DC MLB Prediction: AL East

Here is how we see the AL East breaking down...

Rays 111-51
Red Sox 98-64
Yankees 89-73
Jays 78-84
Orioles 64-97

Though I don't agree with DP on the Rays winning that many games, because I believe this division is too good for anyone to win that may games. I do agree with how the standings will end...with the Rays in first, then Sox, then Yankees.

DC MLB Preview: Boston Red Sox

2008 Record: 95-67

Key Additions:
Brad Wilkerson (OF)
John Smoltz (P)
Rocco Baldelli (OF)
Brad Penny (P)
Ramon Ramirez (P)
Takashi Saito (P)

Key Losses:
Curt Schilling (P)
Sean Casey (1B)
David Aardsma (P)
David Pauley (P)
Kevin Cash (C)
Mike Timlin (P)
Paul Byrd (P)
Bartolo Colon (P)
Alex Cora (SS)

Projected Lineup:
1. Jacoby Ellsbury CF
2. Dustin Pedroia 2B
3. David Ortiz DH
4. Kevin Youkilis 1B
5. Jason Bay LF
6. J.D. Drew RF
7. Mike Lowell 3B
8. Jed Lowrie SS
9. Jason Varitek C

I have my worries about this lineup. Here is what has to happen for the Sox to be a top hitting team. Ellsbury needs to finally become the real leadoff hitter, which means a high OBP, and more consistency. Without that this lineup doesn't stand a chance. Ortiz needs to be healthy, and get back to around 35 HRs. Lowell needs to be healthy and get 80+ RBIs, and of course they need something from Tek. Not a lot, but also more then him being a black hole. So basically I would be asking for .245+ BA from him. Overall I actually like a lot of this lineup. Pedroia and Youk will continue to dominate. Bay is in a contract year, so I am expect really big things from him, and when healthy DL Drew can be unstoppable (think June of last year).

Projected Rotation:
1. Josh Beckett
2. Jon Lester
3. Daisuke Matsuzaka
4. Brad Penny
5. Tim Wakefield

CL Jonathan Papelbon

Beckett is nasty every other year. Good news for the Sox is this is going to be one of those years. Lester showed last year he might be the best lefty in the AL, and I expect at least 18 wins from him this year. Dice-k lives dangerously, but in the end he wins games, and frustrates hitters. Little worried about his WBC innings pitch, but we shall see if it affects him. Penny has looked great, but I don't see him playing a whole season (that goes for the Wake too). For most teams that would be a serious problem, but with the way Buchholz has looked, and Smoltz coming back Boston may be even better if these guys do go down. What is really scary is that Boston's bullpen might be better then their starters. If Masterson stays in the pen I could see Boston having the best bullpen in the MLB.

Minors Watch:
Lars Anderson (1B) - A lot of hype around this kid, and it seemed to get to his head this spring training. He needs at least another year in the minors, but could be a nice replacement for Lowell and/or Ortiz.

Michael Bowden (P) - Good stuff and exceptional control, but he still scares me. Would like to see the Sox use him as trade bait, because he really just reminds me of another Paul Byrd, which would not be a good thing pitching at Fenway.

Josh Reddick (OF) - Does a lot of things right, and gained 15 pounds of muscle this offseason. Starting to hit for some power, but I don't see the Sox playing him a lot because he is not an OBP guy.

Overall:
The Sox will be very good this year, but they will be a lot different from years past. I don't see them putting up 6-7 runs a game, but their pitching is go good they won't need to. DP already put the Rays on top of the division with a crazy record, and though I don't agree with the # of wins I do agree that I see the Rays winning this division. The Sox will still make the playoffs, which means the Yankees will be playing golf once again in October.

Record: 98-64

DC MLB Preview: Baltimore Orioles

2008 Record: 68-93

Key Additions:
Ty Wigginton (3B)
Rich Hill (P)
Gregg Zaun (C)
David Pauley (P)
Felix Pie (CF)
Mark Hendrickson (P)
Cesar Izturis (SS)

Key Losses:
Jay Payton (LF)
Kevin Millar (1B)
Adam Loewen (P)

Projected Lineup:
1. Brian Roberts 2B
2. Melvin Mora 3B
3. Nick Markakis RF
4. Aubrey Huff 1B
5. Adam Jones CF
6. Luke Scott DH
7. Gregg Zaun C
8. Cesar Izturis SS
9. Felix Pie LF

This lineup is actually very underrated. Aubrey Huff had a great year last season, and there is enough around him for the Orioles to put up some runs. Markakis is a stud, and will be for a long time. Adam Jones came on at the end of last season, and I expect him to keep improving. Brian Roberts finally decided to stay with the team, and he is a great leadoff hitter. Obviously everyone is waiting for Wieters to be added to this already decent lineup.

Projected Rotation:
1. Jeremy Guthrie
2. Koji Uehara
3. Rich Hill
4. A. Eaton
5. Danys Baez

CL: George Sherrill

Chris Ray is finally back from his Tommy John surgery, and it will be interesting to see if he can regain his role as the closer (I think he will by mid season). Baltimore's rotation is why they aren't going to do anything this year. Guthrie is solid, but after that it's really a joke. The good thing is they are loaded in the minors with arms, so they will just have to wait a little longer before they can turn it around.

Minors Watch:
Matt Wieters (C) - The next big thing to come out of the minors. He won't start the year in the MLB, but he is not far off. If the scouts are right this could be a 35+ HR hitting catcher, who is also good on defense.

Chris Tillman (P) - Ace in waiting with overpowering stuff. Ahead of the curve for his age. Might see him as a mid season call up, but no reason to rush him, since he is only 20 years old.

Jake Arrieta (P) - Not as polished as Tillman, but has just as much upside.

Overall:
The Orioles finally seems like they are building some kind of team. Their record has gotten worse each of the past 4 seasons, and this one will be no different as they develop these young guys. Look out for this team in 2011.

Record: 64-97

DC MLB Preview: Toronto Blue Jays

2008 Record: 86-76

Key Additions:
Kevin Millar (1B)
Brian Burres (P)

Key Losses:
A.J. Burnett (P)
Brad Wilkerson (OF)
Gregg Zaun (C)
Kevin Mench (OF)

Projected Lineup:
1. Marco Scutaro SS
2. Aaron Hill 2B
3. Alex Rios RF
4. Vernon Wells CF
5. Adam Lind DH
6. Scott Rolen 3B
7. Lyle Overbay 1B
8. Rod Barajas C
9. Travis Snider LF

Every year scouts think Rios will have a breakout year, and every year he stay about the same. Rios is very good, but he can't carry this lineup. Wells can be solid, but is an injury risk, and seems the best parts of his career have passed him by. The Jays have some young bats, and if they turn out to be good, this lineup will look a lot more respectable. Hill was hurt all last year, and for the jays sake I hope he can return to being the player he was 2 years ago. Lind showed he can play at the end of last year, but is he good enough to play full time? Snider is the wild card. He is young, and can hit, but he is so bad in the field he will eventually have to move to DH. Overall I think this will be a very streaky lineup.

Projected Rotation:
1. Roy Halladay
2. Jesse Litsch
3. David Purcey
4. Casey Janssen
5. Scott Richmond

Cl B.J. Ryan

Halladay is a stud. It is really too bad he has wasted his whole career in Toronto, because he just might be the best pitcher in baseball. After his this rotation gets a little dicey. Litsch is solid, but I don't see him as a number 2 type of pitcher. Last year he had 13 wins and an ERA of 3.58. Who knows maybe he will prove me wrong. The last three guys are a joke, and will be the main reason why this team goes nowhere. B.J. Ryan is another year removed from Tommy John, so I expect him to be very good, and their bullpen all around is not bad. The problem is they will most likely be used heavily, because of Purcey, Janssen, and Richmond.

Minor Watch:
J.P. Arencibia (C) - Seems like everyone, but the Sox have a good catcher coming up. This kid can hit bombs, but it still a year away.

Brett Cecil (P) - He has a real good shot at breaking into the rotation by mid season. He is a former first round pick, and the Jays really need this guy to progress quickly.

Overall:
Once again the Jays have enough talent to be competitive, but when you in a division with the Sox, Rays, and Yankees there just isn't much room for error. I think they will take a step back this year with the loss of Burnett. They will be fun to watch because of their young hitters, but the back end of their rotation sucks, and thus they won't win 80 games.

Record: 78-84

DC MLB Prediction: NL East

Well here is how we see it breaking down....

Marlins 97-65
Phillies 94-68
Braves 89-73
Mets 84-77
Nationals 70-92

Well I don't agree with the Marlins. I have them just below the Mets. The rest of it I agree with though.

DC MLB Preview: Atlanta Braves

2008 Record: 72-90

Key Additions:
Garret Anderson (OF)
Derek Lowe (P)
Javier Vazquez (P)

Key Losses:
John Smoltz (RP)
Mike Hampton (P)
Jorge Julio (RP)

Projected Lineup:
1. Yunel Escobar SS
2. Kelly Johnson 2B
3. Chipper Jones 3B
4. Brian McCann C
5. Garret Anderson LF
6. Jeff Francoeur RF
7. Casey Kotchman 1B
8. Josh Anderson CF

Chipper Jones is another victim of the WBC, but to be fair he hasn't played a healthy season since 2003. Still, he batted .364, and has been the heart and soul of this team for a long time. McCann is a stud, and really showed me a lot this year while playing for team USA. His power keeps getting better, and I really see a 40+ HR year for him. Anderson was a decent pickup, and will add some protection for McCann, though it would not have been necessary if Jeff Francoeur would go back to being the player he was in 2006 when he had 29 HRs and 103 RBIs. Kotchman is a wild card. Every year I think he is going to break through. If he adds power to his game the Braves could have a very solid lineup.

