Fastball Fans

Los Angeles Dodgers (91-71): The team has had quite a few new additions, including longtime San Francisco pitcher Jason Schmidt, veterans Luis Gonzalez, Mike Leiberthal, Randy Wolf and the speedy Juan Pierre. However, during the winter, the team lost several players including Jose Cruz Jr., J.D. Drew, Eric Gagne, Toby Hall, Kenny Lofton, Julio Lugo, Jayson Werth and the ageless Greg Maddux.

In light of losing Greg Maddux, the Dodgers have once again put the focus on the upgrading their pitching, as they acquired Jason Schmidt from the rival Giants. With workhouse Derek Lowe, imposing Brad Penny, Randy Wolf, who’ll on be on the comeback trail, and as well, possibly youngster Chad Bilingsley, the Dodgers have a an impressive starting corps.< ?xml:namespace prefix = o />

The bullpen has a mix of young and veteran arms, and will look to help the starting pitching out of jams and close out games this upcoming season with Takashi Saito and fireballer, Jonathan Broxton.

The weakness with the Dodgers is the offense, and Dodgers did not hit very many home runs in 2006; however, they are a disciplined team at the plate and led the league in batting. The Dodgers tried to add a few marquee free agents to the mix, but failed, and with J.D. Drew, a productive Kenny Lofton, along with Julio Lugo leaving, the offense once again is devoid of power in comparison to their rivals.

With the addition of Juan Pierre, and teammates Rafael Furcal, veterans Luis Gonzalez, Nomar Garciaparra, Jeff Kent along with youngsters, Russel Martin, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp, the Dodgers should have an adequate offense blessed with speed and patience at the plate.

In the end, the Dodgers should be counted on being contenders once again in 2007. With a good starting corps on paper, and a bullpen with reliable arms, the Dodgers should be the class along with the Padres of the National West. The glaring weakness is the offense with its lack of power, but overall, the team should be in fine shape for a division run.

I see the Dodgers being the odds on favorite to win the division.

San Diego Padres (89-73): In about a month or so, the Friars will once again try to repeat as National League West Champions. The team had great starting pitching last season, but was devoid of power throughout the year, and they in turn at times suffered.

Recently, the team hired former pitcher Bud Black and hopefully he’ll be the guiding hand for a team blessed with pitching and young talent. The team has had quite a few new additions, including Jose Cruz Jr., Marcus Giles and Greg Maddux via free agency, while acquiring Andrew Brown, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Heath Bell and Royce Ring via trades.

For the Friars, the starting rotation is very deep with a mix of young fireballers and crafty veterans, with ace Jack Peavy looking to bounceback, Chris Young and crafty veterans, David Wells and Greg Maddux.

Much like the starting pitching, the bullpen is also strong and deep with a mixture of young talent and experienced veterans. The closer will be future Hall of Famer, Trevor Hoffman, who saved 46 games with a 2.14 ERA in 2006. Also joining Hoffman in the bullpen will be Cla Meredith, who had an amazing 2006 with a miniscule ERA of 1.07 & will be counted on producing the same result in 2007.

The offense for the Padres was lackluster at times, and the team did try to make some moves in the winter, but the market for a big bat was a bit high for the team. However, the team did make a few additions, including signing Marcus Giles & trading heralded rookie Josh Barfield for hot youngster Kevin Kouzmanoff. The Padres lost speedy Dave Roberts and the big bat of Mike Piazza, so the team hopes the new additions, plus the current roster make up the difference of the loss of those who left.

In the end, the Padres should be counted on being contenders once again in 2007. With a good starting corps on paper, and a bullpen with reliable arms, the Padres should be the class along with the Dodgers of the National West.

Arizona Diamondbacks (85-77): Although the team had a season that saw many ups and downs, they have a great, talented core and should be primed to make an impact in the National League West. With the addition of an old friend, Randy Johnson, the Diamondbacks have the potential to be players in the National League pennant race.

For the Diamondbacks, the starting rotation has the potential to be in the top echelon of the National League, as they have an ace in the making the Brandon Webb, a legendary fireballer in Randy Johnson, a crafty veteran in Livan Hernandez, and a bunch of arms ready to make an impact.

The Diamondbacks offense once again, will be fairly young, but they have some quality bats easily capable of doing damage and taking their game to the next level. With up and coming players such as Stephen Drew, Conor Jackson and Chad Tracy in the fold, the Diamondbacks should be in great shape for the future.

Heading into spring, the Diamondbacks, if the pitching can hold up and the young players and offense improve from last year, they have a good of a shot as anyone in the National League West. The team is stacked with young players all across the board, the team has so much talent and promise along with good pitching, and so they cannot be discounted as a contender in the National League.

San Francisco Giants (81-81): The organization had a lot of turnoverr in the winter as Felipe Alou retired and joined the front office, pitcher Jason Schmidt signed with the hated Dodgers and Shea Hillenbrand, Mike Stanton, & slugger Moises Alou all signed with other teams. The Giants have had several new additions, most notably Barry Zito along with Ryan Klesko, Rich Aurilia, Bengie Molina, speedy Dave Roberts, Ryan Klesko and Russ Ortiz. Taking the reigns as the manager is Bruce Bochy, formerly of the San Diego Padres.

As we know, the Giants signed Barry to a monster 7 year contract for 128 million dollars, and he’ll be the ‘man’ in the Giants’ pitching rotation.

The starting rotation for the Giants potentially could be formidable and make waves with veteran Matt Morris, youngster Matt Cain, Noah Lowry and a number of guys who may be the fifth starter, including Russ Ortiz who is on the comeback trail.

The bullpen was a major problem for the Giants in ’06. Closer Armando Benitez was out for much of the season due to an injury, and right now it’s looking unclear as to when he’ll return or if he’s healthy. Also in the bullpen will be Brian Wilson who could serve as a closer, Steve Kline, Kevin Correia, Jonathan Sanchez & Vinnie Chulk. Right now, there could be several other men favored for the bullpen, and with the retirement of Tim Worrell, things are in flux.

The batting order for the Giants has undergone some change, and is pretty old in comparison to other lineups throughout baseball and of course, much of the attention in the batting order is given to Barry Bonds. As we all know, Bonds is in pursuit of the home run and has been a force in the game since the 1990’s, but in 2006, age caught up with him as he missed a good portion of the season with knee and elbow issues, but came back strong finishing up with 26 homers and a .270 average. If he’s healthy, he’s a dangerous hitter and has a great on-base percentage. New additions to the offense include Ryan Klesko, Rich Aurilia, Bengie Molina, & speedy Dave Roberts.

The Giants may improve on their lackluster ending to ’06 in the upcoming season. The team may not be complete enough to win the NL West, but the division is wide open right now. Much of how the Giants fare will do with how Bonds recovers from his ailments in ’06 and if he can swing the bat as he did before the injuries (based on the end of last season – he can). As well, will the media attend surrounding Bonds and his BALCO case affects the ream.

What remains to be seen is can Zito be the ace and doubt the skeptics, as well can the young pitching step up and deliver? As well, the team is older and built to win now, but can they?

Colorado Rockies (77-85): While some baseball experts may not consider the Rockies at all in the playoff hunt for 2007, they are loaded with young players all on the club and in the minors; therefore, the team has so much talent and promise.

In light of it all, don’t discount the Rockies as a factor in the National League. With the emergence of Matt Holliday and several others, this season should be interesting in Colorado. For the team to make an impact, the pitching will need to step and move forward, and if the offense can repeat what they did last year, the Rockies could be a dark house in the National League West race.

Much of the team’s core is back, but some additions and changes were made. During the winter, the team traded Jason Jennings to Houston for speedy Willy Tavares, and pitchers Taylor Buchholz and Jason Hirsch. As well, the team acquired Rodrigo Lopez in a trade, and signed pitcher LaTroy Hawkins - but, the team lost reliever Jose Mesa in free agency.

With the trade of Jason Jennings, a quality starter, the young pitching will need to step up as the top of the rotation will be held by youngsters Aaron Cook and Jeff Francis, who have the potential to break out. Rodrigo Lopez will probably find himself in the middle of the rotation, and will look to bounce back from his horrid 2006 in Baltimore. The bullpen is not particularly strong, but it has some potentially good arms.

Rockies offense is a mix of young players and veterans, but they have some big bats easily capable of doing damage. Once again, expect Matt Holiday, Garrett Atkins to have big years for the Rockies. However, the big question is whether Todd Helton will bounce back and make the offense even more fearsome.

The Colorado Rockies play in a stacked division with the Giants, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Padres. While the Rockies are stacked with young players all across the board, the team has so much talent and promise, but it may fall short of being a contender because of the pitching.

In the end, for the Rockies to contend, the pitching will need to step and move forward, plus the offense has to do their job. Therefore, if it all comes together, Colorado might have enough firepower for to be a factor in the National League West race.

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In 2006, the Brewers were seen to be a team on the rise mainly due to its young and talented starting corps and an electric collection of youngsters; however, it was not the Brewers year. With a litany of injuries, a pitching staff that didn’t live up expectations, and an offense lackluster at times, the Brewers only limped to a disappointing 75 wins..

Although the team had a season that did not live up to expectations, they have a great, talented core and should be primed to make an impact in the National League Central. All in all, the Brewers have nothing but a bright outlook for 2007 and the road beyond.

