TBA 2012 Predictions: Mota Division

This is Part III of a IV part series. For Part I please click here, Part II here

Mota Division


1) Washington

Chances are that for the fourth consecutive year the rest of the Mota Division will be looking up at the Booze Hounds at seasons end. And if Troy Tulowitzki and company get their wish, a second TBA Championship banner will be flying soon in Washington. Despite losing Cy Young Award Winner Adam Wainwright for the year, Washington still has the best pitching in baseball to go along with a devastating lineup. Once again Carlos Gonzalez, Robinson Cano, Ryan Zimmerman, Joe Mauer, and 2010 LHL MVP Troy Tulowitzki will form the bulk of a lineup that could score 1000 runs in their new ballpark. We here at TBA Blog have projected this team to win 119 games, which would only be second most in history to their 2010 team.

Projected Lineup:

C: Joe Mauer/Rod Barajas
1B: Mark Teixeira
2B: Robinson Cano
3B: Ryan Zimmerman
SS: Troy Tulowitzki
LF: Carlos Gonzalez
CF: Shane Victorino
RF: Matt Joyce/Jason Bourgeois


Projected Rotation/Closer:


SP: Tim Hudson
SP: Chris Carpenter
SP: Yovani Gallardo
SP: Alexi Ogando
SP: Alfredo Aceves
CL: Mariano Rivera


2) Brighton

The defending TBA Champion Bearcats will have their work cut out for them this year. They have revamped their lineup to avoid injuries and some down years from players and have a new look coming into the season. Miguel Cabrera anchors the lineup while newcomers Ben Zobrist, Elvis Andrus, and Emilio Bonafacio fill out the rest of the infield. Cole Hamels and Justin Masterson form a nice 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation that will keep opposing teams from scoring. While a wild card spot will not be easy to win, Brighton should have enough to be playing in October.

Projected Lineup:

C: Yorvit Torrealba/Ryan Hanigan
1B: Miguel Cabrera
2B: Ben Zobrist
3B: Emilio Bonafacio
SS: Elvis Andrus
LF: David Murphy/Chris Young
CF: Dexter Fowler
RF: Shin-Soo Choo


Projected Rotation/Closer:


SP: Cole Hamels
SP: Justin Masterson
SP: Jon Lester
SP: Max Scherzer
SP: Livan Herandez
CL: Joakim Soria


3) Oregon

The Beavers have never finished worse than third yet they have never won more than 82 games in a season. I don't expect that trend to break this year as they should finish right around .500 once again. Led by outfielder Carlos Beltran this team may have enough to surprise and battle for a wild card spot although that ultimately depends on if the pitching can rise to the occasion. Philip Humber and Josh Tomlin should have good years but Mark Buehrle and Colby Lewis are the key. If Lewis and Buerhle can pitch as they have in the past than they might be able to taste October baseball this year.

Projected Lineup:

C: Brayan Pena/Lou Marson
1B: Derrek Lee/Michael Morse
2B: Orlando Hudson/Ryan Theriot
3B: Daniel Descalso/Placido Polanco
SS: Jimmy Rollins
LF: Michael Morse/Juan Pierre
CF: Marlon Byrd/Endy Chavez
RF: Carlos Beltran


Projected Rotation/Closer:


SP: Mark Buehrle
SP: Colby Lewis
SP: Philip Humber
SP: Josh Tomlin
SP: Jason Hammel
CL: Heath Bell


4) Nassau

The G-Men are much improved this season following two consecutive sub-60 win seasons. Mike Napoli had an excellent spring and could be poised to become one of the top catchers in the game this season. With Napoli, Mark Reynolds and Corey Hart this team does have a real good middle of the order. Add exciting youngsters Ruben Tejada and Brett Lawrie and this team has a very good offense. Pitching will make or break this team. Zach Greinke heads the rotation followed by Daniel Hudson and Hiroki Kuroda. John Axford will take the closing duties for the team this year followed by a collection of veteran arms in Jason Isringhausen, Dan Wheeler, and Jason Frasor. If they can add another starting pitcher and some bullpen arms this team could position itself to compete for a wild card spot.


Projected Lineup:

C: Mike Napoli
1B: Carlos Pena/Gaby Sanchez
2B: Daniel Murphy/Ruben Tejada
3B: Mark Reynolds/Brett Lawrie
SS: Jhonny Peralta
LF: Brennan Boesch/JD Martinez
CF: Ryan Sweeney/Coco Crisp
RF: Lucas Duda/Corey Hart


Projected Rotation/Closer:


SP: Zach Greinke
SP: Hiroki Kuroda
SP: Daniel Hudson
SP: Luke Hochevar
SP: Jeff Karstens
CL: John Axford


5) Mackinaw

Owner Mike Kaminski took over this team in the off-season and immediately started a change within this organization. He was able to bring in young talents such as Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and Jason Kipnis to help jumpstart this rebuilding project. Pitchers Brandon McCarthy and Paul Maholm give them some nice pitchers atop the rotation that could be moved during the season for some more young talent. Overall this will be a tough season for this team but they are moving in the right direction under this new ownership. With a solid group now in place this team might be able to turn it around as soon as next season.

Projected Lineup:

C: Miguel Olivo/Ronny Paulino
1B: Eric Hosmer
2B: Jason Kipnis/Aaron Miles
3B: Mike Moustakas/Brent Morel
SS: Clint Barmes
LF: Nate Schierholtz/Dave Sappelt
CF: Ezequiel Carrera/Angel Pagan
RF: David DeJesus/Vernon Wells


Projected Rotation/Closer:


SP: Brandon McCarthy
SP: Paul Maholm
SP: Carl Pavano
SP: Chris Volstad
SP: Wade Davis
CL: Octavio Dotel