Go M's
Looks like the M's intend to compete this year with the signing of 2 premium bats in Sexson and Beltre.
I am trying not to get too excited, but I can't wait to see this line-up:
Ichiro RF Best lead off hitter in the game
Randy Winn CF, fast on the base paths and a very consistant hitter
Adrian Beltre 3B if he lives up to his last year, 40+ hr potential
Richie Sexson 1B another big bat with 40+ hr potential
Bret Boone 2B who will be able to relax now that he's not carrying the entire offense. Expect him to hit 30+hr and 100+RBI this year while maintaining his gold glove fielding
Raul Ibanez LF A solid left fielder who hits well at Safeco. Expect 25 hrs out of him.
Bucky Jacobson, DH This kid is relatively unproven but can hit somethin' fierce. If he gets to play everyday, expect between 25-35 hrs
Miguel Olivo C a cannon for an arm and a decent bat if he can work [B]out the kinks. He can hit between 15-20 hrs in a full year.
Jose Lopez, SS at only 20, he has some growing up to do, but he has quick wrists and is going to be an all-star someday.
Our Pitching stands to improve substancially this year too, now that the pitchers won't have to be afraid to let up a run or two. Moyer is still a great pitcher and I think he will be able to stage a good comeback this year, 15 wins no problem. Joel Pinero is healthy again and the boy can pitch. Meche has a wicked curveball and Madritch has alot of grit. If the M's can add another decent starter then we will be sitting pretty with Franklin back in the bullpen working long relief. If not, Franky can start and expect to get a little more run support this year. That guy has had no luck with that the past 2 years and its a shame because he's a decent pitcher. Eddie Guardado will be healthy and maybe Soriano will be able to come back and play set-up man.
They'll have a good strong veteran bench with some talented rookies to round out the bench. We may not be the best in baseball, but I'll be surprised if we lose 99 games again. Now we just need to worry about those Angels...
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--size matters not-- yoda
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