National League Central

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

1. Cincinnati Reds
Their pitching and defense is unmatched as the division favorites.
2. St. Louis Cardinals
They’ll provide much needed competition for the Reds.
3. Pittsburgh Pirates
The losing streak ends in 2013 with a record above .500.
4. Milwaukee Brewers
One of the best offensive teams doesn’t have enough pitching.
5. Chicago Cubs
The only place to go is up for the ‘lovable losers’.

Player to Watch: OF Andrew McCutchen Pittsburgh Pirates
Had the Pirates and McCutchen for that matter not struggled down the stretch last season, he would have been the NL MVP. Pittsburgh has changed their culture thanks in large part to McCutchen and their manager Clint Hurdle. He know that he’ll need Andrew to be at his best if the Pirates are to compete and maybe even go for one of the Wild Card spots.
Best Acquisition: OF Shin-Soo Choo Cincinnati Reds
He had worn out his welcome in Cleveland and the Reds were more than happy to acquire him. It will be interesting to see how he handles the task of being the center fielder, but he should do fine as the Reds leadoff hitter. The lineup behind him is full of power with Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce. Choo should have a nice bounce back season.
New Kid on the Block: OF Starling Marte Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates have two elite starting pitchers waiting in the minors for their chance to shine. The time is now for the Pirates top hitting prospect in Marte. Like McCutchen and Pedro Alvarez before him he’ll be expected to produce immediately and in the leadoff spot. It will be important for him to get off to a good start to help McCutchen and Neil Walker bat with runners on.

Reds Lineup

1. CF Shin-Soo Choo*

.283 AVG 16 HR 67 RBI

2. 2B Brandon Phillips

.281 AVG 18 RH 77 RBI

3. 1B Joey Votto

.337 AVG 14 HR 56 RBI

4. RF Jay Bruce

.252 AVG 34 HR 99 RBI

5. LF Ryan Ludwick

.275 AVG 26 HR 80 RBI

6. 3B Todd Frazier

.273 AVG 19 HR 67 RBI

7. C Ryan Hanigan

.274 AVG 2 HR 24 RBI

8. SS Zack Cozart

.246 AVG 15 HR 35 RBI

Bench

INF Jack Hannahan*

.244 AVG 4 HR 29 RBI

OF Chris Heisey

.265 AVG 7 HR 31 RBI

C Devin Mesoraco

.212 AVG 5 HR 14 RBI

Rotation

1. Johnny Cueto

19-9 2.78 ERA

2. Mat Latos

14-4 3.48 ERA

3. Bronson Arroyo

12-10 3.74 ERA

4. Homer Bailey

13-10 3.68 ERA

5. Mike Leake

8-9 4.58 ERA

Setup

Jonathan Broxton

4-5 2.48 ERA

Closer

Aroldis Chapman

38 SV 1.51 ERA

Dusty Baker’s Job: Keep Chapman in the bullpen.

Most Important Player: 1B Joey Votto

Cardinals Lineup

1. CF Jon Jay

.305 AVG 4 HR 40 RBI

2. SS Pete Kozma

.333 AVG 2 HR 14 RBI

3. RF Carlos Beltran

.269 AVG 32 HR 97 RBI

4. LF Matt Holliday

.295 AVG 27 HR 102 RBI

5. 3B David Freese

.293 AVG 20 HR 79 RBI

6. C Yadier Molina

.315 AVG 22 HR 76 RBI

7. 1B Allen Craig

.307 AVG 22 HR 92 RBI

8. 2B Daniel Descalso

.227 AVG 4 HR 26 RBI

Bench

INF Ty Wigginton*

.235 AVG 11 HR 43 RBI

INF/OF Matt Carpenter

.294 AVG 6 HR 46 RBI

1B Matt Adams

.329 AVG 18 HR 50 RBI (AAA stats)

Rotation

1. Adam Wainwright

14-13 3.94 ERA

2. Jake Westbrook

13-11 3.97 ERA

3. Jaime Garcia

7-7 3.92 ERA

4. Lance Lynn

18-7 3.78 ERA

5. Shelby Miller

11-10 4.74 ERA (AAA stats)

Setup

Mitchell Boggs

4-1 2.21 ERA

Closer

Jason Motte

42 SV 2.75 ERA

Mike Matheny’s Job: Keep a good balance between the veterans and the young guys.

