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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American League East

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. New York Yankees

After a historic season from AL MVP Aaron Judge, he now wears the title of ‘captain’ and a massive extension to boot for a franchise that desperately wants another World Series title.

2. Toronto Blue Jays

The lineup got even better with the addition of Daulton Varsho, but there are still some serious question marks with their pitching depth.

3. Tampa Bay Rays

They are looked at as the little brother of this division, but they are almost always in contention and that will be the case again this year.

4. Baltimore Orioles

Being that ownership seems to still penny pinch with the best of them, this current group of ‘homegrown’ talent is coming together nicely and could push for a Wild Card spot down the stretch.

5. Boston Red Sox

It was an offseason of puzzling decisions, but extending Rafael Devers was the right move. Now what to make of them going forward in a stacked AL East?

Player to Watch: OF Aaron Judge – New York Yankees

Best Acquisition: P Carlos Rodon – New York Yankees

New Kid on the Block: P Grayson Rodriguez – Baltimore Orioles

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2022 MLB All-Star Teams

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 reading →

American League East

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Toronto Blue Jays

Their rotation is better and their lineup is deeper than it was last season. Their window to win is now.

2. Tampa Bay Rays

They made minor tweaks throughout the roster, but the core remains to contend in a tough division.

3. New York Yankees

The biggest splash they made was getting Josh Donaldson, but that might not be enough to make a long postseason push.

4. Boston Red Sox

There are too many questions in the rotation, but they will score lots of runs and stay competitive.

5. Baltimore Orioles

It’s going to be another rough year, but the prospect pool will be arriving this year.

Player to Watch: 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – Toronto Blue Jays

Best Acquisition: P Kevin Gausman – Toronto Blue Jays

New Kid on the Block: C Adley Rutschman – Baltimore Orioles

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American League East

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. New York Yankees

What becomes of the rotation going towards October will determine if they are World Series contenders.

2. Toronto Blue Jays

Their offseason moves suggest they are ready and willing to do what it takes to keep them atop the American League for many years to come.

3. Tampa Bay Rays

They are primed for having some bumps in the road this season, but don’t count out their pitching depth keeping them in contention.

4. Boston Red Sox

The penny pinching will continue this year with their ace Chris Sale still recovering from Tommy John surgery.

5. Baltimore Orioles

Get ready for the youth movement to arrive as Ryan Mountcastle and Adley Rutschman make their debuts.

Player to Watch: P Tyler Glasnow – Tampa Bay Rays

Best Acquisition: OF George Springer – Toronto Blue Jays

New Kid on the Block: P Luis Patino – Tampa Bay Rays Continue reading →