Who's ready to talk some baseball?

[John]

Pitchers and catchers report tomorrow(!!) which means games aren't far away.

It was a great offseason to watch, with gigantic oversized contracts being handed out like candy on Halloween.

With everything in mind, let's see your predictions for divisional winners and wild cards in each league

_________NL___________AL
East : Mets ........... NYY
Central : Cubs ............ CLE
West : San Diego .... OAK
Wild Card: Phillies ......... BOS

I really had a hard time with the AL West because it didn't change much from last year, mostly losses for Oakland (Thomas, Zito) and Anaheim somehow managed to do nothing, with a ton of excess prospects.

You can easily flip flop the Yanks and BoSox in their slots, especially if the Sox's pitching lives up to it's potential. A lots going to depend on where Clemens goes.

AL Central, I see the Indians and Min down to the wire, with CLE barely taking it. Tigers barely lose to the AL east runner up for WC.

The NL is a mess.

In the east, the Mets have a great line up with a suspect rotation that lives on Glavine, El Duque, a couple of 40 year olds. After that, its up for grabs til Pedro comes back mid season. I think their offense can carry them until the rotation simmers down. The Phils will be there right to the end

Central is a lot like the AL West. The Cubbies have all the firepower in the world, but the rotation has tons of question marks. The cardinals did absolutely nothing except add Adam Kennedy and let most of their rotation roam on the FA market. Brewers aren't quite there yet, but their rotation could get them deep in the hunt.

NL West has the strongest pitching in the entire league. Look for a repeat of last year, with San Diego and the Dodgers battling it out til the end.

So, what's your prediction?

[Ep41382]

definetly looking forward to some baseball...i always get myself so pumped up for the season.. and then "my team" the d-ray suck once again.. every yr all i ask for is .500 ball.. yet to see it though.. hell their yet to even come close.. who knows.. maybe this is the yr...

[DookieLuv!]

It would be kickass if the Devil Rays picked up Shaun King to pitch....

[DookieLuv!]

"King owns a 14-8 record as a starting quarterback in the NFL. King attended college at Tulane University where he set an NCAA record for passing efficiency in 1998 and became the first player in NCAA history to ever pass for 300 yards and rush for 100 yards in the same game vs. Army on November 14, 1998"....Learn something new every day.

[Bucsfan]

http://forums.offtopic.com/image.php?u=3946&dateline=1171256128

[John]

The Rays could take the Orioles on and make 4th place, as the O's have one of the weaker line ups in the entire league. The Rays line up should be pretty solid top to bottom

[truffle_shuffle!]

Al East: Red Sox..... Or Yankee's depends on Clemens and the Redsox living up to the hype
Nl East :Phillies.... I dont see The Mets having the firepower in the rotation in the stretch cause with age comes injuries...
AL central : Detroit... yet another to close to call.
NL Central: Cubs
AL west: the A's ... mostly because the Angels will find ways to lose even though they have a solid lineup.
NL west: In a barnbunner I take the Dodgers.....


Cant wait.. Anyone else hitting some Spring games.. I live a few minutes from the Phils .. I plan on seeing them, the braves (my home team) and the Red Sox.

[Bucsfan]

Anybody interested in a TF Devil Rays game meet? :dunno:

I don't really like baseball and haven't been to a Rays game since '98, but this might be fun to have.

[truffle_shuffle!]

Anybody interested in a TF Devil Rays game meet? :dunno:

I don't really like baseball and haven't been to a Rays game since '98, but this might be fun to have.

Im down... I love baseball even if it is the crappy rays.

[Gervais]

Yes, sir! Baseball is finally just right around the corner. I am so stoked.

AL East - Yankees.
AL Central - Tigers.
AL West - Angels.

NL East - Phillies.
NL Central - Cubs.
NL West - Dodgers.

AL Wild Card - Red Sox.
NL Wild Card - Mets.

Minaya certainly had a down off-season. In my opinion, he had to sign an elite pitcher. He didn't, and the Mets' lack of a top-notch starter will cost them the NL East crown.

The Yankees' pitching staff is suspect, too. Pettitte can never stay healthy. Also, Pettitte is back in the AL, where he'll have to face a DH and better offenses.

