Preseason Top 10

With the 1999 season only a few days away, let's take a look at the top teams in the league. Which teams will make it to the playoffs? Which teams will be playing golf in October? Only time will tell...




10. New York Yankees

Overview: The Yankees come into the 1999 season with some question marks around the field for the first time really. They've entered a quasi rebuilding phase with studs such as, Bernie Williams, Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, and Takashi Saito all leaving the team either by trade or free agency.
Best Case Scenario: Even with the Yanks missing some of the offensive pop that they had in previous seasons, they did a good job in filling those holes with useful guys. Roberto Kelley and Scott Stahoviak were key free agent signings. Without question, the Yanks will tick and tock with their pitching. Pettitte, Rueter, and Leiter will need to continue to be their dominant selves. Justin Ducscherer will be making his major league debut and he'll need to be at least league average. A bounce back season from Mo Rivera will also be needed. With everything going just right, this team could visiting the playoffs for the 4th year in a row.
Worst Case Scenario: None of the new bats pan out, the bullpen stays a mess, and they continue to bleed money. Clearly, a transition year, the Yankees could find themselves on the wrong side of 80 wins and be in trouble with a lackluster offense.



9. Los Angeles Dodgers

Overview: The Dodgers turned a lot of heads last year with their late push for the playoffs that fell just short. They may have lost Eric Karros through free agency, but they have enough impact prospects on the rise that could see major league time this season. Alex Cora and Brandon Inge look poised to make that leap and could have a huge effect on the NL West race. Backed by a strong pitching staff, the Dodgers could push their way into the playoffs this season.
Best Case Scenario: NL Wild Card. I'm not sure they have the fire power to dethrone the Giants, but they definitely have a shot to brush aside the geriatric Rockies. Miguel Tejada may be the most underrated player in the league. If the young shortstop continues on this path of development he could hit 30 homers this season. The Dodgers boast a complete rotation, a deep bullpen, and a great closer. All of this could lead to playoffs this season.
Worst Case Scenario: The young players (Inge, Cora, Greissinger) aren't quite ready and falter. There's no doubt that LA will need their help and if Greg can't get it then he could be in trouble. I still think they finish 2nd in the division regardless, but it may not be enough to get to the playoffs.



8. Seattle Mariners

Overview: This is probably a respect pick more than anything. Seattle lost a bunch of players through free agency, and with their GM missing in action, this team could be in trouble. Yet, they have Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez. The most potent 1-2 in the league when hot. The only part of the team not affected by free agency was their pitching - and it's a good thing. They may have an older staff, but it can still lock you down.
Best Case Scenario: A lot depends on the Athletics. If the young studs over there live up to their hype then I think the Mariners are in trouble. If not, well then I think they roll. The 3-4 bats they have should be enough in an overall weak West. And again, their pitching is stout enough to hold down the fort.
Worst Case Scenario: Yikes. This could be a long season for Nanz and we all know he's a bandwagoner, wouldn't be surprised to see him step down if the Mariners end up out of the playoffs. A likely occurrence if he continues his Houdini act.



7. Oakland Athletics

Overview: This will be a team highly dependent on younger talent maturing into the superstars that they should be. The signing of Kevin Seitzer allows Broph to move Giambi to DH full time which should improve the fielding of the team and help the pitching immensely. Broph made some gutsy moves at the end of last season bringing in Jeter, Greer, and Kent. These are moves that could catapult the A's into the playoffs or financially cripple them for years to come.
Best Case Scenario: They waltz through the weak AL West and march into the playoffs for the first time. Backed by Pavano, TVP, and Brown, the A's have the rotation to compete with all of the top dogs. Add in a lineup full of mashers from 1 to 9 and this could be the makings of a powerhouse.
Worst Case Scenario: Poor defense and under performing undermine the strong rotation and cause the A's to miss the playoffs again. I didn't see a single 'A' defense rating when looking through his team and that could spell trouble for his pitching. Regardless, the A's should be in the playoff race for the entire season - whether its for the AL West crown or for the Wild Card remains to be seen.



6. Montreal Expos

Overview: Wait, the Nationals?? Nah just playing boys. Anyways, the Expos are poised for the biggest leap in the standings in the history of BBSBL. They have officially called up all of their ready studs - Fick, Soriano, Milton, and Rodney. I'm sure I'm missing someone, but I'm blinded by the fact that they went out and signed Gary Sheffield as well. This team is young, but ready.
Best Case Scenario: All of the young guns click, Montreal wins 90 games, and makes the playoffs. A lot is going to hinge on the guys they called up, obviously, but I think they are up to the task. Most probably could have been called up last season. Adding Sheffield to Vlad doesn't seem fair. Those two guys should be able to batter that Philly rotation up and down.
Worst Case Scenario: Miss the playoffs and regret calling up the young guns too early. It's always a thin line when calling up guys and maybe it's too early? Who knows. The lack of experienced pitching could doom the Expos in the long run and is probably what will hold them back this year if they falter.



5. Chicago White Sox

Overview: The White Sox made a surprise run to the World Series last year (at least in my mind) and the question is, do they have what it takes to get back there? Waldo didn't lose anybody of consequence from that team, but he also didn't add to it either. With Big Hurt, Mags, and Belle manning the middle of that lineup he probably didn't have to.
Best Case Scenario: Steamroll the AL Central yet again and make a deep playoff run. The White Sox are built to last. They have young hitters and studly pitching - something everyone knows you need to be successful in the playoffs. Not much else to say here except that they will dominate.
Worst Case Scenario: Steamroll the AL Central yet again and make a deep playoff run. Yeah nobody is touching them in the Central this year. Only way it's close is if Waldo has to battle PDs like he did last year.



4. Houston Astros

Overview: The Astros got bumped out of the playoffs in '98 by the eventual World Series champs. This is another team that didn't lose anything nor add anything in the offseason. And again, probably didn't need to. Mike Gonzalez and BJ Ryan both look close to ready to make the leap to the bigs and could force Chris to move some of his pitching right now to improve his aging lineup.
Best Case Scenario: I don't see a consistent threat in the NL Central right now. The Pirates hang around and supposedly the Cubs are supposed to be on the upswing, but I don't see it this year. Chris will plow through this season again and look to make it to the World Series this time around.
Worst Case Scenario: Older players usually lead to more injuries and bad PDs. If this happens then I think the Astros still dominate. LOL. I don't see anyone in the NL Central contending for the next 2-3 seasons with this powerhouse.



3. Philadelphia Phillies

Overview: The Phillies had a disappointing end to their '98 season, getting knocked around in the playoffs. I think they will bounce back well. Good pitching doesn't stay down for long and they have great pitching. Probably the best rotation 1 through 5 in the league, lead by Irabu and El Sid. Sure some other teams have great 1-3's, but they can't touch Philly's depth.
Best Case Scenario: See you in the playoffs Philadelphia. Even with the loss of Sheffield, I don't see that hampering this team too much. They are well rounded on offense and should be able to cover up his production well. He could also flip one of his pitchers for some offense.
Worst Case Scenario: Losing Sheffield hurts too much and they still roll through the East. Sure it might be closer between them, Montreal, and Atlanta, but I still think the Phillies come out on top. That pitching is just so tasty. Can't get over it.



2. Boston Red Sox

Overview: Boston is good. I should know, I have to play them 19 times throughout the year. Their lineup went through some cosmetic surgery this offseason, but more importantly their studly pitching stayed the same.
Best Case Scenario: This has to be the year they breakout and win the World Series, right? It could be. Well it had better be because Boston is old and losing money fast. Their pitching will let them run away with the East. The lineup is a bit of a question mark, especially when it comes to facing the best pitching in the playoffs. Not sure flipping Galarraga for Burks will make much of a difference.
Worst Case Scenario: An old lineup shows their age and crumbles through injuries and PDs. Nomar and Manny will still need to carry this team and if they stumble it could be an early exit in the playoffs.



1. San Francisco Giants

Overview: No brainer in my mind. The defending champs have a well rounded lineup and a great rotation. They even added pitching and bench depth in the offseason. Ridiculous.
Best Case Scenario: Still the class of the NL. They win another 3 or 4 World Series' before having to tear it down. This team isn't going anywhere and it's up to the rest of the NL to go get them.
Worst Case Scenario: Only winning 1 or 2 more World Series'? If Colorado would get his head out of his ass and trade some of his hitters for pitching, then I could see things getting interesting, but for now it's San Fran all day, errday in the West.

Just missing the cut: Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves