2016 MLB Preview

Happy holiday from the ZP: Left Fielder! Today is Opening Day, when 30 teams think they have a chance, and the long winter without baseball comes to an end.

This year, there is even more intrigue, where 15 American League teams think they have a chance at the post-season, while in the NL, powerhouses square off to make it to the promise land. Who will make it to October and who will be left looking from the outside? The ZP: Left Fielder previews the 2016 MLB season:

National League Central:

1. Cubs

This team is stacked. A team coming fresh off an NLCS appearance went out and got a top 3 starter and two big-time free agent hitters. Looking up and down the lineup, it is difficult to figure out who to pitch to. The only thing that could stop the Cubs is expectations, although Joe Maddon will keep them cool under pressure.

2. Pirates (Wild Card)

The Pirates are well on their way to creating a quirky dynasty: playoffs every year, but always at risk for a quick Wild Card exit. McCutchen is as reliable as it gets, and the pitching is deep enough to keep them going strong in the tough NL Central.

3. Cardinals

After three straight years of divisional titles, the Cardinals are looking at the toughest competition yet. They always find a way to stay alive, and they have a stable of young hitters to go toe-to-toe with the Cubs, but they are not nearly where they have been over the past decade. A small step back sees the Cardinals on the outside looking in.

4. Brewers

Milwaukee is in rebuilding mode, and the pieces are in place to see the future as pretty bright. That future isn’t here yet, though, because it will be a long year of losing for the Brew Crew. Young players arriving throughout the summer will give Brewers fans something to look forward to in 2017 and beyond.

5. Reds

The Reds were so bad this past calendar year that they even failed to sell off their resources like they wanted to. They didn’t get nearly what they should have for Todd Fraizer and Aroldis Chapman, and Jay Bruce didn’t move at all. This team will be miserable until July, when they can sell off everyone not named Votto (and maybe even a guy named Votto).

National League West:

1. Dodgers

Losing Zack Greinke can’t be good for a team, but the Dodgers went out and added enough depth to try to replace his success by committee. The Dodgers are crazy deep, and should take home their fourth straight divisional crown.

2. Giants (Wild Card)

Yeah, yeah, we know, it’s an even year. And I’m not dumb enough to bet against them making the playoffs. But the Giants just aren’t deep enough with strong enough players to be the powerhouse that you would expect of a dynasty coming in on their hot year. The infield is stacked, and MadBum is the real deal, but an old outfield and too many question marks makes this team a hot pick for a bust this year.

3. Diamondbacks

With one of the bolder offseasons in recent memory, the Diamondbacks look like they’re ready to strike. The loss of AJ Pollock makes a playoff spot look difficult, but the Snakes look good for the next two or three years.

4. Rockies

Until the Rockies can convince a pitcher to join the Mile High Party, this team will never be able to compete against the stacked NL West. Nolan Arenado will be fun to watch, and Carlos Gonzalez will spend the rest of his career under the cloud of the trading block until a deal gets done.

5. Padres

From World Series threat to the joke of the division, the Padres have done everything wrong since this time last year. A team made up of good parts made a bad whole, and doesn’t look like it is going to get any better in the coming year.

National League East:

1. Nationals

Last year’s biggest disappointment, the Nationals are going to come into the new season as the second best team in the National League East. That will only serve them well, as an improved lineup that stays healthy will follow a contract year from Stephen Strasburg into the playoffs.

2. Mets

Officially the boldest prediction of the year, the Mets will miss the playoffs altogether. Starting pitching is as good as it gets, but the offensive and defensive sides of the ball will let down a staff that will almost certainly have to carry the team.

3. Marlins

Some people want to pick the Marlins as their sexy dark horse this week. I’m not buying it. Giancarlo Stanton is a monster, but only when he stays healthy. The rest of the team is overwhelmingly mediocre, and isn’t enough to find themselves in the playoffs, especially in a strong division.

4. Braves

The Braves have decided to scrap the 2016 season and rebuild, but took the fastest route to a rebuild. Ender Inciarte is a soon-to-be perennial All-Star, and Danby Swanson is going to be a superstar. If they can put things together quickly, this team could be good as soon as the start of next season. Just not this year.

5. Phillies

Oh, poor Philadelphia. The Phillies will try to beat their city-mate 76ers’ ineptitude, and rebuild for a long-term future. A few names stand out as fun to watch, including Aaron Nola and Mikhail Franco, but, on the whole, this will be another miserable summer in Philadelphia.

