Soriambi
03-23-03, 08:59 AM
2003 DIMAGGIO DIVISION PREVIEW
ACE REPORTER SORIAMBI
2003 Dimaggio Division Projected Standings:
1. Michigan Wolverines- Coney36
2. The Four Horsemen- BANZAIMATSUI
3. Senators- terry(bunchofnumbersthatIcan’tbebotheredtolookup)
4. Junior’s Bashers- Bozidar
5. Italian Ice- joltinjo
6. Newburgh Naughties- Yankchic22
MICHIGAN WOLVERINES- Coney 36- 2002 DIVISION CHAMPION
C- Eli Marrero- Cardinals (.262-18-66, 14 SB)
1B- Albert Pujols- Cardinals (.314-34-127)
2B – Roberto Alomar- Mets (.266-11-53, 16 SB)
3B- Jose Valentin- White Sox (.249-25-75)
SS- David Eckstein- Angels (.293-8-63, 21 SB)
OF- Brian Giles- Pirates (.298-38-103, 15 SB)
OF- Alex Sanchez- Brewers (.289-1-33, 37 SB)
OF- Jay Payton- Rockies (.304-16-59)
Util- Ellis Burks- Indians (.301-32-91)
Bench- Joe Crede- White Sox (3B) (.285-12-35)
Bench- Daryle Ward- Dodgers (LF) (.276-12-72)
Bench- Hee Seop Choi- Cubs (1B) (.180-2-4) (24 Games)
SP- Roy Oswalt- Astros (19-9)
SP- Wade Miller- Astros (15-4)
SP- Brian Lawrence- Padres (12-12)
SP- Brad Radke- Twins (9-5)
SP- John Lackey- Angels (9-4)
RP- Steve Kline- Cardinals (2-1, 6 saves)
RP- Franciso Rodriguez- Angels (0-0, 5 Games)
CL- Billy Wagner- Astros (4-2, 35 saves)
Bench- Carlos Zambrano- Cubs (4-8)
Infield: B
Pujols is one of the best players in baseball and Alomar will probably have a bounceback year. The other three, Eli Marrero, Jose Valentin, and David Eckstein are solid players. Valentin is very underrated and will put up good power numbers. Eckstein is very fast, and if you watched the World Series you also know that he is extremely short!!!
Outfield: B
Giles will have a great year, as always, but Alex Sanchez and Jay Payton are a bit shaky. Look for Payton to have a good year though, which might make this rating look low. Sanchez is a good run, no hit type of guy who will have 30+ SB and less than 2 homers.
Starting Pitching: A-
The 1-2 punch of Roy Oswalt and Wade Miller automatically make this staff a B+. Brad Radke, John Lackey, and Brian Lawrence are good enough to raise it to the A-, as all will most likely have winning records on the 2003 campaign, which is very impressive.
Relief Pitching: B+
The only reason that this isn’t higher is because K-Rod is still and unknown. We know that we will get the 35+ saves out of Billy Wagner and a good year with 60+ appearances out of Steve Kline. If K-Rod can perform like he did in the playoffs last year and in the games before that, this could be one of the best pens in the league.
THE FOUR HORSEMAN- BANZAIMATSUI
C- Toby Hall- Devil Rays (.258-6-42)
1B- Mike Sweeney- Royals (.340-24-86)
2B- Brandon Phillips- Indians (.258-0-4) (11 GAMES)
3B- Edgardo Alfonzo- Giants (.308-16-56)
SS- Rafael Furcal- Braves (.275-8-47, 27 SB)
OF- Barry Bonds- Giants (.370-46-110)
OF- Bernie Williams- Yankees (.333-19-102)
OF- Vernon Wells- Blue Jays (.275-23-100)
Util- Josh Phelps- Blue Jays (.309-15-58) (74 GAMES)
Bench- Frank Catalanatto- Blue Jays (.269-3-23) (68 GAMES)
Bench- Brandon Larson- Reds (.275-4-13) (23 GAMES)
Bench- Carl Crawford- Devil Rays (.259-2-30) (63 GAMES)
SP- Javier Vasquez (10-13)
SP- Josh Beckett (6-7)
SP- Kris Benson (9-6)
SP- Oliver Perez (4-5) (16 games)
SP- Ricardo Rodriguez (2-2) (7 games)
RP- Ryan Franklin (7-5)
RP- Armando Benitez (1-0, 33 saves)
CL- Eric Gagne (4-1, 52 saves)
Bench- Darren Dreifort. (4-7 in 2001, missed full 2002 season.
