Encinitas Beach Bums

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.