February 17th: Spring Training Hat Preview

After a long winter, the clouds are starting to part. Baseball season is officially back, with pitchers and catchers reporting to camp starting today.

Upon their arrival, they will find new gear in their lockers, as Major League Baseball has announced new hats and jerseys for the spring schedule. The new designs, released a few weeks ago by MLB.com and subsequently available on Lids.com, include some teams remaining fairly traditional, others pushing new color pairings, and still others getting total makeovers.

The ZP: Left Fielder takes a look at the winners, losers, and those who win some and lose some:

Winners:

Diamondbacks:  After a redesign of their jerseys and hats this winter, the Diamondbacks come to camp with their snake-head logo, biting into a baseball. The colors are excellent, the logo is fierce, and the hat does a great job of using a secondary logo to make the hat stand out from the regular season options. The Diamondbacks win the Spring Training Hat of the Year Award in a big way.

Brewers: The Brewers went with their throwback MB baseball mitt logo, and put it on a darker blue that will go really well with their jerseys. The gold logo pops off the blue really well, and gives a nod to those who have been begging for more use of a classic logo. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this as a best-seller at Miller Park even during the regular season.

Rangers: Whenever a team uses a more traditional logo, there is a risk that nobody will buy the new hat. To compensate for that, the Rangers have added an outline of the state of Texas to their hat, paying homage to their community, and keying into the state pride for which Texans are so well known. As someone who already loves the Rangers T, this only adds to the class of the cap.

Losers:

Indians: The Indians have almost entirely given up on their Chief Wahoo hat (whether for the good or not), and have instead replaced it by one of the most boring logos in sports. In case you were worried that the new Spring Training hat would force some cool on them, they outlined their red C in white, and then put it on a white front panel. White on white looks pale, and gives an already weak logo an even less bold look.

Royals: It’s nice to be the defending champs. When you’re the Royals, you take that notion of being crowned to an even higher degree. The Royals cap has their usual KC logo, adorned with a large, cartoonish crown. While it’s a nice thought now, it will quickly become obsolete (unless, of course, they keep winning). The crown looks like an afterthought, and takes a usually very classic logo and makes it look a little ridiculous.

Marlins: Oh, poor Marlins. They just can’t seem to get it right. As if their normal hat wasn’t phosphorescent enough, they went and created a dark neon hat. The colors are a little blinding, the orange could be used to stop traffic, and, frankly, I’m afraid to buy it because it might glow in the dark at night in my closet.

Win Some, Lose Some:

Tigers: The Tigers have released two different hats for this Spring, one for home games, the other for away games. The blue one is very sharp looking, just slightly different than the regular season traditional hat. The other is bright orange. So bright that, under the Florida sun, it has the chance to be a sunburn risk. The Tigers hit a home run with their blue hat, and struck out with the orange.

Dodgers: The LA logo is one of the three most famous logos in baseball. To depart from it is to profoundly break with tradition. This year, the Dodgers have added a script D to their hat repotoire, a bold move that both looks very good, and makes the steadfast baseball traditionalists cringe. It’s a good hat, but any new hat is bound to displease.

Blue Jays: As the only team in Canada, the Blue Jays own their identity up north, and have used a Maple Leaf as their design for the spring. On its own, the hat looks really good, with a great color and a clean logo. The only problem is that it looks exactly like a Toronto Maple Leafs hat. Unless the Jays are lacing up skates, the design misses by just a little bit.

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September 12th: NFL Preview

The Patriots won the Super Bowl seven months ago, beating the Seahawks on a last second interception. It was one of the best conclusions to a Super Bowl in recent memory, leaving plenty to be excited about heading into the 2015 season.That being said, the ZP: Left Fielder takes a look at what to expect this season. Who will win each division? Who will play in Super Bowl 50? Let’s take a look!

NFC North:

1. Packers

Aaron Rodgers will be without some of his best weapons, but that shouldn’t stop him from leading the Packers to yet another NFC North title.

2. Lions

Last year’s playoff team is relatively intact, with the exception of a running back who wasn’t all that helpful, and a defenseman who was a giant distraction. They’ll be challenging for a playoff spot come December.

