Label/2008%20Diamond%20Hogger%20Season%20Previews

Los Angeles Angels 2008 Season Preview

March 24, 2008 By TheNaturalMevs Leave a Comment

Diamond Hogger’s Los Angeles Angels blog of choice: Halo’s Heaven

Lineup
Exciting Chone Figgins will lead off at 2nd base. Gary Mathews Jr. and Vladimir Guerrero will follow in the lineup. Mathews is a solid player while Vladi remains the face of the franchise and for another year or so has to be considered one of the most dangerous hitters in the game. The time has passed for him to be the guy but he’s still plenty dangerous and a lot of fun to watch.

Hitting 4th is the ageless RBI-machine Garrett Anderson. Anderson will probably see equal parts of time in left field and at DH. In the 5th slot will be newly-acquired Torii Hunter. That’s a pretty talented group of outfielders over 30 years old. Casey Kotchman will be playing first and looking to prove that he’s more than a Sean Casey-type. Second baseman Howie Kendrick is back along with catcher Mike Napoli. Erick Aybar or Macier Itzturis will be the shortstop in the 9-hole.

Rating: 8.0

Pitching
John Lackey returns as the team’s ace. From there they have a solid, but not spectacular starting rotation. Jon Garland, Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana, and Joe Saunders will be expected to carry the load after Lackey. I am high on Weaver and Santana and I think that eventually one of the two (more likely Weaver) will take the ‘ace’ title from Lackey. Both have good stuff but have just been inconsistent with locating it.

Francisco Rodriguez remains one of the most dominant closers in the game. He’s in a contract year so look for him to approach the 50 save plateau especially on a talented team like the Angels. From there, Darren Oliver, Scot Shields, Justin Speier and Dustin Moseley will log significant

Rating: 8.4

Coach

Mike Sciosia is the manager of the Angels, and when they landed him as a first-time manager they lucked out. Sciosia already has one World Series championship to his resume and before it’s said and done he’ll have a crack at another. I’m high on Sciosia and except for experience amounts, I think he’s as fine of an in-game knowledge manager as there is in the game today.

Rating: 8.9

Intangibles/Chemistry

If you’re familliar with the Angels in the Outfield movie, then it’s hard to imagine a team owned by Disney and playing in a beautiful ballpark playing in California not being pretty phenemonal every year. They spend the bucks to bring in big time offensive players and they’ve got some nasty arms on the mound. Still, they always manage (save 2002) to come up short and get bounced in the playoffs. They’re always a bridemaid, never the bride. Always an electoral candidate, never elected President. You get the picture.

I like the make-up of this team, but I see a lot of aging injury risks. I see a group that could go in the tank and experience a down year that they have not in quite some time. This leads to just a so-so rating.

Rating: 7.6

Overall

The Angels look to me like a fringe second place team in the West. I like the Mariners better right now and if Texas has much of anything, I think they can finally overtake the Angels. Then again, I am not high on knowledge of this LAA team. I like their manager, star player (Vlad) and their closer a lot.

Rating: 8.23

Filed Under: 2008 Diamond Hogger Season Previews, Anaheim Angels, I have, Vladimir Guerrero

Pittsburgh Pirates 2008 Season Preview

March 20, 2008 By TheNaturalMevs Leave a Comment

Leading up to the start of the 2008 Regular Season, Diamond Hoggers will preview each of MLB’s 32 teams. Teams will be rated on a 10-point scale in the following 5 areas: Lineup, Pitching, Manager, Intangibles/Chemistry, and Overall. Today’s team is the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Diamond Hogger’s Pittsburgh Pirates Blog of Choice: Bucco Blog

Lineup
Some who write about the game of baseball have hypothesized that the Pirates won’t actually be that bad offensively in 2008. I don’t know how that could possibly be to be honest. I actually feel badly for Pirates fans. I’ve met a few that commuted to Cincinnati to see them play away from the ‘Burgh, and they’re a good and loyal fan base by all indications. They deserve better. As long as we’re talking about baseball and not football.

Either Nyjer Morgan or Nate Mcclouth will lead off and be the trendy, speedy center fielder/lead off guy of the Pirates lineup in 2008. From there, Freddy Sanchez (pictured above) will bat second and play second base. Sanchez has the unfortunate title of face of the franchise, and he could be had at the right price. That’s pretty sad seeing as how he won the batting title in 2006 and hit .304 last season with 11 HR and 81 RBI.

Adam LaRoche will probably hit 3rd and play 1st base, he was acquired after being traded for Mike Gonzalez. Another potential star will bat 4th, left fielder Jason Bay. Bay had a disasterous 2007 season after 67 homeruns in the previous two years combined and slugging percentages hovering around .550. What happened? Two things. First, Bay stopped taking walks. He averaged 98 walks in 2005/2006 vs. just 59 in 2007. I look for Jason Bay to look like Jason Bay this year and not Jayson Werth.

Xavier Nady is a solid player but he’s never going to be anything beyond that. He was acquired from the Mets for Oliver Perez. Are you kidding me Pirates? Are you trying to lose? I mean what is a trade like that supposed to accomplish? Jose Bautista and Jack Wilson follow in the order and fill out the left side of the diamond. Ronny Paulino will catch more often than anyone else so he’s the starting catcher.

The Pirates prospects are nothing special but here’s some names to watch in the coming seasons: Andrew McCutcheon (CF) and Andrew Pearce (OF/1B).

Rating: 6.1

Pitching
Here’s where the Pirates have a chance to make a little milk-money this year. They’ve got some arms I like. Their #1 starter is lefty Tom Gorzelanny. Although I’m a guy who likes the ace of the staff to be a big, power righty; Gorzelanny pitched his way into this role with a 14-10, 3.88, 135 K’s type line as a 25-year old. He’s hell against lefties naturally and he could be something special.

The player I’m highest on is the #2 Ian Snell. Snell (26 years old) did everthing last year but win often, and he was victimized by a poor team. He went 9-12 with 3.76 ERA and 177 K’s in over 200 IP. Snell reminds me a bit of a Pedro Martinez (poor man’s) who hasn’t learned to pitch yet. I think Snell could be near an ace type talent on a good team. If the Pirates are smart enough to hang onto these two they should be great options the next few seasons as a source for wins.

From there, they’ve got Paul Maholm, Zach Duke, and Matt Morris. Duke impresses me the most of the three, as Morris is an old man gettin’ older and Maholm is just decent.

The closer is another bright spot in 24 year-old Matt Capps. The 6′3, 240 pound right hander was dominant last season. He threw 79 innings, struck out 64 and posted a 2.28 ERA with a 1.01 WHIP. Batters hit just .220 against him.

Other penner’ names to know are Damaso Marte, Hector Carasco, T.J. Beam, John Grabow, Franquelis Osoria, Jaret Wright and Byung-Hung Kim.

Rating: 7.6

Manager
What I know about John Russell couldn’t fill a chapter in a book. I know Jim Tracy was a great baseball man, and he couldn’t solve the baseball problem in Pittsburgh. I won’t pretend or sugarcoat here: I don’t think Russell will be the guy to do it.

He played 10 seasons in the Majors, and managed in AAA for the Phillies organization. We’ll see how it goes, folks.

Rating: 6.7

Intangibles/Chemistry
I’ll say this, the Pirates supposedly play in the one of the finest stadiums in all of Major League baseball, PNC Park. The beauty of watching a ballgame there has probably bought them some fan loyalty.

Other than that, there isn’t much to write home about. When players become anything close to what resembles a budding superstar, they’re traded away for more prospects before they cost the organization or are lost for nothing.

The Pirates are a stink team, and often when you have one of those; you don’t get a group that gets things said about them like ‘they play well together’.

Rating: 6.5

Overall
This isn’t going to be a good team and I’d be shocked if they don’t finish in the cellar in the NL Central. If the Pirates finish ahead of anyone in their division, someone is losing their job. The Pirates goal is unclear to me as an organization right now; but it doesn’t seem to be putting a competitive team on the field. I don’t have all the answers, but maybe they overhaul their scouting department. The only reason that this team isn’t in danger of losing their franchise is that new stadium that has been their saving grace.

Rating: 6.73

Filed Under: 2008 Diamond Hogger Season Previews, Pittsburgh Pirates

Atlanta Braves 2008 Season Preview

March 19, 2008 By TheNaturalMevs Leave a Comment

Diamond Hogger’s Atlanta Braves Blog of Choice: Talkin’ Chop & Braves Report

Lineup
Kelly Johnson will be the 2nd baseman and hit lead off by default. This comes after struggling in left field during parts of last season. He’s a candidate to have a break-out year as is the 2nd hitter in the lineup Yunel Escobar. Escobar hit .326 part-time last season filling in for the injured Edgar Renteria. Based on his short term audition and the fact he produced well in the minor leagues, he made Renteria expendable. The Braves are very high on this young man’s talents.

Spots 3-6 in this lineup can really hurt people, and they’re not getting nearly the respect they deserve in talks around league circles. Mark Teixeira is going to have a big time year, and he’s been mentioned as a preseason MVP candidate on several publications I’ve seen thus far. He’s got all the capabilities to do things like hit .300, 35+ HR, and drive in over 100. He’s in a contract year so he’s got a chance to break the bank if he does well. I’d bet that he succeeds this year. Batting clean-up is going to be the 3rd baseman and face of the franchise Chipper Jones. Jones is having what could finish up as a Hall of Fame career. Batting 5th and in right field is mega-athlete Jeff Francoeur. He strikes out a lot but not without a lot of thunder in his bat. Batting 6th might be the finest hitting catcher in the big leagues over the stretch of the next several seasons, Brian McCann.

Matt Diaz will play left field and be towards the bottom of the lineup. Mark Kotsay is newly acquired and will play center field. He’s experienced somewhat in hitting leadoff but has never really produced above and beyond in any of his previous stops.

The bench’s most important names to know are Omar Infante, a utility man; and Josh Anderson, the team’s 4th outfielder. Neither are threats to do anything big at the plate but are solid reserves.

Rating: 8.1

Pitching
This has long been what this franchise has been built around. The Braves have grabbed some veterans that are closing their careers out to try and tap into a fountain of youth, or so they hope.

John Smoltz is the ace and he still appears absolutely dominant often enough. Smoltz’s stuff hasn’t dimmed much, but he has begun to break down a bit, missing time last season due to injury. Still, he’s a quality staff ace and one who will serve as a stopper when needed. After Smoltz, the Braves have brought back Tom Glavine to finish his career as an Atlanta Brave. Glavine can still eat innings and get hitters out with street smarts and guile, but I question his effectiveness at this point. He’s been able to avoid injuries with his age climbing, but that could be another concern. He’s probably not much better than a #4 or #5 starter but he’ll be asked to be a #2. That is not a good thing if you’re asking me.

The third starter should be their biggest weapon from a starting pitching standpoint. Tim Hudson remains a potential top of the rotation starter and will likely rise to the role of staff ace once Smoltz finally retires. Though Hudson should be the Number two man at the very least, expect the Braves to separate him and Smoltz (both RHP) with Glavine.

For their #4 and #5 options, the Braves will turn to Chuck James and veteran Mike Hampton. Hampton was once an ace in all of the league who was derailed by injuries but he’s looked impressive this spring. James is suitable at best, and probably should be a long-reliever. I wouldn’t expect either of these guys to get 13 or more wins.

The Braves closer is Rafael Soriano. The Braves picked him up after years in Seattle as an under-utilized reliever. Soriano has electric stuff and a herky-jerky delivery. He could be a candidate to be the next dominant closer in all of baseball. He’ll be set up by the Pirates former closer Mike Gonzalez, who figures to be a second option should something happen to Soriano. Buddy Carlysle, Royce Ring, Manny Acosta, and lefty-specialist Will Ohman will be the other figures who log prominent innings in Atlanta’s bullpen.

I’m not sold on their starting rotation. They’ll need a prospect to rise out of nowhere to be a playoff team I would think. For the first time in a long time, the pitching staff may hold this franchise back.

Rating: 7.7

Manager
Bobby Cox is as fine of a big league manager as there ever will be in baseball again. He has a career 2,255-1,764 record for a .561 winning percentage. He’s won 14 divisional titles in Atlanta, including 11 in a row. He’s the Lenny Wilkens of baseball managers at this point. A wins machine. He’s won over 100 games five times, last in 2003. He’s won a World Series Championship only once, if there is any black eye after all the statistics. He hasn’t won 90 games since 2005, which some critics of Cox will say he’s showing signs of slowing down as a skipper.

Cox will be 67 in May, and there’s no telling of how much longer he will manage. He’s seen every situation 100 times in terms of in-game managerial situations. His reputation and what he adds to a ball club that buys into him are not measurable at this point. Cox will have this group ready to play and ready to play hard for 27 outs for all 162 games and beyond if needed.

Noted for his quick temper, Cox isn’t afraid to argue a call to benefit his team later in a game and knows how to work not just a single umpire but many times an entire crew. Cox has been ejected more than any manager in the history of baseball.

Rating: 9.2

Intangibles/Chemistry
Doesn’t it seem that even going back to the days of Jeff Blauser, Jeff Treadway, and Damon Berryhill; the Atlanta Braves assemble a group of players that quietly play well together and handle things in-house rather than airing it to the media or public? I think the stability goes all the way to the top with Cox and GM John Schuerholz and that reflects with the on-field product. The Braves always have chemistry but do not always have the talent.

This team isn’t assembled with heavyweight prize fighters but they could be dangerous enough that the fact they’ll play well as a group will be a factor in allowing them to compete.

They play in a park that is middle of the road as far as hitters go. It supports a strong pitching staff but guys have had prolific offensive seasons before at Turner Field.

Rating: 8.2

le="font-size:85%;">Overall
I think this team is underestimated but only to a point. They aren’t as good as the Phillies or Mets. They can hang on for a while in the NL East division but at some point sheer talent will override veteran guile and managerial experience. It always does. I see this team as a 3rd place finish and that’s being objective.

Rating: 8.3

Filed Under: 2008 Diamond Hogger Season Previews, Atlanta Braves

New York Yankees 2008 Season Preview

March 18, 2008 By TheNaturalMevs Leave a Comment

Leading up to the start of the 2008 Regular Season, Diamond Hoggers will preview each of MLB’s 32 teams. Teams will be rated on a 10-point scale in the following 5 areas: Lineup, Pitching, Manager, Intangibles/Chemistry, and Overall. Today’s team is the New York Yankees.

Diamond Hoggers New York Yankees blog(s) of choice: LoHud Yankees Blog & It Is High, It is Far

Lineup
The Yankees lineup of 2008 will be one that rivals that of year’s past in overall power and run production. They field a very similar and usual team of veterans with many individuals returning from last season’s playoff team. Leading off in left field will be veteran Johnny Damon. Damon’s best years are behind him but he can still do many of the things that have made him successful throughout his long big league career. Damon will always give a tough at-bat and knows many of the pitchers in the American League well because he has spent his entire career in the Senior Circuit. Hitting 2nd is the best leader in all of baseball, Derek Jeter. The cerebral captain of the Yankees remains one of baseball’s best catalysts and a guy who stabilizes the Yankee clubhouse; which is never short on personalities. The middle of the order contains three veteran hitters in Bobby Abreu, Alex Rodriguez, and Hideki Matsui. All three of these guys are capable of and should hit .300 or above. Some will say that Rodriguez is the most dangerous hitter in baseball. I predict a line of around 44 HR, 121 RBI, and .304; and after this year we start to see small signs of decline. By the way, Pujols is mightier.

I really like the Yankees 6-8 hitters. Many other teams would be happy to have a heart of the order this effective; yet New York has them filling out the bottom of the order. Jorge Posada is back at catcher, Jason Giambi will play some first base and bat around the 7-hole, and Robinson Cano (who I like as much as any in the lineup) will hit 8th. Melky Cabrera should get over 450 AB’s in center field and hit double-leadoff or 9-hole. Expect ~~talented youngster~~ 28-year old Shelley Duncan to get enough time at first to show if he belongs in future plans. Wilson Betemit and Ian Kennedy are among other talented reserves on the Yankee roster.

For all the talk of last year being the end of an era in the Bronx, there’s a lot of familiar faces back in this lineup.

Rating: 8.6 ^

Pitching
The rotation is gonna go Chien-Ming Wang, Andy Pettite, Mike Mussina, Phil Hughes, and Joba Chamberlain. The questions arise from how much do older vets like Mussina and Pettite have left in the tank; and how much can youngsters Hughes and Chamberlain (pictured above) contribute.

Wang is solid and should be a threat to win 17-20 games. I think Pettite has a lot left. On the other side of the coin is Mussina, who one night looks like the Mussina of 1995; and on others looks like he should be designated for assignment. Believe me, they’re going to be watching ‘Moose’ closely this year and if he starts slow out of the gates it might be all over for him. Chamberlain is going to split innings between the bullpen and starting rotation and it’s unclear how much he’ll throw as he might be on an innings limit, with the Yankees planning to build for the next decade around the power right handed pitcher. Don’t forget that Kei Igawa and Carl Pavano are still on the roster, and there’s no indication of what the Yankees will do with these two.

In the bullpen the Yankees will give heavy innings to RHP’s LaTroy Hawkins and Kyle Farnsworth. Ross Ohlendorf and Jose Veras will be looked upon as newcomers to contribute. One thing is for sure: at the end of the game, deep and stirring in the Yankee bullpen will be Mariano Rivera. As much a part of Yankee folklore as the ‘NY’ insignia, Rivera remains one of the most opportune closers in the game, both effective and nasty still. The only thing that could derail Rivera from being one of the best in the game again is an injury, and if that happens the Yankees would probably see what Chamberlain could do in the closers role.

Rating: 8.5

Manager
The 43-year old Joe Girardi was tapped as manager, edging out Don Mattingly for the position after Joe Torre decided to leave town. Girardi is going to be a dropoff from Torre because of inexperience, at least initially. However, many close to the team feel that these veterans stopped playing hard at points during the regular season the last few years under the solemn tempered Torre. Girardi has a firey personality and should provide jolts to this aging roster if he’s not getting the results he wants. He’s not afraid to rattle the cages of his animals in the slightest. Girardi’s only prior managerial experience came on the 2006 Florida Marlins when he went 78-84 and finished 4th in the NL East. This is a much stronger group and Girardi is not going to leave New York without being a winner. The question is can he step in and make an immediate impact that allows this 2008 version to be a winner.

Rating: 8.2

Intangibles/Chemistry
With guys like Jeter and Rivera still on the roster, this team will never fall too far from the blueprint of success. That said, there’s a lot of aging former superstars on the roster that have to know by now that they are limited in their abilities. The Yankees have too long been fielding teams that were mid-90′s All-Stars. I would have liked to see the Yankees go with a bit more of a youth movement as I initially thought they would, but they just couldn’t do it. It’s not the Yankee way.

It seems to the observer that George Steinbrenner’s role with his team is becoming less hands-on, and his son Hank Steinbrenner has been more outspoken in recent months. The Boss is going to be 78 years old this July, and his health may be ailing. This team may rally around the declining owner and new management. At the same time, a lot of magical things happen in the Bronx during the summer. “It gets late awfull
y early out there,” like Yogi Berra says. Never count out the Yankees until they’re completely dead. That means you’ve put a bullett in their heart and limbs and a kill shot in their head. This is a dangerous team because the players it contains have simply been there. I like the chances of these veterans banding together and giving it a last hurrah of sorts this season and playing from behind shouldn’t be a problem.

Rating: 9.0

Overall
This isn’t going to be a 105 win juggernaut, but it’s hardly a .500 ballclub either. I’d expect the Yankees to end up with around 91 wins. It should be good enough to be in the hunt in the AL East and if the Red Sox best them, they’ll be able to make a run at the wildcard. There’s a very real chance that this team ends up at home in October for the first time in over a decade. Their GM is Brian Cashman and should this team need a move to put them over the top come July 31st, they’ll make it.

Like I said, no matter how bleak things look at times in the Bronx and like the doll from the Child’s Play movies; never count them out till you’re certain that they’re dead.

Rating: 8.6

Filed Under: 2008 Diamond Hogger Season Previews, A-Rod, Jeter, Joba Chamberlain, Yankees

Boston Red Sox 2008 Season Preview

March 16, 2008 By TheNaturalMevs Leave a Comment

Lineup

This is going to be a very good lineup. The lineup is very experienced, with many of the integral parts still in tact that helped bring home the first Boston World Series Championship during the 2004 season, and almost entirely returning from last year.

It will begin this season with center fielder Jacoby Elsbury. Ya know, I’ve never heard anyone but me say it; but this kid is a carbon copy of Grady Sizemore. Everything about him. It’s very hard for me to believe that no one else has picked up on this. Elsbury is the type of guy I fully expect to put up similar numbers to Sizemore right now, and if he does it in his first full season might cause reason to argue; but Elsbury should score 100 runs, steal 30-40 bases, hit 18 or so HR, and drive in 60-70. He’s the igniter of one of the best lineups in baseball. Batting second and at second base should be Dustin Pedroia. Scrappy, doesn’t impress me a ton, but he’s a World Series Champion.

Batting third you have the centerpiece of the lineup and baseball’s best clutch hitter, Big Papi David Ortiz. He played on one leg for much of last season and the bottom line is the guy was born to hit. As was Manny Ramirez. These two aren’t going to experience much drop off or problems in what they’ve always done. They’ll show up, wind themselves up, hit over .300, drop the 30-40 bombs, drive in over 100, and they’ll finish up in October.

You’ve got more of the usual suspects. The solid and steady Kevin Youkilis had a career year last season. I think he’ll settle into a guy that does that the rest of his career and posts high OBP. Mike Lowell will be at third base after signing a 3-year, $37.5 million dollar deal. While I think Lowell is a solid player, that deal made me scratch my head a bit. I heard and read an awful lot of people saying that Mike Lowell’s best days behind him. And maybe the Red Sox don’t care if they are. Lowell is a leader and as good of a personality in the clubhouse as you will find in the game, I can tell you that coming from a variety of sources firsthand.

Catching will be Jason Varitek, and I’d expect the Sawks to be in the market for a catcher by August. The wheels might be ready to fall off that machine. Julio Lugo is the shortstop and JD Drew is the right fielder.

There’s a lot of directions I could go with this. I won’t rattle anyone’s cages by saying they aren’t good. This bunch stole a World Championship last year, they’re very talented as a group. Health is the only question if even that.

Rating: 8.8

Pitching

The Red Sox have the big game hunter everyone wants in their #1 pitcher, Josh Beckett. Back spasms not-withstanding, Beckett will be the horse that anchors this staff all season long and probably does his thing and grabs the headlines in the playoffs again (fucker). Then again, this year I thought I wisened up by taking him in my fantasy baseball draft pretty early; so maybe he is really cursed for the year.

People want to say Daisuke Matsuzaka is a #2 starter and I don’t see it. I think he’s among the best in the game in terms of #3 and beyond; but he’s gonna get beat almost half the time if he’s going up against #2′s and he’s damn lucky he is on the Red Sox. I’m not impressed, and not by his arm. He’s got big time stuff he just is afraid to pitch to contact. He’d rather fuck around with you and get you to swing at shit in the dirt and go full to every hitter rather than challenge the guy in the 6-hole with his fastball. That kind of stuff doesn’t fly in MLB.

From there, the Red Sox look for Bartolo Colon (signed when the news about Curt Schilling got worse), Jon Lester, and Taylor Bucholz to contribute. I’m not forgetting Julian Tavarez or Tim Wakefield as possibilites, but Tavarez probably is in long relief and the release of Doug Mirabelli might spell the end for his butt-buddy Wakefield too.

The closer is where I’d like to direct this conversation now. Jonathan Papelbon has had one of the most dominating starts to a career in Major League History. I heard Peter Gammons (fucking shocked) say the other day that Papelbon has the lowest lifetime ERA for all pitchers that have thrown 100 innings or more. Peter it could go up from there; but clearly when Papelbon comes into the game, start warming the car or making dinner plans quickly. He’s better than the mid-90′s Mesa and better than say the Gagne when he first began in Los Angeles. He’s at the level of Eck in his prime with the A’s. He’s that good.

This is still a loaded staff, but not as loaded as it would have been if they’d gotten Johann Santana like they wanted, and if Curt Schilling was healthy. Still, it’s good enough to win a World Series, and only 3 or 4 other teams in the league can say that right now.

Rating: 9.0

Manager

We here at Diamond Hoggers love Terry Francona. The number one reason is because he chews. Yes, he still chews. He’s now saying that if he doesn’t stop–he’s going to cut a hole in his cheek. Terry….Terry…..Terry. Haven’t we been down this road before? We can tell you from experience, we’ve made those same stupid promises. We’ve full thrown tins out the window while driving down the road in our Chevy, only to go out later that night and search on the side of the road for the tin. We’ve promised, we’ve sworn and at the end of the day we’re back with our dick in our hands and a wad of li
pper in de mouth.

Tobacco aside, Francona’s starting to stockpile World Series rings. He’s the perfect manager for this team, he’s one of the very best in the game.

And as we wished you last year Terry–good luck. We have a feeling that this could an annual start of the season ritual with us and Francona.

Rating: 9.1

Chemistry/Intangibles

The Red Sox play in the most magical and mystiquest type ballparks in Major League Baseball. There’s as many ghosts lurking around those green, battered, scarred walls as anywhere in the league, if not more. When the Indians had them down 3 games to 1, I knew they’d come back and win it. There’s plenty of magic in Boston. It makes sense really: there’s a lot of Irish Catholics in Boston. Old English pricks. The Irish are a lucky and opportunistic breed of people.

This is a group that will play well together and it will really flow. Watch them have two win streaks of over 10 games during the season. No one knows how to play balls off the monster like the Sox’s left fielder does. They have tremendous advantages over teams coming in to play them.

Rating: 9.0

Overall

They’re going to win the AL East outright. It’s not even a story. The Yankees you ask? They’ll be fighting it out with the others in the AL for the Wild-Card. However, I don’t think this is a World Series winning team again as it sits. Something just tells me that the ‘they’ll be a year older, a year wiser’ thing won’t be helping them, but hurting them. Manny and Ortiz are not spring chickens.

The Red Sox will get deep into the playoffs, but someone’s going to have their number this year before the final series of the year.

Rating: 8.98

Filed Under: 2008 Diamond Hogger Season Previews, Red Sox

New York Mets 2008 Season Preview

March 13, 2008 By TheNaturalMevs Leave a Comment

Rating: 8.3

Pitching
Anyone who follows this team will tell you that this is the area they must cash in if the World Series talk is going to become a tangible thing to reach for. There’s a lot of dollars poured into this staff in just starters alone. People say that after Santana the rest of the rotation isn’t as good as Philadelphia’s. I don’t necessarily agree with that.

