PECOTA just released its 2009 projections. I haven't read up too much on how the projections are reached, but based on the outcomes it has something to do with a magic 8 Ball and chicken entrails.

In addition to projecting 4 .500+ teams in the AL East and 95 wins out of the Cubs, PECOTA says the Oakland A's are going to win the AL West with 82 wins, and the Angels will finish under .500 with only 79 wins.

If I remember correctly, the Angels were in first place BEFORE the Teixeira trade. I understand there will be a drop in production at 1B, but added ABs for Rivera plus the continued maturation of guys like Kendrick, Napoli and Aybar should make up some of that.

Regardless, 21 fewer wins than a year ago seems a little off the mark.

In Buster Olney's Blog today, he says that Bobby Abreu is willing to accept a one-year deal.

If that's the case, then I am wholeheartedly in support of bringing him on board. The guy gets on base like a mo-fo, hits for power, and is right-handed. At his age, it wouldn't make sense to take him on long term, but for one year? He's coming off a solid season, could be the primary DH, and could trade off with Vlad as often as Scioscia sees fit.

Who is slated as the primary DH? Is there a downside to this?

I didn't see this on here yet. According to the Miami Herald, the Angels are willing to give up Kendrick, Willits, and Mathis, but the Marlins are holding out for Nick Adenhart.

http://www.miamiherald.com/591/story/317722.html

Would the Marlins take Figgins + Adenhart + cash instead of Kendrick?

I know this is something we've gone over ad nauseum, but the Miami Herald ran a story today about Marlins first round pick, 3B Matt Dominguez. The article doesn't necessarily mention anything new, but it does speculate as to whether or not M. Cabrera will be traded.

"Even though Miguel Cabrera is at third base, there's speculation the Marlins will eventually trade him because they won't be able to pay what he will demand as a free agent. Cabrera is making $7.4 million this season and he will get a big bump in pay next season."

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/baseball/story/208018.html

I understand he is specifically employed by the Angels organization, and has an obligation to be their spin doctor. But this is ridiculous!

http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070604&content_id=2004498&vkey=news_ ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana

"Third base is in good hands. I'm a big Chone Figgins fan; he's a winner, and he'll prove that in a variety of ways, as he has the past few days in breaking out of his slump. The guy had two fractured finger tips on his throwing hand, for crying out loud. Give him a little time to get a grip on his game."

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