David, Author at Baseball Roundtable

When It Comes to Concessions – Target Field Outpaces the “Good Old Days”

April 8, 2015 by David

As those who follow BBRT know, when it comes to the national pastime, I can be a bit “old school.” I fondly reminisce about two-hour ball games, regularly scheduled double headers, high stirrups, complete games and the bunt as an often-used offensive weapon. Heck, I’m even old enough to remember watching “Willie, Mickey and the Duke” – before the trio of New York center fielders was immortalized in “Talkin’ Baseball.” (Note: To listen to Talkin’ Baseball, see the clip at the end of this post.)

College Daze Bloody Mary – made a big splash at Target Field Food and Beverage Preview.

There is, however, one thing I do not memorialize as part of the “good old days” – ballpark food. This Tuesday (April 7), BBRT was fortunate enough to be invited to Target Field for one of the newer rites of spring – the Twins’ sixth annual Food and Beverage Preview. The experience provided ample proof that, at least when it comes to concessions, the good old days fall short of today’s ball park experience.

When I first started attending MLB games, standard fare consisted of hot dogs (not always hot), beer and soda (not always cold), peanuts, cotton candy, Cracker Jack® and, if you were lucky, maybe ice cream or licorice. The culinary tour that was part of the Target Field Food and Beverage Preview (concentrating primarily on new items for 2015) made it clear we’ve come a long way from the days of hot dogs and beer. (And, while this post is primarily aimed at the Twins fans who follow BBRT, the raising of the bar – pun intended – in terms of concessions is MLB-wide.) New Target Field offerings for this season range from Hot Indian Foods’ Chicken Tikka to Hrbek’s Shrimp Corn Dog – and beverages to be launched include such “soon-to-be favorites” as the College Daze Bloody Mary (garnished with, among other things, a slice of pepperoni pizza) and Barrio’s Trinity Margarita.

I have neither the space, nor the time, to touch on all the food and beverage items that were presented on Tuesday, but I would like to share a comment or two on some of most interesting – and some of my personal favorites. For the Twins’ concessions guide, listing many items, with locations and prices, click here. I would add that it’s a family tradition to complete all our concession stand purchases prior to the first pitch – a necessity if you are going to keep an accurate scorecard. After the Food and Beverage Preview, it’s clear I have to move up my arrival time. I will still also partake of the “old school” vendor-delivered hot dog and beer, however.

So, let’s look at some 2015 Target Field concessions.

College Daze Bloody Mary

Perhaps the biggest splash (pun intended) among the new offerings was made by the College Daze Bloody Mary (available at Hrbek’s, near section 114). It’s a new take on the “Bloody Mary as a meal” (fans of Hrbek’s Bigger Better Burger Bloody Mary need not worry, that meal-in-a-glass is still available). The new Bloody Mary is topped with a cold slice of Pepperoni Pizza, a beef stick, pickle spear, celery stalk, Pepper Jack and Cheddar cheese cubes, pepperoncini and, of course, an olive. As you can see from the placement of the pizza in the photo near the top of this post, this Bloody Mary is truly “over the top.” It certainly attracted the most photographers (and plenty of tasters) at the Food and Beverage Preview.

A Dog Eat Dog World – Shrimp Corn Dogs and BratDogs

Shrimp Corn Dogs at Hrbek’s – among BBRT’s favorites.

Hrbek’s also has a few new food items that are worth a try. My favorite was the Shrimp Corn Dog – four jumbo shrimp (on a skewer) fried in jalapeno corn batter with a chili lime aioli for dipping (and a side of fries). They have great shrimp flavor, just enough “zing,” and are a little lighter than some of the other fare.

Closer to traditional baseball food was the BratDog – an all-beef hot dog, stuffed into a bratwurst, wrapped in bacon, topped with sauerkraut, caramelized onions and peppers and served on a pretzel roll. This one will stay with you throughout the game.

Hot Indian Foods – International Fare for the American Game

Hot Indian Foods’ Chicken Tikka – a new taste at Target Field.

For those looking for international fare, Hot Indian Foods, which has both a food truck and a location at the Midtown Global Market, is new to Target Field. Hot Indian Foods is serving up Chicken Tikka – yogurt-marinated chicken simmered in a creamy tomato curry and served with garlic and coconut toasted rice, crispy poppadum (Indian bread) and hot Indian slaw. They also have a vegan curry dish (Aloo Gobi), similar to the Chicken Tikka only with potatoes, cauliflower and squash replacing the chicken. Look for the Hot Indian Food cart near Section 120. BBRT tried the Chicken Tikka and would recommend it for those seeking a unique taste at the ball park. My personal preference might have been for a bit more “heat,” but this is Minnesota.

Burgers Beyond the Basics

Red Cow, noted for its burgers, is also new to Target Field (food cart near section 126). They will be offering three gourmet burgers. BBRT would recommend making the leap to the Blues Burger (with apricot jam and locally produced blue cheese). If you’re a bacon lover, you might prefer the 60/40 Bacon Burger (a patty of 60 percent certified Angus beef and 40 percent ground bacon – topped with cheddar cheese, Summit beer mustard and candied bacon). More conventional taste? Go for the Ultimate Red Cow Burger (lettuce, tomato, onion and Red Cow sauce).

This One’s Out of the Park

Watch for this sandwich!@

When Sous Chef Keith Andres leaned from the window of the Taste of Target Field Food Truck and handed me the fried pickle, beer-braised bacon, peanut butter (on a pretzel bun) sandwich, I had to look to see if Elvis was in line behind me. The King would have loved this sandwich – multi-textured with the tangy crunch of pickles, the smoky flavor of the bacon, the creamy sweetness of the peanut butter and the fresh pretzel bun. It was my first sample from the 2015 Twins Food and Beverage Preview and it set a positive tone for the afternoon.

First watch for this truck!

As guests and media arrived for the Target Field Food and Beverage Preview, we were greeted – appropriately – by the Taste of Target Field food truck, which focuses on its mission of “Bringing the taste of the ballpark to you.” The food truck carries a host of Target Field favorites that bring the ball park to the community. Depending on the day, you will find offerings like Kramarczuk’s sausages, cheese curds, Tony O’s Cuban, malt cups, fries and more. Ironically, and unfortunately, the new Fried Pickle Sandwich is not available inside Target Field. If you spot the food truck, BBRT highly recommends you run right over and order this treat. You can track the truck on twitter @TastyTwinsTruck. A game day hint, try looking near Fulton Brewery.

Andrew Zimmern’s Canteen – On the Move at Target Field

Andrew Zimmern’s Canteen is not new to the ballpark, but is moving to a new, larger location – from a concourse cart to a concession stand near Hrbek’s (section 114). The Canteen will be offering a trio of signature sandwiches: the Bacon Sandwich, Smoked Meat Sandwich and BBRT’s favorite – the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich, with grilled pineapple, chili lime slaw and spicy dressing. It offers just the right blend of “hot” and “sweet.” I highly recommend this one.

Schwan’s – Focused on Building a new Legend

Schwan’s Caprese Burger – beef, balsamic and basil a great combination.

If you have seats in the popular Legend’s Club, you’ll probably want to visit the new Schwan’s stand (near Section R). Among the offerings are a pair of flatbread sandwiches – Buffalo Chicken Flatbread (chicken, celery and mozzarella cheese, topped with hot sauce) and the Italian Fire-Baked Flatbread (salami, ham, pepperoni, Italian cheese, lettuce and tomato, topped with vinaigrette). Two new burgers will also be available at the Schwan’s stand – the BBQ Bacon Burger and the Caprese Burger (beef patties, fresh mozzarella cheese, balsamic-marinated tomato and basil). BBRT recommends the Caprese Burger – balsamic and basil make this one unique.

The Left Field Corner – A New Hot Spot

Barrio – a new hot spot in the left field corner.

Well-known Latin restaurant Barrio is also a new presence at Target Field. The new Barrio – in the left field corner – was one of the more popular stops on our Food and Beverage Preview tour – perhaps the complementary Trinity Margaritas had something to do with that. We were also impressed with the upscale decor, the standing tables, multiple big screen TVs, and great view of the field.

The Barrio will feature Pork Carnitas Tacos, Guacamole and chips and, of course, top-flight Margaritas and craft beers.

For the Salad Lovers

Garden Goodies cart, with its fresh salads, has two new offerings – a Mardi Garden Salad and a Wild Rice and Turtle Bean Salad.

The Spirit of the Northland

There are also some new locally crafted spirits at Target Field. Near Section 111, you’ll find a stand featuring two local distilleries: Du Nord (Minneapolis) and Panther Distillery (Osakis). Du Nord’s menu includes a Moscow Mule, Gin and Tonic, Gin Daiquiri and Spiked Hot Chocolate (It can be cool in April on Minnesota). Panther Distillery’s line-up includes an Apple Fizz, Manhattan, Whiskey Sour and Whiskey Coke. (BBRT tried the Moscow Mule – and it’s a winner.)

A Taste of the Islands

Goose Island Pub, adjacent to section 229, will carry a selection of Goose Island craft beers.

Of course, lots of past favorites remain. Just to mention a few that are close to BBRT’s heart: Tony O’s Cuban Sandwich; Garlic Helmet Fries; Mac’s Walleye and Chips; Kramarczuk’s sausages; Izzy’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream; and the Bigger, Better Bloody Mary Cart.

My advice, Get to Target Field early – and hungry.

Oh yes, I did promise “Talkin’ Baseball.”

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts

Thirty MLB Players to Watch – From Opening Day Forward

April 5, 2015 by David

Opening Day is the most hopeful and optimistic day of each year. At least for this one day, every team is a contender, every rookie a potential “phenom,” every fading veteran a potential “Comeback Player of the Year,” and every new face in the lineup or on the bench a welcome addition.

Baseball Roundtable – March 26, 2013

Opening Day is upon us and – to celebrate – BBRT would like to focus this post on thirty players (one from each team), I’ll be watching with special interest this year – as well as a few “honorable mentions” that have caught my eye. You may also find some of them interesting – and worth keeping track of during the season.

Also, for those who may have missed my pre-season predictions (and are interested), you’ll find them by clicking here – AL NL Prospect Watch

Now, some players worth a look or two (or more) in 2015. Spring Training numbers mean little, but I’ve included them to update you on how things have been going for the players on this watch list.

Arizona Diamondbacks

1B Paul Goldschmidt – Is this THE year?

Diamondbacks 1B Paul Goldschmidt is a top flight run-producer who does not get the credit he deserves – and, at 27, he may be ready for a breakout season. In 2013, he led the NL in home runs (36), RBI (125) and total bases (332), while hitting .302 and stealing 15 bases. Last season, limited to 109 games after suffering a fractured hand from a hit by pitch, he went .300-19-69, with nine steals. BBRT is looking for a career year out of the Diamondbacks’ first-sacker, who is also a plus defender. Ultimately, Goldschmidt may be headed for Jeff Bagwell-like numbers. Goldschmidt hit .293, with three home runs, in 22 Spring Training (ST) games.

Atlanta Braves

SS Andrelton Simmons – How many base hits will he steal?

If you want to watch defense, no one does it better than Braves’ shortstop Andrelton Simmons. In his first two full seasons, Simmons has captured two Gold Gloves, two Fielding Bible Awards and two Wilson Defensive Player of the Year recognitions. In the field, Simmons is well worth watching. At the plate, he’s still a bit of mystery (again worth watching). In 2013, his first full season, he hit .248, but popped 17 home runs. Last season, the average was about the same (.244), but the power dropped off (seven home runs). BBRT will be watching that defensive range, and looking to see what Simmons’ potential is at the plate (his minor league stats indicate he may end up closer to the seven home runs than the 17). Simmons hit .340, with two homers and 13 RBI, in 18 ST games

Baltimore Orioles

1B Chris Davis – Will the real Chris Davis please step into the batter’s box?

Heading into 2014, the Orioles’ Chris Davis was on an upward swing – .270, with 33 home runs and 85 RBI in 2012; .286-53-138 in 2013. Then in 2014, Davis suffered through an Adderall-use related suspension and a .196 season (173 strikeouts in 127 games). He still showed power, with 26 home runs and 72 RBI and – having now been given a therapeutic exemption for Adderall use – should get back to 30+ home run/100+ RBI performance in 2015. Hit .250-3-12 in ST.

Honorable mention: OF-1B Steve Pearce is a late bloomer who seemed to find his stroke last season (at age 31), hitting .293 with 21 homers in 102 games. His previous MLB career stats were 290 games (seven seasons), .238 average, 17 home runs. Will he continue his 2014 surge? He looked good this spring. Hit .302, with five home runs, in 17 ST games.

Boston Red Sox

RHP Clay Buchholz – Can he be the Red Sox’ top of the rotation “ace?”

The Red Sox re-armed for 2015, both in the batter’s box and on the mound (via the additions of Hanley Ramirez, Pablo Sandoval, Justin Masterson, Wade Miley, and Rick Porcello). The trade of Jon Lester last July, however, left them without a true number-one starter. That role now falls to Clay Buchholz, who has shown flashes of brilliance (17-7, 2.33 ERA in 2010 and 12-1, 1.74 in 2013), but also proven fragile (Buchholz has spent time on the Disabled List in each of the past five seasons). The Red Sox need Buchholz, coming off an 8-11, 5.34 campaign in 2014) to step up his game. Buchholz put up a 2.84 Spring Training ERA, with 22 strikeouts in 19 innings.

Chicago Cubs

RF Jorge Soler – How good is this Cuban import?

In 24 games for the Cubs, Jorge Soler – who signed a nine-year deal in June of 2012 – hit .292, with five home runs (14 extra base hits) and 20 RBI. In 2012, at the Rookie level, Soler hit .299, with five home runs, 25 RBI, 12 steals and 12 walks – in just 34 games. In 2013, he put up a .281-8-35 stat line in 55 games at the High A level. Last season, Soler played at the Rookie League, AA and AAA levels before making his late-season MLB debut with the Cubs. In his three 2014 minor league stops, Soler hit .340-15-57. Soler should be fun to watch in “The Friendly Confines” of Wrigley Field. Continued to rake in ST , posting a line of .345-4-15 in 19 games.

Honorable mention: 3B Kris Bryant hit .325 with 43 home runs and 110 RBI in two minor league stops (AA and AAA) last season – not to mention 15 steals. Then he hit .425 with nine home runs in just 40 at bats in 2015 Spring Training. He’ll start the season at AAA (some controversy there), but will be in Chicago soon. When he gets there, he’ll be well worth keeping an eye on.

Chicago White Sox

RHP Jeff Samardzija – How good will he be with the new White Sox offense to support him?

Jeff Samardzija (got to love that name on the back of a uniform), acquired in a trade with the Athletics, was a lot better in 2014 than his 7-13 record (Cubs and A’s) would indicate. He put up a nifty 2.99 ERA and struck out 202 hitters in 219 2/3 innings. Samardzija is slotted in at the number-two spot in the White Sox rotation (assuming Chris Sale returns from injury in mid-April as expected) – and he looks ready to put up a solid season. Samardzija had a rough spring giving up 20 runs (including 9 home runs) in 21 1/3 innings.

Honorable mention: LHP Carlos Rodon, drafted (first round) out of NC State last year, looks ready for the major leagues at age 22. In his first pro season, he moved from the Rookie League to High A to Triple A – posting a 2.96 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 24 1/3 innings. This spring, Rodon tossed 17 2/3 innings, going 3.06 with 12 whiffs and only five walks. Rodon will start the season at Triple A, but BBRT will be watching for his call up.

Cincinnati Reds

Closer Aroldis Chapman – Just how hard can this guy throw?

The Reds may not be going anywhere this year, but LHP Aroldis Chapman’s fastball is going to be flying past hitters once again. Acknowledged as the hardest thrower in MLB, Chapman’s fastball routinely tops 100 mph. In 2014, Chapman saved 36 games (in 38 opportunities) – and struck out 106 batters in just 54 innings. If you watch Chapman, you may not see that fastball, but you’ll probably be able to hear it. Struck out 16 in 12 ½ innings in ST.

Cleveland Indians

2B Jason Kipnis – Can he come back from injury-interrupted 2014?

Second baseman Jason Kipnis, a 2013 All Star (.284-17-84, with 30 steals), missed most of May last season (oblique strain) and fell to .240-6-41, with 22 steals. A return to health (and power plus speed) would give the Cleveland offense a boost. Hit .229 with one home run in 13 ST games.

Colorado Rockies

SS Troy Tulowitzki – Will he play 150 games?

Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is a key cog in the Rockies’ lineup, but in the eight seasons since his first full MLB season, he’s only reached 150 games played twice (2007 and 2009). The Rockies need their Gold Glove/power hitting shortstop to stay on the field. He’s coming off hip surgery, so it’s worth watching his progress closely. Tulo did look sound in Spring Training and, if healthy, he’s a potential .300-25-100 guy. In 16 ST games, hit .381, with five home runs and 12 RBI.

Detroit Tigers

RHP Justin Verlander – Can he rebound?

With Rick Porcello (trade) and Max Scherzer (free agency) gone, there is pressure on Justin Verlander (who will start the season on the DL – his first ever DL stint) to recapture his old form. (Verlander – triceps soreness – is expected back by mid-April.) Verlander has seen his ERA increase in each of the past four seasons (from 2.40 in 2011 to 4.54 in 2014) and his strikeouts per nine-innings drop from 9.0 to 6.9 in the same time span. The Tigers need a return to form from the 2011 Cy Young winner if they are to retain the Central Division’s top spot. You can bet Tiger fans will be watching with interest. Had a 5.63 ERA, with 10 whiffs in 16 innings this ST.

Honorable mention: 1B Miguel Cabrera – Who wouldn’t like watching Cabrera do what he does best\? Crush baseballs. The 2012 Triple Crown winner and two-time MVP hit .345, with three home runs in 11 ST games.

Houston Astros

2B Jose Altuve – Is the 5’ 5” spark plug for real?

Jose Altuve, currently MLB’s shortest player, is fun to watch. He puts the bat on the ball – often. In 2014, the 24-year-old led the AL in hits (225), batting average (.341) and stolen bases (56). If that’s not a show worth watching, what is? Hit .333 in 16 ST games.

Kansas City Royals

RF Alex Rios – Can he put some pop back in his swing?

Free-agent signee Alex Rios was acquired to help offset the departures of Nori Aoki and Billy Butler. Rios brings a steady bat (.280 last season, .278 career) and speed (17 steals in 2014, 244 in eleven MLB seasons). Notably, that combination was part of the Royals’ formula for success in 2014 – the team finished second in the AL in batting average and first in all of MLB in stolen bases (153, the only team to steal 150 bases.) They did, however, lack power, hitting only 95 home runs – the major’s lowest total. Rios hit only four round trippers a year ago, but hit between 15 and 25 home runs every season from 2006 to 2013. BBRT will be watching to see if Rios can recapture his power stroke. Hit .308, with three homers, in 20 ST games.

Honorable mention: With James Shields gone (free agency) RHP Yordano Ventura – 14-10, 3.20 in his first full season (2014) – will be expected to step into the number-one slot in the rotation. With his high 90s fastball, the 23-year-old looks ready to step up. Ventura produced a 4.50 ERA, with 16 whiffs in 18 ST innings.

Los Angeles Angels

CF Mike Trout – Another MVP?

Of course, BBRT will be watching Angels’ CF Mike Trout. What baseball fan wouldn’t? Just 23-years-old, with three full MLB seasons on the books, Trout has one AL MVP Award (two second-place finishes), a Rookie of the Year Award, and has led the AL in runs three times and RBI and stolen bases once each. He also has a .305 career average, with 98 homers. Just have to watch to see what’s next from the future HOFer. Hit .441, with five homers, in 22 ST games.

Los Angeles Dodgers

LHP Clayton Kershaw – What’s the record for most Cy Young Awards again?

Who wouldn’t want to watch Clayton Kershaw deal from the mound? Over the past four seasons, he’s 72-26, with a 2.33 ERA – leading the league in ERA four times, wins twice and strikeouts twice, while also earning three Cy Young Awards and one MVP Award. Hey, when Kershaw pitches, tune in. This ST, put up a 1.61 ERA, with 22 strikeouts in 22 1/3 innings.

