The Los Angeles Dodgers have a plentiful payroll. LA is expected to defend their division winning crown this season. A return to the playoffs, with better results anticipated, would be the ideal situation for Southern California fans of the blue and white. The pitching staff and the bat of Manny Ramirez will dictate the direction of the Dodgers in 2009. An upbeat attitude and confident approach are necessary for second year skipper, Joe Torre, and his National league team. The Dodgers are a professional and proud organization and their players are a well-disciplined squad.
The Dodgers are imploring the idea of signing Pedro Martinez, who the Mets released. I don’t think Martinez would make a difference on the mound. However, his biggest influence would come in the clubhouse, where the Dodgers made an off-season overhaul. Gone are Jeff Kent, Andruw Jones, Brad Penny and Derek Lowe. Kent was not a good teammate and the Dodgers will be a closer team without him there. LA made an effort to sign good clubhouse guys in Orlando Hudson, Mark Loretta, and even Ramirez. Pedro would add an additional veteran view and he probably would not cost the team a heavy penny. It would be quite fascinating to see him play under Joe Torre’s company. Pedro would be less productive than the now-retired Greg Maddux was last year. LA lost several of their bullpen pitcher when Jason Johnson, Chan Ho Park, Scott Proctor, Takashi Soto, and Joe Beimel all departed. Most of the position players are already decided and the rotation is pretty much set too. Here is the shape and scope of the snappy Dodgers:
The starters are understood to be Chad Billingsly, Clayton Kershaw, Hiroki Kuroda and Randy Wolf. Claudio Vargas is Torre’s favorite to win the fifth man job but the injured righty, Jason Schmidt, will also figure into it. Two left-handers, Shawn Estes and Eric Stults, are hoping for a chance at inclusion in the Dodgers rotation as well. Estes has bounced around from team to team but he brings a heavy workload and is an intense competitor. If he doesn’t make the team, he will probably call his career quits. While not great, the 36 year old California native does have a just under 5 career ERA. Stults is a slightly younger version of Estes but with a little less character issues. He has a similar ERA but less experience on the mound. Billingsly and Kershaw are the one-two punch and heart of the staff. Billingsly is beckoned the ace and took leaps forward in 2008. Torre expressed faith in his starter, who was a 16 game winner a year ago. He strikes out more hitters than your average pitcher and his ERA is terrific. Billingsly’s focus this season is keeping runs to a minimum and establishing himself as the team pitching leader. Kershaw’s potential to one day be a 20 game winner is good. Odds are this youngster will benefit from the addition of the veteran, Wolf Clayton was only 5-5 in 2008 but wiffed 100 batters. He is one of the better lefty prospects in the National League. The 20 year old starter needs to work on his control because he does walk a lot of people. Kuroda is also an inexperienced pitcher looking to make a name for himself out West. Hiroki had a losing season in 2008 but already has experience in the playoffs. He pitched six innings for the win against the Phillies during last year’s post-season. He is capable of shutting teams out but must maintain command on the mound. Wolf was a nice addition to a club in need of a back-end of the rotation lefty. Randy’s consistency is his forte. He is very even-keeled but not equally productive on the road and at home. Wolf is better suited to pitch at home, with a 2.9 ERA compared to 5.7 on the road. He does have a high ERA and has to be healthy to be effective. Wolf is somewhat of a slow starter, but I think he will be great down the stretch.
Torre is well-known for his overuse of the bullpen, and that was LA’s downfall late last year. The Dodgers will field a respectable relief section again but could probably benefit from adding at least one more pitcher. Closer Jonathan Broxton has exceptional velocity and an overpowering fastball that tops out in the high 90s. Control is the issue for the 24 year old righty who saved 14 games for Torre’s club last season. He becomes LA’s full time closer now. Left-handed reliever, Hong-Chih Kuo, is good enough to close too but has an injured past. Kuo has had four elbow surgeries and the Dodgers will use him cautiously. Other bullpen stars are right-handers, Guillermo Mota, James McDonald, Cory Wade and Ramon Troncoso. Mota was signed as a free agent from the Brewers and will factor into a long relief role. Mota was a security blanket about five years ago but now he isn’t quite as reliable. McDonald is unproven, appearing in only six innings in 2008. He did strike out two batters in those innings. Troncoso and Wade won’t shut down teams because they both walk a lot of batters. Wade is the better of the two and boasted and 2.2 ERA last year in 71 innings of work. Therefore, Stults’ emergence in the pen is key for LA.
The starting lineup is not your prototypical National League one. Before Ramirez’s arrival, the Dodgers were already an offensive juggernaut. He is in an exclusive class of powerful sluggers and perhaps the game’s most exceptional clutch hitter. Table-setting shortstop, Rafael Furcal had an incredible .357 average before being sidelined last year. His power at the leadoff spot is good but Furcal doesn’t score enough runs. His run productions has decreased every year since joining LA in 2006. The second and third hitters are the recently-acquired and high profile free agent 2B, Orlando Hudson and the aforementioned Ramirez. Hudson was signed because his defense is stupendous. Orlando can also crush the ball as he proved with a .305 average in 2008. He is a workhorse who likes to play everyday. With Manny hitting behind him, Orlando should reap the rewards run-wise too.
Ramirez we know can compile the four-baggers no matter where or when he hits. LA showed trepidation in signing the malignant player but his influence and affect after the All-Star break last year cannot go unnoticed. Manny’s only knock is his less than stellar left field play. He is guaranteed to drive in over 100 runs again. Clean-up man, Russell Martin, is one of the best offensive catchers in the game. Martin shows leadership qualities to complement his 42 career homers. Russell could also hit second, in front of Ramirez. I expect Torre to mix up this lineup several times, as he usually does, throughout the year. CF Matt Kemp, 1B James Loney, RF Andre Ethier, and 3B Casey Blake are the other position players. Blake seemed to easily hit 21 Hrs and drive in over 80 last year. Casey’s crisp corner fielding gives the Dodgers a definable defense. Kemp and Ethier join Manny in the outfield. Ethier had a post-season to remember and ended 2008 with a .305 batting average. For a 26 year old, that is good news. Kemp is well-respected throughout baseball and plays a solid centerfield. He is a speedy runner and might get the chance to leadoff. Kemp is capable of stealing 40 bases, although that estimate might be a bit high. Loney should be the benefactor of having Don Mattingly as a hitting coach. The former first baseman can aid young James in becoming better all around at his position.
Reserve catcher, Brad Ausmus was signed this off-season to backup Martin. I suspect he won’t see a lot of time behind the plate, but Brad is still a mentor to Russell. Infielder Juan Castro and outfielder Juan Pierre are also on the bench. Castro won’t have to compete with Tony Abreu or Chin-lung Hu for the utility role, but both are options heading into the season. Loretta is a great infield reserve signee for LA. Mark’s got great credentials and is a swift and smooth contact hitter. There are still a few minor league candidates hoping for a big league call up. Outfielder, Andrew Lambo is a top rookie prospect but is probably still a year away. Xavier Paul also plays the outfield but the team might trade him during the year.
One player doesn’t often make a real difference. But with Manny Ramirez, the NL West is no longer a neutral division. He is an integral part of the team and his contributions are well documented. The 2008 Dodgers were overachievers. Many accolades go out to the coaching staff, including Mattingly, and the players who were inspired to achieve at a lofty level. Their diligence and structure paid off mightily and that should be enough for LA to make a repeat post-season appearance this October.
Parting points: I don’t take these things (sports) lightly. I was ecstatic when Ohio State clobbered Michigan State to reach the Big 10 Championship game today. Those three-point shots were out of this world.
One kickin’ tune- “How the West Was Won (And Where It Got Us)”-R.E.M.
Movie- The Karate Kid
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Scintillating Syracuse Survives Sextuplet Stunner
I am glad I had my radio on at 1:30 A.M. It’s true I was lying in bed, half asleep, listening to the finale of the Big East quarterfinals at Madison Square Garden. I couldn’t turn the radio off, not with the smashing and shocking Syracuse headed into their sixth overtime against Connecticut. I tuned in to listen and fell asleep before the first extra session began. Luckily, the excited voices of the enthusiastic announcers awakened and astonished me out of my slumber. The first overtime instigated a never-ending saga unfolding right before my tired eyes (or ears I should say).
The game is an instant classic and it wasn’t even a championship one. March madness hasn’t officially kicked off, but this is exactly what college basketball is all about. Both teams’ hearts could not have been measured until last night’s epic effigy of a battle. It was as if the jerseys were iridescent and you could see the hearts pumping inside each players’ chest. Syracuse and Connecticut carved themselves into Big East history with the longest conference game ever played. The 127-117 Syracuse win featured many special highlights but here are a few of the standout figures and notable facts:
-The Orangemen did not take a lead during any of the overtime sessions until the 6th and final one.
-70 total minutes of basketball were played and Orange point guard, Jonny Flynn logged a whopping 67 of those minutes.
-8 players fouled out of the game, four on each team
-The 3 hour 46 minute game was the second longest in NCAA Division I history
-Flynn had 34 points and 11 assists, Paul Harris had 29 points and 22 rebounds, Eric Devendorf had 22 points and Andy Rautins had 20 points to lead ‘Cuse. Rautin’s 3-pointer early in the 6th OT was probably the game-deciding blow. He sunk the shot and was an overall critical clutch performer.
-Syracuse made 40 of 51 free throws and Flynn was a perfect 16-16 from the line.
-A.J. Price had 33 points and 10 assists, Stanley Robinson had 28 points and Hasheem Thabeet had 19 points, 14 rebounds and 6 blocked shots for the Huskies.
The Orangemen move on now to the semifinals this evening against Bob Huggins and the West Virginia Mountaineers. The Mountaineers shocked Pittsburgh and are looking for a trip to the Big East finals. Pitt appeared wretched against the walloping West Virginia. Syracuse fans are probably pleased Pitt was purged because most would rather see WVU tonight. The upset-minded Orangemen are coming off a tiring game and I wonder just how much gas they have left. Jim Boeheim needs his players well rested so I expect they will have a very light practice today before returning to the scene of their greatest game. Meanwhile, Jim Calhoun and the formally potential number one seeded Huskies get a break to rest before selection Sunday. Connecticut and Pittsburgh are still hoping to land those top seeds but both are unlikely to get them now that they’ve been eliminated from their conferences. The knockout blows will hurt their seedings but I think the Panthers still have an outside chance. If the selection committee is kind, Jamie Dixon’s talented team can land a number one. They’ve been one of the nation’s most well-rounded teams all season.
In the other Big East semifinal, the Louisville Cardinals face Villanova. There has to be some Villanova vexation after Jay Wright’s team allowed Marquette to masquerade late yesterday afternoon. Had the Golden Eagles come back to beat Nova, it would have spelled the greatest comeback in league history. But, the Wildcats escaped with late heroics and look to upset the top team tonight at MSG. Rick Pitino’s Cardinals should earn a number one seed this weekend if they reach the Big East final game. Even if they fail to advance, they are Final Four contenders.
Flynn said after the Syracuse victory it was the funnest game he ever played in. I must say Flynn is one of the funner players on the court to watch. He can take over a game and he was unquestionably the shining, spinning, stylish star for Syracuse. You had to believe in Syracuse after seeing them battle early Friday the 13th morning. But you also have to give credit to the Huskies for giving their all and staying affluent throughout the contest. The box score doesn’t do justice to just how rocking, rolling and rumbling an affair went down in NYC. Syracuse acted as if it were their prerogative to stay afloat, and they certainly managed to establish damage control.
Parting points: Prediction for the Big East final- Louisville vs. Syracuse
The game is an instant classic and it wasn’t even a championship one. March madness hasn’t officially kicked off, but this is exactly what college basketball is all about. Both teams’ hearts could not have been measured until last night’s epic effigy of a battle. It was as if the jerseys were iridescent and you could see the hearts pumping inside each players’ chest. Syracuse and Connecticut carved themselves into Big East history with the longest conference game ever played. The 127-117 Syracuse win featured many special highlights but here are a few of the standout figures and notable facts:
-The Orangemen did not take a lead during any of the overtime sessions until the 6th and final one.
-70 total minutes of basketball were played and Orange point guard, Jonny Flynn logged a whopping 67 of those minutes.
-8 players fouled out of the game, four on each team
-The 3 hour 46 minute game was the second longest in NCAA Division I history
-Flynn had 34 points and 11 assists, Paul Harris had 29 points and 22 rebounds, Eric Devendorf had 22 points and Andy Rautins had 20 points to lead ‘Cuse. Rautin’s 3-pointer early in the 6th OT was probably the game-deciding blow. He sunk the shot and was an overall critical clutch performer.
-Syracuse made 40 of 51 free throws and Flynn was a perfect 16-16 from the line.
-A.J. Price had 33 points and 10 assists, Stanley Robinson had 28 points and Hasheem Thabeet had 19 points, 14 rebounds and 6 blocked shots for the Huskies.
The Orangemen move on now to the semifinals this evening against Bob Huggins and the West Virginia Mountaineers. The Mountaineers shocked Pittsburgh and are looking for a trip to the Big East finals. Pitt appeared wretched against the walloping West Virginia. Syracuse fans are probably pleased Pitt was purged because most would rather see WVU tonight. The upset-minded Orangemen are coming off a tiring game and I wonder just how much gas they have left. Jim Boeheim needs his players well rested so I expect they will have a very light practice today before returning to the scene of their greatest game. Meanwhile, Jim Calhoun and the formally potential number one seeded Huskies get a break to rest before selection Sunday. Connecticut and Pittsburgh are still hoping to land those top seeds but both are unlikely to get them now that they’ve been eliminated from their conferences. The knockout blows will hurt their seedings but I think the Panthers still have an outside chance. If the selection committee is kind, Jamie Dixon’s talented team can land a number one. They’ve been one of the nation’s most well-rounded teams all season.
In the other Big East semifinal, the Louisville Cardinals face Villanova. There has to be some Villanova vexation after Jay Wright’s team allowed Marquette to masquerade late yesterday afternoon. Had the Golden Eagles come back to beat Nova, it would have spelled the greatest comeback in league history. But, the Wildcats escaped with late heroics and look to upset the top team tonight at MSG. Rick Pitino’s Cardinals should earn a number one seed this weekend if they reach the Big East final game. Even if they fail to advance, they are Final Four contenders.
Flynn said after the Syracuse victory it was the funnest game he ever played in. I must say Flynn is one of the funner players on the court to watch. He can take over a game and he was unquestionably the shining, spinning, stylish star for Syracuse. You had to believe in Syracuse after seeing them battle early Friday the 13th morning. But you also have to give credit to the Huskies for giving their all and staying affluent throughout the contest. The box score doesn’t do justice to just how rocking, rolling and rumbling an affair went down in NYC. Syracuse acted as if it were their prerogative to stay afloat, and they certainly managed to establish damage control.
Parting points: Prediction for the Big East final- Louisville vs. Syracuse
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Thursday Take Twos
The New Jersey Nets lost to the Golden State Warriors in Oakland last night. Vince Carter ran into foul trouble and an early New Jersey lead dwindled into a Golden State come-from-behind win. The Nets are accustomed to feeding off Carter and when he became frustrated, it was clear the team had trouble alerting and adjusting without his enthusiasm. The Nets can’t expect to reach the playoffs and snag the East’s 8th seed if they can’t even put away a team like the Warriors. Golden State was led by their young stud, Anthony Morrow and free throw specialist, Jamal Crawford. Crawford’s fourth quarter play was magnificent and proved the difference as the Nets’ defense deflated down the stretch. They looked like a beaten team by the second half but Lawrence Frank’s team took a 14 point half-time lead. Devin Harris continued to show why he is one of the NBA’s best point guards. Harris had 31 points and 12 assists.
New Jersey has struggled on the road all year, including losing 5 of their last 6 away games. The team travels to Portland Friday night and the rest of the schedule doesn’t get any easier. The Nets still have to meet Miami, Cleveland, Los Angeles (Lakers), Milwaukee, Chicago, Orland and Boston during the next month. Essentially, last night’s late game was a must-win for the 28-38 Nets. Some positives to take from the game were another Brook Lopez supreme effort. Lopez’s 14 points and Harris’ double-double were highlights, but the Nets allowed the Warriors to score too many baskets. There is no excuse for the defense enabling Golden State to reach the 100 point mark. The Warriors are a team in turmoil but somehow managed to outrebound New Jersey by 16. The Nets need to gain momentum quickly or they won’t be gaining any ground in the East.
The World Baseball Classic hasn’t captured my interest. Nonetheless, it is baseball and there are some marquee matchups going on. I especially enjoyed the underdog Netherlands story. The Dutchmen came from behind Tuesday to eliminate the Dominican Republic team. This victory was a major upset in the D.R. and qualified the Dutch to play Round 2 in Miami. The Netherlands relied on a great bullpen and a quality pitching staff. That is all they really have. I guess that style of play is conducive to winning. At least the winning formula worked against the brash Dominicans. Five relievers scattered 5 walks in 7 innings Tuesday, but allowed only 2 hits and no runs. Tom Stuifbergen started for team Netherlands and threw four scoreless innings against one of the most talented lineups in the WBC. Last night, Puerto Rico beat the Dutch to earn the top seed in Pool D. The U.S.A. team lost to Venezuela but still advanced to the competition’s next round.
Critics knock the timing of the WBC, but is there really a “right” time? You can’t hold the event during the season, and having it occur after the World Series wouldn’t suffice. I think maybe it should be held during the All-Star break. Team USA would play the winner of the tournament. All the other countries involved could hold a round-robin setup similar to the one in place to determine the best team. That winner would then have a one-game playoff for the World Championship against the winner of the MLB All-Star game. Of course, that might night fly with the other countries because it automatically assumes the U.S.A. deserves to be one of the top teams in the world.
Parting points: Song of the moment: “Beautiful Women” by Boyz II Men
What the heck happened to Kansas? Baylor beat them this afternoon 71-64 in the Big 12 tournament. The Villanova Wildcats held on to beat Marquette 76-75. I just listened to the game’s finish on the radio and it was a close one.
New Jersey has struggled on the road all year, including losing 5 of their last 6 away games. The team travels to Portland Friday night and the rest of the schedule doesn’t get any easier. The Nets still have to meet Miami, Cleveland, Los Angeles (Lakers), Milwaukee, Chicago, Orland and Boston during the next month. Essentially, last night’s late game was a must-win for the 28-38 Nets. Some positives to take from the game were another Brook Lopez supreme effort. Lopez’s 14 points and Harris’ double-double were highlights, but the Nets allowed the Warriors to score too many baskets. There is no excuse for the defense enabling Golden State to reach the 100 point mark. The Warriors are a team in turmoil but somehow managed to outrebound New Jersey by 16. The Nets need to gain momentum quickly or they won’t be gaining any ground in the East.
The World Baseball Classic hasn’t captured my interest. Nonetheless, it is baseball and there are some marquee matchups going on. I especially enjoyed the underdog Netherlands story. The Dutchmen came from behind Tuesday to eliminate the Dominican Republic team. This victory was a major upset in the D.R. and qualified the Dutch to play Round 2 in Miami. The Netherlands relied on a great bullpen and a quality pitching staff. That is all they really have. I guess that style of play is conducive to winning. At least the winning formula worked against the brash Dominicans. Five relievers scattered 5 walks in 7 innings Tuesday, but allowed only 2 hits and no runs. Tom Stuifbergen started for team Netherlands and threw four scoreless innings against one of the most talented lineups in the WBC. Last night, Puerto Rico beat the Dutch to earn the top seed in Pool D. The U.S.A. team lost to Venezuela but still advanced to the competition’s next round.
Critics knock the timing of the WBC, but is there really a “right” time? You can’t hold the event during the season, and having it occur after the World Series wouldn’t suffice. I think maybe it should be held during the All-Star break. Team USA would play the winner of the tournament. All the other countries involved could hold a round-robin setup similar to the one in place to determine the best team. That winner would then have a one-game playoff for the World Championship against the winner of the MLB All-Star game. Of course, that might night fly with the other countries because it automatically assumes the U.S.A. deserves to be one of the top teams in the world.
Parting points: Song of the moment: “Beautiful Women” by Boyz II Men
What the heck happened to Kansas? Baylor beat them this afternoon 71-64 in the Big 12 tournament. The Villanova Wildcats held on to beat Marquette 76-75. I just listened to the game’s finish on the radio and it was a close one.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Accessing Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were poised and positioned for a perfect playoff push last year. The 2008 team made a robust run and was in a win-now mode. They sailed through the regular season in splendid fashion. The Angels won the AL West division outright and posted 100 wins, only to be ousted in round one by the Boston Red Sox. The incongruence stumped many baseball fans and disappointed the players on the team.
Anaheim took a small step back this off-season with the departures of famed closer, Francisco Rodriguez, and hard-hitting hammerer, Mark Teixeira. Both free agents signed with Big Apple teams. K-Rod will bail out (no pun intended) the Mets and Teixeira will hit 3rd in an expensive Yankees lineup. The Angels also lost starter Jon Garland to the Diamondbacks and veteran OF, Garret Anderson. Anderson signed a contract with the Atlanta Braves and his overall toughness will be missed. Two key acquisitions did surmount however, and will boos the club. OF Bobby Abreu and closer, Brian Fuentes, are serviceable replacements for Anderson and K-Rod. Garland’s replacement is a major question facing wily manager, Mike Scioscia this Spring. Scioscia’s clubs have historically relied on the strength of their pitching staff, and this year remains no different. The essential element for 2009 is the starting pitching and productive relief unit. Scioscia quipped about focusing on a being more productive and disciplined offensive team this year.
Minor League Pitcher of the Year, righty Anthony Ortega, will compete for the 5th starter spot. Ortega impressed Angels scouts in Triple A with a 5-0 record and under 3 ERA. Nick Adenhart, also a right-handed hurler, is in the mix for the spot as well. Adenhart’s ERA is bloated, he lacks command, is shaky, and does not possess a dominant pitch. I don’t see how that meets the criteria needed to be listed on the Opening Day roster. Pitchers who are projected to be listed on Opening Day are starters, John Lackey, Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders, Jered Weaver, and Dustin Moseley. Santana may not be available for the start of April, but should be ready by the middle of the month. Ervin was 16-7 with 214 strikeouts last season for Anaheim. The 26 year old is in his prime and on the upside of his career. Lackey is the number one starter. In 6 seasons, his record stands at 91-63, so clearly John has a knack for winning. He tossed three compete games in 2008. Lackey is prone to the long ball and should occasionally give up the homerun. He will still nail down wins for the Angels.
Saunders had a breakout year a season ago and is the team’s bonified lefty. The Virginia Tech grad won 17 games in 2008. An ailing shoulder is the main concern for Saunders. If he continues to feel tightness, the Angels will have a big problem on their hands to deal with. Weaver is a solid number 4 starter and great when he is on his game. He has fine form for a pitcher and career-wise, he has always compiled double digit wins. The Angels need Weaver to step it up a notch in his fourth year as a major leaguer. His strikeout-to- walk ratio is impressive and the team should expect a lot out of him when he takes the ball.
The Angels’ bullpen might be a little deeper than a year ago because of Fuentes. Scot Shields and Jose Arredondo reclaim their relief roles and significant set ups. LHP Darren Oliver and RHP Justin Speier bring strong bullpen arms as well. Oliver is often-used and Speier is pretty good at protecting late inning leads. In 2008, he did give up more runs than he normally has though.
3B Chone Figgins is again the team leadoff man. His contributions and intangibles are valuable to this scrappy offense that picks away at opposing pitchers. Figgins can play multiple positions, so he has adaptability. He also steals about 30 bases each season. Abreu will likely hit second and be the left fielder. All-star RF, Vladimir Guerrero, is the feared third hitter. Guerrero is a Gold Glove player with a strong and accurate arm. The RBI machine guns down runners and has an over .300 batting average each year. Since Abreu draws a lot of walks and Figgins can score on a base hit up the middle, I think Vlad’s RBIs will be through the roof this year.
Torii Hunter is the game’s best centerfielder. He will bat behind Vlad and hit cleanup. Hunter’s position in the order protects him because he will see decent pitches with Guerrero hitting ahead. Hunter came to Anaheim from Minnesota in 2008 and hit 21 homeruns, driving in 85. He tied his career base on balls mark with 50. Hunter’s batting average needs to climb back up past .280. I am surprised he never hit .300 in his Twins days. The veteran is consistently good and the stable bat in the heart of the Angels order. Hunter’s bat will have to make up a portion of Teixeria’s production.
The Angels field a resilient outfield of experienced ballplayers. Their infield is the opposite. Anaheim will rely on young and underdeveloped, unproven players to have heavy-duty defensive roles. Kendry Morales takes over the Teixeria at first base and is expected to bring his .249 career average to the fifth spot in the lineup. Kendry is only a third year player but will be tested from the start of the year. DH Juan Rivera, 2B Howie Kendrick, C Mike Napoli and SS Erick Aybar round out the bottom of the order. Brandon Wood will also compete for 3B.
Napoli is a adequate power bat for a catcher. He hit 20 homeruns in 2008 and his average has steadily gone up each year he’s started behind the plate. Mike is the bottom of the order punch Anaheim needs, but he is also very effective with the leather. 25 year old Dominican SS Aybar has excellent potential to emerge this year. He hit .271 last season in 346 at-bats. The youngster has awful post-season numbers, so should the Angels return to October baseball, Aybar has to improve. Kendrick, if healthy, is a lock to hit .300. He is one of the best low outside fastball hitters in today’s game. Howie is prone to hamstring pulls so expect to see reserve Sean Rodriguez fill in at times. Backup catcher, Jeff Mathis, is a proven dynamic defender and notable bench player. Maicer Izturis and Robb Quinlan are viable infield options as well. In the OF, Gary Matthews, Jr. is nursing a torn tendon in his knee. Matthews will miss at least one month. RHP Kelvim Escobar has a nice breaking ball but don’t expect to see that until May. He will hopefully return to the back end of the rotation then. Escobar is healing from a strained calf and hurt shoulder. He hasn’t pitched since winning 18 games in 2007, so his status is anybody’s guess.
Kendrick could be the difference between a division winning year or a team that misses the playoffs. The Angels are offensively-challenged but Kendrick’s extra-base hit potential is imperative for the club. He can consistently give the Angels a big boost. Hunter should be very focused this year on reducing strikeouts. He’s a formidable bat and stellar fielder. Guerrero will be the team centerpiece in the last year of his contract. Rivera needs to earn his pay at the DH position and pick up the slack when Vlad and Torii are slumping. The Angels are not a championship-caliber team, but pity the fool who takes any Scioscia team lightly. Just ask the guy across town, Joe Torre.
Parting points: “Dream of Californication…”
Since it’s 3/11 day, what better album to have spinning than 311’s Blue Album?
The Big East tournament is going on all week. A few upsets occurred to far. This is my favorite tourney before the Big Dance and I’d love to attend.
Anaheim took a small step back this off-season with the departures of famed closer, Francisco Rodriguez, and hard-hitting hammerer, Mark Teixeira. Both free agents signed with Big Apple teams. K-Rod will bail out (no pun intended) the Mets and Teixeira will hit 3rd in an expensive Yankees lineup. The Angels also lost starter Jon Garland to the Diamondbacks and veteran OF, Garret Anderson. Anderson signed a contract with the Atlanta Braves and his overall toughness will be missed. Two key acquisitions did surmount however, and will boos the club. OF Bobby Abreu and closer, Brian Fuentes, are serviceable replacements for Anderson and K-Rod. Garland’s replacement is a major question facing wily manager, Mike Scioscia this Spring. Scioscia’s clubs have historically relied on the strength of their pitching staff, and this year remains no different. The essential element for 2009 is the starting pitching and productive relief unit. Scioscia quipped about focusing on a being more productive and disciplined offensive team this year.
Minor League Pitcher of the Year, righty Anthony Ortega, will compete for the 5th starter spot. Ortega impressed Angels scouts in Triple A with a 5-0 record and under 3 ERA. Nick Adenhart, also a right-handed hurler, is in the mix for the spot as well. Adenhart’s ERA is bloated, he lacks command, is shaky, and does not possess a dominant pitch. I don’t see how that meets the criteria needed to be listed on the Opening Day roster. Pitchers who are projected to be listed on Opening Day are starters, John Lackey, Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders, Jered Weaver, and Dustin Moseley. Santana may not be available for the start of April, but should be ready by the middle of the month. Ervin was 16-7 with 214 strikeouts last season for Anaheim. The 26 year old is in his prime and on the upside of his career. Lackey is the number one starter. In 6 seasons, his record stands at 91-63, so clearly John has a knack for winning. He tossed three compete games in 2008. Lackey is prone to the long ball and should occasionally give up the homerun. He will still nail down wins for the Angels.
Saunders had a breakout year a season ago and is the team’s bonified lefty. The Virginia Tech grad won 17 games in 2008. An ailing shoulder is the main concern for Saunders. If he continues to feel tightness, the Angels will have a big problem on their hands to deal with. Weaver is a solid number 4 starter and great when he is on his game. He has fine form for a pitcher and career-wise, he has always compiled double digit wins. The Angels need Weaver to step it up a notch in his fourth year as a major leaguer. His strikeout-to- walk ratio is impressive and the team should expect a lot out of him when he takes the ball.
The Angels’ bullpen might be a little deeper than a year ago because of Fuentes. Scot Shields and Jose Arredondo reclaim their relief roles and significant set ups. LHP Darren Oliver and RHP Justin Speier bring strong bullpen arms as well. Oliver is often-used and Speier is pretty good at protecting late inning leads. In 2008, he did give up more runs than he normally has though.
3B Chone Figgins is again the team leadoff man. His contributions and intangibles are valuable to this scrappy offense that picks away at opposing pitchers. Figgins can play multiple positions, so he has adaptability. He also steals about 30 bases each season. Abreu will likely hit second and be the left fielder. All-star RF, Vladimir Guerrero, is the feared third hitter. Guerrero is a Gold Glove player with a strong and accurate arm. The RBI machine guns down runners and has an over .300 batting average each year. Since Abreu draws a lot of walks and Figgins can score on a base hit up the middle, I think Vlad’s RBIs will be through the roof this year.
Torii Hunter is the game’s best centerfielder. He will bat behind Vlad and hit cleanup. Hunter’s position in the order protects him because he will see decent pitches with Guerrero hitting ahead. Hunter came to Anaheim from Minnesota in 2008 and hit 21 homeruns, driving in 85. He tied his career base on balls mark with 50. Hunter’s batting average needs to climb back up past .280. I am surprised he never hit .300 in his Twins days. The veteran is consistently good and the stable bat in the heart of the Angels order. Hunter’s bat will have to make up a portion of Teixeria’s production.
The Angels field a resilient outfield of experienced ballplayers. Their infield is the opposite. Anaheim will rely on young and underdeveloped, unproven players to have heavy-duty defensive roles. Kendry Morales takes over the Teixeria at first base and is expected to bring his .249 career average to the fifth spot in the lineup. Kendry is only a third year player but will be tested from the start of the year. DH Juan Rivera, 2B Howie Kendrick, C Mike Napoli and SS Erick Aybar round out the bottom of the order. Brandon Wood will also compete for 3B.
Napoli is a adequate power bat for a catcher. He hit 20 homeruns in 2008 and his average has steadily gone up each year he’s started behind the plate. Mike is the bottom of the order punch Anaheim needs, but he is also very effective with the leather. 25 year old Dominican SS Aybar has excellent potential to emerge this year. He hit .271 last season in 346 at-bats. The youngster has awful post-season numbers, so should the Angels return to October baseball, Aybar has to improve. Kendrick, if healthy, is a lock to hit .300. He is one of the best low outside fastball hitters in today’s game. Howie is prone to hamstring pulls so expect to see reserve Sean Rodriguez fill in at times. Backup catcher, Jeff Mathis, is a proven dynamic defender and notable bench player. Maicer Izturis and Robb Quinlan are viable infield options as well. In the OF, Gary Matthews, Jr. is nursing a torn tendon in his knee. Matthews will miss at least one month. RHP Kelvim Escobar has a nice breaking ball but don’t expect to see that until May. He will hopefully return to the back end of the rotation then. Escobar is healing from a strained calf and hurt shoulder. He hasn’t pitched since winning 18 games in 2007, so his status is anybody’s guess.
Kendrick could be the difference between a division winning year or a team that misses the playoffs. The Angels are offensively-challenged but Kendrick’s extra-base hit potential is imperative for the club. He can consistently give the Angels a big boost. Hunter should be very focused this year on reducing strikeouts. He’s a formidable bat and stellar fielder. Guerrero will be the team centerpiece in the last year of his contract. Rivera needs to earn his pay at the DH position and pick up the slack when Vlad and Torii are slumping. The Angels are not a championship-caliber team, but pity the fool who takes any Scioscia team lightly. Just ask the guy across town, Joe Torre.
Parting points: “Dream of Californication…”
Since it’s 3/11 day, what better album to have spinning than 311’s Blue Album?
The Big East tournament is going on all week. A few upsets occurred to far. This is my favorite tourney before the Big Dance and I’d love to attend.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Ninety-Nine Nostalgia
The Yankees were coming off their best season ever and were considered the greatest baseball team of all time after winning 114 regular season games in 1998. They did not stand pat in the off-season but kept most of their championship team together in 1999. It’s hard to believe the Yankees are celebrating their 10 year anniversary of the 1999 team this season. Has it really been that long since they swept the Braves in the Fall Classic? Was it ten years ago El Duque one-hit Atlanta in Game 1 and struck out ten batters in seven innings? The eighth inning, four run rally, is still fresh in my mind from that first game of the series. I remember Game 2 in Atlanta when David Cone kept the home team scoreless through seven frames to get the win. The Yankees compiled seven runs to support their starter, led by post-season studs Tino Martinez and Bernie Williams. Ten years ago in Game 3, Chuck Knoblauch hit a two-run shot to tie the game in the eighth inning. Three relief pitchers combined to keep it a game before Chad Curtis’ 10th inning homerun gave the Yankees the 6-5 victory. And then in Game 4, Roger Clemens earned his first World Series win and Mariano Rivera was perfect in claiming his fifth Series save. 1999 also found David Cone pitching a perfect game on July 18th, manager Joe Torre being diagnosed with cancer, and Darryl Strawberry being arrested for cocaine. But the 25th World Championship was a memorable affair nonetheless. The Yankees legitimately laid claim to being the team of the decade after beating the Braves twice during the 10 year span in October.
I made a pivotal decision in 1998 to quit softball and go out for the girls’ lacrosse team. It was the first year our school fielded a team for the sport of lacrosse. The boys didn’t even have a team. It was a hard decision to give up my favorite sport but I was ready for a change. I started working out and doing exercise more often to get in shape for lacrosse and the up-coming tennis season. I rode our family’s stationary bike while listening to R.E.M. My Brine lacrosse stick was Yankees blue and white pinstriped of course. It was nothing like my Wilson Pro Staff 95 racket. I learned what it meant to cradle the ball, and scored our high school’s first ever lacrosse goal during the first game. No one in my family was there to see it. Ten years ago, I was playing singles for the tennis team too. My mom would bake cookies for every home match and we would all enjoy the treats before the matches. My dad would travel to every school and watch me play tennis. He’d show up in his shiny suit straight from work and patiently patrol the area behind the court. I’d watch my dad through the fence and his smile always made me play harder. Those were chilly Fall days ten years ago and I often had to play my matches in warm-up pants.
Outside sports, I was a high school sophomore. I struggled to understand the book, “The Giver” in English class but did find it meaningful. I would much rather have been watching Cowboys games than doing homework on Sundays. The Internet was the newest and latest craze and I discovered another means to feed my Yankees need by reading stories about players online.
In the last year of the 1990’s, I was a tomboy, but a boy-crazy one. I was in love with a senior who was more into the Yankees than I was. He never knew my name but I didn’t care. I also adored the more-accessible boy who sat in front of me in biology. I used to count the freckles on the back of his neck. He only had two. In May of 1999, I had my first slow dance at a party. The song was by my favorite band, 98 degrees and the moment couldn’t have been more perfect if it were planned. The most precious moments in life cannot be scripted I’ve learned.
I had an obsession 98 degrees that often went to extremes. Actually, it bordered on lunacy. I collected every single news clipping of the band, owned every CD, even the imports, and amassed an entire wall of photos in my bedroom. My sister and I attended our first ever concert in August of 1999. Our dad took us upstate to see 98 degrees and we stood on chairs the entire night listening to them melt our hearts. The very next morning following the concert, my sister left for college. Things just weren’t the same after she left and I entered my junior year of high school. I still had my paper route, the one I’d adopted in 7th grade. Every morning at 5am, I would wake up and wrap the papers in plastic bags, get in the car and deliver newspapers.
In August, our family also traveled to Toronto, Canada and stayed at the Crown Plaza Hotel. We got lost in a big way on the underground “path” in the spacious but cozy city. Our family attended a few Bluejays games at the Skydome. I considered the royal blue seats luxury boxes because of the proximity the field. It seemed to up close and personal to me to sit in those hard-backed chairs and watch baseball. Still, I faithfully flaunted my NY Yankees baseball cap. We ate at the equally-luxurious Marche Movenpick every day. This café is a diner’s delight. I don’t think food ever tasted so good to me as it did in that Toronto restaurant. My ardor for espresso stemmed from that quaint café. It never mattered what you ordered; the food was fantastic. The Toronto Zoo was fun and the Ontario Science Center was a vivacious visit for a off-beat museum. The hotel had a pleasant pool of warm water we swam in during sticky summer evenings.
My favorite TV show, 90210, entered it’s tenth and final season that year. I was in denial about the show really ending. I started taping every single episode onto VHS just in case the show would never be aired again. It’s always good to be precautious and prepared I figured. I still have those tapes sitting around my apartment. I cannot seem to part with them.
In 1999, I took up accounting and journalism in school. Both became my favorite subjects.
I wanted to go to college to study one, the other, or maybe both. The mundane teacher who taught accounting appealed to me for some reason. Journalism was my real passion because it allowed me to be creative, while still sticking to the facts. Writing came so natural to me and I was asked to be the co-editor at the end of the term. 1999 was a great year. My team won the World Series, I got to see my band perform live and I discovered how it must feel to be in love. And maybe I didn’t know it then, but I was becoming a Buckeye fan when I started watching college football every Saturday afternoon. The scarlet and gray uniforms captured my eye’s attention. The Godfather trilogy turned up in my view as well. Eleven years ago, I couldn’t provide a single quote from the movies. Ten years ago, I could.
Parting points: “I loved baseball ever since Arnold Rothstien fixed the World Series in 1919”- Hyman Roth
Mark Teixeira is batting .500 this Spring training. Wow.
I made a pivotal decision in 1998 to quit softball and go out for the girls’ lacrosse team. It was the first year our school fielded a team for the sport of lacrosse. The boys didn’t even have a team. It was a hard decision to give up my favorite sport but I was ready for a change. I started working out and doing exercise more often to get in shape for lacrosse and the up-coming tennis season. I rode our family’s stationary bike while listening to R.E.M. My Brine lacrosse stick was Yankees blue and white pinstriped of course. It was nothing like my Wilson Pro Staff 95 racket. I learned what it meant to cradle the ball, and scored our high school’s first ever lacrosse goal during the first game. No one in my family was there to see it. Ten years ago, I was playing singles for the tennis team too. My mom would bake cookies for every home match and we would all enjoy the treats before the matches. My dad would travel to every school and watch me play tennis. He’d show up in his shiny suit straight from work and patiently patrol the area behind the court. I’d watch my dad through the fence and his smile always made me play harder. Those were chilly Fall days ten years ago and I often had to play my matches in warm-up pants.
Outside sports, I was a high school sophomore. I struggled to understand the book, “The Giver” in English class but did find it meaningful. I would much rather have been watching Cowboys games than doing homework on Sundays. The Internet was the newest and latest craze and I discovered another means to feed my Yankees need by reading stories about players online.
In the last year of the 1990’s, I was a tomboy, but a boy-crazy one. I was in love with a senior who was more into the Yankees than I was. He never knew my name but I didn’t care. I also adored the more-accessible boy who sat in front of me in biology. I used to count the freckles on the back of his neck. He only had two. In May of 1999, I had my first slow dance at a party. The song was by my favorite band, 98 degrees and the moment couldn’t have been more perfect if it were planned. The most precious moments in life cannot be scripted I’ve learned.
I had an obsession 98 degrees that often went to extremes. Actually, it bordered on lunacy. I collected every single news clipping of the band, owned every CD, even the imports, and amassed an entire wall of photos in my bedroom. My sister and I attended our first ever concert in August of 1999. Our dad took us upstate to see 98 degrees and we stood on chairs the entire night listening to them melt our hearts. The very next morning following the concert, my sister left for college. Things just weren’t the same after she left and I entered my junior year of high school. I still had my paper route, the one I’d adopted in 7th grade. Every morning at 5am, I would wake up and wrap the papers in plastic bags, get in the car and deliver newspapers.
In August, our family also traveled to Toronto, Canada and stayed at the Crown Plaza Hotel. We got lost in a big way on the underground “path” in the spacious but cozy city. Our family attended a few Bluejays games at the Skydome. I considered the royal blue seats luxury boxes because of the proximity the field. It seemed to up close and personal to me to sit in those hard-backed chairs and watch baseball. Still, I faithfully flaunted my NY Yankees baseball cap. We ate at the equally-luxurious Marche Movenpick every day. This café is a diner’s delight. I don’t think food ever tasted so good to me as it did in that Toronto restaurant. My ardor for espresso stemmed from that quaint café. It never mattered what you ordered; the food was fantastic. The Toronto Zoo was fun and the Ontario Science Center was a vivacious visit for a off-beat museum. The hotel had a pleasant pool of warm water we swam in during sticky summer evenings.
My favorite TV show, 90210, entered it’s tenth and final season that year. I was in denial about the show really ending. I started taping every single episode onto VHS just in case the show would never be aired again. It’s always good to be precautious and prepared I figured. I still have those tapes sitting around my apartment. I cannot seem to part with them.
In 1999, I took up accounting and journalism in school. Both became my favorite subjects.
I wanted to go to college to study one, the other, or maybe both. The mundane teacher who taught accounting appealed to me for some reason. Journalism was my real passion because it allowed me to be creative, while still sticking to the facts. Writing came so natural to me and I was asked to be the co-editor at the end of the term. 1999 was a great year. My team won the World Series, I got to see my band perform live and I discovered how it must feel to be in love. And maybe I didn’t know it then, but I was becoming a Buckeye fan when I started watching college football every Saturday afternoon. The scarlet and gray uniforms captured my eye’s attention. The Godfather trilogy turned up in my view as well. Eleven years ago, I couldn’t provide a single quote from the movies. Ten years ago, I could.
Parting points: “I loved baseball ever since Arnold Rothstien fixed the World Series in 1919”- Hyman Roth
Mark Teixeira is batting .500 this Spring training. Wow.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Daylight Dreaming
Daylight savings time has begun and the baseball season officially commences in just four weeks. I have some personal sports goals as I head into this splendid Spring season. My number one goal is to get back on the tennis court. I would like to start hitting the ball around on a regular basis again. I miss the game dearly. It’s been away from me too long now, for a number of different reasons. Time and the weather are not conducive to playing year-round. With the warmer weather winking at me around the corner, I am going to make an effort to play. I need to hone the kick serve I’ve been working on. My net game needs tweaking. The backhand slice I generate with my maneuvering wrist needs to be surfaced and showcased again.
It is always a challenge finding people to play tennis with, but there are usually some weekenders who make it a ritual to meet for matches at the local high school.. I just feel an emptiness without tennis in my life. I know when I start to see the sunshine and the hazy humid air hits me, the har-tru tennis courts will call. I still dream about the game and certain matches in my sleep. I don’t think I will ever get away from this great game because there is nothing to replace it in my soul.
Another goal, and one that is more far-fetched, is to join a bike club for competitive or friendly rides. I have always wanted to be in a bike race, just to see how well I would stack up against other riders. If anything, I am sure there are some amateur routes and low-key tracks in my area. Money has always held me back from going to that level. I also don’t have access to very many events because of my location. But my goal is to get more into biking and maybe start to make it a social hobby of mine.
