The Dodgers are proving T.S. Eliot right. At 8-13, embarrassed by the lowly, but improving Washington Nationals and the bad New York Mets, Manny, Padilla and Furcal banged up, they limp home amid backbiting and in-fighting with their own incompetent GM, Ned Colletti.
The team SHOULD be 8-13. A Major League club is only as good as it's pitching staff and bullpen and, for the Dodgers, both those groups suck. Ironically, their starting pitching wasn't the culprit for the second half of that ill-fated road trip. It was their sparked dynamite offense that completely fizzled out, as if they'd been dowsed with water by the Roadrunner. Without Manny in the lineup, they wilted like an un-watered rose in the middle of the Mojave. But it wasn't really Manny's absence that caused it. They were hitting above their heads and were bound to come back to earth. No way Casey Blake remains a .300 hitter and you can look for Loney and Martin to cool even more rapidly than the great Matt Kemp, who's average and production have plummeted. (I'm even looking for Loney to be moved in a possible deal, but that would involve acquiring a first baseman in addition to pitching) The Blake DeWitt experiment may be over, or at least it should be. He kills them at second base worse than Kemp kills them in center. And, as much as I love the guy and his approach at the plate, he simply can't hit. Belliard should be their everyday 2nd baseman. Sure it's only the last week of April, but unless wholesale changes occur, this is what you're gonna get. Fourth or last place in the NL West. This is what happens to a team that rests on their laurels and doesn't make any attempt to improve.
The Colletti comments on the Peter Tilden Show on KABC the other morning? I don't like Ned, but BRA-VO! It's the first time in more years than I can remember that someone in the Dodger organization actually called someone out publically. And it's the first time anyone has ever really done something for the fans regarding underperformance on the field. Who cares if he hurt Kemp's feelings? What Colletti did was heroic. Kemp has great offensive numbers despite his recent slump. But he's not bright. And he plays like he's not bright. One of the worst things that could have happened to the Dodgers defensively is for Kemp to be awarded a Gold Glove last year? Why? Why on earth was he awarded a Gold Glove? HE IS A BAD OUTFIELDER! I know, I know, he's been compared to Willie Mays in terms of his athletic ability. I don't care how much athletic ability he has, can you imagine Willie Mays misplaying and misreading routine flies, mistiming jumps. Can you imagine Willie Mays running from 2nd to 3rd on a grounder hit in front of him?? Matt Kemp's baseball intelligence is in the remedial category. On top of that, he's being called to the carpet because he hasn't even been working on his defense. What he has been doing is loafing out to his position, not hustling and apparently enjoying himself too much immediately after signing a 2-year, 10.95 million dollar contract. I got to give Colletti credit for calling Kemp on his BS and for NOT keeping it private. After all, the fans can see what he's doing. Why not make it public? And Dave Stewart, you can shut up. Your client isn't doing what he's supposed to be doing, so stop crying. If you're not gonna tell him and Torre won't tell him, someone has to. Might as well be Colletti.
But, look. Stewart has it wrong. It's not really Colletti's fault. Colletti has it wrong. It's not Kemp's fault or Billingsley's fault or the personnel's fault. The blame, as it has for a long time, rests on the doorstep of cheap, greedy Frank McCourt. It was McCourt's cheapness that disabled the Dodgers from improving. It was McCourt's greed that kept them from acquiring the pitching they needed to compete. Yes, Colletti has an annoying tendency to overrate his players. He's overrated Billingsley for years. When you look at these guys coming up on other teams who might just be the REAL DEAL - the Mike Leakes, the Wade Le Blancs, you can see just how mediocre Billingsley is turning out to be. HOW COULD THEY EXPECT TO REPEAT IN THE WEST WITHOUT PITCHING??? I have no doubt, as much as I dislike Ned, he had to have said something to McCourt during the offseason like, "Frank, now that we lost Randy Wolf, I'm worried about our starting pitching. I think we should try to acquire someone. Joel Piniero is available. John Lackey. Ben Sheets is looking strong. Maybe we can make a deal for a top of the line guy." To which, I'm sure McCourt responded, "No. Too much money." When you have an owner who cares more about his own profits than whether or not the team is successful, it doesn't really matter who says what on the Peter Tilden Show or who isn't hustling or who's making errors. The team had no chance from Day 1.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Uh ... see what I'm talking about?
11 runs to the lowly Reds. 11 runs to a team that has lost 5 consecutive games. Think this team needs some pitching or what?
Yes, Kershaw had his first good start of the year Sunday against the Giants and, with Manny's help, they were able to eke out a heroic, dramatic victory to get to .500 at 6-6. But, without pitching, you can't really have much of a winning streak. If I'm Ned Colletti, I'm having a talk with Joe Torre about the possibility of sending Chad Billingsley down for a month or two to try to work out his many issues. Otherwise, I'm looking to move him while someone, anyone, thinks he still may be worth something. I think he's god awful. Their bullpen continues to stink, and I'm not sure how much Hong Chih Kuo can singlehandedly fix things. They've said good-bye to one Ortiz already. Now it may be time to say adios to the other one.
They just don't have enough arms to truly compete. And, not to impugn their amazing hitting outfield, and, at least to begin the season, their entire lineup, but against top flight starters, they're not looking too good. Tim Lincecum made crap out of them on Saturday. Dan Haren pitched very effectively against them but his bullpen blew it for him in the late innings. Barry Zito completely shut them down. Even Zack Duke silenced them for the most part. They say good pitching beats good hitting all the time but when your ptching sucks, your good hitters better start being effective against the aces as well as the middle rotation guys.
Back to Lincecum and Saturday. After destroying Todd Wellemeyer Friday Night, Torre decide to raise the white flag against the Cy Young Award winning waif, Tim Lincecum on a Nationally televised Saturday afternoon game. He went with their #5 starter, knuckleballer, Charlie Haeger who's knuckler wasn't knuckling and he got shelled. On top of that, outside of Kemp and Ethier, he started his B team. I don't care about this day game after a night game crap, he basically conceded the game to the Giants and their ace so as not to demoralize his hitters. Winning teams play their veterans in day games following night games. And THAT'S why I don't like Joe Torre's managing style. You don't do that to the fans or to the game. The idea is to try to win, not to give up before the first pitch is even thrown. I think, and always have thought, that nice guy Joe is too soft. Or, could it be that Joe was sending a message to Frank McCourt sitting in the owner's box? A message like, "This is what you've given me, so this is what you're gonna get."??? That's the only reasonable excuse I can think of for Torre to all but purposely give a game away.
Anyway, look for a possible move with Billingsley. They need to acquire starting pitching or this season may well be over in June.
Yes, Kershaw had his first good start of the year Sunday against the Giants and, with Manny's help, they were able to eke out a heroic, dramatic victory to get to .500 at 6-6. But, without pitching, you can't really have much of a winning streak. If I'm Ned Colletti, I'm having a talk with Joe Torre about the possibility of sending Chad Billingsley down for a month or two to try to work out his many issues. Otherwise, I'm looking to move him while someone, anyone, thinks he still may be worth something. I think he's god awful. Their bullpen continues to stink, and I'm not sure how much Hong Chih Kuo can singlehandedly fix things. They've said good-bye to one Ortiz already. Now it may be time to say adios to the other one.
They just don't have enough arms to truly compete. And, not to impugn their amazing hitting outfield, and, at least to begin the season, their entire lineup, but against top flight starters, they're not looking too good. Tim Lincecum made crap out of them on Saturday. Dan Haren pitched very effectively against them but his bullpen blew it for him in the late innings. Barry Zito completely shut them down. Even Zack Duke silenced them for the most part. They say good pitching beats good hitting all the time but when your ptching sucks, your good hitters better start being effective against the aces as well as the middle rotation guys.
Back to Lincecum and Saturday. After destroying Todd Wellemeyer Friday Night, Torre decide to raise the white flag against the Cy Young Award winning waif, Tim Lincecum on a Nationally televised Saturday afternoon game. He went with their #5 starter, knuckleballer, Charlie Haeger who's knuckler wasn't knuckling and he got shelled. On top of that, outside of Kemp and Ethier, he started his B team. I don't care about this day game after a night game crap, he basically conceded the game to the Giants and their ace so as not to demoralize his hitters. Winning teams play their veterans in day games following night games. And THAT'S why I don't like Joe Torre's managing style. You don't do that to the fans or to the game. The idea is to try to win, not to give up before the first pitch is even thrown. I think, and always have thought, that nice guy Joe is too soft. Or, could it be that Joe was sending a message to Frank McCourt sitting in the owner's box? A message like, "This is what you've given me, so this is what you're gonna get."??? That's the only reasonable excuse I can think of for Torre to all but purposely give a game away.
Anyway, look for a possible move with Billingsley. They need to acquire starting pitching or this season may well be over in June.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Gonna Be A Looonnnnng Seeeeeeeeeason
The Dodgers open up against the Giants tonight. The Giants and the Rocks will be battling it out come Septemeber, I think. I do think the Blue will somehow manage to take a game or two in this series. Kershaw is due to not stink and just how bad can Padilla be?
Sure has been nice to have Vinny back. I could live without Eric Collins. I actually like Steve Lyons. Did I mention I could sure live without Eric Collins? He knows baseball, not. He's so bad he actually makes me want to hear Charlie Steiner. Man, I miss Ross Porter.
Matt Kemp did not win the 2009 Gold Glove Award for his reliablility in centerfield. He won it because of his amazing athleticism and speed which lent to some spectacular Sports Center-worthy catches. The thing is, many of those plays were not quite as difficult as they seemed. One day, hopefully soon, Kemp's incredible natural skill and athleticism will trump his complete lack of baseball instincts, but, until then, it's going to be an adventure out there, as seen these past few games. Matt has literally won and lost two games for the Blue in this early part of the season. His bat has been amazing. 3 HRs in 3 games, 4 total - since my last blog questioning where his power has been - - (WAIT! THAT'S GONE! As I type, he just hit his 4th homer in 4 games! WOW!) -- His offensive contributions have put the Dodgers in the win column more than once thus far. But his outfield play has been atrocious. His inability to catch a routine short fly the other day in Florida, and his faux pas the night before last against AZ, where he went back when he should have gone forward allowing a routine blooper to drop in front of him cost the Dodgers a couple of games. Last night he cost them again when he simply missed a routine fly ball in the gloaming. There always seems to be a reason or an excuse, but the fact is, this gifted young athlete is still very much in the learning process when it comes to playing the outfield.
In fact, the entire team is fielding VERY POORLY. Someone should put a tent over that circus. Casey Blake almost blew the game last night, failing to start a routine double play in the late innings and allowing an additional run to score. Furcal has not made some of the plays he should make, but the Dodger Stadium scorers have been extremely charitable. DeWitt looks clueless and Manny is being Manny. With pitching that bad, they're really going to need to throw some leather.
Look, friends, it's common knowledge Joe Torre is none too pleased with Frank McCourt and the Dodger brass for not making an offer to Randy Wolf or even bothering to replace their most consistent pitcher from last year. How they could try to hoodwink fans into thinking the team could still be competitive without replacing the man who turned out to be their best starter?? Kershaw and Billingsley - I know the season is very young - have looked horrendous. Billingsley is up to his old tricks, imploding after the 3rd or 4th inning and Kershaw is still throwing way too many pitches, walking way too many guys. Padilla has looked terrible and Hiroki MedioKur-oda has looked the best of the four, which isn't saying a whole lot after giving up 10 hits to the Snakes last night at home. Still, he battled. The guy who really impressed me was knuckleballer Charlie Haeger. He struck out 13 Fish! Sure he gave up a dong to Jorge Cantu but he was tough. Too bad knuckleballers always seem to break even, so expectations are never too high. The Dodgers desperately need 2 starting pitchers. Needless to say, Torre will not be coming back unless some sort of move is made. You've got the best hitting outfield in baseball and you don't furnish them with the pitching they need to win?
Wanna talk bullpen? I admit, I was wrong last year, they wound up doing quite well, but I have never liked this pen. Sure, I like Broxton, when Torre actually uses him to close, but I'm not a huge Ramone Troncoso fan and these Ortizes - what's with these Ortizes? The Dodgers have been going to Ramon Ortiz almost daily (they have to because their starting pitching can't get them beyond the 5th inning) and he's looked awful every time. The other Ortiz was paraded out there in extra innings the other night against the Snakes and, while losing the game, I swear he looked like someone pulled actor, John Turturro out of a nightclub after a few drinks, put him in a Dodger uniform and propped him up on the mound. I think it may be time for Russ to call it quits. He looks rather overmatched. Jeff Weaver has been okay. Let's not overdo it. The Dodgers have a tendency ot oversell pithcers who have a couple of decent outings, then when they fall apart, everyone wonders, "What happened? He was doing so well." The prodigious crack Weaver gave up to Justin Upton last night made the upper left field pavilion in a nanosecond. I'd be surprised if it didn't make a whole in a seat. And what about George Sherrill? HE'S TERRIBLE! I get the feeling he's not too happy to be here. I think he needs to be the closer somewhere else. You know, that whole closer's mentality thing is very important to guys who have always been the closer, as Sherrill was in Baltimore. My guess is he was probably not planning to be here again this season, hoping the Dodgers would move him to a team that needed a closer, maybe for some STARTING PITCHING. From what I'm told, he's traditionally bad in the pre-season, but he steps it up once Opening Day hits. So, this has got to be the worst he's ever been. Guess he can only get better. I do love Hong Chi Kuo, however, and he'll be back soon, as will the tardy Ronald Belisario, who I've never been crazy about. But his numbers from last year speak for themselves. I just don't think he's that good and I think he'll be not that good this year.
Poor Blake DeWitt. He's been amazing in terms of his professional at bats, taking pitches, walking, making the pitchers work, but his swing looks slow and lumbering. He got a key hit in last night's extra inning win, (the Dodgers should take Stephen Drew out to dinner. He makes a routine throw and the Dodgers lose) but he's tapping out way too often and Ronny Bellard is hitting the beJeezus out of the ball. DeWitt has the start again tonight, but unless he rakes, I think Belliard will become the starting 2nd baseman very soon. Otherwise, their offense has been most impressive, save James Loney, who has begun to hit a little. Little concerned about Andre's mini-power outage (it's still early) but he is hitting, as are Casey Blake, (WHOOPS. Ethier just homered. Maybe now I should start questioning Manny's power) Furcal, Martin, Manny and, of course, Kemp. They're really going to have to all hit a ton because, between their starters and their bullpen, the Dodgers would have to average 10 runs a game to win the West.
Sure has been nice to have Vinny back. I could live without Eric Collins. I actually like Steve Lyons. Did I mention I could sure live without Eric Collins? He knows baseball, not. He's so bad he actually makes me want to hear Charlie Steiner. Man, I miss Ross Porter.
Matt Kemp did not win the 2009 Gold Glove Award for his reliablility in centerfield. He won it because of his amazing athleticism and speed which lent to some spectacular Sports Center-worthy catches. The thing is, many of those plays were not quite as difficult as they seemed. One day, hopefully soon, Kemp's incredible natural skill and athleticism will trump his complete lack of baseball instincts, but, until then, it's going to be an adventure out there, as seen these past few games. Matt has literally won and lost two games for the Blue in this early part of the season. His bat has been amazing. 3 HRs in 3 games, 4 total - since my last blog questioning where his power has been - - (WAIT! THAT'S GONE! As I type, he just hit his 4th homer in 4 games! WOW!) -- His offensive contributions have put the Dodgers in the win column more than once thus far. But his outfield play has been atrocious. His inability to catch a routine short fly the other day in Florida, and his faux pas the night before last against AZ, where he went back when he should have gone forward allowing a routine blooper to drop in front of him cost the Dodgers a couple of games. Last night he cost them again when he simply missed a routine fly ball in the gloaming. There always seems to be a reason or an excuse, but the fact is, this gifted young athlete is still very much in the learning process when it comes to playing the outfield.
In fact, the entire team is fielding VERY POORLY. Someone should put a tent over that circus. Casey Blake almost blew the game last night, failing to start a routine double play in the late innings and allowing an additional run to score. Furcal has not made some of the plays he should make, but the Dodger Stadium scorers have been extremely charitable. DeWitt looks clueless and Manny is being Manny. With pitching that bad, they're really going to need to throw some leather.
Look, friends, it's common knowledge Joe Torre is none too pleased with Frank McCourt and the Dodger brass for not making an offer to Randy Wolf or even bothering to replace their most consistent pitcher from last year. How they could try to hoodwink fans into thinking the team could still be competitive without replacing the man who turned out to be their best starter?? Kershaw and Billingsley - I know the season is very young - have looked horrendous. Billingsley is up to his old tricks, imploding after the 3rd or 4th inning and Kershaw is still throwing way too many pitches, walking way too many guys. Padilla has looked terrible and Hiroki MedioKur-oda has looked the best of the four, which isn't saying a whole lot after giving up 10 hits to the Snakes last night at home. Still, he battled. The guy who really impressed me was knuckleballer Charlie Haeger. He struck out 13 Fish! Sure he gave up a dong to Jorge Cantu but he was tough. Too bad knuckleballers always seem to break even, so expectations are never too high. The Dodgers desperately need 2 starting pitchers. Needless to say, Torre will not be coming back unless some sort of move is made. You've got the best hitting outfield in baseball and you don't furnish them with the pitching they need to win?
Wanna talk bullpen? I admit, I was wrong last year, they wound up doing quite well, but I have never liked this pen. Sure, I like Broxton, when Torre actually uses him to close, but I'm not a huge Ramone Troncoso fan and these Ortizes - what's with these Ortizes? The Dodgers have been going to Ramon Ortiz almost daily (they have to because their starting pitching can't get them beyond the 5th inning) and he's looked awful every time. The other Ortiz was paraded out there in extra innings the other night against the Snakes and, while losing the game, I swear he looked like someone pulled actor, John Turturro out of a nightclub after a few drinks, put him in a Dodger uniform and propped him up on the mound. I think it may be time for Russ to call it quits. He looks rather overmatched. Jeff Weaver has been okay. Let's not overdo it. The Dodgers have a tendency ot oversell pithcers who have a couple of decent outings, then when they fall apart, everyone wonders, "What happened? He was doing so well." The prodigious crack Weaver gave up to Justin Upton last night made the upper left field pavilion in a nanosecond. I'd be surprised if it didn't make a whole in a seat. And what about George Sherrill? HE'S TERRIBLE! I get the feeling he's not too happy to be here. I think he needs to be the closer somewhere else. You know, that whole closer's mentality thing is very important to guys who have always been the closer, as Sherrill was in Baltimore. My guess is he was probably not planning to be here again this season, hoping the Dodgers would move him to a team that needed a closer, maybe for some STARTING PITCHING. From what I'm told, he's traditionally bad in the pre-season, but he steps it up once Opening Day hits. So, this has got to be the worst he's ever been. Guess he can only get better. I do love Hong Chi Kuo, however, and he'll be back soon, as will the tardy Ronald Belisario, who I've never been crazy about. But his numbers from last year speak for themselves. I just don't think he's that good and I think he'll be not that good this year.
Poor Blake DeWitt. He's been amazing in terms of his professional at bats, taking pitches, walking, making the pitchers work, but his swing looks slow and lumbering. He got a key hit in last night's extra inning win, (the Dodgers should take Stephen Drew out to dinner. He makes a routine throw and the Dodgers lose) but he's tapping out way too often and Ronny Bellard is hitting the beJeezus out of the ball. DeWitt has the start again tonight, but unless he rakes, I think Belliard will become the starting 2nd baseman very soon. Otherwise, their offense has been most impressive, save James Loney, who has begun to hit a little. Little concerned about Andre's mini-power outage (it's still early) but he is hitting, as are Casey Blake, (WHOOPS. Ethier just homered. Maybe now I should start questioning Manny's power) Furcal, Martin, Manny and, of course, Kemp. They're really going to have to all hit a ton because, between their starters and their bullpen, the Dodgers would have to average 10 runs a game to win the West.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Maybe I Was Wrong...
... about the Marlins. Their offense doesn't seem to be what I thought it was. They have no big lefty bats and outside of Hanley Ramirez, Uggla, and Cantu, they have no power at all. Their starting pitching anchored by Johnson and Nolasco could be enough to keep them in the Wild Card race, but no better than that.
