Half Assed Preview: AL East

Baseball season is finally here. Ever since the Zach Greinke trade, I have not been more excited for the baseball season to start.  I am ready to begin my Half-Assed Previews making predictions that you might agree with, and some you might disagree with. Simple format if you are new here; Player I Love, Player I Hate, and a Prediction for wins.  

AL East:

1.) Boston Red Sox: Player I Love: Daniel Bard (RP)- I think by the month of June, Bard will be a lights out closer for the BoSox.  He already has established himself as a solid set-up guy, and I believe will take the next step this season. Player I Hate: Carl Crawford (LF)- I am curious how both Red Sox additions will handle the pressure of a big city atmosphere. I think Crawford will struggle a bit during the season, and I don't see him living up to his contract this season.  Prediction: 90 wins, the Red Sox have the strongest pitching staff in the AL and they have a great offense to go along with it.  

2.) New York Yankees: Player I Like: Alex Rodriguez (3B)- I have a feeling that A-Rod is going to have a huge year.  A couple of reasons: he is crushing the ball in Spring Training, according to reports, he is in the best shape of his life, and is having consistent happy time with Cameron Diaz.  ARod will come close to taking the MVP this season.  Player I Hate: Rafael Soriano (RP)- I always feel you should never pay a high price for relief pitchers, and I could see Soriano disappointing the Bronx Zoo this summer. Who knows how Soriano handles the added pressure plus he is somewhat injury-prone. Prediction: 86 wins, I don't see the Yankees getting to the playoffs this year. They do not have the starting pitching to get to the playoffs, but that probably will change when they get some All-Star in July. 

3.) Tampa Bay Rays: Player I Like: Manny Ramirez (LF)- When I saw he signed with the Rays, I felt Manny could have a great year. ManRam looks in shape for the first time in years plus Joe Maddon is the perfect manager to understand his personality. Player I Hate: Kyle Farnsworth (RP)- He will be the Rays' closer for the month of April before it goes to hell. Sure this guy can throw smoke, but he is not the closer type. Prediction: 84 wins, the Rays will be in the race for the AL East, but I am just not sure their young pitching staff can bring it night in and out. 

4.) Toronto Blue Jays: Player I Like: Travis Snider (OF)- Last year, he was on his way to a huge season but it got slowed down by a wrist injury. He is a 23 year old left hander with huge power, I like Snider to make an impact for the Jays.  Player I Hate: Brandon Morrow (SP)- I thought he had a good season last year, and could have been a real star this season. But then arm troubles started again for him. Morrow's season might be one that is half on the DL, half on the mound.  Prediction: 82 wins, I think the Jays might be able to make a push into the top of the AL East, but they are still one year away from challenging for the crown. 

5.) Baltimore Orioles: Player I Like: Brian Matusz (SP)- People were high on him last year, and he did not have the break out year that people expected. He will be the All-Star representative for the O's this season. A  tall left-hander who can bring the noise on the mound Player I Hate: Derrek Lee (1B)- I saw DLee last year not be able to catch up to the fastball last season, and I think nothing changes this season. Lee seems to be washed up, and he will be playing a limited role come June. Prediction: 75 wins, in any other division they would be in the top 3. I am convinced of that, they have a solid squad with a good manager. 

No division will be tougher than the AL East.

-Charlie.

Sergio Mitre Acquired By The Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers decided to throw their name in the news on a Marquette Sweet Sixteen Friday as they traded Chris Dickerson to the New York Yankees for Sergio Mitre.  I personally feel better about this trade than others. The reason is I am going to put my chips in the most unpopular basket in  Milwaukee... Either I looked like an idiot or I am genius, there is no inbetween with the words that you are about to read.

Carlos Gomez will have the best year of his career.  Yup, I said it and feel good about it. I am not Gomez fan in any form and I feel he took three years off my dad's life last season with his inability to play baseball. From what I have read, my opinion Gomez bought into the new system and finally started to work with Dale Sveum on his hitting. Remember when Rickie Weeks started working with Sveum and how much more he progressed in a couple months before getting hurt?  I think Gomez knows if he doesn't produce this year that his career will be nothing. It will likely be as journeyman outfielder for the next 5 years if he is lucky. Although if Gomez has the season I think he will, Gomez becomes a valuable assest to have on the team. Also I feel relatively good about Brandon Boggs as a backup. I liked what he did in Houston last year and I feel he will be a reliable backup. 

