Predict the 25-man rosters for Opening Day 2005

[DJ Samurai]

And be somewhat realistic.

BOSTON RED SOX
Starting Pitchers
Curt Schilling
Pedro Martinez
Carl Pavano
Tim Wakefield
Bronson Arroyo
Relief Pitchers
Keith Foulke
Alan Embree
Mike Timlin
Mike Myers
Anastacio Martinez
Jerome Gamble
Randy Beam
Infielders
David Ortiz
Bill Mueller
Hanley Ramirez
Kevin Millar
Mark Bellhorn
Placido Polanco
Outfielders
Manny Ramirez
Johnny Damon
Trot Nixon
Dave Roberts
Adam Hyzdu
Catchers
Doug Mirabelli
Kelly Shoppach

[Magus Relmyn]

CHICAGO CUBS

Starting Pitchers
Greg Maddux
Mark Prior
Glendon Rusch
Kerry Wood
Carlos Zambrano
Relief Pitchers
Joe Borowski
Ryan Dempster
Kyle Farnsworth
LaTroy Hawkins
Jon Leicester
Mike Remlinger
B.J. Ryan
Infielders
Ronny Cedeno
Jeff Kent
Derek Lee
Jose Macias
Neifi Perez
Aramis Ramirez
Edgar Renteria
Outfielders
Todd Hollandsworth
Magglio Ordonez
Corey Patterson
Sammy Sosa
Catchers
Michael Barrett
Geovany Soto

[BigJabber]

BOSTON RED SOX

Starting Pitchers
Curt Schilling
Pedro Martinez
Carl Pavano
Tim Wakefield
Bronson Arroyo

Relief Pitchers
Keith Foulke
Alan Embree
Mike Timlin
Mike Myers
Anastacio Martinez
Jerome Gamble
Randy Beam

Infielders
David Ortiz
Bill Mueller
Edgar Renteria
Kevin Millar
Mark Bellhorn
Placido Polanco

Outfielders
Manny Ramirez
Johnny Damon
Trot Nixon
Dave Roberts
Adam Hyzdu

Catchers
Doug Mirabelli
Damien Miller


Pretty much the same as the origonal posters, minues a few.

[lawrencefrank]

Theres absolutly no way you get renteria period. Also I havent heard Polanco to Bos rumors. Isnt he a 2bman anyway?

[BigJabber]

The only reason i said Renteria was because they talked about the possibility of it happening last week on FSN. It was a poll, and the results of the poll actually showed the most fans think we will end up with Renteria. However, it was just a optimistic prediction.

[lawrencefrank]

Of course they polled Red SOx Fans. Every team without a player named Jeter, Tejada, nomar would want him.

[BigJabber]

I suppose you have a point that most teams would want him. But theres only a few that could afford him i think.

[Jeff]

Seattle Mariners

Catchers
Miguel Olivo
Dan Wilson

Infielders
Carlos Delgado (1b)
Brett Boone (2b)
Troy Glause (3b)
Jose Lopez (ss)
Bucky Jacobsen (1b/dh)
Willie Bloomquist (util)
Scott Spiezio (1b/3b)

Outfielders
Ichiro Suzuki (rf)
Randy Winn (cf)
Raul Ibanez (lf)
Jeremy Reed (cf)

Starting 5
Joel Pineiro
Jamie Moyer
Matt Clement
Bobby Madritsch
Gil Meche

Bullpen
Ryan Franklin
Julio Mateo
Shigetoshi Hasegawa
Rafael Soriano
Ron Villone
Scott Atchison
Eddie Guardado

[BigJabber]

I think Carlos Delgado would make a nice fit in Seattle Jeff. Troy Glaus and Carlos Delgado would really bring back the offense, and will actually be to drive home Ichiro. Just think, what if Seattle had a slugger like Delgado this season with all of Ichiros Hits? That could have equaled alot more wins.

I'm also thinking that Beltran could go to Seattle. I read in an Insider Email that Seattle really want him, and are wanting to meet with Scot Boras and Beltran sometime very soon.

[Jeff]

I think Carlos Delgado would make a nice fit in Seattle Jeff. Troy Glaus and Carlos Delgado would really bring back the offense, and will actually be to drive home Ichiro. Just think, what if Seattle had a slugger like Delgado this season with all of Ichiros Hits? That could have equaled alot more wins.

I'm also thinking that Beltran could go to Seattle. I read in an Insider Email that Seattle really want him, and are wanting to meet with Scot Boras and Beltran sometime very soon.
There's talk about Beltran coming to Seattle, but I highly doubt it, although, it would be awesome. There is also word out that we've all but signed Richie Sexson and are going after Glaus, Beltre, Coskie for third. Delgado for first. Pavano, Lowe, Clement for a 2-3 starting pitcher in the rotation. We're trying to keep our options open, I guess.

I just hope we make good decisions unlike last season. *rollyeyes

[BigJabber]

There's talk about Beltran coming to Seattle, but I highly doubt it, although, it would be awesome. There is also word out that we've all but signed Richie Sexson and are going after Glaus, Beltre, Coskie for third. Delgado for first. Pavano, Lowe, Clement for a 2-3 starting pitcher in the rotation. We're trying to keep our options open, I guess.

I just hope we make good decisions unlike last season. *rollyeyes


I think Derek Lowe could be good in that Park. Being a complete pitchers park that it is, thats where Lowe needs to go. However, i think he is going to demand #2 starter money, and i just dont see Derek Lowe being worth it. However, after seeing what Kris Benson got today, you never know. As for 3rd base, i think Glaus is the best option. Infact, i would probally go after Koskie before beltre. Granted Beltre had a MVP calibur season, i just seee him as a complete bust after getting this huge contract that he will definitly get from someone. Sort of like Chan Ho Park.

Sexson would be nice for that team also, but if the Mariners have any chance at Beltran, i think they should make a play for him above anyone else. They certainly have the money to play with, so overpaying for a player like Beltran would be a good idea in seattle case i think.

[Jeff]

Sexson would be nice for that team also, but if the Mariners have any chance at Beltran, i think they should make a play for him above anyone else. They certainly have the money to play with, so overpaying for a player like Beltran would be a good idea in seattle case i think.
Yeah, but we may not be able to get anybody else.

[BigJabber]

Yeah, but we may not be able to get anybody else.

That may not be entirely true. I think with as much money Seattle has at it's expense, they could sign Beltran at a high price, and still be able to go after a Odalis Perez, Or a Derek Lowe. Of course, this would mean that Seattle has to spend money, and if history is any indication, i doubt they will sign very many FA at all...

[Jeff]

I heard they only have 14-15 million to spend.

[bravest]

I heard they only have 14-15 million to spend.
If that's the case, I say we go out and sign a shortstop along the lines of Orlando Cabrera and move Jose Lopez to third. Cabrera might want to come here to reunite with his brother, and we could pay him about a million more than his asking price, at least. Here's my shot at the Seattle Mariners in 2004-2005:

Catchers
Miguel Olivo
Dan Wilson

Miguel Olivo and Dan Wilson will split time at the beginning of the season until Olivo gets into the swing of things.

Infielders
Richie Sexson (1b)
Brett Boone (2b)
Jose Lopez (3b)
Orlando Cabrera (ss)
Bucky Jacobsen (1b/dh)
Willie Bloomquist (util)
Scott Spiezio (1b/3b)

Sexson, if healthy, will provide the much needed power for this team that was missed last season. With good years, Cabrera and Boone could be able to prove that they're capable and hit with at least a .290 BA, Boone with over 25 HRs. This was a close call, whether to sign Glaus or Cabrera; Glaus is just coming off of an offseason with eye surgery, which will help his sight in some cases, but hurt other parts of his game in others. Cabrera seems to be the safer, cheaper pick, since Glaus has asked for an Eric Chavez-type contract.

Outfielders
Ichiro Suzuki (rf)
Jeremy Reed (cf)
Raul Ibanez (lf)
Richard Hidalgo (of)

If we go out and sign Hidalgo, our new manager could start putting Ichiro in center, Hidalgo goes to right, and Ibanez goes to left. When Reed shows that he's already capable of being a starter in the majors, he will split a lot of time between right and left field with Hidalgo and Ibanez. Oh, and Randy Winn will be traded to Baltimore for Jorge Julio.

Rotation
1. Joel Pineiro
2. Jamie Moyer
3. Matt Clement
4. Gil Meche
5. Bobby Madritsch

Not many options here, especially since we're already relying a little too much on Bobby Madritsch and Gil Meche. Clement is really our only option, and even he will be hard to sign this offseason.

Bullpen
Ryan Franklin
Julio Mateo
Jorge Julio
Rafael Soriano
Ron Villone
Scott Atchison
Eddie Guardado

Atchison will only make the squad at the beginning of the season after he shows off a good spring training, and since there aren't any other options besides him. Travis Blackley and Clint Nageotte will start in AAA Tacoma, but will soon be up in the majors. Soriano will start setting up Guardado, so if Guardado gets hurt again, Soriano's there to replace him. Look for Ryan Franklin to be in the rotation by mid-season if Nageotte or Blackley don't beat him to it.

[BigJabber]

Orlando Cabrera is a GREAT player. Watching him play in Boston after the trade was a blessing. He was not seen too ofton when he played in Montreal, but he was exposed, and exposed to the fullest in Boston after the trade. He emerged as one of the leagues best shortstops, and will be paid accordingly. I have been holding my breathe hoping Theo Epstein would be able to resign Orlando, but it's apparent he wont be able to. Adding a player like Cabrera will be huge for Seattle if they can get him. He has a great personality off the field, and creates a friendly club house. His defensive ability is fantastic. Boy, i'm going to Miss Cabrera...quick...anyone got a tissue for me?

[BigJabber]

If Seattle does infact have only 14-15 millon to spend, i would use the money on Cabrera, Pavano, Perez or Lowe. I only thought they had more money to work with because Sox's announcer Jerry Remy had spoke of them being on of the most financially flexable teams this offseason.

If i was the Mariners I'd want these players, in this order;
SS Cabrera
1B Sexson
SP Carl Pavano
SP Odalis Perez
SP Derek Lowe

I wouldn't even offer to Beltran if thats all you guys have to spend. Spending the money of complimentary player would be better suited at this time imo.

[bravest]

I think the amount of money we have available isn't an issue. It certainly can't be $14-15 million, because how in the world would we be able to afford Delgado, Glaus, and Clement?

To get these guys this year, we can't settle for second. We have to take charge and make offers early, and be sure to pick a few players to evaluate and compare between their position to decide who would make the better fit.

The only problems I have with signing Glaus is the fact that he wants a huge, long contract, and is coming off of a season in which he underwent eye surgery... That's never reliable.

[bravest]

Theres absolutly no way you get renteria period. Also I havent heard Polanco to Bos rumors. Isnt he a 2bman anyway?
I see Renteria going to Boston, actually. The amount of money seperating the contract between him and Garciaparra can't be that big, and by the looks of it, Boston won't be spending a huge amount of money this offseason besides resigning most of their own players.

I guarantee you that Epstein won't settle for Planco when he can sign Renteria and not make a terrible gauge in the payroll.

[BigJabber]

I think the amount of money we have available isn't an issue. It certainly can't be $14-15 million, because how in the world would we be able to afford Delgado, Glaus, and Clement?

To get these guys this year, we can't settle for second. We have to take charge and make offers early, and be sure to pick a few players to evaluate and compare between their position to decide who would make the better fit.

The only problems I have with signing Glaus is the fact that he wants a huge, long contract, and is coming off of a season in which he underwent eye surgery... That's never reliable.

Injuries are a concern for me when i heard Boston was interested in Glaus. However, Carl Pavano, Carlos Delgado and Matt Clement all have had injuries in there career, so it comes down to a matter of who you think is best recovered and less likly to re injure themselves.

When i ask myself that, i think Delgado, Pavano and Clement. Glaus hasn't even fully recovered him this past injury yet. not to mention, he wont be able to play full time 3B until atleast mid-season...

[bravest]

If finding players without injuries on their record is the case, look for Seattle to go after Beltran, Cabrera, and Clement. :P

[BigJabber]

If finding players without injuries on their record is the case, look for Seattle to go after Beltran, Cabrera, and Clement. :P

We'll see..... :)

[Street]

METS

Catchers
Jason Phillips
Vance Wilson
INFIELDERS
Richie Sexson
Shawn Green
Jose Reyes
Kazuo Matsui
Danny Garcia
OUTFIELDERS
Eric Valent
Cliff Floyd
Richard Hidalgo
Mike Cameron
STARTING PITCERS
Kris Benson
Tom Glavine
Al Leiter
Jae Weong Seo
Victor Zambrono
RELIEF PITCHERS
Bartolomo Fortunato
Braden Looper
Mike Stanton
Ricky Botallico
AND MORE

[Magus Relmyn]

The only reason i said Renteria was because they talked about the possibility of it happening last week on FSN. It was a poll, and the results of the poll actually showed the most fans think we will end up with Renteria. However, it was just a optimistic prediction.

Uh, the Cubs are the most likliest to land Renteria. The Sox are close to resigning Cabby.

[Scott Proctor]

New York Yankees

Catchers
Starter: Jorge Posada
Backup: Dioner Navarro

Navarro is the Yankees top prospect and he will eventually take over Posada's spot but probably not this year and maybe not the next.

Infield
1B: Jason Giambi
2B: Andy Phillips
3B: Alex Rodriguez
SS: Derek Jeter
IF: Felix Escalona
2B/3B: Robinson Cano

Obviously 1B, 3B, and SS are all taken but 2B is still up in the air. I really don't see the Yankees having any intentions in picking anyone up there so they will probably promote AAA All-Star Andy Phillips and give him the spot. Felix Escalona has also emerged as a pretty good backup infielder while Robinson Cano who is the Yankees second best prospect will be on the bench until they feel it's time for him to step in at second.

Outfield
LF: Hideki Matsui
CF: Carlos Beltran
RF: Gary Sheffield
DH: Bernie Williams
CF: Kenny Lofton
OF: Bubba Crosby

The Yankees do have good chances at getting Beltran and if they do Bernie will be moved to DH and other than that the outfield is just about the same as last year.

Starting Rotation
1. Pedro Martinez
2. Mike Mussina
3. Javier Vazquez
4. Eric Milton
5. Kevin Brown

It has been a popular topic lately that the Yankees may pick up Pedro Martinez. They have met with him twice and many of the members are open to letting him join the squad. Eric Milton will aslo be added as the Yankees single lefty starter, which is one more than last year.

Bullpen
Mariano Rivera (Closer)
Tom Gordon
Paul Quantrill
Steve Karsay
Felix Heredia
Jorge DePaula

Now with all of the pitchers relievers healthy and with DePaula back as a spot starter or long reliever their bullpen is an upgrade over last year's.

[Molina00]

Texas Rangers
1B-Mark Teixeira
1B-Adrian Gonzalez
2B-Alfonso Soriano
2B-Manny Alexander
3B-Hank Blalock
SS-Michael Young
C-Rod Barajas
C-Gerald Laird
RF-Gary Matthews Jr.
CF-Laynce Nix
LF-Kevin Mench
OF-Ramon Nivar
OF-Chad Allen

SP-Kenny Rogers
SP-Ryan Drese
SP-Chris Young
SP-Chan Ho Park
SP-Ricardo Rodriguez
RP-Carlos Almanzar
RP-R.A. Dickey
RP-Frankie Francisco
RP-Ron Mahay
RP-Brian Shouse
RP-Erasmo Ramirez
CP-Francisco Cordero

[lawrencefrank]

New York Yankees

Catchers
Starter: Jorge Posada
Backup: John Flaherty

Infield
1B: Jason Giambi
2B: Alfonso Soriano
3B: Alex Rodriguez
SS: Derek Jeter
IF: Felix Escalona
2B/3B: Robinson Cano
2B: Miguel Cairo

Outfield
LF: Hideki Matsui
CF: Carlos Beltran
RF: Gary Sheffield
DH: Bernie Williams
CF: Kenny Lofton

Starting Rotation:
1. Pedro Martinez
2. Mike Mussina
3. Eric Milton
4. Kevin Brown
5. A FA I do not know who.

Bullpen
Mariano Rivera (Closer)
Tom Gordon
Paul Quantrill
Steve Karsay
Felix Heredia
Steve Kline

[DONtheGREAT23]

A More Realistic Yankees

C- Posada
C- Flaherty
1B- Giambi
1B- Tony Clark
2B- Miguel Cairo
2B- Enrique Wilson
SS- Derek Jeter
3B- Alex Rodriguez
RF- Gary Sheffield
CF- Carlos Beltran
LF- Hideki Matsui
OF- Bubba Crosby
OF- Kenny Lofton
DH- Ruben Sierra
SP- Mike Mussina
SP- Javier Vazquez
SP- Brad Halsey
SP- Kevin Brown
SP- Eric Milton/Brad Radke
RP- Mariano Rivera
RP- Tom Gordon
RP- Felix Heredia
RP- Tom Quantrill
RP- Steve Karsay
RP- Scott Proctor

i think they will make sure they sign beltran, and then get either milton or radke. no other moves except maybe trading away lofton if they do get beltran. and i dont think they will get pedro

[Chris C2]

NY Mets

Starting Pitchers
1. Pedro
2. Morris
3. Pavano
4. Benson
5. Glavine

Bullpen
Same

Infield
1B Delgado
2B Matsui
SS Reyes
3B Wright

Outfield
RF Cameron
CF Beltran
LF Mags

Bench
Sexson
Sosa
Renteria
Cabrera
Nomar

That's a pretty realistic prediction, right?

[lawrencefrank]

Don what is not realistic. There is trade rumors of Vazquez for Soriano.

[BigJabber]

NY Mets

Starting Pitchers
1. Pedro
2. Morris
3. Pavano
4. Benson
5. Glavine

Bullpen
Same

Infield
1B Delgado
2B Matsui
SS Reyes
3B Wright

Outfield
RF Cameron
CF Beltran
LF Mags

Bench
Sexson
Sosa
Renteria
Cabrera
Nomar

That's a pretty realistic prediction, right?

Now theres an optimistic prediction!!! :)

[Arsenal]

LMAO @ Chris' mets.

[DONtheGREAT23]

Don what is not realistic. There is trade rumors of Vazquez for Soriano.

rumors from where. maybe im wrong but the only rumors i have heard about vazquez are that the yankees may trade him and their entire aaa and aa teams for randy johnson. lol, maybe not both entire teams, but they would be unloading all their prospects. i dont think they should do either of those, because they dont need the hitting, they need the pitching, but at the same time they need to lock up the pitching, not a one year or maybe two year thing in johnson. id love it if they could sign pavano, and id actually rather have them sign pavano than beltran, but i just dont think they will. and i have no clue why texas would trade soriano for vazquez. he was a key part of their offense last year, and vazquez proved to be an inconsistant pitcher and there are possibilities of an injury.

[BigJabber]

Don what is not realistic. There is trade rumors of Vazquez for Soriano.

I haven't heard anything about Vazquez to Texas. The only trade that involves Vazquez name is for Randy Johnson. And even that trade is unlikely to happen i read.

[BigJabber]

I also have heard rumors about Kevin Brown being traded to the Braves. I think for prospects to send to Arizona for Randy Johnson.

[HocChe]

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

C: Mike Lieberthal
1B: Jim Thome
2B: Chase Utley
SS: Jimmy Rollins
3B: David Bell
LF: Pat Burrell
CF: Steve Finley
RF: Bobby Abreu
Bench:
Marlon Byrd
Jason Michaels
Lou Collier
Ryan Howard


SP: Cory Lidle
SP: Brett Myers
SP: Vicente Padilla
SP: Randy Wolf
SP: Brad Radke

RP:Felix Rodruiguez
RP:Tim Worrell
RP:Amaury Telemaco
RP:Geoff Geary
RP:Ryan Madson
RP:Gavin Floyd

CP:Billy Wagner


Basically, we suck. Another 85 win season. Woo.

[BigJabber]

Hmm...Radke in Philly could work. I haven't heard anything about it, but i dont see why it couldn't happen.

[Scott Proctor]

Hmm...Radke in Philly could work. I haven't heard anything about it, but i dont see why it couldn't happen.i also heard the phils are after 2 lefty vets, david wells and al leiter, could be an interesting off-season for them

[BigJabber]

Theres absolutly no way you get renteria period.

Yeah, you really got that right. *lol*

[bravest]

Yeah, you really got that right. *lol*
Read page 1. I predicted Sexson to Seattle and Renteria to Boston. 8-)

[DJ Samurai]

Okay, NOW here's the Red Sox:

Rotation
Curt Schilling (John Halama as long as Schilling's out)
Matt Clement
David Wells
Bronson Arroyo
Tim Wakefield

Bullpen
Keith Foulke
Matt Mantei
Alan Embree
Mike Timlin
Byung-Hyun Kim
John Halama

Starting Lineup
CF Johnny Damon
SS Edgar Renteria
DH David Ortiz
LF Manny Ramirez
CA Jason Varitek
1B Kevin Millar
RF Trot Nixon
3B Bill Mueller
2B Mark Bellhorn

Bench
OF Dave Roberts
3B Kevin Youkilis
CA Doug Mirabelli
IF Hanley Ramirez
1B Doug Mientkiewicz

[Yankees4eva]

New York Yankees
C - Jorge Posada
1B - Jason Giambi/Tony Clark/John Olerud
2B - Tony Womack/Andy Phillips
SS - Derek Jeter
3B - Alex Rodriguez
RF - Gary Sheffield
CF - Carlos Beltran
LF - Hideki Matsui
DH - Sierra/Clark/Olerud

SP
Carl Pavano
Javier Vazquez
Jaret Wright
Kevin Brown
Orlando Hernandez
Brad Halsey

I think the RJ trade will fall through. The Yankees would be very dumb to do it anyways (giving up they're top 2 spects, Navarro and Duncan, plus a young pitcher Vazquez who has time to develop). They would be getting Randy, who is 40 and has 1 maybe 2 good years left.