Predictions for 2003

[GCrusher23]

Re: Predictions for 2003

The problem is St. Louis has no pitching. They have Morris and that is it in the rotation. Now that Kline is the closer for now, their bullpen just got a lot worse. The sad thing is they'll be the worst pitching team to make the playoffs. The Cubs will be the worst hitting team to make the playoffs

[MSUSPartanPride]

Re: Predictions for 2003

NL Preview

NL East:

Atlanta:
The acquisition of Mike Hampton in a trade with the Marlins is a much-needed boost to the pitching staff of Altanta. The loss of Tom Glavine will render the rotation weak in terms of experience as well as talent. However, all is not lost. They signed All Star 1B Robert Fick, who hit for a good average of .270 with 17 homers as a Tiger. This will add some much needed power to the lineup as well as protect Sheffield and Jones in the heart of the lineup. Look for the Braves to take third in the NL East right behind the Phillies.

Florida:
The Marlins signed OF Todd Hollandsworth and OF Gerald Williams, both to one-year deals. The only players they lost were mainly back-ups who had sub-par seasons. They did loose pitcher Mike Hampton, who they had for less than a week, in a trade with the Braves in which they acquired Tim Spooneybarger and Ryan Baker. Look for them to be a threat in the East, but only a threat. They will probably end up with 4th or 5th place.

Montreal:
The Expos signed Bartolo Colon during the season, but do not plan on keeping him because of salary cap issues. Montreal and New York (AL)/Cincinnati are looking to hook up a deal with Colon. The Expos may end up just keeping him. The current salary situation puts them in a non-contending place. They will probably end up battling with the Marlins to stay out of the cellar.

New York Mets:
What an off-season the Mets had! Signing LHP Tom Glavine to a multi-million dollar deal as well as OF Cliff Floyd. These two acquisitions alone could put them atop the East. They also signed manager Art Howe who was formerly with the Oakland Athletics. They signed SS Rey Sanchez, who unfortunately was hurt playing in the Dominican Winter League will be ready by spring training. Look for the Mets to be in contention for the East along with the Phillies.

Philadelphia:
Signing big time free agent Jim Thome should add lots of power to an already powerful Phillies lineup. After a disappointing 2002, the Phillies look to be in contention for the East. Also acquiring RHP Kevin Millwood in a trade with the Braves, the pitching staff will be more improved. The biggest lost they will suffer is OF Mike Timlin, which goes to show that the Phillies are serious about 2003. It will be fun to watch the East this year with the Mets, Braves, and Phillies fighting for 1st.

Predicted East Standings:

1. NYM
2. Philadelphia
3. Atlanta
4. Florida
5. Montreal

NL Central:

Cincinnati:
The Reds had a quiet off-season with only acquiring two new players through a trade. They traded away Todd Walker for Tony Blanco and Josh Thigpen from the Red Sox. They also traded Elmer Dessens and Cash for Felipe Lopez. With the Reds fielding basically the same team as last year, except this year, they should have a healthy Griffey; I think they will be in contention until about August when they will drop out of the race. Look for the Reds to finish 3rd in the Central.

Houston:
Acquiring 2B Jeff Kent was a very good move. This will put more power into the lineup, and will move Craig Biggio to the OF. Their pitching staff that was very dominant last year will be able to do even better things this year. The Astros will try to pick up where they left off last year, but will fall just short. Look for them to take 2nd and possible the wild card.

Milwaukee:
The off-season after having the worst record in the national league was a busy one for the Brewers. Signing three free agents and making 2 trades, they definitely want to improve on last year. The hiring of Ned Yost as manger will hopefully put some much needed leadership into this very young team. Even with all the acquisitions, I still don’t see them as contenders. I think they will be a cellar team again.

Chicago Cubs:
The Cubbies biggest pickup this off-season was Giants manager Dusty Baker, who the Cubs signed to a multi-million dollar contract. They also picked up 2B Mark Grudzielanek and 1B Eric Karros in exchange for C Todd Hundley and OF Chad Hermansen. This will give some protection to Sosa and Alou even though there is plenty of it. That lineup is just way too good to have another lackluster season, look for them to be battling it out for first in the Central.

