For the 96th year of the Midsummer Classic, baseball goes to Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This all-star game is timed perfectly to coincide with the United States of America’s 250th birthday. Celebrating where the nations Declaration of Independence and Constitution were both signed and ratified in the city of brotherly love. The last time the mid-summer classic was played in Philadelphia was in 1996 at the Phillies previous confines of Veterans Stadium. 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 readingRed Sox
American League East
Standard* – indicates new to team
+ – indicates injury
1. Toronto Blue Jays
They were so close to winning it all last season. Their depth in the rotation and lineup has improved, but they might miss having Bo Bichette.
2. Baltimore Orioles
It’s a make or break season for them with the young crop of hitters coming due for big paydays. Acquiring Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward puts less pressure on the rest of the bats to shoulder the load.
3. New York Yankees
When Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon return from injury the rotation will come together quickly. The lineup has a few glaring holes though.
4. Boston Red Sox
They shored up the rotation and the bullpen has a solid setup and closing options. There are questions about the lineup though and if the young bats can duplicate their success from last seasons small sample size.
5. Tampa Bay Rays
They’ll return to their home ballpark, but with the penny pinching continuing from ownership it’s going to be a tough year to out duel the rest of the division.
Player to Watch: 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – Toronto Blue Jays
Best Acquisition: P Dylan Cease – Toronto Blue Jays
New Kid on the Block: C/DH Samuel Basallo – Baltimore Orioles
Continue reading2025 MLB All-Star Teams
StandardFor 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 readingAmerican League East
Standard* – indicates new to team
+ – indicates injury
1. Baltimore Orioles
Not bringing back Corbin Burnes will sting, but this team is still good enough to make another Postseason appearance. They must find success come October though.
2. New York Yankees
Last year’s World Series defeat, the loss of Juan Soto in free agency and losing Gerritt Cole to Tommy John surgery have knocked them down a peg. Yet, these are still the Yankees and they will find a way.
3. Boston Red Sox
Getting Alex Bregman and overhauling the rotation were solid moves. A lot needs to go right, but they could be vying for a Postseason spot this season.
4. Tampa Bay Rays
They continue to turn out productive majors leaguers in their farm system. It’ll be interesting to see them play a full season at an outdoor field with it being a minor league facility owned by the New York Yankees.
5. Toronto Blue Jays
Vlad Jr. has been extended, but the depth of this organization is thin and the injuries have mounted over the last few seasons.
Player to Watch: OF Aaron Judge – New York Yankees
Best Acquisition: 3B Alex Bregman – Boston Red Sox
New Kid on the Block: 2B Kristian Campbell – Boston Red Sox
Continue reading2024 MLB All-Star Teams
StandardFor the 94th year of the Midsummer Classic, baseball goes to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The last time the mid-summer classic was played in Arlington was in 1995. 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.
AVG – Batting Average
ERA – Earned Run Average
HR – Home Runs
RBI – Runs Batted In
SV – Saves
BAA – Batting Average Against
WHIP – Walks/Hits Per Innings Pitched
K – Strikeouts
Stats are accurate as of July 13th
* – asterisk indicates starter
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