2013 Preview: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Los Angeles Angels

(2012: 89-73, 3rd Place AL West)

(2013: FC Prediction: 1st Place AL West)

The 2012 Angels had a very good 2012, but unfortunately for them, 89 wins wasn't good enough for a playoff spot as they finished behind both the Athletics and the Rangers.  The story of 2012 was the emergence of wunderkind Mike Trout, and he looks to somehow match the numbers he put up last year.  

The Angels come into 2013 with a retooled roster including three new starting pitcher, two new relievers, and All-Star Josh Hamilton.  The Angels only got a half season of Zack Greinke, who signed with the crosstown Dodgers, but the Angels picked up some quality arms in Joe Blanton, Jason Vargas, and Tommy Hanson through trade and free agency.

The Angels come in with some questions this year.  How will Mike Trout follow up his amazing 2013?  How will Josh Hamilton adapt to a new team and a new town?  How will the new look starting rotation fare?

Let's delve into some of these answers.

PITCHING:

Jered Weaver returns as the unquestioned ace.  Weaver is among the leagues best and while he doesn't throw as hard as others, his movement and location makes him a top notch starting pitcher.  CJ Wilson returns as the number two.  Wilson is a quality lefty who just completed his third straight 200 inning season.  He is as reliable as they come and can be very effective.  Newcomers Joe Blanton, Jason Vargas, and Tommy Hanson will fill out the rotation.  All of them are solid back end of the rotation starters, but none of them will have stats that jump out at you.  Vargas has been phenomenal in Seattle the past few years and while Hanson has the biggest upside, he has had some trouble staying healthy.  Blanton will get you 180 innings, but he might get hit around from time to time.

The new look Angels bullpen should be one of the best in the league in 2013.  Ryan Madson is coming off Tommy John surgery, and might not be the best choice for closer, but he will probably start there.  Ready to jump in is Ernesto Frieri.  He helped close last year and was rather successful in the role.  Left-handers Sean Burnett and Scott Downs are both very good against lefties and righties.  Kevin Jepsen has a great slider for the middle innings and Jerome Williams is a quality swing man who should be able to start on occasion.  All in all, the Angels bullpen is very balanced and very good.

Left-hander Nick Maronde has very good stuff, but it is not known if he is good enough to be a big league starter.  He could, however be a very good arm in the bullpen when needed, maybe as early as 2013.  After Maronde, there isn't much talent in the Minor League system as far as pitching goes for the Angels.

LINEUP:

The Angels lineup is very balanced, with speed and power.  Albert Pujols is still one of the best hitters in the game and he will man first base for the Halos.  Howie Kendrick is a very balanced hitter who can hit for average and power.  Shortstop Erick Aybar will also hit for average and will steal some bases, but will provide little power.  Third baseman Alberto Callaspo is similar to Kendrick, but provides less upside. He should be able to hit .270 or so with around 10 home runs, but won't provide much  more than that.

In the outfield the Angels have Mike Trout in left, Peter Bourjos in center, and Josh Hamilton in right.  Mike Trout had an absolutely amazing year in 2012, and probably would have won the MVP in any other year.  Trout's numbers will probably all take a bit of a dip this year, but even a slight dip is still a fantastic season.  Trout should be able to hit .300 with 25 home runs and 30 stolen bases.  He is an absolute spark plug and should be able to stay healthier playing left instead of center.  Bourjos is an absolutely awesome defensive center fielder, but struggles a bit with the bat.  When he gets on base, he can steal some bases, but getting on base is the problem.  Josh Hamilton should fit right into the Angels lineup.  With Trout, Kendrick, and Pujols in front of him, and Trumbo behind him, Hamilton should get plenty of pitches to hit.

Behind the plate, the Angels will have Chris Iannetta.  Iannetta is a veteran guy who knows how to handle a pitching staff and can hit his fair share of home runs.  The DH will be Mark Trumbo.  Trumbo started off great last year, but cooled off the last few months of the year.  He has great power and should be able to hit 25 home runs, but his average should float around the .250 mark.

The hitting prospects aren't great either, but Kaleb Cowart is the best of the bunch.  The third baseman and 2012 first round pick is a very balanced hitter, who can hit for average, a bit of power, and steal a few bases.  2011 first round pick is first baseman CJ Cron.  While Cron is blocked by Pujols at first, he has light tower power, and he should be able to make an impact by 2014.  

NON-ROSTER INVITEE TO WATCH:

The best of the list here is probably utility man Bill Hall.  Hall can still stick a little bit and has the ability to play the corner outfield spots, third, and second, so Hall might have a change to crack this roster over a guy like Andrew Romine or Luis Rodriguez if he can impress the Angels front office.

PROGNOSIS:

The fact of the matter is that the Angels are much improved in 2013.  With poaching Hamilton away from the Rangers, and the addition of the three solid starting pitcher, the Angels have the kind of balance that will allow them to compete with and even pass the A's and the Rangers.  With the strength in the bullpen, even without a shutdown closer, the Angels will be able to shorten the length of games and keep their opponents off of the scoreboard in the late innings.  In our opinion, the Angels will be able to pass the Rangers and the A's and will take control of the very competitive AL West.

