It’s April 27th and the Florida-Joe-Robbie-Stadium-Miami Marlins sit at an underwhelming 7-11. For those of you keeping track of the National League East standings that would be the record of a last place team.
I’ll give you this moment to scream “its early” before I continue. Feel better? Continue reading “Are The Marlins Underachieving, Or Did We Fall Victim To The Hype Machine?”
Week three power rankings see the Rangers on top for the second consecutive week. Braves and Nationals are rising fast after solid weeks.
Week one of my weekly power rankings. After the first week we see some teams (Rays, Cardinals and Tigers) are better than even we could advertise. While others (Yankees, Braves and Red Sox) need to get it together quickly. I’ll have to try and figure out when the last time those three franchises were swept the first three games of the season at the same time. I’m also fully prepared for the backlash from Orioles fans. Continue reading “MLB 2012: Week One Power Rankings”
In the National League, I don’t think the phrase “Senior Circuit” is as applicable as it once was.
Sure, there are no designated hitters, stadiums are generally larger and more accommodating to pitchers, the double-switch is as common as a Wrigley Field seventh inning stretch sung to “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” and yes the league does have Jamie Moyer.
Jokes aside, even with the exodus of Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder to the American League, the talent is as young and hungry as ever. Continue reading “MLB 2012 Predictions: National League Landscape Shaped By Young Talent”
“It’s just throwing and catching and hitting and running. What’s simpler then that?” -Paul Richards, Baltimore Orioles Manager (1955-1961)
In the Beltway (Washington D.C./Baltimore etc.) area, baseball means lot more than people may realize.
The capital didn’t get a baseball team because of a hunch by the league when the Expos were searching for a new home. They got a team because someone recognized the untapped potential of that market. A market left dormant, since 1997 by a franchise that once epitomized how things were done in baseball. Continue reading “MLB 2012 Preview: Baltimore Orioles Searching For An Identity”
Lets be honest, everyone wants Tim Lincecum on their team. No one who plays fantasy baseball is immune to not wanting one of Philadelphia’s “big three” of Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay, or Cliff Lee.
Reality check: there are only so many of those guys before you realize you’re gonna need a plan “B, C, D and E.” Continue reading “MLB Fantasy Baseball 2012: Three Sleeper Starters Who Bring Value After The “Aces””
In 2011 the National League East truly began to show us something. Continue reading “MLB 2012 Season Preview: National League East Division Race A Test Of Endurance, Player Development”
Every year a player takes that “leap to super stardom” with a performance that was neither expected or even explained. Some make that leap and stay there as Brian McCann did back in 2006. McCann was a “tweener” prospect at best when he was coming up with the Atlanta Braves; good enough bat to stick, but nothing spectacular. Now a six-time All-Star and five-time silver slugger winner, McCann is arguably the best offensive catcher in the game. Then there are others who, for one reason or another, never quite figure it out after that career year (Geovany Soto ring a bell?).
These players can sink a fantasy roster because you put your eggs in their basket and expect them to duplicate those numbers. Continue reading “MLB Fantasy Baseball 2012: Top Four 2011 Breakout Players To Avoid In 2012”
The 2012 Atlanta Braves are a talented bunch, but in order for them to adequately shake off last years dismal finish they need to start playing better this spring. Continue reading “MLB Spring Training 2012: Atlanta Braves Need To Get In Gear To Shake Off 2011 Finish”