Post by A's GM on Feb 13, 2006 17:35:46 GMT -5
By Alex Giannetta
Last year, if you would have asked 100 people who they thought would win the World Series, how many do you think would have said the White Sox? I no I didn't. Congratulations to Chicago. They have finally won another championship.
The past two champions hadn't won the World Series in a very long time. Is this year the Cubbies year? I'm here to offer my 2006 MLBL predictions.
AL East
1. New York Yankees-The Yankees have a remarkable team. Their lineup is completely stacked, especially when you see guys like Posada hitting 7 or later! The pitching is older and suspect but if Randy Johnson and Mike Mussina can stay healthy, they have the rotation to go all the way. Last year, they had plenty of young pitchers step up and get them to the playoffs. These pitchers will now strengthen an already strong bullpen and backup any starters who get injured. Their bullpen is absolutely unbelievable, headed by Mariano Rivera. They have decent backups for the field, but won't need to use them much.
Batting Grade- A
Pitching Grade- B+
Overall Grade- A-
2. Toronto Blue Jays-The Blue Jays had a remarkable offseason, bringing in pitching to strengthen both their bullpen and rotation. Their lineup is still suspect but if Vernon Wells can have a good year, the rest of the lineup will follow along. This team needs to manufacture as many runs as possible, but I think they will have good enough contact hitting to be a major contender.
Batting Grade- C+
Pitching Grade- A
Overall Grade- B+
3. Tampa Bay Devil Rays-The Devil Rays have one of the best young teams in the MLBL. Joey Gathright, Scott Kazmir, and Carl Crawford lead this team. They are exceptionally fast and they have great contact hitting. Johnny Gomes and Aubrey Huff provide power and young star Delmon Young could possibly make MLBL appearnaces this year. The rotation drops off after Greinke but if the others can step up they could be very dangerous. They have potential to be the best team in the MLBL, hands down.
Batting Grade- A-
Pitching Grade- B-
Overall Grade-B
4. Boston Red Sox-The Red Sox are losing the firepower they had over the past 5 years. The departure of Johnny Damon is going to leave a leadoff hole, possibly filled by Edgar Renterria. Ortiz and Ramirez lead the offense but Ramirez holds a lot of drama. The past World Series MVP has been wanted out of Boston. The rotation looks great, with Schilling coming back to full strength. They made offseason pitching additions and Matt Clement is still capable of being an ace.
Batting Grade- B
Pitching Grade- A-
Overall Grade- B+
5. Baltimore Orioles-The orioles pitching staff is a mess. They have up and coming talent in Bedard but one player wont change this team. They might have a firesale with prospects to try and contend, or with MLBL players like Tejada and Roberts. They should probably start rebuilding for the future in this tough division.
Batting Grade- B
Pitching Grade- D
Overall Grade- C-
NL Central
1. Cleveland Indians- The Indians are another great young team. Ther pitching staff is suspect but it if it comes through they will be good. Like the D-Rays they have good contact hitting and a lot of young talent. The Indians could be a serious contender, but I don't see them going to the World Series this young. Down the road they could be a dynasty.
Batting Grade- B+
Pitching Grade- B+
Overall Grade- B+
2. Minnesota Twins-The Twins have a lot of hidden talent. Most people still don't know who Joe Mauer is, yet he is one of the best catchers around. Torii Hunter is still the leader of this team and if he can step up and have a good year, this team is a serious contender. The pitching staff is phenomenal. Johan Santana leads a great staff and they have great prospects coming up. The Twins might end up being a better World Series contender then the Indians if they can win the division and have a good year hitting the ball.
Batting Grade-B
Pitching Grade-A
Overall Grade-B+
3. Chicago White Sox-The White Sox have relatively the same team as last year. Last year they were a surprise story and I would be surprised if they put the same numbers up. Every player on this team has a role but the offense won't be sparking like last year, making Konerko's role monstrous. The pitching staff played over their heads last year and they shouldn't be as good. Their bullpen will still be good.
Batting Grade- C+
Pitching Grade- A
Overall Grade- B
4. Detroit Tigers- The Tigers don't have all the tools to contend. They have Ordonez coming back and Pudge still behind the plate. Pena is capable of good numbers at 1B but besides them, there isn't much else. The pitching staff is relatively unknown and unproven. I see them falling far behind everyone else.
Batting Grade- B
Pitching Grade- C-
Overall Grade- C
5. Kansas City Royals- Kansas City is also a mess, but they are younger and coming up with some good prospects. They have a good rotation down in the minors, with Zack Greinke the future leader. DeJesus is the offensive leader and he is capable of a .300 average if he plays to his potential. Not much else is running for the team. They and the tigers will fight to stay out of the cellar.
Batting Grade- B-
Pitching Grade- C-
AL West
1. Oakland Athletics- The A's have arguably the best young team in the Majors. Last year they came on strong at the end and almost won their way into a playoff position. Zito, Harden, and Haren lead a very strong rotation. The other two spots will be filled by very capable pitchers too with Loaiza, Saarloos, and Blanton. Their bullpen is young, but proved last year they can handle the load. The lineup is a small problem with the A's. They manufacture runs very well, but the runs come at a minimum. This year, everyone has some time under their belt and they should all be hitting at potential. Eric Chavez is healthy and ready to contend for a batting title.
Batting Grade- B
Pitching Grade- A
Overall Grade- A-
2. Seattle Mariners- The Mariners GM says he is looking to make plenty of trades. The team will be built around Felix Hernandez and other good prospects are coming up and getting ready to perform. If the GM can make trades and build this team around Hernandez, they can be deadly, but at the moment they are a Wild Card contender.
Batting Grade- B
Pitching Grade- A-
Overall Grade- B +
3. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim- The Angels get it done, somehow. Their pitching, good at best. Their hitting, Guerrero carries everything, yet they get it done. This team is clutch and they have good prospects in their system. It seems like everybody on that team goes on a streak while the other ones are cold. Their stats look bad but they actually are a good team. Their bullpen is one of the best in the MLBL, and K Rod is here to stay.
Batting Grade- B+
Pitching Grade- B+
Overall Grade-B+
4. Texas Rangers- The Rangers' pitching staff is decent and the hitting is led by 3 players, Texeira, Blalock, and Young. But nobody else is stepping up and helping this team out. The Bullpen is good once it gets to Cordero, but that happens rarely. The staff doesn't have the endurance to last the whole year. They will be a contender fot eh Wild Card, but the pressure of a whole season will where in on them.
Batting Grade- B+
Pitching Grade- B-
Overall Grade- B
NL East
1. New York Mets- This team was a contender last year and their best offensive player had a bad year! The rotation is underrated, and the lineup too. Last year, Floyd, Wright, Reyes, and Cameron were all overlooked. They made additions of Lo Duca and Delgado, which makes their offense absolutely stacked. It will be tough catching these guys. Also, top prospect Lastings Miledage might make it to the majors and complete their outfield. If he makes it though, they will have four good outfielders. The only questionable position is 2B.
Batting Grade-A-
Pitching Grade-A-
Overall Grade-A-
2. Atlanta Braves- The Braves proved they could win with young players, and that's just what they will do. They are led by their pitching staff. Expect for Andruw Jones to cool off but still be a strong power hitter with Chipper Jones. I'm looking for Estrada to have a breakout year and Schmoltz to have another good year before he starts wearing down. The pitching staff will falter some with the loss of their pitching coach but Cox is still a great pitching coach.
Batting Grade- B
Pitching Grade- A-
Overall Grade- B+
3. Washington Nationals- The Nationals were a surprise story last year. Livan Hernandez was incredible and Chad Cordero was absolutely amazing. He has no speed but great location. The offense is led by Brad Wilkerson and he has a good supporting staff. The team is a contender when they are hot but when they are cold they are in the cellar. They have fairly good prospects and they could compete in the coming years.
