After another early and brutal exit from last year's playoffs the Reds come into season 8 with renewed optimism knowing that they have the team to win it all and vowing to do so. GM erff has all but admitted to being clueless as to the Reds playoff struggles when the team performs so well during the regular season year end and year out. A few ideas have been brewing though....
No longer with the team is 1 year stop gap Felipe Ontiveros and also two Reds favorites. Always a potent threat at the dish Left Fielder Emmanuel Nieves left thru free agency and is still the current record holder in many categories for the Reds and also season 3 Cy Young winner Santiago Manto was allowed to leave despite an impressive record with the Cincinnati ballclub. Manto was getting his share of grief from fans for his recent inconsistencies and with the emergence of Roger Merrick and Tommie Jefferies it was not that surprising that the Reds let Emmanuel go. Neither will be the opening day left fielder however.
The biggest news in Reds camp all spring was the trade that brought rbi god William Hernandez to the Queen city. Although he'd always been a catcher the Reds immediately threw a first baseman's mitt on William. This shocking move means that prior multiple mvp Omar Nixon will be moved to left field and a frustrated Tommie Jefferies gets to play the reserve roll again. The rest of the Reds squad remains the same other than the debut of shortstop hopeful Juan Barajas.
And you're Reds line-up is....
Catcher - Chris Duran is behind the plate again as he will be for many years to come. Chris calls a good game, has above average defense and can mash as well. hiw weakness is his durability which will only allow him to play perhaps 110 games a year. New 1b William Hernadez can catch on Chris's off days as can last year's back-up Lawrence Plant.
First Base - As mentioned William Hernandez takes over at first with Omar shifting to left. the Reds expect William to play every game this year either at first or behind the dish.
Second Base - Season 5 rookie of the year Tony Torrealba is back at second. Rumor has it that Tony is destined for Left Field one day and many Reds fans thought this was that year but with Hernandez coming in and the Reds front office staff seeming to be quite patient with prospect Miguel Rodrigo it seems that Tony will be the Reds second baseman once again. A surprising announcement was that the Reds expect Tony to be their everday lead-off hitter this year instead of their 3 hole hitter. Fans are anxious to see how it works out.
Third Base - ball crusher Carlos Santiago is still here despite the Reds trying to move him for pitching last year to make room for current right fielder Roger Merrick. Reds fans are not unhappy that Carlos is still a Red. Word is Mangement has changed their views on the sluggers future with the club and are quite pleased with him ad the 3rd baseman.
Shortstop - rookie Juan Barajas will be making web gem at short this year. Big shoes to fill after Felipe but the Reds believe in him.
Left Field - 3 Time MVP Omar Nixon makes the move to Left Field this year. He'll be spelled by Tommie when he needs it and is expected to contend for another MVP thi year.
Center Field - the "other" Carlos Carlos Ortiz is back roaming center and hopefully hitting bombs out ove center.
Right Field - last year rookie Roger Merrick is back roaming right and is expected to take hold of the #2 spot in the batting order this year after leading off most of last year.
Bench - As mentioned Tommie Jeffries is the Reds 4th outfielder nad Lawrence plant is the back-up cather. beyond that it gets sketchy. Up and Downers Nicky Hogan and Dallas Clark will serve as utility players while young John Parrish gets his feet wet as the back-up CF and 5th outfielder. this is an area the reds are still working on improving for the upcoming season.
Starting Rotation -
1. Yamil Pulido - obviously
2. Mel Wagner - another Cy Young winner and solid pitcher
3. Charles Kinney - brought the old man back. Also a previous Cy Young winner and sportin a sub 3.00 era last year the Reds couldn't resist
4. Bruce Kinney no relation to Charles Bruce had a decent #5 starter type year last year but more is expected this year.
5. Harry Owen - always turning failed Brewer pitchers into stars the Reds hope to do so here as well.
Bullpen
Yorvit Castillo has been booted from the rotation and now serves as swing man. former starter Wayne Mays still serves as a lond man as does younf phenom Midre Davis. Jaime Phillips, Max Warden and the ageless Gabe Lee reurn as set-up men and Mitchell Ray will comtinue to dominate as the leagues best closer. In short the bullpen is basically the same and still the best.
Expectations: over 100 wins again, 1st place again and WIN A DAMN WORLD SERIES!!!!!!
sorry bout that. sometimes i let it all out much like Dwight Johnson's sister does. \
Friday, May 23, 2008
Pittsburgh Pirates Preview
The Pirates finished 3rd at 77-85 last year, actually better than was imagined at the beginning. They would have finished 2nd ahead of the Mets, but the team was evaluating its young talent at the end of last season. Quite a few of those young guns were retained for this season.
