Which playoff teams from last season are seriously improved and in better shape THIS season.?

Question

I ask this question as a Met fan, but can not honestly tell yet if they are better or worse this year. I'd say they're about the same, and should improve with a move or two and especially with the return of Pedro.

I'd like to hear all (intelligent) thoughts...

Answer 1

The Dodgers, although the Mets basically spanked them three oout of four in LA LA land, are better because the young guys in their lineup last year are better, and they actually have a respectable rotation this year. The Padres are better because Young and Peavy are better. I do not think the team that will emerge from the Central, be it the Cubs or Brewers, will be better than the Cardinals.

On the AL side, the Tigers have improved because of Sheffield, and the Red Sox pose more of a threat than the Yankees did last year.

Answer 2

Yeah, the Mets are probably the same as they were last year.

I think the Detroit Tigers have improved since last year. The addition of Gary Sheffield has made their line-up more patient, and has helped Magglio Ordonez have his MVP caliber season.

The Athletics somehow always manage a play-off spot, but this year, I don't know how they're going to get in. The loss of Barry Zito almost seemed like it would help them because his ERA has been on the rise ever since he won the Cy Young in 2002, but I think if he stayed in the American League, he would've continued to be an average pitcher, and helped them win some games. However, that's a tough call, since he has struggled in San Fransisco.

The Yankees, I think, have improved. Yes, I know they have struggled (which is good, because I am a Red Sox fan!), but trading Randy Johnson was for the better, because he was terrible in the Bronx. Bringing Andy Petite back was a good move, because he is a good pitcher. He has had a lot of starts where he deserved the win, but couldn't get the run support. But they will make a run at the division (unfortunately).

The Twins have been quiet this year. They have a young pitching rotation, which usually doesn't help a team in a pennant race.

Cleveland has been rebuilding the past few years, and it finally seems like it's coming together.

As for the Cardinals? I haven't heard much about the '06 Champs, but I think they are in worse shape then last season.

Answer 3

As scary as this is... Detroit.
Obviously, at this point, they're missing some of the devastating relief corps that carried the team last year (Rodney, Zumaya), but those guys will be back. The offense is much improved; Curtis Granderson and Placido Polanco have each taken a huge step forward this year. Magglio Ordonez is playing like the feared "late '90s Todd Helton with scary Magglio Ordonez hair. Man." Yeah. And a big part of the reason for that? They went out and got Gary Sheffield over the winter, and he came in and somehow remembered that he's really, really, really good. Sheffield hasn't hit like this in years. Guillen is also having a career year on the offensive side of things...
Last year, Detroit's offense was above-average, potent because of it's general solidness and lack of a real weakness. It was a complement to great pitching. This year, that same pitching has been relegated to a support role for the best offense in baseball. It's still strong 1-9, but now it boasts some serious superstar hitters. If they can keep up this pace, I'm not sure anyone can beat them in a series.

Answer 4

Both the Dodgers and Angles are better this year. Kelvim Escobar has solidified an already very good Angles pitching staff and young players like Loney, Ethier, Martin, and Kemp have come along quicker than expected for the Dodgers. Both teams could be a factor in the playoffs, if they get there.

Answer 5

Detroit. Even though they made it to the world series last year, they look like they have taken it to a whole new level this year. They are downright scary.

Answer 6

Detroit.