American League Central

* – 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

* – 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

For 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 →

American League Central

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Cleveland Indians

Their rotation is among the best in all of baseball. That should give them a spot atop the division.

2. Minnesota Twins

Among the most active teams in the offseason, their acquisitions should have them back in contention.

3. Chicago White Sox

While they missed out on a big free agent acquisition, they have some solid pieces in place for the future.

4. Detroit Tigers

They still have some bloated contracts they need to get away from, but the future is beginning to take shape.

5. Kansas City Royals

They won’t be anywhere near contention because of their pitching staff, but their lineup should not be underestimated.

Player to Watch: SS Francisco Lindor – Cleveland Indians

Best Acquisition: DH Nelson Cruz – Minnesota Twins

New Kid on the Block: OF Eloy Jimenez – Chicago White Sox Continue reading →

2018 MLB All-Star Teams

For the 88th year of the Midsummer Classic, baseball turns its sights to Nationals Park in Washington D.C. This will be the first MLB All-Star game played at Nationals Park and the first in the nation’s capital since 1969 at RFK Stadium, the home of the then Washington Senators. 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. 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 13

* – asterisk indicates starter Continue reading →