"Anything is possible". Every Boston Celtics fan knows what that means. Its quote of the 2007 Championship won by those Celtics. Lead by the second coming of "The Big Three", the Celtics won their 17 NBA title. The season before was one to forget. With the second worst record in NBA in 2006, the Celtics were poised to win either the 1st or 2nd overall pick in the upcoming draft. To save any Celtics fans from that feeling of missing something in their heart, I'll stop there. Yeah, I know, it still hurts. Now, lets say the Celtics never traded for Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. I know that trying to play the "what if" game isn't really fun, but just think. KG could have used his "get out of jail" free card and not come to the Celtics. Same with Ray Ray. Hey, we could still be that awful team from '06 still. Based on my expert analysis and bold predictions, here what could of happened in the 2007 season.
2007 season. The Celtics did draft Jeff Green, but he was traded. Lets say he stays with us, because no deal is made for Ray Allen. Also, the Celtics would still have Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West. Both were kind of already on there way out so lets say one leaves. I would say Wally is out, due to under performance, even though West isn't too far behind. West stays for '07. This trade also means no Glen Davis, who is a decent player now. But the Celtics do get Jeff Green. Green has a lot more upside than Davis, so it works out in that regard. Now for the big trade. KG stays in Minnesota (or goes to L.A. like I thought he would before) and the Celtics keep all those picks. The Celtics would also still have Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff, and promising talent of Gerald Green . I still think Gomes and Telfair were going to be traded or released so lets eliminate them from the team. So from my estimation, here's what the team's starting lineup would have looked like:
PG-Rajon Rondo
SG-Gerald Green
SF-Paul Pierce
PF-Jeff Green
C-Kendrick Perkins
6th man-Delonte West
Not bad. Not good. Decent is appropriate here. I would say Doc Rivers would go crazy during this season and he would be fired. Not his fault at all. I just think Doc isn't a great coach, he just has three veteran players around him that really "coach" the team. But I really think Doc would have been fired without the trade for the big three. There's 2007 without the Big Three. I don't know about you but I think I'm happy the way 2007 turned out. Even if we are paying for it now (and possibly till KG's contract is up). Let's just enjoy the three years of misery...I mean of hopeful possibilities for these Celtics.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Magic and Bird, the Great Debate
The other day my buddy Ryan Cahill asked me a very interesting question: If you had to choose between Larry Bird or Magic Johnson which one you want to build the team around? He also asked how many rings would they have won if they had played together for their entire careers. Let's tackle the first question to start because, lets face it, it's waaaay more complex and I have nothing else to do except break down one of the greatest player matchups of all time. And to answer your question, no I don't have a life. Moving on...
QUESTION 1: If you had to choose between Larry Bird or Magic Johnson, which one you want to build a team around?
Okay, this was a vague question, so I asked Ryan (who my friends and I call "The Wizard" for his basketball exploits...it's a long story) to make it a little clearer. We decided that it wouldn't be over the course of their careers, but instead at their respective peaks. Now that makes the question even tougher. Had it been "If you had to build a team around Magic or Larry's whole career knowing how it would turn out, who would you choose?" I probably would have to take Magic. I know, I know, I just committed Celtics heresy, but I'll repent later. Magic would be the pick in that scenario, simply because his body didn't give out like Bird's did. Both players had terrific careers, and Larry Legend definitely had the upper hand from 1980-1986. But back and leg injuries derailed Bird and gave Magic the opportunity to surge past him. The deciding factor for me was that you could still win a championship with Magic from 1980-86 when Bird was the consensus better player (the Lakers proved this by winning in 1980, 1982 and 1985), but you weren't winning a championship with Bird and his back problems from '88-'92 when Magic was the better player.
Now for the tougher matter. As I mentioned in the previous paragraph, Magic's longevity as well as a 5 to 3 championship edge gives him the slight edge over Bird in terms of career success. But when talking about the two players at their peaks, the question changes. According to "The Book of Basketball" by Bill Simmons (a fantastic book if you're into the NBA. Bill Simmons is my hero. Okay I'm done now) Larry Bird had a 5 year peak in which he averaged 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists per game. Larry shot 51% from the field, and was a 90% free throw shooter over that stretch. Bird's 4 year playoff peak was equally as impressive. The Legend averaged 24-10-10 in postseason play during that peak. For the record, the book doesn't mention what years Larry peaked at, but I'm assuming its from '83-'87 seasons. During those five seasons Bird was the best player on two championship teams and two runner ups (he could have won another ring in 1987 too if, you know, Len Bias didn't OD on coke and rob the Celtics of continued domination into the '90s. Dammit.) , won three consecutive MVP awards from '84-'86 and was a runner up in 1983, played on the best team ever (the 1986 Boston Celtics), won two Finals MVP trophies ('84 and '86), and made the All-NBA First team five times. If that's not impressive I don't know what is. And that's not to mention that not only was Bird a sensational scorer, but he was a great rebounder, solid defender in his younger days (not so much as he got older and fell apart), and by far the greatest passing forward of all time.
That being said, Magic had an impressive apex himself. According to The Book of Basketball, during Magic's 3 year peak he averaged 22-7-12, and during his two year playoff peak of 19-7-15. Not to mention that he was 6-9 and played freaking POINT GUARD! (Quick tangent: I would kill to have Magic's size and basketball skills. I'm not kidding. I would literally take somebody's life if it meant could play like Magic. Unfortunately I'm 5-11 and white with no leaping ability whatsoever so that ship has probably sailed. Anyways...) Assuming that Magic's peak was from '87-'89, then during those years he won two championships, won 2 MVP awards (and won a third in 1990), won the Finals MVP in 1987, and made three All NBA First teams. I know that list isn't as long as Bird's, but keep in mind that Bird had two more years of being at top form.
So what's the verdict? I would hands down take Bird's peak over Magic's. First of all, it was two years longer, and more impressive statistically. Also, while Magic's career might have been longer, Bird was transcendent before the injuries took their toll. Magic was great, don't get me wrong, but Larry could do everything that Magic could do in his prime, except that Bird was a better scorer and rebounder. Of course, Magic's scoring numbers don't completely reflect his scoring ability since Johnson was the point guard after all, but to say that Larry didn't have the more complete offensive game from '80-'86 is foolish. I mean, the man took a 15 foot jumpshot with his left hand in a playoff game against the Pistons in '88 because he was bored. And he made the shot! There's a reason why he was called the Legend.
QUESTION 2: How many rings would they have won if they had played together for their entire careers?
Now this is easy. If they had played their whole careers on the same team (Would it have happened under any conceivable situation? No. But that's not the point) they would have won at least 10 titles. This is not debatable. In fact, it's more likely that they would have won every single year. Let me put it this way, if you put two of the top 5 players of all time on the court together, in their primes, they would probably win 70 games every year. Forget 72-10. That would be a habit for a team that featured Bird and Magic. The way that those guys played, they could score at will but were also the most unselfish players on the court. The NBA today needs more guys like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. I wish I could have seen them play. Because in the end, it doesn't matter who's the better player, all that matters is that we were fortunate enough to watch them compete at the highest level. If only I was around to see it.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Hometown Discount?
He signed. The most coveted free agent of the 2011 class that never actually hit the market is gone. Locked up by his own team. Joe Mauer is now a Minnesota Twin for the next 8 years. I don't know about you but I think 184 million dollars is a lot. I can guarantee that almost all of us will never see that amount of money in our lives. And they call that a "hometown discount"! I mean come on! A hometown discount that just made Mauer the richest person in Twins history? That, to me, is not a hometown discount. 23 million dollars a year, and we're calling this a hometown discount? Now I know Mauer would of got close to 250 million on the open market, but that is still outrageous. Lets look at some more so called "hometown discounts".
Albert Pujols, baseball's chosen one, was drafted by the Cardinals and is still in that uniform. He signed a seven year, 100 million dollar contract back in 2004. This was another of those so called "hometown discount". I know Pujols is amazing, but when it was signed, it was the richest contract in St. Louis history. So my question is why are we calling these hometown discounts if they are the most money ever given to a player in the teams history. It doesn't make any sense.
Derek Jeter is another "hometown discount". He only got 189 million dollars over 10 years. Yeah, discount my ass. Seriously, that's awful. There is no way you can even say that that is a discount. Of course, the Yankees would be the team to dish out that type of money. I know he was probably worth every penny, but its not a discount.
Okay, so now that I have vented about how ridiculous they are, lets look at real discounts. The contract that Justin Upton just signed this off season is a real hometown discount. It was 6-years 51.25 million dollars. Yeah, its a lot of money, but it is a great deal for the D-backs. Its under 10 million a year. Compare that to the deal Mauer has, and its obvious what the "hometown discount" is. Another good discount is the 6-year deal only guaranteed 17.5 million dollars signed by Evan Longoria. The contract has an option for 3 more years and it can reach a total of 44 million dollars. Nine years, and only around 5 million a year? Now that is a hometown discount! The Rays really lucked out.
I love seeing players stick with the team they have grown up in. I think it is awesome because it shows the loyalty and appreciation of that player for that organization. But I also think that everyone has a price limit. I would take the solid player that is willing to take less money to play for me than the superstar that wants 30 million for 10 years. And this is why I will never be a general manager.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
It's Me. Wait, who?
Some of you may know of me. Most don't. I'm Tommy. I am a Boston Sports Fan and have always been. I am a Denver Nuggets fan.....some people say that it is my down fall. I like every sport and will write about every sport. My first article will (should) be up this weekend. Be sure to look at it, it will be amazing. Enjoy the future articles to come.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
MLB Preview Time!
Well it's everyone's favorite time of year! Let's face it, who doesn't like to predict the outcome of the Major League Baseball Season? I know I love it. Baseball is maybe the best sport of all time to follow, and it all begins at the beginning. Keep in mind that I put a ton of painstaking research into this preview.....what do you mean don't believe me? Fine suit yourself. Well I don't want to keep you waiting, so here are my picks (predicted 2010 record in parentheses, * denotes playoff team):
AL EAST
1. New York Yankees (99-63)*The defending champs had a busy offseason, acquiring All-Star centerfielder Curtis Granderson from the Tigers and pitcher Javier Vazquez from the Braves. They have an excellent lineup anchored by A-Rod and Mark Teixeira. They have a great rotation with CC Sabathia at the head. And they have the greatest closer of all time in Mariano Rivera. Not to mention they finished 5th in the American League in fielding percentage last season. The thing about the Yankees is that they don't have any glaring weaknesses, and on paper are simply the best team in all of baseball. I will now go for a swim in a vat of boiling water.
2. Boston Red Sox (94-68)*Try not to be a homer, try not to be a homer...Okay, for starters, the Red Sox are an enigma offensively. There are more questions in this lineup than on an episode of Jeopardy. Will Papi produce? What will Adrian Beltre contribute offensively? If Mike Lowell is still on the team by the start of the year, what will his role in the lineup be? Will J.D. Drew spend an extended period of time on the DL with a broken eyelash? And is a mid-season deal for Adrian Gonzalez destined to happen? All are pressing matters. However, if the offense can hold its own and be fairly productive, the starting rotation is shaping up to be brilliant. The Big Three of Josh Beckett, John Lester, and free agent addition John Lackey along with Clay Buchholz and Tim Wakefield and Dice-K make for possibly the deepest rotation in the game. Oh, and they have Jonathan Papelbon in the 9th. They also shored up the defense by signing Marco Scutaro and Mike Cameron to two year deals. If the offense can steadily produce, it should be a good year for the Sox.
3. Tampa Bay Rays (89-73)After the impossible 2008 season that saw them win 97 games and make their first World Series appearance ever, Tampa Bay fell back to earth a bit in 2009. They are a very good team, but how they do this season, as always, depends on how the young guys do. If players like B.J Upton and David Price rebound from their disappointing 2009, then the Rays will almost certainly be in the playoff hunt. But if those guys are inconsistent and struggle, it could be a season that never quite lives up to its potential. The biggest move that the Rays made was the signing of Alfonso Soriano to bolster the relief corps and give them the true closer that they lacked last year. The Rays are a playoff caliber team, but unfortunately they play in the same division as New York and Boston.
4. Baltimore Orioles (74-88)
They have some excellent young positional players such as Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, and Matt Wieters, but their rotation leaves a lot to be desired. Sure, they brought in Kevin Millwood, but honestly the O's don't have the firepower to contend in this stacked division, at least not this year. I did enjoy the signing of Miguel Tejada though.
5. Toronto Blue Jays (66-96)By trading away Roy Halladay, the Jays officially declared that they were in rebuilding mode. There really isn't anything to get excited about on this roster. There's no ace, no real slugger other than Adam Lind, not much of anything. Jays fans better look to the future, because the present is anything but pleasant.
AL CENTRAL
1. Chicago White Sox (88-74)*Two words: Jake Peavy. What, you forgot about that trade too? You weren't alone. After spending most of 2009 on the DL, Jake is back in action. The White Sox have a deep rotation that features Peavy, Mark Buerhle, Gavin Floyd, and John Danks; as well as one of the better closers in the game in Bobby Jenks (who also possessed the craziest facial hair since Scott Spiezio decided it would be a good idea to dye his soul patch bright red). They might struggle to score runs at times, but I feel like they're the most rounded team in the division.
2. Detroit Tigers (87-75)I have a feeling that Miguel Cabrera is going to have a huge year. Even more massive than his usual .320/30/110 that he puts up year after year. After a 2009 where he hit .324 with 34 homers and 103 RBI, as well was inducted into the Wife Beater Hall Of Fame (along with fellow 2009 inductee Shawne Merriman), I'm predicting huge numbers from Miggy in 2010. As for the rest of the Tiger team, they have an ace in Justin Verlander, but traded away last season's #2 Edwin Jackson. They also dealt away starting center fielder Curtis Granderson. All in all, i just don't see this team making the playoffs this year unless Rick Porcello has a great year and gives them a 1-2 punch at the top of that rotation.
3. Minnesota Twins (86-76)
"Never count out the Twins." That has been the defining quote of this franchise over the past decade. They just seem to scratch and scratch and almost always seem to be in the hunt. They have one of the best 3-4 tandems in all of baseball in Joe Mauer (who is the best left handed hitter in the game) and Justin Morneau (2nd in the majors in RBI since 2006). They also have one of my favorite players, Denard Span, and acquired Orlando Hudson and J.J. Hardy to shore up their middle infield. My biggest problem with this team is that they don't have a true ace, and their rotation seems pedestrian at that. Plus, Joe Nathan is likely out for the year, meaning that Jon Rauch will be closing out games. Watching the 2003 and 2005 seasons that the Red Sox submitted really showed me the importance of a dominant closer. Jon Rauch will have a tough time filling Nathan's shoes.
4. Kansas City Royals (74-88)
The Royals really aren't all that good, but they do have a few young stars to watch in Zach Grienke and Billy Butler. This is also a make or break year for third baseman Alex Gordon, who has yet to live up to his billing coming from the minors. He better rebound quickly from an injury plagued 2009 or else he could be one of the biggest busts in recent memory. All in all, the Royals are getting closer, but are still a ways away from being an actual contender.
5. Cleveland Indians (64-98)Not much could have been more disappointing for Cleveland fans than having to sit through Game One of last year's World Series. Watching Cliff Lee and CC Sabathia face off in the championship in uniforms with the cities "New York" and "Philadelphia" must have been heart-wrenching to watch. And this year, they don't have much to look forward to. Other than Grady Sizemore and prospect Matt Laporta, there's no point in even watching this team this year. Looks like another year in transition for the Indians.
AL WEST
1. Seattle Mariners (92-70)*They might have the best 1-2 combination out of any team at the top of their rotation with Felix Hernandez and Cliff Lee. It wouldn't surprise me if King Felix wins the Cy Young this year. The Mariners are also great defensively. If this team does have a weakness, however, it is their offense. They did bring in the super-versatile leadoff man Chone Figgins in the offseason to tag team with Ichiro at the top of the lineup. But who's driving those guys in? Jose Lopez? Franklin Guitierrez? The ghost of Ken Griffey Jr.? I just don't see it. Milton Bradley is the only true threat in this lineup, and he's one of the most unpredictable players in the league (and that's a dramatic understatement). However, the Hernandez/Lee combo is too juicy to pass up. I might be horribly wrong on this one, but my gut tells me I'm right.
2. Texas Rangers (89-73)
Man oh man this team can hit the baseball. Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz, and newcomer Vladimir Guerrero should be the main parts of one of the best lineups in the league. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like they have the pitching to balance their offense. If you're counting on Scott Feldman to be your ace, and Rich Harden to stay healthy and be your #2, you are going to have pitching issues. Not to mention this team has a habit of fading and fading fast once the calendar turns to August. Texas also has the most coked up manager in the league, for what it's worth. They will contend, but I'm not sure the have the pitching to make it to the post-season.
3. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, California, USA, on planet Earth (88-74)Like the Twins, this team has the experience but is missing too many parts to win the division. They lost Vlad Guerrero, Chone Figgins, and John Lackey, and replaced them with Hideki Matsui, Brandon Wood, and Joel Pinero. While this is the most balanced team in the division, they are also a team in transition. The lineup is anchored by Kendry Morales, who will have to replicate his MVP caliber season if the Angels are to win this division. Brian Fuentes is "closing" out games this year, but he is treading on thin ice. The Angels should compete, but will fall short this season.
4. Oakland Athletics (63-99)Oh, where to start with this team. The days of Moneyball are long gone. The lineup has little to no pop (or average, for that matter). Come to think of it, they have the worst lineup in the American League. And they don't have nearly the pitching to bail them out. The A's signed Ben Sheets to a one year deal to be the ace. Really? Ben Sheets? The guy has had more elbow injuries than a teenager who has his own laptop with Internet access! (Related side note: Andrew Bailey was just diagnosed with tennis elbow. Highest of high comedy) This could get ugly very quick.
NL EAST
1. Atlanta Braves (95-67)*
I like this team. A lot. To the point where I firmly believe that they will be one of the top 3 teams in the National League. Don't believe me? First, check out their rotation. Derek Lowe, Tim Hudson, and 2009 "Best Name in the Bigs" award winner Jair Jurrjens head one of the deepest rotations in the National League. Plus they have the highly touted Tommy Hanson, who pitched well in his rookie year and should build on that success. Billy Wagner proved that he could still pitch effectively in his stint with the Red Sox last year, and he will be taking over the closing duties. The Braves are no slouch offensively this year either. Nate McClouth has emerged as a solid everyday player. Chipper Jones continues to get even better with age. Brian McCann is possibly the best hitting catcher not named Mauer. They also signed Troy Glaus who will provide them with some pop at first base. And Melky Cabrera is a quality addition. I would be very surprised if they didn't make the playoffs, and I expect a ton of success from Atlanta this season.
2. Philadelphia Phillies (93-69)*The back-to-back defending National League champs return as one of the front runners again in the league. They have basically the same lineup, with the addition of Placido Polanco and his massive head as the only new impact player. The biggest change made in Philadelphia was made early in the offseason when they acquired Roy Halladay from the Blue Jays. While they lost Cliff Lee in the blockbuster trade, I still think they made an upgrade here by bringing in one of the top 5 pitchers of the decade. The rest of their rotation is solid, but the Phillies are counting on Cole Hamels to rebound from a disappointing 2009. The Phillies are returning with a similar roster, and it should translate into more success.
3. New York Mets (80-82)
The Mets made a big splash by signing leftfielder Jason Bay to a 4 year deal. Unfortunately, Citi Field showed a tendency to kill home-runs (just ask David Wright), which is Bay's strongest attribute. The aforementioned David Wright needs to step up his power game, which took a big hit last year. But the success of this team hinges on one player: Johan Santana. If he is healthy, the Mets have a shot. But if he continues to has elbow problems, then it will be another disappointing year in New York.
4. Florida Marlins (78-84)
I don't know how they manage to be somewhat competitve almost every year despite having a $5 payroll, but they do it. Last season the Marlins were right in the thick of things all season long. This year they don't look spectacular on paper (with the exception of Hanley Ramirez, who looks spectacular both on paper and on the field), but you never really can tell. The Marlins will be on the fringe of the playoff race this season.
5. Washington Nationals (62-100)
The Nats were god awful last season. God awful. 103 losses netted them "Baseball Jesus" Stephen Strasburg. Newly acquired catcher Ivan Rodriguez (how the mighty have fallen. This is clearly the baseball gods getting revenge for Rodriguez stealing the AL MVP award from Pedro in 1999) claimed that Strasburg's stuff is "on the level of Nolan Ryan". Washington better hope so, because they really aren't much better than last year.
NL CENTRAL
1. St. Louis Cardinals (94-68)*Without a doubt, they are the best team in this divison. Unless you've been living under a rock the past ten years, you know that the team is built around super-slugger Albert Pujols. The guy is incredible. You can pencil him in for .330/40/120 every single season. The Cards brought back Matt Holliday to give Pujols the protection that he deserves in this lineup. They also have a good rotation headed by Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. Carpenter is the key to the season. He needs to stay healthy (something he's had problems with in his career) because when he's not on the DL, he's one of the top 5 righthanded pitchers in the game. The Cards have a good balance of offense and pitching, and should take this division rather easily.
2. Milwaukee Brewers (88-74)Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun are quite possibly the best 3/4 combination in all of baseball. Unfortunately, the rest of the team really isn't anything spectacular. Let's face it, any team that signs Greg Zaun to be their starting catcher probably isn't making the playoffs. The rotation does feature some talent in Yovanni Gallardo (who is going to be sensational this season, mark my words). But overall, the Brewers don't really blow me away with anything after Braun and Fielder. Except for Jeff Suppan's contract. Jeff Suppan sucks. I hate that guy.
3. Cincinatti Reds (79-83)
Now that I got my unprovoked shots at Suppan out of the way we can focus on more important things......like Cincinatti's decision to spend $30 million on unproven Cuban pitcher Aroldis Chapman. Somehow I don't think that is going to turn out too good. Cincy does have a decent rotation with Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo, and one of the better closers in baseball in Francisco Cordero, however they just don't have the bats or the depth in their pitching staff to be serious contenders.
