2010 Major League Baseball: Preseason Overview
The 2010 season’s story could be that of the super team or the super player. There’s also a youth movement afoot that could bring new life to teams that have been out of the fight for far too long.
First, the super teams, three of them are in the American League East, the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox, and the Tampa Bay Rays. Keep it in the east but change leagues for another one, the Philadelphia Phillies. The St. Louis Cardinals could well be the fifth though some would argue the Los Angeles Angels.
The great stars of today lead by Albert Pujols, a decade triple crown winner, show a new look with more athleticism and not just the one dimensional power sluggers of the last decade, perhaps a reflection of pure talent and not pure might is the true measure of talent, and that talent exhibits itself through God given ability, good values and work habits, and practice, practice, practice not through some injection into one’s rear end with a bunch of chemicals and hormones. Some superb players are coming into their prime right now and are truly remarkable players. What could be more valuable than a dependable switch hitting catcher capable of winning batting titles? Say hello to Joe Mauer in Minnesota. The corners are RED HOT in Tampa with Carlos Pena at 1st and Evan Longoria on 3rd and for extra measure check out Carl Crawford in Left Field. The Philadelphia Phillies fortunes ride on a humongous beast, 255 lbs and 6’4” pure power in Ryan Howard. Some of the players who aim to supplant Pujols as the game’s premier star have become the focal point of less wealthy franchises around which perhaps a contender can be built, but sadly some just begin to flash their brilliance and boom, they’re gone long before they can slip away via Free Agency. When a player is two years before free agent status provides the most profitable time for a trade as the receiving team will have that player for at least two years. Two years to integrate that player and attempt to secure a long term contract.
Turning to play on the field, can the Yankees retain their World Championship? It would take a true super team to do so since perhaps the 2nd and 3rd best teams are also in the American League East. On the opposite end, how bad will the Pittsburgh Pirates brass force their team to become as they shamelessly shed players with any market value to what end? It doesn’t appear like they’ve got any plan in place for how to rebuild the team into respectability. Economic conditions might not be any better for a team like Kansas City, who likewise will finish at or near the bottom do have some exciting young players, and can at least show some signs of pride and hustle. The Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics, and San Diego Padres are teams in various stages of the rebuilding process. Baltimore is the team closest to breaking out of the bottom feeders but while they could quickly be seen as a post season possibility in much of the sport, they do have Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays with their spikes on their necks.
American League
EAST
New York
Boston
Tampa Bay
Baltimore
Toronto
CENTRAL
Chicago
Minnesota
Detroit
Kansas City
Cleveland
WEST
Los Angeles
Texas
Seattle
Oakland
WILD CARD: Boston
NATIONAL LEAGUE
EAST
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Florida
New York
Washington
CENTRAL
St. Louis
Cincinnati
Chicago
Milwaukee
Houston
Pittsburgh
WEST
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Colorado
Arizona
WILD CARD: Atlanta
WORLD SERIES: New York Yankees beat St. Louis Cardinals
AMERICAN LEAGUE
AL East
The 2010 season’s story could be that of the super team or the super player. There’s also a youth movement afoot that could bring new life to teams that have been out of the fight for far too long.
First, the super teams, three of them are in the American League East, the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox, and the Tampa Bay Rays. Keep it in the east but change leagues for another one, the Philadelphia Phillies. The St. Louis Cardinals could well be the fifth though some would argue the Los Angeles Angels.
The great stars of today lead by Albert Pujols, a decade triple crown winner, show a new look with more athleticism and not just the one dimensional power sluggers of the last decade, perhaps a reflection of pure talent and not pure might is the true measure of talent, and that talent exhibits itself through God given ability, good values and work habits, and practice, practice, practice not through some injection into one’s rear end with a bunch of chemicals and hormones. Some superb players are coming into their prime right now and are truly remarkable players. What could be more valuable than a dependable switch hitting catcher capable of winning batting titles? Say hello to Joe Mauer in Minnesota. The corners are RED HOT in Tampa with Carlos Pena at 1st and Evan Longoria on 3rd and for extra measure check out Carl Crawford in Left Field. The Philadelphia Phillies fortunes ride on a humongous beast, 255 lbs and 6’4” pure power in Ryan Howard. Some of the players who aim to supplant Pujols as the game’s premier star have become the focal point of less wealthy franchises around which perhaps a contender can be built, but sadly some just begin to flash their brilliance and boom, they’re gone long before they can slip away via Free Agency. When a player is two years before free agent status provides the most profitable time for a trade as the receiving team will have that player for at least two years. Two years to integrate that player and attempt to secure a long term contract.
Turning to play on the field, can the Yankees retain their World Championship? It would take a true super team to do so since perhaps the 2nd and 3rd best teams are also in the American League East. On the opposite end, how bad will the Pittsburgh Pirates brass force their team to become as they shamelessly shed players with any market value to what end? It doesn’t appear like they’ve got any plan in place for how to rebuild the team into respectability. Economic conditions might not be any better for a team like Kansas City, who likewise will finish at or near the bottom do have some exciting young players, and can at least show some signs of pride and hustle. The Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics, and San Diego Padres are teams in various stages of the rebuilding process. Baltimore is the team closest to breaking out of the bottom feeders but while they could quickly be seen as a post season possibility in much of the sport, they do have Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays with their spikes on their necks.
American League
EAST
New York
Boston
Tampa Bay
Baltimore
Toronto
CENTRAL
Chicago
Minnesota
Detroit
Kansas City
Cleveland
WEST
Los Angeles
Texas
Seattle
Oakland
WILD CARD: Boston
NATIONAL LEAGUE
EAST
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Florida
New York
Washington
CENTRAL
St. Louis
Cincinnati
Chicago
Milwaukee
Houston
Pittsburgh
WEST
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Colorado
Arizona
WILD CARD: Atlanta
WORLD SERIES: New York Yankees beat St. Louis Cardinals
AMERICAN LEAGUE
AL East
s
The three best teams are fighting for one, possibly two post season spots including the wild card. The New York Yankees appear loaded and ready to go to retain their crown. To that end, they have improved their outfield youth and versatility cutting lose Johnny Damon and adding Curtis Granderson as their centerfielder. Nick Johnson joins as the team’s DH. Javier Vazquez, who played for the Yanks in 2004, returns to anchor the rotation’s fourth spot coming off a respectable 15-10, 2.87 record with Atlanta last year. While these moves are not truly groundbreaking, they do show a championship team solidifying its strengths to repeat for 2010, but the task will not be easy.
The Boston Red Sox did not stand still after their second place finish and disastrous blowout in the playoffs. Jason Bay is gone to the New York mets compensated for by acquiring Mike Cameron for centerfield. Adrian Beltre joins the team at 3rd base recovered from last year at Seattle. The Sox also beefed up the starting rotation with John Lackey signed as a free agent from the Angels. Lesser moves help to sure up the bullpen. Prepared for a long, tough season the Beaners also have strong veterans on their bench with Jason Veritek behind the plate and Mike Lowell able to play 1st and 3rd base.
While much of the talk remains focused on the Yankees and the Red Sox, the Tampa Bay Rays surely want to have something to say about the 2010 outcome. This season could well be the last hoorah for some of these players as impending free agency and budget concerns for a team that plays in a horrible stadium in a town where attending baseball games has never really caught on. The Rays are stacked with substantial offensive punch whether it’s power on the corners with Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena. Longoria has become one of the game’s best all-around players. With the offense in good shape, the Rays must have the starting rotation return to its 2008 level of play but even that might not be enough versus the top of the heap. That clearly puts the pressure on expected to carry a full-time load showing growth from his rookie season in 2009. October could be a very cruel month for the Rays. They might be the team with the 3rd best record in all of MLB but still be staying home in the killer AL East. If they aren’t in contention, the death watch will be on as players will be moved to obtain maximum return. A team like this in a town like Tampa simply cannot afford to stay together while such factors would be of no concern for Boston or New York.
Years of frustration should give way to visions of a bright future in Baltimore in 2010. The Orioles will be a much better team than the team that lost 98 games in 2009, but how much better? Given they play one third of their games against the big three in their division, nothing will come easy. The Orioles have one of the best outfields in baseball with Adam Jones, last year’s all star in centerfield and Nick Markakis, one of the surest fielders with a darned good bat in right. Nolan Reimold looked like a strong candidate for rookie of the year in 2009 before sustaining an Achilles injury which could still have him limited somewhat. Felix Pie stands ready to more than capably step in as needed where speed and a left handed bat could be handy. Brian Roberts, a fine second baseman and leadoff hitter is dealing with a vertebrae issue that kept him out of much of spring training but has looked good once up and playing. With Cesar Izturis at short, the O’s have a strong double play combination backing a young pitching staff. While the team completes the final steps of the rebuilding process, two veterans have been brought in to provide RBI’s at the corners. Miguel Tejada returns to the Orioles after two years in Houston now slated to play 3rd base. Garrett Atkins will play 1st expected to play up to his capability shown from 2005-2008 before a dreadful 2009 season in Denver.
For a player just beginning his first full season, much is expected of switching hitting catcher Matt Wieters who already landed a Sports Illustrated cover. From his midseason call up last year, the young backstop showed continuous improvement while gaining sophistication behind the plate.
The Orioles future rests largely on young staring pitching. Brian Matusz appears ready for big things in his first full year. The talented rookie has shown control of a lot more stuff this spring after an impressive audition in eight starts last year. Brad Bergesen and David Hernandez are the other two starters depended on to show grown in their sophomore year. Meanwhile, both Norfolk (AAA) and Bowie (AA) are armed and dangerous with pitching prospects some of whom could be in Baltimore real soon should any one of them be knocking down the opposition in the minors or one of the guys in Baltimore not be on his game.
Helping the starters will be Kevin Millwood, a product of the great Atlanta Braves pitching staff having come up when Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine were the backbone of that team’s success. Millwood will start as the O’s number one starter to help set the pace for the kiddy corps.
Sadly, perhaps the Orioles biggest question mark is Jeremy Guthrie, the team’s #1 starter in recent years. Guthrie had a miserable 2009 campaign never getting in gear after playing in the World Baseball Classic. His stuff was weak and tossing up home run pitches became all too regular. To add to the team’s anxiety, his performance in Spring has been nothing short of terrible.
The bullpen adds a lefty as their closer, Mike Gonzalez with another National Leaguer, Will Ohman added as a lefty roll player.
The Toronto Blue Jays could well be the cellar dwellers in the AL East for 2010. The Jays are cutting costs facing the team being sold. Players with expensive contracts have been sent backing as a rebuilding process awaits the Jays. Their strength, starting pitching, has been seriously diluted. Vernon Wells remains the team’s top offensive player.
AL Central
x
The three best teams are fighting for one, possibly two post season spots including the wild card. The New York Yankees appear loaded and ready to go to retain their crown. To that end, they have improved their outfield youth and versatility cutting lose Johnny Damon and adding Curtis Granderson as their centerfielder. Nick Johnson joins as the team’s DH. Javier Vazquez, who played for the Yanks in 2004, returns to anchor the rotation’s fourth spot coming off a respectable 15-10, 2.87 record with Atlanta last year. While these moves are not truly groundbreaking, they do show a championship team solidifying its strengths to repeat for 2010, but the task will not be easy.
The Boston Red Sox did not stand still after their second place finish and disastrous blowout in the playoffs. Jason Bay is gone to the New York mets compensated for by acquiring Mike Cameron for centerfield. Adrian Beltre joins the team at 3rd base recovered from last year at Seattle. The Sox also beefed up the starting rotation with John Lackey signed as a free agent from the Angels. Lesser moves help to sure up the bullpen. Prepared for a long, tough season the Beaners also have strong veterans on their bench with Jason Veritek behind the plate and Mike Lowell able to play 1st and 3rd base.
While much of the talk remains focused on the Yankees and the Red Sox, the Tampa Bay Rays surely want to have something to say about the 2010 outcome. This season could well be the last hoorah for some of these players as impending free agency and budget concerns for a team that plays in a horrible stadium in a town where attending baseball games has never really caught on. The Rays are stacked with substantial offensive punch whether it’s power on the corners with Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena. Longoria has become one of the game’s best all-around players. With the offense in good shape, the Rays must have the starting rotation return to its 2008 level of play but even that might not be enough versus the top of the heap. That clearly puts the pressure on expected to carry a full-time load showing growth from his rookie season in 2009. October could be a very cruel month for the Rays. They might be the team with the 3rd best record in all of MLB but still be staying home in the killer AL East. If they aren’t in contention, the death watch will be on as players will be moved to obtain maximum return. A team like this in a town like Tampa simply cannot afford to stay together while such factors would be of no concern for Boston or New York.
Years of frustration should give way to visions of a bright future in Baltimore in 2010. The Orioles will be a much better team than the team that lost 98 games in 2009, but how much better? Given they play one third of their games against the big three in their division, nothing will come easy. The Orioles have one of the best outfields in baseball with Adam Jones, last year’s all star in centerfield and Nick Markakis, one of the surest fielders with a darned good bat in right. Nolan Reimold looked like a strong candidate for rookie of the year in 2009 before sustaining an Achilles injury which could still have him limited somewhat. Felix Pie stands ready to more than capably step in as needed where speed and a left handed bat could be handy. Brian Roberts, a fine second baseman and leadoff hitter is dealing with a vertebrae issue that kept him out of much of spring training but has looked good once up and playing. With Cesar Izturis at short, the O’s have a strong double play combination backing a young pitching staff. While the team completes the final steps of the rebuilding process, two veterans have been brought in to provide RBI’s at the corners. Miguel Tejada returns to the Orioles after two years in Houston now slated to play 3rd base. Garrett Atkins will play 1st expected to play up to his capability shown from 2005-2008 before a dreadful 2009 season in Denver.
For a player just beginning his first full season, much is expected of switching hitting catcher Matt Wieters who already landed a Sports Illustrated cover. From his midseason call up last year, the young backstop showed continuous improvement while gaining sophistication behind the plate.
The Orioles future rests largely on young staring pitching. Brian Matusz appears ready for big things in his first full year. The talented rookie has shown control of a lot more stuff this spring after an impressive audition in eight starts last year. Brad Bergesen and David Hernandez are the other two starters depended on to show grown in their sophomore year. Meanwhile, both Norfolk (AAA) and Bowie (AA) are armed and dangerous with pitching prospects some of whom could be in Baltimore real soon should any one of them be knocking down the opposition in the minors or one of the guys in Baltimore not be on his game.
Helping the starters will be Kevin Millwood, a product of the great Atlanta Braves pitching staff having come up when Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine were the backbone of that team’s success. Millwood will start as the O’s number one starter to help set the pace for the kiddy corps.
Sadly, perhaps the Orioles biggest question mark is Jeremy Guthrie, the team’s #1 starter in recent years. Guthrie had a miserable 2009 campaign never getting in gear after playing in the World Baseball Classic. His stuff was weak and tossing up home run pitches became all too regular. To add to the team’s anxiety, his performance in Spring has been nothing short of terrible.
The bullpen adds a lefty as their closer, Mike Gonzalez with another National Leaguer, Will Ohman added as a lefty roll player.
The Toronto Blue Jays could well be the cellar dwellers in the AL East for 2010. The Jays are cutting costs facing the team being sold. Players with expensive contracts have been sent backing as a rebuilding process awaits the Jays. Their strength, starting pitching, has been seriously diluted. Vernon Wells remains the team’s top offensive player.
AL Central
x
The AL Central could have a strong three way race for top honors between the White Sox, Twins, and Tigers while the Indians and Royals suffer the plague of small market finances facing difficult personnel decisions. Acquiring San Diego’s ace, Jake Peavy added to an already strong rotation, the Sox will need to scrap together enough offense to roll up the “w’s.”
The Minnesota Twins are a well balanced team with one fellow who is in the discussion as perhaps the best player in the game, Jeff Mauer, the top hitting switch hitting catcher. Injured for part of last year, 1st baseman Justin Morneau is ready to continue his assault as one of the game’s top RBI guys. The Twins greatest woe could be the loss of closer Joe Nathan, out with a serious injury.
The Tigers lost Curtis Granderson, one of their best players to the New York Yankees picking up veteran Johnny Damon in his place. Much is expected of rookie centerfielder Austin Jackson while Magglio Ordonez must return to form after a total collapse in 2009. The Tigers need an overall boost as they were seen as underachievers last year falling apart badly once again in September.
Kansas City has some great young pitchers most notably Zack Greinke who burst on the scene with 3 shutouts, a 16-8 record, and a remarkable 2.16 ERA. Greinke also fanned 242 batters. This being Greinke’s fifth season, where will be be next year? Chances are good the Royals might have to be tempted to deal the tough right hander to a contender if no chance of a long term contract can be considered.
There’s not much to report from Cleveland as they are rebuilding for another attempt at success. Given their organizational strength they will be back, but not in 2010.
AL West
x
The experts are picking the Los Angeles Angels and there’s much to like about them, but Texas has a lot of pieces coming together and might have something to say about the outcome while Seattle attempts to establish a clear path to the top and Oakland continues to shed weight to reassemble the A’s.
The Los Angeles Angels lost two key players to free agency, front line starter, John Lackey and Outfielder, Vladmir Guerrero. The extent to which they have compensated for theses losses will play out in the weeks ahead. Hideki Matsui joins from the New York Yankees to provide some replacement RBI strength. Filling the pitching void will be Joel Pineiro who joins from St. Louis having posted a 15-12 record iiin 323 starts and a respectable 3.49 ERA.
Can Texas give the Angels a run for the division title? They’ll have a ten game gap to overcome based on their 87-75 record versus the Angels’ 97-65 mark. In part, the Rangers are hoping their rival’s loss will be their gain as Vladmir Guerrero will assume DH duties. Rich Harden joins the rotation as a potential #2 starter from the Cubs replacing Kevin Millwood traded to the Orioles for reliever, Chris Ray.
The Mariners welcome some new faces but how frustrating can it be when the off-season’s most important acquisition, left handed starter Cliff Lee, on the DL joining other starter, Erik Beddard also disabled. Milton Bradley will play left field joining from the Cubs. His ability to create embarrassing scenes and lack of anger management could more than offset the talent he brings. First and second base have newcomers with Chone Figgins expected to play 2nd base and Casey Kotchman to play first.
Ken Griffey Jr. will hold down the DH position in what he announced to be his last year. We’ll see how Junior moves up the all-time list as a fellow whose terrible fortune in Cincinnati compromised one of the most promising careers ever.
There’s not much to report about the Oakland Athletics. Attempts to strike a stadium deal in the San Francisco Bay area continue to fall apart despite appearing to have deals struck twice. Injury prone starter, Ben Sheets joins the roster to hopefully provide some veteran support for a very young team.
The Minnesota Twins are a well balanced team with one fellow who is in the discussion as perhaps the best player in the game, Jeff Mauer, the top hitting switch hitting catcher. Injured for part of last year, 1st baseman Justin Morneau is ready to continue his assault as one of the game’s top RBI guys. The Twins greatest woe could be the loss of closer Joe Nathan, out with a serious injury.
The Tigers lost Curtis Granderson, one of their best players to the New York Yankees picking up veteran Johnny Damon in his place. Much is expected of rookie centerfielder Austin Jackson while Magglio Ordonez must return to form after a total collapse in 2009. The Tigers need an overall boost as they were seen as underachievers last year falling apart badly once again in September.
Kansas City has some great young pitchers most notably Zack Greinke who burst on the scene with 3 shutouts, a 16-8 record, and a remarkable 2.16 ERA. Greinke also fanned 242 batters. This being Greinke’s fifth season, where will be be next year? Chances are good the Royals might have to be tempted to deal the tough right hander to a contender if no chance of a long term contract can be considered.
There’s not much to report from Cleveland as they are rebuilding for another attempt at success. Given their organizational strength they will be back, but not in 2010.
AL West
x
The experts are picking the Los Angeles Angels and there’s much to like about them, but Texas has a lot of pieces coming together and might have something to say about the outcome while Seattle attempts to establish a clear path to the top and Oakland continues to shed weight to reassemble the A’s.
The Los Angeles Angels lost two key players to free agency, front line starter, John Lackey and Outfielder, Vladmir Guerrero. The extent to which they have compensated for theses losses will play out in the weeks ahead. Hideki Matsui joins from the New York Yankees to provide some replacement RBI strength. Filling the pitching void will be Joel Pineiro who joins from St. Louis having posted a 15-12 record iiin 323 starts and a respectable 3.49 ERA.
Can Texas give the Angels a run for the division title? They’ll have a ten game gap to overcome based on their 87-75 record versus the Angels’ 97-65 mark. In part, the Rangers are hoping their rival’s loss will be their gain as Vladmir Guerrero will assume DH duties. Rich Harden joins the rotation as a potential #2 starter from the Cubs replacing Kevin Millwood traded to the Orioles for reliever, Chris Ray.
The Mariners welcome some new faces but how frustrating can it be when the off-season’s most important acquisition, left handed starter Cliff Lee, on the DL joining other starter, Erik Beddard also disabled. Milton Bradley will play left field joining from the Cubs. His ability to create embarrassing scenes and lack of anger management could more than offset the talent he brings. First and second base have newcomers with Chone Figgins expected to play 2nd base and Casey Kotchman to play first.
Ken Griffey Jr. will hold down the DH position in what he announced to be his last year. We’ll see how Junior moves up the all-time list as a fellow whose terrible fortune in Cincinnati compromised one of the most promising careers ever.
There’s not much to report about the Oakland Athletics. Attempts to strike a stadium deal in the San Francisco Bay area continue to fall apart despite appearing to have deals struck twice. Injury prone starter, Ben Sheets joins the roster to hopefully provide some veteran support for a very young team.
