2009 MLB Preview - San Diego Padres

San Diego Padres
Manager: Bud Black (3rd season)
2008 Record: 63-99 (5th NL West)


Added: C Henry Blanco (CHC), SS David Eckstein (TOR), OF Cliff Floyd (TB), SP Shawn Hill (WAS), RP Edward Mujica (CLE)
Lost: C Josh Bard (BOS), SS Khalil Greene (STL)

Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. CF Jody Gerut (.296, 46 R, 14 HR, 43 RBI) 2. 2B Edgar Gonzalez (.274, 38 R, 7 HR, 33 RBI) 3. RF Brian Giles (.306, 81 R, 12 HR, 63 RBI, 23 SB) 4. 1B Adrian Gonzalez (.279, 103 R, 36 HR, 119 RBI) 5. 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff (.260, 71 R, 23 HR, 84 RBI) 6. LF Chase Headley (.269, 34 R, 9 HR, 38 RBI) 7. C Henry Blanco (.292, 15 R, 3 HR, 12 RBI) 8. SS David Eckstein (.265, 32 R, 2 HR, 27 RBI)

Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. Jake Peavy (10-11, 2.85 ERA, 166 K) 2. Chris Young (7-6, 3.96 ERA, 93 K) 3. Cha Seung Baek (6-10, 4.79 ERA, 92 K) 4. Kevin Correia (3-8, 6.05 ERA, 66 K) 5. Shawn Hill (1-5, 5.83 ERA, 39 K)

Bench
C Nick Hundley, IF Luis Rodriguez, OF Cliff Floyd, OF Scott Hairston

Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
Heath Bell (23 H, 78.0 IP, 66 H, 71 K, 3.58 ERA), Cla Meredith, Edwin Moreno, Edward Mujica, Duaner Sanchez

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Fantasy Studs: 1B Adrian Gonzalez
Fantasy Sleepers: OF Chase Headley

Men In The Minors: 1B Kyle Blanks, 2B Matt Antonelli, OF Kellen Kulbacki, SP Matt Latos, SP Will Inman

Home Ballpark: Petco Park (Grade 7/10)

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Team Outlook: Just two years ago, the Padres were well over .500 and were contenders for the NL Pennant. These days, getting to .500 would be an accomplishment. It all begins with their pitching, which truly let them down last year. Peavy struggled and when your ace struggles, that doesn't bode well. Young was hit by a line drive and never really recovered from that. Baek had a rough season as well. So in other words, the staff is not one to put a lot of faith in. Same goes with the bullpen and new closer Bell. That's right, no more Trevor Hoffman. The lineup could be a lot worse but there is some hope. Gerut continues to improve. Giles is on the way down but A. Gonzalez is the real deal. Kouzmanoff and Headley are young talents who should see their numbers rise and having players like Blanco and Eckstein give the team a nice veteran presence. But in the end, this team will not be in contention this year. Expect Peavy to be traded during the All-Star break and for this team to get young all over to build for the future.

Next Preview: San Francisco Giants

2009 MLB Preview - Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates
Manager: John Russell (2nd season)
2008 Record: 67-95 (6th NL Central)


Added: IF Ramon Vazquez (TEX), IF Eric Hinske (TB)
Lost: OF Jason Michaels (HOU)

Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. LF Nyjer Morgan (.294, 26 R, 0 HR, 7 RBI) 2. 2B Freddy Sanchez (.271, 75 R, 9 HR, 52 RBI) 3. CF Nate McLouth (.276, 113 R, 26 HR, 94 RBI, 23 SB) 4. C Ryan Doumit (.318, 71 R, 15 HR, 69 RBI) 5. 1B Adam LaRoche (.270, 66 R, 25 HR, 85 RBI) 6. RF Brandon Moss (.246, 19 R, 8 HR, 34 RBI) 7. 3B Andy LaRoche (.166, 17 R, 5 HR, 18 RBI) 8. SS Jack Wilson (.272, 24 R, 1 HR, 22 RBI)

Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. Paul Maholm (9-9, 3.71 ERA, 139 K) 2. Ian Snell (7-12, 5.42 ERA, 135 K) 3. Zach Duke (5-14, 4.82 ERA, 87 K) 4. Ross Ohlendorf (Did Not Start) 5. Jeff Karstens (2-6, 4.03 ERA, 23 K)

Bench
IF Eric Hinske, If Ramon Vazquez, IF Luis Cruz, OF Craig Monroe

Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
Matt Capps (21 SV, 53.2 IP, 47 H, 39 K, 3.02 ERA), Tyler Yates, John Grabow, Craig Hansen, Sean Burnett

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Fantasy Studs: OF Nate McLouth
Fantasy Sleepers: OF Nyjer Morgan

Men In The Minors: 3B Pedro Alvarez, OF Jose Tabata, OF Andrew McCutchen, OF Robbie Grossman, SP Bryan Morris

Home Ballpark: PNC Park (Grade 8/10)

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Team Outlook: The last time the Pirates had a winning season was all the way back in 1992. Expect it to stay that way with this year's team. While there are plenty of young players to go around that could develop into great players, they aren't at that elite level right now. Let's start with the lineup. Plenty of potential in players like Morgan and Moss to go along with quality talent in McLouth and Doumit. Vazquez will also see time, playing various positions. All in all, they aren't impressive but not awful. No, awful is the word to use for the rotation. Led by Maholm, who has yet to put an amazing season together. Snell is terribly inconsistent. The same can be said for Duke as well. The final two are new or relative new to starting, so expect some bumps in the road. The bullpen is highlighted by closer Capps, who pitched well last season when given the opportunity to actually close a game. This team will struggle and needs help in many areas. Even i they just want to reach .500, they need young talent to play at or exceed their potential, and that's asking a lot.

Next Preview: San Diego Padres

2009 MLB Preview - Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies
Manager: Charlie Manuel (5th season)
2008 Record: 92-70 (1st NL East)
Postseason: World Series Champions

Added: OF Raul Ibanez (SEA), P Chan Ho Park (LAD)
Lost: OF Pat Burrell (TB)

Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. SS Jimmy Rollins (.277, 76 R,11 HR, 59 RBI, 47 SB) 2. CF Shane Victorino (.293, 102 R, 14 HR, 58 RBI, 36 SB) 3. 2B Chase Utley (.292, 113 R, 33 HR, 104 RBI, 14 SB) 4. 1B Ryan Howard (.251, 105 R, 48 HR, 146 RBI) 5. LF Raul Ibanez (.293, 85 R, 23 HR, 110 RBI) 6. RF Jayson Werth (.273, 73 R, 24 HR, 67 RBI) 7. 3B Pedro Feliz (.249, 43 R, 14 HR, 58 RBI) 8. C Carlos Ruiz (.219, 47 R, 4 HR, 31 RBI)

Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. Cole Hamels (14-10, 3.09 ERA, 196 K) 2. Brett Myers (10-13, 4.55 ERA, 163 K) 3. Joe Blanton (9-12, 4.69 ERA, 111 K) 4. Jamie Moyer (16-7, 3.71 ERA, 123 K) 5. Chan Ho Park (4-4, 3.40 ERA, 79 K)

Bench
C Chris Coste, IF Greg Dobbs, IF Eric Bruntlett, OF Matt Stairs

Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
Brad Lidge (41 SV, 69.1 IP, 50 H, 92 K, 1.95 ERA), Ryan Madson, J.C. Romero (suspended 50 games), Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre

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Fantasy Studs: SS Jimmy Rollins, 2B Chase Utley, 1B Ryan Howard
Fantasy Sleepers: OF Jayson Werth

Men In The Minors: C Lou Marson, SS Jason Donald, OF Michael Taylor, SP Carlos Carrasco

Home Ballpark: Citizens Bank Park (Grade 8/10)

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Team Outlook: Not many people predicted the Phillies would win the World Series before the season began. People aren't going to be making that mistake once again. The team that won in 2008 looks very similar to the team that is about to begin playing in 2009. The pitching staff is pretty much unchanged. Hamels is still the stud, Blanton and Moyer (the ageless wonder) should provide 12-15 wins. Myers is a crapshoot and Park, well, we'll see. The bullpen is as strong as last year, even though Romero begins the year on suspension. The lineup is exactly the same besides Burrell moving out and Ibanez moving in. I see this as un upgrade for the Phils though. This is a team brimming with confidence after winning the division and winning the World Series. Expect them to contend for the division title once again. As far as the World Series, I'll just plan on them surprising me again.

Next Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates

2009 MLB Preview - Oakland Athletics

Oakland Athletics
Manager: Bob Geren (3rd season)
2008 Record: 75-86 (3rd AL West)


Added: 1B Jason Giambi (OAK), IF Nomar Garciaparra (LAD), SS Orlando Cabrera (CHW), OF Matt Holliday (OAK)
Lost: 3B Donnie Murphy (BAL), OF Carlos Gonzalez (COL), SP Greg Smith (COL), RP Huston Street (COL), RP Alan Embree (COL)

Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. CF Ryan Sweeney (.286, 53 R, 5 HR, 45 RBI) 2. SS Orlando Cabrera (.281, 93 R, 8 HR, 57 RBI, 19 SB) 3. LF Matt Holliday (.321, 107 R, 25 HR, 88 RBI, 28 SB) 4. DH Jack Cust (.231, 77 R, 33 HR, 77 RBI) 5. 1B Jason Giambi (.247, 68 R, 32 HR, 96 RBI) 6. 3B Eric Chavez (.247, 10 R, 2 HR, 14 RBI) 7. C Kurt Suzuki (.279, 54 R, 7 HR, 42 RBI) 8. 2B Mark Ellis (.233, 55 R, 12 HR, 41 RBI) 9. RF Travis Buck (.226, 16 R, 7 HR, 25 RBI)

Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. Dallas Braden (5-4, 4.14 ERA, 41 K) 2. Dana Eveland (9-9, 4.34 ERA, 118 K) 3. Brett Anderson (Rookie) 4. Trevor Cahill (Rookie) 5. Josh Outman (1-2, 4.56 ERA, 19 K)

Bench
IF Daric Barton, IF Bobby Crosby, OF Rajai Davis, IF/OF Nomar Garciaparra

Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
Bard Zeigler (3 11, 59.2 IP, 47 H, 30 K, 1.06 ERA), Joey Devine, Jerry Blevins, Santiago Casilla, Russ Springer

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Fantasy Studs: OF Matt Holliday
Fantasy Sleepers: SP Trevor Cahill

Men In The Minors: 2B Adrian Cardenas, OF Aaron Cunningham, SP Michael Iona, SP James Simmons

Home Ballpark: McAfee Coliseum (Grade 1/10)

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Team Outlook: It's been a long time since the A's have really been a threat to make the playoffs. This team doesn't look like it's going to reverse the trend. Let's start with the lineup. Holliday and Cabrera are great pick-ups and should make a huge impact. Chavez and Giambi could also be helpful but they need to stay healthy. Suzuki is a very good hitting catcher and the team has great depth as well. The pitching though is what will make or break this team. You know it's not good news when your Opening Day starter is Braden, who own just 5 games. 2 of the pitchers in the rotation are 21 years old and rookies. Everything about that rotation screams trouble. Thing is, if these newbies pitch well, then this offense could bail them out on some nights. Not sure if this team is in contending mode or rebuilging mode. Either way, that rotation will make for a fun lineup.

Next Preview: Philadelphia Phillies

2009 MLB Preview - New York Yankees

New York Yankees
Manager: Joe Girardi (2nd season)
2008 Record: 89-73 (3rd AL East)


Added: 1B Mark Teixiera (LAA), OF Nick Swisher (CHW), SP C.C. Sabathia (MIL), SP A.J. Burnett (TOR)
Lost: OF Bobby Abreu (LAA), SP Carl Pavano (CLE), RP Billy Traber (BOS)

Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. SS Derek Jeter (.300, 88 R, 11 HR, 69 RBI, 11 SB) 2. LF Johnny Damon (.303, 95 R, 17 HR, 71 RBI, 29 SB) 3. 1B Mark Teixiera (.308, 102 R, 33 HR, 121 RBI) 4. LF Hideki Matsui (.294, 43 R, 9 HR, 45 RBI) 5. C Jorge Posada (.268, 18 R, 3 HR, 22 RBI) 6. RF Xavier Nady (.305, 76 R, 25 HR, 97 RBI) 7. 2B Robinson Cano (.271, 70 R, 14 HR, 72 RBI) 8. 3B Cody Ransom (.302, 9 R, 4 HR, 8 RBI) 9. CF Brett Gardner (.228, 18 R, 0 HR, 16 RBI)

NOTE: 3B Alex Rodriguez will return in May due to injury

Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. C.C. Sabathia (17-10, 2.70 ERA, 251 K) 2. A.J. Burnett (18-10, 4.07 ERA, 231 K) 3. Joba Chamberlain (4-3, 2.60 ERA, 118 K) 4. Chein-Ming Wang (8-2, 4.07 ERA, 54 K) 5. andy Pettitte (14-14, 4.54 ERA, 158 K)

Bench
C Jose Molina, IF Angel Berroa, OF Nick Swisher, OF Melky Cabrera

Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
Mariano Rivera (39 SV, 70.2 IP, 41 H, 77 K, 1.40 ERA), Damaso Marte, Brian Bruney, Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez

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Fantasy Studs: 1B Mark Teixiera, 3B Alex Rodriguez, SP C.C. Sabathia, RP Mariano Rivera
Fantasy Sleepers: SP Joba Chamberlain, SP Chein-Ming Wang

Men In The Minors: C Austin Romine, C/1B Jesus Montero, OF Austin Jackson, SP Dellin Betances, SP Zach McAlister

Home Ballpark: Yankee Stadium (Grade Incomplete - New Ballpark)

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Team Outlook: Like every year, the Yankees spent tons of money in the offseason. But unlike every year, they were spending money on a team that did NOT qualify for the postseason. The emergence of the Rays pushed the Yanks to third in the division. Now, they are looking for payback. The pitching staff is re-tooled and should be much better. Sabathia and Burnett have all the tools but pitching in NYC seeems to change people. Chamberlain has gone through a whole season before and Wang is coming from injury so there's no telling how well they will pitch. Thankfully, Rivera is still one of the best closers in the game. The batting lineup is strong but not having A-Rod early will hurt. Jeter is aging quickly. Same goes for Damon. Teixiera should have a monster season but the same cannot be be guaranteed for Matsui or Posada. Nady should have a great season too and Ransom and Gardner should just feel lucky to be on a big-league team. This team could compete until the end. They could win the division. But they also could not. These are not the Yankees of old. There are just old Yankees.

Next Preview: Oakland Athletics