Team Review: Honolulu Sharks

After missing the playoffs last season, the Sharks reclaimed their spot in the playoffs in 2007, giving them four playoff appearances in the last five years. The Sharks were pretty steady all year, staying in a playoff spot for most of the year. They ended up winning 86 games and tying with Hoboken for fourth overall.

What went right: The Sharks were a pretty balanced team - decent offense and a decent pitching staff. Rookie Jered Weaver was solid and Jeff Francis was a surprise for the Sharks. Jason Schmidt won 17 games somehow, despite poor peripheral numbers. Veterans Jason Giambi, Jermaine Dye, and Miguel Tejada all had very good seasons, while youngsters Adrian Gonzalez and Brian McCann had breakout seasons.

What went wrong: The obvious target here is the bullpen. Closer Tom Gordon was a disaster, blowing 11 saves and compiling a 5.50 ERA. The usually dependable Roy Oswalt got off to a rough start and ended up with a disappointing 5.20 ERA, though he did end up winning 12 games. The Sharks never did really find a fifth starter as both Kenny Rogers and Cliff Lee were poor.

If the Sharks had a better closer or a dependable fifth starter, they probably could have won a few more games last year. Look for the Sharks to upgrade their bullpen in 2008.