30 Teams in 30 Days

Milwaukee Brewers: Grab A Cold One, This Could Be a Long Year
(Over the next 30 days, BERNing on Sports will be previewing every team in the Majors, yes, even the Royals. Only one a day, every day, so try not to get too hooked.)
Big Ben and C.C. You Later
The two reasons why the Brewers made the playoffs for the first time in 25 years are gone. C.C. Sabathia left for a boat load of cash in the Big Apple and Ben Sheets is hurt (shocking!). Sheets would have been signed by Texas had he not failed a physical this off-season, so even if he were healthy he's likely not coming back to 'Sconsin. Without the dynamic duo that was amazing for the second half of last season, say goodbye to the Brewers as playoff contenders. Unless Manny Parra and Yovani Gallardo can fill the giant footsteps left by those two men, the Brewers likely finish near the bottom of the N.L. Central. And that's not to say those two guys couldn't be good, because both seem to have promise, but you can't expect either to be even half of what Sabathia and Sheets were. As it was last year, the Brewers needed a B-list Cubs group (they had already clinched the division so they were playing the 40-man roster the last week) in game 162 to propel them into the post season, and C.C. had to pitch basically every other day down the stretch.

The New Texas Rangers
Now that the pitching won't be the strength of the 2009 outfit of the Brew Crew, they'll become the newest version of the late 90s-early 21st-Century Texas Rangers: they can hit, but they can't pitch. This lineup has plenty of thunder to earn that dubious nickname, as they have one of the best 3-4 hitter combinations in baseball with the Jewish Babe Ruth Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder. As good as those two are, however, the lineup thunder does not end there. Corey Hart and J.J. Hardy are very good hitters in their own right, as Hart made the All-Star team last year, and Mike Cameron and Bill Hall also pack some home run pop. Last year the Brewers hit the 5th most home runs in baseball, and they'll likely be able to eclipse that number this year, now that Fielder has had a year to adjust to his new vegan diet.

Does Trevor Hoffman Have Anything Left?
That is a big question the Brewers will await the answer to as the season approaches. If the answer is yes, this team may be able to hang around until September. If not, the rest of the bullpen doesn't figure to have someone equipped to fill his role. The Brewers needed Hoffman, because their bullpen was a disaster last year, as Guillermo Mota was unable to do the job as closer and Hoffman at least gives them a stable presence in the pen. Problem is, Hoffman has proven not to be able to earn the clutch save when need be, so if the Crew is in a tight race down the stretch I'd like my chances against them. The rest of the pen is still very suspect, as Jorge Julio, Todd Coffey and David Riske are just three of the names that could be on the bump in the late innings. Considering it's most likely those guys will stink, it's imperative that Hoffman is good.

Rickie Weeks Is Bad
The sooner the Brewers realize this fact, the sooner they can find another option at second base. I don't care what he was projected to be. Weeks has not yet proven that he's anything more than a low average hitter at the top of the lineup. He had a good 95 games in 2006 in which he hit .279. But over the last two years, he has hit .235 ande .234 respectively. That's just not going to cut it for any lead off man, and all he's done the last couple of years is hamper what is a good lineup. (as mentioned above) Get this dude out of here, unless he can finally prove he's worth giving 400 at-bats a year to. Otherwise, he's going to continue to hinder the Brewers ability to succeed in a competitve NL Central.

Bold Predictions

1. Gallardo and Parra will combine for 23 wins this season They'll both show signs of future success, but they won't be able to carry the Brewers by themselves.
2. Tony Gwynn Jr. will eventually replace the strikeout machine Mike Cameron in the lineup.
3. The Brewers bullpen will stink, still, even with Hoffman. One of the bottom five in the National League, which will send Milwaukee to a 3rd or 4th place finish in the division.

Up next...Wednesday, Royals.

30 Teams In 30 Days

Cleveland Indians: The Biggest Enigma In Baseball?
(Over the next 30 days, BERNing on Sports will be previewing every team in the majors, yes, even the Royals. Only one a day, every day, so try not to get too hooked.)

