comebackkid123

I truly believe that Roger Clemens, 7-time Cy Young award winner, is and was lying through his teeth when he testified before Congress under oath.  After Pettitte revealed that the rumor about his HGH use was true, I thought that all of Pettitte's teammates mentioned in the Mitchell report were guilty, too.  One of which, was Pettitte's good friend, Roger Clemens.  Then, I was even more surprised when Clemens spoke out against the Mitchell report and swore he didn't use HGH, steroids, the works.  He appeared on 60 minutes and continuously stated that he was innocent.  However, he hesitated when asked whether he would go under a lie detector.  I think roger Clemens met with his close advisors and friends to determine whether there was enough evidence to PROVE him guilty of perjury.  Remember, innocent until proven guilty and if there is any reasonable doubt, he must be innocent.  So, I think clemens tried to destroy evidence, obstruction of justice, and hide the fact that he truly took HGH.  Now, if Roger Clemens didn't do that, then he must've been very stupid and he only cared about his ego.  It was a stupid thing to do all for a hall of fame spot.  If he would've come up with a story to still give him a shot at the hall of fame, like "I did it when I was injured..." or something like that, then he would probably be in better shape.  But now he exploded a huge topic into possible jail time and this situation has gone from bad to worse.  I really do apologize for the jury members of this casebecause, right now, it is one word against the other.

To start my blog, the first issue I will bring up, because it occured recently, is Ryan Dempster's prediction.  He was quoted saying that he thought his team, the Chicago Cubs, would win the World Series.  In response, I think that the cubs have a quality shot of making the World Series, but it will be a lot harder than last year.  They now have to compete with teams like the Rockies, Brewers, Braves, Cardinals, Dodgers, and Astros.  Some of which, were not as good last year as they are this year.  With new emerging teams as dominant leaders in the NL, like the Rockies, Brewers, and Braves, along with the already established organizations who have also grown since last year, Mets and Phillies (I am probably missing a few teams), their journey will be a vigorous one.  I realize that the Cubs have also grown mentally since last year, but I believe that the Dodgers have the best chance of making it to the World Series.  The Dodgers are in a weak division with their only competition being the Rockies, while the Cubs are in a 6 team division in which no one knows what will happen.  The Mets have to compete with the Phillies and the Braves and the up-and-coming Marlins.  I know that they traded for Johan, but he is the only real growth I see in their organization.  we all know that Beltran will produce, Delgado will hit 25+ HR's, Wright will be an all-star, Reyes will get 50+ steals, but if this team couldn't even make it to the playoffs last year, against weaker teams compared to now, then how will they do if Johan gets injured (like many say he will)?

The Dodgers have a well-balanced team with a solid bullpen of Saito, Jonathan Broxton, Brazobran, and a solid bullpen of Jason Schmidt, Brad Penny, and Derek Lowe.  They also have a great catcher in Russel Martin, with Rafael Furcal, Nomar Garciaparra, Jeff Kent and James Loney.  And, with the acquirement of Andruw Jones, the development of Andre Eithier, and with Matt Kemp and Juan Pierre, their outfield is great, too.  Thier lowest BA last year of their starters was .270 (Furcal) with their highest baing .342 (Kemp).  They may lack some power but they are a grind-it-out type of team that creates opportunities and runs. 

The Mets did acquire Johan Santana, but I still do not think that their rotation will be as good as everyone says it will be.  Their bullpens are similar with Burgos, Feliciano, Sanchez, Jorge Sosa, and Wagner in that they have a lot of depth and many solid pitchers.  They also have 3 good starters with Santana, who is fantastic, Martinez, who I believe is a liability, and Oliver Perez, who showed a lot of progression near the end of the season.  John Maine has still not proven himself in my mind after just 3? seasons.  Their lineup is simalar with Reyes, Wright, Beltran, Delgado, and Castillo.  But their outfield is not in the same league as the dodgers.  Beltran is the only player that shows any promise.  Their other outfielders are Endy Chavez, who we only remember by that incredible catch in the 06 NLCS, Ryan Church, who I've never heard of, and Marlon Anderson.  They are not the best, but if they can get the job done, the Mets avoid major injuries, and the Phillies and the NL east has a horrible season, then the Mets could make it to the World series.  But that is a big if. 

Anyway, going back to the main point, the Cubs probably have the 4th best chance of making it to the WS.  Again, another solid bullpen/rotation with Dempster, Marmol, Wuertz, and Howry.  Along with Zambrano, Kerry Wood(?), Rich Hill, Ted Lilly, and Jason Marquis.  Only 1 or 2 great pitchers, but they have more depth in starters.  Again, not a lot of growth except for Kosuke Fukudome, that LF from Japan.  their roster has Soto as catcher.  And infield of Lee, Aramis Ramirez, and a lot of depth with Theriot, Mike Fontenot, and Mark DeRosa.  Similar to the Mets, their outfield is a liability with Fukudome.  Soriano is their only established OF.  Other than him, they have Felix Pie and Matt Murton.  They are solid, which is why they are ranked 4th in my mind, but depth doesn't win a World series, most of the time.

All in all, the cubs probably won't win the World Series but they might make it there (how cruel would that be?)  If you take all of this into account, the Cubs have little chance of winning it all.  This was written without consideration of the Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers, and more.  I wouldn't bet against the Cubs to make it there, but I certainly wouldn't bet for them.