Spring training is underway as baseball season is fastly approaching. As the 2014 season draws near, so does predictions and expectation for the 30 clubs. Here’s a look at five teams who have the opportunity to shock some critics.
5. Miami Marlins
The 62-100 Marlins have been a joke in MLB as of late, but they have some talent on their roster.
Giancarlo Stanton is a standout player, as is Jose Fernandez, but the Marlins have some young talent this year as well as some veteran players who can greatly help this team.
They brought in Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Rafael Furcal, Casey McGehee, and Garrett Jones this offseason. Saltalamacchia had much success with the Red Sox, and Furcal’s numbers speak for themselves.
Christian Yelich looks to be a young up and comer for the Marlins as well. The 22-year-old played extremely well for Miami after his call up last year, and is expected to have continued success this season.
The Marlins have a potentially strong rotation, as well a threat in the lineup. The Marlins have an opportunity to create a new winning identity this season and will look to do just that.
4. Chicago White Sox
After a disappointing 2013 campaign, in which Chicago finished 63-99, the White Sox will look to rebound in 2014 and get back to their winning ways. They will have added a few new faces to their roster, and will depend on offensive production from returning players who had a down 2013.
Adam Eaton is new to Chicago this year as they hope to get some offensive spark from him, Jose Dariel Abreu was a big money signing with a lot of potential, and Avisail Garcia has an opportunity to impress and have a breakout year in his first full season with Chicago.
Pitching also looks to be on the rise, and will be a big factor in 2014. If they can get production from their staff, other than Chris Sale, then they could be in business in the Central.
Most notably, Erik Johnson looks to be an up and comer and could have a big impact on the rotation.
The White Sox have made improvements and have the potential to surprise in 2014.
3. Seattle Mariners
The Mariners started off the 2013 season on a hot streak but cooled off as the season progressed, finishing in fourth place with a 71-91 record.
Seattle has some big name players, but have lacked on the offensive side of the ball. King Felix Hernandez is one of the nastiest pitchers in the game, and always gives the M’s a chance to win, but he can’t do it all. Hisashi Iwakuma is also an ace in the rotation and is expected to have another big year this season. However, his recent tendon strain in his finger has caused some concern as he’ll be sidelined for 4-6 weeks.
One of, if not the biggest signing of the offseason, was made by Seattle when long-time Yankee Robinson Cano signed with the club. There’s high hopes and expectations for Cano in Seattle; can he be the guy to spark the Mariners offense?
Other than Cano, there’s not an imminent threat in the M’s lineup. Seattle can take a step forward and prove some people wrong, but the AL West is a tough division, but a decent record isn’t out of the question for the Mariners.
2. San Diego Padres
With some NL West teams on the rise, the division should be much more competitive than last year. The Padres were plagued by injuries, which contributed to their 76-86 finish in 2013. Keep in mind, however, the Padres were above .500 in the second half.
Josh Johnson has the potential to be a key signing by San Diego with high rewards. If he is able to light a spark in the rotation and bring forth that ace factor they could have a solid pitching staff this year.
The offense is questionable, but Chase Headley is entering his contract year and is expected to provide some big numbers for the Padres this year.
Carlos Quentin will also be a factor when it comes to offensive production, as well as newly acquired Seth Smith. Smith is a solid fielder with the capability of delivering the clutch hit when needed.
The Padres have an opportunity to show their worth and turn some heads this season.
1. Colorado Rockies
The Rockies had a decent start last season, but fell off and finished 74-88; fifth in the NL West. Colorado has a superb defense, and some big names in the lineup, the only concern is with the pitching.
Brett Anderson will join the Rockies this year, that is if he can stay healthy. The starting pitcher is very good, but injuries have been a problem for him in his career. Hopefully a change of scenery will treat Anderson well, and he’ll be able to do his thing in Colorado.
With a rotation including Anderson, Tyler Chatwood, Jhoulys Chacin, Jorge De La Rosa, and Juan Nicasio there are some concerns. However if they can keep batters at bay with an offense including Troy Tulowitzki, Justin Morneau, and Carlos Gonzalez the Rockies can have some success in 2014. Especially considering the NL West was the worst division in MLB last year.