimore brass does next offseason as far as bringing in some higher-paid talent. Another losing season is all but etched in stone, but inching closer to 80 wins even in this division could be a fun hope based on this team pulling some kind of feat like either Florida team did last year.

Prediction

Even with the upgrades at SS, 3B and P, the O's won't win more than 70 games this year. It looks more like a repeat performance with better numbers to back it up.

68-92; 5th place AL East.

Photos: Jeffrey Maier (photobucket); Matt Wieters (MLB.com); Gregg Olson (photobucket)

1992, that was the last year the Pirates made the playoffs. Can you name the two guys on that 1992 team that are still playing major league baseball? (answer later)

As for this year's team, only Ramon Vasquez was even able to drive the last time this organization was playoff bound. OF Jose Tabata was just 4. The Pirates have just four players with ANY playoff experience and only one player who was used for at least one full game, Adam LaRoche (Atl - 04/05).

Why all the playoff points? That's what this team needs. There is talent here. Pittsburgh has been stocking talented young players for 16 years, but never finds a way to keep them long term, as experienced with the Jason Bay deal last season. What they need is a) a playoff run, and b) a couple of solid leaders with playoff experience to help get and keep the youngsters on track. LaRoche won't be able to guide the team that way, as it wasn't that long ago he made his playoff trips and he's still a youngster himself. This team needs somebody like

 (photo edited by me)

Pedro Martinez, he has a career 3.40 playoff ERA and nobody (except Pedro) expects Pedro to be an innings eater this season. The Pirates could give him a few million just to come in and pitch, plus lighten the mood for all these youngsters. You think Zach Duke or Paul Maholm could learn something from Petey?

The Good News

The Pirates showed they can win games last year. Even under their 67-95 record, glimpses of promise were not hard to find. The Buccos actually won six in a row last May (vs. SF/Atl) and had a lot of 1 or 2 run games throughout the season. They really are just a player or two away from finishing around .500 for the first time since their 79-83 (1997) or 78-83 (1999).

The Bad News

Pirates ownership will do little more than flirt with a player like Pedro. Using their flirtation as a way to tell their fans they're "serious" reality sets in when Pedro ends up somewhere else. There is nothing wrong with bagging a season before it begins to build for the future.

But at what point does building become a stale promise? Probably around 16 years of building.

I realize Pittsburgh isn't a go-to locale for free agents and may never get that stigma again. But guess what, the Steelers and Penguins are both playing very well of late. It's time Pirate ownership made a commitment to at least put a fun product on the field. I imagine Pirate fans would be overtly excited for a .500 season, especially in a year where the Cubs are the only true World Series challenger in the NL Central (barring a shocking move by the rest of the division).

What that really means is Pittsburgh, with a couple of smart moves could potentially finish second place in the division and actually earn some of their fans for the first time in over a decade.

Trivia Answer


Tim Wakefield and Miguel Batista. The other three current Pirates with playoff experience: Eric Hinske (07 Bos, 08 TB); Ramon Vazquez (01 Sea) and Ross Ohlendorf (07 NYY)

Bottom Line

The Pirates are a team that could surprise some people. There are no superstars here, but there are some good ballplayers who will make a difference in 2009 and keep the Pirates competitive on a day-to-day basis, just not for a season.

Prediction

The Pirates finish last in the NL Central for the third straight season and 4th time in 5 years, but it's with their most wins since 2004, 71-91.

Happy birthday Bob (would've been 64 today)

Team 3 for 2009, the Padres.

It hasn't been that long since the Padres playoff hopes were dashed by a 90 yard sprint:

What happened since? Eleven of the team's 12 free agents for 2008 left, including Mike Cameron, Milton Bradley and Marcus Giles, helping to prompt a 63-99 2008 season. During that excruciating marathon, the team parted with Greg Maddux, Tad Iguchi, Tony Clark, and several other key veteran pieces.

