Preview/Prediction

Since it is way too easy to throw out basement picks and hoping for a long shot to hit, let’s talk about two guys who should be considered first or second round talent but are going outside the top two rounds.

1. Chase Utley, (2B-PHI): Utley has been THE premier second baseman in baseball for the last four years. A couple of injuries set him back in the second half of last year, but he is back in top form to start the 2009 season.

Saturday, I wrote an article comparing the Cubs infield to the rest of the NL Central. This article will compare the Cubbies' outfield against their divisional foes.

A little side note, I'm using the MLB.com team depth charts as my source as to who the starting outfielders will be.

Although there's a good chance Reed Johnson and Kosuke Fukudome will platoon in center field, the Cubs.com depth chart has Fukudome listed ahead of Johnson as of March 29.

Washington Nationals 2009 Preview

The biggest signing during the 2008 offseason was Adam Dunn. Dunn had been phenomenal throughout the World Baseball Classic, but will he provide enough offense to a lineup that struggled so mightily in 2008? Most likely not.

The Nationals also acquired Josh Willingham (trade, Marlins), Daniel Cabrera (Free Agency), and Scott Olson (trade, Marlins), which should help their depth problem going into 2009.

The New York Mets open up the season on the road April 6th against the Cincinatti Reds.  They play three games in Cincinnati and then a three game set with the Marlins in Miami.  Then they arrive at their new home to face the San Diego Padres for the their long awaited opener. 

Strange currents of economy, ownership, and agents are creating an interesting year for 2009. The National League West is highly impacted by a shaky economy and changing ownerships. 

Jeff Moorad leaving the D-backs to be the new owner of the Padres is a change of strategy for both franchises. Dodger owner Frank McCourt’s comments recently revealed his heavy hand in GM Ned Colletti’s choices of players, relieving Neddy of some of the blame.

Enough is enough. There have been as many Mets and Phillies articles as there are children of Brad and Angelina.

They multiply everyday (the kids and the articles).

So why don't we end this now? This rambling about who has the better bullpen, closer, infielders, fans, and clubhouse carpets has to stop.

I thought about how we could stop this finally came upon an idea sometime last week. What better way is there to end a disagreement, or clear some of the air up, than a debate?

NL Rookie of the Year Award: Cameron Maybin (Marlins)

Maybin is an extremely talented outfielder who will most likely be the lead off man for club this season. He is an excellent defensive player with his great speed and solid arm and he should have about a .280 average along with about 10 homers, 50 RBI, 75 runs and 25 stolen bases. 

Runner Up: Jordan Schafer - Center Fielder (Braves)

NL Manager of the Year Award: Jerry Manuel (Mets)

“Prospect -- the act of looking forward; something that is awaited or expected”

Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary

For the first time in many seasons, the Reds have a very solid and deep pitching staff to excite the fan base.

Most of the baseball world forgets that Cincinnati received Daniel Ray Herrera with Edinson Volquez in the Josh Hamilton trade before last season. As it happened, Herrera was actually the deciding factor in the deal with the Texas Rangers.