Players saying bye bye:
Danny Kinney: .342 avg and dismal catching was not good enough for the ML and demoted
Andruw Strickland: .295 avg and fantastic 1B play was not to the Pirates liking and now sacking groceries at Krogers
Josh Fleming Never lived up to his potential, trying to get a job at ESPN
Diego Belliard : Great defense didn't help his lack of offense, now in football camp
Vicente Trajano: Never settling into a position or hitting, now playing Little League coach
Otis Morton: too many Bean Balls and bruised knees, up on domestic violence charges (hitting wife with ball while playing catch with son).
Dick Scanlan: Just couldn't get his act together in Pittsburgh, maybe in Texas he will shine
Rigo Pineiro: His end of season indifference cost him his job. Now doing bull riding commercials.
New Players saying hello:
Thomas Baxter, C : Better than Kinney defensively and has a lot to learn
Rodrigo Gonzales, 1B : Will make fans say "Andruw who?"
Hideki Huang, 3B/util : Pirates finally have a 3B
Harry Brock, LF : No more juggling at that position either
Tomas Saez, P : Found wondering around in the waiver wire, Pirate fans are hopeful
Kory Governale, P : Rule V pickup and had a great spring
Carmine Pagnozzi, P: Rule V pickup and another that had a great spring
Lawrence Dawkins, P : Rule V waiver wire pick up, taking Josh Grove spot who didn't have a bad spring but was very inconsistent.
If the Pirates are to make a run this year, Team Captain Hunter Tomlinson and the coaching staff will have to do everything in their power to make these youngsters pull together as a team. Hunter has already spoke out that he expects more from these guys than previous teams and more or less guaranteed a winning season. The biggest problem may be the pitching staff as there is no true #1 starter, but 5 guys that can get the job done. A new approach in the bull pen sees more long relievers going shorter distances instead of a bunch of setup men trying to hold the lead for the closer. This pen is on a very short leash as several players in the minors are chomping at the bit to have their chance.
Meet the team
The Fielders
C - Hawk Bates and Thomas Baxter
These two are mirror images of one another, both are above average in dish defense and hit for average. Hopefully their SB defense picks up as the steal wave may be over.
1B - Rodrigo Gonzales
Chicks dig the the long ball and Rodrigo can deliver.
2B - Cory Neal
This is probably Cory's last season for the Pirates as his contract will go into arbitration and he is not worthy of the rich contract he has at the moment.
SS - Hunter Tomlinson and Team Captain
Hunter, being the oldest player on the team at 32, is undeniably the Team Captain. His consistency at SS and at the plate has been as steady as anyone the last 3 seasons.
3B - Hideki Huang
Being the youngest player has its rewards, the older guys keep teasing him about his name. Hideki and Hunter have been working hard this spring to solidify the left side.
LF - Max Crede
Max is one of those players that doesn't stack up but can't get rid of. Plays no position great, is not the best player at the plate. So why does he stick around? He loves the organization! They gave him a chance and he continues to thrive. Led the team in home runs the last 3 seasons and strike outs also. His biggest asset to the team is his knack to get runners home providing over 100 RBIs each of the last 3 seasons.
CF - Giovanni Jackson
After what Gio called a disappointing rookie season last year, he set goals to accomplish this year. His first goal was to limit the number of beauties in his entourage. Secondly to improve his game to the respectable levels he is capable of.
RF - Albert Tapies
Albert will again this year be roaming right field most of the time.
Backups : Julian Giles, Ben Riggs, Harry Brock
Starting Pitching
Elston Bush
Elston improved by leaps and bounds last season and management is hoping this emerging star can keep going.
Ray Luke
Ray continues to grow and management has put a lot of money on the line in the hopes he will.
Tomas Saez
Pirate management sees potential, then again so has other teams that were disappointed. Only time will tell if this was a good waiver wire pick up.
Grant Simon
Grant showed in the last half of the season that he can get the job done as a starter.
Randy Halladay
Pirates were surprised by the trade made by the Brewers last year that they didn't know what to do with their new found sensation. In talks with Randy, the coaching staff found out that he wanted to be a starter and didn't see that happening in Milwaukee.
Long Relief
Terry Rollins
Coaches are worried about Terry and the effort he gave this spring. A move could be made quickly if things don't look any better.
Wilson House
The elder statesman in the pen, Wilson surprises most of the time, but is inconsistent the rest of the time.
Carmine Pagnozzi
A Rule V pickup from Florida, showed this spring that he capable reliever and possible starter if the need arises.
Fernando Solano
Fernando had a good season last year in relief roles, Pirates expect more of the same after having an outstanding spring.
Armando Tavarez
Armando has all the tools to be a ML star, but his slow development has bothered management for quite sometime. It may have been caused in season 4 when he was unjustly thrown into the ML way too soon and that was before current management took over.
Setup
Lawrence Dawkins
Rule V waiver wire pick up, this spot was originally was held by another Rule V draftee, but Lawrence's qualifications were much better. Picking up an innings worth of Spring Training work didn't help his cause, but management wants to give the kid a chance to prove himself.