Then came the bombshell:



2009 marks the first season since August 1993 that Hoffman won't be wearing a Padres uniform. Instead, "Hells Bells" will be chiming in Milwaukee.

The Good News

Brian Giles, Adrian Gonzalez and Chris Young are still fan favorites and still on the Padres roster. So too is ace Jake Peavy..........for now.

The Bad News

Peavy is as good as gone. If he makes it to the All-Star Break, Padres fans should consider themselves lucky. Understanding the team is making no effort to contend in 2009, making a Randy Johnson-esque trade (Mariners to Houston) with Peavy would be a huge plus for the future of the club. There isn't enough talent here to compete even in a weak NL West and the prospect cupboards aren't exactly stocked up.

Blaming ownership for not spending cash, even in the harsh times of the 2008/09 recession would be easy, if it weren't for owner John Moores' financial woes stemming from his divorce. The potential positive here is getting the club sold to Jeff Moorad, who has helped rebuild the Diamondbacks and was a stern player agent for years.

For the die-hards, 2009 may be the toughest season in years, as the team struggles to find a personality. Knowing most of these players won't be part of the franchise's next winning club could be a positive if you're willing to push your hopes far enough into the future.

Bottom Line

The Padres are going to suck. 63 wins is optimistic. Depending on how early Peavy is dealt, the Padres are very much in line to contend for a 50 win season.

Prediction

57-105; Worst Record in Baseball.

Even in the final hours of the Manny trade fiasco last July, I was embattled with myself as to whether or not I truly wanted to see the Red Sox lose the HOF slugger.

As is typical with myself and most sports fans, at the end of the day you get on with your life and love your team for who they are, not necessarily who they were just hours before. Thus, I wished him well and good-riddance at the same time.

In light of everything that came out through the Red Sox media relations and Boston media, combined with Manny's "miraculous" recovery from his "Boston injuries," I feel I don't need an explanation from Manny, but would still be interested in hearing his side of the story.

Well, up until today.

In the last 24 hours, the Dodgers, seemingly the only team interested in giving Manny a contract worth anything even halfway resembling the sluggers wildest dreams, gave him basically a take-it-or-leave-it offer, at one year for $25M.

What does Manny do?

I'm guessing he phoned in from somewhere like '>this

just to say: Thanks but no thanks.

To any other GMs paying attention, if this isn't the clearest sign as to Manny's intentions, you may want to start looking for another job in another organization, like Burger King or Starbucks.

Manny has one reason and one reason only for saying no to this contract offer.

He doesn't want to play hard. He doesn't want to need to play a full season at the pace he played for LA last August & September. Frankly, he doesn't want to play a full season, period.

Manny's not stupid. He knows he's among the best the game's ever seen. You don't think he saw what Roger Clemens was able to get with Houston and later the Yankees, with all kinds of personal clauses in the contract and think, hey, I can do that too?

By getting a 4-6 year deal at $25M/year, Manny obviously would have the liberty in finishing his career in Manny style, which may or may not include actually playing baseball.

Instead, what he sees the Dodgers offering, is a one year deal that would essentially prove to the baseball world what we already knew, he tanked on the Sox last year.

How would we know? Because his one-year contract would force him to play like this (.396 AVG, .489 OBP, .743 SLG, 1.232 OPS) for another FULL season before sending him back into the free agent market where he gets ANOTHER contract.

Most players have good seasons right before becoming free agents and Manny in many ways would be just like every other player entering a free agent year. He'd be more encouraged to play harder to get his money.

Of course his problem is 162 games is an eternity in Manny-time. That's not even enough time to wash those "well-kept" dreadlocks more than once or twice. Not enough time to count how much money he can pile up on his bed. Not enough time to even find special places in Dodger stadium to take a leak.

Manny doesn't care about his team. He cares about one thing and one thing only, Manny. While that's not entirely bad, there are millions of other people like him around the world, He's in the enviable position of being one of the best baseball players to ever have put on a uniform, but that doesn't matter because he doesn't want to play the game. 

Continuing with my MLB team by team preview for 2009, is the second worst team in 2008, the Seattle Mariners.

I was among the many who jumped the gun and figured the Mariners to be a challenger for the AL West crown last year. I even picked them so far as to losing to the Indians in the ALCS.
Luckily for 2009, reality has had about 10 months to set in.

Did you realize they actually had a winning record as late as April 22 last year (11-10)? Unfortunately for the M's, their 50-91 record after that abolished years of hope for this team. Or how about only 5 Mariner players actually had enough at bats to qualify for the batting title last year?

As of today, it isn't looking much better for the M's. Unless management ponies up & gets some help for this offense and the bullpen, it'll be another long year for Seattle fans.

Positives: The Mariners still have a lot of talent and they've shown they have been willing to spend big bucks in the past. When you've got Ichiro, Adrian Beltre and Felix Hernandez anchoring your dugout, you've at least got something to start with. Looking over Seattle's transaction list for this offseason, shows the team is trying to do something. Sadly, nobody has a clue what that is.

Negatives: They traded away JJ Putz. I've not been a big fan of Putz, but he could be a machine in the 9th when healthy. As of now, nobody knows who's going to be the M's new closer. There's a handful of guys that could do the job, at least to the point of finishing with 60 wins again. But what's worse about the trade is they didn't really get anything out of it. Endy Chavez probably gets a shot to start in the OF; Jason Vargas is likely to be a journeyman relief pitcher for the distance of his career (he walked more batters than he struck out in 2006); Aaron Heilman was smartly shipped off for a potential #4 or #5 starter in Garrett Olson and a cheap solution to the everyday utility guy with Ronny Cedeno. The key element from the deal is 1B Mike Carp. He had a great season in AA Birmingham for the Mets last year (.403 OBP; .874 OPS; 17 HR) and could quickly replace Bryan LaHair at 1B or Kenji Johjima at DH. Beyond that, Jose Lopez, Wladimir Balentin and Yuniesky Betancourt are never going to be household names in this lineup. They also have yet to replace Raul Ibanez, who at least helped provide some offensive power to the team.

Lineup, here's how I'd start the season based on depth chart: 1. RF Ichiro; 2. 2B Jose Lopez; 3. .C Jeff Clement; 4. 3B Adrian Beltre; 5. 1B Bryan LaHair (or Carp); 6. CF Endy Chavez; 7. DH Kenji Johjima; 8. SS Yuniesky Betancourt; 9. LF Wladimir Balentien. With everything this city has been through in the past 18 months, the only hope of salvaging this season with the players currently on board are to throw LaHair, Carp and Clement straight into the middle of the fire and see what they can do.

If management isn't willing to spend to put a competitive team on the floor, then give the guys with potential a chance to take over. It's worked before in Seattle (A-Rod, Randy, Griffey, Buhner, etc).

The Mariners really shouldn't have been a 100 loss team last season. There was enough talent here to finish at least near .500 last year. Of course this year, things look a bit different with a bullpen by committee. What that really means is this rotation is going to have to step it up and deliver 6+ innings most nights until at least 2 guys out of the pen come forward as "go-to" guys. If anybody can help make the bullpen work, you have to wonder if it isn't Seattle's BP coach, the same guy that handed over the reigns to the Yankee machine in the mid 1990s, John Wetteland. It's a new staff and a new GM this year, so I expect to see some changes, and Seattle fans should keep their minds open and hopeful, once the free agent chips start falling (i.e. Manny), another bat will end up in the Pacific Northwest, I'm going to guess Bobby Abreu, but I won't rule out Garret Anderson.

Bottom line: As the team sits right now, they are the bottom dweller in this division. They haven't done near enough to compete with the improved A's, the revamped Angels or an improving Rangers team. Based on current roster potential only, the Mariners should still have a shot at 70-75 wins this year, but I'm handing them 66.

Predictions: Unless something changes, it's a last place AL finish again for the M's, this time 66 wins.