One-Day-Away: SneakerReporter 2020 MLB Preview

One-Day-Away: SneakerReporter 2020 MLB Preview

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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
MLB Trade Deadline: Everything You Need to Know

MLB Trade Deadline: Everything You Need to Know

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by | Jul 31, 2019 | Featured

The day has officially come. The 2019 MLB Trade Deadline is here. Teams have until 4pm EST today to agree upon deals. It’s every contender’s last chance to make one or two more roster tweaks with the postseason on the horizon. On the flip side, it’s every non-contenders last chance to sell high on their current players in hopes to stockpile assets heading into the 2020 season. 

The first big piece was moved two days ago, as the NY Mets shocked the league by acquiring big name Blue Jays’ pitcher Marcus Stroman. Then last night happened. A blockbuster deal sending P Trevor Bauer to the Reds, OF Yasiel Puig, OF Franmil Reyes, P Logan Allen, P Scott Moss, and 3B Victor Nova to the Indians, and OF Taylor Trammell to the Padres. As the trade news broke, half of the current Reds team (including Yasial Puig whom was dealt just minutes before) was in the midst of a complete melee with the Pirates dugout. In addition to Puig, let’s not forget Trevor Bauer’s final moments as an Indian, as he launched a ball from the mound over the center field fence in frustration earlier this week.

It’s easy to say that this has been a fun week of baseball. Emotions are beginning to unfold and teams are doing every last thing in their power to position themselves to compete. Look no further than here, as we have you covered for the final hours leading up to the deadline.

While there should be plenty more to come, here’s a look at recent transactions that have gotten us to this point:

(more…)

Jul 31, 2019 No Comments
MLB 2019 Trade Deadline: Buyers and Sellers

MLB 2019 Trade Deadline: Buyers and Sellers

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by | Jul 19, 2019 | Featured

The 2019 MLB Trade deadline is quickly approaching. Front offices around the MLB are on the phones tirelessly preparing their final packages before the July 31st deadline. For many teams, it’s time to start loading up their rosters in order to make a run at the Pennant this fall. Others are approaching the deadline with hopes to spark a rebuild and prepare for the 2020 season and beyond, as their postseason hopes are dwindling. Here we’ll take a look at six teams from each league that we believe will be most aggressive in their pursuit of getting a deal done before the clock strikes 4pm EST, on the 31st.

Your 2019 Trade Deadline Buyers and Sellers:

BUYERS

AMERICAN LEAGUE:

NEW  YORK YANKEES (62-33)

1st in AL East

Team Need: PITCHING DEPTH

Potential Target: DET- SP MATTHEW BOYD

HOUSTON ASTROS (61-37)

1st in AL West

Team Need: POSTSEASON STARTER

Potential Target: TOR- SP MARCUS STROMAN

MINNESOTA TWINS (59-36)

1st in AL Central

Team Need: MIDDLE RELIEF

Potential Target: SF- RP WILL SMITH

NATIONAL LEAGUE:

LOS ANGELES DODGERS (64-35)

1st in NL West

Team Need: MIDDLE RELIEF

Potential Target: PIT- RP FELIPE VAZQUEZ

ATLANTA BRAVES (58-40)

1st in NL East

Team Need: VETERAN PITCHING

Potential Target: ARI- SP ZACK GREINKE

CHICAGO CUBS (52-44)

1st in NL Central

Team Need: LINEUP BALANCE

Potential Target: MIA- SS MIGUEL ROJAS

SELLERS

AMERICAN LEAGUE:

TEXAS RANGERS (50-46)

3rd in AL West

Team Need: ROTATION DEPTH AND A BIG BAT

Potential Trade Piece: OF HUNTER PENCE

LOS ANGELES ANGELS (50-48)

4th in AL West

Team Need: SALARY FLEXIBIITY

Potential Trade Piece: SS MATT HARVEY

SEATTLE MARINERS (39-60)

5th in AL West

Team Need: PROSPECTS AND SALARY FLEXIBILITY

Potential Trade Piece: SP MARCO GONZALES

NATIONAL LEAGUE:

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (49-48)

2nd in NL West

Team Need: PROSPECTS AND SALARY FLEXIBILITY

Potential Trade Piece: SP ZACK GREINKE

CINCINNATI REDS (43-51)

5th in NL Central

Team Need: OVERALL DEPTH

Potential Trade Piece: OF YASIEL PUIG

PITTSBURG PIRATES (45-50)

4th in NL Central

Team Need: YOUNG CATCHER

Potential Trade Piece: 2B ADAM FRAZIER

Jul 19, 2019 No Comments
MLB All-Star Game Preview

MLB All-Star Game Preview

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by | Jul 9, 2019 | Featured

The 2019 MLB All-Star game is here! The 90th annual Midsummer Classic between the best of the American League the best from the National League takes place tonight at Progressive Field, in Cleveland.

Tuesday’s ballgame will be managed by Alex Cora of the AL and Dave Roberts of the NL. Their starting lineups have been unveiled.

Here’s a look at the full rosters and starting lineup for both sides:

NATIONAL LEAGUE STARTERS

  1. Christian Yelich, LF, Brewers
  2. Javier Baez, SS, Cubs
  3. Freddie Freeman, 1B, Braves
  4. Cody Bellinger, RF, Dodgers
  5. Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies
  6. Josh Bell, DH, Pirates
  7. Willson Contreras, C, Cubs
  8. Ketel Marte, 2B, Diamondbacks
  9. Ronald Acuna, CF, Braves

SP: Hyun-jin Ryu, Dodgers

RESERVES

C – Yasmani Grandal, Brewers
C – J.T. Realmuto, Phillies
1B – Pete Alonso, Mets
2B – Jeff McNeil, Mets
2B – Mike Moustakas, Brewers
SS – Paul DeJong, Cardinals
SS – Trevor Story, Rockies
3B – Anthony Rendon, Nationals
3B – Kris Bryant, Cubs
OF – David Dahl, Rockies
OF – Charlie Blackmon, Rockies
3B – Max Muncy, Dodgers (replaces Rendon)

PITCHERS

SP – Mike Soroka, Braves
SP – Jacob deGrom, Mets
SP – Max Scherzer, Nationals
SP – Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers
SP – Hyun-jin Ryu, Dodgers
SP – Walker Buehler, Dodgers
SP – Zack Greinke, Diamondbacks
SP – Luis Castillo, Reds
SP – Sandy Alcantara, Marlins
RP – Will Smith, Giants
RP – Kirby Yates, Padres
RP – Josh Hader, Brewers
RP – Felipe Vazquez (replaces Grienke)
SP – Brandon Woodruff (replaces Hader)
SP – Sonny Gray (replaces Scherzer

 

AMERICAN LEAGUE STARTERS

  1. George Springer, RF, Astros
  2. DJ LeMahieu, 2B, Yankees
  3. Mike Trout, CF, Angels
  4. Carlos Santana, 1B, Indians
  5. D. Martinez, DH, Red Sox
  6. Alex Bregman, 3B, Astros
  7. Gary Sanchez, C, Yankees
  8. Michael Brantley, LF, Astros
  9. Jorge Polanco, SS, Twins

SP: Justin Verlander, Astros

RESERVES

C – James McCann, White Sox
1B – Jose Abreu, White Sox
2B – Brandon Lowe, Rays
SS – Francisco Lindor, Indians
3B – Matt Chapman, Athletics
OF – Mookie Betts, Red Sox
OF – Austin Meadows, Rays
OF – Joey Gallo, Rangers
OF/2B – Whit Merrifield, Royals
DH – Daniel Vogelbach, Mariners
2B – Gleyber Torres, Yankees (replaces injured Lowe)
SS – Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox (replaces injured Pence)

 

PITCHERS

 

SP – Justin Verlander, Astros
SP – Gerrit Cole, Astros
SP – Lucas Giolito, White Sox
SP – Mike Minor, Rangers
SP – Jake Odorizzi, Twins
SP – Marcus Stroman, Blue Jays
SP – John Means, Orioles
SP – Charlie Morton, Rays
RP – Ryan Pressly, Astros
RP – Shane Greene, Tigers
RP – Brad Hand, Indians
RP – Aroldis Chapman, Yankees
SP – Jose Berrios, Twins (replaces injured Odorizzi)
SP – Shane Bieber, Indians (replaces Minor)
RP – Liam Hendriks, Athletics (replaces Morton)
SP – Masahiro Tanaka (replaces injured Stroman)

Can the National League end their 5-game losing streak, or will the American League continue their ASG dominance? Find out tonight at 7:30pm EST, on FOX. You can also keep up with the game on the SneakerReporter MLB Twitter account. Follow @MLB_SR for live play-by-play coverage.

Jul 9, 2019 No Comments
What to Expect From the 2019 All-Star Festivities in Cleveland

What to Expect From the 2019 All-Star Festivities in Cleveland

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by | Jul 3, 2019 | Featured

As we approach the 4th of July weekend, we also approach one of the most exciting parts of the MLB season: All-Star Week. This article will give you a summary of each event, who’s participating, and what to expect. You can tune into all of the MLB Festivities next week through ESPN.

 

This year’s All-Star week is being held in Progressive Field, Home of the Cleveland Indians. Cleveland is a very live city rich in sports culture, and their fans have showed a tremendous amount of excitement to be hosting the events. The last time Cleveland hosted the All-Star game was back in 1997, when the stadium was named Jacob’s Field. Indians legend Larry Doby threw out the first pitch of the game, and Cleveland’s own Sandy Alomar Jr. took home the MVP trophy. With other Cleveland greats in attendance and 3 Indians on the AL’s roster, you can expect a great reception from fans not just local to the area, but from all over the country as well.

 

The first major event that will take place is the Celebrity Softball Game on Sunday, July 7th. The rosters are filled with sports stars, actors, and musicians from the local area. Some great athletes who spent time playing for Cleveland sports teams you can expect to see would be Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns, JR Smith of the 2016 champion Cavaliers team, and UFC champion Stipe Miocic. Cleveland natives Machine Gun Kelly and Drew Carey will also lace up their cleats for this star-studded softball game as well. Some other celebrities you will see not from the Cleveland area include Actor Jamie Foxx, fashion designer Jerry Lorenzo, and musician Daddy Yankee.

 

Next on the list of activities is the much-anticipated Home Run Derby, which is going down the next night on Monday, July 8th. Cleveland first baseman Carlos Santana will be competing for his city, going up against a deep lineup of this year’s best sluggers such as Christian Yelich and Pete Alonso. A previous article by SneakerReporter also said you should look out for Pirates Josh Bell and Blue Jays Vladimir Guerrero Jr. making the list, and both of them will be participating. Two more spots in the 8-man bracket remain a mystery, but you can expect both of those spots to be filled by players with an impressive resume for the event. One thing is for certain: you can expect a great show from some of the MLB’s best sluggers Monday night.

 

Last but not least you have the All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 9th, which will not disappoint the fans in any way. This year’s lineups consist of some MLB fan favorites, as well as plenty of new names we haven’t seen on this stage before. Cleveland’s own Francisco Lindor, Carlos Santana, and Brad Hand will keep the local fans on their feet all night. 31 first-time All-Stars will take the field as well, showing some of the great, young talent professional baseball has to offer. While the AL’s starting pitcher has not yet been named, they will be facing Dodgers Ace Hyun-Jin Ryu to start out the game. There are plenty of excellent players who will take the field Tuesday night, so you can keep your eyes peeled for your favorites. SneakerReporter’s Instagram @sr_mlb will be posting the lineups for not just the All-Star game, but other events as well. After everyone enjoys the holiday weekend, they can double up on the All-Star fun right after.

Jul 3, 2019 No Comments