Kory Governale
Pirate management was over joyed when this Rule V pick up was still on the board at #10 from Minnesota. Originally slotted for the closer spot, coaches seem to have a better idea and setup is in his present state.
Closer
J.J. Adams
JJ was aquired in a late trade with LA last year (or was that thru waivers late?). Although his spring stats don't look good on paper, he was put in some bad situations and did the best he could. Coaches are high on him, but current lack of positions delegates him to the closers role.
Minor league players management and coaches have their eyes on
Jae Dong, CF
Hub Strange, P
J.C. Wilkins, P
Kenneth Buckley, P
Steven Haynes , P
Karim Quevedo, SS
Don Webster, 1B/DH
Team Song: Rolling on the River
Players saying bye bye:
Danny Kinney: .342 avg and dismal catching was not good enough for the ML and demoted
Andruw Strickland: .295 avg and fantastic 1B play was not to the Pirates liking and now sacking groceries at Krogers
Josh Fleming Never lived up to his potential, trying to get a job at ESPN
Diego Belliard : Great defense didn't help his lack of offense, now in football camp
Vicente Trajano: Never settling into a position or hitting, now playing Little League coach
Otis Morton: too many Bean Balls and bruised knees, up on domestic violence charges (hitting wife with ball while playing catch with son).
Dick Scanlan: Just couldn't get his act together in Pittsburgh, maybe in Texas he will shine
Rigo Pineiro: His end of season indifference cost him his job. Now doing bull riding commercials.
New Players saying hello:
Thomas Baxter, C : Better than Kinney defensively and has a lot to learn
Rodrigo Gonzales, 1B : Will make fans say "Andruw who?"
Hideki Huang, 3B/util : Pirates finally have a 3B
Harry Brock, LF : No more juggling at that position either
Tomas Saez, P : Found wondering around in the waiver wire, Pirate fans are hopeful
Kory Governale, P : Rule V pickup and had a great spring
Carmine Pagnozzi, P: Rule V pickup and another that had a great spring
Lawrence Dawkins, P : Rule V waiver wire pick up, taking Josh Grove spot who didn't have a bad spring but was very inconsistent.
If the Pirates are to make a run this year, Team Captain Hunter Tomlinson and the coaching staff will have to do everything in their power to make these youngsters pull together as a team. Hunter has already spoke out that he expects more from these guys than previous teams and more or less guaranteed a winning season. The biggest problem may be the pitching staff as there is no true #1 starter, but 5 guys that can get the job done. A new approach in the bull pen sees more long relievers going shorter distances instead of a bunch of setup men trying to hold the lead for the closer. This pen is on a very short leash as several players in the minors are chomping at the bit to have their chance.
Meet the team
The Fielders
C - Hawk Bates and Thomas Baxter
These two are mirror images of one another, both are above average in dish defense and hit for average. Hopefully their SB defense picks up as the steal wave may be over.
1B - Rodrigo Gonzales
Chicks dig the the long ball and Rodrigo can deliver.
2B - Cory Neal
This is probably Cory's last season for the Pirates as his contract will go into arbitration and he is not worthy of the rich contract he has at the moment.
SS - Hunter Tomlinson and Team Captain
Hunter, being the oldest player on the team at 32, is undeniably the Team Captain. His consistency at SS and at the plate has been as steady as anyone the last 3 seasons.
3B - Hideki Huang
Being the youngest player has its rewards, the older guys keep teasing him about his name. Hideki and Hunter have been working hard this spring to solidify the left side.
LF - Max Crede
Max is one of those players that doesn't stack up but can't get rid of. Plays no position great, is not the best player at the plate. So why does he stick around? He loves the organization! They gave him a chance and he continues to thrive. Led the team in home runs the last 3 seasons and strike outs also. His biggest asset to the team is his knack to get runners home providing over 100 RBIs each of the last 3 seasons.
CF - Giovanni Jackson
After what Gio called a disappointing rookie season last year, he set goals to accomplish this year. His first goal was to limit the number of beauties in his entourage. Secondly to improve his game to the respectable levels he is capable of.
RF - Albert Tapies
Albert will again this year be roaming right field most of the time.
Backups : Julian Giles, Ben Riggs, Harry Brock
Starting Pitching
Elston Bush
Elston improved by leaps and bounds last season and management is hoping this emerging star can keep going.
Ray Luke
Ray continues to grow and management has put a lot of money on the line in the hopes he will.
Tomas Saez
Pirate management sees potential, then again so has other teams that were disappointed. Only time will tell if this was a good waiver wire pick up.
Grant Simon
Grant showed in the last half of the season that he can get the job done as a starter.
Randy Halladay
Pirates were surprised by the trade made by the Brewers last year that they didn't know what to do with their new found sensation. In talks with Randy, the coaching staff found out that he wanted to be a starter and didn't see that happening in Milwaukee.
Long Relief
Terry Rollins
Coaches are worried about Terry and the effort he gave this spring. A move could be made quickly if things don't look any better.
Wilson House
The elder statesman in the pen, Wilson surprises most of the time, but is inconsistent the rest of the time.
Carmine Pagnozzi
A Rule V pickup from Florida, showed this spring that he capable reliever and possible starter if the need arises.
Fernando Solano
Fernando had a good season last year in relief roles, Pirates expect more of the same after having an outstanding spring.
Armando Tavarez
Armando has all the tools to be a ML star, but his slow development has bothered management for quite sometime. It may have been caused in season 4 when he was unjustly thrown into the ML way too soon and that was before current management took over.
Setup
Lawrence Dawkins
Rule V waiver wire pick up, this spot was originally was held by another Rule V draftee, but Lawrence's qualifications were much better. Picking up an innings worth of Spring Training work didn't help his cause, but management wants to give the kid a chance to prove himself.
Kory Governale
Pirate management was over joyed when this Rule V pick up was still on the board at #10 from Minnesota. Originally slotted for the closer spot, coaches seem to have a better idea and setup is in his present state.
Closer
J.J. Adams
JJ was aquired in a late trade with LA last year (or was that thru waivers late?). Although his spring stats don't look good on paper, he was put in some bad situations and did the best he could. Coaches are high on him, but current lack of positions delegates him to the closers role.
Minor league players management and coaches have their eyes on
Jae Dong, CF
Hub Strange, P
J.C. Wilkins, P
Kenneth Buckley, P
Steven Haynes , P
Karim Quevedo, SS
Don Webster, 1B/DH
Team Song: Rolling on the River
Milwaukee Brewers Preview
Season Seven Record: 92-70, .568; 3rd Place, NL North; out of playoffs
Key Departures: Rich Munoz, Harold Traynor, Wes Kelly, Roy Hall, Patrick Snyder, Cliff Allensworth
Key Additions: Alfonso Lee, Philip Ruffin, Bernie Espinosa, Jimmie Sardinha, Albert DeLeon, Dario Irabu, Joshua James
Will make the playoffs if: Offense performs to expectations, they find reliable starting pitching beyond Donald Satou, and the bullpen flushes fewer leads.
Will miss the playoffs if: None of their young starters emerges as dependable, Irabu and J. Sardinha are Gasoline Alley and the offense struggles against the pitching rich NL North.
Outlook: 95-67, 3rd Place NL North; Wild Card winner
Team Song: Big Log
Year Three of the re-tooling project in Milwaukee continues, and few teams were more active in the trade and Rule V markets than Harvey's Wallbangers. While the Brewers have won 88 and 92 games the last two seasons, in the ultra competitive NL North that's been no better than third place, out of the playoffs.
As was the case last season, this year's team will rely on a potent, versatile and dynamic lineup and hope for the best from its pitching staff. Last year, the Brewers had 10 players with at least 10 HR and 10 SB. They should see a similar balance this season with a number of players that play multiple positions.
However, last year's team suffered through a franchise-worst WHIP (1.46), and the team blew 26 saves (41/67, 61% conversion rate). Those numbers will need to improve if the team intends to stay in the Wild Card race, let alone compete with the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds, long the class of the division.
The offseason was spent re-tooling the bullpen, and evaluating a quivver of young starters that weren't ready for the Big Leagues last year yet kept the Brewers within hailing distance of the Wild Card.
A pleasant surprise last season was Milkwaukee's defense which was tops in the league. It will need to be again if the pitching is as expected.
Following is a position-by-position look at the Season Eight Lagers.
C: Nerio Ford has achieved consistent excellence and has a career OPS north of 1.000. However, he's 31 and his defense is average. Look for him to finally give way to Hector Ramirez, who had perhaps the finest Spring of any player in the League.
1B: Aging Ramon Dong showed everyone last year that despite missing most of Season Six with injury, he has a lot of life left in his offense, winning the Silver Slugger. He had an OBP of .450 and for the first time since Season One posted an OPS more than 1.000. He also stole a career high 35 bases to go along with 23 HR and 90 RBI. He's moving from the OF to 1B.
2B: Giovanni King is the top returner and has speed (29 SB) and pop (13 HR). But the team also signed Cincy's Alfonso Lee to provide some competition for the job, and depth at other positions defensively. Offensively, this is Milwaukee's weakest position.
SS: Matt Wise had a great rookie season ended by a lengthy injury that also cost him a Gold Glove. He'll play against righties. Bernie Espinosa looks like an upgrade on offense over Wes Kelly.
3B: Recently rolled the dice by trading Munoz and shifting the multitalented but enigmatic Pascual Berroa to 3rd. Many feel Berroa should be a prototypical leadoff hitter with the chance to hit 20 HR and steal 20 bases. However, he's never reached that potential. Perhaps his new mega 5-year, $41mm deal will inspire him. He can also play 2B, SS and CF. Philip Ruffin is the backup and can play several positions.
