Welcome to Week 5. As I walking into work this morning I noticed there’s a Ferris Wheel sitting in the middle of the greenway on Atlantic Ave. It’s probably the most random thing I’ve ever seen. It’s about 20ft high, has 10 or so dual seating compartments and looks to be about as much as fun as being a Cubs fan at Wrigley last night. I don’t know if the guy running this thing was on his way to a carnival, got lost and figured he’d just set up shop here and make some money, but I’m intrigued to see if anyone trusts to get on it. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a homeless guy sitting on a crate pedaling for change in his Dunkin Donuts cup while hits the “Stop” and “Go” button.
By the way, was I the only one that didn’t watch the VP debate last night? I got all jacked up for another episode of The Office before realizing the debate basically took over basic television last night. Thankfully there was nothing on before 9 and 10pm, so I watched Unfaithful on Lifetime. If you haven’t seen it, check it out. Richard Gere kills some stud for banging his wife. Great theatre.
Onto the picks. For Random Rob, I threw darts again. If it landed on a white area, “Home team.” If it landed on a black area, “Away team.”
In the words of Mike Goldberg…And here we go!
Keefe’s picks
Last week: 5-8, overall 31-29
Lions +3.5 over Bears
Lions aren’t good, but a home dog? They lose by a FG, and I still win. Come on Calvin Johnson!
Packers -7.5 over Falcons
How about Aaron Rodgers and Matt Ryan having the same number of starts in the NFL? The two young Q’s go head to head, but how healthy will Rodgers be? The alternative of Matt Flynn and Brian Brohm is about as promising as Matt Cassel and Kevin O’Connell… wait.
Chargers -6.5 over Dolphins
How many times does Ronnie Brown lineup at Q?
Giants -7.5 over Seahawks
Seattle got some receivers last week, but it won’t matter against New York. I hate Eli Manning and the Giants more than any other player/ team, but I can’t pick the Seahawks here. A rare both teams coming off of Byes here… No Plaxico either, maybe I should change my pick.
Redskins +5.5 over Eagles
The spread should never be higher than 3 this year in the NFC East. Well besides the Skins getting worked on by the Giants week 1. It’s been a different team since.
Panthers -9.5 over Chiefs
I think the Chiefs come back down to Earth this week. Carolina is quietly winning games and putting themselves in a great spot for the post season.
Titans -3.5 over Ravens
Titans looking to stay undefeated with the big question on everyone’s mind. Will Vince Young be the number 2 or number 3 QB? Stay tuned.
Texans +3.5 over Colts
The Colts are down this year, but coming off a Bye week. Houston has given them trouble even when they were at the top. This is my upset special. Enjoy.
Broncos -3.5 over Buccaneers
We’ll see if this high powered Denver offense can get back on track this weekend. Cutler is a great young QB with a fantastic 1-2 punch at WR, I think they bounce back in a big way.
Bills +0.5 over Cardinals
Can the Bills really go to 5-0? I say yes.
Patriots -3.5 over 49ers
This will be the first week the Pats score more than 20 points post Brady. Coming off the bye week Belichick will have them ready to go.
Cowboys -15.5 over Bengals
That’s a ton of points, but who on Cincy is going to stop anyone on Dallas? Terrell Owens puts last week behind him and has a monster game. Marion Barber better get more than 8 carries by the way. Will Ocho Cinco “kiss the star?”
Steelers +4.5 over Jaguars
The Jags may win but they won’t cover. They never do. I’m not impressed with either team having Super Bowl aspirations.
Saints -3.5 over Vikings
Vikings always hype up their run defense. Well Chris Johnson put in 2 TDs on the ground last week. Deuce could still score, but Bush is more of a wideout anyway. Advantage Saints.
Besse’s picks
Last week: 7-6, overall 32-28
Lions +3.5 over Bears
Matt Forte should have a solid game here. But the Lions at home, a new GM, and Calvin Johnson maturing into a top notch receiver right before our very eyes gives us…! Another Lions loss, by a Robbie Gould field goal late in the 4th.
Falcons +7.5 over Packers
Whether Aaron Rodgers plays or not doesn’t even matter at this point. He won’t be healthy. The Falcons may not win the game, but they’ll make it damn close.
Chargers -6.5 over Dolphins
Ronnie Brown will come back to Earth. I’m actually predicting Ricky Williams has more all-purpose yards. But LT will probably have more all-purpose yards than the two of them combined. Chargers in a romp.
Giants -7.5 over Seahawks
Seattle gets some manpower back on the wings, and while it will help Hasselbeck deliver the goods, Eli and Co. will have just enough. I picked up Amani Toomer in a couple fantasy leagues and expect a nice game out of him in the absence of Plaxico Burress. I suggest you do the same.
Redskins +5.5 over Eagles
I agree with Rich here. I feel like every NFC East game should be decided by a field goal. Even though Springs and Taylor are out for the Redskins, I still think that offense will keep them in the game. Eagles win…wait for it…by a field goal.
Panthers -9.5 over Chiefs
I really like this Panthers team, and picked them as my sleeper for the NFC this year. A lot of weapons on offense and the defense has shut down the run. Look for more of this winning combination this week.
Ravens +3.5 over Titans
If it wasn’t for Joe Flacco and Jarret Johnson imploding against the Steelers, the Ravens would have won that game and still been undefeated. Win or lose, this one is decided on a field goal.
Colts -3.5 over Texans
The Colts should win enough races to soundly hold off the Texans in this weekend’s track meet. Coming off a bye week, look for big production from the likes of Manning, Wayne and Clark.
Buccaneers +3.5 over Broncos
Jon Gruden is underrated as a coach. He always seem to put out competitive teams with sub par talent. Speaking of sub par, that’s what I’m hoping to be with my golf game tomorrow. I doubt it, just as much as I doubt the Broncos covering here.
Cardinals -0.5 over Bills
Buffalo flies cross country only to get hustled by the Cardinals. No way does that secondary allows 56 points in consecutive weeks, and the Bills should not be 5-0. Let’s hope the Cardinals don’t allow that travesty to occur.
Patriots -3.5 over 49ers
Week off for the Pats, so I expect Bill to walk into that stadium, have his way with the 49ers, then leave with no remorse. Kind of sounds like a rapist. Can I say that?
Bengals +15.5 over Cowboys
This could be a bloodbath if Carson Palmer doesn’t play. But I’m banking on two things: a) he does play and b) if he doesn’t play, someone, anyone, I don’t care who it is, gets Housh some touches and a TD reception. He’s been killing me in fantasy.
Steelers +4.5 over Jaguars
If the Jaguars happen to win, it’s by no more than a field goal. I think Big Ben has a nice week here and continues to get back on track. Moore should fill in fine for Willie Parker,
Saints -3.5 over Vikings
Big fan of Drew Brees. He could toss for 400 yards and a couple scores to a trio of wideouts with no hands. He’s been that good. Speaking of which, anyone watch that armless guy at the WSOP? Dude was playing with his feet. I wouldn’t want to win a pot from that guy with his feet all over those chips. “Take it down, pal, nice hand,” as I fold quad Aces.
Random Rob’s picks
Last week: 8-5, overall 37-23
Bears
Falcons
Dolphins
Seahawks
Redskins
Panthers
Titans
Colts
Broncos
Bills
49ers
Bengals
Jaguars
Saints
Don’t forget to check out Kimbo Slice and the rest of the cast on CBS’ Saturday Night Fights with the poetic Gus Johnson at the mic. Should be a great night of fights!
-Bess
Showing posts with label Cubs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cubs. Show all posts
Friday, October 3, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Name that MLB All-Star
-Keefe
A: Alfonso Soriano, CHC
B: Pat Burrell, PHI
C: Carlos Lee, HOU
D: Kosuke Fukudome, CHC
E: Xavier Nady, PIT
F: Corey Hart, MIL
And lastly how about the closers in the NL? Take just 1 of these 4.
Player A: 0-1, 4.37 ERA, 24 saves
Player B: 4-1, 2.43 ERA, 18 saves
Player C: 4-2, 2.44 ERA, 17 saves
Player D: 2-3, 2.57 ERA, 18 saves
This one I don’t understand. Saves is clearly an overrated stat, but I guess not here.
A: Brian Wilson, SF
B: Francisco Cordero, CIN
C: Jon Rauch, WSH
D: Brandon Lyon, ARI
This one would have made a lot more since to me if Wilson was the only selection from the Giants. But with Tim Lincecum on the squad, why take a closer with an ERA pushing 4.50? I don’t get it.
There will always be problems picking All-Star teams in every sport. But that’s what makes it a fun debate. Not even mentioned above is the fact that some positions are just so loaded, that some players get left off with little to argue. Ryan Howard for example is leading the NL in RBI with 76 and 2nd in HR (1 shy of teammate Chase Utley with 23), but his .223 average hurts him compared to the likes of Lance Berkman, Albert Pujols, and Adrian Gonzalez (only SD selection, and having a monster season). Mark Teixiera (.276-16-66) and Derrek Lee (.306-15-53) are others having great years, but nothing like the guys in front of them.
Bottom line is when voting is involved not everyone will be happy. Isn’t that right Al Gore fans?
-Keefe
The All-Stars have been named for next week’s game from Yankee Stadium. The Sox and Cubs lead all teams with 7 selections. The 1st place Tampa Bay Rays will bring 2 players to the mid-summer classic in Scott Kazmir and Dioner Navarro. Every year it’s the same thing. Guys make it when they shouldn’t, and guys don’t when they should. This year is no different.
Let’s play a little game called “Name that MLB All-Star.” As seen sometimes on Baseball Tonight or in March when deciding on those last bubble teams I will simply list stats for certain players at a specific position without the benefit of their names, and you decide who deserves to be the All-Star. In some cases you will be able to choose more than 1 nameless player. Scroll down to see who belongs to each stat line, with the actual All-Stars in BOLD.
Before we begin I want to point out I understand that the fans vote in the starters, and every team in the league must be represented. The bench players are elected by fellow players and the managers (Terry Francona and Clint Hurdle). With that said, let’s see who really should be All-Stars.
We’ll start out simple. Just 2 options here. 1 is an All-Star and 1 is not. The position is Catcher in the American League. You decide.
Which Catcher deserves to be an All- Star?
Player A: .296, 7 HR, 33 RBI, 33 Runs
Player B: .218, 7 HR, 27 RBI, 18 Runs
I know, it’s not close. Well player B was voted in by the players. His name: Jason Varitek. The Red Sox captain is only owned in 42.6% of ESPN Fantasy Leagues! Every team in fantasy needs a catcher right? That is unbelievable. In fact recently released Indians reliever Joe Borowski (42.5%) is owned in just as many leagues.
A. A.J. Pierzynski, CHW
B. Jason Varitek, BOS
Staying in the American League let’s take a look at 3rd basemen. Choose (2) out of (5).
Player A: .281, 17 HR, 54 RBI
Player B: .261, 15 HR, 47 RBI
Player C: .286, 8 HR, 44 RBI
Player D: .297, 13 HR, 54 RBI
Player E: .281, 16 HR, 52 RBI
Looking at the numbers this one might be tough. Some similar stat lines here. No way player B makes it over D or E right? Wrong.
A: Aubrey Huff*, BAL
B: Joe Crede, CHW
C: Carlos Guillen, DET
D: Mike Lowell, BOS
E: Evan Longoria, TAM
*3B eligible in fantasy
What about OF in the AL? Here are the numbers of 7 players, choose only 2.
Player A: .272, 13 HR, 64 RBI
Player B: .278, 16 HR, 53 RBI
Player C: .307, 12 HR, 50 RBI
Player D: .271, 11 HR, 55 RBI
Player E: .302, 3 HR, 21 RBI, 34 SB
Player F: .308, 19 HR, 52 RBI
Player G: .288, 8 HR, 47 RBI, 22 SB
Chalk this one up to the fans. Only 2 players on this list were selected, and they both are starters.
A: Jose Guillen, KC
B: Manny Ramirez, BOS
C: Magglio Ordonez, DET
D: David Murphy, TEX
E: Ichiro, SEA
F: Jermaine Dye, CHW
G: Carl Crawford, TAM
Surprised? It’s not the worst players fans have voted in, not even close, but everyone on this list not going to NY next week certainly has a beef.
The Sports Brief is not AL biased. In the National League nearly the same scenario played out. 2 popular outfielders were named starters while other more deserving players got denied.
Choose (2) of the (6) NL outfielders.
Player A: .283, 15 HR, 40 RBI
Player B: .279, 21 HR, 53 RBI
Player C: .292, 19 HR, 67 RBI
Player D: .287, 7 HR, 35 RBI
Player E: .321, 12 HR, 53 RBI
Player F: .296, 14 HR, 55 RBI, 13 SB
You think it’s a popularity contest? You’re right.
Let’s play a little game called “Name that MLB All-Star.” As seen sometimes on Baseball Tonight or in March when deciding on those last bubble teams I will simply list stats for certain players at a specific position without the benefit of their names, and you decide who deserves to be the All-Star. In some cases you will be able to choose more than 1 nameless player. Scroll down to see who belongs to each stat line, with the actual All-Stars in BOLD.
Before we begin I want to point out I understand that the fans vote in the starters, and every team in the league must be represented. The bench players are elected by fellow players and the managers (Terry Francona and Clint Hurdle). With that said, let’s see who really should be All-Stars.
We’ll start out simple. Just 2 options here. 1 is an All-Star and 1 is not. The position is Catcher in the American League. You decide.
Which Catcher deserves to be an All- Star?
Player A: .296, 7 HR, 33 RBI, 33 Runs
Player B: .218, 7 HR, 27 RBI, 18 Runs
I know, it’s not close. Well player B was voted in by the players. His name: Jason Varitek. The Red Sox captain is only owned in 42.6% of ESPN Fantasy Leagues! Every team in fantasy needs a catcher right? That is unbelievable. In fact recently released Indians reliever Joe Borowski (42.5%) is owned in just as many leagues.
A. A.J. Pierzynski, CHW
B. Jason Varitek, BOS
Staying in the American League let’s take a look at 3rd basemen. Choose (2) out of (5).
Player A: .281, 17 HR, 54 RBI
Player B: .261, 15 HR, 47 RBI
Player C: .286, 8 HR, 44 RBI
Player D: .297, 13 HR, 54 RBI
Player E: .281, 16 HR, 52 RBI
Looking at the numbers this one might be tough. Some similar stat lines here. No way player B makes it over D or E right? Wrong.
A: Aubrey Huff*, BAL
B: Joe Crede, CHW
C: Carlos Guillen, DET
D: Mike Lowell, BOS
E: Evan Longoria, TAM
*3B eligible in fantasy
What about OF in the AL? Here are the numbers of 7 players, choose only 2.
Player A: .272, 13 HR, 64 RBI
Player B: .278, 16 HR, 53 RBI
Player C: .307, 12 HR, 50 RBI
Player D: .271, 11 HR, 55 RBI
Player E: .302, 3 HR, 21 RBI, 34 SB
Player F: .308, 19 HR, 52 RBI
Player G: .288, 8 HR, 47 RBI, 22 SB
Chalk this one up to the fans. Only 2 players on this list were selected, and they both are starters.
A: Jose Guillen, KC
B: Manny Ramirez, BOS
C: Magglio Ordonez, DET
D: David Murphy, TEX
E: Ichiro, SEA
F: Jermaine Dye, CHW
G: Carl Crawford, TAM
Surprised? It’s not the worst players fans have voted in, not even close, but everyone on this list not going to NY next week certainly has a beef.
The Sports Brief is not AL biased. In the National League nearly the same scenario played out. 2 popular outfielders were named starters while other more deserving players got denied.
Choose (2) of the (6) NL outfielders.
Player A: .283, 15 HR, 40 RBI
Player B: .279, 21 HR, 53 RBI
Player C: .292, 19 HR, 67 RBI
Player D: .287, 7 HR, 35 RBI
Player E: .321, 12 HR, 53 RBI
Player F: .296, 14 HR, 55 RBI, 13 SB
You think it’s a popularity contest? You’re right.
A: Alfonso Soriano, CHC
B: Pat Burrell, PHI
C: Carlos Lee, HOU
D: Kosuke Fukudome, CHC
E: Xavier Nady, PIT
F: Corey Hart, MIL
And lastly how about the closers in the NL? Take just 1 of these 4.
Player A: 0-1, 4.37 ERA, 24 saves
Player B: 4-1, 2.43 ERA, 18 saves
Player C: 4-2, 2.44 ERA, 17 saves
Player D: 2-3, 2.57 ERA, 18 saves
This one I don’t understand. Saves is clearly an overrated stat, but I guess not here.
A: Brian Wilson, SF
B: Francisco Cordero, CIN
C: Jon Rauch, WSH
D: Brandon Lyon, ARI
This one would have made a lot more since to me if Wilson was the only selection from the Giants. But with Tim Lincecum on the squad, why take a closer with an ERA pushing 4.50? I don’t get it.
There will always be problems picking All-Star teams in every sport. But that’s what makes it a fun debate. Not even mentioned above is the fact that some positions are just so loaded, that some players get left off with little to argue. Ryan Howard for example is leading the NL in RBI with 76 and 2nd in HR (1 shy of teammate Chase Utley with 23), but his .223 average hurts him compared to the likes of Lance Berkman, Albert Pujols, and Adrian Gonzalez (only SD selection, and having a monster season). Mark Teixiera (.276-16-66) and Derrek Lee (.306-15-53) are others having great years, but nothing like the guys in front of them.
Bottom line is when voting is involved not everyone will be happy. Isn’t that right Al Gore fans?
-Keefe
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
2008 MLB Predictions Galore
-Besse & Keefe
Besse- Red Sox
I like the Red Sox to hold off what will be a tough division for once. Once Beckett is healthy, the rotation will strengthen and with Papelbon at the back end of the rotation, they won’t lose many games late. The offense is virtually the same here, and I expect a big year from Manny Ramirez. The Yankees will contend, as will the Blue Jays. Some quiet moves by the Blue Jays and people are overlooking them again. The Rays will be a surprise to many. Their staff isn’t uber-talented, but it’s deep and the lineup is young, fast and exciting.
Keefe- Red Sox
The Red Sox will win back to back division titles for the first time since 1915-1916. It’s been that long, so it won’t be easy. With Schilling out for likely the season, Dice-K and Lester will have to pitch like #2 and #3 and not walk the house and get pulled after 5. I think Dice-K will certainly improve from last year, not as much as Beckett did in year two in Boston, but improve nonetheless. Manny will have a monster year and force the Sox to pick up his club option for next year. Yankees will of course challenge followed by the Jays, Rays (out of the basement) and O’s.
AL Central
Besse- Tigers
This will be the best offense in the game. The addition of Miguel Cabrera is tremendous, but I question the pitching staff. Verlander will compete for the Cy Young, but Bonderman has yet to see the other side of the hill, and Rogers, Willis and Robertson are all good, but each has question marks. The bullpen, meanwhile, is scary at the back end, especially without a bonafide closer and Zumaya on the shelf for now. Look for them to hit their way to the postseason and then flop.
Keefe- Tigers
I really like what the Tigers did in the off season picking up one of the best players in baseball in Miguel Cabrera and a guy in Willis who won’t have to be the ace and should return to form from a couple seasons ago. Once they’re all healthy they can trot out a lineup with Granderson, Renteria, Sheffield, Magglio, Cabrera, Guillen, Pudge, Polanco, and Jones. Seriously? The Indians being unable to sign C.C. will hurt them this year, and the rest of the division will be looking up on Detroit all year.
AL West
Besse- Mariners
My surprise team of 2008. Erik Bedard just made this pitching staff scary. If he and King Felix pitch to potential, this is the scariest one-two punch in the game. With a deep staff (Miguel Batista is the 5th starter) and JJ Putz closing games, I like this team’s chances in a punching judy division. Richie Sexson will bust out and while I’m at it, so will Adrian Beltre. The Angels are facing serious question marks in the rotation due to injury, and there’s not much in terms of offense.
Keefe- Mariners
I’m not quite as high on Seattle as Bess is but I still like them to win the West. Bedard will be in the hunt for the Cy Young as will Putz. Even though they had to give up Adam Jones in the deal you have to like the trade for the Mariners. With guys like Ichiro, Sexson, and Beltre they need to win soon. Most people are picking the Angels, but with Lackey missing at least a month and Escobar out for the season, they will be one of the biggest disappointments of the season. Oakland and Texas also play in this division.
Wild Card
Besse- Indians
The Indians aren’t much different from a year ago, although one can assume the ALCS experience furthered the maturation process of guys like Sabathia and Carmona. This is a talented pitching staff from top to bottom, although Joe Borowski is a bit shaky at the back end. The lineup isn’t scary, but it’s no pushover, either. They’ll give the Tigers a run but eventually settle for a wild-card birth and a 1st round match up, and rematch, with the Red Sox.
Keefe- Yankees
The Yankees will be your American League Wild Card team for the second year in a row. There are question marks all over their pitching staff, but reigning MVP Alex Rodriguez alone can get this team into the post season. And with a payroll of over $209 million, that’s 70+ million more than 2nd place, they better get in the playoffs, no excuses. The Indians will be right there and maybe even the Blue Jays if they remain healthy.
Besse Picks:
Mariners over Tigers
Red Sox over Indians
Keefe Picks:
Red Sox over Mariners
Tigers over Yankees
ALCS
Keefe Picks:
Tigers over Red Sox
Keefe- Braves
Mets and Phills are getting all the attention, but I like the Braves to surprise them both. Smoltz, Glavine, and Hudson have already played their best baseball, however they still have something left in the tank. Mark Teixeira will have a monster year. In 54 games last year with Atlanta he had 56 RBIs along with 17 HRs and he hit .317. They lost Andruw Jones and Edgar Renteria from last year’s team, but Jones struggled big time. Chipper, Francoeur, McCann (maybe the best hitting catcher), and Kelly Johnson will provide enough offense to get the job done.
Besse- Cubs
I love the depth of this division. I don’t think the Brewers have enough starting pitching, nor a closer, to keep up with the Cubs, but they’ll be exciting to watch. That’s a young team that needs a few more pieces to climb over the hump. I like the Cubs offense a lot, and the addition of Fukudome isn’t getting enough attention. The wildcard here is Kerry Wood and whether or not he can make the transition to closer. Carlos Marmol is in the wings, but Lou Pinella would be better served with Marmol setting up Wood in the 8th.
Besse- Dodgers
That’s right, I’m doing it. This will be a close race all season long, but the emergence of Chad Billingsley, James Loney, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp, along with the magic of Joe Torre in that dugout will bring the Dodgers to the top of this division. I think it’ll happen on the last day of the season, too. The Diamondbacks have solid pitching with the addition of Dan Haren and Brandon Webb as the ace, but can Brandon Lyon duplicate 47 saves by Jose Valverde a year ago? And the Rockies overachieved, plain and simple. The Padres don’t have enough offensive firepower to support Jake Peavy and Chris Young, and the Giants suck.
Besse- AL: Manny Ramirez
Besse- NL: David Wright
Rookie of the Year
The baseball season really snuck up on Besse and myself, so our predictions are a few days late. I mean there were games in March. The Celtics were pushing for the playoffs, the NCAA tournament was going on, then all of a sudden its time for baseball. Well wait no further, here are the official 2008 predictions from the Sports Brief, division by division as well as the most important awards. Feel free to leave comments with your own choices.
AL East
Besse- Red SoxI like the Red Sox to hold off what will be a tough division for once. Once Beckett is healthy, the rotation will strengthen and with Papelbon at the back end of the rotation, they won’t lose many games late. The offense is virtually the same here, and I expect a big year from Manny Ramirez. The Yankees will contend, as will the Blue Jays. Some quiet moves by the Blue Jays and people are overlooking them again. The Rays will be a surprise to many. Their staff isn’t uber-talented, but it’s deep and the lineup is young, fast and exciting.
Keefe- Red Sox
The Red Sox will win back to back division titles for the first time since 1915-1916. It’s been that long, so it won’t be easy. With Schilling out for likely the season, Dice-K and Lester will have to pitch like #2 and #3 and not walk the house and get pulled after 5. I think Dice-K will certainly improve from last year, not as much as Beckett did in year two in Boston, but improve nonetheless. Manny will have a monster year and force the Sox to pick up his club option for next year. Yankees will of course challenge followed by the Jays, Rays (out of the basement) and O’s.
AL Central
Besse- TigersThis will be the best offense in the game. The addition of Miguel Cabrera is tremendous, but I question the pitching staff. Verlander will compete for the Cy Young, but Bonderman has yet to see the other side of the hill, and Rogers, Willis and Robertson are all good, but each has question marks. The bullpen, meanwhile, is scary at the back end, especially without a bonafide closer and Zumaya on the shelf for now. Look for them to hit their way to the postseason and then flop.
Keefe- Tigers
I really like what the Tigers did in the off season picking up one of the best players in baseball in Miguel Cabrera and a guy in Willis who won’t have to be the ace and should return to form from a couple seasons ago. Once they’re all healthy they can trot out a lineup with Granderson, Renteria, Sheffield, Magglio, Cabrera, Guillen, Pudge, Polanco, and Jones. Seriously? The Indians being unable to sign C.C. will hurt them this year, and the rest of the division will be looking up on Detroit all year.
AL West
Besse- MarinersMy surprise team of 2008. Erik Bedard just made this pitching staff scary. If he and King Felix pitch to potential, this is the scariest one-two punch in the game. With a deep staff (Miguel Batista is the 5th starter) and JJ Putz closing games, I like this team’s chances in a punching judy division. Richie Sexson will bust out and while I’m at it, so will Adrian Beltre. The Angels are facing serious question marks in the rotation due to injury, and there’s not much in terms of offense.
Keefe- Mariners
I’m not quite as high on Seattle as Bess is but I still like them to win the West. Bedard will be in the hunt for the Cy Young as will Putz. Even though they had to give up Adam Jones in the deal you have to like the trade for the Mariners. With guys like Ichiro, Sexson, and Beltre they need to win soon. Most people are picking the Angels, but with Lackey missing at least a month and Escobar out for the season, they will be one of the biggest disappointments of the season. Oakland and Texas also play in this division.
Wild Card
Besse- Indians
The Indians aren’t much different from a year ago, although one can assume the ALCS experience furthered the maturation process of guys like Sabathia and Carmona. This is a talented pitching staff from top to bottom, although Joe Borowski is a bit shaky at the back end. The lineup isn’t scary, but it’s no pushover, either. They’ll give the Tigers a run but eventually settle for a wild-card birth and a 1st round match up, and rematch, with the Red Sox.
Keefe- Yankees
The Yankees will be your American League Wild Card team for the second year in a row. There are question marks all over their pitching staff, but reigning MVP Alex Rodriguez alone can get this team into the post season. And with a payroll of over $209 million, that’s 70+ million more than 2nd place, they better get in the playoffs, no excuses. The Indians will be right there and maybe even the Blue Jays if they remain healthy.
ALDS
Besse Picks:
Mariners over Tigers
Red Sox over Indians
Keefe Picks:
Red Sox over Mariners
Tigers over Yankees
ALCS
Besse Picks:
Red Sox over Mariners
Red Sox over Mariners
Keefe Picks:
Tigers over Red Sox
NL East
Besse- Mets
This may be the best team in baseball. The pitching staff is solid 4-deep led by perennial Cy-Young candidate Johan Santana. Billy Wagner rarely missteps in closing games and David Wright, Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran lead an offense that will be potent all season long. It won’t be as dangerous as the division rival Phillies, but it will certainly punish the lack of pitching on that Philadelphia staff.
This may be the best team in baseball. The pitching staff is solid 4-deep led by perennial Cy-Young candidate Johan Santana. Billy Wagner rarely missteps in closing games and David Wright, Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran lead an offense that will be potent all season long. It won’t be as dangerous as the division rival Phillies, but it will certainly punish the lack of pitching on that Philadelphia staff.
Keefe- Braves
Mets and Phills are getting all the attention, but I like the Braves to surprise them both. Smoltz, Glavine, and Hudson have already played their best baseball, however they still have something left in the tank. Mark Teixeira will have a monster year. In 54 games last year with Atlanta he had 56 RBIs along with 17 HRs and he hit .317. They lost Andruw Jones and Edgar Renteria from last year’s team, but Jones struggled big time. Chipper, Francoeur, McCann (maybe the best hitting catcher), and Kelly Johnson will provide enough offense to get the job done.
NL Central
Besse- CubsI love the depth of this division. I don’t think the Brewers have enough starting pitching, nor a closer, to keep up with the Cubs, but they’ll be exciting to watch. That’s a young team that needs a few more pieces to climb over the hump. I like the Cubs offense a lot, and the addition of Fukudome isn’t getting enough attention. The wildcard here is Kerry Wood and whether or not he can make the transition to closer. Carlos Marmol is in the wings, but Lou Pinella would be better served with Marmol setting up Wood in the 8th.
Keefe- Cubs
No team here really separates themselves from the pack. I’m taking the Cubs because of Carlos Zambrano, Derrek Lee, and Alfonso Soriano. Kerry Wood scares me as the closer, but not enough to pick the Brewers, Reds, Astros, Cardinals, or Pirates. Look for the winner of the NL Central to have the fewest wins of any division winner. The Brew Crew will contend just because of the mashers in the lineup, but why the hell did they spend all that money on Gagne and let Cordero go? They don’t deserve to make the playoffs after that.
No team here really separates themselves from the pack. I’m taking the Cubs because of Carlos Zambrano, Derrek Lee, and Alfonso Soriano. Kerry Wood scares me as the closer, but not enough to pick the Brewers, Reds, Astros, Cardinals, or Pirates. Look for the winner of the NL Central to have the fewest wins of any division winner. The Brew Crew will contend just because of the mashers in the lineup, but why the hell did they spend all that money on Gagne and let Cordero go? They don’t deserve to make the playoffs after that.
NL West
Besse- Dodgers
That’s right, I’m doing it. This will be a close race all season long, but the emergence of Chad Billingsley, James Loney, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp, along with the magic of Joe Torre in that dugout will bring the Dodgers to the top of this division. I think it’ll happen on the last day of the season, too. The Diamondbacks have solid pitching with the addition of Dan Haren and Brandon Webb as the ace, but can Brandon Lyon duplicate 47 saves by Jose Valverde a year ago? And the Rockies overachieved, plain and simple. The Padres don’t have enough offensive firepower to support Jake Peavy and Chris Young, and the Giants suck.
Keefe- Diamondbacks
I’ll take Arizona to win the west. With respect to C.C. and Carmona, Bedard and Felix, Peavy and Young, Beckett and Dice-K, the D-Backs have best 1-2 punch in all of baseball with Brandon Webb and Dan Haren. The lineup is horrible, but check out the rest of the NL West. The Dodgers and Rockies will be there, as all three of these teams can rack up wins over the Padres (when Peavy isn’t pitching) and the Giants.
I’ll take Arizona to win the west. With respect to C.C. and Carmona, Bedard and Felix, Peavy and Young, Beckett and Dice-K, the D-Backs have best 1-2 punch in all of baseball with Brandon Webb and Dan Haren. The lineup is horrible, but check out the rest of the NL West. The Dodgers and Rockies will be there, as all three of these teams can rack up wins over the Padres (when Peavy isn’t pitching) and the Giants.
Wildcard
Besse- Braves
I initially wanted to go with the Braves here, but it seems like there are too many good teams out west for the Wildcard not to come out of there. But that will be the downfall of that division. It’s so good and so deep, that with four teams who all seem to be playoff caliber clubs, we likely won’t see a 90-game winner out of there. You can make a case for the Padres and Diamondbacks based on the pitching, but I’m not convinced their lineups will suffice. Which brings me back to the Braves: Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine and possibly a rejuvenated, healthy Mike Hampton. Rafael Soriano is unproven as a legitimate closer, but he’s got good stuff. The lineup is solid with Teixeira, Jones and Francoeur, and with Bobby Cox at the helm, I like this pick.
I initially wanted to go with the Braves here, but it seems like there are too many good teams out west for the Wildcard not to come out of there. But that will be the downfall of that division. It’s so good and so deep, that with four teams who all seem to be playoff caliber clubs, we likely won’t see a 90-game winner out of there. You can make a case for the Padres and Diamondbacks based on the pitching, but I’m not convinced their lineups will suffice. Which brings me back to the Braves: Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine and possibly a rejuvenated, healthy Mike Hampton. Rafael Soriano is unproven as a legitimate closer, but he’s got good stuff. The lineup is solid with Teixeira, Jones and Francoeur, and with Bobby Cox at the helm, I like this pick.
Keefe- Mets
I didn’t have the Mets winning their division, but it’d be crazy to say they miss out on the playoffs once again this year. That collapse from last season won’t happen this year with Johan Santana going every fifth day. He will be right there for Cy Young, (shocker), but the rest of the staff, including Pedro who left his first start early, won’t allow for the Mets to run and hide in the East. With the steady play of the Braves, who can out manage just bout anyone, particularly the Mets they win the division. Fighting the Mets will be the Brewers, Dodgers, and Rockies. I think the Phillies will struggle this year despite having 3 of the best players in baseball.
I didn’t have the Mets winning their division, but it’d be crazy to say they miss out on the playoffs once again this year. That collapse from last season won’t happen this year with Johan Santana going every fifth day. He will be right there for Cy Young, (shocker), but the rest of the staff, including Pedro who left his first start early, won’t allow for the Mets to run and hide in the East. With the steady play of the Braves, who can out manage just bout anyone, particularly the Mets they win the division. Fighting the Mets will be the Brewers, Dodgers, and Rockies. I think the Phillies will struggle this year despite having 3 of the best players in baseball.
NLDS
Besse Picks:
Mets over Dodgers
Cubs over Braves
Mets over Dodgers
Cubs over Braves
Keefe Picks:
Braves over Cubs
Mets over Diamondbacks
Braves over Cubs
Mets over Diamondbacks
NLCS
Besse Picks:
Cubs over Mets
Cubs over Mets
Keefe Picks:
Braves over Mets
Braves over Mets
World Series
Besse Picks:
Cubs over Red Sox – Kerry Wood strikes out David Ortiz to end 100 years of frustration.
Cubs over Red Sox – Kerry Wood strikes out David Ortiz to end 100 years of frustration.
Keefe Picks:
Tigers over Braves
Tigers over Braves
Individual Awards:
Cy Young
Besse- AL: Erik Bedard
Besse- NL: Jake Peavy
Besse- NL: Jake Peavy
Keefe- AL: Justin Verlander
Keefe- NL: Jake Peavy
Keefe- NL: Jake Peavy
MVP
Besse- AL: Manny Ramirez
Besse- NL: David Wright
Keefe- AL: Manny Ramirez
Keefe- AL: Mark Teixeira
Keefe- AL: Mark Teixeira
Rookie of the Year
Besse- AL: Joba Chamberlain
Besse- NL: Kosuke Fukudome
Besse- NL: Kosuke Fukudome
Keefe- AL: Jacoby Ellsbury
Keefe- NL: Justin Upton
Keefe- NL: Justin Upton
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