2009 NL West dvision preview

by Steve

LA Dodgers

Manram is back which means this team will be play postseason baseball. Dude is a flat out rake. He is arguebly the greatest postseason baseball player of all time. There is no denying he is the best righty of the last twenty five years at least.

This team is basically a perfect combination of youth and veteran leadership all they need is for Torre to put it all together. Kemp and Either round out a sick outfield with Pierre riding the pine. Kemp is only twenty four and will only get better while the same thing can be said for Ethier. Scary to think Man-ram could make these two potential studs better hitters too.

Adding Hudson at second may stunt the growth of a player like Blake Dewitt but he is a better player and makes their lineup that much scarier. 1b James Loney is the third stoog to Kemp and Ethier and will be entering his third full season at first and he is yet to turn 25. The left side might be the only weakness because Blake isn't up to the high standard much of the rest of the team has and Furcal may be in decline but a healthy '09 could change that perception.

Russell Martin is another young stud behind the dish and again maybe still be getting better. The staff is also a mixer of youth, Kershaw and Billingsley (both strike out machines) and older players in Kuroda and Wolf. None of the four are a true ace but three #2's is better than an ace and three 4's. The wild card is new kid on the block James McDonald. He has yet to start a game in the bigs but appears to have the tools to have a long career.


Arizona Diamondbacks

Again another ridiculously young team bursting with potential. Felipe Lopez is potential garbage at 2b and Chad Tracy hasn't shown a lot in 3+ seasons. The rest of the infield includes pure bred SS Stephen Drew who had a solid '08 but is staring at a prove it year, Mark Reynolds at third who has some major power but his average sunk last season and a middle of the road catcher in Chris Snyder.

Jackson Young and Upton formulate a potent young outfield with the potential to have the word stud in front of any one of the three. Chris Young is the farthest from superstardom but has the tools. Lil brother and former #1 overall Justin Upton is only 21 and entering his second full season, the sky is the limit.

Webb is the uncontested ace of the staff and will give up 18+ wins every season. Dan Haren didn't disappoint in his first season with a new club and is starting to churn out 200+ innings 15+ wins and sub 3.50 ERAs like its nothing. Jon Garland may be the quietest free agent signing with the most impact this year he signed a one year deal on the cheap. Doug Davis kinda sucks and the fifth start for now is Max Scherzer. He is young (24) but can deal and is a strike out pitcher. He'll start the season on the DL so look for him on the waiver wire in May.


SF Giants

Thank god for Lincecum pitching every fifth day or Giant fan but me jumping into the bay. The Big Unit was for some reason resurrected from the dead to play another season and will have limited impact at best. I'm real high on Matt Cain, but he can't have another season where he has double the losses as he has wins (last two seasons with a sub 4 ERA) Barry Zito will never ever live up to that ridiculous contract but he has to at least try. If he is in the 'pen again this year I might cry. Jonathan Sanchez is a nobody.

And thats pretty much the team There is a Molina thrown in there, you probably know Edgar Renteria and Rowland maybe Winn and thats about it. I'm serious, they have players named Pablo, Travis, Emmanuel and Fred on the starting roster. Only Fred Lewis has played a full season in the bigs but at least they're all young so the word potential can be used. Possible next decade (which actually isn't that far off)


San Diego Padres

Its a shame the owner got divorced it appeared this team was starting to build towards something possibly. Chase Headley could be a balla in left, Kouzmanoff can stroke the ball and Adrian Gonzalez is mostly lost in the shuffle on a bad team. Eckstein Giles and Gerut have all come hear to be dead buried. Hundley and L-rod are lucky they're in fuckin baseball to quote the great Earl Weaver.

Jake Peavy is a legit ace who has been the talk of trade rumors for the entire offseason. That chatter will continue right up until July 31 when he will be packing his bags. The other Chris Young thrives in a pitchers ball park which skews his stats but he still has good stats. I can't find much on Walter Silva who has never pitched in the bigs but he must have had a good spring training cause he is late to the party and he isn't even a cuban import. Correia and Hill also might be complete garbage as well.


Colorado Rockies

This team is only two years removed from the World Series? Talk about lightning in a bottle. The weird thing is nearly the entire team is the same. They're gonna have to win 75% of their home games to have any chance. Tulowitzki took a step back last year although much of it had to do with injury, so he should bounce back. Atkins and Helton can still rake in the thin air and Torrealba will platoon with Iannetta behind the plate.

Seth Smith is new to the outfield and hasn't been overly impressive. Brad Hawpe can also rake and has deceptive stats. Ryan Spilborghs appears to be the starting Centerfielder and if he continues at his '08 pace could be a solid contributer every day.

The pitching staff is mostly question marks. Is Aaron Cooke gonna be able to go up against players like Webb, Juroda, Lincecum and Peavy 15+ times this year and win any of those games? Yikes. Ubaldo H could have a break out year (t wreck is high on him). Marquis and De La Rosa are nothing special and young Franklin Morales is going to have to prove he belongs in a big league rotation.

Dodgers 96-66
D-backs 88-74
Rockies 77-85
Giants 73-89
Padres 66-96

2009 NL Central division preview

by Steve

Shit, 6 teams, this is going to be grueling..

St. Louis Cardinals

Not sure if this team got really lucky with players like Ludwick and Ankiel (has beens) or they knew what there were doing, but these two dudes can rake. Maybe it is mostly due to the 2nd best pure hitter in baseball Puj in the same line up but Rick and Ryan are solid contributors basically anyone could have had. LF Chris Duncan had a poor '08 and needs to get back to the 20 dinger plateau he was consistently at before last season.

Outside of Puj and newly acquired Khalil Green, the rest of the infielders is a bunch of nobodies and young upstarts. 3b David Freese will be making his career debut and Skip Schumaker isn't the long term answer at 2b. Yadier (the best of the Molina trifecta) returns behind the dish and can handle a pitching staff as well as a bat.

The rotation is shaky at best and will certainly need a rejuvenated Chris Carpenter if drunky La Russa and co have playoff grandeur in their heads. Wainwright is a great #2 who has potential for #1 stuff if he continues progressing and can give 200 innings. Lohse and Wellemeyer can go either way but are good 3/4 guys. Oh and uh, yikes, Motte has one career save.


Chicago Cubs

High expectations bring high failure and this year is no different. A gamble on Milton Bradley is high risk high reward. Fuckyouinthedome is a solid OF but trailed off last year from the asian flu but needs to produce as the everyday Centerfielder. Pencil Soriano in for 30 70 and .290.

Soto is emerging as one of the best catchers in the game along with McCann Russ Martin and a few others. Theriot is an under rated SS cause of a lack of power but can certainly hit for average. D Lee is aging but still effective @ 1b, Fontenot had a solid sophomore season but still needs to prove it wasn't an abberation and at 30 Ar-ram is one of the best at the hot corner.

Big Z is an ace of aces while Lilly and Harden provide a solid 2/3. The only real question with the rotation is Ryan Dempster and HOW THE HELL he balled last year. Maybe it is just the friendly confines(14-3) but there is pretty much no way this dude puts up '08 esque numbers. He proved who he really was in the playoffs. And how long till Samardzija is the closer?


Milwaukee Brewers

They broke an 0 for the century playoff appearances last year and it seems more likely than not it will take another 26 years for this team to return. True they still have Cecil's kid, Hardy, Hall, Hart and Braun, but you can't just lose pitchers of CC and Sheets caliber and not expect a major drop off.

Kenny Macha is gonna have a lot of sleepless nights now that it is indeed a fact their going into the season with Jeff Suppan as the 'ace'. Gallardo can be a good major league pitcher but the time is now. Manny Parra is another young gun and should build on a decently solid '08 to emerge as a top of the rotation guy. Dave Bush sucks and who the hell knows with Looper but he is an innings eater.

Anyone else sick of waiting for Rickie Weeks to be the player many thought he'd be? Unfortunately I think he has, a below average hitter with some pop in his bat but not enough and speed. The only other players not mentioned are old as dirt. Cameron is still the every day CF and Chris Duffy doesn't provide much insurance behind him while Jason Kendall is 34 going on 54 although he can handle a pitching staff (see Oakland).


Pittsburgh Pirates

Ugh as in ugly. God thing this city wins Super Bowls or they'd be more depressed than Buffalo. Bright spots are few and far between. McLouth is a rake in the middle of a forest, Sanchez and Wilson are solid up the middle and thats about it.

The pitching staff is going backwards. Once highly regarded leftie, no not Zach Duke, Gorzelanny is back in the minors. Snell and Maholm are decent middle of the rotation guys certainly not 1's or 2s. The rest of the starters consist of yankees castoffs Ohlendorf and Karstens.


Houston Astros

Interesting team. Why it is this team only plays from July to September is a mystery. The corner outfielders are some of the better in the NL. C Lee can pound the rock while Hunter Pence is emerging as a potential star. Michael Bourne up the middle is a different story. If he doesn't start to produce he'll be no doubt sharing time with Erstad and Jason Michaels immediately.

The infield is aging but I like the addition of I-rod. Berkman is the youngest at 33 with Kazuo, Tejada and Blum in their twilight. Assuming they stay healthy its a solid infield but that is a huge assumption given the length of each player's teeth.

Holy moley Mike Hampton is still hurling at the highest level? Where has this dude been the last half decade? Oswalt is a stud but he can't do it all him self. Wandy Rod had a good 08 campaign but needs to throw more than 137 innings if this team has a shot. The back of the rotation is weak but not awful with Russ Ortiz and Brian Moehler


Cincinnati Reds

I drooled about this team last year and looks like I was only a year off. Harang Cueto, Volquez, Arroyo, Micah Owings has the potential to be a sick nasty 1-5. Harang had an abysmal 6-17 record last year some how with a 4.78 ERA can we say run support? Cueto tailed off at the end but still has the stuff, Volquez is a mother fuckin beast man and Arroyo is a good #3. Micah Owings has yet to put up any numbers other than with a bat in his hand but is still young. Alright they aren't a great bunch but better than much of the rest of the Central.

Votto, Bruce, Phillips and Encarnacio can all flat out rake. A-gon stepped his game up last year and needs to put up similiar numbers. Sleeper alert, Chris Dickerson maybe the next young red waiver wire watchers will be salivating over come May 1 for now he is still a question mark. Tavaris is a solid CF but not knocking socks off while Ramon Hernandez is a middle of the road catcher.

Step yo game up Dusty... damn I gotta get to Great American ballpark.(brutal 7 hours from Buffalo)

Cubs - 90-72
Reds 82-80
Cardinals 80-82
Brewers 79-83
Houston 75-87
Pirates 70-92

2009 NL East dvision preview

by Steve

NY Mets

Full disclosure, I'm a Mets fan. Seeing Putz and K-Rod going balls out like its Nov 1st game 7 while actually playing in the lame WBC is more than disconcerting. Pitchers have a finite amount of pitches they can throw. Having these dudes going all out in front of 60,000 fans cheering for their native country getting the players all pumped up will most certainly have a negative effect on the 09 season, book it.

Other than that, count on .290+ and 80 steals from Reyes, .305 30 hrs and 100 rbi from Wright and .260 25 hrs and 100 from Beltran. Other than that is is a lot of question marks throughout the lineup. Church is inconsistent and missed big chunks of last season, Murphy is young and will now be splitting time with Shitffied, Delgado is old, Schneider is Schneider and Castillo is deteriorating before our eyes. Can't complain though when you have 3 pimps year in and year out.

The top of the rotation will remain solid assuming Johan stays healthy. Maine is a decently good #3, Pelfrey emerged last year as a legit #2 (finally) and when Perez is on, he is tough to hit. Livan is the #5 and is listed as thirty-four but if he's thirty four i'm twelve. Still, he could be a nice surprise this season.

I like Jerry Manual. Not sure if he is the right guy for this team but we'll know soon enough. This team has the second highest payroll in baseball and if they start out slow especially with the new stadium opening up, Jerry might get the Willie Randolph treatment before fathers day.


Philadelphia Phillies


Still can not get over this team winning the world series. Either they caught lightning in a bottle, they didn't reach their peak until the right time last year or they got extremely lucky every step of the way. However it happened, it happened and Charlie Manual is a big reason why it happened. The dude looks terrible in baseball pants but he knows how to manage and with nearly the whole team back this team has a look at going back to back.

J-ro, Utley and Howard make up the 3/5ths of the best infield in the National League. These three are perennial mvps still in their prime, look for them to put up similar numbers to '08. The rest of the team is a seemingly perfect mixture of roll players and grind it out anti premadonas. Victorino is the AJ Pierzynski of the N.L. with better stats, Werth has weird facial hair, Coste is Coast while Feliz and Ibanez fill in where needed.

Other than a stud legit ace, the rotation doesn't appear to be championship caliber. Maybe Moyer found the fountain of youth and Myers won't go postal but don't count on it. Blanton is a solid four but counting on Chan Ho once every five days is a dangerous proposition. Oh and if anyone can explain Brad Lidge's renaissance you could be a multi millionaire.


