Way to go out on a limb there. You and eveyone else are jumping on that bandwagon. That division can probably be had with 85-87 wins next year. They certainly won't surprise anyone.
I think the giants will definitely contend for the west next year, and the marlins for the East. Both teams (particularly the giants) have made some under the radar moves this offseason that will give them a shot.
I think the giants will definitely contend for the west next year, and the marlins for the East. Both teams (particularly the giants) have made some under the radar moves this offseason that will give them a shot.
Everyone else is jumping on that bandwagon? I am the first I've heard of to be honest. There are a ton of question marks on that pitching staff.
Dusherer, Gallagher, Eveland, Braden, Gonzalez... Who?
The first two guys should have very nice years but I'm not sold on any of the back 3 being ready for this year.
Dusherer, Gallagher, Eveland, Braden, Gonzalez... Who?
The first two guys should have very nice years but I'm not sold on any of the back 3 being ready for this year.
Couple
San Fran-If they can somehow add some offense and maybe pick up a big bat or at least some offensive help this team can and will be very dangerous. Very talented, young pitching staff (Lincecum, Cain, Johnson, Lowery, Sanchez/Zito) probably their 5 man rotation. One hell of a rotation if ya ask me (RJ not young--Obv not referring to him)
Marlins-Fell into a slump last year and couldn't dig out of it. Have the offense and fielding to get it done. Hot prospect in CF Cameron Maybin and 1B Gabby Sanchez (killed it in the minors batting 315+, had a shit load of RBI's and walked more than he struck out--wont chase bad pitches). Florida finds maybe one more decent man for their rotation at some point in the year and they will surprise some people.
Minnesota--A lot lies in the hands, or should I say hand of Francisco Liriano. The next big thing in the bigs and will be a superstar for many years to come. Joe Mauer best catcher offensively in the AL. Morneau a legitimate MVP contender year in and year out. Span an up and coming all-star for many years to come. Like this team a lot. Would be the central favs IMO if Johan would have stayed with them
San Fran-If they can somehow add some offense and maybe pick up a big bat or at least some offensive help this team can and will be very dangerous. Very talented, young pitching staff (Lincecum, Cain, Johnson, Lowery, Sanchez/Zito) probably their 5 man rotation. One hell of a rotation if ya ask me (RJ not young--Obv not referring to him)
Marlins-Fell into a slump last year and couldn't dig out of it. Have the offense and fielding to get it done. Hot prospect in CF Cameron Maybin and 1B Gabby Sanchez (killed it in the minors batting 315+, had a shit load of RBI's and walked more than he struck out--wont chase bad pitches). Florida finds maybe one more decent man for their rotation at some point in the year and they will surprise some people.
Minnesota--A lot lies in the hands, or should I say hand of Francisco Liriano. The next big thing in the bigs and will be a superstar for many years to come. Joe Mauer best catcher offensively in the AL. Morneau a legitimate MVP contender year in and year out. Span an up and coming all-star for many years to come. Like this team a lot. Would be the central favs IMO if Johan would have stayed with them
The Giants are my team so I would love to see a good year from them, but they haven't made enough moves on offense to complement one of the best pitching staffs in the majors.
I think this finally can be the year the Pittsburgh pirates make some noise. They have been a trendy pick for years to finally break out, but never have been able to do so. If they can get Snell back on track to anchor their young staff that could go a long way for the Pirates fighting for the wild card. Something was wrong with Snell last year. He was no where near his old self, and struggled throughout. If he can get it back on track, and some of the young pitchers that had so much promise can get it together the Pirates will have a very underrated pitching staff. This rotations isn't all that bad
1. Ian Snell
2. Tom Gorzo
3. Paul Maholm
4. Zach Duke
5. Jeff Karstens
Their offense needs a little bit of help, but they have one of the best young center fielders in Nate McClouth, and a veteran middle of the order hitter in Adam LaRoche who is due for a break out year. If Freddy Sanchez can get back to his batting champ season of 2 years ago that will give them a solid middle infield with him and sanchez and jack wilson. Andy Lacroch and Adam LaRoche can give them some power from the corner infield positions, and Ryan Douhmit is one of the best hitting catchers in the game. They do need some help on offense, mostly in the outfield. This should be a good fielding team. The bullpen should also be one of the better ones in the majors if they stay healthy. Capps is a horse closer, and have a bunch of other power arms
I think this finally can be the year the Pittsburgh pirates make some noise. They have been a trendy pick for years to finally break out, but never have been able to do so. If they can get Snell back on track to anchor their young staff that could go a long way for the Pirates fighting for the wild card. Something was wrong with Snell last year. He was no where near his old self, and struggled throughout. If he can get it back on track, and some of the young pitchers that had so much promise can get it together the Pirates will have a very underrated pitching staff. This rotations isn't all that bad
1. Ian Snell
2. Tom Gorzo
3. Paul Maholm
4. Zach Duke
5. Jeff Karstens
Their offense needs a little bit of help, but they have one of the best young center fielders in Nate McClouth, and a veteran middle of the order hitter in Adam LaRoche who is due for a break out year. If Freddy Sanchez can get back to his batting champ season of 2 years ago that will give them a solid middle infield with him and sanchez and jack wilson. Andy Lacroch and Adam LaRoche can give them some power from the corner infield positions, and Ryan Douhmit is one of the best hitting catchers in the game. They do need some help on offense, mostly in the outfield. This should be a good fielding team. The bullpen should also be one of the better ones in the majors if they stay healthy. Capps is a horse closer, and have a bunch of other power arms
This year's TB Devil Rays will be the TB Rays
Additions of Kapler, Burrell and Joyce greatly strengthen the OF and DH slots. Melvin Upton will be back to full health such as we saw in October and David Price replaces Ed Jackson in the starting rotation.
Look for another 95+ wins and a solid push for second consecutive AL East title
Additions of Kapler, Burrell and Joyce greatly strengthen the OF and DH slots. Melvin Upton will be back to full health such as we saw in October and David Price replaces Ed Jackson in the starting rotation.
Look for another 95+ wins and a solid push for second consecutive AL East title