So, what we've seen from the Dodgers these first four games is likely what we should expect to see throughout the year: Couple of losses, couple of wins, around .500 when the smoke clears. Padilla looked godawful in the opener and poor Clayton Kershaw was a scared kid in his first start, walking the world before the 5th inning ended. He'll be fine... one day. Billingsley was somewhat impressive in his first start but did begin to implode as he usually does in the 5th and 6th innings. He was fortunate in the 4th to get out of a bases loaded jam with the bottom of the Pittsburgh lineup coming up. Still, he had good movement on his fastball and slider. Mixed pitches very well. And what can you say about the emotional, inspirational performance from Hiroki Kuroda last night? Most impressive. His fallen Japanese League comrade was probably smiling in the afterlife. Kuroda will have some good games and some bad ones and you can bet he'll be on the DL at some point.
Are we a little worried about Ethier's turned ankle? Not really. The temperamental Andre will be there, I think. Thank God for Reed Johnson. Great acquisition. Ya also gotta like Ronnie Belliard's performance the other day. Should Blake DeWitt be starting over him? We'll see. DeWitt has looked awful at 2nd base and has actually cost them a game. His at bats, however, are a pleasure to behold. I love his patience and smarts. But look for Jamie Carroll to be a late inning defensive replacement. The guy can hit a little bit too. He's an upgrade from the over the hill Mark Loretta. Are we a little worried that Kemp hasn't gone deep yet? I guess so. I mean, we're only four games in, but based on his projections from the experts, he sort of needs to start putting on a power display for those projections to be met. He still seems to be trying to pull everything. The jury is still out on Manny and the rest of the Blue Crew. The bullpen looks okay, but, like I've been saying, the starting pitching appears to be just way too thin to compete with the pitching rich West. (SEE GIANTS) Wonder if we can deal Casey Blake for an arm and let DeWitt move back to 3rd and let Belliard move to 2nd. Naw. Doubt anyone would offer anything of value for the inconsistent, but strong-chinned Casey.
So, what we've seen from the Dodgers these first four games is likely what we should expect to see throughout the year: Couple of losses, couple of wins, around .500 when the smoke clears. Padilla looked godawful in the opener and poor Clayton Kershaw was a scared kid in his first start, walking the world before the 5th inning ended. He'll be fine... one day. Billingsley was somewhat impressive in his first start but did begin to implode as he usually does in the 5th and 6th innings. He was fortunate in the 4th to get out of a bases loaded jam with the bottom of the Pittsburgh lineup coming up. Still, he had good movement on his fastball and slider. Mixed pitches very well. And what can you say about the emotional, inspirational performance from Hiroki Kuroda last night? Most impressive. His fallen Japanese League comrade was probably smiling in the afterlife. Kuroda will have some good games and some bad ones and you can bet he'll be on the DL at some point.
Are we a little worried about Ethier's turned ankle? Not really. The temperamental Andre will be there, I think. Thank God for Reed Johnson. Great acquisition. Ya also gotta like Ronnie Belliard's performance the other day. Should Blake DeWitt be starting over him? We'll see. DeWitt has looked awful at 2nd base and has actually cost them a game. His at bats, however, are a pleasure to behold. I love his patience and smarts. But look for Jamie Carroll to be a late inning defensive replacement. The guy can hit a little bit too. He's an upgrade from the over the hill Mark Loretta. Are we a little worried that Kemp hasn't gone deep yet? I guess so. I mean, we're only four games in, but based on his projections from the experts, he sort of needs to start putting on a power display for those projections to be met. He still seems to be trying to pull everything. The jury is still out on Manny and the rest of the Blue Crew. The bullpen looks okay, but, like I've been saying, the starting pitching appears to be just way too thin to compete with the pitching rich West. (SEE GIANTS) Wonder if we can deal Casey Blake for an arm and let DeWitt move back to 3rd and let Belliard move to 2nd. Naw. Doubt anyone would offer anything of value for the inconsistent, but strong-chinned Casey.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Clean Slate
Okay, I've vented. The season begins tomorrow, (well, technically, today, as the Yanks and the Bosox are going at it on ESPN as I type) So,now that I've blown off all that steam, how do I REALLY think the Dodgers will do this year? ...
I still think they'll finish 4th in the West. Sorry. You just can't win without pitching. As Bill Shaikin writes in today's Times, the Angels have 5 number 2 starters. That should get them the AL West. The Dodgers, on the other hand, have only one number 2 starter, a couple of number 3's and a couple of number 5's. (That's right. With Kuroda's injury history I consider him no better than a five right now) Now, in spite of their potentially stellar outfield, how the hell are they supposed to win with starting pitching THAT thin? Like I said, Kershaw and Billingsley are going to need to be the second coming of Koufax and Drydsdale and Loney and Blake are going to need to hit for more power. (Unless Martin can do it, which I doubt.) I'm probably the only one in the land who feels the Dodgers will simply NOT generate enough offense. Why? No Juan Pierre. No table setting prowess and a huge loss of speed. Loney, Martin and Blake - it's reallly on them this year to produce mad numbers. Don't see it happening.
The Rockies are gonna be tough, man. If Jeff Francis can pitch anything like he used to was and Aaron Cook and Jorge De La Rosa can pitch well again and IF Ubaldo Jimenez becomes the fireballing NL ace he's supposed to become, it'll be a runaway. The D Backs fortunes hinge on Brandon Webb's availability and effectiveness and the Giants should be very tough to beat with a seasoned Pablo Sandoval girded by Aubrey Huff and Mark DeRosa. But enough about the West and the Blue. They open tomorrow at Pittsburgh at 10:30 AM, PDT and any game against the Bucs is a game that can be won. Let's see how Padilla fares after an awful spring and let's have a look at that offense against Pirates pitching. Here's hoping Blake De WItt is it. I do like that dude.
My Predictions for 2010:
NL WEST
Rockies - If their offense stays healthy, Tulo could be MVP candidate and Brad Hawpe could become, well, Brad Hawpe. Very underrated player.
Giants - Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain helm an a very solid staff. Improved offense.
D Backs - Offense is tough. If Chris Young finally arrives, look out. Brandon Webb is going to need to join Haren, Jackson and company to challenge for first.
Dodgers - Starting pitching just way too thin. Worried about infield production.
Dads - Not as bad as peops think. Pitching staff, even without Peavy, could be tougher. No offense fans, but no offense.
NL CENTRAL
Cards - Carpenter, Wainwright, Pujols, Holliday, Ludwick, La Russa. Enough said.
Brewers - Possible Wild Card contender. Can't poo poo the Firm of Fielder and Braun. McGeehee's bat should be tough and Randy Wolf, as much as I think he's a weak number 2 or a strong 3, should round out the staff along with Gallardo.
Reds - Could this be the year the Big Red Machine becomes big and red again? Doubt it, but they could be tougher than people think and may even contend. Look for Bronson Arroyo to have a good year and a full year of Joey Votto. Reds and Cubs interchangeable in 2010.
Cubs - With Lee, Ramirez and Zambrano go the Cubbies. I think, beyond Zambrano, their starting pitching is a little thin and I'm not sure how much Marlon Byrd is going to be the answer for that lineup. Like the Dodgers, the Cubbies did little in the offseason to improve.
Astros - This team could be a surprise if Berkman returns to form and stays healthy. I like Hunter Pence and Carlos Lee is always great. But just how good is Wandy Rodriguiez and how will Oswalt do after a poor 2009?
Pirates - They could only get better and with McCutheon, Jones and Doumit, their offense definitely will. Pitching?
NL EAST
Phillies - Barring injuries or guys having bad years, going back to the World Series, especially if Cole Hamels returns to form. Halladay, Happ, Blanton. May receive a scare from Florida and/or Atlanta.
Braves - Could be a tough pitching staff. A lot depends on the highly regarded rookie outfielder, Heyward. However, unless Yuniel Escobar really blossoms and McCann really cann, they may not have the offense to compete with Philly.
Marlins - If Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco become aces, look out for this team. They can hit, they have the potential MVP in Hanley and last years Rookie of the Year in Coghlin. Lots of pop for very little cash.
Mets - What the hell happened to these guys? Beltran and Reyes suddenly seem old and injury prone and David Wright is coming off a bad season. Still not much of a catcher and outside of Santana, who's their pitching staff? John Maine?? Could always surprise, but doubt it. Johann to the Dodgers at the break? Wishful thinking.
Nationals - Some brighter spots, should improve on their record over the last two years.
AL WEST
Angels - Don't give up just yet. Mike Scioscia can outmanage the entire AL West blindfolded. Solid starting pitching, in spite of the loss of Lackey (they won't miss his ugly face and his showing up his own players on the field) a great offense - look for Kendry Morales to go off - and a lot of depth, this team should repeat. They'll hear some footsteps, however.
Rangers - The Rangers have a few good arms now to go along with the bats. I like Scott Feldman. Their offense can never be questioned. Elvis Andruss could be a factor in this, his second year. Could even contend for the Wild Card as well as for the division.
Mariners - Obviosuly greatly improved with the additions of Cliff Lee and Chone Figgins. Strong offense, but I don't like Milton Bradley - who does? He's like the Kim Jong Il of baseball - and not sure about Casey Kotchman. They have tons of speed with Ichiro and Figgins but they lack pop and a solid 3rd and 4th starter. Could still contend if all goes right.
A's - Lots of strong young pitching. Improved offense, could be a HUGE surprise, but it's a tougher division these days to do that. We'll see.
AL CENTRAL
Twins - Yes, I said "Twins" not Tigers. The Twins are playing in a new outdoor ballpark so their offense could be somewhat neutralized, but not enough to stop this team. Mauer and Morneau anchor a very tough offense. Denard Span could have a breakout year. Their starting pitching is solid but not great and they have no Joe Nathan. Still, I like this team.
Tigers - Could easily go their way. Strong offense, but no more Granderson. A lot depends on a Magglio rejuvenation to join Cabrerra and Damon. Verlander will have to repeat last year's performance and Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello will be forced to come of age. Could challenge all year and even win it.
Royals - Big surprise for the Midwest Blue to be predicted to finish above the cellar, but they may just have the pitching and the experience to do it. Zack Greinke was the AL Cy Young winner in '09. Gil Meche could be healther, but he should be there. I like their young offense led by Butler, Callaspo and De Jesus.
Indians - With no one to really replace Cliff Lee, will Westbrook and Carmona be able to fill the void? Potent offense. I love Sin Soo Choo and Grady Sizemore should finally become... something. But no more Victor Martinez. Could be a tough year for the Tribe.
AL EAST
Yanks - Wish I didn't have to make a prediction on this division. (Actually, I don't. No one's making me) But I actually think the Yanks, Rays and Bosox could be three of the 5 best teams in baseball. In fact, they are. They could finish the season within one game of each other or even tied. The only reason I take the Yanks is because they were there last year and, even though they lost Matsui, A Rod, Teixeira, Jeter, Posada, Cano and company are still a going concern and have been enhanced by Curtis Granderson. Their pitching could be their Achilles heel. Beyond CC, you could be wanting a bit with an aging Pettite and a sometimes shaky Burnett, but they'll be there,.
Rays - Tampa is tough, dude. This team has made some improvements. If Shields has a strong year and if Price and Niemann come of age, they could possibly take the division by storm. Their offense is pretty scary. Both Evan Longoria and Carl Crawford could be viable MVP candidates. I like this team.
Bosox - They could EASILY win the east. They have a formidable pitching staff with Lester, Beckett, Lackey & Dice K. Their offense is rough and tough. They have Papelbon. Three way tie for 1st in the east with each team winning 100 games? No. But they could all win well over 90.
Orioles - This team could be on the rise. Lots of young pitching and hitting with Markakis, Adam Jones and Luke Scott. Too bad Tejada is back, but they could contend this year ... for 4th in the east.
Blue Jays - With all that having been said, the Jays could be better than they were last year. If only they didn't have to play the Pins, Rays and Red Sox all those times. Ya gotta love Hill and Lind. Starting pitching and bullpen are at issue.
NL MVP - It'll probably be Pujols again, but for fun I'll say Hanley Ramirez
NL CY YOUNG - Halladay over Lincecum, Carpenter & Jiminez
NL ROOKIE - Heyward
AL MVP - Longoria (Mauer may not hit quite as well outdoors
AL CY YOUNG - King Felix
AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - I'll let my reader(s) fill that one in.
So, that's it. My predictions for 2010. Go Dodgers.
I still think they'll finish 4th in the West. Sorry. You just can't win without pitching. As Bill Shaikin writes in today's Times, the Angels have 5 number 2 starters. That should get them the AL West. The Dodgers, on the other hand, have only one number 2 starter, a couple of number 3's and a couple of number 5's. (That's right. With Kuroda's injury history I consider him no better than a five right now) Now, in spite of their potentially stellar outfield, how the hell are they supposed to win with starting pitching THAT thin? Like I said, Kershaw and Billingsley are going to need to be the second coming of Koufax and Drydsdale and Loney and Blake are going to need to hit for more power. (Unless Martin can do it, which I doubt.) I'm probably the only one in the land who feels the Dodgers will simply NOT generate enough offense. Why? No Juan Pierre. No table setting prowess and a huge loss of speed. Loney, Martin and Blake - it's reallly on them this year to produce mad numbers. Don't see it happening.
The Rockies are gonna be tough, man. If Jeff Francis can pitch anything like he used to was and Aaron Cook and Jorge De La Rosa can pitch well again and IF Ubaldo Jimenez becomes the fireballing NL ace he's supposed to become, it'll be a runaway. The D Backs fortunes hinge on Brandon Webb's availability and effectiveness and the Giants should be very tough to beat with a seasoned Pablo Sandoval girded by Aubrey Huff and Mark DeRosa. But enough about the West and the Blue. They open tomorrow at Pittsburgh at 10:30 AM, PDT and any game against the Bucs is a game that can be won. Let's see how Padilla fares after an awful spring and let's have a look at that offense against Pirates pitching. Here's hoping Blake De WItt is it. I do like that dude.
My Predictions for 2010:
NL WEST
Rockies - If their offense stays healthy, Tulo could be MVP candidate and Brad Hawpe could become, well, Brad Hawpe. Very underrated player.
Giants - Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain helm an a very solid staff. Improved offense.
D Backs - Offense is tough. If Chris Young finally arrives, look out. Brandon Webb is going to need to join Haren, Jackson and company to challenge for first.
Dodgers - Starting pitching just way too thin. Worried about infield production.
Dads - Not as bad as peops think. Pitching staff, even without Peavy, could be tougher. No offense fans, but no offense.
NL CENTRAL
Cards - Carpenter, Wainwright, Pujols, Holliday, Ludwick, La Russa. Enough said.
Brewers - Possible Wild Card contender. Can't poo poo the Firm of Fielder and Braun. McGeehee's bat should be tough and Randy Wolf, as much as I think he's a weak number 2 or a strong 3, should round out the staff along with Gallardo.
Reds - Could this be the year the Big Red Machine becomes big and red again? Doubt it, but they could be tougher than people think and may even contend. Look for Bronson Arroyo to have a good year and a full year of Joey Votto. Reds and Cubs interchangeable in 2010.
Cubs - With Lee, Ramirez and Zambrano go the Cubbies. I think, beyond Zambrano, their starting pitching is a little thin and I'm not sure how much Marlon Byrd is going to be the answer for that lineup. Like the Dodgers, the Cubbies did little in the offseason to improve.
Astros - This team could be a surprise if Berkman returns to form and stays healthy. I like Hunter Pence and Carlos Lee is always great. But just how good is Wandy Rodriguiez and how will Oswalt do after a poor 2009?
