Losing out on Lee hurts, doesn't kill Yankees 2011 season

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

To start off, I want full disclosure here. I am not a fan of either the Yankees or the Red Sox. The Yankees organization, and fans, can say what they want but losing out on Cliff Lee really hurts this team. Simmer down Red Sox fans because this does not sink, or kill, the Yankees 2011 season.

Why you ask? Well, the Yankees starting rotation is really not that far away from the solid rotation the Red Sox have. I'd certainly take Jon Lester and Clay Bucholtz over CC Sabathia and Phil Hughes, but it's not like there that much better. The Sox top two starters combined for a 36-16 record with era's of 3.25 and 2.33. The Yanks top two went 39-15 with higher eras of 3.18 and 4.19. Josh Beckett and John Lackey sound great as your 3rd and 4th starters, but are there are so many questions about those two. Beckett has only had one really good year since coming to Boston, and Lackey showed he's very much a #4 starter last year. On the other side, Andy Pettite is a far more consistent performer as long as he's healthy. I also have no doubt he'll be back in pinstripes now. AJ Burnett was an unmitigated disaster last season, but realistically there's no way he's that bad again this season.

Now let's look at the positional players. Right now I'd say the catching position is a draw, but if one of these teams lands Russell Martin, then they have a slight advantage. Most people would call the first base position a draw, but I think Teixiera is still a better player. When you look at it, I think the Yankees also have an advantage at 2nd base with Cano, 3rd base with A-Rod and shortstop with Jeter. Crawford is a huge upgrade in the outfield, but do you really trust Jacoby Ellsbury, JD Drew and Mike Cameron? Ellsbury has great potential, but does he have the stones to get on the field? Nick Swisher is a better player in right, and I really think Curtis Granderson will have a breakout year if healthy.

What's next for the Yankees? I'm not sure. Brian Cashman has been reluctant to part with his best prospects the past few years. Much like Theo Epstein this offseason, losing out on Lee may put enough pressure on him to move some high level pieces to add the the rotation. I don't see the Yankees trading for Zack Grienke. If I'm the Yankees, I am seriously concerned with Grienke's mental history and his ability to cope with pitching in New York. I'm not convinced the Rays would trade Garza in the division.

Whatever comes next, I'm sure the entire baseball world will be on the edge of their seat.

Ingy's 2010 MLB Predictions Review

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Well, now that the 2010 MLB regular season is over, it's time to take a quick look back at who I predicted to win their divisions, and take the Wild Card spot. If you'd like to see the complete list of predictions, use the link to jump to the article:

Ingy's 2010 MLB Predictions

Now, here's to my review of what I predicted, and what actually happened:

As you can, see I did not do all that well. Make sure to check back Wednesday morning for the Playoff predictions.

This team would never lose a game

By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
I’ve been sitting around today in a fog, and started dreaming about the baseball Dream Team I’d assemble if I were GM of Team MLB. Here’s my dream team (subject to debate, of course), which includes eight positional players, a right-handed starter, left-handed starter and closer. They are all current MLB players, too.
Do you agree or disagree with me?
1B – Mark Teixeira (NYY) While Tex hasn’t currently gotten hot yet with the stick, the one aspect of his game that is always steaming is on defense. He’s got a great glove, yes he’s a Gold Glover, and saves the rest of that infield so many errors with great plays. He’s the best defensive first baseman, no doubt.
2B – Chase Utley (PHI) – Utley might not be the best defender in the world, but he’s a legit Hit Dog with plus power, especially at the second base position.
SS – Derek Jeter (NYY) – Go ahead and call me a homer, but Jeter can still get it done on offense and defense (I know his range has diminished a tad). But what separates him from most, is his ability to lead a ballclub. He’s my captain without a doubt.
3B – Evan Longoria (TB) – The 24-year-old can already do it all at a high level. He hasn’t even hit his prime yet. Now that’s scary.
C – Joe Mauer (MIN) – Is there a sweeter swing in the game right now that the Twins’ backstop? What’s so impressive is the grind that catchers have to battle through, and Mauer still manages to hit over .300 every year.
LF – Carl Crawford (TB) – Man, I just love Crawford’s speed. Five out of the last seven years, Crawford has swiped at least 50 bases. On my team, he’s got the green light to run whenever he wants.
CF – Matt Kemp (LAD) – He’s the best young player in baseball. He’s got all five tools, and he’s on the verge of stardom. Kemp is welcome on my team any day.
RF – Jason Heyward (ATL) – I know it might be a little early to crown Heyward, but the rookie has caught my eye with an above average OF arm and a great bat. I’d feel more comfortable if he put up great numbers for a few years, but I’ll roll the dice and say he’s going to be an All-Star very soon.
LHP – Jon Lester (BOS) – You probably thought I’d say CC Sabathia, but I’ll take Lester. The southpaw is a lot younger and I feel he still has upside, while we’ve already seen the best CC has to offer. If Lester didn’t stink so much the first month of every season, imagine the numbers he’d put up?
RHP – Roy Halladay (PHI), Tim Lincecum (SF) – I took the easy way out and selected two guys. Well, here’s my reasoning. If I want a premier veteran, Halladay is my choice hands-down. But if I want youth and power, Lincecum is my man. Either way, I can’t lose.
Closer – Mariano Rivera (NYY) – Rivera could be 90 years old, and if he’s still in the majors closing, I’m taking him. He’s a big game pitcher, having proven to do the job on the biggest stage many times, and not many still enjoy hitting that potent cutter. Really, is there anyone even close to Rivera? No way.

Fantasy Baseball Friday: April 30th

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Weekly Top 10: Hitters

1. Austin Kearns - Indians. Remember when he was a prized prospect? Don't expect more than a one good week at a time.

2. Kelly Johnson - Diamondbacks. I'd keep an eye on him. I didn't expect much pre season, but he's been very consistent so far. The one thing that will not last is the power numbers

3. Carlos Gonzalez - Rockies. I was high on him before the season, and am an even bigger believer now. This kid is legit.

4. Ryan Braun - Brewers. What can you say about the Hebrew Hammer. He's a stud, that's all.

5. Miguel Olivo - Rockies. If the Rockies didn't have Iannetta, I'd be all over him.

6. Dexter Fowler - Rockies. Very inconsistent, but he's still stealing bases.

7. Bobby Abreu - Angels. He may not be the prettiest looking athlete, but he's a proven, consistent run producer.

8. Robinson Cano - Yankees. Is this the year he wins the batting title? Me thinks yes

9. Ryan Theriot - Cubs. Poor man's David Eckstein my you know what. He's a far better player.

10. Adrian Gonzalez - Padres. Putting up the numbers prior to a trade?

Weekly Top 10: Pitchers

1. Ubaldo Jimenez - Rockies. It's nice to see he didn't fall off after the no hitter. Young stud putting it together

2. Jon Lester - Red Sox. If only he wasn't terrible to start the season every year. When on, one of the best lefties in the game. Look for him to keep it going now.

3. Tim Lincecum - Giants. Hands down best pitcher in the game.

4. Josh Johnson - Marlins. JJ has it going after a slow start

5. David Price - Rays. I don't mean to brag, but I did predict a breakout season for the youngster.

6. Francisco Rodriguez - Mets. Puts up good numbers, but I'd never trust him.

7. Matt Capps - Nationals. The save machine. I guess that is what happens when you have team play in a tone of close games.

8. Francisco Liriano - Twins. It's nice to see him healthy and return to form. Could be dominant again.

9. Barry Zito - Giants. I don't buy it. He's just too hittable.

10. Johan Santana - Mets. Maybe the Mets bullpen won't ruin his season again.

Early Season Pleasant Surprises:

Kelly Johnson - Diamondbacks. See above

Vernon Wells - Blue Jays. Here is where I have to eat crow. I killed him prior to the season. I was wrong. He obviously feels like he has something to prove

Mike Pelfrey - Mets. What a great start for a team that really needs a #2. Looks like he'll fill in nicely.

Brad Penny - Cardinals. Dave Duncan is the best pitching coach in the history of baseball. One of these days I'll get around to my article about his reclamation projects.

Matt Capps - Nationals. See above

Early Season Disasters a.k.a. The David "Big Papi" Ortiz portion of the blog:

David Ortiz - Red Sox. We all know about my hatred for Ortiz. He is done.

Trevor Hoffman - Brewers. I love the Hoff, but it looks like his days are almost done. Better keep an eye on LaTroy Hawkins

Carlos Zambrano - Cubs. If he's unhappy, anything could happen. Bad I mean

Chris Davis - Rangers. In order to stay in the bigs, you need to make consistent contact. It didn't help Justin Smoak was behind him.

Nate McClouth - Braves. This was not a good trade for the Braves. I was never a believer in the first place.

Jake Peavy - White Sox. Poor guy. He has no control right now. If he wasn't on the White Sox, I'd probably root for him.

Well, that's all for this week. See you next.

Ingy's 2010 MLB Predictions

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Well, now that we are just a few days away from the start of the 2010 season, it's time for the country's baseball pundits to put their money where there mouth is. I am no different. Being the overly opinionated man that I am, I must publish my preseason standings, playoff picks, and choices for the major baseball awards. Feel free to ridicule all you want. As always, we'll revisit them, whether good or bad, at the end of the season. Off we go!

MLB Divisional Standings:

AL East:

1. New York Yankees

2. Tampa Bay Rays

3. Boston Red Sox

4. Toronto Blue Jays

5. Baltimore Orioles

AL Central:

1. Minnesota Twins

2. Chicago White Sox

3. Detroit Tigers

4. Cleveland Indians

5. Kansas City Royals

AL West:

1. LA Angels

2. Seattle Mariners

3. Texas Rangers

4. Oakland A's

NL East:

1. Philadelphia Phillies

2. Atlanta Braves

3. Florida Marlins

4. New York Mets

5. Washington Nationals

NL Central:

1. St. Louis Cardinals

2. Cincinnati Reds

3. Chicago Cubs

4. Milwaukee Brewers

5. Houston Astros

6. Pittsburgh Pirates

NL West:

1. Colorado Rockies

2. LA Dodgers

3. San Francisco Giants

4. Arizona Diamondbacks

5. San Diego Padres

MLB Playoffs:

American League: Yankees over Angels Twins over Rays

Yankees over Twins

National League: Phillies over Dodgers Cardinals over Rockies

Cardinals over Phillies

World Series: Yankees vs. Cardinals

New York Yankees - World Series Champions

Post Season Awards:

American League: MVP: Joe Mauer - Twins

Cy Young: Felix Hernandez - Mariners

Rookie of the Year: Austin Jackson - Tigers

National League: MVP: Matt Kemp - Dodgers

Cy Young: Roy Halladay - Phillies

Rookie of the Year: Jason Heyward - Braves

Fantasy Baseball Friday: The Top 25

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Welcome to the first Fantasy Baseball Friday edition of the 2010 MLB Season. The fantasy baseball season is among us, so we will start our season long quest for fantasy greatness today. Fan Fanatic Sports will start the positional rankings analysis starting next week, so that means today's article is going to be a bit different. I will be highlighting my personal Top 25 fantasy players for 2010 as well as creating a few, fun lists that should help you prepare for the 2010 season. Now, let's get to it.

Ingy's Top 25 Fantasy Ballplayers for 2010:

1. Albert Pujols

2. Hanley Ramirez

3. Alex Rodriguez

4. Ryan Braun

5. Matt Kemp

6. Chase Utley

7. Carl Crawford

8. Tim Lincecum

9. Miguel Cabrera

10. Evan Longoria

11. Ryan Howard

12. Mark Teixiera

13. Prince Fielder

14. Roy Halladay

15. Matt Holiday

16. David Wright

17. Joe Mauer

18. Ian Kinsler

19. Troy Tulowitzki

20. Justin Upton

21. Zack Grienke

22. Felix Hernandez

23. Victor Martinez

24. Joey Votto

25. Ichirio Suzuki

Well, I think it's safe to say everyone will have Pujols at the top of his/her list after the season he had in 2009. Matt Kemp in the top 5? Yes, you will see that Kemp will explode as a 5 tool superstar this season. He had a good breakthrough year last year and will take it to the next level in 2010. I can't believe he is still such a raw player. The only other player that might surprise you in the Top 15 is Matt Holiday. He was amazing after being traded to the Cardinals last year and I really look for him to put together a Coorsesque season hitting behind Pujols.

Ingy's 2010 Overachiever/Breakthrough Lineup:

C. Matt Wieters - BAL

1B. Joey Votto - CIN

2B. Orlando Hudson - MIN

SS. JJ Hardy - MIN

3B. Kevin Kouzmanoff - OAK

OF. Matt Kemp - LAD

OF. Adam Jones - BAL

OF. Carlos Gonzalez - COL

DH. Nick Johnson - NYY

SP - Rich Harden - TEX

CL - Mike Gonzalez - BAL

Matt Wieters had a very good 2nd half in 2009, and I really look for him and the Orioles to make great strides this season. Much like Kemp, most fans don't realize the year Joey Votto had last season. He hits in a little bandbox, and will continue to improve on his season of .322, 25, 84. I am also a big fan of the Rangers bringing in Rich Harden.

Ingy's 2010 Underachiever/Bust Lineup:

C. Benji Molina - SF

1B. Daniel Murphy - NYM

2B. Jose Lopez - SEA

SS. Marco Scutaro - BOS

3B. Adrian Beltre - BOS

OF - Manny Ramirez - LAD

OF - Mike Cameron - BOS

OF - Jason Bay - NYM

DH - David Ortiz - BOS

SP - Ben Sheets - OAK

CL - Jose Valverde - DET

Obviously, I am not high on the Boston Red Sox this year. With the exception of the John Lackey acquisition, I strongly disagreed with the rest of their moves. I don't quite understand adding 300 strike outs to your lineup in Cameron and Beltre. Both are easy outs against good pitching. Jason Bay is a very good player, but Citi Field is death to home run hitters.

Ingy's 2010 Rookies/Youngsters Lineup:

C. Buster Posey - SF

1B. Justin Smoak - TEX/ Gabby Sanchez - FLA

2B. Scott Sizemore - DET

SS. Alcides Escobar - MIL

3B. Brandon Wood - LAA

OF. Jason Heyward - ATL

OF. Colby Rasmus - STL

OF. Nolan Reimold - BAL

SP. Brian Matusz - BAL

RP. Daniel Bard - BOS

Posey, the best hitting catching prospect in the game needs more seasoning at AAA, but will soon be up. Jason Heyward is the best prospect in all of baseball, so watch out for him making the opening day roster. My honorable mention is Josh Bell of the Orioles. The O's stole him from the Dodgers in the George Sherill deal last year and will most likely just be a September call up. Watch out for him next year though.

Well, there you have it. Look for the positional rankings to begin next week. Until then, good luck and enjoy!