Projected Rotation:
1. Derek Lowe
2. Javier Vazquez
3. Jair Jurrjens
4. Kenshin Kawakami
5. Tom Glavine

CL Mike Gonzalez

I really like the Lowe and Vazquez pickups. Watch out, because I really think Vazquez is going to have a sick year in the NL. I'll be so bold as to say he will be a top 10 pitcher in the NL this year. Lowe will be solid, as long as the defense around him is good. They can't predicted what they are going to get from Glavine, but hopefully he has enough in the tank to push himself through one more season. Not a lot is known about Kenshin Kawakami, so it is hard to say what he will do. Jair Jurrjens is another wild card. He is really young (23), and could have a break out 15+ win season. The Braves won't have Tim Hudson until late in the summer, if at all, as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery. I like Atlanta's bullpen with Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez. Look for Soriano to take over the closers spot at some point this season.

Minors Watch:
Thomas Hanson (P) - This is the guy Atlanta would not trade for Peavy. He is their future ace and could be up by mid season, especially if Glavine struggles.

Jason Heyward (OF) - Only 19 years old, but has shown a lot of power. We won't see him for another 2-3 years.

Overall:
If Atlanta could have got Peavy I might have had them in the World Series. They had a really aggravating offseason, but I still expect a good season out of this team. If Francoeur can play like he used to, and Kotchman finally fines his power their lineup should be solid. I like their rotation (even without Peavy), and if Hanson is the real deal it could push them into the playoffs.

Record: 89-73

DC MLB Preview: Philadelphia Phillies

2008 Record: 92-70

Key Additions:
Chan Ho Park (P)
Raul Ibanez (OF)

Key Losses:
Tadahito Iguchi (2B)
Adam Eaton (P)
Pat Burrell (OF)

Projected Lineup:
1. Jimmy Rollins SS
2. Shane Victorino CF
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Raul Ibanez LF
6. Jayson Werth RF
7. Pedro Feliz 3B
8. Carlos Ruiz C

A lot of people don't respect Ibanez, which is why I draft him late in every fantasy draft, but this guy is a lock for right around 100 RBIs. That is all the Phillies will need with guys like Utley, Rollins, and Howard in their lineup. They will miss Burrell, but Ibanez can pick up most (if not all) of the slack. Utley is somewhat of an injury risk as he battles back from hip surgery. What is scary is the Phillies on it all last year, and Rollins actually had a down year. That tells you how good this team can be.

Projected Rotation:
1. Cole Hamels
2. Brett Myers
3. Jamie Moyer
4. Joe Blanton
5. Kyle Kendrick

CL Brad Lidge

Lidge was dirty last year, and really drove them through the playoffs. Hamels elbow is bothering him, and that scares me, but if he is OK this rotation will be very good. Moyer is ageless and just eats up innings. His fastball is about 83 MPH, but the guy just wins, and I think he can keep it going. Blanton is solid, but can get rocked sometimes, and Myers is a douchebag, and the Phillies need more from him then 10 wins.

Minors Watch:
Carlos Carrasco (P) - I think this kid will play a major part in the Phillies season. He has a chance to grab that #5 spot, and if he does the Phillies rotation will be considerably better.

Joe Savery (P) - Another pitcher that could break into the rotation by midseason. Some people compare him to Mark Mulder. The Phillies have to be happy that they have Hamels, Carrasco, and Savery to build a future rotation around.

Overall:
If Hamels is really hurt then they aren't going to do anything, but for now I will go with the assumption that he is fine. The Phillies lineup will put up a lot of runs, and I am expecting a big year from Rollins. Howard will be interesting to watch to see if he falls off after finally getting his contract. Lidge is a stud, and their bullpen seems to be shaping up nicely. Still, no team has repeated as World Series winner since the 1998-2000 Yankees. The last NL team to do it was the Reds in 1975.

Record: 94-68

DC MLB Preview: Washington Nationals

2008 Record: 59-102

Projected Lineup:
1. Cristian Guzman SS
2. Lastings Milledge CF
3. Ryan Zimmerman 3B
4. Adam Dunn 1B
5. Elijah Dukes RF
6. Josh Willingham LF
7. Jesus Flores C
8. Anderson Hernandez 2B

The Nationals are just a collection of misfits, yet I kind of like it. Elijah Dukes really started to play well at the end of last year, and the addition of Dunn should at least make the Nationals somewhat respectable. Zimmerman is the face of the franchise, but he has kind of been a let down after exploding in 2006. If this team is going to do anything players like Zimmerman, and Milledge are going to have to step up big time.

Projected Rotation:
1. John Lannan
2. Scott Olsen
3. Shawn Hill
4. Daniel Cabrera
5. Collin Balester

CL Joel Hanrahan

Lannan is young, and had a very good rookie season. If he can keep progressing the Nationals might actually have their ace of the future. Cabrera is just a tease. He has all the talent in the world, but just can't throw strikes consistently. In the end none of these guys will win more then 12 games. Lannan was their best pitcher last year and he only had 9 wins.

Minors Watch:
Jordan Zimmerman (P)- Is eventually going to be an ace. Throws a hard sinker...think Derek Lowe.

Christopher Marrero (1B) - has all the power in the world, but broke his leg last year, and needs to prove himself. He has time, since he is only 20 years old.

Overall:
The Nationals will not be a good team (obviously!), but I think they are going in the right direction. I think Elijah Dukes and Lastings Milledge are going to have breakout years, and with Dunn in the middle on the lineup they should be putting up some runs. Still, they have no pitching, so it will be another long year.

Record: 70-92

DC MLB Preview: Cleveland Indians

2008 Record: 81-81

Key Additions:
Carl Pavano (P)
Mark DeRosa (2B)
Kerry Wood (P)

Key Losses:
Joe Borowski (P)

Projected Lineup:
1. Grady Sizemore CF
2. Mark DeRosa 3B
3. Victor Martinez C
4. Travis Hafner DH
5. Jhonny Peralta SS
6. Shin-Soo Choo RF
7. Ryan Garko 1B
8. Ben Francisco LF
9. Asdrubal Cabrera 2B

Grady Sizemore is one of the best players in baseball. I actually think it would be smart to drop him down in the order, because he has the potential to be a very effective 3 hitter in a lineup. Hafner is basically done, I don't see him turning it around and being a 30+ HR guy again. The big question for me is what will Victor do? He was injured most of last year, but he has shown in the past that he has the ability to be one of (if not the) most effective offensive catchers in the AL. Peralta was a surprise last year, and is very underrated, and Choo could have a breakout year. Overall they should be very solid, but the bottom of their lineup (Garko, Francisco, and Cabrera) make me nervous.

Projected Rotation:
1. Cliff Lee
2. Fausto Carmona
3. Carl Pavano
4. Anthony Reyes
5. Aaron Laffey

CL: Kerry Wood

The addition of Kerry Wood is awesome if he can stay healthy. I like their rest of their bullpen, and they may need to rely on it, because they have a lot of questions in their rotations. Carmona was terrible last year, but I think he will regain some of his form and win 14-17 games this year. There is no way Lee is as good as he was last year. I am just not buying it. I actually like Pavano this year. There is no reason to believe in him, but if he is healthy he could be a very good 3rd starter. Aaron Laffey is another guy that could be very solid, but he needs to stay healthy, overall there is just a lot more questions then answers in this staff.

Minors Watch:
Matt LaPorta (OF) - He might start in the minors, but this guy will not be down there long. He has it all and was the main prize of the CC deal.

Adam Miller (P) - This guy has been waiting for a long time. He can never seem to stay healthy, but they have finally decided to keep him in the bullpen. If he can stay healthy he could be awesome. He throws about 100 MPH and has been unstoppable in the minors, but everything hinges on his health.

Overall:
This team could either be very good or terrible. There are so many questions around players like Pavano, Hafner, Victor, and Carmona that it is really hard to judge this team. Still, I think they will be very solid, and that their bullpen will be able to hold them in any race.

Record: 85-77

DC MLB Preview: Detroit Tigers

2008 Record: 74-88

Key Additions:
Brandon Lyon (P)
Edwin Jackson (P)
Gerald Laird (C)
Adam Everett (SS)

Key Losses:
Edgar Renteria (SS)
Kenny Rogers (P)
Kyle Farnsworth (P)
Todd Jones (P)
Freddy Garcia (P)

Projected Lineup:
1. Curtis Granderson CF
2. Placido Polanco 2B
3. Magglio Ordonez RF
4. Miguel Cabrera 1B
5. Carlos Guillen LF
6. Gary Sheffield DH
7. Gerald Laird C
8. Brandon Inge 3B
9. Adam Everett SS

Even with all the Tigers struggles last year they had an amazing lineup. Granderson is a star in the making, and we should see his steal totals go up now that he is healthy. Magglio and Cabrera are studs, and should knock in just under 300 RBIs between the two of them. Sheffield is a big question mark, but for some reason I think he still has enough in the take for a 20 HR 75 RBI season, which is all the Tigers will need from him.

Projected Rotation:
1. Justin Verlander
2. Armando Galarraga
3. Jeremy Bonderman
4. Edwin Jackson
5. Dontrelle Willis

CL Brandon Lyon

Tigers pitching was awful last season. Verlander was a huge disappointment, and players like Willis and Rogers didn't hold their weight. The lone surprise was Galarraga. If he can build on what he did last season and Verlander can be his old self, then the Tigers should be much improved. Willis won't do anything and will be out of the rotation by June, but I really like the addition of Edwin Jackson. He had the stuff to be a hell of a pitcher. His stats won't blow you away but I think he will win between 12-14 games this year. What scares me with this team is the bullpen. It sucked last year, and I don't think they did enough to fix it.

Minor Watch:
Rick Porcello - This will be the guy who takes Willis spot as some point this season. Dominated at Class A with 2.66 ERA. He is only 20 years old, but this is the kind of guy you can bring up early, and could be the key to the Tigers season.

Overall:
I am really torn with the Tigers this year. I think Verlander will have a "comeback" year, and I really like their lineup, but their bullpen is terrible. The key will be the bullpen, and that is just too bad, because I don't think they have enough arms back their to get it done. Still, they improve from last season.

Record: 83-79

DC MLB Preview: Minnesota Twins

2008 Record: 88-74

Key Additions:
Joe Crede (3B)

Key Losses:
Eddie Guardado (RP)

Projected Lineup:
1. Denard Span LF
2. Alexi Casilla 2B
3. Joe Mauer C
4. Justin Morneau 1B
5. Michael Cuddyer RF
6. Jason Kubel DH
7. Joe Crede 3B
8. Nick Punto SS
9. Carlos Gomez CF

I actually really like this lineup. Span gives them great speed at the top of the order. Mauer and Marneau are studs, though I am a little worried about Mauer's health this year. Kubel is underrated, and I think this team will be able to put up some runs. They will never be an offensive juggernaut, but they will score enough to keep them in games. They also have Delmon Young who has all the talent in the world, but needs to find a way to put it all together.

Projected Rotation:
1. Scott Baker
2. Francisco Liriano
3. Kevin Slowey
4. Glen Perkins
5. Nick Blackburn

CL Joe Nathan

Joe Nathan has been so good for so long, and even though he had to opt out of the WBC he seems like he is on track for the regular season. The rotation is very solid, but could be one of the best in the AL if Francisco Liriano can be the pitcher he once was. I think he will, so look out for this pitching staff.

Minors Watch:

Aaron Hicks - Is only 19 years old, so he is a couple years away, but he is a 5 tool outfielder that will be making a splash in a couple seasons.

Ben Revere - Lacks power, but is another quick outfielder, that could be moved up at some point this year. Great option off the bench to steal bases.

Overall:
I really like the Twins this year. Their offense is very underrated, and their pitching staff could be nasty, add that will a good bullpen and you have yourself a playoff team.

Record: 96-66

DC MLB Preview: Cincinnati Reds

2008 Record: 74-88

Projected Lineup:
1. Willy Taveras CF
2. Jerry Hairston Jr. LF
3. Joey Votto 1B
4. Brandon Phillips 2B
5. Jay Bruce RF
6. Edwin Encarnacion 3B
7. Ramon Hernandez C
8. Alex Gonzalez SS

The Reds are trying to make the transition from being a power hitting ball club, to one that empathizes speed and defense. The problem is they are really lacking any talent in this lineup. Willy Taveras is wildly overrated, and has a terrible OBP, and Brandon Phillips is coming off his a down year. The Reds are really asking way too much from rookie Joey Votto, and I just don't see him being able to deliver. This team really has to add a bat at some point, because they are going to have a lot of trouble putting up runs.

1. Aaron Harang
2. Edinson Volquez
3. Bronson Arroyo
4. Johnny Cueto
5. Micah Owings

CL Francisco Cordero

The Reds really need Harang to start being the pitcher we saw a couple years ago. Arroyo sucks, but the future is Edinson Volquez, who I think will have a breakout year. Volquez may not get a lot of wins, because their offense is so bad, but he is going to be an ace within the next year or two. Overall their pitching will be ok, but it really won't matter if they can't score runs.

Minors Watch:
Christopher Valaika - Power hitting SS that will compete with our next minor to see who will take over the SS spot in the majors.

Todd Frazier - If he loses out to Valaika he might move to the outfield. I expect him to lose, since he is not very good defensivly.

Overall:
The Reds are going to suck this year, and lets be honest they suck every year. Other then having a cool stadium they really haven't done anything in a long time. The future is looking brighter though, as Votto keeps improving, and they have some young pitchers make their way, but it will be a couple years before this team does anything.