Batting Grade-B
Pitching Grade-B
Overall Grade-B
4. Philadelphia Phillies- The Phillies have only two good players, but the rest of the team is bad. Ryan Howard is an good star at first and Wolf is capable of being an ace. Their farm system is ok, but not among the elite. The Phillies might have a firesale this coming year to compete in the next decade.
Batting Grade- C+
Pitching Grade- B-
Overall Grade- C+
5. Florida Marlins-You should start getting used to this, "Florida Marlins, World Series Champions," as soon as next year, but this year they are looking to get their prospects experience. They have the best farm system, arguably the best pitcher in Dontrelle Willis, and arguably the best young player in Miguel Cabrera. The rest of the major league squad is decent but they have no chances at competing for anything this year. If their GM is smart, they will hold onto their prospects and win in the future.
NL Central
1. Chicago Cubs- The Cubbies don't need to make any moves to contend here. They have a good young rotation and they made good offseason additions. Juan Pierre was a great addition to this club, and Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez will head the offense. I think that Carlos Zambrano is the most underrated pitcher in baseball. He and Prior will fight for years to come to be the Cy Young winner.
Batting Grade- A-
Pitching Grade- A-
Overall Grade- A-
2. Pittsburgh Pirates- The Pirates have the most underrated pitching staff. Each pitcher has a different talent that they are good at, but they are led by Oliver Perez and Zach Duke. Jason Bay and Craig Wilson are two underrated hitters who lead the lineup while Jack Wilson leads the team defensively. They also have very good starting pitchers in their farm and good hitting prospects.
Batting Grade- B+
Pitching Grade- A-
Overall Grade- B+
3. St. Louis Cardinals- The Cardinals are led by two stars in Albert Pujols and Chris Carpenter. They are an older and experienced team that has the talent to go deep in October. Mulder and Rolen will play big roles on this team. If they can play like they have in recent years this team will be very deadly. Their bullpen is somewhat suspect and they don't have much depth, but Albert Pujols will always carry this team in times of trouble.
Batting Grade- B+
Pitching Grade- B+
Overall Grade- B+
4. Houston Astros- The Astros have one of the best young players in the game in Willy Taveras. If they utilize him correctly, they too could see themselves in the World Series again. They have good roleplayers in Mike Lamb and Jason Lane and Lance Berkman is the offensive leader. Roger Clemens still is a mystery but the pitching staff is still strong without him. Brandon Backe is severely underrated and Brad Lidge leads a strong bullpen.
Batting Grade- B
Pitching Grade- B
Overall Grade- B
5. Milwaulkee Brewers- The Brewers have not much besides Sheets, Capuano, and an unproven Prince Fielder who has a lot of upside. The rest of the offense is not very good at all and the pitching staff is underrated but not good eouch to lead them all the way to the Wild Card. They have a good farm however.
Batting Grade- C
Pitching Grade-B
Overall Grade-C+
6. Cincinnati Reds- The Reds have nothing going for them. They have an overload of overrated stars that are past their prime and one of the worst pitching staffs in the MLBL. Major trades are in action here. They don't have the greatest farm but it is good enough to show signs of an ok future.
Batting Grade- C
Pitching Grade-D
OVerall Grade-C-
1. San Diego Padres- The Padres have a pitching staff that is overlooked by many. Jake Peavy is a Cy Young contender and the rest of the pitching staff is good as well. Their batting comes through when they need it and if the pitching leads them, they will be a tough team to beat in the playoffs.
Batting Grade- B
Pitching Grade- A
Overall Grade- B+
2. Los Angeles Dodgers- The Dodgers lack an ace, but they have plenty of pitchers who fill that void at times. All of their pitchers are at about the spot of a two pitcher in other rotations. The offense has little power but they do hit for a good average. They have a great farm and consistently have good prospects. Don't expect them to have a season like last years anytime soon. The farm will be the key to this organization, at least in future years.
