As a first year team, New Jersey had low expectations...and met them. The Buddahs finished third from the bottom.What went right: The starting rotation really wasn't all that bad for a bottom dweller. Jose Contreras was pretty decent for most of the season and Tom Gorzelanny showed signs of being a solid starter. First round pick Joel Zumaya and Bobby Jenks anchored a solid bullpen. Ichiro Suzuki compiled another 200-hit season and rookie Yuniesky Betancourt had an impressive rookie campaign.
What went wrong: The closer position was a mess. Todd Jones blew twelve saves after taking over for the ineffective Bob Wickman midway through the season. Perhaps not coincidentally, Team Buddah led the league in losses after leading after seven innings with 14. The offense was pathetic, ranking 13th in OPS (.728) and 13th in runs created (743).
We'll give Team Buddah a pass in their first year of existence, but it is still unclear what their plans are for 2008. Trading their marketable talent for prospects may be a good idea.
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