OF: 24-year old Gregg Presley had an impressive first season, going .301-25-101 with 19 SB. He's also a premium defender. He needs to get on base more. Matthew Hollins had a surprise rookie season playing only against LHP, with a .958 OPS in 245 ABs as a 21- year old. He figures to improve on all numbers and has a great eye. 24-year old Zachrey Jerzembeck already has nearly 2000 ML ABs, and is a centerpiece of the offense. Last season he went .314-36-115 with 36 SBs. He needs to cut down on his 21 CS though. Pedro James had a breakout season with 40 HR and 135 RBI to go along with a .317 average and 1.022 OPS. Only 24, he also swiped 32 bases in 37 attempts.
SP: Just 25, Donald Satou missed five starts with an injury, but still managed to win 17 games (7 losses), with a 3.50 ERA. He has not looked as strong in the Spring, but last year had three complete games and has the makeup of an ace. Cookie Sardinha is probably the team's #2 and went 13-7 last season. Jumbo Benitez was 11-5 last year and at 27 is a veteran on this staff. 22-year old Richard Park looks ready to turn a corner. Veteran Curtis Redding will compete. Rocky Wilkins is a year away. Stud prospect Joaquin Villano probably needs at least one more year in AAA. Same for David Espinosa and Benji Santiago. The team had just traded for Joshua James, who is expected to fill the #3 or 4 starter spot.
Bullpen: They traded for Jimmie Sardinha to be the closer, and when he faltered in the Spring they upgraded the position bringing back Dario Irabu and handing him his first closer's job. He figures to be an upgrade, though, after last year's parade of Mike Schooler Impersonators. Other arms in the bullpen include Albert DeLeon, Edgard Espinosa and Oswaldo Felix.
Key Departures: Rich Munoz, Harold Traynor, Wes Kelly, Roy Hall, Patrick Snyder, Cliff Allensworth
Key Additions: Alfonso Lee, Philip Ruffin, Bernie Espinosa, Jimmie Sardinha, Albert DeLeon, Dario Irabu, Joshua James
Will make the playoffs if: Offense performs to expectations, they find reliable starting pitching beyond Donald Satou, and the bullpen flushes fewer leads.
Will miss the playoffs if: None of their young starters emerges as dependable, Irabu and J. Sardinha are Gasoline Alley and the offense struggles against the pitching rich NL North.
Outlook: 95-67, 3rd Place NL North; Wild Card winner
Team Song: Big Log
Year Three of the re-tooling project in Milwaukee continues, and few teams were more active in the trade and Rule V markets than Harvey's Wallbangers. While the Brewers have won 88 and 92 games the last two seasons, in the ultra competitive NL North that's been no better than third place, out of the playoffs.
As was the case last season, this year's team will rely on a potent, versatile and dynamic lineup and hope for the best from its pitching staff. Last year, the Brewers had 10 players with at least 10 HR and 10 SB. They should see a similar balance this season with a number of players that play multiple positions.
However, last year's team suffered through a franchise-worst WHIP (1.46), and the team blew 26 saves (41/67, 61% conversion rate). Those numbers will need to improve if the team intends to stay in the Wild Card race, let alone compete with the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds, long the class of the division.
The offseason was spent re-tooling the bullpen, and evaluating a quivver of young starters that weren't ready for the Big Leagues last year yet kept the Brewers within hailing distance of the Wild Card.
A pleasant surprise last season was Milkwaukee's defense which was tops in the league. It will need to be again if the pitching is as expected.
Following is a position-by-position look at the Season Eight Lagers.
C: Nerio Ford has achieved consistent excellence and has a career OPS north of 1.000. However, he's 31 and his defense is average. Look for him to finally give way to Hector Ramirez, who had perhaps the finest Spring of any player in the League.
1B: Aging Ramon Dong showed everyone last year that despite missing most of Season Six with injury, he has a lot of life left in his offense, winning the Silver Slugger. He had an OBP of .450 and for the first time since Season One posted an OPS more than 1.000. He also stole a career high 35 bases to go along with 23 HR and 90 RBI. He's moving from the OF to 1B.
2B: Giovanni King is the top returner and has speed (29 SB) and pop (13 HR). But the team also signed Cincy's Alfonso Lee to provide some competition for the job, and depth at other positions defensively. Offensively, this is Milwaukee's weakest position.
SS: Matt Wise had a great rookie season ended by a lengthy injury that also cost him a Gold Glove. He'll play against righties. Bernie Espinosa looks like an upgrade on offense over Wes Kelly.
3B: Recently rolled the dice by trading Munoz and shifting the multitalented but enigmatic Pascual Berroa to 3rd. Many feel Berroa should be a prototypical leadoff hitter with the chance to hit 20 HR and steal 20 bases. However, he's never reached that potential. Perhaps his new mega 5-year, $41mm deal will inspire him. He can also play 2B, SS and CF. Philip Ruffin is the backup and can play several positions.
