The Truth Of Barry Bonds

On September 26 1995 Barry Bonds apparently suffered a torn Achilles tendon on his left ankle. This injury was announced to the public to cover-up steroids use by Barry Bonds. The Injury was confirmed fake earlier this year by Doctor Craven Moor-Head. Commish Hokey did his best to keep the situation away from the league and to the public. Bonds continued to use steroids thru part of the 1995 Season. Hokey laid down a suspension on bonds on the exact date the injury was announced forcing bonds to miss the 1995 playoffs all of the off-season programs and april-may of the 1996 season. Manager Steal Third went on to the playoffs without Barry Bonds and proved to the world Barry Bonds isnt needed to win titles. Jose Rijo stepped up his game without his teammate going 2 starts  2 wins 8 innings each and giving up zero runs to earn the San Francisco Giants a 1995 championship.

will these be bonds in a few seasons?

 Coming back in 1996 Bonds has hit a miserable .215 without the use of the roids. He also hit a lousy .248 in the 1995 season where we believe use of roids was on and off. Also theres something fishy about how Bonds was placed on the trading block during the middle of the 1996 season? Did steal third know the entire time? or does he even know more then what we know? What we do know is he can win titles without his star player.
       

1994 Draft Review

This is not being done to offend anyone, just my view point on the draft and how it proceeded. So please do not think I hate you even if I disliked your pick.

1.       New York Mets Select 1B Paul Konerko

I think this is the best pick that the Mets could have made with this pick. He may not end up being the best player in the draft, but he was by far the best first base, and with the team knocking on the doors with the playoffs with a relatively average aged team, I think getting a young 1B who could be used in a few years will help them more than anyone else. Not to mention, his stats in high school were amazing in power, although just around average in contact, but I really think the Mets will be happy.

Rating: A+

2.       San Diego Padres Select OF Alfonso Soriano

In my opinion, I thought the Padres may have missed the boat with this pick, but time could change that story. In terms of OF I thought the best OF was Carlos Lee, and already he looks like he will be better than Soriano. Not to mention I still think a middle infielder was a better choice because San Diego already has what looks to be a decent OF in the future. Statistically he did show a lot of power in high school, but he did not hit for average very well.

Rating: D+

3.       Florida Marlins Select SS Edgar Renteria

The Marlins did pick who I think is the best SS in the draft, but they have so many middle infielders, did they really need another one? I really think they should have gone with Lee, or the next pick in Vazquez, but at least they got a very solid player with their pick who maybe lets them trade one of their other infielders for a position they need. This guy can hit the ball for average, as his high school numbers say, but he does not have a ton of power, and at least the Marlins should be happy if he could hit like he did in high school.

Rating: C

4.       Colorado Rockies Select SP Javier Vazquez

The Rockies selected the top pitcher in the draft, and it may not be a bad thing for them. Although it should be interesting if he can pitch well in Coors. Hitting may have been safer at this pick, but to get the top pitcher, and maybe build more of a rotation in future drafts, Rage did quite well. This man pitched so well in high school that no one really came close to him, so I think the Rockies will be extremely happy with him if he can pitch similar to those numbers.

Rating: A+

5.       Oakland Athletics Select SS Michael Young

Although Oakland already has a few good middle infielders on their team, I think this was a good pick for them, although Carlos Lee would probably have been the best pick for them here. It should be interesting whether Young or Tejada plays SS and the other at 3B, or what will happen. Either way, Young is quite solid except for his eye. In high school, he did hit well for average, but not a ton of power, and so hopefully that is not exactly what Oakland was looking for with this pick.

Rating: B

6.       Milwaukee Brewers Select SP Sidney Ponson

I think the Brewers saw that they needed a pitcher and grabbed the next best one, but for this I think it was a mistake for Milwaukee. As much as Ponson has a lot of room, his vitals are okay, but his statistics in high school were not that great, and he could be a very solid pitcher, but he will likely never be an all-star type player. I really think they should have went with Lee in the OF, because their future OF does not look very strong in power, and the pitching in the future may be better when they get a similar pick in their position.

Rating: C-

7.       Cincinnati Reds Select OF Carlos Lee

Well Cincinnati got really lucky here that no one took Carlos Lee, and because of this they may have gotten one of the best value picks in the draft. I predicted them to get an OF, which they did get, but they got one that was better than my prediction, and he has already jumped, and statistically dominated high school in both average and home runs, which to me makes it a very excellent pick.

Rating: A+

8.       Minnesota Twins Select OF Randy Winn

The Twins were autoed Winn, and although he may not be the best pick at this position, when they already have a lot of OF’s in their farm, he is much better than some of the later auto’s. He had good stats in high school, but he really only projects to be high contact, with some power, and some speed, but nothing else outstanding except for his defense. Overall this was a better pick than I may have predicted the Twins getting.

Rating: B

9.       Atlanta Select 1B Lance Berkman

I did predict Berkman to get selected here, but for a different team. Overall I think Atlanta did great here getting a much needed 1B at this position. Berkman could end up being a bust, but if he works out well for Altanta, this will be a great pick, and some teams who picked ahead may end up being sad about passing him. In high school he has absolutely dominating, although I do not think his contact will end up being that great in the majors.

Rating: A-

10.   Pittsburgh Select CA Toby Hall

Pittsburgh was autoed Hall at this pick, but much like Minnesota, could have done much worse than Hall. Overall they did not need a catcher at this pick, but he may end up being able to trade Hall to a team that needs a catcher. Looking back at the later selections, picking up Burrell, or Glaus, would have been much better choices, as they do not really have much in terms of power or OF in their farm. Hall had good contact, but he seems to lack power as his high school numbers show, if his defense gets a bit better than he could be solid, but he probably will not have much impact in the long run.

Rating: C

11.   Cleveland Indians Select CA Michael Barrett

Cleveland was autoed Barrett at this pick, and they actually needed a catcher. Realistically I think this was the best pick that the Indians could get with their pick. Now by no means is Barrett the best player available, but the pitching left was not so strong, and really they did not need another OF or 3B on their team. Defensively Barrett is not strong, but if he can catch averagely, and his contact and power specifically increase, we will see a great catcher. His high school numbers were not that great, but his eye looks fairly good in high school. His power and eye are also above his overall which is always a good thing as well.

Rating: A

12.   Boston Red Sox Select OF Craig Wilson

The Red Sox surprised me a bit with this pick, and although Wilson has monstrous power, his low contact and eye scare me a bit. At the same position was Burrell who was available, who I think may be the safest pick of the outfielders that were left. I do not think it was a bad pick, just and was probably better than picking a catcher at this position, which was one of their needs I thought. In high school his contact numbers were not bad, and he had great power, so it will be interesting to see if his contact can get closer to his overall.

Rating: C

13.   Los Angeles Dodgers Select SP Ryan Drese

Sadly for the Dodgers, they were the first team unlucky in terms of auto picks. I think Drese is a terrible pitching prospect, and looks like his movement his going to be far higher than his control. Which normally is bad, but with some of the way pitchers have been pitching with vitals like that, it may not be so bad in 2015. Still I think they really wish that they could have gotten one of the big slugging hitters like Glaus or Burrell. Statistically, Drese was also a mess in pitching, and that does scare me as well.

Rating: D

14.   Milwaukee Brewers Select SP Randy Wolf

Although I find stocking up in pitching in this draft was a terrible idea, and Milwaukee was one of two teams to do so, this is not a terrible pick. I do think there are many things to dislike about Wolf, there are also some things to like about him. Mainly he looks to have some good power and his control is currently above his overall, so his vitals should look okay, but statistically in the high school he only really had one year of real good pitching, so I feel like he may be good, but not amazing by any means.

Rating: B

15.   Toronto Blue Jays Select SP Jason Roach

Toronto is the other team that stocked up on pitching, and I feel like they continually missed the boat. I really hate how Roach looks. His control is lower than his overall and already well below his movement, and he has little to no power. I doubt he has much of a career, and really statistically he was atrocious in high school.

Rating: F

16.   Toronto Blue Jays Select SP Jay Spurgeon

Once again another pitcher, except I do like Spurgeon more than Roach. Vitals wise both his control and movement are above his overall which is good, but still control is less than movement which is never a good thing. He is another pitcher who does not look like he will have much power in terms of pitching. In terms of stats, his career in high school were not bad, although his senior year was bad, but one season is not bad, so he may actually end up being decent. Still not the best of the Toronto selections, and hitting would have been much better in both these spots.

Rating: C

17.   Baltimore Orioles Select CA A.J. Pierzynski

I really love the pick here by the Orioles. Pierzynski looks to be the most promising catcher in terms of defense and contact, but whether his power increases a lot will be interesting. I predicted them in taking an OF, but they did not have a catcher either, and to grab him that is great. His contact is above his overall, and if his power which is just a bit under can also increase that will be great for Baltimore. The one issue is his eye as well, and it looks fairly low. Statistically he had a couple good years, but nothing very consistent, and not much power.

Rating: B+

18.   Detroit Tigers Select 2B Adam Kennedy

I think for the Tigers, grabbing Kennedy was the best thing they could do. They could have maybe grabbed an OF or a 3B as the next pick did, but, with them having an aging Whitaker, they need a middle infielder for the long term and they really had no one. His contact is right on with his overall, and his defense is average. If his eye can improve some and his defense can get better, than I think Detroit will be very happy drafting their future 2B with the 18^th pick. In high school his numbers are pretty good contact wise, but he will not be a big home run threat in the majors.

Rating: A

19.   Houston Astros Select 3B Troy Glaus

Even though I predicted Houston to get pitching there was not a lot of pitching, and so getting Glaus here was a great pick up. With Caminiti and Nevin, I did not think Houston needed a 3B right away, but with a team that is fairly strong, and with Caminiti potentially aging soon, then this pick up may keep them more in contention longer. Their pitching has also performed very well. His eye and power are phenomenal for his overall, but his contact is atrocious. If the contact ends up being close to the 80s and his power even higher, this will be a great draft for Mhall. Statistically he was a monster in high school.

Rating: A

20.   Texas Rangers Select SP Carl Pavano

Texas made an amazing selection here, and although I have been hating on most pitching Pavano looks like he could be the second best pitcher after Vasquez. It was a bit of a surprise since I did not think GD needed more pitching, but pitching never hurts. With his control well above his overall and also above his movement, I think he will be very good once he has developed. Statistically in high school he was hit hard which is a bit of a downer, but even then his dice was good.

Rating: B+

21.   St. Louis Cardinals Select OF Pat Burrell

Dave did a little dance after Burrell dropped to him. This was the type of player St. Louis wanted. Even right now the OF in St. Louis did not look very strong, and their future does not look much better in terms of future OF. With that being said, his power and eye are well above his overall, but his contact is slightly under his overall, and defensively he could be a disaster. However, St. Louis does not have to worry about him now as they traded him for an upgrade, but I think the Twins will be happy with whom they got, although they did not need another OF.

