Pre-Season Player Notes

Here are a few of my thoughts heading into the 2008 MLB season:

Closers - In Baltimore, George Sherrill has been named the closer. While his stats last year were impressive (0.99 WHIP), he only pitched 45 innings. He does not seem to have the closer's mentality that makes guys like Joe Borowski so effective at shutting the door. I could be wrong, but I think Sherrill will struggle in his new role. I've always wanted to see what Jamie Walker could do as a full-time closer. Also, look for Greg Aquino to be a darkhorse in the Orioles' pen this year. As an alternative, if you already have a proven closer, think about picking up Jeremy Accardo as a guy who would get some saves in Toronto if B.J. Ryan goes down.

Devil Rays - While I love what Tampa has done with the top of their rotation (Kazmir, Garza, Shields), the 4 and 5 spots look like a disaster waiting to happen. This team is still at least a couple of years away from contending, and I don't see many wins coming out of those two rotation spots. The bullpen doesn't look any better than it did a year ago, Troy Percival not withstanding. Once you get past the top hitters, the bench is looking very thin, and Baldelli and Floyd are injury-prone, so guys like Eric Hinske will play a lot. If they can stockpile some more talented arms, including some for the 'pen, they will eventually crack the .500 mark. But not this year.
Same thing with the Royals...they have some nice arms at the top of the rotation, but the bullpen looks baaaaad again, and there's not really much offense on the bench. I'd like to see Justin Huber get a nice look this year, as not many of the other bench guys have much potential.

Detroit - The Tigers' lineup is monstrous this year. Someone like Jacque Jones can really benefit from having all those studs around them. You might want to raise his value up just a notch or two, as opposing pitchers will definitely be giving him some pitches to hit. The bullpen is no better than it was a year ago, and I think that Detroit should have addressed this issue rather than giving up all those prospects for Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis. The 'pen has become arguably the most important facet of a winning team, and was a big reason why the Tigers didn't repeat their playoff appearance from 2006. Thus, the Indians still look like the team to beat in the AL Central.

The M's Offense - Remember last year, when the Mariners were getting all of those clutch hits? Then, around August, the offense seemed to go into shutdown mode. What will this year's offense look like? I would definitely count on less runs scored, and lesser seasons from Vidro and Betancourt. Jose Lopez should return to form, and Brad Wilkerson remains somewhat of a mystery. This was kind of a patchwork group that really performed last year. Don't bank on it happening again in 2008.

Frankie Francisco - Keep an eye on this Ranger pitcher. A couple of years ago, he became semi-famous for throwing a chair at a heckler, and hitting the man's wife instead. Then, he got hurt and missed all of 2005 and most of '06. His numbers last year weren't what they were in '04, but the guy throws 97 MPH and there is not a sure-fire closer in the Texas bullpen. I'm not saying you should spend $15 for him on draft day. Just don't forget about him.