2013 Baseball Preview!!

Before I begin, I will warn you all that if the Rangers pull a no-show against Winnipeg tomorrow night, an epic tirade will come your way.

That said, here's some damn baseball predictions!

AMERICAN LEAGUE

East (*note: the predictions for this division are non-binding. Don't be surprised if any of these teams win it.)

1. Tampa Bay Rays

I'm going with the Rays to win the East this season simply because they have the best starting pitching staff. Also, they always find a way. Losing James Shields will hurt, but Jeremy Hellickson and Matt Moore are more than capable of filling his void. Plus, they have the reigning AL Cy Young award winner in David Price. The key will be Evan Longoria staying healthy and super-prospect Wil Myers contributing at a high level.

2. Toronto Blue Jays (wildcard)

On paper, they should be a playoff team. Let me repeat: on paper. That said, with all the talent they've added in the offseason, they SHOULD at least win a wild card spot. How much talent have they added? Their former ace, Ricky Romero, has been banished to Double-A. For this all to come together, however, they need Jose Reyes and Josh Johnson to stay healthy, Jose Bautista to have another MVP-type season, and for R.A. Dickey to adjust seamlessly to the AL East. If it all comes together, hello early 90s!

3. New York Yankees

It pains me to put my team this low, but I have to be fair for the purposes of this blog. Forget the age factor, there are simply too many issues with this team right now. Derek Jeter and Phil Hughes will miss the start of the season. Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson may not return until Memorial Day. And Lyle friggin' Overbay and Vernon friggin' Wells will start on opening day. Enough said. CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda, and Andy Pettitte MUST pitch to their potential, Mariano must be Mariano one more time, and Robinson Cano will need to play like the AL MVP.

4. Baltimore Orioles

I don't understand all the hate with this team; I believe last season was no fluke. That said, they play in the most competitive division in baseball, and that will hurt them. Yes, they got a lot of breaks last year, and they won a million one run games. Can they do it again? You know Buck Showalter will have them playing hard every single day. But I'm not sure their pitching is good enough for another playoff apperance. But no one believed in them last year! We'll see!

5. Boston Red Sox

It is with malicious glee that I declare this franchise is in REBUILDING MODE. Let that sink in. Rebuilding! Now they will be better than last year's Bobby V-led disaster. Their bullpen is much improved, especially with Joel Hanrahan as the new closer. They stabilized the infield by adding Stephen Drew and Mike Napoli. But Shane Victorino? For that contract? Jonny Gomes? Oh, by the way, John Lackey (gasp!) will be counted on as the 3rd starter this year. Any injury or underperformance from Jon Lester or Clay Buchholz will spell disaster. In other words, this team is one disaster away from another long season.

Central

1. Detroit Tigers

Last year wasn't the cakewalk we all thought it would be to an AL Central title, but they still won it and made it to the World Series. This year should be a cakewalk. Last year's AL Champs return nearly completely intact, along with the addition of Torii Hunter and the return of Victor Martinez to form a scary good lineup. The starting pitching staff is arguably the best in baseball, led by the game's best pitcher, Justin Verlander. The only major question mark is the bullpen, which may be worse than last year's postseason. No closer? They'd better establish one or obtain one, otherwise goodbye World Series hopes.

2. Cleveland Indians

They may not have made the offseason splash that Toronto did, but they still make strong offseason additions to vastly improve their team. Nick Swisher at OF and 1B, Mark Reynolds as a right handed power bat, and especially Michael Bourn to leadoff and provide great outfield defense. They have probably the most underrated closer in the game, the loquacious Chris Perez. The key will be the starting pitching. Justin Masterson must improve on last season, and Ubaldo Jimenez must become Jimenez circa 2010. Otherwise, these moves won't matter.

3. Kansas City Royals

They finally have a legit ace in James Shields, rounding out a solid starting pitching staff with Jeremy Guthrie and Ervin Santana. They are also loaded with young talent, with more coming in the minor leagues. Will it translate into their first playoff appearance since 1985? Remember last year's Orioles. This could be their year to surprise everyone.

4. Chicago White Sox

You hate to overvalue the loss of one man, but A.J. Pierzynski's departure will hurt the White Sox considerably. This team overachieved last season with his career year, getting a solid performance out of the bullpen, and young ace Chris Sale proving he can be a legit major league ace. Expect a step back this year.

5. Minnesota Twins

Hello, 100 losses! Their "ace" this year is Vance Worley. Watch out, American League! Justin Morneau will provide good trade bait at the deadline, and maybe Josh Willingham too. Other than Joe Mauer, who else on this team scares you? Trevor Plouffe? That's what I thought. When does football season start?

West

1. Texas Rangers

Chicago's loss is Texas' gain with Pierzynski. If he can replicate his production from last season, it will offset the loss of Josh Hamilton. Speaking of him, his departure from the clubhouse may signal a less dramatic clubhouse, with the chaperones, percieved lack of effort, what have you. Any questions about the starting pitching staff can potentially be answered by trading Elvis Andrus with super-prospect Jurickson Profar expected to arrive this season. This team is still good enough to win it all, but the window may be closing.

2. Los Angeles Angels (wildcard)

The addition of Hamilton adds to an already loaded lineup. Mike Trout can be even better than he was last season, and I think he will be. The major question is the pitching. After Jered Weaver, the starting pitching is razor-thin. The bullpen doesn't scare anyone, either. One bold prediction for the Angels this year: they will score 1,000 runs, but have to outslug their opponents in half their games.

3. Oakland Athletics

Was last year a fluke? My guess is no. With their pitching and their young guns on offense led by Yoenis Cespedes, there's no reason why they can't contend again. But that is the key: their young pitching will have to be the backbone of this team again. Can Grant Balfour be a reliable closer again?

4. Seattle Mariners

Well, they certainly added power. Michael Morse, Kendrys Morales, Raul Ibanez, and even Mets great Jason Bay! But remember, the pitching staff is King Felix and a bunch of no-names. Joe Saunders gives them a clutch veteran presence, but nothing more.

5. Houston Astros

Welcome to the American League, Astros! You get to see King Felix, Trout, Pujols, and Texas' sluggers, to name a few! Can this team challenge the '62 Mets for most losses in a season? It's possible, with their lineup and pitching staff. Hey, at least they get the number 1 overall draft pick!

Playoffs
Wildcard Game: Angels over Blue Jays
Division Series: Tigers over Angels, Rangers over Rays
ALCS: Tigers over Rangers

Awards
Rookie of the Year: Wil Myers, Rays
Manager of the Year: Joe Maddon, Rays
Cy Young Award: Justin Verlander, Tigers
MVP: Robinson Cano, Yankees

NATIONAL LEAGUE

East

1. Washington Nationals

Top to bottom, the most complete team in baseball. If not for the Game 5 collapse against the Cardinals in the playoff last year, I think they win it all. Now, they add a legit closer in Rafael Soriano, and will have a full season of young superstars Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg. They also stabilize the starting rotation with the addition of Dan Haren. This is probably Davey Johnson's final year as a manager, and you know he'll want to go out with a bang.

2. Atlanta Braves (wildcard)

Exit Chipper Jones, enter the Upton brothers to add power and speed to an already solid lineup. They have the best closer not named Mariano in the game in Craig Kimbrel, and the most underrated starting pitcher in baseball, Kris Medlen. Can Jason Heyward finally become a superstar? If so, this team will be scary good.

3. Philadelphia Phillies

The only, and I mean only way this team returns to the postseason is if Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee turn back the clock. Spring training normally means nothing, but judging on their spring performances, it doesn't look good at the moment. Their core, Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard, are also showing signs of age. This all being said, don't sleep on them. They are still more than capable of doing damage. They just need to show it on the field.

4. New York Mets

Ya gotta believe...the future is not this season for the Amazins'. They just lost their ace, Johan Santana, for the season, and probably his career with another shoulder injury. Rotation veteran Shaun Marcum will start the season on the DL. Much-hyped prospects Zack Wheeler and Travis d'Arnaud will not be up until midseason. Be patient, Met fans. Please.

5. Miami Marlins

With all the talk of the Astros being historically bad, let's talk about a team that deserves to be historically bad. Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria fleeced the taxpayers of South Florida for a monstrosity of an art-deco stadium in Little Havana, went out and supposedly bought a World Series team last offseason, then naturally dismantles it. But at least he got his ballpark! Now, after this disgrace, its Giancarlo Stanton and a bunch of nobodies on this roster. How long before he is traded?

Central

1. Cincinnati Reds

Not much has changed from last year's division champs, but they narrowly averted disaster when they rescinded one major change: putting Aroldis Chapman in the starting rotation. Champan was beyond dominant in the closer's role last season, and this is where he should remain. Expect Johnny Cueto to contend for the Cy Young award and Joey Votto to compete for another NL MVP award.

2. St. Louis Cardinals

They lost Chris Carpenter and Kyle Lohse, but the Cardinals never seem to miss a beat, do they? They lose Albert Pujols last year, and still nearly make it back to the World Series. It's time for Lance Lynn to assume the number two starter's role, and for Allen Craig to duplicate last season's breakout performance. A prospect to watch for: flamethrower Trevor Rosenthal, who can slot into the 8th inning role behind closer Jason Motte.

3. Pittsburgh Pirates

Can this finally be the year they break into the postseason? I like the addition of Francisco Liriano and Jonathan Sanchez to the rotation, and Andrew McCutchen should play like an MVP again. Is this finally the year Pedro Alvarez fulfills his potential? They may need it.

