MLB Preview Day 27, Tampa Bay Rays

2010 Record- 96-66, 1st place AL East, Lost to Texas in ALDS
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Carl Crawford, .307 (9th AL), Carlos Pena, 28 HR (t-12th AL), Evan Longoria, 104 RBI (9th AL), David Price, 19 Wins (t-2nd AL), David Price, 2.72 ERA (3rd AL), David Price, 188 K (8th AL)

Key Additions- Joel Peralta (RHP), Kyle Farnsworth (RHP), Johnny Damon (OF), Manny Ramirez (OF)

Key Losses- Willy Aybar (DH), Rocco Baldelli (OF), Grant Balfour (RHP), Jason Bartlett (SS), Joaquin Benoit (RHP), Randy Choate (LHP), Lance Cormier (RHP), Carl Crawford (OF), Brad Hawpe (OF), Gabe Kapler (OF), Dioneer Navarro (C), Carlos Pena (1B), Chad Qualls (RHP), Rafael Soriano (RHP), Dan Wheeler (RHP), Matt Garza (RHP)

2011 Projected Record- 80-90 Wins, 3rd place AL East
Manager- Joe Maddon (6th Season, 404-406)
Best Player- Evan Longoria
Best Pitcher- David Price
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Sean Rodriguez
Biggest Potential Impact Rookie- Jeremy Hellickson

Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
Johnny Damon, LF- .275/10 HR/55 RBI
Ben Zobrist, RF- .285/15 HR/75 RBI
Evan Longoria, 3B- .295/32 HR/105 RBI
Manny Ramirez, DH- .290/20 HR/70 RBI
BJ Upton, CF- .260/18 HR/75 RBI
Sean Rodriguez, 2B- .270/16 HR/70 RBI
John Jaso, C- .275/9 HR/50 RBI
Reid Brignac, SS- .265/15 HR/55 RBI
Dan Johnson, 1B- .245/12 HR/60 RBI

Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
David Price- 18-8/3.25 ERA/195 K
James Shields- 14-12/4.15 ERA/185 K
Jeff Niemann- 15-5/3.40 ERA/145 K
Wade Davis- 14-9/3.70 ERA/150 K
Jeremy Hellickson- 11-13/4.45 ERA/160 K
Jake McGee- 3.20 ERA/20 Saves

Team Outlook- A team that nearly went to the World Series looks a shell of its 2010 version after losing Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena, Matt Garza, Dan Wheeler, Joaquin Benoit and Rafael Soriano to free agency and trades.  But it is still a team that can't be counted out, with a decent lineup built around Evan Longoria, one of the best players in baseball, and a great rotation with Price, Shields, Davis, Hellickson, and Niemann.  Of course Joe Maddon is at the helm, one of the best skippers in all of baseball. 

MLB Preview Day 26, St. Louis Cardinals

2010 Preview- 86-76, 2nd place NL Central
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Matt Holliday/Albert Pujols, .312 (t-5th NL), Albert Pujols, 42 HR (1st NL), Albert Pujols (1st NL), Adam Wainwright, 20 Wins (2nd NL), Adam Wainwright, 2.42 ERA (2nd NL), Adam Wainwright, 213 K (4th NL)

Key Additions- Lance Berkman (OF), Gerald Laird (C), Brian Tallet (LHP), Ryan Theriot (2B), Raul Valdes (RHP), Nick Punto (IF)

Key Losses- Pedro Feliz (3B), Blake Hawksworth (RHP), Jason LaRue (C), Mike MacDougal (RHP), Joe Mather (OF), Aaron Miles (3B), Dennys Reyes (LHP), Brendan Ryan (SS), Jeff Suppan (RHP), Randy Winn (OF)

2011 Projected Record- 80-90 wins, 3rd place NL Central
Manager- Tony LaRussa (16th year, 1318-1110)
Best Player- Albert Pujols
Best Pitcher- Chris Carpenter
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Colby Rasmus
Biggest Potential Impact Rookie- Lance Lynn

Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
Skip Schumaker, 2B- .295/6 HR/50 RBI
Colby Rasmus, CF- .280/25 HR/70 RBI
Albert Pujols, 1B- .335/48 HR/145 RBI
Matt Holliday, LF- .310/26 HR/115 RBI
Lance Berkman, RF- .265/18 HR/70 RBI
David Freese, 3B- .285/12 HR/50 RBI
Yadier Molina, C- .270/8 HR/55 RBI
Ryan Theriot, SS- .275/4 HR/45 RBI

Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
Chris Carpenter- 17-6/3.15 ERA/165 K
Jaime Garcia- 14-10/3.55 ERA/155 K
Jake Westbrook- 11-10/4.05 ERA/135 K
Kyle Lohse- 9-13/5.05 ERA/100 K
Kyle McClellan- 4-8/5.50 ERA/45 K
Ryan Franklin- 3.10 ERA/30 Saves

Team Outlook- The Cardinals had the biggest of blows early in Spring Training, with ace Adam Wainwright going down after undergoing Tommy John Surgery.  That hurts their rotation, who really have one dependable starter in Carpenter and possibly Garcia, but behind that looks very suspect.  Offensively they are very good, with a Skip Schumaker leading off at the top of the order after a very good spring, while the heart of the order features Pujols and Holliday, and I think Pujols will win the Triple Crown after challenging the feat many times over his career in a contract year.  They also added Lance Berkman, who should put up respectable numbers despite not being the guy who averaged 37 2B, 33 HR, and 110 RBI between 2001 and 2008.  The Cards will probably have a hard time competing in 2011, and will be right around 3rd or 4th place in the Central.

Listen to Happy Hour with O'Rourke and McGuire tonight from 6-8

Dont forget to listen to happy hour with O'Rourke and McGuire tonight from 6-8 on WNEK 105.1 as we talk about the latest in WNEC Sports News as well as some march madness, NHL, NBA, and an MLB season preview. If you wanna call in, the number is (413) 782-1586.

MLB Preview Day 25, Seattle Mariners

Felix Hernandez accounted for 13 of Seattle's 61 wins enroute to his first career Cy Young Award in 2010.

2010 Record- 61-101, 4th place AL West
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Ichiro, .315 (7th AL), Franklin Gutierrez, 12 HR (t-65th AL), Franklin Gutierrez, 64 RBI (51st AL), Felix Hernandez, 13 Wins (18th AL), Felix Hernandez, 2.27 ERA (1st AL), Felix Hernandez, 232 K (2nd AL)

Key Additions- Denny Bautista (RHP), Jack Cust (DH), Chris Gimenez (C), Justin Miller (RHP), Royce Ring (LHP), Brendan Ryan (SS), Miguel Olivo (C), Chris Ray (RHP), Manny Delcarmen (RHP)

Key Losses- Josh Bard (C), Russell Branyan (1B), Rob Johnson (C), Casey Kotchman (1B), Jose Lopez (3B), Guillermo Quiroz (C), Ryan Rowland-Smith (LHP), Chris Woodward (SS)

2011 Projected Record- 60-70 wins, 4th place AL West
Best Player- Ichiro
Best Pitcher- Felix Hernandez
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Justin Smoak
Biggest Potential Impact Rookie- Michael Pineda

Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
Ichiro, RF- .315/5 HR/40 RBI
Chone Figgins, 3B- .285/3 HR/40 RBI
Miguel Olivo, C- .250/15 HR/65 RBI
Justin Smoak, 1B- .275/20 HR/75 RBI
Franklin Guttierez, CF- .270/14 HR/60 RBI
Jack Cust, DH- .235/18 HR/50 RBI
Dustin Ackley, 2B- .265/7 HR/50 RBI
Michael Saunders, LF- .260/10 HR/45 RBI
Brendan Ryan, SS- .245/1 HR/25 RBI


Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
Felix Hernandez- 13-11/2.40 ERA/240 K
Jason Vargas- 8-15/3.80 ERA/125 K
Doug Fister- 9-16/4.25 ERA/100 K
Eric Bedard- 12-14/3.60 ERA/130 K
Michael Pineda- 10-12/3.50 ERA/150 K
David Aardsma- 3.15 ERA/20 Saves

Team Outlook- Despite having one of the top 5 best players in the bigs and one of the top 5 pitchers in the bigs, the Mariners are probably one of the 5 worst teams in the bigs.  After a year in which they were one of the worst offenses ever seen, scoring just 513 runs, 74 less runs than the Pirates, the expectations for the Mariners are pretty low, which they should be.  The offense will be a little bit better (can't get much worse), and the pitching staff will be solid, with King Felix leading the way as the ace.  They should get help from rookies Dustin Ackley and Michael Pineda, but the team will still compete for the cellar of the American League.

