California Business Minute™

Hi, I am Tim Johnson and welcome to the California Business Minute.

While this year’s baseball season has already started, this year’s scouting report
for California based Major League Baseball teams’ shows potential for California
teams to make it to post season play.

The San Francisco Giants are supported by pitchers Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain
bolstered by Barry Zito and Brian Wilson.  Offensively, the Giants may struggle
to score runs, not a long ball hitter in the bunch.  Look to Pablo Sandoval as
hit leader, but Giants need to balance pitching with hitting.  Analysts claim
the Giants could be a contender, but if injuries occur, it could mean a real
quick end to this year’s season.

The San Diego Padres must rely on the development of young players, in fact maybe
too young.  Pitchers to watch are Jon Garland and Mat Latos.  A familiar name in
the league and to the Padres is back in the line-up only in the way of a son. 
Tony Gwynn Jr. son of former Padres great Tony Gwynn will play outfield for the
friars.

The Oakland Athletics will try to get back to their winning ways.  They have a
young pitching rotation, good defense, but not much power hitting.  The A’s can
only hope to have a great season from their young pitchers.  Hey, it’s the A’s,
they might surprise fans!

The Los Angeles Angels look to repeat as the American League West Champions.
Although the Angels departed ways with John Lackey and Shawn Figgins, but they
did bring in last year’s World Series MVP, Hedicki Matsui.  The Angels have depth
in both their pitching rotation and bullpen.  The Angels have won the AL West 5
out of 6 years.  If the team remains healthy with Mike Scioscia’s leadership,
expect a repeat.

The Los Angeles Dodgers outlook is dependent on one person- Manny Ramirez.  If he
remains focused and does not bring his future contract negotiations to the field,
the Dodgers could be a contender.   For the Dodgers to repeat as NL West Champions
they will need great support from two hitters, Matt Kemp and Andrea Eithier and
superb pitching from Chad Billingsley and Clayton Kershaw.

We shall see the outcomes, but in the meantime, take me out to the ball game.

I am Tim Johnson and this has been the California Business Minute.