4. Chicago Cubs (76-86)
In 2008 the Cubs won 97 games. They are falling fast. And the culprits? Bad contracts that would make even Mike Dunleavy blush. The Soriano signing from a few years back is turning out to be one of the all-time terrible contracts. Zambrano hasn't lived up to his huge deal. And since signing an extension with the Cubs, While the Cubs do have some talent, they just aren't that good. They can't win the division the way they are currently constructed. The curse of the billy goat lives on for another season.
5. Houston Astros (73-89)
Houston has fallen on some tough times. Gone are the days when they were a serious contender in the National League. This is a team rebuilding. Roy Oswalt is on the back 9 of his career, and while they have some stars in Oswalt, Lance Berkman, Hunter Pence, and Carlos Lee, the 'Stros don't have enough of a supporting cast to be any better than a 75 win team at best. But on the bright side, they do have Humberto Quintero. I don't what that means either.
6. Pittsburgh Pirates (61-101)
Reasons to like this team: Andrew McCutchen. Other than that, there's nothing else to really look forward to, with the exception of third base prospect Pedro Alvarez. Pittsburgh has had a total of 17 straight seasons with a losing record. Not even the Detroit Lions have a streak that long. It's really a shame.
NL WEST
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (93-69)*
The Dodgers are definitely the best team in the division. After staving off a late run by the Rockies, LA went to the NLCS where they were defeated by the Phillies (again) and Pedro's jehri curls. While I'm convinced that this is the best all around team in the division, especially if Chad Billingsly can return to his 2008 numbers after a disappointing 2009, I do have a problem with the major moves that they made this offseason. Mainly, there were none. After failing to get past the Phils for a second straight year, Los Angeles reloaded by signing...wait for it...Reed Johnson and Ronnie Belliard. Yeah, I'm just as confused as you are. Fortunately they have enough firepower both hitting and pitching to win this division, but I'm more than worried about the lack of new talent and how well Manny Ramirez does in his first season off the juice.
2. San Fransisco Giants (84-78)
I'm going to ignore the fact that the only offensive threat on this team is Pablo "Kung Fu Panda" Sandoval, and just say that I think that the Giants are a legitimate contender simply because of their pitching staff. Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain are electric at the top, and they have Jonathan Sanchez (the guy who threw the no hitter last year) and Barry Zito too. But seriously, they did make some adjustments to their lineup, bringing in Mark DeRosa and Aubrey Huff to add some pop. While they have some great pitching, I just don't think they have enough offense to get them into the postseason this year.
3. Colorado Rockies (81-81)
Colorado captured lightning in a bottle for the second time in three years in 2009, riding the momentum from the firing of manager Clint Hurdle and his orange head to a wild card berth. They are a solid team, but they lack a true ace. While Ubaldo Jimenez has shown flashes, I'm not sure he is really #1 starter material. The biggest problem with this team is that there are just too many question marks, too many "potential (insert role here)". Obviously if everything goes their way the Rockies are a bona fide playoff team, but not everything will go their way.
4. Arizona Diamondbacks (79-83)
The Diamondbacks have some serious questions about Brandon Webb's health. When he's healthy, he's the perfect 1A to Dan Haren's 1. But Webb missed most of last year and still hasn't fully recovered going into this year. Arizona also traded for starter Edwn Jackson who is coming off a career year in Detroit. But the question with this team lies in their lineup. Justin Upton is the best hitter (and the leader of my fantasy team), and Mark Reynolds is a serious power threat, but there are tons of question marks after that. Conor Jackson hasn't progressed as they thought he would. Same with Chris Young. Also, I can't trust Chad Qualls as the closer.
5. San Diego Padres (58-104)
Let's see...they have the worst lineup in the league even with Adrian Gonzalez. They also have the worst pitching staff in the league. The only reason I'm even bothering to write anything about them is because I reaaaaaaaaaaaaaally hope that Gonzalez ends up in a Red Sox uniform by July 31. Also, you can seriously ask the question of just how bad this team will be if they actually end up trading Gonzalez. I feel really bad for new GM Jed Hoyer right now.
Now that I've blown you all away with my rundown of the MLB, I'm going to attempt to boldly go where few have dare to go before: I'm going to predict the postseason without having seen one pitch of the regular season. I know, I know, this is crazy, but someone's gotta do it.
DIV. SERIES
Yankees over White Sox 3-1 (Yanks are most complete team in the bigs)Red Sox over Mariners 3-1 (Mariners aren't nearly as balanced as the Sox)Braves over Cardinals 3-2 (Braves continue strong regular season)
Phillies over Dodgers 3-1 (Dodgers lose to the Phillies again!)
CHAMP. SERIES
Yankees over Red Sox 4-3 (I hate this pick. Let's just not talk about it)
Braves over Phillies 4-3 (In the battle of NL East Titans, Braves come out on top)
WORLD SERIES
Braves over Yankees 4-3 (Only because I hate the Yankees)
WS MVP: JAIR JURRJENS (Just kidding. But not really.)
So there you have it. Your 2010 World Series Champions will be the Atlanta Braves, their first title in 15 years. Wait, why are you laughing? I'm serious! Stop! Fine you'll see! Just you wait.
Seriously it's not that funny.
AL EAST
1. New York Yankees (99-63)*The defending champs had a busy offseason, acquiring All-Star centerfielder Curtis Granderson from the Tigers and pitcher Javier Vazquez from the Braves. They have an excellent lineup anchored by A-Rod and Mark Teixeira. They have a great rotation with CC Sabathia at the head. And they have the greatest closer of all time in Mariano Rivera. Not to mention they finished 5th in the American League in fielding percentage last season. The thing about the Yankees is that they don't have any glaring weaknesses, and on paper are simply the best team in all of baseball. I will now go for a swim in a vat of boiling water.
2. Boston Red Sox (94-68)*Try not to be a homer, try not to be a homer...Okay, for starters, the Red Sox are an enigma offensively. There are more questions in this lineup than on an episode of Jeopardy. Will Papi produce? What will Adrian Beltre contribute offensively? If Mike Lowell is still on the team by the start of the year, what will his role in the lineup be? Will J.D. Drew spend an extended period of time on the DL with a broken eyelash? And is a mid-season deal for Adrian Gonzalez destined to happen? All are pressing matters. However, if the offense can hold its own and be fairly productive, the starting rotation is shaping up to be brilliant. The Big Three of Josh Beckett, John Lester, and free agent addition John Lackey along with Clay Buchholz and Tim Wakefield and Dice-K make for possibly the deepest rotation in the game. Oh, and they have Jonathan Papelbon in the 9th. They also shored up the defense by signing Marco Scutaro and Mike Cameron to two year deals. If the offense can steadily produce, it should be a good year for the Sox.
3. Tampa Bay Rays (89-73)After the impossible 2008 season that saw them win 97 games and make their first World Series appearance ever, Tampa Bay fell back to earth a bit in 2009. They are a very good team, but how they do this season, as always, depends on how the young guys do. If players like B.J Upton and David Price rebound from their disappointing 2009, then the Rays will almost certainly be in the playoff hunt. But if those guys are inconsistent and struggle, it could be a season that never quite lives up to its potential. The biggest move that the Rays made was the signing of Alfonso Soriano to bolster the relief corps and give them the true closer that they lacked last year. The Rays are a playoff caliber team, but unfortunately they play in the same division as New York and Boston.
4. Baltimore Orioles (74-88)
They have some excellent young positional players such as Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, and Matt Wieters, but their rotation leaves a lot to be desired. Sure, they brought in Kevin Millwood, but honestly the O's don't have the firepower to contend in this stacked division, at least not this year. I did enjoy the signing of Miguel Tejada though.
5. Toronto Blue Jays (66-96)By trading away Roy Halladay, the Jays officially declared that they were in rebuilding mode. There really isn't anything to get excited about on this roster. There's no ace, no real slugger other than Adam Lind, not much of anything. Jays fans better look to the future, because the present is anything but pleasant.
AL CENTRAL
1. Chicago White Sox (88-74)*Two words: Jake Peavy. What, you forgot about that trade too? You weren't alone. After spending most of 2009 on the DL, Jake is back in action. The White Sox have a deep rotation that features Peavy, Mark Buerhle, Gavin Floyd, and John Danks; as well as one of the better closers in the game in Bobby Jenks (who also possessed the craziest facial hair since Scott Spiezio decided it would be a good idea to dye his soul patch bright red). They might struggle to score runs at times, but I feel like they're the most rounded team in the division.
2. Detroit Tigers (87-75)I have a feeling that Miguel Cabrera is going to have a huge year. Even more massive than his usual .320/30/110 that he puts up year after year. After a 2009 where he hit .324 with 34 homers and 103 RBI, as well was inducted into the Wife Beater Hall Of Fame (along with fellow 2009 inductee Shawne Merriman), I'm predicting huge numbers from Miggy in 2010. As for the rest of the Tiger team, they have an ace in Justin Verlander, but traded away last season's #2 Edwin Jackson. They also dealt away starting center fielder Curtis Granderson. All in all, i just don't see this team making the playoffs this year unless Rick Porcello has a great year and gives them a 1-2 punch at the top of that rotation.
3. Minnesota Twins (86-76)
"Never count out the Twins." That has been the defining quote of this franchise over the past decade. They just seem to scratch and scratch and almost always seem to be in the hunt. They have one of the best 3-4 tandems in all of baseball in Joe Mauer (who is the best left handed hitter in the game) and Justin Morneau (2nd in the majors in RBI since 2006). They also have one of my favorite players, Denard Span, and acquired Orlando Hudson and J.J. Hardy to shore up their middle infield. My biggest problem with this team is that they don't have a true ace, and their rotation seems pedestrian at that. Plus, Joe Nathan is likely out for the year, meaning that Jon Rauch will be closing out games. Watching the 2003 and 2005 seasons that the Red Sox submitted really showed me the importance of a dominant closer. Jon Rauch will have a tough time filling Nathan's shoes.
4. Kansas City Royals (74-88)
The Royals really aren't all that good, but they do have a few young stars to watch in Zach Grienke and Billy Butler. This is also a make or break year for third baseman Alex Gordon, who has yet to live up to his billing coming from the minors. He better rebound quickly from an injury plagued 2009 or else he could be one of the biggest busts in recent memory. All in all, the Royals are getting closer, but are still a ways away from being an actual contender.
5. Cleveland Indians (64-98)Not much could have been more disappointing for Cleveland fans than having to sit through Game One of last year's World Series. Watching Cliff Lee and CC Sabathia face off in the championship in uniforms with the cities "New York" and "Philadelphia" must have been heart-wrenching to watch. And this year, they don't have much to look forward to. Other than Grady Sizemore and prospect Matt Laporta, there's no point in even watching this team this year. Looks like another year in transition for the Indians.
AL WEST
1. Seattle Mariners (92-70)*They might have the best 1-2 combination out of any team at the top of their rotation with Felix Hernandez and Cliff Lee. It wouldn't surprise me if King Felix wins the Cy Young this year. The Mariners are also great defensively. If this team does have a weakness, however, it is their offense. They did bring in the super-versatile leadoff man Chone Figgins in the offseason to tag team with Ichiro at the top of the lineup. But who's driving those guys in? Jose Lopez? Franklin Guitierrez? The ghost of Ken Griffey Jr.? I just don't see it. Milton Bradley is the only true threat in this lineup, and he's one of the most unpredictable players in the league (and that's a dramatic understatement). However, the Hernandez/Lee combo is too juicy to pass up. I might be horribly wrong on this one, but my gut tells me I'm right.