OF: 24-year old Gregg Presley had an impressive first season, going .301-25-101 with 19 SB. He's also a premium defender. He needs to get on base more. Matthew Hollins had a surprise rookie season playing only against LHP, with a .958 OPS in 245 ABs as a 21- year old. He figures to improve on all numbers and has a great eye. 24-year old Zachrey Jerzembeck already has nearly 2000 ML ABs, and is a centerpiece of the offense. Last season he went .314-36-115 with 36 SBs. He needs to cut down on his 21 CS though. Pedro James had a breakout season with 40 HR and 135 RBI to go along with a .317 average and 1.022 OPS. Only 24, he also swiped 32 bases in 37 attempts.
SP: Just 25, Donald Satou missed five starts with an injury, but still managed to win 17 games (7 losses), with a 3.50 ERA. He has not looked as strong in the Spring, but last year had three complete games and has the makeup of an ace. Cookie Sardinha is probably the team's #2 and went 13-7 last season. Jumbo Benitez was 11-5 last year and at 27 is a veteran on this staff. 22-year old Richard Park looks ready to turn a corner. Veteran Curtis Redding will compete. Rocky Wilkins is a year away. Stud prospect Joaquin Villano probably needs at least one more year in AAA. Same for David Espinosa and Benji Santiago. The team had just traded for Joshua James, who is expected to fill the #3 or 4 starter spot.
Bullpen: They traded for Jimmie Sardinha to be the closer, and when he faltered in the Spring they upgraded the position bringing back Dario Irabu and handing him his first closer's job. He figures to be an upgrade, though, after last year's parade of Mike Schooler Impersonators. Other arms in the bullpen include Albert DeLeon, Edgard Espinosa and Oswaldo Felix.
Amazin' Grace? Mets On The Up
After a season when the Mets finished second in the NL East after years in the basement, some fans still jeered them off the field.
True, a defeat to the Pirates might have seen them bump up the draft pick list a little, but these Mets are young and hungry and playing to lose was not, and never will be, an option.
Spring has seen a lot of experimentation, and has only one major blight with CF stud Kirby Priddy injured (though he should be back by opening day.) Priddy leads the charge of a new youthful side with speed and cunning on their side, if not the discipline and average to make much of an improvement on last year.
And of course, there's the rotation... The bullpen held its own last year, and closer Oscar Ford led by example, as a veteran should, shaving big points from his ERA (from a whopping 9.30 to 3.15) even if his saves total remained about the same. In a walk year, and with younger prospect close to stepping up to challenge for his role, the pressure will be on Ford to keep it up and steady the relievers pool.
ROTATION
Hawk Reed is now a genuine #1 starter. His ERA went from 6.24 to 4.54 last season and he won 18 games - ten more than last year. Jorel Woodson also brought down his ERA (from 5.98 to 4.62) but would still benefit from honing off his rough edges before pitching regularly. Olmedo Moreno was a nice Rule V pick-up, but has his best years yet to come. Ditto flamethrower Leon Jackson, who might find himself back in the Bigs when he should be in AAA getting his game together. With no real competition ahead of him, Douglas Miller might find himself as #3 and could be a surprise package after a fine showing last year.
C
Dale Washington was a big influence in helping the pitching last year. As a veteran, his savvy is better than probable first choice Miller Boyd, but his hitting makes him a borderline liability. That said, he managed to hit .320 in the 17 games he played.
1B
Joey Yount will play what will almost certainly be his last year as a Met (and probably as a pro) at first base, rather than his more familiar LF position. And even then, he will probably be second choice behind one of the team's many young utility players, led by Jorge Nieves, Troy Meyers, Andres Colon, Ariel Flores and Tony Duran.
2B
Tony Valenzuela has spent time this spring filling in for the injured Priddy, and still has some of the wheels that made him a CF favorite at Shea. His place is more directly under threat from the ML ready Priddy, and with the host of young players fighting to make an impression in the infield, it's hard to see him starting often, barring injuries.
3B
Randy Lamb has hit his peak going into this season, but for his 45 dingers last year his average fell to .237. There was some upside as he added 25 stolen bases (but 18 CS's) but his stick is still too streaky to keep his place unchallenged. Again, the ML-ready prospects will be all over the hot corner if Lamb can't get on base and/or clear them up at the plate.
SS
Luis Guerrero made great strides last year and will make the shortstop position his to lose. Colon and Flores will be the best choices to back him up, but Guerrero ought to improve further rather than feel any heat.
LF
Albert Chavez is hardly slowing down and has played at least 151 games a year in his Mets career. Tony Duran's natural position is at LF, but his speed and baserunning skills (96 SBs last year) might see him come off the bench to win close games while Chavez is still swinging some mean lumber.
CF
Kirby Priddy will be in center for the next decade if the Mets front office has anything to say about it.
RF
Ariel Flores might have been the opening day starter if not for Troy Meyers' spring. He's showed a good eye and some hot heels and could have found himself a new home (from 2B last year.)
