Yes folks, it's true. Albert Pujols was once again screwed over in the Most Valuable Player votings. Ryan Howard has become the new Barry Bonds (except Howard doesn't use steroids, is not a jerk and the world's biggest ####): stealing the MVP away from the real Most Valuable Player. Not getting your team in the playoffs and just having an offense kind of year. What did Albert Pujols do? He led his team to the playoffs while having a career year and winning a gold glove. Don't let me just opinionate you away, let me provide you with some cold hard facts.
     Pujols had an oblique injury in the middle of the season and that prevented his numbers from being better, but that has nothing to do with the voting. I'm just letting everyone know that before I tell you this stat: Howard played in 16 more games than Pujols. In fact, this was the first year Pujols was on the disabled list..and that's in 5+ years. Ok, so here's the breakdown of the numbers:
Howard had 58 homeruns, 149 RBI, 108 walks, 181 strikeouts and had a .313 batting average.
Pujols had 49 homeruns, 137 RBI, 92 walks, 50 strikeouts and had a .331 batting average.
Howard's slugging, on-base and OPS (On-base + slugging) percentages were: .659/.425/1.082.
Pujols numbers for those categories were: .671/.431/1.102.
Howard led his team to a second place finish in both the East division and the Wild Card.
Pujols led his team to a first place finish, ended a possible third eight game losing streak and to a World Series championship (although, the post season doesn't get involved in the voting).
     Now who's valuable? Is Howard more valuable because he didn't carry his team to the playoffs while only leading Pujols in three categories: walks (16), HR (9) and RBI (12)? I mean, those numbers aren't really far apart. Howard also led Pujols in strikeouts with 131 more, whereas Pujols had 42 less strikeouts than walks, and thats hard to do. Just look at these blatent facts folks, Pujols was once screwed out of the MVP. Last year, most Cardinals fans thought he would be screwed out of it again because Jones had over 50 homeruns and Derek Lee had the batting title. He won last year, beating out a 50+ homerun guy. He should have done it this year. Heck, I would have rather seen Lance Berkman get the MVP rather than Howard. At least Berkman led his team on a charge to the central title. What did Howard do? Keep a team that was still in tact together? Everyone says he took over the team when Bobby Abreu was traded. Hate to break it to you folks, Abreu wasn't leading the team BEFORE he was traded, it was Howard all year long. Just remember these numbers. The evidence is clear: nuts and bolts, nuts and bolts, Albert got SCREWED!

***I know MVP voting was a while back, but I have been swamped with homework lately, so I never had time to write this. Enjoy and leave comments***

     Now that the season is over, we can finally start making real predictions for all of the awards. Now, there are so many hard picks, this will not be easy; however, I'll do my best. Before I start though, I will only say who wins and why they do. Then I'll do a little blurb after the winner on who was passed up with the place they finished in after their name in (). Ok, MVP time. The National League goes first because obviously the National League is better than the American League.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER 2006
NATIONAL LEAGUE: ALBERT PUJOLS, ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
This is a no doubter folks. Who lifted the St. Louis Cardinals into the playoffs? Albert Pujols. Who didn't? Ryan Howard. Who ended a possible third eight game losing streak for the Cardinals? Albert Pujols. The guy is obvious pick. Sorry Philly fans. Ryan Howard does deserve the Most Outstanding player, no doubt; however, the Most VALUABLE Player is the guy that carries you into the postseason, not carries your luggage to the terminal for a flight home.
SORRY TO: Howard (2nd), Carlos Beltran (3rd)
AMERICAN LEAGUE: JUSTIN MORNEAU, MINNESOTA TWINS
There is no denying that Morneau wins the MVP for the AL. Without him, the Twins never would have won the division (or go to the postseason for that matter). The guy made the Twins go. Sure, say Johan Santanna made them go, but he led the pitching staff. He led the pitching staff last year too and and "made them go" home. So, obviously Santanna can't do it alone. This is where Moneau came in and won the MVP award and stole it from other deserving players.
SORRY TO: David Ortiz (2nd), Derek Jeter (3rd), Frank Thomas (4th), Santanna (5th), Jim Thome (6th), Jermaine Dye (7th)

CY YOUNG AWARD 2006
NATIONAL LEAGUE: CHRIS CARPENTER, ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Yes folks, it's a clean sweep for the Cardinals again. Carp was very dominate all year long. Sure, he had some struggles along the way, but he did towards the end of the year last year. This year, though, can be blamed on a inconsistent bullpen. Because of that pen, Tony La Russa was forced to leave Carp out there on an empty tank at the end of the year and his numbers suffered. Although, a 15-8 record and 3.09 earned run average is pretty damn good.
SORRY TO: Roy Oswalt (2nd), Brad Penny (3rd), Carlos Zambrano (4th)
AMERICAN LEAGUE: JOHAN SANTANNA, MINNESOTA TWINS
Another sweep, this time for the Twins. Santanna carried the Twins pitching yet again. He was the MLB leader in all three pitching Triple Crown categories (ERA, Wins and Ks). This guy is dominant and when he took the mound, you know you were gonna win.
SORRY TO: Barry Zito (2nd), Justin Verlander (3rd), Kenny Rogers (4th)

MANAGER OF THE YEAR
NATIONAL LEAGUE: JOE GIRARDI, FLORIDA MARLINS
It's a shame what happened to Girardi. Get stuck with a bunch of rookies, be predicted to win less games than the Kansas City Royals and end up with a 78-84 record then get fired because he strained relations with the front office? Thats gotta blow. Girardi, though, gets the last laugh. He'll be interviewing for jobs left and right and has the Manager of the Year award for 2006 to put on his resume. The Marlins were foolish to let him go, and they'll more than likely regret it. The question is though: How long will Gonzalez last in Florida?
SORRY TO: Charlie Manuel (2nd), Grady Little (3rd), Bruce Bochy (4th), Phil Garner (5th), Tony La Russa (6th)
AMERICAN LEAGUE: JIM LEYLAND, DETROIT TIGERS
In his first year in Florida, he won a World Series. In his first year with Detroit, he almost pulled of the greatest upset: win the division and knock out the White Sox. Part 2 came through, but they didn't win the division. Thats ok though. Mr. Miracle came through and guided the Tigers to their first playoff berth in 19 years and did it while everyone was telling him his team wasn't good enough. Who's laughing now?
SORRY TO: Ron Gardenhire (2nd), Ken Macha (3rd)
NOT SORRY TO: Joe Torre (30th)

And there you have it folks, your 2006 awards. I only did these three because they are the most important, and the MVP has had a lot of debate behind it this year. So, there you go and I hope you enjoy!

