Post by New Orleans GM on Mar 13, 2012 19:51:47 GMT -6
The time has come to begin forecasting what will happen in the 2012 season. The only thing I can guarantee is that most of my predictions will be wrong. For all 30 teams I have given my impressions of the team, the key moves of the off-season, identified strengths and weaknesses, named a fantasy MVP, identified a player to watch especially close for 2012, my "report card" of offense, defense, pitching, intangibles, and farm system, the lineup and rotation if I was in charge, and finally, since a picture is worth a thousand words, I put in a few pictures and videos of things that come to my mind when I think of the franchise. Tonight I will post all of my American League predictions, with the National League predictions coming tomorrow or Thursday, and Award and playoff predictions to soon follow. I encourage and look forward to any disagreements and debate that may follow. So here we go...
AL East
1. New York Yankees
Like it or not the Yankees are poised to repeat as the AL East champions. The season will wear on some of their older players but with a lineup including Cano, Granderson, ARod, and Teixieira playing in that ridiculously small park, they will put up runs. Last year starting pitching was the major downfall for the Yanks; but GM Brain Cashman made two savvy moves to bolster the rotation. The signing of veteran Hiroki Kuroda brings some reliability to the back end of the rotation, and the trade with Seattle bringing in Michael Pineda brings in a dominant young pitcher at the beginning of his career. The Yankees are the most complete team in the AL.
Key Additions: SP Michael Pineda, SP Hiroki Kuroda
Key Losses: C Jorge Posada, C Jesus Montero
Strength: Middle of the Lineup
It is never an easy task to ask a pitcher to face Granderson, ARod, Cano, and Teixieira, and they will wear down even the best of pitchers. The rest of the lineup with Swisher, Jeter, Martin, Gardner are pretty solid as well, but the middle of this lineup will give pitchers nightmares.
Weakness: Age
Quite a few of the Yanks are getting old fast. ARod and Jeter don’t play defense like they used to, Riviera is way over 40, Kuroda is over 35, and Sabathia isn’t as young as he used to be. Trading away promising prospect Jesus Montero is a risk that gave away a promising young talent. It shouldn’t factor in as much this season but the Yanks’ time-frame to win championships is closing.
Fantasy MVP: 1B Mark Texieria
A switch hitting first basemen with above average power is a rare thing. Tex has benefited from the move to the short porch in Yankee Stadium, and his power numbers will continue to remain solid. His average has declined in recent years as he has hit into a shift more often, but no person is likely to hit with more runners in scoring position.
Player To Watch: SP Ivan Nova
Nova had a fantastic 2011 season. If he can repeat his success from last year the Yankees will make it back to the playoffs with ease. On a team that is getting older, younger player like Nova will have to come in and perform right away.
Report Card:
Offense: A-
Defense: B+
Pitching: A-
Intangibles: A
Farm System: B
Best Case Scenario: Jeter, Arod hold father time off enough year, Pineda adjusts to New York with no issues, Swisher has one of his good years, Aardsma and Chamberlain come back from injuries and make the bullpen untouchable
Worst Case: Kuroda can’t adjust to tougher AL lineups, major injury to Granderson Cano or Texieria, Pineda has a major sophomore slump
Final Prediction: New additions to the pitching staff will help the Yankees win the AL East, holding off the Rays, and Red Sox
ARod used to bang this:
Jeter banged this:
Advantage Jeter
Projected Lineup According to Me:
1. CF Curtis Granderson
2. SS Derek Jeter
3. 2B Robinson Cano
4. 1B Mark Texieria
5. 3B Alex Rodriguez
6. RF Nick Swisher
7. C Russell Martin
8. DH Raul Ibanez/ Andruw Jones
9. LF Brett Gardner
Starting Rotation:
1. C.C. Sabathia
2. Michael Pineda
3. Ivan Nova
4. Hiroki Kuroda
5. Phil Hughes
Key Relievers:
David Robertson
Boone Logan
David Aardsma
Closer:
Mariano Rivera
Pictures:
2. * Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays have competed unbelievably well in the AL East against all odds. They have a good young core of players to go along with possibly the best starting rotation in the bigs. Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena will provide some offensive spark but this team will thrive on playing fundamental baseball. The Rays are experts at taking the extra base and doing whatever it takes to win.
Key Additions: 1B Carlos Pena, DH Luke Scott
Key Losses: DH Johnny Damon, 1B Casey Kotchman
Strength: Rotation
These guys are straight up nasty. David Price is a legit ace, James Shields had a major breakthrough season last year, and the Rangers got a glimpse of how good Matt Moore will be, in the ALDS. Jeremy Hellickson will have to back up his fantastic rookie season, and having Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann battle for the five spot in the rotation is a good problem to have. Behind this talented young staff, the Rays will compete in most games.
Weakness: Back End of the Bullpen
Plenty of closers were available this offseason, however the Rays have decided to stick with Kyle Farnsworth closing games. Farnsworth had an above average season last year, and the Rays need him to repeat his 2011 performance to remain contenders. Other relievers like Joel Peralta and J.P. Howell are serviceable but opponents have nothing to fear.
Fantasy MVP: 3B Evan Longoria
Longo has had some injury problems the last few years, but when he is healthy he is one of the best in the game. Last year he missed a whole month of action and he still wound up with 31 homers and 99 rbis. At only 26 he still has the potential to get even better. And he found himself a new slam piece in Miss January 2010.
Player To Watch: LF Desmond Jennings
Jennings showed some promise after being called up last season. He has speed as well as some pop in his bat. If he can get on base consistently, it could give the Rays a real threat at the top of the lineup.
Report Card:
Offense: B-
Defense: A
Pitching: A
Intangibles: A+
Farm System: A
Best Case Scenario: Moore dominates right away, Longo stays healthy, Upton stays happy,Pena regains his former magic in Tampa, bullpen continues to pitch well
Worst Case: Injuries to Longo, Price or Zobrist, Shields can’t follow up his big season, Hellickson and Moore struggle
Final Prediction: Winning the Wild Card sets the Rays up for a deep run in their 4th playoff appearance in 5 years.
Projected Lineup According to Me:
1. LF Desmond Jennings
2. 2B Ben Zobrist
3. 3B Evan Longoria
4. 1B Carlos Pena
5. CF B.J. Upton
6. RF Matt Joyce
7. DH Luke Scott
8. C Jose Molina
9. SS Reid Brignac/Sean Rodriguez
Starting Rotation:
1. David Price
2. James Shields
3. Matt Moore
4. Jeremy Hellickson
5. Wade Davis
Key Relievers:
Fernando Rodney
J.P. Howell
Joel Peralta
Closer:
Kyle Farnsworth
Pictures:
3.*Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox were the best team in baseball before their epic collapse. Their lineup is the stuff GM’s wet dreams are made of. The emergence of Jacoby Ellsbury provides yet another dangerous bat for Sox. Bringing in Bobby Valentine to manage the circus is a brilliant move, and if they can figure out the back end of the rotation they should find their way back to the postseason thanks to the expanded playoff format, as long as they aren’t brought down by chicken and beer again.
Key Additions: RP Andrew Bailey, RF Cody Ross
Key Losses: RP Jonathan Papelbon, C Jason Varitek, P Tim Wakefield
Strength: Lineup…All of it
The Red Sox 2012 lineup has the potential to be historically good. There is no way Carl Crawford has as bad a year as 2011. Ellsbury, Gonzalez, Ortiz, Youikilis, and Pedroia, will continue to terrorize pitchers. This lineup may be good enough to give away an out every time through the lineup to allow Jose Igelsias to solidify the defense at short.
Weakness: Back end of the Rotation
The top of the Sox rotation is solid. Jon Lester may be the most underrated pitcher in baseball, and Beckett and Buchholtz are as good as anyone when healthy. The problem comes in the four and five spots in the rotation. Daisuke Matsuzaka is great at times and awful most the time. The one positive is that John Lackey will be nowhere near the mound this year.
Fantasy MVP: 1B Adrian Gonzalez
It’s hard to argue that Jacoby Ellsbury isn’t this team’s MVP, but Gonzo is going to have a monster year. Another year for Gonzalez to see American League pitching, and to figure out Fenway will only help him. Now that he is out of the vast expanses of Petco Park and removed from the turmoil of last season Gonzo will have a great year.
Player To Watch: CP Andrew Bailey
Losing Papelbon hurts, but Bailey has excellent stuff, although it comes with health issues. The Sox will need Bailey to nail down games in big situations. Bailey has never faced the type of pressure in Oakland like he will see in Boston.
Report Card:
Offense: A-
Defense: A
Pitching: B
Intangibles: B
Farm System: B-
Best Case Scenario: Ortiz and Ellsbury repeat 2011, Gonzalez avoids an injury, Bard does the job starting, Beckett, Buchholz stay healthy
Worst Case: Exact repeat of 2011, Valentine cannot control the personalities, injury to Gonzalez or Lester, back end of the rotation falls apart
Final Prediction: Bobby Valentine reigns in the clubhouse and the Sox return to the playoffs in 2012.
Projected Lineup According to Me:
1. CF Jacoby Ellsbury
2. LF Carl Crawford
3. 1B Adrian Gonzalez
4. DH David Ortiz
5. 3B Kevin Youkilis
6. 2B Dustin Pedroia
7. RF Cody Ross
8. C Jarod Saltalamacchia
9. SS Jose Iglesias/Nick Punto/ Mike Aviles
Starting Rotation:
1. Jon Lester
2. Josh Beckett
3. Clay Bucchholz
4. Daniel Bard
5. Andrew Miller
Key Relievers:
Franklin Morales
Mark Melancon
Closer:
Andrew Bailey
Pictures:
4. Toronto Blue Jays
The Jays are one of the few teams I truly feel sorry for. Over the past decade they have had some pretty good teams that would have won other divisions. Once again in 2012 these guys will straight up bash the ball. Mashers Lind and Bautista will be joined by Brett Lawrie making for one of the most potent middles of an order in all of baseball. The pitching staff leaves something to be desired, but it is improving and the bullpen is significantly better than previous years. For all the suffering that comes from trying to compete in the AL East, I offer the Canadians a gift of Kraft Dinner.
Key Additions: RP Sergio Santos, RP Francisco Cordero
Key Losses: C Jose Molina, RP Frank Francisco
Strength: Offense
I don’t know if it’s the Rogers Center (or Centre as you wacky Canadians spell it) but every year the Jays kill the ball. The heart of the order will be strong, and I think Colby Rasmus and Yunel Escobar are great compliments. J.P. Arencibia had a great season, and I think Travis Snider may finally be ready for a breakthrough season.
Weakness: Starting Rotation
Ricky Romero is a legitimate ace, but the rest of the group is suspect. Brett Cecil and Brandon Morrow are serviceable, but they are by no means Cy Young threats. Kyle Drabek needs to take a giant step forward in his development if the Jays want to contend.
Fantasy MVP: RF Jose Bautista
I am excited to see what Lawrie will do with a whole big league season, and I love Adam Lind, but Bautista brings the most complete package to the Jays lineup. Last year he made the transition from power hitter to complete hitter. He’s due to have yet another big year.
Player To Watch: 3B Brett Lawrie
With only 150 at bats he managed to hit 9 homers, and at only 22 years old he’s as exciting a prospect there is in the game today. With a full season to work with Lawrie could put up some very impressive numbers.
Report Card:
Offense: A
Defense: B
Pitching: B-
Intangibles: B
Farm System: A-
Best Case Scenario: Bautista keeps up his tear, Lind finally gets healthy, starters pitch to their full capabilities, young guys develop and reach their potential
Worst Case: Injury to Bautista or Romero, the pressure of the AL East causes a mental let down, Cecil, Morrow and Drabek completely fall apart
Final Prediction: The Blue Jays are once again a very good team, but they unfortunately play in a division with three better teams.
Projected Lineup According to Me:
1. CF Colby Rasmus
2. SS Yunel Escobar
3. RF Jose Bautista
4. 1B Adam Lind
5. 3B Brett Lawrie
6. DH Edwin Encarnacion
7. C J.P. Arencibia
8. LF Travis Snider/ Eric Thames
9. 2B Kelly Johnson
Starting Rotation:
1. Ricky Romero
2. Brandon Morrow
3. Brett Cecil
4. Kyle Drabek
5. Carlos Villanueva
Henderson Alvarez
Key Relievers:
Francisco Cordero
Darren Oliver
Jason Frasor
Closer:
Sergio Santos
Pictures:
5. Baltimore Orioles
The O’s took a major step backward after looking promising at the end of 2010. Buck Showalter is a good enough manager to get the most out of his guys. They will win some games, but not very many. They will score some runs, but they will give up far more. Markakis, Jones, Reynolds, and Wieters will be able to provide some offense, but the pitching staff is not going to miss many bats.
Key Additions: DH Wilson Betemit, RP Matt Lindstrom
Key Losses: DH Vladimir Guerrero, OF Luke Scott
Strength: Offense
As with most of the rest of the AL East the lineup is relatively strong. Even the bottom of the lineup are pretty good hitters. If Nolan Reimold lives up to his potential this could be an average offensive team.
Weakness: The Entire Pitching Staff
The best pitcher on the team may be Tommy Hunter. Plenty of promising young pitching talent has come up in Baltimore only to be massive disappointments. Zack Britton will win a few games but the rest of the staff is highly questionable.
Fantasy MVP: CF Adam Jones
If Mark Reynolds could make contact he would be the MVP, but Adam Jones is on the upswing of his career. He gets on base, and saw an increase in his walks and an increase in power. He will score plenty of runs and he knocks in his fair share also.
(Pictured Above: Jones attempts to avoid offending the First Lady so she doesn’t turn into the Incredible Hulk)
Player To Watch: LF Nolan Reimold
I think he will finally have some level of success in the bigs. Reimold has the potential to be a solid player, but so far it has eluded him. Last year was a complete waste for Reimold, but I expect 2012 to be a breakout year for him.
Report Card:
Offense: B-
Defense: B+
Pitching: D-
Intangibles: C-
Farm System: B+
Best Case Scenario: Young pitchers get better in a hurry, Reimold shows some of his potential, Wieters and Jones continue to get even better, Reynolds and Davis make some contact
Worst Case: Bad pitching gets worse, Showalter gets the axe, Reimold Davis Markakis Wieters make no progress
Final Prediction: Things won’t get much better in Baltimore in 2012, as they finish last once again.
Projected Lineup According to Me:
1. CF Adam Jones
2. 2B Brian Roberts
3. RF Nick Markakis
4. 3B Mark Reynolds
5. C Matt Wieters
6. SS J.J. Hardy
7. LF Nolan Reimold
8. 1B Chris Davis
9. DH Wilson Betemit/ Nick Johnson
Starting Rotation:
1. Zach Britton
2. Jake Arrieta
3. Tommy Hunter
4. Jason Hammel
5. Wei-Yin Chan
Brian Matusz
Key Relievers:
Matt Lindstrom
Darren O’Day
Closer:
Jim Johnson
Pictures:
AL East
1. New York Yankees
Like it or not the Yankees are poised to repeat as the AL East champions. The season will wear on some of their older players but with a lineup including Cano, Granderson, ARod, and Teixieira playing in that ridiculously small park, they will put up runs. Last year starting pitching was the major downfall for the Yanks; but GM Brain Cashman made two savvy moves to bolster the rotation. The signing of veteran Hiroki Kuroda brings some reliability to the back end of the rotation, and the trade with Seattle bringing in Michael Pineda brings in a dominant young pitcher at the beginning of his career. The Yankees are the most complete team in the AL.
Key Additions: SP Michael Pineda, SP Hiroki Kuroda
Key Losses: C Jorge Posada, C Jesus Montero
Strength: Middle of the Lineup
It is never an easy task to ask a pitcher to face Granderson, ARod, Cano, and Teixieira, and they will wear down even the best of pitchers. The rest of the lineup with Swisher, Jeter, Martin, Gardner are pretty solid as well, but the middle of this lineup will give pitchers nightmares.
Weakness: Age
Quite a few of the Yanks are getting old fast. ARod and Jeter don’t play defense like they used to, Riviera is way over 40, Kuroda is over 35, and Sabathia isn’t as young as he used to be. Trading away promising prospect Jesus Montero is a risk that gave away a promising young talent. It shouldn’t factor in as much this season but the Yanks’ time-frame to win championships is closing.
Fantasy MVP: 1B Mark Texieria
A switch hitting first basemen with above average power is a rare thing. Tex has benefited from the move to the short porch in Yankee Stadium, and his power numbers will continue to remain solid. His average has declined in recent years as he has hit into a shift more often, but no person is likely to hit with more runners in scoring position.
Player To Watch: SP Ivan Nova
Nova had a fantastic 2011 season. If he can repeat his success from last year the Yankees will make it back to the playoffs with ease. On a team that is getting older, younger player like Nova will have to come in and perform right away.
Report Card:
Offense: A-
Defense: B+
Pitching: A-
Intangibles: A
Farm System: B
Best Case Scenario: Jeter, Arod hold father time off enough year, Pineda adjusts to New York with no issues, Swisher has one of his good years, Aardsma and Chamberlain come back from injuries and make the bullpen untouchable
Worst Case: Kuroda can’t adjust to tougher AL lineups, major injury to Granderson Cano or Texieria, Pineda has a major sophomore slump
Final Prediction: New additions to the pitching staff will help the Yankees win the AL East, holding off the Rays, and Red Sox
ARod used to bang this:
Jeter banged this:
Advantage Jeter
Projected Lineup According to Me:
1. CF Curtis Granderson
2. SS Derek Jeter
3. 2B Robinson Cano
4. 1B Mark Texieria
5. 3B Alex Rodriguez
6. RF Nick Swisher
7. C Russell Martin
8. DH Raul Ibanez/ Andruw Jones
9. LF Brett Gardner
Starting Rotation:
1. C.C. Sabathia
2. Michael Pineda
3. Ivan Nova
4. Hiroki Kuroda
5. Phil Hughes
Key Relievers:
David Robertson
Boone Logan
David Aardsma
Closer:
Mariano Rivera
Pictures:
2. * Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays have competed unbelievably well in the AL East against all odds. They have a good young core of players to go along with possibly the best starting rotation in the bigs. Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena will provide some offensive spark but this team will thrive on playing fundamental baseball. The Rays are experts at taking the extra base and doing whatever it takes to win.
Key Additions: 1B Carlos Pena, DH Luke Scott
Key Losses: DH Johnny Damon, 1B Casey Kotchman
Strength: Rotation
These guys are straight up nasty. David Price is a legit ace, James Shields had a major breakthrough season last year, and the Rangers got a glimpse of how good Matt Moore will be, in the ALDS. Jeremy Hellickson will have to back up his fantastic rookie season, and having Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann battle for the five spot in the rotation is a good problem to have. Behind this talented young staff, the Rays will compete in most games.
Weakness: Back End of the Bullpen
Plenty of closers were available this offseason, however the Rays have decided to stick with Kyle Farnsworth closing games. Farnsworth had an above average season last year, and the Rays need him to repeat his 2011 performance to remain contenders. Other relievers like Joel Peralta and J.P. Howell are serviceable but opponents have nothing to fear.
Fantasy MVP: 3B Evan Longoria
Longo has had some injury problems the last few years, but when he is healthy he is one of the best in the game. Last year he missed a whole month of action and he still wound up with 31 homers and 99 rbis. At only 26 he still has the potential to get even better. And he found himself a new slam piece in Miss January 2010.
Player To Watch: LF Desmond Jennings
Jennings showed some promise after being called up last season. He has speed as well as some pop in his bat. If he can get on base consistently, it could give the Rays a real threat at the top of the lineup.
Report Card:
Offense: B-
Defense: A
Pitching: A
Intangibles: A+
Farm System: A
Best Case Scenario: Moore dominates right away, Longo stays healthy, Upton stays happy,Pena regains his former magic in Tampa, bullpen continues to pitch well
Worst Case: Injuries to Longo, Price or Zobrist, Shields can’t follow up his big season, Hellickson and Moore struggle
Final Prediction: Winning the Wild Card sets the Rays up for a deep run in their 4th playoff appearance in 5 years.
Projected Lineup According to Me:
1. LF Desmond Jennings
2. 2B Ben Zobrist
3. 3B Evan Longoria
4. 1B Carlos Pena
5. CF B.J. Upton
6. RF Matt Joyce
7. DH Luke Scott
8. C Jose Molina
9. SS Reid Brignac/Sean Rodriguez
Starting Rotation:
1. David Price
2. James Shields
3. Matt Moore
4. Jeremy Hellickson
5. Wade Davis
Key Relievers:
Fernando Rodney
J.P. Howell
Joel Peralta
Closer:
Kyle Farnsworth
Pictures:
3.*Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox were the best team in baseball before their epic collapse. Their lineup is the stuff GM’s wet dreams are made of. The emergence of Jacoby Ellsbury provides yet another dangerous bat for Sox. Bringing in Bobby Valentine to manage the circus is a brilliant move, and if they can figure out the back end of the rotation they should find their way back to the postseason thanks to the expanded playoff format, as long as they aren’t brought down by chicken and beer again.
Key Additions: RP Andrew Bailey, RF Cody Ross
Key Losses: RP Jonathan Papelbon, C Jason Varitek, P Tim Wakefield
Strength: Lineup…All of it
The Red Sox 2012 lineup has the potential to be historically good. There is no way Carl Crawford has as bad a year as 2011. Ellsbury, Gonzalez, Ortiz, Youikilis, and Pedroia, will continue to terrorize pitchers. This lineup may be good enough to give away an out every time through the lineup to allow Jose Igelsias to solidify the defense at short.
Weakness: Back end of the Rotation
The top of the Sox rotation is solid. Jon Lester may be the most underrated pitcher in baseball, and Beckett and Buchholtz are as good as anyone when healthy. The problem comes in the four and five spots in the rotation. Daisuke Matsuzaka is great at times and awful most the time. The one positive is that John Lackey will be nowhere near the mound this year.
Fantasy MVP: 1B Adrian Gonzalez
It’s hard to argue that Jacoby Ellsbury isn’t this team’s MVP, but Gonzo is going to have a monster year. Another year for Gonzalez to see American League pitching, and to figure out Fenway will only help him. Now that he is out of the vast expanses of Petco Park and removed from the turmoil of last season Gonzo will have a great year.
Player To Watch: CP Andrew Bailey
Losing Papelbon hurts, but Bailey has excellent stuff, although it comes with health issues. The Sox will need Bailey to nail down games in big situations. Bailey has never faced the type of pressure in Oakland like he will see in Boston.
Report Card:
Offense: A-
Defense: A
Pitching: B
Intangibles: B
Farm System: B-
Best Case Scenario: Ortiz and Ellsbury repeat 2011, Gonzalez avoids an injury, Bard does the job starting, Beckett, Buchholz stay healthy
Worst Case: Exact repeat of 2011, Valentine cannot control the personalities, injury to Gonzalez or Lester, back end of the rotation falls apart
Final Prediction: Bobby Valentine reigns in the clubhouse and the Sox return to the playoffs in 2012.
Projected Lineup According to Me:
1. CF Jacoby Ellsbury
2. LF Carl Crawford
3. 1B Adrian Gonzalez
4. DH David Ortiz
5. 3B Kevin Youkilis
6. 2B Dustin Pedroia
7. RF Cody Ross
8. C Jarod Saltalamacchia
9. SS Jose Iglesias/Nick Punto/ Mike Aviles
Starting Rotation:
1. Jon Lester
2. Josh Beckett
3. Clay Bucchholz
4. Daniel Bard
5. Andrew Miller
Key Relievers:
Franklin Morales
Mark Melancon
Closer:
Andrew Bailey
Pictures:
4. Toronto Blue Jays
The Jays are one of the few teams I truly feel sorry for. Over the past decade they have had some pretty good teams that would have won other divisions. Once again in 2012 these guys will straight up bash the ball. Mashers Lind and Bautista will be joined by Brett Lawrie making for one of the most potent middles of an order in all of baseball. The pitching staff leaves something to be desired, but it is improving and the bullpen is significantly better than previous years. For all the suffering that comes from trying to compete in the AL East, I offer the Canadians a gift of Kraft Dinner.
Key Additions: RP Sergio Santos, RP Francisco Cordero
Key Losses: C Jose Molina, RP Frank Francisco
Strength: Offense
I don’t know if it’s the Rogers Center (or Centre as you wacky Canadians spell it) but every year the Jays kill the ball. The heart of the order will be strong, and I think Colby Rasmus and Yunel Escobar are great compliments. J.P. Arencibia had a great season, and I think Travis Snider may finally be ready for a breakthrough season.
Weakness: Starting Rotation
Ricky Romero is a legitimate ace, but the rest of the group is suspect. Brett Cecil and Brandon Morrow are serviceable, but they are by no means Cy Young threats. Kyle Drabek needs to take a giant step forward in his development if the Jays want to contend.
