Here’s part two of the team previews.  Let’s see what comes out of the hat this time.

Damn it, I just finished this one.

Los Angeles Dodgers

LA was in control of the division until a combination of injuries and implosions led for them to wind up being the Wild Card (and be subsequently bounced from the playoffs in a sweep.)  Despite having one of the most flush farm systems in baseball, the Dodgers lacked the help to replace J.D. Drew, who unexpectedly opted out of his contract and signed with the Boston Red Sox.  With little options (and not willing to pay the price of talent from Boston, who demanded a king’s ransom for Manny Ramirez), the Dodgers went out and brought in Luis Gonzalez, plus improved the starting rotation by acquiring Jason Schmidt and Randy Wolf.  With the division doing little to improve itself outside of Arizona, LA should rule this year.

Starting Rotation

1. Jason Schmidt (RHP) – A solid ace, Schmidt has always done well in Dodger Stadium.  The questions about his durability will always remain, but Schmidt has logged in 170 or more innings the last five years.  His stuff is still very much intact, and he’s not at an age where it’s going to start declining.  Plus, Schmidt has impressive 2.93 ERA in his career at Dodger Stadium, and he's probably in better shape for this and next year with the Dodgers, who stand a better chance at contending than the Giants. Schmidt's always a worry to battle mild injury issues, but the move to L.A. should help slow down any career decline.
2. Derek Lowe (RHP) – Lowe was solid last year and was the ace of the Dodgers in the second half after Brad Penny crashed and burned.  With Schmidt now in LA, Lowe will make a solid number two guy in the rotation.
3. Brad Penny (RHP) – There is little doubt that Penny has ace quality stuff, but injuries have kept him from fulfilling that potential.  To his credit, he has been increasing his workload as time goes by, but the addition of Randy Wolf, plus the Dodgers’ desire to move Hong Chi Kuo into the rotation, have made Penny expendable for the Dodgers.  His contract is extremely affordable and teams have been asking about his value, but there hasn’t been any offers serious enough for the Dodgers to make a deal.  So, Penny will stay in the rotation, but he’s also staying on the block for now.
4. Randy Wolf (LHP) – A bargain if Wolf is able to bring his command back one year after TJ.  Wolf agreed to a one-year deal with the Dodgers for a reported $8 million, plus a buyout (value unknown) on a 2008 option. Wolf showed good velocity and a plus curve in his first season back from TJ, so again, if the command comes back, this deal is a steal.
5. Chad Billingsley (RHP) – This young pitcher has the potential to become a solid middle of the rotation guy.  Billingsley has a sinking fastball in the mid-90s and throws a overpowering slider that is one of the best sliders in the LA System.  Billingsley also is developing the durability needed to last as a starter, which is also important.  Command occasionally escapes him, which results in the tendency for the long ball, but he’s young and should work it out in time.  Oddly enough, Billingsley was on the trading block during the winter, which I find odd, to say the least.

Bullpen

• Takashi Saito (Closer) – This 36 year old rookie dominated once he stepped in as closer, converting 24 of 26 and earning himself an extension in the process.  With his impressive second half dominance (1.98 ERA), Saito should probably be a solid option again to dominate, as I don’t think the league has caught up with his stuff yet.
• Jonathan Broxton (Setup Man) – Broxton has closers stuff, as seem by his hard sinker, which is almost unhittable when he cranks it into the upper 90s.  Clubs, most notably Boston, tried to acquire this young arm via trade, but the Dodgers have made it clear that even though Saito is the closer for this year, Broxton will almost certainly get the job next year. 
• Brett Tomko (RHP) – Tomko was far better as a reliever than he was as a starter last season, earning him a spot as a long reliever/setup man.  Tomko has expressed a desire to become a closer, which is unlikely in LA due to the presence of Jonathan Broxton, but a strong start to the season could encourage a closer-less team to trade for him to give him a shot.
• Hong-Chih Kuo (LHP) – Kuo was impressive during a limited stint as a starter last season, and wasn’t bad during the playoffs.  The Dodgers love his upside and would like to give him a shot as the fifth starter, but Penny is in the way.
• Elmer Dessens (RHP) – Dessens was acquired more to get rid of Odalis Perez than anything else.  Dessens was, to be blunt, medoicre at best after being acquired from Kansas City and will likely remain in the bullpen, as he’s still under contract.  He’ll be okay out of the pen, but not stellar.
• Joe Beimel (LHP) – This lefty finally fulfilled some of the promise that many had forseen with him by putting up career highs in appearances and in ERA.  Beimel will likely make the team, giving the Dodgers a very solid combination of left handers in the pen.
• Mark Hendrickson (LHP) – The Devil Rays unloaded Hendrickson in time before he imploded.  At the time of the trade, Hendrickson was 4-8 with a 3.81 ERA.  Afterward, he went 1-7 with a 5.32 ERA before posting a 1-0, 0.84 ERA in the pen over 6 apperances.  Hendrickson will likely enter the season in the bullpen, serving as a swingman. 

Projected Lineup

1. Rafael Furcal (SS) – Furcal did well after a slow start, hitting consistently in the leadoff spot.  He’s not going to hit for much power, but he makes contact thanks to a quick bat and has reduced his strikeouts over time.  He’s also a good threat to steal bases as well.  Defensively, Furcal has got some solid range at short, but he tends to make some boneheaded throws from time to time.  He’s a constant threat on the bases and should strikeouts the past two seasons.   Still, all things considered, you can’t get much better than Furcal on this team, except for when Nomar was in his prime.
2. Juan Pierre (CF) – Why, oh why, oh why did the Dodgers go after this overrated player?  Pierre has trouble drawing walks, strikes out a lot, and he’s really not that great of a base stealer, as he gets caught a lot.  He’s okay in center, relying mostly on his speed to get to the ball, but his arm is weak and thus limits his effectiveness.  He really should be hitting farther back in the order, but he’ll likely be hitting second thanks to his undeserved reputation as a leadoff man.
3. Nomar Garciaparra (1B) – Nomar is not longer the player he was, but with the Dodgers needing power, he was a solid option to bring in as far as leadoff.  He hit a solid .300 with some power, but that second half fade is worrisome.  He also adapted well to first base.  The biggest flag with Nomar is his durability, as he missed about 40 games last season and will surely miss time again this year.  He should be a DH after this latest stint with LA is done.
4. Jeff Kent (2B) – Kent should be declining in this stage of his career, as he is 38 years old.  But he did post a high batting average (.292) and some good power last year.  Kent also should that he lost some range defensively, making Furcal work harder to cover for his deficiencies.  I think he should be able to provide some solid cleanup options, but nowhere near what is expected from his spot in the lineup.
5. Luis Gonzalez (LF) – Gonzalez left the Diamondbacks after it became clear that he was not wanted back, which Eric Byrnes taking his spot.  Gonzalez then expressed a desire to play for an NL West contender, to allow him to be able to haunt the Diamondbacks and make them regret letting him go.  As melodramatic as it sounds, LA didn’t mind, signing him to help replace some of the pop they lost in J.D. Drew’s defection.  Gonzalez doesn’t have the power that he used to, but he does have enough to contribute in the fifth spot.
6. Russell Martin (C) –Statistically speaking, he compares favorably to former Dodgers catcher Paul Lo Duca, making consistent contact, using the whole field and hitting for a high average but without big power numbers. Still, don't forget that Martin will only be 24 next opening day, meaning he's young enough to learn to get better lift on the ball, helping make him a 15-20 homer hitter. This could be a bit of a high ranking, but he cracks my top 10 because his average won't hurt you and he's got quite a bit of upside.
7. Wilson Betemit (3B) – Betemit was acquired to replace Bill Mueller after injuries finally claimed his career.  He was more than capable of helping LA and enters the season again as the third baseman.  Betemit has the ability to hit for average with at least some gap power.  He’s got average speed and his range is limited, but he’s got soft hands and a strong arm and has years of service time available for him. 
8. Andre Ethier (RF) – Ethier had a very nice rookie year, hitting .308 with 11 homers and 58 RBI’s, all while playing some solid defense.  His bat doesn’t have as much power as one would hope from a corner postion. 

Bench

• Mike Lieberthal (C) – Leiberthal put up backup catcher quality numbers and can still catch.  He’ll likely do well in LA where he’ll spend time mentoring Russell Martin.
• Jason Repko (OF) – Repko is a useful fourth outfielder that can play all three outfield positions
• Ramon Martinez (IF) – Martinez is a useful utilityman that will get some playing time depending on the health of Kent.  He makes decent contact with his bat, but not a lot of power.
• Olmedo Saenz (IF) – Saenz is a good power bat off the bench and can play the infield corners.  With Nomar’s health, he’ll also get some playing time as well.
• Matt Kemp (OF) – Another fourth outfielder rounds out the bench.

Disabled List

• Yhency Brazoban (RHP) – Brazoban is recovering from Tommy John elbow reconstruction and he won’t be a factor until midseason at the earliest.  The Dodgers hope that he can help out as far as the bullpen is concerned, but because of the command problems that occur with TJ, he won’t be of any use until September, at the latest.

The Dodgers’ farm system is still one of the top systems, even with all of the graduations that have been done in recent years.  With several prospects continuing to try and break through the major league barrier, the Dodgers seem to be poised to continue their challenge to win the division for quite some time.

• Andy LaRoche (3B) – Adam’s little brother, Andy’#### at almost every stop he’s been at.  He’s got a great combination of strength and bat control (though Adam possess more power), and walks more than he strikes out.  His glove isn’t the greatest, but his defense isn’t so bad that he needs to be moved.  He’s slow, but he’s good enough to be an All-Star, by all indications.  He’ll likely be in Las Vegas to start, but could make Betemit a valuable trade chip.
• James Loney (1B/OF) – Loney has a sweet swing and is a solid defender at first base and at the outfield.  He’s almost perfect with the exception of power, as many disagree on how high his ceiling is.  Still, he’s a solid player with batting title potential and should receive a call up if someone gets hurt.  There’s also a shot he beats out Etheir for the starting right field job.
• Chin-Lung Hu (SS) – A solid defensive shortstop with great range, arm and the mindset for the position.  The real question is about the bat and whether or not he’ll hit enough to start or become an Alex Gonzalez type of player.  Defensively, he’s ready.  Offensively, he’ll be in Las Vegas for the season.

In Conclusion

As I said, with the Giants spinning their wheels, the Padres lacking punch and the Rockies and Diamondbacks looking promising, but not quite there, LA has this division wrapped up.

Final Standing:  National League West Division Winner

The Rangers Report – 2006 Offseason

Team Record as of October 2, 2006

Final Record: 80-82

Third in the American League West

The Managerial Search So Far

Here’s a little more about the people who are applying to be the Rangers’ manager. 

·          Don Wakamatsu – Current Rangers Bench Coach.  Has Yet To Interview, as he’s the last candidate, but now Oakland has requested permission to interview Wakamatsu for their own vacancy.  Jon Daniels wisely told them to wait until they have ruled out Wakamatsu as a candidate before they grant permission to talk with other clubs.  Wakamatsu will interview later this week.

·          Trey Hillman – Manager Of the Nippon Ham Fighters.  Hillman will be interviewed, but the Rangers have competition, as Hillman is also expected to interview for the San Diego and possibly the Oakland job as well.  Hillman still is high on Texas and has called them his “dream job.”  Hillman will interview today.

·          Ron Washington – Oakland Athletics Third Base Coach.  Washington felt that he interviewed well, but will likely end up as the Athletics’ new manager.

·          John Russell – Manager Of Triple A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.  Russell interviewed last week and reportedly did well.  No other information has come out.

·          Manny Acta – New York Mets Third Base Coach.  Acta is probably the leader of the three interviewee’s so far, in that he came to the interview already with a game plan of how he would do as the Rangers’ bench coach and the type of atmosphere he would create in the clubhouse.  Acta has interviewed for other jobs and is reportedly the favorite for the Washington job.

Free Agency – Possible Targets

With a lack of impact prospects in the system (Danks and Hurley are at least a year away from contributing, with Diamond maybe two at the least), the Rangers need to go out and find some people to mind the shop.  Pitching is going to be tough to find, but the Rangers were able to sign Kevin Millwood to a manageable deal that isn’t too restrictive.  And while the ownership is hesitant on spending a ton on free agents, the Rangers are at a cross roads in the division.  Los Angeles is searching for an identity, Oakland may be beginning to falter and Seattle sooner or later is going to get their act together.  Here is a list of starting pitching candidates the Rangers should target:

·          Daisuke Matsuzaka, Japan (RHP) – He's probably been scouted by most of baseball by now.  But Baseball America had the following to say about him.  “a lively 90-96 mph fastball, a plus-plus slider, a splitter and a changeup.”  Though Matsuzaka has had a large workload in Japan, the most famous being his high school post-season performance in the Japanese National Prep Tournament, where he threw 250 pitches to win a 17-inning game in the quarterfinals of Japan's national prep tournament, then came back to get a save the next day and to throw a no-hitter in the finals two days after that, he’s also only 26 and should be entering the prime of his career.  Matsuzaka is attractive in that he will cost the Rangers nothing but money and is a legitimate starting pitcher.  However, there is the trasnition to the American Game which could kill his performance and leave the Rangers with another bust.