Infield: C+
Rafael Furcal, Toby Hall, and Brandon Phillips are all shaky. Edgardo Alfonzo could go either way. Mike Sweeney should have another great year. Too many questions to receive a higher mark.
Outfield: A-
Barry Bonds, the best hitter in the game today is the star and anchor of this team. Look for another incredible year out of Bonds. Bernie Williams should hit for a slightly lower average this year but with much more power. Vernon Wells is the only reason that this area is not rated an A or A+. He is not at the level of the other two, but he is a solid player who should rack up some points.
SP: C-
Questions, questions, questions. Will Javier Vasquez rise up into the #1 starter’s role in Montreal and have the season he is capable of having? Will Josh Beckett stay healthy and play like he is projected to? Can Kris Benson have another winning season with the lowly Pirates? Can Oliver Perez win with the lowly Padres? Who in the world is Ricardo Rodriguez? These are all questions that must be answered.
RP- A
Eric Gagne certified himself as one of the best closers in the game and Armando Benitez is a GREAT regular season closer, as long as he’s not facing the Braves in late September with the division on the line.
Senators (terry144230983492?)
C- Einar Diaz- Rangers (.206-2-16)
1B- Fred McGriff- Dodgers (.273-30-103)
2B- Jerry Hairston Jr. – Orioles (.268-5-32, 21 SB)
3B- David Bell- Phillies (.261-20-73)
SS- Tony Womack- Diamondbacks (.271-5-57, 29 SB)
OF- Juan Encarnacion- Marlins (.262-8-34)
OF- Mark Kotsay- Padres (.292-17-61)
OF- Roger Cedeno- Mets (.260-7-41, 25 SB)
Util- Richie Sexson- Brewers (.279-29-102)
Bench- Kevin Millar- Red Sox (.306-16-57)
Bench- Eric Karros- Cubs (.271-13-73)
SP- Pedro Martinez- Red Sox (20-4)
SP- Mark Prior- Cubs (6-6)
SP- Kerry Wood- Cubs (12-11)
SP- Tony Armas Jr.- Expos (
SP- Odalis Perez- Dodgers (15-10)
RP- Matt Anderson- Tigers (2-1)
RP- Ugueth Urbina- Rangers (1-6, 40 saves)
CL- John Smoltz- Braves (3-2, 55 saves)
Bench- Trevor Hoffman- Padres (2-5, 38 saves) INJ
Bench- Lance Carter- Devil Rays (2-0, 2 saves)
Infield: C-
A decent infield, but nothing special about it. Below average. No top player at any one position. Diaz should have a better year this year as it would be tough for him not to, but Hairston, McGriff, and Womack are all question marks. David Bell should have a solid year for Philidelphia.
OF- D
You need a better outfield than this if you have the infield that this team has. Encarnacion, Kotsay, and Cedeno just do not compare to other teams in this league. They are all solid players, but as a third or maybe a second outfielder, not a first, second, and third. This team needs an offensive superstar.
SP- B+/A-
This is the toughest grade I’ve had to give. Pedro and Kerry Wood, the two aces, are both large injury risks. Mark Prior is, while said to be great, still unproven. If everyone stays healthy and has good years for them, this is one of the strongest staffs in the league. If not, the Senators could be heading for disaster this season
RP- A+
Smoltz and Ugi should both get 40 saves. Once Hoffman comes back, he will add in more as he should go back to his normal self after returning from his surgery. One of the top bullpens in the league, they should rack up a bunch of points for the Senators.
