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Charlie Hatch — Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
There’s no logical reason to preview an organization 2,310 miles away from Athens—but there is! (Note: I’m also saying this because I happened to cover one of their spring training games out in Tempe, Arizona)
The Angels have this generation’s best baseball player, Mike Trout. They also have arguably the best of the last generation, Albert Pujols, too.
Their offensive and defensive lineup should be solid most of the season, leaving pitching as the main area for concern.
For starters, Jered Weaver can singlehandedly win the club games when he pitches. C.J. Wilson was out most of 2014, but even if he’s reasonably healthy, he can squeak out a dozen wins.
And then there’s Josh Hamilton.
Expecting a suspension, the Angels organization came out and said they were concerned with Hamilton’s health and behavior (He’s had drug and alcohol abuse problems in the past).
But he wasn’t suspended.
So the outfielder has rejoined the team, a team that has a front office publically demoralizing him. Uh…
Look, the AL West is the most overlooked division in the MLB. At least there are reasons to pay attention in 2015—although they might be on the field ones.
If nothing else, the Angels have former Bobcat, Marc Krauss. Stand up and cheer for the Halos (even if they don’t stand up for their own players!).
Prediction: 89-73
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Chad Lindskog — Cleveland Indians
There’s no such thing as a jinx. Well, unless you’re Robert Durst.
But the Cleveland Indians will not be jinxed solely because they were on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s MLB preview, again. It’s not 1987 anymore. The “Major League” movies have been made. Cleveland has been to the World Series twice and the playoffs eight times since the last cover claiming it’s the best team in the league.
The Indians finished third in the AL Central last season, despite down years from their two highest-paid players, Nick Swisher and Jason Kipnis, who were hindered by injuries.
Kipnis is back and healthy, though Swisher may be past his prime. Last year’s AL Cy Young winner, Corey Kluber, signed a contract extension this weekend. Michael Brantley still isn’t a household name even after finishing third in MVP voting last season, but will be soon.
All the pieces are in place for Cleveland to better its 85 wins from last year and it got better by adding some power with acquisition of Brandon Moss.
Although the AL Central might be the most competitive division in baseball, if the Indians’ starting pitching is consistent, they could prove SI to be prophetic.
Prediction: 90-72
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Tony Wolfe — Cincinnati Reds
The past few years, my expectations going into the season have been sky-high for the Reds. But I can only be fooled so many times (emphasis on the word “many”). This club has gotten hurt, underperformed, or just flat-out regressed every year, and this time around should be no different, save for the absence of hope.
It’s nice knowing what’s possible vs. what’s likely. The past few seasons, I’ve sat down in front of the fan, completely oblivious to the man standing next to the fan, waiting to throw crap into it. But now, I see him. I see the crap. I know the crap’s going to hit the fan. And I feel ready.
If you wanna be really optimistic, this team might have two Cy Young candidates, two potential breakout starters, and four hitters in their lineup capable of hitting 30 home runs.
If you wanna know what’s likely, it’s more injuries, a lineup that’s allergic to getting on base, and a top-heavy rotation. So, let’s just soak in the Cueto greatness while we can until July, and keep an eye on the Red Sox and Dodgers’ farm systems in the meantime for what may be coming our way.
Prediction: 77-85
Ethan Felderstein — Baltimore Orioles
Being a fan of the Baltimore Orioles has been a roller coaster ride for the past 12 months. Their All-Star catcher went down, but their All-Star third baseman returned from injury. Nelson Cruz — the bargain free agent acquisition of the decade — led the league in home runs, but a certain All-Star third baseman was suspended for tossing a bat.
Then, an unknown bench player became a critical part of the offense after replacing a suspended Chris Davis, they won the division, swept the Tigers in the ALDS, were swept in the Royals in the ALCS, lost three crucial players in free agency, and almost lost their GM.
Wow, my head hurts.
Looking at 2015, it’s going to be a matter of staying healthy. They can’t rely on their bench to carry them throughout the season last year.
If Manny Machado, Matt Wieters, and Chris Davis can stay healthy, they’re World Series contenders. If not, it’s going to be a long season.
Prediction: 86-76
Andrew Gillis — Baltimore Orioles
In 2012, I predicted the Orioles to win 60 games. They won 93. I’m terrible at predictions, so here it goes.
The defending AL East Champs lost reliever Andrew Miller, left fielder Nelson Cruz, and long-time right fielder Nick Markakis over the offseason. All-Stars like catcher Matt Wieters and third-baseman Manny Machado will return from injuries, but with their leadoff and cleanup hitters out of last year’s lineup. It’ll be tough to repeat their success of last season.
The pitching staff led by Chris Tillman is underrated and can surprise people, and there are still good bats in the lineup, like former All-Star first baseman Chris Davis, but I think it will be tough for them to overcome. With outfielder Travis Snider as the most notable offseason addition, the outfield will likely be a platoon situation all season. They’ll also have to start the season with shortstop J.J. Hardy and Wieters on the DL. I will wish, hope, and pray that I’m wrong, but I think the O’s revert to the state that I knew them for the majority of my life: Below .500.
Prediction: 79-83
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Paul Holden — Colorado Rockies
The Rockies season will once again depend on the health and abilities of shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez. If those two stay healthy, the combination of Tulo, Cargo, Nolan Arenado and Justin Morneau should give the Rockies plenty of firepower offensively.
If the pitching staff can keep Colorado in games, the team should see success. But, with the revamped NL West, no big changes in the pitching staff, and big question marks still around Tulo and Cargo’s health, Colorado find themselves in a tough battle to make it to October.
Prediction 75-87
Daniel Joseph — Cincinnati Reds
After finishing last season ten games under .500, the Cincinnati Reds are looking to rebuild a pitching staff that has been torn apart, while also building momentum offensively.
With Mat Latos and Alfredo Simon no longer with the Reds, new acquisitions Raisel Iglesias, Jason Marquis and Anthony Desclafini are being called upon to provide innings. Marlon Byrd has been brought in from Philadelphia to man left field, while the other seven positions are the same as last season.
If Votto and the Reds can stay healthy this season, they have the roster to compete in the division.
I believe the Reds will finish third or fourth in the division behind the Cardinals and Pirates, and just ahead of the Cubs. I do not think Cincinnati will make the postseason, but look for it to make a run next year.
Prediction: 83-79
