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April 2007
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (2006 Finish: 83-78)
The Cardinals finished the regular season just five games over .500 but won the World Series when their pitching jelled in the post-season. Pitching again will be the key this season with only Chris Carpenter returning to the rotation. Kip Wells arrives from Pittsburgh but closer Jason Isringhausen is coming off hip surgery. The offense, spearheaded by Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen and Jim Edmunds is reliable, as is the St. Louis defense. Who's New: 2B Adam Kennedy, Wells, P Russ Springer. Who's Through: P Jeff Suppan, P Jeff Weaver, P Jason Marquis, 2B Ronnie Belliard.
By the Numbers:
Home: 49-31, Away: 34-47
Day: 37-19, Night: 46-59
Vs. Left: 23-24, Vs. Right: 60-44
One-Run Games: 22-27
Bets and Pieces: The Cardinals are fabulous at home, notching a 152-90 record (.628) over the past three seasons.
HOUSTON ASTROS (2006 Finish: 82-80)
Andy Pettitte is gone to the Yankees and Roger Clemens is gone too, but could return later in the season. Or the Rocket might retire or head to New York or Boston. The Astros hoped they've filled Pettitte's spot in the starting rotation with Jason Jennings, acquired from Colorado at a hefty price. Roy Oswalt is fabulous at the top of the rotation and Brad Lidge and Dan Wheeler are strong in the bullpen. Carlos Lee brings some power to the middle of the order behind Lance Berkman and in front of Morgan Ensberg. Who's New: Lee, Jennings, 2B Mark Loretta, P Woody Williams.
By the Numbers:
Home: 44-37, Away: 38-43
Day: 22-25, Night: 60-55
Vs. Left: 22-16, Vs. Right: 60-64
One-Run Games: 25-21
Bets and Pieces: The Astros have been particularly adept facing left-handed starting pitching at home, posting a 30-14 record (.681) the past two seasons.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS (2006 Finish: 75-87)
Milwaukee was devastated by injuries a year ago but could be a threat with a healthy club this season. Ben Sheets, Chris Capuano and freshly minted Jeff Suppan head a capable rotation and Francisco Cordero was excellent in the closer role. Youngsters Bill Hall, Ricky Weeks and Prince Fielder head an improving offense. The Brewers have upset potential. Who's New: Suppan, C Johnny Estrada, P Claudio Vargas, IF Craig Counsel. Who's Through: P Tomo Ohka, IF Jeff Cirillo.
By the Numbers:
Home: 48-33, Away: 27-54
Day: 29-26, Night: 46-61
Vs. Left: 19-20, Vs. Right: 56-67
One-Run Games: 27-27
Bets and Pieces: The Brewers have been awful on the road the last three years, logging a 93-149 record (.382).
CHICAGO CUBS (2006 Finish: 66-96)
Cubs' fans are hoping that a new manager (Lou Piniella) and a $300 million spending spree will bring the faithful their first World Series in 98 years. Better to start small, like escaping the NL Central cellar. Carlos Zimbrano is a stud at the top of the rotation but newcomers Ted Lilly and Jeff Suppan don't frighten hitters. Mark Prior does but he's rarely healthy. Another starter, Kerry Wood, seems destined for the bullpen. Alfonso Soriano brings speed and pop to the lineup and the Cubs have power on the corners in Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez. Who's New: Soriano, Lilly, Marquis, 2B Mark DeRosa, P Neal Cotts. Who's Through: OF Juan Pierre, IF John Mabry, P David Aardsma.
By the Numbers:
Home: 36-45, Away: 30-51
Day: 31-52, Night: 35-44
Vs. Left: 25-22, Vs. Right: 72-43
One-Run Games: 15-26
Bets and Pieces: The Cubs are 23 games under .500 in night games over the past five seasons.
CINCINNATI REDS (2006 Finish: 80-82)
In contention until the final weeks of last September, surprisingly perhaps, the Reds did little to improve themselves in the off-season. Consequently, there are pockets of excellence, such as Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang at the top of the rotation, but not much depth. With Eddie Guardado out until mid-season, David Weathers will have to close. Adam Dunn, Ken Griffey Jr. and Edwin Encarnacion provide most of the offense while SS Alex Gonzalez was brought in to shore up the defense. Who's New: Gonzalez, 1B/OF Jeff Conine, P Mike Stanton. Who's Through: IF Rich Aurilia, SS Royce Clayton, P Ryan Franklin, P Scott Schoenweis, C Jason LaRue.
By the Numbers:
Home: 42-39, Away: 38-43
Day: 23-34, Night: 57-48
Vs. Left: 24-24, Vs. Right: 56-58
One-Run Games: 27-20
Bets and Pieces: The Reds were 18-7 in one-run games at home but just 9-13 in one-run games on the road last year.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES (2006 Finish: 67-95)
After being 30-60 at the All-Star break, the Pirates finished the year going 37-35, giving hope for a better 2007. The young pitching staff is led by Ian Snell and Zach Duke. Salomon Torres is the likely closer now that Mike Gonzalez has been dealt to Atlanta for Adam LaRoche, who will bat cleanup in an order that scored the fewest runs in baseball last year. Who's New: LaRoche, IF Jose Hernandez, P Shawn Chacon. Who's Through: Gonzalez, OF Jeromy Bernitz, 3B Joe Randa.
By the Numbers:
Home: 43-38, Away: 24-57
Day: 18-37, Night: 49-58
Vs. Left: 13-36, Vs. Right: 54-59
One-Run Games: 24-31
Bets and Pieces: No team had a worse record against left-handed pitching last year than the Pirates.
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