Preview/Prediction

This article was originally posted at:

http://www.bringingheat.com/2009/12/the-risky-3.html

These three guys perfectly exemplify the idea of high risk and high reward in Major League Baseball. The following players all have the ability and track record to be completely dominant starting pitchers. Weighed against them, however, are their individual injury histories. It seems that they are consistently battling the disabled list almost as often as they’re battling to get opposing hitters out…

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What if? It is a question asked much too often among sports fans. This time, however, it is legitimate.

The Minnesota Twins were a very talented, balanced, and well-coached team last season. So, what if Francisco Liriano had even a semi-productive '09 season? Would they have made the World Series or possibly even won it? I think so.

With the A's coming off their third-straight sub .500 season, General Manager Billy Beane has made it clear to the A's very small and ever thinning fan base that rebuilding is key for future success.

The A's over the past two or three seasons have spent most of their efforts trying to replenish their depleted farm-system.

However, last season's off-course "spending spree" that ultimately backfired, caused Beane and the rest of the A's front office to re-evaluate their situation and their biggest organizational needs. 

The experts agree, there is a great chance Randy Johnson is the last 300 game winner: the bullpens, the lack of 20 game winners, it all points in that direction.

But does it really? A little analysis of history and current top pitchers indicate something else.

I am sure we will see a 300-win man again. Definitely. Not for another 10 to 15 years, and maybe even longer, but why shouldn’t CC Sabathia or Felix Hernandez get there.

The news that Dustin Pedroia is willing to move to shortstop to accommodate the Red Sox is a sign of his selflessness. It is also a sign of his willingness to do whatever it takes to help his team win.

But, naturally, questions have arisen as to whether Pedroia can actually play short, whether he has the range, and, particularly, the arm strength for the position.

However, it's important to remember that Pedroia has a long history of success at shortstop, going all the way back to college.

Last Wednesday, Topps named new Royals acquisition Chris Getz the top rookie second baseman of 2009.

Getz, who played for the Chicago White Sox last season, batted .261/.324/.347 and stole 25 bases while being caught just twice.

At 26, Getz will likely start next season as Kansas City's starting second baseman.

For the last couple years since the departure of Barry Bonds, the San Francisco Giants have been pressured and prodded in the direction of a power-hitting corner infielder. Many names have been heard on the rumor mill, including Joe Crede, Paul Konerko, Austin Kearns, Nick Johnson, and Prince Fielder.

Dustin Pedroia, winner of the 2008 American League Most Valuable Player and second base Gold Glove, recently told the Boston Red Sox that he would willingly move to shortstop according to an mlb.com report. Boston asked Pedroia to consider the switch after choosing to decline the option of incumbent shortstop Alex Gonzalez. 

Prior to the winter meetings next week in the Indianapolis Convention Center, the Los Angeles Dodgers need to decide what moves the team needs to make that will lead towards their next winning season. 

Ned Colletti continues business as usual and makes it a priority to put the Dodgers back in the playoffs for the 2010 season.

The Detroit Tigers are looking to deal, and in order to save themselves from financial ruin, they are willing to part with superstar first baseman Miguel Cabrera.