Back in the halcyon days of 2010, it was often noted that if Curtis Granderson (OF, NYY) could only hit left-handed pitching, he would break out with a banner campaign. That happened in 2011, and Granderson’s power onslaught continues this year.
When Andy Pettitte (LHP, NYY) walked into the sunset after the 2010 season, it looked like he had ended his career with 240 wins. But retirement apparently didn’t set well with Pettitte, who returned to the mound this spring. Even with a year off, he hasn’t skipped a beat.
With the sluggish start that Brett Lawrie (3B, TOR) has had, it’s not surprising that he had a helmet-throwing temper tantrum a couple of weeks ago. After a strong rookie year (nine HR, seven SB in 150 AB), much was expected of the 22-year old Lawrie.
After the distractions of last fall, Jon Lester (LHP, BOS) probably couldn’t wait for the new season to begin. But between a new manager and a rough start to the year, there’s still plenty of consternation going around Boston. While the Red Sox struggle to reach .500, Lester has also hit some bumps in the road.
2011 was quite a season for Justin Verlander (RHP, DET) - Cy Young award, Most Valuable Player, found the cure for cancer. OK, the last part didn’t happen, but after a year like that, what could he possibly do for an encore?
Jose Bautista’s (OF, TOR) “black swan” moment began in September, 2009. From the beginning of that month to the end of last year, he hit 107 home runs. Fast forward to 2012, and it looks like Bautista’s plumage is beginning to fade.
After piling up a 9-17 record with a 5.05 ERA last year, it’s not surprising that Derek Lowe (RHP, CLE) was traded during the off-season. Now in the last year of a four-year, $60M contract, Lowe has gotten off to a scorching start for the Indians.
In spring training, it looked like Nolan Reimold (OF, BAL) would be platooned with Endy Chavez (OF, BAL). While neck spasms have cost him a few games, a hot start has allowed Reimold to stay in the leadoff spot and see most of the playing time in left field.
[FREE] While the big news in LA this past offseason was the signing of some first baseman who’s supposed to be good, the Angels also solidified their starting rotation by signing C.J. Wilson (LHP, LAA). In his first two years as a starter, Wilson won 31 games and led the Rangers to consecutive World Series appearances.
After Coco Crisp (OF, OAK) spent over 200 days on the DL in 2009-10, expectations weren’t too high going into 2011. But he stayed healthy all year and posted some strong numbers. If he can stay on the field, Crisp is a good bet to deliver a repeat performance.
It’s been an exciting week for Ubaldo Jimenez (RHP, CLE). First, the dust-up with his former Colorado teammates; then, he took a no-hitter into the seventh inning on Saturday. While he needs to serve a five-day suspension, it won’t have much effect due to days off in the early schedule.
Back in the halcyon days of 2010, it was often noted that if Curtis Granderson (OF, NYY) could only hit left-handed pitching, he would break out with a banner campaign. That happened in 2011, and Granderson’s power onslaught continues this year.
When Andy Pettitte (LHP, NYY) walked into the sunset after the 2010 season, it looked like he had ended his career with 240 wins. But retirement apparently didn’t set well with Pettitte, who returned to the mound this spring. Even with a year off, he hasn’t skipped a beat.
With the sluggish start that Brett Lawrie (3B, TOR) has had, it’s not surprising that he had a helmet-throwing temper tantrum a couple of weeks ago. After a strong rookie year (nine HR, seven SB in 150 AB), much was expected of the 22-year old Lawrie.
After the distractions of last fall, Jon Lester (LHP, BOS) probably couldn’t wait for the new season to begin. But between a new manager and a rough start to the year, there’s still plenty of consternation going around Boston. While the Red Sox struggle to reach .500, Lester has also hit some bumps in the road.
2011 was quite a season for Justin Verlander (RHP, DET) - Cy Young award, Most Valuable Player, found the cure for cancer. OK, the last part didn’t happen, but after a year like that, what could he possibly do for an encore?
Jose Bautista’s (OF, TOR) “black swan” moment began in September, 2009. From the beginning of that month to the end of last year, he hit 107 home runs. Fast forward to 2012, and it looks like Bautista’s plumage is beginning to fade.
After piling up a 9-17 record with a 5.05 ERA last year, it’s not surprising that Derek Lowe (RHP, CLE) was traded during the off-season. Now in the last year of a four-year, $60M contract, Lowe has gotten off to a scorching start for the Indians.
In spring training, it looked like Nolan Reimold (OF, BAL) would be platooned with Endy Chavez (OF, BAL). While neck spasms have cost him a few games, a hot start has allowed Reimold to stay in the leadoff spot and see most of the playing time in left field.
[FREE] While the big news in LA this past offseason was the signing of some first baseman who’s supposed to be good, the Angels also solidified their starting rotation by signing C.J. Wilson (LHP, LAA). In his first two years as a starter, Wilson won 31 games and led the Rangers to consecutive World Series appearances.
After Coco Crisp (OF, OAK) spent over 200 days on the DL in 2009-10, expectations weren’t too high going into 2011. But he stayed healthy all year and posted some strong numbers. If he can stay on the field, Crisp is a good bet to deliver a repeat performance.
It’s been an exciting week for Ubaldo Jimenez (RHP, CLE). First, the dust-up with his former Colorado teammates; then, he took a no-hitter into the seventh inning on Saturday. While he needs to serve a five-day suspension, it won’t have much effect due to days off in the early schedule.