Hey, this thread's been kinda dead for a couple of weeks, and spring training's right around the corner, so what's say we get some conversation going, eh? Post your 2007 predictions...

AL East

1. Yankees
2. Red Sox*
3. Blue Jays
4. Orioles
5. Devil Rays

*wild card

Yankees make it 10 straight division titles, edging out a Boston team that has a rotation that could potentially be devastating or could bottom out for a second straight year. Their overall talent should be enough to grab the AL's last playoff spot. The Jays will contend for a wild card but will slip back to their customary spot of 3rd after overtaking Boston a year ago. The Orioles have a rotation that could allow them to surprise, but they've got no shot in this division. The Rays, coming off a disappointing year in which they should have taken a step forward, are still hopelessly stuck in the cellar.

AL Central

1. Tigers
2. White Sox
3. Indians
4. Twins
5. Royals

The Tigers are the obvious pick to win this division with their core from a pennant-winning roster intact. The White Sox made some minor offseason adjustments and should challenge for the division once again, though Buerhle and Vazquez need to pick up their game in the rotation. The Indians were a non-factor this year, but with lower expectations they should perform better. There's just too much young talent on that roster not to hear from them again. The Twins might be the hardest team in baseball to forecast right now. After Santana the rotation is an absolute mess. They still should be a playoff contender, but I see them slipping all the way from first to fourth in this very strong division. The Royals, like Tampa in the East, can already be counted out before the season even starts.

AL West

1. Angels
2. A's
3. Rangers
4. Mariners

This has been a two-team race between the A's and Angels for the last few years, though the Rangers and Mariners have closed the gap. I like the Angels to come out on top because I like their rotation better than Oakland's now that Zito has moved across the bay, though a healthy Harden should make up for that loss. The Rangers potentially have a devastating 1-2 bullpen punch in Gagne and Otsuka, though getting them the ball is always worrisome. Youngsters will have to fill out the rotation behind Millwood and Padilla. The Mariners quietly made strides last season, though they still have work to do. The rotation has been retooled for the better, though it likely will yield another last place finish.

NL East

1. Mets
2. Braves*
3. Phillies
4. Marlins
5. Nationals

*wild card

A very difficult division to sort out. The Mets ran away with it last season, but the Braves and Phillies have made themselves better in the offseasona and the Marlins have gotten older (in a good way) while the Mets did little to improve their highly questionable rotation. But the Mets rotation wasn't exactly imposing last year, and they still won the division by 12 games. It will be closer this year, but the Mets should come out on top again. The peices are in place for a Braves revival in '07, though they need several things to go right. The Phillies have the deepest rotation in the division and a great lineup, but this is a team that never seems to get over the hump, regardless of their talent. The Marlins still likely won't challenge for the division, but can't be counted on with their young rotation and last season's late run. The Nats, on the other hand, can be counted on. Perhaps no team in baseball did less to improve themselves.

NL Central

1. Cardinals
2. Astros
3. Cubs
4. Brewers
5. Reds
6. Pirates

The Cardinals are always a solid pick at the top of this division, but the Astros may get another run for their money for the second spot. The Cubs, on paper, should be baseball's most improved team, but how they mesh will be a huge question mark. And as always, everything hinges on a healthy Prior. The Brewers might have the most underrated rotation in the National League, though like the Cubs with Prior, it's a must that Sheets give them at least 30 starts for a chance to contend. The Reds were the surprise of the NL last year, and with Arroyo and Harang anchoring the rotation they could contend for a second straight year, though a lack of a closer could rear it's ugly head. There's not much for the Pirates to hope for this year, though LaRoche greatly improves the everday lineup.