2. Texas Rangers (89-73)
Man oh man this team can hit the baseball. Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz, and newcomer Vladimir Guerrero should be the main parts of one of the best lineups in the league. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like they have the pitching to balance their offense. If you're counting on Scott Feldman to be your ace, and Rich Harden to stay healthy and be your #2, you are going to have pitching issues. Not to mention this team has a habit of fading and fading fast once the calendar turns to August. Texas also has the most coked up manager in the league, for what it's worth. They will contend, but I'm not sure the have the pitching to make it to the post-season.
3. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, California, USA, on planet Earth (88-74)Like the Twins, this team has the experience but is missing too many parts to win the division. They lost Vlad Guerrero, Chone Figgins, and John Lackey, and replaced them with Hideki Matsui, Brandon Wood, and Joel Pinero. While this is the most balanced team in the division, they are also a team in transition. The lineup is anchored by Kendry Morales, who will have to replicate his MVP caliber season if the Angels are to win this division. Brian Fuentes is "closing" out games this year, but he is treading on thin ice. The Angels should compete, but will fall short this season.
4. Oakland Athletics (63-99)Oh, where to start with this team. The days of Moneyball are long gone. The lineup has little to no pop (or average, for that matter). Come to think of it, they have the worst lineup in the American League. And they don't have nearly the pitching to bail them out. The A's signed Ben Sheets to a one year deal to be the ace. Really? Ben Sheets? The guy has had more elbow injuries than a teenager who has his own laptop with Internet access! (Related side note: Andrew Bailey was just diagnosed with tennis elbow. Highest of high comedy) This could get ugly very quick.
NL EAST
1. Atlanta Braves (95-67)*
I like this team. A lot. To the point where I firmly believe that they will be one of the top 3 teams in the National League. Don't believe me? First, check out their rotation. Derek Lowe, Tim Hudson, and 2009 "Best Name in the Bigs" award winner Jair Jurrjens head one of the deepest rotations in the National League. Plus they have the highly touted Tommy Hanson, who pitched well in his rookie year and should build on that success. Billy Wagner proved that he could still pitch effectively in his stint with the Red Sox last year, and he will be taking over the closing duties. The Braves are no slouch offensively this year either. Nate McClouth has emerged as a solid everyday player. Chipper Jones continues to get even better with age. Brian McCann is possibly the best hitting catcher not named Mauer. They also signed Troy Glaus who will provide them with some pop at first base. And Melky Cabrera is a quality addition. I would be very surprised if they didn't make the playoffs, and I expect a ton of success from Atlanta this season.
2. Philadelphia Phillies (93-69)*The back-to-back defending National League champs return as one of the front runners again in the league. They have basically the same lineup, with the addition of Placido Polanco and his massive head as the only new impact player. The biggest change made in Philadelphia was made early in the offseason when they acquired Roy Halladay from the Blue Jays. While they lost Cliff Lee in the blockbuster trade, I still think they made an upgrade here by bringing in one of the top 5 pitchers of the decade. The rest of their rotation is solid, but the Phillies are counting on Cole Hamels to rebound from a disappointing 2009. The Phillies are returning with a similar roster, and it should translate into more success.
3. New York Mets (80-82)
The Mets made a big splash by signing leftfielder Jason Bay to a 4 year deal. Unfortunately, Citi Field showed a tendency to kill home-runs (just ask David Wright), which is Bay's strongest attribute. The aforementioned David Wright needs to step up his power game, which took a big hit last year. But the success of this team hinges on one player: Johan Santana. If he is healthy, the Mets have a shot. But if he continues to has elbow problems, then it will be another disappointing year in New York.
4. Florida Marlins (78-84)
I don't know how they manage to be somewhat competitve almost every year despite having a $5 payroll, but they do it. Last season the Marlins were right in the thick of things all season long. This year they don't look spectacular on paper (with the exception of Hanley Ramirez, who looks spectacular both on paper and on the field), but you never really can tell. The Marlins will be on the fringe of the playoff race this season.
5. Washington Nationals (62-100)
The Nats were god awful last season. God awful. 103 losses netted them "Baseball Jesus" Stephen Strasburg. Newly acquired catcher Ivan Rodriguez (how the mighty have fallen. This is clearly the baseball gods getting revenge for Rodriguez stealing the AL MVP award from Pedro in 1999) claimed that Strasburg's stuff is "on the level of Nolan Ryan". Washington better hope so, because they really aren't much better than last year.
NL CENTRAL
1. St. Louis Cardinals (94-68)*Without a doubt, they are the best team in this divison. Unless you've been living under a rock the past ten years, you know that the team is built around super-slugger Albert Pujols. The guy is incredible. You can pencil him in for .330/40/120 every single season. The Cards brought back Matt Holliday to give Pujols the protection that he deserves in this lineup. They also have a good rotation headed by Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. Carpenter is the key to the season. He needs to stay healthy (something he's had problems with in his career) because when he's not on the DL, he's one of the top 5 righthanded pitchers in the game. The Cards have a good balance of offense and pitching, and should take this division rather easily.
2. Milwaukee Brewers (88-74)Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun are quite possibly the best 3/4 combination in all of baseball. Unfortunately, the rest of the team really isn't anything spectacular. Let's face it, any team that signs Greg Zaun to be their starting catcher probably isn't making the playoffs. The rotation does feature some talent in Yovanni Gallardo (who is going to be sensational this season, mark my words). But overall, the Brewers don't really blow me away with anything after Braun and Fielder. Except for Jeff Suppan's contract. Jeff Suppan sucks. I hate that guy.
