Beach Bums:
Catcher:
Kelly Shoppach is technically the backup in Cleveland but they will give Martinez as much rest as possible whether at 1b or DH for Shoppach to get near starter ABs. He's got some decent pop and should be servicable for the Bums. The problem is, he IS a backup. Until he gets near FT at bats what he does isn't going to be enough to warrant a spot in the lineup. Teagarden is disposable as a backup, since there are WW guys who will be comparable.
1st Base:
The Bums surprised quite a few by taking Morneau #3 overall but it was the right decision in my eyes. He has been quietly consistent in his young career but drives in runs with ease. Even if his HR totals never reach 40 he's going to drive in 120. Ryan Garko will back him up and should be a nice guy to plug into the utility spot here and there while he's on a hot streak.
2nd Base:
Mike Fontenot will start but he provides nothing in the grand scheme of things. His average will be good but has no power, drives in no one and doesn't run. This will be a weak point on the team
3rd Base:
As long as he can avoid the media Arod should still put up stud numbers. Last year was a down year and still better than almost everyone. The guy can hit with or without drugs and I think he's out to prove something this year. I'm expecting another 40+ hr year with 100 runs and 130 rbi.
Shortstop:
Khalil Greene should end up starting for the Bums. He's been so up and down in his career that it's hard to project what he'll do but the idea of 20 Hrs out of a shortstop is a nice thought. Renteria moves back to the NL where he's obviously more comfortable, but at this point what can you expect from him?
Outfield:
Magglio is the anchor of this outfield and needs to stay healthy. He doesn't put up elite numbers but should be good for .300-90-20-100 hitting cleanup in a decent lineup. Ludwick went gangbusters last year but there will always be questions about him until he can repeat his offensive outburst. Given the fact he was given his first everyday opportunity last year it's not unreasonable to believe he can repeat it. I would expect a slight decrease no matter what but could be a major flop as well. Milledge and Jones are still young and learning, and Gomez still can't hit. I do like the upside of Milledge this year possibly reaching 20-20. Cuddyer is a wild card here, although he's the type of guy you only ride while hot.
Starting Pitching:
Rich Harden is arguably the best pitcher in baseball, but we all know the problem he has taking the mound every 5 days. When he's out there he's money and if he can miraculously pitch 190 innings he'll likely give the Bums 18 wins 2.50 ERA and 200 Ks. I wouldn't bet on it though. Ricky Nolasco was a great pick to pick up the slack while Harden is down. His K/BB ratio is a big indicator and I'm a big fan of his. He'll be the ace of this staff in 2009 while Harden takes his annual DL stay. Erik Bedard went from top 5 SP to 4th round selection, but should be a nice comeback candidate this year. A HUGE IF, but if Harden and Bedard stay healthy the Bums might have one of the top few 1-2-3 rotations in eMLB. Myers and Carmona round out the rotation and should be solid given past performance but both have something to prove based on their 2008 seasons. Scherzer was taken way too high but the Bums saw potential in the kid so I'll take their word for it. Truth be told, he's at least a year away from becoming a guy to depend on week to week.
Relief Pitching:
The Bums snagged Carlos Marmol as soon as possible and it was a good idea. Even if he doesn't win the closers job he'll be an outstanding source of holds and K's with a low ERA and WHIP. They grabbed the handcuff with Gregg which was a smart move. Marmol is obviously head and shoulders better than Gregg but has never held the closer role before so keep that in mind. Francisco ended the year on a high note closing for Texas and should build on that in 2009. His only competition is CJ Wilson so I wouldn't worry too much. Marmol should break into the top few closers in 2009 and Francisco is bound to get around 30 saves so he's set there. If Zumaya can come back strong he'll provide nice holds and K's for the Bums as well.
Overall:
Arod, Morneau and Maggs should provide quite a punch for the offense but not a lot of fight around them to be as competitive as they would like to be. This could be a darkhorse team however, the pitching is in place if health allows. I could see lottery again but a push at playoffs is not out of the question either.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Dallas Redbirds
Dallas Redbirds:
Catcher:
Mike Napoli definitely has some power, and should hit 20 hrs assuming he gets 400 at bats. Getting 20hr 60rbi out of a catcher is a nice bonus as long as the rest of the lineup can offset his lack elsewhere along with lower AB totals. John Baker is the backup and if needed should provide a decent average but not much else.
1st Base:
I really do like Carlos Pena. His average is never going to be too great but the power is there and has a nice lineup building around him. If he can stay healthy I can see another 35 hr season in him along with over 100 rbi and close to 100 walks. The backup will be Morales who hasn't proved much in the majors but has proven he can hit AAA pitching. I do like him to come around this year but if he doesn't and Pena goes down Dallas could be hurting here.
2nd Base:
I project Cano to be a .280-90-12-70 guy which isn't stud levels for 2nd base but is good enough to help week to week. I wouldn't expect him to hit .340 again though. There isnt a backup here, so it will be WW time in the rare case Cano goes down.
3rd Base:
The Redbirds needed some speed and went with Chone Figgins to fill this position. He had hamstring issues last year which is something to keep an eye on but should still steal around 30 bases. Scott Rolen is still reaping the rewards of a 5 year deal, but at this point he's a guy that you really don't want in your lineup unless things go awry. He's a great example of how injuries can kill a career. Mike Lowell was taken around the perfect time and I think he's a darkhorse on this team. He may fill the utility spot and put up decent numbers for the most part of the season. He's had some health issues but I think he'll prove to be one of the bigger steals of the draft.
Shortstop:
Jhonny Peralta is coming off a monster year for a shortstop and should continue to build on 2008 numbers. Turning 27 this season, I dont see a major decrease in numbers in the works. Depending on the players around him I could see .275-90-20-100 in 2009. Jed Lowrie backs him up, but looks like Julio Lugo is staking claim on his position in Boston.
Outfield:
Matt Holliday moves from Colorado to Oakland and that can't be a major help to his numbers, but I trust his ability enough to know he will continue to produce. This team is expecting greatness here so there's a lot riding on the adjustment. I expect a .310-95-25-100-10 season in Oakland. I'm being fairly conservative with those projections but I feel they're reasonable. A step below is Andre Ethier who progressed nicely in 2008 and should continue into 2009. Will be a nice duo with Holliday with .300-90-20-90. However, after those two the team is depending on the likes of Ryan Church, Jeremy Hermida and Jack Cust. You know Cust will hit close to 30 hrs and walk 100 times but will hit .230. Hermida and Church have some upside but not a big fan of either. Juan Pierre should steal 40 bases but might not get consistent playing time.
Starting Pitching:
Brandon Webb and Ervin Santana is a nice 1-2 punch to build around. I could see these two combining for 35 wins, 350 K's and around 3.50 ERA. Matt Garza showed a lot of guts in the post season and should be ready to take it to the next level in 2009, could be a nice "sleeper" even though he's been on everyones radar for a couple years now. Lets assume Chamberlain starts for New York. He's proven he will succeed in any role he's given but needs to work deeper into games if he's going to be a top notch starter. If he turns into a top tier guy as early as 2009 the Redbirds will have a great 1-4 rotation going on. I'm no fan of Wang or Snell, but a guy like Wang doesnt do enough to hurt a team as a #5 guy. Dallas spent a high pick on Price though and I think is putting a lot of faith on him becoming a stud before he's ready. It's no different than when everyone was sniffing the "King" Felix Hernandez glue a few years ago. I've seen him pitch and know what he can do, but i would never expect someone to be completely successful this early on.
Relief Pitching:
I like Heath Bell a lot, which brings up an interesting tid bit of information on this guy's offseason. While listening to Jim Rome a few days ago I learned that Heath Bell lost 25 pounds because a game on the Wii told him he was obese. Anyhow, he has the stuff to close and should end up one of the top tier guys this year. Chris Ray returns to Baltimore to close but was never that good to begin with. He'll get the saves but at what cost? There isn't much to talk about MR wise on this team, Masterson will likely get swapped in and out of the rotation and mopup work, Cory Wade is hurt and Ramon Ramirez is a relatively unknown who came out of nowhere to post good numbers last year.
