Post by New Orleans GM on Mar 29, 2012 12:38:04 GMT -6
NL West
1. Arizona Diamondbacks
The D’Backs were the biggest surprise of the 2011 season. Instead of being content with positive growth, they went out this off-season and made their team even more formidable. The Giants will challenge them for the NL west, but the Diamondbacks have a more complete roster. The additions of Trevor Cahill and Jason Kubel fill out one of the best rotations in the bigs, and fill a hole in left field. Adding Craig Breslow, and Brad Ziegler will also shore up the bullpen Adding these pieces along with Justin Upton, Miguel Montero, Ian Kennedy, and Daniel Hudson make the D’Backs a dark horse World Series pick.
Key Additions: SP Trevor Cahill, LF Jason Kubel
Key Losses: SP Jarrod Parker
Strength: Starting Rotation
The best starting rotation in the national league may be in the desert. All five starters will be 30 or under, and they keep getting better. Ian Kennedy won 21 games last year, Daniel Hudson had an E.R.A. under 3.5 and added 16 wins. Trevor Cahill adds a third quality proven young arm, and the 30 year old grizzled veteran Joe Saunders had a 3.69 E.R.A. in 2011. The fifth spot may be phenom Trevor Bauer’s to lose coming out of Spring Training.
Weakness: Third Base
This is tough, because I really think Arizona does not have a glaring weakness. Hey have power, speed, defense, a rotation full of young power arms, and a bullpen full of proven veterans. If they have a weakness, it would be Ryan Roberts at third base. At 31 years old, Roberts has 29 career homers, and 19 of those came last year. Roberts was a nice surprise for Arizona last season, but if one aspect of this team could hurt them I think it might be Roberts and his neck tattoos.
Fantasy MVP: RF Justin Upton
As long as Upton has been around it is easy to forget he is only 24 years old. He has impressive power, and steals a fair amount of bases. I expect J-Up to continue to improve his OPS and batting average numbers as he develops in his prime. Justin Upton is one of the most exciting players in the game.
I wish I knew how to do non youtube videos becuase this is one of the most impressive bombs I've ever seen.
mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=17374517&topic_id=&c_id=mlb&tcid=vpp_copy_17374517&v=3
Player To Watch: 1B Paul Goldschmidt
This guy is an Adam Dunn/Mark Reynolds clone in the making. He has tremendous power; his 419 feet per homerun was fifth in the majors in 2011, but he is also prone to strikeout quite a bit. If he can develop some plate discipline and maintain his prolific power it will give the snakes an exciting middle of the lineup for years to come.
Report Card:
Offense: B
Defense: B+
Pitching: A
Intangibles: B+
Farm System: A-
Best Case Scenario: Exact repeat of 2011, but with another year of experience come playoff time.
Worst Case: Another injury to Drew, Kennedy Hudson can’t follow up on 2011 success, Cahill struggles in hitter friendly environment, Putz is ineffective.
Final Prediction: The D’Backs repeat as NL West champs and the experience gained in the playoffs last year leads to a deep run.
Projected Lineup According to Me:
1. CF Chris Young
2. SS Stephen Drew
3. RF Justin Upton
4. C Miguel Montero
5. 1B Paul Goldschmidt
6. LF Jason Kubel
7. 3B Ryan Roberts
8. 2B Aaron Hill
9. P
Starting Rotation:
1. Ian Kennedy
2. Daniel Hudson
3. Trevor Cahill
4. Joe Saunders
5. Josh Collmenter
Key Relievers:
David Hernandez
Craig Breslow
Takashi Saito
Closer:
J.J. Putz
Pictures:
*2. San Francisco Giants
It is very hard to underestimate how much injuries damaged the Giants in 2011. Losing Buster Posey in May was just the tip of the iceberg, as Brian Wilson struggled with injuries the whole season, and Carlos Beltran was ineffective after coming to the bay area. The pitching staff is clearly talented, but the Giants have been offensively lacking since Barry Bonds hung it up. Bringing in outfielders Melky Cabrera, and Angel Pagan will help by bringing in some dynamic offensive players. Having a healthy Posey, Freddie Sanchez and Pablo Sandoval will give the Giants a better offense in 2012 and combined with the dominant pitching staff, will allow them to compete for a playoff spot.
Key Additions: OF Melky Cabrera, OF Angel Pagan
Key Losses: SP Jonathan Sanchez
Strength: Starting Rotation
The San Francisco rotation will once again be among the best in baseball in 2012. Tim Lincecum is as devastating pitcher in the bigs when he is on his game. Matt Cain is the mode of consistency, and Madison Baumgarner has developed very nicely. The emergence of Ryan Vogelsong was a huge boost last year, and it allowed the Giants to move Johnathan Sanchez. The rotation will give “the beard” plenty of save opportunities in 2012.
Weakness: Right Field/Shortstop
The rest of the lineup is pretty solid but the Giants will basically be giving two outs away every time through the lineup. Brandon Crawford is the starting SS currently and he brings a career .204 average to the plate. The story is not much better in RF where Nate Schierholtz is the projected started. The Giants may be better served giving Ryan Theriot, or Mike Fontenot a shot at short, and highly touted prospect Brandon Belt in right.
Fantasy MVP: 3B Pablo Sandoval
Posey bring a unique skill set, but the “Kung-Fu Panda” consistently puts up good numbers. Being behind the plate will surely diminish some of Buster’s production, but Sandoval routinely puts up a .300 average, 20 homers, and 70 knocked in. At 25, Sandoval is entering his prime seasons, and I expect him to get even better.
Player To Watch: C Buster Posey
Posey’s injury was one of the most gruesome of recent memory. It remains to be seen how Posey will react in a play at the plate situation, and if he will have the stamina to remain behind the plate. I think eventually the Giants will have to move Posey to first base, but what he gives defensively behind the plate is invaluable. A talent like Posey that can both defend and hit from the catcher position is extremely rare, but if it comes at the expense of his health, the Giants will need to move him to a new position.
Report Card:
Offense: B-
Defense: A-
Pitching: A
Intangibles: B+
Farm System: A-
Best Case Scenario: Posey comes all the way back, Cabrera adds some offensive punch, Zito pitches like its 2002.
Worst Case: Vogelsong and Zito can’t get the job done, offense continues to struggle.
Final Prediction: Expanded playoffs help the Giants secure a Wild Card berth and a shot to win another championship.
Projected Lineup According to Me:
1. CF Angel Pagan
2. LF Melky Cabrera
3. C Buster Posey
4. 3B Pablo Sandoval
5. 1B Aubrey Huff
6. RF Brandon Belt
7. 2B Freddie Sanchez
8. SS Brandon Crawford
9. P
Starting Rotation:
1. Tim Lincecum
2. Matt Cain
3. Madison Baumgarner
4. Ryan Vogelsong
5. Barry Zito
Key Relievers:
Sergio Romo
Jeremy Affeldt
Javier Lopez
Closer:
Brian Wilson
Pictures:
3. Colorado Rockies
The Rockies have suffered some disappointing seasons in recent years. They have been stocked with young talent, but they have performed at a very inconsistent level. This off-season the Rockies made moves to bring in a proven veteran influence. Guys like Marco Scutaro, Michael Cuddyer, and Ramon Hernandez are players who have been around for several years and know how to win. The bullpen is full of quality arms, but the season will come down to the performance of the rotation.
Key Additons: OF Michael Cuddyer, 2B Marco Scutaro
Key Losses: RP Huston Street
Strength: Lineup
Colorado has a solid lineup from top to bottom. Dexter Fowler is a useful leadoff man, and Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki are two of the best in the game. Adding pieces like Cuddyer, and Hernandez brings in dependable offensive performance to round out the lineup to compliment guys like Tulo, CarGo, Helton, and Giambi, Along with these proven veterans they also have a class of solid young players being developed. Look for guys like Tyler Colvin, Eric Young Jr., D.J. Lemaheiu, and Wilin Rosario to benefit from extra time to develop.
Weakness: Starting Rotation
The Rockies made the right move trading Ubaldo Jimenez when his stock was at its highest. In return they received highly touted prospect Drew Pomeranz. Jhoulys Chacin has a high upside potential, and Jeremy Guthrie has good stuff, but by and large this staff will struggle. Jorge De LaRosa will help if he can return from injury, but any hope of the Rockies contending will rely on the performances of Juan Nicasio and Guillermo Moscoso.
Fantasy MVP: SS Troy Tulowitzski
Good shortstops are rare, great shortstops are even harder to find. Tulo is one of the best in the game. He has been the most consistent and dangerous threat at the SS position for the last few years. If he is healthy it is an almost guaranteed 30 homers, 90 rbi’s at a very thin position.
Player To Watch: SP Drew Pomeranz
Pomeranz has been a top rated prospect for the last few seasons. His time has come to make an impact in the bigs. I am still amazed the Indians gave him up, and his upside potential is huge. If he can develop into a top flight pitcher, it gives the Rockies a much better rotation moving forward.
Report Card:
Offense: B+
Defense: B
Pitching: C+
Intangibles: A-
Farm System: A-
Best Case Scenario: New additions bring stability to the Rockies clubhouse, Tulo has a big year, pitching staff performs above expectations
Worst Case: Old additions play their age and take at bats away from young players, young pitching prospects don’t arrive in time to help
Final Prediction: New faces help the Rockies hang around for a while, but the D’Backs and Giants pull away during the summer months.
Lineups According to Me:
1. CF Dexter Fowler
2. LF Carlos Gonzalez
3. SS Troy Tulowitzki
4. RF Michael Cuddyer
5. 1B Todd Helton
6. C Ramon Hernandez
7. 2B Marco Scutaro
8. 3B Chris Nelson? (who the fuck is Chris Nelson)
9. P
Starting Rotation:
1. Jhoulys Chacin
2. Jeremy Guthrie
3. Drew Pomeranz
4. Juan Nicasio
5. Guillermo Moscoso
Key Relievers:
Rex Brothers
Matt Belisle
Closer:
Rafael Betancourt
Pictures:
4. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers have some good young players, but they are still a few years away from competing. Once the mess the McCourts left the team in is resolved, and the franchise is sold, I expect the Dodgers to make some moves to improve the roster. As of now they still have some of the best young players in the game with Matt Kemp, Clayton Kershaw, Andre Ethier, and Dee Gordon. Look for the Dodgers to be relevant again in a year or two.
Key Additions: SP Aaron Harang, SP Chris Capuano
Key Losses: RP Jonathan Broxton
Strength: Bullpen
If the Dodgers get the lead, they will be hard to beat. From top to bottom with the possible exception of Todd Coffey, (who himself can be good at times), the Dodgers have great arms in the pen. Kenley Jansen is a star in the making, Javy Guerra quietly had 21 saves last year, and Mike MacDougal has been good and under the radar for a decade. They can turn the game into a six inning contest.
Weakness: Back End of the Rotation
Never trust a rotation that relies on Ted Lilly, Aaron Harang, and Chris Capuano. Kershaw, and Chad Billingsley are a dynamic one and two, but the end of the rotation leaves something to be desired. The Dodgers have a few pitching prospect making their way through the system, and when they arrive the Dodgers will be a force in the West again.
Fantasy MVP: CF Matt Kemp
Matt Kemp finally had his breakout year in 2011. Kemp has had the talent his whole career, but it wasn’t until he stopped putting up with Rhianna’s bullshit that his true ability has come to the surface. When you look at it, Chris Brown has become a bigger star since he laid the smackdown on her. There may be something to this.
But I digress. Kemp is a unique talent that provides Gold Glove defense in center and he came up one homer short of the 40-40 club in a tough hitters’ ballpark. Kemp is just now entering his prime, and he could be a major force for years to come.
Player To Watch: LF Jerry Sands
If I was choosing the most exciting player its Clayton Kershaw, but if Jerry Sands can live up to his potential the Dodgers will have a much better lineup. With Kemp, Ethier, Gordon, and Sands it could be an explosive lineup. Sands has the ability to be a middle of the lineup force for the Dodgers for the future. I just found out Sands was optioned to AAA and was hitting like .156 this Spring so what the fuck do I know
Report Card:
Offense: C
Defense: B+
Pitching: B+
Intangibles: B-
Farm System: C+
Owners’ HIV Status: +
Best Case Scenario: New pitching additions keep them in games, Kemp repeats 2011, Ethier rediscovers his power
Worst Case: Pitching falls apart behind Kershaw, Kemp looks more like 2009 than 2011, young pitching prospects need another year of seasoning
Final Prediction: New ownership will eventually turn this franchise back around, but it won’t be in 2012 as they finish just ahead of the Padres.
