I've been putting this off for awhile now because of other things and also because I really never wanted to write about the AAAA. But I have my journalistic principles and it would only be fair to baseball so the show must go on...
AL East
1. New York Mets
The Miracle Mets are once again loaded up and ready for another playoff run only this season there will be no September collapse. With Johan up front and the duo of former All-Star closer JJ Putz and saves king K-Rod, the pitching staff is in safe hands. If Santana would have had these two relievers last year he would have at least five more wins, and that is just one person. Who knows how many games the Mets pen truly blew last year. The lineup is still solid with one of the most exciting players in the league to watch (Jose Reyes) and a third baseman who could become one of the faces of the league (David Wright: fantasy...). A player to watch this year for the Mets is rookie right fielder Daniel Murphy, the Mets are excited about him and he responded with 2 RBI's in the opening game.
2. Atlanta Braves
Now I will admit, I am writing this after the Braves took the first two games from the Phillies, but I really liked how the Braves won those games. This team is young and full of interesting prospects. They still have Chipper (if he stays healthy) and Brian McCann is one of the best catchers in the game defensively and offensively. Jeff Francouer really can't be as bad as he was last year for a 2nd straight year can he? If he has a better year that is a huge boost to this team. Also Jordan Schafer will be moved to the top of that lineup to give it speed so I like what Bobby C0x has pulled together offensively. As I said in the opening day diary, Derek Lowe could be one of the better free agent signings of the year and no one really talks about it. And the man, the myth, the legend, Tommy Hanson is on his way sooner or later. Watch out for these Braves this year.
3. Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are 3 only because of the competitiveness of the division. The AL East and NL East are very similar in that way. All teams would win division titles if they were in six different divisions but they all happened to be bunched into two, its how it is. Ryan Howard hits a lot of bombs again but bats in the low .240's. Chase Utley may not be 100% after surgery in Spring Training and J-Roll does have that same hunger as years past now that he has been to the top. Again it was opening day but Brett Myers looked terrible and left a lot of pitched in the middle of the plate. All said they still win 90 games.
4. Florida Marlins
The Marlins, similar to the Blue Jays, just happen to be in the toughest division in the league. It seems like every year that the Marlins have a lot of young talent and are exciting to watch but then they just trade them away only to start over again. Well not this year. The 'fins signed Hanley Ramirez long term and look to sign Dan Uggla as well. Hanley is the real deal and I wonder how Boston fans feel the Beckett trade right now (they can't be too upset since Beckett basically won them a World Series). Their rotation has the potential to be one of the top in not only the division, not only the league, but the entire game of beisbol.
5. Washington Nationals
The Nationals tried to sign big name free agent Mark Teixiera and failed so they "settled" on signing slugger Adam Dunn. If you like the long ball, then you will love Adam Dunn. Strikes out a lot but also walks a lot so they somewhat cancel out in my mind. Dunn could be a nice signing for the team and give Ryan Zimmerman some protection. Not much to say about the pitching staff so I will let him say it.
NL Central
1. Chicago Cubs
This is the Cubs division to lose and they should have a nice lead throughout the summer. The Cubs basically have the same team as the season before when they won the division by seven and a half games so I don't see anything changing since no other team in the Central did much in the off season. The Cubs did go out and sign Milton Bradley to bring the team clubhouse together.
2. St. Louis Cardinals
The Cards will compete with the Cubs but in the end will fall short because they do not have the depth that the Cubbies do. Chris Carpenter is back this year and would be a huge addition if he could pitch 3/4 of the season. The closer situation has been given to Jason Motte (4 ER w/ a blown save in his first opportunity to do so) for now and could be a problem spot for the team from the Show Me State. Big Albert is back again and looking to win the battle title. And the home run title. And the RBI title. Could this be the year that we see a triple crown? If anyone can do it, its him. I don't think that Ryan Ludwick will have the season that he did last year and same for Rick Ankiel but still strong enough for a 2nd place finish.