Batting Grade-B
Pitching Grade-B
Overall Grade-B
3. Arizona Diamondbacks- Brandon Webb has the ability to be an ace, but the rest of the rotation is bad. The bullpen isn't where it should be at all. On offense, they too have a lot of overrated stars, but if Green and Glaus can prove their worth and the young offensive guys play well enough, they could fight for the division.
Batting Grade- B
Pitching Grade- B-
Overall Grade- B-
4. San Francisco Giants- The Giants think they have something, but they don't. Bonds has the ability to play well, but how long will he last without an injury? Lowry and Schmidt can lead the rotation, but who else will step up? This team could be one of the Best in the NL, but they also could be the worst. This questionable and streaky team is could be a competitor, or the failure of the year. The only story here is Bonds' homerun mark if they don't go anywhere.
Batting Grade- B-
Pitching Grade- B-
Overall Grade- B-
5. Colorado Rockies- If the Owner and GM want to start getting this team somewhere, here's what they should do: relocate. They have raised some pretty good pitchers recently but they can't do anything at Coors. Their batters aren't good enough for Coors either. Other teams take advantage of it more then the Rockies. Helton and Barmes will be the leaders, but will Barmes fall to injury again?
Batting Grade- B
Pitching Grade- C-
Overall Grade- C
Playoff Picture
Oakland over Cleveland
Seattle over New York
New York over Pittsburgh
Chicago over San Diego
Oakland over Seattle
New York over Chicago
New York over Oakland
AL MVP- Alex Rodriguez
NL MVP-Carlos Beltran
AL Cy Young-Barry Zito
NL Cy Young-Jake Peavy
Divisional Ranks
1. AL West-3 Teams competing in a division of 4
2. NL Central-1-4 are good teams but major drop off
3. AL East-4 Teams competing, but not all elite
4. AL Central-3 Teams that are all about equal
5. NL East-Wild Card contenders here
6. NL West- Only shot is via division
Last year, if you would have asked 100 people who they thought would win the World Series, how many do you think would have said the White Sox? I no I didn't. Congratulations to Chicago. They have finally won another championship.
The past two champions hadn't won the World Series in a very long time. Is this year the Cubbies year? I'm here to offer my 2006 MLBL predictions.
AL East
1. New York Yankees-The Yankees have a remarkable team. Their lineup is completely stacked, especially when you see guys like Posada hitting 7 or later! The pitching is older and suspect but if Randy Johnson and Mike Mussina can stay healthy, they have the rotation to go all the way. Last year, they had plenty of young pitchers step up and get them to the playoffs. These pitchers will now strengthen an already strong bullpen and backup any starters who get injured. Their bullpen is absolutely unbelievable, headed by Mariano Rivera. They have decent backups for the field, but won't need to use them much.
Batting Grade- A
Pitching Grade- B+
Overall Grade- A-
2. Toronto Blue Jays-The Blue Jays had a remarkable offseason, bringing in pitching to strengthen both their bullpen and rotation. Their lineup is still suspect but if Vernon Wells can have a good year, the rest of the lineup will follow along. This team needs to manufacture as many runs as possible, but I think they will have good enough contact hitting to be a major contender.
Batting Grade- C+
Pitching Grade- A
Overall Grade- B+
3. Tampa Bay Devil Rays-The Devil Rays have one of the best young teams in the MLBL. Joey Gathright, Scott Kazmir, and Carl Crawford lead this team. They are exceptionally fast and they have great contact hitting. Johnny Gomes and Aubrey Huff provide power and young star Delmon Young could possibly make MLBL appearnaces this year. The rotation drops off after Greinke but if the others can step up they could be very dangerous. They have potential to be the best team in the MLBL, hands down.
Batting Grade- A-
Pitching Grade- B-
Overall Grade-B
4. Boston Red Sox-The Red Sox are losing the firepower they had over the past 5 years. The departure of Johnny Damon is going to leave a leadoff hole, possibly filled by Edgar Renterria. Ortiz and Ramirez lead the offense but Ramirez holds a lot of drama. The past World Series MVP has been wanted out of Boston. The rotation looks great, with Schilling coming back to full strength. They made offseason pitching additions and Matt Clement is still capable of being an ace.
Batting Grade- B
Pitching Grade- A-
Overall Grade- B+
5. Baltimore Orioles-The orioles pitching staff is a mess. They have up and coming talent in Bedard but one player wont change this team. They might have a firesale with prospects to try and contend, or with MLBL players like Tejada and Roberts. They should probably start rebuilding for the future in this tough division.
Batting Grade- B
Pitching Grade- D
Overall Grade- C-
NL Central
1. Cleveland Indians- The Indians are another great young team. Ther pitching staff is suspect but it if it comes through they will be good. Like the D-Rays they have good contact hitting and a lot of young talent. The Indians could be a serious contender, but I don't see them going to the World Series this young. Down the road they could be a dynasty.
Batting Grade- B+
Pitching Grade- B+
Overall Grade- B+
2. Minnesota Twins-The Twins have a lot of hidden talent. Most people still don't know who Joe Mauer is, yet he is one of the best catchers around. Torii Hunter is still the leader of this team and if he can step up and have a good year, this team is a serious contender. The pitching staff is phenomenal. Johan Santana leads a great staff and they have great prospects coming up. The Twins might end up being a better World Series contender then the Indians if they can win the division and have a good year hitting the ball.
Batting Grade-B
Pitching Grade-A
Overall Grade-B+
3. Chicago White Sox-The White Sox have relatively the same team as last year. Last year they were a surprise story and I would be surprised if they put the same numbers up. Every player on this team has a role but the offense won't be sparking like last year, making Konerko's role monstrous. The pitching staff played over their heads last year and they shouldn't be as good. Their bullpen will still be good.
Batting Grade- C+
Pitching Grade- A
Overall Grade- B
4. Detroit Tigers- The Tigers don't have all the tools to contend. They have Ordonez coming back and Pudge still behind the plate. Pena is capable of good numbers at 1B but besides them, there isn't much else. The pitching staff is relatively unknown and unproven. I see them falling far behind everyone else.
Batting Grade- B
Pitching Grade- C-
Overall Grade- C
5. Kansas City Royals- Kansas City is also a mess, but they are younger and coming up with some good prospects. They have a good rotation down in the minors, with Zack Greinke the future leader. DeJesus is the offensive leader and he is capable of a .300 average if he plays to his potential. Not much else is running for the team. They and the tigers will fight to stay out of the cellar.
Batting Grade- B-
Pitching Grade- C-
AL West
1. Oakland Athletics- The A's have arguably the best young team in the Majors. Last year they came on strong at the end and almost won their way into a playoff position. Zito, Harden, and Haren lead a very strong rotation. The other two spots will be filled by very capable pitchers too with Loaiza, Saarloos, and Blanton. Their bullpen is young, but proved last year they can handle the load. The lineup is a small problem with the A's. They manufacture runs very well, but the runs come at a minimum. This year, everyone has some time under their belt and they should all be hitting at potential. Eric Chavez is healthy and ready to contend for a batting title.
Batting Grade- B
Pitching Grade- A
Overall Grade- A-
2. Seattle Mariners- The Mariners GM says he is looking to make plenty of trades. The team will be built around Felix Hernandez and other good prospects are coming up and getting ready to perform. If the GM can make trades and build this team around Hernandez, they can be deadly, but at the moment they are a Wild Card contender.
Batting Grade- B
Pitching Grade- A-
Overall Grade- B +
3. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim- The Angels get it done, somehow. Their pitching, good at best. Their hitting, Guerrero carries everything, yet they get it done. This team is clutch and they have good prospects in their system. It seems like everybody on that team goes on a streak while the other ones are cold. Their stats look bad but they actually are a good team. Their bullpen is one of the best in the MLBL, and K Rod is here to stay.