NL West

1. Dodgers
2. Giants
3. Padres
4. Diamondbacks
5. Rockies

After a few down years, the West is maybe the deepest division in baseball with five teams with legitimate postseason aspirations. The Dodgers lead the way with the best overall talent in the division, though the Giants are close behind. Zito's presence along with Cain's ascension to stardom give them a rotation that strikes fear into the rest of this division. A very old and unimposing everyday lineup will likely keep them outside of the postseason for a fourth straight year, however. The Padres' chances of three-peating in this division depend on how quickly Black adjusts to managing and whether they can finally get adequate production from third base. The D-backs are a potential surprise team, though whether the Big Unit's back can hold up remains a big question mark. Several youngsters will also have to play everday for Arizona. The Rockies, as always, will score enough runs and their bullpen should be fine, but the rotation was weakened with the loss of Jennings. There's talk in Denver of the team's first playoff appearance since '95, though the shaky rotation will probably end those dreams this summer.

ALCS: Tigers over Yankees

NLCS: Dodgers over Cardinals

World Series: Tigers over Dodgers

METS OVER BREWERS

FISH OVER DODGERS

METS OVER FISH
..........................

YANKESS OVER ANGELS

CHI SOX OVER BOSTON

YANKEES OVER CHI SOX

MET OVER YANKEES ;-)

TailgateTiger Wrote:MET OVER YANKEES ;-)

sorry i haven't been around, been kinda busy. but with the season back, i'm back.

AL East
1) Red Sox- I can see Dice-K carrying the rotation. This one will come down to the end of the season.
2) *Yankees- Can't wait to see Hughes. I'd also like to see Cano play the whole season.
3) Blue Jays- I think the O's could take this spot, but the Jays have an awesome lineup and an ace pitcher.
4) O's- Leo is gonna do amazing things with that young rotation (though bedard is 28). Not to mention markakis is gonna hit 30.
5) Rays- Still last, but i see a lot of improvement and a good team in a couple of years.

AL Central
1) Tigers- All they were missing was a power hitting right handed DH. In comes Sheffield.
2) White Sox- The power bullpen is gonna carry them.
3) Twins- They'll find pitching.
4) Indians- They could be #2, but if you don't have a pen, you don't have a chance.
5) Royals- Obviously gonna suck, but it's gonna be fun watching butler, gordon and teahen.

AL West
1) Angels- Will any of the young hitters finally come through?
2) Mariners- With King felix breaking out, and the addition of guillen they'll surprise.
3) Rangers- I think they'll stay afloat but fall short again.
4) A's- They'll compete too, but the loss of zito is gonna be tough.

NL East
1) Marlins- I'll buy into it. Willis and Sanchez are gonna make one of the best 1-2's in the league.
2) Phillies- I don't think they're that good, but i really like myers and hamels.
3) Mets- They'll probably finish higher than this, but i can't put a team with no rotation higher than this.
4) Braves- When they wake up and make gonzo the closer, the pen will be nice.
5) Nationals- not a lot of hope on the horizon.

NL Central
1) Brewers- It's about time for this to happen. IF Sheets can stay healthy, the rotation is gonna be sick (he and capuano could make the best 1-2 in MLB). Also, can Fielder and Weeks combine for 65-70?
2) *Cardinals- Not a lot of talent, but pujols is a career MVP. Too bad they don't have much of a rotation.
3) Reds- If Arroyo wasn't a fluke, then they could once again have one of the best 1,2's in the league. Can't wait too see Bailey. Also, i hope Narron has the sense to keep encarnacion in the lineup.
4) Cubs- I'm not on the bandwagon. The young guys in the rotation might come through, but i just don't like them.
5) Astros- Should be interesting to see what Lee can do with that short porch in left.
6) Pirates- Another team who sucks, but will show some improvement. Duke and Snell can definitely pitch.

NL West
1) D-Backs- A young, fun team. Sure their rotation (after webb) sucks, but those guys can go innings.
2) Dodgers- i'm sick of hearing about them. They're incredibly overrated, and they've used old guys to block their young talent. Do you really think Gonzo is gonna hit in Chavez Ravine?
3) Giants- not a good overall team, but there will be some fun things to watch. Will Zito come through, can Cain be an ace and of course, will we see Lincecum at any point in the season?
4) Rockies- Great young hitters, but an awful rotation, not to mention they got rid of the humidor.
5) Padres- They had no power so what'd they do? Get rid of piazza and barfield.

WS- Tigers over Brewers

AL MVP- Vlad
AL Cy Young- Santana
AL ROY- Dice-K, gordon being a close second

NL MVP- Pujols
NL Cy Young- Sheets
NL ROY- Hunter Pence

The Mets' rotation is a lot better than you, or anyone else, is giving it credit for. You know what you're getting out of Glavine and El Duque, Maine is solid, and then you've got three power arms in Perez, Pelfrey and Humber who are all capable of making a huge impact. Park or Sele can hold down the fifth starter's spot if needed.

They are still the team to beat in the East. I do think anyone who's counting the Marlins out is foolish, though.

actually i don't know what i'm getting from glavine or el duque. glavine's a year older and el duque is gonna get hurt eventually. not to mention he's no better than a 4th starter at this point. As for maine, well he's barely a 5th starter, especially with that weak pen. Duaner sanchez needs surgery and will be out for awhile and mota's suspended for 50 games. not to mention bradford's gone too. As for the rest of the rotation, yeah they can throw hard but pelfrey's a rookie, his ERA could be 6.50 for all we know. Humber has no chance of making the team before the summer and perez doesn't throw that hard these days. Plus, perez isn't exactly what he used to be. I know that was long winded, but i think the loss of those 3 relievers is gonna hurt more than people think.

Perez is coming back around. He was solid for the Mets in the postseason and he's had a good spring. I wouldn't be surprised to see him win fifteen games. He's only three years removed from being a bonafide ace, and it's not like he's old.

GDawgs88 Wrote:Perez is coming back around. He was solid for the Mets in the postseason and he's had a good spring. I wouldn't be surprised to see him win fifteen games. He's only three years removed from being a bonafide ace, and it's not like he's old.

he was decent in the playoffs, against poor hitting teams, i don't buy it, yet.

reyes
wright
beltran
degado
alou
millege
valintin
la duca



will get us the number one spot

Quote:sorry i haven't been around, been kinda busy. but with the season back, i'm back.

AL East
1) Red Sox- I can see Dice-K carrying the rotation. This one will come down to the end of the season.
2) *Yankees- Can't wait to see Hughes. I'd also like to see Cano play the whole season.
3) Blue Jays- I think the O's could take this spot, but the Jays have an awesome lineup and an ace pitcher.
4) O's- Leo is gonna do amazing things with that young rotation (though bedard is 28). Not to mention markakis is gonna hit 30.
5) Rays- Still last, but i see a lot of improvement and a good team in a couple of years.

AL Central
1) Tigers- All they were missing was a power hitting right handed DH. In comes Sheffield.
2) White Sox- The power bullpen is gonna carry them.
3) Twins- They'll find pitching.
4) Indians- They could be #2, but if you don't have a pen, you don't have a chance.
5) Royals- Obviously gonna suck, but it's gonna be fun watching butler, gordon and teahen.

AL West
1) Angels- Will any of the young hitters finally come through?
2) Mariners- With King felix breaking out, and the addition of guillen they'll surprise.
3) Rangers- I think they'll stay afloat but fall short again.
4) A's- They'll compete too, but the loss of zito is gonna be tough.

NL East
1) Marlins- I'll buy into it. Willis and Sanchez are gonna make one of the best 1-2's in the league.
2) Phillies- I don't think they're that good, but i really like myers and hamels.
3) Mets- They'll probably finish higher than this, but i can't put a team with no rotation higher than this.
4) Braves- When they wake up and make gonzo the closer, the pen will be nice.
5) Nationals- not a lot of hope on the horizon.

NL Central
1) Brewers- It's about time for this to happen. IF Sheets can stay healthy, the rotation is gonna be sick (he and capuano could make the best 1-2 in MLB). Also, can Fielder and Weeks combine for 65-70?
2) *Cardinals- Not a lot of talent, but pujols is a career MVP. Too bad they don't have much of a rotation.
3) Reds- If Arroyo wasn't a fluke, then they could once again have one of the best 1,2's in the league. Can't wait too see Bailey. Also, i hope Narron has the sense to keep encarnacion in the lineup.
4) Cubs- I'm not on the bandwagon. The young guys in the rotation might come through, but i just don't like them.
5) Astros- Should be interesting to see what Lee can do with that short porch in left.
6) Pirates- Another team who sucks, but will show some improvement. Duke and Snell can definitely pitch.

NL West
1) D-Backs- A young, fun team. Sure their rotation (after webb) sucks, but those guys can go innings.
2) Dodgers- i'm sick of hearing about them. They're incredibly overrated, and they've used old guys to block their young talent. Do you really think Gonzo is gonna hit in Chavez Ravine?
3) Giants- not a good overall team, but there will be some fun things to watch. Will Zito come through, can Cain be an ace and of course, will we see Lincecum at any point in the season?
4) Rockies- Great young hitters, but an awful rotation, not to mention they got rid of the humidor.
5) Padres- They had no power so what'd they do? Get rid of piazza and barfield.

WS- Tigers over Brewers

AL MVP- Vlad
AL Cy Young- Santana
AL ROY- Dice-K, gordon being a close second

NL MVP- Pujols
NL Cy Young- Sheets
NL ROY- Hunter Pence

I don't see Hunter Pence getting very much playing time in the majors this year barring a major injury to one of the starters.

i think chris burke is gonna be benched or moved from center by June. I think Pence will get just enough time to win the award.

flyingswoosh Wrote:NL East
1) Marlins- I'll buy into it. Willis and Sanchez are gonna make one of the best 1-2's in the league.
2) Phillies- I don't think they're that good, but i really like myers and hamels.
3) Mets- They'll probably finish higher than this, but i can't put a team with no rotation higher than this.
4) Braves- When they wake up and make gonzo the closer, the pen will be nice.
5) Nationals- not a lot of hope on the horizon.

team with no rotation or no ERA


starting pitching ERA .9 over three games

TailgateTiger Wrote:

flyingswoosh Wrote:NL East
1) Marlins- I'll buy into it. Willis and Sanchez are gonna make one of the best 1-2's in the league.
2) Phillies- I don't think they're that good, but i really like myers and hamels.
3) Mets- They'll probably finish higher than this, but i can't put a team with no rotation higher than this.
4) Braves- When they wake up and make gonzo the closer, the pen will be nice.
5) Nationals- not a lot of hope on the horizon.

team with no rotation or no ERA


starting pitching ERA .9 over three games

3 games. i'm not buying into that.

No way the Marlins finish in the top 2.

It will come down between the Mets and the Braves..if the Braves can continue to hit the ball. Guys like Kelly Johnson, Ryan Langerhans, and Scott Thorman need to continue to step it up.

why not the marlins?

fish are better than the bravos and those cheesesteaks

TailgateTiger Wrote:fish are better than the bravos and those cheesesteaks

they're definitely no worse.

I'm really liking the Reds this year. Our starting pitching has been great so far and our bullpen is as deep as ever (Weathers, Stanton, Kirk Sarloos, Todd Coffey, Rheal Cormier) and we still have Bill Bray on the DL. If we can get enough hitting we should be fine.

I don't know JF,
I get excited every year but the pitching always falters and the bats seem to all go cold at once. I like Harang and Arroyo up front, but I don't have much faith in Milton or Lohse. Homer Bailey gives me hope but we'll see what happens with him.

Belisle and Lohse do have alot of talent they pitched very well in their first starts.