Mikes 2006 Baseball Preview
AL East
1) Yankees (92-70)
The Good News: The Yanks have a dynamic line-up that has only been enhanced by the addition of Johnny Damon. Now their line-up features both speed and pop.
The Bad News: The Yanks starting rotation has a couple of question marks. Is Randy Johnson going to return to his dominant form? Who the heck is Chein-Ming Wang? Who is going to be the fifth starter?
Overall: Look for the Yankees to slide into the playoffs from a surprisingly weak AL East division and then get bounced in the first round.
2) Red Sox (89-73) [Wild Card]
The Good News: The Red Sox pulled off one the biggest moves this off-season that no one talked about. The Red Sox landed 2B Mark Loretta. Loretta is one of the best (if not the best) second basemen in the game. Look for him to set the tables for the big men in the Boston line-up.
The Bad News: How is the team going to congeal? They have brought in 5 new people to their starting line-up and one new starting pitcher. Is Manny going to affect the other players attitude? How is Mike Lowell still getting work?
Overall: Watch as the Red Sox sneak in with the wild card spot once again, but dont be surprised if they dont make the playoffs.
3) Orioles (84-78)
The Good News: Ramon Hernandez is a fantastic catcher who will flourish in Camden Yards. The team has added a solid leader in Kevin Millar. Also, Corey Patterson has the potential to put up some gaudy numbers (or become the next Ben Grieve). The starting rotation is the deepest in the AL East (despite the lack of a clear #1 starter).
The Bad News: The Orioles have a lot of slow moving players on this team (2 catchers in the starting line-up). Their corner outfielders arent the best. And who is in the bullpen?
Overall: This team has the potential to upset a few of the other teams and be in the Wild card chase of a while. I just dont think they have enough to make the playoffs though.
4) Blue Jays (81-81)
The Good News: The off-season acquisitions of Benjie Molina and Lyle Overbay will improve the team tremendously. Troy Glaus has the potential to be an offensive juggernaut. The Blue Jays also have the best #1 starter in the AL East (Roy Halladay).
The Bad News: The Blue Jays threw away a lot of money by signing A.J. Burnett and B.J. Ryan (neither of them is anywhere near worth what the Blue Jays gave them). The defense is going to be rough. Troy Glaus doesnt cover much ground, they gave up defensive stud Orlando Hudson, and Russ Adams isnt polished at shortstop. Also, the corner outfielders are horrible. Reed Johnson? Alex Rios? You cant take a team seriously when they start players like that.
Overall: A lot of people are hyping up the Jays as serious contenders this year just because they got the gems of the free agent market. Look back at recent history. Whens the last time a team got the top free agent and went on to the World Series? It has definitely been a while. Look for the Jays to disappoint and miss the playoffs. In a best case scenario, they will be a .500 team.
5) Devil Rays (64-98)
The Good News: They have a young talented starting line-up. Their middle infield is very good and highly underrated (Jorge Cantu and Julio Lugo). They have some solid defense in the aforementioned infielders and at first base (Travis Lee).
The Bad News: Do they even have a pitching staff? Honestly, name a single person on the Rays staff. Their number one pitcher is a 22 year old (Scott Kazmir). They have a rookie slated to be their closer (Shinji Mori).
Overall: If they had some sort of pitch staff, this team could compete to get out of the cellar. As the team stands right now, its going to be another miserable season. (Maybe they can turn it around for when they change their team name, 2007).
AL Central
1) White Sox (88-74)
The Good News: The White Sox return one of the top pitching staffs of 2005. The addition of Javier Vazquez is solid. Paul Konerko resigning was the biggest off-season move this year. Jim Thome can provide a little bit more pop to the Sox line-up.
The Bad News: The Sox traded Aaron Rowand for Thome. Rowand was a stud defensively in center and added some timely hits. Thome is the new Frank Thomas. Just like Frank, Jim is prone to being injured.
Overall: The White Sox will win the division, but the magic of last year is gone. They will not make the World Series this year.
2) Tigers (84-78)
The Good News: The Tigers have a potentially scary line-up that could terrorize the AL Central if healthy. Pudge Rodriguez, Carlos Guillen, and Magglio Ordonez are bona fide superstars. The Tigers pitching staff has a young stud in Jeremy Bonderman and a solid veteran in Kenny Rogers.
The Bad News: The Tigers have some gaping holes in their lineup. Who the hell are Nook Logan and Chris Shelton? The Tiger rotation gets weak after Bonderman and Rogers. Is Todd Jones going to repeat is stellar season last year or will he drop off?
Overall: If the team gets/stays healthy and the pitching staff holds together, the Tigers season should play out similarly to the Brewers of last year (i.e. first time being competitive in recent memory).
3) Indians (80-82)
The Good News: Their young talent has shown just how good they can be. Surely another year will lead to a further improvement in their game. Cliff Lee and C.C. Sabathia return to the pitching staff.
The Bad News: They decided to make trades this winter. They have replaced Coco Crisp with Jason Michaels? They brought in Paul Byrd and Jason Johnson to improve the pitching staff.
Overall: The break out team of 2005 has decided that success doesnt quite fit their current image and have decided to regress and not contend this season.
4) Twins (76-86)
The Good News: Luis Castillo can be a spark plug for the offense. Their pitching staff is decent (Johan Santana is a stud). And it seems as though everyone is starting this season healthy. They get to leave the Metrodome soon.
The Bad News: The left side of the infield is rough (Jason Bartlett and Tony Batista). Their new DH, Rondell White, has never been anything above average. Injuries have hampered the team in the past; will they be able to overcome them?
Overall: This team has some potential and could be a .500 team or so, but theres something about this team that makes me think they arent going to compete seriously.
5) Royals (62-100)
The Good News: They actually brought in outside talent. New additions include Reggie Sanders, Joe Mays, Scott Elarton, Mark Redman, Mark Grudzielanek, and Doug Mientkiewicz.
The Bad News: Their starting line-up includes John Buck, Angel Berroa, Mark Teahen, David DeJesus, and Emil Brown. Not what I would consider an imposing line-up. Their pitching staff is just about on the same level.
Overall: Yet another forgettable season from the Royals. But, there is hope, just look at the Brewers and Tigers. Some bad teams are starting to turn things around. The Royals just need to make the right decisions.
AL West
1) A’s (96-66)
The Good News: The As actually brought in free agents this year instead of just seeing them go. The big news was the As signing Esteban Loaiza and Frank Thomas. In addition, the As brought in Milton Bradley, a potential superstar (or nightmare). The As had an amazing class of rookies come through last year and look to continue their success this year. On top of all this, the As have the best pitching staff in the majors.
The Bad News: The potential for injuries is there. Thomas is nicknamed the Big Hurt for a reason. Bradley spent a lot of time on the DL last year. Bobby Crosby and Rich Harden are both coming of injury laden years. Jason Kendall is a 32-year-old catcher.
Overall: This is the team to beat this year. Only injuries can hold the team from the World Series this year.
2) Rangers (84-78)
The Good News: The offense could be better than it was last year. Brad Wilkerson has the potential to have a huge year. They actually tried to address the pitching concerns this year.
The Bad News: The pitchers picked up are really hit or miss. At times they are brilliant at other times, well, theyre not so good. Another big question is the second baseman, Ian Kinsler (a rookie). On top of this, I am suspicious of the outfield outside of Wilkerson.
Overall: Look for the Rangers to improve and stay in the Wild Card hunt, but their pitching doesnt have the strength to lead them through the playoffs.
3) Angels (82-80)
The Good News: They still have Vladimir Guerrero. Their pitching staff was good last year and most of the pitchers are returning this year.
The Bad News: The Angels did nothing to improve on last years team and actually let key free agents go. While most of the key pitchers have returned, I believe that a lot of their success was due to Benjie Molinas game calling. The loss of Jarrod Washburn will hurt. How is Darrin Erstad going to do out in center again?
Overall: They have gone from a really good team to a mediocre one by lack of moves. Look for them to flounder around .500 most the season.
4) Mariners (81-81)
The Good News: The Mariners picked one of the most interesting acquisitions this off-season, Kenji Johjima. He was a stud catcher while in Japan; he should make a positive impact for the team (Having Ichiro as a teammate will help in adapting to the new culture). The pitching staff has some great potential too.
The Bad News: The lineup is bad. Outside of Ichiro and Richie Sexton, there isnt a consistently good player. Look at some of the projected starters: 2B Jose Lopez, SS Yuniesky Betancourt, 3B Adrian Beltre, LF Raul Ibanez, DH Carl Everett.
Overall: If all the players that I listed above have really good years, the mariners could make the playoffs. They certainly will be better this year than last.
NL East
1) Braves (88-74)
The Good News: The team that won the division last year has returned with an improvement. Edgar Renteria is now the shortstop. He is an improvement over Rafael Furcal, believe me. In addition to that, the Braves bring back a really good pitching staff headed by John Smoltz and Tim Hudson.
The Bad News: The Braves have some question marks in the bullpen (i.e. who is the closer?). Also, will Johnny Estradas exodus hurt the team and if so, by how much?
Overall: I dont see how anyone could pick any other team to win the NL East. Whens the last time the Braves didnt win this division?
2) Mets (85-77)
The Good News: The made some of the most publicized moves this off-season, bringing in Carlos Delgado, Paul LoDuca, and Billy Wagner. The line-up does have some potential to blow out some teams.
The Bad News: The pitching staff is bad. Outside of Pedro Martinez (if hes healthy), there isnt any really good pitchers. They are all either has-beens or never will-bes. The middle infield isnt very good. And who is going to be out in RF?
Overall: The Mets have this psychological thing about having to keep up with the Yankees. It seems like every year, the Mets try to buy a team just to show New York who can throw the money around. The problem is, every year the Mets end up disappointing. The size and publicity of this years moves have set up one of the greatest disappointments ever. Look for the Mets to struggle in 2006.
3) Phillies (77-85)
The Good News: The Phillies picked up Aaron Rowand and got rid of Jim Thomes contract all in one move. Now the Phillies have the best outfield in the majors (The Reds might be as good). Ryan Howard should build upon his rookie of the year season.
The Bad News: The rest of the team doesnt stack up favorably with other teams. The pitching staff leaves something to be desired (Like an ace). Mike Lieberthal is getting old. And has David Bell ever been a good solution at Third?
Overall: This could be a rough year for Phillie fans. Look for the Phils to make a trade or two before the deadline and maybe compete.
4) Nationals (76-86)
The Good News: They have Alfonso Soriano on the team now. He tends to put up good numbers (if you ignore the strike out tally). A lot of players from last year have return to the team this year. And Washington looks like itll be getting a new stadium in the near future.
The Bad News: Alfonso Soriano is already putting on the diva act. That is going to where on the clubhouse, guaranteed. Also, the Nats have a rookie starting at 3B. This could be good, but most likely it will be bad.
Overall: Look for Washington to unload Soriano to an American league team in the hunt, who need some power. The Nats wont be very competitive this year.
5) Marlins (55-109)
The Good News: Wellthey have a good chance of one of their players taking home the Rookie of the Year award (there are 6 rookies projected into their starting line-up/starting rotation).
The Bad News: Unless all the rookies turn out to be super-studs, the team is going to be miserable.
Overall: Look for the Heat to make the Eastern Conference Finals, maybe moving onto the NBA finals
NL Central
1) Cardinals (90-72)
The Good News: The Cardinals open up a new Busch Stadium this year. Along with the new stadium, they are bringing in a few new faces (Junior Spivey, Juan Encarnacion, and Sidney Ponson). Look for Encarnacion to flourish batting behind Albert Pujols and a healthy Scott Rolen.
The Bad News: Larry Bigbie is going to have a tough time replacing Reggie Sanders. Another question is, how healthy is Scott Rolen going to be?
Overall: The Cards are once again the best team in the NL. Look for them to make the playoffs and likely go to the World Series.
2) Brewers (86-76) [Wild card]
The Good News: The Brewers had a great year last year and this year look to be improving upon it. Prince Fielder will finally take over duties at first base. The outfield is among the tops in the majors (Carlos Lee, Brady Clark, and Geoff Jenkins). The pitching staff looks like it may be strong this year.
The Bad News: The left side of the infield is manned by two no-names (SS J.J. Hardy and 3B Bill Hall). Dont expect offense from the catcher position (Damian Miller).
Overall: This team is going to continue surprising people as they make their way into the playoffs as the wild card winner.
3) Astros (83-79)
The Good News: The rookies that showed off in last years playoffs will continue blossoming. There is still plenty of pop in the line-up. The top of their rotation is good.
The Bad News: How are you going to just dump Jeff Bagwell like that? No Roger Clemens is going to hurt the team too. This almost feels like a rebuilding year (older players getting shuffled out the door for the new players to come in).
Overall: The Astros will win their fair share of games, but it will be hard for them to make the playoffs.
4) Cubs (79-83)
The Good News: Juan Pierre and Jacque Jones should bring some excitement to Wrigley. Derek Lee showed that he is in fact a star last year. The pitching staff has some potential.
The Bad News: Their line-up has more gaps than my teeth in high school. The Cubs are weak at the following positions: catcher, 2B, SS, LF. Also, the pitching staff is injury prone. In addition Kerry Wood is the most over hyped player in the game.
Overall: Another bad year for the Cubbies. At least there will be plenty of beer at Wrigley. That should satisfy most Cub fans.
5) Pirates (70-92)
The Good News: Sean Casey is a decent addition at first base. Also, the young pitching staff has some potential.
The Bad News: Troubles at the catcher and centerfield positions. The rotation isnt the deepest. And Jeromy Burnitz is starting in right, yikes.
Overall: This is actually one of the better Pirates teams in recent memory, but thats not saying much. At least they have a good foundation to build a team on in future years.
6) Reds (60-102)
The Good News: The Reds have the best or second best outfield in the game.
The Bad News: The rest of the Reds are horrible.
Overall: Maybe the Reds will trade some of that outfield talent to even out their team. Either way, its going to be tough to be a Reds fan this year.
NL West
1) Dodgers (88-74)
The Good News: The Dodgers made several moves that could end really well. Rafael Furcal is a solid shortstop; Bill Mueller has always been underrated at third; and Nomar Garciaparra has the potential to be a big factor.
The Bad News: They have quite a few older players. The pitching staff is okay at best. Their catcher is a no-name.
Overall: Look for the Dodgers to make the playoffs, but I dont expect them to go far into October.
2) Diamondbacks (82-80)
The Good News: The D-backs made some tremendous leaps from last years team. They now have some great defense (2B Orlando Hudson, C Johnny Estrada, and CF Eric Byrnes). The pitching staff is really good, although many people may overlook it.
The Bad News: The D-backs may have trouble on the left side on the infield (SS Craig Counsell and 3B Chad Tracy). Also, 1B may be an issue (right now the duty is to be shared by Tony Clark and rookie Conor Jackson).
Overall: The D-backs will be surprisingly competitive this year. Look for them to make a run at the wild card.
3) Giants (81-81)
The Good News: Matt Morris gives them a solid one-two punch at the front of the rotation. Barry Bonds may actually be healthy again (but how will being off the juice effect him? I mean look at what it did to Sammy Sosa).
The Bad News: The Giants are fielding the Hes still playing? squad. Among the players who fit this category are: 2B Ray Durham, SS Omar Vizquel, RF Moises Alou, CFs Randy Winn and Steve Finley, and C Mike Matheny. So, basically, the team is full of older players who tend to be more prone to breaking down.
Overall: The Giants did improve upon last years squad but they arent getting any younger. Look for the Giants to end up around .500.
4) Padres (74-88)
The Good News: The Padres resigned Brian Giles. Jake Peavy is still an ace. Also, Trevor Hoffman is still in town.
The Bad News: Losing Ramon Hernandez is going to hurt (Piazza should help offensively, but not defensively). The pitching staff has taken a step backwards for this year, but has a promising future.
Overall: The Padres won the division last year with a record of 82-80. This year the team isnt as good. Look for the Padres to maybe push at being a .500 ball club.
5) Rockies (65-97)
The Good News: Clint Barmes is healthy again and Todd Helton is one of the best players in the sport.
The Bad News: Everyone else on the team isnt good. I dont think I even have to mention the pitching staff.
Overall: Look for another last place finish in Colorado.
Playoffs
American League First Round
White Sox at A’s —————- A’s in 5
Red Sox at Yankees ————— Yankees in 4
National League First Round
Brewers at Cardinals ————– Cardinals in 4
Braves at Dodgers ————— Dodgers in 5
American League Championship
Yankees at A’s ————— A’s in 5
National League Championship
Dodgers at Cardinals ————— Cardinals in 6
World Series
Cardinals vs. A’s———— A’s in 5
Awards
AL MVP
Alex Rodriguez
NL MVP
Albert Pujols
AL Cy Young
Rich Harden
NL Cy Young
Ben Sheets
AL Rookie of the Year
Brian Anderson
NL Rookie of the Year
Prince Fielder
Posted by Mikey 
Posted by Mikey 
