The Endzone Animals started the season off with a new look and ended up winning their first Morris Division title. They lost a tough seven-game series with the Mighty Men, but are in good shape to contend again in 2008.What went right: Johan Santana once again proved to be a force at the top of the rotation. Santana is one of two McDonald award contenders. Erik Bedard also emerged as an excellent number two and Brandon Webb was solid, though not as good as expected. J.J. Putz and Francisco Rodriguez were one of the best one-two bullpen punches in the league. Albert Pujols had another Mitchell-worthy season anchoring the Animals' lineup.
What went wrong: The offense just needed a little more from some of its cogs like Michael Cuddyer, Adam LaRoche, and Scott Rolen. The club's additions of J.D. Drew and Jimmy Rollins seemed like good ideas, but the two were only slightly better than average. Matt Cain had a rough debut season in the number five slot, but the Animals seem to think he has a bright future ahead of him.
The Animals have arguably the best pitcher and the best hitter in the league and with a strong bullpen, they are in position to be competitive for a long time.
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