NBA Preview 2009-10

* - indicates playoffs
(R) - indicates rookie
# - indicates new to team
MVP - LeBron James - Cavaliers
Rookie - Tyreke Evans - Kings
Coach - Nate McMillan - Blazers
Defensive Player - Dwight Howard - Magic
Most Improved - Josh Smith - Hawks
Sixth Man - Ben Gordon - Pistons
Executive - Ernie Grunfeld - Wizards

Eastern Conference
1. Cleveland Cavaliers*
2. Boston Celtics*
3. Orlando Magic*
4. Washington Wizards*
5. Atlanta Hawks*
6. Toronto Raptors*
7. Philadelphia 76ers*
8. Miami Heat*
9. Detroit Pistons
10. Chicago Bulls
11. Charlotte Bobcats
12. Indiana Pacers
13. New York Knicks
14. Milwaukee Bucks
15. New Jersey Nets

Cavaliers - 1st in Central
Projected Starters
C Shaquille O'Neal#
F Anderson Varejao
F LeBron James
G Anthony Parker#
G Mo Williams
Three man rotation
F Jamario Moon#, C Zydrunas Ilgauskas, G Delonte West

The best in the east last year have gotten considerably deeper this year. Parker and Moon are good players that will help against bigger lineups eg: Orlando. Shaq has now found his newest best friend in LeBron who both expect nothing short of a championship. Is this LeBron's last year in C-town?

Celtics - 1st in Atlantic
Projected Starters
C Kendrick Perkins
F Kevin Garnett
F Paul Pierce
G Ray Allen
G Rajon Rondo
Three Man Rotation
F Rasheed Wallace#, F Glen Davis, G Eddie House

The Celtics really didn't, but had to improve to keep up with the other contenders moves. Bringing in Rasheed was the right move, yes I said it. He brings more front court depth to a team that needed it last year with the injury to Garnett. Oh and KG is healthy too.

Magic - 1st in Southeast
Projected Starters
C Dwight Howard
F Brandon Bass#
F Rashard Lewis
G Vince Carter#
G Jameer Nelson
Three man rotation
G Mickael Pietrus, F Matt Barnes#, C Marcin Gortat

The defending champs of the Eastern Conference dropped off a little bit. It's hard to believe, but Hedo Turkoglu (Raptors) is a better fit than Carter. This team is still formidable with Howard and a healthy Nelson. Bringing back Gortat was big and Barnes was a nice pickup to strengthen the bench.

Wizards - 2nd in Southeast
Projected Starters
C Brendan Haywood
F Antawn Jamison
F Caron Butler
G Mike Miller#
G Gilbert Arenas
Three man rotation
G Randy Foye#, G DeShawn Steveson, F JaVale McGee

This team got better with one trade. Getting Miller and Foye for four players that wouldn't have done much for the Wizards was the steal of the offseason. New coach Flip Saunders has those two plus a healthy Arenas to work with. The Wizards will give the top three in the east nightmares before the season ends.

Hawks - 3rd in Southeast
Projected Starters
C Al Horford
F Marvin Williams
F Josh Smith
G Joe Johnson
G Mike Bibby
Three man rotation
G Jamal Crawford#, G Maurice Evans, C Zaza Pachulia

It's time for this team to come into it's own this year. Last year they realized with a good bench to complement the starters, they could be a top four contender. They improved the bench with the acquisition of Crawford from Golden State. Smith is looking to bounce back this year and bringing back Bibby will help keep the balance on offense.

Raptors - 2nd in Atlantic
Projected Starters
C Andrea Bargnani
F Chris Bosh
F Hedo Turkoglu#
G DeMar DeRozan (R)
G Jose Calderon
Three man rotation
G Jarrett Jack#, G Antoine Wright#, F Amir Johnson#

Toronto can go with a big lineup or a small lineup and either would still work. The bench has a lot of new faces, but getting Jack was big. He can spell Calderon on the point and can be counted on to score as well. Turkoglu is a big piece missing that will help take pressure of Bosh. Being in a contract year, will Bosh perform to standards before he tests the market?

76ers - 3rd in Atlantic
Projected Starters
C Samuel Dalembert
F Elton Brand
F Thaddeus Young
G Andre Iguodala
G Louis Williams
Three man rotation
G Willie Green, F Jason Kapono#, F Marreese Speights

They went back to the classic logo and are looking to make some noise in the conference. Brand has to be healthy to do that. Kapono was a great addition to the bench. His 3 point shot will be a welcome sight. At the point is Williams who is not a traditional point guard, but can score when needed. Iguodala must build on last season emerging as the team leader.

Heat - 4th in Southeast
Projected Starters
C Jermaine O'Neal
F Udonis Haslem
F Quentin Richardson#
G Dwayne Wade
G Mario Chalmers
Three man rotation
F James Jones, F Michael Beasley, G Daequan Cook

With Wade the Heat will always be contenders, but can he really do it without a legitimate number two with him? O'Neal is no longer in his prime, but can still contribute. Richardson was acquired for his scoring ability and his expiring contract. Will Beasley emerge after a tumultuous offseason? That could be the deciding factor in the free agent class in 2010.

Pistons - 2nd in Central
Projected Starters
C Kwame Brown
F Charlie Villanueva#
F Tayshaun Prince
G Richard Hamilton
G Rodney Stuckey
Three man rotation
G Ben Gordon#, C Chris Wilcox#, F Jason Maxiell

Besides the Wizards, the Pistons have improved drastically with their moves. Gone are Rasheed and Iverson. In are Villanueva and Gordon. Wilcox and Ben Wallace were great additions that will shore up the depth in the frontcourt. This is the make or break year for Stuckey to prove he is the point guard now and for the future. Prince and Hamilton are the constants that will not disappoint.

Bulls - 3rd in Central
Projected Starters
C Joakim Noah
F Tyrus Thomas
F Luol Deng
G John Salmons
G Derrick Rose
Three man rotation
G Kirk Hinrich, C Brad Miller, G Jannero Pargo#

It's the same team from last season and that's why they're hear. Everyone above them made moves, but the Bulls made their move last year acquiring Miller and Salmons at the deadline in February. Signing Pargo was a nice move, but they will miss Gordon (Pistons). Hinrich will have to accept his role or start looking for a new residence this February.

Bobcats - 5th in Southeast
Projected Starters
C Tyson Chandler#
F Boris Diaw
F Gerald Wallace
G Raja Bell
G Raymond Felton
Three man rotation
G D.J. Augustin, F Vladimir Radmanovic, G Gerald Henderson (R)

Usually by the second year, if it gets to that, Larry Brown has found his rotation that suits his style. He might have found it this year. Unfortunately it won't get them far in a deep conference. Chandler is a nice player, but now they don't have a low post scoring option (Okafor). The bench has depth, but Henderson and Radmanovic can't be counted on as the lone scoring options.

Pacers - 4th in Central
Projected Starters
C Roy Hibbert
F Troy Murphy
F Danny Granger
G Dahntay Jones#
G T.J. Ford
Three man rotation
G Mike Dunleavy, C Jeff Foster, G Earl Watson#

This is actually one of the deeper teams in the east. The only things lacking are experience and chemistry. Bringing in Jones will ignite them on the defensive side. Bringing in a veteran point in Watson was the right move. Granger should continue to develop into one of the rising stars in this league. Dunleavy be will out for the first two months, but should be a great bench play for the Pacers.

Knicks - 4th in Atlantic
Projected Starters
C David Lee
F Al Harrington
F Jared Jeffries
G Wilson Chandler
G Chris Duhon
Three man rotation
G Nate Robinson, G Larry Hughes, C Darko Milicic#

It will be amazing to see the over turn this roster will see next season. For now though they have to rely on Duhon and Harrington to ignite the offense. Mike D'Antoni has no defensive stoppers and has to outscore to win games. Robinson is a great bench player, but the rotation will suffer because not many players can keep up in the uptempo system in place.

Bucks - 5th in Central
Projected Starters
C Andrew Bogut
F Hakim Warrick#
F Luc Mbah a Moute
G Michael Redd
G Luke Ridnour
Three man rotation
G Charlie Bell, F Kurt Thomas, G Brandon Jennings (R)

You would think that any team that gets its two best players back would be primed for a great season. Not for Milwaukee which is still in rebuilding mode. Bogut and Redd will be back to their old selves, but who will carry the load? Warrick was a nice find, but not what they needed. Bell is great being the sixth man, but will Scott Skiles give rookie point guard Jennings the time to develop into the player this team needs?

Nets - 5th in Atlantic
Projected Starters
C Brook Lopez
F Yi Jianlian
F Bobby Simmons
G Courtney Lee#
G Devin Harris
Three man rotation
G Rafer Alston#, C Tony Battie#, G Chris Douglas-Roberts

The pieces are in place for the future. It won't be this year for the Nets. Harris and Lopez are potential All-Stars on this team. That's as far as you go though. Lee was a nice addition in the Vince Carter trade, but Alston and Battie will probably not be around long enough to make an impact. Douglas-Roberts could emerge this year as a great perimeter player.

Western Conference
1.Los Angeles Lakers*
2. San Antonio Spurs*
3. Portland Trail Blazers*
4. Dallas Mavericks*
5. Denver Nuggets*
6. New Orleans Hornets*
7. Utah Jazz*
8. Oklahoma City Thunder*
9. Phoenix Suns
10. Houston Rockets
11. Los Angeles Clippers
12. Golden State Warriors
13. Memphis Grizzlies
14. Minnesota Timberwolves
15. Sacramento Kings

Lakers - 1st in Pacific
Projected Starters
C Andrew Bynum
F Pau Gasol
F Ron Artest#
G Kobe Bryant
G Derek Fisher
Three man rotation
F Lamar Odom, F Luke Walton, G Shannon Brown

The defending champs have actually gotten better. That's hard to say now a days in the NBA. Gone is Ariza and in is Artest. Age is the big difference between the two. So is attitude, but Artest should fit in nicely with the rotation of Odom and Walton at forward. Kobe and Phil Jackson have their work cut out for them, but in Phil's last season they really don't have to do much.

Spurs - 1st in Southwest
Projected Starters
C Matt Bonner
F Tim Duncan
F Richard Jefferson#
G Roger Mason Jr.
G Tony Parker
Three man rotation
G Manu Ginobili, F Antonio McDyess#, G Michael Finley, exception(F DeJuan Blair (R)

If the Lakers didn't bring back Odom, the Spurs would be the favorites. That's how good these guys are. When the Spurs got bounced from the playoffs by Dallas, everyone including me wrote the Spurs off as contenders. Oops. Jefferson was a great acquisition. As was McDyess, but how did they end up with Blair in the second round of the draft? Parker and Duncan have new toys and are looking to play with them often.

Trail Blazers - 1st in Northwest
Projected Starters
C Greg Oden
F LaMarcus Aldridge
F Nicolas Batum
G Brandon Roy
G Steve Blake
Three man rotation
G Andre Miller#, F Travis Outlaw, G Rudy Fernandez

The breakout team of last year is looking for a division crown this year. Oden is healthy. Aldridge and Roy have extensions. Miller was added as the veteran presence they sorely needed last year. The deepest team in the west has a chip on their shoulder that will be hard to break come playoff time.

Mavericks - 2nd in Southwest
Projected Starters
C Erick Dampier
F Dirk Nowitzki
F Shawn Marion#
G Josh Howard
G Jason Kidd
Three man rotation
G Jason Terry, F Drew Gooden#, F Tim Thomas#

This team seems to always stick around and contend. Credit to the front office to not give in and continue to put a winner out there. Nowitzki heads into a contract year that should give him a happy retirement. Bringing in Marion was the right move. He takes pressure off Howard to score and also brings a needed defensive presence Rick Carlisle has been looking for. Gooden and Thomas are great additions for a bench that relies heavily on Terry to produce.

Nuggets - 2nd in Northwest
Projected Starters
C Nene
F Kenyon Martin
F Carmelo Anthony
G Aaron Afflalo#
G Chauncey Billups
Three man rotation
G J.R. Smith, C Chris Andersen, G Ty Lawson (R)

The team that rose to second place in the conference last year will fall slightly this year with the Spurs, Blazers and Mavericks all making significant moves to their rosters. The loss of defensive stalwart Dahntay Jones (Pacers) will hurt them, but as long as Billups and Anthony continue their consistent production they should be fine.

Hornets - 3rd in Southwest
Projected Starters
C Emeka Okafor#
F David West
F Julian Wright
G Morris Peterson
G Chris Paul
Three man rotation
F Peja Stojakovic, F James Posey, C Hilton Armstrong

The Hornets look different this year as they try to incorporate the youngsters they have into the rotation. Stojakovic will come off the bench this year to reduce the wear and tear on his back. Okafor was a great pickup that takes pressure off West to be the low post scorer. Paul will have the reigns to find the open teammates that make him the best point guard in the game today. Expect big seasons from Okafor and West with Paul giving them the ball.

Jazz - 3rd in Northwest
Projected Starters
C Mehmet Okur
F Carlos Boozer
F Andrei Kirilenko
G Ronnie Brewer
G Deron Williams
Three man rotation
F Paul Millsap, G Kyle Korver, F Matt Harpring

This is no doubt the last year this group stays together. Boozer and Okur will be free agents. Harpring will most likely retire. That means the future is really in the hands of Williams and Millsap. Utah was lucky to get Millsap back. They will be a force to be reckoned with, but they will probably be an early first round exit in the playoffs.

Thunder - 4th in Northwest
Projected Starters
C Nenad Krstic
F Jeff Green
F Kevin Durant
G Jame Harden (R)
G Russell Westbrook
Three man rotation
F Nick Collison, G Thabo Sefolosha, G Shaun Livingston

Yes the Thunder will make the playoffs. The teams behind them have dropped off. Houston doesn't have Yao. The Suns are a better version of the Knicks. The Clippers and Warriors are well, the Clippers and Warriors. Durant is ready to take the scoring title from the likes of Wade, LeBron and Kobe. Westbrook is poised for a repeat of last years rookie campaign. Harden was the right pick for this team in need of scoring at the wing. The bench is the lone weakspot, but they can score with the best of them.

Suns - 2nd in Pacific
Projected Starters
C Channing Frye#
F Amare Stoudemire
F Grant Hill
G Jason Richardson
G Steve Nash
Three man rotation
G Leandro Barbosa, F Earl Clark (R), F Jared Dudley

The Suns after the half season experiment of a half court offense changed in the middle of last year to the fast break offense that made them famous. It was too little too late, but it did get them 50+ wins every season. It won't happen this year though. Nash and Stoudemire are the best pick and roll players in the game today. Richardson needs to be more active on both ends. Hill isn't getting any younger. The entire bench scoring rests on Barbosa's shoulders.

Rockets - 4th in Southwest
Projected Starters
C Chuck Hayes
F Luis Scola
F Shane Battier
G Trevor Ariza#
G Aaron Brooks
Three man rotation
G Tracy McGrady, G Kyle Lowry, F Carl Landry

If Yao was healthy, these guys would be in the playoffs. That's how far they drop without him. McGrady won't be around til December at the earliest. He would better serve them coming off the bench I believe. Scola and Brooks got them through the first round of the playoffs last year, but Ariza will be counted on to score as well. With the big contract come big expectations.

Clippers - 3rd in Pacific
Projected Starters
C Chris Kaman
F Marcus Camby
F Al Thornton
G Eric Gordon
G Baron Davis
Three man rotation
G Ricky Davis, G Rasual Butler#, F Blake Griffin (R)

All the hopes and dreams of a franchise can't rely on one players shoulders. Especially a rookie. These are the Clippers though. Griffin will come off the bench and will contribute immediately on the boards. Kaman needs to stay healthy to lessen the blow to the front court. Baron Davis needs to bounce back in a big way. Thornton needs to continue to develop into a rising star before he most likely leaves when the time comes.

Warriors - 4th in Pacific
Projected Starters
C Andris Biedrins
F Anthony Randolph
F Stephen Jackson
G Stephen Curry (R)
G Monta Ellis
Three man rotation
F Corey Maggette, G Anthony Morrow, F Ronny Turiaf

So much talent is going to waste here in Oakland, California. Jackson and Ellis have publicly questioned the coach and front office. Things can only go up from here. They won't though for the darlings of the league two seasons ago. Curry was a good pick for them. It probably wasn't the right fit though. Ellis plays the same way as Curry. Score first, pass later. Without a true point guard this team will struggle to stay consistent.

Grizzlies - 5th in Southwest
Projected Starters
C Marc Gasol
F Zach Randolph#
F Rudy Gay
G O.J. Mayo
G Mike Conley
Three man rotation
G Allen Iverson#, F Darrell Arthur, C Hasheem Thabeet (R)

Lots of offense from the Grizzlies this year. Will it result in more than 25 wins? Probably not. Iverson's attitude will be a key for them. He says he'll come off the bench. What happened in Detroit though? Mayo, Gay and Randolph can score 20+ a game. Defense is and will always be their achilles heel though. Memphis could surprise, but they are a year or two away.

Timberwolves - 5th in Northwest
Projected Starters
C Al Jefferson
F Kevin Love
F Ryan Gomes
G Ramon Sessions#
G Jonny Flynn (R)
Three man rotation
F Damien Wilkins#, F Corey Brewer, G Wayne Ellington (R)

New coach in Kurt Rambis and a new lease on life. With the fiasco in the draft over Ricky Rubio, the Wolves look to develop what they have if Rubio does decide to come over. Flynn was a great pick in the draft. Sessions is an underrated signing that will help offset the expectation of Rubio's arrival. Getting Jefferson back healthy is huge for them. He is developing into one of the best post scorers in the game. He has to be there for the Wolves to have success.

Kings - 5th in Pacific
Projected Starters
C Spencer Hawes
F Jason Thompson
F Desmond Mason#
G Kevin Martin
G Tyreke Evans (R)
Three man rotation
F Andres Nocioni, G Francisco Garcia, G Beno Udrih

The Kings really have no where to go but up after last season. Worst record in the NBA and losing out on the first pick. Evans though was a solid pick. Considering he's not a true point guard, he is a good ball handler. Hawes needs to be involved more in the offense. He has the potential to be a 20-10 a game center. Martin is the leading scorer and lone star for the Kings. Nocioni is well suited to being the sixth man. This is still a learning curve for Sacramento.

Playoffs

Eastern Conference Finals
Boston vs. Cleveland
Celtics in 7

Western Conference Finals
San Antonio vs. LA Lakers
Lakers in 7

NBA Finals
Boston vs. LA Lakers
Lakers in 6

Finals MVP: Kobe Bryant

2009 MLB Playoff Preview

American League

Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees

Offense: The Twins are a pesky team. They can score on the Yankees in a hurry, but can they do it for an entire series? Joe Mauer is the force in the lineup and Michael Cuddyer has been great down the stretch for the Twins. The top of their lineup is solid with Denard Span and deadline acquisition Orlando Cabrera. After that, the lineup is a little thin. They will miss Justin Morneau. The Yankees have the best lineup in the postseason by far. Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez bring constant production to the lineup. The keys for New York will be Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui. They must be productive to take pressure off their big three. Advantage: Yankees

Pitching: There is no Johan Santana for the Twins. Just a bunch of no names (no offense) that pitched great down the stretch for the underdog Twins. Lefty Brian Duensing, righties Nick Blackburn and Scott Baker are the top three in this series. Blackburn and Baker will be the ones that Minnesota will need to be at their best to have a chance. Minnesota's bullpen is and always has been their strong suit. If they can get to closer Joe Nathan, it is a likely win. New York has the over $200 million dollar combined starters at the top in C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. Andy Pettite is a nice addition, but all eyes will be on the big money pitchers. The Yankees pen is deeper, but unless they get to Philip Hughes and Mariano Rivera late. It could be a long day for the pinstripes. Advantage: Yankees

Prediction: Clearly on paper this looks like a one sided affair. The Yankees play three of five in the jet stream that is Yankee Stadium. The Twins after spending so much emotion and energy just to get here, are looked at as the road block to the mighty Yankees. This is not an ordinary team or organization for that matter. The Twins are a good team. You don't get here by being average. The Yankees will win the first two, but I think Minnesota will make it a series back in the twin cities. By that I mean winning one game. Yankees in 4.

Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels

Offense: The Angels led the majors in average and were second to only the Yankees in runs. All the analysts have said that Boston has their number and the Angels have in the back of their heads the past two years of being beaten by Boston. Well this year looks to be different. The Angels from top to bottom have a great lineup that can hit for base hits, homers and can steal a base at any given moment. Chone Figgins is looking to capitalize on a career year with a great postseason. Bobby Abreu has been a fantastic pickup and with Torii Hunter and Vlad Guerrero both healthy, the lineup is stacked. Boston doesn't have any slouches either. Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia at the top are as good as any 1-2 hitters in the game. Victor Martinez, Kevin Youkilis, David Ortiz and Jason Bay will be a problem if runners are on base. The Red Sox are a different team on the road than at home. The same can be said when the Angels play in Boston. Six of the nine games between these two this year have been decided by one run. Advantage: Angels

Pitching: Boston has a great rotation to deal with. Jon Lester, Josh Beckett and Clay Buchholz will be the first three. Daisuke Matsuzaka could go in Game 4 depending on the state of the series. The Angels don't have any average starters. John Lackey, Jered Weaver, Scott Kazmir and Joe Saunders would be a number one or two starter in most rotations. These four with Ervin Santana were the pitching for the Angels this year. Bullpen definitely goes to Boston. The Angels have had success, but they are young and the inconsistency of closer Brian Fuentes has been troubling. The Red Sox have Hideki Okajima and Billy Wagner to go with closer Jonathan Papelbon. There is no doubt Boston has the advantage late, but will it ever get to that? Advantage: Red Sox

Prediction: The saying goes third time is the charm. This is the third straight season that the Angels have played against the Red Sox in the postseason. Boston plays different around this time as does the Angels. Specifically Boston finished below .500 on the road. The Angels looked good everywhere except in Boston. The key is in Anaheim. Lackey and Weaver must be on their game to give the Angels a chance to go up 2-0. Kendry Morales must continue the career year with his great power numbers. Boston will need the pitching to be their catalyst to keep the Angels speedsters of the bases and their big bats quiet. Angels in 4.

National League

Colorado Rockies vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Offense: The Rockies are the same team except for the fact that they no longer have Matt Holliday in the middle of their lineup. They're a younger and faster team that relies on the small ball. Which playing in the National League you have to. Outfielders Dexter Fowler and Carlos Gonzalez are solid for the top of their order. Todd Helton, Troy Tulowitzki and Brad Hawpe complement each other well in the middle of the order. They have a deep bench that will serve them well in key situations against the Phillies who are vulnerable in the bullpen. Philadelphia has to score to have a chance at repeating. Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are their RBI machines. Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino have to get on base consistently. They don't have as deep a bench as last year, but the offense is still formidable with Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez able to get hits in the clutch. Advantage: Phillies

Pitching: Colorado doesn't have the greatest pitching, but it gets them results. Ubaldo Jimenez is a stud, but after that it gets dicey. Aaron Cook has to be able to get 6-7 innings for his starts. Their bullpen is deep and the reason why they are back in the postseason. Closer Huston Street was shaky down the stretch, but is capable of getting the job done in his first postseason. Colorado will need to keep the Phillies bats quiet. Philadelphia has two great pitchers to start this series in lefties Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels. It is safe to say that Philadelphia would be a lock to win the first two games, but Colorado was doubted two years ago and swept the favorite Phillies out of the Division series. Who will be the closer for the defending champs? Brad Lidge? Ryan Madson? Heck, why not Pedro Martinez? Charlie Manuel will be going with Madson, but how long will it last? This is a big weak spot that wasn't addressed before the postseason. Things will get dicey late in games for the Phillies. Advantage: Rockies

Prediction: The Rockies have the advantage in the most important categories, pitching and defense. Philadelphia is not terrible, just not better than Colorado there. Can Colorado take away home field from the Phillies? Will the Phillies be able to contain the speed threat of the Rockies? Those are just some of the questions that will be interesting to see the answers to in this series. I like the underdog factor that Colorado brings, but the defending champs are too talented to lose to the Rockies. Phillies in 5.

