Offensive Outlook: Slightly Above Average
Doyel's team looks a lot like the team that made it to the finals last season. No doubt Doyel is banking on similar results, but I wouldn't count on it. Despite the three-headed monster of Howard, Cano and Holliday, this is a team that is largely devoid of power. It will struggle to compete in HR, BB and RBI most weeks. It will, however, be strong when it comes to average, runs and steals. He will have some speed to deal for power when the need arises; but will he pull the trigger?
Pitching Outlook: Above Average
Once again, the starting pitching is a major strength for Doyel's team. This quintet will be extremely competitive when it comes to wins, strike outs, ERA and WHIP. It is probably one of the top four rotations in the league. I'm not a fan of most of the pen. Clippard and Burnett came from nowhere last year and play for a lousy team; I think they will regress some. Lyon is a WHIP killer with frequent blow-ups in his history and his stats last year were probably more of an aberration than a sign of what's to come. Soriano is an elite set-up man, but that's not why Doyel traded for him. Thornton is nasty and figures to close, but has little experience in that role.
Depth Outlook: Average
Bourjos is an unknown right down to the role he'll play. Headley, Sanchez and Ruiz are more valuable in real life than in fantasy. There is decent if unspectacular pitching depth.
7. Michigan Miracles (Consolation Bracket, 2nd in Texas Division)
Offensive Outlook: Above Average
There is a very good offensive core here. There is a good amount of power (Gonzalez, Hill, Young, Rios, Wells), which is complimented by a ton of speed (Rios, Victorino, Desmond). He's going to need rebound seasons from Hill and Suzuki in terms of average, but should hit for a very respectable team average. This team will struggle to compete in walks most weeks with a ton of free swingers on the roster, and what will they do when Ordonez eventually gets hurt?
Pitching Outlook: Slightly Above Average
If you look at last season's stats, the rotation looks good on paper. Then you realize the rotation is made up of two guys who don't miss bats (Hudson, Cahill), two guys who had extreme career years (Lewis, Myers), and one legit stud. I'd bat both Cahill and Hudson see their ERA's spike by close to a full run, and the WHIPs will go up, too. Myers and Lewis seem like they are in line for a regression. The bullpen is solid. I think this team finds its self behing the 8-ball in K's, W's and possibly WHIP this season.
Depth Outlook: Questionable
I see a lot of risks and wild cards on this bench. LaPorta and Borbon are complete unknowns. Hall and Rivera could wind up with inconsistent playing time. Peralta is in decline and while his speed is enticing, it seems to me the Nationals would prefer not to have to count on him. There is decent pitching depth.
6. North Texas Rangers (Wild Card, 3rd in West)
Offensive Outlook: Above Average
There is a great deal of fire power here. The lineup is loaded with power (Tex, Wright, Kinsler, Hamilton, Posey, Stanton) and has some speed to boot (Wright, Kinsler, Escobar). It's a lineup that should be competitive in average, home runs, runs batted in, walks and runs. I don't think Alex Gonzalez matches last year's power totals and his average will be a drag. Matsui and Thome are OK, but there is no telling how many AB's they'll get or if they can stay healthy.
Pitching Outlook: Average
Not a huge fan of the starting staff here. Obviously, Felix is a beast and Hanson is promising. I see a major regression for CJ Wilson this season and I don't think Adrian gets anything from Webb all season. I'm also not crazy about counting on Beuhrle in the rotation since he gives up plenty of base runners and doesn't miss bats. Adrian will probably need to use Matuzs more than he'd like this season.
Depth Outlook: Decent
Adrian has a bunch of guys who could fill in admirably for a week or two, but any extended injuries or slumps by his starters would kill him. His most reliable reserve is Orlando Hudson, other than that he has a bunch of guys who are barely replacement level. I'm guessing there will be some turnover on his pitching bench because Howell is hurt and Pineda may not start the year in the majors. He's going to need good innings out of Matusz at some point.
5. Julian Javelina (Wild Card, 2nd in West)
Offensive Outlook: Explosive
This is a very balanced and diverse group of offensive talents. The first thing that pops out is the power (six regulars who should top 20 HR, five who should approach or top 25). But this team should also be very competitive in the other categories. The team figures to compete in average, home runs, runs batted in, runs and walks most weeks. They would probably benefit from adding some speed.
Pitching Outlook: Very Good
The starting staff is extremely deep and well-rounded. It's led by three players who should top 200 IP, provide very good ERA's and approach or top 200K's each. Then you have two youngsters on the rise who should pitch 190-200 innings, post ERA's around 3.50, and miss 170+ bats. The bullpen obviously lacks a closer, but should be very good in the other categories. There are four relievers who should post 20-25 holds and provide better than league average totals in ERA and WHIP. The pen should, for the most part, also provide healthy strike out totals. The lack of closers is what kept this group out of the top four.
Depth Outlook: Excellent
There are capable and productive backups at almost every position, and even a few guys who could find their way into outfield and utility rotations if they play well. Torres and Venable provide speed off the bench and one of them could steal time from Soriano if they play well. Davis is a blossoming star at 1B and will see time at utility. Casilla is the everyday 2B or SS in Minnesota and could provide some speed. Pieryznski is solid enough. The pitching depth is also solid. Guthrie is an innings eater who improved last season and Niese is a young hurler with upside. Mark Lowe could get saves chances if Feliz starts.
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