Play Ball ...
It's almost that time. Time to fire up the radar gun, don the cap, buy the peanuts and crackerjack, and get ready for 162 games of America's pasttime.
I love baseball. Here's my synopsis on my teams this year.
I expect some big things from the Yankees this year. Bigger than last year. Bigger than the year before that. And even the year before that. Of course, I expect big things out of them every year. But that's because this team is always capable of reaching those heights. And after the moves this offseason, those expectations are still imposed as high as they are. It's always been The Boss's motto that anything less than a World Series is a disappointment. And I think most Yankee fans have adopted that philosiphy unto themselves as well. I know I have. Anyway. Like I said, this year the team is primed. Johnny Damon addresses the need for a better centerfielder. His bad shoulder is going to be a big question mark all year though. He can't miss substantial time. I think I'll give him a leway of 1 trip to the DL, but that's it. Maybe not even. He's getting paid to help us win, so he better do his damndest. And he better do a good job. Most Yankee fans will get all over him if he gets off to a slow start. Heck, even if he doesn't get a hit in his first at bat. The fans have not forgotten about Game 7 in 2004, I can tell you that much. Or at least I certainly haven't. And him changing sides isn't enough for me to forgive or forget. As for the rest of the team, it's still stacked. And a better defensive unit than people like to give them credit for. If A-Rod has another year at third like he did last year, he should honestly get recognition for the Gold Glove award. Jeter is always a stifling defender. Outfield is better altogether with the addtion of Damon. And Sheff still has a canon for a right arm. First base is still a weak area with Giambi and Phillips, but honestly, when isn't it? I won't even get into how built this lineup is offensively. The outcome of the season really is going to go as far as the pitching staff takes it. And already it's showing questionable signs. Pavano won't be ready for the start of the season. Wright has a balky back. Johnson and Mussina have to be healthy all year like last year. I hate to say this, but I think Moose is now on the declining path of his career. He had a less than great season last year. and I just don't know if he can fix the mechanic problems he's encountered during the last two years. Johnson, on the other hand, I predict a very good year from him. People talk about his year last year in disappointing statements. In reality, he had a very good season. Led the team in wins with 17 and a mid 3 ERA and was second in the AL in strikeouts. Sure, not exactly Big Unit quality. But it was his first season in stripes. Now that Johnny Damon has taken all the hoopla from him, I think he'll settle in for a 20 win season and show off the typical Randy Johnson tenacity. Chacon, Wang, and Small. Can they repeat the tremendous year they each had last year? If so, the Yanks will go far. The only other techinicality is how well Farnsworth is going to adapt to the setup role in the Bronx. Many people think he could be a huge bust. While I can see that, I can also see Farnsworth as a big pickup, possibly a better setup man than Flash was the last 2 years. It could go either way. But it doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is that he hand the ball to Mo in the 9th with a Yankee lead. That's it.
Best Case Scenario: 2006 World Series Champs
Worst Case Scenario: Everyone lands on the DL causing the Yankees to miss the playoffs, heck, even finish 3rd in the AL East.
Realistic Scenario: 9th straight AL East title, Championship Series berth
Another offseason overhaul by the Mets. Delgado, Wagner, Lo Duca, getting rid of the albatrosses of Piazza and Benson. I'm hoping this will pay off. Last year's additions sort of fell flat with Beltran not playing up to par and Pedro pitching well but gettnig injured. I think even with the additions they've made, Beltran and Pedro are still the guys. The success of the Mets will rest with them this year. So Pedro's achy big toe needs to hurry up and get well for that pitching staff to have any success. Without Pedro, it's a pretty thin rotation. Trachsel, Zambrano, and an older Glavine just won't strike fear into batters. Not with the ease that Pedro can with that high and inside cutter. However, the rest of the pitching staff isn't being dogged. The Mets held on to Aaron Heilman who's showing a lot of promise. And Brian Bannister is a new name that's surprising some people out of spring training. The bullpen is still a little questionable after some of the losses they incurred. But Jorge Julio bolsters that bullpen. Someone's gotta get the ball to Wagner though. As for Beltran, he has to step up and take the lead of this talented team. With no Piazza to lead, he has to take control. But I think he will do better this year. The addition of Carlos Delgado will let Beltran see better pitches. The rest of the lineup pops too. David Wright is the next big Met star. This guy is awesome. I love watching him play. And Cliff Floyd knows how to hit as well. The mixed combo of Beltran, Delgado, Floyd, and Wright will take care of the scoring. The pitching is going to be key. They must stay healthy and pitch well with the already thin staff they have.
Best Case Scenario: NL East title, World Series berth
Worst Case Scenario: Despite Omar Minaya's best efforts, the team tanks and is only able to best the hapless Marlins in the NL East
Realistic Scenario: Heavy contention in the NL East and the Wild Card, playoff berth
Well, this would usually be the time when I say that the Pirates are nothing but cellar dwellars follwed by a sad face. But actually, I have hope for this team. Seriously. They have a lot of young talent. Jason Bay is becoming the face of the pirates year by year. And they finally did something they should've done a long time ago; they got some veteran talent to offset their youngsters. I talk of course about the acquisitions of Sean Casey and Joe Randa. Neither is exactly a giant player, but both have been in the league awhile and can really help out this team. The pitching staff is primed to be one of the best though. Oliver Perez, if he ever settles down, can be a valuable asset to the lineup. Kip Wells and Brandon Duckworth are underrated. And Zach Duke is going to be the next best thing. The lineup isn't up to speed with the Yankees, let's say. But it can definitely hold it's own. Sean Casey and Jeromy Burnitz will add some power while Jason Bay is coming into his own. Jack Wilson is a pesky top of the order hitter. It could be a surprising season I think.
Best Case Scenario: Wild Card contention into August
Worst Case Scenario: Dead last in the whole National League
Realistic Scenario: 4th place in the NL Central
And here are my picks for the rest of the league:
AL East
1 - New York Yankees
2 - Boston Red Sox
3 - Toronto Blue Jays
4 - Baltimore Orioles
5 - Tampa Bay Devil Rays
AL Central
1 - Chicago White Sox
2 - Cleveland Indians
3 - Detroit Tigers
4 - Minnesota Twins
5 - Kansas City Royals
AL West
1 - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
2 - Oakland A's
3 - Seattle Mariners
4 - Texas Rangers
NL East
1 - Atlanta Braves
2 - New York Mets
3 - Philadelphia Phillies
4 - Washington Nationals
5 - Florida Marlins
NL Central
1 - St. Louis Cardinals
2 - Houston Astros
3 - Milwaukee Brewers
4 - Pittsburgh Pirates
5 - Chicago Cubs
6 - Cincinatti Reds
NL West
1 - San Diego Padres
2 - Los Angeles Dodgers
3 - San Fransisco Giants
4 - Colorado Rockies
5 - Arizona Diamondbacks
AL Wild Card
Oakland A's
AL MVP
Travis Hafner - Cleveland
AL Cy Young
Roy Halladay - Toronto
AL Coach of the Year
Mike Sciosa - LA of A
NL Wild Card
New York Mets
NL MVP
Lance Berkman - Houston
NL Cy Young
Tim Hudson - Atlanta
NL Coach of the Year
Willie Randolph - New York
Playoffs
Chicago defeats Oakland
NY Yankees defeats Anaheim
St. Louis defeats NY Mets
Atlanta defeats San Diego
NY Yankees defeat Chicago
St. Louis defeats Atlanta
ALCS MVP
Gary Sheffield
NLCS MVP
Scott Rolen
NY Yankees defeat St. Louis
World Series MVP
Mariano Rivera
Even if my picks fall through, I don't care. I'm ready for a great season. Play ball!
I love baseball. Here's my synopsis on my teams this year.
I expect some big things from the Yankees this year. Bigger than last year. Bigger than the year before that. And even the year before that. Of course, I expect big things out of them every year. But that's because this team is always capable of reaching those heights. And after the moves this offseason, those expectations are still imposed as high as they are. It's always been The Boss's motto that anything less than a World Series is a disappointment. And I think most Yankee fans have adopted that philosiphy unto themselves as well. I know I have. Anyway. Like I said, this year the team is primed. Johnny Damon addresses the need for a better centerfielder. His bad shoulder is going to be a big question mark all year though. He can't miss substantial time. I think I'll give him a leway of 1 trip to the DL, but that's it. Maybe not even. He's getting paid to help us win, so he better do his damndest. And he better do a good job. Most Yankee fans will get all over him if he gets off to a slow start. Heck, even if he doesn't get a hit in his first at bat. The fans have not forgotten about Game 7 in 2004, I can tell you that much. Or at least I certainly haven't. And him changing sides isn't enough for me to forgive or forget. As for the rest of the team, it's still stacked. And a better defensive unit than people like to give them credit for. If A-Rod has another year at third like he did last year, he should honestly get recognition for the Gold Glove award. Jeter is always a stifling defender. Outfield is better altogether with the addtion of Damon. And Sheff still has a canon for a right arm. First base is still a weak area with Giambi and Phillips, but honestly, when isn't it? I won't even get into how built this lineup is offensively. The outcome of the season really is going to go as far as the pitching staff takes it. And already it's showing questionable signs. Pavano won't be ready for the start of the season. Wright has a balky back. Johnson and Mussina have to be healthy all year like last year. I hate to say this, but I think Moose is now on the declining path of his career. He had a less than great season last year. and I just don't know if he can fix the mechanic problems he's encountered during the last two years. Johnson, on the other hand, I predict a very good year from him. People talk about his year last year in disappointing statements. In reality, he had a very good season. Led the team in wins with 17 and a mid 3 ERA and was second in the AL in strikeouts. Sure, not exactly Big Unit quality. But it was his first season in stripes. Now that Johnny Damon has taken all the hoopla from him, I think he'll settle in for a 20 win season and show off the typical Randy Johnson tenacity. Chacon, Wang, and Small. Can they repeat the tremendous year they each had last year? If so, the Yanks will go far. The only other techinicality is how well Farnsworth is going to adapt to the setup role in the Bronx. Many people think he could be a huge bust. While I can see that, I can also see Farnsworth as a big pickup, possibly a better setup man than Flash was the last 2 years. It could go either way. But it doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is that he hand the ball to Mo in the 9th with a Yankee lead. That's it.
