TBA 2012 Predictions: Molitor Division

With the beginning of the season just around the corner, here are the TBA Blog's Predictions for the Edgar Martinez League.

Molitor Division


1) Colorado Springs

No surprise here. The Marines have everything in place for a long run into October. An outstanding lineup will score a ton of runs in their home stadium. Not only do they have easily the best lineup in the league they boast one of the top pitching staffs as well. They are coming off a 98 win season and should easily reach the 100 win plateau this year.

Projected Lineup:

C: Carlos Ruiz/Matt Wieters
1B: Joey Votto
2B: Howie Kendrick
3B: Evan Longoria
SS: Erick Aybar/Alex Gonzalez
LF: Gerardo Parra
CF: Matt Kemp
RF: Justin Upton
DH: Albert Pujols

Projected Rotation/Closer:


SP: Matt Cain
SP: Cliff Lee
SP: Johnny Cueto
SP: Felix Hernandez
SP: Jake Peavy
CL: Daniel Bard


2) Lafayette

Mickey Boone inherits a team that is ready to compete. And good thing too as he will be without his top picks next season. But the focus is on 2012. Led by second baseman Dustin Pedroia and right-fielder Mike (Giancarlo) Stanton this team does not lack for offense. Reigning EML Rookie of the Year winner Ian Kennedy will anchor the rotation once again with relief ace Craig Kimbrel shutting the door on opponents in the ninth. With the division a long shot the Leopards will need to battle it out for a wild card spot in what could end up being one of the best races in league history. However when all is said and done, I expect them to being playing in October

Projected Lineup:

C: Russell Martin/Salvador Perez
1B: Todd Helton
2B: Dustin Pedroia
3B: Chipper Jones/Mike Aviles
SS: Asdrubal Cabrera
LF: Nolan Reimold/John Mayberry Jr.
CF: Adam Jones/Drew Stubbs
RF: Mike Stanton
DH: Dan Uggla/Michael Cuddyer

Projected Rotation/Closer:


SP: Ian Kennedy
SP: Kyle Lohse
SP: Jhoulys Chacin
SP: Ervin Santana
SP: Carlos Villanueva
CL: Craig Kimbrel


3) Evanston

The Wildcats should improve following an EML worst 104 losses last season. Rookies Michael Pineda and Jemile Weeks provide this team with good young talent that could help jumpstart this team. A much improved Curtis Granderson will team up with Matt Holliday and David Ortiz in the middle of the order. A The success of this team will hinge with the starting rotation. A strong top four of Ricky Romero, Jeremy Hellickson, Matt Garza, and the aforementioned Pineda will challenge opposing teams to score runs and could push this team to a playoff appearance this season.

Projected Lineup:

C: Josh Thole/Jose Molina
1B: James Loney/Jeff Baker
2B: Jemile Weeks/Darwin Barney
3B: Robert Andino
SS: Stephen Drew
LF: Matt Holliday
CF: Curtis Granderson
RF: Carl Crawford/Rajai Davis
DH: David Ortiz

Projected Rotation/Closer:


SP: Ricky Romero
SP: Michael Pineda
SP: Matt Garza
SP: Jeremy Hellickson
SP: Jonathan Sanchez
CL: Jordan Walden


4) Napa

The ever changing Winers are in the middle of a rebuild and, after trading away star 2B Ian Kinsler, looks like they are already looking toward 2013 and beyong. Having said that, there is a lot of talent on this roster and when (if?) they put it all together they will be a very good team in the near future. Wilson Ramos, Brandon Belt, and Jason Heyward could be three stars in the making for this team. In addition they have put together an excellent 1-2 punch in the bullpen with David Robertson and Kenley Jansen. David Wright is the veteran of this group however I would not expect to see him with the team when Napa does return to the postseason. Management has added many reclamation projects to this group of youngsters who if they bounce back could provide strong trade value for the team.

Projected Lineup:

C: Wilson Ramos
1B: Matt LaPorta/Brandon Belt
2B: Gordon Beckham
3B: David Wright
SS: Brendan Ryan
LF: Jose Tabata
CF: Jeff Francouer/Carlos Gomez
RF: Jason Heyward/Jeff Francouer
DH: Logan Morrison

Projected Rotation/Closer:


SP: Tommy Hanson
SP: Randy Wolf
SP: Francisco Liriano
SP: Edwin Jackson
SP: Jonathan Niese
CL: Kenley Jansen


5) Bowling Green

Like Napa, the Bowlers are currently in year 2 of a rebuild. Aging iron man Derek Jeter is the big name of the group but rising stars Cameron Maybin, Mitch Moreland, and Jose Altuve should be able to show off their skills this season as well. Jed Lowrie and Dominic Brown will be waiting in the wings as well. The Bowlers return ace CC Sabathia to pitch every fifth day for the team. Alongside him will be two youngsters in Dillon Gee and 1st round draft pick Brandon Beachy. Both have bright futures ahead of them. Exciting fireballer Aroldis Chapman joins the bullpen and fan favorite Jarrod Dyson will once again create absolute havoc on the basepaths as the pinch running specialist.

Projected Lineup:

C: Jarrod Saltalamacchia/Kurt Suzuki
1B: Mitch Moreland
2B: Kelly Johnson/Jose Altuve
3B: Casey Blake
SS: Derek Jeter
LF: Eric Thames/Kyle Blanks
CF: Cameron Maybin
RF: Ryan Ludwick
DH: Jim Thome/Pat Burrell

Projected Rotation/Closer:


SP: CC Sabathia
SP: Gavin Floyd
SP: Brandon Beachy
SP: Dillon Gee
SP: Bronson Arroyo
CL: Neftali Feliz