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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2023 MLB All-Star Teams

For the 93rd year of the Midsummer Classic, baseball goes to T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington. The last time the mid-summer classic was played in Seattle was in 2001. Now every year there is always a lot of discussion and some of it a little dated about how the teams are put together. No system will ever be perfect. Fans don’t always get it right and managers won’t either, nor the commissioner’s office. The fact that the players are able to vote for participants was a great choice and they know who is deserving. Regardless of who should or shouldn’t be in the game lets just accept that the best players will always be involved one way or another. Here are my all-stars keeping with the rules that every team be represented and a total of 32 players for each league.

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2023 MLB World Series & Awards Predictions

MLB Awards

NL MVP – SS Trea Turner – Philadelphia Phillies

AL MVP – 3B Jose Ramirez – Cleveland Guardians

NL Cy Young – Corbin Burnes – Milwaukee Brewers

AL Cy Young – Shohei Ohtani – Los Angeles Angels

NL Rookie of the Year – OF Corbin Carroll – Arizona Diamondbacks

AL Rookie of the Year – P Grayson Rodriguez – Baltimore Orioles

NL Manager of the Year – Brian Snitker – Atlanta Braves

AL Manager of the Year – Terry Francona – Cleveland Guardians

Postseason Projections

NL Division Winners – Braves, Padres, Brewers

NL Wild Card Winners – Phillies, Dodgers, Cardinals

AL Division Winners – Astros, Guardians, Yankees

AL Wild Card Winners – Blue Jays, Rays, Mariners

NLCS – Padres over Phillies

ALCS – Yankees over Astros

World Series – Padres over Yankees

American League Central

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Cleveland Guardians

It starts with their pitching depth and what they can dispatch from the minor leagues. Their lineup is well balanced and Jose Ramirez is a yearly MVP candidate.

2. Minnesota Twins

The trade to acquire Pablo Lopez cost them Luis Arraez, but with them resigning Carlos Correa it isn’t that large of a loss.

3. Chicago White Sox

They are on the cusp of either being a legitimate contender or falling flat on their faces in the cellar.

4. Detroit Tigers

The only thing to watch about them this year is Miguel Cabrera who is playing in his final season.

5. Kansas City Royals

There are a few bright spots with the likes of Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino taking hold of their respective positions. Outside of that it’s another rough year.

Player to Watch: 3B Jose Ramirez – Cleveland Guardians

Best Acquisition: P Pablo Lopez – Minnesota Twins

New Kid on the Block: P Jackson Jobe – Detroit Tigers

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2022 MLB Division Series Preview

American League Division Series

1. Houston Astros vs. 5. Seattle Mariners

The strength of the Astros starts with their lineup, but they have a bevy of arms at their disposal for the rotation and bullpen. Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez and Christian Javier each struck out at least 185 batters during the season. Their bullpen has been solid at the back end with Ryan Pressly saving 33 games and having a 0.89 WHIP. Rafael Montero had 14 saves with a 2.37 ERA. Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman were the run producers for Houston with each of them driving in at least 93 on the year. Jose Altuve was his usual self getting on base consistently scoring 103 runs. If Jeremy Pena can add some extra pop or likewise deadline acquisitions Trey Mancini and Christian Vazquez, Houston will be in a good position for another ALCS appearance.

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