Batting Grade- B+
Pitching Grade- B+
Overall Grade-B+
4. Texas Rangers- The Rangers' pitching staff is decent and the hitting is led by 3 players, Texeira, Blalock, and Young. But nobody else is stepping up and helping this team out. The Bullpen is good once it gets to Cordero, but that happens rarely. The staff doesn't have the endurance to last the whole year. They will be a contender fot eh Wild Card, but the pressure of a whole season will where in on them.
Batting Grade- B+
Pitching Grade- B-
Overall Grade- B
NL East
1. New York Mets- This team was a contender last year and their best offensive player had a bad year! The rotation is underrated, and the lineup too. Last year, Floyd, Wright, Reyes, and Cameron were all overlooked. They made additions of Lo Duca and Delgado, which makes their offense absolutely stacked. It will be tough catching these guys. Also, top prospect Lastings Miledage might make it to the majors and complete their outfield. If he makes it though, they will have four good outfielders. The only questionable position is 2B.
Batting Grade-A-
Pitching Grade-A-
Overall Grade-A-
2. Atlanta Braves- The Braves proved they could win with young players, and that's just what they will do. They are led by their pitching staff. Expect for Andruw Jones to cool off but still be a strong power hitter with Chipper Jones. I'm looking for Estrada to have a breakout year and Schmoltz to have another good year before he starts wearing down. The pitching staff will falter some with the loss of their pitching coach but Cox is still a great pitching coach.
Batting Grade- B
Pitching Grade- A-
Overall Grade- B+
3. Washington Nationals- The Nationals were a surprise story last year. Livan Hernandez was incredible and Chad Cordero was absolutely amazing. He has no speed but great location. The offense is led by Brad Wilkerson and he has a good supporting staff. The team is a contender when they are hot but when they are cold they are in the cellar. They have fairly good prospects and they could compete in the coming years.
Batting Grade-B
Pitching Grade-B
Overall Grade-B
4. Philadelphia Phillies- The Phillies have only two good players, but the rest of the team is bad. Ryan Howard is an good star at first and Wolf is capable of being an ace. Their farm system is ok, but not among the elite. The Phillies might have a firesale this coming year to compete in the next decade.
Batting Grade- C+
Pitching Grade- B-
Overall Grade- C+
5. Florida Marlins-You should start getting used to this, "Florida Marlins, World Series Champions," as soon as next year, but this year they are looking to get their prospects experience. They have the best farm system, arguably the best pitcher in Dontrelle Willis, and arguably the best young player in Miguel Cabrera. The rest of the major league squad is decent but they have no chances at competing for anything this year. If their GM is smart, they will hold onto their prospects and win in the future.
NL Central
1. Chicago Cubs- The Cubbies don't need to make any moves to contend here. They have a good young rotation and they made good offseason additions. Juan Pierre was a great addition to this club, and Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez will head the offense. I think that Carlos Zambrano is the most underrated pitcher in baseball. He and Prior will fight for years to come to be the Cy Young winner.
Batting Grade- A-
Pitching Grade- A-
Overall Grade- A-
2. Pittsburgh Pirates- The Pirates have the most underrated pitching staff. Each pitcher has a different talent that they are good at, but they are led by Oliver Perez and Zach Duke. Jason Bay and Craig Wilson are two underrated hitters who lead the lineup while Jack Wilson leads the team defensively. They also have very good starting pitchers in their farm and good hitting prospects.
Batting Grade- B+
Pitching Grade- A-
Overall Grade- B+
3. St. Louis Cardinals- The Cardinals are led by two stars in Albert Pujols and Chris Carpenter. They are an older and experienced team that has the talent to go deep in October. Mulder and Rolen will play big roles on this team. If they can play like they have in recent years this team will be very deadly. Their bullpen is somewhat suspect and they don't have much depth, but Albert Pujols will always carry this team in times of trouble.
Batting Grade- B+
Pitching Grade- B+
Overall Grade- B+
4. Houston Astros- The Astros have one of the best young players in the game in Willy Taveras. If they utilize him correctly, they too could see themselves in the World Series again. They have good roleplayers in Mike Lamb and Jason Lane and Lance Berkman is the offensive leader. Roger Clemens still is a mystery but the pitching staff is still strong without him. Brandon Backe is severely underrated and Brad Lidge leads a strong bullpen.
Batting Grade- B
Pitching Grade- B
Overall Grade- B
5. Milwaulkee Brewers- The Brewers have not much besides Sheets, Capuano, and an unproven Prince Fielder who has a lot of upside. The rest of the offense is not very good at all and the pitching staff is underrated but not good eouch to lead them all the way to the Wild Card. They have a good farm however.
Batting Grade- C
Pitching Grade-B
Overall Grade-C+
6. Cincinnati Reds- The Reds have nothing going for them. They have an overload of overrated stars that are past their prime and one of the worst pitching staffs in the MLBL. Major trades are in action here. They don't have the greatest farm but it is good enough to show signs of an ok future.
Batting Grade- C
Pitching Grade-D
OVerall Grade-C-
1. San Diego Padres- The Padres have a pitching staff that is overlooked by many. Jake Peavy is a Cy Young contender and the rest of the pitching staff is good as well. Their batting comes through when they need it and if the pitching leads them, they will be a tough team to beat in the playoffs.
Batting Grade- B
Pitching Grade- A
Overall Grade- B+
2. Los Angeles Dodgers- The Dodgers lack an ace, but they have plenty of pitchers who fill that void at times. All of their pitchers are at about the spot of a two pitcher in other rotations. The offense has little power but they do hit for a good average. They have a great farm and consistently have good prospects. Don't expect them to have a season like last years anytime soon. The farm will be the key to this organization, at least in future years.
Batting Grade-B
Pitching Grade-B
Overall Grade-B
3. Arizona Diamondbacks- Brandon Webb has the ability to be an ace, but the rest of the rotation is bad. The bullpen isn't where it should be at all. On offense, they too have a lot of overrated stars, but if Green and Glaus can prove their worth and the young offensive guys play well enough, they could fight for the division.
Batting Grade- B
Pitching Grade- B-
Overall Grade- B-
4. San Francisco Giants- The Giants think they have something, but they don't. Bonds has the ability to play well, but how long will he last without an injury? Lowry and Schmidt can lead the rotation, but who else will step up? This team could be one of the Best in the NL, but they also could be the worst. This questionable and streaky team is could be a competitor, or the failure of the year. The only story here is Bonds' homerun mark if they don't go anywhere.
Batting Grade- B-
Pitching Grade- B-
Overall Grade- B-
5. Colorado Rockies- If the Owner and GM want to start getting this team somewhere, here's what they should do: relocate. They have raised some pretty good pitchers recently but they can't do anything at Coors. Their batters aren't good enough for Coors either. Other teams take advantage of it more then the Rockies. Helton and Barmes will be the leaders, but will Barmes fall to injury again?
Batting Grade- B
Pitching Grade- C-
Overall Grade- C
Playoff Picture
Oakland over Cleveland
Seattle over New York
New York over Pittsburgh
Chicago over San Diego
Oakland over Seattle
New York over Chicago
New York over Oakland
AL MVP- Alex Rodriguez
NL MVP-Carlos Beltran
AL Cy Young-Barry Zito
NL Cy Young-Jake Peavy
Divisional Ranks
1. AL West-3 Teams competing in a division of 4
2. NL Central-1-4 are good teams but major drop off
3. AL East-4 Teams competing, but not all elite
4. AL Central-3 Teams that are all about equal
5. NL East-Wild Card contenders here
6. NL West- Only shot is via division