I decided to look at splits at the end of the 2007 season and compare them with what the Halos are doing right now.  Here are some observations:

Players who have more than 40 ABs in that period, 6 hitting .299 or higher in 2007, 2 slugging above .500.  GA was the hottest hitter during that period and got an eye infection in the ALDS.

Right now, 5 hitting over .300.  but HK hasn't played, Morales hitting .293 and Naps .288.  6 players slugging over .500, Tex and Naps slugging over .600.

Starting Pitchers in 2007, Lackey 2.32 Ervin 2.96 Moseley 4.50, Weaver 4.50, and Saunders, Escobar 6+

Starting Pitchers in 2008, Weaver 2.25, Ervin 3.03 Lackey 4.78 and Saunders 5.24. Garland & Moseley 6+

Relief 2007 Speier Oliver and K-Rod < 3.00  Shields et. al 6+

Relief 2008 Jepson K-Rod Jose < 3.00 Shields Oliver < 4.0

Summary (assuming no freak injuries):

o Hitting for Avg is probably better this year if HK produces.

o Slugging is greatly improved.

o Starting Pitching is slightly worse.

o Relief pitching has better depth.  Bulger and Jepsen are X factors.

Conclusion

Halos should be able to put runs on the board.  Seems to me that's been the main problem in recent years.  Let's hope they can go deep!

2007 Hitting last month of the season.

2008 Hitting last 30 days

2007 Pitching last month of the season

2008 Pitching last 30 days