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***Xpress Picks: 2012 MLB Preview!***

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2012 MLB Preview

Finally, the 2012 MLB season is upon us! Excited for this upcoming year with the interesting free agent acquisitions, new rule changes, and MORE! Planning to post as much as possible this year! Below are my previews for the outlook of the 2012 MLB season.

American League

AL East:

1.  Boston Red Sox (~95 Wins)

This projection may be a little biased (my favorite team) but I am loving the changes happening in BeanTown, philosophy, etc. Just wished John Farrell was our manager instead of Valentine.  With the parity in baseball, the AL East especially, I just cannot see any team getting anymore more than 95 wins this year in the AL East. Players to Watch: Josh Beckett/Jon Lester

2.  New York Yankees (~93 Wins)

Really liking the pickup of Kuroda.  However, on the other hand, I am NOT seeing the value of the Pineda-Montero trade for the Yankees. Pineda had one good season with the Mariners beating up batters in the weak AL West.  Coming from a small market to a big market team is going to present challenges for this young pitcher.  In addition, his velocity has been way down all Spring, which is very concerning. Yankees HAD the top MLB prospect at catcher in Montero (ridiculous power).  I find it significantly harder to come across such a talented catcher in Montero, then a pitcher like Pineda.  Who knows for all I know Pineda might have a solid year.  The middle of the Yankees rotation scares me: Pineda and Nova. I think Hughes should get bumped up to the 3rd spot.  From the competition Hughes faced this Spring Training to earn a spot in the rotation, I believe it helped him greatly. Offensively, I have no clue what to expect from this aging team (like the Celtics in the NBA).  Seeing a decline offensively for the OFs, however, Granderson and Swisher will be becoming free agents next year (they might produce but I am not seeing it). Players to Watch: Hiroki Kuroda/Phil Hughes

3.  Tampa Bay Rays (~90 Wins)

I absolutely love the management of this team from the top-down! For a small market team, the Rays management is laying the "blueprint" for staying competitive, especially playing the AL East.  Although, I acknowledge the fact that they had the top pick in the MLB Draft for many years- they still had to develop the talent.  Its obvious that the Rays pitching staff is going to keep this team going.  Offensively, I feel like if guys like Joyce, Zobrist, and Rodriguez stay healthy and can produce consistently (no steep decline in their production from last year) this team should be solid.  Player to Watch: Matt Joyce 

4.  Toronto Blue Jays (~85 Wins)

The best coaching staff in baseball.  I absolutely wished the Red Sox had kept John Farrell.  Lawrie is being touted as the next big thing in Toronto (awesome Spring) but I think you might need to give him one more year.  No doubt he is going to produce but the numbers people are expecting from him might be a little too high.  For me, I am loving the new acquisition flying under the radar, Mr. Colby Rasmus. Entering his prime years with a new improved batting stance and with power for days, I believe he is going to be one of the ultimate sleepers this season.  I still did not even mention Bautista or Santos yet.  As I am writing this, I am thinking to myself "has a MLB division been this deep ever?"  It is ridiculous to even put this into perspective.  Players to Watch: Colby Rasmus/Sergio Santos

5.  Baltimore Orioles (~68 Wins)

You have to feel for this team, even in a little way if you dislike them. If I was apart of the Orioles management, I would try to explore ways to try and get out of this division (not sure if its even possible) but hey what's the harm!  I am absolutely not envisioning the Orioles being competitive in this division in the near future.  With players like Reynolds, Davis, Jones, and Reimold (all hit-or-miss), its going to be really challenging for them.  In my opinion, they need to find more consistent hitters.  In addition, I am not a fan of Weiters (highly-overrated).  Player to Watch: Brian Matusz


 
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AL Central:

1.  Detroit Tigers (~94 Wins)

Projecting the Tigers to win approximately the same amount of games this year, even with the Prince Fielder acquisition.  Still don't know how Prince and his agent pulled off that deal (absolutely ridiculous). Seeing the Tigers posting around the same win total for one reason: Twins (61 Wins) and Royals (73 Wins) should improve their win totals noticeably this year.  In addition, I am seeing a mild decline for Verlander (scared about how many innings this guy has been pitching over the past several years even though he is a workhorse).  However, with a full year of Fister and in my opinion, an outstanding year for Scherzer it should balance it out.  Offensively, the Tigers should be as solid as they come.  Players to Watch: Max Scherzer/Brennan Bosech

