Time for a new little feature for this blog. I'm going to expand my horizon in to the minors a little bit, by looking at what the Mariners top prospects have been doing in the minors. To start:
Ryan Feierabend
Feierabend pitched six scoreless innings for the Rainers on Thursday, in Tacoma's 2-0 win over the Sacramento River Cats. Feierabend struck out seven, while walking three and giving up four hits. He also picked off two.
Prognosis: Feierabend is still on the Mariners radar, but it's too early right now to say much. He was in the running for a relief role this Spring. He got some work with the M's last season, and probably will get a couple chances this summer.
Yung Chi Chen
Chen went 2-4 to start the Minor League season in Feierabend's win. He scored one run and drove in one. One of his two hits was a two bagger.
Prognosis: Almost the same thing as Feierabend. It's still too early to say much, but if the Mariners see poor performances from Jose Lopez, or even Jose Vidro, Chen probably will be getting a call-up.
Phillipe Amount
The Mariners most recent first rounder made his debut on Saturday with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, pitching four scoreless innings, only walking one, and striking out four.
Prognosis: Amount is still a while away from the bigs, but should see some time in AA or maybe AAA this season. He's starting the season at Class A.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Bedard Scratched
Erik Bedard's start will be pushed back from today untill Tuesday against Tampa Bay. King Felix is taking the mound today, and Carlos Silva on Monday.Bedard has, what Manager John McLaren is calling "a little inflammation of the hip". He said that he felt it when he was pushing off, while playing catch before the game. Bedard has had the same type of thing before, and has been fine.
05.04.08 Seattle 4 Baltimore 6
The Mariners came up short again, losing to the O's for the second time in a row.
Boxscore.
Game Notes
Boxscore.
Game Notes
- Miguel Batista pitched his self in to a loss, giving up five runs, four earned on seven hits and four walks in 5 IP. He K'd 4 if that really means anything.
- Sean Green pitched one inning, but walked three and gave up two hits. By now it won't matter that he gave up a run.
- Tim Corocan pitched another scoreless inning.
- Eric O'Flaherty walked two and struck out one in a single inning of work.
- Sidenote: Frank Thomas just absolutely crushed a fastball from Manny Delcarman for a Grand Slam to give the Jays a 6-2 lead over the BoSox. The Jays aren't kidding around this year.
- Jose Lopez went 1-4, hitting a two run homerun.
- Mike Morse went 0-3 in his first start of the season in right field, but had two outfield assists.
- Jose Vidro had the same line as Lopez: 1-4, two run homer.
04.04.08 Mariners 4 Orioles 7
I'm a little but behind, but things happen, and I'm going to get caught up ASAP.
Boxscore.
Game Notes
Boxscore.
Game Notes
- Jarrod Washburn pitched poorly, picking up the loss in five innings of work. He gace up two runs on two hits and two walks. He struck out one and gave up a homerun.
- Cha Seung Baek faired no better, giving up three runs on two hits and one walk. He struck out one, but gave up two long balls.
- Tim Corocan pitched 1.2 innings of scoreless relief and struck out two.
- Ichiro went 0-4. As did Kenji Johjima and Jose Vidro.
- Adrian Beltre belted his first homerun of the season, picking up a pair of RBI.
- Richie Sexson went 2-4, and also hit his first long bomb of the season . He also picked up a pair of RBI. He also walked once, but stuckout once as well.
- Jose Lopez went 2-3 and stole a base.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Ichiro Suzuki Profile
I'm going to start profiling players and who better to start with than Ichiro?
Before Pro Ball
After a Kick Start
Vitals
Born: October 22, 1973
Hometown: Kasugai, Japan
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 170
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Family: Wife, Yumiko
Position: CF
Alternate Position: OF
Before Pro BallIchiro was born on October 22, 1973 in Kasugai Japan. Ichiro now makes his home in Kobe, Japan with his sportscaster wife, Yumiko. The 5’9” lefty ways in at a below average 170 pounds, and his small frame closed some doors for him with the Orix Blue Wave (his Japanese team). This left handed batter was originally a pitcher and hit right handed, until his coach switched him to the other side of the plate to get him closer to first base. Starting at the young age of seven, Ichiro went to his father Nabuyuki, and asked him to help him get better at baseball. The two then began a daily training routine that included doing the following: throwing 50 pitches, hitting 200 pitchers from his father, fielding 50 infield balls and 50 outfield balls, and hitting 250-300 pitches from a pitching machine. It was at the age of twelve, that Ichiro had professional baseball set as his goal. While he was playing Little League, Ichiro had the word shu-chu written on his glove, which is Japanese for concentration. Ichiro said that he didn’t enjoy his training sessions with his father, and they were a struggle, but helped him become the player that he is today. When Ichiro was ready to enter high school, he was selected into Nagoya’s prestigious baseball program, Aikodai Meiden Ko-ko-. During his time there he did drills such as: hitting waffle balls with a heavy shovel and throwing car tires. These exercises improved his wrists and hips and added power and endurance to his slim frame. Ichiro wasn’t drafted until the final round of the professional draft in November 1991 because most teams were put off by his size.After graduating from Aikondai Maiden High School in March of 1992, Ichiro was selected by the Blue Wave and began his career as a professional.
Before Pro Ball In America
Earlier in his professional career, 1994 to be exact, Ichiro changed the name on the back of his jersey from Suzuki, to Ichiro. At first Ichiro said he was embarrassed by the name, but he received lots of publicity and endorsements. Ichiro became one of the most prolific hitters in Japan, dominating seven seasons in the JPL with the Orix Blue Wave. He won seven Gold Glove awards, and three MVP's, while putting up a career average of .353. Ichiro helped lead the Blue Wave to their first Pacific League pennant in 12 years in 1995, winning his second batting title by hitting .342 with 25 home runs, 80 RBIs and 49 stolen bases. The same types of numbers carried over when Ichiro came to the Mariners in 2000. He was posted by the Blue Wave, at it cost the Mariners about 1.4 Billion yen, only $13.125M American to get an oppurtunity to sign him. They wasted no time and had him signed to a three year contract worth $14M, which would make him the first ever Japanese position player to play in the MLB.
