Major League Baseball 2014: Clayton Kershaw Is Your 2014 National League MVP And Other Second-Half Predictions Pt.1

(Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America)
Clayton Kershaw (11-2, 1.92 ERA) has been one of the most dominant players at any position in baseball in 2014 (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America)

I know what month it is, but I don’t care.

I’m not going to bore you with names like Jonathan Lucroy or Giancarlos Stanton. I’m also not going to debate with you about Troy Tulowitzki because, quite frankly, there isn’t an argument as far as I’m concerned. Anyone who has paid attention to the 2014 Major League Baseball season knows where the National League’s Most Valuable Player resides; and it also happens to be where the best pitcher in baseball resides.  Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2014: Clayton Kershaw Is Your 2014 National League MVP And Other Second-Half Predictions Pt.1”

Major League Baseball 2014: American League West Preview

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”

Locker Talk Episode 27! NBA Playoffs and Baseball Chatter

The New York Mets Matt Harvey is "must see television" in 2013. Is he a franchise cornerstone?
The New York Mets Matt Harvey is “must see television” in 2013. Is he a franchise cornerstone?

Co-host Baden Bagley and I talk about the Pacers/Heat series and what to expect for game five in Miami. We also talk the top pitchers in major league baseball and which teams are the top three teams in major league baseball.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lockertalk/2013/05/29/locker-talk

The Locker Major League Baseball Preview 2013: American League West

Mike Trout, spectacular in 2012, is looked to for an equally as good 2013 for the Angels
Mike Trout, spectacular in 2012, is looked to for an equally as good 2013 for the Angels

The American League West has a shot to have three teams within the division in the playoffs. How far any of them go is a matter of pitching and leadership. Continue reading “The Locker Major League Baseball Preview 2013: American League West”

Seattle Mariners Deal With Felix Hernandez Will Set Off Major Free Agent Movement For Young Pitchers

Felix Hernandez will, presumably, be a Seattle Mariner until 2021
Felix Hernandez will, presumably, be a Seattle Mariner until 2021

**Update (9:36 p.m., 2/7/2013): Reports have the agreement between Felix Hernandez and the Seattle Mariners as a five-year extension (beginning in 2015) worth $135.5 million dollars ($27.1 million dollars annually will make him the highest annually paid pitcher in baseball history)**

For the sake of the article lets assume that Jack Zduriencik, general manager of the Seattle Mariners, is a smart man.

While I personally do not understand what he is doing with this franchise, lets all assume that the reported seven-year, $175 million dollar deal they have with Felix Hernandez was necessary for them as a team and that it will be good for them in the long run. Continue reading “Seattle Mariners Deal With Felix Hernandez Will Set Off Major Free Agent Movement For Young Pitchers”