One-Day-Away: SneakerReporter 2020 MLB Preview

One-Day-Away: SneakerReporter 2020 MLB Preview

Featured

by | Jul 22, 2020 | Featured, MLB

MLB is back on July 23 when the defending champion Washington Nationals play the New York Yankees and the Los Angles Dodgers take on the San Francisco Giants.

 

 

It is July 22nd. The world is still in the midst of a global pandemic. However, Major League Baseball has done whatever it takes to bring sports back to the United States. The league attempts to begin their 60-game season on Thursday, July 23rd  hoping that they can play it through completion, without fans in attendance of course.

 

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

 

 

As negotiated between Commissioner Robert Manfred and the MLB Player’s Association, an abbreviated 60-game season is replacing MLB’s regular 162 season. Nobody knows if it will be finished, or how many games will be played. This is new to everybody

There is no denying the fact that the country needs baseball. Needs a distraction. Something to unify our society and bring cities together.

This is going to be a unique season. We won’t see another 50-homer season from Pete Alonso. Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole are not going to strike out 300 batters each. There could be some history made. We could see the first .400 hitter since Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941.

 

 

 

There are no clear candidates for who that batting title champ could be. Maybe a guy like Whit Merrifield. Or Jeff McNeil. Cody Bellinger could definitely make a run for it.

There are three new rules during this season. There is a universal Designated Hitter for the first time. To start extra innings, there will be a runner on second base. In addition to those two new changes, there is a three-batter minimum for relievers.

One of the oddest things of this season is going to be the absence of an All-Star game. There will be no Mid-Summer Classic to honor the game’s brightest stars. This is the first time since 1945 that there will be no MLB All-Star Game.

Another interesting aspect of this season is the trade deadline. Who knows if teams are going to be willing to part ways with their All-Star caliber players.

Now, let’s get to the predictions. Here are SneakerReporter’s predictions for the MLB standing, postseason, and awards.

 

 

National League East

  1. New York Mets
  2. Washington Nationals- WC
  3. Atlanta Braves
  4. Philadelphia Phillies
  5. Miami Marlins

 

National League Central

  1. Chicago Cubs
  2. Cincinnati Reds- WC
  3. Milwaukee Brewers
  4. Louis Cardinals
  5. Pittsburgh Pirates

 

National League West

  1. Los Angeles Dodgers
  2. Colorado Rockies
  3. San Diego Padres
  4. Arizona Diamondbacks
  5. San Francisco Giants

 

Washington over Cincinnati

New York over Chicago

Los Angeles over Washington

Los Angeles over New York

NL Champs: Los Angeles Dodgers

 

American League East

  1. New York Yankees
  2. Tampa Bay Rays- WC
  3. Boston Red Sox
  4. Toronto Blue Jays
  5. Baltimore Orioles

 

American League Central

  1. Minnesota Twins
  2. Chicago White Sox- WC
  3. Cleveland Indians
  4. Kansas City Royals
  5. Detroit Tigers

 

American League West

  1. Houston Astros
  2. Oakland A’s
  3. Los Angeles Angels
  4. Texas Rangers
  5. Seattle Mariners

 

Tampa Bay over Chicago

Minnesota over Houston

New York over Tampa Bay

Minnesota over New York

AL Champs: Minnesota Twins

 

World Series Champs: Los Angeles Dodgers

This 60-game season is going to be molded by the major transactions of this past offseason. Gerrit Cole’s signing in the Bronx will help the Yankees return to the postseason but will not be enough with their short-handed rotation. Josh Donaldson will be a huge asset for the Twins and will be their main driving force to their World Series run, and all those signings by the White Sox will bring them back to the playoffs. Mookie Betts, and his new $392 million extension,  will finally help the Dodgers over the hump and win a World Series title.

 

(Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

 

 

National League Awards

 

MVP- Juan Soto, Washington Nationals

(Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)

 

Cy Young- Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals

 

Rookie of the Year- Carter Kieboom, Washington Nationals

Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

 

Comeback Player of the Year- Edwin Diaz, New York Mets

 

Manager of the Year- Dave Roberts, Los Angeles Dodgers

(Patrick Semansky / Associated Press)

 

 

American League Awards

 

MVP- Josh Donaldson, Minnesota Twins

(GettyImages-1211652561)

 

Cy Young- Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox

 

Rookie of the Year- Luis Robert, Chicago White Sox

 

Comeback Player of the Year- Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

 

Manager of the Year- Rocco Baldelli, Minnesota Twins

 

Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins, via Getty Images

Jul 22, 2020 No Comments
On-Feet Look of the Air Jordan 5 “What The”

On-Feet Look of the Air Jordan 5 “What The”

Sneaker Releases

by | Jul 22, 2020 | Sneaker Releases, Sneakers

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Air Jordan 5, Jordan Brand will be releasing a special Air Jordan 5 “What The” colorway.

A mismatched pair of Yellow and Red color blocking each heel comes with a Japanese character and medallion embroidery from the “Tokyo 23” and “Shanghai” colorways, respectively. This Air Jordan 5 takes attribute from colorways like the Tokyo, Shanghai, Raging Bull, Bel-Air, Laser, Green Bean, Army Olive and Quai 54.

The left foot’s upper is cover in red suede reminiscent of the 2009’s “Raging Bull” pack. The collar lining comes from the “Bel-Air” colorway, Metallic tongues with the volt green accents from 2006’s cult classic “Green Bean,”and A yellow heel badge is taken from 2013’s rare “Shanghai.” While the black midsoles and volt outsoles are co-opted from 2011’s rare “Quai 54” PE.

The right foot is dressed in a yellow upper pulled from 2011’s Air Jordan 5 “Tokyo,” the tongue uses 2006’s “Army Olive” hues, and the printed graphic on the collar’s lining draw from 2007’s “Laser.” Midsoles and outsoles pull from 2013’s Fresh Prince-inspired “Bel-Air.”

Look for the Air Jordan 5 “What The”to release on November 7th at select retailers and Nike.com at a price tag of $220 USD. Check out a detail look below:

Jul 22, 2020 No Comments
On-Feet Photos of the Fragment x Air Jordan 3

On-Feet Photos of the Fragment x Air Jordan 3

Sneaker Releases

by | Jul 22, 2020 | Sneaker Releases, Sneakers

Originally seen on-foot of Hiroshi Fujiwara earlier this year, it appears that an upcoming Fragment x Air Jordan 3 could possibly be releasing later this year.

This shoe features a clean White leather upper paired with Black smooth leather overlays replacing the traditional elephant print. Fragment’s lightning bolt logo on the translucent heels with “AIR” branding atop a White rubber sole completes the design.

Check out Fujiwara’s newest Air Jordans below, from detailed on-foot photos via s.sam.group of the upcoming Fragment x Air Jordan 3. Keep it locked here for more info on a potential release as it becomes available.

Jul 22, 2020 No Comments
Titan’s Nike LeBron 17 Low Draws Parallels Between The Shops’ History And The King’s Career

Titan’s Nike LeBron 17 Low Draws Parallels Between The Shops’ History And The King’s Career

Sneaker Releases

by | Jul 22, 2020 | Sneaker Releases, Sneakers

Following last year’s collaborative colorway, Manila-based basketball concept store TITAN is now set to release a special Nike LeBron 17 Low “Agimat.”

Breaking from its predecessors in color, this shoe is flooded in red and features an all-over graphic on the upper emblazoned with logos and symbols that represent moments in Titan’s 10-year history.

The tongue has a special crest that features a globe mounted on James’ iconic crown logo, Titan’s lightning bolt logo and the words “Para Sa Kadakilaan,” which translate to “Strive For Greatness.”

Additionally, a mosaic of symbols representing Titan’s storied decade in the game serves as a sturdy platform as the shop looks towards another ten years of dominance.

Since 2010, Titan has been a bastion of basketball culture in the Philippines. It’s a pivotal hub for sneaker fandom, the love for basketball culminated in a pinnacle partnership with Nike and the LeBron signature series in 2019 with the LeBron 16 Low “Agimat.”

“LeBron has always had a deep connection with Filipinos, as we all share his unique love for the game,” says Nikko Ramos, Titan’s Brand Connections Director. “This shoe’s design and storytelling is a true testament to the partnership.”

The Nike LeBron 17 Low “Titan” will officially release at TITAN’s retail locations and webstore on August 1st, then hit Nike’s Park Fort location in the Philippines on August 8th for $160; see the official photos below:

Jul 22, 2020 No Comments
WWE RE-LAUNCHING 90’s FACTION?

WWE RE-LAUNCHING 90’s FACTION?

Featured

by | Jul 22, 2020 | Featured, uncategorised

In the past few Raw episodes, MVP and Bobby Lashley have partnered together, creating a new stable named “The Hurt Business.” The recent episode on Raw showed this stable branching out, adding a new member, the 24/7 Champion Shelton Benjamin.

In this week’s episode on Raw, WWE Hall of Famer Ron Simmons was seen in a segment backstage chatting with MVP and Bobby Lashley. Dave Meltzer later mentioned on Wrestling Observer Radio, the plans for relaunching the 90’s Faction, the Nation of Domination, or creating a faction similar to it.

 

“There was an idea; I don’t know if it was dropped. Originally, it was going to be on the show for a revamping of The Nation of Domination, and Ron Simmons was going to be a part of that angle, but they dropped that angle for this show. They may be building to it later, they may have dropped it completely, but they had brought him in for that angle. So, therefore, that is why he was on television.” –Dave Meltzer

 

The Nation of Domination (NOD) was a faction in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), which is now known as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) from 1996 to 1998.

The group was formed by Faarooq (Ron Simmons) in 1996. In the late 1997/early 1998 incarnation of the Nation, NOD group members consisted of Kama Mustafa, who was later known as The Godfather, Faarooq, The Rock, and D’Lo Brown. The Nation then betrayed Faarooq with The Rock emerging as the Nation’s new leader adding Mark Henry and Owen Hart.

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Jul 22, 2020 No Comments