Author: Adam Cubbage

Sportswriter. Host of the Because of Sports Podcast.

Major League Baseball Preview: American League Central

Posted on by Adam Cubbage
Chris Sale (11-14, 3.07 ERA, 226 K’s, 1.073 WHIP) is leading the youth movement on the Southside of Chicago

In the American League Central one thing is clear: you’re only as good as the sum of your parts, and the Detroit Tigers are as good as anyone in baseball. Their lineup features the best hitter in baseball (Miguel Cabrera), the last two American League Cy Young award winners (Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer), and the last three American League MVP award winners (Justin Verlander (2011), Cabrera (2012 and 2013). They traded for Ian Kinsler, get Victor Martinez for another full season, and their bullpen now features Joe Nathan who has 80 saves in 86 opportunities (93%) the last two years. They are the only team in this division who boast those kinds of parts all around. 

Continue reading “Major League Baseball Preview: American League Central” →

Major League Baseball 2014: American League West Preview

Posted on by Adam Cubbage

Sonny Gray will look to lead the A's to a third consecutive AL West Crown (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images North America)Sonny Gray looks to lead the A’s to a third consecutive AL West Crown (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images North America)

The last couple seasons when I’ve kicked off these previews the American League West seemed all but won. In 2012 they had the best staff, best lineup, and best front-office heading into that season. The Oakland A’s proved that incorrect on the last day of that season by thumping the Rangers 12-5. Last season the Angels looked like the favorites heading into the season when they brought Josh Hamilton over from the Rangers to form an impossible lineup trio of Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, and Hamilton. Well, the A’s spoiled those plans as well winning a second consecutive AL West crown.

Yet here I am in 2014 about to prove I haven’t learned my lesson.

Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2014: American League West Preview” →

Major League Baseball 2014: New York Mets In The Midst Of An Impressive Rebuild

Posted on by Adam Cubbage
David Wright thinks the Mets can win 90 games in 2014
David Wright thinks the Mets can win 90 games in 2014. Sandy Alderson’s moves have put them closer. 

I am going to admit this early so you don’t accuse me of forgetting: I’ve been a regular at the “Everyone Dump On The Mets” table for some time now. Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2014: New York Mets In The Midst Of An Impressive Rebuild” →

Major League Baseball 2014: Medlen, Beachy Injuries Not Enough To Write Off Atlanta Braves

Posted on by Adam Cubbage
Kris Medlen (15-12, 3.11 ERA in 2013) could be facing his second Tommy John Surgery in four years
Kris Medlen (15-12, 3.11 ERA in 2013) could be facing his second Tommy John Surgery in four years

Pack it up, folks. The 2014 Atlanta Braves are finished, done, nothing to see here.

That is, of course, if you believe Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2014: Medlen, Beachy Injuries Not Enough To Write Off Atlanta Braves” →

Major League Baseball 2014: These Pitchers Are Poised For A Breakout In 2014

Posted on by Adam Cubbage
Andrew Cashner (1.131 WHIP, 3.09 ERA) is an Ace in every sense of the word
Andrew Cashner (1.131 WHIP, 3.09 ERA) is an Ace in every sense of the word

Over the next few weeks I’ll be putting out quite a few lists before my divisional breakdowns and team reports. 

The definition of a “breakout performance” can vary from person-to-person but the general idea is always the same: that player who takes the next step from potential star to household name. Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2014: These Pitchers Are Poised For A Breakout In 2014” →

Major League Baseball Preview 2014: Washington Nationals’ Bryce Harper Key To 2014 Resurgence

Posted on by Adam Cubbage
If the Nationals have any shot in '14, Bryce Harper needs to play 145 or more games
If the Nationals have any shot in ’14, they will need Bryce Harper to play 145 or more games

For all the talk of Bryce Harper as he rose through the ranks of the games elite one narrative hasn’t been spoken enough.

Bryce Harper: irreplaceable.  Continue reading “Major League Baseball Preview 2014: Washington Nationals’ Bryce Harper Key To 2014 Resurgence” →

Major League Baseball 2014 Preview: Five Players Poised To Bounce Back

Posted on by Adam Cubbage
Corey Hart (microfracture surgery in '13) attempts a bounce back with the Mariners
Corey Hart (microfracture surgery in ’13) attempts a bounce back with the Seattle Mariners

With quite a few teams fortunes tied to players coming off of injury I felt it important to highlight a few I felt were primed for the biggest bounce back seasons in 2014. Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2014 Preview: Five Players Poised To Bounce Back” →

Major League Baseball 2014: 5 Early Spring Training Storylines To Keep An Eye On

Posted on by Adam Cubbage
Is Nick Swisher ready to lead the Indians to a Playoff encore in 2014?
Is Nick Swisher ready to lead the Indians to a Playoff encore in 2014?

To say this is my favorite time would be an understatement.

I’m not talking about the approaching March Madness or the incessant NFL draft conversation (although I’ll be weighing in on that later this Spring), I’m talking about the most glorious words any snow-covered East coast dweller can hear: Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2014: 5 Early Spring Training Storylines To Keep An Eye On” →

Richard Sherman Isn’t A Bad Person, Nor Did He Say A Bad Thing

Posted on by Adam Cubbage
richard-sherman-michael-crabtree
(Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

I’m going to get this off my chest because enough has been said about Richard Sherman that now I’m bothered. Lets cover some facts: Continue reading “Richard Sherman Isn’t A Bad Person, Nor Did He Say A Bad Thing” →

Sibling Rivalry: First Annual Bowl Pick’em Challenge Among Siblings

Posted on by Adam Cubbage
Brother and sister disagree on the winner between FSU and Auburn (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Brother and sister disagree on the winner between FSU and Auburn (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

***I want to apologize for getting this out a little late. My sister had her picks in on time and I, per usual, couldn’t get my act together.***

Happy holidays from The Locker! I decided to challenge my sister this bowl season to a bowl pick’em. As was well publicized on her site The Lady Sportswriter  Continue reading “Sibling Rivalry: First Annual Bowl Pick’em Challenge Among Siblings” →