2.  Kansas City Royals (~80 Wins)

Wow, I am actually projecting the Royals to finish 2nd in the AL Central. Not surprised by it, but just the fact that the Royals have momentum going into the season is refreshing!  Loved some of the pickups they made this offseason by acquiring Sanchez and Broxton. Just like the Rays, they are putting together their fine young talent. However, their offense is going to have to keep them going, opposite from the Rays. Absolutely love their powerful young hitting talent- Butler, Gordon, Hosmer and Moustakas.  They all possess power, produce solid batting averages, and have enough MLB experience already.  Royals will make noise this year or will play big spoilers. Players to Watch: Billy Butler/Eric Hosmer

3.  Cleveland Indians (~78 Wins)

Same with the Tigers, seeing around the same win total for the Indians. The Indians pitching rotation is pretty good with Slowey as the 5th starter.  The question marks are going to come offensively. Besides Santana, there is no consistent output seen throughout the lineup, although I am projecting Choo to have a bounce back year and put up solid numbers.  Player to Watch: Justin Masterson/Shin-Soo Choo

4.  Chicago White Sox (~76 Wins)

The departure of Ozzie might be a blessing in disguise.  The White Sox can start new and build upon their fairly young talent in Ramirez, Beckham, More, De Aza and Viciedo.  I believe the absolute key to the White Sox success this year will be Adam Dunn.  If Dunn can protect Konerko (absolute beast when taking into consideration his age), they should do fairly well.  The pitching staff and bullpen should be respectable even with the departure of Buehrle.  Its going to be interesting to see Robin Ventura managing in his first year.  Player to Watch: Adam Dunn/Gavin Floyd

5.  Minnesota Twins (~75 Wins)

Feeling Liriano will have a great season this year.  This Spring, he has been dominant (K:BB solid) providing him with some momentum going into the season.  The rest of the rotation and bullpen is respectable. However, on offense is where all the question marks come into play for the Twins.  No doubt, the M&M boys will bounce back but outside of them, I am not seeing anyone stepping up to give them help.  On top of that, you still have to be concerned about the injury issues plaguing the M&M boys.  Because of this, I have them still finishing last in the AL Central.  Player to Watch: Francisco Liriano

AL West:

1.  Los Angeles Angels (~95 Wins)

Absolutely love this team- well-rounded pitching rotation and batting lineup.  The Angels pitching rotation is as deep as they come.  At first, I really didn't like the signing of Wilson because I thought he was really overrated.  But, this Spring, he as been "lights out."  I know people say to not look into Spring Training numbers too much, but I believe it can provide some good insight.  The Angels have power for days on offense especially with the return of Morales.  When you have Pujols on your team, you know your offense is going to be pretty much consistent throughout the year. Players to Watch: Vernon Vells/Dan Haren

2.  Texas Rangers (~90 Wins)

For me, I am having a difficult time reading the Rangers this year. Even with the loss of their top pitcher, C.J. Wilson, the Rangers pitching rotation has the potential to be even better.  Feeling Darvish should do pretty well this year.  His pitching command is excellent and his strikeout rate should be inflated this season, due to facing MLB batters for the first time.  On offense, the main factor is for them to stay healthy (Kinsler, Hamilton and Cruz).  Barring any major injuries, the Rangers should have another solid season.Player to Watch: Nelson Cruz

3.  Seattle Mariners (~74 Wins)

Once Coach Wedge made the announcement of moving Ichiro into the 3rd spot, I got really excited.  Been frustrating to watch over the years, Ichiro being constantly stranded on the bases.  Seattle GM, Jack Zduriencik, should be praised for the Montero trade.  However, once you get past Montero in the lineup, things start to get sketchy.  I believe the Mariners are one solid pitcher and two solid hitters away from being contenders.  Player to Watch: Dustin Ackley 

4.  Oakland Athletics (~67 Wins)

Of all the teams in the MLB, I have to be the most frustrated with the A's.  GM Beane knows how to spot the talent but keeping the talent is a whole another story.  They have had outstanding prospects for days but they keep trading them away because they don't want to spend the money (until they move to San Jose).  If they had kept all their talent, I believe they would be legitimate contenders by now.  Like the Mariners, these idiots sign the wrong players to the big deals!  Eric Chavez ring a bell?  Player to Watch: Yoenis Cespedes
 
