2024 is shaping up to be one of these seasons where anything can happen on a baseball diamond. After what we saw the year before when it came to small market and unexpected success stories, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit. Will the bigger market squads find a way to fight back, or will there be more chaos than there already is. As for the American League…
Baltimore Orioles (“No One Mourns Angelos” -105.7 the Fan): You have no idea how high the levels of insufferability are around Charm City. (This normally would take place during football season but it’s awesome to have it happen more than once a year now) Especially since the Angelos Family is out of the picture. (RIP Peter) They sold the franchise this offseason to a group led by David Rubenstein. (Cal Ripken Jr is part of that group too) And not even 48 hours into his time as the team’s sire, Rubenstein made a blockbuster trade for one of the best pitchers in baseball in Corbin Burnes. His arrival means that the franchise is ready to strike for a possible World Series run. And the scary thing is that besides the core they have, more is coming. In particular top prospects Coby Mayo, Heston Kjerstad, and of course a generational talent in Jackson Holliday. There is one cause for concern. (CRACK!) That dreaded injury bug that has consumed this city whole for years. Felix Bautista’s Tommy John surgery will keep him shelled for the entire season, along with Kyle Bradish and John Means each missing the first month of the year. (Craig Kimbrel is one board, yay?) As long as Adley and Gunnar are healthy, and if they can get out to a fast start everything should go according to plan. However if not, the fans will want Brandon Hyde and Mike Elias chucked into the Inner Harbor the first chance they get. (If that happens the case for the Curse of Freddie Gray to be a real jinx and not a hypothetical one will only grow)
Boston Red Sox (Welcome Home Theo): The definition of an inconsistent squad. That is what the Red Sox have been facing the past two seasons. There are times where it looks like they’ve turned a corner, only for them to pull out a long losing skid. This time it’s going to be harder for them. Chris Sale is gone, and his replacement Lucas Giolito isn’t going to pitch at all this season. At least they locked up staff ace Brayan Bello to a nice 6 year extension. The key for Boston this year is simple. Can Trevor Story stay healthy, and can Jarren Duran, and Triston Casas emerge into true cornerstones. If so they should be right in the hunt for a Wild Card spot. If not, well they are stuck at the bottom of the division. To be fair these guys would be a 2nd or 3rd place team in any other division. However, that all pales in comparison to the biggest news of the offseason. Theo Epstein is back where he belongs. This could be the jolt that Red Sox Nation has been desperately looking for. They don’t want mediocrity. They want to be title contenders darn it!
New York Yankees (Damn Yankees): Not even a year after nearly recording their first losing season since 1992, the Yankees are putting all of their chips to the table. Go big or go home is their battle cry. Especially since Aaron Boone and Brian Cashman’s jobs are up for grabs. Just like during the 1980s, free agency is their way to strike back. Look at all of the big name free agents coming to the Bronx! Marcus Stroman, Alex Verdugo, Trent Grisham, Blake Snell. (BUZZER!) Scratch that he signed with the Giants. Oh yes, the big trade for Juan Soto to pair him with Judge and Volpe. (The New York Media thinks he’s the greatest thing they’ve seen since sliced bread for heaven’s sake) That sounds nice but here’s the thing. They’re counting on a ton of bounce backs this year especially with the pitching staff. Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes I’m looking right at you. This is a boom or bust story if there ever was one. Will this team make a run at the AL East, or will it be last year all over again? For the sake of anyone outside of the Bronx it better be the ladder. (Gerrit Cole has struck down already. Yup, there’s going to be conspiracies from Yankee fans)