Pirates - They could only get better and with McCutheon, Jones and Doumit, their offense definitely will. Pitching?
NL EAST
Phillies - Barring injuries or guys having bad years, going back to the World Series, especially if Cole Hamels returns to form. Halladay, Happ, Blanton. May receive a scare from Florida and/or Atlanta.
Braves - Could be a tough pitching staff. A lot depends on the highly regarded rookie outfielder, Heyward. However, unless Yuniel Escobar really blossoms and McCann really cann, they may not have the offense to compete with Philly.
Marlins - If Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco become aces, look out for this team. They can hit, they have the potential MVP in Hanley and last years Rookie of the Year in Coghlin. Lots of pop for very little cash.
Mets - What the hell happened to these guys? Beltran and Reyes suddenly seem old and injury prone and David Wright is coming off a bad season. Still not much of a catcher and outside of Santana, who's their pitching staff? John Maine?? Could always surprise, but doubt it. Johann to the Dodgers at the break? Wishful thinking.
Nationals - Some brighter spots, should improve on their record over the last two years.
AL WEST
Angels - Don't give up just yet. Mike Scioscia can outmanage the entire AL West blindfolded. Solid starting pitching, in spite of the loss of Lackey (they won't miss his ugly face and his showing up his own players on the field) a great offense - look for Kendry Morales to go off - and a lot of depth, this team should repeat. They'll hear some footsteps, however.
Rangers - The Rangers have a few good arms now to go along with the bats. I like Scott Feldman. Their offense can never be questioned. Elvis Andruss could be a factor in this, his second year. Could even contend for the Wild Card as well as for the division.
Mariners - Obviosuly greatly improved with the additions of Cliff Lee and Chone Figgins. Strong offense, but I don't like Milton Bradley - who does? He's like the Kim Jong Il of baseball - and not sure about Casey Kotchman. They have tons of speed with Ichiro and Figgins but they lack pop and a solid 3rd and 4th starter. Could still contend if all goes right.
A's - Lots of strong young pitching. Improved offense, could be a HUGE surprise, but it's a tougher division these days to do that. We'll see.
AL CENTRAL
Twins - Yes, I said "Twins" not Tigers. The Twins are playing in a new outdoor ballpark so their offense could be somewhat neutralized, but not enough to stop this team. Mauer and Morneau anchor a very tough offense. Denard Span could have a breakout year. Their starting pitching is solid but not great and they have no Joe Nathan. Still, I like this team.
Tigers - Could easily go their way. Strong offense, but no more Granderson. A lot depends on a Magglio rejuvenation to join Cabrerra and Damon. Verlander will have to repeat last year's performance and Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello will be forced to come of age. Could challenge all year and even win it.
Royals - Big surprise for the Midwest Blue to be predicted to finish above the cellar, but they may just have the pitching and the experience to do it. Zack Greinke was the AL Cy Young winner in '09. Gil Meche could be healther, but he should be there. I like their young offense led by Butler, Callaspo and De Jesus.
Indians - With no one to really replace Cliff Lee, will Westbrook and Carmona be able to fill the void? Potent offense. I love Sin Soo Choo and Grady Sizemore should finally become... something. But no more Victor Martinez. Could be a tough year for the Tribe.
AL EAST
Yanks - Wish I didn't have to make a prediction on this division. (Actually, I don't. No one's making me) But I actually think the Yanks, Rays and Bosox could be three of the 5 best teams in baseball. In fact, they are. They could finish the season within one game of each other or even tied. The only reason I take the Yanks is because they were there last year and, even though they lost Matsui, A Rod, Teixeira, Jeter, Posada, Cano and company are still a going concern and have been enhanced by Curtis Granderson. Their pitching could be their Achilles heel. Beyond CC, you could be wanting a bit with an aging Pettite and a sometimes shaky Burnett, but they'll be there,.
Rays - Tampa is tough, dude. This team has made some improvements. If Shields has a strong year and if Price and Niemann come of age, they could possibly take the division by storm. Their offense is pretty scary. Both Evan Longoria and Carl Crawford could be viable MVP candidates. I like this team.
Bosox - They could EASILY win the east. They have a formidable pitching staff with Lester, Beckett, Lackey & Dice K. Their offense is rough and tough. They have Papelbon. Three way tie for 1st in the east with each team winning 100 games? No. But they could all win well over 90.
Orioles - This team could be on the rise. Lots of young pitching and hitting with Markakis, Adam Jones and Luke Scott. Too bad Tejada is back, but they could contend this year ... for 4th in the east.
Blue Jays - With all that having been said, the Jays could be better than they were last year. If only they didn't have to play the Pins, Rays and Red Sox all those times. Ya gotta love Hill and Lind. Starting pitching and bullpen are at issue.
NL MVP - It'll probably be Pujols again, but for fun I'll say Hanley Ramirez
NL CY YOUNG - Halladay over Lincecum, Carpenter & Jiminez
NL ROOKIE - Heyward
AL MVP - Longoria (Mauer may not hit quite as well outdoors
AL CY YOUNG - King Felix
AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - I'll let my reader(s) fill that one in.
So, that's it. My predictions for 2010. Go Dodgers.
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