As Atlanta Braves starter Derek Lowe threw his first pitch last night at Citizens Bank Park, the Philadelphia Phillies officially began their World Series title defense, as the 2009 baseball season gets under way.
It is the time of the year when fans adjust to new faces at new places, and each team is optimistic about its fortunes. The 2009 baseball season welcomes two new ballparks—The Mets’ CitiField and the new Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.
The Yankees were, again, major players in the free agent market last off-season. The team signed ace C.C. Sabathia and hard-throwing righty A.J. Burnett, as well as All-Star first baseman Mark Teixeira. Despite his heavy workload last year, the Yankees need Sabathia to perform like an ace this season in what is expected to be a hotly contested AL East.
On offense, Teixeira is an upgrade, but leadoff hitter and team captain Derek Jeter had an off year last year, by his standards. The team will also be closely monitoring Jeter’s defense at short, which has been slipping in recent seasons. Another concern is third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who had a tumultuous off-season and is expected to be out at least until May due to injury.
Despite those concerns, I expect the Yankees to post a 101-61 season and win the AL East.
In Queens, the Mets welcome two top-flight relievers. The bullpen has been a glaring weakness, a main reason for the team’s perceived collapse from playoff contention over the last two seasons. The team signed Francisco Rodriguez as closer and former Seattle Mariners closer J.J. Putz as his setup man. If both pitchers stay injury-free, the bullpen will be a strength.
Offensively, the Mets are set. Third baseman David Wright, shortstop José Reyes, and centerfielder Carlos Beltran are perennial All Stars. But Carlos Delgado is one year older and was mired in a slump until a late-season surge last year.
If there’s one weakness, it’s the Mets’ rotation. Ace Johan Santana’s subpar win-loss record last year was an aberration, and Mike Pelfrey looks like a future star. But after those two, the rotation is full of question marks. Which Oliver Perez will show up this season, and will John Maine be able to stay healthy for an entire season? And how effective will former castoff Livan Hernandez be in the fifth spot?
The Braves and the Marlins will be improved, and the Phillies are still dangerous in the NL East. But the Mets should be able to return to the playoffs this season with a 91-71 record and as the NL Wildcard.
It is the time of the year when fans adjust to new faces at new places, and each team is optimistic about its fortunes. The 2009 baseball season welcomes two new ballparks—The Mets’ CitiField and the new Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.
The Yankees were, again, major players in the free agent market last off-season. The team signed ace C.C. Sabathia and hard-throwing righty A.J. Burnett, as well as All-Star first baseman Mark Teixeira. Despite his heavy workload last year, the Yankees need Sabathia to perform like an ace this season in what is expected to be a hotly contested AL East.
On offense, Teixeira is an upgrade, but leadoff hitter and team captain Derek Jeter had an off year last year, by his standards. The team will also be closely monitoring Jeter’s defense at short, which has been slipping in recent seasons. Another concern is third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who had a tumultuous off-season and is expected to be out at least until May due to injury.
Despite those concerns, I expect the Yankees to post a 101-61 season and win the AL East.
In Queens, the Mets welcome two top-flight relievers. The bullpen has been a glaring weakness, a main reason for the team’s perceived collapse from playoff contention over the last two seasons. The team signed Francisco Rodriguez as closer and former Seattle Mariners closer J.J. Putz as his setup man. If both pitchers stay injury-free, the bullpen will be a strength.
Offensively, the Mets are set. Third baseman David Wright, shortstop José Reyes, and centerfielder Carlos Beltran are perennial All Stars. But Carlos Delgado is one year older and was mired in a slump until a late-season surge last year.
If there’s one weakness, it’s the Mets’ rotation. Ace Johan Santana’s subpar win-loss record last year was an aberration, and Mike Pelfrey looks like a future star. But after those two, the rotation is full of question marks. Which Oliver Perez will show up this season, and will John Maine be able to stay healthy for an entire season? And how effective will former castoff Livan Hernandez be in the fifth spot?
The Braves and the Marlins will be improved, and the Phillies are still dangerous in the NL East. But the Mets should be able to return to the playoffs this season with a 91-71 record and as the NL Wildcard.
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