* – indicates new to team
ERA – Earned Run Average
HR – Home Runs
RBI – Runs Batted In
SV – Saves

1. New York Yankees
Their 27th World Series title has put them back on the map.
2. Tampa Bay Rays
A great lineup, but pitching will be the key for them.
3. Boston Red Sox
Great pitching, but where will the hitting come from?
4. Baltimore Orioles
One more year of growing pains and they will be in contention.
5. Toronto Blue Jays
Let the rebuilding begin.

Player to Watch: P John Lackey Boston Red Sox
He has the contract now (5 yrs. 85 million). Now he has to continue to perform to the level he has been since his first year in ’02 when he helped the Angels win their first World Series title. He doesn’t have to be the number one starter since Boston already has Josh Beckett and Jon Lester, but he mustn’t fall apart like Daisuke Matsuzaka. Lackey is a gamer. If he had his way he would be pitching in every game. He is now being thrown into the biggest barn burner there is in baseball. Yankees vs. Red Sox. His success is known well in the northeast. Lackey’s combined record against both teams as an Angel are as follows; 8-14 W-L record, ERA over 4.50 and the Yankees and Red Sox hit over .300 against him. Now it could be the ballparks of Fenway and Yankee Stadium. Or it could be the lineups that they put out since ’02. Either way Lackey hasn’t had success in this region. Boston overlooked that in signing him to a big contract. If they sign Beckett to an extension this season, Boston will have committed over 250 million dollars to Lackey, Beckett and Matsuzaka. And you thought the Yankees spent a lot of money. Lackey is a big game pitcher and he is one of two rookies to win a Game 7 of a World Series. Boston went after the best pitcher on the free agent market and Lackey now has to live up to the incredible hype that comes with playing in Beantown.
Manager on the Hot Seat: Cito Gaston Toronto Blue Jays
They are now in a full on rebuilding mode north of the border. Toronto announced it with the firing of GM J.P. Ricciardi who tried to implement the Billy Beane style of running a team (J.P. was the assistant GM to Beane in Oakland). It didn’t work, plus J.P. failed to trade Roy Halladay in a timely manner before last years trade deadline. New GM Alex Anthopolous was hired and immediately did what J.P. could not, trade Halladay and received a decent list of talent that will play either this year or next. Gaston is stuck in a strange position that no manager wants to ever be in. He is the lame duck right now. Unless by some miracle the Blue Jays win the World Series or even make the postseason this year, he will not be managing this team next year. Gaston was a great manager for his time. Key word “his.” Baseball has changed quite a bit since his days managing the Blue Jays in the early 90s. Veterans on the club when Gaston took over didn’t take too kindly to Gaston’s style. They claimed there was a communication gap between manager and player. That accusation went untouched by Ricciardi, but Anthopolous probably won’t. This is his operation now and he will be looking to make a change. Unfortunately someone will have to go before the Blue Jays can get back to respectability. Gaston will be the first.
Trade Bait: LF Carl Crawford Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay is in an interesting predicament. Crawford is in the final year of his contract. He will most likely get at least an 80 million dollar contract from another team in need of a guy who can hit, hit for power, field and steal bases. A legitimate five tool player in the majors. If Tampa makes a run at the World Series again will they decide to re-sign him? If Tampa is out of the race before the trade deadline will they deal him? Either way they are stuck. That is how the Rays have gone about doing things for a while. Small budget and build through the draft. They don’t want to commit a lot of money to a few players, but Crawford is such a big part of their recent success. Every other major league team would gladly make room for Crawford. The Rays I think will make room for him, but they will be smart about it. Not go over what is a fair price for both sides. It will ultimately be up to Crawford whether he wants to stay or go, but Tampa Bay will be stuck if they win or lose this year.

Yankees Lineup

SS Derek Jeter
.334 AVG 18 HR 66 RBI
DH Nick Johnson*
.291 AVG 8 HR 62 RBI
1B Mark Teixeira
.292 AVG 39 HR 122 RBI
3B Alex Rodriguez
.286 AVG 30 HR 100 RBI
C Jorge Posada
.285 AVG 22 HR 81 RBI
2B Robinson Cano
.320 AVG 25 HR 85 RBI
CF Curtis Granderson*
.249 AVG 30 HR 71 RBI
RF Nick Swisher
.249 AVG 29 HR 82 RBI
LF Brett Gardner
.270 AVG 3 HR 23 RBI

The Bronx Bombers came back with a vengeance last season and it resulted in the franchises’ 27th title. Looking to repeat in 2010 the Yankees will be featuring more youth in their lineup. Gone are Matsui and Damon. They’ve replaced them with Johnson and Granderson. Some are worried about the inexperience factor, but GM Brian Cashman believes it will be a non-factor. Mainly because of the captain Derek Jeter. He is in a contract year which begs the question, will Jeter have a career year? If you think he hasn’t yet, you’ve been missing out. Jeter returned to form last year with his batting average and was a fantastic table setter for the big bats behind him. Not the best basestealer anymore, but will still get 20-25 at this point. Johnson was once a top prospect in the Yankees system, but was dealt to Montreal before the ’04 season for Javier Vasquez. Johnson has struggled to stay healthy for an entire season, but is a capable hitter (career .273) and getting on base (career .402). He will relegated to DH most of the time so that should help keep him healthy and productive in the lineup. Teixeira was a breathe of fresh air when A-Rod was injured for the first month and a half last year. He received some MVP consideration, but almost every Yankee did. What he did to help the defense though was overlooked. The Yankees haven’t had sure hands at first since the Tino Martinez days of the late 90s. Rodriguez had about as bad a start as you could have to a season. It was revealed he had tested positive for steroids during his days with the Texas Rangers. He was placed on the DL after having hip surgery keeping him out until mid May. As with every season in New York expectations were high, but A-Rod actually lived up to them. The Yankees were struggling a bit to score runs, but when he returned they took off. His postseason was exactly what everyone had wanted out of him (.365 AVG 6 HR 18 RBI). The Yankees will need a repeat from A-Rod during the regular season and postseason. Posada has been a constant offensive option for the Yankees, but now he is higher in the batting order. How will he respond and will he continue to be a liability on defense? Manager Joe Girardi will be scrambling if Posada goes down for any extended period due to injury. Cano is primed for a big year. At least that is what the Yankees have been saying ever since his debut. He has performed well, but he does run into hit less streaks and can be erratic on defense. Cano must be ready to take that big step to stardom. Granderson is the toast of tinsel town, until he goes 2 for 16 against the Red Sox. Playing in Yankee Stadium Granderson is guaranteed to hit 30+ HRs. The problem will be how much ground can he cover playing center? He started to miss a step playing at Comerica Park. The Yankees have enough depth to put Granderson at the bottom part of the order. He won’t have as much pressure to succeed there. Swisher has the best arm and that is why he is the right fielder by default. He could also play first base too, but he is here because he can hit. He didn’t show at all during the postseason, but Yankees fans can forgive as long as you show up to play and give it your all. Something that Swisher is good at and he provides a laid back attitude for the sometimes uptight clubhouse. Gardner is a scrappy hitter with excellent speed. Being the everyday player though is something new for him and the Yankees could look for a replacement when the trade deadline comes around.

Bench

OF Randy Winn*
.262 AVG 2 HR 51 RBI
OF Marcus Thames*
.252 AVG 13 HR 36 RBI
INF Ramiro Pena
.287 AVG 1 HR 10 RBI

Winn provides speed off the bench for Girardi. He can also play all three outfield positions and play for Gardner in left. It was unlike the Yankees to go with an inexpensive option as their fourth outfielder, but they are the defending champs and will be given the benefit of the doubt. Thames has tremendous power potential for Yankee Stadium, but he can never stay consistent. He can be a righthanded DH to Johnson and can fill in at the corner outfield spots. He’s had experience in Detroit playing first base also, but is around to hit not defend. Pena has the potential to be a good hitter for the Yankees. He won’t get much playing time behind Jeter and Cano. Pena is not quite the defensive stalwart to Jeter, but can hold his own. The Yankees are not likely to let Jeter leave and that means Pena will be a backup unless he is dealt elsewhere.

Rotation

C.C. Sabathia
19-8 3.37 ERA
A.J. Burnett
13-9 4.04 ERA
Andy Pettitte
14-8 4.16 ERA
Javier Vazquez*
15-10 2.87 ERA
Phil Hughes
8-3 3.03 ERA

Setup

Joba Chamberlain
9-6 4.75 ERA

Closer

Mariano Rivera
44 SV 1.76 ERA

Almost 300 million dollars was spent on Sabathia, Burnett and Pettitte last year. It paid off for the Yankees as they rod all three through the postseason as Girardi gambled with a three man rotation. They spent wisely and went after young pitchers in their prime in Sabathia and Burnett and not on pitchers going past their prime as in years past. Sabathia was the workhorse they expected pitching 230 innings. New York will be wanting that again from their ace who welcomed the pressure of getting the Yankees another championship and his first. Burnett is the clown of the clubhouse. He was the one shoving cream in players faces when they won the game with a walk-off hit. He was also healthy for an entire year which has been hard to come by for Burnett. His ERA was high, but that comes with playing in the American League. The Yankees are breathing easy knowing Burnett is showing signs of the potential he’s always had. Pettitte is coming back for probably his last season. He was the MVP for their postseason run winning four games. If Pettitte faltered, the Yankees would not have won the World Series and might not have even clinched the AL Pennant. New York will watch his innings carefully as not to wear him down for another postseason run. Vazquez will get another chance to redeem his last stint in pinstripes. His only year in New York was in ’04 when he posted a 14-10 record with an ERA of 4.91. Too high for a strikeout pitcher, but that was the trouble. He couldn’t get strikeouts. Only 150 went down to the strikeout against Vazquez, his lowest total since ’99 (113). This time the Yankees are not counting on Vazquez to be the ace like in ’04, but a complement to their big three. He succeeded in that role in Atlanta with 238 strikeouts. The biggest competition in Spring Training is for the fifth spot in the rotation. Hughes is battling Joba Chamberlain who was the fourth starter last year. Hughes has the inside track, but both have showed success setting up Mariano Rivera. Chamberlain was up and down far too much last year which is why Girardi went with a three man rotation, but Hughes could solidify that spot plus with Vazquez the Yankees have the best rotation in the division.
Rivera just doesn’t seem to slow down. Will he retire after this year or will he give it another go in the Big Apple? The Yankees like with Jeter will make sure if he does want to play, that he finishes his career in pinstripes. He saved 40+ saves for the seventh time in his career and is second only to Trevor Hoffman for the career saves lead. Since being the full time closer, his ERA has risen above 3.00 only once (’07 3.15). It’s remarkable to think he has been able to have this success with only one pitch. The movement on that cut fastball is truly one of a kind. Girardi has caught him as a Yankee and now manages him for the Yankees. That is how amazing Rivera’s longevity is. It doesn’t really matter who will setup Rivera as long as they can keep the lead for the ninth inning celebration.

Rays Lineup

SS Jason Bartlett
.320 AVG 14 HR 66 RBI
LF Carl Crawford
.305 AVG 15 HR 68 RBI
3B Evan Longoria
.281 AVG 33 HR 113 RBI
1B Carlos Pena
.227 AVG 39 HR 100 RBI
RF Ben Zobrist
.297 AVG 27 HR 91 RBI
CF B.J. Upton
.241 AVG 11 HR 55 RBI
DH Pat Burrell
.221 AVG 14 HR 64 RBI
C Dioner Navarro
.218 AVG 8 HR 32 RBI
2B Sergio Rodriguez
.299 AVG 29 HR 93 RBI (AAA stats)

Essentially this is the same lineup from the last two seasons. Tampa Bay shocked the baseball world winning the division title in ’08 beating out Boston and New York. Then went on to appear in their first World Series that year. Last year they were the favorites in a lot of circles to win the AL East or the Wild Card in ’09, but those expectations were never fulfilled. Manager Joe Maddon who hasn’t been given enough credit still for the work he’s done since taking the job in ’06 has a lot of talent to work with in this lineup. Bartlett has been the most consistent hitter since his arrival in ’08 from Minnesota. He has done exactly what they expected of him on the defensive side at shortstop. His offensive production has been a pleasant surprise. Last year was a career year for him and the Rays are looking for a repeat from Bartlett. Crawford is one of two five tool players they have. The other being Upton. Crawford has tremendous hitting and basestealing ability. Questions about his contract will be constant if Tampa Bay is out of contention early, but Crawford is a true professional and won’t let it become a distraction while playing in Tampa Bay. Longoria broke onto the scene in May of ’08 and was a big reason why they made it to the World Series. Last year he continued that success, but now is the time that he will be discussed for the MVP award. His average will have to go up for that to happen, but he is a one of a kind hitter and the Rays are fortunate to have him. Pena was an amazing find. He was with the Red Sox during the ’06 season. Tampa Bay signed him for the ’07 season and he produced with career highs in AVG (.282) HR (46) and RBI (121). You think Boston might want to take that back? Pena has continued to produce great power numbers, but his average has dipped since ’07 (.247 in ’08 & .227 in ’09). It’s a troublesome sign, but the Rays can’t bench their cleanup hitter for an extended period. He must be more selective to keep a Rays rally from ending. Zobrist was the toast of baseball in ’09. He never really had a set position, but wherever he played his bat was a constant force. He will be starting out in right field mostly, but can play second when Gabe Kapler gets a start in right. Zobrist will look to prove the ’09 season was no fluke and continue to raise his stock in Tampa Bay. Upton is still a tremendous talent. He is running out of time though in showing it. His younger brother in Arizona is already jumped out in front of his and B.J. needs to do the same this year. Putting him at the top of the order seems to put too much pressure on him to hit for power, but being lower in the order will hopefully get him to play to his strengths which is hitting to the gaps. He doesn’t always have to hit the home run. He just needs to get on base. Like Crawford, Upton can steal 50+ bases and he must get on to help Burrell and Navarro improve on their subpar ’09 seasons. Burrell was hurt and couldn’t adjust to the American League for much of last season. If it continues he will be platooned with Matt Joyce in the DH role. Joyce is a power lefthander who doesn’t possess great patience yet, but he does have youth which Burrell does not. Navarro let his struggles at the plate affect his play behind the plate as well. It hurt the pitching staff which is why the Rays signed Kelly Shoppach to prevent that from happening again. Navarro’s job is in jeopardy which the Rays hope will motivate him to get him on the right track like he was in ’08. Rodriguez was the main piece acquired from the Angels for Scott Kazmir last August. He’s another super utility player like Zobrist who has potential to be a great hitter, but hasn’t done much with his opportunities at the major league level. Maddon has a lot to work with, but they must keep it together or changes will be made.

Bench

INF Willy Aybar
.253 AVG 12 HR 41 RBI
C Kelly Shoppach*
.214 AVG 12 HR 40 RBI
OF Gabe Kapler
.239 AVG 8 HR 32 RBI

Aybar was a clutch hitter in his debut with the Rays in ’08. 2009 was not the same, but he can still hit. Not considered an everyday player, he is better served in spurts. Pinch hitting situations or to give someone a day off. Only can play the corner infield spots now, but could play second in an emergency. Shoppach could be the full time starter if Navarro struggles again. The better defender, Shoppach does have some pop, but can’t be counted on to produce day in and day out. Kapler is back as the fourth outfielder. Great instincts on defense getting good reads on fly balls. Not the best power option, but can make contact and is a viable pinch runner for Joe Maddon’s bench.

Rotation

James Shields
11-12 4.14 ERA
Matt Garza
8-12 3.95 ERA
Jeff Niemann
13-6 3.94 ERA
David Price
10-7 4.42 ERA
Wade Davis
2-2 3.72 ERA

Setup

Dan Wheeler
4-5 3.28 ERA

Closer

Rafael Soriano*
27 SV 2.97 ERA

This was the strength of the franchise during their run in ’08. It became apparent though last year that the bullpen couldn’t go with another year of a closer committee. That problem was hopefully solve with the acquisition of Soriano, but the question remains, can the Rays keep the Red Sox and Yankees bats quiet this year? Shields and Garza the unquestioned top two starters since ’08 have to be able to keep the ball in the park for 2010. The combined to give up 54 HRs in ’09, up 11 from the previous year. Shields more so because of the pitches he throws. He is a groundball pitcher mostly. He can pile up strikeouts (167), but he has to keep the ball down and trust his defense to get him out of jams more than his stuff. Garza is the flamethrower who isn’t afraid of any team’s lineup. That can get him into trouble, but Maddon lets him do his thing until it gets out of hand. Garza has built a great resume being the ’08 ALCS MVP getting the Rays into the World Series, but he hast to go back to winning 11 games and not losing 12. Niemann had a great rookie year. He is now bumped up to the third slot this year with Kazmir no longer around. Not a power pitcher, but he gets his defense involved and keeps the ball in the yard which helps his psyche. With Niemann having success the Rays are hoping highly touted lefty David Price can do the same. Price burst onto the scene late in ’08 and immediately showed baseball why he was the number one pick in ’07. Last year he was brought along slowly, but wasn’t spectacular. The Rays hope the third year is the charm. They can’t have any hiccups. Davis is a big righthander who will be looking to have the kind of success Niemann did his rookie year. Davis is a strikeout pitcher will good stuff. As long as he keeps to his strengths and keeps hitters off balance he will be fine.
Soriano is the closer by default. The Rays do have options should he falter, but they hope that’s not the case. Last year was his first season saving 30+ games. That and Soriano is a power pitcher (102 K) who doesn’t try to be a finesse pitcher to get the final three outs. Wheeler is a perfect setup up guy. Works quickly and doesn’t mess around on the mound. He will be the primary setup man against righthanded lineups while lefthander J.P. Howell will handle the job against lefthanded lineups. Howell became the primary closer last year, but is better served setting up an established one. Joe Maddon would love the bullpen to return to form from ’08, but he doesn’t want the rotation to take two steps back from last year at the same time.

Red Sox Lineup

LF Jacoby Ellsbury
.301 AVG 8 HR 60 RBI
2B Dustin Pedroia
.296 AVG 15 HR 72 RBI
1B Kevin Youkillis
.305 AVG 27 HR 94 RBI
C Victor Martinez
.303 AVG 23 HR 108 RBI
DH David Ortiz
.238 AVG 28 HR 99 RBI
RF J.D. Drew
.279 AVG 24 HR 68 RBI
3B Adrian Beltre*
.265 AVG 8 HR 44 RBI
CF Mike Cameron*
.250 AVG 24 HR 70 RBI
SS Marco Scutaro*
.282 AVG 12 HR 60 RBI

Boston set out to improve the lineup for this season. It’s amazing to think that the Red Sox would need to improve on a lineup that has Pedroia, Martinez, Ortiz and Drew, but they do. When you look at it now, you have to ask, did they really help themselves? Their cleanup hitter left to play for the Mets (Jason Bay). To replace him they signed 3 players who are either coming off a career year (Scutaro), mostly know for defense (Cameron) or have had only one productive year (Beltre). It will start at the top with Ellsbury though. Leading all of baseball with 70 steals last year he will be the table setter for the Red Sox. Boston was wise to not deal him for one or two year rentals when their fan base was pressuring them to do so. Ellsbury will be a fixture at the top of the order for a long time. Pedroia being the ’08 AL MVP had a down compared to his MVP one, but he is a perfect example of what a contact hitter is. A scrappy hitter who rarely strikes out and can be counted on to lay down a bunt as well as hit one off the monster in left. Youkilis is an on base machine. Not the greatest stance in the world, but it gets the job done for Boston. Manager Terry Francona would love to have a few more Youkilis’ on his team. He is a great defender at either first or third. He would’ve played third had Beltre not been signed. Martinez is a perfect fit for Boston and it came at the right time. He is a great hitter and is coming along with his defense, but he will be expected to produce like he did in the 56 games for Boston last year (.336 AVG 8 HR 41 RBI). Ortiz had a down year by his standards for the Red Sox. Then came the revelation that he had tested positive for PEDs in the same test A-Rod had taken and failed in ’03. Like A-Rod, Ortiz has gotten out of that relatively unscathed and finished the year strong. Another slow start this season will have the media and the fans even more upset than last year because there isn’t a viable replacement for what Ortiz is capable of doing. Drew has had some decent years in Boston, but he’s getting older and his legs are starting give way. Eventually he will have to be the DH full time or play left with the monster behind him. Beltre is here more for his defense than the chance he could reproduce what he did for the Dodgers in a contract year back in ’04 where he was second in the NL MVP voting next to Barry Bonds of the Giants. If he comes anywhere close to the .334 AVG 48 HR 121 RBI season of ’04, the Red Sox will be in perfect shape. Cameron just like Beltre was signed more for his defense. He does have a power bat, but he strikes out way too much. It is a strange fit to have him in Boston with so many patient hitters around him, but maybe it will rub off. Scutaro had a great year playing in obscurity in Toronto. A backup most of his career he showed he could play as an everyday player and produce. The Red Sox haven’t had a shortstop that could both hit and play defense since the Nomar Garciaparra days. Scutaro isn’t that good, but he is better than Alex Gonzalez who signed with Toronto. Francona has a few new options to play with, but they will miss Jason Bay.

Bench

INF/OF Bill Hall*
.201 AVG 8 HR 36 RBI
INF Mike Lowell
.290 AVG 17 HR 75 RBI
C Jason Varitek
.209 AVG 14 HR 51 RBI

Hall was acquired for first baseman Casey Kotchman from Seattle. He was an everyday player in Milwaukee before being dealt to Seattle last year. No longer considered an everyday player because of his strikeout to walk ratio (120 K to 27 BB). His average dipped considerably too, but Boston likes his versatility. He can play anywhere and isn’t a bad option to pinch hit in certain situations. Lowell’s hip is still bothering him. He was going to be the starting first baseman if Beltre wasn’t signed, but this helps Boston keep him healthy and ready for the postseason should they clinch a spot. Varitek is still the captain, but no longer the everyday catcher. He does a great job handling a pitching staff, but doesn’t have the arm to throw out runners and his bat speed dropped of quite a bit. Francona is lucky to have Lowell and Varitek to turn to when things could get rough with the newcomers.

Rotation

Josh Beckett
17-6 3.86 ERA
Jon Lester
15-8 3.41 ERA
John Lackey*
11-8 3.83 ERA
Daisuke Matsuzaka
4-6 5.76 ERA
Clay Buchholz
7-4 4.21 ERA

Setup

Hideki Okajima
6-0 3.39 ERA

Closer

Jonathan Papelbon
38 SV 1.85 ERA

They didn’t have to upgrade the pitching staff, but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sign another ace for the starting staff. Lackey is just what the Red Sox needed. A guy who isn’t afraid to take the ball against the Yankees or Rays. Also a guy who will stop a losing streak should it come up during one of his starts. He will have a lot of pressure to succeed right away in Boston, but he thrives under pressure. It’s his m-o. Beckett is still the number one, but if he doesn’t get an extension before the season is over, Lackey or Lester will be ready to take it for Boston. Beckett had a down year for his standards, but he is highly motivated and will be primed for a big year in order to get that big payday to end his career. Lester led the team in strikeouts (225) and was their best starter by a long shot. Very meticulous on the mound he takes his time and thus throws off the hitters timing. If Lester gets more run support he could win over 17 games for the Red Sox. Matsuzaka has been a disappointment so far considering the money they’ve paid to acquire him. Boston also is upset with him keeping secret his injury due to playing in the World Baseball Classic. He is a good pitcher, but has too many 4-6 walk outings for the Red Sox. They need Matsuzaka to have better command or he will be a 100 million dollar bust very soon. Buchholz is the same way. If he walks too many hitters, he gets into trouble fast. Boston does have veteran Tim Wakefield around in case either Buchholz or Matsuzaka struggle or an injury occurs. When Wakefield’s knuckleball is on it’s unhittable. That’s all he has at his disposal.
Papelbon will be looking to resurrect what happened to finish last year. Blowing a save in the postseason is something he isn’t accustomed to. He is still a premiere closer and will be the best in the American League once Mariano Rivera retires. Boston did make the right decision with him being a closer and not a starter. No one has the kind of concentration that he does when the game is close. Nearly unhittable in the ninth inning. To setup Papelbon will be Okajima and Manny Delcarmen. Okajima is the crafty lefty who works the strike zone throwing at the corners and trying to get batters to chase. Delcarmen will try to overpower you and occasionally brush the batter back to get in his head. Francona might have some nervous moments trying to get to Papelbon this season. This is the worst pitching staff on paper for Boston since Francona took over in ’04.

Orioles Lineup

2B Brian Roberts
.283 AVG 16 HR 79 RBI
CF Adam Jones
.277 AVG 19 HR 70 RBI
3B Miguel Tejada*
.313 AVG 14 HR 86 RBI
RF Nick Markakis
.293 AVG 18 HR 101 RBI
LF Nolan Reimold
.279 AVG 15 HR 45 RBI
DH Luke Scott
.258 AVG 25 HR 77 RBI
C Matt Wieters
.288 AVG 9 HR 43 RBI
1B Ty Wigginton
.273 AVG 11 HR 41 RBI
SS Cesar Izturis
.256 AVG 2 HR 30 RBI

It seems that the Orioles have finally figured it out. Build from within and make small moves in free agency and not go after the big name. They just have the unfortunate luck of being in the AL East. Roberts has been the lone bright spot for a long time in Baltimore. He’s beginning to show signs of decline, but he is the leader of this team and it shows when they are winning games. His teammates seem to play better when he is playing great baseball. Jones was an All-Star last year, but began to fade after the break. Easily can have a 30-30 season for the Orioles, Jones is also a fantastic defender. He will have more All-Star appearances before he decides to hang up his glove. Tejada was brought back on a one year deal and he is going to be playing the hot corner. He has been avoiding it for a long time, but in order to find a job he had to face fact that he can no longer play shortstop like he once did. He is still capable of hitting which is why the Orioles signed him in the first place. Markakis is a fantastic player. One of the best young hitters in the game today. It’s a shame not many know about him, but he is one of a kind. Excellent range and arm for right field. His knack for hitting the baseball is rare. Not a big power threat, but his 45 doubles tell you what kind of a hitter he is and will always be. Reimold having a good showing last year has reassured the organization that they have the best young outfield trio in the game today. Reimold is a capable fielder in left and has 30+ HR potential in a full season with the Orioles. His average will come around, but for now he is here to stay. Scott is the full time DH who has always been an underrated player. Baltimore was happy to receive him in the Tejada trade with Houston in ’08. Scott has hit 48 HRs in his two seasons in Baltimore. Wieters could be the next Joe Mauer, but for now he just needs to be Matt Wieters. The Orioles have long been looking for a reliable catcher and they have it in Wieters. His production was encouraging in only 96 games last year. Imagine what it will be in 120-145 this year. He will be the eventual cleanup hitter, but for now he needs to come into his own as a hitter. Wigginton is a good fit for this team. A veteran who can fill in at third, first and left field. Not the ideal power threat you want from a first baseman, but he is the best defender for the position. Izturis is still playing baseball mainly because he still has gold glove defense at shortstop. Strictly a contact hitter, Izturis doesn’t offer much since the Orioles are stuck with their next prospect a year or two away from making an impact in the majors. Manager Dave Trembley is doing a great job with this young group. How much longer will he be given to get them over the hump is still to be determined.

Bench

INF Garrett Atkins*
.226 AVG 9 HR 48 RBI
OF Felix Pie
.266 AVG 9 HR 29 RBI
INF Julio Lugo*
.280 AVG 3 HR 21 RBI

Atkins was a great addition. A backup to Tejada and a platoon option at first with Wigginton. Doesn’t offer much with his glove, but he has a great bat. Perhaps his best days are behind him in Colorado, but the Orioles would like to have one more year from him going forward. Pie is the fourth outfielder and a great pinch running option for Trembley. Decent pop for Pie, but he is better served to hit to the massive gaps at Camden Yards. Lugo was acquired just before the end of Spring Training to provide infield depth behind Izturis and Roberts. Should Izturis struggle more than usual at the plate, Lugo can step in and provide the bat. The Orioles shouldn’t miss a beat with Lugo’s glove at short should that happen.

Rotation

Kevin Millwood*
13-10 3.67 ERA
Jeremy Guthrie
10-17 5.04 ERA
Brad Bergesen
7-5 3.43 ERA
Brian Matusz
5-2 4.63 ERA
David Hernandez
4-10 5.42 ERA

Setup

Jim Johnson
10 SV 4.11 ERA

Closer

Michael Gonzalez*
10 SV 2.42 ERA

The Orioles struggled mightily in the starting pitching last year. They hope to have solved that this year with the acquisition of Millwood from Texas. He pitched very well at their hitter friendly ballpark and the Orioles hope to see the same from Millwood at their hitter friendly ballpark. Not expected to go the distance in every start or strikeout a ton of batters he will be counted on to help with the young starters the Orioles have on the staff this year. Guthrie should have less to deal with this year. He was the ace by default last year and it showed with his 17 losses and ERA over 5.00. Not to mention allowing 224 hits in 200 innings pitched. He is a good pitcher, but can’t be a top two starter on most teams. Bergesen was excellent in his 19 starts last season. The young righthander was a breathe of fresh air and marked the beginning of the call ups of the Orioles young arms throughout the ’09 season. Matusz was next in late August. This is his rookie season and with 8 starts under his belt last year he struckout 38 batters in 44 2/3 innings pitched. How many will he get in say 180 innings? The potential is certainly there for over 180 strikeouts. Hernandez will be given the opportunity to be the fifth starter over Chris Tillman. Both struggled to keep hitters from crushing their pitches, but Hernandez has the better stuff by a slight margin. Tillman will get his chance should there be an injury, but he’s still a young guy (22) and he will get many more chances before he knows it.
Baltimore hopes to have a closer that will not have over 10 blown saves as in years past. Gonzalez saved 10 games for the Braves last year, but wasn’t the full time closer. He does have experience throughout his career, but can he be counted on to get 30+ saves? He hasn’t accomplished that in his career so far, but the Orioles do have faith in him and they do have a backup plan in Johnson who also saved 10 games for the Orioles last year. Johnson also isn’t the prototypical closer either. He is better served setting up Gonzalez so that there will be no hiccups in the eighth and ninth innings. Trembley has the backing of management, but with expectations slowly rising in Baltimore, will they make a move to bring in someone to better handle those expectations?

Blue Jays Lineup

LF Jose Bautista
.235 AVG 13 HR 40 RBI
2B Aaron Hill
.286 AVG 36 HR 108 RBI
RF Adam Lind
.305 AVG 35 HR 114 RBI
CF Vernon Wells
.260 AVG 15 HR 66 RBI
DH Randy Ruiz
.313 AVG 10 HR 17 RBI
3B Edwin Encarnacion
.225 AVG 13 HR 39 RBI
C John Buck*
.247 AVG 8 HR 36 RBI
SS Alex Gonzalez*
.238 AVG 8 HR 41 RBI

Toronto is the new cellar dweller of the AL East. It was bound to happen. They weren’t going to be able to keep Roy Halladay after this year and they can’t bring any high priced free agents here after what they did bringing in A.J. Burnett and B.J. Ryan back in ’06. The new administration is starting from scratch and is looking to build the farm system up and start with fresh talent later this year and next. Bautista isn’t at all suited to be the leadoff hitter, but what choice do they have? He has decent power, but the average is not suitable for the spot in the order. Look for a prospect to man the spot sooner rather than later this year. Hill’s numbers will probably go down as a result of the lack of talent around him, but he will still be considered for another All-Star appearance. Not many second baseman can hit 36 HR and drive in over 100 runs in a season. A one of a kind find for the Blue Jays who if their smart will keep him around for a while. Lind should have been an All-Star as well. Being the DH most of the season hurt his chances, but that shouldn’t be the case this year as he will playing the field more. Wells has slowly declined since he got the 100 million dollar extension. It’s a puzzling situation where no one thought Wells would decline as soon as he got paid. He is still a gold glove center fielder, but even that part of his game was in decline. The Blue Jays need Wells to be a part of the rebuilding process and not have to worry about moving him and his contract during the process. Ruiz put up great numbers in just 33 games in Toronto. In 114 games at AAA Las Vegas his AVG was .320 with 25 HR and 106 RBI. The Blue Jays have found their future cleanup hitter. Encarnacion is the heir apparent for Scott Rolen last year when they dealt for him. It was amazing to see his numbers actually improve in Toronto rather the opposite playing at Great American Ballpark (.240 AVG 8 HR 23 RBI in Toronto). His defense is still suspect for the hot corner though. Buck is not a hitting catcher. The potential was there, but he is best being the defensive option for most teams. Gonzalez is mainly a defensive guy, but does have decent power in his bat. Toronto will miss not having Scutaro at the bottom of their order or even being their leadoff hitter had they kept him. Manager Cito Gaston will have a lot of different lineups while he’s manager this year.

Bench

OF Travis Snider
.241 AVG 9 HR 29 RBI
INF John McDonald
.258 AVG 4 HR 13 RBI
C Jose Molina*
.217 AVG 1 HR 11 RBI

Snider will give Lind a day off or when he is the DH. Snider is a decent hitter, but is streaky. He is agile enough to play center field as well, but will mostly play the corner outfield positions. McDonald is a great defensive player. Not much life to his bat, but he is a professional. He will probably see a lot of time at third base since Gonzalez and Hill are pretty solid defensively. Molina has great experience handling young pitching staffs. He works well with everyone and knows the situation at all times. His bat is below average, but he’s still around because of his glove and arm.

Rotation

Shaun Marcum
9-7 3.39 ERA (2008 stats)
Ricky Romero
13-9 4.30 ERA
Brandon Morrow*
2-4 4.39 ERA
Brian Tallet
7-9 5.32 ERA
Dana Eveland*
2-4 7.16 ERA

Setup

Kevin Gregg*
23 SV 4.72 ERA

Closer

Jason Frasor
11 SV 2.50 ERA

You can see what happens to a team that has traded its staff ace. They now are turning to a starter who missed all of last year due to Tommy John surgery. Marcum had a great ’08 season and won 12 games in ’07 as a starter and reliever. It seems to be too much pressure for a guy who was recovering last year and now is being expected to lead a staff without Halladay. He is capable, but it isn’t probable. Romero was definitely the second starter last year. His 141 strikeouts were encouraging, but giving up 192 hits in 178 innings was not. Romero will have to work on that and try to get his ERA under 3.50 to be the elite starter that Toronto expects. Morrow is a hard throwing righthander that was acquired from Seattle in the offseason. Mostly used as a reliever in Seattle he now gets his chance to be a starter in Toronto. He will have to improve on his control as the Blue Jays don’t have enough offensive punch to keep them in ball games this year. Tallet is not an overpowering lefthander, but knows how to work the strike zone. He started 25 of his 37 games last year and will be given the opportunity to be a starter this season. Eveland was acquired from Oakland just before Spring Training and is the favorite to win the fifth spot. In his one season as a full time starter Eveland posted a 9-9 record with an ERA of 4.34. Should anyone not fulfill their duty as a starter, the Blue Jays have other viable options; Casey Janssen, Brett Cecil, Dustin McGowan and Marc Rzepczynski.
Frasor will be the closer this season for Toronto. He’s had pretty good success saving 32 games in 44 chances with the Blue Jays. Between him and Gregg Toronto is more comfortable with someone they know can win a game for them. Gregg’s ERA was far too high for someone saving 23 games. Lefthander Scott Downs saved 9 games for the Blue Jays last year and is capable of handling the job. Downs and Gregg though will start the year as the setup to Frasor. Manager Cito Gaston hopes this part of the team is set and won’t have to worry about making any changes to it this year.

* – indicates new to team
ERA – Earned Run Average
HR – Home Runs
RBI – Runs Batted In
SV – Saves

1. Minnesota Twins
Clear favorites with Mauer, Morneau and Cuddyer in lineup.
2. Chicago White Sox
Will they respond to Ozzie’s tirade(s) this year?
3. Detroit Tigers
A good lineup that has only one starter they can count on (Justin Verlander).
4. Cleveland Indians
Who’s next on the trade block for the rebuilding Tribe?
5. Kansas City Royals
A fire sale is imminent, but there is hope in P Zach Greinke and 1B Billy Butler.

Player to Watch: C Joe Mauer Minnesota Twins
Johnny Bench is considered to be the best all around catcher of all time. Others would argue that Carlton Fisk was the best. Mike Piazza gets some consideration too. Next in line now for this generation is Joe Mauer. Already a winner of two batting titles, which is rare for a catcher. 2009 AL MVP and a two time gold glove winner. The Twins were wise to give him an extension before the end of this season (8 yrs. 184 million). Now the best all around catcher of this generation will stay in a small market which only helps the parody in baseball. Everyone will be watching him and the Twins now that he has that new contract. Will the Twins regret paying him that much? Will Mauer ever live up to the contract? Those outsiders that are skeptical will get their answers this season. Mauer is coming off his best season so far and he is still in his prime (27 years old). It isn’t even a case of Mauer being the only guy they can count on. 1B Justin Morneau is a former MVP for the Twins and they have a deep lineup around him. Look for Mauer to be in MVP form this year and the next and the next.
Manager on the Hot Seat: Trey Hillman Kansas City Royals
It comes as no surprise to most that the Royals manager will be on the hot seat. Since their World Series victory in 1985 the Royals have had only five winning seasons. That just counts finishing the year with a record above .500 winning percentage. Once again everything started looking good when Hillman took over in ’08. The Royals finished the season on a good note and won 75 games. The following year they got off to a great start, but once the summer months began they plummeted to a 65-97 record. That will not be tolerated again in Kansas City. Now ownership seems to care more about their bottom line, than the team it puts out there. They have a good GM in Dayton Moore. Moore spent many seasons in Atlanta and has seen how a team is supposed to build a winner, from within. He has put emphasis on scouting since his arrival rather than free agency. Hillman was Moore’s hire though and if ownership wants to make a change, they might go after Moore as well. Anything but a last place finish will be a good season for the Hillman and Moore.
Trade Bait: CF Grady Sizemore Cleveland Indians
The injury bug came after Sizmemore last season. He still managed to have an okay year, but his batting average took a dive (.248). The Indians will be batting him second this year, normally he lead off since his arrival in the majors. The last two seasons Indians fans have seen Cleveland’s best players being sent off to help other teams reach the postseason. C.C. Sabathia in ’08 helped the Milwaukee Brewers clinch the NL Wild Card. Then saw him return to the American League helping the Yankees win their 27th title. Last year the Indians dealt former Cy Young winner Cliff Lee to the Phillies and watched him help Philadelphia get to its second consecutive World Series. Indians fans are very disturbed and rightfully so that GM Mark Shapiro is trading away these players to save money rather than baseball reasons. Time will tell how the prospects the Indians received will pan out, but there are rumblings already about Sizemore’s tenure in Cleveland. Will Shapiro deal him if the Indians are out of contention? The history says yes.

Twins Lineup

CF Denard Span
.311 AVG 8 HR 68 RBI
2B Orlando Hudson*
.283 AVG 9 HR 62 RBI
C Joe Mauer
.365 AVG 28 HR 96 RBI
1B Justin Morneau
.274 AVG 30 HR 100 RBI
RF Michael Cuddyer
.276 AVG 32 HR 94 RBI
DH Jason Kubel
.300 AVG 28 HR 103 RBI
LF Delmon Young
.284 AVG 12 HR 60 RBI
SS J.J. Hardy*
.229 AVG 11 HR 47 RBI
3B Brendan Harris
.261 AVG 6 HR 37 RBI

This lineup potentially could have six of its regulars hit at least 20 HR this year. Now their new ballpark (Target Field) is not the hitters paradise that the Metrodome was, but there is no reason to think they can hit on grass. They played road games on the grass and it resulted in 38 wins. Span is coming into his own as a great leadoff hitter. One of the most underrated players in the game today. He can hit, field, steal bases and is slowly becoming a team leader as well. He won’t hit for power, but has an excellent batters IQ that manager Ron Gardenhire covets. They let Orlando Cabrera go after his energy at veteran leadership helped get the Twins into the postseason last year, but they replaced him with a guy who is just as flamboyant in Orlando Hudson. And I mean that in a good way. It loosens everyone up. Cabrera did that at shortstop and Hudson will do that as the second baseman. Getting up there in age, but has a good eye and sound defensively. Excellent addition for this team, who always finds a way to fill holes. What else can be said about Mauer that hasn’t been already. The only thing I guess would be that he missed the first month last year and still was able to put up the numbers he did and win the MVP. That should do it. Morneau went down late last year and at the worst possible time. He was on fire at the plate when he had the stress fracture in his back. Completely recovered and ready to get the Twins competing for a World Series. What’s to stop them from believing it can happen? Cuddyer filled in beautifully for Morneau as the cleanup hitter. Cuddyer will move back one spot and is expected to continue his offensive surge at the new ballpark. Kubel is living up to the promise of being the power hitter the Twins envisioned when they drafted him. He can still play the field at one of the corner outfield spots, but they will try to keep him fresh and away from injury so his bat can stay in the lineup. Young had a quiet season and that’s good considering his temper troubles in the past. A great talent that hasn’t lived up to potential yet, but he is in the perfect environment to let loose of that potential. Hardy was acquired from the Brewers in a trade for CF Carlos Gomez. Hardy will not be put in a spot where he will have to produce like he was in Milwaukee, but the Twins do expect big things out of him. Great range at short, but he was brought in to provide a boost offensively. Harris is a better hitter than Punto, but both will split time at third base. Harris has the ability to play second as well, but will see most of his time at third.

Bench

INF Nick Punto
.228 AVG 1 HR 38 RBI
INF Alexi Casilla
.202 AVG 0 HR 17 RBI
1B/DH Jim Thome*
.249 AVG 23 HR 77 RBI

Punto will see the most playing time off the bench. A good defender, but has always been an up and down hitter. He’s only hit above .280 twice in his career (’06 & ’08). Gardenhire is still a fan of Punto for his versatility and his no nonsense style on the field. Casilla will provide more depth in case of injury and can be a great pinch runner (20 SB combined AAA & majors) for the Twins. However, isn’t considered a full time starter because of his bat which is why the Twins acquired Hardy instead of starting Casilla. Thome will be strictly used as a DH/pinch hitter. No longer can play first, but the future Hall of Famer has a lot of home runs to his resume (564). The Twins aren’t really taking a gamble bringing him in since they are so deep in the lineup, but when they give Kubel a day off, they won’t be missing that much punch in the order.

Rotation

Scott Baker
15-9 4.37 ERA
Nick Blackburn
11-11 4.03 ERA
Carl Pavano
14-12 5.10 ERA
Kevin Slowey
10-3 4.86 ERA
Francisco Liriano
5-13 5.80 ERA

Setup

Matt Guerrier
5-1 2.36 ERA

Closer

Jon Rauch
7-3 3.60 ERA

This is the only weak link to the success of 2010 Minnesota Twins. They are very thankful that they play in the weather conditions now because it would be a launching pad for opposing hitter back at the Metrodome with this staff. Baker is a strikeout pitcher, but gets hammered way too much to be considered a top tier starter. Being the most experienced starter next to Carl Pavano, Baker is the default number one guy for the Twins. Blackburn was fantastic down the stretch (2-2 3.60 ERA in Sept/Oct) for the Twins even though his record doesn’t show it. Him and Slowey are the future 1-2 guys in the rotation and are getting great experience these last two years. Pavano was a brilliant addition in August for the Twins. Kept his ERA under 5.00 in Minnesota and was winning games for them (5-4 in 12 starts). He accepted arbitration from them in the offseason and the Twins gladly obliged in keeping the veteran presence for their staff. Lets see if Pavano can resurrect his career in Minnesota an entire year. Slowey is quick worker and doesn’t walk many batters (15 in 59 innings). Being slowed up by injury down the stretch hurt the Twins, but if Slowey can produce for an entire season like he did in 16 starts, the staff will be just fine. Liriano was dubbed the new Johan Santana when he arrived in ’06 until the dreaded elbow ligament replacement surgery (Tommy John) sidelined him for the entire ’07 season. More arm trouble sidelined him in ’08 and he never seemed to recover his confidence in ’09. The Twins are still taking a precautionary approach with him in the hopes being the fifth starter will lessen the burden on Liriano and his arm.
It was a definite strength having Joe Nathan as your closer. With him lost for all of the 2010 season puts a damper on expectations. Thankfully they do have a deep pen in which to try and replace Nathan in house. Otherwise they could make a deal for someone. Heath Bell is a name that will come up often this year in San Diego. Regardless, the Twins will go with what they have. Rauch will get the first opportunity to close. He has the most experience (26 career saves). A tall hard throwing righthander that doesn’t mess around on the mound and goes after hitters. Pat Neshek is another option, but the side winding righthander missed all of last season and it wouldn’t be fair to put him in as the closer right away. Jesse Crain could close some games, but with only 2 career saves he was better suited as a setup guy. Guerrier is the only other candidate to close after Rauch. Guerrier throws strikes and gets guy to chase bad pitches, but is not a strikeout guy. Closers typically like to go with the strikeout, but manager Ron Gardenhire knows what he’s doing. A great manager that will have tremendous pressure to win for the first time in his tenure at Minnesota.

White Sox Lineup

LF Juan Pierre*
.308 AVG 0 HR 31 RBI
2B Gordon Beckham
.270 AVG 14 HR 63 RBI
RF Carlos Quentin
.236 AVG 21 HR 56 RBI
1B Paul Konerko
.277 AVG 28 HR 88 RBI
CF Alex Rios
.247 AVG 17 HR 71 RBI
C A.J. Perzynski
.300 AVG 13 HR 49 RBI
DH Andruw Jones*
.214 AVG 17 HR 43 RBI
3B Mark Teahen*
.271 AVG 12 HR 50 RBI
SS Alexei Ramirez
.277 AVG 15 HR 68 RBI

Chicago is going with a veteran heavy lineup that is more reliable on the playing the basics than trying to hit it out of the ballpark every game. Pierre was acquired from the Dodgers to provide excellent base stealing and small ball for manager Ozzie Guillen. Not the greatest at taking walks, but Pierre is better than most in the leadoff spot at making contact and keeping the defense on their toes. Beckham had a great year. A solid defender who can play either second, short or third, but will settle in at second. His bat was exactly what the White Sox had expected and more. Look for Beckham to bet competing for batting titles in his career. Quentin and Konerko provide the power that Chicago has always had since Guillen has been manager. After having a breakout year in ’08 (.288 AVG 36 HR 100 RBI), Quentin struggled with injuries and just couldn’t seem to get into a rhythm at the plate. Chicago will need him to get back to his breakout form of ’08 this year to keep up with the Twins. Konerko is the consequent professional who will be finishing his career in Chicago. Not the greatest contact hitter, but with him in the middle of the order, the White Sox don’t have to worry about who is going to be the guy getting the big hit for them in a tight game. Problem is Konerko is 34 now and they have to start thinking of a replacement to play first base for them soon. Rios was acquired on waivers and his contract came with him. It was a gamble, but Rios is too talented to go into another slump like last year. His struggles at the plate didn’t affect his fielding, but he regressed when he arrived in Chicago. They hope he can get acclimated in spring training and put the ’09 season behind him. No one likes Pierzynski outside of the White Sox clubhouse. Chicago is the perfect town for a character like A.J. Plays the game hard and is always keeping his head up when playing defense and even offense. One of the few clutch hitting catchers in the game today. Jones somewhat resurrected his career in Texas last year, but his average was still awful. He will be splitting time with fellow veteran Mark Kotsay in the DH spot. Jones can still play the field, but not in an everyday aspect anymore. Teahen was a top prospect for the Royals, but could not get in a groove in Kansas City. A change of scenery should be helpful for him, but Chicago isn’t going to be holding their breathe. A solid defender, Teahen could also play first and either corner outfield spot for the White Sox. Ramirez plays good defense at short, but his bat is by far the most troublesome part of his game. Great potential, but he tries to swing hard and pull every pitch he sees, but is better suited to swing for the gaps. The power will come, but he is trying to be Alfonso Soriano when he should just be Alexei Ramirez.

Bench

INF/OF Mark Kotsay
.278 AVG 4 HR 23 RBI
INF Omar Vizquel*
.266 AVG 1 HR 14 RBI
INF Jayson Nix
.224 AVG 12 HR 32 RBI

Kotsay will split with Jones at the DH spot and play first base to give Konerko a day off. Injuries have prevented him from playing his original position of center field, but his bat has enough life to catch up to a major league fastball. Vizquel is a favorite of Ozzie Guillen. Great hands and glove still plus he can provide some depth for Guillen playing second and even third for his team. Nix has some pop in his bat, but is too inconsistent to be an everyday player. A super utility player at this point Nix is a average fielder who can fill in anywhere for Guillen’s defense.

Rotation

Jake Peavy
9-6 3.45 ERA
Mark Buehrle
13-10 3.84 ERA
Gavin Floyd
11-11 4.06 ERA
John Danks
13-11 3.77 ERA
Freddy Garcia
3-4 4.34 ERA

Setup

Matt Thornton
6-3 2.74 ERA

Closer

Bobby Jenks
29 SV 3.71 ERA

One thing that you will always see with the White Sox is great pitching. This year will be no different. Peavy in just three starts for Chicago last year went 3-0 with 1.35 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 20 innings pitched. Imagine what that will translate to in a full season for them. There should be no trouble for Peavy pitching in a new league. Buehrle had a terrific bounce back year for the White Sox. A perfect game thrown and an ERA under 4.00 was a good sign for them heading into 2010. The workhorse of the staff will be counted on to pitch another 200+ innings for the 10th consecutive season. Floyd has tremendous stuff as does Danks. They are the future 1-2 punch for the rotation, but Ozzie wants to see more consistency out of them. Both can pile up a lot of strikeouts, but it’s in every other start. Floyd is hurler while Danks is more finesse. Having Peavy and Buehrle around will greatly help their development to eventually supplant them. Garcia is the darkhorse. If he can return to his former All-Star form or even half, it will greatly help the White Sox at the back end of the staff. Ozzie still believes that he has something left in the tank, but only Garcia can answer that for both of them. As long as he’s healthy, Garcia can still get batters out (37 K in 56 innings).
Ozzie has always loved his bullpen since being the manager in Chicago. Last year was the first time Ozzie truly hated his pen. Jenks struggled at certain stretches of the season. Injuries were prevalent from top to bottom. Ozzie had to constantly mix and match who would setup and be middle relief. This year should be more stable. Thornton was the only one Ozzie could count on every time. Striking out 87 batters in 70 appearances will put you on Ozzie’s good side. Thornton will be the primary setup to Jenks, but J.J. Putz who was hurt most of last year with the Mets will be added to the pen as a setup/closer in waiting should Jenks struggle. Jenks is a no nonsense closer who was getting hit almost every time on the mound. His splitter was flat most of the ’09 season and Ozzie was stuck because he had no one else to replace him outright. This year he does in Putz, but the move looks to only motivate Jenks to return to his old self and help the White Sox compete with the Twins and the AL Wild Card.

Tigers Lineup

CF Austin Jackson*
.300 AVG 4 HR 65 RBI (AAA stats)
LF Johnny Damon*
.282 AVG 24 HR 82 RBI
RF Magglio Ordonez
.310 AVG 9 HR 50 RBI
1B Miguel Cabrera
.324 AVG 34 HR 103 RBI
DH Carlos Guillen
.242 AVG 11 HR 41 RBI
3B Brandon Inge
.230 AVG 27 HR 84 RBI
2B Scott Sizemore
.308 AVG 8 HR 33 RBI (AAA stats)
C Gerald Laird
.225 AVG 4 HR 33 RBI
SS Adam Everett
.238 AVG 3 HR 44 RBI

It will be interesting to see how the top of the order takes shape this season in Detroit. Jackson was acquired from the Yankees for Curtis Granderson and Johnny Damon was signed just before spring training. Jackson is everything Granderson is except Granderson had more power and Jackson makes better contact. Jackson will be counted on to be the contact player in the leadoff spot and steal 30+ bases. Damon really wanted to stay in New York, but Detroit was still in contact with him when it was apparent the Yankees didn’t want Damon anymore. Damon rewarded them with his service and what Detroit hopes is a postseason berth. Damon is not the basestealer he used to be, but can still hit for average. Don’t expect the same kind of power numbers from him though. That was all Yankee Stadium there (17 were hit at Yankee Stadium). Comerica Park is a pitchers haven. Ordonez was in some kind of funk last year. There is no doubt he can still hit by looking at his average, but what happened to the home runs and RBIs? If Detroit wants to compete this year they will need a better year from Ordonez. He was an integral part of their success in ’06 getting to the World Series, but they can’t have another ’09 season in Detroit from Magglio. Cabrera has not disappointed on the field with his consistent production, but he was off the field with his alcohol problems. He says he’s clean and got the help he needed and it bodes well for the Tigers this year. If Cabrera is right, there is no telling how much higher his numbers will go for the foreseeable future in Detroit. Guillen no longer has a position, but his bat will keep him in the lineup. Ideally they would like to move Guillen down a spot or two in the lineup, but the Tigers will either need to make a trade or hope Guillen can produce as the protection for Cabrera. Inge got off to a great start, but fizzled when the All-Star break came. The Tigers would love to see Inge bat over .250 and still hit 25+ HR this year. He’s only done that once and that was in the ’06 season (.253 AVG 27 HR). Sizemore was ready to show what he could do judging by his stats in AAA Toledo last year. That is why the Tigers let Placido Polanco go in free agency to the Phillies. Had Damon not been signed Sizemore probably would be batting second for manager Jim Leyland this season. With that aside Sizemore doesn’t have as much pressure to produce had he been higher in the order. Laird and Everett are here more for their defense than their bats. Laird can hit, but is strong suit is handling the pitching staff. Everett makes decent contact, but has never hit higher than .273 in a full season. Great range for the Tigers at shortstop though and is never one to complain about his hitting struggles.

Bench

INF Ramon Santiago
.267 AVG 7 HR 35 RBI
INF/OF Ryan Raburn
.291 AVG 16 HR 45 RBI
C Alex Avila
.279 AVG 5 HR 14 RBI

Leyland has great depth for his infield and outfield. Santiago can be plugged in anywhere except first on the infield. Great range and hands, but his real importance is his bat. Santiago is great in bunting situations and playing small ball. Leyland loves it since his days managing in the National League. Raburn is the same way. The super utility guy that can play anywhere and can hit as well. Leyland loves Raburn’s ability and his attitude. Ready to play knowing that he won’t always be in the lineup. Avila is the catcher in waiting for the Tigers. His bat looks to be ready, but he will need to work on his fundamentals behind the plate as Leyland expects that from all his catchers.

Rotation

Justin Verlander
19-9 3.45 ERA
Rick Porcello
14-9 3.96 ERA
Max Scherzer*
9-11 4.12 ERA
Jeremy Bonderman
0-1 8.71 ERA
Dontrelle Willis
1-4 7.49 ERA

Setup

Joel Zumaya
3-3 4.94 ERA

Closer

Jose Valverde*
25 SV 2.33 ERA

This is probably the hardest throwing pitching staff in baseball. Aside from Willis, everyone else throws in the mid 90s. Verlander is going to be competing for Cy Young awards the rest of his career. Greinke was getting a lot of attention and rightfully so in Kansas City. Verlander was quietly striking out 269 batters and pitching 240 innings. Another year like that and he will get more consideration. Porcello had a good year even though he gave up more hits than innings pithced (176 to 170 2/3). However he should great presence on the mound which is key for young pitchers coming into the big leagues. Look for 10-15 wins out of Porcello in 2010. Scherzer was in the Granderson deal coming from Arizona. A powerful arm, Scherzer is capable of 200+ strikeouts, but is prone to big innings. The Tigers will work on his mechanics a bit, but there is great potential in having Verlander and Scherzer being the 1-2 combo for many years to come. Bonderman has battled through injuries almost all of his career, but he can still throw in the mid 90s and has a devastating slider when healthy. With the acquisition of Scherzer that will help Bonderman with less expectations to help now being the fourth starter. Willis has been a mystery since being acquired with Miguel Cabrera from the Florida Marlins. Nothing seemed to be going right and Willis was actually regressing when it came to pitching. Command will be the key with him. If he can’t keep the fifth spot the Tigers have Armando Galarraga (6-10) to take over, but the Tigers would like to have that all important lefthander in the rotation.
Zumaya since his call up in the ’06 season has struggled to stay healthy. Throwing as hard as he does puts a strain on his arm. Detroit has to be careful to bring him along slowly and not overwork him. With Valverde they have a proven closer, but Zumaya will eventually be in that spot, but he must be able to stay healthy to get it. Valverde wants to be in a pennant race and will get his chance with Detroit. They play in a winnable division and might compete for the AL Wild Card as well. Valverde could save 40+ games for the Tigers if they are in close games and are winning them too. Jim Leyland has his work cut out for him this year in what could be his final run in Motown.