3. Cincinatti Reds (79-83)
Now that I got my unprovoked shots at Suppan out of the way we can focus on more important things......like Cincinatti's decision to spend $30 million on unproven Cuban pitcher Aroldis Chapman. Somehow I don't think that is going to turn out too good. Cincy does have a decent rotation with Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo, and one of the better closers in baseball in Francisco Cordero, however they just don't have the bats or the depth in their pitching staff to be serious contenders.
4. Chicago Cubs (76-86)
In 2008 the Cubs won 97 games. They are falling fast. And the culprits? Bad contracts that would make even Mike Dunleavy blush. The Soriano signing from a few years back is turning out to be one of the all-time terrible contracts. Zambrano hasn't lived up to his huge deal. And since signing an extension with the Cubs, While the Cubs do have some talent, they just aren't that good. They can't win the division the way they are currently constructed. The curse of the billy goat lives on for another season.
5. Houston Astros (73-89)
Houston has fallen on some tough times. Gone are the days when they were a serious contender in the National League. This is a team rebuilding. Roy Oswalt is on the back 9 of his career, and while they have some stars in Oswalt, Lance Berkman, Hunter Pence, and Carlos Lee, the 'Stros don't have enough of a supporting cast to be any better than a 75 win team at best. But on the bright side, they do have Humberto Quintero. I don't what that means either.
6. Pittsburgh Pirates (61-101)
Reasons to like this team: Andrew McCutchen. Other than that, there's nothing else to really look forward to, with the exception of third base prospect Pedro Alvarez. Pittsburgh has had a total of 17 straight seasons with a losing record. Not even the Detroit Lions have a streak that long. It's really a shame.
NL WEST
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (93-69)*
The Dodgers are definitely the best team in the division. After staving off a late run by the Rockies, LA went to the NLCS where they were defeated by the Phillies (again) and Pedro's jehri curls. While I'm convinced that this is the best all around team in the division, especially if Chad Billingsly can return to his 2008 numbers after a disappointing 2009, I do have a problem with the major moves that they made this offseason. Mainly, there were none. After failing to get past the Phils for a second straight year, Los Angeles reloaded by signing...wait for it...Reed Johnson and Ronnie Belliard. Yeah, I'm just as confused as you are. Fortunately they have enough firepower both hitting and pitching to win this division, but I'm more than worried about the lack of new talent and how well Manny Ramirez does in his first season off the juice.
2. San Fransisco Giants (84-78)
I'm going to ignore the fact that the only offensive threat on this team is Pablo "Kung Fu Panda" Sandoval, and just say that I think that the Giants are a legitimate contender simply because of their pitching staff. Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain are electric at the top, and they have Jonathan Sanchez (the guy who threw the no hitter last year) and Barry Zito too. But seriously, they did make some adjustments to their lineup, bringing in Mark DeRosa and Aubrey Huff to add some pop. While they have some great pitching, I just don't think they have enough offense to get them into the postseason this year.
3. Colorado Rockies (81-81)
Colorado captured lightning in a bottle for the second time in three years in 2009, riding the momentum from the firing of manager Clint Hurdle and his orange head to a wild card berth. They are a solid team, but they lack a true ace. While Ubaldo Jimenez has shown flashes, I'm not sure he is really #1 starter material. The biggest problem with this team is that there are just too many question marks, too many "potential (insert role here)". Obviously if everything goes their way the Rockies are a bona fide playoff team, but not everything will go their way.
4. Arizona Diamondbacks (79-83)
The Diamondbacks have some serious questions about Brandon Webb's health. When he's healthy, he's the perfect 1A to Dan Haren's 1. But Webb missed most of last year and still hasn't fully recovered going into this year. Arizona also traded for starter Edwn Jackson who is coming off a career year in Detroit. But the question with this team lies in their lineup. Justin Upton is the best hitter (and the leader of my fantasy team), and Mark Reynolds is a serious power threat, but there are tons of question marks after that. Conor Jackson hasn't progressed as they thought he would. Same with Chris Young. Also, I can't trust Chad Qualls as the closer.
5. San Diego Padres (58-104)
Let's see...they have the worst lineup in the league even with Adrian Gonzalez. They also have the worst pitching staff in the league. The only reason I'm even bothering to write anything about them is because I reaaaaaaaaaaaaaally hope that Gonzalez ends up in a Red Sox uniform by July 31. Also, you can seriously ask the question of just how bad this team will be if they actually end up trading Gonzalez. I feel really bad for new GM Jed Hoyer right now.
Now that I've blown you all away with my rundown of the MLB, I'm going to attempt to boldly go where few have dare to go before: I'm going to predict the postseason without having seen one pitch of the regular season. I know, I know, this is crazy, but someone's gotta do it.
DIV. SERIES
Yankees over White Sox 3-1 (Yanks are most complete team in the bigs)Red Sox over Mariners 3-1 (Mariners aren't nearly as balanced as the Sox)Braves over Cardinals 3-2 (Braves continue strong regular season)
Phillies over Dodgers 3-1 (Dodgers lose to the Phillies again!)
CHAMP. SERIES
Yankees over Red Sox 4-3 (I hate this pick. Let's just not talk about it)
Braves over Phillies 4-3 (In the battle of NL East Titans, Braves come out on top)
WORLD SERIES
Braves over Yankees 4-3 (Only because I hate the Yankees)
WS MVP: JAIR JURRJENS (Just kidding. But not really.)
So there you have it. Your 2010 World Series Champions will be the Atlanta Braves, their first title in 15 years. Wait, why are you laughing? I'm serious! Stop! Fine you'll see! Just you wait.
Seriously it's not that funny.
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