     Let this be known right away, I am not a Red Sox fan or a Yankee fan. I cannot stand the American League East, or the American League for that matter. So don't think I'm a homer. Since that is now known, I can finally type my story. Theo Epstein has an ok team in front of him, but he really needs to do something else. He needs to address about every part of his roster this offseason. Here's what the Red Sox need to do in order to keep pace with the Yankees next season. Some of these moves probably won't happen, but they can work.
     ANDRUW JONES: The Braves want to resign. Jones wants to stay a Brave. Does this mean this will happen? No. Could it? Yes. The Braves don't really have enough money to reisgn Jones after this season, and if Jones goes to Beantown, he could make a lot of money. Plus, the Braves could benefit a lot from a trade of Jones. They could trade Jones to Boston for Coco Crisp (to play left field and leadoff), Mike Lowell, Kason Gabbard and Manny Delcarmen. Now, you ask why trade a center fielder for a left fielder? Simple, the Braves need someone out in left that is good. Also, Crisp could be their leadoff man (or Edgar Renteria could take that spot). They just need to bump Marcus Giles from the leadoff spot. He's not comfortable there, and everyone knows it. This could also be beneficial because that will allow the Braves to sign Torii Hunter (if he's a free agent) to play center. Their lineup would get a big boost. Gabbard could be in the rotation for the Braves in the second half of next season (starting at Triple A) and all of 2008. Delcarmen could be out in the bullpen and help out their to bridge the gap to Bob Wickman. Lowell would be good for Chipper Jones. Jones and Lowell are getting up there in age and their play is starting to show it. If you platoon these two, their injuries could be done and both could impact the club.
     For the Red Sox, they get a great hitting center fielder whose bat has finally come alive in recent years. Jones is also a super defender and is a big boost over Coco Crisp and anyone else that they put out in center.
     BARRY ZITO: The Red Sox have an ok rotation. They'll have Josh Beckett (inconsistent), Curt Schilling (old and inconsistent), Jon Lester, Jon Papelbon, Matt Clement and Tim Wakefield. All of those pitchers are either young, old, consistent or a combonation of some. Thats not good enough to compete with the Yankees offense (they have a pitching staff other than Wang and Johnson?). They need to add a boost. That's where Zito comes in. Zito can fit in nicely in this rotation as the number one starter. That'll put these pitchers following Zito: Beckett, Schilling, Paplebon and Lester. This lets the pitchers know where they stand in relation to their peers so they can pitch better. If you're told you're the ace of the staff, that can mess with your head if you've never been one before. Schilling can't carry this staff anymore and Beckett is Beckett. Zito is needed to keep this rotation together. This also makes Wakefield and Clement expandable to trade off for some pitching help. They really don't have a closer, unless Keith Foulke or Craig Hansen and take the duty. Look at this bullpen: Foulke, Hansen, Mike Timlin and Julian Taverez. Is that threatening? Not really. They really need to add some people. They can look to teams that have a lot of youth coming up, that way they don't care if they give up some veterens. They could also look to signing Joe Borowski to help build a bridge, maybe even be the closer. Eric Gagne will be available, maybe they could go there. No matter what they do, they need to stock the bullpen along with adding Zito to help improve this offense.
     GARY SHEFFIELD & MARK LORETTA: Yes folks, Gary Sheffield. Sheffield is getting old, but based on the other night, the guy can still hit when healthy. To help keep him healthy, the Yankees moved Sheffield to first. Well, the Red Sox just traded off Lowell. Remember? The Red Sox really want to move Kevin Youkilis back to third, and thats why they traded Mike Lowell. This allows them to move Youkilis to third and sign Sheffield to play first. Look at that, their defense is almost completed. They just need to resign Loretta. They did have a middle infield combo coming up in Hanley Ramirez and Dustin Pedroia, but they traded Ramirez. This leaves Pedroia, who has and can play second and short. This is big. They can move him to short and keep Loretta to play second and their defense has taken a big leap. Also, their offense has as well. We have one more move, then I'll show you the updated lineup.
     GEOFF JENKINS: Yes folks, Jenkins. Sure, he's not great anymore, but neither is Trot Nixon. Thaats why I'm letting Nixon go and I'm trading two Single A players to the Milwaukee Brewers for Jenkins. Jenkins, en turn, will play in a platoon with Wily Mo Pena and Manny Ramirez. Pena is good enough to play everyday, but he needs to be kept fresh. With this platoon, he'll play about 100 games (three out of five games he plays) and Jenkins would play about 62 games in right. Then, he'd also be used to give Ramirez a day off. Meaning, he'd play about 20 games in left. He could also be used in the DH spot as well, once in a while.
     Ok, so here's the new lineup that I would put out there everyday:
SS  Pedoria
RF  Pena/Jenkins
DH  David Ortiz
LF   Ramirez
CF  Jones
 C   Jason Varitek
1B  Sheffield
3B  Youkilis
2B  Loretta
Thats a pretty good looking lineup right there. Speed and on-base percentage at the top, then comes a very good power supply with the 2-5. Then comes some good hitters with the 6-8. Then, it's your second leadoff man in the ninth spot to get it back to the top of the lineup.
     Now, that sounds like a very productive offseason. What do you think?

     So, now that there's only a week left in the regular season, it's time to get down and dirty with the playoff predicitions. Now, only two divisions have been clinched, two more will be clinched in three days or less and the other two will go down to the wire, along with the Wild Card races (of both leagues). So, I'm going to show you my predicitions below, and all the teams I have in are the teams I think (or all ready know) will be in the playoffs.
     First, the best league out of the two, the National League. This is how the National League side will break down:
NEW YORK METS vs. LOS ANGELES DODGERS
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS vs. SAN DIEGO PADRES
The Dodgers will be the Wild Card team and the Padres won the West. The Cardinals blow out the Padres, again, in a three game sweep. The Mets, with their pitching lacking, get beat by the Dodgers in five games. The Mets have a great offensive team; however, you need pitching to help you win. Ask the Boston Red Sox what all offense and no pitching gets you. Sure, the Mets have Pedro Martinez (who is very inconsistent and still a little injuried) and Tom Glavine (inconsistent) and Steve Trachsel (enough said). That's it though. Oliver Perez is a joke, ask the PITTSBURGH PIRATES! If you get sent down by the Pirates, and then traded, you're pretty much useless. Sure, he has pitched ok in New York, but only ok. In retrospect, he pitched ok in Pittsburgh too. John Maine, a guy that hasn't smelled the postseason. You want to count on him? Good luck with that. The Dodgers, though, have a proven force of attack. They have three starters with World Series rings (two coming in the last three years), a pitcher who won 15+ games a year for more than a decade who is also a 300 game winner and a very good, hard throwing rookie. Their rotation is much better than the Mets and thats what will stop their offense. The Mets' pitching staff will not be able to halt the Dodger's offensive enslaut and they will end up winning the series.
     The Cardinals will sweep the Padres. I know I'm a Cardinal fan and everything so my answer is kind of bias, but still: Cardinals have a better team. The Padres have two good starters and a starter with a good postseason history (whose numbers are flawed because he pitched with the New York Yankees in their World Series run). The Cardinals have the regining (and more than likely repeat) Cy Young Award winner, a starter who has been nothing short of dominate in the second half, and two vets that can eat innings. The Cardinals have a balanced offense with David Eckstein back and three guys that have put up a combined .291 AVG, 60 HR (Juan Encanracion needs one more to be the fourth Cardinal with 20 bombs this year) and 211 RBI behind the regining (and more than likely repeat) Most Valuable Player Albert Pujols. In June, the Cardinals missed his bat a lot and these players (Encarnacion, Chris Duncan and Scott Rolen) didn't step it up to make up for Pujols' bat, proving they need him in the lineup to win. Now that Pujols and Eckstein ar ehealthy, and the three backing up Pujols are having decent seasons (Duncan by the way doesn't even have 300 at bats yet and has 20 homeruns), the Cardinals can blow the Padres out of the water.
     The next series, the League Championship Series, will be a tough one. You have the well balanced Dodgers who just beat the best National Leagaue team during the regular season and the Cardinals, who have been the best team in the National League the last two years. This series will go all seven games, most definently. The Cardinals will come out on top, but by a slim margin. The Dodgers have three great starters and then a so-so starter, whereas the Cardinals have one great starter, a good starter and then two so-so starters. If the Cardinals get their way and have Jeff Suppan and Chris Carpenter start Games 1 and 2, then get Jason Marquis and Jeff Weaver to start Games 3 and 4, they'll be in good shape. With the Dodgers being the Wild Card team, the Cardinals would have homefield advantage and Carp and Supp have pitched better at home and vice versa for Weaver and Marquis. Game 5 would belong to Anthony Reyes so Carp and Supp could pitch at home, if needed. The Dodgers would throw Greg Maddux in Game 1 against Carp, Derek Lowe in Game 2 against Supp, Brad Penny in Game 3 against Marquis and then Chad Billingsley in Game 4 against Weaver. This is where the Dodgers need to be creative. They could pitch Maddux in game four and save Billingsley for Game 5, and then pitch Lowe and Penny in the final two games. This would also assure Maddux to be ready for Game 1 of the World Series (if they make it, which won't happen). This could also assure the Dodgers a better suited matchup for an important Game 4 and it lets Billingsley pitch against a fellow rookie. I'll stop myself from my rambling to move on and say the Cardinals are in the World Series.
     Tune in on Thursday for the American League AND World Series Matchup blog!

     That's right folks, the Detroit Tigers actually have something to build on for the coming years. They have an unbelieveable farm system, a great manager and a lot of talent at the Major League level.
     Lets first look at the youth the Tigers have. Of course, we HAVE to start with Justin Verlander. The kid is a BEAST. He can throw 100 mph and has great command. He has good offspeed stuff as well to keep hitters on their toes and fool them. Joel Zumaya is another flamethrower. The kid is destined for 400 saves. He throws 100 mph as well, with great offspeed stuff. He also has energy and makes you wonder where he's going to throw that 102 mph fastball: over the plate or in your ear. Andrew Miller is another one of those young studs. He'll probably start the year at Double A next year, but don't let that fool you. He has some nasty stuff and a great fastball. He was drafted this year out of North Carolina and helped carry the Tarheels to a College World Series victory. Here's another great young pitching stud: Humberto Sanchez. He has the Brad Lidge combo of the devestating fastball and the wicked slider. Also, he'll keep ya on your toes too with his changeup. Remember Jeremy Bonderman and Nate Robertson too folks, they're your 1-2 punch ahead of the young guns. That now leads me to this: Ladies and gentleman, I introduce to you your 2008 Tigers starting rotation and closer.
     Curtis Granderson, Marcus Thames, Brandon Inge, Craig Monroe and Chris Shelton are just the beginning. Cameron Maybin is one of the best center field prospects in the game. This gives the Tigers an oportunity to add athletisim to the top of their lineup and use Thames and Monroe as the LF/DH. Oh yeah, Maybin was taken in the 2005 draft, 10th overall. Thats right folks, maybe all those years of losing maybe helped the Tigers win? I think so!
     The Rule 5 draft is a great way to find talent. Ask the Florida Marlins. They plucked Dan Uggla away from the Arizona Diamondbacks and he is now the record holder of the most RBI ever by a rookie in Marlins' history. There was also Johan Santana. He was taken from the Houston Astros and added to the Minesota Twins. No more explanation is needed for that one. They snached Shelton from the Pirates, Wilfredo Ledezma from the Boston Red Sox.
     So, Tiger fans, rest easy. Your future is secure and nothing will screw it up.

***Information for this article was taken from Dayn Perry's Tigers Will Be Winners For Years to Come. Photos were taken from the Google search engine.

     The Most Valuable Player award this year has three strong candidates again this year. Now, being a Cardinal fan and loving Albert Pujols, my vote is to Albert Pujols; however, I'll have to say Ryan Howard and Carlos Beltran both have a good shot. Each player's breakdown include their accomplishments this year, a reason why they should win and a reason why they shouldn't win.
ALBERT PUJOLS, CARDINALS 1B: Pujols has a batting line of .321/.423/.681 (AVG, OBP, SLG). He has 101 runs scored and is third in the league with 43 homeruns, and second with 115 RBI. He needs just three more homeruns to match his career high (46 in 2004) and 15 RBI more to match his career high in that category (130 in 2001, 117 RBI last year). He has put up his sixth straight 30+ HR, 100+ RBI, 100+ runs season. He has only made five errors at first base and is probably looking at his first ever gold glove (his previous low was 2003 with five, but was in the outfield and at first base. His previous two season he had 10 and 14 errors at first). Now, you're thinking these numbers are awesome stats and another Pujols like season. Well, you're wrong. He has only played in 118 games and can only play in maximum of 144 games (a career low. Previous was 154 in 2004). He was out for 18 days in June. So, you have to wonder about the lost numbers because of that injury AND the effects he is still feeling.
REASON WHY HE SHOULD WIN: He is the regining MVP and he is playing on a first place team. He is the main reason why the Cardinals have been in first or shared first since May 12.
REASON WHY HE SHOULDN'T WIN: He will more than likely not be the leader in any offensive categories, and he was injuried for awhile and you can't assume his numbers would be better.
PREDICTION: MVP

RYAN HOWARD, PHILLIES 1B: Howard is the MLB leader in HR and RBI (53 HR, 134 RBI). Those are some impressive numbers. In fact, his numbers are better than Andruw Jones' numbers from the end of last season (51 HR and 128 RBI), and Jones led the NL in both categories (the MLB in HR). Thats imprssive. Whats more impressive is the Howard won the Century 21 Homerun Derby back in July and Rookie of the Year last year. He played in only 84 games last year and hit 22 HR. The downside: he's 26, the same age as Pujols. So, are those numbers as impressive after knowing that? Yes and no. It does take tremendous skill to hit 50+ homeruns, and it also takes a lot of skills to overcome the effects of the Homerun Derby (ask former Fightin Phil Bobby Abreu).
REASON WHY HE SHOULD WIN: He does lead the planet in HR and RBI, and is hitting over .300. He is also one of two reasons why the Phils are back in the hunt for the Wild Card.
REASON WHY HE SHOULDN'T WIN: It took him 16 days to pass Pujols in HR and RBI (while Pujols was on the DL) and is playing a team that more than likely will not go to the playoffs and could more than likely end up under or just barely above .500.
PREDICTION: VERY CLOSE 2nd

CARLOS BELTRAN, NEW YORK METS CF: Beltran plays on the New York Mets, the best team in baseball. He has Carlos Delgado, David Wright and Shawn Green following him in the batting order. The guy is in the top five of every offensive category and is having a career year on top of it. There is a downside, he has Carlos Delgado, David Wright and Shawn Green following him in the batting order. Thats some of the best offense in the game right there. So, if he played somewhere else, would he have this good of numbers? Probably not. Look back to last year when he only had David Wright, who really wasn't a big offensive threat last year. His numbers were extremely down. So, does having someone good behind make a difference? Damn straight. Pujols' numbers last year came with Yadier Molina and Abraham Nunez batting after him following Reggie Sanders injury. Then, when Larry Walker and Sanders got back, Pujols' numbers raised. Howard's numbers this year came because of Pat Burrell and Chase Utley batting after him. Pujols has had Scott Rolen and Juan Encarnacion. So, you figure that Pujols and Howard have had less offense behind them and have better numbers than Beltran, who has had some big fire power behind him, you know Beltran's name shouldn't be muttered in the MVP voting.
REASON WHY HE SHOULD WIN: He has had a career year on a winning team.
REASON WHY HE SHOULDN'T WIN: He is on a team that could win without him. He has a lot of protection around him, and his numbers are inflated because of that.
PREDICTION: 3rd
     Now, you may be wondering about the name of the article. It's pretty simple. In M V P, there is a P. Does it stand for Pujols, Phillie (Howard) or Puerto Rican (Beltran)? See, it's simple.

     So, Tim Purpura is a very good General Manager....at times. Sometimes, people make a mistake that they don't realize. This is one of those times. Purpura traded two prospects (B prospects, so they aren't bad, but they aren't good) for Aubrey Huff. Now, with Huff, the Astros add a much needed left handed bat. They were desperate for a lefty. They have Mike Lamb and Orlando Palmerio. Huff adds a lot to their bench. Wait, what? Tim Purpura on MLB Homeplate (XM 175), "We're going to use him in front of or behind Lance Berkman."

     That sounds like they want to use Huff everyday. Since they optioned Jason Lane to Triple-A, that means right field is open. That's a great idea. I mean, you have Willy Taverez batting second and Craig Biggio leading off. Then you use Huff in right and batting third, Berkman cleanup at first. After Berkman you use Preston Wilson in left, Morgan Ensberg/Mike Lamb in the six hole at 3B. After that, the catcher and then Adam Everett. Do you see something other than a lot of rambling? You say: I don't see anything. I say: Exactly, no Chris Burke. Burke can play all three OF spots and 2B. If Biggio is at 2B, Wilson in left and Huff in right, Burke is out of options. The only way he can play is if he and Taverez split time in center and then start at 2B when Biggio gets the day off. That's it. I have to tell you, Purpura has done this before. Remember 2004 when he added Carlos Beltran? Sure, that was a great move, don't get me wrong. Remember the trade before that trade? Richard Hidalgo to the Mets? Remember why they made that trade? To let Lane start everyday. Remember the Preston Wilson signing? All these moves have screwed a young player over every year. The Beltran trade benched Lane and the Wilson signing benched Burke. Then, when there was a little glow of light ahead for Burke, Purpura puts the lid on top of the cellar by adding Huff. How can this guy be in charge of the Astros? They might as well have Gord Ash running them. Purpura has no idea what he is doing.

     Don't get me wrong. The guy has built a National League Championship team, but still, he needs to use that money he's spending to buy a clue. Huff was definently needed by the Astros, but they should have traded one of the following players with those minor leaguers: Chris Burke, Willy Taverez or Preston Wilson. That way Burke has a place to play everyday, same with Taverez. Burke has proven himself this year. Heck, he proved himself last year.

     Come on Purpura, give the kid a shot for once.

That's right. My name is Walt Jocketty and I'm going to tell you how I'm going to fix all of my team's problems.

To start with, I'm trading Jeff Suppan in a 3 way deal. The trade involves the Astros and Nationals. Jeff Suppan and Skip Schumaker are gone. To go with them, John Gall and Chris Lambert. Alfonso Soriano is sent to my team to play 2B and Livan Hernandez is also sent over to my team. The Astros pick up Jose Guillen and Suppan. They (the Astros) trade off Luke Scott, Mitch Einertson, Josh Flores and Ezequiel Astacio to the Nationals. The Nationals walk away with Lambert, Gall, Schumaker, Scott, Einertson, Flores and Astacio. Pretty good. I now have 3 quality starters: Chris Carpenter, Anthony Reyes and Livan Hernandez.

Well then, my next move is to move Adam Wainwright into the starting rotation. How is this possible? I trade Jason Marquis. Where? Well, that's an easy one. I trade Marquis, Aaron Miles and Rico Washington to Arizona for Shawn Green and move him to LF.

Well, after this, I tell Tony La Russa to set up the lineup like this (giving him some lefties to work with):
SS David Eckstein     LFShawn Green     1B Albert Pujols     3B Scott Rolen     2B Alfonso Soriano     CF Jim Edmonds     RF Juan Encarnacion/C Yadier Molina     C Yadier Molina/RF Juan Encarnacion

Now, here's the new starting rotation:
Chris Carpenter     Livan Hernandez     Sidney Ponson     Anthony Reyes     Adam Wainwright

Now, I know what you're wondering, what about Mark Mulder? Well, who knows how long he'll be out. After he's ready to get off the DL, I send him on a four start rehab assignment. After we decide he's ready, we activate him and move Wainwright back to the pen. Also, you are wondering why the Diamondbacks make that trade. Green, Luis Gonzalez and Eric Byrnes are going to be moved for the youth movement. Miles is a good player that can give the Diamondbacks a little flexability at 2B. Rico Washington can play the infield and would be a good backup. Marquis and Webb will be a dynamic duo for them. Well, what about the RF spot? Chris Young takes over in right. What about the Nationals? The Nationals stock up on some young talent and get a few vets for their team. A nice trade.

So, yes. What do you think? I know, I'm a great GM. With these moves, I've jump started my team and will keep my team in first the rest of the year, not to mention we end with the best record in the majors and win the World Series.

Thanks for reading!!!!

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals lost a lot this offseason, and really didn't replace them with power guys. Matt Morris walked and was replaced by the twosome of Sidney Ponson and Anthony Reyes. Reggie Sanders walked and was replaced by Larry Bigbie. Mark Grudzielanek walked and was replaced by a Aaron Miles/Hector Luna/Devi Cruz/Junior Spivey combonation. Larry Walker retired and was replaced by Jaun Encarnacion. The replacements aren't as good as their predacessors, byt they work. The Cardinals still have a big offense and minor league system that is getting deeper in talent. They'll be ok this year, it's the 2007 season that panic could strike.

Houston Astros

The Astros added some huge punch to their offense by signing Preston Wilson, but this means that Chris Burke is yet again denied a starting job. Will Tavarez will most likely switch over to left field, Lance Berkman going to 1B and Wilson in CF. This means...yes, Jeff Bagwell is done. He'll be benched if the Astros can't get his insurance claim. They look good, but not good enough for Central title.

Milwaukee Brewers

THE BREWERS!!!!!! OH MY GOD!!!!!! How good are they?????? Rickie Weeks, Prince Fielder, JJ Hardy and the newcomers. They look good this year. They have a tough division and won't get the title. However, the Wild Card is open. Maybe there? Wait till Saturday to find out....

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs look good. They have a lot of issues though. Aramis Ramirez is coming off an injury, Derek Lee came off a season of where he could have had a fluke year or he could the the real deal offense. They have a declining Jacque Jones in right, and Juan Pierre's numbers are declining. They have Ronny Cedeno at short, and problems at 2B. They're bullpen is chalk full of injury prone pitchers, along with the rotation. They place fourth in the Central cause of all the question marks they have.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates look great. Great young talent at the big league level. However, with Jim Tracy new to the clubhouse, the Pirates will have to wait until 2007 to make a serious run at the title. They will end up over .500 this year. In fact, when they do, it'll be the first time in a long time that 5 out of the 6 teams in the Central finished .500 or better.

Cincinnati Reds

Not much to say about the Reds. A new regime in the front office, "new" manager in the clubhouse, and some new talent. They need to deepen the minors to help replace some declining talent. They don't have enough to get anywhere close to .500. They have no closer, their starting rotation sucks hardcore...they just need to make a plan and execute it correctly.

Hope you all enjoyed old school day!

"Houston, we have a problem..."

 Roger Clemens, the most paid pitcher in one year in history. Also, the most complicated mind in history. What is he going to do? Will he retire, will he play? If he plays, who will he play for?

     Here's my opinion on the matter. Clemens will pitch again, and he will continue to pitch until he's just to old to do anything...like 60. He's going to be in shape to pitch again since he'll be playing in the World Baseball Classic. After that, he'll resign with the Astros on May 1. After the Classic ends, he'll continue to get in shape, most likely go to his son's minor league games and throw. Maybe he'll go to Minute Maid and throw. He'll stay in shape, he's a 20+ year veteran, he understands how he needs to stay in shape. In April, his agents and the Astros will throw numbers against each other trying to figure out how many years they want on his contract and how much it should be worth. They'll come to a point to where they have everything set. On May 1, this contract will be signed and Clemens will start May 2 for the Astros. He'll continue to play (most likely he'll sign a multi-year deal with the Astros on May 1) with the Astros UNTIL his son is on the Major League roster (or at least the 40 man). After that, and only after playing with his son, will Clemens fully retire and become the Astros pitching coach.

     That's my opinion on the matter. Roger Clemens is, and I'm going out on a limb here, the best pitcher of all-time. Now, I know Cy Young and Nolan Ryan were GREAT, but I think Clemens ranks higher than them. Now, this may be because I've been raised in the Rocket era. People from Ryan and Young's (if any of them are still around) era may say differently, but oh well. Thanks for reading!

READ SUNDAY SHAKEDOWN FOR MY PREDICTIONS ON EACH DIVISION! THE AL CENTRAL IS UP TOMORROW! WILL THE REGINING WORLD CHAMPIONS WIN THE DIVISION AGAIN?

This will show you what each team looks like in the NL Central, pitching and offense wise. Just so you know, these are my predicitions, some of these might happen, some won't. The players with slashes are possibilites.

St. Louis Cardinals: Manager - Tony LaRussa
  C: Yadier Molina
1B: Albert "The Machine" Pujols
2B: Junior Spivey
3B: Scott Rolen
SS: David Eckstein
LF: Larry Bigbie
CF: Jim Edmonds
RF: Jaun Encarnacion
BENCH: John Rodriguez, So Taguchi, Devi Cruz, Gary Bennet, John Gall/Aaron Miles/Hector Luna/Scott Seabol

SPs: Chris Carpenter (1), Mark Mulder (2), Jeff Suppan (3), Jason Marquis (4), Sidney Ponson/Anthony Reyes (5)
BULLPEN
RHP: Brad Thompson
RHP: Anthony Reyes/Sidney Ponson/Adam Wainwright/Juan Mateo
LHP: Ricardo Rincon/Tyler Johnson
LHP: Randy Florez/Tyler Johnson
SU: Braden Looper
CL: Jason Isringhausen

Houston Astros: Manager - Phil "Scrap Iron" Garner
  C: Brad Ausmus
1B: Jeff Bagwell/Lance Berkman
2B: Craig Biggio
3B: Morgan Ensberg
SS: Adam Everett
LF: Lance Berkman/Chris Burke
CF: Willy Tavarez/Preston Wilson
RF: Preston Wilson/Willy Tavarez
BENCH: Jason Lane, Orlando Palmeiro, Mike Lamb, Chris Burke/Jeff Bagwell, Raul Chavez, Eric Bruntlett

SPs: Roy Oswalt (1), Andy Pettite (2), Brandon Backe (3), Wandy Rodriguez (4), Ezequiel Astacio (5)
BULLPEN
RHP: Russ Springer
LHP: Trevor Miller
LHP: Mike Gallo
SU: Chad Qualls
SU: Dan Wheeler
CL: Brad "Lights Out" Lidge

Pittsburgh Pirates: Manager - Jim Tracy
  C: Humberto Cota
1B: Sean Casey
2B: Jose Castillo
3B: Joe Randa
SS: Jack Wilson
LF: Jason Bay
CF: Chris Duffy
RF: Jeromy Burnitz
BENCH: Jody Gerut, Ryan Doumit, Craig Wilson, Freddy Sanchez, Nate McLouth

SPs: Oliver Perez (1), Zach Duke (2), Victor Santos (3), Pat Maholm (4), Kip Wells (5)
BULLPEN
RHP: Ian Snell
RHP: Ryan Vogelsong
LHP: John Grabow
LHP: Damaso Marte
SU: Salomn Torres
SU: Roberto Hernandez
CL: Mike Gonzalez

Milwaukee Brewers: Manager - Ned Yost
  C: Damian Miller
1B: Prince Fielder
2B: Rickie Weeks
3B: Corey Koskie
SS: JJ Hardy
LF: Carlos Lee
CF: Brady Clark
RF: Geoff Jenkins
BENCH: Bill Hall, Corey Hart, Jeff Cirillo, Chad Moeller, Gabe Gross

SPs: Ben Sheets (1), Doug Davis (2), Chris Capuano (3), Rick Helling (4), Tomo Ohka (5)
BULLPEN
RHP: Justin Lehr
RHP: Matt Wise
RHP: Jose Capellan
LHP: Jorge de la Rosa
LHP: Dana Eveland
SU: Dan Kolb
CL: Derrick Turnbow

Chicago Cubs: Manager - Dusty Baker
  C: Michael Barrett
1B: Derrek Lee
2B: Todd Walker
3B: Aramis Ramirez
SS: Ronny Cedeno/Neifi Perez
LF: Matt Murton
CF: Juan Pierre
RF: Jacque Jones
BENCH: Jerry Hairston Jr, John Mabry, Neifi Perez, Henry Blanco, Augie Ojeda

SPs: Mark Prior (1), Greg Madduz (2), Carlos Zambrano (3), Kerry Wood/Jerome Williams (4), Jerome Williams/Glendon Rusch (5)
BULLPEN
RHP: Bob Howry
RHP: Scott Williamson
RHP: Michael Wuertz
LHP: John Koronka
LHP: Scott Eyre
LHP: Will Ohman
CL: Ryan Dempster

Cincinnati Reds: Manager - Jerry Narron
  C: Jason LaRue
1B: Adam Dunn/Ken Griffey Jr/Wily Mo Pena/Austin Kearns
2B: Tony Womack
3B: Edwin Encarnacion
SS: Felipe Lopez
LF: Adam Dunn/Wily Mo Pena
CF: Ken Griffey Jr/Wily Mo Pena
RF: Austin Kearns/Wily Mo Pena
BENCH: Wily Mo Pena/Dane Sardinha, Ryan Freel, Rich Auralia, Javier Valentin, Chris Denorfia

SPs: Aaron Harang (1), Paul Wilson (2), Eric Milton (3), Dave Williams (4), Brandon Claussen (5)
BULLPEN
RHP: Jason Standridge
RHP: Todd Coffey
RHP: Matt Belisle
RHP: Grant Balfour
LHP: Jung Bong
LHP: Kent Mercker
CL: David Weathers




There we are. Enjoy!