3. Vikings

Teddy Bridgewater left a good taste in the mouths of Minnesota fans, but will have to prove he’s the real deal. Plus, getting back the best running back in football can only help. They’re still a piece or two away from contention, though.

4. Bears

The Bears lost their top Wide Receiver and didn’t do nearly enough to improve on defense. They’ll be better than they were last year, but still no cigar.

NFC East:

1. Eagles

This pre-season, the Eagles look good. Like, really good. Chip Kelly gets to prove whether or not he’s the real deal in the NFL with a stockpile of talent.

2. Cowboys

DeMarco Murray was a huge reason this team was successful last year. This year, they’ll have to prove they can do it without him. They can, but not nearly as well. A wild card spot will be their best shot at the playoffs.

3. Giants

The Giants could be the team that surprises people. Eli Manning has learned his new system, and this could be the year everything clicks. Unfortunately, the rest of the division is too strong to leave any space for New York.

4. Redskins

Oh, poor Redskins. RGIII is done, Cousins has a lot to prove, and the Redskins are playing in a stout division. Jay Gruden came in to solve a mess, and instead became part of the mess.

NFC South:

1. Panthers

There are literally no receivers in Carolina. This is a bummer for a team with one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and a defense to keep them in the game. The Panthers will struggle at times, but they will keep pace and be there at the end for a third straight division win.

2. Falcons

Matty Ice is a huge arm that has a new toy in running back Tevin Coleman, who will complement his passing game well. The defense is a question mark, but with the offense, this team should be challenging for the division when all's said and done.

3. Saints

It wasn’t long ago that the Saints were the cream of the NFC. Now, though, they’re falling by the wayside a little bit. They lack of solid running game, and their defense is relatively nameless. With Brees and Payton, they’ll stay competitive, but they won’t be able to keep pace.

4. Buccaneers

The Buccs made some good moves to strengthen their team this offseason and advanced their rebuild well. Jameis Winston could provide to be the quarterback of the future. The future isn’t here yet, though, as Tampa Bay needs at least one more year to get to the promised land.

NFC West:

1. Seahawks

The Seahawks were 36 inches away from winning the Super Bowl, and are hungry to get back there again. They have all the tools with which to make it happen, as the Legion of Boom remains dominant and the offense continues to roll between Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch.

2. 
   49ers

San Fransisco is without it’s head coach, who we will come to find out is the genius behind the machine. Colin Kaepernick is going to bounce back, though, and the defense will show up big, as the 49ers give Seattle a hard time.

3. Rams

Last year, the Rams looked like they were a quarterback shy of a playoff run. They got what they think is their man in Nick Foles, plus Todd Gurley to boot. That being said, this team will scare me next year, but this year has more growing to do.

4. Cardinals

The Cardinals were everyone’s favorite team last year, and then got caught by the injury bug in the worst way. If everyone can come back strong, they could be in a position to compete. They won’t surprise anyone anymore, though, which means a return to earth for Arizona.

AFC North:

1. Bengals

Cincinnati has made the playoffs every year for four straight seasons (and 5 of 6), and has all the pieces to continue to succeed. They are the team everyone wants to hate on, but their run game is strong and the defense could be formidable. They lead a strong division that could include three playoff teams.

2. Steelers

Two of Pittsburgh’s best tools will be missing the first few weeks of the season, getting things started on a rough note. They will turn things around and have a strong second half, but it won’t be enough to win the division. A wild card spot will have to do.

3. Ravens

The Ravens held two leads against the Patriots during the AFC DIvisional round, but couldn’t repeat their 2012 playoff run. They’ll be in the playoffs again, but as a wild card team, as they have a bad habit of starting off slowly and heating up late in the year.

4. Browns

The Browns are a confusing team. In constant rebuilding mode, they have a quarterback that they soured on almost before he hit the field. If Johnny Manziel can pan out, this could be a big team a few years down the road. Either way, this isn’t the year in Cleveland (when have we heard that before?).