I think Pedro Martinez still has something left in the tank. He’s not a dominant ace anymore, but if you’re going to talk up Fausto Carmona and the Indians you have to respect in my opinion a future hall of famer becoming a #2 in Pedro Martinez, especially if he’s healthy and it’s June.

The Mets put a buzz in the air that they think John Mayne can win 20 games this season. He’s gotten off to hot starts in the past, but he’ll need continuation of that. If he does, wow. I have my doubts about whether or not he’s a 20-win caliber guy. Oliver Perez is another X-factor, he’s got an electric left arm but hasn’t put it all together yet. He’s still young and one of these years could be the year we see why he was so coveted. The Mets still have Mike Pelfrey (mega-prospect RH that hasn’t taken the reins yet, and El Duque Orlando Hernandez to fill the 5th slot.

It’s a pretty high end starting rotation.

The names you need to know in the bullpen are the obvious. Billy Wagner has been unreal as the closer here and he remains one of the best in the game. The set-up guy is Duaner Sanchez, and he’s so nasty he can wear yellow-tint goggles and get away with it. Joe Smith, Aaron Heilman and lefty specialist Pedro Feliciano are the significant guys.

This is a strong bullpen.

Rating: 8.9

Manager
Willie Randolph has had his chances to take the place of baseball’s next big time manager. Not one of the best, but become the guy in all of baseball. Last year, the Mets choked it away on the final day of the season. Two years ago, they let what seemed like a sure trip to the World Series slip away to the St. Louis Cardinals. This has got to be the year that Randolph takes this team to the next step.

Randolph’s a New York kind of guy. His quiet demeanor compliments a team of stars in the media capital of the world pretty nicely. I think Randolph is an excellent baseball guy and no matter what happens this coming season he’ll manage in his share (at least one) World Series before he’s all done. The success he’s had early on in his managerial career has been overlooked because the Mets didn’t go all the way. Some guys go a decade without the type of success that Randolph’s already had (see Garner, Phil).

Rating: 8.8

Intangibles/Chemistry
It was hard to decide on a big-name face player to put as the poster boy of this club. They’re loaded with star power. They’re an exciting team in an exciting town. I really want to get to Shea Stadium just once this year before my chance goes away. I’ve always had a partial interest in the Mets since I read The Bad Guys Won about the 1986 Mets. That was 22 years ago this fall and Darryl Strawberry is back in a Mets uniform. Tell me that isn’t good karma.

These star players don’t have personalities that are going to be corrosive playing with one another. It’s not like that. This is a group that’s going to be very, very good and their chemistry will be talked about because they’re going to make a push for 90+ games, mark it. Beyond that, I can tell you that baseball Gods do exist, and there’s as many flying around Shea on gameday as there is in Boston or across town in the Bronx. The ghosts of New York Mets past will be watching this team and there will be magical wins that just aren’t there for other teams.

Consider this area of the team in the positives and then some.

Rating: 8.8

Overall
I’m not going to claim myself a genius because I’m predicting that the Mets are the toast of the National League. The big questions for me are: 1) are they good enough to hold off whatever dark horse gets hot around LCS and LDS time? and 2) are they good enough to give whoever comes out of the juggernaut American League a fight?
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The Mets are sitting in an enviable cockpit right now, but it comes with a lot of pressure. It always does in the Big Apple.

Rating: 8.7

Filed Under: 2008 Diamond Hogger Season Previews, David Wright, Jose Reyes, New York Mets, Santana

Chicago Cubs 2008 Season Preview

March 10, 2008 By TheNaturalMevs Leave a Comment

Leading up to the start of the 2008 Regular Season, Diamond Hoggers will preview each of MLB’s 32 teams. Teams will be rated on a 10-point scale in the following 5 areas: Lineup, Pitching, Manager, Intangibles/Chemistry, and Overall. Today’s team is the Chicago Cubs.

Diamond Hoggers Chicago Cubs Blog(s) of Choice: Bleed Cubbie Blue & Out of Right Field

Lineup
This lineup is stacked, and when you figure in that they play in the launching pad that is named (for at least a minute longer) Wrigley Field, they could really have some fireworks on the south side of the Chi’ this season.

The Cubs will lead off with the most powerful lead-off hitter in all of baseball, Alfonso Soriano. This was evidenced by having 33 HR and 70 RBI last season while hitting .299 on the season. Soriano is a great guy from the lead off spot, but doesn’t have the opportunity to drive many people in. At 32, he should still be considered in his prime years for another season or so. He could still be among the league leaders in home runs, but he’s going to see a downslide shortly.

From there the Cubs will let Ryan Theriot hit 2nd and play 2nd base. The former LSU tiger product is a career .278 hitter with 6 HR and 61 RBI in parts of two seasons. He’s 28, and while he fits the role of a second hitter nicely, we should see whether or not he’s a big leaguer this season.

Everyone knows about the heart of the Cubbie order. Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez. These two are household names by now in Chicago and if healthy they strike fear in the hearts of NL Central foes. Ramirez is 29 and should make a run at the finest season of his big league career. Derek Lee is 32, and has 238 career home runs. Lee could age well and make a run at 400 career long balls, easily. For at least this year, they should be formidable; although I don’t like players 32 or older a whole lot.

From there, Mark DeRosa will hit 5th or 6th and Matt Murton most likely 6th. Not extremely high on either of these guys but I think DeRosa has some quality pop in his bat. I am however, pretty high on the two young players that should follow in the order.

Felix Pie (pictured above) was the #1 rated prospect in the Cubs system before last season. He is battling a twisted testicle in spring training but I’ll tell you what, this guy is going to be a player. Think Juan Pierre speed, with Kenny Lofton in-his-prime power (12-18 HR). Geovanny Soto, the 25 year old catcher, will get his shot in 2008 to prove he’s the long term solution. Look for a .270 average with double digit homeruns and solid backstop defense from him.

Great amounts of speed and power. If healthy they’re trailing maybe only the Brewers in this department in the entire NL.

Rating: 8.7

Pitching
Carlos Zambrano has had the big time ‘ace’ stuff to be an ace for a long time now. He’s just never went out and taken the bull by the balls and done it. I think this is the year that he does it, and if he does not–then he might never do it. 20 wins from ‘Z’ is a must if the Cubs are going to be World Series contenders. It’s a must if this rotation is going to get to the next level.

From there, the rotation is extremely solid but it doesn’t really strike me as a rotation that wins championships. After Zambrano, the team will look to two lefties to carry the load. Ted Lilly was pretty solid last season after signing a 4-year deal with the team coming from Toronto. Rich Hill is another lefty who showed much promise in parts of last season and the end of 2006. After Hill and Lilly, Jason Marquis and Ryan Dempster (returning to the rotation from the closers role) will be asked to be innings-eaters.

Jon Lieber could also be a factor.

The Cubs have a bullpen assembled with some guys that have nasty stuff. I’m high on Bob Howry and I think Carlos Marmol has nasty, lights out stuff. Scott Eyre, Kerry Wood, and Micheal Wuertz are all also high end relievers that could pitch for any team in the NL. Out of that mix, someone will emerge in the coming weeks as the closer, which could be the most vulnerable area on a very experienced and talented staff.

Rating: 8.5

Manager
We all know my respect for Lou Piniella. I love the guy. I absolutely fuckin’ love em’. He’s a big-time big league manager. He’s a bit of a riverboat gambler as well. I like that in a manager. He’s calmed in manner over the recent years although it hasn’t been talked about as much. This is a guy who typically adds 10-12 wins to an organization each year alone. One of the finest in the game despite only having 1 World Series Championship (1990 Reds).

Rating: 9.2

Intangibles/Chemistry
They’ve had this group together for a few years now when talking about the core of the team. Retaining veterans like Wood add to this rating. Piniella, although strict and harsh; you never hear his players state that they don’t like playing for him (clubhouse scuffle with Rob Dibble aside).

They play in one of the last remaining chapels of Wrigley Field. What an atmosphere to play 81 ballgames a year. Even as a fan of an NL Central team other than the Cubs, it’s hard to root against these guys. Them winning would be good for baseball.

I believe they’ve got a nice mix of intangibles and chemistry, and if they make a deal to get a player at the right time this season they might be put over the top.

Rating: 8.8

Overall
The Cubs will be in a dogfight all year long with the under-rated Brewers who are dangerous. The Cubs have high expectations now if they didn’t already because of the World Series buzz created by Ryan Dempster among others. While I don’t predict a World Series win (I
thought they’d get close last season); they should be among the toast of the National League.