Lineups According to Me:
1. SS Dee Gordon
2. 2B Jerry Hairston Jr.
3. CF Matt Kemp
4. RF Andre Ethier
5. 1B James Loney
6. LF Jerry Sands/ Juan Rivera
7. 3B Juan Uribe
8. C AJ Ellis
9. P
Starting Rotation:
1. Clayton Kershaw
2. Chad Billingsley
3. Ted Lilly
4. Chris Capuano
5. Aaron Harang
Key Relievers:
Mike MacDougal
Mat Guerrier
Kenley Jansen
Closer:
Javy Guerra
Pictures:
5. San Diego Padres
Even though the Padres are not even close to competing, I really like their moves this offseason. Their lineup still needs a lot of work but getting Yonder Alonso really helps. Carlos Quentin is also a nice complimentary player. In addition they brought in reclamation project Edinson Volquez, and made a move for new closer Huston Street after losing Heath Bell. San Diego has some nice player coming up through their farm system, but for now they will rely on steady pitching in a gigantic ballpark to stay afloat.
Key Additions: 1B Yonder Alonso, RP Huston Street
Key Losses: SP Mat Latos, RP Heath Bell
Strength: Bullpen
In the very rare occasion that the Padres score a few runs, the pen will slam the door closed. Micah Owings is as good a long reliever in the game, and getting flamethrower Andrew Cashner gives them a potential future closer. Anthony Bass is another quality young arm, and Luke Gregerson is one of the best relievers in the game. In the ninth a team could do a lot worse than Huston Street. San Diego is strong in one area, and that is the bullpen.
Weakness: Lineup
This may be one of the weakest lineups ever assembled, and it has to attempt to hit one of the best pitchers parks in the majors. Yonder Alonso is a star in the making, and Carlos Quentin had a few good years in Chicago. Outside of these two the lineup is below average. I guess Cameron Maybin isn’t the worst player in the world, but the rest of the lineup is abysmal.
Fantasy MVP: 1B Yonder Alonso
Moving to Petco Park will definitely affect Alonso, but he is a good enough hitter to still maintain his impressive numbers. He has power to all fields, and he makes a lot of contact. If he would have qualified, his .943 OPS would have been among the best in the NL. Moving out of the whiffle ball park in Cincinnati may hurt his power numbers, but Alonso has the ability to become a gap to gap doubles hitter, and he will still get his share of bombs.
Player To Watch: SP Edinson Volquez
I don’t know why every free agents pitcher doesn’t accept the league minimum to pitch in San Diego for one year. If that place can turn around Aaron Harang, anybody can become a success. Volquez has the tools; that is undeniable. Moving from Cincinnati to San Diego will help him find his early success once again. In 2008 Volquez won 17 games and had an E.R.A. of 3.21. Look for Volquez to come closer to these numbers in 2012 to round out this rotation of misfits that just gets the job done in San Diego.
Report Card:
Offense: C
Defense: B+
Pitching: Home A/ Away B-
Intangibles: B+
Farm System: A
Best Case Scenario: Cameron Maybin breaks out, Alonso isn’t affected by Petco, Latos isn’t missed
Worst Case: They play like the 2011 Padres
Final Prediction: The Padres struggle through 2012 as they wait for their talented farm system to pay off.
Lineups According to Me:
1. CF Cameron Maybin
2. SS Jason Bartlett
3. 1B Yonder Alonso
4. RF Will Venable
5. LF Carlos Quentin
6. 3B Chase Headley
7. C Nick Hundley
8. 2B Orlando Hudson
9. P
Starting Rotation:
1. Corey Luebke
2. Tim Stauffer
3. Clayton Richard
4. Edinson Volquez
5. Dustin Moseley
Key Relievers:
Anthony Bass
Luke Gregerson
Andrew Cashner
Closer:
Huston Street
Pictures:
1. Arizona Diamondbacks
The D’Backs were the biggest surprise of the 2011 season. Instead of being content with positive growth, they went out this off-season and made their team even more formidable. The Giants will challenge them for the NL west, but the Diamondbacks have a more complete roster. The additions of Trevor Cahill and Jason Kubel fill out one of the best rotations in the bigs, and fill a hole in left field. Adding Craig Breslow, and Brad Ziegler will also shore up the bullpen Adding these pieces along with Justin Upton, Miguel Montero, Ian Kennedy, and Daniel Hudson make the D’Backs a dark horse World Series pick.
Key Additions: SP Trevor Cahill, LF Jason Kubel
Key Losses: SP Jarrod Parker
Strength: Starting Rotation
The best starting rotation in the national league may be in the desert. All five starters will be 30 or under, and they keep getting better. Ian Kennedy won 21 games last year, Daniel Hudson had an E.R.A. under 3.5 and added 16 wins. Trevor Cahill adds a third quality proven young arm, and the 30 year old grizzled veteran Joe Saunders had a 3.69 E.R.A. in 2011. The fifth spot may be phenom Trevor Bauer’s to lose coming out of Spring Training.
Weakness: Third Base
This is tough, because I really think Arizona does not have a glaring weakness. Hey have power, speed, defense, a rotation full of young power arms, and a bullpen full of proven veterans. If they have a weakness, it would be Ryan Roberts at third base. At 31 years old, Roberts has 29 career homers, and 19 of those came last year. Roberts was a nice surprise for Arizona last season, but if one aspect of this team could hurt them I think it might be Roberts and his neck tattoos.
Fantasy MVP: RF Justin Upton
As long as Upton has been around it is easy to forget he is only 24 years old. He has impressive power, and steals a fair amount of bases. I expect J-Up to continue to improve his OPS and batting average numbers as he develops in his prime. Justin Upton is one of the most exciting players in the game.
I wish I knew how to do non youtube videos becuase this is one of the most impressive bombs I've ever seen.
mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=17374517&topic_id=&c_id=mlb&tcid=vpp_copy_17374517&v=3
Player To Watch: 1B Paul Goldschmidt
This guy is an Adam Dunn/Mark Reynolds clone in the making. He has tremendous power; his 419 feet per homerun was fifth in the majors in 2011, but he is also prone to strikeout quite a bit. If he can develop some plate discipline and maintain his prolific power it will give the snakes an exciting middle of the lineup for years to come.
Report Card:
Offense: B
Defense: B+
Pitching: A
Intangibles: B+
Farm System: A-
Best Case Scenario: Exact repeat of 2011, but with another year of experience come playoff time.
Worst Case: Another injury to Drew, Kennedy Hudson can’t follow up on 2011 success, Cahill struggles in hitter friendly environment, Putz is ineffective.
Final Prediction: The D’Backs repeat as NL West champs and the experience gained in the playoffs last year leads to a deep run.
Projected Lineup According to Me:
1. CF Chris Young
2. SS Stephen Drew
3. RF Justin Upton
4. C Miguel Montero
5. 1B Paul Goldschmidt
6. LF Jason Kubel
7. 3B Ryan Roberts
8. 2B Aaron Hill
9. P
Starting Rotation:
1. Ian Kennedy
2. Daniel Hudson
3. Trevor Cahill
4. Joe Saunders
5. Josh Collmenter
Key Relievers:
David Hernandez
Craig Breslow
Takashi Saito
Closer:
J.J. Putz
Pictures:
*2. San Francisco Giants
It is very hard to underestimate how much injuries damaged the Giants in 2011. Losing Buster Posey in May was just the tip of the iceberg, as Brian Wilson struggled with injuries the whole season, and Carlos Beltran was ineffective after coming to the bay area. The pitching staff is clearly talented, but the Giants have been offensively lacking since Barry Bonds hung it up. Bringing in outfielders Melky Cabrera, and Angel Pagan will help by bringing in some dynamic offensive players. Having a healthy Posey, Freddie Sanchez and Pablo Sandoval will give the Giants a better offense in 2012 and combined with the dominant pitching staff, will allow them to compete for a playoff spot.
Key Additions: OF Melky Cabrera, OF Angel Pagan
Key Losses: SP Jonathan Sanchez
Strength: Starting Rotation
The San Francisco rotation will once again be among the best in baseball in 2012. Tim Lincecum is as devastating pitcher in the bigs when he is on his game. Matt Cain is the mode of consistency, and Madison Baumgarner has developed very nicely. The emergence of Ryan Vogelsong was a huge boost last year, and it allowed the Giants to move Johnathan Sanchez. The rotation will give “the beard” plenty of save opportunities in 2012.
Weakness: Right Field/Shortstop
The rest of the lineup is pretty solid but the Giants will basically be giving two outs away every time through the lineup. Brandon Crawford is the starting SS currently and he brings a career .204 average to the plate. The story is not much better in RF where Nate Schierholtz is the projected started. The Giants may be better served giving Ryan Theriot, or Mike Fontenot a shot at short, and highly touted prospect Brandon Belt in right.
Fantasy MVP: 3B Pablo Sandoval
Posey bring a unique skill set, but the “Kung-Fu Panda” consistently puts up good numbers. Being behind the plate will surely diminish some of Buster’s production, but Sandoval routinely puts up a .300 average, 20 homers, and 70 knocked in. At 25, Sandoval is entering his prime seasons, and I expect him to get even better.
Player To Watch: C Buster Posey
Posey’s injury was one of the most gruesome of recent memory. It remains to be seen how Posey will react in a play at the plate situation, and if he will have the stamina to remain behind the plate. I think eventually the Giants will have to move Posey to first base, but what he gives defensively behind the plate is invaluable. A talent like Posey that can both defend and hit from the catcher position is extremely rare, but if it comes at the expense of his health, the Giants will need to move him to a new position.
Report Card:
Offense: B-
Defense: A-
Pitching: A
Intangibles: B+
Farm System: A-
Best Case Scenario: Posey comes all the way back, Cabrera adds some offensive punch, Zito pitches like its 2002.
Worst Case: Vogelsong and Zito can’t get the job done, offense continues to struggle.
Final Prediction: Expanded playoffs help the Giants secure a Wild Card berth and a shot to win another championship.
Projected Lineup According to Me:
1. CF Angel Pagan
2. LF Melky Cabrera
3. C Buster Posey
4. 3B Pablo Sandoval
5. 1B Aubrey Huff
6. RF Brandon Belt
7. 2B Freddie Sanchez
8. SS Brandon Crawford
9. P
Starting Rotation:
1. Tim Lincecum
2. Matt Cain
3. Madison Baumgarner
4. Ryan Vogelsong
5. Barry Zito
Key Relievers:
Sergio Romo
Jeremy Affeldt
Javier Lopez
Closer:
Brian Wilson
Pictures:
3. Colorado Rockies
The Rockies have suffered some disappointing seasons in recent years. They have been stocked with young talent, but they have performed at a very inconsistent level. This off-season the Rockies made moves to bring in a proven veteran influence. Guys like Marco Scutaro, Michael Cuddyer, and Ramon Hernandez are players who have been around for several years and know how to win. The bullpen is full of quality arms, but the season will come down to the performance of the rotation.
Key Additons: OF Michael Cuddyer, 2B Marco Scutaro
Key Losses: RP Huston Street
Strength: Lineup
Colorado has a solid lineup from top to bottom. Dexter Fowler is a useful leadoff man, and Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki are two of the best in the game. Adding pieces like Cuddyer, and Hernandez brings in dependable offensive performance to round out the lineup to compliment guys like Tulo, CarGo, Helton, and Giambi, Along with these proven veterans they also have a class of solid young players being developed. Look for guys like Tyler Colvin, Eric Young Jr., D.J. Lemaheiu, and Wilin Rosario to benefit from extra time to develop.
