Here is the post regarding each team's strengths and weaknesses in the AL East.
AL East:
Boston Red Sox:
Strengths: Pitching, pitching, and more pitching. The Red Sox organization has built up their starting pitching depth masterfully over the last few years. The Sox will go into 2009 with a rotation of Beckett, Matsuzaka, Lester, Wakefield and Penny. John Smoltz is waiting in the wings, too. He will rehab until he is ready to contribute sometime in May or June. The Red Sox also have Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden in AAA, who are both good enough to pitch for ¾ of the major league teams right now. Secondly, but still very importantly, the Red Sox have one of the best bullpens in baseball. Even though the Red Sox pen was terrific last year, Theo and the front office went and acquired another arm: trading Coco Crisp for Ramon Ramirez. They also signed an immensely talented and successful Takashi Saito, who wasn’t receiving the offers he deserved after there were questions regarding his elbow. These two join a pen comprised of Manny Delcarmen, Javier Lopez, Hideki Okajima, Justin Masterson, and Jonathan “Cinco Ocho” Papelbon. Finally, do not forget the flame-thrower Daniel Bard who was consistently hitting triple digits during spring training. Although there is probably not a spot for him at the beginning of the year, if an injury strikes, he will be first in line to be called up.
Weaknesses: Most would argue that the Red Sox do not have a glaring weakness. The only problem that could strike them is the injury bug. With David Ortiz, Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew coming back from injuries, the Red Sox lineup has some question marks. If those three contribute, though, the Red Sox have one of the deepest lineups in the game.
New York Yankees:
Strengths: As soon as Alex Rodriguez returns to the lineup, the Yankees have undoubtedly the best lineup in baseball with Damon, Jeter, A-Rod, Teixeira, Matsui, Posada, Cano, and whoever else they throw out there in the 8 and 9 spots. The Yankees also have one of the finest rotations in baseball after an offseason spending spree in which they signed C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. Those two will join a rotation that includes Chien Ming Wang, Andy Pettitte and Joba Chamberlain. The Yankees have good starting pitching depth as well, with Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy available should an injury strike.
Weaknesses: The Yankees do not have the bullpen depth that they had during the “Yankee Dynasty” years of the 1990’s. While Mariano Rivera remains as strong as ever, the rest of the bullpen does not have an established reliever other than Damaso Marte. While Yankee fans love to say that Edwar Ramirez, Jose Veras, and Phil Coke are going to shine, I’m not sold until I see them perform for another full season.
Tampa Bay Rays:
Strengths: The Rays are coming off a season in which they won the AL Pennant. The frightening thing for the rest of the AL East is that the heart of their lineup has room for improvement. Carl Crawford, B.J. Upton, Evan Longoria, and even Carlos Pena should all have improved numbers in 2009. The Rays starting pitching is also very good with James Shields, Scott Kazmir, and Matt Garza carrying the load. After the first two months of the season it is expected that the Rays will call up David Price, which should further improve their rotation. Andy Sonnastine is not a bad #5, either.
Weaknesses: The Rays biggest flaw is their bullpen. While Howell, Wheeler, and Balfour had strong seasons in 2008, they are going have to be just as strong in ’09 if they want to make the playoffs. Troy Percival also cannot be counted on for the long haul. If he goes down with an injury, I’m not sure the Rays have someone they can rely on to fill the closer’s role.
Toronto Blue Jays:
Strengths: The Blue Jays have quite a strong outfield core with Vernon Wells in center and Travis Snyder and Alexis Rios in left and right. Adam Lind is also a capable outfielder. The Jays have one of the league’s best starters in Roy Halladay, so they are not likely to go on any prolonged losing streaks.
Weaknesses: Unfortunately for the Jays, they have more weaknesses than strengths. Losing Dustin McGowan and Shawn Marcum to injury really leaves their rotation in shambles. Their bullpen is also pretty thin with only Scott Downs, Brandon League, and an aging B.J. Ryan to rely upon (Ryan’s velocity has been down considerably during spring training). Scott Rolen has shown over the last two seasons that he has very little left, and Vernon Wells has a lot to prove coming off an injury riddled 2008. With the Red Sox and Yankees paying the big bucks year in and year out, the fact that the Jays didn’t spend a dollar in free agency speaks volumes about where this team is headed.
Baltimore Orioles:
Strengths: The Orioles have a few really good, young, position players. The list includes Nick Markakis, Adam Jones and Matt Wieters (who will begin the season in AAA). Brian Roberts is the consummate professional, and Aubrey Huff and Melvin Mora are coming off 100 RBI seasons. The Orioles also have the luxury of having two relievers, George Sherrill and Chris Ray, with experience as closer.
Weaknesses: Should I just say Peter Angelos and move on? The Orioles front office has been fighting the owner for years. From a team standpoint, the Orioles enter 2009 with a questionable starting rotation. Jeremy Guthrie looks like a sure thing, but after him, the O’s have some serious question marks. The fact that their #2 starter is Koji Uehara, a guy who hasn’t thrown a pitch in the big leagues, can’t bode well for them.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Recent News
Two interesting Patriots-related items:
• Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch was suspended for three games by the NFL, meaning he should miss the Bills opener on September 14 at New England. Without Lynch, the Bills offensive is much easier to defend, even with the addition of Terrell Owens.
• The NFL will release the 2009 schedule on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
• Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch was suspended for three games by the NFL, meaning he should miss the Bills opener on September 14 at New England. Without Lynch, the Bills offensive is much easier to defend, even with the addition of Terrell Owens.
• The NFL will release the 2009 schedule on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Funny Manny Ramirez SportsCenter Commercial
This is probably my favorite SportsCenter commercial of all time. "Manny Being Manny." Oh, the memories.
This commercial was never mainstream broadcast as Manny was subsequently traded to the Dodgers.
This commercial was never mainstream broadcast as Manny was subsequently traded to the Dodgers.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Pats NFL Draft Outlook
The Pats have eleven picks in the upcoming NFL Draft. They are as follows:
1st round-#23
2nd round-#34, #47, #58
3rd round-#89, #97 (compensatory)
4th round-#124
5th round-#170 (compensatory)
6th round-#199 (A one Tom Brady was drafted in this spot in 2000), #207 (compensatory)
7th round-#234
It is unlikely that the Pats will select eleven players with these picks for a few reasons. First, the roster is simply too talented and deep to accommodate that many rookies. I would guess that there will be enough spots for about eight rookies. Second, by moving up or down, they can create more value. Considering the number of picks they have (including three 2nd rounders), the Pats will be in a good position to maneuver around the board. By trading up, they may be able to snag a player that has fallen far below where he should have been taken. By trading down, they increase the value of the pick for next year. This may be particularly prudent this year considering the number of quality free agents they will have at the end of the 2009 season. My hope is that they can trade #47 for a first-round pick next year.
*Compensatory picks cannot be traded.
1st round-#23
2nd round-#34, #47, #58
3rd round-#89, #97 (compensatory)
4th round-#124
5th round-#170 (compensatory)
6th round-#199 (A one Tom Brady was drafted in this spot in 2000), #207 (compensatory)
7th round-#234
It is unlikely that the Pats will select eleven players with these picks for a few reasons. First, the roster is simply too talented and deep to accommodate that many rookies. I would guess that there will be enough spots for about eight rookies. Second, by moving up or down, they can create more value. Considering the number of picks they have (including three 2nd rounders), the Pats will be in a good position to maneuver around the board. By trading up, they may be able to snag a player that has fallen far below where he should have been taken. By trading down, they increase the value of the pick for next year. This may be particularly prudent this year considering the number of quality free agents they will have at the end of the 2009 season. My hope is that they can trade #47 for a first-round pick next year.
*Compensatory picks cannot be traded.
Monday, April 6, 2009
NFL Draft Profile: Darius Butler
Over the next few weeks, On to the Pike will offer profiles of players that the Patriots may draft. We begin with Darius Butler, a cornerback from Connecticut that is projected as a late first-round, early second-round pick.
Although the Pats signed Bodden and Springs, neither one is a viable long-term option because Bodden has a one-year deal (if he plays well this season, he will get a better deal elsewhere and if he doesn’t, the Pats won’t want him back) and Springs is 34 years old. Also, Hobbs is in the last year of his contract, so I think the Pats will try and get a cornerback in this year’s draft. I don’t see the Pats taking a corner at #23 because they have more pressing needs (LB in particular) and it probably would not be the best value pick. However, at #34, I think it would be a good choice because of the mix of value and need.
Butler has decent size (5’11’’), great speed (4.38 40), and athleticism (evident in his combine best 43 inch vertical jump). He has four years of experience at Connecticut and great instincts. He played well in both man and zone coverage and should be able to play both in the NFL. Although Butler did not have any interceptions last season, he did not see many balls thrown in his direction either. By comparison, he had eight interceptions in his first two seasons when teams were more likely to throw at him. He is also a solid tackler that can help in run support. He played some receiver as a senior and also returned kicks, meaning that he has the versatility the Pats like.
Although the Pats signed Bodden and Springs, neither one is a viable long-term option because Bodden has a one-year deal (if he plays well this season, he will get a better deal elsewhere and if he doesn’t, the Pats won’t want him back) and Springs is 34 years old. Also, Hobbs is in the last year of his contract, so I think the Pats will try and get a cornerback in this year’s draft. I don’t see the Pats taking a corner at #23 because they have more pressing needs (LB in particular) and it probably would not be the best value pick. However, at #34, I think it would be a good choice because of the mix of value and need.
Butler has decent size (5’11’’), great speed (4.38 40), and athleticism (evident in his combine best 43 inch vertical jump). He has four years of experience at Connecticut and great instincts. He played well in both man and zone coverage and should be able to play both in the NFL. Although Butler did not have any interceptions last season, he did not see many balls thrown in his direction either. By comparison, he had eight interceptions in his first two seasons when teams were more likely to throw at him. He is also a solid tackler that can help in run support. He played some receiver as a senior and also returned kicks, meaning that he has the versatility the Pats like.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
World Series Prediction
WS-
New York Mets vs. Boston Red Sox (BOS wins 4-2)
This series will not be a repeat performance of 1986.
(I can’t believe I just posted that)
While the Mets have Johan Santana, the Red Sox counter with the playoff pitcher extraordinaire, Josh Beckett (On a 1-10 scale, if Johan Santana is a 10, a healthy Josh Beckett is a 9.5 and a 11 in the playoffs). After that matchup, however, the Red Sox starters significantly outmatch anyone the Mets can throw out there: Lester vs. Pelfrey, Matsuzaka vs. Perez, and Smoltz vs. Maine. Although the Mets offense is slightly more potent than a healthy Red Sox lineup, pitching wins in the playoffs. Expect another World Series MVP from Josh Beckett.
*The Red Sox have home field advantage because I expect the American League to win this year’s Midsummer Classic.
New York Mets vs. Boston Red Sox (BOS wins 4-2)
This series will not be a repeat performance of 1986.
(I can’t believe I just posted that)
While the Mets have Johan Santana, the Red Sox counter with the playoff pitcher extraordinaire, Josh Beckett (On a 1-10 scale, if Johan Santana is a 10, a healthy Josh Beckett is a 9.5 and a 11 in the playoffs). After that matchup, however, the Red Sox starters significantly outmatch anyone the Mets can throw out there: Lester vs. Pelfrey, Matsuzaka vs. Perez, and Smoltz vs. Maine. Although the Mets offense is slightly more potent than a healthy Red Sox lineup, pitching wins in the playoffs. Expect another World Series MVP from Josh Beckett.
*The Red Sox have home field advantage because I expect the American League to win this year’s Midsummer Classic.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Pats Roster Breakdown Part III
Here is the concluding chapter of an epic:
• Tedy Bruschi-He is slow and has trouble in coverage, but his knowledge of the system and experience will give him another year as a serviceable 2-down MLB.
• Gary Guyton-Could Guyton have a big leap in his second season? He has the physical ability to be a starter in the NFL, but looked lost a few times last season.
• Adalius Thomas-Thomas is a great player, but he has disappointed since the Pats lured him out of Baltimore with that huge contract.
• Shawn Crable-Finished last season on IR with a shin injury and looks to be a project. Hopefully he can rush the passer well, but I’m not expecting too much this season.
• Angelo Craig-Finished last season on the practice squad. Provides more youth and athleticism at OLB.
• Jonathan Wilhite-Came on strong in the second half of the season, including an interception at Oakland. Look for a good season from Wilhite.
• Shawn Springs-He is 34, 6 feet tall and will earn $4.55 million this season. The Pats must hope for Springs to be a sturdy #1 corner.
• Terrence Wheatley-Second-round pick missed the second half of the season with a wrist injury. Wheatley tallied his most minutes in the last two games he played (St. Louis and at Indianapolis), which could mean the coaching staff saw good things out of him in practice. If he plays well this season, the corner position looks a lot better.
• Ellis Hobbs-Most Pats fans dislike Hobbs, but he is a good #2 or #3 corner with great kickoff return abilities.
• Leigh Bodden-Played well under a Pats style defense in Cleveland in 2007 with six interceptions, before a tough season in a zone-defense last year in Detroit. I think Bodden will play well here, including at least five interceptions.
• Mike Richardson-Will have a tough time making the roster if the Pats draft a few corners.
• Brandon Meriweather-I think Meriweather will have a Pro-Bowl type season. He made a big improvement from his rookie year and he should only get better from here.
• Antwain Spann-Backup Safety and STer will compete for a spot in camp.
• Tank Williams-He was going to play a hybrid S/LB role last season before suffering a season-ending knee injury in the first preseason game. Look for a similar S/LB role this year.
• James Sanders-He is an adequate starter (an 83 in Madden describes Sanders well), but getting an upgrade through the draft for the future would be nice.
• Ray Ventrone-Like Spann, he will compete in camp for a roster spot.
• Stephen Gostkowski-A Pro-Bowler last year, he should have another great season. He made 90% (36 of 40) of his field goals last season.
• Chris Hanson-He had an incredible punt into the wind in the last game at Buffalo. Should have another decent year.
• Tom Malone-Played college ball at USC, meaning he rarely punted even though he was one of the best punters in college. I don’t see him beating out Hanson for the spot though.
• Nathan Hodel-A cheaper version of Lonnie Paxton.
• Tedy Bruschi-He is slow and has trouble in coverage, but his knowledge of the system and experience will give him another year as a serviceable 2-down MLB.
• Gary Guyton-Could Guyton have a big leap in his second season? He has the physical ability to be a starter in the NFL, but looked lost a few times last season.
• Adalius Thomas-Thomas is a great player, but he has disappointed since the Pats lured him out of Baltimore with that huge contract.
• Shawn Crable-Finished last season on IR with a shin injury and looks to be a project. Hopefully he can rush the passer well, but I’m not expecting too much this season.
• Angelo Craig-Finished last season on the practice squad. Provides more youth and athleticism at OLB.
• Jonathan Wilhite-Came on strong in the second half of the season, including an interception at Oakland. Look for a good season from Wilhite.
• Shawn Springs-He is 34, 6 feet tall and will earn $4.55 million this season. The Pats must hope for Springs to be a sturdy #1 corner.
• Terrence Wheatley-Second-round pick missed the second half of the season with a wrist injury. Wheatley tallied his most minutes in the last two games he played (St. Louis and at Indianapolis), which could mean the coaching staff saw good things out of him in practice. If he plays well this season, the corner position looks a lot better.
• Ellis Hobbs-Most Pats fans dislike Hobbs, but he is a good #2 or #3 corner with great kickoff return abilities.
• Leigh Bodden-Played well under a Pats style defense in Cleveland in 2007 with six interceptions, before a tough season in a zone-defense last year in Detroit. I think Bodden will play well here, including at least five interceptions.
• Mike Richardson-Will have a tough time making the roster if the Pats draft a few corners.
• Brandon Meriweather-I think Meriweather will have a Pro-Bowl type season. He made a big improvement from his rookie year and he should only get better from here.
• Antwain Spann-Backup Safety and STer will compete for a spot in camp.
• Tank Williams-He was going to play a hybrid S/LB role last season before suffering a season-ending knee injury in the first preseason game. Look for a similar S/LB role this year.
• James Sanders-He is an adequate starter (an 83 in Madden describes Sanders well), but getting an upgrade through the draft for the future would be nice.
• Ray Ventrone-Like Spann, he will compete in camp for a roster spot.
• Stephen Gostkowski-A Pro-Bowler last year, he should have another great season. He made 90% (36 of 40) of his field goals last season.
• Chris Hanson-He had an incredible punt into the wind in the last game at Buffalo. Should have another decent year.
• Tom Malone-Played college ball at USC, meaning he rarely punted even though he was one of the best punters in college. I don’t see him beating out Hanson for the spot though.
• Nathan Hodel-A cheaper version of Lonnie Paxton.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Final Four Picks
Here are my picks for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament games on Saturday:
Connecticut over Michigan State
North Carolina over Villanova
*Picks are not against the spread.
Connecticut over Michigan State
North Carolina over Villanova
*Picks are not against the spread.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
ALCS and NLCS Predictions
ALCS-
New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox (BOS wins 4-2)
We return to the ALCS of 2003 and 2004. The Red Sox can only hope for as sweet an outcome as 2004 (remember, the Red Sox came back from 3-0!) The pitching matchups should be Beckett vs. Sabathia, Lester vs. Burnett, Matsuzaka vs. Wang and Smoltz vs. Pettitte. Although it remains to be seen, the Red Sox postseason four-man rotation has to be considered one of the best of all time on paper. While the Yankees offense will power them to a couple of good nights, the Red Sox should win in six.
NLCS-
Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets (NYM wins 4-3)
This series is going to go down as one of the best of all time. Ever since Jimmy Rollins and Carlos Beltran exchanged division championship predictions, these two teams have hated each other with a passion. The two finest offenses in the National League will square off in a series that is sure to see its fair share of long balls. Johan Santana and Cole Hamels should pitch well, but all of the other starters will hit the showers early. I see this series going seven games, with the Citi Field crowd giving the Mets a true home field advantage.
I will post my World Series winner tomorrow.
New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox (BOS wins 4-2)
We return to the ALCS of 2003 and 2004. The Red Sox can only hope for as sweet an outcome as 2004 (remember, the Red Sox came back from 3-0!) The pitching matchups should be Beckett vs. Sabathia, Lester vs. Burnett, Matsuzaka vs. Wang and Smoltz vs. Pettitte. Although it remains to be seen, the Red Sox postseason four-man rotation has to be considered one of the best of all time on paper. While the Yankees offense will power them to a couple of good nights, the Red Sox should win in six.
NLCS-
Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets (NYM wins 4-3)
This series is going to go down as one of the best of all time. Ever since Jimmy Rollins and Carlos Beltran exchanged division championship predictions, these two teams have hated each other with a passion. The two finest offenses in the National League will square off in a series that is sure to see its fair share of long balls. Johan Santana and Cole Hamels should pitch well, but all of the other starters will hit the showers early. I see this series going seven games, with the Citi Field crowd giving the Mets a true home field advantage.
I will post my World Series winner tomorrow.
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