I see Oakland being up there....and for some reason I see Cleveland doing a bit better.
As a Tigers fan, IF everything goes well, I can see them squeaking into the top 10, maybe maybe higher. Should be interesting.
I think the Tigers could be a sleeper team this season. Did you see they let Sheffield go? Thank God to that, he's been a millstone around the lineup for 2 seasons. I think this offense and defense could be 100 times better than last season just for not having to juggle everyone around just to work him into the lineup. There looks to be some welcome and long overdue consistency in the field this season. The big question is pitching. It looks like Willis is going to be a bust and Bonderman's already back on the DL. If they can get a solid, healthy rotation in place though, this could be the team to beat in the central once it all comes together. I can't wait!
The Tigers pitching is the key .. and right now, 1 - 11 (or 12) they look bad, really bad. Even if Verlander comes back to form, they are really strapped below that in the rotation (Galaraga, Jackson, Robertson ... none of these guys have impressive stuff) ... and don't get me started on the bullpen ... Lyon? Rodney? the ever hurt Zumaya? ugh.
The big fear is that season ticket sales are down 40% for the Tigers ... 40%!!! The economy's woes really hit that area hard.
If they get off to a rough start, I see them being the first to start cutting loose potential off season free agents like Magglio Ordonez, Polanco and even Lyon or Rodney if they show any hint of value.
"You're one of the few Red Sox fans I don't mind." - Newch91
"I don't believe in damn curses. Wake up the damn Bambino and have me face him. Maybe I'll drill him in the ass." --- Pedro Martinez
The Tigers pitching is the key .. and right now, 1 - 11 (or 12) they look bad, really bad. Even if Verlander comes back to form, they are really strapped below that in the rotation (Galaraga, Jackson, Robertson ... none of these guys have impressive stuff) ... and don't get me started on the bullpen ... Lyon? Rodney? the ever hurt Zumaya? ugh.
The big fear is that season ticket sales are down 40% for the Tigers ... 40%!!! The economy's woes really hit that area hard.
If they get off to a rough start, I see them being the first to start cutting loose potential off season free agents like Magglio Ordonez, Polanco and even Lyon or Rodney if they show any hint of value.
I agree it's all about pitching this season, and I'm confident Verlander will bounce back. If Bonderman can get healthy, he could be an accountable No. 2. The other guy you didn't mention is Rick Porcello. He wasn't even on the radar to make the big club this season, but due to injury and general ridiculousness (Dontrell Willis), he's getting a spot, prolly at No. 5. He had a strong spring and could be a solid starter. But it's a big if.
The other bright spot for Detroit is their defense, which should help the pitchers. Adam Everett at short is a 100% upgrade with the glove over Renteria, and moving Cabera to first full time and putting Inge at third is going to save a lot of runs. Also, Polonco, who had 8 errors last season (a sick amount for him) should have a better season at second.
"The dude abides. I don't know about you, but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there. The Dude. Takin' her easy for all us sinners."
The Tigers pitching is the key .. and right now, 1 - 11 (or 12) they look bad, really bad. Even if Verlander comes back to form, they are really strapped below that in the rotation (Galaraga, Jackson, Robertson ... none of these guys have impressive stuff) ... and don't get me started on the bullpen ... Lyon? Rodney? the ever hurt Zumaya? ugh.
The big fear is that season ticket sales are down 40% for the Tigers ... 40%!!! The economy's woes really hit that area hard.
If they get off to a rough start, I see them being the first to start cutting loose potential off season free agents like Magglio Ordonez, Polanco and even Lyon or Rodney if they show any hint of value.
I agree it's all about pitching this season, and I'm confident Verlander will bounce back. If Bonderman can get healthy, he could be an accountable No. 2. The other guy you didn't mention is Rick Porcello. He wasn't even on the radar to make the big club this season, but due to injury and general ridiculousness (Dontrell Willis), he's getting a spot, prolly at No. 5. He had a strong spring and could be a solid starter. But it's a big if.
The other bright spot for Detroit is their defense, which should help the pitchers. Adam Everett at short is a 100% upgrade with the glove over Renteria, and moving Cabera to first full time and putting Inge at third is going to save a lot of runs. Also, Polonco, who had 8 errors last season (a sick amount for him) should have a better season at second.
Yeah, I hear crazy things about Porcello, and Verlander seems to be back in form. Galaraga was pretty damn great last season, so I don't see how anyone can say he's unimpressive... he was a rock star last season! Overall, there are a lot of question marks with respect to their pitching, but it's not all doom and gloom and if they can get more consistency out of their hitting and defense (they must have stranded more runners than any other team in baseball history last season) they should have a good year.
Also, the Tigers have the secret weapon:
"I lit two Marlboros at the same time. I couldn't sleep. But I feel better that it's over with than I did at 3 in the morning."
- Jim Leyland, most hardcore, bad ass motherfucker in baseball!
I agree it's all about pitching this season, and I'm confident Verlander will bounce back. If Bonderman can get healthy, he could be an accountable No. 2. The other guy you didn't mention is Rick Porcello. He wasn't even on the radar to make the big club this season, but due to injury and general ridiculousness (Dontrell Willis), he's getting a spot, prolly at No. 5. He had a strong spring and could be a solid starter. But it's a big if.
The other bright spot for Detroit is their defense, which should help the pitchers. Adam Everett at short is a 100% upgrade with the glove over Renteria, and moving Cabera to first full time and putting Inge at third is going to save a lot of runs. Also, Polonco, who had 8 errors last season (a sick amount for him) should have a better season at second.
Yeah, I hear crazy things about Porcello, and Verlander seems to be back in form. Galaraga was pretty damn great last season, so I don't see how anyone can say he's unimpressive... he was a rock star last season! Overall, there are a lot of question marks with respect to their pitching, but it's not all doom and gloom and if they can get more consistency out of their hitting and defense (they must have stranded more runners than any other team in baseball history last season) they should have a good year.
Also, the Tigers have the secret weapon:
"I lit two Marlboros at the same time. I couldn't sleep. But I feel better that it's over with than I did at 3 in the morning."
- Jim Leyland, most hardcore, bad ass motherfucker in baseball!
Yeah, Galaraga was the surprise of the staff last year, and the only consistent pitcher in the rotation. "Unimpressive" is a bit harsh, but he still does have to prove to me that he wasn't a flash in the pan. The Tigers are by no means a lock to win anything, but I do think the pieces are there. But they need a lot of guys to stay healthy and a bit of luck to have everything fall into place.
And I agree, Jim Leyland is definitely a badass.
"The dude abides. I don't know about you, but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there. The Dude. Takin' her easy for all us sinners."
San Francsico Giants will be the surprise team of 2009, they have power hitters in the infield corners, improved their bullpin, Lewis has all-star potential, and if Randy Johnson can pitch at least as good as last year, or even better like he did in the second half last year, in the pitcher friendly confines of Pac Bell Park, then the Giants are looking at a 95 win season, and complete ownership of the L A Dodgers.
95 wins? c'mon.
The starting pitching is above average ... Lincecum's a stud, Cain and Johnson will be good ... Sanchez has potential (but, he did post an era over 5 last year) ... and Zito ... well, he should be a lefty specialist at best (worst signing in major league history). I do like the bullpen as well.
But, let's be honest, this team is still going to have a rough time scoring runs. This team may not have a 20 home run hitter. Power hitters in the infield corners??? Who are you talking about? Sandoval and ... Ishikawa? Ishikawa is a borderline starter in the majors and will be a below average power producer at 1b. Sandoval may to be the real deal average wise, he makes excellent contact ... but, let's remember, he's got all of what, 150 major league ABs, where he hit ... 3 home runs? He may struggle a bit the second time around the league (he only has 175 at bats TOTAL above A-ball).
Their outfield is below average offensively. The Giants bit hard on Rowand's Philly inflated stats and he just isn't that good with the stick in AT&T. Lewis and Winn are essentially the same guy, 10-12 Hrs, 15-20 Sbs.
I like Bengie Molina, but, I'm pretty sure I could give him a first base head start and beat him around the bases. The guy didn't even score 50 runs last year. And he hit nearly 20 HRs! On an already offensively challenged team, he slows up the basepaths far too much.
I like them to improve ... I like their pitching. But, with this offense, anything over a .500 season is gravy.
first, it is potential that if comes to be can get them there. Yes I'm optimistic, but
lewis and winn aren't the same person, lewis bulked up a bit in the off season, not barry bulk, just about 8 lbs of muscle. If the young players meet their potential, 95 wins is a lock. Ishi may finally be ready to produce about 20 hrs, 270 + avg, Sandy has mvp potential in a few years time, I'm looking for the confidence built in the cactus league for him, buress, and ishi to help them to a good start to the seasion. I expect renteria to have an avg but better than the last couple years, seasion, he lost weight and was in better shape coming into spring training. bengi will be bengi, and winn will be winn.
pitching, the pullben is greatly improved, though wilson has to stop with the drama, they got rid of the top two walk producers in the pin, and randy johnson will harp on the starting staff all year about being aggressive and not giving up walks. zito needs to be above .500, even if that only means 11-10. Cain will get better run support, and will get the most out of Johnson's addition to the staff, and could finally break into the 15 win bracket, as can randy, Lincecum can get 20, should have had 23 last year, but run support wasn't there. I'd be happy with 10-8 at least from sanchez.
let's see where they are at years end, I'll be curious to see how on or off I was. Again, their upside is better than any team in the nl west by far, but they can also have a pretty good year if they get to 80 wins and miss the playoffs. I think they are primed to do much better.
"Music, for me, was fucking heroin." eV (nothing Ed has said is more true for me personally than this quote)
Not even one mention of StL? They have the best hitter in baseball and he made their offense last year. He's still there. If Carpenter and Wainwright can stay away from injuries that's a damn good 1/2 and they had several pitchers get alot of experience last year. Their pen will probably give them alot of trouble but no more than a few of the teams that are mentioned as WS contenders(Mets).
I realize they are a bit of a longshot, but Pujols is a god and LaRussa is sure to have some tricks up his sleeve. Don't be surprised to see them steal the wildcard.
I think I nailed the Braves ... went form 18 games under .500 in 2008 to 10 games over .500 and were in the playoff hunt up until the last week of the season. Really felt Javier Vazquez was in for a big year ... 15 - 10 with a 2.87 ERA ... 238/44 K/BB ratio ... shit, a better team would have got him 20 wins and a potential Cy Young! Glad I drafted him on every roto team I have.
Was a bit harsh on Texas and the Giants, but, overall, I saw what they'd do. (Giants, good pitching, can't score runs ... Texas, will fade late, not that this is groundbreaking stuff).
I said the Sox may miss the playoffs, glad I was off there.
oh, and I was off on Edwin Jackson, thought that fucker would never come into form. A big park like the one in Detroit certainly did help, nice season.
"You're one of the few Red Sox fans I don't mind." - Newch91
"I don't believe in damn curses. Wake up the damn Bambino and have me face him. Maybe I'll drill him in the ass." --- Pedro Martinez
I think I nailed the Braves ... went form 18 games under .500 in 2008 to 10 games over .500 and were in the playoff hunt up until the last week of the season. Really felt Javier Vazquez was in for a big year ... 15 - 10 with a 2.87 ERA ... 238/44 K/BB ratio ... shit, a better team would have got him 20 wins and a potential Cy Young! Glad I drafted him on every roto team I have.
Was a bit harsh on Texas and the Giants, but, overall, I saw what they'd do. (Giants, good pitching, can't score runs ... Texas, will fade late, not that this is groundbreaking stuff).
I said the Sox may miss the playoffs, glad I was off there.
oh, and I was off on Edwin Jackson, thought that fucker would never come into form. A big park like the one in Detroit certainly did help, nice season.
Yeah. Odd that the big question mark this season going in was pitching and that turned out to be their strongest suit! Galaraga folded, but Porcello and Jackson stepped up big time and Rodney and Lyon and Seay turned out to give them a rock solid bullpen all year.
It's a shame the way their season ended. Given the fact that all of their major hitters had seriously sub-par seasons (Granderson, Polanco, Guillen, Ordonez), I don't know how they held first place so long really. They're really going to have to do some juggling in the off season... they made way too many patch work, short term trades. Washburn and Huff stand out, epecially given that the latter took Thames out of the equation. I'll be very curious to see what this team looks like going into next season. There's a lot of young talent on that roster ready to take off, if they can ditch some of their dead weight.
Comments
The Tigers pitching is the key .. and right now, 1 - 11 (or 12) they look bad, really bad. Even if Verlander comes back to form, they are really strapped below that in the rotation (Galaraga, Jackson, Robertson ... none of these guys have impressive stuff) ... and don't get me started on the bullpen ... Lyon? Rodney? the ever hurt Zumaya? ugh.
The big fear is that season ticket sales are down 40% for the Tigers ... 40%!!! The economy's woes really hit that area hard.
If they get off to a rough start, I see them being the first to start cutting loose potential off season free agents like Magglio Ordonez, Polanco and even Lyon or Rodney if they show any hint of value.
"I don't believe in damn curses. Wake up the damn Bambino and have me face him. Maybe I'll drill him in the ass." --- Pedro Martinez
I agree it's all about pitching this season, and I'm confident Verlander will bounce back. If Bonderman can get healthy, he could be an accountable No. 2. The other guy you didn't mention is Rick Porcello. He wasn't even on the radar to make the big club this season, but due to injury and general ridiculousness (Dontrell Willis), he's getting a spot, prolly at No. 5. He had a strong spring and could be a solid starter. But it's a big if.
The other bright spot for Detroit is their defense, which should help the pitchers. Adam Everett at short is a 100% upgrade with the glove over Renteria, and moving Cabera to first full time and putting Inge at third is going to save a lot of runs. Also, Polonco, who had 8 errors last season (a sick amount for him) should have a better season at second.
Yeah, I hear crazy things about Porcello, and Verlander seems to be back in form. Galaraga was pretty damn great last season, so I don't see how anyone can say he's unimpressive... he was a rock star last season! Overall, there are a lot of question marks with respect to their pitching, but it's not all doom and gloom and if they can get more consistency out of their hitting and defense (they must have stranded more runners than any other team in baseball history last season) they should have a good year.
Also, the Tigers have the secret weapon:
"I lit two Marlboros at the same time. I couldn't sleep. But I feel better that it's over with than I did at 3 in the morning."
- Jim Leyland, most hardcore, bad ass motherfucker in baseball!
Yeah, Galaraga was the surprise of the staff last year, and the only consistent pitcher in the rotation. "Unimpressive" is a bit harsh, but he still does have to prove to me that he wasn't a flash in the pan. The Tigers are by no means a lock to win anything, but I do think the pieces are there. But they need a lot of guys to stay healthy and a bit of luck to have everything fall into place.
And I agree, Jim Leyland is definitely a badass.
2. Yankees
3. Red Sox
4. Dodgers
5. Phillies
6. Mets
7. Indians
8. White Sox
9. Angels
10. Twins
my dark horse team of 2009: the Cincinnati Reds
first, it is potential that if comes to be can get them there. Yes I'm optimistic, but
lewis and winn aren't the same person, lewis bulked up a bit in the off season, not barry bulk, just about 8 lbs of muscle. If the young players meet their potential, 95 wins is a lock. Ishi may finally be ready to produce about 20 hrs, 270 + avg, Sandy has mvp potential in a few years time, I'm looking for the confidence built in the cactus league for him, buress, and ishi to help them to a good start to the seasion. I expect renteria to have an avg but better than the last couple years, seasion, he lost weight and was in better shape coming into spring training. bengi will be bengi, and winn will be winn.
pitching, the pullben is greatly improved, though wilson has to stop with the drama, they got rid of the top two walk producers in the pin, and randy johnson will harp on the starting staff all year about being aggressive and not giving up walks. zito needs to be above .500, even if that only means 11-10. Cain will get better run support, and will get the most out of Johnson's addition to the staff, and could finally break into the 15 win bracket, as can randy, Lincecum can get 20, should have had 23 last year, but run support wasn't there. I'd be happy with 10-8 at least from sanchez.
let's see where they are at years end, I'll be curious to see how on or off I was. Again, their upside is better than any team in the nl west by far, but they can also have a pretty good year if they get to 80 wins and miss the playoffs. I think they are primed to do much better.
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I'm curious how the oakland pitching staff will work out. Also, will their defense be a liability in spots this year?
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I realize they are a bit of a longshot, but Pujols is a god and LaRussa is sure to have some tricks up his sleeve. Don't be surprised to see them steal the wildcard.
here we thought that prison and rehab had changed you . . .
Crazier things have happened. They're better off headin in this year than last and they were right with the Brewers til they picked up CC.
I think I nailed the Braves ... went form 18 games under .500 in 2008 to 10 games over .500 and were in the playoff hunt up until the last week of the season. Really felt Javier Vazquez was in for a big year ... 15 - 10 with a 2.87 ERA ... 238/44 K/BB ratio ... shit, a better team would have got him 20 wins and a potential Cy Young! Glad I drafted him on every roto team I have.
Was a bit harsh on Texas and the Giants, but, overall, I saw what they'd do. (Giants, good pitching, can't score runs ... Texas, will fade late, not that this is groundbreaking stuff).
I said the Sox may miss the playoffs, glad I was off there.
oh, and I was off on Edwin Jackson, thought that fucker would never come into form. A big park like the one in Detroit certainly did help, nice season.
"I don't believe in damn curses. Wake up the damn Bambino and have me face him. Maybe I'll drill him in the ass." --- Pedro Martinez
Yeah. Odd that the big question mark this season going in was pitching and that turned out to be their strongest suit! Galaraga folded, but Porcello and Jackson stepped up big time and Rodney and Lyon and Seay turned out to give them a rock solid bullpen all year.
It's a shame the way their season ended. Given the fact that all of their major hitters had seriously sub-par seasons (Granderson, Polanco, Guillen, Ordonez), I don't know how they held first place so long really. They're really going to have to do some juggling in the off season... they made way too many patch work, short term trades. Washburn and Huff stand out, epecially given that the latter took Thames out of the equation. I'll be very curious to see what this team looks like going into next season. There's a lot of young talent on that roster ready to take off, if they can ditch some of their dead weight.
Haha!! The Indians and Mets got on this list? Even I knew they'd be terrible going into the season.
6/30/98 Minneapolis, 10/8/00 East Troy (Brrrr!), 6/16/03 St. Paul, 6/27/06 St. Paul