JUNIORS BASHERS: (Bozidar)
C- Benito Santiago- Giants (.278-16-74)
1B- David Ortiz- Red Sox (.272-20-75)
2B- Bret Boone- Mariners
3B- Corey Koskie- Twins (.267-15-69)
SS- Rey Ordonez- Devil Rays (.254-1-42)
OF- Carlos Beltran- Royals (.273-29-105, 35 SBs)
OF- Shawn Green- Dodgers (.285-42-114)
OF- Gary Sheffield- Braves (.307-25-84)
Util- Edgar Martinez- Mariners (.277-15-59)
Bench- Luis Rivas- Twins (.256-4-35)
Bench- Tino Martinez- Cardinals (.262-21-75)
SP- Derek Lowe- Red Sox (21-8)
SP- Tim Wakefield- Red Sox (11-5)
SP- Ramon Ortiz- Angels (15-9)
SP- Woody Williams- Cardinals (9-4)
SP- Casey Fossum- Red Sox (5-4)
RP- Sterling Hitchcock- Yankees (1-2)
CL- Jason Isringhausen- Cardinals (3-2, 32 saves)
Bench- Joe Mays- Twins (4-8)
Bench- Joe Kennedy- Devil Rays (8-11)
Infield: C+
This segment of the team is definitely the “Juniors” half of the name “Junior’s Bashers”. Bret Boone and Benito Santiago are good and solid respectively, and Koskie and Ortiz should have ok years, but Rey Ordonez? On the Bashers?
Outfield: A
And this would be the Bashers half. Three of the top outfielders in baseball man the Basher’s outfield and it should be one of the best if not the best outfield in the entire league.
SP: B-
The Basher’s pitching is solid all around, but they’re missing the 1-2 punch that many other teams have. Lowe is the 1, perhaps, but he could have just had a fluke year last year. There is no clear 2. Hopefully the Basher’s staff will crash and burn this year, because most of them are Red Sox. :)
RP- F
The only legitimate RP that the Bashers have is Jason Isringhausen and he is injured. Sterling Hitchcock is the second man in this pen and there isn’t even a third man yet. The Bashers need to pick up another RP to fill out their roster. At this rate, they will start the season with only Sterling Hitchcock accumulating stats. More on the RP situation for the Bashers when they sign a free agent to fill that spot.
Italian Ice (joltinjo)
C- Damian Miller- Cubs (.249-11-42)
1B- Jim Thome- Phillies (.304-52-118)
2B- Michael Young- Rangers (.262-9-62)
3B- Phil Nevin- Padres (OUT FOR SEASON)
SS- Derek Jeter- Yankees (.297-18-75, 32 SB)
OF- Mike Cameron- Mariners (.239-25-80, 31 SB)
OF- Steve Finley- Diamondbacks (.287-25-89, 16 SB)
OF- Juan Pierre- Marlins (.287-1-35, 47 SB)
Util- Jeff Bagwell- Astros (.291-31-98)
Bench- Travis Lee- Devil Rays (.265-13-70)
Bench- Shane Spencer- Indians (.247-6-34) (94 GAMES)
SP- John Burkett- Red Sox (13-8)
SP- Omar Daal- Orioles (11-9)
SP- Steve Trachsel- Mets (11-11)
SP- Elmer Dessens- Diamondbacks (7-8)
SP- Miguel Batista- Diamondbacks (8-9)
RP- Octavio Dotel- Astros (6-4, 6 saves)
RP- Jose Jimenez- Rockies (2-10, 41 saves)
RP- Robb Nen- Giants (6-2, 43 saves)
Bench- Andy Ashby- Dodgers (9-13)
Bench- Antonio Osuna- Yankees (8-2, 11 saves)
Infield: C+
Damian Miller is not a very good offensive catcher. Michael Young is not a solid player but not great by any means. Phil Nevin is the teams 3B, and he will most likely not play a game this year. Jim Thome and Derek Jeter are some of the best at their respective positions which makes the IF solid, but they need a 3B. Look for Jeff Bagwell to possibly be dealt before the season to acquire a solid player at this position.
