St. Louis Cardinals 2012 Preview

Coming out of nowhere last year and bringing their 11th World Series Crown back to St. Louis was a huge accomplishment.  But the Cardinals will be a totally new team come Opening Day, Tony La Russa stepped down after the World Series and Albert Pujols is now in Anaheim.  Besides Pujols the Cards did a good job of retaining a majority of last years roster and added Carlos Beltran to play right and move Lance Berkman to first.  So the replacing of Pujols will not be as bad on the offense as we all thought, but the production won't be nearly as good.  The pitching staff will get a nice boost in Tommy John returnee Adam Wainwright.  New manager Mike Matheny takes over a good ball club and should have no problem finding w's.  Let's take a look at how the Cardinals will look come Opening Day.
Starting Rotation- Chris Carpenter pitched phenominal last year down the stretch and will get the ball to start the year.  Wainwright will slide into the #2 spot of the rotation but expect Matheny to keep a close eye on him. Lefty Jaime Garcia will be sent out every third day and if he throws like last year will have a good year.  Veterans Kyle Lohse and Jake Westbrook will round out the rotation, a lot of trade rumors have surrounded Westbrook and it will interesting if they decide to move him in Spring Training.
Bullpen- La Russa used a closer by committee theme last year and down the stretch Jason Motte emerged as the man to put out late game fires.  Motte will be the closer come Opening Day but if he struggles look for Fernando Salas to step in nicely.  Mitchell Boggs and Kyle McClellan will be the other setup men and will get help from lefty's Mark Rzepczynski and J.C Romero.  Lance Lynn will also see some bullpen appearances.
Catcher- Gold Glover Yadier Molina will again be the back stop for this team and will provide leadership both on and off the field.  Tony Cruz will be the man that gives Molina his days off though he rarely takes them.
Infield- Berkman will fill in nicely for the void left by Pujols, expect the same caliber of defensive play but a little loss in the offensive production.  Rafael Furcal will get to play his first full season with the team and the speedster still finds a way to get it done.  WS MVP David Freese will be at third and will look to build on a solid second half.  Scrappy second baseman Skip Schumaker and can fill in nicely in plenty of other positions.  Daniel Descalso and Tyler Greene will serve as the utility men for the infield.
Outfield- Matt Holliday will be in left and will look to lead the outfield and help provide a spark to the lineup.  New addition Beltran will be in right and if he can stay on the field full time, could have a good year.  Jon Jay will be the man in center after impressing everyone last year and taking Colby Rasmus' job.  Allen Craig will serve as a quality backup to these guys.
Lineup-
1. Rafael Furcal- Great leadoff man!
2. Carlos Beltran- Power is down but still a doubles machine.
3. Matt Holliday- Should get 25+ HR's.
4. Lance Berkman- Another 30 and 90 year easy.
5. David Freese- Will he be the hero we same in October?
6. Yadier Molina- One of the better hitting catchers around.
7. Jon Jay- Speedster with some pop.
8. Skip Schumaker- Good contact hitter.
9. Pitcher's Spot- Just Bunt!

Mike Matheny takes over a very solid club and should find success very easily but they will not win the division.  Even though the NL Central is very wide open, replacing Pujols will be to big of a task for this team and they will end up with about 85 wins and finish second in the division but could make another Wild Card run.  This team has been known to prove people wrong with strong second half performances so stay on your toes fans.  Good luck in 2012 Cardinals Fans!

-Buddy

Pittsburgh Pirates 2012 Preview

If contending for half a season got you to the playoffs the Pirates would have been lock in 2011, but unfortunately for them a baseball season is 162 games.  Last year they went out and made some moves that should have put them over the top but that didn't work out.  Now those 2 month rentals are gone the team will again have to rely on its great young core to compete.  Andrew McCutchen will look to build on his All Star year and lead this team.  The pitching staff did have some good surprises last year in Charlie Morton and James McDonald both had very good years.  They did add some veteran help this year and this should at least make them a player in the NL Central.  Let's take a look at how the Pirates will look come Opening Day.
Starting Rotation- Morton and McDonald both have the stuff to be the ace of the staff, but expect to see new addition Erik Bedard also to get some attention here.  Jeff Karstens and Kevin Correia will round out the rotation, and if the four returners pitch like they did last year the team should have a shot to win a lot of ball games.  Bedard is an interesting pitcher and the Pirates hope they get the guy that showed a lot of promise before struggling in Seattle.
Bullpen- All Star Joel Hanrahan will be the closer and the way he put out fires last year should be back in the Mid Summer Classic again.  Daniel McCutchen and Evan Meek will be a pair of the guys who will help the set the table for Hanrahan.  Chris Resop, Jason Grilli and Tony Watson will round out the rest of the 'pen, with Grilli possibly seeing some long relief appearances.
Catcher- Newly signed Rod Barajas will be the starter behind the dish and will add some offense to the lineup.  Jose Morales will be the guy that sees the field when Barajas needs a day off.
Infield- Pirate fans are still waiting for Pedro Alvarez to show all his promise and hopefully that year will be now, if not look for Casey McGehee to play at third.  Garrett Jones will be at first and if he produces like last year will be a solid fit.  Neil Walker coming off a season in which he only missed 3 games, will be the second baseman and look to build on a solid year.  Shortstop will go to Clint Barmes who looks to have a great first year in Pittsburgh.  Look for Chase d'Arnaud to be a utility man and for McGehee to also see some time at first base.
Outfield- Andrew McCutchen will be in CF and will continue to be the leader this team needs.  Left field should go to Pirate returner Nate McLouth but could get some competition from youngster Alex Presley, no not Elvis.  Right fielder Jose Tabata will look to hit the field full time this year and could do big things.
Lineup-
1. Nate McLouth- Should provide a good spark.
2. Neil Walker- Will be in the lineup as much as possible.
3. Andrew McCutchen- Another All Star year, guarantee it!
4. Rod Barajas- Plenty of pop still left in his belt.
5. Garrett Jones- Could get to 20 HR's.
6. Pedro Alvarez- Will he show us why he was a #1 pick?
7. Jose Tabata- Typical contact hitter.
8. Clint Barmes- Veteran who could slide up in the lineup.
9. Pitcher's Spot- Just Bunt!

Clint Hurdle has his work cut out for him this year yet again but with the division being more wide open then it has been in the past, this could be his year.  We think that they are still a couple years away from the top of the Central, but they will be relevant for the whole season and should get to .500.  Hopefully for the fans this will be the year they end the 19 year streak of losing season.  Best of luck in 2012 Pirates Fans!


-Buddy

Cincinnati Reds 2012 Preview

After winning the division in 2010 the Reds had a disappointing season and finished 2011 in third place behind the Brewers and the eventual World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals.  Now that both teams lost their superstars, the Reds look to return back to the top of the division.  The team will look very similar to last year but did make a swap for a front line starter, Mat Latos.  The offense will be lead by Jay Bruce and Joey Votto, who will look to get back to his MVP ways.  Cincinnati also added closer Ryan Madson, in a move that was shocking to the baseball world, but the Reds aren't going to be complaining with the way Madson can close the door.  Let's take a look at what the Reds will look like come Opening Day.
Starting Rotation- The staff will be lead by Latos and Johnny Cueto, who will look to rebound from an injury filled season, and if he notches enough starts could win the ERA crown.  Youngster Mike Leake will also be in the rotation and will look to avoid the off the field distractions and focus on pitching.  Bronson Arroyo and Homer Bailey will round out the rotation.  All three of the back end guys will be innings eaters which help out in the long run and make life on Dusty Baker easier.
Bullpen- The 'pen will be lead by new closer Ryan Madson, who comes off a great year with the Phillies and will try and build on that and get the Reds in the playoffs.  Flame throwing lefty Aroldis Chapman will look to maintain his control throughout the season.  Nick Masset and Bill Bray will also be table setters, giving Baker a nice lefty/righty combo to go to depending on the situation.  Sean Marshall will serve as a long relief option and good get some starts if needed.
Catcher- Youngster Devin Mesoraco, who the organization is very high on, will compete with Ryan Hanigan for the starting job.  But look for Hanigan's experience to land him the job, and look for Mesoraco to eventually get the job sometime in the season.
Infield- The infield will be lead by the always entertaining Brandon Phillips at second base.  One of the focuses for Phillips will be if the Reds get him the contract extension he has rightfully earned.  Teaming up with Phillips up the middle will probably be youngster Zack Cozart, who is coming off Tommy John on his non throwing arm.  If Cozart isn't back at 100% look for Paul Janish to get some starts until Cozart is back at full strength.  The corner infield spots will be held down by Scott Rolen and Joey Votto.  Rolen provides the club with a great veteran presence and Votto continues to be an All Star caliber first baseman. Wilson Valdez will serve as the utility man for the infield and will get some spot starts every now and then.
Outfield- Right fielder Jay Bruce will look to build on a great season and should easily get some votes come All Star Game time.  Speedster Drew Stubbs will be the man in CF and will look to cut down on the punch outs and have a good year.  Left field looks to be a competition between veteran slugger Ryan Ludwick and Chris Heisey.  Heisey has the leg up going into the season, in that he played in a lot of games last year for the club and should win the job in Spring Training.
Lineup-
1. Drew Stubbs- Will excite if he can go under 200 k's.
2. Jay Bruce- Can he repeat the 30 HR season of 2011?
3. Brandon Phillips- Plenty of pop from a position known more for d.
4. Joey Votto- Will be back to MVP form!
5. Scott Rolen- After all these years still puts up great numbers.
6. Zack Cozart- First full year should be a good one.
7. Chris Heisey- Could hit 20+ dingers.
8. Ryan Hanigan- Known more for his defense.
9. Pitcher's Spot- Just Bunt!

The Reds will be back in the form that got them the division title in 2010 and will again reign atop the NL Central.  Expect them to get close to 90 wins and finish well ahead of the rest of the division with so many question marks.  2012 will be a very good year to be Reds fan, best of luck Reds Fans!

-Buddy

Look who is ready for 2012!

Hanley Ramirez will go into 2012 with a new look team around him and he is ready to prove everyone wrong and will probably put up an MVP type season.  People have said Ramirez is lazy, after his benching by Fredii Gonzalez a few years ago for being "lazy."  But anyone that has ever stepped into a batters box and fouled a ball of their shin knows the pain that Ramirez was in during that incident, and he wanted to stay in the game and couldn't even run at 100% when Gonzalez benched him.  With that in the past and a new manager who will gel well with Hanley and is already letting us know that he supports him, Ramirez is poised to have a huge year in Miami.  Moving over to third base will be easy for him and he will be the starting 3b in the All Star game and help carry the Miami offense all year! What do you guys think of Ramirez's determination for 2012?

