This segment of NFL draft coverage is written by "I AM SANDBERG" and he analyzes the AFC EAST and NFC NORTH. I'd like to take this time to thank the participants in this experimental team blog. Furthermore I'd like to extend an invitation to all members of the draft team for collaborative works in the future including a new blog that the four of us could run as a steady news source.
AFC East
Bills- B
C.J Spiller? Why? Doesn’t this team have Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson? Spiller has playmaking ability, but it was puzzling they would take them with needs on the defensive line, offensive line, and wide receiver positions. At pick #9 they could have helped one of these positions immensely. However, they did address all these needs in the later rounds as they took a WR in the 4th round, and five of their other eight picks were used of the offensive and defensive lines. The Bills did a good job to fill needs, but the pick of Spiller is still puzzling to me.
Patriots-B+
With the four picks the Patriots had in the first two rounds, they got what they needed pretty easily. A CB in the first round, two LBs from Florida and a TE in the second round covered the major needs that were staring at the team. Defense was the weak point of the Patriots team last year, and everyone knew they had to improve this offseason. The TE replaces Ben Watson who was signed by the Cleveland Browns. Then, with Wes Welker’s injury, WR was a position the Pats needed to look into. They got this with Taylor Price out of Ohio, who can stretch the field and fit into their offense if Welker is forced to miss any time.
Dolphins- B+
Obviously, this team wanted to go defense in this drat. Seven of their eight selections were on the defensive side. They solidified their LB needs, and brought in numerous people to help their defense rush the passer more effectively. DT Jared Odrick will clog up the middle, and be a big asset to stopping the run. The Dolphins did all they needed do offensively with the Brandon Marshall trade, so going almost all defense in this draft was a great decision. Miami going to score a lot of points this season with the Wildcat, and a much better passing game. The question will be if their defense can perform at the same high level, and they brought in a lot of options to try and help them do that.
Jets- A-
The Jets got some great talent with their three picks this year. CB Kyle Wilson from Boise State was the second best corner in this draft, and fell to the Jets at pick #29. He is a great cover corner, and add that to Darrelle Revis and Lito Sheppard , and there is a stout cornerback core. Vladimir Ducasse is a big OL who will come right in and start next season. The Jets are so confident with his abilities that they released Alan Faneca. Ducasse possesses a lot of skill and talent, and can be a good starter for years to come. T heir last pick was Joe McKnight RB out of USC. He has great speed, and potential. The running back picks also gives the team a solid third string after they traded Leon Washington to Seattle.
NFC North
Bears- B
Can’t really expect a great draft when you don’t have a pick in the first two rounds. The Bears did their best and I think made out with a decent draft. They got safety help that they needed, as well as a defensive end and cornerback. The Bears needed to improve on defense, and drafted three players that can make a pretty good impact this upcoming season. The Bears also got a great quarterback prospect in Dan LeFevour out of Central Michigan. In the sixth round that was a great pick, as it provides a good back-up to Jay Cutler.
Lions- A-
The Lions obviously made a significant improvement to their defensive front with the 2nd overall pick Ndamokung Suh, and the great pickup of cornerback Amari Spievey in the 3rd round. Then, they traded up to get explosive running back Jahvid Best with a minimal cost of draft picks. The Lions needed talent, period. It was impossible for them to fill every need they had, but this draft was a big step in the right direction.
Packers- B-
The Packers needed a good offensive lineman, and got a great pick in Bryan Bulaga in the first round. I’m sure Aaron Rodgers loved this pick after being sacked 50 times last season, If Rodgers can get good protection, this offense can be even more frightening then it was last season, as well as preserve Aaron Rodger’s health for a longer career. They got help at the safety position, but other than that the team did not add any real helpful parts. They reached for a DT, and made some mediocre picks in later rounds. The pickup of Bulaga and the safety Morgan Burnett are the Packers barely remained in the B range for this draft.
Vikings- C-
The only pick that I liked from the Vikings was running back Toby Gerhart. The combo of Peterson and Gerhart will be a scary one for opposing defenses, but they strengthened an already strong part of the team. They did need a CB, but with Jimmy Clausen still on the board in the second round it didn’t make much sense not to take him. Brett Favre is a big question mark on whether he will return or not, and Clausen would have given them some stability at the QB position. If Favre comes back, then a young QB can learn from him for a year and be well prepared for when Favre does retire. Now if Favre retires the Vikings have Tavaris Jackson……. Finally, they helped out the Lions by letting them move up to get Best, while not getting a great deal in return. Helping out a division rival and not addressing a potentially huge problem on your team won’t get you a lot of praise.
Leave comments!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
More NFL Draft Coverage!
Welcome all to the third night of our extensive draft coverage. The boys and I have been reporting our opinions on the two NFL divisions a piece for this week. Tonight, I am here to show you the light regarding the division of the AFC North and NFC East. First I’ll start with the NFC EAST
NFC EAST
New York Giants: (B+): I absolutely loved the Giants’ draft. Of all teams in the 2010 draft no one addressed their problem spots like the Giants did. In 2009 the Giants defense ranked 30th in points allowed and 14th and 15 against the pass and run respectively. It was clear that this team had fallen from grace; transitioning from a crushing defense that led to the upset of the young century against the Patriots in SuperBowl XLII to one of mediocrity just two years later. They nabbed some great defensive line talents with raw skills in Jason Pierre-Paul and Linval Joseph. But what I think was their best pick is Phillip Dillard who I tag as a potential defensive rookie of the year sleeper. Look out for these Giants in 2010.
Philadelphia Eagles (B): A lot of analysts really liked the Eagles’ weekend. I did as well, but not as much as most. I think they addressed needs with Brandon Graham and Nate Allen. I just question the priorities of the front office. When they traded up in the first round, I, as well as everyone else, assumed it was for Texas safety Earl Thomas. Safety was clearly this teams largest void and Thomas would have provided them with a stud for years to come. Not to mention, he was my highest rated player on the board at the time. They did very well with their remaining 11, that’s right 11, picks which I think were highlighted by TE Clay Harbor and WR Riley Cooper, who provide fantastic depth at two positions new starting QB Kevin Kolb will appreciate.
Dallas Cowboys (B): The ‘Boys did a lot to help their cause in the 2010 campaign. The team that has been the most quiet this off-season certainly made a splash by trading up to get WR Dez Bryant whom I think we all can agree was a crazy value at 24. Sam Lee should evolve into a solid starter at the NFL level as most Penn State linebackers do. But don’t look for him to “WOW” you with any “Lavarr Leap”s. The rest of the draft mostly focused on depth. One large criticism is their lack of O-line selection. I guess we’ll just have to see how happy Jerry and Tony are with Doug Free at LT.
Washington Redskins (C+): Listen, the ‘Skins didn’t do themselves any favors this draft, only having two picks in the first four rounds. However, I grade them above average in the least way because they did use this draft to bring in a seasoned vet at QB who is well versed in the west coast offense and one of the best QBs in the NFL over the last decade. In my opinion, McNabb was a steal for only a second round pick. I like the first round pick of Trent Williams, but I have to admit that I would have taken Russell Okung. However, Shanahan is the man who drafted now All-Pro Ryan Clady. So he must have some type of eye for these things.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens (A): Go ahead: call me a bandwagoner. But the fact of the matter is, the Baltimore Ravens worked this draft. First and foremost they traded for one of the most dynamic receivers in the league with their third round pick. And let’s not forget that WR has been a trouble spot for this franchise since it’s conception in 1996. They also made some great moves picking up first round talents Sergio Kindle and DT Terrance Cody in round two. The defense that has been so dominant for ten plus years is positioned to once again be dominant for another decade. The best pick of all however, is Ed Dickson the TE from Oregon. He will quickly emerge as the starter over veteran Todd Heap and stay there for years to come.
Pittsburgh Steelers (B): It wasn’t flashy, but what about the black and gold is? A lot of people knocked their draft because they took 3 OLB a position in which most argue needs no improvement. I agree. Believe me I agree. However, it seemed to me that they simply selected the highest rated players on their board. And being that they are the Pittsburgh Steelers it would not surprise me in the least if everyone round the top guy on their board was an OLB. Overlooked in this draft was the simple brilliance of first round pick Maurkice Pouncey. They are a running team. Especially with Ben’s libido issues… And this guy improves their offensive line ten fold. I don’t like Florida but he will go down as a perennial pro-bowler before too long.
Cleveland Browns (B): I really wanted to give the Browns a B+. I just can’t ignore taking S T.J. Ward over Taylor Mays in the second round. I do believe that this is the best draft in new Browns’ history (dating back to 1999). I’d have rather seen them take Thomas at 7 or go somewhere other than secondary. But they clearly had Haden as their guy and talent-wise I can’t argue the pick. Of course, the steal of the draft was Colt McCoy at 85 overall. Great pick. Starting likely next season, for the first time in new Browns’ history they could have some stability at QB. Now all they need is for Mike Holmgren to step onto the sideline and coach them to a superbowl.
Cincinnati Bengals (C-): Too many risks for my taste. Sure , they got a lot of talent. But let’s not forget that these are the Cincinasty Jail Cats of just a couple years ago. I thought this season they took serious steps in the positive direction. Then this draft happened. A first round pick was used on a TE who was hurt all of last season. Maybe he’ll bounce back, but if not that’s a first round pick wasted. Too risky for me. Additionally, they drafted Carlos Dunlap who may be the dumbest person in the draft. That’s right, he’s the guy that was driving home drunk and literally fell asleep at a stop light… wow. And truly there were no contributors in the remaining picks save for Jordan Shipley who I believe will evolve into an elite slot receiver.
That’s it for my take Sports Fans. Let me know what you think. Tomorrow night we’ll feature “I AM SANDBERG” who will analyze the remaining two divisions. It has been real and look forward to bringing you opinions you don’t want to hear as long as you’ll continue to read them.
NFC EAST
New York Giants: (B+): I absolutely loved the Giants’ draft. Of all teams in the 2010 draft no one addressed their problem spots like the Giants did. In 2009 the Giants defense ranked 30th in points allowed and 14th and 15 against the pass and run respectively. It was clear that this team had fallen from grace; transitioning from a crushing defense that led to the upset of the young century against the Patriots in SuperBowl XLII to one of mediocrity just two years later. They nabbed some great defensive line talents with raw skills in Jason Pierre-Paul and Linval Joseph. But what I think was their best pick is Phillip Dillard who I tag as a potential defensive rookie of the year sleeper. Look out for these Giants in 2010.
Philadelphia Eagles (B): A lot of analysts really liked the Eagles’ weekend. I did as well, but not as much as most. I think they addressed needs with Brandon Graham and Nate Allen. I just question the priorities of the front office. When they traded up in the first round, I, as well as everyone else, assumed it was for Texas safety Earl Thomas. Safety was clearly this teams largest void and Thomas would have provided them with a stud for years to come. Not to mention, he was my highest rated player on the board at the time. They did very well with their remaining 11, that’s right 11, picks which I think were highlighted by TE Clay Harbor and WR Riley Cooper, who provide fantastic depth at two positions new starting QB Kevin Kolb will appreciate.
Dallas Cowboys (B): The ‘Boys did a lot to help their cause in the 2010 campaign. The team that has been the most quiet this off-season certainly made a splash by trading up to get WR Dez Bryant whom I think we all can agree was a crazy value at 24. Sam Lee should evolve into a solid starter at the NFL level as most Penn State linebackers do. But don’t look for him to “WOW” you with any “Lavarr Leap”s. The rest of the draft mostly focused on depth. One large criticism is their lack of O-line selection. I guess we’ll just have to see how happy Jerry and Tony are with Doug Free at LT.
Washington Redskins (C+): Listen, the ‘Skins didn’t do themselves any favors this draft, only having two picks in the first four rounds. However, I grade them above average in the least way because they did use this draft to bring in a seasoned vet at QB who is well versed in the west coast offense and one of the best QBs in the NFL over the last decade. In my opinion, McNabb was a steal for only a second round pick. I like the first round pick of Trent Williams, but I have to admit that I would have taken Russell Okung. However, Shanahan is the man who drafted now All-Pro Ryan Clady. So he must have some type of eye for these things.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens (A): Go ahead: call me a bandwagoner. But the fact of the matter is, the Baltimore Ravens worked this draft. First and foremost they traded for one of the most dynamic receivers in the league with their third round pick. And let’s not forget that WR has been a trouble spot for this franchise since it’s conception in 1996. They also made some great moves picking up first round talents Sergio Kindle and DT Terrance Cody in round two. The defense that has been so dominant for ten plus years is positioned to once again be dominant for another decade. The best pick of all however, is Ed Dickson the TE from Oregon. He will quickly emerge as the starter over veteran Todd Heap and stay there for years to come.
Pittsburgh Steelers (B): It wasn’t flashy, but what about the black and gold is? A lot of people knocked their draft because they took 3 OLB a position in which most argue needs no improvement. I agree. Believe me I agree. However, it seemed to me that they simply selected the highest rated players on their board. And being that they are the Pittsburgh Steelers it would not surprise me in the least if everyone round the top guy on their board was an OLB. Overlooked in this draft was the simple brilliance of first round pick Maurkice Pouncey. They are a running team. Especially with Ben’s libido issues… And this guy improves their offensive line ten fold. I don’t like Florida but he will go down as a perennial pro-bowler before too long.
Cleveland Browns (B): I really wanted to give the Browns a B+. I just can’t ignore taking S T.J. Ward over Taylor Mays in the second round. I do believe that this is the best draft in new Browns’ history (dating back to 1999). I’d have rather seen them take Thomas at 7 or go somewhere other than secondary. But they clearly had Haden as their guy and talent-wise I can’t argue the pick. Of course, the steal of the draft was Colt McCoy at 85 overall. Great pick. Starting likely next season, for the first time in new Browns’ history they could have some stability at QB. Now all they need is for Mike Holmgren to step onto the sideline and coach them to a superbowl.
Cincinnati Bengals (C-): Too many risks for my taste. Sure , they got a lot of talent. But let’s not forget that these are the Cincinasty Jail Cats of just a couple years ago. I thought this season they took serious steps in the positive direction. Then this draft happened. A first round pick was used on a TE who was hurt all of last season. Maybe he’ll bounce back, but if not that’s a first round pick wasted. Too risky for me. Additionally, they drafted Carlos Dunlap who may be the dumbest person in the draft. That’s right, he’s the guy that was driving home drunk and literally fell asleep at a stop light… wow. And truly there were no contributors in the remaining picks save for Jordan Shipley who I believe will evolve into an elite slot receiver.
That’s it for my take Sports Fans. Let me know what you think. Tomorrow night we’ll feature “I AM SANDBERG” who will analyze the remaining two divisions. It has been real and look forward to bringing you opinions you don’t want to hear as long as you’ll continue to read them.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
NFL Draft Coverage Part II: BK
The second installation of our draft coverage comes from BK. He'll be taking a look at the NFC WEST and AFC South. Some great stuff, do read up and leave comments!
- Seattle Seahawks = A (9.5/10)
o Pete Carroll worked the draft like a saavy vet. The Seahawks nabbed two first round impact players poised to start in Russel Okung and Earl Thomas (I like to refer to him as E.T.), as well as high value players later in the draft. Patience played a key as well. There was no rush as they let the draft play out and took the players they were comfortable with at their picks (i.e. Golden Tate @ pick 60). Watch out for Jameson Konz as well. He’s a late round sleeper out of Kent State with supreme athleticism and will make himself known once giving a position to grow into. Throw in the few trades that they made to pick up veteran RBs LenDale White and Leon Washington, and the Seattle Seahawks are easily in the discussion for having the best draft this year.
- Arizona Cardinals = A- (9/10)
o The Cardinals took players that make sense. They drafted highly talented players at their priority needs. Resisting the tempation to trade up in the first round, the Cards still managed to get their highly rated nose tackle in Dan Williams. In the second they pick up a freak of a linebacker in Daryl Washington, who lacks size but makes up for it with raw athleticism. The rest of the draft they went sleeper. Picking up Andre Roberts, a highly productive WR out of Citadel, and an undersized pass rusher in O’Brien Schofield (converted DE to LB) out of Wisconsin. Don’t be surprised if their 5th round selection John Skelton, out of Fordham, is in the talks to start at QB in a few years, because this kid has the prototypical size and arm strength that everyone looks for in an NFL QB.
- San Francisco 49ers = B (8/10)
o The 49ers had a great first round selecting highly regarded OT Anthony Davis and OG Mike Iupati. These kids are big and tough, just what you would expect to see on a team coached by Mike Singletary. The second round yielded another probable starter for them in S Taylor Mays, but the question is whether or not this was actually a value pick or if Mays fell to the middle of the second round for a reason. Third round selection Navorro Bowman, LB from Penn State, could make an immediate impact on special teams and will more than likely take over for Takeo Spikes a few years down the road. The rest of their draft provided them with depth at some thinning positions.
- St. Louis Rams = C+ (7/10)
o They made a smart decision in drafting Sam Bradford No. 1 overall. The rest of this draft, however, seems to be extremely developmental. Round 2 selection Rodger Saffold, OT out of Indiana, has great size and great upside, but may not start this season especially because last year’s first round pick Jason Smith is projected to start at RT. That’s something you don’t usually see out of the first pick in the second round. They did a good job of getting a CB with good ball skills in Jerome Murphy, who could help improve their measely total of 8 interceptions last season, but isn’t looked at as having great route recognition. Mardy Giliard is a complimentary receiver, and certainly isn’t going to be a great help this year to Sam Bradford. This is a draft that definitely needs to be reevaluated a few years down the road.
AFC South –
- Houston Texans = B+ (8.5/10)
o Their first round selection was great. Kareem Jackson is a great cover corner replacement for Dunta Robinson, and should make a smooth transition into the NFL coming out of a pro-style defense at Alabama. Ben Tate, RB out of Auburn, was a great value pick in the second ground. He has a good combination of size and speed, and is also an effective receiver out of the backfield. Fourth Round selection Darryl Sharpton is a tough, high motor type LB who will be a quality special teamer and provide effective depth if needed. The late round quality is surprising as well. Selecting Trindon Holliday in the Sixth Round gives the Texans a blazing fast return specialist and lucking into receiving TE Dorin Dickerson in the Seventh Round provides the Texans with a great mismatch weapon either off the line at TE or lined up in the slot.
- Tennessee Titans = B- (7.5/10)
o The losses of Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse to Free Agency this off season made DE a clear priority need for Tennessee. Luckily, Derrick Morgan fell to them and will start right away. He has a great balance of pass rush and run stopping skills, and could be an all-pro in the near future. The Second Round pick of Damian Williams makes sense as Tennessee really doesn’t have a guaranteed productive receiver behind emerging Kenny Britt. Third Round selection Rennie Curran is a throwback, old school LB who makes up for his lack of size and speed with great instincts and an extremely high motor. This guy will not be kept off the ball if it is anywhere near his side of the field. The rest of the draft provided Tennesee a chance to try and help sure up their 31st ranked pass defense with three picks in the secondary, including Rhodes Scholar saftey Myron Rolle, and provide depth at questionable positions such as QB and DT.
- Indianapolis Colts = C (6.5/10)
o The Colts found their future all-pro pass rusher at DE in Jerry Hughes. The first round selection has great quickness and is in the same mold as current Colts DE Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. The Colts decided to reach for picks in the second and third rounds. In the second they picked ILB Pat Angerer, when no one had him on their radar in the second and most likely would have been available at pick 94 in the third when they selected CB Kevin Thomas. That being said, Angerer is the same style of player as current ILB Gary Brackett, but with more size. Kevin Thomas will fill the Colts need for a bigger corner, but due to their lack of depth may see the field a bit too soon. He is a talented prospect, but has never managed to stay on the field for long with injuries plaguing his entire college career. The rest of the draft consisted of the Colts selecting players for depth on a team without much need for other impact players at this point.
- Jacksonville Jaguars = D (5/10)
o The Jaguars just fell flat in this draft. Their first two players do have a high potential, but reaching a great distance for players early in the draft hardly ever works out as well as some GMs hope. Number 10 overall pick Tyson Alualu looks to start now as the Jaguars have released veteran DT John Henderson, and they are nowhere near the same player (Henderson at 6’7” 335lbs and Tyson Alualu at 6’3” 295lbs). Alualu has good strength and uses his hands well to shed blockers, but could have used another year to develop into a starter at the DT position. Third round pick D’Anthony Smith is a high potential DT as well, but more on the pass rush side of the spectrum. Jacksonville only had four more picks in the rest of the draft and they were all in the Fifth Round or later. Not one of those picks looks to make the active roster, with the exception of their last pick Scotty McGee who could see some work as a return specialist.
Let us know what you think!
- Seattle Seahawks = A (9.5/10)
o Pete Carroll worked the draft like a saavy vet. The Seahawks nabbed two first round impact players poised to start in Russel Okung and Earl Thomas (I like to refer to him as E.T.), as well as high value players later in the draft. Patience played a key as well. There was no rush as they let the draft play out and took the players they were comfortable with at their picks (i.e. Golden Tate @ pick 60). Watch out for Jameson Konz as well. He’s a late round sleeper out of Kent State with supreme athleticism and will make himself known once giving a position to grow into. Throw in the few trades that they made to pick up veteran RBs LenDale White and Leon Washington, and the Seattle Seahawks are easily in the discussion for having the best draft this year.
- Arizona Cardinals = A- (9/10)
o The Cardinals took players that make sense. They drafted highly talented players at their priority needs. Resisting the tempation to trade up in the first round, the Cards still managed to get their highly rated nose tackle in Dan Williams. In the second they pick up a freak of a linebacker in Daryl Washington, who lacks size but makes up for it with raw athleticism. The rest of the draft they went sleeper. Picking up Andre Roberts, a highly productive WR out of Citadel, and an undersized pass rusher in O’Brien Schofield (converted DE to LB) out of Wisconsin. Don’t be surprised if their 5th round selection John Skelton, out of Fordham, is in the talks to start at QB in a few years, because this kid has the prototypical size and arm strength that everyone looks for in an NFL QB.
- San Francisco 49ers = B (8/10)
o The 49ers had a great first round selecting highly regarded OT Anthony Davis and OG Mike Iupati. These kids are big and tough, just what you would expect to see on a team coached by Mike Singletary. The second round yielded another probable starter for them in S Taylor Mays, but the question is whether or not this was actually a value pick or if Mays fell to the middle of the second round for a reason. Third round selection Navorro Bowman, LB from Penn State, could make an immediate impact on special teams and will more than likely take over for Takeo Spikes a few years down the road. The rest of their draft provided them with depth at some thinning positions.
- St. Louis Rams = C+ (7/10)
o They made a smart decision in drafting Sam Bradford No. 1 overall. The rest of this draft, however, seems to be extremely developmental. Round 2 selection Rodger Saffold, OT out of Indiana, has great size and great upside, but may not start this season especially because last year’s first round pick Jason Smith is projected to start at RT. That’s something you don’t usually see out of the first pick in the second round. They did a good job of getting a CB with good ball skills in Jerome Murphy, who could help improve their measely total of 8 interceptions last season, but isn’t looked at as having great route recognition. Mardy Giliard is a complimentary receiver, and certainly isn’t going to be a great help this year to Sam Bradford. This is a draft that definitely needs to be reevaluated a few years down the road.
AFC South –
- Houston Texans = B+ (8.5/10)
o Their first round selection was great. Kareem Jackson is a great cover corner replacement for Dunta Robinson, and should make a smooth transition into the NFL coming out of a pro-style defense at Alabama. Ben Tate, RB out of Auburn, was a great value pick in the second ground. He has a good combination of size and speed, and is also an effective receiver out of the backfield. Fourth Round selection Darryl Sharpton is a tough, high motor type LB who will be a quality special teamer and provide effective depth if needed. The late round quality is surprising as well. Selecting Trindon Holliday in the Sixth Round gives the Texans a blazing fast return specialist and lucking into receiving TE Dorin Dickerson in the Seventh Round provides the Texans with a great mismatch weapon either off the line at TE or lined up in the slot.
- Tennessee Titans = B- (7.5/10)
o The losses of Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse to Free Agency this off season made DE a clear priority need for Tennessee. Luckily, Derrick Morgan fell to them and will start right away. He has a great balance of pass rush and run stopping skills, and could be an all-pro in the near future. The Second Round pick of Damian Williams makes sense as Tennessee really doesn’t have a guaranteed productive receiver behind emerging Kenny Britt. Third Round selection Rennie Curran is a throwback, old school LB who makes up for his lack of size and speed with great instincts and an extremely high motor. This guy will not be kept off the ball if it is anywhere near his side of the field. The rest of the draft provided Tennesee a chance to try and help sure up their 31st ranked pass defense with three picks in the secondary, including Rhodes Scholar saftey Myron Rolle, and provide depth at questionable positions such as QB and DT.
- Indianapolis Colts = C (6.5/10)
o The Colts found their future all-pro pass rusher at DE in Jerry Hughes. The first round selection has great quickness and is in the same mold as current Colts DE Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. The Colts decided to reach for picks in the second and third rounds. In the second they picked ILB Pat Angerer, when no one had him on their radar in the second and most likely would have been available at pick 94 in the third when they selected CB Kevin Thomas. That being said, Angerer is the same style of player as current ILB Gary Brackett, but with more size. Kevin Thomas will fill the Colts need for a bigger corner, but due to their lack of depth may see the field a bit too soon. He is a talented prospect, but has never managed to stay on the field for long with injuries plaguing his entire college career. The rest of the draft consisted of the Colts selecting players for depth on a team without much need for other impact players at this point.
- Jacksonville Jaguars = D (5/10)
o The Jaguars just fell flat in this draft. Their first two players do have a high potential, but reaching a great distance for players early in the draft hardly ever works out as well as some GMs hope. Number 10 overall pick Tyson Alualu looks to start now as the Jaguars have released veteran DT John Henderson, and they are nowhere near the same player (Henderson at 6’7” 335lbs and Tyson Alualu at 6’3” 295lbs). Alualu has good strength and uses his hands well to shed blockers, but could have used another year to develop into a starter at the DT position. Third round pick D’Anthony Smith is a high potential DT as well, but more on the pass rush side of the spectrum. Jacksonville only had four more picks in the rest of the draft and they were all in the Fifth Round or later. Not one of those picks looks to make the active roster, with the exception of their last pick Scotty McGee who could see some work as a return specialist.
Let us know what you think!
Monday, April 26, 2010
NFL Draft Coverage
Welcome Sports Fans!
For my most recent project I have enlisted the help of a couple great friends (and better sports analysts) of mine. The project being to break down the NFL draft from multiple perspectives ideally as objectively as possible.
The first featured sports enthusiast will be the Dzzl. Without further adieu here is the Dzzl's take on the NFC South and the AFC West.
Welcome everyone to my portion of the 2010 draft breakdown. I am “ The DZZL”. I do this a little bit different than the rest. I’m not a big believer in giving grades. I’m just going to give you some overviews and opinions of how I see it. Then in 3 years, if the SportsGeek keeps me around that long, we can come back and grade this draft. So let’s get into it. For my part I’ll be going over the NFC South and the AFC West.
NFC South
Tampa Bay- The Buc’s used their first 2 pics on Defensive Tackles. Both Gerold McCoy and Brian Price should be instant starters and bolster a defense that was among the worst in the league last year. WR Arrelious Benn , picked in round 2, has the size, speed, and potential to do well in the NFL. They picked up a nickel CB in round 3. Then added a pair of developmental LB’s in the later rounds. Wait is that a punter in the 6th? People still draft punters? Overall the Buc’s definitely addressed some key needs in their front 7 and should improve one of the leagues worst defenses.
Carolina- Well for having no 1st round picks they sure picked up a 1st round talent in round 2. QB Jimmy Clausen went to the last team he probably thought would draft him. For a team that said Matt Moore was their future drafting 3 QB’s doesn’t instill a lot of confidence. Clausen, Armanti Edwards, and Tony Pike? I’m assuming that Edwards will convert to more of a Slash type player. This guy is just a great all around athelete. For a team that runs the ball this much though, they sure have a lot of throwers. I don’t think The Panthers helped themselves much at all. What happened to run the ball and play good Defense? Did they think they slapped the franchise tag on Julius Peppers again? Hello, he’s a Bear now.
Atlanta- The Falcon’s selected Sean Weatherspoon LB out of Missouri with their first pick. Good all purpose LB that can move around and play a lot of positions. A 3rd round pick for a DT (back-up). Then a couple O-linemen(back-ups). Then spending both 5th round picks on a couple developmental players that will most likely only see the field on special teams(more back-ups). Besides the addition of Weatherspoon, who will make an impact this year? I’m all for adding depth but you need contributors too. If standing pat is good enough for them though, then I guess it’s good enough for me too.
New Orleans- For a secondary that was decimated by injuries last year adding CB Patrick Robinson will give The Saints some much needed depth. 2nd round pick OL Charles Brown is most likely the heir apparent at RT. Grabbing TE Jimmy Graham in the 3rd to back up injury plague Jeremy Shockey is their best pick in my opinion. In the Antonio Gates mold he is a converted basketball player. Graham only has 1 year of college football but has some real potential. He could definitely contribute on the field this year a lot more than you would think. Saints added some O-line depth in the 5th. Then there is QB Sean Canfield in the 7th. If they can’t resign Mark Brunell or another free agent QB then Canfield will likely be Drew Brees’ back up. Uh Oh!!!!!!
AFC West
Kansas City- OK K.C. what gives? I could go on all day about Eric Berry. But I won’t. I want to talk about 2nd round pick RB Dexter McCluster. What?? Another running back??? Didn’t Jamal Charles just become the heir apparent last year? Didn’t they just sign the combined rushing leader over the last 3 years Thomas Jones?? Don’t they need help at just about every position but running back?? What about Sergio Kindle?? You telling me that Matt Cassel is that awesome that Chaley Weis didn’t pine for Jimmy Clausen??? I’m done with you!!! Moving on. . . . .
Oakland- At first I thought Rolando McClain was a reach. After much research though I believe he will be a hell of a LB. Between McClain and 2nd rounder DT Lamarr Houston The Raiders porous run defense should be vast improved. The 3rd and 4th rounds brought them some much needed O-line help. Then late in the 4th Al Davis woke up out of his coma and immediately fired everyone and drafted the fastest guy on the board. WR Jacoby Ford the All-American track star has blazing speed and suspect hands, definitely an Al Davis guy. Davis apparently lapsed back into unconsciousness after that and The Raiders bolstered their secondary with 3 of their last 4 picks. Unbelievably the Raiders actually addressed some key needs and it may be their best draft in the last 10 years.
San Diego- The Chargers apparently finally realized that Darren Sproles is not an every down back and traded up to the 12th pick. RB Ryan Mathews is more of the power back the Chargers have needed. He’s a great runner between the tackles and will fight for those hard yards. They picked up a LB in the 3rd to help that weak Line Backing core. How Darrell Stuckey fell to the 4th round I’ll never know. I had him pegged as late 2nd or early 3rd. The guy has massive talent but he’s kind of a head case. Then we have Norv Turner’s next project, QB Jonathan Crompton out of Tennessee. With Billy Volek a free agent next year and Whitehurst getting traded it seems like a good pick in theory. I’m just wondering who will fill traded CB Antonio Cromardie’s shoes???
Denver- The SportsGeek told me he picked me for this because he thought I would be the most truthfull about his favorite team. Ok time for brutal honesty. WR Demaryius Thomas is going to be a stud in this league!!!! This guy is a human highlight reel waiting to explode. They added some much needed depth with Beadles and Walton. Then there’s WR Eric Decker. This guy is 6’3” and 217lbs. They’ve got him tagged as a slot receiver. What??? I’m interested to see how long a guy that tall lasts going over the middle. Bye bye knees! They also picked a couple DB’s late. Cox has a chance to contribute right away. He’s got some off the field issues though so we’ll see. Did I forget anything? Ummmmm . . . . . God I wish I could have seen the look on Brady Quinn’s face when Tim Tebow got drafted. I’m sick of hearing all this Tebow crap. As far as I’m concerned the jury is out. The guy is a proven winner and leader. Those are the facts. McDaniels is supposed to be a QB guru right? I’ll just sit back and see how it all plays out like everyone else.
This concludes my portion of the 2010 Draft coverage.
I’d like to thank The SportsGeek for this opportunity. I hope everyone out there reads and enjoys it. The DZZL is out
Let us know what you think! All of us are very excited about this new found partnership and appreciate any feedback; positive or negative. Without critics we cannot learn!
For my most recent project I have enlisted the help of a couple great friends (and better sports analysts) of mine. The project being to break down the NFL draft from multiple perspectives ideally as objectively as possible.
The first featured sports enthusiast will be the Dzzl. Without further adieu here is the Dzzl's take on the NFC South and the AFC West.
Welcome everyone to my portion of the 2010 draft breakdown. I am “ The DZZL”. I do this a little bit different than the rest. I’m not a big believer in giving grades. I’m just going to give you some overviews and opinions of how I see it. Then in 3 years, if the SportsGeek keeps me around that long, we can come back and grade this draft. So let’s get into it. For my part I’ll be going over the NFC South and the AFC West.
NFC South
Tampa Bay- The Buc’s used their first 2 pics on Defensive Tackles. Both Gerold McCoy and Brian Price should be instant starters and bolster a defense that was among the worst in the league last year. WR Arrelious Benn , picked in round 2, has the size, speed, and potential to do well in the NFL. They picked up a nickel CB in round 3. Then added a pair of developmental LB’s in the later rounds. Wait is that a punter in the 6th? People still draft punters? Overall the Buc’s definitely addressed some key needs in their front 7 and should improve one of the leagues worst defenses.
Carolina- Well for having no 1st round picks they sure picked up a 1st round talent in round 2. QB Jimmy Clausen went to the last team he probably thought would draft him. For a team that said Matt Moore was their future drafting 3 QB’s doesn’t instill a lot of confidence. Clausen, Armanti Edwards, and Tony Pike? I’m assuming that Edwards will convert to more of a Slash type player. This guy is just a great all around athelete. For a team that runs the ball this much though, they sure have a lot of throwers. I don’t think The Panthers helped themselves much at all. What happened to run the ball and play good Defense? Did they think they slapped the franchise tag on Julius Peppers again? Hello, he’s a Bear now.
Atlanta- The Falcon’s selected Sean Weatherspoon LB out of Missouri with their first pick. Good all purpose LB that can move around and play a lot of positions. A 3rd round pick for a DT (back-up). Then a couple O-linemen(back-ups). Then spending both 5th round picks on a couple developmental players that will most likely only see the field on special teams(more back-ups). Besides the addition of Weatherspoon, who will make an impact this year? I’m all for adding depth but you need contributors too. If standing pat is good enough for them though, then I guess it’s good enough for me too.
New Orleans- For a secondary that was decimated by injuries last year adding CB Patrick Robinson will give The Saints some much needed depth. 2nd round pick OL Charles Brown is most likely the heir apparent at RT. Grabbing TE Jimmy Graham in the 3rd to back up injury plague Jeremy Shockey is their best pick in my opinion. In the Antonio Gates mold he is a converted basketball player. Graham only has 1 year of college football but has some real potential. He could definitely contribute on the field this year a lot more than you would think. Saints added some O-line depth in the 5th. Then there is QB Sean Canfield in the 7th. If they can’t resign Mark Brunell or another free agent QB then Canfield will likely be Drew Brees’ back up. Uh Oh!!!!!!
AFC West
Kansas City- OK K.C. what gives? I could go on all day about Eric Berry. But I won’t. I want to talk about 2nd round pick RB Dexter McCluster. What?? Another running back??? Didn’t Jamal Charles just become the heir apparent last year? Didn’t they just sign the combined rushing leader over the last 3 years Thomas Jones?? Don’t they need help at just about every position but running back?? What about Sergio Kindle?? You telling me that Matt Cassel is that awesome that Chaley Weis didn’t pine for Jimmy Clausen??? I’m done with you!!! Moving on. . . . .
Oakland- At first I thought Rolando McClain was a reach. After much research though I believe he will be a hell of a LB. Between McClain and 2nd rounder DT Lamarr Houston The Raiders porous run defense should be vast improved. The 3rd and 4th rounds brought them some much needed O-line help. Then late in the 4th Al Davis woke up out of his coma and immediately fired everyone and drafted the fastest guy on the board. WR Jacoby Ford the All-American track star has blazing speed and suspect hands, definitely an Al Davis guy. Davis apparently lapsed back into unconsciousness after that and The Raiders bolstered their secondary with 3 of their last 4 picks. Unbelievably the Raiders actually addressed some key needs and it may be their best draft in the last 10 years.
San Diego- The Chargers apparently finally realized that Darren Sproles is not an every down back and traded up to the 12th pick. RB Ryan Mathews is more of the power back the Chargers have needed. He’s a great runner between the tackles and will fight for those hard yards. They picked up a LB in the 3rd to help that weak Line Backing core. How Darrell Stuckey fell to the 4th round I’ll never know. I had him pegged as late 2nd or early 3rd. The guy has massive talent but he’s kind of a head case. Then we have Norv Turner’s next project, QB Jonathan Crompton out of Tennessee. With Billy Volek a free agent next year and Whitehurst getting traded it seems like a good pick in theory. I’m just wondering who will fill traded CB Antonio Cromardie’s shoes???
Denver- The SportsGeek told me he picked me for this because he thought I would be the most truthfull about his favorite team. Ok time for brutal honesty. WR Demaryius Thomas is going to be a stud in this league!!!! This guy is a human highlight reel waiting to explode. They added some much needed depth with Beadles and Walton. Then there’s WR Eric Decker. This guy is 6’3” and 217lbs. They’ve got him tagged as a slot receiver. What??? I’m interested to see how long a guy that tall lasts going over the middle. Bye bye knees! They also picked a couple DB’s late. Cox has a chance to contribute right away. He’s got some off the field issues though so we’ll see. Did I forget anything? Ummmmm . . . . . God I wish I could have seen the look on Brady Quinn’s face when Tim Tebow got drafted. I’m sick of hearing all this Tebow crap. As far as I’m concerned the jury is out. The guy is a proven winner and leader. Those are the facts. McDaniels is supposed to be a QB guru right? I’ll just sit back and see how it all plays out like everyone else.
This concludes my portion of the 2010 Draft coverage.
I’d like to thank The SportsGeek for this opportunity. I hope everyone out there reads and enjoys it. The DZZL is out
Let us know what you think! All of us are very excited about this new found partnership and appreciate any feedback; positive or negative. Without critics we cannot learn!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
NL PREVIEW
As promised here is my National League preview for the 2010 season.
NL WEST
Colorado Rockies
Last Season: 92-70 NL Wild Card
This season, the Rockies will overtake the Dodgers as the champs of the NL WEST. Of the three teams in contention last season in the West, the Rockies had the least amount of turnover. Their offense remains intact and the pitching staff did not undergo any major changes. This pick is not so much that the Rockies have dramatically improved, but that the two other teams in contention got worse and I think this clubhouse will benefit from a full season under Manager Jim Tracy and some rare continuity amongst a lineup.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Last Season: 70-92 25 GB of 1st place LAD
The D-backs are my pick for most improved team in 2010. Brandon Webb returns to the rotation which will only improve the performance of new Ace Dan Haren. The lineup improves with the addition of 1B Adam LaRoche. As long as RF Justin Upton lives up to his Willie Mays-esque hype, and Mark Reynolds maintains his power numbers, they will have a very successful season. I don't know that they'll peak much higher than .500, but I expect to see a rather large drop off in production from the rest of the NL WEST, so second place is definitely a realistic outcome for this club.
San Fransisco Giants
Last Season: 88-74 6 GB of 1st place LAD
The Giants will end this season in the same place they left it last season. Once again they will be faced with the same problems that plagued them all season last year. A phenomenal young pitching staff and likely a 3rd consecutive Cy Young winner in Tim Lincecum, and a terrible offense that outside of Pablo Sandoval will not produce nearly enough runs to improve on last year's record. They may surprise me and be a second place caliber team midway through the year, but unless they add a bat at the trade deadline I expect nothing more from the Giants this season.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Last Season: 95-67 1st place NL WEST
I expect a large drop off in the Dodgers this season. They do have wonderful young talent in OF Matt Kemp, but and inconsistent pitching staff and an aging and roidless Manny Ramirez will leave this team in search of victories. The ace on their staff this year is Clayton Kershaw who was lights out last season. His biggest issue is not his performance but the run support he received last season. With the lineup subtracting rather than adding this season, I look for that problem to continue. One shining spot that could drastically change this prediction is the return of SS Rafael Furcal. If Furcal can put up numbers similar to his 2008 campaign he could be a candidate for NL Comeback player of the year.
San Diego Padres
Last Season: 75-87 20 GB of 1st place LAD
The Padres will end this season is last place in the NL WEST. I expect them to move 1B Adrian Gonzalez by the trade deadline in July. That being said, the only offense in a true pitchers ball park will be gone by my calculations, resulting in an even worse offensive output for this team compared to last year. Add that to the fact that they traded away their longtime ace SP Jake Peavy and this team is looking like it'll give the Pirates a run for the worst record in the league.
NL CENTRAL
St. Louis Cardinals
Last Season: 91-71 1st place in the NL CENTRAL
The Cardinals will repeat as the champions in the National League Central. I expect this team to win 100 games this season due to the contributions of OF Matt Holliday and a healthy SP Chris Carpenter. They have added a lot of depth to their infield with Felipe Lopez fighting for a starting position with SS Brenden Ryan. The bullpen remains mainly the same with CL Ryan Franklin returning after his breakout season last year.
Milwaukee Brewers
Last Season: 80-82 11 GB of StL
The Brewers will win the NL Wild card birth this season. Their lineup is scary good with the Prince and Ryan Braun. It looks to get even better with the addition of rookie SS Alcides Escobar and new addition OF Carlos Gomez. With those additions one thing is certain, this offense will have speed and power. what more could you want? The pitching staff remains largely the same, but its success rests largely on the health of SP Yovanni Gallardo.
Cincinnati Reds
Last Season: 78-84 13 GB of StL
I look for the Reds to reach .500 this season, leaping over last year's division runner up Chicago. The emergence of some young stars like 1B Joey Votto give this offense a sense of fidelity between seasons. If the pitching staff can hold together the whole season, mainly the performances of SPs Aaron Harang and Bronson Aaroyo, this team could very well be in contention for a wild card spot. If Aroldis Chapman can get healthy and win 10 games I look for this team to be a serious threat.
Chicago Cubs
Last Season: 83-78 7.5 GB of StL
I hate to break it to the fans of the north siders, but this team isn't getting any younger. The fact of the matter is that injuries kept this team out of the playoffs last year and it might do the same this season. Aramis Ramirez returns to the lineup but Derek Lee is one year older, Alfonso Soriano is coming off of his worst big league season, and there is very little to be excited about in the pitching rotation. Add that to unproven closer Carlos Marmol being the saves man, and I wouldn't be surprised if this team finishes far worse than .500
Houston Astros
Last Season: 74-88 17 GB of StL
The Astros lost their most productive bat from last season SS Miguel Tejada this off season. They have some excellent young pieces in OF Hunter Pence, but their age in the infield is cause for concern. I look for the pitching staff to be largely improved with Roy Oswalt healthy and the emergence of youngster Bud Norris, but they lost their closer and will receive little run support.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Last Season: 62-99 28.5 GB of StL
Pirates fans have something to look forward to at the beginning of this season, an electric outfielder in Andrew McCutchen and a potentially huge contributor in OF Garret Jones. However, whether or not the Pittsburgh Prospects will deal these youngsters by the deadline remains to be seen. Unfortunately a franchise with the history of the Bucos doesn't give fans too much to cheer for.
NL EAST
Atlanta Braves
Last Season: 86-76 7 GB of division champ PHI
The Braves enter the 2010 campaign with a very interesting pitching staff. The youngsters Jurjens and Hanson, they could feasibly win over 90 games. I happen to believe that they will which is why they are my pick to overtake two time defending champs Philadelphia. The addition of power bat Troy Glaus and the hyped debut of RF Jason Heyward, makes this my team to watch for a deep playoff run in the NL.
Philadelphia Phillies.
Last Season: 93-69 1st place NL EAST
Continuity will help this Phillies club in 2010. I really only picked against them because of the noticeable changes of the Braves this off-season. Personally I think the Phils will be worse off down the stretch with Roy Halladay over Cliff Lee. The numbers don't lie. There is no better pitcher before the all-star break in recent memory than Roy Halladay. After the all-star break however is a different story. This team is playing for the World Series and nothing less. I hate to break it to Philly fans, but this ain't your year.
New York Mets
Last Season: 70-92 23 GB of PHI
This team is interesting in general. If healthy last year its possible they finish in second place in the NL EAST. I think they will be better off if SS Jose Reyes is back in the lineup by the end of April. However, without a run producer and base stealer like ReyesI can't see them crawling any higher in this very competitive division.
Florida Marlins
Last Season: 87-75 6 GB of PHI
The Marlins will tail off this season due to a lack of pitching. Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco out performed expectations last season, and I look for them to come back to earth this year. They have a solid enough lineup to keep them in games but without a true ace on the staff I can't see them improving on an overperforming record from last season.
Washington Nationals
Last Season: 59-103 34 GB of PHI
Good news Nats fans! Your team will not have the worst record in baseball this season! Stephen Strasburg will win 10 games! Jason Marquis and Chien Ming Wang are wonderful additions to a terrible pitching staff! Unfortunately these changes won't make much of a difference this season. I see this team really emerging with a couple more moves in 2011 but this year they remain in the cellar of the NL EAST
AWARD WINNERS
NL MVP: 1B Albert Pujols- St. Louis
Who could possibly pick against him? He's a triple crown threat every year. His team will most likely represent the NL in the World Series. He's the hands down favorite.
NL Cy Young: SP Tim Lincecum- SF
I'd really like to pick against the wild haired phenom. But honestly, the only person I could see putting up a fight would be Chris Carpenter from St. Louis. True if the Diamondbacks have as much success as I predict Haren and Webb are both candidates, but Lincecum is solid and showing no signs of slowing down. Barring any sort of injury and he will be a three time consecutive Cy Young Winner.
NL Comeback POY: 3B David Wright- NYM
Before last season's injury Wright was a solid 25 HR 120 RBI guy. The fact of the matter is, with him out last season the Mets were just north of pathetic. I think if he puts up the kind of 20/20 numbers he has in the past he'd be the hands down favorite for this distinction.
NL PLAYOFF PICTURE
Brewers vs. Rockies-----Brewers in 5
Braves vs. Cardinals---- Cards in 4
NLCS
Brewers vs. Cards-------Cards in 6
WS
Cards vs. Yankees------Cards in 7
That's my MLB Preview for 2010. Any questions or comments feel free to fire away!
NL WEST
Colorado Rockies
Last Season: 92-70 NL Wild Card
This season, the Rockies will overtake the Dodgers as the champs of the NL WEST. Of the three teams in contention last season in the West, the Rockies had the least amount of turnover. Their offense remains intact and the pitching staff did not undergo any major changes. This pick is not so much that the Rockies have dramatically improved, but that the two other teams in contention got worse and I think this clubhouse will benefit from a full season under Manager Jim Tracy and some rare continuity amongst a lineup.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Last Season: 70-92 25 GB of 1st place LAD
The D-backs are my pick for most improved team in 2010. Brandon Webb returns to the rotation which will only improve the performance of new Ace Dan Haren. The lineup improves with the addition of 1B Adam LaRoche. As long as RF Justin Upton lives up to his Willie Mays-esque hype, and Mark Reynolds maintains his power numbers, they will have a very successful season. I don't know that they'll peak much higher than .500, but I expect to see a rather large drop off in production from the rest of the NL WEST, so second place is definitely a realistic outcome for this club.
San Fransisco Giants
Last Season: 88-74 6 GB of 1st place LAD
The Giants will end this season in the same place they left it last season. Once again they will be faced with the same problems that plagued them all season last year. A phenomenal young pitching staff and likely a 3rd consecutive Cy Young winner in Tim Lincecum, and a terrible offense that outside of Pablo Sandoval will not produce nearly enough runs to improve on last year's record. They may surprise me and be a second place caliber team midway through the year, but unless they add a bat at the trade deadline I expect nothing more from the Giants this season.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Last Season: 95-67 1st place NL WEST
I expect a large drop off in the Dodgers this season. They do have wonderful young talent in OF Matt Kemp, but and inconsistent pitching staff and an aging and roidless Manny Ramirez will leave this team in search of victories. The ace on their staff this year is Clayton Kershaw who was lights out last season. His biggest issue is not his performance but the run support he received last season. With the lineup subtracting rather than adding this season, I look for that problem to continue. One shining spot that could drastically change this prediction is the return of SS Rafael Furcal. If Furcal can put up numbers similar to his 2008 campaign he could be a candidate for NL Comeback player of the year.
San Diego Padres
Last Season: 75-87 20 GB of 1st place LAD
The Padres will end this season is last place in the NL WEST. I expect them to move 1B Adrian Gonzalez by the trade deadline in July. That being said, the only offense in a true pitchers ball park will be gone by my calculations, resulting in an even worse offensive output for this team compared to last year. Add that to the fact that they traded away their longtime ace SP Jake Peavy and this team is looking like it'll give the Pirates a run for the worst record in the league.
NL CENTRAL
St. Louis Cardinals
Last Season: 91-71 1st place in the NL CENTRAL
The Cardinals will repeat as the champions in the National League Central. I expect this team to win 100 games this season due to the contributions of OF Matt Holliday and a healthy SP Chris Carpenter. They have added a lot of depth to their infield with Felipe Lopez fighting for a starting position with SS Brenden Ryan. The bullpen remains mainly the same with CL Ryan Franklin returning after his breakout season last year.
Milwaukee Brewers
Last Season: 80-82 11 GB of StL
The Brewers will win the NL Wild card birth this season. Their lineup is scary good with the Prince and Ryan Braun. It looks to get even better with the addition of rookie SS Alcides Escobar and new addition OF Carlos Gomez. With those additions one thing is certain, this offense will have speed and power. what more could you want? The pitching staff remains largely the same, but its success rests largely on the health of SP Yovanni Gallardo.
Cincinnati Reds
Last Season: 78-84 13 GB of StL
I look for the Reds to reach .500 this season, leaping over last year's division runner up Chicago. The emergence of some young stars like 1B Joey Votto give this offense a sense of fidelity between seasons. If the pitching staff can hold together the whole season, mainly the performances of SPs Aaron Harang and Bronson Aaroyo, this team could very well be in contention for a wild card spot. If Aroldis Chapman can get healthy and win 10 games I look for this team to be a serious threat.
Chicago Cubs
Last Season: 83-78 7.5 GB of StL
I hate to break it to the fans of the north siders, but this team isn't getting any younger. The fact of the matter is that injuries kept this team out of the playoffs last year and it might do the same this season. Aramis Ramirez returns to the lineup but Derek Lee is one year older, Alfonso Soriano is coming off of his worst big league season, and there is very little to be excited about in the pitching rotation. Add that to unproven closer Carlos Marmol being the saves man, and I wouldn't be surprised if this team finishes far worse than .500
Houston Astros
Last Season: 74-88 17 GB of StL
The Astros lost their most productive bat from last season SS Miguel Tejada this off season. They have some excellent young pieces in OF Hunter Pence, but their age in the infield is cause for concern. I look for the pitching staff to be largely improved with Roy Oswalt healthy and the emergence of youngster Bud Norris, but they lost their closer and will receive little run support.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Last Season: 62-99 28.5 GB of StL
Pirates fans have something to look forward to at the beginning of this season, an electric outfielder in Andrew McCutchen and a potentially huge contributor in OF Garret Jones. However, whether or not the Pittsburgh Prospects will deal these youngsters by the deadline remains to be seen. Unfortunately a franchise with the history of the Bucos doesn't give fans too much to cheer for.
NL EAST
Atlanta Braves
Last Season: 86-76 7 GB of division champ PHI
The Braves enter the 2010 campaign with a very interesting pitching staff. The youngsters Jurjens and Hanson, they could feasibly win over 90 games. I happen to believe that they will which is why they are my pick to overtake two time defending champs Philadelphia. The addition of power bat Troy Glaus and the hyped debut of RF Jason Heyward, makes this my team to watch for a deep playoff run in the NL.
Philadelphia Phillies.
Last Season: 93-69 1st place NL EAST
Continuity will help this Phillies club in 2010. I really only picked against them because of the noticeable changes of the Braves this off-season. Personally I think the Phils will be worse off down the stretch with Roy Halladay over Cliff Lee. The numbers don't lie. There is no better pitcher before the all-star break in recent memory than Roy Halladay. After the all-star break however is a different story. This team is playing for the World Series and nothing less. I hate to break it to Philly fans, but this ain't your year.
New York Mets
Last Season: 70-92 23 GB of PHI
This team is interesting in general. If healthy last year its possible they finish in second place in the NL EAST. I think they will be better off if SS Jose Reyes is back in the lineup by the end of April. However, without a run producer and base stealer like ReyesI can't see them crawling any higher in this very competitive division.
Florida Marlins
Last Season: 87-75 6 GB of PHI
The Marlins will tail off this season due to a lack of pitching. Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco out performed expectations last season, and I look for them to come back to earth this year. They have a solid enough lineup to keep them in games but without a true ace on the staff I can't see them improving on an overperforming record from last season.
Washington Nationals
Last Season: 59-103 34 GB of PHI
Good news Nats fans! Your team will not have the worst record in baseball this season! Stephen Strasburg will win 10 games! Jason Marquis and Chien Ming Wang are wonderful additions to a terrible pitching staff! Unfortunately these changes won't make much of a difference this season. I see this team really emerging with a couple more moves in 2011 but this year they remain in the cellar of the NL EAST
AWARD WINNERS
NL MVP: 1B Albert Pujols- St. Louis
Who could possibly pick against him? He's a triple crown threat every year. His team will most likely represent the NL in the World Series. He's the hands down favorite.
NL Cy Young: SP Tim Lincecum- SF
I'd really like to pick against the wild haired phenom. But honestly, the only person I could see putting up a fight would be Chris Carpenter from St. Louis. True if the Diamondbacks have as much success as I predict Haren and Webb are both candidates, but Lincecum is solid and showing no signs of slowing down. Barring any sort of injury and he will be a three time consecutive Cy Young Winner.
NL Comeback POY: 3B David Wright- NYM
Before last season's injury Wright was a solid 25 HR 120 RBI guy. The fact of the matter is, with him out last season the Mets were just north of pathetic. I think if he puts up the kind of 20/20 numbers he has in the past he'd be the hands down favorite for this distinction.
NL PLAYOFF PICTURE
Brewers vs. Rockies-----Brewers in 5
Braves vs. Cardinals---- Cards in 4
NLCS
Brewers vs. Cards-------Cards in 6
WS
Cards vs. Yankees------Cards in 7
That's my MLB Preview for 2010. Any questions or comments feel free to fire away!
Monday, March 22, 2010
MLB Spring Predictions
Hello all!
After my long hiatus from the sports blogging world, I'm back and better than ever. As the Major League Baseball Season draws near, I think it important to voice my predictions for division winners, wildcards, award winners, and some thoughts on the upcoming season. The division predictions are listed in order from who I think will win it at the top to the worst team at the bottom
DIVISION PREDICTIONS:
American League WEST
Texas Rangers
Last season: 87-75 6 GB of division champ LAA
2010 is the year of the Ranger. The Halos lost a lot of talent this off season, and did not bring in much to make up for it. The Rangers' roster remains mostly in tact, and they add a big bat in the Aging DH, Vlad Guerrero. I look for their pitching to continue its upswing. The addition of Rich Harden may prove to be much more important in the playoff hunt if he remains healthy. There is no denying, that he has some filthy stuff, keeping him in the rotation is paramount to Texas' success.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Last Season: 97-65 1st place.
This season brings on a new set of challenges for the usually very successful Angels. Losing John Lackey will prove to hurt this team down the stretch. True he has not started the more recent season healthy, but he has come on late to secure the AL WEST when it mattered. I look for the Halos to miss bat of Vlad Guerrero and more so the multi-faceted Chone Figgins. What will hurt this franchise more is that both of those off season departures landed within their division at Texas and Seattle respectively.
Seattle Mariners
Last Season: 85-77 7 GB of 1st place LAA
The Mariners are the "sexy" pick this season for a lot of baseball analysts. And why not? With the addition of Cliff Lee, they have a one-two punch in their rotation possibly better than any in Major League Baseball. However, beyond King Felix and "I wasn't trying to hit him", their rotation is... well lack luster to say the least. Pair that with a bull pen that is unproven and undependable at best, and you've got yourself a recipe for disappointment. Don't get me wrong, I see the potential for vast improvement. I understand why a lot of people think they'll make the playoffs, but the most important thing to remember is that they are in the AL. That being said, the only way to post season play is winning the division. There are just too many good teams in the AL to think an AL WEST team will win the wild card.
Oakland Athletics
Last Season: 75-87 22 GB of 1st place LAA
The Athletics are a puzzling team this season. They have a core of good young pitching. Andrew Bailey may be one of the most overlooked closers in the league this year. However, youth is about all this team possesses. Their "Ace" is Ben Sheets, who could be just one outing away from washed up. Their lineup has promise, five years from now. And the bull pen short of Bailey is bunch of kids that no one has ever heard of. A special note on the A's is that usually this is the outlook of their team every year. And for a while it worked. They would surprise everyone by sneaking to the top of the AL WEST playing "Billy Ball" but in recent years the West has gotten pretty good, and I don't see that kind of performance from this group of youngsters.
AL CENTRAL
Chicago WhiteSox
Last Season: 79-83 7.5 GB of 1st place MIN
This is the year that all of least year's trade dealine moves pay off. GM Kenny Williams made it clear last July that while they were Buyers they were buying for 2010. They acquired the then injured Jake Peavy and under performing Alex Rios from San Diego and Toronto respectively. Peavy looked solid when he finally returned from injury in September. He started 3 games winning them all and pitching 20 innings with a 1.35 ERA. Perhaps the most impressive stat of his 09 campaign was his 8.1 K/9 which was just 1 strikeout per nine shy of his 2007 Cy Young Campaign. I look for Peavy to take a lot of pressure off of southpaw Mark Buerhle allowing him to return to the form we saw pre-perfect game last season. The offense can once again begin to play "Ozzie Ball" with the additions of Juan Pierre at LF and Rios in Center. If Gordon Beckham can put up 20 HR and 20 SB, this offense will be scary.
Minnesota Twins
Last Year:87-67 1st Place AL CENTRAL
It's safe to say that the Twins will miss Closer Joe Nathan. Over the last six seasons he has been within the top five saves leaders in the league. You cannot simply replace production like that. However, good news for the Twins is that Joe Mauer has been secured for the next 8 years on a gargantuan contract. The rest of the offense went through some changes, the most noticeable being the addition of Orlando Hudson and last year's trade deadline addition of Orlando Cabrera at SS. For the most part I don't see this team getting worse I just think that the WhiteSox will be noticeably better, and an 87-67 record will not be enough to win the CENTRAL this year.
Cleveland Indians
Last Year: 65-97 21.5 GB of 1st place MIN
This is less of a declaration of improvement in Cleveland, and more of a condemnation of Detroit's ability to contend this year. Each of the last two years, Cleveland has traded away a Cy Young winning by the deadline. The only thing Cleveland fans will know for sure this year is that that will not happen. Because an Indian did not win the CY Young last year, a Royal did. However, I think Jake Westbrook is a potential Cy Young candidate this year. Before you scoff, realize that Cleveland has been breeding quality pitchers as of late. Jake Westbrook has proven in the past to have pretty good stuff when healthy. That being said I think he's a dark horse candidate for comeback player of the year and Cy Young this year if he can stay healthy and win 15 games or so. Those are two pretty big "ifs" but I do love the Indians first three in the lineup and the bullpen could be a bit better than expected if RP Chris Perez keeps up his spring training production.
Detroit Tigers
Last year: 86-77 1 GB of 1st place MIN
The Tigers have lost a lot of pop this season. Their outfield will be questionable at best. Johnny Damon is far from his prime and we must assume that his offensive productivity will be down from last season after moving to Comerica from HR happy New Yankee Stadium. The pitching staff has the ability to be great. Verlander is a top 10 pitcher in the AL, and Porcello had a stellar rookie campaign last season. I do think that Scherzer is a downgrade from last year's Edwin Jackson, but Bonderman at full strength may nullify that loss. The Bull Pen is full of questions as well this year, but the addition of RP Jose Valverde at closer should at least solidify the back end.
Kansas City Royals
Last Season: 65-97 21.5 GB of 1st place MIN
This is not the Royals breakout season. Yes Greinke had a coming out part of sorts last season winning the AL Cy Young award with a stellar 16-8 2.14 ERA 242 strike out performance. However, the biggest issue with this year's team is the same as last, the rest of the rotation. And with the same giant weakness I cannot believe that the additions of OFs Scott Podsednik, Rick Ankiel, and C Jason Kendall will make any difference in this teams final standing.
AL EAST
New York Yankees
Last Year: 103-59 1st place AL EAST
The Yankees will repeat as AL EAST Champs next season. This off-season the Yankees were not nearly as aggressive as last. But can you blame them? If it ain't broke, don't fix it! They won the World Series last season with a great offense in a HR happy ballpark and solid pitching staff headed by C.C. Sabathia. There is no reason to believe that losing Melky Cabrera and Johnny Damon will result in a worse record, especially considering the additions of OF Curtis Granderson and DH/1B Nick Johnson. This lineup has pop and speed. The pitching staff has dominating stuff and the best closer in the AL. Add it up and you've got another favorite for the AL rep at the World Series.
Tampa Bay Rays
Last Year: 84-78 19 GB of 1st place NYY
The Tampa Bay Rays will overtake the Boston RedSox for 2nd place and the AL Wild Card this year. Evan Longoria is my pick for AL MVP this season. His third big league season big league season is going to lead to crushing power numbers as the third batter in a relatively stacked lineup. I believe he is a sure fire hit for 40 HRs and 130 RBI this season. The starting rotation leaves a lot to be desired, but I think their offense will over power the Sox in the regular season.
Boston Red Sox
Last year: 95-67 8 GB of 1st place NYY, AL Wild Card.
Boston takes a step back this season. Their inability to add another big bat to the lineup will ultimately be their demise. Big Papi has seen his better days come and go, and to think that he will produce well enough to maintain is DH role is laughable. Losing LF Jason Bay will also prove costly, especially considering their only "big" addition to the lineup this year is 3B Adrian Beltre. IF they make another blockbuster deal at the deadline like last year adding 1B/C Victor Martinez then maybe they make a run at the Wild Card, but the offense is not going to be able to keep up with the Yankees or the Rays for that matter without it.
Baltimore Orioles
Last Year: 64-98 39 GB of 1st place NYY
The Orioles make the move past the Blue Jays this season into fourth place in the AL EAST. The Orioles have done a lot to work on a lack luster lineup from last season. They have a solid outfield with Adam Jones, Nick Markakis and newcomer Nolan Reimold. And they have brought back a former stable to the Orioles Lineup in SS Miguel Tejada, so as long as C Matt Weiters lives up to the hype, they should have no problems putting up some runs. The pitching staff on the other hand is still in the cellar. The debut of rookie SP Brian Matusz definitely gives you something to watch if you're an Orioles fan, but beyong that they will struggle against the potent lineups of the AL EAST.
Toronto Blue Jays
Last Year: 75-87 28 GB of 1st place NYY
The Blue Jays enter this season after dealing away long time ace and fan favorite SP Roy Halladay this off-season. They did manage to bring in some excellent prospects in the deal, so I don't expect them to remain cellar dwellers in the AL EAST for too long, but they will not crawl out this season. The offense should remain relatively potent if OF Adam Lind and 2B Aaron Hill repeat their performances from last year and OF Vernon Wells comes back strong after injury. But it will not be enough to compete with this fantastically strong division.
AL Award Winners:
AL MVP:
As I said previously 3B Evan Longoria from the Tampa Bay Rays is my pre-season AL MVP. I look for him to put up monster numbers as he grows comfortable in his third season as the "franchise" player in Tampa Bay. The lineup around him remains largely the same and with Carl Crawford leading off he should have plenty of opportunities to drive in runs.
AL Cy Young:
My AL Cy Young winner this season is SP Felix Hernandez from the Seattle Mariners. I expect he'll win around the same amount of games as last year's 19 which will most likely lead the American League. I expect to see him perform with much less pressure most likely resulting in a lower ERA and similar Strike Out numbers.
AL Come Back POY:
This year's Come Back POY will go to SP Jake Peavy from the Chicago Whitesox. He spent most of last season on the DL going 9-6 with the San Diego Padres and the Chicago Whitesox. I expect him to put up number comparable to his Cy Young season of 2007. Somewhere around 18 wins and and over 200 strikeouts would definitely merit this award and contend against King Felix for the Cy Young.
Playoff Predictions:
The ALDS will look as follows
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago White Sox----- Rays in 5
Texas Rangers vs. New York Yankees------ Yankees in 4
ALCS
Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees--- Yankees in 6
I'll be hitting up the National League tomorrow so make sure to check it out.
Leave comments, I want to know what you think!
After my long hiatus from the sports blogging world, I'm back and better than ever. As the Major League Baseball Season draws near, I think it important to voice my predictions for division winners, wildcards, award winners, and some thoughts on the upcoming season. The division predictions are listed in order from who I think will win it at the top to the worst team at the bottom
DIVISION PREDICTIONS:
American League WEST
Texas Rangers
Last season: 87-75 6 GB of division champ LAA
2010 is the year of the Ranger. The Halos lost a lot of talent this off season, and did not bring in much to make up for it. The Rangers' roster remains mostly in tact, and they add a big bat in the Aging DH, Vlad Guerrero. I look for their pitching to continue its upswing. The addition of Rich Harden may prove to be much more important in the playoff hunt if he remains healthy. There is no denying, that he has some filthy stuff, keeping him in the rotation is paramount to Texas' success.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Last Season: 97-65 1st place.
This season brings on a new set of challenges for the usually very successful Angels. Losing John Lackey will prove to hurt this team down the stretch. True he has not started the more recent season healthy, but he has come on late to secure the AL WEST when it mattered. I look for the Halos to miss bat of Vlad Guerrero and more so the multi-faceted Chone Figgins. What will hurt this franchise more is that both of those off season departures landed within their division at Texas and Seattle respectively.
Seattle Mariners
Last Season: 85-77 7 GB of 1st place LAA
The Mariners are the "sexy" pick this season for a lot of baseball analysts. And why not? With the addition of Cliff Lee, they have a one-two punch in their rotation possibly better than any in Major League Baseball. However, beyond King Felix and "I wasn't trying to hit him", their rotation is... well lack luster to say the least. Pair that with a bull pen that is unproven and undependable at best, and you've got yourself a recipe for disappointment. Don't get me wrong, I see the potential for vast improvement. I understand why a lot of people think they'll make the playoffs, but the most important thing to remember is that they are in the AL. That being said, the only way to post season play is winning the division. There are just too many good teams in the AL to think an AL WEST team will win the wild card.
Oakland Athletics
Last Season: 75-87 22 GB of 1st place LAA
The Athletics are a puzzling team this season. They have a core of good young pitching. Andrew Bailey may be one of the most overlooked closers in the league this year. However, youth is about all this team possesses. Their "Ace" is Ben Sheets, who could be just one outing away from washed up. Their lineup has promise, five years from now. And the bull pen short of Bailey is bunch of kids that no one has ever heard of. A special note on the A's is that usually this is the outlook of their team every year. And for a while it worked. They would surprise everyone by sneaking to the top of the AL WEST playing "Billy Ball" but in recent years the West has gotten pretty good, and I don't see that kind of performance from this group of youngsters.
AL CENTRAL
Chicago WhiteSox
Last Season: 79-83 7.5 GB of 1st place MIN
This is the year that all of least year's trade dealine moves pay off. GM Kenny Williams made it clear last July that while they were Buyers they were buying for 2010. They acquired the then injured Jake Peavy and under performing Alex Rios from San Diego and Toronto respectively. Peavy looked solid when he finally returned from injury in September. He started 3 games winning them all and pitching 20 innings with a 1.35 ERA. Perhaps the most impressive stat of his 09 campaign was his 8.1 K/9 which was just 1 strikeout per nine shy of his 2007 Cy Young Campaign. I look for Peavy to take a lot of pressure off of southpaw Mark Buerhle allowing him to return to the form we saw pre-perfect game last season. The offense can once again begin to play "Ozzie Ball" with the additions of Juan Pierre at LF and Rios in Center. If Gordon Beckham can put up 20 HR and 20 SB, this offense will be scary.
Minnesota Twins
Last Year:87-67 1st Place AL CENTRAL
It's safe to say that the Twins will miss Closer Joe Nathan. Over the last six seasons he has been within the top five saves leaders in the league. You cannot simply replace production like that. However, good news for the Twins is that Joe Mauer has been secured for the next 8 years on a gargantuan contract. The rest of the offense went through some changes, the most noticeable being the addition of Orlando Hudson and last year's trade deadline addition of Orlando Cabrera at SS. For the most part I don't see this team getting worse I just think that the WhiteSox will be noticeably better, and an 87-67 record will not be enough to win the CENTRAL this year.
Cleveland Indians
Last Year: 65-97 21.5 GB of 1st place MIN
This is less of a declaration of improvement in Cleveland, and more of a condemnation of Detroit's ability to contend this year. Each of the last two years, Cleveland has traded away a Cy Young winning by the deadline. The only thing Cleveland fans will know for sure this year is that that will not happen. Because an Indian did not win the CY Young last year, a Royal did. However, I think Jake Westbrook is a potential Cy Young candidate this year. Before you scoff, realize that Cleveland has been breeding quality pitchers as of late. Jake Westbrook has proven in the past to have pretty good stuff when healthy. That being said I think he's a dark horse candidate for comeback player of the year and Cy Young this year if he can stay healthy and win 15 games or so. Those are two pretty big "ifs" but I do love the Indians first three in the lineup and the bullpen could be a bit better than expected if RP Chris Perez keeps up his spring training production.
Detroit Tigers
Last year: 86-77 1 GB of 1st place MIN
The Tigers have lost a lot of pop this season. Their outfield will be questionable at best. Johnny Damon is far from his prime and we must assume that his offensive productivity will be down from last season after moving to Comerica from HR happy New Yankee Stadium. The pitching staff has the ability to be great. Verlander is a top 10 pitcher in the AL, and Porcello had a stellar rookie campaign last season. I do think that Scherzer is a downgrade from last year's Edwin Jackson, but Bonderman at full strength may nullify that loss. The Bull Pen is full of questions as well this year, but the addition of RP Jose Valverde at closer should at least solidify the back end.
Kansas City Royals
Last Season: 65-97 21.5 GB of 1st place MIN
This is not the Royals breakout season. Yes Greinke had a coming out part of sorts last season winning the AL Cy Young award with a stellar 16-8 2.14 ERA 242 strike out performance. However, the biggest issue with this year's team is the same as last, the rest of the rotation. And with the same giant weakness I cannot believe that the additions of OFs Scott Podsednik, Rick Ankiel, and C Jason Kendall will make any difference in this teams final standing.
AL EAST
New York Yankees
Last Year: 103-59 1st place AL EAST
The Yankees will repeat as AL EAST Champs next season. This off-season the Yankees were not nearly as aggressive as last. But can you blame them? If it ain't broke, don't fix it! They won the World Series last season with a great offense in a HR happy ballpark and solid pitching staff headed by C.C. Sabathia. There is no reason to believe that losing Melky Cabrera and Johnny Damon will result in a worse record, especially considering the additions of OF Curtis Granderson and DH/1B Nick Johnson. This lineup has pop and speed. The pitching staff has dominating stuff and the best closer in the AL. Add it up and you've got another favorite for the AL rep at the World Series.
Tampa Bay Rays
Last Year: 84-78 19 GB of 1st place NYY
The Tampa Bay Rays will overtake the Boston RedSox for 2nd place and the AL Wild Card this year. Evan Longoria is my pick for AL MVP this season. His third big league season big league season is going to lead to crushing power numbers as the third batter in a relatively stacked lineup. I believe he is a sure fire hit for 40 HRs and 130 RBI this season. The starting rotation leaves a lot to be desired, but I think their offense will over power the Sox in the regular season.
Boston Red Sox
Last year: 95-67 8 GB of 1st place NYY, AL Wild Card.
Boston takes a step back this season. Their inability to add another big bat to the lineup will ultimately be their demise. Big Papi has seen his better days come and go, and to think that he will produce well enough to maintain is DH role is laughable. Losing LF Jason Bay will also prove costly, especially considering their only "big" addition to the lineup this year is 3B Adrian Beltre. IF they make another blockbuster deal at the deadline like last year adding 1B/C Victor Martinez then maybe they make a run at the Wild Card, but the offense is not going to be able to keep up with the Yankees or the Rays for that matter without it.
Baltimore Orioles
Last Year: 64-98 39 GB of 1st place NYY
The Orioles make the move past the Blue Jays this season into fourth place in the AL EAST. The Orioles have done a lot to work on a lack luster lineup from last season. They have a solid outfield with Adam Jones, Nick Markakis and newcomer Nolan Reimold. And they have brought back a former stable to the Orioles Lineup in SS Miguel Tejada, so as long as C Matt Weiters lives up to the hype, they should have no problems putting up some runs. The pitching staff on the other hand is still in the cellar. The debut of rookie SP Brian Matusz definitely gives you something to watch if you're an Orioles fan, but beyong that they will struggle against the potent lineups of the AL EAST.
Toronto Blue Jays
Last Year: 75-87 28 GB of 1st place NYY
The Blue Jays enter this season after dealing away long time ace and fan favorite SP Roy Halladay this off-season. They did manage to bring in some excellent prospects in the deal, so I don't expect them to remain cellar dwellers in the AL EAST for too long, but they will not crawl out this season. The offense should remain relatively potent if OF Adam Lind and 2B Aaron Hill repeat their performances from last year and OF Vernon Wells comes back strong after injury. But it will not be enough to compete with this fantastically strong division.
AL Award Winners:
AL MVP:
As I said previously 3B Evan Longoria from the Tampa Bay Rays is my pre-season AL MVP. I look for him to put up monster numbers as he grows comfortable in his third season as the "franchise" player in Tampa Bay. The lineup around him remains largely the same and with Carl Crawford leading off he should have plenty of opportunities to drive in runs.
AL Cy Young:
My AL Cy Young winner this season is SP Felix Hernandez from the Seattle Mariners. I expect he'll win around the same amount of games as last year's 19 which will most likely lead the American League. I expect to see him perform with much less pressure most likely resulting in a lower ERA and similar Strike Out numbers.
AL Come Back POY:
This year's Come Back POY will go to SP Jake Peavy from the Chicago Whitesox. He spent most of last season on the DL going 9-6 with the San Diego Padres and the Chicago Whitesox. I expect him to put up number comparable to his Cy Young season of 2007. Somewhere around 18 wins and and over 200 strikeouts would definitely merit this award and contend against King Felix for the Cy Young.
Playoff Predictions:
The ALDS will look as follows
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago White Sox----- Rays in 5
Texas Rangers vs. New York Yankees------ Yankees in 4
ALCS
Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees--- Yankees in 6
I'll be hitting up the National League tomorrow so make sure to check it out.
Leave comments, I want to know what you think!
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