12. Charlotte Oreos
Offensive Outlook: Mediocre
I won't lie, there is some star power here (Votto, Utley, Hanley, Ichiro, Cruz). Unfortunately, the affore-mentioned star power is sort of dimmed by a collection of not-yet-ready-for-prime-time-players (Tabata, Maybin, Snyder, Weiters), and a glorified utility player (Polanco). My gut says this team will steal a ton of bases, be competitive in terms of power and RBI, but probably see its average dragged down by guys like Weiters, Maybin and possibly Snyder. That said, any wins this team gets will be a direct result of the offense.
Pitching Outlook: Agonizing
Let's see, there is Verlander....and, um....well, there is Verlander. Other than that, you're looking at a collection of injury-prone and inconsistent starting pitchers. This team will not compete in ERA, WHIP, W, or K's most weeks. The good news is he very well could have four closers to work with. The bad news is Farnsworth sucks and won't last long, Putz pitches for a lousy team, Lidge is an enigma, and Francisco pitches in a crowded bullpen. This team will struggle to record holds.
Depth Outlook: Thin
Reviews on Nishikoa are mixed. Mora pretty much sucks. Stewart's role is as yet undefined with guys like Lopez and Wigginton in town. Saunders probably won't play much. I doubt Dan Johnson produces much. He could get some decent value/production out of Narveson, Stauffer and Galarraga. I am not a believer in carrying extra MRP - especially bad ones (Gutierrez) - but that's me.
11. Mid Michigan Tigers
Offensive Outlook: Stagnant
It's hard to say any lineup with Cabrera in it will be stagnant, but this lineup looks thin to me They will steal a lot of bases and probably score runs at a decent clip, but beyond that it's fairly ugly. This is a lineup that will struggle to hit many HR outside of Cabrera, which means it will also struggle in the RBI department. I also think this team will struggle to draw walks and hit for average. Iannetta, Uribe, Scutaro, Brown and Berkman all represent potentially significant holes in this lineup.
Pitching Outlook: Promising
In the end, it was Keith's pitching that separated him from Larry and Broskey. Yeah...Lincecum, Lee and Danks are a deadly 1-2-3, and I actually like Santana and Sanchez. This team should fair well in ERA, WHIP, K, and W. The bullpen is decent, but not great. Moyland will get his holds, Guerrier is sold, and Brian Wilson is one of the better closers around. I have some concerns about Cordero and Jepsen and how they'll impact WHIP.
Depth Outlook: Thin
Will Barmes and Smith play regularly? And would it actually help Keith if they did? Thole is barely serviceable in real baseball. There is decent pitching depth.
10. South Texas Heat
Offensive Outlook: Above Average
I actually like the offensive core. There are a couple proven veterans (Fielder, Jeter), there are a couple youngsters with massive upside (Santana, Upton, Fowler), and there are a few bounce back candidates (Figging, Quentin, Granderson and Lind). Then there is the ever brittle Chipper Jones - which pretty much means Berg will need to play Casey Blake at third more than he'd probably like. There should be no shortage of power, RBI, and runs. I think the team will be light on average and walks. They should be competitive (middle of pack) in SB.
Pitching Outlook: Middle of the Road
I like Berg's starting pitchers because they are all durable and productive, but none of them are really go-to fantasy pitchers. He should be fairly competitive in ERA and Wins with this group, but might struggle some in the WHIP and K categories since none of these guys are really dominant. The bullpen is what will drag him down some. He will probably be very competitive in Holds, but his pen might drag down ERA and WHIP some. He will struggle in saves.
Depth Outlook: Questionable
There are a lot of question marks on the offensive bench. Will Chris Davis play? What can you expect from Espinosa? Has Alex Gordon fallen out of favor and when will Moustakas get called up? Only Cust and Blake figure to get regular playing time. I like him carrying Harang and Minor on the bench, and Coke could be a nice little sleeper, too.
9. Oviedo Knights
Offensive Outlook: Average
There is a decent balance of youth and veterans here. You figure guys like Lee, Ortiz, Hart, and Bautista will provide solid production; even if Hart and Bautista seem likely to regress this season. I really like Neil Walker at second base (could be good for 15 HR and 15 SB), and there is a great deal of promise in Pedro Alvarez. This team will struggle to compete in walks this season and will probably have a below average batting average, but should be more than competitive in HR, RBI, SB and R.
Pitching Outlook: Average
I'm not in love with the starting pitching here. Obviously, Oswalt is very good; but I wonder if his struggles late in the post season are an indication of some regression. After that there are some questions - Cueto, Morrow and McDonald could torpedo WHIP and ERA any given week. The bullpen looks very good on paper. Perez is a closer on the rise, Adams is nasty, and Motte is working his way into a closer role. Dotel is a gas can. I'd be concerned about Broxton I think this team is likely to struggle to compete in WHIP, K's, and saves could be a problem depending on what happens with Broxton. They will be pretty competitive in W and H.\
Depth Outlook: Thin
I think the depth is questionable. There is no telling what to expect from Sizemore, Blanks won't play much before July (if at all), Fukudome sucks. I like Kendrick and Arencibia. No telling what to expect from Kila. The pitching depth is very thin. Chris Young's right shoulder is mush, Luebke is not a lock for a rotation spot. Duensing is OK, but nothing special. He could have the Dodgers' next closer in Jansen.
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