Let me start by saying I am 100% in favor of getting rid of the rule that each team has to have a representative. Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2014: No Bigger All-Star Snub Than Sonny Gray In 2014”
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”
I grew up watching pitching clinics on the mound in, both, old Atlanta Fulton-County Stadium and Turner Field. Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz were the standard bearers when it came to Cy Young level performances.
But when Tony Gwynn came to town, it was all about the art of hitting. Continue reading ““Mr. Padre”: A Look Back At Tony Gwynn’s Incredible Career And Legacy”
Every now and then I get into this phase where I need to take a step back from writing/podcasting about sports to enjoy it again. It has been a while since I wrote on this blog but it really is for the betterment of the content (at least that is what I tell myself). My apologies for the break, but I am back now and I’ve got beef with a team and a concept. Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2014: My Beef With The Boston Red Sox and Baseball’s Unwritten Rules”
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”
In the National League Central the way of life still sees the St. Louis Cardinals as the cream of the crop.
In 2013, however, the Pirates made it known they would like to join the conversation. With a rotation that might be the best in the business and professional hitters up and down their lineup the Cardinals look ready to make another World Series run. The Pirates, who finally broke through after 20-consecutive losing seasons, have a good thing going in Pittsburgh with a good mix of youth and veteran leadership. Continue reading “Major League Baseball Preview 2014: National League Central”
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”
In the American League East anything can happen.
Last season the Boston Red Sox put a dreadful 2012 behind them and rode their top ranked offense (and their bearded camaraderie) to the World Series title. With so many issues entering the season last year you would have been hard pressed to find anyone who (here included) picked them to make the playoffs let alone win their division, league, and the World Series. The team will be hard pressed to replicate that success in 2014 and I will explain why. Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2014 Preview: American League East”
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.Â
Continue reading “Major League Baseball Preview: American League Central”
I am going to admit this early so you don’t accuse me of forgetting: I’ve been a regular at the “Everyone Dump On The Mets” table for some time now. Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2014: New York Mets In The Midst Of An Impressive Rebuild”