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2011-03-13T14:58:00.002-04:00

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Arizona Diamondbacks: Non-tendered Ryan Church and Augie Ojeda

2010-12-05T20:02:00.002-05:00

The Diamondbacks have released Ryan Church and Augie Ojeda. They still need a center fielder, but they also need a third baseman.

Third Basemen (Top Options)
Adrian Beltre
Pedro Feliz

Third Basemen (Secondary Options)
Miguel Cairo
Juan Castro
Greg Dobbs
Wes Helms
Mike Hessman
Akinori Iwamura
Mike Lowell
Aaron Miles
Melvin Mora
Nick Punto
Cody Ranson
Fernando Tatis
Chad Tracy
Wilson Valdez

Center Fielders (Top Options)
Melky Cabrera

Center Fielders (Secondary Options)
Ryan Church
Jesus Feliciano
Jody Gerut
Reed Johnson
Gabe Kapler
Austin Kearns
Ryan Langerhans
Jason Michaels
Laynce Nix
Adam Stern
Cory Sullivan
Randy Winn
Dewayne Wise

Seattle Mariners: Justin Miller, Charlie Haeger, Chris Seddon, Chris Smith

2010-12-05T19:22:00.002-05:00

Justin Miller, Charlie Haeger, Chris Seddon, and Chris Smith have all been signed to minor league deal. All four of these pitchers would be good and productive relievers on any major league team. Each one of these moves deepens their bullpen in a positive way. Only Justin Miller has a concern for me because of his low innings totals. His durability is a bit of a question mark.

The Mariners still need a number two starter. There aren't any ideal number two starter options. The following pitchers could fit the role if healthy or given the opportunity to do so.

Number Two Starters (Secondary Options):
Bruce Chen
Kelvim Escobar
Anthony Lerew
Nate Robertson
Scot Shields

Pittsburgh Pirates: Dusty Brown, Andy Marte, Fernando Nieve

2010-12-05T16:38:00.002-05:00

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed Dusty Brown, Andy Marte, and Fernando Nieve to minor league contracts.

Dusty Brown is a catcher that should remain in the minor leagues all season. He hasn't shown any skill that can translate to a productive major league role. Jason Jaramillo and Chris Snyder should have the catcher spots locked up currently. Brown is not a quality option.

Andy Marte was a highly touted prospect years ago. He has not panned out, nor do I see him panning out in the future. His skills have not translated to the major leagues and should not make an appearance with the major league club at all next season.

Fernando Nieve is the pick up that could pay the most dividends. He got a minor league contract, but I would expect him to make the rotation out of spring training as the number four starter. If he gets the opportunity, he can be a good number four starter. The acquisition of Nieve should fill one hole the Pirates had in their rotation.

The Pirates still need either a first baseman or third baseman.

First Basemen (Top Options):
Pedro Feliz
Paul Konerko

First Baseman (Secondary Options):
Michael Aubrey
Alex Cora
Mike Hessman
Mark Kotsay
Jim Thome

Third Basemen (Top Options):
Jerry Hairston Jr.

Third Basemen (Secondary Options):
Mike Hessman
Aaron Miles

The Pirates also still need a shortstop and a top starting pitcher.

Shortstops (Top Options):
Jerry Hairston Jr.
Cesar Izturis

Shortstops (Secondary Options):
Orlando Cabrera
Alex Cora
Aaron Miles

Top Starters (Top Options):
Cliff Lee
Carl Pavano

Top Starters (Secondary Options):
Erik Bedard
Justin Duchscherer
Vicente Padilla
Brad Penny
Andy Pettitte
Brandon Webb

Zach Duke: Traded to Diamondbacks

2010-12-05T16:01:00.003-05:00

Zach Duke is a solid number five starter on a good major league roster and a good pickup for the Diamondbacks. He will provide depth for the starting rotation, but I do not think he should start the season in the rotation. The Diamondbacks have other talent that should have the first opportunities to be in the rotation.

Duke can be a productive member from the bullpen. Minimizing his exposure to major league hitters by pitching one or two innings at a time can allow Duke to thrive as a lefty reliever. Overall, the Diamondbacks have a good pitching staff which now has more depth.

Juan Miranda: Traded to Diamondbacks

2010-11-19T21:42:00.002-05:00

Juan Miranda is the type of play the Diamondbacks truly needed. They needed a power bat at first base and if Miranda gets the opportunity, he can be the legitimate power threat they need. He should get the preference to start at first over Geoff Blum, who is a good fielding first baseman. However, the Diamondbacks still need a centerfielder to complete their starting lineup.

Center Fielders
Jesus Feliciano
Jody Gerut
Reed Johnson
Gabe Kapler
Austin Kearns
Ryan Langerhans
Jason Michaels
Laynce Nix
Adam Stern
Cory Sullivan
Randy Winn
DeWayne Wise

Clint Barmes: Traded to the Astros

2010-11-19T20:56:00.002-05:00

Clint Barmes has shown to be a solid fielding middle infielder. His bat hasn't allowed him to fit a specific offensive role in the major leagues. I think Matt Downs and Jeff Keppinger are better as the starters at second base and shortstop respectively. In reality the Astros need a first baseman.

First Basemen (Top Options)
Adam Dunn
Paul Konerko

First Basemen (Secondary Options)
Mike Hessman
Jim Thome

The Astros gave up Felipe Paulino, who is a solid fourth starter on any team and would be a fifth starter on the Astros. Bud Norris is a good fifth starting pitcher and will fill the hole left by Paulino.

Starting Rotation

1 - J.A. Happ
2 - Nelson Figueroa
3 - Wandy Rodriguez
4 - Brett Myers
5 - Bud Norris

Brett Carroll: Signed minor league contract with Royals

2010-11-19T19:47:00.002-05:00

Brett Carroll signed a minor league contract with the Royals. He's a very good fielding corner outfielder. His bat is not good enough to play an offensive role on the Royals, but if the Royals can get hitting from other places in the lineup, they can save runs with improved defense.

The Royals need a different kind of left fielder with the roster they have.

Left Fielders (Top Options)
Carl Crawford

Left Fielders (Secondary Options)
Marcus Thames

Offseason: New York Mets

2010-11-17T21:08:00.003-05:00

2008 Record: 89-73
2009 Record: 70-92
2010 Record: 79-83

Offense/Defense Lineup

C - Josh Thole
1B - Daniel Murphy
2B - Justin Turner
3B - David Wright
SS - Discussed Below
LF - Lucas Duda
CF - Carlos Beltran
RF - Discussed Below

Shortstops (Top Options)
Jerry Hairston Jr.
Cesar Izturis
Derek Jeter
Felipe Lopez
Jhonny Peralta
Jose Reyes
Drew Sutton
Miguel Tejada

Shortstops (Second Options)
Orlando Cabrera
Juan Castro
Craig Counsell
Julio Lugo
Aaron Miles
Edgar Renteria

Right Fielders (Top Options)
Jerry Hairston Jr.
Brad Hawpe
Aubrey Huff
Jayson Werth

Right Fielders (Second Options)
Garret Anderson
Rocco Baldelli
Willie Bloomquist
Brandon Boggs
Jim Edmonds
Jesus Feliciano
Jeff Francoeur
Jody Gerut
Gabe Gross
Willie Harris
Jeremy Hermida
Reed Johnson
Gabe Kapler
Austin Kearns
Mark Kotsay
Ryan Langerhans
Brandon Moss
Mike Ryan
Bobby Scales
Brad Snyder
Adam Stern
Cory Sullivan
Willy Taveras
Marcus Thames
Randy Winn
Dewayne Wise

Starting Rotation

1 - Dillon Gee
2 - R.A. Dickey
3 - Mike Pelfrey
4 - Pat Misch
5 - Jon Niese

Bullpen

CL - Francisco Rodriguez
SU - Sean Green
SU - John Maine
1 - Tobi Stoner
2 - Manny Acosta
3 - Bobby Parnell

The Mets picked up the option on Jose Reyes, which improves their team and fills one of their holes.

C - Josh Thole
1B - Daniel Murphy
2B - Justin Turner
3B - David Wright
SS - Jose Reyes
LF - Lucas Duda
CF - Carlos Beltran
RF - Angel Pagan

Joaquin Arias: Claimed off Waivers by Royals

2010-11-17T20:52:00.002-05:00

Joaquin Arias was claimed by the Kansas City Royals. He doesn't have any attributes that would make him an everyday player. His hitting is weak and his fielding is a little below average. The starting infield is already set so he'll be a bench player at best. The Royals still need a left fielder.

Left Fielders (Top Options)
Carl Crawford

Left Fielders (Secondary Options)
Marcus Thames

Jose Lopez: Mariners decline option

2010-11-17T19:11:00.002-05:00

Jose Lopez, coming off a down year, had his option declined by the Mariners. His one great attribute is he makes consistent contact with the ball. Any other offensive production has decline over the past few years and I see that trend continuing, however he still has use to advance runners on the base because he will put the ball in play. The Mariners now need a third baseman that can do the same thing as Lopez or they can bring him back on their own terms.

Third Basemen (Top Options)
Jerry Hairston Jr.
Jose Lopez
Miguel Tejada

Third Basemen (Secondary Options)
Aaron Miles

Micah Hoffpauir: To Nippon Ham Fighters

2010-11-17T19:04:00.002-05:00

I felt the Cubs could have Micah Hoffpauir play first base and hit near the bottom of the lineup. The Cubs do have Jeff Baker on their roster who can fit a similar role, however he has not had over 300 at bats, both major and minor leagues combined, in any season since 2006, so durability is a little of a question.

Offense/Defense Lineup

C - Welington Castillo
1B - Jeff Baker
2B - Darwin Barney
3B - Aramis Ramirez
SS - Starlin Castro
LF - Sam Fuld
CF - Marlon Byrd
RF - Kosuke Fukudome

Offseason: Milwaukee Brewers

2010-11-16T20:30:00.005-05:00

2008 Record: 90-72
2009 Record: 80-82
2010 Record: 77-85

Offense/Defense Lineup

C - Lorenzo Cain
1B - Prince Fielder
2B - Joe Inglett
3B - Casey McGehee
SS - Luis Cruz
LF - Ryan Braun
CF - Chris Dickerson
RF - Corey Hart

Starting Rotation

1 - Discussed Below
2 - Mark Rogers
3 - Marco Estrada
4 - Yovani Gallardo
5 - Randy Wolf

Top Starters (Top Options)
Jon Garland
Cliff Lee
Carl Pavano

Top Starters (Secondary Options)
Erik Bedard
Justin Duchscherer
Vicente Padilla
Brad Penny
Andy Pettitte
Brandon Webb

Bullpen

CL - Brandon Kintzler
SU - Jeremy Jeffress
SU - Mike McClendon
1 - Kameron Loe
2 - John Axford
3 - Todd Coffey

The Brewers signed Brian Barden to a minor league deal and if they expect to compete next year, that's where he should stay all year. Maybe he can be an infrequently used bench player, but he shouldn't be a starting player. His skills have yet to translate in the major leagues.

Offseason: Houston Astros

2010-11-16T19:28:00.002-05:00

2008 Record: 86-75
2009 Record: 74-88
2010 Record: 76-86

Offense/Defense Lineup

C - Humberto Quintero
1B - Discussed Below
2B - Matt Downs
3B - Chris Johnson
SS - Jeff Keppinger
LF - Brian Bogusevic
CF - Jason Bourgeois
RF - Hunter Pence

First Basemen (Top Options)
Adam Dunn
Paul Konerko

First Basemen (Secondary Options)
Mike Hessman
Jim Thome

Starting Rotation

1 - J.A. Happ
2 - Nelson Figueroa
3 - Wandy Rodriguez
4 - Brett Myers
5 - Felipe Paulino

Bullpen

CL - Fernando Abad
SU - Wilton Lopez
SU - Samuel Gervacio
1 - Bud Norris
2 - Brandon Lyon
3 - Mark Melancon

Brian Esposito, Anderson Hernandez, Casey Fien, and Ross Wolf were all signed to minor league contracts. Esposito, Hernandez, and Wolf should all remain in the minor leagues as they don't have the appropriate major league talent to be on the roster. Casey Fien has the ability to be a very good reliever if given a solid opportunity. Fien adds depth to the Astros bullpen.

