I can’t believe it’s already June 1st.
While this date might seem unimportant to some, it’s very important when it comes to those of us tracking Major League Baseball’s marathon known as the regular season.
Why? Well for a few reasons: Continue reading “MLB 2015: 5 Observations On The 2015 Major League Baseball Season (Through 6/1/2015)”
What a second-half it is shaping up to be.
I saw the other day a statistic that said for the first time in Major League Baseball’s history four divisions are separated by no more than a game and a half. Four! So where does that put things for those contenders who are, not only fighting to avoid the Wild Card play-in game, but fighting for the opportunity to be in that playoff conversation? Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2014: The Division Races and Other Second-Half Predictions Pt. 2”
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”
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)”
In 1999 the Atlanta Braves had a budding superstar in Chipper Jones. That season he hit 45 home runs with 110 RBI’s, and a .319 batting average on his way to the National League most valuable player award and a National League pennant. Continue reading “2013 Major League Baseball All-Star Game Selection Snubs, Oddities, And Thoughts”
Last season the Detroit Tigers took the division and this season I don’t see much difference. Although, I do see a surprise team that (if all the chips fall correctly) could make a run at a Wild Card spot and possibly the division. Continue reading “The Locker Major League Baseball Preview 2013: American League Central”
As far as the hot stove season in baseball goes, the first few days in December are when things really get going.
Now for those of you who didn’t understand anything I said in the first line welcome to baseball “nerd jargon” 101. For those who know exactly what I’m talking about you’re looking for a tidbit, a nugget, a gem, or a something indicating what your favorite team will and will not do. Continue reading “Major League Baseball Offseason 2012: Next Weeks Winter Meetings Should Lay Groundwork For Free Agent Market, Produce Trades”
It’s been a rough go for Minnesota the last year and a half.
The reason for their offensive can be attributed to the absence of their two highest paid All-Star caliber players. Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau put all that misery aside with their performances on Thursday. If only for one day, Twins fans could dream big in the Central again. Continue reading “Major League Baseball Notes 4/12/2012: Mauer and Morneau Show Twins Fans What They Hope To See All Season In Win Over Los Angeles Angels”
In the American League, things aren’t always what they seem.
Last season, the Boston Red Sox spent over a quarter of a billion dollars reloading their lineup for what they thought was a World Series run. Many (this writer included) picked them to win their division, their league, and the World Series.
Like most who made this knee-jerk reaction, many still brought up the fact that their pitching wasn’t as dominant past Jon Lester as it could have been, and while no one could have predicted their epic meltdown, many saw their pitching as something to be concerned about and proved prophetic. Continue reading “MLB 2012 Predictions: American League Division Races Will Come Down To Pitching”