2022 Wild Card Series Preview

American League Wild Card Series

3. Cleveland Guardians vs. 6. Tampa Bay Rays

The one constant for the Rays the past decade has been a pitching staff that has plenty of depth and is the main reason they are Postseason participants. That is no different this year as their rotation is as strong as its ever been with Shane McClanahan as their ace. Tyler Glasnow has returned from Tommy John surgery and could be that extra spark to make a deep run. Jason Adam has been a force in the bullpen this year and with the return of Pete Fairbanks that only adds to their arsenal. Randy Arozarena had a fantastic run in September and his Postseason heroics of 2020 weren’t that long ago. Expect him to make some noise again. There needs to be more from the lineup if they want to play in the Division Series. Could that be Wander Franco with his return from injury?

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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.

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National League East

* – 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

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National League East

* – 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 →

National League East

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Atlanta Braves

They have stiff competition to repeat as division champs, but they have more elite talent at key positions than their division rivals.

2. Washington Nationals

Not having Anthony Rendon in the middle of their lineup will hurt, but their pitching staff as why they won the World Series last year.

3. New York Mets

Having the designated hitter the entire 60-game season plus the Postseason will benefit the Mets if they should make it to October.

4. Philadelphia Phillies

Their bullpen will be their downfall once again. Will they learn that lesson in the offseason?

5. Miami Marlins

The massive rebuild continues with some interesting pitching prospects starting to emerge.

Player to Watch: P Max Scherzer – Washington Nationals

Best Acquisition: OF Marcell Ozuna – Atlanta Braves

New Kid on the Block: INF Carter Kieboom – Washington Nationals Continue reading →