Post by Rockies GM (Alex) on Mar 13, 2012 17:20:42 GMT -5
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AL East:
1.
Baltimore Orioles - Mike NatelliThe Orioles made enough moves in the off-season to vault them to the top of the division. The team is strong everywhere except for a suspect bullpen. A playoff run is expected.
2.
New York Yankees - Robert HullThe Yankees had a relatively quiet off-season. The team did make a move to acquire top closer Chris Perez and should be solid. The offensive firepower will make them contenders for the division.
3.
Boston Red Sox - Jason LeonardThe Red Sox had an extremely passive off-season do to lax ownership. A new GM may pull a few strings before the start of the season, however, the rotation's lack of depth won't get them past the first round in the post-season.
4.
Tampa Bay Rays - Jake MonsethThe team had a quiet off-season as expected with a lot of young talent. It could have been special in 2012, but the Rays moved Longo which left a big whole in their offense. The rotation should be ridiculous, but you can't get far in the post-season without at least one slugger.
5.
Toronto Blue Jays - Sam BornsteinThe Blue Jays had a above-par off-season bringing in Jonny Venters and signing international free agent Norichika Aoki. The team has a solid offense, but the post-season appearance in this division with zero pitching is to much to ask.
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AL Central:
1.
Detroit Tigers - Jacob StalsbergThe Tigers had a low key off-season, but there wasn't really a need for a shake up after a disappointing upset finish last year. The team still has a great offense, top notch pitching (with Verlander and Halladay), and a strong bullpen. The team should be contenders for the ALCS.
2.
Kansas City Royals - Bill WarnkeThe Royals didn't do much this off-season in addressing their big need at SP. Nevertheless, they could have a shot at getting one of the three wild card spots in the AL. Joey Votto and Jose Reyes will make sure of it.
3.
Minnesota Twins - Kyle LockerProbably one of the closer races in all the league will be that of the Royals and Twins for second in the Central. The Twins had a productive off-season and a good balance of pitching and hitting will keep things interesting. A Joe Mauer resurgence could spell w-i-l-d-c-a-r-d for Minnesota.
4.
Chicago White Sox - Steve OraveczThe White Sox didn't do anything to boost their chances this off-season. However, they have perhaps the best farm in the league and could be major contenders in a year or so. You never know, if some of the young guns reach the majors, they could sneak up on KC and MIN.
5.
Cleveland Indians - Michael TerilliThe Indians are set for the long run if they continue the smart drafting. The team has a great farm, but shouldn't be contending for a couple of years. For now, the cellar is the gloomy home for the tribe.
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AL West:
1.
Los Angeles Angels - Derrick LesterIt's scary to think this team could have improved, but they did. Big off-season acquisition Justin Upton boosts the team above the rest in the AL. An ALCS repeat may be coming to LA. Watch out for the "Beat LA" signs.
2.
Texas Rangers - George EdelmanThe Rangers shook some things up on the roster, but the teams looks virtually the same as last season. They can compete for a wild card, but the division title is just out of reach. A last month move to bring in an arm could secure a wild card.
3.
Seattle Mariners - Nate MonsethThe Mariners got busy this off-season signing 4 new starters that included Heath Bell and David Ortiz. Although the team has improved, they still don't have the talent compete with the rest of the division, or the AL for that matter. An already strong rotation could be incredible with a Gerrit Cole sighting.
4.
Oakland Athletics - Noah EliThe Athletics are obviously in rebuild mode. The team has moved their proven starters to boost a strong farm system. Last place is the apparent destination for the A's, but the future looks great for Oakland.
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NL East:
1.
Philadelphia Phillies - Jon GaskinsThe Phillies look set to be front runners for a title for at least the next two to three seasons. The team addressed its greatest need by acquiring top pitchers Gio Gonzalez and Yovani Gallardo and closer Jason Motte. With no holes in the lineup a repeat could be inevitable.
2.
Washington Nationals - Peter CiminiThe Nationals had probably the most productive off-season of any team. The team made moves to acquire top 10 outfielders Josh Hamilton and Mike Stanton and will get Buster Posey back from injury. The rotation is a question mark outside of Lincecum, but the team should easily win a wild card with a great lineup.
3.
Miami Marlins - Oren JungreisThe Miami Marlins should be looking forward to a productive first year in a new city. The team boasts a talented rotation with Dan Haren at the helm and made a move to acquire slugger Carlos Quentin in the off-season. With a many teams going for the 2nd and third wild card spots, this will be a race to the end for the post-season.
4.
New York Mets - Mike BergerThe Mets should have no problem out-pitching most teams this season. The team has incredible depth along with a couple of top guns in Beckett and possibly Johan Santana who is coming off an injury. The team will need to make a move to improve its offense if it wants to challenge for a wild card.
5.
Atlanta Braves - Jared ThatcherThe Atlanta Braves are slowly, but surely improving their squad. The GM has gotten good value for his veterans and have a few players that should be stars in the future in the farm system. For now, the Braves should be at the bottom of the NL East, but with high drafting position, improvement will continue.
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NL Central:
1.
St. Louis Cardinals - Austin OvermannIn an extremely tight race, I believe the Cardinals come out on top in the NL Central. The team has an unbelievable rotation headlined by young ace Clayton Kershaw and Adam Wainwright. The offense is solid, but an upgrade could make a clear gap between the Cards and Reds who are right behind.
2.
Cincinnati Reds - Slava PashchenkoThe Reds are in the midst of one of the tightest race for a division title in the league. The team boasts an above average rotation, bullpen, and lineup. Led by up and coming hitters Alex Gordan and Eric Hosmer, a rebound season for Shin-Soo Choo and a repeat performance for Johnny Cueto could push the Reds past the Cards for the top of the division.
3.
Milwaukee Brewers - MitchThe Brewers have one of the more talented lineups in the league with Fielder and Braun back and a solid pitching rotation. The team has young top draft picks Matt Barnes and Trevor Bauer in the minor leagues, however, if they want to be a legitimate division contender, they will need to part with some of their prospects for an ace which the team lacks. Even without a top pitcher, they are still in the hunt for a wild card.
4.
Houston Astros - Gregg WillisThe GM for Houston has taken a lowly franchise to the brink of the post-season. The Astros just aren't quite there yet. The team has probably the best farm system in the league with players like Christian Yelich, Trevor May, and James Tailion. With ace Steven Strasburg already on the mound, the team will likely continue to build around him to head to the post-season by 2013. A wild card may be a stretch for 2012.
5.
Chicago Cubs - Michael HigginsHere's another example of a fantastic job done by a new GM. The Cubs made moves to acquire up and coming players like Mike Moustakas, Dayan Viciedo, and Zach Britton. The team likely won't be in the post-season for a year or two, but the foundation is there parring busts of high end potential. The team should continue to stock up on young talent until the time is right for a playoff run.
6.
Pittsburgh Pirates - Reynaldo AlmanzaThe team that has long been consider the joke of baseball will have to lay in wait for a while longer to remove the title. The lineup and rotation for the Pirates has some bright spots (Neil Walker and Joel Hanrahan), but it isn't nearly enough to go for the playoffs. The new GM has brought some life into the organization quickly by bringing in prospects Oscar Taveras and Shelby Miller. Together with Anthony Rendon the team can look to the future with its youth.
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NL West:
1.
Colorado Rockies - Alex MonsethThe Rockies appear set for a deep playoff run. The team has a top rotation led by David Price and Ubaldo Jimenez and a solid lineup with two premier third basemen in David Wright and Evan Longoria. A couple of holes here and there (especially the outfield), but the team should finish just ahead of the Giants based on the rotation. A Harper appearance could greatly boost the outfield.
2.
San Francisco Giants - Alex HorowitzThe Giants, by far, had the most productive off-season bringing in two superstars in King Albert Pujols and Carlos Gonzalez. The team has a solid lineup and bullpen, but a shaky rotation with Mark Buerhle holding it afloat. The Giants are an ace away from possibly taking over the division. If a move isn't made by the end of the off-season, a move before the deadline could be expected. Nevertheless, a wild card spot should be secured.
3.
Arizona Diamondbacks - Justin FlanaganIt's literally extremely close between the Padres and Dbacks for third place. I decided to go with the Dbacks. The rotation is there with three young top pitchers in Ian Kennedy, Ricky Romero, and Jair Jurrjens. Ricky Weeks and Jay Bruce lead a talented lineup. The team lacks starters and some positions and doesn't have the depth needed to get past San Fran. A couple trades could fix the problem. The Dbacks will be in the mix for a wild card.
4.
San Diego Padres - CharlieThe team had a pretty quiet off-season after being very active in their first year. After an extremely close finish for the wild card last year (that ended in a losing effort), the team should be once again in the hunt with more of the same. The rotation is led by Mat Latos and a talented outfield of Peter Bourjos, Jayson Werth, and Cameron Maybin lead the charge on offense. This squad will be in the mix for a wild card.
5.
Los Angeles Dodgers - Ryan KimFor being ranked last in the division, there sure is a lot of talent on this team. The team has a decent rotation with Justin Masterson and Hiroki Kuroda and the lineup has solid bats like Nick Markakis and up-and-coming speedster Dexter Fowler. If the GM decides to push for a wild card, they will need a few upgrade in the offense and the rotation. Another option would be rebuilding. Masterson and Markakis could fetch a high price in young talent.
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Post-Season:
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Division Winners: Los Angeles Angels, Baltimore Orioles, and Detroit Tigers
Byes: Los Angeles Angels and Baltimore Orioles
Wild Cards: New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and Boston Red Sox
Seeding:
1. Angels
2. Orioles
3. Tigers
4. Yankees
5. Rays
6. Red Sox
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Division Winners: Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, and Colorado Rockies
Byes: Philadelphia Phillies and Colorado Rockies
Wild Cards: Washington Nationals, Cincinnati Reds, and San Francisco Giants
Seeding:
1. Phillies
2. Rockies
3. Cardinals
4. Nationals
5. Reds
6. Giants
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Round 1:
[glow=red,2,300]3. Tigers vs. 6. Red Sox[/glow]
In a the game, the two squads in the American League square off in a first round matchup. The Tigers will go in favored, but it wouldn't be much of a surprise if the Red Sox offense got hot enough to overtake them. This will probably be a close one coming down to the final day.
Keys to the game:
Tigers - Will the aces produce? With the back-end of the rotation sketchy, Verlander and Halladay will both need to be there usual selves to avoid any major disappointment in Detroit.
Red Sox - Can the pitching keep up with the offense? The team lacks depth at starting pitcher, although the Phillies proved last year that you don't need great pitching to win it, no one but the Phillies has an offense of that magnitude.
Outcome:
The Tigers take this one. The Red Sox have the slightest edge on offense, but the bullpen and rotation for Detroit is far superior and should lead them past the first round. Tigers
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[glow=red,2,300]4. Yankees vs. 5. Rays[/glow]
Another one here that should be close. The Rays have a great pitching core; the Yanks are loaded on offense. Which side will prevail?
Keys to the game:
Yankees - Outside of CC Sabathia, who will put up the pitching numbers in the Bronx. The team has a strong bullpen, but someone outside of the ace must contribute.
Rays - Opposite of the Yankees, the Rays will need help on the offense side of things. Freeman should get his RBI's and the occasional HR, but can Asdrubal Cabrera stay consistent for an entire season this time?
Outcome:
The weakness in the Yanks pitching is less of a problem then the lack of ability for the Rays to score runs. The Yankees blast their way into the second round of September. Yankees
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[glow=red,2,300]3. Cardinals vs. 6. Giants[/glow]
The Cardinals come in with a terrific rotation and the Giants come in with a potent offense... sound familiar? The winner of this one is lucky enough to escape the Phillies in Round 2... at least for the time being.
Keys to the game:
Cardinals - The rotation should be solid as predicted and offense has a couple of bats to compete with. With the Giants offense, can they really put up the stellar numbers to match a Pujols+Cargo explosion?
Giants - It's pretty simple here. Pujols and Gonzalez have monster games, the Giants are headed to Colorado. The offense sputters, and it will be back to the drawing board for next season.
Outcome:
The stars produce as the Giants pull away with their big two on offense. The Cards can't match up with the ridiculous stats. They'll get the Rockies in Round 2 for a division rival matchup. Giants
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[glow=red,2,300]4. Nationals vs. 5. Reds[/glow]
The Reds simply got unlucky with this one. Only because of you-know-who atop the NL East puts the Nationals into a wild card situation. They have the talent to win any other division in the league. The Reds are a good team, but the Nationals are better. Winner gets Philly...
Keys to the game:
Nationals - If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The Nats engine should be humming along this season with a great rotation and fantastic lineup. More of the same should put them on top.
Reds - The team will need big games from the likes of Alex Gordan and Jonny Cueto. It's a tough year, if the Reds get the 6th seed I think they take it to St. Louis.
Outcome:
The Nationals win against Cincy. The team has to much firepower. The Reds should continue to be in contention with a strong young core that they can keep adding onto. The unstoppable force meets the immovable object in Philadelphia. Nats vs. Phils. Get Ready. Nationals
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Round 2:
1. Angels vs. 4. Yankees
The Los Angeles Angels are set to try and defend their American League title. Both teams have potent offenses, but the Angels have the definite advantage in pitching. This one could go either way.
Keys to the game:
Angels - The Angels should have the advantage over the Yankees of New York. The team can match up with the Yankees offense, so it's really the pitching just doing its job to keep the Angels in the running for another ALCS victory.
Yankees - The Yankees will need production from the rotation to stay with LA. Jacob Turner, the teams top prospect, could make a big impact in a playoff series like this one if he is called to the big stage.
Outcome:
The Angels look as strong as ever. The team has a better rotation and bullpen and should take down New York. They will move to their second ALCS in a row in hopes of getting to the World Series. Angels
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2. Orioles vs. 3. Tigers
These teams just completed a blockbuster move that brings depth in talent to the Tigers while shipping baseball's best pitcher, Justin Verlander, to the Orioles. The move helps both teams in their weaknesses. This should be a great matchup and both teams have a shot at beating LA.
Keys to the game:
Orioles - The team is now without Andrew McCutchen after the recent deal. Although they won't struggle to score runs against most teams, the Tigers really bolstered their offense by adding the Pirates young star. The Orioles will need to match the now Verlanderless Tigers on the offense side of things.
Tigers - The Tigers made a huge move and acquired many young, talented players by dealing Verlander. However great this offense may now be, the move does leave the back-end of the rotation weakened. If Jaime Garcia will produce, the GM should look back on the Verlander deal with a smile and a win in his pocket.
Outcome:
The Tigers have too strong of an offense now for the Orioles for them to beat Detroit. With Adrian Beltre, Dustin Pedroia, Andrew McCutchen, and Hunter Pence, the team has the luxury of relying on Ryan Howard for its fifth best offensive production... scary thought. Detroit moves on to face LA in a shot for the title. Tigers
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Round 2:
1. Phillies vs. Nationals
It's David verses Goliath... or is it? The Nationals are fresh off of a playoff victory and now face the toughest game of the season. The Phils have been waiting since taking last years title for this moment. The spotlight is on, upset or repeat?
Keys to the game:
Phillies - The Phillies simply have to be the Phillies. They have the best offense by far in the league and pitching isn't far behind. The incredible bats of Tulo, Ellsbury, Miggy, and Kemp should put up major numbers. The only weakness here is lack of depth so injuries could pose a problem.
Nationals - While the matchup on paper doesn't look great, the Nationals match up well with Philly. The offense with Zimmerman, Hamilton, Stanton, and Posey could bring enough points to go with Lincecum and Johnson in the rotation. With just the right games for the Nationals and some slips for Philly we could have an upset.
Outcome:
Why?! I say why not! Nationals make the leagues biggest upset and advance to the NLCS. Lincecum and Johnson dominate. Both aces overpower the Philly rotation, that doesn't have a clear number 1. The Nationals offense does enough. Thankfully for Philly, they have years ahead of them with their young superstars. Who will square off verses Washington? Nationals
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Rockies vs. Giants
The Rockies come in as the second seed to take on the Giants who cruised after a big off-season. This division battle will decide to faces Washington. Here's the last game before we see the Championship series.
Keys to the game:
Rockies - The Rockies have a solid rotation, above average offense, and great bullpen. They shouldn't dominate any catagory, but put up a solid number of points to combat the one-two punch of the Giants. Ubaldo Jimenez must emerge during the season, and the aging outfielders Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Lee need to contribute.
Giants - The Giants took a blow when big run producer Victor Martinez went down for the year. However, they still have powerhouse names in Carlos Gonzalez and Albert Pujols. With the potential from those two, they might overcome the weakness in the rotation.
Outcome:
Although I hate picking myself, the Rockies are going to the NLCS! The rotation was too much for San Fran and the final four is set. The Giants will continue to improve over the years, but the Rockies time is now with high salary players on the downward on offense. Rockies
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Round 3:
Alright, so I was hoping that I'd have to time to make the whole thing elaborate. But here's my final picks with a shorter comment.
AL:
Tigers vs. Angels
Outcome:
The Tigers, with the offense powering them through, win the ALCS and move on the World Series. The Angels suffer another tough defeat when they were so close. Detroit will face...?
NL:
Rockies vs. Nationals
Outcome:
The Nationals, upset #2 Colorado. The rotation is superb in the capital and so is the offense. Colorado will have to wait for the coming of phenom Bryce Harper for the next season. Detroit/Washington.
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World Series:
Nationals vs. Tigers
Outcome:
....... The Tigers of Detroit are champions of Base Knock Dynasty Baseball! Let's see how the season plays out, hope I'm right!
