TEAM EVALUATIONS: ASSASSINS

Team: Assassins

Conference: Liberty

Division: North

2009 Record: 89-73, 2nd Place

Typical Lineup:

1B Derrek Lee

2B Alberto Callaspo/Luis Castillo

SS Jimmy Rollins

3B Pablo Sandoval

LF Manny Ramirez/Chris Dickerson

CF Matt Kemp

RF Ichiro Suzuki

C Jorge Posada/Chris Iannetta

DH Mark Reynolds

Great lineup.  The only hole is maybe LF defense, and the fact that Manny can't play everyday, but other than that, it looks solid as can be.  These guys will seriously rake.

Starting Rotation:

Johan Santana

Scott Baker

Jason Hammel

Aaron Cook

Ryan Rowland-Smith/Josh Outman

Probably the biggest weakness on a very strong team.  Santana is obviously an ace, but he only made 25 starts, meaning there will be too many starts by the other guys, who aren't nearly as good.  Rowland-Smith and Outman will combine for a very capable 5th starter.

Bullpen:

Burke Badenhop

Sean Burnett

Kiko Calero

Manny Corpas

Brandon Lyon

Ryan Madson

A lot of depth here, and other than Corpas, all capable of high-leverage innings.  Calero was a draft-day steal.

Closer:

J.P. Howell

Not a superior closer, but still should be more than adequate.

Minors:

None.

The Assassins will not be getting younger any time soon, so they better get it together this year.

I don't think the Assassins quite have what it takes to topple the Sawyers for the Liberty pennant, but they should at least get to compete for it.  I think they will win the North division on the strength of the lineup and lose in the Conference Championship series because of the lack of starting pitching.

Predicted Record: 92-70