Most Important Player: C Yadier Molina

Pirates Lineup

1. LF Starling Marte

.286 AVG 12 HR 62 RBI (AAA stats)

2. 2B Neil Walker

.280 AVG 14 HR 69 RBI

3. CF Andrew McCutchen

.327 AVG 31 HR 96 RBI

4. 1B Garrett Jones

.274 AVG 27 HR 86 RBI

5. 3B Pedro Alvarez

.244 AVG 30 HR 85 RBI

6. C Russell Martin*
. 211 AVG 21 HR 53 RBI
7. RF Gaby Sanchez
.217 AVG 7 HR 30 RBI
8. SS Clint Barmes
.229 AVG 8 HR 45 RBI

Bench

OF Travis Snider
.250 AVG 4 HR 17 RBI
OF Jose Tabata
.243 AVG 3 HR 16 RBI
C Michael McKenry
.233 AVG 12 HR 39 RBI

Rotation

1. A.J. Burnett
16-10 3.51 ERA
2. Wandy Rodriguez
12-13 3.76 ERA
3. James McDonald
12-8 4.21 ERA
4. Francisco Liriano*
3-2 4.40 ERA
5. Jeff Karstens
5-4 3.97 ERA

Setup

Jared Hughes
2-2 2.85 ERA

Closer

Jason Grilli
2 SV 2.91 ERA

Clint Hurdle’s Job: End the Pirates losing streak.

Most Important Player: OF Andrew McCutchen

Brewers Lineup

1. RF Norichika Aoki

.288 AVG 10 HR 50 RBI

2. 2B Rickie Weeks

.230 AVG 21 HR 63 RBI

3. LF Ryan Braun

.319 AVG 41 HR 112 RBI

4. 3B Aramis Ramirez

.300 AVG 27 HR 105 RBI

5. C Jonathan Lucroy

.320 AVG 12 HR 58 RBI

6. CF Carlos Gomez

.260 AVG 19 HR 51 RBI

7. 1B Alex Gonzalez
.259 AVG 4 HR 15 RBI
8. SS Jean Segura
.264 AVG 0 HR 14 RBI

Bench

C Martin Maldonado
.266 AVG 8 HR 30 RBI
OF Logan Schafer
.278 AVG 11 HR 40 RBI (AAA stats)
INF Taylor Green
.184 AVG 3 HR 14 RBI

Rotation

1. Yovani Gallardo
16-9 3.66 ERA
2. Kyle Lohse*
16-3 2.86 ERA
3. Marco Estrada
5-7 3.64 ERA
4. Mike Fiers
9-10 3.74 ERA
5. Chris Narveson
1-1 7.00 ERA

Setup

Tom Gorzelanny*
4-2 2.88 ERA

Closer

John Axford
35 SV 4.67 ERA

Ron Roenicke’s Job: Hope that the bullpen improves.

Most Important Player: OF Ryan Braun

Cubs Lineup

1. LF Alfonso Soriano

.262 AVG 32 HR 108 RBI

2. CF David DeJesus

.263 AVG 9 HR 50 RBI

3. SS Starlin Castro

.283 AVG 14 HR 78 RBI

4. 1B Anthony Rizzo

.285 AVG 15 HR 48 RBI

5. 3B Ian Stewart

.201 AVG 5 HR 17 RBI

6. C Wellington Castillo

.265 AVG 5 HR 22 RBI

7. RF Nate Schierholtz*

.257 AVG 6 HR 21 RBI

8. 2B Darwin Barney

.254 AVG 7 HR 44 RBI

Bench

OF Scott Hairston*

.263 AVG 20 HR 57 RBI

INF Luis Valbuena

.219 AVG 4 HR 28 RBI

C Dioner Navarro*

Rotation

1. Jeff Samardzija

9-13 3.81 ERA

2. Edwin Jackson*

10-11 4.03 ERA

3. Travis Wodd

6-13 4.27 ERA

4. Scott Feldman*

6-11 5.09 ERA

5. Carlos Villanueva*

7-7 4.16 ERA

Setup

Carlos Marmol

20 SV 3.42 ERA

Closer

Kyuji Fujikawa*

24 SV 1.32 ERA (Japan)

Dale Sveum’s Job: Keep improving one day at a time.