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x
x
National League
x
National League
x
NL East
x
The Philadelphia Phillies are putting together a small divisional dynasty as they should once again win the NL East. The Phillies replace interim starter Cliff Lee with Roy Halladay, who pitching for Toronto in the dangerous AL East provided to be one of the sport’s most dangerous starters. They’ll also expect to see Cole Hamels, their ace in their 2008 championship campaign, to return to form giving the Phillies one of the best one-two punches in all of baseball. Jaime Moyer returns to form at 47 years old throwing his first pitch in the “Bigs” in 1986. Three of the current members of their pitching staff were just one year old!! Aside from solid pitching, the Phils will send to the plate a solid offense with Ryan Howard at first base leading a wrecking crew that includes Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez, Jayson Werth, and Shane Victorino.
Back in the picture having been out of the spotlight for the last few years will be a tougher Atlanta Braves squad. In what will be long time manager, Bobby Cox’s final season a blend of young and old will help aim the Braves back toward the promised land. Right fielder, Jason Heyward is being billed as a future superstar. His credentials are impressive. He joins a deep outfield with a promising acquisition from Pittsburgh shedding potential salary problems bringing centerfielder Nate McLouth who has a good glove, speed and power, the precise qualities that earn a player a ticket out of town in Pittsburgh. Chipper Jones at third base is the soul survivor from the great Braves NL East dynasty whose power numbers show perhaps age is setting in. Veteran starter, Derek Lowe anchors what should be a better than average well coached pitching staff.
Sizing up the rest of the division, the one thing that’s for certain, the Washington Nationals will finish in last by a wide margin. The Florida Marlins are always a team capable of exceeding expectations and with a new modern stadium on the horizon, they are actually paying to keep some players to stay around. Shortstop Hanley Ramirez is touted as one of the game’s emerging best players, a slick fielding power hitting pro who could be the top of the next generation of the Ripken to A-rod lineage. The team starts the season with too many players nursing injuries, two on the DL.
The New York Mets were supposed to be the team to sweep to the top when the great Atlanta dynasty fell, but injuries, late season collapses, and key acquisitions not living up to expectations have stood in the way of postseason glory even losing in the final hour of the final day in 2008. 3rd baseman David Wright well represents the Mets plight. Going into 2009, Wright was considered one of the sport’s best players but 2009 proved a disaster hitting only 10 home runs driving in 72 runs though still maintaining an attractive .307 batting average. To help boost their lineup, Jason Bay joins the team from Boston as their left fielder. If the lineup develops some drive and consistency they could be quite good.
Johan Santana will lead the pitching staff in need of good health and consistent performance.
Notable Mets players start the season out of action including outfielder Carlos Beltran, Kelvim Escobar, obtained from the Los Angeles Angels despite missing the entire 2008 season and only appearing once in 2009, must make fans wonder what the front office is doing!
There’s little hope for the other New York team until the ownership situation stabilizes, new leadership is in place, and there’s some kind of blueprint on where this team is headed.
The Washington Nationals will be one of the worst teams in baseball again in 2010 but there will be much to like about the future. All eyes will be down on the farm looking for when the ultimate can’t miss phenom, pitcher, Stephen Strasberg will be ready to play on the big stage. Through his college career, he showed unbelievable stuff with tremendous composure and maturity. For a team building for the future, what better prospect than having a fellow, who if healthy could anchor their staff for years to come. Meanwhile, Ryan Zimmerman continues to develop as the team’s legit star who should anchor the team of the future.
NL Central
x
Back in the picture having been out of the spotlight for the last few years will be a tougher Atlanta Braves squad. In what will be long time manager, Bobby Cox’s final season a blend of young and old will help aim the Braves back toward the promised land. Right fielder, Jason Heyward is being billed as a future superstar. His credentials are impressive. He joins a deep outfield with a promising acquisition from Pittsburgh shedding potential salary problems bringing centerfielder Nate McLouth who has a good glove, speed and power, the precise qualities that earn a player a ticket out of town in Pittsburgh. Chipper Jones at third base is the soul survivor from the great Braves NL East dynasty whose power numbers show perhaps age is setting in. Veteran starter, Derek Lowe anchors what should be a better than average well coached pitching staff.
Sizing up the rest of the division, the one thing that’s for certain, the Washington Nationals will finish in last by a wide margin. The Florida Marlins are always a team capable of exceeding expectations and with a new modern stadium on the horizon, they are actually paying to keep some players to stay around. Shortstop Hanley Ramirez is touted as one of the game’s emerging best players, a slick fielding power hitting pro who could be the top of the next generation of the Ripken to A-rod lineage. The team starts the season with too many players nursing injuries, two on the DL.