4. Milwaukee Brewers

They added a solid number two starter in Kyle Lohse, but is it enough? Other than him and ace Yovani Gallardo, the Brewers' rotation is razor-thin. Once again, they will have to deal with the distraction of Ryan Braun's alleged PED use. Even with that, they need Braun to carry the load offensively again. They just don't have enough.

5. Chicago Cubs

The drought will reach 105 years. The only thing Cub fans have to look forward to this year is seeing how much they can get when they trade Alfonso Soriano. Can Carlos Marmol potentiall be trade bait as well? Hey, at least they have Wrigley Field!

West

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

New ownership, and a hell of a lot of money to spend. Will it lead to a championship? They may regret the Zach Greinke contract in a few years, but for now, he is a blatantly overpaid number 2 starter behind Clayton Kershaw. They brought a big chunk of the Red Sox roster over last year (Beckett, Gonzalez, Crawford) in the hope it will pay them dividends. Losing Hanley Ramirez for two months hurts, but they will survive. If they need reinforcements, they will flex their newfound financial muscle to fix it.

2. San Francisco Giants (wildcard)

The champs always find a way, don't they? If at this time last year I would tell you they would lose their closer, Brian Wilson, for the season, and that their ace, Tim Lincecum, would have one of the worst pitching seasons in history, you'd tell me the Giants have no chance in hell of making the playoffs. They won the World Series. Again. Can they pull a similar trick this time? I think Lincecum (sans the hair) has a bounce back season in his walk year. And reigning NL MVP Buster Posey MUSt stay healthy. Is it any coincidence the Giants' 2011 season fell apart after his season-ending injury?

3. Arizona Diamondbacks

Kirk Gibson's crew is hoping the Justin Upton trade is addition by subtraction. But don't underestimate the loss of him and Chris Young to their offense. Can Ian Kennedy be a 20-game winner again? Will Wade Miley suffer a sophomore slump?

4. San Diego Padres

It's back to rebuilding mode for the Friars. Moving in the fences won't help this offense, which contains Chase Headley and a bunch of grinders. Huston Street will be good trade bait for top prospects if he has an all-star season. They may need it. At least they play in the most beautiful ballpark in the bigs.

5. Colorado Rockies

Here's another bold prediction: either Carlos Gonzalez or Troy Tulowitzki, or even both, will be traded. Without a legit ace, or any semblance of a starting rotation or bullpen whatsoever, I expect the Rockies to lose 100 games. If there's a team out there willing to take on CarGo or Tulo's contracts (LAD, STL?), the Rockies should attempt to get prospects for them.


Playoffs
Wildcard Game: Giants over Braves
Division Series: Nationals over Giants, Dodgers over Reds
NLCS: Nationals over Dodgers

Awards
Rookie of the Year: Zack Wheeler, Mets
Manager of the Year: Don Mattingly, Dodgers
Cy Young Award: Stephen Strasburg, Nationals
MVP: Buster Posey, Giants

WORLD SERIES PREDICTION

At first, I was tempted to pick the Tigers. It just seems like the year they finally break through. But then I remember they don't have a legit closer. This doesn't mean they can't obtain one at midseason (Huston Street?). If they do, they will assume the role of most complete team, assuming they stay healthy. But for now, I will go with current most complete team, that is chomping at the bit to avenge last year's playoff collapse.

NATIONALS 4, TIGERS 2.

Enjoy the season, everyone, and happy opening day!

Is It Really Worth it to Trade Gaborik?

In 29 games played this abbreviated NHL Season, the Rangers' Marian Gaborik has scored 8 goals. Three of them came in the third game of the season against Boston, and he has only scored one in a month.

Meanwhile, the team's leading goal scorer, Rick Nash, has ten goals. Only two less. Gaborik is tied with Derek Stepan and Carl Hagelin for third on the team in goals.

However, since he is in the midst of a huge slump, because he supposedly doesn't get along with his coach, and because he is paid a boatload of money, the solution according to the armchair quarterbacks of social media is, what else, TRADE THE BUM!

Now, let's step back for a second. Yes, Gaborik is in a slump. Yes, it's infuriating that he's had trouble hitting the net. Yes, he probably doesn't get along with John Tortorella.

But let us all remember that in two of the last three seasons, he has scored 40 or more goals. Did anyone really expect him to score 50 goals in 48 games?

Let us all remember that this supposedly "soft" player played last year's postseason on one shoulder.

Every player in every sport goes through a slump. All it takes is one good game for him to break out of it. When that happens, how many of his so-called "fans" will be kissing his ass again?

Now, let's forget the slump, the talent, and even his no-trade clause. Let's look at how the Rangers would look without him.

This team struggles enough as it is to score goals. Over the last month, it seems as if the Rangers only win when Rick Nash scores a goal. When he doesn't, they lose. Plain and simple. When you take Gaborik out of the equation, the onus is put on Nash to score every single game. In other words, the entire Ranger offense will center on one man. The last time I checked, a one man offense doesn't win a Stanley Cup.

Do you really want the Rangers to count on Nash, a confidence-shot Brad Richards, and Ryan Callahan, Stepan, and Hagelin to carry an offense deep into the playoffs? With all due respect to the captain, Steps, and Hags, neither are Rick Nash.

Also, what exactly can the Rangers get for Gaborik? What should they get? If I am Glen Sather, I am asking for the moon and the stars for one of my best goal scorers. I would want a top draft pick, an elite Power Play quarterback, plus another elite scorer. Minimum.

Can the Rangers get those for Gabby? Absolutely? Is it the right thing to do at this point of the season? No.

What the Rangers really need is Gaborik and Richards to get their confidence back. When that happens, they will be capable of doing major damage at the right time. They have 19 games remaining in the regular season to do so. Believe it or not, that's still plenty of time.

If the Rangers are so gung ho on trading Gabby, the right time is the offseason.

Mariano Rivera is the Best Pitcher PERIOD of the last 30 years.

I've been lazy with the blog recently, and for those that actually bother to read this thing, I apologize. A lot has gone on in life recently, and time has been limited.

But here I am, and I am sadly here tonight to lament the announced retirement of one of my all-time favorite Yankees, Mariano Rivera.

The past two decades of Yankee baseball have served some of the greatest sports memories of a lifetime, coupled with gifted athletes and personalities. Jeter, Pettitte, Posada, Bernie, Tino, O'Neill, Cone, just to name a few.

But none have had the stature, grace, elegance, and brilliance that Mariano Rivera had.
And other than probably Jeter, none have had the career arc or legacy. No other player than perhaps Babe Ruth had the career arc Rivera had.

And, frankly, no other pitcher in baseball history had the type of career Rivera had.

I never watched Cy Young, Christy Mathewson, Walter Johnson, Bob Feller, Bob Gibson, Tom Seaver, Sandy Koufax, or Whitey Ford pitch. But in my time watching baseball, I watched some pretty remarkable pitchers. Maddux, Randy Johnson, Pedro, Dennis Eckersley, Roger Clemens pre and post-steroids, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Justin Verlander, Roy Halladay, and Nolan Ryan come to mind.

All are great pitchers, but none are as great as Rivera, the best of the past 30 years.

Here's why.

- He has appeared in the postseason every year except two (2008, missed playoffs; 2012, knee injury) from 1995 to 2012. He has five World Series titles, plus a World Series MVP. He closed out four of those five World Series, and played a larger role than then-closer John Wetteland in winning the 1996 series. His career postseason ERA is 0.70. That is unfathomably good, but later on, I will provide you a postseason stat that will blow your mind.

-The closer position is by far the most volatile in baseball. In the past 20 years, a handful of closers performed at a dominant level for a 3 to 5 year period. Names like Eric Gagne, Brad Lidge, Francisco Rodriguez, and Joe Nathan come to mind. Trevor Hoffman put up the big save numbers for a long time, but when did he ever save a big game? Rivera dominated the closer's position for nearly two decades, and never had what is considered a "bad" season.

-As a side note, the above starting pitchers from the last 30 years mentioned also did not dominate the sport for 15 years.

-Rivera setting the all-time saves record in 2011 ended any debate as to whom is the best closer of all-time. He has the rings to back it up.

-His cutter is the single most dominant pitch in baseball history. Ask the hundreds of left-handed batters whose bats were destroyed by it. And why is it the most dominant? EVERYONE who stepped in the box knew it was coming. And they still couldn't hit it.

-Name another closer that is a twelve-time all-star.

-Rivera's career survived blowing Game 7 of the 2001 World Series. Every great closer has failed in at least one big moment. Rivera gave up the bloop to Luis Gonzalez, and got better after that. Most careers would die after a failure of that magnitude. He didn't let it affect him.

-Ask yourself one more question: How many World Series do the Yankees win if Mariano Rivera isn't around? My guess is maybe one.

-Now, for the bombshell stat I promised would blow your mind. As mentioned before, Rivera has a career postseason ERA of 0.70. This amounts to 11 runs in 15 postseasons. 12, TWELVE men HAVE WALKED ON THE MOON. Let this sink in for a second. Mariano Rivera has allowed fewer runs in the postseason than men that have walked on the moon.

I rest my case.

Mariano, you will be missed. There will not be a dry eye in Yankee Stadium during your final home game, which I will be gladly attending.