The Great Lakes Division (2011 predictions)

The eMLB's version of the NFC West in 2010, the division looks to rebound from having four teams (sadly yes, 4) under 500 for most or all of the season. While optimism fills the air, its looking like 2011 will not be that much better.

The Carolina Yankees were taken over by CEO Chris Broskey and now what once was a Charlotte NC headquarters is now in Charlotte MI (btw, its actually pronounced SHAR - LOTTE) Broskey brings an energy back to the league its been missing since his departure several years ago. Activity will not be lacking here, and yes he has one hell of a nice team page. Charlotte took a youthful approach this draft, but I like what he's done with his lineup. Tabata has a lot of potential although maybe a little early yet for him to be more than a 3rd or 4th OF this year. If health allows this could be a dangerous lineup led by Votto, Utley, Cruz, and Hanley. The pitching will be questionable however, a few guys who could be valuable assets are anything but a sure thing. It looks like Verlander will be carrying a big load on his shoulders.

The Killer Eagles appear to be looking towards the future, trading away quite a bit to move up and gain two extra first round selections. Team management will always try to put together a competitive bunch but this season will be extremely hard to keep up being behind the 8ball to start the season. However, being in a low level division could prove to be a saving grace considering how many games will be played between these 4 teams.

Mid-Michigan heads into 2011 still trying to make their first birth into the Championship Playoffs. Not sounding like a pessimist but I am not really liking their chances to end that streak this season. They will definitely need to rely on the strong duo of Lincecum and Lee, with John Danks being a very good #3 guy. Im not sure the Tigers will have enough offensive fire power to keep up with the top tiered teams though. Miguel Cabrera is a beast and will put up monster numbers but there are a lot of question marks with the rest of the lineup. Rumor out of MidMichigan has GM Keith Baker hiring Cabrera a designated driver, so hopefully there will not be any more 3am calls from the Eaton County drunk tank

Gaylord heads into 2011 as a consensus pick to come out as GL Division champ, but there are some issues that may come up this season that will be hard to overcome. Currently has several offensive players who are likely candidates to end up on the DL for either lengthly periods of time or frequent trips. (Posada, Roberts, Beltran, Furcal, Willingham) The rotation is unspectacular if anything, but has a few guys that prove to be excellent value for where they were drafted. But truth is, Carlos Zambrano and AJ Burnett would scare the hell out of me.

With all that being said, while this might not be the mighty Texas division it might prove to be the most competitive since I dont believe there's a clear cut favorite to win it. I could honestly see any of the four teams coming out as division champs. This is what my gut tells me....

1. Gaylord Dingers:
Wagner will make the necessary moves to keep a step ahead of the rest of the division.
2. Charlotte Oreos:
The lack in pitching could land them lower but I love the lineup

3a. Olivet Killer Eagles:
The lineup should be competitive but lack of speed avg and bb are going to hurt and the pitching is not going to make things any easier

3b. Mid Michigan Tigers:
Will probably fight with the Eagles for position in either lottery or consolation.

Hitting Power Ranks Part 2

This set of rankings is completely my opinion on each team. I went through and put a grade value on each starting player, infield depth, of depth, and each individual statistical category. Here is what I came up with this round....

#1 Julian Javelina (3.306)

#2 Flying Squirrels of Republic (3.222)

#3 Rochester Red Sox (3.210)

#4 Ovieda Knights (3.202)

#5 North Texas Rangers (3.191)

#6 Gaylord Dingers (3.167)

#7 Michigan Miracles (3.167)

#8 Dallas Redbirds (3.139)

#9 Charlotte Orios (3.139)

#10 South Texas (2.833)

#11 Olivet Killer Eagles (2.778)

#12 Hackensack Bulls (2.750)

#13 Mid Michigan Tigers (2.667)

#14 San Antonio Fire Ants (2.528)

#15 Arizona Desert Swarm (2.444)

#16 Atlantic Surge (2.389)

2011 Olivet Killer Eagles Depth Chart

With the draft finally completed its time to take a step back and look at how the co/mpleted roster shapes up.

2011 Projected Starting Lineup (Subject to Change)

C: Victor Martinez - Detroit Tigers
2011 proj: 291avg 90runs 18hrs 95rbi 55bbs 0sb

1b: Adam Dunn - Chicago White Sox
2011 proj: 255avg 84runs 37hrs 116rbi 76bbs 0sb

2b: Ryan Raburn - Detroit Tigers
2011 proj: 261avg 70runs 17hrs 68rbi 33bbs 8sb

3b: Michael Cuddyer - Minnesota Twins
2011 proj: 271avg 71runs 16hrs 81rbi 46bbs 3sb

SS: Asdrubal Cabrera - Cleveland Indians
2011 proj: 286avg 84runs 8hrs 56rbi 41bbs 15sb

OF: Nick Swisher - New York Yankees
2011 proj: 258avg 87runs 28hrs 87rbi 52bbs 1sb

OF: Drew Stubbs - Cincinnati Reds
2011 proj: 252avg 92runs 23hrs 68rbi 40bbs 37sb

OF: Vladamir Guerrero - Baltimore Orioles
2011 proj: 292avg 62runs 16hrs 69rbi 26bbs 0sb

OF: Luke Scott - Baltimore Orioles
2011 proj: 266avg 70runs 22hrs 81rbi 39bbs 1sb

DH: Kendry Morales - Los Angeles Angels
2011 proj: 291avg 84runs 27hrs 98rbi 51bbs 6sb

BENCH:
1b/3b Edwin Encarnacion - Toronto Blue Jays
Slated to be the Blue Jays starting first basemen this season. Had a nice 2nd half after his early season demotion and injury issues. Could finally put it together soon?

2b/OF: Sean Rodriguez - Tampa Rays
Should start at 2nd for TB with Zobrist playing either RF or 1B. Has some nice upside with decent pop and speed. Eventually would be starting 2b if the speed/pop combo warrants it. Qualifies in OF as well so brings some roster flexibility.

2b: Will Rhymes - Detroit Tigers
Will likely begin season as starting 2nd basemen, however he'll have to beat out Sizemore for the spot. Fits the 2 hole better than Sizemore and if he wins the job should hit for nice avg and score in front of Martinez, Maggs, an Miggy

SS: JJ Hardy - Baltimore Orioles
Moves to Baltimore after rebounding somewhat in the 2nd half of 2010 hitting 304 in just under 200 ABs. Hopefully some of the power he displayed earlier in his career can come back.

OF/1b: Brad Hawpe - San Diego Padres
Had an awful 2010 and it got him released from the Rockies and he didnt get a chance to recover after going to Tampa to finish the season. Gets a fresh start in San Diego as their starting 1B. Taking a chance here, but I think he'll rebound to have a decent year in 2011. Went from 302, 315, 283, 303, to .239 hitting against RHP. If that goes back up to the 285 range he'll be just fine.

OF: Jeff Francoeur - Kansas City Royals
What can I say? He's got a starting job somehow, probably because KC has the worst team I've ever seen. Who knows, maybe he'll figure things out...

OF: Fred Lewis - Cincinnati Reds
Gomes is the starter in LF but cannot hit righties and the team could use a leadoff hitter rather than use Stubbs there so I took a flyer that he'd end up getting some FT abs at some point and my team needs speed BADLY.

1b/OF: Xavier Nady - Arizona Diamondbacks
Another flyer, should get FT abs. Or on the WW early on.

STARTING ROTATION:

James Shields - Tampa Rays
Comes off a pretty bad year but all indicators showed he was pretty unlucky for the most part. Not a typical ACE but we focused on hitting early on.
2011 proj: 13w 175ks 4.15era 1.20whip

Ricky Romero - Toronto Blue Jays
Strong start to 2010 but faded down the stretch. If he can put together a full season like his first half this will definitely be the Eagles ace
2011 proj: 16w 190k 3.60era 1.15whip

Joel Pineiro - Los Angeles Angels
Nothing special here, but should keep the ERA/WHIP low and possibly get double digit wins.
2011 proj: 12 wins 100k 4.00era 1.20whip

Carlos Carrasco - Cleveland Indians
Started to put things together at the end of the season and we're hoping it rolls over into 2011. Upside is nice, but the downside could be ugly
2011 proj: 12w 140k 4.35era 1.40whip

Homer Bailey - Cincinnati Reds
Another strong finish, has to put it together someday right?
2011 proj: 9w 135k 4.50era 1.45 whip

JA Happ - Houston Astros
Shows flashes here and there. WHIP will be high but pitched very well after the move to Houston

Chris Capuano - New York Mets
Came back and pitched well after losing a couple years to TJ surgeries.

Rich Harden - Oakland Athletics
No Comment

RELIEF CORE:

Drew Storen - Washington Nationals
Touted prospect gets shot at CL role. Not big on drafting closers, hopefully he doesnt make me regret it

Joel Hanrahan - Pittsburgh Pirates
Will battle Meek for the closers role, either way if he ends up setting up he's a high K pitcher which is what I look for in a reliever

Mike Gonzalez - Baltimore Orioles
Flamed out as CL last year but when healthy he's proven over the years to be a top setup guy. Health risk aside im ok having to hold on to him for another year

Joba Chamberlain - NY Yankees
Just a gut feeling, but I think he'll end up top setup man in NY after Soriano gets hurt (overdue) and Rivera shows his age. Robertson also will compete for H opps but i think this is the year he puts it altogether

Bobby Parnell - NY Mets
Top setup guy there, and... ok thats all I've got

Joel Peralta - Tampa Rays
Was solid last year and that bullpen is all but certain. Could be top setup guy or vulture saves since Farnsworth has never really held down the job before