2009 NL West Preview: Not So Wild West

Editor's note: "Not So Wild West" is the fifth of a seven-part series previewing the 2009 MLB season. Part Four, "Wins Beneath Wings,"spot-lighting the AL West is below. Parts One and Two, spot-lighting the NL and AL East Divisions were published Monday, March 30. Part Seven, covering season awards and postseason berths will be published Monday, April 6.

For much of this decade, the NL West has come down to which team was the least crappy in a pool of crappy teams. The division houses what will probably be the worst team in baseball this year in the Padres, but at least things aren't QUITE as bad as usual at the top of the division where I went back and forth about 50 times on who to put No. 1 before finally deciding on...

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

THEN AND NOW

Figures: 84-78, first place, lost to Phillies in NLCS.
2008 Headline: Welcome to Mannywood.
2009 Motto: This one's for you, Jeff Kent.

COMINGS AND GOINGS
Key Additions: RP Guillermo Mota, C Brad Ausmus, RP Claudio Vargas, INF Mark Loretta, SP Randy Wolf, RP Will Ohman, 2B Orlando Hudson.
Key Losses: SP Brad Penny (to BOS), RP Takashi Saito (to BOS), SP Derek Lowe (to CHC), CF Andruw Jones (to TEX), 2B Jeff Kent (retired), SP Greg Maddux (retired), SS Angel Berroa (to NYY), INF Nomar Garciaparra (to OAK), SP Chan Ho Park (to PHI), RP Scott Proctor (to FLA), INF Pablo Ozuna (to PHI)

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: A-

The biggest difference between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks can be summed up with one word - Manny. The Dodgers bringing back Manny Ramirez makes them a contender. Matt Kemp needs to improve his plate discipline, but if his power develops like the Dodgers hope it will, he'll be a 30-30 guy before too long. Andre Ethier is as solid a hitter as they come and can be penciled in for a .300/20/80 season. Russell Martin needs some rest, but I'm not sure if the signing of Brad Aumus will allow him to take many more days off than he already was. Orlando Hudson was a great, unheralded pickup. 

Pitching rotation: C

There are a lot of questions about this staff. The loss of Brad Penny won't hurt, but losing Derek Lowe definitely will. The Dodgers have been good about limiting the innings of their young pitchers, but Chad Billinglsey and Clayton Kershaw may be asked to shoulder a lot of the load this season. Billingsley looks ready for the challenge, but I'm not so sure about Kershaw. Hiroki Kuroda quietly had a solid rookie season. This will be the year that either continues to improve, or hitters figure him out and he gets abused. The team has to be careful not to rely too much on oft-injured Randy Wolf, who was decent last year for the Padres, but made at least 20 starts for the first time in a season since 2004.

Bullpen: B+

Jonathan Broxton finally gets a shot to close after a few seasons of watching Takashi Saito. He has the skills for it, the only question is if he has the mental makeup for it. Hong Chih-Kuo was one of the better middle relievers in baseball last season and Cory Wade proved his mettle for the Dodgers down the stretch. The Dodgers brought back some blasts from the past in Guillermo Mota and Jeff Weaver to see if there's any gas left in the tank. Was there any gas in Weaver's tank to begin with?

ODDS AND ENDS

• If the Dodgers can get someone to take Juan Pierre off their hands, they should jump at the chance.
• What high ranking MLB official does Jeff Weaver have naked pictures of? I can't understand how he keeps getting teams to take a chance on him.

2. Arizona Diamondbacks

THEN AND NOW
Figures: 82-80, second place.
2008 Headline: Growing Pains.
2009 Motto: Aren't they supposed to stop at some point.

COMINGS AND GOINGS
Key Additions: 2B Felipe Lopez, SP Jon Garland, RP Scott Schoenweis, RP Tom Gordon.
Key Losses: SP Randy Johnson (to SF), 2B Orlando Hudson (to LAD), OF Adam Dunn (to WAS), RP Brandon Lyon (to DET), RP Juan Cruz (to KC), INF Chris Burke (to SEA) David Eckstein (to SD).

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: B.

Just like the Dodgers, the D-Backs have a lot of young talent here, but there's no superstar, there's no Manny. Stephen Drew's career trajectory shows that he should continue to improve this season and may become a 25-30 homer guy. The team is waiting for other youngsters like Conor Jackson, Justin Upton and Chris Young to break out. The team's hopes hinge largely on whether these guys can show the potential that scouts across baseball think they have. Mark Reynolds is a pretty average hitter, but he surprisingly provided the team with some much needed power last year (29 homers).

Pitching rotation: A

This is what will keep the D-Backs in the playoff hunt if the young hitters fail to take that next step forward. Arizona is one of the only teams in baseball that can make a legitimate claim to having two bonafide aces on its pitching staff. Brandon Webb and Dan Haren are two excellent, reliable pitchers who you can pretty much lock in for 16 wins and an ERA in the low 3's. The team is hoping for big things from 2006 first round pick Max Scherzer, who earned the 5th spot in the rotation.

Bullpen: C

The bad news is that new closer Chad Qualls has been in the bigs for five years and has almost no experience as a full-time closer. The good news is, he can't possibly be any worse than Brandon Lyon was last season. Scott Schoeneweis was a decent pickup. Tony Pena and Jon Rauch are middle-of-the-road bullpen fodder who will be asked to step up and get the ball to Qualls in the 8th.

ODDS AND ENDS

• So far, Stephen Drew has done a good job of NOT mirroring the career of his brother J.D. He stays healthy, keeps quiet and goes about his business.
• Arizona better hope they get something out of all this young talent they have before these guys grow up and become Yankees.

3. San Francisco Giants

THEN AND NOW
Figures: 72-90, fourth place.
2008 Headline: We could have probably used Barry Bonds.
2009 Motto: In Lincecum we trust.

COMINGS AND GOINGS
Key Additions: SP Randy Johnson, INF Juan Uribe, SS Edgar Renteria, RP Jeremy Affeldt.
Key Losses: SS Omar Vizquel (to TEX), P Brad Hennessy (to BAL)

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: D-

The Giants' problem last season was excellent pitching with a horrible offense and their offseason moves didn't do much to change that. It's never a good thing when you're looking to Edgar Renteria to provide pop for your offense. Everyone but Brian Sabean seemed to realize that Aaron Rowand was going to end up being a terrible signing. There's some young talent here with potential (Fred Lewis, Pablo Sandoval). The sooner they get rid of the Randy Winn's and Bengie Molina's, the better.

Pitching rotation: A

This unit will keep the Giants from being the worst team in the division. Tim Lincecum only needed one full season to become the best pitcher in baseball. Matt Cain is a great young pitcher who got no run support and was overshadowed by Lincecum's dominant season. Expect improvement from Jonathan Sanchez and it can't hurt to have Randy Johnson on your staff, especially when he's not being counted on to anchor it.

Bullpen: C-

Brian Wilson's sub-4 ERA would indicate that he's not a very efficient pitcher, but somehow he ended up with 41 saves last season. Don't count on that happening again. Jeremy Affeldt was a good addition. They have a lot of solid veteran depth here, but nobody that really jumps out at you.

ODDS AND ENDS

• Why did this team sit by and let Manny Ramirez stay in Los Angeles? Despite how terrible this lineup is, they might be the favorites in this division if they had signed Manny.
• In this day and age when pitchers seem to get torn labrum's simply getting out of bed, the Giants have to be careful not to work the 25-year-old Lincecum, who pitched 227 innings last year. He is the best player on the team, but don't ride him too hard and make him another cautionary tale.
• On another Lincecum note, he has the best commercial on TV right now.

4. Colorado Rockies

THEN AND NOW
Figures: 74-88, third place.
2008 Headline: Wait, this isn't what happens the year after you make the World Series, is it?
2009 Motto: Wait, this isn't what happens two years after you make the World Series, it it?

COMINGS AND GOINGS
Key Additions: RP Huston Street, SP Josh Fogg, SP Jason Marquis, RP Alan Embree, RP Matt Belisle.
Key Losses: OF Matt Holliday (to OAK), OF Wily Tavares (to HOU), RP Cory Sullivan (to NYM), RP Matt Herges (to CLE), RP Brian Fuentes (to LAA), SP Livan Hernandez (to NYM).

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: B+

Even without Matt Holliday, this lineup should still do plenty of mashing. There are a handful of guys here who could all hit 20-30 homers. Chris Iannetta had a breakout season and the Rockies are hoping for the same thing from leadoff man Ryan Spilborghs. Anything they get out of Todd Helton is a bonus.

Pitching rotation: C-

Aaron Cook is a solid starter and a bit of an oddity, because I can't off the top of my head think of another starter who can log 200 innings a season without tipping the century mark in strikeouts, but Cook does it, and in Colorado no less. Ubaldo Jimenez is good and young but there's a lot of unproven pitchers behind them, aside from Jason Marquis, who has only proven that he completely sucks.

Bullpen: B-

Huston Street has all the tools if he can ever just stay healthy. It's a big IF for him. Manuel Corpas lost out to Street for the closers job last year, but it's probably for the better as he was extremely shaky last season and would probably be better off served in a setup role.

ODDS AND ENDS

• How would you like to be named Ubaldo? Or Yorvit?
• Todd Helton's goatee. is as thick as ever, but his bat isn't. Colorado is going to have to part ways with him and find his replacement sooner than later.

5. San Diego Padres

THEN AND NOW
Figures: 63-99, last place.
2008 Headline: Yes, we have Adrian Gonzalez.
2009 Motto: New promotion: Buy a dog toy at Petco and get a free ticket to the ballpark.

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Key Additions: 2b David Eckstein, OF Cliff Floyd, C Henry Blanco. 
Key Losses: SS Khalil Greene (to STL), C Josh Bard (to WAS), C Michael Barrett (to TOR), CL Trevor Hoffman (to MIL).

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: C-

You've got Adrian Gonzalez and not much else. Gonzalez has actually transformed himself into one of the elite first baseman in the game without much fanfare. Jody Gerut turned out to be a solid find for the Padres after his career seemed to be fizzling the past couple of years. Kevin Kouzmanoff provides some pop, but virtually nothing else. The Padres are apparently going to squeeze every last bit of usefulness out of Brian Giles.

Pitching rotation: C

Everything here hinges on the health and ability of Jake Peavy and Chris Young. The bad part for Pads fans is the better Peavy pitches, the more likely he is to be traded. So they need to just accept that they're destined to suck this year. The rest of the starters are all young and unproven.

Bullpen: D

Exit Trevor Hoffman and his 554 career saves, Enter Heath Bell. Don't fret Padres fans, Bell is going to be a very good closer, the only problem is everyone else in the bullpen. The only arms there to get Bell the ball in the ninth are inconsistent pitchers like Cla Meredeith or journymen like Duaner Sanchez.

ODDS AND ENDS

• Why the hell did the Padres sign David Eckstein? Why the hell does anyone sign David Eckstein?
• When Peavy is inevitably gets traded and Chris Young inevitably goes on the DL, this team is going to have the worst rotation in all of baseball.
• Don't most bad teams have good farm systems? Doesn't getting high draft picks let you restock your farm system with plenty of top flight talent? So why do the Padres have the 29th ranked farm system in all of baseball? (according to Baseball America). Tough times to be a Pads fan.

2009 AL West Preview: Wins Beneath Wings

The Angels have boat-raced the competition the last couple of years. With Oakland’s acquisitions and another year of seasoning for Texas’ young hitters, expect September to mean something. Even the rudderless Mariners, who many picked as a sleeper to upset the L.A.-by-O.C. Halos last season, should be able to right the ship this go round. Hard not to improve on finishing as the second-worst team in baseball.

1. Los Angeles Angels
THEN AND NOW
Figures: 100-62, first place, lost to Boston in ALDS (3-1).
2008 headline: Boston, don’t lose that number
2009 motto: Cheaper and less efficient

COMINGS AND GOINGS
Key additions: OF Bobby Abreu, P Brian Fuentes.
Key losses: 1B Mark Teixeira (to NYY), P Francisco Rodriguez (to NYM), OF Garret Anderson (to ATL), Jon Garland (to ARI).

MARKS AND REMARKS
Lineup: B
Nobody puts baby in a corner. The Angels tried it with Mark Teixeira and the Yankees threw him a $180 million lifeline. Now they get Bobby Abreu as a Match-Game-esque consolation prize. Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter need to relocate the pop that their bats have been missing last year. Juan Rivera and Kendry Morales will add some, but not enough. Chone Figgins needs to get his average back near .300 or he’ll turn into Dave Roberts. The million dollar question: when is Howie Kendrick ever going to produce consistently at the big leagues? Injuries have kept hitting prodigy from playing in more than 92 games in each of his three seasons. And a .300 singles hitter with marginal speed isn’t what I call producing.
Rotation: B-
John Lackey is a big game pitcher when healthy, but right now, he isn't. Ervin Santana figured out how to pitch on the road and finally had the type of year one L.A. baseball writer always thought he would. From there, things get hazy. Joe Saunders (great last name) was an all star, but young control pitchers always need a larger body of work to prove that they’re the real deal. Just ask Zach Duke. It only took Jered Weaver a season to show everyone that he’s just as over-hyped, over-payed and predicatable as his older brother. 28-year-old Dustin Moseley was supposed to rise through the ranks with Santana. Ineffectiveness (career 5.52 ERA in 153.1) slowed that. Being the team’s No. 5 on opening day is his last shot with the Angels.
Bullpen: B+
Brian Fuentes is going to go a long way to proving that Francisco Rodriguez’s saves record wasn’t a great individual accomplishment. He should get 50 if he stays healthy. The real reason why L.A. never entertained the idea of giving Rodriguez a big-money long-term deal was setup man Jose Arredondo, who went 10-2 with a 1.62 ERA and 55 Ks as a rookie. When 33-year-old rubber-armed Scot Shields retires in 10 years, he’ll go down as one of the most underrated relievers in baseball history. Darren Oliver and Justin Speier are veterans who give this bullpen a ton of depth.

ODDS AND ENDS

• Angels fans know all about Brandon Wood, who two years ago was compared to and often thought more highly of than Milwaukee's Ryan Braun. This is the year the heralded 3B/SS combo get a lengthy run with the big boys.
• Athletes do a ton of terrible commercials for local businesses, but manager Mike Scioscia doesn't want them to have all the fun/hatemail. Maybe Angels fans would be more inclined to buy plasma screen from Howard's if they could watch their Halos actually beat Boston in the playoffs.

2. Oakland Athletics
THEN AND NOW
Figures: 75-86, third place

2008 headline: Who's on first? Jack Hannahan?

2009 motto: Who are you and what have you done with Billy Beane?!

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Key additions: OF Matt Holliday, 1B/DH Jason Giambi, SS Orlando Cabrera, IF Nomar Garciaparra, P Edgar Gonzalez, P Michael Wuertz, OF Ben Copeland.

Key losses: P Huston Street (to COL), P Dan Meyer (to FLA), OF Carlos Gonzalez (to COL), OF Matt Murton (to COL), P Greg Smith (to COL), P Alan Embree (to COL).

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: B-

No one thought the A's would be movers-and-shakers this offseason, but their batting order is worlds better because of it. These may not look on the surface like moves general manager Billy Beane would make, but they were all for Billy Beane-like players. Matt Holliday is a stud whose protection will make Jason Giambi's homecoming even sweeter. Orlando Cabrera can pick it at shortstop and takes and is one of the best at working the count. Nomar Garciaparra came cheap and is a great utility option at this stage of his career. Last year, no one outside the Bay Area could name a single A's position player and now most can name one coming off the bench. 

Rotation: D+

This group is as green as the field on which they play. But unlike the franchise they share that field with, this group has upside. The problem: that upside may still be a year away. Staff ace and all-star Justin Duchscherer had elbow surgery on Tuesday and something tells me that 6 weeks is a rather optimistic return date. That means Dana Eveland (35 starts) is Oakland's most experienced pitcher. 

Bullpen: B-

A pretty underrated group sits down the left-field line. Brad Ziegler had that amazing start to his career and he might lose his job to the next great A's reliever, Joey Devine.  But this unit isn't all about youth. Russ Springer, Michael Wuertz and Santiago Casilla all have logged some serious major league miles, enough to let the youngster mature with minimal pressure.

ODDS AND ENDS

• Do you know where you'll be on July 31? How about April 1, 2010? Neither does Matt Holliday and that's a problem.
• If there is a god, he/she/it doesn't like Eric Chavez. The former all-star and Gold Glover played just 23 games last season. It's getting to the point that A's fans don't even remember he's on the roster. 

3. Texas Rangers
THEN AND NOW
Figures: 79-83, second place

2008 headline: Scored more than Wilt Chamberlain

2009 motto: We're still not worried about pitching

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Key additions: P Kris Benson, OF/DH Andruw Jones, OF Greg Golson.

Key losses: OF Milton Bradley (to CHC), C Gerald Laird (to DET), Jamey Wright (retired), Kameron Lowe (retired) Ramon Vazquez (to PIT).

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: B+

They may not have the star power of the Yankees squad, but this group can flat-out mash. 904 runs scored in '08. Josh Hamilton was the fell-good story to end all feel-good stories, but let's not forget that he's only 27-years old. Ian Kinsler is as good as Chase Utley right now and might have more pop than the Phillies star when it's all said and done. Nelson Cruz and Chris Davis are next in a long line of productive young hitters. After a deplorable season with the Dodgers, Andruw Jones is not only playing to prove he belongs in the majors, but to prove that he still is a valuable power hitter. The rage alone should help him shed 10 pounds.

Rotation: F

This is about as laughable as it gets. Vicente Padilla is the ace of this staff. Vicente. Padilla. Behind him are Kevin Millwood and Scott Feldman, two guys who've put together back-to-back seasons of 5.00 ERAs or worse. The recently-signed Kris Benson brings only one thing this to this team and it's not a good curveball. Brandon McCarthy was the best pitcher in the Rangers system after his acquisition from the White Sox in 2006. Sounds like arguing over who is the tallest midget if you ask me.

Bullpen: D+

Make no mistake, Frank Francisco didn't inherit the closer role by default. His numbers were twice as good as C.J. Wilson's. Yet somehow, Wilson's 6.02 ERA was good enough to keep him as the setup man. Guess there isn't a whole lot of faith in youngsters Josh Rupe and Warner Madrigal. That's it. No more time wasted on Rangers "pitchers."

ODDS AND ENDS

• There's a slight chance this team this team again leads the league in hits and hits allowed. That's history folks. 
• Hank Blalock can't crack this team's starting lineup and Phil Hughes can't make the Yankees rotation. MAKE A TRADE ALREADY.

4. Seattle Mariners

THEN AND NOW
Figures: 61-101, fourth place

2008 headline: Playind Bedard-ed

2009 motto: Welcome back, Kid

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Key additions: OF Ken Griffey Jr., OF Endy Chavez, 1B Russell Branyan, OF Franklin  Gutierrez, IF Chris Burke.

Key losses: OF Raul Ibanez (to PHI), P J.J. Putz (to NYM), OF Willie Bloomquist (to KC).

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: C

The thing looks good on paper, but is littered with land mines. Ken Griffey Jr. coming home will be the best story in baseball this year if he stays healthy. History has shown that that is a huge "if." Teammate Mike Sweeney might be one of five guys in the league who is more frail than The Kid. Jose Lopez, Adrian Beltre and Russell Branyan are serviceable pieces, but they can't make up for the loss of the team's most consistently productive hitter, Raul Ibanez. The good news, Ichiro will have the best season of his career in '09. You heard  it here first.

Rotation: C+

Mariners fans finally get to see what having two front-line starters at the top looks like. Felix Hernandez is become more dominant with each season and Erik Bedard's fastball is getting back to where it was before surgery. Unfortunately, those two will have to combine for at least 30 wins because the rest of the staff isn't going to be able to carry its weight. Carlos Silva has his worst season as a pro in '08 because he lost his sharpness and if that's gone, so's his career. Jarrod Washburn is slowly but surely getting worse with each calendar year.

Bullpen: C-

Brandon Morrow is one of the two best young arms in baseball. Seattle's problem is they really need him in two different spots. They want him to be a starter down the road, but to do it this year means sending him down to the minors, not getting him back until June and handing the ball to Mark Lowe (5.37 ERA) in the meantime. 

ODDS AND ENDS

• Center fielder Jeremy Reed, at one point the top player in Seattle's farm system was dealt to the Mets in the offseason and probably won't make the big league club. I know this type of thing happens a lot, but I always find it sad. 
• This club had better be happy about winning 75 games and still being fourth in the division because that's as good as it's going to get.

2009 NL Central Preview: Cross to Bear

Editor's note: "Cross to Bear" is the third of a seven-part series previewing the 2009 MLB season. Part Four, "Twin Killing,"spot-lighting the AL Central is below. Parts One and Two, spot-lighting the NL and AL East Divisions were published Monday, March 30. 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.

Last October's feel-good-story Tampa Bay Rays made a lot of people forget about the tale of woe enveloping Chicago's North Side. It also made people forget that this was the second-most competitive division in baseball. That's right, I'm talking about the NL Central...You heard me.

1. Chicago Cubs

THEN AND NOW

Figures: 97-64, first place, lost to Los Angeles Dodgers in Divisional Series (3-0).

2008 headline: 100's a nice, round number.

2009 motto: Class schedule: Choke Artistry 101.

COMINGS AND GOING

Key additions: RF Milton Bradley, P Kevin Gregg, P Aaron Heilman, IF Aaron Miles, P Luis Vizcaino, OF Joey Gathright.

Key losses: 2B Mark DeRosa (to CLE), P Kerry Wood (to CLE), OF Jim Edmonds (retired), P Jason Marquis (to COL), P Bob Howry (to SF), SS Ronny Cedeno (to SEA), Michael Wuertz (to OAK), C Henry Blanco (to SD), Daryle Ward (to CIN), Jon Lieber (retired).

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: B+

This lineup gets even better once Cubs management can convince Alfonso Soriano that he's not a leadoff hitter. Derrek Lee's pop is just about gone (20 HRs) and so is his speed (8 SBs), but there are fewer guys who are more valuable to their clubs than the Gentle Giant. Even when he's making all-star games, I still don't think people realize just how good Aramis Ramirez is. As for Geovany Soto (.285, 23, 86), nothing more need be said. Milton Bradley hits lefties harder than he hits his w(the missing text has been claimed by the LAPD as evidence in an ongoing domestic violence investigation).

Rotation: B

No Cy Young predictions from Carlos Zambrano this season. A 7.28 ERA in August and September will do that. His shrinking strikeout rate is a reason for concern. Then again, it was the first time in three years that Round Mound of Barrett-face Pound kept his free passes below 100. Scary to think that Sean Marshall and Ted Lilly are the most reliable hurlers in the rotation. Rich Harden starting 25 games this season is about as likely Ryan Dempster repeating his 2.96 ERA.

Bullpen: B

Kerry Wood looked good in the pen last season before fleecing Cleveland out of $20.5 million. Kevin Gregg will have similar success as his replacement thanks in large part to Carlos Marmol. The Dominican fire-baller is unquestionably the best eight-inning man in all of baseball, holding opponents to a .135 batting average. The question is, who comes falls in line behind them? Jeff Samardzija? Aaron Heilman? Luis Vizcaino? Well, maybe not Luis Vizcaino.

ODDS AND ENDS

• With focus put squarely on postseason redemption, no one cares about the Cubs regular season. Unless they lose. In which case, Home Depot blows through its stock of rope a month earlier than usual.
• When Zambrano breaks down, Dusty Baker's revenge will be complete.
• Lou Piniella had better right this ship before the end of its third voyage with him at the helm. If not, a Tampa Bay Rays-like reclamation project will be the only type of gig he can land.
• Jon Lieber's 401K must not be doing too well. The man's already launched his second career: school bus driver.

2. St. Louis Cardinals

THEN AND NOW

Figures: 86-76, fourth place

2008 headline: Chicken salad out of chicken shitaki mushrooms

2009 motto: Now do even more with less

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Key additions: SS Khalil Greene, P Trever Miller, P Dennys Reyes.

Key losses: P Braden Looper (to MIL), 2B Aaron Miles (to CHC), SS Felipe Lopez (to ARI), SS Cesar Izturis (to BAL), 2B Adam Kennedy (to TB), P Russ Springer (to OAK).

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: B-

Let's take a moment to revel in the greatness that is Albert Pujols. If I wanted to start a franchise, he'd be the first guy I'd go after, even if he's 29-years old on paper and in his 30s in real life. Ryan Ludwick (.299, 37, 114) is the perfect example as to why. Rick Ankiel tried his damnedest to bring down the Red Birds NL-leading .281 batting average, by hitting .169 over the season's final two months before abdominal injury shelved him in early September. Speaking of guys who had their seasons cut short by injury, 2003 Rookie of the Year favorite Khalil Greene is going to benefit greatly from a change of venue. I'm just surprised that he's the best GM John Mozeliak could do after losing four guys who got significant playing time up the middle for St. Louis.

Rotation: B-

Chris Carpenter's "good" health is the only things keeping this from being one of the most pedestrian rotations in baseball. When he and Adam Wainwright start 30 games, they'll become a stellar 1-2 punch while also making Kyle Lohse look like one of the league's best No. 3s. Todd Wellemeyer might just be the most consistent starter in any four-spot, hurling 28 quality starts last season and only once allowing more than six runs. Then there's Joel Piniero, who Dave Duncan, try as he might, can't even help.

Bullpen: C+

Just because you don't know who they are doesn't mean they're that bad. Roll call! Jason Motte, who allowed one earned run and fanned 16 during an 11-inning September call-up. Dennys Reyes may look like he puts down six Moons over My Hammys ever morning, but he was a great left-handed option for the Twins. John Kinney hasn't allowed a run since Sept. 10, 2006. And the team's finally learned not to let Ryan Franklin anywhere near the ninth inning.

ODDS AND ENDS

• The problem with Tony La Russa pulling a rabbit out of a hat last season is that the fans and front-office types think he can do it again.
• Chris Duncan, who I've always believed in, is very close to wearing out his welcome in left. Top prospect Colby Rasmus is a big reason why.
• I know the outfield's crowded, but is moving Skip Schumaker to second base really the best option?
• Speaking of 2Bs, when's it going to be Bo Hart Day at the ballpark?

3. Cincinnati Reds

THEN AND NOW

Figures: 74-88, fifth place

2008 headline: Edinson Volquez was halfway there

2009 motto: Youth can serve

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Key additons: P Micah Owings, C Ramon Hernandez, OF Willy Taveras, OF Jonny Gomes, P Arthur Rhodes, P Aaron Fultz, 1B Daryle Ward, OF Jacque Jones.

Key losses: OF Corey Patterson (to WAS), UTIL Ryan Freel (to BAL), P Jeremy Affeldt (to SF), P Gary Majewski (to PHI), C Paul Bako (to CHC), P Josh Fogg (to COL), P Matt Belisle (to COL), P Kent Merker (retired).

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: B-

Yes, I know Adam Dunn isn't in the lineup anymore, but second-year men Joey Votto and Jay Bruce are going to pick up the slack. Edwin Encarnacion, this is your wakeup call: Either improve on your .251 batting average or 23 errors. One of them has to change. Brandon Phillips is a lock for another 20-20 season. Utility player extrodinaire Jerry Hairston Jr. is always an analysts' deep sleeper pick. Last season, he finally showed why.

Rotation: B-

This staff has a ton of upside. Aaron Harang won't go 6-17 again this season because he won't have the fourth-worst run support in the majors. Bronson Arroyo won't own a 4.77 ERA this season because he hadn't pitched that poorly since his sophomore season of 2001. Johnny Cueto won't be as wild because those rookie jitters are put to bed. And it won't matter how effective Micah Owings is because his bat (.318 average, five home runs, 21 RBI is 116 ABs) will makeup for most shortcomings on the mound. A small step back from all-star Edinson Volquez is the unit's only negative.

Bullpen: C-

Francisco Cordero has been a solid closer for years now, but having two 39-year olds setting the table sure is going to make it harder to maintain that sterling conversion rate. David Weathers and Arthur Rhodes are both on the dog end of middle-of-the-pack careers. Why not Mike Stanton? Hope their 4 p.m. side sessions don't interfere with mealtime.

ODDS AND ENDS

• Homer Bailey, who will start the season in the 'pen, was asked too much too soon, but enough coddling. It's time to throw him in the deep end.
• Jeff Keppinger made Ryan Freel expendable. He, too, will play whatever position Dusty Baker pulls out of his magic hat.
• a .500 season one out of every nine years is a terrible ratio. None in nine years is worse
  

4. Milwaukee Brewers

THEN AND NOW

Figures: 90-72, second place, wild card winner, lost to Philadelphia in division series (3-1).

2008 headline: No toast for Yost

2009 motto: Relevance is exhausting

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Key additions: P Trevor Hoffman, P Braden Looper, P Jorge Julio, IF Casey MeGehee.

Key losses: P CC Sabathia (to NYY), P Ben Sheets (free agent/injured), P Saloman Torres (retired), 2B Ray Durham (free agent), P Eric Gagne (free agent), P Brian Shouse (to TB), Guillermo Mota (to LAD), Gabe Kapler (to TB), Russell Branyan (to SEA) Joe Dillon (to OAK).

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: B

This scorecard is a Sportscenter anchor's dream. "Prince crowns another fastball." "Ryan's speed shows he more than just Braun." "Corey plays with lots of Hart." "Hardy boy investigates holes in swing." That's not nausea you're feeling, it's truth. So's the fact that Mike Cameron is still a 20/20 player with good range in center, Jason Kendall is a doubles machine and Bill Hall and Rickie Weeks can't possible play worse than they did in '08.

Rotation: C+

Sabathia and Sheets left huge holes (literally) in this unit and no one come close to plugging them. Jeff Suppan and Dave Bush anchor this staff and that should frighten any Brewers fan. Yovani Gallardo may be ready to start full time, but their other budding ace, Manny Parra is not so long as he walks batters at a Zambranoesque rate. Braden Looper is a barely serviceable No. 5.

Bullpen: C

It's not that they lost great arms, they just lost a ton of average ones. After four pen pals took walking papers, the Brew Crew found themselves equally questionable replacements. Trevor Hoffman takes over for Torres as closer after posting his highest ERA since 1995. Carlos Villanueva has parlayed his 1.80 post-break ERA into a setup role. Mitch Stetter may be a better lefty specialist than Shouse, holding southpaw sluggers to a .158 average. Could be a promising group of relievers. Wait, Jorge Julio, David Riske and Seth McClung are also on the team? Nevermind.

ODDS AND ENDS

• Without CC Sabathia, who will sit across the aisle from Prince Fielder to balance the team plane? Who'll play seasaw with him. Who'll he ride to work with?
• What kind of butter-injected "vegetarian" foods is Prince Fielder gnoshing on?!
• Completing the trifecta, we all see the similarities between Prince and his dad Cecil. Lets hope dancing isn't one of them.

5. Houston Astros

THEN AND NOW

Figures: 86-74, third place

2008 headline: April through June is just preseason

2009 motto: April through June is not preaseason

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Key additions: C Ivan Rodriguez, P Mike Hampton, P Russ Ortiz, OF Jason Michael, IF Jason Smith.

Key losses: 3B Ty Wigginton (to BAL), P Randy Wolf (to LAD), C Brad Ausmus (to LAD), IF Mark Loretta (to LAD), IF Jose Castillo (to WAS).

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: B-

You remember group projects in school where two people would do all of the work and the other handful would get to take equal credit? Well Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee are those two people and Geoff Blum is not. Houston's No. 3 and No. 4 hitters are RBI machines, shocking when you consider that Kaz Matsui and Michael Bourn have been hitting ahead of them. Pudge Rodriguez is no upgrade here. He's just another guy who's allergic to walks. In fact, the aforementioned No. 8, No. 1 and No. 2 hitters in the Astros' lineup combined to draw fewer free passes than Berkman amassed on his own.

Rotation: D

I slammed the Orioles for having a 34-year-old Japanese rookie as their No. 2 starter. Sorry, 'Stros fans. Mike Hampton is a worse wingman. He's totaled 25 starts over the last four seasons. And for those of you who think the arm issues of '06 and '07 are behind him, a 2.81 batting average against says otherwise. Maybe he and Russ Ortiz will simultaneously tear one another's labrums in what could only be described as the worst game of arm wrestling known to man.

Bullpen: B

If you want to accuse me of being unfairly hard on the Astros by slotting them fifth in the division, you might be on to something. I just don't want to watch another 35 chest-pounding, primal-screaming, sweat-soaked Jose Valverde save celebrations. The guy is just so intense when he's on the mound. If he's that tweaked to lock down a 5-2 victory over the Nationals, what's he going to be like throwing the ninth in a Houston playoff game? We'll never know. Other than that, LaTroy Hawkins heads a list of capable veterans.

ODDS AND ENDS

• HOK Sport Event Venue architecture group, the brilliant minds that brought you Minute Maid's center-field hill and flagpole, officially changed its name yesterday to Populous. All of you who want to complain to/thank the group for putting Michael Bourn's health at risk, send letters to Populous at 300 Wyandotte St., Kansas City, MS, 64105.
• The Dodgers pilfered the Astros roster in the offseason. Not sure who's better off there.

Pittsburgh Pirates

THEN AND NOW

Figures: 67-95, sixth place

2008 headline: We mortgaged our future for our future

2009 motto: We know we're not fooling anybody

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Key additions: IF Ramon Vazquez, IF/OF Eric Hinske, P Virgil Vasquez, OF Craig Monroe, C Jason Jaramillo.

Key losses: 1B Doug Mientkiewicz (to LAD), OF Jason Michaels (to HOU), C Ronny Paulino (to PHI), IF Luis Rivas (to CHC), IF Chris Gomez (to BAL), C Raul Chavez (to TOR).

MARKS AND REMARKS

Lineup: D+

There will be too many growing pains here. Ryan Doumit will be the only guy flirting with a .300 average. Adam LaRoche is the only other guy in this lineup who would start for more than half of the teams in the MLB. Nate McLouth tanked big time after making the all-star team. There's no intrigue surrounding Freddy Sanchez and Jack Wilson. You know what you're going to get from them and it's not good. Andy LaRoche and Brandon Moss have a ton to prove in their first full season with the ballclub. Nyjer Morgan is a speedster at the top of the lineup who can hit for average. Staying healthy (86 games in two seasons) is a different matter.

Rotation: D

Paul Maholm is a No. 3 starter on most clubs and that's a compliment. Mainly because he's the only guy in the rotation with an ERA under 4.50. Ian Snell, Zach Duke and Tom Gorzelanny have all displayed flashes in their young careers, then reality sets in. Ross Ohlendorf rounds out this circle jerk of suck, but it's not his fault. He'd be in the minors on any other team. Then again, so would the three guys in front of him.

Bullpen: D-

Matt Capps is a stone-cold stud. Then there's everyone else. They're young and have been rushed into something their not ready for. Broken record much? I almost feel like I'm cheating on a college essay, repeating the same thing over and over again in slightly different ways. Funny, that's where most of these guys should be.

ODDS AND ENDS

• Manager John Russell should have one of the safest jobs in sports. Zero expectations will do that.
• I could have said this the last few seasons: it's a damn shame such a great-looking ballpark houses a terrible-looking team.
• I'm a Zach Duke fan. If three more people drop out, fan club bylaws will require us to disband. Stay strong Elite Eight.
• Cross promotion idea: WWE at PNC. Do you Snell what the Rock is cookin'.