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National League

NL East:

1.  Philadelphia Phillies (~92 Wins)

I am down on the Phillies this year.  Yes, their pitching will keep them in games but offensively, I feel they will be really inconsistent (injuries plaguing Howard and Utley).  Plus, with the improvements of the Marlins and Nationals, I believe you will see a noticeable decline in their win total from last year.  Player to Watch: Shane Victorino/Cole Hamels

2.  Miami Marlins (~86 Wins)

Going into the season, I have the HIGHEST regards for this team. I absolutely love the moves they made this offseason, to acquire Ozzie, Reyes, Buehrle and Bell.  All season the Marlins will have momentum being in a new city and ballpark. Ozzie is the perfect fit for the Marlins and Reyes.  His aggressive approach on the bases will only benefit Reyes. Reports from the Marlins camp is that Hanley has been extra dedicated this Spring, starting his early morning workouts before sunrise. Hanley is going to turn it around and in a HUGE way. This team is well-rounded, power and speed throughout the lineup and has a pretty deep pitching rotation.  The key for the Marlins will be if Josh Johnson can avoid any long-term injuries and can give them at least 175 innings this year.  Player to Watch: Hanley Ramirez

3.  Atlanta Braves (~88 Wins)

I am really feeling that Freddie Freeman is in for a monster year.  I like his discipline at the plate this Spring. Thinking Prado's numbers should rebound. The key for the Braves' success will be Jason Heyward. If Heyward can produce a solid season, I believe the Braves will do well. Their pitching rotation is solid and their bullpen is shutdown.  Player to Watch: Freddie Freeman/Mike Minor

4.  Washington Nationals (~84 Wins)

The Nationals should definitely improve on their win total from last year with a full season of Strasburg and with the solid addition of Gio. For me, I feel the Nationals are one solid hitter away from being legitimate contenders (call up Harper already). Player to Watch: Michael Morse

5.  New York Mets (~71 Wins)

With the loss of Reyes, this team is horrible, especially with the other four teams in their division producing solid squads.  Other than Wright, don't know too much about their average players.  Player to Watch: ?

NL Central:

1.  Milwaukee Brewers (~88 Wins)

Liking the Brew Crew to take the division again, but by a smaller margin. I have them over the Reds because I believe in their pitching staff a little more.  Greinke looks like he will be returning to top form and making a run at the NL CY Young this year.  Even with the loss of Prince, the addition of Aramis Ramirez should prove beneficial.  A new environment can turn around a player's career.  Player to Watch: Zack Greinke

2.  Cincinnati Reds (~87 Wins)

The only reason why I do not have them over the Brew Crew is because I have little faith in the back-end of their pitching rotation. Arroyo should NOT be apart of the rotation.  In addition, the Reds lineup possesses a lot of streaky hitters.  However, I see Votto bouncing back in a big way this year.  The addition of Latos should help as well.  Player to Watch: Joey Votto/Mat Latos

3.  St. Louis Cardinals (~82 Wins)

I have the Cards slipping this year.  Too many questions marks on both sides for my liking.  On offense, I have no idea who is going to step-up to replace Pujols' offensive production.  The Cards pitching, more specifically their top two starters, Wainwright and Carpenter are plagued with injury issues.  Player to Watch: David Freese

4.  Chicago Cubs (~76 Wins)

In my opinion, the Cubs lineup looks like a patchwork quilt. They are in a rebuilding years so fans gotta be patient.  However, I am seeing Matt Garza having a solid year.  Outside of Castro and Byrd, the Cubs lineup is filled with question marks.  Player to Watch: Matt Garza

5.  Pittsburgh Pirates (~74 Wins)

For a ball club that does not spend money, they produce a pretty solid squad.  The Pirates pitching rotation is underrated and maybe Burnett might do well in a different setting.  The Pirates inconsistent run production is what is keeping me from predicting them having a little more wins.  However, this ball club is taking strides in the right direction.  Player to Watch: Alex Presley

6.  Houston Astros (~63 Wins)

No comment until they move to the American League.  I would be embarrassed if I owned this team.  I believe you have to put in a little more effort to try and win!  Player to Watch: Jed Lowrie
 