TWITTER ACCOUNT OF THE DAY:

CJ Wilson is one of the funniest guys on Twitter.  He has a great sense of humor and just seems like a guy you would want to hang out with.  Follow him @str8edgeracer

2013 Preview: Atlanta Braves

Atlanta Braves
(2012: 94-68, 2nd Place NL East)
(2013: 2nd Place NL East, Wild Card Berth)

First and foremost Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!!! (Yes I know it's tomorrow, but I know you're celebrating today)  Those of you of age, go and enjoy a shot of Jameson and an Irish car bomb, both staples of the Irish diet.  Now, on to baseball.

The Braves are a very balanced team, with a solid lineup, a good rotation, and a GREAT bullpen.  In the off-season, the Braves brought in Justin and BJ Upton, and they should help bolster the lineup despite the losses of Martin Prado and Michael Bourn.  Randall Delgado was also lost due to trade, but the Braves still have some good young pitching.  However, the biggest loss was of Chipper Jones to retirement.  The first overall pick of the Braves in 1990, Chipper spent his entire career with the Braves.  Baseball will definitely miss him.

The Braves will no doubt miss Bourn and Prado at the top of the lineup, but with the Upton brothers, they get two guys who are 5 tool players.  A change of scenery might do both good and they will no doubt enjoy playing together.  While the pitching staff is talented, there might be a lack of depth in the rotation due to the injury of Brandon Beachy, but the Braves have some young, very talented arms both at the Major League level and in the Minor Leagues.  

Here's is what the Braves look like this year:

PITCHING:

The Braves leader in the rotation is veteran Tim Hudson, but the ace of the staff is Kris Medlen. Hudson is regressing some, but he still has the sinker ball that will get guys out.  Medlen had an amazing stretch last year with the Braves winning 23 of Medlen's starts in a row.  He should continue that success as a top line starter.  Behind those two are lefties Mike Minor and Paul Maholm.  Minor is a good young arm while Maholm, who was acquired from the Cubs last year is a steady arm at the bottom of the rotation.  The number 5 will most likely be Julio Teheran, the Braves top prospect.  Teheran has fantastic stuff and should fit into the rotation nicely.  However, as with all first year starters, the workload will be a dilemma.  The mid to late season return of Brandon Beachy will help the depth of the Braves rotation.

The Braves bullpen is among the best in the league, if not the best.  Closer Craig Kimbrel is a hard thrower with an unhittable breaking ball.  With Kimbrel as the closer, the game is pretty much over after the 8th inning.  Jonny Venters and Eric O'Flaherty are the setup men for this club.  Venters is a lefty who throws hard and can get both lefties and righties out.  O'Flaherty is also a lefty who is practically impossible for lefties to hit.  Another power arm includes newly acquired Jordan Walden.  If Walden can cut down on the walks, he will be a dominant reliever for the Braves.

Besides Teheran, some Braves top pitching prospects include Lucas Sims, J.R. Graham, Sean Gilmartin, and Alex Wood.  Sims won't crack the roster for a couple more years, but Gilmartin, Graham, and Wood have a chance to be with the team in 2013.  Gilmartin has the kind of stuff to crack the rotation if they have trouble with injuries or guys are ineffective.  

LINEUP:

The Braves return three infielders in 2013, with third baseman Chris Johnson being the only newcomer.  First baseman Freddie Freeman has tons of power and can hit for average as well.  Look for a great season from the youngster.  Second baseman Dan Uggla struggled immensely last year.  I look for him to bounce back and be the Dan Uggla of old.  He will hit home runs in bunches, but won't provide much else.  Shortstop Andrelton Simmons started out hot last year but then got hurt.  He is a very exciting player who can hit for average, steal bases, and play great defense.  Simmons should be great at the top of the order.  Third baseman Chris Johnson has some pop, and if he hits like he did late last year in Arizona, he will have a great 2013.  Catcher Brian McCann has had vision problems in the past, but he hopes those are behind him.  He isn't much defensively, but when healthy, McCann is one of the best hitting catchers in baseball.

The Braves employ one of the best outfields in baseball, with Justin Upton in left, BJ Upton in center, and Jason Heyward in right.  Justin Upton is one of the most talented players in baseball and should playing in a new city with his brother.  I look for Justin to have a huge year in 2013.  BJ Upton can really go get the ball in center field and is a quality player.  He struggles hitting for average, but he can hit home runs and steal bases.  Right fielder Jason Heyward is a great player, who can hit and field, evidenced by his gold glove last year.  Heyward should continue to get better and should have a big 2013 as well.

The only quality Braves hitting prospect is catcher Christian Bethancourt.  Bethancourt is an absolute defensive wizard, but he struggles a bit with the bat.  If called up, he would instantly have one of the best arms in baseball behind the dish.  He won't wow with the bat, but he should definitely be able to be an average offensive catcher when all is said and done.

NON-ROSTER INVITEE TO WATCH:
There isn't much of note here, so I'll go with former Cub Blake DeWitt.  DeWitt is decent with the bat and is a solid bench guy, but in reality, with backup infielders Paul Janish, Juan Francisco, and Tyler Pastornicky, DeWitt probably doesn't have a very good chance of making this team.

PROGNOSIS:
This Braves team is a very good club, with everything a team needs to win in this league, especially in the bullpen.  The NL East is very top heavy with the Nationals and Braves, and in reality, both should not have much of a problem making the playoffs.  I worry a bit about the depth in the rotation for the Braves, but if Brandon Beachy can come back strong, they are much better here.  The maturation of Sean GIlmartin is also a big key in the depth of the rotation.  The Braves should score runs with quality guys in the lineup like the Upton brothers, Heyward, Freeman, and Simmons.  Lastly, with their bullpen, the Braves have the ability to make games a lot shorter, leading me to believe that a playoff spot is theirs to lose.

TWITTER ACCOUNT OF THE DAY:
They're both new to town, so go follow the Upton brothers and make them feel welcome.  Justin, @JUP_8TL and BJ, @BJUPTON2

2013 Preview: Texas Rangers

Texas Rangers
(2012:93-69, 2nd Place AL West)
(2013: 2nd Place AL West, Wild Card Berth)

The Rangers will miss Josh Hamilton, especially considering that he went to the division rival Angels, but Texas still has a great team heading into 2013.  Back to back years, the Rangers have lost their top free agent to the Angels, but that won't stop them from competing again this year.  

Gone is Hamilton, but the Rangers welcome catcher AJ Pierzynski to town.  AJ should enjoy the hitter friendly Ballpark in Arlington coming off his best season in terms of home runs in his career.  The pitching staff is solid, but not great, but with the Rangers lineup, they should compete day in and day out.

Let's take a look at what the Rangers bring to the table:

PITCHING:

The top three in this staff are Yu Darvish, Matt Harrison, and Derek Holland.  Darvish was good last year in his Major League debut, but I expect him to take another step in 2013.  Darvish has the stuff to be a top tier pitcher in this league.  Harrison surprisingly won 18 games last year, and while he might not win the same total this year, he'll get guys out.  Holland needs to cut down on home runs, and if he does, he will be much more successful.  Alexi Ogando moves out of the bullpen and into the number 4 spot.  He has the stuff to be successful and has had success as a starter in the past, but the question is can he put together a full season in the rotation.  Number 5 was supposed to be Martin Perez, but after an injury, Colby Lewis will take that job.  He is a serviceable number 5 in this league, even on a competing team.

The pen for this team is very good.  Closer Joe Nathan was fantastic last year in his first year with the Rangers and I don't see him slowing down.  New Ranger Joakim Soria looks to bounce back from injury to solidify the back end of the pen.  After those two, the Rangers have power arms Tanner Schneppers and Josh Lindblom.  Both can bring it with the fastball and have very good breaking balls.  The X-factor, either in the pen or the rotation is Neftali Feliz.  He has been great when healthy, but coming off an injury last year, he will need to prove he can stay healthy.

Martin Perez is one of the Rangers' top pitching prospect, but due to his injury, his contributions will be put on hold.  Cody Buckel is also a quality pitching prospect.  He throws a variety of pitches, and while none are excellent, all are at least average.  Buckel could possibly make the leap late in 2013, but the more likely scenario is that he is ready for the 2014 season.

LINEUP:

The Rangers have a very formidable lineup, even after the losses of Michael Young and Josh Hamlton.  At first, Mitch Moreland will take over full time duties.  While Moreland isn't among the league's best there, he has a good amount of power.  Ian Kinsler returns at second and is an extremely explosive player who can hit home runs and steal bases.  Elvis Andrus will play short. While he won't provide much power, Andrus is a menace on the base paths and plays a great shortstop, all while hitting for a high average.  Third baseman Adrian Beltre is among the best in the league and will almost assuredly hit 30 home runs and drive in 100.

At catcher, the Rangers brought in A.J. Pierzynski.  While I personally hate AJ, the guy hits for power, although he is a bit of a liability behind the plate.  The designated hitter will be Lance Berkman.  Berkman is in the twilight of his career, but he still swing a great bat, especially from the left side of the plate.  Geo Soto is ready to fill in for AJ at any time, as Soto is a former starter who can more than hold his own.

The outfield is a little bit more in flux for the Rangers.  In left, David Murphy will play the majority of the time.  He is an average Major League players.  Nelson Cruz will be in right field.  While Cruz won't hit for a high average, he is one of the league's most prolific power hitters.  Center field is interesting for the Rangers.  Right now, it looks to be a split between Craig Gentry and Leonys Martin.  Both leave a bit to be desired.  Another option would be to move second baseman Ian Kinsler to center to make room for top prospect Jurickson Profar.  

The Rangers' top fielding prospects are second baseman Profar and third baseman Mike Olt.  Profar is one of the games best prospects and they need to make room for him immediately.  Olt is also a quality player, but he is blocked as well.  Olt might become trade bait mid-season if the Rangers need more pitching for a playoff run.

NON-ROSTER INVITEE TO WATCH:
There are a bunch of quality relievers in camp for the Rangers including Neal Cotts, Nate Robertson (good for him), Evan Meek, Kyle McClellan, Randy Wells, and Derek Lowe.  The guy who will make the club out of the non-roster guys is Jeff Baker.  Baker has had a great Spring and given his ability to play pretty much every position and absolutely crush left handed pitching, he has played his way into a virtual lock to make this team.

PROGNOSIS:
The Rangers are an immensely talented club, and are even more talented if you include a guy like Profar.  The Rangers should be able to make the playoffs but I don't know if they will be able to catch the Angels.  The Rangers have a solid rotation, although it might not be incredibly deep, and they have the talent to withstand the losses of Hamilton and Young.  The Rangers should hit enough, especially at home to keep themselves in contention all year long.  The Rangers also possess the Minor League talent to trade for an arm at the deadline to bolster the rotation if need be.

TWITTER ACCOUNT OF THE DAY:
Hands down, Derek Holland.  He has a mustache, he does a good Harey Carey impression, and he's pitching tonight for Team USA.  USA USA USA!!!! Follow him @Dutch_Oven45

2013 Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers

LA Dodgers 
2012: 86-76 (2nd Place, NL West)
Full Count Prediction: (2nd Place NL West) 

If there was a such thing as a "roller-coaster" type season, the 2012 Dodgers had it.  From the beginning, it started rough both on and off the field.  A turbulent off-season eventually saw owner Frank McCourt hand over the reins to a management group led by Magic Johnson among others.

After the change, the Dodgers were able to ride strong starting pitching in the second half, along with major reinforcements via a blockbuster deal with Boston to acquire SP Josh Beckett, 1B Adrian Gonzalez and OF Carl Crawford.  Still, the Dodgers were unable to catch the Giants.  Really, no one caught the Giants as they ended up winning everything so you can't really say the Dodgers had a bad season in 2012.

Then the off-season came.  Buoyed by a Time Warner television contract worth Department of Defense-type money, the Dodgers promptly signed the most coveted pitcher of the 2013 free agent crop, Zack Greinke to the richest contract for a right handed ever ($147 million, to be exact).  But why stop there?  LA went on to sign Korean phenom Hyun-Jin Ryu at $6 million a pop and closer Brandon League for $22.5 million (three years).  And just to top it off, they grabbed J.P. Howell for a couple million too.  Add those to the existing contracts from Boston last trade deadline and their payroll in the NL West promptly went like this:

Yep.  The Los Angeles Dodgers now have the highest payroll in baseball.   In order to become the Yankees of the National League, however, the Dodgers will have to hope that all these stars can mesh well and keep it together all season...something that's a big "if."  And their fans will have to act a little more spoiled/childish.  But I digress.  

On paper, this looks like a team that can easily clinch a Division title and make a deep October run.  Talent doesn't necessarily translate to success.  Let's take a deeper dive into what $220 million dollars can buy in our Los Angeles Dodgers preview:

PITCHING

They say there's no such thing as "too much starting pitching" but in this case, the Dodgers are in spring training pushing that old adage to the limit.  There are eight starting pitcher on the current 40-man roster.  While perennial Cy Young candidate/superstud Clayton Kershaw and Greinke will anchor the staff, what follows is still up in the air.  If Josh Beckett can stay healthy, (which is a giant "if") he could give LA a 1-2-3 rotation that would scare any lineup in the National League.  

Outside of Korean newcomer, Hyun-Jin Ryu, the candidate to take the 5th spot in the rotation will come down to Chad Billingsley, Chris Caupano, Aaron Harang and Ted Lilly.  Billingsley probably has the inside track, but regardless of who rounds out the rotation will either be shipped off in a trade, or be stashed in the "long relief" section of the bullpen, just in case, because really who believes that Josh Beckett will stay healthy all season?  

Anyone?  Anyone at all?  That's probably what GM Ned Colletti thinks too.  

Speaking of the bullpen, this unit has the stuff to shut the door the last few innings of any given ballgame.  But there are also question marks.  Matt Guerrier and J.P. Howell will make reliable situational guys out of the bullpen while one of the banished starters out of spring training will join them in long relief.  Kenley Jansen is a big, intimidating guy with some big pitches and strikes out everybody.  Jansen saved 25 games last year, so expect him to be first on the phone if Brandon League ever/possibly/probably/certainly/ (<==== circle your preference based on your level of dislike for the Dodgers) falters in the closer's role early on.  


LINEUP

This lineup has the star power to leave Vin Scully drooling at every batting practice.  But they also have just as many question marks as the starting pitching.  If there's a word to summarize the primary factor to this team's success at the plate, it's "health."  Matt Kemp is one of the best in the game when he's feeling good and wants to focus on mashing baseballs instead of dating Rihanna.  But injuries limited him to only 106 games last season. 

And who the hell knows how Carl Crawford will do after Tommy John surgery prevented him from ever suiting up as a Dodger in 2012. Mark and A.J. Ellis (no relation) will do their best to fill roles as steady, veterans in positions with more priority for the glove than at the plate, second base and catcher, respectively.  Andre Ethier is slowly but surely starting finding out how to become a complete player and is showing enough star promise to get a new contract.  However, he'll have to figure out how to hit against lefties or manager Don Mattingly will have some interesting late game, lineup scenario's ahead.  

Adrian Gonzalez is a big name, with a big bat but experienced a mysterious power outage with 18 total home runs, a year after mashing 45 with the Red Sox.  Even if he still can't get his power problem figured out, he'd still be less baffling than Hanley Ramirez who has the tools and skill to make the game of baseball look easy but instead, has spent his time as a Dodger making the game of fantasy baseball look hard for his unfortunate owners.  


BEST CASE SCENARIO

The Dodgers have a ton of talent, but just as many question marks heading into 2013.  But just because Los Angeles is a town with plenty stars, the Dodgers will have to do more than simply field a team of stars to win in a division with the defending baseball champs up by the Bay and a suddenly scrappy and improved Diamondbacks.  Guys like Crawford, Beckett, Ramirez, and Gonzalez should be enough to beat up on the Padres and the Rockies but in order to win the West and make a deep October run, favorable answers are needed for the following questions:

1. Can Kemp and Crawford stay healthy?
2. Can Josh Beckett stay healthy?
3. Can they still be effective when healthy? 
3. Will Adrian Gonzalez find his power stroke back in a pitchers park?
4. Is Hanley Ramirez ever going to be the star that he was with the Marlins?
5. Is Greinke's anxiety issues something to worry about?
6. What part(s) of Hyun-Jin Ryu's name will be on the back of his jersey?
7. Can he also be good?
8. Will Brandon League live up to his massive contract by becoming a dominant closer?
9. If he can't can Kenley Jensen?
10. Who will be starter number five?
11. What will happen to the three pitchers that aren't gonna be starter number five?
12. Will Matt Kemp still be in the home run derby?
13. Is Magic Johnson really a baseball fan?
14. Why is Juan Uribe still on the roster?
15. Will it be Skip Schumaker, Nick Punto or Jerry Hairston Jr as Mr. Utilityman?  
16. Why did Don Mattingly shave his mustache as a manager?
17. Why are the Dodgers aspiring to be like the freakin' Yankees with their spending?
18. Can a team of super stars mesh well together?  

If all of these questions can be answered with positive results for the Dodgers, there's no reason this team can't be the team hoisting a World Series trophy in October.  But...


WORSE CASE SCENARIO


The worst case scenario would pretty much be negative answers to all the same questions above.  

PROGNOSIS / LIKELY SCENARIO

As our recurring theme, this team is a club with a lot of questions but the answers will be revealed as the season progresses quickly.  If Matt Kemp stays healthy and focused, this team will score runs -- he's just that good.  Regardless of what mysteries like Gonzalez and Ramirez do, this is a squad that will probably be streaky....but when they're hot, they'll put up runs in bunches.  

The pitching also rests on the star arms of Kershaw and Greinke and the health and consistency of the rest of the staff.  Beckett and Billingsley will likely have at least one DL stint between them but it's not like there aren't arms to fill in should either or both falter or get hurt.  Brandon League is no Mariano Rivera but he's solid and Jensen can always step in to close out games. 

It would be a major stretch to expect the best for all of the questions this team needs to answer but if they can fulfill more than half to the likings of Dodger nation, it should be enough to give San Fran a serious run for the NL West crown and just might steal some Hollywood spotlight from their just as star-studded neighbors in Anaheim.   


NON-ROSTER INVITEE TO WATCH

Dee Gordon is fast as a gazelle on the basepaths but with savvy veterans like Schumaker, Punto and Hairston Jr. fighting for a spot on the same dugout bench, Gordon will have to prove that he can do more than steal bases if he wants a spot on this crowded Dodger roster.  He can be electric and fun when he wants to and if a spot on a major league ballclub is on the line, he'll definitely try to make sparks in spring training or flame out trying.  


TWITTER ACCOUNT TO FOLLOW

Matt Kemp is a star on the diamond and online with more than 272,000 followers.  In addition to tweeting about his outlook on the Dodgers, baseball and current events.  You know, that stuff everyone has to tweet about.  Give him a follow at @TheRealMattKemp.

Also...

DODGERS FACEBOOK
DODGERS TWITTER
DODGERS GOOGLE+

And... 
The Full Count: 
Facebook 
Twitter
 Google+ (like you guys care)

2013 Preview: Kansas City Royals

Kansas City Royals
(2012: 72-90, 3rd Place AL Central)
(2013: FC Prediction, 2nd Place AL Central, Wild Card Berth)

The Royals in the playoffs? Are you guys nuts??!!??  Well, this prediction is more a product of our extremely simple point system in compiling our rankings than it is us thinking the Royals will make the playoffs.  But hey, why not, the Royals are definitely improved.  After trading for James Shields, and perhaps overpaying, the Royals have an improved pitching staff and the progression of the young guys should definitely help.  

The Royals are definitely better, but are they good enough to make the playoffs??  Truth is, unless their young guys get a lot better, the Royals are still probably one high end pitcher and another bat away from contending, but with the talent they have, these young guys could make some noise.  

Let's take a look at these youngsters:

PITCHING:

After acquiring James Shields, he automatically steps in as the ace of the staff.  He should help solidify the rotation and make the rest of the guys around him better.  Jeremy Guthrie is back and is the number 2.  After a great run with the Royals last year, he looks to carry over that success into 2013.  Ervin Santana joins the club and hopes that a change of scenery from Los Angeles will help him be more consistent.  Santana should fit in nicely and with his stuff, he should make a decent number 3 for the Royals.  Wade Davis also came over in the Shields trade and he looks to take advantage of the opportunity he has.  Bruce Chen and Luke Hochevar will compete for the number 5 spot, with the advantage going to Chen; one because he is a lefty, and two Hochevar is a notorious underachiever.

The Royals bullpen is young, talented, and full of guys who throw HARD.  After Joakim Soria left for Texas, Greg Holland will be the new closer.  Holland throws extremely hard and has a nasty breaking ball.  Aaron Crow was once a highly regarded pitching prospect, but he has settled into his setup role nicely.  Crow should be a lights out 8th inning guy for the Royals.  Tim Collins, Kelvin Herrera, and Louis Coleman should also get some quality innings.  This Royals pen is very young, but I can see them being among the league's best by years end.

The Royals best pitching prospect is definitely right-hander Kyle Zimmer.  The 2012 first round pick throws hard and has great command, with the possibility of having 4 solid pitches.  Zimmer however, is not ready for the big leagues.  He was a college pitcher though, so he should be on the fast track, perhaps being ready by middle to late 2014.

LINEUP:

The Royals are very young and very talented in the lineup.  Mike Moustakas is at third.  He started hot last year but cooled off later in the year.  I look for Moustakas to take a big step forward this year.  Shorstop Alcides Escobar should steal for bases, field almost everything, and maybe provide some doubles and triples.  He won't hit for a high average, but he serves a purpose.  Second baseman Chris Getz is probably the weak link of the lineup, but he is good with the glove as well.  First baseman Eric Hosmer struggled mightily last year, but he is way too talented to repeat his numbers from last year.  Hosmer should hit around .270 with close to 25 home runs and 90 RBIs.  He is a big time run producer and should take a big step this year.  

Catcher Salvador Perez is an unreal talent.  He is a very good hitter who should hit for average and power, but that's not where he's at his best.  Perez will give Yadier Molina a run for his money as best defensive catcher in baseball.  Not only can Perez call a good game and block everything in sight, but he has an absolute cannon for an arm.  I watch a lot of baseball, and Perez to me has the strongest arm behind the plate in baseball.  DH Billy Butler hits everything he sees.  Butler consistently hits for average, power, and is a big time mainstay in the Royals lineup.  

In the outfield, from left to right, the Royals have Alex Gordon, Lorenzo Cain, and Jeff Francouer.  Gordon is a solid left fielder and an absolute doubles machine.  The guy doesn't have a ton of power, but he shoots both gaps with regularity.  Cain is very speedy and a great defender.  If he can hit for a higher average, he will be a big time player for the Royals, but it's not something I really see happening.  Francouer is one of the biggest fan favorites, but not in Kansas City, in Oakland, where he has been known to buy the entire right field bleachers pizza during games.  He is the only guy in baseball who has a cheering section while he is on the road.  However, it is not because of his play.  Jeff has a cannon for an arm, but he needs to pick it up with the bat to stick in right.  

For hitting prospects, the Royals top dog is Bubba Starling.  Their 2011 first round pick required a big bonus to keep him from playing quarterback at the University of Nebraska.  He is a big time athlete and does pretty much everything well, but nothing great.  Starling should be a quality outfielder for the Royals for years, but he probably won't be ready until 2015 or 2016.

NON-ROSTER INVITEE TO WATCH:
A couple relievers are quality guys like George Sherrill and Dan Wheeler, but the guy with the best shot to make this team is outfielder and first baseman Xavier Nady.  Nady was good in a backup role for the Diamondbacks last year and the Royals could use a backup at both first and in the outfield, giving Nady the perfect opportunity to make this team.

PROGNOSIS:
We have them in the playoffs, but that's most likely just because of the point system we used in our rankings.  The truth is the Royals are still probably a year away from making some noise.  While they have a lot of young talent, and that talent should take a step forward, their rotation just isn't good enough.  There is no way they can compete with the Tigers, but with the rest of the AL Central not very strong, they do have a chance.  If they can overtake the White Sox, against whom they've had a ton of success in recent years, the Royals might be able to sneak into the playoffs due in part to a weak division.

TWITTER ACCOUNT OF THE DAY:
No doubt the guy here is Jeremy Guthrie, no explanation need, just trust me.  Follow him @TheRealJGuts

Mariano, World Baseball Classic, and more: Monday Rundown

Quote of the Day:

"I didn't want to leave like that.  I wanted to give everything."  

-- P Mariano Rivera

As has been expected for a while, the all-time saves leader and career New York Yankee Mariano Rivera announced that 2013 will be his last season.  Then he promptly went out and struck out two of three batters that he faced, with that same cutter that he has fooled hitter with for the better part of two decades.


Look, I know I give the Yankees and their arrogant, annoying, passionate fans a lot of grief (and hate).  But every once in a generation, you get to witness a player who you can't help but cheer for and admire, regardless of the team he plays for.  Rivera is that Yankee for me. 

In addition to 608 career saves and a .998 career WHIP (second only to Addie Joss all-time), when Mo steps off the mound that final time (hopefully the last game of the regular season with the Yankees staring at an insurmountable deficit in the wildcard chase), it will be the final time that we see a player wearing the number "42" as Rivera is the last of a dozen players with a  grandfathered clause when Major League Baseball decided to retire Jackie Robinson's 42 across the game.  

Also a devoutly religious person, with amazing charities and causes that he supports, Rivera will be just fine adjusting to life after baseball.  May his cutter continue to fool hitters in backyard games of wiffle ball during family picnics.  

A few other things worth reading about Rivera:

• The Lesson of Mariano Rivera  -- Jason Gay, Wall Street Journal
• Baseball could learn a few things about dignity from Mo and playing in New York

• Mariano River, 43, retiring after 2013 -- Andrew Marchand, ESPN
• ESPN's official web article with a lot more details and stats that I care to sum above.  

• Mo Deserves 100% of Hall Vote -- Wallace Matthews, ESPN New York
• If Jesus Christ himself was on the ballot after a career where he threw a perfect game, every game for 500 career starts, Hall voters would have trouble voting him in unanimously.  But Rivera should.   

• Rivera's Departure Will Set Up Scary Future for Yankees -- Ernie Palladino, CBS New York
• Mo's greatness will be a tough act to follow for the next Yankee's closer

• Yankees GM Cashman recalls nearly trading Rivera -- Andy McCullough, NJ.com
• Imagine how much more we'd all like Rivera if he weren't a Yankee?

• Next Step for Rivera: Closing a Career -- Tyler Kepner, New York Times
• If Rivera can go out with a Ray Lewis-esque finish, will he end up on commericals with Paul Rudd?  

• Opponents and Teammates of Rivera lucky -- Mike Lupica, New York Daily News
• Only lucky if you were an opposing pitcher who never had to face that cutter bearing down on you, right?   

• Goose Gossage shouldn't be disparaging Rivera -- Craig Calcattera, NBC Sports
• Gossage acts like that old man, yelling at one-inning closers to get off his lawn.

World Baseball Classic Intensifies

Canadian catcher Chris Robinson stepped at the plate to lead off the 9th inning during pool play of the World Baseball Classic against Mexico.  With a 9-3 lead, Robinson proceeded to bunt down the third base line for a single.  

That didn't sit very well with Mexican pitcher Arnold Leo, who promptly beaned the next batter, Rene Tosoni.  What followed was a benches clearing brawl and ejections followed.

After a melee more worthy of a hockey game, seven players were ejected.  A water bottle thrown from the stands hit Canada's batting coach Denis Boucher, Cale Iorg decided to throw it back.  

(WARNING: Do not fight Canadians in anything. They are trained to fight) 

Probably not the scene that the World Baseball Classic wanted.  And I can imagine guys like Dusty Baker, Ron Gardenhire and Don Mattingly watching guys like Joey Votto, Justin Morneau, and Adrian Gonzalez in the middle of the scuffle thinking "PLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASE DO NOT GET HURT!!!!!!"

A couple of other things: 

• I get why it didn't sit well with Mexico.  If I bunted, up 9-3 in the 9th inning playing MLB: The Show, you can bet I would get a can of Pringles thrown my way by my brother who plays college baseball.  And it would hurt.  

• But here's the other perspective.  The tie-breaker in pool play is run differential.  So teams (regardless of whether they're up 9-3) are going to play to score as many runs as possible.  If your third basemen is playing back on the grass, you're going to bunt away.   

• An easy solution would be making the tie-breaker "runs allowed" rather than run differential.  And it doesn't make sense to have a ten-run mercy rule if run differential is going to be the tie-breaker.  

• How did the umpire not take control of the game?  We've got Mexico's third baseman barking at the pitcher and pointing to his side, clearly telling Leo to bean the next batter.  Warnings should have been issued there. Ejections should have happened after the first inside brushback pitch.

• Speaking of which, how did it take Leo three pitches hit to Tosoni?  The first two seemed to piss Tosoni off more and more until the third let to temper's flaring and benches clearing.  

Let's forget about Mexico and Canada.  They were both eliminated anyway.  The second round is well underway.  If you're craving baseball you can either watch pros and minor leaguers play Spring Training games or watch pros and minors play WBC. Either choice is fine.  

Here are the countries that advanced in the round-robin pool play from the first round of the World Baseball Classic.  (Winners are bolded)

Pool A

Japan

Brazil 

China

Cuba

Pool B

Chinese Taipei 

Australia 

Netherlands

South Korea

Pool C

Dominican Republic

Venezuela

Puerto Rico

Spain

Pool D

United States

Canada 

Mexico 

Italy

This week, the US will take on both Puerto Rico while surprise team Italy will play the Dominican Republic in the other round of Pool 2.  It's a double-elimination format, so if teams lose twice, they're out.  

Meanwhile, in Pool 1, a strong Japanese team has been rolling in wins over Chinese Taipei (Taiwan, for your non-geography fans out there) and the Netherlands.  Meanwhile the Netherlands rebounded nicely to knock out Cuba.  