Outfield: B
Mike Cameron is a very good player who should go 25-30 again this year. Steve Finley is getting up there in age but I believe that he has at least another good year in him. Juan Pierre is, quite simply, going to have an abysmal year outside of Colorado. He hit .247 on the road last year and I expect a batting average around that this year. He will, however, get his steals.
SP: D+
The staff has some decent pitchers on the staff but no clear ace, or no clear #2 for that matter. A bunch of decent #3 and #4 starters just won’t be enough to win in this league.
RP- A-
Robb Nen, who’s name is mysteriously spelt with two “b”s, should be ready for the start of the season. He should get off to a slow start but eventually get back to form. Jose Jimenez, the Rockies closer, is one of the most durable in the game. He pitched in 74 games last year, which is both good and bad. It is good because it means more innings, games, saves, and Ks. It is bad because it means more losses. (10 last year) Octavio Dotel is definately one of the best and probably the best middle reliever in the game.
NEWBURGH NAUGHTIES (Yankchic22)
C- Ramon Hernandez- Athletics (.233-7-42)
1B- Erubiel Durazo- Athletics (.261-16-48) 76 games
2B- Mark Grudzielanek- Cubs (.271-9-50)
3B- Robin Ventura- Yankees (.247-27-93)
SS- Miguel Tejada- Athletics (.308-34-131)
OF- Raul Mondesi- Yankees (.232-26-88, 15 SB)
OF- Trot Nixon- Red Sox (.256-24-65)
OF- Tim Salmon- Angels (.286-22-88)
Util- Carlos Lee- White Sox (.264-26-80)
Bench- Mark Ellis- Athletics (.272-6-35)
Bench- Mark McLemore- Mariners (.270-7-41, 18 SB)
SP- Roger Clemens- Yankees (13-6)
SP- Al Leiter- Mets (13-13)
SP- Andy Pettitte- Yankees (13-5)
SP- Ted Lilly- Athletics (5-7)
SP- Jimmy Haynes- Reds (15-10)
RP- Steve Karsay- Yankees (6-4, 12 saves)
RP- Mike Remlinger- Cubs (7-3)
RP- Esteban Yan- Texas (5-8, 19 saves)
Bench- Ismael Valdes- Rangers (8-12)
Bench- Frank Castillo- Red Sox (6-15)
Infield: C-
Tejada, the AL MVP last year automatically makes sure that this part of Newburgh’s team is not a bust. However, the rest of the infield is a very large drop-off. Ventura could have a good year, but it is more likely that he will repeat last season with slightly less power. I expect big things out of Erubiel Durazo, but you never know wit young players like him. Ramon Hernandez and Mark Grudzielanek are mediocre at best.
Outfield: D+
Mondesi, while I expect a huge improvement, is still an unknown. Salmon’s stats have dropped in recent years and he might be entering the twilight of his career at 35 years of age. Trot Nixon is extremely overrated in this humble reporter’s opinion.
SP- B-
This pitching staff is extremely interesting for a number of reasons. First, they don’t have that one lights out, superstar starter, like a Schilling or Johnson or Pedro or even a Wade Miller. Clemens, Leiter, Pettitte, and Haynes are all very solid pitchers who could have great years. Ted Lilly is still an unknown. The staff has potential and is definitely the strong point of the team.
RP- C
Karsay, Yan, and Remlinger will have plenty of holds this year, which helps in this league. However, the total lack of saves except for perhaps a few spot saves in emergency situations really hurts the Naughties in this area.
OVERVIEW: There is really no way, in my view, that the Michigan Wolverines don’t run away with this division and repeat their Division Title. They clearly have the best team and unless injuries take their toll, they could be on their way to a much higher level than the division; League Champions. With the #18 pick in the draft, GM Coney36 has made great trades, getting the best of every deal that she has made and making her team much better than when it started. The Wolverines are obviously the class of the division and should win easily.
