For most teams, the 2010 MLB season is pretty much done. But don’t fret. Here are some teams that will make a big impact in 2011.
Pittsburgh Pirates:
This one might be a little tricky, as “bouncing back” for them is maybe getting to .500 baseball.
However, Pittsburgh has a nice little youth movement going currently. Andre McCutchen, Pedro Alvarez, Jose Tabata, and Lastings Milledge.
The most impressive, of course, has been McCutchen who has been one of the better young outfielders in the league since his arrival last season.
Alvarez is in the running for the NL Rookie of the Year; Milledge has been a long-time prospect that has bounced from several teams.
Baltimore Orioles:
The AL East is pretty much impossible right now, but Baltimore could put pressure onto the Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays next season.
I’ll give you a name: Matt Wieters.
I’ll give you a question: Where the hell has he been this season?
Weiters was the best catching prospect since Joe Mauer, so hopefully he will live up to it next season.
Feliz Pie and Adam Jones are two good young players. Expect big things from Brian Matusz next season, as he will be making a David Price-like jump to becoming one of the AL elites.
Washington Nationals:
The Nationals could without a doubt have one of the better pitching rotations in the NL.
Stephen Strasberg and Jordan Zimmerman starting No. 1 and No. 2, plus Drew Storen as the closer.
This team will take a huge jump up to being the third best team in the NL East. Plus, with Harper coming up in a few teams, this is a team that could be one of the better squads in baseball. All-home grown too. . .you gotta love that.
Los Angeles Angels:
They would be battling with the Texas Rangers for the AL West right now if not for the Kendry Morales injury, and if Morales can come back to full health next season, there is no reason why this team shouldn’t win the division.
They have one of the better managers in the league, and will probably cash in their chips and spend a crazy amount for one of the top free agents that are going to be available this offseason. My guess is that they go after Cliff Lee to top their rotation.
Colorado Rockies:
This has been an off year for one of the most talented teams in the league.
Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki are two sensational baseball players, and if Ubaldo Jiminez can keep up his 2010 success into 2011, then this team should contend into next year’s October.
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