Record: 65-97

DC MLB Preview: Milwaukee Brewers

2008 Record: 90-72

Key Additions:
Chase Wright (P)
Trevor Hoffman (CL)
Jorge Julio (P)

Key Losses:
CC Sabathia (P)
Ben Sheets (P)

Projected Lineup:
1. Rickie Weeks 2B
2. J.J. Hardy SS
3. Ryan Braun LF
4. Prince Fielder 1B
5. Corey Hart RF
6. Mike Cameron CF
7. Mike Lamb 3B
8. Jason Kendall C

Prince Fielder is the key to the lineup, he really needs to carry this team if they are going to do anything this year. last year he was very good, but his HR totals went down by 16. The Brewers actually have a good amount of power between Fielder, Braun, and hart. There are not a lot of big names in this lineup, but they are a solid squad that should get better as some of these players progress.

Projected Rotation:
1. Yovani Gallardo
2. Dave Bush
3. Manny Parra
4. Braden Looper
5. Jeff Suppan

CL: Trevor Hoffman

Yovani Gallardo better turn into the ace he was supposed to be this year. He was out a lot of last year with a knee injury, but it sounds like that won't be a problem this year. Manny Parra has a great arm, but does not command the strikezone well, so he is kind of a wild card. the rest of the rotation sucks. I love Hoffman, but I have a bad feeling that he should have hung up it after last season. The Brewers really overpaid for him.

Minors Watch:
Mat Gamel - Is a very good hitter, but is so bad defensively he may have a lot more value if he was in the AL.

Alcides Escobar - Had a great year in 2008, but really doesn't have a spot on the team since he is a SS and Hardy is blocking his way.

Overall:
The Brewers went for the title last year, and in the process gave up a good amount of their farm system. They will take a step back this year, even though they have some good young players in their lineup. Pitching will be a real problem, and I just don't see this team improving for a while.

Record: 76-86

DC MLB Preview: St. Louis Cardinals

2008 Record: 86-76

Key Additions:
Khalil Greene (SS)
Trever Miller (RP)

Key Losses:
Mark Mulder (P)
Adam Kennedy (2B)
Juan Encarnacion (OF)
Braden Looper (RP)
Cesar Izturis (SS)

Projected Lineup:
1 Skip Schumaker
2 Ryan Ludwick
3 Albert Pujols
4 Rick Ankiel
5 Troy Glaus
6 Yadier Molina
7 Khalil Greene
8 Brendan Ryan

Cardinals have a decent lineup. Pujols is coming off an elbow injury, but I think he is going to have an MVP season. Ludwick has been great for them, but the bottom of the lineup really needs Khalil Greene to find himself. Surprisingly I think he will, and this lineup will have a very good year.

Projected rotation:
1 Adam Wainwright
2 Chris Carpenter
3 Kyle Lohse
4 Todd Wellemeyer
5 Joel Pineiro

CL Chris Perez

Their rotation hinges on the comeback of Chris Carpernter. Sorry, Cardinals not a fan. I think he is extremely over the hill and overrated. Adam Wainwright could have a break out year, and he has the stuff to do it. Not to mention he is at the magic age of 27 (usually the year a player "breaks out"). Overall not very impressive, and I have some serious questions if this bullpen is going to be able to hold up, since this rotation is going to be working them a lot.

Minors Watch:
Colby Rasmus - Cool name, but he was terrible last year and looks like he is at least another year away before he can make an impact on this rotation.

Jess Todd - This guy will take over the #5 spot by mid season in the rotation. Doesn't do anything extremely well, but is solid all around. Is a lot better then Joel Pineiro.

Overall:
I think Pujols is going to be awesome, and that alone will make them a dangerous team, but I really don't like their rotation. Plus, I think Tony La Russa is starting to lose it. He cut Adam Kennedy really late and left the team without a proven second baseman, and was playing infielders in the outfield late last year. He is a great coach, but this team is going to take a step back this year.

Record: 80-82

DC AL West Prediction

So, we are through the second division of our MLB Preview...here is what how we see the AL West breaking down....

1. Angels 97-65
2. Rangers 84-78
3. Athletics 82-80
4. Mariners 75-87

From our preview it looks like one of the weaker divisions in baseball will be playing a lot better this year.

DC MLB Preview: Oakland Athletics

2008 Record: 75-86

Key Additions:
Matt Holliday (OF)
Jason Giambi (1B/DH)
Michael Wuertz (RP)

Key Losses:
Alan Embree (RP)
Frank Thomas (DH)

Projected Lineup:
1 Mark Ellis (2B)
2 Ryan Sweeney (CF)
3 Matt Holliday (LF)
4 Jason Giambi (DH)
5 Eric Chavez (3B)
6 Jack Cust (RF)
7 Daric Barton (1B)
8 Kurt Suzuki (C)
9 Bobby Crosby (SS)

This is a much improved lineup with the additions of Holliday and Giambi. A lot of people are over looking Giambi, but he still is a consistent HR threat and will add some protection for Holliday. The question is how long with the A's keep Holliday, as he is a free agent at the end of the year. Still, if the A's can get something out of Daric Barton, and Bobby Crosby this could be a very good lineup.

