The Nationals have a ton of potential with their starting rotation, but will need to find ways to score more runs. Read more »
Brandon Contes - Baseball Analysis
Improving The Nationals: Scoring More Runs
Improving The Phillies: A Sagging Lineup
The biggest potential downfall for the Phillies in 2012 could be their lineup. Their offense dropped off a lot last season, and was not nearly as potent as expected. Read more »
Improving The Mets: Accumulating Young Talent
The Mets are going to be bad for the next few seasons, and should acquire as much young minor league talent as they can during this time. Read more »
Improving The Marlins: Maintaing Health
With the additions of Jose Reyes, Heath Bell, Mark Buerhle, Carlos Zambrano, and even the hiring of Ozzie Guillen as their manager, the Marlins had one of the more impressive offseasons in baseball. Read more »
Improving The Braves: An Established Power Hitter
The Braves were cruising into the playoffs before a September collapse derailed their plans. They should once again be competitive, but need to improve their offense to ensure they return to the playoffs in 2012. Read more »
Which Players Will Decline In 2009?
Every year we see older players start to decline, and other players who should be in their prime have a drop off in production. Read more »
Grading The Deal: Mets Cheaply Sign Sheffield
Signing Gary Sheffield is a low risk, high potential reward signing for the Mets, which will help them score runs and also keeps him from signing with the rivaled Phillies. Read more »
Grading The Deal: Mets Land Santana
The only certain thing is that the Mets received the best pitcher in baseball while managing to keep their top prospect in Fernando Martinez, and the Twins received four prospects that could easily be destined for mediocrity. Read more »
Grading The Deal: Mets Cut Ties With Lasto
The Mets said that no team really wanted Lastings Milledge and this was the best deal that they could get for him. That still does not make it a good trade for Omar Minaya. Read more »
The Wrong Side Of History
A tired bullpen, aging veterans, immaturity, poor preparedness, lack of focus - the excuses are endless as to why the National League favorite to go to the World Series ended there season on September 30th. Read more »
The Legacy Of Barry Bonds?
Barry Bonds said in 2001, "The balls I used to line off the wall are lining out [of the park]. I can't tell you why. Call God. Ask Him." But now we don't have to call God, because we know exactly why those balls went out of the park. Read more »
Grading The Deal: Pettitte Back To The Bronx
In any market, $16 million is a lot of money, but at least with Andy Pettitte you know what you are going to get; a very good pitcher who will have no problem pitching in a big spot, and a chance to win every outing. Read more »
Grading The Deal: Matsuzaka Finally Joins The Red Sox
The Monster, as he was nicknamed in Japan, has great stuff, but it is still risky to invest over $100 million in a pitcher who has never thrown a pitch in the Major Leagues. Read more »
Grading The Deal: Lilly To Wrigley
Ted Lilly is an average to above average starting pitcher and a great back of the rotation guy, a solid number three at best, but there is no way he deserves $40 million. Read more »
Grading The Deal: Maddux Stays In Southern California
How can you go wrong with signing Greg Maddux? He is going to give you a lot of quality starts and will be a great resource for every pitcher on the team. At $10 million, would you rather have Greg Maddux or Ted Lilly? Read more »
Grading The Deals: Drew And Lugo To Boston
J.D. Drew is certainly a nice fit in Boston with his impressive OBP, but there is no way he deserves $14 annually for five years, while Julio Lugo fills a need at an affordable rate, given the insanity of this winter's market. Read more »
Grading The Deals: Matthews Signs With The Angels, Lee With Houston
The Astros may have overpaid for Carlos Lee, but if Gary Matthews Jr. can get $50 million, Lee definitely deserves $100 million. Read more »
Grading The Deals: Alou To The Mets, Pierre To The Dodgers
Moises Alou and Juan Pierre join two teams that were in last season's playoffs as outfielders to complement a strong established core. Alou gives the Mets a much-needed right handed bat, while Pierre will provide the Dodgers with even more speed. Read more »
Grading The Deal: Cubs Sign Soriano
Alfonso Soriano will be playing in the Wrigley outfield for the next eight season. How he deals with the Friendly Confines defensively will be determined later, but everyone knows he makes his money with his bat. Read more »
Grading The Deal: Frank Thomas Signs With Toronto
The Blue Jays lacked a consistent DH last year as it was more of a position by committee and in Frank Thomas they insert one of the best DH's in history. Will he stay healthy though? Read more »