Predictions '09: New York Mets

New York Mets: When will it be the Mets’ year. The Yankees have dominated the New York post season history since the beginning of the game. Finally the Mets got a team that could compete, a few years ago! This is a team that continually falls apart either in the playoffs or at the end of the season. But one of these years, they’ll make it. So I can’t bet against them. The odds would be against me. But they do have some healthy competition with the Phillies and wins against the Marlins and Braves won’t come easy.

Highlights: Johan Santana did quite well in a new league. There were skeptics at the start of last season but he proved them wrong by dominating the NL with a 2.53 era. Look for him to pitch his way further into history. He’s also a star for your FANTASY team.

Question Mark: Will the team be able to overcome their late season woes or will it just be another tease for New York fans? This is a question that will continue to haunt the Mets Management until they actually pull it together and get some pound and a half diamond-studded rings.

Key to Success: Going into the off season, the biggest question about the team was their bullpen. Although they had an allstar caliber closer in Billy Wagner, their bullpen still had some holes. So what did GM Omar Minaya do, just get two of the best relievers in the game. Fancisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz will more than help the Mets bullpen. They might have the most dominant 1-2 punch at the end of the game. Not to mention Duaner Sanchez, Pedro Feliciano, and Darren O’Day whom any team would like to have. Just this fact alone should give the Mets a handful more wins and may catapult them into late October.

Prediction: 1st Place

Predictions '09: Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies: The National League East should come down to the Mets and the Phils. The reigning World Champions have basically the same team as they did last season. Obviously, they won the big game, and should compete again. Cole Hamels grew into the Ace that he was meant to be. Utley, Howard, and Rollins all had great seasons even if there were a couple humps along the way. Brad Lidge has closed out 51 straight save opportunities and will be almost a sure bet this season. All of these aspects make me conclude that the team that stole part of my name will be back in October. But maybe as the Wild Card this time around.

Highlights: A solid lineup top to bottom is something that the Phills should be proud of. The loss of Pat Burrell would have been felt had they not picked up a man with 338 RBIs over the past 3 seasons. That man is one of the most underrated players in the game. That’s because he’s been stuck in the NorthWest corner of our country. Raul Ibanez should be a solid addition to an already praise-worthy team.
Question Mark: Jamie Moyer has been one of the best pitchers in the game over the past two decades. At 46 years old, everyone, and most importantly the Phillies are counting on him to be the consistent pitcher he has always been. But he is 46. He joins the ranks of Nolan Ryan and Phil Neikro in old pitchers territory. I’m rooting for him, heck he’s older than my mom. There ain’t many players like that anymore.

Key to Success: I can’t really give a key to success to a team that won the World Series and comes back with arguably a better ballclub. So all I’ll say is keep doing what you’re doing and enjoy the happiness that Philadelphia sports fans finally have!

Prediction: 2nd Place

Predictions '09: Florida Marlins

This is a team that always seems to surprise me. Every other year, they seem to make some noise for the other NL East teams. Last season they were contending well into the late summer months. A young stable of stars and one of the best players in the game (Hanley Ramirez) will lead the fish in front of their 100 or so fans.

Highlights: Hanley Ramirez is on everyone’s top Fantasy picks list. He is almost a sure 33 home runs and 35 stolen bases. He is one of the biggest catalysts of the game. Now Fantasy Baseball is just that… a fantasy. But Hanley is the Real Deal for the Fish.

Question Mark: The lineup is strong, the rotation is iffy. Ricky Nolasco, Josh Johnson, Chris Volstad,Anibal Sanchez, and Andrew Sanchez are all super young and don’t have that much experience. Together, they have less than Jamie Moyer of their rival Phillies. This can’t help. But maybe Sanchez can throw a couple more no-hitters.

Key to Success: The Marlin’s bench is one of the strongest in the league. Alfredo Amezaga may be the best utility man in the game. Dallas McPherson hit 42 home runs last year. This was most in the minors. The Angels gave up on him because of injuries, I doubt the Marlins will.

Prediction: 3rd Place

Predictions '09: Atlanta Braves

Let us see what Bobby Cox does with an Atlanta team that hasn’t made the playoffs for the past 3 years. A few acquisitions over the past half-year should improve their chances. Casey Kotchman helped last season and should step up a little bit in 2009. Derek Lowe and Javier Vazquez should improve a young rotation missing all of the ‘90s dominance. Chipper Jones had a great season last year batting .364. He won’t hit that high, but expect more than 3 hits in 10 at bats from him. Cox is a great manager. Management trusts him to win some ball games. But I feel like its going to be the battle for third place (with the Marlins) behind the Mets and Phillies.
Highlights: Jair Jurrjens had 13 wins, 188.1 innings, and 139 strikeouts last year as a rookie. All of these led the team. As their third starter, he’ll be a wonderful asset behind Lowe and Vazquez.

Question Mark: Jeff Francoeur was supposed to be the new face of the ball club. High expectations were met a couple years ago. But last season, his numbers dropped to .239/11 homeruns. If his face is going to be on all the team store’s rally towels, back packs, and souvenir clappers, he’s going to have to pick it up this year.

Key to Success: The Braves outfielders hit a total of 27 home runs last season, fewest for an NL team since 1994. Jeff Francoer, Matt Diaz, and Josh Anderson are the 6, 7, and 8 hitters. Now I’m not saying that they have to start swinging for the fences, but they will have to start making nice contact. The rest of the line up is pretty solid. So with them and a solid rotation, Cox may make it back to the playoffs… righhhhttttt.

Prediction: 4th Place

Predictions '09: Washington Nationals

I feel almost as bad for Nationals fans as I did for the Devil Rays fans, prior to last year. The problem, I’m going to continue feeling bad for the Nationals because there is no way that they are going to be the Cinderella story of ’08. They might have a chance to win more than their pitiful 59 from last season. But that’s only if their young team can put together some hits, runs, strikeouts, solid defense, decent pitching, and hold their lead. Not an easy task for a team whose star 14 homeruns and drove in 51. But we’ll see, I’m just advising as to not hold your breath.

Highlights: The additions of Josh Willingham from the Florida Marlins and Daniel Cabrera could prove to be great signings. Josh could be one of their better offensive threats. If Daniel Cabrera shapes up his shaky career, he could win 15 games. Anything would help the Nats and their fans.

Question Mark: John Lannan leads a rotation of youngins. He had a 3.91 era but lost 15 while winning 9 last year. If the bullpen can hold his leads, his record might flip around. But again, this is another IF. After him comes Scott Olsen, Collin Balester, Jordan Zimmermann, and Cabrera. None of whom won double digit games last year.

KEYSSSS to Success: The young National players have to prove themselves. Lastings Milledge, Ryan Zimmerman, Nick Johnson, and Elijah Dukes were or are highly touted prospects at sometime in their career. All of them could be future stars. Maybe if the Nationals can hold onto them for another 3 years, they’ll be able to grow together and win a few ball games.

Prediction: 5th Place

Predictions '09: Detroit Tigers

Prior to the 2008 season, Detroit made a deal with the Florida Marlins in the off-season that brought in Miguel Cabrera and starting pitcher Dontrelle Willis. Most baseball fans thought that the Tigers were poised to dominate teams with an explosive offense top to bottom. I had no doubt in my mind that they would be in the playoffs. But low and behold, the Tigers finished dead last in the AL Central with a record of 74-88. What happened? Its easy: Detroit forgot that solid pitching wins games. Their starting pitching was horrific. Justin Verlander had a 4.84 ERA in 33 starts, leading some to wonder if his arm is toast after 2 excellent seasons. Dontrelle Willis didn't win a game for them, and had injury problems. Jeremy Bonderman suffered with shoulder issues. The only pitcher who had success was rookie Armando Galarraga, posting a 3.73 ERA in 28 starts. Other than Galaragga, their team pretty much looks the same (except for Pudge Rodriguez being gone). The dynamic offense was inconsistent last year, but everyone can agree that their lineup is still a force to be reckoned with. Brandon Lyon comes in as the new closer, but he posted an ERA above 9.00 with Arizona last year after the allstar break. The rest of the bullpen is pretty bad, which is why Detroit won't be there in October.

Highlights: It took a little bit of time for Miguel Cabrera to figure out AL pitching at the beginning of the season, and his batting average for the year was just under .300 for the first time since 2004. His power numbers didn't suffer though, as he hit 37 long balls and 127 RBIs. Expect him to anchor the lineup with a monsterous year.

