Bringing and Killing the Hype

Kansas City Royals

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.