[Mid-depth_Reporter]

Which team in baseball has the most dangerous lineup coming into the season? Although I hate them, I'd have to say the New York Yankees. Boston is a very, very close second, but it just seems that the Yankees will be a smidge better now that they have Damon and the Red Sox don't.

Any other comments on this?

[Lefty Noob]

I'd have to put the Cards up there as well, as long as everyone's healthy. Albert Pujols is one of the best hitters in the game [.330, 41 HR, 117 RBI last season], and you've also got Scott Rolen, Jim Edmonds, David Eckstein, all of whom could have big seasons. Even Taguchi was a 50 RBI guy last year, and Molina's a real up-and-comer behind the plate. Could be a very dangerous lineup if things work out right.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Put me down for the Florida Marlins...I mean a line-up with Miguel Olivo (.217 AVG), Pookey Reese (out in 2005), Chris Aquila (.244-0-4), Hermida (.293-4-11), and Wes Helms (4 Hrs in 168 from a corner infield spot), is in danger of disappearing all together...Does anyone know if the Marlins are giving thier fans a rebate on thier season tickets?...

[Mid-depth_Reporter]

Well, the first two players you mentioned played for the Seattle Mariners in 2005, and they had problems scoring. As for refunds, I don't think they do, just because people will still come to see Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera. That, and the Marlins have to pay to use Dolphin Stadium.

[ThePundit]

Gotham - LOL.

I wonder if Joe Girardi knew this fire sale was goanna go down when he took this job. I can't imagine that he did.

I'll go with the Yankees and then the Sox. Cardinals are not in the same stratosphere but its the NL so it's hard to compare the leagues.

Yankees: Damon, Jeter, Sheffield, A-Rod, Matsui, Giambi, Posada, B. Williams, Cano

This lineup is pretty sick. Where's the break for an opposing pitcher? There is none.

[MVB]

Last year, Boston was probably a bit better then New York. This year Boston lost- Damon, Millar, Miller, Renteria, and Mirabelli-, while the Yankees gained Damon, Cairo (who is much better then Womack), and Stinnet ( who is much better then Flaherty). Yankees are better...but the Sox are a close second.

[MattJA]

I agree...I think Yankees are better althoug I do worry about having all those great players...they were supposed to be great last year and they were ok, but I think the Yankees are definetly the MOST dangerous.

[ThePundit]

Hi Matt: Good to have a fellow Yankee fan join the forum. At times, I feel like I'm being overrun by Red Sox fans.

I agree the Yankees hitting is better than the Sox. The Yankees have no Tony Grafanino's in their order. With the Yankees lineup, there isn't a break at all for an opposing pitcher.

[EmpireWF]

Yankees by far have the best line-up. The Red Sox are right there, the BJays could surprise some.

In the NL, it's between the Mets and Cardinals in a distant second.

Mets projected:

1) Reyes, 2) Lo Duca, 3) Beltran, 4) Delgado, 5) Wright, 6) Floyd, 7) Nady, Matsui

[Lefty Noob]

Okay, well we've had a few people bring up the Mets and Cards, but most seem to have the Yanks and BoSox 1-2. So let's follow Empire's lead and rephrase the question a little -- which AL lineup is the most dangerous, and which NL lineup packs the most punch? I already picked the Cards in the NL, and I'll go with that strong Yankee lineup in the American.

[MVB]

I think the Mets pack a stronger punch then the Cardinals do... The Mets have: Delgado, Beltran, Floyd, Reyes, Wright, and more in that line up! The Cardinals are good, with Pujols, Edmonds, and a few others, but the Mets are the team to beat this year in the National League.

[wedge]

Phillies have a pretty good top of the order with Rollins, Utley, Abreu, Howard and Burrell. Has to be one of the best in the NL.

[xdavidwattsx]

Originally Posted by MVB

I think the Mets pack a stronger punch then the Cardinals do... The Mets have: Delgado, Beltran, Floyd, Reyes, Wright, and more in that line up! The Cardinals are good, with Pujols, Edmonds, and a few others, but the Mets are the team to beat this year in the National League.

I think Carlos Beltran has to actually show up before anyone can hold the Mets lineup to the Cards. The Cards still have the best proven line in the NL. Put me down for "the Mets need to prove something" before I jump on board with that.

But really, how AWESOME are the Marlins going to be. I heard their owner guaranteed playoffs to their season ticket holders or a full money back guarantee.

[MVB]

Originally Posted by xdavidwattsx

But really, how AWESOME are the Marlins going to be. I heard their owner guaranteed playoffs to their season ticket holders or a full money back guarantee.

LOL Yeah, the Marlins will be a force to be reckoned with...

Ok, let's look at the Cardinals projected lineup...

1. David Eckstein- .... he's a good lead-off guy, but nothing great...
2. Junior Spivey- he's ok.... but nothing fantastic
3. Albert Pujols- Enough said.... He's the only big threat in this lineup...
4. Jim Edmonds- He's good offensively...great defensively...
5. Scott Rolen- Will he even be healthy enough to play?
6. Juan Encarnacian- Mediocre...
7. Larry Bigbie- Very mediocre....
8. Yadier Molina- He's got the glove, but isn't the best offensive player...
9. unknown...

Albert Pujols is great! But otherwise, this line-up isn't really THAT dangerous... ( Especially compared to the Yanks and Sox)

So, in my opinion, the Mets really CAN stand up against the Cardinals and possibly be better...

[xdavidwattsx]

Originally Posted by MVB

and possibly be better...

That goes back to my original point. IF Carlos Beltran patches that hole in his bat then I'd agree, until then...