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Originally Posted by Russ
They still have one of the best lineups in the majors though...I don't even want to think about their pitching rotation.
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Except that they finished last in the AL East in runs scored last year, and that was with a pretty fair 2/3 of a year from Raffy, Lopez a year younger, and Brian Roberts channeling Rogers Hornsby. Their offense is a distinct weakness at this point, but might be ok if they sign a good player or platoon for either DH/1B, or trade Javy for a young firstbaseman like Kotchman or Adrian Gonzalez.
The rotation, on the other hand, could be pretty good. Bedard was great until he got hurt, and has very good minor league credentials. Cabrera is the rare combination of a high K/high ground ball pitcher, who just needs a little something to get his control more consistent. Chen is a solid back of the rotation guy, Rodrigo Lopez at least eats innings (and every other year is pretty good). If they can sign or trade for one more starter they could have pitching to hang with anyone in the division. And all that's without adding in the Mazzone factor.