Friday, February 28, 2014

2014 Outlook: Baltimore Orioles

I didn't know how to start my Baltimore Orioles preview other than to say, I don't know how the Orioles have been so successful the past few years.

When you look at the Os, they definitely have some of the brightest young talent in the big leagues, I think, highlighted by their corner infielders, Manny Machado and Chris Davis. Of course, you can't leave out Adam Jones, Nick Markakis and JJ Hardy, who have been a staples in this lineup as well.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

2014 Outlook: Philadelphia Phillies

When you look at the Philadelphia Phillies, on the surface, they look somewhat archaic.

And they are.

The average age of their projected infield, including catcher, is 32 and a half years old. Other than Cody Asche, if he even wins the third base job, they're all 34 or 35.

Those aren't golden ages when you're talking about baseball players. And we haven't even started talking about Marlon Byrd and some of these pitchers.

All that said, yes the Phillies are old. But I see no reason why this group can't contend for a wild card in the National League.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

2014 Outlook: Miami Marlins

When I look at the Miami Marlins, I see another team that future is incredibly bright for.

Sure you can look at the stand out guys like Jose Fernandez and Giancarlo Stanton, but the Marlins talent goes much, much deeper than that.

Would you believe me if I told you they have not one, not two, but three guys that could be ace caliber pitchers in this rotation? Would it surprise you if that list doesn't include Jose Fernandez? Because it doesn't.

Would you also believe me if I told you this team has not one, not two, but three sluggers capable of hitting 20 or better homers in the next three seasons? Would it surprise you that list doesn't include Giancarlo? It doesn't either.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

2014 Outlook: New York Mets

For the first time in several years, the Mets made headlines in the offseason for reasons other than losing money or not spending it fast enough.

Curtis Granderson was the big splash the Mets needed to make, and as of writing this (afternoon of Friday 2/21) it would appear as though they are not going to come to terms with SS Stephen Drew and are likely done spending.

As a Mets fan, I'm OK with that, and I'm looking forward to this year.

Monday, February 24, 2014

2014 Outlook: Arizona Diamondbacks

I continue to be just flabbergasted at the Arizona Diamondbacks.

And not in a good way.

Just when you think the D-Backs couldn't have a worse off-season from the year before, they do.

I really don't want to be down on this team, but their front office, quite frankly, makes it too easy.

I know this is an outlook for 2014, but it will sound a lot like a "what could have been" piece.

Friday, February 21, 2014

2014 Outlook: Chicago Cubs

Pardon me Cubs fans, I'm going to officially jump on the bandwagon. (I've been on the bandwagon for a while, it's pretty empty still, it's nice)

If ever there was a team to have a meteoric and speed of light rise to the top, it will be the Chicago Cubs. It's not coming this year. No, this year should be another year of struggles for the Northsiders. And while the future is definitely the first thing Cubs fans want to talk about, I don't want to focus too much on it, because this is a 2014 outlook. That said, the future will play a big part of this preview.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

2014 Outlook: Colorado Rockies

I may have underrated the Colorado Rockies, but then again, they are the Colorado Rockies -- Which can be taken a couple ways.

You could go back to the early part of the turn the century when the Rockies had a knack for late season magic and even made the World Series in 2007, and say, yea they're the Colorado Rockies.

Or you could go to the past couple years when the Rockies have had all the talent to win what was once a very down National League West, unfortunately never lived up to the hype. You could again say, yea, they're the Colorado Rockies.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

2014 Outlook: San Diego Padres

When you look at the product the San Diego Padres run out onto the field, you can't help be impressed with the collection of talent they posses. The problem the Padres seem to have run into is the talent has almost hit a wall.

Guys like Carlos Quentin, Cameron Maybin, Chase Headley and Yonder Alonso are certainly impressive players, but the stats they are putting up just aren't. You can certainly go down and find the things that stand out for each one.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

2014 Outlook: Houston Astros

When you talk about the Houston Astros, the players that are not on the team are talked about more than the guys that are on the team.

Monday, February 17, 2014

2014 Outlook: Minnesota Twins

When you talk about the Minnesota Twins, the topic of the future is obviously going to be one of the first things you might go to, and for good reason.

The cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul will be the host of this year's All-Start game, as they get to show off Target Field, one of the game's most beautiful stadiums. (I've not been there, but a few of my friends have and they say it's spectacular. Definitely on my must see list)

Much like the the way the Mets hosted the All-Star game last year, the talk will be about the one constant in their lineup, Joe Mauer, but the franchise will also get to showcase the phenomenal collection of talent they boast in their farm system.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

2014 MLB Preseason Power Rankings

Major League Baseball Power Rankings as of Feb. 13 (Release Date of full preview)

Click on a team to read their full preview!

30. Minnesota Twins
29. Houston Astros
28. San Diego Padres
27. Colorado Rockies
26. Chicago Cubs
25. Arizona Diamondbacks
24. New York Mets