Question Mark: Will the starting pitching show up for 2009? At first glance the rotation looks good, filled with some solid names in Verlander, Willis, and Bonderman. But with Bonderman's shoulder, Willis' inconsistency, and Verlander's poor 2008 campaign it doesn't look good. Will Galarraga duplicate his 2008 success in '09?

Keys to Success: For boasting one of the most impressive looking lineups last year, the Tigers were shutout way too many times. The lineup will need to produce consistently to keep them in ball games. The fifth starter will likely be Rick Porcello, the Tigers' first round pick in 2007. They dished out $11 million (WOW) to this kid, and they hope he can be an innings-eater in '09. Watch for this guy.

Prediction: 4th place

Predictions '09: Kansas City Royals

After finishing dead last in the AL Central 4 years in a row, the Kansas City Royals managed to break that trend last year...by finishing in 4th place above the disappointing Detroit Tigers. The Royals have had a rough time finding their groove in this decade, hurt by lackluster starting pitching and a weak fan base. $250 million in renovations to the stadium hope to bring in more of those Kansas City football lovers. Seeing this commitment from a franchise that has been poor over the last handful of years in encouraging. I can definitely see signs of improvement from their pitching staff and their lineup is fairly good. They locked down 25-year old pitcher Zack Greinke to a 4 year deal, and still retain Gil Meche as their ace. 25-year old Kyle Davies (who hasn't given up a run thus far in spring training) has been given the third spot in the rotation. In those three pitchers they have a solid top of the rotation, but the rest of the rotation is the question. On the offensive side, they added Coco Crisp to take over center field duty and give them a solid leadoff man. They also added Mike Jacobs, who hit 32 HRs and 93 RBIs with the Marlins last year. To add to that, they still have Jose Guillen and breakout candidate Billy Butler. The bullpen features young allstar closer Joakim Soria, but it falls off after that. They re-signed Kyle Farnsworth, but he is a mediocre setup man at best.

Highlights: Gil Meche and Zack Greinke did a great job last year, both posting sub 4.00 ERAs. Kyle Davies found success in 21 starts last year and hopes to build on that success with a full year of work. The rotation looks promising.

Question Mark: The bullpen is weak. Almost every baseball fan should know the importance of a strong bullpen, something the Royals don't have. Joakim Soria will continue his dominance in the closer role, but how will they get the ball to him in the 9th?

Keys to success: The Royals will obviously have to stay healthy to succeed. The top of their lineup is impressive and will really help, especially if Billy Butler has a breakout year. The back end of the rotation will need to step up. Horacio Ramirez, Sidney Ponson, and Brian Bannister will be fighting for the last two spots of the rotation. And of course, the bullpen will need to hold up. The Royals will have a rough time climbing the AL Central this year. The division isn't particularly strong, but teams such as the Tigers and Indians expect to have bounce-back years after a terrible 2008. Where does this leave the Royals? Probably the cellar, but expect them to improve on last season.

Prediction: 5th place

Predictions '09: Chicago Cubs

The Cubbies have now been in two post seasons in a row. I believe 2009 will be the third. They come back with a team very similar to that of 2008. This time around, they a year of experience further along and a couple years of post season experience gained. Their rotation is one of the best with Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster, and Ted Lilly as the top 3. If Rich Harden can ever stay healthy, he could be any team’s number one. Their line-up is packed with studs. Some have called out a decline in Derrek Lee’s ability. But I just see him settling into a solid+ first baseman. Aramis Ramirez and Alfonso Soriano are still holding their own. Milton Bradley is a new face on the block. He’ll add to an already sturdy outfield in Kosuke Fukudome and Soriano. The bullpen is perhaps the only question mark because of the loss of Kerry Wood. But overall, the Cubs (my bandwagon team, if I could call it that) are lookin solid.

Highlights: Ryan Dempster broke out as a starter last year and he has the stuff to continue. I doubt that he’ll be able to repeat what he did last year. But he won’t have to if Lilly, Zambrano, and Harden step up.

Question Mark: Carlos Marmol showed us some wicked stuff from the pen last year. But will he be able to close out games. He’ll get a lot of chances and if he doesn’t, Kevin Gregg, who saved 29 for the Marlins last year, is there as a backup.
Key to Success: I think that we all know that the Cubs can succeed in the regular season. Now they have to prove to us that they can do it in the playoffs. They haven’t done that in over 100 years. I believe that all of us fans are over the curses, the scapegoats, and the excuses. So go Cubbies, go!

