Chicago Hurler Rich Hill Possibly an Oriole?

Ah, could the Orioles and the Chicago Cubs be making yet another trade? This time it involves a hurler whose name has come up again -- Rich Hill...

Here's the latest from the Baltimore Sun's Jeff Zrebiec and Dan Connolly:

The Orioles and Chicago Cubs are again involved in trade talks, this time about the Cubs' left-handed starter Rich Hill. According to industry sources, the two teams have had ongoing talks about Hill, a one-time top pitching prospect who is struggling to regain his command.

One industry source said it's a "strong possibility" that Hill will wind up with the Orioles, perhaps as early as next week. The Orioles will likely give up a player to be named who could be contingent on Hill's success in Baltimore.

>>> Read More

Bet on Baseball at BetUS.com - America's favorite sports betting destination for all sports fans; adding more excitement and bonuses than any other sportsbook on the web.

Pie & The Pitching

Now that the football season is over in Baltimore, I guess it is now time to turn our collective attention to the Orioles. In my opinion, so far, the organization has done a fairly modest job in improving the team.

For the most part, there are rave reviews about the Pie-Olson trade. While you always hate to trade pitching for a hitter, Pie just has way too much potential to just not make this move for Olson.

The Cubs may have put too much of a burden on Pie -- that organization is not a place for on-the-job training -- and he may for once get all the opportunities in the world to play in Baltimore. More likely than not, I see him starting. I think the O's are just going to let him go out there (ala Adam Jones) and hope his minor league numbers can translate in the majors. I see Luke Scott as the designated hitter, and Aubrey Huff playing at first. I think the Orioles are taking the baby steps to rebuild -- as in becoming younger and tad more athletic, and these are things you have to do to create a system.

>>> Read More

A Trade In The Works?

Hope everyone is having a great Thanksgiving holiday weekend and recovering from Black Friday -- assuming you partook in it -- however, it looks like the Orioles may now be involved in some trade talk now.

Well, if you have had your pulse on the news, it seems like the Oriole and Cubs are annual trade partners; thus, there may be something in the works -- again.

From the Baltimore Sun: The Orioles have revisited trade talks with the Cubs about outfielder Felix Pie, according to industry sources, and could end up as the third team in a three-way deal that would send marquee right-hander Jake Peavy from the San Diego Padres to Chicago.

Pie, once considered one of the best young prospects in the game, was an Orioles target at this time last year when the two teams discussed a trade involving two-time All-Star second baseman Brian Roberts.

Orioles president Andy MacPhail said today that a deal is not imminent but acknowledged that Pie is the kind of player the Orioles are pursuing to broaden the club's position depth.

"We have a lot of different irons in the fire," MacPhail said. "We're in the process of determining who our trading partners might be and which free agents we might have a chance to sign. We're basically in the same position as everybody else, waiting for a couple of big dominoes to fall."

Right now, considering Jones is in the fold in center field and Markakis is in right, I don't know if he's a fit for the team unless someone is moved. However, Pie has promise, and a place like Baltimore -- assuming he can live up to his potential -- could be one where he shines, plus could be another young player to be added to Baltimore's long term plans.

Now this tidbit...

The Padres, who are limited in trade talks for Peavy because of the 2007 National League Cy Young Award winner's no-trade clause, covet Garrett Olson, a Southern California native. This offseason, the Padres asked for Olson in exchange for veteran shortstop Khalil Greene, but the Orioles rejected the offer. Olson, 25, is 10-13 with a 6.87 ERA in 33 starts over two major-league seasons.

The Padres and Cubs have been looking for a third team to get involved in the Peavy trade talks because Chicago reportedly doesn't have all the young, major-league-ready pieces San Diego is seeking.

I'm not sure we should trade Olson -- he's shown flashes of brilliance at times, despite being inconsistent in 2008; however, the Orioles need to yet younger, and a player of Pie's pedigree and potential does not come by too often. The Cubs have their needs, as do the Orioles and Padres -- two teams that will most likely be in the second division in 2009.

Again, Pie seems to be quite inciting. What would he coming to Charm City factor into Luke Scott or Lou Montanez's playing time?

I'm split on doing this move; however, if the Padres add another piece -- primarily an infielder -- it might be move worth making especially if it could perhaps open the door to what could potentially transpire.

Then again, there might be a significant hurdle too on making this deal happen as Peter Schmuck notes:

Don't hold your breath on this. There are some complicating factors, primarily the three-year, $52 million contract extension Peavy signed that guarantees him an average of $16 million per year from 2010 through 2012 (on top of his $11 million for 2009 and including a $4 million buyout if his $22 million option for 2013 doesn't get picked up). Taking on that contract probably is going to require approval from whoever makes the highest bid for the Cubs franchise, which is being sold by the Tribune Company. The deadline for bids is Monday.

Stay tuned. Something may happen, or it may not.

Bet on Baseball at BetUS.com - America's favorite sports betting destination for all sports fans; adding more excitement and bonuses than any other sportsbook; on the web.

Oh, Lord, The Cubs & Brew Crew Save Their Season; Playoff Relfections

Oh Cubs fans, my lord.

How could Chicago's finest not put up a fight against the Dodgers -- a team that only finished with 84 wins? Harden was shaky in the first few innings, and for the most part did his job; however, the Cubs could not hot or draw anything when they were in scoring position; thus, lost the game and the series.


The Cubs didn't look like a team that won the most in the National League, they looked more like, um -- the Nationals. They could draw in runs, could not score, and their defense -- especially in game two was atrocious -- thus, it is little wonder why they were disposed of so quick? One would think now that the Dodgers have all the momentum in the world as their offense is so hot, along with their pitching -- starting and relief -- may send them to the World Series.

The Dodgers weren't too fearsome on Saturday night, but their first inning made the difference.

It's 101 years and counting for the Cubs. I don't believe in curses, but maybe the Chicago Cubs are.

***

The Brew Crew after looking like they would make a quick exit along with the Cubds redeemed themselves yesterday. Dave Bush came through in the clutch -- I don't think anyone would have thought he's only give up one earned run -- and the Brewers won the game, 4-1. Thanks to an early 2-0 lead, Milwaukee shut down the heart of the order Utley-Howard-Burrell and were firmly in control the whole game.

Philly had a chance to come back in the game; however, Shane Victorino might have cost them momentum in the final inning as he ran into an interference call.

Philadelphia loaded the bases with no outs in the ninth and Pedro Feliz hit a double-play grounder to third that appeared to drive in Ryan Howard .

But Shane Victorino, who hit a grand slam off Sabathia in Game 2, was called for interference when he didn't slide into second. The runners were sent back to second and third, and Carlos Ruiz tapped back to Torres for the final out.

The Brewers pulled rabbit out of the hat as Salmon Torres -- who was shaky as hell -- got the save and left the state of Wisconsin in the playoffs for another day.

Photo Gallery: Baltimore Orioles vs. Chicago Cubs: June 26th, 2008; Wrigley Field

Baltimore Orioles vs. Chicago Cubs: June 27th, 2008 , Wrigley Field

Photo Gallery: Baltimore Orioles vs. Chicago Cubs; Wrigley Field, Chicago, Ill. - June 25th & Video

Baltimore Orioles vs. Chicago Cubs; Wrigley Field, Chicago, Ill. - June 25th

If Bedard Is Traded, Is Roberts Next?

Ah, since Sunday night, it seems that business has picked up for the Orioles. Now, take a look at what CNN/Sports Illustrated writer John Heyman wrote last night...

First, more news on what most fans know already:

There are signs the deal is getting closer -- such as Jones telling reporters that he's headed to Baltimore for a physical -- but late word Sunday night is there's still some internal debate in Baltimore over the deal. Club owner Peter Angelos is famous for nixing deals involving his best players.

