Spring Training Preview

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2006 Record: 75-87, 4th in NL Central
Spring Training Home: Maryvale Baseball Park – Phoenix, Arizona
First Cactus League Game: March 1 vs. Athletics

After finishing .500 in 2005, the Brewers planned on taking another huge step forward in 2006. In fact, they were a sleeper playoff pick for many forecasters. Unfortunately, injuries and ineptitude squashed their dreams. Ace Ben Sheets managed only four starts prior to the All-Star break, closer Derrick Turnbow struggled and lost his job, middle infielders Rickie Weeks and J.J. Hardy played less than 100 games apiece, Geoff Jenkins was a major disappointment…the list goes on and on. The team eventually traded outfielder Carlos Lee to the Rangers and made another big deal with the Diamondbacks this offseason. The optimism is still there, although is a bit more guarded this time around.

Key Additions: Johnny Estrada (C), Claudio Vargas (SP), Jeff Suppan (SP), Greg Aquino (RP), J.D. Closser (C), Grant Balfour (RP), Craig Counsell (IF)

Key Losses: Doug Davis (SP), David Bell (3B), Tomo Ohka (SP), Rick Helling (SP), Jeff Cirillo (IF), Dana Eveland (SP), David Krynzel (OF)

Fanball

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Twins Peak?

2006 Record: 96-66, 1st in AL Central
Spring Training Home: Hammond Stadium – Fort Meyers, FL
First Grapefruit League Game: March 2 vs. Reds

By now, the story is well-known. Left for dead in late May, the Twins charged back behind a troika of superstars to take the A.L. Central title on the final day of the regular season. An uncharacteristically sloppy loss to the A's in the first round of the playoffs notwithstanding, the Twins were an unmitigated success in winning the division crown for the fourth time in five seasons. But they'll need repeat seasons from Cy Young winner Johan Santana, batting champ Joe Mauer and A.L. MVP Justin Morneau to offset the loss of several key members of their rotation if they hope to remain atop the heap in baseball's most competitive division.

Key Additions: Ramon Ortiz (SP), Sidney Ponson (SP), Jeff Cirillo (3B)

Key Losses: Brad Radke (SP), Francisco Liriano (SP)

Fanball

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Kings of Queens

2006 Record: 97-65, 1st in NL East
Spring Training Home: Tradition Field – Port St. Lucie, Florida
First Grapefruit League Game: February 28 vs. Tigers

The Mets stole some of the Big Apple spotlight away from the Yankees in 2006 by posting their highest win total since 1999. Unfortunately, Willie Randolph's club failed to follow through on their big regular season and fell 4-3 to the Cardinals in the NLCS. General manager Omar Minaya didn't rest this winter, though, The Mets didn't make any huge signings, but they did plenty of roster tweaking. Fantasy owners will find many of the same key names (specifically the top six spots of the lineup and the back of the bullpen), but there are still some storylines and players to follow this spring.

Key Additions: Moises Alou (OF), Jason Vargas (SP), Ambiorix Burgos (RP), Jon Adkins (RP), Ben Johnson (OF), Jason Standridge (RP), Scott Schoeneweis (RP), Jorge Sosa (SP/RP), David Newhan (OF), Damion Easley (IF)

Key Losses: Cliff Floyd (OF), Steve Trachsel (SP), Brian Bannister (SP), Roberto Hernandez (RP), Victor Zambrano (SP), Heath Bell (RP), Chad Bradford (RP), Ricky Ledee (OF), Darren Oliver (SP/RP), Royce Ring (RP), Chris Woodward (IF), Mike DiFelice (C), Michael Tucker (OF)

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Bombers Away!

2006 Record: 97-65, 1st in AL East
Spring Training Home: Legends Field – Tampa, Florida
First Grapefruit League Game: March 1 vs. Twins

The Yankees won a league-best 97 regular season games in 2006, their sixth straight campaign with at least 95 victories. However, for the sixth consecutive campaign, the Yankees failed to win the World Series. In an effort to change their fortunes, the Yankees purged a few of their poorly-aged pieces, welcomed back an old face to the starting rotation, and brought in an arm from overseas. As usual, fantasy owners will find an abundance of useful players hanging out in the Bronx.

Key Additions: Andy Pettitte (SP), Kei Igawa (SP), Luis Vizcaino (RP), Doug Mientkiewicz (1B), Raul Chavez (C), Todd Pratt (C), Russ Ohlendorf (SP), Steven Jackson (SP), Alberto Gonzalez (IF), Chris Britton (RP), Anthony Claggett (RP), Kevin Whelan (RP)

Key Losses: Randy Johnson (SP), Gary Sheffield (OF), Bernie Williams (OF), Craig Wilson (1B/OF), Jaret Wright (SP), Bubba Crosby (OF), Octavio Dotel (RP), Sal Fasano (C), Nick Green (IF), Aaron Small (SP/RP), Ron Villone (RP), Kris Wilson (RP), Tanyon Sturtze (SP/RP), Terrence Long (OF), Aaron Guiel (OF)

Fanball

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Win, Lose, Purge, Repeat

2006 Record: 93-69, 1st in AL West
Spring Training Home: Phoenix Municipal Stadium – Phoenix, AZ
First Cactus League Game: March 2 vs. Brewers

After a two-year hiatus, the A's regained their status as American League West champions before once again falling short in the playoffs. As usual, the Moneyballers employed a virtually star-free lineup of patient hitters who did just enough to allow a perennially-solid pitching staff to win them a boatload of games. Also as usual, several of the top players on the 2006 roster were allowed to walk after being priced out of the small market plans of Billy Beane. Beane also showed manager Ken Macha the door despite his .570 winning percentage and two division crowns in four seasons. He'll be replaced by former bullpen coach Bob Geren, who will have to find a way to move on without arguably the two best players (Barry Zito and Frank Thomas) from last year's squad. There isn't likely to be a whole lot for fantasy owners to love offensively in Oakland this year, but the pitching staff once again has plenty of promise.

Key Additions: Mike Piazza (DH),

Key Losses: Barry Zito (SP), Kirk Saarloos (SP), Jay Payton (OF), Frank Thomas (DH)

Fanball

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Popping Phils

2006 Record: 85-77, 2nd in NL East
Spring Training Home: Bright House Networks Field – Clearwater, Florida
First Grapefruit League Game: March 2 at Tigers

The Phillies have won at least 85 games in five of the last six seasons, but they haven't made it to the postseason since 1993. How will they manage to break out of their rut and push through to the playoffs? The Phillies have no problem scoring runs (fourth in the majors, tops in the NL last year), and their hopes really rest on their starting rotation. They traded for Jamie Moyer late last season, dealt for Freddy Garcia this past winter, and added Adam Eaton via free agency. If Cole Hamels emerges as prophesied, Brett Myers stays strong, and closer Tom Gordon stays healthy, the Phillies could topple the Mets and provide more solid fantasy players than any other club in the NL.

Key Additions: Freddy Garcia (SP), Adam Eaton (SP), Wes Helms (3B), Rod Barajas (C), Antonio Alfonseca (RP), Jayson Werth (OF), Karim Garcia (OF), Greg Dobbs (IF), Bobby Livingston (SP), Brent Abernathy (2B)

Key Losses: Randy Wolf (SP), David Dellucci (OF), Mike Lieberthal (C), Jeff Conine (IF/OF), Gavin Floyd (SP), Alex Gonzalez (SS), Arthur Rhodes (RP), Aaron Fultz (RP), Julio Santana (RP), Rick White (RP), Gio Gonzalez (SP), Jose Hernandez (3B)

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The Bucs Start Here

2006 Record: 67-95, 5th in NL Central
Spring Training Home: McKechnie Field – Bradenton, Florida
First Grapefruit League Game: March 1 vs. Reds

From 1933-1948, the Philadelphia Phillies strung together 16 consecutive losing seasons. That stretch still stands as the major leagues record, but the Pirates enter 2007 with a streak of 14 consecutive sub-.500 campaigns. Jim Tracy's crew believes they can stop the streak this season, though. A trade with the Braves brought left-handed protection for superstar and fantasy stud Jason Bay, and a young starting rotation offers hope and a bunch of fantasy sleepers. If those things don't work out, the Pirates plan to blind the opposition with their new red uniforms.

Key Additions: Adam LaRoche (1B), Yoslan Herrera (SP), Chris Aguila (OF), Luis Matos (OF), Nick Green (IF), Kevin Gryboski (RP), John Wasdin (RP), Jim Brower (RP), Masumi Kuwata (RP), Einar Diaz (C), Jose Hernandez (IF), Mike Edwards (CI/OF),

Key Losses: Mike Gonzalez (RP), Jeromy Burnitz (OF), Joe Randa (3B), Victor Santos (SP), Ryan Vogelsong (RP)

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Friar Commitment

2006 Record: 88-74, 1st in NL West
Spring Training Home: Peoria Sports Complex – Peoria, AZ
First Cactus League Game: March 1 at Mariners

The Padres could get used to winning the National League West title. However, after winning their second straight division crown, they made an early exit in the playoffs and headed into the offseason with changes in mind. Not only did several faces in the lineup change, but former Angels pitching coach Bud Black was brought in to manage a team that appeared to have gone stale.

Key Additions: Greg Maddux (SP), Kevin Kouzmanoff (3B), Marcus Giles (2B), Alan Embree (RP), Heath Bell (RP), Royce Ring (RP), Jose Cruz (OF)

Key Losses: Mike Piazza (DH), Josh Barfield (2B), Ben Johnson (OF), Dave Roberts (OF)

Fanball

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Barry, Barry, Quite Contrary

2006 Record:76-85, 3rd in NL West
Spring Training Home: McKechnie Field – Bradenton, Florida
First Grapefruit League Game: March 1 vs. Reds

If you can't beat 'em, steal their manager. That's our motto. The Giants slipped below .500 the last two seasons, and their first move of the winter was to fire manager Felipe Alou and hire Bruce Bochy. He spent the last 12 seasons with the Padres, who won the NL West in 2005 and 2006. Giants general manager Brian Sabean also wanted to clear out an aging roster, but that mission was only partially accomplished. Many older players left town, but another set of 30-somethings also came aboard. And, of course, 42-year-old outfielder Barry Bonds will likely be back to anchor the lineup and chase Hank Aaron. The spotlight may burn just as brightly on another Barry, though. The Giants reached across the Bay and made Barry Zito the wealthiest hurler in major league history.

Key Additions: Barry Zito (SP), Dave Roberts (OF), Rich Aurilia (IF), Bengie Molina (C), Ryan Klesko (1B/OF), David Cortes (RP), Tyler Walker (RP), Sun-Woo Kim (SP/RP)

Key Losses: Jason Schmidt (SP), Mike Matheny (C), Moises Alou (OF), Steve Finley (OF), Shea Hillenbrand (1B), Tim Worrell (RP), Jamey Wright (SP), Todd Greene (C), Mike Stanton (RP)

Fanball

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Pacific Northworst

2006 Record:78-84, 4th in AL West
Spring Training Home: Peoria Sports Complex – Peoria, AZ
First Cactus League Game: March 1 vs. Padres

After three straight seasons of wear and tear, the old, tattered "Welcome to Seattle" doormat remains a steadfast reminder to the Mariners that they still have yet to enter the picture in the American League West, despite improving by 15 wins from a disastrous 2005 campaign. The team approached .500 last year, but they still finished last in the West for the third consecutive year and were 15 games back of the champion A's when the dust settled on the 2006 season. That was apparently enough to get management excited about contending, so they acquired a couple of veteran bats and re-vamped nearly the entire rotation in the hopes of finally moving out of the AL West cellar.

Key Additions: Jose Guillen (OF), Jose Vidro (2B), Jeff Weaver (SP), Miguel Batista (SP), Horacio Ramirez (SP)

Key Losses: Carl Everett (OF), Gil Meche (SP), Joel Pineiro (SP/RP), Rafael Soriano (RP)

Fanball

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Gateway to the Best

2006 Record: 83-78, 1st in NL Central
Spring Training Home: Roger Dean Stadium – Jupiter, Florida
First Grapefruit League Game: February 28 vs. Marlins

The Cardinals posted their worst regular season record since 1999, but their fans couldn't care less. Tony La Russa's club became the seventh team in as many years to win the World Series, and fan favorite David Eckstein hoisted the MVP trophy. It was the Cardinals 10th World Series win, and they failed to repeat in the previous nine follow-up years. Can they capture back-to-back titles this time around? Only time will tell, but if La Russa's club manages to win the Fall Classic, they will do so with a heavily revised starting rotation. Ace Chris Carpenter is still around, but Jason Marquis, Jeff Suppan, and Jeff Weaver are gone and Mark Mulder won't be ready for the start of the season. The bullpen? That's a major issue too. The lineup? It's fine. They still have Albert Pujols.

Key Additions: Adam Kennedy (2B), Kip Wells (SP), Ryan Franklin (SP), Russ Springer (RP), Randy Keisler (RP), Mike Smith (RP) Eli Marrero (C/OF)

Key Losses: Jeff Suppan (SP), Jeff Weaver (SP), Jason Marquis (SP), Jorge Sosa (RP/SP), Ronnie Belliard (2B), Jose Vizcaino (IF), Larry Bigbie (OF)

Fanball

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Devils in Disguise

2006 Record: 61-101, 5th AL East
Spring Training Home: Progress Energy Park – St. Petersburg, Florida
First Grapefruit League Game: March 2 vs. Yankees

The Devil Rays once again finished in last place in the American League East, but things are clearly heading in the right direction. The Rays are anchored by one of the most promising young pitchers in the game. They also have a very deep outfielder that features some of the best prospect in baseball and an infield that has a nice combination of veterans, youngsters, and foreign talent. Put it all together and you get a team that has the potential to help fantasy owners at many positions.

Key Additions: Akinori Iwamura (3B), Brendan Harris (IF)

Key Losses: Damon Hollins (OF), Brian Meadows (RP), Travis Harper (RP)

Fanball

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Surprises in Store?

2006 Record: 80-82, 3rd in AL West
Spring Training Home: Surprise Stadium – Surprise, Arizona
First Cactus League Game: March 2 at Royals

The Rangers extended their postseason drought to seven seasons in 2006, but their offense remained potent and their revamped pitching staff provided three helpful hurlers. Kevin Millwood and Vicente Padilla won 16 and 15 games respectively, and Akinori Otsuka (32 saves) led a bullpen that boasted a 3.74 ERA (sixth in the majors). Three potent bats from the 2006 season (Carlos Lee, Gary Matthews Jr., Mark DeRosa) departed this offseason, but the starting rotation and bullpen made upgrades and the lineup should continue to be effective thanks to three well-known names, a group of up-and-comers, and a slugger who has smacked 587 homers since last wearing a Rangers uniform. New manager Ron Washington and fantasy owners should have plenty to work with.

Key Additions: Eric Gagne (RP), Brandon McCarthy (SP), Kenny Lofton (OF), Marlon Byrd (OF), Frank Catalanotto (OF), Sammy Sosa (DH), Jerry Hairston Jr. (IF/OF), Bruce Chen (SP), Jamey Wright (SP), Guillermo Quiroz (C)

Key Losses: Carlos Lee (OF), Gary Matthews Jr. (OF), Rod Barajas (C), Mark DeRosa (IF/OF), Adam Eaton (SP), Kip Wells (SP), Eric Young (IF/OF), R.A. Dickey (SP)

Fanball

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Taking Flight

2006 Record: 87-75, 2nd AL East
Spring Training Home: Knology Park – Dunedin, Florida
First Grapefruit League Game: March 1 vs. Red Sox
Despite failing to make the playoffs, the Blue Jays can consider the 2006 season a success given that they finished higher than third for the first time since their Championship season in 1993. An already potent offense got even stronger this offseason, however little was done to patch up a pitching rotation that has plenty of question marks. Injury risks Tomo Ohka, John Thomson, and Victor Zambrano were added to a rotation in which each of the returning members missed time last season. Despite the uncertainty surrounding their rotation, there is still plenty of value for fantasy owners to exploit north of the border.

Key Additions: Frank Thomas (DH), John Thomson (SP), Tomo Ohka (SP), Victor Zambrano (SP), Matt Stairs (OF), Royce Clayton (SS)

Key Losses: Frank Catalanotto (OF), Ted Lilly (SP), Bengie Molina (C), Justin Speier (RP)

Fanball

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Who's On First?

2006 Record: 71-91, 5th in NL East
Spring Training Home: Space Coast Stadium – Viera, Florida
First Grapefruit League Game: March 2 at Dodgers

We presume that sometime during the 2006 season, Nationals executives looked up the standings at the Florida Marlins and said, "Hey, maybe we can also be successful if we blow up our roster and install a young manager!" The club then turned general manager Jim Bowden loose, and, well, let's hear it for your 2007 Washington Nationals. The 38-year-old Manny Acta is the league's youngest manager, and the roster only contains three players (Ryan Zimmerman, Chad Cordero, Jon Rauch) who spent the entire 2006 season (meaning no DL time, no demotions) with the Nationals. If D.C. denizens thought the Redskins were bad, wait until they get a look at this crew. We begin with the transactions and use the term "key" very loosely:

Key Additions: Chris Snelling (OF), Emiliano Fruto (RP), Tim Redding (SP), Jerome Williams (SP), Joel Hanrahan (SP), Brandon Claussen (SP) Travis Lee (1B), Tony Womack (2B/OF), D'Angelo Jimenez (2B), Michael Restovich (OF), Ray King (RP), Jesus Colome (RP), Jermaine Van Buren (RP), Jesus Flores (C), Robert Fick (1B/C), Dmitri Young (1B/OF), Tony Batista (3B)

Key Losses: Alfonso Soriano (OF), Jose Vidro (2B), Jose Guillen (OF), Marlon Byrd (OF), Brian Lawrence (SP), Ramon Ortiz (SP), Tony Armas Jr. (SP), Pedro Astacio (SP), Felix Rodriguez (RP), Zach Day (SP/RP), Ryan Drese (SP), Joey Eischen (RP), Roy Corcoran (RP), Kevin Gryboski (RP), Travis Hughes (RP), Matthew LeCroy (C/1B), Wiki Gonzalez (C)

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