Vladimir Guerrero could be poised for another big series against the Athletics.
As the Angels and Mariners try to recover from poor starts, the Rangers and A’s are vying for control of the AL West. They will begin a three-game series at Rangers Ballpark this evening, just a week after Oakland took two of three at home against Texas. In that series, A’s outfielder Ryan Sweeney did the bulk of the damage, homering and driving in six runs. Rangers DH Vladimir Guerrero had an identical line and could be even more dangerous in this series given his career-long success at Texas’ home park.
Unlikely leaders, Part 2
It is no surprise that the Giants are in contention for the NL West title, but it is shocking that the Padres remain in the thick of the race. San Diego swept a three-game series against San Francisco at Petco Park last month, but it didn’t face Tim Lincecum or Barry Zito. That won’t be the case tonight when the teams meet at AT&T Park. Zito will be looking for his sixth win, which he didn’t get until late July last season.
First vs. last
Busch Stadium holds a special spot in the Astros’ hearts, as it was there that they snapped the first of their two eight-game losing streaks this season and picked up their first win of 2010. Of course, Houston was outscored 7-1 in the first two games of that series. The Astros will return to St. Louis tonight for the first of three against the first-place Cardinals. The Cardinals will be looking to avenge that loss, as well as trying to bury the Astros even deeper in the N.L. Central cellar. As usual, expect Albert Pujols to lead the way. In the three games against Houston this season, the reigning N.L. MVP is hitting .455 with a homer, two doubles and five RBIs.
Vladimir Guerrero could be poised for another big series against the Athletics.
As the Angels and Mariners try to recover from poor starts, the Rangers and A’s are vying for control of the AL West. They will begin a three-game series at Rangers Ballpark this evening, just a week after Oakland took two of three at home against Texas. In that series, A’s outfielder Ryan Sweeney did the bulk of the damage, homering and driving in six runs. Rangers DH Vladimir Guerrero had an identical line and could be even more dangerous in this series given his career-long success at Texas’ home park.
Unlikely leaders, Part 2
It is no surprise that the Giants are in contention for the NL West title, but it is shocking that the Padres remain in the thick of the race. San Diego swept a three-game series against San Francisco at Petco Park last month, but it didn’t face Tim Lincecum or Barry Zito. That won’t be the case tonight when the teams meet at AT&T Park. Zito will be looking for his sixth win, which he didn’t get until late July last season.
First vs. last
Busch Stadium holds a special spot in the Astros’ hearts, as it was there that they snapped the first of their two eight-game losing streaks this season and picked up their first win of 2010. Of course, Houston was outscored 7-1 in the first two games of that series. The Astros will return to St. Louis tonight for the first of three against the first-place Cardinals. The Cardinals will be looking to avenge that loss, as well as trying to bury the Astros even deeper in the N.L. Central cellar. As usual, expect Albert Pujols to lead the way. In the three games against Houston this season, the reigning N.L. MVP is hitting .455 with a homer, two doubles and five RBIs.
Despite several banged-up players and a few slumping All-Stars, the Yankees appear primed to defend their World Series championship. The Red Sox, however, have struggled to stay near .500.
Boston, which got a fundamental makeover this past offseason with an emphasis on pitching and defense, has struggled to find its identity. Its 4.79 rotation ERA ranks 21st in the majors, and its 4.68 team ERA ranks 23rd. Defensively, the Red Sox are 15th with a .982 fielding percentage. Last season, Boston committed 18 errors through May 6 (in 28 games); this season, it has 20 errors in 29 games.
The Red Sox have recovered from a 4-9 start, but given the hole they dug in a division that features the teams with the majors’ best two records, hovering around .500 won’t cut it.
Why this weekend’s series against New York is vital to Boston:
Are things turning around for Big Papi’s bat?
Division dominance: The Rays (21-7) and Yankees (19-8) have been superb, and the Red Sox are a combined 1-6 against the AL East front-runners. Even more alarming, all seven of those games have come at Fenway Park.
Tampa Bay’s biggest weakness last season is now a strength. The Rays went 32-49 on the road in 2009, but they are 12-1 away from Tropicana Field this season. They have scored the most runs in the majors, and their starters’ 2.51 ERA and 17 wins are both best in the majors.
Despite slow starts from Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira and Nick Johnson, the Yankees are second in the AL in runs scored and first in the majors in OPS. Their starting pitchers not named Javier Vazquez are 15-1 with a 2.14 ERA, and they have survived the past week without Mariano Rivera.
The Red Sox can’t expect the Rays and Yankees to suddenly come back to the pack, so they must get some head-to-head wins.
Fenway factor: Boston’s 56 home wins last season were second to the Yankees’ 57. But the home-field advantage has been lacking this season. The Red Sox are just 9-8 at Fenway Park even after their four-game sweep of the Angels this week.
Boston is averaging 5.35 runs at home, compared to 4.92 on the road, but its 17- and 11-run outputs against the Angels this week skewed those numbers a bit. Overall, the Red Sox’s .275 batting average at home is identical to its road mark.
From 2000-09, only three teams in the major had more home wins than the Red Sox, and that is the home-field advantage they must recapture. Especially with a challenging road schedule ahead. By the end of May, Boston must play the Tigers, Yankees, Phillies and Rays at their parks. All of those team have winning records.
Creating confidence: The Red Sox (15-14) are above .500 for the first time since their season-opening win over the Yankees — a game they trailed 5-1 at one point. The team is riding a season-best four-game winning streak, and there are signs that things are beginning to turn.
The starting pitching, a major factor in the team’s slow start, finally is stabilizing. After going 0-2 with an 8.44 ERA in his first three starts, Jon Lester is 2-0 with a 0.60 ERA in his past two outings. Josh Beckett followed two brutal starts with seven innings of two-run ball in his most recent outing. And any concerns about John Lackey have been put to rest (2-0, 2.57 ERA in his past three starts). Clay Buchholz (2.97 ERA) has been the ace, leaving Daisuke Matsuzaka as the biggest lingering concern. And Dice-K won’t pitch this weekend.
Offensively, David Ortiz’s bat is thawing. After hitting .143 with a homer and four RBIs in April, Big Papi has a .286-3-3 line in May. And he isn’t the only Red Sox hitter showing signs of life. J.D. Drew (.435-1-6) and Victor Martinez (.304-1-7) both are streaking in the right direction this month. And Adrian Beltre, who has hit for a high average since the start of the season, hit his first two homers this week.
A big weekend would create even more momentum, but losing two of three (or worse) to the Yankees would be devastating.
Despite several banged-up players and a few slumping All-Stars, the Yankees appear primed to defend their World Series championship. The Red Sox, however, have struggled to stay near .500.
Boston, which got a fundamental makeover this past offseason with an emphasis on pitching and defense, has struggled to find its identity. Its 4.79 rotation ERA ranks 21st in the majors, and its 4.68 team ERA ranks 23rd. Defensively, the Red Sox are 15th with a .982 fielding percentage. Last season, Boston committed 18 errors through May 6 (in 28 games); this season, it has 20 errors in 29 games.
The Red Sox have recovered from a 4-9 start, but given the hole they dug in a division that features the teams with the majors’ best two records, hovering around .500 won’t cut it.
Why this weekend’s series against New York is vital to Boston:
Are things turning around for Big Papi’s bat?
Division dominance: The Rays (21-7) and Yankees (19-8) have been superb, and the Red Sox are a combined 1-6 against the AL East front-runners. Even more alarming, all seven of those games have come at Fenway Park.
Tampa Bay’s biggest weakness last season is now a strength. The Rays went 32-49 on the road in 2009, but they are 12-1 away from Tropicana Field this season. They have scored the most runs in the majors, and their starters’ 2.51 ERA and 17 wins are both best in the majors.
Despite slow starts from Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira and Nick Johnson, the Yankees are second in the AL in runs scored and first in the majors in OPS. Their starting pitchers not named Javier Vazquez are 15-1 with a 2.14 ERA, and they have survived the past week without Mariano Rivera.
The Red Sox can’t expect the Rays and Yankees to suddenly come back to the pack, so they must get some head-to-head wins.
Fenway factor: Boston’s 56 home wins last season were second to the Yankees’ 57. But the home-field advantage has been lacking this season. The Red Sox are just 9-8 at Fenway Park even after their four-game sweep of the Angels this week.
Boston is averaging 5.35 runs at home, compared to 4.92 on the road, but its 17- and 11-run outputs against the Angels this week skewed those numbers a bit. Overall, the Red Sox’s .275 batting average at home is identical to its road mark.
From 2000-09, only three teams in the major had more home wins than the Red Sox, and that is the home-field advantage they must recapture. Especially with a challenging road schedule ahead. By the end of May, Boston must play the Tigers, Yankees, Phillies and Rays at their parks. All of those team have winning records.
Creating confidence: The Red Sox (15-14) are above .500 for the first time since their season-opening win over the Yankees — a game they trailed 5-1 at one point. The team is riding a season-best four-game winning streak, and there are signs that things are beginning to turn.
The starting pitching, a major factor in the team’s slow start, finally is stabilizing. After going 0-2 with an 8.44 ERA in his first three starts, Jon Lester is 2-0 with a 0.60 ERA in his past two outings. Josh Beckett followed two brutal starts with seven innings of two-run ball in his most recent outing. And any concerns about John Lackey have been put to rest (2-0, 2.57 ERA in his past three starts). Clay Buchholz (2.97 ERA) has been the ace, leaving Daisuke Matsuzaka as the biggest lingering concern. And Dice-K won’t pitch this weekend.
Offensively, David Ortiz’s bat is thawing. After hitting .143 with a homer and four RBIs in April, Big Papi has a .286-3-3 line in May. And he isn’t the only Red Sox hitter showing signs of life. J.D. Drew (.435-1-6) and Victor Martinez (.304-1-7) both are streaking in the right direction this month. And Adrian Beltre, who has hit for a high average since the start of the season, hit his first two homers this week.
A big weekend would create even more momentum, but losing two of three (or worse) to the Yankees would be devastating.
Despite calling it a career last summer, Tom Glavine has stayed busy in baseball. He recently agreed to a multiplatform position with the Braves, with whom he won 244 games over 17 seasons, and he has aligned himself with the new PitchSight product. Ken Riddle, director of business development for L-3 Communications, which developed PitchSight and QuesTec, says this new technology can be used for scouting, evaluation, progress measurement, assessment and even injury rehabilitation. The system, already in use at Boston College, uses cameras to record a pitcher’s measurables. Glavine recently spoke with Sporting News’ Chris Bahr about PitchSight, his new role with the Braves and couple of the Braves’ young arms.
SN: How is PitchSight useful for a pitcher? Glavine: What I like about it is the feedback. It gives you the ability to gather information and use that information almost instantaneously. It measures release point, release angle, location, break, velocity. Those are all things pitchers are interested in and are all directly related to a pitcher’s ability to be consistent and consistently throw good pitches in the strike zone. … You’re in the middle of a bullpen session. If there’s a particular pitch that you threw that you felt really good about, you go to the computer, find the pitch, see where your release angle was, where your release point was, how the pitch correlated to the strike zone.
SN: What could you have used it for most in your career? Glavine: The two pitches I struggled with most were my breaking balls. If I was able to throw a slider or throw a curveball I really liked, and this information was available where I could pinpoint the pitch, see where my arm angle, release point and all those things were, I think it would have been a little bit easier for me to focus on the release point and things like that — things that seemed to escape me a bit when it came to those two particular pitches.
For younger pitchers, the big thing they’re searching for is that consistent arm angle, that consistent release point. If you’re able to put yourself on the system and measure and see exactly where your release points are, it becomes a little bit easier to hone in on one spot.
SN: Ideally, this technology would complement a pitching coach and coaching staff. But could this become more important than the human factor? Glavine: It’s not intended to replace anybody. We’re viewing it as an enhancement to the things that are already available. Even though you’re going to have this information and you can go back and say, "OK, here’s my most consistent release point, here’s my most consistent arm angle …," you still have to hone your mechanics where you can get to that point consistently. That is where a pitching coach becomes extremely important.
SN: How are you enjoying your new role with the Braves, doing a little bit of everything? Glavine: It’s going really well. It’s given me the opportunity to keep my foot in the door in terms of baseball. It’s allowed me to experience a number of different things, which is great for me because I was hesitant to make a commitment to something and find out a year from now that I didn’t like it. The Braves have given me an opportunity to experience a bunch of different things, to see if there’s something I like better than something else — something I can focus on down the road.
SN: What do you see in young Braves starters Jair Jurrjens and Tommy Hanson that reminds you of you, John Smoltz and Greg Maddux? Glavine: Their stuff obviously is the first thing that catches anyone’s attention. They both have really good stuff. Tommy’s a little bit more of a power pitcher, and Jair also can get the ball up there pretty good. Both have really good makeups in terms of being mature and understanding what it is that they’re trying to do and having a game plan. From that standpoint, at this point in their careers, both of those guys are farther along that I was, or John was, at similar stages of our careers in the big leagues.
SN: What’s your best piece of advice for a young pitcher just starting out in the majors? Glavine: Pay attention to the delicate balance that exists in baseball. Enjoy what you’re doing, have fun. Because, let’s face it, it’s a dream job. But at that same time, recognize the fact that you have to work hard to stay there. A lot of guys are chomping at the bit to take your job away. … There’s an opportunity to play the game for a long time and make a lot of money, but if you don’t take advantage of that opportunity, you won’t play the game very long.
SN: What was tougher: leaving the Braves after the 2002 season, or leaving the game for good in the summer of 2009? Glavine: Leaving the first time was tougher. At that time, I was successful. I was pitching well and had some good years ahead of me. I knew there still were things I could accomplish. When I retired, I could have pitched another year or a half a year. But I accomplished the things I wanted to accomplish, and when that happens, it’s a little easier to walk away.
Despite calling it a career last summer, Tom Glavine has stayed busy in baseball. He recently agreed to a multiplatform position with the Braves, with whom he won 244 games over 17 seasons, and he has aligned himself with the new PitchSight product. Ken Riddle, director of business development for L-3 Communications, which developed PitchSight and QuesTec, says this new technology can be used for scouting, evaluation, progress measurement, assessment and even injury rehabilitation. The system, already in use at Boston College, uses cameras to record a pitcher’s measurables. Glavine recently spoke with Sporting News’ Chris Bahr about PitchSight, his new role with the Braves and couple of the Braves’ young arms.
SN: How is PitchSight useful for a pitcher? Glavine: What I like about it is the feedback. It gives you the ability to gather information and use that information almost instantaneously. It measures release point, release angle, location, break, velocity. Those are all things pitchers are interested in and are all directly related to a pitcher’s ability to be consistent and consistently throw good pitches in the strike zone. … You’re in the middle of a bullpen session. If there’s a particular pitch that you threw that you felt really good about, you go to the computer, find the pitch, see where your release angle was, where your release point was, how the pitch correlated to the strike zone.
SN: What could you have used it for most in your career? Glavine: The two pitches I struggled with most were my breaking balls. If I was able to throw a slider or throw a curveball I really liked, and this information was available where I could pinpoint the pitch, see where my arm angle, release point and all those things were, I think it would have been a little bit easier for me to focus on the release point and things like that — things that seemed to escape me a bit when it came to those two particular pitches.
For younger pitchers, the big thing they’re searching for is that consistent arm angle, that consistent release point. If you’re able to put yourself on the system and measure and see exactly where your release points are, it becomes a little bit easier to hone in on one spot.
SN: Ideally, this technology would complement a pitching coach and coaching staff. But could this become more important than the human factor? Glavine: It’s not intended to replace anybody. We’re viewing it as an enhancement to the things that are already available. Even though you’re going to have this information and you can go back and say, "OK, here’s my most consistent release point, here’s my most consistent arm angle …," you still have to hone your mechanics where you can get to that point consistently. That is where a pitching coach becomes extremely important.
SN: How are you enjoying your new role with the Braves, doing a little bit of everything? Glavine: It’s going really well. It’s given me the opportunity to keep my foot in the door in terms of baseball. It’s allowed me to experience a number of different things, which is great for me because I was hesitant to make a commitment to something and find out a year from now that I didn’t like it. The Braves have given me an opportunity to experience a bunch of different things, to see if there’s something I like better than something else — something I can focus on down the road.
SN: What do you see in young Braves starters Jair Jurrjens and Tommy Hanson that reminds you of you, John Smoltz and Greg Maddux? Glavine: Their stuff obviously is the first thing that catches anyone’s attention. They both have really good stuff. Tommy’s a little bit more of a power pitcher, and Jair also can get the ball up there pretty good. Both have really good makeups in terms of being mature and understanding what it is that they’re trying to do and having a game plan. From that standpoint, at this point in their careers, both of those guys are farther along that I was, or John was, at similar stages of our careers in the big leagues.
SN: What’s your best piece of advice for a young pitcher just starting out in the majors? Glavine: Pay attention to the delicate balance that exists in baseball. Enjoy what you’re doing, have fun. Because, let’s face it, it’s a dream job. But at that same time, recognize the fact that you have to work hard to stay there. A lot of guys are chomping at the bit to take your job away. … There’s an opportunity to play the game for a long time and make a lot of money, but if you don’t take advantage of that opportunity, you won’t play the game very long.
SN: What was tougher: leaving the Braves after the 2002 season, or leaving the game for good in the summer of 2009? Glavine: Leaving the first time was tougher. At that time, I was successful. I was pitching well and had some good years ahead of me. I knew there still were things I could accomplish. When I retired, I could have pitched another year or a half a year. But I accomplished the things I wanted to accomplish, and when that happens, it’s a little easier to walk away.
Hall of Famer and 311-game winner Tom Seaver visited Citi Field Wednesday as part of the Mets’ Alumni Association Presented by Citi — the franchise’s ongoing commitment to honor its history and serve the community. Seaver was among the Mets greats who joined 25 U.S. military veterans and the Wounded Warrior Project for a tour of the new Mets Hall of Fame and Museum. During the game, Mets alumni worked alongside Citi’s Veterans Employee Network and staffers from the New York City Military Network to encourage fans at Citi Field to make a card for service members recovering from injuries sustained in battle or preparing for deployment. Seaver spoke with Sporting News’ Chris Bahr about his involvement with the alumni and military, as well as his career and the game.
‘The Mets have a pretty good record of things to be proud of,’ Tom Seaver says.
Sporting News: As far as the Mets Alumni Association, how enjoyable has it been reconnecting with some of the team’s all-time greats?
Tom Seaver: Any friendships — inside or outside the game — being able to reconnect and tell all those war stories about the game that we love, it’s fun to do. It’s rewarding to do. It takes us back to our youth. It’s just good memories, and it’s fun to share all of that stuff.
SN: How special is the Wounded Warrior Project that you are associated with and participated in today?
TS: It gets me because I’m very proud to say that I’m a Marine as well. I’m not a Marine that saw active duty in a situation where someone was shooting bullets at me, but there is a Marine Corps spirit, and we had a lot of Marines here today. One of the young Marines asked me, "What’s your service number," and I said, "1972265, sir." And he goes, "Yeah, you’re a Marine." You always end it with a ‘sir.’
SN: How often do you think you’ll be back to Citi Field this season?
TS: I work for the Mets about 10 days, so I make three or four trips. I’m in California now. … (The travel’s) not that big a deal, non-stop it’s not that big a deal.
SN: Having played in Shea Stadium, what are your thoughts about Citi Field and the museum?
TS: The professional tour (of the museum today), I think a lot of guys were seeing it for the first time. I’d never been in there, but there are a couple of articles of mine that are on the wall. One of the things that’s really been important about the Met organization is the realization that, yes, it’s relatively a short baseball history they have compared to the National League and American League clubs that were here. But the Mets have a pretty good record of things to be proud of — two world championships. They should relish that, show that stuff off. For a relatively young franchise, it’s a wonderful history.
SN: You’re a 311-game winner. Jamie Moyer has 259 wins, and Andy Pettitte has 231. No other active pitcher has more than 200 wins. Is 300 wins a plateau that we might not see many more pitchers reach?
TS: It would be a real aberration if somebody reaches it. There are two factors to that. First is the economics of the game. If you have that much invested in somebody, you’re not going to take the chance of letting them get hurt (from overuse). Longevity is the other. You’re going to have to pitch 20 years at least. And if you get that far, you will have made X amount of dollars, so why do I have to play anymore? That’s as big an issue as any.
SN: What’s your take on the Mets’ rotation this year?
TS: The thing I’d like to see is the guys pitch a little bit longer. But that’s probably true across the board. And one thing the older players forget, we always say, "Oh, I always pitched 7 2/3 (innings)." That wasn’t the reality of it. I think the economics of it is a big issue. They have so much money tied up, and they just can’t afford to have somebody hurt. … I look for a reason to keep a pitcher in the game, not take him out. A guy like Johan Santana has that foxhole mentality.
SN: What’s your take on pitch counts?
TS: I had a pitch count, too. It was my pitch count. People assume, "Oh, you didn’t have a pitch count." But I most certainly did. … It didn’t come about in my first year. It’s something you develop. My pitch count was between 125 and 135. After 135 — that doesn’t mean I never pitched beyond that point because I’m sure I did — but that’s when I began to run out of gas. (Jerry) Koosman was probably 145, Nolan (Ryan) was probably 155. It’s not a blanket pitch count; it’s an individual pitch count. I got to a point where I knew how many pitches I had going into the last nine outs. To remind myself, "Don’t throw nine pitches to the No. 8 hitter." You’re gonna need them for the No. 3. Pitch count was an issue; it just wasn’t spit out by a computer.
SN: Put yourself in your prime. Who are some of today’s hitters you’d like to face? How would you pitch to them?
TS: You’d have to give me (Albert) Pujols. (Derek) Jeter would be good. I’d go to my strength and say, "Can you hit the sinking fastball at the belt buckle?" If you prove to me that you can hit that one, then I’ve got to do something else. If you can’t prove to me that you can hit it, you’re not going to see much else.
SN: What do you miss most about the game now that you’re retired?
TS: A 3-2 pitch, bases loaded, and a fastball that you throw through the eye of the needle down and away on the outside corner. The execution and the thought process to get there.
Hall of Famer and 311-game winner Tom Seaver visited Citi Field Wednesday as part of the Mets’ Alumni Association Presented by Citi — the franchise’s ongoing commitment to honor its history and serve the community. Seaver was among the Mets greats who joined 25 U.S. military veterans and the Wounded Warrior Project for a tour of the new Mets Hall of Fame and Museum. During the game, Mets alumni worked alongside Citi’s Veterans Employee Network and staffers from the New York City Military Network to encourage fans at Citi Field to make a card for service members recovering from injuries sustained in battle or preparing for deployment. Seaver spoke with Sporting News’ Chris Bahr about his involvement with the alumni and military, as well as his career and the game.
‘The Mets have a pretty good record of things to be proud of,’ Tom Seaver says.
Sporting News: As far as the Mets Alumni Association, how enjoyable has it been reconnecting with some of the team’s all-time greats?
Tom Seaver: Any friendships — inside or outside the game — being able to reconnect and tell all those war stories about the game that we love, it’s fun to do. It’s rewarding to do. It takes us back to our youth. It’s just good memories, and it’s fun to share all of that stuff.
SN: How special is the Wounded Warrior Project that you are associated with and participated in today?
TS: It gets me because I’m very proud to say that I’m a Marine as well. I’m not a Marine that saw active duty in a situation where someone was shooting bullets at me, but there is a Marine Corps spirit, and we had a lot of Marines here today. One of the young Marines asked me, "What’s your service number," and I said, "1972265, sir." And he goes, "Yeah, you’re a Marine." You always end it with a ‘sir.’
SN: How often do you think you’ll be back to Citi Field this season?
TS: I work for the Mets about 10 days, so I make three or four trips. I’m in California now. … (The travel’s) not that big a deal, non-stop it’s not that big a deal.
SN: Having played in Shea Stadium, what are your thoughts about Citi Field and the museum?
TS: The professional tour (of the museum today), I think a lot of guys were seeing it for the first time. I’d never been in there, but there are a couple of articles of mine that are on the wall. One of the things that’s really been important about the Met organization is the realization that, yes, it’s relatively a short baseball history they have compared to the National League and American League clubs that were here. But the Mets have a pretty good record of things to be proud of — two world championships. They should relish that, show that stuff off. For a relatively young franchise, it’s a wonderful history.
SN: You’re a 311-game winner. Jamie Moyer has 259 wins, and Andy Pettitte has 231. No other active pitcher has more than 200 wins. Is 300 wins a plateau that we might not see many more pitchers reach?
TS: It would be a real aberration if somebody reaches it. There are two factors to that. First is the economics of the game. If you have that much invested in somebody, you’re not going to take the chance of letting them get hurt (from overuse). Longevity is the other. You’re going to have to pitch 20 years at least. And if you get that far, you will have made X amount of dollars, so why do I have to play anymore? That’s as big an issue as any.
SN: What’s your take on the Mets’ rotation this year?
TS: The thing I’d like to see is the guys pitch a little bit longer. But that’s probably true across the board. And one thing the older players forget, we always say, "Oh, I always pitched 7 2/3 (innings)." That wasn’t the reality of it. I think the economics of it is a big issue. They have so much money tied up, and they just can’t afford to have somebody hurt. … I look for a reason to keep a pitcher in the game, not take him out. A guy like Johan Santana has that foxhole mentality.
SN: What’s your take on pitch counts?
TS: I had a pitch count, too. It was my pitch count. People assume, "Oh, you didn’t have a pitch count." But I most certainly did. … It didn’t come about in my first year. It’s something you develop. My pitch count was between 125 and 135. After 135 — that doesn’t mean I never pitched beyond that point because I’m sure I did — but that’s when I began to run out of gas. (Jerry) Koosman was probably 145, Nolan (Ryan) was probably 155. It’s not a blanket pitch count; it’s an individual pitch count. I got to a point where I knew how many pitches I had going into the last nine outs. To remind myself, "Don’t throw nine pitches to the No. 8 hitter." You’re gonna need them for the No. 3. Pitch count was an issue; it just wasn’t spit out by a computer.
SN: Put yourself in your prime. Who are some of today’s hitters you’d like to face? How would you pitch to them?
TS: You’d have to give me (Albert) Pujols. (Derek) Jeter would be good. I’d go to my strength and say, "Can you hit the sinking fastball at the belt buckle?" If you prove to me that you can hit that one, then I’ve got to do something else. If you can’t prove to me that you can hit it, you’re not going to see much else.
SN: What do you miss most about the game now that you’re retired?
TS: A 3-2 pitch, bases loaded, and a fastball that you throw through the eye of the needle down and away on the outside corner. The execution and the thought process to get there.
Tommy Hanson looks to try to quiet the suddenly hot Padres bats in San Diego.
Prior to Monday’s 17-run outburst in their home opener, the Padres had scored 19 runs in six games this season. Eight of San Diego’s 25 extra-base hits this season also came in that blowout win. Surprisingly, the Padres’ bats came to life against Jair Jurrjens, the Braves’ 24-year-old righthander who finished fifth in the majors last season with a 2.60 ERA. Seeking to get back to .500, Atlanta will throw another young ace, 23-year-old Tommy Hanson, this evening. Hanson also finished last season with a sub-3.00 ERA but allowed an uncharacteristic two homers in first outing this season. The only other time Hanson allowed multiple homers in a start was his major league debut in 2009.
Some help for C.J.
Confident that he could make a successful transition from reliever to starter, Rangers lefthander C.J. Wilson had a successful 2010 debut. He struck out nine Blue Jays in seven scoreless innings in his first start since 2005. Wilson was denied a win, however, thanks to poor run support and closer Frank Francisco’s first blown save. Working in Wilson’s favor tonight in Cleveland: Nelson Cruz and Neftali Feliz. In his past four games, Cruz is 7-for-14 with three homers and six RBIs. Feliz, who has five strikeouts and no runs allowed in his past three outings, has taken over the ninth-inning duties.
Wells at Wrigley
This afternoon, the Cubs will try to get to .500 for the first time this season behind the right arm of the man who delivered their first win of the season. Randy Wells, who tied for the team lead in wins (12) as a rookie in 2009, blanked the Braves over six innings last week. The Brewers, also 3-4 this season, will counter with righthander Dave Bush, who had his share of problems (6.20 ERA) in four starts against Chicago last season.
Tommy Hanson looks to try to quiet the suddenly hot Padres bats in San Diego.
Prior to Monday’s 17-run outburst in their home opener, the Padres had scored 19 runs in six games this season. Eight of San Diego’s 25 extra-base hits this season also came in that blowout win. Surprisingly, the Padres’ bats came to life against Jair Jurrjens, the Braves’ 24-year-old righthander who finished fifth in the majors last season with a 2.60 ERA. Seeking to get back to .500, Atlanta will throw another young ace, 23-year-old Tommy Hanson, this evening. Hanson also finished last season with a sub-3.00 ERA but allowed an uncharacteristic two homers in first outing this season. The only other time Hanson allowed multiple homers in a start was his major league debut in 2009.
Some help for C.J.
Confident that he could make a successful transition from reliever to starter, Rangers lefthander C.J. Wilson had a successful 2010 debut. He struck out nine Blue Jays in seven scoreless innings in his first start since 2005. Wilson was denied a win, however, thanks to poor run support and closer Frank Francisco’s first blown save. Working in Wilson’s favor tonight in Cleveland: Nelson Cruz and Neftali Feliz. In his past four games, Cruz is 7-for-14 with three homers and six RBIs. Feliz, who has five strikeouts and no runs allowed in his past three outings, has taken over the ninth-inning duties.
Wells at Wrigley
This afternoon, the Cubs will try to get to .500 for the first time this season behind the right arm of the man who delivered their first win of the season. Randy Wells, who tied for the team lead in wins (12) as a rookie in 2009, blanked the Braves over six innings last week. The Brewers, also 3-4 this season, will counter with righthander Dave Bush, who had his share of problems (6.20 ERA) in four starts against Chicago last season.
CC Sabathia will start for the defending champion Yankees on opening day.
On Sunday, for the first time since the 2001 regular season, the New York Yankees will take the field at Fenway Park as the defending World Series champions. As the longtime rivals kick off the 2010 major league season and play the first of 18 regular-season games against each other, let’s review their memorable season series in 2009.
The streaks
Boston won the first eight games between the teams in 2009, with seven different pitchers accounting for those eight wins. However, the tide turned in early August, when New York swept a four-game series at Yankee Stadium, shutting out the Red Sox twice and outscoring them 25-8. The Yankees won nine of the final 10 games in the season series, with nine different Red Sox pitchers accounting for those nine losses. In the end, the teams split their 18 games.
The heroes and goats
Red Sox DH David Ortiz homered four times and drove in 16 runs against the Yankees last season, and third baseman Mike Lowell chipped in four homers and 15 RBIs. Catcher Jason Varitek hit just .094, though two of his five hits were homers. In five starts against New York, ace Josh Beckett posted a 5.34 ERA, twice allowing eight earned runs.
Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez hit .300 with four homers and 13 RBIs against the Red Sox. First baseman Mark Teixeira had six long balls and 13 RBIs. However, in 62 at-bats against Boston, right fielder Nick Swisher had 21 strikeouts. In his first season in pinstripes, ace CC Sabathia was sharp, going 3-1 with a 2.22 ERA in four starts against Boston. A.J. Burnett, however, wasn’t as dominant. He served up six homers and 16 walks in four starts (20 1/3 innings) against the Red Sox, posting an 8.85 ERA.
CC Sabathia will start for the defending champion Yankees on opening day.
On Sunday, for the first time since the 2001 regular season, the New York Yankees will take the field at Fenway Park as the defending World Series champions. As the longtime rivals kick off the 2010 major league season and play the first of 18 regular-season games against each other, let’s review their memorable season series in 2009.
The streaks
Boston won the first eight games between the teams in 2009, with seven different pitchers accounting for those eight wins. However, the tide turned in early August, when New York swept a four-game series at Yankee Stadium, shutting out the Red Sox twice and outscoring them 25-8. The Yankees won nine of the final 10 games in the season series, with nine different Red Sox pitchers accounting for those nine losses. In the end, the teams split their 18 games.
The heroes and goats
Red Sox DH David Ortiz homered four times and drove in 16 runs against the Yankees last season, and third baseman Mike Lowell chipped in four homers and 15 RBIs. Catcher Jason Varitek hit just .094, though two of his five hits were homers. In five starts against New York, ace Josh Beckett posted a 5.34 ERA, twice allowing eight earned runs.
Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez hit .300 with four homers and 13 RBIs against the Red Sox. First baseman Mark Teixeira had six long balls and 13 RBIs. However, in 62 at-bats against Boston, right fielder Nick Swisher had 21 strikeouts. In his first season in pinstripes, ace CC Sabathia was sharp, going 3-1 with a 2.22 ERA in four starts against Boston. A.J. Burnett, however, wasn’t as dominant. He served up six homers and 16 walks in four starts (20 1/3 innings) against the Red Sox, posting an 8.85 ERA.
Once mentioned as a contraction candidate, Minnesota will christen its new outdoor Target Field on April 12 and will boast a payroll that suddenly ranks nowhere near the small-market range. However, the new ballpark won’t include a money tree in the outfield. As a result, a cloud will hang over the franchise until it can lock up catcher Joe Mauer to a long-term deal. Mauer is signed through this season, however, and that is just one reason the Twins are primed to repeat as AL Central champions. (UPDATE: The Twins and Mauer agreed to an eight-year, $184 million extension earlier this month.)
Three questions
1. How will the new park affect the team?
Say what you will about the aesthetics of the Metrodome, but you could count on temperatures in the low 70s and a zero percent chance of a rainout/snowout. And it provided quite a home-field advantage; Minnesota’s 393 home wins since 2002 rank behind only the Yankees’ and Red Sox’s totals. Target Field figures to be a challenging place to play early and late in the season when the temperatures hover around/below freezing.
The Twins, with largely the same pitching staff as in 2009, went 55-40 with a 4.35 ERA indoors last season but 32-36 with a 4.72 ERA outdoors. Offensively, they hit 1.01 homers per game in 68 outdoor games and 1.08 homers per game in 95 indoor games. However, the ball doesn’t figure to travel well in the frigid outdoor air.
Does Francisco Liriano have any of the 2006 magic left in him?
2. Is Francisco Liriano back?
The majority of the chatter in Minnesota revolves around whether Mauer will be back in 2011, but a bigger question for this season is whether the 2006 Liriano will reappear. That season, Liriano went 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA and 10.7 K/9 ratio in 28 games (16 starts) and showed the promise of a future ace. Then came Tommy John surgery. In 2009, his first full season back from the procedure, Liriano went 5-13 with a 5.80 ERA and lost his rotation spot.
But just as the organization began to doubt Liriano’s ability to recapture his dominant form, he put on a clinic in winter ball. His velocity returned, along with his confidence. Because of the Twins’ rotation depth, they will take things slowly with Liriano in hopes of jump-starting a once-promising career.
3. Is this bullpen an elite unit?
Twins relievers posted a 3.87 ERA last season, good enough for fourth in the AL and 12th in the majors. However, closer Joe Nathan struggled late in the season and in the ALDS and had offseason surgery to remove bone spurs from his pitching elbow. Setup man Jesse Crain was less than a year removed from shoulder surgery, and late-inning reliever Pat Neshek missed the entire season after Tommy John surgery. Nathan, Crain and Neshek are healthy, and late-season acquisition Jon Rauch will be with the team all season after posting a 1.72 ERA in 17 games with Minnesota in 2009.
"He knows how to pitch, has a good breaking ball. You look at him and think he’s going to be one of these power guys, but he’s at 91, 92, which is plenty enough velocity," manager Ron Gardenhire said about Rauch. "He’s a good finesse guy, a guy who can locate the ball, another guy who can (get) us to our closer."
(UPDATE: Nathan tore an elbow ligament in spring training and underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery. Barring a trade, the Twins will begin the season with a closer-by-committee.)
Projected lineup 1. CF Denard Span: .390 OBP, 17 triples past 2 seasons. 2. 2B Orlando Hudson: Career-worst 99 K’s in ’09 with Dodgers. 3. C Joe Mauer: .444 OBP led MLB; 1.031 OPS led AL 4. 1B Justin Morneau: Averaged 30 HRs, 118 RBIs since ’06. 5. RF Michael Cuddyer: Career-best 32 HRs last season. 6. DH Jason Kubel: First 100-RBI season in ’09. 7. LF Delmon Young: .266 AVG before break; .300 after. 8. SS J.J. Hardy: Hit .169 vs. LHP in ’09. 9. 3B Brendan Harris: .311 AVG at home; .207 on road in ’09.
Projected rotation 1. RHP Scott Baker: 1.08 WHIP at home; 1.30 on road in ’09. 2. RHP Carl Pavano: 5-4, 4.64 ERA after trade to Twins. 3. RHP Nick Blackburn: ’08: 11-11, 4.05 ERA; ’09: 11-11, 4.03. 4. RHP Kevin Slowey: 10-3 before wrist surgery. 5. LHP Francisco Liriano: 5.93 ERA as SP in ’09; 3.52 as RP.
PROJECTED CLOSER RHP Joe Nathan: Career-high 47 saves last season. Jon Rauch: The likely committee chairman.
Offense: A. Mauer, the defending AL MVP and batting champion, and Morneau, the 2006 AL MVP, form one of the majors’ best 1-2 offensive punches. Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel also have 30-homer capability, and Minnesota finished fifth in the majors in runs in 2009. Orlando Hudson is ideal fit in the 2-hole, and fellow newcomer J.J. Hardy could provide pop from the bottom of the order.
Pitching: B. The Twins finished 23rd in the majors in ERA last season, thanks in large part to the starters’ 4.84 ERA (26th). However, the return to health in the bullpen and the potential for Liriano to rebound as a starter bump up this grade. (UPDATE: This grade was handed out before Nathan’s injury.)
Bench: B. Few teams have the luxury of calling upon a pinch hitter with 564 career homers. But the Twins have that late-inning option with Jim Thome. Nick Punto will compete for the starting job at third but will be more valuable as a reserve infielder. Minnesota lost outfield depth by trading Carlos Gomez to Milwaukee.
Manager: A. In eight seasons at the helm, Gardenhire has had one losing record (79-83 in 2007). He was brilliant while working with a small-budget squad, so expect even better things with arguably the best collection of talent with which he has had to work.
Sporting News prediction: It won’t be easy — and might take another one-game playoff — but Minnesota will be the first AL Central champion to repeat since … the 2003-04 Twins. (UPDATE: This prediction was made prior to Nathan’s injury.)
Once mentioned as a contraction candidate, Minnesota will christen its new outdoor Target Field on April 12 and will boast a payroll that suddenly ranks nowhere near the small-market range. However, the new ballpark won’t include a money tree in the outfield. As a result, a cloud will hang over the franchise until it can lock up catcher Joe Mauer to a long-term deal. Mauer is signed through this season, however, and that is just one reason the Twins are primed to repeat as AL Central champions. (UPDATE: The Twins and Mauer agreed to an eight-year, $184 million extension earlier this month.)
Three questions
1. How will the new park affect the team?
Say what you will about the aesthetics of the Metrodome, but you could count on temperatures in the low 70s and a zero percent chance of a rainout/snowout. And it provided quite a home-field advantage; Minnesota’s 393 home wins since 2002 rank behind only the Yankees’ and Red Sox’s totals. Target Field figures to be a challenging place to play early and late in the season when the temperatures hover around/below freezing.
The Twins, with largely the same pitching staff as in 2009, went 55-40 with a 4.35 ERA indoors last season but 32-36 with a 4.72 ERA outdoors. Offensively, they hit 1.01 homers per game in 68 outdoor games and 1.08 homers per game in 95 indoor games. However, the ball doesn’t figure to travel well in the frigid outdoor air.
Does Francisco Liriano have any of the 2006 magic left in him?
2. Is Francisco Liriano back?
The majority of the chatter in Minnesota revolves around whether Mauer will be back in 2011, but a bigger question for this season is whether the 2006 Liriano will reappear. That season, Liriano went 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA and 10.7 K/9 ratio in 28 games (16 starts) and showed the promise of a future ace. Then came Tommy John surgery. In 2009, his first full season back from the procedure, Liriano went 5-13 with a 5.80 ERA and lost his rotation spot.
But just as the organization began to doubt Liriano’s ability to recapture his dominant form, he put on a clinic in winter ball. His velocity returned, along with his confidence. Because of the Twins’ rotation depth, they will take things slowly with Liriano in hopes of jump-starting a once-promising career.
3. Is this bullpen an elite unit?
Twins relievers posted a 3.87 ERA last season, good enough for fourth in the AL and 12th in the majors. However, closer Joe Nathan struggled late in the season and in the ALDS and had offseason surgery to remove bone spurs from his pitching elbow. Setup man Jesse Crain was less than a year removed from shoulder surgery, and late-inning reliever Pat Neshek missed the entire season after Tommy John surgery. Nathan, Crain and Neshek are healthy, and late-season acquisition Jon Rauch will be with the team all season after posting a 1.72 ERA in 17 games with Minnesota in 2009.
"He knows how to pitch, has a good breaking ball. You look at him and think he’s going to be one of these power guys, but he’s at 91, 92, which is plenty enough velocity," manager Ron Gardenhire said about Rauch. "He’s a good finesse guy, a guy who can locate the ball, another guy who can (get) us to our closer."
(UPDATE: Nathan tore an elbow ligament in spring training and underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery. Barring a trade, the Twins will begin the season with a closer-by-committee.)
Projected lineup 1. CF Denard Span: .390 OBP, 17 triples past 2 seasons. 2. 2B Orlando Hudson: Career-worst 99 K’s in ’09 with Dodgers. 3. C Joe Mauer: .444 OBP led MLB; 1.031 OPS led AL 4. 1B Justin Morneau: Averaged 30 HRs, 118 RBIs since ’06. 5. RF Michael Cuddyer: Career-best 32 HRs last season. 6. DH Jason Kubel: First 100-RBI season in ’09. 7. LF Delmon Young: .266 AVG before break; .300 after. 8. SS J.J. Hardy: Hit .169 vs. LHP in ’09. 9. 3B Brendan Harris: .311 AVG at home; .207 on road in ’09.
Projected rotation 1. RHP Scott Baker: 1.08 WHIP at home; 1.30 on road in ’09. 2. RHP Carl Pavano: 5-4, 4.64 ERA after trade to Twins. 3. RHP Nick Blackburn: ’08: 11-11, 4.05 ERA; ’09: 11-11, 4.03. 4. RHP Kevin Slowey: 10-3 before wrist surgery. 5. LHP Francisco Liriano: 5.93 ERA as SP in ’09; 3.52 as RP.
PROJECTED CLOSER RHP Joe Nathan: Career-high 47 saves last season. Jon Rauch: The likely committee chairman.
Offense: A. Mauer, the defending AL MVP and batting champion, and Morneau, the 2006 AL MVP, form one of the majors’ best 1-2 offensive punches. Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel also have 30-homer capability, and Minnesota finished fifth in the majors in runs in 2009. Orlando Hudson is ideal fit in the 2-hole, and fellow newcomer J.J. Hardy could provide pop from the bottom of the order.
Pitching: B. The Twins finished 23rd in the majors in ERA last season, thanks in large part to the starters’ 4.84 ERA (26th). However, the return to health in the bullpen and the potential for Liriano to rebound as a starter bump up this grade. (UPDATE: This grade was handed out before Nathan’s injury.)
Bench: B. Few teams have the luxury of calling upon a pinch hitter with 564 career homers. But the Twins have that late-inning option with Jim Thome. Nick Punto will compete for the starting job at third but will be more valuable as a reserve infielder. Minnesota lost outfield depth by trading Carlos Gomez to Milwaukee.
Manager: A. In eight seasons at the helm, Gardenhire has had one losing record (79-83 in 2007). He was brilliant while working with a small-budget squad, so expect even better things with arguably the best collection of talent with which he has had to work.
Sporting News prediction: It won’t be easy — and might take another one-game playoff — but Minnesota will be the first AL Central champion to repeat since … the 2003-04 Twins. (UPDATE: This prediction was made prior to Nathan’s injury.)
The Padres’ back-to-back NL West titles in 2005-06 are distant memories. One franchise cornerstone is gone — ace Jake Peavy was dealt to the White Sox just prior to the nonwaiver trading deadline in 2009 — and another soon could follow. All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez has been the subject of plenty of trade speculation; every run he produces increases his value and decreases the franchise’s chances of being able to afford to keep him.
Will Adrian Gonzalez end 2010 in a Padres uniform?
Three questions
1. Will Gonzalez finish the season with the Padres?
The two-time defending Gold Glove winner is under contract through 2011 at a very affordable price ($4.75 million this season, $5.5 million next season). In fact, Gonzalez isn’t even the highest-paid Padres player. However, he is in line for a monstrous deal (translation: nine figures) that San Diego most likely can’t offer. Members of the Padres’ front office even have hinted as much recently.
In the past three seasons, Gonzalez ranks seventh in the majors in homers (106) and 11th in RBIs (318) despite playing in cavernous Petco Park and without an All-Star supporting cast. In a more hitter-friendly park with better lineup support, Gonzalez, who will turn 28 in May, would be even more dangerous. Thus, he has intrigued big-market teams — Boston has been especially interested — that could spare a hundred million (or more) bucks. Chances are good that Gonzalez will be playing elsewhere in August, bringing San Diego a haul in young talent.
2. How’s the rotation sans Peavy?
For the first time since the 2001 season, Peavy won’t make a start for the Padres. That doesn’t bode well. Last season, San Diego’s rotation finished 24th in the majors with a 4.78 ERA — and that was with 13 starts from Peavy, who posted a 3.97 ERA. The oft-injured Chris Young will assume ace duties, and newcomer Jon Garland will provide a veteran innings-eater. "(Garland is) a guy who’s going to go out there and he’s going to give you innings and he’s gonna pitch and give you a chance to win some ballgames," Padres closer Heath Bell said. "If we put some runs up, we’re going to get him some W’s. And he’s another guy who’s got a lot of information for our young starters."
Kevin Correia, who led the team with 12 wins last season, is back, and youngsters Clayton Richard (acquired in the Peavy deal) and Mat Latos should round out the starting five.
3. Is there enough offense, even with Gonzalez?
San Diego scored 638 runs last season — just two more than the 30th-ranked Pirates. The Padres’ homer total was 26th, with Gonzalez’s 40 homers accounting for 28 percent of their 141 long balls. During the offseason, they cornered the market on Hairstons (trading for Scott and signing Jerry), but neither is expected to start. If the team’s developing young hitters don’t progress, San Diego very well could finish as the majors’ worst offensive team.
Projected lineup 1. SS Everth Cabrera: Team-best 25 SBs last season. 2. 2B David Eckstein: Career-worst .323 OBP in ’09. 3. 1B Adrian Gonzalez: At home in ’09: .244 AVG, 12 HRs, 36 RBIs; road: .306, 28 HRs, 63 RBIs. 4. 3B Chase Headley: .208 AVG, .300 OBP at home last season; .305, .377 on road. 5. LF Kyle Blanks: 10 HRs in only 148 at-bats in ’09. 6. RF Will Venable: 6 of 12 HRs, 17 of 38 RBIs came in August. 7. C Nick Hundley: .159 AVG vs. lefthanders last season. 8. CF Tony Gwynn Jr.: Leadoff option after career-best .350 OBP.
Projected rotation 1. RHP Chris Young: 11 wins, 31 starts in ’06; 11 wins, 32 starts from 2008-09. 2. RHP Kevin Correia: Career highs in ’09: 198 IP, 142 K’s. 3. RHP Jon Garland: At least 32 starts each of past 8 seasons. 4. LHP Clayton Richard: 5-2, 4.08 ERA in 12 starts with Padres in ’09. 5. RHP Mat Latos: Averaged 4.1 BB/9 as rookie last season.
Offense: D. Not many major league teams feature a cleanup hitter who had 12 homers last season. That’s the case with Chase Headley, who will move to his natural third base to replace Kevin Kouzmanoff. It would help if he also can replace Kouzmanoff’s offense (18 homers, 88 RBIs). More will be expected of Kyle Blanks and Will Venable, too.
Pitching: C. Garland will provide the durability the rotation needs; only Correia made at least 20 starts for San Diego last season. It is imperative that Young stays healthy and resembles the All-Star who posted a 3.12 ERA in 2007. The bullpen is anchored by one of the game’s most underrated stoppers in Bell, though he also could be dealt.
Bench: C. Jerry Hairston can play outfield but will serve as the primary infield reserve; brother Scott should stay plenty busy in the outfield (he can serve as a righthanded platoon mate for Tony Gwynn and Venable). San Diego signed veteran catcher Yorvit Torrealba, who had a career-best .291 batting average last season.
Manager: B. A former pitcher, Black has done a good job with this staff, especially the bullpen. The team improved by 12 wins (75 total) in 2009 and went 39-35 after the All-Star break. He gets the most out of the talent available, but this team still is rebuilding.
Sporting News prediction: The rebuilding Padres didn’t do enough this offseason to catch the division’s big three — or to hold off the improved Diamondbacks for fourth place.
The Padres’ back-to-back NL West titles in 2005-06 are distant memories. One franchise cornerstone is gone — ace Jake Peavy was dealt to the White Sox just prior to the nonwaiver trading deadline in 2009 — and another soon could follow. All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez has been the subject of plenty of trade speculation; every run he produces increases his value and decreases the franchise’s chances of being able to afford to keep him.
Will Adrian Gonzalez end 2010 in a Padres uniform?
Three questions
1. Will Gonzalez finish the season with the Padres?
The two-time defending Gold Glove winner is under contract through 2011 at a very affordable price ($4.75 million this season, $5.5 million next season). In fact, Gonzalez isn’t even the highest-paid Padres player. However, he is in line for a monstrous deal (translation: nine figures) that San Diego most likely can’t offer. Members of the Padres’ front office even have hinted as much recently.
In the past three seasons, Gonzalez ranks seventh in the majors in homers (106) and 11th in RBIs (318) despite playing in cavernous Petco Park and without an All-Star supporting cast. In a more hitter-friendly park with better lineup support, Gonzalez, who will turn 28 in May, would be even more dangerous. Thus, he has intrigued big-market teams — Boston has been especially interested — that could spare a hundred million (or more) bucks. Chances are good that Gonzalez will be playing elsewhere in August, bringing San Diego a haul in young talent.
2. How’s the rotation sans Peavy?
For the first time since the 2001 season, Peavy won’t make a start for the Padres. That doesn’t bode well. Last season, San Diego’s rotation finished 24th in the majors with a 4.78 ERA — and that was with 13 starts from Peavy, who posted a 3.97 ERA. The oft-injured Chris Young will assume ace duties, and newcomer Jon Garland will provide a veteran innings-eater. "(Garland is) a guy who’s going to go out there and he’s going to give you innings and he’s gonna pitch and give you a chance to win some ballgames," Padres closer Heath Bell said. "If we put some runs up, we’re going to get him some W’s. And he’s another guy who’s got a lot of information for our young starters."
Kevin Correia, who led the team with 12 wins last season, is back, and youngsters Clayton Richard (acquired in the Peavy deal) and Mat Latos should round out the starting five.
3. Is there enough offense, even with Gonzalez?
San Diego scored 638 runs last season — just two more than the 30th-ranked Pirates. The Padres’ homer total was 26th, with Gonzalez’s 40 homers accounting for 28 percent of their 141 long balls. During the offseason, they cornered the market on Hairstons (trading for Scott and signing Jerry), but neither is expected to start. If the team’s developing young hitters don’t progress, San Diego very well could finish as the majors’ worst offensive team.
Projected lineup 1. SS Everth Cabrera: Team-best 25 SBs last season. 2. 2B David Eckstein: Career-worst .323 OBP in ’09. 3. 1B Adrian Gonzalez: At home in ’09: .244 AVG, 12 HRs, 36 RBIs; road: .306, 28 HRs, 63 RBIs. 4. 3B Chase Headley: .208 AVG, .300 OBP at home last season; .305, .377 on road. 5. LF Kyle Blanks: 10 HRs in only 148 at-bats in ’09. 6. RF Will Venable: 6 of 12 HRs, 17 of 38 RBIs came in August. 7. C Nick Hundley: .159 AVG vs. lefthanders last season. 8. CF Tony Gwynn Jr.: Leadoff option after career-best .350 OBP.
Projected rotation 1. RHP Chris Young: 11 wins, 31 starts in ’06; 11 wins, 32 starts from 2008-09. 2. RHP Kevin Correia: Career highs in ’09: 198 IP, 142 K’s. 3. RHP Jon Garland: At least 32 starts each of past 8 seasons. 4. LHP Clayton Richard: 5-2, 4.08 ERA in 12 starts with Padres in ’09. 5. RHP Mat Latos: Averaged 4.1 BB/9 as rookie last season.
Offense: D. Not many major league teams feature a cleanup hitter who had 12 homers last season. That’s the case with Chase Headley, who will move to his natural third base to replace Kevin Kouzmanoff. It would help if he also can replace Kouzmanoff’s offense (18 homers, 88 RBIs). More will be expected of Kyle Blanks and Will Venable, too.
Pitching: C. Garland will provide the durability the rotation needs; only Correia made at least 20 starts for San Diego last season. It is imperative that Young stays healthy and resembles the All-Star who posted a 3.12 ERA in 2007. The bullpen is anchored by one of the game’s most underrated stoppers in Bell, though he also could be dealt.
Bench: C. Jerry Hairston can play outfield but will serve as the primary infield reserve; brother Scott should stay plenty busy in the outfield (he can serve as a righthanded platoon mate for Tony Gwynn and Venable). San Diego signed veteran catcher Yorvit Torrealba, who had a career-best .291 batting average last season.
Manager: B. A former pitcher, Black has done a good job with this staff, especially the bullpen. The team improved by 12 wins (75 total) in 2009 and went 39-35 after the All-Star break. He gets the most out of the talent available, but this team still is rebuilding.
Sporting News prediction: The rebuilding Padres didn’t do enough this offseason to catch the division’s big three — or to hold off the improved Diamondbacks for fourth place.
Despite a late-season slide that nearly cost them the division — Los Angeles lost seven of its final 11 regular season games — the Dodgers finished with the National League’s best record (95-67) in 2009. However, they once again fell flat against the Phillies in the NLCS. Perhaps a result of their owners’ pending divorce, the Dodgers lost more talent than they acquired this offseason, costing them their designation of NL West favorites.
Manny Ramirez struggled at the plate after returning from his 50-game suspension.
Three questions
1. Which Manny Ramirez will show up?
Ramirez was rolling (.348 average, six homers, 20 RBIs in 27 games) before his shocking 50-game suspension in early May. After returning, he hit .269-13-43 in 77 games. He lost bat speed and confidence, and approaching age 38, there are doubts about whether he can recapture the form that made him an instant sensation/hero upon his arrival in Los Angeles in 2008.
Among the Dodgers’ starting outfielders, Ramirez already was the weakest defensively. Now he enters the season as arguably the third most productive offensively. Andre Ethier (31 homers, 106 RBIs) and Matt Kemp (26 homers, 101 RBIs) both are coming off career years and have yet to peak. "Manny is no different than any other player in that he’s going to have his ups and downs, but I’m not going to change a thing with Manny," hitting coach Don Mattingly said. "Manny is the last player that I’m worried about heading into (this) season."
2. Is the rotation strong enough?
The Dodgers opted not to offer Randy Wolf arbitration and declined their 2010 option on Jon Garland, losing both starters in free agency while getting nothing in return. Wolf led the staff with 34 starts and 214 1/2 innings pitched, while winning 11 games and posting a 3.23 ERA last season. After being acquired from Arizona in late August, Garland went 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA in six starts.
Because they failed to sign/trade for a No. 1 in the offseason, the responsibility will fall on the 22-year-old left shoulder of Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw’s 2.79 ERA and 185 strikeouts led the rotation in 2009, but it would be advantageous to ease him into the No. 1 role. The ideal No. 1 is Chad Billingsley, who faded badly (5.20 ERA) in the second half last season and has yet to solve his consistency issues. Behind them are the oft-injured Hiroki Kuroda, the temperamental Vicente Padilla and a huge void that could be filled by either Ramon or Russ Ortiz.
3. Should Russell Martin lose 25 pounds?
Frustrated by his declining production, Martin packed on 25 pounds this offseason. Early in camp, he suffered a strained groin muscle, which will sideline for the first couple weeks of the regular season. Martin recently told the Los Angeles Times that his extra bulk in no way contributed to his injury, but he has averaged 150 games played the past three season. While you could question his fading offensive output — from 19 homers and 87 RBIs in 2007 to seven homers and 53 RBIs in 2009 — Martin’s durability never was in doubt. Until now.
Projected lineup 1. SS Rafael Furcal: 12 SBs in ’09 were career-low for full season. 2. CF Matt Kemp: 30-30 season is close (26 HRs, 34 SBs) in ’09. 3. RF Andre Ethier: Fourth in MLB with 19 game-winning RBIs. 4. LF Manny Ramirez: .624 career SLG vs. lefties; slugged .514 vs. lefties in ’09. 5. 1B James Loney: 13 HRs, 90 RBIs in ’08 and ’09. 6. 3B Casey Blake: 9 HRs through May; 9 more rest of ’09. 7. C Russell Martin: SLG (.329) lower than his OBP (.352). 8. 2B Blake DeWitt: .276 career AVG at home; .239 on road.
Projected rotation 1. LHP Clayton Kershaw: Allowed no ERs in 9 of his 30 starts. 2. RHP Chad Billingsley: NL-worst 14 wild pitches last season. 3. RHP Hiroki Kuroda: Injuries limited him to 21 games (3.76 ERA). 4. RHP Vicente Padilla: 4-0, 3.20 ERA in eight games with L.A. in ’09. 5. RHP Ramon Ortiz: Last pitched in MLB in ’07 (5.45 ERA).
PROJECTED CLOSER RHP Jonathan Broxton: Led MLB relievers with 114 K’s in ’09.
Offense: B. Despite Ramirez’s woes, the Dodgers finished first in the National League in on-base percentage, in a virtual tie for first in batting average and fourth in runs scored. However, they were 23rd in the majors in homers. A return to form by Ramirez and a little more pop from James Loney would be welcome.
Pitching: B. The Dodgers led the majors with a 3.41 staff ERA, and their rotation ERA (3.12) was nearly a half-run better than the next-best team’s (Oakland at 3.46). Their 3.58 rotation ERA ranked behind only the Braves’ 3.52. Anchored by dominant closer Jonathan Broxton the bullpen will be strong again. However, the rotation is weaker.
Bench: A. Newcomer Jamey Carroll can play all over the diamond. Ronnie Belliard (.351-5-17 after joining the Dodgers last August) moves to a reserve infielder role, and Reed Johnson is the fourth outfielder. It remains to be seen whether the bench will be big enough for Garret Anderson and Doug Mientkiewicz.
Manager: A. Torre has reached the playoffs for 14 consecutive seasons but extending that streak to 15 will be challenging. Entering what could be his final season as a manager — there are discussions about a one-year extension that would keep him at the helm through the 2011 season — Torre must be near-flawless in his handling of the pitching staff.
Sporting News prediction: The Dodgers will hang tough in the NL West and NL wild-card races but will fall just short of a third consecutive division title and playoff berth.
Despite a late-season slide that nearly cost them the division — Los Angeles lost seven of its final 11 regular season games — the Dodgers finished with the National League’s best record (95-67) in 2009. However, they once again fell flat against the Phillies in the NLCS. Perhaps a result of their owners’ pending divorce, the Dodgers lost more talent than they acquired this offseason, costing them their designation of NL West favorites.
Manny Ramirez struggled at the plate after returning from his 50-game suspension.
Three questions
1. Which Manny Ramirez will show up?
Ramirez was rolling (.348 average, six homers, 20 RBIs in 27 games) before his shocking 50-game suspension in early May. After returning, he hit .269-13-43 in 77 games. He lost bat speed and confidence, and approaching age 38, there are doubts about whether he can recapture the form that made him an instant sensation/hero upon his arrival in Los Angeles in 2008.
Among the Dodgers’ starting outfielders, Ramirez already was the weakest defensively. Now he enters the season as arguably the third most productive offensively. Andre Ethier (31 homers, 106 RBIs) and Matt Kemp (26 homers, 101 RBIs) both are coming off career years and have yet to peak. "Manny is no different than any other player in that he’s going to have his ups and downs, but I’m not going to change a thing with Manny," hitting coach Don Mattingly said. "Manny is the last player that I’m worried about heading into (this) season."
2. Is the rotation strong enough?
The Dodgers opted not to offer Randy Wolf arbitration and declined their 2010 option on Jon Garland, losing both starters in free agency while getting nothing in return. Wolf led the staff with 34 starts and 214 1/2 innings pitched, while winning 11 games and posting a 3.23 ERA last season. After being acquired from Arizona in late August, Garland went 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA in six starts.
Because they failed to sign/trade for a No. 1 in the offseason, the responsibility will fall on the 22-year-old left shoulder of Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw’s 2.79 ERA and 185 strikeouts led the rotation in 2009, but it would be advantageous to ease him into the No. 1 role. The ideal No. 1 is Chad Billingsley, who faded badly (5.20 ERA) in the second half last season and has yet to solve his consistency issues. Behind them are the oft-injured Hiroki Kuroda, the temperamental Vicente Padilla and a huge void that could be filled by either Ramon or Russ Ortiz.
3. Should Russell Martin lose 25 pounds?
Frustrated by his declining production, Martin packed on 25 pounds this offseason. Early in camp, he suffered a strained groin muscle, which will sideline for the first couple weeks of the regular season. Martin recently told the Los Angeles Times that his extra bulk in no way contributed to his injury, but he has averaged 150 games played the past three season. While you could question his fading offensive output — from 19 homers and 87 RBIs in 2007 to seven homers and 53 RBIs in 2009 — Martin’s durability never was in doubt. Until now.
Projected lineup 1. SS Rafael Furcal: 12 SBs in ’09 were career-low for full season. 2. CF Matt Kemp: 30-30 season is close (26 HRs, 34 SBs) in ’09. 3. RF Andre Ethier: Fourth in MLB with 19 game-winning RBIs. 4. LF Manny Ramirez: .624 career SLG vs. lefties; slugged .514 vs. lefties in ’09. 5. 1B James Loney: 13 HRs, 90 RBIs in ’08 and ’09. 6. 3B Casey Blake: 9 HRs through May; 9 more rest of ’09. 7. C Russell Martin: SLG (.329) lower than his OBP (.352). 8. 2B Blake DeWitt: .276 career AVG at home; .239 on road.
Projected rotation 1. LHP Clayton Kershaw: Allowed no ERs in 9 of his 30 starts. 2. RHP Chad Billingsley: NL-worst 14 wild pitches last season. 3. RHP Hiroki Kuroda: Injuries limited him to 21 games (3.76 ERA). 4. RHP Vicente Padilla: 4-0, 3.20 ERA in eight games with L.A. in ’09. 5. RHP Ramon Ortiz: Last pitched in MLB in ’07 (5.45 ERA).
PROJECTED CLOSER RHP Jonathan Broxton: Led MLB relievers with 114 K’s in ’09.
Offense: B. Despite Ramirez’s woes, the Dodgers finished first in the National League in on-base percentage, in a virtual tie for first in batting average and fourth in runs scored. However, they were 23rd in the majors in homers. A return to form by Ramirez and a little more pop from James Loney would be welcome.
Pitching: B. The Dodgers led the majors with a 3.41 staff ERA, and their rotation ERA (3.12) was nearly a half-run better than the next-best team’s (Oakland at 3.46). Their 3.58 rotation ERA ranked behind only the Braves’ 3.52. Anchored by dominant closer Jonathan Broxton the bullpen will be strong again. However, the rotation is weaker.
Bench: A. Newcomer Jamey Carroll can play all over the diamond. Ronnie Belliard (.351-5-17 after joining the Dodgers last August) moves to a reserve infielder role, and Reed Johnson is the fourth outfielder. It remains to be seen whether the bench will be big enough for Garret Anderson and Doug Mientkiewicz.
Manager: A. Torre has reached the playoffs for 14 consecutive seasons but extending that streak to 15 will be challenging. Entering what could be his final season as a manager — there are discussions about a one-year extension that would keep him at the helm through the 2011 season — Torre must be near-flawless in his handling of the pitching staff.
Sporting News prediction: The Dodgers will hang tough in the NL West and NL wild-card races but will fall just short of a third consecutive division title and playoff berth.
After a dreadful 101-loss season in 2008, the Mariners were the majors’ most improved team in 2009, jumping from 61 wins to 85 wins. This offseason, Seattle added an All-Star infielder and another ace, raising expectations even higher. The formula this season will be defense, pitching and run prevention, but Seattle will have to score more. "Defense is important. If the other team doesn’t score, you don’t lose," first baseman Casey Kotchman said. "But just like every team, we’re going to have to score some runs to win."
After Cliff Lee (pictured) and Felix Hernandez, do the M’s have enough pitching?
Three questions
1. Is the rotation deep enough after the co-aces?
It is rare that a team adds a bona fide No. 1 starter to a rotation featuring arguably the best young pitcher in the game, yet still must deal with questions about its starting five. Cliff Lee won the AL Cy Young award in 2008 with the Indians, delivered both of the Phillies’ World Series wins in 2009 and should flourish in pitcher-friendly Safeco Field (in a contract year). Felix Hernandez tied for the major league lead with 19 wins last season and set career bests with a 2.49 ERA, 217 strikeouts and 238 2/3 innings pitched.
Behind them, however, things get murky. No. 3 starter Ian Snell went 5-2 with a 4.20 ERA in 12 starts for Seattle last season — after posting a 5.36 ERA with the Pirates. Ryan Rowland-Smith (3.74 ERA in 15 starts) and Doug Fister (4.20 ERA in 10 starts) were impressive, but remain unproven over a full season. The wild card is Erik Bedard, who could provide a huge boost once he is fully recovered from shoulder surgery. He isn’t expected back until at least June.
2. Will there be enough offense?
Seattle finished last in the AL and 28th in the majors in runs scored last season (just four more runs than the 30th-ranked Pirates). However, the team’s offensive deficiency was somewhat masked by its 35-20 record in one-run games. The Mariners finished in the middle of the pack in homers, but they lost their leading home run hitter, Russell Branyan, in free agency. Table setters Ichiro Suzuki (.386 on-base percentage in 2009) and Chone Figgins (.395) will get on base, but will anyone drive them in?
The solution to the Mariners’ problem could be the Cubs’ biggest problem from last season: Milton Bradley. Just two seasons ago as a Ranger, Bradley set career highs with 77 RBIs and 22 homers while leading the AL with a .436 on-base percentage. A healthy season from Ken Griffey Jr. also would be welcome, and continued development from Franklin Gutierrez can be expected.
3. Where will Chone Figgins play?
When signed, Figgins was penciled in at third base. However, he has worked extensively at second this spring, with Jose Lopez getting a look at third. The thinking is that Lopez will do less defensive damage at the hot corner, and Figgins’ versatility could make the change possible.
"We’re very comfortable if we decide to go back (to Lopez at second) at the end, that will be a much easier transition. He’s worked hard, looks good in our workout sessions, hands are good, good throwing arm," general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "Figgins is very quick, very agile athletic, done some nice things at second. We’ve seen good out of both."
Projected lineup 1. RF Ichiro Suzuki: MLB-record 9 straight 200-hit seasons. 2. 3B Chone Figgins: 4th in MLB in times on base (285) in ’09. 3. LF Milton Bradley: .871 career OPS in AL; .775 in NL. 4. DH Ken Griffey Jr.: Career-worst .214 AVG last season. 5. 2B Jose Lopez: .303 career OBP; led team with 96 RBIs in ’09. 6. CF Franklin Gutierrez: .335 AVG vs. lefties last season. 7. 1B Casey Kotchman: .999 fielding percentage since ’05 leads all MLB 1B. 8. SS Jack Wilson: .214 AVG after June 30 last season. 9. C Rob Johnson: Must hold off Adam Moore for job.
Projected rotation 1. RHP Felix Hernandez: 6-0, 1.52 ERA in final 7 regular season starts in ’09. 2. LHP Cliff Lee: 2-4, 6.13 ERA in final 7 regular season starts in ’09. 3. RHP Ian Snell: Averaged 5.2 BBs per 9 IP last season. 4. LHP Ryan Rowland-Smith: 2.70 ERA at home; 5.22 on road last season. 5. RHP Doug Fister: 11 HRS allowed in 61 IP in ’09.
Projected closer RHP David Aardsma: All 38 career saves came in ’09.
Offense: C. The need for more power and more run production remains glaring. The team should improve upon its next-to-last finish in the majors in on-base percentage (.314) last season with Figgins and Bradley aboard. But getting on base is much different than crossing home plate.
Pitching: B. Lee and King Felix are arguably the majors’ best 1-2 rotation punch, but the Nos. 3-5 spots remain question marks. The bullpen’s 3.83 ERA ranked third in the AL last season, but David Aardsma must follow up his strong first season as closer.
Bench: A. The bench will be deep, so much so that veteran pinch hitter Mike Sweeney might not make the cut. Ryan Garko can back up at first, and rookie third baseman Matt Tuiasosopo has hit well enough this spring to provide another bench bat. Ryan Langerhans is a solid fourth outfielder, and Eric Byrnes also is in outfield mix.
Manager: B. It is tough to argue with a rookie manager who delivers a 24-game improvement, as Don Wakamatsu did last season. After only one season as a major league manager, Wakamatsu has proven to be a strong fit for a team that emphasizes defense, pitching and strong fundamental play.
Sporting News prediction: Seattle will put plenty of pressure on the Angels but will fall just short of a postseason berth, mainly because of their lack of pop.
After a dreadful 101-loss season in 2008, the Mariners were the majors’ most improved team in 2009, jumping from 61 wins to 85 wins. This offseason, Seattle added an All-Star infielder and another ace, raising expectations even higher. The formula this season will be defense, pitching and run prevention, but Seattle will have to score more. "Defense is important. If the other team doesn’t score, you don’t lose," first baseman Casey Kotchman said. "But just like every team, we’re going to have to score some runs to win."
After Cliff Lee (pictured) and Felix Hernandez, do the M’s have enough pitching?
Three questions
1. Is the rotation deep enough after the co-aces?
It is rare that a team adds a bona fide No. 1 starter to a rotation featuring arguably the best young pitcher in the game, yet still must deal with questions about its starting five. Cliff Lee won the AL Cy Young award in 2008 with the Indians, delivered both of the Phillies’ World Series wins in 2009 and should flourish in pitcher-friendly Safeco Field (in a contract year). Felix Hernandez tied for the major league lead with 19 wins last season and set career bests with a 2.49 ERA, 217 strikeouts and 238 2/3 innings pitched.
Behind them, however, things get murky. No. 3 starter Ian Snell went 5-2 with a 4.20 ERA in 12 starts for Seattle last season — after posting a 5.36 ERA with the Pirates. Ryan Rowland-Smith (3.74 ERA in 15 starts) and Doug Fister (4.20 ERA in 10 starts) were impressive, but remain unproven over a full season. The wild card is Erik Bedard, who could provide a huge boost once he is fully recovered from shoulder surgery. He isn’t expected back until at least June.
2. Will there be enough offense?
Seattle finished last in the AL and 28th in the majors in runs scored last season (just four more runs than the 30th-ranked Pirates). However, the team’s offensive deficiency was somewhat masked by its 35-20 record in one-run games. The Mariners finished in the middle of the pack in homers, but they lost their leading home run hitter, Russell Branyan, in free agency. Table setters Ichiro Suzuki (.386 on-base percentage in 2009) and Chone Figgins (.395) will get on base, but will anyone drive them in?
The solution to the Mariners’ problem could be the Cubs’ biggest problem from last season: Milton Bradley. Just two seasons ago as a Ranger, Bradley set career highs with 77 RBIs and 22 homers while leading the AL with a .436 on-base percentage. A healthy season from Ken Griffey Jr. also would be welcome, and continued development from Franklin Gutierrez can be expected.
3. Where will Chone Figgins play?
When signed, Figgins was penciled in at third base. However, he has worked extensively at second this spring, with Jose Lopez getting a look at third. The thinking is that Lopez will do less defensive damage at the hot corner, and Figgins’ versatility could make the change possible.
"We’re very comfortable if we decide to go back (to Lopez at second) at the end, that will be a much easier transition. He’s worked hard, looks good in our workout sessions, hands are good, good throwing arm," general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "Figgins is very quick, very agile athletic, done some nice things at second. We’ve seen good out of both."
Projected lineup 1. RF Ichiro Suzuki: MLB-record 9 straight 200-hit seasons. 2. 3B Chone Figgins: 4th in MLB in times on base (285) in ’09. 3. LF Milton Bradley: .871 career OPS in AL; .775 in NL. 4. DH Ken Griffey Jr.: Career-worst .214 AVG last season. 5. 2B Jose Lopez: .303 career OBP; led team with 96 RBIs in ’09. 6. CF Franklin Gutierrez: .335 AVG vs. lefties last season. 7. 1B Casey Kotchman: .999 fielding percentage since ’05 leads all MLB 1B. 8. SS Jack Wilson: .214 AVG after June 30 last season. 9. C Rob Johnson: Must hold off Adam Moore for job.
Projected rotation 1. RHP Felix Hernandez: 6-0, 1.52 ERA in final 7 regular season starts in ’09. 2. LHP Cliff Lee: 2-4, 6.13 ERA in final 7 regular season starts in ’09. 3. RHP Ian Snell: Averaged 5.2 BBs per 9 IP last season. 4. LHP Ryan Rowland-Smith: 2.70 ERA at home; 5.22 on road last season. 5. RHP Doug Fister: 11 HRS allowed in 61 IP in ’09.
Projected closer RHP David Aardsma: All 38 career saves came in ’09.
Offense: C. The need for more power and more run production remains glaring. The team should improve upon its next-to-last finish in the majors in on-base percentage (.314) last season with Figgins and Bradley aboard. But getting on base is much different than crossing home plate.
Pitching: B. Lee and King Felix are arguably the majors’ best 1-2 rotation punch, but the Nos. 3-5 spots remain question marks. The bullpen’s 3.83 ERA ranked third in the AL last season, but David Aardsma must follow up his strong first season as closer.
Bench: A. The bench will be deep, so much so that veteran pinch hitter Mike Sweeney might not make the cut. Ryan Garko can back up at first, and rookie third baseman Matt Tuiasosopo has hit well enough this spring to provide another bench bat. Ryan Langerhans is a solid fourth outfielder, and Eric Byrnes also is in outfield mix.
Manager: B. It is tough to argue with a rookie manager who delivers a 24-game improvement, as Don Wakamatsu did last season. After only one season as a major league manager, Wakamatsu has proven to be a strong fit for a team that emphasizes defense, pitching and strong fundamental play.
Sporting News prediction: Seattle will put plenty of pressure on the Angels but will fall just short of a postseason berth, mainly because of their lack of pop.
