By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media
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Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515 |
To help pass the time between now and the start of the 2012 Major League Baseball season I am going to be examining a different team every day. Starting with the Astros, working toward the Phillies. I will give you my projected starters, breakout and bust players, each team's X-Factor and top prospect.
PROJECTED LINEUP
RF Alex Rios
SS Alexei Ramirez
1B Paul Konerko
DH Adam Dunn
LF Dayan Viciedo
3B Brett Morel
2B Gordon Beckham
C A.J. Piersynski
CF Alejandro de Aza
PROJECTED ROTATION
John Danks
Jake Peavy
Gavin Floyd
Phil Humber
Chris Sale
SS Alexei Ramirez
1B Paul Konerko
DH Adam Dunn
LF Dayan Viciedo
3B Brett Morel
2B Gordon Beckham
C A.J. Piersynski
CF Alejandro de Aza
PROJECTED ROTATION
John Danks
Jake Peavy
Gavin Floyd
Phil Humber
Chris Sale
PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer - Matt Thornton
Set-up - Addison Reed
Closer - Matt Thornton
Set-up - Addison Reed
Top Prospect - Addison Reed (RHP)
Breakout
Phil Humber - While a lot of hype surrounds White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale, mainly because he was 13th overall in 2010, I like the other one-time Met's top prospect Phil Humber better for 2012. Humber was the main piece in the Johan Santana deal and then the Twins let him walk. At 29 Humber showed signs on finally figuring out the bigs. I think we could be looking a double-digit winner, where Sale could find himself back in the bullpen.
Phil Humber - While a lot of hype surrounds White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale, mainly because he was 13th overall in 2010, I like the other one-time Met's top prospect Phil Humber better for 2012. Humber was the main piece in the Johan Santana deal and then the Twins let him walk. At 29 Humber showed signs on finally figuring out the bigs. I think we could be looking a double-digit winner, where Sale could find himself back in the bullpen.
Bust
Paul Konerko - For the last few years people have expected Konerko to finally be caught by Father Time and it has yet to happen. Konerko is averaging 35 homers and 108 RBIs over the last two years. However, I am not going to stop by doubting now. In his age 36 season Konerko finally fails to reach the lofty numbers he has produced throughout his career. I see a drop-off in nearly every offensive category.
X-FACTOR
Matt Thornton - Named the closer to start the 2011 season Thornton only finished with three saves and it was not becuase he got hurt. That's how bad he did in the ninth inning. But for some reason the White Sox are giving Thornton another chance. First year manager Robin Ventura can really limit the headaches if the 35-year old lefty just runs with the second chance, but if he fails again it could be a very long season with a carousel of closer.
Matt Thornton - Named the closer to start the 2011 season Thornton only finished with three saves and it was not becuase he got hurt. That's how bad he did in the ninth inning. But for some reason the White Sox are giving Thornton another chance. First year manager Robin Ventura can really limit the headaches if the 35-year old lefty just runs with the second chance, but if he fails again it could be a very long season with a carousel of closer.
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 82-79
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| Will Adam Dunn's second season on the South Side go better? |
PROJECTED FINISH: 4th in American League Central
***THANKS FOR READING MY TEAM BY TEAM OUTLOOKS TO HELP PASS THE TIME
***THANKS FOR READING MY TEAM BY TEAM OUTLOOKS TO HELP PASS THE TIME
Check back tomorrow for the Los Angeles Dodgers
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