MLB PREVIEW: Let's Play Two. New York Mets & Boston Red Sox

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#14.

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Juan Lagares
2B Daniel Murphy
3B David Wright
RF Curtis Granderson
LF Michael Cuddyer
1B Lucas Duda
C Travis D'Arnaud
SS Wilmer Flores

PROJECTED ROTATION
Matt Harvey
Bartolo Colon
Jacob DeGrom
Jon Niese
Dillon Gee

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Jenrry Mejia
Set-up: Jeurys Familia

Top Prospect: Noah Syndergaard (P)

BREAKOUT - There are easy breakout choices when you look at a talented starting pitching staff. Harvey alreay had his campaign, as did DeGrom, and with Zack Wheeler hurt, let's look at bullpen instead of reaching for Noah Syndergaard. Mets closer Jenrry Mejia has a chance to solidfy himself in the ninth inning. In save situations last year he had a 1.50 ERA and allowed five earned runs in 30 innings. Mejia has a chance to flirt with 40 plus saves this season.

SPRING STORYLINES - It is a sexy pick this season to see the Mets flirt with the playoffs. The loss of Wheeler to Tommy John stings, but not many teams have the depth the Mets do on the mound. Dillon Gee and Rafael Montero will fill in just fine. The real question comes in the lineup. Can run producers like David Wright, Curtis Granderson, and Michael Cuddyer still drive in the runs needed to support their staff.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 79-83 (2nd in NL East)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 85-77 (3rd in NL East)

#13.

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Mookie Betts
2B Dustin Pedroia
LF Hanley Ramirez
DH David Ortiz
3B Pablo Sandoval
1B Mike Napoli
RF Shane Victorino
C Christian Vaszquez
SS Xander Boegarts

PROJECTED ROTATION
Clay Buchholz
Rick Porcello
Justin Masterson
Wade Miley
Joe Kelly

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Koji Uehara
Set-up Man: Edward Mujica

Top Prospect: Blake Swihart (C)

BREAKOUT - The announcement has been made and Mookie Betts will play center field every day in Boston, beating of the six other viable starters in the outfield. The athletic 22 year-old has a chance to flirt with 100 runs right away if he can stay atop of the potent lineup the Red Sox have created.

SPRING STORYLINES - It will be interesting to see how the new faces fit in for the Red Sox. Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez have a chance to take the Red Sox from last to first place if they stay healthy and field their positions. Someone if a starting rotation of number three starters will have to step up and be team ace. Or they will need to make a big move at the deadline.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 71-91 (5th in AL East)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 86-66 (2nd in AL East)

**Check back tomorrow for the Indians and Padres*

MLB PREVIEW: Let's Play Two. New York Yankees & San Francisco Giants

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#16.

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Angel Pagan
RF Nori Aoki
C Buster Posey
1B Brandon Belt
3B Casey McGehee
2B Joe Panik
LF Gregor Blanco
SS Brandon Crawford

PROJECTED ROTATION
Madison Bumgarner
Matt Cain
Jake Peavy
Tim Hudson
Tim Lincecum

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Santiago Casilla
Set-up: Sergio Romo

Top Prospect: Kyle Crick (P)

BREAKOUT - With the Kung Fu Panda (Pablo Sandoval) in Boston and Hunter Pence injured to start the year someone must step up to avoid a slow start. To get the best Buster Posey possible he needs some protection in the order. The best chance to take the next step in their career has to be Brandon Belt. He may never hit 25 homers playing by the Bay, but a .300 average and 100RBIs is realistic for the first basemen,

SPRING STORYLINES - The fans in San Francisco thankfully know all about the World Series hangover. They have been unable to repeat prior's year success. They average 90 wins in the even years with thee titles to show for it and 81 wins in the year after parading down San Fran. Can they snap the trend and make the playoffs in back-to-back years for the first time since 2002-2003.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 88-74 (2nd in NL West)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 84-78 (3rd in NL West)

#15.

PROJECTED LINEUP
LF Brett Gardner
RF Carlos Beltran
CF Jacoby Ellsbury
1B Mark Teixeira
C Brian McCann
DH Alex Rodriguez
3B Chase Headley
2B Stephen Drew
SS Didi Gregorious

PROJECTED ROTATION
Masahiro Tanaka
CC Sabathia
Michael Pineda
Nathan Eovaldi
Adam Warren

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Co-Closer: Dellin Betances
Co-Closer: Andrew Miller

Top Prospect: Aaron Judge (OF)

BREAKOUT - Pineda was pretty stellar in 76 innings last season. After missing three seasons with injuries, now 26 years old, the 6-7 hurler has every chance to put a full season together, make an all-star game, and be the top pitcher on a talented starting staff.

SPRING STORYLINES - The bullpen is lights out, but they do not have any defined roles yet. What inning Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances pitch in may be the least of their worries, but they still have to figure that out. What they need to figure out is how much they can get in offensive players like Carlos Beltran, Alex Rodriguez, and Mark Teixeira on the back end of their careers.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 74-78 (2nd in AL East)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 84-78 (3rd in AL East)

**Check back tomorrow for the Mets and Red Sox*

MLB PREVIEW: Let's Play Two. Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago Cubs

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#18.

.


PROJECTED LINEUP
SS Jose Reyes
C Russell Martin
3B Josh Donaldson
RF Jose Bautista
DH Edwin Encarnacion
1B Justin Smoak
DH Dayan Viciedo
2B Devon Travis
CF Dalton Pompey

PROJECTED ROTATION
RA Dickey
Mark Buerhle
Drew Hutchinson
Marco Estrada
Aaron Sanchez

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Brett Cecil
Set-up: Steve Delabar

Top Prospect: Daniel Norris (LHP)

BREAKOUT - There is a good chance one of the Blue Jay's young arms prove to be bonafide major leaguers this season. Aaron Sanchez is a 22 year-old right hander can reach the upper 90s, but needs to limit the walks. Daniel Norris however has better command of all his pitches and could stand out in his age 21 season.

SPRING STORYLINES - The free additions were suppose to put the Blue Jays over the top, but we have heard that pitch for before. Jose Reyes and Mark Buerhle did not push them past the other teams in the East. It will be interesting to see if a Russell Martin and Josh Donaldson can.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 83-79 (3rd in AL East)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 82-80 (4th in AL East)

#17.

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Dexter Fowler
SS Starlin Castro
1B Anthony Rizzo
RF Jorge Soler
C Miguel Montero
3B Kris Bryant
2B Javier Baez
LF Chris Coghlan

PROJECTED ROTATION
Jon Lester
Jake Arrieta
Jason Hammel
Travis Wood
Kyle Hendriks

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Hector Rondon
Set-up: Pedro Strop

Top Prospect: Kris Bryant (3B)

BREAKOUT - The idea here is the entire team is going to breakout at once and they are going to go from worst to first. But it takes time for some prospects to reach their full potential. While Kris Bryant may win Rookie of the Year, Rizzo could be an all-star selection, Javier Baez, Jorge Soler, and Addison Russell still have holes in their game to fill.

SPRING STORYLINES - The signing of Jon Lester was a statement. The Cubs believe they are ready to contend and contend this season. They play in a challenging division, but if the pitching staff keeps it together, they should be able to make noise postseason noise.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 73-89 (5th in NL Central)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 83-79 (3rd in NL Central)

**Check back tomorrow for the Yankees and Giants*

MLB PREVIEW: Let's Play Two. Oakland A's & Milwaukee Brewers

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#20.

.


PROJECTED LINEUP
LF Coco Crisp
3B Brett Lawrie
2B Ben Zobrist
DH Billy Butler
1B Ike Davis
RF Josh Reddick
CF Craig Gentry
C Stephen Vogt
SS Marcus Semien

PROJECTED ROTATION
Sonny Gray
Scott Kazmir
Drew Pomeranz
Jesse Hahn
Kendall Graveman

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Tyler Clippard
Set-up: Ryan Cook

Top Prospect: Matt Olson (1B)

BREAKOUT - While I think many things in Oakland are flawed like the stadium, the philosphies, and the recent motion picture, one thing Billy Beane knows how to do is get the most out of underrated players. It may not result in championships, but it should result in string seasons from new Athletics. If Brett Lawrie can stay healthy I fully expect him to produce near the level of the recently departed Josh Donaldson. Maybe not MVP type numbers, but all-star level is not out of the question.

SPRING STORYLINES - Just when a core group of going were getting to the playoffs every season, in comes Beane and his big, brainy ideas. We shall see if Lawrie, Ike Davis, and Billy Butler can all take the next step in their careers.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 88-74 (2nd in AL West)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 80-82 (3rd in AL West)

#19.

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Carlos Gomez
SS Jean Segura
C Jonathan Lucroy
LF Ryan Braun
3B Aramis Ramirez
1B Adam Lind
LF Khris Davis
2B Scooter Gennett

PROJECTED ROTATION
Matt Garza
Kyle Lohse
Wily Peralta
Mike Fiers
Jimmy Nelson

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Francisco Rodriguez
Set-up: Jonathan Broxton

Top Prospect: Oswaldo Arcia (SS)

BREAKOUT - I am buying Michael Fiers incredible stretch run to 2014. In the second half he struck out 71 in 64 innings with a 2.09 ERA. I think Fiers should be a serviceable part to the rotation with a strong chance to be the ace by the end of the year.

SPRING STORYLINES - While Jonathan Lucroy had a MVP-type year last season, they need the real former MVP Ryan Braun to return to his old form if they are going to contend. As always, all eyes are the right fielder. If the offense can return to an elite form behind Carlos Gomez, Braun, Lucroy, and Aramis Ramirez in his final season, the Brewers could find a way to make the postseason after last year's forgettable second half.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 82-80 (3rd in NL Central)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 81-81 (4th in NL Central)

**Check back tomorrow for the Cubs and Blue Jays*

MLB PREVIEW: Let's Play Two. Kansas City Royal & Cincinnati Reds

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#22.

.


PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Billy Hamilton
2B Brandon Phillips
1B Jay Bruce
3B Todd Frazier
RF Jay Bruce
LF Marlon Byrd
C Devon Mesoraco
SS Zack Cozart

PROJECTED ROTATION
Johnny Cueto
Homer Bailey
Mike Leake
Anthony DeScalafini
Jason Marquis

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Aroldis Champman
Set-up: Jumbo Diaz

Top Prospect: Robert Stephenson (P)

BREAKOUT - They were my sexy World Series pick two years in a row and they have let me down. They have let their rotation crumble and their offense get old. If anyone is going to spark Cincy it is going to be one of the young arms. I still think Tony Cingrani has a big future, though it might not be this year. Robert Stephenson is on the way, but how about Mike Leake. Leake came straight from Arizona State to the pros and still has chance to put an all-star first half together.

SPRING STORYLINES - If anyone can take the Reds from a 70-win club to a playoff contender it's the MVP Joey Votto in the middle of the order. Votto needs to start swinging a little more and drive in a few more runs and take a few less walks. Same could be said for Jay Bruce. Not the walking thing, more contact in general. Bruce and Votto will decide the Reds fate this year and for the foreseeable future.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 76-86 (5th in NL Central)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 78-84 (4th in NL Central)

#.21

PROJECTED LINEUP
SS Alicides Escobar
LF Alex Gordon
1B Eric Hosmer
CF Lorenzo Cain
C Salvador Perez
RF Alex Rios
DH Kendrys Morales
2B Omar Infante
3B Mike Moustakas

PROJECTED ROTATION
Yordano Ventura
Danny Duffy
Edinson Volquez
Jeremy Guthrie
Jason Vargas

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Greg Holland
Set-up: Wade Davis

Top Prospect: Raul Mondesi (SS)

BREAKOUT - I may be the last sitting in the Eric Hosmer bandwagon, but I am not ready to get out just yet. Entering his age 25 season the first basemen can still reach the potential every one saw for him in the minors and his rookie year. Hosmer has a great chance to put it all together this year and if the Royals can contend like last season, be in the running for the MVP.

SPRING STORYLINES - The Royals had too much fun reaching the Fall Classic last year do not want to wait another 30 years to see it again. But the  question remains can they repeat the magic? With a target on their back? With no true ace like James Shields? No clubhouse vet like Billy Butler? A lot has changed in KC? The bullpen is the same though. And it is deadly.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 89-73 (2nd in AL Central)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 79-83 (5th in AL Central)

**Check back tomorrow for the A's and Brewers*

MLB PREVIEW: Let's Play Two. Atlanta Braves & Tampa Bay Rays

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#24.

.


PROJECTED LINEUP
RF Nick Markakis
SS Andrelton Simmons
1B Freddie Freeman
3B Chris Johnson
LF Zoilo Almonte
CF Melvin Upton
C Christian Bethancourt
2B Alberto Callaspo

PROJECTED ROTATION
Julio Teheran
Alex Wood
Shelby Miller
Mike Minor
Wandy Rodriguez

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Craig Kimbrel
Set-up: Jason Grilli

Top Prospect: Jose Peraza (2B)

BREAKOUT - Sometimes a change of scenery can help, but that was not the case for the Upton brothers. Justin in now in San Diego, BJ is now Melvin, and the GM is John Hart who came in and blew the whole thing up. Shelby Miller maybe did not need a change of scenery that bad, but instead of pitching for a contender, coming to Atlanta may relax him and do wonders for his mental state. Albeit for a losing team.

SPRING STORYLINES - Who is going to stay healthy long enough to pitch? Every time someone takes the mound they have to hold their breath. It all started last spring with Kris Medlen (now in Kansas City) and Brandon Beachy (now a Dodgers), who just needed his second Tommy John. Now Mike Minor is hurt  and the hits just keep on coming.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 79-83 (2nd in NL East)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 77-85 (4th in NL East)

#23.

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Desmond Jennings
SS Asrubal Cabrera
3B Evan Longoria
1B James Loney
LF Steve Sousza
RF Kevin Kiermaier
DH John Jaso
C Rene Rivera
2B Nick Franklin

PROJECTED ROTATION
Alex Cobb
Chris Archer
Drew Smyly
Jake Odorizzi
Nate Karns

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Kevin Jepsen
Set-up: Brad Boxberger

Top Prospect: Daniel Robertson (SS)

BREAKOUT - Well, when you trade away David Price and Wil Myers younger guys are going to get every chance to breakout. Many people see many players taking the next step this season. Tons of people love Steve Sousza, and he may, but I am a Nick Franklin. He was unwanted in Seattle, but this kid can play the middle infield and swing it a little bit. He has every chance to be as good as Asdrubal Cabrera during his Cleveland years, his current double-play partner.

SPRING STORYLINES - There is no Andrew Friedman this season up in the Owner's Box to rebuild this group of underage, underpaid, future phenoms. Evan Longoria may need to man up and carry this group, at least until Alex Cobb, Matt Moore, and Jake McGee get healthy and fill out the pitching staff. The Rays could surprise like in 2008 or the Rays could be more live the Devil Rays.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 77-85 (4th in AL East)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 77-85 (5th in AL East)

**Check back tomorrow for the Reds and Royals*

MLB PREVIEW: Let's Play Two. Texas Rangers & Colorado Rockies

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#26.

PROJECTED LINEUP
SS Elvis Andrus
CF Leonys Martin
3B Adrian Beltre
1B Prince Fielder
RF Shin-Soo Choo
DH Mitch Moreland
LF Jake Smolinski
C Robinson Chirinos
2B Rougned Odor

PROJECTED ROTATION
Derek Holland
Yovani Gallardo
Colby Lewis
Ross Detwiler
Nick Tepesch

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Neftaliz Feliz
Set-up: Kyuji Fujikawa

Top Prospect: Joey Gallo (3B)

BREAKOUT - There are players on this team that could bounce back, but not necessarily breakout. Prince Fielder, Shin-Soo Choo, and Yovani Gallardo all need to find their 2013 form if Rangers want to contend this season, especially with Yu Darvish out for the year. Maybe Ryan Rua can get an early call from Triple-A and give some much needed energy to a bland outfielder trio.

SPRING STORYLINES - It is hard to tell how much of last year's disaster was about injuries and how much was about a bad major league roster. Now that ace Yu Darvish needs Tommy John surgery before the season starts, the Rangers already start to load up the DL list. Changes need to be made in Arlington or the Ball Park with be empty and Price Fielder's contract will be one of the biggest mistakes of all-time.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 67-95 (5th in AL West)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 73-89 (4th in AL West)

#25.

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Corey Dickerson
RF Charlie Blackmon
LF Carlos Gonzalez
SS Troy Tulowitzki
1B Justin Morneau
3B Nolan Arenado
C Wilin Rosario
2B DJ LeMahieu

PROJECTED ROTATION
Kyle Kendrick
Jorge de le Rosa
Tyler Matzek
Jhoulys Chacin
Jordan Lyles

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: LaTroy Hawkins
Set-up: Rex Brothers

Top Prospect: Jon Gray (LHP)

BREAKOUT - He already has a gold glove, but now Nolan Arenado has chance to become the top third basemen in the National League. He is only 23 years-old and a broken finger and pneumonia will not stop him from being one of many threats in a dangerous lineup.

SPRING STORYLINES - The Rockies rotation won't make anyone shake in their cleats up in the batter's box, but they should be able to score some runs. And they should be able to score some runs at home. But everyone will keep a third eye on Troy Tulowitzki and fourth eye on Carlos Gonzalez. Those two are the key for the Rockies. The more they stay on the field the better chance Colorado has to win ballgames.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 66-96 (4th in NL West)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 76-86 (5th in NL West)

**Check back tomorrow for the Rays and Braves*