Tampa Bay Rays (How Will They Shock Us This Time?): Every year pundits and baseball experts get baffled by some of the moves this organization makes yet somehow they still are in contention. Tyler Glasnow is gone, Shane McClanahan is out for the year, Wander Franco may never play baseball again, and Shane Baz is still in rehab. Those factors would destroy most teams but not Tampa Bay. They still have Arozarena, Yandy Diaz, and the Lowe Bros punishing baseballs left and right. (Throw in Issac Paredes, and Jose Siri too) Their pitching staff is obviously the big question mark but then again this organization is experts at developing just that. They’ll probably turn Zack Littell and Ryan Pepiot into aces basically overnight. While that may sound great during the regular season the question still remains. Is this team good enough to go deep in the playoffs? On paper yes, but the last three years have been agony all over the place. The good news is that this year is a clean slate and they also announced that they may be building a new park. But then we realize that regardless of the playing site the traffic situation in St Petersburg is a nightmare nearly every single day. Why couldn’t you just build it next to Raymond James. (Then what? Kick the Yankees out of there since their Spring Training HQ is right there)
Toronto Blue Jays (The City of Underachievers): Can you manage to at least win a playoff game with this core? The last 3 years have been full of incredible expectations only for the Jays to reinforce the Toronto Stereotype. They’re hoping that it doesn’t happen again. This time it’s about bringing in veteran influence instead of the flashy moves. Justin Turner, IKF, Dan Vogelbach, and the homecoming of Joey Votto. In terms of adding experience to the team it sounds good. But then again their issues go well beyond that. As mentioned, the biggest issue that the Blue Jays have faced has been the guy behind the bench. John Schneider’s seat in the organization right now is at boiling levels of heat, and if they don’t go far he’ll probably get sent to the guillotine. Vlad Jr and company look like world beaters in the eyes of analytics but to me I smell a rat. That rat is unable to beat the juggernauts of their division. Although I’ve been wrong before, they could change the narrative very quickly. They better because if not they’ll be memed to death like their brother in the Maple Leafs.
Chicago White Sox (2nd City, 2nd Fiddle): Who would have thought that the White Sox would be where they are right now especially after winning a division title in 2021 and having gobs of young talent to work with? Anyone who doesn’t know baseball I guess. This was something I could see coming from a mile away. Just like the 2022 Bulls, the 2021 White Sox run was a fluke. Now they are back to being stuck in mediocrity, and even if they have new executives they are mostly yesmen. I wouldn’t call this a tank, but it’s close enough. Especially since they are trying to dump Dylan Cease. But once again, they want teams to drink the stupid juice for him. “If you want Cease, then you better give us our top prospect.” In the words of Meghan Trainor the teams that were in talks with Chicago regarding their ace said nah, to the ah, to the no no no. Did they not learn this lesson from last year when the Orioles and Dodgers wouldn’t give them Michael Busch or Jackson Holliday. (As soon as I say that, he gets traded to the Padres for much less than they offered LA and Baltimore last year) I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Reinsdorf only has championships because he got carried by Michael Jordan and Frank Thomas. And with how he’s running things even in his mid-80s, it’s going to be a long time before the White Sox can field a consistent contender. That is if they don’t move out of town. (Although it’s not really their fault, the Chicago city officials are doing the same crap to the Bears)
Cleveland Guardians (Who Are You?): This is a franchise facing an identity crisis. Especially considering that this is the first year in Post-Francona. For me two things are crucial for Cleveland this year. The health of the starting rotation plus can everyone in the lineup not named Ramirez, Jimenez, and Kwan put up consistency. Injuries were a big reason why they missed the playoffs and they are hoping that’s not the case. Shane Beiber and Triston McKenzie are going to have all the pressure on them because if things fail both of them could be gone. Speaking of pressure, that is literally what new manager Stephen Vogt is going to be dealing with, especially now that he will be in Tito’s shadows. Will they play 2nd fiddle to Minnesota, or 2nd fiddle to Houston, Baltimore, or Texas? I honestly can’t tell?
