American League Wild Card Series
3. Houston Astros vs. 6. Detroit Tigers
Continue readingFor 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
Continue reading* – indicates new to team
+ – indicates injury
1. Minnesota Twins
They are the clear cut best team with their overall roster construction in the division. If Royce Lewis and Byron Buxton stay healthy for a full season, look out.
2. Cleveland Guardians
They continue to doll out solid starting pitchers and their bullpen is among the best in baseball. Their lineup outside of Jose Ramirez has a lot of holes in it.
3. Detroit Tigers
They are poised to make a gigantic leap this season. The additions they made in the rotation could be the reason they make that leap in a weak division.
4. Kansas City Royals
A lot of moves were made that on the surface should result in them competing for a top spot in the Central. Yet, outside of Bobby Witt Jr. and Cole Ragans, we’ll have to wait and see what their teammates do before putting them any higher than fourth.
5. Chicago White Sox
It’s going to be a painful rebuild with a few more players likely to be dealt at some point this season.
Player to Watch: SS Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals
Best Acquisition: P Kenta Maeda – Detroit Tigers
New Kid on the Block: SS Colson Montgomery – Chicago White Sox
Continue readingFor 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.
Continue reading* – indicates new to team
+ – indicates injury
1. Cleveland Guardians
It starts with their pitching depth and what they can dispatch from the minor leagues. Their lineup is well balanced and Jose Ramirez is a yearly MVP candidate.
2. Minnesota Twins
The trade to acquire Pablo Lopez cost them Luis Arraez, but with them resigning Carlos Correa it isn’t that large of a loss.
3. Chicago White Sox
They are on the cusp of either being a legitimate contender or falling flat on their faces in the cellar.
4. Detroit Tigers
The only thing to watch about them this year is Miguel Cabrera who is playing in his final season.
5. Kansas City Royals
There are a few bright spots with the likes of Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino taking hold of their respective positions. Outside of that it’s another rough year.
Player to Watch: 3B Jose Ramirez – Cleveland Guardians
Best Acquisition: P Pablo Lopez – Minnesota Twins
New Kid on the Block: P Jackson Jobe – Detroit Tigers
Continue reading