Disappointing finishes for perennial power Cuba and Venezuela.  Italy and the Netherlands surprise, showing that maybe that socialist healthcare is paying off in athletics...wait!  They are loaded with "American-heritage" players.  

Ah, the World Baseball Classic!  And yes, I know all the games are exhibition and the tournament is still trying to win me over, but it's still baseball. Game like Mexico-Canada prove that teams are playing hard and it's fun to watch.  It also only comes around every four years.  And no, it's not the Olympics. 

But baseball is out at the Olympics anyway.  And what's more fun?  Would you rather watch Mexicans and Canadians fight on a baseball diamond or Alicia Sacramone straddle a balance beam at the Summer Olympics every four years?  

 This?

Or this?

Okay, whatever.  Olympics wins.  

But catch the WBC on MLB Network and ESPN Deportes anyway!

2013 Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates
(2012: 79-83, 4th Place NL Central)
(2013: FC Prediction: 2nd Place NL Central)

The Pirates started out on fire last year, but as the year went on, they begin to fade.  A complete September collapse dropped them to 4th in the division and fans are still wondering when this team is actually going to win.  Will 2013 be their year?? Well Chris sure thinks so.  While all 3 of us had them finishing higher than last year, Chris went out on a limb to pick the Pirates to win the Central, so if you disagree, take it up with him, not me.

Andrew McCutchen is the heart and soul of the Pirates.  The guy can do everything on the field and is even your cover athlete for the 2013 version of MLB The Show for PS3.  After him, the Pirates have a lot of names you've probably not heard of, but these guys can definitely contribute.

Let's find out who these guys are:

PITCHING:

After coming over from the Yankees last year, AJ Burnett was awesome in the rotation.  He has the stuff to be a front end starter, so if he stays healthy this year, look for more success.  After him, you have a couple of solid arms in Wandy Rodriguez and James McDonald.  Wandy is a consistent left hander while McDonald provides a bit more upside and less consistency.  After that, the Pirates have Jeff Karstens and Jeff Locke.  Neither of them are great starters and are back end of the rotation guy at best.  This is where the Pirates might struggle this year.

Closer Joel Hanrahan is now gone, so the closing duties will be taken over by Jason Grilli.  Grilli was great last year in a setup role, but I dont necessarily trust him as a closer.  He doesn't really have the lights out stuff that a closer should have but he should be serviceable back there.    Mark Melancon will be the primary setup man for Grilli and he will be supported by guys like Tony Watson, Justin Wilson, and Jared Hughes.  The Pirates have lost quality names in the pen like Hanrahan and Brad Lincoln to trades, so these youngsters will have to step it up this year.

The Pirates top two prospects are pitchers and they can't get the big leagues soon enough.  Both Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon have the makings of top notch starters in this league and have already had some seasoning in the minors.  Best case scenario, Cole takes one of the bottom two spots in the rotation this year, while Taillon take the other one in 2014.

LINEUP:

The Pirates have some big time pop in the lineup, even if you probably haven't heard of the guys providing it.  Third baseman Pedro Alvarez can be one of the better power hitters in the game, but he needs to raise his average a bit.  Clint Barmes will play short, and while he doesn't provide much with the bat, he is a reliable guy to throw in this lineup.  Enough can't be said about second baseman Neil Walker.  He has been among the most consistent second baseman in the league the past few years with the bat and the glove.  First baseman Garrett Jones also provides a lot of pop from the left side of the plate.  At catcher, the Pirates brought in Russell Martin, who should provide some stability for them behind the plate.

In left field, the Pirates have Starling Marte.  Marte proved he belonged late last year, showing some power as well as the speed to steal some bases.  He needs to make more consistent contact if he wants to keep the job in left.  The man with the dreads, McCutchen will play center. The guy is a MVP caliber player and you don't have to worry one bit if he will produce or not.  In right, the Pirates acquired Travis Snider.  Snider is a former top prospect who has mashed at AAA, so maybe a change of scenery will help him adjust to the big leagues.

The Pirates don't have much in terms of hitting prospects.  Shortstop Alen Hanson and outfielder Josh Bell have a ton of potential, but you shouldn't expect to see them until 2015.  If the Pirates need to improve their lineup, they will have to do it through trade, not through late season call ups.

NON-ROSTER INVITEE TO WATCH:
There are definitely a couple of pitchers who have a chance to make this roster off of the non-roster invite list.  These guys include Vin Mazzaro, Jose Contreras, and Jonathan Sanchez.  I look for Sanchez to make a run at the rotation.  He has proven before that he can be a good Major League starter, he just needs to cut down on the walks.  With a strong Spring, look for Sanchez to make this club.

PROGNOSIS:
While I really like the lineup for the Pirates, especially the addition of Russell Martin, I just don't see enough pitching, both in the rotation and in the pen to keep up with the Reds and Cardinals.  The Pirates should score runs, but even the ace of the staff, AJ Burnett is a big question mark.  With that many question marks, including a blah starting rotation and a bullpen without a proven closer, I just don't think 2013 is the year for the Pirates, even if Chris does. 

TWITTER ACCOUNT OF THE DAY:
He's a star on the field and on Twitter, so go follow Andrew McCutchen, @TheCUTCH22