Prediction: 1st Place

Predictions '09: St. Louis Cardinals

Tony LaRussa is on the hunt to become the second place all-time winning-est manager. He’s 302 behind John McGraw. If he’s around for a 4 more years, that will most likely happen. Next year, he’ll add around 85-90 wins to that total. The Cardinals are coming off a 4th place finish in the central and are looking to get back in the playoffs. They have a solid rotation and a bunch of veterans as well as youngsters in their top 9. But it will be hard to overcome the free-spending Cubs of the North. LaRussa knows how to manage a club though, so maybe with a little luck (healthy pitchers) and a repeat MVP (Pujols) they might just do that.
Highlights: Pujols, Rick Ankiel, Troy Glaus, and Ryan Ludwick make one of the toughest 3-6 line-up in the league. Not to mention Yadier Molna and Skip Schumaker’s .304 and .302 averages, respectively. Hitting is one thing that the Cards have going for them. Look forward to Albert to keep doing his thing.

Question Mark: The Cardinals picked up shortstop Khalil Greene in hopes that he’ll return to his 2007 form in which he slugged 27 hrs and climbed to emerging star status. Last season, he dropped down the elevator shaft to the underground parking level. St. Louis is hoping he can get at least 20 homers while lifting his average to anything respectable (at least over .250 please).

Key to Success: Adam Wainwright and Kyle Lohse head the rotation. They’ve proven that they can win a few games. Now lets hope Chris Carpenter can get back to Cy Young form, or at least stay healthy. Because behind these three are two very inexperienced righties. If the top three can stay healthy and put up some quality starts, look forward to a nice little division rivalry between the Bears and Birds.

Prediction: 2nd Place

Predictions '09: Milwaukee Brewers

In 2008 the Brew-Crew battled their way to second place for the second straight year. I find it hard to believe they will 3-peat. A new manager, shaky defense, and a questionable rotation are all concerns. Their bright spots are all in their line-up. From 1-7, they are solid.  Names like, Braun, Fielder, Hart, Hall, Hardy, Weeks, and Cameron all call for respect of the opposing pitcher. But outside of that, they don’t have much going for them. They brought on Trevor Hoffman and his 504 saves to make a rather solid bullpen. I do feel that the Crew are stronger than most of their division opponents.

Highlights: Ryan Braun is only the second player in MLB history with 30 home runs in each of his two first seasons. The other guy, rival Albert Pujols of the Cardinals. If Braun continues the way he’s started, he’ll soon copy Pujols in the way of a MVP trophy.

Question Mark: Yovani Gallardo is the staff ace… With the loss of C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets, Milwaukee is in need of a true ace to head the rotation. Jeff Suppan and Dave Bush are solid at times but outside that, most their hurlers are hot and cold with no control valve.

Key to Success: Chris Capuano had so much going for him at the start of his career. After sitting out all of last year because of injury, he can turn this club around by staying healthy this season and throwing up a few w’s.

Prediction: 3rd Place

Predictions '09: Houston Astros

This club is one of those teams that in the past decade have constantly snuck up on baseball analyzers across the nation. The ‘Stros have a few highlights on their ball club. But overall, its not a team built to win any 2009 championships. Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman are one of the most dominant duos of the NL. Roy Oswalt can be counted on for at least 15 wins. But outside these three, nothing is a for sure deal for Texas’ other team.
Highlights: As said before, if Carlos Lee stays healthy, he is one of the most dominant players in the game. He was on his way to a career year last season when he got hurt in the final quarter of the season. If he and Berkman stay healthy, which isn’t too much to ask, these two can carry the ball club.

Question Mark: The rotation is solid up until the number two spot. Brian Moehler joined the club in 2008 and had a 4.56 era with an 11-8 record. This was decent. But they will need a lot more from him and the rest of the pitchers to contend. Wandy Rodriguez has to be consistend. Brandon Backe’s era has to drop from 6.05. Mike Hampton. Well he has to stay healthy. Really, there isn’t any pressure, so maybe he’ll surprise us and win a few games. He did win 22 with the Astros earlier in his career.

Key to Success: If the Astros are going to contend, all of their mediocre players will have to put up mediocre+ numbers. This includes Kazuo Matsui, Hunter Pence, Miguel Tejada, and Geoff Blum.

Prediction: 4th Place

Predictions '09: Cincinnati Reds

Boy do these guys have a new look after losing two of their career players. Ken Griffey Jr. heads back to his roots and Adam Dunn’s strikeouts are a mere memory now. This club is one for the future. Centered around youngsters Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips, this club has a lot of work to overcome the Cubs and Cards. But for now, a strong pitching staff and a great bullpen, they’ll get quite a few W’s in that win column.

Highlights: Edinson Volquez is their ace after completing an All Star season. He dropped off in the second half but ended with a 17-6 record and a 3.21 era. If he comes any where close to these numbers again, the Reds will be looking fine for years to come.

Question Mark: Alex Gonzalez and Brandon Phillips could be a dynamite duo. That’s if Alex Gonzo can still play. He missed the entire 2008 season because of a fractured knee and hasn’t played regularly since 2005. That’s 4 seasons ago! Management might need to re-think shortstop if Gonzalez doesn’t start rolling out of the gate.

Key to Success: Behind Volquez are two very underrated pitchers in Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo. Both are innings eaters with style. Harang was disappointing last season with 17 losses. But we know that he can put up big numbers and strikeout a lot of batters. If they are healthy and committed this year, the Reds staff could be one of the best in the Big Leagues.
Prediction: 5th Place

Predictions '09: Pittsburgh Pirates

I would hate to live in Pittsburgh. Well that’s because I’m a baseball fan and not a football fan. The Pirates haven’t had a winning season in who knows when. Seriously though, they’re the PIRATES! They should be mean, and tough, and win ball games. But these guys rarely win games. No one lives up to their potential. Look at their pitching prospects for a prime example. Okay, enough ranting… maybe.

Highlights: If there was one highlight in the Pirate lineup, it would be the .276, 26 HR, 94 BIs, and 23 SBs that Nate McLouth had last season. Look forward to a slump this season, Pirates fans!
Question Marks: The rest of the lineup (minus Adam LaRoche and Freddy Sanchez). The entire rotation. The Bullpen.

Key to Success: The Pirates need a face-lift. Whether this is revamping the team management or getting a big star in their lineup that can energize the team into winning a few games. Jason Bay’s still on the team right??? Basically, the Pirates are looking for anything above .500. If they can do that, they’ll be a success.

Prediction: 6th Place

Predictions '09: New York Yankees

How can you fight against a team that added almost half a billion dollars worth of stardom? The additions of A.J. Burnett, C.C. Sabathia, and M. Teixeira will greatly add to what is already a decent squad. As much as I despise the pinstriped players from the Bronx, it’s still a scary sight from 3,000 miles away. Not only do they have arguably the best player in the past quarter-century (A-Rod, a title needing to be reconsidered, considering his admitted steroid use), but also a matching threat across the diamond. Add a couple gems in-between the two and the Steinbrenner clan seems happy for now. But that’s only if they can make it to the end of the playoffs. Last year was the first time the Yanks were sitting at home for the playoffs in 15 years. They are looking for revenge. I’ve repeated it a thousand times, but they are in a tough division. Each of their division rivals (minus the Orioles, sorry) can beat the Yanks on any given night. What will determine who goes to the playoffs is who is the most consistent in bringing home the wins.

Highlights: The Yankees could have the best infield in the history of the game. A-Rod and Tex man the corners while Jeter and Cano are up the middle. If Cano can return to his 2007 form and Jeter continues to do what he does best, only pitching can hurt the Yanks.

Question Mark: This brings us to pitching. $82.5 mil for a guy that’s been on the disabled list 10 times in his 10-year career… uh… I don’t quite agree with this deal. But, hey, if you’ve got the money, why not right? If Burnett stays healthy, the rotation is strong. If Phil Hughes actually wins a game or two, the rotation is really strong. If Sabathia, Wang, and Joba Chamberlain win 15 games a-piece, like many claim they can; this rotation is dominant. But those are a bunch of ifs. We’ve seen how pitchers have done in New York the past couple seasons. And it ain’t pretty. New York is hoping a few dollars… million dollars… can change that.

Key to Success: The Yanks were already full of pre-Madonnas. Now they add 3 more. Will the clubhouse atmosphere be that of a Championship team? They must play together as a team. Seriously, the only advice I can give them is the old saying of “there is no I in TEAM.” Seriously! This has been their problem for the past seven, eight years. The thing about the Yankees this season is that even if half of their players don’t have career years, they will still contend. If all of their players have decent years, they are almost a sure bet for the playoffs.

Prediction: 1st Place

Predictions '09: Boston Red Sox

I’ve come to hate the Boston Red Sox almost as much as I despise their rival New York Yankees. For the past half-decade, they have continually shut down my Angels in the land of the post-season. But it’s hard to say too many bad things about a team with such depth and experience. This season seems like a year in which two-thirds of the clubs are in a rebuilding state, trying out something new. But the BoSox are doing what they’ve done for the past 5 years. They’ve added a couple new arms in Brad Penny and John Smoltz. They lost the Mark Teixeira party, but still have outstanding hitting. They’re bullpen is led by one of the most exciting players of the game (Papelbon). The reigning MVP/ROY (08/09) is still manning second base. But he’s hardly their best player. All-around, the red sox are going to do what they do best; rival the Yankees and now the Rays. But in a division with such talent, it wont be as easy as one, two, three.

Highlights: Jon Lester is the real deal. Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tim Wakefield, Josh Beckett, and

Brad Penny could all be #1 or #2 starters for almost any team in the Majors. This is definitely a strength of the Red Sox that could be like the dominant pitching we saw in the 2005 White Sox. Remember them rolling through the playoffs.
Question Mark: Mike Lowell and David Ortiz. Will Lowell stay healthy and continue to produce the way he did in 2007 (.324/120 RBIs)? Is Big Papi in a decline? After off years by both key players, its up to them to keep this line-up as solid as it is on paper.

Key to Success: Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, and Jacoby Ellsbury have to produce like they did last year. All three players are on the fast-track to stardom, but will they continue to climb? If they can, along with Jason bay and the rest of this line-up, the BoSox Bombers will bat through the American L

eague.

Prediction: 2nd Place

Predictions '09: Tampa Bay Rays

The Cinderella story of 2008 comes back with the same line-up and the same rotation as last year. They added Pat Burrell to DH which adds some protection to Carlos Pena and B.J. Upton. Was last season a fluke? They Rays definitely have the talent. Their rotation is dominant and their bullpen isn’t half bad. But I find it hard to believe that the Rays can put up numbers like last year. What excites me is that Carl Crawford and Upton didn’t have superb seasons. If they perform consistently better than last season, we may be in for more surprises.

Highlights: James Shields, Scott Kazmir, and Matt Garza are all solid. The Rays won 20 games when Andy Sonnanstine was on the mound. Lastly, David Price was the Minor League Player of the Year according to USA Today. This pitching staff is legitimate.

Question Mark: Troy Percival is already hurt and 

won’t be back at the start of the season. Will the bullpen be able to hold the Rays leads.

Key to Success: Joe Maddon just has to keep playing his game. The line-up is packed with young stars. The Rotation seems flawless. If the two can work together and consistently put up numbers, they have a team that can compete with New York and Boston.

Prediction: 3rd Place

Prediction '09: Toronto Blue Jays

I always predict the Jays to do better than they end up doing. They had one great season in 2006 in which they came in 2nd place. As for now, the Jays have to stick to their game. They lost pitcher A.J. Burnett to the Yankees. But I don’t feel as though this is a big lost, seeing he was hurt practically every year (10 times on the DL in his 10 seasons). Injuries to Aaron Hill and Vernon Wells also hurt their line-up. But Doc Halladay returns as one of the most dominant pitchers in the league. If the Blue Jays can find some other pitching power, they may have a chance to win a few games.

Highlights: The Jays have a great bullpen. BJ Ryan is coming into this season healthy and is backed by some superb throwers including: Scott Downs, Jesse Carlson, Brian Wolfe, and Brandon League. Roy Halladay is a workhorse that never quits. Look forward to more complete games than any other pitcher.
Question Mark: Scott Rolen is coming off a great September. But he has been plagued with injuries. Hopefully he can perform anywhere near what he used to.

Key to Success: Lyle Overbay, Wells, Alex Rios, and Adam Lind are all great players that have proven themselves before. If they can stay healthy and put up some runs for a questionable rotation, the Jays will win some games.

Prediction: 4th Place

Predictions '09: Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore Orioles- Last year was the first time the O's had been in last place in over 5 years. They had consistently out-played the Tampa Bay Rays. But now that the Rays have proven that they aren't a for sure win, the O's are in even more trouble. They definitely have the weakest team in the American League East. I'm not even accounting for how tough this division is. With the Red Sox, Yankees, and Rays alone, you are in for some trouble.

