MLB Team-by-Team Strengths and Weaknesses Sports Jun 1, 2001, 17:29 By Marc Masesso http://www.gamblingonlinemagazine.com

AL East
New York (strength) A veteran team oozing with confidence and World Series experience.  A balanced offense coupled with maybe the greatest starting staff ever assembled will spell doom for the rest of the AL. (weakness) The only problem might be the departure of Mr.Setup man, Jeff Nelson, but a healthy Ramiro Mendoza should fill that void.

Boston (strength) Adding Manny Ramirez gives the Boston Sox a bonafide stud in the middle of the order, and that will help to improve the AL's third wost offense in 2000. (weakness)  Besides being stuck in the Yankees division, Boston must improve on an anemic offense that produced hardly enough to contend down the stretch...enter Manny Ramirez, the RBI machine.

Toronto (strength) The Blue Jays led the AL in homeruns (244) and should be just as explosive as last year.  Watch to see if Tony Batista keeps up his impressive power stroke this season. (weakness) Even though a disgruntled Wells won't have the chance to rip on Blue Jay fans anymore, his 20 wins and leadership will sorely be missed.  A suspect staff will have to contribute on a consistent basis to challenge for the Wild Card.

Tampa Bay (strength) Should, barring injury of course, produce one of the leagues more power hitting lineups.  I could of sworn we said that last year before the numerous injuries took place. (weakness) Last year's team ERA of near 5.00 and the AL's worst batting average are 2 major statistics holding the Devil Rays back from playing at least .500 ball.

AL Central
Cleveland (strength) Most teams would struggle losing a Manny Ramirez, the Indians, however, won't miss a beat.  Look for Segui, Branyan, and Juan Gonzalez (if 100%) to enjoy career years.  Cleveland can still contend with any ballclub in the bigs. (weakness) Their pitching staff only had 34 saves and an ERA of close to last year, and the Indians, behind Bartolo Colon (100 mph fastball) will improve as a whole and regain supremacy to the Central.

Chicago (strength) Led the majors in runs (978) and hit close to .290 all season.  Great hitting ballclub that should enjoy another fine campaign scalding the baseball. (weakness) Sure they obtained David Wells, but he was just 5-6 after the break with an ERA well over 5.  The Chisox can't afford a second half slump from the hefty lefty.

Kansas City (strength) Ties for the AL lead in hitting with a .288 avg, and rarely whiffed as a team.  Mike Sweeney leads the Royals as they could be the surprise of the league.  A scrappy team with no quit in them.

Detroit (strength) The spacious Comerica Park helped the Tigers attain the 5th best overall ERA in 2000.  Expect the same as they flirt with a postseason spot.  (weakness) If they can ever get off to a good start, Detroit could be okay.  But in the long run, a lack of offensive firepower will do in the Tigers and they will realize how much Juan Gonzalez truly meant.

Minnesota (strength)  A team with some good young players that wil be fixtures of the future for baseball.  Lawton, Christian Guzman and Corey Koskie will anchor the last place Twins in 2001. (weakness) Besides being the Twins, they also finished last in homers (116) and a team ERA of over 5.  Two huge problems a team this inexperienced can't overcome.  Where's Kent Hrbek.

AL West
Oakland (strength) Third in the AL in pitching last season, and with the addition of Johny Damon, the Athletics may be the most prolific offense in baseball.  A great bunch of young hitters on the West Coast that can slug with anyone. (weakness) Have to cut down on the strikeouts, they led the AL in that dubious category.  Soon contracts will play a huge role, but for now, expect an AL West title in the Bay area.

Texas (strength)  The 2001 edition of Murderers Row.  Greer, Kapler, I.  Rodrigues, A.Rodriguez, Palmiero...the list goes on and on.  Teams will shudder when the Rangers get hot, so expect mammoth numbers from this lineup.  (weakness) For $252 million, A.Rod should do some pitching.  Unfortunately this team is all offense, and no pitching.  They were the worst staff in the world in 2000, and don't expect much to change this year.  We'll see how happy owner Tom Hicks is when his big investment for $252 million is relaxing on his couch come playoff time.

Anaheim (strength) The heart and soul of the Angels is their offense.  Salmon, Anderson, Glaus, and Erstad will provide plenty of runs this year.  Troy Glaus led the AL in homers with 47. (weakness) A bit of an underachievers team, pitching will plague Anaheim in 2001.  But if they can get a lead into the 8th inning, flamethrower Troy Percival will slam the door shut.

Seattle (strength) Will score a lot of runs, even without A.Rod in their lineup.  The M's posted the second best pitching staff in the AL.  Although problems can be overcome, the loss of their leader will be too much to handle as they tumble on the cellar in the West. (weakness) Hey, they moved onto the playoffs without Griffey last year, but all good things do come to an end.  The shoe won't fit this season.  An ageing DH can't be their only threat if they want to taste the playoffs again.

NL West
San Francisco (strength)  A potent offense loaded with tricks, which was 3rd overall in 2000.  Patient team that led the league in walks.  Solid starting staff with a closer who rarely gets touched in Robb Nen.  A dominant home team that can turn it on when they choose...and they will repeat as West  champs. (weakness) Hard to pinpoint a problem for S.F.  Losing hard-nosed Bill Mueller will hurt a bit, but if Bonds can stay healthy, you had better beware...this team is for real.

Colorado (strength)  Offense Offense Offense.  The Rockies led the league in average (.294), runs (968), and in softball type scores.  Mike Hampton will revitalize a poor pitching staff that sports he and Pedro Astacio as the only bonafide workhorses. (weakness) As much as they stung the ball, their pitching was down right horrid.  ERA of 5.26 and the impossible task of pitching at Coors Field will not help, but Hampton should add some stability and confidence as they snag the NL wildcard.

Los Angeles (strength)  The Dodgers have a nice pitching staff that had the NL's 2nd best ERA.  They expect big things from Darren Dreifort, whom they dumped $55 million into.  Sheffield, Shawn Green, Eric Karros, and Adrian Beltre can slug with anyone in the majors.  Look for big numbers from each of these studs. (weakness)  Passion. Year after year the Dodgers are loaded with talent and a huge payroll, and year after year they underachieve.  From Kevin Brown to Gary Sheffield, this team has quite a roster.  Even Davey Johnson couldn't save this sinking ship, and 2001 won't be any different.

Arizona (strength)  With a staff that led the NL in strikeouts, the D-Backs won't back down from anyone.  Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling are a tough 1-2 punch.  Closer Matt Mantei is the real deal, look for him to enjoy a 40 save season. (weakness)  An ageing ballclub.  Time may be running out on them, along with the newly public financial problems surrounding Arizona.  The disaster in the desert will continue again this year, as owner Jerry Colangelo realizes it's not so easy just to buy a playoff team.  Not enough offensive firepower to contend with the big boys.

San Diego (strength)  Phil Nevin is a great surprise after his career year in 2000.  Look for the Padres and their decent staff to be competitive this year.  And if Tony Gwynn stays aboard, they could make some noise in the West. (weakness) Not a good hitting club, and are pretty inexperienced.  That's why Gwynn is so important to their plans.  A decent staff that just can't hang when it comes down to it.  Trevor Hoffman is an awesome closer with the best change-up in baseball, problem is, can the Padres get him the ball in the ninth with the lead?

NL East
Atlanta (strength)  Best pitching staff in baseball last year, with tons of experience.  An explosive offense led by the Jones duo.  They will be challengedagain this year, but will answer all questions about whether their time is up. (weakness)  A free swinging ballclub that doesn't draw as many walks as they should.  Age may be creeping up on them, but not this year as the Braves host Game One of the Worls Series in 2001.

New York (strength)  Mets just know how to win.  Playoff experience with a solid lineup 1-9.  The bullpen was a saviour last season recording a whopping 49 saves.  This will be a major power factor in the upcoming season. (weakness)  Losing Mike Hampton will hurt considerably and that will tarnish last years third best overall ERA.  Without Hampton, the starting staff remains a question mark.

Florida (strength)  The Marlins are making strides each year.  They will be competitive as slugging first baseman Derek Lee comes into his own.  Antonio Alfonseca has turned into a dominant closer for the fish, may be the best in the game. (weakness)  Too many k's for a team that doesn't leave the yard often enough.  Being stuck in the Braves and Mets division won't help, so look for more growing pains as Florida will fall short once again in the East.

Montreal (strength)  Young team full of talented players.  The acquisition of Fernando Tatis should provide some protection for Vladimir G. Jose Vidro is the top young second baseman in baseball. (weakness)  4th worst staff in the NL last season, and rapid improvement doesn't look to promising.  How long can Felipe Alou continue to accept losing, better yet, how long can he put up with 7,000 fans a night.

Philadelphia (strength)  Not too much happening in Phillie land.  But a nucleus of Scott Rolen and Bobby Abreu is somewhere to start.  Two of the best young stars in the league.  If Omar Daal can return to form, he will be a solid and positive contributor. (weakness) Last in the NL in hitting and runs scored in 2000.  And with not much action in the free agency department, look for more of the same struggles offensively.  Where is Lenny Dykstra when you need him?

NL Central
St.Louis (strength)  4th in the NL in total offense in 2000, and the Cards missed Big Mac most of the year...that is the scary part.  They can hit, run, field, pitch and win, and do all of those things on their way to another NL Central title. (weakness)  Bullpen isn't as strong as advertised, and they led the majors in whiffs lead by Edmond's robust total of 167.  Is closer Veres for real?

Cincinatti (strength)  When all the Reds are healthy, their lineup can stick with anyone.  If Sean Casey can return to his old form, he and Griffey will assault pitching staffs with pain.  Pokey Reese is a wizard at second base, but they must sign him to keep him and his jewelry happy. (weakness)  Inconsistency plagues them all year in 2000.  The Reds can't afford mental lapses if they want to contend in a cramped up NL Central.  Can Pete Harnisch eat up the necessary innings to save the pen?

Chicago (strength)  The starting five of Tapnai, Leiber, Wood, Tavarez and Bere will be very strong this year.  The addition of hometown hero Todd Hundley should take some of the load off of the great Sammy Sosa. (weakness) Front office, period!  The greatest city in the world is stuck with same old follies of Cubs management each year.  GM Andy MacPhail prides himself on avoiding arbitration with his players...here's a new concept Andy, try priding yourself on winning.  And show you want to win by signing Sosa, a player who gets better each season of late.

Houston (strength)  A vicious offensive team led by thumpers Bagwell, Hidalgo, and Alou.  They pounded teams into oblivion with their patience at the plate, and ability to leave any yard in the league on a consistent basis.  Look for more of the same this year as they get a healthy Craig Biggio back. (weakness)  Pitching!!!  Houston boasted the worst staff in the league last year, but they should get a boost with the return of fireballing left-hander Billy Wagner...who can just flat out bring it.  Enron Field was a nightmare for the Astros.

Milwaukee (strength)  Miller Park should evoke some good times for the Brewers.  They aren't flashy, but have a solid core of youngsters who can mesh with a lot of teams.  Jenkins, Loretts, and Burnitz can be headaches for opposing teams. (weakness)  It's not like free agents are flocking to Milwaukee.  The Brew Crew had the lowest team avg.(.246) and struckout over 1200 times collectively.  Not good.  Couple a porous offense with a staff that registered a league worst 29 saves, and there's no wonder why playing .500 ball will be the goal.

Pittsburgh (strength)  The Pirates' strong points are their four studs.  Jason Kendall, RBI machine Brian Giles, pitchers Kris Benson and Jason Schmidt are great starting points for the future. (weakness)  Bullpen is very suspect.  Last year alone the Bucs compiled 27 saves and had a staff ERA hovering around the 5 mark.  Not enough revenue hurts a small market like the Pirates, and winning will be the only answer to alleviate that issue.  It won't be this year though.