ACE REPORTER SORIAMBI
2003 Dimaggio Division Projected Standings:
1. Michigan Wolverines- Coney36
2. The Four Horsemen- BANZAIMATSUI
3. Senators- terry(bunchofnumbersthatIcan’tbebotheredtolookup)
4. Junior’s Bashers- Bozidar
5. Italian Ice- joltinjo
6. Newburgh Naughties- Yankchic22
MICHIGAN WOLVERINES- Coney 36- 2002 DIVISION CHAMPION
C- Eli Marrero- Cardinals (.262-18-66, 14 SB)
1B- Albert Pujols- Cardinals (.314-34-127)
2B – Roberto Alomar- Mets (.266-11-53, 16 SB)
3B- Jose Valentin- White Sox (.249-25-75)
SS- David Eckstein- Angels (.293-8-63, 21 SB)
OF- Brian Giles- Pirates (.298-38-103, 15 SB)
OF- Alex Sanchez- Brewers (.289-1-33, 37 SB)
OF- Jay Payton- Rockies (.304-16-59)
Util- Ellis Burks- Indians (.301-32-91)
Bench- Joe Crede- White Sox (3B) (.285-12-35)
Bench- Daryle Ward- Dodgers (LF) (.276-12-72)
Bench- Hee Seop Choi- Cubs (1B) (.180-2-4) (24 Games)
SP- Roy Oswalt- Astros (19-9)
SP- Wade Miller- Astros (15-4)
SP- Brian Lawrence- Padres (12-12)
SP- Brad Radke- Twins (9-5)
SP- John Lackey- Angels (9-4)
RP- Steve Kline- Cardinals (2-1, 6 saves)
RP- Franciso Rodriguez- Angels (0-0, 5 Games)
CL- Billy Wagner- Astros (4-2, 35 saves)
Bench- Carlos Zambrano- Cubs (4-8)
Infield: B
Pujols is one of the best players in baseball and Alomar will probably have a bounceback year. The other three, Eli Marrero, Jose Valentin, and David Eckstein are solid players. Valentin is very underrated and will put up good power numbers. Eckstein is very fast, and if you watched the World Series you also know that he is extremely short!!!
Outfield: B
Giles will have a great year, as always, but Alex Sanchez and Jay Payton are a bit shaky. Look for Payton to have a good year though, which might make this rating look low. Sanchez is a good run, no hit type of guy who will have 30+ SB and less than 2 homers.
Starting Pitching: A-
The 1-2 punch of Roy Oswalt and Wade Miller automatically make this staff a B+. Brad Radke, John Lackey, and Brian Lawrence are good enough to raise it to the A-, as all will most likely have winning records on the 2003 campaign, which is very impressive.
Relief Pitching: B+
The only reason that this isn’t higher is because K-Rod is still and unknown. We know that we will get the 35+ saves out of Billy Wagner and a good year with 60+ appearances out of Steve Kline. If K-Rod can perform like he did in the playoffs last year and in the games before that, this could be one of the best pens in the league.
THE FOUR HORSEMAN- BANZAIMATSUI
C- Toby Hall- Devil Rays (.258-6-42)
1B- Mike Sweeney- Royals (.340-24-86)
2B- Brandon Phillips- Indians (.258-0-4) (11 GAMES)
3B- Edgardo Alfonzo- Giants (.308-16-56)
SS- Rafael Furcal- Braves (.275-8-47, 27 SB)
OF- Barry Bonds- Giants (.370-46-110)
OF- Bernie Williams- Yankees (.333-19-102)
OF- Vernon Wells- Blue Jays (.275-23-100)
Util- Josh Phelps- Blue Jays (.309-15-58) (74 GAMES)
Bench- Frank Catalanatto- Blue Jays (.269-3-23) (68 GAMES)
Bench- Brandon Larson- Reds (.275-4-13) (23 GAMES)
Bench- Carl Crawford- Devil Rays (.259-2-30) (63 GAMES)
SP- Javier Vasquez (10-13)
SP- Josh Beckett (6-7)
SP- Kris Benson (9-6)
SP- Oliver Perez (4-5) (16 games)
SP- Ricardo Rodriguez (2-2) (7 games)
RP- Ryan Franklin (7-5)
RP- Armando Benitez (1-0, 33 saves)
CL- Eric Gagne (4-1, 52 saves)
Bench- Darren Dreifort. (4-7 in 2001, missed full 2002 season.