Can Lee And Carmona Be a Great 1-2?
Well, if the Indians want any semblance of a shot to win the AL Central this year, that answer must be a resounding yes. Cliff Lee was maybe the best pitcher in the game last year, winning the AL Cy Young award in the textbook definition of a career year. Dude went 22-3 with a 2.54 ERA, struck out 170 and walked only 34. Let the dominance of these numbers wash over you for a second. Now, let the fact that it was Cliff Lee of all people to put up these numbers wash over you. Yeah. Big question mark for this season. As for Fausto Carmona, after a great 2007, the 2008 season was a big step backward. He won eleven less games in 2008 than 2007, and his ERA jumped nearly two and a half runs. Now that C.C. Sabathia has left for some mega cash and the New York spotlight (he did start last season with the Indians, remember) the depth of this rotation will be be lacking. That's why Tribe General Manager Mark Shapiro is praying for good years from his new one-two punch every night before he goes to bed.

The New Guys From the North Side
One of the biggest points of criticism in my neck of the woods this baseball off-season was Cubs GM Jim Hendry's decisions to let beloved former starter turned closer Kerry Wood go to Cleveland (even though he wanted to return to the Cubs) and to deal the popular and versatile Mark DeRosa to the Indians for three minor league pitchers. Assuming health, which is a lot to assume with Wood who has already had an achy back in spring training, these two guys could be valuable pieces to the puzzle should the Tribe win the division this season. Since "Sweaty" Joe Borowski donned Tribe colors and held the closers role, the ninth inning at an Indians game was a roller coaster ride. With Woody replacing him roller coaster should become more of a merry-go-round. It'll have it's bumps along the way, but for the most part it'll run smoothly. As for DeRosa, he's one of the most valuable players in baseball if you ask me. He's a very good hitter (although he's coming off a career year) and he can play not only adequate but good defense at nearly every position on the diamond except center field or behind the plate. Good moves by the Tribe. (And, the Indians visit Wrigley June 19th, if you're looking for some drama during interleague play.)

Project Donkey
Those are the two words that were shortened to give Indians embattled D.H. Travis Hafner his endeering nickname "Pronk". Whether the man who was one of the most feared hitters in baseball in 2006 can return to that form this year remains to be seen, but boy could the Tribe use his production again. Last year Pronk played in just 57 games, and hit just .197 as he was hampered by a shoulder injury. Questions about whether he was on steroids have swirled, but that's true of basically every player in baseball at this point. With Hafner in the line-up, and hitting well, the Indians were legitimate competition in the AL Central. Without his bat last year they weren't serious contenders most of the season. They're working him back slowly in camp this spring and believe he's going to be back on track. He better be, for his sake.

Kobayashi Out of the Pen
Did you know the competitive eater was coming out of the bullpen to pitch for the Indians? I certainly didn't. I know the guy can eat 60-plus hot dogs in twelve minutes, but how does that translate as a right handed reliever? If you haven't figured this out by now, I'm kidding, it's not the same guy. The Tribe's reliever is Masa Kobayashi. The eating champ is Takeru Kobayashi. If only there could be a fourth "Major League" movie made, because imagine the comedic possibilities for famed Indians broadcaster Harry Doyle.

Bold Predictions

1. The Indians will compte all season, but will not win the AL Central as some others believe. I think the winner of this division will either be Minnesota or the White Sox.
2. Victor Martinez will come back from the injury-plagued 2008 season he suffered and have a big 2009. He'll lead all major league catchers in home runs.
3. Jeremy Sowers will finally put together a year showing the promise the Indians organization believes he has. 12 wins for the former 1st round pick.

Up next...Monday, Reds.

30 Teams In 30 Days

New York Yankees: The Billion Dollar Bombers

(Over the next 30 days, BERNing on Sports will be previewing every team in the Majors, yes, even the Royals. Only one a day, every day, so try not to get too hooked)

Keeping It Real

The Yankees dumped a disgusting amount of money (recession or not) on three of the best free agent available this off-season. It came to a whopping 423.5 million. But, the reality is they actually trimmed payroll from last year (amazing as that sounds, it's true). Gone are heavy burdens like Jason Giambi (back to the Bay), Mike Mussina (retired), Bobby Abreu (allowed to avoid walls in Anaheim now), Carl Pavano (allowed to quit for another franchise), and Kyle Farnsworth (allowed to flex his muscles in purgatory...err, Kansas City). They added serious rotation depth, not just in A.J. Burnett and C.C. Sabathia, but also in the form of former ace, Chien-Ming Wang, who is healthy after missing most of last season with a freak ankle injury. Mark Teixeira may have seemed like a greedy pick up, but they needed him for a) his defense, and b) his bat (Jorge Posada and Robinson Cano aren't likely to get either younger or more consistent).

Alex Rodriguez Plays Baseball (among other things)

What can be said about this guy that hasn't been said? What more can he say or do wrong? Just a few days ago he said he wished he could play with Jose Reyes all the time. I guess Derek Jeter and Cano don't do it for ya? I can't say the steroids won't distract him, but, it won't be the first time (or last) he'll be bombarded with media coverage. My advice to Rodriguez? Take your time recovering from surgery, keep your mouth shut, and hit a home run or two when you come back.

And The Award For Most Time Spent On The DL Goes To...

With the types of players on the Yankees, the amount of money invested in them, and the history the Yankees have had with the DL, it's not a matter of who, but how often and how long. If I was running Vegas, the odds on favorite would be A.J. Burnett, and that's hard to argue with. But, to keep it interesting and because he's already starting the season on the DL, Alex Rodriguez has to make the list.

Running Proof the ROY Means Nothing

Just in case you hadn't noticed, Angel Berroa, AL ROY in 2003, is battling Cody Ransom (who at least can do this) for the back-up infielder spot. Apparently, striking out at a rate four times more frequently than walking is detrimental to your career success. Who'd have thought?

Bold Predictions

Robinson Cano will start (and finish) strong, bouncing back from a poor 2008. People have compared him to Rod Carew (easy with that) and while he's no where near that now, he'll finally have a complete season. I'll say a steady .295/20/95.

Phil Hughes in another attempt to distract people from the fact that his fastball tops out at 92 MPH, will try glasses again while pitching. When that doesn't work, he'll wear the same mask that Rip Hamilton wears.

Up Next...Friday, Atlanta Braves

Hump Day Headlines: Afternoon Edition

In this week's Hump Day Headlines, we discuss good sportsmanship, A-Rod's new memories, Tiger's impending return, and an NBA trade deadline update:

• Amidst all that is wrong with sports right now, kudos to the Dekalb, Illinois High School Boys Basketball team. In February 8th's contest against Milwaukee Madison, WI High School senior Johntell Franklin of MM decided that despite the passing of his mother the night before, he wanted to play in the game. Franklin's coach, Aaron Womack Jr., didn't list Frankin as an eligible player, anticipating Franklin wouldn't play. If Franklin did enter the game, a technical foul would automatically be called against Milwaukee Madison. Dekalb coach Dave Rohlman got word of this, and instructed his team that whoever would shoot the technical free throws would miss on purpose in tribute to Franklin. He didn't want his team to benefit from the opportunity at two points that he felt wouldn't be right. Franklin did enter the game. Madison's Darius McNeal rolled both free throws toward the basket. After this act, the entire crowd stood and clapped for McNeal's gesture towards Franklin. Finally, something in sports to be proud of, and a reminder of one of the biggest reasons we love sports. (Click here for a discussion on this from ESPN's Mike and Mike in the Morning.
  
• While I was visiting Fenway Park, I know many of you and Scott watched closely as A-Rod re-explained his admission to using performance enhancing drugs. Still, he didn't seem completely contrite and once again there were inconsistencies in his commentary. Convenient to bring in his "cousin" to take some of the fall. All of a sudden, he knew what drugs he was taking. Even though he didn't think he was doing anything wrong, he didn't tell anyone. Yeah. Sure. Today it was a circus at Yankees spring training. ESPN's Hannah Storm said the clubhouse was so full of media that "it felt like a playoff game". We knew with their plethora of big off-season free agent acquisitions, they'd have a lot of attention coming to them this spring as it is. But now guys like C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira will have to learn quickly what it's like to be a Yankee. They can all thank A-Rod for this mess. So with all the alleged support the Yankees are reportedly providing to A-Rod, if I were his teammate I'd be very frustrated.
• Tiger Woods is apparently on his way back, and soon. So here's what I say to you, PGA Tour pros: start getting used to the fact that your year-long reprieve is over. Now that Tiger is "95% of the way there" according to Steve Williams, his caddy, things have suddenly become terribly difficult again for the field. Williams says his swing has been retooled a bit, an he is still having a little trouble walking. But we all know this about Tiger Woods: if he's coming back, he thinks he can win. And that alone is scary for any golfer in the field. Now that Tiger is the father of two, he can get back to work. He reportedly plans to play in a couple of tournaments as a tune-up for the Masters at Augusta National come April.
• As the NBA trade deadline looms in the next day, some teams are already busy. The Thunder has acquired Tyson Chandler from New Orleans. Chris Wilcox and Joe Smith will be heading to the Hornets. In the newest move, Chris Sheridan of ESPN.com reports the Bulls have acquired Brad Miller and John Salmons from the Kings in exchange for Drew Gooden, Andres Nocioni and Cedric Simmons. Both moves were reportedly fueled by opening cap space for the famous 2010 free agent class. BERNing on Sports will have complete coverage of the NBA trade deadline as it approaches and passes.

Hump Day Headlines

On today's Hump Day Headlines we discuss winning streaks, big dollars, Plaxico's guns and a match up for the ages...

• The Celtics won their nineteenth straight game last night, walloping the 76ers 110-91.  The win gives Boston, the winningest basketball franchise in history, a new club record with the streak.  The last Celts loss came back on November 14th in a 94-85 loss to Denver at home, and ironically the Nuggets went without Allen Iverson in the lineup.  Thirty-nine days later, Boston heads into a Christmas Day match up with the Lakers still without another loss.   And since you're probably wondering, Boston is now ahead of the pace of the 95-96 Bulls team that went 72-10.  That Chicago club, led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, was 26-3 through its first twenty-nine games.  Boston is 27-2.  We might be watching the greatest team ever this season.  Also, check out my previous post that explores this topic here.  
• Four-hundred thirty-one million dollars.  That number is the amount of cash the Yankees have doled out to four players over the last couple of weeks to overtake the Red Sox and Rays next year in the AL East.  With the acquisitions of C.C. Sabathia ($161 million) and  A.J. Burnett ($85 million), avoiding arbitration with Chien-Ming Wang ($5 million), and inking Mark Teixiera today for $180 million over eight years, the rich are certainly getting richer.  I guess we can throw that whole recession crap out the window, and the notion that the Yankees would try to cut payroll after dumping nearly $80 million off the books this off-season prior to these moves.   What will the Yankees do next year if they don't win it all?  Probably blame A-Rod.  (For more on this, check out Scott's earlier post here.)
• Two guns were found in Plaxico Burress's house yesterday.  Whoops.  I guess whatever story Plax tries to tell to get himself out of this mess is moot at this point.  Then again, he is a professional athlete, so constitutional law only partially applies to him.  And, he'll have a big money lawyer likely representing him in court March 31st.  But while he did bail himself out of jail on $100,000 bond, that money may only buy him three months of freedom...just enough to watch the Giants playoff run while he sits on the non-football injury list.
• Speaking of New York football, what a sweet match up we'll be treated to on Sunday when Miami visits Giants Stadium to take on the Jets.  Yes, it is a match up that will help decide who wins the AFC East.  But what makes this far more intriguing is that former Jet QB Chad Pennington will get to face off with the man that replaced him, in Brett Favre.  Imagine, for the already snake-bit Jets fans, to have to watch ol' Chadwick come back to knock them out of the playoffs on their home turf with a team that was 1-15 a year ago! And consider this, the Jets were 8-3 just five weeks ago, coming off victories over New England and Tennessee on the road.  Now, 1-3 over the last month, New York will need some help to get into the playoffs.  Guess Broadway Brett wasn't the savior after all.