30 Thoughts on 30 Teams

This was fun to do for the NFL, so here are 30 opinions on 30 Major League Baseball teams:

Baltimore Orioles - The Orioles hired Dan Duquette to be their new General Manager. Duquette was not the Orioles first choice, and he has not been a MLB GM since his stint with the Red Sox 10 years ago. He has, however, proven to be an excellent talent evaluator. We'll see if he learned from his mistakes in Boston, but the Orioles have bigger problems; namely the Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, and Blue Jays.

Boston Red Sox - I've got this one covered.  Something new: Ok.  Jacoby Ellsbury's contract status is going to become an issue until it is resolved.  I don't know what the right answer is, but if I had to guess, I think they take the Jonathan Papelbon approach for now - avoid arbitration with one year deals, and let him move closer to free agency before making a decision.



New York Yankees - Need pitching.

Tampa Bay Rays - Have pitching.

Toronto Blue Jays - If the Red Sox could, I think they would hire John Farrell as their new manager. that's not going to happen. So my thought on Toronto is that they have an excellent manager.

Chicago White Sox - Surprising managerial hire in Robin Ventura.

Cleveland Indians - For years, teams have looted all their good players. Now they don't have any.

Detroit Tigers - Justin Verlander, the unanimous AL CY Young Award winner, is one of the two best pitchers in baseball (Roy Halladay).

Kansas City Royals - Alex Gordon appears to be improving into a solid big leaguer.

Minnesota Twins - Catch 22. They overpaid Joe Mauer, 8 yrs. $184M thru 2018, but couldn't afford to lose him.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - One of the best teams at developing minor leaguers.

Oakland Athletics - Moneyball is great, but the A's haven't won anything in years.

Seattle Mariners - Name three players. Ichiro, King Felix, uh...

Texas Rangers - Know how it feels to be a Red Sox fan. On the bright side, they should be good for tears to come. Don't overpay to keep CJ Wilson.

Atlanta Braves - Their historic collapse was overshadowed by the Red Sox.

Florida Marlins - Moving into a new stadium. Look like they're ready to put together "the best team money can buy" for a third time. Twice, they won World Championships. Twice, they sold off their best players shortly after winning.

New York Mets - Don't think they're keeping Jose Reyes.

Philadelphia Phillies - Jonathan Papelbon will do well in Philadelphia. The Phillies have proven they will do what it takes (spend, spend, spend) to win.

Washington Nationals - All those early draft picks should start to pay off soon, right? Hopefully Stephen Strasburg returns to form following Tommy John surgery. The Nationals have to be a little nervous that he becomes one of those exceptional talents whose career is defined by injuries. Way too soon to make that judgment.

Chicago Cubs - Good luck Theo. You're going to need it.

Cincinnati Reds - Have one of the best hitters in the game in Joey Votto.

Houston Astros - Will soon be finishing last in the American League.

Milwaukee Brewers - The courageous move by Prince Fielder, would be to stay in Milwaukee for less money. Would make a great story, but I don't see this happening.

Pittsburgh Pirates - Rebuilding since 1992.

St. Louis Cardinals - I too am wondering how Mike Matheny got the job managing the Cardinals.

Arizona Diamondbacks - Kirk Gibson was named NL Manager of the Year. Diamondbacks seemed to win with less talent and resources.

Colorado Rockies - Todd Helton has had a very good career, albeit with the advantage of hitting in Denver.

Los Angeles Dodgers - Frank McCourt is an embarrassment to the game.  He can't be gone soon enough.

San Diego Padres - One of the have-not's.  This team knows they have to compete with pitching and young talent, so they do what they can with what they have.

San Francisco Giants - Losing Buster Posey significantly damaged the Giants attempt to repeat.  Hopefully he returns to form next season.  Was wondering why they traded Jonathan Sanchez for Melky Cabrera, but I guess it's a calculated risk.