·          Jason Schmidt, San Francisco Giants (RHP) – A All-Star and a Number One starter, Schmidt is a lot riskier than Matsuzaka because of his age.  Schmidt is going to be 34 and has had some shoulder problems in his career.  He was also 5-4 with a 4.76 ERA after the All-Star break.  He’s also used to the National League and would likely get destroyed pitching at Arlington.

·          Barry Zito, Oakland Athletics (LHP) – Zito is the largest name on the list, he'll get big bucks from a big-market team, and the Mets seem to be the favorites. The Rangers would have to overpay by a bunch to even give Zito a reason to consider coming to Texas.  And even then, he may refuse the Rangers’ dollars to play on one of the coasts.

·          Ted Lilly, Toronto Blue Jays (LHP) – Texas would be wise to run away from Ted Lily, after closer research.  First of all, Lilly is going to be expensive thanks to a 15-win season.  And while he’s a lefty, which plays well at Ameriquest, but he’s got extreme flyball tendencies (which does not fly well, no pun intended, at Ameriquest.)  He does have good stuff, but if you took a look at the injury history, which includes shoulder pains and the like, you would run away. 

·          Mark Mulder, St. Louis Cardinals (LHP) – Mulder would be a one year rental, as he is coming off of surgery on his left shoulder and will likely not be ready for the start of the 2007 season.  While there is still a chance that Mulder will bolt back to Oakland or possibly the Mets to reunite with his old pitching coach, the Rangers could look at bringing in Mulder for the next season.  Any contract will be incentive laden, but it could be worth the risk.  He's only 29 and he’s a lefty, so if the surgery works, the Rangers will have obtained a very good pitcher for at least a year and possibly garnering some good will, maybe even enough for him to stick around.

·          Luis Gonzalez, Arizona Cardinals (OF) – Gonzalez can still hit and play a passable outfield and has already been contacted by the Giants and Rangers.  Gonzalez likely fits into the Rangers’ plans as the new DH, though it’s more than likely that Gonzalez will end up with the Padres or Giants, just to be able to haunt the Snakes for letting him go.

·          David Dellucci, Philadelphia Phillies (OF) – Can still play the outfield and can DH, but Dellucci is being targeted by several other teams as a regular player.  Plus, he’s still kinda miffed that the Rangers traded him, so he’ll cost the Rangers extra for him to go around, plus a no-trade clause.

·          Jim Edmonds, St. Louis Cardinals (CF) – There is a possibility that Edmonds could hit the market, since it looks like the Cardinals might be willing to let him go.  Edmonds still has good numbers, but he’s lost a step in center and is getting older.  However, if there are no other options, Edmonds could be work a gamble on a short contract.

·          Frank Catalanotto, Toronto Blue Jays  (CF) – The Cat would also be a great option to bring back to Texas.  Catalanotto still has some punch to that bat and could play some outfield as well.  While he's not as agile or as mobile as he was in his younger days, Catalanotto can still contribute enough as a DH to merit spending some bucks on him. 

For Those That Have Declared:  Who Bolts Where

With several Rangers having already declared, I thought it would be fun to do a best fit perspective on those that have declared.  I know I’m going to get some Emails, so let’s do this.

·          Gary Matthews Jr. (CF) – Matthews chose a great time to hit free agency.  After a career year, Matthews is now the most attractive centerfielder on the market.  Matthews, to be honest, is going to be 32, not a great age for a centerfielder, thought it’s possible Sarge may last a little longer due to his athleticism.  With the Angels, Dodgers, Red Sox, St. Louis, Cubs, White Sox, and others pursuing him, I think Texas will likely be priced out of Matthews’ price range.  Bolts To Anaheim

·        Carlos Lee (OF) – Lee brings solid offensive numbers and allowed the Rangers to clear the roster for other players that could contribute.  However, Lee also has horrible defense and wants big bucks.  Essentially, the Rangers will have to pay big bucks for a DH, which I don't think they're willing to do.  Lee and the Astros have been flirting almost since he became a Ranger.  In my opinion, let Lee go, spend the money instead on pitching and on Gary, if possible, and find another suitable DH.  And let Houston give up their First Rounder and get a Sandwich Rounder..  Bolts To Houston

·          Mark DeRosa (UTIL) – DeRosa’s value comes from being a versatile players.  He’s going to want a place to start and, to be honest, the Rangers should re-sign him.  DeRosa can play Third while letting Blalock DH and can play a passable centerfield.  All that remains is to discuss the dollars and cents.  Stays With Texas

·          Adam Eaton (RHP) – Eaton is departing after a disappointing season with Texas, which was shortened by an injury to his index finger.  Eaton has talked about perhaps joining up in Seattle, where he’s from, and to be honest, that would probably be a good thing for him, as he was largely good in San Diego.  Plug him into the middle of the rotation and he might be okay.  Bolts To Seattle

·          Rod Barajas (C) – Barajas has stated that he won’t be a backup catcher and has said he’ll go elsewhere if he’s not the Number One in Texas.  That could be a problem as the Rangers look like they’re ready to commit to Gerald Laird as the starter, plus are accumulating a stock of young catchers in the minors.  Barajas has been linked to Boston, where it’s hoped that his ability to catch a knuckleball will come into play with Tim Wakefield.  To be honest, if Barajas wants to start, then it’s to Houston he should go, where the need for a catcher that can hit is important.  Barajas would instantly displace Brad Ausmus, knocking him to become a backup catcher.  Bolts To Boston, But Should Go To Houston

·          Eric Young (UTIL) – Young could contribute someplace, but not in Texas, as he was largely a no-show during the brief time he played.  Young has stated that he would like to play a game with his son.  I don’t think he’ll get the chance.  Retire.

Friday Morning Closer

Here's my out inning for the day:

Warming Up The Stove - Free Agency 2006

Here's a list of some of the pitchers that will hit free agency this coming off-season.

Jason Schmidt - Still a solid workhorse pitcher, but is beginning to climb up in the years some, plus he has a lot of milage on that arm of his.  He'll be solid, but not spectacular and should become a middle of the rotation pitcher somewhere.  Morisato's Pick:  Seattle Mariners

Barry Zito - A solid lefty, could serve as the ace on several pitching staffs.  He's going to be out of the price range for several teams.  Really, is there any doubt where he's going.  Morisato's Pick:  New York Yankees

Andy Pettitte - Has had a crash of epic proportions in the first half of the season before bouncing back in the second.  He's prone to health issues and is in his mid thirties, but still has great strikeout rates.  If he's not your ace, he can contribute, but pray that the wheels don't fall off while he's working with you.  Morisato's Pick:  Houston Astros

Jeff Weaver - Believe it or not, he's throwing pretty much the same as he always does, he's just getting lit up a lot more.  Weaver will probably not get a shot in the American League again, but could be okay if he's in a pitcher's park.  Morisato's Pick:  San Diego Padres

Mark Mulder - Rotator cuff issues killed his season, so Mulder will likely sign a one year contract with a team and try to justify his long term contract demands.  Morisato's Pick: New York Mets

Vicente Padilla - Has proven that the AL is no trouble, as he's become arguably the best pitcher on the Rangers.  He'll likely test free agency, but the whole hit tendancies to Vlad Guerrero and A.J. Piersinsky will turn off some people.  Morisato's Pick:  Texas Rangers.

Tomo Ohka - A good innings eater that does best as the fourth guy in the rotation.  While he's had some rotator cuff injuries to deal with, he'll give some depth to a pitching rotation and takes the pressure off of the bullpen.  Morisato's Pick:  Philadelphia Phillies

Coret Lidle - Has proven to be a good pickup by the Yankees.  Who knew?  Still, he's not going to be back next season and will get someone to pay him the big bucks to be an innings eater elsewhere.  Morisato's Pick:  Arizona Diamondbacks

Tigers To Deal Pitching.

The Tigers are currently suffering the same problem that seems to be plaguing the Oakland Athletics.

Too little offense.

The Tigers are sure to want to upgrade this during the off-season, which is why the Tigers are talking about dealing from their depth of starting pitching.

At the moment, the Tigers have a set rotation, though it's likely that they'll need to promote someone to replace Kenny Rogers.  Their stable of minor league pitchers include promising prospects Andrew Miller and Wilfredo Ledesma. 

The Tigers have discussed privately about dealing Jeremy Bonderman, who's nearing free agency and would bring in the impact bat that Detroit sorely needs.  There's been also talk about moving other prospects for help, since after a while, prospects lose value.

The problem?

The Tigers are going to demand a kings ransom for their prospects.  The Rangers discussed with the Tigers about Bonderman.

Their asking price?

Mark Teixiera.

If the Tigers are willing to come off their price a bit, I'm sure they'll find some pieces that will work out for them.  If not, well, then we could have another case of the Los Angeles Angels.