Marcel 2008 Forecast: The Batters

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Marcel 2008 Forecast: The Batters

The prestigious Marcel 2008 Forecasts, for both pitchers and batters have been released. As I glanced through these pages of statistics, I began to pull out the top players on Tampa Bay. The list that I have provided is a simplified version of the complex statistics extracted from the cluttered files available for download on their popular website. My comments on each individual projection have been provided below.

Dioner Navarro: 10 HRs, 46 RBIs.

The Rays' starting-catcher in the upcoming season will be Dioner Navarro. However, Johnny Estrada will probably switch off with him behind the plate. These realistic projections prove that Navarro is not an offensive threat by any means.

Carlos Pena: 31 HRs, 86 RBIs.

I'm surprised to see that the Marcel Forecasts have predicted Pena's powerful statistics from last season to drop drastically in the '08 season. 15 less homeruns and 35 less RBIs is quite a dip in offensive production, and I hope that these predictions are not truthful. I was expecting only a slight drop, but still in the range of 35 HRs and 100 RBIs.

Akinori Iwamura: 8 HRs, 38 RBIs.

These predictions indicate a diminutive increase from his numbers last season, but they're still not indicating that Iwamura is a source of power in their batting line-up. However, the essential contact hitter will serve a critical role in their batting order. More importantly, I hope that his fielding statistics don't take a dive as he makes the transition from third to second-base.

Jason Bartlett: 6 HRs, 44 RBIs.

The Marcel Forecasts seem to be strongly based on previous statistics, rather than making sold bold predictions of break-out seasons. Regardless, I believe that Bartlett will surely crack the 50 RBI mark and perhaps even 10 HRs in the upcoming season. He isn't going to mirror the honorable statistics of Derek Jeter or Miguel Tejada, but will be a significant component to their youthful and optimistic organization.

Evan Longoria: ?

How could the Marcel Forecasts overlook this promising player? Since the Marcel system is probably generated from credible Major League Baseball statistics, they have chosen not to accept his numbers from the Minor Leagues. But, I believe that the young Longoria will struggle in the beginning of his rookie season but turn into a great batter in a short period of time- such as Hanley Ramirez.

Cliff Floyd: 14 HRs, 53 RBIs.

Due to his overwhelming history of injuries, I believe that these numbers are appropriate. Thirty homeruns in one season seem out of reach at this point in his career. But, why should we cross-out the possibility?

BJ Upton: 17 HRs, 64 RBIs.

BJ Upton should be starting out in center-field, unless the Rays' decide to throw in Rocco Baldelli. But, I still don't understand why the Marcel Forecasts would reflect a 7-HR, and 18-RBI drop in his offensive production in the upcoming season. This all depends on whether or not he will have to split his time.

Rocco Baldelli: 11 HRs, 39 RBIs.

The Marcel Forecasts obviously expect Rocco Baldelli to succumb to his usual injuries. I'm not a doctor, but I hope that he will be able to stay in for the whole season. He has lost his starting job to BJ Upton in center-field, but if any of the outfielders fall into a slump - he'll be there to save them.

Jonny Gomes: 18 HRs, 56 RBIs.

This designated-hitter is probably one of the best in the American League. He isn't going to whack out similar numbers to David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox, because he does not see as many at-bats. But, he is capable of playing the outfield if necessary and I am glad that the Rays have such a useful player in their organization.

Carl Crawford: 13 HRs, 71 RBIs.

Carl Crawford, as you know, does not have the greatest swing in the world. The batter is known primarily for his speed, so I can't truly analyze his offensive production to reflect the success that he will have in the upcoming season. However, he should be a potential candidate for the American League All-Star team.

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Last Words

For the most part, these predictions support the usual thoughts associated with Tampa Bays' offensive threat. With their team leader knocking in only 86 RBIs in the upcoming season according to these projections, it is evident that Marcel Forecasts believes that the Rays will lack in offensive production. Hopefully, however, the Rays will be capable of proving these fantasy analysts wrong.

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Note: I will try to comment and respond to these projections, once again, at the conclusion of the 2008 season.

('The Pitchers' edition should come sometime soon in the next week, or so.