AFC East:

1. Patriots

Without Tom Brady, this team would have had a tough time. With their hero, though, the Patriots are the Patriots we all know and maybe don’t love so much. They will have an easy line to the playoffs and will get to defend their title come January.

2. Dolphins

Ryan Tannehill is slowly becoming a very reliable quarterback, and the team as a whole will see some competitive games. If it weren’t for the Patriots, they’d have a chance, but it looks like another year of watching January from their sofa.

3. Bills

The Bills are so, so close to breaking through and ending their playoff drought. Last year, all they needed was a quarterback. Well, this year, they have a fun new horse in LeSean McCoy, but are still missing the quarterback they need. They’ll miss by the slimmest of margins, and continue to suffer in Buffalo.

4. Jets

It is a circus in New York. The Jets have talent, but can’t seem to keep that talent on the field performing well. Brandon Marshall will be fun to watch, but Ryan Fitzpatrick does not a playoff team make.

AFC South:

1. Colts

The Colts sit in the worst division in football, which means many overlook the fact that they are quite good. Luck has all the weapons to be an MVP this year, and they will finally put together the pieces that brought them so close but just outside of the Super Bowl.

2. Texans

The Texans are a good team that is fun to watch. Brian Hoyer could find a good fit here, and the addition of Jadeveon Clowney for a full year will pair well with the best player in football, J.J. Watt. The Texans will threaten for a Wild Card spot, but may miss by a technicality.

3. Titans

Mariota time in Nashville is upon us. Many had their doubts, but the pre-season proved he has what it takes to run an offense. The Titans are a few pieces shy of a good team, though, and will need another year or two of rebuilding.

4. Jaguars

Because of some interception issues last year, everyone is forgetting about Blake Bortles. With T.J. Yeldon, the offense could look much better. Let’s not forget, though, that it is still the Jaguars, and will be seriously short of what they need.

AFC West:

1. Broncos

Everyone is ready to jump off the Peyton Manning bandwagon, but it’s a little early to be writing his NFL-obituary. The Broncos have a stout defense and a litany of weapons for Peyton. There is no reason Denver shouldn’t storm to a first-round bye in the playoffs.

2. Chargers

Every single year the Chargers are right there on the cusp of the playoffs. This year, they’re going to be right there again, and again fall short, as they did last year. Philip Rivers will be good but not great, as we all have learned to expect.

3. Chiefs

The Chiefs are very “take-em-or-leave-em”. Jamal Charles keeps them electric in the run game, and Alex Smith is fine, but not great. The defense could be a bright spot, but this team has no flash to make a run for bigger than 9 wins.

4. Raiders

The Raiders have been rebuilding for about a decade now. Derek Carr is a huge step in the right direction, and Amari Cooper is a great target for him. That being said, the Raiders have more work to do to make it happen. Maybe in another decade...

NFC Championship Game: Seahawks over Eagles

The Legion of Boom squares off against the Legion of Zoom. Both flying teams will have momentum on their side after big finishes to the regular season. The Hawks have been there before, though, as Wilson shows Sam Bradford what winning in January looks like.

AFC Championship Game: Colts over Broncos

A rematch of last year’s AFC Divisional round, the Colts will be flying high after taking down the Patriots a round earlier, while the Broncos will have squeaked by the Bengals on the strength of their defense. It will be on of the best League Championships in recent memory, with Luck leading the Colts to his first taste of the biggest show.

Super Bowl 50: Colts over Seahawks

The Seahawks have been here three straight times, but it is the Colts’ high flying offense that will hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Luck is the MVP with a game winning drive with two minutes to go, while Marshawn Lynch gets plenty of touches by no pay dirt. Colts take home the ring in Super Bowl 50.

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July 15th: MLB Second Half Predictions

Wednesday and Thursday of All-Star break week are the worst days of the baseball season, because there are no games played across the league. While we spend 48 hours resting up for the second half, our attention turns to the home stretch of the season, where teams can make their final push for October. The Trade Deadline is looming, with a huge quantity of arms waiting to be dealt, as well as a few teams looking for that one bat to add to the mix.