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NL West:

T-1. San Francisco Giants (~88 Wins)

Even with the loss of Sanchez, the Giants pitching staff is still as strong because of the emergence of Vogelsong.  Bumgarner is poised to have a breakout year and you know what you will get with Lincecum and Cain.  On offense, the return of Posey should help them as well.  I am sensing someone is going to step-up in a big way for the Giants, outside of Posey and Sandoval, but I just can't put my finger on the player yet.  Player to Watch: Madison Bumgarner

T-1. Arizona Diamondbacks (~88 Wins)

I still cannot decide between the Giants and D-Backs.  In my opinion, these two teams are pretty much similar.  They both have solid pitching and prove to struggle on offense at times.  I feel the D-Backs have the edge on offense but the Giants have the edge on pitching.  I love the addition of Cahill as well. I feel 2012 is going to be Justin Upton's year to really have that breakout season everyone knows he is capable of.  The key for the D-Backs will be once they call up Trevor Bauer.  If Bauer produces, the D-Backs will take this division.Player to Watch: Justin Upton/Trevor Bauer

3.  Colorado Rockies (~83 Wins)

Don't sleep on this team.  I am seeing CarGo putting up some numbers seen two years ago by him.  Tulo will always produce ridiculous numbers for a SS.  The Rockies pitching rotation is very underrated and will be flying under the radar.  Player to Watch: Carlos Gonzalez/Michael Cuddyer

4.  Los Angeles Dodgers (~81 Wins)

Outside of Kershaw and Kemp, this team is really not that good. Too much hype is on Gordon.  In addition, the transitioning of the new management might provide for some distractions.  The Dodgers starting pitching is not deep at all, however, their bullpen is pretty decent. Just not seeing big things for this team this year (they might look like the Lakers this year).  Player to Watch: Kenley Jansen

5.  San Diego Padres (~74 Wins)

The Padres are filled with young prospects.  They will be playing spoilers all year but as for contenders, I believe not.  Player to Watch: Cameron Maybin

Remember, these are just my opinions.  You may or may not agree with me but hey if you got some inside info on your team please share it.  Let me know what you guys think.  Wish everyone the best of luck this season! Let's take it to the books this season!
 
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nice writeups

as far as the phillies go, both victorino and hamels r in the final year of their contracts...hamels will get his 100 million dolllar contract, probably in the offseason...not sure if the phils will try and keep shane beyond this season

really curious to see what the opening day lineup looks like...1st base (thome or mayberry)....2nd base (pretty sure galvis but u never know)....left field (mayberry or pierre)....the batting order is even more of a head scratcher, the only thing certain is the pitcher batting 9th...the big concern is they need someone to protect pence as he is the power guy right now, was interesting to see rollins bat 3rd yesterday, if they continue to do that then they would use victorino or pierre as the leadoff hitter..

as long as rollins and the starting rotation stays helathy, the phils should be ok while utley and howard rehab....from a betting standpoint, dont be surprised if a lot of the phillies games stay under the total for the first 3 months of the season

cant wait til thursday

 
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    Nice stuff PX Central's probably the Tigers for the taking, but your  second place choice, the Royals have to prove they can beat the Tribe, something they've struggled with home and away, before I'm willing to give them second.  Two other Indians to watch for are Astrubal Cabrerra and Jason Kipnis. They're also not done with the outfield yet as reports have them looking to sign a couple other outfielders, most notably, Bobby Abreu. They're also in the Dominican scouting Vlad for his possible comeback. Finally healthy to start the season, Travis Hafner and Shin Hoo Choo will add some pop to the line up as well as Carlos Santana. All three had off years last season, due to injuries. Arguably the best pen in the Central comes back intact, with their starting pitching not great, but good enough to give them the 5 or 6 innings, limit opponents, and then to hand it over to the pen.
     BOL in the season ahead, and again thanks for all the good work.
 
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Thanks for the insights!  

BOL Raff and 222Bad!  
 
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Future Plays:

*POY* Miami Marlins  Over 84.5 Wins

Boston Red Sox  Over 90 Wins

Los Angeles Angels  Over 92.5 Wins

Kansas City Royals  Over 79 Wins

New York Mets  Under 71.1 Wins

Good Luck to Everyone!  
 
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Pineapple.  Long time no see and always a pleasure.   Great futures My favorite is Mets under 71,1 wins.  They are garbage.
 
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thanks for the insight brotha!
 
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Good luck express.  With you on the under in the mets win total. 
 
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not a bad writeup sir, but i have a few suggestions:

Redsox: i believe a player to watch will be Daniel Bard. His transition to starter will be what i watch closely, b/c i do love the redsox as well, and i have always been impressed with his comand during relief work. He has had a decent spring, and they sox will need him to be a solid starter if they want to win the AL

Yankees: Looking to see if curtis granderson's power was a fluke last season and if A-Rod still has anything left

Tampa Rays: MATT MOORE! This guy is an absolute stud. He will give Strasburg a run for his money.

KC: Alex gordon. After signing that extension, they are guna need him to show that last year wasn't a fluke if they have any intention of winning ~80 games this season...I think hosmer will hit a rookie wall at some point mid season however...(they just don't have the pitching to be successful enough to win 80 games IMO)

Cle: Ubaldo is a pitcher capable of having a bounceback season. Watch for this. And asdrubal cabrera is a very underrated SS.

Twins: Mauer. Yes, he's a name, yes he has health concerns. But he is definitely back to his healthy self, and will be primed for hitting for average again. I also see his HR totals returning back to his early years.

NyM: Lucas Duda. He is a player that should be on every1's radar. He's the future for the mets now, forget wright (health issues). He's got some serious pop, and if any1 can get on base ahead of him, he'll cash em in.

Arizona: Look out for Paul Goldschmidt!! He has some serious power, and displayed it 2nd half of last season, so i am really curious to see how legit he can be. If he produces all season long, arizona will be a definite contender


For your futures bet...

In my humble and honest opinion, marlins over 84.5 wins looks great on paper. However, there are some alarming concerns for me...If jose reyes goes down for a significant time due to injuries...then the 84.5 will look like they need 105... No joke. I believe Hanley will get depressed and all, and I am not a fan of him one bit. (He's not professional at all, as shown last season when he quit on them halfway through). He's just "happier" now, b/c he can talk and joke around with reyes. Giancarlo,still strikesout a lot, and he reminds me of carlos pena at the moment...outside of a health risk Josh Johnson, they do not have a good pitching staff. I mean ANibal strikesout a lot, but he just doesn't look DOMINANT to me.

Neway, i cannot wait to start the season myself, and i thank you for these nice writeups to get the thinking juices going! way to get the ball rolling buddy and wish you all the best this season!

BOL

 
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Outstanding shit, PX.   


 

 
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Great writeups. Thanks for the insight

NYM player to watch: Ike Davis. Ankle injury cost him his sophomore season. Ike has the power to take advantage of the shorter fences at Citi Field. Under the radar breakout candidate on a crappy team in my opinion.

I agree the expectations for Blue Jays 3B Lawrie are too high. Rasmus needs to play better or he's a bust candidate hitting in the bottom of the order. We have too many OF's. I love Rajai Davis' speed but depth will limit his playing time if he makes the team. Maybe a pinch runner with 50+ stolen base potential. Big fan of the Santos addition. AL East race will be fun to watch.

D'Backs are my sleeper team. I like the Cahill addition. NL will benefit him. Good bullpen and decent depth on the bench. Drew (health) has to return to form leading off to help set the table for the heart of the order

Good luck with your Baseball bets PineappleXpress

 

 
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Thanks for the insights!  Hope you guys have a solid year!

BOL LasVegasLord, KeepIt, Sabres, CashMoney, Gilmo, and Canadian!  

 
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Quote Originally Posted by PineappleXpress:

Future Plays:

*POY* Miami Marlins  Over 84.5 Wins

Boston Red Sox  Over 90 Wins

Los Angeles Angels  Over 92.5 Wins

Kansas City Royals  Over 79 Wins

New York Mets  Under 71.1 Wins

Good Luck to Everyone!  

 

Marlins *OVER WINS* on the year is a very popular play...


I'm on the same future  -  and I do like that Royals future...

 

 
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Quote Originally Posted by GiLmo574:

 

Marlins *OVER WINS* on the year is a very popular play...


I'm on the same future  -  and I do like that Royals future...

 


BOL Gilmo!  
 
 
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