Honorable mention: OF Joc Pederson was the Pacific Coast League’s 2014 Most Valuable player – hitting .303 with 33 home runs, 106 runs, 78 RBI, 30 steals and, importantly, 100 walks (in 121 games). Despite the fact that Pederson hit .143, with 11 whiffs in 28 at bats for the Dodgers last September, BBRT thinks he’ll have a season worth watching as a Dodgers’ rookie in 2015. Hit .338-6-13 in 26 ST games.

Miami Marlins

RF Giancarlo Stanton – Does anyone hit the ball farther – more consistently – than Stanton?

Giancarlo Stanton led the NL with 37 home runs last season, while hitting .288 with 105 RBI. According to ESPN’s Home Run Tracker, his home runs averaged 415.3 feet, second in MLB only to Matt Holliday (418.3 feet), who hit 17 fewer homers. Stanton also hit three of the eight longest 2014 home runs – and, of the fifty 2014 MLB home runs of at least 450 feet, Stanton had seven. (No one else had more than two.) Want to see long home runs, watch Giancarlo Stanton whenever you get the chance. Hit .313-4-14 in 19 ST games.

Milwaukee Brewers

RF Ryan Braun – Did thumb surgery do the trick?

No doubt the Brewers’ RF Ryan Braun has had problems in a career that started with a Rookie of the Year Award (2007), followed by five straight All Star selections – and the NL MVP Award in 20ll. Then there was a suspension in 2013 and injury issues in 2014.

When healthy, Braun has shown the ability to deliver speed and power (in 2012, he hit .319, with 41 home runs, 112 RBI and 30 steals). He appears healthy again and BBRT is anxious to see if he comes back strong. Looked good with a .395 average and three home runs in 16 ST games.

Minnesota Twins

1B Joe Mauer – More batting titles in the future?

Twins’ 1B Joe Mauer, a three-time AL batting champion with a .319 career (11 seasons) batting average, hit only .277 in 2014. The 2009 AL MVP spent time on the disabled list in three of the past four seasons. The Twins need a healthy and hitting Mauer and BBRT expects to see Mauer at or near his career average in 2015. Hit .273 this ST.

New York Mets

RHP Matt Harvey – Is he ready fully recovered from Tommy John surgery?

Nearly 18 months after Tommy John surgery, Met’s starter Matt Harvey looks ready to step up and be the Mets’ ace. Remember, in 2013, Harvey went 9-5, 2.27 with 191 strikeouts (just 31 walks) in 178 1/3 innings. If he’s back, he’ll be fun to watch –unless you’re in the batter’s box. This ST, Harvey logged a 1.19 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 22 2/3 innings pitched.

New York Yankees

Closer Dellin Betances – Can he replace, not Mariano Rivera, but David Robertson?

In 2014, David Robertson was charged with replacing retired Yankee Mariano Rivera as closer and did so admirably, saving 39 games, with a 3.06 ERA and 96 strikeouts in 64 1/3 innings. Robertson is now gone (free agency) and 26-year-old Dellin Betances moves into the NY closer’s role. Last season, Betances threw 90 innings (70 appearances), with a 1.40 ERA and 135 strikeouts (versus just 24 walks). He looks ready. Struck out nine in 8 1/3 ST innings, with a 5.40 ERA.

Oakland Athletics

3B Brett Lawrie – Would YOU like to replace Josh Donaldson?

3B Brett Lawrie (acquired in a trade with the Blue Jays) is being asked to replace arguably the A’s best player for the past two seasons – Josh Donaldson (traded to the Blue Jays). Donaldson – 53 homers, 191 RBI in 2013/2014 – will be a tough act to follow. Lawrie, who spent time on the Disabled List last year, did hit 12 home runs and drive in 38 in just 70 games. Hit .245-4-11 in 19 ST games.

Philadelphia Phillies

1B Ryan Howard – What does the former Rookie of the Year and NL MVP have left in the tank?

Ryan Howard won the 2005 NL Rookie of the Year Award, hitting .288, with 22 home runs and 63 RBI in just 88 games. He followed up with a .313-58-149 season and an MVP Award in 2006 – and kept right on hitting. From 2006 through 2011, Howard averaged just over 44 home runs and 113 RBI per season. However, time and injuries (knee and Achilles tendon) appear to have caught up with the Phillies’ slugger. In 2012 and 2013, he played a total of 151 games and last season, his stat line (in 153 games) was .223-23-95. Phillies’ fans will be watching to see if the 35-year-old can turn this around. Hit .176-3-10 in 26 games this ST.

Pittsburgh Pirates

CF Andrew McCutchen – Can he help drive the Pirates to the post season AGAIN?

Pirates CF Andrew McCutchen is well worth watching. He’s a true five-tool player – a Gold Glove winner and the 2013 NL MVP (he’s finished in the top three in the NL MVP voting each of the past three years). Last season “Cutch” went .314-25-83, with 18 steals. He’s likely to do even better in 2015. Hit .375 in 11 ST games.

Saint Louis Cardinals

RF Jason Heyward – More highlight reels in his future?

Although a lot of what happens in Saint Louis depends on the three “Matts” – Adams, Carpenter and Holliday – BBRT has special interest in the Redbirds’ new right fielder Jason Heyward (acquired in a trade with the Braves). We’re likely to see the two-time Gold Glover in plenty of defensive highlight videos and – at just 25-years-old – there is plenty of time to see his offensive skills develop further. (Heyward went .271-11-56, with 20 steals a year ago, but has shown 20-homer/20-steal potential.) Hit .300, with one home run, in 17 ST games.

San Diego Padres

The entire outfield – Has San Diego finally found its offense?

Rather than watch just one Padres’ player, BBRT is interested in San Diego’s entirely new – and much more offensively potent – outfield: Justin Upton (trade with Braves); Will Myers (trade with Rays); and Matt Kemp (trade with Dodgers). If these three live up to their potential at the plate, the San Diego offense could be vastly improved. Consider that Upton went .279-29-103 last season; Kemp put up a .287-25-89 line and has a .324-39-126 season under his belt (2011); and 2013 Rookie of the Year Myers is still considered to have considerable upside at age 24. This outfield may change San Diego’s approach to the game. This ST, Myers hit .259 with three homers; Kemp hit .370 with four round trippers; and Upton hit .314 with three long balls.

San Francisco Giants

LHP Madison Bumgarner – What does he do for an encore?

The post-season heroics of Madison Bumgarner should be no surprise, he also went 18-10, 2.98 with 219 strikeouts in 217 1/3 innings pitched during the 2014 regular season. The question is, did the 2014 workload (he also threw 50+ posts season inning) take anything out of him. Watch for the answer. He’s only 25, so BBRT anticipates, he’ll do just fine – and be among the top five in 2015 Cy Young voting. Had a 4.91 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 18 1/3 innings this ST.

Seattle Mariners

RHP Felix Hernandez – Is it time for another Cy Young Award?

How good is Felix Hernandez? The five-time All Star won the 2010 Cy Young Award with a 13-12 record. Now that’s respect. (He did have a league-low 2.27 ERA). The Mariners have worked to improve their offense (adding Nelson Cruz and his 40 home runs, for example) and that should mean even more victories for King Felix (15-6, 2.14, with 248 strikeouts in 236 innings pitched in 2014). This Spring Training, Hernandez had a 10.2 ERA, with eight strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings.

Honorable mention: RHP Taijuan Walker, a 2010 first-round draft pick, has been the talk of Spring Training for the Mariners – and may soon be the “talk of the town” in Seattle. Struck out 26 in 27 ST innings, with a sparkling 0.67 ERA.

Tampa Bay Rays

OF Steven Souza – Is he ready?

Acquired from the Washington Nationals, Steven Souza was the International League (AAA) Rookie of the Year and MVP in 2014 – hitting .350, with 18 home runs, 75 RBI and 26 steals in 96 games with Syracuse. Souza was a 2007 third-round draft pick as an 18-year-old. It took the 6’ 4”, 225-pound right-handed hitter a few seasons to adjust (he hit just .227 over his first five minor league seasons). In 2012, Souza began to turn it on – hitting.297-23-85, with 14 steals in 97 games at A and High A. In 2013, he proved 2012 was no fluke, going .297-15-46 with 22 steals at two levels (Rookie and AA). Last season, Souza hit .345-18-99 with 28 steals, while working has way from A to AA to AAA. Souza hit only .130 in a couple of major league call-ups (21 games), but he looks like another player well worth watching (at the major league level) this season. Hit .130 in 19 ST games.

Texas Rangers

1B Prince Fielder – Is he healthy, is he back?

The Rangers expected 1B/DH Prince Fielder to lead their offense when they acquired him before the 2014 season. After all, the big guy had averaged 36 home runs and 108 RBI over the previous seven seasons. A neck injury limited Fielder to 42 games (three homers, 16 RBI) in 2014. BBRT (and the Lone Star State) will be watching to see how Fielder rebounds from neck surgery. Hit .341-1-7 in 17 ST games.

Toronto Blue Jays

LHP Daniel Norris – Was he really living in a van down by the Wal-Mart?

How can you not want to watch a guy with eye-popping stuff and a two-million-dollar signing bonus, who chooses to live (during Spring Training) in a Volkswagen van behind a Wal-Mart. Norris will be in the Jay’s starting rotation. Look out! Logged a 2.93 ST ERA, with 30 strikeouts in 27 2/3 innings.

Washington Nationals

The entire starting rotation – How good (great) can they be?

Kind of a cop out, but you really have to watch that entire starting rotation – anyone in it could be a Cy Young winner. Here they are with their 2014 stats: Max Scherzer (18-5, 3.15); Stephen Strasburg 14-11, 3.14); Jordan Zimmerman (14-5, 2.66); Doug Fister (16-6, 2.41); Gio Gonzalez (10-10, 3.57). Their ST ERAs were: Scherzer (1.35); Gonzalez (2.79); Zimmerman (3.80); Strasburg (4.20); Fister (5.96).

Honorable mention: People keep waiting for Bryce Harper to become the NL’s Mike Trout. Well, keep an eye on him. Remember, he’s only 22-years-old. This could be the year. Hit .267-3-8 in 19 ST games.

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Filed Under: News

Opening Day – A Gift About to be Unwrapped

March 22, 2015 by David

“You always get a special kick on opening day, no matter how many you go through. You look forward to it like a birthday party when you’re a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen.”

Joe DiMaggio

Opening Day … A Gift Waiting to be Opened!

For players and fans alike, Opening Day is indeed like a birthday present. However, history shows us that unwrapping that present can be exhilarating or exasperating for players and fans alike.

It can be as exhilarating as Bob Feller’s 1940 Opening Day no-hitter – still the only Opening Day no-hitter in MLB history. Or it can be as exasperating as Ron Karkovice’s five strikeouts in five trips to the plate on Opening Day 1996 – still the MLB record for Opening Day whiffs. As we move closer to Opening Day 2015, BBRT would like to look at some of the most exhilarating and exasperating Opening Day record-setting performances – leading off with Feller and Karkovice’s memorable Opening Day “achievements.”

Opening Day No-Hitter – 1-0 and One of a Kind

On April 16, 1940, fire-balling Bob Feller opened the season against the White Sox at Comiskey Park. After nine innings of work, Feller and his Cleveland Indians had a 1-0 win – and the 21-year-old Feller (coming off a 24-win season in 1939) had his first no-hitter (walking five and striking out out eight). Feller’s Opening Day performance was a pretty good indicator of what was to come. In 1940, he would go on to lead the AL in wins (27), ERA (2.61), strikeouts (261), games pitched (43), games started (37), complete games (31), innings pitched (320 1/3) and shutouts (4).

Five Strikeouts – A Victim of Circumstances

Circumstances were clearly working against Ron Karkovice on March 31, 1996, when he set an MLB Opening Day record by striking out five times.

First, future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson (who retired with the second most strikeouts in MLB history) started on the mound for the Mariners – and he was on his game, whiffing 14 batters in seven innings (including Karkovice in the second, fourth and seventh).

Second, the White Sox could muster only two runs on four hits over the first nine innings – taking a slim 2-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth (at that point in the game, Karkovice had only a mundane three strikeouts to his credit – or debit – for the day).

Third, the Mariners tied the contest in the ninth, and the game went to 12 innings before the Mariners prevailed 3-2. In those three extra innings, Karkovice struck out against Norm Charlton (tenth inning) and Edwin Hurtado (twelfth inning) to set the Opening Day record.

Of note – at least to BBRT – is the fact that, despite five strikeouts in five plate appearances, Karkovice did not leave a single runner on base.

Seven RBI – Bringing the Boys Home

Being a Twins’ fan, one of my favorite Opening Day records is seven RBI in game one of the season – shared by the Twins’ Brant Alyea and the Cubs Corey Patterson.

On April 7, 1970, as the Twins downed the White Sox 12-0 in Chicago, LF Brant Alyea drove in an Opening Day record seven runs – going four-for-four, with two home runs. It was Alyea’s first game as a Twin and the start of the hottest month in his career. In 17 April games, he hit .415, with seven runs, 23 RBI, four doubles and five home runs. For the season, Alyea appeared in 94 games, hitting career highs in batting average (.291), home runs (16) and RBI (61).

On Opening Day 2003 (March 31), the Cubs CF Corey Patterson tied Alyea’s record – driving in seven runs, going four-for-six with two home runs, as the Cubs topped the Mets 15-2 in New York. Patterson, a career .252 hitter (12 seasons), seemed to always be ready for Opening Day. In seven Opening Day appearances, Patterson hit .440, with seven runs, 12 RBI and three home runs. The season he tied Alyea’s Opening Day RBI mark, Patterson played in 83 games, hitting .298, with 13 home runs and 55 RBI.

Three Can Be a Lucky Number – Most Home Runs in an Opening Day Game

On April 4, 1988, Blue Jays DH George Bell became the first major leaguer to hit three home runs in an Opening Day game. (The number of three-home run Opening Days is now up to three.) Bell’s power outburst was no surprise. He was coming off a 1987 season in which he hit 47 homers, drove in 134 runs and was the AL MVP. (Bell would go on to hit 24 home runs in 1988.) Bell hit all three of his home runs off Royals’ starter Brett Saberhagen (the game was in Kansas City), and drove in four runs as the Blue Jays prevailed 5-3. Bell hit 265 home runs in a 12-season MLB career.

Karl “Tuffy” Rhodes was the second player to hit three home runs in an Opening Day game. On a windy April 4, 1994, Rhodes (leading off and playing CF for the Cubs in Chicago) hit three solo shots off Mets starter Dwight Gooden (in the first, third and fifth innings), as the Cubs lost to the visiting Mets 12-8. Rhodes, who had five plate appearances, also had a single and a walk. At the time, Rhodes had played a total of 107 MLB games in four seasons – hitting a total of five home runs. His MLB career consisted of 225 games in six seasons, with a .224 average and just 13 round trippers (with a high of eight in 1994). Rhodes did go on to hit 474 home runs in eleven seasons in Japan.

On April 4, 2005 the Tigers Dmitri Young joined Bell and Rhodes on the short list of batters with three home runs in an Opening Day game – as the Tigers topped the Royals 11-2 in Detroit. Young started at DH and went four-for-four with four runs and five RBI. Young hit a total of 21 home runs in 2005 – and 171 in 13 MLB seasons.

BBRT finds it interesting that two of the three three-homer Opening Days belong to DHs.

Fifteen Strikeouts on Opening Day

Who holds the record for pitcher’s strikeouts in an Opening Day game? Walter Johnson? Bob Feller? Christy Mathewson? Sandy Koufax? Nolan Ryan? Bob Gibson? Randy Johnson? Tom Seaver? None of the above.

On April 18, 1960, Camilo Pascual (known for his sweeping curve ball, but also possessing a fastball “with movement”) took the mound at Griffith Stadium for the Washington Senators (against the Boston Red Sox). In 1959, the Senators had finished in last place in the AL, but Pascual had gone 17-10, 2.64, and led the league with 17 complete games and six shutouts. As the Senators’ Opening Day starter in 1960, Pascual picked up right where he left off – tossing a complete game three-hitter, walking three and striking out a (still) Opening Day record 15 batters. Behind this sterling effort, the Senators beat the Red Sox 10-1.

In an 18-year MLB career, Pascual went 174-170, 3.63 (often pitching for second division clubs), was an All Star five times, a twenty-game winner twice and the league leader in complete games, shutouts and strikeouts three times each.

Two “Kings” of Opening Day

Perhaps no one looked forward to Opening Day more than Ted Williams – the king of the Opening Day batter’s box. A career .344 hitter, the “Splendid Splinter” was even better on Opening Day. Williams played in fourteen openers and was never held hitless. He compiled a .449 Opening Day average (22 hits in 49 at bats), with three home runs, eight doubles, one triple, nine runs scored, 14 RBI and eleven walks. His Opening Day on-base percentage was .550 and his season-opener slugging percentage was .837.

The Washington Senators’ Walter Johnson can be crowned king of the Opening Day mound. On his first-ever Opening Day start (April 14, 1910), the 22-year-old Johnson tossed a 3-0 one-hit shutout against the Philadelphia Athletics. Sixteen years (and 13 Opening Day starts) later, a 38-year-old Johnson fulfilled his last Opening Day assignment with a 15-inning, complete-game, 1-0 win (6 hits, 3 walks, 9 strikeouts) over the A’s. Johnson holds the record for Opening Day pitching victories with nine (against five losses) and also threw a record seven Opening Day shutouts.

Jimmy – The Key to Opening Day Victories

While Walter Johnson holds the record for Opening Day wins at nine, it did take him 14 Game One starts (and five losses) to get there. Jimmy Key (pitching for the Blue Jays, Yankees and Orioles) holds the record for most Opening Days wins without an Opening Day loss – at seven. Key had seven Opening Day wins in seven Opening Day starts. In those seven victories, he threw 44 1/3 innings, had a 3.05 ERA, gave up 38 hits and just five walks, while striking out 23.

Opening Day Can Be Painful

On April 9, 1990, Astros first baseman and clean-up hitter Glenn Davis (a 1989 All Star) opened the season in a bruising manner – tying an Opening Day (and MLB regular season) record for getting hit by a pitch in a game (three times). Davis came to the plate six times and never put the ball in play – but still made only one out. For the game, Davis was hit by a pitch three times, walked twice (once intentionally) and struck out once. The Astros lost to the Reds 8-4 on Davis’ historic and painful day. The Opening Day action did help Davis lead the league in one category in 1990 (Hit By Pitch – eight).

Of note to BBRT, Davis finished Opening Day with a batting average of .000, but an on-base percentage of .833.

Whoa! Get Control of Yourself – 11 Walks on Opening Day

Cleveland southpaw Herb Score set the Opening Day record for pitchers walks on April 16, 1957 – when he took the mound at home against the visiting White Sox. Score walked 11 that day – but his performance was not as bad as that figure would indicate. While the Indians lost 3-2 in 11 innings, Score went the distance (pitchers used to finish what they started – back in the day), giving up just seven hits and two earned runs. In addition to his eleven walks, Score struck out ten. Score earned the Opening Day call with a 20-9, 2.53 1956 season in which he led the AL in strikeouts. (Score led the AL in whiffs in each of his first two seasons 1955-56.)

Eight Opening Day Homers – The Career Record

Frank Robinson, Ken Griffey, Jr. and Adam Dunn share the career record for Opening Day home runs at eight. While Griffey, Jr., Robinson and Dunn share the overall record, the American League-only record belongs to Griffey, Jr., who hit all his Opening Day shots for the Mariners. Robinson hit Opening Day homers for the most teams: the Orioles, Angels and Indians in the AL and the Reds in the NL. The National League-only record (seven Opening Day Shots) is shared by a couple of Hall of Famers: Willie Mays (all for the Giants – in New York and San Francisco) and Eddie Mathews (all for the Braves in Milwaukee.)

Let’s Get This Party Started

Tom Seaver was the starting pitcher for his team on Opening Day a record sixteen times (Mets, Reds, White Sox) – going 7-2 with 7 no-decisions.

Now, let’s get ready to open another MLB season!

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts

For Twins Fans – Some Powerful Records

March 18, 2015 by David

Harmon Killibrew hit more home runs in the 1960s than any other player – powering the Twins to some big innings.

