And So It Begins ...

The season starts today and I still feel the Dodgers pitching staff doesn’t merit them a first place prediction in the NL West. They simply don’t have any veteran aces to counteract the certain growing pains of their mostly young staff. Meanwhile, Arizona, minus a Manny (which is saying a lot) have a similarly potentially potent offesnse, while boasting a much better starting staff anchored by Webb & Haren. Neither John Garland nor Doug Davis are Cy Young candidates, but if young phenom Scherzer turns out to be the real deal, the Dodgers hopes could be sunk. I ask again: How do you simply let a Derek Lowe walk away and not bother replacing him? Also, the Dodgers bullpen leaves much to be desired. Hard to throw so much responsibility on the shoulders of young Corey Wade and the oft injured Hong Chi Kuo. Broxton simply doesn't seem ready to close games for this club. I see a lot of leads disappearing until something can be done.

Today the Dodgers open their season against a nemesis they haven’t beaten since 2003 – Jake Peavy – who should be starting today FOR THE DODGERS against San Diego. They could’ve had Peavy in an offseason trade that likely would’ve cost them Kemp and a young arm. If that young arm didn’t have to be Billingsley or Kershaw, you make that deal. Okay, so they didn’t. I still think the “kids” – Martin, Loney, Ethier and Kemp - have a lot to prove this season, but, provided they come through, the Dodgers’ offense could be among the best in baseball. But their pitching … Jeez. So why not sign Pedro?? I just don’t get it. They could’ve had him for a reasonable price. I think, $5 mil. So, is LA Times Dodger beat writer, Dylan Hernandez right? Do they just wait and and see what happens, then go out and get an Eric Bedard or a Washburn (Wahsburn??? He stinks!) or even a Roy Halladay in a trade deadline deal? I don't like that kind of planning, but if they get that arm or two, and enhnace their awful bullpen, they'll be very hard to beat. All that being said, going into the season, the Dodgers have their best chance of going to the World Series since 1994. Anyway, here are my intrepid predictions for '09:

NL

West

D'Backs (Could have everything they need)
Dodgers (Hitting rich, pitching poor? Billingsley, Kershaw need to be aces at a very young age and bullpen is needy)
Giants (Pitching rich, hitting poor)
Rockies (No Jeff Francis, no Matt Holliday, no replacements)
Dads (Rebuilding. Look for them to unload Peavy and everyone by mid season)

Central

Cubbies (World Series caliber club if their arms stay healthy and Milton Bradley doesn't pull a Mt. Vesuvius)
Cards (You can't keep this franchise down for too long. Lot riding on Carpenter and Wainright)
Brewers (Losing Sabathia and Sheets didn't help. Still could surprise)
Reds (Good young bats/arms. Could finish as high as 2nd. When you get rid of Adam Dunn, you're much better)
'Stros (Oswalt, Berkman, Lee and ... whom?)
Bucs (Can't be fun being a Pirate fan anymore. McClouth, Doumit, Moss could help them to elevate)

East

Phillies (Not convinced K Rod and Putz are enough to dethrone potent champs)
Mets (Not convinced KRod and Putz are enough to dethrone potent champs)
Braves (Reinvention of their pitching staff and a resurgent Francouer and Jones can keep them in the running)
Marlins (Can never count this franchise out. Hanley Ramirez and Uggla can lead good young talent)
Nats (Might win 5 more games than last year - if they're lucky. Watch Millege, Zimmerman and Flores)

Wild Card - Mets or Dodgers

AL

West

Halos (If they can get 3/5ths of their starting staff healthy, can win 100 games again)
A's (Improved offense with Holliday. Always have strong starting pitching)
Rangers (Typically all hit, no pitch. Look for rookie ss, Elvis Andruss to emerge)
Mariners ( Griffey back, winning ... not)

Central

Tribe (Indians will be on the warpath. Strong starting arms, Sizemore becoming the superstar he's projected to be)
Twins ( Not sure why or how, but they'll be there)
Tiggers (Detroit won't have the awful start they had last year. Verlander should be better)
Chisox (Quentin and Alexi Ramirez will be strong. Their pitching may be weaker this year)
Royals (Perenially on the rise. Greinke, Alex Gordon and De Jesus could help to elevate them)

East

Yanks (You don't spend half the stimulus package for nothing. This team is going to be hard to beat)
Bosox (There are few holes on this team. If they lose the East, it won't be my much)
Rays (Won't be an off year. Should win as many games as last year. Just Yanks & Bosox will be better. Where's Price?)
Jays (Not willing to spend the money to win anymore)
Birds (The Orioles greatness is long gone. Markakis shoiuld go off)

Wild Card - Boston or the Yanks

World Series: Yanks/Cubs