3. Houston Astros
Houston is always a hard team to predict. They usually finish in the middle of the pack because there really only is one hitter that stands out and commands respect at the plate (Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman, so make that two hitters) and they have only one stud pitcher at the top of their rotation (Roy Owsalt). Put that together and you get a mediocre team. They always, always play better in the 2nd half of the season. So much so it's like clockwork. Hunter Pense probably will have a better year in his 2nd full year with the big league club as he struggled at times last year after a terrific debut.
4. Pitts..no I'm kidding, Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers will have a taste of reality this season after the magical run to the postseason for the first time since 1982. This year, however, CC will not be walking through those doors to carry the team. The Brewers can hit and I love Ryan Braun. Probably the only right handed batter that I enjoy watching swing a baseball bat, well him and Manny, but more on him later. The big question with the Brewers this year will be their starting rotation. Who steps up and fills in for Ben Sheets, let alone CC Sebathia? They have a young stud in Yovani Gallardo so that is one spot, but does Manny Parra step up and not fight with people this year? We will wait and see.
5. Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates elevate from the cellar this season because they are starting to do what the Rays did, develop young talent, get some good arms in the system, and build around character guys. I'm not saying that the Pirates will be in the World Series this year but they won't be as painful to watch as in seasons past. Now that the contract dispute between them and first round selection Pedro Alvarez is done, they can move on and hope to have him contribute sooner rather then later. If you were ever doubting the Pirates all you need to do is check out their homepage and you will see "Pride, Passion. Pittsburgh Pirates." Basically all you need to know.
6. Cincinnati Reds
It doesn't look pretty for Reds fans. Homer Bailey, the once touted prospect has struggled since making his debut and Jay Bruce has done the same. Bruce still has more upside and I believe that he will be a good player. Other then him and Joey Votto what can these Reds be excited about?
NL West
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
Manny. Thats it. All you need to know.
2. Arizona Diamondbacks
A lot of people have jumped off the D-Backs bandwagon and I'm not sure why. Sure this is their closer and they do not have a serious power threat in their lineup but their entire lineup can hit for average power and their pitching staff is sneaky good. Anytime you can have Brandon Webb followed by Dan Haren you are in business. Not to mention a full year of Max Scherzer. Their lineup features speed, power and average throughout. Dodgers are too good in the end for the Diamondbacks and they finish in 2nd.
3. San Francisco Giants
The Giants are another interesting team to watch in the 2009 season. They have a lot of young talent, guys that you have never heard of, and also went out and got Randy Johnson. Do you think he will help Tim Lincecum at all? Speaking of Lincecum, for those who know me know of my massive man crush on him ever since I saw his debut vs the Phillies two years ago. I love him so much that I have a picture of him hanging up in my cubicle at work. Yeah, that's not weird or anything.
4. Colorado Rockies
It seems like forever ago but this team was in the World Series...two years ago. Ya, who knew right? This team is long removed from the 21 game win streak that captured the division, then swept the Phillies, swept the D-Backs, then got swept by the Nation. The Rockies signed Jason Marquis to help out in the rotation that features young stud Ubaldo Jimenez. Matt Holiday left via free agency and now the offensive load falls of the trio of Brad Hawpe, Garrett Atkins and Troy Tulowitzki. Tulo has started hot hitting home runs in each of the first two games of the season and looks to bounce back from an injury-riddled 2008 season.
5. San Diego Padres
Tony Gwynn has been a hero and an anti hero to this franchise. First he was a hall of fame outfielder during his playing days but then he had to go an conceive a child and name him Tony Gwynn Jr. If you were to remember it was Jr. that had a walkoff hit off of all-time save leader Trevor Hoffman (who, coincidentally, now plays for the Brewers) that forced the play-in game vs the Rockies a few years back. We all know how that game went. Ever since that game this team has been in a tailspin and now look to deal ace pitcher Jake Peavy. Way to go Tony Gwynn.
Well there you have it, my predictions for the 2009 regular MLB season. Playoffs to come after week one...until then, Go Twins
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