Baseball

National League Central

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* – indicates new to team

1. Chicago Cubs

They are easily the favorites to repeat this year and could be for many more seasons.

2. St. Louis Cardinals

While they aren’t the flashiest team, they have plenty of depth to plug up any holes.

3. Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates could be in a transitional year with rumors swirling about trading McCutchen.

4. Milwaukee Brewers

They’re still a year or two away from being potential contenders.

5. Cincinnati Reds

The rebuilding project has begun with the offseason trade of Brandon Phillips. Continue reading →

American League Central

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* – indicates new to team

1. Cleveland Indians

Having a 3-1 series lead last year, only to see it disappear will take a long time to overcome. They’re still the team to beat in the AL.

2. Kansas City Royals

This could very well be the last time they’ll be contenders with the current group of players from the 2015 World Series team.

3. Detroit Tigers

Being hamstrung by huge salary commitments have kept Detroit from making major roster moves.

4. Minnesota Twins

It wasn’t the best year for this group, but having the likes of Dozier and Buxton aren’t bad building blocks going forward.

5. Chicago White Sox

The restart button has been pushed and there will be many more moves to come. Continue reading →

National League West

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* – indicates new to team

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

They spent money to keep some key players, but others will need bounce back years if they are to be World Series contenders.

2. San Francisco Giants

Shoring up the 9th inning was a priority and they did with the Melancon signing.

3. Colorado Rockies

Their lineup is the best in the division, but their rotation still has too many question marks.

4. Arizona Diamondbacks

They could be sneaky good this year, but after a front office and managerial change that probably won’t be the case this year.

5. San Diego Padres

Once again they will be paying a heavy price for GM A.J. Preller’s over ambitious 2014 offseason. Continue reading →

American League West

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* – indicates new to team

1. Houston Astros

They are in it to win right now with the acquisitions of Beltran and McCann.

2. Texas Rangers

Their bullpen and top of the rotation give them a distinct advantage for a Wild Card spot.

3. Seattle Mariners

With the massive turnover of the roster, things will need to click right away for their playoff drought to end.

4. Los Angeles Angels

Everything i.e, health and player performance, has to go right for them to contend for a Wild Card spot.

5. Oakland Athletics

This will be another rebuilding year, but there are some interesting pieces coming from the minors very soon. Continue reading →

Spring Is In The Air

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Is it a coincidence that Spring Training starts around Valentine’s Day? While I like talking about football, basketball and hockey, I love when it’s time for baseball. The sound of the ball hitting the glove or being struck by a bat. This is my first love when it comes to sports.  Continue reading →