Detroit Tigers (Miggy-less Species): The Tigers remind me a lot of the situation that the Orioles were in back in 2022. (Ironic since Detroit, like Baltimore, has another figure from the 2017 Astros championship in AJ Hinch) Why? Because they have a young and talented lineup on the verge of making a major impact. Especially when Riley Greene, Kerry Carpenter, and Spencer Torkelson emerged as the future faces of the franchise. Even if Miguel Cabrera retired at long last, the future looks to be bright in Motown. But there’s still work to be done. The rotation has promise as well but they’re going to need a few of their young pitchers to take a much anticipated next step. Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal I’m looking right at you. Even if they’re stuck with Javy Baez’s terrible contract, it’s not as bad as it was a few years ago. There’s one more thing. The Jack Flaherty and Kenta Maeda signings look like steals especially since they were on the market for a long time.
Kansas City Royals (Chiefs Kingdom): Sometimes when a franchise’s plans go aerie they must make instant moves to fix the mess. This right here is what the Royals had to endure. In order to try and get out of the basement Kansas City spent money on as many mid-tier free agents as possible. Adam Frazier, Hunter Renfroe, Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, and the cherry on top one of the most underrated closers in baseball in Will Smith. (He may not be as good as he was in Atlanta, but hey moves must be made) This team can’t just be Bobby Witt and Vinnie Pasquentino and nothing else. When you play in the same parking lot as the modern day America’s Team, you have to convince the fans that you are indeed the Capital of the Sports World. In their case it’s hoping that the pitchers don’t serve up meatballs and cookies. I’m looking right at you Brady Singer.
Minnesota Twins (Lumenous Feelings): This is the first time in basically 20 years that Twins fans have some semblance of hope. Getting that 1st Round monkey off of their back will do that. Now can Minnesota make it further? The pitching staff did suffer from Kenta Maeda and Sonny Gray leaving in free agency but they still have Pablo Lopez and Bailey Ober, and Joe Ryan at the top of the rotation. A solid Big 3 that should keep them in contention all year. Not to mention they have two rising stars in the batter’s box. If Edouard Julien and Royce Lewis produce in bunches, who knows where they can go. It’s ironic that both Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton have been overlooked despite being the faces of the franchise. And that’s because they have plenty of promising pieces to work with. However this is a team from Minnesota. Nothing ever comes easy for them. Although the Twins are the only team in town that has won rings in their history. (Who cares if it’s been 33 years, they still have them darn it!)
Houston Astros (The Drums of War): The Mega Empire of the MLB is plotting something. And no, it’s not another scandal. What they are plotting is a way to get revenge on their city’s big brother to the North. This time around the Astros will be facing a daunting challenge. Dusty Baker is gone, and who knows if Alex Bregman is going to be here long term. You know what’s funny? They stole their rivals’ motto of throwing money at everything that moves. The Rangers exposed their bullpen, who cares they’ll just throw money at Josh Hader to compliment Ryan Pressly. That’s great but there’s one major problem. (CRACK!) The starting rotation is in shambles. Lance McCullers, and Luis Garcia are still being struck down by injuries, so is Jose Urquidy, and possibly Justin Verlander. But don’t you worry Houston, your big bats are still going to carry you to an easy playoff berth, and potential rematch with Texas come October. The rest of baseball may not like it but hey I must tell the truth.
Los Angeles Angels (Free Mike Trout): If you thought this franchise was notorious for wasting generational players during the 1980s, then you ain’t seen nothing yet! Not only did they fail to bring back the Unicorn of baseball in Shohei Ohtani, they watched him get poached by big brother 45 minutes up the road in Chavez Ravine. All I can say is that Mike Trout should 100% demand a trade to get out of this gongshow of an organization. (He’s probably joining Shohei and the Dodgers come the trade deadline) Although I will say this. The Angels could very well be the reincarnation of the 2000 and 2001 Seattle Mariners. That team lost Ken Griffey Jr and Alex Rodriguez yet they still made it to the ALCS in both years only to get blasted by those Damn Yankees. There are a lot of uncertain parts on this roster. Will Taylor Ward manage to stay healthy? Will Jo Adell finally live up to his sky high potential? And will the pitching staff finally get their act together. On paper they could surprise people especially considering that Ron Washington knows how to put a good team on the field. But then again these are the Halos. And as long as Arte Moreno is in charge nothing is going to change. DEAR GOD!
Oakland Athletics (2004 Montreal Expos): The tanks are still roaming around the Black Hole, no surprise. The days of this franchise being in Oakland are numbered and the only things they have going for them are Brent Rooker, and Esteury Ruiz. Look at how the fans are reacting to their eventual move. John Fisher is getting roasted more than he was last year for crying out loud. With this being their last season at Oakland Coliseum who knows where they will play in 2025? My guess will be the minor league style park in Las Vegas while the new shrine is under construction. It’s ironic that the mayor of Vegas still wants them to stay in Oakland. Must be a big fan of loyalty I see. (Didn’t the city say the same about the Raiders?)
Seattle Mariners (Will They Ever Break Through?): I know you guys feel jealous since the Rangers made the title run that could have been yours had you made the playoffs, but hey it won’t stop you from getting back up. The Mariners are so close to being considered among the AL’s elite that they’re going to do everything in their power to get there even if the organization believes that their objective is to win 54% of their games. (Wait that’s not right) This offseason they made moves to fortify the depth on their roster. Bringing in Jorge Polanco and then extending him was a low key excellent move. As was bringing back Mitch Haniger and signing the whipping boy of Camden Yards in Mitch Garver will definitely help out. Even if Robbie Ray was traded to the Giants, who needs him when you have Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo, and George Kirby? Can this team truly keep up with the big boys? That’s always been the question. Hopefully for the sake of Julio Rodriguez that answer is yes.
Texas Rangers (Titles are Big in Texas): The Curse of the Washington Senators is over, and so begins the talks of a potential dynasty from talk shows in the DFW Area. They have good reasoning to do so. Most of their roster from last year is back, and come the stretch run they could see both Max Scherzer and Jacob DeGrom at full strength. Still no news on Jordan Montgomery though. Even if the pitching staff takes a very small step back, they still have a modern day Murderers Row of a lineup to trot out there every night. And the scary thing is that they’re only getting better. Not only do they have Seager, El Bombi, Seimen, and many others they’re about to get even stronger. Evan Carter should thrive in his first full season in the big leagues, and even better news they’re about to get another generational talent in Wyatt Langford. If he plays up to the sky high expectations placed upon him, this unit could destroy every single pitching staff it faces thanks to power, great plate vision, and timely small ball. A deadly combination in the baseball realm. Please hope for their sake that the bullpen doesn’t hold them back like it did at the end of the regular season a year ago. PAUSE.
The American League is very predictable when it comes to its Top 3 teams, but almost everywhere else it’s the great unknown. That’s what makes baseball so great. You never know who comes out of nowhere and becomes a contender, especially now with all of the new rules.
AL East:
- Orioles 97-65 #2
- Yankees 91-71 #5
- Rays 89-73
- Blue Jays 86-76
- Red Sox 80-82
AL Central:
- Twins 94-68 #3
- Guardians 87-75
- Tigers 84-78
- Royals 69-93
- White Sox 64-98
AL West:
- Rangers 103-59 #1
- Astros 100-62 #4
- Mariners 95-67 #5
- Angels 71-91
- Athletics 62-100
AL Wild Card:
#6 Yankees over #3 Twins 2-1
#4 Astros over #5 Mariners 2-1
ALDS:
#1 Rangers over #4 Astros 3-2
#2 Orioles over #6 Yankees 3-1
ALCS:
#1 Rangers over #2 Orioles 4-2
AL MVP: Corey Seager, Rangers
AL Cy Young: Grayson Rodriguez, Orioles
AL Rookie of the Year: Wyatt Langford, Rangers
AL Manager of the Year: AJ Hinch, Tigers
ALCS MVP: Marcus Seimen, Rangers
Bragging Rights Sports 