Fantasy MVP: RF Jose Bautista
I am excited to see what Lawrie will do with a whole big league season, and I love Adam Lind, but Bautista brings the most complete package to the Jays lineup. Last year he made the transition from power hitter to complete hitter. He’s due to have yet another big year.
Player To Watch: 3B Brett Lawrie
With only 150 at bats he managed to hit 9 homers, and at only 22 years old he’s as exciting a prospect there is in the game today. With a full season to work with Lawrie could put up some very impressive numbers.
Report Card:
Offense: A
Defense: B
Pitching: B-
Intangibles: B
Farm System: A-
Best Case Scenario: Bautista keeps up his tear, Lind finally gets healthy, starters pitch to their full capabilities, young guys develop and reach their potential
Worst Case: Injury to Bautista or Romero, the pressure of the AL East causes a mental let down, Cecil, Morrow and Drabek completely fall apart
Final Prediction: The Blue Jays are once again a very good team, but they unfortunately play in a division with three better teams.
Projected Lineup According to Me:
1. CF Colby Rasmus
2. SS Yunel Escobar
3. RF Jose Bautista
4. 1B Adam Lind
5. 3B Brett Lawrie
6. DH Edwin Encarnacion
7. C J.P. Arencibia
8. LF Travis Snider/ Eric Thames
9. 2B Kelly Johnson
Starting Rotation:
1. Ricky Romero
2. Brandon Morrow
3. Brett Cecil
4. Kyle Drabek
5. Carlos Villanueva
Henderson Alvarez
Key Relievers:
Francisco Cordero
Darren Oliver
Jason Frasor
Closer:
Sergio Santos
Pictures:
5. Baltimore Orioles
The O’s took a major step backward after looking promising at the end of 2010. Buck Showalter is a good enough manager to get the most out of his guys. They will win some games, but not very many. They will score some runs, but they will give up far more. Markakis, Jones, Reynolds, and Wieters will be able to provide some offense, but the pitching staff is not going to miss many bats.
Key Additions: DH Wilson Betemit, RP Matt Lindstrom
Key Losses: DH Vladimir Guerrero, OF Luke Scott
Strength: Offense
As with most of the rest of the AL East the lineup is relatively strong. Even the bottom of the lineup are pretty good hitters. If Nolan Reimold lives up to his potential this could be an average offensive team.
Weakness: The Entire Pitching Staff
The best pitcher on the team may be Tommy Hunter. Plenty of promising young pitching talent has come up in Baltimore only to be massive disappointments. Zack Britton will win a few games but the rest of the staff is highly questionable.
Fantasy MVP: CF Adam Jones
If Mark Reynolds could make contact he would be the MVP, but Adam Jones is on the upswing of his career. He gets on base, and saw an increase in his walks and an increase in power. He will score plenty of runs and he knocks in his fair share also.
(Pictured Above: Jones attempts to avoid offending the First Lady so she doesn’t turn into the Incredible Hulk)
Player To Watch: LF Nolan Reimold
I think he will finally have some level of success in the bigs. Reimold has the potential to be a solid player, but so far it has eluded him. Last year was a complete waste for Reimold, but I expect 2012 to be a breakout year for him.
Report Card:
Offense: B-
Defense: B+
Pitching: D-
Intangibles: C-
Farm System: B+
Best Case Scenario: Young pitchers get better in a hurry, Reimold shows some of his potential, Wieters and Jones continue to get even better, Reynolds and Davis make some contact
Worst Case: Bad pitching gets worse, Showalter gets the axe, Reimold Davis Markakis Wieters make no progress
Final Prediction: Things won’t get much better in Baltimore in 2012, as they finish last once again.
Projected Lineup According to Me:
1. CF Adam Jones
2. 2B Brian Roberts
3. RF Nick Markakis
4. 3B Mark Reynolds
5. C Matt Wieters
6. SS J.J. Hardy
7. LF Nolan Reimold
8. 1B Chris Davis
9. DH Wilson Betemit/ Nick Johnson
Starting Rotation:
1. Zach Britton
2. Jake Arrieta
3. Tommy Hunter
4. Jason Hammel
5. Wei-Yin Chan
Brian Matusz
Key Relievers:
Matt Lindstrom
Darren O’Day
Closer:
Jim Johnson
Pictures:
