Renewing My Love For Baseball: Baseball Projections & More

October 2003-October 2004: The War

           

            Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS between the Red Sox and Yankees climaxed not only one of the most legendary postseason matchups of the century, but all of baseball. To witness the greatest comeback in sports history, to overcome the greatest postseason draught in sports history left not only Red Sox and Yankee fans spent, but all baseball fans of this generation. Outside of the cloud of steroids, the Curse of the Bambino was the biggest, and most positive story-line baseball had and from 1999-2004, and baseball leaned on that storyline to drive in baseball fans and non-baseball fans alike. During the five year stretch, the in-season rivalry between the Sox and Yanks could only compare to the off-season rivalry between the two clubs that would engage an arms war to set up the next baseball season. I would safely assume that most baseball fans find difficulty in remembering who won the AL West in 2002, but I bet most baseball fans can remember what they were thinking/feeling with Manny Ramirez signed in Boston or when the trade that sent Alex Rodriguez to New York went down.

 

            From 2003-2004 seasons created two epic postseason matchups which both ended in thrilling seven game series, both ending in the most dramatic of fashions. There were fights, great pitching and hitting performances, un-sung heroes (Aaron Boone, Dave Roberts), mythical ones (Curt Schilling, David Ortiz, Roger Clemens), and walk-off sensations which left fans begging for more. And when the Red Sox finally cemented their place in baseball history by defeating their rivals in the most dramatic of fashions, they were able to reverse the curse. But we never fully understand the repercussions of the win on that October night. Once the Red Sox did the unthinkable, what ultimately ended up happening in the baseball universe were baseball fans beginning to think…”Well now what?”

            The Red Sox went on to win not only the 2004 World Series, but duplicated the magic again in 2008 and 2013 except it never felt magical. The Yankees won the World Series in 2009 and even Yankee fans were left deflated by years of high priced free agents and lack of homegrown talent. It was difficult for Yankee fans to relate to the 09’ season. Watching Alex Rodriguez celebrating in a World Series dream is hard to stomach no matter how big of Yankee fan you are. Red Sox like Johnny Damon became Yankees, each took turns at being relevant, and before you know it the Red Sox and Yankees rivalry cooled down to nothing more than a recreational softball game on a Tuesday night.

             And no matter how many times ESPN continued to suck any life out of the Red Sox/Yankees rivalry, the long, intense battles, the games ended up just being long. The well had dried up, at least for now, and the Red Sox and Yankees head into the 2015 season with moderate playoff aspirations…well moderate for the Red Sox and Yankees that is. So what is left? If you look close enough, there is more than enough intrigue left for more than one good story line.

 Once it ended…what is the storyline? The Demise of the Cubs, Mets, and Dodgers

            After the 2004 postseason there were some excellent postseason matchups. Just this past season we had the Giants and Royals battle to a legendary seven game series and from the eleven people I have talked to who have actually admitted to watching the series assured me that it was ‘somewhat enjoyable’.  The Rangers and Cardinals battled through seven games in the 2012 World Series, which had 3 million more viewers than the Giants/Royals World Series, but that World Series didn’t grab 10+ rating Game 6, while Game 3 drew a measly 6.1 rating. It seemed no matter how good the games were, people were just not tuning in.

But there were a couple postseason matchups that did captivate the country. In 2003 NLCS the Cubs and Marlins engaged in a classic 7-game series which everyone remembers as the “Bartman” series. The 2005 NCLS between the Mets and Cardinals brought thrills with Endy Chavez presumed game winning catch, only to end with the likes of Yadier Molina’s game winning homerun and Adam Wainwright’s knee buckling curveball to Carlos Beltran. The Dodgers have not been the most attractive T.V. draws the past couple of seasons, but that has correlated with their postseason performances the past two seasons. Simply put, if the Dodgers win in October they will bring fans to watch the World Series.

If Major League Baseball wants to center the sport around a new story line it has to be on the revival of the Mets, Cubs, and Dodgers. While there is no guarantee those three teams will be in contention, especially all at once. However, these three big market teams could provide a freshness that the sport has been begging for. While so many are eager to point to the rules of the game, length of the season, past and continual steroid users, what the game really needs is a new plot the usher in a new era. The Mets, Cubs and Dodgers are the new “Good Guys” to root for.  

What determines the ‘Good Guys’ vs. the ‘Bad Guys’

            What do I mean by “Good Guys” and “Bad Guys”? In case you haven’t noticed there are a billion superhero movies in the theaters these days. Little kids love them, teenagers anxiously await their premiers, and adults are embarrassingly embracing them with open arms. While the game of baseball struggles to maintain their adolescent audience, perhaps a juvenile comic twist could be just what the game needs. While I am not lobbying for major league stadiums to entertain full-on city destructive mayhem, a few fireworks wouldn’t hurt.

Determining a ‘Good Guy’

1. Historical Losing Significance: The team has to have suffered in terms of World Series or Playoff draught. Nobody likes a team that wins every year.

2. Iconic Ballpark/Tradition: Scenery is just as important as actors that take the stage. An iconic park like a Fenway Park or Wrigley Field sets the stage for legendary performances. Nothing magic is happening at “The Trop” (if it is even called that anymore)

3. Movie: If there is a good baseball movie made and that team is the team is the main character plays for, that’s got to be a major thumbs up. Gary Cooper’s Pride of the Yankees does not count.

Determining a ‘Bad Guy’

1. Major defeat over a ‘Good Guy’: Cardinals and Yankees take the cake in this category. For years the Yanks and Cards tormented the Red Sox and Cubs, and have the occasional victory over important ‘Good Guy’ teams in recent years (the Cardinals have caused considerable pain to the Mets and Dodgers in recent years).

2. Overspending for winning, then not winning: There is nothing more villainous than this. In every movie with a protagonist and antagonist, the ‘Bad Guy’ always goes to extreme measures to achieve his goals, only to ultimately, fall flat on his face. Teams like the Phillies, Rangers, and Tigers have poured millions and millions to win that one World Series, and never manage to do it. Dodgers could be turning heel soon.

3. Ugly ballpark/uniforms: ‘Good Guys’ are look appealing, and ‘Bad Guys’ do not. If your team has an ugly park (Miami Marlins) or ugly uniforms (Miami Marlins) then you are a ‘Bad Guy’.

Don’t be mad if you are a ‘Bad Guy’

            Some of the best characters in cinematic history, professional wrestling history, and television history are bad guys. The Penguin from the old Batman Show, the Emperor from Star Wars, the Governor from the Walking Dead, if you have “the” in front of your name, your classic. So there is nothing wrong if “the” Yankees or “the” White Sox are considered bad guys because you’re intricate to the story! Without you there is no story! So love being hated and speaking as a Patriots fan, its a lot of fun!

So without further adieu here are my projections and ‘Good Guy & Bad Guy’ reveals…

Red Sox

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Mookie Betts- CF	Clay Buchholz	CL- Koji Uehara
2) Dustin Pedroia- 2B	Rick Porcello	S- Edward Mujica
3) Hanley Ramirez- LF	Wade Miley	Junichi Tazawa
4) David Ortiz-DH	Justin Masterson	Craig Breslow
5) Pablo Sandoval- 3B	Joe Kelly	Anthony Vavaro
6) Mike Napoli- 1B		Bob Workman
7) Xander Bogaerts- SS		Alexi Ogando
8) Christian Vazquez- C
9) Shane Victorino-RF

Projection: 1^st Place

            While they may not have the pitching staff that resembles a first place team, the Red Sox have the farm system to make a deal for a Cole Hammels if needed. Chances are it will be needed, but this is the weakest AL East we have seen in years. Won’t take an Hall of Fame cast to win the AL East Crown this year.

Good/Bad Guys Status: Good Guys

            Still one of the best scenes in baseball is at Fenway Park, pair that with Fever Pitch, the vivid memories of 2004 and winning a World Series the same season as the Boston Marathon bombings cements the Red Sox as the good guys for the long foreseeable future.

Orioles

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Alejandro De Aza- LF	Chris Tillman	CL- Zach Britton
2) Manny Machado- 3B	Bud Norris	S- Tommy Hunter
3) Adam Jones- CF	Miguel Gonzalez	Brian Matusz
4) Matt Wieters- C	Kevin Gausman	Darren O’Day
5) Steve Pearce- 1B	Wei-Yin Chen	Wesley Wright
6) Delmon Young- DH		Ubaldo Jimenez
7) J.J. Hardy- SS
8) Travis Snider- RF
9) Jonathan Schoop- 2B

Projection: 2^nd Place

            The loss of Nelson Cruz is going to hurt the Orioles, and will most likely keep them from the playoffs. But there is still enough talent on this team to keep them in contention into September.

Good/Bad Guys Status: Good Guys

            You would think the Orange and Black color combo would have villain written all of over it, but when Buck Showalter is your manager, you get a major pass.

Yankees

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Brett Garnder- LF	Masahiro Tanaka	CL- Andrew Miller
2) Jacoby Ellsbury- CF	C.C. Sabathia	S- Dellin Betances
3) Carlos Beltran- RF	Michael Pineda	David Carpenter
4) Brian McCann- C	Edison Eovaldi	Justin Wilson
5) Mark Teixeira- 1B	Chris Capuano	Esmil Rogers
6) Alex Rodriguez- DH		Chase Witley
7) Chase Headley- 3B
8) Didi Gregorius- SS
9) Stephen Drew- 2B

Projection: 3^rd Place

            When you sign Chase Headley to a 4 year 52 million dollar deal…can’t expect to finish higher than 3^rd.

Good/Bad Guys Status: Bad Guys

            This will never change.

Blue Jays

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Jose Reyes- SS	R.A. Dickey	CL- Brett Cecil
2) John Donaldson- 3B	Marcus Stroman	S- Aaron Sanchez
3) Jose Bautista-RF	Mark Buehrle	Aaron Loup
4) Edwin Encarnacion-DH	Drew Hutchinson	Steve Delabar
5) Justin Smoak- 1B	Marco Estrada	Todd Redman
6) Russell Martin- C		Kyle Drabek
7) Michael Saunders- LF		Chad Jenkins
8) Dalton Pompey- CF
9) Maicer Izturis- 2B

Projection: 4^th Place

            They have one of the best lineups in baseball, but if I’m going to destroy the Yankees for signing Headley to that ridiculous deal, I have to crucify the Blue Jays for signing Russell Martin to his 4 year 608 million dollar deal. Good bargain shopping Toronto!

Good/Bad Guys Status: Bad Guys

            It’s a baseball team in Toronto, that’s like rooting for an NFL team in England. Which means Roger Goddell, which means the Blue Jays are bad guys.

Rays

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Asdrubal Cabrera- SS	Alex Cobb	CL- Jacob McGee
2) Desmond Jennings- CF	Chris Archer	S- Grant Balfour
3) Evan Longoria- 3B	Jake Odorizzi	Brad Boxberger
4) John Jaso-DH	Matt Moore	Kirby Yates
5) James Loney- 1B	Drew Smyly	Ernesto Frieri
6) Ruben Rivera- C		Burch Smith
7) Logan Forsythe- 2B		Nate Karns
8) Steven Souza Jr.- RF
9) David Dejesus- LF

Projection: 5^th Place

            The loss of Joe Maddon cannot be overstated. Neither can this terrible lineup.

Good/Bad Guys Status: TBD

            They are caught somewhere in the middle because of their pathetic stadium, sad excuse for a fan base, and the fact that I still call them the Devil Rays. The Devil…is bad.

Tigers

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Anthony Gose- CF	David Price	CL- Joe Nathan
2) Ian Kinsler- 2B	Justin Verlander	S- Joakim Soria
3) Miguel Cabrera- 1B	Anibal Sanchez	Bruce Rondon
4) Victor Martinez- DH	Shane Greene	Alex Alburquerque
5) Yeonis Cespedes- LF	Alfredo Simon	Tom Gorzelanny
6) Alex Avila- C		Ian Krol
7) J.D. Martinez- RF
8) Nick Castellanos- 3B
9) Jose Iglesias- SS

Projection: 1^st Place

            I am not in love with the Tigers being in first place, but Cespedes brings even more pop to a lineup who knows how to manufacture runs. Plus I am expecting David Price to have a career year as the ace of this staff.

Good/Bad Guys Status: Bad Guys

            Detroit is only interesting when teams from the Motor City revel in the “Bad Guy” role. The Pistons, Ndamukong Suh, urban decay, the Tigers have it all!

Royals

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Lorenzo Cain- CF	Yordano Ventura	CL- Greg Holland
2) Alex Gordon- LF	Jason Vargas	S- Wade Davis
3) Eric Hosmer- 1B	Jeremy Guthrie	Kevin Herrera
4) Alex Rios- RF	Darren Duffy	Tim Collins
5) Kendry Morales- DH	Edison Volquez	Brandon Finnegan
6) Salvador Perez- C		Kris Medlen
7) Mike Moustakas- 3B
8) Omar Infante- 2B
9) Alcides Escobar- SS

Projection: 2^nd Place

            I really like the additions the Royals made, adding experienced players like Rios and Morales should provide stability to the batting order. Ventura needs to take a big leap forward for the Royals to contend for a Wild-Card at least.

Good/Bad Guys Status: Good Guys

            They were the Cinderella team from a year ago and the glass slipper not fitting last year makes this team even more appealing.

White Sox

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Alexi Ramirez- SS	Chris Sale	CL- David Robertson
2) Adam Eaton- CF	Jeff Samardzija	S- Jake Petricka
3) Jose Abreu- 1B	Jose Quintana	Nate Jones
4) Adam LaRoche- DH	John Danks	Daniel Webb
5) Melky Cabrera- LF	Hector Noesi	Zach Putnam
6) Avisail Garcia- RF		Javy Guerra
7) Tyler Flowers- C
8) Conor Gillaspie- 3B
9) Carlos Sanchez- 2B

Projection: 3^rd Place

            Smardzija and LaRoche were good gets for the ChiSox, but there are still too many question marks throughout the roster to contend this year.

Good/Bad Guys Status: Bad Guys

            Black and white, NWA symbol, Southside, everything about this team just spells awesome bad guy, year in and year out.

Indians

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Michael Bourn- CF	Corey Kluber	CL- Cody Allen
2) Jason Kipnis- 2B	Carlos Carrasco	S- Bryan Shaw
3) Michael Brantley- LF	Trevor Bauer	Steve Atchison
4) Carlos Santana- 1B	Gavin Floyd	Marc Rzepczynski
5) Brandon Moss- RF	David Salazar	Kyle Crockett
6) Nick Swisher- DH		Nick Hagadone
7) Yan Gomes- C
8) Lonnie Chisenhall- 3B
9) Jose Ramirez- SS

Projection: 4^th Place

            I really wish that one of these years the Indians front office can give Terry Francona a team worthy of his reputation and ability.

Good/Bad Guys Status: Good Guys

            I’m feeling bad, and Cleveland is involved…no matter if  you Johnny Manziel, Lebron James, or both, Cleveland always manages to have this appeal. It’s like watching a high school talent show, and that one kid who has the social skills of grapefruit stumbles onto the stage to sing a John Mayer cover…you have to root for that kid.

Twins

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Danny Santana- SS	Phil Hughes	CL- Glen Perkins
2) Brian Dozier- 2B	Ervin Santana	S- Brian Duensing
3) Joe Mauer- C	Kyle Gibson	Ryan Pressly
4) Torii Hunter- RF	Ricky Nolasco	Casey Fien
5) Trevor Plouffe- 3B	Tom Milone	Caleb Thielbar
6) Oswaldo Arcia- LF		Aaron Thompson
7) Kennys Vargas- DH
8) Kurt Suzuki- C
9) Aaron Hicks- CF

Projection: 5^th Place

            The Twins have a nice mix of veterans and young guys in the system to make it interesting for sometime in the AL Cental. But the lack of arms will plague this team in the summer.

Good/Bad Guys Status: TBD

            They really should be apart of the good guys, but they have been so far out of it for so long. Looking forward to them returning from a state of irrelevancy .

Angels

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Eric Aybar- SS	Jared Weaver	CL- Huston Street
2) Josh Rutledge- 2B	Garrett Richards	S- Joe Smith
3) Mike Trout- CF	C.J. Wilson	Mike Morin
4) Albert Pujols- 1B	Matt Shoemaker	Fernando Salas
5) Josh Hamilton- LF	Andrew Heaney	Vinnie Pestano
6) Kole Calhoun- RF		Jeremy McBryde
7) Chris Iannetta- C
8) Matt Joyce- DH
9) David Freese- 3B

Projection: 1^st Place

            Trout and Calhoun could be the best young duo in the bigs, and the pitching is just good enough to recapture the AL West Crown.

Good/Bad Guys Status: Bad Guys

            Despite the Disney and secular logo that represents this team, the Angels have a twisted undercoating of a perennial villain in the major leagues. The spending sprees in the envious Los Angeles environment is emblematic of a Beverly Hills elite holding bags with thousands of dollars worth of goods on Rodeo Drive. Damn one per centers!

Athletics

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Coco Crips- CF	Sonny Gray	CL- Sean Doolittle
2) Ben Zorbist- 2B	Scott Kazmir	S- Tyler Clippard
3) Billy Butler-DH	Jesse Chavez	Eric O’Flaherty
4) Josh Reddick- RF	Drew Pomeranz	Ryan Cook
5) Ike Davis- 1B	Jesse Hahn	Fernando Abad
6) Brett Lawrie- 3B		Dan Otero
7) Stephen Vogt- C
8) Sam Fuld- LF
9) Marcus Semien- SS

Projection: 2^nd Place

            The A’s were by far the most active team this offseason, sending away key play like Josh Donaldson, losing out on Jon Lester and Jeff Smardzija, by acquiring Billy Butler and super utility man Ben Zorbist should still keep the A’s in the thick of the playoff hunt. There will be those who question the rotation, but the A’s were able to make a lot of noise early on in 2014 without an ace. They may be strong enough to do it again.

Good/Bad Guys Status: Good Guys

            Moneyball + Brad Pitt = Great/underrated/yet too long baseball movie. It’s not Bull Durham, but its good enough to keep these guys in the Good Guy column.

Mariners

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Austin Jackson- CF	Felix Hernadnez	CL- Fernando Rodney
2) Dustin Ackley- LF	Hisashi Iwakuma	S- Danny Farquhar
3) Robinson Cano- 2B	James Paxton	Yoervis Medina
4) Nelson Cruz- DH	J.A. Happ	Charlie Furbush
5) Kyle Seager- 3B	Roenis Elias	Tom Wihelmsen
6) Logan Morrison- 1B		Carson Smith
7) Seth Smith- RF
8) Mike Zunino- C
9) Brad Miller- SS

Projection: 3^rd Place

            There are a lot of expectations in Seattle this year with the acquisition of Nelson Cruz, who should, solidify the lineup. But there are questions with the rotation and the bullpen, and that usually doesn’t spell success…. usually.

Good/Bad Guys Status: Good Guys

            The Mariners have been a beloved team my a multititude of baseball fans stretching across America since the ‘Griffey Days’ of the 90s. Ichiro kept the momentum going in the early 2000s, Felix is one of the few, must-see attractions in the game and Robinson Cano is still one of the best pure hitters in the sport. And how can you not like a team that has a ‘moose’ as their mascot?

           

Rangers

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Elvis Andrus- SS	Yu Darvish	CL- Neftali Feliz
2) Shin Shoo Choo-RF	Derek Holland	S- Tanner Scheppers
3) Adrian Beltre- 3B	Yovani Gallardo	Shawn Tolleson
4) Prince Fielder- 1B	Nick Martinez	Roman Mendez
5) Mitch Moreland- DH	Colby Lewis	Phil Klein
6) Ryan Rua- LF		Spencer Patton
7) Leonys Martin- CF
8) Robinson Chirinos- C
9) Rougned Odor- 2B

Projection: 4^th Place

            There is a lot of talent on this team, and if they can realize that talent they should be in contention. However a lot went wrong last year, and the holes with the holes they needed to fix, they have not appeared to fix them.

Good/Bad Guys Status: TBD

            I really think they deserve to be in the ‘Bad Guy’ column because of their ridiculous amount of frivolous spending. But Nolan Ryan runs the team. Its impossible not to like Nolan Ryan.

Astros

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Jose Altuve- 2B	Scott Feldman	CL- Chad Qualls
2) Jed Lowrie- SS	Dallas Keuchel	S- Luke Gregerson
3) George Springer- RF	Collin McHugh	Pat Neshek
4) Chris Carter- DH	Brett Oberholtzer	Josh Fields
5) Evan Gattis- LF	Dan Straily	Tony Sipp
6) Jon Singleton- 1B		Jake Buchanan
7) Jon Castro- C
8) Louis Valbuena- 3B
9) Colby Rasmus- CF

Projection: 5^th Place

            They are heading in the right direction, but they are still behind way too many teams in the league to be relevant.

Good/Bad Guys Status: Good

            The Astros have a fun park, fun uniforms and a bunch of young talent to gravitate to. Plus they have been so bad, you begin to root for them to escape irrelevancy.

Nationals

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Denard Span- CF	Stephen Strasburg	CL- Drew Storen
2) Ian Desmond- SS	Jordan Zimmerman	S- Craig Stammen
3) Ryan Zimmerman- 1B	Max Scherzer	Casey Janssen
4) Jason Werth- LF	Doug Fister	Jerry Blavins
5) Bryce Harper- RF	Gio Gonzalez	Matt Thorton
6) Anthony Rendon- 3B		Aaron Bennett
7) Wilson Ramos- C
8) Yunel Escobar- 2B
9) PITCHER

Projection: 1^st Place

            The best team in baseball got better.

Good/Bad Guys Status: Good Guys

            We have been waiting for the Nationals to be this good, but they have been ‘this good’ for a couple of years now and they have yet to make the World Series. With each passing year they become more admirable.

Mets

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Juan Lagaras- CF	Matt Harvey	CL- Jeremy Mejia
2) Daniel Murphy- 2B	Jacob deGrom	S- Bobby Parnell
3) David Wright- 3B	Zach Wheeler	Carlos Torres
4) Lucas Duda- 1B	Jonathon Niese	Josh Edgin
5) Michael Cuddyer- RF	Dillon Gee	Jeurys Familia
6) Curtis Granderson- LF		Vick Black
7) Travis d’Arnaud- C
8) Wilmer Flores- SS
9) PITCHER

Projection: 2^nd Place

            If they can hit just enough, the Mets should be able to make a wild-card spot. But if you look at that lineup…that may be asking too much.

Good/Bad Guys Status: Good Guys

            They are beginning to rival the Cubs for the “Most Lovable Losers” spot.

Marlins

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Michael Ozuna- CF	Jose Fernandez	CL- Steve Cishek
2) Martin Prado- 3B	Hector Alvarez	S- Matt Dunn
3) Giancarlo Stanton- RF	Matt Latos	A.J. Ramos
4) Michael Morse- 1B	Jesse Cosart	Bryan Morris
5) Christian Yelich- LF	Dan Haren	Aaron Crow
6) Jarod Saltalamacchia- C		Carter Capps
7) Adeiny Hechavarria- SS
8) Dee Gordon- 2B
9) PITCHER

Projection: 3^rd Place

            There is a lot to be excited about in Miami. If Stanton and Fernandez can return to form, which many agree that they can, the Marlins have good players in key spots to contend for the Wild Card.

Good/Bad Guys Status: Bad Guys

            Ugly uniforms, a “We are trying too hard” stadium, and the fact I hate all Miami teams, makes them a bad guy.

Braves

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) B.J. Upton- CF	Julio Teheran	CL- Craig Kimbrel
2) Andrelton Simmons- SS	Shelby Miller	S- Jason Grilli
3) Freddie Freeman- 1B	Alex Wood	Jim Johnson
4) Nick Markakis- RF	Mike Minor	James Russell
5) Chris Johnson- 3B	Eric Stults	Jose Veras
6) Johnny Gomes- LF		Michael Kohn
7) Christian Bethancourt-C
8) Alberto Callapso- 2B
9) PITCHER

Projection: 4^th Place

            Is this finally the year the Braves fall from grace? The roster appears to look that way.

Good/Bad Guys Status: TBD

            Too National League teams they were always the ‘Bad Guy’ because they won all the time. But the fact that they lost all the time in the post season gives them that ‘lovable loser’ feel as well. So its confusing, much like the direction of the Braves.

Phillies

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Ben Revere- CF	Cole Hamels	CL- Jonathon Papelbon
2) Grady Sizemore- LF	Cliff Lee	S- Ken Giles
3) Chase Utley- 2B	Aaron Harang	Jake Diekman
4) Dominic Brown- RF	Jerome Williams	Justin De Fratus
5) Ryan Howard- 1B	David Buchanan	Mario Hollands
6) Carlos Ruiz- C		Chad Billingsley
7) Cody Asche- 3B
8) Freddy Gavis-SS
9) PITCHER

Projection: 5^th Place

           

            Speaking of fall from grace.

Good/Bad Guys Status: Bad Guys

            This is what happens when you spend like crazy. Plus its Philly. If they are not the a bad guy, then who is?

Cardinals

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Matt Carpenter- 3B	Adam Wainwright	CL- Trevor Rosenthal
2) John Jay- CF	Lance Lynn	S- Sam Freeman
3) Matt Holliday- LF	John Lackey	Seth Maness
4) Matt Adams- 1B	Michael Wacha	Randy Choate
5) Yadier Molina- C	Carlos Martinez	Marco Gonzales
6) Jason Heyward- RF		Jordan Walden
7) Jhonny Peralta- SS
8) Kolten Wong- 2B
9) PITCHER

Projection: 1^st Place

            The Cardinals just keep on rolling year after year…

Good/Bad Guys Status: Bad Guys

            And that’s why we hate them. We “admire” them yes, but more hate than anything.

Cubs

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Dexter Fowler- CF	Jon Lester	CL- Hecter Rondon
2) Starlin Castro- SS	Jake Arrieta	S- Jason Motte
3) Jorge Soler- RF	Jason Hammel	Pedro Strop
4) Anthony Rizzo- 1B	Kyle Hendricks	Neil Ramirez
5) Miguel Montero- C	Travis Wood	Blake Parker
6) Mike Olt- 3B		Justin Grimm
7) Chris Coghlan- LF
8) Javier Baez- SS
9) PITCHER

Projection: 2^nd Place

            Could this be the year the Cubs finally get back to the postseason and reverse their curse? The lineup looks favorable and Jon Lester could be the best starting pitcher in the north side since Kerry Wood and Mark Prior. Damn, I jinxed them already!

Good/Bad Guys Status: Good Guys

            The Cubs should be the most-liked team this year. If the Cubs have a good year, so will Major League Baseball. The sport really needs this story line to unfold.

Pirates

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Starling Marte- LF	Garrett Cole	CL- Mark Melancon
2) Neil Walker- 2B	Vance Worley	S- Tony Watson
3) Adam McCutchen- CF	Jeff Locke	Jared Hughes
4) Pedro Alvarez- 1B	A.J. Burnett	Antonio Bastardo
5) Josh Harrison- 3B	Francisco Lirano	Stolmy Pimentel
6) Francisco Cervelli- C		John Holdzkom
7) Gregory Polanco- RF
8) Jordy Mercer- SS
9) PITCHER

Projection: 3^rd Place

            They are a very good team, and despite my prediction, I fully expect the Pirates to contend for not only the playoffs, but more.

Good/Bad Guys Status: Bad Guys

            They have everything to make them a ‘Good Guy’ team, except for the fact that they are in the Cubs way. Come September, when these two teams are fighting for the playoffs, if the Pirates get in and force the Cubs out, watch for them to turn heel quickly.

Reds

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Billy Hamilton- CF	Johnny Cueto	CL- Aroldis Chapman
2) Brandon Phillips- 2B	Homer Bailey	S- Sam LeCure
3) Joey Votto- 1B	Mike Leake	Manny Parra
4) Jay Bruce- RF	Tony Cingrani	Pedro Villarreal
5) Todd Frazier- 3B	Dylan Axelrod	Jumbo Diaz
6) Marlon Byrd- LF		Scott Marshall
7) Devin Mersoraco- C
8) Zach Cozart- SS
9) PITCHER

Projection: 4^th Place

            The Reds (featuring Phillips, Votto, Bruce, and Cueto) fifteen minutes may be coming to end.

Good/Bad Guys Status: Bad Guys

            Basically, if you are in the NL Central, and you are not the Cubs, you are being considered a villain.

Brewers

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Jean Segura- SS	Kyle Lohse	CL- Jonathon Broxton
2) Scooter Gennett- 2B	Matt Garza	S- Will Smith
3) Carlos Gomez- CF	Wily Peralta	Jeremy Jeffress
4) Ryan Bruan- RF	Mike Fiers	Brandon Kintzler
5) Aramis Ramirez- 3B	Jimmy Nelson	Neal Cotts
6) Adam Lind- 1B		Rob Wooten
7) Jonathon Lucroy- C
8) Khris Davis- LF
9) PITCHER

Projection: 5^th Place

            They have pop, but that’s about it.

           

Good/Bad Guys Status: Bad Guys

            You want to like Ryan Braun, you believed in his power and skill = Good Guy
              Then he did steroids = Bad Guy

            Then he denied using steroids, and we believed him for a little bit = Good Guy
            But it turned out he was lying = Bader Guy

            If you are a Marvel Movies fan, this guy has Loki written all over him.

