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 readingTwins
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 reading2021 MLB World Series & Awards Predictions
StandardMLB Awards
NL MVP – OF Ronald Acuna Jr. – Atlanta Braves
AL MVP – OF Mike Trout – Los Angeles Angels
NL Cy Young – Jacob deGrom – New York Mets
AL Cy Young – Tyler Glasnow – Tampa Bay Rays
NL Rookie of the Year – OF Dylan Carlson – St. Louis Cardinals
AL Rookie of the Year – OF Jarred Kelenic – Seattle Mariners
NL Manager of the Year – Mike Shildt – St. Louis Cardinals
AL Manager of the Year – Carlie Montoyo – Toronto Blue Jays Continue reading
American 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
2020 Wild Card Series Preview
StandardAmerican League Wild Card Series
1. Tampa Bay Rays vs. 8. Toronto Blue Jays
Don’t scoff at the Rays being the best team in a 60-game season. They did accomplished this feat in ways most teams can’t. Continue reading