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”

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”

Fantasy Baseball 2013: Five Second-Half Tips To Get You Over The Hump (Or Back In The Race)

Derek Jeter could provide a boost to someones fantasy roster down the stretch
Derek Jeter could provide a boost to someones fantasy roster down the stretch

All-Star week in Major League Baseball usually means there isn’t much going on in the sports world (except the ESPY’s of course). But for some, this is the best time to set up their fantasy baseball teams for the stretch run. Continue reading “Fantasy Baseball 2013: Five Second-Half Tips To Get You Over The Hump (Or Back In The Race)”

Major League Baseball 2013: Happenings From Opening Week In The Bigs

Justin Upton is batting .423, with six home runs and an OPS of 1.641 for the Braves
Justin Upton is batting .423, with six home runs and an OPS of 1.641 for the Braves

I know it has only been a week, but how exciting is it to have baseball back? So many things happened opening week it will be hard to put it in one list. Lets give it a try, eh? (the “eh” is for all my Blue Jay fans out there) Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2013: Happenings From Opening Week In The Bigs”

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”

MLB Preview 2013: #McCutchenb4Trout Should Be The Trend For Fantasy Baseball Owners

McCutchen hit .446 in July and had an OPS of .861 in September/October
McCutchen hit .446 in July and had an OPS of .861 in September/October

It isn’t a secret that everyone who plays fantasy baseball will flock to Mike Trout this season. You have good reason to do so, not only did he put up monster numbers in 2012 but he has continued that in spring training this season (.406 BA, .525 OBP). Continue reading “MLB Preview 2013: #McCutchenb4Trout Should Be The Trend For Fantasy Baseball Owners”

Major League Baseball 2013: Why The Los Angeles Angels Were Right With Mike Trout Salary Decision

Photo Credit: ESPN
Photo Credit: ESPN

I think we can all agree that last season, the Los Angeles Angels Mike Trout put on quite a show. But disagree if you must, the Angels did nothing wrong giving Trout that second-year salary.  Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2013: Why The Los Angeles Angels Were Right With Mike Trout Salary Decision”