Curveballs and Sliders 02.19.08: Top MLB Lineups

Posted by Jared Marcus on 02.19.2008

This week in Curveballs and Sliders we continue to preview the 2008 Major League Baseball season by looking at the lineups. We rank all 30 starting lineups as well as analyze the best and worst tops, middles and bottoms of the order. Plus the best and worst offensive infields and outfields in baseball. It's a jam packed edition, don't miss it!!

LEADING OFF

Hello all, welcome to week three of Curveballs and Sliders version 2.0. Last week we looked at all 30 MLB teams in terms of Spring Training and just what was going to happen in each of their camps this year. This week we take it a step further and begin to look toward the actual 2008 MLB season. Today marks the officially beginning of the Curveballs and Sliders countdown to 2008 Opening Day. In the weeks ahead we will be analyzing all aspects each of the 30 MLB teams, culminating with the complete season preview just prior to Opening Day. Who knows, we may even squeeze in a fantasy preview as well if time allows. But anyway, back to the task at hand. This week we officially begin the countdown with a look at all 30 MLB lineups, so without further I ado, we present……………..


THE TWO HOLE

I know that the season is still six weeks away, meaning that there is still six weeks of Spring Training to go, but a good amount of the lineups are pretty much already set. Sure there are some position battles that still need to be ironed out (as we discussed last week), and of course the batting orders could change somewhat over the next six weeks, but I figure that anything that isn't settled at this point really isn't that big of a deal anyway (Note: With the exception of some rookies who are looking to secure jobs like Jay Bruce). In other words, the position battles that are left to be decided really shouldn't make that big of an impact on any team's lineup.

Just know that all lineups are approximations based on everything we know right now, but they are subject to change. In any cases of unsettled position battles as mentioned above, I listed the two favorites to land the spot. I then ranked all 30 lineups from first to worst. I have to tell you that this exercise was much more difficult than I ever imagined. Every year I do this activity, or some variation of it, before the season starts, and I am pretty sure this is the hardest time I have ever had with it. I think this is because talent in the game right now is as good as it's ever been. The pool of great, excellent and very good players just keeps growing and growing, anyone in a baseball fantasy league can attest to that. So with that in mind, don't send me hate mail because your favorite team is ranked too low, well ok you can, but don't send me hate mail saying "you ranked the Blue Jays too low, no way are they only the 14th best lineup". I know it seems like certain teams should be higher or lower, but please look at the teams above the team you disagree with before you complain. Then you can still feel free to disagree, and can make your case accordingly. My point is just that teams ranked 15th, 17th or even 21st are not necessarily bad teams. I was shocked at how low I ranked some teams and then tried to move them up, but just couldn't. There are just so many good lineups in baseball right now, which is a great sign because it means competitive balance just continues to improve. But that is a topic for another time and one that I have spent waaayyy too much time on in this column in the past already. I have bored you enough, let's get to the rankings………………………….


RANKING ALL 30 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL LINEUPS

1) DETROIT TIGERS

CF Curtis Granderson
2B Placido Polanco
3B Miguel Cabrera
RF Magglio Ordonez
DH Gary Sheffield
1B Carlos Guillen
SS Edgar Renteria
C Pudge Rodriguez
LF Jacque Jones

Analysis: Easily the number one lineup in baseball heading into the season and one of the deepest in a long, long time. The Tigers already had a potent offense last season, but the additions of Miguel Cabrera and Edgar Renteria improve it immeasurably. Renteria is the seven hitter for crying out loud! And despite a disappointing 2007, Jacque Jones is still one hell of a number nine hitter. This team has a chance to set all kinds of records for offensive production.

2) NEW YORK YANKEES

LF Johnny Damon
SS Derek Jeter
RF Bobby Abreu
3B Alex Rodriguez
LF Hideki Matsui
C Jorge Posada
2B Robinson Cano
1B Jason Giambi/Morgan Ensberg
CF Melky Cabrera

Analysis: The Yankees are not exactly the force they have been in the past in terms of offense due to declining production from Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi and the inconsistent play of Hideki Matsui, but they are still easily one of the best offenses in the game. It just goes to show how much better this lineup was than the rest of the lineups in baseball that they could actually decrease in value at several positions and still rank number two. And that is only because the Tigers added several All-Star players in the off-season, otherwise the Yanks would have been number one again. However, I will again say how it HUGE it was that the Yanks brought back A-Rod, because without him they would have slipped down this list quite a ways.

3) BOSTON RED SOX

2B Dustin Pedroia
1B Kevin Youkilis
DH David Ortiz
LF Manny Ramirez
3B Mike Lowell
RF J.D. Drew
C Jason Varitek
CF Jacoby Ellsbury
SS Julio Lugo
(Edit: Thanks to reader Dan for pointing out error in above lineup, Julio Lugo has been subbed in place of Jason Varitek #2)

Analysis: Like the Yankees, the Sox lineup is not as good as it was a couple of seasons ago, but it is still a force to be reckoned with nonetheless. Big Papi and Manny still have to be considered the scariest 1-2 punch in all of baseball and there isn't really a weak spot in the lineup. Of course this ranking is heavily dependant on the assumed progression of Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury, who if they reach their fullest potential could lead the Sox to supplanting the Yankees as the number two offense.

4) CLEVELAND INDIANS

CF Grady Sizemore
2B Asdrubal Cabrera
DH Travis Hafner
C Victor Martinez
1B Ryan Garko
SS Jhonny Peralta
3B Casey Blake
LF David Dellucci/Jason Michaels
RF Franklin Gutierrez

Analysis: The Indians have a ton of solid hitters throughout the lineup and one has to figure that this will be a bounceback season from Travis Hafner. Asdrubal Cabrera and Ryan Garko should continue to progress and this may finally be the season in which Grady Sizemore vies for the AL MVP. Two things concern me about the Tribe's lineup, inconsistency, as many of their hitters are streaky, and the corner outfield spots which could be among the weakest offensively in all of baseball. However, the rest of the lineup is too strong to not once again be a force in 2008.

5) CHICAGO WHITE SOX

SS Orlando Cabrera
3B Josh Fields
DH Jim Thome
1B Paul Konerko
RF Jermaine Dye
CF Nick Swisher
C A.J. Pierzynski
LF Carlos Quentin
2B Danny Richar

Analysis: The White Sox had a very disappointing 2007 season, just two years after winning the World Series. Rather than face another year toiling at the bottom of the league again, the Sox went out and made some big moves this winter. Adding Nick Swisher and Orlando Cabrera should greatly improve a lineup that lacked depth and consistency last season. Mix in the likely progression of Josh Fields and Carlos Quentin and the White Sox should easily compete with the Indians for the title of the second best lineup in the division, for whatever that's worth.

6) LOS ANGELES DODGERS

SS Rafael Furcal
C Russell Martin
1B James Loney
CF Andruw Jones
2B Jeff Kent
RF Matt Kemp
LF Andre Ethier/Juan Pierre
3B Nomar Garciaparra

Analysis: While the Dodgers could possibly lack that one true big bopper, depending on how Andruw Jones responds to one of the worst seasons of his career, there is no doubt that they have one of the deepest lineups in all of baseball. The only possible weak spot could be Nomar Garciaparra at third base, but they will have top prospect Andy LaRoche ready to go if Nomar does indeed prove he has nothing left. It's still up in the air whether Juan Pierre or Andre Ethier will start in left, but it's most likely that all the outfielders will get sufficient playing time as it will allow Joe Torre to give the lineup many different looks throughout the season. So there are a few question marks, but overall there is just too much talent in this lineup for it not to succeed.

7) PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

SS Jimmy Rollins
CF Shane Victorino
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
LF Pat Burrell
RF Geoff Jenkins/Jayson Werth
3B Pedro Feliz
C Carlos Ruiz

Analysis: The Phillies easily have the best group of three hitters in all of baseball with Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins. If you could start a franchise tomorrow and had to pick a group of three players from any one team to do it, that would have to be the threesome you would pick. Because of that the Phillies rate high in the lineup department and most likely will for at least the next decade. The rest of the lineup has question marks, including Pedro Feliz's OBP, how much gas Geoff Jenkins has left in the tank and which Pat Burrell will show up in 2008? However, none of those are huge concerns as it is likely each of those guys will contribute sufficiently enough, especially since the big three greatly helps to take pressure off everyone else in the lineup. And Citizen's Bank Park doesn't hurt either.

8) MILWAUKEE BREWERS

2B Rickie Weeks
SS J.J. Hardy
1B Prince Fielder
LF Ryan Braun
RF Corey Hart
CF Mike Cameron
3B Bill Hall
C Jason Kendall

Analysis: After two decades of futility, the Brewers finally look ready to take that next step and make a postseason appearance. For several years now the Brew Crew has been a sleeper team full of young talent and potential, only to fall short each time. Last season however the young talent all came through at once and this now looks like a very good offensive team. Rickie Weeks, J.J. Hardy and Corey Hart all finally showed they have the skills to match the years of hype and Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder both emerged as league Superstars. If nothing else, this should be a very exciting and fun lineup to watch.

9) HOUSTON ASTROS

CF Michael Bourn
2B Kaz Matsui
SS Miguel Tejada
1B Lance Berkman
LF Carlos Lee
RF Hunter Pence
3B Ty Wigginton
C J.R. Towles

Analysis: The Astros seem to switch from having a very good offense to a very poor offense on an almost yearly basis. The good news for ‘Stros fans is that they are on the upswing and this year looks to be one of the good ones. In fact, if all breaks right, this lineup has the potential to be great. A lot of that will depend on the health and legal situation involving Miguel Tejada, who could put up gaudy numbers in that ballpark if he can play a full season. We already know Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee are offensive forces and Hunter Pence certainly looked like the real deal in his rookie season. In addition, after nearly a decade, the Astros finally ridded themselves of offensive nightmares, Brad Ausmus and Adam Everett.

10) NEW YORK METS

SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
1B Carlos Delgado
LF Moises Alou
RF Ryan Church
C Brian Schneider

Analysis: The Mets did add Johan Santana, which was more than enough for me as a Mets fan, however it would be hard not to notice that the lineup has definitely gotten weaker. Entering last season the Mets offense ranked as the best in the NL and one of the best in all of baseball. Now it's still clearly an above average offense and the improved pitching should definitely more than offset any weaknesses, but it's not the powerhouse it was a year ago. While Ryan Church could provide decent offense, Brian Schnieder is a dead spot and it's anyone's guess what kind of production will come out of Moises Alou and Carlos Delgado. Plus, Jose Reyes is going to have to rebound from a brutal final two months. However, the offense is still better than most other NL clubs.

11) LOS ANGELES ANGELS

3B Chone Figgins
DH Gary Matthews Jr.
RF Vlad Guerrero
CF Torii Hunter
LF Garret Anderson
1B Casey Kotchman
2B Howie Kendrick
C Mike Napoli
SS Erick Aybar/Maicier Izturis

Analysis: The Angels biggest problem the last few seasons has been the lack of another big-time hitter to hit behind Vlad Guerrero. The tried desperately to land Miguel Cabrera in the off-season but ultimately failed and ended up only with free-agent prize Torii Hunter. While Hunter will definitely be a big boost to the lineup, he is still not the kind of hitter they really needed, as he is really more of a five or six hitter rather than a clean-up guy. However, he will make the lineup better as will the continued progression of Casey Kotchman, Mike Napoli and Howie Kendrick, who could help to contribute to the best Angel's offenses since they won the World Series in 2002.

12) COLORADO ROCKIES

CF Willy Taveras
SS Troy Tulowitzki
1B Todd Helton
LF Matt Holliday
3B Garrett Atkins
RF Brad Hawpe
2B Jayson Nix
C Yorvit Torrealba

Analysis: There is no doubt that the Rockies have one of the best middle of the orders in all of baseball. In fact, from number two through number six, they probably have a better group of five hitters than any other team. The problem with them however is the other three spots. Now Willy Taveras is a solid player, for what he is, a guy that gets singles and steal bases, but he doesn't walk, get extra base hits or drive in runs at all. Meanwhile the bottom of the order is very weak with whoever ends up playing second base and Yorvit Torrealba, a very poor offensive player. Of course the top five guys make up for this and the Rockies are still one of the leagues better offensives, but it's the bottom three guys that keep them from being ranked in the top five on this list.

13) ATLANTA BRAVES

SS Yunel Escobar
2B Kelly Johnson
3B Chipper Jones
1B Mark Teixiera
RF Jeff Francoeur
C Brian McCann
LF Matt Diaz
CF Mark Kotsay

Analysis: A year ago the Braves lineup was very shaky and had quite a few holes. Well, what a difference a year makes. They traded for Mark Teixeira at the trade deadline last season and watched Jeff Francoeur blossom into an all-star caliber player. In addition Kelly Johnson, Yunel Escobar and Matt Diaz all made great strides at the plate. Combine their continual growth with the likely bounce back of Brian McCann and the Braves have a lineup that will be able to compete with the Mets and Phillies all season long.