Projected Rotation:
1 Justin Duchscherer
2 Dana Eveland
3 Sean Gallagher
4 Gio Gonzalez
5 Dallas Braden

CL Brad Ziegler

Not a very good rotation. Duchscherer was awesome in the first half of last year, but then did what he does every year and went down with an injury. The rest of the rotation is very unproven. The good news is that their bullpen is shaping up to be good, and they have a lot of young pitching coming up through the minors.

Minors Watch:
Trevor Cahill - Pitcher of the year for the A's minor league system over the past two years. The kid is going to be a stud. he still could be a year away, but I think we will see him during the 2nd half of this year.

Brett Anderson - A lot of scouts actually put Anderson over Cahill, but in the end it won't matter both these guys will find a spot in the rotation by 2010.

Chris Carter - He can't play the field, and will probably be a DH, but this kid has serious power. He his 39 HRs last year in the minors.

Overall:
The A's are a year or two away from being a dangerous team. A lot of what they do this season hangs on what they do with Holliday. Still, with the Angels not making themselves better in the offseason, the A's could make the race for the division a lot closer then people would have thought.

Record: 82-80

DC MLB Preview: Seattle Mariners

2008 Record: 61-101

Key Additions:
Ken Griffey Jr. (OF)
Garrett Olson (P)
David Aardsma (RP)
Russell Branyan (1B/3B)

Key Losses:
J.J. Putz (CL)

Projected Lineup:

1 Ichiro Suzuki
2 Jose Lopez
3 Adrian Beltre
4 Russell Branyan
5 Franklin Gutierrez
6 Ken Griffey Jr.
7 Wladimir Balentien
8 Kenji Johjima
9 Yuniesky Betancourt

Seattle's lineup is one of the worst in the MLB. Ichiro is very good, but he can't carry this team. Seattle's only hope is that somehow Beltre and Griffey can find their stride, and they at least have a couple of consistent bats. That's asking a lot of a player like Griffey his age.

Projected Rotation:

1 Felix Hernandez
2 Erik Bedard
3 Brandon Morrow
4 Jarrod Washburn
5 Carlos Silva/Ryan Rowland-Smith

CL Mark Lowe

Seattle's strength is their starting rotation. Still, there are a lot of questions marks. Bedard is coming of an injury plagued year, and will look to regain the form he had in Baltimore. I actually believe he can and will. Morrow is a stud, but he will only be able to pitch so many innings because he is so young. Plus I am not sold on their bullpen, so we might see him closing games at some point this season. Felix is a stud, it's just too bad he won't be a 20 game winner until this team gets some kind of offense.

Minors Watch:

Gregory Halman - Will be a stud OF for this team, but is still probably a year away. He has some power and speed. Will eventually be a 30-30 guy.

Carlos Triunfel - Only 19, but the sky is the limit for this kid. Solid defensively, but still to early to know what kind of player he will be.

Overall:
Seattle has to find a way to get some offense. The team is still a year or two away, but they could surprise people, since a lot of their games will be close because of their pitching staff. Morrow is a future Cy Young winner (same with Felix), so watch out for this team next year.

Record: 75-87

DC MLB Preview: Texas Rangers

2008 Record: 79-83

Key Additions:
Kris Benson (P)
Andruw Jones (OF)
Brendan Donnelly (P)
Eddie Guardado (P)

Key Losses:
Kameron Loe (P)

Projected Lineup:
1 Ian Kinsler
2 Michael Young
3 Josh Hamilton
4 Nelson Cruz
5 Hank Blalock
6 Chris Davis
7 Jarrod Saltalamacchia
8 David Murphy
9 Elvis Andrus

Andruw Jones will get many chances to play, and will at the very least be a good late inning defensive substitute. The Rangers once again will crush the ball. Kinsler, Young, and Hamilton are all studs, and Chris Davis could easily be the next "breakout" guy. Texas has so many good young catchers that you would think eventually they will trade 1 or 2 of them. Anyways, this is one of the best lineups in baseball, and it seems like everyone hits well when playing for Texas.

Projected Rotation:
1 Kevin Millwood
2 Vicente Padilla
3 Scott Feldman
4 Matt Harrison
5 Brandon McCarthy

CL Frank Francisco

The Rangers pitching once again will keep them from being an elite team. Though they are starting to do some of the right things,like building up some farm arms. Millwood is steady, but is more of a 3-4 guy then an ace. Padilla serves his purpose, and McCarthy has the talent, but just can't stay healthy. You would think that if McCarthy sucks again that he will be moved to the bullpen. Overall, this is not a very good group, but they only have to be average with the kind of lineup they have.

Minors Watch:
Neftali Feliz - The next Pedro Martinez. The kid is a stud, and will make an impact at some point this season. He can hit triple digits on the radar gun...kind of guy the rest of the league will be looking out for. Real impact will come in 2010.

Derek Holland - Another very good pitcher. He is a lefty and may even make it up to the Rangers quicker then Feliz. Sky is the limit with this kid too.

Taylor Teagarden - Great defensive catcher, but needs to find himself at the plate. Is just another catcher that could be dealt by the Rangers.

Max Ramirez - The 3rd head of the Rangers catching squad. He is a year or two away, but he put up some crazy numbers last year. Once again, another gut Texas could trade for pitching depth.

Overall:
Texas will be a decent team this year, but will really be a team to watch in 2010-2011. They have one of the best farm systems in the majors, and we will see some of it later this season. The offense will only carry them so far, but I still seem them improving their record from last year.

Record: 84-78

DC MLB Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks

2008 Record: 82-80

Key Additions:
Jon Garland (SP)
Scott Schoenweis (RP)
Felipe Lopez (INF)

Key Losses:
Adam Dunn (OF)
David Eckstein (2B)
Randy Johnson (SP)
Brandon Lyon (RP)
Connor Robertson (RP)

Projected Lineup:
1 Stephen Drew (SS)
2 Eric Byrnes (LF)
3 Conor Jackson (1B)
4 Mark Reynolds (3B)
5 Justin Upton (RF)
6 Chris B. Young (CF)
7 Felipe Lopez (2B)
8 Chris Snyder (C)

This offense is still feeling the affects of letting Carlos Quentin slip away. They have some young talent in Conor Jackson and Justin Upton, but they are going to be asking a lot from these young guys, if they want to go anywhere this season. Mark Reynolds can hit 40 HRs, but he is much like Adam Dunn and will only bat .240 (if you're lucky.

Projected Rotation:
1 Brandon Webb
2 Dan Haren
3 Jon Garland
4 Doug Davis
5 Max Scherzer

CL Chad Qualls

I really like this rotation. Garland will do every well in the NL, because he doesn't walk guys and eats up innings. Overall it is so much easier to pitch in the NL then the AL. Webb is a stud, and so is Haren. Those three will be good enough to make this team a legit threat in the NL West.

Minors Watch:
Jarrod Parker - This kid will make the rotation at some point this season, and even though he is only 20 he could be the guy that puts this team over the edge and into the playoffs.

Gerardo Parra - Has a ton of speed and could be a threat to make the team at some point this season. Is solid on defense in the OF, but is yet to show the power that was so hyped around him when he joined the D-Backs.

Overall:
The offense worries me a little bit, but they are young, and I feel this really could be a breakout season for this team. The division kind of sucks, so I expect them to win it and make the playoffs.

Record: 88-74

DC MLB Preview: Colorado Rockies

2008 Record: 74-88

Key Additions:
Houston Street (CL)
Alan Embree (RP)
Carlos Gonzalez (CF)
Greg Smith (SP)

Key Losses:
Brian Fuentes (CL)
Livan Hernandez (SP)
Matt Holliday (OF)
Jayson Nix (2B)
Willy Taveras (OF)
Luis Vizcaino (RP)

Projected Lineup:
1 Ryan Spilborghs (CF)
2 Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
3 Todd Helton (1B)
4 Garrett Atkins (3B)
5 Brad Hawpe (RF)
6 Chris Iannetta (C)
7 Seth Smith (LF)
8 Clint Barmes (2B)

Their lineup is OK, but losing Matt Holliday is going to hurt them. Todd Helton's best years are far behind him, and even Atkins's number have been declining. The Rockies will score some runs, because they always do, but this is not the same kind of lineup that brought them to the World Series not too long ago.

Projected Rotation:
1 Aaron Cook
2 Jeff Francis
3 Ubaldo Jimenez
4 Jason Marquis
5 Jorge De La Rosa /Greg Smith

CL - Houston Street (?)

The Rockies need Aaron Cook to be healthy this year if they have any shot at competing at all in 2009. He was slowed by shoulder inflammation last year and it showed in his 4-10 record. Losing Fuentes is really going to hurt their bullpen, because Houston Street has been terrible lately and I don't know how much Embree has left in the tank. Playing in Colorado is tough for any pitcher, but there is still a lack of talent on this staff.

Minors Watch:
1 Dexter Fowler - Has all the speed in the world, and could be a starter in the Rockies outfield before the All-Star break.

2 Jhoulys Chacin - has great control, but is still a year away. Could be the starting closer in 2010.

Other than those two their minor league system is weak.

Overall:
Going to be a tough year for the Rockies. The good news is that their division isn't all that great. Still I see them taking another step back after losing three key free agents (Holliday, Fuentes, Taveras).

Record: 65-97