As for Mitre, he will see benefits of not pitching in the AL East.  Sure, he has a 5.48 ERA as a starter which should worry people. But I think Marco Estrada nailed down the 5th starter spot  for the Brew Crew while Zach Greinke recovers from his injury.  It also appears looking at Mitre's stats, he shouldn't be starter in th Major Leagues. He struggled mightily in Florida and wasn't great in New York. I love the idea of him as the Crew's long reliever though, I just think he could excel there. Also he is a former Chicago Cub so we know those guys love Miller Park more than Wrigley.

-Charlie.  

A-Rod's New Four Letter Nickname Should Be S-O-F-T

Alex Rodriguez is getting mad about the popcorn feed from his girlfriend Cameron Diaz. I have no idea why he is upset.  You are a public figure dating another public figure and Fox hosts the World Series. A-Rod is probably the most notable star in Major League Baseball.  If you do something stupid or something just plain weird, the cameras are going to notice it.

I wonder if Rodriguez goes home and listens to Dashboard Confessional crying to Cameron about how the media is always out to get him.  Rodriguez is the definition of a soft professional athlete.  He needs to man up, simple as that.

-Charlie.

The Yankees Find Themselves In A Conundrum

A lot of things confuse me in life.  Examples... girls who complain about the snow in the Midwest, bros who wear earmuffs, and the New York Yankees offseason. The Yanks tried to get Cliff Lee.. fail and that became the only free agent they pursued.  The Yanks did pick up Rafael Soriano, Freddy Garcia, Mark Prior, and Bartolo Colon. Three of those guys have had significant arm injuries and haven't been worth a damn in years.  Finally, a guy they were relying on who is 38 mind you, Andy Pettitte decided to retire this Friday, great moves all around!

The Yankees screwed themselves over big time. Their arch rival Boston Red Sox have become five times better this offseason, the Tampa Bay Rays have young pitching all over the place, and don't sleep on the Toronto Blue Jays. I saw a New York Post writer say they had the best offseason of any team in Major League Baseball in his opinion. I have a feeling the Yankees will not finish higher than .500 if they do not make any sort of moves. 

The team they have right now gives me a 2010 Milwaukee Brewers feel. A ton of offense, and no pitching whatsoever. Granted, C.C. Sabathia is a top five pitcher, which will improve their record but after Phil Hughes, who do they have?  A.J. Burnett is proving me right by being a complete bust, and then.. Sergio Mitre and Garcia. That is more disappointing than a horror movie without nudity. The Yanks exhausted the minor league system and do not have any prospects therefore one injury to Sabathia or Hughes will hurt them. 

As much as I hate the Yankees, this sucks. You know why? When the Brewers are off to an amazing start, and the Yanks struggle out the gate, what do you think the media will talk about?  Is Cashman out?! Girardi on the hot seat!  It will be an interesting dynamic, but I don't need SportsCenter to cover it for 20 minutes in May.  

-Charlie

Put Me In Coach, I'm Ready To Play...Center Field

After veteran SS and captain Derek Jeter re-signed with the New York Yankees for three-years with a one-year option with it, did he really expect to be manning that position all four years?

Turns out the Yankees don't necessarily feel that way.

Yanks GM Brian Cashman said today that a move to Center Field could be in order for the 11-time All-Star, saying "he'd be surprised" if Jeter stayed at shortstop for the duration of his contract. This may hit home for us Brewer fans as our Hall of Fame shortstop made the switch to center for the latter years of his career as well.

If the move happens it won't be all that soon. Jeter has won a total of five Gold Gloves at shortstop including last season. Cashman claimed they don't have to worry about it yet and said that Jeter is their SS for next year.

I personally would be surprised if Jeter made it through his contract as the shortstop of the power-hungry Yankees. He will be 37 years old in June and I doubt if by the time he's 39 or so, he will be able to live up to a $51 million deal as a shortstop.

-Mitch

Brian Cashman Wins

There has been some talk today about how Brian Cashman wasn't too happy with the Yankees brass wanting them to ink Rafael Soriano for a 3 years 35 million dollars.  He said the deal wasn't his decision and a decision by the Steinbrenners and Randy Levine. You know what Cashman is right.  