Rating: 8.6

Filed Under: 'Gramps' Piniella, 2008 Diamond Hogger Season Previews, Chicago Cubs, Soriano

Tampa Bay Rays 2008 Season Preview

March 9, 2008 By TheNaturalMevs Leave a Comment

Lineup

This lineup has some really nice young players in it that are sure to grow together should Tampa Bay be able to keep them together for a while. Akinori Iwamura will lead off most likely, and play third base. This allows the Rays to hit Carl Crawford 2nd, giving him a chance to drive in some more runs. The player I’m most excited to see in 2008 is B.J. Upton. Upton was one of only 4 major league players to hit 20 HR and steal 20 bases last season (with A-Rod, David Wright being two of the others). I think Upton is going to be a star, and the fact he already has hit .300 in a season makes him legitimate as a player in this league.

Carlos Pena might have finally found a home. After carrying his bat and bouncing around the league for a number of years, he was signed to an extension after an impressive season of resurgence last season. Ageless Clifford Floyd will DH, this should be his last stop; and although he’s got a couple bad knees he could have numbers that approach 17 HR and 70 RBI if healthy.

Rocco Baldelli and Johnny Gomes are locked up in a duel to claim the RF job. Baldelli had a promising start to his career and was a hit machine, but was derailed by injuries. Gomes is not as good of a contact hitter but might have a bit more pop. They’ll probably share duties. Evan Longoria (pictured above) is getting all the hype. He’s the talk of spring training and rated in the Top 10 of baseball’s entire prospect catalogue on many different publications. We’re guessing he wins the job and hits low in the lineup to begin the season. Longoria is going to be a fine player that is in the mold of a David Wright.

Dioner Navarro will catch and do what catchers do, hit towards the bottom of the lineup. Jason Bartlett came over from Minnesota and he’s got some promise as a shortstop.

Rating: 7.6

Pitching

It appears that the Devil Rays might have finally assembled the ground level it takes to build a top-flite pitching staff at the Major League level. Scott Kazmir is supposed to develop into an ace (similar to the stuff Erik Bedard offers), while James Shields threw like one for much of last season. These two are solid 1-2′s and they’ve got 22 year old David Price waiting in the wings. Price was the #1 overall pick and has looked very good by all reports in making his debut in spring training. He figures as the type of talent who could move up through the ranks of the minor leagues start by start and be in the rotation at some point this season.

Matt Garza, Andy Sonnastine, and Edwin Jackson (another can’t miss prospect at one time) round out the rotation. All are young and all it would take is for 1 or 2 at most to emerge and make this group a high end starting rotation.

What you need to know about the bullpen is that Al Reyes (former closer) and Dan Wheeler (former closer) are the set-up guys who will get the tough innings. The Rays have decided to come into the season with 38 year old Troy Percival as their closer. Percival came out of retirement to put together an extremely solid season last year, and he earned himself a nice contract by doing so. Percival should hold the job down this season but the Rays need to develop a guy for this role for future endeavors.

Rating: 7.8

Chemistry/Intangibles

I never like to underestimate the capability of a young team playing together. A lot of these guys are just breaking into the big leagues. They’ve got a chance to prove a lot of doubters wrong. There’s a real chance here to be the best story in all of baseball in 2008. I think many of these players enjoy their manager, Joe Maddon. I also think a lot of these players are high-end character guys. With new stadium blueprints on the horizon they’ll have good energy and they will come from behind a fair amount; they might be behind a lot more than premiere teams are to begin with.

I like the mix of speed and hitting on this team. It will come down to how well they field the ball and their 3-4-5. Still, this is a group I see playing fine together. This has a chance to really rise in rating by 2009 at this time.

Rating: 7.5

Manager

I will always remember Joe Maddon as the guy who Baseball Tonight decided was MLB’s closest version to Lou Brown. You know, the manager of the Major League movie series. Maddon got his first managerial experience in Anaheim to close out the 90′s, but let’s throw that out and look what he’s done in two seasons in Tampa.

Maddon has went 127-197 in two seasons in Tampa Bay. It is what it is. Sure, he didn’t have the greatest roster to work with when he showed up; but it’s time for Maddon to show that he is not the piece of the puzzle that is holding this team back. If Maddon can’t get this team closer to .500 this year, he might lose his job. It’s a critical year for him.

Remember, this is the guy who lost the managerial job of the Red Sox in 2004 to Terry Francona. He should have the talent to get it done.

Rating: 7.1

Overall

Obviously in a division with the Yankees and Red Sox, this team needs to grow a bit before they starting thinking about contending for a spot in one of the final 4 playoff teams in the AL. Still, there is reasons for optimism finally. Upton is going to be a star, they still have Carl Crawford, and a plethora of other budding young superstars. They’re not the joke of baseball anymore. They can thank the Orioles for taking that title from them.

Rating: 7.5

Filed Under: 2008 Diamond Hogger Season Previews, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, You can change your name but your can't change your stripes leopard

Seattle Mariners 2008 Season Preview

March 8, 2008 By TheNaturalMevs Leave a Comment

Leading up to the start of the 2008 Regular Season, Diamond Hoggers will preview each of MLB’s 32 teams. Teams will be rated on a 10-point scale in the following 5 areas: Lineup, Pitching, Manager, Intangibles/Chemistry, and Overall. Today’s team is the Seattle Mariners.

If you’re ever in Seattle, restaurant you must eat at: Shiro’s Sushi

Diamond Hoggers’ Seattle Mariners Blog of Choice: U.S.S. Mariner

Lineup
They’ve definitely got an intriguing lineup but not necessarily a powerhouse lineup. It’s the usual suspects, starting with the game’s finest leadoff hitter Ichiro Suzuki. The lineup is centered around ageless first baseman Richie Sexson who’s got to rebound from a collapse that saw him hit only .205 with 21 HR last season. Jose Lopez and Adrian (we don’t call him Andre) Beltre should be centerpieces in the lineup as well.

In right field will be Brad Wilkerson and at shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt. Neither has emerged in their career as a premiere offensive threat, but they’re not bad players either. Betancourt did have 38 doubles last season so that could be an indication that his power numbers are to rise. In left field is the least talked about solid offensive player in the game possibly, Raul Ibanez. He had 21 HR, a sub-.300 average and 100+ RBI last season. Jose Vidro can still hit, he figures to do some designated hitter duties and the catcher is solid Kenji Johjima.

These guys won’t knock the fences down in any ballpark, but they should be able to give some headaches to teams with their power-speed mix and ability to drive the gaps.

Rating: 8.0

Pitching
If they’re going to be a playoff team, this is where the questions need answered. If the 1 and 2 guys in this rotation pitch like I believe they’re capable, it is going to be game over on a lot of nights before things even get started. The #1 figures to be Erik Bedard, acquired for a plethora of peanuts in the offseason from Baltimore. The #2 is a guy who I think could be a Cy Young candidate Felix Hernandez. From there, it’s a couple so-so guys but these two are electric and young; and if they realize their potential there won’t be a tandem in the game that can dominate like they do at the top of a rotation. Of course, they could possibly be another year away from hitting their full stride as Major League players.

From there it will be Jarrod Washburn, Miguel Batista, and Carlos Silva. They might have overpaid for Silva but I like both he and Batista very much; especially as 4 and 5 starters. Washburn might have reached the end of his rope.

The bullpen is comprised of a bunch of ‘who?’ for now, but that could change in a month’s time. It certainly did for their closer J.J. Putz, an All-Star who throws big time gas and is an imposing figure on the mound. He had 40 saves and a 1.38 ERA last season. That’s a hell of a season.

Sean Green, Eric O’Flaherty, and Brandon Morrow will see some significant innings out of the pen, but you probably don’t know much about them.

Rating: 8.2

Manager
John McLaren is the manager of this club and he took over after Mike Hargrove decided that he’d lost his passion for the game. Over 84 games, McLaren went 43-41 which is not bad. Still, can’t you see him having a year of cushion should they falter? It isn’t reasonable to expect too much out of McLaren in just his 2nd year of big league experience is it? If there’s one area about this team I’m not overly thrilled about, it’s their manager.

He’s a wild-card for now.

Rating: 7.4

Intangibles/Chemistry
This team is a pretty slick-fielding team all the way around. I like the way they catch and throw the baseball and I think they’ve got a real chance to be in a lot of ballgames just because their defense won’t hurt them. You won’t see that from many teams present day because around the league, teams are taught to live by the 3-run homerun. The Mariners manager is from the Piniella managerial tree, and these guys are going to play sound fundamental baseball.

They’ll be as much of a small ball team as any in the American League, and I think they have the personnel to make it work. Their ballpark has been complained about in the past by sluggers for being too much of a pitchers park. There’s no one on this roster now who will complain about it.

Rating: 8.6

Overall
Hey, I like these guys. Ichiro is something special to marvel at and we’ll never see it again. We all know my love for ~~Andre~~ Adrian Beltre. Felix Hernandez is on my fantasy team, hand-picked for perfection. These guys could be incredibly solid and I don’t think the AL West is all that great. It’s going to come down to the M’s and Angels, as it did so many years when Griffey manned the pasture for Seattle. This was my favorite team as a kid, along with every other midwestern kid who had reason to stay up late on school nights to see if #24 homered and if Seattle and Mike Blowers, Chris Bosio, and Edgar Martinez pulled it out.