Most Important Player: SS Starlin Castro

American League West

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

1. Los Angeles Angels
The offense gets even better with an improved bullpen.
2. Oakland Athletics
Their bullpen is scary good and their depth is better than last year.
3. Texas Rangers
A disappointing offseason had them take two steps backward.
4. Seattle Mariners
With a better lineup the pitching will need another year to develop.
5. Houston Astros
A lot of growing pains as they switch to the American League.

Player to Watch: OF Mike Trout Los Angeles Angels
Not only is he going to be the most watch player in this division, but in all of baseball. He has become the best example of what a ‘five tool’ player looks like and plays like. What will he do for an encore has everyone talking.
Best Acquisition: OF Josh Hamilton Los Angeles Angels
The division rival Angels swooped in and snatched a big bat from the Texas Rangers lineup. Not only does he offer protection for Albert Pujols, but takes pressure off Mark Trumbo who struggled down the stretch last season. It’s a win-win for Albert and Mark.
New Kid on the Block: INF Jurickson Profar Texas Rangers
He’s the reason why the Rangers decided to deal their franchise mainstay Michael Young. If he doesn’t play from the beginning of the season, you will see him at some point this year. Far too talented to let stay in the minors for very long.

Angels Lineup

1. LF Mike Trout

.326 AVG 32 HR 95 RBI

2. SS Erick Aybar

.290 AVG 8 RH 45 RBI

3. 1B Albert Pujols

.285 AVG 30 HR 105 RBI

4. RF Josh Hamilton*

.285 AVG 43 HR 128 RBI

5. DH Mark Trumbo

.268 AVG 32 HR 95 RBI

6. 2B Howie Kendrick

.287 AVG 8 HR 67 RBI

7. 3B Alberto Callaspo

.252 AVG 10 HR 53 RBI

8. C Chris Iannetta

.240 AVG 9 RH 26 RBI

9. CF Peter Bourjos

.220 AVG 3 HR 19 RBI

Bench

C Hank Conger

.295 AVG 10 HR 42 RBI (AAA stats)

INF Andrew Romine

.285 AVG 4 HR 39 RBI (AAA stats)

OF Kole Calhoun

.298 AVG 14 HR 73 RBI (AAA stats)

Rotation

1. Jered Weaver

20-5 2.81 ERA

2. C.J. Wilson

13-10 3.83 ERA

3. Tommy Hanson*

13-10 4.48 ERA

4. Jason Vargas*

14-11 3.85 ERA

5. Joe Blanton*

10-13 4.71 ERA

Setup

Scott Downs

1-1 3.15 ERA

Closer

Ernesto Frieri

23 SV 2.32 ERA

Mike Scioscia’s Job: Don’t have another slow start.

Most Important Player: OF Mike Trout

Athletics Lineup

1. DH Coco Crisp

.259 AVG 11 HR 46 RBI

2. 3B Jed Lowrie*

.244 AVG 16 HR 42 RBI

3. LF Yoenis Cespedes

.292 AVG 23 HR 82 RBI

4. 1B Brandon Moss

.291 AVG 21 HR 52 RBI

5. RF Josh Reddick

.242 AVG 32 HR 85 RBI

6. CF Chris Young*

.231 AVG 14 HR 41 RBI

7. C John Jaso*

.276 AVG 10 HR 50 RBI

8. 2B Jemile Weeks

.221 AVG 2 HR 20 RBI

9. SS Hiroyuki Nakamjima*

.311 AVG 13 HR 74 RBI (Japan)

