Mike’s 2007 Baseball Preview
AL East
1) Yankees (95-57)
The Good News: The most productive line-up in 2006 returns with only a few changes (i.e. bye-bye Sheffield). A full season of Bobby Abreau in pinstripes is pretty scarey. Andy Pettite is back (but can he preform?). We’re just months away from Roger Clemens coming back, again. For once, the Yanks have a promising farm system.
The Bad News: The back end of the rotation leaves something to be desired (until Clemens comes aboard). The line-up is on lefty overload, the only two right-handed batters are Jeter and A-Rod. Speaking of A-Rod, the people of NY seem to hate him for not performing in the playoffs. Doesn’t change the fact that he is the most dangerous hitter in the AL. But it could effect A-rod mentally which could lead to errors (ala last year).
Overall: The Yanks are still the team to beat in the AL East.
2) Red Sox (88-74)
The Good News: One of the lesser talked about signings, Julio Lugo will be a catalyst for the Red Sox. David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez are still on the team. The addition of Dice-K (which by the way is a way better nickname than D-Mat. I thought the Red Sox had brought Don Mattingly out of retirement all winter long. Then I realized they were talking about the Japanese kid) will definitely help.
The Bad News: Who plays second base now that Mark Loretta is gone? Alex Cora? Will J.D. Drew stay healthy enough to get the contract completed (uh…I mean will he stay healthy through the season)? Is Schilling the new Randy Johnson? Look at his last couple of season ERAs – 3.97 last year, 5.69 the year before. Who is going to close? Mike Timlin? Joel Pinero?
Overall: The Red Sox have enough tools to be in the play off hunt, but I don’t think they’re going to make it this year. Look for them to fight between second or third place in the division.
3) Blue Jays (82-80)
The Good News: Vernon Wells has been signed to a long term deal. The Jays won’t have to worry about trade rumors all year long now. The line-up was good last year and they are looking to build on that this year.
The Bad News: Frank Thomas + Astroturf = Crazy Injury Prone. Not much of a staff behind Roy Halladay. Who’s at short? Royce Clayton? Are you serious? Hopefully Russ Adams steps up.
Overall: If Frank Thomas stays healthy, this team could fight for a playoff spot. Most likely they’ll be in the middle of the division (second, third, or fourth).
4) Devil Rays (75-87)
The Good News: Delmon Young is a stud (when he’s not throwing bats at umps). A lot of young talent is coming up through the Rays minors. Look for B.J. Upton and the aforementioned young to start in the majors. Evan Longoria should get a call at some point in the year. Not to mention Carl Crawford, Rocco Baldelli, and Jorge Cantu. This line-up could be dangerous. Scott Kazmir proved himself last year and should look to build on his successes this year.
The Bad News: Outside of Kazmir, the pitching staff isn’t good and their pitching prospects are still a few years from being league ready.
Overall: The Rays intrigue me. I’ll say they could rise as high as third place in the division, but most likely they will end in fourth.
5) Orioles (60-102)
The Good News: Corey Patterson put up some decent numbers last year and looks to be reaching his potential. Miguel Tejada is the best SS in the game. Aubrey Huff should help out the line-up.
The Bad News: The pitching staff is still very rough. The big pitching acquisition is Jaret Wright. Enough said. Jay Payton is overrated and signing him kept some talented prospects out of the line-up.
Overall: I expect the Orioles to finish last in the division and not put up much of a fight.
AL Central
1) Indians (92-70)
The Good News: Back in ’05 the Indians were the talk of the town. Last season, they fell off the map. The reason? The hitters who had career years in ’05 fell off the pace in ’06. The line-up seems to be improved this season and should be feared. I especially like the Indians bringing in Josh Barfield. The pitching staff seems to be solid. They have an ace (C.C. Sabathia) and a group of solid pitchers behind him.
The Bad News: The end of the rotation isn’t great. The are relying on relatively unknowns Ryan Garko and Andy Marte at the corners (Marte was a hot prospect named often last year). The bullpen is questionable.
Overall: It looks like the Indians are primed for another run at the division. Look for them to be very competitive.
2) Tigers (90-72) [Wild Card]
The Good News: Almost no one predicted Detriot to have a break out season last year. I say almost because I, in fact, did. This year they added Gary Sheffield to the mix of players who seem to always hit (Ivan Rodriguez, Magglio, Carlos Guillen). The rotation still has potential to be good.
The Bad News: They’ve got Todd Jones listed as closer. Kenny Rogers will be under increased scrutiny and won’t be able to cheat as easily (i.e. could be a down turn in his career). Will Verlander and/or Zumaya suffer a sophmore slump?
Overall: Look for the pitching staff to regress a little this season. The tigers will be in the hunt all year long. They could feasibly win the division.