Rating: 8.0

Filed Under: 2008 Diamond Hogger Season Previews, King Felix, Seattle Mariners

Cincinnati Reds 2008 Season Preview

March 4, 2008 By TheNaturalMevs Leave a Comment

Lineup
This figures to be one of the most formidable lineups in the National League, but they’re not going to do it as a team who gets a lot of press before proving anything. The bottom line is in Great American Ballpark, if you put some guys out there that have pop in their bat, you’re going to see some fireworks. Guys play their way into numbers in that stadium.

The lead-off spot is somewhat a question mark right now, but for the sake of argument it’s going to probably be phenom Jay Bruce or young star second baseman Brandon Phillips who wins the job (or is forced into the spot). Phillips has done it before, Bruce has not. The Reds have been trying to find a true lead off man for years and haven’t been able to do it. It’s important that they find a man who can get on base and score runs when the thunder comes up. Also, don’t count Ryan Freel and Norris Hopper out when they’re in the line up/if they win the starting job.

Ken Griffey Jr. is coming into what may be his final season in Cincinnati. His contract runs out after this year, and it should be a good thing for the franchise if Griffey’s decent sized contract comes off the books. Griffey came here in 2000 and there were headlines that he’d came home to lead the Reds to the World Series. At this point, the happy ending comes if he can just stay healthy and get this young team to the postseason. Griffey should reach the milestone of 600 career home runs this season, which will get some buzz around this team in the early part of the season.

Adam Dunn returns in left field in what has been a successful career; but also could be his last season as a Cincinnati Red. Dunn will need to have a big year, as he is the most significant run-producer in the lineup. One of these years Dunn is going to hit 50 home runs. This should be that year in which Dunn has a career year that seperates from all the others (he’s homered 40 or more times in 4 straight seasons, the only active player to have a streak that long currently).

The Reds infield will be Jeff Keppinger at shortstop, Phillips, Joey Votto at 1st base (if he beats out Scott Hatteberg), Edwin Encarnacion at the hot corner, and David Ross at catcher. Every one of those guys can hit. Encarnacion had somewhat of a breakout year last year and looks to be a big right handed bat in the lineup that can drive in runs (he had the highest batting average with RISP in 2007 on the team). Keppinger has hit at every level he’s ever been at. David Ross must rebound from a tough year and be at least solid with the bat. Votto could be a 20-25 home run guy eventually.

Overall, this team is going to hit a ton of home runs and give pitchers fits all year long. The mystery isn’t in the line up.

Rating: 8.4

Pitching
Aaron Harang is back as the unquestioned ace of the staff. Harang went 16-6 last season with 218 K’s and a 3.73 ERA. He’s going to be 30 this season and should be solid again. This might be the year whether we find out if Harang is ever going to reach Cy Young levels or if he’s simply just a solid big league pitcher. In other words, he’s never going to have a better shot at 20 wins in a season.

The #2 will be Bronson Arroyo, who was disappointing in his sophomore NL campaign, could be the X-factor of the rotation. Arroyo needs to look like the pitcher who posted an ERA of 3.29 in 2006 and not the pitcher who’s ERA was almost a run higher in 2007. If he can be even solid and stay healthy it will give them a huge shot in the arm so to speak.

From there, the rotation will be made up of Matt Belisle, Homer Bailey, Johnny Cueto, or newly acquired lefty Jeremy Affeldt.

The biggest offseason acquisition for the Reds was signing closer Francisco Cordero. Cordero is still in the prime of his career and has absolute nasty stuff. This move allows the Reds to move the closer of the past few seasons, David Weathers; to the set-up role where he figures to be every bit as effective.

This group is a huge question mark with some big upside, but potential is only good for getting managers fired, and journeyman careers.

Rating: 7.3

Manager
Dusty Baker is the new skipper of the Cincinnati Reds and he’s getting big time hype. For a guy with one career World Series appearance (a loss) and a .527 winning percentage, there sure is a buzz in the Queen City this spring.

Look, Baker is not Whitey Herzog, but he’s ‘been there’ in a way that guys like Bob Boone, Dave Miley, and even my beloved Jerry ‘Grey Goose’ Narron; have not. Baker knows how to handle veteran ballplayers, and although his handling of a young pitching staff is questionable; he’s a big time manager in the sense of the word. He’s the Reds most proven manager since Sweet Lou Piniella was at the helm. That is high praise.

Rating: 8.1

Intangibles/Chemistry
Hey, these guys always play well late. They always seem to get those magical come-from-behind wins at home. In the 9th and trailing, they usually spark some sort of ill-inspired rally, even if it falls short. This core has been together a long time. Griffey, Dunn, Freel, Weathers, Harang, Phillips, Encarnacion, Arroyo, Ross, Valentin, and Hatteberg. The Reds always seem to have a ‘frat boy’ atmosphere in their clubhouse. This springs from guys like Dunner, Griff and Freel. They’ll have that again this year. No matter what the final record, you’ll see that this is a group that has an ingriedient in the inner-workings of that clubhouse that makes them enjoy playing together. It’s a dangerous weapon.

Rating: 8.8

Overall />They’re going to be over .500, and if you want my final prediction for them; you’ll have to wait until around Opening Day.

I like the lineup and roster makeup, but this team needs something more. I’m in the process of figuring that out right now. Homer Bailey is going to step up and show he’s a front-line starter in the making. Adam Dunn will either sign a contract that makes him a Red through his prime years; or go out in a blaze of glory in his finest season as a Red. Ken Griffey Jr. will chase down 600 home runs, and finish things in the city he played in during high school. Brandon Phillips will try to show he’s a true superstar. Votto, Cueto, and Jay Bruce (perhaps the most even odds) will show they’re the best prospects the Reds have had in decades.

Whether the Reds make it to the postseason or not; they’ll be exciting to watch. And if you’ve read this blog before, you know you’re going to get a TON of Reds run on Diamond Hoggers.

Rating: 8.15

Filed Under: 2008 Diamond Hogger Season Previews, Cincinnati Reds, Dunner, Jay Bruce

Detroit Tigers 2008 Season Preview

February 27, 2008 By TheNaturalMevs Leave a Comment

Lineup
The Tigers have assembled a lineup that has the firepower to compete with any team in baseball. Starting with Curtis Granderson, they have one of the finest lead-off men in all of baseball. Granderson had over 20 triples last season and over 20 home runs. Many would refer to him as a ‘poor man’s Grady Sizemore’, but Granderson is a poor man’s nobody. He’s one of the best athletes in the game. Second will be Placido Polanco, who has an amazing head. Then you get to the thunder. Magglio Ordonez will hit 3rd, with Miguel Cabrera and Gary Sheffield to follow. Cabrera is the crown jewell, and the only concern with Ordonez and Sheffield is can they stay healthy and be out there for a full season.

From there, you’ve got Carlos Guillen, Edgar Renteria, Jacque Jones and Ivan Rodriguez. Everyone is talking about the additions of Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis; but adding Jones and Renteria will really help this team. They are two fine veterans who have been there in this league. This lineup, at least on paper, appears to have as few of holes as any in baseball. They have power, speed, veteran presence, and should be a really tough out 1 through 9.

Rating: 9.0

Pitching
This is once again an area where the Tigers are very sound and defined in. They have their rotation already laid out. Ace Justin Verlander comes off an impressive season where he had a sub 3 ERA and a no-hitter. The addition of Dontrelle Willis should be interesting, Willis could re-gain his dominating form since few of the American League hitters have faced him previously. It usually favors pitchers when unfamiliarity is involved, initially. Two more lefties will be in the rotation, Nate Robertson and Kenny Rogers. The rotation is rounded out by Jeremy Bonderman, who’s had a rocket arm since birth but hasn’t put it all together yet. If this is the year he figures it out; this may be your AL Pennant winner.

The bullpen has some nasty arms in it as well. The closer is actually one of the lesser intimidating arms in the ‘pen, in Todd Jones. Jones is a gritty closer who does it with smoke and mirrors rather than stuff. He relies on guile and experience. In other words; he’s vulnerable. The set-up guy is Fernando Rodney, who has a fireball arm and some closing experience. A big loss to them is the injured Joel Zumaya, who figured to be their closer of the future at one time. Francisco Cruceta and Yorman Bazardo should factor in as the long relievers. Zach Miner and Jason Grilli will also log innings. Bobby Seay and Tim Byrdak are the crafty lefties.

Rating: 8.6

Manager
Manager Jim Leyland has guided Detroit to a 183-141 record in his two seasons with the team. This includes a trip to the World Series. We here at Diamond Hoggers are big fans of little Leyland. This is for many reasons. We believe he’s probably still smoking like a chimney, refusing to cave to the crave of most long-term baseball men; dipping. Leyland has seen every situation a thousand times; all that remains for him is for his players to execute and win him a World Series. He has the personnel to do it finally, and Detroit’s window should remain open for a year or two at least. Leyland will only help this team, rarely if ever making an in-game mistake from a management standpoint.

Rating: 9.1

Intangibles/Chemistry
This team has many personalities on it. Gary Sheffield usually puts on a show with his mouth. Miguel Cabrera has gotten in some trouble off the field. Willis the same. As long as they’re winning, as usual chemistry will be overstated in terms of a positive thing. They should win more often than not. They’ve got that new ballpark in Detroit, and it’s a pitchers park. They’ve got the hitters to knock down the walls there, and the speed at the top of the order to stroke the gaps. I like the makeup of this team very much; and they’ll enjoy some of the finest ‘meshing’ in the league this year.

Rating: 9.0

Overall
If teams and fans alike are sitting around and waiting for a collapse of the Tigers in 2008, it won’t happen. This team is good enough that if everything went wrong, they’d probably still win 90 games. Things should go right, so I have them in the 95-100 win range. They’ll have the task of playing the Cleveland Indians around 20 times which should be a season long grudge match that should go back and forth until late september.

This team will be one of the four to get in the playoffs, whether by way of winning the divsion or by taking the wildcard. Like the Indians, they need to take a step further than making the playoffs with the talent that is on this team. If they fall short of an ALCS win; disappointment will be the word used. Look out for these guys in 2008, it’s going to be a fun ride in the Motor City this summer.

Rating: 8.9

Filed Under: 2008 Diamond Hogger Season Previews, Chain-Smoking Managers, Detroit Tigers

Los Angeles Dodgers 2008 Season Preview

February 24, 2008 By TheNaturalMevs Leave a Comment

Leading up to the start of the 2008 Regular Season, Diamond Hoggers will preview each of MLB’s 32 teams. Teams will be rated on a 10-point scale in the following 5 areas: Lineup, Pitching, Manager, Intangibles/Chemistry, and Overall. Today’s team is the Los Angeles Dodgers.

*If you ever go to Dodger Stadium, we want you to try a Super Dodger Dog and some fresh Jalapenos. We would.

Diamond Hogger’s Los Angeles Dodgers blog of choice: Sons of Steve Garvey

Lineup
Rafael Furcal will lead off. Furcal is a great igniter and when he gets on base, if the legs are well he’s a major pain in the ass for the opposition. Following Furcal is our favorite fucking bat boy: Juan Pierre. There’s no more bat-boyish player in the entire game, and we expect Juan Pierre to be more of a bat boy then ever in 2008. He’ll single you to death, he’ll drive in 36-46 runs, and he’ll steal 50 bags. Our favorite Dodger will hit 3rd, James Loney. Loney should have a long and promising career in baseball. He’s similar to Mark Grace at this point in his career. He plays every day, good glove, hits for average with some extra base pop but hasn’t developed his power stroke. We think Loney could hit .315 in a full season’s work.

Everyone knows the clean-up hitter, Andruw Jones. Jones comes over after a long career in Atlanta and he’s trying to prove he can still play. What the hell happened to Jones last season? Coming off a career season in 2006, he needed to do well last season because he was in a contract year. He responded with one of the lowest batting averages of his career and a disappearance of his power numbers. He’s not playing in the best ballpark as far as being condusive to power hitters goes.

Ageless Jeff Kent will most likely begin the season hitting 5th. We’re waiting for a monumental collapse of Kent, we’re just glad it didn’t come last season with Kent a viable member of our fantasy team.

Tool-player Matt Kemp will play right field and hit 6th, and we call him that because he’s a superstar based on his tools. That is good for about a season and then it begins to get you in trouble if you don’t produce. We’re really not that high on Kemp. He is a dime-a-dozen. The Dodger’s face player is their catcher, Russell Martin. Cut in the mold of former Dodger gamer Paul Lo Duca, LA fans are hoping Martin can put up the numbers in his prime that Mike Piazza did. Los Angeles has always prided its franchise on having a fine backstop; but we don’t think it’s just casual hype with Martin. This kid can play. He’s tough and hits balls that go out of any park. He also gained most of his notoriety for banging out Alyssa Milano last season. He’s had a promising start to his career.

Hitting 8th will most likely be Mr. Mia Hamm, Nomar Garciaparra. He basically defines much of the Dodger lineup. Inflated value off past reputation. He doesn’t hit for power anymore and he doesn’t play great defense. He’s brittle these days. He’s probably going to hang onto his job at the hot corner because Joe Torre loves veterans. Keep an eye on mega-prospect Andy LaRoche. We promise he’s going to be better than brother Adam. He’s a corner infielder with some pop.

Overall this lineup has a lot of age in it. That coupled with the fact that they play in a mammoth ballpark tells you that this team will need to out-pitch their opponents to win.

Rating: 7.2

Pitching
The Dodgers starting rotation is a strong and underrated group. That starts with their ace, Brad Penny. When he’s healthy, he’s as filthy as any starter the opponent can trot out there. He’s got hard and heavy stuff that makes hitters extremely uncomfortable. He’s got a favorable contract and is a steal at his price.

Chad Billingsley should be the #2, and he’s shown a lot of promise in the early going of his career. He’ll be the next one if all goes as projected. The Dodgers are excited about this kid, and look to him to provide about 15 wins this season if they’re going to be a contender for the division.

Derek Lowe, Hideki Kuroda, and Jason Schmidt round out the Dodgers starters. Lowe is an innings eater who on any given night can look like a staff ace. That or he gets hit extremely hard. Kuroda is the latest Japanese import and like most Japanese imports, he’s got some funky ass movement on his ball. He is somewhat a wildcard as with most Japanese pitchers who haven’t been in MLB before. The 5th starter is Schmidt. Schmidt probably won’t return to form as a staff ace at this point in his career (he’s coming off shoulder surgery to boot), but he’s a warrior who could show flashes of his prior brilliance. If he does that this group is going to be very tough.

Takashi Saito very much helps this group. You had to know the guy was going to be dominant if the Dodgers were willing to part with Eric Gagne (and boy did they sell that stock at the right time). When he comes into a game, it’s over 95% of the time at worst. He’s one of the top 5 closers in the game, let alone the N.L.

The set-up guy is Jonathan Broxton (solid). Joe Beimel is the lefty specialist (solid). Scott Proctor, Rudy Seanez, and Esteban Loiaza are likely to get the call on any given night.

Rating: 8.1

Manager
You thought he was done, and so did we. Joe Torre surprised us all, and will most likely finish his managerial career in Los Angeles. Torre alone probably adds 1o wins to a team per year, regardless of personnel and competition within the division. He’s a great manager, and there aren’t that many throwback, great managers left in baseball. JT Godfather will be missed in New York, and will show his in-game brilliance time and time again out in California this season. If the Dodgers end up surprising and making the playoffs, you have your #1 reason why right here.

Rating: 9.3

Intangibles/Chemistry
Poor spending over the recent history has hurt this franchise. When you spend as much as the Dodgers and you have as little postseason series wins to show for it over the last 10-15 years; you can blame the people at the top. GM Ned Coletti was a family friend of my ro
omate, ironically.

As far as chemistry goes, this is an aging roster. It’s an All-Star team from the late 90′s. That isn’t as bad as it could be, as Joe Torre likes his veterans. He knows how to motivate an aging player.

They have the personnel to help themselves in that ballpark. Gap power, lots of speed and pretty good pitching. This will give them a chance. They have a lot of guys who should play fine together, but I wouldn’t expect them to be especially great in close/late ballgames or coming from behind.

Rating: 7.0

Overall
This team has the makings of a decent group, but I don’t think they’re going to win the West. The things that will help them are obvious. A dominant closer, a great manager, speed at the top of the lineup, and having a team that is built to play in their home ballpark. Their downfall will be that they have a bit too much age at this stage in the game. The careers of too many in their lineup are flickering and in decline. I think this is a team that could finish 4 games or so above .500 for the season.

Rating: 7.9

Filed Under: 2008 Diamond Hogger Season Previews, Los Angeles Dodgers

Florida Marlins 2008 Season Preview

February 23, 2008 By TheNaturalMevs Leave a Comment

Diamond Hogger’s Florida Marlins blog of choice: Fish at Bat

Lineup

This is a group that is going to suffer because they lost their center piece. The main course of the meal, Miguel Cabrera left town in a trade to Detroit (along with Florida’s other ‘star’ Dontrelle Willis). Marlins fans will be sad at that, and I would be as well; but you know in a few years some of the guys they got for Cabrera will be absolutle studs, like Hanley Ramirez and so on. The Marlins have done this forever. Then those players acquired for Cabrera will turn into studs and the Marlins will trade them to a large market team for more gem prospects. This will continue on forever. Kind of shit isn’t it? This is what the Reds have done but they have never gotten studs in return.

That means the new sheriff in town is Hanley Ramirez. He’s 24 years old this season, and he’s a legitimate big time superstar ballplayer night in and night out. He hit .332 next season in nearly 650 at-bats. Pitchers couldn’t get him out. He stole 51 bases. He just missed 30 home runs. This guy is the face of the franchise and they should lock him up long-term now. Ramirez deserves it and so do the fans of Miami. The organization could really show that they’re committed by making this move, you won’t find a stronger player all-around these days than Hanley Ramirez.