Indians Lineup

SS Asdrubal Cabrera
.308 AVG 6 HR 68 RBI
CF Grady Sizemore
.248 AVG 18 HR 64 RBI
RF Shin-Soo Choo
.300 AVG 20 HR 86 RBI
DH Travis Hafner
.272 AVG 16 HR 49 RBI
1B Russell Branyan*
.251 AVG 31 HR 76 RBI
3B Jhonny Peralta
.254 AVG 11 HR 83 RBI
LF Matt LaPorta
.254 AVG 7 HR 21 RBI
2B Luis Valbuena
.250 AVG 10 HR 31 RBI
C Lou Marson
.246 AVG 0 HR 4 RBI

The Indians are not shying away from the fact that they’re in full rebuild mode now. New manager Manny Acta is looking to get a hold on this rebuilding team better than in Washington. He has some good pieces, but will GM Mark Shapiro continue to sell off those players to save money? Cabrera is not an ideal leadoff hitter, but he makes contact and can steal some bases. He’s a natural at shortstop with great range and a strong arm. Sizemore is being dropped one spot in the order to account for the lack of hitters the Indians have. Injured for most of the ’09 season he will be looking to get back to his All-Star form. He should be good for his normal production of 25+ HR and 100+ RBI in 2010. Choo had a great season. He made it look so easy in Cleveland last year being their best hitter. A gap hitter (38 doubles) who has the potential to get 30 HR and steal 30 bases also. If Hafner is healthy he can hit with the best of them. Shoulder problems have shortened his last two seasons, but he is healthy this year. Will he ever return to the form of ’04-’06 when he was considered the best DH in the game? Branyan was signed to provide protection in the lineup behind Choo and Hafner. If Hafner should get hurt Branyan would be the primary DH. He lead the Mariners in HR, but suffered a back injury to end the ’09 season. Cleveland knew of it when they signed him and hope it won’t be an issue entering the 2010 season. Peralta is a gifted hitter, but he can never get it all together. He hasn’t been able to come close to his breakout ’05 season in which he batted .292 hit 24 HR and drove in 78 runs. A perfect blend. Peralta is the full time third baseman now and that should help knowing his defense won’t affect his play at the plate. LaPorta was the main piece acquired from Milwaukee for C.C. Sabathia in ’08. If Branyan is going on the DL LaPorta will play at first, but can play left if needed. Cleveland would love to see him break in with his bat like Ryan Braun did for the Brewers when he got his chance. Valbuena has some pop, but is better known for his defense and that will help with the Indians with their 18th ranked fielding unit. Marson is a defensive wizard behind the plate, but some in the organization don’t see him being the everyday catcher. Prospect Carlos Santana will get his chance this year and his bat seems ready (.290 AVG 23 HR 97 RBI at AA Akron).

Bench

3B Andy Marte
.232 AVG 6 HR 25 RBI
OF Austin Kearns*
.195 AVG 3 HR 17 RBI
C Mike Redmond*
.237 AVG 0 HR 7 RBI

Manny Acta will have some good options and the important part is that they are veterans. Marte is the primary backup at third and first. His bat was always thought to be the next big thing, but he has never put it together to be a full time starter. Kearns is looking to get back into a rotation and this will be his best chance. He can get time at DH and the corner outfield spots. He must improve upon his career batting average though (.256). Redmond is the veteran presence who will help defensively and mentor the young catchers Marson and Santana.

Rotation

Jake Westbrook
1-2 3.12 ERA (2008 stats)
Fausto Carmona
5-12 6.32 ERA
Justin Masterson
4-10 4.52 ERA
Mitch Talbot*
0-0 11.17 ERA (2008 stats)
David Huff
11-8 5.61 ERA

Setup

Rafael Perez
4-3 7.31 ERA

Closer

Chris Perez
1-2 4.26 ERA

Who will be the one to step up for Cleveland when there isn’t any high expectations this year? Westbrook missed all of the ’09 season recovering from Tommy John surgery. Strictly a sinker ball pitcher it will be a great thing if he returns to form as the ace of Cleveland’s staff. Carmona has fallen off the map in Cleveland’s rotation. After having a 19 win ’07 season he has 13 wins combined the last two seasons. The Indians aren’t expecting a lot, but they would like to see Carmona find the strike zone when he’s pitching. Masterson was acquired from Boston in the Victor Martinez trade at the deadline last year. Good mechanics, but he was brought up in the bullpen in Boston. Will his stuff translate to the starting staff? Talbot is a mystery as he’s bounced around and is getting a chance on a thin staff in need of help, any if necessary. Huff was the most consistent starter and now he is the fifth starter. Not a good sign if your an Indians fan going into 2010.
Kerry Wood will miss at least the first two months of the season which doesn’t bode well for a bullpen in need of stability at the back end. Rafael and Chris Perez (no relation) will be the ones to hopefully hold down the fort until Wood’s return. Rafael is the hard throwing lefty most teams covet. He broke onto the scene in ’07, but hitters started to get to him in ’08 and couldn’t get them out in ’09. Chris was acquired for Mark DeRosa before the deadline from the Cardinals. Chris is a hard throwing righty who doesn’t have the experience, but does have the stuff to handle it for a while. Manny Acta will struggle in his first year with Cleveland, but it will be up to the organization to keep things intact leading into his second and maybe his third year with them.

Royals Lineup

LF Scott Podsednik*
.304 AVG 7 HR 48 RBI
RF David DeJesus
.281 AVG 13 HR 71 RBI
2B Alberto Callaspo
.300 AVG 11 HR 73 RBI
1B Billy Butler
.301 AVG 21 HR 93 RBI
DH Jose Guillen
.242 AVG 9 HR 40 RBI
3B Alex Gordon
.232 AVG 6 HR 22 RBI
CF Rick Ankiel*
.231 AVG 11 HR 38 RBI
C Jason Kendall*
.241 AVG 2 HR 43 RBI
SS Yuniesky Betancourt
.245 AVG 6 HR 49 RBI

A lot of new faces for this team and it includes injured players as well. Podsednik brings instant speed to the top of the order. He got back on track with the White Sox last year and will bring a stable force to get some runs for the Royals who will need all they can get. DeJesus is their most consistent hitter. A better fit at the second slot he will be the table setter for their big bats. Callaspo will find his way into the lineup either at second or third. The lone bright spot along with Billy Butler for Kansas City last year, Callaspo will be counted on to provide constant hits and be a dependable weapon for manager Trey Hillman. Butler had arrived last year as a proven big league hitter. He has the potential to have a .320 AVG 30 HR 100 RBI season if the Royals are healthy and can get more runners on base in front of him. Guillen was absent for most of last year and has lost a few steps to play the outfield. His bat is still formidable, but he can’t be counted on to provide for this team that is starting to get younger rather than count on veterans at key positions. Gordon is still struggling to get into the groove in the majors. Injuries have set him back some, but this is a big year for him to prove his worth as a former number one pick. Ankiel after having a breakout year in ’08 for the Cardinals had a major setback last season. He is running out of options and this will be his last chance to really settle in as a big league hitter. Where else is gonna go if he can’t make it with the Royals? This will be Kendall’s fourth stop as the catching mentor for a young pitching staff. No power, but is a crafty hitter that will take off when he’s on his game. Betancourt is a fantastic defensive shortstop, but has shown no signs of coming around at the plate. If they have to, they can put Callaspo at short, but that isn’t he strong suit defensively.

Bench

INF/OF Willie Bloomquist
.265 AVG 4 HR 29 RBI
C Brayan Pena
.273 AVG 6 HR 18 RBI
2B Chris Getz*
.261 AVG 2 HR 31 RBI

Bloomquist isn’t the best hitter, but in spurts can get the job done. A great utility player that a lot of contenders covet. He can split time with Betancourt at short and play the hot corner should Gordon fail. Pena is the future catcher. His bat is ready, but Kendall was brought in to man the defensive game and mentor Pena into that role. Getz was acquired for Mark Teahen from the White Sox. Getz is a contact guy that plays a good second base. Callaspo will move around the infield at times and that’s when Getz will get playing time, but only against right handed pitchers.

Rotation

Zack Greinke
16-8 2.16 ERA
Gil Meche
6-10 5.09 ERA
Brian Bannister
7-12 4.73 ERA
Luke Hochevar
7-13 6.55 ERA
Kyle Davies
8-9 5.27 ERA

Setup

Robinson Tejeda
4-2 3.54 ERA

Closer

Joakim Soria
30 SV 2.21 ERA

It starts with Greinke and it ends with Soria. Perhaps the best ace/closer combo no one has heard of. They should now thanks to Greinke winning the AL Cy Young last year. If Greinke played on any other team he would have won 23 games at least. That’s how good he has become in such a short time which will make the 2010 season all the more interesting to see for the Royals pitching staff. Meche was a great acquisition for them even though they did overpay to get him. He’s always had nagging injuries that keep him out for a couple of starts, but if the Royals want to finish above fifth place they will need Meche to stay healthy. Bannister was a great find in ’07, but the last two have shown why he wasn’t as sought after as some thought. A 3.87 ERA that skyrocketed to 5.76 and 4.73 the last two seasons respectively. They need the steady Bannister to hold them together in the middle. Hochevar has started to come into his own in Kansas City, but the problem is he plays in Kansas City. The Royals haven’t given him enough run support in his starts, but he also hasn’t done his part in keeping them in games. A former first round pick in Hochevar that needs to get it together in a hurry. Davies was a favorite of GM Dayton Moore from his days in Atlanta. Davies has okay stuff, but would probably be better served in the bullpen. However a lack of depth has him being the fifth starter.
Tejeda was a starter when he was brought up in the Phillies system. It never panned out, but he showed excellent command being in the bullpen for the Royals. He throws strikes and has decent speed on his fastball. There isn’t a lot of depth to go in front of the closer, but the Royals have plenty of young arms ready to fill in during the season. Soria has saved 89 games for the Royals in his three seasons in Kansas City. It’s amazing that the Royals have held on to him for as long as they have. Doesn’t have an overpowering fastball, but his out pitch is a devastating splitter. The Royals strength is in Greinke, Soria and Butler. If those three continue to perform up to par, they will be in good shape for the next manager and management to take over in Kansas City.

* – indicates new to team
ERA – Earned Run Average
HR – Home Runs
RBI – Runs Batted In
SV – Saves

1. Los Angeles Angels
They’ve filled in their holes, but will they take shape?
2. Seattle Mariners
A Cy Young winner, but no big bat to speak of.
3. Texas Rangers
The bats are there and the bullpen, but who are the starting pitchers?
4. Oakland Athletics
A promising pitching staff going to waste without any run support.

Player to Watch: P Cliff Lee Seattle Mariners
His ’07 season was a forgettable one. Five wins to eight losses. An ERA at 6.29 in 20 appearances. Started 16 games, was removed from the starting rotation and eventually sent down to the minors to fix what was wrong. That was all the wake up call he needed as the ’08 season he won 22 games to only 3 losses in 31 starts for the Cleveland Indians. His ERA was an astounding 2.54. Astounding because he did it in the American League. The ’08 season was his Cy Young year and the ’09 season could have been another had the Indians been contending most of the year. However, he was traded to the Phillies and promptly helped them get to the World Series where Lee continued to perform beyond expectations. He was the winning pitcher in both wins against the Yankees and was primed for a big extension. Partly why the Phillies decided to let him go in order to get Roy Halladay. Lee has deceptive stuff. He won’t overpower you, but will make you look silly if you think he’s gonna throw a fastball, but oops that was his changeup. Seattle becomes instant contenders in the division thanks in large part to the arrival of Lee. In a contract he will likely continue to outperform expectations and help the Mariners climb to respectability in AL West.
Manager on the Hot Seat: Bob Geren Oakland Athletics
General Manager Billy Beane is one of the most creative GMs in the game today. Always makes the best possible deal that will help the club long term. Never likes to spend a lot of money on one or two players. However, pressure is starting to slowly creep up on Beane. That means it will be making its way to manager Bob Geren. Geren has fielded average ball clubs in his three seasons as manager (76, 75, 75 wins). However, Geren is changing the way the Athletics are accustomed to playing. Normally the A’s play with power and hardly any speed. That has changed since Geren has taken over. They haven’t had the kind of lineup that was seen earlier in the decade, but he is making the most out of what he has. Speed is the new power for Oakland. It has given opponents in the American League fits since they’ve known the Athletics to be a more swing for the fences type team. Speed won’t be enough though to get them out of the cellar in the AL West. Seattle has improved from last years 85 win performance. Texas can still hit and has the best bullpen in the division. Oakland does have one thing they can count on and that’s the fact they have another young crop of pitching that will eventually get them back at the top. It won’t include Geren though.
Trade Bait: P Ben Sheets Oakland Athletics
I was very puzzled when GM Billy Beane drew up a contract for Ben Sheets that include 10 million dollars for one year. But then it started to make sense, for Beane, not the Athletics. Beane likes to make trades to better position his team for the future. He took a risk signing Sheets though. Sheets missed all of ’09 due to a shoulder injury and wasn’t signed by anyone down the stretch toward the postseason. Sheets has great stuff, but can’t stay healthy anymore. From ’02-’04 he played in 200+ innings and started in 34 games each year for the Milwaukee Brewers. The next three years were marred in injuries for him in Milwaukee. The ’08 season was a return to form (13-9 3.09 ERA), but that’s when he suffered the shoulder injury before the Brewers postseason run. If Sheets is banged up, it will be seen as a disastrous move by Beane. If Sheets plays anywhere near his career year of ’04 (12-14 2.70 ERA 264 K to 32 BB), Oakland will undoubtedly take advantage of that and trade him for 2-3 prospects from a contender. Sheets again is a great talent, but a risk for a low budget team that can’t afford to have him go down for very long. If Oakland is somehow in contention though, will Beane still pull the trigger knowing he probably won’t be able to keep him long term? Oakland has some thinking to do.

Angels Lineup

SS Erick Aybar
.312 AVG 5 HR 58 RBI
RF Bobby Abreu
.293 AVG 15 HR 103 RBI
1B Kendry Morales
.306 AVG 34 HR 108 RBI
CF Torii Hunter
.299 AVG 22 HR 90 RBI
DH Hideki Matsui*
.274 AVG 28 HR 90 RBI
LF Juan Rivera
.287 AVG 25 HR 88 RBI
C Mike Napoli
.272 AVG 20 HR 56 RBI
2B Howie Kendrick
.291 AVG 10 HR 61 RBI
3B Brandon Wood
.195 AVG 1 HR 3 RBI

No Chone Figgins or Vladimir Guerrero for the lineup this year. To replace them the Angels signed the World Series MVP in Matsui and have given the third base job to top prospect Brandon Wood. All the other spots remain intact and will look to continue on last seasons success in which the Angels lead the American League in batting and were second in runs scored. Aybar had a breakout year to which this year he will be counted on to be the new leadoff hitter. He’s a tough out and is lightning fast when he’s on base. Those 14 steals are expected to be higher now that he will get a chance at 600+ at bats this year. Abreu was rewarded with a three year extension in the offseason after changing the culture with the Angels hitters. Patience is definitely a virtue as the Halos finished third in the AL in OBP (On Base Percentage). Abreu didn’t have a career year, but driving in 103 runs and stealing 30 bases were amazing for a guy now 36 years old. Morales was getting MVP consideration with his power production. When Guerrero went down and Hunter before the All-Star break, the one constant was Morales and his bat. Letting Mark Teixeira go now seems like the best thing the Angels could have done entering the ’09 season. Hunter was probably the favorite to win the MVP award until he went down with a rib injury around the All-Star break. That and Joe Mauer of the Twins was just destroying every pitcher in the league. Hunter is the quint essential leader of this team. He has the best glove of any center fielder in the game. His bat is a perfect fit in the middle of a lineup that stresses small ball, but if given the opportunity Hunter will punish a mistake pitch. Matsui will have all eyes on him. The Angels let Guerrero go, arguably the face of the franchise his 5 years in Anaheim. Matsui is another patient hitter that will fit the new style, but will he have the kind of production he was putting up in New York? With only a one year contract, it seems doable, but he is 36 with bad knees. Rivera had a career year. When given the chance to play he can put up some decent numbers. He will continue to produce as the starting left fielder and not a part time player. Napoli is going to be splitting time with Jeff Mathis. Mathis will bat eighth when he’s in lineup switching with Kendrick. Napoli has tremendous power and is a big part of the bottom of the order. Having Mathis will help keep Napoli healthy and keep his bat in the lineup. Kendrick was demoted last year and he found his epiphany in AAA Salt Lake. When he returned, he batted over .350 to finish the season. Kendrick and Wood are here to stay. It is there time to shine and live up to the expectations. Wood will be given every chance to stay, but he must keep the strikeouts to a minimum. Not enough contact to be a starting third baseman, but Morales performed above all standards. Can Wood do the same in 2010?

Bench

INF Maicer Izturis
.300 AVG 8 HR 65 RBI
C Jeff Mathis
.211 AVG 5 HR 28 RBI
OF Terry Evans
.291 AVG 26 HR 90 RBI (AAA stats)

The one problem with having so much depth, is that it will end up hurting your bench when you use it to fill in the holes. Rivera would be the first bat off the bench, but now is a full time starter. Izturis will take over that role now. A solid pinch hitter and fielder. Izturis can play either third, short and second base. Manager Mike Scioscia is a big fan of Izturis as he can put him at almost any spot in the lineup and produce no questions asked. Mathis is a solid defensive catcher. His bat has never come around to warrant being the everyday catcher, but it works for the Angels. Napoli is not as sound defensively, but Mathis can fill in late in a ballgame to catch. And Napoli can pinch hit for Mathis in a key part of a game. Evans is getting the chance to be the fourth outfielder with the trade of Gary Matthews Jr. to the Mets. Evans was acquired from the Cardinals in ’06 in a trade for Jeff Weaver. Evans has shown that he could hit in the minors, but hasn’t quite shown it at the major league level. This is his year to prove his worth as the Angels will need that power bat off the bench.

Rotation

Jered Weaver
16-8 3.75 ERA
Joe Saunders
16-7 4.60 ERA
Ervin Santana
8-8 5.03 ERA
Scott Kazmir
10-9 4.89 ERA
Joel Pineiro*
15-12 3.49 ERA

Setup

Fernando Rodney*
37 SV 4.40 ERA

Closer

Brian Fuentes
48 SV 3.93 ERA

The team’s strength in ’08 became a weakness in ’09. The starting staff aside from Weaver and the since departed John Lackey was shaky. Kazmir was fantastic (2-2 1.73 ERA) in 6 starts for the Halos after being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in August. However, he fizzled in the postseason where he was counted on to offset the Red Sox and Yankees, teams he’s had success against. This year Weaver is the clear ace with Lackey gone. Weaver had a career year, but make no mistake that he will have better years and at least one Cy Young award before his career is over. He has a deceptive delivery with great stuff. The Angels are extremely happy to get him with the 12th pick in the ’04 draft. Saunders was a contender with Santana for the AL Cy Young award in ’08, but both struggled to get outs in ’09. The home run was the worst enemy for both pitchers as they took two steps back. Saunders did manage to get 16 wins, but his ERA skyrocketed from a 3.41 clip in ’08. His strength is getting groundball outs and working around the strike zone. Not getting the strikeout. Santana is that strikeout pitcher, but has struggled with injuries two of the last three seasons. Last year when healthy he was the jekyl-hyde pitcher for the Angels. Struggling at home (6.05 ERA), but good on the road (4.23 ERA). The Halos need Santana to be in the middle and healthy the entire year. Kazmir showed that his arm was perfectly healthy when he put on the Angels uniform. Kazmir being in a contract year will look to prove his worth and earn a nice extension. However, should the Angels make it to the postseason Kazmir will need to perform more to his standards. A 7.59 ERA in three games to go along with only 4 strikeouts to 8 walks will not make the cut for a team competing for a World Series title. Pineiro was signed to a two year contract to provide insurance at the back end of the rotation. Strictly a groundball pitcher, he keeps his defense in the game and rarely walks batters (27 BB in 214 innings). Should an injury befall the staff, Matt Palmer and Sean O’Sullivan will be ready to take over. Palmer won 11 games in 40 appearances, 13 of which were starts. O’Sullivan started 10 of 12 games and went 4-2.
The bullpen will hopefully become a strength for the Halos. Almost every year since Mike Scioscia has managed the club, the bullpen ERA has been either the best or the top three in all of baseball. In ’09 they ranked 23rd. One reason for optimism is with the signing of Fernando Rodney from the Detroit Tigers. Rodney was their closer last year and with the struggles of Fuentes down the stretch last year, Rodney provides a back up plan. Fuentes did lead all of the majors in saves, but was shaky in most of those saves. Six of the eight months of the regular season his ERA was 4.50 or higher. You can’t have a repeat of that if you’re Scioscia. The bullpen does have stability in the setup realm leading into Rodney and Fuentes. Kevin Jepsen was a breathe of fresh air with his electric stuff. His ERA was high (4.94), but from July on it was no higher than 3.86. The most important player though is Scot Shields. When healthy Shields is the most versatile pitcher of the pen. Before last year, his highest ERA was 3.86. Since becoming full time reliever in ’04 he appeared in at least 60 games for the Halos. When they have Shields, the bullpen functions more to Scioscia’s liking.

