As I sit and wait for baseball to begin, I decided to take the fact that I have no life and go through every MLB team and project their roster, as of the beginning of Spring Training.  I like to show as often as possible that I’m not just a Phillies fan; I want to know as much about baseball as possible.  I want to know to Orioles roster and I want to know the Giants roster, along with every team in the middle.  I’m not going to be doing any sort of season projections now, it’s far too early to tell something like that.  I just want a feel for what a team is going to look like, I’ll do my best to breakdown the strengths and weaknesses.  If you see something that doesn’t look right, it is most likely because that is who I personally believe should be in that spot.

The Chicago Cubs

Projected Rotation:
Carlos Zambrano – RHP
Randy Wells – RHP
Ryan Dempster – RHP
Tom Gorzelanny – LHP
Jeff Samardzija – RHP
Other Options:
Ted Lilly – LHP*
Carlos Silva – RHP

*Says he’ll be ready for Opening Day, team isn’t sure*

Jeff Samardzija may very well get his chance to start for the Cubs, and a lot of it will have to do with Ted Lilly’s injury.  Even without Lilly, this has a chance to be a good rotation until he’s all healed up.  The top three guys are all capable of pitching great games; Randy Wells impressed a lot of people last season, me especially.

Projected Bullpen:
Carlos Marmol – Closer – RHP
John Grabow – LHP
Sean Marshall – LHP
Angel Guzman – RHP
David Patton – RHP
Jeff Gray – RHP
Carlos Silva – RHP
Other Options:
Mike Parisi* – RHP

*Rule 5 pick*

It’s hard to say if anything is really a sure thing in this bullpen.  Carlos Marmol will be the full-time closer for the first time ever, he really did well in that spot late last year.  Angel Guzman finally got his chance to shine last year, and he was fantastic.  However, Guzman missed the final two weeks of the season because of an injury, which have hampered his young career thus far.

Projected Starters:
C – Geovany Soto – R
1B – Derrek Lee – R
2B – Mike Fontenot – L
3B – Aramis Ramirez – R
SS – Ryan Theriot – R
LF – Alfonso Soriano – R
CF – Marlon Byrd – R
RF – Kosuke Fukudome – L

The only change in this lineup is that the boy who is a thorn in many sides has been shipped off to Seattle, and Marlon Byrd will take his place.  Byrd set new career-highs in AB’s, HR’s, and RBI’s (among other things), mainly because he finally got the chance to play a full season.  Even with all these factors, Byrd took a while to finally sign, but I have a feeling he’ll be a fine replacement for Milton.

Projected Bench:
RF/LF Xavier Nady – R
C Koyie Hill – S
2B/3B Jeff Baker – R
1B/LF/RF Micah Hoffpauir – L
CF Sam Fuld – L

I feel pretty bad for X Nady.  He has his best season ever in ’08, expects to be a starter for the Yankees in ’09, goes out for the season, and now shows up in 2010 as a bench player for Chicago.  If anybody in that outfield struggles (especially Kosuke against lefties), then beware X Nady, because he’ll take your spot.  Another guy I like is Sam Fuld.  To me, he is the perfect bench player.  He has some speed, can give you a pretty good average, and can play some solid defense when you need him too.

The Cincinnati Reds

Projected Rotation:
Aaron Harang – RHP
Johnny Cueto – RHP
Bronson Arroyo – RHP
Homer Bailey – RHP
Matt Maloney – LHP
Other Options:
Aroldis Chapman – LHP
Justin Lehr – RHP

Matt Maloney gets the nod from me to take the last rotation spot.  I just figured the Reds would need a lefty in there before the Chapman the great makes it to the Majors.  If you look at the top four guys, this is an awfully solid rotation.  I myself am a huge Homer Bailey fan and I know what this guy can do.  He finished strong last year and I’m expecting him to pick up where he left off.  Also, Aaron Harang is so much better of a pitcher than what he’s been as of late, don’t lose faith in this guy.

