Yankees Go Fishing For Pitching.

The New York Yankees this offseason have gone after starting pitching and in return they really haven't gotten anywhere. After the Phillies stunned everyone by adding Cliff Lee to their rotation the Yankees had no lead after that, Lee was the big time pitcher on the market and he didn't sign with the Yankees after reports said Lee was going to be a Yankee it never happened. The Yankees found themselves in a hole and in the offseason they have made some moves but nothing to brag about.


The Yankees a few days ago signed free agent pitcher Bartolo Colon to a minor league contract. Colon pitched for the Chicago White Sox in 2009 where he had an ERA of 4.19, 3 wins, 6 losses, and 38 strikeouts. The problem with Colon has been his health and weight. Colon at one point was one of the game’s best pitchers in baseball but he never really took good care of his body.

In 2005 Colon did win the AL CY Young award with the Angels with a 3.48 ERA, 21 wins, 8 losses, and 157 strikeouts, after that his career went downhill. After Colon’s amazing season in 2005 he only managed to win 13 games in the next four seasons where at one point he won 21 games in just one season. It will be a big come back if Colon can somehow make his way in the Yankees bullpen or starting rotation.


The latest signing by the Yankees was picking up free agent pitcher Freddy Garcia who also pitched for the Chicago White Sox in 2010. Garcia agreed to a minor league contract. In 2010 Garcia had an ERA of 4.64, 12 wins, 6 losses, and 89 strikeouts. I honestly think this is another head stacker move by the Yankees, why sign Garcia?

He is another pitcher where his better days are behind him but I guess you have no choice when you have two rookies at the end of your pitching rotation. Garcia is more likely to maybe find himself in a Yankees uniform then Colon this season if Andy Pettitte does not return in 2011.


The biggest move the Yankees have made this offseason is signing free agent bullpen pitcher Rafael Soriano to a three year deal. Soriano was the closer for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2010 and had wonderful year with a 1.73 ERA, 45 saves, and 57 strikeouts.

Soriano will most likely be the set-up man for closer Mariano Rivera but don't be surprised if Soriano comes in to save a few games for the Yanks this season. The Yankees bullpen has been a weak part of their team and now with Soriano it just got a bite stronger. There's a new closer in town and his name is Rafael Soriano.

Cubs, Cubs, Cubs.

The Chicago Cubs are one of baseball's oldest teams and also have one of the oldest stadiums in baseball. They have been one of the well respected teams in the league but as of lately they haven't been that team in years. The Cubs are one the oldest teams without a World Series title in over 100 years; last title was back in 1908. Cubs’ fans believe they are cursed, as we know the black cat running on field, the curse of "The Billy Goat", and the most famous one of all Steve Bartman.

This was a guy who was huge Cubs fan and it just happen that he interfered with a live ball that was catch able that would have ended the game and the Cubs would have went on to World Series in 2003 but yet again another curse hit against them. Now a days the Cubs are really not one of the best teams, the last division title they won was back in 2008 but when you look at this team there is just no improvement. The Cubs did sign two big free agents this offseason in starting pitching Matt Garza and first baseman Carlos Pena who both came from the Tampa Bay Rays. The Cubs will also have a new manager this season after long time future hall of fame manager Lou Piniell retired last year, they will have Mike Quade running things now for a full season. Most people are asking the question, is he the man for the job and should have the Cubs went out and got someone better? Guess will find out this season.



The Cubs pitching staff is very weak well the first two pitchers aren't too bad but the rest are just not that good. There are a lot of "ifs" and "maybes" in this pitching staff and I just don't think their strong enough to play in this division with the Cardinals, the Reds, and the Brewers who have made some moves. The number one guy in the Cubs rotation is Ryan Dempster who had a pretty good year with a 3.85 ERA, 15 wins, 12 losses, and 208 strikeouts. He is the ace of this pitching staff. Then comes in the new guy Matt Garza who was 1 of 5 players to throw a no-hitter last year had an up and down year for the Rays with a 3.81 ERA, 15 wins, 10 losses, and 150 strikeouts.

After that the three, four and five spot in this rotation is really up for grabs in spring training. They have Randy Wells, Carlos Zambrono who is a guy if can get his head put on straight I would have to think he would be their number three guy and he is a pretty good pitcher and then you have Carlos Silva. So there really isn't much in their pitching staff and their bullpen really isn’t that good either.



The Cubs key players in the infield and outfield are a huge reason why they didn't finish in dead last, besides the part the Pittsburgh Pirates are the worst team in baseball, but the Cubs do have some pretty good hitters in young shortstop Starlin Castro who as a rookie played pretty well. He hit .300, 3 home runs, and drove in 42 RBI's. This kid is the future of this team and is a big key for them.

Then the Cubs have left fielder Alfonso Soriano who has been part of this team for the last 4 years and he hasn't really turned into the player the Cubs wanted him to be. Last year Soriano hit .258, 24 RBI's, and drove in 79 RBI's, he is also getting up there in age at 35 years old. Next we have a kid named Marlon Byrd who last year had a really good year with the Cubs his first season with the team. He is old but he still showed last year that he still has it out in center field. Byrd hit .293, 12 home runs, and drove in 66 RBI's. After Byrd comes in catcher Gevoany Soto who is a pretty good catcher and had a good year with the Cubs and I think as he gets older and more matured he will be a better catcher, maybe one of the best in the NL. Soto hit .280, 17 home runs, and hit 53 RBI's. We now move over to third base in Aramis Ramirez who I think needs to have a bounce year to try and help the Cubs become a better team and maybe finish ahead of the Huston Astors. Ramirez last year hit .241, 25 home runs, 83 RBI's.

Last on my list is new comer first base man Carlos Pena who had an terrible season last year and just wasn't the same player he has been in the last 3 years. Pena is such a young player and has so much talent it sad to see him struggle; hopefully he will get himself going in 2011 with a new ball club. Pena in 2010 hit .196, 28 home runs, and drove in 84 RBI's, I don’t know how but somehow those numbers are right.