Mariners Lineup

RF Ichiro Suzuki
.352 AVG 11 HR 46 RBI
2B Chone Figgins*
.298 AVG 5 HR 54 RBI
1B Casey Kotchman*
.268 AVG 7 HR 48 RBI
LF Milton Bradley*
.257 AVG 12 HR 40 RBI
DH Ken Griffey Jr.
.214 AVG 19 HR 57 RBI
3B Jose Lopez
.272 AVG 25 HR 96 RBI
CF Franklin Gutierrez
.283 AVG 18 HR 70 RBI
C Rob Johnson
.213 AVG 2 HR 27 RBI
SS Jack Wilson
.255 AVG 5 HR 39 RBI

Getting runners on base will not be a problem in Seattle anymore. With Ichiro and Figgins at the top, the Mariners have perhaps the best 1-2 punch in baseball. Who will be the guy to drive them in though? Figgins will probably get 70+ RBI with Ichiro batting in front of him. How often can you say that your first two batters can bat over .300, steal over 30 bases and score over 100 runs? The Mariners have that with Ichiro and Figgins. The person or players that will be counted on to score them will be Kotchman and Bradley. Not exactly the big splash they were looking for, but it’s what they could get. Kotchman is a fantastic defender and a good contact hitter, but not the ideal power threat you want from your first baseman. Bradley is a good hitter, but can also be a cancer almost everywhere he’s been. He seems to be all right playing in the AL West though (2 in Oakland, 1 in Texas). There is risk in playing Bradley in the cleanup spot should he go in a slump or his emotions erupt. Having Griffey for one more year will help settle down Bradley who has someone to keep him in check. Griffey is a future Hall of Famer who won’t be counted on to do a lot of damage, but it would be a welcome sight to get 20+ HR out of him this year. Lopez was a pleasant surprise for Seattle in ’09. He will be playing third base this year and with a change of scenery, he will still be counted on to continue his offensive climb. Gutierrez is starting to settle in at the plate. Decent power, but his true strength is his speed. He can turn what is a single into a double and the same with a double into a triple. Many gold gloves will be in his trophy case before his career is over. Johnson will be in a platoon with Adam Moore. Johnson is the defensive wizard, but his bat is lacking for the position. Wilson is the same with his gold glove defense at short, but when he was acquired last July his batting average was only .224 in 31 games. Should Seattle stay in contention going into the All-Star break, they will have to make a move to bring a bat to help with this lineup.

Bench

1B Ryan Garko*
.268 AVG 13 HR 51 RBI
OF Eric Byrnes*
.226 AVG 8 HR 31 RBI
C Adam Moore
.294 AVG 9 HR 43 RBI (AAA stats)

This is an improved part for the Mariners. Manager Don Wakamatsu made the most with what he had last year and this year they’ve given him more options to work with. Garko is a great addition. He will be the primary backup at first and can play against certain lefthanders and DH from time to time giving Griffey a day off. Not a lot of power, but Garko can hit with the best of them when he’s seeing good pitches to hit. Byrnes will be looking to regain what was lost while playing in Arizona the last four seasons. No longer can run as well as he did playing Oakland. He will be counted on to provide depth and be the fourth outfielder. His bat is decent, but it’s his hustle that Seattle likes. Moore has great potential as a hitting catcher. Being platooned with Johnson will help offset the defensive weakness, but Moore will be given every opportunity to hit while up in the majors.

Rotation

Felix Hernandez
19-5 2.49 ERA
Cliff Lee*
14-13 3.22 ERA
Ryan Rowland-Smith
5-4 3.74 ERA
Ian Snell
7-10 4.84 ERA
Jason Vargas
3-6 4.91 ERA

Setup

Mark Lowe
2-7 3.26 ERA

Closer

David Aardsma
38 SV 2.52 ERA

All of baseball was buzzing when Seattle put themselves in the three way trade with Philadelphia and Toronto. The thought the Mariners wouldn’t be involved, but low and behold they came away with Cliff Lee a former Cy Young award winner. Lee paired with “King” Felix Hernandez and you have yourself a chance to win now. Easily you could see them both winning 20 games this season. Felix finished second to the Royals Zach Greinke in the Cy Young voting last season. He will undoubtedly have a repeat performance of last year, maybe even better, scary as it sounds. Lee will be sidelined to start the season though because of an abdominal injury, but it isn’t thought to keep him out for more than a handful of starts. They will need Lee later in the year more than the beginning. Rowland-Smith in 15 starts for the Mariners had respectable numbers. With a full season it is expected he will get over 150 strikeouts (52 K last year). Snell when he arrived in Seattle from Pittsburgh was thrown into a playoff race and performed well in the new surroundings. He did walk more batters than he struckout (39-37). A full year with the Mariners and pitching in Safeco Field will help Snell’s mechanics. Vargas is full of potential, but is wild at times. When he finds the strike zone, he is nearly unhittable. When batters get to him early, he gets flustered and begins to shut down. He will be counted on to hold up the back end of the rotation until Erik Bedard returns from injury around the All-Star break. Doug Fister will be replacing Lee in the rotation until his return. Fister (4-3 4.13 ERA) has good mechanics and if he shows he can hold his own, he might stick around later in the year.
Aardsma surprised everyone including Seattle last year. They didn’t expect him to take off like he did when he was given the closers role from the departed Brandon Morrow. A hard throwing righthander Aardsma struck out 80 batters in 71 1/3 innings pitched. Exactly what they thought they were going to get out of Morrow, but he faltered early. To get to Aardsma will be the most important part. Lowe has great stuff and can rack up the strikeouts (69 in 80 innings). If he improves his ERA by a run, it will greatly help the bullpen settle in late in games in which they are winning. Manager Don Wakamatsu lead Seattle on a 24 game turnaround last year, will this year mean a trip to the postseason?

Rangers Lineup

CF Julio Borbon
.312 AVG 4 HR 20 RBI
3B Michael Young
.322 AVG 22 HR 68 RBI
LF Josh Hamilton
.268 AVG 10 HR 54 RBI
DH Vladimir Guerrero*
.295 AVG 15 HR 50 RBI
2B Ian Kinsler
.253 AVG 31 HR 86 RBI
RF Nelson Cruz
.260 AVG 33 HR 76 RBI
1B Chris Davis
.238 AVG 21 HR 59 RBI
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
.233 AVG 9 HR 34 RBI
SS Elvis Andrus
.267 AVG 6 HR 40 RBI

The ball really dropped on Texas last year. The best hitting team in baseball dropped to 19th in batting, 24th in OBP and 10th in RBI. Almost everyone except Young, Kinsler and Cruz had awful years. The big problem was health. Hamilton was healthy for much of the season, but is back to normal and looking to get back to where he left off in ’08. Borbon is now getting his chance to show why the Rangers let Marlon Byrd go to play for the Cubs. Borbon has 50+ steal potential and has decent pop for a leadoff hitter. They don’t need him to hit the home run, but rather get on base and wreak havoc for opposing pitchers. Young will settle in at the second spot which is ideal for him. Great contact hitter his whole career and the leader everyone will be turning to when times get tough. He’s not afraid to take the spotlight and when he is on his game, the Rangers are tough to stop. Hamilton will be greatly helped being the number three hitter rather than at the cleanup spot. He was trying to do too much last year and it showed how much the Rangers missed Milton Bradley who helped in that department. That is why they went out and signed Vladimir Guerrero. Guerrero fought injuries last year with the Angels, but had a great postseason batting .378 in nine games for them. Not that he will need extra motivation, but he is a beast at the Ballpark in Arlington (career .394 14 HR 33 RBI in 50 games). Perfect signing for the Rangers who grew tired of seeing him in Angels red. Kinsler and Cruz provide perfect backup to Guerrero. Kinsler will have a few more 30-30 seasons in his career. Cruz made his first All-Star appearance last year, but struggled down the stretch. Both will be counted to improve on their batting average from a year ago. Davis has great power, but strikes out too much. He must keep those totals down to keep his spot in the lineup. Saltalamacchia was hurt for much of the ’09 season. His bat is too good to keep him out of the lineup. His defense is what will keep him out though. He has to reach his potential soon or the only saving grace for trading Mark Teixeira will be shortstop Elvis Andrus. Andrus was everything the Rangers hoped he would be. Fantastic hands and his arm is superb. There will be time for him to settle into a groove at the plate, but with him and Borbon in the lineup, Texas will be making defenses’ heads spin.

Bench

OF David Murphy
.269 AVG 17 HR 57 RBI
C Taylor Teagarden
.217 AVG 6 HR 24 RBI
INF Andres Blanco*
.252 AVG 1 HR 12 RBI

Murphy will be the first guy off the bench for manager Ron Washington. Murphy is a great hustle guy who can hit the ball very well. Now that he is relegated to being the fourth outfielder it will be interesting to see how he responds. Teagarden is the defensive catcher the Rangers sorely need. Not the best bat, but he can get a few hits here and there for Texas. Max Ramirez is another catcher waiting for his chance. Ramirez is the perfect balance Texas has needed since Ivan Rodriguez skipped town. Blanco was acquire this spring from the Cubs. Great defensive replacement and pinch runner, but his bat has been lacking since his been in the majors. Strictly acquired to provide depth in the infield.

Rotation

Scott Feldman
17-8 4.08 ERA
Rich Harden*
9-9 4.09 ERA
C.J. Wilson
5-6 2.81 ERA
Matt Harrison
4-5 6.11 ERA
Colby Lewis*
0-2 6.45 ERA (2007 stats)

Setup

Neftali Feliz
1-0 1.74 ERA

Closer

Frank Francisco
25 SV 3.83 ERA

The Rangers only splash this year with starting pitching was bringing in the oft-injured Rich Harden. Not a bad move, but Harden is not what Texas needs for the top of the rotation. He’s a strikeout guy who is prone to the home run. Last I checked, their ballpark is not a pitchers paradise. Feldman emerged as the staff ace. He kept the ball down and it resulted in 17 wins leading the team and getting some consideration for they Cy Young award. Texas will be expecting similar numbers from Feldman. Wilson will be moving from the closer/setup role last year to being in the rotation. He says he will be able to handle the adjustment, but I would agree if he weren’t the number three starter. Depth isn’t an issue with the Rangers, but losing Tommy Hunter (9-6 4.10 ERA) to start the season doesn’t help. When Hunter does return, Wilson will move down one slot meaning that either Harrison or Lewis will be moved to the bullpen. Harrison needs to get his ERA lower if he wants to stay in the rotation. Lewis played the last two years in Japan and seemed to have figured out the art of pitching there. The Rangers are not going to be putting too much pressure on him as he starts out as the fifth starter, but if he falters they won’t stand idly by to make a move.
Feliz is the most hyped arm to come out of the minors since Francisco Rodriguez came up in ’02 for the Angels. That’s the kind of excitement Feliz’s arrival brought to the organization late last year. He struck out 39 batters in 31 innings. If Frank Francisco doesn’t get the job done to start the year, Ron Washington won’t hesitate to make the move to Feliz. No one will be able to figure out his stuff for quite some time. Francisco has the right mix of a hard fastball with a good breaking pitch, but his ERA was way too high for the Rangers liking. This was an area of strength the last two years for Texas, being the bullpen. It will be the strength again heading into 2010.

Athletics Lineup

LF Rajai Davis
.305 AVG 3 HR 48 RBI
CF Coco Crisp*
.228 AVG 3 HR 14 RBI
DH Jack Cust
240 AVG 25 HR 70 RBI
3B Kevin Kouzmanoff*
.255 HR 18 HR 88 RBI
2B Mark Ellis
.263 AVG 10 HR 61 RBI
1B Daric Barton
.269 AVG 3 HR 24 RBI
RF Ryan Sweeney
.293 AVG 6 HR 53 RBI
C Kurt Suzuki
.274 AVG 15 HR 88 RBI
SS Cliff Pennington
.279 AVG 4 HR 21 RBI

The Athletics have mixed up their lineup to match their strengths rather than try to be something they’re not. Speed is the name of the game. Small ball not hitting the long ball will be the new mantra for Oakland this year and maybe for the foreseeable future. GM Billy Beane is not a fan of small ball, but what choice does he have with Bob Geren at the helm. Davis and Crisp will set the table for the A’s. Davis is capable of stealing 50+ bases this year (41 last year). With Crisp behind him, when healthy, they will be a tough two outs to start a ballgame. Cust is the only legitimate power threat in their lineup. Not the greatest contact hitter, but when you need to drive in runs, he’s their best option. Kouzmanoff was acquired before spring training from the Padres and will be put in the cleanup spot. He goes from one rebuilding project to another in Oakland. Getting out of the pitchers paradise at Petco Park will help his power numbers, but is not an ideal cleanup hitter. Ellis drives in runs which is why he slides into the number five slot in the order. Makes good contact and has decent pop, but Oakland has very few options as far as guys to drive in runs for them. This will be a make or break year for Daric Barton. A highly touted prospect for the A’s, he got a little taste of the majors last year, but didn’t show a lot of power when he arrived. Playing first base in Oakland, you’re expected to be a major power threat in the order. Sweeney responded well as a starter last year. A good defensive option at either outfield position. He could see his spot change in the lineup if he has another good year. Somewhere towards the top. Suzuki broke through in a big way in ’09. Playing in 147 games, he showed no signs of wearing down towards the end. It would be wise to give an extra 10 days off this year at least. He could easily replicate his offensive numbers from a year ago. He also did a masterful job handling a young pitching staff for Oakland. Pennington was good in limited playing time last year. Only 60 games, but he is the favorite for the starting shortstop position this year. Easily can steal 20 bases for the A’s and has the potential to be a .300 hitter in the majors.

Bench

INF Eric Chavez
.100 AVG O HR 1 RBI
INF/OF Jake Fox*
.259 AVG 11 HR 44 RBI
OF Gabe Gross*
.227 AVG 6 HR 36 RBI

Chavez has been suffering through back problems the last three seasons. This is one big reason why Billy Beane has avoided signing players to long term deals. Chavez is healthy now and hoping to get back into the lineup sooner rather than later. One way he can do that is by playing a different position. He’s had extended work at first, even shortstop and second. That will be the quickest way for him to get back. Also if injuries or inconsistency should hit those positions, they will give Chavez a look. Fox was acquired from the Cubs and is the righthanded version of Jack Cust. It helps that Oakland can mix and match the DH spot to help them get the upper hand against the opponents pitching. Fox can also play the field at third and first base, plus left field. Gross was signed to provide depth in the outfield and be another pinch hitting option for Bob Geren. Gross is not the greatest fielder, but can hit when called upon. Just ask Tampa Bay how much he’s helped them the last two seasons. OF Travis Buck is another option off the bench who must bounce back at the plate if he wants to get more playing time.

Rotation

Ben Sheets*
13-9 3.09 ERA
Dallas Braden
8-9 3.89 ERA
Brett Anderson
11-11 4.06 ERA
Trevor Cahill
10-13 4.63 ERA
Justin Duchscherer
10-8 2.54 ERA (2008 stats)

Setup

Michael Wuertz
6-1 2.63 ERA

Closer

Andrew Bailey
26 SV 1.84 ERA

Sheets is getting paid to be the ace of this young, but extremely talented staff. How he fares will have a long way in determining whether the A’s will sneak up on the rest of the division. If Oakland gets the healthy and dominant Sheets, will they try to trade him to bolster the minor league system? Braden became the ace last year and will be given a break with the arrival of Sheets. Braden is not an overpowering lefthander, but works to his ability and throws strikes. Anderson is the strikeout pitcher who throws heat with a devastating breaking ball. Anderson and Cahill provided a nice lefty-righty combination last year in the middle of the rotation. Cahill struggled with command (72 BB to 90 K), but with less pressure this year he will look to have a turnaround. Braden was considered the veteran being only 27 while Anderson and Cahill are both 22 years old. Duchscherer had back trouble last year that kept him out all year. When healthy he is a stable force that will provide the A’s with another veteran to either get them back on the winning track or continue a winning streak. A lot depends on the success of Sheets, but even more is expected from a healthy Duchscherer.
Bailey was the real deal and it led to being named AL Rookie of the Year. Didn’t get many save opportunities, but made the most of his 68 appearances striking out 91 while walking only 24 in 83 1/3 innings. It also helped that Wuertz had a career year striking out 102 while walking only 23 in his 74 appearances. With Wuertz, the submarine righthander Brad Ziegler (2-4 3.07 ERA) and lefthander Craig Breslow (7-5 2.60 ERA) playing ahead of Bailey Oakland will have a deep bullpen that will help keep them in close games with all of the American League. Will it be enough to help Bob Geren keep his job? Only time will tell.

* – indicates new to team
ERA – Earned Run Average
HR – Home Runs
RBI – Runs Batted In
SV – Saves

1. Colorado Rockies
Next to the Phillies the deepest team in the National League.
2. San Francisco Giants
Need to score more runs to help their great pitching staff.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
They will miss Randy Wolf, but they still have a great lineup.
4. Arizona Diamondbacks
Will have to wait one more year, but the important pieces are in place.
5. San Diego Padres
With a new GM, they’ve now taken two steps back.

Player to Watch: P Tim Lincecum San Francisco Giants
It’s unrealistic to think that Lincecum will win a third consecutive Cy Young award. But it will be interesting to see. In the last two years he has 33 wins, 452 1/3 innings pitched, 526 strikeouts to only 152 walks. Last season was not his best, but when you lead the league in strikeouts and post an ERA of 2.48, you will get noticed. The Giants were in contention for most of last season thanks in large part to Lincecum and the pitching staff. All eyes will be on him this year as more analysts will be predicting great things for the Giants mainly because of their pitching. It’s rare that a phenom pitcher actually lives up to his potential. Winning two Cy Young awards this soon is as good as it gets.
Manager on the Hot Seat: Jim Tracy Colorado Rockies
Not so much that is job will be on the line, but how can you live up to the expectations from the finish to last season. The only way you can top last year if your Tracy is winning the NL West. They have never won a division title in their 17 year existence. What’s stopping them? The Dodgers did nothing to improve from last years team. The Giants still don’t have a big power bat in the middle of their lineup. And the Padres and Diamondbacks are still 2-3 years away from getting back into contention. Colorado has a great core of players that they will have for quite a while. Tracy was masterful in his handling of the team when he took over mid-May of ’09. They went on a ridiculous 72-38 tear to win the NL Wild Card. Hopefully it won’t come to that kind of comeback for the Rockies of 2010 to make the postseason.
Trade Bait: 1B Adrian Gonzalez San Diego Padres
He is a constant run producer for a bad team. That is very appealing to every contender in both the National and American Leagues. Didn’t have his best season if you only look at his batting average (.277), but his 40 HR and 99 RBI are exactly what makes him an attractive commodity in baseball circles. That and he is locked up at an affordable price this year and next. The Red Sox were making a big push to get him in the offseason, but were unwilling to part with two top prospects plus two more lower level ones to acquire him. That will be the asking price for Gonzalez and the Padres new GM Jed Hoyer better not give in to other teams demands. Gonzalez is a rare find. A gap to gap power hitter who can also play gold glove caliber defense at first base. As a fan I want to keep him, but the way things are going for San Diego, they will mostly deal him this year.