Bench

OF Seth Smith

.240 AVG 14 HR 52 RBI

INF Scott Sizemore

Did not play

C Derek Norris

.201 AVG 7 HR 34 RBI

Rotation

1. Brett Anderson

4-2 2.57 ERA

2. Jarrod Parker

13-8 3.47 ERA

3. Tommy Milone

13-10 3.74 ERA

4. Bartolo Colon

10-9 3.43 ERA

5. A.J. Griffin

7-1 3.06 ERA

Setup

Ryan Cook

6-2 2.09 ERA

Closer

Grant Balfour

24 SV 2.53 ERA

Bob Melvin’s Job: Find the groove from last year.

Most Important Player: OF Yoenis Cespedes

Rangers Lineup

1. 2B Ian Kinsler

.256 AVG 19 HR 72 RBI

2. SS Elvis Andrus

.286 AVG 3 HR 62 RBI

3. DH Lance Berkman*

.259 AVG 2 HR 7 RBI

4. 3B Adrian Beltre

.321 AVG 36 HR 102 RBI

5. C A.J. Pierzynski*

.278 AVG 27 HR 77 RBI

6. RF Nelson Cruz

.260 AVG 24 HR 90 RBI

7. LF David Murphy

.304 AVG 15 HR 61 RBI

8. 1B Mitch Moreland

.275 AVG 15 HR 50 RBI

9. CF Leonys Martin

.359 AVG 12 HR 42 RBI (AAA stats)

Bench

OF Craig Gentry

.304 AVG 1 HR 26 RBI

C Geovany Soto

.198 AVG 11 HR 39 RBI

INF Jurickson Profar

.281 AVG 14 HR 62 RBI (AA stats)

Rotation

1. Matt Harrison

18-11 3.29 ERA

2. Yu Darvish

16-9 3.90 ERA

3. Derek Holland

12-7 4.67 ERA

4. Alexi Ogando

2-0 3.27 ERA

5. Martin Perez

1-4 5.45 ERA

Setup

Jason Frasor*

1-1 4.12 ERA

Closer

Joe Nathan

37 SV 2.80 ERA

Ron Washington’s Job: Salvage the pitching staff.

Most Important Player: OF Nelson Cruz

Mariners Lineup

1. 2B Dustin Ackley

.226 AVG 12 HR 50 RBI

2. CF Franklin Gutierrez

.260 AVG 4 HR 17 RBI

3. 3B Kyle Seager

.259 AVG 20 HR 86 RBI

4. LF Michael Morse*

.291 AVG 18 HR 62 RBI

5. DH Kendrys Morales*

.273 AVG 22 HR 73 RBI

6. C Jesus Montero

.260 AVG 15 HR 62 RBI

7. 1B Justin Smoak

.217 AVG 19 HR 51 RBI

8. RF Michael Saunders

.247 AVG 19 HR 57 RBI

9. SS Brendan Ryan

.194 AVG 3 HR 31 RBI

Bench

OF/DH Raul Ibanez*

.240 AVG 19 RH 62 RBI

INF Robert Andino*

.211 AVG 7 HR 28 RBI

OF Jason Bay*

.165 AVG 8 HR 20 RBI

Rotation

1. Felix Hernandez

13-9 3.06 ERA

2. Joe Saunders*

9-13 4.07 ERA

3. Hisashi Iwakuma

9-5 3.16 ERA

4. Blake Beavan

11-11 4.43 ERA

5. Erasmo Ramirez

1-3 3.36 ERA

Setup

Charlie Furbush

5-2 2.72 ERA

Closer

Tom Wilhelmsen

29 SV 2.50 ERA

Eric Wedge’s Job: Find the best lineup.