Overall:
I think Dallas did enough to put up a competitive team this year, but there are a few areas that could be trouble if the stars don't align. When you get an abundance of guys who hit for a lower average you end up with cold streaks which can turn into dry weeks. Holliday and Ethier cannot carry a team through those and that can hurt. The SP is there but the RP is lacking. At least we shouldn't have to hear about him getting screwed in next years lottery :)
Catcher:
Mike Napoli definitely has some power, and should hit 20 hrs assuming he gets 400 at bats. Getting 20hr 60rbi out of a catcher is a nice bonus as long as the rest of the lineup can offset his lack elsewhere along with lower AB totals. John Baker is the backup and if needed should provide a decent average but not much else.
1st Base:
I really do like Carlos Pena. His average is never going to be too great but the power is there and has a nice lineup building around him. If he can stay healthy I can see another 35 hr season in him along with over 100 rbi and close to 100 walks. The backup will be Morales who hasn't proved much in the majors but has proven he can hit AAA pitching. I do like him to come around this year but if he doesn't and Pena goes down Dallas could be hurting here.
2nd Base:
I project Cano to be a .280-90-12-70 guy which isn't stud levels for 2nd base but is good enough to help week to week. I wouldn't expect him to hit .340 again though. There isnt a backup here, so it will be WW time in the rare case Cano goes down.
3rd Base:
The Redbirds needed some speed and went with Chone Figgins to fill this position. He had hamstring issues last year which is something to keep an eye on but should still steal around 30 bases. Scott Rolen is still reaping the rewards of a 5 year deal, but at this point he's a guy that you really don't want in your lineup unless things go awry. He's a great example of how injuries can kill a career. Mike Lowell was taken around the perfect time and I think he's a darkhorse on this team. He may fill the utility spot and put up decent numbers for the most part of the season. He's had some health issues but I think he'll prove to be one of the bigger steals of the draft.
Shortstop:
Jhonny Peralta is coming off a monster year for a shortstop and should continue to build on 2008 numbers. Turning 27 this season, I dont see a major decrease in numbers in the works. Depending on the players around him I could see .275-90-20-100 in 2009. Jed Lowrie backs him up, but looks like Julio Lugo is staking claim on his position in Boston.
Outfield:
Matt Holliday moves from Colorado to Oakland and that can't be a major help to his numbers, but I trust his ability enough to know he will continue to produce. This team is expecting greatness here so there's a lot riding on the adjustment. I expect a .310-95-25-100-10 season in Oakland. I'm being fairly conservative with those projections but I feel they're reasonable. A step below is Andre Ethier who progressed nicely in 2008 and should continue into 2009. Will be a nice duo with Holliday with .300-90-20-90. However, after those two the team is depending on the likes of Ryan Church, Jeremy Hermida and Jack Cust. You know Cust will hit close to 30 hrs and walk 100 times but will hit .230. Hermida and Church have some upside but not a big fan of either. Juan Pierre should steal 40 bases but might not get consistent playing time.
Starting Pitching:
Brandon Webb and Ervin Santana is a nice 1-2 punch to build around. I could see these two combining for 35 wins, 350 K's and around 3.50 ERA. Matt Garza showed a lot of guts in the post season and should be ready to take it to the next level in 2009, could be a nice "sleeper" even though he's been on everyones radar for a couple years now. Lets assume Chamberlain starts for New York. He's proven he will succeed in any role he's given but needs to work deeper into games if he's going to be a top notch starter. If he turns into a top tier guy as early as 2009 the Redbirds will have a great 1-4 rotation going on. I'm no fan of Wang or Snell, but a guy like Wang doesnt do enough to hurt a team as a #5 guy. Dallas spent a high pick on Price though and I think is putting a lot of faith on him becoming a stud before he's ready. It's no different than when everyone was sniffing the "King" Felix Hernandez glue a few years ago. I've seen him pitch and know what he can do, but i would never expect someone to be completely successful this early on.
