Dr. Jerry and Champ

Scoop Jackson overview: Doc Jerry blends young and old like Hugh Hefner and his delectable white-girl Playmates. Only time will tell if the recipe is one made for success. Good. Winning. S-U-C-C-E-S-S

The good: As Scoop said, Champ has a great blend of established players on his team, as well as some young guys that have the upside to push his team to the next level. Guys like Hunter Pence, Ian Kinsler, Troy Tulowitzki and Geovany Soto all have All-Star potential and could offer Champ some great offense at a few premium positions. Matt Kemp, if he gets enough playing time, could be a monster.

Prince Fielder, even after his mammoth 2007, still has room to improve at only age 23. Fielder's new vegetarian diet also means he won't eat himself out of the league by age 25. Or it might mean that he collapses from a lack of protein and never plays baseball again.

These young guys are surrounded by a few established vets, which may help stabilize any growing pains. Magglio Ordonez is unlikely to repeat 2007, but still has a home in the middle of one of baseball's best lineups. Same for Gary Sheffield. Manny Ramirez, even in a down year, still offered decent production.

Champ also owns four closers, all of whom had ERAs of 3.00 or less last year.

Damn, Champ.

The bad: The starting pitching is the main sore spot for this team. Josh Beckett and Fausto Carmona are great. Beyond that? There's not as much to get excited about. Andy Pettitte and Jon Garland don't offer much upside, and Bronson Arroyo had a disappointing 2007. Counting on Zack Greinke for anything is a poor decision, and Dave Bush kinda sucks.

The strong relievers will help keep ERA and WHIP at bay, but wins and strikeouts may be hard to come by for Champ, unless a deal is made.

Random Iowa fact: Iowa is the only state name that starts with two vowels.

The bottom line: Offense will be a plus for Champ -- with seven guys who hit at least 20 homers, and another (Hunter Pence) who should top that mark this year, he should do well in four of five categories.

Pitching, on the other, may be where Champ needs to do some maneuvering. If he gets a little luck in that department, along with a few savvy moves, the offense could do enough for Champ to compete this summer.

Geovany Soto fact: Soto's family crest is a picture of a barracuda eating Neil Armstrong.