Rookie Manager Willie Randolph and General Manager Omar Minaya entered the 2005 season with two new key acquisitions. Both Pedro Martinez and Carlos Beltran arrived via free agency hoping to improve the New York Mets lineup and rotation.
2006 Baltimore Orioles Preview
Prior to the All Star break the Baltimore Orioles were playing like they were destined for one of those dream seasons. On June 21, Baltimore held a two-game lead over the division rival Boston Red Sox and had assembled an impressive 42-28 record.
2006 New York Yankees Preview
The New York Yankees simply werent themselves for much of the 2005 season. The Bombers starting pitching proved spotty for much of the year while their offense regularly scratched and clawed for runs during the entire first half of the season.
2006 Boston Red Sox Preview
After finally breaking the 86-year curse of Babe Ruth not to mention performing one of the most miraculous comebacks in baseball history vs. the Yankees, the Boston Red Sox entered the 2005 season hopeful their good fortune would continue.
2006 Oakland Athletics Preview
The Oakland Athletics finished the 2004 season with an impressive 91-71 record ending the year only 1 full game behind the division leading Angels. Unfortunately, the 2005 season didnt end up quite as well for Oakland as they finished up
2006 Chicago Cubs Preview
With the departure of slugger Sammy Sosa, the offensive output for the Chicago Cubs has been replaced by the likes of superstars Derek Lee (.335 46 107) and Aramis Ramirez (.302 31 92).
2006 Philadelphia Phillies Preview
The Philadelphia Phillies remained right on the Braves heels for most of the 2005 season thanks to a potent batting order that included 2nd basemen Chase Utley (.291 28 105), and outfielders Pat Burrell
2006 Chicago White Sox Preview
After waiting 88 years for a World Series title, the Chicago White Sox and 2nd year Manager Ozzie Guillen entered the 2005 season on a mission. After an impressive rookie managerial season the Venezuela born Guillen led his troops to a division leading 99-63 record.
2006 Pittsburgh Pirates Preview
Pittsburgh Pirates fans had little to cheer about in 2005. The only real bright spot for the club was the continued improvement of outfielder Jason Bay (.206 32 101) who played in all 162 games in 2005 for the team.
2006 Cincinnati Reds Preview
The biggest news for Cincinnati Reds fans in 2005 was the fact that Ken Griffey Jr.(.301 35 92) was able to play an entire season injury free for the first time in over 5 full seasons.
2006 San Diego Padres Preview
In 2005, the NL West Champion San Diego Padres managed to accomplish more with less. Despite a new ballpark, the offense for the team was spotty all season. Ryan Klesko (.248 18 58) led the team with 18 homeruns while Mark Sweeney (.284 8
2006 Cleveland Indians Preview
The Cleveland Indians were arguably the best overall team in baseball during the 2nd half of the season. The Indians remained right in the thick of the AL pennant chase until the very last week of the season when a 4-6 record in their last 10 games left them two games back in the wildcard standings.