The Florida Marlins sit atop the Federal League East Division after a hot June. With the recent addition of power threat Matt Williams, nearly every player on their team is starting at a different position than they did when the season began. Overall it’s a decent squad that excels in some areas (tied for first in extra base hits and first in hits allowed and opponent batting average, while struggling in other areas. This team can use some...
Orlando has been an interesting team this season. Fighitng for the division crown, they had a rough June (13-14), great May (19-9), and strong start to July (7-3). Their pitching staff should be the envy of most teams, with a rotation and bullpen who are respectively ranked 2nd in ERA and anywhere between 2nd and 4th in every major pitching category. The hitting has been a more complicated tale. The good news? 1st in slugging, 1st in extra-base...
The Cardinals have made one major move already, ditching top 20 hitter in Matt Williams and acquiring Jay Bell and Steve Finley. Cardinals are leading the Federal League in batting average and hits, but are only 5th in runs. Tim Raines leading off with his -0.7 WAR isn’t helping, but Cardinals ownership is loyal, even when it’s blind and hurting this team. That being said, outfield doesn’t seem to be the biggest need. Need: Catcher Dan...
After a .500 start to the season after one month, all things have started to click for the Senators, who find themselves atop the United League as of this publication. The recently drafted pieces are playing well and are following the undisputed leader of this team - Alex Rodriguez. Hard to look at a team like this and encourage it to shake up what isn’t necessarily broken, but despite sitting atop their league, that doesn’t mean there...
This was half written when Reds ownership traded for every available left handed starting pitcher on the market, so we have since re-written. In a dog fight with the Devil Rays and Marlins, the Reds are on fire in July with a .875 winning percentage. The offense is humming and the rotation is improved, so the focus here should be… Need: Bullpen 9th in bullpen ERA, this is an uninspiring group after Arthur Rhodes. Ironically enough, nearly all...
Toronto started the season red hot, having the best record in the league for a couple of sims. Although they have cooled slightly, they’re a threat. Looking at their roster, there are a couple of places that they would benefit to upgrade, most notably the bullpen. Of every contender, they would benefit most from a top reliever. That being said, their biggest need in this esteemed writer’s mind is… Need: Cap Space Credit where credit is...
Arizona spent the offseason selling off some pieces and have gone through this season so far not missing a beat. Although their division lead has shrunk, they’re still in first and squarely a team to beat. The pitching staff, like usual, has worked its voodoo magic and is one of the best in the league, despite moving on from guys like Myers and Sebra. Offense on the other hand… Need: Center Fielder The revolving door that has been center...