Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2013 21:50:03 GMT -5
*These Rankings are for the 2013 season ONLY*
1) Detroit Tigers- Not much to say about this team that hasn't already been said. Easily the best SP in the league, excellent lineup. If I could change one thing about Alex's team, it would be adding maybe one more bat, and trying to slightly improve the bullpen. Grade: 97
2) Kansas City Royals- Deep and young all around, one of the bets teams in the league for years to come. Fifth best OF is Dominic Brown, which should say enough. Pitching rotation is full of great players. Like Tigers, could use some work on his bullpen. Grade: 95
3) Chicago White Sox- Very tough call between the Sox and the Royals, and although White Sox may have the top level talent to be ahead, really needs depth. 5 SPs, almost regardless of how good they are, cannot get a team wins in 2 of the 7 categories (W, K). Where Michael lacks in depth, he makes up for it with what I would call the best bullpen in the league, by far. The issues on offense are the same, however. An injury to a number of his key players would put him in a very bad spot for a while. I think the Sox might want to look into trading one of their stars for a SP and a solid bench bat or two. Grade: 94
4) New York Mets: Probably one of the most well-rounded teams in the league, its hard to find very many flaws with the Mets. The only reason they place 4th is because as deep as the team is, it could use just a few more good players. Although its hard to find a star in the Mets' outfield, they have 5 players, some of which can play multiple positions. Starting pitching is good at top, could possibly use another arm or two. RP is also very deep. Grade: 92
5) St. Louis Cardinals: Likely one the best pitching staffs, both SP and RP, in the league. If you look at the starting lineup for St. Louis, its hard for someone to see why they aren't first in the NL. The problem is that after the starters, there is some depth lacking. The only bench bat on the team is Anthony Rizzo, who plays only 1B. If Allen Craig is traded for depth however, it could seriously help the Cardinals out. Grade: 91
6) Los Angeles Angels: Deep team all around with a fantastic pitching staff. Maybe not always the easiest to negotiate with, but Andrew has built a very strong team from top to bottom. Although not all positions in the lineup are as strong as some guys that will be below him, he has stars throughout, and people that can back them up if a injury were to happen. Grade: 87
7) Tampa Bay Rays: Another top heavy team, not really deep anywhere. What the Rays do have, however, is one of the best offenses in the league that will be good for years to come. Rotation is also strong along with bullpen, but could use a few more guys all around. Grade: 86
8) Chicago Cubs: The Cubs/Pirates/Cardinals showed how patience could pay off, and after being one of the worst teams in the league last year, is now ready to fight for and I think win a wild-card spot in the NL. Strong at every position, the only thing psych lacks is one or two more bench bats. SP is overall very strong, and RP is a force to be reckoned with. Whether Chapman is a SP or RP, both are strong enough to produce without him. Grade: 84
9) Minnesota Twins: Without a doubt, the deepest team in the league. The only thing holding the Twins back is the lack of trades they makes. As I said before that a lot of teams need depth, Twins could be the perfect trading partner. Also has near $40 mil to work with, which is sure to come in handy during the season if not sooner. SP, RP, and OF are unbelievably deep. If a move could be reached to bring in a star or two, Twins could easily lock up 4th in the AL Central! Seriously though, he has a great team but is in a terrible position, and this ranking depends a lot on what I think he will do with his remaining assets. Grade: 83
10) Miami Marlins: Will have a trouble if they cannot get a SS and a starting 3B (Olt is not starting on Texas as of now). Looking past that, however, you'll find that they are strong at every position, and both the SP and RP is very, very tough. It's hard to put a team with this many good players lower than they already are. Grade: 83
11) Cincinnati Reds: Very deep lineup with a lot of good players. Almost every position has a solid player followed with a backup. Pitching, however, could use some extra players. All of their starters are solid, but they could struggle getting enough wins. Relief Pitching is strong as well. Grade: 82
12) Cleveland Indians: Tough year to be in the AL Central, as the Indians take the 5 spot despite being a top-15 team. Although some positions are worse than others, the Indians have built a very strong team. Their real strength is pitching, where they have several good starters, along with a solid bullpen. Grade: 80
13) Arizona Diamondbacks: The first team in NL West (and last until much later in the rankings), the Diamondbacks have a stranglehold on the division for years to come. Hitting is solid throughout, but could use another good bat to make it better. Their real strength, however, is pitching. SP is full of great players, and RP is solid as well. Should have no trouble winning the NL West this year. Grade: 80
14) Baltimore Orioles: Maybe higher than most people would have expected. But if you get past the fact that almost everyone hates him, Jeff has done a very nice job assembling a good team that at its best, can compete for the AL East. Hitting is solid all around, but could use just a bit more depth and possibly one or two more good hitters. Starting pitching is deep with a few standouts. Relief pitching could use some work, however. If Kershaw is ever actually traded and gives Jeff good value, Rays should be worried. Grade: 79
15) Texas Rangers: Has a solid team across the board, nothing sticks out in particular. Solid pitching staff, and will continue to get better as they age. Hitting could use an extra good player, but will still be above average. Will be tough to compete in the AL, but is a good team. Grade: 76
16) Philadelphia Phillies: Deep team that could use a standout player in the lineup. SP and RP are solid but not great. The Phillies won't jump out at any, but they are a decent team, and if a few things go right, could fight for 2nd place in the NL East and contend for a wild-card spot. Grade: 75
17) Houston Astros/Colt .45s: Say what you want about how the team is being run, but Houston is a good team for 2013. Hitting is good, along with a very good rotation. Could use an extra MI, and quite a few more RP. Does not look like a title contender, but could quietly surprise some people. Grade: 74
18) Washington Nationals: The Nationals have a few holes in the lineup, which isn't great, but they make up for it with a very good pitching staff. The most experienced players in the pitching staff are year 4, so they will continue to get better. If Nationals can make strides in the lineup without losing too much pitching, they will have a decent season. Grade: 72
19) New York Yankees: Tough ranking for a team that won the league last year, and although they are deep, you can only start so many guys. New GM Jordan should take advantage of this by pursuing a trade with a team needing depth. No real weaknesses with this team, but not a distinct strength, other than depth. Grade: 71
20) Seattle Mariners: Bryan has done a fantastic job taking the Mariners from worst to... not as bad in the AL West. The only things holding Bryan back are the lack of depth, some holes to fill, and a terrible bullpen made of 2 players. If Bryan can get a few players to add the depth, he will have a good first season in the AL. Grade: 70
T21) Atlanta Braves: Rounding out the NL East are the always controversial Braves. After breaking the team down unintentionally, Atlanta has been built up to be a slightly below average team, with good depth. He may have to do the same next, with many year 6 guys and expiring contracts. He will not be able to fit all of these contracts in unless the cap is raised to about $180 mil. At best, Alex will be fighting for 4th in the NL East unless everything goes right. Grade: 68
T21) Oakland Athletics: Has some good players, has some holes and not enough depth throughout to make any impact in the AL West. Grade: 68
23) Colorado Rockies: Has done a good job as GM, but they are still a mediocre team that has its faults. Lineup needs improvement. Grade: 66
24) Milwaukee Brewers: Has holes in lineup, but also has some solid young guys who will be key for future. Grade: 65.
T25) Padres, Dodgers, Giants: Last 3 teams in the NL West who all have teams made of bad players. Best chance for future success is Giants. Grade(s): 62.
28) Toronto Blue Jays: Went out and signed Beltran and Lohse, although he will still be in the bottom of the AL East. Has very many holes, but is making strides. Grade: 58
29) Boston Red Sox: Best MLB players are guys that are young or rookies. Will be good by 2015. Grade: 55
30) Pittsburgh Pirates: Has next to nothing but will be good in future. Nothing else to say. Grade: 50
1) Detroit Tigers- Not much to say about this team that hasn't already been said. Easily the best SP in the league, excellent lineup. If I could change one thing about Alex's team, it would be adding maybe one more bat, and trying to slightly improve the bullpen. Grade: 97
2) Kansas City Royals- Deep and young all around, one of the bets teams in the league for years to come. Fifth best OF is Dominic Brown, which should say enough. Pitching rotation is full of great players. Like Tigers, could use some work on his bullpen. Grade: 95
3) Chicago White Sox- Very tough call between the Sox and the Royals, and although White Sox may have the top level talent to be ahead, really needs depth. 5 SPs, almost regardless of how good they are, cannot get a team wins in 2 of the 7 categories (W, K). Where Michael lacks in depth, he makes up for it with what I would call the best bullpen in the league, by far. The issues on offense are the same, however. An injury to a number of his key players would put him in a very bad spot for a while. I think the Sox might want to look into trading one of their stars for a SP and a solid bench bat or two. Grade: 94
4) New York Mets: Probably one of the most well-rounded teams in the league, its hard to find very many flaws with the Mets. The only reason they place 4th is because as deep as the team is, it could use just a few more good players. Although its hard to find a star in the Mets' outfield, they have 5 players, some of which can play multiple positions. Starting pitching is good at top, could possibly use another arm or two. RP is also very deep. Grade: 92
5) St. Louis Cardinals: Likely one the best pitching staffs, both SP and RP, in the league. If you look at the starting lineup for St. Louis, its hard for someone to see why they aren't first in the NL. The problem is that after the starters, there is some depth lacking. The only bench bat on the team is Anthony Rizzo, who plays only 1B. If Allen Craig is traded for depth however, it could seriously help the Cardinals out. Grade: 91
6) Los Angeles Angels: Deep team all around with a fantastic pitching staff. Maybe not always the easiest to negotiate with, but Andrew has built a very strong team from top to bottom. Although not all positions in the lineup are as strong as some guys that will be below him, he has stars throughout, and people that can back them up if a injury were to happen. Grade: 87
7) Tampa Bay Rays: Another top heavy team, not really deep anywhere. What the Rays do have, however, is one of the best offenses in the league that will be good for years to come. Rotation is also strong along with bullpen, but could use a few more guys all around. Grade: 86
8) Chicago Cubs: The Cubs/Pirates/Cardinals showed how patience could pay off, and after being one of the worst teams in the league last year, is now ready to fight for and I think win a wild-card spot in the NL. Strong at every position, the only thing psych lacks is one or two more bench bats. SP is overall very strong, and RP is a force to be reckoned with. Whether Chapman is a SP or RP, both are strong enough to produce without him. Grade: 84
9) Minnesota Twins: Without a doubt, the deepest team in the league. The only thing holding the Twins back is the lack of trades they makes. As I said before that a lot of teams need depth, Twins could be the perfect trading partner. Also has near $40 mil to work with, which is sure to come in handy during the season if not sooner. SP, RP, and OF are unbelievably deep. If a move could be reached to bring in a star or two, Twins could easily lock up 4th in the AL Central! Seriously though, he has a great team but is in a terrible position, and this ranking depends a lot on what I think he will do with his remaining assets. Grade: 83
10) Miami Marlins: Will have a trouble if they cannot get a SS and a starting 3B (Olt is not starting on Texas as of now). Looking past that, however, you'll find that they are strong at every position, and both the SP and RP is very, very tough. It's hard to put a team with this many good players lower than they already are. Grade: 83
11) Cincinnati Reds: Very deep lineup with a lot of good players. Almost every position has a solid player followed with a backup. Pitching, however, could use some extra players. All of their starters are solid, but they could struggle getting enough wins. Relief Pitching is strong as well. Grade: 82
12) Cleveland Indians: Tough year to be in the AL Central, as the Indians take the 5 spot despite being a top-15 team. Although some positions are worse than others, the Indians have built a very strong team. Their real strength is pitching, where they have several good starters, along with a solid bullpen. Grade: 80
13) Arizona Diamondbacks: The first team in NL West (and last until much later in the rankings), the Diamondbacks have a stranglehold on the division for years to come. Hitting is solid throughout, but could use another good bat to make it better. Their real strength, however, is pitching. SP is full of great players, and RP is solid as well. Should have no trouble winning the NL West this year. Grade: 80
14) Baltimore Orioles: Maybe higher than most people would have expected. But if you get past the fact that almost everyone hates him, Jeff has done a very nice job assembling a good team that at its best, can compete for the AL East. Hitting is solid all around, but could use just a bit more depth and possibly one or two more good hitters. Starting pitching is deep with a few standouts. Relief pitching could use some work, however. If Kershaw is ever actually traded and gives Jeff good value, Rays should be worried. Grade: 79
15) Texas Rangers: Has a solid team across the board, nothing sticks out in particular. Solid pitching staff, and will continue to get better as they age. Hitting could use an extra good player, but will still be above average. Will be tough to compete in the AL, but is a good team. Grade: 76
16) Philadelphia Phillies: Deep team that could use a standout player in the lineup. SP and RP are solid but not great. The Phillies won't jump out at any, but they are a decent team, and if a few things go right, could fight for 2nd place in the NL East and contend for a wild-card spot. Grade: 75
17) Houston Astros/Colt .45s: Say what you want about how the team is being run, but Houston is a good team for 2013. Hitting is good, along with a very good rotation. Could use an extra MI, and quite a few more RP. Does not look like a title contender, but could quietly surprise some people. Grade: 74
18) Washington Nationals: The Nationals have a few holes in the lineup, which isn't great, but they make up for it with a very good pitching staff. The most experienced players in the pitching staff are year 4, so they will continue to get better. If Nationals can make strides in the lineup without losing too much pitching, they will have a decent season. Grade: 72
19) New York Yankees: Tough ranking for a team that won the league last year, and although they are deep, you can only start so many guys. New GM Jordan should take advantage of this by pursuing a trade with a team needing depth. No real weaknesses with this team, but not a distinct strength, other than depth. Grade: 71
20) Seattle Mariners: Bryan has done a fantastic job taking the Mariners from worst to... not as bad in the AL West. The only things holding Bryan back are the lack of depth, some holes to fill, and a terrible bullpen made of 2 players. If Bryan can get a few players to add the depth, he will have a good first season in the AL. Grade: 70
T21) Atlanta Braves: Rounding out the NL East are the always controversial Braves. After breaking the team down unintentionally, Atlanta has been built up to be a slightly below average team, with good depth. He may have to do the same next, with many year 6 guys and expiring contracts. He will not be able to fit all of these contracts in unless the cap is raised to about $180 mil. At best, Alex will be fighting for 4th in the NL East unless everything goes right. Grade: 68
T21) Oakland Athletics: Has some good players, has some holes and not enough depth throughout to make any impact in the AL West. Grade: 68
23) Colorado Rockies: Has done a good job as GM, but they are still a mediocre team that has its faults. Lineup needs improvement. Grade: 66
24) Milwaukee Brewers: Has holes in lineup, but also has some solid young guys who will be key for future. Grade: 65.
T25) Padres, Dodgers, Giants: Last 3 teams in the NL West who all have teams made of bad players. Best chance for future success is Giants. Grade(s): 62.
28) Toronto Blue Jays: Went out and signed Beltran and Lohse, although he will still be in the bottom of the AL East. Has very many holes, but is making strides. Grade: 58
29) Boston Red Sox: Best MLB players are guys that are young or rookies. Will be good by 2015. Grade: 55
30) Pittsburgh Pirates: Has next to nothing but will be good in future. Nothing else to say. Grade: 50
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