           

Dodgers

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Carl Crawford- LF	Clayton Kershaw	CL- Kelsey Janson
2) Jimmy Rollins- SS	Zach Greinke	S- Brandon League
3) Yasiel Puig- RF	Hyun-Jin Ryu	Carlos Frias
4) Adrian Gonzalez- 1B	Brandon McCarthy	Paco Rodriguez
5) Howie Kendrick- 2B	Brett Andreson	J.P. Howell
6) Yasmani Grandal- C		Joel Peralta
7) Juan Uribe- 3B
8) Joc Pederson- CF
9)

Projection: 1^st Place

            We want the Dodgers to be good and they are good. Very good.

Good/Bad Guys Status: Good Guys

            But how long will they be considered “Good Guys”? Until they win the World Series, then the will turn heel faster than Triple H at a Wrestlemania.

Giants

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Angel Pagan- CF	Madison Bumgarner	CL- Santiago Cassilla
2) Brandon Crawford- SS	Matt Cain	S- Javier Lopez
3) Hunter Pence- RF	Tim Hudson	Jeremy Affeldt
4) Buster Posey- C	Jake Peavy	Sergio Romo
5) Brandon Belt- 1B	Tim Lincecum	Jean Machi
6) Casey McGehee- 3B		Hunter Strickland
7) Nori Aoki- LF
8) Joe Panik- 2B
9) PITCHER

Projection: 2^nd Place

            You look at the lineup and you think to yourself “How did they win 3 championships in 6 years?”

Good/Bad Guys Status: Bad Guys

            And because we can’t answer that question, we hate them.

Padres

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Alex Amarista- SS	James Shields	CL- Joaquin Benoit
2) Matt Kemp- RF	Andrew Cashner	S- Kevin Quackenbush
3) Justin Upton- LF	Ian Kennedy	Alex Torres
4) Yonder Alonso- 1B	Tyson Ross	Nick Vincent
5) Will Myers- CF	Odrisamer Despaigne	Dale Thayer
6) Will Middlebrooks- 3B		Leonel Campos
7) Derek Norris- C
8) Jason Gyorko- 2B
9) PITCHER

Projection: 3^rd Place

            The Padres went out there and said “We are going for it!” and you have to respect that. The Shields signing should vault them into contention.

Good/Bad Guys Status: Bad Guys

            But it’s San Diego and they have 90-degree weather all year so I’m sorry if I want to hate them for that. But I do.

Diamondbacks

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) A.J. Pollock- CF	Josh Collmenter	CL- Addison Reed
2) Aaron Hill- 2B	Rubby De La Rosa	S- Evan Marshall
3) Paul Goldschmidt- 1B	Jeremy Helllickson	Matt Reynolds
4) Mark Trumbo- RF	Allen Webster	Matt Stites
5) Yasmany Tomas- 3B	Vidal Nuno	Oliver Perez
6) David Peralta- LF		David Hernandez
7) Tuffy Gosewisch- C
8) Chris Owings- SS
9) PITCHER

Projection: 4^th Place

            I am their biggest fan because of the likes of Goldschmidt, Trumbo, and Tomas anchoring the lineup. It reminds me of a classic 90s power order like the Rockies (Bichette-Walker-Galaragga-Castillo), but the Rockies didn’t win much.

Good/Bad Guys Status: Good Guys

            I loved those Rockies teams, who didn’t?

Rockies

Lineup	Rotation	Bullpen
1) Charlie Blackmon- CF	Jorge De La Rosa	CL- LaTroy Hawkins
2) D.J. LeMahieu- 2B	Jhoulys Chacin	S- Boone Logan
3) Carlos Gonzalez- RF	Kyle Kendrick	Tommy Kahnle
4) Troy Tulowitzki- SS	Jordan Lyles	Adam Ottavino
5) Justin Morneau- 1B	Tyler Matzek	Rex Brothers
6) Corey Dickerson- LF		Brooks Brown
7) Nolan Arenado- 3B
8) Nick Hundley- C
9) PITCHER

Projection: 5^th Place

            This Rockies team, is nothing like the one I just mentioned.

Good/Bad Guys Status: Good Guys

            But we can still like them though.