2004 MLB Baseball Preview
Part II

** Click to Get FREE Baseball Picks This Season **
** Click Here to Get PREMIUM MLB Picks **

Rookies to Watch

National League

Khalil Green SS, San Diego Padres - The former standout at Clemson is ready for the big leagues. He can flat out hit the baseball. The question remains, is he ready to be a big league shortstop? We don't think so, as that position generally takes kids some time, but he'll have an impact this season. Much of the Padres hopes fall on Greene this season. He is a future All Star, but not this season.

Edwin Jackson RHP, L.A. Dodgers - The 6'3” Jackson will man the #5 starter position in the Dodgers staff, and has the stuff to win 15 games from the position. He became the youngest Dodger starter to win his first start last season against the D-Backs. Expect more of the same fro m this hard throwing youngster who is coveted by every team in the game. When the Dodgers were looking for another bat this off-season, everyone wanted Jackson. That is why their offense will be terrible this summer.

Kazuo Matsui SS, New York Mets - Little Godzilla arrives this season in the US from Japan. He is a gifted player who is solid defensively and a good hitter. He will not match his power numbers from Japan but will help the Mets a great deal this season.

American League

Bobby Crosby SS, Oakland Athletics - The only reason the A's let Tejada get away to the Orioles. Second baseman Mark Ellis' injury will hurt Crosby's development in the near term, and the A's need him to be a defensive gem, which it looks like he'll be. He will not come close to replacing Tejada's. He is still a fine prospect with a nice career ahead of him.

Joe Mauer C, Minnesota Twins - Mauer has arrived. The big time home town prospect who was taken in the first round of the Amateur Draft will start the season as the Twins catcher. He has shown maturity already, doing a great job with the pitching staff in spring training. Mauer may struggle at the plate a bit this season, but he'll turn into a guy that hits 20-25 home runs consistently for the Twins. Combine those numbers with his uncanny athleticism behind the plate and, barring injury, this kid is as can't miss as they come.

Best Bullpens

1) Philadelphia Phillies - Billy Wagner, Rheal Cormier, Todd Worrell
2) New York Yankees - Mariano Rivera, Paul Quantrill, Tom Gordon
3) Boston Red Sox - Mike Timlin, Alan Embree, Scott Williamson, Keith Foulke
4) Anaheim Angels - Ben Weber, Francisco Rodriguez, Troy Percival
5) Los Angeles Dodgers - Eric Gagne, nuff said in Chavez Ravine.
6) Houston Astros - Brad Lidge, Octavio Dotel, Brandon Duckworth, Jeriome Robertson

Best Starting Rotations

1) Chicago Cubs - Mark Prior, Kerry Wood, Greg Maddux, Zambrano
2) Boston Red Sox - Curt Schilling, Pedro Martinez, Derek Lowe
3) Houston Astros - Roger Clemens, Roy Oswalt, Andy Petite
4) Oakland Athletics - Mark Mulder, Barry Zito, Tim Hudson, Rich Harden
5) Florida Marlins - Josh Beckett, Brad Penny, AJ Burnett, Carl Pavano
6) Anaheim Angels - Jerrod Washburn, Bartolo Colon, Kelvim Escobar, Ramon Ortiz

Best Power Offenses
These teams will blow up for some monster games

1) New York Yankees - AROD, Giambi, Posada
2) Houston Astros - Jeff Bagwell, Lance Berkman, Jeff Kent
3) St. Louis Cardinals - Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen, Reggie Sanders
4) Boston Red Sox - David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Nomar, Jason Varitek
5) Colorado Rockies - Todd Helton, Preston Wilson, Larry Walker, Jeromy Burnitz
6) Anaheim Angels - Vlad, Darrin Erstad, Tim Salmon, Troy Glaus

Best Small Ball Offenses
These teams will be consistent offensively

1) Florida Marlins - Juan Pierre, Luis Castillo
2) Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Carl Crawford, Rocco Baldelli, Jose Cruz Jr.
3) Baltimore Orioles - Melvin Mora, Luis Matos, Larry Bigbie, Miguel Tejada
4) Minnesota Twins - Torii Hunter, Jacque Jones, Cristian Guzman
5) Oakland Athletics - Frank Menechino, Bobby Crosby, Mark Kotsay
6) Seattle Mariners - Ichiro, Randy Winn, John Olerud

Hopefully this preview has gotten you warmed up for a great season. Stay tuned for more analysis all season long.

Baseball Resources and Information:
My Baseball Handicapping Philosophy
Read TESTIMONIALS from Subscribers
Tips & Articles on Betting, Handicapping, Beating the Odds
Free Baseball Picks Each Day