The ZP:Left Fielder takes a look at how the season will come to an end, including Playoff Picture, World Series prediction, and post-season awards preview/

Playoff Picture:

National League East: Nationals

There is very little competition in the NL East, where the Nationals have the pitching depth to carry them. The lineup has been up and down all season, but as long as the injuries don’t pile up any more than they already have, they will begin to get their stars back and be in top shape for the post-season.

National League Central: Pirates

Pittsburgh hasn’t been able to crack through the Cardinals stranglehold on the division in recent years, but it is about time. Strong pitching has compounded with a lineup that, top to bottom, doesn’t have any glaring holes. While first base continues to be a liability, the trade deadline could push the surging Pirates over the top to beat out an injury-crippled Cardinals squad.

National League West: Dodgers

I would like to remind everyone who picked the Padres at the beginning of the year that I called exactly what would happen. The Dodgers have the swagger of a team that knows how to win, and with Clayton Kershaw and Zach Greinke, I don’t care what has happened in the past two seasons, this team is a threat for a deep run. Joc Pederson is also a force to reckoned with all by himself.

Wild Card: Cardinals and Cubs

The Cardinals’ injury streak (Wainwright, Adams, Holliday at points) finally catches up to them and they miss winning the division in the last weekend of the season. Meanwhile, the Cubs beat out the Giants with a strong second half, led by Kris Bryant who, after an up and down first half, figures out how to cut down on the strikeouts and hit more bombs. This is a young team that will mature a lot during the second half. Plus, Theo is going to do the work to make necessary moves at the deadline.

American League East: Yankees

The Rays are finally showing just how young and inexperienced they are. The Blue Jays are weak at starting pitcher. The Orioles have been extremely streaky, although they do appear to be the major threat. Meanwhile, the Yankees have a strong lineup, a decent rotation with a lot of upside, and a bullpen that has been fairly lights out.

American League Central: Royals

How many times need we be reminded that last year was no fluke? The Royals are the real deal, and no other team in the division can stand up to them. The Twins are about to turn into a pumpkin, while the Tigers are limping toward a potential rebuilding offseason. The Royals make very little drama out of the end of the season.

American League West: Angels

Something was preventing the Angels from getting past that awkward one or two games over or under .500 for much of the first half. Recently, though, things have blown up, and the Angels find themselves in first place. With a little help at the deadline, this may be a done deal for Trout and his Halos.

Wild Card: Astros and Orioles

The Astros are falling from grace just a little bit, but it won’t be enough to keep them out of the playoffs. Dallas Keuchel and George Springer are breathing life into Houston in ways we haven’t seen since the Killer B’s. Meanwhile, Baltimore has the experience and lineup to get beyond the .500 mark and stake a claim.

World Series: Nationals over Angels

This was the matchup everyone expected last season, and the Nationals are going to make it happen. With amazing starting pitching and Bryce Harper hungry to cash in, the Nationals are just waiting to make something happen. The Angels, meanwhile, will have the momentum in a generally mediocre American League. Not to mention the greatest player on the planet. A World Series featuring Harper and Trout together will be the most-watched in history, and Harper brings home the Curly W.

Post-season Awards:

NL MVP: Brycer Harper

Finally, Harper is no longer the most overrated player but the most exciting player in baseball. He is a potential triple crown threat who has the swagger and entertainment value to breathe new life into the game. Far and away the Most Valuable Player league (and baseball) wide.

Trout isn't done earning hardware this year.

AL MVP: Mike Trout

The year is generally without a standout performer, and this selection is more based on what will come than what has already happened. Trout is going to be a huge part of propelling the Angels to the division and (in my prediction) the World Series, and is going to earn his second straight MVP (where have I heard THAT before?)

NL Rookie of the Year: Kris Bryant

Another prediction based on future performance, rather than past observation, Bryant will make a huge step in the second half to lead the Cubs to the postseason for the first time since 2008. With many more home runs and a ton of walks, Bryant wins by a tight race with co-Derby participant Joc Pederson.