Weakness: Starting Rotation
The Rockies made the right move trading Ubaldo Jimenez when his stock was at its highest. In return they received highly touted prospect Drew Pomeranz. Jhoulys Chacin has a high upside potential, and Jeremy Guthrie has good stuff, but by and large this staff will struggle. Jorge De LaRosa will help if he can return from injury, but any hope of the Rockies contending will rely on the performances of Juan Nicasio and Guillermo Moscoso.
Fantasy MVP: SS Troy Tulowitzski
Good shortstops are rare, great shortstops are even harder to find. Tulo is one of the best in the game. He has been the most consistent and dangerous threat at the SS position for the last few years. If he is healthy it is an almost guaranteed 30 homers, 90 rbi’s at a very thin position.
Player To Watch: SP Drew Pomeranz
Pomeranz has been a top rated prospect for the last few seasons. His time has come to make an impact in the bigs. I am still amazed the Indians gave him up, and his upside potential is huge. If he can develop into a top flight pitcher, it gives the Rockies a much better rotation moving forward.
Report Card:
Offense: B+
Defense: B
Pitching: C+
Intangibles: A-
Farm System: A-
Best Case Scenario: New additions bring stability to the Rockies clubhouse, Tulo has a big year, pitching staff performs above expectations
Worst Case: Old additions play their age and take at bats away from young players, young pitching prospects don’t arrive in time to help
Final Prediction: New faces help the Rockies hang around for a while, but the D’Backs and Giants pull away during the summer months.
Lineups According to Me:
1. CF Dexter Fowler
2. LF Carlos Gonzalez
3. SS Troy Tulowitzki
4. RF Michael Cuddyer
5. 1B Todd Helton
6. C Ramon Hernandez
7. 2B Marco Scutaro
8. 3B Chris Nelson? (who the fuck is Chris Nelson)
9. P
Starting Rotation:
1. Jhoulys Chacin
2. Jeremy Guthrie
3. Drew Pomeranz
4. Juan Nicasio
5. Guillermo Moscoso
Key Relievers:
Rex Brothers
Matt Belisle
Closer:
Rafael Betancourt
Pictures:
4. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers have some good young players, but they are still a few years away from competing. Once the mess the McCourts left the team in is resolved, and the franchise is sold, I expect the Dodgers to make some moves to improve the roster. As of now they still have some of the best young players in the game with Matt Kemp, Clayton Kershaw, Andre Ethier, and Dee Gordon. Look for the Dodgers to be relevant again in a year or two.
Key Additions: SP Aaron Harang, SP Chris Capuano
Key Losses: RP Jonathan Broxton
Strength: Bullpen
If the Dodgers get the lead, they will be hard to beat. From top to bottom with the possible exception of Todd Coffey, (who himself can be good at times), the Dodgers have great arms in the pen. Kenley Jansen is a star in the making, Javy Guerra quietly had 21 saves last year, and Mike MacDougal has been good and under the radar for a decade. They can turn the game into a six inning contest.
Weakness: Back End of the Rotation
Never trust a rotation that relies on Ted Lilly, Aaron Harang, and Chris Capuano. Kershaw, and Chad Billingsley are a dynamic one and two, but the end of the rotation leaves something to be desired. The Dodgers have a few pitching prospect making their way through the system, and when they arrive the Dodgers will be a force in the West again.
Fantasy MVP: CF Matt Kemp
Matt Kemp finally had his breakout year in 2011. Kemp has had the talent his whole career, but it wasn’t until he stopped putting up with Rhianna’s bullshit that his true ability has come to the surface. When you look at it, Chris Brown has become a bigger star since he laid the smackdown on her. There may be something to this.
Player To Watch: LF Jerry Sands
If I was choosing the most exciting player its Clayton Kershaw, but if Jerry Sands can live up to his potential the Dodgers will have a much better lineup. With Kemp, Ethier, Gordon, and Sands it could be an explosive lineup. Sands has the ability to be a middle of the lineup force for the Dodgers for the future. I just found out Sands was optioned to AAA and was hitting like .156 this Spring so what the fuck do I know
Report Card:
Offense: C
Defense: B+
Pitching: B+
Intangibles: B-
Farm System: C+
Owners’ HIV Status: +
Best Case Scenario: New pitching additions keep them in games, Kemp repeats 2011, Ethier rediscovers his power
Worst Case: Pitching falls apart behind Kershaw, Kemp looks more like 2009 than 2011, young pitching prospects need another year of seasoning
Final Prediction: New ownership will eventually turn this franchise back around, but it won’t be in 2012 as they finish just ahead of the Padres.
Lineups According to Me:
1. SS Dee Gordon
2. 2B Jerry Hairston Jr.
3. CF Matt Kemp
4. RF Andre Ethier
5. 1B James Loney
6. LF Jerry Sands/ Juan Rivera
7. 3B Juan Uribe
8. C AJ Ellis
9. P
Starting Rotation:
1. Clayton Kershaw
2. Chad Billingsley
3. Ted Lilly
4. Chris Capuano
5. Aaron Harang
Key Relievers:
Mike MacDougal
Mat Guerrier
Kenley Jansen
Closer:
Javy Guerra
Pictures:
5. San Diego Padres
Even though the Padres are not even close to competing, I really like their moves this offseason. Their lineup still needs a lot of work but getting Yonder Alonso really helps. Carlos Quentin is also a nice complimentary player. In addition they brought in reclamation project Edinson Volquez, and made a move for new closer Huston Street after losing Heath Bell. San Diego has some nice player coming up through their farm system, but for now they will rely on steady pitching in a gigantic ballpark to stay afloat.
Key Additions: 1B Yonder Alonso, RP Huston Street
Key Losses: SP Mat Latos, RP Heath Bell
Strength: Bullpen
In the very rare occasion that the Padres score a few runs, the pen will slam the door closed. Micah Owings is as good a long reliever in the game, and getting flamethrower Andrew Cashner gives them a potential future closer. Anthony Bass is another quality young arm, and Luke Gregerson is one of the best relievers in the game. In the ninth a team could do a lot worse than Huston Street. San Diego is strong in one area, and that is the bullpen.
Weakness: Lineup
This may be one of the weakest lineups ever assembled, and it has to attempt to hit one of the best pitchers parks in the majors. Yonder Alonso is a star in the making, and Carlos Quentin had a few good years in Chicago. Outside of these two the lineup is below average. I guess Cameron Maybin isn’t the worst player in the world, but the rest of the lineup is abysmal.
Fantasy MVP: 1B Yonder Alonso
Moving to Petco Park will definitely affect Alonso, but he is a good enough hitter to still maintain his impressive numbers. He has power to all fields, and he makes a lot of contact. If he would have qualified, his .943 OPS would have been among the best in the NL. Moving out of the whiffle ball park in Cincinnati may hurt his power numbers, but Alonso has the ability to become a gap to gap doubles hitter, and he will still get his share of bombs.
Player To Watch: SP Edinson Volquez
I don’t know why every free agents pitcher doesn’t accept the league minimum to pitch in San Diego for one year. If that place can turn around Aaron Harang, anybody can become a success. Volquez has the tools; that is undeniable. Moving from Cincinnati to San Diego will help him find his early success once again. In 2008 Volquez won 17 games and had an E.R.A. of 3.21. Look for Volquez to come closer to these numbers in 2012 to round out this rotation of misfits that just gets the job done in San Diego.
Report Card:
Offense: C
Defense: B+
Pitching: Home A/ Away B-
Intangibles: B+
Farm System: A
Best Case Scenario: Cameron Maybin breaks out, Alonso isn’t affected by Petco, Latos isn’t missed
Worst Case: They play like the 2011 Padres
Final Prediction: The Padres struggle through 2012 as they wait for their talented farm system to pay off.
Lineups According to Me:
1. CF Cameron Maybin
2. SS Jason Bartlett
3. 1B Yonder Alonso
4. RF Will Venable
5. LF Carlos Quentin
6. 3B Chase Headley
7. C Nick Hundley
8. 2B Orlando Hudson
9. P
Starting Rotation:
1. Corey Luebke
2. Tim Stauffer
3. Clayton Richard
4. Edinson Volquez
5. Dustin Moseley
Key Relievers:
Anthony Bass
Luke Gregerson
Andrew Cashner
Closer:
Huston Street
Pictures: