The yearly picks return after a one year hiatus. Gallivanting around Europe will cause that... So we won't even get in to how I did in 2014, but I'm pretty sure everything was completely wrong.
I've managed to not participate in any fantasy baseball leagues the past two years, so haven't been staying up on the sport as much, which means I'll likely ace everything this year.
AL East:
1. Boston Red Sox (91-71)
2. Toronto Blue Jays (90-72)
3. New York Yankees (81-81)
4. Tampa Bay Rays (71-91)
5. Baltimore Orioles (70-92)
The Red Sox bounce back from a horrid 2015 and hold off the Blue Jays for the division title. It's short lived though as they get swept by the Royals in the divisional playoffs.
AL Central:
1. Kansas City Royals (98-64)
2. Cleveland Indians (94-68)
3. Minnesota Twins (87-75)
4. Detroit Tigers (74-88)
5. Chicago White Sox (66-96)
The Royals hold off the Indians in the AL Central, while the Twins and their young studs are a year away yet.
AL West:
1. Houston Astros (99-63)
2. Oakland Athletics (87-75)
3. LA Angels (82-80)
4. Seattle Mariners (74-88)
5. Texas Rangers (69-93)
The Astros are for real as they cruise to the division title only to get bounced by the Indians in the playoffs. Mike Trout's talent is again wasted in LA.
NL East:
1. NY Mets (97-65)
2. Washington Nationals (89-73)
3. Miami Marlins (76-86)
4. Atlanta Braves (71-91)
5. Philadelphia Phillies (62-100)
The Miracle Mets keep up the momentum from 2015 and cruise to the division title. The games best two young players in Harper and Trout both miss the playoffs yet again.
NL Central:
1. Chicago Cubs (100-62)
2. Pittsburgh Pirates (92-70)
3. St. Louis Cardinals (82-80)
4. Milwaukee Brewers (70-92)
5. Cincinnati Reds (56-106)
Is this the year the curse ends? The Cubs cruise to 100 wins en route to the World Series. The Reds are easily the worst team in MLB.
NL West:
1. San Francisco Giants (95-67)
2. LA Dodgers (90-72)
3. San Diego Padres (74-88)
4. Colorado Rockies (72-90)
5. Arizona Diamondbacks (71-91)
It's an even year, so the Giants play well but can't get past the Cubs in the NLCS.
AL Widcard:
Cleveland Indians over Toronto Blue Jays
AL Divisional Series:
Cleveland Indians 3 Houston Astros 2
Kansas City Royals 3 Boston Red Sox 0
AL Championship Series:
Cleveland Indians 4 Kansas City Royals 3
NL Wildcard:
Pittsburgh Pirates over LA Dodgers
NL Divisional Series:
Chicago Cubs 3 Pittsburgh Pirates 2
San Francisco Giants 3 NY Mets 1
NL Championship Series:
Chicago Cubs 4 San Francisco Giants 2
World Series:
Cleveland Indians 3 Chicago Cubs 3 (World Ends before Game 7)
AL Cy Young: David Price
AL MVP: Michael Brantley
AL ROY: Byron Buxton
NL Cy Young: Clayton Kershaw
NL MVP: Bryce Harper
NL ROY: Steven Matz
Assuming the world doesn't end... the Cleveland Curse continues and the Cubs win first World Series since 1908.
Sunday, April 3, 2016
Sunday, March 30, 2014
2014 MLB Predictions Sure to be Wrong
Last year's predictions were a bit rough as the Nationals and Giants were less than stellar and the Red Sox won it all after a dismal 2012 season. Somehow I managed to pick the Rays over the Indians in the AL Wildcard and McCutcheon as NL MVP.
Now on to the 2014 predictions:
AL East:
1. New York Yankees 92-70
2. Tampa Bay Rays 91-71
3. Boston Red Sox 90-72
4. Toronto Blue Jays 81-81
5. Baltimore Orioles 78-84
Yankees bounce back from last years third place finish to outdistance the Rays and Red Sox.
AL Central:
1. Detroit Tigers 95-67
2. Cleveland Indians 92-70
3. Kansas City Royals 85-77
4. Minnesota Twins 72-90
5. Chicago White Sox 63-99
The Tigers and their $300 million man are class of the division again. Justin Masterson pitches the Tribe to the ALCS en route to a Cy Young winning season.
AL West:
1. Los Angeles Angels 89-73
2. Seattle Mariners 86-76
3. Oakland Athletics 81-81
4. Texas Rangers 77-85
5. Houston Astros 58-104
The Astros are horrendous yet again and the Mike Trout Angels put it all together with a healthy season from Pujols and Hamilton. The A's will probably win the division again.
NL East:
1. Washington Nationals 95-67
2. Atlanta Braves 89-73
3. Florida Marlins 79-83
4. New York Mets 73-89
5. Philadelphia Phillies 70-92
Nats bounce back thanks to a healthy team. Injuries hold the Braves back and they have another early playoff exit. Watch for the Marlins in 2015.
NL Central:
1. St. Louis Cardinals 96-66
2. Pittsburgh Pirates 93-69
3. Cincinnati Reds 81-81
4. Chicago Cubs 73-89
5. Milwaukee Brewers 65-97
Cards and Pirates battle all year atop the division. The Reds are plagued by injuries and struggle to reach .500.
NL West:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers 94-68
2. San Francisco Giants 88-74
3. San Diego Padres 83-79
4. Colorado Rockies 77-85
5. Arizona Diamondbacks 74-88
The Dodgers spend enough to win a division, but the World Series still eludes them.
AL Wildcard:
Cleveland Indians over Tampa Bay Rays
AL Divisional Series:
Cleveland Indians 3 New York Yankees 2
Detroit Tigers 3 Los Angeles 1
AL Championship Series:
Detroit Tigers 4 Cleveland Indians 3
NL Wildcard:
Pittsburgh Pirates over Atlanta Braves
NL Divisional Series:
Los Angeles Dodgers 3 St. Louis Cardinals 2
Washington Nationals 3 Pittsburgh Pirates 1
NL Championship Series:
Washington Nationals 4 Los Angeles Dodgers 2
World Series:
Washington Nationals 4 Detroit Tigers 2
AL Cy Young: Justin Masterson, CLE
AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera, DET
AL ROY: Masahiro Tanaka, NYY
AL Comeback: Grady Sizemore, BOS
NL Cy Young: Stephen Strasburg, WAS
NL MVP: Bryce Harper, WAS
NL ROY: Carlos Martinez, STL
NL Comeback: Johnny Cueto, CIN
And there you have it.
Now on to the 2014 predictions:
AL East:
1. New York Yankees 92-70
2. Tampa Bay Rays 91-71
3. Boston Red Sox 90-72
4. Toronto Blue Jays 81-81
5. Baltimore Orioles 78-84
Yankees bounce back from last years third place finish to outdistance the Rays and Red Sox.
AL Central:
1. Detroit Tigers 95-67
2. Cleveland Indians 92-70
3. Kansas City Royals 85-77
4. Minnesota Twins 72-90
5. Chicago White Sox 63-99
The Tigers and their $300 million man are class of the division again. Justin Masterson pitches the Tribe to the ALCS en route to a Cy Young winning season.
AL West:
1. Los Angeles Angels 89-73
2. Seattle Mariners 86-76
3. Oakland Athletics 81-81
4. Texas Rangers 77-85
5. Houston Astros 58-104
The Astros are horrendous yet again and the Mike Trout Angels put it all together with a healthy season from Pujols and Hamilton. The A's will probably win the division again.
NL East:
1. Washington Nationals 95-67
2. Atlanta Braves 89-73
3. Florida Marlins 79-83
4. New York Mets 73-89
5. Philadelphia Phillies 70-92
Nats bounce back thanks to a healthy team. Injuries hold the Braves back and they have another early playoff exit. Watch for the Marlins in 2015.
NL Central:
1. St. Louis Cardinals 96-66
2. Pittsburgh Pirates 93-69
3. Cincinnati Reds 81-81
4. Chicago Cubs 73-89
5. Milwaukee Brewers 65-97
Cards and Pirates battle all year atop the division. The Reds are plagued by injuries and struggle to reach .500.
NL West:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers 94-68
2. San Francisco Giants 88-74
3. San Diego Padres 83-79
4. Colorado Rockies 77-85
5. Arizona Diamondbacks 74-88
The Dodgers spend enough to win a division, but the World Series still eludes them.
AL Wildcard:
Cleveland Indians over Tampa Bay Rays
AL Divisional Series:
Cleveland Indians 3 New York Yankees 2
Detroit Tigers 3 Los Angeles 1
AL Championship Series:
Detroit Tigers 4 Cleveland Indians 3
NL Wildcard:
Pittsburgh Pirates over Atlanta Braves
NL Divisional Series:
Los Angeles Dodgers 3 St. Louis Cardinals 2
Washington Nationals 3 Pittsburgh Pirates 1
NL Championship Series:
Washington Nationals 4 Los Angeles Dodgers 2
World Series:
Washington Nationals 4 Detroit Tigers 2
AL Cy Young: Justin Masterson, CLE
AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera, DET
AL ROY: Masahiro Tanaka, NYY
AL Comeback: Grady Sizemore, BOS
NL Cy Young: Stephen Strasburg, WAS
NL MVP: Bryce Harper, WAS
NL ROY: Carlos Martinez, STL
NL Comeback: Johnny Cueto, CIN
And there you have it.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
2013 MLB Predictions Sure to be Wrong
First the results from the 2012 predictions. Picked 3/6 division winners and both World Series teams finished in bottom half of their divisions, obviously failing to make the playoffs. I also missed on all the post season awards, missing the obvious rookie superstars in Trout and Harper.
Now on to the 2013 Predictions:
AL East:
1. Toronto Blue Jays 91-71
2. Tampa Bay Rays 90-72
3. Boston Red Sox 89-73
4. New York Yankees 82-80
5. Baltimore Orioles 81-81
Stacked division. The O's could actually be a better team and finish last in the division. The Jays made too many improvements not to jump to the top of the East. The rest of the division has done what they need to to keep up in the arms race with the Yankees and Red Sox.
AL Central:
1. Detroit Tigers 94-68
2. Cleveland Indians 90-72
3. Kansas City Royals 82-80
4. Chicago White Sox 68-94
5. Minnesota Twins 67-95
The Tigers are good, but improved Indians and Royals teams will be on their heals. It may be 2014 until the Royals youngsters are ready and the Tribe will still be looking to upgrade the pitching staff.
AL West:
1. LA Angels 93-69
2. Oakland A's 80-82
3. Texas Rangers 79-83
4. Seattle Mariners 72-90
5. Houston Astros 61-101
The Rangers will take a step back after losing Michael Young and Josh Hamilton. With the addition of Hamilton the Angels are the team to beat.
NL East:
1. Washington Nationals 93-69
2. Atlanta Braves 90-72
3. Philadelphia Phillies 84-78
4. Miami Marlins 75-87
5. New York Mets 63-99
The young Nats will be hungry after last season's playoff run.
NL Central:
1. St. Louis Cardinals 87-75
2. Cincinnati Reds 85-77
3. Pittsburgh Pirates 82-80
4. Milwaukee Brewers 77-85
5. Chicago Cubs 64-98
The darkhorse is the Pirates. Look for them to challenge the Cards and Reds with all three teams between 82-87 wins.
NL West:
1. San Francisco Giants 95-67
2. LA Dodgers 92-70
3. Arizona Diamondbacks 80-82
4. Colorado Rockies 76-86
5. San Diego Padres 68-94
The 2012 World Series champions will not have a letdown season, especially with the hopeful return to form of one time ace Tim Lincecum. The Dodgers spent a lot of money, but the team won't gel enough to unseat the Giants.
AL Wildcard:
Tampa Bay Rays over Cleveland Indians
AL Divisional Series:
Tampa Bay Rays over Detroit Tigers
Toronto Blue Jays over LA Angels
AL Championship Series:
Tampa Bay Rays over Toronto Blue Jays
NL Wildcard:
LA Dodgers over Atlanta Braves
NL Divisional Series:
San Francisco Giants over St. Louis Cardinals
Washington Nationals over LA Dodgers
NL Championship Series:
Washington Nationals over San Francisco Giants
World Series:
Tampa Bays Rays over Washington Nationals
AL Cy Young: Mike Trout, LAA
AL MVP: Justin Verlander, DET
AL ROY: Wil Myers, TAM
AL Comeback: Faus... er Roberto Hernandez!
NL Cy Young: Stephen Strasburg, WAS
NL MVP: Andrew McCutcheon, PIT
NL ROY: Darin Ruf, PHI
NL Comeback: Troy Tulowitzki, COL
Go Tribe!
Now on to the 2013 Predictions:
AL East:
1. Toronto Blue Jays 91-71
2. Tampa Bay Rays 90-72
3. Boston Red Sox 89-73
4. New York Yankees 82-80
5. Baltimore Orioles 81-81
Stacked division. The O's could actually be a better team and finish last in the division. The Jays made too many improvements not to jump to the top of the East. The rest of the division has done what they need to to keep up in the arms race with the Yankees and Red Sox.
AL Central:
1. Detroit Tigers 94-68
2. Cleveland Indians 90-72
3. Kansas City Royals 82-80
4. Chicago White Sox 68-94
5. Minnesota Twins 67-95
The Tigers are good, but improved Indians and Royals teams will be on their heals. It may be 2014 until the Royals youngsters are ready and the Tribe will still be looking to upgrade the pitching staff.
AL West:
1. LA Angels 93-69
2. Oakland A's 80-82
3. Texas Rangers 79-83
4. Seattle Mariners 72-90
5. Houston Astros 61-101
The Rangers will take a step back after losing Michael Young and Josh Hamilton. With the addition of Hamilton the Angels are the team to beat.
NL East:
1. Washington Nationals 93-69
2. Atlanta Braves 90-72
3. Philadelphia Phillies 84-78
4. Miami Marlins 75-87
5. New York Mets 63-99
The young Nats will be hungry after last season's playoff run.
NL Central:
1. St. Louis Cardinals 87-75
2. Cincinnati Reds 85-77
3. Pittsburgh Pirates 82-80
4. Milwaukee Brewers 77-85
5. Chicago Cubs 64-98
The darkhorse is the Pirates. Look for them to challenge the Cards and Reds with all three teams between 82-87 wins.
NL West:
1. San Francisco Giants 95-67
2. LA Dodgers 92-70
3. Arizona Diamondbacks 80-82
4. Colorado Rockies 76-86
5. San Diego Padres 68-94
The 2012 World Series champions will not have a letdown season, especially with the hopeful return to form of one time ace Tim Lincecum. The Dodgers spent a lot of money, but the team won't gel enough to unseat the Giants.
AL Wildcard:
Tampa Bay Rays over Cleveland Indians
AL Divisional Series:
Tampa Bay Rays over Detroit Tigers
Toronto Blue Jays over LA Angels
AL Championship Series:
Tampa Bay Rays over Toronto Blue Jays
NL Wildcard:
LA Dodgers over Atlanta Braves
NL Divisional Series:
San Francisco Giants over St. Louis Cardinals
Washington Nationals over LA Dodgers
NL Championship Series:
Washington Nationals over San Francisco Giants
World Series:
Tampa Bays Rays over Washington Nationals
AL Cy Young: Mike Trout, LAA
AL MVP: Justin Verlander, DET
AL ROY: Wil Myers, TAM
AL Comeback: Faus... er Roberto Hernandez!
NL Cy Young: Stephen Strasburg, WAS
NL MVP: Andrew McCutcheon, PIT
NL ROY: Darin Ruf, PHI
NL Comeback: Troy Tulowitzki, COL
Go Tribe!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
2012 MLB Predictions Sure to be Wrong
Below are the 2012 Predictions!
AL East
1. New York Yankees 96-66
2. Tampa Bay Rays 91-71
3. Toronto Blue Jays 87-75
4. Boston Red Sox 85-77
5. Baltimore Orioles 62-100
Look for the Yankees to repeat in the East. The big surprise will be the fall of the Red Sox. A weak rotation and bullpen to go with poor 7-9 hitters will result in the Sox missing playoffs. The Rays are still young but are going to led by a superb rotation. This could be the year that the Blue Jays arrive. Behind the bats of Jose Bautista and Brett Lawrie the Jays will be a powerful offensive team.
AL Central
1. Detroit Tigers 95-67
2. Cleveland Indians 83-79
3. Kansas City Royals 82-80
4. Chicago White Sox 71-91
5. Minnesota Twins 69-93
The Tigers are the clear favorites to win the Central. The addition of Prince Fielder will add to an already strong offensive ball club. The defense will be a concern with Miggy Cabrera at 3rd and Prince at 1st. The Indians look to improve on a disappointing finish to 2011. The Royals may still be a year away, but have a lot of hope for the future.
AL West
2. Texas Rangers 92-70
3. LA Angels 91-71
1. Oakland Athletics 72-90
4. Seattle Mariners 67-95
The Rangers lost CJ Wilson to the Angels but added Japanese phenom Yu Darvish. Will the Angels have the bats to protect free agent signee Albert Pujols? Their rotation will be stellar, but can Jordon Walden overcome a shaky spring?
NL East
1. Philadelphia Phillies 94-68
2. Atlanta Braves 92-70
3. Miami Marlins 88-74
4. Washington Nationals 79-83
5. New York Mets 69-93
The Phillies still have the stellar rotation but a shaky offense will make the division come down to the wire. The Braves look to put last season's late collapse behind them and should be able to with another years of experience. The Marlins have a new name, new stadium, new jerseys, a new manager and some new faces in the lineup, particularly Jose Reyes and look to make a run, but will come up just a bit short.
NL Central
1. Milwaukee Brewers 86-76
2. St. Louis Cardinals 83-79
3. Cincinnati Reds 81-81
4. Pittsburgh Pirates 76-86
5. Chicago Cubs 69-93
6. Houston Astros 62-100
This is unquestionably the weakest division in baseball in 2012. The Brewers lost Prince Fielder, the WS Champion Cards lost Albert Pujols and the Cubs and Astros are in a multi-year rebuilding process.
NL West
1. San Francisco Giants 92-70
2. Arizona Diamondbacks 86-76
3. Colorado Rockies 83-79
4. Los Angeles Dodgers 75-87
5. San Diego Padres 72-90
The Giants return to the top of the division thanks to a strong rotation and a healthy Buster Posey.
AL Wildcard
LA Angels over Tampa Rays
AL Divisional Series
Detroit Tigers 3 Texas Rangers 1
LA Angels 3 NY Yankees 2
AL Championship Series
LA Angels 4 Detroit Tigers 2
NL Wildcard
Atlanta Braves over Miami Marlins
NL Divisional Series
Atlanta Braves 3 San Francisco Giants 2
Philadelphia Phillies 3 Milwaukee Brewers 1
NL Championship Series
Philadelphia Phillies 4 Atlanta Braves 3
World Series
LA Angels 4 Philadelphia Phillies 3
AL Cy Young: Justin Verlander
AL MVP: Evan Longoria
AL ROY: Jesus Montero
NL Cy Young: Cliff Lee
NL MVP: Jose Reyes
NL ROY: Zack Cozart
Pujols Repeats!
All this will be wrong and the Indians will win it all!
AL East
1. New York Yankees 96-66
2. Tampa Bay Rays 91-71
3. Toronto Blue Jays 87-75
4. Boston Red Sox 85-77
5. Baltimore Orioles 62-100
Look for the Yankees to repeat in the East. The big surprise will be the fall of the Red Sox. A weak rotation and bullpen to go with poor 7-9 hitters will result in the Sox missing playoffs. The Rays are still young but are going to led by a superb rotation. This could be the year that the Blue Jays arrive. Behind the bats of Jose Bautista and Brett Lawrie the Jays will be a powerful offensive team.
AL Central
1. Detroit Tigers 95-67
2. Cleveland Indians 83-79
3. Kansas City Royals 82-80
4. Chicago White Sox 71-91
5. Minnesota Twins 69-93
The Tigers are the clear favorites to win the Central. The addition of Prince Fielder will add to an already strong offensive ball club. The defense will be a concern with Miggy Cabrera at 3rd and Prince at 1st. The Indians look to improve on a disappointing finish to 2011. The Royals may still be a year away, but have a lot of hope for the future.
AL West
2. Texas Rangers 92-70
3. LA Angels 91-71
1. Oakland Athletics 72-90
4. Seattle Mariners 67-95
The Rangers lost CJ Wilson to the Angels but added Japanese phenom Yu Darvish. Will the Angels have the bats to protect free agent signee Albert Pujols? Their rotation will be stellar, but can Jordon Walden overcome a shaky spring?
NL East
1. Philadelphia Phillies 94-68
2. Atlanta Braves 92-70
3. Miami Marlins 88-74
4. Washington Nationals 79-83
5. New York Mets 69-93
The Phillies still have the stellar rotation but a shaky offense will make the division come down to the wire. The Braves look to put last season's late collapse behind them and should be able to with another years of experience. The Marlins have a new name, new stadium, new jerseys, a new manager and some new faces in the lineup, particularly Jose Reyes and look to make a run, but will come up just a bit short.
NL Central
1. Milwaukee Brewers 86-76
2. St. Louis Cardinals 83-79
3. Cincinnati Reds 81-81
4. Pittsburgh Pirates 76-86
5. Chicago Cubs 69-93
6. Houston Astros 62-100
This is unquestionably the weakest division in baseball in 2012. The Brewers lost Prince Fielder, the WS Champion Cards lost Albert Pujols and the Cubs and Astros are in a multi-year rebuilding process.
NL West
1. San Francisco Giants 92-70
2. Arizona Diamondbacks 86-76
3. Colorado Rockies 83-79
4. Los Angeles Dodgers 75-87
5. San Diego Padres 72-90
The Giants return to the top of the division thanks to a strong rotation and a healthy Buster Posey.
AL Wildcard
LA Angels over Tampa Rays
AL Divisional Series
Detroit Tigers 3 Texas Rangers 1
LA Angels 3 NY Yankees 2
AL Championship Series
LA Angels 4 Detroit Tigers 2
NL Wildcard
Atlanta Braves over Miami Marlins
NL Divisional Series
Atlanta Braves 3 San Francisco Giants 2
Philadelphia Phillies 3 Milwaukee Brewers 1
NL Championship Series
Philadelphia Phillies 4 Atlanta Braves 3
World Series
LA Angels 4 Philadelphia Phillies 3
AL Cy Young: Justin Verlander
AL MVP: Evan Longoria
AL ROY: Jesus Montero
NL Cy Young: Cliff Lee
NL MVP: Jose Reyes
NL ROY: Zack Cozart
Pujols Repeats!
All this will be wrong and the Indians will win it all!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
2011 MLB Predictions Review
Wow, those were some atrocious picks.
I managed to pick ONE division winner and only two playoff teams out of eight. The Phillies were the easy pick in the NL East and I had the Yankees winning the Wild Card. Giants-Red Sox World Series proved to be way off base with both teams missing the playoffs. The Twins were picked first in the AL Central and finshed last and the Diamondbacks won the NL West after being picked dead last. I managed to pick zero teams with an exact record but did have the Astros with the worst record in baseball and they were even worse than I predicted.
As far as the accolades go it was another 0'fer but I must say, Hellickson should have won ROY in the AL.
Here's to hoping 2012 fares a little better.
I managed to pick ONE division winner and only two playoff teams out of eight. The Phillies were the easy pick in the NL East and I had the Yankees winning the Wild Card. Giants-Red Sox World Series proved to be way off base with both teams missing the playoffs. The Twins were picked first in the AL Central and finshed last and the Diamondbacks won the NL West after being picked dead last. I managed to pick zero teams with an exact record but did have the Astros with the worst record in baseball and they were even worse than I predicted.
As far as the accolades go it was another 0'fer but I must say, Hellickson should have won ROY in the AL.
Here's to hoping 2012 fares a little better.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Tribe Still Rolling!
The Cleveland Indians completed their third sweep in five series this afternoon after beating the Baltimore Orioles 4-2. Fausto Carmona recorded his first win on the season and third quality start in a row after the opening day massacre. At 11-4 the Indians have best record in the American League and start a series with the equally surprising Kansas City Royals (10-5) on Monday.
The Indians are Royals were picked by everyone (myself included!) to be flat out bad. It's no secret that the Royals have a lot of talent in their farm system but the success was supposed to be a couple years away yet. The Royals have been led by homegrown bats. Alex Gordon and Billy Butler are living up to the expectations of being first round draft picks, both hitting over .350 in the early going.
The Tribe has been built on prospects received by trading away the stars of yesteryear. Justin Masterson has been unbeatable in three starts after coming to Cleveland in the Victor Martinez trade. Carlos Carrasco has been getting better each start after being acquired in the Cliff Lee trade. Mitch Talbot was acquired for none other than Kelly Shoppach! Closer Chris Perez came to the Tribe in the Mark DeRosa deal. That is a very young and promising pitching staff.
Looking at the lineup, it is also littered with players acquired by trade. Grady Sizemore was famously acquired in the Bartolo Colon deal in 2002 along with Cliff Lee and Brandon Phillips (gave up on him a little quick). Asdrubal Cabrera, Carlos Santana, Matt LaPorta, Shin-Soo Choo, Michael Brantley, and Travis Hafner also came to Cleveland by way of the trade.
While many people tend to focus on the success of players that the Indians have traded away, they have done a fine job of recognizing and developing young talent for the likes of Cliff Lee, CC Sabathia, and Victor Martinez.
The Indians are Royals were picked by everyone (myself included!) to be flat out bad. It's no secret that the Royals have a lot of talent in their farm system but the success was supposed to be a couple years away yet. The Royals have been led by homegrown bats. Alex Gordon and Billy Butler are living up to the expectations of being first round draft picks, both hitting over .350 in the early going.
The Tribe has been built on prospects received by trading away the stars of yesteryear. Justin Masterson has been unbeatable in three starts after coming to Cleveland in the Victor Martinez trade. Carlos Carrasco has been getting better each start after being acquired in the Cliff Lee trade. Mitch Talbot was acquired for none other than Kelly Shoppach! Closer Chris Perez came to the Tribe in the Mark DeRosa deal. That is a very young and promising pitching staff.
Looking at the lineup, it is also littered with players acquired by trade. Grady Sizemore was famously acquired in the Bartolo Colon deal in 2002 along with Cliff Lee and Brandon Phillips (gave up on him a little quick). Asdrubal Cabrera, Carlos Santana, Matt LaPorta, Shin-Soo Choo, Michael Brantley, and Travis Hafner also came to Cleveland by way of the trade.
While many people tend to focus on the success of players that the Indians have traded away, they have done a fine job of recognizing and developing young talent for the likes of Cliff Lee, CC Sabathia, and Victor Martinez.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Predictions Proving Wrong!
The Cleveland Indians are off to an 8-2 start that no one could have ever predicted. It's not just that they are winning but it is the way that they are winning. They are winning on timely hitting, great starting pitching, a terrific bullpen, and stopper defense.
The Indians have the third best run differential in baseball (+19) and are in the top ten in every offensive category. Take away the opening day disaster and the Indians have the best ERA in baseball and the third best fielding percentage.
Asdrubal Cabrera has been hitting the ball the best he has in his career, with four early season home runs and ten RBI. Fausto Carmona came back from his dismal start in the opener to shut down the Boston Red Sox (my title pick!) last week and the young arms of Masterson, Tomlin, and Talbot have been great in the early going. There aren't many players left on the team from the 2007 team that was one win away from the World Series, but those that are are going to be key during the season. The leadership of Travis Hafner, Asdrubal, Fausto, and Grady Sizemore will be crucial in the team's success. Hopefully Grady can bounce back from injuries the past two seasons and be a key contributor out of the leadoff hole and in centerfield.
Now by no means do I expect the Tribe to play this well all season, but they give reason for hope to a city that hasn't had much luck on it's side the past 50 years. Let's make this an Indian Summer!
The Indians have the third best run differential in baseball (+19) and are in the top ten in every offensive category. Take away the opening day disaster and the Indians have the best ERA in baseball and the third best fielding percentage.
Asdrubal Cabrera has been hitting the ball the best he has in his career, with four early season home runs and ten RBI. Fausto Carmona came back from his dismal start in the opener to shut down the Boston Red Sox (my title pick!) last week and the young arms of Masterson, Tomlin, and Talbot have been great in the early going. There aren't many players left on the team from the 2007 team that was one win away from the World Series, but those that are are going to be key during the season. The leadership of Travis Hafner, Asdrubal, Fausto, and Grady Sizemore will be crucial in the team's success. Hopefully Grady can bounce back from injuries the past two seasons and be a key contributor out of the leadoff hole and in centerfield.
Now by no means do I expect the Tribe to play this well all season, but they give reason for hope to a city that hasn't had much luck on it's side the past 50 years. Let's make this an Indian Summer!
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