Double's 2006 Baseball Predictions
This is Christmas to me. The start of the 2006 baseball season. Is there anything better than this? I don’t think so. I have my annual predictions, and usually I am wrong, but I have a feeling this year is going to be a good one for me. Let me know what you think….
AL East
NY Yankees
Boston Red Sox
Baltimore Orioles
Toronto Blue Jays
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Most Important Player: David Ortiz
If A-Rod goes down, the Torre can put Shef, Giambi or Matsui into the cleanup spot. Their lineup is so deep that they can stay afloat and still win their division. But if Ortiz goes down, that is taking out too much from their lineup. Yes they have Manny, but who will protect Manny? Ortiz means too much to that lineup. He is the 2nd most important hitter in MLB to their respective team, next to Pujols.
Most Important Pitcher: Roy Halladay
Halladay means so much to the Jays. If he goes down, the Jays have no shot at the AL East. Granted, I believe they are over-hyped and can fall behind the O’s for 3rd place in the East, but as Halladay goes, so do the Jays. They are already without A.J. Burnett to start the season. They can not go without Halladay for a long period of time.
Most Overrated Player: Vernon Wells
Most Underrated Player: Trot Nixon (when healthy)
Most Overrated Pitcher: A.J. Burnett
Most Underrated Pitcher: Daniel Cabrera
Best Lineup: New York Yankees
Best Starting Rotation: Tie: Yankees and Boston Red Sox
Best Bullpen: New York Yankees
Best Bench: New York Yankees
Best Manager: Joe Torre
Analysis: The New York Yankees should win this division pretty handedly as long as one of their top pitchers doesn’t suffer a major injury that keeps him out for an extended period of time. But even if that happens, their lineup is so strong and deep that it can carry them into October. Now, the playoffs are a different story. The Red Sox are depending on their rotation to win them most of their games. Yes their lineup is still lethal, but they can break down at any time physically and mentally (Manny), and they’d still be good offensively. But if either Schilling or Beckett go down for a long period of time, that will be costly, just like the Yankees rotation. No, I’m not saying Schilling will be the Schilling of old, because he won’t be, but he is still crucial for the Red Sox success. Orioles have a great lineup, but can Mazzone get the most of their rotation? Benson was a great acquisition that went under the radar, and Daniel Cabrera has the stuff to be great. Toronto I feel is over-hyped. Halladay is great, but the big question also is can A.J. Burnett actually stay healthy? He hasn’t been during his career. And then the D-Rays are young and should win around 70-75 games this year.
AL Central
Chicago White Sox
Cleveland Indians
Minnesota Twins
Detroit Tigers
Kansas City Royals
Most Important Player: Torii Hunter
He is incredible defensively and means a lot to them offensively. And his leadership can’t be measured. The Twins fell out of the race once he went down last year. They can’t allow a repeat of that happening.
Most Important Pitcher: Johan Santana
That was an easy pick. Santana is so good, but he needs to pitch like he did post-all star break last season, and not like he did prior to the break. He is hands down the best pitcher in baseball, and if he pitches like it, he can bring them to the post season.
Most Overrated Player: Maglio Ordonez
Most Underrated Player: Travis Hafner
Most Overrated Pitcher: C.C. Sabathia
Most Underrated Pitcher: Jeremy Bonderman
Best Lineup: Tie: Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians
Best Starting Rotation: Chicago White Sox
Best Bullpen: Chicago White Sox
Best Bench: Chicago White Sox
Best Manager: Eric Wedge
Analysis: Chicago will be challenged by the Indians and Minnesota for that AL Central crown. And even the Tigers will give them trouble and can be very competitive. But this division is the White Sox to lose. They have a great rotation and only got better with the addition of Javier Vazquez. But the key question will be, can Bobby Jenks close out games for an entire season. The Indians are a great young team once again, but how bad will they feel the loss of Coco Crisp. He was an integral part of that team with his defense and offense. Minnesota is going to rely on their starting pitching and bullpen to bring them to the playoffs, but their offense will rely on three key players: Torii Hunter, Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. Detroit could possibly sneak up on people this year, but we’ve been saying that for the last 2 years. Good rotation though. And then there are the KC Royals. And there isn’t much to say about them but best of luck.
AL West
Oakland Athletics
Anaheim Angels
Texas Rangers
Seattle Mariners
Most Important Player: Vladimir Guerrero
He hasn’t had a healthy season for 3 years. His back can act up at any time, but even when he’s playing only at 70%, that is better than most players at 100%. He doesn’t have the speed like he used to and won’t be a 40/40 threat anymore, but he rarely strikes out and is so important to the success of the Angels.
Most Important Pitcher: Bartolo Colon
You could make a case for Rich Harden or Barry Zito, but the A’s are stocked with pitching. The Angels don’t have that luxury. The reigning Cy Young winner must stay healthy. The Angels offense isn’t as good as it has been in the past where it can carry them for the entire season. That is why they need Colon to come up big and stay healthy throughout the season.
Most Overrated Player: Darin Erstad
Most Underrated Player: Mark Ellis
Most Overrated Pitcher: Jeff Weaver
Most Underrated Pitcher: Joe Blanton
Best Lineup: Texas Rangers
Best Starting Rotation: Oakland Athletics
Best Bullpen: Oakland Athletics
Best Bench: Tie: Anaheim Angels and Oakland Athletics
Best Manager: Mike Soscia
Analysis: Many people are expecting Oakland to have a huge year and make a run for the championship. I am biased, but I 100% believe they can win the World Series based solely on their pitching staff. It is that good. If Harden stays healthy and Zito pitches consistently during the whole year they can win games and hold opponents to under 3 runs/game. The Rangers are excellent offensively, but their pitching staff is mediocre at best. The sleeper could be the Seattle Mariners. No one is expecting much from them, but Beltre seems like he’s primed to have a comeback year and their lineup is very good.
NL East
Atlanta Braves
New York Mets
Philadelphia Phillies
Washington Nationals
Florida Marlins
Most Important Player: Ryan Howard
He has high expectations this season after having a great season a year ago. But the big question is can he play 162? He played full time from July 1 and was a tough out in September. But the question remains, will he make the adjustments to lefties?
Most Important Pitcher: Pedro Martinez
This is without question. He is the best pitcher in this division. No one is as good. But he isn’t 100% healthy. He has issues with his toe and his shoulder and his fastball is only topping 88 for the majority of his pitches. But he can battle through games and still win them. The Mets fate rests on his shoulders, no pun intended.
Most Underrated Player: Jose Guillen
Most Overrated Player: Pat Burrell
Most Underrated Pitcher: John Patterson
Most Overrated Pitcher: Jon Lieber
Best Lineup: NY Mets
Best Starting Rotation: Atlanta Braves (Washington Nationals Close 2nd)
Best Bullpen: Washington Nationals
Best Bench: New York Mets
Best Manager: Bobby Cox
Analysis: I can not pick against the Braves again this season. I have done it for the last 2 and have been wrong both times. They have won their division 14 years in a row. Bobby Cox knows how to manage his clubs with different personnel each year. But the big question mark is how well their pitchers fare without Leo Mazzone. The Mets lineup is strong up and down with speed and power. But Willie Randolph needs to have Wright bat in the 3 hole. If he doesn’t have Wright start the season in the 3, it is crucial that he makes that switch early in the season. But what makes the Mets so strong this season is the fact they have a legit closer. The Phillies are strong and have a great lineup and above average pitching. Washington may be able to compete and be a tough team, but they will eventually fade away. Florida is too young and it will be interesting to see how first year manager Joe Girardi handles the situation. But look for the Braves to win their 15th in a row.
NL Central
St. Louis Cardinals
Chicago Cubs
Milwaukee Brewers
Houston Astros
Cincinnati Reds
Pittsburgh Pirates
Most Important Player: Albert Pujols
By far the most important player to their respective team in all of baseball. No one comes close. You can take anyone else out of the Cardinals lineup, and Pujols will still carry them. Take Pujols out of the Cardinals lineup, and watch them plummet to obscurity. The best part about Pujols is his consistency. There wasn’t one month last year where Pujols hit under .300.