The reason why the brass felt the need to do it is because they have done nothing in the offseason and c'mon it's the Yankees! That's all they did is steal people from the little guys. It is perfectly okay too. They were one of the best teams in baseball last year, but since the Red Sox made a couple big splashes therefore it needed a counterattack.  Soriano isn't the answer



Soriano is 31 years old and he is getting paid closer money to be a set-up man, like we always say... Only the Yankees. The Yanks just signed Mariano Rivera for 2 years so he will not be retiring anytime soon  The other thing is relievers can come from anywhere and do not need to be paid the big bucks. If you want an example look what Cleveland paid Kerry Wood look how that turned out. I still count my blessings that the Milwaukee Brewers didn't pay Fransisco Cordero for 4 years 40 million dollars. Relief support should not be brought in for that money no matter if you are the Yankees, Brewers, Red Sox, or the Royals.

This screams panic move by New York. They know if their only move was get Andruw Jones, the fans would be up in arms. But sometimes you need to do what's best for your team and screw the fans like my boy Ted Thompson did in 2008.

-Charlie.

Hot Fan Showdown: Yanks vs. Sox

As the Yankees and Red Sox prepare for a battle for the AL East title, a number of questions arise. Will the Yankees be able to improve their middle relief? Will Julio Lugo ever learn how to play baseball again? Can Roger Clemens hold up the rest of the season? Can Curt Schilling hold up the rest of the season? While these questions are all good and pertinent queries, I have a much better question for you; who has the hotter celeb fans, Yanks or Sox?

Red Sox:

C: Giselle






















1B: Eliza Dushku






















2B: Jennifer Garner






















3B: Sarah Silverman






















SS: Maria Menounos






















LF: Shannon Elizabeth






















CF: Rene Russo






















RF: Amy Poehler






















DH: Christie Brinkley

Yankees:

C: Nicole Kidman






















1B: Jennifer Lopez


















2B: Mariah Carey






















3B: Britney Spears






















SS: Sarah Jessica Parker






















LF: Tea Leoni






















CF: Sarah Michelle Gellar






















RF: Kyli Ryan






















DH: Marilyn Monroe

You Might Also Like:David Beckham Means Nothing
How To Salvage The Falcons
Donaghy Scandal Leaves Asterisk On Spurs Title

Bookmark WTB!
Press [Ctrl + D]

Dice-K is looking like...Mike Mussina

Dice-K is proving all of the doubters wrong at this point. The Red Sox young star has shaken off some early season jitters to become one of the best pitchers in the majors in the past month. Dice-K's hot streak continued Tuesday night as he threw 8 shutout innings against the D-Rays while striking out nine batters. Over his past four starts Dice-K has an ERA of .62, giving up only two runs in 29 innings. If Matsuzaka had started his recent hot streak about two starts earlier he would have likely been in the All-Star game, and by the end of the season it could look rather strange if Dice-K is competing for a Cy Young without having been selected for the Mid-Summer Classic. As you might be able to tell by that intro, Dice-K's comparison this week has become substantially better than a month ago when he was looking like a Vicente Padilla clone. So who is it now? To answer that question, Dice-K is looking like...Mike Mussina.

Dice-K 2007:
W%: .67
QS%: .71
WHIP: 1.19
ERA: 3.53
Salary: $6,333,333

Mike Mussina 2006:
W%: .68
QS%: .72
WHIP: 1.11
ERA: 3.51
Salary: $19,000,000

Non-Barry Record Chases: June RBIs

Tired of hearing about Barry's assault on the home run record? Think that his stats are tainted? Have no fear, for if that applies to you Winning The Turnover Battle will be bringing you a series of Non-Barry record chases for you to get excited about. The first record chase is one that you may not have heard much about, but is actually going to be over soon one way or the other. The Major League record for RBIs in June is 47, achieved by Mel Ott in 1929 and later tied by Hank Greenberg in in 1935. At present Alex Rodriguez has 28 RBIs through sixteen games in June, an average of 1.75 RBI's per game. If Rodriguez maintains that pace through the Yankees eleven remaining June contests he would finish the month tied for the record with 47 RBIs. Whether or not Rodriguez is able to break the record will likely be decided in the next few games, as the Yankees play a three game series at notoriously high scoring home of the Colorado Rockies. As for experience, although Rodriguez has never played a regular season game in Colorado he did play there in the 1998 All-Star Game. In that game he went 2-3 with a solo home run. Is that performance indicitave of what we will see in this week's series? If Rodriguez is to break the June RBI record, it will need to be.

Paparazzo: Robinson Cano

A really nice picture all in all, but where the heck are you Robinson? A dirty kitchen?

So How Big Is That Hill?

The Yankees held a pre game meeting today before they went out and faced the Blue Jays. Apparently it was not enough to inspire them to the win, as they fell 7-2. The talk by the Yankees seemed upbeat however, as is witnessed by these snippets from the SI wrap up on the game:

"In the end, all the guys in here believe that we can make the playoffs," outfielder Johnny Damon said. "When we start walking around with our heads down, that's when we need to start worrying. We know we have an uphill climb, there's no question about it, but there's no quit. We're going to battle. Hopefully, in the end, there's going to be a nice prize."

"I believe in the talent on this ballclub," Torre said. "We're digging ourselves a big hole and we've got to find a way to climb out of it. That's basically my mind-set right now."

Despite the optimism of Damon and Torre, it is getting to be high time to ask the obvious question: Is there a way for the Yankees to climb out of this hole? Yankees fans would note that both Roger Clemens and Phil Hughes will join the rotation soon, theoretically replacing Matt DeSalvo and Tyler Clippard. Those moves would leave the Yankees rotation in the following shape:

Wang
Pettitte
Clemens
Mussina
Hughes

Is that, combined with Clippard and DeSalvo then helping out a bullpen that ranks 20th in ERA, enough to get the Yankees to the Wild Card? To be able to answer that question, you need to figure out what record the Yankees would have to end up with to get into the playoffs. The past 6 seasons the AL Wild Card has gone to a team that had at least 95 wins. Detroit, the current Wild Card leader, is on pace for 94 wins so 95 wins looks like a good starting point. The Yankees currently stand at 21-28. In order for them to reach the 95 wins that will likely be necessary to reach the playoffs they would have to go 74-39 the rest of the season, a .655 winning percentage. For context, that pace over a full season would yield 106 wins and is a higher winning percentage than any team other than the Red Sox is playing at this season. So do Hughes and Clemens suddenly make the Yankees a 106 win caliber squad? I don't think so.

The Most Precious Flower, The Pavano

Reports are circulating that Yankees pitcher Carl Pavano is preparing to have Tommy John surgery, and the likelihood is that Pavano has pitched his last game for the Yanks. Not that they will miss him much. Since signing a 4 year, $39.99 million deal with the Yankees in 2005 Pavano has essesntially done...nothing. Nothing to the tune of a 5-6 record*, 111.1 innings, and a 4.77 ERA. So to further pile on as to how bad of a signing this was, here is the dollar breakdown of how much the Yanks were paying Pavano for each...

Win: $8,000,000

Start: $2,105,263.16

Inning: $359,281.44

*OK, every AP report I have read says Pavano has a 5-7 record with the Yankees. Every single stat listing I have found though (ESPN, Baseball Almanac, CBSSportsline, SI, etc.) says that his record with the Yanks is 5-6. So I am not sure where that phantom loss being reported by the AP came from, but until someone tells me when it happened I am listing Pavano's record as 5-6. Now get on it AP research intern!

Sorry, But the Yanks are Used to this

A quick summary of current Yankees news: OMG!!! The sky is falling!!! Fire Joe Torre!!! Save us George!!!

Ok, now that everyone is caught up, lets examine a few things for a moment. First off, the Yankees pitching staff has been decimated to this point in the season. I doubt any team could have won many more games than the Yankees have to this point with the type of injury luck they have had. The more important aspect of this situation is that well, the Yankees are used to this kind of thing. A slow Yankees' start is almost as predictable as a huge run by the Oakland A's after middling for half of the season. So before people keep calling for Torre's job, look at the Yankees starts and finishes the past few seasons:

2006: 7-8 start, finished 97-65
2005: 11-19 start, finished 95-67
2004: 8-11 start, finished 101-61

The Yankees in fact had the same exact 23 game record of 9-14 just two seasons ago. So before you Red Sox fans start salivating, and before you Yankees fans start pulling out your hair, just remember that this kind of slow start has not stopped the Yankees from making the playoffs in the past.