Post by Rockies GM (Alex) on Mar 5, 2013 16:29:07 GMT -5
2013 National League Central Division Preview
1. Cincinnati Reds
2012 Record: 15-4
So close, but so far is the only phrase that sums up the Reds 2012 season. You can say anything you want about the greatness of the team throughout the year, but it doesn't have the same effect when you walk off the field on the last game of the year without a trophy. Regardless of last year's final outcome, everyone knows that the Reds are still the National League Champs, and they're still pretty darn good. In an early off-season move, the Reds shipped out some players in order to acquire the number one overall pick in the 2013 amateur draft. This will be a big boost to the farm. To improve their team for this season, the Reds also dipped into their pockets and signed slugger Alex Rodriguez (401 points) to a two year deal. This was fortunate because A-rod will be out for at least half of the 2013 season. Along with A-rod, the Reds boast two talented young first basemen in Eric Hosmer (415 points) and new-comer Anthony Rizzo, who, if not to make an impact for the team, will be a valuable trading chip. In the outfield, the team relies heavily on stud hitters Angel Pagan (553 points), Alex Gordan (550 points), Shin-Soo Choo (533 points), and Melky Cabrera (464 points). The team also hopes it can get another great season out of infielder Marco Scutaro (485 points). On the hill, Cincy has Johnny Cueto (564 points) as the team ace, and he sure is a good one. Homer Bailey (475 points) was also a nice surprise in his number 2 role. Aroldis Chapman (443 points) dominated in the bullpen last year and will move to the rotation this season. It will be exciting to watch if he can continue his success over longer stretches of time in games. Hisashi Iwakuma (319 points), last year's international signee, was also effective in his role as the number 3 starter. In the bullpen, the Reds hope that Jonathan Broxton (311 points) can fill Chapman's shoes. Not much is different for the Reds this season, they'll look to defend their National League title and take it a step further.
Grade: A
2. St. Louis Cardinals
2012 Record: 14-5
It doesn't get much better than playing your division in the first round of the post-season when you tied for second in your division. Unfortunately for St. Louis, Houston got the better of them and won in a close series. The team is still a front-runner for the National League with an outstanding 14-5 record, and they have improved even more this off-season. Leading the way in the lineup, Yadier Molina (504 points) had a career year at the catcher position and is locked up long term for this team. At second, Jose Altuve (471 points) is one of the best at stealing bases in the league. Starling Marte and Jon Jay are also contributors in the outfield, but it is apparent that the offense is weak on a team that is considered so strong. To make matters worse, Aaron Hill (624 points) was dealt leaving another hole in the lineup. So how did an offense like that get a team to 14-5? Well, they didn't. The pitching did. Clayton Kershaw (577 points) was the runner up for Cy Young last season after another incredible year. Tim Hudson (433 points), while old, is still productive on the mound. Kris Medlen (415 points) and Tommy Hanson (403 points) round out the returning starters for this season. While that's good, there's more. The team dealt for ace Zack Greinke (538 points) in a late off-season move. Also, they dug into there pockets to sign Hyu-Jin Ryu, an international free agent starter. His potential emergence as a star could further solidify that fact that this could be the best rotation in the league. In the bullpen, the team signed Santiago Casilla to lead the way, but everything's up for grabs with no definite star. The Cardinals have better pitching than anyone, but it comes at the cost of offensive production. Will there be enough punch outs to cover up for the lack of hitting?
Grade: A-
3. Houston Astros
2012 Record: 14-5
Of the top five teams in the power rankings last season, only one did not win their own division. That team was the Houston Astros, who, in their defense, had the best in the National League ahead of them. The Astros played well during the 2013 season and appeared poised to have a shot at the World Series, but fell short in the second round to the Rockies of Colorado in a tightly contested matchup. This season, the Astros are under new management and will look to improve in any way they can to get further in the post-season. Leading the offense for the Astros, Albert Pujols (630 points) is possibly the best first baseman in baseball. His acquisition should give the 'stros a huge lift on the offensive end. At second, Dan Uggla (440 points) is still producing the power in the middle of the lineup that Houston needs. Alex Rios (610 points) was a huge surprise last season and will probably continue his stardom in the outfield. Speaking of outfielders, Yoenis Cespedes (497 points), the Astros international signee last season, came up big in his first major league season. The real star of the team is nearly undoubtably Stephen Strasburg (454 points). He took a seat towards the end of the regular season as a precautionary exercise because of his elbow, and it is probably what cost the Astros further advancement in the playoffs. However, he'll be back for a full year in 2013, and his dominance has him up there with the best in baseball. Although it is a drop off talent-wise, Lucas Harrell was shockingly productive in the rotation last season and will provide Houston with an excellent two starter. The bullpen needs a leader, so the Astros may try and trade some of their great prospects for some help in that aspect of the team. The Astros are really good, but will they be able to prevail over the Reds?
