Sean B. Fitzgerald It doesn’t go something like this, it goes exactly like this.

My Super Duper Crazy Long 2009 Baseball Season Preview Part 2 (Japanese Syntax)

In case you're new to this site, yesterday I did my preview for the National League in 2009. So you can either click that link or scroll down a tiny bit and read it (I'd rather you click). Anyway, this is my American League preview. The league that brings us baseball fans better pitching, better hitting, and overall better competition. Right now, it can be argued that the three best teams in the sport reside in the AL East (Red Sox, Yankees, Rays). Which, as a Yankee fan, makes my life THAT more stressful than it has to be. For most of my life I didn't have to worry about other teams in the division. It was "Yankees in 1st from April to September" and then they would steamroll through the playoffs. There would be a parade, a lot of ticker tape, dancing, high-fiving, and we would do the same thing next year. Life was good. Then the Red Sox started to generate talent, make terrific trades, and the gap started to close. Before you knew it, Boston was eliminating the Yankees from the playoffs and winning World Series of their own. All that goodness I was feeling started to fade away. It is tough enough to worry about the team to the north, now Tampa Bay has started to get in the mix. And with a payroll $160 million less than the Yankees, the Rays made it all the way to the World Series with homegrown talent and a great coach. Nice. The days of anxiety-free baseball seasons were officially gone. And the way the league is starting to look this season, I have a feeling I am in for much of the same.

Seattle Mariners
The Mariners can thank the baseball gods that they are located in Seattle. Because if they were to be on the east coast and in the AL East, they could lose 130 games. Seattle is in a very weird situation this season. Clearly the only option for them is to rebuild. However, they have very little to rebuild off of. Ichiro Suzuki, who is clearly regressing as a hitter, is in the middle of an awful contract that has him being paid until 2032 (Did I mention that he is hated by his teammates?). Also, they were severely hamstrung when they traded their stud prospect Adam Jones to the Baltimore Orioles for Erik Bedard. The same Erik Bedard who went 6-4 with a 3.67 ERA and spent most of the season on the DL. One  silver lining for the Mariners is that Adrian Beltre is in the last year of another awful contract. Another plus for the fans of the Mariners is the fact that Felix Hernandez is still only 22 years old (Turns 23 on Opening Day). Seattle needs him to be King Felix this season to be remotely competitive. Wow. I've written too much. Let's move on. Wins: 64

Texas Rangers
Hey, what do you know? A Texas Rangers team loaded with offensive talent and weak pitching. It must feel like Groundhog Day for Rangers fans every April 1st. "Anything to look forward to this year?" "A lot of homeruns each game...for both teams." C'mon Texas front office, try something else. Last season, the talking heads praised the Rangers for trading for Josh Hamilton. Yes, it's true. Hamilton had a terrific year. But they traded their best pitching prospect in Edinson Volquez, who showed to be the best pitcher on the Reds in 2008. And look! They need pitching. They didn't need another run producer. Now their stuck with the ever-average Kevin Millwood as their "ace". Anything good to report? Well, they do have Jarrod Saltalamacchia who has a terrific skill set and the longest name in baseball. Just don't ask this kid to pronounce it. Wins: 77

Oakland Athletics
Is it almost time to relocate? With the amount of fans the A's get per season, and with the economy going to take an enormous hit on attendance throughout baseball, relocation is definitely on the horizon. Regardless, Billy Beane did his Billy Beane thing during the off season and this year's Oakland A's team can go in two directions. And it all depends on what everyone? That's right class, pitching. Justin Duchscherer and Sean Gallagher are the future Barry Zito and Dan Haren. They need to perform well, take their team to the playoffs, lose in the division series, and then get traded for younger talent. It's the life cycle for an Oakland A's pitcher in the Billy Beane era. Offensively, it's more of the same from a typical A's team: Mashers who travel base to base. One difference in this year's team is the potential for stolen bases. New additions Matt Holliday and Orlando Cabrera stole a high number of bases last season. I don't know if Mr. Beane is going to approve of that. Moneyball has never failed. Wait, what? It has failed? They haven't won a World Series since when? Wins: 86

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Alright enough already! This "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim" crap has gone on for far too long. Those two cities are not close enough to warrant being mentioned with the same team. It's a 33 minute drive from Anaheim to Los Angeles. Don't believe me? Ever hear of MapQuest? It may work marketing wise, but it doesn't work common sense wise. And that's more important. So Angels, just drop one of the names so I don't have to waste time writing about it. Anyway, I would love to be an Angels fan this season. There really is no reason to watch the regular season. Having to play the Athletics, Rangers, and Mariners 18 times each this season nearly guarantees them at least 40 wins (Exaggerating). But honestly, turn on TBS/FOX on October 7th, the Angels will be hosting a ALDS game. Write it down! One question mark though: Brian Fuentes. He's good, but he's not 62 saves good. The absense of Francisco Rodriguez could be a major deal if Fuentes has an American League regression (possible). Here is a video of Howie Kendrick and Torii Hunter trying to be funny. Wins: 97

