Alright everyone, here is my new home on the Internet.

http://realsportsbloggers.com/morisato/

Yeah, I've joined the exodus.  Hopefully, we'll see you all soon.

Morisato

It's become apparent that the Fox Blogs system is no longer a viable forum for posting and sharing opinions.  As a result, I'm going to move my blog elsewhere.  I'll post the link for where I'm moving to.  I'm sorry that things have come to this, but the whoops has just gotten to be too much. 

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. 

Well, this post was meant for yesterday.

Then I got the dreaded WHOOPS sign, just after I had posted and deleted my file.

So anyhow, I retyped the whole thing, only to see that the system had indeed saved some of the data.

Ugh.

I'm giving serious consideration to leaving FoxBlogs and trying to hook on with RealSportsBloggers or go independent

New York Mets - Team Preview

The Mets have had their offseason dominated by one subject.

Lastings Milledge.

Okay just kidding.

Seriously, the Santana deal was an absolute coup for the Mets, who add the ace they've sorely needed for pocket change and upside.  However, the Milledge deal hurt the Mets badly, as it saw the exodus of talent in exchange of overpaid vets that really had no business starting for any team, and yet are going to be counted on to be a big part of the Mets' title hopes. 

Starting Rotation

• Johan Santana (LHP) - Credit Omar Minaya for this, he was able to exploit a volitile situation and was able to bring in the best pitcher in the league.  Santana is flat out dominant and has proven to be a horse in the past few years.  While he does remain homer prone, he is moving to the National League and will have a excellent defense and lots of pitchers parks to play in.  He's also likely going to be the defacto Cy Young award winner for the next four years or so.
• Pedro Martinez (RHP) - Pedro looked like the Pedro of Old when he came back last year, showing that he could be dominant even without his old fastball.  The arrival of Santana pushes Pedro down to the Number Two slot, where he'll still be depended on, but not to be an ace and stopper as much.
• John Maine (RHP) - Maine is continuing to establish himself as a very good middle of the rotation option, though he did tire in the second half of last year.  Because Maine has missed time due to injury before, I'll chalk it up as simply fatigue, with the hope that it is just a part of the learning curve.
• Oliver Perez (LHP) - Talented, but inconsistent, Perez enters his walk year ready to cash in.  Perez has greatly benefited from moving to the Mets and he certainly has the stuff to be a top of the rotation starter, but he's just so damn inconsistent.
• Orlando Hernandez (RHP) - I'm not sure what exactly Hernandez has left, but he's a decent option here as the fifth starter.  Don't expect him to make 30 starts this year, though.

Bullpen

• Billy Wagner (Closer) - Wagner still is a solid closer, though he did experience some dead arm last season.  If the Mets pen is able to be solid, perhaps the Mets could limit Wagner's aging arm and give Heilman some opportunities, if only to save their best reliever for October.

• Aaron Heilman (Setup Man) - Heilman has found his nitch as a setup man, though a rough start did cause him to lose some of his luster.  Still, quality setup men are a commodity and the Mets have a good one here.

• Duaner Sanchez (RHP) - If the Mets pen is to rebound, they sorely need Sanchez to return to the form he flashed after they acquired him from the Pirates.  If his numerous injury troubles are behind him, Sanchez could lighten the load on both Heilman and Wagner. 

• Scott Schowenweis (LHP) - A impressive twelve game stretch with the Reds got Schowenweis a big payday from the Mets.  Now, he's likely going to be limited to mop up duty.

• Matt Wise (RHP) - A shrewd move by Minaya, Wise is a good middle reliever that was cut by the Brewers for some unknown reason.  He should be able to give them some innings, especially in a bad El Duque start.

• Jorge Sosa (RHP) - Sosa was a adequate swingman last season for New York and will contribute out of the pen this season, serving as a shadow for certain starters and as a spot starter/long man.

• Pedro Feliciano (LHP) - Not bad as a lefty reliever, Feliciano completes the bullpen puzzle here. 

Starting Lineup

1. Jose Reyes (SS) - Despite the batting average, Reyes has improved a lot from last season.  He improved in almost every facet of his game and should continue being one of the premier leadoff men in baseball.    

