Which team do you think will be the most improved team over last season this year?

Answer 1

Right now there are four maybe five teams that seem pretty strong headed into 2007.

In the American League the Yankees, Red Sox and Tigers all appear to be stocked and ready for solid runs at the AL pennant in '07.

Both the Yankees and Red Sox did their best to improve both their front-end rotations as well as their bullpens this offseason. The Yankees are hampered by the question marks surrounding the back end of the rotation and dominance of late innings set-up men. Rivera can't pitch two and three inning saves anymore, so if the 7th and 8th inning patrol can't get it done, the Yankees will suffer.

The Red Sox biggest question mark lies in the closer position. Theo Epstein addressed just about every other major concern the team had headed into this season by adding a top of the line shortstop and a solid corner outfielder and bat (pending physical). However, I still think the team should have thrown down a little more money to acquire either Eric Gagne or retain Keith Foulke. But as Jon Papelbon proved last year a team can survive on an unproven closer. The other interesting piece of the puzzle will be how Matsazuka does in the American League East. If he proves to be worth every penny, the Sox could be a serious threat to win another title. If he fizzles, at least the rotation is deep with Jon Lester and a crop of young arms waiting in the wings.

The Tigers retain primarily the same squad that cobbled together a very impressive and surprising 2006. The only difference to the offense is the addition, yes, ADDITION of Gary Sheffield. As if this team's offense wasn't potent enough in 2006, adding a Hall of Fame bat like Sheffield's can only further the Tigers chances of reigning in the AL once again. The back end of the bullpen took a few hits and Todd Jones is just another year older, but the rest of the squad looks very, very solid.

In the rather weak National League only two teams currently stand above the rest in my opinion the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Mets kept primarily the same team intact that was one inning away from the World Series a few months ago. They swapped out a gimpy Cliff Floyd for an aging Moises Alou and lost a few pieces of the dominant bullpen, but gained some of it right back by swapping highly touted Brian Bannister for Ambroix Burgos from the Royals. I'd expect the Mets to walk away with the NL East again. Especially if Oliver Perez regains his fire of 2004 and Glavine and El Duque are able to put together solid seasons as well.

The Dodgers were good last year, good enough to work their way into the playoffs as the Wild Card. This season they've only improved. They retained much of the same personel only losing notables JD Drew and Julio Lugo. However, Jeff Kent should be healthy in 2007, which would be a boon to the offense and the team will have a revitalized Luis Gonzalez in LF for the season. The already solid pitching staff was only improved by the addition of new staff ace Jason Schmidt. Expect the Dodgers to pace the Padres for much of the season and pull away in the second half.

Beyond those five teams no one else appears to have made any moves that put them above and beyond the competition.

Answer 2

Mariano Rivera of the Yankees (I'm ruling out Matsui, who was injured most of last season). Rivera didn't have a bad season last year, but he had an "off year" based on his usual standards. This season, Rivera just might be pitching BETTER THAN EVER, and THAT is really saying something. The numbers have been ridiculous: 20.0 IP, 10 HITS, 1 ER, 17 K's, NO WALKS, 0.45 ERA, 12 for 12 in Saves. There is NO WAY he can keep this up, right?

Answer 3

I would hope it would be with the Chicago Cubs. They spent enough money to lift them out of the dirt, and have a potentially All-Star team. All they need to do is create the common goal of the World Series and work together. The only thing that would keep this team in the dirt would be Lou Pinella. He creates friction that might not be good for this team, but may pay-off come playoffs. He is a risky move, but I believe they'll rise from the bottom, and become playoff contenders.

Answer 4

Cubbies, yeah Right, I think the Dodgers are the Most Improved since Making Playoffs and Winning their Division last Year, This Year they'll Win the Pennant and the World Series as Well.

Answer 5

Definitely NOT the Cubs. They suck, and they're not gonna get any better. Just because they had one of the worst records last season, doesn't mean they're gonna be most improved. They did bad in 05 and instead of improving in 06, they did worse. I think we're gonna see the same results next season. They're not even doing any thing to try to improve. I got my money on Atlanta. They ended their division title streak last season by falling way short to the Mets. I think they're be most improved and be a serious contender in the Wild Card next season.

Answer 6

Cubs. Last year=last place. This Year=Contender. Considering their signings it's amazing I mean re-signing Armais Ramirez. getting Jason Marquis, Neal Cotts, Ted Lilly, Mark Derosa, Caesar Izturis, and Alfonso Soriano. They are the Mets of this year. Awesome off-season!

Answer 7

I cannot believe how many people say the cubs, gimme a break.
1. red sox - some valuable additions
2. mets - good side last year and some pick ups in areas nedded
3. dodgers - quality signings, real quality

Answer 8

the chicago cubs should be way better this year then what they were last year as they were a pathetic team last year and now they have some hope and confidence for this season

Answer 9

Cubs

Answer 10

Houston Astros are going to be better than ever this year!!