Preseason power rankings...1) :NYY: - Yankees have it all, but it is costing them a pretty penny as they are at the cap and face some hardships in the future.
2) :PHI: - The two-time defending NL Champs added Verlander and Grienke in the offseason. The only way they don't make it is if their team hits a slump in the playoffs. They'll surely win the East.
3) :MIL: - Braun, Pujols, and Fielder will make any pitching staff cry... easy divisional repeat for Ben's team.
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4) :BOS: - The Red Sox didn't need much, but Sammy brought in Miggy, Bay, and Scutaro to shape the team's aging offense
5) :COL: - Howe's Rockies are loaded with allstars
6) :OAK: - Jake's absence from the Angels lends a helping hand to Rob's A's who can finally pitch and HIT
7) :LAA: - The AL West will be a very close race as Jake put this team into good shape for a long time
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:STL: - Cardinals in top 8 without Pujols or Carpenter? Paul played his own version of money ball and kept this team a competitor
9) :CIN: - Dan has an excellent front of the rotation, a decent infield, and a potentially powerful outfield
10) :TOR: - The Blue Jays are always in the shadows of the Red Sox and Yankees. Daniel has improved the offense greatly, but the pitching is suspect and star batters will have to pick up their OBP.
11) :LAD: - I think M.J. knows his Dodgers will take a step back this year, but this team is seriously loaded for the future.
12) :PIT: - I put my Pirates here because I believe I have an above average rotation and a more than capable (not overly powerful) offense.
13) :CLE: - Chad's team is a strange mix that will sit in the middle of the rankings until I see how they come together. Hopefully, Votto saw a shrink in the off-season.
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14) :TEX: - Andrus and Sizemore were brought in by Ray to hit with Young, Borbon, Jones, and Davis. Which versions of these players will we see in 2010?
15) :SF: - Kris will need many players to bounce back from down seasons as Sandoval and Cain can't do it alone
16) :SEA: - That rotation could be up with the A's, Phillies, and Red Sox if they are healthy.
17) :NYM: - The Mets have a solid rotation and a mixed bag of veteran hitters
18) :MIN: - Some allstars on offense, an above average rotation, but a few missing pieces (infield?)
19) :ATL: Braves made a push for the Phillies in the East last year, but I say they regress due to organizational changes. Jon's team will be much better in 2011 though.
20) :FL: - Marlins are similar to the Braves but without the prospects. Hank needs to update that depth chart so that we can have a better feel for his team.
21) :CHW: - I will probably bump Rick's White Sox up, but the farm looks good
22) :ARZ: - Lucas needs to post a depth chart as there are allstars hidden on his team. I will probably adjust the D'Backs the next time I do this.
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23) :DET: - Jeff came in later in the off-season... team has plenty of veterans but no more Miggy. Jackson, Nolasco, Wieters all a plus though
24) :TB: - Rays are forced to make tough decisions on players wanting big money
25) :CHC: - Mike cleaned house financially and has a load of prospects and some capable veterans. He may surprise a few people in 2010.
26) :WAS: - Jake moved down the power rankings to take a franchise with young talent that is looking nowhere but up
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27) :BAL: - This team has a couple top prospects and a few allstars but a lot of missing pieces
28) :HOU: - Offense is over the hill, team has two very capable starters but that's it
29) :KC: - Team is building up a solid core of top prospects
30) :SD: - I have to question Greg's committment here as the Padres' roster is suffering
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Halloween