National League East

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Atlanta Braves

There aren’t many weaknesses on this team. They just need to find success in October where it counts.

2. Philadelphia Phillies

Even if they don’t out-duel Atlanta for the division title, they’ve had their number in October the last two years now.

3. Miami Marlins

They have a lot of injuries in their rotation. That could knock them down a peg or two in the standings.

4. New York Mets

After last seasons fire sale, it will be interesting to see how this season plays out with Pete Alonso a pending free agent.

5. Washington Nationals

There is a lot to like about what are they building with the bats they have accumulated. It’s still going to take time for the pitching to catch up.

Player to Watch: 1B Bryce Harper – Philadelphia Phillies

Best Acquisition: P Chris Sale – Atlanta Braves

New Kid on the Block: OF James Wood – Washington Nationals

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American League West

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Houston Astros

They still have a stacked lineup, a solid rotation and a strong bullpen got even better with the addition of Josh Hader as their closer.

2. Texas Rangers

As the defending champions, they proved last year that they were the best team and still have the resources to keep this going should the need arise again to go all-in for another title.

3. Seattle Mariners

With the best rotation in the division, they have a leg up on the rest. The lineup though cannot get off to a sluggish start like they did last year if they want a Postseason berth.

4. Los Angeles Angels

For their sake they are lucky to be playing in the same division as the Oakland Athletics. They would finish dead last in every other division in baseball.

5. Oakland Athletics

Folks care more about where this franchise will play than what has become of the city of Oakland.

Player to Watch: OF Mike Trout – Los Angeles Angels

Best Acquisition: P Josh Hader – Houston Astros

New Kid on the Block: OF Wyatt Langford – Texas Rangers

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American League Central

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Minnesota Twins

They are the clear cut best team with their overall roster construction in the division. If Royce Lewis and Byron Buxton stay healthy for a full season, look out.

2. Cleveland Guardians

They continue to doll out solid starting pitchers and their bullpen is among the best in baseball. Their lineup outside of Jose Ramirez has a lot of holes in it.

3. Detroit Tigers

They are poised to make a gigantic leap this season. The additions they made in the rotation could be the reason they make that leap in a weak division.

4. Kansas City Royals

A lot of moves were made that on the surface should result in them competing for a top spot in the Central. Yet, outside of Bobby Witt Jr. and Cole Ragans, we’ll have to wait and see what their teammates do before putting them any higher than fourth.

5. Chicago White Sox

It’s going to be a painful rebuild with a few more players likely to be dealt at some point this season.

Player to Watch: SS Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals

Best Acquisition: P Kenta Maeda – Detroit Tigers

New Kid on the Block: SS Colson Montgomery – Chicago White Sox

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American League East

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Baltimore Orioles

The acquisition of Corbin Burnes is a gigantic step for this franchise to show that they won’t be going away anytime soon.

2. Toronto Blue Jays

Their rotation is the best in the division and they’ll need bounce back seasons from Vlad Jr. and Bo Bichette.

3. Tampa Bay Rays

It’s possible they will still be in contention for another Postseason berth, but with the amount of injuries in their rotation that could be their downfall.

4. New York Yankees

If Gerrit Cole didn’t have arm issues, they would be higher up in the standings. Trading away Michael King in order to get Juan Soto doesn’t look like the right call.

5. Boston Red Sox

There’s a new leader in the front office in Craig Breslow. Time will tell if there is a clear direction for this franchise and how much patience ownership or the fanbase for that matter will have.

Player to Watch: P Kevin Gausman – Toronto Blue Jays

Best Acquisition: P Corbin Burnes – Baltimore Orioles

New Kid on the Block: INF Jackson Holliday – Baltimore Orioles

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Recap of Super Bowl LVIII

To Be The Best, You Have To Beat The Best

A lot of attention is being given to the games MVP in QB Patrick Mahomes. He threw for 333 yards and two touchdown passes, including the game winner in overtime to WR Mecole Hardman who was brought back mid-season after being released from the New York Jets. Mahomes also ran for 66 yards and the Chiefs had more rushing yards than the 49ers (130-110). However, this game was won by the Chiefs defense.

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