Offseason: Chicago Cubs

2010-11-15T19:46:00.002-05:00

2008 Record: 97-64
2009 Record: 83-78
2010 Record: 75-87

Offense/Defense Lineup

C - Welington Castillo
1B - Micah Hoffpauir
2B - Darwin Barney
3B - Blake DeWitt
SS - Starlin Castro
LF - Tyler Colvin
CF - Marlon Byrd
RF - Kosuke Fukudome

Starting Rotation

1 - Carlos Zambrano
2 - Casey Coleman
3 - Carlos Silva
4 - Thomas Diamond
5 - Randy Wells

Bullpen

CL - Esmailin Caridad
SU - Jeff Samardzija
SU - Scott Maine
1 - Tom Gorzelanny
2 - Carlos Marmol
3 - Sean Marshall

Aramis Ramirez exercised his option and will be back with the Chicago Cubs in 2011. He adds a good power bat and I expect him to have a bounce back season from his down 2010. Cubs have good depth with power bats now.

C - Welington Castillo
1B - Micah Hoffpauir
2B - Darwin Barney
3B - Aramis Ramirez
SS - Starlin Castro
LF - Sam Fuld
CF - Marlon Byrd
RF - Kosuke Fukudome

Offseason: Washington Nationals

2010-11-15T19:22:00.003-05:00

2008 Record: 59-102
2009 Record: 59-103
2010 Record: 69-93

Offense/Defense Lineup

C - Ivan Rodriguez
1B - Discussed Below
2B - Alberto Gonzalez
3B - Ryan Zimmerman
SS - Discussed Below
LF - Josh Willingham
CF - Discussed Below
RF - Mike Morse

First Basemen (Top Options)
Adam Dunn
Brad Hawpe
Aubrey Huff
Paul Konerko
Adam LaRoche
Derrek Lee
Lyle Overbay
Carlos Pena

First Basemen (Secondary Options)
Michael Aubrey
Lance Berkman
Russell Branyan
Jorge Cantu
Frank Catalanotto
Eric Chavez
Jason Giambi
Mike Hessman
Eric Hinske
Nick Johnson
Adam Kennedy
Mike Lamb
Scott Moore
Melvin Mora
Cody Ransom
Mike Sweeney
Jim Thome

Shortstops (Top Options)
Derek Jeter
Felipe Lopez
Drew Sutton
Juan Uribe

Shortstops (Secondary Options)
Orlando Cabrera

Center Fielders (Top Options)
Johnny Damon
Jayson Werth

Center Fielders (Secondary Options)
Rick Ankiel
Jody Gerut
Andruw Jones
Austin Kearns
Jason Michaels

Starting Rotation

1 - Discussed Below
2 - Discussed Below
3 - John Lannan
4 - J.D. Martin
5 - Jason Marquis

Clearly, the Nationals do have a top starter on their team, however Stephen Strasburg isn't expected to play a significant, if any role, in the 2011 season.

Top Starters (Top Options):
Jon Garland
Cliff Lee
Carl Pavano

Top Starters (Secondary Options):
Erik Bedard
Justin Duchscherer
Vicente Padilla
Brad Penny
Andy Pettitte
Brandon Webb

Number Two Starters (Top Options)
Hiroki Kuroda

Number Two Starters (Secondary Options)
Bruce Chen
Kelvim Escobar
Anthony Lerew
Nate Robertson
Scot Shields

Bullpen

CL - Sean Burnett
SU - Tyler Clippard
SU - Joel Peralta
1 - Colin Balester
2 - Drew Storen
3 - Ross Detwiler

Offseason: Cleveland Indians

2010-11-15T18:37:00.002-05:00

2008 Record: 81-81
2009 Record: 65-97
2010 Record: 69-93

Offense/Defense Lineup

DH - Travis Hafner
C - Carlos Santana
1B - Jordan Brown
2B - Luis Valbuena
3B - Discussed Below
SS - Asdrubal Cabrera
LF - Discussed Below
CF - Michael Brantley
RF - Shin-Soo Choo

Third Basemen (Top Options)
Felipe Lopez

Third Basemen (Secondary Options)
Adam Kennedy
Melvin Mora

Left Fielders (Top Options)
Carl Crawford

Left Fielders (Secondary Options)
Marcus Thames

Starting Rotation

1 - Discussed Below
2 - Carlos Carrasco
3 - Discussed Below
4 - Mitch Talbot
5 - Aaron Laffey

Top Starters (Top Options)
Jon Garland
Cliff Lee
Carl Pavano

Top Starters (Secondary Options)
Erik Bedard
Justin Duchscherer
Vicente Padilla
Brad Penny
Andy Pettitte
Brandon Webb

Number Three Starters (Top Options)
Jorge De La Rosa
Javier Vazquez

Number Three Starters (Secondary Options)
Chris Capuano
Jake Westbrook

Bullpen

CL - Justin Germano
SU - Chris Perez
SU - Vinnie Pestano
1 - Justin Masterson
2 - Frank Hermann
3 - Joe Smith

Offseason: Kansas City Royals

2010-11-15T17:54:00.002-05:00

2008 Record: 75-87
2009 Record: 65-97
2010 Record: 67-95

Offense/Defense Lineup

DH - Wilson Betemit
C - Brayan Pena
1B - Billy Butler
2B - Mike Aviles
3B - Chris Getz
SS - Yuniesky Betancourt
LF - Discussed Below
CF - Jarrod Dyson
RF - Gregor Blanco

Left Fielders (Top Options)
Carl Crawford

Left Fielders (Secondary Options)
Marcus Thames

Starting Rotation

1 - Zack Greinke
2 - Bryan Bullington
3 - Discussed Below
4 - Philip Humber
5 - Discussed Below

Number Three Starters (Top Options)
Jorge De La Rosa

Number Three Starters (Secondary Options)
Chris Capuano
Jake Westbrook

Number Five Starters (Top Options)
Kevin Correia
Aaron Harang

Number Five Starters (Secondary Options)
Kris Benson
Scott Olsen
Ben Sheets
Jeff Suppan
Todd Wellemeyer
Chris Young

Bullpen

CL - Joakim Soria
SU - Gil Meche
SU - Brad Thompson
1 - Sean O'Sullivan
2 - Luke Hochevar
3 - Robinson Tejada

Royals have acquired Vin Mazzaro from the Oakland Athletics on November 10, 2010. Mazzaro will fill the role of the fifth starter, which was a hole for the Royals.

Geoff Blum: Signed two year deal with Diamondbacks

2010-11-15T17:43:00.002-05:00

Geoff Blum was one of my suggestions as a secondary option to be the starting first baseman for the Diamondbacks. My one concern about him starting is because he's going to be 38 years old next season and hasn't broken 400 at bats since 2003. Though on the Diamondbacks, he could hit 7th in the lineup and man first base, but that means the Diamondbacks need to invest in a good hitting center fielder. The top options for them are Scott Podsednik or Jayson Werth. Corey Patterson is also a player to take a flyer on for center field as well.

Offseason: Baltimore Orioles

2010-11-14T14:07:00.006-05:00

2008 Record: 68-93
2009 Record: 64-98
2010 Record: 66-96

Offense/Defense Lineup

DH - Discussed Below
C - Craig Tatum
1B - Discussed Below
2B - Brian Roberts
3B - Josh Bell
SS - Discussed Below
LF - Luke Scott
CF - Felix Pie
RF - Nick Markakis

Designated Hitters (Top Options)
Adrian Beltre
Melky Cabrera
Carl Crawford
Adam Dunn
David Eckstein
Pedro Feliz
Jonny Gomes
Vladimir Guerrero
Brad Hawpe
Jerry Hairston Jr.
Aubrey Huff
Cesar Izturis
Derek Jeter
Paul Konerko
Adam LaRoche
Derrek Lee
Felipe Lopez
Victor Martinez
Hideki Matsui
Carlos Pena
A.J. Pierzynski
Miguel Tejada
Juan Uribe
Jayson Werth

Designated Hitters (Secondary Options)
Michael Aubrey
Rod Barajas
Lance Berkman
Russell Branyan
Pat Burrell
Alex Cora
John Buck
Jamie Burke
Orlando Cabrera
Luke Carlin
Jesus Feliciano
Jeff Frazier
Ryan Garko
Jody Gerut
Jason Giambi
Mark Grudzielanek
Mike Hessman
Eric Hinske
Nick Johnson
Andruw Jones
Adam Kennedy
Mark Kotsay
Mike Lamb
Kevin Mench
Jason Michaels
Aaron Miles
Jai Miller
Bengie Molina
Scott Moore
Melvin Mora
Magglio Ordonez
Miguel Olivo
Jay Payton
Manny Ramirez
Cody Ransom
Mike Redmond
David Ross
Brad Snyder
Chris Stewart
Drew Sutton
Mike Sweeney
Marcus Thames
Jim Thome
Jason Varitek

First Basemen (Top Options)
Adam Dunn
Pedro Feliz
Brad Hawpe
Aubrey Huff
Paul Konerko
Adam LaRoche
Derrek Lee
Carlos Pena

First Basemen (Secondary Options)
Michael Aubrey
Lance Berkman
Russell Branyan
Alex Cora
Jason Giambi
Mike Hessman
Eric Hinske
Nick Johnson
Adam Kennedy
Mark Kotsay
Mike Lamb
Scott Moore
Melvin Mora
Cody Ransom
Mike Sweeney
Jim Thome

Shortstops (Top Options)
Jerry Hairston Jr.
Cesar Izturis
Derek Jeter
Felipe Lopez
Miguel Tejada

Shortstops (Secondary Options)
Orlando Cabrera
Alex Cora
Aaron Miles
Drew Sutton

Starting Rotation

1 - Discussed Below
2 - Discussed Below
3 - Jeremy Guthrie
4 - Brad Bergesen
5 - Rick VandenHurk

Top Starters (Top Options)
Jon Garland
Cliff Lee
Carl Pavano

Top Starters (Secondary Options)
Erik Bedard
Justin Duchscherer
Vicente Padilla
Brad Penny
Andy Pettitte
Brandon Webb

Number Two Starters (Top Options)
Hiroki Kuroda

Number Two Starters (Secondary Options)
Bruce Chen
Kelvim Escobar
Anthony Lerew
Nate Robertson
Scot Shields

Bullpen

CL - Armando Gabino
SU - David Hernandez
SU - Mike Gonzalez
1 - Kam Mickolio
2 - Jason Berken
3 - Troy Patton

Offseason: Arizona Diamondbacks

2010-11-14T12:09:00.004-05:00

2008 Record: 82-80
2009 Record: 70-92
2010 Record: 65-97

Offense/Defense Lineup

C - John Hester
1B - Discussed Below
2B - Ryan Roberts
3B - Tony Abreu
SS - Augie Ojeda
LF - Ryan Church
CF - Discussed Below
RF - Justin Upton

First Basemen (Top Options)
Brad Hawpe
Aubrey Huff
Paul Konerko
Casey Kotchman
Adam LaRoche
Derrek Lee
Lyle Overbay
Carlos Pena

First Basemen (Secondary Options)
Garrett Atkins
Michael Aubrey
Lance Berkman
Willie Bloomquist
Geoff Blum
Jorge Cantu
Frank Catalanotto
Eric Chavez
Alex Cora
Bobby Crosby
Jim Edmonds
Ryan Garko
Troy Glaus
Mark Kotsay
Mike Lamb
Ryan Langerhans
Jeff Larish
Mike Lowell
Niuman Romero
Fernando Tatis
Jim Thome
Chad Tracy

Center Fielders (Top Options)
Jesus Feliciano

Center Fielders (Secondary Options)
Jody Gerut
Reed Johnson
Gabe Kapler
Austin Kearns
Ryan Langerhans
Laynce Nix
Adam Stern
Cory Sullivan
Randy Winn
Dewayne Wise

Starting Rotation

1 - Daniel Hudson
2 - Zach Kroenke
3 - Ian Kennedy
4 - Barry Enright
5 - Joe Saunders

Bullpen

CL - Daniel Stange
SU - D.J. Carrasco
SU - Clay Zavada
1 - Juan Gutierrez
2 - Rafael Rodriguez
3 - Billy Buckner

Offseason: Seattle Mariners

2010-11-14T11:51:00.004-05:00

2008 Record: 61-101
2009 Record: 85-77
2010 Record: 61-101

Offense/Defense Lineup

DH - Matt Mangini
C - Rob Johnson
1B - Mike Carp
2B - Chone Figgins
3B - Jose Lopez
SS - Matt Tuiasosopo
LF - Greg Halman
CF - Franklin Gutierrez
RF - Ichiro Suzuki

Starting Rotation

1 - Felix Hernandez
2 - Discussed Below
3 - Doug Fister
4 - Jason Vargas
5 - David Pauley

Number Two Starters (Top Options):
Hiroki Kuroda

Number Two Starters (Secondary Options):
Bruce Chen
Kelvim Escobar
Anthony Lerew
Nate Robertson
Scot Shields

Bullpen

CL - Luke French
SU - David Aardsma
SU - Brandon League
1 - Shawn Kelley
2 - Ryan Rowland-Smith
3 - Anthony Varvaro

Offseason: Pittsburgh Pirates

2010-11-14T11:48:00.003-05:00

2008 Record: 67-95
2009 Record: 62-99
2010 Record: 57-105

Offense/Defense Lineup

C – Jason Jaramillo
1B – Discussed Below
2B – Neil Walker
3B – Discussed Below
SS – Discussed Below
LF – Jose Tabata
CF – Andrew McCutchen
RF – John Bowker

On the Pirates roster for next year, they have Garrett Jones who can play first base and Pedro Alvarez who can play third base. Both players are good enough to start, but they’re not good enough to be in the lineup at the same time. If Jones is to start, the Pirates need to invest in an additional third baseman and if Alvarez starts, the Pirates will need to invest in an additional first baseman.

First Basemen (Top Options):
Adam Dunn
Pedro Feliz
Paul Konerko

First Baseman (Secondary Options):
Michael Aubrey
Alex Cora
Mike Hessman
Mark Kotsay
Jim Thome

Third Basemen (Top Options):
Jerry Hairston Jr.
Miguel Tejada

Third Basemen (Secondary Options):
Mike Hessman
Aaron Miles

Shortstops (Top Options):
Jerry Hairston Jr.
Cesar Izturis
Miguel Tejada

Shortstops (Secondary Options):
Orlando Cabrera
Alex Cora
Aaron Miles

Starting Rotation

1 – Discussed Below
2 – James McDonald
3 – Ross Ohlendorf
4 – Discussed Below
5 – Jeff Karstens

Top Starters (Top Options):
Jon Garland
Cliff Lee
Carl Pavano

Top Starters (Secondary Options):
Erik Bedard
Justin Duchscherer
Vicente Padilla
Brad Penny
Andy Pettitte
Brandon Webb

Number Four Starters (Top Options):
Dave Bush
Kevin Millwood

Number Four Starters (Secondary Options):
Doug Davis
Jamie Moyer

Bullpen

CL – Evan Meek
SU – Charlie Morton
SU – Chris Jakubauskas
1 – Brad Lincoln
2 – Chris Resop
3 – Zach Duke

Projection: October 4, 2010

2010-10-04T21:42:00.002-04:00

TB	96	66	0.593	PHI	94	68	0.580
NYY	95	67	0.586	ATL	91	71	0.562
BOS	89	73	0.549	FLA	82	80	0.506
TOR	85	77	0.525	NYM	79	83	0.488
BAL	66	96	0.407	WAS	69	93	0.426

MIN	94	68	0.580	CIN	90	72	0.556
CWS	88	74	0.543	STL	86	76	0.531
DET	82	80	0.506	MIL	78	84	0.481
CLE	70	92	0.432	HOU	76	86	0.469
KC	66	96	0.407	CHC	75	87	0.463
				PIT	57	105	0.352

TEX	90	72	0.556	SFG	92	70	0.568
OAK	81	81	0.500	SDP	90	72	0.556
LAA	80	82	0.494	COL	83	79	0.512
SEA	61	101	0.377	LAD	80	82	0.494
				ARI	65	97	0.401

ALDS: Rays over Rangers, Twins over Yankees
NLDS: Reds over Phillies, Braves over Giants

ALCS: Rays over Twins
NLCS: Reds over Braves

World Series: Reds over Rays

Projection: September 27, 2010

2010-09-28T19:37:00.001-04:00

TB	98	64	0.605	PHI	93	69	0.574
NYY	97	65	0.599	ATL	91	71	0.562
BOS	89	73	0.549	FLA	82	80	0.506
TOR	84	78	0.519	NYM	81	81	0.500
BAL	65	97	0.401	WAS	69	93	0.426

MIN	95	67	0.586	CIN	89	73	0.549
CWS	86	76	0.531	STL	86	76	0.531
DET	85	77	0.525	MIL	78	84	0.481
CLE	69	93	0.426	HOU	75	87	0.463
KC	63	99	0.389	CHC	74	88	0.457
				PIT	57	105	0.352

TEX	93	69	0.574	SFG	91	71	0.562
OAK	82	80	0.506	SDP	89	73	0.549
LAA	78	84	0.481	COL	87	75	0.537
SEA	59	103	0.364	LAD	76	86	0.469
				ARI	69	93	0.426

ALDS: Rays over Rangers, Twins over Yankees
NLDS: Reds over Phillies, Braves over Giants

ALCS: Rays over Twins
NLCS: Reds over Braves

World Series: Reds over Rays

Projection: September 20, 2010

2010-09-20T05:23:00.002-04:00

NYY	99	63	0.611	PHI	94	68	0.580
TB	97	65	0.599	ATL	92	70	0.568
BOS	90	72	0.556	NYM	82	80	0.506
TOR	82	80	0.506	FLA	81	81	0.500
BAL	65	97	0.401	WAS	68	94	0.420

MIN	96	66	0.593	CIN	90	72	0.556
CWS	85	77	0.525	STL	89	73	0.549
DET	84	78	0.519	CHC	75	87	0.463
CLE	70	92	0.432	HOU	74	88	0.457
KC	62	100	0.383	MIL	74	88	0.457
				PIT	56	106	0.346

TEX	93	69	0.574	SFG	91	71	0.562
OAK	82	80	0.506	SDP	90	72	0.556
LAA	79	83	0.488	COL	89	73	0.549
SEA	59	103	0.364	LAD	77	85	0.475
				ARI	65	97	0.401

ALDS: Yankees over Rangers, Rays over Twins
NLDS: Phillies over Reds, Braves over Giants

ALCS: Rays over Yankees
NLCS: Braves over Phillies

World Series: Rays over Braves

Projection: September 13, 2010

2010-09-14T21:19:00.001-04:00

NYY	99	63	0.611	PHI	93	69	0.574
TB	97	65	0.599	ATL	92	70	0.568
BOS	87	75	0.537	FLA	83	79	0.512
TOR	86	76	0.531	NYM	82	80	0.506
BAL	62	100	0.383	WAS	69	93	0.426

MIN	93	69	0.574	STL	92	70	0.568
CWS	90	72	0.556	CIN	91	71	0.562
DET	83	79	0.512	HOU	74	88	0.457
CLE	70	92	0.432	CHC	71	91	0.438
KC	62	100	0.383	MIL	71	91	0.438
				PIT	53	109	0.327

TEX	92	70	0.568	SFG	93	69	0.574
OAK	83	79	0.512	SDP	90	72	0.556
LAA	78	84	0.481	COL	88	74	0.543
SEA	61	101	0.377	LAD	77	85	0.475
				ARI	68	94	0.420

ALDS: Yankees over Rangers, Rays over Twins
NLDS: Cardinals over Phillies, Braves over Giants

ALCS: Rays over Yankees
NLCS: Cardinals over Braves

World Series: Cardinals over Rays

Projection: September 6, 2010

2010-09-06T17:12:00.002-04:00

NYY	102	60	0.630	PHI	93	69	0.574
TB	97	65	0.599	ATL	92	70	0.568
BOS	89	73	0.549	NYM	84	78	0.519
TOR	86	76	0.531	FLA	81	81	0.500
BAL	60	102	0.370	WAS	69	93	0.426

CWS	93	69	0.574	CIN	96	66	0.593
MIN	92	70	0.568	STL	95	67	0.586
DET	82	80	0.506	CHC	73	89	0.451
CLE	70	92	0.432	HOU	72	90	0.444
KC	61	101	0.377	MIL	68	94	0.420
				PIT	51	111	0.315

TEX	89	73	0.549	SDP	92	70	0.568
OAK	82	80	0.506	SFG	89	73	0.549
LAA	77	85	0.475	COL	83	79	0.512
SEA	63	99	0.389	LAD	79	83	0.488
				ARI	70	92	0.432

ALDS: Yankees over Rangers, Rays over White Sox
NLDS: Padres over Reds, Cardinals over Phillies

ALCS: Rays over Yankees
NLCS: Cardinals over Padres

World Series: Cardinals over Rays

Projection: August 30, 2010

2010-08-30T17:57:00.001-04:00

NYY	101	61	0.623	ATL	92	70	0.568
TB	99	63	0.611	PHI	92	70	0.568
BOS	91	71	0.562	NYM	86	76	0.531
TOR	85	77	0.525	FLA	81	81	0.500
BAL	59	103	0.364	WAS	67	95	0.414

MIN	91	71	0.562	STL	97	65	0.599
CWS	90	72	0.556	CIN	95	67	0.586
DET	82	80	0.506	CHC	72	90	0.444
CLE	72	90	0.444	HOU	69	93	0.426
KC	63	99	0.389	MIL	68	94	0.420
				PIT	52	110	0.321

TEX	88	74	0.543	SDP	96	66	0.593
OAK	84	78	0.519	SFG	88	74	0.543
LAA	77	85	0.475	COL	83	79	0.512
SEA	61	101	0.377	LAD	80	82	0.494
				ARI	69	93	0.426

Note: Braves defeat Phillies in one-game playoff to win the National League East.

ALDS: Yankees over Rangers, Rays over Twins
NLDS: Cardinals over Braves, Padres over Reds

ALCS: Rays over Yankees
NLCS: Cardinals over Padres

World Series: Cardinals over Rays

Projection: August 9, 2010

2010-08-09T22:45:00.002-04:00

NYY	103	59	0.636	ATL	95	67	0.586
TB	100	62	0.617	PHI	91	71	0.562
TOR	89	73	0.549	NYM	84	78	0.519
BOS	88	74	0.543	FLA	79	83	0.488
BAL	54	108	0.333	WAS	70	92	0.432

CWS	94	68	0.580	STL	100	62	0.617
MIN	91	71	0.562	CIN	91	71	0.562
DET	75	87	0.463	CHC	72	90	0.444
CLE	71	91	0.438	MIL	71	91	0.438
KC	66	96	0.407	HOU	64	98	0.395
				PIT	55	107	0.340

TEX	89	73	0.549	SDP	95	67	0.586
OAK	81	81	0.500	SFG	91	71	0.562
LAA	78	84	0.481	COL	85	77	0.525
SEA	64	98	0.395	LAD	79	83	0.488
				ARI	65	97	0.401

Note: Reds win Wild Card after series of games against Giants and Phillies.

ALDS: Yankees over Rangers, Rays over White Sox
NLDS: Cardinals over Padres, Reds over Braves

ALCS: Rays over Yankees
NLCS: Cardinals over Reds

World Series: Cardinals over Rays

Projection: August 2, 2010

2010-08-04T20:17:00.001-04:00

NYY	104	58	0.642	ATL	93	69	0.574
TB	103	59	0.636	NYM	88	74	0.543
BOS	86	76	0.531	PHI	86	76	0.531
TOR	85	77	0.525	FLA	83	79	0.512
BAL	53	109	0.327	WAS	71	91	0.438

CWS	95	67	0.586	STL	101	61	0.623
MIN	91	71	0.562	CIN	92	70	0.568
DET	74	88	0.457	CHC	73	89	0.451
CLE	73	89	0.451	MIL	68	94	0.420
KC	66	96	0.407	HOU	64	98	0.395
				PIT	53	109	0.327

TEX	90	72	0.556	SDP	97	65	0.599
OAK	80	82	0.494	SFG	91	71	0.562
LAA	79	83	0.488	COL	86	76	0.531
SEA	64	98	0.395	LAD	77	85	0.475
				ARI	64	98	0.395

ALDS: Yankees over Rangers, Rays over White Sox
NLDS: Cardinals over Braves, Padres over Reds

ALCS: Yankees over Rays
NLCD: Cardinals over Padres

World Series: Cardinals over Yankees

Projection: July 26, 2010

2010-07-30T18:01:00.003-04:00

This should have been posted on Monday, but I was without internet.

NYY	104	58	0.642	ATL	94	68	0.580
TB	101	61	0.623	NYM	87	75	0.537
BOS	86	76	0.531	PHI	87	75	0.537
TOR	86	76	0.531	FLA	84	78	0.519
BAL	54	108	0.333	WAS	67	95	0.414

CWS	92	70	0.568	STL	100	62	0.617
MIN	86	76	0.531	CIN	91	71	0.562
DET	76	86	0.469	CHC	76	86	0.469
CLE	72	90	0.444	MIL	71	91	0.438
KC	67	95	0.414	HOU	61	101	0.377
				PIT	55	107	0.340

TEX	91	71	0.562	SDP	93	69	0.574
OAK	81	81	0.500	SFG	90	72	0.556
LAA	78	84	0.481	COL	84	78	0.519
SEA	69	93	0.426	LAD	81	81	0.500
				ARI	66	96	0.407

ALDS: Yankees over Rangers, Rays over White Sox
NLDS: Cardinals over Padres, Reds over Braves

ALCS: Yankees over Rays
NLCS: Cardinals over Reds

World Series: Yankees over Cardinals

Projection: July 19, 2010

2010-07-18T23:27:00.003-04:00

NYY	103	59	0.636	ATL	92	70	0.568
TB	100	62	0.617	NYM	91	71	0.562
BOS	89	73	0.549	PHI	87	75	0.537
TOR	88	74	0.543	FLA	82	80	0.506
BAL	54	108	0.333	WAS	69	93	0.426

CWS	92	70	0.568	STL	101	61	0.623
MIN	88	74	0.543	CIN	92	70	0.568
DET	76	86	0.469	CHC	73	89	0.451
KC	67	95	0.414	MIL	71	91	0.438
CLE	71	91	0.438	HOU	60	102	0.370
				PIT	55	107	0.340

TEX	90	72	0.556	SDP	93	69	0.574
LAA	78	84	0.481	COL	88	74	0.543
OAK	79	83	0.488	SFG	87	75	0.537
SEA	68	94	0.420	LAD	80	82	0.494
				ARI	66	96	0.407

ALDS: Yankees over Rangers, Rays over White Sox
NLDS: Cardinals over Braves, Padres over Reds

ALCS: Yankees over Rays
NLCS: Cardinals over Padres

World Series: Yankees over Cardinals

Projection: July 12, 2010

2010-07-12T19:25:00.001-04:00

NYY	104	58	0.642	ATL	94	68	0.580
TB	99	63	0.611	NYM	92	70	0.568
BOS	91	71	0.562	PHI	87	75	0.537
TOR	87	75	0.537	FLA	83	79	0.512
BAL	55	107	0.340	WAS	68	94	0.420

CWS	93	69	0.574	STL	98	64	0.605
MIN	87	75	0.537	CIN	90	72	0.556
DET	79	83	0.488	CHC	73	89	0.451
KC	69	93	0.426	MIL	69	93	0.426
CLE	68	94	0.420	HOU	63	99	0.389
				PIT	52	110	0.321

TEX	88	74	0.543	SDP	91	71	0.562
LAA	78	84	0.481	COL	90	72	0.556
OAK	77	85	0.475	SFG	86	76	0.531
SEA	68	94	0.420	LAD	83	79	0.512
				ARI	68	94	0.420

ALDS: Yankees over Rangers, Rays over White Sox
NLDS: Cardinals over Mets, Padres over Braves

ALCS: Rays over Yankees
NLCS: Cardinals over Padres

World Series: Rays over Cardinals

Projection: July 5, 2010

2010-07-05T16:47:00.002-04:00

NYY	99	63	0.611	NYM	95	67	0.586
TB	99	63	0.611	ATL	92	70	0.568
BOS	92	70	0.568	PHI	85	77	0.525
TOR	87	75	0.537	FLA	83	79	0.512
BAL	53	109	0.327	WAS	69	93	0.426

CWS	88	74	0.543	STL	97	65	0.599
MIN	88	74	0.543	CIN	91	71	0.562
DET	76	86	0.469	MIL	73	89	0.451
KC	71	91	0.438	CHC	72	90	0.444
CLE	67	95	0.414	HOU	66	96	0.407
				PIT	51	111	0.315

TEX	92	70	0.568	SDP	90	72	0.556
LAA	83	79	0.512	COL	90	72	0.556
OAK	75	87	0.463	LAD	83	79	0.512
SEA	73	89	0.451	SFG	81	81	0.500
				ARI	69	93	0.426

Note: Yankees over Rays as a result of season series to become AL East Champions. Rays win the wild card position. White Sox over Twins in one game playoff to become AL Central Champions. Padres over Rockies in one game playoff to become NL West Champions.

ALDS: Yankees over White Sox, Rangers over Rays
NLDS: Cardinals over Braves, Padres over Mets

ALCS: Yankees over Rangers
NLCS: Cardinals over Padres

World Series: Yankees over Cardinals

Projection: June 28, 2010

2010-06-28T17:32:00.002-04:00

NYY	99	63	0.611	NYM	95	67	0.586
TB	99	63	0.611	ATL	91	71	0.562
TOR	93	69	0.574	PHI	89	73	0.549
BOS	92	70	0.568	FLA	81	81	0.500
BAL	54	108	0.333	WAS	72	90	0.444

CWS	88	74	0.543	STL	98	64	0.605
MIN	87	75	0.537	CIN	88	74	0.543
DET	76	86	0.469	CHC	74	88	0.457
KC	71	91	0.438	MIL	74	88	0.457
CLE	64	98	0.395	HOU	63	99	0.389
				PIT	48	114	0.296

TEX	93	69	0.574	COL	90	72	0.556
LAA	82	80	0.506	SDP	90	72	0.556
OAK	75	87	0.463	SFG	86	76	0.531
SEA	70	92	0.432	LAD	79	83	0.488
				ARI	69	93	0.426

Note: Rockies defeat Padres in one game playoff to win the NL West.

ALDS: Yankees over White Sox, Rangers over Rays
NLDS: Cardinals over Braves, Rockies over Mets

ALCS: Yankees over Rangers
NLCS: Cardinals over Rockies

World Series: Cardinals over Yankees

Projection: June 21, 2010

2010-06-21T17:18:00.001-04:00

TBR	101	61	0.623	NYM	94	68	0.580
NYY	99	63	0.611	ATL	93	69	0.574
TOR	94	68	0.580	PHI	87	75	0.537
BOS	93	69	0.574	FLA	83	79	0.512
BAL	53	109	0.327	WAS	73	89	0.451

MIN	91	71	0.562	STL	99	63	0.611
CWS	86	76	0.531	CIN	87	75	0.537
DET	76	86	0.469	CHC	75	87	0.463
KC	70	92	0.432	MIL	71	91	0.438
CLE	64	98	0.395	HOU	62	100	0.383
				PIT	51	111	0.315

TEX	91	71	0.562	COL	89	73	0.549
LAA	82	80	0.506	SFG	87	75	0.537
OAK	76	86	0.469	SDP	87	75	0.537
SEA	69	93	0.426	LAD	79	83	0.488
				ARI	68	94	0.420

Note: Twins have a higher seed over Rangers because of season series.

ALDS: Rangers over Rays, Twins over Yankees
NLDS: Cardinals over Braves, Rockies over Mets

ALCS: Twins over Rangers
NLCS: Cardinals over Rockies

World Series: Cardinals over Twins

Projection: June 14, 2010

2010-06-14T05:14:00.001-04:00

TBR	101	61	0.623	NYM	94	68	0.580
NYY	99	63	0.611	ATL	92	70	0.568
TOR	94	68	0.580	PHI	86	76	0.531
BOS	91	71	0.562	FLA	85	77	0.525
BAL	54	108	0.333	WAS	76	86	0.469

MIN	90	72	0.556	STL	99	63	0.611
CWS	84	78	0.519	CIN	90	72	0.556
DET	73	89	0.451	CHC	76	86	0.469
KC	70	92	0.432	MIL	71	91	0.438
CLE	66	96	0.407	HOU	65	97	0.401
				PIT	51	111	0.315

TEX	87	75	0.537	COL	90	72	0.556
LAA	81	81	0.500	SFG	87	75	0.537
OAK	76	86	0.469	SDP	86	76	0.531
SEA	67	95	0.414	LAD	79	83	0.488
				ARI	70	92	0.432

ALDS: Rangers over Rays, Twins over Yankees
NLDS: Cardinals over Braves, Rockies over Mets

ALCS: Twins over Rangers
NLCS: Cardinals over Rockies

World Series: Cardinals over Twins

Projection: June 7, 2010

2010-06-07T17:59:00.002-04:00

NYY	99	63	0.611	ATL	92	70	0.568
TBR	99	63	0.611	NYM	91	71	0.562
TOR	98	64	0.605	PHI	86	76	0.531
BOS	94	68	0.580	FLA	85	77	0.525
BAL	54	108	0.333	WAS	76	86	0.469

MIN	89	73	0.549	STL	103	59	0.636
CWS	83	79	0.512	CIN	91	71	0.562
DET	70	92	0.432	CHC	78	84	0.481
KC	70	92	0.432	MIL	71	91	0.438
CLE	63	99	0.389	HOU	65	97	0.401
				PIT	53	109	0.327

TEX	86	76	0.531	COL	89	73	0.549
LAA	79	83	0.488	SDP	87	75	0.537
OAK	78	84	0.481	SFG	84	78	0.519
SEA	68	94	0.420	LAD	80	82	0.494
				ARI	69	93	0.426

Notes: Yankees win season series over Rays to win the AL East. Reds defeat Mets in play-in to win the NL Wild Card.

ALDS: Yankees over Rangers, Rays over Twins
NLDS: Cardinals over Rockies, Braves over Reds

ALCS: Rays over Yankees
NLCS: Cardinals over Braves

World Series: Cardinals over Rays

Projection: May 31, 2010

2010-06-01T20:24:00.002-04:00

NYY	103	59	0.636	NYM	91	71	0.562
TBR	103	59	0.636	PHI	90	72	0.556
BOS	91	71	0.562	ATL	88	74	0.543
TOR	90	72	0.556	FLA	87	75	0.537
BAL	58	104	0.358	WAS	78	84	0.481

MIN	91	71	0.562	STL	101	61	0.623
CWS	84	78	0.519	CIN	91	71	0.562
DET	71	91	0.438	CHC	80	82	0.494
KC	69	93	0.426	MIL	72	90	0.444
CLE	64	98	0.395	HOU	62	100	0.383
				PIT	52	110	0.321

TEX	84	78	0.519	SFG	88	74	0.543
OAK	78	84	0.481	COL	88	74	0.543
LAA	74	88	0.457	SDP	85	77	0.525
SEA	70	92	0.432	LAD	81	81	0.500
				ARI	66	96	0.407

Notes: Yankees win the season series over the Rays to win the AL East. Giants win one game playoff over Rockies to win the NL West.

ALDS: Yankees over Athletics, Rays over Twins
NLDS: Giants over Cardinals, Reds over Mets

ALCS: Rays over Yankees
NLCS: Giants over Reds

World Series: Giants over Rays

Projection: May 24, 2010

2010-05-23T23:39:00.002-04:00

TBR	112	50	0.691	PHI	95	67	0.586
NYY	102	60	0.630	FLA	94	68	0.580
TOR	87	75	0.537	NYM	83	79	0.512
BOS	86	76	0.531	ATL	83	79	0.512
BAL	59	103	0.364	WAS	77	85	0.475

MIN	89	73	0.549	STL	98	64	0.605
CWS	80	82	0.494	CIN	90	72	0.556
DET	72	90	0.444	CHC	81	81	0.500
KC	67	95	0.414	MIL	75	87	0.463
CLE	66	96	0.407	HOU	61	101	0.377
				PIT	52	110	0.321

TEX	87	75	0.537	COL	87	75	0.537
LAA	77	85	0.475	SDP	86	76	0.531
OAK	77	85	0.475	SFG	81	81	0.500
SEA	69	93	0.426	LAD	81	81	0.500
				ARI	76	86	0.469

ALDS: Rays over Rangers, Yankees over Twins
NLDS: Marlins over Cardinals, Phillies over Rockies

ALCS: Rays over Yankees, Marlins over Phillies

World Series: Marlins over Rays

Projection: May 17, 2010

2010-05-17T18:44:00.001-04:00

NYY	107	55	0.660	PHI	95	67	0.586
TBR	107	55	0.660	FLA	93	69	0.574
TOR	87	75	0.537	NYM	84	78	0.519
BOS	83	79	0.512	WAS	78	84	0.481
BAL	63	99	0.389	ATL	78	84	0.481

MIN	89	73	0.549	STL	98	64	0.605
DET	76	86	0.469	CIN	85	77	0.525
CLE	75	87	0.463	MIL	83	79	0.512
CWS	73	89	0.451	CHC	80	82	0.494
KC	61	101	0.377	HOU	62	100	0.383
				PIT	53	109	0.327

TEX	80	82	0.494	SFG	89	73	0.549
LAA	79	83	0.488	COL	88	74	0.543
OAK	77	85	0.475	SDP	84	78	0.519
SEA	70	92	0.432	LAD	83	79	0.512
				ARI	70	92	0.432

ALDS: Yankees over Rangers, Rays over Twins
NLDS: Cardinals over Marlins, Giants over Phillies

ALCS: Yankees over Rays
NLCS: Giants over Cardinals

World Series: Yankees over Giants

Projection: May 10, 2010

2010-05-11T17:11:00.000-04:00

TBR	107	55	0.660	PHI	93	69	0.574
NYY	106	56	0.654	NYM	89	73	0.549
TOR	86	76	0.531	FLA	88	74	0.543
BOS	82	80	0.506	WAS	77	85	0.475
BAL	62	100	0.383	ATL	75	87	0.463

MIN	91	71	0.562	STL	103	59	0.636
DET	76	86	0.469	MIL	88	74	0.543
CWS	76	86	0.469	CHC	78	84	0.481
CLE	70	92	0.432	CIN	77	85	0.475
KC	61	101	0.377	PIT	62	100	0.383
				HOU	59	103	0.364

OAK	88	74	0.543	SFG	89	73	0.549
TEX	78	84	0.481	COL	88	74	0.543
LAA	73	89	0.451	SDP	87	75	0.537
SEA	71	91	0.438	LAD	76	86	0.469
				ARI	74	88	0.457

ALDS: Rays over Athletics, Yankees over Twins
NLDS: Cardinals over Mets, Giants over Phillies

ALCS: Yankees over Rays
NLCS: Giants over Cardinals

World Series: Yankees over Giants

Projection: May 3, 2010

2010-05-02T23:01:00.002-04:00

TBR	105	57	0.648	FLA	92	70	0.568
NYY	104	58	0.642	PHI	90	72	0.556
TOR	83	79	0.512	NYM	89	73	0.549
BOS	81	81	0.500	ATL	79	83	0.488
BAL	63	99	0.389	WAS	71	91	0.438

MIN	85	77	0.525	STL	105	57	0.648
DET	82	80	0.506	CHC	87	75	0.537
CWS	74	88	0.457	MIL	83	79	0.512
CLE	70	92	0.432	CIN	76	86	0.469
KC	67	95	0.414	HOU	63	99	0.389
				PIT	55	107	0.340

OAK	88	74	0.543	SFG	87	75	0.537
SEA	76	86	0.469	LAD	84	78	0.519
TEX	75	87	0.463	COL	84	78	0.519
LAA	74	88	0.457	SDP	82	80	0.506
				ARI	76	86	0.469

ALDS: Rays over Twins, Yankees over Athletics
NLDS: Cardinals over Phillies, Giants over Marlins

ALCS: Yankees over Rays
NLCS: Giants over Cardinals

World Series: Yankees over Giants

Projection: April 26, 2010

2010-04-26T04:59:00.002-04:00

TBR	102	60	0.630	PHI	89	73	0.549
NYY	101	61	0.623	FLA	89	73	0.549
BOS	83	79	0.512	NYM	89	73	0.549
TOR	82	80	0.506	ATL	80	82	0.494
BAL	64	98	0.395	WAS	71	91	0.438

MIN	87	75	0.537	STL	102	60	0.630
DET	76	86	0.469	CHC	89	73	0.549
CWS	75	87	0.463	MIL	87	75	0.537
CLE	71	91	0.438	CIN	73	89	0.451
KC	68	94	0.420	HOU	68	94	0.420
				PIT	55	107	0.340

OAK	92	70	0.568	LAD	86	76	0.531
LAA	76	86	0.469	COL	84	78	0.519
SEA	76	86	0.469	SFG	82	80	0.506
TEX	74	88	0.457	SDP	80	82	0.494
				ARI	79	83	0.488

Notes: Phillies win division and Marlins win Wild Card based on tie breakers and play-in games.

ALDS: Rays over Twins, Yankees over Athletics
NLDS: Cardinals over Marlins, Dodgers over Phillies

ALCS: Yankees over Rays
NLCS: Cardinals over Dodgers

World Series: Cardinals over Yankees

Projection: April 19, 2010

2010-04-19T06:11:00.002-04:00

NYY	101	61	0.623	ATL	93	69	0.574
TBR	92	70	0.568	FLA	92	70	0.568
TOR	87	75	0.537	PHI	84	78	0.519
BOS	85	77	0.525	NYM	80	82	0.494
BAL	66	96	0.407	WAS	70	92	0.432

MIN	84	78	0.519	STL	104	58	0.642
CWS	76	86	0.469	CHC	88	74	0.543
DET	76	86	0.469	MIL	84	78	0.519
CLE	76	86	0.469	CIN	75	87	0.463
KC	71	91	0.438	PIT	66	96	0.407
				HOU	62	100	0.383

OAK	90	72	0.556	LAD	88	74	0.543
LAA	76	86	0.469	SFG	86	76	0.531
SEA	75	87	0.463	COL	81	81	0.500
TEX	72	90	0.444	ARI	78	84	0.481
				SDP	72	90	0.444

ALDS: Yankees over Twins, Athletics over Rays
NLDS: Cardinals over Marlins, Braves over Dodgers

ALCS: Yankees over Athletics
NLCS: Cardinals over Braves

World Series: Cardinals over Yankees

Projection: April 12, 2010

2010-04-12T05:15:00.003-04:00

NYY	98	64	0.605	ATL	94	68	0.580
BOS	95	67	0.586	FLA	89	73	0.549
TOR	93	69	0.574	PHI	88	74	0.543
TBR	81	81	0.500	NYM	82	80	0.506
BAL	70	92	0.432	WAS	67	95	0.414

MIN	83	79	0.512	STL	104	58	0.642
DET	81	81	0.500	CHC	89	73	0.549
CWS	77	85	0.475	MIL	86	76	0.531
CLE	74	88	0.457	CIN	78	84	0.481
KC	66	96	0.407	PIT	65	97	0.401
				HOU	60	102	0.370

OAK	90	72	0.556	LAD	94	68	0.580
LAA	73	89	0.451	ARI	81	81	0.500
SEA	73	89	0.451	COL	80	82	0.494
TEX	73	89	0.451	SFG	79	83	0.488
				SDP	67	95	0.414

Note: Marlins win play-in game over the Cubs

ALDS: Yankees over Twins, Athletics over Red Sox
NLDS: Marlins over Cardinals, Braves over Dodgers

ALCS: Yankees over Athletics
NLCS: Marlins over Braves

World Series: Marlins over Yankees

2010 Major League Baseball Projections (Revised)

2010-04-05T18:44:00.003-04:00

There was a major flaw which I had missed when first posting these projections. Here are the revisions.

BOS	95	67	0.586	FLA	92	70	0.568
NYY	94	68	0.580	ATL	92	70	0.568
TOR	90	72	0.556	PHI	81	81	0.500
TBR	84	78	0.519	NYM	78	84	0.481
BAL	73	89	0.451	WAS	74	88	0.457

MIN	82	80	0.506	STL	102	60	0.630
CLE	78	84	0.481	CHC	93	69	0.574
CWS	76	86	0.469	MIL	87	75	0.537
DET	75	87	0.463	CIN	78	84	0.481
KC	70	92	0.432	PIT	66	96	0.407
				HOU	63	99	0.389

SEA	85	77	0.525	LAD	94	68	0.580
OAK	82	80	0.506	ARI	80	82	0.494
LAA	79	83	0.488	SFG	77	85	0.475
TEX	64	98	0.395	COL	75	87	0.463
				SDP	71	91	0.438

Note: Marlins win play-in game over the Braves

ALDS: Red Sox over Twins, Yankees over Mariners
NLDS: Cardinals over Marlins, Dodgers over Cubs

ALCS: Yankees over Red Sox
NLCS: Cardinals over Dodgers

World Series: Cardinals over Yankees

2010 Major League Baseball Projections

2010-03-31T19:59:00.002-04:00

BOS	95	67	0.586	FLA	92	70	0.568
TOR	95	67	0.586	ATL	92	70	0.568
NYY	94	68	0.580	PHI	81	81	0.500
TBR	83	79	0.512	NYM	78	84	0.481
BAL	72	90	0.444	WAS	74	88	0.457

MIN	82	80	0.506	STL	102	60	0.630
CLE	77	85	0.475	CHC	93	69	0.574
CWS	76	86	0.469	MIL	87	75	0.537
DET	75	87	0.463	CIN	78	84	0.481
KC	69	93	0.426	PIT	66	96	0.407
				HOU	63	99	0.389

SEA	84	78	0.519	LAD	94	68	0.580
OAK	82	80	0.506	ARI	80	82	0.494
LAA	79	83	0.488	SFG	77	85	0.475
TEX	64	98	0.395	COL	75	87	0.463
				SDP	71	91	0.438

Note: Marlins win play-in game over the Braves

ALDS: Red Sox over Twins, Mariners over Blue Jays
NLDS: Cardinals over Marlins, Dodgers over Cubs

ALCS: Red Sox over Mariners
NLCS: Cardinals over Dodgers

World Series: Cardinals over Red Sox

2010 Texas Rangers

2010-03-07T20:41:00.000-05:00

I do not understand the excitement about the Rangers this season. I understand they had a very good season last year and many hope for them to build upon that, but there are many glaring concerns within their team.

In their projected starting lineup they have players that do not fit any role on a good major league team.

Vladimir Guerrero is not the hitter he used to be. He is still capable of putting up decent numbers, but not enough to be a middle of the order hitter that he used to be. He is a below average outfielder and the Rangers plan on using him as a designated hitter for that reason.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia has not proven to be the star catcher that he was heralded to be in the Braves minor league system. Catchers are not known to be great offensive players and it would be unfair to just Saltalamacchia on offense alone, but his defense has been below average and if he can’t handle it behind the plate, he needs to learn to hit a bit more in order to be a useful major leaguer.

Elvis Andrus came up with fanfare and had a great start to the season, but tailed off a bit in the end. Shortstop is another position which is not known for great offensive production, although lately that has changed, and he hasn’t shown to have a solid role as a hitter. He also needs to improve his fielding a little bit if he wants to be an everyday major leaguer.

Josh Hamilton has been a terrific story and had a breakout 2008 season, but in 2009 he broke down and was often injured. So far it appears he continues to find himself injury prone and he cannot be relied upon to perform to his allstar caliber unless he proves he can stay on the field consistency.

The starting rotation has a few question marks. Last year, the Rangers had Kevin Millwood as their anchor in the rotation, and he’s no longer around. Colby Lewis is back from Japan and has apparently improved as a starting pitcher, but he has yet to prove anything positive in a regular season major league game. Derek Holland has had many bumps and bruises in the major leagues so far and cannot be relied upon to be a solid member of the Rangers starting rotation.

Chris Ray is the only true concern from the bullpen. It is hard to determine how someone will come back from Tommy John surgery. The first year back, Chris Ray was just trying to get himself into physical pitching shape so the second year is truly where he will be as a pitcher. The main concern now is can he have confidence in having full use of his arm? Sometimes the mental hurdle is more difficult than the physical recovery.

With so many questions and uncertainties, how can Texas be ready to take the next step. Though the American League West is very weak this year, the Texas Rangers can’t be expected to be in competition for a playoff spot this season.

Joe Nathan with pain in right elbow

2010-03-07T15:12:00.000-05:00

Joe Nathan has the pedigree of being one of the better closers in the game, so hearing something like this might frighten the Twins fan. If Nathan is gone for an extended period of time, Pat Neshek or Jose Mijares could fill in very well as the closer for the Twins. If Ron Gardenhire feels it necessary, Neshek and Mijares can share the role coming from both sides, but one of those pitcher can handle the job themselves just as well until Nathan comes back. There’s no need for panic.

Russell Martin out with groin pull

2010-03-07T15:01:00.001-05:00

Dodgers will not need to worry with the brief loss of Russell Martin. Coming into this season, he would best fit the eighth slot in the lineup. His bat isn’t over impressive, but he is a good fielding catcher. The Dodgers have Brad Ausmus and A.J. Ellis on their roster who can both fill in for Martin. Ausmus is a better fielder and can bat ninth if that’s the direction Joe Torre wants to go, but A.J. Ellis is an equal fielder to Martin and has more tools with his bat. He can hit for a better average and have a very good on base percentage.

I would expect this injury to delay Martin from starting opening day and I would recommend Ellis to start. Ellis has enough capabilities to start by hitting eighth, but if needed he could leadoff or bat third as he proves himself in the majors.

Projections: March 2010

2010-03-01T18:50:00.000-05:00

NYY	101	61	0.623	ATL	92	70	0.568
BOS	95	67	0.586	PHI	88	74	0.543
TOR	84	78	0.519	FLA	83	79	0.512
TBR	84	78	0.519	NYM	83	79	0.512
BAL	72	90	0.444	WAS	75	87	0.463

MIN	86	76	0.531	STL	100	62	0.617
DET	84	78	0.519	CHC	84	78	0.519
CHW	77	85	0.475	CIN	79	83	0.488
CLE	71	91	0.438	MIL	79	83	0.488
KC	67	95	0.414	HOU	68	94	0.420
				PIT	66	96	0.407

OAK	82	80	0.506	LAD	94	68	0.580
LAA	80	82	0.494	SFG	85	77	0.525
SEA	80	82	0.494	ARI	76	86	0.469
TEX	69	93	0.426	COL	74	88	0.457
				SDP	72	90	0.444

Felipe Lopez: Signed one year contract with Cardinals

2010-03-01T17:03:00.002-05:00

Felipe Lopez is a terrific offensive player and a good addition to the Cardinals. He is a better player than Skip Schumaker and should start for the Cardinals on opening day. Lopez can lead off or hit in the middle of the order. His versatility on the field or in the batting order gives Tony LaRussa endless possibilities.

The Cardinals should invest in an additional center fielder such as Darin Erstad, Ryan Freel or Joey Gathright.

Rod Barajas: Signed one year deal with Mets

2010-03-01T16:54:00.002-05:00

Rod Barajas is a good defensive catcher and will be a nice pickup for the Mets. Ideally, Josh Thole should get the job and Barajas can be used as a backup catcher, but he can start if the Mets find the adequate offense in their lineup. Omir Santos, Rod Barajas, and Henry Blanco are similar catchers. Both Blanco and Santos can hit for a higher average than Barajas. Even Thole can handle himself well behind the plate and has the superior bat to any other option. The Mets should invest in a first baseman like Nomar Garciaparra, Rich Aurilia, or Greg Norton.

Jonny Gomes: Signed one year deal with Reds

2010-03-01T16:52:00.002-05:00

Jonny Gomes was the last remaining hitter with true power in the free agent market. He is a fantastic pickup for a Reds team that needs more power in their lineup. He can play the outfield well enough to allow his power bat to start everyday. The Reds needed more power and now they have it.

Russell Branyan: Signed one year deal with Indians

2010-02-24T20:11:00.002-05:00

Russell Branyan is exactly what the Indians needed. They needed power in the middle of the lineup and they can easily slide him into first base. Branyan might strike out a lot but he knows how to mash the ball and he completes the Indians roster for the 2010 season.

Chien-Ming Wang: Signed one year deal with Nationals

2010-02-22T22:10:00.002-05:00

Chien-Ming Wang hasn't proven that he can overcome his string of injuries and lack of production. He was last seen throwing batting practice to everybody and there's no reason to see him reverting back to his dominating days. His batting practice days will continue. The Nationals still need another starter such as Noah Lowry, Pedro Martinez, Jarrod Washburn, or Jamey Wright.

Johnny Damon: Signed one year deal with Tigers

2010-02-22T22:02:00.002-05:00

Johnny Damon is a good major league left fielder. He can only field in left field at this point in his career and will be serviceable. He also can provide a very good on base percentage. He can leadoff if the Tigers want to start him, however they have players who can provide an even better on base percentage. Damon adds very good depth because he has plenty of skills to be used off the bench.

Mike MacDougal: Signed minor league contract with Marlins

2010-02-22T21:51:00.002-05:00

Mike MacDougal is not a major league pitcher and shouldn't be on the Marlins for any significant length of time. He walks too many and gives up too many hits to be trusted in any situation. The Marlins have nine good relief pitchers, so they are in good shape for this season.

Jose Molina: Signed one year deal with Blue Jays

2010-02-22T21:48:00.002-05:00

Jose Molina is a perfect fit for the Blue Jays. They were in dire need of a catcher that provides good defense which John Buck or Raul Chavez do not provide. Molina should start for the Blue Jays on opening day. Their major league roster is complete for the 2010 season.

Ron Villone: Signed minor league contract with Nationals

2010-02-21T16:47:00.002-05:00

Ron Villone doesn't provide anything of significance to a major league team. He was signed to pitch in the minors and that's where he should remain for this season. He allows too many baserunners to be relied upon as a reliever. The Nationals have the talent to fill their bullpen, but they still need an additional starter. Noah Lowry, Pedro Martinez, Jarrod Washburn, or Jamey Wright could fill that role well this season.

Dustin Moseley: Signed minor league contract with Yankees

2010-02-21T16:39:00.002-05:00

Dustin Moseley is a good major league pitcher as long as he is solely used in the bullpen. His skills are not useful as a starter, but has proven to be a valuable arm from the bullpen. He should start the season in the major leagues, but even if he doesn't I would expect him to be in the majors quickly.

Fantasy Players: Pitchers

2010-02-18T17:54:00.002-05:00

1. Zack Greinke, KC
2. Tim Lincecum, SFG
3. Dan Haren, ARI
4. Chris Carpenter, STL
5. Felix Hernandez, SEA
6. Roy Halladay, PHI
7. Johan Santana, NYM
8. Brandon Webb, AR
9. Josh Johnson, FLA
10. Tommy Hanson, ATL
11. C.C. Sabathia, NYY
12. Adam Wainwright, STL
13. Josh Beckett, BOS
14. Shaun Marcum, TOR
15. Erik Bedard, SEA
16. Ben Sheets, OAK
17. Wandy Rodriguez, HOU
18. Ted Lilly, CHC
19. Freddy Garcia, CWS
20. Edwin Jackson, DET
21. Javier Vazquez, NYY
22. Madison Bumgarner, SFG
23. Brian Duensing, MIN
24. Tim Hudson, ATL
25. Jon Lester, BOS
26. Cliff Lee, SEA
27. Cole Hamels, PHI
28. J.A. Happ, PHI
29. Jered Weaver, LAA
30. Edinson Volquez, CIN
31. Justin Verlander, DET
32. Justin Duchscherer, OAK
33. Randy Wolf, MIL
34. Randy Wells, CHC
35. Jake Peavy, CWS
36. Ubaldo Jimenez, COL
37. Matt Cain, SFG
38. Chad Billingsley, LAD
39. Jair Jurrjens, ATL
40. Hiroki Kuroda, LAD
41. Scott Baker, MIN
42. Yovani Gallardo, MIl
43. Wade Davis, TB
44. Bronson Arroyo, CIN
45. Clayton Kershaw, LAD
46. Brett Anderson, OAK
47. Rich Harden, TEX
48. Jorge De La Rosa, COL
49. Anibal Sanchez, FLA
50. Roy Oswalt, HOU
51. Jon Danks, CWS
52. Ricky Nolasco, FLA
53. Alfredo Aceves, NYY
54. Ross Ohlendorf, PIT
55. Matt Garza, TB
56. Derek Lowe, ATL
57. Daisuke Matsuzaka, BOS
58. Gavin Floyd, CWS
59. Jeff Niemann, TB
60. Brad Bergesen, BAL
61. Zach Duke, PIT
62. Tommy Hunter, TEX
63. Carlos Zambrano, CHC
64. A.J. Burnett, NYY
65. Rick Porcello, DET
66. Jason Marquis, WSH
67. Mark Buehrle, CWS
68. Ryan Rowland-Smith, SEA
69. John Lackey, BOS
70. Marc Rzepczynski, TOR
71. John Maine, NYM
72. Max Scherzer, DET
73. David Price, TB
74. Joel Pineiro, LAA
75. Mat Latos, SDP
76. Jake Westbrook, CLE
77. Joe Saunders, LAA
78. Kevin Millwood, BAL
79. James Shields, TB
80. Kevin Slowey, MIN
81. John Lannan, WSH
82. Joe Blanton, PHI
83. Ryan Dempster, CHC
84. Carl Pavano, MIN
85. Ervin Santana, LAA
86. Kelvim Escobar, NYM
87. Aaron Harang, CIN
88. Brandon Morrow, TOR
89. Aaron Cook, COL
90. Fernando Nieve, NYM
91. Brian Matusz, BAL
92. Kenshin Kawakami, ATL
93. Andy Pettitte, NYY
94. Armando Galaragga, DET
95. Dallas Braden, OAK
96. Scott Feldman, TEX
97. Kevin Correia, SDP
98. Brad Penny, STL
99. Kyle Lohse, STL
100. Nick Blackburn, MIN
101. Johnny Cueto, CIN
102. Vicente Padilla, LAD
103. Scott Kazmir, LAA
104. Jonathan Sanchez, SFG
105. Ricky Romero. TOR
106. Justin Masterson, CLE
107. Franklin Morales, COL
108. Chris Volstad, FLA
109. J.D. Martin, WSH
110. Jon Garland, SDP
111. Josh Outman, OAK
112. Barry Zito, SFG
113. Paul Maholm, PIT
114. Doug Davis, MIL
115. Clayton Richard, SDP
116. Sean West, FLA
117. Jeremy Bonderman, DET
118. Kyle Davies, KC
119. Bud Norris, HOU
120. Brett Cecil, TOR
121. Manny Parra, MIL
122. Brian Bannister, KC
123. Brett Myers, HOU
124. Mike Pelfrey, NYM
125. Trevor Cahill, OAK
126. Jeff Francis, COL
127. David Huff, CLE
128. Jeremy Guthrie, BAL
129. Gil Meche, KC
130. Oliver Perez, NYM
131. Derek Holland, TEX
132. Billy Buckner, ARI
133. Aaron Laffey, CLE
134. Clay Buchholz, BOS
135. Chris Young, SDP
136. Felipe Paulino, HOU
137. Wade LeBlanc, SDP
138. Homer Bailey, CIN
139. Jesse Litsch, TOR
140. Charlie Haeger, LAD
141. Luke Hochevar, KC
142. Colby Lewis, TEX
143. Jason Hammel, COL
144. Garrett Mock, WSH
145. Tom Gorzelanny, PIT
146. Ian Snell, SEA
147. Kip Wells, CIN
148. Scott Olsen, WSH
149. Charlie Morton, PIT
150. Aroldis Chapman, CIN
151. Vin Mazzaro, OAK
152. Chris Tillman, BAL
153. Kevin Hart, PIT
154. Fausto Carmona, CLE
155. Koji Uehara, BAL
156. Jeff Suppan, MIL
157. Ian Kennedy, ARI

Projections: Spring Training

2010-02-17T18:16:00.002-05:00

NYY	101	61	0.623	PHI	91	71	0.562
TBR	87	75	0.537	ATL	90	72	0.556
TOR	85	77	0.525	FLA	81	81	0.500
BOS	80	82	0.494	NYM	80	82	0.494
BAL	71	91	0.438	WAS	78	84	0.481

MIN	89	73	0.549	STL	96	66	0.593
CHW	83	79	0.512	CHC	85	77	0.525
DET	79	83	0.488	MIL	79	83	0.488
CLE	71	91	0.438	CIN	80	82	0.494
KC	68	94	0.420	HOU	66	96	0.407
				PIT	65	97	0.401

OAK	83	79	0.512	LAD	95	67	0.586
SEA	81	81	0.500	SFG	88	74	0.543
LAA	79	83	0.488	ARI	79	83	0.488
TEX	72	90	0.444	COL	75	87	0.463
				SDP	73	89	0.451

Joaquin Benoit: Signed minor league contract with Rays

2010-02-16T18:14:00.002-05:00

Having Joaquin Benoit in the minor leagues is a great move for the Rays. As long as Benoit only makes relief appearances, he will be effective. Right now he is the seventh best reliever on the Rays, which means he adds good depth to their bullpen.

Endy Chavez: Signed minor league contract with Rangers

2010-02-16T18:12:00.002-05:00

Endy Chavez is a good major league player. Chavez is a very good outfielder and can play all three positions. His numbers might not excite you, but he will not strike out so he is good for situational hitting. In the majors, he can be a defensive replacement in the late innings, a pinch hitter because he will make contact, or even a number two hitter at the top of the batting order. He has plenty of skills the Rangers can utilize.

Willy Taveras: Signed minor league contract with Nationals

2010-02-16T18:03:00.002-05:00

Willy Taveras cannot help the Nationals this season. His batting average is in decline and he doesn't walk enough to improve his on base percentage. He has not displayed power and makes too many errors to be a good outfielder. He is a minor league player and should remain there all season.

I'm still going to suggest the Nationals trade Ryan Zimmerman for as many prospects as possible and boost their minor league system.

Fantasy Players: Outfielders

2010-02-15T18:45:00.003-05:00

1. Matt Holliday, STL
2. Ryan Braun, MIL
3. Carlos Beltran, NYM
4. Manny Ramirez, LAD
5. Andre Ethier, LAD
6. Garrett Jones, PIT
7. Shin-Soo Choo, CLE
8. Justin Upton, ARI
9. J.D. Drew, BOS
10. Conor Jackson, ARI
11. Andrew McCutchen, PIT
12. Jason Bay, NYM
13. Adam Lind, TOR
14. Jason Kubel, MIN
15. Bobby Abreu, LAA
16. Carlos Lee, HOU
17. Matt Kemp, LAD
18. Chris Coghlan, FLA
19. Nick Markakis, BAL
20. Denard Span, MIL
21. Raul Ibanez, PHI
22. Brad Hawpe, COL
23. Torii Hunter, LAA
24. Hideki Matsui, LAA
25. Josh Willingham, WSH
26. Ryan Ludwick, STL
27. Mike Cameron, BOS
28. Hunter Pence, HOU
29. Michael Cuddyer, MIL
30. Carl Crawford, TB
31. Shane Victorino, PHI
32. Chris Dickerson, CIN
33. Jayson Werth, PHI
34. Nolan Reimold, BAL
35. Nate McLouth, ATL
36. Jacoby Ellsbury, BOS
37. Scott Podsednik, KC
38. David DeJesus, KC
39. Josh Hamilton, TEX
40. Ichiro Suzuki, SEA
41. Julio Borbon, TEX
42. Matt Diaz, ATL
43. Gabe Kapler, TB
44. Nelson Cruz, TEX
45. Magglio Ordonez, DET
46. Rajai Davis, OAK
47. Dexter Fowler, COL
48. Milton Bradley, SEA
49. Cody Ross, FLA
50. Ryan Raburn, DET
51. Coco Crisp, OAK
52. Austin Jackson, DET
53. Nyjer Morgan, WSH
54. Juan Rivera, LAA
55. Ryan Sweeney, OAK
56. Randy Winn, NYY
57. Juan Pierre, CWS
58. Grady Sizemore, CLE
59. Kosuke Fukudome, CHC
60. Marlon Byrd, CHC
61. Luke Scott, BAL
62. Scott Hairston, SDP
63. Vladimir Guerrero, TEX
64. Mark Kotsay, CWS
65. Carlos Quentin, CWS
66. Curtis Granderson, NYY
67. Vernon Wells, TOR
68. Kyle Blanks, SDP
69. Adam Jones, BAL
70. B.J. Upton, TB
71. Alex Rios, CWS
72. Michael Brantley, CLE
73. Elijah Dukes, WSH
74. Nick Swisher, NYY
75. Chris Young, ARI
76. Carlos Gonzalez, COL
77. Ken Griffey Jr., SEA
78. Corey Hart, MIL
79. Delmon Young, MIN
80. Drew Stubbs, CIN
81. Will Venable, SDP
82. Melky Cabrera, ATL
83. Alfonso Soriano, CHC
84. Franklin Gutierrez, SEA
85. Jeff Francoeur, NYM
86. Michael Bourn, HOU
87. Jack Cust, OAK
88. Jay Bruce, CIN
89. Mark DeRosa, SFG
90. Cameron Maybin, FLA
91. Colby Rasmus, STL
92. Jose Bautista, TOR
93. Lastings Milledge, PIT
94. Aaron Rowand, SFG
95. Pat Burrell, TB
96. Nate Schierholtz, SFG
97. Rick Ankiel, KC
98. Carlos Gomez, MIL
99. Jose Guillen, KC
100. Travis Snider, TOR
101. Ryan Church, PIT
102. Jason Michaels, HOU
103. Ben Francisco, PHI
104. Fred Lewis, SFG
105. Eric Byrnes, SEA
106. Brett Gardner, NYY
107. Jody Gerut, MIL
108. Jerry Owens, WSH
109. Mitch Maier, KC
110. Felix Pie, BAL

Adam Kennedy: Signed one year deal with Nationals

2010-02-14T22:16:00.002-05:00

Adam Kennedy is a player that is just shy of having roles on a major league team. His on base percentage is just below what would be considered good. His batting average is just below being considered a top batting average. His doubles hitting is just below good for a doubles hitter. He doesn't field second base very well. He's not a good fit for the Nationals.

Juan Rincon: Signed minor league contract with Rockies

2010-02-14T22:10:00.003-05:00

The Rockies need more relief pitching, but Juan Rincon isn't the answer. He allows too many baserunners to be effective in any significant role in the majors. He should stay in the minors and the Rockies should continue looking for another reliever in their bullpen.

Remaining Relief Pitchers

Brandon Backe
Joe Beimel
Joaquin Benoit
Chad Bradford
Fernando Cabrera
Kevin Cameron
David Davidson
Alan Embree
Scott Eyre
Casey Fossum
Chad Fox
Tom Gordon
Mike Hinckley
Jason Isringhausen
Randy Johnson
Masahide Kobayashi
Justin Miller
Bill Murphy
Tomokazu Ohka
Horacio Ramirez
Rich Rundles
Billy Sadler
John Smoltz
Ken Takahashi
Brett Tomko
Luis Vizcaino
Jason Waddell
Doug Waechter
David Weathers

Mike Sweeney: Signed minor league contract with Mariners

2010-02-14T22:05:00.002-05:00

Mike Sweeney still has skills in the bat that can make him a useful major league player. He will not strike out a lot, which means he can be a good situational hitter. He can be used as a pinch hitter because you know if he swings, he will hit the ball in play which increases his chances of getting on base.

Mike Jacobs: Signed minor league contract with Mets

2010-02-14T22:00:00.002-05:00

Mike Jacobs has been known for power, but there are so many other flaws in his game, his power cannot make up for it. He doesn't post a good average or on base percentage. He can't field at first base. He doesn't have a complete enough package to be a useful major league player for the Mets.

Robb Quinlan: Signed minor league contract with Angels

2010-02-14T21:56:00.003-05:00

Robb Quinlan is a very good fielding first baseman. He doesn't hit major league pitching that well, but he can have a role on the Angels major league roster. He can provide late innings defense because he has a better glove than Kendry Morales.

Shawn Riggans: Signed minor league contract with Mets

2010-02-14T21:54:00.000-05:00

Shawn Riggans has not proven to be a good major league player. He doesn't field his position well as a catcher and doesn't do anything well with the bat. The Mets should keep him in the minors all year, because he cannot help them at all in the major leagues.

Kip Wells: Signed minor league contract with Reds

2010-02-14T21:47:00.001-05:00

If the Reds use Kip Wells consistently in the rotation, he can provide one of his best seasons. He would be a perfect starter to round out the Reds rotation and a solid veteran presence to help the younger pitchers.

Brian Giles: Signed minor league contract with Dodgers

2010-02-14T21:41:00.002-05:00

Brian Giles still has some major league baseball ability. He can provide a good on base percentage and will keep his strikeouts to a minimum. He can bat leadoff or second on occasion, but he would be a great player off the bench to pinch hit. He will consistently get good at bats and at least he will put the ball in play to advance runners.

Dana Eveland: Traded to Blue Jays

2010-02-14T21:37:00.002-05:00

Dana Eveland is a solid fifth starter. On the Blue Jays, he'd be the eighth best starting pitcher on their roster. This is a good move for the Blue Jays to have a major league back of the rotation pitcher in case of injuries throughout the season. Depth is also important for a long baseball season. The Blue Jays pitching is set for this season.

Fantasy Players: Shortstops

2010-02-12T11:29:00.002-05:00

1. Hanley Ramirez, FLA
2. Jose Reyes, NYM
3. Yunel Escobar, ATL
4. Troy Tulowitzki, COL
5. Jason Bartlett, TB
6. Erick Aybar, LAA
7. Derek Jeter, NYY
8. Asdrubal Cabrera, CLE
9. Stephen Drew, ARI
10. Marco Scutaro, BOS
11. Alexei Ramirez, CWS
12. Jimmy Rollins, PHI
13. Cliff Pennington, OAK
14. Orlando Cabrera, CIN
15. Ian Desmond, WSH
16. Rafael Furcal, LAD
17. Ryan Theriot, CHC
18. J.J. Hardy, MIN
19. Elvis Andrus, TEX
20. Brendan Ryan, STL
21. Everth Cabrera, SDP
22. Alcides Escobar, MIL
23. Yuniesky Betancourt, KC
24. Jack Wilson, SEA
25. Cesar Izturs, BAL
26. Adam Everett, DET
27. Edgar Renteria, SFG
28. Tommy Manzella, HOU
29. Ronny Cedeno, PIT
30. Juan Uribe, SFG
31. Alex Gonzalez, TOR
32. Joaquin Arias, TEX
33. Alfredo Amezaga, LAD
34. Alex Cora, NYM
35. Ramon Santiago, DET
36. Luis Rodriguez, CLE
37. Paul Janish, CIN

Fantasy Players: Third Basemen

2010-02-12T10:04:00.002-05:00

1. David Wright, NYM
2. Aramis Ramirez, CHC
3. Pablo Sandoval, SFG
4. Evan Longoria, TB
5. Chipper Jones, ATL
6. Alex Rodriguez, NYY
7. Michael Young, TEX
8. Ryan Zimmerman, WSH
9. Casey McGehee, MIL
10. Casey Blake, LAD
11. Scott Rolen, CIN
12. Jorge Cantu, FLA
13. Chone Figgins, SEA
14. Mark Reynolds, ARI
15. Miguel Tejada, BAL
16. Alex Gordon, KC
17. Ian Stewart, COL
18. Chase Headley, SDP
19. Adrian Beltre, BOS
20. Jhonny Peralta, CLE
21. David Freese, STL
22. Edwin Encarnaction, TOR
23. Placido Polanco, PHI
24. Brandon Inge, DET
25. Kevin Kouzmanoff, OAK
26. Mark Teahen, CWS
27. Brendan Harris, MIN
28. Pedro Feliz, HOU
29. Andy LaRoche, PIT
30. Mike Lowell, BOS
31. Brandon Wood, LAA
32. Jerry Hairston, SDP
33. Melvin Mora, COL
34. Jake Fox, OAK
35. Matt Tolbert, MIN
36. John McDonald, TOR
37. Tony Graffanino, CLE

Fantasy Players: Second Basemen

2010-02-11T21:55:00.003-05:00

1. Dustin Pedroia, BOS
2. Chase Utley, PHI
3. Ian Kinsler, TEX
4. Ben Zobrist, TB
5. Brian Roberts, BAL
6. Martin Prado, ATL
7. Orlando Hudson, MIN
8. Scott Sizemore, DET
9. Robinson Cano, NYY
10. Gordon Beckham, CWS
11. Brandon Phillips, CIN
12. Kelly Johnson, ARI
13. Jose Lopez, SEA
14. Aaron Hill, TOR
15. Mike Fontenot, CHC
16. Luis Castillo, NYM
17. Skip Schumaker, STL
18. Howie Kendrick, LAA
19. Dan Uggla, FLA
20. Akinori Iwamura, PIT
21. Mark Ellis, OAK
22. Kaz Matsui, HOU
23. Clint Barmes, COL
24. Rickie Weeks, MIL
25. Freddy Sanchez, SFG
26. Ron Belliard, LAD
27. Chris Gets, KC
28. Luis Valbuena, CLE
29. Eric Sogard, OAK
30. David Eckstein, SDP
31. Cristian Guzman, WSH
32. Craig Counsell, MIL
33. Alberto Callaspo, KC
34. Ryan Raburn, DET
35. Mark Grudzielanek, CLE
36. Blake DeWitt, LAD
37. Aaron Miles, CIN
38. Alberto Gonzalez, WSH
39. Alexi Casilla, MIN

Fantasy Players: First Basemen

2010-02-11T17:49:00.002-05:00

1. Albert Pujols, STL
2. Kevin Youkilis, BOS
3. Lance Berkman, HOU
4. Joey Votto, CIN
5. Mark Teixeira, NYY
6. Prince Fielder, MIL
7. Gaby Sanchez, FLA
8. Derrek Lee, CHC
9. Miguel Cabrera, DET
10. Justin Morneau, MIN
11. Adrian Gonzalez, SDP
12. Todd Helton, COL
13. Adam Dunn, WSH
14. Ryan Howard, PHI
15. Carlos Pena, TB
16. Troy Glaus, ATL
17. Kendry Morales, LAA
18. Adam LaRoche, ARI
19. Daniel Murphy, NYM
20. Lyle Overbay, TOR
21. James Loney, LAD
22. Billy Butler, KC
23. Aubrey Huff, SFG
24. Paul Konerko, CWS
25. Casey Kotchman, SEA
26. Michael Aubrey, BAL
27. Chris Davis, TEX
28. Daric Barton, OAK
29. Matt LaPorta, CLE
30. Tommy Everidge, SEA
31. Garrett Jones, PIT
32. Jeff Clement, PIT
33. Jesus Guzman, SFG
34. Doug Mientkiewicz, LAD

Fantasy Players: Catchers

2010-02-11T16:41:00.002-05:00

1. Joe Mauer, MIN
2. Brian McCann, ATL
3. Jorge Posada, NYY
4. Miguel Montero, ARI
5. Ryan Doumit, PIT
6. Victor Martinez, BOS
7. Geovany Soto, CHC
8. Mike Napoli, LAA
9. Lou Marson, CLE
10. Chris Iannetta, COL
11. A.J. Pierzynski, CWS
12. Carlos Ruiz, PHI
13. John Baker, FLA
14. Bengie Molina, SFG
15. Kurt Suzuki, OAK
16. Yadier Molina, STL
17. John Buck, TOR
18. Gregg Zaun, MIL
19. Matt Wieters, BAL
20. Ramon Hernandez, CIN
21. Omir Santos, NYM
22. Russell Martin, LAD
23. Ivan Rodriguez, WSH
24. Nick Hundley, SDP
25. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, TEX
26. Jason Kendall, KC
27. Rob Johnson, SEA
28. Gerald Laird, DET
29. Dioner Navarro, TB
30. David Ross, ATL
31. J.R. Towles, HOU
32. Jamie Burke, WSH
33. Kelly Shoppach, TB
34. Ryan Hanigan, CIN
35. Kevin Cash, HOU

Jesus Colome: Signed minor league contract with Mariners

2010-02-10T18:31:00.002-05:00

Jesus Colome is a good relief pitcher. He would be ninth in the pecking order and since no team carries nine relievers, he should start the season in the minor leagues. If the Mariners need another arm, he will be there for their use.

Todd Wellemeyer: Signed minor league contract with Giants

2010-02-10T18:21:00.002-05:00

Todd Wellemeyer is a good number four starter on any team. I think he should make the opening day roster for the Giants as a fifth starter. He is better than Jonathan Sanchez and will make the Giants rotation a little stronger.

Will Ohman: Signed minor league contract with Orioles

2010-02-10T18:19:00.001-05:00

Will Ohman is a good relief pitcher. He should start the season in the minor leagues and if the Orioles need a relief pitcher, he will be there to be called upon. This is a good move and adds depth to an already solid bullpen.

Yorvit Torrealba: Signed one year deal with Padres

2010-02-10T18:08:00.002-05:00

Yorvit Torrealba is a good fielding, veteran catcher. I think the Padres should start Dusty Ryan at catcher, but Torrealba can be a good mentor and backup because he has a similar skill set.

The Padres need a gap hitting second baseman and Felipe Lopez is still available for them.

Marcus Thames: Signed minor league contract with Yankees

2010-02-10T18:03:00.002-05:00

Marcus Thames is known for his power in his bat and nothing else. The reason why he should remain in the minors for the season is because he can't hit for a high enough average to be worth the power output. He is also not a good fielder and with his high strikeout rate, he's a feast or famine hitter the Yankees do not need in their lineup. He might be good for a big bat off the bench, but I would leave him in the minors for the season.

Randy Winn: Signed one year deal with Yankees

2010-02-10T17:59:00.003-05:00

Randy Winn fits the final hole in the Yankees lineup. They needed a left fielder than can provide a good on base percentage. He is also a good fielding left fielder, which can save possible runs. The Yankees have filled the last hole in their lineup and are ready for opening day.

Erik Bedard: Signed one year deal with Mariners

2010-02-10T17:52:00.003-05:00

Erik Bedard has number one starter stuff if he stays healthy. On the Mariners, he would probably be slated as the number two starter followed by Cliff Lee who is also good enough to be a number one starter. The Mariners top of the rotation can only be compared with the Diamondbacks with three top starters at the top of the rotation. This adds depth and such strength to their rotation, they will be in every game. Hopefully they can score enough runs to help the starters.

Kevin Gregg: Signed one year deal with Blue Jays

2010-02-10T17:46:00.003-05:00

Kevin Gregg is a solid relief pitcher and should be in the opening day bullpen. Even better for the Blue Jays, Gregg doesn't need to be the closer for the team, but he has closing experience before so he knows how to pitch in difficult situations. This is a good move and adds depth to a good bullpen.

Melvin Mora: Signed one year deal with Rockies

2010-02-10T17:42:00.003-05:00

This is a terrific deal for the Rockies. They needed a third baseman and they needed a play that doesn't strike out a lot to bat second in the lineup. Melvin Mora fits both of those roles and the Rockies are rounding out their starting lineup with this move. Because Mora puts the ball in play, it will help advance the leadoff hitter when he gets on base.

The one main aspect the Rockies lack is power. Jonny Gomes would be a good investment to play left field and hit in the middle of the order.

Luis Hernandez: Signed minor league contract with Mets

2010-02-10T17:38:00.002-05:00

Luis Hernandez is a solid major league shortstop. The Mets can start him in the minor leagues, but there are a few of his skills that are translatable in the majors. He is a very good fielding shortstop and he doesn't strike out a lot. If the Mets needed him, he can be defensive replacement in the late innings for shortstop or he can pinch hit because you know at least the ball will be in play. He will not hit for a great average, but it is important for the pinch hitter to make contact because he can get a hit or the defense can make an error.

Kevin Millar: Signed minor league contract with Cubs

2010-02-10T17:34:00.001-05:00

Kevin Millar is at the end of his major league career. He seems like a great clubhouse guy, but that only goes far if you can produce on the field. His bat seems to have slowed and won't provide any consistency. He also isn't known to have a great glove. Millar should spend the season in the minor leagues for the Cubs.

Marco Estrada: Claimed off Waivers by Brewers

2010-02-10T17:30:00.002-05:00

Marco Estrada is not a good major league pitcher. He should spend the season in the minor leagues. He allows too many hits to be effective out of the bullpen. The Brewers already have twelve solid relief pitchers so they are very deep if they have injuries. If Estrada makes the major league roster, it unnecessarily weakens what could be a strong bullpen for the Brewers.

Alfredo Amezaga: Signed minor league contract with Dodgers

2010-02-10T17:26:00.002-05:00

Alfredo Amezaga is a solid fielding infielder. He can play the outfield positions, but he is much stronger on the infield. He's not a great major league hitter, but his defense on the infield can make up for that. I would have Alfredo Amezaga start at shortstop because he can offer the best of that the Dodgers need out of their shortstop and that's defense. I cannot rely on Rafael Furcal to play consistent defense at the shortstop position.

Seth McClung: Signed minor league contract with Marlins

2010-02-10T17:21:00.002-05:00

If Seth McClung is given the ball every five days, he'd be a solid number three starter on any rotation. For the Marlins he can be slotted in the rotation in the number four slot which demonstrates the strength of the existing Marlins rotation. McClung should make the opening day rotation. The Marlins have the players for a good pitching staff.

Orlando Cabrera: Signed one year deal with Reds

2010-02-10T12:48:00.002-05:00

Orland Cabrera is a good hitting major league player. He consistently puts the ball in play and rarely strikes out. For the purposes of the Cincinnati Reds, Paul Janish can fill a bigger role than Orlando Cabrera. Cabrera would be an excellent pinch hitter off the bench for the Reds.

Guillermo Mota: Signed minor league contract with Giants

2010-02-10T01:31:00.001-05:00

Guillermo Mota is a very good relief pitcher. The Giants should put him in the bullpen and use him as one of the set up men. Before this signing the Giants had a good bullpen, but Mota makes it better. The depth of the bullpen is very good and if anyone is to get hurt this season, the Giants have the personnel to replace them. Signing Mota was an excellent job.

Jeff Weaver: Signed minor league contract with Dodgers

2010-02-10T01:19:00.002-05:00

Jeff Weaver is not a major league pitcher. The Dodgers have a solid rotation and bullpen already they can't use Weaver. It would be best for the Dodgers to leave Weaver in the minor leagues because he won't be able to contribute to the Dodgers success this season.