doublestix's five MAJOR League predictions, March edition

Coco Crisp will have an outstanding season on both offense and defense. I have no basis for this really, but I'm feeling it. I think part of his problems in Boston were in his head. Give me something around .290/.360/.450 with 25 steals.
Kyle Davies will be considered our second best starter by the end of the year. Ahead of Meche, behind Zack Attack. Not that I don't believe in Gil, but I love, love, love Kyle for this year. Something clicked for him at the end of last year. I am not sure what took him so long to decide to be aggresive, but when you have three above-average pitches...stop worrying about being Greg Maddux and just throw strikes. Put me down for 13 wins, a 3.8 ERA, and 155 strikeouts.
I have no confidence in any starters after Luke Hochevar, who I consider our #4. None. Horacio Ramirez or Brian Bannister inspire no confidence. Bruce Chen? Lenny DiNardo? Brandon Duckworth? I like the front 4, but were going to need a solid #5 to challenge for the division title. Maybe we'll get lucky.
This is Billy Butler's year to starting raking. Baby, attitude, whatever...he's just way too talented to not hit. He'll be the primary 1B by the end of the year thanks to his improved physical conditioning. I'll put him down for .303/.362/.490 right now, and honestly, that power might be conservative.
We will finish tied for tied for 2nd with the White Sox in the division with 84 wins. The Twins will win it with their excellent pitching. *** This prediction assumes Mauer's back problem is not serious enough that he'll miss a large portion of the season.

8 months ago doublestix 8 comments 0 recs |

Comments

I can get on board with much of that

Believe it or not, I’ve always liked CoCo… don’t think he’ll hit that well, but he’ll be a decent player.

Davies will be a good pitcher Not sure he’s ready to be above average, but the Royals could use a #3. Either he or Hochevar look like they could be that guy… maybe both.

Although it’s not the same thing you’re doing (more of a “gut” thing, which I like), both CHONE and PECOTA see Butler as the Royals’ best hitter this season. I hope he gets the chance.

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by devil_fingers on Mar 10, 2009 9:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I can see him randomly slugging .450 one last time

by royalsreview on Mar 10, 2009 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Remember, he doesn't get to face Bannister and HoRam

or is it Ho-Ram. Or Ho’ram?

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by devil_fingers on Mar 10, 2009 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dont see how those things happen and we only win 84 honestly...

if 2 out of your 1,2,4 happen i think we’ll hit that number.

I think Luke will be the one to break out and be a good #3 starter. I think Davies will hold down the 4 spot admirably. I think Banny will suck badly enough that he can make his excuses and tell everyone how well he thinks he pitched after giving up 7 ER somewhere else…maybe Omaha where nobody’ll hear them.

I think Gordon will be the one to have a big breakout offensively along with significant improvement from Billy.

Olivo will be god awful…Buck, if he’s here will be back where he belongs by June.

I think Billy will be improved enough at first to where he can handle himself allowing Guillen to get some time at DH and hopefully stay healthier.

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Mar 11, 2009 12:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

My prediction

Gordon makes the All-Star team. Legitimately! Not as our token guy.

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by RoyalsRetro on Mar 11, 2009 9:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

you think so?

me thinks Longoria and A-Rod have 3B all but locked up barring disastrous seasons.

or you’re thinking Gordon is .300/.400/.550 with 20 bombs at the break.

Founder of the Johnny Giavotella fan club.

by doublestix on Mar 11, 2009 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ARod is on his way to having a disastrous season

Missing a month and a half pretty much excludes him from the team I would think. Longoria probably makes it. Other than that, who is there? Adrian Beltre. Maybe Carlos Guillen.

But yea, I think Smirk breaks out big time baby.

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by RoyalsRetro on Mar 11, 2009 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs