lipidquadcab wrote:
Are these projections from the panel on the latest episode of Real Time?
the byline is Gabe Lacques Sports Assignment Editor at USA TODAY
his job description: An assignment editor is a member of the newsroom staff at a newspaper, radio or television station whose job duties include deciding which reporter will cover a given story. In addition to generating story ideas and delegating coverage, assignment editors may write and edit news stories or update the news outlet's social media and website.
His take on AL Central:
Welcome to hell – both for prognosticators and five teams with legitimate playoff hopes. This is baseball’s deepest division, with five teams capable of winning it – and almost as many that could finish last. We feel random things happening, so hello, White Sox (90 wins). Everyone loves their Todd Frazier acquisition, and the ball should jump off his bat at U.S. Cellular Field. We prefer the possibly unparalleled 1-2 rotation punch of Chris Sale and Jose Quintana, backed by a full season of Carlos Rodon, who struck out 139 batters in 139 1/3 innings as a rookie. Our fetish for Pale Hose should not be seen as a diss toward the Royals (84 wins). It’s just really hard to repeat, particularly as a mid-market team lacking depth. We’d be thrilled if they proved us wrong.
One of these years, it will all come together for the Indians (83 wins) – most likely in 2018, when an imposing crop of prospects coalesces. In 2016? It feels like they’re one bat short of greatness. The Tigers (82 wins) got that big bat in Justin Upton; it’s the questionable Nos. 3-5 starters (Anibal Sanchez, Daniel Norris, Mike Pelfrey) and thin organizational depth that’s worrisome. And our apologies to the Twins (80 wins), who wouldn’t surprise us if they produce an MVP (Miguel Sano) and Rookie of the Year (Jose Berrios).
NL Central:
It may become trendy to knock the Cubs (101 wins) down a peg, but there’s just too much going on here. Beyond the obvious, we see a bullpen well-equipped to deal with back-end rotation shortcomings. And when they add one more starter in July, see you later. That’s not to say the Cardinals (97 wins) should pack it in. Absurdly deep, they will platoon and pitch almost everybody into submission – and hope things go differently at Wrigley Field in October.
Has the window closed for the Pirates (88 wins)? No, but this may be a “gap year” between three straight playoff clubs and a future brightened by a group of nearly-ready prospects. Top pitching prospect Tyler Glasnow could be crucial, as veteran acquisitions Ryan Vogelsong and Jonathan Niese will test the miracle-working power of pitching coach Ray Searage. The division’s big three need punching bags, and that’s where the Brewers (64 wins) and Reds (61 wins) come in. Milwaukee’s pitching is even worse upon closer inspection, and the exporting of proven big leaguers will continue as the season goes on. The Reds acquired enough useful parts and have enough proven holdovers to think a not-so-bad 75-win season could emerge. But a bullpen anchored by Jumbo Diaz will give back a lot of wins.
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Frank Coztansa wrote:
I don't waste my time with the Cubs.