[jimmydasaint]

It’s time to head down to the clock tower, fire up the flux capacitor and drive the DeLorean all the way back to March 10th, 2008.

I know what you’re thinking. That wasn’t that long ago, but in baseball terms it was about a month before the season started. That’s when yours truly, The Consigliere, sat down and calculated the homerun projections for our pool players.

It’s almost 4 months later and about midway through the season, so it’s time to look back and point out my spot on mathematics or take the blame for the minor miscalculations.

For the purposes of this article, we’re going to ignore anyone who missed several games and concentrate on the guys who have been able to stay on the field.

Right down the middle

Albert Pujols
Prediction: If his elbow will allow him, Pujols will return to the 40 HR club.

2008 Total: 17 HR. Despite his minor calf setback, he should finish right around 40 HR.

Ryan Howard
Prediction: Expect Howard to flirt with 50 this year.

2008 Total: 20 HR. Howard started off in a huge slump and has found his groove as of late. He’ll clear 40 and aim for 50.

Adam Dunn
Prediction: No reason to believe that Dunn can’t top 40 this year.

2008 Total: 20 HR. He’s right on pace.

Jim Thome
Prediction: Thome should hit about 30.

2008 Total: 16 HR. Bullseye.

Magglio Ordonez
Prediction: Maggs should contribute with a HR total in the mid 20s.

2008 Total: 12 HR. Hopefully the injury doesn’t wreck my projection.

Lance Berkman
Prediction: He should easily clear 30, with an outside shot at 40.

2008 Total: 22 HR. Good call here.

Ryan Braun
Prediction: Braun should get 40 this year.

2008 Total: 20 HR. Another one for The Consigliere.

Manny Ramirez
Prediction: Should see 30 HR again.

2008 Total: 16 HR. On pace to hit 30+.

Carlos Lee
Prediction: If you want 30 HR, Lee is your guy.

2008 Total: 18 HR. Headed for at least 30.

David Wright
Prediction: Hit 30 HR last year. Look for him to top that this year.

2008 Total: 16 HR. Just where he needs to be right now.

Adrian Gonzalez
Prediction: 40 HR potential.

2008 Total: 21 HR. He’s found his potential.

Derrek Lee
Prediction: Has a good shot at 30 this year.

2008 Total: 15 HR. The Cubs slugger has returned.

Jermaine Dye
Prediction: He’s a safe bet to top 30 this year.

2008 Total: 18 HR. 30 looks to be a lock.

Chipper Jones
Prediction: Injuries are the only thing stopping Jones from hitting 30 each year.

2008 Total: 16 HR. He’s looking for 30, but will the quad let it happen?

Nick Markakis
Prediction: Expect more than last year’s 23 HR.

2008 Total: 12 HR. Right on target at the midway point.

Rick Ankiel
Prediction: Expect 25+ HR.

2008 Total: 16 HR. The power is there and he’s improving this year.

Brandon Phillips
Prediction: Expect around 25 this year.

2008 Total: 14 HR. He may end up right on 25.

J.J. Hardy
Prediction: Hardy will be lucky to hit 20 HR.

2008 Total: 8 HR. Should finish short of 20.

Corey Hart
Prediction: Hart could reach 30 HR.

2008 Total: 14 HR. He’s a little off the pace, but coming on after a rough start.

Aaron Rowand
Prediction: Hope for 20 HR.

2008 Total: 8 HR. Another guy that will not make 20.

Gary Matthews Jr.
Prediction: He’ll hit 15.

2008 Total: 7 HR. I might get this one dead on.

Alex Gordon
Prediction: Expect 20.

2008 Total: 11 HR. Right on pace.

Joey Votto
Prediction: Look for 20-25 HR.

2008 Total: 12 HR. The rookie is aiming for dead center on this projection.

High and inside

Justin Morneau
Prediction: 30-35 HR.

2008 Total: 12 HR. Need a big 2nd half if I’m going to get this one.

Carlos Beltran
Prediction: 33 HR.

2008 Total: 12 HR. I need the postseason Astros Beltran to show up.

Miguel Cabrera
Prediction: Expect 35-40 HR.

2008 Total: 11 HR. What the hell is his problem?

Chase Utley
Prediction: He’ll hit close to 30…by the All-Star Break.

2008 Total: 23 HR. Ok, so I made the last part up.

Ken Griffey Jr.
Prediction: Still a threat for 30.

2008 Total: 9 HR. The threat is fading.

B.J. Upton
Prediction: He hits 20 HR.

2008 Total: 6 HR. Rays need him if they want to remain contenders, so I still got a shot.

Dan Uggla
Prediction: Could dip from last year’s 31 HR.

2008 Total: 23 HR. He still “could”, but not likely.

Hanley Ramirez
Prediction: Look for a season of 20-25 HR.

2008 Total: 20 HR. I love Han Ram, but who knew?

Victor Martinez
Prediction: Expect about 20.

2008 Total: 0 HR. Ugh!

Jason Giambi
Prediction: I don’t like his chances for 20 HR.

2008 Total: 17 HR. Come on 2nd half slump.

Justin Upton
Prediction: Expect about 12 this year.

2008 Total: 9 HR. It seems to be a K or a HR, but he should still beat my mark.

Evan Longoria
Prediction: 15-20 HR.

2008 Total: 15 HR. All Hail Evan Almighty!

Delmon Young
Prediction: Look for an upside of 20 HR.

2008 Total: 2 HR. He’s got the skills, but something isn’t clicking