I think the Braves will finish higher than third. Their bullpen lost an astounding number of games last year in late innings, and assuming that that issue is fixed (with the additions of Gonzalez and Soriano), that's worth 10 games or so in the standings right there.
The Braves should challenge the Phillies and Mets this year for the AL East crown.
I agree with everything you said. I think Philly may distance themselves from the pack pretty quickly so it will be a more entertaining battle for second place between New York, Atlanta, and Florida.
Not much to quibble with here, but I still pick the Marlins. I like their pitching better than the Phillies, even with their potential injuries.
God, the Nationals are horrible. I think their only breakout player(s) will be the ones lucky enough not to be there after the trade deadline.
The Nationals might set a new single-season loss record this year. Nothing in our nation's capital is pretty these days. (Zing!)
Kinda scary to think the Phillies of all teams might have the best rotation in the division. I like them this year too, but I'm unwilling to discount the Mets or the Braves...just because.
I'll be pulling for Pedro as always, but I'm not optimistic about what he'll be able to do when he returns. And that makes me sad.
As always, great article.
A huge factor in the greatest choke in the history of sports was the Sox making a run in September, enough to scare Torre. Because of this he needed to overuse Gordon and Mariano down the stretch, and we saw how Flash had nothing left by the ALCS. Mariano may have given up a memorable hit also.
I disagree about Reyes, I think he is only the 2nd best SS in NY, although he is the best one who doesn't wear purple lipstick.
http://baseballanalysts.com/
arch..._with_red_1.php
For anyone who hasn't seen it yet...really interesting stuff.
Nats manager Manny Acta has made some very interesting comments; sounds like an experienced baseball man who's read the Complete Works of Bill James. Could be the best of both worlds. Too bad he's got this giant albatross of a team around his neck. Hopefully Acta will get a chance with a good team someday, in Washington or elsewhere; I don't think the ghost of John McGraw could win 70 games with that bunch.
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