During the winter, the team added NLCS MVP, pitcher Jeff Suppan and longtime veteran Craig Counsell via free agency, acquired Johnny Estrada, Claudio Vargas and Greg Aquino via trade; however, the Brewers lost infielder Jeff Cirillo, and pitcher Tomo Ohka to free agency, and Edward Campusano, Doug Davis, Dana Eveland along with Dave Krynzel to trades.

Much of the promise for the Brewers comes with their starting pitching, and the top of the rotation is spear-headed by Ben Sheets and Chris Capuano, along with free agent signing Jeff Suppan.

Ben Sheets has the stuff to be a number one starter, but his health will remain a question. He’s missed some time in the last 2 years, and went 6-7 with a 3.82 ERA in 2006 before he fell to injury. However, in 2004, he won 12 games, while losing 14, but struck out 264 batters, pitched 237 innings and had a 2.70 ERA. It will be critical for the Brewers for Ben to stay healthy, as it seems a lot of the team’s fortune depends on him.

If he can stay healthy and duplicate the success he had in 2004, Sheets can easily be one of the elite pitchers in the NL and in all of baseball.

Chris Capuano had a solid 2006 where he finished with 11 wins and a 4.03 ERA. His numbers from last season are in line with his 2005 stats, but he gave slightly more hits, and had 7 more wins. If he can get a few more wins under his belt, he’ll help out the team immensely.

NLCS MVP Jeff Suppan will be the third starter, and he was a 12-7 with a solid 4.14 ERA. While he’s not an ace, he should be solid and has won 44 games in the past 3 seasons for the Cardinals.

The bottom of the rotation will be manned by Dave Bush who was 12-11 with a 4.41 ERA, and Claudio Vargas who was 12-10 with a 4.83 ERA. Both men were solid last year, and if they could maintain their numbers or perhaps be better, the Brewers should have a solid staff that should be able to compete for the AL Central title.

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In tight division, expect to see a lot of action the National League Central and for it to be a dog fight.

Let me know what you think…

St. Louis Cardinals (88-74): St. Louis had an exhilarating end to 2006, the winter for the Cardinals has not been relatively full of fanfare. Even though the Cardinals have not signed a marquee free agent, the team took the initiative to extend ace Chris Carpenter’s contract, as well as resigned Jim Edmonds and Scott Speizio, who was nothing short of clutch in the playoffs. Meanwhile, pitchers Jeff Suppan and Jason Marquis left the team for greener pastures and join rivals within the division.

However, fans should feel confident that the National League Central is fairly weak this season, so anyone has a shot to win the division, with exception of perhaps the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Thus, the Cardinals have a good as chance to win the division.

The Cardinals have won consistently in the past decade, and there’s no reason to doubt the team can’t do it in 2007. The Cardinals do not look as strong on paper as they have in past seasons, but there’s no doubt that they will be contenders in the National League.

Carpenter, of course is the man in the starting rotation as he’ll be expected to win and put up solid numbers as usual. Mark Mulder will be counted on returning back to pre-injury form; Anthony Reyes and Adam Wainwright will need take his success from the playoff run in 2006 and translate into to big things in 2007. The bullpen in 2006 was amazingly reliable and will be counted on to do the same in ’07.

The offense, although aging, still has a lot of firepower and will be productive. The team of course, has the deadly first baseman Albert Pujols batting the middle & we know he’ll do a lot of damage and put up some amazing numbers. Third baseman Scott Rolen also carries a big stick, and although he struggled with some ailments at times in 2006, especially a sore shoulder, he’ll be a key to the offense and should keep in line with his career numbers since. Expect young Chris Duncan to do damage, and Jim Edminds, although aging, should be solid.

In the end, although the Cardinals lost a few key players that helped in their run to the World Series, Redbird fans should still count on the team to do well and contend in 2007. Although it is unknown if the Cardinals can duplicate their World Series run from 2006 in the upcoming season, but Tony LaRussa, Albert Pujols, Chris Carpenter and company should keep Busch Stadium rocking. Even though the Cardinals didn’t make a huge splash this winter, expect the team to continue to win and possibly take the NL Central again.

Chicago Cubs (86-76): With a last place finish in the National League Central, Cubs GM Jim Hendry instituted a radical change in the roster. With the Cubs not having won the World Series since 1908, and not having an appearance in it since 1945, the folks in Chicago are now becoming restless and wondering if and when they’ll ever see a trophy.

As the Cubs have been criticized in the past for not spending any money on premier talent, and only looking to make a buck and fill seats; this winter the Cubs spent about $300 million in acquiring free agents and talent in hopes of winning the NL Central and getting back into the World Series. Lou Piniella takes the helm from Dusty Baker in 2007, and he’s already installing a new brand of thinking for the Cubs.

The team spent a lot of money this offseason to secure free agents like Alfonso Soriano, Ted Lilly, Mark DeRosa & Jason Marquis. The Cubs also spent big money to re-sign Aramis Ramirez, Kerry Wood and Wade Miller. The offense should be greatly improved to complement a hopefully healthy Derek Lee. The Cubs last year were killed by injuries, lack of offense and poor pitching production. Gone from the team is Juan Pierre who signed a huge deal with the Dodgers, and Greg Maddux who was traded to the Dodgers in July of ‘06.

As much as the Cubs spent in the offseason, the offense may score a lot of runs, but the pitching situation is still shaky as ever.

After Carlos Zambrano, the Cubs go into the unknown in terms of their rotation, and Cub Nation will need big Z to deliver. Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis were some of the ballyhooed free agents signed by the team and given contracts that many thought were a bit much for their abilities.

The other wild cards in the rotation include Mark Prior and Wade Miller, as both men are trying to recover from injuries and a poor 2006 season.

The Cubs in 2007 should have an improved team, but with the Cardinals and Astros in the National League Central, things may be tough. However, based on the results of 2006, the division may be wide open next season and with questions concerning the Cardinals and Astros, the Cubs might be back in the playoffs if all goes right and the team can stay healthy.

Milwaukee Brewers (85-77): In 2006, the Brewers were seen to be a team on the rise mainly due to its young and talented starting corps and an electric collection of youngsters; however, it was not the Brewers year. With a litany of injuries, a pitching staff that didn’t live up expectations, and an offense lackluster at times, the Brewers only limped to a disappointing 75 wins.

Although the team had a season that did not live up to expectations, they have a great, talented core and should be primed to make an impact in the National League Central.

During the winter, the team added NLCS MVP, pitcher Jeff Suppan and longtime veteran Craig Counsell via free agency, acquired Johnny Estrada, Claudio Vargas and Greg Aquino via trade; however, the Brewers lost infielder Jeff Cirillo, and pitcher Tomo Ohka to free agency, and Edward Campusano, Doug Davis, Dana Eveland along with Dave Krynzel to trades.

Much of the promise for the Brewers comes with their starting pitching, and the top of the rotation is spear-headed by Ben Sheets and Chris Capuano, along with free agent signing Jeff Suppan.

The bullpen for the Brewers on paper looks strong; however, it had it share of struggles in 2006, so it will need Francisco Cordero and Derrick Turnbow to deliver.

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The Oakland Athletics in this decade, year after year have been able to compete in a stacked American League despite their market size and the economic reality of the sport. Under the tutelage of GM Billy Beane, the A’s have been able to build contender after contender, despite the economic disparity between the franchise and powerhouses like the New York Yankees. Although the team has seen a revolving door of stars leave like the organization, with the most recent being Barry Zito and Frank Thomas, through shrewd roster moves and great scouting, the A’s have remained an influential & a viable force in the game.

Changes were abound over the winter, as the aforementioned Barry Zito went to San Francisco, Frank Thomas parlayed his year to a big contract in Toronto, and maligned Ken Macha was disposed of, and Bob Geren took his place. In addition, Jay Payton and Jerome Williams left the team for free agency and Kirk Saarloos was traded. Over the winter, the team added longtime veteran and future Hall of Famer Mike Piazza, pitcher Alan Embree, and the team acquired Donnie Murphy, David Shafer and Ryan Goleski via trades.

The A’s have been known for their efficient pitching and an always durable, reliable young core of talent. 2007 should bring more of the same, and expect the A’s to once again fight with the Angels for the reign of the AL West, as well as an American League wild card spot.

Let’s start off with the pitching rotation. With the exception of Barry Zito, the pitching rotation from last season remains pretty much intact with Rich Harden now as the future ace of the staff, with young Dan Haren, veteran Esteban Loaiza, Joe Blanton and Joe Kennedy.

Rich Harden starts off the rotation and was 4-0 with an ERA over 4 in 2006; however, he’s missed a lot of time the past two seasons due to injury. Harden has the potential to be one of the best starting pitchers in the league at only 25, but he simply needs to remain healthy. Dan Haren will probably be slotted to be the second starter, as he had a solid year in ’06 with a 14-13 record and a 4.12 ERA, and he’s got the potential as well to step up his game.

Esteban Loaiza struggled for during the first of the season with an injury, but got himself in order and finished with an 11-9 record and an ERA under 5. Based on his track record, he can expect to show some improvement from his ’06 and bring some balance to the starting rotation.

Reliable Joe Blanton will be the fourth starter, as he was 16-12, but with an ERA a little under 5. His ERA last season went up almost a run and a half from 2005, but he should be expected to improve. Joe Kennedy will round out the rotation, as he was 4-1 with a 2.31 ERA and shuffled between the bullpen and the starting rotation. Even though Kennedy’s ERA will most likely go up in ’07, if he can be solid for the A’s, he’ll stabilize a rotation which has the potential to be one of better staffs in the AL.

The bullpen for the A’s was one the strongest in baseball, and should remain the same way in 2007. Huston Street will be back in the fold, and in his third year, A’s fans should expect more of the same production from him. Although his ERA was nearly more than a run higher than his previous season where he won the Rookie of the Year award, he finished the season with 37 saves. He did struggle at times in 06, but overall, he’s been solid for the A’s and is regarded as one of the better closers in the game. Hopefully, Street will improve and bring down his ERA.

Rounding out the bullpen are Justin Duchscherer who had a solid year with a 2.91 ERA, Kilo Calero who got into 70 games, durable longtime veteran Alan Embree, Chad Gaudin, Jay Witasick and Brad Halsey.

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New York Yankees (96-66): With a starting lineup that could rival any in history, I see the Yankees as the early odds on favorite in the American League East. The everyday lineup is constructed to mow through poor and mediocre pitching, and from top to bottom, you have potential perennial All-Stars to future Hall of Famers like A-Rod and Jeter.

When you add bats such as leadoff man, Johnny Damon; the big bat of Jason Giambi, steady Hideki Matsui, uber-kid Robinson Cano. Posada and on-base machine Abreu, the Yanks will score runs and frustrate opposing pitchers.

The starting pitching will remain a question with Mike Mussina being a year older, the uncertainty of Carl Pavano, but with veteran Andy Pettitte back in the fold, and youngster Chien-Ming Wang, the Yankee rotation is still one the better staffs in the game. It is unknown how Kei Igawa will do on the other side of the pond, but the Yankees offense is so good that it can offset poor outings (case study: the departed Randy Johnson).

It’s universally assumed that the Yankees will get into the postseason one way or another, but their true test for will be from October on. Their pitching has flopped during the postseason, and that will be the key.

Boston Red Sox (94-68): The Red Sox look to be stronger and better from last year. Under the tutelage of Theo Epstein, the Red Sox have taken steps to ensure they are keep up the Yankees and not have a repeat of 2006.

First off, the starting pitching is greatly improved. It is too early to tell, but so far, Daisuke Matsuzaka has come as advertised. If he can mix up his pitches and translate his success from Japan, he will be the saving grace for the team.

If you add super kid Papelbon to the starting pitching mix, the Red Sox staff will be scary and one of the elite in the game. As long as Curt Schilling & Tim Wakefield do not start to show their age, and if Beckett can trim down his ERA and stop giving up homers, the rotation will be set to go toe to with the Yankees.

The offense returns in 2007 with more firepower, as the team added J.D. Drew and Julio Lugo; however, Drew will be the key, as he must remain healthy to help out the team. The offense of course, returns with big bats Ortiz, Ramirez and supporting cast mates Varitek, Mike Lowell, Coco Crisp and Kevin Youkilis.

The bullpen will be the big issue for the Red Sox, as it is uncertain who the closer will be (most likely Joel Piniero to start with) and a plethora of young arms.

However, the Red Sox have plenty of arms and bats to go to head to head with the Yankees and make baseball in the Northeast interesting.

I pick the Red Sox this year to win the wild card.

Toronto Blue Jays (85-77): The Blue Jays, I think took a few steps back this year. The Jays upgraded their offense with Frank Thomas; however, the question is will they see the ’06 version of Thomas, or the brittle Frank.

They should be one of better starting lineups in the league, but they are suffering with the pitching. However, the middle infield is a little weak, especially with the team signing Royce Clayton (?)

With the exception of Roy Halladay, the Jays have a black hole with the staff.

The Blue Jays will need A.J. Burnett to stay healthy along with John Thomason Gustavo Chacin to step up. As well, Tomo Ohka will need to be consistent and it’s unknown where Victor Zambrano will end up.

Baltimore Orioles (83-79): The Orioles will finish above .500 thanks to the development of the young pitching, an upgraded bullpen and the biggest addition, Aburey Huff.

The Orioles are much, much better and more talented than most will give credit for.

Pitcher Erik Bedard should win at least 15 games and continue his upward climb, but the big question is whether Daniel Cabrera will finally get the next level and bring everything together, or will he struggle with his control and confidence? Also, will Adam Loewen still up as well after showing flashes of brilliance during the 2006 season?

At this point, both Steve Trachsel and Jaret Wright are stop-gaps, and no more than 5-6 inning pitchers, although their veteran presence should help the O’s, and they could not be any worse than the combination of Russ Ortiz, Bruce Chen and Rodrigo Lopez.

The bullpen is retooled with veterans, and Chris Ray should continue to develop in his third year.

The offense does not have the firepower of the others in the East, but expect Markakis to be solid and improve, Tejada with renewed vigor to contribute, Ramon Hernandez to consistent, and Huff to have a good year in Baltimore.

However, it will be seen if Mora can improve on his 2006, although he’s heading into his mid 30’s, Jay Gibbons can stay healthy, and if Corey Patterson can continue his improvement.

The Orioles still have to climb a mountain, but they are in shape to make things interesting in the American League East.

Kudos to the front office for making some moves, but a bigger bat is needed to protect Tejada and Huff, and a frontline starter is needed.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays (67-95): The Devil Rays have a lot of promise; however, 2007 will still usher in some growing pains. With youngsters, Rocco Baldelli, Carl Crawford, B.J. Upton, Delmon Young and Elijah Dukes in the organization, it’s not a matter if those names will develop and become stars – but when. The team needs big bats Jorge Cantu and Johnny Gomes (injury) to bounce back and reproduce their 2005 seasons.

Third baseman, Aki Iwamura should add a lot of flair to the team, and there will be more youngsters in the fold, but the pitching is still a problem.

With the exception of Scott Kazmir, who has the potential to be one of the great starters in the game if he keeps up his progress, the pitching situation is just a mess.

The team is still in the building stage, and it may be another 2-3 years before they reach .500

I commend the ownership for taking steps to build for the future, but when you play in the American League East with financial powerhouses, the Yankees and Red Sox, you might as well be climbing Mount Everest.

- from yahoo.com

The Steel City is proud place with a blue collar work ethic, and residents have immense with their sports teams. Baseball heroes such as Willie Stargell, Roberto Clemenete, Bill Mazerowski, and Dave Parker once donned the black and gold, and made the city into a winner; however, but for the last two decades, fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates have had little to cheer about.

Although the city has had a new ballpark, PNC Park, built within the last few years which is considered one of the best in the game, fans have not had the opportunity to see a winning product. The Pittsburgh Pirates have endured 14 losing seasons, but the team is blessed with young talent like Jason Bay and Freddy Sanchez, so hope may be on the way.

Hopefully under the tutelage of manager Jim Tracy, the Pirates can turn the tide and get one step closer to being a viable contender in the National League.

The team did usher in a few changes with Mike Gonzalez and Sean White being traded, as well as Jeromy Burnitz becoming a free agent, while the team acquired Tony Armas as a free agent and received slugger Adam LaRoche in a trade.

The starting pitching for the Pirates in 2007 will be very young, with exception of veterans Tony Armas and Shawn Chacon. The rotation for the moment will consist of Ian Snell, Zach Duke, Paul Malholm, Tom Gorzelanny or perhaps Shawn Chacon or Tony Armas having some role in the rotation. As well, the Pirates have plenty of young arms in the organization to call up from the minors if anyone struggles.

The top of the rotation will probably be occupied by Ian Snell as he won 14 games last season with an ERA of 4.74. 2006 was his first full season in the majors, and he indeed did go through some growing pains, but overall was solid. He’ll need to work on giving up less runs and being more effective in tough situations, but if he progresses, Snell will be one of the better young pitchers in baseball.

Zach Duke will be slotted for now as the number two starter as he was 10-15 with a 4.47 ERA. He broke out in ’05 with an 8-2 record and an ERA under 2, but last season, he regressed and fell into the sophomore slump. However, he’s only 24, and very much has a bright future ahead of him; therefore, if Duke can recapture some of the magic he had in ’05, he’ll take the Pirates a long way.

Other young starters in the rotation will be Paul Malholm who was 8-10 with a 4.76 ERA, also his first full season, and Tom Gorzelanny who was 2-5, but managed a good 3.79 ERA. Both guys will only be 24 entering this upcoming season, but they have a lot of upside. If Gorzelanny & Malholm pitch to their potential, the Pirates might have a young rotation in a couple of years that may be the envy of baseball.

The Pirates have a lot of options as to who will be the 5th starter. Veterans Shawn Chacon and Tony Armas, Jr. are the candidates to occupy that spot, and perhaps have a more prominent role in the rotation if the young pitching struggles in ’07. Chacon got traded to the Pirates after saving the ’05 season for the Yankees, but in ’06 got hammered in the Bronx. He was 7-6 last season, but with an ERA north of 6 and he will need to get himself in order. He’ll be a big question mark going into ’07 and the team hopes he can rediscover his ’05 campaign.

Tony Armas came to the Pirates as a free agent after many years with the Washington Nationals/Montreal Expos organization. While he was a solid starter, Armas struggled mightily with injuries and record below .500 for his career. He’s always had the ability to break through, but at this point, it’s a question of when or if it will ever happen.

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In 2006, the Diamondbacks were seen to be a team on the rise mainly due to its young talent and potential, as the team started off hot, but faded in the second half. With the steroid issue hitting close to home with the implication of Jason Grimsley and his legal woes, the team after the revelation suffered.