Projected Bullpen:
Francisco Cordero – Closer – RHP
Nick Masset – RHP
Arthur Rhodes – LHP
Jared Burton – RHP
Danny Ray Herrera – LHP
Micah Owings – RHP
Carlos Fisher – RHP
Other Options:
Mike Lincoln – RHP

I’m pretty impressed with the bullpen too.  There are some good arms down there, on that jumps out to me is Danny Ray Herrera.  This guy is all over the place in terms of not only pitch selection but pitch velocity.  I’ve seem him get as high as the low 90′s and as low as the high 60′s, which is pretty impressive if you ask me.  Nick Masset is another guy to keep a close eye on, he was great for the Reds last season finishing with a 2.37 ERA, surprising the league.

Projected Starters:
C – Ramon Hernandez – R
1B – Joey Votto – L
2B – Brandon Phillips – R
3B – Scott Rolen – R
SS – Orlando Cabrera – R
LF – Chris Dickerson – L / Jonny Gomes – R (RHP/LHP)
CF – Drew Stubbs – R
RF – Jay Bruce – L

Jay Bruce is due for a rebound.  Bruce blew away the baseball world when he was called up in ’08 and planted himself in a lot of baseball fans minds.  Last season was dreadful at best, but it included a strong finish, which hopefully leads to a stronger start.  If guys like Bruce, Chris Dickerson and Drew Stubbs produce, we are quite possibly looking at one of strongest lineups in the NL Central.

Projected Bench:
Jonny Gomes / Chris Dickerson
2B/3B Aaron Miles – S
C Ryan Hanigan – R
OF Laynce Nix – L
INF Paul Janish – R
Other Options:
INF Drew Sutton – S
OF Wladimir Balentien – R

Drew Sutton was my odd man out when I found out about the Jonny Gomes signing.  Sutton was originally on my projected 25-man roster, but I figure the Reds would rather go with Janish because he has more experience in the Majors.

The Houston Astros

Projected Rotation:
Roy Oswalt – RHP
Wandy Rodriguez – LHP
Brett Myers – RHP
Bud Norris – RHP
Felipe Paulino – RHP
Other Options:
Brian Moehler – RHP
Wesley Wright – LHP

While Roy Oswalt is supposed to be the ace, Wandy Rodriguez took that title and absolutely ran away with it last year, even though he only had 14 wins.  On a Phillies note, I’m obviously going to be rooting for Brett Myers this season, I hope he gets everything figured out and starts 34 games.  However, as a fan who wants his team to win, I don’t necessarily believe I’m going to miss him on my team.  Either way, good luck buddy.

Projected Bullpen:
Brandon Lyon – Closer – RHP
Matt Lindstrom – RHP
Tim Byrdak – LHP
Jeff Fulchino – RHP
Alberto Arias – RHP
Chris Sampson – RHP
Sammy Gervacio – RHP
Other Options:
Wesley Wright – LHP

A lot of names on this list are those you may not recognize, and frankly I don’t possess a lot of knowledge when it comes to the Houston bullpen.  Regardless, I’ll give it a shot as I always do.  A blogger ripped Ed Wade a new one when it came to the massive contract given to Brandon Lyon, and he was probably right.  Anyways, Lyon is going to be the closer, if not for his pitching, then for his 3-year $18 mil. deal.  Wesley Wright is apparantly trying for a spot in the rotation, if he doesn’t make that then he will most likely be in the pen, they could use a second lefty down there (even though I hear Sampson is good against the lefties).

Projected Starters:
C – J.R. Towles – R
1B – Lance Berkman – S
2B – Kazuo Matsui – S
3B – Pedro Feliz – R
SS – Tommy Manzella – R
LF – Carlos Lee – R
CF – Michael Bourn – L
RF – Hunter Pence – R

Add Tommy Manzella to the list of players that are on track to be Opening Day starters with very little to no major league experience.  It is so hard to project what these guys will do; I have my doubts that he will be the starting shortstop by the All-Star break.  In more Philly news (because I like to combine my team with all of baseball), Pedro Feliz is someone who I really will miss on the Phils.  While the bat may have lacked, the defense never did.  Pedro was such a fine defender, but he’ll never get the accolades (Gold Glove) because he isn’t a big time player.  Best of luck to you with this new team, impress the Astro faithful with that defense.

Projected Bench:
C Humberto Quintero – R
OF Jason Michaels – R
3B/1B Geoff Blum – S
INF Jeff Keppinger – R
2B Edwin Maysonet – R
Other Options:
OF Yordany Ramirez – R

About what your average bench would look like.  Not much offensive ability, but you’ll get strong defense from all these guys.  Nothing to get too excited over, but they’ll do just fine.

The Milwaukee Brewers

Projected Rotation:
Yovani Gallardo – RHP
Randy Wolf – LHP
Doug Davis – LHP
Jeff Suppan – RHP
Manny Parra – LHP
Other Options:
Dave Bush – RHP

With two lefties definitely making the rotation, Manny Parra’s slot may not be so secure.  Usually I would take the lefty over the righty, however, if you take the lefty here that makes three.  I know it really isn’t that big of a deal, but my perfect rotation has only two lefties.  Regardless, if Parra puts up the numbers, then he’ll make the rotation, simple as that.

Projected Bullpen:
Trevor Hoffman – Closer – RHP
Todd Coffey – RHP
LaTroy Hawkins – RHP
Mitch Stetter – LHP
Claudio Vargas – RHP
Carlos Villanueva – RHP
David Riske* – RHP
Other Options:
Chris Narveson – LHP
Chuck Lofgren** – LHP

*Rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, should be ready for Opening Day*

**Rule 5 pick**

I would say that the success of this bullpen depends one main thing.  It depends on Todd Coffey repeating/coming close his 2009 numbers.  Coffey was a key component of the bullpen from start to finish, and he’ll need to be there again.  LaTroy Hawkins is another guy who was crazy good, crazy good for the first time in six years.  With David Riske being unsure about his readiness for Opening Day, the Brewers will have the luxury of two lefties, taking some of the pressure off Mitch Stetter.

Projected Starters:
C – Gregg Zaun – S
1B – Prince Fielder – L
2B – Rickie Weeks – R
3B – Casey McGehee – R
SS – Alcides Escobar – R
LF – Ryan Braun – R
CF – Carlos Gomez – R
RF – Corey Hart – R

The lineup returns looking similar to last year, except now Carlos Gomez is flying around center and Gregg Zaun will man the pitching staff.  Casey McGehee is a guy whom I wouldn’t put all my confidence in.  I realize the season he had, but remember one thing, it was only 350 AB’s; a full season will be closer to 600 AB’s.  If he bats .300 after all those plate appearances, then put your trust in him.

Projected Bench:
C George Kottaras – L
INF Craig Counsell – L
OF Jody Gerut – L
UTIL Joe Inglett – L
C Angel Salome – R
Other Options:
3B Mat Gamel – L
2B Hernan Iribarren – L

I would consider this a bench that is too strong.  They need some more openings to fit some other guys on there.  You may wonder why I have two catchers on the bench.  Well, it was either two catchers, or all lefties.  A key to a balanced bench is certainly not all left-handed hitters.  You need a righty there, it is just necessary.  Even if Angel Salome can’t hit, a righty is needed to make things a little more neutralized, sorry Mat Gamel.

The Pittsburgh Pirates

Projected Rotation:
Ross Ohlendorf – RHP
Zach Duke – LHP
Paul Maholm – LHP
Charlie Morton – RHP
Kevin Hart – RHP
Other Options:
Dan McCutchen – RHP

In case you guys haven’t heard yet, Ross Ohlendorf is the one to keep an eye on, not Maholm or Duke.  No offense to the two southpaws, but Ohlendorf has impressed.  I realize he may not have the makeup of a true ace, but please find me someone in this rotation who can be a real ace.  I’ll put my money on Ohlendorf to have the best season of any Pirates starter.

Projected Bullpen:
Octavio Dotel – Closer – RHP
Joel Hanrahan – RHP
Evan Meek – RHP
D.J. Carrasco*- RHP
Brendan Donnelly – RHP
Javier Lopez – LHP
Steven Jackson*- RHP
Other Options:
Chris Jakubauskas – RHP
Jeff Karstens*- RHP
Brian Burres*- LHP

*Non-roster invitees*

While some of these guys may not be on the 40-man roster, they do have major league experience as recently as last season.  Of the men in the pen, D.J. Carrasco is a name you may not know, but I suggest we learn a little more about him.  For whatever reason, he signed for a minor league deal; he signed this deal after pitching in 49 games, for 93 innings, with a 3.76 ERA.  Those really are very good numbers for a long reliever.  I understand that these guys don’t get much respect, but they save the bullpen numerous times. 

Projected Starters:
C – Ryan Doumit – S
1B – Jeff Clement – L
2B – Akinori Iwamura – L
3B – Andy LaRoche – R
SS – Ronny Cedeno – R
LF – Lastings Milledge – R
CF – Andrew McCutchen – R
RF – Garrett Jones – L

If I was doing this two seasons ago, it would look much different.  But we already know that.  We all know that the Pirates have traded everybody away, but what do you want them to do?  I know they may not be the smartest managing decisions ever, but one day (I’m not saying one day soon) this club will be a force to be reckoned with again.  It is just how the baseball cycle works.  Anyways, Andrew McCutchen, need I say more?  He’s another player that many may not know about, but do me a personal favor and watch him from time to time this year.  He has got some kind of upside, and I don’t really think he’ll do too much disappointing.

Projected Bench:
C Jason Jaramillo – S
OF Ryan Church – L
SS/1B Bobby Crosby – R
OF Brandon Moss – L
INF Ramon Vazquez – L

Bobby Crosby looks to somehow rise again to the numbers he put up in his ROY season.  I’m sure the Pirates aren’t putting all their faith in Ronny Cedeno, so if this change of scenery works for Crosby, maybe he can start playing again and take over at shortstop.  I wish him the best.

The St. Louis Cardinals

Projected Rotation:
Chris Carpenter – RHP
Adam Wainwright – RHP
Kyle Lohse – RHP
Brad Penny – RHP
Rich Hill* – LHP
Other Options:
Mitchell Boggs** – RHP
Jaime Garcia – LHP
Kyle McClellan – RHP

*Non-roster invitee*

**Organization wants him in the bullpen, but I think he’s the guy for the 5th spot**

You see what I think.  I believe Mitchell Boggs is a better option for the 5th starter spot than anyone else.  The only way I would change my mind is if Rich Hill performs in Spring Training.  The Cardinals really could use a lefty in that rotation, so I hope Hill does do well (he was a guy I really liked when I saw him with the Cubs).  Regardless of the 5th spot, Carpenter and Wainwright are a true gruesome twosome out there.  Each pitcher has the ability to beat you in their own way, and beat you they will.

Projected Bullpen:
Ryan Franklin – Closer – RHP
Jason Motte – RHP
Dennys Reyes – LHP
Trever Miller – LHP
Kyle McClellan – RHP
Mitchell Boggs – RHP
Blake Hawksworth – RHP

I really like the way this bullpen sets up on paper.  You have a real good closer, and good 8th inning guy, two good lefties, and some really solid young arms.  I don’t see a weakness here, especially if Boggs is in the pen like they want him to be.

Projected Starters:
C – Yadier Molina – R
1B – Albert Pujols – R
2B – Skip Schumaker – L
3B – David Freese – R
SS - Brendan Ryan - R
LF – Matt Holliday – R
CF – Colby Rasmus – L
RF – Ryan Ludwick – R

That left side of the infield doesn’t seem to be so solid.  I’ve heard rumblings that Brendan Ryan won’t be ready for Opening Day, not sure if that is true or not.  Also, David Freese can be seen as a bit of a risk at 3rd, not having more than 35 at bats in the majors.  Regardless, the signing of Felipe Lopez was a smart one, and he should have a chance to start, especially if his numbers are similar to last year’s.

Projected Bench:
C Jason LaRue – R
SS/2B Julio Lugo – R
OF Joe Mather – R
INF Tyler Greene – R
UTIL Felipe Lopez - S

As previously stated, it was smart to sign Lopez.  I am amazed at how long it took him to sign, especially because that may have been his best year to date.  It was the second most AB’s he’s ever had, and his highest average and on base percentage ever.  If he has a really strong spring, make sure he gets a chance to start.