Relief Pitching:
I like Heath Bell a lot, which brings up an interesting tid bit of information on this guy's offseason. While listening to Jim Rome a few days ago I learned that Heath Bell lost 25 pounds because a game on the Wii told him he was obese. Anyhow, he has the stuff to close and should end up one of the top tier guys this year. Chris Ray returns to Baltimore to close but was never that good to begin with. He'll get the saves but at what cost? There isn't much to talk about MR wise on this team, Masterson will likely get swapped in and out of the rotation and mopup work, Cory Wade is hurt and Ramon Ramirez is a relatively unknown who came out of nowhere to post good numbers last year.
Overall:
I think Dallas did enough to put up a competitive team this year, but there are a few areas that could be trouble if the stars don't align. When you get an abundance of guys who hit for a lower average you end up with cold streaks which can turn into dry weeks. Holliday and Ethier cannot carry a team through those and that can hurt. The SP is there but the RP is lacking. At least we shouldn't have to hear about him getting screwed in next years lottery :)
2009 eMLB Team Profiles (Michigan Miracles)
Michigan Miracles:
Catcher:
Bengie Molina has been pretty consistent at catcher for a number of years, should expect nothing less this season although I would expect a significant decrease in RBI. He's backed up by Brandon Inge who is one of the best defensive 3rd baseman in the American League, but oh yeah he qualifies at C and still can't hit.
1st Base:
Carlos Delgado is coming off a strong "comeback" season for the Mets. I don't think he'll repeat 2008 numbers but should be good for .260-90-30-100 which isn't nothing to sneeze at considering the position was slim going into draft. Carlos Guillen could serve as the backup if needed but will most likely be used at Utility until his outfield eligibilty comes to life.
2nd Base:
Dan Uggla is probably the best 2b power hitter but lacks some consistency and will hurt the batting average. However, getting 30 homers out of a middle infield position is rare. His backup is Asdrubal Cabrera. Lets hope he never has to use him.
3rd Base:
Probably made the right choice taking David Wright, he's at the perfect age for peak years and is a 5 tool player. He should break in the new stadium with .310-110-30-120 and top it off with 15-20 steals. He'll be the face of this team for the next several years.
Shortstop:
Miguel Tejada is in the forefront for all the wrong reasons currently, but regardless of what's going on with the performance enhancing drugs and what not he should put up good numbers in the middle infield. I don't think he lied on the stand so at least he wont go to jail during the season haha.
Outfield:
Lets hope Alex Rios has some strong shoulders, because he's carrying a hefty load here. Aside from the potential 30-30 man (And thats debatable) there isn't a whole lot here to be excited about. Rick Ankiel is a nice story but is very streaky, somehow should end up around .250 and 25 hrs though. Swisher gets new life in NY, it will bury him. Dukes is a headcase but has some potential so keep an eye on him. Josh Willingham is a steady source of power when he plays but I question his durability, this team needs him to stay healthy. Cody Ross will likely turn out to be a flash in the pan, I dont see him being successful against righty's enough to warrant full time work. It will be a big boost once Guillen gets enough games to help the outfield out.
Utility:
Gary Sheffield.... I was ready to bury him in May last year, and nothing has changed since then.
Starting Pitching:
The ace of this team going into the season is Zach Greinke who apparently got over his social anxiety. He's ready to become a top tier pitcher in 2009. The wild-card here is Justin Verlander, at least based on "stuff". Last year was a mess for him but I dont think that shows his true talent. He should bounce back in a huge way this year and Michigan will need him to. Mark Buehrle should serve as a decent #3 but after him you're talking about guys like Bronson Arroyo, Kyle Lohse, Kevin Millwood, and Jeremy Bonderman. I can see those 4 being shuffled in and out all season.
Relief Pitching:
Jose Valverde is one of the top tier closers after proving 2007 wasn't a fluke. Another 35 save season is in the works there. It will be weird to see Trevor Hoffman in a uniform other than the San Diego one, but he's savvy enough to hold down the job for Milwaukee and build on his record. Not the most flashy duo but should combine for close to 70 saves. George Sherrill enjoyed some success early on as closer but he's better suited to be the setup guy, which makes more sense for this team anyways. If Chris Ray gets a handle on his old job, Sherrill should be a good source of holds. Affeldt has found his niche and Rivera should end up top setup man for Montrea... oops, i mean Washington.
