Teams that will surprise in 2009
Hope springs eternal, especially in baseball. Every April, all thirty major league teams are contenders and, eventually, some surprise teams emerge from the pack. Last year, baseball witnessed the rise of the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League and the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League. Both teams relied not on free agent signings, but rather young talent from their deep farm systems.
In 2009, baseball fans will again enjoy some surprises – the Cincinnati Reds and the Texas Rangers.
The Reds will contend for one main reason – they are stocked with pitching talent. The rotation will again be anchored by young righthanders Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto. Veteran Bronson Arroyo will be back to eat innings and Aaron Harang is due for a rebound after struggling last year. The Reds closer, Coco Cordero will be set up by free agent signing Arthur Rhodes. Mike Lincoln, one of the leagues most underrated relievers, also returns to bolster the pen.
The Reds have plenty of hitters too. Jay Bruce is a superstar in the making, while firstbaseman Joey Votto hits for average and power. Secondbaseman Brandon Phillips and thirdbaseman Edwin Encarnacion are both well above-average at their respective positions.
Then there’s manager Dusty Baker. While he may not be the best in-game strategist, Baker is adept at getting the most from his teams by keeping them motivated. Look for the 2009 Reds to push for 90 wins and a playoff spot.
The Texas Rangers haven’t had a winning season in years, but they are about to right the ship.
The Rangers are led by an explosive offense centered around slugger Josh Hamilton. The Rangers middle infielders – Mike Young and Ian Kinsler – are excellent hitters as well. Outfielder Nelson Cruz, another power bat, will hit cleanup and thirdbaseman Hank Blalock will try to stay healthy and get back to his 25-homer output. Last year’s impact rookie, firstbaseman Chris Davis, will look to build on his half season last year.
Offense prowess aside, the Rangers’ biggest concern has always been pitching and , more specifically, a lack thereof. This season will be different because, for the first time in years, the team is going to add an impact free agent starter. Look for either Randy Johnson or Ben Sheets to sign short-term deals to pitch in Arlington and front their rotation. The new ace will be joined by veterans Vincente Padilla and Kevin Millwood and youngsters Tommy Hunter, Matt Harrison and Brandon McCarthy. Hunter, Harrison and McCarthy will battle for the final two spots in the rotation, with the loser heading to the bullpen. In a weak division, the Rangers can reach 90 wins and challenge the Angels for AL West supremacy.
Keep an eye on both the Reds and Rangers next spring as they try to move forward and become legitimate playoff contenders.