MLB Preview Day 24, San Francisco Giants

Catcher Buster Posey was arguably the Giants MVP in 2010, and has drawn comparisions to Minnesota's superstar Catcher Joe Mauer

2010 Record- 92-70, 1st place NL West, World Series Champions
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Aubrey Huff, .290 (t-17th NL), Aubrey Huff, 26 HR (t-18th NL), Aubrey Huff, 86 RBI (t-20th NL), Tim Lincecum, 16 Wins (t-6th NL), Jonathan Sanchez, 3.07 ERA (13th NL), Tim Lincecum, 231 K (1st NL)

Key Additions- Miguel Tejada (SS)

Key Losses- Jose Guillen (OF), Chris Ray (RHP), Edgar Renteria (SS), Juan Uribe (SS), Eugenio Velez (OF)

2011 Projected Record- 85-95 wins, 2nd place NL West
Manager- Bruce Bochy (5th year, 323-325)
Best Player- Buster Posey
Best Pitcher- Tim Lincecum
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Madison Bumgarner
Biggest Potential Impace Rookie- Brandon Belt

Potential Lineup/Projected Stats
Andres Torres, CF- .280/15 HR/70 RBI
Freddy Sanchez, 2B- .285/7 HR/50 RBI
Pablo Sandoval, 3B- .300/20 HR/90 RBI

Buster Posey, C- .295/25 HR/95 RBI
Pat Burrell, LF- .255/22 HR/75 RBI
Aubrey Huff, 1B- .275/25 HR/80 RBI
Miguel Tejada, SS- .265/10 HR/65 RBI
Cody Ross, RF- .250/14 HR/60 RBI

Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
Tim Lincecum- 17-9/3.50 ERA/240 K
Matt Cain- 15-10/3.30 ERA/180 K
Jonathan Sanchez- 17-7/2.90 ERA/210 K
Madison Bumgarner- 13-7/3.25 ERA/160 K
Barry Zito- 10-12/4.20 ERA/185 K
Brian Wilson- 1.90 ERA/45 Saves

Team Outlook- A team that exploded on the scene and won the World Series in 2010 will once again be competitive in 2011.  Their rotation could be better, with Lincecum and Cain continuing to be a solid 1-2, and I expect Sanchez and Bumgarner to be even better than last year.  Unfortunately, the division has gotten better, with Colorado and the Dodgers most likely posing more competition on the Giants.  The Giants will compete, but I would not be surprised if they're not in the postseason.

The Giants have shown the world they have moved past the Bonds era

The 15-year stretch known as the Barry Bonds era in San Francisco is known by sports fans alike.  It is known for the success Bonds had in his years in the Bay Area.  The success includes 586 homers, 1951 hits, 263 stolen bases, and a monstrous .312/.477/.666.  He also broke the single-season home run record in 2001 when he smack 73 balls out of the park, became the 4th person in MLB history to have 300 career homers and 300 career steals (that has since gone to 7 members), broke one of the most sacred records in sports, Henry Aaron's record of 756 home runs, and he is the only player to ever record 500 homers and 500 steals.  He also brought home the hardware, winning 5 MVP awards, 5 gold gloves, 9 silver sluggers, and was a 12-time all-star, and led the Giants to the 2002 pennant.  But there was also the baggage.

While Bonds did rack up the monstrous numbers, there was tremendous suspicion that these numbers were tainted, being a big part of the steroids scandal in baseball.  He also brought himself to the attention of many with several controversial comments, with a racially charged comment toward baseball legend Babe Ruth.  He gained a reputation as a selfish-person, a poor teammate, and was hated by many around the baseball world and beyond.  His hype and attention he attracted essentially put the Giants organization in a stranglehold, and set them back quite a few years, and as a result limited the Giants to sub-.500 seasons in his final 3 seasons, as well as the year after in 2008.  But as of late, that stranglehold has seemed to go away.

In 2009, the Giants broke out, led by young phenom and 2008 Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum, enroute to his second consecutive Cy Young Award, as well as a young, promising rotation that featured Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez, as well as late-season acquisition Brad Penny and 19-year old stud Madision Bumgarner, who came up in Semptember after a dominant season at AA-Connecticut.   It also featured 22-year old sensation Pablo Sandoval exploding on the scene as well.  It all resulted in an 88-win season, a 16-game improvement from 2008, and missing the wildcard by 4 games to division rival Colorado.

This led to big expectations for the 2010 season, with a loaded rotation following another Cy Young year for Lincecum, breakout seasons from Matt Cain and Jonathan Sanchez, and a stellar second half from Barry Zito, as well as rookie phenom  Madison Bumgarner.  The rotation failed to disappoint, with Lincecum once again being one of baseball's best, posting a 16-10 record and striking out 231 despite having his ERA over a run higher.  Matt Cain led the team in innings pitched and Sanchez struckout 205 batters.  Brian Wilson emerged as one of baseball's best closers, posting 1.81 with a league-leading 48 saves and 93 strikeouts compared to 26 walks.  The biggest piece of the puzzle came in late May, with Buster Posey coming up to the big club, and was arguably the team MVP over the last 4 months of the season, hitting 18 HR, 67 RBI, and 23 doubles in 108 games, winning the NL Rookie of the Year.

But the biggest thing about this team was that it developed a personality.  It became a likeable, loose clubhouse, as opposed to the hated team that had public enemy Barry Bonds in its clubhouse.  Things like "fear the beard", referring to Brian Wilson's postseason beard were vivid examples the sun had set on the San Francisco Giants of 5 years ago.  The biggest sign of all, however, was seen one night in November, when this young, loose group of guys did something Barry Bonds, or any player that put on a San Francisco Giants uniform for that matter, could never do- bring the World Series Trophy to San Francisco.

MLB Preview Day 23, San Diego Padres

Mat Latos had a breakout 2010 season

2010 Record- 90-72, 2nd place NL West
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Adrian Gonzalez, .298 (t-11th NL), Adrian Gonzalez, 31 HR (t-8th NL), Adrian Gonzalez, 101 RBI (12th NL), Clayton Richard/Mat Latos/Jon Garland, 14 Wins (t-11th NL), Mat Latos, 2.92 ERA (10th NL), Mat Latos, 189 K (11th NL)

Key Additions- Jason Bartlett (SS), Aaron Harang (RHP), Jarrett Hoffpauir (3B), Orlando Hudson (2B), Rob Johnson (C), Cameron Maybin (OF), Dustin Moseley (RHP), Eric Patterson (OF), Brad Hawpe (1B), Chad Qualls (RHP), Jorge Cantu (IF), Pat Neshek (RHP)

Key Losses- Kevin Correia (RHP), David Eckstein (2B), Jon Garland (RHP), Adrian Gonzalez (1B), Tony Gwynn Jr. (OF), Jerry Hairston (SS), Scott Hairston (OF), Edward Mujica (RHP), Matt Stairs (OF), Miguel Tejada (SS), Yorvit Torrealba (C), Chris Young (RHP), Ryan Webb (RHP), Adam Russell (RHP), Cesar Ramos (LHP)

2011 Projected Record- 70-80 Wins, 4th place NL West
Manager- Bud Black (5th Year, 317-332)
Best Player- Chase Headley
Best Pitcher- Mat Latos
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Wil Venable
Biggest Potential Impact Rookie- Cory Luebke

Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
Jason Bartlett, SS- .280/2 HR/40 RBI
Orlando Hudson, 2B- .270/6 HR/45 RBI
Chase Headley, 3B- .275/15 HR/70 RBI
Brad Hawpe, 1B- .260/18 HR/75 RBI
Ryan Ludwick, LF- .260/15 HR/65 RBI
Wil Venable, RF- .240/14 HR/55 RBI
Nick Hundley, C- .255/12 HR/45 RBI
Cameron Maybin, CF- .260/8 HR/55 RBI

Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
Mat Latos- 15-10/2.95 ERA/195 K
Clayton Richard- 12-14/3.80 ERA/160 K
Aaron Harang- 9-12/4.00 ERA/115 K
Tim Stauffer- 10-11/3.85 ERA/120 K
Dustin Mosesley- 4-8/5.15 ERA/75 K
Heath Bell- 1.90 ERA/35 Saves

Team Outlook- Currently rebuilding the organization, at the minor and major league level, therefore will have a hard time competing this season.  The offense looks so weak without the bat of Adrian Gonzalez in that lineup.  The rotation is headed by emerging stars Mat Latos and Clayton Richard, but not much else after that.  Expect Heath Bell to be traded by the deadline.

MLB Preview Day 22, Pittsburgh Pirates

Pedro Alvarez is expected to have a breakout 2011 after a solid 2010 season

 2010 Record- 57-105, 6th place NL Central
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Andrew McCutchen, .286 (21st NL), Garrett Jones, 21 HR (t-34th NL), Garrett Jones, 86 RBI (t-20th NL), Paul Maholm, 9 Wins (t-38th NL), Paul Maholm, 5.10 ERA (45th NL), Paul Maholm, 102 K (t-43rd NL)

Key Additions- Matt Diaz (OF), Josh Fields (3B), Andy Marte (3B), Fernando Nieve (RHP), Scott Olsen (LHP), Lyle Overbay (1B), Kevin Correia (RHP), Garrett Olson (LHP)

Key Losses- Brian Burres (LHP), Zach Duke (LHP), Andy LaRoche (3B), Lastings Milledge (OF), Chan Ho Park (RHP), Delwyn Young (OF), Joe Martinez (RHP)

2011 Projected Record- 55-65 wins, 6th place NL Central
Manager- Clint Hurdle (1st Year)
Best Player- Andrew McCutchen
Best Pitcher- Paul Maholm
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Pedro Alvarez
Biggest Potential Impact Rookie- Rudy Owens

Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
Andrew McCutchen, CF- .295/15 HR/65 RBI
Jose Tabata, LF- .280/8 HR/55 RBI
Neil Walker, 2B- .275/20 HR/70 RBI
Garrett Jones, RF- .260/25 HR/80 RBI
Pedro Alvarez, 3B- .265/24 HR/75 RBI
Lyle Overbay, 1B- .255/15 HR/70 RBI
Chris Snyder, C- .260/10 HR/45 RBI
Ronny Cedeno, SS- .245/5 HR/40 RBI

Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
Paul Maholm- 8-14/4.95 ERA/105 K
Ross Ohlendorf- 7-11/4.40 ERA/100 K
Charlie Morton- 5-13/5.15 ERA/90 K
James McDonald- 10-13/4.05 ERA/140 K
Scott Olsen- 7-10/4.90 ERA/85 K
Joel Hanrahan- 3.80 ERA/20 Saves

Team Outlook- The Pirates have a young lineup that has alot of talent and upside, but the pitching staff, and team overall, is still a mess.  They will be a tad better this season, but they will still be the Pirates.

Listen to Pat on After Dark with Cheech at 10 on WNEK

Listen to After Dark with Cheech at 10 pm on WNEK 105.1 with Frank Maturo, I'm going to be a guest on the show.  We're going to be talking some March Madness, Spring Training, and other items of interest.  Tune in on WNEK 105.1 FM or the wnek.com livestream.

MLB Preview Day 21, Philadelphia Phillies

The Philles 2011 rotation could be historically good, with Cliff Lee (2008 Cy Young), Roy Halladay (2x Cy Young), long time Astros ace Roy Oswalt, and 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels

2010 Record- 97-65, 1st place NL East
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Placido Polanco, .298 (12th NL), Ryan Howard, 31 HR (t-8th NL), Ryan Howard, 108 RBI (4th NL), Roy Halladay, 21 Wins (1st NL), Roy Halladay, 2.44 ERA (3rd NL), Roy Halladay, 219 K (2nd NL)

Key Additions- Jeff Larish (1B), Cliff Lee (LHP)

Key Losses- Greg Dobbs (3B), Chad Durbin (RHP), Jamie Moyer (LHP), Mike Sweeney (1B), Jayson Werth (RF), Pedro Feliz (3B), Chan Ho Park (RHP)

2011 Projected Record- 85-95 wins, 2nd place NL East
Manager- Charlie Manuel (7th year, 544-428)
Best Player- Ryan Howard
Best Pitcher- Roy Halladay
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Domonic Brown
Biggest Potential Impact Rookie- Domonic Brown

Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
Shane Victorino, CF- .285/16 HR/75 RBI
Placido Polanco, 3B- .280/6 HR/55 RBI
Chase Utley, 2B- .270/18 HR/65 RBI
Ryan Howard, 1B- .265/35 HR/110 RBI
Jimmy Rollins, SS- .255/15 HR/65 RBI
Raul Ibanez, LF- .255/19 HR/70 RBI
Dominic Brown, RF- .265/15 HR/55 RBI
Carlos Ruiz, C- .275/10 HR/50 RBI

Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
Roy Halladay- 22-12/2.50 ERA/210 K
Cliff Lee- 18-11/3.30 ERA/195 K
Roy Oswalt- 17-10/3.75 ERA/180 K
Cole Hamels- 16-9/2.95 ERA/220 K
Joe Blanton- 8-14/4.90 ERA/110 K
Brad Lidge- 2.75 ERA/35 Saves

Team Outlook- This time last year this team would've looked like the 1927 Yankees with the new pitching staff, but that is no longer the case.  The lineup is one that is a year or two past their prime, as injuries have gotten the better of guys like Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Raul Ibanez, and to an extent, Ryan Howard, guys who a couple of years ago were MVPs/MVP candidates.  There are also some questions about the bullpen as well, which is anchored by Brad Lidge, a guy who you don't know what you'll get out of him.  If they can avoid long-term injuries, they should be good enough to at least get into the playoffs.

MLB Preview Day 20, Oakland Athletics

A's southpaw Gio Gonzalez was one of the game's best starters in the second half last season

2010 Record- 81-81, 2nd place AL West
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Rajai Davis, .284 (t-19th AL), Kevin Kouzmanoff, 16 HR (t-48th AL), Kevin Kouzmanoff/Kurt Suzuki, 71 RBI (t-37th AL), Trevor Cahill, 18 Wins (t-4th AL), Trevor Cahill, 2.97 ERA (4th AL), Gio Gonzalez, 171 K (14th AL)

Key Additions- David DeJesus (OF), Rich Harden (RHP), Hideki Matsui (DH), Brandon McCarthy (RHP), Josh Willingham (OF), Brian Fuentes (LHP)

Key Losses- Eric Chavez (3B), Jack Cust (DH), Rajai Davis (OF), Justin Duchscherer (RHP), Gabe Gross (OF), Jeremy Hermida (OF), Akinori Iwamura (3B), Jeff Larish (1B), Vin Mazzaro (RHP), Ben Sheets (RHP), Edwin Encarnacion (1B)

2011 Projected Record- 80-90 wins, 2nd place AL West
Manager- Bob Geren (5th year, 307-340)
Best Player- David DeJesus
Best Pitcher- Gio Gonzalez
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Cliff Pennington
Biggest Potential Impact Rookie- Joey Devine

Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
David DeJesus, RF- .285/12 HR/70 RBI
Daric Barton, 1B- .265/10 HR/55 RBI
Kurt Suzuki, C- .275/18 HR/80 RBI
Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B- .270/20 HR/90 RBI
Hideki Matsui, DH- .265/22 HR/80 RBI
Josh Willingham, LF- .255/15 HR/60 RBI
Mark Ellis, 2B- .265/8 HR/55 RBI
Cliff Pennington, SS- .255/6 HR/45 RBI
Coco Crisp, CF- .275/10 HR/50 RBI

Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
Gio Gonzalez- 16-8/2.85 ERA/210 K
Trevor Cahill- 17-8/3.05 ERA/140 K
Brett Anderson- 14-10/3.40 ERA/160 K
Dallas Braden- 12-10/3.85 ERA/120 K
Rich Harden- 7-10/4.45 ERA/95 K
Andrew Bailey- 1.25 ERA/48 Saves

Team Outlook- A team that will have to rely on their pitching staff to win ballgames.  The lineup as always will have a hard time scoring runs as a result of the hitters hell of the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, but that should benefit the pitching staff that I feel is the best in the majors, with a potential 2-headed monster in Gonzalez and Cahill at the top of the rotation to go with one of the game's best 3-4 combo in the rotation with Anderson and Braden.  The bullpen was able to add Fuentes, who will set up Andrew Bailey, who is easily a top-5 closer in the majors.  The A's have a chance, and if they get in, lets just say they are nearly identical to the setup of last years Giants team, and we all know what they did.

Yankees severely overlooked and underrated

The Yankees biggest signing of the 2011 offseason was signing captain Derek Jeter to a 4-year/$56 million deal

The Yankees for once didn't sign Cliff Lee or Carl Crawford, the two best free agents on the market, like many expected them too.  Therefore, the offseason is being looked at as a big disappointment and 2011 looks like a lost season.  I'm saying think again.

No, they did not sign Lee or Crawford, and to make matters worse, Crawford went to the ever-hated rivals Boston Red Sox.  But what the Yankees were able to do I still felt outweighed what the Yankees weren't able to do over the offseason.

The biggest moves were retaining Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.  Both older guys, who might not be the same guys they once were, but their biggest value comes with what they bring to the clubhouse as the main leaders in there, with Jeter of course being the captain.  There is no doubt that there is overwhelming respect for these two guys, and their departures would be near cancerous for the Yankee clubhouse.  Jorge Posada even came out and said over the offseason that signing Jeter and Rivera should be a bigger priority than signing Lee and Crawford.  That sums it all up.

Moving on to the guys that were brought into the Bronx, the biggest help comes in the 7th and 8th innings, as they signed setup men Rafael Soriano and Pedro Feliciano.  Soriano is coming off a career year with the Rays, saving a league-leading 45 games to go along with a 1.43 ERA and a .802 WHIP, all contributing factors to Soriano winning the 2010 Rolaids Relief Award.  Feliciano has spent his whole career across town with the Mets, and has led the league in appearances each of the last 3 years, and since 2006 has made 408 appearances with a 3.09 ERA and a 2.24 K/BB ratio.  They also signed catcher Russell Martin, who has been one of the better defensive catchers in the game in his years with the Dodgers, and will certainly be an upgrade from Jorge Posada.  His offensive numbers, which have not been good over the past couple years, should benefit by playing most of his games in Yankee Stadium as opposed to Dodger Stadium.

Looking at the team in 2011, there certainly is no reason to think they won't be right there in the mix.  Of course the first thing you notice is the infield, which at this point has three hall of fame caliber players in A-Rod, Jeter, and Teixiera to go along with emerging superstar Robinson Cano at second.  In the outfield, there are no hall of famers, but there is Brett Gardner, who plays exceptional defense and is the Yankee's biggest threat on the basepaths (47 steals in 2010); Curtis Granderson, who had a strong second half after struggling through much of last season with injuries; and Nick Swisher, who was one of the most valuable players on the team last year, hitting .288 with 29 HR and 89 RBI.

Of course the main cause for concern is the rotation, which behind CC Sabathia, has alot of uncertainty around it, after AJ Burnett and Phil Hughes has dismal second halfs last year.  As for the 4-5 combo, it is a big unknown, whether it is Mitre, Nova, Colon, Garcia, or anyone else there.

Despite all the uncertainty that seems to be surrounding the team going into the season, they're going to be fine.  The offense is good enough where they will be able to bail out the rotation most nights if it struggles.  The chances of the Yankees being there in September, is much better than the chances of them not.

MLB Preview Day 19, New York Yankees

After a breakout 2010 season where he was 3rd in the AL MVP voting, Robinson Cano has emerged as the face of the Yankee lineup

2010 Record- 95-67, 2nd place AL East, lost to Texas in ALCS
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Robinson Cano, .319 (5th AL), Mark Teixiera, 33 HR (4th AL), Alex Rodriguez, 125 RBI (2nd AL), CC Sabathia, 21 Wins (1st AL), CC Sabathia, 3.18 ERA (t-6th AL), CC Sabathia, 197 K (6th AL)

Key Additions- Russell Martin (C), Pedro Feliciano (LHP), Rafael Soriano (RHP), Freddy Garcia (RHP)

Key Losses- Jonathan Abaladejo (RHP), Lance Berkman (1B), Chad Gaudin (RHP), Nick Johnson (DH), Austin Kearns (OF), Juan Miranda (1B), Andy Pettitte (LHP), Marcus Thames (OF), Javier Vasquez (RHP), Kerry Wood (RHP), Chad Moeller (C), Dustin Mosesley (RHP)

2011 Projected Record- 90-100 wins, 2nd place AL East
Manager- Joe Girardi (4th Year, 287-199)
Best Player- Robinson Cano
Best Pitcher- CC Sabathia
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Brett Gardner
Biggest Potential Impact Rookie- Ivan Nova

Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
Derek Jeter, SS- .280/10 HR/65 RBI
Nick Swisher, RF- .265/25 HR/85 RBI
Mark Teixiera, 1B- .275/36 HR/115 RBI
Alex Rodriguez, 3B- .285/34 HR/120 RBI
Robinson Cano, 2B- .330/30 HR/115 RBI
Jorge Posada, DH- .255/18 HR/65 RBI
Curtis Granderson, CF- .260/30 HR/90 RBI
Russell Martin, C- .280/14 HR/55 RBI
Brett Gardner, LF- .285/6 HR/40 RBI

Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
CC Sabathia- 20-8/3.25 ERA/200 K
AJ Burnett- 12-11/4.35 ERA/175 K
Phil Hughes- 16-10/4.15 ERA/180 K
Ivan Nova- 6-10/4.70 ERA/90 K
Freddy Garcia- 5-8/5.10 ERA/75 K
Mariano Rivera- 2.00 ERA/30 Saves

Team Outlook- This is a team that I think is good enough to get into the playoffs because they will score a ton of runs, but won't get anywhere one they get in because their pitching is very subpar.  Everything depends on Hughes and Burnett.  If they pitch the way they did following the break in 2010, the team stands no chance.  However, they're offense is so good, they'll be able to repeat simply for that fact.

MLB Preview Day 18, New York Mets

In the final year of a 7-year/$119 million deal, Carlos Beltran could be great trade bait if he can stay healthy and play well

2010 Record- 79-83, 4th place NL East
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Angel Pagan, .290 (t-17th NL), David Wright, 29 HR (t-11th NL), David Wright, 103 RBI (t-7th NL), Mike Pelfrey, 15 Wins (t-9th NL), RA Dickey, 2.84 ERA (7th NL), Jonathan Niese, 148 K (25th NL)

Key Additions- DJ Carrasco (RHP), Ronny Paulino (C), Chris Capuano (LHP), Taylor Buchholz (RHP), Chris Young (RHP), Scott Hairston (OF)

Key Losses- Joaquin Arias (2B), Henry Blanco (C), Chris Carter (OF), Elmer Dessens (RHP), Kelvim Escobar (RHP), Pedro Feliciano (LHP), Sean Green (RHP), John Maine (RHP), Hisanori Takahashi (LHP), Fernando Tatis (1B)

2011 Projected Record- 70-80 Wins, 4th place NL East
Manager- Terry Collins (1st Year)
Best Player- David Wright
Best Pitcher- Mike Pelfrey
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Ruben Tejada
Biggest Potential Impact Rookie- Fernando Martinez

Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
Jose Reyes, SS- .290/12 HR/50 RBI
Angel Pagan, CF- .280/8 HR/50 RBI
David Wright, 3B- .285/25 HR/105 RBI
Ike Davis, 1B- .260/22 HR/80 RBI
Carlos Beltran, RF- .255/18 HR/70 RBI
Jason Bay, LF- .255/15 HR/75 RBI
Josh Thole, C- .275/10 HR/50 RBI
Ruben Tejada, 2B- .260/5 HR/45 RBI

Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
Mike Pelfrey- 12-14/3.15 ERA/125 K
Jonathan Niese- 8-13/4.10 ERA/150 K
RA Dickey- 10-10/4.00 ERA/95 K
Chris Young- 10-8/3.90 ERA/115 K
Chris Capuano- 5-11/4.80 ERA/80 K
Francisco Rodriguez- 3.05 ERA/34 Saves

Team Outlook- Odds are that 2011 will be a lost season in Queens, with $56 million coming off the books after the season.  Look for them to be the big sellers at the deadline, as they will try to sell off guys like Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes to allow guys like Fernando Martinez and possibly Wilmer Flores to get their feet wet.  It will be a long couple of years for Mets fans as they Sandy Alderson cleans up the mess left by the Minaya administration, but an encouraging fact is that he was able to built an Oakland A's organization from the ground, and build them into a World Series Champions.

Joe Mauer Undoubtedly baseball's most valuable player

Theres always that ongoing debate on who the best player in baseball is.  Some might say Pujols.  Some might say Alex Rodriguez.  Other names could include Felix Hernandez, Evan Longoria, Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez, or even Ryan Howard.  When it comes to the value a player brings to their team, there is no better pick than Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer.

When the Twins had the first overall pick in 2001, there was no doubting he was the perfect pick.  Not only did he grow up in St. Paul, but was a standout high school athlete, being all-state in 3 different sports, and was on a football scholarship to FSU as a QB.  Hall of famer Paul Molitor said he had "the best swing he had ever seen", not to shabby coming from the mouth of a man enshrined in Cooperstown.  It was pretty clear this kid was going to be something special.

Nearly a decade later, it seems as if we are experiencing something special.  At the age of just 28, he is being mentioned in the same breath as players like Puckett and Killebrew in terms of where he stands in Minnesota baseball lure.  He became the first catcher to win the AL batting title in 2006 when he batted an astronomical .347, the first of three batting titles by Mauer.  His best offensive year came in 2009, when he hit 28 HR, 96 RBI and getting the AVG/OBP/SLG triple crown (.365/.444/.587) in just 138 games.  This was enough for writers to vote Mauer as the AL MVP.

Defensively, Mauer has won the last three AL gold gloves at the catching position, and led the league in runners caught stealing %, at 53%.  To add to that, Mauer has been the leader of Minnesota pitching staffs that have ranked as one of the better pitching staffs in baseball over the course of Mauer's career.

When considering the value Mauer brings to the Twins, it is like no other player currently playing in the Major Leagues.  Given the way he works with the pitching staff, the way he controls the running game behind the plate, and the affect his bat has on this lineup, he has qualities that not even Albert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez, or Josh Hamilton have.  Without Joe Mauer, the Minnesota Twins would be a much different ball club.

MLB Preview Day 17, Minnesota Twins

A big year from Francisco Liriano could land the Twins in their 3rd straight postseason

2010 Record- 94-68, 1st place AL Central, lost to NY Yankees in ALDS
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Joe Mauer, .327 (3rd AL), Jim Thome, 25 HR (t-18th AL), Delmon Young, 112 RBI (5th AL), Carl Pavano, 17 Wins (t-7th AL), Francisco Liriano, 3.62 ERA (14th AL), Francisco Liriano, 201 K (5th AL)

Key Additions- Tsuyoshi Nishioka (SS), Dusty Hughes (LHP)

Key Losses- Jesse Crain (RHP), Randy Flores (LHP), Matt Guerrier (RHP), JJ Hardy (SS), Orlando Hudson (2B), Ron Mahay (LHP), Jose Morales (C), Nick Punto (3B), Jon Rauch (RHP), Jim Thome (DH)

2011 Projected Record- 80-90 wins, 3rd place AL Central
Manager- Ron Gardenhire (10th season, 803-656)
Best Player- Joe Mauer
Best Pitcher- Francisco Liriano
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Danny Valencia
Biggest Potential Impact Rookie- Tsuyoshi Nishioka

Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
Denard Span, CF- .290/7 HR/55 RBI
Delmon Young, LF- .305/24 HR/110 RBI
Joe Mauer, C- .340/13 HR/85 RBI
Justin Morneau, 1B- .295/25 HR/95 RBI
Michael Cuddyer, RF- .275/20 HR/75 RBI
Jason Kubel, DH- .260/24 HR/80 RBI
Danny Valencia, 3B- .280/10 HR/60 RBI
Tsuyoshi Nishioka, 2B- .270/8 HR/40 RBI
Alexei Casilla, SS- .265/5 HR/45 RBI

Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
Francisco Liriano- 17-9/3.15 ERA/200 K
Carl Pavano- 14-11/3.85 ERA/100 K
Scott Baker- 13-8/3.70 ERA/150 K
Nick Blackburn- 9-12/4.75 ERA/90 K
Kevin Slowey- 12-6/4.15 ERA/125 K
Joe Nathan- 2.60 ERA/30 Saves

Team Outlook- A team that had their bullpen blown up over the offseason has me putting them behind the Tigers and Sox in the Central, but the Central title is not outside the realm of possibility.  They have a better offense than the Tigers, and could possibly challenge the White Sox, with Mauer, Morneau (healthy), Young, Cuddyer, and Kubel.  I also see Valencia and Nishioka having breakout years and contributing as well.  They also have 589 career homers coming off the bench in Jim Thome.  The pitching staff is a small cause of concern, with Liriano emerging as the ace of the staff, and of course all that was lost from the 2010 bullpen, but bullpens are the most unpredictable thing in the world, you really can't decide on how good the bullpen is until the summer, when roles are established.  The Twins are also right up there with the Angels with the best coaching staff in the bigs as well, headed by 2010 manager of the year Ron Gardenhire.  The Twins are a team you can't count out, they'll be right there come the pennant race.

Brewers carry alot of promise into 2011

RHP Zack Greinke was the most notable of many big moves made by Brewers GM Doug Melvin in the offseason

It has been 29 years since the Milwaukee Brewers were in the World Series, bringing the now-division rival St. Louis Cardinals to a game seven before losing.  That year the team was led by hall of famers Paul Molitor and Robin Yount, and the 1982 season was the only year in the Brewer's 42-year history the team made it to back-to-back postseasons (up until 2008 it was the only seasons they made it).  The Brew Crew has had just 7 winning seasons in since that World Series run, and over the 2011 offseason, showed everyone that they are ready to end the losing trend-as well as a 29-year drought.

The Brewers got the ball rolling on November 2nd, hiring their 18th manager in team history, Ron Roenicke.  Roenicke had spent the previous 11 seasons on Mike Scioscia's coaching staff in Anaheim, the last 5 as Scioscia's bench coach.  Roenicke is the third coach off the Mike Scioscia coaching tree, being preceeded by Joe Maddon, who has won 2 AL East titles to go along with the 2008 Pennant and AL Manager of the Year, and Bud Black, who won the 2010 Manager of the Year with the San Diego Padres.  These two managers certainly give the Brewers tremendous optimism going into the 2011 season.