14) TORONTO BLUE JAYS

SS David Eckstein
1B Lyle Overbay
RF Alex Rios
CF Vernon Wells
DH Frank Thomas
3B Scott Rolen
2B Aaron Hill
LF Reed Johnson/Adam Lind/Matt Stairs
C Gregg Zaun

Analysis: The Blue Jays are a tough lineup to grade because they have a ton of question marks. They could easily be one of the best lineups in baseball, or they could be very disappointing. There is no telling how Scott Rolen will respond to career worst season and Vernon Wells and Lyle Overbay are coming off a down years as well. One of these years father time will finally catch up with Frank Thomas and one has to wonder if 2007 was a fluke season for Aaron Hill. The other side of that coin is that Wells and Overbay were hurt last season and now appear healthy and ready to go. Rolen meanwhile was terribly unhappy in St. Louis and there is no way to measure how much good a change of scenery may do him. Add to that the fact that Alex Rios is quickly becoming one of the best hitters in the game and the Blue Jays are more likely to be an offensive powerhouse than a disappointment.

15) CHICAGO CUBS

LF Alfonso Soriano
SS Ryan Theriot
1B Derrek Lee
3B Aramis Ramirez
RF Kosuke Fukudome
C Geovany Soto
2B Mark DeRosa
CF Felix Pie

Analysis: Much like the Jays, the Cubs could be really a strong offensive team in 2008 if things break right. We know that Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee will contribute, but Japanese import Kosuke Fukudome and youngsters Geovany Soto and Felix Pie are all mysteries. Big things are expected of Fukudome but you can never be sure how a Japanese player will adapt to baseball in the U.S. Soto was great during his brief run in September and in the minors the rest of the season, but many still aren't sure if he is for real since his success last year came completely out of the blue. By contrast, big things have been expected from Pie for years now, but he struggled mightily in his first big league action. It has scouts wondering if he is ready yet for a full-time MLB role. If those players live up to their potential this offense will be solid, but if not, it could be nothing more than a three player lineup.

16) CINCINNATI REDS

CF Jay Bruce/Ryan Freel
1B Joey Votto
RF Ken Griffey Jr.
2B Brandon Phillips
LF Adam Dunn
3B Edwin Encarnacion
SS Alex Gonzalez
C David Ross

Analysis: You heard it here last week and you will hear it again right now, the Reds are my sleeper team for 2008. I think this lineup really has the potential to surprise so people and to do some damage. Of course a lot of this depends on the assumption that Super Prospect Jay Bruce will win the CF job out of Spring Training. And then that also depends on him actually living up to the hype, but I figure even if he struggles at times, he will still be a better option than Ryan Freel. Combine Bruce with Adam Dunn and Brandon Phillips, both coming off the best seasons of their careers and another young prospect in Joey Votto and the Reds could really have something. Then, however many games Ken Griffey Jr. is able to play will just be a bonus.

17) SEATTLE MARINERS

CF Ichiro Suzuki
SS Yuniesky Betancourt
LF Raul Ibanez
3B Adrian Beltre
1B Richie Sexson
C Kenji Johjima
RF Brad Wilkerson
DH Jose Vidro
2B Jose Lopez

Analysis: Speaking of sleepers, here was my 2007 sleeper, one that lived up to my hype. The team should be even better this season, but they can't really be considered a sleeper anymore. That however is more due to the pitching which is greatly improved, the lineup though is basically the same as last year. I expect bounce back years from Richie Sexson and Jose Lopez and continued progression from Yuniesky Betancourt, but even still this lineup is nothing more than middle of the road.

18) ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

CF Chris Young
2B Orlando Hudson
LF Eric Byrnes
3B Mark Reynolds
1B Conor Jackson
SS Stephen Drew
RF Justin Upton
C Chris Snyder

Analysis: Last season I ranked the D-Backs fairly low just because they were missing any real big-time hitters and the lineup was so young and inexperienced. Here we are a season later, a season in which the team made it to the NLCS, and I figured I would be able to bump them way up the rankings, yet here they are sitting at number eighteen. I know it seems kind of low for a team that made the final four, but I really still can't justify ranking them any higher until a few more of their players prove themselves to be legitimate MLB hitters. Sure Chris Young and Eric Byrnes had career seasons, but they still aren't guys that can carry a lineup. Neither is Mark Reynolds or Conor Jackson, who both also had solid seasons in '07. All in all that is really my problem. This is a very deep lineup with a ton of potential, but they are lacking those one or two top tier hitters that would really make them a legitimate offensive threat. Who knows, they may arrive this year in the form of Justin Upton and any one of the guys mentioned above, but until they officially do, I can't rank them any higher.

19) TAMPA BAY RAYS

2B Akinori Iwamura
LF Carl Crawford
CF B.J. Upton
1B Carlos Pena
RF Cliff Floyd/Rocco Baldelli
DH Johnny Gomes/Cliff Floyd
3B Evan Longoria
C Dioner Navarro
SS Jason Bartlett

Analysis: The Rays are another weird team to rank because I really think they are going to be strong offensively, but then I look at the lineup and the names don't really back up my claim. There are a lot of guys on this team that I think are going to have big seasons, but I can't rank them higher simply on that premise alone. There are far too many "ifs". If B.J. Upton can play a full season. If Carlos Pena wasn't a fluke. If Akinori Iwamura makes great strides in his second U.S. season. If Cliff Floyd is healthy. If Rocco Baldelli is healthy. If Evan Longoria is ready for the majors out of the gate. If all of those things prove true this could be a very good lineup, but for now they are just Carl Crawford and the question marks.

20) MINNESOTA TWINS

CF Carlos Gomez
C Joe Mauer
LF Delmon Young
1B Justin Morneau
RF Michael Cuddyer
DH Jason Kubel
2B Brendan Harris
3B Mike Lamb
SS Adam Everett

Analysis: I don't know what it says about the Twins that they made a lot of moves to improve their offense this winter yet are still only ranked twentieth. Well, I guess I do know, it says they weren't very good last season at all. Proof of that is in the fact that they have one of the most offensively improved infields in baseball this season, yet it still may be the worst offensive infield in baseball. The bottom of the order is improved because of this, but again, it is still weak. I expect a breakout season from Jason Kubel and bounce back years from Cuddyer and Mauer, but this team still can't compete offensively with its division rivals.

21) TEXAS RANGERS

DH Frank Catalanotto
2B Ian Kinsler
SS Michael Young
3B Hank Blalock
CF Josh Hamilton
RF Milton Bradley
1B Ben Broussard
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
LF Marlon Byrd

Analysis: As I said last week, the Rangers seemed to be on course to put out one of the worst lineups in the game in '08. Then in a matter of weeks they went out and added Josh Hamilton, Milton Bradley and Ben Broussard and completely turned things around. This lineup now still has some question marks, but it also has a lot of potential. Plus it is a pretty deep lineup, there really isn't a bad hitter in the bunch. This is another lineup to watch as if nothing else it will be entertaining.

22) SAN DIEGO PADRES

RF Brian Giles
2B Tadahito Iguchi
3B Kevin Kouzmanoff
1B Adrian Gonzalez
SS Khalil Greene
CF Jim Edmonds
C Josh Bard
LF Scott Hairston/Chase Headley

Analysis: The good news for the Pads is that the heart of their order, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Adrian Gonzalez and Khalil Greene, all had breakout seasons in '07 and look to be blossoming into legitimate stars. The bad news is that they play 81 of their games in the best pitchers park in baseball and the rest of their lineup is suspect. Brian Giles and Jim Edmonds are both at the ends of great careers, while Josh Bard and Tadahito Iguchi are below average players at their positions. Chase Headley could provide a spark if he wins the LF job, but if he doesn't, Scott Hairston is certainly nothing to get excited about.

23) FLORIDA MARLINS

CF Cameron Maybin
RF Jeremy Hermida
SS Hanley Ramirez
1B Mike Jacobs
LF Josh Willingham
2B Dan Uggla
3B Jorge Cantu/Dallas McPherson
C Mike Rabelo

Analysis: Amazingly, in the wake of trading their best player and one of the top ten players in the game, the Marlins lineup really isn't that bad. I thought it would rank as one of the three to four worst lineups, but it really doesn't. Almost everyone in the lineup is coming off a career season and the scary part is that most of them are just going to continue to get better. Add in Super Prospect Cameron Maybin and bounce back candidate Jorge Cantu and the Marlins could put a very respectable offense on the field, the pitching however is a different story.

24) BALTIMORE ORIOLES

2B Brian Roberts
1B Kevin Millar
RF Nick Markakis
DH Aubrey Huff
LF Luke Scott
3B Melvin Mora
C Ramon Hernandez
CF Adam Jones
SS Luis Hernandez

Analysis: Despite the trades this winter, the Orioles are still not in the bottom of the barrel as far as lineups go. They still have a star in the making with Nick Markakis and a lot of potential between Luke Scott and Adam Jones. Aubrey Huff is a good bounce back candidate and Brian Roberts is a top tier second basemen. Other than that the news is not good though. Melvin Mora is just about washed up and Luis Hernandez is a far cry from Miguel Tejada at short. Ramon Hernandez is coming off a poor year and Kevin Millar is one of the worst starting first basemen in baseball. They will still score some runs, but they are hardly a power threat. Plus Brian Roberts may still be traded before Opening Day.


25) WASHINGTON NATIONALS

SS Felipe Lopez/Christian Guzman
RF Lastings Milledge
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Dmitri Young/Nick Johnson
CF Austin Kearns
LF Wily Mo Pena
2B Ronnie Belliard
C Johnny Estrada/Paul LoDuca

Analysis: A year ago I though this was going to be one of the all-time worst lineups and they ended up not even being the worst lineup in baseball. More importantly they showed a lot of growth throughout the season and should be even better in '08. Ryan Zimmerman is finally ready to become a full fledged star and the additions of Lastings Milledge and Wily Mo Pena should greatly improve the outfield. Plus Nick Johnson will return after missing all of last season due to a broken leg.

26) KANSAS CITY ROYALS

CF David DeJesus
2B Mark Grudzielanek
RF Mark Teahen
LF Jose Guillen
DH Billy Butler
3B Alex Gordon
1B Ross Gload
C John Buck
SS Tony Pena Jr.

Analysis: Here is another lineup that I really wanted to and thought I was going to be able to rank higher. I really like quite a few of these players for 2008, the problem is there are just as many that I really don't like. Much like the D-Backs, they are lacking that true middle of the order hitter, the only difference is their lineup isn't nearly as deep nor does it contain as much potential to that of Arizona. While DeJesus and Grudzielanek are solid and Teahen, Gordon and Butler are primed to break out, the bottom three of Gload, Buch and Pena Jr. is just about as bad as it gets. Even if all breaks right for KC this year, the lineup still has no chance of keeping up with division rivals in Cleveland, Detroit and Chicago.

27) PITTSBURGH PIRATES

CF Nyjer Morgan/Nate McLouth
SS Jack Wilson
2B Freddy Sanchez
1B Adam LaRoche
LF Jason Bay
RF Xavier Nady
3B Jose Bautista
C Ronny Paulino

Analysis: No matter what the list is for, the Pirates are just a perennial favorite to be at the bottom of it. I feel like the lineup has to be better this season than it was last just on the simple premise that Bay and LaRoche have to be better in '08 than they were in '07. However, even if they are, this is still one of the bottom lineups in the game, with little hope on the horizon.

28) ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

CF Skip Schumaker/Colby Rasmus
RF Rick Ankiel
1B Albert Pujols
3B Troy Glaus
LF Chris Duncan
C Yadier Molina
2B Adam Kennedy
SS Cesar Izturis

Analysis: Ohh how the mighty have fallen. After a decade of being a premier team in the NL, in one off-season the Cardinals have fallen into the gutter. As opposed to a lot of the other teams down here, at least you can be confident they won't stay down here for long, but this season they could be one atrocious team. They still have Albert Pujols, who alone keeps them from being ranked last, but there is not much else to like in St. Louis. Kennedy and Izturis are the worst offensive middle infield in baseball….BY FAR!!! Yadier Molina had a career year, but is still a poor offensive player. Chris Duncan can't hit left-handeres…AT ALL, making you wonder if he can ever be an everyday player. And the great story that was Rick Ankiel is clouded by steroid charges making one wonder if his magical '07 was legitimate. One bright spot could be Top Prospect Colby Rasmus, yet the Cardinals seem to prefer the dreadful Skip Schumaker instead.

29) OAKLAND A'S

RF Travis Buck
2B Mark Ellis
1B Daric Barton
DH Jack Cust
3B Eric Chavez
LF Emil Brown
SS Bobby Crosby
CF Chris Denorfia
C Kurt Suzuki

Analysis: Oof, Billy Beane wasn't kidding when he basically admitted they were throwing in the towel for '08. Now, the A's really haven't had a powerful lineup in quite some time and have been getting by on the strength of their pitching, but they haven't had a lineup this bad either. There isn't one solid commodity slated to start. Daric Barton seems to be the best bet, but even he isn't a threat to hit more than 15 home runs. The rest of the guys are a cast of has-beens and never-weres, plus Jack Cust coming off what may or may not have been a fluke season. The health of Eric Chavez and the progression of Travis Buck are key, but even if they meet the highest expectations, this team still won't score many runs.

30) SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

LF Dave Roberts
2B Ray Durham
RF Randy Winn
C Bengie Molina
CF Aaron Rowand
1B Dan Ortmeier
3B Rich Aurilia
SS Omar Vizquel

Analysis: I was really torn on whether to rank the A's or Giants as the worst lineup as they are two of the worst squads I have seen in a while. The downside of the increased competitive balance seems to be that the bad teams are really, really bad. Epically bad. The A's and Giants both fit that bill for 2008, though I gave the nod to the A's just based on the fact that at least they have some potential. The Giants lineup is littered with guys at the end of their careers and other than Dan Ortmeier, there isn't one player in the lineup that has even a shred of upside. You know what you are going to get from all of them and it will either be mediocre or bad. The one star is Aaron Rowand and he is coming off a career year that he won't possibly be able to duplicate thanks to the switch in teams and ballparks.


That will do it for the lineup rankings. It was fun, but it was tough, I am sure many of you have your disagreements and concerns, so get those e-mails and comments in ASAP. Now let's move on……..


BATTING THIRD……………………….


Are you sad that the lineup ranking is over? Yeah, I was too. Wish you had more lineup rankings to look at? Yeah, I hear you. So guess what? I have extended the lineup rankings into another whole section, I know, I know, you love me. You aren't the first and won't be the last. Get your list hats on (yeah, I don't know what a list hat is either), and dive in. It's time to review the best and the worst of the 2008 baseball lineups……


Top Five Leadoff and Second Place (1-2) Hitter Combos
1) Detroit Tigers – Curtis Granderson/Placido Polanco
2) Los Angeles Dodgers – Rafael Furcal/Russell Martin
3) New York Yankees – Johnny Damon/Derek Jeter
4) Boston Red Sox – Dustin Pedroia/Kevin Youkilis
5) Philadelphia Phillies – Jimmy Rollins/Shane Victorino

Bottom Five Leadoff and Second Place (1-2) Hitter Combos
1) San Francisco Giants – Dave Roberts/Ray Durham
2) Pittsburgh Pirates – Nyjer Morgan/Jack Wilson
3) Houston Astros – Michael Bourn/Kaz Matsui
4) Washington Nationals – Felipe Lopez/Lastings Milledege
5) Kansas City Royals – David DeJesus/Mark Grudzielanek

Top Five Hearts of the Order (3-4-5)
1) Detroit Tigers – Miguel Cabrera/Magglio Ordonez/Gary Sheffield
2) Colorado Rockies – Matt Holliday/Todd Helton/Garrett Atkins
3) Houston Astros – Miguel Tejada/Lance Berkman/Carlos Lee
4) Philadelphia Phillies – Chase Utley/Ryan Howard/Pat Burrell
5) Boston Red Sox – David Oritz/Manny Ramirez/Mike Lowell

Bottom Five Hearts of the Order (3-4-5)
1) Oakland A's – Daric Barton/Jack Cust/Eric Chavez
2) San Francisco Giants – Randy Winn/Bengie Molina/Aaron Rowand
3) Kansas City Royals – Mark Teahean/Jose Guillen/Billy Butler
4) Baltimore Orioles- Nick Markakis/Aubrey Huff/Luke Scott
5) Arizona Diamondbacks – Eric Byrnes/Mark Reynolds/Conor Jackson

Top Five Bottoms of the Order (7-8-9 for AL or 6-7-8 for NL)
1) New York Yankees – Robinson Cano/Jason Giambi/Melky Cabrera
2) Los Angeles Dodgers – Matt Kemp/Andre Ethier/Nomar Garciaparra
3) Houston Astros – Hunter Pence/Ty Wigginton/J.R. Towles
4) Detroit Tigers – Edgar Renteria/Pudge Rodriguez/Jacque Jones
5) Texas Rangers – Ben Broussard/Jarrod Saltalamacchia/Marlon Byrd

Bottom Five Bottoms of the Order (7-8-9 for AL or 6-7-8 for NL)
1) St. Louis Cardinals – Yadier Molina/Adam Kennedy/Cesar Izturis
2) Kansas City Royals – Ross Gload/John Buck/Tony Pena Jr.
3) Oakland A's – Bobby Crosby/Chris Denorfia/Kurt Suzuki
4) Minnesota Twins – Brendan Harris/Mike Lamb/Adam Everett
5) San Francisco Giants – Dan Ortmeier/Rich Aurilia/Omar Vizquel


Ok, that will do it for the offensive rankings and lineup lists. Hope you all enjoyed it. Now it's time to move on to………………………….


CLEANING UP

Are you sad again because now you realize the lineup lists are really over? Yeah, I was too. Hey I have an idea on how we can deal with that, let's do some more lists………..

This week's edition of "The Greatest" will tie in with the column theme of the best lineups and offenses in baseball. However, this time rather than looking at them in the context of the lineup, we will analyze them in terms of spots on the field. Let's now take a look at the best and worst offensive infields and outfields in baseball…..

It is important to note that in the sections below I ranked teams only by the current starters listed on their depth charts and so they do not reflect any pending position battles. For example, it is likely that Jay Bruce will win the CF job in Cincinnati and with him as a starter the Reds probably would have cracked the top five outfielders. But as of today, the official starter is Ryan Freel, and with Freel the Reds don't make the list. Same goes for the Cardinals with Colby Rasmus, except it's the opposite premise, with him they wouldn't have made the worst outfielders list, with Skip Schumaker in his place for now, they do make the bottom five. Enough babbling, let's get back to the lists………

"The Five Greatest"……………………Offensive Infields in Baseball
1) Philadelphia Phillies – Ryan Howard/Chase Utley/Jimmy Rollins/Pedro Feliz
2) New York Yankees – Jason Giambi/Robinson Cano/Derek Jeter/Alex Rodriguez
3) Detroit Tigers – Carlos Guillen/Placido Polanco/Edgar Renteria/Miguel Cabrera
4) Colorado Rockies – Todd Helton/Jayson Nix/Troy Tulowitzki/Garrett Atkins
5) New York Mets – Carlos Delgado/Luis Castillo/Jose Reyes/David Wright

"The Five Worst"……………………….Offensive Infields in Baseball
1) San Francisco Giants – Dan Ortmeier/Ray Durham/Omar Vizquel/Rich Aurilia
2) Kansas City Royals – Ross Gload/Mark Grudzielanek/Tony Pena Jr./Alex Gordon
3) Baltimore Orioles – Kevin Millar/Brian Roberts/Luis Hernandez/Melvin Mora
4) Minnesota Twins – Justin Morneau/Brendan Harris/Adam Everett/Mike Lamb
5) Oakland A's – Daric Barton/Mark Ellis/Bobby Crosby/Eric Chavez

"The Five Greatest"……………………..Offensive Outfields in Baseball
1) Los Angeles Angels – Vlad Guerrero/Torii Hunter/Garret Anderson
2) Detroit Tigers – Magglio Ordonez/Curtis Granderson/Jacque Jones
3) Arizona Diamondbacks – Justin Upton/Chris Young/Eric Byrnes
4) Los Angeles Dodgers – Matt Kemp/Andruw Jones/Andre Ethier/Juan Pierre
5) Milwauke Brewers – Corey Hart/Mike Cameron/Ryan Braun

"The Five Worst"………………………..Offensive Outfields in Baseball
1) Oakland A's – Travis Buck/Chris Denorfia/Emil Brown
2) Cleveland Indians – Franklin Gutierrez/Grady Sizemore/David Dellucci
3) San Diego Padres – Brian Giles/Jim Edmonds/Scott Hairston
4) St. Louis Cardinals – Rick Ankiel/Skip Schumaker/Chris Duncan
5) Pittsburgh Pirates – Xavier Nady/Nyjer Morgan/Jason Bay



Ok, that will do it………no really, this time it's definitely over………...seriously. The good news is I will be back next week to do it all again as our 2008 MLB Preview takes us to the best and worst of bullpens and benches. Be sure to check that out next Tuesday, same place and same time, until then……………………………………..


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