Major League Baseball 2015: The Locker’s First-Half MLB All-Stars

Joe Panik was inserted into the Giants starting lineup just before their World Series run in 2014. He's an All-Star in 2015, and a First-Half All-Star here as well.(Photo By: Scott Strazzante)
Joe Panik was inserted into the Giants starting lineup just before their World Series run in 2014. Now he’s an All-Star in 2015, and a First-Half All-Star here on the blog as well.(Photo By: Scott Strazzante)

First-half of the 2015 Major League Baseball season is in the books. That means it’s that time of year when debate will rage on about who made the All-Star teams and who should have made the All-Star teams.  Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2015: The Locker’s First-Half MLB All-Stars”

MLB Preview 2015: Top-5 Players Facing A Make Or Break Season In 2015

Bryce Harper (55 HR, .272 BA, .816 OPS) has put up solid numbers in his first three seasons. Unfortunately 2015 will need to be even better to buck the "Overrated" label levied by his peers.
Bryce Harper (55 HR, .272 BA, .816 OPS) has put up solid numbers in his first three seasons. Unfortunately 2015 will need to be even better to buck the “Overrated” label levied by his peers.

A make or break year for a baseball player isn’t always one that sees them going into free agency. It’s also one that changes perceptions placed on a player after a couple of inconsistent or down years. Continue reading “MLB Preview 2015: Top-5 Players Facing A Make Or Break Season In 2015”

Major League Baseball 2014: The Atlanta Braves Playoff Hopes Hinge On This Weekend’s Series Against The Washington Nationals

Jason Heyward (.271 BA, .357 OBP) has been hot of late but the Braves will need more all around
Jason Heyward (.271 BA, .357 OBP) has been hot of late but the Braves will need more from everyone all around 

The Atlanta Braves need to sweep (dream scenario) or win (ideal) this weekend’s series against the Washington Nationals if they expect to play in October. Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2014: The Atlanta Braves Playoff Hopes Hinge On This Weekend’s Series Against The Washington Nationals”

Major League Baseball 2014 Preview: National League East

Jason Heyward seems to have found his comfort zone in the leadoff spot, from which he hit .322 with 6 HR, 16 RBI's and a .403 OBP.
Jason Heyward seems to have found his comfort zone in the leadoff spot; from which he hit .322 with 6 HR, 16 RBI’s and a .403 OBP.

In the National League East things are getting tight in a hurry.

Last season, everyone (myself included) picked the Washington Nationals to run away with this division. Could you blame me? They had a bullpen, a deep lineup, a strong rotation, and the manager to lead them. They were also coming off a season in which they had already won the division, so forgive me for picking the favorites.

But boy did I struggle again this year. Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2014 Preview: National League East”

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

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”

The Locker Major League Baseball Preview 2013: National League East

Bryce Harper looks to take huge strides his second season in 2013.
Bryce Harper looks to take huge strides his second season in 2013.

Baseball’s toughest division got a whole lot more exciting as the top two teams (Nationals and Braves) made additions. While the Nationals have the better overall ball team, the Braves could be right there with them again in October. The Phillies are still in the mix, but their best shot will be for a Wild Card spot. The Mets have some work to do while the Marlins, well, need some form of a clue.  Continue reading “The Locker Major League Baseball Preview 2013: National League East”

Major League Baseball Off-Season 2012: Arizona Diamondbacks Wade Miley Should Win The Rookie Of The Year Award, Not Nationals Bryce Harper (Updated)

Recognize this guy? Wade Miley? 2012 Rookie of the Year? You will soon

Well the writers let their voices be heard regarding their choice for Rookie of the Year in the American and National League this 2012 Major League Baseball season.

In the National League they got it wrong. Continue reading “Major League Baseball Off-Season 2012: Arizona Diamondbacks Wade Miley Should Win The Rookie Of The Year Award, Not Nationals Bryce Harper (Updated)”