The Red Sox season ended last night in Game 7 of the ALCS. The last time the Sox lost in a deciding Game 7 of the Championship Series was back in 2003, the old Aaron Boone classic. For Sox fans, the feeling of watching Tim Wakefield giving up the gopher ball to Boone was the most painful sports moment. Probably even worse than the Tim Duncan draft lottery, the Oden/ Durant draft lottery, and even the Patriots losing the Super Bowl last year with a chance for perfection. It was that bad. The team had come so close, but ultimately it was another year, (85 at the time, but I don’t think anyone was counting, without a World Series title.)
So why did last night’s loss not seem to bother the fans, players, and manager like it did just 5 years ago? 1 win away from the World Series. Is it as simple as the team had won twice the previous four years? Really? I guess maybe that’s good enough for some. Don’t get me wrong there are fans out there who live and die with this team, and they’re not worried about 2003, 2004, 2007, or even 2009, just this team right here and right now.
Terry Francona said, and I’m paraphrasing, that’s he has had the most fun he’s ever had the past couple of months. Wow. I guess World Series rings in ’04 and ’07 weren’t a good time. I think winning it again would have been fun Tito. Maybe that’s just me. I don’t know if this was a cheap shot at Manny Ramirez, by saying how enjoyable the past 2 months were, (the only 2 months Francona has managed the Sox without Manny). This goes back to my article “Sox Gave Away Manny,” chemistry, getting alone, and having fun is important, but so is talent. The team made it further, I’ll admit then I thought when they handed LA the division, and paid for it mind you, but still this was the defending World Series champions. Do you want to get along and have fun playing cards or win? Theo and the crew made their decision.
In 2003, on October 17th, the day after, no Red Sox fan had a productive day. Even if you were able to make it to work or school you were simply in a daze. After 11 innings and having your heart ripped out your chest Temple of Doom style you just went through the motions the next day, at best.
Today? The day after yet another Game 7 loss in the ALCS? You hear things, “They were down 3-1,” “4 ALCS’s in the past 6 years,” “The future is bright (we’ll access this point later on),” “Patriots play the Broncos tonight,” “Celtics start next week,” “The Sports Brief is the best sports blog out there.” Ok not all of that is being said. I still feel that a combination of winning 2 World Series rings has taken away that killer instinct. And not just 2 Championships for the Sox, but look at the entire sports town.
In this decade the New England Patriots got the whole thing started and won 3 Super Bowls, the Boston Red Sox have won 2 World Series titles, the Boston Celtics just won the NBA title, and the Bruins still have a team, so I’ve been told. What comes from all of this? Mainly, spoiled fans. The New England fan base has changed tremendously in the past 7-8 years. Now everyone expects their teams to win, and if they don’t, well look back at all the other trophies and banners. As Besse points out, For a fan base that grew tired of losing and anxious for a World Series title, it's hard to believe that it's now growing tired of winning.
Is the excitement still there? As Jalbert pointed out in his “Old School Fenway” piece, it is, but you have to look for it. It’s not there as much as before with all the corporate and front running fans. For die hard fans, it can be tough, but you have to block out all of those people who can seemingly bring your experience down. Don’t forget, winning championships, despite the recent trend is not easy. My grandfather has still seen the Sox win as many times as I have. Don’t take the success of these teams for granted. Remember it wasn’t that long ago when I was writing letters to the Patriots to start Scott Zolak because he actually won a game.
The 2008 baseball season is over for the Sox, we’ll let it marinate for just a little bit. But here comes the off season. And this isn’t an off season coming of a World Series title, where you have to debate on whether you even need a guy like Johan Santana. No, this will be different. Health, free agents, trades, will be more important this time around. And don’t look now but the American League champs just got better last night, during the game… David Price is here to stay.
-Keefe
Showing posts with label Manny. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Manny. Show all posts
Monday, October 20, 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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