The Observer, April 4, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 23
Pro Sports Roundup
AL West
Los Angeles Angels Batting: 1 Fielding: 1 Starting Pitching: 2 Bullpen: 2 Coaching: 1
Last Year: 1st (94-68) 2008 Prediction: 1st – With the big additions of Torii Hunter to patrol the outfield and Jon Garland to set the rotation, the Angels have positioned themselves for a playoff run. Strong 1 through 5, the concern I have is at the catcher position with Mike Napoli. The question is not only with his offense, but how well he will handle the pitching staff, emerging ace Jared Weaver especially. The bullpen is solid with K-Rod still taking the ball at the end of games. Though he isn't the lights out closer of years past, fantasy speaking you can still expect high 30s to low 40s for saves.
Seattle Mariners – Batting: 2 Fielding: 2 Starting Pitching: 1 Bullpen: 1 Coaching: 2
Last Year: 2nd (88-74) 2008 Prediction: 2nd – The Mariners made a point this winter to improve their rotation, and that is exactly what they did. Trading for ace Erik Bedard and signing free agent Carlos Silva, they have taken pressure off of young phenom Felix Hernandez. With less weight on his shoulders, this should be the year King Felix emerges as the pitcher he has been touted as the past three years. With one of the most consistent players in the league in Ichiro, still raking 200 hits and gold glove defense in center, it is up to big boppers such as Adrian Beltre and Richie Sexson to drive some runs in and earn the big contracts they received a few years ago.
Oakland Athletics – Batting: 4 Fielding: 3 Starting Pitching: 3 Bullpen: 3 Coaching: 4
Last Year: 3rd (76-86) 2008 Prediction: 3rd – I don't know how he does it, but Billy Beane always puts out a team on opening day that everyone says won't do anything, but they are always in it around mid-July. The same is happening this year: a few household names, a few players that avid followers know, and a bunch of no-names round out the A's depth chart. But I have faith, BB. Rich Harden has the some of the sickest stuff of any pitcher in the league. If he stays healthy this year, he will finally be acknowledged, as he should be.
Texas Rangers – Batting: 3 Fielding: 4 Starting Pitching: 4 Bullpen: 4 Coaching: 3
Last Year: 4th (75-87) 2008 Prediction: 4th – The Rangers have some great players in the field on paper, but they just don't have the pitching to get them through a season. Kevin Millwood is not an ace anymore and Vincent Padilla is not the same pitcher that he was in Philly. Also, it is a question if Milton Bradley will bounce back from his ACL injury. Texas will once again under-perform and be in the cellar of the AL West.
That takes care of all the divisions. Here is how the playoffs will play out: Cubs over Mets in the NLCS and Boston over Tigers in ALCS with the Cubs breaking the 100-year curse over the BoSox in the World Series. It's a beautiful thing.