Infield: C+
Rafael Furcal, Toby Hall, and Brandon Phillips are all shaky. Edgardo Alfonzo could go either way. Mike Sweeney should have another great year. Too many questions to receive a higher mark.
Outfield: A-
Barry Bonds, the best hitter in the game today is the star and anchor of this team. Look for another incredible year out of Bonds. Bernie Williams should hit for a slightly lower average this year but with much more power. Vernon Wells is the only reason that this area is not rated an A or A+. He is not at the level of the other two, but he is a solid player who should rack up some points.
SP: C-
Questions, questions, questions. Will Javier Vasquez rise up into the #1 starter’s role in Montreal and have the season he is capable of having? Will Josh Beckett stay healthy and play like he is projected to? Can Kris Benson have another winning season with the lowly Pirates? Can Oliver Perez win with the lowly Padres? Who in the world is Ricardo Rodriguez? These are all questions that must be answered.
RP- A
Eric Gagne certified himself as one of the best closers in the game and Armando Benitez is a GREAT regular season closer, as long as he’s not facing the Braves in late September with the division on the line.
Senators (terry144230983492?)
C- Einar Diaz- Rangers (.206-2-16)
1B- Fred McGriff- Dodgers (.273-30-103)
2B- Jerry Hairston Jr. – Orioles (.268-5-32, 21 SB)
3B- David Bell- Phillies (.261-20-73)
SS- Tony Womack- Diamondbacks (.271-5-57, 29 SB)
OF- Juan Encarnacion- Marlins (.262-8-34)
OF- Mark Kotsay- Padres (.292-17-61)
OF- Roger Cedeno- Mets (.260-7-41, 25 SB)
Util- Richie Sexson- Brewers (.279-29-102)
Bench- Kevin Millar- Red Sox (.306-16-57)
Bench- Eric Karros- Cubs (.271-13-73)
SP- Pedro Martinez- Red Sox (20-4)
SP- Mark Prior- Cubs (6-6)
SP- Kerry Wood- Cubs (12-11)
SP- Tony Armas Jr.- Expos (
SP- Odalis Perez- Dodgers (15-10)
RP- Matt Anderson- Tigers (2-1)
RP- Ugueth Urbina- Rangers (1-6, 40 saves)
CL- John Smoltz- Braves (3-2, 55 saves)
Bench- Trevor Hoffman- Padres (2-5, 38 saves) INJ
Bench- Lance Carter- Devil Rays (2-0, 2 saves)
Infield: C-
A decent infield, but nothing special about it. Below average. No top player at any one position. Diaz should have a better year this year as it would be tough for him not to, but Hairston, McGriff, and Womack are all question marks. David Bell should have a solid year for Philidelphia.
OF- D
You need a better outfield than this if you have the infield that this team has. Encarnacion, Kotsay, and Cedeno just do not compare to other teams in this league. They are all solid players, but as a third or maybe a second outfielder, not a first, second, and third. This team needs an offensive superstar.
SP- B+/A-
This is the toughest grade I’ve had to give. Pedro and Kerry Wood, the two aces, are both large injury risks. Mark Prior is, while said to be great, still unproven. If everyone stays healthy and has good years for them, this is one of the strongest staffs in the league. If not, the Senators could be heading for disaster this season
RP- A+
Smoltz and Ugi should both get 40 saves. Once Hoffman comes back, he will add in more as he should go back to his normal self after returning from his surgery. One of the top bullpens in the league, they should rack up a bunch of points for the Senators.
JUNIORS BASHERS: (Bozidar)
C- Benito Santiago- Giants (.278-16-74)
1B- David Ortiz- Red Sox (.272-20-75)
2B- Bret Boone- Mariners
3B- Corey Koskie- Twins (.267-15-69)
SS- Rey Ordonez- Devil Rays (.254-1-42)
OF- Carlos Beltran- Royals (.273-29-105, 35 SBs)
OF- Shawn Green- Dodgers (.285-42-114)
OF- Gary Sheffield- Braves (.307-25-84)
Util- Edgar Martinez- Mariners (.277-15-59)
Bench- Luis Rivas- Twins (.256-4-35)
Bench- Tino Martinez- Cardinals (.262-21-75)
SP- Derek Lowe- Red Sox (21-8)
SP- Tim Wakefield- Red Sox (11-5)
SP- Ramon Ortiz- Angels (15-9)
SP- Woody Williams- Cardinals (9-4)
SP- Casey Fossum- Red Sox (5-4)
RP- Sterling Hitchcock- Yankees (1-2)
CL- Jason Isringhausen- Cardinals (3-2, 32 saves)
Bench- Joe Mays- Twins (4-8)
Bench- Joe Kennedy- Devil Rays (8-11)
Infield: C+
This segment of the team is definitely the “Juniors” half of the name “Junior’s Bashers”. Bret Boone and Benito Santiago are good and solid respectively, and Koskie and Ortiz should have ok years, but Rey Ordonez? On the Bashers?
Outfield: A
And this would be the Bashers half. Three of the top outfielders in baseball man the Basher’s outfield and it should be one of the best if not the best outfield in the entire league.
SP: B-
The Basher’s pitching is solid all around, but they’re missing the 1-2 punch that many other teams have. Lowe is the 1, perhaps, but he could have just had a fluke year last year. There is no clear 2. Hopefully the Basher’s staff will crash and burn this year, because most of them are Red Sox. :)
RP- F
The only legitimate RP that the Bashers have is Jason Isringhausen and he is injured. Sterling Hitchcock is the second man in this pen and there isn’t even a third man yet. The Bashers need to pick up another RP to fill out their roster. At this rate, they will start the season with only Sterling Hitchcock accumulating stats. More on the RP situation for the Bashers when they sign a free agent to fill that spot.
Italian Ice (joltinjo)
C- Damian Miller- Cubs (.249-11-42)
1B- Jim Thome- Phillies (.304-52-118)
2B- Michael Young- Rangers (.262-9-62)
3B- Phil Nevin- Padres (OUT FOR SEASON)
SS- Derek Jeter- Yankees (.297-18-75, 32 SB)
OF- Mike Cameron- Mariners (.239-25-80, 31 SB)
OF- Steve Finley- Diamondbacks (.287-25-89, 16 SB)
OF- Juan Pierre- Marlins (.287-1-35, 47 SB)
Util- Jeff Bagwell- Astros (.291-31-98)
Bench- Travis Lee- Devil Rays (.265-13-70)
Bench- Shane Spencer- Indians (.247-6-34) (94 GAMES)
SP- John Burkett- Red Sox (13-8)
SP- Omar Daal- Orioles (11-9)
SP- Steve Trachsel- Mets (11-11)
SP- Elmer Dessens- Diamondbacks (7-8)
SP- Miguel Batista- Diamondbacks (8-9)
RP- Octavio Dotel- Astros (6-4, 6 saves)
RP- Jose Jimenez- Rockies (2-10, 41 saves)
RP- Robb Nen- Giants (6-2, 43 saves)
Bench- Andy Ashby- Dodgers (9-13)
Bench- Antonio Osuna- Yankees (8-2, 11 saves)
Infield: C+
Damian Miller is not a very good offensive catcher. Michael Young is not a solid player but not great by any means. Phil Nevin is the teams 3B, and he will most likely not play a game this year. Jim Thome and Derek Jeter are some of the best at their respective positions which makes the IF solid, but they need a 3B. Look for Jeff Bagwell to possibly be dealt before the season to acquire a solid player at this position.
Outfield: B
Mike Cameron is a very good player who should go 25-30 again this year. Steve Finley is getting up there in age but I believe that he has at least another good year in him. Juan Pierre is, quite simply, going to have an abysmal year outside of Colorado. He hit .247 on the road last year and I expect a batting average around that this year. He will, however, get his steals.
SP: D+
The staff has some decent pitchers on the staff but no clear ace, or no clear #2 for that matter. A bunch of decent #3 and #4 starters just won’t be enough to win in this league.
RP- A-
Robb Nen, who’s name is mysteriously spelt with two “b”s, should be ready for the start of the season. He should get off to a slow start but eventually get back to form. Jose Jimenez, the Rockies closer, is one of the most durable in the game. He pitched in 74 games last year, which is both good and bad. It is good because it means more innings, games, saves, and Ks. It is bad because it means more losses. (10 last year) Octavio Dotel is definately one of the best and probably the best middle reliever in the game.
NEWBURGH NAUGHTIES (Yankchic22)
C- Ramon Hernandez- Athletics (.233-7-42)
1B- Erubiel Durazo- Athletics (.261-16-48) 76 games
2B- Mark Grudzielanek- Cubs (.271-9-50)
3B- Robin Ventura- Yankees (.247-27-93)
SS- Miguel Tejada- Athletics (.308-34-131)
OF- Raul Mondesi- Yankees (.232-26-88, 15 SB)
OF- Trot Nixon- Red Sox (.256-24-65)
OF- Tim Salmon- Angels (.286-22-88)
Util- Carlos Lee- White Sox (.264-26-80)
Bench- Mark Ellis- Athletics (.272-6-35)
Bench- Mark McLemore- Mariners (.270-7-41, 18 SB)
SP- Roger Clemens- Yankees (13-6)
SP- Al Leiter- Mets (13-13)
SP- Andy Pettitte- Yankees (13-5)
SP- Ted Lilly- Athletics (5-7)
SP- Jimmy Haynes- Reds (15-10)
RP- Steve Karsay- Yankees (6-4, 12 saves)
RP- Mike Remlinger- Cubs (7-3)
RP- Esteban Yan- Texas (5-8, 19 saves)
Bench- Ismael Valdes- Rangers (8-12)
Bench- Frank Castillo- Red Sox (6-15)
Infield: C-
Tejada, the AL MVP last year automatically makes sure that this part of Newburgh’s team is not a bust. However, the rest of the infield is a very large drop-off. Ventura could have a good year, but it is more likely that he will repeat last season with slightly less power. I expect big things out of Erubiel Durazo, but you never know wit young players like him. Ramon Hernandez and Mark Grudzielanek are mediocre at best.
Outfield: D+
Mondesi, while I expect a huge improvement, is still an unknown. Salmon’s stats have dropped in recent years and he might be entering the twilight of his career at 35 years of age. Trot Nixon is extremely overrated in this humble reporter’s opinion.
SP- B-
This pitching staff is extremely interesting for a number of reasons. First, they don’t have that one lights out, superstar starter, like a Schilling or Johnson or Pedro or even a Wade Miller. Clemens, Leiter, Pettitte, and Haynes are all very solid pitchers who could have great years. Ted Lilly is still an unknown. The staff has potential and is definitely the strong point of the team.
RP- C
Karsay, Yan, and Remlinger will have plenty of holds this year, which helps in this league. However, the total lack of saves except for perhaps a few spot saves in emergency situations really hurts the Naughties in this area.
OVERVIEW: There is really no way, in my view, that the Michigan Wolverines don’t run away with this division and repeat their Division Title. They clearly have the best team and unless injuries take their toll, they could be on their way to a much higher level than the division; League Champions. With the #18 pick in the draft, GM Coney36 has made great trades, getting the best of every deal that she has made and making her team much better than when it started. The Wolverines are obviously the class of the division and should win easily.