Rating: A

22.   Colorado Rockies Select SP Dave Coggin

Another pitcher, another pick I dislike. He may potentially be the pitcher I like the least. His control is really low compared to his movement and is below his overall. He also does not seem to have as much room to move from overall to peak, so I do not think he will have a long life as a major league pitcher. His stats in high school were good, but time will tell whether he will actually end up being good or not.

Rating: F

23.   Chicago White Sox Select OF Dustan Mohr

The White Sox were autoed Mohr, and at the time I liked the pick, but since he had his birthday, he needs to really get a jump before he looks like a potential bust. Power in their outfield will help them tremendously in the future, but his defense is below average, and his contact is just barely lower than his overall. The rest of his abilities are all well above his overall which is a very good thing. However, one thing that is scary is that in his high school numbers, he was really bad offensively, so for the White Sox, they will hope he can swing it better in the minors and majors.

Rating: B

24.   Florida Marlins Select SP Kyle Peterson

At this selection the Marlins seem to have drafted a dud. He needs a jump in order to be anything, and his control is already below his overall, so he may have some low control and average movement. Statistically he was not terrible in high school as his dice shows he was better than his era lets on, but I really doubt he will make a big impact for the Marlins.

Rating: D-

25.   Cincinnati Reds Select 2B Junior Spivey

Once again the Reds make a good pick, and although Boone has played well, his vitals are not that great so it will be interesting whether he continues to perform like that. Other than that the Reds did not have much middle infielder help for their future, and they got some here with Spivey. His contact matches his overall, and his defence is a little below average, but if that and his eye can even just become average to slightly above average, and his contact stay with his overall, he should be a very decent infielder. In high school he did bat for average, and seemed to have some power still.

Rating: B

26.   Toronto Blue Jays Select SP Tomo Ohka

This time the Jays took an actual solid pitcher with their pick. To be honest I was a bit surprised to not see Ohka taken earlier, but I think Mike hit the mark right on with this pick. All his vitals are above his overall, and control is currently above the movement which are good signs. As well, he pitched average in high school, and so given some time, Ohka could be a good 2-3 pitcher.

Rating: A

27.   Philadelphia Phillies Select SP Kevin Olsen

Like many of the pitchers in this draft, I am not too big on Olsen. With his birthday coming up soon, he may take a big hit as well. His vitals are above his overall, but the movement looks like it will be the highest one again, which is always iffy. He did perform well in high school, so that could mean something good for Erick, but time will tell how this pick goes.

Rating: D

28.   Toronto Blue Jays Select SP Chris Fussell

With the last pick, Mike went back to a swing and a miss. His vitals are above the overall, but like the other pitchers in this draft, the movement looks to be the highest which is not such a good thing. Not to mention, he had terrible numbers in high school, except for his last year, and one year can just be a blip. If I am wrong on him I will be wrong on many of the other pitchers which for the Jays would be a good thing.

Rating: D

1994 Mock Draft

1.       New York Mets Select 1B Paul Konerko

I think the Mets go with a 1B or OF with the first overall pick, because in all honesty they do not really need a middle infielder. Because of this I do not see much reason to pick a shortstop just because they may have more value. If they take an OF I would not be surprised to see it being Carlos Lee, but Konerko is likely more of the type of player they would want and may be able to play LF.

2.       San Diego Padres Select SS Edgar Renteria 

      I think that Padres take Edgar Renteria, because as much as they may have it better if they took someone like OF Carlos Lee to add power to their future, they may be able to use some of their current IF spects to get a piece they need, and Renteria should be quite a good SS in the league.

3.       Florida Marlins Select OF Carlos Lee 

       I think that the Marlins take Carlos Lee because they have a future infield set, and need some power hitting. I think Lee will be quite a stud, and since his hitting is quite good, should be a good fit for a young Marlins team.

4.       Colorado Rockies Select SS Michael Young

 I think Colorado takes Young here, because he could potentially be moved to 3B, and although his eye is a little low, being that the park is in Colorado, his power in the park will be a little higher because of the altitude, which makes him probably a better fit here over some of the pitching that Colorado needs.

5.       Oakland Athletics Select SP Javier Vazquez

I think Javier Vazquez could be the best pitcher in the draft, but there are a few other pitchers that are close. I just see Oakland picking up pitching, because some of their pitching is older right now, and they have some decent young hitting and some future hitters already, that picking the best pitcher in the draft might be their best option.

6.       Milwaukee Brewers Select OF Alfonso Soriano

I am not a big fan of Soriano’s low contact and eye, but he could surprise and be a good pickup. There are really no other players that look super appealing, so I feel Milwaukee may pick him up and then try to trade him with his high peak for a player he likes a little more. That being said I would not write off Soriano, as his power looks really good.

7.       Cincinnati Reds Select OF Randy Winn

I think Bubba would take Randy Winn, even though he does have a lot of young OF already. I just think he is the safest pick, and for a team looking to compete for many years with a high pick a safe pick is sometimes the best pick. He could be a pretty decent leadoff, but not amazing, but there are a few pitchers who might be more risk, and definitely more reward if they become good.

8.       Minnesota Twins Select SP Randy Wolf

In terms of hitting, I do not think the Twins need a ton, but one can never have enough pitching. He is young and has a lot of upside, so he could be quite a good player if things go his way. He might be the second best starter, but even then there is a big difference between him and Vasquez.

9.       Toronto Blue Jays Select 1B Lance Berkman

Knowing how Mike is and how he almost always drafts high risk high reward players, I feel like Berkman fits what Mike wants. There is not a ton of upside, but if he jumps during the season, he could be really good, and one of the best hitters in the draft. If he does not jump then he could be a bust. Time will tell on whether he would be a good fit or not for Toronto.

10.   Pittsburgh Pirates Select SP Tomo Ohka

The Pirates have almost no pitching prospects, and so I really think that with the 10^th pick they take one. Tomo Ohka has similar vitals to Ponson, just lower overall, and I feel like the Pirates GM may take a chance on him over Ponson.

11.   Cleveland Indians Select CA Michael Barrett

Cleveland has no catchers in their farm team that really have a shot at being a starting catcher, and with a couple good catchers available, I do not see how Cleveland could pass on one. I think Barrett has a good equal amount of contact, power and eye, and that might be what Cleveland wants at pick 11.

12.   Boston Red Sox Select CA Toby Hall

Even though Boston has a catcher already in Varitek who could be good, I see nothing wrong with taking the highest peak player at catcher over pitcher at pick 12. Boston may do something else, but in drafts sometimes you pick players as future trade pieces over players you want.

13.   Los Angeles Dodgers Select 3B Troy Glaus

I would not be surprised to see Glaus go here, because in terms of 3B the Dodgers have a player who is a decent 3B with some contact, but no real big power hitter, and in the lineup the Dodgers have, some future power might be what they are looking for.

14.   Seattle Mariners Select CA A.J. Pierzynski

The Seattle Mariners do not have a real good catcher in their system. They do have Ibanez, but I do not think he will be staying as a catcher in their system. No reason to pass on Pierzynski with the 14^th pick in the draft.

15.   Atlanta Braves Select SP Sidney Ponson

At pick 15 I do not think that the Braves would pass on Ponson when he is the highest peak player on the board, and has a chance at being a decent pitcher. He may not be ace material, but with the rotation that the Braves have already, they do not need another ace.

16.   Toronto Blue Jays Select RP Matt Thornton

I think Mike takes Thornton, because he looks to be a very good RP, and if Mike decides to try to make him a SP, I think Thornton has the type of vitals that could make him into a decent future SP as well.

17.   Baltimore Orioles Select OF Dustan Mohr

I think Baltimore might go with a power hitting outfielder in Dustan Mohr, because although Kennedy is possibly the safest hitting spec left at this point, Baltimore does not have much of a future outfield core. Although Mohr does not have the greatest splits either, most of his vitals are above his overall which is usually a good thing when drafting.

18.   Detroit Tigers Select 2B Adam Kennedy

In all honesty if Adam Kennedy dropped to Detroit at pick 18, I think Cadmus would be extremely happy. Whitaker is past his prime, and Detroit does not have much in terms of future at 2B, so I feel like Kennedy is the type of player Cadmus is hoping to get with his 18^th pick in the draft.

19.   Houston Astros Select SP Jeff Weaver

I think with the prospects that Houston has at pitching, they are going to need a pitching prospect, and I find with the draft overall weak in pitching, that Weaver might be the type of player that they want at 19. He may not end up lasting to 19^th, but I feel that if Houston can get pitching at 19 they will be quite happy to get him.

20.   Texas Rangers Select 2B Junior Spivey

I think if GD is able to get a hitting prospect at this pick he will try to get a 2B that he can use soon. Spivey looks decent although not as much upside as some others, but he looks like he could be ready sooner, and although GD has a 2B who is hitting well now, he may want to transition to have a younger one when he can.

21.   St. Louis Cardinals Select SP Carl Pavano

I think Dave would take a pitcher with his pick here, versus some of the hitting, as it does seem easier to get good hitters versus pitchers. His peak is low but his vitals are fairly good for his overall. I think that Dave would be quite happy if he could get Pavano with this pick.

22.   New York Yankees Select SP Chris Fussell

I think the New York Yankees take a pitcher with their 22^nd pick, and although I am not a huge fan of Fussell, of the high peak players left, he looks to be the one with the most promise of pitchers. That being said, I do not think he will be absolutely great, but he could be a good gamble with a late 1^st round pick.

23.   Chicago White Sox Select SP Lance Davis

I feel like the White Sox may take a pitcher at pick 23, and if that is the case they will end up taking Lance Davis. He does not look amazing at all, but he could be solid if he jumps for them, and of the pitchers that are left none really stand out as top of the line starters, so like any of the pitchers that are left, I think they just take one that they think will have the best vitals.

24.   Montreal Expos Select SP Jay Spurgeon

Even though Montreal has a lot of young pitching, I feel that Mad Trapper will end up taking one of the higher peak players left, versus taking a chance on someone lower. I think Spurgeon might be better than Drese just because of the overall difference and vitals, but neither look particularly enticing. This could be a pitcher that maybe the Expos use as a trade piece to improve their team.

25.   Cincinnati Reds Select 1B Travis Lee

With the 25^th pick, I feel like that Bubba would take a 1B over another OF, when they have a couple 1B that are fringe spects and could be good, but may not develop the way they want to. So at this point it might be a good idea for them to get the 1B spec to replace a Hal Morris in the future.

26.   Toronto Blue Jays Select OF Juan Encarnacion

It may not be exactly what Mike is looking for in an OF, but Encarnacion has contact and power both above his overall, and he is decent at fielding too. The issue is he is a RF like Shawn Green, but I assume that he would be the one moving if he does get drafted by Toronto.

27.   Philadelphia Phillies Select OF Pat Burrell

I think if Erick was to get Burrell at this pick he would be ecstatic. Burrell looks like he will have great power and eye, but lower contact and some poor outfield skills may be the reason that he would not be picked until this spot.

28.   Toronto Blue Jays Select SP Ryan Drese

Personally I do not like him much at all, but with the 28^th pick, his high peak might be something that Mike takes a chance on here, to see if he can actually become 2-4 pitcher. Some team may end up taking him ahead, and something better might come Mike’s way, either way, Mike will have to wait and see what is available at this pick.

NL West Analysis

Colorado Rockies

I picked them to be last in the division and also to be dead last in the league. They have very few pitchers that would be playing on contending teams starting, although they have a couple players that could be decent pickups for teams who need depth. As for their hitting there are some pieces there that teams could use such as Eric Young or Joe Girardi, but overall there are many flaws on this team, and if they do not finish last in the league I would be shocked.

Los Angeles Dodgers

I picked the Dodgers to finish second in the division, because I think it is really San Francisco’s division to lose. The Dodgers have a very strong 1-3 in their rotation although Hershiser is getting old, and that may hurt the Dodgers chances if he declines fast. Although the Dodgers do have some young talent in AAA that may be able to help them out, none really look ace material. As for their pen, there is some talent there, but, it is still fairly weak, and probably will need to find some bullpen help as the season progresses. As for their lineup their 1-5 is on par with many of the great teams, however, their 7-8 begins to get a little weak. For them to overtake San Francisco, I think they will need to find a 3B or LF who are better than what they currently have. I still think they have a shot at the playoffs with the way their team is. That wildcard will be a good race I feel in the NL.

San Diego Padres

I picked San Diego to finish third in their division, although they could finish higher. I have heard rumours that Shuey is interested in rebuilding the team, and so that may keep them locked in third. The rotation that San Diego has is fairly good, behind their ace Benes. The rest of their pitchers are very decent, but no other ones really stand out as ace material. In the bullpen they may have the best closer right now being Trevor Hoffman. Sadly after him the rest of the pen is fairly weak, and if they find themselves in contention, may need to do something about that. In terms of their lineup, they have a couple players who could be leadoffs for most teams in Gwynn and Roberts, but they really only have one player with a decent amount of power in their lineup, which may be their downfall. I feel if they wanted to compete outside of their bullpen they would need to improve SS, CF and maybe 3B. It should be interesting what Shuey does with this team.

San Francisco Giants

We come to San Francisco who I think is a major favourite in terms of a World Series. They have one of the best pitchers in the game in Rijo, and then some solid pitchers rounding out the rest of their rotation. They have a great closer in Beck, but then the rest of their bullpen is not that strong, and this might be a cause of concern. Perhaps Burgos will make the team come opening day, or Greer and that might boost their pen some. As for their hitting, they have an aging McGee leading off, who may be good to start the season as leadoff, but more speed might be better, and their 2 spot is a bit weak. Then we come to the middle of the order and with Palmeiro, Bonds, Williams, and then Strawberry the 3-6 is a pitchers nightmare. Really the biggest concern with their hitting might be their 7-8 which is their catcher and shortstop, both who likely need upgraded, which hurts as San Francisco had to trade Aurilia which had looked like a pretty good shortstop. I really think they have a good chance to go all the way and this will be the team to beat in the West.

NL Central Analysis

Chicago Cubs

Well I picked the Cubs to finish fourth, but they could end up doing better. I do not find their rotation to be particularly strong, really I find Castillo to be their best, but after him the rotation slides worse and worse. I am a bit surprised to not see Trachsel in there, but this may change. As for their bullpen, it is for the most part weak, although Roberto Rivera could be quite good in the pen. Overall the pitching has a lot of mediocrity, and with the rest of the division, moves will need to be made. Their hitting is decent as well, and they have a great number four hitter in Sosa, and if the people in front of him can get on base than they could really do well offensively. 3B and CF are two positions in the batting that might need an improvement, but really the biggest needs are in the rotation and bullpen.

Cincinnati Reds

Well I picked Bubba’s Reds to finish second, but they could easily win the division. I also expect this team to compete strongly for the wildcard spot, if they do not end up winning the division. Lieber looks to be a good ace, but maybe not yet, he may be better in the future, and I am a bit surprised to see Pugh over Roselli in the rotation as well. The addition with VanRyn also gives Cincinnati a lot of SPs, and maybe they could use some of their extra ones to upgrade other pieces. Their pen looks decent as well, but they have a few too many starters in there which may not work during the season. I do not think Brantley will be the closer, as I would be surprised not to see Spradlin there come opening day. As for hitting, Larkin leading off gives them speed contact and power at the top, although it should be interesting what happens in the middle of the lineup as they do not have a lot of pop. I see this team getting on base a lot, but will they be able to score runs consistently is an issue. I think a little more power in their lineup might help them overtake Houston, but it is not going to be easy. Catcher is a bit of a concern.

Houston Astros

Well this is the team that I think has a really good chance of going to the World Series, even though I predicted San Francisco to beat them. Their rotation is fairly good and they have an ace in Drabek, and the rest of their rotation for the most part would be solid number 2’s or 3’s on most teams. Their bullpen on the other hand is a bit weak in my opinion, and the place that they would need to improve the most on. There is not too many there that I would feel comfortable with a one run lead in the 9^th inning, and that will likely be something Mhall looks into. Their hitting looks very good though, especially if Finley is their leadoff. Their infield overall is fairly strong with power at 3B and 1B, and some contact at 2B, but the SS may be their weakest part of their hitting. Their outfield is okay, but maybe an improvement at RF might help them a bit more, and possibly more power  at DH, but overall Houston has a strong team.

Pittsburgh Pirates

I picked them to finish fifth in the division not because of the team they have, but the fact that their owner has made it clear they are rebuilding. Their team is overall not terrible, and could potentially finish anywhere from 3-5 unless improvements were made. If Neagle is their ace then they have a pretty good one, and then their 2-3 are very solid. The 4-5 needs some work if they were competing, but if they are just trying to add young pieces than they are solid there. Their bullpen overall is a little weaker, and once again if competing need some improvement, but the pieces they have there could get them some solid future players. There is definitely no one man in the pen that stands as a closer over the others. Their hitting is okay, but it is a lot of similar players who either have contact, or contact and speed, but no power in their lineup. For teams who need a leadoff style player, this might be a team that has what you need, but they need to get some power in their future lineup in order to do anything to compete.

St. Louis Cardinals

I picked St. Louis to finish third, but depending on what moves they make they could end up being higher or lower. They have a great 1-2 in the rotation and then the rest of their rotation is very solid, nothing majorly noteworthy, but not terrible. Their bullpen is something that does need some work done on it if they want to compete for first place. There are some solid players, but no one that really sticks out. As for their hitting, they have a good leadoff in Lankford, or if they choose Smith instead. This is another team that has multiple contact hitters, but no real power hitter, and that is where their flaw may end up being. If they can add a power hitter maybe in the outfield, then I could see them really doing well. But they also do have some older pieces that may be better suited moved elsewhere to help regenerate some of the youth on their team that they have. Either way I really think some power and bullpen help is needed to overtake the NL Central. 

NL East Analysis

Atlanta Braves

So this is the team I predicted to win the World Series. Atlanta is just strong all around. They are very much like Kansas City in the way that they have three aces in their rotation, their fourth guy is young, and really the fifth one in their rotation is the weakest, but is by no means terrible. Their bullpen is fairly good as well, with multiple players who could be closers, but no one guy that stands out. Then there is their hitting. They have a pretty good leadoff hitter, they traded for Alomar, and then they have Justice as their clean-up, and Pendleton as another contact guy. What should make them stronger as the season go on is their young guys getting better, in Chipper Jones and Ryan Klesko and Javy Lopez. If they do not progress right away, then maybe this team will not do as well as I predict, but if they do progress, than this will be a fairly scary team. To be honest the best thing I see them doing to improve their team is getting a top end closer or just a better 5^th in their rotation, even some power off the bench would help them as well.

Florida Marlins

Well Florida I picked to finish last in their division, and they have no hope in winning the division in my opinion. They have some very nice young pieces in their lineup like Veras, and Sheffield, but those two players alone cannot win every game for them, and although they have some other decent hitters, there is just not enough to propel them anywhere near the top in this division. As for their rotation, it is probably one of the worst rotations right now, but there are pieces there that other teams may be interested in if they are trying to win for their division. Their bullpen is pretty much similar except they have a really good closer. Overall, their future is the key, especially with names like Rob Nen, and others on their team, if they just stand pat that may hurt them in the long run.

Montreal Expos

I like the Montreal Expos, and think they have a shot at beating Atlanta, but I predict them finishing second and having a shot at the wildcard. Although that will be difficult with a few of the teams I have predicted to be competing in it. They have strong pitching, but it just does not touch Atlanta. Pedro leads the team, but he still is developing and they have another young pitcher in Reuter who probably needs a season in the big leagues before he is able to help carry Montreal to the playoffs. They also have one of the better bullpens in all of baseball with Wetteland, and Haynes, and maybe that will help them get over the top over Atlanta. Their offense is very similar to Atlanta’s and may even be slightly better right now with the top of the lineup with Grissom and Tony Fernandez behind him. If they can get some big home run help out of Alou and Walker, they may stand a very good chance. Perhaps an upgrade in 1B or 3B might help them a bit more as well.

New York Mets

I picked the Mets to finish fourth, but they could potentially move up depending what happens. I highly expect a third to fifth finish though. They have a strong 1-3 in their rotation, very much like Atlanta, but their 4-5 is nowhere close to those three. Their closer and set up is also very good, but then the rest of their bullpen is a little shabby. As for their hitting, they have good contact at the top, but not a lot of speed, and the middle of their lineup has some power, but not a lot, which is why I do not think they are a big threat in the NL East. If they can shore up their bullpen, and end of rotation, and find a better catcher and a CF or DH, and maybe a replacement for McReynolds if he begins to decline, then they may have at least a semi good shot at competing.

Philadelphia Phillies

I picked Ericks team to finish third, not because they are bad, just because they are not quite Montreal and Atlanta level. Their 1-3 in their rotation is quite good, but similar to the Mets, it drops off in the 4 and 5 slot. The bullpen is okay, but was a bit older and they traded away two of their former bullpen for different pieces, and their pen should still be competent, but it still took a bit of a hit. I like that Erick retooled his bullpen to get other pieces that he needed, and really I do not think either of the player was a major loss, but still hurts a bit. As for their hitting, I am surprised not to see Dykstra being leadoff, as Stocker does not seem that great, but it may be the platooning. Sadly the one thing that Erick is missing is some power, and without that I do not think Erick can overtake the other giants in this division to make the playoffs. He really needs to find a SS that is better and possibly another OF. 

AL West Analysis

California Angels

I picked California Angels to finish last in this division, but the 2-4 really is anyone to grab. Their rotation is solid, and they have made improvements to their pen, which also looks very solid. They have an ace in Langston, but he is older and so the question always remains as to how he will perform. Like a few other teams their 1-5 is pretty solid in their lineup as well, but the back end looks a little weak. What they may need in order to advance up the division is a little more power either at 3B, DH, or in the infield somewhere. Their 2B/SS also is not particularly strong in terms of offense, but they can play defensively. I find it hard for them to beat Seattle, but if they can make some improvement anything is possible.

Oakland Athletics

Oakland is a team I could see also ending up anywhere from 2-4, but unlike most teams in this division, their weakest part is their pitching. To be honest their rotation is really below average, and aging, their pen is very much the same, and I really do not see their pitching holding up throughout the year. I am a little surprised that there was no retooling/rebuild going on, because of the pitching. Now their hitting may save their season. Henderson is creeping up on age, but he should still be a solid leadoff, and in the middle of their lineup they have McGriff, McGuire and Vaughn, but for them to have any chance to catch Seattle, I really think they need to find some pitching, and quite possibly a much better CF than they have.

Seattle Mariners

This is the team I picked to go all the way to the World Series and lose to Atlanta. They have one of the best pitchers in the game in Randy Johnson, and the rest of their rotation is solid, but nothing else really is top tier there, and they have made some trades to improve their bullpen, but like many teams in this league, they do not have a closer like Hoffman, who you can always put your trust in. Now we get to their hitting, Their 3-4-5 are going to hurt most teams, but the rest of their lineup is weaker than the middle, and so it will be interesting to see if their leadoff’s can get on base for their sluggers. I think that they will be able to, but if Corey wants to ensure getting deep in the playoffs, and maybe even upsetting Atlanta, he will need to find a catcher, or pick up someone who can leadoff that can also play in the outfield. At worst I highly doubt they drop below second place, but in 162 games, anything can happen.

Texas Rangers

I picked Texas to finish second, but they definitely have the potential to beat out Seattle for the top seed. Their issue may be that their rotation is good, but has no real ace that you can count on to win 20 games. They also have a declining Henke as a closer, and if he can pitch how he used to, then that is good, but they may need to shore up their bullpen a little. Their offense, is what can carry them during the year though. They have a decent leadoff hitter, and power from their 2-6, and then a wonderful catching phenom in Pudge at 7, and contact again at 8. Honestly the one area they could improve is SS, and it may not be that hard for them to improve their shortstop position in trade. If they can do this, and their pitching pitches reasonable in their park, they could just beat Seattle and be a team that others do not want to face.

AL Central Analysis

Chicago White Sox

I predicted them to win the division because they have a very strong 1-2 hitter, and then the Big Hurt in the clean-up spot. However, they do not have the strongest hitting in the division. Their pitching is fairly good as well, but nothing really stands out either good or bad from the top of the rotation straight through their bullpen. To be honest I think they may end up second if Cleveland hits the way they do, or they are able to make improvements to their pitching. What Chicago needs to make sure they can stay ahead of Cleveland, is a catcher of some sort, or another big power hitter in their lineup in RF, 3B or DH.

Cleveland Indians

I predicted them to finish 2^nd, but I really see them possibly finishing first in this division. I would say from 1-5 in their lineup there is no better team in the AL in hitting. Their 6-9 is fairly weak though, and that is why I picked them to finish second. Their pitching is not particularly strong either, with no real ace, and a couple of guys past their prime. They did add another reliever to their pen, which may help them, but once again their pen is decent, but not noteworthy player in there. I think if they want to win the division, they need to get a starter than is either an ace or a good 2-3, and possibly a first baseman or DH to back up Thome.

Kansas City Royals

I did pick them to finish 3^rd, but if their pitching can carry them, they could move up. It will be interesting to see in this division whether it is hitting or pitching that can reign supreme. Incognito has a team where they the top of the rotation is very strong, and has a fairly good closer as well. Really this team has three aces on their team, and if she plays her cards right, and is able to add some hitting to this team, she may have one of the strongest teams out there. The hitting, however, is really bad, and what this team needs to find is some power, and some speedy leadoff hitters. LF, RF, 2B, SS seem to be the weakest areas, and it may be harder to find a solution, but in order to win the division, I think those improvements need to be made. It should be interesting if Randa will end up starting so that McGuinness could DH or something, but time will tell how this pitching heavy team will fare.

Milwaukee Brewers

I pick them to finish last in this division, because they are in an attempt to rebuild, and overall their major league team is fairly weak. They have a lot of young players playing, and really only have one very solid pitcher on their team in Cal Eldred, who I feel could move before the season is done for those teams who need another pitcher. Their pen overall is also weak, and their strongest player there is likely Graeme Lloyd who will not be able to win games on his own. As for hitting they have a great leadoff in Hamilton, and Giambi will be in his rookie season as a DH, and his time is in a few years not right now, so do not expect their team to end up moving out of 5^th this season. Luckily for them, they have a lot of young talent, and with picks this year and what should be high picks next year, they will build a very good competitive team in the future.

Minnesota Twins

I pick them to finish 4^th, not because they have a bad team, just due to the fact that their team is not as good as the other three ahead of them. They have one of the best leadoff hitters in the league in Kirby Puckett, and they have a few other players who have good contact, but really no one stands out as a power hitter. Hrbek, and Brito are good power hitters, but are not a Frank Thomas or Jim Thome. Their starting pitcher is fairly decent, but like the Chicago and Cleveland no one really stands out as an ace. Their bullpen looks very solid as well, but no major standout either, and for this reason I rank them behind the other three. If they can get an ace or a power hitter, this could make the Central very close in terms of who makes the playoffs.

AL East Analysis

Baltimore Orioles

I predicted them to finish 2^nd in the East. However, I believe they could be a team to beat the New York Yankees. The strength of this team is clearly the pitching. Overall their pitching is young and very good, possibly the best in the AL East.  Fernandez is their oldest, and is only 31, so really I think this team has very good rotation depth if they were to lose a starter. Even their bullpen is fairly strong, and they have some players in AAA that could boost their pen if needed or even to use as trade pieces. The area I see them lacking is at the corners, 1B, 3B, LF, RF and DH. Really I do not see anything really strong in terms of power, which may hurt their chances, and as good as Harold Baines was in the past, he is 35, and who knows how he may hit. I think if they can improve their hitting over the course of the year they have a very good chance to beat out the Yankees, and go deep in the playoffs.

Boston Red Sox

I predicted them to finish 3^rd in the East, and really I only see them as being anywhere from 2-4 in the division. They have a good middle of the lineup, but the rest of their hitters are starting to get old, and with the way their bench looks, I feel like a small retooling might work more for them than trying to compete. Their pen is pretty strong, but then there is the rotation. Behind Clemens, there is not a lot of upside, and they lost one of their starting pitchers for three and a half months. I really do not see them being able to surpass New York or Baltimore. If they are able to pick up another strong bat, or another ace quality pitcher, then maybe they will be able to compete with the Yankees and Orioles.

Detroit Tigers

Well I predicted them to finish 4^th. Sorry Cadmus. Their team is starting to get old, with 6 of their starting lineup above 30, and some of them looking to be on the wrong side of 30, this could be an issue. They do have some strong hitters from 2-6 it will just be how strong it stays. The good thing for them is that Fryman is young, and if he can rebuild around him then they could have a strong team, or he may be able to net some pieces to improve his team. His pitching is the worst in the AL East in my opinion, but David Wells should be fairly good for him. If his team has the lead early, I think his bullpen will be able to keep it together, and for this reason, I can see them moving between 3^rd to 5^th, depending on what happens during the course of the year. Realistically I think the Tigers need to get an outfielder, unless they wait for their talent to come up over the course of a few seasons, they also really could use an ace.

New York Yankees

Now you have the Yankees, who I have predicted to win the AL East. Overall their pitching is really good, and hitting is also very good. Their starting pitchers should be able to compete, none of them are going to win the CY Young, but they are all very strong. Their backend is also very strong, and they have a young Ramiro Mendoza, who looks to be quite a good short relief pitcher. If they can out pitch Baltimore they will run away with the division, if not then they will have to rely on their hitting. I would say they have the best hitting in the AL East, but they still need some power I think. It should be interesting if they let young Bernie Williams start over Pose, but I think that their offense should be able to make up the difference to let them win the division. If they do improve any position, it would be 2B or SS.

Toronto Blue Jays

Mike has clearly made it known he is rebuilding, and that is why I pick them to finish last. Honestly with the team they still have I could see them finishing fourth. However, I know Mike will trade off some pieces, and I think in time teams will see that they need some of his pitching, and that is where Toronto is strongest. Their rotation is very strong at the start, and then drops off in their 3-4-5. Although, his 3-4 are not bad, they just are not of the same caliber as his starting two. Then you have the bullpen, and Ward is still in his prime, and a fantastic closer. The rest of his bullpen is okay, but nothing particular stands out. As for his hitting there are some nice pieces there for teams who need a DH or maybe OF or CF, but really nothing stands out again, although it should be interesting to see how Delgado does if he ends up being a catcher, or if Mike moves him to 1B.

Outline Predictions for the Season

AL East Predictions

1.       New York Yankees

2.       Baltimore Orioles

3.       Boston Red Sox

4.       Detroit Tigers

5.       Toronto Blue Jays

AL Central Predictions

1.       Chicago White Sox

2.       Cleveland Indians

3.       Kansas City Royals

4.       Minnesota Twins

5.       Milwaukee  Brewers

AL West Predictions

1.       Seattle Mariners

2.       Texas Rangers

3.       Oakland Athletics

4.       California Angels

Wild Card Teams

1.       Baltimore Orioles

2.       Cleveland Indians

NL East Predictions

1.       Atlanta Braves

2.       Montreal Expos

3.       Philadelphia Phillies

4.       New York Mets

5.       Florida Marlins

NL Central Predictions

1.       Houston Astros

2.       Cincinnati Reds

3.       St. Louis Cardinals

4.       Chicago Cubs

5.       Pittsburgh Pirates

NL West Predictions

1.       San Francisco Giants

2.       Los Angeles Dodgers

3.       San Diego Padres

4.       Colorado Rockies

NL Wildcard

1.       Los Angeles Dodgers

2.       Cincinnati Reds

ALDS

New York over Cleveland (who beat BAL)

Seattle over Chicago

NLDS

Atlanta over Los Angeles (who beat CIN)

San Francisco over Houston

ALCS

Seattle over New York

NLCS

Atlanta over San Francisco

WS

Atlanta over Seattle

Spring Training

With disputes, one free release, and trades and free agency all happening. The first sim of the year will happen on Thursday, April 24th. Everything will be due by then.

The first real sim of April baseball will happen on Sunday, April 27th, and will likely occur around 10 PM EST rather than 9.

With only Pittsburgh open a lot of teams are making moves to try and improve their teams or to rebuild a struggling franchise. Who will win it all?

Potential Season Preview may be upcoming over the weekend.

Go out and Play Ball!

No Strike Mogul League Confirmation

It has been confirmed that a brand new Retro Mogul League will be created under the admin named hokeyrules.

It will be starting in 1994. Unlike real baseball that year, we will still have baseball in this league, and hopefully everyone will have a good time.

I would like to welcome all the GM's who joined and the xat on the front page should be a great place for everyone to mingle.

Hope you enjoy the league!

- Hokeyrules