2. Luis Castillo (2B) - Castillo's deal is kinda confusing.  He's clearly a player in decline and will likely be terrible the last two years of his contract as his speed continues to evaporate.  He's still a capable defender, however, though his range is declining slowly.  Anyhow, the Mets are considering the near future when it comes to Castillo, so this deal will be okay for the first two years, but almost horrible the last two.

3. Carlos Delgado (1B) - Delgado wasn't the force last season that he was in 2006, and though he says that the year shouldn't be held against him, it might be a sign of things to come.  Delgado is going to be 36 in June and will likely continue to decline, meaning don't expect to see power numbers close to .500 again.  The Mets will ride out the year, hope that Delgado may have enough left for one last ride before moving on to the next option, likely Mark Teixeira of the Braves.
4. Carlos Beltran (CF) - The best centerfielder in baseball, hands down, Beltran should continue to be a force with his blend of speed and power in the heart of the lineup.
5. David Wright (3B) - A flat out star, Wright is one of the best young third basemen in the game.  He can hit for power, is starting to improve on his walk total, while flashing a great glove and even some speed.  The lone flaw are the high strikeout totals.  Still, that's only a minor quibble, as Wright could play on any team, save the Yankees (who have Alex Rodriguez).
6. Moises Alou (LF) - Alou still has a lot of thunder in his bat, but he's also not able to play everyday.  Still, he is a bargain and will be worth the millions he's getting paid to crush the ball.
7. Ryan Church (RF) - Church has some decent pop off of him, but he's very much mortal against lefties and likely won't sustain over the long hall.  He's a better bet to produce instead of Shawn Green, but Lastings Milledge should be a better player than Church over the next four years.
8. Brian Schneider (C) - The other part of the "bounty" from the Lastings Milledge trade, Schneider is not a starting catcher.  He's awful on offense, he's fallen apart defensively and really should be a backup, not a starter.  While he will be splitting time with Ramon Castro, the Mets were probably better off just keeping Johnny Estrada for the year and going after Kenji Johjima as a free agent.  Or, better yet, trade for a young catcher with Milledge as the bait instead.  

Bench

• Ramon Castro (C) - Castro has solid power as a catcher, but he has had problems making contact.  He's a solid reciever though and overall is a good backup to have.  He'll likely see an increase in playing time this year, as Schnieder is..well...awful.
• Ruben Gotay (INF) - Gotay has seemingly found use as a utilityman, though he's stretched as a starter.

   

• Damion Easley (UTIL) - Still has use as a lefty killer, Easley will probably platoon with Church in right field.

• Endy Chavez (OF) - A decent fourth outfielder, Chavez has speed and is able to hit for an empty batting average.  Though it's not recommended, Chavez may see a lot of time as a starter this season, which isn't out of the question considering some of the age in the lineup.

• Angel Pagan (OF) - Not sure why the Mets would bring in Pagan, who is much like Chavez except cheaper.  Regardless, this is likely a move to ensure that in the event that Chavez is pressed into emergency starting duty, not unlikely considering the health and brittleness of Alou and Church, that they would be okay with a backup backup outfielder in the fold.

Minor League Notables

• Joe Smith (RHP) - A decent setup man, Smith could very well make the team out of Spring Training with a solid campaign.
• Eddie Kunz (RHP) - Oregon State's closer has a cannon of an arm, but his control is just so inconsistent that he might not be able to rise as quickly as other college closers.  Will that stop the Mets if they need an arm?  Not likely.
• Mike Pelfrey (RHP) - Pelfrey remains the best arm in the Mets' system, but his struggles at the major league level are starting to worry me.  He seems to have regressed, possibly because the Mets have rushed him, and partially because he is listening to Boras' coaches more than his team's.  This is likely a make or break year for him this year, as if he fails once more, he's likely going to be moved to the pen.
• Fernando Martinez (CF) - The Mets' top prospect, Martinez has already been rushed through the system.  He's got superstar potential, but the problem is that he's just so raw.  He's at least two years away.  Unfortunately, should the Mets suddenly have their outfield drop like flies once again, you just know they'll rush Martinez. 

Final Analysis

The rotation alone is enough to almost guarnatee the Mets the division this year, but this team isn't without it's flaws.  Much of the rotation is a health risk, as is much of the lineup and the bench is rather thin.  I'm picking the Mets to win right now, but this team is one injury away from the Wild Card and Third Place.

Final Prediction - Division Winner, National League East

Time for another team preview, our third in a series of 30.  Time to see who the hat wants to see today...

The last of the Divisions makes their debut.

Atlanta Braves - Team Preview

The Braves, they of the long division winning streak, have finally tasted some humility in recent years, due to the churning of a productive farm system and the result of the increasingly tight restrictions of their budget, which once allowed them to spend freely.

However, the Braves still have some talent on the team, also thanks to the farm system, but many of the pieces that make up the Braves are aging and might not hold up for much longer.  You'll see what I mean in a moment.

Starting Rotation

• John Smoltz (RHP) - Still dominant at his age, Smoltz's stuff hasn't dimmed much, but he has begun to break down a bit, missing time last season due to injury.  Still, he's a quality staff ace and one who will serve as a stopper when needed.
• Tom Glavine (LHP) - Glavine returns for a farewell tour with the Braves this season.  While he has proven that he can at least be an innings sponge, I'm not sure how much he has left.  It may have been better for him to just retire.
• Tim Hudson (RHP) - Hudson remains a potential top of the rotation starter and will likely rise to the role of staff ace once Smoltz finally retires.  Though Hudson should be the Number two man, expect the Braves to separate him and Smoltz with Glavine.
• Chuck James (LHP) - James too is another player I'm not high on.  He's got enough stuff to be a middle of the rotation starter, but he has faded badly during the last month of season.  He's very homer prone and his control isn't great.  I'm also not sure he can last a whole season.  So call me skeptical when it comes to how successful I think James will be.
• Mike Hampton (LHP) - On the other hand, I'm a lot more confident in James than I am in the one time ace of the Houston Astros, who has been an out and out disaster for the Braves.  This is supposed to be the season Hampton will actually contribute.  As a fifth starter, the Braves aren't risking much, as they have an assortment of young starters they can plug in here if Hampton fails or gets hurt.

Bullpen

• Rafael Soriano (Closer) - Soriano is one of the biggest steals that the Braves have made in recent memory.  A lights out reliever that should succeed in the closer's role, he was acquired for Horatio Ramirez, who has been disastrous for the Mariners.  He should take the next step to eliteness this season.
• Mike Gonzalez (Setup Man) - A solid reliever who could also close if necessary, Gonzalez will likely setup Soriano, depending on whether or not he's ready.  I'm assuming he is.
• Peter Moylan (RHP) - A dependable reliever, this Aussie is an amazing story, having been virtually signed off of the Australian World Baseball Classic team last March.  He's since made good on the opportunity.
• Will Ohman (LHP) - Ohman is a more than adequate replacement for Ron Mahay, as he's an effective lefty specialist. 
• Royce Ring (LHP) - Ring finally got his shot in the majors with San Diego, but was dealt to the Braves in the Wil Ledezma deal. Ring has decent stuff, enough to be a solid middle reliever, but his big issue has been control. 
• Manny Acosta (RHP) - Called up late in the year, Acosta was rather good and should see time with the Braves this season.
• Buddy Carlyle (RHP) - Carlyle was an adequate fifth starter for a bit, but it looks like he'll be moved back into the swingman role for Atlanta, which may suit him better anyway, as he was figured out late last season.

Starting Lineup

1. Kelly Johnson (2B) - The only real choice here for a leadoff man, Johnson has the potential to be an All-Star second baseman after the Braves shrewdly moved him back to the infield after playing left.  Johnson has decent hands moderate pop for a second baseman, though he isn't quite as fast of disciplined as your stereotypical leadoff man.  Still, he's a solid bet to improve and I'm willing to be that he'll break out this year.
2. Yunel Escobar (SS) - The starting job is all his now after Escobar was impressive filling in for Edgar Renteria last year.  I doubt he'll hit .326 again, but if he lives up to his minor league numbers, what the Braves will be getting is .294/.367/.411 out of the second spot in the lineup, which still isn't nothing to sneeze at.  Still, I wonder if maybe shortstop prospect Brent Lillibridge might be the better bet long term. 
3. Mark Teixeira (1B) - Teixeira offers a lot of power, but also is a disciplined enough hitter to hit for a high average and get on base.  He's a Gold Glove defender at first base and is one of the better players in the game.  He adds a major power threat to this Braves lineup, but to be quite honest, he is a mercenary player, as he is likely going to walk after this season for a bank breaking contract.  Atlanta has said they would try to extend him, but Teixeira is one of Scott Boras' most devoted clients.  Which means, in the long run, Atlanta will likely only get a pair of draft picks for him.
4. Chipper Jones (3B) - Still a formidable offensive presence in the middle of the lineup, you do have to start looking for Jones' replacement if you're the Braves, as Jones is older and will only be good for able 130 games or so.  Still, getting that level of power production for 130 games is nothing to sneeze at and for the most part, he's still able to handle the hot corner well.    
5. Jeff Francoeur (RF) - Probably a bit overrated, Francoeur is an excellent right fielder that carries a lot of thunder in his bat.  He has also been very prone to striking out and needs to improve on his walk total.  He has improved a bit in the past few years, so it might not be surprising to see if he takes that next step from a masher to an all around offensive force.
6. Brian McCann (C) - Possibly the best young backstop in the National League, McCann is a solid defensive player that is respected by his pitchers and calls a good game.  He also has excellent power numbers and is a solid fit here in the sixth spot, especially when you consider the heavy hitters ahead of him.  While the dip in homers is a concern, McCann does get a bit of a pass because he got hurt, which may have affected him.
7. Matt Diaz (LF) - Not a bad left fielder, as he has nice pop in his bat, is decent defensively and can be a solid contributor until Brandon Jones is ready.  I like him a lot and though Tampa and Kansas City gave up on him too quickly a while back.  He's a bit of a free swinger, but he'll likely see his walk totals increase this year because of the pitcher and the next guy on the list.
8. Mark Kotsay (CF) - The Braves are gambling that Kotsay can at least contribute something to the team this year, as Kotsay looked done last year.  Really, I'm not sure what the Braves can expect out of him, as his power looks gone, he no longer looks like he'll handle the rigors of centerfield everyday anymore and there is no guarantee that he'll be able to stay upright for most of the season.  Honestly, the Braves should have just offered arbitration to Andruw Jones, hoped he accepted, and just gutted out the season with a big salary.

Bench

• Brayan Pena (C) - A decent backup catcher, Pena doesn't have much of a bat, but he's a solid glove that can be relied on in a pinch.
• Omar Infante (UTIL) - A solid utilityman, Infante can adequately play nearly every position except catcher.  His bat is decent and he'd be a adequate stopgap in case of injury. 
• Josh Anderson (OF) - Anderson will likely be the main backup for the Braves outfielders and could see time in center if Kotsay is unable to stand up to the rigors of the position.  Anderson is merely a fourth outfielder, but he could be a decent one, as he has a decent approach at the plate and a little bit of pop.
• Martin Prado (INF) - Prado will likely serve as the other infield backup.  He's okay, but not stellar.

Minor League Notables

• Jair Jurrjens (RHP) - Acquired from the Tigers in the Edgar Renteria deal, Jurrjens was solid in his major league debut and works with a low 90's fastball and a decent curve and changeup.  However, he's also been overworked in his career, so he could be injury prone later.  Still, he wouldn't be bad as a fifth starter for the Braves. 
• Jojo Reyes (LHP) - Another young lefty, Reyes has enough stuff to become a good 4th starter or so.  He could also see time later in the year.

• Brandon Jones (LF) - Jones has a lot of power and is eventually going to succeed Matt Diaz in left, sooner rather than later.

Final Analysis

The Braves  do have enough talent to keep things interesting in the National League East, but overall I think the aging rotation and the Braves essentially punting away two lineup spots will eventually cost them.  Sorry Braves fans, but you won't be winning the division again for a little while.

Final Standings - 3rd Place, National League East