#NL West champs 2019

[sametrashpile]

If I didn’t already love the Dodgers with my whole heart, the fact that Dave Roberts insisted they get Max Muncy and Alex Verdugo on Facetime before they started celebrating clinching the NL West title would have done it.

[thinkazul]

Beyond crazy

[jedinate]

7TH HEAVEN!

2019 NL WEST CHAMPS

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

[beersfromthebleachers]

2019 Regular Season Predictions

Opening Day is right around the corner, and Spring Training this year has been dramatically inclined with another crazy free agency in baseball. The off season has been a restless one as teams statistically get their rosters primed for the season. I feel that this is an acceptable time to make the bold preseason predictions for the 2019 season. For each division, I will name the potential champion and how they will fair in the post season, going all the way to see who will be raising the World Series trophy this fall.

AL East – New York Yankees

If there is one general “rule of thumb” that has been a pattern of a routine is the fact that the World Series Champion nurses the “hangover” and does not repeat going back to back as world champs. As the Red Sox became champions at the end of the season, the Yankees watched from afar , enraged that they saw an early exit in the ALDS. So what do you do when your rivals become champions? You go out and get bigger and badder pieces for the “Baby Bombers, Murderers Row 3.0, Evil Empire” Yankees. Adding pieces DJ LeMahieu and Troy Tulowitzki were big splashes the team was looking to contribute towards the recording breaking team that accumulated 265 team home runs. Trading for James Paxton to replace Sonny Gray was a tremendous upgrade. Expect this team to do more than enough damage to teams as they did last year and then some.

1st - NY Yankees

2nd - Boston Red Sox

3rd – Tampa Bay Rays

4th – Toronto Blue Jays

5th – Baltimore Orioles

AL Central – Cleveland Indians

What has been an unanimous agreement from baseball writers new and old across the country is considering the situation that the status of the American League Central has become the least entertaining division in baseball. The Indians attempted to break that tension by sending off Edwin Encarnacion to the Seattle Mariners that involved a trade to welcome back Carlos Santana to Progressive Field. The trade also included reeving Jake Bauers from the Tampa Bay Rays, who is a promising first baseman that will slide Santana in a mandatory designated hitter role. The trades may not stop for the Indians there, with the lingering chances of Corey Kluber, who has been going back and forth with the team since last season. Key departures also included Michael Brantley and Andrew Miller, but even without those pieces, they have a strong chance of repeating as division champions for the fourth year in a row.

1st - Cleveland Indians

2nd - Minnesota Twins

3rd – Chicago White Sox

4th – Kansas City Royals

5th – Detroit Tigers

AL West – Houston Astros

The season after bringing the first franchise World Series to the city of Houston, the Astros lost in the American League Pennant Championship Series to the Red Sox, who would go on and win the World Series. The Astros came close to become the first team to go back-to-back as champions since the Yankees did it nearly two decades ago. The downfall of staying competitive this offseason was losing three of their starting pitchers in their rotation with Dallas Keuchel, Charlie Morton, and Lance McCullers Jr. (not released, but is out for the year due to injury). Wade Miley signed to a one-year deal as a replacement and the club looks to promote pitching prospects from the farm system, like Forrest Whitley or Josh James. The competition of the West is getting closer to the Astros, they will definitely be giving a run for their money trying to return to the playoffs again.

1st - Houston Astros

2nd - Oakland Athletics

3rd – Los Angeles Angels

4th – Seattle Mariners

5th - Texas Rangers

NL East – Washington Nationals

Losing Bryce Harper to a division rival should hurt your team potentially, but in the wake of Harper testing free agency was the Washington Nationals’ gain in the end. Rookie outbreak star Juan Soto displayed a wonderful performance in his first call up year, and a promotion of Victor Robles will have everyone saying, “Who’s Bryce Harper?” once he makes the roster at the major league level. The Nats also won free agency with the best pitching asset on the free agent market by signing Patrick Corbin after a career year to a long-term contract.The addition of Brian Dozier to second base after the lingering issues of Daniel Murphy last season patches a hole in the middle of the infield and a better on base career hitter. A loaded, talented National League East makes the division more than entertaining and competitive. Was losing Bryce Harper the ultimate sacrifice for a team to be successful in the playoffs? Only time will tell.

1st- Washington Nationals

2nd- Philadelphia Phillies

3rd – Atlanta Braves

4th – New York Mets

5th – Miami Marlins

NL Central – Chicago Cubs

Say what you want about all the key acquisitions in the National League Central, the Chicago Cubs still have the best rotation in their division…that is when they’re healthy. After Losing Game 163 and an early exit from the playoffs in the Wild Card game, the Cubs licked their wounds in order to get healthy over the off season. The Cubs made no big splashes during winter and are starting to lift some eyebrows across the league and more importantly, with their division rivals who have loaded up on talent on each team. Javier Baez had a breakout performance year that gave him merits for almost the league MVP, but fell short to Christian Yelich. Baez’s supreme batting power will be great additions to Anthony Rizzo and a healthy Kris Bryant. The lingering problems for the Cubs come with an ailing bullpen, but with young players that are still under rookie-sized contracts, expect a mid-season move for the Cubbies to gain a solid closer who will have a stellar year.

1st- Chicago Cubs

2nd- St. Louis Cardinals

3rd – Milwaukee Brewers

4th – Cincinnati Reds

5th – Pittsburgh Pirates

NL West - Los Angeles Dodgers

Coming up short two straight years in row at the peak of competition always leaves a bad taste in your mouth, especially if you are trying to end a title drought for your franchise. The Dodgers are on the brink of facing the greatest competition yet in their division as they watched Manny Machado sign for division rivals, the San Diego Padres. With the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks displaying a great deal of farm talent, the Dodgers followed suit with displaying the flamethrower that is Walker Buehler; who displayed an ERA of 2.95 and a record of 9-5 in a promotional year. With a full season ahead of him, Julio Urias, and veteran Clayton Kershaw will lead the duties of the starting rotation. A returning Corey Seager after a season ending injury will also be a huge x-factor alongside the young bats of Max Muncy, Chris Taylor, and Cody Bellinger. The Dodgers have the right pieces moving forward, but they must hold their ground if they want to finally end their title drought.

1st- Los Angeles Dodgers

2nd- Colorado Rockies

3rd – San Diego Padres

4th – Arizona Diamondbacks

5th – San Francisco Giant

[fassanda]

Ghamte’s Eindejaarslijstje

Naam: Ghamte Schmidt

Leeftijd: Pushing 30

Beroep: concierge @ Bureau Punt

Beste gerecht in 2019 (waar, wat, wie?): Alhoewel ik weer voor me moeders rijst met kip kan gaan die onverslagen blijft. Switch ik het toch op dit jaar en ga ik voor de lamsrack bij Icanto die ik binnen 5 minuten heb binnengewerkt ter ere van mijn fantastische vrouw en het beste wezen op aarde haar verjari.

Meest memorabel moment van euforie onder invloed in 2019?: Stopped drinking 6 januari 2017 en still going strong. Het bruine goedje (no heroine) blijkt toch wat lastiger. Dus toen ik enigszins hoog in de wolken de rij van een uitverkochte United Identities clubavond tijdens ADE aanschouwde voelde ik wel een scheut van geluk en trots op wat we samen met Bureau Punt en Carista hebben neergezet.

Meest aangename verrassing in 2019?: Halve finale Champions League Ajax. Bureau Punt organisatie gezonder dan ooit met een fantastisch team en roster.

Ik heb voor het eerst ....... In 2019?: Gereisd en gefietst in het buitenland. Love and the marriage.

Beste reis(spot) in 2019?: Niet veel weggeweest helaas. Kan het me niet veroorloven. Maar de kortstondige vakantie met de vrouw in Valencia was top en Londen stelt ook nooit teleur.

Beste collabo(s) in 2019?: https://www.patta.nl/blogs/news/patta-x-coloured-goodies-baby-doll

https://www.bonkers-shop.com/pop-trading-company-miffy-capsule-collection/

Beste aankoop in 2019?: Lush Dream Cream die me eindelijk de overwinning in de jarenlang battle met batjauw heeft opgeleverd.

Meest hinderlijke social mediapersonality in 2019?: Thierry Baudet, Mark Rutte (doesn’t care about black people), Jandino, Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Taylor Swift, Jesyulz  verder heb ik mijn tijd op Instagram zoveel mogelijk proberen te beperken dit jaar en is dit een combinatie van figuren waar ik flarden van mee heb gekregen d.m.v screenshots op het beste social media platform Twitter.

Top social mediapersonality in 2019?: Uwe Baltner, Bokoesam, Texas Schiffmacher, Larry, Dennis Rodman, Tim, Dublanqebogarde, Rotjoch, Amy Becker, Vjezla

Beste televisie/YouTube programma uit 2019?: Ik kijk nooit televise eigenlijk alleen Studio Voetbal waar de wisseling van de wacht van presentatoren goed heeft uitgepakt. Op YouTube: Knuckleheadz podcast, Inside the NBA, Hotboxin, On the rebound, the exposer: exposing of spac nation, Tiny Desk, Drink Champs

Beste influencercampagne uit 2019?: Bestaat niet.

Domste influencercampagne uit 2019?: Waarom heb ik deze vraag erin gezet?

Domste Vice artikel uit 2019?: Telt het katernieuws? En anders alle semi cynische interviews die nooit de diepte en interessante kanten van de artiest belicht.

Beste klantenservice in 2019?: De gemeente

Nepste klantenservice in 2019?: PostNL

Beste podcast uit 2019?: Hotboxin, Knuckleheads, Joe Rogan, Drink Champs, De Machine, Bakkie Bakkie

Beste meme uit 2019?: Ik vond die kat met die schreeuwende witte meid leuk en do you want attention or space en het antwoord was yes.

Beste Instagram(profiel, post) uit 2019?: Dennis Rodman (leaving.instagram.soon). House of Highlights. Klaas. Nts. Bokoesam

Gemiste kans in 2019?: Doen we niet meer aan, het is niet gebeurd voor een redden en zal ooit wel of niet manifesteren in een andere vorm. #wholesomgham

Beste artikel in 2019?: https://www.thefader.com/2018/12/04/pierre-bourne-the-life-of-pierre-magnolia-interview

Beste expositie in 2019?:  Gunther Forg in het Stedelijk vond ik heel erg tof.

Grootse deceptie in 2019?: 95e minuut in de Johan Cruyf Arena.

Het meest hoopvolle in 2019?: Sandor Dayala, Bao G en Dencho A$M. Er zijn nog hele toffee Hip Hop DJ’s in Nederland godzijdank.

Persoonlijke overwinning in 2019?: Still stopped drinking, meer focus dan ooit en mijn communicatie is met stappen vooruit gegaan.

Gezelligste feestje in 2019?:  In Tottenham met Amy Becker Urban Ears. Het was grimey vol met goons doch zeer gemoedelijk. En de jerk chicken met rice and beans én een beef patty geven ook wellicht de doorslaggevende factor.

Gezelligste festival in 2019?: Appelsap het was als vanouds lachen gieren brullen.

Beste #hashtag?: #kozp handsdown. #youknowthevibes #ajax

Nepste #hashtag?: #zwartepietmoetblijven

Beste concert in 2019?: Nu Guena op het Lentekabinet blew my mind, eindelijk weer een band die de muziek op plaat naar een hoger niveau tilden in het echt. Crazy.

Tofste clips uit 2019?:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfy8G7EfG8g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_weF3CN5I8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8R7fmLYgi4

Honorable mention voor Houten Pak alhoewel dat 2018 oktober was, belangrijk project wat gehighlight dient te worden.

Meest belabberde clip(s) in 2019?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leJNDpm_G10 wat een pokoe en dan zo af doen. Jesus fucking christ. Travis Scott moet ver uit de buurt blijven van regisseren en creative direction.

Beste film(s) uit 2019?: Irishman, Avengers 4, Once Upon a time in Hollywood, Lorro, The Dallas Buyers Club (uit 2015 maar dit jaar gezien dus dat telt bij deze).

Beste documentaire uit 2019?: Devils Pie, Registratie van Aretha Franklin concert, Quincy Jones Documentaire

Beste boek uit 2019?: Sapiens, How economics work, Edda, Logboek van een slavenhaler, A Fire Burning

Muzikale hoogtepunten uit 2019?: Bea1991, Blood Orange, Meetsysteem, Yung Gods, Lil Keed, Young Thug Album,  Griselda !!!!!!!! (met name Westside Gunn), Nu Gunea, Headie One, Young Dolph en Key Glock, Giggs album, Toro Y moi beide projecten, nieuwe Frank Ocean, Bokoeyonce, $keer&Boo$, Brunzyn, zwangere guy, TMB, Young Nudy, Weezy (producer), Brent Faiyaz, Solange, Radical Hifi, Burna Boy, Freddie Gibbs, Skepta – bullet from a gun. Cho 93 album erg dope ook dat hij de para in 50 min heeft uitverkocht. Gerechtigheid. Hef album was echt heel goed weer. Kevin album. HT en zijn independent rise en middelvinger naar de industrie. Zalig en prachtig. Dave album. Eycee EP Slowthai album. Pierre Bourne TLOP 4. Rick Ross POM 2, Headie One - Music x Road, Marvin Gaye - You're the Man, Giggs - Big Bad

Muzikale dieptepunten uit 2019?: Skepta album had ik meer van verwacht. De balans in Nederlandse hip hop is er weer even uit en dat is spijtig, maar gaat wel goed komen. De live optredens waren af en toe weer zeer droevig. Een van de redenen dat ik niet naar Woo Hah ben gegaan om niet te gefrustreerd te raken. Het hokjesdenken in Nederlands muzieklandschap is erger dan ooit en het uitbreken moeilijker dan ever MAAR WE BLIJVEN STRIJDEN!

Beste mixtape uit 2019 (artiest, dj, radioshow)?: Young Dolph & Key Glock – Dumb en Dumber, Eycee – Redlightradioshow #3, Sekan @ UI NTS, Sandor – Searching for love in all the wrong places, Blood Orange – laatste project, Westside Gunn – Hitler wears hermes 7, System Olympia 29 september @ NTS radio. Carista liveset @ Dekmantel.

Nepste bitch in 2019?: Mark Rutte, Thierry Baudet, en zijdienietgenoemdmagworden

Beste bitch in 2019?: Me vrouw noem ik geen bitch dus die is het niet. Dan gaan we toch voor die ene addlib die Sheck Wes er bij zijn kaolo neppe optreden wist uit te persen. En de mensen die mijn camera hebben teruggebracht op Lagi Konre. Helaas is hij toch zoek geraakt door een vreselijk chagrijnig en ongeduldige Duitse taxichauffeur die ermee is vertrokken. Maar thanks anyway. Lifesavers.

Doelstellingen voor 2020?: Deze positieve lijn doortrekken, alle schulden aflossen, meer transparantie en betere communicatie. Nog meer liefde verspreiden. En de culturele waarden in NL versterken en door Europa verspreiden middels onze Bureau Punt evenementen.

Uitkijken voor ....... in 2020?: Mensen die zwarte piet verdedigen, snakes en the fakes, Hollandse complacentness. Het hele Bureau Punt roster. Zainab. Witte heroine. Ricky Staggs. Lord Apex. Dencho A$M. Jezelf en je naasten. Want je kan jezelf soms lelijk verrassen en pas op dat je er niet in blijft hangen en je jezelf op tijd checkt, inclusief je naaste omgeving.

[viraljournalist]

Power Rankings -- Who starred for each team in 2019

New Post has been published on https://viraljournalist.com/power-rankings-who-starred-for-each-team-in-2019/

Power Rankings -- Who starred for each team in 2019

Heading into the last week of the season, the division races are almost all won, leaving the wild-card races to provide a bit of drama. You’ll find some of that same balance between certainty and anticipation in this week’s rankings. The voters unanimously selected the newly crowned American League West champion Astros our unanimous No. 1 over the challenges from the Dodgers and Yankees. They also rewarded the teams doing the best job of securing their wild-card bids, with the A’s cracking the top five and the Brewers climbing up to No. 11.

For Week 25, our panel of voters was Bradford Doolittle, Christina Kahrl, Eric Karabell, Tim Kurkjian and David Schoenfield.

Houston Astros 2019 record: 102-54 Week 24 ranking: 1

While another World Series title would be nice, several awards should be coming Houston’s way this fall. Right-hander Justin Verlander figures to earn his second Cy Young Award (he won with Detroit in 2011), likely holding off teammate Gerrit Cole. Meanwhile, rookie outfielder Yordan Alvarez boasts an OPS better than 1.000 and could end up knocking in a run per game. Sure, Alvarez has played barely half a big league season, but the numbers are ridiculous. Carlos Correa won top AL rookie honors in 2015, but he did not have numbers like these. — Eric Karabell

ICYMI: A superteam showdown? A historic rematch? The World Series matchups we want to see

Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 record: 100-56 Week 24 ranking: 2

Cody Bellinger is not only the Dodgers’ MVP for 2019, but probably the favorite to win the National League MVP, as well. Clayton Kershaw won MVP honors in 2014, but the last Dodgers position player to win was Kirk Gibson in 1988. With 8.6 bWAR entering Sunday, Bellinger has recorded just the 11th 8-WAR season by a position player in Dodgers history and the highest since Adrian Beltre’s 9.6 in 2004. The others: Mike Piazza, Willie Davis, Duke Snider (three times), Jackie Robinson (three times) and Dan Brouthers. — David Schoenfield

ICYMI: How the Dodgers are better built for October than everyone else

New York Yankees 2019 record: 102-55 Week 24 ranking: 3

Yankees fans like to spin DJ LeMahieu as an overall AL MVP candidate. He has been an amazing story, but he isn’t on the level of Mike Trout or Alex Bregman. However, LeMahieu clearly is the team MVP with 6.0 WAR, plus some bonus points for his ability to play all over the field. LeMahieu leads the team in runs and RBIs and still has a shot at the AL batting crown. I guess he can hit outside of Coors Field.– Schoenfield

ICYMI: Severino’s sizzling return shakes up October picture

Atlanta Braves 2019 record: 96-61 Week 24 ranking: 4

Ronald Acuna Jr. and Freddie Freeman are potential top-five finishers in the NL MVP vote — but they only rank third and fifth on the team in bWAR: Josh Donaldson 5.9, Mike Soroka 5.6, Acuna 5.5, Ozzie Albies 4.8, Freeman 4.6. Who do you have? I give the slightest of nods to Acuna. That power/speed combo at the top of the lineup sets the tone, plus he has started in center, left and right, with very good defensive metrics. — Schoenfield

ICYMI:

Who was Braves’ best addition to earn NL East repeat?

Oakland Athletics 2019 record: 94-62 Week 24 ranking: 6

With 32 home runs and 120 runs scored, shortstop Marcus Semien clearly is having a season for the ages from the leadoff slot for the A’s. But his 7.9 WAR also ranks 19th among MLB shortstops since 1947, and just three shortstops have delivered that kind of season in the past 20 years — Hall of Famer Derek Jeter, Hall-worthy Alex Rodriguez and peer Francisco Lindor just last season. — Christina Kahrl

ICYMI: How the A’s rebuilt a winner without tanking

Minnesota Twins 2019 record: 96-60 Week 24 ranking: 5

Shortstop Jorge Polanco will not lead the Twins in home runs or RBIs, but he is the clear club leader in wins above replacement and makes the strongest case for Twins MVP. Yes, five Twins have surpassed 30 home runs, but Polanco is by far the leader in hits and total bases. A year ago, Polanco served an 80-game PED suspension, and while he hit in the second half, few viewed him as a potential star. Prospect Nick Gordon figured to displace Polanco at some point. Few are talking about that now. Good for Polanco, a rock for the likely AL Central champs in the No. 2 lineup spot and at shortstop. — Karabell

Tampa Bay Rays 2019 record: 92-64 Week 24 ranking: 7

The Rays might or might not reach the playoffs, but they’ve already topped 90 wins. They have one position player (Willy Adames) with a chance to play in 150 games and just one pitcher anywhere close to qualifying for the ERA title. That pitcher, Charlie Morton, has been the one Rays starter who has simply been there for the team all season. He is going to end up with 33 starts and over 190 innings, with a 143 ERA+. The Rays might have been able to piece together his innings total had Morton thrown, say, 100 IP. But thanks to him, they didn’t have to, and his performance would have been tough to replicate even with Tampa Bay’s hive approach to roster building. — Bradford Doolittle

ICYMI: What do the Rays have to do to make the playoffs?

St. Louis Cardinals 2019 record: 89-67 Week 24 ranking: 8

Four critical victories in Chicago during the weekend have the Cardinals on the verge of clinching the NL Central title, having already earned at least a wild-card spot. It has been a total team effort of late, with numerous Cardinals players standing out. But one in particular has been veteran right-hander Adam Wainwright: He has won four consecutive starts to begin September, with an 0.33 ERA in those games. — Tristan H. Cockcroft

ICYMI:

Cards close in on postseason return at Cubs’ expense

Cleveland Indians 2019 record: 92-64 Week 24 ranking: 10

Projection systems such as ZiPS of FanGraphs’ Dan Szymborski picked Shane Bieber as a big breakout player in 2019. But seeing that on the page is one thing; watching it unfold over six months of baseball is another. Bieber has posted a league-best walk rate, he leads the majors in complete games and shutouts, his 10.9 K/9 rates in MLB’s top 10 — and we would not be talking about the Indians’ shot at winning an AL wild card if not for his stepping up during the same season that saw Cleveland lose former Cy Young winner Corey Kluber to injury. — Kahrl

ICYMI: Inside the Indians’ season-long domination of the Tigers

Washington Nationals 2019 record: 85-69 Week 24 ranking: 9

Anthony Rendon has earned himself a massive payout this winter as a free agent with a season that could win him NL MVP honors. He finished fifth in 2014 and sixth in 2017, but he will go higher this year. He is right up there with Cody Bellinger and Christian Yelich as the top three favorites. And with Yelich missing the final two-plus weeks and Bellinger fading a bit down the stretch, Rendon could steals honors after hitting .351 in the second half with 58 RBIs in 65 games. — Schoenfield

ICYMI: Scherzer no lock to start wild-card game for Nats

Milwaukee Brewers 2019 record: 86-70 Week 24 ranking: 13

The question isn’t whether Christian Yelich is the most valuable player in Milwaukee, it’s whether he is once again the NL MVP — and that question remains open. However, that Yelich is head and shoulders above his teammates only underscores how special it is that the Brewers have rolled on even after his season was ended by a broken kneecap. Milwaukee had won 10 of 12 since Yelich last played on Sept. 10, and his replacement, rookie Trent Grisham, has filled in effectively. — Doolittle

ICYMI: Yelich talks about his injury

Chicago Cubs 2019 record: 82-74 Week 24 ranking: 11

The MVP of the Cubs’ season is a little difficult to suss out. Kris Bryant is probably the best player. Javier Baez remains the most dynamic and has a huge impact defensively. But I’ll go with Anthony Rizzo as the best combination of all the above. On a team that has been less than the sum of its parts for two seasons in a row, Rizzo has flourished situationally, with a big edge on Bryant and, especially, Baez in win probably added. On the intangible front, his early return from a badly sprained ankle for this weekend’s huge series against St. Louis was Willis Reed stuff. Rizzo is the heart and soul of the Cubs. — Doolittle

ICYMI: Even Rizzo’s magic can’t save these Cubs

Boston Red Sox 2019 record: 81-74 Week 24 ranking: 12

For any grief outgoing Red Sox baseball ops honcho Dave Dombrowski has and will receive, he figures to be able to point to the six-year, $120 million extension he gave to Xander Bogaerts as a big positive. Boston’s World Series defense was a dud, but don’t blame Bogaerts. He delivered the goods after signing his big deal this past offseason, establishing career highs in virtually every offensive category, playing improved defense and looking like a foundation piece for a Red Sox team that potentially faces significant change in the near future. — Steve Richards

ICYMI:

Why nobody might want to be Boston’s GM

New York Mets 2019 record: 81-74 Week 24 ranking: 14

Rookie Pete Alonso and versatile stalwart Jeff McNeil have definitely been the most valuable Mets hitters this season, but give credit to outfielder Michael Conforto for reaching 30 home runs for the first time. Conforto might never graduate to top-10 status among major league outfielders, but there is a statistical baseline for reliable power, a strong walk rate and competent defense. And at 26 years old, he can still improve. Better results versus left-handed pitching would be nice, and he is not really a center fielder, but Conforto has become a reliable, if occasionally overlooked, performer. — Karabell

ICYMI:

Law on how McNeil surpassed preseason expectations

Arizona Diamondbacks 2019 record: 80-76 Week 24 ranking: 15

Ketel Marte won’t win the NL MVP, but he is just outside the inner circle of contenders in one of the most surprising breakout seasons of 2019. Heck, he even had an All-Star team named after him. Placing sixth in baseball in WAR among position players, as well as seventh in slugging and OPS, plus having the versatility to play center field, second base and even a little shortstop, will do that for you. — Richards

ICYMI: Back injury ends Marte’s season

Philadelphia Phillies 2019 record: 79-75 Week 24 ranking: 16

The Phillies will look to lock up catcher J.T. Realmuto to a long-term contract this offseason. Realmuto sailed past career bests in home runs and runs batted in, and his excellent work throwing out potential base stealers should result in his first Gold Glove recognition. Myriad Phillies are to blame for the disappointing season — from the rotation to the injured bullpen to the inconsistent offense — and, clearly, management gets no pass. But Realmuto, acquired from the Marlins in February, has been awesome. — Karabell

ICYMI: Are Phillies MLB’s biggest disappointment of 2019?

Cincinnati Reds 2019 record: 72-83 Week 24 ranking: 18

Eugenio Suarez continued to build on his historic season despite the Reds’ elimination last week. Suarez hit home run No. 48 on Wednesday, moving him within four of George Foster’s 42-year-old franchise record, and he now has batted .358/.442/.806 with nine homers in 19 games in September. He has been one of the team’s better stories in an otherwise forgettable year. — Cockcroft

ICYMI:

Castillo, Suarez rank among Law’s biggest surprises of 2019

Texas Rangers 2019 record: 75-81 Week 24 ranking: 17

As flawed as WAR might be in judging pitchers, if one of your guys leads baseball in that category for virtually the whole season, it’s hard to argue he isn’t your MVP. That applies to the Rangers’ Mike Minor, who just in the past week or so was passed by Justin Verlander but still ranks second among MLB pitchers with a 7.5 WAR. Of course, Minor’s teammate Lance Lynn is just behind Minor with 6.7 WAR, fourth in baseball, and also is fourth in FanGraphs WAR at 6.0, while Minor is 19th in fWAR (4.0). So take your pick. — Richards

San Francisco Giants 2019 record: 75-81 Week 24 ranking: 19

Let’s accentuate the positive here and celebrate Madison Bumgarner getting back over 30 starts and 200 innings pitched for the first time since 2016, following two fluke injury-shortened seasons. With MadBum heading toward free agency, it was a great bounce-back campaign from one of the defining stars of the decade. Of course, it also inspired the Giants to keep him at the trade deadline as they briefly flirted with contention, which didn’t turn out quite as well. — Kahrl

ICYMI: Mike Yaz — HR in Fenway ‘super special’

Los Angeles Angels 2019 record: 70-86 Week 24 ranking: 21

Infielder David Fletcher is likely to end up the second-most valuable Angels player by WAR, which is something few expected back in March. Fletcher, in his second big league season, has played more than 35 games at three different infield positions — and also has aided in the outfield — and he easily will lead the club in hits. No, Fletcher is not much of a power hitter, but contact options remain important to a lineup, especially when they can handle most every position. Who knows what happens in 2020 or whether Fletcher secures a starting role, but for 2019 give the 25-year-old much credit. — Karabell

San Diego Padres 2019 record: 70-86 Week 24 ranking: 20

The firing of manager Andy Green on Saturday creates an attractive opening for the team’s next prospective skipper, coming off a season in which rookies Chris Paddack and Fernando Tatis Jr. should pick up votes in the Rookie of the Year race and the team has had a strong core consisting of Manny Machado, Eric Hosmer and Kirby Yates. But the beneath-the-radar story of the Padres’ second half has been Dinelson Lamet, who has a 3.20 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 45 innings in eight starts since Aug. 1. — Cockcroft

ICYMI:

Why was Pads manager Andy Green fired?

Chicago White Sox 2019 record: 68-87 Week 24 ranking: 24

The ChiSox’s 2019 MVP, Lucas Giolito, may not have more to contribute this season now that he’s shelved for the remainder of the season, but his emergence as a top-tier starter is a cornerstone development for a team emerging from a rebuild. Giolito has improved in every facet. His strikeouts are up by more than five per nine innings. His walks per nine have dropped from 4.7 to 2.9. And when everyone is hitting home runs, Giolito has given up fewer long balls than a season ago. He has been consistent and durable, traits increasingly rare among starting pitchers. The White Sox hope that a year or two from now we’ll see Giolito as just one of their aces, but for the time being at least they have one. — Doolittle

ICYMI: Sox shut Giolito down with lat strain

Toronto Blue Jays 2019 record: 63-93 Week 24 ranking: 26

Yes, he leads the Blue Jays in batting average (.276) and OPS (.789), but he is just seventh on the team with 15 home runs and his WAR logs in at 0.0. Still, the numbers matter not — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the slam dunk MVP of the Jays for invigorating baseball in Toronto (and beyond) and providing great hope for years of excitement and electricity to come. — Richards

ICYMI: Biggios now second father-son duo to hit for cycles

Seattle Mariners 2019 record: 66-90 Week 24 ranking: 25

No team has ever employed more players in one season than the 67 that have shuffled through Seattle in 2019. What, you don’t remember Zac Rosscup, Parker Markel, David Freitas or Nick Rumbelow? Backup catcher Tom Murphy leads position players in WAR, which says everything you want to know about this team. But I’ll give team MVP honors to Marco Gonzales, who has won 16 games with a 4.09 ERA, even more impressive considering Seattle’s defense has been among the worst in the majors. — Schoenfield

Colorado Rockies 2019 record: 67-89 Week 24 ranking: 23

The Rockies continue to audition youngsters for potential 2020 roles this September, and one of their bright spots this month has been utility man Garrett Hampson. The 24-year-old rookie has made starts at second base, shortstop and center field; and he has batted .357/.410/.589 with three home runs and has seven stolen bases this month. — Cockcroft

Pittsburgh Pirates 2019 record: 65-91 Week 24 ranking: 22

With all due respect to Josh Bell, Adam Frazier and Bryan Reynolds, Starling Marte’s performance seems to drive the Pirates’ performance unlike any other player. He has been sidelined for the past 13 days with a wrist issue, during which time the Pirates are 2-9. In fact, accounting for any of Marte’s absences this season, the Pirates are just 4-20 when he has been unavailable to play. — Cockcroft

Kansas City Royals 2019 record: 57-100 Week 24 ranking: 27

You’d like to see a team MVP be a little more well-rounded than Jorge Soler, but in absence of an obvious pick, his record-setting home run spree is enough to get the nod. Soler already has obliterated Mike Moustakas’ single-season franchise mark for homers, and with Mike Trout out for the remainder of the season, Soler’s next dinger will make him the Royals’ first home run champion. He still defends like the designated hitter he ought to be, but Soler’s power display has given Royals fans something to follow during a rebuilding season. — Doolittle

Miami Marlins 2019 record: 54-101 Week 24 ranking: 28

A fractured finger ended his season a month ago, but it reflects just how shallow a talent pool the Fish swim in that Brian Anderson still is the easy choice for most valuable Marlin. A defensive asset at third base and out in right field, like most non-Marlins he also had a breakout season at the plate, setting career highs in extra-base hits despite playing in 30 fewer games than in 2018. — Kahrl

Baltimore Orioles 2019 record: 51-105 Week 24 ranking: 29

For a team on pace for just 53 wins, the Orioles have a few reasonable choices for an MVP. Trey Mancini has an .889 OPS, 36 doubles, 34 home runs, 101 runs and 93 RBIs. Jonathan Villar has 3.9 WAR and 38 stolen bases. And Hanser Alberto has 3.1 WAR and a .310 batting average. But our co-MVPs are Chris Davis and Henry Frasca. Huh? Davis, with a .176/.268/.315 slash line and just 11 home runs to offset 134 whiffs? And who is Henry Frasca? He is a 9-year-old fan from Massachusetts who wrote a letter of encouragement to Davis during his record 0-for-54 stretch in April. Davis was so moved, he kept the letter with him throughout the season and spent the afternoon with Henry on a return trip to Fenway Park in August. After watching this video, we suspect you’ll endorse our pick. — Richards

Detroit Tigers 2019 record: 46-109 Week 24 ranking: 30

A rough second half took a lot of the shine off Matthew Boyd’s big campaign, but his first-half 3.87 ERA turned heads and his full-season 11.6 K/9, good for sixth in the majors, should keep them turned. And sure, while pitcher wins don’t mean much, you try flirting with a .500 season (he is 9-11) while pitching for a team due to lose more than 110 games and featuring MLB’s worst offense. — Kahrl

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[roxyjane]

We are Champs!! @Dodgers #Dodgers clinch #1 2019 NL West Division Champions!!! Yesss!!! Sasss!!! (at Los Angeles Dodgers) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2QTuJ6AkThQWMZilQBQCHffS1K8SwhHUty_AU0/?igshid=1kyu2flwxssy2

[itsfinancethings]

October 31, 2019 at 12:41AM

(HOUSTON) — Almost out of contention in May, champs in October.

Howie Kendrick, Anthony Rendon and the Washington Nationals completed their amazing comeback journey — fittingly with one last late rally on the road.

In Game 7 of the World Series, no less.

Kendrick and Rendon homered in the seventh inning as the Nationals overcame a two-run deficit, rocking the Houston Astros 6-2 Wednesday night to win the first title in franchise history.

With all eyes on Max Scherzer and his remarkable recovery after a painkilling injection, these Nationals truly embraced their shot in the first Series when the road team won every game.

Even more against the odds: Juan Soto and Washington rallied from behind to win five elimination games this postseason, an unprecedented feat.

“What a story,” said Ryan Zimmerman, the Nationals’ first draft pick back in 2005.

“I hope D.C.’s ready for us to come home!”

World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg, new lefty Patrick Corbin and the Nats brought the first World Series championship to the nation’s capital since ol’ Walter Johnson delivered the crown for the Senators in 1924.

This franchise started out as the Montreal Expos in 1969 when the major leagues expanded beyond the border, putting a team with tricolor caps at jaunty Jarry Park. They moved to D.C. in 2005, ending Washington’s three-decade-plus wait for big league baseball after the Senators left town to become the Texas Rangers.

But the incredible path these wild-card Nationals with the curly W logo took, well, no one could have imagined.

“Resilient, relentless bunch of guys,” manager Dave Martinez said. “They fought all year long.”

Having lost star slugger Bryce Harper to free agency and beset by bullpen woes, Washington plummeted to 19-31 in late May. It got so bad there was talk around town the Nationals might fire Martinez and trade away Scherzer.

Instead, they stuck with the mantra that sprung up on T-shirts — Stay In The Fight.

“That was out motto,” Scherzer said.

And months later they finished it, indeed.

“Guess what? We stayed in the fight. We won the fight!” Martinez shouted during the trophy celebration on the field.

“We were down and out. We were 19-31. We didn’t quit then, we weren’t going to quit now,” he said.

For the 43,326 revved-up fans at Minute Maid Park, it was a combination of shock and disappointment. So close to seeing the Astros win their second crown in three years, they watched their chance suddenly vanish as Houston fell apart.

Washington kept pulling away after taking the lead, with Adam Eaton’s two-run single in the ninth accounting for the final margin.

Zack Greinke was in complete control until Rendon — a Houston prep and college star — hit a home run that cut Houston’s lead to 2-1.

When Soto followed with a one-out walk, manager AJ Hinch decided to make a move. He’d had ace starter Gerrit Cole warming up in the bullpen earlier, but this call was for Will Harris.

Kendrick connected on the second pitch, slicing a drive that hit the screen attached to the right field foul pole. Just like that, everything had changed for the team in orange that led the majors in wins, and the ballpark fell silent.

For Kendrick, another timely blow. At 36, playing on the oldest team in the majors, the journeyman earned the MVP award for the NL Championship Series against St. Louis after hitting the winning grand slam in the 10th inning of the deciding Game 5 of the Division Series at Dodger Stadium.

Then again, this was nothing new for the Nationals.

Washington rallied in the eighth to beat Milwaukee in the wild-card game and took the last two to beat Los Angeles in the NLDS, setting up a sweep of the Cardinals in the NLCS.

Far away, a big crowd poured into Nationals Park for a watch party. That was the stadium where Houston hammered the Nats for three games last weekend, but their luck changed in Texas.

This World Series had lacked a lot of drama, aside from a volatile call of interference in Washington’s Game 6 win that stoked heated debate across the sports world. Who knew rule 5.09(a)(11) could stir such passion?

With Greinke and Scherzer grunting on every pitch, Game 7 was a classic duel from the start.

Yuli Gurriel put the Astros ahead with a home run in the second and Carlos Correa added an RBI single off Scherzer that made it 2-0 in the fifth.

Scherzer was done after the fifth, but he had done his job to keep it close. Only a few days earlier, the three-time Cy Young Award winner had been unable to lift his right arm because of nerve irritation near his neck.

Daniel Hudson closed it out for the Nationals, who made Houston pay for stranding so many runners on base all game. Hudson struck out Michael Brantley for the last out, then threw his glove to start the celebration.

For the Astros, who brought baseball into the Space Age with their far-out Astrodome and AstroTurf, and helped zoom the game into the galaxy of the Analytics Era, it was a startling end.

Houston shares a spring training complex in Florida with the Nationals and reported to camp in February full of high hopes.

The Astros breezed to the AL West title, edged Tampa Bay in a five-game ALDS and topped the Yankees in the ALCS. They played through front-office fiasco, which led to the firing of an executive for a boorish rant at female reporters during a clubhouse celebration.

UP NEXT

The Astros and Nationals start training side-by-side in a few months and open exhibition play with a World Series rematch on Feb. 22 at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. They met in their Grapefruit League opener this year and Scherzer gave up a home run to the first batter of the game.

[stepchain46-blog]

You won't want to miss this Cubs series

It is not too early -- it is never too early -- to start combing through the 2019 MLB schedule. We are, after all, exactly two months, today, away from the start of the season. It is so close now.

So, today we're going to help you out with your travel schedule. We're going to look at the spotlight series for each team this year, the one you won't want to miss. The one parameter: Each individual series can only be picked once, even though there are two teams playing in it. All games on a 162-game schedule are equal. But these are more equal than others.

American League East

Blue Jays: vs. Yankees, June 4-6 Can you believe Rogers Centre -- originally known as SkyDome -- is 30 years old? It's true, the first game at the venue was on June 5, 1989, with the Brewers (then in the AL East) beating the Blue Jays, 5-3. What was once the future of ballparks is now the seventh-oldest stadium in the sport. Here's a chance to appreciate it.

Orioles: vs. Yankees, April 4-7 It's going to be a long year in Baltimore, but one thing Orioles faithful need to do is show up for the home opener against the Yanks. The last thing you want is an invading fan base to take over your stadium on Opening Day. If Manny Machado signs with a team that the O's play this year, that probably becomes the answer here. Who knows? Maybe it will be the Yankees.

Rays: at Giants, April 5-7 Any Rays fan still adjusting to the sight of Evan Longoria in a Giants uniform will get a reunion in San Francisco's home opener, the first time Longoria will face the team he played with for 10 years.

Red Sox: vs. Dodgers, July 12-14 The rare World Series rematch. Plus, hey, Joe Kelly's back!

Yankees: vs. Red Sox in London, June 29-30 The most American of all sports rivalries takes place overseas, in the first London Series. The first game starts at 1:10 p.m. ET, so you don't even have to get up early!

Video: Bradley Jr. joins Hot Stove to discuss London Series

AL Central

Indians: vs. Phillies, Sept. 20-22 The All-Star Game is in Cleveland in July, but keep an eye on this late-season series against the Phillies, the final home games for the Tribe during the season.

Royals: vs. Mets, Aug. 16-18 The Royals won the World Series not that long ago, though it doesn't feel that way. They and the Mets are both dramatically different squads since the 2015 Fall Classic, but the memories remain.

Tigers: vs. Royals in Omaha, June 13 This is the first MLB game to be played in Nebraska, and it will precede this year's College World Series. The Tigers' lineup might be only a little bit older than the college lineups.

Video: Manfred, Moore and Avila on playing in Omaha

Twins: vs. Nationals, Sept. 10-12 It's always nice to see Washingtons, both old and current, face off. Next year, it will be 60 years since the Twins left Washington.

White Sox: vs. Cubs, July 6-7 July 4 is on a Thursday this year, which means most of the United States will, essentially, have a four-day weekend. Perfect time for a Crosstown Series.

AL West

Angels: vs. Astros in Monterrey, Mexico, May 4-5 How nice of the schedule-makers to share a Mike Trout series with Mexico. This is actually one of three series being played in Monterrey this year (Rockies-Diamondbacks on March 9-10 during Spring Training and Cardinals-Reds on April 13-14).

Astros: vs. Cubs, May 27-29 The teams are similarly constructed, recent World Series champions, and, oh yeah, were once NL Central rivals.

A's: vs. Mariners in Tokyo, March 20-21 It's the season opener, and though the Mariners have a more traditional Japanese connection, the A's are the home team. Get up early for that 5:35 a.m. ET start. These could be the last two chances that baseball fans get to see Ichiro Suzuki on the field, and that's reason enough for anyone to tune in.

Video: Dipoto discusses Ichiro's roster spot in 2019

Mariners: at Cubs, Sept. 2-3 Seattle has two different series with the Cubs this year, one in Seattle and one in Chicago. There's never a bad time to see Wrigley Field.

Rangers: vs. Yankees, Sept. 27-29 If the Rangers don't make the postseason, these are the final three games at Globe Life Park before the new Globe Life Field opens in 2020.

National League East

Braves: at Mets, Sept. 27-29 This is the final series of the season in a highly competitive division. It seems fitting to end it in Queens, the site of so many big Braves moments.

Marlins: at Nationals, July 2-4 A few teams are off for July 4 this year, but not only do the Marlins play, they get to play in the nation's capital.

Mets: vs. Braves, June 28-30 This is the big "Miracle Mets" celebration weekend, honoring the 50th anniversary of the 1969 World Series champions. (You may remember them from "Mad Men.")

Nationals: vs. D-backs, June 13-16 The real answer here is: The first series against Bryce Harper's new team if he signs elsewhere. Until we know if that's happening, we'll go with Patrick Corbin's first chance to pitch against his former team. It's a four-game set with a day off before it starts, so it's likely he'll take the mound.

Video: Corbin on excitement to join Nationals' rotation

Phillies: vs. Braves, March 28-30 The Phillies open the season against the rival Braves, but even though the teams play 19 games in 2019, they won't meet again after this until June 14.

NL Central

Brewers: at Reds, Sept. 24-26 These are the final NL Central games of the year, against a team that has really improved and yet still might be the least talented in the division. In this tightly contested division, Milwaukee will need every one of these wins.

Cardinals: vs. Angels, June 21-23 Amazingly, Albert Pujols has still not played a game at Busch Stadium since signing with the Angels after the 2011 season. If he's healthy in June, that will finally change in one of the most highly anticipated regular-season Cardinals series in recent memory.

Cubs: at Cardinals, Sept. 27-29 A heated series between hated rivals on the last weekend of the season at Busch Stadium? Yes, please.

Pirates: vs. Cubs Aug. 16-17 and in Williamsport, Pa., Aug. 18 The Pirates are back in Williamsport for the Little League Classic. And the Pirates' Players Weekend jerseys always look great.

Reds: vs. Angels, Aug. 5-6 How often do the Reds get to see Trout in town? For that matter, how about their old tormentor Pujols?

NL West

D-backs: vs. Cardinals, Sept. 23-25 It'll take most of the season, but eventually, D-backs fans will get the opportunity to see Paul Goldschmidt at their park again.

Video: Lovullo says D-backs can still compete without Goldy

Dodgers: at Yankees, Aug. 23-25 It has been nearly 40 years since a Yankees-Dodgers World Series. It'll always still feel like the default World Series to many.

Giants: vs. Dodgers, Sept. 27-29 We'll see where the Giants are when the season ends, but no matter what, they'll enjoy trying to knock the Dodgers around on the final weekend.

Padres: at Yankees, May 27-29 The Padres haven't been to the new Yankee Stadium yet, but their fans remember playing in their most recent World Series at the old one back in 1998.

Rockies: vs. Red Sox, Aug. 27-28 The Rockies get the defending champs, a team that has won two more World Series since they clinched the 2007 title in Colorado.

Will Leitch is a columnist for MLB.com.

Source: https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-series-to-look-forward-to-in-2019-season/c-303223596

[cwsdjt]

MLB Predictions - 2018

AL East

1. New York Yankees – I hate this but the Empire is BACK. Baseball has been desperate for its villain to come back, and the Yankees did that last year. With the additional of NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton, they will be one of the most powerful lineups in the league. Look for them to run the AL East this season.

2. Boston Red Sox – Outside of J.D. Martinez the BoSawx didn’t acquire anyone else. They also have a very powerful lineup, but I cannot bet against a tandem of Judge and Stanton at the top of the order. Boston has a strong top of the rotation, though, with this guy named Chris Sale.

3. Tampa Bay Rays – With the injury to their top pitching prospect, Brett Honeywell, the Rays have a little trouble in the back end of their rotation. They did add Carlos Gomez, C.J. Cron, and Adeiny Hechavarria, but they will be competing for the AL crown with the White Sox in 2019.

4. Toronto Blue Jays – Josh Donaldson will not be a free agent until next season. This is a very random team with the acquisitions of washed players like Randall Grichuk and Curtis Granderson. Their rotation is still solid, and they bolstered it with Jaime Garcia at the back end. This is a very average to poor team.

5. Baltimore Orioles – This team isn’t good. They got Alex Cobb for a nice 4-year deal, but they have one of the weakest ‘pens in the league. Their lineup isn’t bad, especially if Mancini mashes and Trumbo returns to 2016 form. I don’t see both of these happening, though.

AL Central

1. Cleveland Indians – The Tribe are still in their prime. That rotation is filthy. Yonder Alonso is a nice plus at first base, and the bullpen is always reliable. I bet they run the AL Central wire to wire.

2. Minnesota Twins – The Twins overachieved last year, but the AL Central is going to be really bad this season, so they’ll probably squeak into 2nd place. Logan Morrison adds some much-needed pop, and Byron Buxton has the best glove in baseball, behind Andrelton Simmons. This is a solid team, but they aren’t incredible.

3. Chicago White Sox – The Sox are going to have a sneaky good ‘pen. I’ve mentioned this before in a separate blog post, but their bullpen WILL make or break them. Their team is compiled of fillers and young’uns, essentially, outside of Jose Abreu, who is one of the most underrated ballplayers. I see the Sox season going either way, and that is OK. They are still in only the second season of the rebuild.

4. Kansas City Royals – LOL the Royals suck again. They’re going to be bad. They signed Mike Moustakas, who is quite overrated. Their rotation is anchored by Danny Duffy, and Lucas Duda was a decent acquisition at first base. Jon Jay is the best player in the outfield. Their pitching is too weak for this team to succeed, though.

5. Detroit Tigers – They will have the worst record in the MLB. Michael Fulmer is going to either waste away or be traded, but it’s nice to have a team at the bottom of the barrel in the Central.

AL West

1. Houston Astros – The reigning champs got better, but I do not see them winning another Series because that is just hard. They have the best infield in the league and so much pop in that lineup. Gerrit Cole is going to deal for them, as well.

2. Los Angeles Angels – The Angels are looking sharp, but their rotation still needs some help. Ohtani was a great add, and hopefully, he can hit and pitch. I just want to see that. Any baseball fan should. Hopefully, they succeed for Trout because we need to see that stud in the playoffs.

3. Seattle Mariners – The M’s added Ichiro. That’s all that matters. JK, but I do see them having a solid hitting season with the additions of Dee Gordon and Ryon Healy. They still have some bullpen questions, but Nicasio and Rzepczynski will be mid-inning regulars.

4. Oakland A’s – I am not sure why, but I can see the A’s surprising. It feels like a Moneyball year. Their rotation is sneaky, and the addition of A.J. Puk in a couple months will make it better. Piscotty will improve and Dustin Fowler has a nice axe. This team is not that bad.

5. Texas Rangers – They’re going to be the cellar dwellers in the West. This is probably the strongest division in baseball because every team is trying to win. They also haven’t improved. I also don’t think Tim Lincecum will lead them to the promise land.

NL East

1. Washington Nationals – This division is bad. The Nats will run the table, and this is their year. Eaton will be back from his injury. Their lineup is stacked and they added to their bullpen late last year. They’re going to be good, and since baseball is a crap shoot in the playoffs sometimes, they’re my winner.

2. New York Mets – Their rotation will be solid, as long as their training staff doesn’t literally rip off Noah Syndergaard’s arm. This is the only reason why they get 2nd in the East.

3. Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies have a solid rotation with the addition of Arrieta, whom I hate. He’s still solid. He’s just not as good as Chris Sale, and Cubs fans used to say he was, so I will leave it at that.

4. Atlanta Braves – The Braves are still rebuilding, like the Rays and White Sox. Look for them to have another subpar season, but also look for Ronald Acuna to have a BIG impact when he is brought to the MLB.

5. Miami Marlins – They were the joke of the offseason. Jeter is almost as bad of an owner as he was as a shortstop. Poor Starlin Castro always ends up on rebuilding teams. Lewis Brinson will be a decent add, if he pans out. They’re going to be competing for the worst record in baseball with Detroit.

NL Central

1. Chicago Cubs – I always hate to say it, but they Cubs are good. Joe Madden is an idiot, but they’re good. Yu Darvish is a stud and the best pitcher in the rotation when healthy. Yes, I think he’s better than Q, and I am biased towards Q. Brandon Morrow is a great add to the back end of the ‘pen, and we know how good their lineup is already. I hear enough about it in Chicago.

2. Milwaukee Brewers – The Crew did the most work in the offseason, adding Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain. They might need one more rotation piece, but the NL Central is kind of weak, so they will get 2nd.

3. St. Louis Cardinals – The Birds’ time is almost up. They’ve been teetering the last few years and are fizzling out of the top of the NL Central with a relatively weak farm system. Look for them to stay in the middle of the pack, even with the addition of Marcell Ozuna from the Marlins.

4. Cincinnati Reds – The Reds are rebuilding, like the Rays, White Sox, and Braves, and they will be in a similar spot. Do I really need to analyze them?

5. Pittsburgh Pirates – They got rid of their heart and soul, Andrew McCutchen and Gerrit Cole. Stick a fork in them, Jerry, they’re done.

NL West

1. Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers are going to be good again. They have the best pitcher in baseball, and they will probably have like 96 wins.

2. Colorado Rockies – The Rockies have the best ‘pen in baseball now. Wade Davis is an ace at the back end. Bryan Shaw, Jake McGee, and Adam Ottavino are other great ‘pen options. Kyle Freeland will mature, too.

3. Arizona Diamondbacks – I just expect the D-Backs to regress a little bit. I don’t see them at the level of the Rockies or Dodgers, but they could snag a Wild Card slot. They did lose J.D. Martinez, though.

4. San Francisco Giants – The Giants added some geezers (McCutchen and Evan Longoria), so they can win 76 games. Cool.

5. San Diego Padres – The Padres added Eric Hosmer, and I don’t like him. He’s not better than Abreu, and his hair is stupid. Go Sox!

AL Playoffs: Yankees, Indians, Astros, Angels (WC), Red Sox (WC)

NL Playoffs: Dodgers, Nationals, Cubs, Brewers (WC), Rockies (WC)

World Series: Yankees vs. Nationals, Nationals = Champions

[usatrendingsports]

2018 MLB playoff projections: NL Central, AL East every ship three groups to playoffs

Opening Day of the 2018 season is roughly a fortnight away, and Alex Cobb and Greg Holland are the final notable free brokers left standing. So with all 30 rosters taking form, it is time to look ahead and get thought of how the season to return would possibly unfold between late March and late September. 

To try this, we’ll lean on the the SportsLine (@SportsLine on Twitter) Projection Mannequin, which simulates the season 1000’s of instances to reach on the projected outcomes for every staff. Clearly, these are topic to alter within the occasion of accidents, extra signings, or trades. 

First, let’s take a look on the American League for 2018 … 

AMERICAN

LEAGUE

SEASON FORECAST

REST OF SEASON

MAKE PLAYOFFS

POST-SEASON SUCCESS

WINS

LOSS

WIN%

WINS

LOSS

WIN%

WIN DIV

PLAYOFF

ALCS ODDS

LCS%

WS ODDS

WS%

Cleveland Indians

97.1

64.9

60.Zero%

97.1

64.9

60.Zero%

91.6%

95.1%

Three/1, 25%

29.15%

6/1, 14.Three%

13.40%

Houston Astros

94.7

67.Three

58.5%

94.7

67.Three

58.5%

75.1%

87.1%

5/2, 28.6%

23.69%

5/1, 16.7%

10.03%

Boston Pink Sox

94.Three

67.7

58.2%

94.Three

67.7

58.2%

49.2%

84.eight%

5/1, 16.7%

17.66%

10/1, 9.1%

6.58%

New York Yankees

93.Zero

69.Zero

57.four%

93.Zero

69.Zero

57.four%

40.5%

81.2%

Three/1, 25%

17.66%

6/1, 14.Three%

7.76%

Toronto Blue Jays

84.Zero

78.Zero

51.9%

84.Zero

78.Zero

51.9%

eight.four%

36.9%

15/1, 6.2%

2.98%

30/1, Three.2%

Zero.81%

Los Angeles Angels

82.four

79.6

50.eight%

82.four

79.6

50.eight%

10.6%

29.four%

12/1, 7.7%

2.17%

25/1, Three.eight%

Zero.53%

Seattle Mariners

81.Zero

81.Zero

50.Zero%

81.Zero

81.Zero

50.Zero%

eight.2%

24.6%

25/1, Three.eight%

2.00%

50/1, 2%

Zero.70%

Minnesota Twins

80.2

81.eight

49.5%

80.2

81.eight

49.5%

7.Zero%

21.6%

12/1, 7.7%

1.69%

25/1, Three.eight%

Zero.38%

Texas Rangers

78.Three

83.7

48.Three%

78.Three

83.7

48.Three%

four.four%

14.four%

100/1, 1%

1.73%

200/1, Zero.5%

Zero.57%

Tampa Bay Rays

76.1

85.9

47.Zero%

76.1

85.9

47.Zero%

1.2%

9.Zero%

100/1, 1%

Zero.43%

200/1, Zero.5%

Zero.11%

Oakland Athletics

73.eight

88.2

45.5%

73.eight

88.2

45.5%

1.6%

5.5%

100/1, 1%

Zero.35%

200/1, Zero.5%

Zero.08%

Baltimore Orioles

73.eight

88.2

45.5%

73.eight

88.2

45.5%

Zero.7%

5.four%

100/1, 1%

Zero.28%

200/1, Zero.5%

Zero.09%

Chicago White Sox

71.four

90.6

44.1%

71.four

90.6

44.1%

Zero.9%

Three.Zero%

100/1, 1%

Zero.12%

200/1, Zero.5%

Zero.04%

Kansas Metropolis Royals

69.2

92.eight

42.7%

69.2

92.eight

42.7%

Zero.four%

1.5%

250/1, Zero.four%

Zero.06%

500/1, Zero.2%

Zero.01%

Detroit Tigers

65.four

96.6

40.four%

65.four

96.6

40.four%

Zero.1%

Zero.5%

250/1, Zero.four%

Zero.03%

500/1, Zero.2%

Zero.01%

So here is the projected playoff matchups within the AL … 

ALDS: Indians (AL Central champs) vs. AL wild-card winner

ALDS: Astros (AL West champs) vs. Pink Sox (AL East champs)

AL Wild Card Sport: Blue Jays at Yankees

SportsLine proper now tasks a reasonably wild race within the AL East, however the Pink Sox are anticipated to carry off the Yankees by a single sport or so. The Indians, meantime, declare high seed within the AL for a second straight 12 months. The second wild-card bid can be anticipated to offer us some intrigue, because the Jays, Angels, Mariners, and Twins are all within the combine. On the opposite finish of the continuum, the Tigers are forecast to say the highest total draft choose in 2019. Congrats!

And now the Nationwide League …

NATIONAL

LEAGUE

SEASON FORECAST

REST OF SEASON

MAKE PLAYOFFS

POST-SEASON SUCCESS

WINS

LOSS

WIN%

WINS

LOSS

WIN%

WIN DIV

PLAYOFF

NLCS ODDS

LCS%

WS ODDS

WS%

Los Angeles Dodgers

100.1

61.9

61.eight%

100.1

61.9

61.eight%

89.2%

96.7%

9/four, 30.eight%

35.33%

5/1, 16.7%

23.38%

Washington Nationals

98.2

63.eight

60.6%

98.2

63.eight

60.6%

93.5%

96.Three%

7/2, 22.2%

25.58%

eight/1, 11.1%

15.35%

Chicago Cubs

95.7

66.Three

59.1%

95.7

66.Three

59.1%

69.2%

90.2%

Three/1, 25%

22.86%

7/1, 12.5%

13.77%

St Louis Cardinals

86.2

75.eight

53.2%

86.2

75.eight

53.2%

16.2%

52.9%

eight/1, 11.1%

6.39%

18/1, 5.Three%

2.93%

Milwaukee Brewers

85.four

76.6

52.7%

85.four

76.6

52.7%

13.5%

47.9%

15/1, 6.2%

Three.82%

30/1, Three.2%

1.44%

Arizona Diamondbacks

83.1

78.9

51.Three%

83.1

78.9

51.Three%

6.1%

37.1%

15/1, 6.2%

2.49%

30/1, Three.2%

Zero.91%

Colorado Rockies

79.four

82.6

49.Zero%

79.four

82.6

49.Zero%

2.5%

20.5%

25/1, Three.eight%

1.14%

50/1, 2%

Zero.41%

San Francisco Giants (Zero-Zero)

78.2

83.9

48.2%

78.1

83.9

48.2%

2.Zero%

16.6%

15/1, 6.2%

Zero.73%

30/1, Three.2%

Zero.25%

New York Mets

77.Zero

85.Zero

47.5%

77.Zero

85.Zero

47.5%

2.7%

13.Zero%

12/1, 7.7%

Zero.44%

25/1, Three.eight%

Zero.16%

Philadelphia Phillies

74.eight

87.2

46.2%

74.eight

87.2

46.2%

1.6%

eight.2%

50/1, 2%

Zero.32%

100/1, 1%

Zero.08%

Atlanta Braves

74.5

87.5

46.Zero%

74.5

87.5

46.Zero%

1.5%

7.5%

100/1, 1%

Zero.39%

200/1, Zero.5%

Zero.08%

Pittsburgh Pirates

72.6

89.four

44.eight%

72.6

89.four

44.eight%

Zero.eight%

four.9%

50/1, 2%

Zero.16%

100/1, 1%

Zero.04%

Miami Marlins

71.7

90.Three

44.Three%

71.7

90.Three

44.Three%

Zero.7%

Three.eight%

250/1, Zero.four%

Zero.18%

500/1, Zero.2%

Zero.05%

Cincinnati Reds

71.four

90.6

44.1%

71.four

90.6

44.1%

Zero.four%

Three.Three%

150/1, Zero.7%

Zero.13%

300/1, Zero.Three%

Zero.04%

San Diego Padres

67.Zero

95.1

41.Three%

67.Zero

95.Zero

41.Three%

Zero.1%

1.Zero%

100/1, 1%

Zero.04%

200/1, Zero.5%

Zero.00%

So here is the projected playoff area within the senior circuit … 

NLDS: Dodgers (NL West champs) vs. NL wild-card winner

NLDS: Nationals (NL East champs) vs. Cubs (NL Central champs)

NL Wild Card Sport: Brewers at Cardinals

As you might have seen, it says right here we’ll have the very same division winners that we had in 2017. Three of the 4 wild-card sports activities, nevertheless, will see some turnover. Within the NL, it is a good race for these wild-card berths, however in the long run the NL Central winds up producing three playoff groups, because the NL West did final season. Sadly, no division race within the NL is anticipated to be shut. Considerably surprisingly, the Marlins aren’t anticipated to be the NL’s worst staff. As a substitute, the Padres are forecast to place some warmth on the Tigers for that high total draft choose in 2019. 

Past all that, SportsLine foresees a Dodgers win over the Indians within the 2018 World Collection. Though, it takes the sphere over anybody staff to succeed in — not to mention win — the World Collection. 

Forthcoming? Precise video games!

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50 MLB predictions for 2018: Sizzling range and season guesses for the 12 months in baseball

Eager observers of the Gregorian calendar will observe that the 12 months 2018 is upon us. Provided that we discuss baseball on this area, we’ll start, , speaking baseball with a watch towards 2018. On this occasion, we’re speaking about the whole 12 months of 2018 versus simply the 2018 season. So consistent with the traditional legal guidelines of attracting web click-throughs, we current 50 quasi-informed baseball predictions for the brand new 12 months upon us. 

For the busy government and or the sports activities fanatic consuming this piece on a cellular platform whereas passing one other car utilizing the shoulder of the street, we’ll do that in an simply digestible format that features pleasing subheads and high-level bullet factors. Forthwith!

The present Sizzling Range

This is the place we speak about what’s been a fairy quiet 2017-18 offseason by way of free agent signings … 

The 2018 season itself

You recognize, precise video games and stuff. These half-baked suppositions are topic to alter primarily based on issues like preseason signings, trades, accidents … 

The Indians win the American League pennant.

The Nationals win the Nationwide League pennant.

The Indians win the World Collection in six video games.

The Angels make the playoffs for simply the second time in Mike Trout’s profession, as they win a wild-card spot.

The Purple Sox win the highest wild-card spot. 

The Astros repeat as AL West champs. 

The Dodgers win the NL West for the sixth straight 12 months. 

The Cubs fend off the Cardinals in a decent NL Central race.

The Cardinals and Diamondbacks declare wild-card berths. 

The Yankees high 100 wins en path to the AL East title. 

Talking of the Yankees, they break the ���97 Mariners all-time document mark of 264 house runs in a season.

The Giants barely handle a profitable season however miss the playoffs.

Carlos Correa wins the 2018 AL MVP Award. 

Trout finishes second within the AL MVP balloting for the fourth time in his profession.

Giancarlo Stanton’s seasonal house run whole goes down in his first season within the Bronx. 

Stanton does, nonetheless, hit his 300th profession house run in early August. 

In early July, Stanton and teammate Aaron Choose mix for greater than 2,000 toes of homers in a single recreation. 

Anthony Rendon wins the 2018 NL MVP Award. 

Carlos Carrasco wins the 2018 AL Cy Younger Award.

Noah Syndergaard wins the 2018 NL Cy Younger Award. 

Shohei Ohtani fails to log a qualifying variety of innings on the mound in his first MLB season, however on the plate he reaches double digits and homers and places up an OPS north of .800.

Ohtani edges out the Rays’ Brent Honeywell within the AL Rookie of the 12 months vote. 

Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna wins the NL Rookie of the 12 months Award for 2018. 

The Supervisor of the 12 months Awards will go to … oh, who offers a s—. 

The Tigers “edge” the Marlins for worst document in MLB and thus declare the highest general draft decide for 2019.

It is a massive 12 months for Albert Pujols relating to milestones. He information his Three,000th profession hit and a pair of,000 profession RBI and passes Ken Griffey Jr. for sixth place on the all-time house run checklist. 

Andrelton Simmons is lastly chosen to the All-Star Recreation.

Justin Verlander notches the 200th win of his profession. 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Blue Jays ends the season because the consensus high prospect in all of baseball. 

White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech will make his big-league debut within the second half. He’ll throw the toughest pitch of the 2018 season. 

Off-the-field happenings

Palace intrigue and the like … 

MLB formally declares plans to develop to 32 groups. Montreal and Portland are reportedly the front-runners. 

The Braves’ Brian Snitker turns into the primary supervisor fired in 2018. 

In late January, the BBWAA declares that Chipper Jones, Jim Thome and Vladimir Guerrero have been elected to the Baseball Corridor of Fame. Trevor Hoffman and Edgar Martinez narrowly miss the 75 % cutoff. Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, every in his sixth 12 months on the poll, see their percentages proceed to climb. 

Regardless of expectations on the contrary, Jung Ho Kang receives a visa and returns to the Pirates in time for spring coaching. 

Marlins Man tweets that he has made peace with Derek Jeter. Jeter doesn’t remark upon this matter. 

School baseball apart: Florida will repeat as nationwide champions. 

The 2018-19 offseason

This is only a style of what may occur earlier than 2019 descends upon us … 

Throughout the Winter Conferences, Bryce Harper indicators the biggest contract in MLB historical past — one which’s price round $450 million — with the Phillies. 

The Dodgers re-sign Clayton Kershaw. 

Simply earlier than Christmas, Manny Machado indicators with the Cubs in a deal that tops Stanton’s $325 million extension. 

Talking of the Cubs, Jason Heyward chooses to not choose out of the 5 years and $106 million left on his contract.

There you’ve got it: 50 vaguely knowledgeable predictions for the calendar 12 months 2018 in baseball. Fifty. We counted twice and all the things. Shall these be very incorrect? Folks, these shall be very incorrect. 

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