"SAN DIEGO PADRES SPRING & SEASON OUTLOOK"

Pitchers:

SP-- Chris Young
SP-- Jake Peavy
SP-- Greg Maddux
SP-- Justin Germano
SP--Clay Hensley/Mark Prior
P-- Heath Bell

P--Randy Wolfe
P-- Clay Meredith
P-- Will Ledezma
P-- Justin Hampson
CL-- Trevor Hoffman

Position Players:

C-- Josh Bard
C-- Michael Barrett
1B-- Adrian Gonzalez
2B-- Tadahito Iguchi
3B-- Kevin Kouzmanoff/Chase Headley
SS-- Khalil Greene
OF-- Brian Giles
OF-- Jim Edmonds
OF-- Scott Hairston
Ut.-- Chip Ambres (INF/OF)
Ut.-- Oscar Robles (INF)
Ut.-- Paul McNaulty (OF)
Ut.-- Luis Rodriguez (OF)
Ut.-- Jody Gerut (INF/OF)

Outlook Out of Spring:

The San Diego Padres are more set, coming out of spring training. Another team, in the National League, that has a mix a veteran talent and young "up and comers." The pitching staff is solid, and they have two of the top young pitchers in the game, in Chris Young and Jake Peavy. Peavy and Young should be good for 200 IP, under 4 runs a game, and (in the vast Petco Park alleys, where runs are few and far between) they will keep the team in most games. However, what San Diego lacked last year was depth. This year, they have more than made up for the depth problem, in picking up Mark Prior, Randy Wolfe, having Clay Hensley, and Justin Germano (his first full year starting). Although, Prior is a walking injury, he is expected back, sometime in May. Until then, Wolfe, Maddux, Germano, and Hensley will fill out the rotation just fine.

In the bullpen, the Padres are also solid and have plenty of depth. Whoever does not make the rotation (at present, that is Wolfe and Prior), will fill in the pen, for long relief and spot starting. The rest of the bullpen, anchored by closer and saves leader Trevor Hoffman, is also very deep. With young arms like Heath Bell, Clay Merideth, Justin Hampson, mixed with veteran relievers Will Ledezma, and some other "minor league contract invitees," they are stacked.

The position players are also a very diverse and mixed group. Mark Prior was not the only guy the Pads' went out and got, in the off-season. Jim Edmonds (also a man who has not had the best luck, injury wise, over the past three seasons) comes over from the Cardinals, to patrol centerfield. Josh Bard and Michael Barrett are a solid catcher tandem, who will be able to split the season in half, keeping each fresh. Bard is the catcher "of the future," and will learn a lot from the veteran, Barrett. On the infield, the Padres have upgraded, in the form of Tadahito Iguchi, from the White Sox, who is a definite season long starter, with more offensive skills, than the bay team has had, in a couple of seasons. Khalil Greene is solid at shortstop, but needs to make some more strides in his on base percentage and walks ratio, overall. At third is where their is a question mark. They have Kevin Kouzmanoff, who is a solid option, but they are working towards getting their top prospect, Chase Headley into the mix. If Headley has a good spring, then the job will be his. He hit .330, with 20 Hr's, 78 RBI's, and had a .580 slugging percentage. If he does not pan out at the hot corner, then he may be on the big league roster, as another outfielder. Either way, he looks to be with the Padres, coming out of spring.

In the outfield the Padres look completely established, with Giles in right, Edmonds in center, and Scott Hairston (who in 87 at-bats, last year with SD, had 8 Hr's and a .644 slugging percentage). However, health and age is an issue with Edmonds and Giles, so the Padres have brought in Jody Gerut (who can also spell Gonzalez, at first), Chip Ambers, and Callix Crabbe (who can also play the corner infield spots, as well). In the National League west, they will also need good comparison players, for competing with the other west teams. Tony Clark (pinch hitter extraordinare), Gerut, Kouzmanoff, and some of the other young talent gives the "other boys from the bay area," bats and flexibility (which the Giants and D'backs to not have as much of).

