2009 MLB Preview - New York Mets

New York Mets
Manager: Jerry Manuel (2nd season)
2008 Record: 89-73 (2nd NL East)


Added: OF Jeremy Reed (SEA), SP Livan Hernandez (MIN), RP Francisco Rodriguez (LAA), RP J.J. Putz (SEA)
Lost: OF Endy Chavez (SEA), RP Scott Schoenweis (AZ), RP Aaron Heilman (SEA), RP Joe Smith (CLE)

Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. SS Jose Reyes (.297, 113 R, 16 HR, 68 RBI, 56 SB) 2. 2B Luis Castillo (.245, 46 R, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 17 SB) 3. CF Carlos Beltran (.284, 116 R, 27 HR, 112 RBI, 25 SB) 4. 3B David Wright (.302, 115 R, 33 HR, 124 RBI) 5. 1B Carlos Delgado (.271, 96 R, 38 HR, 115 RBI) 6. LF Daniel Murphy (.313, 24 R, 2 HR, 17 RBI) 7. RF Ryan Church (.276, 54 R, 12 HR, 49 RBI) 8. C Brian Schneider(.257, 30 R, 9 HR, 38 RBI)

Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. Johan Santana (16-7, 2.53 ERA, 206 K) 2. Mike Pelfrey (13-11, 3.72 ERA, 110 K) 3. Oliver Perez (10-7, 4.22 ERA, 180 K) 4. John Maine (10-8, 4.18 ERA, 122 K) 5. Livan Hernandez (13-11, 6.05 ERA, 67 K)

Bench
C Ramon Castro, IF Marlon Anderson, IF Alex Cora, OF Fernando Tatis, OF Angel Pagan

Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
Francisco Rodriguez (62 SV, 68.1 IP, 54 H, 77 K, 2.24 ERA), J.J. Putz, Pedro Feliciano, Sean Green, Brian Stokes, Carlos Muniz

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Fantasy Studs: SS Jose Reyes, 3B David Wright, OF Carlos Beltran, SP Johan Santana, RP Francisco Rodriguez
Fantasy Sleepers: OF Daniel Murphy, SP Oliver Perez

Men In The Minors: 1B Nick Evans, SS Reese Havens, OF Fernando Martinez, SP Jon Niese

Home Ballpark: Citi Field (Grade Incomplete - New Ballpark)

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Team Outlook: It was another busy offseason for GM Omar Minaya and the Mets. After another regular season with no playoff berth, the Mets think they finally have what they need now. It starts with the pitching. Santana was his usual dominant self but he didn't get much help from Perez, Pelfrey and Maine. All three have great stuff and 15-win potential. If they help Santana out, this staff will be one of the best in the NL. The bullpen looks great with the additions of Rodriguez and Putz. Both have closer experience and are lights out when it matters. The rest of the bullpen isn't amazing but they should be able to overcome that. The lineup looks strong again with no real changes from last season. Reyes's numbers are expected to be even better. Beltran, Wright and Delgado make for a potent 3-4-5 combo, no matter what order they are. The one to watch may be Murphy though, who while young, carries a big stick and could have a great rookie year. It seems once again the pieces are in place for this team to make a deep run but lately, this team has been all about falling short of expectations. The NL East is better this year so expect them to contend, but it'll be a fight to the finish to win the division.

Next Preview: New York Yankees

2009 MLB Preview - Minnesota Twins

Minnesota Twins
Manager: Ron Gardenhire (8th season)
2008 Record: 88-75 (2nd AL Central)


Added: 3B Joe Crede (CHW)
Lost: SS Adam Everett (DET)

Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. RF Denard Span (.294, 70 R, 6 HR, 47 RBI, 18 SB) 2. 2B Alexi Casilla (.281, 58 R, 7 HR, 50 RBI) 3. C Joe Mauer (.328, 98 R, 9 HR, 85 RBI) 4. 1B Justin Morneau (.300, 97 R, 23 HR, 129 RBI) 5. 3B Joe Crede (.248, 41 R, 17 HR, 55 RBI) 6. DH Jason Kubel (.272, 74 R, 20 HR, 78 RBI) 7. LF Delmon Young (.290, 80 R, 10 HR, 69 RBI) 8. SS Nick Punto (.284, 43 R, 2 HR, 28 RBI) 9. CF Carlos Gomez (.258, 79 R, 7 HR, 59 RBI, 33 SB)

Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. Scott Baker (11-4, 3.45 ERA, 141 K) 2. Francisco Liriano (6-4, 3.91 ERA, 67 K) 3. Kevin Slowey (12-11, 3.99 ERA, 123 K) 4. Nick Blackburn (11-11, 4.05 ERA, 96 K) 5. Glen Perkins (12-4, 4.41 ERA, 74 K)

Bench
C Mike Redmond, IF Brian Buscher, IF Brendan Harris, OF Michael Cuddyer

Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
Joe Nathan (39 SV, 67.2 IP, 43 H, 74 K, 1.33 ERA), Jesse Crain, Craig Breslow, Jose Mijares, Matt Guerrier, Pat Neshek, Matt Guerrier, Boof Bonser

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Fantasy Studs: C Joe Mauer, 1B Justin Morneau, RP Joe Nathan
Fantasy Sleepers: OF Denard Span, 3B Joe Crede

Men In The Minors: C Wilson Ramos, 3B Danny Valencia, OF Aaron Hicks, OF Ben Revere, SP Shooter Hunt

Home Ballpark: Metrodome (Grade 2/10)

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Team Outlook: If there were ever a team that does more with less, it is the Minnesota Twins. Under the guidance of one of the best managers in baseball in Ron Gardenhire, the twins just seem to always be in the mix. The starting pitching doesn't look that great on paper but expect them to be solid. Baker and Liriano are stars. The other 3 though are question marks. How they do will make or break their season. The bullpen still has Nathan, so if this team is winning going into the 8th or 9th inning, forget it. The batting order has potential to be amazing. Span is a star in the making and a good leadoff hitter. Mauer and Morneau are gonna be great as usual. Crede is a solid pick-up and if Young can get his overall game together, he could make a huge impact on this team. All in all, the Twins look like a boring team lacking stars. But again, they've been like that for awhile now and yet, keep winning. And in a division with no clear front-runner, don't be surprised to see them win it in 2009.

Next Preview: New York Mets

2009 MLB Preview - Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee Brewers
Manager: Ken Macha (1st season)
2008 Record: 90-72 (2nd NL Central)
Postseason: NLDS Loss vs. PHI

Added: SP Braden Looper (STL), RP Trevor Hoffman (SD), RP Jorge Julio (ATL)
Lost: IF Russell Branyan (SEA), OF Laynce Nix (CIN), SP C.C. Sabathia (NYY), RP Derrick Turnbow (TEX)

Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. 2B Rickie Weeks (.234, 89 R, 14 HR, 46 RBI, 19 SB) 2. CF Mike Cameron (.243, 69 R, 25 HR, 70 RBI, 17 SB) 3. LF Ryan Braun (.285, 92 R, 37 HR, 106 RBI, 14 SB) 4. 1B Prince Fielder (.276, 86 R, 47 HR, 102 RBI) 5. SS J.J. Hardy (.283, 78 R, 24 HR, 74 RBI, 35 SB) 6. RF Corey Hart (.268, 76 R, 20 HR, 91 RBI, 23 SB) 7. 3B Bill Hall (.225, 50 R, 15 HR, 55 RBI) 8. C Jason Kendall (.246, 46 R, 2 HR, 49 RBI)

Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. Yovani Gallardo (Injured) 2. Dave Bush (9-10, 4.18 ERA, 109 K) 3. Jeff Suppan (10-10, 4.96 ERA, 90 K) 4. Braden Looper (12-14, 4.16 ERA, 108 K) 5. Manny Parra (10-8, 4.39 ERA, 147 K)

Bench
IF Mike Lamb, OF Tony Gwynn Jr.

Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
Trevor Hoffman (30 SV, 45.1 IP, 38 H, 46 K, 3.77 ERA), Carlos Villanueva, Seth McClung, David Riske, Jorge Julio, Todd Coffey

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Fantasy Studs: 1B Prince Fielder, OF Ryan Braun
Fantasy Sleepers: SP Yovani Gallardo

Men In The Minors: C Brett Lawrie, C Angel Salome, SS Alcides Escobar, 3B Mat Gamel, SP Jeremy Jeffress

Home Ballpark: Miller Park (Grade 8/10)

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Team Outlook: After a playoff appearance in 2008, there is a lot of optimism for this 2009 squad. Losing Sabathia though is a big loss, especially with the way he pitched. The pitching staff in 2009 though isn't terrible. Gallardo didn't pitch much in 2008 but expect big numbers from him in 2009. He has tons of potential. Suppan and Bush provide some veteran arms. Looper has pitched well before as a starter and if healthy, will be a welcome addition. The bullpen isn't terrible either. They have some quality arms. Unfortunately, Hoffman is not one of them. he;s a closer near the end of his career. Don't expect him to finish the year as the closer. The batting lineup is strong though and should put up plenty of runs. Weeks and Cameron provide speed at the top while Braun and Fielder provide the pop in the middle. Hardy and Hart are great at the 5 and 6 spots, and Hall at 7 could be dangerous for opposing pitchers. This team has the potential to make another run at the playoffs this year. If the pitching is steady and they stay pretty much injury-free, look out for the Brew Crew once again.

Next Preview: Minnesota Twins

2009 MLB Preview - Los Angeles Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers
Manager: Joe Torre (2nd season)
2008 Record: 84-78 (1st NL West)
Postseason: ALDS Win vs. CHC, ALCS Loss to PHI

Added: 2B Orlando Hudson (ARZ), IF Mark Loretta (HOU), SP Randy Wolf (HOU), Jeff Weaver (SEA), RP Claudio Vargas (NYM), RP Guillermo Mota (MIL)
Lost: RP Takashi Saito (BOS), RP Chan Ho Park (PHI), RP Scott Proctor (FLA)

Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. SS Rafael Furcal (.357, 54 R, 5 HR, 16 RBI, 8 SB) 2. RF Andre Ethier (.305, 95 R, 20 HR, 77 RBI) 3. C Russell Martin (.280, 87 R, 13 HR, 69 RBI, 18 SB) 4. LF Manny Ramirez (.332, 102 R, 37 HR, 121 RBI) 5. CF Matt Kemp (.290, 93 R, 18 HR, 76 RBI, 35 SB) 6. 1B James Loney (.289, 66 R, 13 HR, 90 RBI) 7. 3B Casey Blake (.271, 74 R, 21 HR, 81 RBI) 8. 2B Orlando Hudson (.305, 54 R, 8 HR, 41 RBI)

Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. Chad Billingsley (16-10, 3.14 ERA, 201 K) 2. Hirodi Kuroda (9-10, 3.73 ERA, 116 K) 3. Clayton Kershaw (5-5, 4.26 ERA, 100 K) 4. Randy Wolf (12-12, 4.30 ERA, 162 K) 5. James McDonald (Rookie)

Bench
IF Blake DeWitt, IF Mark Loretta, OF Juan Pierre, OF Jason Repko

Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
Johnathan Broxton (14 SV, 69.0 IP, 54 H, 88 K, 3.13 ERA), Hong-Chiu Kuo, Guillermo Mota, Claudio Vargas, Cory Wade

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Fantasy Studs: C Russell Martin, OF Manny Ramirez, OF Matt Kemp
Fantasy Sleepers: OF Andre Ethier, SP Clayton Kershaw

Men In The Minors: IF Ivan DeJesus, OF Andrew Lambo, SP Ethan Martin, SP Scott Elbert, SP Josh Lindblom

Home Ballpark: Dodger Stadium (Grade 7/10)

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Team Outlook: I'm really torn on this team. The lineup may be the best in baseball but the starting rotation is definitely in the bottom half of MLB. We'll start with the lineup. What's so dangerous about this lineup is that they are solid in every aspect. If it's getting on base you want, then not one player had an batting average less than .270 last season. If if it's speed you want, you'll see that in at least 3 players in Furcal, Kemp and Martin. And don't forget the speedy Pierre off the bench. And if it's power, well, that's covered as well. But the pitching is where it matters for this team. Billingsley is budding into a star. Kuroda started strong but ended with a thud. A big thud. Kershaw has tons of potential but when will he realize it is the big question. Randy Wolf has always been a .500 pitcher. And rookie James McDonald, well, who knows? This rotation is not strong and in the end, may really hurt this team. The bullpen is anchored by Broxton, who was strong last season but didn't close the entire year. This team has all the potential in the world to be the highest-scoring team in baseball. But if the pitching doesn't keep up with its hitting, then this is not going to a happy ending in Hollywood.

Next Preview: Milwaukee Brewers

2009 MLB Preview - Los Angeles Angels

Los Angeles Angels
Manager: Mike Sciosca (10th season)
2008 Record: 100-62 (1st AL West)
Postseason: ALDS Loss 3-1 vs. BOS

Added: OF Bobby Abreu, RP Brian Fuentes
Lost: 1B Mark Teixiera (NYY), OF Garret Anderson (ATL), RP Francisco Rodriguez (NYM)

Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. 3B Chone Figgins (.276, 72 R, 1 HR, 22 RBI, 34 SB) 2. CF Torii Hunter (.278, 85 R, 21 HR, 78 RBI, 19 SB) 3. LF Bobby Abreu (.296, 100 R, 20 HR, 100 RBI, 22 SB) 4. RF Vladimir Guerrero (.303, 85 R, 27 HR, 91 RBI) 5. C Mike Napoli (.273, 39 R, 20 HR, 49 RBI) 6. DH Juan Rivera (.246, 31 R, 12 HR, 45 RBI) 7. 2B Howie Kendrick (.306, 43 R, 3 HR, 37 RBI) 8. 1B Kendry Morales (.213, 7 R, 3 HR, 8 RBI) 9. SS Erick Aybar (.277, 53 R, 3 HR, 39 RBI)

Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. John Lackey (12-5, 3.75 ERA, 130 K) 2. Joe Saunders (17-7, 3.41 ERA, 103 K) 3. Jered Weaver (11-10, 4.33 ERA, 152 K) 4. Dustin Moseley (2-4, 6.79 ERA, 37 K) 5. Nick Adenhart (1-0, 9.00 ERA, 4 K)

NOTE: Ervin Santana (16-7, 3.49 ERA, 214 K) will join rotation in May due to injury

Bench
IF Robb Quinlan, IF Maicer Izturis, IF Brandon Wood, OF Reggie Willits, OF Gary Matthews Jr.

Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
Brian Fuentes (30 SV, 62.2 IP, 47 H, 82 K, 2.73 ERA), Scot Shields, Jose Arredondo, Darren Oliver, Justin Speier

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Fantasy Studs: OF Bobby Abreu, OF Vladimir Guerrero, OF Torii Hunter, SP John Lackey
Fantasy Sleepers: 2B Howie Kendrick

Men In The Minors: C Hank Conger, 1B Mark Trumbo, OF Peter Bourjos, SP Jordan Walden, SP Trevor Reckling, SP Will Smith

Home Ballpark: Angel Stadium of Anaheim (Grade 7/10)

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Team Outlook: For the past few years, the AL West has been all about the Angels. Well, that may change this year for once. After winning 100 games and having the best regular season record in baseball, I don't see this year's edition having the same success. Let's start with the lineup. The top four is strong. When healthy, Figgins is a great place-setter. And with Hunter, Abreu and Guerrero following, it's not going to be easy for any pitcher. But after those 4, it really drops off. Kendrick could be something special but I don't see much hope for the rest. The pitching isn't that bad but it's also not that great. Lackey will win his usual 15 games and when Santana comes back in May, he'll be good. But expect a fall to reality for Saunders, who won 17 last season. Weaver has great stuff but is still inconsistent. And Moseley and Adenhart are unproven. The bullpen also will suffer without the services of all-times saves leader Francisco Rodriguez. Fuentes is a fine replacement but expect more blown saves this year. The team may still win this division but the days of 100 wins are unlikely. But they do have one of the best managers in the game so I wouldn't be too surprised if they prove me wrong.

Next Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers