After going through all the divisions, of course, I would like to finish this off with predictions for the post season.
American League
West--Angels
Central--Tigers
East-- Blue Jays
Wild Card Game
Rays vs Rangers: Rays win
2nd round (I'm sure there a name for it but can't remember)
Tigers vs Rays: Tigers win
Blue Jays vs Angels: Blue Jays win
American League Champions
Detroit Tigers
National League
West-- Dodgers
Central-- Reds
East-- Nationals
Wild Card Game
Cardinals vs Braves: Cardinals win
2nd Round
Dodgers vs Reds: Dodgers win
Nationals vs Cardinals
National League Champions
Washington Nationals
WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS
Detroit Tigers in 7 games
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Baseball Predictions: National League West
Hmmm, why would I want to do this division last. I know there is a reason. What could it be? Any guesses?
When I really think about it it's a bit funny that I have never been west of the Wisconsin Dells and yet I am a huge Dodger fan. All I can say is thank you to the Cubs and Rick Monday.
1.) Los Angeles Dodgers-- I have looked at the Dodger/Giants rosters and I honestly believe the Dodgers are the better team. When comparing starting pitchers I don't think there is any question that the Dodgers have the better rotation. In my opinion Clayton Kersaw is the best starter in the game today. And if Zach Greinke and Chad Billingsly can recover from injuries the Dodgers will have one of the top five rotations in the game.
I know that Adrian Gonzalez, 1st, Josh Beckett, P, and Nick Punto, IF, did not perform towards the end of the season as well as the Dodgers had hoped after the trade from Boston. I hope they can return to their former forms and provide the help the Dodgers need. I also hope that someone gets into SS Hanley Ramirez' head so he can perform up to the potential that was always projected for him.
I would personally like to see the Dodgers trade pitchers Ted Lilly, Chris Capuano and Aaron Harang (or some combo of the three) to get a needed bat; preferably at 3rd base. I am also hoping that a full recovery from injury and getting out of the intense media scrutiny of Boston will help RF Carl Crawford return to the player he was in Tampa. I really enjoyed watching him play for Tampa and I know he could be a big contributor to the Dodgers lineup.
2.) San Francisco Giants-- Yes, I know they won the World Series last year. Yes, I know they have won the division for at least the last 2-3 years. But I just don't get how this team is doing it. The rotation is one of the best in the league, I'll concede that. But other than Pablo Sandoval, 3RD and Buster Posey, C, I don't see where the offense will be coming from.
3.) Arizona Diamondback-- Decent pitching staff. Young offensive team who I have a favorable impression of. And I think Kirk Gibson will continue to be a good manager and of course I would never bet against him. He has come through in the clutch before.
4.)Colorado Rockies-- Is it wrong that I put them over the Padres just because I know more of the players on their roster?
5.)San Diego Padres-- I sure hope they are in rebuilding mode.
When I really think about it it's a bit funny that I have never been west of the Wisconsin Dells and yet I am a huge Dodger fan. All I can say is thank you to the Cubs and Rick Monday.
1.) Los Angeles Dodgers-- I have looked at the Dodger/Giants rosters and I honestly believe the Dodgers are the better team. When comparing starting pitchers I don't think there is any question that the Dodgers have the better rotation. In my opinion Clayton Kersaw is the best starter in the game today. And if Zach Greinke and Chad Billingsly can recover from injuries the Dodgers will have one of the top five rotations in the game.
I know that Adrian Gonzalez, 1st, Josh Beckett, P, and Nick Punto, IF, did not perform towards the end of the season as well as the Dodgers had hoped after the trade from Boston. I hope they can return to their former forms and provide the help the Dodgers need. I also hope that someone gets into SS Hanley Ramirez' head so he can perform up to the potential that was always projected for him.
I would personally like to see the Dodgers trade pitchers Ted Lilly, Chris Capuano and Aaron Harang (or some combo of the three) to get a needed bat; preferably at 3rd base. I am also hoping that a full recovery from injury and getting out of the intense media scrutiny of Boston will help RF Carl Crawford return to the player he was in Tampa. I really enjoyed watching him play for Tampa and I know he could be a big contributor to the Dodgers lineup.
2.) San Francisco Giants-- Yes, I know they won the World Series last year. Yes, I know they have won the division for at least the last 2-3 years. But I just don't get how this team is doing it. The rotation is one of the best in the league, I'll concede that. But other than Pablo Sandoval, 3RD and Buster Posey, C, I don't see where the offense will be coming from.
3.) Arizona Diamondback-- Decent pitching staff. Young offensive team who I have a favorable impression of. And I think Kirk Gibson will continue to be a good manager and of course I would never bet against him. He has come through in the clutch before.
4.)Colorado Rockies-- Is it wrong that I put them over the Padres just because I know more of the players on their roster?
5.)San Diego Padres-- I sure hope they are in rebuilding mode.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Baseball Predictions: American League East
I still believe this is the best division in all of Major League Baseball. But I also do believe the dynamics of the division have changed. Since I am able to watch the Rays on a almost every game basis I am sure this will be a very entertaining summer/fall.
1.)Toronto Blue Jays-- Honestly, I don't want to predict that the Jays will win the division but when I look at the depth chart and compare it to Tampa Bay; I have to give the edge to the Blue Jays.
I watch Jose Reyes, SS, Ricky Bonifacio,2ND and P Mark Buehlre play for the Marlins last year and it was pathetic. I'm still not sure why the Blue Jays wanted to make the trade but we will see what happens. We will also see how good RF Melky Cabrera will be without steroids, hopefully, in his system. Any team with RF Jose Bautista is bound to be good offensively.
For the record, I believe the Jays will be better than the Rays because Toronto has the better offense, at least to start the season.
2.) Tampa Bay Rays-- Even with the subtraction of James Shield and Wade Davis Tampa Bay may still have the best rotation in baseball. (It's either the Rays or Tigers) and I think the starters and bullpen is what will keep this team very competitive this season. The offense will be good this year but 3rd Evan Longoria will need a little more help than he has at the moment. I have heard a lot of good things about OF Will Myers who the Rays got in the trade for Shield and Davis in the Kansas City trade. Myers will start the season in AAA Durham but there is a lot of talk that he will be the first player called up when needed.
By the way, I was happy when the Dodgers got rid of 1st James Loney I never thought he was that good at all and of course to my chagrin he signed with the Rays so I get the joy of watching him more often. Life is funny like that sometimes, isn't it?
3.)Baltimore Orioles-- If this team were in any other division they would probably run away with it. They are a good all around team. I believe Buck Showalter has learned from his past overbearing managing ways and has this team in the right direction. I just don't think they are better than Toronto or Tampa Bay; plain and simple.
4.) Boston Red Sox-- They were a last place team last season and I don't see much improvement. Manager John Farrell is a major upgrade from Bobby Valentine, who I think is one of the most over rated managers ever. RF Jackie Bradley has impressed the Red Sox so much that he is starting the season in the major leagues rather than the minors where he was projected to start the season. But there in not much else to project that this team will be too much better.
5.) New York Yankees-- I would have thought that I would be happy to predict the Yankees to end up in last place but it is kind of sad to see the state that this franchise is in. The Yanks start this season with too many injuries and they are a team that was already too old to begin with. After C.C. Sabathia the pitching is not good at all. And from everything I have read and heard the Yankees minor league system is awful.
Wherever our souls go after we pass from this earth, I hope that Mr Steinbrenner does not know what his sons have done to his franchise. Please continue to rest in peace sir.
1.)Toronto Blue Jays-- Honestly, I don't want to predict that the Jays will win the division but when I look at the depth chart and compare it to Tampa Bay; I have to give the edge to the Blue Jays.
I watch Jose Reyes, SS, Ricky Bonifacio,2ND and P Mark Buehlre play for the Marlins last year and it was pathetic. I'm still not sure why the Blue Jays wanted to make the trade but we will see what happens. We will also see how good RF Melky Cabrera will be without steroids, hopefully, in his system. Any team with RF Jose Bautista is bound to be good offensively.
For the record, I believe the Jays will be better than the Rays because Toronto has the better offense, at least to start the season.
2.) Tampa Bay Rays-- Even with the subtraction of James Shield and Wade Davis Tampa Bay may still have the best rotation in baseball. (It's either the Rays or Tigers) and I think the starters and bullpen is what will keep this team very competitive this season. The offense will be good this year but 3rd Evan Longoria will need a little more help than he has at the moment. I have heard a lot of good things about OF Will Myers who the Rays got in the trade for Shield and Davis in the Kansas City trade. Myers will start the season in AAA Durham but there is a lot of talk that he will be the first player called up when needed.
