Projected NL Standings

markj111 · April 2, 2009 4:12AM

From Baseball Prospectus:

East W-L RS RA AVG/ OBP/ SLG
Mets 92-70 825 721 .266/.341/.421
Phillies 87-75 828 769 .265/.339/.436
Braves 86-76 799 742 .272/.342/.420
Nationals 77-85 780 819 .259/.340/.416
Marlins 71-91 727 824 .254/.325/.417

Central W-L RS RA AVG/ OBP/ SLG
Cubs 95-67 861 726 .271/.347/.432
Brewers 84-78 785 754 .258/.331/.426
Cardinals 83-79 787 767 .258/.333/.428
Reds 79-83 762 775 .257/.325/.421
Astros 69-93 704 811 .261/.321/.403
Pirates 64-98 709 875 .257/.324/.405

West W-L RS RA AVG/ OBP/ SLG
Dodgers 92-70 819 714 .272/.342/.415
D'backs 88-74 815 741 .262/.335/.434
Giants 76-86 683 717 .263/.319/.397
Padres 72-90 679 753 .252/.323/.394
Rockies 71-91 842 951 .269/.345/.439

stevek · April 2, 2009 4:21AM

Yea, we know how "accurate" the prognosticators are. LOL

markj111 · April 2, 2009 6:07AM

<< Yea, we know how "accurate" the prognosticators are. LOL >>

That's why they play the games.

stown · April 2, 2009 6:54AM

Astros 69-93 704 811 .261/.321/.403

I'll gladly put some diet cokes on the over.

Hoopster · April 2, 2009 7:43AM

One of the biggest obstacles with predicting a teams w/l record is the performance in situational hitting(men on base). That performance for a team can fluctuate widely just based on good/bad luck.

Same for relievers stranding runners.

Then there are the obvious obstacles such as injuries, or career years(or unexplained prolonged slumps).

Just stating the obvious.

Morgoth · April 2, 2009 9:55AM

Whatever, Pirates will lose at least 100 games this thing is worthless.

otwcards · April 2, 2009 10:34AM

<< From Baseball Prospectus:

East W-L
Marlins 71-91

West W-L
Giants 76-86 >>

Looking at this I would suspect the two teams above to look more like this:

East W-L
Marlins 83-79 (Young pitching keeps them near the top until late August)

West W-L
Giants 82-80 (Pitching and surprise seasons from Ishikawa and Sandoval keep them in the race until mid-September)

joestalin · April 2, 2009 10:38AM

Phillies have a better team than last year and they are projected to lose the NL East?

LMFAO

Sincerely,
Cowboys super bowl champs in 2007 and 2008

grote15 · April 2, 2009 11:18AM

From Baseball Prospectus:

East W-L RS RA AVG/ OBP/ SLG
Mets 92-70 825 721 .266/.341/.421
Phillies 87-75 828 769 .265/.339/.436
Braves 86-76 799 742 .272/.342/.420
Nationals 77-85 780 819 .259/.340/.416
Marlins 71-91 727 824 .254/.325/.417

Obviously Baseball Prospectus, a very highly respected and well-informed organization, has hit the nail on the head for this season. I don't think there's any question about that..

JackWESQ · April 2, 2009 12:01PM

<< Giants 82-80 (Pitching and surprise seasons from Ishikawa and Sandoval keep them in the race until mid-September) >>

I agree. I doubt "my" Giants will win the NL West. But I think going .500 is very realistic.

/s/ JackWESQ

IchiroDeported · April 2, 2009 12:31PM

phillies improved offensively, but Camel Toe is going to have a tough year.

Marlins will do better than expected.

Pirates will lose 200 games.

JackWESQ · April 2, 2009 1:46PM

<< Pirates will lose 200 games. >>

You mean by the All-Star break correct? I just want to make sure. Thanks.