John, has Ryu killed any ospreys lately? 'Cause I don't him being on probation while he's in a Rays uniform.

Drew

[Treysdad]

I'd be interested in going to a game. Used to go to Cubbies games when I was a kid. I would prefer a better team than the Rays but if it's an opponent they can beat, why not.

[John]

John, has Ryu killed any ospreys lately? 'Cause I don't him being on probation while he's in a Rays uniform.

Drew

no, Ryu hasn't killed any osprey's lately, but opponents killed his fastball in the majors last year :lol:

I'd be down for a DRays game and possibly some ST games as well. I love baseball even though I never get to see my Cubbies play in person :(

[RichWarChild]

Cant wait.. Anyone else hitting some Spring games.. I live a few minutes from the Phils .. I plan on seeing them, the braves (my home team) and the Red Sox.


All of the pre season Sox games in this area are sold out. I've looked. Checked out the Phillies ones and the Blue Jays pre-season games Vs the Sox.

[dan]

i'm definitely going to make some games this spring if i can, probably over spring break (mar 12-16). hopefully the weather is warmer by then.

tigers and indians are both about 10-15 min from me. though i will prefer to see the tigers. tigers picked up gary sheffield from the yanks as new DH, which should be good. he is getting older but he still swings the bat well. pitching lineup is mostly the same with rogers and the others. had a great run last year after so many seasons of losing records. now with a taste in their mouth, hope they can make it interesting again this year.

[truffle_shuffle!]

All of the pre season Sox games in this area are sold out. I've looked. Checked out the Phillies ones and the Blue Jays pre-season games Vs the Sox.
DAMMMMMIT!!!!!!! Thank god I got my Braves vs. Mets Tickets..

I have 3 games booked already...

Braves Vs. Mets 3/22 in orlando
Phillies Vs. Tigers 3/1
Phillies Vs. Braves 3/23

anyone wanna see

Jays Vs. Red Sox.. cause they have a few tix for one game 3/13 from what their box office said.

[RichWarChild]

DAMMMMMIT!!!!!!! Thank god I got my Braves vs. Mets Tickets..

I have 3 games booked already...

Braves Vs. Mets 3/22 in orlando
Phillies Vs. Tigers 3/1
Phillies Vs. Braves 3/23

anyone wanna see

Jays Vs. Red Sox.. cause they have a few tix for one game 3/13 from what their box office said.


Thats the game I was going to goto. It's litteraly 2 blocks from where I work. When I tried getting 4 tickets it was sold out they said.

[truffle_shuffle!]

Thats the game I was going to goto. It's litteraly 2 blocks from where I work. When I tried getting 4 tickets it was sold out they said.

The lower reserve is sold out... everwhere else is open.... Im getting a upper reserve seat.

[Mr Chrispy]

Baseball is like 5th on my sports list behind football, boxing, hockey, and basketball; so I can take it or leave it and having a sucky team like the D-Rays doesn't help matters at all.

[John]

Baseball is like 5th on my sports list behind football, boxing, hockey, and basketball; so I can take it or leave it and having a sucky team like the D-Rays doesn't help matters at all.

great. There are a lot of other threads about other sports in this forum. Please feel free to visit them, and not this one.

[RichWarChild]

The lower reserve is sold out... everwhere else is open.... Im getting a upper reserve seat.



Ohh shit thanks =D

The way I was looking before it came up with a message saying all sections were sold out. When I looked for them a different way today I was able to get some.

[truffle_shuffle!]

Ohh shit thanks =D

The way I was looking before it came up with a message saying all sections were sold out. When I looked for them a different way today I was able to get some.

NP man... I got my tix and picked up mets vs jays tix today too.... 5 games this year!!! score!!!

[Rdline1]

In other news, the world decided that baseball is stupid and ended all of professional baseball. The world rejoiced.

[Gervais]

As always, there are still a lot of players having Visa problems.

Drew

[RichWarChild]

As always, there are still a lot of players having Visa problems.

Drew

Where can we get a list of them?

[Gervais]

Where can we get a list of them?

I'm not sure where one can get a full list of the players with Visa issues, but the Rays have three players being held in the Dominican Republic; they'll report tomorrow. If you go to team sites, you'll probably be able to find out who exactly hasn't reported to camp.