The Minnesota Twins gave their fans a special Saint Patrick’s Day (March 17) present this year. Not only did they defeat the Orioles 10-9 to bring Minnesota’s 2015 Spring Training record to a Grapefruit League-best seven wins and three losses, they also hit for the “Home Run Cycle” – hitting solo, two-run, three-run and Grand Slam homers during the contest – and in that order no less. Third baseman Trevor Plouffe delivered a solo shot in the second inning; DH Eduardo Nunez hit a two-run homer in the fourth; first baseman Kennys Vargas rapped a three-run round tripper in the fifth; and shortstop Eduardo Escobar capped it off with a Grand Slam in the sixth.

All of this power may have taken senior Twins fans (like me) back to the 1960s, when the Twins’ punishing lineup often simply “overpowered” the opposition. I’d like to dedicate this post to those powerful teams – and to all the Twins fans who remember them. Here’s just a few examples of those ‘60s Twins exploits (or newer fans who would like to know more about them).

On July 18, 1962 … The Twins tied an MLB record and became the first AL team (and the first MLB team since 1890) to hit two grand slams in one inning. (It’s been done a total of seven times to date.) The Twins remain the only team to pull off the feat in the first-inning of a game. It was a Twins’ home game (versus the Cleveland Indians). The Twins scored eleven times in the bottom of the first, with the key blows being Grand Slam HRs by right fielder Bob Allison and, fittingly, left fielder Harmon Killebrew.

May 2, 1964 – The Twins tied an MLB record for the most consecutive home runs in an inning – four. They were (and remain) the only team to accomplish the feat in an “extra” inning. The game, against the Athletics in Kansas City, was tied 3-3 as the Twins came to bat in the top of the eleventh. Right fielder Tony Oliva hit a go-ahead home run to open the inning. This was followed, in succession, by roundtrippers from first baseman Bob Allison, center fielder Jimmie Hall and (again fittingly) left fielder Harmon Killebrew.

June 6, 1966 – The Twins tied another MLB record by hitting five home runs in one inning. (The Twins are still the only AL team to accomplish this feat. It’s been done four times in the NL.) The Twins outburst came in the bottom of the seventh inning in a game against the Kansas City Athletics. The home runs were hit by pinch hitter Rich Rollins, shortstop Zoilo Versalles, right fielder Tony Oliva, first baseman Don Mincher and, of course, third baseman Harmon Killebrew. For the full story on five-homer innings, click here.

One final thought related to the Twins’ Spring Training “team” Home Run Cycle. Only once in professional baseball history has an individual player hit a solo, two-run, three-run and Grand Slam homer all in the same game. His name was Tyrone Horne, the day was July 27, 1998 and you can read the story by clicking here.

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts

A Few Potential MLB Milestones for 2015

March 16, 2015 by David

Alex Rodriguez could “hit” some statistical milestones in 2015.

In this post, BBRT would like to take a look at some statistical milestones that may be reached during the 2015 season. As we do that, it’s no surprise that the player most likely to make a “mark” or two in 2015 is the Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez – who has a shot at some significant milestones in base hits, total bases, RBI, runs scored and home runs. You’ll also find names on the potential milestone markers list like C.C. Sabathia, Joe Nathan, Albert Pujols, David Ortiz, Carl Crawford, Ichiro Suzuki, LaTroy Hawkins and Mark Buehrle.

Base hits

The Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez is just 61 hits shy of becoming the 29^th player in MLB history to collect 3,000 safeties. He should reach that mark by mid-season and has a chance (if he can collect 140 hits in 2015) to move into 20^th place all-time. (Cap Anson is now at number 20 with 3,081 hits.)

Runs Batted In

Alex Rodriguez needs just 31 RBI to become only the third player in MLB history to reach 2,000 runs batted in. The others are Hank Aaron (2,297) and Babe Ruth (2,218). This is another milestone that A-Rod, if he stays healthy (he does turn 40 in July), should reach before the All Star break.

The Angels’ Albert Pujols – beginning the season with 1,603 RBI – has a chance to become just the 24^th player to reach 1,700 runs driven in. (Reggie Jackson is currently number 24, with 1,702, two behind Frank Thomas for number 23.)

Runs Scored

Alex Rodriguez needs 81 runs to become the eighth major leaguer to cross the plate 2,000 times. That may be a stretch for Rodriguez, but there are some milestones in between his current 1,919 runs scored (10^th all time) and 2,000. A-Rod needs just four runs to tie Derek Jeter for ninth on the list, and 30 runs will pull him into a tie for eighth with Stan Musial.

Home Runs

Albert Pujols should move up the HR and RBI lists in 2015.

Alex Rodriguez is also on the home run milestone list – not for a new round number, but for his place on the list. Rodriguez is currently fifth among all-time home run hitters at 654 roundtrippers. He needs just seven homers to pass Willie Mays for the number-four spot. Beyond Mays, there are the out-of-reach Babe Ruth (714), Hank Aaron (755) and Barry Bonds (762).

The Red Sox’ David Ortiz is 34 home runs shy of becoming the 27^th member of the 500 home run club. While Ortiz did hit 35 dingers last season, it was the first time he reached at least 34 home runs since 2007. If he makes 500 this season, it will be late in the year. He’ll probably need to suit up for at least one more season to reach the half-century mark.

Albert Pujols starts 2015 with 520 home runs, good for 21^st all-time. He should vault up several spots this season (Willie McCovey, Frank Thomas and Ted Williams, for example, all sit at 521). If Pujols matches his 29 home runs of 2014, he will move into a tie for 15^th place with Mike Schmidt. (Pujols needs only 16 HRs to tie Mickey Mantle for 16^th place all time.)

Total Bases

Alex Rodriguez is just 20 total bases shy of becoming the ninth player to reach 5,500 total bases – and 59 shy of tying Carl Yastrzemski for number-eight all-time. (Number seven is a ways off – Pete Rose at 5,752). Only three players have reached 6,000 total bases in their careers: Hank Aaron (6,856), Stan Musial (6,134) and Willie Mays (6,066).

Stolen Bases

Another Yankee, Ichiro Suzuki, needs just 13 stolen bases to become the 24^th player to reach the 500 mark. He is, however, 41-years-old, so 14 steals is not a given. Still, he’s never stolen less than 14 in a season (15 steals in 2014), so he has a chance to reach the 500 mark late in 2015.

The Dodgers’ Carl Crawford is also closing in on 500 steals – with 470 going into the season. Crawford, however, hasn’t reached the 30-steal mark since 2010 (23 last season). With the Dodgers still facing log jam in the outfield, Crawford (like Suzuki) is a long-shot to hit this milestone in 2014 . (If I had to pick either Ichiro or Crawford to reach 500 this year, I’d go with Suzuki.)

Strikeouts

The Yankees’ C.C. Sabathia needs just 63 strikeouts to become the 31^st hurler to reach the 2,500 mark for his career. If he comes back from last season’s knee surgery, the 34-year-old southpaw should easily reach that mark. Sabathia currently stands at number 38 on the all-time K list (2,437) – between him and number 31 are Jamie Moyer (2,441), Andy Pettitte (2,448), San McDowell (2,453), Jim Kaat (2,461), Mark Langston (2,464), Jack Morris (2,478) and Don Drysdale (2,486). If Sabathia can notch 65 whiffs in 2015, he can move into a tie with Christy Mathewson for 30^th all time (2,502).

Victories

Mark Buehrle’s first win for the Blue Jays in 2015 will be his 200^th career win,

Games Pitched

The Rockies’ LaTroy Hawkins (who appeared in his 1,000th game last season), now stands at number 16 for pitching appearances all-time. The 42-year-old Hawkins, who made 57 appearances last season, needs to take the mound in 35 games to tie Trevor Hoffman for tenth all-time. BBRT is betting that Hawkins – who has announced he will retire after the 2015 season (his 21st MLB season) – will make that top ten mark.

Saves

Joe Nathan could take a high five for his 400th saves this coming season.

The Tigers’ Joe Nathan – coming off a disappointing 2014 – needs just 24 saves to become just the sixth pitcher to reach the 400 mark. Even with his 4.81 ERA of 2014, Nathan notched 35 saves. If the 39-year-old has enough left in the tank to hold onto the closer’s position, he should make it. The chances, from here, look to be 50-50

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

BallPark Tours 2015 Schedule

March 12, 2015 by David

Ballpark Tours 2015 Summer Lineup

A Few Seats Left – Sign up now!

Leaving from Saint Paul, Minnesota.

For more information and signup instructions click here.

Minor League Meander … June 26 – 27 – 28

Omaha – Sioux Falls – Des Moines

Omaha Storm Chasers / Round Rock Express

Sioux City Explorers / Amarillo Sox

Iowa Cubs / New Orleans Zephyrs

A three-day jaunt to Iowa and Nebraska with a lot of Pacific Coast League action,

plus you’ll get your first look at time clocks!!!

$475 (per person/double occupancy)

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

Bleacher Bums XXXIII … August 5 – August 11

Rock & Roll Adventure

Schaumburg – Chicago – Cleveland – Detroit – Chicago

Miners/Boomers – Giants/Cubs – Twins/Indians – Bosox/Tigers – Angels/Chisox

6 nights – 6 games – Free time in Chicago & Cleveland – Microbrewery Escapade(s).

Great downtown hotels, time to take in the sites and a chance to see the Twins on the road.

$1275 (per person/double occupancy)

Rates for each trek are per person (double occupancy) & include travel by air-conditioned coach bus, rooms, tickets, commemorative tour shirt and BPT Hoopla!!!

To read about blog posts from past trips, click here:

Filed Under: Ballpark Tours, News

BBRT 2015 MLB Rookie Watch List

March 10, 2015 by David

Opening Day is coming up fast and, in this post, I’d like to introduce ten rookies that BBRT expects to be on their team’s Opening Day rosters. It’s BBRT’s annual “watch” list. This list is made up of (not necessarily the best long-term prospects) rookies BBRT expects to make an impact at the major league level this season. Not surprising – given what we’ve seen from the likes of Yasiel Puig, Yeonis Cespedes and Jose Abreu – there is a strong Cuban contingent on the list, as well as one Korean Baseball Organization import. There are four (and possibly a fifth) outfielders on the Watch List, as well as four pitchers (including one currently living in a Volkswagen van behind a Florida Wal-Mart).

With that introduction, here’s BBRT’s Rookie/\Prospect Watch List.

Jorge Soler, OF, Cubs

Jorge Soler tops the BBRT 2015 Rookie Watch List.

Jorge Soler makes the top of BBRT’s 2015 Rookie Watch List based on his play after a late-September 2015 call-up. In 24 games for the Cubs, Soler hit .292, with five home runs (14 extra base hits) and 20 RBI. There are a host of high-potential prospects as we go into the 2015 season, but Soler is one who has already shown an ability to handle big-league pitching.

The 6’ 4”, 215-pound, 23-year-old played for the Cuban National Team in the World Junior Baseball Championship and in the Cuban National Series before defecting in 2011. In June 2012, he signed a nine-year deal with the Cubs for a reported $30 million. It’s looking like a very wise investment.

In 2012, at the Rookie level, Soler hit .299, with five home runs, 25 RBI, 12 steals and 12 walks – in just 34 games. In 2013, he put up a .281-8-35 stat line in 55 games at the High A level (and hit .271 in the Fall League). Last season, Soler played at the Rookie League, AA and AAA levels before making his late-season MLB debut with the Cubs. In his three 2014 minor league stops, Soler hit .340-15-57. He has reasonable speed, a strong arm and a powerful bat. Soler is expected to man right field right from Opening Day, batting in the five- or six-spot in the order.

BBRT note: Those who choose to watch Soler’s progression with the Cubs may get the opportunity to observe a couple of other rising prospects in 3B/OF Kris Bryant (who hit .325 with a minor-league high 43 home runs at AA and AAA a year ago) and SS Addison Russell, who, at just 21, has three minor league seasons (a .300 average, 37 home runs and 150 RBI in 233 games) under his belt. Soler, however, is likely to have the most immediate impact.

Rusney Castillo, OF – Red Sox

Number-two on the BBRT Watch List is another Cuban import – Rusney Castillo, who signed a $72.5 million, seven-year contract with the Red Sox in August of 2014. Castillo, who defected from Cuba in late 2013, played in the Cuban National Series, as well as with the Cuban national team. In five seasons in the Cuban National Series, Castillo hit .315, with 42 home runs, 192 RBI and 68 steals in 323 games.

A speedy 5’ 8”, 186-poud outfielder, Castillo made his major league debut less than a month after his signing, and hit .333 with two home runs, six RBI and three steals in ten games for Boston, The 27-year-old rookie is expected to man centerfield for the Red Sox – and is an early favorite for AL Rookie of the Year.

Steven Souza, OF, Rays

BBRT really likes the 25-year-old Souza – acquired by the Rays in an off-season trade with the Nationals. Souza was a 2007 third-round draft pick (Nationals) as an 18-year-old. It took the 6’ 4”, 225-pound right-handed hitter a few seasons to adjust (he hit just .227 over his first five minor league seasons). In 2012, Souza began to turn it on – hitting .297-23-85, with 14 steals in 97 games at A and High A. In 2013, he proved 2012 was no fluke, going .297-15-46 with 22 steals at two levels (Rookie and AA) and then hitting .357 in the Fall League. Last season, Souza hit .345-18-99 with 28 steals, while working has way from A to AA to AAA. He was selected the International League Rookie of the Year and MVP. Souza hit only .130 in a couple of major league call-ups (21 games), but he looks ready to take a spot on the Rays roster – and in the day-to-day lineup – for 2015.

Joc Pederson OF – Dodgers

Joc Pederson – topped 30 home runs and 30 steals in the Pacific Coast League last season.

Joc Pederson has power, speed and a pretty good pedigree (his father Stu put up a .292 average over a dozen minor league seasons and got into eight MLB games for the Dodgers in 1985). The younger Pederson was the Dodgers’ 2012 Minor League Player of the Year, hit .278 with 22 home runs and 31 steals in two 2013 minor league stops and, in 2014, was the Pacific Coast League Most Valuable player – hitting .303 with 33 home runs, 106 runs, 78 RBI, 30 steals and, importantly, 100 walks (in 121 games). The 6’ 1”, 185-pound left-handed hitter has nothing left to prove in the minor leagues, but does need to cut down his strikeouts (149 at AAA last season). Pederson hit .143, with 11 whiffs in 28 at bats for the Dodgers last September. The Dodgers felt strongly enough about Pederson’s potential to trade Matt Kemp in the off-season and pencil the rookie into the starting outfield (center).

Aaron Sanchez, RHP, Blue Jays

There’s little doubt that Aaron Sanchez has what it takes to get major league hitters out. Although he still qualifies as a rookie, Sanchez made 24 relief appearances for the Blue Jays last season – going 2-2, with a 1.09 ERA and 27 strikeouts (versus just nine walks) in 33 innings. So, what is BBRT watching for? The question surrounding the 6’ 4”, 200-pound, 22-year-old seems to be whether the Blue Jays will use him as a starter or a closer. In five minor league seasons, Sanchez went 18-23, 3.51, striking out 349 in 356 1/3 innings. Sanchez, a 2010 first-round pick, has a lively, mid-90s fastball, a good change-up and a better than average curve.

Daniel Norris, LHP, Blue Jays

Norris makes it to the BBRT watch list for a couple of reasons:

First, in 2014, Norris moved from High A to Double A to Triple A to the Blue Jays – striking out 167 hitters in 131 innings along the way. In his three minor league stops, Norris went 12-2 with a 2.53 ERA and 163 strikeouts in 124 1/3 innings. (He made five appearances for the Blue Jays last season, going 0-0, 5.40 with five walks and four whiffs in 6 2/3 innings.)
Second, Norris is truly his own man. Despite signing for a $2 million bonus, the 21-year-old, 6’ 2”, 195-pound lefthander’s Spring Training home is a 1978 Volkswagen van parked behind a Florida Wal-Mart. (Figures he’d be a lefty.) Norris’ take on the situation, as reported by CBS News, “I’m not going to change who I am just because people thinks it’s weird. The only way I’m going to have a great season is by starting out happy and balanced and continuing to be me.”

Now, how can you not follow that rookie? Norris not only brings his unconventional attitude to the mound, he also has a mid-90s fastball, slider, curve and circle change. His opportunity to go north may very well depend on whether another BBRT prospect to watch – Aaron Sanchez – sticks with the Jays as a reliever or starter. Regardless, BBRT expects to see Norris’ free-spirit in the Blue Jays’ rotation sometime in 2015.

Yasmany Tomas, 3B/OF, Diamondbacks

Yasmany Tomas earned a reputation as one of Cuba’s top power hitters before defecting and eventually signing a six-year, $68.5 million contract with the Diamondbacks this past December. In five seasons in the Cuban National Series, Tomas hit .290 with 39 home runs and 151 RBI in 272 games. The 24-year-old has the look of a power hitter – 6’2”, 230 pounds. The question in Spring Training seems to be whether Tomas has the skills to handle third base, or will find a corner outfield spot.

Andrew Heaney, LHP, Angels

Andrew Heaney – a Marlins’ first-round draft pick in 2012 (ninth overall) – came to the Angels in a trade for second baseman Howie Kendrick (after spending approximately five hours as a Dodger as part of a trade that involved Dan Haren and Dee Gordon). Heaney went 0-3, 5.83 with the Marlins (seven appearances, five starts), but that is not an indicator of his talent. In three minor league seasons, the 23-yerar-old southpaw went 19-11, 2.53 – striking out 262 batters (only 68 walks) in 259 2/3 innings (and we all know how MLB teams covet power-pitching southpaws). The 6’ 2”, 185-pound hurler has a low- to mid-90s fastball, a devastating slider (his best pitch) and a good change up – as well as excellent control. (In twenty-four 2014 appearances at AA and AAA, Heaney struck out 143, while walking only 36, in 137 1/3 innings.)

BBRT note: If you are monitoring Heaney, you might also keep an eye on his likely competition for a spot in the rotation, another rookie prospect, Nick Tropeano. The 23-year-old right-hander – picked up in an off-season trade with the Astros – has put up a 31-24, 3.26 record in four minor league seasons. Tropeano went 1-3, 4.57 in four starts for the Astros after a September 2014 call-up.

Noah Syndergaard, RHP, Mets

Noah Syndergaard – should be coming soon to a big league park near you.

Noah Syndergaard – 6’6”, 240 pounds – is an imposing presence on the mound. Just 22-years-old, he has already translated that presence into 31 minor league wins (19 losses), with a 3.25 ERA and 474 strikeouts in 426 2/3 innings. He has a 95-mph fastball, a slow-breaking curve and a circle change. While the Mets have a solid rotation, BBRT can’t see them keeping Syndergaard down at AAA much longer. If he doesn’t make the big league squad out of Spring Training, BBRT expects to see Syndergaard in the Big Apple sooner rather than later.

Jung-ho Kang, SS, Pirates

The 27-year-old Kang has eight seasons in the Korean Baseball Organization – and last season hit .356 with 40 home runs and 117 RBI in 117 games. How Kang – a four-time KBO All Star and four-time KBO Gold Glove winner – performs for the Pirates may tell us as much about the state of South Korean baseball is as it does about Kang himself. Kang signed a four-year, $11 million contract with the Pirates in January.

A few others you might want to put on your watch list: Kris Bryant, 3B, Cubs; Dylan Bundy, RHP, Orioles; Byron Buxton, OF, Twins; Carlos Correa, SS, Astros; Mike Foltynewicz, RHP, Braves; Francisco Lindor, SS, Indians; Alex Meyer, RHP, Twins; Carlso Rondon, LHP, White Sox; Addison Russell, SS, Cubs.

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Filed Under: News

Twins Promotions – Enhancing the Fan Experience

March 6, 2015 by David

Photo: Courtesy of MInnesota Twins

From baseball bats to bobbleheads to backpacks, the Minnesota Twins promotional giveaways for 2015 seem to offer something for everyone – and that’s no accident. BBRT had a chance to talk to the Twins Senior Manager of Marketing and Promotions Julie Okland about just what goes into setting up a major league team’s schedule of promotions. Turns out that, while there is plenty of brainstorming involved, there is also a lot of science behind the final schedule of giveaways, events, activities and discounts.

In this post, BBRT will look at MLB’s promotional schedule, with an emphasis on my hometown Twins. I’ll also include a nod to some particularly interesting promotions from other teams – ranging from the Nationals’ Jayson Werth Chia Pet to the upcoming attempt by the Angels to set the record for the largest gathering of people wearing sombreros to the A’s Sonny Gray solar-powered garden gnome. I’ll include dates to help readers plan their ticket purchases, but keep in mind:

This is a preliminary report. As this is being posted, some teams have not released their promotional schedules or have released only partial schedules.
Promotional items and schedules are subject to change without notice. For a complete list and up-to-date details regarding 2015 Twins promotions (including dates, numbers of items, activities and eligibility) click here. For details on promotions and events across MLB, visit each team’s website.

Now that the cautionary language has been handled, let’s get to it.

During the upcoming season, fans across MLB will have a lot to choose from when it comes to promotions. By the time the season is over, for example, Twins fans alone will have gone home from the ballpark with:

40,000 hooded sweatshirts;
40,000 bobbleheads (Brian Dozier, Paul Molitor, Phil Hughes, 1965 vintage);
40,000 baseball caps, 10,000 bomber hats, 40,000 stocking caps;
10,000 adult jerseys (Torii Hunter) and 10,000 kids jerseys (Danny Santana) – sizes limited on jerseys;
10,000 drawstring backpacks, 10,000 reusable water bottles;
10,000 ceramic steins (Fathers’ Day – Men 21+ only);
10,000 plush toys (Twins mascot T.C. and Target mascot Bullseye);
20,000 reusable grocery totes;
45,000 magnetic season schedules, 60,000 poster schedules; and
10,000 pairs of flip flops.

Fans also will have had a chance to enjoy such events as Fireworks Fridays and the Midwest Music Showcase (Wednesdays), along with unique activities and discounts associated with Knothole Kids Days, Student Days, Senior Days, Military Mondays, Dollar-A-Dog Days – and the list goes on.

It is, indeed, an ambitious schedule with something for everyone.

Okland indicated that setting up a new season’s promotional calendar begins as soon as (or even before) the gates close on the previous season.

“It’s really a year-round process,” Okland, who has been with the Twins for twelve years, said. “We’re constantly looking for new ideas, what’s trending with our fans, what’s worked for other teams. We’re always looking for that next big idea.”

Okland added that promotions and events have become increasingly important as the Twins, and baseball overall, find themselves competing not just for the entertainment and recreational dollar, but also for the potential ticket buyer’s time and attention.

The Basic Criteria

The overriding focus of the promotions and events schedule is to “enhance the fan experience,” whether through giveaways, unique activities or increased value, Okland said.

“The final decisions are based significantly on analytics,” she added. “We look at such factors as day of the week, time, the opponent, anticipated weather, past successes and which fan segments each promotion will appeal to. We also coordinate with Ticket Sales and Services to ensure giveaways and promotions are balanced among our various ticket packages.”

The basic criteria for promotions and events outlined by Okland were:

Adds to the fan experience;
Safety (particularly for kids items);
Attractiveness to specific demographics (with an emphasis on kid-focused, but offering something for all demographics over the course of the season);
Usefulness, shelf-life and potential exposure;
Quality;
Price point;
Generation of incremental ticket sales.

All promotions must meet these criteria, but there are additional factors that come into play, Okland said.

Anniversaries, Holidays and Achievements

Anniversaries, holidays and specific player and team achievements play a role in the development of the promotions schedule, Okland said. Among the 2015 examples she cited were a vintage bobblehead (August 1) giveaway honoring the 50^th Anniversary of 1965 Twins’ AL Championship team and a Fathers’ Day “Minnie and Paul” Ceramic Stein giveaway (first 10,000 males over 21).

Picking Players To Be Featured

When picking on-field personnel to feature in promotions, the Twins look toward players who had good seasons the year before, recently reached (or will soon reach) career milestones or have a strong connection with fans and the community.

“Brian Dozier and Phil Hughes had good seasons last year, and they are part of this year’s schedule of promotions,” Okland said. Dozier is featured in two promotions – a Dozier baseball bat giveaway (May 31) and a Dozier bobblehead giveaway (July 25). A Hughes bobblehead is also on the schedule (July 11).

“It’s also Paul Molitor’s first year as manager and we wanted to get him out there,” Okland said. “You’ll see him on our magnet schedules (April 17-18-19) and we’ll also feature a Molitor bobblehead giveaway (June 19).” BBRT note: Molitor is the only individual featured on bobblehead promotions in two MLB cities this season. The Brewers also will honor the Hall of Famer with a bobblehead giveaway (June 28, in a game against the Twins).

The Twins also are celebrating the return of Torii Hunter – a long-time fan favorite – with a Torii Hunter (adult) jersey giveaway on June 6.

Bobbleheads – Baseball’s Most Popular Promotional Item

While it is impossible to determine exactly how many bobbleheads will be given away at major league baseball parks this season (some teams have not yet released their full promotional schedule, others do not list the number to be handed out or use an “all fans” or “while supplies last” descriptor), BBRT can say with confidence that the 2015 MLB season will feature more than 125 different bobblehead promotions and fans will go home with well over than two million bobbleheads. (Note: The Sports Business Journal reported that, in 2014, MLB teams handed out 2.59 million bobbleheads.)

A review of 2015 bobblehead giveaways announced as this post is written indicates teams will be featuring at least: 73 current players, 35 formers players, two managers, one former manager and one team-owner/commissioner. In addition, three teams (Giants, Diamondbacks and A’s) will be handing out Hello Kitty bobbleheads), one team is offering a “Peanuts” bobblehead (Yankees), three teams will send fans home with vintage bobbleheads (Twins, Brewers, Phillies) and a pair of announcers will be recognized in bobblehead form (Vin Scully, Dodgers and Harry Caray, Cardinals).

The season’s most unique bobblehead may be the Rays’ Evan Longoria bobblehead that plays the star third baseman’s walk-up music. A few other 2015 bobblehead notes:

The Rays will determine the player to be featured as their final bobblehead offering of the season through a fan vote.

The Reds will be distributing a bobblehead with three players on a single bobblehead base – the 1990’s “Nasty Boys” bullpen of Randy Myers, Rob Dibble and Norm Charlton.

The Yankees will be handing out a Babe Ruth bobble head.

For trivia buffs: According to bobbleheads.com, the first MLB player-specific bobbleheads – featuring Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Roger Maris and Roberto Clemente – were produced in 1960 and sold during the 1960 World Series. Various sources indicate that the first MLB team bobblehead giveaway took place on May 9, 1999 – with the San Francisco Giants handing out 35,000 Willie Mays bobbleheads to commemorate the 40^th anniversary of Candlestick Park.

Being Minnesotan Counts

Okland added that there is also a focus on promotions that are consistent with what it is to be Minnesotan – noting that past successes, in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, include Rapala fishing lures and outdoor grilling tools. For 2015, fur bomber hats, stocking caps and a Twins BBQ branding iron reflect what it is to be Minnesotan.

Finding Sponsors

While the development of promotions is the first part of her job, Okland said she also must work with the Corporate Sponsorships Department to secure appropriate sponsors for each promotion. “Occasionally a sponsor will come to use with an idea – like, this year, Target asked to do the Bullseye plush (stuffed animal – August 29 & 30). For the most part, however, we develop the ideas and then work to secure appropriate sponsors.”

One example cited by Okland was the Twins’ May 7 Flip Flops giveaway (the Twins are the only team featuring a flip flop promotion this season), an idea she successfully sold to “The Beaches of Fort Meyers/Sanibel.” Okland noted that some sponsors do have preferences– like DQ®, which has joined the Twins as a sponsor for three decades of baseball cap giveaways.

Most Popular Items

Okland said traditional items – like bats, caps and bobbleheads – remain the most popular, with bobbleheads well in the lead and still going strong.

“Bobbleheads are the only items we’ve seen fans line up the night before for,” she said.

It’s Not All Just Giveaways

Okland added that efforts to enhance the fan experience are not focused solely on giveaways.

“We also work to incorporate activities fans that fans will enjoy beyond the game,” she said.

Fireworks are popular with Twins’ fans – and the team is hosting Friday Fireworks after all Friday home games between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Okland said. BBRT’s review of scheduled events around MLB provided a solid indicator that fireworks are truly “not just for holidays” anymore. MLB parks will play host to more than 150 post-game fireworks displays during the 2015 season.

Among the other popular fan experiences Okland discussed were:

Knothole Kids Days – with discounted tickets, player autographs before the game and a chance for kids to run the bases after the game.
The Midwest Music Showcase, with popular local bands performing at every Wednesday home game from May through September.

And, not all of the special events scheduled by the Twins take place inside the ball park. The Twins also offer “Wine, Women and Baseball” for female fans. These events include a Skyline Deck or Skyline View ticket plus (at the Loews Minneapolis Hotel) pre-game wine tasting, light appetizers and desserts, “Pamper Yourself” stations and a complementary gift. (May 29, July 30, August 28).

Theme Days/Events

MLB teams, including the Twins, also develop “theme” events, days, weekends or series – again designed to enhance the fan experience, recognize specific groups or causes, build the team or MLB brand or appeal to specific demographics. Among the Twins “theme” events already scheduled for 2015 are: Jackie Robinson Day (with MLB, April 15); Diversity Day (July 7); Armed Forces Appreciation Day (July 12); Softball Day (July 30); 1965 AL Championship 50^th Anniversary Celebration (August 1); Back to School Weekend (August 29-30); Fan Appreciation Weekend (October 2-3); and Kids Appreciation Day (October 4).

Okland urged Twins fans to watch for upcoming announcements of additional theme events for 2015. One such announcement came during the Twins/Gophers recent Spring Training game, when the team noted that Friday, May 1 will be University of Minnesota Night at Target Field. (Fans purchasing a ticket in this special package will receive a maroon and gold Twins cap.)

Value Discounts

There are also plenty of “value” discounts available to Twins fans for 2015 including, among others:

Schweigert™ Dollar-A-Dog Days (Wednesdays), with one-dollar hot dogs;
More For Your Money Mondays – with a ten-dollar food and beverage credit with a Skyline Deck ticket;
Thirsty Thursday Nights – 5:30 to 6:30 (before Thursday home games), with discounted beverages and appetizer specials at the Town Ball Tavern, Hrbek’s, the Club level outdoor pub and the Gate 6 Bar.

Student Days (Wednesdays) and Senior Days (all weekday day games), with discounted ticket are also popular, Okland said.

“Military Mondays have been very well received and we’re especially proud of that promotion,” Okland added, noting that, on Military Mondays, active military and veterans (with valid ID) can purchase half-price Home Plate View tickets for themselves and up to four guests.

Putting It All Together

Okland said that when you put it all together – giveaways, activities, events and discounts – MLB team promotions create additional excitement around the ballpark experience. That, she said, is good for the fans, the teams and the game.

Check Out that Promotions Schedule

As you can see, there is a lot going on at the ball park, BBRT urges all fans to take a look at your team’s promotions, events and discounts schedule. Find what appeals to you – and add something new to your personal experience “at the old ball game.”

To close, here are a few 2015 MLB promotions that drew BBRT’s interest:

Among the most popular giveaways across MLB (besides bobbleheads) are t-shirts, magnetic schedules, caps, replica jerseys and reusable tote bags.
Bobbleheads may be all the rage, but players are being recognized in a wide variety of ways including: the Nationals’ Jayson Werth Chia Pet (August 5) and the Rays’ Evan Longoria Rubber Duck (April 19).
Ten teams are handing out a total of 14 Garden Gnomes – featuring ten players, one manager, two former managers and one mascot. Only the A’s, however, are featuring a solar-powered garden gnome (Sonny Gray, June 20).
Beyond the traditional baseball caps, a wide range of headgear will be handed out at MLB parks this year – fedoras, cowboy hats, stocking caps, floppy hats, beach hats, bomber hats, batting helmets and more. Only the Angels, however, are including a sombrero give-away in their schedule (as part of their Cinco De Mayo Celebration and an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people wearing sombreros).
Fans can score a replica of Fenway Park (Red Sox, April 27); the Astrodome, circa 1965 (Astros, April 18); and Petco Park (Padres, July 18).
The San Francisco Giants will be handing out a “snow” globe on April 15, featuring their three most recent World Championship trophies (2010-12-14) and the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Phillies will take us all back to our youth with a Wiffle® Ball and Bat giveaway.
Want to build a great pitching staff? In 2015, the Dodgers are giving one away, in the form of a series of Cy Young Award Collectors’ Pins: Don Newcombe (April 13); Don Drysdale (April 27); Sandy Koufax (May 14); Mike Marshall (June 18); Orel Hershiser (August 29); Eric Gagne (September 14); and Clayton Kershaw (September 20).
The Mets will pass out “Thundersticks” to all fans on September 19^th and – no surprise – the crosstown Yankees will be at Citi Field. The Rays are hosting similar giveaways (for youngsters) on June 24^thand July 29, only they have chosen to use the less-aggressive term “Rays Cheer Sticks.”
No matter what you call it, dogs are increasingly welcome at the ballpark – Bark in the Park (Braves, Reds, Mets, Royals, Mariners, Rangers, Rockies, White Sox); Pups in the Park (Nationals); Pups at the Park (Dodgers); Pooches in the Park (Cardinals); Dog Days of Summer (Giants, Padres).
The Twins and Blue Jays have taken different approaches to their hoodie sweatshirt giveaways. The Twins’ promotion will take place on their home Opening Day (April 13), while the Blue Jays have scheduled their hoodie promotion for the final home game of their season (September 27).

Coming soon, some rookies and prospects BBRT will be watching in 2015.

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

BBRT 2015 National League Predictions

February 26, 2015 by David

It’s almost time to “Play Ball!”

With the players in camp and exhibition games approaching, BBRT is finishing up its 2015 pennant race predictions. This post will focus on the National League – for the BBRT take on the American league, click here. We’ll take a brief look at each divisional race and, for those who want a more detailed look, finish up with a team-by-team preview.

NL EAST

The Nationals ran away with the NL East a year ago (17 games over second-place Atlanta) and added the off-season’s premier free-agent – former Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer. With arguably MLB’s best one-to-five starting rotation, Washington is poised to repeat. The Mets and Marlins are likely to fight it out for second place – and a possible Wild Card Spot. The Mets boast a strong starting rotation (particularly if Matt Harvey is back in form), an underrated bullpen and sound offense. Miami comes into the season with a strong offense, an effective bullpen and a combination of young and veteran arms in the rotation. While the Braves still have a solid pitching staff (and one of the game’s top closers), they traded away too much of their offense to contend. The Phillies are in the processing of rebuilding – and their fans will need patience. Predicted order of finish:

Washington Nationals

New York Mets

Miami Marlins

Atlanta Braves

Philadelphia Phillies

NL CENTRAL

The Cardinals should have just enough offense to ride their pitching to another division title – although it wouldn’t surprise BBRT to see the Pirates, Cubs or Brewers atop this division either. The Pirates, led by MVP-candidate Andrew McCutchen, have a nice balance of power, speed and defense in the lineup. The pitching is a bit worrisome, but if the rotation holds up, they will be in the race to the end. The Cubs improved on the field (Jon Lester, Jason Hammel, Miguel Montero) and in the dugout (new manager Joe Maddon). They also have a nice blend of veterans and up-and-coming youngsters in the lineup. They will contend and, if the Pirates falter in the least, Maddon should be able to lead the Cubs into second place. The Brewers led the division for 150 days in 2014, before a late season meltdown. A healthy Ryan Braun would boost their chances, but the starting pitching seems a little thin. While everyone else in the division seemed to be improving, the Reds appear to have given up more than they gained in the off-season market – particularly went it comes to the pitching mound. Predicted order of finish:

Saint Louis Cardinals

Pittsburgh Pirates (Wild Card)

Chicago Cubs

Milwaukee Brewers

Cincinnati Reds

NL WEST

The Dodgers have the best pitcher in baseball in Clayton Kershaw – and the best starting rotation in the West. Plus, Los Angeles made a host of (surprising) off-season moves, improving their defense, without diminishing the offense. They should repeat as division champs. We should see a battle for second place (and a Wild Card spot) between the defending World Series Champion Giants and the up-and-coming San Diego Padres. BBRT is going to go out on a limb and say the dramatically improved Padres offense (particularly the all-new outfield) and strong pitching will bring the Padres home ahead of the Giants. The Giants will still be in it, but they will miss Pablo Sandoval and Michael Morse, and they really could have used Jon Lester or James Shields to bolster their rotation. (BBRT had San Diego predicted to finish behind the Giants until the Shields signing.) The Rockies face the usual dilemma – solid offense (if healthy) and suspect pitching (Who wants to sign on to pitch at Coors?). Good health could help – the Rockies led the NL in trips to the disabled list in 2014 – but fourth place looks like the limit. On a winning team, the Diamondbacks’ Paul Goldschmidt would be one of the front-runners for MVP. While the D-backs did improve over the off-season, look for a middle-of-the-pack offense to be offset by a below-average pitching staff. Predicted order of finish:

Los Angeles Dodgers

San Diego Padres (Wild Card)

San Francisco Giants

Colorado Rockies

Arizona Diamondbacks.

NL MVP

Winner: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins

Contenders: Andrew McCutchen, Pirates; Anthony Rizzo, Cubs; Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks.

NL CY YOUNG AWARD

Winner: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

Contenders: Max Scherzer, Nationals; Jordan Zimmerman, Nationals; Stephen Strasburg, Nationals; and, to break the trend, Johnny Cueto, Reds.

NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Winner: Joc Pederson, Los Angeles Dodgers

Contenders: Yasmany Tomas, Diamondbacks; Noah Syndergaard, Mets; Jorge Soler, Cubs; Kris Bryant, Cubs.

___________________________________________________________________

Now, let’s look at the division races team-by-team.

NL EAST

First – Washington Nationals

Is this the year Bryce Harper breaks out?

No NL team won more games than the Nationals’ 96 in 2014 (and only the Angels in the American League topped that number with 98 wins). Had the Nats simply sat back and watched the off-season marketplace, Washington would have still been the favorite in the East. But the Nationals went out and got MLB’s most-coveted free-agent prize – Tigers right-hander Max Scherzer (18-5, 3.15, with 252 strikeouts). The 2013 Cy Young Award winner, who has a 70-24 record over the past four seasons, joins a 2015 rotation that will feature: Jordan Zimmerman, Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez (the only lefthander in the rotation) and Doug Fister. And, if any of these falter (or injuries surface), Tanner Roark (15-10, 2.85 for the Nats last season) is ready to step in. This rotation is clearly among the best (if not the best in baseball) and will keep Washington on top of the East.

The bullpen will miss key setup man Tyler Clippard (traded to the A’s for infielder Yunel Escobar), Ross Detwiler (traded to the Rangers) and free-agent Rafael Soriano. The Nationals still have closer Drew Storen (11 saves, 1.12 ERA) and also signed two former closers: Casey Janssen (81 saves for the Blue Jays over the past three seasons) and Heath Bell (who saved 40+ games in a season as recently as 2011). Also in line for relief work are Aaron Barrett, Matt Thornton and Craig Stammen. Overall, the bullpen could use some help, but the starting rotation should keep the pressure off.

The Nats lost an offensive and defensive asset in free agent Adam LaRoche (who hit 26 home runs and played plus defense at first base). Still there is plenty offense to support the National’s stellar pitching – a year ago the National gave up the fewest runs and scored the third-most runs in the NL. Former third-sacker Ryan Zimmerman should take over at first base. He has had shoulder problems (hence the position switch), but did hit .280 with five home runs in 61 games last season – and 26 home runs as recently as 2013. Even if Zimmerman doesn’t return to 2013 form, the Nationals can expect offensive punch from the likes of RF Bryce Harper (could this be the “breakout” year Nats’ fans have been waiting for), LF Jayson Werth and SS Ian Desmond – who will all benefit from the table-setting skills of CF Denard Span and 3B Anthony Rendon at the top of the order (the pair combined to score 205 runs and steal 48 bases in 2014).

Clearly, the National are favorites to capture the East – and will go as far in the post season as their rotation will carry them.

Key Question: Who will be the Opening Day starter – Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg or Jordan Zimmerman? Talk about an embarrassment of riches.

Nationals Fact: The Nationals were the only NL East team with a winning record in 2014 – taking their division by 17 games over the Braves.

Second – New York Mets

The Mets could use a big year from David Wright.

Meaningful September baseball is coming back to New York – and not at Yankee Stadium.

It all starts on the mound for the Mets – with a rotation likely to feature at least four of the following arms: NL Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom (9-6, 2.69), Zack Wheeler 11-11, 3.94), lefty Jon Neise (9-11, 3.40), Dillon Gee (seven wins) and 41-year-old Bartolo Colon (who won 15 games for NY in 2014). But the final story of the effectiveness of the Mets rotation may be written by a pair of hurlers who did not take the mound for New York in 2014. The Mets are counting on a rebound from right-handed starter Matt Harvey – who sat out last season, following Tommy John surgery, after making the All Star team in 2013 (9-5, 2.27 in 22 starts). It’s also possible that prospect Noah Syndergaard may crack the rotation at some time during the season. In five minor league seasons, Syndergaard has gone 31-19, 3.25 and fanned 474 batter ion 426 2/3 innings. Interestingly (to BBRT), deGrom, Wheeler and Syndergaard are all right-handed throwers who bat left-handed.

The bullpen – while not boasting a host of big names – has the ability to get the job done. Closer Jerry Mejia notched 28 saves in 31 opportunities, and whiffed 98 batters in 93 2/3 innings. Jeurys Familia, who appeared in a team-high 76 games last season – with a 2.21 ERA and more than a strikeout per inning – should again get plenty of work. Others in the pen are likely to include Vic Black (2.60 ERA in 41 games) and Josh Edgin (1.32 in 47 games). The bullpen could also get a boost with the return of former closer Bobby Parnell (Tommy John surgery), who could challenge Mejia for the ninth-inning spot.

The Mets added some offense and veteran leadership with free-agent signee OF Michael Cuddyer. Cuddyer is a proven run-producer who hit .332-10-31 in an injury-shortened season (49 games) for Colorado. Cuddyer is one-year removed from a .331-20-84 season. While he may not do that kind of damage away from Colorado, a .280 average with 20-25 home runs is a reasonable expectation. There is more punch available from 1B Lucas Duda (.253-30-92) and second baseman Daniel Murphy provides a steady bat (.289) in the number-two hole. CF Juan Lagares showed a good glove and hit .281 (116 games) in the leadoff sport. Still, to challenge the Nationals, the Mets will need a rebound from veteran 3B David Wright, who is coming off a shoulder injury that sapped his power in 2014 (just eight home run in 134 games) and LF Curtis Granderson (.227-20-66 in 2014, but boasting a 40-home run season as recently as 2012). The new dimensions at Citi Field should help both. Behind the plate, the Mets would like to see the Travis d’Arnaud of the second half (.265 with seven home runs, as opposed to the first-half’s .217 with six homers.) It looks like a trip to AAA in June – where d’Arnaud hit .436 with six home runs in 16 games) may have resolved his offensive problems.

Key Question: Will either Wilmer Flores or Ruben Tejada step up and take over the shortstop spot?

Mets Fact: For 2015, the Mets are moving the right-field and right-center field fence in five-feet and ten-feet, respectively. If those dimensions had been in place in 2014, the Mets would have hit 17 more home runs and given up seven more.

Third – Miami Marlins

The Marlins signed MVP candidate RF Giancarlo Stanton (.288-37-105, with 13 steals) to 13-year $325 million contract – and then worked to build a contending team around him. The Marlins, in fact, were one of MLB’s busiest teams in the off-season. They did keep the outfield intact, and it’s one of the best – with Stanton joined by LF Christian Yelich (.284-9-54, 21 steals) and CF Martin Ozuna (.269-23-85). All three can hit and all three have Gold Glove potential. Miami revamped its infield, with the only holdover in the starting quartet being slick-fielding SS Adeiny Hechavarria, who hit .276 last season. The corner infield spots will feature trade acquisition 3B Martin Prado (.282 with 12 home runs for the Diamondbacks and Yankees) and free-agent signee 1B Michael Morse (.279-16-61 with the Giants). The Marlins also added some needed speed top the lineup, picking up 2B Dee Gordon (.289 with 64 steals) in a trade with the Dodgers. The Marlins could use a comeback year from C Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who slumped to .220-11-44 after .273-14-65 in 2013 – and also threw our only 17 percent of attempted base stealers.

The rotation will miss Jose Fernandez, who had Tommy John surgery last May and likely won’t be back until (or very near) the All Star break. In 36 MLB starts, The 2013 All Star and Rookie of the Year is 16-8 with a 2.25 ERA and 10.3 strikeouts per nine innings. In Fernandez’s absence, the number-one spot will temporarily go to Henderson Alvarez (12-7, 2.65). Rounding out the starting staff will be: veteran Mat Latos (trade with the Reds), a quality arm, but an injury risk; 13-game winner Jarrod Cosart; Tom Koehler (10-10, 3.81); and Dan Haren (trade with the Dodgers).

The bullpen will be led by closer Steve Cishek (39 saves, 84 whiffs in 65 1/3 innings), with quality support likely to come from Mike Dunn, Bryan Morris, A.J. Ramos, Aaron Crow (trade with Royals) and Carter Capps. (Crow, Morris and Ramos were a combined 21-2 a year ago).

The Marlins were big players in the off-season market – plugging some holes, adding a couple of starters to hold things down until Fernandez returns and even adding to an already solid bullpen. They should fight the Mets for second place in the East, but aren’t ready to topple the Nationals yet.

Key Question: When will Jose Fernandez return – and will Latos and Haren be able to fill the gap until he does?

Marlins Fact: In 2014, Giancarlo Stanton led the NL in intentional walks with 24. The next highest NL total was 12 (Jody Mercer, Pittsburgh/Chase Utley, Philadelphia).

Fourth – Atlanta Braves

In trading away Justin Upton, Jason Heyward and Evan Gattis, the Braves parted with just over half their 2014 home run production – 62 of 123). Atlanta also let a number of free agents depart, including pitchers Ervin Santana and Aaron Harang (who won a combined 26 games for the Braves a year ago) and Brandon Beachy and Kris Medlin (neither of whom pitched in 2013 – Tommy John surgery).

These off -season moves did not help an already weak offense. After scoring the second-fewest runs in the NL a year ago, the Braves may have taken a step backward with the Upton, Heyward and Gattis departures. Atlanta did add free agent Nick Markakis (.276-14-50 with the Orioles). That’s a pretty even exchange for Heyward in the OF – their offensive numbers are similar and they both captured Gold Gloves in 2014. The rest of the outfield picture does not look as rosy. Among the candidates are Jonny Gomes, Melvin Upton, Jr. (the artist formerly known as B.J. Upton) and Eric Young, Jr. – as well as rookies Todd Cunningham and Zoilo Almonte (18 home runs at Triple A). Gomes hit .234, with six home runs and 37 RBI for Boston and Oakland last year, while Upton put up a .208-12-35 line for the Braves – which, by the way, was an improvement over his 2013 stat line of .184-9-26. Young hit .229 in 100 games with the Mets, but did steal 30 bases. BBRT doesn’t expect a lot of offense from the Braves’ garden players. There is a little punch at the corner infield spots with returnees 1B Freddie Freeman (.288-18-78) and 3B Chris Johnson (.263-10-58). You expect more power form the corners and the good news is both Freeman and Johnson have shown they can do better. Shortstop will be handled by Platinum Glove winner Andrelton Simmons, but second base is remains unsettled until prospect Jose Peraza, a 21-year-old who hit .339 with 60 steals at High A and Double A in 2014, is ready. In the meantime, free-agent signee utility infielder Alberto Callaspo is likely to handle most of the keystone duties – but there is a chance Eric Young, Jr. could slide into the second base competition as well. Catching is in the hands of Christian Bethancourt (a fine defensive backstop) and free-agent signee A.J. Pierzynski, who can provide some offensive punch. Overall, it looks like the Braves will again have trouble putting runs on the board.

The pitching is in better shape – even with the offseason losses. The rotation will be led by Julio Teheran (14-13, 2.89) and southpaw Alex Wood (11-11, 2.78). Atlanta is also counting on the arms of newcomer Shelby Miller (10-9, 3.74 for the Cardinals) and returnee Mike Minor (a left-hander who had an off-season in 2014, but won 13 games the previous season). There should be competition for the number-five slot, with the most intriguing prospects being 2010 first-round draft pick Michael Foltynewicz (picked up in the Gattis trade) and ten-year veteran Wandy Rodriguez.

The bullpen should be a strong point, featuring flame-throwing Craig Kimbrel (47 saves), arguably the NL’s best closer, and free-agent signee Jason Grilli (who saved 12 games last season and 33 for the Pirates in 2013). The Braves are also hoping for a rebound from free agent Jim Johnson, who had a rough 2014 (5-2, 7.09 with the A’s and Tigers), but topped 50 saves in 2012 and 2013.

In 2014, the Braves had the NL’s third-best ERA – and the pitching looks solid again in 2015. Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be enough offense to translate the pitching into a .500 or better season.

Key Question: In his last two seasons with Tampa Bay, Melvin (then B.J.) Upton, Jr. hit .244, with 51 home runs, 159 RBI and 67 steals. In his first two with the Braves (2013-14), his totals were .198-21-61, with 32 steals. This season, Upton announced he would go from being known as B.J. Upton to his given name of Melvin Upton, Jr. The question is, will the “new” Melvin be able to live up to B.J.’s promise? The Braves’ offense needs more from the 30-year-old.

Braves Fact: In 2014, the Braves scored two or fewer runs in 64 games – 55 of them losses.

Fifth – Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies finished last in the East a year ago – giving up the most runs and scoring the second fewest in the division – and yet the core of the team is remarkably similar for 2015. It would be foolish to expect a different result.

On offense, the key power spots – corner infield – are manned by returnees 35-year-old 1B Ryan Howard (.223-23-95, with an NL-leading 190 strikeouts) and 3B Cody Ashe (.252-10-44 in 121 games.) Ashe, however, may be pushed by power prospect Maikel Franco (16 HRs and 78 RBI at Triple A). Chase Utley, at 36-years-old, is back at 2B – after a .270-11-78 season. He will have a new double play partner (longtime SS Jimmy Rollins was traded to the Dodgers), most likely 25-year-old Freddy Galvis (who hit just .176 in 43 games for the Phils in 2014). Carlos Ruiz (.252-6-31) is back behind the plate. If the infield seems bereft of reliable power, the outfield doesn’t offer any relief. Gone via trade is Marlon Byrd (who led the Phillies with 25 home runs a year ago). Returning are: CF Ben Revere – an effective leadoff man who hit for a .306 average and stole 49 bases, but offers no power (his two home runs last year were the only round trippers of his 493-game career) – and RF Dominic Brown, who hit just .235 with ten home runs. Grady Sizemore is back and will compete (or platoon) for the LF spot with Darin Ruf. The pair hit .233 and .235, respectively last season).

We may see some changes before the season opens, but the rotation looks to be led by left-hander Cole Hamels – a legitimate “ace” who went 9-9 with a 2.46 ERA in 2014. Former Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee (another southpaw) holds down the number-two spot, but he is 36-years old and coming off elbow issues. BBRT wouldn’t be surprised to see either Hamels or Lee on the trade market. After the front two, the Phillies are looking to free-agent signee Aaron Harang (a 12-game winner for the Braves, but also 36), veteran Jerome Williams (who pitched for Houston, Texas and Philadelphia last season) and either Dave Buchanan (6-8, 3.75) or free agent Chad Billingsley (attempting a comeback from elbow surgery).

Jonathan Papelbon (39 saves) will again handle the ninth inning, with notable bullpen support from Ken Giles (3-1, 1.18 in 44 games), Justin De Fratus (3-1, 2.39 in 54 games) and Jake Diekman (73 appearances, 100 strikeouts in 71 innings).

The Phillies just don’t have enough offense to compete in the East.

Key Question: Can former Rookie of the year and MVP Ryan Howard stay healthy and rebound offensively? From 2006 to 2011, Howard averaged 153 games, a .247 batting average, 44 home runs and 133 RBI per season. His averages from 2012-14 were 101 games, .231, 16 home runs and 65 RBI. A return to .250-30-100 territory would put a smile on a lot of Phillies’ faces.

Phillies Fact: On June 23, 1971, Rick Wise pitched a no-hitter for the Phillies, topping the Reds 4-0. Wise drove in three runs on a pair of homers – and is still the only pitcher to hit two home runs in a no-hitter. Wise, by the way, hit six home runs and drove in 15 runs that season. In 2014, the entire Phillies pitching staff hit zero home runs and drove in nine runs.

NL CENTRAL

First – Saint Louis Cardinals

Adam Wainwright, Cardinals’ Cy Young candidate.

The Cardinals will again have one of the NL’s top starting rotations. Adam Wainwright (20 wins), Lance Lynn (15 wins), John Lackey (14 wins for Boston and St. Louis) return to lead the rotation. They are joined by Michael Wacha, who had some shoulder issues, and put up a 5-6 record, with a 3.20 ERA in 19 starts. The final rotation spot appears slated for hard-throwing prospect Carlos Martinez – and, if he is not quite ready, youngster Marco Gonzalez and veteran Jaime Garcia (3-1, 4.12 in seven starts) could compete for the spot. The strength and depth of their starting pitching, in fact, enabled the Cardinals to trade reliable starter Shelby Miller (10-9, 3.74) to the Braves for OF Jason Heyward (more on that later).

Closing duties will continue to belong to Trevor Rosenthal (45 saves) – despite some control problems in 2014. The Miller trade also brought the Cardinals reliever Jordan Walden, who appeared in 58 games for the Braves, with a 2.88 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 50 innings. He adds depth to the bullpen and protection at closer (Walden saved 32 games for the Angels in 2011). Randy Choate, Sam Freeman and Seth Maness should also get plenty of work.

The Redbirds worked to improve their offense in the off season (last season, they hit the fewest home runs and scored the tent- most runs in the NL). The first order business was to replace the tragic loss (in an off-season car accident) of top prospect Oscar Taveras. In the Shelby Miller trade, the Cardinals picked up 25-year-old RF Jason Heyward (a Gold Glove defender, who went .271-11-58 with 20 steals for the Braves last season – and who many feel has yet to realize his full offensive potential). Heyward will join CF Jon Jay (who hit .303, but only three home runs) and LF Matt Holliday (a professional hitter who will deliver a .300 average with 20-homer power). In the infield, a pair of Matts (Adams and Carpenter) hold down 1B and 3B, respectively. Both are reliable defenders and solid run producers. The middle of the diamond belongs to Kolton Wong (2B) and Johnny Peralta (SS) – who delivered steady defense and 33 home runs between them. At catcher, they just don’t get any better than Yadier Molina – a six-time All Star and seven-time Gold Glover with a .284 career batting average. Finally, the Cardinals added some off-the-bench punch by signing free agent Mark Reynolds – who has hit 20 or more home runs in seven consecutive seasons, with a high of 44 in 2009. Reynolds, however, also strikes out A LOT and hit only .196 in 2014. He can fill in at 1B, 3B and, in a pinch, OF, as well as provide a pinch-hitting threat.

Overall, the Cardinals – while aging a bit – have enough to repeat at the top of the Central.

Key Question: Not too many questions on a well-balanced team. If there is one, it’s whether Michael Wacha’s arm (shoulder) holds up for the long haul?

Cardinals Fact: The Cardinals’ put the bat on the ball in 2014, striking out an NL-low 1,133 times.

Second – Pittsburgh Pirates

Andrew McCuchen – essential to Pirates’ post-season hopes.

When your offense stars with 2013 MVP, four-time All Star and Gold Glove (2013) defender Andrew McCutchen, you can expect good things. The five-tool player went .314-25-84, with 18 steals in 2014 – pretty much an average year for him. Batting behind “Cutch” will be likely clean-up hitter 2B Neil Walker – a switch hitter, who hit .271 with 23 home runs in 2014. Flanking McCutchen in the OF will be Starling Marte (.291 with 13 homers) and Gregory Polanco (.235 with seven home runs and 14 steals in 89 games). Both Marte and Polanco are plus defenders and both are expected to continue to advance offensively. SS belongs to Jody Mercer, a solid defender who contributed 12 home runs, while the corner spots will be manned by 1B Pedro Alvarez (moving over from third base) and 3B Josh Harrison, a surprising .315 with 13 homers and 18 steals a year ago. Harrison gets the full-time nod at the hot corner after spending time at second, third, shortstop, left field and right field a year ago. His presence in the lineup and the acquisition of utility man Sean Rodriguez form Tampa Bay give Pittsburgh tremendous flexibility. Francisco Cervelli, acquired from the Yankees, will get a shot at the number-one catching slot after hitting .301 in 49 games last year, but he has health concerns and the Pirates will use Chris Stewart, who hit .294 in 49 games for the Pirates, as a backup on a regular basis. The pair will have big shoes to fill – replacing free agent Russell Martin (a key part of the Pirates’ recent success), who signed with the Blue Jays in the off season.

The Pirates have a nicely balanced line-up – power, speed and solid defense. The pitching has potential – the potential to be very good or to cause problems. Gerrit Cole is secure at the top of the rotation. The 24-year-old went 11-5, 3.65, striking out a batter an inning in 22 starts. Next in line is left-hander Francisco Liriano (7-10, 3.38) – a veteran with great stuff, but a history of inconsistency and injury problems. Free-agent signee A.J. Burnett is also expected to take a regular turn, but he is 38-years-old and lost 18 games last year (albeit with the Phillies). Prior to 2014, Burnett had run off nine straight seasons with at least ten victories. The final two rotation spots appear earmarked for Vance Worley and lefty Jeff Locke (who went a combined 15-10 in 39 starts for the Pirates last season). Worley could surprise. He went 8-4, 2.85 after starting the season at Triple A. The Pirates’ rotation could get a boost with the return of Charlie Morton (hip surgery last September)/

The bullpen will again be strength, led by closer Mark Melancon (1.39 ERA, 33 saves). Tony Watson (10-2, 1.63) made the All Star team as a setup man last season, John Holdzkom has flashed a 100-mph fastball and Jared Hughes (7-5, 1.96) is solid. Other bullpen assets could include Antonio Bastardo, and Stolmy Pimentel.

The Pirates will contend again and, if the starting pitching holds up, could knock the Cardinals off the top of the Central,

Key Question: Can the Pirates expect Pedro Alvarez to return to his 30+ home run production of 2012 and 2013? Alvarez hit only 18 homers last year, in a season that saw defensive concerns lead to a move from 3B to 1B and an injury limit him to 122 games.

Pirates Fact: 3B Josh Harrison hit an NL-leading .372 with runners in scoring position in 2014.

Third – Chicago Cubs

Cubs win! Cubs win! Cubs win! They’ll be hearing a lot more of that at Wrigley Field this season – as the Cubs parlay proven All Stars like Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro, emerging youngsters like Jorge Soler and Kyle Hendricks, free-agent pickups like Jon Lester and Jason Hammel, trade acquisitions like Miguel Montero and Dexter Fowler, and new Manager Joe Maddon into a contending ball club. Yes, the Cubs – like the White Sox – were busy in the off-season, and Chicago fans could see post-season baseball on both sides of the city.

Let’s start with the rotation. Free–agent signee southpaw Jon Lester should take the ball on Opening Day. Lester went 16-11, 2.46 for Oakland and Boston a year ago, but more important, he has won at least 15 games six times in the past seven season. He gives the Cubs a true “ace.” The Cubs may have a second ace-in-waiting in Jake Arrieta (10-5, 2.53 in 25 starts). To round out a solid rotation, they brought back free agent Jason Hammel and have 2013 rookie sensation Kyle Hendricks (7-2, 2.46 in 13 starts for the Cubs). There will be a battle for the fifth spot, probably among Edwin Jackson, Travis Wood and Jacob Turner – all of whom have something to prove after off seasons in 2014.

Roles are still being sorted out in the bullpen, but it appears closing duties will go to Hector Rondon (29 saves). Free agent signee Jason Motte is further removed from Tommy John surgery (2013) and may be closer to the pitcher that recorded 42 saves for the Cardinals in 2012. Motte could be a key contributor in 2015. Neil Ramirez (1.44 ERA), Pedro Strop (2.21), and Justin Grimm (3.78) all took the mound at least 50 times last season.

The offense starts with proven performers 1B Anthony Rizzo (.286-32-78) and SS Starlin Castro (.292-14-65). There are also LF Chris Coghlan (.283-9-41) and newly acquired CF Dexter Fowler (.276-8-35 with the Astros). After that, the Cubs are looking for production out of a group of highly touted youngster. Early 2015 Rookie of the Year candidate Jorge Soler should handle RF after going .292-5-20 in 24 games during a 2014 call up. They also hope for good things from 2B Javier Baez, who showed some power in 2014 (nine home runs in 52 games), but needs to develop plate discipline and patience (.169 average, 95 strikeouts in 213 at bats). If he’s not ready Tommy La Stella, who hit .252 for the Braves, could step in. Over at third base, the fans – and front office – are waiting for top prospect Kris Bryant, who hit 43 home runs and drove in 138 in 138 games at AA and AAA a year ago. If Bryant’s not quite ready, Luis Valbuena gave the Cubs 16 home runs from the hot corner in 2014. Catching belongs to 2014 All Star Miguel Montero, acquired in a trade with Arizona.

This is a good looking Cubs team, poised to contend not just for this year, but down the road. It wouldn’t surprise me to see them take a Wild Card spot or even the division title – particularly if Kris Bryant is “Ready for Wrigley.” Ultimatley, though, the young Cubbies – Soler, Baez and Bryant – may need another year of experience to Chicago over the top.

Key Question: What can the Cubs expect out of Javier Baez – and how much patience to they have? Can he harness his swing and reduce his strikeouts? If so, 35 home runs are not out of the question. If not, 200 strikeouts are equally in play. (BBRT note: The Cubs had 21-year-old shortstop Addison Russell – considered one of baseball’s top prospects – spending time at second base in the Arizona Fall League.)

Cubs Fact: No team struck out more often than the Cubs in 2014 – a club record 1,477 times.

Fourth – Milwaukee Brewers

Who are the Brewers? The team that was in first place by 6 ½ games (17 games over .500) on August 17 – or the team that faded at the end and finished just two games over .500 and out of the playoffs? BBRT’s guess is that it’s somewhere in between and that the Brewers will be competitive in 2015 – but not in the playoffs.

Milwaukee fans have the joy of watching energetic CF Carlos Gomez lead off every game. Last season, the Brewers’ sparkplug turned in a .284-23-73 stat line, with 34 steals and 95 runs scored. He gives the fans everything they expect (and more) from a top-of-the-order catalyst. In 2014, however, Milwaukee fans did not get all they expected from RF Ryan Braun. A thumb injury hampered him most of the season and he finished .266-19-81. The Brewers need Braun to get back to the player who routinely delivered 30 home runs and 100 RBI per campaign. The Brewers anticipate steady production from 3B Aramis Ramirez (.285-15-66), new first baseman Adam Lind (.321 for Toronto) and solid defensive backstop Jonathan Lucroy (.301-13-69). Khris Davis delivered some power form left field (22 home runs) and 2B Scooter Gennett hit .289 in 137 games. The Brewers could use a rebound from SS Jean Segura, a 2103 All Star who slumped offensively

While the offense seems to have offer enough positives – particularly if Braun and Segura bounce back – the pitching offers some concerns. With number-one starter Yorlando Gallardo gone in a trade with the Rangers, the Brewers rotation seems to come up a little short. BBRT side note: One of the young players the Brewers received in the Gallardo trade was SS prospect Luis Sardinas, which may reflect their concern with Segura’s future. Wily Peralta 17-11, 3.53), Kyle Lohse (13-9, 3.54) and Matt Garza (8-8, 3.64) are the “locks” among the starting staff. Matt Fiers looked good in ten starts last season, and would seem to have the edge for the fourth spot. Key competitors for the final berth would include Jimmy Nelson and Taylor Jungmann.

The bullpen starts with closer Francisco Rodriguez, who re-signed with the Brewers in late February. Rodriguez saved 44 games for the Brew Crew in 2014. Jonathan Broxton (seven saves for Cincinnati/Milwaukee a year ago – 27 saves as recently as 2012) should be the main setup man. Candidates for important roles in the pen include: Jeremy Jeffress, Will Smith, Brandon Kintzler and Jim Henderson.

While the Brewers have a potentially potent offense, there are concerns about both the back of the rotation and the bullpen. They could surprise, but it would be a surprise. Remember though, with a similar roster, they did lead the division for much of 2014.

Key Question: Is Ryan Braun healthy (thumb) and what does that mean for his production?

Brewers Fact: The Brewers were 15 games over .500 (70-55) with a three-game lead on August 17, but went 12-25 the rest of the way to finish 82-80 and out of the playoffs.

Fifth – Cincinnati Reds

Johnny Cueto (20-9, 2.25) and Aroldis Chapman (36 saves, 106 strikeouts in 54 innings). That’s a pretty good start to any pitching staff. Unfortunately, that pair can’t pitch all the innings, and the Reds are short on proven pitching depth – a situation they didn’t help by trading starters Mat Latos and Alfredo Simon in the off season. Looking at the rotation, the number-two and number-three spots look to go to Homer Bailey (9-5, 3.71, coming off September elbow surgery and possibly not ready on Opening Day) and Mike Leake (11-13, 3.70). After that, things are even less certain, but leading candidates seem to be newcomer Anthony DeSclafani (acquired form the Marlins), Dylan Alexrod (who looked good in a 2014 call up), left-hander Tony Cingrani and Cuban signee Raisel Iglesias.

Aroldis Chapman stands tall as the closer, but the rest of the bullpen suffered from injury and inconsistency in 2014. Despite Chapman’s 2.00 ERA, the Reds’ pen had a 4.11 ERA in 2014 – the NL’s second worst. Among candidates for the pen: Burke Badenhop (2.29 in 70 appearances for Boston), Pedro Villarreal, Sam LeCure, Jumbo Diaz and Manny Parra, The Reds also signed veteran Kevin Gregg (coming off elbow issues) to a minor league contract. Gregg – a 12-year MLB veteran – has 177 career saves. Competition for bullpen spots seems wide open.

The Reds have the potential for a solid offense – starting with corner infielders 1B Joey Votto and 3B Todd Frazier (29 home runs). They need a full season from Votto, who played only 62 games (.255-6-23) last season due to a knee injury. A healthy Votto should deliver 25+ round trippers. The Reds get added punch from All Star C Devin Mesoraco, who hit 25 home runs in 114 games, but had a pair of stints on the disabled list. Newcomer OF Marlon Byrd acquired from the Phillies) also brings 25-homer power to the lineup. Byrd should handle left field with RF going to Jay Bruce (who needs to rebound from a knee injury and his worst season ever) and CF stays with exciting speedster Billy Hamilton (56 steals). While Bruce hit just .217-18-66 last season, he has proven capable of 30+ homers and 90+ RBI when healthy. The Reds are strong defensively up the middle, with Zack Cosart at SS and Brandon Phillips at 2B. They are paying for that defense with offense, however. Cosart hit just .221 a year ago, while Phillips’ offensive production has been on the decline since his .288-30 home run-32 stolen base season in 2007. In 2014, Phillips hit .266 with eight home runs and two stolen bases.

Given the competitiveness of the Central Division – and the Reds’ pitching uncertainties, fifth place seems a realistic prediction.

Key Question: Can the Reds’ keep Billy Hamilton fresh? Hamilton got off to a great start in 2014, hitting .285 with 38 steals before the break, but seemed to wear down – hitting .200 with 18 steals after the break and only .123 with 2 steals in September. The Reds need a full season of the high-energy Hamilton.

Reds Fact: Despite finishing ten games under .400, the Reds defense had the best fielding percentage in MLB in 2014 (.988) and committed the fewest errors (72, ten fewer than runner up Seattle).

NL WEST

First – Los Angeles Dodgers

Wow! What happened? The Dodgers won the West again in 2014 – and then traded Matt Kemp and Dee Gordon and let free agent Hanley Ramirez walk. Notably, those moves were consistent with a long-standing Dodger tradition of winning with an emphasis on pitching and defense.

Clayton Kershaw – missed a month and was still a 20-game winner.

Up the middle, newcomers (acquired through trades) SS Jimmy Rollins and 2B Howie Kendrick should improve the reliability of the defense – and still provide adequate offense. Rollins hit 17 home runs and stole 28 bases for the Phils last year, while Kendrick hit .293 with seven homers and 14 steals for the Angels. The Dodgers will miss Gordon’s 64 steals, but Rollins/Kendrick should provide comparable offense. The trading of Kemp (287-25-89) removed some pop from the lineup, but helps clear an OF logjam. For 2015, we can expect to see an OF (improved defensively) of RF Yasiel Puig (.296-16-60), LF Carl Crawford (.300-8-46 and 16 steals in 105 games) and rookie Joc Perderson in CF. Pederson hit .303 with 33 home runs and 30 stolen bases (plus, importantly, 100 walks) in 121 games at AAA in 2014. Even after trading Kemp, the Dodgers have depth in the OF, with Scott Van Slyke and Andre Ethier on the bench. Rounding out the lineup will be Adrian Gonzalez (a four-time Gold Glove winner who can deliver 25-30 home runs) and 3B Jose Uribe (who hit .311 in 2014). Catching duties will be split between Yasmani Grandal and A.J. Elllis. The fact is, the Dodgers improved their defense in the off season and the offense – particularly if Joc Pederson meets expectations – should not miss a beat.

Improved defense will only make the Dodgers superior pitching even better. It all, of course, starts with Cy Young/MVP winner Clayton Kershaw (generally agreed upon as the best pitcher on the planet). We don’t need to cite statistics here –they’re almost legend already. Behind him is Zack Grienke (17-8, 2.71), who would be the ace on most staffs. The three-spot goes to under-recognized Hun-Jin Ryu (14-7, 3.38). Then it gets a little dicey, as the Dodger are counting on a free-agent signees Brandon McCarthy and Brett Anderson – who have both been injury prone in the past.

In the bullpen, incumbent closer Kenley Jansen (44 saves) will likely miss the first month of the season (foot surgery). There are plenty of hurlers to audition for temporary replacement status including former closers Brandon League (72 saves since 2011), and J.P. Howell (17 saves for Tampa Bay in 2009). Other options include hard- throwing Chris Hatcher and reliable Joel Peralta, both picked up in off season trades. Once a closer is selected the bullpen roles should take shape. It’s a bit unsettling, but not unworkable.

Key Question: Who will fill the closer’s role until Kenley Jansen returns?

Dodgers Fact: The Dodgers hold the MLB franchise record for no-hitters at 22 – with Josh Beckett and Clayton Kershaw contributing no-no’s in 2014.

Second – San Diego Padres

James Shields – new Padres’ “Ace.”

In 2014, the San Diego Padres finished third in the West (77-85) despite scoring the fewest runs (535) in the NL (in MLB, actually). How did they do it? The Padres gave up the second-fewest runs in the NL (523) and only the Nationals in the NL bested their team ERA of 3.27. Going into the 2015 season, the Padres actually improved that sterling pitching – the addition of premium free agent James Shields – and dramatically added to their offensive punch. They are ready to contend. BBRT is ready to go out on a limb and pick the Padres to finish ahead of the defending World Series Champion San Francisco Giants.

On the mound, veteran free-agent signee James Shields (14-8, 3.21 for the Royals) will not only be the staff ace on the field, he will also provide the kind of veteran leadership that will make the Padres’ young staff even better. Shields joins a rotation that should include Andrew Cashner (5-7, 2.55 in 19 starts), All Star Tyson Ross (13-14, 2.81), and veteran innings-eater Ian Kennedy (13-13, 3.63). The final spot in the rotation is likely to go to Odrisamer Despaigne (4-7, 3.36) or free-agent signee Brandon Morrow. Cashner has proven to be an injury concern in the past, so both Despaigne and Morrow may see time in the rotation. The Padres also signed free agent starter Josh Johnson – who missed the 2014 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Johnson, who has a career 58-45, 3.40 record over nine seasons, is expected to be back in late May of early June – and could give San Diego a mid-season boost.

The bullpen – and manager Bud Black’s ability to get the most out of it – will be a Padres’’ strength again (an NL-best 2.73 bullpen ERA in 2014). Closer Joaquin Benoit notched 11 saves with a 1.49 ERA – but is 37-years-old and did miss time with a shoulder injury last year. In Benoit’s absence, set up man Kevin Quackenbush picked up a handful of saves plus one (six total). Also in the pen are Alex Torres, Nick Vincent, Dale Thayer and Shawn Kelly (trade with Yankees).

While Shields represents a notable improvement in the pitching, the offensive upgrade is far more remarkable. Trades with the Rays, Braves and Dodgers give the Padres an all-new – and much more explosive –outfield. Left field now belongs to former Brave Justin Upton ( .270-29-102), center goes to former Ray Wil Myers (2013 AL Rookie of the Year, who missed time with a wrist injury and hit six homers with 35 RBI last season) and former Dodger Matt Kemp (.287-25-89) will hold down right. How much of an improvement is that? Last season’s three most often used starters in the Padres’ outfield – Seth Smith, Will Venable and Cameron Maybin – combined for fewer home runs and RBI (21-96) than Upton alone. Around the infield, we should see Yonder Alonso (1B), Jedd Gyorko (2B), Alexi Armarista (SS) and Yangervis Solarte or Will Middlebrooks (3B). Gyorko is a key piece. The second sacker hit .210 with just 10 home runs last season – after a .249, 23-homer season as a rookie in 2013. A rebound to 15-20 round trippers would further boost the Padres’ offense. Third base will be a competition between Solarte (.260 with 10 home runs as a rookie) and Middlebrooks, whom the Padres hope can rebound from an off season. Newcomer Derek Norris will handle the catching. All in all, the changes should not only improve the Padres on the field, but also bring a new, more confident, attitude to the club house.

The Padres look greatly improved and ready to move up to second place.

Key Question: Will the new outfield deliver offense as expected, or will pitcher-friendly Petco Power sap their power and confidence?

Padres Fact: In 2014, fewer home runs were hit in Petco Park (101) than any other MLB park

Third – San Francisco Giants

The Giants have won three World Series titles in the last five years (2010-2012-2014), so no one could blame the defending world champions if they opted for stability in the off season. And the Giants HAVE been pretty quiet since October. They did lose a key player – and part of the club’s character – when free agent Pablo Sandoval (.279-16-73 and .429 in the World Series) signed with the Red Sox. San Francisco will also miss OF Michael Morse’s nearly identical production (.279-16-61). But they did go out and pick up replacements for both. They added 3B Casey McGehee (trade with the Marlins), last year’s NL Comeback Player of the Year, to replace Sandoval. McGehee (four home runs) has less power than Sandoval, but did hit .287 with 76 RBI. (BBRT note: McGehee will also represent a step back on defense.) Nori Aoki (free agency, Royals) will take Morse’s spot on the roster. Like McGehee, less power, but a steady bat (.285 with 17 steals in 2014). The rest of the lineup is pretty much intact, not a bad thing after a World Series win (unless, of course, your main opposition improves). For power, the Giants will look to C Buster Posey (.311-22-89), reliable and energetic RF Hunter Pence (.277-20-74, with 13 steals)and 1B Brandon Belt – a slick defender, who hit the disabled list three times last season, but still managed 12 home runs in 61 games. A healthy Belt should provide 20-HR power. CF Angel Pagan (.300 with 16 steals in 96 games) should lead off. Pagan, however, has been injury prone and, in his absence, we could see Aoki at leadoff and backup George Blanco and Juan Perez (both solid defenders) in the OF. Joe Panik (who took over 2B in June, defending ably and hitting .305 in 73 games) is back, as is shortstop Brandon Crawford, who has a high ceiling, but needs to add consistently to his game in the field and at the plate.\

Not much has changed on the mound either, where the rotation will be led by World Series’ hero Madison Bumgarner (18-10, 2.98). After that there is considerable potential – but just as many question marks. Matt Cain, All Star and 16-game winner as recently as 2013, had elbow surgery in July and finished 2-7, 4.18. Jake Peavy pitched well after coming over from Boston (6-4, 2.17), but was 1-9 with the Sox. Tim Hudson won nine games and pitched well (3.57), but turns 40 in July. Ryan Vogelsong made a career-high 32 starts, but won only eight times (but did win 27 games in 2011-12). Tim Lincecum, despite a 12-9, 4.74 record was inconsistent last season and is now four seasons away from his last winning record.

In the bullpen, the Giants will look to Santiago Casilla (19 of 23 in save situation after taking over the ninth-inning job in mid-season). Also returning are Sergio Romo, who lost the closer job, but then straightened out and did fine as a setup man in the second half; Yu Petit, who proved considerably more effective as reliever (1.84 ERA) than a starter (5.03); Jean Machi; Javier Lopez; and Jeremy Affeldt. Ultimately, the bullpen should be a strength for the 2015 club.

It’s hard to argue with success – three World Series titles in five years. However, those titles all came in even-numbered years. This is an odd-numbered year, and while the roster has been pretty stable, issues with the starting rotation and roster improvements in Los Angeles and San Diego seem likely to keep the Giants out of the playoffs.

Key Question: How much will the Giants miss Kung Fu Panda’s (Pablo Sandoval) bat, glove and attitude – on the field, in the club house and at the ticket counter?

Giants Fact: The Giants won the first-ever regular-season interleague game, beating the AL’s Texas Rangers 4-3 on June 12, 1997. Mark Gardner got the win, Rod Beck the save and RF Stan Javier the game-winning RBI. Lead-off hitter CF Darryl Hamilton singled on a 1-1 offering from the Rangers’ Darren Oliver in the first inning to get the first-ever interleague hit. Javier also had interleague play’s first home run.

Forth – Colorado Rockies

As usual, the Colorado Rockies seem to have plenty of offense – and the kind of pitching that mandates they’ll need it. The Rockies finished 30 games under .500 a year ago – and had MLB’s worst team ERA at 4.84, while leading the NL in runs scored. Still, the losses weren’t all about the pitching. The Rockies also led the majors in player trips to the disabled list (26). They didn’t do much in the off-season (in fact, the most meaningful off-season change may have been the departure of RF Michael Cuddyer). Colorado is counting on better health to lead to a better record.

At Coors field, it all starts with offense – and, when healthy, the Rockies have plenty of it. SS Troy Tulowitzki and CF Carlos Gonzalez need to lead the way. The pair were both hit by the injury bug and played a combined 161 games a year ago – putting up 35 home runs and 90 RBI. Healthy, they can put up double that production – and they are both solid defenders. Keys to the offense also include CF and lead-off man Charlie Blackmon (.282 with 19 home runs, 82 runs scored, 72 RBI and 28 steals); former AL MVP , 2014 NL Batting champ and plus defender Justin Morneau (.319-17-82) at 1B; and Gold Glover Nolan Arenado (.287-18-61 in 111 games – finger fracture) at 3B,. LF Corey Dickerson surprised a few people by hitting .312 and leading the Rockies in home runs with 24 in just his second MLB season. Dickerson’s emergence makes Drew Stubbs a valuable fourth outfielder – especially given the Rockies’ injury history. In 2014, Stubbs hit .289 with 15 home runs. Second baseman DJ LeMahieu’s contributions get lost in the Rockies’ offensive fireworks (he hit just .267), but he’s the NL’s 2014 Gold Glove winner at 2B. The Rockies added more defense when they picked up free-agent catcher Nick Hundley – a solid defensive catcher and game caller. Wow, plenty of offense, sound defense – sounds pretty good so far.

When it comes to pitching – the key word in Colorado is “Ouch!” The injury bug and the Coors Field atmosphere both worked against the Rockies’ staff in 2014, and the end result was the NL’s highest ERA – both among starters and relievers. That does not win many ball games. The rotation is Jorge De La Rosa (14-11, 4.10 and a surprising 10-2, 3.08 in his Coors Field innings). After De La Rosa, there is a notable drop off. Jhoulys Chacin should be the number-two man, but was limited to eleven 2014 starts (1-7, 4.50) due to rotator cuff issues. If healthy, he could return to his 14-10, 3.47 form of 2013. The Rockies did sign Kyle Kendrick, who won ten games for the Phillies a year ago, and he could slide into the number-three sport. Others in the running for the rotation are Jordan Lyles (7-4, 4.33, who missed time due to a broken bone in his non-pitching hand); Tyler Matzek (6-11, 4.05); Charlie Bergman (3-5, 5.93) and prospect Eddie Butler. We may see Colorado auditioning starters into the season. Last year, the team used 15 different starters.

The bullpen should see plenty of work once again. LaTroy Hawkins saved 23 games in 26 opportunities, but he is 42-years-old. The Rockies are hoping for better things from reliever Boone Logan (6.84 ERA) and Rex Brothers (5.59). There is hope. Logan is one more season removed elbow surgery and was 5-2, 3.23 in 2013, while Brothers (once considered a closer-in-waiting) had a 2.82 career ERA going into 2014. Tommy Kahnle, Adam Ottavino and Brooks Brown are also expected to find spots in the bullpen,

All in all, the Rockies – if healthy, have plenty of offense and solid defense to improve on their record – especially if the pitching staff can induce ground balls at Coors. Ultimately, however, they will need to add pitching to make win enough games to contend.

Key Question: How long can 42-year-old LaTroy Hawkins keep getting batters out?

Rockies Fact: No pitcher likes Coors Field more than Jorge De La Rosa. He is 45-14, 3.98 for his career in the hitters’ paradise. (His overall career record 84-68, 4.60)

Fifth – Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondback finished last in NL West last year and they did do some work on their problem areas in the off season. Arizona had the league’s second-worst ERA (only the Rockies and Coors Field – finished worse). They set about to fix that – trading away C Miguel Montero, SS Did Gregorius and P Wade Miley – and picking up a handful of hurlers, including at least three likely to be in the 2015 rotation. They also looked to the offense – signing international free agent Cuban Yasmany Tomas. The 24-year-old was signed to a six-year, $68.5 million contract and is expected to bat in the middle of the lineup and provide a solid power source for the D-backs. (In his last three seasons in the Cuban National Series, Tomas hit .293, with 40 home runs and 137 RBI in 215 games.) Tomas should provide a boost to D-backs, who hit the NL’s third-fewest home runs a year ago.

Let’s look at the rotation. At the top will be Jason Collmenter (11-9, 3.46), whose fastball tops out in the high 80s, but who manages to keep hitters off balance. That contrasts with newcomer Rubby De Le Rosa (gotta love that name), who has been known to hit triple digits with his heater, but is also coming back form 2012 Tommy John surgery. De Le Rosa was 4-8, 4.43 in 19 games for the Red Sox in 2014. Jeremy Hellickson (AL Rookie of the Year in 2011) should also be in the mix. He logged double-digits in victories and at least 29 starts and 170+ innings per year for Tampa Bay for three years (2010-13), before surgery to remove bone chips held him to 13 starts and one victory in 2014. Allen Webster is another newcomer who should be in the D-backs’ rotation. He was 5-3, 5.03 for the Red Sox and 4-4, 3.10 at Triple A last season. Webster is a hard-thrower who needs to harness his control. Competing for the number-five spot will be returnees Victor Nuno, Chase Anderson and Trevor Cahill. Anderson went 9-7, 4.01 in 21 starts last year, but Nuno may be the most interesting candidate. The southpaw went 0-7 in 14 starts after coming over from the Yankees – but averaged six innings per outing and put up a 3.76 ERA. Pat Corbin, an All Star and 14-game winner in 2013, is returning from Tommy John surgery could provide a boost in the second half.

Arizona will depend on Addison Reed (32 saves) to close games. Getting to Reed will be the responsibility of (among others) side-armer Brad Ziegler (5-3, 3.49 in 68 games); Evan Marshall (4-4, 2.74 in 57 games); and former starter Oliver Perez (3-4, 2.91 in 68 games). The numbers at the top of the pen look okay, but overall Arizona had the third-worst NL bullpen ERA last year and the second–worst ratio of saves to save opportunities.

The lineup has offensive potential – starting at the corners with Yasmany Tomas, expected to provide plenty of power at 3B, and 1B Paul Goldschmidt (back in the heart of the order and healthy). Goldschmidt put up a .300-19-69 line, with nine steals, in just 107 games (fractured hand). In 2013, Goldschmidt went .302-36-125, with 15 stolen bases (and a Gold Glove). Expect him to be a force in 2015. BBRT sees an MVP Award somewhere in Goldschmidt’s future. Other power sources include RF Mark Trumbo (a free swinger who delivered 14 home runs – and 89 strikeouts – in 89 games) and LF David Peralta (.286, with eight home runs in 88 games as a rookie). The Diamondbacks also look set at the leadoff spot with CF A.J. Pollock, who was on a tear (.302-7-24, with 14 steals in 75 games), before a broken hand cost him more than half the season. The middle of the infield (2B-SS) will be sorted out among Aaron Hill, Chris Owings and slick-fielding prospect Nick Ahmed. If Ahmed shows he can hit major league pitching at an acceptable rate, BBRT expects him at shortstop and Owings at 2B. If Ahmed needs more seasoning, Owings can move to short and veteran Hill can handle second. Tuffy Gosewisch (.225-1-7 in 41 games) talks over at catcher for the traded Montero – primarily on the basis of his defensive skills.

Overall, the Diamondbacks have enough offense to make it interesting, but their pitching is likely to keep them from being competitive.

Key Question: Will Yasmany Tomas live up to his contract – can he provide the promised power at the plate and can he handle third base (There’s always LF)?

Diamondbacks Fact: Rookies played an MLB-high 656 games for the injury-plagued Diamondbacks last season.

So there’s BBRT’s National League predictions. Again, for a look at BBRT’s American League predictions, click here.

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Coming soon – a look at how major league team’s set up their promotion and giver-away schedules.

Filed Under: News

BBRT – 2015 American League Predictions

February 18, 2015 by David

It’s getting closer every day!!!

James Shields has finally signed, pitchers and catchers are heading for Spring Training and it’s time to take a look at what
expects in 2015. We’ll start with a look at the American League – and BBRT’s predictions for the standings and contenders for the major awards. Coming soon: NL predictions.

Let’s look first at the standings, where – thanks to one of the most active off seasons ever – BBRT expects some new faces making the playoffs. We’ll go over the basics first, and then consider the division races team-by-team.

AL EAST

The Red Sox added offense and depth and look positioned to once again make the trip from worst-to-first. The Blue Jays, also active in the off-season, should provide the toughest competition – led by newcomer Josh Donaldson. The Orioles lost a couple of key offensive pieces (Nelson Cruz/Nick Markakis) and were pretty much non-participants in the off-season marketplace, which may put them out of the playoff picture. New York has too many “age & injury” questions and Tampa Bay is short on offense – and likely will miss Joe Maddon in the dugout. Predicted order of finish:

Boston Red Sox

Toronto Blue Jays (Wild Card)

Baltimore Orioles

New York Yankees

Tampa Bay Rays

AL CENTRAL

Possibly the closest division (top-to-bottom) in all of baseball, the White Sox appear to have made all the right moves in the off season. Still, it wouldn’t surprise BBRT to see less than a dozen games separating these five teams at the end. The White Sox added pitching and offense, while Detroit lost some key hurlers – paving the way for Chicago’s rise. Still, Detroit – behind David Price, Justin Verlander and Anibel Sanchez – may have enough to hold first place. The Royals, who had so much go right last year, seem unlikely to make another Cinderella run, but have enough talent to be in the hunt. Cleveland and Minnesota are good enough to cause problems for the top of the division, but do not appear ready to challenge Detroit and Chicago. Predicted order of finish:

Chicago White Sox

Detroit Tigers

Kansas City Royals

Cleveland Indians

Minnesota Twins

AL WEST

The Angels and Mariners are the powerhouses – and LA will be hard pressed to hold off Seattle. BBRT is picking LA, but this is an LA/Seattle toss-up – a lot may depend on Josh Hamilton’s performance when he returns to the Angels’ lineup. Oakland traded away too many All Stars in revamping their team. Houston is on the rise, but with a long way to go. Texas has too many injury concerns – but, if healthy, could surprise.

Los Angeles Angels

Seattle Mariners (Wild Card)

Oakland A’s

Houston Astros

Texas Rangers

Now for the Awards:

MVP: Mike Trout, Angels.

Contenders: Robinson Cano, Mariners; Jose Bautista, Blue Jays; Miguel Cabrera, Tigers; Jose Abreu, White Sox.

Cy Young Award: Felix Hernandez, Mariners.

Contenders: Chris Sale, White Sox; David Price, Tigers; Yorlando Ventura, Royals.

Rookie of the Year: Rusney Castillo, Red Sox.

Contenders: Francisco Lindor, Indians; Steve Souza, Rays; Carlos Rodon, White Sox; Ryan Rua, Rangers.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Here’s a more detailed look at how BBRT sees the AL 2015 races.

AL EAST

First – Boston Red Sox

Big Papi should have plenty to smile about in 2015.

Worst – to first – to worst – to first again? Three years ago, the Red Sox finished fifth in the East (26 games out), two years ago they topped the division and, last season, they dropped back to fifth (25 games out). It looks like they have put the pieces in place to get back to the top of the AL East in 2015. Offensively, key additions include free agents Hanley Ramirez (slated to move from the infield to left field to accommodate the Red Sox’ depth) and 3B Pablo Sandoval. Toss in the likes of DH David Ortiz, 2B Dustin Pedroia, rising star RF Mookie Betts, early Rookie of the Year favorite CF Rusney Castillo – and more – and the Red Sox have a solid, and deep, lineup. They also have considerable OF depth (Allen Craig, Shane Victorino, Danial Nava, Jackie Bradley, Jr.) from which to make a trade – particularly for pitching.

The rotation does not have a true ace, but with newcomers Rick Porcello (who won 15 games for the Tigers last year), Justin Masterson and Wade Miley joining Clay Bucholz and Joe Kelly – and a bullpen featuring closer Koji Uehara, Edward Mujica and Craig Breslow – it should be enough to bring Boston home on top in the East. If any members of the projected rotation falter, prospect Anthony Renaudo is waiting in the wings.

Key question: Which Clay Bucholz shows up – last year’s 8-11, 5.34 version or a healthy version of the 2013 All Star?

Red Sox Fact: Brock Holt provides the Sox protection around the Diamond. In 2014, he played 39 games at 3B, 35 in RF, 12 at SS, 11 at 2B, eight at 1B and eight in RF – hitting .281, with four homers, 29 RBI and 12 steals (finishing eighth in Rookie of the Year balloting).

Second – Toronto Blue Jays

Jose Bautista will again lead the Blule Jays offense.

Like the Red Sox, the Blue Jays will count on their offense to take them to (or near) the top of the division. The key to that offense will be new 3B Josh Donaldson – acquired in a trade with the Athletics. Donaldson hit .255 with 29 home runs and 98 RBI in pitcher-friendly Oakland last season (after .301-23-93 in 2013). The 2014 All Star should find Rogers Centre to his liking. There is plenty of power up and down the line up with RF Joe Bautista, 1B Edwin Encarnacion and free-agent newcomer Russell Martin behind the plate. SS Jose Reyes will provide some speed at the top.

The pitching is not as strong as the offense – but is sound. Four returning starters – R.A. Dickey, Mark Buehrle, Marcus Stroman, Drew Hutchinson – were all double-digit winners a year ago. The off-season trade of 11-game winner J.A. Happ opens the door for either Aaron Sanchez or Daniel Norris – two high-potential youngsters. The bull pen will likely be led by new closer (now that Casey Janssen has left via free agency) Brett Cecil and may include Sanchez if he doesn’t make the rotation (Sanchez has closer potential). Newcomer Marcus Estrada and Aaron Loup provide bullpen depth and a return to form by 2013 All Star Steve Delabar would be a plus.

Overall, it looks like the addition of Donaldson and Martin will enable the Jays to improve on their third-place finish of a year ago – grabbing a Wild Card spot or even unseating the Angels.

Key Question: Will 22-year-old Dalton Pompey – who hit .231 in 17 late season games for the Jays – be able to handle the regular CF spot? Pompey is a plus defender and hit .317 in three minor league stops a year ago.

Blue Jays Fact: The Blue Jays have MLB’s longest current post-season drought – having not earned a berth in the post-season since 1993.

Third – Baltimore Orioles

Basically non-participants in the off-season marketplace, the O’s will feel the loss of free agent outfielders Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis. In 2014 the pair combined for 54 home runs (25.5% of the O’s total) and 158 RBI (23.2% of the O’s total). Still, there are reasons for optimism: 1) The Orioles have Buck Showalter, who knows how to get the most out of his resources; 2) They did win the East by 12 games a year ago, so they have a bit of a cushion in the quest to repeat; 3) They have some players returning from injury who could close the offensive gap left by the Cruz/Markakis departures.

There is still the potential for a potent offense, with returnees CF Adam Jones and RF Steve Pearce. A strong return from catcher Matt Weiters (Tommy John surgery). a rebound by Chris Davis (who hit 53 HRs just two seasons ago) and a year of good health from 3B Manny Machado (.278-12-32 in 82 games a year ago – knee surgery) could also boost the Orioles’ 2015 success. The middle of the infield (SS J.J. Hardy and 2B Jonathan Schoop) is dependable and defense should remain a Baltimore strength.

Even without a true ace, starting pitching may be the Orioles’ “ace in the hole.” The rotation features four double-digit winners with 2014 ERAs under 3.75: Chris Tillman; Wei-Yin Chen; Bud Norris; and Miguel Gonzalez. Closer Zach Britton (37 saves and a 1.65 ERA) will lead a bullpen that also features quality arms in the likes of Brian Matusz, Darren O’Day and Tommy Hunter.

Baltimore will be in the hunt, but BBRT sees the Birds falling short of the post season.

Key Question: Will 1B Chris Davis rebound? Two years ago, Davis put up a .286-53-138 line. Last year, Davis declined to .196-26-72, struck out in 38.4 percent of his at bats and faced a 25-game suspension (positive test for amphetamines associated with the Adderall).

Orioles Fact: Baltimore led all of MLB in home runs in 2014 (211) and has topped 200 dingers in three straight seasons.

Fourth – New York Yankees

There’s trouble coming to the Big Apple – Jeter is gone, as is closer Dave Robertson (free agency) and starter Huroki Kuroda, who led the team in games started (32) in 2014. The Yankees still do have some big names (and a big payroll), but that is both a blessing (proven players) and a curse (age and injury concerns). Among the starting nine, it’s possible incoming shortstop Didi Gregorius (trade with Arizona) will be the only player under 30. The 24-year-old will be a defensive improvement over Jeter, but still is a work in progress at the plate (.226-6-27 in 80 games for Arizona). The fact is, the Yankees have plenty of question marks in the expected line-up. In the outfield 37-year-old Carlos Beltran is coming off one of his worst seasons ever (and elbow surgery). First baseman Mark Teixeira hit only .216 and will be spelled by newcomer Garrett Jones. While C Brian McCann contributed 23 home runs and 75 RBI, his .232 batting average was 40 points below his career average. There are bright spots. CF Jacob Ellsbury and LF Brett Gardner delivered power and speed as expected. Switch-hitting 3B Chase Headley continued to flash a solid glove – although it’s unlikely he will ever match his 31-homer, 115-RBI campaign of 2012 (the only season he’s topped 13 home runs).

On the mound, particularly given Kuroda’s departure, the Yankees need healthy seasons from Masahiro Tanaka (13-5, 2.77 in a season interrupted by an elbow injury) and oft-sidelined Michael Pineda. A healthy C.C. Sabathia (coming off knee surgery) would significantly improve the Yankees’ outlook. Other likely starters are former Marlin Nathan Eovaldi, whose upper 90s fastball offers significant promise, 36-year-old Chris Capuano and Ivan Nova (coming off Tommy John surgery). In the bullpen, 6’ 8” flamethrower Dellin Betances looks ready to step into Robertson’s closer shoes. The Yankees added quality to the pen with free agent Andrew Miller. David Carpenter, Adam Warren, Esmil Rogers and Justin Wilson give the Yankees plenty to choose from in filling out the relief corps.

Looking at the roster, it’s hard to see the Yankees being a factor in 2015.

Key Question: Will Alex Rodriguez be back and, if so, what will the 39-year-old have left in the tank?

Yankee Fact: In 2014, the Yankees were the only AL team to not have a single player receive a vote in either the MVP or Cy Young Award balloting. (Note: While Tampa Bay’s final roster did not include vote-getters in either category, CYA votes did go to David Price, who played the majority of his games with Tampa before the trade to Detroit).

Fifth – Tampa Bay Rays

If you’re going to examine the Rays, you have to start with their strength – the pitching – because offensively there just isn’t a whole lot to talk about. Let’s look at the Rays’ rotation. While they are missing a bonafide number-one guy – thanks to last year’s in-season David Price trade – the Rays have three starters who could fit into the number-two or number-three role on most teams: Alex Cobb; Chris Archer; and Jake Ordozzi. By mid-season, the Rays hope to have Matt Moore back from Tommy John surgery. Moore, 17-4, 3.29 in 2013, would slide into the number-one spot. Backing up the rotation is a bullpen led by Bryan Boxberger, pressed into the closer’s role due to Jake McGee’s off-season elbow surgery. McGee went 5-2, 1.89 with 19 saves and 90 strikeouts in 71 1.3 innings last season – and should return sometime in May.

The Rays offense was 27^th in runs scored a year ago, and little was done to address the problem. In fact, potential offense was traded away when 2013 Al Rookie of the Year Wil Myers was sent to San Diego as part of a three-team multi-player trade and two-time All Star 2B Ben Zobrist (arguably the face of the franchise) was sent (along with SS Yunel Escobar) to the A’s for C/DH John Jaso, prospects and cash. Escobar will be replaced by free agent signee Asdrubel Cabrera, who should be an upgrade. What qualifies as the heart of the Rays’ offense beats through 3B Evan Longoria (.253-22-91). James Loney is steady at 1B, possessing a good glove, but lacking the power you expect from a corner infielder (.290-9-69). Similarly, CF Desmond Jennings appears slotted into the leadoff spot, but doesn’t get on base at the rate you expect at the top of the order. The other two OF spots will likely go to Steven Souza and Kevin Kiermaier.

The Rays starting pitching will keep them in games, and could bring them home as high as third place. But there just isn’t enough offense to get them into the post-season. Souza (picked up in a trade) could surprise. In three 2014 minor league stops, Souza hit .345-18-88, with 26 steals. He was voted the International League’s (AAA) Rookie of the Year AND Most Valuable Player. At the major league level, Souza went only 3-for-23 with the Nationals – although two of his hits were home runs.

Key Question: How much will the Rays miss previous manager Joe Maddon’s 11 years of managerial experience (twice AL Manager of the Year). Maddon’s replaecment 37-year-old Kevin Cash (former major league catcher and Indians bullpen coach) has no managerial experience.

Rays Fact: The Rays’ 96 double plays in 2014 are the lowest total ever in a 162-game season.

AL CENTRAL

First – Chicago White Sox

Wow! No really, wow! The White Sox are poised to make the jump from fourth place to first in the AL Central – and they did it with a combination of free agent signings, trades and the development of home-grown talent.

Chris Sale – an early Cy Young award favorite – will lead the Sox’ rotation.

Consider the rotation. It’s led by potential Cy Young winner Chris Sale (the Sox first- round pick in 2010) and Jeff Samardzija (picked up in an off-season trade with the Athletics). The number-three spot goes to Jose Quintana, with John Danks and Hector Noesi likely to round out the starting five. Waiting in the wings, but needing a little more seasoning, is the Sox’ 2014 first-round draft pick Carlos Rondon. The 22-year-old moved from Rookie League to AAA in his first minor league season – and could find his way into the rotation some time this season. The bull pen – a trouble spot last season – is in good hands for 2015, led by free-agent signee closer David Robertson, who saved 39 games for the Yankees. The Sox also added a solid set up man (again through free agency) in Zach Duke. These two moves will enable the Sox to develop the bull pen roles (last season, three different relievers each reached double-digits in save opportunities for the Sox, who had 21 blown saves).

Chicago also upgraded its offense, adding free agents Melky Cabrera (OF) and Adam LaRoche (DH) to complement Rookie of the Year 1B Jose Abreu (.317-36-107), RF Avisail Garcia, SS Alexei Ramirez and top-of-the-order catalyst CF Adam Eaton. The Sox also added flexibility to the roster, signing free agent Emilio Bonifacio, who hit .259 in 119 games last season (Cubs/Braves) – and spent time at all three outfield spots, as well as second base, third base and shortstop.