PREDICTION
Predicting 76 wins last season could have been seen as optimistic. In fact, the Mets took 78 and, as predicted, it was good enough to finish runners-up in the NL East - but not good enough for the Wild Card. Another starter would make all the difference between finishing second or third and putting together a genuine challenge to Atlanta and taking the title. If the Mets continue to build up prospects, they could put together a package ahead of the deadline that could change the balance of power in New York's direction.
True, a defeat to the Pirates might have seen them bump up the draft pick list a little, but these Mets are young and hungry and playing to lose was not, and never will be, an option.
Spring has seen a lot of experimentation, and has only one major blight with CF stud Kirby Priddy injured (though he should be back by opening day.) Priddy leads the charge of a new youthful side with speed and cunning on their side, if not the discipline and average to make much of an improvement on last year.
And of course, there's the rotation... The bullpen held its own last year, and closer Oscar Ford led by example, as a veteran should, shaving big points from his ERA (from a whopping 9.30 to 3.15) even if his saves total remained about the same. In a walk year, and with younger prospect close to stepping up to challenge for his role, the pressure will be on Ford to keep it up and steady the relievers pool.
ROTATION
Hawk Reed is now a genuine #1 starter. His ERA went from 6.24 to 4.54 last season and he won 18 games - ten more than last year. Jorel Woodson also brought down his ERA (from 5.98 to 4.62) but would still benefit from honing off his rough edges before pitching regularly. Olmedo Moreno was a nice Rule V pick-up, but has his best years yet to come. Ditto flamethrower Leon Jackson, who might find himself back in the Bigs when he should be in AAA getting his game together. With no real competition ahead of him, Douglas Miller might find himself as #3 and could be a surprise package after a fine showing last year.
C
Dale Washington was a big influence in helping the pitching last year. As a veteran, his savvy is better than probable first choice Miller Boyd, but his hitting makes him a borderline liability. That said, he managed to hit .320 in the 17 games he played.
1B
Joey Yount will play what will almost certainly be his last year as a Met (and probably as a pro) at first base, rather than his more familiar LF position. And even then, he will probably be second choice behind one of the team's many young utility players, led by Jorge Nieves, Troy Meyers, Andres Colon, Ariel Flores and Tony Duran.
2B
Tony Valenzuela has spent time this spring filling in for the injured Priddy, and still has some of the wheels that made him a CF favorite at Shea. His place is more directly under threat from the ML ready Priddy, and with the host of young players fighting to make an impression in the infield, it's hard to see him starting often, barring injuries.
3B
Randy Lamb has hit his peak going into this season, but for his 45 dingers last year his average fell to .237. There was some upside as he added 25 stolen bases (but 18 CS's) but his stick is still too streaky to keep his place unchallenged. Again, the ML-ready prospects will be all over the hot corner if Lamb can't get on base and/or clear them up at the plate.
SS
Luis Guerrero made great strides last year and will make the shortstop position his to lose. Colon and Flores will be the best choices to back him up, but Guerrero ought to improve further rather than feel any heat.
LF
Albert Chavez is hardly slowing down and has played at least 151 games a year in his Mets career. Tony Duran's natural position is at LF, but his speed and baserunning skills (96 SBs last year) might see him come off the bench to win close games while Chavez is still swinging some mean lumber.
CF
Kirby Priddy will be in center for the next decade if the Mets front office has anything to say about it.
RF
Ariel Flores might have been the opening day starter if not for Troy Meyers' spring. He's showed a good eye and some hot heels and could have found himself a new home (from 2B last year.)
PREDICTION
Predicting 76 wins last season could have been seen as optimistic. In fact, the Mets took 78 and, as predicted, it was good enough to finish runners-up in the NL East - but not good enough for the Wild Card. Another starter would make all the difference between finishing second or third and putting together a genuine challenge to Atlanta and taking the title. If the Mets continue to build up prospects, they could put together a package ahead of the deadline that could change the balance of power in New York's direction.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
First IFA siging of the season
The first IFA signing for season 8 is none other than Del Castillo, C by the Boston Red Sox. While everyone else had their eyes on Rico Polonia, Boston sneaks in with a great pick up under everyones noses. Castillo is your run of the mill, high end, prototypical catcher with high pitch calling and fantastic defensive skills. Big drawback is his hitting skills, or lack thereof, even still he will hit around .200. He may not currently have the durability to catch a Rookie League season at the moment, he soon will and be a very nice backup/starter in due time. For the price of 100K, a very huge bargain.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Rankings Part 1
1. Chicago Cubs - Season 7 champs. Great offense and solid pitching. If they start off as hot as they finished last season, expect 120+ wins.
2. Austin Deuce Droppers - Season 7 AL champs. They hope to win #5 before the wheels come off.
3. Cincinnati Reds - Still chasing that first elusive title. The best pitching staff in the league. The Reds hope to avoid another collapse in the playoffs though.
