Darrell Ceciianii, Ollie, W-L Predictions, John Maine... and more predictions

(sorry... pictures aren't working this morning on my computer...)

Darrell Ceciliani,:

OF, Columbia Basin CC (WA), #134 Overall: Ceciliani was a solid junior college athlete, yet his bat was probably the least advanced of his tools. Considered a possible above-average center fielder, he was expected to go a few rounds later. Following players selected: Adam Warren, Brooks Hall, Adam Buschini. Signing bonus: $204,300. - link

Ollie:

Oliver Perez: He might be the most frustrating out of the bunch in the rotation. He has no-hitter stuff and we have seen flashes of that, but we have also seen Ollie far too often self destruct. He signed a big contract last year and he arrived to Spring Training overweight and out of shape. Ollie also has a tendency to change his delivery mid game all of the sudden even if he’s in a good groove. Ollie seems to have already started stepping up to the plate for 2010 as he’s been working out extensively before Spring Training in Arizona. He also has gotten himself in much better shape and dropped some excess pounds. Ollie needs to listen to his coaches. He needs to stop experimenting with his delivery and stick with the one that works. He needs to prove that he was worth that big contract and that all this potential was more than just talk. - link

 W-L Predictions:


Philadelphia: 96-66

Comment: My system has Philadelphia as the best pitching team in the division (just ahead of Atlanta) and also has them as by far the best offensive team. The Phillies rank as the best team in the National League by quite a bit.

Atlanta: 88-74

Comment: If Tim Hudson is healthy, that 1-2-3 of Hudson, Tommy Hanson and Jurrjens with Derek Lowe as a fourth looks awfully good. It’s Bobby Cox’s final year … and if he gets that kind of good starting pitching then I think the Braves are a good bet to win the wildcard. And wouldn’t it be justice if after all the close calls, Cox and the Braves win a World Series when they are clearly NOT the best team.

New York Mets: 82-80


Comments: Questions galore. Will David Wright regain his power? Will Jose Reyes stay healthy? Will Carlos Beltran get healthy? Will Jeff Francoeur play as well as he did second half of last season? Will Mike Pelfrey develop into a legit No. 2 starter? Will the Mets really sock the ball? Knock those home runs over the wall? East side, West side, will they all come down? To meet the M-E-T-S Mets of New York Town?

Florida: 81-81

Comments: Terrific young pitching led by potential Cy Young Award winner Josh Johnson, but even with the remarkable Hanley and rookie of the year Chris Coghlan, the system says runs could be hard to come by.

Washington: 65-97

Comments: I actually like the direction of the Nationals … and if Stephen Strasburg makes a huge splash I think they could be a surprise. But the system pegs them for another last place season.- link

John Maine:

Maine for the last 2 seasons has suffered injuries, but even when healthy he has a hard time getting out of the 5th inning. Maine has shown that he can be brilliant on the mound as we saw in September of 2007 in a gem against the Marlins. Maine needs to focus and stop over thinking from pitch to pitch. You can see how he frequently thinks too far ahead when he pitches, always thinking about the next one. He needs to stay in the moment and not worry about the next pitch or hitter.- link

 NL East


Phillies - Howard, Utley, Rollins, Halladay, Hamels- Nuff said!

Braves - They are back! Youth with veterans will be solid for Cox last stand!

Marlins- Maybin and Coghlan put it together to go with solid SP and a good enough pen!

Mets - Omar and Manuel fired. Beltran traded! Ricco as GM and Valentine is rehired as manager!

Nats- Marquis the ace? Ugh! - link