I've Got my Eye on You

I’ve started to do my research (it seems like it gets earlier every year) for the upcoming 2008 baseball season. Here are a few of the bigger names and story lines that I’ll be watching closely:

Alex Rodriguez – Ok, Ok, Ok. We all know you’re good, like really good. But your numbers last year were RIDICULOUS. Do you have a repeat performance in you, or was your 2007 a great season that was fueled even more by “the contract year up tick”? I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Here’s hoping for some more “A-bombs, from A-Rod” (side note: as much as I am not a Yankee fan, I still love that home run call).

Huston Street – Huston, do we have a problem? Are you healthy? You’re a dominant closer when you are (2.88 ERA/0.94 Whip/1.26K’s per 9 innings). How’s the elbow feeling? Who will you be pitching for by the end of the season?

Magglio Ordonez – Are you really that good? You had MVP-caliber numbers last year and you’re surrounding line-up has improved even more this year. Still, last year’s numbers were WAY above your career norms. I’m expecting a little bit of a downturn this year.

Ryan Zimmerman – How’s the wrist? I am concerned. History shows that generally speaking, wrist injuries tend to sap the power of a player for at least a few months of the season, if not the majority of the following season. See Lee, Derrek.

Jeremy Bonderman – Will this finally be the year? Your skill sets and underlying number continue to point towards a breakout. A potential draft-day steal.

Jason Bay – What was that (2007) all about? Did your knee really bother you that much? You said it wasn’t an excuse. I sure hope it was. I’m looking for a bounce-back year from you (30+ hrs 10+ steals).

Travis Hafner – This was an even bigger let down than Mr. Bay’s. What’s going on here? I’m expecting a big return to form this year. I’m hopeful for 2006, but I’d be content with 2005.

Felix Hernandez – A better version of Bonderman. Underlying numbers scream “Potential current and future superstar”, 2007 baseball card stats say, not quite yet. I’m betting on a big time break out this year. Remember, he’ll only be 21 years old on opening day.