They Might Be Giants: MLB's Top Darkhorses of 2011
Ho hum. As pitchers and catchers report this week, we already know who the favorites to reach the World Series are (thanks a lot, Cliff Lee and Adrian Gonzalez). Good thing there are five big league teams like last season's World Series foes that are capable of crashing the party. Pray at least one of them comes through so we don't spend all summer hearing how great the Red Sox and Phillies are.
1. Colorado Rockies
1 of 5
Did the very low-key, long-term deals the Rockies inked this winter with a couple of young stars sound familiar? Maybe the Cleveland Indians, circa 1992?
That's when the Tribe locked up a young nucleus that eventually yielded five straight postseason appearances and a pair of American League pennants. It just so happens that the second-in-command in Cleveland back then was current Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd. He's learned a few things since.
Not only do the Rox have shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez anchoring the offense for years to come; this team has pitching, too. Look out.
2. Los Angeles Angels
2 of 5
I enjoy the bombast about the Vernon Wells deal. History may prove it to be one of the worst in history, like EVERYONE seems to be saying. But keep an eye on the short term.
All the vitriol is bulletin board material for Wells (who had 31 HR last year, by the way), Torii Hunter, Kendry Morales and everyone else in Anaheim. And if pitching coach Mike Butcher figured out Scott Kazmir's problems this winter, the demise of this team could be greatly exaggerated.
3. Atlanta Braves
3 of 5
The spotlight shining on division rival Philadelphia is so bright and the clucking over Bobby Cox's departure so loud that a team that gutted its way to the NL Wild Card last year is a dark horse in 2011.
But Fredi Gonzalez is a steady hand, Dan Uggla adds much needed pop in the lineup, and Tommy Hanson looks like he's ready for a big year. Keep an eye on Jordan Schafer and Freddy Freeman, a pair of unproven rookies with a track record in the minors (Remember? Schafer was the next big thing back in 2008.). If they can make meaningful contributions, the Braves could be very good.
.png?w=256)
4. Baltimore Orioles
4 of 5
Here's an interesting concept. An A.L. East team other than the Rays or Yankees takes the Wild Card. Why not the Orioles?
Don't laugh like you did at the Rays before the 2008 season. The Birds didn't make any flashy, over-the-top acquisitions this winter. The Mark Reynolds trade was nice. But they have a lot of young talent getting better at the big league level, including a pitching staff that has no where to go but up.
A full year under a control freak like Buck Showalter might actually help this young team. Who knows? We may be looking at the second coming of those 2008 Rays.
5. Chicago Cubs
5 of 5
The Reds are the young team on the rise. The Brewers are the contender that went all in to win now.
Where does that leave the Cubs?
Because Jim Hendry didn't sign Carl Crawford, Cliff Lee or Adrian Beltre, his work went largely overlooked outside the Windy City. The Matt Garza trade cost him a few prospects, none of whom are particularly exciting. He brought in Carlos Pena, who may hit .200 but will drive in runs and play a good first base. Good-bye, fiery Lou Piniella. Hello, low-key Mike Quade.
Could the year of the understated offseason be the year the Cubs make it back to the postseason? Regardless, the team should be more fun to watch than the 2010 edition.
.png?w=480)