Other than Ramirez, they lack star-power. I like Hermida (Poor man’s Adam Dunn), Dan Uggla, and Josh Willingham enough; but they’ll really have to grow to make this team a contender. Cameron Maybin could be the next one in a long line of young superstars that have matured in Miami.

Rating: 7.1

Pitching

The best bets to pitch in the rotation would be Andrew Miller, Sergio Mitre, and Scott Olsen, but Rick VandenHurk Mark Hendrickson, Anibal Sanchez, Ricky Nolasco, and Jesus Delgado all could crack the rotation with good showings this March.

A couple of those guys (Olsen, Mitre) have upsides that I really like. I think Anibal Sanchez and Hendrickson have been effective for spells in the big leagues. Other than that, this isn’t a high-end group. They play in a tough division and these guys are going to get lineups around the National Leagues healthy on a regular basis.

The bullpen is not just the stronger half of the pitching staff on this team, it may be the Marlin’s strength as a team.

Maybe you’ve never heard of Kevin Gregg; and unless you lucked out and got him on your fantasy team last year that is quite alright. He converted 32 of 36 attempts last season as the Florida closer.

The key lefty is Taylor Tankersley. Other keys are Lee Gardner, Justin Miller, and Matt Lindstrom. Who? I know. In a few months, these guys might make a name for themselves in that Florida bullpen. They’re very solid.

Rating: 7.3

Manager

Fredi Gonzalez was a rookie manager last season, winning 71 games and losing 91. Losing 91 games is never a good thing, but it wasn’t as if Florida was immensely talented. They figure to field a very similar team this year; so Gonzalez isn’t given much of a chance. He should improve on the 71 wins, but it won’t be easy.

I don’t know much about Gonzalez. I’m not going to beat around the bush. The Marlins could have found this guy in a back alley for all I know, and I’m too lazy to research about him. Due to anonymity, he gets an average score. He seems like Joe Maddon with less hype, if that is possible.

Rating: 7.0

Intangibles/Chemistry

It’s difficult to build a ton of chemistry when half of your roster is turned over each offseason. They brought in some veterans in Jorge Cantu and Luis Gonzalez. They let go of Cabrera, Willis, Armando Benitez, Miguel Olivo, and Byun Hung-Kim. They’ll miss all but Kim.

Overall this young group that grows up together each summer seems to have up-beat character, but this is clearly more of a team built to re-tool than a team who is young and talented that can contend like the teams that Jack Mckeon managed.

The fan base is poor as far as ballpark turnout and you can’t blame them. Until the Marlins get a new stadium, it will never be a baseball town.

Rating: 7.0

Overall

Florida has a young team, but only the true die-hards will invest their time and money into watching this group with any commitment. The new stadium is believed to be on the forefront, which is good news for the franchise. They’ll finally be able to build something that lasts in the form of a roster.

The themes for 2008 is to see Hanley Ramirez continue to blossom as the next big time shortstop, and see who else emerges. At best this is a .500 team.

Rating: 7.1

Filed Under: 2008 Diamond Hogger Season Previews, Florida Marlins, Hanley Ramirez

Washington Nationals 2008 Season Preview

February 21, 2008 By TheNaturalMevs Leave a Comment

(*Some would argue this is where the franchise player goes. The Nationals do not have a franchise player(s), just a GM on a fucking segway scooter. Jim Bowden, you have the conch.)

Diamond Hogger’s Nationals blog of choice: The Nationals Enquirer

Lineup

This group has a ways to go to be impressive. They also play in Yosemite, so it won’t enhance the numbers of this group of fringe players. Felipe Lopez will lead off at shortstop. Christian Guzman and Ryan Zimmerman will follow. I guess if the Nationals had to pick a franchise player, Zimmerman would be it, although he wouldn’t be in the top 3 on many teams. He’s a scrappy young player and I like him.

Nick Johnson (1st base) will hit clean-up, with Austin Kearns protecting him in the 5-hole. Austin Kearns. This guy deserves his own post on the site. He once gave my ex-girlfriend a perfectly signed baseball (on the sweet spot) on her b-day. During his time in Cincinnati, I told everyone I knew that would listen that we were watching the next superstar of the game in Austin Kearns. He was my boy. He had an unreal 2003 start to the season, and then Ray King fell on him at home plate and he hasn’t been the same since.

Reclamation projects. That is the theme with the aboved pictured GM Bowden. It is his obsession. He recycles old arms and guys who haven’t panned out and thinks that his bringing of them to the mix will help them culminate everything beautifully into a career year. Usually these players have at least appeared in some games with the Cincinnati Reds during Bowden’s tenure there. Brett Boone is in camp people. Brett Boone.

That brings us to our next contestant, left fielder Wily Mo Pena. Once again, he’s not that old. The ‘younger Sammy Sosa’ might be able to have a big year, but if he does it will surprise 98% of those who follow the game. The center-fielder is Lastings Milledge. He might have the most talent of anyone in the lineup, and that’s just because he hasn’t had time to blow it yet. Rounding out the lineup is the embarrasement that is Paulie Lo Duca. Mr. Gameface himself. He’ll most likely begin the season hitting 8th as the backstop. Please don’t sleep on Ronnie Belliard or Dmitri Young, who add to the interesting mix.

The rating speaks for itself.

Rating: 6.3

Pitching

If you’re expecting to get some sympathy here, I can’t do it. I’m calling it like I see it. This is an absolutely pitiful rotation. Shawn Hill is the #1. When you trot Shawn Hill out there every 5th day to stop streaks, you’re in deep shit. From there, John Patterson, Jason Bergman, John Lannan, and Matty Chico (not hispanic) round out the five starters. Chico is the only guy I know much about after Hill, and I just know enough to know he might be the worst left handed starter in the National League. He’s God awful. Matty Chico, if you ever read this, I’m sorry man. You’re young and a Major Leaguer. Enjoy it while it lasts. Carpe Diem!

The player I like the most on this roster most likely won’t be here come August should the Nats fall out of the race. Chad Cordero is the closer, and he was an All-star just two short seasons ago. I’m partial to him because he was on my fantasy team, and although I know he’s Dominican, he looks like he could be Pisan.

The set-up guy is eventual closer John Rauch. He’s big and nasty looking and he’s got great stuff. Luis Ayala and fireballer Jesus Colome (back to the untapped potential stuff) are other relievers of note.

This isn’t a group that is going to open up shop on the Braves and Mets very often, but they’re better than that lineup.

Rating: 7.0

Manager

There’s not an abundance of informaton out there on Manny Acta. He went 73-89 in his first year as a big league manager. He was in a tough division also. He is a throw-away that the DiamondBacks and Dodgers did not want. The jury is out on Acta, and I’d look like a real ass if I declared that he wasn’t going to amount to much and then he went on to win manager of the year or 90 games. I’m pretty sure that won’t happen; but I’m also wise enough to know that Clint Hurdle is a pretty good big league manager that started out with a few rough seasons. Acta could turn out that way. He’s not there yet.

Rating: 6.1

Intangibles/Chemistry

This is where this section of the previews really gets fun. I’ve said before that chemistry either really helps a squad and you hear about it when a team is winning and winning or it destroys a team; there is no in between. It’s more likely to be something that hurts this bunch.

I’m not lying when I say this: this could be the most interesting roster make-up in the history of baseball. Credit that to the man pictured above on the fuckin’ scooter.

Bowden opened his arms in the offseason to the many cast-aways of MLB. He said: “Give me your accused, your washed-up. Give me your has-beens and never will be’s. Give me your retreads and your prospects. Your expressives and your laid-back personalities. We welcome them all to Washington.” And then Noah Bowden g
ot on the Arc (scooter) and set sail for RFK stadium.

This is a hodgepodge group, and there is little or no chemistry with many of the additions being here on 1-year deals.

Rating: 6.0

Overall

This team has got the chance to really make me look like an idiot because I’m going to go out on a limb and say they’ve got the capabilities to lose 100 ballgames and rival the San Francisco Giants as the worst team in baseball. They’re better than the Giants, but they’ll rival them.

I think it’s going to be a fun season in the nation’s capital, but it’s going to be because Elijah Dukes tried to go all Pedro Gurerro on a fan or Paul Lo Duca gets bit by Wily Mo’s pit-bull. It’s a zany cast of characters and it would honestly be good for baseball if they compete this season, but they will not.

Rating: 6.4

Filed Under: 2008 Diamond Hogger Season Previews, Washington Nationals

Los Angeles Angels 2008 Season Preview

Pittsburgh Pirates 2008 Season Preview

Atlanta Braves 2008 Season Preview

New York Yankees 2008 Season Preview

Boston Red Sox 2008 Season Preview

New York Mets 2008 Season Preview

Chicago Cubs 2008 Season Preview

Tampa Bay Rays 2008 Season Preview

Seattle Mariners 2008 Season Preview

Cincinnati Reds 2008 Season Preview

Detroit Tigers 2008 Season Preview

Los Angeles Dodgers 2008 Season Preview

Florida Marlins 2008 Season Preview

Washington Nationals 2008 Season Preview

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