2013 MLB Season Outlook and Predictions: American League

by: BeltwayBoy - Filed under: Fantasy Sports, MLB, Washington Nationals Add Comment

Are You Ready For Some Baseball?

The 2013 MLB regular season will get underway in just a few hours with the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros playing the Sunday Night game on ESPN. Then everything will really get going tomorrow as the rest of the league begins playing.

I can’t believe that MLB would have a team coming off a 107 loss season like the Astros playing in the season opening showcase game, but it must be a reward for them moving into the American League.

I’ll quit rambling and get into my season outlook and predictions for the 2013 season!

A.L. East Division

The division is wide open in my opinion, but a lot of people are proclaiming the Toronto Blue Jays as the favorite. I admit the Blue Jays had a great offseason and loaded up with all kinds of veteran talent, but games aren’t played on paper. Remember how good everyone thought the Miami Marlins were going to be heading into last season after loading up their roster. Just adding high-priced, big name players guarantees you nothing.

The New York Yankees seem to be in total disarray with injuries and free agent defections making them almost unrecognizable as the regular season starts. But I wouldn’t write them off just yet because they have enough pitching to keep them in games until they can start getting healthy.

Are the Baltimore Orioles for real or was last season’s A.L. Wildcard berth a fluke? They have some talent, but far to many questions remain for me to buy into them 100%. The Boston Red Sox are a team in transition and could finish in last place again this season.

The Tampa Bay Rays will be their usual scrappy self again in 2013, but do they have enough pitching after trading away ace James Shields and starter Wade Davis for prospects? They will need to get a full season of health out of third baseman Evan Longoria and new center fielder Desmond Jennings must take the next step in his development to help makeup for the loss of B.J. Upton for this team to contend this year.

Prediction: Blue Jays

A.L. Central Division

This division looks to be the Detroit Tigers and then everybody else. The Tigers stumbled along last season before seizing control in late September, but they have too much talent for that to happen again. They need to find a reliable closer, but I’m confident they will.

The Chicago White Sox were one of the surprise teams last season but were unable to win the division after leading it for most of the season. Had several veterans make meaningful contributions and will need them to do it again this season if they are to stay in the hunt. Pitcher Chris Sale has looked great this spring and could be in line for a huge season.

The Minnesota Twins finished in the cellar for the last two seasons and made some trades in the offseason to inject life into a starting rotation ranked last in the American League in ERA (5.40), strikeouts (541), innings pitched (880) and average against (.287) in 2012. Did they do enough to contend? I don’t think so.

Another team that remade a lousy pitching staff is the Kansas City Royals after a fourth straight season with at least 90 losses. I like the commitment to finally building a respectable staff and think the Royals will be a better team in 2013. But I don’t think they are ready to challenge the Tigers for a division title. Could be a possible A.L. Wildcard contender.

The Royals have some nice building blocks in place and could be a surprise team.

It looks like a long season ahead for the Cleveland Indians and a last place finish wouldn’t surprise me at all. I do like the hiring of manager Terry Francona, but he doesn’t have enough pitching to get this team turned around this season.

Prediction: Tigers

A.L. West Division

Can the Oakland A’s repeat as division champions? They were one of the big surprise teams in MLB last year with a young pitching staff leading the way. This will be one of the best divisional races in MLB and will be a lot of fun to watch.

Has the window closed for the Texas Rangers? They still have a lot of talent, but other teams have caught up to them and having slugger Josh Hamilton leave as a free agent will hurt. There’s enough talent to keep this franchise in the mix all season, but not enough pitching to win anything.

The L.A. Angels have the most talented team in the division without a doubt, but also have major questions about their pitching staff. Their lineup will be a nightmare for opposing pitchers to deal with on a nightly basis.

The Seattle Mariners brought in some veteran hitters with pop in the offseason and Mike Morse hit nine home runs during spring training. I think more pitching is needed before the Mariners will be a contender in this tough division. They could be on the fringe of the A.L. Wildcard race if everything goes right.

It’s going to be a very long first season of playing in the A.L. for the Houston Astros and that is putting it mildly.

Prediction: Angels 

A.L. Wildcard Teams:

White Sox, A’s

 

 

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Red Sox re-sign Big Papi

by: BeltwayBoy - Filed under: Fantasy Sports, MLB Add Comment

The Boston Red Sox and David Ortiz have agreed to a two-year deal worth $26 million that could allow the big slugger to retire in a Boston uniform.

Ortiz hit a solid .318 with 23 homers and 60 RBIs in only 90 games in 2012, missing most of the second half with a right Achilles injury. He has batted .290 with 343 homers and 1,088 RBIs in his 10 seasons with Boston.

Ortiz, who will turn 37 this month, is a career .285 hitter with 401 homers and 1,386 RBIs. His 343 homers in a Red Sox uniform is fifth on Boston’s career list and his 1,088 RBIs is sixth in franchise history.

The Texas Rangers were rumored to be interested in adding Ortiz to a lineup that may be losing the production of former AL MVP Josh Hamilton this winter.

 

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Orioles Tie Yankees For A.L. East Lead With Four Games Left

by: BeltwayBoy - Filed under: MLB Add Comment

What can you say about the 2012 Baltimore Orioles being tied atop of the A.L. East Division with the New York Yankees and only four games remaining in the regular season?

The A.L. East Division has come down to the last four regular season games and the Orioles are in this thing. Plus they’re in position to host the Bronx Bombers in a one-game playoff if the two remain tied when the regular season ends. That could change, but the Orioles have a great chance of keeping that tiebreaker advantage in their favor in my opinion.

The Orioles have one game remaining against the Boston Red Sox before finishing with a three-game series at the Tampa Bay Rays to close out the regular season. The Orioles are 9-6 against the Rays this season and have a five game winning streak over their division rivals.

The Yankees have an easier schedule with one game remaining at the Toronto Blue Jays before closing out the season by hosting the Boston Red Sox at home. Having an easier schedule doesn’t guarantee them anything because you still have to go out and perform on the field.

Another aspect of this is the Rays are still alive for a postseason berth of their own! They have an outside shot at winning the A.L. East, but that’s a long shot with them being four games back with four games remaining. Their best shot is catching the Oakland A’s for the second A.L. Wildcard spot. They trail the A’s by two games in the standings.

Going into the final Sunday of the regular season no A.L. team has qualified for a postseason berth, wow! This new playoff format has produced the greatest stretch run in MLB history in my opinion!

Buckle Up My Friends and Get Your Popcorn Ready!

 

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Miguel Cabrera Closing In On MLB’s First Triple Crown In 45 Years

by: BeltwayBoy - Filed under: Fantasy Sports, MLB Add Comment

Miguel Cabrera

The stage is set for Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers to become MLB’s first Triple Crown Winner since Carl Yastrzemski did it in 1967.

I’m going on record now saying that Cabrera gets it done and here’s why I’m confident in saying it:

  • He’s sitting at the top of all three categories with 12 games remaining. (.332 BA, 42 HR, 131 RBI) His closest competitor is  Josh Hamilton who also has 42 HR, but he’s been out of the Texas Rangers lineup in recent days and may miss a few more.
  • Cabrera will be facing two of the worst pitching staffs in MLB over the Tigers last 12 games. The Minnesota Twins (4.84 Team ERA) and Kansas City Royals (4.22 ERA). Whenever Hamilton returns to the Rangers lineup he’s going to be facing some of the best pitching staffs in baseball.
  • Cabrera’s swinging a scalding-hot bat since the All-Star Break .345/24/60 and looks completely locked in at the plate.

Everything seems to be falling into place for the big man coming down the stretch. I don’t see any reason why an A.L. MVP Award wouldn’t be coming Cabrera’s way as well, no matter how his Triple Crown bid ends up. Where would the Tigers be without this guy in their lineup?

I was all set with Los Angeles Angels rookie Mike Trout as my choice for the A.L. MVP Award, but he’s cooled off over the last month while Cabrera’s kept the Tigers season alive.

 

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Adrian Gonzalez and Manny Machado named American League Co-Players of the Week

by: BeltwayBoy - Filed under: Fantasy Sports, MLB Add Comment

Boston Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado have been named the American League Co-Players of the Week for the period ending August 12th.

Gonzalez batted .393 (11-for-28) with seven doubles, two home runs, 14 RBI and six runs scored in seven games to win his second weekly honor of the season (also for week ending July 22nd) and the seventh of his nine-year career. The left-handed-hitting slugger led the Majors in doubles and RBI. Among his A.L. counterparts, Gonzalez finished second in total bases (24), tied for third in hits and was fourth in slugging percentage (.857).

Machado batted .375 (6-for-16) with a double, a triple, three homers, seven RBI and five runs scored in four games to win his first career A.L. Player of the Week honor. The 20-year-old has made a splash since making his Major League debut on August 9th against the Kansas City Royals, hitting safely in each of his first four games. The Miami native tripled for his first career hit in his debut on Thursday, going 2-for-4 with a run scored. On Friday, the Orioles’ top prospect went 2-for-4 with a pair of homers and four RBI to lead the O’s to a 7-1 win over the Royals at home. Machado became the youngest Oriole since Jim Palmer in 1965 to homer, and he also became the youngest in Club history to record a multi-homer game, breaking Boog Powell’s 1962 mark by 223 days.

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Boston Red Sox Place Dustin Pedroia On The Disabled List

by: BeltwayBoy - Filed under: Fantasy Sports, MLB Add Comment

The Boston Red Sox issued the following statement today in regards to second baseman Dustin Pedroia:

“Dustin Pedroia hyperextended his right thumb on July 3, 2012.  He was examined by the Red Sox medical staff and an MRI was performed.  Dustin sustained an injury to the volar plate of his right thumb.  Dustin will be treated conservatively with a brief period of immobilization.  The previous injury to his right thumb adductor muscle has completely healed.  This was confirmed by MRI.”

This is a tough blow for the Red Sox as they get set to start a big four series against the A.L. East leading New York Yankees who they trail by 7.5 games.

The good news is that Pedroia’s expected to return right around July 19 when his stay on the disabled list expires.

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Will Middlebrooks Named American League Player Of The Week

by: BeltwayBoy - Filed under: Fantasy Sports, MLB Add Comment

Boston Red Sox rookie third baseman Will Middlebrooks has been named the American League Player of the Week for the period ending June 24th.

Middlebrooks batted .625 (10-for-16) with three doubles, three homers, 10 RBI and six runs scored in six games. Among A.L. leaders, the 23-year-old finished tops in batting average, slugging percentage (1.375), on-base percentage (.632) and total bases (22), tied for second in doubles and extra-base hits (6) and tied for fourth in hits and homers.

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A Few Players That Could Help Your Fantasy Team

by: BeltwayBoy - Filed under: Fantasy Sports, MLB Add Comment

If you are looking to fill some holes on your fantasy baseball roster then you need to take a look at the list of players below. I’m always on the lookout for players that can help improve my roster because I hate to lose and I’m addicted to fantasy sports!

I play in mixed head-to-head leagues that use a weekly scoring format.

  • Catcher Salvador Perez – The Kansas City Royals just activated Perez off the disabled list and he had an 8-point night. This kid can flat out hit the baseball and at 22 years old he’s just getting started. He showed he could hit when he was called up late last season and was given a chance to play. Grab him if he’s still available in your league because he won’t be fo long.
  • Pitcher Jose Quintana – This kid has been solid since the White Sox inserted him into the rotation. He’s dual eligible in the league I play in which adds to his value in my opinion. He’s pitched 16 scoreless innings over his last two starts against the L.A. Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers. His next start is against the Bronx Bombers.
  • Pitcher Jarrod Parker – Another young pitcher making a name for himself in the first half of the 2012 season. Parker’s made 11 starts for the Oakland A’s and has a solid 2.70 ERA.
  • Third Base Will Middlebrooks – Worth a look now that he’s been named the starter in Beantown and with the Boston Red Sox actively looking to trade veteran Kevin Youkilis. In his first 40 big league games, he is now hitting .331 with a .368 OBP, .592 slugging mark and .960 OPS.
  • Pitcher Roy Oswalt – The old veteran made his 2012 debut with the Texas Rangers a successful one and showed he could still pitch effectively at the MLB level. Plus having the potent Rangers offense behind him is a bonus.
  • First Base Brandon Belt – After a slow start the young guy is getting it going for the San Fransisco Giants. Belt’s Hitting .387 over his last 10 games with 3 HR’s and 10 RBI and looking more comfortable at the plate.
  • Pitcher Tim Lincecum – Proceed with caution here, but he showed signs of getting himself turned back around in his last start. I was a little shocked to see him on the waiver wire in my league, but I completely understand why he’s there. If you can find him on your leagues waiver/free agent list and can afford to sign him and stash him then do it. I wouldn’t start him right away until I saw a couple good starts from him. If he fails to get turned around it will cost you nothing to add him to your roster and you can cut him loose and move on. On the flipside if he gets going you’re getting a staff ace for the second half of the season at no cost. I wouldn’t trade for him right now, but I think he’s worth a look especially if it’s free.
  • Pitcher Tyler Clippard – Has been lights out as the Washington Nationals closer with a perfect 12-of-12 in save opportunities. Manager Davey Johnson has said Clippard will remain the closer even after Drew Storen returns from his injury. The Nats play a lot of close ballgames so if you need bullpen help I think you should take a look at this guy.
  • Third Base Pedro Alvarez – A young player starting to get things figured out at the MLB level.  He’s hitting .394 (13-33) with 5 home runs and 11 RBI over his last 10 games. He’s looking more comfortable at the plate and it’s showing.
  • Third/First Base Kevin Youkilis – Yes, I know his numbers are down this season and he’s getting up there in age, but a change of scenery can do wonders. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched older veterans with a chip on their shoulder turn back the clock after getting traded. He’s going to play everyday on a decent team with playoff hopes. Plus he’s out to prove the Red Sox wrong, could be a diamond in the rough!


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Kevin Youkilis Changes The Color Of His Sox

by: BeltwayBoy - Filed under: Fantasy Sports, MLB 1 Comment

The Boston Red Sox did the smart thing in trading Kevin Youkilis to the Chicago White Sox in my opinion. The emergence of rookie Will Middlebrooks made this a no-brainer move and the relationship between Youkilis and manager Bobby Valentine threatened to detonate in the clubhouse.

It’s trades like this when you are reminded that sports is a business because Youkilis is loved and adored by Red Sox Nation. The guy helped bring two World Series championships to Beantown after decades of disappointments for Red Sox fans.

Youkilis is a career .286 hitter with 239 doubles, 133 home runs, 563 RBI and 594 runs scored in 952 games over nine seasons with the Red Sox.

I think Youkilis is going to a good situation in Chicago and will start everyday on a veteran team fighting for a spot in the A.L. Playoffs. The White Sox have gotten almost nothing from their third baseman this season and getting Youkilis will be a help.

I think it was cool that Youkilis was in the starting lineup for his last game in Boston. He also had a very productive day at the plate and ended his Red Sox career with a run scoring triple before exiting to a standing ovation.

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Two Minor League Players Suspended By MLB

by: BeltwayBoy - Filed under: MLB Add Comment

The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that two Minor League players have been suspended following their violations of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Cincinnati Reds Minor League right-handed pitcher Luis Atilano has received a 50-game suspension without pay after a second violation for a drug of abuse.  The suspension of Atilano, who is currently on the roster of the Double-A Pensacola Blue Wahoos of the Southern League, is effective immediately.

Boston Red Sox Minor League right-handed pitcher Marco Duarte has received a 50-game suspension without pay after testing positive for an amphetamine.  The suspension of Duarte, who is currently on the roster of the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs of the Eastern League, is effective immediately.

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