Four teams that could surprise in '07

645 · January 23rd, 2007, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Brewers

2006 record: 75-87.

Key player: Ben Sheets.

Actually, it's not just Sheets who needs to stay healthy; the Brewers also were crushed last season by injuries to shortstop J.J. Hardy, second baseman Rickie Weeks and third baseman Corey Koskie. Their infield depth will improve with Craig Counsell and Tony Graffanino as backups, but there again would be no replacing Sheets, a legitimate ace.

The Brewers will be a popular choice as the sleeper of 2007, even if one rival executive already says that they are "overhyped." Still, a rotation of Sheets, lefty Chris Capuano and righties Jeff Suppan, Claudio Vargas and Dave Bush could make the Brewers formidable, perhaps even a worthy challenger to the Cardinals in the NL Central.

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645 · January 23rd, 2007, 04:58 PM

Diamondbacks, Rockies and Orioles are the other three.

Hellwig · January 24th, 2007, 12:10 AM

I do think we will be contenders this upcoming season. I don't agree with us being "overhyped" this year. Looking back at last season I agree that we were "overhyped” then. Our infield was really young and we seemed to get a little complacent after we had a .500 season for the first time in 12 seasons. If we get in the mid 80's in wins that might be good enough for the division and that is the only number we need to worry about. The pitching looks great this year. The batting worries me in some spots. Mainly the production we will get out of the left side of the infield and our leftfielder whoever that may be.

I agree with the list and think the D-Backs will be big surprises too. Much improved pitching staff there as well.

January 24th, 2007, 12:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
Hellwig Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,708	I do think we will be contenders this upcoming season. I don't agree with us being "overhyped" this year. Looking back at last season I agree that we were "overhyped” then. Our infield was really young and we seemed to get a little complacent after we had a .500 season for the first time in 12 seasons. If we get in the mid 80's in wins that might be good enough for the division and that is the only number we need to worry about. The pitching looks great this year. The batting worries me in some spots. Mainly the production we will get out of the left side of the infield and our leftfielder whoever that may be. I agree with the list and think the D-Backs will be big surprises too. Much improved pitching staff there as well. Last edited by Hellwig; January 24th, 2007 at 12:13 AM.

January 23rd, 2007, 04:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
645 Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 6,347	Diamondbacks, Rockies and Orioles are the other three.