Rockies Lineup

LF Carlos Gonzalez
.284 AVG 13 HR 29 RBI
CF Dexter Fowler
.266 AVG 4 HR 34 RBI
1B Todd Helton
.325 AVG 15 HR 86 RBI
SS Troy Tulowitzki
.297 AVG 32 HR 92 RBI
RF Brad Hawpe
.285 AVG 23 HR 86 RBI
C Chris Iannetta
.228 AVG 16 HR 52 RBI
3B Ian Stewart
.228 AVG 25 HR 70 RBI
2B Clint Barmes
.245 AVG 23 HR 76 RBI

The Phillies have the best lineup in league. Perhaps in all of baseball. A close second would have to be Colorado. Based solely off last years stats, but you can assume more of the same if they are healthy this year. Gonzalez and Fowler at the top are perhaps the speediest one-two punch at the top of a lineup. When they were both called up last year, that’s when the Rockies took off on their amazing run. Gonzalez provides power in the leadoff spot with his wheels. Fowler needs to be more selective, but Tracy loves having them when he plays small ball. Helton doesn’t have the 30 HR pop, but he can still hit. A bounce back year for Helton resulted in a three year extension which will have him finishing his career in Denver. There is a saying now with Tulo (Tulowitzki nickname). So goes Tulowitzki, so goes the Rockies. When he’s healthy, the Rockies are a different team and when he’s out of the lineup, well their downright different. A healthy Tulowitzki is also good for baseball. A one of a kind talent. Hawpe hopefully won’t start this year like he ended last year. After the All-Star break Hawpe hit .240 with only 9 HR. He is too good to be falling into slumps like that. Iannetta is coming along very well with his catching skills, but struggled to get his average to what it was in ’08 (.264). The power is there, but he needs to be a more patient hitter when the rest of the lineup in front of him gets on base. Stewart took away the third base job from Garrett Atkins and never looked over his shoulder. He’s poised to breakout this year with 30+ HR, but he must look for his pitch and not chase so much (138 K). Barmes is the steady force for the bottom of the order. He can drive in the big run and make a fantastic play at second.

Bench

OF Seth Smith
.293 AVG 15 HR 55 RBI
OF Ryan Spilborghs
.241 AVG 8 HR 48 RBI
3B Melvin Mora*
.260 AVG 8 HR 48 RBI

This was the strength last year and they’ve improved it this year. Smith is the best pinch hitter in the game today. Constantly came in at key moments of the game and produced without a problem. The consument professional who could be a starter, but is fine with the role on a winning team. Spilborghs can play anywhere in the outfield and provides decent pop off the bench. He can also come through in the clutch. A walk-off grand slam last year in a comeback victory in extra innings to his credit. Mora was signed to a one year deal to provide depth and in case Stewart falters in the beginning of the season. Mora now that he is in a winning atmosphere, should be more laid back knowing they don’t have to count on him to provide offense. He still has a great glove for the hot corner. This bench is so deep that I have to mention they also have 1B Jason Giambi, 2B/OF Eric Young Jr. and C Miguel Olivo* as well. Other managers are drooling over the depth of this team.

Rotation

Ubaldo Jimenez
15-12 3.47 ERA
Aaron Cook
11-6 4.16 ERA
Jorge De La Rosa
16-9 4.38 ERA
Jason Hammel
10-8 4.33 ERA
Jeff Francis
4-10 5.01 ERA (2008 stats)

Setup

Manuel Corpas
1-3 5.88 ERA

Closer

Franklin Morales
7 SV 4.50 ERA

This look is very deceptive. They have talent here, there is no doubt about it. Jimenez is a legitimate number one starter. Almost had 200 strikeouts last year and the most important quality about him is that he knows how to pitch at Coors Field. Cook is the sinker ball specialist that the Rockies have long coveted. If Cook was not around for his 27 starts, they would not have won the Wild Card. De La Rosa and the since departed Jason Marquis were keeping the Rockies in almost all of their starts. Marquis had 15 wins, but fizzled at the end of the season. De La Rosa however got better as the season progressed (16-3 3.94 ERA after June 1). A career year for him, he will look to replicate that success. Hammel was a breathe of fresh air for the Rockies who were without Jeff Francis all of last year. Hammel is a power pitcher who can get the groundball outs as well. Francis return meant the end for Marquis in Colorado. Francis was the number one, but will be counted on more to be the backbone of the back end of the rotation. Francis was a big part of their success in ’07 when they made it to the World Series that year.
The closer role to start the year will be given to Morales. Huston Street is suffering from shoulder tightness as is the main setup in Rafael Betancourt. Both Street and Betancourt will begin the year on the DL, but it is expected they will return shortly after the season starts. Morales is a fire baller who throws strikes to hitters. It’s tough to pick up pitches from him with his deceptive three quarter delivery. Almost like having Brian Fuentes in the pen again for Colorado. Corpas was the closer in ’07, but control problems and injuries relegated him to the back end of the pen in ’08. He has since regained that control, is healthy and primed for another shot to close possibly if Morales is unavailable for a one or two day stretch. The Rockies will be a fun team to watch in 2010.

Giants Lineup

CF Aaron Rowand
.261 AVG 15 HR 64 RBI
2B Freddy Sanchez
.293 AVG 7 HR 41 RBI
3B Pablo Sandoval
.330 AVG 25 HR 90 RBI
1B Aubrey Huff*
.241 AVG 15 HR 85 RBI
LF Mark DeRosa*
.250 AVG 23 HR 78 RBI
C Bengie Molina
.265 20 HR 80 RBI
RF Nate Schierholtz
.267 AVG 5 HR 29 RBI
SS Edgar Renteria
.250 AVG 5 HR 48 RBI

Considering what they have for pitching, this isn’t gonna cut it. The top of the lineup is good, not great. Rowand is the leadoff hitter by default. Renteria no longer has the bat speed or running ability to be at the top of the lineup which leaves him in the eight slot. Rowand is more selective, but doesn’t get good contact to get on base which is what you need at the spot. Sanchez if healthy (might start year on DL) will be perfect for the Giants. Great contact hitter that can hit to all fields. Injuries have always been a concern with Sanchez, but there is no doubt with him being the number two guy in the lineup. An underrated defender too. Pablo Sandoval aka “Kung Fu Panda” gave the Giants a reason to smile last year. He eased through their system and proved right away how great a hitter he can be. Not in the greatest shape, but he is very agile playing the hot corner. The Giants thought it would take a lot longer to find someone to help them forget about Barry Bonds. His personality is a welcome sight for the clubhouse as well. Huff and DeRosa were the big acquisitions to help the lineup. Huff is going to be in the middle of a pennant race this year. He hasn’t always had that kind of experience in his career except the last quarter of ’09 playing for the Tigers. The Giants are buying a lot of stock in the thinking that Huff will help in the cleanup slot. A risk/reward kind of thinking here. DeRosa is money everywhere he plays. Great guy with a great attitude about playing the game. He can play anywhere you ask him to. Believe me, he won’t be the left fielder for the entire year. His power production is coming on late in his career, but the Giants will take what they can get out of him. Molina was resigned just before Spring Training. He is the slowest guy in baseball, but he doesn’t try to hide from it. He has become one of the best all around catchers in the game. Great at handling the pitching staff. That is the big reason why they brought him back. Schierholtz has a great arm in right, but not the power bat you would like from the position. He possesses a great baseball IQ. A breakout year would be a welcome surprise.

Bench

INF Juan Uribe
.289 AVG 16 HR 55 RBI
OF Fred Lewis
.258 AVG 4 HR 20 RBI
OF Eugenio Velez
.267 AVG 5 HR 31 RBI

Uribe will be the starting second baseman if Sanchez can’t play to start the year. If Sanchez can play, Uribe will be a great spot starter at short as well, his natural position. Uribe still possesses a power arm and a power bat with enough range to play third as well. Lewis can play all three outfield positions. Provides speed off the bench and isn’t a bad pinch hitting option for manager Bruce Bochy. Velez took off when he was called up last year finishing the season as the starting left fielder. He still has a spot on the team because of his bat and speed. Not a terrible fielder, but there is room for improvement.

Rotation

Tim Lincecum
15-7 2.48 ERA
Matt Cain
14-8 2.89 ERA
Barry Zito
10-13 4.03 ERA
Jonathan Sanchez
8-12 4.24 ERA
Todd Wellemeyer*
7-10 5.89 ERA

Setup

Jeremy Affeldt
2-2 1.73 ERA

Closer

Brian Wilson
38 SV 2.74 ERA

The conversation has to start with Lincecum. This year he’s the two time defending NL Cy Young award winner and will be looking to get the Giants into the postseason. Look out National League if this guy gets into the postseason. Size wise he’s the righthanded version of Sandy Koufax with electric stuff. Easily pencil him in for 250+ strikeouts and more than 15 wins this year. Cain is living up to the potential when was first called up. He could already have at least one 20 win season if the Giants would give him more run support in his starts. An equal workhorse next Lincecum. Zito will never live up to the 100 million dollar contract, but he is trying to salvage what’s left. Started out poorly, but bounced back after the All-Star break. He was one of the reasons to the Giants turnaround last year with the team winning 88 games. Sanchez had one great start (a no-hitter), but that was the highlight for him. He was too inconsistent from one start to the next. The talent is there, but he has to remain a force at the back end of the rotation for the Giants to stay in contention. Wellemeyer was a non-roster invite, but he is earning his way into the rotation. Struggled last year in the rotation for the Cardinals, but is a veteran who knows his way around the strike zone. Madison Bumgarner is waiting in the wings should Wellemeyer pitch himself out the rotation.
Brian Wilson is the most underrated closer in the game right now. Constantly throws strikes and gets results (83 strikeouts in 72 1/3 innings pitched). It’s comforting for manager Bruce Bochy to know that he has a guy he can count on to help his staff win ball games, no matter the situation. He can appreciate closers since he managed the all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman in San Diego. Affeldt tried his luck as a starter early in his career, but arm trouble forced him to make adjustments and has since been the lefty out of the pen since ’05. ’09 was arguably his best year holding opponents batting average below .200. He can get both left and right handed hitters out. He’s not a specialist by an means. You bring Affeldt out in the eighth and Wilson in the ninth. You’ve essentially assured yourself a W that night.

Dodgers Lineup

SS Rafael Furcal
.269 AVG 9 HR 47 RBI
CF Matt Kemp
.297 AVG 26 HR 101 RBI
RF Andre Ethier
.272 AVG 31 HR 106 RBI
LF Manny Ramirez
.290 AVG 19 HR 63 RBI
1B James Loney
.281 AVG 13 HR 90 RBI
3B Casey Blake
.280 AVG 18 HR 79 RBI
C Russell Martin
.250 AVG 7 HR 53 RBI
2B Blake DeWitt
.204 AVG 2 HR 4 RBI

Basically the same lineup that helped the Dodgers win the NL West and claim the best record in the National League with 95 wins. Furcal must have a better year. Being the catalyst he has to get on base and steal more bases (12) for the Dodgers to keep pace with the Giants and Rockies this year. Kemp had a career year and is settling in as a future star in baseball. His defense matched his offense winning his first of what is to be many Gold Gloves in the outfield. Ethier was the clutch bat for the Dodgers all year even when Manny Ramirez came back in the lineup. Ethier is primed for another All-Star caliber year like Kemp. Ramirez is without a doubt in his last year with the Dodgers. Financially the Dodgers can’t keep him and his bat slowed considerably when he came back from his 50 game suspension for testing positive for PEDs. The Dodgers need Manny to be Manny when it comes to hitting in the cleanup spot. Loney is a sure handed first baseman, but has no power (45 HR in 4 seasons). Playing in Dodger Stadium doesn’t help, but even on the road his power stroke is no where to be found. A good thing he can make contact (.295 career hitter). Blake started out with a bang in ’09 hitting 9 HR through May. The next four months only 9 more. This is probably the last hurrah for Blake, but he is still a great leader on defense with his sure hands covering third base. The Dodgers can’t afford to have Blake being in a slump for most of the year. Martin by far is the biggest disappointment for them. Where are the 20+ stolen bases, .290 batting average and 80+ RBI? The last two seasons it has been missing in action for Martin. He’s dealing with a groin injury this spring, but all signs point to him being able to play at the start of the season. The Dodgers do have A.J. Ellis and Brad Ausmus ready to back Martin, but they need Martin’s bat more than his glove. DeWitt will get a chance to be their second baseman after letting Orlando Hudson depart. As a regular in ’08 he put up decent numbers (.264 AVG 9 HR 52 RBI). It fell off last year due in part to an injury before the ’09 season. Plus Hudson and Furcal being healthy for almost the entire year. DeWitt has a great knack for hitting, but his glove is suspect. Second base is the easiest position for him and the best place for him to get a spot on the roster.

Bench

INF Ronnie Belliard
.277 AVG 10 HR 39 RBI
INF Jamey Carroll*
.276 AVG 2 HR 26 RBI
OF Reed Johnson*
.255 AVG 4 HR 22 RBI

Joe Torre has his work cut out for him. Belliard is a streaky hitter who at first glance looks like Man Ram, but without the dreads. Belliard will be strictly used as the first pinch hitter and occasionally start at third and first for Blake and Loney respectively. If DeWitt struggles, Belliard can be counted on to man second as well. Carroll does bring a lot of versatility to the club. Third, short and second he can cover with no problems. Not a bad pinch hitter either. He will be looked more as pinch runner, but doesn’t have to be benched after that. Johnson can play all three outfield spots and has decent pop, but is prone to injuries. He only played in 65 games for the Cubs last year. Garret Anderson was brought in late in camp to be another bat off the bench. If he makes the roster he will provide veteran leadership that manager Joe Torre covets. It will be interesting to see Anderson except the role of pinch hitter first rather than a starter throughout most of his career.

Rotation

Clayton Kershaw
8-8 2.79 ERA
Chad Billingsley
12-11 4.03 ERA
Hiroki Kuroda
8-7 3.76 ERA
Vicente Padilla
12-6 4.46 ERA
Charlie Haeger
1-1 3.32 ERA

Setup

George Sherrill
21 SV 1.70 ERA

Closer

Jonathan Broxton
36 SV 2.61 ERA

A lot of pressure has fallen on the shoulders of the starting rotation this year. Kershaw is being hailed unfairly as the next Sandy Koufax. Way too soon folks. Kershaw is potentially great, but how will he fare after his poor showing against the now rival Phillies in the postseason? Kershaw also needs to get more chances to win when he pitches. Eight wins in 30 starts is not gonna warrant any comparisons to Hall of Famers. Billingsley was on pace for 18+ wins at the start of the ’09 season. As soon as the All-Star break hit, he faltered like the rest of the team and started going in the opposite direction. Billingsley should be the number this year, but with his poor finish to ’09, he will be looking up at Kershaw. Kuroda’s season was halted when he was hit by a line drive on the head in Arizona. He recovered from that in September, but he wasn’t the same pitcher who had a fantastic strikeout to walk ratio (87 K to 24 BB). Fully recovered Kuroda is an underrated starter for the Dodgers who can give you a good 6-7 innings a start. Padilla was the saving grace for the starting staff to finish the season going 4-0 with a 3.20 ERA with LA. He’s been called a head hunter by many in baseball, but the Dodgers think it’s just all emotion with Padilla. When he gets in jams he loses control of his pitches and gets into trouble. Padilla seemed to find inner peace when he arrived in LA. Can he do it for an entire season? Haeger is the favorite to win the fifth spot. A knuckle ball specialist who put up impressive numbers in 22 starts at AAA. If he doesn’t win the job, Ramon Ortiz who hasn’t pitched in the majors since ’07 is the other favorite. He bounced around the various Carribean leagues and latched on with the Dodgers as a non-roster invite.
The one thing to watch every year with a Joe Torre managed ball club is how he manages the bullpen. He has always overworked his bullpen and last year was probably the best example of it. Four of the regulars in the bullpen pitched at least 45 games or more last season. Will that happen again this year? Probably. It’s not because of Torre, but more because of the questions with the starting staff. Randy Wolf and Jon Garland were let go and they could go at least 7 innings every start giving the bullpen two days off with their starts. Sherrill was acquired at the deadline from Baltimore last year and appeared in 30 of his 72 games for the Dodgers. He can be a closer for the Dodgers too if Broxton should get hurt. Sherrill doesn’t walk many hitters and that’s good for the defense which relies too much on Broxton to strikeout the three batters he faces in the ninth. Broxton struck out 114 batters last year, which is an insane amount for a closer now a days. Broxton pitched in 73 games and is built for the heavy workload of a 162 game season, but the Dodgers can’t afford to have any setbacks in the pen. The staff can’t make up for it.

Diamondbacks Lineup

SS Stephen Drew
.261 AVG 12 HR 65 RBI
LF Conor Jackson
.182 AVG 1 HR 14 RBI
RF Justin Upton
.300 AVG 26 HR 86 RBI
3B Mark Reynolds
.260 AVG 44 HR 102 RBI
1B Adam LaRoche*
.277 AVG 25 HR 83 RBI
C Miguel Montero
.294 AVG 16 HR 59 RBI
2B Kelly Johnson*
.224 AVG 8 HR 29 RBI
CF Chris Young
.212 AVG 15 HR 42 RBI

The D’Backs were widely considered to be the next big thing after the ’07 season. The young lineup was full of upside and the rotation was coming into its own. Reality came crashing into them in ’08 and ’09. The lineup still has plenty of promise going into 2010. Drew is not exactly what they want in the leadoff spot, but he does make contact. Not a lot of speed, but is smart on the base paths. Jackson is fully recovered from valley fever. A great hitter that is perfect for the two slot in the order. If he is back to his old self, the lineup will be better for it. Upton and Reynolds will eventually be the best 3-4 hitters in the game. You can bet on it. Upton will have his share of MVP consideration in his career. Reynolds is the real deal when it comes to power and driving in runs. He strikes out way too often though. LaRoche and Johnson were signed away from the Atlanta Braves in the offseason. LaRoche provides the D’Backs with insurance in the power department behind Upton and Reynolds. LaRoche has sure hands at first to help the infield defense. Johnson is a good defender at second, but must improve on his ’09 stats and be more like ’08 (.287 AVG 12 HR 69 RBI). Montero is exactly what they needed for a hitting catcher. Gap to gap hitter with power and isn’t too bad handling the pitching staff. The haven’t had a hitting catcher since Rod Barajas left in ’04. Young will be the key for Arizona. If he can get back to form when he first arrived in the desert, the D’Backs will be a dangerous ball club again. Five tool talent in Chris Young if he can ever stay out of his funks.

Bench

INF Ryan Roberts
.279 AVG 7 HR 25 RBI
OF Gerardo Parra
.290 AVG 5 HR 60 RBI
C Chris Snyder
.200 AVG 6 HR 22 RBI

A good cast at the top of their bench. Roberts provides a right handed hitting option at second for Johnson and can give Reynolds the occasional day off at third. Roberts is strictly a contact hitter, but can hit the fat pitch out if given the chance. Parra played a lot last year with the injury to Jackson. Parra has decent speed, but his bat is what will keep him on the roster. That and his versatility to play all three outfield spots with no problems. Snyder has his priorities on the defensive side then the offensive, but is more than capable of handling the staff and giving Montero the rest he will need during the long season.

Rotation

Dan Haren
14-10 3.14 ERA
Edwin Jackson*
13-9 3.62 ERA
Ian Kennedy*
0-4 8.17 ERA (2008 stats)
Rodrigo Lopez*
3-1 5.71 ERA
Billy Buckner
4-6 6.40 ERA

Setup

Aaron Heilman*
4-4 4.11 ERA

Closer

Chad Qualls
24 SV 3.63 ERA

A lot of new faces for this staff. Jackson and Kennedy were acquired in a three way trade with the Tigers and Yankees. Heilman in a trade with the Cubs. Lopez was brought in as a non-roster invitee. It all starts at the top with Haren, but where is Brandon Webb? The former Cy Young winner will be sidelined to start the year as a precautionary move. They don’t want to rush anything with him who has a lot to prove being in the final year of his contract. When they have Webb and Haren together, Arizona is very tough to beat back to back. Haren with his splitter and Webb his sinker ball are the best at getting out of jams quickly and quietly. Jackson is a good pitcher. An All-Star last year it was puzzling to see him get dealt from Detroit. Jackson being in the National League will only help him as he has one less hitter to worry about. Look for a near repeat in Jackson’s numbers this year. Lopez played in a handful of games for the Phillies last year. He doesn’t have the velocity anymore, but can throw strikes and get hitters to chase. A good veteran to help stabilize this relatively young staff. Kennedy was hurt for much of last year and is getting a second chance if you will in Arizona. Like with Jackson, pitching in the National League can only help the hard throwing righthander. Buckner pitched okay last year, but he is only expected to be in the rotation the first month until Webb returns.
Heilman has had a roller coaster career. One is good, the next dreadful, the one after good and so on. This is expected to be the good year coming over from the Cubs. There was talk of him being a starter in Chicago, but the experiment fizzled in New York a long time ago. His style and delivery are meant for the bullpen. Works quickly and doesn’t mess around when he’s out there doing his job. That will help manager A.J. Hinch, who was hired in May last season to reverse course for Arizona, knowing he has Heilman out there getting quick outs. It will come in handy when Qualls enters to close. A setup guy in Houston before, he was called to close last year and performed admirably allowing only 7 walks in his 51 appearances. Arizona is still at least one, maybe two years from getting back into contention in the NL West, but the Dodgers, Rockies and Giants are the contenders right now.

Padres Lineup

CF Tony Gwynn Jr.
.270 AVG 2 HR 21 RBI
2B David Eckstein
.260 AVG 2 HR 51 RBI
1B Adrian Gonzalez
.277 AVG 40 HR 99 RBI
3B Chase Headley
.262 AVG 12 HR 64 RBI
RF Kyle Blanks
.250 AVG 10 HR 22 RBI
LF Will Venable
.256 AVG 12 HR 38 RBI
C Nick Hundley
.238 AVG 8 HR 30 RBI
SS Everth Cabrera
.255 AVG 2 HR 31 RBI

The Padres didn’t make moves to bring in the big bats, but went with what they already had. They did trade 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff to Oakland before Spring Training. All he did was bat .255 with 18 HR and 88 RBI in 141 games. That for San Diego is a big chunk of offense now gone. With what they have now it will be even more difficult to score with just Adrian Gonzalez in the middle of the lineup. Gwynn and Eckstein are decent pair to get on base in front of Gonzalez. Gwynn has the speed and ability to make contact in the leadoff spot. Gwynn is not trying to follow in his Hall of Fame father’s footsteps, but he has plenty to go for him. Eckstein can still get the bunt down, take pitches and execute the hit and run that manager Bud Black has brought from his coaching days up the I-5 in Anaheim. Gonzalez will be great for the Padres which is amazing since Petco Park is such a tough place to hit. However, Gonzalez isn’t a pull hitter, but can spray a double down the left field line or a double to left-center. He will be a great addition to whichever team he is dealt to this year. Headley and Banks will try to replace Kouzmanoff’s production for the Padres. Headley will go back to his natural position at third base. While Gonzalez is around, Headley should learn to be more like him as far as hitting with the ball as opposed to just hitting the ball. Blanks has great power potential (10 HR in 54 games). He will need to be more patient once Gonzalez is gone. Blanks is the future cleanup hitter for this team. Venable will be in a platoon with Scott Hairston in left field. Venable also has decent pop, but should be more of a contact hitter. The power will come with experience. Hundley has great potential as a hitting catcher. He will need to work on his skills as a catcher though. Still a raw prospect, but it is now his time to shine and become what the Padres thought he will be. Cabrera is a superb defender and base stealer (25), but must be able to find a comfort zone in the batters box. Highly touted prospect Matt Antonelli is waiting in the wings to play either shortstop or second base.

Bench

INF/OF Jerry Hairston Jr.*
.251 AVG 10 HR 39 RBI
INF/OF Scott Hairston*
.265 AVG 17 HR 64 RBI
C Yorvit Torrealba*
.291 AVG 2 HR 31 RBI

The Padres did well to strengthen their bench for 2010. Hairston Jr. is the more versatile Hairston. Any position he can handle, which helps immensely for manger Bud Black. So many options you can throw off the opponent with. His bat has dropped off, but at this point isn’t considered an everyday player. Scott Hairston was brought back after being dealt in a mid-season trade with Oakland. He performed well in both places and will platoon with Venable in left. Should he be needed, he can play anywhere else on the diamond. Two Hairstons’ are better than one after all. Torrealba is a perfect fit. Great defensive catcher who can hit, but not power. Hundley will learn a lot from him this season. Torrealba was apart of the Rockies success two of the last three seasons. Not that it will result in the same in San Diego, but it sure won’t hurt.

Rotation

Chris Young
4-6 5.21 ERA
Kevin Correia
12-11 3.91 ERA
Jon Garland*
11-13 4.01 ERA
Clayton Richard
9-5 4.41 ERA
Mat Latos
4-5 4.62 ERA

Setup

Joe Thatcher
1-0 2.80 ERA

Closer

Heath Bell
42 SV 2.71 ERA

This is a definite if Young is healthy and Bell is still around after the trade deadline. Young is being counted on to be the ace since the departure of Jake Peavy last year. San Diego would like a similar year to ’07 (9-8 3.12 ERA). It is far fetched to think that it could happen. Half his starts will be in Petco Park. Considered to be the ultimate pitchers park. Correia was the saving grace for the staff last year. With another good year from him and a return to form from Young, the Padres rotation will have a good one-two punch at the top. Garland is an innings eater who will help the bullpen get a day off. It was a strange that the Dodgers didn’t bring Garland back, considering his ERA was 2.72 in six starts for them. San Diego will be looking for similar stats from him throughout the year. Richard will be the lone left hander in the rotation. He doesn’t possess over powering stuff, but knows how to get guys out. He was the main piece in the Peavy deal with the White Sox and this is the year to show Padres fans what he can do. Latos has a lot of upside and is in the mold of Chris Young. Tall righthander that has a deceptive delivery. Latos does have expectations within the organization, but just needs to pitch within himself and he will do fine. Being the fifth starter doesn’t bring much pressure to succeed.
Bell will be the second player up for trade rumors throughout the season. Saving 42 games and striking out 72 batters will get you noticed when you do it on a bad team. He has come into his own from being an okay setup guy for former closer Trevor Hoffman to being thrown into the role of replacing him and performing at an All-Star level. Thatcher is the lefty specialist/setup pitcher for the Padres. He is doing a great job at it. Manager Bud Black, being the former pitcher himself, has done a masterful job of making something out of nothing with the Padres pitching since his arrival in ’07. The best the Padres can do this year is finish ahead of Arizona. Unfortunately it won’t happen with the lack of punch in the lineup. The pitching will be the one thing keeping them in ballgames.

* – indicates new to team
ERA – Earned Run Average
HR – Home Runs
RBI – Runs Batted In
SV – Saves

1. St. Louis Cardinals
When you have Albert Pujols, you’re the class of the division.
2. Milwaukee Brewers
Braun and Fielder won’t be enough to dethrone the Cards.
3. Chicago Cubs
Lou Pinella won’t have a happy ending in Chicago.
4. Cincinnati Reds
Is this the year they finally break out of the cellar?
5. Houston Astros
No second half turn around resulted in the hire of a new manager.
6. Pittsburgh Pirates
Seventeen consecutive losing seasons. Is there a plan to win in the steel city?

Player to Watch: LF Matt Holliday St. Louis Cardinals
He has the contract (7 yrs. over 100 million) now he must prove he is worth it. Holliday has to prove to all the nay sayers that he can still produce now that he is set for the next seven years. Being in a lineup that has Albert Pujols will help. As soon as he was acquired before the trade deadline last year, his production sky rocketed. There was concern that he could only hit at the friendly confines of Coors Field in Colorado. Oakland was not an ideal location plus he had to deal with adjusting to a new league. The Cardinals didn’t give Oakland a lot to get Holliday and now they’ve made a huge investment in a guy who they are counting on to be their cleanup hitter. He must not be complacent. It will be interesting to see how it will affect the Cardinals ability to resign Pujols.
Manager on the Hot Seat: Dusty Baker Cincinnati Reds
He has a great (granted young) pitching staff and a good lineup to toy with this year. Dusty usually makes winners out of the clubs he’s managed right around year three. This is now year three with the Reds. He has to compete with the Cardinals for the division title and the Brewers and Cubs for the Wild Card. Not to mention the Giants, Dodgers, Rockies, Braves, Marlins and Mets. It’s an uphill climb for Dusty, but there is enormous pressure to win this year in a city craving a pennant race in September, not in May. The downside to winning might mean the exhaustion of the young arms. Just see what happened after 2003 with the Cubs. A slow start could mean curtains for Baker.
Trad Bait: Anybody on the Pirates roster
You could argue that the Pirates have made the most out of their trades at the deadline that last seventeen seasons. When they traded OF Brian Giles to the San Diego Padres the major piece they received was OF Jason Bay. When they dealt Bay to the Red Sox, the major piece was 3B Andy LaRoche from the Dodgers. We still have to see what the Pirates will get for LaRoche. Now I’m not saying that all is lost in Pittsburgh. I’m trying to be optimistic. This years best player for them is CF Andrew McCutchen. Depending on how he does, he could still be in Pittsburgh. They have a bright future every year, but they seem to always have a bright future. When will it be now?

Cardinals Lineup

2B Skip Schumaker
.303 AVG 4 HR 35 RBI
SS Felipe Lopez*
.310 AVG 9 HR 57 RBI
1B Albert Pujols
.327 AVG 47 HR 135 RBI
LF Matt Holliday
.313 AVG 24 HR 109 RBI
RF Ryan Ludwick
.265 AVG 22 HR 97 RBI
C Yadier Molina
.293 AVG 6 HR 54 RBI
CF Colby Rasmus
.251 AVG 16 HR 52 RBI
3B Brendan Ryan
.292 AVG 3 HR 37 RBI

You can’t wrong with Pujols and Holliday in the middle of your lineup. Although it didn’t work last year in the postseason against the Dodgers, it wasn’t entirely their fault. The entire lineup goofed in the playoffs. Schumaker is a good trend setter. Rarely strikes out and makes good contact. Lopez was a great addition that will add pop to the shortstop position. He also provides depth at second and third in case of injury. Ludwick will be the key to the lineups success. He had a disappointing year and a dreadful postseason. Whether the Cardinals make a run at the Phillies will depend on Ludwick’s production. Holliday and Pujols can’t do it alone. Molina is settling in as a great hitting catcher. He’s always had the great glove and arm, but now has the bat to go with it. Rasmus and Ryan are the young up and comers for the Cards. Rasmus has 30 HR potential, but strikes out too much to be placed any higher in the order. Ryan was the shortstop last year and performed admirably at it. Assuming he’s healthy from wrist surgery he will handle the hot corner, but can go back to short or second like Lopez to fill an injury or give someone a day off.

Bench

C Jason LaRue
.240 AVG 2 HR 6 RBI
3B David Freese
.323 AVG 1 HR 7 RBI
INF Julio Lugo (traded to Orioles 04/01)
.280 AVG 3 HR 21 RBI

It doesn’t look that impressive, but the versatility of Lopez and Ryan does. Lugo can play short, second or third as well. His glove has never been questioned since he broke into the majors. His bat has been sporadic at times, but can still get the job done. Freese could start the year as the starting third baseman. Those numbers were posted in 17 games during a September call up. If he doesn’t win, he provides a bat off the bench. LaRue was a starter, but is now relegated to backup status with Molina in front of him. The bat isn’t there for LaRue anymore, but can handle the pitching staff in a pinch while having a decent arm to hold runners.

Rotation

Chris Carpenter
17-4 2.24 ERA
Adam Wainwright
19-8 2.62 ERA
Kyle Lohse
6-10 4.74 ERA
Brad Penny*
11-9 4.88 ERA
Jaime Garcia
2-0 3.86 ERA (AAA stats)

Setup

Dennys Reyes
1 SV 3.29 ERA

Closer

Ryan Franklin
38 SV 1.92 ERA

Any team in the National League would love to have a rotation that had its top two starters post numbers like those. It’s amazing the Cardinals for that reason alone didn’t just go right through the entire league into the World Series. Pitching can only take you so far is the lesson to be learned here. Neither won the Cy Young award. So how good were they really? They can’t count on the exact same production from Carpenter and Wainwright, but they will post similar numbers. Lohse and Penny are the keys to the staff this year. Penny is the newest free agent to come along and try to have his career resurrected by pitching coach Dave Duncan. If Duncan can fix Penny, he truly is a miracle worker. It’s gotten to the point with Penny that he play in a pitcher friendly ballpark. The long ball is destroying him. Lohse needs to stay healthy. After a 15 win season in 08, he relapsed and went back to being inconsistent. If healthy, he does provide innings to help give the bullpen a day off. Garcia will be given every opportunity to win the fifth spot. He has shown excellent command in the minors and can provide the Cardinals with a lefty who can rack up the strikeouts. If Garcia falters, Kyle McClellan can fill in. Used in the setup role last year, McClellan can eat some innings for the Cards.
Ryan Franklin will return to his role as the closer. His ERA in the final month of last year was over 3.00 which is a cause for concern going into this year. If Franklin struggles, who will take over the role if that should arise. Manager Tony LaRussa isn’t one to shy away from a closer committee, but this is supposed to be a competitive year for the Cardinals. The Phillies won’t have any trouble picking apart the pen if Franklin isn’t right. Reyes is not a closer, but an adequate setup man. He can get both left and right handed batters out. LaRussa does like to use his bullpen often which also doesn’t bother Reyes (75 appearances). McClellan and Blake Hawksworth are the other options to setup Franklin. LaRussa has always managed to have a solid bullpen when it appeared there was nothing to salvage.

Brewers Lineup

2B Rickie Weeks
.272 AVG 9 HR 24 RBI
CF Carlos Gomez*
.229 AVG 3 HR 28 RBI
LF Ryan Braun
.320 AVG 32 HR 114 RBI
1B Prince Fielder
.299 AVG 46 HR 141 RBI
RF Corey Hart
.260 AVG 12 HR 48 RBI
3B Casey McGehee
.301 AVG 16 HR 66 RBI
SS Alcides Escobar
.304 AVG 1 HR 11 RBI
C Gregg Zaun*
.260 AVG 8 HR 27 RBI

It starts and it ends with Braun and Fielder. This is the team that this year can compete with the Cardinals. As far as the lineup is concerned. Braun besides his power numbers can also hit for average and steal some bases on top of it (20 steals). Fielder played every single game for the Brewers last year and showed just how important he is for this franchise. He can get a bit heated at times, but there is no doubt who is the leader for this young team. The Brewers have to keep these two in Milwaukee for the foreseeable future. Escobar has finally arrived. The highly touted prospect is now ready to claim the shortstop position. There has never been doubt about his glove or base stealing, but his bat has been a question mark. He showed what he can do in 38 games last year hitting over .300 at the end of the year. Weeks was primed for a career year until another hand injury ended his season prematurely. He must stay healthy for the Brewers to make more noise at the top of the lineup. Hart and McGehee provide more power after Braun and Fielder. Hart did have a down year after an All-Star year in 08. He is too good to have another bad year like 09. McGehee has grabbed the third base job and won’t let it go. His bat can’t be kept out of the lineup. Gomez was acquired from Minnesota for SS J.J. Hardy. He instantly gives the Brewers a base stealing threat they were lacking last year. Gomez must improve his patience though if he wants to be considered for the leadoff spot. Zaun provides veteran leadership behind the plate, but can’t be counted on to catch more than 120 games this year.

Bench

INF Craig Counsell
.285 AVG 4 HR 39 RBI
OF Jody Gerut
.230 AVG 9 HR 35 RBI
3B Mat Gamel
.242 AVG 5 HR 20 RBI

Milwaukee has really helped themselves out in this department. Counsell is still highly regarded for his pinch hitting prowess. Plus he can give either starter at second, short or third base a day off. Gerut was in line to be the starter in center until Gomez was acquired. Gerut though makes the outfield better in that he can play all three positions. If Gomez falters he can start when called upon. Gamel lost out on the third base job last year, but provides power off the bench. He strikes out way too much though to be considered an everyday player. That’s saying something for a lineup that is short on patience. CF Jim Edmonds is attempting a comeback in Milwaukee. He could find his way here or unseat Gomez for the starting spot.

Rotation

Randy Wolf*
11-7 3.23 ERA
Yovani Gallardo
13-12 3.73 ERA
Jeff Suppan
7-12 5.29 ERA
Doug Davis*
9-14 4.12 ERA
Manny Parra
11-11 6.36 ERA

Setup

LaTroy Hawkins*
11 SV 2.13 ERA

Closer

Trevor Hoffman
37 SV 1.83 ERA

The Brewers made it a mission in the offseason to improve the pitching staff. With the resources they had, Milwaukee did a pretty good job. Time will tell if Randy Wolf is worth 10 million for three years, but he is a good lefthanded pitcher. His wins could have been 15 or more if the Dodgers had been able to hold the lead Wolf provided. One question will be since Wolf is now playing in a hitters park, what will his ERA look like at the end of the year? Gallardo as young as he is was thrust into the role of staff ace last year. Considering that, he performed well. To go with the ERA he struck out over 200 batters as well. He will be a force, but the Brewers were wise to sign Wolf to give Gallardo some breathing room to develop. Suppan no longer can be counted on to be the difference maker for the Brew Crew. He’s still a crafty veteran that can get batters out, but for no longer than 6 innings a start. Davis is back for his second stint with Milwaukee. On a bad Arizona team he managed to keep his ERA respectable and if he was playing for a contender, his win total could be 12-15. Parra will be battling Dave Bush for the final spot. Both had ERAs over 6.00 last year. Parra gets the advantage because he is lefthanded and has better stuff. Bush is streaky and gives up the home run far too often to playing in Miller Park.
Hoffman the all-time saves leader returns after having an incredible year considering his age. His arm is not what it used to be. He rarely throws his fastball which has declined in velocity. Now he’s relying more on a slider and his devastating changeup. The best in the majors. The Brewers are lucky to have a guy they can count on to get them wins when they need them the most. Hawkins was signed to provide even more depth to a bullpen that wasn’t in dire need, but it couldn’t hurt. If an injury should befall Hoffman, Hawkins is capable of closing as well. His bread and butter though is setting up the closer. He has a lot left with a power slider and can still throw his fastball by hitters.

Cubs Lineup

SS Ryan Theriot
.284 AVG 7 HR 54 RBI
RF Kosuke Fukudome
.259 AVG 11 HR 54 RBI
1B Derek Lee
.306 AVG 35 HR 111 RBI
3B Aramis Ramirez
.317 AVG 15 HR 65 RBI
LF Alfonso Soriano
.241 AVG 20 HR 55 RBI
CF Marlon Byrd*
.283 AVG 20 HR 89 RBI
C Geovany Soto
.218 AVG 11 HR 47 RBI
2B Mike Fontenot
.236 AVG 9 HR 43 RBI

On paper this is still a formidable lineup. Unfortunately paper can be tossed around, crumpled and shredded. Theriot is now the leadoff hitter replacing Soriano who is now down in the order. Theriot has speed (21 steals) and makes good contact. He’s a much better fit batting second, but the Cubs don’t have many options. Fukudome has been all over the place since coming to Chicago. Now that he’s in his comfort zone in right field, the Cubs hope his bat can stay consistent and not have to think of him as a liability. Lee has been a constant force in the Cubs lineup since he was acquired from the Marlins in 04. Even with injuries to Ramirez and Soriano, Lee still managed to put up great numbers. He’s in a contract year this season and there is no doubt he will come through with another All-Star season. Ramirez is the key to the Cubs success. Literally and figuratively. Once he went down last year, the Cubs immediately fell out of contention. Soriano must embrace his new spot in the order. He is not the same player anymore. He can’t steal bases like he used to, but he still has 40 HR potential. In the fifth spot he could easily do that and drive in 100 runs. Byrd is the second outfielder in as many years to move from Texas to Chicago. Milton Bradley being the first last year. That experiment didn’t work, but Byrd is a different player. He doesn’t make a lot of noise with his mouth, he does it with his bat. That’s all the Cubs need from Byrd and that’s what they’ll get. Soto struggled to connect the bat on with the ball last year and it affected his play behind the plate. Look for the 08 Rookie of the Year to have a bounce back year. Fontenot is a solid defender, but doesn’t wow you with his offense. Batting lefthanded gets him in the lineup.

Bench

INF/OF Jeff Baker
.288 AVG 4 HR 24 RBI
OF Xavier Nady*
.286 AVG 0 HR 2 RBI
INF Andres Blanco (traded to Rangers 03/27)
.252 AVG 1 HR 12 RBI

The Cubs got a great utility player from the Rockies last year in Jeff Baker. He can play all the infield positions and the corner outfield positions. He has a great offensive pedigree as well. With the Cubs Baker hit .305 in 69 games. All but 3 of his RBIs came with the Cubs. Nady provides insurance in case Fukudome struggles again. Pinella has a short leash with him already and having Nady will help Pinella yank on that leash a lot sooner. Injuries have been a problem for Nady throughout his career. He’s better as a fourth outfeilder than a starter. Blanco is a sure hand with his glove, but has never put it together with his bat. He’s still raw, but that talent has to be fulfilled at some point to be considered an everyday player the Cubs think he can be.

Rotation

Carlos Zambrano
9-7 3.77 ERA
Ryan Dempster
11-9 3.65 ERA
Randy Wells
12-10 3.05 ERA
Carlos Silva*
1-3 8.60 ERA
Tom Gorzelanny
7-3 5.55 ERA

Setup

John Grabow
3-0 3.36 ERA

Closer

Carlos Marmol
15 SV 3.41 ERA

This was just as disastrous as the offense. Zambrano was more wild than normal. He couldn’t keep his head in most of his starts and also suffered through nagging injuries. The Cubs would like to see the Zambrano who would get fired up after a punch out rather than a missed call by the umpire. Dempster struggle with injuries as well, but still had a decent year considering. Chicago needs Zambrano and Dempster to return to form and provide at least 15 wins apiece. Wells was the best Cubs starter last year. As a reward he was given a spot in this years rotation thus resulting in the Cubs letting Rich Harden leave. Wells does get hit too much, but had a nice ERA in 09. Silva was the consolation from Seattle for Milton Bradley. Silva was hurt for almost all of 09. He provides depth at best, but if healthy and on his game he can eat innings to help the bullpen. Gorzelanny is in competition with Jeff Samardzija for the final spot. Gorzelanny gets the edge for experience plus being a lefthander. Ted Lilly (12-9 3.10 ERA) will miss the first month of the season at least before returning. When Lilly does return, Gorzelanny is likely the one removed to the bullpen.
Cubs fans get their wish of seeing what Marmol can do now that he is the outright closer. He was great as the setup guy the last two seasons, but has been erratic at times in the ninth inning. There aren’t many fall back options should Marmol fail. Jeff Gray acquired from Oakland has closer experience in the minors, but that’s as far as it goes. Marmol if he is to succeed must reduce his walk total (65 in 74 innings). Grabow was another in a long line of acquisitions from the Pittsburgh Pirates (Aramis Ramirez the most famous). The crafty lefthander can get both righthanded and lefthanded batters out. Chicago really lucked out with Grabow knowing they can go to him almost everyday of the week (75 appearances in 09). He could be called upon to close (6 career saves), but not the best choice. It starts and ends with Marmol for the pen.

Reds Lineup

CF Chris Dickerson
.275 AVG 2 HR 15 RBI
SS Orlando Cabrera*
.284 AVG 9 HR 77 RBI
1B Joey Votto
.322 AVG 25 HR 84 RBI
2B Brandon Phillips
.276 AVG 20 HR 98 RBI
3B Scott Rolen
.305 AVG 11 HR 67 RBI
RF Jay Bruce
.223 AVG 22 HR 58 RBI
LF Jonny Gomes
.267 AVG 20 HR 51 RBI
C Ramon Hernandez
.258 AVG 5 HR 37 RBI

Too many questions afloat for Cincinnati as far as the lineup goes. Is Dickerson the ideal leadoff hitter? Can Votto stay motivated for an entire season? Does Rolen still have another great year left in him? Will Bruce ever live up to the hype? Those are the most important ones. One thing is sure, Cabrera will provide steady veteran leadership both on the field and in the clubhouse. That was the best offseason move the Reds made. Cabrera is a proven winner and will instill that in this young team the entire year. Votto showed such promise until the death of his father slowed him down. He is capable of 40 HR playing half his games at Great American Ball Park. Rolen might not be able to play gold glove caliber defense, but can still hit with the best of them. Phillips on most teams won’t be the cleanup hitter, but there is no doubt about his run production. He can easily have another 20-20 season (20 HR 20 SB). 30-30 is definitely in play as well. Bruce came up last season on a tremendous hot streak, but after the first month in the majors he cooled to solid ice. He must learn patience and be more selective at the plate. Otherwise pitchers will continue to exploit him and it will result in more questions of why Cincinnati continued to hold on to him when they could have dealt him for a proven big leaguer. Gomes in limited playing time (98 games), managed to hit 20 HR. Imagine what he can do being a starter. Hernandez has was hurt most of last year and still has some pop left in his bat. The problem though is the injuries occur behind the plate. He has to stay healthy for not just the offense, but the sake of the pitching staff.

Bench

INF Aaron Miles*
.185 AVG 0 HR 5 RBI
OF Wladimir Balentien
.234 AVG 7 HR 24 RBI
OF Drew Stubbs
.267 AVG 8 HR 17 RBI

Stubbs could also start in center, but his bat is too inconsistent. This year he would be better served as the fourth outfielder and the first one off the bench to pinch run (56 combined steals in majors and minors). Miles was signed from the Chicago Cubs. He provides depth in the infield, but won’t be counted on to do more than be a pinch hitter and spot start at shortstop and second. Balentien was an interesting find for the Reds. Seattle didn’t have any room for him, so the Reds were glad to pick him up. He has 25 HR potential and has a strong arm to play right field. He will be in the mix to start if Gomes falters or is injured.

Rotation

Aaron Harang
6-14 4.21 ERA
Bronson Arroyo
15-13 3.84 ERA
Johnny Cueto
11-11 4.41 ERA
Homer Bailey
8-5 4.53 ERA
Micah Owings
7-12 5.34 ERA

Setup

Arthur Rhodes
1-1 2.53 ERA

Closer

Francisco Cordero
39 SV 2.16 ERA

Probably the most overlooked thing about this team is its starting rotation. If Harang and Arroyo can be in the middle or great, the Reds instantly get 10 wins more than last year. Harang has not been the same guy the last two seasons. Instead of piling up wins, innings and strikeouts, its losses, hits and injuries. Once considered a durable innings eater, Harang is on the downside, but he still has the potential for one more great season. Arroyo has managed to help overlook Harang’s shortcomings with a level of consistency that has resulted in a vast array of trade rumors. If the Reds are out of contention early, expect them to take advantage of the market and deal Arroyo while his stock is high. Cueto and Bailey have arrived and are the future of the staff. Cueto struggled to live up to his All-Star appearance of 08. Pitching in Great American Ball Park doesn’t offer much room for error though. Bailey became a full time starter last year. He will still get a pass, but this is the make or break year to see if he will live up to the potential of being a staff ace. Owings is still the best hitting pitcher in the majors, but has lost a step on the pitching side. He’s the favorite for the fifth spot to start the year, but when Edinson Volquez returns from Tommy John surgery or if they call up Cuban defector Arlodis Chapman, Owings will be going to the pen and being a pinch hitter.
Rhodes is forty years old and can still deal with the best of them. He appeared in 66 games and didn’t show any signs of his age. If Rhodes should show his age, Nick Masset is capable of filling in to salvage the setup to Cordero. The one constant in the pitching staff has been the closer. It didn’t make financial sense to sign Cordero, but it has made perfect baseball sense. Cordero has recorded 73 saves in two seasons in Cincinnati. Lady luck has been on the Reds side with the closer spot. For that luck to continue, Cordero must be on his game for Cincinnati to be in contention in September.

Astros Lineup

CF Michael Bourn
.285 AVG 3 HR 35 RBI
2B Kaz Matsui
.250 AVG 9 HR 46 RBI
1B Lance Berkman
.274 AVG 25 HR 80 RBI
LF Carlos Lee
.300 AVG 26 HR 102 RBI
RF Hunter Pence
.282 AVG 25 HR 72 RBI
3B Pedro Feliz*
.266 AVG 12 HR 82 RBI
SS Tommy Manzella
.289 AVG 9 HR 56 RBI (AAA stats)
C Humberto Quintero
.236 AVG 4 HR 14 RBI

The Astros have finally hit rock bottom. It became apparent last year when after the All-Star break the Astros didn’t go on their patented second half run. Houston went in the opposite direction finishing the season with only 74 wins and a fifth place finish. Part of the problem was the inconsistent bat of Lance Berkman. He suffered through some injuries, but for over 20 games was without a home run. Berkman had minor knee surgery during spring training, but it is believed he will be ready for opening day. Bourn has transformed into one of the best leadoff players in the game. He does everything. Gets on base, steals bases (61) and is a gold glove defender. The Phillies thought Bourn wasn’t going to amount to anymore than a fourth outfielder. The Astros stole him in the offseason of 08. Matsui is a savvy veteran who is a solid number two hitter. He can steal over 20 bases and provide clutch hitting with Bourn batting in front of him. Lee is the constant run producer for the Astros. Less will be expected from Lee if Berkman is healthy, but even so, Lee can be counted on to drive in over 100 runs and bang 30+ home runs. Pence is coming off his first of many All-Star seasons for Houston. He brings 30-30 potential to a lineup in desperate need of production after Lee in the fifth spot. Feliz was signed on to provide stability at the hot corner and some pop in the lineup. He shouldn’t have any problems playing in Minute Maid Park. Manzella has the potential to be a .300 hitter, but will be counted on more to provide a steady hand on the defensive side. Miguel Tejada lost his range at shortstop last spring and never recovered. Quintero will most likely be in a platoon role with J.R. Towles. Quintero is solid on defense while Towles provides the bat in the Astros lineup. Jason Castro will be waiting in the wings in the minors to take over the catcher’s spot either late this year or to start next year.

Bench

INF Geoff Blum
.247 AVG 10 HR 49 RBI
INF/OF Jeff Keppinger
.256 AVG 7 HR 29 RBI
OF Jason Michaels
.237 AVG 4 HR 16 RBI

Blum is still a productively player at age 37. If Berkman is unavailable to start the year, Blum will be the fill in at first. If Feliz needs a day off, he can play third base. With the short field to cover in left, Blum could give Lee a day off or be a defensive sub. Either way, his prime job is the primary pinch hitter, especially in close games. Keppinger can play all over the place. That is his primary value, plus he could be the starter at short if Manzella falters and has to be benched. Michaels has decent pop, but can’t be counted on to be an everyday player. He will be the fourth outfielder and can play all three outfield spots. However, he is a liability in the lineup. It would be a welcome addition if he hit .260 or higher in 2010.

Rotation

Roy Oswalt
8-6 4.12 ERA
Wandy Rodriguez
14-12 3.02 ERA
Brett Myers*
4-3 4.84 ERA
Bud Norris
6-3 4.53 ERA
Brain Moehler
8-12 5.47 ERA

Setup

Matt Lindstrom
15 SV 5.89 ERA

Closer

Brandon Lyon
3 SV 2.86 ERA

This was the linchpin for Houston last year. Oswalt was hurt for part of last year and it showed. The team had no life in the rotation and went all the way down to the bullpen. Aside from LaTroy Hawkins (Milwaukee) and Jose Valverde (Detroit) the pen was awful. Oswalt is now healthy and you can expect at least 15 wins from him when he’s healthy. Rodriguez was the lone bright spot. His potential had erupted and had the Astros been more competitive, his record could have been 18-8 or somewhere near that. An impressive ERA of 3.02 pitching mostly in a hitter friendly ballpark is a welcome sign for the rest of his career in Houston. Myers is back in a rotation, but finds himself going from one hitters park to another. He must be able to consistently throw his fastball for strikes or he will find himself in the pen on a losing team. Norris showed promise in ten starts last season. Capable of posting a lot of strikeouts, but must be able to keep the ball down considering hitters will be sitting on his fastball in hitters counts. Moehler provides a veteran presence at the back end of the staff. If his ERA is anything like last season though, he could be relegated to mop up duty in the bullpen or the occasional spot start.
Lyon was given a three year contract and with that the closer role. He only saved three games last year for Detroit mainly because he was setting up their closer. Lyon is not a strikeout closer, but does get the job done. Lyon saved 26 of 31 save chances for Arizona in ’08. Lindstrom will get some opportunities to save games for the Astros if Lyon should fail. Lindstrom is what teams look for in a closer, throws strikes, has an out pitch and is mentally tough. His weakness is getting into jams. After one guy gets on base, pretty soon it’s two then the bases are loaded for the opponents slugger. New manager Brad Mills will be given a pass this year, but owner Drayton McClane has a short fuse and could unload after 2011.

Pirates Lineup

CF Andrew McCutchen
.286 AVG 12 HR 54 RBI
2B Akinori Iwamura*
.290 AVG 1 HR 22 RBI
RF Garrett Jones
.293 AVG 21 HR 44 RBI
C Ryan Doumit
.250 AVG 10 HR 38 RBI
1B Jeff Clement
.274 AVG 21 HR 90 RBI (AAA stats)
3B Andy LaRoche
.258 AVG 12 HR 64 RBI
LF Lastings Milledge
.279 AVG 4 HR 21 RBI
SS Ronny Cedeno
.208 AVG 10 HR 38 RBI

Now if there is one good thing to point to with the Pirates, it’s the upside at spots 1-5 in the lineup. McCutchen whether he likes it or not is now the face of the franchise. He burst onto the scene after they deal Nyjer Morgan to the Nationals last year. The result was what the Pirates had expected when they were ready to call him up. The best comparison I could make is the right handed version of Carl Crawford. Iwamura was a great addition. Like what the Astros have with Matsui, the Pirates have a proven veteran who can drive the ball to score McCutchen when he gets on base. Jones played in only 82 games and produced 21 home runs. Imagine what he can do in a full season. If McCutchen and Iwamura get on base, Jones could be primed for a big season. Doumit must stay healthy for everything to come together. Both offensively and defensively. He is too talented to not come through as their cleanup hitter. Clement is the dark horse. If he adjusts to playing first base and hits like he has in the minors, the Pirates will have gotten a great find from Seattle. Clement couldn’t stay healthy being the catcher, but playing a new position might help keep in the order. LaRoche struggled to hit for average last year. That’s his bread and butter. He seemed to be swinging for the fences too often. He needs to find his stroke and being further down in the order will help. Milledge is right when he says this is probably his last chance to play for a big league club. If he can’t make it with the Pirates, where else is he gonna fit in. He will be 24 when the season starts, so he has that going for him. He has too much talent to not be a fit with this club. Cedeno is solid with the glove, but his bat still needs work. Although he hit .258 in Pittsburgh when he was acquired from Seattle last year.

Bench

INF Bobby Crosby*
.223 AVG 6 HR 29 RBI
OF Ryan Church*
.273 AVG 4 HR 40 RBI
INF/OF Delwyn Young
.266 AVG 7 HR 43 RBI

Signing Crosby and Church provides stability in case two hopefuls in the order falter. Crosby is now working on his first base skills and is capable of playing every infield position except catcher. He can still hit, but probable not to the extent of his days playing in Oakland. Church is a solid fourth outfielder for the Pirates. Plays the game with a tough streak and is capable of playing all three outfield spots. Should Milledge falter, Church can fill in or be in a platoon against right handed pitchers. Young was playing a lot as was most of the would be bench players last year. He did very well in a starting role. With the moves the Pirates made, now Young can be ready to come off the bench and fill in at almost every position. The Pirates haven’t had this kind of versatility in a long time. Third base prospect Pedro Alvarez is waiting in the wings. Expect him to be called up in May or June.

Rotation

Paul Maholm
8-9 4.44 ERA
Ross Ohlendorf
11-10 3.92 ERA
Zach Duke
11-16 4.06 ERA
Charlie Morton
5-9 4.55 ERA
Daniel McCutchen
1-2 4.21 ERA

Setup

Brendan Donnelly*
3-0 1.78 ERA

Closer

Octavio Dotel*
3-3 3.32 ERA

The starting staff stays intact. Not much was out there for the Pirates to go after and it wasn’t always the starters fault. Maholm is their best starter. A crafty lefty who is in the mold of Tom Glavine who works the outside part of the strike zone. Not always going for the strikeout, but does keep his defense involved in the game. Ohlendorf is exactly what the Pirates have been looking for. A righthander who can complement the lefthanders in the rotation. He can blow his fastball by you and combines that with a hard slider as an out pitch. Duke doesn’t wow you, but does get the job done. His record is misleading in part, he played for the Pirates and hardly had any run support. Morton will be counted on to do what Ohlendorf is doing and that’s be a strong compliment after Duke in the rotation. Some in the organization think Morton has the best stuff of the entire staff. McCutchen in six starts was okay, didn’t wow anyone. He will get the fifth spot, but Kevin Hart and Brad Lincoln could be called up to fill it if McCutchen doesn’t pan out for the Pirates.
Donnelly being brought was a great move. A veteran who was an All-Star in ’03, provides stability at the back end of the bullpen. Not a lot of experience as a closer, but can close a few games out. He doesn’t have the same power in his pitches, but can still get hitters out in the majors. Dotel had three save opportunities last season for the White Sox. His best season as a closer was in ’04 saving 36 games for the Astros and Athletics. The Pirates are not expecting that kind of season from Dotel, but they do expect him to be the final nail in the opponents coffin when the Pirates do have a lead in the ninth inning. Now don’t expect him to finish the season in Pittsburgh. If the Pirates do finish with 70 wins or more, manager John Russell might be around on more year, but don’t expect miracles in Pittsburgh. Another losing season is in store for the Pirates.