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| | Tuesday, April 11 | ||||||||||||||
| How can you possibly rank the Braves ahead of the Yankees based on last year's stats? The only meaningful stat from last year was the World Series between the two, and I believe the Yankees settled that argument rather convincingly.
An aging roster is much less of an issue for a team with no depth or experience, and to say the Yankees bench is weak is a stretch. It amazes me the number of people who are betting against the Yankees at this point in the year with absolutely nothing to support their claims. It might not be the Yankees year this season, but until it plays out on the field, they are the team to beat. Well, you wanted it so here goes. The Mets don't really need too powerful of an outfield when they'll probably get about 140 home runs from their infield. And I'm sure younger guys like Benny Agbayani, Jay Payton, and Melvin Mora will be around later in the year contributing. With Al Leiter now the No. 2 starter and Rick Reed the No. 3, and still the same strong bullpen, I'm sure the Mets will still be around in late October again this year. Warren Zuckerman Philadelphia, Pa. I can't believe how much you rip on the Brewers. They have an above-average lineup and a strong bullpen. Yes, their starting pitching is weak but they will win more games than people think. I can't wait until Davey Lopes proves you guys wrong. Todd Hajewski Milwaukee, Wis. Can you and everybody else stop trying to convince baseball fans everywhere that Carl Everett is the second coming of Ted Williams? The guy has had one good year, and I'm willing to bet that will prove to be a fluke. The Red Sox may challenge the Yanks this year, but it's going to have a helluva lot more to do with Pedro and Nomar than some one year wonder like Everett. Pete Kelly Vienna, Va. The Braves pitching is depleted and I believe Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine are going to begin their downturn this season. Until beaten, the Yankees are still No. 1. The Indians staff couldn't get me out, and to rank the Mets No. 11 is just outright insane. Angelo Coniglione Jackson, N.J.
Russell Tyrell Clinton, Conn. You want to hear from us Mets fans and you got it. How can you say the Mets are the 11th best team? I hate to tell you, but hitting doesn't win championships and the Reds will find that out. The Mets have a real good starting rotation with Hampton, Leiter, and Reed. Jones and Rusch will be fine.
The Rangers have no offense whatsoever. The Athletics at No. 6? Give me a break, the Mets would beat them in four straight. You watch Derek Bell, he will have a monster year, mark my words on that one. A's, O's, Cards, Dodgers and Expos are all overrated in the rankings, watch them fall. Why does everybody give the Expos credit every April and then act surprised when they finish near the cellar? Though I am a Mets fan, I regrettably must agree that the Braves are the No. 1 choice right now. Despite Smoltz being out, they are a scary team. Even without Smoltz they still have three great pitchers and a couple more good ones. I think the Reds, Mets, Cubs, and yes, even the Marlins should have been rated higher. Brian Noonan Charlottesville, Va. I agree that the Braves are the No. 1 team in baseball. They have really upgraded their roster. I would not be suprised if they lead the league in run scores, batting average, ERA, etc. John Smoltz was a big loss, but with this new lineup, they will score a lot of runs and any of their one through six hitters can be an MVP candidate. The Braves are my pick to win the World Series. Nick Cham Nashville, Tenn. Why does power alley consistently question the capabilities of Dante Bichette? While his numbers are sure to fall from the inflated Colorado numbers he accumulated, if you look at his career numbers at Cinergy Field they are more than adequate. Bobby Martens Blacksburg, Va. You have no clue about baseball, I hope you realize this. Hopefully, your bosses will realize it in October when the Mets are in the World Series and you picked them 11th to begin the year. If you're looking for a job around that time I'll bet there'll be some ticker tape to be picked up in NYC for the METS ticker tape. Brad Nephew West Chazy, N.Y. You have the Windy City all switched around. Most of the White Sox players don't have to shave yet and still live on an allowance (just look at the team payroll). The Cubs, on the other hand, have great infield defense, gritty veterans, the best young pitcher in baseball, and the game's most popular player. If you want a Triple-A team, look on the South Side; if you want a contender, then take the trip north up Clark St. Sean Hannon Gary, Ind.
Joel Jimenez Atwater, Calif. I have been a faithful Brewers fan for over a decade now. And you know what, they are still horrible. They get worse each and every year. I need a new favorite team! Chris Geldon South Milwaukee, Wis. I would have to agree that Montreal could surprise a few people this year, as they often are overachievers and they have a hall of fame manager. Even more so, I think Detroit is largely underrated and deserve to be considerably higher up. Their lineup top to bottom is one of the best in the majors and if their pitching makes even a minor improvement they will be in the wild card hunt all year. You also can never underestimate a skipper like Phil Garner. Ken Dowdy East Lansing, Mich. Dodgers at No. 19? How can you add one of baseball's premier stars, rid the clubhouse of troublemakers, have rookie prospects finally come on, have a recovered Todd Hundley behind the plate, and remain so low? You give the Giants a chance to win the NL West and they did nothing to improve in the off season. Kevin Elster is the least of the Dodgers' worries. If this sounds like another unfounded L.A. rant, talk to me again in October. Jonathan Barker Lexington, Va. How can you have the Indians ranked higher than the Red Sox?! The Indians lost to the BoSox just about every time they played them last year, including in the Division Series. Also, the BoSox only got stronger by trading for Carl Everett, and with Jason Varitek and Trot Nixon ready for breakout seasons there should be no contest. Get a clue fellas. Dan Olsen Boston, Mass. I'm glad to see that the Cardinals have finally gotten some respect. Just look at their lineup and you see that it's probably the best in the National League, and if their pitching can hold up, then I'm sure they'll be hovering near the top spot when the summer rolls around. Greg Wagnern San Diego, Calif. I love the Pirates, but come on. No pitcher in the NL Central is going to win the Cy Young. Kris Benson vs. Ken Griffy Jr., Big Mac, Sammy Sosa, and Jeff Bagwell? Come on now. Zolin Cook Pittsburgh, Pa. I may be biased, as I am a die hard Bombers fan for all 21 years of my life, but are you serious? How can you rank the soon-to-be Rocker-less Braves ahead of the Yanks? I mean, don't three rings in four seasons speak for themselves? The road to the Series is once again through the Bronx. Period. The Yankees will find a way. Andrew Emborsky Geneva, N.Y. You are crazy if you think that the Padres should be rated that low. They have added Ryan Klesko, Brett Boone, Al Martin, and Ed Sprague. Ruben Rivera looks like he may finally prove that his potential has become a reality. I agree that their starting pitching is questionable, but with the speed and bats that they have added, the bullpen and Trevor Hoffman may be enough to finish above .500 and surprise everyone.
The Diamondbacks have a different look this season. The Dodgers will be the typical underachievers, and the Giants are the same solid and competitive, but not dominant team. Bruce Bochy and Kevin Towers will have the Padres in the hunt for a third division championship in five years going into September. Thank you, yes indeed thank you. I am a fan of the Minnesota Twins. Thanks for giving us a week off from the bottom. Yes it was nice, but we Twins fans expect the worst, because our club would rather have a good revenue than a contending team. Thanks again for the respect. Jake Wilson Owatonna, Minn. | ALSO SEE Power Alley: Who is No. 1? | ||||||||||||||