Time for the team previews to resume.

Today, the hat says...we're going North of the Border.

Team Previews 2008 – Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have in recent years made the setp toward respectability, but that has come in spite of of bad signings, bad drafts and bad personnel decisions overall by management, specifically J.P Riccardi.  To put it bluntly, the Jays are in a tough spot, as they don't suck as bad as some of the other teams in the AL, but they aren't as good as the cream of the crop. 

Starting Rotation

1. Roy Halladay (RHP) – Halladay is still an effective pitcher, though he has begun depending more on groundballs these days instead of flat out dominating hitters like he used to.  He’s still a bit of a health risk, but as long as that knuckle-curve of his remains solid and the fastball low, he should be dominant again.
2. A.J. Burnett (RHP) – Gifted, but injured, Burnett is entering his walk year, as he’s likely to opt out of his current contract to hit free agency this coming off-season.  Burnett could be a legitimate top of the rotation starter, but he either gets injured or struggles just when it looks like he’s turned a corner.  However, because of the money at stake, look for him to actually pitch nearly a complete season, with decent numbers.
3. Dustin McGowan (RHP) – Best pure stuff of the young starters, McGowan should be able to elevate his status enough to where he can be considered a capable number two.  He’s got four good pitches, including his fastball that can reach the mid 90’s and has some ink to it.  His only real weakness is lefties, but aside from that, he could effectively replace Burnett as soon as next season, provided that the Jays have some help to replace his spot in the rotation. 
4. Shaun Marcum (RHP) – I’m not sold on Marcum, as I feel he gets by more on the command of his average stuff than anything else.  That doesn’t mean he can’t be an effective fourth starter, it just means don’t expect him to be lights out.  Last year is probably the best case scenario for him.
5. Jesse Litsch (RHP) – Litsch is an average fifth starter that depends on his defense to help him pitch effectively. 

Bullpen

• B.J. Ryan (Closer) – Ryan’s injury and subsequent Tommy John Surgery were probably a prime example of some of the worst
• Jeremy Accardo (Setup Man) – The fact that the Jays were able to get him for a declining Shea Hillenbrand amounts to Highway Robbery.  Accardo will likely be moving back to the setup role, as it appears that Ryan will be ready at the start of the season.
• Casey Janseen (RHP) – Janseen is likely going to remain in the pen as the primary 7th inning man, a role that he succeeded in last season, though the Jays have made note that they haven’t given up on him as a starter.
• Gustavo Chacin (LHP) – I’m not sure why Chacin is still on the roster, but it looks like he’ll remain in the bullpen as a swingman unless Litsch or someone else plays their way out.
• Jason Frasor (RHP) - Only as good as his command takes him.
• Brandon League (RHP) – League failed to establish himself as a setup man last season, but he still has a lot of use as a middle reliever, with the chance to setup later.
• Scott Downs (LHP) - Dominant lefty reliever completes the pen.

Starting Lineup

1. Reed Johnson (LF) – Johnson was effective as a leadoff man in 2006, but injuries killed his season last year and resulted in the lack of effectiveness.  Johnson will likely share time with Matt Stairs this season.
2. Lyle Overbay (1B) - Not a great power hitter, Overbay has at least done a decent job of getting on base before injuries hit.
3. Vernon Wells (CF) - A disappointment, Wells needs to bounce back from a terrible year at the plate.  With the departure of Glaus, a lot more is riding on Wells' ability to drive in runs.
4. Frank Thomas (DH) - Still a capable masher, Thomas will see the bulk of at bats at DH.  It looks like his health issues are behind him, but keep in mind he is older and will need regular rest. 
5. Alex Rios (RF) - Rios is rapidly turning into a solid all around player.  He's able to hit for power and a decent average and isn't a slouch on the basepaths either.  He's a great right fielder.  All in all, here is one long term commitment I wouldn't mind the Jays making.
6. Scott Rolen (3B) – Rolen is now in the fold and frankly, this is a bad trade.  There is a difference between "passionate" and "high maintenence."  Rolen is the later.  He's a decent defender, but there is no guarnatee that he'll stay healthy, especially now that he's playing on turf.
7. Gregg Zaun (C) – Zaun is rapidly declining as a catcher.  The only thing he really can do now is hit lefties.
8. Aaron  Hill (2B) - A nifty second baseman, Hill should be on an All Star squad in the near future.  His defensive value will help make up for the questionable signing up next...
9. David Eckstein (SS) - The Blue Jays are betting that Eckstein and Rolen will bring in some of that "gritty" atmosphere from St. Louis.  Eckstein is old, not a great bet to stay healthy and can't hit.  That spells winner!

Bench

• John McDonald (SS) - A defensive shortstop, McDonald will likely spell Eckstein late in games.
• Matt Stairs (UTIL) - There is still some life in that bat, as Stairs enjoyed one of his best seasons last year.  You'll see him pop up all around the diamond, spelling Johnson, Overbay and Thomas when necessary.
• Rod Barajas (C) - Barajas signs up with the very team he spurned last season.  Regardless of my personal feeligns of Barajas, he may have at least another solid year left in him.  All he needs is the chance to sieze it.
• Marco Scutaro (INF) – Scutaro may wind up beating out Eckstein for the starting gig at short this season.  Scutaro can play short and second and has a bit of pop to his bat.  But that's really about all he can do. 

Minor League Notables

• Curtis Thigpen (C) – Thigpen did well enough in limited action last season that he’ll likely be the starter come 2009.  While he’ll likely spend the year in the minors, should injuries decimate
• Ricky Romero (LHP) - Famously picked ahead of Troy Tulowitzski, Romero may be ready to contribute at the end of the season.  His ceiling is a Number Four starter.

Final Thoughts

This is really Toronto’s last shot at contending, as this team was built to win now.  After this season, there will be a lot of people leaving the organization via free agency and Toronto lacks the major pieces in the farm other than Travis Snider that will  help out long term.  Even then, unless Toronto gets the benefit of a lot of injuries among their division mates, they are, at best, the third best team in the division.

Final Prediction - 3rd Place, American League East. 

A return to school and an increased workload at work due to sick leave has cut into my blogging time.  Not cool.

Ah well, time for a collective group of thoughts about baseball.

Scott Rolen and Troy Glaus Traded For Each Other

Kinda a odd deal, considering that both are high priced deals with huge landmines attached to them (Health) but overall the deal does work to the favor of each team in one way or another.

WIth Rolen, the Blue Jays gain a Gold Glove defender at third base, which would help compensate for the lead glove of David Eckstein, at the cost of some offense.  However, Eckstein is better than the shuffle at short the Jays had and there is the off chance that Rolen can prove himself to be semi-adequate with the bat.  More than anything, however, the Jays need some type of return from Vernon Wells, who disappointed last season after signing for superstar money with the Jays. 

In Glaus, the Cardinals get a big bat that is needed to help bolster the offense, which is, to be frank, pathetic outside of Pujols.  More than anything, however, the Cardinals needed to diffuse the situation between Tony LaRussa and Rolen, which was made all but irreparable after LaRussa poured gas on that particular fire this off-season.  The signing of Cesar Izturis does help improve the defense enough where the Cardinals can suffer through Glaus' hands of stone, and the move to natural grass and away from Toronto's turf should prove to be beneficial in the long run for Glaus.

All in all, it's a good gamble for both sides, but more importantly, it clears up some potential locker room disaster that would have exploded during the season had either player remained with their former teams.

Grade For Both Sides:  B

Thoughts On The Kotsay Trade

I was going to rant about how the Braves should have just offered Andruw Jones arbitration, keeping him around for one more year, as he would have accepted, and keeping the offense together.

Instead, they pull this trade.

To be honest, I gotta give Billy Beane all the credit in the world on this one, as I think Kotsay is done.  He's not the defender he once was and in terms of offense, he's not going to give you much in return.  In all honesty, the Braves would have been better off just giving the job to Josh Anderson for the season and just gone with it from there.  At least he's mostly paid for.

Oh wait.  Oakland got two prospects, one of which, Joey Devine, the Braves' first round pick from two years ago, will likely help out Oakland in the bullpen this season.  And they also got Jamie RIchmond, a right hander that could be a fifth starter.  That's quite a haul for a broken player.

Anyhow, that's my take on that.

Oakland Grade - B

Atlanta Grade - D

Lost A Bet

To my friend, who's an Astros fan, on the Cowboy Game on Sunday.

So, expect the first (and only) Astros Report sometime this week.

Ugh...

The Rangers Report – Offseason Edition

Hot Stove Coals

Here's some of the names that the Rangers have been connected with so far:

• Carlos Quentin (OF) - The Rangers did make a inquiry to see what it would take to acquire the potential hard hitting right fielder from the Arizona Diamondbacks.  It was Eric Hurley.  I'm not opposed to trading Hurley, but only if it's for a pitcher, such as Santana or Haren.  I would even trade him if maybe Texas had other pitching prospects close to ready.   Since they don't, onto the new stop.
• Scott Rolen (3B) and Chris Duncan (1B/LF) - This was strictly a salary dump in exchange for Hank Blalock.  Duncan I'm not sure about, as he's a big hacking slugger that would be a fit as a platoon DH or FIrst Baseman.  Rolen is pretty much done.  Sorry.  I just can't.
• Andy LaRoche (3B) - There are also talks that Texas is looking to trade Hank Blalock to the Dodgers for Andy LaRoche and change.  However, it looks like the reports are that this was strictly smoke with no substance.  That's a pity.  I would have loved to have had LaRoche.
• Coco Crisp (CF) - And back to Mr. Crisp.  Word is that Boston asked for C.J. Wilson in return and are not interested in Gerald Laird.  Ummmm, no.  Wilson is the closer next year and is one of the few lefties available for the pen, with Murray heading to the rotation in Oklahoma next year, leaving only Rheinecker as the lone lefty aside for Wilson.  Still, this offer is a lot better than what the Red Sox originally asked for, which was Hurley, Luis Mendoza, who actually was a Red Sox, and another player.  TIme to find the next Ron Mahay...
• Josh Hamilton (CF) – Hamilton is attractive in that he’s young and is a physical freak of nature.  He’s got loads of talent and could be a fixture long term in Texas.  The only real question, aside from the past substance abuse issues (not fair, but unfortunately, still valid) are what potential trade matches could be done, as judging from the two teams and their respective farm systems, it doesn’t look like a match can be made.
• David DeJesus (CF) – This is still a valid rumor, especially if you consider the fact that the Royals are going hard after the batshit crazy outfielder we all know as Jose Guillen.  If they sign him, they’ll have a outfield of Mark Teahen, Joey Gathright, whom the Royals love, and Guillen, leaving DeJesus out in the cold.  The Rangers could make an offer of Joaquin Arias, Luis Mendoza, and either Doug Mathis or Michael Schlact in return for DeJesus and change. 
• Chris Shelton (1B) - Shelton was designated for assignment by the Tigers to make room for Kenny Rogers.  Were I the Rangers, I actually would make a play for Shelton, who could at least be a platoon partner for Cat at first next year.

Raid The Pirates

Actually, there is a way for the Rangers to be able to fill several holes at once to help fill their needs.

The Pirates are looking to move RF Xavier Nady and LF Jason Bay in order to stock on prospects, as they seem to have realized that this current core of the team just isn’t working and are looking to make some deals. 

Nady is a virtual lock to be traded, as the Pirates have shown no desire to pay him in arbitration and will look to either trade him or non-tender him.  Jon Daniels discussed Bay with the Pirates earlier today and is in the mix to try and get him.

I’d try to make a deal for both, which would take care of left and right field and allowing them to use some sort of Marlon Byrd/David Murphy combo in center.  It would also allow Texas to leave Frank Catalanotto at first base and would add a pair of decent bats in the middle.  The best part is, neither of them blocks any of the Rangers’ prospects long term and potentially could allow the Rangers to reap some draft picks if they do well in Texas. 

What would I hit the Pirates with for both guys?  Well, it looks like the Pirates are looking for a catcher and a pitching prospect in exchange for Bay and are just looking to get something for Nady.  So, here’s what I’d do:

First off, I’d offer them Laird, who is still three years away from free agency.  That would be for Nady, as it is a trade of pieces that just don’t fit with their current clubs.

For Bay, since I have already offered a catcher, I would ask them if a trade for Joaquin The Dream would work, with another pitcher, possibly Michael Schlact or Armando Galarraga would work.  If they elect for it, cool.  If not, I’d offer some potential Rule 5 picks that may get selected from the Rangers, likely Tug Hulett a utility man, and Jesse Ingram, who had a bounceback season last year, but was blocked from getting onto the Rangers’ 40 this year.

So, if all things considered fall into place, I’d offer the following:

The Texas Rangers offer C Gerald Laird, RHP Armando Galaragga, SS Joaquin Arias and RHP Jesse Ingram for RF Xavier Nady and LF Jason Bay

I know it’s more quantity than quality right now, but it would kill some holes on the team and would allow them to try and trade Jack Wilson while trying to eat some of his salary.  All in all, it’s a pretty fair deal.

Tomorrow, the San Diego Padres Farm System goes up, with the Seattle Mariners going up on Friday.  Look for a Rangers Report GM Meetings Wrap Up On Thursday. 

St. Louis Cardinals

The most unlikely World Series winner last year and possibly one of the worst teams ever to win it, the Cardinals entered the off-season needing several changes on their team.  And several were made, but not for the better.  Three-fifths of their post-season rotation bolted for free agency and the Cardinals didn’t do much to improve the team, seeking to go with reclamation projects and young unproven arms.  The offense will still mash but this team may be worse that last years, pitching wise.

Starting Rotation

1. Chris Carpenter (RHP) – St. Louis did Carpenter right by giving him a contract extension and he’s appeared to have put his arm and injury troubles behind him.  Carpenter is a solid ace at the top of this rotation and should contend for the Cy Young award for years to come.
2. Anthony Reyes (RHP) – Reyes was solid in the minors and had a pretty impressive rookie debut as well, plus a solid post-season showing.  He’s a more than adequate number two behind Carpenter and his stuff is solid.  His fastball touches 95 mph and he’s got a great changeup and curveball.  If he continues to improve, Reyes should be more than adequate as far as replacing the departed Jeff Suppan.
3. Kip Wells (RHP) – The latest Dave Duncan pitching project, Wells is hoping that he can regain some semblance of the promise he had when he was a White Sox first round pick.  Wells does have good tools, as his fastball touches the low-90s fastball and he's got a great curve, but his biggest problem is that he lacks command of his arsenal (that and he can't seem to stay healthy.)  If Duncan can get Wells back on track, he could be one of the biggest values of the off-season.  Then again, the same was said about Sidney Ponson last season...
4. Adam Wainright (RHP) – This would seem like a bit of desperation on St. Louis’ part until you realize that Wainright was developed as a starter and that he’s moving back into his natural position.  That big curve should play well in the rotation and he should be a more than adequate starter.  However, if Jason Isringhausen isn’t ready to come back, Wainright could also enter the season as the closer.
5. Braden Looper (RHP) – Getting back to desperation moves, Loopers potential move to the fifth starter’s position may qualify as one.  He’s hasn’t started a game since he was back in the minors.  He’ll likely be holding the place for Mark Mulder, who’s on the DL.

Bullpen

• Jason Isringhausen (Closer) – The team is optimistic about Jason Isringhausen's recovery from hip surgery, and they'd better hope so if they expect to keep Wainright in the rotation.  Izzy may be good for 30 saves or so, the problem is that he’s been coming off of injuries almost since he’s gotten to St. Louis.  Short term, Izzy should be fine.  Long term, which comes into play next year, the Cardinals had been start looking for his successor, as this will probably be the last year that you can expect anything productive out of him.
• Russ Springer (Setup Man) – One of the best setup men in the business, Springer jumps from the Astros to St. Louis to help sore up the setup corps and ease the pain that Wainright’s departure will cause.
• Ryan Franklin (RHP) – Franklin will add some depth to the lineup, plus offer a possible arm to the rotation.  Franklin started 94 games for Seattle from 2003-05.
• Tyler Johnson (LHP) – Johnson gets the job done, but the numbers aren’t pretty at all.
• Randy Flores (LHP) – Why is this man still on the roster?
• Josh Hancock (RHP) – Hancock is a solid right hander that should be dependable coming out of the pen.
• Brad Thompson (RHP) – Taking the place of Josh Kinney, Thompson will be the last bullpen option.

Starting Lineup

1. David Eckstein (SS) – One of the shortest players ever to play returns at the top of the lineup again.  Eckstein is a solid defender that has great range.  As far as offense, Eckstein has excellent plate discipline and enough speed to be able to run out line drives.  The one thing he doesn’t have much of is power, but really, when you sum him up, he’s a good player. 
2. Adam Kennedy (2B)- After Kennedy’s ugly divorce with the Angels, he needed a new place to call home, which he has in St. Louis.  Kennedy still has a sold glove and hits well enough to play in the second spot.  He reunites with his old double play partner, Eckstein, with whom he won a ring with in Anaheim.
3. Albert Pujols (1B) – Pujols won his first Gold Glove at first base in 2006 and finished second in the MVP balloting.  Pujols seemed like he was going to break Roger Maris’ home run record.  He finished with 49 home runs, 137 RBI’s and a .331 average, and that’s with missing 18 games.  Pujols should continue to be the rock of this lineup and should take Bonds’ title of “Most Dangerous Hitter” away from him this year.
4. Jim Edmonds (CF) – Edmonds re-signed with the Cardinals over the winter.  Despite the fact that he will turn 37 in June., he’s still an excellent centerfielder that hits for power and can serve as protection for Pujols.  I don’t expect him to post last year’s disappointing stats again, as he was recovering from post-concussion syndrome, and he should rebound to his 2005 numbers. 
5. Scott Rolen (3B) – Rolen is a seven-time Gold Glove winner who again led his position in fielding during '06.  He’s also a hell of a hitter to, as he hit 22 home runs and 95 RBI’s all while returning from serious shoulder surgery.  The only real issue is his relationship with Tony LaRussa, as the two have made it clear that they rather despise each other.  In spite of promising to be civil to one another, I’m not sure how long that will last until they decide to go after each other again.
6. Chris Duncan (LF) – The Cardinals got a huge lift from rookie Chris Duncan, who hit 22 homers in 280 at-bats.  However, that may be the best he’ll be, as his minor league stats don’t’ compare well to that.  Duncan is in a odd spot, as he’s brutal playing the outfield and first base is being held down by Pujols.  Ideally, he’s a DH, but that position isn’t available in the National League.  Because he’s got some power potential, he’s going to starter, but the Cardinals had better pray that that great 2006 is for real. 
7. Juan Encarnacion (RF) – An underrated free agent addition, Encarnacion rebounded from a horrific start to hit.278 with 19 HRs.  He’ll be a great force in the back of the lineup and he plays a mean right field too.
8. Yadier Molina (C) – Molina has a great glove and arm, as witnessed by his 41 percent success rate in throwing out runners.  The only problem is that he doesn’t have much of a bat, though he’s still young enough to possible develop a league average one.

Bench

• Preston Wilson (OF) – Obtained off of waivers from the Astros, Wilson provides great pop of the bench and can adequately play all three of the outfield positions.
• So Taguichi (OF) – A useful fourth outfielder that can be used as a bat off the bench of as a replacement for any period of time.
• Scott Spiezio (UTIL) – Spiezio is a all-purpose weapon that can play the infield and outfield corners, plus can hit for power as well as play any of the positions for any amount of time.
• Aaron Miles (INF) – Miles was once considered to be the heir to second base, but he’s more useful as a utilityman, able to play short and second base.
• Gary Bennett (C) – Bennett is a solid defensive catcher, but he’s not much of a hitter.  Hey, that sounds just like their starter!

Disabled List

• Mark Mulder (LHP) – Mulder is currently rehabilitating from season ending shoulder surgery, and may be available sometime in July. 
• Josh Kinney (RHP) – Rescued from the independent leagues a couple of years ago, Kinney pitched his way into the pen by dominating during the regular season and in the post-season.  Unfortunately, he’s now on the DL and will be out for the year thanks to Tommy John.

Down On The Farm…

St. Louis’ farm system isn’t great, as the talent is in the lower minors, plus the fact that so many recent picks were huge busts.  However, the Cardinals have little impact talent, as many of their players have bene selected from college, leaving little projection and even less chance of them being huge impact players.  As a result, what you see in St. Louis is what you get.

• Jamie Garcia (LHP) – Should none of the bargain bin pitching options work out, the Cards may be forced to turn to Garcia early, even though he’ll just be beginning play in Double A.  Garcia has great maturity for his age and has a solid sinker that goes in the low 90’s and a great curve.  His chance is inconsistent, but workable and he mixes all of them in well.  He’s induces lots of ground balls and would function well for St. Louis with that defense behind him if called up.  He should be a solid middle of the rotation workhorse that could be a mix between Jeff Suppan and Brandon Webb.  Garcia will likely be in Double A, but could make an emergency start if there is no other choice.

In Conclusion

This team is going to suffer some attrition for management’s decision to not spend money this off-season.  The Farm System is three years from producing talent to help out at the major league level and most of these vets are either reclamation projects or on the decline.  The rotation may or may not be good, it’s probably closer to mediocre as Wainright gets some experience in the rotation and the Cardinals hope that Wells’ arm doesn’t explode.  All in all, I think this team is going to be sitting

Final Standing:  Fourth place in the National League Central.