Pittsburgh:
The Pirates had a somewhat disappointing season last year and don’t want that to happen again, but it is going to be hard to improve. Signing Matt Stairs may add some power to the lineup, but not enough. The pitching staff with NL Rookie of the Year Kip Wells is about as deep as a teaspoon of water after dropping pitchers Mike Fetters, Fransisco Cordova, and Jimmy Anderson. I don’t see them even close to contending. They wont fill the cellar gap in 2003, but will come awfully close.

St. Louis:
The red birds had a stellar year last year winning the Central and beating Arizona in the NLDS, but losing to the Giants in the NLCS. They want to go all the way this year and it shows. They signed free agent Joey Hamilton and traded pitcher Luther Jackman to the Padres in exchange for Brett Tomko. These two pitchers are key additions to the pitching staff, adding even more depth. I don’t see them winning the Central this year, I do see them battling with the Cubs till the last week in the season, but will fall to second place but should still obtain the wild card spot.

Predicted Central Standings:
1. Chicago
2. St. Louis
3. Houston
4. Cincinnati
5. Pittsburgh
6. Milwaukee

NL West

Arizona:
The D-Backs had a very quiet off-season, only resigning Steve Finley, Mark Grace, and Mike Myers. They also lost 5 pitchers and traded 1b Erubial Durazo to the Reds for Elmer Dessens. Since they had a quiet off-season, the team didn’t change much, meaning they are probably still the same team as last year, with a bit weaker pitching staff, but don’t look for that to keep them from winning the division.

Colorado:
Colorado didn’t do much over the off-season, and that will end up hurting them in the long run. Losing pitcher Mike Hampton and OF Todd Hollandsworth will take some depth away. The only free agent they signed was Chris Stynes who will add a little to the lineup. This division is just way too tough for the Rockies to be successful in 2003. Look for them to vacate the cellar.

Los Angeles:
They Dodgers had one of the quietest off-seasons in the league, but don’t look for that to stop them on 2003. By signing free agent 1B Fred McGriff, they add more protection to the lineup. They did lose Mark Grudzielanek and Eric Karros in a trade to the Dodgers, mainly because of salary cap issues. With pitchers Kevin Brown and Kazuhisa Ishii back in the lineup, the pitching staff will be very good. Look for them to claim second in the West, but fall short of the wild card.

San Diego:
The Padres had a very disappointing season last year, mainly because of injuries. However, signing seven free agents this season should add lots of depth to the young lineup. The biggest pickup was 2B Mark Loretta who will fill one of the biggest holes in the depth chart. With one of the best young rotations in the league in place, look for the Padres to have a pleasantly surprising season, barely squeaking away with 3rd in the West

San Fransisco:
The Giants lost a lot of staff this off-season. Losing manager Dusty Baker, 2B Jeff Kent, OF Reggie Sanders, and 3B David Bell will put huge holes in the Giants roster. With Livan Hernandez in trouble with the law and losing pitcher Jay Witasik to free agency will make this very strong pitching staff not as strong. Look for the Giants to have a very disappointing season and end up with 4th in the west.

Predicted West Standings:
1. Arizona
2. Los Angeles
3. San Diego
4. San Fransisco
5. Colorado


-Mason Herron

[MSUSPartanPride]

Re: Predictions for 2003

NL Preview

NL East:

Atlanta:
The acquisition of Mike Hampton in a trade with the Marlins is a much-needed boost to the pitching staff of Altanta. The loss of Tom Glavine will render the rotation weak in terms of experience as well as talent. However, all is not lost. They signed All Star 1B Robert Fick, who hit for a good average of .270 with 17 homers as a Tiger. This will add some much needed power to the lineup as well as protect Sheffield and Jones in the heart of the lineup. Look for the Braves to take third in the NL East right behind the Phillies.

Florida:
The Marlins signed OF Todd Hollandsworth and OF Gerald Williams, both to one-year deals. The only players they lost were mainly back-ups who had sub-par seasons. They did loose pitcher Mike Hampton, who they had for less than a week, in a trade with the Braves in which they acquired Tim Spooneybarger and Ryan Baker. Look for them to be a threat in the East, but only a threat. They will probably end up with 4th or 5th place.

Montreal:
The Expos signed Bartolo Colon during the season, but do not plan on keeping him because of salary cap issues. Montreal and New York (AL)/Cincinnati are looking to hook up a deal with Colon. The Expos may end up just keeping him. The current salary situation puts them in a non-contending place. They will probably end up battling with the Marlins to stay out of the cellar.

New York Mets:
What an off-season the Mets had! Signing LHP Tom Glavine to a multi-million dollar deal as well as OF Cliff Floyd. These two acquisitions alone could put them atop the East. They also signed manager Art Howe who was formerly with the Oakland Athletics. They signed SS Rey Sanchez, who unfortunately was hurt playing in the Dominican Winter League will be ready by spring training. Look for the Mets to be in contention for the East along with the Phillies.

Philadelphia:
Signing big time free agent Jim Thome should add lots of power to an already powerful Phillies lineup. After a disappointing 2002, the Phillies look to be in contention for the East. Also acquiring RHP Kevin Millwood in a trade with the Braves, the pitching staff will be more improved. The biggest lost they will suffer is OF Mike Timlin, which goes to show that the Phillies are serious about 2003. It will be fun to watch the East this year with the Mets, Braves, and Phillies fighting for 1st.

Predicted East Standings:

1. NYM
2. Philadelphia
3. Atlanta
4. Florida
5. Montreal

NL Central:

Cincinnati:
The Reds had a quiet off-season with only acquiring two new players through a trade. They traded away Todd Walker for Tony Blanco and Josh Thigpen from the Red Sox. They also traded Elmer Dessens and Cash for Felipe Lopez. With the Reds fielding basically the same team as last year, except this year, they should have a healthy Griffey; I think they will be in contention until about August when they will drop out of the race. Look for the Reds to finish 3rd in the Central.

Houston:
Acquiring 2B Jeff Kent was a very good move. This will put more power into the lineup, and will move Craig Biggio to the OF. Their pitching staff that was very dominant last year will be able to do even better things this year. The Astros will try to pick up where they left off last year, but will fall just short. Look for them to take 2nd and possible the wild card.

Milwaukee:
The off-season after having the worst record in the national league was a busy one for the Brewers. Signing three free agents and making 2 trades, they definitely want to improve on last year. The hiring of Ned Yost as manger will hopefully put some much needed leadership into this very young team. Even with all the acquisitions, I still don’t see them as contenders. I think they will be a cellar team again.

Chicago Cubs:
The Cubbies biggest pickup this off-season was Giants manager Dusty Baker, who the Cubs signed to a multi-million dollar contract. They also picked up 2B Mark Grudzielanek and 1B Eric Karros in exchange for C Todd Hundley and OF Chad Hermansen. This will give some protection to Sosa and Alou even though there is plenty of it. That lineup is just way too good to have another lackluster season, look for them to be battling it out for first in the Central.

Pittsburgh:
The Pirates had a somewhat disappointing season last year and don’t want that to happen again, but it is going to be hard to improve. Signing Matt Stairs may add some power to the lineup, but not enough. The pitching staff with NL Rookie of the Year Kip Wells is about as deep as a teaspoon of water after dropping pitchers Mike Fetters, Fransisco Cordova, and Jimmy Anderson. I don’t see them even close to contending. They wont fill the cellar gap in 2003, but will come awfully close.

St. Louis:
The red birds had a stellar year last year winning the Central and beating Arizona in the NLDS, but losing to the Giants in the NLCS. They want to go all the way this year and it shows. They signed free agent Joey Hamilton and traded pitcher Luther Jackman to the Padres in exchange for Brett Tomko. These two pitchers are key additions to the pitching staff, adding even more depth. I don’t see them winning the Central this year, I do see them battling with the Cubs till the last week in the season, but will fall to second place but should still obtain the wild card spot.

Predicted Central Standings:
1. Chicago
2. St. Louis
3. Houston
4. Cincinnati
5. Pittsburgh
6. Milwaukee

NL West

Arizona:
The D-Backs had a very quiet off-season, only resigning Steve Finley, Mark Grace, and Mike Myers. They also lost 5 pitchers and traded 1b Erubial Durazo to the Reds for Elmer Dessens. Since they had a quiet off-season, the team didn’t change much, meaning they are probably still the same team as last year, with a bit weaker pitching staff, but don’t look for that to keep them from winning the division.

Colorado:
Colorado didn’t do much over the off-season, and that will end up hurting them in the long run. Losing pitcher Mike Hampton and OF Todd Hollandsworth will take some depth away. The only free agent they signed was Chris Stynes who will add a little to the lineup. This division is just way too tough for the Rockies to be successful in 2003. Look for them to vacate the cellar.

Los Angeles:
They Dodgers had one of the quietest off-seasons in the league, but don’t look for that to stop them on 2003. By signing free agent 1B Fred McGriff, they add more protection to the lineup. They did lose Mark Grudzielanek and Eric Karros in a trade to the Dodgers, mainly because of salary cap issues. With pitchers Kevin Brown and Kazuhisa Ishii back in the lineup, the pitching staff will be very good. Look for them to claim second in the West, but fall short of the wild card.

San Diego:
The Padres had a very disappointing season last year, mainly because of injuries. However, signing seven free agents this season should add lots of depth to the young lineup. The biggest pickup was 2B Mark Loretta who will fill one of the biggest holes in the depth chart. With one of the best young rotations in the league in place, look for the Padres to have a pleasantly surprising season, barely squeaking away with 3rd in the West

San Fransisco:
The Giants lost a lot of staff this off-season. Losing manager Dusty Baker, 2B Jeff Kent, OF Reggie Sanders, and 3B David Bell will put huge holes in the Giants roster. With Livan Hernandez in trouble with the law and losing pitcher Jay Witasik to free agency will make this very strong pitching staff not as strong. Look for the Giants to have a very disappointing season and end up with 4th in the west.

Predicted West Standings:
1. Arizona
2. Los Angeles
3. San Diego
4. San Fransisco
5. Colorado


-Mason Herron

[shaggthesheeps]

Re: Predictions for 2003

OF Mike Timlin?? A little typo there.

[shaggthesheeps]

Re: Predictions for 2003

OF Mike Timlin?? A little typo there.

[HealyMonster]

Re: Predictions for 2003

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
They signed SS Rey Sanchez, who unfortunately was hurt playing in the Dominican Winter League will be ready by spring training.

<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">

I beleive Jose Reyes the up and coming ss superstar for the mets was injured and hopefully will be the starting ss on opening day or shortly after, another thing, why is everyone so down on the mets? I can understand atlanta fans picking them to win the NL east because they are tour favorite team, but everyone else who is indifferent? come on fellas, cant a team have an off year? the Mets have been right there the past 5 seasons except for 2002, this is a good team and they now have a good coach. i am seriously stunned how people can predict them coming in 3rd or 4th behind the marlins? I am by no means a baseball expert but if you guys were truly giving accurate predictions based off evidence and some research and not just what sounds cool the lowest the mets should be is 2nd in the NL east however in this case they would still get the wildcard. i am a mets fan however based ont he evidence and facts the mets are not missing the playoffs unless they have some major tragedy on the team where they all od on pot before a game in the bullpen.

[HealyMonster]

Re: Predictions for 2003

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
They signed SS Rey Sanchez, who unfortunately was hurt playing in the Dominican Winter League will be ready by spring training.

<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">

I beleive Jose Reyes the up and coming ss superstar for the mets was injured and hopefully will be the starting ss on opening day or shortly after, another thing, why is everyone so down on the mets? I can understand atlanta fans picking them to win the NL east because they are tour favorite team, but everyone else who is indifferent? come on fellas, cant a team have an off year? the Mets have been right there the past 5 seasons except for 2002, this is a good team and they now have a good coach. i am seriously stunned how people can predict them coming in 3rd or 4th behind the marlins? I am by no means a baseball expert but if you guys were truly giving accurate predictions based off evidence and some research and not just what sounds cool the lowest the mets should be is 2nd in the NL east however in this case they would still get the wildcard. i am a mets fan however based ont he evidence and facts the mets are not missing the playoffs unless they have some major tragedy on the team where they all od on pot before a game in the bullpen.

[nate]

Re: Predictions for 2003

i have no clue why some of you but the cubs in front of the astros. Come on,the cubs did not do anything except add a couple medicore(sp?) players. They have enormous potential but i dont think enough talent to pass up the astros. Someone said the astros have no pitching. And thats why they put the cards up in first. YOUR DEAD WRONG. The astros have Oswalt,Miller,Renyolds(he has said this is how he felt 3 yrs ago,he was dominant back then) He is going to win between 12-15 games.Kirk Saarloos is looking to be the next Greg Maddux. He will be a force in a couple years and he can win easily 6 or even more games this year. But he will not be a starter this year.He will be in the pen. But he is going to pitch well this year. The cards have NO pitching outside of Morris and maybe one or two other guys. The astros are going to be in first not cards or cubs. The cubs cannot get past the cards or 'stros. Richard Hildalgo will have a GREAT year. he has gotten back into the 2000 form.,and he is no longer injuried like he was last year.Juilo Lugo will have a breakout year. Will lugo leading off and biggio after him,then berkman,bagwell,kent. There is no place to pitch around in this offense. Geoff Blum is a solid hitter. Not a homerun hitter but he knows how to hit the ball. With the 3-4-5 punch we have will berkman,bagwell,and kent then hildalgo will be coming after that. This offense is just going to be unstoppable FOR THE MOST PART. Then add in the pitching staff,this is going to be a very good and solid astros team. Solid everywhere you look. The bullpen is solid. About 2 starters who have to prove themsleves this year. Which shane renyolds will. And for Brian Moehler. We will see what he does. I say he will have at least 8 wins this year.Look for Hildalgo to have an awesome season and get comeback player of the year. Everything is going to come together for the astros this year. You wait and see. I look forward to the upcoming baseball season.thank you for reading.

[nate]

Re: Predictions for 2003

i have no clue why some of you but the cubs in front of the astros. Come on,the cubs did not do anything except add a couple medicore(sp?) players. They have enormous potential but i dont think enough talent to pass up the astros. Someone said the astros have no pitching. And thats why they put the cards up in first. YOUR DEAD WRONG. The astros have Oswalt,Miller,Renyolds(he has said this is how he felt 3 yrs ago,he was dominant back then) He is going to win between 12-15 games.Kirk Saarloos is looking to be the next Greg Maddux. He will be a force in a couple years and he can win easily 6 or even more games this year. But he will not be a starter this year.He will be in the pen. But he is going to pitch well this year. The cards have NO pitching outside of Morris and maybe one or two other guys. The astros are going to be in first not cards or cubs. The cubs cannot get past the cards or 'stros. Richard Hildalgo will have a GREAT year. he has gotten back into the 2000 form.,and he is no longer injuried like he was last year.Juilo Lugo will have a breakout year. Will lugo leading off and biggio after him,then berkman,bagwell,kent. There is no place to pitch around in this offense. Geoff Blum is a solid hitter. Not a homerun hitter but he knows how to hit the ball. With the 3-4-5 punch we have will berkman,bagwell,and kent then hildalgo will be coming after that. This offense is just going to be unstoppable FOR THE MOST PART. Then add in the pitching staff,this is going to be a very good and solid astros team. Solid everywhere you look. The bullpen is solid. About 2 starters who have to prove themsleves this year. Which shane renyolds will. And for Brian Moehler. We will see what he does. I say he will have at least 8 wins this year.Look for Hildalgo to have an awesome season and get comeback player of the year. Everything is going to come together for the astros this year. You wait and see. I look forward to the upcoming baseball season.thank you for reading.

[BatsareBugs]

Re: Predictions for 2003

I put the astros in the front. I think you skipped my post (the first one). I do believe that the Astro will be a very good team this year. This one guy complained about one signing pushing the astros "15 games up" but i didn't say antying about games.

[BatsareBugs]

Re: Predictions for 2003

I put the astros in the front. I think you skipped my post (the first one). I do believe that the Astro will be a very good team this year. This one guy complained about one signing pushing the astros "15 games up" but i didn't say antying about games.

[nate]

Re: Predictions for 2003

Yeah,i was talkin to the people who put them in 3rd place. And put the cubs in 1st. place.

[nate]

Re: Predictions for 2003

Yeah,i was talkin to the people who put them in 3rd place. And put the cubs in 1st. place.

[BatsareBugs]

Re: Predictions for 2003

Cubs in first!? I don't really see that happening. They really didn't get anything big in the offseason (but thank god they took some Dodger players and SF's manager). I don't think they'll contend for a while.

[BatsareBugs]

Re: Predictions for 2003

Cubs in first!? I don't really see that happening. They really didn't get anything big in the offseason (but thank god they took some Dodger players and SF's manager). I don't think they'll contend for a while.