Keeper Fallout: Carolina Mudcats

The Mudcats have been in and out of the playoffs over their 11 year history. Although competitive in '07, the Cats still ended up on the outside looking in. Will '08 signal a return to the playoffs for the Mudcats? The Mudcats, on offense anyway, seem to be focusing on a youth movement with Delmon Young, Ryan Garko, Troy Tulowitzki, Jeff Francoeur, and Grady Sizemore all expected to man key positions. The pitching staff, on the other hand, is starting to show signs of age. Though still in their prime, some of the pitchers seem to be facing downward trends lately and could be a problem for the organization in the near future.

Shaky Keeper: Barry Zito. The Cats need pitching but it's no sure bet that Zito will return to form anytime soon. After a horrible 8-16 2007 campaign, analysts are not projecting a much better year in 2008. This is probably Zito's last chance to show a glimmer of his past self.

Surprise Castoff: There's not much leftover that anyone's going to fight over. The biggest name left off the Cats' protected list is Andy Pettitte. Pettitte has had some success in the DMBL though he's only played parts of the past three seasons. No doubt some team will give Pettitte a chance in 2008.