For the 92nd year of the Midsummer Classic, baseball goes to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The last time the mid-summer classic was played in LA was in 1980. 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.
Continue readingMarlins
National League East
Standard* – indicates new to team
+ – indicates injury
1. Atlanta Braves
Repeating as World Series champions is always difficult, but it will be interesting to see if they do so without Freddie Freeman.
2. New York Mets
They spent a lot of money acquiring many players, but if deGrom isn’t healthy it won’t matter in the end.
3. Philadelphia Phillies
Their lineup got a lot better and their bullpen looks much better than in years past.
4. Miami Marlins
Pitching is still a strength for them, but I’m not sure if their lineup is good enough to get past other Wild Card contenders.
5. Washington Nationals
It’s gonna be another rough year, but there is plenty of room for improvement.
Player to Watch: 1B Matt Olson – Atlanta Braves
Best Acquisition: P Max Scherzer – New York Mets
New Kid on the Block: P Edward Cabrera – Miami Marlins
Continue readingNational League East
Standard* – indicates new to team
+ – indicates injury
1. Atlanta Braves
Their depth will be tested this year, but they are the team to beat in the NL East.
2. New York Mets
With their new owner in place they are built to win now and for the near future as well.
3. Philadelphia Phillies
Bringing in Dave Dombrowski to run the front office means they won’t be penny pinching and want to win now.
4. Miami Marlins
In a full 162-game season it will be harder to clinch a Wild Card spot, but don’t be surprised if they do.
5. Washington Nationals
Last season was a disaster and while they should be better this year, the rest of the division got better.
Player to Watch: OF Ronald Acuna Jr. – Atlanta Braves
Best Acquisition: SS Francisco Lindor – New York Mets
New Kid on the Block: P Sixto Sanchez – Miami Marlins Continue reading
2020 MLB Division Series Preview
StandardAmerican League Division Series
1. Tampa Bay Rays vs. 5. New York Yankees
Just as expected the Rays pitching and some timely hitting led to their sweep of Toronto in the Wild Card series. Continue reading
2020 Wild Card Series Preview
StandardAmerican League Wild Card Series
1. Tampa Bay Rays vs. 8. Toronto Blue Jays
Don’t scoff at the Rays being the best team in a 60-game season. They did accomplished this feat in ways most teams can’t. Continue reading