Mariners GM Bill Bavasi said by phone Sunday night that it was not a done deal. "We're not there yet,'' Bavasi said. "I can't tell you anything.''

Meanwhile, Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail echoed that sentiment to the Baltimore Sun. "We do not have an agreement with the Mariners," MacPhail said.

Sources told SI.com that Jones (.314 with 25 homers at Triple-A Tacoma), reliever George Sherrill (2-0, 2.36 with Seattle), a strikeout artist who could bolster Baltimore's injury-ravaged bullpen, and minor-league pitcher Chris Tillman (6-7, 5.26 at Class-A High Desert), are among players who have been prominently mentioned in trade talks. Catcher Jeff Clement (.275 with 20 homers also at Tacoma) was discussed at one point, but it's believed the Mariners will hold onto him.

Here's what Heyman says thereafter about the Cubs possibly acquiring Roberts:

If the Orioles do complete the Bedard trade, word is they would likely then send All-Star second baseman Brian Roberts (.290, 12 HR, 57 RBIs, 50 SBs) to the Chicago Cubs for prospects, possibly outfielder Felix Pie and pitcher Sean Gallagher (3-1, 2.66 at Triple-A Iowa). Pie batted .362 with nine home runs and 43 RBIs at Triple-A Iowa but hit just .215 in 177 at-bats with the Cubs in 2007.

However, the Roberts deal appears to be waiting on completion of the Bedard deal.

It looks like one deal may come after the other; however, let's wait and see. As most Orioles fans know by what is written by our great scribes is not gospel, as things can change by the minute.

If all goes as rumored, the Orioles would have accomplished in greatly turning over their roster, and more importantly getting guys under their control for several years.

Yet, another tip of the hat to Ian of Sox & Dawgs for the info...

Mark Cuban: Owning & Bleeding Cubbie Blue?

Baseball might have a new member of the small fraternity of owners – Mark Cuban

Although Cuban is widely known as being the larger-than-life, loud and opinionate owner of the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA, he wants to bleed Cubbie Blue and make his mark known in baseball.

From the AP: “Everybody thinks I'm going to be on the sidelines, in the dugout, jumping up and down. That's not where I'll be," he said on the Mike North Morning Show on radio station WSCR.

"When I went to the Cubs game a couple weeks ago, I sat in the bleachers, and I'll have a seat marked out for me and my friends. We'll be out in the right-field bleachers -- that's the best place to watch a game."

Tribune Co. announced six months ago that it would sell the club after the season in connection with an $8.2 billion buyout of the media conglomerate led by real estate magnate Sam Zell. But the process has moved slowly and many don't expect a sale to be completed until well into 2008.

Cuban said he hasn't made a final decision on whether to bid for the team. But once Tribune provides full details about the assets for sale, presumably including Wrigley, he expects to be in.

Well, I expect him to have an uphill climb in order to live out this dream. From what I know, baseball likes to have owners who live in their team’s vicinity and Cuban’s flamboyant nature may irk some of the fellow owners.

Only time will tell, but I don’t see it happening.

Playoff Reflections, Day Five

Cubs fans, I feel very sorry for you all -- seriously. I and probably 90% of the baseball world expected you all to just beat Arizona, but it was not to be.

The good Drew, Stephen (not J.D., sorry Ian, but I never liked him to begin with) along with Eric "Captain America" Byrnes, Chris Young and cast of others swept Chicago in three games.

They once again trumped Chicago's pitching, and now they have advanced to the NLCS, thanks to a dominating 5-1 victory.

This time Cubs fans cannot blame the Curse of the Billy Goat, black cats or Steve Bartman.

No, it was the lack of offense and the big-free agent signings who did not do their jobs.

***

What can you say about the Rockies? In the second inning, a scene out of a Alfred Hitchcock movie took place as the lights went out thanks to some violent winds. In a well, fought out game, Colorado won 2-1, as they got a huge hit from in an 8th rally by Jeff Baker's RBI single that scored Yarvit Torrelalba.

In the end, both the Rockies and Diamondbacks will take one another in the most unlikely NLCS match-up ever.

***

Being that the Yankees are on the brink of post season elimination, and seemingly will not capture their holy grail.

Of course, once again, Joe Torre's job is on the line, like it every year; however, based on the chatter already in the New York media, he being fired may actually come to fruition.

I hope he does not go out like this, as lest we forget, the baseball world and the Yankees brass were given him a pat on the back.

Now, the savior will be Roger Clemens, 45 and he's not pitched in the last 3 or so weeks. Lords knows which Roger will show up, as he's had problems staying healthy all season.

I see the Yanks taking game four, as Westbrook isn't exactly the most formidable guy out there and the confines of the Bronx are so intimidating; however, as we have seen in the 2007 playoffs, anything can happen.



***

Meanwhile, out West, the Sox take on the Angels. The game is obviously a must win for the Angels as they send Jered Weaver to counter against battle-tested veteran Curt Schilling.

I see the Sox wiping the floor with the Halos easily, I think that they have the complete team in the playoffs. Los Angeles has a hill to climb, and I just don't see them winning it.

Oh yeah, if anyone from TBS is reading, can you please stop running the spots for Frank Caliendo's new show every five minutes! It was cool too see his spots the first and second time around; however, after the 20th time, it's made me sick. Stop it! We get it.

Trachsel Traded

Steve Trachsel has been traded.

He's looked good in his past few starts, thus a contender needed an extra part, and Trax has been sent to the Cubs for prospects.

It kicks off the rebuilding of the Baltimore Orioles.

I guess we made our annual Chicago Trade after all...

A big tip of the hat to Ian of Sox and Dawgs for the quick note...

from Boston.com

The Orioles have traded RHP STEVE TRACHSEL to the Chicago Cubs for 3B SCOTT MOORE and RHP ROCKY CHERRY.

Trachsel, 36, went 6-8 with a 4.48 ERA (140.2IP, 70ER) in 25 starts for the Orioles this season. He allowed 3 earned runs or less in 17 of his 25 starts and missed 3 weeks while on the disabled list with a strained gluteus muscle. Trachsel was signed by the Orioles as a free agent on February 14, one day before pitchers and catchers reported to camp.

Moore, 23, has spent most of the season at AAA Iowa, batting .265 (85-321) with 19 home runs and 69 RBI. He appeared in 2 games for the Cubs this season, going 0-for-5. Moore also played 16 games for Chicago in 2006, batting .263 (10-36) with 2 home runs and 5 RBI.

Moore was originally selected by Detroit in the first round (8th overall) of the 2002 First Year Player Draft. He was traded to Chicago in 2005 and was selected to the Major League Future’s Game that season. He was named the Cubs’ 7th best prospect by Baseball America following the 2006 season.

Cherry, 28, has also spent most of the season at Iowa along with several stints with the Cubs. He went 2-0 with 7 saves and a 4.59 ERA (51.0IP, 26ER) in the minors, averaging 9.9 strikeouts per 9.0 innings. Cherry made 12 relief appearances for the Cubs this season, going 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA (15.0IP, 5ER) while holding opponents to a .224 batting average.

Cherry was named to the Southern League All-Star team in 2006, going 4-1 with 2 saves and a 2.22 ERA for AA West Tennessee. He was originally selected by the Cubs in the 14th round of the 2002 First Year Player Draft.

Moore and Cherry will report to the Orioles this weekend and be added to the roster on September 1.

Burres Torched, Palmer Gives a Helping Hand, O's Lose to the White Sox 11-6..

Brian Buress has been an unexpected source of strength for the Orioles. Summoned to the rotation after stints in long relief, he’s done relatively well and has kept the team in ball games.

Well, on Thursday, there was a change to the script. Up against the powerful, but very disappointing White Sox, Buress got hit hard – real hard.

The White Sox, in the end, thanks to a big night by Tadahito Iguchi and Jermaine Dye’s three-run homer, they beat the Orioles, 11-6.

Brian Burres got roasted, toasted and burnt to a crisp, as he allowed seven runs, all earned, on six hits, in a little more of an inning of work. He gave up 5 runs in the first inning, and got tagged for 2 more in the second.

He was then sent to the showers early.

The Orioles did get on board and showed their offense might thanks to 2 RBI’s by Nick Markakis, a 2-run homer by the suddenly hot Corey Patterson, and runs driven in by Brian Roberts and Freddie Bynum.

Kurt Birkins came into the game relieving and looked strong until the 6^th where Jose Uribe hit a 2-run homer and Jim Thome drove in a run.

The Orioles split the 4-game series with the White Sox and head to Texas for three games before the All-Star Break.

Oriole Magic's Heather Irvin has a preview of the series down in the Lone Star State...

***

The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Examiner, and Washington Post have a recap of the game last night.

Oriole broadcaster and Hall of Famer, Jim Palmer stopped by the bullpen last night to help Daniel Cabrera (alongside Leo Mazzone watching) with his mechanics and gave him advice as to how he could improve. In light of Cabrera’s struggles, he leads the team in innings pitched, and has looked brilliant at times. I know there has been some clamor to have him traded, but for now, considering his age, physical build and potential, he should stay. I don’t know if a trip to minors may help him, or the organization just sticks with him and lets him go at it in the majors, but the team cannot release him at any cost.

The O, By the Way Blog has more on Palmer’s visit, as does the Orioles MLB site, and the Washington Post.

Roch Kubatko has more Oriole news, this time about what is going on with certain players on the farm teams.

The Baltimore Examiner has a profile on Garrett Olson and other pitchers within the lower levels of the organization, along with Nathan Nery.

- photo from the AP/via the baltimoresun.com

Photo Gallery: Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals - July 3, 2007

Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals - July 3, 2007

I was at the Cubs/Nationals game on Tuesday night, and here are pictures.

Anyhow, I hope you all enjoy the great photos!

Photo Gallery: Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals - July 2, 2007

Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals - July 2nd, 2007

I was at the Cubs/Nationals game last night, not as a member of the press; alas, as a fan for a change. Tonight, I'll actually be covering the Mystics tonight in downtown Washington D.C.

Anyhow, I hope you all enjoy the great photos from last night!

Layeth the Smacketh Down... The Cubs Carlos Zambrano and Michael Barrett

The Cubs spent $300 million dollars in the acquisition of talent in the off-season and right now, it's looking like a train wreck.

In light of Sweet Lou Piniella blowing up and Alfonso Soriano forgetting how to swat homers, it's become a powder keg in Cubbie-world.

Friday, 'Big Z', Carlos Zambrano and Michael Barrett tussled in the Cubs dugout, and Big Z decided to channel "The Rock", Dwayne Johnson. He whooped up on Barrett and sent him to the hospital with six stitches to his lip, along with swelts and bruises.

The two men put the incident behind them and were fined.

When Lou Piniella left Tampa Bay, he thought his fortunes would be better; however, he's finding out in Chicago, there's a reason why the Cubs are the Cubs...

Thanks to the magic of the Internet and Yotube, you can see the action as it is...

NL Central Preview: A Capsule...

In tight division, expect to see a lot of action the National League Central and for it to be a dog fight.

Let me know what you think...

St. Louis Cardinals (88-74): St. Louis had an exhilarating end to 2006, the winter for the Cardinals has not been relatively full of fanfare. Even though the Cardinals have not signed a marquee free agent, the team took the initiative to extend ace Chris Carpenter’s contract, as well as resigned Jim Edmonds and Scott Speizio, who was nothing short of clutch in the playoffs. Meanwhile, pitchers Jeff Suppan and Jason Marquis left the team for greener pastures and join rivals within the division.

However, fans should feel confident that the National League Central is fairly weak this season, so anyone has a shot to win the division, with exception of perhaps the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Thus, the Cardinals have a good as chance to win the division.

The Cardinals have won consistently in the past decade, and there’s no reason to doubt the team can’t do it in 2007. The Cardinals do not look as strong on paper as they have in past seasons, but there’s no doubt that they will be contenders in the National League.

Carpenter, of course is the man in the starting rotation as he’ll be expected to win and put up solid numbers as usual. Mark Mulder will be counted on returning back to pre-injury form; Anthony Reyes and Adam Wainwright will need take his success from the playoff run in 2006 and translate into to big things in 2007. The bullpen in 2006 was amazingly reliable and will be counted on to do the same in ’07.

The offense, although aging, still has a lot of firepower and will be productive. The team of course, has the deadly first baseman Albert Pujols batting the middle & we know he’ll do a lot of damage and put up some amazing numbers. Third baseman Scott Rolen also carries a big stick, and although he struggled with some ailments at times in 2006, especially a sore shoulder, he’ll be a key to the offense and should keep in line with his career numbers since. Expect young Chris Duncan to do damage, and Jim Edminds, although aging, should be solid.

In the end, although the Cardinals lost a few key players that helped in their run to the World Series, Redbird fans should still count on the team to do well and contend in 2007. Although it is unknown if the Cardinals can duplicate their World Series run from 2006 in the upcoming season, but Tony LaRussa, Albert Pujols, Chris Carpenter and company should keep Busch Stadium rocking. Even though the Cardinals didn’t make a huge splash this winter, expect the team to continue to win and possibly take the NL Central again.

Chicago Cubs (86-76): With a last place finish in the National League Central, Cubs GM Jim Hendry instituted a radical change in the roster. With the Cubs not having won the World Series since 1908, and not having an appearance in it since 1945, the folks in Chicago are now becoming restless and wondering if and when they’ll ever see a trophy.

As the Cubs have been criticized in the past for not spending any money on premier talent, and only looking to make a buck and fill seats; this winter the Cubs spent about $300 million in acquiring free agents and talent in hopes of winning the NL Central and getting back into the World Series. Lou Piniella takes the helm from Dusty Baker in 2007, and he’s already installing a new brand of thinking for the Cubs.

The team spent a lot of money this offseason to secure free agents like Alfonso Soriano, Ted Lilly, Mark DeRosa & Jason Marquis. The Cubs also spent big money to re-sign Aramis Ramirez, Kerry Wood and Wade Miller. The offense should be greatly improved to complement a hopefully healthy Derek Lee. The Cubs last year were killed by injuries, lack of offense and poor pitching production. Gone from the team is Juan Pierre who signed a huge deal with the Dodgers, and Greg Maddux who was traded to the Dodgers in July of '06.

As much as the Cubs spent in the offseason, the offense may score a lot of runs, but the pitching situation is still shaky as ever.

After Carlos Zambrano, the Cubs go into the unknown in terms of their rotation, and Cub Nation will need big Z to deliver. Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis were some of the ballyhooed free agents signed by the team and given contracts that many thought were a bit much for their abilities.

The other wild cards in the rotation include Mark Prior and Wade Miller, as both men are trying to recover from injuries and a poor 2006 season.

The Cubs in 2007 should have an improved team, but with the Cardinals and Astros in the National League Central, things may be tough. However, based on the results of 2006, the division may be wide open next season and with questions concerning the Cardinals and Astros, the Cubs might be back in the playoffs if all goes right and the team can stay healthy.


Milwaukee Brewers (85-77): In 2006, the Brewers were seen to be a team on the rise mainly due to its young and talented starting corps and an electric collection of youngsters; however, it was not the Brewers year. With a litany of injuries, a pitching staff that didn’t live up expectations, and an offense lackluster at times, the Brewers only limped to a disappointing 75 wins.

Although the team had a season that did not live up to expectations, they have a great, talented core and should be primed to make an impact in the National League Central.

During the winter, the team added NLCS MVP, pitcher Jeff Suppan and longtime veteran Craig Counsell via free agency, acquired Johnny Estrada, Claudio Vargas and Greg Aquino via trade; however, the Brewers lost infielder Jeff Cirillo, and pitcher Tomo Ohka to free agency, and Edward Campusano, Doug Davis, Dana Eveland along with Dave Krynzel to trades.

Much of the promise for the Brewers comes with their starting pitching, and the top of the rotation is spear-headed by Ben Sheets and Chris Capuano, along with free agent signing Jeff Suppan.

The bullpen for the Brewers on paper looks strong; however, it had it share of struggles in 2006, so it will need Francisco Cordero and Derrick Turnbow to deliver.

The everyday lineup will be fairly young, but they have some big bats easily capable of doing damage. Once again, count on Bill Hall, Prince Fielder to carry big sticks, and for Geoff Jenkins to find his stroke again. Expect good things from youngsters Ricky Weeks, J.J. Hardy and grizzled veterans Tony Graffanino & Corey Koskie to help out.

The team now has even a greater infusion of young talent and will be exciting to watch; however, don’t discount the Brewers lack of experience – they have talent, skills and a good all-around game.

However, I think they will fall short.

Cincinnati Reds (82-80): GM Wayne Krivsky instead of relying on the homer happy offense of the past several seasons in 2006, took a huge gamble to rebuild the pitching corps (mainly the bullpen) along with defense by trading away talent. The trade that sparked the most talk in baseball during in 2006 was outfielder Austin Kearns and infielder Felipe Lopez sent to the Nationals for pitchers Gary Majewski, Bill Bray and Royce Clayton.

However, the team last season strengthened their bullpen and defense for 2007 and beyond.

The Reds had a quiet offseason on the market, but they added quite a bit of new pieces for 2007, including Alex Gonzales and Mike Stanton via free agency, and the team acquired Jeff Keppinger, Kirk Saarloos, Josh Hamilton and Jeff Conine via trade.

The pitching rotation for the Reds came up big in 2006, and it should remain pretty much the same as it did last year. The top of the rotation is spear-headed by Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang. A week ago, both pitchers received lucrative contract extensions, so the team should have two strong and durable hurlers for 2007 and beyond, but the rest of the staff is a question mark with Eric Milton, Kyle Lohse and Kirk Sarloos.

The Reds in 2007 will once again have the appearance of a strong bullpen, albeit, there’s not a real closer. The bullpen in 2006 early on was a big problem, as Wayne Krivsky realized it was weak, and he spent the much of 2006 on improving thing as well as fighting for a playoff spot.

In the bullpen this year will be young guns Bill Bray, Gary Majewski, and veterans Rheal Cormier, Mike Stanton and “Everyday” Eddie Guardado (though he is coming back from injury and won’t be back until mid-season), David Weathers and Todd Coffey. The team will probably employ a bullpen-by-committee to establish a closer, but David Weathers & Mike Stanton are strong candidates to close out games this upcoming season until Guardado returns. Majewski (coming back from injury) and Bray may be in long/middle relief, as they were both incredibly solid in Washington before they were traded.

The offense has gone from some changes from 2006 into 2007, but however, the offense should still be formidable with young players and veterans in the mix. Instead on relying on the home run, the team now looks to manufacture runs with speed and small ball; however, the longball is very much a weapon with Dunn and Griffey in the middle of the lineup.

Do the Reds have enough to compete in the NL Central? Maybe not, but then again the NL Central is still fairly weak, and everyone in the division with exception of the Pittsburgh Pirates have a chance to contend for a division title. Although the pitching has improved, the Reds may be haunted by the deal with the Nationals as they traded offensive threats, Kearns and Lopez. Nevertheless, I expect the Reds to be in the middle of thing 2007 and be a contender, though they do have some weaknesses.

Houston Astros (79-83): In this weak division, the Astros may be contenders, plus they are retooled with an upgraded offense with new addition Carlos Lee, and two new veteran pitchers. However, questions still remain about the starting pitching and if key members of the offense, especially Morgan Ensburg can bounce back from a dismal 2006.

The other huge question for the team in 2007 is whether Roger Clemens will come back to Houston, or if he’ll go to the American League and possibly help out the Yankees or Red Sox.

Houston added the aforementioned Carlos Lee, infielder Mark Loretta and pitcher Woody Williams via free agency, while gaining Jason Jennings and Miguel Asencio via trade during the winter; however, they lost Aubrey Huff, Andy Pettitte & Russ Springer to free agency, and Taylor Buchholz, Jason Hirsh and Willy Taveras via trade.

The Houston Astros have had some turnover in the pitching staff, as Andy Pettitte returned to New York City. As well, Brandon Backe is out maybe until the All-Star break, if not longer, so the team right now is in flux in terms of the pitching staff for 2007.

Expect another solid year from Roy Oswalt, and Jason Jennings and Woody Williams should be solid in 2007, but there is uncertainty for the rest of the pitching staff & it will need to step up if Houston has any hope of contending.

The bullpen for the Astros had some ups and downs in 2006, and the organization hopes 2007 will show a lot of improvement. The closer for now will be Brad Lidge, but his struggles in 2006 were cause for concern. Expect Dan Wheeler to step in as the closer if Lidge struggles.

The offense for the Astros served as an Achilles’ heel during the most of the season, and in turn very much hampered the team. Changes had to be made, & the checkbook was opened up for Carlos Lee, but for the most part the offense remains the same from last year and that too may remain a problem, unless key guys step up.

Again, expect a big year once again from Lance Berkman.

The Astros may once again make things interesting in the NL Central, but the team has way too many questions going to the season.

For the team to contend, a lot has to go right, including the offense and pitching performing to their potential and a key piece retuning - Roger Clemens.


Pittsburgh Pirates (74-88): The Pittsburgh Pirates have endured 14 losing seasons, but the team is blessed with young talent like Jason Bay and Freddy Sanchez, but they will once again finish in the second division.

The team is still young, raw and the pitching situation has a lot of promise, but most likely cannot be consistent enough to deliver to be a contender.

The starting pitching for the Pirates in 2007 will be very young, with exception of veterans Tony Armas and Shawn Chacon. The rotation for the moment will consist of Ian Snell, Zach Duke, Paul Malholm, Tom Gorzelanny or perhaps Shawn Chacon or Tony Armas having some role in the rotation. As well, the Pirates have plenty of young arms in the organization to call up from the minors if anyone struggle.

For a young team, the Pittsburgh bullpen was very solid, and should continue to be heading into 2007. The one big difference in the bullpen is that stud closer, Mike Gonzales who recorded 24 saves was traded to Atlanta for Adam LaRoche; however, Salomon Torres saved 12 games last year when Gonzales fell to injury, and finished with a 3.28 ERA last season. Torres will probably be the closer for now.

The offense for the Pirates was devoid of power for most part, and the Pirates spent the winter looking a power bat, and eventually got one with Adam LaRoche, although they had to part with young pitcher, Mike Gonzalez.

It remains to be seen if Freddy Sanchez can follow up on a great 2006, but Bay should be good for 30 homers and 100 RBIs. The Pirates have youngsters Jose Castillo, Xavier Nady and Ronny Paulino to help out the offense. Bay, LaRoche and Freddy Sanchez may do well, but they are still short at least once more bat offensively to compete.

In the end, the Pirates certainly may not have enough to be a contender in a weak National League, but they have enough young pieces in the organization to build a franchise around or perhaps deal and trade. As well, the Pirates have a potentially deep core of young pitching, but the development of the talent is paramount and the team is not quite there yet. The offense backed by Bay, LaRoche and Freddy Sanchez may do well, but they are still short at least once more bat offensively to compete.

Despite the Pirates’ weaknesses, the Steel City should have hope for optimism with a young team, filled with talent and potential diamonds in the rough.