American League Division Series
1. Toronto Blue Jays vs. 4. New York Yankees
Continue readingFor the 95th year of the Midsummer Classic, baseball goes to Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. The last time the mid-summer classic was played in Atlanta was in 2000. The All-Star game should have been played in Atlanta during the 2021 season, but commissioner Rob Manfred decided to score political points and moved it Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. 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 readingMLB Awards
NL MVP – DH/P Shohei Ohtani – Los Angeles Dodgers
AL MVP – SS Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals
NL Cy Young – Paul Skenes – Pittsburgh Pirates
AL Cy Young – Jacob deGrom – Texas Rangers
NL Rookie of the Year – OF Dylan Crews – Washington Nationals
AL Rookie of the Year – SS Jacob Wilson – Athletics
NL Manager of the Year – Craig Counsell – Chicago Cubs
AL Manager of the Year – A.J. Hinch – Detroit Tigers
Postseason Projections
NL Division Winners – Dodgers, Braves, Brewers
NL Wild Card Winners – Cubs, Padres, Phillies
AL Division Winners – Tigers, Rangers, Orioles
AL Wild Card Winners – Yankees, Astros, Mariners
NLCS – Dodgers over Cubs
ALCS – Rangers over Tigers
World Series – Dodgers over Rangers
* – indicates new to team
+ – indicates injury
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
What more will they add to the roster that will have Shohei Ohtani return to the mound to pitch this season?
2. San Diego Padres
They will continue to play second fiddle in the division to the Dodgers, but they will remain a force in the National League overall.
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
After just missing out on the Postseason last year, look for them to rally back with the likes of Corbin Burnes atop their rotation.
4. San Francisco Giants
Losing Blake Snell is gonna sting, but seeing him go south to the Dodgers has to feel worse.
5. Colorado Rockies
There is still potential in the Rocky Mountains. Even if that potential is to be worse than the Chicago White Sox were in 2024.
Player to Watch: DH/P Shohei Ohtani – Los Angeles Dodgers
Best Acquisition: P Corbin Burnes – Arizona Diamondbacks
New Kid on the Block: P Roki Sasaki – Los Angeles Dodgers
Continue reading* – indicates new to team
+ – indicates injury
1. Milwaukee Brewers
They have a unique lineup that is very top heavy with a solid pitching staff. Jackson Chourio is the real deal for them.
2. Chicago Cubs
This is a crucial season that will determine whether they ascend to contention or fall flat into the cellar. Having acquired Kyle Tucker and keeping him in Chicago is crucial to keep them as contenders.
3. Cincinnati Reds
Bringing in Terry Francona as the manager only means one thing; they want to win and that’s the only reason why he took the job.
4. St. Louis Cardinals
It’s going to be some uncharted territory for this franchise. It will also be interesting to see where Nolan Arenado eventually ends up.
5. Pittsburgh Pirates
Paul Skenes is the only reason to watch this team.
Player to Watch: P Paul Skenes – Pittsburgh Pirates
Best Acquisition: OF Kyle Tucker – Chicago Cubs
New Kid on the Block: P Bubba Chandler – Pittsburgh Pirates
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