Bleacher Report - Articles by Scott Birchfield

Top Underrated Free Agent Signings of 2009

Scott Birchfield — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:51:00 -0400

Every season, there are free agents who are expected to be superstars for the team they sign with.

Then there are those free agents who are less publicized, but still are able to make a significant impact on their new team. Here are some of the top underrated free agent signings of 2009.

Orlando Hudson/Los Angeles Dodgers

Hudson is a fairly well known player, but he makes this list because he waited the entire off-season to sign with the Dodgers. All he has done is hit .307 and score 48 runs and drive in 41 runs. Sounds like a good signing to me!

Randy Choate/Tampa Bay Rays

Every year, the Tampa Bay Rays take a pitcher and help him resurrect his career. Choate is this year's example. The Rays signed him to a minor league deal. Choate has a 1.59 ERA with three saves in 15 games so far this year.

Casey Blake/Los Angeles Dodgers

Casey Blake had a scorching end to the 2008 season. He re-signed with the Dodgers in the off-season. I didn't think he would have the same impact this year. I was definitely wrong. Blake is hitting .301 with 11 homers and 48 RBI. He has made a huge impact on the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Randy Wolf/Los Angeles Dodgers

Wolf is already the third Dodger to make the list. Wolf has an unspectacular 3-3 record, but has a 3.64 ERA with 70 K's. It's no wonder why the Dodgers are playing well this season. They are making underrated moves that are definitely paying off.

Michael Wuertz/Oakland Athletics

Wuertz was a decent pitcher the last couple of years with the Cubs. However, I would still consider him an underrated signing. Wuertz has a 4-1 record with a 2.86 ERA in 35 appearances.

Brad Penny/Boston Red Sox

Although he is not back to his 2007 form yet, Penny is making a comeback with the Red Sox. Even though his ERA is rather high, he has given his team a boost with some of his starts. He could be trade bait at the trade deadline. If he ends up with a NL team, look for his value to go way up.

Russell Branyan/Seattle Mariners

Branyan is the definition of a journeyman. He has been with nine teams in 12 seasons. In the off-season, he latched on with the Mariners.

Branyan has gone on to hit .300, 18 homers, and drive in 36 runs. Hopefully for Branyan, he has found a home for a few years.

A Healthy Pitching Staff Gives The Tampa Bay Rays New Life

Scott Birchfield — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:47:03 -0400

So far this season, the Tampa Bay Rays' pitching staff has looked more like a M.A.S.H unit. Even though there are still pitchers on the disabled list, there are reasons for hope in St. Petersburg. Here are some reasons why the Rays' pitchers will help the Rays contend during the second half of the season:

1. Scott Kazmir's return from the D.L.

Although he was pitching terribly before he went on the disabled list, Kazmir's return is a welcomed sight. He is a veteran pitcher who knows how to pitch. With his injury troubles behind him, look for Kazmir's return to boost the rest of the starting rotation.

2. Chad Bradford's return from the D.L.

Bradford was a key player in the Rays stretch run of 2008. He should help solidify an already impressive bullpen. All they need is an established closer.

3. Andy Sonnanstine's demotion

Although he is a good team player and had a pretty good 2008 season, Sonnanstine just wasn't getting it done. The team made the right decision by keeping Jeff Niemann in the rotation.

Sonnanstine has more experience, but Niemann has been pitching consistently all year long. Hopefully, Sonnanstine will work out his problems and help the team down the road or latch on to another team in the near future.

4. Keeping David Price in the rotation

David Price has been pitching well since his call-up from the minors. He is still learning, but I think a return to the minors would've been horrible for his confidence.

Now that he has been in the rotation for a few weeks now, look for Price to get better and better each start. The Rays will be grateful for it.

Tampa Bay Rays Searching for Consistency

Scott Birchfield — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:20:17 -0400

So far in the 2009 Major League Baseball season, the Tampa Bay Rays have had an interesting season. They are currently three games over .500, but have struggled just to get to that level.

Injuries and inconsistency have played a huge part in their season thus far. Here are some positives and negatives that have contributed to this inconsistent season and what can be expected the second half of the season.

Positives:

Evan Longoria .309 16 HRs 61 RBI .390 OBP .590 SLG

Evan Longoria has had a wonderful sophomore season. He started out the season as hot as anyone, struggled a bit, and now has leveled off to become one of the best players in baseball.

Ben Zobrist .289 15 HRs 42 RBI .399 OBP .629 SLG

If Longoria is the team's MVP, Zobrist is a very close second. With injuries to Upton, Bartlett, Burrell, and Iwamura, Zobrist has kept the team going with his stellar offense and defense. Zobrist can play every position except for catcher.

Carlos Pena 22 HRs 52 RBI 55 Runs

After hitting 46 home runs in 2007, Pena hit only 31 home runs in 2008. Pena's power is definitely back. He leads the team in home runs and runs scored. Although inconsistent, Pena has helped to solidify the team as they struggle through injuries.

Carl Crawford .310 6 HRs 32 RBI 50 Runs 37 SBs

Crawford has been spectacular this season. He is the best stolen base man in baseball. Injuries have plagued Crawford the last couple of years. It doesn't seem to be affecting him this season.

He is on pace to have a career high in runs scored and stolen bases.

James Shields 6-5 3.36 ERA 71 K's

Despite a 6-5 record, Shields has been the Rays' best starter by far. If he got any run support, he may be 9-2 instead. Look for Shields to have a wonderful second half.

Negatives:

Carlos Pena .236 92 K's

Pena makes both lists. He is the most frustrating player on the team. He has tremendous power, but hits for a horrible average. He also strikes out way too much. For the Rays to develop any consistency, Pena needs to develop more patience at the plate.

B.J. Upton .245 5 HRs 24 RBI

Upton's inconsistency can be attributed to his recovery from an injury at the beginning of the season. It has taken Upton a lot longer to get back to his late 2008 form than people thought.

Upton is a key player for the Rays in the second half of the season. If he has a good second half, the Rays may be a tough team to contend with.

Scott Kazmir 4-4 7.69 ERA

Before he went on the DL, Kazmir was downright awful. He didn't look anything like the team's No. 2 starter. A stint on the DL is probably what he needed to get back to his old form.

The good news is that he is only 25 years old and should be off the DL soon. With a good second half, the Rays will be top contenders for AL Wild Card.

Andy Sonnanstine 5-7 6.60 ERA

It's amazing Sonnanstine has won five games this year. James Shields could use his run support. Sonnanstine's days as a starter are number. With Jeff Niemann pitching better and Scott Kazmir coming off the DL, Sonnanstine may be looking for work soon.

Injuries

There are few teams in baseball that have had more problems with injuries than the Rays. They haven't had a full team all season. With the Rays getting healed, the outlook for the second half looks a lot better.

Dioner Navarro .216 BA and Pat Burrell 2 HRs

Navarro has had an awful year. He is not the same player he was last year. If he doesn't get better soon, the Rays may need to look for another starting catcher.

Burrell got off to a rough start and then went on the DL. He looks to be making a comeback, but needs a lot more consistency to help the Rays.

Second Half outlook

The Rays look like a team ready to contend for a Wild Card spot in the American League. I think the Red Sox have got a stranglehold on the AL East title, so the Wild Card looks like a good goal for the Rays at this point.

The rotation is a huge key for the team. Once the Rays figure out their rotation, they can see what kind of pitching they have.

If Burrell, Upton, and Navarro play better, the team will be tough to beat. A lot has to happen, but the Rays are not out of contention. It should be an exciting second half.

Major League Baseball MVP Candidates: Part II

Scott Birchfield — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:05:53 -0400

The baseball season is two months old, and there are a few players who have established themselves as major stars for their teams. Here is the updated list of candidates for the American League and National League MVP awards.

National League

1. Raul Ibanez, Philadelphia Phillies: .333 17 HRs 46 RBI

Ibanez has been a great addition to the Phillies team. There were expectations coming in, but he has exceeded those expectations and more. He has been the Phillies' best player all year.

2. Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals: .329 16 HRs 42 RBI

Pujols is a close second behind Ibanez. He is continuing to have a tremendous impact on the Cardinals. Without him, the Cardinals would be at the bottom of the competitive NL Central.

3. Carlos Beltran, New York Mets: .352 6 HRs 31 RBI 7 SBs

Beltran is on this list because he is leading the NL in hitting. That is not usually the case for him. He has been a major player for the Mets so far this season. The Mets are glad he is.

4. Orlando Hudson, Los Angeles Dodgers: .335 3 HRs 30 RBI 37 Runs

Hudson was one of the last free agent signings of the offseason. The Dodgers are certainly glad they got him. He has been an unbelievable addition to their roster. He is one of the league leaders in batting average and runs scored.

5. Adrian Gonzalez, San Diego Padres: .287 20 HRs 40 R

I realize Gonzalez is on a home run tear. I have him lower on the list because his batting average is much lower than the other candidates. If his batting average goes up and the Padres continue to play well, look for Gonzalez to go to the top of the list.

Honorable Mention

Prince Fielder, Chase Utley, Ryan Braun, Justin Upton, Freddy Sanchez

American League

1. Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins: .344 14 HRs 46 RBI

Morneau is a former AL MVP. He is looking like a good candidate this year too. The Twins have been inconsistent, but Morneau is not the reason. He is having another fantastic season.

2. Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays: .332 13 HRs 55 RBI

Longoria has been an RBI machine this season. He has not suffered the dreaded sophomore slump. He is keeping the Rays afloat in the crazy AL East.

3. Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox: .362 7 HRs 29 RBI

Youkilis is continuing his hot start for the Red Sox. His home run and RBI total have slowed a bit, but his .362 average is enough to keep him high on this list.

4. Adam Jones, Baltimore Orioles: .350 11 HRs 36 RBIs

Jones has become a great player for the Orioles. I thought he would cool off after his torrid start in April. That is definitely not the case. The Orioles are playing better, and Jones is one of the main reasons why.

5. Aaron Hill, Toronto Blue Jays: .338 12 HRs 37 RBI

The Blue Jays have struggled recently, but Hill is not the reason why. He is having a great season. He doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

Honorable Mention

Jason Bartlett, Victor Martinez, Carl Crawford, Robinson Cano, Torii Hunter

2009 MLB Cy Young Candidates: Part II

Scott Birchfield — Sun, 31 May 2009 23:17:56 -0400

With the baseball season already two months in, pitchers are starting to really establish themselves as top candidates for the 2009 NL and AL Cy Young award. Here is the updated list of candidates for this prestigious award:

American League

1. Zach Greinke: Kansas City Royals, 8-1, 0.90 ERA, 88 K's

Although the Royals have recently struggled, Greinke has kept pitching beautifully. He gave up three earned runs today to raise his ERA to 0.90. He is still the top candidate for the Cy Young.

2. Roy Halladay: Toronto Blue Jays, 8-1, 2.63 ERA, 68 K's

No matter how Toronto is doing, Halladay continues to pitch consistently. He remains one of the best pitchers in the majors. Barring injuries, he could be headed for Cooperstown.

3. Mark Buehrle: Chicago White Sox, 6-1, 2.71 ERA, 42 K's

Buehrle is one of the main reasons the White Sox are not out of the AL Central race. He continues to pitch consistently. He doesn't look like he is slowing down anytime soon.

4. Jared Weaver: Los Angeles Angels, 4-2, 2.36 ERA, 53 K's

The Angels seem to be playing better after a slow start. Weaver is one of the reasons why. Although he is not getting great run support, he is still having a fantastic start to the 2009 season.

5. Edwin Jackson: Detroit Tigers, 5-3, 2.30 ERA

Jackson has been a fantastic addition to the Tigers rotation this season. After a breakout 2008 season with the Rays, Jackson is continuing to mature into a fantastic starting pitcher.

Honorable Mention:

Erik Bedard, Joe Saunders, Felix Hernandez, CC Sabathia, Justin Verlander

National League

1. Johan Santana: New York Mets, 7-2, 1.77 ERA, 86 K's

Most players are not worth the huge money they sign for. Santana may be close. He continues to be an absolutely dominating starting pitcher for the Mets.

2. Matt Cain: San Fransisco Giants, 6-1, 2.31 ERA, 45 K's

Cain has struggled with lack of run support the last two seasons. It doesn't seem to be bothering him as much this year. Cain is having a breakout season. The Giants are definitely thrilled about this.

3. Chad Billingsley: Los Angeles Dodgers, 6-3, 2.80 ERA, 76 K's

Billingsley continues to be an impressive ace of the Dodgers pitching staff. He has lost a couple of games lately, but his stats show that he is still a top-of-the-rotation pitcher.

4. Jair Jurrjens: Atlanta Braves, 5-2, 2.59 ERA, 40 K's

Although Derek Lowe and Javier Vasquez have been pitching pretty well for the Braves, it has been Jurrjens who has taken over as the team's ace. He seems to get better and better every start.

5. Tim Lincecum: San Fransisco Giants, 4-1, 3.03 ERA, 84 K's

Lincecum has struggled a bit lately. That is why he is further down on the list. I imagine he will be one of the top candidates by the end of the season. He is that good!

Honorable Mention:

Johnny Cueto, Yovani Gallardo, Adam Wainwright, Josh Johnson, Randy Wolf

2009 Major League Baseball All-Overrated Team

Scott Birchfield — Mon, 11 May 2009 11:45:41 -0400

Every year, there are players who get more credit than they deserve. This year is no different. Here is the list of players who make up the 2009 All-Overrated team:

Prince Fielder—First Baseman

Even though he is not a terrible player, he is not the player he used to be. Fielder constantly struggles with weight, attitude, and consistency.

His 25 RBI so far is nice, but that is about all he's offered.

Kelly Johnson—Second Baseman

Johnson has really hot streaks, followed terrible stretches. He has fantastic potential, but is not even close to realizing it.

Adrian Beltre—Third Baseman

One outstanding year in Los Angeles has defined his career. Other than that, he has been an underachiever. He is off to a terrible start in 2009.

Khalil Greene—Shortstop

Sometimes a change of scenery helps a player. It hasn't helped Greene.

His defense is spectacular, but his offense is terrible this year. He has never lived up to his wonderful potential.

Jeremy Hermida—Left Field

Hermida is a really inconsistent player. He looks like he will be one of the main men in Florida, but has gotten off to a horrible start in 2009.

Aaron Rowand—Center Field

Rowand is a nice player, but not worth the money the Giants gave him in 2008.

The Giants are having a good start to the 2009 season, but Rowand has not had that much to do with it.

J.D. Drew—Right Field

Drew has always been an overrated player. He came into the league with so much hype, but has not come close to his potential.

He has had some nice seasons, but injuries have made him a huge disappointment.

Dioner Navarro—Catcher

After a great 2008 season, much was expected of Navarro. He is off to a horrible start in 2009. If he is not careful, he may lose his starting spot.

Josh Beckett—Starting Pitcher

Beckett doesn't seem capable of putting together back-to-back great seasons.

After his amazing 2007 campaign and a decent 2008 season, Beckett has become a shell of his former self.

Ricky Nolasco—Starting Pitcher

Nolasco can't put back-to-back great seasons together either, and is off to another horrible start in 2009.

If the Marlins want to contend this year, he will have to pick up his game.

Scott Kazmir—Starting Pitcher

Kazmir is the most frustrating starter in the majors. He has the stuff to be a top five pitcher, but lacks the consistency.

Unless something changes soon, he will always be a No. 3 starter.

Kerry Wood—Closer

Injuries have prevented Wood from being the player everyone thought he could be. This year, he is having a terrible season as the Indian's closer. He might lose his spot if things don't pick up soon.

Will These Slumping Baseball Stars Recover This Season?

Scott Birchfield — Mon, 04 May 2009 01:35:02 -0400

Every year, there are many players who go into slumps to start the season.

Some continue the slump all season long.

Jeff Francouer's 2008 season is a good example. There are others who slump early on, but get hot the rest of the season.

Ryan Howard's 2008 season is another good example.

This article will give you a list of players who are slumping badly and who has the best chance of breaking out of it.

Hitters

Carlos Guillen/Detroit Tigers .207 0 HRs Six RBI

Guillen is off to a rough start.

He has had a pretty good run with the Tigers, but he doesn't seem as good as he was a couple of years ago.

He might break out of it, but I think he is on a downhill slide.

B.J. Upton/Tampa Bay Rays .174 0 HRs Two RBI Six SBs

Upton's struggles can be attributed to him coming back from an injury. I think it will take him a couple more months to get back to his old self.

If he continues to struggle the rest of 2009, look for him to have a huge 2010.

Dan Uggla/Florida Marlins .220 4 HRs 17 RBI

I think Uggla will be decent by the end of the year. The frustrating thing about Uggla is that he might hit 30+ home runs, but still hit well below .250.

There seems to be a pattern with him lately.

Lance Berkman/Houston Astros .167 6 HRs 12 RBI

Every year, Berkman seems to get off to a horrible start, but then recover to have an amazing season after all.

That trend will end sometime.

I just think 2009 is not that year. Berkman will end the year with great numbers as usual.

Mark Texeira/New York Yankees .182 Three HRs 10 RBI

Texeira is known for being a slow starter.

However, this is really slow even for Texeira's standards. I think he will pick it up some, but his production will not be enough to escape the wrath of the Yankee faithful.

If you are going to get paid the big bucks, you'd better perform right away.

David Ortiz/Boston Red Sox .215 0 HRs 12 RBI

Ortiz has had an incredible run with Boston.

However, his time looks like it's about up.

This is not the same "Big Papi." He might contribute some, but not like the Red Sox fans are used to.

Pitchers

Josh Beckett/Boston Red Sox 2-2 7.22 ERA

Beckett is not the same pitcher he was in 2007.

Past injuries have caught up with him. He had a subpar 2008 season.

This season, he is even worse. I don't see him doing much better the rest of the season. I don't think he is done for his career, but 2010 might be a better season for him.

Hopefully that is the case.

Fransisco Liriano/Minnesota Twins 0-4 6.04 ERA

After a solid 2008 season, Liriano has struggled mightily this season. Like Beckett, past injuries have caught up to Liriano as well.

I think he will struggle the rest of the 2009 season or end up on the DL.

Fausto Carmona/Cleveland Indians 1-3 6.28 ERA

It is highly likely that Carmona's amazing 2007 season was a big fluke.

He has not come close to that same production of that season. He doesn't look like he is going to be a big help the rest of the season. He will need a lot of work to get back to his old form.

Aaron Cook/Colorado Rockies 1-1 7.11 ERA

Cook has been a really good pitcher for the Rockies, despite playing home games at Coors Field since 2002.

Cook looks terrible so far.

I am not sure if he will fully recover this year. He might have to do the best he can the rest of this season, and then start over again in 2010.

Ryan Dempster/Chicago Cubs 1-1 5.40 ERA

Dempster is off to a rough start, but I think he will pick it up the rest of the season.

He is a good pitcher who is having a tough time right now. I don't think he will be 17-6 again, but I can see him winning 12-14 games and getting bunch of K's.

Ricky Nolasco/Florida Marlins 1-2 6.92 ERA

Nolasco is an inconsistent pitcher.

He has looked brilliant at times in his career, but has looked awful at times as well.

He is in a huge funk right now.

I don't see him having much of a 2009 season. Because of his up and down career, I could see him having a great 2010 season.

2009 Major League Baseball MVP Candidates

Scott Birchfield — Sun, 03 May 2009 00:33:02 -0400

GoEven though it is only early May and the season is only a month old, it is never too early for National League and American League MVP rankings. Each month, I will give you the top five candidates in each league. I will also throw in a few honorable mention candidates.

American League MVP rankings

1. Kevin Youkilis .402 5 HRs 18 RBIs

After Manny Ramirez left for the Dodgers and David Ortiz began to slump, the Red Sox knew that someone else had to step up to lead the team. Youkilis is one of the guys that have truly helped this team.

He will probably never lead the league in HRs and RBIs. However, he will be hit for a high average and be the ultimate leader.

2. Evan Longoria .370 7 HRs 30 RBIs

So much for a sophomore slump. Longoria is having an amazing start to the 2009 season. The Rays have struggled to start the season. Just imagine how bad they would be if Longoria and Carlos Pena weren't hitting well.

3. Ian Kinsler .337 8HRs 23 RBIs 7 SBs

You don't hear much about Kinsler because of where he plays. Kinsler has been solid the last couple seasons. Look for him to continue his monster season.

4. Robinson Cano .363 5 HRs 17 RBIs

Cano is helping the Yankees stay afloat while the team is struggling with injuries and slumps. Canu had a mediocre 2008 campaign. He looks like he is changing that in 2009.

5. Carlos Pena .269 11HRs 27 RBIs

I had a feeling that Pena would have a monster comeback season. Like Cano, he had a mediocre 2008 season as well. He looks like he is over the injuries that have plagued him the last year or so. If the Rays were higher in the standings, Pena would be higher on this list.

Honorable Mention

Nick Markakis, Victor Martinez, Aaron Hill, Nick Swisher, Adam Jones

National League MVP rankings

1. Albert Pujols .356 9 HRs 29 RBIs

Puljols doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Every year, he seems to get better. I know the Cardinals are grateful for the steady production they get from him every season.

2. Chase Utley .347 8 HRs 21 RBIs

With Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard having subpar starts to the season, Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez have kept the Phillies in the NL East race. Utley is such a fun player to watch. He never seems to take a play off. Look for his monster year to continue.

3. Manny Ramirez .363 5 HRs 15 RBIs

It's hard to forget about his flakiness. However, once you do, you realize Ramirez is an awesome hitter. He is continuing to be the man for the Dodgers.

4. Jorge Cantu .358 7 HRs 24 RBIs

There were many people in the baseball world that thought that Jorge Cantu's 2008 season was a big fluke. Turns out, they are wrong. Cantu is having a huge season.

With Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla struggling so far this season, Cantu has picked up the slack. The Marlins are happy he has.

5. Adrian Gonzalez .321 9 HRs 20 RBIs

Gonzalez is the best player no one ever hears about. Because he plays in San Diego at a pitcher's park, Gonzalez does not get the publicity other players get. I think that should change. He is well on his way to his third straight 30+ HR and 100+ RBI season.

Honorable Mention

Raul Ibanez, Carlos Beltran, Orlando Hudson, Joey Votto, Andre Ethier

2009 MLB Cy Young Candidates

Scott Birchfield — Sat, 02 May 2009 23:30:55 -0400

Although it is only early May and the baseball season is barely a month old, I figured it is not too early for AL and NL Cy Young rankings. Each month, I will give you my top five or Cy Young candidates from each league. I will also give you some honorable mention candidates as well.

American League Cy Young Candidates

1. Zach Greinke 5-0 0.50 ERA 44 K'

Greinke has been practically untouchable for the Royals so far this season. I don't expect him to keep this pace all season, but I don't think he will fall off much the rest of the season. He is a talented, young pitcher.

2. Felix Hernandez 4-0 2.48 ERA 36 Ks

Like Greinke, Hernandez is another talented, young pitcher. The Mariners have been a surprise so far this season. Felix Hernandez is a big reason for their success.

3. Roy Halladay 5-1 3.68 ERA 38 Ks

Halladay seems to be a candidate every year. He is off to another impressive start for the Al East leading Blue Jays. Look for him to continue the rest of the season.

4. Armando Gallaraga 3-1 3.07 ERA 26 Ks

The Tigers are off to a good start this season as well. Gallaraga has been a major part of their success. He and Edwin Jackson have taken over as the top two pitchers in the Tigers rotation.

5. Mark Buehrle 4-0 3.30 ERA 19 Ks

Just when you think Buehrle is beginning the downside of his career, he comes back with an amazing season. He is off to a tremendous start again.

Honorable Mention

Joe Sauders, Jared Weaver, John Danks, Erik Bedard, Dallas Braden

National League Cy Young Candidates

1. Johan Santana 3-1 1.10 ERA 44 Ks

Santana is downright amazing. He just keeps getting better as he gets older. The Mets would be truly down and out without Johan Santana at the top of their rotation. Now, they are doing some heavy praying that he stays healthy the whole season.

2. Chad Billingsley 4-0 2.14 ERA 34 Ks

Billingsley is the undisputed ace of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Barring injury, he looks like he will be the ace for years to come. He is an impressive young pitcher.

3. Yovani Gallardo 3-1 2.84 ERA 34 Ks

After the Brewers lost Sabathia to the Yankees in the off-season, they knew they would need young pitchers to step up. Gallardo has stepped up in a big way. He is now the ace of the Brewers staff.

4. Tim Lincecum 2-1 3.16 ERA 43 Ks

After a rough start to the season, Lincecum has finally found his groove. I expect him to move up this list very shortly. He is one of the game's best.

5. Kyle Lohse 3-0 1.97 ERA 19 Ks

Lohse is proving that his good 2008 season was no fluke. So far, he is even better this year. The Cardinals are reaping the benefit.

Honorable Mention

Josh Johnson, Derek Lowe, Dan Haren, Javier Vasquez, Joel Pineiro

MLB's Surprise Players

Scott Birchfield — Sat, 02 May 2009 01:38:11 -0400

The baseball season is only a month old. However, there are some players that are having some surprising starts to their season. Here is my list of the top five surprise hitters and pitchers so far in 2009:

Pitchers

Zach Greinke/Kansas City Royals

Going into 2009, Greinke was already considered a quality pitcher. I don't think anyone expected him to be this good this fast. On May 2, Greinke has a 5-0 record with a 0.50 ERA.

Yovani Gallardo/Milwaukee Brewers

After losing C.C. Sabathia to the Yankees in the off-season, the Brewers needed pitchers to step. Gallardo has done just that. So far, Gallardo is 3-1 with a 2.86 ERA.

Paul Maholm/Pittsburgh Pirates

Maholm had a solid 2008 season, but he looks like he is ready to take the next step as a starting pitcher. Through the end of April, Maholm has a 3-0 record with a 3.09 ERA.

Zach Duke/Pittsburgh Pirates

Duke did not have a good 2008 season. In fact, it looked like the Pirates were ready to give up on this talented pitcher. I am sure they are glad they held on to him. Duke has gone 3-1 with a 2.43 ERA.

Joel Piniero/St. Louis Cardinals

Piniero is one of the reasons the Cardinals are off to such a great start. He had a mediocre 2008 season, but has begun his 2009 season with a 4-0 record and a 3.76 ERA.

Kyle Lohse/St. Louis Cardinals

Lohse's signing prior to the 2008 season raised some eyebrows because of the money he was getting. He ended up with a 15-6 record and a 3.78 ERA. So far this season, Lohse has a 3-0 record with a 1.97 ERA. Doesn't sound like a fluke to me!

Hitters:

Victor Martinez/Cleveland Indians

Martinez had a terrible 2008 season. His production was way down. This season, Martinez is making a huge comeback. Through the first month of the season, Martinez is batting .386 with 5 HRs.

Kevin Youkilis/Boston Red Sox

I know that Youkilis has been a good hitter for some time now. However, he is kicking it up a notch with his 2009 start. He is batting .395 with 5 HRs through May 2.

Jorge Cantu/Florida Marlins

A lot of people thought that Cantu's 2008 season was a fluke. So far, it turns out they are wrong. Cantu is batting .365 with 7 HRs.

Raul Ibanez/Philadelphia Phillies

I know that Ibanez is already an established major league hitter. However, he seems to be getting better as he is getting older. So far, the 36-year-old Ibanez is hitting .359 with 7 HRs.

Mike Cameron/Milwaukee Brewers

Like Ibanez, Cameron seems to be getting better with age. Although he was mentioned in the Mitchell Report and he is 36 years old, Cameron keeps playing at a high level. Through May 2nd, he is hitting .333 with 5 HRs.

Orlando Hudson/Los Angeles Dodgers

Hudson was one of the last free agents to sign in the off-season. Turns out the Dodgers got a tremendous player. So far, Hudson is batting .337 with 19 runs scored. Also, he hit for the cycle a couple of weeks ago.

Nick Swisher/New York Yankees

Swisher has quickly become a fan favorite in the Bronx. He had a terrible 2008 campaign in which he hit only .219. Swisher has started the 2009 season by batting .312 and hitting 7 HRs.

Tampa Bay Rays' First Month Report Card

Scott Birchfield — Sat, 02 May 2009 00:32:20 -0400

Here are the grades for the Tampa Bay Rays after the first month of the season. They will be broken down into four categories: starting lineup, starting rotation, bullpen, and bench.

Starting Lineup:

There have been many positives and many negatives for the starting lineup.

Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena have been tremendous. Longoria is hitting for average and power. Although Pena is not hitting much above .250, he still leads the Major League Baseball with 10 home runs. Jason Bartlett has been a big surprise as well.

B.J. Upton is struggling to recover from injuries. Carl Crawford is stealing bases, but is not driving in runs like he was in the past. The platoon of Gabe Kabler and Gabe Gross is not working up to this point, and Dioner Navarro is off to a terrible start. At this point, the negatives outweigh the positives. C+

Starting Rotation:

This is another group that has been up and down.

James Shields has been impressive, but has not gotten run support. Scott Kazmir has looked decent, but continues to be haunted by inconsistency. Matt Garza is inconsistent as well, but looks to be turning a corner in his career.

Andy Sonnanstine has been a major disappointment so far. If he continues to struggle, look for the Rays to call up Mitch Talbot or David Price very soon.

Jeff Niemann got off to a rocky start, but is now pitching very well. Niemann needs to work on this stamina as he usually tires by the 5th or 6th. B-

Bullpen:

Besides Dan Wheeler and Grant Balfour, the bullpen is off to a great start.

Troy Percival makes you a little nervous as the closer, but is doing a decent job. The Rays signing of Brian Shouse, Joe Nelson, and Lance Cormier have been their best signings of the offseason. B

Bench:

Ben Zobrist and Michel Hernandez have looked impressive as bench players, while Willy Aybar and Gabe Kapler have struggled mightily. Overall, this group needs to improve. C

Overall:

Injuries and inconsistency have been major problems for the Rays thus far. The Rays will need to get on a winning streak soon or their chances of contending will evaporate quickly. C

Atlanta Braves' First Month Report Card

Scott Birchfield — Fri, 01 May 2009 04:48:03 -0400

Here are my grades for the 2009 Atlanta Braves so far. The categories will be starting lineup, starting rotation, bullpen, and bench.

Starting Lineup

The Braves are once again dealing with injuries early on. Brian McCann, Garrett Anderson, and Chipper Jones have all missed some games already. Matt Diaz, Jeff Francouer, and David Ross have been pleasant surprises.

The rest of the lineup has been pretty inconsistent. That needs to change for the Braves to have any chance of contending this year.

Grade C-

Starting Rotation

It has only been a month since the season started. However, it looks like the starting rotation is a major strength for the Braves. Derek Lowe, Jair Jurrjens, and Javier Vasquez have been solid.

Kenshin Kawakami has shown flashes of brilliance, but needs to work on his control. If this group can stay healthy, the Braves could be contenders by season's end.

Grade B+

Bullpen

This group has looked really good at times and really bad at times. Mike Gonzalez started poorly, but has picked it up a bit. Rafael Soriano looks incredible in his setup role. It looks like Peter Moylan came back too early from Tommy John surgery.

Jeff Bennett has been solid and Blane Boyer pitched himself off the team. This group is not hopeless. If they work on their consistency, the Braves could have one of the better bullpens in the NL.

Grade B-

Bench

The bench looks good again for 2009. Greg Norton has struggled so far, but he will get on track soon. Martin Prado and Omar Infante have been impressive so far. I like their versatility.

David Ross is a huge upgrade from Corky Miller. When Brian McCann gets injured, it's nice to have a solid veteran that is known for his offense and defense.

Grade B+

Overall

The Braves have been really inconsistent, but they are still a major contender in the NL East. Once the injured Braves return, that should give them the boost they need to firmly place them in the thick of the NL East race.

Grade B-

The Atlanta Media: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Scott Birchfield — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 07:10:37 -0400

Every major market has television and radio personalities who shine above the rest. They also have ones who might need another gig. Here is my list of the best and worst radio and television personalities in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Good

Pete Van Wieren: Atlanta Braves

The recently retired Van Wieren was a class act. He covered the Braves for over 30 years. His voice was second to none. He was one of the most knowledgeable announcers I have ever seen. I don't think I have ever heard him call a bad game. He will be sorely missed.

Wes Durham: Atlanta Falcons

He is one of the greats in announcing. Durham has such a smooth delivery. He makes listening to Falcon's games enjoyable.

Bob Rathbun and Dominique Wilkins: Atlanta Hawks

Rathbun and Wilkins do the television coverage for the Atlanta Hawks. They are an up-and-coming pair in broadcasting. Rathbun is an announcing veteran, while Wilkins is an announcing rookie.

Rathbun's excitement makes the Hawks telecast easy to watch, while Wilkins knowledge of the game helps fans understand what's going on. Wilkins still fumbles for words at times, but he is getting better every game.

Skip Caray: Atlanta Braves

The late Skip Caray was an Atlanta announcing legend. His voice would sometimes get on my nerves, but he was still a legend in broadcasting.

Whether the Braves would be up or down by a bunch of runs, Caray would still find ways to entertain the audience.

He and his broadcast partner would talk about where they were going to eat after the game, or the hotel they would be staying at on the road trip. He will be sorely missed.

Joe Simpson and Don Sutton: Atanta Braves

Joe Simpson makes the good list because of his sense of humor. He is really entertaining to watch or listen to. He has some knowledge, but his calling card is his funny one-liners during broadcast.

Don Sutton was wrongfully let go from the Brave's announce team a few years back. Fortunately, he made his return this season. Some fans don't like his announcing style. I think Sutton has tremendous knowledge of the game and has a pretty smooth delivery. His disdain for "the wave" is classic.

The Bad

Brian Jordan and Ron Gant: Atlanta Braves

Jordan and Gant are on the pregame and postgame announcing team. They are both knowledgeable former players, but their delivery comes across dry. They need to work on getting a little more excited when talking about the Braves.

Chip Caray: Atlanta Braves

You would think that Chip Caray would feed off his impressive announcing blood lines. However, I have never enjoyed listening to him announce a ball game. He doesn't bring anything extra to the table. He is boring!

The Ugly

Mark Lemke: Atlanta Braves

Lemke does pregame and postgame shows with Chip Caray. I don't enjoy their show at all. Lemke has some knowledge, but his voice leaves much to be desired.

The only reason he got the job is because he was a Brave's legend based on his 1990s postseason heroics. The Braves desperately need a replacement next season.

Dave Archer: Atlanta Falcons

Archer is a very unimpressive radio personality. He pales in comparison to his broadcast partner, Wes Durham. Archer has a sarcastic tone to his voice. He has a good voice for broadcasting, but his smug attitude outweighs his contributions as an announcer.

Grant Long: Atlanta Hawks

He wears nice suits. That is about the only positive I can say about him as a broadcaster. I love Long as a player, but he lacks the passion and enthusiasm it takes to be a good broadcaster.

Pittsburgh Pirates' Top Five Essential Players

Scott Birchfield — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 06:59:56 -0400

Every player on a major league roster is important. However, there are always players who are counted on more for their team's success. Here are the top five essential players for the Pittsburgh Pirates:

5. Matt Capps

The Pirates have many holes to fill on their roster. Closer is not one of them. Matt Capps has developed into a tremendous closer. If given more opportunities, he could be one of the best closers in all of Major League Baseball.

4. Adam LaRoche

The Pirates have limited power on offense. LaRoche is one of the few players on the team that provides power. The problem for LaRoche is that he doesn't usually get cranked up until June or July.

The Pirates need him to have a good full season. Another inconsistent year for LaRoche could spell doom early for The Pirates.

3. Freddy Sanchez

Sanchez is on this list mainly for leadership. The Pirates do not have a lot of leaders on this team. Sanchez needs to be the one to step up and guide the team when times are tough.

Sanchez can be a solid offensive player as well. His stats have been on the decline since his .344 average in 2006. A return to respectability on offense will help the Pirates turn the corner.

2. (three way tie) Paul Maholm, Zach Duke, and Ian Snell

Needless to say, the Pirates starting rotation has been awful. Maholm is considered the ace of the staff and has shown flashes of brilliance. Duke and Snell have tremendous potential, but yet to come close to that potential.

For the Pirates to be competitive, these starters need to have good seasons. Even if one has a good season and the others struggle, it will be another long season for this franchise.

1. Nate McLouth

By far, McLouth is the most impressive player on the Pirates roster. His 2008 season was spectacular. He provided much needed power and speed to this team.

The Pirates need another good season from McLouth in 2009. If McLouth gets off to another good start, it might spur the other players to follow his example. Hopefully for the Pittsburgh Pirates, that happens.

Kansas City Royals' Top Five Essential Players

Scott Birchfield — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 06:29:56 -0400

Every player on a 25-man roster is important. However, there are certain players who are counted on more to help their team. Here is the top five essential players for the Kansas City Royals:

5. Alex Gordon

After two seasons in the major leagues, Gordon has yet to fulfill his potential. He has had solid, yet unspectacular seasons. For the Royals to take a step forward, Gordon has to be an integral part of the offense.

4. Joakim Soria

Soria had a fantastic 2008 season. The Royals definitely need an encore from him in 2009. Look for him to have another wonderful season at the back end of the Royals bullpen.

3. Mike Jacobs

Although signing Jacobs was an underrated move, it is an important move for the Royals. The Royals are desperate for power hitters. Jacobs fits that description.

He may not hit much above .250, but he will give the offense the added spark they lacked in 2009. A big year from Jacobs could mean big things for the Royals.

2. (tie) Zach Greinke and Gil Meche

The Royals have an up and coming rotation. Greinke and Meche head that rotation. If Greinke and Meche have below average seasons, the Royals have no chance at contending this season.

A big year from both players could spur the Royals to bigger and better things in 2009.

1. Jose Guillen

Guillen is a talented player. He is a good offensive player who also plays above average defense. The problem for Guillen is his attitude. That is the main reason he is 32 years old and has been with nine teams already.

Guillen needs to grow up quickly. Another meltdown and the Royals could be headed for a disastrous 2009 season. If Guillen decides to grow up, the Royals will be much better for it.

Major League Baseball's Biggest Questions For 2009

Scott Birchfield — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:18:16 -0400

Major League Baseball is always filled with major questions to be answered.

2009 is no exception.

Here are a few of the biggest questions needing to be answered.

5. Will another team like the Tampa Bay Rays come out of nowhere to make the playoffs?

I give a team like the San Fransisco Giants a good shot at challenging for the NL West title.

They have a fantastic pitching staff.

If their offense shows even decent improvement, the Giants will be contenders sooner rather than later.

4. Will the Rays be contenders again in 2009?

I think so.

They have good balance in their pitching staff and in their lineup.

As of right now, I would put the Rays second behind the Red Sox.

I think they will make the playoffs as a Wild Card.

3. Will Alex Rodriguez' issues have a major impact on the Yankees?

They might a little.

Rodriguez is not scheduled to be back until May, which might help him.

He will get some grief from the fans, but the Yankees are used to dealing with drama.

2. What will Manny Ramirez's impact be on the Dodgers?

Huge!

Ramirez might be a flaky player, but the man can hit.

The Dodgers were not going anywhere without re-signing Ramirez.

1. Will the Yankees big moves work out?

Not really!

However, I think Mark Texeira is the real deal.

He's not worth as much as they paid him, but he will be a very productive player for the Yankees.

I think A.J. Burnett was a major mistake.

He is a talent, but he is extremely fragile.

That is too much money to invest in a fragile pitcher.

I can see C.C. Sabathia having three more productive seasons in the Major Leagues.

He has been an excellent pitcher, but has been overworked.

He may pitch more than three seasons, but I don't see him being dominant that long.

2009 Player Profile: Carlos Pena

Scott Birchfield — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 23:04:09 -0400

After an incredible World Series run in 2008, there doesn't seem to be much to be disappointed about. Carlos Pena's 2008 season was one of them.

For the Rays to be successful in 2009, Pena needs to have a comeback season. Here are three things Pena can do to have a great 2009 season:

1. Be patient at the plate

In 2007, Pena had a fabulous season. He was downright dominating. In 2008, he took a major step back. In 2007, Pena had good plate discipline. He struck out quite a bit, but he was pretty patient at the plate.

In 2008, Pena had the tendency to swing at bad pitches. He still hit 30+ home runs, but he could've had more if he were more patient at the plate. I think he will be ready to dominate again in 2009.

2. Take advantage of scoring opportunities

With a lineup that includes Aki Iwamura, B.J. Upton, and Carl Crawford, Pena will have ample opportunities to drive in runs. He will have added protection in the lineup with the addition of Pat Burrell.

There should be no reason Pena can't have another 100+ RBI season. If he can take advantage of the opportunities in front of him, Pena should blossom in 2009. The Rays would be thrilled if that were the case.

3. Be a team leader

With a young team, there needs to be a leader to help guide the team. Cliff Floyd and Eric Hinske are on different teams, and Troy Percival is struggling to stay healthy.

Carl Crawford seemed to be the best candidate to be a team leader, but I'm not sure if he still is that guy. Pena is a steady guy. You know what you are going to get from him. Joe Maddon and Rays can definitely use a guy to spur his team to bigger and better things in 2009.

My Top 10 Favorite MLB Players

Scott Birchfield — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 01:06:21 -0400

All baseball fans have a list of players who you just enjoy watching play baseball, whether it be live or on TV. I definitely have my favorites. This list is comprised of current and former baseball players. Here are my top ten favorite MLB players of all time:

10. Ty Wigginton

Wigginton will never be a Hall of Fame type player. However, he is a guy who will do whatever for a team. He can play multiple positions well and doesn't complain when he has to platoon or pinch hit. He is a solid defensive player who hits for good power.

9. Randy Winn

I had the privilege of watching Winn when he was a member of the then-Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He is not a flashy player at all. He just plays hard all the time. He is a decent defensive player who also has some speed and power on offense. I hope he is able to play a few more years.

8. Mark DeRosa

It took awhile for DeRosa to stick as a regular starter in the big leagues. Now that he has, he has taken full advantage of it. Although he plays multiple positions, he still puts up solid offensive and defensive numbers. He is another player who plays the game all out.

7. Mike Schmidt

While living near Philly, I got to see Schmidt play live. What a privilege that was. Even though he was on the down side of a stellar career, it was great to see such a legend in action. He played the game the right way. He is still considered one of the classiest men in baseball.

6. Ken Griffey Jr.

Even if Griffey wasn't a huge power hitter, I would still have him in my top ten. The way he played center field was a sight to behold. He could make the hardest catches look so easy. Injuries and personality aside, Griffey is one of the greatest players to ever play the game.

5. Chipper Jones

You either love Chipper Jones or you hate Chipper Jones. Jones has a tendency to tick people off, but that doesn't diminish his ability on the baseball field. Like Griffey, injuries have slowed him a bit. For seven or eight seasons, there weren't too many players more consistent than Jones.

4. John Smoltz

Smoltz is a class act. It will be weird seeing him in Red Sox gear this season, but his memories as an Atlanta Brave will always be positive ones. He battled injuries to be one of the best pitchers of this era. He excelled as a starter and a closer. When he finally retires, he will be sorely missed.

3. Tom Glavine

Glavine will always be one of my favorite pitchers. Even when he pitched for the Mets, I still rooted for him. He will never scare anyone with a power fastball. He just gets the job done. His one-hit gem in the 1995 World Series is still one of the greatest performances I have ever seen.

2. Greg Maddux

The Braves made a huge move by getting Maddux from the Cubs in a trade. He went on to be the Braves best pitcher for years to come. His intensity on the mound was awesome to watch. Even though he looked like a science professor, there are not too many better pitchers in the history of the game.

1. Fred McGriff

If the Braves hadn't acquired McGriff and Maddux, they still might be waiting for that elusive championship. He gave the Braves an extra power bat that put them over the top. McGriff played the game with such class.

He gets ribbed for his commercial promoting Tom Emanski's baseball videos, but that doesn't diminish his great career. He may never be elected into the Hall of Fame, but he still is a great player, in my opinion.

The Tampa Bay Rays' Five Players to Watch for in 2009

Scott Birchfield — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:06:23 -0400

When you look up and down the Tampa Bay Rays' roster, it is easy to overlook certain players. Every major league team has their superstars and their complementary players. Here are my top five unsung players for the 2009 Tampa Bay Rays.

5. Joe Nelson

Signing Nelson during the offseason was a key move for the Rays. The Rays had a pretty good bullpen in 2009, but adding Nelson to the mix definitely helps.

He is not a young pitcher anymore, but the Rays are confident that he is a good fit for the ballclub.

4. Andy Sonnanstine

Sonnanstine will never be considered a power pitcher who will dominate hitters. However, he is a pitcher who keeps the Rays in games.

He might give up a ton of hits, but he makes up for it with his control. In 193 innings, Sonnanstine only walked 37 batters.

James Shields, Scott Kazmir, and Matt Garza might get the headlines, but Andy Sonnanstine is one to watch in 2009.

3. Willy Aybar

Aybar was a great addition a couple of seasons ago. Although he has had various off-the-field incidents, he has overcome them to become a solid major league player.

Aybar is not a regular starter at this point but is a player who can play three infield positions and can also DH. If a starter goes down, the Rays are confident that Aybar can get the job done.

2. Dioner Navarro

Besides Evan Longoria, Navarro made the biggest jump of any player last year. He went from being a mediocre catcher to an All-Star catcher.

I believe Navarro will have an even better 2009 season. He is already a wonderful defensive catcher and is getting better offensively as well. The Rays need more players in the lineup to hit in order to protect the talented middle part of the order.

1. Jason Bartlett

Even though Bartlett was voted the Rays' MVP for 2008, he is still considered an unsung player to me. He is known mostly for his defense, but he showed he can also swing the bat well toward the end of the season.

Like Dioner Navarro, I think Bartlett will improve even more this season. He will be great defensively and will be solid at the plate as well. If Bartlett can hit between .270 and .280 with 30-plus stolen bases, the Rays would be overjoyed.

Which of These WWE Superstars Need More Opportunities?

Scott Birchfield — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 23:05:21 -0400

There are many great WWE superstars performing these days. However, there are some wrestlers that get a lot more main event opportunities. Of these 10 superstars, who deserves more exposure?

1. Shelton Benjamin

2. MVP

3. Christian

4. C.M. Punk

5. Finlay

6. Ted Dibiase

7. Cody Rhodes

8. Evan Bourne

9. Ricky Ortiz

10. R Truth

Even though Christian has only been back for a couple of months now, I like that they are giving him some opportunities to show what he can do. He is a talented in ring performer who needs some more championship opportunities.

I am a Shelton Benjamin fan. He is the United States Champion, but I think he needs more WWE or World Heavyweight championship opportunities.

I think Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase will have outstanding careers and I think they should do more than just be Randy Orton's henchmen.

Who Would Win These Matches?

Scott Birchfield — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 17:08:45 -0400

I am listing some of the matches that would be entertaining to watch. I am using wrestlers from the past or present. These are all Survivor Series type matches. Tell me who you think would win.

1. Sting, Sid Vicious, Scott Steiner, Jeff Jarrett vs. HBK, Triple H, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall

I think Triple H and HBK would be the survivors in this match. Kevin Nash and Sid Vicious would get double disqualified, leaving Sting with HBK and Triple H. Triple H would finish Sting off with the pedigree.

2. Hulk Hogan, Brutus Beefcake, Randy Savage, Ricky Steamboat vs The Four Horsemen (Flair, Windham, Anderson, and Blanchard).

The sole survivor would be Ric Flair. Flair and Hogan would be the last two in the ring. J.J. Dillon would distract Hogan allowing Flair to hit Hogan with a chair. Flair would then cover Hogan for the one, two, three....

3. The Undertaker, Kane, Steve Austin, and The Rock vs The Ultimate Warrior, The British Bulldog, and the Legion of Doom

This looked like a one-sided match until the Undertaker's team begun fighting with each other. The Warriors team took advantage of this by taking out the Rock, Undertaker, and Kane.

The match ended with Austin giving The British Bulldog a stunner. Sole survivor is Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Cincinnati Reds' Top Five Essential Players for 2009

Scott Birchfield — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:34:43 -0400

On every team, all 25 players are expected to perform. However, there are certain players that expected to perform at a higher level. Here are the top five essential players for the Cincinnati Reds.

5. Ramon Hernandez

Hernandez was a major pickup for the Reds during the offseason. He solidifies a position that has been a question mark for years.

If Hernandez can have a good 2009 season, the Reds will get better quickly. Hernandez is solid offensively and defensively, and he should help a talented young pitching staff as well.

4. Brandon Phillips

After a wonderful 2007 season, Phillips fell back to earth a bit in 2008. His average, home runs, and stolen bases were all down substantially.

The Reds need Phillips to have a comeback season. A return to his 30-30 form of 2007 would definitely take the pressure off Jay Bruce and Joey Votto. The Reds are hoping this happens.

3. Fransisco Cordero

For any team hoping to make big strides, they must have a quality closer. Cordero fits that description, and he had a solid 2008 season.

He will need to have an encore for the Reds to be successful. The Reds have a good starting rotation. David Weathers and Fransisco Cordero need to nail down some wins at the back end of the bullpen.

2. Aaron Harang

Harang had a terrible 2008 season. He went from a two-time, 16-game winner to a 6-17 starter. Harang still has talent, but he needs to have a huge comeback year to help the Reds in 2009.

Harang needs to step up to take some of the pressure off the young starters, Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto. A repeat of his 2008 season might lead the Reds back to mediocrity, or worse.

1. Jay Bruce

Bruce, Volquez, and Cueto are the Reds' franchise players. Jay Bruce had a tremendous start to his big league career. That was soon followed by a slump that dropped his average around the .250 mark.

After a full spring training, Bruce is ready to have a monster year for the Reds. He has the potential of being a great player for this franchise. Even though he will only be 22 on opening day, the Reds are expecting a lot from this talented young man.

Top Five Essential Players for the 2009 Tampa Bay Rays

Scott Birchfield — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:45:55 -0400

All 25 players on a Major League Baseball team are important. However, some stand out more than others. They are the ones who are essential to a team's success. Here are my top five essential players for the Tampa Bay Rays:

5. Pat Burrell

Burrell was the Rays' top free agent pick up this season. He was brought in to add power to an already impressive lineup.

The Rays need Burrell to have a good season to protect Evan Longoria, Carlos Pena, and B.J Upton. If Burrell can hit 30 home runs and drive in 90+ runs, the Rays will be happy.

4. Scott Kazmir

Kazmir has been a pretty good starter over his first four full seasons in the majors. However, injuries and inconsistency has plagued him lately. He had the ability to be a number one starter, but has yet to fulfill all his promise.

This is not a make-or-break year for Kazmir, but he probably needs to take a big step soon. Barring injury, I look for Kazmir to have a huge season. If he can stay focused, I see a 15+ win season with 200+ strikeouts.

3. Carlos Pena

Like Scott Kazmir, Carlos Pena had an inconsistent season. He followed a monster 2007 campaign with a mediocre 2008. Pena has the ability and the raw power to hit 40+ home runs again.

The Rays made it to the World Series despite an unspectacular season and playoffs by Pena. I expect Pena to have a comeback year. Imagine what the Rays will be like behind a rejuvenated Pena!

2. James Shields

Arguably, Shields is the best starter on the Rays' staff. He is essential to the Rays' success. In two short years, he has become the ace of the staff. If Shields were to get injured, the Rays would not be totally done, but it would be a tough loss.

Shields is a durable pitcher who rarely walks anyone. I don't see Shields having an off year. The Rays are hoping for the same thing.

1. Evan Longoria

Longoria makes the top of this list because of his impressive rookie campaign. He is a major reason the Rays made it all the way to the World Series. His clutch hitting and outstanding defense gave the Rays the boost they need.

Now, the Rays need an encore. They are hoping that Longoria doesn't fall into the dreaded sophomore slump. The good news for Longoria is that he has added protection from Pat Burrell and hopefully a rejuvenated Carlos Pena. However, the spotlight will be shining bright on Longoria in 2009.

The Top Five Essential Players for the 2009 Atlanta Braves

Scott Birchfield — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 20:51:17 -0400

On any Major League Baseball team, all 25 players are important. However, there are always players who are counted on a little more than others. Here are my top 5 essential players for the Atlanta Braves.

5. Garret Anderson

The Braves tried desperately to find an outfielder with power. They finally landed Garret Anderson after a long search. Anderson is a proven veteran who still has some talent left. However, he lacks the power that the Braves need.

Anderson will probably not hit more than 15 home runs. If he drives in runs with doubles and singles, the Braves will take it. After all, this club needs more run producers.

4. Javier Vasquez

Vasquez is a quality starting pitcher. His stats might not be outstanding, but he is a durable pitcher that should help the Braves this season.

If Vasquez can win 14-15 games and have 200+ strikeouts, the Braves will be ecstatic. The key for Vasquez is staying mentally focused. I think he will be, and the Braves will reap the rewards.

3. Jeff Francouer

I believe that this is a make-or-break year for Francouer. His 2008 season was horrible. If 2009 is similar, look for him to be elsewhere in 2010.

Francouer has changed his stance at the plate. Hopefully this will benefit him and the Braves. I think the Braves would be happy with a .280 BA, 20-25 HR's, and 100+ RBI. Francouer is hoping for much more.

2. Derek Lowe

Anytime you sign a huge contract, the spotlight will be on you. The same can be said for Lowe. He has been brought in to be the ace of the staff. The Braves definitely need one. They will soon find out what the almost 36-year-old pitcher has left.

The rotation was pretty bad in 2008. Injuries killed them early on in the season. For the Braves to be successful, Lowe will have to pitch 200+ innings. I look for Lowe to give the Braves much needed leadership and talent as the ace of the staff.

1. Chipper Jones

Chipper Jones has been an essential player for many years, and he still is a major part of the Atlanta Braves. However, one has to wonder what his mental state is after his team let John Smoltz go to Boston. Jones was very critical of this move.

For the Braves to be successful, Jones will have to be fully committed to the team. I think it will take awhile for Jones to come around, but he will eventually have a season that Braves' fans have come to expect.

Successful 2009 Season a Must For The Tampa Bay Rays

Scott Birchfield — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 23:26:16 -0400

2008 was an incredible season for the Tampa Bay Rays. Their World Series run surprised just about everyone. After 10 straight pitiful seasons, the Rays needed a good one. In 2009, the Rays need a repeat desperately. Here are some reasons why a repeat of 2008 is necessary.

Another Successful Season Will Keep Fans Coming to the Ballpark

If the Rays become a losing team again, the fans won't show up. There is a lot to do in the Tampa/St. Pete area. If the baseball is bad, attendance will be also.

A Repeat Will Prove Skeptics Wrong

I know there are some people that still think that the Rays' run was a big fluke. If the Rays want to be a legitimate franchise, their 2009 season has to be good. A return to their old form will give the critics more to scream about.

A Repeat Will Keep Their Young Talent Around

If the Rays have a disappointing season, they may be tempted to have a fire sale and get rid of their wonderful talent. The Rays have worked really hard to develop their team through their farm system and through smart signings. This organization can't afford to have a bad season now.

The Atlanta Braves: A Team On the Rise

Scott Birchfield — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 08:31:56 -0400

About two months ago, I looked at what the Atlanta Braves were doing in the offseason, and shook my head in disbelief. Every major free-agent they tried to sign went somewhere else.

Now that it is early March, my opinion of the Braves has changed dramatically. Their offseason moves might not grab the most headlines, but GM Frank Wren and the rest of the Braves' brass had a underrated offseason.

First, they addressed their need for more depth in the starting rotation. They went from one of the worst rotations, to one of the best. Most teams hope to add a couple of starters for the new season.

The Braves added Javier Vasquez, Derek Lowe, Kenshin Kawakami, and re-signed Tom Glavine. What was a weakness, is now a strength.

Second, they added much needed depth in the outfield. I wasn't comfortable with the Braves starting the 2009 season with a bunch of kids in the outfield. The addition of veteran outfielder Garrett Anderson gives the Braves a leader for the other outfielders to look up to.

If Jeff Francouer, and whoever wins the centerfield job, have good season, the Braves will contend sooner, rather than later.

Last, the Braves kept their bullpen practically the same. Except for Boone Logan and Eric O Flaherty, the same guys will be coming out the pen.

Last year, the Braves' bullpen was solid. They wore down toward the end of the season because the relievers would have to come in the game by the fifth inning. With a dependable rotation and a healthy Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano, the Braves bullpen will be a major strength.

In conclusion, the Atlanta Braves have the makings of a contending ball-club. A month ago, I would have said the Braves would struggle to get to 85 wins. Barring major injuries, I think the Braves can win 90-plus games.

They have stiff competition in the NL East, but the Phillies, Mets and Marlins aren't the only big boys in that division. It should be a fun season.

Top 10 Over-Used or Over-Hyped WWE Superstars

Scott Birchfield — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 06:49:13 -0500

WWE needs fresh talent. Their product is becoming stale because of the overuse of the same superstars or because of bad storylines. Here is my top 10 over hyped WWE superstars.

1. Edge

The only reason I think he is over-hyped is the fact the WWE doesn't have a lot of quality heel wrestlers. He has some talent, but the "ultimate opportunist" thing has to go. Edge winning a title by taking advantage of someone else's misfortune is getting ridiculous.

2. JBL

Why is he still wrestling? The "wrestling god" is a horrible performer. The only time I ever liked Bradshaw was when he was chugging beer and playing cards with Ron Simmons. He is also being used only because they need heels. That is my only explanation.

3. John Cena

I do like John Cena, but his character is getting stale because the WWE has nobody else to carry their shows. Cena is really good on the mic, but he seriously needs to add a few moves to his arsenal.

4. HBK

HBK is probably my favorite wrestler of all time. However, the story lines are not believable anymore. He is a fantastic performer, but his time is about up. Like Cena, he uses the same moves he has always used. It was interesting when he had to use another finishing move besides "sweet chin music" when he faced Randy Orton a couple of years back.

5. Randy Orton

He has overtaken Edge as the most aggravating heel in the business. The storyline of him having a mental condition is downright ridiculous. Randy Orton's "Legacy" will never be on the level of "the Four Horseman" or "Evolution." He is a young superstar, but he is already becoming stale. It's sad!

6. The Undertaker

The man is a legend. It's just time for him to end his hall of fame career. He is in his mid-40's now. He is not in good shape. He has been talking retirement for a couple of years now. Hopefully it happens soon.

7. Mark Henry

He probably needs to be higher on the list. Henry is a terrible performer. All he has going for him is his strength and girth. Now that he has held at least one major title, it's time to faze him out.

8. Santino Marella

Marella is a very funny man. However, I just wish WWE would allow him to be more successful in ring. His 2 I-C title reigns were a joke. He is only over-hyped because of what he does outside of the ring.

9. Chris Jericho

I was glad when Jericho came back a year and a half ago. However, I realized Jericho wasn't even close to same guy he was. He is still getting a lot of hype despite diminishing talent. He was gone way too long.

10. Finlay

I have no problem with Finlay. The WWE keeps hyping him up for title matches only to have him lose every time. If they are going to hype him up, have him win something. If they aren't going to ever give him a major title, faze him out. You can have Hornswoggle too!

Five Potential Surprise MLB Teams: 2009

Scott Birchfield — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 04:25:54 -0500

In 2008, the Tampa Bay Rays were one of the biggest MLB surprises of all time. They had never won more than 71 games. In 2008, they won over 90.

There are a few teams looking to do something similar this year. Here are my top five potential surprise teams.

1. Kansas City Royals

Reason: The Royals have underrated starting pitching led by Gil Meche and Zach Greinke and an underrated closer in Joakim Soria. Their lineup is one that plays hard every inning.

Potential Downfall: The Royals have a pretty big history of bad teams. They will need to get over that mindset to turn things around. Also, they need a little more power on offense.

2. Atlanta Braves

Reason: The Braves did a makeover on their pitiful rotation. If the rotation can stay healthy, they can be one of the best in baseball. Also, their young and talented lineup is a year older and hopefully a lot better.

Potential Downfall: Injuries killed the Braves last year. If they have a slew of them this year, they will have the same result. The Braves' lack of power might keep them down this season. If they can acquire a player with good power, even in a platoon situation, that will greatly help the team.

3. San Fransisco Giants

Reason: The Giants have a good starting rotation. If Zito becomes even half the player he was in Oakland, it could be a great rotation. Also, the addition of Edgar Renteria should help on offense.

Potential Downfall: As with most teams on this list, the Giants lack power. Their pursuit of a power bat in the offseason failed miserably. They will need to acquire one to have any chance of contending. Also, Brian Wilson has to be more consistent. He did have 41 saves, but his ERA was terrible.

4. Baltimore Orioles

Reason: Their offense should be much improved this season. Nick Markakis, Brian Roberts, Aubrey Huff, and Melvin Mora lead an underrated offense. If Felix Pie and Adam Jones reach their potential quickly, the Orioles will get better in a hurry. Also, George Sherrill is an underrated closer.

Potential Downfall: Their starting pitching is not very good, at least on paper. Someone has to step up to help this rotation in a hurry.

5. Cincinnati Reds

Reason: The Reds should have a good offense in 2009. Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, Edwin Encarnacion, and Brandon Phillips are just a few of the talented players on the Reds roster.

The addition of catcher Ramon Hernandez is big. He can hit and play solid defense. Lastly, Dusty Baker is a wonderful manager. Pretty soon, things will click for him.

Potential Downfall: Playing at Great American Ballpark is similar to playing at Coors Field or Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. It's not fair to pitchers. If the pitching holds its own at home, they could be a surprise team. If not, it could be another long year for the Reds.

Five Big Questions for the Tampa Bay Rays

Scott Birchfield — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 03:02:01 -0500

The Tampa Bay Rays had an incredible run in 2008. No one expected them to be that good that fast. Now that the 2009 season is approaching and a couple of the AL East teams improved immensely over the offseason, there are a few questions to be answered. Here are my five questions for the Tampa Bay Rays:

1. Will Evan Longoria continue on his speedy rise to stardom or suffer a sophmore slump?

Evan Longoria is a special player. Players like him do not come along that often. He is talented offensively and defensively. He may start off slow this season, but I don't envision a season long slump.

2. What impact will Pat Burrell have on his new team?

I think this was an underrated move by the Rays. Burrell is a guy who can provide protection to a lineup that already has Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria. Burrell will not hit .290 or above, but he will give the team some much needed power. The power game was lacking in 2008.

3. Do the Rays need a definite closer to be good again this year?

I do think the closer by committee will work for awhile, but they will need to get a definite closer eventually. I think Troy Percival is done. They need to try and develop one of their current guys to be the closer or look outside the organization. If the Rays make the playoffs, they need one main guy to shut the door.

4. Who will be the starting right fielder?

This is a tough one. This one will probably not be answered until late in Spring Training. If the season started today, I would say it would be Gabe Gross. He is not spectacular, but plays hard in the field and at bat. I really want to see what Matt Joyce is all about this Spring Training.

If Joyce has a good Spring Training, I think he should be given a legitimate shot at the job. He looks to have the most upside of any candidate.

5. Who is a guy that can have a breakout season or a comeback season?

Scott Kazmir is an established starter in the league. However, he has been somewhat inconsistent in his first four full seasons in the majors. I think this is the year Kazmir has his breakout season.

The Rays need Kazmir to have a good season to take a little pressure off James Shields, Matt Garza, Andy Sonnanstine, and possibly David Price.

Carlos Pena had a fairly disappointing 2008 season. Pena seems ready to have a better 2009. With extra protection in the lineup, Pena is one to watch.

Atlanta Braves 2009 Season Preview

Scott Birchfield — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 23:51:09 -0500

The Atlanta Braves had a tough 2008 season. Injuries and inconsistency plagued them most of the year. As the 2009 season approaches, one has to wonder if the Braves are ready for a comeback to elite status. Here is a preview of the upcoming 2009 season:

Infield

At this point, the Atlanta Braves seem to be strong in the infield. Chipper Jones will again man third base. The only problem with Jones is his inability to play a whole season. The Braves will be happy with 145 games from Jones.

Yunel Escobar is the starting shortstop. He had a solid, yet unspectacular first full season for the Braves. He is looking to be a lot better this season.

Kelly Johnson is a solid second baseman. He had a tough start to the season, but ended the season as hot as anyone in baseball. Johnson has to be more consistent for the Braves to improve this season.

Casey Kotchman is the starting first baseman. He was put in a tough position when he was sent to Atlanta at the trade deadline for Mark Texeira. He never got comfortable in Atlanta. I think he will be more relaxed and much improved.

Outfield

The outfield has the most question marks of any of the positions on the field. The Braves needed to add some power to the outfield, but failed to do so.

Matt Diaz was re-signed and looks to be the starting left fielder. He is a professional hitter, but has a hard time staying healthy. If he struggles, look for him to platoon with Brandon Jones or lose the job outright.

Gregor Blanco will go into Spring Training competing with Josh Anderson for the starting center field position. Blanco was unspectacular in 2008. He needs to show a lot more to be considered the everyday center fielder. Anderson is as good a baserunner as Blanco and has a little more power. It will be interesting to see who leaves Spring Training the starter.

Jeff Francoeur had a tough 2008 season. 2009 is a make-or-break season for him. If he struggles, look for him to be elsewhere in 2010.

Catcher

Barring injury, Brian McCann will be the starting catcher for years to come. He is a fantastic offensive and defensive catcher. The Braves signed David Ross to be his backup. He should be a huge upgrade from Corky Miller.

Starting Pitching

What looked to be a glaring weakness heading into Spring Training has become a strength. The trade for Javier Vazquez and the signings of Derek Lowe and Kenshin Kawakami has given the Braves much-needed depth. Jair Jurrjens, Jorge Campillo, and Charlie Morton will not have as much pressure this year.

Bullpen

The bullpen is hard to figure out at this point. Mike Gonzalez is slated to be the closer and Rafael Soriano is slated to be the main set-up man. After that, there's still much to be decided. Blaine Boyer, Buddy Carlyle, Manny Acosta, and Jeff Bennett can be solid relievers.

However, Bobby Cox tends to overwork all his relievers. That has got to change for the Braves to contend this season.

Bench

The Braves have Greg Norton, Martin Prado, Brandon Jones, and Omar Infante returning to strengthen the bench. This is one of the best group of bench guys they have had in years.

Outlook

Because we are still a month away from Spring Training, I realize there may be more players brought in before the first workout. However, this is how I see the Braves season going as of this point. I am optimistic that the Braves can reach 85 wins this season. The key is keeping players healthy and consistent. It could be a good year for the Atlanta Braves.