Atlanta Braves
God damn Bobby Cox is old. Anyone else agree its time to hang up the ol' cap? Its not that he doesn't have it, but he doesn't have it any more. The team has floundered as of late and some fresh blood couldn't hurt. Larry Jones just got a multi year extension? I guess I don't hate it. This team is in the top ten in payroll and needs to win now and that doesn't appear to be the case in '09.

The infield is solid and looks to emerge as possibly elite. Kotchman can put up numbers at first and is still improving, Kelly Johnson appears to be a solid every day 2b, Yunel Escobar has virtually no ceiling, Chipper is Larry and McCann is an all-star.

The outfield is a completely different story. Garret Anderson is a stop gap LF but had good numbers last year. Not sure if he is capable of continuing a .290 15 and 80 clip but it is possible as the #6 in their order. "Phenom" CF Jordan Schafer won the CF position outta spring training but hasn't played above AA in his career. Jeff Francoeur, roids?


Florida Marlins

This is my "sleeper" pick of the year. They won't be the Rays of '09 but they could be close.. Disagreeing with Larry Beinfest (Beane Jr.) is foolhardy and best and sacrilegious at worst but i'm not sold on disposing of the hammer and Olsen within the division. Bonifacio could be a solid 3b Figgins esque player but it was a clear salary dump that could cost this team in 2009.

Hermida and Maybin are potential starts in the outfield with Cody Ross in right. It may be now or never for all these of these dudes who have shown flashes but have yet to really take the step. Hermida is 25 and has power but needs to balance in a better average to be considered a legit LF. Maybin is even younger at 22 but has added pressure as the center piece of not only the outfield but of a trade that sent away Willis and future hall of famer Cabrera to Detroit.

Han-ram is potentially the best player in all of MLB so you know what you get there, Uggla has the biggest forearms in all of baseball and needs to prove last year wasn't a fluke. Jorge Cantu came out in a major way last season hitting 29 hrs 95 rbi and .277 and he needs to have a prove it year also. A major flaw with this team could be the catcher. John Baker (who) is in charge of a young pitching staff and has little to no experience himself. He isn't offensively gifted so he better be V-tek esque in his ability to run a rotation behind the dish.

The most exciting and potentially scary part of this whole operation in SoFlo is the pitching staff. They are extremely young, extremely gifted and interchangable. Josh Johnson and Anibal Sanchez have already reconstructed their arms but appear to be 100%, Andrew Miller (also part of the Dtrain/Cabs trade) is in the 5 spot and should start to prove his worth. Nolasco has the most experience out of the bunch but isn't an ace. Volstad is another youngster but at 6'8 225 is a monster out there. He only has 14 career starts but had a 2.88 ERA last year so look out. Again the book is still out on all of these dudes and with any young staff they will have ups and downs but if they get the trains on the tracks look the fuck out.


Washington Nationals

Shit, the final 4 is on so this one will be succinct. There are two Zimmerman's one is good, one is bad, Dukes could break out, Willingham is starting the year on the bench, Belliard is the vet of the team, i'm still scratching my head about the Adam Dunn signing, Guzman is a solid SS, most of hte players on this roster are retreads, major holes in the rotation but I like Scott Olsen, Milledge needs to bust out and probably will, Danny Cabrera will be much more effective in the NL and Manny Acta needs about 25% more wins than last year's 59 which will be tough. This is going to be a second half team that could dash some teams chances of making it to October.

Phillies 91-71
Mets 89-73
Marlins 88-74
Atlanta 77-85
Nats 67-95

Sabres control their own destiny

By Steve

Holy shit who saw this a few games ago? The 'bres have rattled off 9 points out of a possible 10 in their last 5 games and the Rangers tanked again today losing 1-0 to the Bruins. The Sabres now control their own destiny.

NYR - 89 points, 79 GP. Remaining games: Vs. Montreal, vs. Philly, at Philly.

Florida - 87 points, 78 GP. Remaining games: Vs. Pittsburgh, at Philly, at Atlanta, vs. Washington.

Buffalo - 85 points, 77 GP. Remaining games: Vs. New Jersey, vs. Detroit, at Toronto, at Carolina, vs. Boston.

They can afford one more loss assuming the Rangers lose at least one of their final 3 games. WHAT UP DRUUUUUUUUUUUUUURY YOU MOTHER FUCKIN BITCH

Failed drug tests for Cushing Matthews and Raji

Top 5 picks smoke weed... "The report, which did not identify the drug, was published on SI.com and attributed to unidentified NFL team sources. The Web site reported that Raji's name will be on a list of players who tested positive.Raji, rated fourth on Todd McShay's projected list and No. 5 on Mel Kiper's most recent Big Board on ESPN.com, missed the 2007 college season with academic problems.
SI.com reported that NFL scouts had been told that Raji also tested positive for marijuana during his time at BC"



"Rick Serritella, of NFLDraftBible.com, reports Southern California LB Brian Cushing and LB Clay Matthews tested positive for steroids at the NFL Scouting Combine, according to various sources, including one NFL team."



Former Jag TE George Wrightster anyone?

2009 American League Central Preview

By Coast

Time to take a look at how the American League Central stacks up in 2009. I will try my best to be as non-biased as possible, but I can't make any guarantees...We'll break these teams down in the order they finished in 2008.

Chicago White Sox

This team won the division last year? Holy shit...what a down year for the AL Central. Mark Buehrle returning as the ace of the staff. Dude's only 30 although he seems like he's been around forever. He is a steady veteran presence on an otherwise very young staff. John Danks and Gavin Floyd need to improve upon their 2008 campaigns in order for this team to even think about contending. I mean, who would have thought they would combine for 29 wins? As for the rest of their staff? Uhh Jose Contreras can't be counted on I don't think. Clayton Richard currently lined up to be in the rotation (who?). The Sox also nabbed Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon this offseason. Can he resurrect his career? In a word, no. At least they can depend on stud closer Bobby Jenks. Offensively...this lineup is going to depend on some ageing veterans to carry the load. Jim Thome will be 39 come August, but still hit 34 dingers last year. Paul Konerko had the worst year of his career last year with a .240 average and only 62 RBI. Jermaine Dye and Carolos Quentin and their 70 combined dingers from 2008 need to build on that in 2009.

Over/Under wins: 79.5. This is a tough call, I go under by a few. 77-85 for the Chi Sox in '09.

Minnesota Twins

I got a text from Wreck today saying the Twins and Brewers will be the two worst teams in baseball this year. He did predict the Rays to win the 2008 AL East before the season, so maybe I should take that into account. Francisco Liriano has the best stuff on this young staff. I saw this dude first person before anyone knew who he was (except Janis somehow) and he was just owning batters. He came in in relief and I am hard pressed to remember him allowing a hit. Anyways, the dude is filthy and if he can get back to that form after his Tommy John surgery or whatever he had, the Twins can be a factor. They also got the best manager in the division hands down in Ronny G. Scott Baker and Kevin Slowey round out the top of the staff and this teams success weighs heavily on their shoulders. Just like the Chi Sox though, they got a shut down man in Joe Nathan to pitch the 9th. The Twins lineup can be dangerous too. Their 829 runs in 2008 were 3rd in the AL believe it or not. Joe Mauer (if he's healthy) and Justin Morneau can flat out rake. The Twins also got some good young talent in Denard Span, Alexi Casilla, and Delmon Young (not even starting) who have upside and can help this team improve. I look for the Twins to be a factor in September.

Over/Under wins: 83.5. I take the over...in what I believe will amount to a two team race, the Twinkies should get to about 87 wins, I'll go with 87-75 for Minnesota in '09.

Cleveland Indians

108-54, let's leave it at that. This team is straight up the best in baseball. Seriously though, Cleveland may have had the best offseason of any team in the Central. Obviously they lost Sabathia and Blake in 08 but their only offseason loss was Franklin Gutierrez and I don't think Mark Shapiro is losing much sleep. The addition of Kerry Wood may have been the most significant in the division. If he can stay healthy, the Tribe finally have a viable closer. He hasn't allowed a run in spring training for what it's worth. The Mark DeRosa addition was huge...he will hit 2nd and fill a void at 3rd base left by Blake...he also hit over 20 dingers and had over 80 rbi last year with the Cubbies. Cleveland does have a lot of question marks. The pitching staff right now can go either way. Carmona has nasty stuff but will he command his pitches. Cliff Lee can't possibly match what he did last year. Pavano has pitched about 3 innings since 2004...but this was a high reward low risk signing. Anthony Reyes is a solid number 4 and is having a great spring. The number 5 is uh well Scott Lewis I guess, but this could be a revolving door with him, Laffey and Sowers all season. The bullpen will be solid with Raffy Perez leading the way to Wood. Offensively, they led the AL in runs after the break last year...and that is without 0 contribution essentially from V Mart and Pronk. If Hafner and Martinez bounce back anywhere near their true form, this lineup can be scary. Shin Soo Choo hit over .340 the 2nd half of last season and assuming he doesn't need to go into military duty in Korea, I look for him to explode in '09. Ben Francisco is young and should improve on his 2008 season. Oh yeah, and they do have the best player in the division, I don't care what anyone says in Grady Sizemore.

Over/Under Wins: 85.5...I like the over obviously...91-71 and division champs.

Kansas City Royals

People keep saying KC will be improved this season and could be interesting. But they are the Royals. They added Coco Crisp, Mike Jacobs and Kyle Farnsworth since last year...all mediocre at best probably. Zach Greinke and Gil Mesch are solid top 3 starters but I'd argue none of them are ace material. Joakim Soria is a filthy closer though. His era was 1.60 in 67.1 innings last year. He hasn't had a WHIP over one in his two year career. If the Royals can give him a lead, there is a good chance he'll close the door. Offensively, Coco Crisp needs to play like he did with Cleveland in 2005. They need David DeJesus to built on his .307 12 homer 73 RBI season from a year ago...that just won't cut it for a 3 hitter. Jose Guillen had decent power numbers but a bad batting average and Bill Butler's 11 home runs won't cut it. KC needs a lot of things to go right and although they might be a little better they still will not be a playoff contender.

Over/Under Wins: 75.5. I'll take the under. 75-87 for Kansas City. I just don't think they will be good enough to approach .500.

Detroit Tigers

Remember when everyone was picking this team to win the World Series last year? What a joke this team is, God I hate them. D-Train Willis is in a mental institution. Justin Verlander realized he needs something other than 98 mile an hour heat, because MLB hitters can hit that. Jeremy Bonderman...Nate Robertson...Edwin Jackson...none of these guys are making me nervous. Armando Gallaraga might be their best starting pitcher this year. Zumaya and Rodney live on the disabled list. At least they finally got a new closer in Brandon Lyon and don't have that bum Todd Jones anymore I don't think. Offensivly, we all know they will put up points. Miguel Cabrera may be the best hitter in the American League. He will be 26 on opening day and already has 175 dingers and is a career .309 hitter. He is a young Manny Ramirez. Magglio Ordonez, Curtis Granderson and Carlos Guillen will help lead 2008s 4th ranked offense. Too bad their pitching might be so pathetic that they finish dead last, behind the Royals AGAIN.

Over/Under Wins: 82.5. I'd be shocked if they sniffed that. 75-87 for Detroit.


Final 2009 Standings:
Cleveland 91-71
Minnesota 87-75
Chicago 77-85
KC 75-87
Detroit 75-87

Sabres = failboat

by Steve

Alright, pack it up, shut off the lights, bring out the fat lady. Time for Max to find someone to sublet his apartment, Lindy Ruff better update his monster.com account, Tallinder better pack his bags. Cause the Sabres aren't goin to the playoffs.

Not sure if it was the five L's put up against Ottawa, or the four eggs laid to the Thrashers or even the two loses each to the Lightning and Islanders, but this team will be playing golf in April for the second year in a row. Four out of six years without the playoffs? Pathetic.

Ruff and Regier need to be fired. And if that is not feasible, although I see very little real argument against it, then the entire roster needs to be overhauled. Overhaul meaning trade the likes of either Roy, Vanek, or Pominville, attempt to pawn Hecht off on someone, move Tallinder and Lydman, and think long and hard about the future of Drew Stafford.

It is plain as day. This team is not good enough. Without doing anything other than allowing the players that are about to become UFAs walk and keeping the core together AND the head coach and GM; nothing will change. This team will get marginally better at best and will never compete realistically for a Stanley Cup. They couldn't even get to the finals with Drury and Briere! We're suppose to beieve now they'll get there cause Connolly, Vanek and Miller will all be playing at the same time? Cause Pominville and Hecht will have a bounce back season? Cause Ruff has gotten there before? Don't even point to Gerbe, Kennedy or Mancari.

Time to blow it up Golisano. And hey, at least you get a head start.