Steve_424
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- Mar 22, 2009
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I'll kick us off:
American League - Minnesota Twins
I know...they were a Playoff team last year, so maybe they don't qualify as a surprise team. But I think they'll reach the postseason again, and I expect them to push the Indians until the final weeks of the season.
Their projected lineup is solid:
2B-Dozier
1B-Mauer
3B-Sano
DH-Morrison
CF-Buxton
LF-Rosario
SS-Polanco
RF-Kepler
C-Castro
The rotation has Berrios, Odorizzi, Gibson, Mejia, and Duffey. They've been rumored to be targeting another starter, which would really solidify that rotation. Michael Pineda is also a possible option in the 2nd half.
The bullpen is solid, featuring Fernando Rodney, Addison Reed, Trevor Hildenberger, and Zach Duke.
They'll benefit from beating up on the Tigers, White Sox, and Royals, just as the Indians will.
As for my National League surprise team, I'm going with the Mets.
The lineup, is healthy, is a good one:
2B-Cabrera
3B-Frazier
LF-Cespedes
RF-Bruce
1B-Gonzalez
C-d'Arnoud
SS-Rosario
CF-Lagares
The rotation will feature Syndergaard, DeGrom, and three of Vargas/Harvey/Wheeler/Lugo/Matz/Gsellman.
The bullpen features Ramos, Familia, Swarzak, and Blevins and should be solid as well.
They have a ton of health question marks, but if they can keep the rotation in tact and on the field I think they could push for a Wild Card.
American League - Minnesota Twins
I know...they were a Playoff team last year, so maybe they don't qualify as a surprise team. But I think they'll reach the postseason again, and I expect them to push the Indians until the final weeks of the season.
Their projected lineup is solid:
2B-Dozier
1B-Mauer
3B-Sano
DH-Morrison
CF-Buxton
LF-Rosario
SS-Polanco
RF-Kepler
C-Castro
The rotation has Berrios, Odorizzi, Gibson, Mejia, and Duffey. They've been rumored to be targeting another starter, which would really solidify that rotation. Michael Pineda is also a possible option in the 2nd half.
The bullpen is solid, featuring Fernando Rodney, Addison Reed, Trevor Hildenberger, and Zach Duke.
They'll benefit from beating up on the Tigers, White Sox, and Royals, just as the Indians will.
As for my National League surprise team, I'm going with the Mets.
The lineup, is healthy, is a good one:
2B-Cabrera
3B-Frazier
LF-Cespedes
RF-Bruce
1B-Gonzalez
C-d'Arnoud
SS-Rosario
CF-Lagares
The rotation will feature Syndergaard, DeGrom, and three of Vargas/Harvey/Wheeler/Lugo/Matz/Gsellman.
The bullpen features Ramos, Familia, Swarzak, and Blevins and should be solid as well.
They have a ton of health question marks, but if they can keep the rotation in tact and on the field I think they could push for a Wild Card.