PugBoy's Prognostication & Draft Drivel 2007: Can the Jerseys Avoid the Rinse Cycle?

The Practice Jerseys are an interesting team. Over the last few years they have been a perennial contender and have taken the trophy home once. Yet the team is an interesting blend of young talent and wily veterans. The big question is whether those veterans will stay healthy enough in 2007 to allow the PJs to make it back to the playoffs.

DON'T NEEDS

OF: The outfield is the strength of this team. Ichiro, Sheffield, Baldelli & of course, Sizemore. The key is Sheffield--if the old man can stay healthy this year, the PJs will get great production from the OF. A healthy Baldelli would be a bonus.

MAYBE NEEDS

IF: Thome, Cantu, Chavez, and Young are solid when healthy. Thome is aging quickly though & Chavez has major back issues that even his chiropractor can't fix. Young is as good as any SS in the league though. Cantu has struggled since getting hurt last year--if he can get back on track it would help this team immensely.

NEEDS

SP: Like most Smokey Louis teams, the PJs need some arms. Mulder is not the same pitcher he used to be. C.C. is fat and that has got to catch up to him eventually. Francis & Willis are two of the top young pitchers in the game.

RP: Again, just about every team in the league needs more RP; however, Cordero and Izzy are a good combo if Izzy is healthy. The PJs will need to add a couple RPs through the draft.

PRGONOSTICATION

Though almost all Smokey Louis teams will look to add pitching early, my gut (and it is very large) tells me the PJs are going to buck the trend. I look for them to add an IF in the 1st round then go closer in round 2. After that, they'll take the best players left on the board. If they stay healthy, they can make another run and avoid the rinse cycle.