Most Important Player: P Felix Hernandez

Astros Lineup

1. CF Brandon Barnes

.321 AVG 12 HR 69 RBI (AA and AAA stats)

2. 2B Jose Altuve

.290 AVG 7 HR 37 RBI

3. RF Justin Maxwell

.229 AVG 18 HR 53 RBI

4. 1B Carlos Pena*

.197 AVG 19 HR 61 RBI

5. DH Chris Carter*

.239 AVG 16 HR 39 RBI

6. 3B Brett Wallace

.253 AVG 9 HR 24 RBI

7. LF Fernando Martinez

.314 AVG 13 HR 62 RBI (AAA stats)

8. C Jason Castro

.257 AVG 6 HR 29 RBI

9. SS Ronny Cedeno*

.259 AVG 4 HR 22 RBI

Bench

INF Marwin Gonzalez

.234 AVG 2 HR 12 RBI

3B Matt Dominguez

.257 AVG 9 HR 69 RBI (AAA stats)

C Carlos Corporan

.286 AVG 6 HR 31 RBI

Rotation

1. Bud Norris

7-13 4.65 ERA

2. Lucas Harrell

11-11 3.76 ERA

3. Alex White*

2-9 5.51 ERA

4. Philip Humber*

5-5 6.44 ERA

5. Jordan Lyles

5-12 5.09 ERA

Setup

Wesley Wright

2-2 3.27 ERA

Closer

Jose Veras*

1 SV 3.63 ERA

Bo Porter’s Job: Remain competitive.

Most Important Player: 2B Jose Altuve

National League West

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

1. San Francisco Giants
The best rotation in baseball makes them hard to bet against.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
An impressive spending spree has them in contention for many years.
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
They’re good, but they would be better with Justin Upton.
4. San Diego Padres
If they contend it will surprise everyone in the NL West.
5. Colorado Rockies
Managing High School kids is a lot easier than Major Leaguers.

Player to Watch: OF Matt Kemp Los Angeles Dodgers
He is capable of winning multiple MVP awards (almost had one in 2011). If the Dodgers are to remain in the pennant race at any point this season they will need a healthy Matt Kemp to lead them.
Best Acquisition: P Zack Greinke Los Angeles Dodgers
The newest pitcher to be awarded a $100 million dollar contract, Greinke is now thrown into one of the biggest media markets to go along with the expectations that his new contract brings. It could spell trouble, but he is far too talented to let that happen.
New Kid on the Block: OF Adam Eaton Arizona Diamondbacks
One big reason Arizona’s GM Kevin Towers decided to trade OF Justin Upton to the Atlanta Braves is because of the potential of Eaton. Arizona has a stacked stable of outfielders and Upton became the odd man out with Eaton waiting in the wings.

Giants Lineup

1. CF Angel Pagan

.288 AVG 8 HR 56 RBI

2. 2B Marco Scutaro

.306 AVG 7 HR 74 RBI

3. 3B Pablo Sandoval

.283 AVG 12 HR 63 RBI

4. C Buster Posey

.336 AVG 24 HR 103 RBI

5. RF Hunter Pence

.253 AVG 24 HR 104 RBI

6. 1B Brandon Belt

.275 AVG 7 HR 56 RBI

7. LF Gregor Blanco

.244 AVG 5 HR 34 RBI

8. SS Brandon Crawford

.248 AVG 4 HR 45 RBI

Bench

C Hector Sanchez

.280 AVG 3 HR 34 RBI

OF Andres Torres*

.230 AVG 3 HR 35 RBI

INF Joaquin Arias

.270 AVG 5 HR 34 RBI

Rotation

1. Matt Cain

16-5 2.79 ERA

2. Madison Bumgarner

16-11 3.37 ERA

3. Tim Lincecum

10-15 5.18 ERA

4. Ryan Vogelsong

14-9 3.37 ERA

5. Barry Zito

15-8 4.15 ERA

Setup

Santiago Casilla

7-6 2.84 ERA

Closer

Sergio Romo

14 SV 1.79 ERA

Bruce Bochy’s Job: Do exactly what you did last year

Most Important Player: P Tim Lincecum

Dodgers Lineup

1. LF Carl Crawford

.282 AVG 3 HR 19 RBI
2. 2B Mark Ellis
.258 AVG 7 HR 31 RBI
3. 1B Adrian Gonzalez
.299 AVG 18 HR 108 RBI
4. CF Matt Kemp
.303 AVG 23 HR 69 RBI
5. RF Andre Ethier
.284 AVG 20 HR 89 RBI
6. SS Hanley Ramirez
.257 AVG 24 HR 92 RBI
7. 3B Luis Cruz
.297 AVG 6 HR 40 RBI
8. C A.J. Ellis
.270 AVG 13 HR 52 RBI

