Around the BLB - 2013 Predictions

[umd]

As we enter Spring Training for the 2013 season, we'll make some predictions on how things will play out under the first year of realignment.



Ale Division



1. Pawtucket (~105 wins) - The Patriots added two more players from the Top Players list in dominant lefty Zack Reeves and slugger TJ Dunn. That gives funclown 8 players in the Top 40. That's the definition of loaded. Anything less than the Ale title, let alone another Brewmasters, could be considered a disappointment.



2. Maine (~95 wins) - Never one to sit tight in the offseason, Z has rebuilt his bullpen yet again with the additions of proven vets CL Fred Mattison and Antonio Romo. The rotation will add top prospect Dave Toste full time and the offense brings in hitting machine Alex Molinar. Expect the Guides to push Pawtucket and be at the top of the WC #1 seed all season.



3. New York (~85 wins) - The Knights brought in some under the radar vets to round out a transitional roster. Headlined by Roberto Goto, their free agent haul included Joey Bertin and Tony Cavazos. The three could hang around all season should New York stay within shouting distance of a deep DL wilcard race or moved at the deadline for assets to help facilitate a rebuild.



4. Hartford (50 wins) - The Ale gets a little friendlier for the Whalers who see Pittsburgh leave, but Hartford is still looking at a significant rebuild. They were able to unload some of their albatross contracts. However, it'll be at least a season or two before the budget comes back in line with the production on the field.

Up Next: Whoever chooses to go.

[mike]

DL Lager

1. Los Angeles Dinos (95 - 67)

Biggest Strength - Starting rotation, reigning Pale Ale award winner Pat Yahn has two new arms to help create one of the strongest rotations in the game. Yahn, Palomares, Lindsay, Ito, Donovan will be really strong each and every night.

Biggest question mark - Bullpen in front of Goeman. Manny Rivera was a revelation last season in the set up role, but the dinos may be a bit light behind the rotation. Still, Jimmy has never been afraid to make a move when needed and it wouldn't surprise me to see him add a big time set up man during the season.

2. Denver BC (85 - 77)

Biggest strength - The lineup. Banuelos, McPherson, Verba, HRod, Wright, Luna is an incredible 2-7 for any team. Carlos loves his offense, and he's going to have a ton of it this season.

Biggest question mark - Can the rotation be consistent enough to allow them to win games. Aten was a monster pickup, he's also got a monster price tag but thats a discussion for a different day. He will be a stabilizing arm at the top of the rotation, Melgoza will be really important to watch. It seemed like he had just finally settled into a dominant relief role, and now he's back in the rotation being counted on to provide a reliable outing every fifth day. Last time he was a starter he posted a 3-3 record with a 6.80 ERA. For carlos' sake, he needs to be reliable.

3. New Orleans Dukes - (81 - 81)

Biggest strength - The lineup. McCarley, Falls, McInturf, Oto, Milledge, Dorsey, Bilden....The Dukes have a phenomenal lineup and will have zero issue scoring runs. They will have one of the strongest lineups in the game and Henry Byrd field will be electric watching the Dukes score runs.

Biggest question mark - The starting rotation. Behind Ke, it's definitely a concern...the bullpen should definitely be improved with the sheriff locking the door at the end of games and Tanaka and Landis setting him up....with the 'Brick' about a year and a half away, the Dukes are lacking an arm or two to really compete. If they start off hot, they've got one of the best systems in the game, and I'm confident Rob will make the moves he needs to make.

4. Dallas Snappers (75 - 87)

Biggest strength - Big name talent on the roster. Arce, Rosema, Villarroel, Weiss, Ortega....They've got the names who can make any roster compete. They are also names who can draw a heavy return if they are dealt during the pennant chase...

Biggest question mark - Direction....caught in a financial crisis, Shark has been treading water...excited to see him with a full deck and the ability to have some flexibility.

up next....???

[Sharkn20]

Good read Mike, this should be the last year under the water for the Snappers, let's see if we can avoid to finish dead last in this re-tooled Lager division

[Carlos]

Melgoza had 6 solid starts with Indy last year. That's what convinced me he should be just fine.

He better be.

sent from my mobile device

[Z]

Melgoza had 6 solid starts with Indy last year. That's what convinced me he should be just fine.

I definitely expect him to give you 6 solid starts.

I can't offer any such assurances about the other 25 starts though.

[Carlos]

I definitely expect him to give you 6 solid starts.

I can't offer any such assurances about the other 25 starts though.

Well the point is Mike picked 9 starts in Death Valley and ignored his 6 starts in Indy.

Those 9 starts came immediately after being traded. The 6 starts came most recently and as he's grown into a better pitcher.

So yeah.

sent from my mobile device

[Z]

Maybe. His main issue as a starter tends to be surrendering loads of home runs—37 for you in 2009, another 28 in 2010. He's allowed more home runs than Jamie McPherson has hit.

[mike]

Well the point is Mike picked 9 starts in Death Valley and ignored his 6 starts in Indy.

Those 9 starts came immediately after being traded. The 6 starts came most recently and as he's grown into a better pitcher.

So yeah.

sent from my mobile device

I mean you're right I missed those specific starts but he's had plenty of years as a starter that didn't go so well too. Based on quick math he's got like a career 4.91 era as a starter...which is why I listed him as a question mark.

Which, at least in my opinion is totally fair to say-I wasn't trying to be a dick or anything I was just saying that in order for you guys to beat Jimmy he's gonna need to be better than a 4.91 ERA pitcher.

[Sharkn20]

Villarroel is washing his hands right now thinking on him...

[mike]

Villarroel is washing his hands right now thinking on him...

Shark here's a baseball lesson for you.

Google, "Moises Alou pre At Bat ritual"

[Sharkn20]

Shark here's a baseball lesson for you.

Google, "Moises Alou pre At Bat ritual"

Hahaha awesome, where he does it?? In the doug-out or in the plate? ? I wouldn't want to be the other team's catcher in this 2nd case...

[Carlos]

I mean you're right I missed those specific starts but he's had plenty of years as a starter that didn't go so well too. Based on quick math he's got like a career 4.91 era as a starter...which is why I listed him as a question mark.

Which, at least in my opinion is totally fair to say-I wasn't trying to be a dick or anything I was just saying that in order for you guys to beat Jimmy he's gonna need to be better than a 4.91 ERA pitcher.

No one said you were a dick. I just stated a fact to correct the information in your post.

That's all it was.

sent from my mobile device

[Carlos]

Maybe. His main issue as a starter tends to be surrendering loads of home runs—37 for you in 2009, another 28 in 2010. He's allowed more home runs than Jamie McPherson has hit.

I'm well aware Z. It's called stats. Everyone can read them. Thanks for sharing nothing of value here.

sent from my mobile device

[Z]

I'm well aware Z. It's called stats. Everyone can read them. Thanks for sharing nothing of value here.

sent from my mobile device

Sorry my sharing couldn't live up to the value of your "6 solid starts" stat.

Impressive research there, Bill James.

[Carlos]

Sorry my sharing couldn't live up to the value of your "6 solid starts" stat.

Impressive research there, Bill James.

Lol. I'll take helping mike out over your stupidity any day.

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