The New York Mets were supposed to be the team to sweep to the top when the great Atlanta dynasty fell, but injuries, late season collapses, and key acquisitions not living up to expectations have stood in the way of postseason glory even losing in the final hour of the final day in 2008. 3rd baseman David Wright well represents the Mets plight. Going into 2009, Wright was considered one of the sport’s best players but 2009 proved a disaster hitting only 10 home runs driving in 72 runs though still maintaining an attractive .307 batting average. To help boost their lineup, Jason Bay joins the team from Boston as their left fielder. If the lineup develops some drive and consistency they could be quite good.
Johan Santana will lead the pitching staff in need of good health and consistent performance.
Notable Mets players start the season out of action including outfielder Carlos Beltran, Kelvim Escobar, obtained from the Los Angeles Angels despite missing the entire 2008 season and only appearing once in 2009, must make fans wonder what the front office is doing!
There’s little hope for the other New York team until the ownership situation stabilizes, new leadership is in place, and there’s some kind of blueprint on where this team is headed.
The Washington Nationals will be one of the worst teams in baseball again in 2010 but there will be much to like about the future. All eyes will be down on the farm looking for when the ultimate can’t miss phenom, pitcher, Stephen Strasberg will be ready to play on the big stage. Through his college career, he showed unbelievable stuff with tremendous composure and maturity. For a team building for the future, what better prospect than having a fellow, who if healthy could anchor their staff for years to come. Meanwhile, Ryan Zimmerman continues to develop as the team’s legit star who should anchor the team of the future.
NL Central
x
Same story, different year… Will this be the year the Cubs finally win it all? Who’s the hot team this year? Everybody but Pittsburgh gets mentioned some time. Better idea, just cut to the chase and be real, it’s St. Louis. They’re almost always in the hunt and win their share of division crowns and given what each team in the NL Central has to offer, St. Louis is the team to beat.
St. Louis is perhaps the best if not second best team in the National League and it’s more than just Albert Pujols. Matt Holliday is another all star bat in left field. Much of the team features fielders just starting to hit their prime with a tremendous upside and a manager who knows how to work with them. Their starting pitching is solid Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright forming a solid one-two punch. Brad Penny as the third starter wracks up innings looking to regain form after a 2008 injury.
The next three slots are all interchangeable making it hard to rank them. The Brewers and the Cubs are in the mix but are two teams that were working toward serious post season action from 2007-2009, but now they are a little beyond where they seemed to have all the pieces put together to play October ball. The Reds are the team that’s on its way up.
Though this is an arbitrary pick, we’ll go with Cincinnati for second place. Dusty Baker leads a team of eager beavers who must improve markedly to justify this pick, but their opponents have had their chances, haven’t they?
It’s tough, the Reds #1 starter, Aaron Harang, went 6-14 last year and 6-17 the year before. #2 starter, Bronson Arroyo won 15 games the last two seasons. The Reds picked up shortstop Orlando Cabrera to strengthen the middle infield.
Look at the Cubs. Little has changed. These were the guys were supposed to get them there and have not succeeded. What’s changed to make that more likely? Sure they’ve had some injury problems, but there’s more to their inconsistent play than that. They grabbed Carlos Silva as a #4 starter for temperamental outfielder Milton Bradley. If Lou Pinella can’t light a fire under their butts, who can?
This looks like a team ready to be blown up and rebuilt.
Who knows, maybe the Brewers are the best of the bunch. They surely have one of the game’s most exciting players with Prince Fielder at first base who can slam ‘em deep into the night. Starting the season with four players on the DL is not a good sign.
The Houston Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates will be among the weakest teams in the National League but for very different reasons. The Astros are stripping down to the bone to rebuild into a new generation of winners. The Pirates are stripped down because ownership doesn’t give a damn and might have the first field of starters all of whom can eat of the kiddy menu. A team that takes castoffs from the Washington Nationals is a team going nowhere. They are baseball’s equivalent to NASCAR’s “start and park” drivers.
What’s happening in Pittsburgh is a crime. The city has a beautiful waterfront ballpark, one of the most aesthetically pleasing facilities in all the post Camden Yards venues. The Pirates are a team with a rich baseball history with the legend of Roberto Clemente, their greatest hall of famers and many others. No team has a longer current losing streak than the Pirates who have not excelled since Barry Bonds was sent packing to the Giants. Their last winning team with the all-star outfield of Andy Van Slyke, Bobby Bonilla, and Barry Bonds (in his original body) seem like ancient history now.
NL West
St. Louis is perhaps the best if not second best team in the National League and it’s more than just Albert Pujols. Matt Holliday is another all star bat in left field. Much of the team features fielders just starting to hit their prime with a tremendous upside and a manager who knows how to work with them. Their starting pitching is solid Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright forming a solid one-two punch. Brad Penny as the third starter wracks up innings looking to regain form after a 2008 injury.
The next three slots are all interchangeable making it hard to rank them. The Brewers and the Cubs are in the mix but are two teams that were working toward serious post season action from 2007-2009, but now they are a little beyond where they seemed to have all the pieces put together to play October ball. The Reds are the team that’s on its way up.
Though this is an arbitrary pick, we’ll go with Cincinnati for second place. Dusty Baker leads a team of eager beavers who must improve markedly to justify this pick, but their opponents have had their chances, haven’t they?
It’s tough, the Reds #1 starter, Aaron Harang, went 6-14 last year and 6-17 the year before. #2 starter, Bronson Arroyo won 15 games the last two seasons. The Reds picked up shortstop Orlando Cabrera to strengthen the middle infield.
Look at the Cubs. Little has changed. These were the guys were supposed to get them there and have not succeeded. What’s changed to make that more likely? Sure they’ve had some injury problems, but there’s more to their inconsistent play than that. They grabbed Carlos Silva as a #4 starter for temperamental outfielder Milton Bradley. If Lou Pinella can’t light a fire under their butts, who can?
This looks like a team ready to be blown up and rebuilt.
Who knows, maybe the Brewers are the best of the bunch. They surely have one of the game’s most exciting players with Prince Fielder at first base who can slam ‘em deep into the night. Starting the season with four players on the DL is not a good sign.
The Houston Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates will be among the weakest teams in the National League but for very different reasons. The Astros are stripping down to the bone to rebuild into a new generation of winners. The Pirates are stripped down because ownership doesn’t give a damn and might have the first field of starters all of whom can eat of the kiddy menu. A team that takes castoffs from the Washington Nationals is a team going nowhere. They are baseball’s equivalent to NASCAR’s “start and park” drivers.
What’s happening in Pittsburgh is a crime. The city has a beautiful waterfront ballpark, one of the most aesthetically pleasing facilities in all the post Camden Yards venues. The Pirates are a team with a rich baseball history with the legend of Roberto Clemente, their greatest hall of famers and many others. No team has a longer current losing streak than the Pirates who have not excelled since Barry Bonds was sent packing to the Giants. Their last winning team with the all-star outfield of Andy Van Slyke, Bobby Bonilla, and Barry Bonds (in his original body) seem like ancient history now.
NL West
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The National League West could have one of the tightest races. No one team truly breaks away from the pack. Look for the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and Colorado Rockies to engage in a tight race down to the wire.
The Dodgers perhaps have the edge on talent but the X factor is Manny Ramirez. Will he keep his head in the game or will there be more episodes of “Manny being Manny.” There are few players in sports this side of Terrell Owens who can be more toxic to a team’s well-being than the Dodgers’ left fielder whose fielding is always an adventure.
The Giants benefit from having strong starting pitching led by Tim Lincecum. Any starter who can keep his ERA below 3.00 for two consecutive seasons is pretty remarkable in today’s game. Their offense gets a boost from adding Aubrey Huff at first but this team is hardly a cast of sluggers.
The Colorado Rockies are also in the mix. They provide a solid offense and adequate pitching.
Festering at the bottom are the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks working to retool for future glories.
The National League West could have one of the tightest races. No one team truly breaks away from the pack. Look for the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and Colorado Rockies to engage in a tight race down to the wire.
The Dodgers perhaps have the edge on talent but the X factor is Manny Ramirez. Will he keep his head in the game or will there be more episodes of “Manny being Manny.” There are few players in sports this side of Terrell Owens who can be more toxic to a team’s well-being than the Dodgers’ left fielder whose fielding is always an adventure.
The Giants benefit from having strong starting pitching led by Tim Lincecum. Any starter who can keep his ERA below 3.00 for two consecutive seasons is pretty remarkable in today’s game. Their offense gets a boost from adding Aubrey Huff at first but this team is hardly a cast of sluggers.
The Colorado Rockies are also in the mix. They provide a solid offense and adequate pitching.
Festering at the bottom are the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks working to retool for future glories.
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