So here we are; its been a long journey and a fun ride, but its time for the last installment of my 2011 MLB predictions. So grab your peanuts and cracker jacks, its time to breakdown the National West.
Youngster Jhoulys Chacin will be a difference maker in the Rockies' starting rotation this year.
1. Colorado Rockies
OFFENSE- B
Surprise breakout player Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitski highlight a band of good hitters that also includes Ian Stewart, Seth Smith and Dexter Fowler. They should score enough runs to win, even when they're not playing in the friendly confines of Coors Field.
STARTING PITCHING- B-
Ubaldo Jimenez is a legitimate ace, and Jorge de la Rosa will keep the Rockies in most games. Unfortunately, the back end of the rotation doesn't inspire nearly as much confidence. Ultimately, the success of this rotation (and quite possibly the Rockies' playoff chances) will depend a lot on last year's star rookie Jhoulys Chacin.
BULLPEN- B+
Houston Street is a good and mostly reliable closer when healthy. Players like Rafael Betancourt and Matt Belisle should provide a solid bridge to Street.
2. San Fransisco Giants
OFFENSE- C+
Buster Posey, Aubrey Huff, Mark DeRosa, and Freddy Sanchez are solid hitters, but no starts stand out here. After that follow question marks, like whether or not veteran shortstop Tejada has anything left or if Pablo Sandoval will rebound from a poor offensive season. If everyone plays up to potential, they will repeat as division champs and maybe more.
STARTING ROTATION- A
The Giants' starting rotation singlehandedly carried them to a World Series title, and ace Tim Lincecum will once again lead one of the deepest and most talented starting staffs in the game. If they win the division this year, the starting rotation will be the reason why.
BULLPEN- A-
Brian Wilson is one of the most underrated closers in the game; Sergio Romo and Jeremy Affeldt are capable setup men.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
OFFENSE- C+
Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp are solid sluggers from the outfield; unfortunately, the infield won't contribute nearly as much to the offense. James Loney can't even come close to matching the power of an average first baseman, and Rafael Furcal and Juan Uribe are aging middle infielders. Like the Giants, if they can score enough, then they have a solid shot at the division.
STARTING ROTATION- B+
Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley are a great one-two punch at the top of the rotation. Ted Lily, Hiroki Kuroda and Jon Garland provide a reliable veteran presence at the back end of the rotation.
BULLPEN- A
Jonathan Broxton, Hong-Chih Kuo and Matt Guerrier will keep slamming the door shut on opposing offenses in the late innings.
4. San Diego Padres
OFFENSE- D-
There isn't much to be impressed with here; if veterans Hawpe, Ludwick, Orlando Hudson, and Jason Bartlett all have career years, then a few runs will be scored here and there. Overall, though, offense has historically been one of the Padres' greatest weaknesses, and losing superstar first baseman Adrian Gonzalez doesn't help matters.
STARTING ROTATION- D+
Tim Stauffer and Clayton Richard have some talent; not necessarily ace level talent, but some. After that its banking on has-been Aaron Harang to rebound and never-was Dustin Moseley to put together respectable seasons. Good luck.
BULLPEN- A+
The Padres, despite their many weaknesses, have arguably the best bullpen in baseball. Heath Bell, Mike Adams, and Luke Gregorson might not be household names, but they could easily lead the National League in saves, holds and bullpen ERA.
5. Arizona Diamondbacks
OFFENSE- C
You know an offense is out of whack when your second baseman (Kelly Johnson) could easily hit more home runs than your first baseman (Russel Branyan). Justin Upton and Chris Young have talent and potential, but are also pretty flawed hitters to build a franchise around.
STARTING ROTATION- C-
The D-backs rotation has some depth, but lacks any elite talent. Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson have potential at the top end, and Joe Saunders, Barry Enright and Armando Galaraga should be able to keep Arizona in some games.
BULLPEN- D+
Even if Putz is able to rebound from some offyears and regain his elite closer form, the D'backs will be hard pressed to find anyone to pitch relief in the 7th and 8th innings.
MLB 2011 PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
AL DIVISIONAL ROUND
BOSTON RED SOX OVER NEW YORK YANKEES (WC)
TEXAS RANGERS OVER CHICAGO WHITE SOX
AL CHAMPIONSHIP
BOSTON RED SOX OVER TEXAS RANGERS
NL DIVISIONAL ROUND
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES OVER CHICAGO CUBS (WC)
MILWAUKEE BREWERS OVER COLORADO ROCKIES
NL CHAMPIONSHIP
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES OVER MILWAUKEE BREWERS
WORLD SERIES
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES OVER BOSTON RED SOX (in 6 games)
Ultimately, the Phillies mind-blowing starting rotation will bring the 2nd title to Philadelphia in the past 4 years. Maybe, but its baseball so I'm probably wrong. The Phillies and Red Sox look like loaded favorites right now, but who knows what trades or injuries could alter the baseball landscape as early as a few months into the season? I mean, if my all encompassing knowledge of baseball isn't enough for me to always win my fantasy league, who am I to declare my baseball playoff predictions as final? Therefore, baseball fans, don't let my predictions rob the baseball season of all suspense and drama; anything can happen. Hold out hope, fans in Pittsburgh, Arizona, Baltimore, Washington, San Diego. Well, actually, maybe not Pittsburgh fans. But hey, at least you have the Steelers. Err, whoops, forgot about the lockout. Umm, never mind then, play ball!
No comments:
Post a Comment