YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH BOYYYYYYYYYYY
Baseball is back and I feel invigorated. You know what that means? POPA'S BASEBALL PICKS AND PREVIEW FOR 2007!!!!!!!!!!!
Let's get cracking!!!!
National League West:
1. San Diego Padres
-The Good: The Pitching Staff is great. Maybe the best in the NL. Peavy and Young are Cy Young candidates. Greg Maddux and David Wells are veterans that throw nothing but strikes which could mean good things in that ballpark. Arguably, the best bullpen in the NL with Hoffman, Meredith, and Linebrink leading the way. Adrian Gonzalez is a rising star and Kouzmanoff might be a good power hitter. If Khalil Greene, stays healthy.....he can be good. He's also the first white person to ever be named Khalil for real. Kalel is jealous.......mainly because he's not white.
The Bad: Their hitting is real bad. They need the Giles brothers to hit like they did a couple years ago. Marcus might be able to but Brian might be too old. They are starting Termell Sledge in left field. LOL. They need a solid lefty out of the bullpen.
2. Colorado Rockies
The Good: Their Hitting is terrific. Matt Holliday, Garrett Atkins, and Todd Helton can carry the whole offense. But they might not have to with youngsters like Troy "I'm not Dirk" Tulowitzki and Chris Iannetta in the fold. If Wily Taveras can consistently get on base, this offense can put up some huge numbers. Brian Fuentes is pretty consistent as their closer. Jeff Francis is a competent #1 Starter.
The Bad: Their starting pitching outside of Jeff Francis has the potential to be real bad. Their bullpen outside of Fuentes can be either good or real atrocious.
3. LA Dodgers
The Good: They have an extremely well rounded lineup. They have some good players at the top of the lineup in Rafael Furcal and Juan Pierre, a couple of professional hitters in Nomar, Kent, and Luis Gonzalez, and some nice young players in Andre Ethier and Russell Martin. The top of the rotation is strong with Jason Schmidt, Brad Penny, and Derek Lowe. Saito as the closer last year was lights out and Broxton is a very good set up man.
The Bad: Not much depth in the bullpen outside of Saito and Broxton. Schmidt was inconsistent last year. Penny self destructed in the second half. If starting pitching doesn't pitch up to their ability, they might have to bring future ace Chad Billingsley into the rotation which could potentially make the bullpen even thinner.
4. Arizona Diamondbacks
The Good: The starting rotation is solid with Brandon Webb, Randy Johnson, Livan Hernandez, and Doug Davis. The offense has alot of potential with players like Chris Young, Carlos Quentin, Stephen Drew, Miguel Montero, and Conor Jackson.
The Bad: That bullpen looks awful. Jose Valverde is their closer? Which Valverde will they see? The lights out in the second half Valverde or the Jose that was throwing Valverde cheese in the first half of the season? They are very inexperienced and young in the lineup.
5. San Francisco Giants
The Good: They have a pretty solid rotation in Barry Zito, Matt Cain, Matt Morris, and Noah "Don't mistake me for Mike" Lowry. That alone can keep them in the race. Barry Bonds is looking to hit Home Run 756 this year.
The Bad: Barry Bonds is looking to hit Home run 756 this year. 75% of their lineup can start picking up social security checks right now. In fact, the average age of their lineup is 52. LOL @ Armando Benitez being their closer. They are pretty much inviting teams to beat them in the 9th inning.
National League Central:
1. Milwaukee Brewers
The Good: They have a lot of young talent ready to bust, no homo. Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks, Corey Hart, and JJ Hardy (lol, only in baseball would you find someone named JJ. Wait. What? There's a basketball player that goes by JJ? He went to Duke? That explains everything) all have some promise. Bill Hall broke out last year meanwhile Geoff Jenkins and Johnny Estrada are professional hitters. Their Starting pitching looks real strong with Cy Young candidate Ben Sheets and solid hurlers like Capuano, Dave Bush (No relation to the president. Millions of terrorists targeting this guy everywhere just all sighed at the same time), and World Series MVP, Jeff Suppan.