Milwaukee Brewers 2012 Preview

After having such a great season in 2011, the Brewers went into the off season knowing that it would most likely never have Prince Fielder playing first base again, sure enough he signed with Detroit.  The one thing that threw a wrench into their 2012 hopes was unexpected and that was MVP Ryan Braun getting suspended 50 games for his failed PED test.  The results from his appeal aren't expected till at least next week, and without him the Brewers lose a lot of fire power.  The team does bring back a solid pitching staff and added some lineup help to fill the voids left from their two stars.  With Braun expected to miss 50 games expect Ron Roenicke to be really tested in getting his team to respond to this adversity.  Let's take a look at how the Brew Crew will look come Opening Day.
Starting Rotation- Zach Grienke and Yovani Gallardo will both compete for the "ace" role in Spring Training and both have the stuff to be front end starters.  Look for Shaun Marcum to be the third guy sent out and he even has the stuff to be a potential ace.  Veteran Randy Wolf and Chris Narveson will round out the rotation.  With a big majority of last years run producers missing from the lineup the rotation will have its work cut out in holding teams to low run totals and hoping the offense can come through.
Bullpen- Closer John Axford and his mustache were very impressive last year and look to build on that going into this season.  Resigning K-Rod was a big move for this team and gives them a solid 8th inning guy who can also close games.  Kameron Loe will fill in as the other setup guy and if he performs as he did down the stretch last year will set the table nicely for Axford.  Marco Estrada and Frankie De La Cruz will fill in the other bullpen roles.
Catcher- Jonathan Lucroy will look to build on a great season and maybe add some more power to the offense.  George Kottaras will serve as Lucroy's backup and see some late game pinch hitting opportunity's.
Infield- Newly signed Aramis Ramirez will be the third baseman and hopefully will provide some of the power vacated by Prince.  All Star Rickie Weeks will be at second and if he can stay healthy should have a great year.  Another new addition Alex Gonzalez will bring his veteran presence to shortstop and can provide some offense as well.  First base will go to youngster Mat Gamel and will have a lot of pressure in his first year in the big's, especially from the fans as they expect big things from their first baseman.  Taylor Green will serve as the infield utility man and can play all four positions.
Outfield- Speedster Carlos Gomez is a great CF when he is healthy and if he can stay on the field will provide a great spark for this ball club.  Gomez could move over the LF with Japaneese signee Norichika Aoki possibly earning the job in center.  Right field will go to Corey Hart and should have another great year, if he hits the field everyday look for big things.  Left field is going to be a question mark until they find out what is going to happen with Ryan Braun but the team does have three solid options to plug in here.  Nyjer Morgan and his big mouth could get some starts here and whoever loses the battle for CF between Gomez and Aoki will also see some time in left until Braun returns.
Lineup-
1. Carlos Gomez- Should easily hit 50+ steals.
2. Corey Hart- Potential at a 30+ HR season.
3. Rickie Weeks- Could flip flop with Hart, but will put up a near .300 clip.
4. Aramis Ramirez- Not much lineup protection, expect a lot of IBB's.
5. Alex Gonzalez- Veteran bat who should hit around 15 dingers.
6. Mat Gamel- Has a lot to prove in his first year.
7. Norichika Aoki- Known for an "Ichiro" hitting style.
8. Jonathan Lucroy- Will provide some offense and possible 20 HRs.
9. Pitcher's Spot- Just Bunt! Unless you're Marcum and hit Grand Slams!

Once the final results to Braun's hearing come in everyone in baseball will have a better feel for this team, but as it sits now and with him probably missing the first 50 games of the season, don't expect much.  The team still has some offensive potential, but losing the guys that would give the other hitters better pitches, look for opposing pitchers to attack this lineup, until the are proven wrong.  This will not be a repeat year for them in the division and they will probably finish around .500 and in the middle of the pack of the division.  But with the NL Central having such a different landscape than last year, this could go to anyone that wants it the most.  Good Luck in 2012 Brewers Fans!

-Buddy

Houston Astros 2012 Preview

There were few bright spots for the Astros in 2011 but one of them definitely has to be that the organization and the fans got a good look at the future stars for this team.  The same will be said this season as all those kids who played a majority of the second half last year will get a full season in the big's.  The team does possess a couple of veterans but trade rumors have been surrounding them for the last couple years.  Wandy Rodriguez, the ace of the staff, will likely be moved this year at the trade deadline and Carlos Lee will probably be pursued by many clubs seeking a big bat.  So this season will be filled with its bumps but all these future stars will get to showcase their talents.  Let's take a look at what the young Astros will look like come Opening Day.

Staring Rotation- Wandy Rodriguez will be the front line starter for them, the only question is for how long, after many teams made a Trade Deadline push for him.  Veteran Brett Myers will be the number 2 man in the rotation and he could be moved at the Deadline.  The final three rotation spots will be filled by guys that will be future of Houston's plans.  Henry Sosa who impressed in his few starts last year will definitely get a rotation spot.  Bud Norris and J.A Happ will fill out the other rotation spots, both have a lot of potential.  Look for the young arm of Jordan Lyles to get some starts also, especially once someone is traded.  

Bullpen- The bullpen will be very similar to rotation, both will be filled with very young arms.  Brandon Lyon will be the closer again this year.  The rest of the bullpen will be made of guys that are all under 27 and should be very effective.  Look for Enerio Del Rosario, Wilton Lopez, Fernando Rodriguez and Sergio Escalona to fill in the setup roles of the 'pen.  David Carpenter will give Lyon some competition for the closer job come Spring Training.

Catcher- Chris Snyder will be the starting catcher but will have two young guys that are hungry for playing time trying to win the job.  Humberto Quintero and Jason Castro will both look to prove that they are worthy of the job, especially Castro who missed all of last season with a knee injury.

Infield- Carlos Lee will be the veteran leader of the infield at first base, but if he gets moved sometime during the season look for youngster Brett Wallace to take the job.  Newly acquired Jed Lowrie will be at shortstop after having some success in Boston.  Spark plug Jose Altuve will be at second base and will be the guy that provides a lot of energy to this team.  Youngster Jimmy Paredes will be at third base after having a good second half will look to build on that in his first season in the big's.  Jack Cust could also see some time at first base. 

Outfield- J.D Martinez impressed everyone with his skills at the plate and will be the starting left fielder.  CF will have a competition come Spring Training with Jason Bourgeois and Jordan Schafer, but we will give the job to Schafer.  But he has a lot to live it to given how highly the Braves thought of him before moving him last year for Michael Bourn.  Right field will go to another great hitting youngster in Brain Bogusevic, who should hit near .300 with a full season ahead of him.  

Lineup-

1. Jordan Schafer- Hopefully can reach his potential.

2. Jose Altuve- Will help set the table for the RBI guys.

3. J.D Martinez- Should easily get 25 HR with the short porch in left.

4. Carlos Lee- Veteran can still swing it.

5. Chris Snyder- Should drive in plenty.

6. Jed Lowrie- Could see time at the top of the order.

7. Brian Bogusevic- Could hit near .300.

8. Jimmy Paredes- Young bat should move up in the order.

9. Pitcher's Spot- Just Bunt!

Given the way that 2011 went with only 56 wins and a last place finish in the NL Central, the Astros look to be headed in the same direction.  Expect to see more wins from this young hungry bunch of hustlers, but they will most likely finish last in the NL Central again.  The move to the AL West will be a good one for this club and could help them with their future plans.  Good luck in 2012 Astros Fans! And remember the future is very bright!

-Buddy

2012 NL East Prediction

With all the NL East team previews out there, we will now let y'all know who we think will win the division.  This will be no easy one to run away with and outside the Mets every team here looks to be poised at making a run for it.  The Phillies will be the favorites for a lot of the "experts" but with injuries and age stacking up quickly on the them, it looks like their run has come to end.  The Nationals and the Marlins both made plenty of noise this off season and look like they are ready to start winning, but their run at the division crown is still a couple years out.  The Mets have a lot of issues off the field that need to be handled before they can contend again and that will most likely turn them into sellers throughout the season.  The Braves bring back a lot of talent from last years club that just missed the playoffs and with plenty of leadership should take this division home.  This is going to be a division that is going to come to the wire and could require a one game playoff to decide the winner.  The top four teams will probably finish with 10 games of each other and the Wild Card and if we get the two Wild Card spots this year, both could come from this division.  The NL East will be very exciting to watch this year.

Predicted Final Standings
1. Atlanta Braves
2. Philadelphia Phillies
3. Washington Nationals
4. Miami Marlins
5. New York Mets