Coming into this season, there was no question the Dodgers would be able to score runs.Their major flaw was in their pitching staff with both the starting rotation and the bullpen.Some of these questions have been addressed during the Dodgers’ fast start.
Jonathan Broxton is in his first full season as the Dodgers closer and though he has the skills, it was unclear how he would perform as the full-time closer.In past years, when he was slotted in to be the closer from time to time, he was inconsistent.So far into this young season, he has been as good as anybody could be.He has 4 saves and given up only one hit.He has yet to walk anybody.In these days, with such importance of the bullpen, there is much discussion that pitchers need defined roles.Perhaps previously as the set up man, he did not feel as secure as a closer.Now the role is defined for him as the closer and he is now dominating the opposition.
Ramon Troncoso is a middle reliever in the Dodgers bullpen.When thinking about how good a team is, you think starting pitching, offensive lineup, and defense.Even when thinking about the quality of the bullpen, you think closer and maybe set up man, but this guy is key.I see Troncoso eventually solidifying the set up role to Jonathan Broxton.He has been much better than expected as a middle reliever.He throws strikes and induces more ground balls than balls hit into the air.He will take full advantage of the good infield defense behind him.
Randy Wolf has performed better than expected so far this year.One major concern was the depth of the rotation and Wolf was seen as a stabilizing force.He will give you an ERA in the low to mid 4s and will keep the Dodgers in the game on a consistent basis.With a solid offense behind him, he can put together one of his highest win totals in his career.
They’ve had a pleasant start to the season.Last year, they were to be a playoff contender and never got it started.This year is a rebuilding year and they seem to be having some better results in the early going.
Jarrod Washburn has really not been the dominant pitching the Mariners hoped they’d be getting when they signed him after the 2005 season.He was hurt last year which minimized his innings and his effectiveness, but his first start this season was very impressive.It’s tough to take a lot from the first start of the season, except it shows that he still has talent.He went 8 innings and did not break the 100 pitch count.He was efficient, effective, and did not allow any runs to the Minnesota Twins.The Twins aren’t the greatest team, but they have some good hitters.
Mark Lowe had his first full big league season last year with plenty of ups and downs.I am not here to say that this is over, but he’s yet to give up a run in two innings, which doesn’t sound terribly impressive, but I’ll continue.His first outing, he blew away the Twins facing 3 batters and striking out 2.His second outing against Oakland wasn’t as dominating, but the key to relieving is being about to pitch out of trouble and make the pitches to get the proper results.After allowing a hit and a walk to the first two batters of the eighth inning with the tying run in the batter’s box, he induced a double play followed by a ground out.Although, he worked into trouble, he had the capability to get himself out of trouble taking advantage of the good defense behind him.
Adrian Beltre is not blowing the cover off the ball with overwhelming statistics, but he’s been involved in winning for the Mariners.I had low expectations for him and he’s been better than that.Also, I never took into account it’s another contract year.His last contract year, he was phenomenal hitting .334 with 48 HR and 121 RBI, all three being career highs that he’s never come close to any other season.It’s only been one week and I’m sure he’ll regress a little from his decent start but he’s a player to take not of on this team.
Erik Bedard has had a good start to the year.He had a decent start his first time out and a dominating start afterwards.He was hurt last year and never was able to string together quality results.Now he looks healthy and possible poised to return to his form of two years ago, before his late season injury.He threw 102 pitches in 8-1/3 innings while not giving up a run.This the Erik Bedard the Mariners were hoping to get last year.
There is huge excitement about the prospects of the Kansas City Royals this season, however, there are a few reasons to curb your enthusiasm. There's no denying the fact the Royals added some offense by trading for Mike Jacobs (1B/DH) from the Marlins and Coco Crisp (OF) from the Red Sox, but there are issues with the lineup. Billy Butler (1B/DH) is a young hitter the Royals are very high on, but I don't believe he's ready for the major leagues yet, not the way the Royals expect him to hit and he's expected to be in the middle of the lineup. The pitching staff has major concerns. Zack Greinke is coming off a very good season and there's no reason why he can't repeat but two of their young pitchers in Brian Bannister and Luke Hochevar will be starting in the minors this season and taking their place on the major league roster are Sidney Ponson and Horacio Ramirez, neither are strong starters.
Colorado Rockies
The 2007 National League Champions are coming off a rough 2008, but they will rebound this year and be in the playoff hunt. They benefit from a weak NL West but they also have good personnel. Jeff Francis was lost for the year, but their rotation will be able to handle the loss. Aaron Cook proved last year he was able to be a number one starter on the Rockies. Matt Holliday (OF) was traded to the Oakland Athletics, but Seth Smith (OF) will be a more than adequate replacement for Holliday in left field. Brad Hawpe (OF) had a down year, Todd Helton (1B) is heathier, and Troy Tulowitzki (SS) is back and ready to continue on what he had done in 2007, his rookie year. The Rockies have the strongest offense in their division and their pitching will be good enough to carry them to a division title.
Arizona Diamondbacks
This year's most overrated team goes to the Diamondbacks. Justin Upton (OF) will have the breakout season everyone is looking for, but the rest of the offense is mediocre at best. Chad Tracy (1B/3B) is not an ideal offensive first baseman, Mark Reynolds (3B) swings and misses at intentional ball four, and Chris Young (OF) does not have the on base percentage of a leadoff hitter. They don't have adequate table setters and those who drive in those table setters aren't strong. There's no big middle of the order threat. The pitching is the strong suit of the team, however Jon Garland is not as great starter. He had one terrific season with 18 wins, his other 18 win season was a product of strong offensive support. He gives a high ERA and will eat up innings, he more of the ideal five pitcher, but he'll be either the number three or number four pitcher. The bullpen the weakest part of their pitching staff. Once Jon Rauch was taken from a no-hope situation in Washington, to a playoff race in Arizona, he was terrible with an ERA of over 6. Tom Gordon does not have major league stuff anymore. Doug Slaten is not overly impressive. Even if they have leads, their bullpen will be prone to give it up and they won't be capable of regaining the lead. In the end, the starters will be pushed to extra innings and in September they will be hurt or completely tired.