Coming out of spring training, the San Diego Padres look like a contender in the West. With the Rockies having to play half of their games at Coors (where runs, flow like water, making each game a wild card of offensive skill), the Giants in the mire of losing Bonds and not having the pitching and offense of the other West teams, the Padres will be competing with the Dodgers, D'backs (if healthy), and Rockies (who you can't rule out, with their offense) for the National League west and the Wild Card (which could come out of this league). However, the veteran players, like Maddux, Wolfe, Prior, Edmonds, Giles, Hoffman, must stay healthy and have solid seasons. The younger players who came out, over the last two seasons (Greene, Kouzmanoff, Gonzalez, and the pitching) must play like they can. If these two things do not happen, then the Dodgers should win the West, and the Padres can only hope for a wild card bid.

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"ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS SPRING & SEASON OUTLOOK"

Pitchers:

SP-- Brandon Webb
SP-- Dan Haren
SP-- Randy Johnson
SP-- Micah Owings
SP-- Edgar Gonzalez/Doug Davis

P-- Billy Buckner
P-- Juan Cruz
P-- Brandon Medders
P-- Tony Pena
P-- Chad Qualls
P-- Doug Slaten
P-- Doug Nippert
CL-- Brandon Lyons

POSITION PLAYERS:

C-- Chris Snyder
C-- Miguel Montero
1B-- Conor Jackson
2B-- Orlando Hudson
3B-- Chad Tracy/Mark Reynolds
SS-- Stephen Drew
OF-- Eric Byrnes
OF-- Chris Young
OF-- Justin Upton/Trot Nixon
Ut.-- Jeff Salazar
Ut.-- Augie Ojeda
Ut.-- Mark Reynolds
Ut.-- Chris Burke

Reserves, Rookies, & Outlook:

Pitching could be the strong suit for the D'backs this year, depending on Randy Johnson's health. If Randy Johnson is healthy for a full year, then the Diamondbacks will have the top three tandem in the league, with a surplus of arms in the rest of the rotation and pen. Although, Johnson did not pitch for the majority of the season last year, he is back and in good form early on in spring. He worked off of the mound, throwing around 40 pitches, and was "more than impressive," said manager Bob Melvin. If this continues, Webb, Johnson, and Dan Haren would be a tough three pitcher match up, for any club they could possibly face. The top three are backed by a plethora of arms, who could start, or come out of the bull pen for long relief. Doug Davis had flashes, of late season brilliance for the team, last year. While, Micah Owings, Edgar Gonzalez, Juan Cruz, and possibly rookie Billy Buckner could see starting innings, they all cannot be in the rotation. However, this is a great position to be in, having pitchers to spell innings and/or injuries, plus come out of the pen with guys like: Brandon Medders, Tony Pena, Chad Qualls, (rookie) Doug Slaten, and Doug Nippert. Closer, Brandon Lyons is a question mark in that role, as sometimes he is lights out, but at others he has struggled. Qualls, Slaten (in the early spring), and maybe even Pena could close, if Lyons fails to hold down the job.

In the field, for the Diamondbacks, they are established and have a good mix of young and veteran talent. Conor Jackson, at first, has been guaranteed the starting job and he looks like he has a huge amount of confidence (rather, than having to platoon, last year). Orlando Hudson (2nd base) and Stephen Drew are solid up the middle, but will need to improve their offensive performances, setting the table for the heart of the order. At third base their are two choices, in Mark Reynolds and Chad Tracy. However, Chad Tracy is still recovering from "micro-fracture knee surgery," and will not be ready coming out of spring training (so it will be Reynolds' job, until then). In the outfield, they have speed and some pop (with good four and five tool players), with Eric Byrnes (left), Chris Young (center), and Justin Upton (right) who is a rookie phenom. Upton is expected to win the starting role, out of spring training and is a true five tool prospect. Although, if he does fail to hold down the position, Trot Nixon has signed a minor league deal with the club, and will definitely have a roster spot.

Overall, the Arizona Diamondbacks have the arms (in the rotation and the pen, if they stay healthy), defensive prowess and speed in the field, and have a good mix of young and veteran players. However, they are limited in the position player mix. Bob Brenly (manager), will have to rely on playing small ball and hope that his pitching gets the job done, or it will be a long season for the D'backs. Plus, the NL West is going to be tough this year, with the Dodgers and Padres, retooling and looking to repeat. The Arizona club has a shot at the wild card, but not at the NL West title, because the Dodgers and Padres have way to much talent. Randy Johnson is a huge piece to the puzzle, but even with a healthy Johnson does not mean that the Diamondbacks will be playoff bound.

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"LOS ANGELES DODGERS SPRING & SEASON OUTLOOK"

Pitchers:

SP-- Jason Schmidt
SP-- Brad Penny
SP-- Derek Lowe
SP-- Chad Billingsley
SP-- Kuroda Kuo
P-- Estaban Loaiza
P-- Joe Biemel
P-- Yhancy Brazoban
P-- Scott Proctor
P-- Jonathan Broxton
P-- Kuo/Billingsley
CL-- Takashi Saito

Position Players:

C-- Russell Martin
C-- Gary Bennett
1B-- Garciapara/Loney
2B-- Jeff Kent/Young
3B-- Garciapara/Abreu
SS-- Rafeal Furcal
OF-- Andruw Jones
OF-- Matt Kemp
OF-- Juan Pierre
Ut.-- James Loney
Ut.-- Jason Repko
Ut.-- Andre Ethier
Ut.-- Tony Abreu
Ut.-- Andy LaRoche

Reserves, Rookies, & Outlook:

The Dodgers are not going to have any trouble at all filling in any positions, over the season. First with their pitching staff, they have more pitchers (who could start a game), than most teams have relief pitchers. After the All-star tandem of Schmidt and Brad Penny, the Dodgers have the Derek Lowe and Chad Billingsley, the still can and will go to the well with pitchers "from around the world" to start: Hong-Chih Kuo (Taiwan), Hiroki Kuroda (Japan), and Estaban Loaiza (Mexico). Most teams have two to three solid starters, but the Dodgers have 6-7 (not counting rookies). In the rookie, pitching department, the Dodgers have Eric Hull, Jonathan Meloan, and Greg Miller. All three are starters, but will probably be in the minors, but have trade value, if the Dodgers decide to go for another bat, late in the season. The relief pitchers for the Dodgers are just as strong. When the "non-starting" starters, are thrown into the bullpen for relief and added in are Joe Meimel, Rudy Seanez, Yhency Brazoban, Scott Proctor (who had sessions with Sandy Koufax, in the off season, which has yielded solid improvement overall), Jonathan Broxton (who will close soon, maybe this season if Saito falters), and Takashi Saito at closer. Needless to say, the Dodgers are "100% stacked," with pitching.

The position players for the Dodgers are not the strong suit. Although, new additions of Andruw Jones in the outfield, the starting eight players will vary, from day to day. Jeff Kent is 40, this year, has lost more than a step in the field, and his offensive numbers have also slipped (over that last two years). Nomar Garciapara, who can play all three infield positions, is an injury waiting to happen. However, he still has plenty of bat and can fill in all over, so if healthy is a plus player. Furcal, Jones, Juan Pierre, and second year stand out (and possible break season player, this year) Matt Kemp are all going to be everyday, plus players, who can field, hit, and add in all of their own ways. However, the Dodgers will have to depend on getting runs and filling in the defensive holes, with some untested players and rookies. Tony Abreu, Chin-Lung Hu, Andy LaRoche, and James Loney will fill the holes on the infield. While, Andre Ethier, Jason Repko, and Delwyn Young (who is also working out at second and third base) will help patrol the outfield. While these guys may not be household names, they will be able to table set, but will provide little (if any) power numbers. Mainly, the runs batted in, will have to come from Andruw Jones, Kent, and Kemp, with extra help possibly from Martin Russell the catcher.

The Dodgers will have to get the most out of the runs they do score, they have the pitching to keep them in every game. Also, with new manager Joe Torre, who is used to getting the most out of his players, the Dodgers should be at the top of the NL West Division. The pitching will lead the team, but ultimately, the team should lead the NL, overall.

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"MILWAUWKEE BREWERS SPRING & SEASON OUTLOOK"

Pitchers:

SP-- Ben Sheets
SP-- Chris Capuano
SP-- Yovani Gallardo (once healthy)
SP-- Jeff Suppan
SP-- Charlie Villanueva

SP-- Claudio Vargas
P-- Guillermo Mota
P-- David Riske
P-- Randy Choate
P-- Salomon Torres
P-- Seth McClung
P-- Scott Cassidy
P-- Derrick Turnbow
CL-- Eric Gagne

Position Players:

C-- Jason Kendall
C-- Mike Rivera
1B-- Prince Fielder
2B-- Rickie Weeks
3B-- Ryan Braun
SS-- J. J. Hardy
OF-- Bill Hall
OF-- Mike Cameron
OF-- Corey Hart
Ut.-- Gabe Kapler

Ut.--Tony Gwynn Jr.
Ut.-- Craig Counsell
Ut.-- Eric Munson
Ut.-- Joe Dillon
Ut.-- Abraham Nunez

Reserves:

The Milwaukee Brewers are set at position players, starting pitching, and have a fairly good amount of reserves, overall. Craig Counsell and Abraham Nunez can both play four infield positions and two outfield positions and the newly signed Russell Branyan can play the corners. Gabe Kapler, Gwynn, Jr., and Gabe Gross can play in the outfield, spell for at-bats, and if injuries happen they will fill in just fine. In the bullpen, Seth McClung was a huge player in the minors, and was a September call up. He did well in September and expects to at least be in the pen, possibly a set up role, in the future. There are enough young arms, in the Brewer organization, to keep them in the pennant race. If they need a trade, thru July, they have enough to pull that off, as well. Overall, the reserve and platoon players for the Brewers will keep players like Fielder, Braun, and Corey Hart fresh, but they also have enough players to keep the "on base guys/nitche guys" fresh, as well.


Rookies:

The Brewers have a stable of great first year and rookie players, on the bench and down on the farm. For starters, no pun intended, Yovani Gallardo is on the verge of having a huge season (if he is healthy, after having an early spring cartilage problem in his knee, the Brewers are not sure about opening day). However, last year he burst onto the scene having a huge year between AAA and the Brewers organization. He posted an overall record of: 17-8, 156 K's, and a 211:65 K to BB Ratio. If his knee and health holds up, he could be a dandy, for years to come. Another break out year, for the Brewers, was had by Ryan Braun. He played only three quarters of the season in the majors. Yet, Braun held up to his names sake, yielding "ROY" honors, and totals of: .324 avg., 34 HRs., 97 RBI, with a .634 slugging percentage. With the two superstar candidates, in waiting, getting warmed up for a full season with the Brewers, they also have some extra help coming. The extra rookies down on the farm to watch, which could also be extra help come September, are Brad Nelson, Manny Parra, Mitch Stettar, and Fernan Iribarren (all pitchers).

Outlook Out of Spring:

The Milwaukee Brewers have just as much chance of winning the NL Central Division, as any team in the league. The Brewers have a variety of table setters and on base people, throughout the lineup. Bill Hall, Kendall (although not in his prime), J. J. Hardy (who has some pop in his bat, as well), with the other position players, mixed with the big three in the middle of the order, Fielder, Braun, and Corey Hart, should bring home four to seven runs a game. The offense mixed with a solid up the middle defense of Weeks, Hardy, Cameron/Hall, and Kendall will be more than adequate. Which leaves only the pitching staff? The Brewers were without Ben Sheets for most of the season, and still almost won the Central. This year with a healthy Sheets (in a contract year and something to prove), Capuano, Suppan, Villanueva, and David Bush who are all solid veterans, with a lot of experience and will give six to seven innings, each time out. The bullpen has a lot of quality arms in it, and all of the pitching above, without mentioning Yovani Gallardo. The whole Brewers team is in a position looking up, but they just may be looking up at a National League Championship trophy, if not a World Series trophy, as well.

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"HOUSTON ASTROS SPRING & SEASON OUTLOOK"

PITCHERS:

SP-- Roy Oswalt
SP-- Brandon Backe
SP-- Wandy Rodriguez
SP-- Chris Sampson
SP-- Woody Williams

P--Felipe Paulino
P-- Doug Brocail
P-- Jack Cassevo
P-- Fernando Nieve
P-- Stephen Randolph
P-- Oscar Villarreal
P-- Felipe Paulino
P-- Chad Poronto
CL-- Jose Valverde

Position Players:

C-- Brad Ausmus
C-- J. R. Towles/Humberto Quintero
1B-- Lance Berkman
2B-- Kaz Matsui
3B-- Ty Wiggington
SS-- Miguel Tejada
OF-- Carlos Lee
OF-- Hunter Pence
OF-- Michael Bourne
Ut.-- Darin Erstad/Jose Cruz, Jr.
Ut.-- Geoff Blum
Ut.-- Mark Lorretta
Ut.-- Tomas Perez

Reserves:

The Astros are going to struggle this year with pitching depth. They have a lot of arms, yet they are young and inexperienced arms (especially out of the pen). For the position players, they have a lot of veterans, mixed with rookie and one year players. Erstad, Cruz, Jr., and Geoff Blumm can fill in all of the outfield positions, if rookie Michael Bourne and hot prospect Hunter Pence (if healthy), do not perform. Erstad, and Blumm can also fill in at first, if needed. However, the Astros do have a plethora of young and talented position players. Tomas Perez, Mark Loretta, and Yordance Ramirez can fill in up the middle, especially if Miguel Tejada has more trouble on Capitol Hill (for the steroid investigation and "Mitchell Report"). Overall, the Astros have the extra bats and defense, in the field, to keep their players fresh and substitute for injuries, if need be.

Rookies:

The Astros, as said above, have plenty of talent down on the farm, and some that will help this year. Justin "J. R. " Towles, is a 23-year-old catcher, who blazed thru the minor league system last year (hitting at stops at AA, AAA, and with the big club: .325'ish, with 12 homers, 63 RBI's, and stealing 11 bases). He will hit at the major league level, with gap power, and could provide ten to fifteen steals, in 2008. He is expected to start over the veteran, Brad Ausmus (who is a more than adequate back-up now). Along with Towles, the 'stros have plenty of first and second year arms, in their pen, and some may impact this year. Pitchers like Chris Sampson (who will start, now that Fernando Nieve is 100% out of the picture, from "Tommy John Surgery") and Felipe Paulinon will help the rotation. Paulino is was a stand out strike out pitcher, in the minors, with a 110:49 K to BB ratio. His line, overall last year, was 112.1 innings pitched, only 6 homers and less than a hit an inning, while striking out 121 batters, in AA.

Outlook Out of Spring:

The Houston Astros have a mix of veteran and young talent. However, they have little starting pitching (past Oswalt, if healthy), and pitching wins games. In a tough Central Division this year, with the Brewers, Cubs, and possibly the Cardinals ahead of them, they will have to get the maximum out of what they have. They feel as though Kaz Matsui is an upgrade over the staple Craig Biggio (who retired, as of now). Erstad, Cruz, Jr. feels energized for the first time (because he is able to play with his dad, who is the first base coach), Tomas Perez, Blum, and Loretta will provide plenty of quality at-bats, but not enough pop for the buck. Carlos Lee, Lance Berkman, Tejada and Ty Wiggington (picked up from Tampa Bay) will be expected to pound home most of the runs. However, if worst case scenario happens, which is; Tejada loses time to the "Mitchell Report," Wiggington does not have the working power in the NL, and/or injuries take their toll on any of the above, then the Astros could be cellar bound. Only to look up at the Cubs, Brewers, and Cardinals.

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