So the Cubs in 2011 have made some moves but all and all I just don't see this team going anywhere or becoming better, but what I do think is, they will be somewhat better and finish over .500. The Cubs have a lot of work to be done this season.

Highs and Lows for the Texas Rangers in 2011.

The Texas Rangers last year were one of the best teams in baseball, also without that being said they did play in a weak division but none the less they proved to everyone that were the best team in the American League. They won the AL West division title, beat the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS, beat the New York Yankees in the ALCS and went on to the World Series were they rain into a hot San Francisco Giants team and lost the World Series. For the Rangers it was more than they could have hoped for. The Rangers were a joke team in baseball and never really had a great team, their fans never showed up to game and they never really got any support. In Texas we all know it’s about FOOTBALL, then baseball. But in 2010 something changed and fans started to see that they had a baseball team in Texas. In 2011 will the Rangers have that same kind of effect? View my highs and lows for the Rangers in 2011.



High:

This offseason the Rangers signed free agent third baseman Adrian Beltre to take over at third base. Beltre last year had an outstanding year for the Boston Red Sox and hit .321, 28 home runs, and drove in 102 RBI's. Beltre will be a nice bat in this already good Rangers line-up.

Low:

The lost of starting pitcher Cliff Lee who signed back with the Philadelphia Phillies for five years, $120 million dollars was a big blow to the gut. Lee last year was the ace of this pitching staff and helped them to a division title and got them to their first ever World Series.

High:

The Rangers still have one of the best and young starting line-ups in the American League. They have guys in this line-up who can hit for power and speed. Their big power house hitter is Josh Hamilton who did have a rib injure but came back and still hit well. Hamilton won the 2010 AL MVP award with putting up great numbers with a .359 average, hit 32 home runs, and drove in 100 RBI's and is the most dangerous hitter in the American League.

Low:

The Baltimore Orioles are working on a contract for free agent DH Vladimir Guerrero who was the Rangers big pick up last year and had a great year for the Rangers. The Rangers needed a DH last year and they got one but now it seems like they may not want him anymore, Guerrero in 2010 hit .300, 29 home runs, and drove in 115 RBI's. It would be a big lost if they lose him.

High:

The Rangers were able to so far keep infielder Michael Young after signing Adrian Beltre. But now that Beltre is over at third base where will Young go? Young who has been part of this team his whole career will be used as their new DH and be asked to play any infield spot from time to time that's if the Rangers don't trade him away.

Low:

Now that Cliff Lee is gone who is the ace of this pitching staff? The Rangers are very weak on pitching and most likely C.J. Wilson will be their ace. The Rangers did pick up free agent Brandon Webb, but Webb hasn't pitched a game since 2009. The Rangers thought they could bring in Zach Greinke but the Brewers traded for him before the Rangers could even have a chance. The one thing I will give the Rangers pitching staff is, last year they were in first place in the first half of season without Cliff Lee. Better hope they have the luck this year like they did last year.

High:

The Rangers bullpen is their strong suit of their team with young closer Neftali Feliz who won the American League Rookie of the Year award with 40 saves. He is the answer to their back end of their bullpen. Now rumors have gone around that Rangers would like to turn Feliz into a starting pitcher and make Arthur Rhodes their closer. As we saw in New York the Yankees tried to turn Joba Chamberlain into a starter and it never worked out. I say just Feliz alone and their pitching will come around one way or another.

So if the Rangers are serious about winning themselves another division title they better work on a few things, other than that I still think it's going to be a close run for the American League West Division title. The Angels have made some big offseason moves by trading for Vernon Wells, either way it’s anybody's division.

Are The Brewers Forreal This Year?

The Milwaukee Brewers have always been that team that has had talent but has never done much with it, but in 2011 could things be different? Will the Brewers be the new team to beat in the National League Central? Will the Cardinals and Reds have something to worry about? My guess is as good as yours.


PITCHING:

In the offseason the Brewers have showed that they will not back down in the NL Central after trading for big pitcher Zach Greinke and picking up pitcher Shaun Marcum. The Brewers now have a good 1, 2, and 3 on their pitching staff along with young ace Yovani Gallardo. After that they still have a pretty good 4 and 5 in Randy Wolf and Chris Narveson. The Brewers have started thinking with their heads if they want to get respect their going to need pitching to win them ball games. Now there might be a debate on who will be their ace of this team come opening day, will it be the new comer Greinke or the kid who has been on this team his whole career Gallardo? If it were up me I would go with Gallardo only because this is his pitching staff, he has earned his spot on the field after winning 14 games with an ERA of 3.84, not to bad for a losing team.

Greinke on the other hand has never pitched in the NL before and has only had one good season in 2009 when he won the AL CY Young award. Greinke last year had another down year casting an ERA over 4.00 and only had 10 wins, where in 2009 it was a different story. In 2009 his ERA was his lowest in his career with a 2.16 and 16 wins with a losing club. None the less Grenike is still the fit for the Brewers playing in a small market and small media. Now let’s not forget about Shaun Marcum who will be their number three starting pitcher, with the Blue Jays he pitched very well and he helped his team finish in fourth place but the team did play a lot better and that was without Roy Halladay as their ace. Marcum's ERA was a 3.64 with 13 wins. So the Brewers have at least three good starting pitchers on their team to relay on and not a bad number four in Wolf.


INFIELD and OUTFIELD:

Let’s now talk about the Brewers infield and outfield starting with first baseman Prince Fielder. Fielder is their power house hitter and is always a threat to go yard. He's not the best defense of player but he is a nice player to have one your team. Fielder in 2010 had a normal type year for a guy who has never hit over .300 in his career, he hit .261, 32 home runs, and drove in 83 RBI's. Now over at second base, Ricky Weeks is a great young player and is still coming into his own, he has finally given the Brewers something good over at second base. He has speed, power, and a great arm. Weeks has been part this team for 7 years and is still somewhat young at the age of 28 year old. I think Weeks is starting to understand and learn the game as he gets older. Weeks in 2010 had by far one of his best seasons in his career. His average may have dropped somewhat but he still hit .264, 29 home runs, and drove in 83 RBI's.