Skateboarding is magnificent, although a little more dangerous than other sports. A goal of mine this Spring is to wheel out my deck and skate the pavement downtown. There is a small skate park I know of not too far away. I usually stay close to home when riding my skateboard. I need to escape and escalate my skating. My board is outdated and my skill unoriginal but I still get a kick out of kick flipping my way through town. There are no official rules to the sport, and that’s what makes it great. I can only dream about doing ollies over ramps and rails in my imagination.
The two sports I’ve wanted to try my entire life are surfing and fishing. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been enamored with the ocean. Surfing is definitely a fantasy because it just isn’t going to happen. However, I can picture myself riding waves with a gnarly surfboard and having a happening time, dude.
Fishing is an activity I could potentially enjoy. I read a lot of Ernest Hemingway novels and the famous author adored fishing. It seems entirely relaxing. My relatives are into fly fishing but other than that, I don’t know a single person who actually considers fishing something fun. The best way to get into a new hobby is to learn everything you can about it. I should probably start my feasible fishing fad by leisurely pursing some books about the sport. It would help to know what to do with a fishing rod and how to go about trying to reel in those finny friends.
Parting points: Song of the day- “Loser” by Beck; Word of the day- “empathetic”
One of my favorite pastimes is going high-tech:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008829682_cards09.html
It is always a challenge finding people to play tennis with, but there are usually some weekenders who make it a ritual to meet for matches at the local high school.. I just feel an emptiness without tennis in my life. I know when I start to see the sunshine and the hazy humid air hits me, the har-tru tennis courts will call. I still dream about the game and certain matches in my sleep. I don’t think I will ever get away from this great game because there is nothing to replace it in my soul.
Another goal, and one that is more far-fetched, is to join a bike club for competitive or friendly rides. I have always wanted to be in a bike race, just to see how well I would stack up against other riders. If anything, I am sure there are some amateur routes and low-key tracks in my area. Money has always held me back from going to that level. I also don’t have access to very many events because of my location. But my goal is to get more into biking and maybe start to make it a social hobby of mine.
Skateboarding is magnificent, although a little more dangerous than other sports. A goal of mine this Spring is to wheel out my deck and skate the pavement downtown. There is a small skate park I know of not too far away. I usually stay close to home when riding my skateboard. I need to escape and escalate my skating. My board is outdated and my skill unoriginal but I still get a kick out of kick flipping my way through town. There are no official rules to the sport, and that’s what makes it great. I can only dream about doing ollies over ramps and rails in my imagination.
The two sports I’ve wanted to try my entire life are surfing and fishing. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been enamored with the ocean. Surfing is definitely a fantasy because it just isn’t going to happen. However, I can picture myself riding waves with a gnarly surfboard and having a happening time, dude.
Fishing is an activity I could potentially enjoy. I read a lot of Ernest Hemingway novels and the famous author adored fishing. It seems entirely relaxing. My relatives are into fly fishing but other than that, I don’t know a single person who actually considers fishing something fun. The best way to get into a new hobby is to learn everything you can about it. I should probably start my feasible fishing fad by leisurely pursing some books about the sport. It would help to know what to do with a fishing rod and how to go about trying to reel in those finny friends.
Parting points: Song of the day- “Loser” by Beck; Word of the day- “empathetic”
One of my favorite pastimes is going high-tech:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008829682_cards09.html
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Arizona Appeal
Baseball in the desert has been dismal, depressing and dull lately. At least for the hometown team. Yes, there are many Spring training facilities and fans flock to root for their chosen Cactus League teams. But the Arizona Diamondbacks do not often headline the front pages. The Diamondbacks usually field a respectable team each season but lack the appeal of other major league ball clubs. Maybe baseball isn’t the prominent sport in a state where golf is king and college teams are worshipped. Local sports reporters are focused more on what is coming out of Shaquille O’Neal’s mouth and whether the Wildcats are bubble-bound this NCAA tournament. It doesn’t help the Diamondbacks when the previously pathetic and laughable franchise, the NFL Cardinals, earned a trip to the Superbowl. Getting back to the diamond though, this year’s NL West team from Arizona has a chance in today’s state of parity in baseball. However, here is my cynical synopsis.
The team has one goal heading into the 2009 campaign. The offense needs to reduce the amount of strikeouts. I realize it is refreshing to feel the “whiffs” in the dry desert air in the Southwest but come on. Arizona set franchise record 1,287 strikeouts in 2008. 3B, Mark Reynolds had 204 on his own, setting a new major league record. Mark was a promising player and I thought he was headed in the right direction when he began his career. I considered Reynolds one of the best up and coming third basemen in the league. He can still redeem himself. Reynolds has been working on his defense with former formidable fielder, Matt Williams. He accumulated 97 RBIs and 28 HRs hitting near the bottom of the Diamondbacks order in 2008. Mark’s defense is not stellar but he does the little things in the field and can play the position well when he takes his time and concentrates.
Manager, Bob Melvin, does not have a true leadoff hitter yet, so he will probably tinker with the lineup a lot. Felipe Lopez, the second baseman, is the best option to bat first. Loose Lopez is a quality switch hitter. CF Chris Young and SS Stephen Drew are projected to bat second and third. Each player moves down in Melvin’s batting order. The shift spells success for Arizona because they can be more productive in that order. Young needs to focus on patience at the plate and take a few pitches. He’s capable of stealing bases and ideally suited to hit second. Drew ‘s ability is limitless and the shortstop is only 25 years old. J.D. Drew’s kid brother had 11 triples last season and drove in 67 runs. He showed pop as well, slugging a modest 21 homers. The Florida State alum has improved every year since his first full one in 2007.
Conor Jackson and Justin Upton are the best hitters on this young team. Jackson will clean up and play left field or first base. He averaged an even .300 at the plate in 2008 and will look to match that again this season. Many are expecting a 90 RBI season for the third year player and hoping for 20 or more long balls. Upton came up as one of the best prospects and brings a lot to the table. The fire starter is a five tool player, but he has had his share of growing pains. Justin is only 21 years old but still managed to hit 15 out of the park. This rangy right fielder is flexible and makes great throws with an authoritative arm. Upton benefits from playing on a low-key team in the National League.
Left-handed first baseman, Chad Tracy, has a history of being injured. Tracy will help Arizona if he can remain on the field. If he is healthy, Tracy may take playing time away from Reynolds. Chad has been practicing third base during Spring training games. His career .285 average ignites the bottom of the order. Behind the plate, the Diamondbacks have viable options in Chris Snyder and Miguel Montero. Snyder is the front-runner and will probably be the opening day starter. He had surprising power for a catcher in 2008, with a career high 16 homeruns. Snyder also possesses post-season experience with Arizona. He had a HR in the 2007 LCS and his .333.
Veteran class-act, Tony Clark, is a first base reserve who will probably retire a Diamondback in the near future. Clark has been around the block a few times and is the best pinch hitter available off the bench. Infielder Augie Ojeda is efficient at three positions and will play a backup role. Eric Byrnes is also an option for any of the outfield positions. Byrnes is as gritty and hard-nosed as they come. I have a soft spot for Byrnes because he autographed a baseball card and ball with my name on it. He was sidelined with a bad hamstring and opted for surgery last season. It will be interesting to see how the departure of talented 2B Orlando Hudson will affect Arizona. Felipe Lopez arrived from St. Louis and I think the addition is appealing.
The rotation shakes out like this for the snakes: Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, Doug Davis, Jon Garland and Max Scherzer. Webb and Haren are arguably considered the best 1-2 in the league. Both will be innings-eaters like they were last season. Webb is reliable and if he can win another 22 games, Arizona need not worry about their ace. He also strikes out a lot of guys. Haren came to the desert from the Oakland surf, where he was not a top starter. Here, he has been nothing but a hard worker and an effective player. The Pepperdine graduate is also a strikeout artist. Dan will carry most of the load now that Randy Johnson signed the Giants. Haren won’t have to share the spotlight with the future Hall of Famer. If he can locate his pitches, Haren should be very good in 2009. Davis is a tossup, having just been treated for thyroid cancer. Garland was a risky but inexpensive addition this off-season. When healthy, both provide quality starts and should be decent 3-4 pitchers. Scherzer may be on the DL to begin April so Arizona could opt for a rookie slot starter. Cesar Valdez is that candidate.
The Arizona bullpen has no nastiness to it. Closer Brandon Lyon is replaced by either Chad Qualls or Tony Pena. Qualls is a ground-ball pitcher and Pena better suited for the closer role with his flame throwing stuff. Scott Scoheneweis breaks down easily but will be the lefty specialist for the most part. RHP Tom Gordon is coming off elbow surgery but can shut down just about any hitter when he wants to. Relievers Jon Rauch and Leo Rosales are unproven. Rauch is a fly-ball pitcher but is reportedly working on adding a cut fastball to his repertoire. The pen will sorely miss Brandon Lyon and Juan Cruz, who were both under the radar, effective relief men last season.
Arizona has a shot at the division but like the other teams in the NL West, were hurt by the Dodgers re-signing Manny Ramirez. With their shaky bullpen and youth up the middle, the Diamondbacks will eventually need to add an impact player near the trade deadline to remain in the playoff hunt. Maybe Arizona should consider signing Kurt Warner for a relief role.
Parting points: Song choice- “Cold-hearted Snake” by Paula Abdul
The outspoken WR, Terrell Owens will play in Buffalo next year. His strength and speed will be good for the Bills’ red zone offense but best of luck to everyone in that clubhouse who has to put up with his attitude.
The team has one goal heading into the 2009 campaign. The offense needs to reduce the amount of strikeouts. I realize it is refreshing to feel the “whiffs” in the dry desert air in the Southwest but come on. Arizona set franchise record 1,287 strikeouts in 2008. 3B, Mark Reynolds had 204 on his own, setting a new major league record. Mark was a promising player and I thought he was headed in the right direction when he began his career. I considered Reynolds one of the best up and coming third basemen in the league. He can still redeem himself. Reynolds has been working on his defense with former formidable fielder, Matt Williams. He accumulated 97 RBIs and 28 HRs hitting near the bottom of the Diamondbacks order in 2008. Mark’s defense is not stellar but he does the little things in the field and can play the position well when he takes his time and concentrates.
Manager, Bob Melvin, does not have a true leadoff hitter yet, so he will probably tinker with the lineup a lot. Felipe Lopez, the second baseman, is the best option to bat first. Loose Lopez is a quality switch hitter. CF Chris Young and SS Stephen Drew are projected to bat second and third. Each player moves down in Melvin’s batting order. The shift spells success for Arizona because they can be more productive in that order. Young needs to focus on patience at the plate and take a few pitches. He’s capable of stealing bases and ideally suited to hit second. Drew ‘s ability is limitless and the shortstop is only 25 years old. J.D. Drew’s kid brother had 11 triples last season and drove in 67 runs. He showed pop as well, slugging a modest 21 homers. The Florida State alum has improved every year since his first full one in 2007.
Conor Jackson and Justin Upton are the best hitters on this young team. Jackson will clean up and play left field or first base. He averaged an even .300 at the plate in 2008 and will look to match that again this season. Many are expecting a 90 RBI season for the third year player and hoping for 20 or more long balls. Upton came up as one of the best prospects and brings a lot to the table. The fire starter is a five tool player, but he has had his share of growing pains. Justin is only 21 years old but still managed to hit 15 out of the park. This rangy right fielder is flexible and makes great throws with an authoritative arm. Upton benefits from playing on a low-key team in the National League.
Left-handed first baseman, Chad Tracy, has a history of being injured. Tracy will help Arizona if he can remain on the field. If he is healthy, Tracy may take playing time away from Reynolds. Chad has been practicing third base during Spring training games. His career .285 average ignites the bottom of the order. Behind the plate, the Diamondbacks have viable options in Chris Snyder and Miguel Montero. Snyder is the front-runner and will probably be the opening day starter. He had surprising power for a catcher in 2008, with a career high 16 homeruns. Snyder also possesses post-season experience with Arizona. He had a HR in the 2007 LCS and his .333.
Veteran class-act, Tony Clark, is a first base reserve who will probably retire a Diamondback in the near future. Clark has been around the block a few times and is the best pinch hitter available off the bench. Infielder Augie Ojeda is efficient at three positions and will play a backup role. Eric Byrnes is also an option for any of the outfield positions. Byrnes is as gritty and hard-nosed as they come. I have a soft spot for Byrnes because he autographed a baseball card and ball with my name on it. He was sidelined with a bad hamstring and opted for surgery last season. It will be interesting to see how the departure of talented 2B Orlando Hudson will affect Arizona. Felipe Lopez arrived from St. Louis and I think the addition is appealing.
The rotation shakes out like this for the snakes: Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, Doug Davis, Jon Garland and Max Scherzer. Webb and Haren are arguably considered the best 1-2 in the league. Both will be innings-eaters like they were last season. Webb is reliable and if he can win another 22 games, Arizona need not worry about their ace. He also strikes out a lot of guys. Haren came to the desert from the Oakland surf, where he was not a top starter. Here, he has been nothing but a hard worker and an effective player. The Pepperdine graduate is also a strikeout artist. Dan will carry most of the load now that Randy Johnson signed the Giants. Haren won’t have to share the spotlight with the future Hall of Famer. If he can locate his pitches, Haren should be very good in 2009. Davis is a tossup, having just been treated for thyroid cancer. Garland was a risky but inexpensive addition this off-season. When healthy, both provide quality starts and should be decent 3-4 pitchers. Scherzer may be on the DL to begin April so Arizona could opt for a rookie slot starter. Cesar Valdez is that candidate.
The Arizona bullpen has no nastiness to it. Closer Brandon Lyon is replaced by either Chad Qualls or Tony Pena. Qualls is a ground-ball pitcher and Pena better suited for the closer role with his flame throwing stuff. Scott Scoheneweis breaks down easily but will be the lefty specialist for the most part. RHP Tom Gordon is coming off elbow surgery but can shut down just about any hitter when he wants to. Relievers Jon Rauch and Leo Rosales are unproven. Rauch is a fly-ball pitcher but is reportedly working on adding a cut fastball to his repertoire. The pen will sorely miss Brandon Lyon and Juan Cruz, who were both under the radar, effective relief men last season.
Arizona has a shot at the division but like the other teams in the NL West, were hurt by the Dodgers re-signing Manny Ramirez. With their shaky bullpen and youth up the middle, the Diamondbacks will eventually need to add an impact player near the trade deadline to remain in the playoff hunt. Maybe Arizona should consider signing Kurt Warner for a relief role.
Parting points: Song choice- “Cold-hearted Snake” by Paula Abdul
The outspoken WR, Terrell Owens will play in Buffalo next year. His strength and speed will be good for the Bills’ red zone offense but best of luck to everyone in that clubhouse who has to put up with his attitude.
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