Bench

INF/OF Jerry Hairston
.273 AVG 4 HR 26 RBI
INF Skip Schumaker*
.276 AVG 1 HR 28 RBI
INF Nick Punto
.219 AVG 1 HR 10 RBI

Rotation

1. Clayton Kershaw
14-9 2.53 ERA
2. Zack Greinke*
15-5 3.48 ERA
3. Hyun-Jin Ryu*
9-9 2.66 ERA (South Korea)
4. Josh Beckett
7-14 4.65 ERA
5. Chris Capuano
12-12 3.72 ERA

Setup

Kenley Jansen
25 SV 2.35 ERA

Closer

Brandon League
15 SV 3.13 ERA

Don Mattingly’s Job: Forget about the expectations and just play ball.

Most Important Player: P Clayton Kershaw

Diamondbacks Lineup

1. CF Adam Eaton

.381 AVG 7 HR 45 RBI (AAA stats)

2. 3B Martin Prado*
.301 AVG 10 HR 70 RBI
3. 2B Aaron Hill
.302 AVG 26 HR 85 RBI
4. C Miguel Montero
.286 AVG 15 HR 88 RBI
5. 1B Paul Goldschmidt
.286 AVG 20 HR 82 RBI
6. LF Jason Kubel
.253 AVG 30 HR 90 RBI
7. RF Cody Ross*
.267 AVG 22 HR 81 RBI
8. SS Cliff Pennington*
.215 AVG 6 HR 28 RBI

Bench

OF Gerardo Parra
.273 AVG 7 HR 36 RBI
INF/OF Eric Hinske*
.197 AVG 2 HR 13 RBI
INF Eric Chavez*
.281 AVG 16 HR 37 RBI

Rotation

1. Ian Kennedy
15-12 4.02 ERA
2. Trevor Cahill
13-12 3.78 ERA
3. Wade Miley
16-11 3.33 ERA
4. Brandon McCarthy*
8-6 3.24 ERA
5. Patrick Corbin
6-8 4.54 ERA

Setup

David Hernandez
2-3 2.50 ERA

Closer

J.J. Putz
32 SV 2.82 ERA

Kirk Gibson’s Job: Keep everyone on the same page.

Most Important Player: C Miguel Montero

Padres Lineup

1. CF Cameron Maybin

.243 AVG 8 RH 45 RBI

2. SS Everth Cabrera

.246 AVG 2 HR 24 RBI

3. 1B Yonder Alonso

.273 AVG 9 HR 62 RBI

4. 3B Chase Headley

.286 AVG 31 HR 115 RBI

5. LF Carlos Quentin

.261 AVG 16 HR 46 RBI

6. RF Will Venable

.264 AVG 9 HR 45 RBI

7. C Nick Hundley

.157 AVG 3 HR 22 RBI

8. 2B Logan Forsythe

.273 AVG 6 HR 26 RBI

Bench

OF Chris Denorfia

.293 AVG 8 HR 36 RBI

INF Alexi Amarista

.240 AVG 5 HR 32 RBI

1B/OF Jesus Guzman

.247 AVG 9 HR 48 RBI

Rotation

1. Clayton Richard

14-14 3.99 ERA

2. Edinson Volquez

11-11 4.14 ERA

3. Jason Marquis

8-11 5.22 ERA

4. Eric Stults

8-3 2.91 ERA

5. Tyson Ross*

2-11 6.50 ERA

Setup

Luke Gregerson

2-0 2.39 ERA

Closer

Huston Street

23 SV 1.85 ERA

Bud Black’s Job: Keep them going in the right direction.