Michigan is headed in the right direction, David Wright will lead this team into the future but the offense is lacking overall and will be the demise of this team. The starting pitching should hold steady but a lot depends on the comeback of Verlander. Even if he comes back to ace numbers I dont see Arroyo and Bonderman helping caboose this rotation.
Another lottery could be in the cards, but if some things fall right the Miracles could make consolation.
Catcher:
Bengie Molina has been pretty consistent at catcher for a number of years, should expect nothing less this season although I would expect a significant decrease in RBI. He's backed up by Brandon Inge who is one of the best defensive 3rd baseman in the American League, but oh yeah he qualifies at C and still can't hit.
1st Base:
Carlos Delgado is coming off a strong "comeback" season for the Mets. I don't think he'll repeat 2008 numbers but should be good for .260-90-30-100 which isn't nothing to sneeze at considering the position was slim going into draft. Carlos Guillen could serve as the backup if needed but will most likely be used at Utility until his outfield eligibilty comes to life.
2nd Base:
Dan Uggla is probably the best 2b power hitter but lacks some consistency and will hurt the batting average. However, getting 30 homers out of a middle infield position is rare. His backup is Asdrubal Cabrera. Lets hope he never has to use him.
3rd Base:
Probably made the right choice taking David Wright, he's at the perfect age for peak years and is a 5 tool player. He should break in the new stadium with .310-110-30-120 and top it off with 15-20 steals. He'll be the face of this team for the next several years.
Shortstop:
Miguel Tejada is in the forefront for all the wrong reasons currently, but regardless of what's going on with the performance enhancing drugs and what not he should put up good numbers in the middle infield. I don't think he lied on the stand so at least he wont go to jail during the season haha.
Outfield:
Lets hope Alex Rios has some strong shoulders, because he's carrying a hefty load here. Aside from the potential 30-30 man (And thats debatable) there isn't a whole lot here to be excited about. Rick Ankiel is a nice story but is very streaky, somehow should end up around .250 and 25 hrs though. Swisher gets new life in NY, it will bury him. Dukes is a headcase but has some potential so keep an eye on him. Josh Willingham is a steady source of power when he plays but I question his durability, this team needs him to stay healthy. Cody Ross will likely turn out to be a flash in the pan, I dont see him being successful against righty's enough to warrant full time work. It will be a big boost once Guillen gets enough games to help the outfield out.
Utility:
Gary Sheffield.... I was ready to bury him in May last year, and nothing has changed since then.
Starting Pitching:
The ace of this team going into the season is Zach Greinke who apparently got over his social anxiety. He's ready to become a top tier pitcher in 2009. The wild-card here is Justin Verlander, at least based on "stuff". Last year was a mess for him but I dont think that shows his true talent. He should bounce back in a huge way this year and Michigan will need him to. Mark Buehrle should serve as a decent #3 but after him you're talking about guys like Bronson Arroyo, Kyle Lohse, Kevin Millwood, and Jeremy Bonderman. I can see those 4 being shuffled in and out all season.
Relief Pitching:
Jose Valverde is one of the top tier closers after proving 2007 wasn't a fluke. Another 35 save season is in the works there. It will be weird to see Trevor Hoffman in a uniform other than the San Diego one, but he's savvy enough to hold down the job for Milwaukee and build on his record. Not the most flashy duo but should combine for close to 70 saves. George Sherrill enjoyed some success early on as closer but he's better suited to be the setup guy, which makes more sense for this team anyways. If Chris Ray gets a handle on his old job, Sherrill should be a good source of holds. Affeldt has found his niche and Rivera should end up top setup man for Montrea... oops, i mean Washington.
Michigan is headed in the right direction, David Wright will lead this team into the future but the offense is lacking overall and will be the demise of this team. The starting pitching should hold steady but a lot depends on the comeback of Verlander. Even if he comes back to ace numbers I dont see Arroyo and Bonderman helping caboose this rotation.
Another lottery could be in the cards, but if some things fall right the Miracles could make consolation.
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