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 readingTigers
American League Central
Standard* – indicates new to team
+ – indicates injury
1. Chicago White Sox
The division is theirs for the taking, but can they get to the ALCS and beyond?
2. Detroit Tigers
The prospects are arriving and the pitching staff is beginning to take shape. It’ll be an interesting team to watch.
3. Minnesota Twins
They had an interesting offseason in that they could be a contender for a Wild Card spot, but that remains to be seen.
4. Cleveland Guardians
With a new nickname now comes the same old question of who will be the next big name player to be dealt?
5. Kansas City Royals
They are in a weird transition where they brought back Zack Greinke, but are expecting big things from their prospects as well.
Player to Watch: OF Byron Buxton – Minnesota Twins
Best Acquisition: SS Carlos Correa – Minnesota Twins
New Kid on the Block: SS/3B Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals
Continue readingAmerican League Central
Standard* – indicates new to team
+ – indicates injury
1. Chicago White Sox
Hiring Tony LaRussa to be the manager means they want and expect to be playing well into October.
2. Minnesota Twins
They are expected to be in the Postseason once again, but will they actually win a series?
3. Kansas City Royals
This is a perfect time for them to sneak under the radar and become a thorn in opponents sides this season.
4. Cleveland Indians
The restart button has been pressed again with the trade of Francisco Lindor.
5. Detroit Tigers
Look for more growing pains, but their new manager A.J. Hinch has been through it before in Houston.
Player to Watch: 1B Jose Abreu – Chicago White Sox
Best Acquisition: P Liam Hendriks – Chicago White Sox
New Kid on the Block: OF Alex Kirilloff – Minnesota Twins Continue reading
American League Central
Standard* – indicates new to team
+ – indicates injury
1. Minnesota Twins
A high powered lineup with a slightly better pitching staff should keep them in the conversation.
2. Chicago White Sox
They’ve put together an interesting blend of top tier talent with veterans that bring a winning attitude.
3. Cleveland Indians
The window is closing fast and would they be tempted to trade Lindor in a 60-game season?
4. Kansas City Royals
With a new owner at the helm they will begin a methodical rebuild, but look to remain competitive with Mike Matheny in the dugout.
5. Detroit Tigers
It will be another painful year and it could be worse with only 60 games to play.
Player to Watch: SS Francisco Lindor – Cleveland Indians
Best Acquisition: 3B Josh Donaldson – Minnesota Twins
New Kid on the Block: OF Luis Robert – Chicago White Sox Continue reading
2019 MLB All-Star Teams
StandardFor the 90th year of the Midsummer Classic, baseball turns its sights to Progressive Field (formerly Jacobs Field or “The Jake”) in Cleveland, Ohio. The last time the mid-summer classic was played in Cleveland was in 1997. 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 5
* – asterisk indicates starter Continue reading