3) White Sox (87-75)
The Good News: The line-up remains dangerous with the trio of Thome, Dye, and Konerko. The pitching staff still is pretty good with Contreras, Buerhle, Garland, and Vazquez.
The Bad News: They trade away Freddy Garcia AND Brandon McCarthy? What? Who did they get in return? A bunch of mediocre prospects? WTF? They also “won” the Darin Erstad signing contest.
Overall: Bad offseason moves are going to hamper the White Sox this year. They might be able to fight for the division title, but they should set their sights on the wild card.
4) Twins (85-77)
The Good News: They have the ’06 batting title champ (Joe Mauer), MVP (Justin Morneau), and Cy Young (Johan Santana). Not to mention one of the highest regarded closers (Joe Nathan).
The Bad News: This year’s Twins remind me a bit of last year’s Indians. The previous year, everything was going right. It only makes sense that this season they are going to have to fight a little harder. Also, Francisco Liriano is out for the year.
Overall: Look for a drop in performance for this year’s Twins. They could fight for the wild card, but even that may be a stretch.
5) Royals (59-103)
The Good News: Mark Teahen rocked it last year. The Royals have a couple of mashers coming up through the minors.
The Bad News: They’re still the Royals.
Overall: The Royals are still the worst team in the league. At least the are starting to get some signs of life. Drayton Moore is only a few years away from being patted on the back.
AL West
1) Rangers (88-74)
The Good News: Ron Washington takes over the reins as manager. The pitching staff is almost up to respectible. They absolutely ripped off the White Sox on the Brandon McCarthy trade. Sammy Sosa could be this year’s Frank Thomas (low risk, high reward).
The Bad News: According to the depth chart, the Rangers have no one backing up first, third, or shortstop. Yikes. The closer role is also up in the air.
Overall: I’m picking the Rangers to take the weak AL West this year. I like quite a few of the movies they have made.
2) A’s (86-78)
The Good News: The A’s start off the new season all healthy. That alone should help improve the team this year.
The Bad News: Their biggest offensive and pitching threats left for free agency (Frank Thomas and Barry Zito). Rich Harden and Bobby Crosby are still injury prone.
Overall: In a weak AL West, the A’s should vie for the divisional title, but not much more.
3) Angels (81-81)
The Good News: Vlad is still a monster. There’s some talent coming up through the minors (or at least that’s what everyone says).
The Bad News: The Angels could have trounced the AL West, but they made moves and brought in Gary Matthews Jr. and Shea Hillebrand. Woo!
Overall: Where’s the GM of Common Sense at? A few smart moves and this team is in the playoffs. As they stand, they’ll have to claw their way to win the division.
4) Mariners (70-92)
The Good News: They brought in Jose Vidro? I guess that could be a good thing. It would have been a really good thing 3-5 years ago. J.J. Putz is a premier closer with a terrible name.
The Bad News: This is a walk year for Ichiro. Jeff Weaver is the number three starter (in the same division he got killed in last year).
Overall: Last place in the worst division. That’s pretty rough.
NL East
1) Phillies (90-72)
The Good News: The rotation looks pretty decent. Ryan Howard (no, not the temp on The Office) is going to continue mashing. Aaron Rowand is a sparkplug.
The Bad News: The Phils have question marks at third base and right field.
Overall: The Phillies have made some good moves and are in position to make a run at the division this year.
2) Mets (89-73)
The Good News: The line-up is still dangerous. Moises Alou can put up some nasty numbers if healthy.
The Bad News: The starting rotation is very weak. Alou is frequently injured. The line-up is getting up there in age (notable exceptions: David Wright and Jose Reyes).
Overall: The Mets didn’t make any splashy moves this year. I say that is a good thing. They should compete for the division title.
3) Marlins (83-79)
The Good News: The kids played great last season. They are likely going to get better this year.
The Bad News: How do you fire Joe Girardi? That’s ridiculous. Also, there could be a collective sophomore slump for the team.
Overall: There’s enough talent on the team to vie for the division title, but they don’t have the leadership. Look for them in the middle of the pack.
4) Braves (72-90)
The Good News: Brian McCann has established himself as the best hitting catcher in the National League. Trading Andruw Jones could net some talent.
The Bad News: They have too many missing pieces in the line-up and pitching staff to make a big push.
Overall: Looks like another down season for the Braves. Best case scenario I would put them at .500.
5) Nationals (61-101)
The Good News: Ryan Zimmerman. Yeah, that’s about it for good news.
The Bad News: I don’t know half the guys on this team and I am a baseball freak. Doesn’t sound too good for the Nats.
Overall: Look on the bright side National fans, “Cellar Door” is supposed to be the most beautiful phrase in the English language.
NL Central
1) Cardinals (85-77)
The Good News: Albert Pujols is the best hitter in baseball. Adam Kennedy rejoins David Eckstein up the middle.
The Bad News: Another year older for Jim Edmonds. Are there any left handed pitchers on this team? (Oh, right, Mark Mulder. Too bad he’s out for half the season).
Overall: As much as people say they’re slipping, you have to acknowledge that they won the World Series and they are a team that just wins every year. Look for them to fight for the division title or wild card.
2) Cubs (82-80)
The Good News: Derrek Lee is healthy again. When healthy he can put up monster numbers. Alfonso Soriano could push the 50/50 barrier.
The Bad News: Second and Short. Take a look, you won’t like what you see. Also, any time Prior and Wood are part of the pitching plans, you are in trouble.
Overall: The Cubs are just about on par with all the other NL central teams. They’ll compete for the title but that’s not saying much.
3) Brewers (81-81)
The Good News: Ben Sheets is healthy again. The rotation should be good. The line-up has potential.
The Bad News: They’ll have to rely on either Corey Koskie or Kevin Mench in the starting line-up. Rickie Weeks fields like Roger Dorn in Major League.
Overall: The Brewers have a chance to be good, but lack of defense will hold them back.
4) Astros (78-84)
The Good News: They added Carlos Lee to the line-up. Mark Loretta will provide good back up duty at second and short. Roy Oswalt is great.
The Bad News: Everyone on this team seams to be streaky. It’s tough to push your way into the playoffs with a bunch of streakers.
Overall: Look for the Astros to be in the muddled playoff mix. Maybe they can take the wild card.
5) Reds (68-94)
The Good News: They did decent last year. Maybe they’ll be able to get the same breaks this year.
The Bad News: The rotation looks like 5 guys who should be #4 starters at best. Scott Hatteberg is at first.
Overall: I don’t know how the Reds did it last year, but I don’t think they’ll be able to do it this year. Look for them near the Pirates.
6) Pirates (60-102)
The Good News: Freddy Sanchez won the NL batting title in ’06. That’s at least one good thing for the Pirates.
The Bad News: Two years in a row the Pirates have taken a Red to play first (Sean Casey in ’06, Adam LaRoche in ’07 [Correction - 2/14/07 - Adam LaRoche never played for the Reds. He played on the Braves. I was thinking of Jason LaRue who is now a catcher for the KC Royals. Sorry for an inconvenience this may have caused]). Pitching staff is really rough.
Overall: Last Place is their’s for the taking.
NL West
1) Dodgers (94-68)
The Good News: They feature both youth and experience in the line-up. The pitching staff is pretty decent. They have the potential to steal a ton of bases (Juan Pierre and Rafeal Furcal).
The Bad News: Closer is a position of concern for me. Can Nomar stand up to another year of the grind?
Overall: I like the Dodgers this year. They could make a push all the way into the World Series if things go right.
2) Diamondbacks (90-72) [Wild Card]
The Good News: The D-backs continue to get better. They have a slew of young talent. They have a few solid veterans. They could have the best rotation in the National League.
The Bad News: Their “best rotation in the NL” is dependant on Randy Johnson. Not a good sign at this stage. The young guns are a little unproven.
Overall: I liked the D-backs last year and I really like them this year.
3) Padres (80-82)
The Good News: The pitching staff looks good (except the age of a couple of them).
The Bad News: The line-up looks bad. Greg Maddux and David Wells are getting old.
Overall: Look for the Padres in the middle to low end of the division at seasons end.
4) Giants (71-91)
The Good News: Barry Zito is a solid pitcher that almost never gets hurt. Benji Molina is a solid catcher (at least from the defensive stand point).
The Bad News: This line-up is really scary. Scarey for the fans. They are really bad. The pitching behind Zito isn’t much better than the line-up.
Overall: The Giants will likely end the season in the lower half of the division
5) Rockies (68-94)
The Good News: The pitching staff did a good job last year. Troy Tulowitzki should finally make the starting line-up ahead of Clint Barmes.
The Bad News: The pitching staff will stink it up again when MLB forces them to stop “waterlogging” their baseballs. They are trying to get rid of their franchise player (Todd Helton).
Overall: Middle or bottom of the NL West. PlayoffsAmerican League First RoundRangers at Yankees ————– Yankees in 3
Tigers and Indians —————- Indians in 5
National League First Round
Cardinals at Dodgers ————- Dodgers in 4
Diamondbacks at Phillies ——– Phillies in 5
American League Championship
Indians at Yankees —————- Indians in 7
National League Championship
Phillies at Dodgers —————– Dodgers in 6
World Series
Dodgers vs Indians —————– Dodgers in 7
Awards
AL MVP
Derek JeterNL MVP
Albert Pujols
AL Cy Young
Johan Santana
NL Cy Young
Ben Sheets
Posted by Mikey 