Drew

[Gervais]

Per Rotoworld:

Despite not planning to report to Red Sox camp until March 1, Manny Ramirez is reportedly scheduled to appear at a car show in Atlantic City Saturday.

"There's no question he was coming up," car dealer Tony Avenso said. "He was flying up and staying with me in Atlantic City. He knows his good cars and his bad cars." Various reports have said that Ramirez's absence from camp is due to his ailing mother, who recently underwent surgery.

I really, really hate Manny Ramirez. So much for being by his ailing mother. He's such a piece of trash.

Drew

[John]

can't deny his skills with the stick though

[Gervais]

can't deny his skills with the stick though

No doubt. The dude's an awesome hitter.

Drew

[Gervais]

Edit:

The Red Sox said Thursday that Manny Ramirez will not attend the car show in New Jersey he was scheduled to make an appearance at Saturday.

"He's not going to be there, so it's fine," general manager Theo Epstein said. "He's dealing with a family issue. We're not going to document his exact whereabouts on an hour-to-hour basis."

Smart move by Manny. He's still a prick, though.

Drew

[Mr Chrispy]

I never get my hopes up or pay much attention to the D-Rays each year, that way when they are 20 games out of first in mid June I am neither surprised or disappointed. ;) :P

[John]

I never get my hopes up or pay much attention to the D-Rays each year, that way when they are 20 games out of first in mid June I am neither surprised or disappointed. ;) :P

I'm a D-Rays fan, because they are one of the few ballclubs being built the old fashioned way - developing prospects and turning them into major league talent. It's just a matter of time before the Rays become overloaded with Major League talent, and in the midst of a pennant race, somebody comes looking for a bat that they need so desperately they give up the farm. And the farm, to the Rays, is going to be pitching, and lots of it. Pitching, as well as learning how to hit with runners in scoring position, is going to take this club out of the cellar. It may happen this year

[RichWarChild]

Shit.. Manny showed up to Spring Training 3 days earlier then he said he would.

[Gervais]

Shit.. Manny showed up to Spring Training 3 days earlier then he said he would.

Yeah, I read that earlier today.

I'm going to the Indians vs. Rays game next Wednesday. I can't wait!

Drew

[RichWarChild]

I got tickets for the Sox Jays game on the 13th in Dunedin.. like 1/2 a mile from where I work.

[Gervais]

I got tickets for the Sox Jays game on the 13th in Dunedin.. like 1/2 a mile from where I work.

That's sweet, bro. I noticed that the Sox don't play either the Rays or Yankees in both of those teams' home parks. Weird.

Drew

[Capital G]

AL east: Yanks
AL cntrl: Sox
AL west: As

WC: BoSox

*************

NL East: Mets
NL cntrl: Brew Crew
NL west: Giants

WC: Cards

My three risky pics are the ChiSox, Brew Crew, and not having Det in the play-offs. The ChiSox offense will be strong as last year plus the pitching will be back to par w/ 05 (minus Freddy). Det will suffer from a drop off in pitching much like the Sox did the year after the WS. Not sure why I picked Milwakee, just a gut feeling that they will surprise.

Im a huge baseball fan so im always down for a game!

ill be going to the Sox and DRays and also checking out the Injians ST game on the 13th against the Mets in WH.

[Capital G]

I'm a D-Rays fan, because they are one of the few ballclubs being built the old fashioned way - developing prospects and turning them into major league talent. It's just a matter of time before the Rays become overloaded with Major League talent, and in the midst of a pennant race, somebody comes looking for a bat that they need so desperately they give up the farm. And the farm, to the Rays, is going to be pitching, and lots of it. Pitching, as well as learning how to hit with runners in scoring position, is going to take this club out of the cellar. It may happen this year

i agree w/ya john! the drays will surprise this year! they are only a few SP away from being very solid and they have lots of trade bait to aquire them.

[John]

ok after thinking about it more, I'm changing my AL Central pick - to Cleveland. They boast the second highest scoring offense in the league last year, actually outscoring their opponents 870-782, yet still lost 84 games. This was due to their bullpen which lost a lot of late leads. They made the right moves this offseason to shore up that spot, and added Josh Barfield to play 2B. With a strong starting rotation, and my belief that the Twins and the Sox don't have enough starting pitching, I think they will win this division.

Sox lost 40% of their rotation, and replaced Garcia and McCarthy (why?!?!?!) with Gavin Floyd and Danks, a flameout and a prospect. I believe they will be sellers at trade time

[Gervais]

I'm a big fan of Andy Marte. I was hoping the Rays would acquire him last year from the Braves, but Boston was able to snag Marte in the Renteria/Marte deal. Despite Marte's lackluster performance in AAA/MLB last season, I still forsee him having a nice season this year; he's going to have a nice career.

Drew

[Gervais]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/features/263445.html

Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects List. I'm surprised by a few of them. Dukes at #79 is a joke. Wade Davis at #97 is a joke, too. Davis dominated in High-A ball last year. Hirsh is ranked too high, in my opinion.

1. DAISUKE MATSUZAKA, rhp, Red Sox
Who needs a gyroball? He has six pitches that grade out as plus or plus-plus at their best, and he'l be best Japanese import ever. And no, we're not forgetting about Ichiro
Opening Day Age: 26. ETA: 2007

2. ALEX GORDON, 3b, Royals
College Player of the Year in 2005, Minor League Player of the Year in 2006 . . . Rookie of the Year in 2007
Opening Day Age: 23. ETA: 2007

3. DELMON YOUNG, of, Devil Rays
Took the Albert Belle comparisons too far when he tossed a bat at an umpire last year, but he can rake
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2007

4 PHILIP HUGHES, rhp, Yankees
As good as Chien-Ming Wang has been, this homegrown ace will be even better
Opening Day Age: 20. ETA: 2007

5 HOMER BAILEY, rhp, Reds
The next great Texas fireballer in the tradition of Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens
Opening Day Age: 20. ETA: 2007

6 CAMERON MAYBIN, of, Tigers
Tremendous athlete had even more polish at the plate than Detroit expected
Opening Day Age: 19. ETA: 2009

7 EVAN LONGORIA, 3b, Devil Rays
Backed up his reputation as the 2006 draft's best pure hitter by batting .315 with 18 homers in his pro debut
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2007

8 BRANDON WOOD, ss, Angels
More than capable at shortstop, he may shift to third base to get his power bat into the Los Angeles lineup
Opening Day Age: 22. ETA: 2007

9 JUSTIN UPTON, of, Diamondbacks
No. 1 overall pick in 2006 didn't have a banner debut, but he still has Ken Griffey Jr. tools
Opening Day Age: 19. ETA: 2009

10 ANDREW MILLER, lhp, Tigers
The consensus top prospect in the 2006 draft was a steal at sixth overall and nearly made Detroit's World Series roster
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2008

11 TIM LINCECUM, rhp, Giants
Size doesn''t matter. His fastball-curveball combo prompts comparisons to Bob Feller and Sandy Koufax
Opening Day Age: 22. ETA: 2007

12 CHRIS YOUNG, of, Diamondbacks
White Sox fans still can't believe their club traded his 30-30 potential to get Javier Vazquez
Opening Day Age: 23. ETA: 2007

13 ANDREW McCUTCHEN, of, Pirates
Reached Double-A quicker than any other outfielder in a bumper 2005 high school crop
Opening Day Age: 20. ETA: 2008

14 JAY BRUCE, of, Reds
Beat out Maybin and Upton for top-prospect honors in the Midwest League last summer
Opening Day Age: 19. ETA: 2009

15 TROY TULOWITZKI, ss, Rockies
Reached the majors 14 months after signing, a franchise record for a position player
Opening Day Age: 22. ETA: 2007

16 YOVANI GALLARDO, rhp, Brewers
Led the minors in strikeouts (188 in 155 innings) and ranked third in ERA (1.86) during breakout 2006 season
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2007

17 REID BRIGNAC, ss, Devil Rays
Tampa Bay doesn't have to fool around with B.J. Upton at shortstop any longer with Brignac on the way
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2008

18 CARLOS GONZALEZ, of, Diamondbacks
As if Arizona didn't have enough multitooled outfielders already
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2008

19 ANDY LaROCHE, 3b, Dodgers
Takes after brother (slugging Pirates first baseman Adam) more than father (former all-star reliever Dave)
Opening Day Age: 23. ETA: 2007

20 MIKE PELFREY, rhp, Mets
Made the majors three months into his pro career, and should be even better now with his new slider
Opening Day Age: 23. ETA: 2007

21 MATT GARZA, rhp, Twins
Unheralded 2005 first-rounder already has become a mainstay in Minnesota's rotation
Opening Day Age: 23. ETA: 2007

22 FERNANDO MARTINEZ, of, Mets
Followed up an impressive debut as a 17-year-old by holding his own in the Arizona Fall League
Opening Day Age: 18. ETA: 2009

23 ADAM MILLER, rhp, Indians
Regained knockout slider and plus fastball and refined his changeup after 2005 elbow injury
Opening Day Age: 22. ETA: 2007

24 CLAYTON KERSHAW, lhp, Dodgers
Joins fellow 2006 first-rounder Andrew Miller as the top two lefthander prospects in baseball
Opening Day Age: 19. ETA: 2009

25 BILLY BUTLER, of, Royals
His bat will have to carry him, but it can'he's a career .344/.417/.564 hitter in pro ball
Opening Day Age: 20. ETA: 2007

26 RYAN BRAUN, 3b, Brewers
With Corey Koskie ailing, Braun could be Milwaukee's Opening Day third baseman
Opening Day Age: 23. ETA: 2007

27 JOSE TABATA, of, Yankees
Friendly rivalry with Martinez began last season in low Class A and will pick up soon in New York.
Opening Day Age: 18. ETA: 2009

28 ADAM JONES, of, Mariners
Good call by Seattle to shelve his mid-90s fastball and make him an everyday player
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2007

29 COLBY RASMUS, of, Cardinals
Broke Bo Jackson's Alabama state prep home run record and has continued to drive the ball as a pro
Opening Day Age: 20. ETA: 2009

30 FRANKLIN MORALES, lhp, Rockies
Few lefthanders can match his mid-90s fastball or power curveball . .
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2008

31 SCOTT ELBERT, lhp, Dodgers
. . . though this Missouri product, who has similar swing-and-miss stuff, is one who can
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2008

32 LUKE HOCHEVAR, rhp, Royals
After a celebrated holdout, he improved his stock in indy ball and went first in the '06 draft
Opening Day Age: 23. ETA: 2008

33 JACOBY ELLSBURY, of, Red Sox
Boston downplays Johnny Damon com-parisons, but the parallels are hard to ignore
Opening Day Age: 23. ETA: 2008

34 NICK ADENHART, rhp, Angels
He's making Los Angeles look very smart for signing him for $710,000 out of the 2004 draft even though he needed Tommy John surgery
Opening Day Age: 20. ETA: 2008

35 JEFF NIEMANN, rhp, Devil Rays
Put two years of health problems behind him and started pitching to his potential in the second half of 2006
Opening Day Age: 24. ETA: 2007

36 JARROD SALTALAMACCHIA, c, Braves
Wrist injury led to an off year in 2006, but he's still the game's best catching prospect
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2008

37 JACOB McGEE, lhp, Devil Rays
Has a chance for three plus pitches, posts dominant numbers and still flies under the prospect radar as part of a loaded Devil Rays farm system
Opening Day Age: 20. ETA: 2009

38 HUNTER PENCE, of, Astros
Won't win any style points, but he hits for power and average and has improved his running and defense, and he should move into the Houston outfield this season
Opening Day Age: 23. ETA: 2007

39 ADAM LIND, of, Blue Jays
He just hits: .392 in his final season at South Alabama, .319 in the minors and .367 in a September callup
Opening Day Age: 23. ETA: 2007

40 CHRIS VOLSTAD, rhp, Marlins
Polished prep product pounds the bottom of strike zone, and he led all pitchers in the Top 100 Prospects list in groundball outs last season
Opening Day Age: 20. ETA: 2009

41 CARLOS CARRASCO, rhp, Phillies
Made huge strides last year, cutting his ERA in low Class A from 7.04 in 2005 to 2.26
Opening Day Age: 20. ETA: 2009

42 JASON HIRSH, rhp, Rockies
Acquired from the Astros in the Jason Jennings deal, he should be nearly as effective at a fraction of the cost
Opening Day Age: 25. ETA: 2007

43 JOEY VOTTO, 1b, Reds
Led the Southern League in AVG (.319), OBP (.408) and SLG (.547) after Cincinnati turned him loose at the plate
Opening Day Age: 23. ETA: 2007

44 JAMES LONEY, 1b, Dodgers
Bat finally came back to life in 2006; led minors in hitting (.380) and had a nine-RBI game in majors
Opening Day Age: 22. ETA: 2007

45 JOSH FIELDS, 3b, White Sox
This former college quarterback is working out much better for Chicago than Joe Borchard did
Opening Day Age: 24. ETA: 2007

46 IAN STEWART, 3b, Rockies
Worst year of his pro career still included .803 OPS as 21-year-old in Double-A
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2008

47 BILL ROWELL, 3b, Orioles
Barry Bonds aficionado has premium power potential but may outgrow third base sooner than later
Opening Day Age: 18. ETA: 2009

48 DEXTER FOWLER, of, Rockies
Five-tool center fielder has added switch-hitting, strength and polish since signing
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2009

49 FELIX PIE, of, Cubs
Chicago loves his tools and his history of winning'four championships in five pro seasons
Opening Day Age: 22. ETA: 2007

50 TRAVIS BUCK, of, Athletics
Has hit at least .302 at each of his four pro stops and .328 overall
Opening Day Age: 23. ETA: 2007

51 CLAY BUCHHOLZ, rhp, Red Sox
His fastball hit 97 mph at the end of last season, and at times it's his fourth-best pitch
Opening Day Age: 22. ETA: 2008

52 DONALD VEAL, lhp, Cubs
His delivery isn't quite as unconventional as former Chicago farmhand Dontrelle Willis', but his stuff is better
Opening Day Age: 22. ETA: 2008

53 TRAVIS SNIDER, of, Blue Jays
Some scouts called him the best hitter in the 2006 draft; won Appy League MVP award in his pro debut
Opening Day Age: 19. ETA: 2009

54 CHUCK LOFGREN, lhp, Indians
Several clubs liked minor league wins leader (17) better as a hitter out of high school
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2008

55 RYAN SWEENEY, of, White Sox
Has been on the fast track since hitting .367 in big league camp as a 19-year-old
Opening Day Age: 22. ETA: 2007

56 JOHN DANKS, lhp, White Sox
Quality young pitching is hard to acquire, yet White Sox traded for Danks and Gio Gonzalez this offseason
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2007

57 HUMBERTO SANCHEZ, rhp, Yankees
Key piece to Gary Sheffield trade could help New York as a starter or a reliever this year
Opening Day Age: 24. ETA: 2007

58 TROY PATTON, lhp, Astros
Combination of stuff and polish got him to Double-A at age 20
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2008

59 JONATHAN SANCHEZ, lhp, Giants
The definition of missing bats: 74 whiffs, 27 hits allowed in 55 innings last year
Opening Day Age: 24. ETA: 2007

60 CARLOS GOMEZ, of, Mets
Career-high .773 OPS last year shows he's only scratching the surface of his potential
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2008

61 ERICK AYBAR, ss, Angels
Could be a valuable piece of trade bait with Orlando Cabrera ahead of him and Brandon Wood behind him
Opening Day Age: 23. ETA: 2007

62 JEFF CLEMENT, c, Mariners
With Kenji Johjima in Seattle, Clement could move to first base when his power bat is ready for the majors
Opening Day Age: 23. ETA: 2008

63 MIGUEL MONTERO, c, Diamondbacks
Proved his 2005 breakout was no fluke, allowing Arizona to deal Johnny Estrada to get Doug Davis
Opening Day Age: 23. ETA: 2007

64 TREVOR CROWE, of, Indians
Prototype center fielder will have to find a new home with Grady Sizemore in Cleveland
Opening Day Age: 23. ETA: 2008

65 ELVIS ANDRUS, ss, Braves
Kept his head above water in low Class A at age 17, and he has offensive potential to go with plus defense and speed
Opening Day Age: 18. ETA: 2010

66 GLEN PERKINS, lhp, Twins
Pitched well enough in September to beat out Matt Garza for a spot on Minnesota's playoff roster
Opening Day Age: 24. ETA: 2007

67 DARIC BARTON1b, Athletics
Think the Cardinals might regret giving up Dan Haren and Barton in the Mark Mulder trade
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2007

68 ERIC HURLEY, rhp, Rangers
More fun to watch than any member of the Rangers' more-heralded (and since-disbanded) D-V-D trio
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2008

69 BRAD LINCOLN, rhp, Pirates
Has overpowering stuff, but spring forearm strain was the latest of a litany of injuries since signing
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2008

70 JAIME GARCIA, lhp, Cardinals
Not a bad pro debut for a 22nd-round pick: reached high Class A at age 19 and pitched in the Futures Game
Opening Day Age: 20. ETA: 2008

71 KEVIN SLOWEY, rhp, Twins
Has the best command of any prospect in baseball, evidenced by 235-30 K-BB ratio in 221 innings
Opening Day Age: 22. ETA: 2007

72 GIO GONZALEZ, lhp, White Sox
The White Sox liked him so much they reacquired him this winter after including him in the Jim Thome deal a year earlier
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2008

73 PHILIP HUMBER, rhp, Mets
Blew out his elbow 15 starts into his pro career in 2005, but bounced all the way back last year
Opening Day Age: 24. ETA: 2008

74 NEIL WALKER, 3b, Pirates
Bat may take off now that he has a healthy wrist and has moved out from behind the plate
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2008

75 JOBA CHAMBERLAIN, rhp, Yankees
Highest-drafted Native American ever could be a steal with the 41st overall pick last June
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2008

76 GREG REYNOLDS, rhp, Rockies
Quibble with his strikeout rate if you must, but he has stuff, size, command, makeup . . . and he wins
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2008

77 BRETT SINKBEIL, rhp, Marlins
Added 35 pounds of muscle and turned himself into a first-rounder in three years at Missouri State
Opening Day Age: 22. ETA: 2008

78 BRANDON ERBE, rhp, Orioles
Baltimore stole hometown high schooler in 2005's third round; now he's throwing 92-97 mph
Opening Day Age: 19. ETA: 2009

79 ELIJAH DUKES, of, Devil Rays
His volatile temper still overshadows his wondrous tools
Opening Day Age: 22. ETA: 2007

80 JEFF SAMARDZIJA, rhp, Cubs
Most accomplished wide receiver in Notre Dame history has huge upside on the mound
Opening Day Age: 22. ETA: 2009

81 DANIEL BARD, rhp, Red Sox
His fastball eats up bats like few others, thanks to its velocity (up to 100 mph) and heavy life
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2009

82 ALBERTO CALLASPO, 2b, Diamondbacks
The minors' best contact hitter will threaten Orlando Hudson's job if he continues to add power
Opening Day Age: 23. ETA: 2007

83 MICHAEL BOWDEN, rhp, Red Sox
His delivery may be unorthodox, but it works for him and his stuff is unquestionable
Opening Day Age: 20. ETA: 2009

84 UBALDO JIMENEZ, rhp, Rockies
Kept pace with Felix Hernandez until he came down with a stress fracture in his shoulder in 2004
Opening Day Age: 23. ETA: 2007

85 MATT ALBERS, rhp, Astros
Has matured significantly, physically and mentally, since signing as a 23rd-round draft-and-follow
Opening Day Age: 24. ETA: 2007

86 BRIAN BARTON, of, Indians
Has an aerospace engineering degree from Miami'and more pure baseball ability than Crowe
Opening Day Age: 24. ETA: 2008

87 BRANDON MORROW, rhp, Mariners
Can blow hitters away with his fastball, slider or splitter
Opening Day Age: 22. ETA: 2008

88 DREW STUBBS, of, Reds
Great tools across the board made him a potential No. 1 pick in the 2006 draft, but questions about his bat pushed him to No. 8
Opening Day Age: 22. ETA: 2009

89 KURT SUZUKI, c, Athletics
Has provided clutch hits at Cal State Fullerton, throughout the minors and with Team USA
Opening Day Age: 23. ETA: 2008

90 MATT HARRISON, lhp, Braves
The closest thing Atlanta has had to Tom Glavine since Glavine left as a free agent
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2008

91 WILL INMAN, rhp, Brewers
Solid stuff, tremendous command have led to 16-2, 1.77 record and 193-36 K-BB ratio in pro ball
Opening Day Age: 20. ETA: 2009

92 CHRIS IANNETTA, c, Rockies
Offensive-minded catcher gives Colorado eight players on this list, more than any other club
Opening Day Age: 23. ETA: 2007

93 BRENT LILLIBRIDGE, ss, Braves
An underrated part of the Adam LaRoche/Mike Gonzalez deal, he could fill Atlanta's second-base void
Opening Day Age: 23. ETA: 2008

94 CHRIS PARMELEE, of/1b, Twins
Advanced hitting skills, developing power made him the 20th overall pick last June
Opening Day Age: 19. ETA: 2010

95 COLLIN BALESTER, rhp, Nationals
Pitching-needy Washington might think about promoting him, but he needs a solid year in the minors
Opening Day Age: 20. ETA: 2009

96 SEAN WEST, lhp, Marlins
Has more stuff than most southpaws and plenty of mound savvy, too; looked great last season after early-season shoulder soreness
Opening Day Age: 20. ETA: 2009

97 WADE DAVIS, rhp, Devil Rays
Formed potent one-two punch in Midwest League with McGee last year, and capped strong finish with a no-hitter in his final start
Opening Day Age: 21. ETA: 2009

98 MICAH OWINGS, rhp, Diamondbacks
Now a full-time pitcher, he made a run at the national prep home run record and was a two-way star in college
Opening Day Age: 24. ETA: 2007

99 PEDRO BEATO, rhp, Orioles
Went from Tommy John surgery in 2004 to $1 million supplemental first-rounder in 2006
Opening Day Age: 20. ETA: 2009

100 DELLIN BETANCES, rhp, Yankees
He's raw, but he also has good stuff and plenty of projection remaining.
Opening Day Age: 19. ETA: 2010

[John]

those prospect lists are always a joke. Nothing to get too worked up about. However, they tend to have the best list

[Capital G]

ok after thinking about it more, I'm changing my AL Central pick - to Cleveland. They boast the second highest scoring offense in the league last year, actually outscoring their opponents 870-782, yet still lost 84 games. This was due to their bullpen which lost a lot of late leads. They made the right moves this offseason to shore up that spot, and added Josh Barfield to play 2B. With a strong starting rotation, and my belief that the Twins and the Sox don't have enough starting pitching, I think they will win this division.

Sox lost 40% of their rotation, and replaced Garcia and McCarthy (why?!?!?!) with Gavin Floyd and Danks, a flameout and a prospect. I believe they will be sellers at trade time

McCarthy was always a good prospect but gives up the long ball too much, thats a bad situation at the cell. i dont mind him being gone and am very confident that floyd will come through. coop (sox pitching coach) is excellent at turning young pitchers around (jenks, thornton, garland, etc).

we still have a potent offense, pitching is solid 1-4 (we may not have "studs" but we have 4 inning eaters that will keep us in the game), and our pen will be outstanding!

if the tigers play like last year then they win it.... but i doubt the pitching will be lights out as they were in 06. the twins seem to always be there but their pitching has too many holes. if the indians pitching, d, and pen is solid then yes i agree they will win cause their offense is a monster.

i did enjoy that cubs/ Sox ST game though :D

[John]

yeah yeah screw you :lol:

[m0nk3y]

it starts... 6-1-1. Just as long as we remember to TANK at the end of July, all will be well with the world.

bah.

Go Reds.

[John]

Bump, opening night is Sunday!

[Gervais]

Yes, sir! I'm so stoked!

Drew

[Capital G]

im super stoked!!! i need to buy my june drays/ chisox tix :)

[RichWarChild]

SUNDAY!! :hump:

[MissLariss]

Here We Go!!!!!!!!!

[Fusion]

Go Mets!!!!

[John]

finally, i'll have something to watch on TV again

[Gervais]

Baseball Tonight at 7. Game at 8. Yes!

Drew

[John]

not really excited about BBTN. Gammons is the only thing left of what was once a good show. Between Steve Phillips, Kruk, and Joe Morgan, not sure which one I would bitch slap first. None the less, it sure beats the alternative.

[blurboEK]

finally, i'll have something to watch on TV again

+1!!

Yankees off to a good start ;)

-Mike