
Athlon Sports: 2009 MLB previews
BY foxsports • September 30, 2009
![]() Ken Griffey is back, but is that enough for Seattle in the AL West? The Mariners are the focus of our first MLB team preview. ![]() The Halos didn't have a great offseason, but so what? Given their remaining talent, it's hard to favor anybody else in the West. ![]() The A's have added Matt Holliday and Jason Giambi in hopes of knocking off the Angels in the West. But it may not happen just yet. ![]() Texas is set to unleash Elvis Andrus. Will he be enough to take them from also-ran to contender? We preview the 2009 Rangers. |
![]() The Tigers were done early last season. To avoid a similar outcome, they'll need better pitching and a strong April. ![]() The Royals had a solid offseason. The AL Central is wide open. Put them together and K.C. may be in it all the way into September. ![]() The Twins rode a young lineup to strong season in '08. Now a year older, Minnesota is hoping to finally get over the hump. ![]() The White Sox have no choice but to rely on young players in key spots. But if last year was any indication, that's just fine. ![]() Unlike this time last year, nobody's expecting much from the Indians. That could mean big things if certain players rebound. |
![]() Jays management has been pointing to 2010. But what about this season? Brace yourself for a long summer, Toronto fans. ![]() You don't want to be rebuilding and trying to contend in the AL East at the same time. Unfortunately, that's what the O's are doing. ![]() Maybe the Rays did arrive a season early, but they're here now and a year older. It all adds up to another title run in the East. ![]() Yes, the A-Rod saga hurts. But there are plenty of reasons to the like the Yanks' chances of returning to the playoffs. ![]() Other than some risky buys, the BoSox didn't make much of a splash this offseason. But that doesn't mean they're going away. |
![]() Perennial Cy Young contender Brandon Webb has Arizona set for another run in the West. But they need more than just him to do it. ![]() The Giants didn't improve much on offense, but their pitching should be even better this year. Could it add up to a playoff appearance? ![]() The Padres have Jake Peavy and a little bit of hope for now. But there's reason to believe they could be out of both by mid-summer. ![]() The Rockies went from NL champs in '07 to 74-win also-ran last season. So where's the truth? Find out if a rebound is in the offing. ![]() The Dodgers did what it took to get Manny back. But whether they repeat last year's success comes down to their youngsters. |
![]() Youngsters like Joey Votto have some people thinking the Reds are ready to contend. That optimism might be a little premature. ![]() With CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets gone, the time has come for Ryan Braun to carry the Brewers. But will he be enough? ![]() The Cubs look like a good bet to stay on top of the NL Central. But that isn't enough anymore these days. Can they do better? ![]() Don't hand the NL Central to the Cubs just yet. The Cardinals have the goods to make it a race all the way into September. ![]() The Astros tried in vain to plug all their holes during the offseason but were unsuccessful. Get ready for more struggles. ![]() The Bucs struggled to a 95-loss campaign in '08. Now they hope the pieces are in place to avoid another embarrassing summer. |
![]() The Mets have studs like David Wright and Jose Reyes, but no playoff trips to show for it. That's what makes this year so critical. ![]() The Mets got better. So did the Braves. It will be another tough haul for the Phils, but this team looks capable of defending its title. ![]() The Braves have built one of the league's top rotations. It's too bad they may not get the run support to have it result in a title. ![]() Pitcher John Lannan gives the Nats' rotation some hope. But after him, things get dicey. That's why another long summer is coming. ![]() In any other NL division, the Marlins might have a chance with their young talent. But in the East, they look like an also-ran. |
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