Kansas City Royals
Usually, when I find out what team Kyle Farnsworth is on, I immediately cross that team off the "Competitive MLB Teams" list. However, this Royals team intrigues me. I feel as if I have used the word "Potential" too much in this and previous posts, but I'll use it anyway. They have potential. Coco Crisp and Mike Jacobs add speed and power to a rather thin lineup. Also, it has been said that this could be the break out year for both Billy Butler and Alex Gordon. But it is the pitching that will keep the Royals in games for most of the season. Last season, the overpaid Gil Meche went 14-11 with a respectable 3.98 ERA. And Zach Greinke, who at 25, has been pitching in the majors for 15 years went 13-10 with a 3.47 ERA. If you want a Kansas City team to win 80+ games, this is it. And if that doesn't work out, Jose Guillen will try to fight the fans. Wins: 79

Detroit Tigers
Even with the recently deceased cut Gary Sheffield now off the team, the Detroit Tigers have arguably the best offense in the majors. However, with the questionable pitching both in the rotation and in the bullpen, I expect many games to end 11-10 for the Tigers this season. For any type of success to occur in 2009, it starts with Justin Verlander, who had a 11-17 record with a 4.84 ERA in 2008. He needs to go back to no-hitter Justin, not hit-batter Justin. And with Todd Jones now writing full-time for The Sporting News and Joel Zumaya making sure no one steals his seat on the DL, the revamped bullpen isn't exactly noteworthy. To soften the blow, Detroit brought in Brandon Lyon for the Diamondbacks to close games. But giving up 75 hits in 59 innings in 2008 should not be the background for your new closer. Look for the Tigers to set records with their bats, and also with their arms (in a bad way). Wins: 81

Chicago White Sox
Sometimes I think that baseball is one of the more difficult sports to play professionally. The athleticism of the players must be extremely high to play in the majors. And then I look at Bartolo Colon, and all those thoughts go away. I mean, look at him! It's as if Andre the Giant was a Cy Young award winning pitcher. As of right now, Mr. Colon will be the fifth starter for the Chicago White Sox. And that's not an indictment against Chicago. They have a very deep rotation and if they get ANYTHING out of Bartolo this season, it can be considered a success. Offensively, the White Sox have one of the most diverse lineups in baseball (I mean age wise). The top and bottom of the lineup is stacked with young talent like Dewayne Wise, Chris Gets, Carlos Quentin, Alexei Ramirez, and Josh Fields. While the heart of the order contains solid veterans like Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome, Paul Konerko, and A.J. Pierzynski. I'll just go out and say it: I like these White Sox. I like them alot. With Scott Linebrink and Bobby Jenks anchoring the back of their bullpen, starters won't have to pitch 7 or 8 innings per start. Prediction: The Chicago White Sox will win the Central Division. Wins: 92

Cleveland Indians
Ugh, the fascination that talking heads, sports analysts, columnists, and internet bloggers have with the Indians is beyond me. What is there to be excited about besides a great fantasy year from Grady Sizemore? Do people really believe Cliff Lee is going to hit 20 wins and have an ERA under 3 again? Who is to say that Fausto Carmona comes back to form? Don't people realize that Carl Pavano is their number three starter? If they are to compete for a playoff spot in 2009, they need A LOT to go right. Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner need to stay off the disabled list. As does Kerry Wood, who needless to say, has a history of being a bit of a Tin Man. However, since the AL Central is always a toss-up, I expect the Indians to make it interesting for a majority of the season. Though, no playoffs for them! In one year, yes. Wins: 82

Minnesota Twins
Every year I want to count the Twins out. And every year they are good, competitive, and make a run at the playoffs. So guess what I am doing this time around? That's right, counting them out. I honestly do not believe that Minnesota has enough offensively to compete for a division crown this season. It's never good when there is prolonged talk about your leading hitter and starting catcher having potentially severe back problems in his early twenties. In terms of pitching, they look set. Uber-stud Francisco Liriano will start Opening Day for the Twins and solid pitching will back him up all season. If Liriano pitches like he did in the second half of 2006, I fully expect the Twins to prove me wrong once again and win the division. Look out for another sneaky MVP-esque season fron Justin Morneau. Also, if Delmon Young does not throw his bat at any umpires in 2009, I am going to go out on a limb and say he hits 15 homeruns and drive in 90 runs. Wins: 89

Toronto Blue Jays
I think it's about time we all feel bad for Roy Halladay. Not in a "emotional, down on his luck, real depressing" kind of way. But in a "Wow, this guy has been the best pitcher in baseball for five or more years and has never been on a competitive Blue Jays team" kind of way. And this year will prove no different. Toronto has officially hit the "Rebuild" button on their franchise and the outlook for this season is bleak. Example: Their 4th and 5th starters are rookies Brad Mills and Ricky Romero. If you're a big trade-deadline fan, keep an eye on Toronto around July 31st. There may or may not be a "EVERYTHING MUST GO" liquidation on their "star" players. I fully expect them to dangle Halladay, Rios, and Vernon Wells out there to any potential buyers. Don't expect Wells to be going anywhere though, because unless he has a Ruthian start to the season and Toronto is willing to go "halves", no team is going to want to touch that contract. Breakout year: Travis Snider. Wins: 79

Baltimore Orioles
Speaking of rebuilding, the Baltimore Orioles will have an interesting year. They may not be overly competitive in 2009, but ask any scout, they will be in only a few years. But we're in the present, and the present isn't hopeful. With the amount of firepower in the AL East, and with the rotation the Baltimore is sending out there this season, I can't imagine some of these young pitchers making it out alive. Their number two starter: Koji Uehara (?). One possible positive for the 2009 Orioles: Their young outfield. Nick Markakis has already shown to be an all-star right fielder. Also, Adam Jones and Felix Pie could be the two best young outfielders in the game. Write it down! Right now, George Sherrill has the closers job, but expect Chris Ray, who is coming off of Tommy John surgery, to snatch that away from him as soon as he blows 3 straight saves. Any awards for the Baltimore Orioles? Cesar Izturis will win a gold glove at shortstop. Something to build on. Wins: 69

Tampa Bay Rays
Ah, yes. Those pesky, gritty, young Rays. They used to be the doormat of the American League. For ten seasons they were the designate also-ran in Major League Baseball. And that is the way we liked it ! We loved it! Not anymore though. In case you don't remember, the Rays made it all the way to the World Series in 2008. They made it on young pitching and young hitting. In 2009, they are one year older and one year wiser. So obviously I expect them to make the playoffs, right? No. Why? Their bullpen. Grant Balfour, J.P. Howell, and Dan Wheeler all clearly played over their heads in 2008. I don't expect as much this season. Note to Rays front office: If you want to make it to the World Series again this year, put David Price in the bullpen, as the closer. It is common knowledge that he has the best "stuff" and fluid mechanics coming out of the minors in twenty years. If you want to win, put him where you need him the most. Bullpen. 30-30 Year: B.J. Upton. Wins: 92

Ed Note: Being a Yankees fan, the next two previews will have little to no objectivity. Just thought I would warn you.

Boston Red Sox
Dollar for dollar, the Boston Red Sox had the best offseason in the majors. They acquired Rocco Baldelli, John Smoltz, Takashi Saito, and Brad Penny (well) all for relatively cheap. And as of this moment, they have one of the best bullpens in the sport. With the starting rotation they have, games could be shortened to five innings for them. Thus maximizing their full season potential. That scares me. You know what doesn't scare me? Their offense. If their offense was one person, it would look like this guy. How is David Ortiz's wrist going to hold up? How about Mike Lowell's hip? Will Jason Varitek crack a .200 batting average? Dustin Pedroia may have been the 2008 AL MVP, but I still maintain that he was the least valuable Most Valuable Player in 15 years. They also seem to be putting too much stock in young players like Jed Lowrie and Jacoby Ellsbury. They may make the playoffs, but I don't see them in the World Series. Wins: 94

New York Yankees
My one worry: Age. There is a lot of it on this Yankees team. Derek Jeter is 34. Johnny Damon is 35. Hideki Matsui is 34. Jorge Posada is 37 (Ouch). Can they hold up this season? We all are aware of Jeter's diminished defensive skills, but will some of that age start to show itself at the plate? The Yankees basically announced a few weeks ago that Hideki Matsui has officially become half of a baseball player and will DH all season. That severely limits any flexibility for Joe Girardi. If the Yankees are to contend for a World Series in 2009, it all comes down to their new acquisitions. Sabathia needs to pitch like he's worth $20+ million. As does Mark Teixeira. I don't think there is any question that the Yankees make the playoffs this season. But that means nothing in New York. "27" should be on the mind for every Yankee fan, player, and executive. There is too much to discuss with this Yankees team. I'll just let this kid explain the projected lineup. (His version at least) Wins: 100 (Optimistic!)

Play Ball!