Christmas wish list: Major League Baseball edition
Sep 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) pitches during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati Reds: An extension for Johnny Cueto. Due to a payroll mandate from ownership, GM Walt Jocketty was forced to trade away Mat Latos and Alfredo Simon, two starters who are set to hit free agency next offseason. Jocketty is left with two starters playing on the last year of their contacts including workhorse Johnny Cueto. The righty has given Cincinnati brass an Opening Day deadline for contract negotiations, and Jocketty would be wise to strike a deal soon.
Cleveland Indians: Another Cy Young Caliber season from Corey Kluber. The 28-year old righty enjoyed a career year in 2014 winning the AL Cy Young Award with an 18-9 season and an ERA of 2.44. In order to compete in 2014, the Cleveland Indians will need Corey Kluber to match or even exceed the precedent set by his 2014 campaign. If the reigning Cy Young winner goes down for an extended period of time, it could be another long season for the Tribe.
Colorado Rockies: A steady rotation. For a low payroll team to thrive, the sum must be greater than all of its combined parts, and the Colorado Rockies must hope that this is the case for their rotation. Lacking a big name and big game experience on the bump, if the Rockies want to make a playoff push, they must find five steady starters and pitch well enough to win games with a solid offense that includes Justin Morneau and Troy Tulowitzki.
Detroit Tigers: An improved Justin Verlander. No one knows at this point whether or not Max Scherzer will return to the Detroit Tigers, but either way the Tigers need a better year out of Justin Verlander if they hope to be playing in October. Verlander has not pitched well the past two seasons culminating in a 28-14 record which does not validate his monster contract that runs through 2019. With or without Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander must pitch better and at least crack the 15 win mark in 2015.
Miami Marlins: The acquisitions must pay off. The Miami Marlins made an effort to improve their squad for the 2015 season, acquiring pitcher Mat Latos from Cincinnati and infielder Dee Gordon from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Gordon is a speedster that will bolster the top of the order while Latos will be a key cog of the rotation. Jose Fernandez should return from Tommy John surgery, and Giancarlo Stanton is poised for a big year following the signing of a big extension but for Miami to compete the acquisitions must pay off.
Houston Astros: Bullpen closes out games. The Houston Astros have not made a deep playoff run since reaching the World Series in 2005, and have struggled since. A lack of bullpen options has hindered Houston in the past, but should be a strength this season. Houston surprised some folks by signing a pair of righties expected to form a late inning punch in Luke Gregerson and Pat Neshek. Gregerson posted a 2.12 ERA in 72 games last season while Neshek, who comes from the side had a 7-2 record over 71 appearances.
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