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Division Predictions: AL East

We FINALLY have arrived at the American League East. A division that should be run strictly by Boston and New York. The talent both teams possess makes these two no doubters to finish at numbers one and two. Toronto and Baltimore will look to play supporting roles in the division. Tampa Bay will be present in the division, but nothing more than mediocre. Here is the outlook:

Tampa Bay Rays

Chris Archer will be the anchor of this ball club. With the loss of Logan Morrison, Chris Archer is the face of Tampa Bay. With Denard Span and Carlos Gomez playing supporting roles, these three are the only ones likely to produce this season.

Baltimore Orioles

The addition of Alex Cobb is huge for Baltimore’s rotation that is led by Dylan Bundy. Baltimore is unfortunately one of those teams that has a hot start, then declines as the season goes on. Chris Davis, Adam Jones, and Manny Machado will be the key players to watch closely this season for the Orioles. The main storyline that will be coming out of Baltimore, “Will Machado be with the club past the trade deadline?”

Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto will be interesting this season. The addition of Curtis Granderson replaces the veteran presence in the outfield Jose Bautista had brought each season. Marcus Stroman looks as good as can be and will be the ace of the staff, despite J.A. Happ getting the ball opening day. Josh Donaldson and Justin Smoak anchor the lineup, looking to be the power force in the order. The question out of Toronto, “Will Donaldson stay?”

New York Yankees

The Yankees made the ALCS last season during a “rebuild year”. With the addition of Giancarlo Stanton, they went from a scary lineup to just downright frightening. With the likes of Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez included in the core part of the order, they have the best power lineup in baseball. Their problem? Pitching. The two top guys in the rotation are Cy Young candidate Luis Servino and Masahiro Tanaka. Once you get past them it’s a toss-up in regards to consistency. C.C. Sabathia, Sonny Grey, and Jordan Montgomery will look to execute in regards to consistent success in the rotation. Delin Bentances and Aroldis Chapman will be the leaders out of the pen for New York. They have all the tools and necessities to win a title. Can the pitching late in the rotation step up?

Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox are winning the 2018 World Series. They have the pitching in Chris Sale, David Price, and Rick Porcello with a strong supporting cast behind them. New York may have the power, but Boston has the consistency in their lineup that can take them further than the Yankees. Benintendi looks on fire this spring, so we can assume to expect a good amount from Benny this season. Mookie Betts, newcomer J.D. Martinez, Rafael Devers, Hanley Ramirez, and Jackie Bradley Jr. will look to continue to shine during the season. The acquisition of J.D. this off-season matches Boston up with New York in regards to power and consistency in their lineups. Boston’s key to success to not only the division, but the season: pitching. Boston in 7.

Final Standings

Boston Red Sox

New York Yankees

Baltimore Orioles

Toronto Blue Jays

Tampa Bay Rays

Boston Sports Extra’s MLB Divisional Picks

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Our baseball writers have once again collaborated to make our picks for the coming baseball season. The first collaboration, we predicted who would win the major awards for this coming baseball season. Here in our second installment, we decide which teams will win their divisions, which teams will sneak in as a wild card, and most importantly, which two teams will play in the World Series.

American League East

Kyle Flanagan: Boston Red Sox

Boston will take the division over New York, simply because of pitching. Boston contains a deep staff led by Sale, Price and Porcello. In New York with Tanaka and Severino, it leaves the rest of the rotation as a toss-up.

David Latham: Boston Red Sox

The Yankees may have acquired Giancarlo Stanton, but this is still the Red Sox division to lose. The offense should improve tremendously from last season, and the pitching should be as good as ever. This team could easily win 95-98 games this year.

Scott Frizzell: Boston Red Sox

This should be one of the better division races this season. I envision both the Sox and the Yankees winning in the low to mid nineties for games. Ultimately, I think the Red Sox will pull it out in the final week of the season. The Red Sox won the division last year with two-thirds of the lineup under-performing.

Matt O’Halloran: New York Yankees

The Yankees came close to the World Series last year, and they should win the division with the additions of Giancarlo Stanton and Brandon Drury. The Red Sox will come close, but the Yankees are more talented.

Brandon Fazzolari: New York Yankees

The Yankees will win the division because they have too much offensive firepower to overcome.

Justin Gonzalez: Boston Red Sox

The division race between the Yankees and Sox is going to be full of action from Opening Day to September 30th. The Sox have the better rotation and defense (saving runs is just as important as producing them, in my mind), but the Yankees have a slightly better offense with a deeper bullpen. Overall, I see the Red Sox as the team to beat still even though the Yankees may be better on paper. Just remember, games aren’t played on paper, they’re played on grass.

American League Central

Kyle Flanagan: Cleveland Indians

Not enough, I feel, was done around the division where any team could dethrone Cleveland.

