2009 AL Central Preview: Twin Killing

Compared to the Yankees' and Red Sox' of the world, the Twins are the MLB equivalent of the hairy, dirty homeless guy that begs for change in front of the liquor store. You don't know who they are, where they came from, or why they're here, but they are. Except unlike the homeless guy, who will probably remain homeless, hairy and dirty forever, the Twins seem to keep winning. Or, to keep the homeless guy theme going, they keep picking themselves back up, shaving, cleaning up and finding a job. Try to get that disturbing imagery out of your head as we venture into what should once again be one of the tightest division races in baseball, the AL Central...

1. Minnesota Twins

THEN AND NOW
Figures: 88-75, second place.
2008 Headline: Did you just call me a Punto?
2009 Motto: "Why do they call it the twin cities, anyway? Nobody here looks alike!" - Shaquille O'Neal.

COMINGS AND GOINGS
Key Additions: 3B Joe Crede, RP Luis Ayala, RP Jason Johnson
Key Losses: SS Adam Everett (to DET), RP Eddie Guardado (to TEX), RP Dennys Reyes (to STL)

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: B-

Justin Morneau's power numbers took a step back in 2008, hitting only 23 home runs after seasons of 34 and 31 the prior two years. He still remains one of the best hitters and run producers in the game. Jason Kubel was the only other Twins hitter to get 20 homers and will be looked upon along with Michael Cuddyer, who missed more than half of last season with an injury, to protect Morneau in the lineup. The key will be at the top of the lineup, where youngsters Denard Span (.294, 6 HR's, 47 RBIs, 18 SB's in 93 games in 2008) and Alexi Casilla (.281, 7 HRs, 50 RBIs in 98 games in '08) will be asked to set the table for Morneau. 

Pitching rotation: B-

Minnesota has one of the better young pitching staffs in the league. Despite having one of the most boring names in baseball, Scott Baker came out of nowhere to have a big season for the Twins last year and will now be looked upon to be the ace of the staff. Kevin Slowey was effective in his first full season as a starter (13-11, 3.99 ERA, 123 K's). After a rough start to the season following Tommy John surgery, Francisco Liriano rejoined the Twins in August and posted a 6-1 record while looking more like his old self. If Liriano can return to something close to his 2006 form, the Twins will be that much more dangerous.

Bullpen: B-

Joe Nathan is still one of the best closers in the game and had perhaps the best season of his career in 2008. He is as much of a sure thing as any closer in the league. The Twins hope that helping get the ball to him in the 9th inning will be Jose Mijares, who was called up to make his major league debut in September and gave up only one earned run on three hits in 10 appearances.

ODDS AND ENDS

• Waiting for Joe Mauer to finally show that power you've been waiting to see from him? With Mauer struggling with back injuries in the spring and possibly missing the first two weeks of the season, don't expect this to be the year it happens.
• Carlos Gomez has the potential to steal 40+ bases every season, but he has plate discipline that makes Ryan Howard raise his eyebrows and say "WTF?", which prevents him from being what he should be - an excellent leadoff hitter.
• Speaking of plate discpline, Da Mini Meat Hook Delmon Young, who whiffed 105 times last year with just 35 walks (which was actually an improvement from 2007) is just as swing happy as ever. He's hitting .295 with three homers this spring, but he also has 10 strikeouts without a walk.

2. Chicago White Sox

THEN AND NOW
Figures: 89-74, first place, lost in ALDS to Tampa Bay.
2008 Headline: Of course we knew Carlos Quentin would be this good.
2009 Motto: Age is only a number.

COMINGS AND GOINGS
Key Additions: SP Bartolo Colon, IF Wilson Betemit, IF Brett Lillibridge, OF Corky Miller, RP Jeff Marquez.
Key Losses: SS Orlando Cabrera (to OAK), SP Javier Vazquez (to ATL), 3B Joe Crede (to MIN), CF Ken Griffey Jr. (to SEA), OF Nick Swisher (to NYY), IF Juan Uribe (to SF), RP Boone Logan (to ATL).

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: B+

Jim Thome is 38. Jermaine Dye is 35. Paul Konerko is 33. A.J. Pierzynski is a douchebag. OK, the last one didn't have anything to do with anything, but it had to be said. The fact is, at some point, age has to start catching up with these guys.  All are still producing as well as they ever have, but it's not out hard to imagine their numbers will start dropping soon, at least in the cases of Thome and Dye. Konerko's already took a dip last year. Chief among the young talent hoping to pick up the slack, if there is any, would be Carlos Quentin, who surprised probably even himself last year by hitting 36 home runs and Alexei Ramirez, one of the more talented and versatile young players in the game.

Pitching rotation: C

Mark Buehrle is no ace, but he is, however, a good, solid, dependable starter that any team would be happy to have. He'll eat innings and keep the game competitive. Gavin Floyd and John Danks are both young and only getting better. Jose Contrares is older than dirt and only getting worse. The fragments of skin that make up what's left of Bartolo Colon's arm gripped the pen long enough to sign a contract with the White Sox, where he will be paid to spend half a season on the DL. 

Bullpen: B-

Bobby Jenks is not the kind of guy you want to challenge to a drinking game OR step into the batters box against. Scott Linebrink has never been able to match his brilliant 2005 season, but he's still a very good setup man. Matt Thornton is pretty good too. Octavio Dotel is.. excited.

ODDS AND ENDS

• A.J. Pierzynski is a douchebag.
• How many years does a World Series victory buy you? I've got a feeling Ozzie Guillen is going to find out the answer to that very soon.
• The White Sox signed outfielder Corky Miller in the offseason, apparently ignoring the rule in the MLB rule book that states any team with a player named Corky is not allowed to win the World Series.

3. Cleveland Indians

THEN AND NOW
Figures: 81-81, third place.
2008 Headline: Claim to fame: drafting CC Sabathia.
2009 Motto: Sizemore does matter.

COMINGS AND GOINGS
Key Additions: RP Kerry Wood, SP Carl Pavano, 3B Mark DeRosa
Key Losses: OF Franklin Gutierrez (to SEA)

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: B-

Grady Sizemore is the very definition of a 5-tool player. If only Cleveland had something around him. Travis Hafner experienced a career freefall last year that made even Andruw Jones say "Damn". This team could go places if Hafner and Victor Martinez have bounce back seasons. After a breakout 2008 and a strong showing in the World Baseball Classic, Shin-Soo Choo (say that three times fast) could go for 20 homers and 80-90 RBIs this year for the Tribe.

Pitching rotation: C-

If you're gullible enough to believe that Cliff Lee will match last year's totals (22-3, 2.54 ERA) then I have some ocean front property that I'd like to sell you. Lee is a decent pitcher, but last year won't happen again. Fausto Carmona looked more like Daniel Cabrera last year than the future ace he seemed to be in 2007. The Tribe is banking on some sort of career resurrection from Carl Pavano, whose balls should hopefully unshrivel now that he has left New York.

Bullpen: B-

Kerry Wood has finally found his calling as a closer and a pretty damn good one at that. Rafael Betancourt followed up a brilliant 2007 with a brutal 2008. If his struggles continue, Rafael Perez will be the one trying to get the ball to Wood in the 8th inning.

ODDS AND ENDS

• This might be manager Eric Wedge's last shot to make something of what was considered the best young team in baseball a couple of years ago.
• At some point Cleveland will call up Matt LaPorta and when they do, he's going to remind people of Ryan Braun.

4. Detroit Tigers

THEN AND NOW
Figures: 74-88, fifth place.
2008 Headline: What do we do with all this champagne we bought?
2009 Motto: Wanted: Someone to pitch the 9th inning every couple of days.

COMINGS AND GOINGS
Key Additions: SS Adam Everett, C Gerald Laird, SP Edwin Jackson, RP Brandon Lyon, C Matt Treanor.
Key Losses: SP Kenny Rogers (FA), SS Edgar Renteria (to SF), RP Kyle Farnsworth (to KC), RP Todd Jones (RET)

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: A-

When healthy, this is one of the better lineups in baseball. The problem is there are a lot of injury prone players in the lineup and key guys who are getting up there in age (I'm looking at you Magglio Ordonez). Miguel Cabrera settled into a groove in the second half and should be a strong contender for AL MVP if he can carry the Tigers to a decent record. The success of this offense will hinge on how much gas veterans like Ordonez, Placido Polanco and Carlos Guillen have left in the tank.

Pitching rotation: C-

Of the five pitchers expected to make up Detroit's rotation, only one (Armando Galarraga) finished with an ERA under 4 last year. Justin Verlander, Nate Robertson and Jeremy Bonderman have never proven to be anything more than middle-of-the-rotation starters and last year did nothing to disprove that. New addition Edwin Jackson will probably never live up to the Doc Gooden comparisons he received early in his career, but he seems to be finally coming into his own.

Bullpen: F

If Brandon Lyon's shaky spring is any indication, then Detroit's 9th inning woes didn't leave along with Todd Jones' retirement. Lyon has been awful this spring, giving up four consecutive home runs during a game last week against the Red Sox. Joel Zumaya will start the season on the DL and. Fernando Rodney has good "stuff", but is far too inconsistent to be trusted with any sort of important role or he would have been the closer by now. This group is going to cause a lot of headaches for Tigers fans this season.

ODDS AND ENDS

• Everyone thought it would be Dontrelle Willis' awkward delivery that would be his downfall. Apparently, it's not going to be his delivery but instead.. anxiety?.
• It's a big if, but if Gary Sheffield had stayed healthy this year, he would have given the Tigers better production than they'll get from Marcus Thames or whoever takes his spot in the lineup.

5. Kansas City Royals

THEN AND NOW
Figures: 75-87, fourth place.
2008 Headline: Don't mess with De Jesus
2009 Motto: Don't mess with De Jesus (this is the motto every year for any team that employs David DeJesus)

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Key Additions: 1B  Mike Jacobs, OF Coco Crisp, RP Kyle Farnsworth 
Key Losses: 2B Mark Grudzielanek (FA), OF Joey Gathright (to CHC), RP Leo Nunez to FLA.

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: C-

David DeJesus - what more needs to be said? Aside from the DeJesus, this is a solid lineup. If Alex Gordon starts living up to his hype and smacks around 30 homers, it could be a great lineup. The Royals picked up Mike Jacobs, who is Ryan Howard minus about 20 home runs and 50 RBIs. He's all-or-nothing. With a Jacobs at bat, you're likely either getting a home run or he's heading back to the bench and looking for his fielding glove. Mike Aviles had a solid rookie year at shortshop and should be expected to improve on those numbers.

Pitching rotation: B-

The good thing for the Royals in 2008 was that almost all of their starters had very good/solid seasons. The bad thing about that is that it was a career year for almost all of them. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but one has to wonder if they can all keep that up and do it while staying as injury free as they did last year. Gil Meche has gone from being a guy who had seemingly never ending arm problems to a workhorse. Zack Greinke may not like a day older than 16, but he pitched like a wily veteran last season and may finally be starting to live up to the lofty expectations he arrived in Kansas City with as the sixth overall pick in 2002.

Bullpen: B-

Joakim Soria came out of nowhere to become one of the best closers in baseball last season. I'm not sure if anyone in the world, Soria and his immediate family included, expected him to have a season like he did. Kansas City made a great move in acquiring Juan Cruz to be the 8th inning man. The Royals also made a not so great move in getting Kyle Farnsworth. Ron Mahay and Robinson Tejada are solid arms to have in the 'pen.

ODDS AND ENDS

• Ever seen the Curb Your Enthusiasm episode "Porno Gil"? - It is hilarious, but it has had a weird effect on me. Everytime I see Gil Meche's name, I think of porn and everytime I think about porn, I also think about Gil Meche. Ahem, moving on...
• If Kila Ka'aihue, appropriately nicknamed the "Hawaiian Punch", doesn't make the Royals 25-man roster this season, I'm protesting.
• It has to suck to be ex-Royal Joey Gathright. He's the fastest guy in the league, but can't hold down a job because of this pesky little problem he has about being able to get on base. New leadoff man Coco Crisp is everything Gathright should have been.

2009 NL Central Preview:

2009 AL East Preview: Seeking Normalcy

Editor's note: "Seeking Normalcy" is the first of a seven-part series previewing the 2009 MLB season. Part Two, "More of the Same,"spot-lighting the NL East is below. Parts Three and Four, spot-lighting the NL and AL Central Divisions will be published Wednesday, April 1. Parts Five and Six, spot-lighting the NL and AL West Divisions will be published Friday, April 3. Part Seven, covering season awards and postseason berths will be published Monday, April 6.

What better way to get this thing rolling than by starting off with the two big boys, one smart-ass little brother and the two glue-sniffing cousins the family doesn't talk about? I give you the AL East.

1. Boston Red Sox

THEN AND NOW

Figures: 95-67, second place, wildcard winner, lost to Tampa Bay in ALCS (4-3).

2008 headline: Did that blow your mind? That just happened!

2009 lockerroom motto: Is Dustin Pedroia (right) gonna have to choke a bitch?

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Key additions: P John Smoltz, P Brad Penny, P Takashi Saito, OF Rocco Baldelli, P Junichi Tazawa.

Key losses: P Curt Schilling (free agent/retired), P Bartolo Colon (to CWS), P Paul Byrd (retired), OF Coco Crisp (to KC), 1B Sean Casey (retired), P Mike Timlin (retired).

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: A-

The BoSox have a ton of talent in the lineup, but if David Ortiz isn't right, this offense goes no where. A wrist is largely to blame for his 26 home runs, 89 RBI and .264 batting average in 109 games, all of which were lows since coming to Boston in 2003. The other factor is that Jason Bay, while a very good player, simply isn't Manny Ramirez. The Red Sox are more well-rounded than they were a few seasons back with (gulp) reigning AL MVP Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis and Jacoby Ellsbury, but this engine isn't a four-cylinder Skyline rice-burning speedster. It's a 440 Big Block built for power and Big Papi turns the key. Oh, and don't expect to see J.D. Drew repeat what he did last year. By that I mean both carry the team on his back for a month or play 100 games.

Rotation: B+

The top, Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Daisuke Matsuzaka, might be the best One-Two-Three in baseball. Their No. 4, Penny, felt burned by the Dodgers and will be pitching with a purpose until his arm no longer lets him, probably sometime in July. Tim Wakefield doesn't scare anyone anymore, even on good days. There are other options. 24-year-old flame-thrower Clay Buchholz has pitched great this spring and Justin Masterson could come out of the pen. Either way, whoever winds up keeping the seat warm for Smoltz (shoulder) could be there a while, ensuring that the 41-year-old ex-Brave is 100 percent before he toes the rubber sometime after May.

Bullpen: A-

It's been a while since this part of the pitching staff outperformed the other and the biggest reason why this year's different is depth. Jonathan Papelbon is one of the three best closers in baseball. Masterson is a budding setup man, assuming he doesn't get pilfered by the starting rotation. Saito is an understated get for them. Not only does he give Hideki Okajima somebody shoot the breeze with in his native tongue, he'll also split the seventh inning with him.

ODDS AND ENDS

• Jed Lowrie is underrated. Whether he beats out Julio Lugo or has to wait around for a Mike Lowell injury, his infield versatility and decent bat gives the Red Sox bench something few others have.
• Hard to believe Clay Buchholz starts the season at Triple-A Pawtucket, but if he does, he might be stuck there a while.

2. New York Yankees

THEN AND NOW

Figures: 89-73, third place.

2008 headline: Junior (Steinbrener) wet the bed.

2009 lockerroom motto: Recession? What recession?

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Key additions: P CC Sabathia, 1B Mark Teixeira, P A.J. Burnett, OF Nick Swisher.

Key losses: 1B/DH Jason Giambi (to OAK), OF Bobby Abreu (to LAA), P Mike Mussina (retired), C Ivan Rodriguez (to HOU), Sidney Ponson (to KC).

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: A

The only reason this isn't an A+ is because Alex Rodriguez is out until mid-May. Dare I say that this star-studded lineup actually got better in the offseason? They're younger, faster and more durable. Of all the free agents the Yankees have shelled out big-time cash to, Teixeira is the only one who is worth every penny. Throw in a Nick Swisher here, some seasoned Xavier Nady there and this batting order will be what it is every year is only with less disappointment.

Rotation: B

Durability questions abound for this fivesome. If Burnett's elbow falls off in the forest at Brian Cashman's there to hear it, does it make a flopping sound? Andy Pettitte's age and Joba Chammberlain's tubby frame and herky-jerky mechanics will cause these guys to make at least one trip to the disabled list. Even Chien-Ming Wang spent half of 2008 on the shelf. Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy, both also familiar with the DL, are waiting for a chance to redeem themselves. Most Yankees fans are would prefer neither gets his opportunity anytime soon. Sabathia's a stud, but he can only toe the rubber every fifth game.

Bullpen: B-

It's polite to offer a compliment before delving into criticism so here it is: Mariano Rivera is hands-down the penultimate closer, best there ever was, best there ever will be. However, the talent around him is questionable at best. Brian Bruney had himself a nice 2008, but doubling that 1.83 ERA is a little more realistic for '09. Say he does stay the team's setup man, is Edwar Ramirez or Jose Veras good options in the seventh? Is Yogi Berra a cunning linguist? I don't usually put a whole lot of stock in the lefty-on-lefty pitching ideology, but if Damaso Marte is your only option against the David Ortizes of the world, you're in trouble.

ODDS AND ENDS

• Even with a record-breaking spending spree, Brian Cashman managed to shave $20 million from the team's 2008 payroll.
• Anyone else realize that Derek Jeter had a down year last year? Didn't think so.

3. Tampa Bay Rays

THEN AND NOW

Figures: 97-65, first place, lost to Philadelphia in World Series (4-1).

2008 headline: Where did this awesomeness come from?!

2009 lockerroom motto: We had a good run.

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Key additions: OF/DH Pat Burrell, P Jason Isringhausen, 2B Adam Kennedy, OF Matt Joyce, OF Gabe Kapler, P Brian Shouse, 3B Morgan Ensberg.

Key losses: OF Rocco Baldelli (to BOS), DH Cliff Floyd (to SD), P Edwin Jackson (to DET), OF Jonny Gomes (to CIN), P Trever Miller (to STL).

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: B+

Some teams embody the cities in which they play. For example, you could imagine Ben Rothlisberger working in a steel mill by the Allegheny River. This group of 20-somethings fly in the face of their social-security collecting fan base. There's no reason to believe that B.J. Upton and Evan Longoria can't repeat what they did in '08, if not get better. Same thing goes for Carl Crawford (.273 BA, 8 HRs, 25 SBs), who had his lowest totals since his rookie campaign in 2002. And inking Pat "The Bat" Burrell was a great move. Nevertheless, don't expect to see the type of offense the Rays displayed in the first two rounds of last year's playoffs.

Rotation: B-

Like the Yankees, this grade has as much to do with the times these guys are kept off the mound as it does with what they do when they're on it. James Shields, Scott Kazmir, Matt Garza and Andy Sonnanstine are all young arms (Shields being the oldest at 27) who had above-average seasons. But after averaging 30 starts and only one stint on the DL between them, you have to believe the injury bug is going to bite someone and when it does they'll be no Yankee-esque trade made to plug the whole. The Rays are hoping Jason Hammel does a good job keeping the seat warm for David Price.

Bullpen: C+

This is the unit that surprised the hell out of everyone last season. Do you smell a repeat? I don't. Both J.P. Howell (2.22) and Grant Balfour (1.54) had ERAs two-and-a-half times below their career averages. And Dan Wheeler and Troy Percival STILL throwing the eighth and ninth? The backup plan's Isringhausen? Are you kidding me?! Good thing they signed 40-year-old Brian Shouse to snuggle up to that "dinner by 4, bed by 8" crowd I talked about earlier. Welcome back 2007. 2008, we hardly knew ye.

ODDS AND ENDS

• Manager Joe Maddon's got a bright post-baseball future if and when he gets to that point. Anyone who can keep the Rays believing that they're a 97-win club is a motivational speaker without peer. Tony Robbins, watch out.
• Ever notice how you only find fair-weather fans in fair-weather cities i.e. Los Angeles and Miami? What's going to happen when these Rays win fewer games than the median summertime temperature in Tampa? FYI, that's about 84 degrees.

4. Toronto Blue Jays

THEN AND NOW

Figures: 86-76, fourth place

2008 headline: We were good too, ya know.

2009 lockerroom motto: We WERE good too, ya know.

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Key additions: P Matt Clement, C Michael Barrett, 1B Kevin Millar, P Mike Maroth.

Key losses: P A.J. Burnett (to NYY), C Gregg Zaun (to BAL), OF Brad Wilkerson (to BOS), Shawn Marcum (injury), Kevin Mench (Japan).

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: C

This would be a rebuilding year if only the Jays had something to rebuild with. Instead, Marco Scutaro, Lyle Overbay and Scott Rolen keep their starting jobs and Alex Rios calls his agent looking for a way out. Vernon Wells would be, too if he didn't have 6 years left on his $126 million deal. While he can't waive his no-trade clause fast enough, there aren't too many takers bidding $18 million for the 25 home runs, 95 RBI and a .290 batting average. Blue chipper Travis Snider is an early Rookie of the Year favorite, but the roster hardly screams "youth movement" when Adam Lind has to fight Kevin Millar for ABs.

Rotation: C+

Roy Halladay can't keep doing this. Rather, the Jays can't keep doing this to Roy Halladay. He's pitched more innings (691.1) than anyone in baseball over the last three seasons. Last year, he threw 246 innings, giving his team ample opportunities to support him with runs. In his 11 losses and two no-decisions, Toronto totaled 29. Good use of your staff ace's 2.78 ERA. Everyone beside Halladay is an unproven commodity. Jesse Litsch, David Purcey and Scott Richmond all have less than three years of major league experience. With Dustin McGowan and Shaun Marcum out for most if not all of the the '09 season, the Jays can kiss last year's major-league leading 3.49 ERA goodbye.

Bullpen: B+

This unit is the most underrated in baseball. Scott Downs, Jesse Carlson, Brandon League, and Brian Thallet and Casey Janssen all had ERAs below B.J. Ryan's 2.95 last year. They all won't keep it up, but the Jays really only need half of them to for this bullpen to stay in baseball's top 10. The question is who'll step into the closers role not if, but when Ryan goes down with an injury.

ODDS AND ENDS

• Cito Gaston rung up a 51-37 record down the stretch of last season and somewhere a Joe Carter Fairy got its wings. He's also one of the only guys in major league baseball who doesn't have to be issued a new jersey for Retro Sundays.
• The same benign run support that plagued Halladay scared newly-aquired Adam Loewen to trade in his breaking ball for batting gloves.

5. Baltimore Orioles

THEN AND NOW

Figures: 68-93, fifth place.

2008 headline: I was there when we gave up 30 runs.

2009 lockerroom motto: When's Matt Wieters getting here?

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Key additions: P Koji Uehara, OF Felix Pie, INF Ty Wigginton, P Rich Hill, P Mark Hendrickson, C Gregg Zaun, SS Cesar Izturis, OF Ryan Freel.

Key losses: P Daniel Cabrera (to WAS), Adam Loewen (retired from P; to TOR as OF) 1B Kevin Millar (to TOR), P Garrett Olson (to SEA), C Ramon Hernandez (to CIN), OF Jay Payton (free agent).

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: B

There's dozens of questions marks, but most of them the good kind, the is-the-young-guy-ready-to-break-out type. Nick Markakis is Zeus among greek baseball players and a future all star. Adam "Galaga" Jones shoots down fly balls like it's going out of style and has budding pop to boot. Former Cubs speedster Felix Pie would be playing center field on 28 other major league teams. Gregg Zaun better not get comfortable behind the dish because Wieters, the cornerstone of the O's reclamation project, will arrive soon and he and his big bat will be staying a while. Then there's mainstays like Aubrey Huff, who won't hit 32 bombs like last season, but will make it so Markakis sees better pitches. Brian Roberts is a shoe-in for a .290 average with 40 doubles and 40 swipes.

Rotation: D

Staff "ace" Jeremy Guthrie looks like Jim Palmer compared the guys behind him. When a 34-year-old Japanese import, Koji Uehara, makes his major league debut as your No. 2 starter, you're in for a world of 30-3 type of hurt. Mark Hendrickson only resembles Randy Johnson in awkward physical appearance, David Pauley had a double-digit ERA last season and no one knows when Rich Hill is going to be ready to pitch. Now rumor has it that Danys Baez may work his way into the rotation. Can anyone in the front office explain why pitching wasn't a priority this offseason?

Bullpen: C-

The pitching doesn't get much better from the seventh inning on. George Sherrill and Chris Ray will likely split saves, each blowing a half dozen along the way. 24-year-old Jim Johnson is the only chance the Orioles have to develop another front-line reliever. Radhames Liz and Dennis Sarfate both sucked their way out of the starting rotation. What does that tell you?

ODDS AND ENDS

• Daniel Cabrera's 100 walks a season would be a godsend right now.
• Breaking news: Baltimore owner Peter Angelos petitions league office for more home gomes per season. "We want to schedule more Cal Ripken Jr. Days to make the fans overlook our irrelevance."
• More breaking news: Angelos uses promise of lamb gyros to lure Markakis into date night with ugly daughter.

2009 NL East Preview: More of the Same

There shouldn't be too many surprises in the NL East this year. After battling with the Mets for control of the division last season, expect Philadelphia to win it much more easily this year. They're still the class of the division, but the Mets aren't TOO far behind. A lot of people are expecting a playoff push from Atlanta. While they have a good offense, it isn't as good as the Phillies or Mets offenses, and they have a good pitching staff, but not as good as the Mets'. Better luck next year. Also, expect the Nationals to still suck, although maybe a little less. At least the Marlins will be there to keep them company in the dumpster.

1. Philadelphia Phillies
THEN AND NOW
Figures: 92-70, first place, defeated Tampa Bay Rays in World Series.
2008 Headline: "World champions... WORLD FUCKING CHAMPIONS!" - Chase Utley
2009 Motto: "Hey, someone wake up Jamie Moyer, the game's about to start" - Chase Utley (I'm sure he'll say it at SOME point)

COMINGS AND GOINGS
Key Additions: P Chan Ho Park, OF Raul Ibanez
Key Losses: OF Pat Burrell, P Adam Eaton, 2B Tadahito Iguchi

MARKS AND REMARKS
Lineup: A-

The Phillies smashed a league-high 218 homers in 2008 and you would be foolish to expect much of a difference this year. The only change in the lineup for the defending champs is Raul Ibanez replacing Pat Burrell. Ibanez is a criminally underrated player who won't provide the power Burrell does, but will be good for a .290/.350/.470 season with about 20 homers and 100 RBIs. If Chase Utley has gotten over the hip problems that have troubled him for much of the offseason, he should have another MVP caliber season. Last year, Jimmy Rollins had his worst season in about three years and they were still the best team in baseball. It's scary to think how good they could be if he returns to his 2007 form. And to top that all off.. CARLOS RUIZ!!..Ok, maybe not.

Pitching rotation: C

Everything here begins and ends with Cole Hamels. This staff will only go as far as his left arm can carry them. The rest of the rotation is solid, but not spectacular. Joe Blanton has enjoyed a bit of a career boost since being acquired from Oakland and is a dependable starter for the Phils just as Jamie Moyer is.

Bullpen: A-

Speaking of career boosts, Brad Lidge went from complete embarrassment to best closer in baseball with a perfect season in 2008. Don't expect another perfect season, but don't expect much of a drop off either. Lidge is clearly at the top of his game right now and leads one of the best bullpens in baseball along with the lefty/righty setup combo of J.C. Romero and Ryan Madson.

ODDS AND ENDS

• Father Time is apparently running in quick sand, because he has been chasing Jamie Moyer for about 15 years and still hasn't caught him. Don't expect this to be the year.
  
• Brett Myers is a complete tool, but for some reason he dominated last year in August(4-1, 1.65 ERA, 42 K's) and sucked pretty much every other month
  
• Ok, seriously.. who is Carlos Ruiz?
  
• Chase Utley is not only a great player, but apparently a budding fashion icon as well.
  
• 22-year-old farmhand Carlos Carrasco might play a big part in the Phillies season if he can step up at some point as the #5 starter, assuming Chan Ho Park doesn't lock up that spot (and I think that's a safe assumption).
  

2. New York Mets
THEN AND NOW
Figures: 89-73, second place.
2008 Headline: Just wait until we get that new stadium next year!
2009 Motto: The second best team money can buy.

COMINGS AND GOINGS
Key Additions: P Francisco Rodriguez, P J.J. Putz, P Freddy Garcia
Key Losses: OF Endy Chavez (to SEA), P Aaron Heilman (to CHC), P Scott Shoenweis (to ARI) 2B Pedro Martinez (FA).

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: B+

On the heels of two consecutive September collapses, the Mets will hope the brand new Citi Field brings a little better luck with it. Jose Reyes had a better offensive season in 2008 than he did the year before, but came up small down the stretch when the Mets needed him most. Carlos Beltran is as solid as ever and David Wright is getting better by the season, but the Mets would be fools to expect another 38 homer, 115 RBI season out of Carlos Delgado. If he falls back to earth this season, the Mets are going to need to pick that production up from somewhere else in the lineup.

Pitching rotation: B

The Mets will have the best rotation in the division as long as Johan Santana is healthy. Keeping Oliver Perez was huge and Mike Pelfrey and John Maine are both capable of racking up double digit wins and maintaining at least a league average ERA. The only question is the fifth spot in the rotation, which could go to newcomer Freddy Garcia.

Bullpen: A

Along with the best rotation, the Mets should also have the best bullpen. Omar Minaya is hoping the signing of Francisco Rodriguez erases the Billy Wagner fiasco from the minds of Mets fans. K-Rod probably won't reach 62 saves again, but he should give the Mets some sorely needed stability in the closer role. The Mets also acquired J.J. Putz from Seattle to be the setup man. Putz had a dominant season for the Mariners in 2007 as a closer and if he can return to that form in 2009, the Mets might have the best 1-2 punch in the league with this bullpen.

ODDS AND ENDS

• The Mets reassigned 100-year-old Jose Valentin to their minor league camp, officially ending the era of the 'Stache.
  
• He's no all star or anything, but it's hard to believe Fernando Tatis couldn't cut it with a major league club three out of the last five seasons.
  
• Sorry J.J. Putz, but you have the worst last name in all of baseball.
• Young outfielder Daniel Murphy, rated the #8 prospect in the major leagues by The Sporting News, looks to have cracked a spot in the Mets' starting lineup this season, probably as the team's #2 hitter.

3. Atlanta Braves
THEN AND NOW
Figures: 72-90, 4th place.
2008 Headline: Hey, at least we don't have Andruw Jones anymore!
2009 Motto: Um... Hey, at least we don't have Andruw Jones anymore!

COMINGS AND GOINGS
Key Additions: P Derek Lowe, P Javier Vasquez
Key Losses:  P John Smoltz (to BOS),  P Mike Hampton (to HOU)

MARKS AND REMARKS
Lineup: C

Everything hinges on Chipper Jones' ability to stay healthy. After a red hot start last year, injuries took their toll and he was never the same. Jones will turn 37 during the first month of the season, so expecting him to play a full season at this point is asking quite a bit. There's plenty of unpredictability in the outfield with youngsters Brandon Jones, Josh Anderson and Matt Diaz all vying for spots among veterans like Garrett Anderson and Jeff Francoeur. Anderson will likely hit 10-15 homers, but he's slowing down quickly and he's a liability in the field. Francoeur used to be a guy who would do nothing but strike out a lot and hit homers. Over the last two years, he's developed into a guy who does nothing but strike out a lot. For a lineup in desperate need of guys with some pop, the Braves better hope he can get back to at least the stage where he would hit homers in addition to sucking.

Pitching rotation: B-

Atlanta did a good job of solidifying its rotation in the offseason. Derek Lowe is an improvement over John Smoltz and Javier Vasquez is a huge improvement over Mike Hampton (then again, I would be an improvement over Hampton at this point). Lowe and Hampton will be part of a formidable rotation that includes electric 23-year-old Jair Jurrjens, who has future ace potential, and Tom Glavine, who the Braves are wheeling out for one last ride hoping he has a tiny bit of gas left in the tank.

Bullpen: D

There's not a whole lot here to be excited about if you're a Braves fan. Closer Mike Gonzalez has never saved more than 24 games in a season and is the only left-hander in Atlanta's pen who has proved he can be effective at the major league level. Setup man Rafael Soriano has seemingly been a "closer in waiting" for his entire career, but hasn't ever broken through. Probably because of injures. He's already been sidelined twice this spring, once with an upper respiratory infection and now with "strained side muscle". There's talk he may begin the season on the DL.

ODDS AND ENDS

• The Braves are banking a lot on Derek Lowe, but don't forget that before his awesome run at the end of last season and into the playoffs for the Dodgers, most "experts" felt he hadn't exactly been living up to his contract.
  
• Sorry Braves fans, but it has to be said - TOM GLAVINE IS DONE.
  
• If "Jair" is pronounced like "Air", Mr. Jurrjens has a pretty wide variety of nicknames at his disposal.
• Boone Logan has the best goatee in baseball.

4. Florida Marlins
THEN AND NOW
Figures: 84-77, third place.
2008 Headline: Goodbye Miguel Cabrera, Hello Jorge Cantu!
2009 Motto: At least the recession gives us a valid excuse to have the lowest payroll in baseball.

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Key Additions: P Scott Proctor, P Jose Ceda, P Leo Nunez
Key Losses: CL Kevin Gregg (to CHC), 1B Mike Jacobs (to KC), RP Joe Nelson (to TB), SP Scott Olsen (to WSH), OF Josh Willingham (to WSH).

MARKS AND REMARKS
Lineup: C-

Hanley Ramirez is one of the best leadoff hitters in the game, but he has still yet to prove that he can be as effective in the 3-hole, where he will start this season for the Marlins. If Ramirez had hit his way, he'd hit leadoff forever AND there would be no team dress code. Ramirez had been hitting .077 during the spring before breaking out of his slump and going 3-for-3 with a homer and three RBIs on Sunday. Jorge Cantu was an admirable replacement for Miguel Cabrera in 2008, hitting 29 homers (a career high) with 95 RBIs. Florida will need that kind of production again this year. As usual, the Marlins hopes will rest on youngsters, specifically outfielder Cameron Maybin, who was one of the centerpieces of the Cabrera deal. If Maybin is finally ready for the bigs, he could provide the Marlins with somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 homers and 30 steals. There are far too many questions about this lineup heading into the season to give it any better than a C-.

Pitching rotation: C-

There is certainly potential here. This staff could either be very good or very mediocre. The loss of Scott Olsen will hurt. Ricky Nolasco (15-8, 3.52 ERA, 186 K's in 2008) has the potential to be an ace if he continues to pitch like he did last year and most importantly, stays healthy. Aside from him, there are some questions. Josh Johnson came back strong last year from Tommy John surgery in 2007 and will need to continue to that development as the club's No. 2 starter. Chris Volstad pitched well last year but didn't get much run support. Anibal Sanchez is young and talented, but wildly inconsistent.

Bullpen: D-

As promising as Florida's rotation has the potential to be, the bullpen is just the absolute pits. Matt Lindstrom is tabbed to close, but a sore rotator cuff has kept him sidelined for much of the spring. Even if he is healthy, he is a risk just based on the fact that he's done next to nothing at the major league level aside from proving he can be a decent setup man. Scott Proctor was scheduled to be the setup man, but he will be out until May with a sore elbow. This may end up being a blessing in disguise since Proctor was awful with the Dodgers last year. Aside from them, the bullpen is filled with a lot of youngsters, no-names and questions.

ODDS AND ENDS

• Andrew Miller, along with Maybin, was the gem of the deal with Detroit for Cabrera. Inconsistency and control issues have kept Miller from the minors, but the lefty has the potential to be a dominant frontline starter. A good season from Miller would go a long way to helping the Marlins slim playoff hopes.
  
• I hope that the Marlins keep their current uniforms when they move into a new stadium in 2011 and become the Miami Marlins. Their current uni's are some of the best in all of baseball.
  
• Jeremy Hermida needs to stay healthy. He's been injured each of the last three seasons. The guy has the potential to hit 30 homers someday, but that day may never come if he's finding himself on the DL every year.
  

5. Washington Nationals
THEN AND NOW
Figures: 59-102, last place.
2008 Headline: Wily Mo Pena's last dance.
2009 Motto: No, Elijah Dukes hasn't been arrested...... yet.

COMINGS AND GOINGS
Key Additions: SP Scott Olsen, SP Daniel Cabrera, OF Adam Dunn, OF Josh Willingham.
Key Losses: IF Aaron Boone (to HOU), SP Tim Redding (to NYM), Chad Cordero (to SEA)

MARKS AND REMARKS
Lineup: C+

The Nationals apparently don't like to do things in moderation, so they went out and signed two more outfielders in Adam Dunn and Josh Willingham to add to the glut of them the team already had, a group that includes Elijah Dukes, Lastings Milledge, Willis Harris and Austin Kearns. At least we know Dukes is getting one of the 3 outfield spots, because I don't think anyone wants to piss him off. Dunn was a good pickup, but he has always struck me as one of those guys who puts up good numbers without having much of an effect on his team. Every at bat with him is either a homer, strikeout, walk or pop out. Milledge will man the leadoff spot and should continue to improve and could be a threat for 20 homers and 30 steals. If Nick Johnson can ever stay healthy (he won't), he can be one of the most efficient hitters in the bigs.

Pitching rotation: D-

Scott Olsen and John Lannan are two solid starters, but two guys who wouldn't be an "ace" on most other clubs. Lannan is only entering his third season though and has plenty of room for improvement. Once upon a time, Olsen looked like ace material, but his production has fallen off the last few years. Particularly alarming has to be his strikeout rate. His K's have dipped each of the last three years while his workload has risen. The Nats also picked up Daniel Cabrera, apparently because they don't realize that he's still Daniel Cabrera. Everyone is waiting for him to break out, but at some point they're just going to have to realize that he is what he is.

Bullpen: C-

Joel Hanrahan converted 9 of 13 save chances last season. The Nats were reportedly concerned about the fact that Hanrahan's fastball, which typically floats around the mid 90s, was clocking in the high 80s at the World Baseball Classic. He is still a shoe-in to start the season as the club's closer. Joe Beimel was signed to be the setup man, he was very effective the past few seasons as the Dodgers' situational lefty, but I have my doubts about whether he'll be able to handle the bigger role that will be asked of him this year.

ODDS AND ENDS

• Julian Tavarez is only here because he was apparently drunk when he signed his contract. Dunn is here because nobody else wanted him for his asking price. Dukes is here because everyone else is scared of him. What's the fans excuse?
  
• Ryan Zimmerman looked to be on his way to becoming an elite third baseman and then...well, last year happened. If he can return to his 2007 form, minus some of the strikeouts, he can get back on that track.
  
• Cross your fingers and pray that Dmitri Young makes the Nats 40-man roster. I'd hate to see the era of "Da Meat Hook" end prematurely.
  
• UPDATE: Dmitri apparently just read this blog, because I just received in e-mail from him wanting to pass along a message to our readers, saying he will "whoop the shit" out of anyone who believes he won't make the Nats 4o-man. Consider the message delivered.