The next issue Brewers GM Doug Melvin adressed was the pitching staff, which had a 4.58 ERA in 2010, third lowest in the National League.  Their biggest move was the acquisition of RHP Zack Greinke in a blockbuster trade with the Kansas City Royals in December for Alcides Escobar, Lorenzo Cain, and prospects Jeremy Jeffress and Jake Odorizzi.  Greinke was the 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner.  Milwaukee also acquired Shaun Marcum in a trade with Toronto, after Marcum had a season where he went 13-8 with a 3.64 ERA and 165 K in 195 innings.  Greinke and Marcum will team up with 25-year old All-Star Yovani Gallardo, who has had 200 K in each of the last two seasons, as well as veteran Randy Wolf and the up and coming Chris Narveson.  They also picked up reliever Takashi Saito, who had a 2.83 ERA in 56 innings with Atlanta in 2010.

The lineup was upgraded with the acquisition of SS Yuniesky Betancourt, who put up career numbers with the lowly Kansas City Royals in 2010.  To add to that, the lineup still sports Richie Weeks, Casey McGehee, Ryan Braun, Corey Hart, and Prince Fielder, who is in a contract year.

Barring injuries, the Brewers will have potentially one of the best years in their 42-year franchise history, and possibly bring the first World Series Championship to Milwaukee since 1957, when the Milwaukee Braves accomplished the feat.

MLB Preview Day 16, Milwaukee Brewers

Prince Fielder comes into 2011 with high expectations as he looks for a big contract when he hits the free agent market this winter

2010 Record- 77-85, 3rd place NL Central
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Ryan Braun, .304 (9th NL), Prince Fielder, 32 HR (t-6th NL), Casey McGehee, 104 RBI (6th NL), Yovani Gallardo, 14 Wins (t-11th NL), Yovani Gallardo, 3.84 ERA (30th NL), Yovani Gallardo, 200 K (9th NL)

Key Additions- Yuniesky Betancourt (SS), Sean Green (RHP), Zack Greinke (RHP), Shaun Marcum (RHP), Wil Nieves (C), Takashi Saito (RHP)

Key Losses- Dave Bush (RHP), Lorenzo Cain (OF), Chris Capuano (LHP), Todd Coffey (RHP), Doug Davis (LHP), Alcides Escobar (SS), Trevor Hoffman (RHP), Joe Inglett (OF), Carlos Villaneuva (RHP), Greg Zaun (C)

2011 Projected Record- 90-100 wins, 1st place NL Central
Manager- Ron Roenicke (1st year)
Best Player- Ryan Braun
Best Pitcher- Zack Greinke
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Chris Narveson
Biggest Potential Impact Rookie- Mark Rogers

Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
Richie Weeks, 2B- .280/25 HR/85 RBI
Corey Hart, RF- .275/25 HR/90 RBI
Ryan Braun, LF- .315/35 HR/115 RBI
Prince Fielder, 1B- .275/45 HR/140 RBI
Casey McGehee, 3B- .290/22 HR/100 RBI
Yuniesky Betancourt, SS- .270/20 HR/80 RBI
Chris Gomez, CF- .245/8 HR/50 RBI
Jonathan Lucroy, C- .250/7 HR/45 RBI

Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
Zack Greinke- 19-7/3.05 ERA/210 K
Yovani Gallardo- 19-8/3.20 ERA/205 K
Shaun Marcum- 16-8/3.50 ERA/175 K
Randy Wolf- 14-10/4.15 ERA/150 K
Chris Narveson- 10-8/4.45 ERA/145 K
Jon Axford- 2.10 ERA/45 Saves

Team Outlook-  With names like Fielder, Braun, McGehee, Hart, and Weeks, we already knew this was a good offensive team that we knew would score a lot of runs before Doug Melvin decided to bolster the Brewers pitching staff in 2011.  Now, they're pretty scary.  They have potentially two aces in Greinke and Gallardo to go along with the up and coming Marcum and Narveson, and the veteran Randy Wolf.  Jon Axford is one of the best young closers in the game, and should do a great job anchoring the bullpen in 2011.  The Brewers are very frontloaded, which is the one cause for concern if injuries occur, and could also slow them down in the playoffs.  But looking at this team, its hard not consider them favorites to go to their first World Series since 1982.

MLB Preview Day 15, Los Angeles Dodgers

Clayton Kershaw has quietly established himself as one of baseball's best lefties over the past couple years

2010 Record- 80-82, 4th place NL West
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Andre Ethier, .292 (16th NL), Matt Kemp, 28 HR (t-13th NL), Matt Kemp, 89 RBI (t-17th NL), Clayton Kershaw, 13 wins (t-16th NL), Clayton Kershaw, 2.91 ERA (9th NL), Clayton Kershaw, 212 K (5th NL)

Key Additions- Jon Garland (RHP), Matt Guerrier (RHP), Tony Gwynn (OF), Blake Hawksworth (RHP), Dionner Navarro (C), Juan Uribe (2B), Marcus Thames (OF), Ron Mahay (LHP), Aaron Miles (IF), Lance Cormier (RHP)

Key Losses- Brad Ausumus (C), Reed Johnson (OF), Russell Martin (C), Scott Podsednik (OF), George Sherrill (LHP), Ryan Theriot (2B), Jeff Weaver (RHP)

2011 Projected Record- 80-90 wins, 3rd place NL West
Manager- Don Mattingly (1st year)
Best Player- Andre Ethier
Best Pitcher- Clayton Kershaw
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Chad Billingsley
Biggest Potential Impact Rookie- Jerry Sands

Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
Rafael Furcal, SS- .290/8 HR/60 RBI
Matt Kemp, CF- .265/26 HR/90 RBI
Andre Ethier, RF- .285/28 HR/100 RBI
James Loney, 1B- .275/18 HR/85 RBI
Casey Blake, 3B- .255/15 HR/65 RBI
Juan Uribe, 2B- .245/22 HR/60 RBI
Rod Barajas, C- .240/14 HR/50 RBI
Jay Gibbons, LF- .260/12 HR/45 RBI

Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
Clayton Kershaw- 15-10/2.80 ERA/220 K
Chad Billingsley- 14-8/3.35 ERA/190 K
Ted Lilly- 11-8/4.00 ERA/160 K
Hiroki Kuroda- 12-8/3.90 ERA/140 K
Jon Garland- 13-6/3.80 ERA/115 K
Jonathan Broxton- 3.25 ERA/30 Saves

Team Outlook- A team that has been picked by many to be a playoff team, is a team that I feel is very overrated.  Right now I feel they are the third best team in their division behind San Fran and Colorado.  They seem to be very suspect offensively, despite their pitching staff being very good, being led by Clayton Kerhsaw, who is one of the best lefties in baseball.  It is a team that has a chance, but a team that I feel will be on the outside looking in come October.

Mike Scioscia has been the root of all the recent winning in Anaheim

Following the 1999 season, the then-GM of the then-Anaheim Angels Bill Stoneman introduced new manager Mike Scioscia to the Anaheim Angels organization.  It turned out to be pretty good move for the franchise.

In his 11 years as manager, Scioscia has posted a 980-802 record, first on the all-time wins list for managers in an Angels uniform.  He also won the 2009 manager of the year and delivered Anaheim with their only World Seires Championship, in 2002.  The Angels have been an AL West dynasty over his years as manager, winning 5 division championships.  Under his lead, the Angels have seen players like Troy Glaus, Francisco Rodriguez, John Lackey, Jared Weaver, as well as several other players, develop into elite major leaguers.

Mike Scioscia's body of work can be seen by going outside the confines of Angel Stadium as well.  There are currently three managers in the majors who are right off the Scioscia managing tree; Joe Maddon (Tampa Bay), Bud Black (San Diego), and Ron Roenicke (Milwaukee).  Maddon was hired as the manager of the Rays in 2006, and led the Rays to their first winning season and division title in their 10-year franchise history enroute to the 2008 AL Pennant.  He also won the AL East in 2010.  Bud Black was a successful pitching coach for the Angels before being hired as the Manager of the Padres prior to the 2007 season, and won the NL Manager of the Year award in 2010.  Ron Roenicke was hired by the Brewers following the 2010 season, and goes into 2011 with lots of promise with what looks like a very good Brewers team.

Scioscia is currently under a long-term deal signed in 2009 that keeps him in Anaheim through 2018 and possibly beyond.  Whenever he decides to walk away, he will be with no doubt the best manager ever to put on an Angels uniform, and possibly one of the best ever.

MLB Preview Day 14, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Kendry Morales had his 2010 season cut short due to a leg injury

2010 Record- 80-82, 3rd place AL West
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Torii Hunter, .281 (24th AL), Mike Napoli, 26 HR (t-15th AL), Torii Hunter, 90 RBI (t-15th AL), Ervin Santana, 17 wins (t-7th AL), Jared Weaver, 3.01 ERA (5th AL), Jared Weaver, 233 K (1st AL)

Key Additions- Scott Downs (LHP), Hisanori Takashi (LHP), Vernon Wells (OF)

Key Losses- Kevin Frandsen (3B), Hideki Matsui (DH), Scot Shields (RHP), Mike Napoli (C), Juan Rivera (OF), Garrett Anderson (OF)

2011 Projected Record- 85-95 wins, 1st place AL West
Manager- Mike Scioscia (12th year, 980-802)
Best Player- Kendry Morales
Best Pitcher- Jared Weaver
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Peter Bourjos
Biggest Potential Impact Rookie- Jordan Walden

Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
Peter Bourjos, CF-.265/13 HR/55 RBI
Howie Kendrick, 2B- .285/12 HR/75 RBI
Kendry Morales, 1B- .295/32 HR/95 RBI
Vernon Wells, LF- .260/25 HR/80 RBI
Torii Hunter, RF- .280/20 HR/75 RBI
Bobby Abreu, DH- .275/16 HR/70 RBI
Alberto Callaspo, 3B- .290/7 HR/55 RBI
Erick Aybar, SS- .280/8 HR/45 RBI
Jeff Mathis, C- .225/4 HR/35 RBI

Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
Jared Weaver- 18-5/2.95 ERA/240 K
Dan Haren- 16-7/3.35 ERA/215 K
Ervin Santana- 14-8/4.05 ERA/160 K
Scott Kazmir- 10-11/4.55 ERA/125 K
Joel Piniero- 12-9/4.35 ERA/130 K
Fernando Rodney- 3.75 ERA/30 Saves

Team Outlook- The Angels didn't do much in the offseason, but will get help from their three big moves, having the lineup bolstered with Vernon Wells coming to Anaheim, coming off one of the best seasons of his career, and Kendry Morales will be returning from a season-ending injury suffered in 2010.  They also improved their bullpen tremendously with the signings of Downs and Takahashi.  Their rotation has the potential to be one of the major's best, with their ace Jared Weaver getting better and better, and have Dan Haren, who could possibly be the best number two in baseball.  Everything depends on the 3-4-5 in Santana, Kazmir, and Piniero.  I really like this Angels team this year, and they are my pick to win the AL West for the 6th time since 2004.

Deep Farm System gives Royals great optimism

Mike Moustakas

Eric Hosmer

It's been quite a while since the Royals were anything close to royalty.  In fact, it has been 25 years since there has been baseball in Kansas City, in 1985.  That year, they were led by then-future hall of famer George Brett, the face of the legacy of Royals baseball.  It has been a long 25 seasons since then, only six of them resulting in winning records, and just one since George Brett hung up the spikes following the 1993 campaign.

In 2011, the team has a strong optimism that the recent trend of losing that has spanned over the last three decades, will be reversed.  This is because of a recent surge of young prospects within the system, making the Royal's farm system ranked at the top of the list of MLB farm systems going into the season.

To say that this system is loaded is an understatement.  The two most recognizable names of course being corner infielders Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer, the 2007 and 2008 first rounds picks for the Royals, respectively.  In 2010, Hosmer hit .338/20 HR/86 RBI/.977 OPS between 2 levels, while Moustakas put up monster numbers, hitting .322/36 HR/124 RBI/.999 OPS, posting numbers that nobody within the minors could match in 2010.  Both players should be up with the big club at some point in 2010.

Others highly-touted prospects expected to be up in the next few years include Mike Montgomery, who posted a 2.41 ERA in 93 innings while showing major development in his fastball, curve, and changeup according to scouts.  There is a also Josh Lamb, who led the organization with 159 strikeouts in 147 innings.  Wil Myers is expected to be up sometime in either 2011 or 2012, after having a season in which he hit .315/14 HR/83 RBI at class A, and will be the catcher of the future unless he is moved to the outfield.  The farm system became even more deep when the team shipped ace Zack Greinke to Milwaukee, acquiring pitching prospects Jake Odorizzi and Jeremy Jeffress.

At this point, the Kansas City Royals are a franchise that continues to wait-wait for the prospects to become stars, and for the Royals to get back to the days when they were royalty.  Barring any Alex Gordon-like episodes, they will rise to the top of the American League, and become relevant once again.

MLB Preview Day 13, Kansas City Royals

Billy Butler has quietly emerged as one of the best hitters in baseball and the face of the Royals franchise

2010 Record- 67-95, 5th place AL Central
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Billy Butler, .318 (6th AL), Jose Guillen/Yuniesky Betancourt, 16 HR (t-48th AL), Billy Butler/Yuniesky Betancourt, 78 RBI (t-27th AL), Zack Greinke, 10 Wins (t-32nd AL), Zack Greinke, 4.17 ERA (28th AL), Zack Greinke, 181 K (12th AL)

Key Additions- Joaquin Arias (2B), Melky Cabrera (OF), Lorenzo Cain (OF), Brett Carroll (OF), Alcides Escobar (SS), Jeff Francoeur (OF), Vin Mazzaro (RHP), Jeff Francis (LHP), Pedro Feliz (3B)

Key Losses- Brian Bannister (RHP), Yuniesky Betancourt (SS), Bruce Chen (LHP), David DeJesus (OF), Josh Fields (3B), Zack Greinke (RHP)

2011 Projected Record- 65-75 wins, 5th place AL Central
Manager- Ned Yost (2nd Year, 55-72)
Best Player- Billy Butler
Best Pitcher- Jeff Francis
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Mike Aviles
Biggest Potential Impact Rookie- Mike Moustakas

Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
Mike Aviles, 3B- .285/13 HR/45 RBI
Alex Gordon, LF- .270/15 HR/70 RBI
Billy Butler, DH- .320/25 HR/80 RBI
Kila Ka'aihue, 1B- .250/20 HR/65 RBI
Jeff Francoeur, RF- .265/18 HR/60 RBI
Melky Cabrera, CF- .270/8 HR/35 RBI

Jason Kendall, C- .230/1 HR/30 RBI
Alcides Escobar, SS- .260/5 HR/45 RBI
Chris Getz, 2B- .255/3 HR/35 RBI

Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
Jeff Francis- 8-12/4.45 ERA/100 K
Luke Hochevar- 10-13/4.55 ERA/140 K
Kyle Davies- 6-12/4.90 ERA/110 K
Vin Mazzaro- 9-13/4.65 ERA/105 K

Bruce Chen- 6-8/5.10 ERA/95 K
Joakim Soria- 1.90 ERA/28 Saves

Team Outlook- A team that is waiting for all the youngsters to be major league ready, as they boast the best farm system in the majors.  However, the team at the major league level is no reflection of that farm system.  This should be a very good team in a couple of years, as they are allowing their prospects develop in the minors by signing veterans, as opposed to forcing the young guys dive into the deep end when they're far from major league ready like they were doing 5 years ago.  As for prospects we will see, theres a good chance we will see Moustakas, Hosmer, and possibly Montgomery by the season's end.  The Royals will struggle this year, but have alot of upside and promise for upcoming seasons.

MLB Preview Day 12, Houston Astros

2010 Record- 76-86, 4th place NL Central
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Jeff Keppinger, .288 (19th NL), Hunter Pence, 25 HR (t-20th NL), Hunter Pence, 91 RBI (t-15th NL), Brett Myers, 14 Wins (t-11th NL), Brett Myers, 3.14 ERA (14th NL), Brett Myers, 180 K (13th NL)

Key Additions- Clint Barmes (SS), Bill Hall (2B), Ryan Rowland-Smith

Key Losses- Geoff Blum (1B), Tim Byrdak (LHP), Gustavo Chacin (LHP), Matt Lindstrom (RHP), Brian Moehler (RHP), Felipe Paulino (RHP)

2011 Projected Record- 70-80 wins, 5th place NL Central
Manager- Brad Mills (2nd year, 76-86)
Best Player- Hunter Pence
Best Pitcher- Wandy Rodriguez
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Chris Johnson
Biggest Potential Impact Rookie- Cesar Carrillo

Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
Michael Bourn, CF- .270/3 HR/40 RBI
Chris Johnson, 3B- .265/20 HR/70 RBI
Hunter Pence, RF- .280/24 HR/90 RBI
Carlos Lee, LF- .255/25 HR/65 RBI
Brett Wallace, 1B- .250/15 HR/55 RBI
Clint Barmes, SS- .245/12 HR/50 RBI
Bill Hall, 2B- .240/20 HR/60 RBI
Humberto Quintero, C- .230/5 HR/35 RBI

Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
Wandy Rodriguez- 10-13/3.15 ERA/190 K
Brett Myers- 12-14/3.75 ERA/160 K
JA Happ- 9-11/3.55 ERA/135 K
Bud Norris- 11-11/4.25 ERA/160 K
Nelson Figueroa- 8-14/4.85 ERA/110 K
Brandon Lyon- 3.40 ERA/25 Saves

Team Outlook- Another team in the midst of a rebuilding effort, was a team that seemed to have digressed over the offseason, making no big moves at all, the only real move being creating what is a mediocre at best double play combo in Clint Barmes and Bill Hall.  The lineup overall looks very weak and is going to have a hard time scoring runs, while the pitching staff doesn't look great either.  Overall it is a mediocre team, and will probably win somewhere around 75 games in 2011.

Hockey East Tourney Predictions: BC repeats

First Round
BC over UMASS, 2-0- No-brainer here, BC is just simply going to be too much for the Minutemen to handle, they are not only the best team in the conference, but probably the best team in the country.

UVM over UNH, 2-1- The Catamounts have had recent success over UNH, going 2-0-1 in the regular season series after knocking them off in the first round last year when UNH was the regular season champs.

BC over NU, 2-1- Northeastern took game 1 by a score of 3-2, but it has been a decade since the Terriers failed to reach the Garden, and they will certainly be going into games 2 and 3 hungry, Jack Parker won't allow it to be any other way.

Merrimack over Maine, 2-0- Merrimack had a breakout year, going 22-8-4, not too bad for a private college in North Andover, MA with a student population of just 2,064.  This is the team I see as most likely to knock off BC, but I still don't see it happening.

Hockey East Championship- BC over BU
Tournament MVP- John Muse, BC Goalie

Hanley Ramirez in need of bounceback year after a tough 2010 season

After establishing himself as one of the best players in the majors, Hanley Ramirez had a bit of a down year in 2010

The Florida Marlins traded away Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell in 2005, two guys who were two of the heroes of the 2003 Marlins team that won the World Series.  Following the trade, the two would go on to once again be the heroes of a World Series Champion, this being the 2007 Boston Red Sox, with Lowell win the World Series MVP and Beckett finishing 2nd in the AL Cy Young Voting.  After reading about that, you would think this was a disaster of a trade.  But this actually was not the case at all.

In the 2005 Thanksgiving deal, the Marlins acquired a young prospect named Hanley Ramirez, who had been an up and coming shortstop in the Sox system for a couple seasons leading up to the trade.  After taking his talents to South Beach, it did not take too long for the label "prospect" to be taken off Hanley's name.  Ramirez came up and made an immediate impact with the Marlins in 2006, earning the NL Rookie of the Year award following a season in which he collected 185 hits and 119 runs, while hitting .292.  But Ramirez would not stop there.

From 2007-2009, Ramirez established himself as a star in the major leagues, hitting .325/.398/.947 while averaging 195 hits, 117 runs, 41 2B, 29 HR, and 85 RBI.  In 2008, Ramirez led the league in runs scored, and joined Cleveland's Grady Sizemore as the only players to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases, and in 2009 finished 2nd in the MVP voting while winning the NL Batting Crown.  Going into 2010, Ramirez was not only thought as the best shortstop in the majors, but one of the best players as well.

In 2010, Ramirez had what was somewhat of a down year, at least for his standards.  He still put up respectable numbers, hitting .300/.378/.853, with 21 HR, 76 RBI, and 92 RS.  He put up career-low numbers in several categories, including hits, runs, doubles, and slugging percentage, and had his lowest totals in homers, RBI, Batting Average, OBP, and OPS since his rookie year in 2006.  He was even benched at one point by then-manager Fredi Gonzalez after a perceived lack of effort in a game against Arizona.  To add to all that, the emergence of Colorado SS Troy Tulowitzki late in the season made people think of Tulow as the best shortstop in the game, forcing Ramirez to take a back seat.

In 2011, that could all change.  Being just 27 years old, there is no doubt that Ramirez still has many good years ahead of him and should be entering his prime.  Everybody knows how good he is and how good he has been, it is just a matter of getting back on track, and putting up the numbers he did from 2007-2009.

MLB Preview Day 11, Florida Marlins

Josh Johnson is quickly blossoming into one of baseball's best pitchers

2010 Record- 80-82, 3rd place NL East
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Hanley Ramirez, .300 (11th NL), Dan Uggla, 33 HR (5th NL), Dan Uggla, 105 RBI (5th NL), Anibal Sanchez, 13 Wins (t-16th NL), Josh Johnson, 2.30 ERA (1st NL), Josh Johnson, 186 K (12th NL)

Key Additions- John Buck (C), Randy Choate (LHP), Michael Dunn (LHP), Omar Infante (2B), Edward Mujica (RHP), Javier Vasquez (RHP), Ryan Webb (RHP), Dustin Richardson (LHP)

Key Losses- Cameron Maybin (OF), Andrew Miller (LHP), Will Ohman (LHP), Ronny Paulino (C), Jorge Sosa (RHP), Chad Tracy (3B), Dan Uggla (2B), Jose Veras (RHP)

2011 Projected Record- 80-90 wins, 3rd place NL East
Manager- Edwin Rodriguez (2nd Year, 46-46)
Best Player- Hanley Ramirez
Best Pitcher- Josh Johnson
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Mike Stanton
Biggest Potential Impact Rookie- Matt Dominguez

Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
Chris Coghlan, CF- .295/8 HR/55 RBI
Omar Infante, 2B- .290/5 HR/48 RBI
Hanley Ramirez, SS- .325/28 HR/95 RBI
Mike Stanton, RF- .270/40 HR/105 RBI
Gaby Sanchez, 1B- .280/20 HR/80 RBI
John Buck, C- .255/15 HR/55 RBI
Wes Helms, 3B- .250/6 HR/40 RBI
Logan Morrison, LF- .265/10 HR/45 RBI

Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
Josh Johnson- 16-5/2.45 ERA/200 K
Javier Vasquez- 13-6/3.60 ERA/175 K
Ricky Nolasco- 14-6/3.40 ERA/185 K
Anibal Sanchez- 13-11/4.10 ERA/150 K
Chris Volstad- 10-12/4.65 ERA/120 K
Leo Nunez- 3.85 ERA/28 Saves

Team Outlook- Wasn't so sold on this team until I took a really close look at the team and how good they actually are, despite being a team that certainly lacks depth and is very top-heavy.  The top five in the lineup could be monstrous, with Coghlan, someone who can get on base at a decent clip, leading off, with the 3-4-5 of Ramirez-Stanton-Sanchez could be one of the best run producing threesomes in the league.  They do fall off a bit 6-8 in Buck-Helms-Morrison, but could be helped out when prospect Matt Dominguez comes up at some point this summer.  The rotation looks very good, with ace Josh Johnson being backed up by newly acquired Javier Vasquez, who has had his best years pitching in the NL East, as well as the ever-improving Ricky Nolasco and Anibal Sanchez.  The bullpen could use some work, with that and the bench most likely being the weakness of the team.  This is certainly a team that could compete in that wildcard race, and possibly the NL East division race, especially if the Phillies continue to be hampered by injuries.

Justin Verlander lost in the mix

When talking about the elite pitchers in baseball, you hear several names.  Names like CC Sabathia, Jon Lester, Felix Hernandez, the Phillies rotation (4 loko?), Tim Lincecum, and Ubaldo Jimenez, just to name a few.  They're the names that always pop up for guys when talking about preseason Cy Young predictions, all-star game starters, and Cy Young candidates.  A name that seems to go unmentioned at times seems to be Justin Verlander, the undoubted ace for the Detroit Tigers.

Verlander was the second overall pick of the 2004 MLB draft following a standout career at Old Dominion, and tore through the minors, making his major league debut just a year later in 2005.  In 2006, he emerged as one of the biggest pieces of the 2006 AL Pennant winning Detroit Tigers, winning 17 games and winning the 2006 Rookie of the Year, in a deep 2006 rookie class that featured standout rookies Jonathan Papelbon, Jared Weaver, Francisco Liriano, Ian Kinsler, and Nick Markakis, all guys who may have won the award in other years.

In 2007, Verlander improved even more with 18 victories as well as eclipsing 200 innings and 180 strikeouts.  He also threw the 6th no-hitter in Tigers history on June 12 against the Milwaukee Brewers.  This garnered his first All-Star appearance and a top 5 finish in the Cy Young voting.  He was considered one of the best young stars in all of baseball, but it all changed in 2008.

After a great offseason for the Tigers, when they acquired Miguel Cabrera, Dontrelle Willis, and Edgar Reteria, there were big expectations for the Tigers in 2008.  There were big expectations for Verlander as well, expected to really breakout in his third season.  Unfortunately, neither happened, as the Tigers finished the season with just 74 wins, missing the playoffs by a wide margin.  Verlander struggled as well losing a league-high 17 games while posting a 4.84 ERA and had 20 less strikeouts than the year before.  It was a disappointing, embarrasing season for Verlander and the Tigers.

Following the tough 2008 season that Verlander had, it seemed as if he was written off everyone's list of elite starters in the majors.  Two years later, it seems as if that view of Verlander remains, despite averaging an 18-9 record with a 3.41 ERA, 232 Innings and 244 strikeouts in the last two seasons.  In 2009, he led the league in wins, strikeouts and innings while finishing 3rd in the Cy Young voting.  Verlander is everything a teams wants in an ace, and maybe one of the top five righthanded starters in baseball, despite being seemingly lost in the mix of the best pitchers in the game.

MLB Preview Day 10, Detroit Tigers

Miguel Cabrera had a monster 2010 season, leading the AL in 2 of the 3 triple crown stats.

2010 Record- 81-81, 3rd place AL Central
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Miguel Cabrera, .328 (1st AL), Miguel Cabrera, 38 HR (3rd AL), Miguel Cabrera, 126 RBI (1st AL), Justin Verlander, 18 Wins (4th AL), Justin Verlander, 3.37 ERA (11th AL), Justin Verlander, 219 K (4th AL)

Key Additions: Joaquin Benoit (RHP), Victor Martinez (C), Brad Penny (RHP)

Key Losses: Jeremy Bonderman (RHP), Johnny Damon (OF), Adam Everett (SS), Gerald Laird (C), Bobby Seay (LHP), Armando Galarraga (RHP)

2011 Projected Record- 85-95 wins, 2nd place AL Central
Manager- Jim Leyland (6th year, 424-387)
Best Player- Miguel Cabrera
Best Pitcher- Justin Verlander
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Austin Jackson
Biggest Potential Impact Rookie- Daniel Schlereth

Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
Austin Jackson, CF- .285/4 HR/55 RBI
Magglio Ordonez, RF- .295/16 HR/65 RBI
Victor Martinez, DH- .305/20 HR/85 RBI
Miguel Cabrera, 1B- .325/36 HR/120 RBI
Brennan Boesch, LF- .260/15 HR/60 RBI
Carlos Guillen, 2B- .255/10 HR/55 RBI
Brandon Inge, 3B- .235/18 HR/50 RBI
Jhonny Peralta, SS- .265/15 HR/65 RBI
Alex Avila, C- .260/8 HR/45 RBI

Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
Justin Verlander- 18-8/3.40 ERA/230 K
Max Scherzer- 15-9/3.60 ERA/195 K
Rick Porcello- 14-10/3.95 ERA/120 K
Brad Penny- 8-10/4.80 ERA/90 K
Phil Coke- 5-9/5.20 ERA/70 K
Jose Valverde- 2.85 ERA/30 Saves

Team Outlook- In 2010, the Tigers spent a large portion of the year in first place before fading in the second half of the season.  The team added Victor Martinez in the offseason, upgrading the lineup, a lineup that's success will depend upon Miguel Cabrera's play this season.  I see this lineup as one that has several holes in it, and is very weak outside the 3-4 combo in Martinez and Cabrera.  The rotation is headed by Justin Verlander, and also have Max Scherzer, who finished the 2010 season on a good note, and Porcello should have a bounceback year after a sophomore slump last season.  The back has issues, but should get some help when prospect Jacob Turner comes up during the season.  The bullpen will once again have Valverde anchoring, and made a big signing in Joaquin Benoit.  This is a team that should compete for the wildcard and possibly the division title, time will tell as to what they actually do in 2011.

MLB Preview Day 9, Colorado Rockies

At just 26 years old, Troy Tulowitzki is arguably the best all-around shortstop in the big leagues

2010 Record- 83-79, 3rd place NL West
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Carlos Gonzalez, .336 (1st NL), Carlos Gonzalez, 34 HR (4th NL), Carlos Gonzalez, 117 RBI (2nd NL), Ubaldo Jimenez, 19 Wins (3rd NL), Ubaldo Jimenez, 2.88 ERA (8th NL), Ubaldo Jimenez, 214 K (2nd NL)

Key Additions: Matt Lindstrom (RHP), Jose Lopez (3B), Jose Morales (C), Felipe Paulino (RHP), Ty Wigginton (1B), Clayton Mortenson (RHP)

Key Losses: Clint Barmes (2B), Joe Beimel (LHP), Manny Corpas (RHP), Manny Delcarmen (RHP), Octavio Dotel (RHP), Jeff Francis (LHP), Melvin Mora (3B), Miguel Olivo (C), Jay Payton (OF), Paul Phillips (C), Ethan Hollingsworth (RHP)

2011 Projected Record- 85-95 wins, 1st place NL West
Manager- Jim Tracy (3rd Year, 157-121)
Best Player- Troy Tulowitzki
Best Pitcher- Ubaldo Jimenez
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Jhoulys Chacin
Biggest Potential Impact Rookie- Bruce Billings

Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
Dexter Fowler, CF- .280/6 HR/40 RBI
Seth Smith, RF- .270/20 HR/75 RBI
Carlos Gonzalez, LF- .315/35 HR/110 RBI
Troy Tulowitzki, SS- .330/31 HR/100 RBI
Ian Stewart, 3B- .265/28 HR/95 RBI
Jose Lopez, 2B- .270/24 HR/85 RBI
Todd Helton, 1B- .255/10 HR/45 RBI
Chris Iannetta, C- .240/15 HR/50 RBI

Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
Ubaldo Jimenez- 20-8/3.05 ERA/225 K
Jhoulys Chacin- 16-7/3.35 ERA/185 K
Jorge De La Rosa- 14-10/4.25 ERA/170 K
Jason Hammel- 11-12/4.70 ERA/130 K
Aaron Cook- 12-9/4.65 ERA/90 K
Huston Street- 3.35 ERA/35 Saves

Team Outlook- The Rockies were a team that waited nearly all of 2010 to get healthy, making a run in September, coming within a game of the division lead before fading in the last 2 weeks of the season.  They bring back a lethal 3-4 combination in Tulowitzki and Gonzalez, as well as an improving leadoff hitter in Dexter Fowler (.368 OBP in 2010).  The Rockies also acquired Jose Lopez from Seattle, who will most likely return to second base, and should also have much better numbers playing at Coors Field compared to Safeco.  The rotation has a solid 1-2 punch in Ubaldo Jimenez and Jhoulys Chacin, but there are questions surrounding the dependibility of the guys who will start 3 out of the other five days.  All in all, this is a very good ballclub, no doubt the best offensive team in West, but the fact it is a pitcher division is the one cause for concern when comparing them to teams like Los Angeles and San Francisco.  That being said, I feel the Rockies have the tools to win the division, and I feel they will do just that.

Holliday Trade Working for the Rockies

Carlos Gonzalez had a breakout 2010 season, winning the NL Batting title and leading the NL with 197 hits

On November 12, 2008, approximately 13 months removed from winning their first pennant in franchise history, the Colorado Rockies traded one of the biggest pieces of that 2007 run, Matt Holliday.  Holliday was traded to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for closer Huston Street, and prospects Greg Smith and Carlos Gonzalez.  The trade came at no shock, after a season of speculation and trade rumors surrounding the all-star left fielder.  It was, however, the trade of someone who had become one of the most poplular baseball players in Denver.

Holliday made his major league debut in 2004, 6 years after being drafted directly out of high school.  He would appear in 121 games, putting up a respectable .290/.349/.837 to go along with 14 HR and 57 RBI, good enough for 5th in the NL rookie of the year voting.  After a season of improvement in 2005, Holliday broke out as an elite Major League player in 2006.  It was that season that he earned his first All-star appearance after a first half where he hit .334 with a .974 OPS, leading up to a season where he set career highs in virtually every category, hitting 45 doubles, 34 HR, 114 RBI as well as .326/.387/.973.

In 2007, Holliday was arguably the MVP, having a monster year, winning the NL batting crown leading the league in hits, doubles, RBI, and total bases.  Holliday was 14 homers shy of the triple crown, as well as one of 7 players to finish the season with an OPS higher than 1.  Of course what Holliday was best known for from 2007 was the role he played in the historic run the Rockies made to the World Series, going 12-1 in the final 13 games of the regular season, making the playoffs with a one-game playoff victory over division rival San Diego.  In those 13 games, Holliday hit .442/.532/1.378 with 5 HR and 17 RBI.  He wouldn't slow down in the playoffs either, hitting 5 HRs and 10 RBI over 11 games, propeling the Rockies to their first World Series, eventually losing to Boston.  Holliday finished second in the NL MVP voting to the Phillies' Jimmy Rollins.

In 2008, injuries slowed Holliday, limiting him to 139 games, though he still hit .321/.409/.947 to go along with 25 HR and 88 RBI.  He also won his third consecutive Silver Slugger and was made his third consecutive All-Star appearance.  His .409 OBP was a career high.  Following the season, Holliday was traded.

The big question is, How bad has Holliday been missed in the Mile High City?

The answer: not much.  Despite a slow 2009 start, the Rockies ran away with the NL West Division title, getting back to the playoffs just 10 1/2 months removed from trading away the face of their franchise (Don't worry, I didn't forget about Helton).  In 2010, the team struggled through some injuries to key players, but still managed to go 83-79, 8 games out of a playoff spot, coming within a game of first place on September 18 before losing 13 of their final 14 to end the season.

They have also gotten key contributions from the two biggest pieces of the trade, Huston Street and Carlos Gonzalez.  Street has been solid in the back of the bullpen, saving 55 games and posting a .972 WHIP in 108 appearances for Colorado.  Carlos Gonzalez, a big name prospect at the time of the trade, brokeout in 2010, winning the NL batting title as well as leading the NL in hits, with 197.  He came within 4 stolen bases of being the lone 30-30 guy in the majors in 2010.

Holliday is now playing in St. Louis, hitting behind Albert Pujols, after signing a 7-year, $120 million contract in 2010.  The Rockies enter the 2011 season as a favorite to make it back to the playoffs for the 2nd time since the post-Holliday era began in 2009.  Its safe to say that neither side is kicking themselves over this trade that occured in 2008.

After a fast start to his career, Grady Sizemore is now trying to find his identity

After getting off to a fast start to his career, Grady Sizemore has been hampered by injuries over the last 2 years, being limited to just 139 games in 2009-2010

Prior to the 2009 season, coming off a dazzling 2008 campaign that resulted in 30 homers and 30 stolen bases, to go along with the gold glove in center, Grady Sizemore was thought to be one the top 5 best all around players in the game.  He was picked by many, including myself, to win the MVP award as it was expected that he would continue to improve, considering he was just 26 years old.

But boy have things changed in the last two years.  Injuries have hampered the last two years for Sizemore, making him, as well as the Cleveland Indians, irrelevant.  In 2009, Sizemore saw his season end after just 106 games when he elected to have surgery on an injured left elbow that had been bothering him the whole season, limiting his numbers to a .248 AVG to go along with .788 OPS, down nearly 100 points from the year before.  He did, however, have 18 HR, 64 RBI, and a .343 OBP.  Sizemore rehabbed his elbow in order to be ready for the 2010 season, just to see his 2010 campaign cut even shorter, being limited to just 33 games before having to undergo microfracture surgery on his left knee.  He had been hitting just .211 to go along with an OPS of just .560- just 27 points higher than what his career high slugging percentage was (.533 in 2006). 

Because of the dismal last two years for Sizemore, it has become hard to remember just how good he was up until the injuries set in.

After coming to Cleveland in a 2002 trade that sent then-ace Bartolo Colon to the Montreal Expos (remember them?), bringing Sizemore to the Indians along with Brandon Phillips and Cliff Lee, he spent parts of 3 years in the minors from 2002-2004, hitting .304 with 22 HR, 149 RBI, and a .843 OPS between 3 levels.  After being a late season call-up in 2004, he would emerge as one of the best centerfielders in the American League and one of the most recognizable names on the Indians.  In the four years between 2005-2008, he averaged 180 hits, 27 HR, 81 RBI, 41 doubles, 29 stolen bases to go along with .281/.372/.868.  To go along with that, he had 2 gold gloves (2007-2008), a silver slugger in 2008 as well as leading the Indians to within one game of the World Series in 2007 before blowing a 3-1 ALCS lead to the eventual World Series Champion Boston Red Sox.

Of course, over the past couple years, injuries have slowed Sizemore's career, being limited to just 139 games over the last two seasons after averaging 160 in his first 4 full seasons.  Targeted for a mid-April return, Sizemore should be able to rejuvenate his career and pickup where he left off in 2008, and could also be great trade-bait for a rebuilding Cleveland team, who could get good value for Sizemore if hes showing signs of his pre-2009 form during the summer.