A Year to Remember
In Ichiro’s rookie season (2001), he won the Rookie of the Year Award, a Gold Glove (Outfield), made an All-Star Appearance as a starter, set a rookie record for hits (242), won the AL MVP Award, a Silver slugger award (outfield), and led the league with his .350 batting average and 56 stolen bases. Ichiro had created an explosion with the media on both sides of the Pacific. Fans from Japan were taking tours to see games, and ticket and merchandise sales went through the roof at Safeco Field. Ichiro even had his own, “Ichirolls” made in his honor.
After a Kick StartOver the next two seasons after his outstanding rookie year, Ichiro continued to shake the American League with Gold Gloves and All-Star appearances in both. Ichiro’s record breaking 2004 season would enough on a Hall of Fame resume, to make Cooperstown. I had never in my life seen so many records broken in one year. On August 26, Ichiro doubled off of Kansas City reliever Jeremy Affeldt to become he first ever MLB player to hit 200 plus hits in each of his first four seasons. Then on August 28, He became the first ever MLB payer in history to have three 50-hit months in one season. Ichiro finished August with 56 hits, the most since Jeff Heath’s 58 in 1938. He batted .463 and won AL player of the month for the first time in his career. On September 17, Ichiro broke the Major League record for singles with his 199th of the season. The total topped the post-modern record of 190 set by Lloyd Warner of the Pittsburg Pirates in 1927. On September 22, he broke Harry Heilmann’s 1925 record for hits on the road (134) with 135.
On Octerber 1, Ichiro achieved one of the hardest records,to achieve, by breaking George Sisler’s single season hit record of 258. Ichiro finished the season with 262 hits. With his 257th hit, Ichiro set the record for most hits over a four year span with 919. Ichiro’s 225 singles blew the previous all-era record of 206 set by Wee Willie Keeler in 1898. Finally, Ichiro’s 704 at bats fell one short of Willie Wilson’s record of 705.
Where He is Today 
Ichiro's past makes up a tremendous amount of where he is at today. He signed a five year contract extension with the Mariners last summer that will pay him $90M, enough to buy him a few Ichirolls. He is one of the premier players in the game, although his popularity has fallen with the infatuation with power numbers, something that Ichiro doesn't produce too much in. He has been a perenial All-Star all his career. He has also been one of the best defensive outfielders in the game. Last season, Ichiro became the first player ever to hit an inside the park home run at in All-Star Game, earning him the MVP award and a vehicle I think. What Ichiro brings to the game, is far beyond what many have done. His eye at the plate has been compared with Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn's. He calculates every percentage at every at bat, in order to find the place to put the ball in order to get on base. He hits the ball really hard, beyond what the average 170 pounder can do, and combines excellent ability to make contact at the plate, with unbelievable speed on the basebaths, and in the outfield. His range is unheard of. Not to mention his durability, as Ichiro has never been injured throughout his seven year Major League career. Ichiro is cool, calm and collected, and has earned his way in to the Major Leagues' elite group. Ichiro is closing in on 3000 hits in his proffesional career, and could do so this season. If he continues his 200+ hits a season rate, and playes for another 5-7 years, he could very well break Pete Rose's all time hit record. What's in store for the 34 year old Japanese susperstar? Maybe a second playoff appearence, and maybe, just maybe, a ring that has the words 'World Series Champs' on it.
Around the League: April 3, 2008
Today's MLB goings on.
- Carl Crawford would like to stay in Tamba Bay. Who wouldn't? The team is building up towards an exciting climax with all of the young talent that they have in stock. There haven't been any known talks between the two sides as of now.
- You can add the Mets to the list of teams that like Oakland pitcher Rich Harden to their crosstown rivals the Yankees. With Pedro Martinez out for 4-6 weeks with a hamstring injury, a trade is possible. The Mets are also interested in Claudio Vargas, but would like him to pitch in the minors for a little but first.
- Today's MLB action. CWS 2 CLE 1; ARI 2 CIN 3; KC 4 DET 1; WSH 7 PHI 8; LAA 5 MIN 4; COL 0 STL 3; MIL 3 CHC 6; HOU 2 SD 3; PIT 4 ATL 3; TOR 2 NYY 3; TB @ BAL -PPD.
Series Preview: M's @ Orioles; 4/4-7/08
The Mariners next oppenent will be the Baltimore Orioles, when the team goes on it's first road trip to, whatever a nickname for Baltimore is. Erik Bedard will return to his old stomping grounds, and the Mariners will face George Sherrill and Adam Jones for the first time since dealing them.
Projected Starters:
4/4 - Jarrod Washburn vs. Adam Loewen
4/5 - Miguel Batista vs. Jeremy Guthrie
4/6 - Erik Bedard vs. Brian Burress
4/7 - Felix Hernandez vs. Daniel Cabrera
Keys to the Series:
Watch Out for the Fearsome Lineup
Okay, a little sarcasm never hurt anyone. The Orioles have one of the worst lineups in baseball, but do have a solid 2B in Brian Roberts, and a budding star in RF Nick Markakis, both are very good hitters. The rest of the lineup might as well be their AAA team's lineup, becuase there is next to nothing. After Roberts and Markakis, there's Aubrey Huff, Ramon Hernendez, Melvin Mora and maybe Kevin Millar. It probably would be better for the future of the Orioles if they had rookies and young players taking over the spots of the veterans mentioned - don't get me wrong, because those mentioned have had good spots in their career, but all of the bald spots override the few patches of hair. The Mariners can't take the lineup lightly, but shouldn't stress out over it because they aren't facing the Yankees or Tigers.