David Latham: Cleveland Indians

So long as it’s not an elimination game, the Cleveland Indians are a very tough team to beat. They’ve still got ace Corey Kluber and star shortstop Francisco Lindor, but I feel like they take a step back this season. They’ll win a sub-par division, but won’t have much more than 90 wins.

Scott Frizzell: Cleveland Indians

The Indians are the clear team to beat in the division. Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco headline the best pitching staff in the division, and Trevor Bauer is showing some breakout potential as well. With Edwin Encarnacion, Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez, they will probably also score more runs than any other team in the Central.

Matt O’Halloran: Minnesota Twins

The Twins surprisingly made the Wild Card game last year, and the young players will develop into stars. The Indians have dominated the division for a few years, but Carlos Santana departing and an underrated division will knock them out.

Brandon Fazzolari: Cleveland Indians

The Indians should have no problem winning their third consecutive division title.

Justin Gonzalez: Cleveland Indians

It’s hard to fathom the Indians not winning this division by a good amount of games. Sure, the Twins bolstered their team by acquiring Lance Lynn, Fernando Rodney, Addison Reed, and Logan Morrison, but the Indians haven’t exactly lost any talent. Cleveland lost Carlos Santana to the Phillies, but signed a pretty good replacement in Yonder Alonso, who had 28 home runs in 2017. The Indians still have reigning Cy Young winner Corey Kluber, a great arm in Carlos Carrasco, some of the best late inning relievers in Andrew Miller and Cody Allen and an offense that can be the best in the majors.

American League West

Kyle Flanagan: Houston Astros

They got better.

David Latham: Houston Astros

This team has the roster to be dominant for at least the next five years. They just signed Jose Altuve long-term, and I can’t see a way the Astros don’t comfortably win their division.

Scott Frizzell: Houston Astros

With a full season of Justin Verlander, the Astros may be even better this season. The Astros might win their division by more games than any other division winner.

Matt O’Halloran: Houston Astros

The defending champions have a very similar roster to last year, which should lead them to a 100 win season again. Teams on the rise, such as the Angels and Athletics, are not good enough this year to dethrone Houston.

Brandon Fazzolari: Houston Astros

I cannot foresee a tight contest in this divisional race.

Justin Gonzalez: Houston Astros

There really isn’t a whole lot going on in this division other than the highly talented Astros getting even better this off-season with the Gerrit Cole trade. The Astros are just too good of a team to submit their division dominance this early.

American League Wild Cards

Kyle Flanagan: New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels

New York was a no doubter for me, but I was close to taking Minnesota over LA. What made my decision was pitching and LA has a staff that could make a run into the Wild Card.

David Latham: New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels

The top four teams should be world’s better than whichever team clinches the final wild card spot, but right now I’m going with the Angels. They still have Mike Trout, and Shohei Ohtani should eventually become a great contributor.

Scott Frizzell: New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins

The Yankees are an obvious choice; whichever team does win the AL East will have a playoff spot wrapped up before the division. I’ve been stumping all off-season for the Twins to sign Lance Lynn, and with him now in tow, their chances at the playoffs are greatly improved. They now have a chance at four starters with a sub-4.00 ERA to go along with a young and improving lineup. The Blue Jays could surprise and be the first team out.

Matt O’Halloran: Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels

The Red Sox should keep the division close and ultimately settle for a wild card spot. The Angels are a team on the rise.

Brandon Fazzolari: Los Angeles Angels and Boston Red Sox

I think the Angels will be the best wild card team as long as Big Mike stays healthy. The last wild card is going to be the spot up for grabs. It should come down to Boston, Minnesota, Seattle, Texas and even the White Sox can get in the mix. I just think over the long haul, with the Red Sox having Chris Sale available for 30+ starts and a great closer like Kimbrel provides Boston with enough to get in.

Justin Gonzalez: New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins

We are potentially looking at a repeat of last season when the AL East literally came down to the last few games. I believe the entire season is going to fluctuate between New York and Boston possessing first place with the loser taking a wild card spot. The Los Angeles Angels signed Shohei Ohtani, who could be good but most likely won’t be in his first MLB season. They also possess the greatest baseball player on the planet (which doesn’t hurt).

National League East

Kyle Flanagan: Washington Nationals

Not much of an argument here. It mainly depends on how New York’s pitching staff performs this season for them to contend against Washington.

David Latham: Washington Nationals

This is the last chance this core has. Bryce Harper is set to be the highest-paid baseball player in the league next off-season, and the Nationals know he’s not coming back. They’ll do everything in their power to finally take home a World Series. They should come close to winning 100 games, but they’ll probably still find a way to lose in the NLDS.

Scott Frizzell: Washington Nationals

This team has too much talent not to win this division. Quite frankly, they also have too much talent to not have gone further in the postseason the past couple years. With Harper being a free agent after the season, and Max Scherzer being 33 years old, the time is now for Washington.

Matt O’Halloran: Washington Nationals

The Nationals have dominated the regular season for most of Bryce Harper’s career, and there is no reason to believe that should stop this year. The NL East will be competitive because the Mets are scary when healthy, but the Nationals rotation is too dominant to be overthrown.

Brandon Fazzolari: Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals will easily win the NL East with Harper, Scherzer and Strasburg.

Justin Gonzalez: Washington Nationals

Two Cy Young award candidates in their rotation, an MVP caliber player in Bryce Harper, all important speed in Trea Turner, and a great supporting offense with Daniel Murphy (136 wRC+), Anthony Rendon (142 wRC+) and Ryan Zimmerman (138 wRC+). This is a no-brainer.

National League Central

Kyle Flanagan: Chicago Cubs

Chicago’s only competition is Milwaukee. Milwaukee still needs the pieces in the rotation to contend against the Cubs.

David Latham: Chicago Cubs

Last year was one long World Series hangover for this club. They still boast enviable talent at just about every position, and should look more like the dominant 2016 team than the streaky 2017 unit.

Scott Frizzell: Chicago Cubs

This team didn’t seem quite as good last year following their World Series win in 2016, and yet they still won 92 games. They replaced Jake Arrieta with Yu Darvish, and John Lackey with Tyler Chatwood in the rotation. They also have a full season of Jose Quintana. I think the rotation will perform better overall and this club could approach 100 wins. The Brewers just don’t have the pitching to hang with them all season.

Matt O’Halloran: Milwaukee Brewers

A bold prediction considering that the Cubs have dominated the division for the past few years, but the Brewers were the best team in the NL Central for a good portion of last season. If they play consistently, then they will be better than the Cubs. The Cardinals are always competitive but their roster is not good enough to win the division.

Brandon Fazzolari: St. Louis Cardinals

I think the Cubs will regress some more this season and the Cardinals will overtake them.

Justin Gonzalez: Milwaukee Brewers

Finally, a team that won’t repeat in 2018. The NL Central is a division that can have a really interesting three-team race when it’s all said and done. The Chicago Cubs may still be the favorite to win the division title, but they are definitely closely followed by the Brewers and the St. Louis Cardinals. The Brewers have an offense that can go toe to toe with almost any team and a top 10 ERA pitching staff in 2017 that is returning for 2018, barring the delay of Jimmy Nelson.

National League West

Kyle Flanagan: Los Angeles Dodgers

Scariest team in baseball in means of talent: Kershaw, Bellinger, Seager, Puig, Jansen, Turner, the list goes on. Legitimate World Series contenders yet again.

David Latham: Los Angeles Dodgers

Losing a World Series like they did last season hurts, but it’s not the end of the road for the team. They still had the best record in baseball, and should remain one of the best teams in the league. Having Cody Bellinger doesn’t hurt, either.

Scott Frizzell: Los Angeles Dodgers

Barring disaster, the Dodgers should win this division handily. Fronted by Clayton Kershaw and Rich Hill, the Dodgers have a lot of pitching depth. Potential future ace Walker Buehler is waiting in the wings if injury happens. Forgotten top prospect Julio Urias should make his way back in the summer to add to the depth. Youngsters Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger lead the way for a good offense.

Matt O’Halloran: Los Angeles Dodgers

A competitive division last year with two wild-card teams, the NL West should be competitive again. However, in a league full of parody, the Diamondbacks and Rockies will have hangover years. The Giants are a sleeper team, but the Dodgers are too talented to be dethroned.

Brandon Fazzolari: Colorado Rockies

I have the Dodgers taking a step back from last season. The Rockies can slug their way to a division title.

Justin Gonzalez: Arizona Diamondbacks

The Los Angeles Dodgers seem like the easy way out, but let us not forget that the Diamondbacks had the third best record in the NL and bring back mostly everyone from their impressive 2017 season. Sure, they lost J.D. Martinez to the Red Sox this offseason but here is something to note: The Diamondbacks acquired Martinez in a trade from the Tigers around the time of the All-Star game. Pre-All Star game the Diamondbacks had an OPS of .771 and Post-All Star game they had an OPS of .778. This is a team that can really thrive without JD Martinez and can pose a serious threat to the Dodgers in the end. The Diamondbacks also had the third best ERA in the majors in 2017 and can go toe to toe with any pitching staff out there.

National League Wild Cards

Kyle Flanagan: Milwaukee Brewers and San Francisco Giants

The Brewers lineup gets them to this point. The Giants pitching and health will be the deciding factor in this Wild Card.

David Latham: Colorado Rockies and Milwaukee Brewers

I’m going out on a limb with the Brewers, but I really like what the organization has built. Travis Shaw was one of the best power hitters in baseball last season, and Mauricio Dubon should soon become one of the best shortstops in the game.

Scott Frizzell: Milwaukee Brewers and Arizona Diamondbacks

The Brewers don’t have the pitching staff I would like to see, and it will cost them some wins. They really could’ve used one of the decent free agent pitchers to come aboard this season. With the additions of Yelich and Cain though, they have one of the best outfields in baseball. The Diamondbacks have installed a humidor to limit offense, and their pitching staff actually appears to be their strength. It can help them to another wild card. I like the Phillies as a surprise, “cardiac kids,” team this season under first year manager Gabe Kapler. Look for them to impress and hang in the race until late in the season. Ultimately, I think it is a year too early for a playoff berth though.

Matt O’Halloran: Chicago Cubs and New York Mets

Watch out for the Mets if their rotation can stay healthy this season.

Brandon Fazzolari: Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers

I think both of these teams will take a step back this season, but not far enough back they miss the postseason entirely.

Justin Gonzalez: Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies

Do not sleep on the Colorado Rockies as they could be seen as a dark horse in this division as well. MVP caliber talents in Nolan Arenado and Charlie Blackmon headline this sneakily talented team and could make a name for themselves in the baseball world.

World Series

Kyle Flanagan: Red Sox over Dodgers in 7 games

If I didn’t have the Red Sox in the World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers will win the World Series. I mainly made my decision based on what the most exciting matchup would be for me. Bellinger and Benintendi, Sale and Kershaw, Seager and Pedroia, and let’s not forget Hanley and Puig! Sox in 7. Go Sox.

David Latham: Astros over Cubs in 5 games

The Red Sox and the Cubs both have enviable rosters, but frankly the talent on Houston is unrivaled throughout the league. They genuinely have the chance to be what the New York Yankees were at the turn of the millennium.

Scott Frizzell: Indians over Cubs in 6 games

The Indians get their revenge on the Cubs after losing a series lead in 2016. Now it’s Cleveland’s turn to end a World Series victory drought.

Matt O’Halloran: Astros over Dodgers (again)

These two teams are just too talented to bet against.

Brandon Fazzolari: Astros over Nationals in 7 games

Houston will repeat as World Champs, this time outlasting the Nationals with Verlander beating Scherzer in the deciding game!

Justin Gonzalez: Astros over Nationals in 4 games

The Astros come with a huge bulls-eye on their backs, but can be the best possibility of a team to win back to back World Series championships in recent memory.

Division Predictions: AL Central

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We now arrive at the American League Central. The division has the potential to be the worst in baseball. The loss of Hosmer in Kansas City pulls the Royals out of serious talks of a potential contention. Chicago will be led by the likes of José Aubreu and Yoan Moncada. Detroit has a new manager. The Twins will look to contend for a spot in the Wild Card. Here’s how the division will pan out:

Chicago White Sox

Other than José Aubreu and Yoan Moncada, not much is expected this season from Chicago. James Shields will be the ace of the staff this season, looking to be the leader in that rotation. For Chicago, that’s really all I got.

Minnesota Twins

The Twins are looking to return to the Wild Card game this season with high hopes. Players like Miguel Sano, newcomer Logan Morrison, and Eddie Rosario will look to lead the way in the lineup. The only issue for the Twins again is their pitching. Ervin Santana will lead the staff. Pitching is going to have to step up for Minnesota if they wish to be legitimate contenders for the Wild Card.

Detroit Tigers

It seems every year, we hear less and less about Detroit. They’ve seem to be slipping down a slope that can be easily fixed. Regardless, for right now Detroit will have to hold their own with what they’ve got now. Miguel Cabrera will lead the lineup per usual, along with José Iglesias and Victor Martinez. Jordan Zimmerman will take the helm of the staff followed by newcomer Francisco Liriano. You never know, Detroit could surprise you. Don’t hold your breath.

Kansas City

Kansas City took a huge toll losing Eric Hosmer to San Diego in free agency. Nonetheless, franchise veterans Mike Moustakas and Salvador Perez will look to lead a very interesting ball club. Danny Duffy and Ian Kennedy will lead the staff, along with being the keys to their success out of the rotation.

Cleveland Indians

No team in the division will be able to contend against Cleveland. They have all the necessities to contend for a world title, but execution is key. Being bounced in the ALDS by New York should be a huge wake up call for the tribe. Corey Kluber is looking for yet again another Cy Young caliber season. Lindor, Encarnacion, and Jose Ramirez leading are leading an always talented lineup. Yonder Alonso joins the team as a huge acquisition to the ball club. Cleveland is no joke, maybe this season they won’t choke.

Final Standings

Cleveland Indians

Minnesota Twins

Kansas City Royals

Chicago White Sox

Detroit Tigers

Division Predictions: AL West

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We have now arrived to discussing the American League, starting off with the West. The American League West will definitely draw some attention this season, with the arrival of Shohei Ohtani in Los Angeles. Houston is looking to defend their World Series title as they got even better this off-season. From the veteran presence of the clubhouse in Seattle, to Tim Lincecum, here is a look at the AL West in 2018:

Oakland Athletics:

On paper, the Athletics are considered to be in comparison to “The Island of Misfit Toys”. One look at their roster and you could consider them the favorite to finish dead last in the division for the third consecutive year. SPOILER ALERT: I have them dead last again in the division. Despite having them last, these guys could be a huge sleeper pick in contention for the division. Oakland possesses a great core of young talent that will take the team into a positive outlook for the future. Jed Lowrie (2.77 BA in 2017) will look to lead a young, but very capable lineup this season. Kendall Graveman and Sean Manaea look to lead their staff in hopes of a more promising season. Don’t sleep on these guys, but also don’t be surprised if they’re exactly where you expected them to be.

Texas Rangers:

The Rangers will look to contend as always this season with high hopes. They’ll attempt to match up against teams such as Seattle and Los Angeles, but they lack the necessary power they used to possess to do so. Their lineup will consist of guys such as average leaders Elvis Andrus, Delino DeShields, Robinson Chirinos, and Shin-Soo Choo. The always intimidating Adrian Beltre will bring in veteran leadership once again, along with Cole Hamels who will look to lead the rotation. Their pitching including Hamels, Matt Moore, Doug Fister, and Mike Minor may turn out being their strong suit this season.

Seattle Mariners:

The Seattle Mariners could definitely contend for a top spot in the division. They have the pieces in their lineup with Nelson Cruz and Robinson Cano, Jean Segura, and newcomer Dee Gordon will look to play their fair share as well. Ryon Healy (Right Hand Surgery) and Ben Gamel (Strained Right Oblique) will look to produce once being returned from the Disabled List. They have all the pieces with the bat, the pitching on another hand is the concern. If Felix Hernandez doesn’t pitch that day, the game is a toss-up. There’s really no “wow” guy I can determine that will match the workload Felix will can handle. James Paxton will be a solid two for the team, but nothing more than that. The Mariners have it figured out with their lineup, it’s up to their pitching if they can step up and make some noise in the division.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:

The Angels are definitely worthy of a break out season, and it’s NOT because of Shohei Ohtani. Despite winning the Ohtani sweepstakes, there hasn’t been much noise about the guy. This doesn’t mean he should be forgotten during the season. Give him some time and he’ll produce, trust me. The Angels also have Mike Trout, who’s the best player in baseball right now. Mike Trout will lead the lineup per usual with a supporting cast of Justin Upton, Andrelton Simmons, and “The Machine” Albert Pujols. Ian Kinsler is looking for a bounce back season after hitting a career low .236 BA. Garrett Richards will take the ace role of the staff in his eight season with returners Andrew Heaney and Tyler Skaggs. The Angels will definitely make some noise this season as it looks as if things may be coming together.

Houston Astros:

No question as to who’s going to come out on top of the division this season. The Houston Astros are not only looking to repeat as division champs, but World Series champions as well. They have almost all returners this season with the addition of Gerrit Cole to the pitching staff. Reigning American League MVP Jose Altuve will look to have yet another incredible season at the plate and in the field. Carlos Correa anticipates to be great per usual. Justin Verlander is hoping for another Cy Young worthy season. He takes the lead role in a very talented pitching staff, which includes Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers Jr., Gerrit Cole and Charlie Morton. They have all the tools to make another title run, or at least go deep into the postseason.

Final Standings:

Houston Astros

Los Angeles Angles

Texas Rangers

Seattle Mariners

Oakland Athletics

Red Sox Baseball Is Back

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Red Sox Baseball Begins Thursday

Apr 15, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The 2018 baseball season is Thursday, but the buzz around the Red Sox seems to be very quiet. Yes, there’s a lot going on with the Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins. But the Red Sox are staring their season Thursday. Alex Cora, as his first year as manager, has been clear divisions don’t mean anything winning a World Series does. Alex Cora has built a great relationship so far with his players. David Price seems to like him too, as there was a disconnect between him and John Farrell. Dustin Pedroia even told WEEI there was a disconnect between Farrell and the players last season.

This season is totally different with a new manager and coaches on the staff. The Red Sox come in with mostly the same team, besides adding J.D. Martinez, who is the power hitter they needed going forward to compete with the New York Yankees. Hopefully, Dustin Pedroia won’t be a baby and start being the leader he says he is in the clubhouse as well. The starting rotation looks good with Sale starting Thursday, followed by David Price, Rick Porcello, Hector Velazquez, and Brian Johnson.

Alex Cora Sounds Confident

(Fort Myers FL, 02/22/18) Boston Red Sox catcher Blake Swihart and second baseman Brock Holt celebrate with manager Alex Cora after scoring on Austin Rei’s double in the first inning of the Spring Training game against Northeastern University at JetBlue Park on Thursday, February 22, 2018. Staff photo by Matt Stone

Alex Cora had comments today and said, “Besides the freakin’ best record in baseball?” The Red Sox had the best record in baseball in Spring Training which at the end of the day means nothing. Cora also said today that he’s seen some players step up without saying any names. Alex Cora did say at the end to not to pay attention to spring training records they don’t mean anything.

John Farrell Speaks About Firing

The Red Sox have the talent to compete with the Yankees but do they have enough to win another division? That remains to be seen. Old manager John Farrell spoke yesterday about how he knew his time was up with the Red Sox late last season, saying,

“If you finished in first place last year, you were twice as likely as to be fired as if you finished in last place. So from that perspective, yeah, a little bit surprised a change was made, I do know Dave came in and he inherited me, So he felt like there was a change that was needed because we made quick exits the two years consecutive going into the postseason. The expectation as it is every year, whether it’s New York or Boston, LA, Chicago, to go deep into the October run, we didn’t do it. So I wish Alex Cora and everybody all the best there going forward.”

Farrell is a scout for the Cincinnati Reds, and currently will serve as an analyst for Baseball Tonight on ESPN. Get ready for the long baseball season. This should be an exciting one for sure.

2018 Outlook for Brian Johnson

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Injured Starters

With Injuries to Drew Pomeranz and Eduardo Rodriguez, left-hander Brian Johnson will start the season in the rotation. He was expected to start the season in the bullpen since he is out of options. It has been a long and difficult road for Johnson. The Red Sox drafted him in the first round of the 2012 MLB draft 31st overall. Johnson was once considered a top prospect. He seemed poised for big things after going 10-2 in his second season in the minors. Since then, he has not had any easy road to the big leagues. Now he has his chance to show baseball why the Red Sox have stuck with him.

Photo Credit: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Brian Johnson’s Journey

When the Sox drafted Johnson they had high expectations. Since then Johnson has had an eventful career. In his fourth minor league start, the former first round pick took a line drive off the face causing multiple fractures. Three years later Johnson made his MLB debut against the Houston Astros, only to leave that start because of numbness in his hand. This injury prevented him from making his case to be in the Red Sox 2016 rotation. Then baseball became secondary, as while at home he was the victim of a car jacking in which a gun was shot at his feet. With Johnson’s place in the organization up in the air he developed an anxiety disorder. This caused him to step away from baseball for six weeks and seek treatment.

Photo Credit: Charles Krupa/ AP Photo

Brian Johnson Bounces Back

The former first round pick returned to the Sox after almost retiring. Last year he was impressive in his limited opportunities. 2017 was not easy for Johnson, as in the minors he was again hit by a line drive in the head. But he didn’t miss a start. He appeared in five games, including two starts. In his Fenway Park debut he pitched a complete game shutout. The only other Red Sox pitcher to do that is a guy by the name of Pedro Martinez. Johnson doesn’t overpower hitters as his fastball tops out at 90 MPH. During Spring Training he has shown the Red Sox he could work the strike soon and had a 2.35 ERA the lowest on the team.

AP Photo/Derik Hamilton

What to Expect

Johnson is not expected to stay in the rotation all season. He will return to the bullpen once Pomeranz or Rodriguez are healthy. The Sox expect him to be a big part of the bullpen and make occasional spot starts. If the Sox had elected not to add Johnson to the Opening Day roster, they could have lost him to another team. Johnson has earned his spot with his performance. Johnson’s path to the big leagues is truly remarkable. He doesn’t take anything for granted, and will be motivated next year as he looks to add another chapter to a career that seemed like it could be over.

Sam Travis Should Be on the Opening Day Roster

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Opening Day is only a few days away, and teams are finally starting to shape the opening day roster. For the Red Sox, pretty much everything is set into stone except for the bench. Yesterday, Deven Marrero was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks, suggesting Brock Hold will be on the bench.

One of the candidates for the Red Sox bench that I was most excited about was Sam Travis. After a tough past few seasons battling injuries, he finally started to hit the ball this spring. I thought for sure he would be on the bench to start the season. However, recently the Sox optioned him to AAA Pawtucket. Here are a few reasons why he should be on the bench Opening Day:

Sam Travis FINALLY BREAKING THROUGH

As I mentioned before, Sam Travis had a tough road to this point. Up until recently he’s been plagued with injuries. However, this spring he has looked great at the plate. He has started to look like the Sam Travis that the Red Sox organization was so high on.

So far in 2018 Spring Training, Travis has hit .274 with six home runs and 17 RBI. He is the team leader in home runs and RBIs with those totals. A lot of people like to make the argument that Spring Training numbers do not mean anything and they aren’t important. But I do not think that these numbers are luck. The numbers that Travis has put up this spring is a direct result of him finally being healthy.

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WHO ELSE?

If this had happened before the trade of Marrero, I suppose it would have made a little more sense. But after that deal, I start to wonder who will actually be on the Red Sox bench.

Obviously Brock Holt will be kept, who is also poised for a better season once that he is now healthy. Blake Swihart is also another guy that I believe will be on the bench to start the season. Just like Travis, he is putting up monstrous numbers to fight for his spot on the team, which he will more than likely get.

After those two, I really have no clue why anyone would want another option besides Travis. Realistically, the only other choice is Leon, which is understandable. You would not want to just have Vasquez and Swihart, two young catchers. It is always nice to keep a veteran at that position.

Considering that there are no other options besides those three, it looks like the Red Sox are running with three guys on the bench and eight guys in the bullpen. This is assuming they use a five man rotation.

You could make arguments for both sides, but I think the Red Sox are making a mistake here. I think Travis could have had the opportunity to give this team character and production to start the season. Hopefully he gets another chance at the major league level sooner rather than later.

Cover image courtesy of Baseball Hot Corner.

Sam Travis at a Crossroads Entering 2018

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Spring Training so Far for Sam Travis

Last year the Red Sox had high hopes for Sam Travis. He hit well in the minors, and by some was seen as the first baseman of the future. That’s not how 2017 season went, and a year later Travis is unlikely to break camp with the Red Sox. He is blocked at first base by Hanley Ramirez and Mitch Moreland, who the Sox resigned to a two year deal in the offseason. The Red Sox have not given up on the Indiana product. He will need to bounce back at the plate and show more power. Travis will be one phone call away in Pawtucket and will be motivated to make it back.

Photo Credit: Ap Photo/ Steven Senne

What Went Wrong in 2017

The Red Sox drafted Travis in the second round of the 2014 MLB draft. He didn’t have a lot of hype coming out of the draft but he was a polished bat. Travis moved quickly through the system and seemed poised to make his MLB debut in 2016. Travis was unable to do that as he tore his ACL in May of 2016 and didn’t play all season. This made 2017 a prove it year for Travis. He would make his MLB debut but failed to show that he was starter caliber. In Pawtucket he hit .270 which isn’t horrible but it was his worst season as a professional. He hit for little power something the Red Sox needed badly.

Photo credit: Matt Stone

Prospects Behind Him

Last year Red Sox prospect Michael Chavis had a breakout season. He showed big time power as he hit thirty one homeruns between two levels. This made him the top first baseman and prospect in the Red Sox Minor league system . The Red Sox also have Josh Ockimey who has improved his offense and defense at first. Travis was once the first baseman of the future but now he has competition. Chavis has shown the power that Travis has lacked and the Red Sox need. This year is a big year for Travis as he must show the Red Sox why he deserves the job more than the other Red Sox prospects.

Photo Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

What Happens If Sam Travis Can Put It All Together

The Red Sox haven’t given up on Travis yet. His road back to the majors hinges on an injury or underperformance from Moreland or Ramirez. Travis should make it back to the majors at some point this season. How long his stay is will be determined by his performance. His future isn’t secure as it once was but only he can change that. If he can hit with more power consistently then Travis could be the first baseman for years to come.

The Ruination of Baseball: Pace of Play

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On Wednesday March 14th 2018, Minor League Baseball announced changes made to the rules in regards to “speeding up the game”. These changes include mound visits, a 15-20 second pitch clock, and most importantly: beginning every half inning with a man on second base in extra innings. These changes naturally do not settle well with avid baseball fans, let alone baseball purists. To change the sport to fit the needs of an audience that it was never meant to target in the first place is unethical and quite simply not the right move.

Patience is Key

Baseball has always been the sport for the patient man. To outsiders, it is a sport like any other. The team that achieves the most runs (I hate the word “points” when talking about baseball) will win. Basically view it as a shootout. Although, when it comes to baseball, patience has a lot to do with how a team accumulates runs.

Think about it like a chess match; there are intricate strategies, statistics that could change the way a pitcher operates uniquely for each batter, signs for plays, warm ups between each half inning, among others. It is a sport for someone who realizes something new could happen in any game. Now I understand times and people change and some things should be tweaked for the sake of not having a rule from 1839 in 2018, but it has gone too far.

The Good

Just to clarify, I like the limitation of mound visits in all levels of the game. In Triple-A each team gets six visits, Double-A is eight, Single-A is ten, and unlimited for short season and rookie league. I can’t help but chuckle when I see Gary Sanchez go out to Masahiro Tanaka during a game. What could they be saying? Does Gary speak Japanese and nobody but those two know it? On a serious note, there doesn’t have to be a mound visit from a catcher between every single pitch. They may last 20-30 seconds, but they could add up quickly and disrupt the natural flow of the game if abused. Limiting mound visits is good.

The Bad and the Ugly

Let’s now discuss the bad. The MILB also dropped a bombshell on fans when they announced extra innings will begin with a runner on second base. Whoever is poised to leadoff the inning will have the previous batter be the second base runner. Basically it works like this: It’s the top of the 10th and your number seven batter is up to bat. The number 6 batter will be the extra inning runner. That extra inning runner is deemed to be a runner that has reached base by way of a fielding error. However, an error wont be charged to the opposing team or an opposing player. Which means they will not count as an RBI as per rule 9.04 (b,2). Also, it will not affect the opposing pitcher’s ERA as per rule 9.16 (b,3).

Think about this though: a 9 inning game could, in theory, last infinitely in regards to time. There have been 9 inning games that have reached four hours. So I am baffled as to how randomly adding a base runner in extra innings improves pace of play. Even still, both teams would be deadlocked once extra innings begin, but they are both still competing evenly. Extra innings could resume if both extra inning runners score resulting in a continued game.

Being on Base Is Earned

In my eyes, this is the first time base runners will consistently reach base and not earn it. Players earn the right to reach base by hitting, walking, hustling to first on a called third strike in the dirt, etc. The point is that it is almost always earned.

This also would disrupt the strategies of many managers. For instance, say you have your number one hitter due up in extra innings, and your pitcher is due to be the extra inning runner. Being that, I have been witness to one of the pitchers on my team injure himself when he was used as a pinch runner. Thus negatively effecting his season (Stephen Wright), this is not ideal. Sure, you could use a pinch runner but then that pinch runner will be gone unless he scores. Thus possibly making managers expend their bench players at a faster rate.

I get it, baseball is really trying to make the game more interesting for those who can’t sit still for more than two hours at a time. But maybe that innocence should be preserved for someone like me, who appreciates every moment of baseball possible. This rule should never even be considered to reach the Major League level and fans of the game should fight for it’s best interest. The game hasn’t lasted this long for no reason, after all.

@ELJGON

Featured Photo: Jeff Curry – USA Today Sports

National League West Division Predictions

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National League West Predictions

With the season approaching, I think it’s time to start dishing out my division predictions for 2018. I’ll go through each division looking at their pros and cons with my final standings at the end. So here we are starting off with the National League West.

I have to be honest, I was surprised when Eric Hosmer decided to sign with the San Diego Padres. Leaving Kansas City, where he was idolized as their ideal franchise player, was honestly a bold move by Hosmer. He left Kansas City to become the new golden boy of the Padres. Sorry Wil Myers. Signing Hosmer for an eight year deal is not only a great addition for San Diego, but the NL West as a whole.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers are heavily favored to once again win the division with basically everyone returning, with the exception of Darvish. They bring back a young ball club lead by the likes of Corey Seager, Yasiel Puig, and reigning ROY Cody Bellinger. Their rotation once again is led by Clayton Kershaw, who is expected to be dominant once again, while reigning NL Reliever of the Year Kenley Jansen takes the helm of the bullpen.

Arizona Diamondbacks

J.D. Martinez signing with Boston was not a huge hit for the Diamondbacks. Arizona is ready to compete for another postseason berth in 2018. The rotation of Zack Greinke, Robby Ray, Taijuan Walker, Patrick Corbin, and Zack Godley will be a key component toward the team’s overall success. Archie Bradley is currently looking to contend as the team’s closer role along with Brad Boxberger and Yoshihisa Hirano. The signing of Alex Avila strengthens their catching core, while Goldschmidt and Lamb will continue to add intimidation in their lineup.

Colorado Rockies

Colorado is also looking to get another taste of the postseason in 2018. After signing CarGO to a one-year deal, the Rockies seem to be aiming to continuing to maintain power within the lineup along with Arenado, Story, and LeMahieu. The concern with the team once again will be pitching. Hopefully the team can boost their rotation before the deadline, but don’t hold your breath.

San Francisco Giants

With the additions of McCutchen and Longoria, the Giants are looking to bounce back at the top of the division after suffering a disappointing 2017. The two newcomers will definitely bring a spark to the lineup, which includes returners Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford and Hunter Pence. Mad Bum, Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija will anchor the staff with a strong bullpen led by Mark Melancon and Hunter Strickland. Simply put, don’t sleep on San Fran in 2018.

San Diego Padres

Finally with San Diego, there’s really not much to say. Signing Hosmer, however, is a huge step forward for the ball club. The fact they posses the #1 farm system in baseball doesn’t hurt either. Freddy Galvis and Wil Myers are looking to stay consistent this season in attempting to spark the offense. The return of Chase Headley brings a familiar face to the ball club and Carter Capps is looking to continue as the anchor out of the bullpen. Don’t expect the Padres to make much noise this season, but they are going in the right direction.

Final Standing Prediction

Los Angeles Dodgers
San Francisco Giants
Colorado Rockies
Arizona Diamondbacks
San Diego Padres