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Offense: It starts and ends with Albert Pujols for the Cards. He is the most likely MVP and a definite Gold Glove recipient. With Matt Holliday batting behind him, the Cards have a great lineup that warrants no intentional walks. Ryan Ludwick and Mark DeRosa need to produce for the Cards to not rely so much on Pujols and Holliday. The Dodgers have a balanced lineup that starts with Rafael Furcal and Andre Ethier. Manny Ramirez was out of sync down the stretch and if it weren't for Matt Kemp and Casey Blake, the middle of the order would've suffered. The advantage would go to the Dodgers if Manny was his old self, but a team with Pujols has to be favored. Advantage: Cardinals

Pitching: The Dodgers have a shaky rotation at best. Rand Wolf and Clayton Kershaw are good starts, not great for an opening round series. Vicente Padilla is going to start in Game 3? Yikes Torre. I feel sorry for you. The bullpen though is where it's at for LA. Two lefties, George Sherrill and Hung Chi Kuo to set up closer Jonathan Broxton. Can't get better than that. The Cards have two Cy Young candidates in Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright to start this series. Joel Pineiro to go in Game 3 is a good move to. The Cards pen is shaky leading up to closer Ryan Franklin, but it got them a division title and a chance to get the best record in the National League. Advantage: Cardinals

Prediction: Now with the advantage going to the Cards in almost every category, you would think that they would be the favorites. Yes they are, but I can't go with them. The bullpen is suspect, not as bad as Philadelphia, but still not great. After Pujols and Holliday the lineup is vulnerable. The Dodgers have too much balance on offense and the rotation will be helped by their deep bullpen. Hopefully Joe Torre didn't overwork the pen during the season because he will need them to bailout his starters. Dodgers in 5.

ALCS
Angels in 7

NLCS
Dodgers in 7

World Series
Angels in 7

2009-10 NHL Season Preview

Without further adieu a break down of each division for the upcoming NHL season. Right down to the story lines and players to watch. Enjoy. (* denotes playoffs)

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division
1. Penguins*
2. Flyers*
3. Devils*
4. Rangers*
5. Islanders

Breakdown: By far the toughest division in the NHL. The top four teams made the playoffs last year and could make it there again this season. New Jersey, the defending champs, lost some offense with the departure of Winger Brian Gionta (Montreal), but still have a healthy Martin Brodeur to make them contenders. Philadelphia received standout Defensemen Chris Pronger from Anaheim in the offseason. New York received a gift in Marian Gaborik (Minnesota) in free agency. Not to mention Henrik Lundqvist is still in net for them. The Islanders got the supposed savior John Tavares in the Draft, but it won't be enough to get out of the cellar this year. The defending Stanley Cup champs Pittsburgh are in line to repeat with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin leading the way. They have to fend off the losses of Rob Scuderi (Los Angeles) and Hal Gill (Montreal) on defense. Plus the rest of the NHL to win.

Storyline: Goaltending, goaltending, goaltending. That has to be in this division. The Islanders had ten goalies in camp it seemed. Who will they settle on between Martin Biron, Dwayne Roloson or Rick DiPietro? Philadelphia is going with Ray Emery. Yes, RAY EMERY. Good luck with that. The Rangers have the best in net with Lundqvist. Jersey has Brodeur to get them at least 30 wins. Can Penguins goalie Marc Andre-Fleury continue on the success of a Stanley Cup championship in net?

Player to watch: John Tavares NY Islanders. Being the first pick brings a lot of unnecessary pressure. And boy does he have pressure. The Islanders haven't mattered in a long time. Tavares is being thrown into the ocean without a life vest. A good, all be it young core is in place, but the powers that be need to be patient and not rush to judgment on this team and its coach. Aka the Lightning from last year.

Northeast Division
1. Bruins*
2. Canadiens*
3. Senators
4. Sabres
5. Maple Leafs

Breakdown: You could argue this was the most disappointing division last year. Ottawa was expected to contend and Buffalo was better than they played. Boston finished with the best record last year in the conference, but could be the third best team this year. Trading Phil Kessel to division rival Toronto will hurt, but not in the long haul. The Leafs still have some holes, but are a year or two away from contention. Francois Beauchemin was a great pickup for Toronto by the way. The Bruins did add Defensemen Derek Morris and Tim Thomas is, well still Tim Thomas last I checked. Having Norris Trophy winner Zdeno Chara is not bad either. Montreal reloaded getting Gionta (New Jersey), Mike Cammalleri (Calgary) for the offense to replace Alex Kovalev (Ottawa) and Alex Tanguay (Tampa Bay). On defense they did add some good ones in Gill (Pittsburgh), Paul Mara (Rangers) and Jaroslav Spacek (Buffalo). The Sabres are going with the youth movement and are counting on another 40+ goal performance from Thomas Vanek. A healthy goalie in Ryan Miller wouldn't hurt either. Ottawa got rid of the cancer to be in Dany Heatley (San Jose) and received Jonathan Cheechoo and Milan Michalek in return. Kovalev wasn't a bad pickup either.

Storyline: Will a someone dethrone the Bruins? Highly doubtful, but anything is possible. With all the spending the Canadiens did this offseason and the moves Toronto made. Ottawa getting rid of the leftovers and Buffalo healthy. This could be a very competitive division. Key word "could." I like surprises and that would be a surprise to me. Next year though, not so much.

Player to watch: Carey Price Montreal. After that great rookie season two seasons ago, the pressure got to him with all the bicentennial celebration of the franchise. It showed in his play. He has to bounce back and help them show all that spending was not for a 7th or 8th seed in the playoffs. 23-16 with a 2.83 GAA and a save percentage of .905 will not cut it.

Southeast Division
1. Capitals*
2. Hurricanes*
3. Lightning
4. Thrashers
5. Panthers

Breakdown: The Capitals are the class of this division. It starts with Alex Ovechkin and pretty much ends with Ovechkin. Washington will miss Viktor Kozlov, but Mike Knuble (Philadelphia) was a great veteran addition. Carolina surprised everyone making it to the conference finals last year. They have taken two huge steps forward and can't afford to take any steps back. Goalie Cam Ward needs to remain the rock for this team and the offense needs to improve on last years success at the end. Florida will be hurt without Jay Bouwmeester (Calgary) on defense. He was the best player they had, but this young team needs to improve upon the fact that they almost made the playoffs. Unfortunately for Florida, Atlanta and Tampa Bay made moves that improved their chances. Atlanta signing Nik Antropov (Rangers) and trading for Pavel Kubina (Tampa Bay) were huge moves. Ilya Kovalcuk is happy and might stay if Atlanta can contend with the likes of Washington and Carolina. The Lightning, after a disastrous start last year, have one thing on their side. It can't get any worse from here on out. Signing Mattias Ohlund (Vancouver) and Alex Tanguay (Montreal) were great additions and this young team will be looking to prove everyone wrong about last year.

Storyline: Scoring. I foresee some high scoring games from these teams this year. No disrespect to the goalies, but all five of these teams can score. We know about Washington with Ovechkin, Alexander Semin and Mike Green. Carolina with Eric Staal, Erik Cole and Chad LaRose. Tampa Bay with Vincent Lecavalier, Ryan Malone and Martin St. Louis. Florida with David Booth, Nathan Horton and Michael Frolik. Atlanta with Kovalchuk, Colby Armstrong and Rookie Evander Kane. Those are some pretty interesting scoring lineups. Scary good.

Player to watch: Alex Ovechkin Washington. There really isn't anyone else. The most electrifying hockey player today is darn near impossible to stop. Will he finally get the Capitals into the conference finals this year? Could very well happen. They have to avoid the goalie problem they had last year and not look tired and out of it at the end. You shouldn't lose a Game 7 at home and they unfortunately did. Against the soon to be champion Penguins and rival Sidney Crosby. Ovechkin I'm sure is looking to get back and take the cup this time.

Western Conference

Central Division
1. Red Wings*
2. Blackhawks*
3. Blue Jackets*
4. Blues
5. Predators

Breakdown: We all know who the class of this division is. Chicago is right on the cusp of taking over though. Detroit lost two players to Chicago in free agency. Marina Hossa will be a great addition to the offense that includes Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Adding John Madden (New Jersey) will help for the Hawks defense and penalty killing. No one knew if they could replace Martin Havlat (Minnesota), but they did with Hossa. Detroit also lost Mikael Samuelsson (Vancouver), but picked up Todd Bertuzzi (Calgary) and Patrick Eaves (Hurricanes). With Niklas Lidstrom leading the defense, Detroit should be in line for another playoff berth. St. Louis shocked the hockey world by blowing past everyone for the 6th seed last season. The young core of Erik Johnson on defense and Patrik Berglund on offense should be ready to capitalize on the early success. Goalie Chris Mason was a nice surprise, but they must keep his minutes down. Hence the addition of backup Ty Conklin (Detroit). Columbus didn't go all out in the offseason, but made the smart moves. Locking up star Rick Nash was huge. Adding Sami Pahlsson (Chicago) was a subtle move, but will prove to be a big one come playoff time. Goalie Steve Mason can't have a sophomore slump for Columbus to contend. Nashville might have the worst record in the league this year. Defensemen Shea Weber is the lone star of a roster that lacks the offensive explosion to compete in this division. The team is in financial turmoil and it could be their last in Nashville.

Storyline: Can Chicago dethrone Detroit? Last years conference finals were really a pre cursor to what is going to happen this year. The Blackhawks will have it go down to the wire for who wins this division and maybe the conference. Will Hossa be in his third straight Stanley Cup final with a different team? Another intriguing plot line in this season long scenario.

Player to watch: Cristobal Huet Chicago. It's his job to lose now. Khabibulin is out of the picture now Huet has to prove he is the man. Chicago is a potential cup contender this year. The only weakspot is with the goalie. A 30 win season would be a tremendous accomplishment. It is possible with Brian Campbell, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook in front of him. Don't be too fancy, just do enough not to lose the game. Like they say with rookie quarterbacks. Just manage the game.

Northwest Division
1. Flames*
2. Canucks*
3. Wild
4. Oilers
5. Avalanche

Breakdown: It's really going to be a fight between Calgary and Vancouver for this division. The Flames have probably the best trio of defenders this year in Bouwmeester (Florida), Dion Phaneuf and Robyn Regehr. Captain Jarome Iginla leads the offense with goalie Miikka Kiprusoff the constant winner in the net. Vancouver lost Mattias Ohlund (Tampa Bay) on defense, but gained Mikael Samuelsson (Detroit) for their offense. The Sedin twins came back and with the best goalie in the NHL Roberto Luongo in net, the Canucks will be back in contention. Minnesota added Martin Havlat (Chicago) who is coming off a career year. The Wild lost their star player Marian Gaborik (Rangers) in free agency. The new regime will let loose the conservative attitude in Minnesota and let Owen Nolan, Andrew Brunette and Havlat run Wild (pardon the pun). Edmonton lost a piece of their offense in Ales Kotalik (Rangers). With the rumors of getting Dany Heatley in the offseason, they now have to focus on coming together for new coach Pat Quinn. Defensemen Sheldon Souray is the one constant on both sides of the ice. New goalie Nikolai Khabibulin (Chicago) will look to make the Oilers contenders. It is a full on rebuilding mode for Colorado. Joe Sakic has retired. Ryan Smyth (Los Angeles) was traded. The future lies with first round pick Matt Duchene to succeed Sakic and Paul Stastny could very well be a great player for many years.

Storyline: Roberto Luongo vs. Miikka Kiprusoff. Every time the Calgary Flames play the Vancouver Canucks, it will be a low scoring affair. Kiprusoff had 40+ wins last year and Luongo is capable of matching Kiprusoff in wins and saving over 92 percent of shots coming his way. Luongo is hands down the best goalie right now. In his prime and with a new extension. Kiprusoff is one of the best, but can he overthrow Luongo for the crown. It will interesting to see.

Player to watch: Olli Jokinen Calgary. When he was acquired last year at the trade deadline, everyone assumed the Flames would run away with the division and possibly pass Detroit for the second seed. It didn't happen though. In large part to a stumbling Jokinen and company that couldn't buy a goal. They got kicked out of the first round by Chicago as the 5th seed. Jokinen needs to have a good season in Calgary or that defense and goaltender will be under enormous pressure to win for the Flames.

Pacific Division
1. Sharks*
2. Ducks*
3. Kings*
4. Stars
5. Coyotes

Breakdown: GM Doug Wilson said he would not dismantle the team after finishing with the best record in the NHL and getting knocked out in the first round. Instead he added another piece with the acquisition of Dany Heatley (Ottawa). Rob Blake and Dan Boyle are still the mainstays on defense. Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau are both the leaders on offense. Evgeni Nabokov is still a solid goaltender that gets you 30+ wins. The Ducks have perhaps the best starting line in the game. Ryan Getzlaf in the middle with Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan on the wings. These three gave the Sharks and Red Wings fits last year in the playoffs. J.S. Giguere will battle emerging goaltender Jonas Hiller for the starting job, but who ever wins, the Ducks have a great tandem. Los Angeles is the dark horse here. Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty emerged last year as future stars that will get the Kings to the postseason sooner rather than later. All they need is for Jonathan Quick to take hold of the goaltender spot and they'll be in. Acquiring Ryan Smyth (Colorado) and Rob Scuderi (Pittsburgh) were the best moves of the offseason. Dallas is not quite rebuilding, but retooling is more like it. A new coach and new style are in place. An uptempo system that relies on the defensemen to push the puck up the ice more. Captain Brenden Morrow needs to stay healthy and goalie Marty Turco needs to rebound from a dismal season. Phoenix has had a tumultuous summer. With all the court hearings and whether or not Wayne Gretzky would coach has come to an end for now. Gretzky is gone and replaced with former Dallas coach Dave Tippett. A great move considering this is a lost year for them. Captain Shane Doan might be trade bait from the jump and the young stars might take a few steps back after showing such promise.

Storyline: Will Phoenix be able to compete with all the distractions? Regardless of the what happened and didn't happen in the offseason, the players still have to play. Shane Doan is all but gone. Youngsters Peter Mueller and Keith Yandle showed great skills the last two years under Gretzky, but they couldn't get Phoenix to the next level. Tippett should be able to do that, but how long will he be around? Things look to get worse for this franchise. The NHL need to do what's best for Phoenix and not the league.

Player to watch: Dany Heatley San Jose. He got his wish. Now he needs to just stay low and play hockey. The Sharks are counting on him being a contributor not the centerpiece in their offense. His 35 playoff points in 34 career games are what San Jose was after. Heatley has not performed well under pressure in his career. San Jose is a small market, but they have been a disappointment the last couple seasons. Doug Wilson is betting his job that Heatley will get the Sharks out of the first round and possibly into the conference finals. They are still contenders with or without him, but a lot of blame will come his way if they don't get out of the first round.

Conference Finals
Chicago vs. Detroit
Pittsburgh vs. Washington

Stanley Cup
Chicago vs. Pittsburgh