They also picked up left-hander Dan Jennings – 0-2 with a 1.34 ERA in 47 appearances in 2014 – in a trade with Miami. BBRT Note: The Jennings acquisition might not have the impact of some of the other ChiSox moves, but I wanted to include it so I could point out that LHP Dan Jennings was traded away by Marlins GM Dan Jennings (no relation).

Key Question: What kind of season will Avasail Garcia (torn labrum early in 2014) put up? Garcia showed promise in 2013 (.304-5-21 in 42 games), but did not fare as well in the injury-interrupted 2014 campaign (.244-7-29 in 46 games). Garcia did hit .312 with power in the Venezuelan League and has been labeled by some as the most underrated hitter in the Sox line-up.

White Sox Fact: Chris Sale is only the fourth White Sox pitcher to record two consecutive 200 strikeout seasons (226 in 2013/208 in 2014). The others are Javier Vazquez (2007-08); Tom Bradley (1971-72); and Ed Walsh (1907-08 & three consecutive 1910-12).

Second – Detroit Tigers

The Tigers need a healthy Miguel Cabrera to win the Central.

The Tigers added some offense, but may have lost/given up too much pitching to finish atop the division. The key loss was Max Scherzer (18-5, 3.15), who signed with the Nationals. In addition, they gave up 15-game winner Rick Porcello in the trade for outfielder Yeonis Cespedes (22 HRs and 100 RBI for Oakland/Boston a year ago). The Tigers went right to work to replace Porcello – via a trade with the Reds – adding Cincinnati’s 15-game winner Alfredo Simon to the roster. Still, Simon is 33-years-old and has only 51 starts in seven major league seasons, so he is not a sure thing. Detroit also picked up right-hander Shane Greene from the Yankees (as part of a three-team deal also involving the Diamondbacks). Greene, the Yankees’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2013, is considered to have a high ceiling. And, keep in mind, the Tigers still have David Price, Justin Verlander and Anibel Sanchez in the rotation.

The bullpen – which had the AL’s highest batting-average against last season (.270) remains a question mark. Closer Joe Nathan had 35 saves, but also a league-leading seven blown saves and a 4.81 ERA. Others in the pen are likely to include Joakim Soria, Joel Hanrahan, Al Alburquerque and promising youngster Bruce Rondon.

The offense still looks potent, with hitting machine 3B Miguel Cabrera, DH Victor Martinez, 2B Ian Kinsler, LF J.D. Martinez and Cespedes providing plenty of power (a combined 114 home runs in 2014). Defense up the middle should be improved with the return of Jose Iglesias at shortstop, Alex Avila at catcher and the addition of CF Anthony Gose (via trade).

So why not pick the Tigers to repeat? Three reasons – the suspect bullpen, questions about Verlander and, finally, injury concerns. 1B Miguel Carbrera had ankle surgery in the off-season; DH Victor Martinez had knee surgery; SS Jose Iglesias missed all of 2014 with stress fractures in his shins; C Alex Avila has suffered multiple concussions; relievers Bruce Rondon and Joel Hanrahan have had recent elbow surgeries (2014 and 2013, respectively) and starter Anibel Sanchez’ 2014 season was injury-shortened. Lots of talent, but also lots of potential for problems – likely to bring the Tigers home in second place.

Key Question: Can Justin Verlander reverse a trend that has seen his ERA increase in each of the past four seasons (from 2.40 in 2011 to 4.54 in 2014) and his strikeouts per nine-innings drop from 9.0 to 6.9 in the same time span.

Tigers Fact: The Tigers appear to have turned up the speed dial. In 2014, the Tigers stole 106 bases, fourth in the AL. In 2013, Detroit stole only 35 bases – the lowest total in all of MLB.

Third – Kansas City Royals

A lot of things went right for the Royals in 2014 – in both the regular season and the post season. After the departure free agents James Shields, Billy Butler and Nori Aoki, they’d have to go even better for Kansas City to make the post season in 2015. Still, the Royals 2014 success was based on a blend of speed, defense and pitching (particularly the bullpen) – and there is still considerable talent in those areas.

The offense will be led by returnees LF Alex Gordon (a team-leading 19 home runs and 74 RBI a year ago); 3B Mike Moustakas; C Salvador Perez; and CF Lorenzo Cain. The Royals are hoping free-agent signees Kendry Morales and Alex Rios (who both had off-seasons in 2014) can rebound and replace Butler and Noaki. The defense will be there again with the Royals boasting plus defenders nearly all around the field.

On the mound, KC will miss Shields, but 23-year-old Yorlando Ventura (14-10, 3.20 a year ago) seems ready to step into the number-one rotation spot. Number-two in the rotation cpould very well be Danny Duffy (9-12, with a 2.53 ERA). Rounding out the rotation are veterans Jason Vargas, Jeremy Guthrie and free-agent signee Edison Volquez. The bullpen is one of the best in baseball, led by closer Greg Holland (46 saves and a 1.44 ERA in 2014) – who is preceded to the mound by the likes of Wade Davis, Kelvin Herrera and Luke Hochevar. How good can the pen be? In 2014, the Royals were 65-4 when going into the seventh inning with a lead.

Kansas City has enough going for it to stay in the chase, but Detroit and Chicago may be just a bit better.

Key Question: Will either corner infielder (1B Eric Hosmer/3B Mike Moustakas) have the breakout season the Royals have been waiting for?

Kansas City Fact: The numbers show the Royals focus getting the ball in play and making something happen. In 2014, Kansas City recorded the AL’s fewest walks and the fewest batters’ strikeouts – as well as the league’s fewest HRs and most stolen bases.

Fourth – Cleveland Indians

The Indians notched 85 wins a year ago with a combination of strong pitching, acceptable (but not spectacular) offense and – unfortunately – a defense that led all of MLB in errors (118). BBRT expects more of the same in 2015 and, even if the defense improves, the Tigers and White Sox will still outpace the Tribe – which had a quiet offseason.

The offense will again be led by LF Michael Brantley (.327-20-94), with support in the power department from 1B/DH Carlos Santana (27 home runs), C Yan Gomes (21 home runs) and free-agent signee Brandon Moss (25 HRs for Oakland). Cleveland could use a rebound season from 2B Jason Kipnis (who went from .284-17-94 in 2013 to .240-6-41 last season) and DH Nick Swisher (who had knee surgery in August).

The pitching staff looks to be in better shape than the offense, with Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber (18-9, 2.44) leading the way. The remainder of the rotation will be drawn from Carlos Carrasco (who had a strong second half), Trevor Bauer, Danny Salazar, T.J. House, Gavin Floyd, Zach McAllister and Josh Tomlin. The Indians’ rotation logged a second-half ERA under 3.00 in 2014 – and the Indians are counting on that to be a portent of things to come. The bullpen should be a strength again in 2015, led by closer Cody Allen (24 saves and 91 strikeouts in 69 2/3 innings). Last season Allen, Bryan Shaw, Scott Atchinson and Marc Rzepczynski (love that name on a uniform) all made at least 70 appearances – and manager Terry Francona can be expected to work the bullpen (effectively) again in 2015.

The Indians have the talent to be above .500 again, but – unless they can tighten the defense – will also find themselves once again out of the post season.

Key Question: Is Brandon Moss fully recovered from off-season hip surgery, and where will he play (RF/1B/DH)? Note: In 2015, Moss hit .268, with 21 home runs and 66 RBI in 89 games before the All Star break, but just .173-4-15 in 58 games after the break.

Indians Fact: Despite an 85-77 season, just three games out of a Wild Card spot, the Indians drew 1,437,393 at home last season – the worst home attendance in all of MLB.

Fifth – Minnesota Twins

The Twins suffered their fourth consecutive season of 90 or more losses in 2014 – and starting pitching was the club’s most significant weakness. The rotation rang up a 5.06 ERA, the worst in all of MLB, while the team’s 715 runs scored were seventh-best in MLB and fifth in the AL.

The Twins worked to address their pitching needs by signing free agent Ervin Santana (a 14-game winner for the Braves in 2014). He joins 16-game winner Phil Hughes at the top of the rotation. The remainder of the rotation will likely be drawn from Ricky Nolasco (who pitched with a sore elbow early in the season and then came back from the disabled list to record a 2.93 ERA in five September outings) and 13-game winner Kyle Gibson. Candidates for the final spot include Tommy Milone, Mike Pelfrey and prospects Alex Meyer and Trevor May. The bullpen will again be led by closer Glen Perkins (34 saves), with a supporting cast likely to include Casey Fien, Brian Duensing, and Caleb Thielbar. The Twins could use some power arms there.

Offensively, the Twins show signs of life. 2B Brian Dozier hit 23 home runs and stole 21 bases. Danny Santana CF/SS hit .319 in 101 games, 3B Trevor Plouffe provided 14 home runs and 80 RBI, OF Oswaldo Arcia started to live up to his promise (20 homers) and Kenny Vargas looks poised to do some damage from the DH slot. In addition, the Twins added free agent RF Torii Hunter (returning to the Twins from the Tigers), who is a professional hitter (.286-17-83) and a leader on the field and in the clubhouse. Still, how well the Twins go may be determined by three-time batting champion 1B Joe Mauer, a career .319 hitter, who hit only .277 last year. The Twins need a rebound from the hometown favorite.

The Twins of 2015 will be improved, much more competitive, but not ready challenge for a playoff spot. If all goes right – Nolasco and Mauer return to form, Arcia and Vargas continue to develop and Hunter provides the expected leadership, the Twins could push .500 and make things difficult for Central Division competitors – and the Twins have some big-time prospects in the pipeline, so it shouldn’t be long until fans see meaningful September baseball.

Key Question: When will the Twins fans see OF Byron Buxton and 3B Miguel Sano, two of baseball’s top prospects? The pair is sure to generate plenty of offense and excitement once they move to the big club.

Twins Fact: In 2014, Twins’ right-hander Phil Hughes walked just 16 batters, while fanning 186 (in 209 2/3 innings). That 11.63 strikeout to walk ratio is a modern MLB record.

AL WEST

First – Los Angeles Angels

The Angels led all of MLB in regular-season wins a year ago and should contend again this year. In fact, they may have enough to hold off the fast-charging Mariners in the AL West.

2014 MVP Mike Trout hopes to lead the Angels in a West Division repeat.

Offensively, the Angels will look to 2014 MVP CF Mike Trout to lead the way – he’ll be flanked in the outfield by lead-off hitter Kole Calhoun (who hit .272 and scored 90 runs in just 127 games) and (early in the season) Matt Joyce. LF Josh Hamilton may miss the first four to six weeks of the season following shoulder surgery. 1B Albert Pujols remains in the clean-up spot, but he is 34 and showing signs of wear (.272-28-105 in 2014). Pujols, however, is still one of the game’s most reliable run producers. The Angels will have to replace 2B Howie Kendrick’s team-leading 181 hits, but the Angels did lead all of MLB in runs scored last season, and the line-up hasn’t changed that much, so they should be okay.

Starting pitching will again be an Angels’ strong point (and the key to holding off the Mariners). Jered Weaver, Matt Shoemaker, Garrett Richards and C.J. Wilson combined for 60 wins a year ago (although knee surgery will delay the start of Richards’ season). Andrew Heaney (picked up in the Kendrick trade) is considered a top prospect. Others in in the running for a rotation spot are Hector Santiago and Nick Tropeano. The bullpen is solid, led by closer Houston Street (41 saves, 1.37 ERA for the Dodgers and Angels in 2014), with support from free-agent signee and key set-up man Joe Smith, Fernando Salas and Kevin Jepsen.

The Angels may have just enough to retain the AL West title – but it will be a horse race.

Key Question: How soon will OF Josh Hamilton and SP Garrett Richards return? These are key cogs in the Angel machine.

Angels Fact: In three full MLB seasons, Mike Trout has never finished lower than second in the AL MVP voting.

Second – Seattle Mariners

It should be an exciting season in Seattle, with a well-balanced Mariners squad making it to the post season – and, perhaps, even knocking the Angels off the top spot in the AL West.

A stronger line-up may bring Seattle a division title and Felix Hernandez a Cy Young Award.

The Mariners made one of the biggest free agent moves of the off season, signing AL home run champ Nelson Cruz (Orioles) – whose bat (.271-40-108) will slide nicely into the DH role and cleanup spot for the Mariners. And, Cruz will be surrounded by power, with 2B Robinson Cano and 3B Kyle Seager likely to hit in the number-three and number-five spots, respectively. The Mariners’ outfield will be revamped for 2015 – and we may see some notable platooning. Candidates include: Dustin Ackley (14 HRs/8 steals), James Jones (27 steals in 108 games), Austin Jackson and newcomers Seth Smith and Justin Ruggiano.

The rotation looks solid, starting with 2014 AL ERA champ and perennial Cy Young Award candidate Felix Hernandez. Hisashi Iwakuma won 15 games last year and is a solid number-two. Then there are a host of talented young hurlers – James Paxton, Taijuan Walker, Reonis Elias – not to mention off-season pickup (via trade) J.A. Happ, an 11-game winner for the Blue Jays last season. In the pen, closer Fernando Rodney sometimes creates excitement via the base on balls, but he did save 48 games in 51 opportunities. The rest of the pen has shown the ability to get the big strikeout when needed.

The Mariners appear ready to make the post season and possibly move the Angels off the top of the AL West.

Key Question: Can the Mariners improve young (24-years-old) C Mike Zunino’s plate patience? In 2014, he hit 22 home runs – but walked only 17 times, while striking out 158 and hitting .199.

Mariners Fact: The Mariners made the fewest errors in the AL last season (82) – one fewer than their main AL West competition – the Angels.

Third – Oakland A’s

Another WOW! (See the White Sox write up.) Gone from the Oakland A’s are 2014 All Stars 3B Josh Donaldson, P Jon Lester, OF/1B Brandon Moss, C/DH Derek Norris and P Jeff Samardzija (voted to the NL 2014 All Star team before being traded to the A’s), as well as P Jason Hammel, SS Jed Lawrie, OF Jonny Gomes, IF Alberto Callaspo and C John Jaso. In their place are 2014 All Star reliever Tyler Clippard, as well as 1B/DH Billy Butler, 2B/OF Ben Zobrist, 3B Brett Lawrie, 1B Ike Davis, IF Marcus Semien, and SP Jesse Hahn.

Ultimately, Billy Beane has dismantled 2014’s AL Wild Card team and put together a markedly different lineup for 2015 (the pitching remains more stable). Still, there is potential here (as well as plenty of positional flexibility) – and Beane always seems to have a plan. The A’s will look for offensive punch from Butler at DH (.271-9-66 for the Royals); Zobrist (.272-10-52 for Tampa Bay), Lawrie (.247-12-38 in 70 games for Toronto); and Davis (.233-11-51 for the Mets/Pirates) – and have hopes that Semien will blossom.

Ultimately, the A’s will go as far as their pitching takes them. The rotation will be led by Sonny Gray (14-10, 3.07) and Scott Kazmir (15-9, 3.55). Jesse Hahn went 7-4, 3.07 with the Padres last year and looks like the real deal. Jesse Chavez, Drew Pomeranz and Chris Bassitt will compete for the final two spots, but their run likely will be temporary, as the A’s are hoping for mid-season returns (Tommy John surgery) by A.J. Griffin and Jarrod Parker, who went a combined 26-18 in 2013 (but did not pitch in 2014). Sean Doolittle (22 saves) will close, supported by Clippard, Ryan Cook, Dan Otero and Eric O’Flaherty.

Overall, the starting rotation looks sound (especially if Parker and Griffin return as expected) and the bullpen has potential. However, the offense looks thin in the power department – and there is the question of how well (or how soon) all the new faces will gel. Billy Beane, however, has proven the skeptics wrong in the past. Still, BBRT thinks a third-place finish is giving the A’s the benefit of the doubt.

Key Question: Will Jarrod Parker and A.J. Griffin return on schedule and in-form – and will that free up Beane for even more moves mid-season?

A’s Fact: In 2014, the A’s drew the most walks in the AL (586), while A’s hurlers gave up the second-fewest walks (406).

Fourth – Houston Astros

The Astros delivered a 19-win improvement in 2014, and should improve again – although not enough to contend – in 2015. They have some exciting young players in place, and more on the horizon. Key to the Houston offense are returnees 2B Jose Altuve (the 25-year-old captured the AL batting title, hitting .341 and collecting 225 hits, while also stealing an AL-best 56 bases), DH Chris Carter (37 home runs), RF George Springer (20 home runs in 78 games) and newcomers C/OF Evan Gattis (22 home runs in 108 games with the Braves) and Colby Rasmus (18 home runs in 104 games for the Blue Jays). Newcomer Jed Lawrie is also expected to provide some pop from the shortstop position. The Astros will still strikeout a lot, but the offense should be improved.

The starting rotation will be led by the left-right combination of Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh, who combined for 54 starts, 23 wins and a 2.84 ERA in 2014. The third spot in the rotation likely goes to Scott Feldman (8-12, 3.74). After that, the most likely candidates being Brett Oberholtzer and Brad Peacock. Relief pitching should be improved with the addition of free agents Pat Neshek (7-2, 1.87, 6 saves for the Cardinals) and anticipated closer Luke Gregerson (5-5, 2.12 in 72 games for the A’s). There is support available from among former closer Chad Qualls, Josh Fields, Tony Sipp and Will Harris.

The Astros look to be better in 2015 (following up on a 19-victory improvement in 2014) – and could reach the .500 mark if the back end of the rotation can surprise and the relief staff delivers as expected.

Key Question: What will the Astros get from the corner infield positions? In 2014, 1B Jon Singleton, a major power-hitting prospect, delivered 13 home runs in 95 games – but hit only .168 and struck out 134 times in 310 at bats. On the opposite corner, 3B Matt Dominguez turned in a .215-16-57 line – after .214-21-77 in 2013.

Houston Fact: In 2014, the free-swinging Astros finished fourth in the AL in home runs, but 14^th in runs scored. (That may be partially attributable to their league-leadership in batters’ strikeouts.)

Fifth – Texas Rangers

If they get healthy, the Rangers have a chance to make some noise – and prove this prediction w-a-a-y wrong – in 2015. Last season, they plummeted to last place in the AL West – and the fewest wins in the junior circuit – driven at least in part by injuries. RF Sin Soo Choo (ankle/elbow), 1B Prince Fielder (neck), SP Yu Darvish (elbow), SP Derek Holland (knee surgery) and DH Mitch Moreland (ankle) – all missed time in 2014. The Rangers need these players to return healthy.

The offense should again be led by 3B Adrian Beltre, who not only delivered a .324-19-77 line in 2014, but is a four-time Gold Glover at the hot corner. 1B Prince Fielder is coming back from neck surgery that limited him to 42 games in 2014, but is only one year removed from a 162-game, 25-home run, 106-RBI season (Detroit, 2013). RF Sin Soo Choo delivered .242-13-48 in 123 games, but topped 20 home runs as recently as 2013. Also expected to contribute are speedy CF Leonys Martin (31 steals) in the lead off spot and C Robinson Chirinos (13 homers in 92 games). A rebound from SS Elvis Andrus would also help and likely LF Ryan Rau has hit wherever he has played and went .295-2-14 in a 28-game call up. All in all, there is solid offense available.

The pitching will be led by Yu Darvish and Derek Holland, who both missed time in 2014. The remainder of the rotation looks to be Ross Detwiler, Colby Lewis and Nick Tepesch. Matt Harrison and Martin Perez – both coming back from surgery – should be available in the second half. The bullpen features closer Neftali Perez (13 saves – after recovery from Tommy John surgery), Tanner Scheppers (elbow injury last spring), Kyuji Fujikawa (Tommy John surgery 2013), Shawn Tolleson (2.76 ERA in 64 games) and Martin Perez.

If the stars align – and return to the field healthy – the Rangers could climb as high as third place. There seems, however, to be too many questions to expect that.

Key Question: What does the future hold for once top prospect Jurickson Profar, who missed all of 2014 with a major shoulder injury and should start 2015 in the minors?

Rangers Fact: Texas had notched four consecutive seasons of at least 90 wins before dropping to 67 in 2014.

Coming soon – a look at the National League.

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