The Bad: I don't know how you can look at their bullpen and think that they are going to close out games. Thankfully, everyone else in the division is also questionable in the bullpen. They are also starting Craig Counsell (how does this guy still have a starting job?) at third base.....which isn't that bad considering that he is caddying for Braun.
2. St. Louis Cardinals
The Good: Pujols and Carpenter. Pretty good defensive team.
The Bad: The rest of the team other then Pujols and Carpenter. It seems like they are slowly trying build their team up the middle with Angel retreads like Edmonds, Kennedy, Eckstein and Molina (he played his whole career with the Cards but both his brothers played for the Angels). They are going back to Izzy even after how terrible he's looked? Their starting rotation includes two converted relievers even though Wainwright has some promise.
3. Cincinatti Reds
The Good: They have some punch in the lineup with Adam Dunn, Ken Griffey Jr. if he stays healthy, and Edwin Encarnacion. Ryan Freel is a sparkplug that can play any position. Their top two starters are solid in Harang and Arroyo plus their future ace, Homer Bailey (lol, he's named after two cartoon characters) will be up by mid-season. If Josh "Heroin" Hamilton lives up to the hype, they need to move Dunn to first to make room for him in the outfield.
The Bad: Closer by Committees never work. Reds, did you watch the Red Sox in 2004? Can Brandon Phillips repeat what he did last year? The whole team's batting average is going to suck. They have to Twins retreads in the starting rotation in Milton and Kyle Lohse. At any time during a game, Josh Hamilton can start convulsing on the field from ODing.
4. Houston Astros
The Good: Arguably the best lineup in the NL Central. Carlos Lee is going to feast in that ballpark. He also might feast outside of ballparks in general. He's fat. That's what i'm trying to say. You know how Dids lost all that weight? I think it's slowly getting transferred to Carlos Lee's body. Some kind of Lipsuction Mental Transfer ability. Crazy Tangent. Anyways, Berkman's a beast. Luke Scott and Chris Burke could be sleepers this year. Oswalt is arguably the best starter in the NL.
The Bad: Biggio is still playing even though he looked real bad last year. The guy's an all time great but it might be time to move on. The Starting pitching after Oswalt doesn't look pretty. They need the Rocket in a bad way. Are we going to see Dr. Jekyll Lidge or Mr. Hyde Lidge?
5. Chicago Cubs
The Good: You know how I said that the Astros could have the best lineup in the NL Central? The Cubs can compete with them bat for bat. Everyone knows what Derek Lee, Aramis Ramirez and Alfonso Soriano can do. Michael Barrett is a solid catcher. Carlos Zambrano is Stud and due to make a lot of money as a free agent at the end of the year.
The Bad: Carlos Zambrano is due to make a lot of money as a free agent at the end of the year. Might not be from the Cubs though. I don't know if Soriano leading off is a really good idea. You could use his slugging in the middle of the lineup. Their bullpen is scary bad. Ryan Dempster is a major league closer? I think Kyra Sedgwick would do a better job then Ryan Dempster at being a Closer. Ok, that was my one corny joke about closers.
6. Pittsburgh Pirates
The Good: Jason Bay
The Bad: The Whole team other then Jason Bay. Counting down to the days that Andrew McCutchen makes his debut.
National League East:
1. Philedelphia Phillies
The Good: The heart of this team is Rollins, Utley, and Howard. The Starting rotation is strong with Myers, Garcia, and Hamels and the bullpen looks solid as well.
The Bad: Their 3rd base sitaution has looked abysmal for years. Their OF looks inconsistent. Rowand is a great defensive OFer but will give you little at the plate. Burrell can either be a stiff or a monster at the plate. Philly fans have faith in Victorino. Let's see if he lives up to the hype. If Brett Myers starts wearing wifebeaters in the clubhouse, eyebrows will be raised everywhere.
2. Atlanta Braves
The Good: Well rounded team. Andruw Jones, Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, Jeff Francouer, and Edgar Renteria make up a pretty good lineup. Smoltz, Hudson and Chuck James look like they'll round out a solid starting rotation. Meanwhile the bullpen looks real good as well.
The Bad: Can Kelly Johnson replace Marcus Giles? Did Kelly Kapowski turn down their starting first baseman job? and can Bob Wickman come up with another good year in his fat body? Can Jeff Francouer draw a walk?
3. New York Mets
The Good: Best lineup in the NL. Jose Reyes is the best SS in the NL. David Wright is hella cute. Carlos Beltran is a MVP candidate. Bullpen could be very strong.
The Bad: For a team with World Series aspirations, they have a lot of question marks. The starting rotation has more holes then the jeans in the hipster stores that Symantiks shops at. Their Bullpen already has some question marks going into the season with Duaner Sanchez out for a few months and Mota being suspended for BALCO. The Mets are actually serious about using Burgos out of their pen. No really, it's not a joke. Most of the players on this team shouldn't be playing baseball but should be extras for the sequel to Grumpy Old Men. Their is a solid chance Omar Minaya might trade David Wright for a Hispanic third baseman.
4. Florida Marlins
The Good: When Josh Johnson comes back, their top 4 in the rotation will look very good. Miguel Cabrera is a top 5 hitter in the NL. Hanley Ramirez is a poor man's Jose Reyes.
The Bad: Their OF is in shambles. Their bullpen is atrocious. They are relying on Jorge Julio to close out games for them. Miguel Cabrera is the only accomplished hitter in the Florida lineup.
5. Washington Nationals
The Good: Ryan Zimmerman.
The Bad: The rest of the team. Could be the worst team of all time.
American League West:
1. LA Angels
The Good: Maybe the most well rounded team in the AL. They have good starting pitching with John Lackey, Ervin Santana, Kelvim Escobar, and Jered Weaver. Their lineup is solid with Vlad leading the way. Bullpen is good as well.
The Bad: Other then Gary Matthews Jr.'s hat size being 2 sizes smaller? What can you expect from the guy? What can you expect from Garrett Anderson? Will Jered Weaver revert to Jeff Weaver mode?
2. Oakland A's
The Good: Their pitching is pretty fucking good. Adding Mike Piazza and making him DH was a stroke of genius.
The Bad: I can't see them hitting a damn thing outside of Piazza and Swisher.
3. Texas Rangers
The Good: Teixeira and Michael Young are damn good players. Otsuka is lights as a reliever. Ian Kinsler might be Jewish but he's a damn good ball player.
The Bad: Will anyone in their starting rotation step up? Millwood, Padilla, McCarthy?!?! Anyone?!?!? Gagne was a terrible investment for the Rangers. Their OF looks very average right now.
4. Seattle Mariners
The Good: Ichiro is still a top 10 player in the American League and they have some solid players around him in Ibanez, Beltre, Sexson, Johjima. If King Felix pitches up to potential, he can be a monster. They have a Putz closing for them. No really. His name is J.J. Putz. Yep, another baseball player named J.J. What'd I tell ya?
The Bad: After Felix, no one on this team really pitches that well. So if Felix doesn't come through this year, the pitching staff is in big doo doo. Also, this team doesn't get on base a whole much. They ranked 4th from last in On Base % last year. Pretty pitiful.
American League Central:
1. Detroit Tigers
The Good: A very good team that got better. They play extremely good defense. Their pitching is great starting with Bonderman and Verlander. They needed a big bopper in the offseason and acquired Gary Sheffield. Carlos Guillen might be one of the most underrated players in baseball. The bullpen is great too with T. Jones, Zumaya and Rodney.
The Bad: I still think they can use one more hitter. Also, if the whole team starts playing Guitar Hero, they can kiss their World Series hopes goodbye.
2. Minnesota Twins
The Good: It all starts with Johan Santana. You can argue that he is the best player in baseball. Mauer, Morneau, and Cuddy make up a very good 3-4-5. Bullpen is stellar.
The Bad: The Starting Rotation after Johan is patchwork. If Torii Hunter can't stay healthy, not alot of hitting besides the big three. We will not hear the end of Myjah throughout the whole baseball season.
3. Cleveland Indians
The Good: V-mart, Sizemore, and Hafner make up the heart of the lineup. If Hafner played in a big market, he'd be considered a superstar. Josh Barfield looks in line to have a break out season. C.C. (Not CeeCee) Sabathia is a damn good pitcher.
The Bad: Peralta and Marte have to start playing more consistently. Rotation after Sabathia looks iffy. Bullpen doesn't look too healthy right now. Neither does CC Sabathia after a trip to Mickey D's.
4. Chicago White Sox
The Good: Arguably the most talented team in the division.
The Bad: The talent is all old or inconsistent.
5. Kansas City Royals
The Good: Not as bad as you think. Teahen, Shealy, and Gordon make up a good core. Plus when Butler comes up, the lineup will be stacked.
The Bad: Holy Hochevar!!! Where's the pitching?!?!?!
American League East:
1. New York Yankees
The Good: The Best lineup in baseball. The best bullpen in the division. Derek Jeter is dreamy. They have a lot of money and you don't. For some reason, I think A-rod's going to kill it this year. It could be the fact that he's in a contract year. Or it could be the fact that he's actually speaking up without caring about the repercussions. Whatever it is, there's something different about A-rod and it showed during spring training.
The Bad: The rotation doesn't look championship ready. It needs Phil Hughes and the Rocket right now. Yankee haters can't wait to see Mientkiewicz at the plate in a big spot. Predictions on his average? I'm setting the over/under at .180.
2. Boston Red Sox
The Good: Schilling, Beckett, and Dice-K leading the starting rotation. It was smart putting Papelbon back into the closer role. Big Papi and Manny can carry a whole offense by themselves.
The Bad: What if Pap can't stay healthy? The bullpen without papelbon is atrocious. Schilling is old and Beckett's penis falls off when he sees a blister. JD Drew? LOL LOL LOL LOL. I can't wait for a Yankee fan to throw a battery at him in right field.
3. Toronto Blue Jays
The Good: Vernon Wells and Troy Glaus are monsters. Alex Rios is one injury free season away from being a star. Plus they added Big Hurt. Halladay is a stud and BJ Ryan might be the nastiest closer in baseball.
The Bad: They play in the AL East.
4. Baltimore Orioles
The Good: Their first three starting pitchers look promising (Bedard, Daniel Cabrera, Loewen). Everyone knows about Tejada and Markakis looks primed for a breakout season.
The Bad: Their whole lineup looks average. They play in the AL East.
5. Tampa Bay Devil Rays
The Good: in 2 years, could have the best OF in baseball in Dukes, Young, and Crawford. Kazmir needs to lower his walk total before he's considered a legit ace but he's almost there.
The Bad: Team is way too young. No pitching outside of Kazmir. They Play in the AL East.
NL Wild Card Team: Atlanta Braves
AL Wild Card Team: Boston Red Sox
10 players ready to Breakout:
Stephen Drew
Nick Markakis
Delmon Young
King Felix
Ian Kinsler
Josh Barfield
Rickie Weeks
Chris Young (the OFer)
Edwin Encarnacion
Erik Bedard
Matt cain
AL Rookie of the Year:
1. Dice-K
2. Delmon Young
3. Alex Gordon
4. Phil Hughes
5. Elijah Dukes
NL Rookie of the Year
1. Troy Tulowitzki
2. Homer Bailey
3. Chris Young
4. Ryan Braun
5. Kevin Kouzmanoff
AL Cy Young:
1. Johan Santana
2. Roy Halladay
3. Dice-K
4. Jeremy Bonderman
5. King Felix
NL Cy Young:
1. Roy Oswalt
2. Ben Sheets
3. Brandon Webb
4. Chris Carpenter
5. Carlos Zambrano
AL MVP:
1. Alex Rodriguez
2. Travis Hafner
3. Manny Ramirez
4. Vladimir Guerrero
5. Vernon Wells
NL MVP:
1. Albert Pujols
2. Derek Lee
3. Jose Reyes
4. Prince Fielder
5. Chase Utley
World Series Prediction:
Detroit Tigers over the Philedelphia Phillies
What, no Yankees?!?!?! Well, I might chance my pick to the Yankees if Roger Clemens signs and Phil Hughes is in the rotation. But until that happens, i'm not willing to hang my hat when their Starting rotation has more holes 24's plot lately.