Put Runs Up Early
Yes I mentioned it last time, and yes it's something that you always want to do, but by scoring the runs in the first couple innings, and setting the tone, it will allow the starters to relax a bit, and make better pitches. And possibly prolong their starts, something that is desperately needed. Baltimore's pitching staff is the equivalent of my chances of going out and breaking a world record for sprinting. Not very good at best. More in the lines of sucks. The Mariners can't relax and take it easy, because Adam Loewan and Daniel Cabrera have some pretty good stuff, alright I threw Cabrera in there for good showing, so Loewan has some good stuff, that when given the oppurtunity, can prove very effective. It's too bad his arm has been wasted thus far in his career.
Plate Discipline
The Mariners have been pushing for their hitters to be patient at the plate this year. The Mariners proved that waiting worked out well, by drawing 14 walks already in their first three games. Something that took them eight games to accomplish last season. If they can do so again, they can put a little bit of heat on the Orioles young pitchers, causing them to try and overdo all of their pitches, leading to mistakes for the Mariners to potentially take advantage of. Also, Daniel Cabrera, who is loaded with potential that has never come out, is coming off of back to back 100 walk seasons.
Take a Breather
Okay. Opening Day is over with, and so are the home fans for right now. The Mariners need to relax and take a bit of stress off of their backs that comes with the beginning of the season. I'm not saying that the Mariners can let loose, yet, but there's not a lot of pressure associated with playing in Baltimore, which isn't a great team as I have mentioned numerous times throughout this post, and not playing a division oppenent. The Mariners can't stress out too much over the loss of JJ Putz. They have pitches capable of filling the void for the time being. Look at what Jeremy Accardo did in Toronto last year when BJ Ryan underwent TJ surgery. Relax, but still go out and give it your best effort Mariners.
Projected Starters:
4/4 - Jarrod Washburn vs. Adam Loewen
4/5 - Miguel Batista vs. Jeremy Guthrie
4/6 - Erik Bedard vs. Brian Burress
4/7 - Felix Hernandez vs. Daniel Cabrera
Keys to the Series:
Watch Out for the Fearsome Lineup
Okay, a little sarcasm never hurt anyone. The Orioles have one of the worst lineups in baseball, but do have a solid 2B in Brian Roberts, and a budding star in RF Nick Markakis, both are very good hitters. The rest of the lineup might as well be their AAA team's lineup, becuase there is next to nothing. After Roberts and Markakis, there's Aubrey Huff, Ramon Hernendez, Melvin Mora and maybe Kevin Millar. It probably would be better for the future of the Orioles if they had rookies and young players taking over the spots of the veterans mentioned - don't get me wrong, because those mentioned have had good spots in their career, but all of the bald spots override the few patches of hair. The Mariners can't take the lineup lightly, but shouldn't stress out over it because they aren't facing the Yankees or Tigers.
Put Runs Up Early
Yes I mentioned it last time, and yes it's something that you always want to do, but by scoring the runs in the first couple innings, and setting the tone, it will allow the starters to relax a bit, and make better pitches. And possibly prolong their starts, something that is desperately needed. Baltimore's pitching staff is the equivalent of my chances of going out and breaking a world record for sprinting. Not very good at best. More in the lines of sucks. The Mariners can't relax and take it easy, because Adam Loewan and Daniel Cabrera have some pretty good stuff, alright I threw Cabrera in there for good showing, so Loewan has some good stuff, that when given the oppurtunity, can prove very effective. It's too bad his arm has been wasted thus far in his career.
Plate Discipline
The Mariners have been pushing for their hitters to be patient at the plate this year. The Mariners proved that waiting worked out well, by drawing 14 walks already in their first three games. Something that took them eight games to accomplish last season. If they can do so again, they can put a little bit of heat on the Orioles young pitchers, causing them to try and overdo all of their pitches, leading to mistakes for the Mariners to potentially take advantage of. Also, Daniel Cabrera, who is loaded with potential that has never come out, is coming off of back to back 100 walk seasons.
Take a Breather
Okay. Opening Day is over with, and so are the home fans for right now. The Mariners need to relax and take a bit of stress off of their backs that comes with the beginning of the season. I'm not saying that the Mariners can let loose, yet, but there's not a lot of pressure associated with playing in Baltimore, which isn't a great team as I have mentioned numerous times throughout this post, and not playing a division oppenent. The Mariners can't stress out too much over the loss of JJ Putz. They have pitches capable of filling the void for the time being. Look at what Jeremy Accardo did in Toronto last year when BJ Ryan underwent TJ surgery. Relax, but still go out and give it your best effort Mariners.
Series Review: Rangers @ M's; 3/31-4/2
I didn't mention this when I previewed the series, but I will also be reviewing each series after it's over.
March 31
April 1
April 2
Putting Up Runs Early
Seattle didn't do this as well as they may have wanted to, but they did get the job done. Putting up three runs in the fifth inning could fit in to the success portion of this category. I guess we can give the Mariners credit for their work here, but as it showed, they still got the hob done.
Holding Off the Top of the Order
The Mariners had a lot of success here, except for the middle game of the series where Josh Hamilton won it. Micheal Young had a good game on March 31, but other then that, the M's pitching staff shut them down.
Preserving the Bullpen
The Mariners needed eight innings from their bullpen, but that was in large part thanks to Erik Bedard only getting through five. Felix got through six, and Silva pitched seven. 5,6,7 IP in games 1,2,3 so maybe the crescendo is showing that the Mariners are shaking off any rust. I'd say that those stats would meery be coincidental, but I have been wrong before. With Putz out, the Mariners will need more from their starters. So far, I'd say that the Mariners have succeeded in this portion, but we can go back to this post in June/July.
Getting off to a Good Start A 2-1 start to the season can't be considered bad. I wouldn't call it great, but it is alright. Three games in isn't a good measuring stick for anything. Winning on Opening Day, and their opening series should point them in the right direction, but they do play two, well, less skilled teams to start the season. What a great oppurtunity to gain some ground right off the bat? Literally.
March 31
April 1
April 2
Putting Up Runs Early
Seattle didn't do this as well as they may have wanted to, but they did get the job done. Putting up three runs in the fifth inning could fit in to the success portion of this category. I guess we can give the Mariners credit for their work here, but as it showed, they still got the hob done.
Holding Off the Top of the Order
The Mariners had a lot of success here, except for the middle game of the series where Josh Hamilton won it. Micheal Young had a good game on March 31, but other then that, the M's pitching staff shut them down.
Preserving the Bullpen
The Mariners needed eight innings from their bullpen, but that was in large part thanks to Erik Bedard only getting through five. Felix got through six, and Silva pitched seven. 5,6,7 IP in games 1,2,3 so maybe the crescendo is showing that the Mariners are shaking off any rust. I'd say that those stats would meery be coincidental, but I have been wrong before. With Putz out, the Mariners will need more from their starters. So far, I'd say that the Mariners have succeeded in this portion, but we can go back to this post in June/July.
Getting off to a Good Start A 2-1 start to the season can't be considered bad. I wouldn't call it great, but it is alright. Three games in isn't a good measuring stick for anything. Winning on Opening Day, and their opening series should point them in the right direction, but they do play two, well, less skilled teams to start the season. What a great oppurtunity to gain some ground right off the bat? Literally.
03.04.08 Rangers 1 Mariners 4
The Mariners were able to pull a victory against the Rangers at Safeco last night. Miguel Batista was used in the ninth to collect the save in JJ Putz' absence. The Joses, Vidro and Lopez each hit a home run, and Carlos Silva pitched seven ininngs, while only giving up one run in his Mariners debut.
Boxscore.
Boxscore.
Game Notes
- Carlos Silva picked up his first win in a Mariners uniform by pitching seven innings and only giving up one run on three walks and three hits. He struck out five.
- Miguel Batista picked up his first save since 2005 with the Toronto Blue Jays by pitching one perfect inning. No word on id Batista could be slotted in to the closer's role.
- Jose Vidro hit a solo home run, and went 1-3.
- Jose Lopez hit a three run home run, and went 1-4.
- Richie Sexson went 0-3, walked once, and didn't strike out.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Around the League: April 2, 2008
Today's daily dose of, whatever you want to call this feature. I know, how about 'Around the League'?
- According to David Murphy Wes Helms has been DFA'd by the Phillies. He is owed $2.9M this year, and some teams may want to wait and try to pick him up as a free agent. The Dodgers may be interested with all of their third and first base issues.
- Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News writes today that the Rockies will be getting Jorge de la Rosa from the Royals. de la Rosa would complete the deal that sent right-handed reliever Ramon Ramirez to the Royals.
- The Blue Jays and Aaron Hill may wait untill after the season to negotiate an extension, because the Jays want to see alittle but more out of Hill offensively first. On that note, there's a rumor that the Jays will announce a new extension for Alex Rios on Friday, their home opener.
- More regular season action from around the Majors. KC 4 DET 0; MIL 8 CHC 2; BOS 5 OAK 0; CWS 2 CLE 7; TB 2 BAL 9; TOR 5 NYY 2; WSH 1 PHI 0; ARI 5 CIN 6; NYM 13 FLA 5; PIT 2 ATL 10; LAA 1 MIN 0; COL 3 STL 8; HOU 9 SD 6; SF 1 LAD 1 (5th-delay).
JJ Meet DL, DL this is JJ
Terrible news from Seattle, as the Mariners have placed closer JJ Putz on the DL for 15 days, with what is being called 'rib inflamation'.Not the news that you want to here, but better know then in September. A precautionary MRI revealed that Putz has costochondritis, which is inflammation where cartilage attacthes to a rib.
Putz said that he felt discomfert when pitching to Rangers shortstop Micheal Young in the ninth inning of yesterday's loss to Texas.
Now time for the replacement. Mark Lowe may be a choice, Bleeding Blue and Teal thinks so. Ray Corocan was called up, but hasn't had much, if any MLB closing experience. He might get a shot, but nothing has been said now. I can't think of too many other options, maybe RRS or Eric O'Flaherty could give it a try. The Mariners may be missing George Sherrill a little bit right now.
UPDATE: There's some speculation going around the blogosphere that Putz's injury is going to have him out of action for up to a month or more. Lookout Landing and MLB Rumors speculated that, or more MLB Rumors than LL, but it is a rare problem, and I'd rather have Putz out for a little while then neccisary if it means that Putz is at 110% when he's back.
Geoff Baker, or rather Larry Stone comes in to tell us that the injury is a ''best case scenario" for the injury, but no timetable has been set yet.
Stone also mentions that the Mariners will be going with a closer by comitee, instead of only one of Mark Lowe, RRS, or whoever. Mac also has thought about using Miguel Batista in the closer role. He was a closer with the Toronto Blue Jays back in, 2005 I think, so he is still a decent option.
04/01/08 Rangers 4 Mariners 5
The Mariners lost more then a heartbreaker in the ninth, after learning that JJ Putz will be out for a while. The Mariners are now 1-1 for the season.
Boxscore.
Boxscore.
- King Felix made his debut pitching 7 scoreless innings, while striking out 3, and issueing 3 BB. He gave up 5 hits en route to a no-decision.
- Eric O'Flaherty didn't fare so nicely, giving up two runs on three hits in 0.2 IP.JJ Putz blew his first save of the season and took the loss after giving up a two-run homer to Josh Hamilton in the ninth inning.
- Yuniesky Betancourt scored on a wild pitch in the eighth to give the Mariners a 4-3 lead that they would lose.
- Ichiro went 3-5 with an RBI and a SB. He also walked once. His season average is now up to .375, if that makes a difference two games in.
- Raul Ibanez and Jose Lopez were both o-fers.
- Yuni went 4-5 with an RBI, and that lead taking run.
- Richie Sexson went 1-5 and struck out three times. He left 5 men on base.
- Kenji Johjima went 2-5 with an RBI.
- Carlos Silva is set to take the hill for the Mariners today in the rubber match of the series.
Decision Time for Chris Reitsma
Chris Reitsma was told that he would not be breaking camp with the Mariners about a week or more ago. He is on a minor league deal, without a free agency clause, but hasn't reported to AAA Tacoma yet, like the Mariners wanted him to. Reitsma is recovering from another year of injury problems, and hasn't decided if he still wants to play. As far as I know, after he was cut, he drove north to his hometown of Calgary (Canada).If he doesn't report soon, the Mariners can put him on the restricted list, another list for players that I didn't know about, where the Mariners retain rights to him, but are off the hook for his salary. If I were Reitsma, it would take me a little while for me to decide as well. It's not like he woke up one morning and said that he was done, as far as I know. It's a tough tme when battling injuries, I have my own personal experiences with them and they suck. In Reitsma's case, his whole career has been a battle. It's really too bad for the Canadian hurler.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Around the League: April 1, 2008
I'm going to tell you know, no April Fools jokes here.
- The Rays optioned Carl Crawford's $8.25M option for '09 today. Dan Wheeler signed an extension for three years, replacing his '08 deal, worth $10.5M. The Rays also bought out Rocco Baldeli's contract for '08 for $4M, instead of his $6M option. Sad story Baldelli is.
- The Phillies signed RP Rudy Seanz to a minor league contract.
- More real action: TOR 2 NYY 3; NYM 4 FLA 5; LAA 9 MIN 1; COL 2 STL 1; BOS 2 OAK 1; HOU 1 SD 2; SF 2 LAD 2 (8th).
2008 MLB Projections
It seems that almost everybody is doing theirs, so I thought that I'd male mine. One day, or actually like five days in to the season shouldn't really be a problem.
American League
AL East-Boston Red Sox
It would be really hard to pick against the division champs, especially when they may be better this year now that Ortiz is healthy and Manny Ramirez is ready to go. If this team had acquired Johan Santana or even Erik Bedard for that matter, they would be almost unbeatable. Solid rotation, great backend of the bullpen, amazing lineup, all the tools for a champion. There's a reason that the BoSox have won two of the past four World Series', and their team has hardly changed since 2004.
AL Central-Cleveland Indians
I really want to pick the Detroit Tigers, but their pretty much non-existent bullpen was too hard to turn the other cheecl to their rotation and lineup. The Indians have two Cy Young caliber starters in CC Sabathia and Fausto Carmona, and as we've learned, a player (CC) in a contract year shows up more. Their lineup is solid with Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner in the middle. The bullpen is good with Joe Borowski leading the league in saves (45) last season.
AL West-Seattle Mariners
I wasn't going to clearly pick the Mariners for the ALW a month ago, but injuries to the Angels' pitching staff help ease my decision a little. A little bias helps too. The Mariners rotation is one of the best in the league, and so is their bullpen, as long as it doesn't get burnt out again. The lineup has some question marks, but nevertheless has all of the potential needed to be a great one. If the Mariners can get off to a fast start and bury the Angels in their injuries, then maybe they could have the division locked up by May-June, like in 2001, the Mariners last postseason appearence, and division title.
AL Wild Card-Los Angeles Angels/New York Yankees
This is a tough pick for me because of all of the factors that need to be considered. If the Angels can get healthy quick enough, then maybe they will have a shot at the playoffs. It's hard to imagine a post season without the Yankees. Why would they not want to give fans one more thing to celebrate at Yankee Stadium before they leave? They have the lineup, and maybe a bit of a starting rotation depending on what the kids can do. But other than Mariano Rivera and maybe Joba Chamberlain, their bullpen isn't much. I want to pick the Tigers, but unless something significant happens in the bullpen, then... I've just put myself in to a bit of a jam here. I said that the Yankees don't have that much of a bullpen, but still have them picked. Hmmm, to get my way out of this one. The Tigers and Yankees lineups are going to put up runs, that's for sure. And they both have bullpen concerns. Maybe it's just Rivera that makes me favour the Yankees. I don't know. Joel Zumuya is out for who knows how mmuch longer, and Todd Jones doesn't have much left. I want to include the Toronto Blue Jays in the mix here, and if they are healthy, then they will be really good. It's just that they have to play like 40 games against Boston and the Yankees, and how knows how good they'll be. Sleeper pick is Toronto. They won't fall out of the mix unless the injuries start piling up again.
Sleeper-Toronto Blue Jays
How much longer are the Jays going to slip under the radar? They have an almost healthy team, and compared to last season is a blessing, and what they do have is pretty good. Roy Halladay and AJ Burnett is or a little while ago was considered one of the best 1-2 in the rotation in the MLB. How the mighty have fallen. Burnett has spent more time on the DL these past few years then in the shower, and Halladay has had to endure some freek injures (apendicities) that knocked him out for weeks at a time. Dustin McGowen and Shaun Marcum are two of the best up and coming players in the league. Because of injuries last season, both got a chance to shine. McGowen even carried a no hitter in to the ninth inning of a game. This year may see them both break out. Their bullpen is one with the stuff, but health is the main issue. BJ Ryan was a top closer, but hasn't pitched since 2006, after missing all of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and is on the DL again. Newly acquired 3B Scott Rolen is on the DL for a month with a broken, or ripped apart finger. Alex Rios is slowly becoming one of the elite, and Vernon Wells is now healthy and ready to prove that he isn't overrated after a very poor season at Wells standerds. I really like this team, and hope that they don't go away (unless both teams are fighting for that Wild Card spot).
National League
NL East-NY Mets
It's hard not to pick a team that just landed one of the best pitchers in the world, adding to an already playoff capable team. The infield is to die for, and Pedro is back, and healthy for a change. John Maine is turning in to an elite starter. Billy Wagner is was an overrated closer, but now I think that he's underrated. Same with Carlos Beltran. Brian Schneider is an alright catcher, but I would have expected better. Again, hard to argue against a team with a payroll of over $150M.
NL Central-Chicago Cubs
My lack of NL knowledge is starting to come in to effect, but I'm learning as I go. The Cubs are ready to end their drought, and some more then others (Ryan Dempster) think that they can end the curse of the goat or whatever. They have a very capable team that looked solid in Spring Training. The Brewers aren't going to go away in discussion of the NLC because their offence is so good. But there's too many other holes on the roster to have them in serious, serious consideration (no more Francisco Cordero, surpless of starting pitching now getting hurt, not great bullpen).
NL West-Arizona Diamondbacks
The NL West is a crapshoot between the D-Backs, Dodgers, Padres and Rockies. The D-Backs look to be a cut above after adding Dan Haren to the rotation. Brandon Webb and Dan Haren make a very solid 1-2 rotation. If Randy Johnson can get healthy... No Jose Valverde will hurt. Their young, explosive offence is not one to mess with. Let's see what Justin Upton can do in his first season. I want to see what this guy has. This division may need to be decided by 163 games, and a run that shouldn't have counted because Matt Holliday didn't touch the plate, but I was happy for the Rockies, and to see Jeff Francis pitching in the World Series, because of how many teams are in on it.
NL Wild Card-Whoever doesn't win the NLW
I'm going to make a broader prediction, and say that one of the three other teams who didn't win the NL West will win the Wild Card. The Dodgers already have the pieces there, but health is a problem. Andruw Jones will fill the power gap, and Joe Torre should be a boost. The Rockies have one of the best teams in the MLB, and could go back to the World Series again. Matt Holliday is too good, and Tulo and the rest of the young guns have already proved what they're worth. Jeff Francis leads an up and coming rotation, but like a few teams, the Rox have a couple bullpen questions. I want to pick the Padres for the division because Jake Peavy, Chris Young and Gregg Maddux make up an amazing rotation, and Trevor Hoffman is one of the best closers, maybe ever. The Pads may score enough runs to get by, but I really don't like their outfield. Edmonds is hurt, and Brian Giles and Jerry Hairston aren't much.
Sleeper-Atlanta Braves
I'm going to say that the Braves will sneak under the radar and maybe steal a playoff spot. I really like Brian McCann and Mark Teixeria is in a contract year, and is an amazing offensive talent. Rafael Soriano (thanks to Bill Bavasi) is turning in to a dependable closer in Atlanta. Jeff Francoer started fast, but cooled off a bit, but may be able to break out again this year. John Smoltz and Tom Glavine may be able to rekindle some magic. Tim Hudson. What to say. He went from the penthouse as a memeber of the Oakland A's rotation a few years back, to basically the outhouse with all of his injury problems. In fact everyone for Oakland's infamous 'Big 3' of Barry Zito, Hudson, and Mark Mulder have all had problems after leaving Oakland. If a few of the young guns can step it up, then the Braves will be a serious contender.
Awards
AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera Runner Up: Alex Rodriguez
How can I pick against A-Rod? I don't know. I'm not sure if A-Rod will hit another 50 homeruns now that he has his new contract. If Cabrera gets his team in, or close to the playoffs, and A-Rod doesn't, it's Cabrera's.
AL Cy Young: CC Sabathia Runners Up: Roy Halladay, Erik Bedard
CC has a new contract on the line, and has the same team around him. Another amazing season looks to be in line for Sabathia. Roy Hallday is an interesting case. He won the Cy Young in 2003 I think, and has been close pretty much every year since. The reason he hasn't won it again, is that he keeps getting hurt. But it's the good kind of hurt. A line drive off of his shin and appendicities are better then any arm trouble, that Doc has never had. We'll see what his team can do for him. Bedard, I have explained before I think, but he's in a pitcher friendly park, has a solid defence behind him, and more offence then in Baltimore. He should be here for a whole season, and has pressure put on being in Seattle, and pressure taken off, knowing that King Felix is the number two behind him.
AL ROY: Clay Buchholz Runners Up: Evan Longoria, Jacoby Ellsbury
It was almost a toss up between the two Boston teamates, because of how good they are. There's a reason why the BoSox didn't want to give them up, even for Johan Santana. Buchholz will be in the bigs for a whole season, and has the offence behind him to get him a ton of wins. Ellsbury proved in last year's playoffs what he can do, and should do so again. Longoria starting in the minors is why I didn't have him winning. He'll be good though, that's for sure.
AL Comeback: Lyle Overbay
He's coming off thumb surgery that disabled him from getting anything going last season, but hit .312 with 22 HR and 92 RBI the year before. He got his new contract last year, so that monkey is off of his back. Health can be a very helpful thing to some players, and now that Overbay is there, he should prove that 2006 wasn't a fluke.
NL MVP: Matt Holliday Runner Up: David Wright
Holliday was ranked the number one fantasy outfielder this year, and should produce stats similar to last season's stellar performance. He'll get noticed even more this season now that the Rockies have proved that they don't suck anymore. If David Wright doesn't win, he'll be a close number two. He should have won last year, but politics or something got Jimmy Rollins the MVP.
NL Cy Young: Jake Peavy Runner Up: Johan Santana
Hard to pick against Santana considering that he is in a winning city, had a better team around him and is in the NL. But Jake Peavy has been there (in the NL) for a little but longer then Santana has, and knows exactly what the advantage is. Peavy should lead the league in strikeouts and shutouts. He's pitching in the ever so friendly Petco Park (beautiful stadium by the way).
NL ROY: Kosuke Fukudome Runner Up: Geovany Soto
Hard to argue with the Japanese import. He he shows up and pans out to around half of what we've heard he is, then forget about the other rookies in the NL. Soto is going to have a good year, but I feel safer taking Fukudome.
NL Comeback: Randy Johnson Runers Up: Nick Johnson, Nomar Garciaparra, Jason Schmidt, Pedro Martinez
Yes the Big Unit is 44, but he's got some solid help in the rotation, not to mention everything else, and if he's healthy, could surprise many. Garciaparra and Schmidt aren't ready yet because of injuries, but could turn their luck around. A Nationals 1B (Dimitri Young) won last year, could Johnson take it this year? Why not through Pedro in to the mix? He's healthy, and has Santana in the rotation. The rest of the Mets will help too. A lot of others could be considered.
This is a disgustingly long post, and I didn't plan on it being like this, but that's how it goes. Who are your picks? Leave your selections in the comments.
American League
AL East-Boston Red Sox
It would be really hard to pick against the division champs, especially when they may be better this year now that Ortiz is healthy and Manny Ramirez is ready to go. If this team had acquired Johan Santana or even Erik Bedard for that matter, they would be almost unbeatable. Solid rotation, great backend of the bullpen, amazing lineup, all the tools for a champion. There's a reason that the BoSox have won two of the past four World Series', and their team has hardly changed since 2004.
AL Central-Cleveland Indians
I really want to pick the Detroit Tigers, but their pretty much non-existent bullpen was too hard to turn the other cheecl to their rotation and lineup. The Indians have two Cy Young caliber starters in CC Sabathia and Fausto Carmona, and as we've learned, a player (CC) in a contract year shows up more. Their lineup is solid with Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner in the middle. The bullpen is good with Joe Borowski leading the league in saves (45) last season.
AL West-Seattle Mariners
I wasn't going to clearly pick the Mariners for the ALW a month ago, but injuries to the Angels' pitching staff help ease my decision a little. A little bias helps too. The Mariners rotation is one of the best in the league, and so is their bullpen, as long as it doesn't get burnt out again. The lineup has some question marks, but nevertheless has all of the potential needed to be a great one. If the Mariners can get off to a fast start and bury the Angels in their injuries, then maybe they could have the division locked up by May-June, like in 2001, the Mariners last postseason appearence, and division title.
AL Wild Card-Los Angeles Angels/New York Yankees
This is a tough pick for me because of all of the factors that need to be considered. If the Angels can get healthy quick enough, then maybe they will have a shot at the playoffs. It's hard to imagine a post season without the Yankees. Why would they not want to give fans one more thing to celebrate at Yankee Stadium before they leave? They have the lineup, and maybe a bit of a starting rotation depending on what the kids can do. But other than Mariano Rivera and maybe Joba Chamberlain, their bullpen isn't much. I want to pick the Tigers, but unless something significant happens in the bullpen, then... I've just put myself in to a bit of a jam here. I said that the Yankees don't have that much of a bullpen, but still have them picked. Hmmm, to get my way out of this one. The Tigers and Yankees lineups are going to put up runs, that's for sure. And they both have bullpen concerns. Maybe it's just Rivera that makes me favour the Yankees. I don't know. Joel Zumuya is out for who knows how mmuch longer, and Todd Jones doesn't have much left. I want to include the Toronto Blue Jays in the mix here, and if they are healthy, then they will be really good. It's just that they have to play like 40 games against Boston and the Yankees, and how knows how good they'll be. Sleeper pick is Toronto. They won't fall out of the mix unless the injuries start piling up again.
Sleeper-Toronto Blue Jays
How much longer are the Jays going to slip under the radar? They have an almost healthy team, and compared to last season is a blessing, and what they do have is pretty good. Roy Halladay and AJ Burnett is or a little while ago was considered one of the best 1-2 in the rotation in the MLB. How the mighty have fallen. Burnett has spent more time on the DL these past few years then in the shower, and Halladay has had to endure some freek injures (apendicities) that knocked him out for weeks at a time. Dustin McGowen and Shaun Marcum are two of the best up and coming players in the league. Because of injuries last season, both got a chance to shine. McGowen even carried a no hitter in to the ninth inning of a game. This year may see them both break out. Their bullpen is one with the stuff, but health is the main issue. BJ Ryan was a top closer, but hasn't pitched since 2006, after missing all of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and is on the DL again. Newly acquired 3B Scott Rolen is on the DL for a month with a broken, or ripped apart finger. Alex Rios is slowly becoming one of the elite, and Vernon Wells is now healthy and ready to prove that he isn't overrated after a very poor season at Wells standerds. I really like this team, and hope that they don't go away (unless both teams are fighting for that Wild Card spot).
National League
NL East-NY Mets
It's hard not to pick a team that just landed one of the best pitchers in the world, adding to an already playoff capable team. The infield is to die for, and Pedro is back, and healthy for a change. John Maine is turning in to an elite starter. Billy Wagner is was an overrated closer, but now I think that he's underrated. Same with Carlos Beltran. Brian Schneider is an alright catcher, but I would have expected better. Again, hard to argue against a team with a payroll of over $150M.
NL Central-Chicago Cubs
My lack of NL knowledge is starting to come in to effect, but I'm learning as I go. The Cubs are ready to end their drought, and some more then others (Ryan Dempster) think that they can end the curse of the goat or whatever. They have a very capable team that looked solid in Spring Training. The Brewers aren't going to go away in discussion of the NLC because their offence is so good. But there's too many other holes on the roster to have them in serious, serious consideration (no more Francisco Cordero, surpless of starting pitching now getting hurt, not great bullpen).
NL West-Arizona Diamondbacks
The NL West is a crapshoot between the D-Backs, Dodgers, Padres and Rockies. The D-Backs look to be a cut above after adding Dan Haren to the rotation. Brandon Webb and Dan Haren make a very solid 1-2 rotation. If Randy Johnson can get healthy... No Jose Valverde will hurt. Their young, explosive offence is not one to mess with. Let's see what Justin Upton can do in his first season. I want to see what this guy has. This division may need to be decided by 163 games, and a run that shouldn't have counted because Matt Holliday didn't touch the plate, but I was happy for the Rockies, and to see Jeff Francis pitching in the World Series, because of how many teams are in on it.
NL Wild Card-Whoever doesn't win the NLW
I'm going to make a broader prediction, and say that one of the three other teams who didn't win the NL West will win the Wild Card. The Dodgers already have the pieces there, but health is a problem. Andruw Jones will fill the power gap, and Joe Torre should be a boost. The Rockies have one of the best teams in the MLB, and could go back to the World Series again. Matt Holliday is too good, and Tulo and the rest of the young guns have already proved what they're worth. Jeff Francis leads an up and coming rotation, but like a few teams, the Rox have a couple bullpen questions. I want to pick the Padres for the division because Jake Peavy, Chris Young and Gregg Maddux make up an amazing rotation, and Trevor Hoffman is one of the best closers, maybe ever. The Pads may score enough runs to get by, but I really don't like their outfield. Edmonds is hurt, and Brian Giles and Jerry Hairston aren't much.
Sleeper-Atlanta Braves
I'm going to say that the Braves will sneak under the radar and maybe steal a playoff spot. I really like Brian McCann and Mark Teixeria is in a contract year, and is an amazing offensive talent. Rafael Soriano (thanks to Bill Bavasi) is turning in to a dependable closer in Atlanta. Jeff Francoer started fast, but cooled off a bit, but may be able to break out again this year. John Smoltz and Tom Glavine may be able to rekindle some magic. Tim Hudson. What to say. He went from the penthouse as a memeber of the Oakland A's rotation a few years back, to basically the outhouse with all of his injury problems. In fact everyone for Oakland's infamous 'Big 3' of Barry Zito, Hudson, and Mark Mulder have all had problems after leaving Oakland. If a few of the young guns can step it up, then the Braves will be a serious contender.
Awards
AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera Runner Up: Alex Rodriguez
How can I pick against A-Rod? I don't know. I'm not sure if A-Rod will hit another 50 homeruns now that he has his new contract. If Cabrera gets his team in, or close to the playoffs, and A-Rod doesn't, it's Cabrera's.
AL Cy Young: CC Sabathia Runners Up: Roy Halladay, Erik Bedard
CC has a new contract on the line, and has the same team around him. Another amazing season looks to be in line for Sabathia. Roy Hallday is an interesting case. He won the Cy Young in 2003 I think, and has been close pretty much every year since. The reason he hasn't won it again, is that he keeps getting hurt. But it's the good kind of hurt. A line drive off of his shin and appendicities are better then any arm trouble, that Doc has never had. We'll see what his team can do for him. Bedard, I have explained before I think, but he's in a pitcher friendly park, has a solid defence behind him, and more offence then in Baltimore. He should be here for a whole season, and has pressure put on being in Seattle, and pressure taken off, knowing that King Felix is the number two behind him.
AL ROY: Clay Buchholz Runners Up: Evan Longoria, Jacoby Ellsbury
It was almost a toss up between the two Boston teamates, because of how good they are. There's a reason why the BoSox didn't want to give them up, even for Johan Santana. Buchholz will be in the bigs for a whole season, and has the offence behind him to get him a ton of wins. Ellsbury proved in last year's playoffs what he can do, and should do so again. Longoria starting in the minors is why I didn't have him winning. He'll be good though, that's for sure.
AL Comeback: Lyle Overbay
He's coming off thumb surgery that disabled him from getting anything going last season, but hit .312 with 22 HR and 92 RBI the year before. He got his new contract last year, so that monkey is off of his back. Health can be a very helpful thing to some players, and now that Overbay is there, he should prove that 2006 wasn't a fluke.
NL MVP: Matt Holliday Runner Up: David Wright
Holliday was ranked the number one fantasy outfielder this year, and should produce stats similar to last season's stellar performance. He'll get noticed even more this season now that the Rockies have proved that they don't suck anymore. If David Wright doesn't win, he'll be a close number two. He should have won last year, but politics or something got Jimmy Rollins the MVP.
NL Cy Young: Jake Peavy Runner Up: Johan Santana
Hard to pick against Santana considering that he is in a winning city, had a better team around him and is in the NL. But Jake Peavy has been there (in the NL) for a little but longer then Santana has, and knows exactly what the advantage is. Peavy should lead the league in strikeouts and shutouts. He's pitching in the ever so friendly Petco Park (beautiful stadium by the way).
NL ROY: Kosuke Fukudome Runner Up: Geovany Soto
Hard to argue with the Japanese import. He he shows up and pans out to around half of what we've heard he is, then forget about the other rookies in the NL. Soto is going to have a good year, but I feel safer taking Fukudome.
NL Comeback: Randy Johnson Runers Up: Nick Johnson, Nomar Garciaparra, Jason Schmidt, Pedro Martinez
Yes the Big Unit is 44, but he's got some solid help in the rotation, not to mention everything else, and if he's healthy, could surprise many. Garciaparra and Schmidt aren't ready yet because of injuries, but could turn their luck around. A Nationals 1B (Dimitri Young) won last year, could Johnson take it this year? Why not through Pedro in to the mix? He's healthy, and has Santana in the rotation. The rest of the Mets will help too. A lot of others could be considered.
This is a disgustingly long post, and I didn't plan on it being like this, but that's how it goes. Who are your picks? Leave your selections in the comments.
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