Highlights: Nick Markakis is flourishing into a yearly All Star. Watch out for his numbers. George Sherrill returns as the bullpen's closer. We'll see if last year was just a fluke.

Question Mark: The Oriole line-up features a lot of mediocre players. Melvin Mora, Brian Roberts, and Aubrey Huff are all players that need to have career years if the Orioles will want to stay out of last place.

Key to Success: The young rotation has to prove themselves. Jeremy Guthrie, Koji Uehara, Garrett Olsen, and Matt Albers are all pitchers that haven't proven themselves capable. Mark Hendrickson was signed to add a little bit of veteran presence.

Prediction: 5th Place

2009 MLB Preview Coming Soon!

March has to be one of the most exciting times for sports fans. And no I'm not talking about March Madness. I'm talking about baseball season! Predictions, predictions, predictions... Now is the time for all of us analysts to come out swinging and try and predict who's gonna win it all.

I know that when Christian and I were doing Baseball Talk, the TV show, we loved this month. So for the next few weeks, all the way up to the first pitch, BT is going to be giving you our predictions.  Each week, we'll be going through the divisions and giving you a run-down on who we think is the best and the worst.  Which players will continue to thrive? Will there be another cinderella story? Can this or that player repeat?

Look forward to the next few weeks and keep checkin back!!!

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phil

Phil's Top Phive Phantasy Players, and some not so sure about...

Albert Pujols: Mr. Consistent put up another season of big numbers in 2008. After a few people doubted his return to greatness after an elbow injury, he came back to win the National League MVP. Why you should get Albert: No matter what, his numbers will be good. His average is always in the top of the NL. He hits for power but also doesn’t strikout. Last season he walked 2 times to every K. He’ll also throw in a few stolen bases from time to time. Look forward to another monstrous season from Pujols because the sky really is the limit!

Grady Sizemore: Speed, Power, Average, and the ability to drive in runners are all key factors when selecting a fantasy player. If one player contains all four categories, he’s a winner. If one player can excel at all four categories, he is a must-have threat. Grady is just that. I picked up Sizemore at the start of last season and was not disappointed. A slower start made me second guess my pick, but in the end this 26 year old proved me wrong. He is entering the prime of his career and his number (SB, HR, and RBIs) have increased over the past three seasons!

Jose Reyes: Here is another player that combines speed and some power to rack up the points. Although Jose has decreased his RBI and Run production over the past 2 seasons, he is still a threat on the bases. His SB numbers were also down in ’08. But if 56 swipes is down, then there is nothing wrong with that. Look for a bounce back season for Reyes. He will likely steal over 60 bases and score more runs than ever before. The Mets are hungry for a championship and will look for Jose to lead them off each and every game of the season.

David Wright: Another 26 yr old and another Met makes my top 5 list. Wright has consistently put up 100 RBI/ .300 avg seasons. He is the next A-Rod (minus the steroids hopefully). The Mets line-up is always a threat so David will get his share of RBIs. His Slugging Percentage is always above .500 which means more points for you. He can also steal a base. Only swiping 15 in ’08, down from 34 in ’07, David will likely be looking for more steal signals this year. Unless an injury occurs, Wright will likely be an All-Star for your Fantasy Team as well as in the Mid-Summer Classic.

CC Sabathia: I decided to give my top pitcher as my #5 guy. CC won the Cy Young award in 2007 and was almost as good last year. With 17 wins and 251 strikeouts, he clearly was lights out. We’ll see how the spotlight of Yankee Stadium affects him, but look forward to a low era 

and lots of missed swings. His ERA will likely rise a little bit from his 2.70 era last year. This is because he is back in the AL where batters tend to rough up the pitchers a little more. When looking for pitchers, you want to keep your eye on the strikeout total as well as the win total. Also, look

 out for save totals. If you can get a couple good closers on your rosters, you’ll be set for a good season.

Players that I’m iffy about:

Josh Hamilton: we’ll see if there’s such thing as a sophomore slump for this break out stud.

Tim Lincecum: Don’t go spending all your hard-earned money on this young pitcher. I’d wait until next season to see if he lives up to his first real season.

BJ Upton: His numbers have gone up and down like a roller coaster over the past 3 years.

Ryan Braun: Two great seasons, will there be a third.