Most Important Pitcher: Ben Sheets
He’s been hit with injuries the last couple seasons, but he was hit hard last season. He is one of the top pitchers in all of baseball when healthy. This Brewers team is young but extremely talented And with Sheets in that rotation makes them one of the best rotations in the NL.
Most Underrated Player: Jason Bay
Most Overrated Player: Austin Kearns
Most Underrated Pitcher: Doug Davis
Most Overrated Pitcher: Bronson Arroyo
Best Lineup: St. Louis Cardinals
Best Starting Rotation: Milwaukee Brewers
Best Bullpen: Houston Astros
Best Bench: St. Louis Cardinals
Best Manager: Tony LaRussa
Analysis: St. Louis should run away with this division again. With Pujols, Rolen and Edmonds gives them such a strong lineup. Their starting rotation is solid once again, even with the loss of Morris, but their starting 5 is still excellent with Carp, Mulder, Suppan, Marquis and the addition of Sidney Ponson. And we all know that LaRussa loves his bullpen and uses is properly. The Cubs success, once again, relies on the health of Prior. But you can’t count on Prior staying healthy, as he has already been placed on the DL and the season hasn’t even begun. Milwaukee will be an exciting team, but just a little too young and too inexperienced to win the Central this year. But they will be good. Houston is missing a key ingredient, Roger Clemens. And I am not counting on him to come back. Yes, I do think he will, but since he’s not on the roster yet, I can not say that for sure he’ll be playing so that gives the Astros a huge disadvantage in their division. Cincinnati has a weak rotation and bullpen, but boy can they hit HRs. And as for the Pirates, they too are only a couple of years away from really competing. But they too, like the Brewers, will be fun to watch, and Jason Bay is by far the most underrated player in the NL and maybe all of baseball. Just like my Burger said before our fantasy draft last week “Wow, Jason Bay had a good year last year”.
NL West
San Diego Padres
San Francisco Giants
Los Angeles Dodgers
Arizona Diamondbacks
Colorado Rockies
Most Important Player: Barry Bonds
No question. When he’s healthy, he changes that team from a very good team to a mediocre team when he’s not in the lineup. He’s the Shaq of baseball.
Most Important Pitcher: 3-way Tie: Jake Peavy, Jason Schmidt and Brad Penny
All 3 of these pitchers are going to be relied upon to have great years. As long as all 3 have great years, so will their team.
Most Underrated Player: Tie: Moises Alou and Brian Giles
Most Overrated Player: Rafael Furcal
Most Underrated Pitcher: Brandon Webb
Most Overrated Pitcher: Derek Lowe
Best Lineup: San Francisco Giants
Best Starting Rotation: San Diego Padres
Best Bullpen: Tie: San Diego Padres and LA Dodgers
Best Bench: Arizona Diamondbacks
Best Manager: Bruce Bochy
Analysis: This is a mediocre division for the second straight year. No team is a clear cut favorite. Even the Diamondbacks can compete in this weak division. It will probably only take 88-90 wins to win the division. But I like the Padres rotation and the make up of their team. I do not think Bonds will stay healthy and play enough games for the Giants to win this year. LA is banking on their vets to carry the team, but they are also injury prone. Arizona is young, but have a lot of bats in that lineup and the Rockies are looking to hopefully play .500 ball. This is tough division to call, but I like the Padres to repeat.
AL East Champ: New York Yankees
AL Central Champ: Chicago White Sox
AL West Champ: Oakland A’s
AL Wild Card: Cleveland Indians
NL East Champ: Atlanta Braves
NL Central Champ: St. Louis Cardinals
NL West Champ: San Diego Padres
NL Wild Card: NY Mets
AL Pennant: Oakland A’s
NL Pennant: St. Louis Cardinals
World Series Champs: Oakland A’s in 7
AL MVP: Grady Sizemore
AL Cy Young: Rich Harden
AL Manager of the Year: Eric Wedge
AL ROY: Jonathan Papelbon
NL MVP: Albert Pujols
NL Cy Young: Jake Peavy
NL Manager of the Year: Ned Yost
NL ROY: Prince Fielder
AL East
NY Yankees
Boston Red Sox
Baltimore Orioles
Toronto Blue Jays
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Most Important Player: David Ortiz
If A-Rod goes down, the Torre can put Shef, Giambi or Matsui into the cleanup spot. Their lineup is so deep that they can stay afloat and still win their division. But if Ortiz goes down, that is taking out too much from their lineup. Yes they have Manny, but who will protect Manny? Ortiz means too much to that lineup. He is the 2nd most important hitter in MLB to their respective team, next to Pujols.