Last on this infield is third baseman Casey McGehee and boy what a year he had. He is one of three Brewers to hit over 100 RBI's in 2010. McGehee is a good young player, been in the majors for only 3 years and looks like he has been in the league for 10 years. He is one of the premier third baseman in the National League. McGehee hit .285, 23 home runs (career high), and drove in 102 RBI's (career high) as well. When you think of the Brewers outfield you automatically think of Ryan Braun. Well why shouldn't you? He has been one of the best outfielders the Brewers have ever had. Last year he might have had a down year but he is the second player on this Brewers team to hit over 100 RBl's and his average was over .300 in 2010. So I don't know how you can call that a down year, any team would love to have a guy hit over .300 and hit over 100 RBI's. Maybe his home run total went down, but Braun to me isn't a home run guy, he is a doubles/triples type of player. He covers left field very nicely and it amazing that he doesn't have a gold glove, Braun in 2010 hit .304, 25 home runs, and drove in 103 RBI's.

Last on this list is right fielder Corey Heart. Heart a few years ago was a guy that wasn't really a good well known player, but he has proven that he is one the best right handed outfielders in the game along with Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth. If anything Heart might even be a little bit better then Werth only because Heart has hit over 100 RBI's on a losing team and Werth has never done that even when he was on a winning team. Heart also has fewer strikeouts with 510 and Werth has 727 strikeouts, but that might only be because Werth has been in the league longer but still that's a lot of strikeouts. Heart is the final guy on this team who hit over 100 RBI's with 102, hit 31 home runs, and his average was .283 in 2010. At the end of the day when you put this pitching staff and line-up together they could be a very good team. Do I think they have a shot at winning the division, sure they do they just have to play hard through 162 games. The NL Central division could come down to the wire in 2011 and in baseball anything can happen.


ISSUES:

The first issue is with this Brewers team is their bullpen. The Brewers bullpen in 2010 and right now might be one of the worst in the majors. They really don't have that guy who can come in the game and shut down the opposing teams bats. Now they do have a young kid in John Axford who might be their closer but who will come before him? They could use David Bush but I don't think he could get the job done. If the Brewers want to win their first NL Division title their going to need a stronger bullpen.

Now next issue is something that has been talked about since last year’s trade deadline, what will happen with Prince Fielder or Ricky Weeks? The Brewers have been trying to move one of these players for some good prospects but nothing has happened yet. Fielder did avoid arbitration by signing and agreeing to a contract for $15.5 million dollars. Now with Weeks we don't know if they Brewers would want to give him up only because they feel they could get more for Fielder. Come trade deadline be sure a lot of teams will be shopping for a first baseman with power.


THE BREWERS THEN and NOW:

The Milwaukee Brewers first came into major league baseball back in 1969 and they were in the American League East along with the Yankees and Red Sox. The Brewers were a joke team but they did have one great moment back in 1982 were they made the playoffs by winning it's teams first AL East Division title and then went on to win their only American League Pennant. The Brewers made it to the World Series in 1982 but lost to the St. Louis Cardinals and after that they never won anything ever again. In 1998 they were moved to the National League Central were in 2008 they did make the playoffs as the Wild Card team but lost to the Phillies. The Brewers in 2011 look to be ready to make a shot at winning it's first NL Division title and going into the playoffs and if they do they could be one of those teams that gets hot at the right moment. All depends on how they play and if everything goes their way in 2011.

Top 5 Best Managers Right Now.

So I am counting down the best managers in baseball and it all has to do with what managers have done the best and who are the best managers leading up to opening day 2011.

1. Philadelphia Phillies - Charlie Manuel

Now this was no surprise because when you look at Charlie you say what a guy! When he first signed with the Phillies back in 2005 most people were wondering why him, he's a hitting coach. Well as you see Manuel has won 4 straight NL East Division titles, has been in 3 straight NLCS series, won 2 NL League Pennants, been to two World Series match ups, and won a World Series in 2008. Charlie is clearly the guy people love in Philadelphia and is just the man for the job, he just fits the city. Heck people cheer for him when he argues with the umpires. Players love him and feel lose around him, players want to play for him like Roy Halladay, Roy Owswalt, and Cliff Lee all chose to come to Philly for those reasons. When you look back and looked at the Phillies no one wanted to come here or play here, now it's a different story. As many people know Charlie is in his final year with the Phillies heading into 2011 but the Phillies have not made a new deal yet but be sure I think one will happen soon. He is expected to get a contract around 4.3 million dollars for 2 years. Manuel said earlier in the week that "he loves it here in Philly and likes living here in Philly and he enjoys the fans here".



2. Tampa Bay Rays - Joe Maddon

Many might believe this is a surprise but I have to say Joe Maddon has done a great job being manager of the Rays. He took a losing franchise and turned them into one of the best teams in the AL. Not only that but plays in a tough division with the Yankees and Red Sox and that's the reason he is number 2 on my list. Maddon was signed as manager back in 2006 and he has won 2 AL East Division titles, 1 AL League Pennant, and went to a World Series back in 2008 but lost to the Phillies. Maddon is a well liked coach around the league.




3. Boston Red Sox - Terry Francona

Francona, he is probably one of the best managers in the league and has done great things with the Red Sox. He was the first manager to win the Red Sox their first World title since 1918 back in 2004 and then won another World Series title in 2007, something the Red Sox have only done once in their history back in 1912 - 1915. Francona was signed as Sox manager back in 2004 and he has won, 1 AL East Division title, 2 AL League Pennants, and 2 World Series titles, he is one of the best in the game and is expected to possibly make another run for the World Series in 2011.




4. St. Louis Cardinals - Tony La Russu

La Russa has played and been part of this game for a long long time and as a manager he has been one the best in the game. He has been the manager of the Cardinals for 15 years and coached a lot of great players like Mark McGwire and Albert Pujols, two players who were and are the game's greatest. La Russa was signed to manage this club back in 1996 and he was won 8 NL Central Division titles, 2 NL League Pennants, been part of 2 World Series teams, and won a World Series title back in 2006.




5. Los Angeles Angels - Mike Scioscia

This was a tough choice but when I look at the AL West only one coach came to mind who has done so much and has a lot on his plate and that was Mike Scioscia. You look this guy and say the AL West, it's an easy division to play in the but it wasn't as easy in 2010 as the Angels didn't make the playoffs for the first time in 3 years. None the less he has done great things with this ball club. Scioscia was signed as manager back in 2000 and he has won 5 AL West Division titles, 1 AL League Pennant, and 1 World Series title back in 2002.

Is Joe Blanton On the Move?

After the Phillies signed free agent Cliff Lee this offseason for 5 years, 120 million dollars, a lot of rumors were going around that the Phillies would have to move their number five starter in Joe Blanton to make room on their payroll. In 2009 Blanton signed a 3 year deal for 23 million dollars and that was around the same time the Phillies traded away Lee for Halladay. Now that Lee is a Phillie again what will happen with Blanton, will he be on the team or will he be traded? About two weeks ago general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr was asked about the status of Joe Blanton and he said "I expect him to be on this pitching rotation come spring training. He isn't going anywhere". How many times has that been said than done? In 2010 Blanton started the year on the DL and when he returned he didn't really show up the pitcher that everyone expected him to be.

He posted a 4.82 ERA with 9 wins, 6 losses, and 134 strikeouts. If any teams that might be interested in getting Blanton I would say the Kansas City Royals would have to be the number one team after losing Zach Greinke this offseason, the Royals are in need of pitching and have a very young farm system that the Phillies could trade for him. Another team in mind is the Milwaukee Brewers who already have Yovani Gallardo, Zach Greinke, and Shaun Marcum and by adding Blanton he wouldn't be a bad number four pitcher on their team. The Brewers also have a very good farm system with a lot of young prospects. The last team might be a surprise but I dugout it will happen but the New York Yankees are in need of some pitching with having two rookies pitchers leading the end of that rotation could be a sign of HELP WANTED if Andy Pettitte retires.


If Blanton we're to be traded who would replace him? Common answer would be Kyle Kendrick but I would have to believe it would come down to spring training. On January 14th, the Phillies signed Matt Anderson a first round draft pick back in 1998 but over the years he had a lot of arm problems and never turned into the pitcher he wanted to be. The Phillies signed Anderson to a minor league contract and if he does well there could be a chance we could see him in a Phillies uniform in the bullpen or as a starting pitcher.

Then there is a guy who started a few games last year in the name of Vance Worley and some believe he could win the number five spot over Kendrick and Anderson if Blanton is traded. Now it's not like Kendrick isn't a bad pitcher but he just hasn't turned into the pitcher everyone thought he was going to be. He has been in the majors for 4 years now and still hasn't done well, but then again he has been moved around a lot to bullpen to starter back to the minors.

Kendrick in 2010 had an ERA of 4.73, 11 wins, 10 losses, 84 strikeouts. I honestly think if Blanton does get traded before spring or during spring training Kendrick will be their number five guy only because he has pitched in this game before.

Ramirez and Damon to the Rays, Wells to the Angels.

Yesterday late afternoon some big signings and trades went down as the Tampa Bay Rays singed both free agents Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon and the Angels made an impact trade with the Blue Jays.

So after the Tampa Bay Rays lost a good part of their team in the offseason they signed two free agent players, but are they impact players? The Rays signed free agent DH Manny Ramirez who played half a season with the Dodgers and the White Sox for a one year deal worth $2 million dollars and they signed free agent outfielder Johnny Damon who played one year with the Tigers for a one year deal worth $5.25 million dollars.

Do I think it will replace the lost of Carl Crawford or Carlos Pena, I don't think so only because both of these players are in the late 30's and are not the same players they were when they played together. Both Ramirez and Damon played on the 2004 Boston Red Sox team that won its first World Series title since 1918 and then Damon was shipped off to the Yankees, and Ramirez eventually found himself in Dodger blue.

Since then Damon won himself another World Series title back in 2009 with the Yankees, and Ramirez was in the NLCS with the Dodgers in 2008 and 2009 but lost to the Phillies back to back years. As of right now Damon will play the outfield and Ramirez will DH for the Rays, but who knows what kind of impact they will bring to the Rays this season.


Manny Ramirez 2010 - AVG .292, 9 HR, 42 RBIs
Johnny Damon 2010 - AVG .271, 8 HR, 51 RBIs


Right after that deal got done about 10 minutes later the Angels made a big time impact move with a trade that involved the Blue Jays. The Angels would trade catcher Mike Nopoli and outfielder Juan Rivera for All-Star outfielder Vernon Wells.

Now this trade was a surprise because there was big rumor that the Phillies were interested in getting Jaun Rivera but I guess that's why they call it a rumor. I think this is a great move for the Angels after not closing a deal with Carl Crawford who signed with the Red Sox in the offseason. Wells is a great power hitter and a great impact player.

Mike Napoli and Juan Rivera aren't bad players in return. Napoli last year lead the Angels in home runs with 26 and Rivera who is an older player and may have lost some of his touch by none the less he still hits for average every year. I think this move is great for both teams, but I think it will help out the Angles more now that Wells is teamed up with Gold Glover Torii Hunter and right fielder Bobby Abreu.

Wells will be owed $86 million dollars in the next four seasons, $23 million next season and $21 million in each of the following seasons. So the Angels finally made their big move this offseason.


Vernon Well 2010 - AVG .273, 31 HR, 88 RBIs
Mike Napoli 2010 - AVG .238, 26 HR, 68 RBIs
Juan Rivera 2010 - AVG .252, 15 HR, 52 RBIs

The New Tim Lincecum or The Old Tim Lincecum?

When you say the name Tim Lincecum you think of his nickname the "The Freak" or the 2 time NL CY Young award winner or maybe you think of the 2010 postseason where he won his first World Series title at the age of 26. But you don't think of the rough season he had in 2010, now I wouldn't call it a "down year" I would just call it "not Tim Lincecum like year". When you look at his number in 2009 to 2010 they have gone down and have gone up, it seem like he lost a little bit of his edge in 2010, in one start he even changed his pitching style. Now I'm not saying he's a bad pitcher, probably one the greatest young pitchers in the game, but if he keeps having season like he did in 2010 than it could be problem for him and the Giants. In 2009 Lincecum's numbers looked like this ERA 2.48, 15 wins, 7 losses, 261 strikeouts, 68 walks, gave up 10 home runs, 62 earn runs, 168 hits, pitched 225.1 innings, and threw 4 complete game. In 2010 his ERA jump to a 3.43, 16 wins, 10 losses, 231 strikeouts, 76 walks, gave up 18 home runs, 81 earn runs, 194 hits, pitched 212.1 innings, and threw just 1 complete game.

Now yes he is young and has only been in the league for only 4 years but it just seems batters aren't scared of him anymore and have been getting better swings off him. Lincecum has earn his CY Young awards by power pitching and last year he just didn't bring it, despite he won a World Series last year and his number in his first postseason were awesome with a 2.43 ERA, 4 wins, 1 loss, 43 strikeouts, 9 walks, gave up 3 home runs, 10 earn runs, 25 hits, pitched 37.0 innings, threw 1 shutout, and 1 complete game, but he's going to have to do more to win another division title or another World Series.


Tim Lincecum is one of the best pitchers in the game and everyone would love to have him on their team, also like I said before he's a power pitcher and is known for his strikeouts. As of right now Lincecum, has 907 career strikeouts in just four seasons. In 2007 as a rookie he threw 150 strikeouts, 2008 - 265 strikeouts, 2009 - 261 strikeouts, 2010 - 231 strikeouts. He in on pas to throw close to 2,500 - 3,000 strikeouts if he stays healthy and has better season then the one he had in 2010. Now everyone has asked the question "do you think he could break the all time strikeout record that Nolan Ryan set with 5,714 strikeouts"? That's one question I have no idea about only because he is 26 years old and only with 907 strikeouts. Now Lincecum has beaten Ryan with strikeouts in just 4 years Ryan had 356 strikeouts in his first 4 season, but Ryan also threw for 300 or more strikeouts 6 times in his career, where to Lincecum hasn't even came close to striking out that many yet in 1 season. So it would take hands down effort to break that record. On the other side Lincecum in power pitcher who is known for his rocky pitching style his dad thought him at a young age and he has stuck with it ever since. I also think Lincecum will be back to old self in 2011 just going out there and having fun. Just remember when you’re playing the Giants you better watch out or hide from "The Freak"

Oh Where, Oh Where, Will Pujols Go?

There are good baseball players, and then there are great baseball players and when you say the name Albert Pujols you put him in the same category as Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, and Willie Mays and so on. Albert Pujols is hands down one of the greatest first baseman this game has ever seen, this guy can do it all and has done it all. He has won 6 NL Sliver Slugger Awards, 3 NL MVP Awards, 2 NL Gold Glove Awards, 2 NL Hank Aaron Awards, 1 Robert Clemente Award, 1 NLCS MVP Award, 1 World Series Title, and won the 2001 NL Rookie of the Year Award, like I said he has won it all! Only award he has never won is a CY Young award if he was a pitcher. Pujols has played with the St. Louis Cardinals his whole career and every year he has batted .300 or more, hit 30 or more home runs, hit over 100 RBI's or more, struck out 60 times or less except for two times back in 2001 he had 93 strikeouts and in 2010 he had 73 strikeouts, he is the only power hitter who really doesn't strikeout out a lot. Also don't forget his slugging percentage has been between .560 - .600 or more. He is the game’s greatest hitter and who wouldn't want him?


That has been the talk around baseball this offseason where will Pujols go after this season when he becomes a free agent? After Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard got a 6 year deal for 120 million dollars everyone asked themselves what will Albert Pujols get? So far nothing, and were talking about the best player in the game, aren't we? Seems like Cardinals haven't been to worried about losing the face of their franchise for the past 10 years, I mean he has only scared almost every pitcher in the National League for the last 10 years and has helped the Cardinals win 6 NL Central Division titles, 2 NL League Pennants, and 1 World Series title in the last 10 years. How could you not sign him? Well the only down fall is he is 31 years old and he will get up there in age and the Cardinals might want to move in a different direction with younger players and build a new team. That's the only reason I can see the Cardinals not signing him other than that he still is the best player in baseball.


The teams that want well I wouldn't be kidding myself if I didn't say the New York Yankee. The rumor has been said the Yankees would offer Pujols an 10 year deal worth $300 million dollars that would be the most money any player in baseball would ever receive. Now you're asking yourself why the Yankees, they already have a first baseman in Mark Teixeira, but let’s be honest the Yankees really don't have any good DH hitters on their club, so they would move Teixeira to the DH roll and bring in Pujols but were still unsure if that's true. Another team that comes to mind is the New York Mets. The Mets don't really have a good first baseman; yes they have young Ike Davis who played really well for them as a rookie last year but he’s no Albert Pujols. The Mets would love to get him just so they could shut up their friends the Philadelphia Phillies who have made all the big moves in the East by getting Halladay, Oswalt, and their newest member Cliff Lee back and the Phillies have been the kings of the NL East for 4 straight years.

Then come the Rangers who really need a first baseman in the club house but the Rangers might not have the money to bring him in but they’re still on the list. Next are the Cubs and if this happened, St. Louis fans would have a heart attack and would call Albert Pujols the new LeBron James of baseball. Fans would go nuts, now the Cubs got a first baseman this offseason in Carlos Pena but only for 1 year. The Dodgers are also on this list as teams that want him but the Dodgers have bigger problems then trying to bring in a big time name, but it would help them in starting over and turning the franchise around by adding him. Last team on this list is the Red Sox another team you’re asking yourself why them, well same reason as the Yankees they need a DH and they could turn Gonzalez into a DH player or Pujols into a DH player.


The Cardinals are by far not out of this yet Pujols has been on this team his whole career and knows what it’s like playing in St. Louis and he likes it there. It's not big time media town or big time spot light town which he likes and he enjoys playing for manager Tony La Russa who has been the manager of this team for 15 years. The Cardinals still have a shot of signing him before or during the offseason of 2011, but be sure whichever team makes the higher bid he might just end up going there.

Best Starting Five in the NL and AL

So it has been the talk around the offseason about which team in the National League and the American League has the best starting 5 right now come opening day? With pitchers and catchers due to report to camp in just one month some would augur the Phillies are the front runner after getting Cliff Lee back and joining Halladay, Oswalt, and Hamels. Others would augur the 2010 defending World Series Champs the San Francisco Giants are better because about how young their pitching staff is. That being said about the National League how about the American League? The Boston Red Sox come to mind in the AL East if they can stay healthy, also the Los Angeles Angels to come to mind in the AL West as well but don’t forget about the AL League Champs, the Texas Rangers. I’ll give you my take on the best starting 5 in each division and break it down about who to look out for and who to forget about.

NL West
San Francisco Giants – 2010 Defending World Series Champions

There has been a new buzz around baseball after seeing the Giants win the World Series last year, a team who was picked to maybe win the NL wild card, won their division on the second to last day of the season last year and became the hot team to beat in the postseason. They beat the Braves in 4 games in the NLDS, then beat the Phillies in 6 games in the NLCS, then beat the Rangers in 6 games in the World Series and won their first World Series title in team history and how did they do this? Well their pitching was unstoppable in the postseason, leading the way was the 2 time CY Young award winner Tim Lincecum and he never looked back. He was followed up by Matt Chain, Jonathan Sanchez, and Madison Bumgarner. In 2011 the Giants will look to defend their crown and I think this team will win their division and will be a tough team yet again to beat in the postseason.

Giants Starting Five
1.Tim Lincecum 2010 – ERA 3.43, 16 wins, 10 losses, 231 strikeouts, 26 years old.
2.Matt Cain 2010 – ERA 3.14, 13 wins, 11 losses, 177 strikeouts, 26 years old.
3.Jonathan Sanchez 2010 – ERA 3.07, 13 wins, 9 losses, 205 strikeouts, 28 years old.
4.Madison Bumgarner 2010 – ERA 3.00, 7 wins, 6 losses, 86 strikeouts, 21 years old – Rookie.
5.Barry Zito 2010 – ERA 4.15, 9 wins, 14 losses, 150 strikeouts, 32 years old.



NL East

Philadelphia Phillies – 2010 NL East Division Champions

Some might say this might be the best starting five in baseball after the Phillies in the offseason came from behind and stole left handed pitcher Cliff Lee away from the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers. Lee turned down the Yankees 168 million dollar offers and turned down the Rangers 148 million dollar offers to return to the “City of Brotherly Love” for 120 million dollars. Now that Lee is a Phillie once again he will join probably one of the greatest pitching staff in baseball with Roy Halladay, Roy Owsalt, and Cole Hamels. Yes on paper it looks really good but remember they have to do the work on the field. Also don’t forget about Joe Blanton as their number five starting pitcher. Some say he might not be on this pitching staff come opening day but if he is he’s not a bad number fiver starter. After losing to the Giants in the NLCS last year the Phillies know what they need to get done. Healthy line-up and pitching staff would make them the most dangerous team in baseball. I think the Phillies are going to win their 5th straight division title and I think they will go deep in the playoffs. People in Philadelphia are saying “World Series or Bust”

Phillies Starting Five
1.Roy Halladay 2010 NL CY Young winner – ERA 2.44, 21 wins, 10 losses, 219 strikeouts, 33 years old.
2.Cliff Lee 2010 – ERA 3.18, 12 wins, 9 losses, 185 strikeouts, 32 years old.
3.Roy Oswalt 2010 – ERA 2.76, 13 wins, 13 losses, 193 strikeouts, 33 years old.
4.Cole Hamels 2010 – ERA 3.06, 12 wins, 11 losses, 211 strikeouts, 27 years old.
5.Joe Blanton 2010 – ERA 4.82, 9 wins, 6 losses, 134 strikeouts, 30 years old or Kyle Kendrick 2010 – ERA 4.73, 11 wins, 10 losses, 84 strikeouts, 26 years old.



NL Central

St. Louis Cardinals

After the Red Birds had a upset year not winning their division or making the postseason with their pitching staff having Adam Wainwrigth who was once again the runner up for the NL CY Young award you would have to think they want to take back their division and get to the postseason and I think they have the pitching to do so. However their line-up isn’t as strong as it used to be. I think the Cards will win their division but I also think it’s going to be a tight race to the finish line in the NL Central.

Cardinals Starting Five
1.Adam Wainwright 2010 runner up for the 2010 NL CY Young– ERA 2.42, 20 wins, 11 losses, 213 strikeouts, 29 years old.
2.Chris Carpenter 2010 – ERA 3.22, 16 wins, 9 losses, 174, strikeouts, 35 years old
3.Jamie Garcia 2010 – ERA 2.70, 13 wins, 8 losses, 132 strikeouts, 24 years old.
4.Jack Westbrook 2010 – ERA 4.22, 10 wins, 11 losses, 128 strikeouts, 33 years old.
5.Brad Penny 2010 – ERA 3.22, 3 wins, 4 losses, 35 strikeouts, 32 years old or Kyle Lohse 2010 – ERA 6.55, 4 wins, 8 losses, 54 strikeouts, 32 years old.



NL Surprise Teams

Milwaukee Brewers

After the Brewers got Shaun Marcum the Brewers got 2008 former AL CY Young winner Zack Greinke after reports we’re saying Greinke was going to sign with the Rangers after the Cliff Lee deal went south but some way the Brewers managed to bring him in. Marcum and Greinke are now teamed up with team ace Yovani Gallardo and look like they won’t back down in the NL Central division. Look for them to have a better year than last year.

Brewers Starting Five
1.Yovani Gallardo 2010 – ERA 3.84, 14 wins, 7 losses, 200 striekouts, 24 years old.
2.Zack Greinke 2010 – ERA 4.17, 10 wins, 14 losses, 181 strikeouts, 27 years old.
3.Shaun Marcum 2010 – ERA 3.64, 13 wins, 8 losses, 165 strikeouts, 29 years old.
4.Randy Wolf 2010 – ERA 4.17, 13 wins, 12 losses, 142 strikeouts, 34 years old.
5.Dave Bush 2010 – ERA 4.54, 8 wins, 5 losses, 107 strikeouts, 31 years old.



Atlanta Braves – 2010 NL Wild Card winner

After the Braves had the lead in the NL East they weren’t able to hold onto it as they became the NL Wild Card team and others thought that they would have won the East but as we know the Phillies won the East title yet again. The Braves have a pretty good pitching staff and after getting a taste of the postseason they will be looking for more. Their line-up got some help but their pitching I think is going to be key because we know they have a good starting line-up but it’s going to be interesting to see how their pitching holds up.

Braves Starting Five
1.Tim Hudson 2010 – ERA 2.83, 17 wins, 9 losses, 139 strikeouts, 35 years old.
2.Tommy Hason 2010 – ERA 3.33, 10 wins, 11 losses, 173, strikeouts, 24 years old.
3.Jair Jurrjens 2010 – ERA 4.64, 7 wins, 6 losses, 86 strikeouts, 24 years old.
4.Derek Lowe 2010 – ERA 4.00, 16 wins, 12 losses, 136 strikeouts, 37 years old.
5.Mike Minor 2010 – ERA 5.98, 3 wins, 2 losses, 43 strikeouts, 23 years old – Rookie.



Cincinnati Reds – 2010 NL Central Division Champions

The Reds last year surprised everyone after winning the NL Central division because in the beginning of 2010 no one really picked them to be a team to be scared of just because their pitching wasn’t all there and this year coming up I think they’re going to be another surprise team just because everyone is asking the question will they’re pitching staff do the same thing as they did in 2010? We already know they have probably one the best line-ups in the NL but I would like to see how the 2011 pitching staff will do again this year.

Reds Starting Five
1.Bronson Arroyo 2010 – ERA 3.88, 17 wins, 10 losses, 121 strikeouts, 33 years old.
2.Johnny Cueto 2010 – ERA 3.64, 12 wins, 7 losses, 138 strikeouts, 24 years old.
3.Edinson Voquez 2010 – ERA 4.31, 4 wins, 3 losses, 67 strikeouts, 27 years old.
4.Travis Wood 2010 – ERA 3.51, 5 wins, 4 losses, 86 strikeouts, 23 years old – Rookie.
5.Homer Baily 2010 – ERA 4.46, 4 wins, 3 losses, 100 strikeouts, 24 years old or Mike Leake 2010 – ERA 4.23, 8 wins, 4 losses, 91 strikeouts, 23 years old.


So I think out of these three surprise teams I think one of them will win the 2011 NL Wild Card and make a trip to the postseason. Then again I have been wrong before, but expect all three of these teams to have a good year.


AL West
Los Angeles Angels

After the 2010 season everyone thought that the Angels would be in postseason as they have been in the last 4 years, but for some reason things didn’t go their way. As we know the Texas Rangers won the AL West division title for the first time since 1998. The Rangers did it with great pitching and great hitting and that’s how I think the Angels will get it done this year, staying healthy and focus and they will win themselves another division title. I also think a full Dan Haren for a whole season will be just what they need after losing John Lackey a year ago. They finally have an ace on this staff to lead the way and to be followed up by Jered Weaver and Ervin Santana is just a sweet thing.

Angels Starting Five
1.Dan Haren 2010 – ERA 3.91, 12 wins, 12 losses, 216 strikeouts, 30 years old.
2.Jered Weaver 2010 – ERA 3.01, 13 wins, 12 losses, 233 strikeouts, 28 years old.
3.Ervin Santana 2010 – ERA 3.92, 17 wins, 10 losses, 169 strikeouts, 28 years old.
4.Joel Pineiro 2010 – ERA 3.84, 10 wins, 7 losses, 92 strikeouts, 32 years old.
5.Scott Kazmir 2010 – ERA 5.94, 9 wins, 15 losses, 93 strikeouts, 26 years old.



AL East
Boston Red Sox

After the Red Sox in 2010 it was probably one of their worst season’s in a long time where 18 to 19 players were put on the DL and put their chances to getting to the postseason out of reach, where in the beginning of 2010 they had high hopes after getting big free agent John Lackey they were picked to have one of the best starting five in 2010 but injures held them back. In offseason of 2010 the Sox made some big moves signing free agent first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and outfielder Carl Crawford and with a healthy pitching staff and line-up they are the favorite to win the AL East division title and I have picked them to win their division and to go far into the playoffs, they might even get to their third World Series in last 8 years something the Red Sox have never done.

Red Sox Starting Five
1.Jon Lester 2010 runner up for the 2010 AL CY Young – ERA 3.25, 19 wins, 9losses, 225 strikeouts, 27 years old.
2.Clay Buchholz 2010 – ERA 2.33, 17 wins, 7 losses, 120 strikeouts, 26 years old.
3.Josh Beckett 2010 – ERA 5.78, 6 wins, 6 losses, 116 strikeouts, 30 years old.
4.John Lackey 2010 – ERA 4.40, 14 wins, 11 losses, 156 strikeouts, 32 years old.
5.Daisuke Matsuzaka 2010 – ERA 4.69, 9 wins, 6 losses, 123 strikeouts, 30 years old.



AL Central
Minnesota Twins – 2010 AL Central Division Champions

The Twins have been the team to beat for the last 2 years in the AL Central and I think it’s going to stay that way. They have the best starting five in this division with Carl Pavano returning the only problem with this team is that can’t seem to past the ALDS. In 2009 and 2010 they have been sweated by the New York Yankees. I think it’s time to crack down to business to put up a better fight in playoffs and they’re going to need their pitching to step up big and also have a healthy bullpen. I think the Twins win their division once again and do their thing in 2011.

Twins Starting Five
1.Carl Pavano 2010 – ERA 3.75, 17 wins, 11 losses, 117 strikeouts, 35 years old.
2.Francisco Liriano 2010 – ERA 3.62, 14 wins, 10 losses, 201 strikeouts, 27 years old.
3.Scott Baker 2010 – ERA 4.49, 12 wins, 9 losses, 148 strikeouts, 29 years old.
4.Kevin Slowey 2010 – ERA 4.45, 13 wins, 6 losses, 116 strikeouts, 26 years old.
5.Nick Blackburn 2010 – ERA 5.42, 10 wins, 12 losses, 68 strikeouts, 28 years old.


AL Surprise Teams

New York Yankees – 2010 Wild Card Winners

Now I have picked the Yankees as a surprise team only because 1 – I don’t think will be able to keep up with the Red Sox and 2 – they have no pitching. After not closing a deal on free agent Cliff Lee who returned to Phillies in offseason, that really put a dent in the Yanks pitching staff. Now there has been a rumor that long time Yankee free agent Andy Pettitte will retire and there has been rumor that he will return. Now if he returns that will help them out a lot, he would either be their third or fourth starter, but if he doesn’t return and retires then the Yankees will have a big problem and they would have to rely on two rookies at the bottom of their rotation to get things done or they will have to wait till then for the trade deadline to come around or pick someone before then. So if you’re a Yankees fan you better hope Pettitte returns for 2011.

Yankees Starting Five
1.C.C. Sabathia 2010 runner up for the AL CY Young – ERA 3.10, 21 wins, 7 losses, 197 strikeouts, 30 years old.
2.Phil Hughes 2010 – ERA 4.19, 18 wins, 8 losses, 146 strikeouts, 24 years old.
3.A.J. Burnett 2010 – ERA 5.26, 10 wins, 15 losses, 145 strikeouts, 34 years old.
4.Ivan Nova 2010 – ERA 4.50, 1 win, 2 losses, 26 strikeouts, 24 years old – Rookie.
5.Hector Noes – 23 years old Rookie – If Pettitte doesn’t return.



Texas Rangers – 2010 AL League Champions

The only reason why the Rangers are one of my surprise teams is because who is the ace on this team? After losing their ace Cliff Lee in the offseason the question has been asked who will be the ace on this team? Who will be the guy to step up and pitch on the big stage? Will it C.J. Wilson or someone else? I can’t answer that. We all know the Rangers have a great line-up and that was one of the big seasons they made it to the World Series last year but in baseball you need pitching to win you games. Now the Rangers did sign free agent Brandon Webb who won a CY Young back 2006 but he hasn’t pitched in 2 years after having arm problems and I think we all know he is not the answer. The Rangers still don’t know how healthy he is and what will they use him as, a starter or a bullpen pitcher? A lot question leading up the 2011 season.

Rangers Starting Five
1.C.J. Wilson 2010 – ERA 3.35, 15 wins, 8 losses, 170 strikeouts, 30 years old.
2.Tommy Hunter 2010 – ERA 3.73, 13 wins, 4 losses, 68 strikeouts, 24 years old.
3.Colby Lewis 2010 – ERA 3.72, 12 wins, 13 losses, 193 strikeouts, 31 years old.
4.Scott Feldman 2010 – ERA 5.78, 7 wins, 12 losses, 75 strikeouts, 27 years old.
5.Derek Holland 2010 – ERA 4.08, 3 wins, 4 losses, 54 strikeouts, 24 years old or Brandon Webb – 31 years old, he hasn’t pitched since 2009 and his ERA was a 13.50 after being put on the DL for season ending surgery.




Tampa Bay Rays – 2010 AL East Division Champions

The Rays for the last 3 years have been probably one the best teams in the AL but in 2011 things don’t seem to be that way after losing three of their big pieces in first baseman Carlos Pena who went to the Cubs, outfielder Carl Crawford who went to the Red Sox, and starting pitcher Matt Garza who also went to the Cubs. The Rays really have no idea how the will keep up this year by losing those three players who have helped them win 2 of 3 division titles, they also helped the Rays make it to their first World Series in 2008 but lost to the Phillies. Another note is the Rays have yet not to sign free agent closer Rafeal Soriano who lead the league in save with 45. The Rays pitching staff is still pretty good but I don’t think its good enough, the bottom of their rotation is a question as well.

Rays Starting Five
1.David Price 2010 runner up for the AL CY Young – ERA 2.72, 19 wins, 6 losses, 188 strikeouts, 25 years old.
2.James Shields 2010 – ERA 5.19, 13 wins, 15 losses, 187 strikeouts, 29 years old.
3.Jeff Niemann 2010 – ERA 4.49, 12 wins, 8 losses, 131 strikeouts, 27 years old.
4.Wade Davis 2010 – ERA 4.07, 12 wins, 10 losses, 113 strikeouts, 25 years old.
5.Jeremy Hellickson 2010 – ERA 3.47, 4 wins, 0 losses, 33 strikeouts, 23 years old – Rookie.



Now I have picked these three teams because I think one of these teams will win the AL Wild Card because I think they have the best shot at doing so. Look for one of these teams to make the postseason and look for the other two teams to just miss out on the postseason in 2011.