Grade: A-
4. Milwaukee Brewers
2012 Record: 11-8
The Brewers are a great example of a team in transition. Nice farm, pretty good majors, and although the team finished 11-8 in 2012, it has been apparent in the league's existence that a record like that won't get you into the post-season. Waiting it out and building slowly over the years is definitely a way of doing things, but most GM's don't have the patience to be stuck in the middle. Getting to the current make-up of the Brewers, Milwaukee boasts two superstars on the offensive end. Outfielder Ryan Braun (760 points), the N.L. MVP last season, and first baseman Prince Fielder (619 points). These two studs will be relied on to put up huge point totals if they are to win some ball games this season. Along with Braun and Fielder, Shane Victorino (526 points) is another great hitter. At second, Ricky Weeks (481 points) is another valuable asset to this team in the batters box. On the mound, Yu Darvish (498 points) is going to be counted on to be the ace of this team in only his second year in the States. His success could direct the achievements for the Brewers this season. Behind the young Darvish, veteran Joe Saunders (343 points) needs to step up his game to be the number 2 guy Milwaukee needs, and converted reliever Mike Fiers (299 points) showed promise in his starting role towards the end of last season. A strong point for the team is the bullpen. John Axford (382 points), Health Bell, and Frank Francisco all are proven relievers. All in all, the Brewers could definitely use one more top of the line starter to get that one last boost over to the playoff spectrum, but Milwaukee could be a dark horse with the offensive talent this season... maybe a Cardinals/Brewers trade? We'll see.
Grade: B
5. Pittsburgh Pirates
2012 Record: 4-15
When it comes to the Pirates in the MLB, they have become a sort of annual rebuilding team. And here, it has been no different for the first two seasons of Base Knock Dynasty League. However, there are still some bright spots at the top of this organization, and a fantastic minor league farm system to go with it. In the batter's box, Adam Dunn (526 points) was a monster in the middle of the lineup while playing first. Behind home plate, Carlos Ruiz (399 points) proved to be one of the most productive catchers in hitting the ball last season. Finally, in the outfield, Delmon Young (368 points) underachieved a bit last season and has been capable of being a much more productive bat. The key player this year will be young third baseman Manny Machado (150 points). HIs success could be the key to the future of this Pittsburgh lineup. On the hill, Charlie Morton is recovering from Tommy John surgery, and it's questionable how effective he will be. Former closer Neftali Feliz is also recovering from his own Tommy John surgery, but he won't be back until mid-June. That leaves Dallas Braden, Kyle Davies, and Kevin Hart... scary. Thankfully, Pittsburgh has a solid closer in Carlos Marmol. The real bright spot on this team is the farm system. The Pirates boast many great prospects. Not only on the offensive end with Swanner, Olt, Villanueva, Taveras, Buxton, and Almora, but also in pitching with Miller, Jenkins, Gausman, Zimmer, and Montgomery. The Pirates are doing what rebuilding teams do, collect great prospects and hope they turn out for the best. We could get a glimpse this season of how good the young guns will be.
Grade: D+
6. Chicago Cubs
2012 Record: 2-17
It's rather unusual to find two teams in the same division in complete rebuilding mode, but that's exactly what we find in the 6-team NL Central. The Chicago Cubs, like the Pirates, are also in no contention for a playoff spot and continue to stock young talent in the farm system. The Cubs also will have the 3rd overall pick in the Amateur draft to even further boost their supply of young talent. Meanwhile, in the team's current state, a clear lack of talent is showcased on the offense. Lonnie Chisenhall (106.5 points), the third baseman for the future, struggled in his brief stint in the majors last year. Dayan Viciedo (381 points) was the lone bright spot in the lineup providing the team with a shot of power. In the rotation, thing get better. The young Chris Sale (511 points) was the ace for the team last season, and finished as a top 20 pitcher in the league. He should be someone the Cubs can build around for years to come. Behind Sale, A.J. Griffin (219 points) was incredible once called up to the majors at the end of the year and should be another nice centerpiece for the Cubbies. Finally, Zach Britton (140 points) is another youthful player looking to make his mark on the rotation this season. In the bullpen, the team will look to veteran Joe Nathan (360 points), Andrew Cashner, and Aaron Crow. In the farm, prospects Martinez, Nicolino, and Syndergaard await to join the rotation, and Russell, Boegarts, and Starling could reach the majors soon. Like Pittsburgh, Chicago is still a few years away, but you can see a backbone starting to form in the rotation.
Grade; D+
Final 2013 NL Central Division Predictions:
1. Reds
2. Cardinals
3. Astros
4. Brewers
5. PIrates
6. Cubs
1. Cincinnati Reds
2012 Record: 15-4
So close, but so far is the only phrase that sums up the Reds 2012 season. You can say anything you want about the greatness of the team throughout the year, but it doesn't have the same effect when you walk off the field on the last game of the year without a trophy. Regardless of last year's final outcome, everyone knows that the Reds are still the National League Champs, and they're still pretty darn good. In an early off-season move, the Reds shipped out some players in order to acquire the number one overall pick in the 2013 amateur draft. This will be a big boost to the farm. To improve their team for this season, the Reds also dipped into their pockets and signed slugger Alex Rodriguez (401 points) to a two year deal. This was fortunate because A-rod will be out for at least half of the 2013 season. Along with A-rod, the Reds boast two talented young first basemen in Eric Hosmer (415 points) and new-comer Anthony Rizzo, who, if not to make an impact for the team, will be a valuable trading chip. In the outfield, the team relies heavily on stud hitters Angel Pagan (553 points), Alex Gordan (550 points), Shin-Soo Choo (533 points), and Melky Cabrera (464 points). The team also hopes it can get another great season out of infielder Marco Scutaro (485 points). On the hill, Cincy has Johnny Cueto (564 points) as the team ace, and he sure is a good one. Homer Bailey (475 points) was also a nice surprise in his number 2 role. Aroldis Chapman (443 points) dominated in the bullpen last year and will move to the rotation this season. It will be exciting to watch if he can continue his success over longer stretches of time in games. Hisashi Iwakuma (319 points), last year's international signee, was also effective in his role as the number 3 starter. In the bullpen, the Reds hope that Jonathan Broxton (311 points) can fill Chapman's shoes. Not much is different for the Reds this season, they'll look to defend their National League title and take it a step further.
Grade: A
2. St. Louis Cardinals
2012 Record: 14-5
It doesn't get much better than playing your division in the first round of the post-season when you tied for second in your division. Unfortunately for St. Louis, Houston got the better of them and won in a close series. The team is still a front-runner for the National League with an outstanding 14-5 record, and they have improved even more this off-season. Leading the way in the lineup, Yadier Molina (504 points) had a career year at the catcher position and is locked up long term for this team. At second, Jose Altuve (471 points) is one of the best at stealing bases in the league. Starling Marte and Jon Jay are also contributors in the outfield, but it is apparent that the offense is weak on a team that is considered so strong. To make matters worse, Aaron Hill (624 points) was dealt leaving another hole in the lineup. So how did an offense like that get a team to 14-5? Well, they didn't. The pitching did. Clayton Kershaw (577 points) was the runner up for Cy Young last season after another incredible year. Tim Hudson (433 points), while old, is still productive on the mound. Kris Medlen (415 points) and Tommy Hanson (403 points) round out the returning starters for this season. While that's good, there's more. The team dealt for ace Zack Greinke (538 points) in a late off-season move. Also, they dug into there pockets to sign Hyu-Jin Ryu, an international free agent starter. His potential emergence as a star could further solidify that fact that this could be the best rotation in the league. In the bullpen, the team signed Santiago Casilla to lead the way, but everything's up for grabs with no definite star. The Cardinals have better pitching than anyone, but it comes at the cost of offensive production. Will there be enough punch outs to cover up for the lack of hitting?
Grade: A-
3. Houston Astros
2012 Record: 14-5
Of the top five teams in the power rankings last season, only one did not win their own division. That team was the Houston Astros, who, in their defense, had the best in the National League ahead of them. The Astros played well during the 2013 season and appeared poised to have a shot at the World Series, but fell short in the second round to the Rockies of Colorado in a tightly contested matchup. This season, the Astros are under new management and will look to improve in any way they can to get further in the post-season. Leading the offense for the Astros, Albert Pujols (630 points) is possibly the best first baseman in baseball. His acquisition should give the 'stros a huge lift on the offensive end. At second, Dan Uggla (440 points) is still producing the power in the middle of the lineup that Houston needs. Alex Rios (610 points) was a huge surprise last season and will probably continue his stardom in the outfield. Speaking of outfielders, Yoenis Cespedes (497 points), the Astros international signee last season, came up big in his first major league season. The real star of the team is nearly undoubtably Stephen Strasburg (454 points). He took a seat towards the end of the regular season as a precautionary exercise because of his elbow, and it is probably what cost the Astros further advancement in the playoffs. However, he'll be back for a full year in 2013, and his dominance has him up there with the best in baseball. Although it is a drop off talent-wise, Lucas Harrell was shockingly productive in the rotation last season and will provide Houston with an excellent two starter. The bullpen needs a leader, so the Astros may try and trade some of their great prospects for some help in that aspect of the team. The Astros are really good, but will they be able to prevail over the Reds?
Grade: A-
4. Milwaukee Brewers
2012 Record: 11-8
The Brewers are a great example of a team in transition. Nice farm, pretty good majors, and although the team finished 11-8 in 2012, it has been apparent in the league's existence that a record like that won't get you into the post-season. Waiting it out and building slowly over the years is definitely a way of doing things, but most GM's don't have the patience to be stuck in the middle. Getting to the current make-up of the Brewers, Milwaukee boasts two superstars on the offensive end. Outfielder Ryan Braun (760 points), the N.L. MVP last season, and first baseman Prince Fielder (619 points). These two studs will be relied on to put up huge point totals if they are to win some ball games this season. Along with Braun and Fielder, Shane Victorino (526 points) is another great hitter. At second, Ricky Weeks (481 points) is another valuable asset to this team in the batters box. On the mound, Yu Darvish (498 points) is going to be counted on to be the ace of this team in only his second year in the States. His success could direct the achievements for the Brewers this season. Behind the young Darvish, veteran Joe Saunders (343 points) needs to step up his game to be the number 2 guy Milwaukee needs, and converted reliever Mike Fiers (299 points) showed promise in his starting role towards the end of last season. A strong point for the team is the bullpen. John Axford (382 points), Health Bell, and Frank Francisco all are proven relievers. All in all, the Brewers could definitely use one more top of the line starter to get that one last boost over to the playoff spectrum, but Milwaukee could be a dark horse with the offensive talent this season... maybe a Cardinals/Brewers trade? We'll see.
Grade: B
5. Pittsburgh Pirates
2012 Record: 4-15
When it comes to the Pirates in the MLB, they have become a sort of annual rebuilding team. And here, it has been no different for the first two seasons of Base Knock Dynasty League. However, there are still some bright spots at the top of this organization, and a fantastic minor league farm system to go with it. In the batter's box, Adam Dunn (526 points) was a monster in the middle of the lineup while playing first. Behind home plate, Carlos Ruiz (399 points) proved to be one of the most productive catchers in hitting the ball last season. Finally, in the outfield, Delmon Young (368 points) underachieved a bit last season and has been capable of being a much more productive bat. The key player this year will be young third baseman Manny Machado (150 points). HIs success could be the key to the future of this Pittsburgh lineup. On the hill, Charlie Morton is recovering from Tommy John surgery, and it's questionable how effective he will be. Former closer Neftali Feliz is also recovering from his own Tommy John surgery, but he won't be back until mid-June. That leaves Dallas Braden, Kyle Davies, and Kevin Hart... scary. Thankfully, Pittsburgh has a solid closer in Carlos Marmol. The real bright spot on this team is the farm system. The Pirates boast many great prospects. Not only on the offensive end with Swanner, Olt, Villanueva, Taveras, Buxton, and Almora, but also in pitching with Miller, Jenkins, Gausman, Zimmer, and Montgomery. The Pirates are doing what rebuilding teams do, collect great prospects and hope they turn out for the best. We could get a glimpse this season of how good the young guns will be.
Grade: D+
6. Chicago Cubs
2012 Record: 2-17
It's rather unusual to find two teams in the same division in complete rebuilding mode, but that's exactly what we find in the 6-team NL Central. The Chicago Cubs, like the Pirates, are also in no contention for a playoff spot and continue to stock young talent in the farm system. The Cubs also will have the 3rd overall pick in the Amateur draft to even further boost their supply of young talent. Meanwhile, in the team's current state, a clear lack of talent is showcased on the offense. Lonnie Chisenhall (106.5 points), the third baseman for the future, struggled in his brief stint in the majors last year. Dayan Viciedo (381 points) was the lone bright spot in the lineup providing the team with a shot of power. In the rotation, thing get better. The young Chris Sale (511 points) was the ace for the team last season, and finished as a top 20 pitcher in the league. He should be someone the Cubs can build around for years to come. Behind Sale, A.J. Griffin (219 points) was incredible once called up to the majors at the end of the year and should be another nice centerpiece for the Cubbies. Finally, Zach Britton (140 points) is another youthful player looking to make his mark on the rotation this season. In the bullpen, the team will look to veteran Joe Nathan (360 points), Andrew Cashner, and Aaron Crow. In the farm, prospects Martinez, Nicolino, and Syndergaard await to join the rotation, and Russell, Boegarts, and Starling could reach the majors soon. Like Pittsburgh, Chicago is still a few years away, but you can see a backbone starting to form in the rotation.
Grade; D+
Final 2013 NL Central Division Predictions:
1. Reds
2. Cardinals
3. Astros
4. Brewers
5. PIrates
6. Cubs