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.
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