Home Run Derby: 30 Teams in 30 Days

The guys at Home Run Derby will be breaking down all 30 MLB teams throughout March. There will of course be an emphasis on the long ball, but it's a fun read and gives you a quick look at the competition.

You can check them out at Home Run Derby or check back here each week to get the latest...

Kansas City Royals

I actually like the Royals. Too many years routing for the underdog in Boston have made me a fan of teams that struggle... simply put, I'm a sucker.

They're not going to compete in the AL Central, but they have a good group of kids worth watching in Billy Butler, Alex Gordon, Billy Bannister, Mark Teahan, new closer Joakim Soria and the mentally unstable reliever-turned-starter Zack Greinke.

Bottom Line: The problem is OF Emil Brown lead the team in '07 with a measly 62 RBI... and now he's in Oakland... the kids could help KC be competitive in a few years, but they've got their work cut out from them.

Minnesota Twins

This exchange sums up the Twins in my mind:

Sky: You know it’s a rebuilding year when Nick Punto can sniff the field. Given that assumption, where are position players on the next playoff team going to come from? I see Mauer, Morneau, and Cuddyer locked up through 2011, and potentially bright futures for Gomez, Young, and Kubel. (Actually, that’s a better start than I thought.) But is the farm system prepared to fill the gaping holes at second, short, and third? And can management keep the lights-out no-name bullpen freshly stocked?

John: Sky, I just don’t see the holes. You don’t need an all-star at every position. If Lamb can continue to mash righties and Harris can continue to be passable, they really only need Casilla to take over at shortstop (and I think Twins Territory is collectively selling him short.)

Meanwhile, the Twins could had some incredible speed at the top of the lineup with Gomez or Casilla. They could have an ideal guy hitting behind them in Mauer. Delmon Young can fill the hole between Mauer and Morneau. And you still have Kubel and Cuddyer backing them up. That’s a plenty solid first six spots in the lineup. Again, I’m very excited to see how this team looks come August.

Bottom Line: With Sanatan gone, the 2008 story will be the return of Francisco Liriano from major arm surgery. He's hitting high 90's in camp right now, but is he the 20-game winner Minnesota fans hope hie is...?

Washington Nationals

Nick thinks the Nats could lose all 18 games against the Mets this year and predicts they win less than 70 games thanks to the worst pitching staff in baseball.

What!? Wily Mo was not the answer? (snicker)

He gives the troublesome Elijah Dukes the best chance for big HR showing, but I'll bet you a dollar that Dimitri Young beats him by one (21-20).

Bottom Line: The Nats went from bad to worse this year... but so did the Orioles... sucks to live in Maryland!

Los Angeles Angels

Nick the Greek thinks the Angels could lose the West to the Mariners... Vladdy is already hurting after spending two months as the DH in 2007... Nick says Torii Hunter peaked in '07 (I happen to agree)

Bottom Line: Losing Orlando Cabrera (82 RBI) is gonna hurt. The Halos already rely on small ball too much, now they have Kendrick, Figgins, Willits, Aybar and Izturis as half of the lineup... the pitching's good, but not that good.