Most Important Pitcher: Roy Halladay
Halladay means so much to the Jays. If he goes down, the Jays have no shot at the AL East. Granted, I believe they are over-hyped and can fall behind the O’s for 3rd place in the East, but as Halladay goes, so do the Jays. They are already without A.J. Burnett to start the season. They can not go without Halladay for a long period of time.
Most Overrated Player: Vernon Wells
Most Underrated Player: Trot Nixon (when healthy)
Most Overrated Pitcher: A.J. Burnett
Most Underrated Pitcher: Daniel Cabrera
Best Lineup: New York Yankees
Best Starting Rotation: Tie: Yankees and Boston Red Sox
Best Bullpen: New York Yankees
Best Bench: New York Yankees
Best Manager: Joe Torre
Analysis: The New York Yankees should win this division pretty handedly as long as one of their top pitchers doesn’t suffer a major injury that keeps him out for an extended period of time. But even if that happens, their lineup is so strong and deep that it can carry them into October. Now, the playoffs are a different story. The Red Sox are depending on their rotation to win them most of their games. Yes their lineup is still lethal, but they can break down at any time physically and mentally (Manny), and they’d still be good offensively. But if either Schilling or Beckett go down for a long period of time, that will be costly, just like the Yankees rotation. No, I’m not saying Schilling will be the Schilling of old, because he won’t be, but he is still crucial for the Red Sox success. Orioles have a great lineup, but can Mazzone get the most of their rotation? Benson was a great acquisition that went under the radar, and Daniel Cabrera has the stuff to be great. Toronto I feel is over-hyped. Halladay is great, but the big question also is can A.J. Burnett actually stay healthy? He hasn’t been during his career. And then the D-Rays are young and should win around 70-75 games this year.
AL Central
Chicago White Sox
Cleveland Indians
Minnesota Twins
Detroit Tigers
Kansas City Royals
Most Important Player: Torii Hunter
He is incredible defensively and means a lot to them offensively. And his leadership can’t be measured. The Twins fell out of the race once he went down last year. They can’t allow a repeat of that happening.
Most Important Pitcher: Johan Santana
That was an easy pick. Santana is so good, but he needs to pitch like he did post-all star break last season, and not like he did prior to the break. He is hands down the best pitcher in baseball, and if he pitches like it, he can bring them to the post season.
Most Overrated Player: Maglio Ordonez
Most Underrated Player: Travis Hafner
Most Overrated Pitcher: C.C. Sabathia
Most Underrated Pitcher: Jeremy Bonderman
Best Lineup: Tie: Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians
Best Starting Rotation: Chicago White Sox
Best Bullpen: Chicago White Sox
Best Bench: Chicago White Sox
Best Manager: Eric Wedge
Analysis: Chicago will be challenged by the Indians and Minnesota for that AL Central crown. And even the Tigers will give them trouble and can be very competitive. But this division is the White Sox to lose. They have a great rotation and only got better with the addition of Javier Vazquez. But the key question will be, can Bobby Jenks close out games for an entire season. The Indians are a great young team once again, but how bad will they feel the loss of Coco Crisp. He was an integral part of that team with his defense and offense. Minnesota is going to rely on their starting pitching and bullpen to bring them to the playoffs, but their offense will rely on three key players: Torii Hunter, Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. Detroit could possibly sneak up on people this year, but we’ve been saying that for the last 2 years. Good rotation though. And then there are the KC Royals. And there isn’t much to say about them but best of luck.
AL West
Oakland Athletics
Anaheim Angels
Texas Rangers
Seattle Mariners
Most Important Player: Vladimir Guerrero
He hasn’t had a healthy season for 3 years. His back can act up at any time, but even when he’s playing only at 70%, that is better than most players at 100%. He doesn’t have the speed like he used to and won’t be a 40/40 threat anymore, but he rarely strikes out and is so important to the success of the Angels.
Most Important Pitcher: Bartolo Colon
You could make a case for Rich Harden or Barry Zito, but the A’s are stocked with pitching. The Angels don’t have that luxury. The reigning Cy Young winner must stay healthy. The Angels offense isn’t as good as it has been in the past where it can carry them for the entire season. That is why they need Colon to come up big and stay healthy throughout the season.
Most Overrated Player: Darin Erstad
Most Underrated Player: Mark Ellis
Most Overrated Pitcher: Jeff Weaver
Most Underrated Pitcher: Joe Blanton
Best Lineup: Texas Rangers
Best Starting Rotation: Oakland Athletics
Best Bullpen: Oakland Athletics
Best Bench: Tie: Anaheim Angels and Oakland Athletics
Best Manager: Mike Soscia
Analysis: Many people are expecting Oakland to have a huge year and make a run for the championship. I am biased, but I 100% believe they can win the World Series based solely on their pitching staff. It is that good. If Harden stays healthy and Zito pitches consistently during the whole year they can win games and hold opponents to under 3 runs/game. The Rangers are excellent offensively, but their pitching staff is mediocre at best. The sleeper could be the Seattle Mariners. No one is expecting much from them, but Beltre seems like he’s primed to have a comeback year and their lineup is very good.
NL East
Atlanta Braves
New York Mets
Philadelphia Phillies
Washington Nationals
Florida Marlins
Most Important Player: Ryan Howard
He has high expectations this season after having a great season a year ago. But the big question is can he play 162? He played full time from July 1 and was a tough out in September. But the question remains, will he make the adjustments to lefties?
Most Important Pitcher: Pedro Martinez
This is without question. He is the best pitcher in this division. No one is as good. But he isn’t 100% healthy. He has issues with his toe and his shoulder and his fastball is only topping 88 for the majority of his pitches. But he can battle through games and still win them. The Mets fate rests on his shoulders, no pun intended.
Most Underrated Player: Jose Guillen
Most Overrated Player: Pat Burrell
Most Underrated Pitcher: John Patterson
Most Overrated Pitcher: Jon Lieber
Best Lineup: NY Mets
Best Starting Rotation: Atlanta Braves (Washington Nationals Close 2nd)
Best Bullpen: Washington Nationals
Best Bench: New York Mets
Best Manager: Bobby Cox
Analysis: I can not pick against the Braves again this season. I have done it for the last 2 and have been wrong both times. They have won their division 14 years in a row. Bobby Cox knows how to manage his clubs with different personnel each year. But the big question mark is how well their pitchers fare without Leo Mazzone. The Mets lineup is strong up and down with speed and power. But Willie Randolph needs to have Wright bat in the 3 hole. If he doesn’t have Wright start the season in the 3, it is crucial that he makes that switch early in the season. But what makes the Mets so strong this season is the fact they have a legit closer. The Phillies are strong and have a great lineup and above average pitching. Washington may be able to compete and be a tough team, but they will eventually fade away. Florida is too young and it will be interesting to see how first year manager Joe Girardi handles the situation. But look for the Braves to win their 15th in a row.
NL Central
St. Louis Cardinals
Chicago Cubs
Milwaukee Brewers
Houston Astros
Cincinnati Reds
Pittsburgh Pirates
Most Important Player: Albert Pujols
By far the most important player to their respective team in all of baseball. No one comes close. You can take anyone else out of the Cardinals lineup, and Pujols will still carry them. Take Pujols out of the Cardinals lineup, and watch them plummet to obscurity. The best part about Pujols is his consistency. There wasn’t one month last year where Pujols hit under .300.
Most Important Pitcher: Ben Sheets
He’s been hit with injuries the last couple seasons, but he was hit hard last season. He is one of the top pitchers in all of baseball when healthy. This Brewers team is young but extremely talented And with Sheets in that rotation makes them one of the best rotations in the NL.
Most Underrated Player: Jason Bay
Most Overrated Player: Austin Kearns
Most Underrated Pitcher: Doug Davis
Most Overrated Pitcher: Bronson Arroyo
Best Lineup: St. Louis Cardinals
Best Starting Rotation: Milwaukee Brewers
Best Bullpen: Houston Astros
Best Bench: St. Louis Cardinals
Best Manager: Tony LaRussa
Analysis: St. Louis should run away with this division again. With Pujols, Rolen and Edmonds gives them such a strong lineup. Their starting rotation is solid once again, even with the loss of Morris, but their starting 5 is still excellent with Carp, Mulder, Suppan, Marquis and the addition of Sidney Ponson. And we all know that LaRussa loves his bullpen and uses is properly. The Cubs success, once again, relies on the health of Prior. But you can’t count on Prior staying healthy, as he has already been placed on the DL and the season hasn’t even begun. Milwaukee will be an exciting team, but just a little too young and too inexperienced to win the Central this year. But they will be good. Houston is missing a key ingredient, Roger Clemens. And I am not counting on him to come back. Yes, I do think he will, but since he’s not on the roster yet, I can not say that for sure he’ll be playing so that gives the Astros a huge disadvantage in their division. Cincinnati has a weak rotation and bullpen, but boy can they hit HRs. And as for the Pirates, they too are only a couple of years away from really competing. But they too, like the Brewers, will be fun to watch, and Jason Bay is by far the most underrated player in the NL and maybe all of baseball. Just like my Burger said before our fantasy draft last week “Wow, Jason Bay had a good year last year”.
NL West
San Diego Padres
San Francisco Giants
Los Angeles Dodgers
Arizona Diamondbacks
Colorado Rockies
Most Important Player: Barry Bonds
No question. When he’s healthy, he changes that team from a very good team to a mediocre team when he’s not in the lineup. He’s the Shaq of baseball.
Most Important Pitcher: 3-way Tie: Jake Peavy, Jason Schmidt and Brad Penny
All 3 of these pitchers are going to be relied upon to have great years. As long as all 3 have great years, so will their team.
Most Underrated Player: Tie: Moises Alou and Brian Giles
Most Overrated Player: Rafael Furcal
Most Underrated Pitcher: Brandon Webb
Most Overrated Pitcher: Derek Lowe
Best Lineup: San Francisco Giants
Best Starting Rotation: San Diego Padres
Best Bullpen: Tie: San Diego Padres and LA Dodgers
Best Bench: Arizona Diamondbacks
Best Manager: Bruce Bochy
Analysis: This is a mediocre division for the second straight year. No team is a clear cut favorite. Even the Diamondbacks can compete in this weak division. It will probably only take 88-90 wins to win the division. But I like the Padres rotation and the make up of their team. I do not think Bonds will stay healthy and play enough games for the Giants to win this year. LA is banking on their vets to carry the team, but they are also injury prone. Arizona is young, but have a lot of bats in that lineup and the Rockies are looking to hopefully play .500 ball. This is tough division to call, but I like the Padres to repeat.
AL East Champ: New York Yankees
AL Central Champ: Chicago White Sox
AL West Champ: Oakland A’s
AL Wild Card: Cleveland Indians
NL East Champ: Atlanta Braves
NL Central Champ: St. Louis Cardinals
NL West Champ: San Diego Padres
NL Wild Card: NY Mets
AL Pennant: Oakland A’s
NL Pennant: St. Louis Cardinals
World Series Champs: Oakland A’s in 7
AL MVP: Grady Sizemore
AL Cy Young: Rich Harden
AL Manager of the Year: Eric Wedge
AL ROY: Jonathan Papelbon
NL MVP: Albert Pujols
NL Cy Young: Jake Peavy
NL Manager of the Year: Ned Yost
NL ROY: Prince Fielder
posted by Mark D. Miller at 1:12 PM
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