Major League Baseball 2014: Five Contenders And What They Need To Fix For A Playoff Push

The Braves Tommy La Stella (.343 BA, .410 OBP in 19 games) has warranted a spot in the top third of Atlanta's lineup)
The Braves Tommy La Stella (.343 BA, .410 OBP in 19 games) has warranted a spot in the top third of Atlanta’s lineup)

We’ve passed the point of its early. You’re either a “contender” at this point or you’re not. Of course there are teams that can put together a run, but generally they have the talent on their roster to be considered a team to watch as we head into the All-Star break in the next four weeks. Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2014: Five Contenders And What They Need To Fix For A Playoff Push”

Major League Baseball Preview 2014: National League West

Madison Bumgarner (13-9, 2.77 ERA, 199 K's, 1.033 WHIP) has next level ability and will flourish in 2014
Madison Bumgarner (13-9, 2.77 ERA, 199 K’s, 1.033 WHIP) has next level ability and will flourish in 2014

Well call me crazy, but I’m thinking going against the national grain is warranted here.

The Los Angeles Dodgers were picked by 43 of 44 baseball analysts to make the postseason as the National League West champion. Count me among that minority in thinking they will get in some other way. Continue reading “Major League Baseball Preview 2014: National League West”

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

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 2013: The Week That Was (4/17/2013)

MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Diego PadresThis is a day late, but lots to get to from the week that was in major league baseball. Onward.

The Locker Major League Baseball Preview 2013: National League West

The Dodgers have provided Clayton Kershaw enough help to surpass the Giants in 2013
The Dodgers have provided Clayton Kershaw enough help to surpass the Giants in 2013

The National League West has everything a baseball fan could want. The Dodgers, Giants and Diamondbacks will make this about as fun a race to watch all season. Continue reading “The Locker Major League Baseball Preview 2013: National 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”