Although the team had a season that has many ups and downs, they have a great, talented core and should be primed to make an impact in the National League West. With the addition of an old friend, Randy Johnson, the Diamondbacks have the potential to be players in the National League pennant race.

For the Diamondbacks, the starting rotation has the potential to be in the top echelon of the National League, as they have an ace in the making, a legendary fireballer, a crafty veteran, and a bunch of arms ready to make an impact.

At the top of the rotation will be ace pitcher, Brandon Webb. He’s one of the best hurlers in the game, and Webb was 16-8 with a 3.10 ERA. He won the Cy Young award winning his first 8 starts. The Diamondbacks should expect Webb to maintain his level of success and be a key player for the team.

The second starter in the rotation will be future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson. Although he won 34 games in two years during his infamous stint with the New York Yankees, he suffered last season with an ERA of 5, nearly 2 runs higher than his career average. It’s safe to assume that much of his struggles the past few seasons were due to his back rather than being forty-something, but age is still definitely a factor as his velocity is down a few miles per hour. If Randy can turn back the clock and perhaps find the stuff that him so dominant, he could be an ace in the hole for the team.

Livan Hernandez will be the third starter as he was 13-13 with a 4.83 ERA. Although there have been concerns about his conditioning, he should remain a solid pitcher. His ERA jumped from 3.60 to 4.18 in 2006 from the previous season, but the team should expect to get double-digit wins, at least 200 innings logged and an ERA around 4.00. He does not have overpowering stuff, but he mixes his off-speed and breaking pitches very well, thus he is effective.

Manning the bottom of the pitching rotation is Doug Davis, another innings water, who was 11-11 with an ERA under 5 with the Brewers last season, and young Edgar Gonzalez who was 3-4 with a 4.22 ERA. Also vying for spots in the rotation are Dana Eveland, Juan Cruz along with Micah Owings and Dustin Nippert.

Let’s move onto the bullpen.

The closer for the Diamondbacks will probably be Jose Valverde who finished out 2006 with 18 saves and 69 strikeouts in 49.1 innings, but had a 5.84 ERA. He’s got electric stuff, but was very inconsistent last year. Also options in the bullpen are Tony Pena, Brandon Lyon who went 2-4 with a 3.89 ERA, Brandon Medders who won 5 games and should provide middle relief or work as the setup man.

Other possibilities include Juan Cruz, Micah Owings, Dana Eveland, and Dustin Nippert if they can’t crack the starting rotation.

The Diamondbacks offense once again, will be fairly young, but they have some quality bats easily capable of doing damage and taking their game to the next level.

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Sosa homered for the first time (in a long time) during a spring training game, where the Rangers beat the Royals 5-0.

Gary Matthews, Jr., according to his lawyer will cooperate in any investigations resulting from the drug raid that implicated him and asserted he did not break any laws.

Bobby Cox says he’s pondering retirement.

One of my favorite players, David Eckstein is hurting…

The Red Sox want in China too…

Barry Bonds is feeling sick.

Jonathan Papelbon looked good as a starting pitcher.

Johan Santana wants a new deal with Minnesota, and based on his track record, it’s going to cost them.

Sadly, some Dominican players got caught up in a marriage-for-visa scam.

Matt Cain signed a 4-year deal with the Giants

Michael Young signed a 5 year, 80 million contract (Texas, another dumb mistake) with the Rangers

Matt White, a journeyman pitcher trying to make the Los Angeles Dodgers, could become baseball’s first billionaire player.

Once again, the steroid use has reared its ugly head in the world of sports. This week, according to ESPN, an illicit steroid distribution network, which may be responsible for Internet sales of performance-enhancing drugs nationwide, has been targeted by an upstate New York prosecutor and customers include current Angels outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. former player Jose Canseco, and former heavyweight boxing Champion Evander Holyfield.

In my heart of hearts, If baseball, much less any other sport wanted to stop illicit use of drugs, then Bug Selig and others in position of authority would have the gumption to style the drug testing program held by the Olympics. The World Anti-Doping Agency has railed against baseball’s testing, and I agree with their standpoint. If baseball really wanted to stop the illegal drug use once and for all, they would not curb into the Players’ Association and just add testing for HGH and whatever else.

Someone remind me, how long has the will to win at any cost been in place?

Um, since the beginning of time.

However, if a system is not in place to stop drug use, then why would one stop doing so?

The answer is simple: Money and power. Now, if fans were really that upset over drug use, they’d stay away and demand changes to occur. We still pay X amounts of dollars to see our heroes play & we’ll go to the ends of the earth to get an autograph and get close to our favorite athletes. In addition, entertainment is king.

Human beings will do they need to get ahead, and athletes are no exception. Cheating has been going on since the beginning of time and we live in a culture that actually rewards infamy.

We are all that surprised that cheating still goes on, and is widely accepted?

To be quite honest, a friend and fellow blogger told harked back to when Charles Barkley asserted, “athletes are not role models, parents should be�.

I have now stopped looking at athletes are role models as heroes or icons, & instead I look at them as entertainers. I see athletes today like wrestlers, who have a persona that may or may not be real, but I look at them as what they are – human beings paid to play a kid’s sport and do it the best they can.

However, why does the media seem to focus a lot of scorn and dismay at the hierarchy of baseball, rather than at football or the NHL, which would seem to rely a lot more on power and sheer physical movement, than baseball which seems to be a lot more anaerobic and less active (dependant on position)?

Unlike other sports, baseball’s history is marketed as much as it’s present. I’d venture to say basketball, hockey and football (to a much lesser degree) market their sports’ nostalgia in order keep people in tune with the game. Simply, because of the hallowed records in baseball are so revered, a lot of fans are repulsed by the fact an alleged cheater could threaten a record, whether they are or are not guilty. As baseball seemingly allowed players to cheat and use drugs before 2002, football already had a testing program in place since 1989, although like baseball it does not test for HGH or human growth hormone.

In the case of the public, perception is reality. Football seemed to put the brakes of steroid use, baseball allowed it to go on and on.

Many don’t see basketball as a power sport, and hockey is not on the radar. The only two sports that get scrutinized as much as baseball are track and field and cycling.

To be honest, does anyone care about track and field along with cycling except during the Olympics and the Tour de France? Does anyone get on Lance Armstrong for winning 7 straight Tour de Frances, although there having been allegations of him in the media doping? Again, I believe baseball is target of the media, not because of the reality of drugs in sport, but because due to a history of inactivity & the perception that baseball did nothing to stop a train running off the tracks, and now hallowed records are in danger of being broken.

Athletes in the world of all sports use steroids because they work. Steroids helps to build muscle strength, recover from workouts quicker and other benefits; however, the dangers of drug abuse cannot be understated and they range from baldness, infertility, to heart problems and cancer.

If you got offered X millions for your abilities and could secure your life, your family’s financial future, and possibly for generations, would you or would you not indulge in drug use? This is the ethical question that many struggle with.

I’d love for sports to be clean, and for every athlete to have the social consciousness of a Muhammad Ali or a Carlos Delgado, but the money involved and the adulation is just too much for one to resist heading to the dark side.

To be honest, I don’t care anymore – it’s just entertainment. I mean it’s not like people have stopped going to ball games or still participate in the sport.

When we stop having a Pollyannaish view of athletes, we can further understand the drug debate and why humans give into temptation.

Ron Santo not being elected in the National Hall of Fame is a shame.

Yesterday, the Veterans Committee had a chance to vote on electing new members into the Hall Fame, and they chose no one. The names from the list included, Jim Kaat, Marvin Miller, Gil Hodges, Tony Oliva, Doug Harvey and the aforementioned Ron Santo.

There are far worse players than Santo in the Hall of Fame, and although I am not a Cubs fan at all, there’s something about him that is very endearing. I was not born when he played, but when I visited Chicago’s Wrigley Field solo, chatted and made friends with few fans, I mentioned Santo’s name and all I heard was endless stories of how awesome of a Cub he was.

For those of you not familiar with him, Santo in Chicago has a stature of a Cal Ripken in Baltimore, or a Robin Yount in Milwaukee, or a Tony Gwynn in San Deigo, or a Stan Musial in St. Louis.

Maybe I like him because it’s the fact he still breathes the passion of the game although he’s been through so much health-wise and his body has been so ravaged – mostly due to diabetes.

Perhaps I am empathic, but I know a quality ball player and person when I see one. Santo is it.

The man hit 342 homers, collected 2,254 hits, finished with a .277 batting average and 1,331 RBIs in his career. Although his numbers do not hail in comparison some of the big sluggers of today, they exceed a lot of his peers when he played.

Perhaps the committee is so in love with the bloated and perhaps supplement aided numbers of today, that they don’t see a quality ballplayer any more when it is in front of them.

In the end, I hope Santo does get in. Though I am not a Cubs fan, he’s a good man and is proud example of the heart and soul of Chicago.

* photo from starpulse.com

MLB Stuffage:

• Manny Being Manny – He wants to stay in Boston?
• Barry standoffish because of threats – no, I thought it was because he was an a**hole for the past um, 17 or 18 years…
• ‘Fat Albert’ Pujols and wrestler Kurt Angle in a cage – um, a batting cage J
• Baseball may drop plan with DirecTV, for um more money – CNN Money has a new deal…
• Joe Girardi a traitor? Read what he told Jon Lieber…

More on the recent steroid scandal, this time from ESPN. Featured in the video are Gary Matthews with a canned statement, Angels’ manager, Mike Scoiscia, and former boxing champion Evander Holyfield.