1
|
 |
The biggest movers of the offseason are set and ready to jump back into the drivers seat this season. Willis and Cabrera make them that much better both defensively and offensively
|
| 2 |
 |
A World Series hangover is not far fetched, but they are talented enough to spring back |
| 3 |
 |
Many think the 3rd spot is generous, but the Yankees are becoming the regular season powerhouse who flutter at the end. Reminder: this isn't a playoff ranking.
|
| 4 |
 |
The Indians will still need some magic in their rotation to put together another visit to the ALCS. They are a young promising team.
|
| 5 |
 |
We're being cautious with the Angels and probably shouldn't be. Their lineup is a lot stronger than anyone in their division. |
| 6 |
 |
Santana will make the Mets better, but there's still something lacking on this team. It'll take 40 games or so to determine what exactly. We're not sure. |
| 7 |
 |
The D'Backs have a powerhouse rotation with a lot of upside on offense when it gets going. |
| 8 |
 |
The Cubs have a lot of talent on the bench and in the bullpen, but they still have to identify everyone's role. Once they settle in, they should be a solid contender for top spot in the division
|
| 9 |
 |
The Rockies are too talented to disregard, but still very young to hand over the the NLCS. It's safe to say they'll be entertaining, but winning games will get that much harder
|
| 10 |
 |
Losing Andruw Jones won't be as devastating as most think. Jones' horrid season last year proved he was expendable.
|
| 11 |
 |
If the Brewers establish chemistry early, they'll be a force to reckon with. At full potential, the Brewers are a top 5 team |
| 12 |
 |
The Mariners will compete with the Angels for top spot as far as their rotation goes, but their lineup hasn't got much better
|
| 13 |
 |
The Dodgers have too many unanswered questions in terms of talent and positions. They'll be a contender in the NL West, but it'll take a litte time |
| 14 |
 |
The Jays got better with Rolen and Eckstein covering short and 3rd. Not to mention, they've added to former World Series winners to an already solid team
|
| 15 |
 |
The Padres did very little this offseason, but they did add OF Jim Edmonds. Edmonds' a better locker room component and stronger outfielder than both Mike Cameron and Milton Bradley
|
| 16 |
 |
The Astros still have Roy Oswalt in their rotation as the X-Factor. The addition of closer Jose Valverde only makes Oswalt more effective. Oh, did we mention they have SS Miguel Tejada. It should get interesting
|
| 17 |
 |
The Phillies proved last season they have a promising rotation. But failing to fill holes in their lineup might catch up to them by mid season |
| 18 |
 |
The Twins lost the cornerstones of their franchise. The good news, they've done it before and succeeded. By the way, they get a healthy Liriano in the lineup
|
| 19 |
 |
The Reds are better than last season with the additions of Dusty Baker on the bench and Cordero closing. But they're in a tough division and until they sign marquee, they won't make the splash they need to get back in the standings
|
| 20 |
 |
With the Indians and Tigers bolstering their lineups, the Sox don't have a legitimate shot at the division. But they'll be better than last season and a spoiler role can pay dividends on the market |
| 21 |
 |
The Cards are in a restructuring year, which means they won't win the World Series nor will they break through the market
|
| 22 |
 |
The A's only have Harden and Street left in their rotation and bullpen. But they always produce an unlikely prospect every year. Let's see if they can produce 7 or 8
|
| 23 |
 |
The Nationals will benefit from their new ballpark. If nothing else, a new home is good enough for 5 extra wins. But that's not a guarantee
|
| 24 |
 |
At some point the Rangers will get over their A-Rod debacle. It has to happen soon, since they do have some young talent |
| 25 |
 |
The Rays get a new look this season both on their backs and on the field. But despite the pool of talent, they still are in the best division in baseball. That alone can stump one's growth
|
| 26 |
 |
The Pirates need more than OF star Jason Bay to dig them out of the cellar. A new management staff can help brighten the team, but we won't feel the effects until next season |
| 27 |
 |
The Orioles are back in the rebuilding stage sooner than fans would've liked. The good news is they still are viable stock given a spoiler role |
| 28 |
 |
The Royals had a sold spring training with a lot more promise than in the last 10 years. But their 9 starters have to be healthy all year for them to put 73 wins
|
| 29 |
 |
We're being hard on the Giants for several reasons. One, their lineup has no pop. Two, their rotation has to be healthy to be respectable. Three, their closing situation won't be down right solidified until mid season
|
| 30 |
 |
The Marlins have too many unknowns including their hitters, rotation, and defense. We're not convinced this team will win 65 this season, and we don't think you should be either |