By the way, I was happy when the Dodgers got rid of 1st James Loney I never thought he was that good at all and of course to my chagrin he signed with the Rays so I get the joy of watching him more often. Life is funny like that sometimes, isn't it?
3.)Baltimore Orioles-- If this team were in any other division they would probably run away with it. They are a good all around team. I believe Buck Showalter has learned from his past overbearing managing ways and has this team in the right direction. I just don't think they are better than Toronto or Tampa Bay; plain and simple.
4.) Boston Red Sox-- They were a last place team last season and I don't see much improvement. Manager John Farrell is a major upgrade from Bobby Valentine, who I think is one of the most over rated managers ever. RF Jackie Bradley has impressed the Red Sox so much that he is starting the season in the major leagues rather than the minors where he was projected to start the season. But there in not much else to project that this team will be too much better.
5.) New York Yankees-- I would have thought that I would be happy to predict the Yankees to end up in last place but it is kind of sad to see the state that this franchise is in. The Yanks start this season with too many injuries and they are a team that was already too old to begin with. After C.C. Sabathia the pitching is not good at all. And from everything I have read and heard the Yankees minor league system is awful.
Wherever our souls go after we pass from this earth, I hope that Mr Steinbrenner does not know what his sons have done to his franchise. Please continue to rest in peace sir.
Baseball Predictions: National League East
In my opinion, this is the most interesting and best division in the NL. And I wish that TBS still broadcast the Braves so that I could follow this division more closely. Oops, I just remembered that if this year is like the last few years Foxsportsflorida/Sunsports broadcasts most of the Rays and Marlins games so if I want to watch most of the games of what I believe is a bad baseball team I can follow the NL East closely, But would that be worth it?
1.) Washington Nationals-- I don't know how to write about this team without saying that on paper I believe this is the best team in MLB this year. Man, that hurts for me to admit that. ;)
Stephen Strasburg is one of the best pitchers in baseball (I do believe the only one who is better right now is in LA but more about that in a couple blogs from this one.) The rest of the rotation is solid. The bullpen should be one of the best in the game and I have really like Rafael Soriano as a closer since I have known of him.
Bryce Harper, LF, will be a MVP at least once in his career and I like that Ryan Zimmerman, 3RD, and RF Jason Zimmerman and in that lineup as well. Adding Warren Spahn, CF, will help what I already thought was a good defense. I really can't think of a weakness on this team right now. I just wish this organization was still in Montreal because the fans up there deserved better than they got.
2.) Atlanta Uptons er,I mean, Braves-- If that only amused me I am OK with that.This is the first time that I can remember that two brothers were acquired by the same team in the same offseason before. From what I have seen of B.J (and I have seen a lot of him with the Rays) he is a player with a lot of ability and potential but only plays up to that standard when he feels like it. I believe that Justin is a more consistent player who puts forth more effort on a regular basis than B.J. If that is the case and Justin can be a good influence on his older brother. With Jason Heyward in RF the Braves may have the best outfield in MLB.
The Braves pitching staff is not what it was in the 90's-mid 2000's but it with a solid bullpen should keep Atlanta in the chase for the East division title.
3.) Philadelphia Phillies-- I was a bit surprised that they were as bad as they were last season but I believe that it probably has a lot to do with this team is getting older. Roy Halladay has not been too impressive this spring and I believe that is also due to his getting older. I think this is a team, like the White Sox that needs to start rebuilding.
4.)New York Mets-- At least David Wright, 3RD, is being paid a lot of money to be on a bad team. I am absolutely shocked that LaTroy Hawkins is still pitching in MLB. I am beginning to think that the only way the Mets will be good again is if the Wilpons sell or Bud Selig needs to go all Frank McCourt on them.
5.)Florida Marlins-- I believe if you can't say anything nice about something don't say anything. I actually like the Marlins current hats and uniforms...
1.) Washington Nationals-- I don't know how to write about this team without saying that on paper I believe this is the best team in MLB this year. Man, that hurts for me to admit that. ;)
Stephen Strasburg is one of the best pitchers in baseball (I do believe the only one who is better right now is in LA but more about that in a couple blogs from this one.) The rest of the rotation is solid. The bullpen should be one of the best in the game and I have really like Rafael Soriano as a closer since I have known of him.
Bryce Harper, LF, will be a MVP at least once in his career and I like that Ryan Zimmerman, 3RD, and RF Jason Zimmerman and in that lineup as well. Adding Warren Spahn, CF, will help what I already thought was a good defense. I really can't think of a weakness on this team right now. I just wish this organization was still in Montreal because the fans up there deserved better than they got.
2.) Atlanta Uptons er,I mean, Braves-- If that only amused me I am OK with that.This is the first time that I can remember that two brothers were acquired by the same team in the same offseason before. From what I have seen of B.J (and I have seen a lot of him with the Rays) he is a player with a lot of ability and potential but only plays up to that standard when he feels like it. I believe that Justin is a more consistent player who puts forth more effort on a regular basis than B.J. If that is the case and Justin can be a good influence on his older brother. With Jason Heyward in RF the Braves may have the best outfield in MLB.
The Braves pitching staff is not what it was in the 90's-mid 2000's but it with a solid bullpen should keep Atlanta in the chase for the East division title.
3.) Philadelphia Phillies-- I was a bit surprised that they were as bad as they were last season but I believe that it probably has a lot to do with this team is getting older. Roy Halladay has not been too impressive this spring and I believe that is also due to his getting older. I think this is a team, like the White Sox that needs to start rebuilding.
4.)New York Mets-- At least David Wright, 3RD, is being paid a lot of money to be on a bad team. I am absolutely shocked that LaTroy Hawkins is still pitching in MLB. I am beginning to think that the only way the Mets will be good again is if the Wilpons sell or Bud Selig needs to go all Frank McCourt on them.
5.)Florida Marlins-- I believe if you can't say anything nice about something don't say anything. I actually like the Marlins current hats and uniforms...
Baseball Predictions: American League Central
I wrote yesterday that my first impression of the National League Central was that it may be the worst division in Major League Baseball. After doing research on the AL Central I realize this may actually be the division I was thinking of.
To be totally honest this could be a good division again in a couple of years but as for this season I only see one team that should win the division but there may be a sleeper team in the mix.
1.) Detroit Tigers-- This may be the second most complete team in baseball. (I will let it be known who I think is the most complete team real soon--not who those who know me think I will say).
The Tigers may have the best rotation in all of baseball. I think they were real smart to sign P Justin Verlander to a long term contract. The bullpen should be solid. I still think 1st Prince Fielder is one of the top 10 offensive players in baseball and he is a surprisingly good defensive player. 3rd Miguel Cabera to me is one of the top 5 bats in the game. I like the Tigers defense through the middle of the field. And I believe there is a pretty good mix of veterans and younger guys.
2.) Kansas City Royal-- When I went to research this team I was very shocked at the starting rotation. I have been able to watch a lot of James Shield and Wade Davis' starts while they were with the Rays. They both are really good. I have always been impressed when I have seen Ervin Santana pitch and I think he will be a good #2 man in the rotation.
The only every day players I really know about are RF Jeff Francouer and LF Alex Gordon. But I do have a favorable impression of their offense from last season and with the youth they can hopefully continue to get better.
3.)Chicago White Sox-- There starting rotation is pretty good but not overly impressive. This team is starting to get a little to old for my liking. I have been a huge 1ST Paul Konerko fan for years but I think he is on a downward slide. Adam Dunn, DH, should have retired two years ago. Would someone please tell GM Ken Williams it's time to start rebuilding?
4.)Cleveland Indians-- I remember thinking during the winter that the Indians made some good moves to improve their team. After doing a little research I am wondering why I ever thought that. Getting Nick Swisher must have impressed me for some reason. Why, I don't know. As for the pitching staff, I am glad I don't normally get to watch this team too often during the season.
5.)Minnesota Twins-- I remember when I was angry at the Twins late owner (sorry I can't remember his name and I know I should, Pohland(?) ) volunteering his team for contraction. With how bad this team was last year and how bad they look to be this year; I have a new found respect for him because he must have been what kept this team being so good for all those years. At least their new stadium is way better than the Baggie Dome.
To be totally honest this could be a good division again in a couple of years but as for this season I only see one team that should win the division but there may be a sleeper team in the mix.
1.) Detroit Tigers-- This may be the second most complete team in baseball. (I will let it be known who I think is the most complete team real soon--not who those who know me think I will say).
The Tigers may have the best rotation in all of baseball. I think they were real smart to sign P Justin Verlander to a long term contract. The bullpen should be solid. I still think 1st Prince Fielder is one of the top 10 offensive players in baseball and he is a surprisingly good defensive player. 3rd Miguel Cabera to me is one of the top 5 bats in the game. I like the Tigers defense through the middle of the field. And I believe there is a pretty good mix of veterans and younger guys.
2.) Kansas City Royal-- When I went to research this team I was very shocked at the starting rotation. I have been able to watch a lot of James Shield and Wade Davis' starts while they were with the Rays. They both are really good. I have always been impressed when I have seen Ervin Santana pitch and I think he will be a good #2 man in the rotation.
The only every day players I really know about are RF Jeff Francouer and LF Alex Gordon. But I do have a favorable impression of their offense from last season and with the youth they can hopefully continue to get better.
3.)Chicago White Sox-- There starting rotation is pretty good but not overly impressive. This team is starting to get a little to old for my liking. I have been a huge 1ST Paul Konerko fan for years but I think he is on a downward slide. Adam Dunn, DH, should have retired two years ago. Would someone please tell GM Ken Williams it's time to start rebuilding?
4.)Cleveland Indians-- I remember thinking during the winter that the Indians made some good moves to improve their team. After doing a little research I am wondering why I ever thought that. Getting Nick Swisher must have impressed me for some reason. Why, I don't know. As for the pitching staff, I am glad I don't normally get to watch this team too often during the season.
5.)Minnesota Twins-- I remember when I was angry at the Twins late owner (sorry I can't remember his name and I know I should, Pohland(?) ) volunteering his team for contraction. With how bad this team was last year and how bad they look to be this year; I have a new found respect for him because he must have been what kept this team being so good for all those years. At least their new stadium is way better than the Baggie Dome.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Baseball predictions NL Central
My first thought about the National League Central this year was that it would be a two team division and probably the worst division in baseball.
Then I started to examine the team rosters and realized my original assessment may have been totally wrong. I honestly believe that the only team that won't make this an interesting division are the Cubs. I doubt anyone who may be reading this will be shocked at that conclusion.
Here's how I see the NL Central race.
1.) Cincinnati Reds-- While looking at the rosters of the Reds and Cardinals I came to the conclusion that the Cards have the slightly better starting pitching but the Reds have the slightly better offense. I had heard and read that the Reds debated putting Arolis Chapman into the starting rotation. In my opinion the made the right decision to keep him in the bullpen as the closer and I think it is possible that will be the difference in their quest for the division title.
2.)St. Louis Cardinals--As I already wrote I do believe the Cards have a slightly better rotation. Although at age 32 P Adam Wainwright is starting to reach the age where pitchers start to decline he is still a very worthy #1 guy in the rotation. I do believe the window of opportunity is beginning to close for the Cardinals. Players like SS Rafeal Furcal (currently on the Disabled List), RF Carlos Beltran, LF Matt Holliday and P Chris Carpenter (on the DL) are not getting any younger and who knows what they have left in them.
3.) Milwaukee Brewers-- Until a few days ago I didn't think the Brewers would be a real factor in the division. I liked the Brewers offense. Rickie Weeks, 2nd, is a good lead off hitter. I think 3rd Aramis Ramirez could still be a productive bat and of course and, despite steroid allegations, RF Ryan Braun is one of the best players in the league.
Before the addition of Kyle Lohse I believed Milwaukee had a starting rotation that would keep the team competitive and I was impressed with Closer John Axford. I believe that Lohse's addition could make this team a playoff contender. I'm not really sure that the Brewers will be able to win the second Wild Card spot but they could make things interesting.
4.) Pittsburgh Pirates-- For a good portion of the season last year the Pirates were an interesting, competitive team. I personally think that their youth and relative inexperience caught up with them. I will be interested in seeing what this team will be like two years from now. At the moment, I think they will be entertaining to watch but other than that, I don't know.
5.) Chicago Cubs-- I keep wanting to be optimistic that this team will finally get really good one day; but I have gotten my hopes up before only to see things not go so good. I think there is a good youth movement with players who have a lot of potential. I am not overly impressed with the Cubs starting pitching but I don't think it's the worst in MLB. Like the Pirates I am interested to see what this team will be like in 2-3 years.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Baseball Predictions: American Lleague West
I decided a few days ago that I wanted to begin blogging again and I knew that one of the first things I wanted to do were baseball predictions.
Normally, I would begin by going from first place to last place in each division. But I felt I wanted to start with the easiest prediction for the 2013 season.
Ready? The Houston Astros will be the absolute worst team in Major League baseball this year. I don't think I'm taking to much of a chance on being wrong about that. I will even go so far as to predict that they will have a worse record that the 1962 Mets (40-120, .250 win %).
Now that I went out on a short limb to make that not-so-bold prediction I'll get back to my normal prediction method.
These predictions are made solely based on what baseball knowledge I do have. I have been watching baseball every season since about 1975. I don't know if I am close to being an expert or not but I honestly do believe baseball is what I am most knowledgeable about. It is one of the few things I am passionate about.
1.) Anaheim Angels-- (as a Dodger fan I refuse to call them the other name) I really thought that the Angels would challenge the Rangers for the division title last year. I'm still not really sure what all happened I believe injuries and poor performances were the main culprits. How a team with the Rookie of the Year LF Mike Trout and RF Mark Trumbo weren't right in the thick of the division race I don't know.
By the way, I am not predicting that the Angels will win the division because they signed Hamilton as a free agent. I looked at the depth chart of the Angels and Rangers and I believe Anaheim has the better pitching staff and I believe 1ST Albert Pujols will bounce back and have a great season like he is capable of having, I still think he is still one of the best hitters in the game.
2.) Texas Rangers-- I believe that the losses of Hamilton and 3rd Michael Young will really hurt the Rangers. Catcher A.J. Pierzynski is a decent addition and should help the pitching staff but he will not replace the offense of Hamilton and Young.
3.) Oakland A's-- Yes, I know they won the division last year. Yes, they have a good young nucleus of players and a good young bullpen. But I believe that because of their youth the A's will not sneak up on anyone as I believe they did last season. I believe they will be competitive and a part of the race for the division title but I just don't think they are as good as the Angels or Rangers.
4.) Seattle Mariners-- I know I heard some national "expert" on ESPN say the M's are going to surprise people but other than P "King" Felix Hernandez I just don't see the talent on this roster.
5.) Houston Astros-- A couple more things: I just don't think it is right or fair for the "Stros to be moved to the A.L.. I don't understand why Milwaukee wasn't just moved back to the A.L. where they originally were. You know the careers of Carlos Pena, Rick Ankiel and Eric Bedard have really gotten bad when you see their names on the Astros roster.
Normally, I would begin by going from first place to last place in each division. But I felt I wanted to start with the easiest prediction for the 2013 season.
Ready? The Houston Astros will be the absolute worst team in Major League baseball this year. I don't think I'm taking to much of a chance on being wrong about that. I will even go so far as to predict that they will have a worse record that the 1962 Mets (40-120, .250 win %).
Now that I went out on a short limb to make that not-so-bold prediction I'll get back to my normal prediction method.
These predictions are made solely based on what baseball knowledge I do have. I have been watching baseball every season since about 1975. I don't know if I am close to being an expert or not but I honestly do believe baseball is what I am most knowledgeable about. It is one of the few things I am passionate about.
1.) Anaheim Angels-- (as a Dodger fan I refuse to call them the other name) I really thought that the Angels would challenge the Rangers for the division title last year. I'm still not really sure what all happened I believe injuries and poor performances were the main culprits. How a team with the Rookie of the Year LF Mike Trout and RF Mark Trumbo weren't right in the thick of the division race I don't know.
By the way, I am not predicting that the Angels will win the division because they signed Hamilton as a free agent. I looked at the depth chart of the Angels and Rangers and I believe Anaheim has the better pitching staff and I believe 1ST Albert Pujols will bounce back and have a great season like he is capable of having, I still think he is still one of the best hitters in the game.
2.) Texas Rangers-- I believe that the losses of Hamilton and 3rd Michael Young will really hurt the Rangers. Catcher A.J. Pierzynski is a decent addition and should help the pitching staff but he will not replace the offense of Hamilton and Young.
3.) Oakland A's-- Yes, I know they won the division last year. Yes, they have a good young nucleus of players and a good young bullpen. But I believe that because of their youth the A's will not sneak up on anyone as I believe they did last season. I believe they will be competitive and a part of the race for the division title but I just don't think they are as good as the Angels or Rangers.
4.) Seattle Mariners-- I know I heard some national "expert" on ESPN say the M's are going to surprise people but other than P "King" Felix Hernandez I just don't see the talent on this roster.
5.) Houston Astros-- A couple more things: I just don't think it is right or fair for the "Stros to be moved to the A.L.. I don't understand why Milwaukee wasn't just moved back to the A.L. where they originally were. You know the careers of Carlos Pena, Rick Ankiel and Eric Bedard have really gotten bad when you see their names on the Astros roster.
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