2008 Season Preview West
Seattle Mariners - This franchise has undergone quite an identity makeover. Just a few years ago, preseason analyses asked if Goodwin’s team could win without pitching. Now, he boasts one of the best rotations in the league. Dan Haren, Brandon Webb and Erik Bedard anchor the pitching staff. The Mariners still have some studs in the everyday lineup, including Miguel Cabrera (third base) and Jorge Posada (catcher). This lineup isn’t as dynamic as some of Goodwin’s past teams, but the improved pitching should compensate. The franchise’s move from the launching pad that is Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark to Seattle’s pitcher-friendly Safeco Field should accentuate the Mariners’ strengths. - Projection: 1st place, 85 to 95 wins Arizona Diamondbacks - This franchise relocated from Boston to Arizona during the offseason, and it brought along the division’s best lineup and a Cy Young award favorite. Derek Lee (1B), Robinson Cano (2B), Matt Holliday (LF) and Vladimir Guerrero (RF) should be among the best in the league at their respective positions. Shane also did a nice job adding depth during the offseason. C.C. Sabathia leads a pitching staff stocked with young power arms. Pitchers like Ben Sheets and Justin Verlander should be more than adequate this season and could develop into future aces. If the D-Backs can land another Sabathia-quality starter during the season without breaking up the core of their everyday lineup, they could challenge for the division title. - Projection: 2nd place, 80 to 90 wins New York Yankees - Nathan took his lumps during his first full season on the job. He moved his franchise to New York hopes to start the Yankee name back on the road to dominance this season. Nathan did a nice job adding to his talent base during the offseason. Newcomers like Joey Votto (1B), Josh Hamilton (CF) and Ryan “Don’t call me Rayburn” Raburn (RF) should make an immediate impact. Brandon Phillips is an elite second baseman. The Yankees’ starting pitching is still suspect. There are some talented young arms, but Nathan lacks a true No. 1 or No. 2 starter. This franchise is back on the right track, but will need an ace pitcher to emerge before it can contend for a playoff spot. - Projection: 3rd place, 65 to 75 wins. Detroit Tigers - Theo Thompson brings the city of Detroit back to the FCBL. Theo acquired many big names through the expansion draft and free agent draft, including Jason Giambi (1B), Paul Konerko (1B), Jermaine Dye (RF), Moises Alou (LF), Roger Clemens (P) and Dontrelle Willis (P). Detroit’s collection of names looks impressive on paper, but likely will struggle on the field during the 2008 FCBL season. Unfortunately for the Tigers, most of those players are projected to show signs of age during the 2008 FCBL season. If some of those players return to peak form soon, Detroit could be highly competitive as early as the 2009 FCBL season. For now, players like Ryan Theriot (2B) and Gil Meche (P) are players to build around. - Projection: 4th place, 55 to 65 wins.
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1/1/2008 12:00:00 AM
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