AL Rookie of the Year: Carlos Correa

The youth movement in Houston has been thrilling to watch, and maybe as exciting as Carlos Correa. With a small sample size, Correa is already looking like one of the league’s best shortstops, and will only improve with experience. With power, speed, and defense, this is one of the future’s brightest stars.

NL Cy Young: Gerrit Cole

While McCutchen is the face of the Pirates, Gerrit Cole is quietly leading this team to an insane number of wins. With an arm that will take this team straight to the postseason, Cole will finally be able to wrestle the award away from Clayton Kershaw, who is having an abnormally mortal year this year (ya know, for Clayton Kershaw).

AL Cy Young: Dallas Keuchel

No pitcher has been more fun to watch than Dallas Keuchel this year. Every game, it seems, he is pitching the Astros into a winning position, giving them an almost sure-thing every fifth day. He is the far-and-away favorite for the Cy Young Award. He would also win a beard growing contest, if such a thing existed.

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July 13th: Home Run Derby Preview

While this year’s Home Run Derby comes with some rule changes, including a new timed format, as well as a bracket of eight contestants, it remains one of the top events in showcasing the fun and exciting sides of the sport of baseball. Last season, I was able to experience it first hand at Target Field, and while this year will not be quite as exciting, there is still plenty to look forward to.

With two Cubs, two rookies, a former winner, and last year’s runner up, there is plenty of excitement to anticipate for today’s event. Great American Ballpark is also one of baseball's best smaller parks, meaning home runs will be flying out of there. Here is the ZP: Left Fielder breakdown of how Monday’s action will play out.

First Round:

Albert Pujols vs. Kris Bryant

From the past generation of home run kings to the future, this is the matchup of the rookie against the wily veteran. Pujols has gotten his stride back, and is pacing the Junior Circuit in bombs, while Bryant has the pop to be a major power threat. While the youngster has an amazing swing, it might not translate into the derby, and Pujols has the leg up on experience, so in this case, Pujols is like a fine wine: he’s getting better with age.

Winner: Pujols

Joc Pederson vs. Manny Machado

Pederson has been this season’s top rookie, and has proven it with his glove, his contact, and his power. Meanwhile, Machado has bounced back quite nicely from injury and is turning in a monster season. In this case, Pederson’s swing is a thing of beauty that will be better served for the new format. Youth movement wins this time around.

Winner: Pederson

Josh Donaldson vs. Anthony Rizzo

Two of the game’s most compelling sluggers draw the matchup to watch in this year’s Derby. Donaldson found his home run swing a year ago, and has kept the Blue Jays on a tear with his bat. Anthony Rizzo is leading a very young Cubs team by simply raking. Rizzo’s looping swing will cause a mighty number to leave the yard, and his familiarity with the park may be to his advantage here.

Winner: Rizzo

Todd Frazier vs. Prince Fielder

The home-town hero against the two-time past winner leaves fans with plenty to cheer for. Fielder has been feeling it this year, bouncing back from injury and keeping the Rangers afloat. Meanwhile, Frazier has been the one bright spot in a Reds team limping into the home-hosted All-Star Break. Look for Frazier to ride the high of the home fans and take down the Prince.

Winner: Frazier

Second Round:

Pujols vs. Pederson

It seems like Pujols will be spending much of the night beating back rookies with a stick. Well, that’s exactly what he will be doing. While Pederson is an impressive young slugger, he is no match for the Machine.

Winner: Pujols

Rizzo vs. Frazier

Division rivals square off in what will be the future of two franchises hoping to bring glory to their midwestern homes. Again, Frazier’s hometown help won’t hurt, but it is his having been through this competition before that will best serve him as he sends Rizzo packing in the second round.

Winner: Frazier

Third Round:

Pujols vs. Frazier

Albert Pujols continues his season of bringing everyone back on his bandwagon by squaring off against Cincinnati’s future Mayor in the finals. While Frazier’s experience has gotten him here, he is facing someone also familiar with the finals, after Pujols went there in 2003 at U.S. Cellular Field. Pujols has the perfect footwork to put on a fireworks display and hoist the trophy at the end of the night.

Winner: Pujols

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