/s/ JackWESQ

stevek · April 2, 2009 2:54PM

<< From Baseball Prospectus:

East W-L RS RA AVG/ OBP/ SLG
Mets 92-70 825 721 .266/.341/.421
Phillies 87-75 828 769 .265/.339/.436
Braves 86-76 799 742 .272/.342/.420
Nationals 77-85 780 819 .259/.340/.416
Marlins 71-91 727 824 .254/.325/.417

Obviously Baseball Prospectus, a very highly respected and well-informed organization, has hit the nail on the head for this season. I don't think there's any question about that.. >>

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

You're right - Everyone from there got the NL East right last season - What a fine group of prognosticators.....

.....oops.....

April 5, 2008
Preseason Predictions
2008 Staff Picks, National League

by Baseball Prospectus

Today we reveal the Baseball Prospectus staff predictions for the division standings and the major player awards (MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year) in the National League, along with the staff picks in some fun miscellaneous categories.

Each staff member's division standings predictions may be found later in the article. Here, we present a wisdom-of-the-crowds summary of the results. In each table you'll find the average rank of each team in their division, plus the results of our pre-season MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year voting.

First-place votes are in parentheses.

Standings:

NL East

Team Average
New York Mets 1.2 (14)
Atlanta Braves 2.2 (2)
Philadelphia Phillies 2.6 (1)
Washington Nationals 4.1
Florida Marlins 4.9

NL Central

Team Average
Chicago Cubs 1.5 (9)
Milwaukee Brewers 1.5 (8)
Cincinnati Reds 2.9
St. Louis Cardinals 4.8
Houston Astros 4.9
Pittsburgh Pirates 5.2

NL West

Team Average
Los Angeles Dodgers 1.6 (11)
Arizona Diamondbacks 2.1 (5)
Colorado Rockies 2.9 (1)
San Diego Padres 3.6
San Francisco Giants 4.9

Individual Awards:

For the MVP voting, we've slightly amended the traditional points system in place that's been used elsewhere, dropping fourth- and fifth-place votes to make it 10-7-5 for the MVP Award, and the regular 5-3-1 for the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year Awards (that's 5 points for a first-place vote, 3 for a second-place vote, etc).

Next to each selection we've listed the total number of ballots followed by the total number of points, followed by the number of first-place votes in parentheses, if any were received.

NL MVP

1. David Wright, 3B, Mets. 13, 122 (11)
2. Mark Teixeira, 1B, Braves. 5, 34 (1)
3. Matt Holliday, LF, Rockies. 4, 31 (1)
4. Prince Fielder, 1B, Brewers. 4, 29 (1)
5. Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals. 4, 27 (1)
6. Ryan Braun, LF, Brewers. 3, 24 (1)
7. Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies. 3, 17
8. Jose Reyes, SS, Mets. 2, 15 (1)
9. Hanley Ramirez, SS, Marlins. 2, 12
10. Johan Santana, LHP, Mets. 2, 10
11. Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Cubs. 2, 10
12. Ryan Howard, 1B, Phillies. 1, 7
13. Russell Martin, C, Dodgers. 1, 7
14. Brandon Webb, RHP, Diamondbacks. 1, 5
15. Chris Young, CF, Diamondbacks. 1, 5
16. Chipper Jones, 3B, Braves. 1, 7
17. Takashi Saito, RP, Dodgers. 1, 5

NL Cy Young

1. Johan Santana, Mets. 17, 81 (15)
2. Jake Peavy, Padres. 9, 24
3. Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks. 9, 21 (1) 11
4. John Smoltz, Braves. 1, 5 (1)
5. Carlos Zambrano, Cubs. 3, 5
6. Pedro Martinez, Mets. 1, 3
7. Brad Penny, Dodgers. 1, 3
8. Dan Haren, Diamondbacks. 2, 2
9. Ben Sheets, Brewers. 2, 2
10. Chad Billingsley, Dodgers. 1, 1
11. Roy Oswalt, Astros. 1, 1
12. Takashi Saito, Dodgers. 1, 1
13. Cole Hamels, Phillies. 1, 1
14. Aaron Harang, Reds. 1, 1

NL RotY

1. Kosuke Fdome, RF, Cubs. 13, 47 (5)
2. Geovany Soto, C, Cubs. 8, 28 (4)
3. Joey Votto, 1B, Reds. 5, 17 (2)
4. Hiroki Kuroda, RHP, Dodgers. 4, 14 (2)
5. Johnny Cueto, RHP, Reds. 4, 10 (1)
6. Jay Bruce, CF, Reds. 5, 9 (1)
7. Franklin Morales, LHP, Rockies. 2, 8 (1)
8. Homer Bailey, RHP, Reds. 1, 5 (1)
9. Chase Headley, 3B, Padres. 3, 3
10. Manny Parra, RHP, Brewers. 1, 3
11. Jair Jurrjens, RHP, Braves. 1, 3
12. Colby Rasmus, CF, Cardinals. 1, 3
13. J.R. Towles, C, Astros. 1, 1
14. Andy LaRoche, 3B, Dodgers. 1, 1
15. Cameron Maybin, CF, Marlins. 1, 1

Individual Ballots:

* Kevin Goldstein
* Joe Sheehan
* Dan Fox
* Christina Kahrl
* Marc Normandin
* Jay Jaffe
* John Perrotto
* Nate Silver
* Jim Baker
* Ben Murphy
* Brad Wochomurka
* Derek Jacques
* David Laurila
* Bryan Smith
* William Burke
* Jason Paré
* Caleb Peiffer

Kevin Goldstein

Standings

NL East NL Central NL West
Mets Brewers Dodgers
Phillies* Cubs Rockies
Braves Reds Padres
Nationals Cardinals Diamondbacks
Marlins Pirates Giants
Astros

NL MVP
1. Albert Pujols
2. Mark Teixeira
3. Jose Reyes

NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Brandon Webb
3. Chad Billingsley

NL RotY
1. Kosuke Fdome
2. Geovany Soto
3. Joey Votto

The First Manager to Get Fired: John Gibbons

The Game to Watch: September 27--Behind three RBI from Evan Longoria, another strong outing from Scott Kazmir, and successful innings of relief from September call-ups David Price and Wade Davis, the Rays blow out the Tigers 9-1 for their 81st win of the year, clinching the first non-losing season in franchise history.

Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Zach Duke

Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Tony Pena Jr.

Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Ryan Howard

The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Howie Kendrick

Best Player traded at the July deadline: Huston Street

First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Tim Beckham

Barry Bonds Signs With: Nobody

Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Zero

The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: the Cardinals, in July

The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Giants

The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Mets

Joe Sheehan

Standings

NL East NL Central NL West
Mets Cubs Diamondbacks
Braves* Brewers Dodgers
Phillies Reds Rockies
Nationals Astros Padres
Marlins Cardinals Giants
Pirates

NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Johan Santana
3. Brandon Webb

NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Brandon Webb
3. Roy Oswalt

NL RotY
1. Kosuke Fdome
2. Joey Votto
3. Chase Headley

The First Manager to Get Fired: John McLaren

The Game to Watch: September 21st, Tigers at Indians. It'll be the last head-to-head in great division matchup.

Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Matt Cain

Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Nate Schierholtz

Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Ryan Howard

The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Ichiro Suzuki

Best Player traded at the July deadline: Pat Burrell

Barry Bonds Signs With: Yankees, July 17

Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Zero

The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Cardinals, May 20

The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Angels, 85-89 wins

The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Rangers, 69-92 wins

Dan Fox

Standings

NL East NL Central NL West
Mets Cubs Dodgers
Phillies* Brewers Diamondbacks
Braves Reds Rockies
Nationals Cardinals Padres
Marlins Pirates Giants
Astros

NL MVP
1. Jose Reyes
2. Matt Holliday
3. Albert Pujols

NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Carlos Zambrano
3. Dan Haren

NL RotY
1. Geovany Soto
2. Hiroki Kuroda
3. Andy LaRoche

The First Manager to Get Fired: Cecil Cooper

The Game to Watch: All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium

Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Daniel Cabrera

Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Jason Kendall

Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Ryan Howard

The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Tony Pena Jr.

Best Player traded at the July deadline: Jason Bay

First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Tim Beckham

Barry Bonds Signs With: Nobody

Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): No additional suspensions as a result of the Mitchell Report, but the threat of those suspensions will be used as leverage to enhance the existing testing program.

The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Cardinals, June 27th

The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Cubs, 86-90 wins

The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Rays, 74-89 wins

Christina Kahrl

Standings

NL East NL Central NL West
Braves Brewers Dodgers
Mets Cubs* Diamondbacks
Phillies Reds Rockies
Nationals Cardinals Padres
Marlins Astros Giants
Pirates

NL MVP
1. Ryan Braun
2. Chipper Jones
3. Takashi Saito

NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Jake Peavy
3. Brandon Webb

NL RotY
1. Hiroki Kuroda
2. Joey Votto
3. Jay Bruce

The First Manager to Get Fired: Cecil Cooper

The Game to Watch: September 16th, Brewers at Cubs.

Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Matt Cain

Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Jason Kendall

Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Ryan Howard

The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Howie Kendrick

Best Player traded at the July deadline: Joe Nathan

First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Tim Beckham

Barry Bonds Signs With: Mets, May 31st

The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Pirates, July

The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Padres, 80-84 wins

The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Astros, 67-85 wins

Marc Normandin

Standings

NL East NL Central NL West
Mets Cubs Dodgers
Phillies* Brewers Diamondbacks
Braves Reds Rockies
Nationals Pirates Padres
Marlins Cardinals Giants
Astros

NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Prince Fielder
3. Chase Utley

NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Jake Peavy
3. Brandon Webb

NL RotY 1. Kosuke Fdome
2. Geovany Soto
3. Jay Bruce

The First Manager to Get Fired: John Gibbons

Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Matt Cain

Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Nick Punto

Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Jack Cust

The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Ivan Rodriguez

Best Player traded at the July deadline: Adam Dunn

First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Tim Beckham

Barry Bonds Signs With: Mets, June

Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Two

The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Blue Jays, July

The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Giants, 60-63 wins

The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Phillies, 83-91 wins

Jay Jaffe

Standings

NL East NL Central NL West
Mets Brewers Dodgers
Braves Cubs* Rockies
Phillies Reds Diamondbacks
Nationals Cardinals Padres
Marlins Astros Giants
Pirates

NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Ryan Braun
3. Mark Teixeira

NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Jake Peavy
3. Chad Billingsley

NL RotY
1. Jay Bruce
2. Kosuke Fdome
3. Johnny Cueto

Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Matt Cain

Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Jose Lopez

Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Adam Dunn

The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Corey Patterson

Best Player traded at the July deadline: Rich Harden

Barry Bonds Signs With: Orioles, July 1st

Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Paul Lo Duca

The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Blue Jays, July 31st

The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Red Sox, 85-95 wins

The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Reds, 70-90 wins

John Perrotto

Standings

AL East NL Central NL West
Mets Cubs Rockies
Braves* Brewers Dodgers
Phillies Reds Padres
Marlins Astros Giants
Nationals Pirates Diamondbacks
Cardinals

NL MVP
1. Matt Holliday
2. David Wright
3. Aramis Ramirez

NL Cy Young
1. John Smoltz
2. Johan Santana
3. Carlos Zambrano

NL RotY
1. Franklin Morales
2. Kosuke Fdome
3. Johnny Cueto

The First Manager to Get Fired: John Gibbons

Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Daniel Cabrera

Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Cesar Izturis

Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Adam Dunn

The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Luis Hernandez

Best Player traded at the July deadline: Paul Konerko

First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Tim Beckham

Barry Bonds Signs With: San Diego, June 1st

Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Zero

The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Pirates, All-Star break

Nate Silver

Standings

NL East NL Central NL West
Mets Cubs Dodgers
Braves* Brewers Diamondbacks
Phillies Reds Rockies
Nationals Astros Padres
Marlins Pirates Giants
Cardinals

NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Russell Martin
3. Ryan Zimmerman

NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Pedro Martinez
3. Takashi Saito

NL RotY
1. Geovany Soto
2. Kosuke Fdome
3. Jay Bruce

The First Manager to Get Fired: John McLaren

Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Matt Cain

Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Cristian Guzman

Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Ryan Howard

The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Howie Kendrick

Best Player traded at the July deadline: Joe Nathan

First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Pedro Alvarez

Barry Bonds Signs With: Texas, Memorial Day

The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Minnesota, when it realizes that Joe Nathan isn't a good investment of resources on a 90-loss club.

The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Rangers (~65 win downside, 80-win upside)

The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: A's (~92-win upside, 65-win downside)

Jim Baker

Standings

NL East NL Central NL West
Mets Cubs Diamondbacks
Phillies Brewers* Dodgers
Braves Reds Padres
Nationals Astros Rockies
Marlins Pirates Giants
Cardinals

NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Prince Fielder
3. Chase Utley

NL Cy Young
1. Brandon Webb
2. Johan Santana
3. Jake Peavy

NL RotY
1. Joey Votto
2. Kosuke Fdome
3. Hiroki Kuroda

The First Manager to Get Fired: Ron Washington

The Game(s) to Watch: Wednesday, July 23rd--At 1:05 PM, the Twins will be at Yankee Stadium, and at 7:10 PM, the Phillies are at Shea Stadium. This is an excellent chance to see complete ballgames at both doomed New York ballparks on the same day.

Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Tim Lincecum

Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Tony Pena Jr.

Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Ryan Howard

The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Ivan Rodriguez

Best Player traded at the July deadline: Jim Thome

Barry Bonds Signs With: White Sox, May 15th

Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Zero

The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Blue Jays, July 15th

The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Yankees, 93-97 wins

The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Dodgers, 75-90 wins

Ben Murphy

Standings

NL East NL Central NL West
Mets Cubs Dodgers
Phillies Brewers* Diamondbacks
Braves Reds Rockies
Nationals Cardinals Padres
Marlins Astros Giants
Pirates

NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Chase Utley
3. Hanley Ramirez

NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Jake Peavy
3. Brandon Webb

NL RotY
1. Geovany Soto
2. Kosuke Fdome
3. Jay Bruce

The First Manager to Get Fired: John McLaren

The Game to Watch: Monday, April 14th, Yankees at Rays-–Scott Kazmir makes his season debut against Joba Chamberlain after an early injury to the Yankees staff forces the youngster into the rotation. Both throw six shutout innings, Upton homers in the bottom of the seventh to force Joba from the game, and Kazmir finishes the win in a promising return from the elbow scare.

Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Matt Morris, NL; Steve Trachsel, AL

Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Cesar Izturis

Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Ryan Howard

The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Adam Everett

Best Player traded at the July deadline: Joe Blanton

First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Pedro Alvarez

Barry Bonds Signs With: Indians, June 2. The problem here is that it makes the most sense for teams like the Indians or Mariners to sign him, but they don’t seem willing to assume the risk and the off-field concerns. However, both could make huge upgrades at LF and DH, respectively, and at some point, the impact on the field has to trump all the other issues.

Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Zero

The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Padres, July 10th (NL); Blue Jays, June 10th (AL)

The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Both the Blue Jays and Padres fit this question well, and both being smart enough to recognize that they’re in divisions with established powers (Blue Jays) or already-built young teams (Padres), both seem likely to be right around 78 to 82 wins, and will hopefully recognize it and choose to rebuild early enough to make trading season exciting.

The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Mariners (AL)--They could win 88 again if they manage to get decent performances out of the bottom of the rotation (Silva, Washburn, Batista) and the offense is decent, which isn’t a stretch if they sign a real DH and get some power out of Sexson and Ibanez; of course, it’s probably more likely that only Bedard, Felix, and Putz are assets on the mound and only Beltre and Ichiro are useful at the plate, and in that case they'll struggle to win 76 games.

Reds (NL)--With several blossoming youngsters in Votto, Bruce, Bailey, Cueto, and Volquez, the Reds could get moderately good performances from Keppinger and Valentin, or a breakout from Edwin Encarnacion or return to 2006 form for Corey Patterson, and let their stars like Dunn and Harang lead the way to a win total in the upper 80s; if the youngsters stay in the minors or aren’t ready for the big time yet, it would take special contributions from guys like Griffey and Arroyo to keep them above 77 wins.

Brad Wochomurka

Standings

NL East NL Central NL West
Mets Cubs Diamondbacks
Braves Brewers Dodgers*
Phillies Reds Rockies
Nationals Astros Padres
Marlins Cardinals Giants
Pirates

NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Matt Holliday
3. Mark Teixeira

NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Jake Peavy
3. Carlos Zambrano

NL RotY
1. Geovany Soto
2. Johnny Cueto
3. Kosuke Fdome

The First Manager to Get Fired: Charlie Manuel

The Game to Watch: Yankees at Red Sox, September 26-–first game of the final series of the season–-who knows what could be on the line?

Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Daniel Cabrera

Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Juan Uribe

Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Jack Cust

The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Pedro Feliz

Best Player traded at the July deadline: Roy Oswalt

First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Pedro Alvarez

Barry Bonds Signs With: Reds, whenever Ken Griffey Jr. hits the DL

Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Zero

The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Astros, July

The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Rangers, 10-win spread

The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Phillies, 25-win spread

Derek Jacques

Standings

NL East NL Central NL West
Phillies Brewers Diamondbacks
Mets Cubs Dodgers*
Braves Reds Rockies
Marlins Pirates Padres
Nationals Cardinals Giants
Astros

NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Ryan Howard
3. Prince Fielder

NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Jake Peavy
3. Cole Hamels

NL RotY
1. Kosuke Fdome
2. Colby Rasmus
3. Cameron Maybin

The First Manager to Get Fired: John Gibbons

The Game to Watch: The first Mets/Yankees game that Johan Santana starts.

Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Gil Meche

Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Cesar Izturis

Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Ryan Howard

The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Jeff Francoeur

Best Player traded at the July deadline: Adam Dunn

Barry Bonds Signs With: Angels, August 7th

Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Six

The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Giants, All-Star Break

The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Orioles, 68-72 wins

The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Reds, 75-90 wins

David Laurila

Standings

NL East NL Central NL West
Braves Brewers Dodgers
Mets* Cubs Diamondbacks
Phillies Reds Padres
Nationals Pirates Rockies
Marlins Cardinals Giants
Astros

NL MVP
1. Prince Fielder
2. Mark Teixeira
3. David Wright

NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Brandon Webb
3. Aaron Harang

NL RotY
1. Kosuke Fdome
2. Jair Jurrjens
3. Geovany Soto

The First Manager to Get Fired: Dave Trembley. Expectations aren’t high, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to win games.

The Game to Watch: Detroit at Cleveland, September 19th. The Indians and Tigers begin a three-game series neck-and-neck for the division lead, with the Angels (and maybe another team or two) also in the wild card race.

Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Barry Zito. If you start a lot of games for a team with a poor offense, well...

Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): I hate trying to predict things like this, but with a gun at my head I'd say Brad Ausmus, but only because he regularly gets votes here; I respect Ausmus as a player.

Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Adam Dunn. He’ll also have a good OPS, but that’s not the question.

The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Nomar Garciaparra

Best Player traded at the July deadline: Rich Harden

First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Pedro Alvarez

Barry Bonds Signs With: Sing Sing Giants. When? Does it really matter?

Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Three

The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Athletics, July

The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Indians, five-game spread

The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Mets, 15-game spread

Bryan Smith

Standings

NL East NL Central NL West
Mets Cubs Dodgers
Braves* Brewers Rockies
Phillies Reds Diamondbacks
Nationals Cardinals Padres
Marlins Astros Giants
Pirates

NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Matt Holliday
3. Aramis Ramirez

NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Brad Penny
3. Dan Haren

NL RotY
1. Homer Bailey
2. Franklin Morales
3. Chase Headley

The First Manager to Get Fired: John Gibbons

The Game to Watch: University of Miami vs. University of Missouri; College World Series, June 27th

Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Barry Zito

Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Tony Pena Jr.

Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Jack Cust

The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Tony Pena Jr.

Best Player traded at the July deadline: Paul Konerko

First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Aaron Crow

Barry Bonds Signs With: San Diego, July 4th

The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Orioles, June 15th

The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Phillies, 86-89 wins

The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Rays, 72-85 wins

William Burke

Standings

NL East NL Central NL West
Mets Brewers Dodgers
Braves* Reds Diamondbacks
Phillies Cubs Padres
Nationals Astros Rockies
Marlins Cardinals Giants
Pirates

NL MVP
1. Mark Teixeira
2. Hanley Ramirez
3. Albert Pujols

NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Brandon Webb
3. Ben Sheets

NL RotY
1. Joey Votto
2. Manny Parra
3. Chase Headley

The First Manager to Get Fired: Ron Washington

The Game to Watch: All of them (if you can).

Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Noah Lowry

Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Adam Everett

Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Carlos Pena

The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Bengie Molina

Best Player traded at the July deadline: Hank Blalock

Barry Bonds Signs With: San Diego, June 4

Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): One

The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Giants, April 15th

The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Padres, 78-82 wins

The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Rays, 69-85 wins

Jason Paré

Standings

NL East NL Central NL West
Mets Brewers Dodgers
Braves Cubs* Diamondbacks
Phillies Reds Rockies
Nationals Astros Padres
Marlins Cardinals Giants
Pirates

NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Albert Pujols
3. Johan Santana

NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Jake Peavy
3. Brandon Webb

NL RotY
1. Johnny Cueto
2. Kosuke Fdome
3. J.R. Towles

The First Manager to Get Fired: John Gibbons

The Game to Watch: September 19th, Mets at Braves.

Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Barry Zito

Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Tony Pena Jr.

Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Ryan Howard

The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Ivan Rodriguez

Best Player traded at the July deadline: Joe Blanton

First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Brian Matusz

Barry Bonds Signs With: Padres, May

Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Seven

The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Reds, July

The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Rangers, 70-78 wins

The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Phillies, 74-92 wins

Caleb Peiffer

Standings

NL East NL Central NL West
Mets Brewers Diamondbacks
Braves Cubs* Dodgers
Phillies Reds Padres
Nationals Pirates Rockies
Marlins Cardinals Giants
Astros

NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Ryan Braun
3. Chris B. Young

NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Jake Peavy
3. Ben Sheets

NL RotY
1. Hiroki Kuroda
2. Kosuke Fdome
3. Geovany Soto

The First Manager to Get Fired: John McLaren

The Game to Watch: Cubs at Brewers, September 28

Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Wandy Rodriguez

Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Joe Crede

Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Jack Cust

The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Pablo Ozuna

Best Player traded at the July deadline: Jason Bay

First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Aaron Crow

Barry Bonds Signs With: Oakland, June 4th

Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Zero

The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Astros, July

The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Orioles, 60-66 wins

The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Rays, 75-90 wins

stevek · April 2, 2009 2:58PM

Baseball Prospectus 2008 predictions link:

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=7320

grote15 · April 3, 2009 10:50AM

Steve, this may come as a shock to you, but we are in 2009...but thanks for taking up about 45 feet with that last post...

Hoopster · April 3, 2009 12:03PM

Grote, LOL....and people thought my posts were long!

The Mets signed the dirt bag

and I was pulling for the Mets to knock off the Phillies so their obnoxious brain dead fans can stop talking nonsense. After all, you have fools promoting Ryan Howard as the best ever, and then dismissing Mike Schmidt because they 'feel' he never got hits when it counted. Yeah, i am going to trust their feeling, WRONG!

I guess I can hope that Sheffield just hits a lot of doubles, never makes it to 500, and then gets hurt again and is gone for good.

Met fans, here's hoping for Reyes hit .315 with 18 HR and 70 stolen bases...

grote15 · April 3, 2009 12:11PM

Met fans, here's hoping for Reyes hit .315 with 18 HR and 70 stolen bases...

I'll drink to that!

I can't Sheffield either, but for the major league minimum I guess it was a deal that they felt they needed to make. I think personally that Manuel is not sold on Church being an everyday OF and this way he was a righty power hitter to back him up..

I'm more concerned about the human hit machine aka Livan Hernandez pitching every fifth day...but then again I hear he knows how to win so maybe we'll be ok there, too...

grote15 · April 3, 2009 12:14PM

Grote, LOL....and people thought my posts were long!

LOL, that post just shows that SteveK knows how to utilize the copy and paste buttons, which is rather impressive for a Sillies fan, I must admit..

stevek · April 3, 2009 12:32PM

<< Steve, this may come as a shock to you, but we are in 2009...but thanks for taking up about 45 feet with that last post... >>

I never learned how to copy and paste - I hand typed all that in, 8 hours worth of work, and that's the sarcastic thanks I get?

I'm already looking forward to around the All Star break when the Mercenaries are gasping for air to stay alive in the division race. Ha!

joestalin · April 3, 2009 12:41PM

The real question Hoopster, is when will they erase Teddy Roosevelt's face on Rushmore and put Ryan Howard's?

I guess the bone heads in my fantasy league think the Phillies are going to dominate too, I can't get a Philly from anyone! Even tried to trade #3 Reyes
for #9 Howard and got rejeceted! I can't even trade Mets players to a Mets fan! At least he knows it will be Philly domination AGAIN
this year!

..and what would be an off season for Hamels? 22-4??

JS

grote15 · April 3, 2009 12:55PM

.and what would be an off season for Hamels? 22-4??

Let's see him pitch 7 innings pain free first...bet there are a lot of fingers crossed in that Sillies dugout the first time he takes the mound...and btw when will that be, April 10, 20? I'm a little nervous if my ace is being pushed back in the rotation before the season even starts..without Cole, Sillies finish .500 at best, LOL!!

joestalin · April 3, 2009 12:59PM

Doesn't matter if the pen has holes, if you are up 8 runs going into the later innings!

oh and Lidge STILL owns you all!

JS

Hoopster · April 3, 2009 1:51PM

Stalin, I actually liked the Mt. Rushmore comment...it was a bit humerous.

I would love to join the fantasy league where someone has Ryan Howard valued above Reyes.

Grote, LOL, that was one heckuva thread about Livan Hernandez before! I actually don't think he will hurt them too much. He will be the innings eater for them....and it seems he does know how to win because he recognized that a key ingredient to having a good W/L record is signing with a good team, LOL!

Of course, if he is a 7-4 and the Mets choose not to go after a Jake Peavy because Livan "knows how to win," then that is another story, and it will be Francisco Liriano all over again, WHICH I HAVE TO ADD, THAT IF MINNESOTA HAD SOUND REASONING LAST YEAR, MINNESOTA WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE PLAYOFFS...BUT NO, THEY KEPT A BETTER PITCHER OUT UNDER THE PREMISE THAT LIVAN 'KNEW HOW TO WIN'.

grote15 · April 3, 2009 6:09PM

Even tried to trade #3 Reyes
for #9 Howard and got rejeceted!

No offense to Sillies fans everywhere, but anyone who'd reject a straight up trade of Howard for Reyes is an absolute idiot...if this is a money league, get me in!! I could use the extra dough...then again, if Stalin is in the league, the winners probably don't get paid anyway, so nevermind...

Projected NL Standings

Comments