4. Nashville Marlins - New owner hopes to keep up the Marlins winning ways. Great pitching too, almost as good as the Reds. They too are chasing that elusive title.
5. Houston Astros - If they can stay healthy expect them to be at the top of the NL. The Astros offense is as good as any in the league. Can their $15 million Tuck Buck deliver this season?
6. Louisville Swingers - Home to probably the most talented player in the league - Albert JohnsonThe Swingers have most potent offense in the league. With better pitching they would be the team to beat in the NL.
7. Monterrey Corn Dogs - Definitely a team on the rise. Possibly the best team in the AL. Too bad they play in the Deuce Droppers division.
8. Atlanta Pork N Beans - A young team that continues to improve. Can they find some consistency this season? I know those long losing streaks drive the owner crazy.
9. Las Vegas Slobs - The last two seasons have started off slowly for the Slobs. They are definitely a second half team. They would love to repeat their season 6 success.
10. Toronto Blue Jays - One of the most consistent teams in the league. Expect them to win their division again this season. They are another of the great teams that has never won a title.
11. Milwaukee Brewers - Lots of offense, average pitching. With better pitching they would be one of the best in the NL. Dont be surprised if they win the North this season, or at least battle for one of the wild card spots.
12. New York Yankees - Seven division titles in seven seasons. Unfortunately they haven't made it past the second round in the playoffs. They hope to change that this season.
13. St. Louis Barracudas - A little more offense would put them at the top of the AL north. Expect them to make the playoffs and possibly win the division.
14. Salem Mayhem - Impressive over their last three seasons. Three division titles in their last three seasons. Another team that needs a little more offensive production to move up.
15. Salt Lake City Multiple Spouses - The Multiple Spouses should be up there battling with the Blue Jays and Barracudas in the always tough AL North.
2. Austin Deuce Droppers - Season 7 AL champs. They hope to win #5 before the wheels come off.
3. Cincinnati Reds - Still chasing that first elusive title. The best pitching staff in the league. The Reds hope to avoid another collapse in the playoffs though.
4. Nashville Marlins - New owner hopes to keep up the Marlins winning ways. Great pitching too, almost as good as the Reds. They too are chasing that elusive title.
5. Houston Astros - If they can stay healthy expect them to be at the top of the NL. The Astros offense is as good as any in the league. Can their $15 million Tuck Buck deliver this season?
6. Louisville Swingers - Home to probably the most talented player in the league - Albert JohnsonThe Swingers have most potent offense in the league. With better pitching they would be the team to beat in the NL.
7. Monterrey Corn Dogs - Definitely a team on the rise. Possibly the best team in the AL. Too bad they play in the Deuce Droppers division.
8. Atlanta Pork N Beans - A young team that continues to improve. Can they find some consistency this season? I know those long losing streaks drive the owner crazy.
9. Las Vegas Slobs - The last two seasons have started off slowly for the Slobs. They are definitely a second half team. They would love to repeat their season 6 success.
10. Toronto Blue Jays - One of the most consistent teams in the league. Expect them to win their division again this season. They are another of the great teams that has never won a title.
11. Milwaukee Brewers - Lots of offense, average pitching. With better pitching they would be one of the best in the NL. Dont be surprised if they win the North this season, or at least battle for one of the wild card spots.
12. New York Yankees - Seven division titles in seven seasons. Unfortunately they haven't made it past the second round in the playoffs. They hope to change that this season.
13. St. Louis Barracudas - A little more offense would put them at the top of the AL north. Expect them to make the playoffs and possibly win the division.
14. Salem Mayhem - Impressive over their last three seasons. Three division titles in their last three seasons. Another team that needs a little more offensive production to move up.
15. Salt Lake City Multiple Spouses - The Multiple Spouses should be up there battling with the Blue Jays and Barracudas in the always tough AL North.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Rule V draft
After the mess of hiring Coaches comes the Rule V draft. The Rule V draft encompasses players that have experience but the owner has determined they are not ready for the ML and cannot protect them with the 40-man roster. It is a good way of finding decent talent for your ML team as a backup role and sometimes as a starter. Remember if you take a Rule V player, he must stay on your ML roster the entire season in order to keep him. To draft a player, you must have available 40-man open roster slots. You can draft players until all 40 slots are filled if you desire. I usually set my draft page to pick the best player available at no more than $327,000 (unless there is a player I absolutely want that costs more) and set to pick from the top 10 to 25 (this depends though on how many players I find that I want to draft). Once the players are loaded they are ranked as to how your scouting sees them (by rating), you must go find the players that you want to draft and rank them (this is why you pick from the top 10 to 25, you don't want a player drafted outside that parameter). Normally the best player that fits your needs then the next...ect. If you reset the draft page to change a drafting parameter, you will need to re-rank the players. You will not see your players listed. Why would you? You already know who they are and you can't draft them anyway. Most are curious as to where they fall in the rankings though. Normally about 40 players are drafted, but have seen as high as 70. Happy drafting everyone.
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