Best Case Scenario: 2006 World Series Champs
Worst Case Scenario: Everyone lands on the DL causing the Yankees to miss the playoffs, heck, even finish 3rd in the AL East.
Realistic Scenario: 9th straight AL East title, Championship Series berth
Another offseason overhaul by the Mets. Delgado, Wagner, Lo Duca, getting rid of the albatrosses of Piazza and Benson. I'm hoping this will pay off. Last year's additions sort of fell flat with Beltran not playing up to par and Pedro pitching well but gettnig injured. I think even with the additions they've made, Beltran and Pedro are still the guys. The success of the Mets will rest with them this year. So Pedro's achy big toe needs to hurry up and get well for that pitching staff to have any success. Without Pedro, it's a pretty thin rotation. Trachsel, Zambrano, and an older Glavine just won't strike fear into batters. Not with the ease that Pedro can with that high and inside cutter. However, the rest of the pitching staff isn't being dogged. The Mets held on to Aaron Heilman who's showing a lot of promise. And Brian Bannister is a new name that's surprising some people out of spring training. The bullpen is still a little questionable after some of the losses they incurred. But Jorge Julio bolsters that bullpen. Someone's gotta get the ball to Wagner though. As for Beltran, he has to step up and take the lead of this talented team. With no Piazza to lead, he has to take control. But I think he will do better this year. The addition of Carlos Delgado will let Beltran see better pitches. The rest of the lineup pops too. David Wright is the next big Met star. This guy is awesome. I love watching him play. And Cliff Floyd knows how to hit as well. The mixed combo of Beltran, Delgado, Floyd, and Wright will take care of the scoring. The pitching is going to be key. They must stay healthy and pitch well with the already thin staff they have.
Best Case Scenario: NL East title, World Series berth
Worst Case Scenario: Despite Omar Minaya's best efforts, the team tanks and is only able to best the hapless Marlins in the NL East
Realistic Scenario: Heavy contention in the NL East and the Wild Card, playoff berth
Well, this would usually be the time when I say that the Pirates are nothing but cellar dwellars follwed by a sad face. But actually, I have hope for this team. Seriously. They have a lot of young talent. Jason Bay is becoming the face of the pirates year by year. And they finally did something they should've done a long time ago; they got some veteran talent to offset their youngsters. I talk of course about the acquisitions of Sean Casey and Joe Randa. Neither is exactly a giant player, but both have been in the league awhile and can really help out this team. The pitching staff is primed to be one of the best though. Oliver Perez, if he ever settles down, can be a valuable asset to the lineup. Kip Wells and Brandon Duckworth are underrated. And Zach Duke is going to be the next best thing. The lineup isn't up to speed with the Yankees, let's say. But it can definitely hold it's own. Sean Casey and Jeromy Burnitz will add some power while Jason Bay is coming into his own. Jack Wilson is a pesky top of the order hitter. It could be a surprising season I think.
Best Case Scenario: Wild Card contention into August
Worst Case Scenario: Dead last in the whole National League
Realistic Scenario: 4th place in the NL Central
And here are my picks for the rest of the league:
AL East
1 - New York Yankees
2 - Boston Red Sox
3 - Toronto Blue Jays
4 - Baltimore Orioles
5 - Tampa Bay Devil Rays
AL Central
1 - Chicago White Sox
2 - Cleveland Indians
3 - Detroit Tigers
4 - Minnesota Twins
5 - Kansas City Royals
AL West
1 - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
2 - Oakland A's
3 - Seattle Mariners
4 - Texas Rangers
NL East
1 - Atlanta Braves
2 - New York Mets
3 - Philadelphia Phillies
4 - Washington Nationals
5 - Florida Marlins
NL Central
1 - St. Louis Cardinals
2 - Houston Astros
3 - Milwaukee Brewers
4 - Pittsburgh Pirates
5 - Chicago Cubs
6 - Cincinatti Reds
NL West
1 - San Diego Padres
2 - Los Angeles Dodgers
3 - San Fransisco Giants
4 - Colorado Rockies
5 - Arizona Diamondbacks
AL Wild Card
Oakland A's
AL MVP
Travis Hafner - Cleveland
AL Cy Young
Roy Halladay - Toronto
AL Coach of the Year
Mike Sciosa - LA of A
NL Wild Card
New York Mets
NL MVP
Lance Berkman - Houston
NL Cy Young
Tim Hudson - Atlanta
NL Coach of the Year
Willie Randolph - New York
Playoffs
Chicago defeats Oakland
NY Yankees defeats Anaheim
St. Louis defeats NY Mets
Atlanta defeats San Diego
NY Yankees defeat Chicago
St. Louis defeats Atlanta
ALCS MVP
Gary Sheffield
NLCS MVP
Scott Rolen
NY Yankees defeat St. Louis
World Series MVP
Mariano Rivera
Even if my picks fall through, I don't care. I'm ready for a great season. Play ball!