Mlb 2005

[Giantsfan]

OK thought i would mix it up abit Instead of a historical reply, or a present dynasty, this takes place with 'real' rosters after i played out the 2004 season. Wont go into what happened in 2004 too much as it would defeat the object, but should be able to pick up part of what happened as this season progresses. Hope this turns out ok as i have tried doing things like this before on my own, and just lost focus and let it all go
Anyway, little information, Astros won the 2004 title, and im the manager of the San Francisco Giants....

[Giantsfan]

The Houston Chronicle

Clemens: “I’m not done yet”

If anyone believed that the now former Astro Roger Clemens would announce retirement again in a press conference at his home in Houston Tuesday night, then they were wrong. At 42 years old, Clemens announced to the gathered media that he indeed would continue to work out in the hope a club would pick him up for this season. Many fans had believed that the Rocket would leave baseball after his dramatic return last season, winning the National League Cy Young Award by going 19-11 and helping his home town Astros win their first ever World Series Championship. Clemens though, refused to say he was going out on top, at least, not right now.
“I’m not done yet, sure it was great to be with the Astros last year and win the Series, but I know I can still pitch”. So does the rest of baseball, if you can look past his age, Clemens is still dominating. He still maintains his strict workout regime, and pitched some of his best games in October last season. By hanging around for one more season, assuming Clemens is picked up, the already great stats put up by the flame-throwing right-hander could be further improved. The Rocket currently ranks tied ninth on the All Time Wins list with 329, and one more would push him past Steve Carlton into outright ninth. He also has the second most strikeouts in the history of the game, with 4354. However, stats padding is not something that Clemens says matters to him.
“The stats don’t matter to me right now, sure I know how much of an honour it is to have those numbers and be in those places (on the all time list), but I wouldn’t come back to go 1-10 just to move past Steve Carlton, that doesn’t matter to me.”
Clemens has been always the ultimate competitor throughout his career, sometimes going perhaps slightly too far, most notably in the Subway Series of 2000 when Clemens appeared to aim a bat at Mets Catcher Mike Piazza.
“I want to win; I wouldn’t want to come back for another season if I didn’t think I could pitch…..that’s not me.”
As for where Clemens could end up, rumours are rife around the baseball community, but no one could be drawn on making a public prediction. Clemens himself was less than forth coming on the parameters that would need to be met for him to sign.
“That’s something I would discuss with an individual ball club….I wouldn’t want to rule anyone out”.
So Clemens leaves the door open to all 30 major league teams, but who would come forward. One source in Los Angeles reportedly said that the Dodgers could be interested, and it would be hard to believe that Yankees owner George Steinbrenner would not seriously consider picking up Clemens to sure up his rotation. The Cubs, Indians, Mariners and Astros would also most likely be in the mix.
So Clemens does want to pitch next year, and although a free agent now, he will most surely get his wish. Who is to say, after defying the aging logic for two years now, that Clemens could not potentially be one of the top off-season acquisitions….again.

[Giantsfan]

OTHER MLB NEWS:

While Roger Clemens has taken the decision to attempt to pitch another season, one other member of the 300 wins club has not. Cubs pitcher Greg Maddox has announced to the associated press that he will not return for the upcoming 2005 season. The 38-year-old Maddox, who won a World Series with Atlanta in 1997, will leave baseball with 302 wins, 20th on the all time list. The Cubs also lost their everyday left fielder Moises Alou earlier in the off-season when he announced his retirement from the game.
41-year-old Fred McGriff also announced his retirement during the week after being released last season by the Pittsburgh Pirates. ‘The Crime Dog’, who spent time with eight different major league organizations, falls eight homers shy of the 500 mark, after hitting just one last season. McGriff is 23rd on the all time home run list, one place behind Lou Gehrig.

The San Francisco Times


BONDS, DIMMOCK BOTH TO RETURN

After a season full of speculation and off-season equally as unclear, the San Francisco Giants finally announced their decision in a press conference at SBC Park on Thursday afternoon. Both star slugger Barry Bonds and manager Mark Dimmock will be with the Giants ball-club on opening day of the 2005 season. Giants owner Peter Magowan though was hardly putting his full support behind his heavily criticised manager, when speaking to the assembled media. Infact, many of his comments appeared specifically designed to get across a message of win or get out to Mark Dimmock. For example, with his first words, Magowan made clear how ‘wholey unacceptable’ last seasons 69-93, last place season was. The statement was also carefully worded, mentioning Dimmock’s position to be safe for ‘opening day’, not once did Magowan go further than opening day. Still, the fact that Dimmock, who was out of his 1 year contract, was offered a further 1 year extension suggests that the front office still has some hope in their young manager.
Dimmock himself was unavailable for comment while spending his off-season away from the Bay Area, where Giants fans made him very uncomfortable throughout last season by bombarding radio sports talk shows with angry calls and chanting ‘Fire Dimmock!’ at numerous ballgames. In the press conferences he did take part in last year, Dimmock was quick to use the ‘rebuilding’ buzzword, and also caused tension with star slugger Barry Bonds by appearing to criticise some of the ‘old guys who just turn up for the cash’ after a game in which Bonds went 0-5, striking out with the bases loaded. Both parties have always denied any element on confrontation in their relationship, but many believed Dimmock tried very hard to trade Bonds near the deadline.
Barry, now with 702 career homeruns, did hit 44 homeruns last season, but only hit .227 and slumped heavily after a promising start.
Local sports radio host Larry Krueger of KNBR radio says it clear who the fans back in any possible power struggle.
“Oh the fans are 100% with Bonds, there’s no doubt…..he has been here and won pennants as well as providing fans with great moments….Dimmock’s only act was to take the Giants from first to last”.
However, the fans do not quite have their wish yet, but if the Giants do not get off to a good start, they may not have to wait to long.

[Giantsfan]

CBS Sportsline.com

January 29th 2004
By Scott Miller
SportsLine.com Senior Writer
Tell Scott your opinion!


TOP 10 FREE AGENTS AVAILABLE:

The hot stove league has been heating up all winter, and now, finally, it has caught fire. General Managers all over baseball are each looking at this years top quality free agent crop and smiling, whether they be Brian Cashman with money to burn in New York or Doug Melvin in small market Milwaukee. This year, whoever you are, there are players there to improve your line-up or solidify your rotation. Who out there though can claim to be the number one free agent, the top dog, the leader of the pack? Well, look below and all will become clear…

In reverse order,

10. NOMAR GARCIAPARRA –

OK, admittedly he is not even healthy yet and could not put up the numbers last year due to that injury, but Nomar still has to be on the list. He will be healthy by the time the season comes around, and he is still the same guy that batted over .300 with over 100 RBI’s and 20+ homeruns in 2001 and 2002. Last year as well, prior to the season ending elbow trouble, he was well on course to matching those numbers. He can play good defence at short and could be a guy to build an infield around, now perhaps even at a slightly deflated price.

9. ALFONSO SORIANO –

Despite hitting just under .300 Soriano should certainly still be at the top end of most GM’s lists. He had a downhill year power wise last season for his standards, but 29 HR’s is still respectable for a second baseman. Soriano also made up for that with a career high 57 SB’s and had a 23 game hit streak. At 29, he is also still young enough to keep improving and could be the cornerstone of a smaller franchise.

8. RICHIE SEXSON –

Sexson lead all of the available free agents with 48 homers last season, but ranks only in eighth due to hitting just .282, even though this was a career high. Sexson has now hit at least 45 home runs in two consecutive seasons, having a career RBI total last season as well. However, with lots of other options available at first base, many GM’s will wonder how if Sexson could live up to those numbers when not in a contract year.


7. MATT MORRIS –

After a slightly disappointing 2003 season, Matt Morris returned to some of his best form in 2004 going 16-7 with a 3.63 ERA. Despite missing three weeks with a broken jaw, Morris also pitched over 210 innings during the season. At 30 years old, Morris could still yet grow into an even better pitcher, and has proved he is consistent with good control, striking out 194 and walking just 55.


6. KEVIN MILLWOOD –

Millwood missed eight weeks last season with a broken elbow, yet sill managed to go 15-3 with an ERA under three. After leaving the Atlanta Braves two season’s ago, Millwood really came into his own last season in Philadelphia, leading the Phillies into the playoffs. For a guy to miss eight weeks and still lead all team pitchers on a playoff ball club in wins is ridiculous, but for a GM to pass on Millwood would be even more unbelievable.



5. CARLOS DELGADO –

Delgado was fifth in all the major leagues in RBI’s last year after driving in 134, taking his career total past 1,000. Carlos also hit 39 HR’s and had a .315 batting average. After spending his entire career in Toronto, Delgardo will certainly have the commitment and drive that managers want if placed on a winning team, where his excellent clutch hitting ability could be critical.


4. GARRET ANDERSON –

Garret Anderson is no longer the most under-rated guy in baseball, finally, people are starting to recognise his talents. Anderson had the winning hit in game seven of the 2002 World Series, won the 2003 Home Run Derby and has been consistently one of the best outfielders in the American League. Anderson has improved his plus .300 batting average year on year for the past three, having career years in homers, RBI’s, walks and batting average last season. He also struck out the fewest number of times in his career. Garret also added a new dimension to his game by stealing 21 bases, another career high, and continued to play very good defence in all three outfield positions.


3. ROGER CLEMENS –

42 years old or not, it just plain does not matter at this point. Ignore your pre-determined impressions that Clemens will be unable to keep going at 42, because that has been said so many times now that it just means nothing. Look at the facts: Clemens went 19-11 last season, he pitched just shy of 250 innings, he had a 2.65 ERA, he has won 329 career games and is the holder on the NL Cy Young Award. How, anybody could turn him down for a spot in their rotation is beyond me. If Roger still wants to pitch, it means he can, and last season, once again he proved it. Clemens was crucial to the Astros World Championship, who says he cannot win again this year?




2. ODALIS PEREZ –

For anyone out there who is still concerned about the age of Roger Clemens, in Odalis Perez they may have their perfect pitcher, and the number one pitcher on the free agent market. Since leaving the Braves in 2001, Perez has improved vastly in the confines of Dodger Stadium, and was the NL CY Young Award runner up behind Clemens last season, going 18-8 and leading the Dodgers into the postseason. Perhaps one of Perez’s best assets in the eyes of General Managers is his youth, already showing signs of greatness at 26, Perez could anchor a rotation for many years to come.


1. CARLOS BELTRAN –

He had less homeruns last year than eight other free agent hitters, he is seventh in free agent RBI’s and was helpless as the Royals were swept out of the playoffs by the Red Sox. Clearly though, despite all of that, Carlos Beltran is the number one free agent this off-season. Beltran is just 27 years old, hit a career high 31 homeruns last season and drove in over 100 runs for the 5th time in his six-year major league career. Beltran is number one though for far more than his hitting. He is the complete modern major league player, he can hit for power and average (.369 last season), has excellent speed (64 steals) and is arguably the best centre fielder defensively in baseball. Beltran is young, is already the complete player, and can take a team on his back. Simply, there is no better player that any team could acquire.

[Giantsfan]

SPRING OPTIMISM HERE AGAIN

So here we are once again in Boston, springtime is here, and the memories of another dramatic post-season failure are moving to the back of fans minds. It has become a tradition in Boston, to forget about last season’s defeat, to look at this year’s ball club, and to become expectant again, expectant that this year, finally, the curse will be broken. People must wonder how after so many years of losing, especially after dramatic and unbelievable ALCS exits in the last two years, Red Sox fans can be so confident. The answer in surprisingly simple, they HAVE to be. You see, during the season the optimism that is around now fades as the team fades, fans get more and more frustrated and begin seeing ways the Sox can blow it. Then when Boston is involved in October baseball, tension overwhelms the whole of New England before finally, inevitably, the Sox lose. Following this is a winter spent going over each and every tragic moment from the season past. This is why these fans have to be optimistic now, because if they were not, then it would be doom and gloom all year, and no one would be around to see if one day the Red Sox could pull it off.
Being here in Boston you see this cycle repeated year after year, and stay here long enough you are bound yourself to be caught up in it. Boston won the American League East last season by beating the hated the Yankees, swept the Royals out in the first round and were just one out away from the AL pennant in game five against the Mariners. As everyone knows, they did not get that out, but even that is cause for optimism for the abnormally lighthearted Red Sox fan at this time of year.
“Look at it this way” says Eric Simons, a self proclaimed member of Red Sox nation and Fenway Park season ticket holder, “two years ago we won the wildcard and were just five outs from the World Series, last year we won the division and were just one out away….improvement”.
Tongue in cheek of course, but it does beg a very interesting question, how much more improvement does this Red Sox team have left. Has the window closed for another few years, or can Boston challenge for glory again? Well shortstop Nomar Garciaparra is now likely gone as he is a free agent, but he missed much of last season anyway. Pedro Martinez, Curt Schilling and Keith Foulke all remain to pitch, as do Derek Lowe and Tim Wakefield. Star slugger Manny Ramirez will still be in left field, and the line-up has a good mix of power, average and speed. In addition to this, the Red Sox should have the cash to land another bat in the upcoming free agent race, possibly Richie Sexson or Carlos Delgado at first base replacing the leaving David Ortiz.
So the Sox still look a team to beat in AL East, and could make yet another run at post-season glory, but it is difficult to tell, is the optimism here well founded for once, or have you just been sucked into it, for an answer, come back here in October.

[Giantsfan]

San Jose Mercury News

GIANT STEPS?

Giants manager Mark Dimmock was hardly bullish about his team’s chances next year at a press conference in Arizona on Tuesday, but it appears there was at least just a hint of optimism about the Giants future. Dimmock made it clear to fans that they should not expect much in the way of big free agent signings this off-season, but that the team was focused on improving.
“Right now the organization is not going to risk the future and buy up big free agents, we started to implement a plan last season and we will continue to do that during this off-season… we are going in the right direction.”
The right direction though may not be enough for some Giants fans who still feel Dimmock to be the wrong man for the job, but if there are real improvements this season then more fans may come onto Dimmock’s side.
It also certainly looks like the plan Dimmock mentioned is starting to take shape. The acquisitions of BJ Upton, Prince Fielder and David Dejesus last season have given an old ball-club possible stars of the future, and the cuts cleared up payroll room in the process.
“We were very happy with our moves during last season” Dimmock stated, “we have a very talented crop of players ready to come into their own on the major league stage, and we look to continue improving”.
Improving though, say the Giants, will not involve the dramatic big money free agent signings that would eat up the payroll. Instead, the Giants will look to continue investing in youth and building gradually instead of mortgaging next season with a big splash. While this may not be the immediate news some fans wished to hear, it does make sense. The Giants had spent big and gone with old players, and last season they paid for it, to continue that philosophy would lead to many more years of losing. Fans in the bay area need to remain patient, and for Dimmock’s sake, they may need to remain patient for at least another season yet, question is, will they?

OTHER NOTES:

The Montreal Expos will live for one more season, Major League Baseball announced Thursday that a decision on the Expos new home is very close, and is down to two possibilities, but that an announcement would not be made before the end of June. The most likely site is Washington DC, although Las Vegas and Portland remain in the frame.
According to the LA Times, the Dodgers have focussed their attentions on former Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra.

[Giantsfan]

The Sporting News

FOLLOW ALL THE FREE AGENT MOVES RIGHT HERE!

The baseball free agent period has started, and you can follow all of the moves and non-moves from here until the spring – will your team step up to the plate this off-season?

DAY 1 – The San Francisco Giants have acquired right fielding prospect Ricardo Nanita and cash from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for right fielder Tim Salmon and shortstop Cody Ransom. Nanita gives the Giants more payroll flexibility instead of Salmon who is due to earn over $6,500,000 during the 2005 season. Ransom may contest for the starting role in Chicago while Salmon is behind Sammy Sosa and Matt Holliday in right.

DAY 2 – Reports around New York say that the Yankees may be interested in resigning Roger Clemens; however, GM Brian Cashman would not comment on any possible deal with the Rocket. Nomar Garciaparra may also return to the Boston Red Sox, however the world champion Astros are also in negotiations.

DAY 3 – A dramatic day in Major League Baseball has finally come to a close, but for some teams, it is a day that may shape a very bright future indeed. The Chicago Cubs announced the first big signing of the day as they locked up former Royals centerfielder CARLOS BELTRAN to a contract of $17,331,600 per year, for 6 years. A hefty price indeed, but Beltran was thought of by many to be the best of the free agent crop, and Cubs manager Dusty Baker was delighted to have Beltran aboard, saying “he is a phenomenal player…I know he will be worth every penny”.
The Cubs did not make the days only big signing, Garrett Anderson will make the short move from the Angels to the Dodgers in 2005, after signing a 4-year deal worth over $40,000,000.
The San Diego Padres have signed David Ortiz to a three-year deal, moving Ortiz out of a DH role in the American League. Jeff Kent was the days other big mover, after signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

DAY 4 – The Texas Rangers have signed the highly desirable Lance Berkman to a contract of $9,637,000 per year, for 5 years. Berkman will remain in the state of Texas after leaving the Astros.
Atlanta has boosted its rotation by signing David Wells to a two-year contract at Turner Field. For the second straight day, the Diamondbacks made an impressive move, signing 28-year-old starter AJ Burnett to a three-year deal.

DAY 5 – The Houston Astros beat out the Toronto Blue Jays to acquire the services of star first baseman Carlos Delgado. Delgado will be paid nearly $75,000,000 over the next six years in Houston. The move calls into question the signing of Doug Mientkiewicz the previous day for over $7,000,000 a year for the next three years.
The Boston Red Sox have resigned their fan favourite shortstop Nomar Garciaparra while John Smoltz will pitch in Skydome for the Blue Jays in 2005.

DAY 6 – This was the day that the first pitchers began to move. The New York Yankees signed top reliever Kyle Farnsworth while Francisco Cordero has also moved to the AL East, signing with the Orioles. Another AL East team, the Boston Red Sox also signed Rod Beck.

DAY 7 – Starter Jarrod Washburn was the biggest mover of the day, signing with the Kansas City Royals. Catcher AJ Pierzynski moved to the New York Mets.

DAY 8 – The Yankees have made their moves, and in a big way. New York signed three players Thursday, costing the Boss upwards of $49,000,000 over the next few years. Roberto Alomar, Ellis Burks and Kevin Millwood were all brought in, the former Phillies pitcher being the star of the bunch.

DAY 9 – The San Francisco Giants made their first free agent signing by adding pitcher Valerio De los santos to the bullpen. Manager Mark Dimmock spoke briefly to the AP, saying that more signings should follow. The Angels have signed shortstop Cristian Guzman.

DAY 10 – The Los Angeles Dodgers continued their off-season spending spree by adding Alfonso Soriano to their roster Saturday. Soriano will make $7,869,600 per year, for 4 years.

DAY 11 – The Giants have acquired outfielder Jacque Jones for $18,000,000 over the next three years. “Jones is just the type of versatile player we were looking for” said Dimmock in an interview following the announcement. The Philadelphia Phillies also made a large move, signing starter Freddy Garcia.

DAY 12 – The Dodgers continued their off-season assault on Major League Baseball by signing Matt Morris to a 4 year, $40,000,000 contract. The Cubs resigned third baseman Aramis Ramirez, but would trade away Corey Patterson to Cleveland in return for Ben Broussard and Alfonso Castaneda.

DAY 13 – From the west to the east for ex A’s outfielder Jermaine Dye who signs for the New York Mets.

DAY 14 – Paul Byrd, who went 18-9 last season with the Braves, has been signed by the Chicago Cubs for nearly $15,000,000 over three years.

DAY 15 – The Boston Red Sox have signed first baseman Richie Sexson to a $7,147,800 a year for 5 years.

DAY 16 – Despite an ERA over 4.00 and 9 losses to his name, Ugueth Urbina will get an improved contract in 2005 compared to his expired deal in Cincinnati. Urbina signed with the Mariners Friday on a contract worth just shy of $12,000,000 over 4 years.

DAY 17 – The Mariners added another pitcher today, 26-year-old Tony Armas jr.

DAY 18 – It took until day 18, but finally, Roger Clemens has made his decision, a decision which brings him back to the AL East…back to a team he pitched with before… back to the Toronto Blue Jays. Clemens will earn over $32,000,000 during a two-year contract with the Jays. Former Angel and Mariner Troy Glaus has signed a three-year deal with Cleveland.

DAY 19 – The Pirates have signed former 20-game winner Mike Hampton to a three-year deal worth over $400,000 a year.

DAY 20 – The Angels have signed pitcher Eric Milton a 3-year deal worth $15,000,000.

DAY 21 – Turk Wendell has signed with the Mets; Omar Daal has signed with Philadelphia.

DAY 22 – The Giants have signed catcher Mike Redmond to a 3-year deal worth over $2,000,000 a year.

DAY 23 – The Mets have signed starter Darren Dreifort.

DAY 24 – The Cleveland Indians have signed potential Hall of Famer Raffy Palmeiro to a $4,300,000 a year contract for two years. Palmeiro hit 39 homeruns for Baltimore last season.

DAY 25 – The New York Yankees have added 27-year-old starter Kip Wells.

DAY 26 – Elmer Dessens has signed for St. Louis.

DAY 27 – The New York Mets have added starter Brad Radke. Radke signs a contract of $2,420,300 per year, for 4 years.

DAY 28 – The St. Louis Cardinals had a busy day on Friday. Both 2B Calvin Hayes and 26 year old pitcher Jason Marquis (11-5 AAA in 2004) were placed on waivers, allowing GM Walt Jocketey to add Cubs starter Matt Clement to the team.

DAY 29 – Former Twins and Giants catcher AJ Pierzynski has been signed by the Seattle Mariners.

DAY 30 – The last day of the free agent signing period saw a bevy of moves, here are the main deals:
The Mets splashed out the cash once again by signing Odalis Perez to a contract worth over $37 million in the next five years.
Trade between New York Mets and Anaheim :
Anaheim gets :
C Brent Mayne
New York gets :
P Greg Jones
P Damien Miller
Trade between St. Louis and Toronto :
Toronto gets :
1B Steve Cox
St. Louis gets :
P Kerry Ligtenberg
Trade between Texas and Toronto:
Toronto gets :
1B Tino Martinez
Texas gets :
P Pat Hentgen

[Giantsfan]

ESPN The Magazine

DIVISION PREVIEWS – AL EAST

With the baseball season fast approaching, ESPN the magazine begins to look at the 2005 season, making it’s ever bold predictions about how teams may do. We begin by looking at the American League East…

2004 Final Standings –
Boston Red Sox 97-65
New York Yankees 92-70
Toronto Blue Jays 90-72
Tampa Bay Devil Rays 71-91
Baltimore Orioles 68-94

BALTIMORE ORIOLES –
The Orioles finished bottom of the pile in the division last season, and for manager Lee Mazzilli’s sake, they had better not repeat that. The main addition for the Orioles came in the form of 21 save, nine win closer Francisco Cordero from the Texas Rangers. Still, Cordero will be worried about his chances of getting many saves from rotation that has not been upgraded too much. B H Kim remains the number one starter in the rotation, which hardly inspires confidence among the Oriole faithful, even though he did pitch decent last season, going 12-9. Kim maybe solid, but the fact that he is the ace shows up the franchises problems. On offence, Miguel Tejeda should continue to produce, but Javy Lopez has now reached 34 years old, which is a concern, Lopez did hit 22 homeruns last season though. Prospects Nick Swisher and Rocco Baldelli will have everyday places, but the Orioles will not be anywhere near contention this season at least, and for Lee Mazzilli, that cannot be promising.

BOSTON RED SOX –
The curse may not have been lifted one year ago, but at least this Boston club showed that they could beat the Yankees, if not win a game seven in the ALCS, but one-step at a time. Pedro Martinez and his 23-win season a year ago were a huge factor in that division success, and the 33-year old shows no signs on slowing down. Curt Schilling will hope to repeat, or come close to, his 16-win season, as the Boston rotation remains intact. Stud prospect Adam Loewen won ten games a year ago, and if he can continue to improve along with a much better season from Derek Lowe, there is no reason why the Sox cannot win the division again. David Ortiz has moved on, but in Richie Sexson the Red Sox have turned a loss into a dramatic upgrade at first base, and Boston appears to have the perfect mix of contact, power, speed and defence running through its order.

NEW YORK YANKEES –
‘The Boss’ is not happy when his team does not win a World Series, let alone when they miss the playoffs all together, so it does not take a lot of imagination to figure out how he felt after last season. The Yankees offence was not the problem last year, and once again it should provide more than acceptable numbers. A-Rod slipped into a Yankee jersey comfortably in 2004, hitting 57 long balls on his way to the MVP award. It will be interesting to see how former Red Sox Ellis Burks can do at 40 year old, but we wont go as far as saying that a former Red Sox signed by the Yankees is past it, even if there are questions. Gary Sheffield, Jason Giambi and Derek Jeter all lived up to expectation last year, and they must again. Hideki Matsui hit well for average last year, and should be able to come close to 20 homers in a line-up that can out-power most. What held the Yankees back last year was the rotation, which beyond impressive years by Mussina and Vazquez was poor. Along with those two, Contreras remains, with Tomo Ohka coming over after a short stint with the cross town Mets. The main, and most needed, signing was that of Kevin Millwood. After a dominating year last season, in which he missed three weeks, Millwood has the potential of providing 20 wins, and taking the Yankees back to October baseball. Orlando Hernandez and Kip Wells will start the season in an over-hauled bullpen, along with Farnsworth and Vizcaino. Paul Quantrill and Mariano Riviera are the only bullpen survivors from 2004.

TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS –
Lou Pinella’s Devil Rays moved off the AL East’s bottom last season, but could run into a glass ceiling in the standings. The Rays payroll remains the lowest in all of baseball, in a division where you have to spend to win. The starting staff is solid, if not exceptional. Ben Sheets will be the ace of the staff, with Ted Lilly, Sidney Ponson and Darrell May all reliable starters. Bobby Seay will take over as closer from the reliable Al Reyes, which could harm some Devil Ray wins while he fits in. Tampa’s offence also is solid, with Craig Wilson, Aubrey Huff and Jose Cruz Jr. all capable repeating last season’s good numbers. Julio Lugo will begin the season at short, but Izzie “Lil Havanna” Rodriquez will be hot on his heels for the job. This ball club is defiantly solid, and has chances to improve, but sadly for Tampa Bay, this is the wrong division for them to be in.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS –
They may not have made much noise last season, but quietly the Toronto Blue Jays won 90 games, and were two games behind the New York Yankees for second in the division. Their off-season though was anything but quiet, as the Blue Jays have put themselves in position to be challengers for the division crown. John Smoltz has been signed to take over the role of closer from Aquilino Lopez, who finds himself in a set-up role this term. Also, the Blue Jays ownership went out and landed the big catch of the winter, in Roger Clemens. Clemens returns to Toronto to join up with last season’s 23 game winner Roy Halladay to create a formidable one-two punch at the top of the rotation. Beyond these two, there are questions about young Dustin McGowan and Steve Trachsel, but should these pitchers get the job done, with a very impressive bullpen, the Blue Jays staff should be very impressive indeed. Add this much-improved staff to an offence that ranked high in stats last season and the Jays should really be contenders. A big loss though was that of Carlos Delgado, now Vernon Wells will have to be the star for the first real time, is he up to it? If he is, then the rest of the division may need to look out.

SUMMARY –
The Orioles will finish bottom this year, costing Lee Mazzilli his job. The Rays will be fourth, as they are much better than Baltimore but unable to match up to the big three. As for the top of the division, at this stage it would be a coin toss decision. New York probably has the best offence, Toronto the best pitching and Boston the most solid of the three from top to bottom. It will probably come down to the strongest character, and the healthiest team, but if I have to pick now, I take the firepower of the New York Yankees to rule all.

[Giantsfan]

AL CENTRAL

2004 Final Standings –
Kansas City Royals 89-73
Minnesota Twins 86-76
Detroit Tigers 72-90
Cleveland Indians 71-91
Chicago White Sox 67-95

CHICAGO WHITE SOX –
2004 will be a season that many White Sox fans will want purged from their memory, it was a season that began with real optimism, but ended with 95 losses and the firing of Ozzie Guillen. The blessing perhaps this year, is at least 2005 will not be as much of a let down; because White Sox fans know this team is going nowhere. The only real addition over the winter was a forced one, as Bobby Valentine was announced as the team’s new manager. Esteban Loaiza, the only real success of the last season (he went 17-10) remains at the top of a rotation, and is the only starter who had an ERA under five in 2004. Damaso Marte will close once again, and is value for money, but the White Sox are now in the early stages of a rebuilding program. Offensively, Magglio Ordonez performed well last season, as did Frank Thomas, but the line-up lacks punch. Jeremy Reed is the prospect to watch in centerfield, he could have much on his shoulders in the coming years.

CLEVELAND INDIANS –
Unlike the White Sox, Cleveland should be coming out of rebuilding scheme in the near future. The Indians had a very busy winter, and their fans will hope it turns out to be as productive as it appears. Rafael Palmeiro has been brought in at 40-years old to play first base and possibly provide experience for younger roster members, Travis Lee will back him up as his tour of the majors continues. Troy Glaus was also added quite cheaply after his value dropped during a poor 2004 season, but he could turn out to be a very smart sign. The Indians do not appear real contenders on paper, but if this team can break out in 2005 they could have a shot in this division, everything though, would have to come together.

DETROIT TIGERS –
Alan Trammel guided Detroit to a 90-loss season last year, a 90-loss season that made the Tigers franchise much happier than they were a year previous. Whether the Tigers can go much further this season though is debateable. The pitching staff, although improved, did everything expected of a 90-loss season last year, and hopefully for Tiger fans both Bonderman and Mike Maroth can improve this year, along with highly touted prospect Maels Rodriquez. Jim Brower and Jared Fernandez will make up the rotation. Should they get that far, Brian Schmack should be a reliable closer. Jose Canseco came back to hit 32 homeruns and drove in over 100 runs last season, but whether Canseco can repeat those numbers is hard to predict. Pudge Rodriguez did all expected of him last season by hitting .327, but his most important role could well be developing the pitching staff. The Tigers may end up with a similar record as last season, but even with that, the Tigers improvement for Alan Trammel should continue.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS -
The Royals managed to beat the Twins last season to take the award as ‘most heart-warming story’ in all of baseball. The Royals of 2005 look like they certainly wont want to give up that award this year. Each member of the starting rotation had over 10 wins last season, and spot starter Jimmy Gobble is a potential starter of the future. Former World Champion Jarrod Washburn has been brought in to join with Jeremy Affeldt and Zach Greinke, but the biggest signing was that of Wilson Alvarez to become the ace. Alvarez went 11-6 last season, and has signed a four-year deal with Kansas City. Curtis Leskanic who got 37 saves last season will close again, the bullpen though could end up being a potential downfall for Tony Pena. The bullpen could become so critical because the offence will most likely struggle to score runs. Not one .300 hitter last season is on the active roster, and only 37 year old Matt Stairs had more than 17 homeruns, he had 35. The line-up is a mix of veterans, possibly now past it, and excellent prospects, who might not be there yet. If the Royals are to do enough offensively to help the staff, then Mike Sweeney must do much better than his .255 and 11 homeruns last season.

MINNESOTA TWINS –
Falling just short last season, the Minnesota Twins look hot favourites to win a second division crown in three seasons. The rotation is hardly dominant, but John Lackey, Johan Santana and Joe Mays all won 11 games last season, and are unlikely to have their numbers regress even if they fail to improve. Kyle Lohse remains on the team as the remaining 15-game winner from a year ago after Brad Radke’s departure, and could be an anchor to a solid staff that lacks the outright ace. This division though is there for the taking, and with Joe Nathan around to continue closing out games it gives the Twins staff more reason to be confident. Justin Morneau looks an absolute star at first base, hitting 32 homeruns and driving in 125 runs as a 22-year old last year, catcher Joe Mauer is another young stud for Twins fans to place hopes upon. Second baseman Jose Vidro begins his first full season in the Twin cities, and although a down year offensively in 2004, Torri Hunters defence is a factor in any game. The loss of Jacque Jones should not be a negative factor.

SUMMARY –
This division is stereotyped as the weakest in baseball, and this year it could well fit the billing. The White Sox look unlikely to win many games at all this season, and it is hard to fathom the Tigers or Indians competing past June. That leaves the two contenders from last year to battle it out again. Kansas City won that battle last year, but the Twins look much more improved this year with a couple of stars in the making ( Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau) and a pitching staff which looks solid. They may not be great, but the Twins at least look to have enough to win a very poor division.

[Giantsfan]

AL WEST

2004 Final Standings –
Anaheim Angels 96-66
Seattle Mariners 93-69
Texas Rangers 74-88
Oakland Athletics 72-90

ANAHEIM ANGELS –
Last season four of the Angels pitchers won at least 11 games, with Freddy Garcia topping the team, winning 17 games. This year’s rotation however is very different to that of 2004. Freddy Garcia is gone, along with Jarrod Washburn, leaving a hole at the top of the rotation. Bartolo Colon will have to improve on his unconvincing 15-9 season, a flattering record with an ERA over five. Eric Milton has been brought in but he was 10-8 last season. Young Rich Harden took some blows last year, but significant improvement is expected, and if delivered Harden could provide the critical link in keeping the Angels in the race. Carl Pavano missed 6 weeks during a 1-7 season in Florida last season, if healthy, Pavano can still be useful as a fifth starter. The offence last season certainly did not lack power in the outfield, but the loss of Garrett Anderson should not be a huge loss to a strong outfield. Chone Figgins will now have an everyday place, and should be able to contribute to the Angels style of baseball, hitting and stealing. The line-up though beyond Vladimir Guerrero and Jose Guillen does not invoke much confidence, Robert Fick as first baseman highlights just one of the areas the Angels could improve.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS –
The A’s last season lived, but mostly died, on the pitching of their big three. Mulder, Zito and Hudson all return to the Coliseum this season but no longer have the same air of respect about them. Only Hudson (15-14) won 15 games last season and had a record of .500 or better, the reason why the A’s would not only fail to contend, but finish last in the division. One season though does not define a career; these guys do still have the potential to get back on track. If they can, the A’s pitchers could claim to be among the best in baseball. Along with the big three, Joe Blanton and Dustin Moseley will round out the rotation, both big young prospects. Arthur Rhodes did a decent job as closer last season and may feel more comfortable this year if the A’s can get to him. As for the hitters, as always the line-up is not flashy, but is productive. Eric Chavez is the star of the line-up, but if Cuddyer, Kearns, Kielty and Crosby can all hit to back him up, the A’s have a legitimate shot.

SEATTLE MARINERS –
The Mariners of 2005 look to be a very well rounded team. Offensively, they have the great Ichiro Suzuki and Randy Winn to get on base (each hit over .300, then they have the RBI’s and power of Bret Boone and Raul Ibanez to drive them in. Last season this philosophy took the Mariners to the World Series, and this year the line-up has been further improved by the addition of solid hitting catcher AJ Pierzynski. Ryan Franklin and Joel Pineiro were the horses for Seattle last season, and Tony Armas Jr and 38-year-old Andy Ashby join them this season. Rafael Soriano is one of the best relievers around in the bullpen, and if Eddie Guardado can stay strong then Seattle appears very strong indeed.

TEXAS RANGERS –
The Rangers have a very good closer in Al Reyes, shame they have no one to get to him. Last seasons rotation has at least been upgraded slightly with the addition of journeyman starter Brain Moehler (who played with 4 clubs last season) and Pat Hentgen from Toronto in a recent trade. Nevertheless, this Rangers rotation is still weak, it lacks a leader (Chan Ho Park is not a leader here), and without pitching, as the Rangers have found, you do not win. Lance Berkman is a fantastic addition offensively to a club that needs pitching, with Berkman, Teixeira and Blalock the Rangers can hit, once again though, they will be let down by pitching.

SUMMARY –
The Rangers found themselves off the basement of the division last season, but it was not really their own doing. They will be back there this year as Oakland, Seattle and Anaheim battle it out. Of these three Anaheim could well be the weakest, while the A’s hopes rest of potential and rejuvenation. The Mariners though have the pitchers, and the hitters, to take this division and head back to October.

[Giantsfan]

Ok guys, alot at once thier lol as thats what id written so far. Upadtes will come periodically now, hope 2 keep it going and keep it interesting. I actively encourage comments lol as thats why ive decided to post here! Going to finish off division previews hopefully soon and then get down to business...

[Goodsox]

I really like the format of your dynasty. It is very interesting and your writing is very good. Good luck!

[Giantsfan]

NL EAST

2004 Final Standings –
Philadelphia Phillies 90-72
Atlanta Braves 85-77
New York Mets 78-84
Florida Marlins 76-86
Montreal Expos 74-88

ATLANTA BRAVES –
Throughout the Braves division-winning streak, they have won behind dominant pitching. Last season their pitching did not dominate, and they did not win the division. The Braves front office does not want a repeat this season, but their ‘star’ pitching addition has raised eyebrows among many in the baseball community. 41-year-old David Wells was signed after a 14-10 season in San Diego to join a rotation that cannot even compare to Braves rotations of the past. Russ Ortiz certainly has the potential to dominate, but a repeat of his 9-win season last term is not acceptable. Beyond those two, John Thompson, Horacio Ramirez and Brett Evert fill out the rotation. Looking at this, it seems that the line-up will have to step it up. Both J.D. Drew and Marcus Giles (when healthy) impressed last season, but Andrew Jones will need to up his average. Chipper Jones, who may split Drew and Giles in the order had a good season last year (.296, 106 RBI’s) but for the Braves to improve, Chipper may need to break out in 2005.

FLORIDA MARLINS -
One year after winning the World Series the Marlins took a big step back in 2004, and will be hoping to bounce back in 2005. For that to happen, 2003 rookie of the year Dontrelle Willis will have to prove he was much more than a flash in the pan. Willis went 8-13 last season in a rotation, which minus Josh Beckett, went 25-40. That exact same rotation, from top to bottom, will begin this season, and improving those numbers will be the key. Another key factor could be Armando Benitez who blew over 11 games last season for the starters. The major offence parts did their jobs last season, Pierre and Castillo got on base and then stole, Lowell and Cabrera hit homeruns and drove runners home. Cabrera could turn out to be the absolute star on this team, but can players such as Geoff Jenkins and Hee Seop Choi do enough to keep the Marlins in it.

MONTREAL EXPOS –
So 2005 comes rolling around, and the Montreal Expos are still with us. Good news or not, that is not the issue, but one thing is for ‘sure’, this is the last Expos season. Major League Baseball ‘will’ announce by June where this team will be next year. Forgive the scepticism. As for this years team, expect Frank Robinson to put out a hard working team determined to play hard, expect them to lose A LOT of games. When Jeremi Gonzalez is your ace on the back of a 10-11 season with a five plus ERA, and your rotation actually gets weaker with the loss of Livan Hernandez, it is not good news. For what it is worth, the bullpen with Scott Shields and Scott Strickland looks very strong, but they will no doubt be very over-used, and be traded if they are successful. Jose Vidro left the line-up during last season, leaving behind a bunch of role players (yes Carl Everett I AM calling you a role player) to hit. Can you really blame the fans in Montreal for not turning out; Major League Baseball has done a number on the Montreal Expos.

NEW YORK METS –
The Mets landed the big fish this off-season in the form of pitcher Odalis Perez. Perez, who went 18-8 last season, joins forces with Tom Glavine and Jae Soe in the Mets rotation. The starting additions do not end there though, as Brad Radke joins from the Twins, bringing his 15-8 record to Shea. A huge factor in New York’s less than successful 2004 was the pitching, with these additions a sub par rotation becomes a very solid rotation. Mike Stanton takes over the role as closer with a solid bullpen, and Mets fans should be very happy that their entire staff looks ‘solid’, this is an improvement. With the line-up they can boast, it could be the critical improvement. The Mets were number one in all of baseball in steals last season, and have five players that hit at least 20 homers. Add to this the fact that David Wright and Jose Reyes seem ready to improve on all ready great seasons for their age, that Kaz Matsui should come on for a season under his belt, and the Mets might just be contenders.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES –
Larry Bowa had to win the division to save his job last season, and he did just that. He may though, need to do more than win the division this time around to save his head. One-step at a time though; can the Phillies even repeat as division winners to begin with? Well Kevin Millwood is gone, but Freddy Garcia has been brought him to negate the loss. Randy Wolf and Brett Myers should be able to repeat their seasons, and if Padilla can remain healthy (he missed six weeks) then expect more than a 10 win season from him. Cole Hamels looked good in going 7-5 last term so he appears to have the potential to get some big wins and make the rotation strong from one through five. Jim Thome’s 55 homeruns were critical, but should he repeat that figure the Phillies would hope for more than 130 RBI’s. Pat Burrell improved last season slightly, but he needs to hit more than .231 with two other options in left field on the major league roster.

SUMMARY –
Rest easy Larry Bowa, you have the team to win this division. Last season the Phillies managed to beat out the Braves, but this season Atlanta maybe relegated back to join the Marlins and Expos as teams out of contention. The Mets however made key upgrades during the winter, with Brad Radke and the highly sought after Odalis Perez. Should they pitch well, and Glavine stay strong, the Mets can take the Phillies all the way.

[Giantsfan]

NL CENTRAL –

2004 Final Standings –
Houston Astros 91-71
St. Louis Cardinals 87-75
Chicago Cubs 83-79
Cincinnati Reds 75-87
Milwaukee Brewers 69-93
Pittsburgh Pirates 68-94

CHICAGO CUBS –
The Cubs rotation let them down in 2004, and once again, it should be the critical factor for this team in 2005. Arguably their most reliable starter from last season, Greg Maddox, is gone, leaving behind Kerry Wood to be the go to guy. Wood was relatively successful last year, going 14-8, but it was not enough and he needs to improve this year. More though is needed from the Cubs most disappointing starter. Mark Prior went 13-17 last season, after coming in to 2004 as one of the top pitchers in baseball. It was not just Prior though, Matt Clement and Carlos Zambrano's efforts were much worse than expected as the Cubs missed the playoffs. This year, Paul Byrd (18-9) has been brought in to join Wood and Prior, with Zambrano and Livan Hernandez filling out the starting five. Joe Borowski will continue to close, with a strong bullpen including Ray King and La troy Hawkins. The Cubs offence could claim to be nearly as scary as its pitching staff this season. Sammy Sosa hit 53 home runs last season, but Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez who also had very impressive years back him up. Add to that mix Carlos Beltran and you could have one of the most potent line-ups in baseball. A line-up with power, average and speed all in one.

CINCINNATI REDS –
The Reds have potential, but in the National League Central potential just is not enough to compete. Still, Reds fans should be kept entertained this year and maybe even hang around in the early part of the season. The Starting rotation is kept the same as last season, with John Riedling and Mark Redman heading it up. Young Josh Karp, who showed some very promising signs last season (winning pitcher of the month in April) could be a pitcher to keep an eye on. Ryan Wagner, another youngster, looks a neat fit at closer. The main question for the Reds is usually “will Griffey stay healthy”. Well he did last year, and hit just shy of 40 homers. Now a member of the 500 club, Griffey will look to continue climbing the ladder on the all time homerun list , Adam Dunn will need to increase his batting average instead of swinging for the fences every at bat.

HOUSTON ASTROS –
The Astros did the job last season, landing the franchises first ever world title. This year’s edition of the Houston ball club though could have a tough job on its hands even just making it to October. NL Cy Young winner and fan favourite Roger Clemens has packed his bags and left for Toronto, leaving behind a club searching for a leader in the clubhouse. Without Clemens, a great rotation has lost some force, and will need Woody Williams, Roy Oswalt and Wade Miller to improve on last season’s totals to fill the void. If they can do that, Tim Redding could be critical. He went 8-2 last season and dominated some big games down the stretch, a full season of that and the Astros would be in a very healthy position. Run production for Houston last season was a true team effort, with homeruns and RBI’s spread through the order. Jeff Bagwell provided 31 homeruns at first base, along with 103 RBI’s. However, Bagwell hit just .222, and the addition of Carlos Delgado is a big upgrade, meaning Bagwell will warm the bench. How long the 36-year-old will do that is questionable, and by the end of 2005, Bagwell may be trying on a different uniform.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS –
Milwaukee made a big move last season by trading for Andy Pettitte, adding a real ace to the rotation. It is a shame, however, that Pettitte is the only true major league pitcher on the entire roster, with the exception of reliever Mike Crudale. The Brewers have had some big offensive producers in recent years, but neither Richie Sexson nor Scott Podsednik are on this club. Luis Matos, Dmitri Young and Kevin Millar are nice players, but the Brewers lack that big producer on offence. Huge prospect Rickie Weeks will be a great player to watch at second, and could have a breakout season. If he does though, will he still be in Milwaukee at the end of the year?

PITTSBURGH PIRATES –
If we criticised the Brewers rotation, at least they had Andy Pettitte. 23-year-old Ian Oquendo will not be the ace of this staff, but he could be the only reason to watch. Oquendo will pitch in his second major league season after going 5-12 with the Pirates last term. He should improve, and is the young star of the entire ball club. Surrounding him are journeyman Miguel Batista, Sean Burnett and…. Well, guys who should not be in the bigs, including now 40-year-old Rick Reed. Last season’s huge failure was 1-10 Kris Benson, he needs a much better year or even the Pirates may push him out the door. The Pirate line-up is nothing to write home about, and barely even something worth mentioning in a pre-season preview. David Eckstein will lead off, with Raul Mondesi and Brad Wilkerson the guys expected to drive the runners’ home. How many times they can do that, and how many runners’ on base there will be, will be a major issue for this ‘major league’ club. Expect losses Pirate fans, and lots of them.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS –
The Cardinals took the Astros down to the wire last year, mainly behind a solid rotation and very good seasons from Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen and Reggie Sanders. This season, Rolen, Pujols, Sanders and even Edmonds could increase their production and it still would not matter, because the Cardinals rotation has been destroyed. Matt Morris, Woody Williams and Chris Carpenter, starters 1-2-3 are all gone, leaving the number 4 starter Adam Wainwright to move from four to one in the rotation. Wainwright did go 14-9, but it seems unlikely he can lead a staff. Behind him, Matt Clement has been brought in, but he stunk for the Cubs in 2004, and Jason Bere (number three starter) has never won more than 12 games in a season. For the Cardinals to contend, all three will need career years.

SUMMARY –
Picking the winner of the only six-team division in baseball should be a tough challenge, so let us narrow the field. The Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers will stink, leaving us with four teams. The Reds may hang around for a while but will be done by August, leaving us with three teams. The Cardinals lost too much to win the division during the off-season, though they may have enough to be close down the stretch and maybe make a move to put themselves in a position to challenge. This leaves the Cubs and Astros. The loss of Roger Clemens on the Astros is huge, and if Mark Prior and Carlos Zambrano can join Kerry Wood in winning ballgames, I take the Cubs to win the NL Central.

[Giantsfan]

NL WEST

2004 Final Standings –
Los Angeles Dodgers 95-67
Arizona Diamondbacks 92-70
San Diego Padres 88-74
Colorado Rockies 72-70
San Francisco Giants 69-93

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS –
The Diamondbacks made the playoffs last season behind Randy Johnson and Brandon Webb. This year, expect any slack from the aging Johnson to be picked up by 25-year-old Webb, who may win 20 games for the first time. AJ Burnett has been signed from the Brewers and could well improve upon last seasons 10-13 record, while questions remain about Andrew Good, and whether his 12-9 season was a one-time show. As for the bullpen, it could claim to be the best in all of baseball with only closer Matt Mantei having an ERA over four, and he looked like he settled into the closer role in big games late last season. Offensively, losing Richie Sexson will hurt, but the loss of power may be felt less with five guys who could hit .300 this year, and the addition of Jeff Kent at second base is a great move to cover some of the power loss from Sexson.

COLORADO ROCKIES –
Pitching at Coors Field would hurt anybody, but even that fact cannot cover up the fact that this is not the rotation of a contending team. Denny Neagle, 13-10 last season, is the ace in front of Zach Day and Jason Jennings. Young Chin-Hui Tsao should be interesting to watch, but once again, Coors Field may break a young pitcher. Todd Helton and Larry Walker are once again the stars on offence, but Jeromy Burnitz and Preston Wilson are also good hitters. The Rockies once again will not contend, but they can win enough game to be a spoiler throughout the season.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS –
Last season the Dodgers were the best team in the National League, of that I think there is little doubt. So after losing in the NLCS, and losing pitcher Odalis Perez the Dodgers would have surely taken a step back yes? Try asking that question to either Garrett Anderson, Alfonso Soriano, Matt Morris or Richard Hidalgo. Los Angeles went mad during the off-season, signing up more studs to add to the NL’s best team. One through six in the line-up the Dodgers have players who could have All Star years, with Milton Bradley, Shawn Green and Aaron Boone in the middle of the hitters already mentioned above. Pitching wise, Matt Morris becomes the ace in place of Odalis Perez, with Hideo Nomo and young Edwin Jackson behind him in the rotation. Jackson went 8-12 last year, and could be a risk to the Dodgers success if he cannot get going. Jeff Weaver pitched well prior to injury last season, and the fifth hole in the rotation is still wide open. The bullpen remains a hugely impressive part of the roster for the Dodgers, who can expect to hold most leads in the late innings. That of course, a critical factor in a post-season run.

SAN DIEGO PADRES –
The Padres were a huge part of a three-team race throughout last season, mainly behind David Wells, Jake Peavey and Adam Eaton. The loss of David Wells this year could end up being too much to overcome for San Diego. The addition of David Ortiz reshapes the look of the line-up to one that can hit the ball out of the park and score runs. However, with the exception of Brian Giles and Orlando Cabrera the Padres do not play gold glove defence, and probably will not help their pitcher out too much. This means that at least one of Ben Howard or Brian Lawrence will need to pitch well, and not too many people predict that they will.

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS –
Mark Dimmock’s Giants had a very poor year last year that nearly cost the rookie manager his job. He though, remains and leads the Giants into the second year of a hard rebuilding plan. While only going 14-12 Jason Schmidt was still Jason Schmidt last season and should be for the foreseeable future. Behind him, the Giants future is in the hands of Jerome Williams and Jesse Foppert who are yet to live up to their hype. Kirk Reuter and either Ryan Jenson or Joaquin Benoit fill out the rotation and none of them should be expected to win many games. The bullpen is led by Chad Zerbe, Shingo Takatsu and Valerio De los Santos with Rob Nenn closing out games. The offence is one of young guns such as Prince Fielder and BJ Upton, with Barry Bonds continuing his assault on history. Dimmock and Bonds clearly have tension between them, but if Barry can tutor some the young guys, the Giants could be poised for a run, just not this year.

SUMMARY –
The Rockies look like the divisions weakest team, while the Giants look too young. This leaves the same three teams as 2004 to battle it out, and who could argue with the order ending up the same. The Padres loss of David Wells does not look like it can be made up, while Arizona appears to be able to be at least as good as last years addition. The Dodgers however have made some monster off-season moves, making them perhaps not just the team beat in the division, but maybe the team to beat in all of baseball.

[Giantsfan]

PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
Why not go that one-step further from division predictions and predict how October will shape up from our March viewpoint? Well one reason is to avoid embarrassment, but the opportunity of glory was too much to turn down….

AL EAST – New York Yankees
AL CENTRAL – Minnesota Twins
AL WEST – Seattle Mariners
AL WILDCARD – Boston Red Sox

AL WNNER – Boston Red Sox

NL EAST – New York Mets
NL CENTRAL – Chicago Cubs
NL WEST – Los Angeles Dodgers
NL WILDCARD – Houston Astros

NL WINNER – Los Angeles Dodgers

WORLD SERIES – Dodgers four games to two

[pat]

looks good up to now.. g'luck on rebuilding the Giants..

[Giantsfan]

SFGiants.com

With opening day upon us, at least for Boston and Baltimore, sfgiants.com will announce, unofficially, the way the Giants will be expected to line-up for the beginning of this season:

Starting Rotation:
1. Jason Schmidt
2. Jesse Foppert
3. Jerome Williams
4. Kirk Reuter
5. Kevin Correia

Bullpen:
Shingo Takatsu
Dustin Hermanson
Scott Eyre
Chad Zerbe
Valerio De los Santos
Robb Nenn



Lineup:
2B Ray Durham
SS Neifi Perez
LF Barry Bonds
RF Josh Hamilton
1B Kevin Witt
3B Pedro Feliz
CF Jeffrey Hammonds
C Mike Redmond


ESPN.com

Let the games begin! Tonight at 7.05 EST, the defending AL East champion Boston Red Sox head to Baltimore to take on the Orioles in major league baseball’s opening game. Taking the mound for Boston will be last seasons Cy Young Award winner in the American League, Pedro Martinez. Our own Joe Morgan spoke with Pedro yesterday in an interview screened on ESPN’s ‘Baseball Tonight’.

Morgan: Pedro, you won 23 games last season, won the Cy Young Award, won the division, was 2004 a success?
Martinez: Personally, yeah it was a success. I achieved all the goals I wanted, including getting a new contract ($12,250,000 through 2010). The disappointment was only winning one of my four-playoff games.
Morgan: Were you always going to stay here, in Boston, or was there maybe a chance you could leave and be pitching somewhere else?
Martinez: Well you know Joe, I had to do the best thing for myself, and of course other teams showed an interest because I pitched so well, but I’m here so that is what counts.
Morgan: You are here, which many in Boston of course are delighted about, but what about the teams chances this year, what are your ambitions.
Martinez: I’m just focused on winning games, doing my job, you know, getting it done out their again. If I can do that then I’ll be happy with the season.
Morgan: Even if you do that and you miss the playoffs?
Martinez: I am here to win games for the Red Sox, so if I do my job that is what is important to me.

Pedro certainly seems focused about the 2005 season, but even with a new contract, you still get the impression that he is more Pedro than Red Sox. Still, Boston fans will not mind at all if he can repeat his 23-win season from a year ago.

For the Orioles, Erik Bedard will be facing Martinez. 26-year-old Bedard was 10-11 last season with an ERA of 4.18. Bedard is said to have all the tools to become a premier pitcher in the leagues future, and an opening day start against Pedro Martinez could be the perfect place for Erik to show off his talents on a national stage.

[Giantsfan]

RED SOX SPLIT OPENING SERIES

BOSTON 12-1 BALTIMORE
The season certainly started with a bang for the Boston Red Sox. In the very first inning of the very first game of the season, the Red Sox offence exploded for five runs, with the first eight hitters all reaching base safely. With former Oriole Ricky Gutierrez leading off the second with a solo homerun, Orioles starter Erik Bedard was knocked out of the game, one inning pitched six earned runs. Manny Ramirez capped his 4-5 day with a homer in the ninth to seal the deal as Boston ran out 12-1 winners. Pedro Martinez pitched 6 2/3 giving up four hits and one run.

BOSTON 6-7 BALTIMORE
Curt Schilling did not look as sharp as Pedro the evening before, but after Trot Nixon hit a go ahead three-run homerun in the seventh inning it looked like he would have enough for the win. Baltimore’s starter, Byung-Hyun Kim, left the game with two runners on base and a two-run lead, but Nixon hit reliever T.J. Tucker’s third pitch out of the park to put Boston ahead. The Red Sox pen though could not hold it, as Mike Timlin gave up two runs, Nick Swisher driving home the winning run in the eighth. Francisco Cordero made his Orioles debut in the ninth, giving up a leadoff walk to Johnny Damon before retiring the side.

[Giantsfan]

ESPN SUNDAY NIGHT BASEBALL

Devil Rays @ Yankees

Kevin Millwood will begin a new phase in his career on Sunday as the New York Yankees host Lou Pinella’s visiting Devil Ray ball club. Millwood, signed as free agent during the off-season, has the honour of being the Opening Night starter on national television at Yankee Stadium.
“It’s what it is all about” said Millwood in a press conference at the stadium yesterday. “Joe has decided to give me the ball here on a big stage….and I need to show I can live up to the fans expectations here”.
Expectations are something that Millwood has had to deal with most of career. He began his career in the midst of Atlanta’s NL East dominance, where he would pitch in the same rotation as Hall of Famer Greg Maddox and Tom Glavine. Then, after being traded away, Millwood ended up in Philadelphia, a city famous for its demanding fans. This should prepare him better than most for a place in pinstripes. Millwood though, is looking forward to his chance,
“Why shouldn’t I be excited…sure there is pressure but im pitching in a place people dream about pitching and with a fantastic line-up behind me. I am where I want to be.”
Millwood’s confidence will be pleasing for New York fans to hear, but you can have all the confidence in the world in the big apple, if you do not win, then you can find that confidence being shaken easily.
Pitching against him for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays will be former Milwaukee Brewer Ben Sheets. Sheets, at just 26-years-old is thought of by some to have a bright future ahead of him, not withstanding a 12-13 record with three teams last season. Sheets will be hopeful though, that now he has found a home with Tampa.

Game Recap:

New York Yankees 9-5 Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Pressure, what pressure? Despite a shaky seventh inning, Kevin Millwood gave up just three runs in eight strong innings as the New York Yankees opened up the 2005 season with a win, In front of 57,523 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Millwood gave up a three-run blast to Geoff Blum with one out in the seventh, but aside from that shut-out Tampa Bay, striking out six. Offensively, the Yankees managed nine hits, five of which left the ballpark. Jason Giambi hit Ben Sheets first pitch of the second inning out, which was immediately followed by Gary Sheffield going yard to make it 2-0. Yankee debutants Roberto Alomar and Erubiel Durazo also homered for the Bombers, as did 2004 MVP Alex Rodriguez. Orlando Hernandez gave up a solo homerun to Craig Wilson in the top of the ninth, allowing Torre to bring in Mariano Rivera to put away the final two outs.
So the Yankees begin the season the exact way they wanted, with both new and ‘old’ hitters knocking homeruns, and perhaps more critically, with their new ace pitching well enough to take the victory.

WP – Kevin Millwood (1-0)
LP – Ben Sheets (0-1)
POG – Roberto Alomar (2-4, 2 RBI, 2 Runs, HR)