Post by New Orleans GM on Mar 13, 2012 21:16:52 GMT -6
AL West
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Angels are not used to missing the playoffs, and missing twice in a row was not going to be accepted. In response the Angels put in one of the most impressive days in free agent history. Signing Albert Pujols was a major victory for the Angels, but just as important was signing C.J. Wilson the same day. In one swoop the Angels grabbed one of the best hitters of all time, and signed their main rival’s ace to shore up their own staff. The Angels will keep the Rangers at bay and win the west in 2012. Not only will the Angels hit their pitching staff is now solid. With Wilson, Jered Weaver, Dan Haren and Ervin Santana, with Jordan Walden closing the Halos will be in most games.
Key Additions: 1B Albert Pujols, SP C.J. Wilson, C Chris Iannetta
Key Losses: RP Fernando Rodney, SP Tyler Chatwood
Strength: Lineup
This whole team will be on the same offensive level as the Red Sox and Yankees. Pujols is a future hall of famer, Mark Trumbo had a major breakthrough season, and signing Chris Iannetta replaces the gaping hole left by losing Mike Napoli a couple of seasons ago. Bringing in Pujols will take some of the pressure off Vernon Wells, and Tori Hunter can still hit a little bit. Even guys at the top like Howie Kendrick and Erick Aybar will benefit from having Albert in the lineup. The big question will be what to do if Kendrys Morales is back and healthy, with only two spots at first and DH, and one guaranteed to Pujols, either Trumbo or Morales will probably be traded.
Weakness: Third Base
As of now the Angels have Alberto Callaspo targeted as the starting third baseman. Unless Trumbo can play third, they may be best served trying to move him in favor of a competent player to man the hot corner.
Fantasy MVP: 1B Albert Pujols
This is a no brainer. Even though he has aged a bit, Pujols is still one of the best in the game. Moving to the AL may even prolong his career given some opportunities to DH and save his legs. Albert not only brings an incredible bat to the lineup, but he plays hard every day, steals some bases, plays great defense, and by all accounts is a great teammate.
He’s not a machine ok, he’s just Albert.
Player To Watch: 1B/DH Kendrys Morales
His injury was one of the most freak accidents of recent memory. After not playing for almost two years, reports are saying he looks as good as ever this spring. Time will tell if his leg is ready for full time use, but if he is healthy it gives the Angels a switch hitting power bat, who is still only 28 years old.
Report Card:
Offense: A-
Defense: B
Pitching: A
Intangibles: A
Nothing provides intangible help like angels.
Farm System: B-
Best Case Scenario: Morales comes back healthy, Trumbo can play third, Jerome Williams can pitch well in the fifth spot, Albert plays like Albert
Worst Case: Morales suffers another setback, Albert continues to decline, defense collapses, Walden and Williams struggle
Final Prediction: The moves to bring in Pujols and Wilson pay off big as the Angels win the West.
Projected Lineup According to Me:
1. SS Erick Aybar
2. 2B Howie Kendrick
3. 1B Albert Pujols
4. DH Kendrys Morales
5. 3B Mark Trumbo
6. RF Torii Hunter
7. LF Vernon Wells/Mike Trout
8. C Chris Iannetta
9. CF Peter Bourjos
Starting Rotation:
1. Jered Weaver
2. Dan Haren
3. C.J. Wilson
4. Ervin Santana
5. Jerome Williams
Key Relievers:
Scott Downs
LaTroy Hawkins
Bobby Cassevah
Closer:
Jordan Walden
Pictures:
2. Texas Rangers
You have to feel bad for the way the Rangers season ended. Down to the final strike with one of the best closers in the game it seemed all but over. They will still be good in 2012, but they have the misfortune of playing in the same division as the improved Angels, and an Al East that hogs the wild card(s). Signing Yu Darvish was an interesting move, but the Rangers were rumored to be players on every major free agent, and they missed out on all of them.
Key Additions: SP Yu Darvish, RP Joe Nathan
Key Losses: SP C.J. Wilson, RP Darren Oliver
Strength: Lineup
The Rangers are set at every position. They have not only great hitters, but they also play good defense. They could possibly use another outfielder, but overall the Rangers return a strong team. Napoli, Young, Beltre, Hamilton, Kinsler, Andrus, and Cruz make for a pretty solid core group.
Weakness: Health/Back End of Rotation
The big stars of the Rangers have a pretty substantial history of injuries, and you have to worry about main players missing large chunks of the season. But an equal worry should be the rotation, specifically the back end. No one knows what to expect from Darvish, and Feliz moving from the closer role to the rotation will be something to watch, but I would worry about the production from Colby Lewis, Matt Harrison, and Derek Holland. These guys pitch well in the postseason but they really have no proven ace. I expect Alexi Ogando will move back to the rotation if new closer Joe Nathan returns to form.
Fantasy MVP: 3B Adrian Beltre
It seems like Beltre has been playing forever, but he is only 32. This will already be his 14th major league season, and he is continually underrated. Last year he hit 32 HRs and had 105 knocked in. He seems to be getting more consistent with his age. I expect another big season from Beltre.
Player To Watch: SP Yu Darvish
It will be interesting watching Darvish’s transition to the American style of play. All accounts say Darvish is exceptionally talented, and he will have to come in and immediately establish himself as the Rangers ace. If he can perform at a high level the Rangers will compete with the Angels for the West crown.
Seriously; What the Fuck Japan?
Report Card:
Offense: A
Defense: A-
Pitching: B
Intangibles: A-
Farm System: B
Best Case Scenario: Everyone stays healthy, pitching performs better than expectation, Darvish is a legitimate ace
Worst Case: Hamilton misses significant time, Darvish is overwhelmed, Feldman, Harrison, Holland can’t replace Wilson
Final Prediction: Losing Wilson to a division rival come back to haunt the Rangers down the stretch when the Angels pull away.
Lineup According to Me:
1. SS Elvis Andrus
2. DH/1B/3B Micheal Young
3. CF/LF Josh Hamilton
4. 3B Adrian Beltre
5. RF Nelson Cruz
6. 2B Ian Kinsler
7. C/DH Mike Napoli
8. 1B Mitch Moreland
9. LF/CF David Murphy/ Leonys Martin
Starting Rotation:
1. Yu Darvish
2. Neftali Feliz
3. Derek Holland
4. Colby Lewis
5. Alexi Ogando
Key Relievers:
Mike Adams
Koji Uehara
Scott Feldman
Matt Harrison
Closer:
Joe Nathan
Pictures:
3. Seattle Mariners
The A’s and M’s will both be awful but I think Seattle will have a slight edge in 2012. When comparing they have a slightly better lineup, with good young talent, and the pitching staff will do fine in the vast expanses of Safeco Park. This year will be another learning year as they continue to develop their young players. Eventually Ackley, Carp, Montero, and Smoak will be considered quality players, but 2012 will be rough.
Key Additions: C/DH Jesus Montero, SP Hector Noesi, C John Jaso
Key Losses: SP Michael Pineda
Strength: A slightly better lineup than the A’s
The Mariners will be battling the A’s for the 3rd spot in the West, and the difference will come down to the lineup. Both teams have good pitching, and lack potent offenses. When all is said and done the young talent of the M’s will be able to score runs at a better pace than Oakland.
Weakness: Lack of Quality Experience
The Mariners have some quality players, but by and large they lack talent that has a history of winning. Ichiro is a hall of famer, and King Felix is a once in a blue moon talent, but outside of these two they have no proven players. Dustin Ackley, Jesus Montero, Justin Smoak, and company have promising futures, but top prospects turn out to be busts quite frequently.
Fantasy MVP: SP Felix Hernandez
He may not win a ton of games, but no one is more consistent than King Felix when he is healthy. Early in his career Hernandez had problems with injuries, but over the last few years Felix has developed into one of the most dominant pitchers in the game. Go ahead and mark him down for a sub 3.5 E.R.A. and over 200 K’s.
Player To Watch: C/DH Jesus Montero
Seattle paid a heavy price giving up emerging star Michael Pineda to acquire Montero. At only 22, Montero has the skills and youth to develop into a star. 2012 could be the beginning of one of the most successful career in Seattle since Edgar Martinez or Jay Buhner.
Report Card:
Offense: C+
Defense: B
Pitching: B-
Intangibles: C
Farm System: A-
Best Case Scenario: Carp, Montero, Smoak provide some power, Ackley Ichiro Figgins get on base a ton, pitchers behind King Felix take advantage of the pitchers park
Worst Case: Injury to Felix, Smoak make no improvement, Ackley sees a dip in batting average and on-base, pitching staff doesn’t compete
Final Prediction: Another long season in Seattle as the Mariners wait for talented prospect to arrive, but at least they aren’t in Oakland.
Lineup According to Me:
1. 3B Chone Figgins
2. 2B Dustin Ackley
3. RF Ichiro
4. DH Jesus Montero
5. 1B Justin Smoak
6. LF Mike Carp
7. C Miguel Olivo
8. CF Michael Saunders
9. SS Brendan Ryan
Starting Rotation:
1. Felix Hernandez
2. Jason Vargas
3. Kevin Millwood
4. Hisashi Iwakuma
5. Hector Noesi
Key Relievers:
George Sherril
Charlie Furbush
Shawn Kelley
Closer:
Brandon League
Pictures:
4. Oakland Athletics
The A’s have undertaken one of the most schizophrenic off-seasons I have ever seen. They traded away promising young pitchers Gio Gonzalez, Andrew Bailey and Trevor Cahill. The A’s rotation got much worse, and their moves to improve the lineup were just as strange. Signing Manny Ramirez was a bizarre choice, and completing both the resigning of CF Coco Crisp, and signing CF Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes makes no sense. All in all expect a long season in Oakland.
Key Additions: OF Yeonis Cespedes, LF/DH Manny Ramirez, LF Seth Smith
Key Losses: SP Trevor Cahill, SP Gio Gonzalez, RP Andrew Bailey
Strength: The Bullpen I Guess
There are some quality arms in the Oakland pen. Brian Fuentes is a former top notch closer, and Jerry Blevins and Joey Devine are not terrible. Tyson Ross could also be moved to round out the rotation, or give a quality left arm in relief. Once Brett Anderson returns the rotation will be better, but for now it includes Bartolo Colon, and Brandon McCarthy, so the bullpen will have to do quite a bit of work.
Weakness: Lineup
The major downfall of the 2012 A’s will be the inability to score runs. Outside of Jemile Weeks there is no quality offensive threat. Chris Cater and Kila Ka’aihue have the chance to develop into good hitters but for now the A’s will have to hope Manny can still be Manny when he gets back from the suspension, and Cespedes can be a more complete hitter than Pedro Cerrano.
Fantasy MVP: 2B Jemile Weeks
In his rookie campaign, Rickie Weeks’ younger brother showed some promise. Inn just under one hundred games he managed to hit over .300, although he did only walk 21 times in 400 at bats. If he can continue to develop some plate discipline, he will be the most complete player in the A’s lineup.
Player To Watch: CF Yeonis Cespedes
The signing of Cespedes by the A’s came as a surprise. Usually restrained in free agency, the A’s shattered the mold and went after the talented Cuban prospect. He has all the physical tools, but insiders say he struggles to hit breaking pitches. 36 million dollars is a lot to pay for someone who compares to Pedro Cerrano in the hitting department.
Report Card:
Offense: D+
Defense: B
Pitching: B-
Intangibles: C-
Farm System: B
Best Case Scenario: Manny come back from suspension and looks like the Manny of old, Cespedes learns how to hit, young pitching prospects develop quickly
Worst Case: Manny destroys the clubhouse, offseason moves provide no gains, young pitchers are forced to pitch in the bigs before they are ready
Final Prediction: The A’s limp to a last place finish in the West with one of the worst offenses of recent memory.
Lineups According to Me:
1. CF Coco Crisp
2. 2B Jemile Weeks
3. DH Seth Smith
4. LF Yeonis Cespedes
5. RF Josh Reddick
6. C Kurt Suzuki
7. 1B Daric Barton
8. 3B Adam Rosales
9. SS Cliff Pennington
Starting Rotation:
1. Jarrod Parker
2. Bartolo Colon
3. Brandon McCarthy
4. Brad Peacock
5. Tom Milone
Key Relievers:
Grant Balfour
Joey Devine
Tyson Ross
Closer:
Brian Fuentes
Pictures:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Angels are not used to missing the playoffs, and missing twice in a row was not going to be accepted. In response the Angels put in one of the most impressive days in free agent history. Signing Albert Pujols was a major victory for the Angels, but just as important was signing C.J. Wilson the same day. In one swoop the Angels grabbed one of the best hitters of all time, and signed their main rival’s ace to shore up their own staff. The Angels will keep the Rangers at bay and win the west in 2012. Not only will the Angels hit their pitching staff is now solid. With Wilson, Jered Weaver, Dan Haren and Ervin Santana, with Jordan Walden closing the Halos will be in most games.
Key Additions: 1B Albert Pujols, SP C.J. Wilson, C Chris Iannetta
Key Losses: RP Fernando Rodney, SP Tyler Chatwood
Strength: Lineup
This whole team will be on the same offensive level as the Red Sox and Yankees. Pujols is a future hall of famer, Mark Trumbo had a major breakthrough season, and signing Chris Iannetta replaces the gaping hole left by losing Mike Napoli a couple of seasons ago. Bringing in Pujols will take some of the pressure off Vernon Wells, and Tori Hunter can still hit a little bit. Even guys at the top like Howie Kendrick and Erick Aybar will benefit from having Albert in the lineup. The big question will be what to do if Kendrys Morales is back and healthy, with only two spots at first and DH, and one guaranteed to Pujols, either Trumbo or Morales will probably be traded.
Weakness: Third Base
As of now the Angels have Alberto Callaspo targeted as the starting third baseman. Unless Trumbo can play third, they may be best served trying to move him in favor of a competent player to man the hot corner.
Fantasy MVP: 1B Albert Pujols
This is a no brainer. Even though he has aged a bit, Pujols is still one of the best in the game. Moving to the AL may even prolong his career given some opportunities to DH and save his legs. Albert not only brings an incredible bat to the lineup, but he plays hard every day, steals some bases, plays great defense, and by all accounts is a great teammate.
He’s not a machine ok, he’s just Albert.
Player To Watch: 1B/DH Kendrys Morales
His injury was one of the most freak accidents of recent memory. After not playing for almost two years, reports are saying he looks as good as ever this spring. Time will tell if his leg is ready for full time use, but if he is healthy it gives the Angels a switch hitting power bat, who is still only 28 years old.
Report Card:
Offense: A-
Defense: B
Pitching: A
Intangibles: A
Nothing provides intangible help like angels.
Farm System: B-
Best Case Scenario: Morales comes back healthy, Trumbo can play third, Jerome Williams can pitch well in the fifth spot, Albert plays like Albert
Worst Case: Morales suffers another setback, Albert continues to decline, defense collapses, Walden and Williams struggle
Final Prediction: The moves to bring in Pujols and Wilson pay off big as the Angels win the West.
Projected Lineup According to Me:
1. SS Erick Aybar
2. 2B Howie Kendrick
3. 1B Albert Pujols
4. DH Kendrys Morales
5. 3B Mark Trumbo
6. RF Torii Hunter
7. LF Vernon Wells/Mike Trout
8. C Chris Iannetta
9. CF Peter Bourjos
Starting Rotation:
1. Jered Weaver
2. Dan Haren
3. C.J. Wilson
4. Ervin Santana
5. Jerome Williams
Key Relievers:
Scott Downs
LaTroy Hawkins
Bobby Cassevah
Closer:
Jordan Walden
Pictures:
2. Texas Rangers
You have to feel bad for the way the Rangers season ended. Down to the final strike with one of the best closers in the game it seemed all but over. They will still be good in 2012, but they have the misfortune of playing in the same division as the improved Angels, and an Al East that hogs the wild card(s). Signing Yu Darvish was an interesting move, but the Rangers were rumored to be players on every major free agent, and they missed out on all of them.
Key Additions: SP Yu Darvish, RP Joe Nathan
Key Losses: SP C.J. Wilson, RP Darren Oliver
Strength: Lineup
The Rangers are set at every position. They have not only great hitters, but they also play good defense. They could possibly use another outfielder, but overall the Rangers return a strong team. Napoli, Young, Beltre, Hamilton, Kinsler, Andrus, and Cruz make for a pretty solid core group.
Weakness: Health/Back End of Rotation
The big stars of the Rangers have a pretty substantial history of injuries, and you have to worry about main players missing large chunks of the season. But an equal worry should be the rotation, specifically the back end. No one knows what to expect from Darvish, and Feliz moving from the closer role to the rotation will be something to watch, but I would worry about the production from Colby Lewis, Matt Harrison, and Derek Holland. These guys pitch well in the postseason but they really have no proven ace. I expect Alexi Ogando will move back to the rotation if new closer Joe Nathan returns to form.
Fantasy MVP: 3B Adrian Beltre
It seems like Beltre has been playing forever, but he is only 32. This will already be his 14th major league season, and he is continually underrated. Last year he hit 32 HRs and had 105 knocked in. He seems to be getting more consistent with his age. I expect another big season from Beltre.
Player To Watch: SP Yu Darvish
It will be interesting watching Darvish’s transition to the American style of play. All accounts say Darvish is exceptionally talented, and he will have to come in and immediately establish himself as the Rangers ace. If he can perform at a high level the Rangers will compete with the Angels for the West crown.
Seriously; What the Fuck Japan?
Report Card:
Offense: A
Defense: A-
Pitching: B
Intangibles: A-
Farm System: B
Best Case Scenario: Everyone stays healthy, pitching performs better than expectation, Darvish is a legitimate ace
Worst Case: Hamilton misses significant time, Darvish is overwhelmed, Feldman, Harrison, Holland can’t replace Wilson
Final Prediction: Losing Wilson to a division rival come back to haunt the Rangers down the stretch when the Angels pull away.
Lineup According to Me:
1. SS Elvis Andrus
2. DH/1B/3B Micheal Young
3. CF/LF Josh Hamilton
4. 3B Adrian Beltre
5. RF Nelson Cruz
6. 2B Ian Kinsler
7. C/DH Mike Napoli
8. 1B Mitch Moreland
9. LF/CF David Murphy/ Leonys Martin
Starting Rotation:
1. Yu Darvish
2. Neftali Feliz
3. Derek Holland
4. Colby Lewis
5. Alexi Ogando
Key Relievers:
Mike Adams
Koji Uehara
Scott Feldman
Matt Harrison
Closer:
Joe Nathan
Pictures:
3. Seattle Mariners
The A’s and M’s will both be awful but I think Seattle will have a slight edge in 2012. When comparing they have a slightly better lineup, with good young talent, and the pitching staff will do fine in the vast expanses of Safeco Park. This year will be another learning year as they continue to develop their young players. Eventually Ackley, Carp, Montero, and Smoak will be considered quality players, but 2012 will be rough.
Key Additions: C/DH Jesus Montero, SP Hector Noesi, C John Jaso
Key Losses: SP Michael Pineda
Strength: A slightly better lineup than the A’s
The Mariners will be battling the A’s for the 3rd spot in the West, and the difference will come down to the lineup. Both teams have good pitching, and lack potent offenses. When all is said and done the young talent of the M’s will be able to score runs at a better pace than Oakland.
Weakness: Lack of Quality Experience
The Mariners have some quality players, but by and large they lack talent that has a history of winning. Ichiro is a hall of famer, and King Felix is a once in a blue moon talent, but outside of these two they have no proven players. Dustin Ackley, Jesus Montero, Justin Smoak, and company have promising futures, but top prospects turn out to be busts quite frequently.
Fantasy MVP: SP Felix Hernandez
He may not win a ton of games, but no one is more consistent than King Felix when he is healthy. Early in his career Hernandez had problems with injuries, but over the last few years Felix has developed into one of the most dominant pitchers in the game. Go ahead and mark him down for a sub 3.5 E.R.A. and over 200 K’s.
Player To Watch: C/DH Jesus Montero
Seattle paid a heavy price giving up emerging star Michael Pineda to acquire Montero. At only 22, Montero has the skills and youth to develop into a star. 2012 could be the beginning of one of the most successful career in Seattle since Edgar Martinez or Jay Buhner.
Report Card:
Offense: C+
Defense: B
Pitching: B-
Intangibles: C
Farm System: A-
Best Case Scenario: Carp, Montero, Smoak provide some power, Ackley Ichiro Figgins get on base a ton, pitchers behind King Felix take advantage of the pitchers park
Worst Case: Injury to Felix, Smoak make no improvement, Ackley sees a dip in batting average and on-base, pitching staff doesn’t compete
Final Prediction: Another long season in Seattle as the Mariners wait for talented prospect to arrive, but at least they aren’t in Oakland.
Lineup According to Me:
1. 3B Chone Figgins
2. 2B Dustin Ackley
3. RF Ichiro
4. DH Jesus Montero
5. 1B Justin Smoak
6. LF Mike Carp
7. C Miguel Olivo
8. CF Michael Saunders
9. SS Brendan Ryan
Starting Rotation:
1. Felix Hernandez
2. Jason Vargas
3. Kevin Millwood
4. Hisashi Iwakuma
5. Hector Noesi
Key Relievers:
George Sherril
Charlie Furbush
Shawn Kelley
Closer:
Brandon League
Pictures:
4. Oakland Athletics
The A’s have undertaken one of the most schizophrenic off-seasons I have ever seen. They traded away promising young pitchers Gio Gonzalez, Andrew Bailey and Trevor Cahill. The A’s rotation got much worse, and their moves to improve the lineup were just as strange. Signing Manny Ramirez was a bizarre choice, and completing both the resigning of CF Coco Crisp, and signing CF Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes makes no sense. All in all expect a long season in Oakland.
Key Additions: OF Yeonis Cespedes, LF/DH Manny Ramirez, LF Seth Smith
Key Losses: SP Trevor Cahill, SP Gio Gonzalez, RP Andrew Bailey
Strength: The Bullpen I Guess
There are some quality arms in the Oakland pen. Brian Fuentes is a former top notch closer, and Jerry Blevins and Joey Devine are not terrible. Tyson Ross could also be moved to round out the rotation, or give a quality left arm in relief. Once Brett Anderson returns the rotation will be better, but for now it includes Bartolo Colon, and Brandon McCarthy, so the bullpen will have to do quite a bit of work.
Weakness: Lineup
The major downfall of the 2012 A’s will be the inability to score runs. Outside of Jemile Weeks there is no quality offensive threat. Chris Cater and Kila Ka’aihue have the chance to develop into good hitters but for now the A’s will have to hope Manny can still be Manny when he gets back from the suspension, and Cespedes can be a more complete hitter than Pedro Cerrano.
Fantasy MVP: 2B Jemile Weeks
In his rookie campaign, Rickie Weeks’ younger brother showed some promise. Inn just under one hundred games he managed to hit over .300, although he did only walk 21 times in 400 at bats. If he can continue to develop some plate discipline, he will be the most complete player in the A’s lineup.
Player To Watch: CF Yeonis Cespedes
The signing of Cespedes by the A’s came as a surprise. Usually restrained in free agency, the A’s shattered the mold and went after the talented Cuban prospect. He has all the physical tools, but insiders say he struggles to hit breaking pitches. 36 million dollars is a lot to pay for someone who compares to Pedro Cerrano in the hitting department.
Report Card:
Offense: D+
Defense: B
Pitching: B-
Intangibles: C-
Farm System: B
Best Case Scenario: Manny come back from suspension and looks like the Manny of old, Cespedes learns how to hit, young pitching prospects develop quickly
Worst Case: Manny destroys the clubhouse, offseason moves provide no gains, young pitchers are forced to pitch in the bigs before they are ready
Final Prediction: The A’s limp to a last place finish in the West with one of the worst offenses of recent memory.
Lineups According to Me:
1. CF Coco Crisp
2. 2B Jemile Weeks
3. DH Seth Smith
4. LF Yeonis Cespedes
5. RF Josh Reddick
6. C Kurt Suzuki
7. 1B Daric Barton
8. 3B Adam Rosales
9. SS Cliff Pennington
Starting Rotation:
1. Jarrod Parker
2. Bartolo Colon
3. Brandon McCarthy
4. Brad Peacock
5. Tom Milone
Key Relievers:
Grant Balfour
Joey Devine
Tyson Ross
Closer:
Brian Fuentes
Pictures: