There have been a handful of teams that are having to take a step back at this point of the season and take a long look at themselves. Teams that believed that they would be in the hunt for first place in their respective divisions find their club in the cellar as we get closer to the quarter point of the 2015 season. It is puzzling to understand why some of these teams are where they are considering the talent that is present on their teams, but others are just underachieving. Here is a look at some of the teams that have had a slow start to 2015, despite having high hopes during spring training.
Chicago White Sox
The team from the windy city made a few big splashes in the offseason acquiring right handed starter Jeff Samardzija from the Athletics and signing free agent outfielder Melky Cabrera and closer David Robertson. After the incredible rookie season by Jose Abreu and a breakout year from Alexei Ramirez, the Sox seemed poised to make a run at the Tigers and Royals in the American league central. This however has not been the case. They find themselves at 17-17 and 5 games behind the Royals for first. It is really hard to put a finger on why the Sox are underachieving, they seem to be really inconsistent, one day their pitching will be great and the next their hitting. There is still a ton of time for this team to hit its stride and make a run, but it needs to find a balance, and after watching them play the Athletics this past weekend I think they are starting to find it. Abreu has not been the same hitter he was last season but Avisail Garcia has begun to emerge as an offensive force, batting at .336 with a .371 OBP. And if Samardzija can find a way to be more consistent with Chris Sale and Carlos Rodon, look out because here come the White Sox. I personally believe that they can be a scary team to play because of the middle of their lineup, but unless they find some consistency, that will not be a factor.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays. It seems like every year we keep saying that on paper this is a great team but on the field it is a different story, 2015 has been the same. The Jays made a huge move in the offseason acquiring Josh Donaldson from the Athletics and signing catcher Russell Martin. They did however suffer a major blow in spring training when their ace Marcus Stroman tore his ACL during pitchers fielding practice. This team has puzzled me for some time now, they have an immense amount of talent in their lineup that includes Jose Reyes, Donaldson, Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion, Martin and newcomer Devon Travis who has been hitting the cover off the baseball. Despite all these talented hitters, they just have not seem to be able to put it together. It is hard to say what exactly this team needs to do to compete in this difficult division, players just need to step up and grind through it. The Jays just finished getting swept over the weekend in a 4 game series against the Astros, losing all but one game by one run. When it all comes together this team will be putting up video game like home run numbers, but someone needs to step up and get them on the right track.
Miami Marlins
Sometimes you can have all the young talent in the world and still struggle, and the Marlins are a perfect example of a team that has all the right pieces, but none are falling into place. The fish announced the firing of their manager Mike Redmond on Sunday after almost getting no hit by the Braves. It is safe to say that they have hit the panic button on the 2015 season. This is a team that is searching for answers, and it hoping that a new voice in the clubhouse will help answer their problems. The Marlins acquired Dan Haren, Dee Gordon, Mat Latos, Martin Prado, David Phelps and signed Michael Morse and Ichiro Suzuki this offseason, giving a whole revamped look to their lineup. I just cannot understand why this team is struggling this much, although I know one reason is they have not been able to hit to their full potential. There are certain players that are holding their own in the lineup but others are nowhere to be found. Giancarlo Stanton, Dee Gordon and Adeiny Hechavarria are contributing their share of offensive, but everyone else has been either streaky or not living up to their hype. Hopefully when they get back their ace Jose Fernandez next month they can start playing at a higher level, but until then, they need to start winning ball games or else they will fall far behind the Mets and surging Nationals in their division.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Thursday, May 7, 2015
April Review
The first month of the 2015 season has come and gone and we have learned a lot already in only the first 4 weeks. There have been a couple teams and players that have caught the attention of the baseball world and seem to climbing the ladder at a quicker rate than most people expected. Teams that most people thought were still in the works of rebuilding have now shown everyone that they are for real and ready to start making a run at a title. Other teams made bold moves over the offseason to try and bolster their roster but those moves have started to backfire and a couple teams find themselves already in a deep hole. It is sill too early to make bold predictions about the playoff picture, but as an analyst it is always fun to make them and see how it all turns out in September.
Here is my first month analysis of some of the big stories that came out of the first 4 weeks of the season.
Must see teams that have grabbed everyones attention.
Houston Astros
Yes the Astros. The team that only two season ago had 111 losses have almost half the number of wins they had that season through the first 28 games. It is exciting to see that one of the teams that spends almost every year in the cellar of baseball is now playing great baseball and found a great balance of hitting and fantastic pitching to lead the charge. Led by offensive stud Jose Altuve who won the batting title last year, the first in the Astros franchise history and under the radar acquisitions of Evan Gattis, Colby Rasmus, Jed Lowrie and Jake Marisnick. The Astros just had their 10 game winning streak snapped this past week, but are still sitting atop the AL West with a 5 game cushion over the second place Angels. Their pitching has been very impressive in the early going led by ace Dallas Keuchel who is 3-0 with a 0.80 ERA (which leads the MLB) in 45 innings this season.
St. Louis Cardinals
A team that always finds themselves at the top of their division are off to a high flying start again in 2015, with the best start in their franchise history through 27 games. The Cardinals were horrified with news a few weeks ago that they would have to go the rest of the season without their ace Adam Wainwright who tore his achilles after turning his ankle running out of the batters box on a pop up. But ever since they heard that news they have not missed a beat, the rest of the rotation has picked him up tremendously and the team has opened up a 5.5 game lead in the NL Central. Offensively they are led by the usual cast of Matt Carpenter, Matt Holliday, Matt Adams and newcomer Jason Heyward who they acquired in the offseason from the Braves.
Must see players.
Joc Pederson
The pride of Palo Alto high school here is the Bay Area has been a spark for the Dodgers this season as their new everyday centerfielder to replace Matt Kemp who they traded to the Padres in the offseason. Joc is off to a tremendous start in the outfield, already helping out the Dodgers on defense, especially with Yasiel Puig being on the shelf for most of the season so far. Offensively he is hitting .272 AVG with 9 HRs 18 RBIs and 19 R in his first 27 games. The craziest statistic about Pederson has come in the past week, his last 7 hits have all been home runs. After his ridiculous season last year in minor leagues last year his success so far seems pretty sustainable, the home runs are coming at a crazy pace, but he is doing all he can to help the Dodgers. Definitely a player people should keep their eye on this season.
Nelson Cruz
Cruz has brought his boomstick to Seattle and the Mariner fans are loving so far this season. The veteran slugger has been tearing the cover off the baseball with 14 home runs in his first 28 games. To go along with a .333 AVG with 26 RBIs, 19 R, .757 SLG he has been the most potent bat in the Mariners lineup this season that is searching for some consistency this season after a dismal 11-17 start to the season with a seat in the bottom of the AL West. Regardless of how the Mariners are doing, Cruz is definitely a player to watch this season and see how many home runs he can hit.
Impact of the new rules
The new pace of play rules have been implemented this season around the MLB and a clock has been put in stadiums that gives 2 minutes and 25 seconds between each inning for pitchers to warm up between innings to keep the game moving and allow fans to stay more interested. I believe that the changes are making a little difference, as an everyday fan I have noticed that games have been moving at a lot swifter pace than usual, so it seems like the new rules are working.
Final review
It is hard to make serious predictions in April with such a long season, but as many people say, it is hard to win a division in April, but it is easy to lose one. A few teams that are going to have trouble turning this around are the Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. I am not sure that the overall plans are for these teams, they do not seem to be making serious enough moves to make them contenders.
Here is my first month analysis of some of the big stories that came out of the first 4 weeks of the season.
Must see teams that have grabbed everyones attention.
Houston Astros
Yes the Astros. The team that only two season ago had 111 losses have almost half the number of wins they had that season through the first 28 games. It is exciting to see that one of the teams that spends almost every year in the cellar of baseball is now playing great baseball and found a great balance of hitting and fantastic pitching to lead the charge. Led by offensive stud Jose Altuve who won the batting title last year, the first in the Astros franchise history and under the radar acquisitions of Evan Gattis, Colby Rasmus, Jed Lowrie and Jake Marisnick. The Astros just had their 10 game winning streak snapped this past week, but are still sitting atop the AL West with a 5 game cushion over the second place Angels. Their pitching has been very impressive in the early going led by ace Dallas Keuchel who is 3-0 with a 0.80 ERA (which leads the MLB) in 45 innings this season.
St. Louis Cardinals
A team that always finds themselves at the top of their division are off to a high flying start again in 2015, with the best start in their franchise history through 27 games. The Cardinals were horrified with news a few weeks ago that they would have to go the rest of the season without their ace Adam Wainwright who tore his achilles after turning his ankle running out of the batters box on a pop up. But ever since they heard that news they have not missed a beat, the rest of the rotation has picked him up tremendously and the team has opened up a 5.5 game lead in the NL Central. Offensively they are led by the usual cast of Matt Carpenter, Matt Holliday, Matt Adams and newcomer Jason Heyward who they acquired in the offseason from the Braves.
Must see players.
Joc Pederson
The pride of Palo Alto high school here is the Bay Area has been a spark for the Dodgers this season as their new everyday centerfielder to replace Matt Kemp who they traded to the Padres in the offseason. Joc is off to a tremendous start in the outfield, already helping out the Dodgers on defense, especially with Yasiel Puig being on the shelf for most of the season so far. Offensively he is hitting .272 AVG with 9 HRs 18 RBIs and 19 R in his first 27 games. The craziest statistic about Pederson has come in the past week, his last 7 hits have all been home runs. After his ridiculous season last year in minor leagues last year his success so far seems pretty sustainable, the home runs are coming at a crazy pace, but he is doing all he can to help the Dodgers. Definitely a player people should keep their eye on this season.
Nelson Cruz
Cruz has brought his boomstick to Seattle and the Mariner fans are loving so far this season. The veteran slugger has been tearing the cover off the baseball with 14 home runs in his first 28 games. To go along with a .333 AVG with 26 RBIs, 19 R, .757 SLG he has been the most potent bat in the Mariners lineup this season that is searching for some consistency this season after a dismal 11-17 start to the season with a seat in the bottom of the AL West. Regardless of how the Mariners are doing, Cruz is definitely a player to watch this season and see how many home runs he can hit.
Impact of the new rules
The new pace of play rules have been implemented this season around the MLB and a clock has been put in stadiums that gives 2 minutes and 25 seconds between each inning for pitchers to warm up between innings to keep the game moving and allow fans to stay more interested. I believe that the changes are making a little difference, as an everyday fan I have noticed that games have been moving at a lot swifter pace than usual, so it seems like the new rules are working.
Final review
It is hard to make serious predictions in April with such a long season, but as many people say, it is hard to win a division in April, but it is easy to lose one. A few teams that are going to have trouble turning this around are the Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. I am not sure that the overall plans are for these teams, they do not seem to be making serious enough moves to make them contenders.
Monday, April 20, 2015
Week 2 Early season surprises
Two weeks of the 2015 season have already come and gone, and quickly we can see which teams are headed in the right direction and which teams are not. There are a few teams and individuals that are doing a lot better than people have anticipated, and should get the credit they deserve.
Surprise teams so far:
New York Mets.
I have since the beginning of spring training liked the Mets rotation, Bartolo Colon, Matt Harvey, Jacob Degrom, Zack Wheeler and potentially Noah Syndergaard (one of the Mets top prospects) and the back end of their bullpen seemed pretty solid with Jenrry Mejia. But once I found out that Wheeler was getting Tommy John, Mejia got suspended for PEDs and David Wright went on the DL, that this would just end up being another injury plagued season for the Mets. They have proved me wrong. The surging team from Queens is in the mixed of an 8 game winning streak with and early 4 game lead in the division over World Series favorite the Washington Nationals. Their pitching has been lights out and their offense has been potent throughout the streak. Keep an eye on the Mets this season.
Chicago Cubs.
Now on paper this should be a good team, and we have learned in the past couple years thag being good on paper is never the same result on the field. The Cubs are started to defy that trend. They spent most of last week in first place, with the help of their well powered offense, and young talent showing what they have to offer. With call up Kris Bryant now finally in the big leagues, the Cubs are bound to keep scoring and take a lot more pressure off their pitching staff. So far they are getting great contributions from new comers Dexter Fowler and Miguel Montero. I am quite disappointed in the first 3 starts by super high paid Ace Jon Lester, who has given up 24 runs in his first 3 starts. As soon as he turns the corner, the Cubs are going to be a scary team to play.
Atlanta Braves.
Trade away all your power, let two of your more dominant pitchers go, and trade away the best closer in the game and what do you get? An 8-4 start to the season and only a game out of first in the NL East. The Braves have so far defied the logic behind all the moves that have been made this offseason by their GM, a team that most believed would being bringing up the rear of the division along with the Phillies are now shocking everyone. They are going at it with a very balanced attack of hitting and pitching, led by slugger Freddie Freeman and newcomer pitcher Shelby Miller. Freeman already has 4 home runs and 8 RBIs, with the supporting cast of Johnny Gomes and Nick Markakis helping power the Braves offense. The Braves have also thrived off the revitalization of reliever Jim Johnson and Jason Grilli who is 6 for 6 in saves this season. We will see how long the Braves are able to sustain this hot start.
Surprise Players
Alex Rodriguez.
Yes, ARod. The man who has been attacked his entire career for his use of performance enhancing drugs has returned to the baseball field after serving his suspension. He has not missed a beat. He is surprising everyone with his hot start to the season, on a team that spent a lot of money on Chase Headley in the offseason to be his replacement and be there when the Yankees believed ARod would struggle. Out of spring training he won his spot in the Yankees opening day roster and has not looked back. He is batting .316 with 4 HR, 11 RBIs, 10 R, and an OBP of .447. Definitely doing a lot better than even I expected, I thought it would be hard for him to readjust to the speed of the game after having not played for over a year.
Shelby Miller.
The forgotten part of the trade that sent slugger Jason Heyward to the Cardinals has been the Braves best pitcher so far this season, he has helped add to their rotation in a big way. He leads the Braves with a 1.69 ERA through his first 3 starts and is sporting a 2-0 record with 11 strikeouts in 16 innings. He has opponents hits a cool .211 off of him so far and is helping the Braves to their surprisingly fast start.
Joey Votto.
Welcome back Votto. The talented Reds slugger was quiet last season as he struggled in an injury plagued season. He has turned that around to start 2015. Votto has changed his batting stance and is putting more emphasis on his back leg which helps him drive and turn on pitches that he missed last year, along with that he is pulling the ball a lot more which helps him expand his power to all fields. He has also become a lot more aggressive, he was a guy that took a lot of pitches in power counts which put him behind quickly. Votto is hitting .364 with 4 HRs, 10 RBIs, and a sizzling 1.209 OPS. Sitting comfortably in the 2 spot of the Reds order, Votto looks to help keep the Reds in the hunt this season.
Surprise teams so far:
New York Mets.
I have since the beginning of spring training liked the Mets rotation, Bartolo Colon, Matt Harvey, Jacob Degrom, Zack Wheeler and potentially Noah Syndergaard (one of the Mets top prospects) and the back end of their bullpen seemed pretty solid with Jenrry Mejia. But once I found out that Wheeler was getting Tommy John, Mejia got suspended for PEDs and David Wright went on the DL, that this would just end up being another injury plagued season for the Mets. They have proved me wrong. The surging team from Queens is in the mixed of an 8 game winning streak with and early 4 game lead in the division over World Series favorite the Washington Nationals. Their pitching has been lights out and their offense has been potent throughout the streak. Keep an eye on the Mets this season.
Chicago Cubs.
Now on paper this should be a good team, and we have learned in the past couple years thag being good on paper is never the same result on the field. The Cubs are started to defy that trend. They spent most of last week in first place, with the help of their well powered offense, and young talent showing what they have to offer. With call up Kris Bryant now finally in the big leagues, the Cubs are bound to keep scoring and take a lot more pressure off their pitching staff. So far they are getting great contributions from new comers Dexter Fowler and Miguel Montero. I am quite disappointed in the first 3 starts by super high paid Ace Jon Lester, who has given up 24 runs in his first 3 starts. As soon as he turns the corner, the Cubs are going to be a scary team to play.
Atlanta Braves.
Trade away all your power, let two of your more dominant pitchers go, and trade away the best closer in the game and what do you get? An 8-4 start to the season and only a game out of first in the NL East. The Braves have so far defied the logic behind all the moves that have been made this offseason by their GM, a team that most believed would being bringing up the rear of the division along with the Phillies are now shocking everyone. They are going at it with a very balanced attack of hitting and pitching, led by slugger Freddie Freeman and newcomer pitcher Shelby Miller. Freeman already has 4 home runs and 8 RBIs, with the supporting cast of Johnny Gomes and Nick Markakis helping power the Braves offense. The Braves have also thrived off the revitalization of reliever Jim Johnson and Jason Grilli who is 6 for 6 in saves this season. We will see how long the Braves are able to sustain this hot start.
Surprise Players
Alex Rodriguez.
Yes, ARod. The man who has been attacked his entire career for his use of performance enhancing drugs has returned to the baseball field after serving his suspension. He has not missed a beat. He is surprising everyone with his hot start to the season, on a team that spent a lot of money on Chase Headley in the offseason to be his replacement and be there when the Yankees believed ARod would struggle. Out of spring training he won his spot in the Yankees opening day roster and has not looked back. He is batting .316 with 4 HR, 11 RBIs, 10 R, and an OBP of .447. Definitely doing a lot better than even I expected, I thought it would be hard for him to readjust to the speed of the game after having not played for over a year.
Shelby Miller.
The forgotten part of the trade that sent slugger Jason Heyward to the Cardinals has been the Braves best pitcher so far this season, he has helped add to their rotation in a big way. He leads the Braves with a 1.69 ERA through his first 3 starts and is sporting a 2-0 record with 11 strikeouts in 16 innings. He has opponents hits a cool .211 off of him so far and is helping the Braves to their surprisingly fast start.
Joey Votto.
Welcome back Votto. The talented Reds slugger was quiet last season as he struggled in an injury plagued season. He has turned that around to start 2015. Votto has changed his batting stance and is putting more emphasis on his back leg which helps him drive and turn on pitches that he missed last year, along with that he is pulling the ball a lot more which helps him expand his power to all fields. He has also become a lot more aggressive, he was a guy that took a lot of pitches in power counts which put him behind quickly. Votto is hitting .364 with 4 HRs, 10 RBIs, and a sizzling 1.209 OPS. Sitting comfortably in the 2 spot of the Reds order, Votto looks to help keep the Reds in the hunt this season.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Welcome to the 2015 Baseball season
Baseball is back! The moment fans have been waiting for since Pablo Sandoval caught that ball in foul territory in the 2014 World Series which helped the San Francisco Giants capture their 3rd Crown in 5 years. Now everyone has a clean slate and the trophy is up for grabs.
The preseason favorites by many people to hoist the 2015 World Series Trophy are:
Washington Nationals
Los Angeles Dodgers
Detroit Tigers
Boston Red Sox
Los Angeles Angels of Anahiem
Storylines:
San Diego Padres, with new GM A.J. Preller have made the baseball world notice that they are not afraid to make a big splash and give their fans something to cheer about. He was constantly working out new deals to acquire the best the league has to offer. His acquisitions included, Justin Upton, Matt Kemp, Derrick Norris, James Shields, Will Middlebrooks, Wil Meyers, Melvin Upton Jr, and Craig Kimbrel. This makes the Padres an immediate force in the National League West and puts them up there with the Giants and Dodgers. We will see what happens and how these players gel together as the season goes on.
Boston Red Sox, one of the most interesting teams in baseball, they finished in last place in 2012, then they came back and won the World Series in 2013. They went back to the cellar in 2014, but they have stocked up this offseason and are now back as favorites to win the World Series in 2015. Some of the key moves they made this offseason were acquiring Pablo Sandoval, Hanley Ramirez, Rick Porcello, an Wade Miley. This has made their lineup a force and their offense poised to keep their team out of the cellar in the AL East. Now we will watch and see how their pitching staff holds up as the season progresses.
Chicago Cubs, yes the Chicago Cubs are making moves and the time is now for fans of the team that has not won a World Series in over 100 years to get excited. An overhaul of prospects for the Cubs are now ready to be called up and they are ready to get the Cubs out of the basement in the NL Central. Players to watch in 2015: Jorge Soler, Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, Mike Olt, Arismendy Alcantra and Anthony Rizzo. GM Theo Epstein did not leave his team with just prospects, he was busy this offseason as he acquired Jon Lester, Jason Motte, Dexter Fowler and Miguel Montero. I personally think that this team will be improved but is not at the point where they will compete for the playoffs just yet. This young players need to grow, but they will definitely open the eyes of many and get peoples attention.
Oakland Athletics, I feel like this team could be on this list every year just because they have their GM Billy Beane. No matter what anyone says about the guy, he knows what he is doing, and I will give him credit for pulling off the gut-wrenching moves that he did while having his teams fan base screaming in his ear. It was a shipping out party for the team that held the best record in baseball for a long period of time in the season last year. Players gone: Josh Donaldson, Brandon Moss, Jeff Samardzija, Jed Lowrie, Alberto Callaspo, Jason Hammel, Jon Lester, John Jaso, Geovany Soto, Daric Barton, Nick Punto, and Johnny Gomes. With all these losses Beane worked his magic and got players that he knows has potential that nobody else believes is true. These additions are: Tyler Clippard, Kendall Graveman, Brett Lawrie, Ike Davis, Billy Butler, Mark Canha, Marcus Semien, Ben Zobrist and Cody Ross. It will be interesting to see how this season plays out for the green and gold.
Chicago Cubs, yes the Chicago Cubs are making moves and the time is now for fans of the team that has not won a World Series in over 100 years to get excited. An overhaul of prospects for the Cubs are now ready to be called up and they are ready to get the Cubs out of the basement in the NL Central. Players to watch in 2015: Jorge Soler, Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, Mike Olt, Arismendy Alcantra and Anthony Rizzo. GM Theo Epstein did not leave his team with just prospects, he was busy this offseason as he acquired Jon Lester, Jason Motte, Dexter Fowler and Miguel Montero. I personally think that this team will be improved but is not at the point where they will compete for the playoffs just yet. This young players need to grow, but they will definitely open the eyes of many and get peoples attention.
Oakland Athletics, I feel like this team could be on this list every year just because they have their GM Billy Beane. No matter what anyone says about the guy, he knows what he is doing, and I will give him credit for pulling off the gut-wrenching moves that he did while having his teams fan base screaming in his ear. It was a shipping out party for the team that held the best record in baseball for a long period of time in the season last year. Players gone: Josh Donaldson, Brandon Moss, Jeff Samardzija, Jed Lowrie, Alberto Callaspo, Jason Hammel, Jon Lester, John Jaso, Geovany Soto, Daric Barton, Nick Punto, and Johnny Gomes. With all these losses Beane worked his magic and got players that he knows has potential that nobody else believes is true. These additions are: Tyler Clippard, Kendall Graveman, Brett Lawrie, Ike Davis, Billy Butler, Mark Canha, Marcus Semien, Ben Zobrist and Cody Ross. It will be interesting to see how this season plays out for the green and gold.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Who's got the edge? 2014 Postseason breakdown
After the inspired victory by the Royals on day 1 of the postseason, knocking off Jon Lester and the A's in extras, and the Giants dominace of the Pirates, thanks to a lights out Madison Bumgarner, the stage is set for the Division series.
By way of my own personal bias, I will not breakdown the Giants vs. Nationals series because of the conflict of interest.
ALDS
DETROIT TIGERS vs. BALTIMORE ORIOLES
This is probably the most intriguing series of all, two heavyweight division winners with potent offenses and stellar pitching staffs going at it.
Starting Pitching: Detroit
Scherzer, Verlander, Price, Porcello, those 4 definitely have the battle tested resumes to give a real challenge to the Oriole Lineup. While no knock on tbe O's staff, I think the edge is with the Tigers.
Lineup: tie
While the O's may not have as big a names as Victor Martinez, Miguel Cabrera, Ian Kinsler and company, Adam Jones is a superstar in his own right and the emergence of Nelson Cruz has really made this O's lineup tough to pitch to. With good contributions from under the radar players like Detroit's J.D. Martinez, and the O's Steve Pierce, both teams are stacked top to bottom.
Bullpen: Orioles
When you got guys like Zach Britton, who emerged out of the dark as the bonified closer, Tommy Hunter, a converted starter to flamethrowing reliever and Andrew Miller, makes each game turn into a 6 inning game.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS vs LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHIEM
Speed verses power, that is the story of this series, both teams bring a totally different way of going about the game, but both have gotten the job done to get to where they are.
Starting Pitching: Angels
Since Big Game James Shields pitched in the Wild Card game, that means the Angels only have to face him once, which is huge in a best of 5 series, Weaver, Wilson, Shoemaker, solid 1-2-3.
Lineup: Angels
Star power. Period. If your lineup has Mike Trout in it, chances are it is pretty good. Pair that with Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton and the emergence of Kole Calhoun, it is tough to beat.
Bullpen: Royals
It is hard to put up better numbers than the Royals 3-headed Giant at the back end of their pen, Herrera, Davis and Holland all have sub 2 ERAs and throw absolute gas, pair that with the new lefty out of TCU Finnegan, the game gets shorter and shorter.
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS vs LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Aces wild will be the story in this one, both teams with two of the best pitchers in the game, and solid teams all around will make for an interesting 5 game series.
Starting Pitching: Dodgers
Two words, Clayton Kershaw. Having to face the leagues best pitcher twice in the same series just smells danger for the Cards. Paired with Zach Grienke make for a deadly 1-2 punch.
Lineup: Dodgers
Gordon with unreal speed helps set the table for Puig, Kemp, Ramirez, Gonzalez, Crawford, makes for a stacked lineup that will make it hard on the Cards starters.
Bullpen: tie
Both teams have a lockdown closer and good pieces surrounding them, neither is really all that special, but both do not lack any talent.
Baseball is an unpredictable game, anything can happen, and anyone can beat anyone on any given day. Perfect example, both underdogs won tbe Wild Card games.
Game 1's to keep an eye on:
In Baltimore, Max Scherzer 18-5 vs Chris Tillman 13-6
In LA, Adam Wainwright 20-9 vs Clayton Kershaw 21-3
By way of my own personal bias, I will not breakdown the Giants vs. Nationals series because of the conflict of interest.
ALDS
DETROIT TIGERS vs. BALTIMORE ORIOLES
This is probably the most intriguing series of all, two heavyweight division winners with potent offenses and stellar pitching staffs going at it.
Starting Pitching: Detroit
Scherzer, Verlander, Price, Porcello, those 4 definitely have the battle tested resumes to give a real challenge to the Oriole Lineup. While no knock on tbe O's staff, I think the edge is with the Tigers.
Lineup: tie
While the O's may not have as big a names as Victor Martinez, Miguel Cabrera, Ian Kinsler and company, Adam Jones is a superstar in his own right and the emergence of Nelson Cruz has really made this O's lineup tough to pitch to. With good contributions from under the radar players like Detroit's J.D. Martinez, and the O's Steve Pierce, both teams are stacked top to bottom.
Bullpen: Orioles
When you got guys like Zach Britton, who emerged out of the dark as the bonified closer, Tommy Hunter, a converted starter to flamethrowing reliever and Andrew Miller, makes each game turn into a 6 inning game.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS vs LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHIEM
Speed verses power, that is the story of this series, both teams bring a totally different way of going about the game, but both have gotten the job done to get to where they are.
Starting Pitching: Angels
Since Big Game James Shields pitched in the Wild Card game, that means the Angels only have to face him once, which is huge in a best of 5 series, Weaver, Wilson, Shoemaker, solid 1-2-3.
Lineup: Angels
Star power. Period. If your lineup has Mike Trout in it, chances are it is pretty good. Pair that with Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton and the emergence of Kole Calhoun, it is tough to beat.
Bullpen: Royals
It is hard to put up better numbers than the Royals 3-headed Giant at the back end of their pen, Herrera, Davis and Holland all have sub 2 ERAs and throw absolute gas, pair that with the new lefty out of TCU Finnegan, the game gets shorter and shorter.
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS vs LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Aces wild will be the story in this one, both teams with two of the best pitchers in the game, and solid teams all around will make for an interesting 5 game series.
Starting Pitching: Dodgers
Two words, Clayton Kershaw. Having to face the leagues best pitcher twice in the same series just smells danger for the Cards. Paired with Zach Grienke make for a deadly 1-2 punch.
Lineup: Dodgers
Gordon with unreal speed helps set the table for Puig, Kemp, Ramirez, Gonzalez, Crawford, makes for a stacked lineup that will make it hard on the Cards starters.
Bullpen: tie
Both teams have a lockdown closer and good pieces surrounding them, neither is really all that special, but both do not lack any talent.
Baseball is an unpredictable game, anything can happen, and anyone can beat anyone on any given day. Perfect example, both underdogs won tbe Wild Card games.
Game 1's to keep an eye on:
In Baltimore, Max Scherzer 18-5 vs Chris Tillman 13-6
In LA, Adam Wainwright 20-9 vs Clayton Kershaw 21-3
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)