Most Important Player: 3B Chase Headley

Rockies Lineup

1. CF Dexter Fowler

.300 AVG 13 HR 53 RBI

2. 3B Chris Nelson

.301 AVG 9 HR 53 RBI

3. LF Carlos Gonzalez

.303 AVG 22 HR 85 RBI

4. SS Troy Tulowitzki

.287 AVG 8 HR 27 RBI

5. 1B Todd Helton

.238 AVG 7 HR 37 RBI

6. RF Michael Cuddyer

.260 AVG 16 HR 58 RBI

7. C Wilin Rosario

.270 AVG 28 HR 71 RBI

8. 2B Josh Rutledge

.274 AVG 8 RH 37 RBI

Bench

OF Tyler Colvin

.290 AVG 18 HR 72 RBI

INF Jordan Pacheco

.309 AVG 5 HR 54 RBI

OF Eric Young

.316 AVG 4 HR 15 RBI

Rotation

1. Jorge De La Rosa

0-2 9.28 ERA

2. Jhoulys Chacin

3-5 4.43 ERA

3. Jeff Francis

6-7 5.58 ERA

4. Juan Nicasio

2-3 5.28 ERA

5. Jon Garland*

1-5 4.33 ERA (2011 stats)

Setup

Wilton Lopez*

6-3 2.17 ERA

Closer

Rafael Betancourt

31 SV 2.81 ERA

Walt Weiss’ Job: Learn as much as you can.

Most Important Player: SS Troy Tulowitzki

Relaunch

I told myself a while back that if an opportunity arose that would keep me from actively being involved with this site, I would step aside. And by ‘opportunity’ I mean a job related to sports. I don’t have a job yet related to that field, but that’s not to say that I haven’t found a new job.

Sadly I was optimistic that this new job would allow me to continue to stay up to date with this site and in fact give me more time with it. That isn’t a knock on my new job. I love it in fact. I just made the mistake of thinking that jumping in to a new job would allow more time with this site.

Thankfully with time passing I have a new found energy to get back into the mode of continuing to bring the most opinionated and outspoken view of sports out there today. You won’t find the same content here on ESPN, NFL Network, MLB Network or any sports network for that matter.

The website has a more simplistic look with some new features and ways to follow me on social media. And as a token of my gratitude I’ll be giving you a massive preview of my favorite sport for the rest of the month of March. I’m all in. Thank you for continuing to check back.

Jerry Buss 1933-2013

The NBA and the entire sports world lost one of their greatest owners in Jerry Buss. The things he did not only changed the NBA for the better, but changed the landscape of sports as we know it today.

Winning championships was one of his mainstays, but the other was making the fans happy. That can be said with his ‘showtime’ Lakers of the 1980s who brought titles and entertainment to what many consider the entertainment capital of the world in Los Angeles.

Cheerleaders started in the NBA with the Laker Girls the first year Jerry Buss took over the team. He started an exclusive television network to broadcast Lakers games in 1985 with the launch of Prime Ticket. Ultimately it set the stage for many other sports teams to acquire exclusive television rights deals in the near future.

He was honored as a Hall of Famer in 2010 with his formal induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. He once said in an interview that when he purchased the Los Angeles Lakers that he wanted folks to think of the Lakers when they thought of the city of Los Angeles. He certainly succeeded in that regard. But perhaps what I will remember the most about him is that he had one of the best runs of success in sports history.

For the thirty two years he owned the Los Angeles Lakers, there were only two years in which the Lakers had losing seasons. Sixteen appearances in the NBA Finals and ten titles to show for it. That is an incredible run of success.

In my mind he is without a doubt one of the best owners in any sport. He wanted to win and he was willing to spend to do it. That’s what you would want out of the owner of a professional sports team. Win at all cost. If you win, the fans will come. They have and they will never forget the great Jerry Buss.