American League Central:

1. Royals

Are we ready to believe in the Royals yet? Kansas City has been to the World Series twice, won it once, and is bringing back nearly all of the same pieces. When will this team run out of magic? Not yet, at least.

2. Tigers

Detroit has been in win-now mode for a very long time and, until last year, it was working. With the additions of Jordan Zimmermann and Justin Upton, they continue to try to compete in the immediate, possibly forsaking the future. Here’s to hoping for a return to greatness for Justin Verlander.

3. Twins

If potential was enough, the Twins would be a very intriguing team. Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano are expected to be superstars, and Brian Dozier brings veteran experience. Their ptiching is a little weak, and they are probably a year away from being major players in the Central.

4. White Sox

Oh, poor White Sox. They can’t seem to decide if they are rebuilding or competing. After a spring filled with drama, the White Sox will show flashes of brillaince (thank you, Jose Abreu, Chris Sale and Todd Frazier) among long stretches of mediocrity (thank you, everyone else).

5. Indians

The Mets of the American League, the Indians are stacked at pitching. Well, they have three good pitchers. When you look at the other 23 guys on the roster, you see a lot to be desired. Corey Kluber will spend another year wasting his prime on a bad team with no hope for October.

American League West:

1. Astros

A young, exciting team that was six outs away from the ALCS, the Astros are putting things together for a long run of contention. Carlos Correa is a strong threat for MVP, and Dallas Keuchel is a stud. The Astros are here to stay, and should be a World Series favorite out of the AL.

2. Rangers (Wild Card)

The Rangers are the best team you’ve never heard of. Their offense took off in June last year, and they never looked back, even so far as to push the powerhouse Blue Jays to the brink of elimination last year. With an entire season of Cole Hamels and a return of Yu Darvish, this team is one to be feared.

3. Angels

Maybe we should call this team Trout and Co. Behind the superstar, there really isn’t much to talk about. This team has some players that will keep them interesting, but there just isn’t enough to play with here for a real competition.

4. Mariners

Last year’s most disappointing team is looking to repeat for the title again. After an offseason with a massive quantity of moves, the Mariners look exactly as meh as they were last year. Unless the right guys catch fire, we will be scratching our heads again in September.

5. As

For the first time in a while, Oakland was relatively quiet in an offseason. That isn’t a good thing for a team that finished near the bottom of the AL West last year. It doesn’t look good for the Sonny Gray led A’s, who will have to consider dealing the ace at the deadline.

American League East:

1. Red Sox

The Red Sox have made “worst to first” their new personal motto. Well, last year they were bad, but not THAT bad. And after adding David Price to an already potent lineup, expect the Red Sox to challenge Toronto for Eastern supremacy.

2. Blue Jays (Wild Card)

Last year, the Blue Jays could out-hit anyone. This year, their lack of pitching will come back to bite them in the butt. With contract disputes with two of their three best hitters, this doesn’t bode well for the Blue Jays, who have to spend their entire season looking over their shoulder.

3. Rays

I desperately wanted to predict an AL East Division Championship for this Rays team. Their pitching is stacked, they have a lineup full of consistency (if not stardom), and the Rays management just knows how to win. I see them in it until September, then losing steam because of deadline acquisitions by division rivals.

4. Yankees

Many people think the Yankees will be in the thick of a playoff race late in the year. With their aging lineup and questionable rotation, that is wishful thinking. The Yankees will always be the Yankees, but this year, they aren’t going to be in October.

5. Orioles

The Orioles are the team to beat up on in the American League East. Their lineup is suspect, their pitching is sad, and the team just won’t be able to keep pace with the powerhouses that occupy their division.

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.

If you enjoy the work of the Zoot Perspective, please visit my GoFundMe page, to help support me on my journey. Thank you very much.

For more content from ZPMedia, visit www.zootperspective.com.

November 26th: MLB Free Agent Preview

The Hot Stove is the best time of the year, as each team tries to find the key ingredient that will throw them over the top into contention. This year, there is a glut of free agents who have the potential to change their new team drastically. The bidding war for each will be fierce, but here is the ZP: Left Fielder’s take on the final destination for each of the top free agents:

David Price - Blue Jays: Most expect Price to land in Chicago, but I wouldn’t count out the Blue Jays to bring him back. Toronto was on the cusp of a world series, and pitching is not the area to skimp if they want to get back. A great offense is only as good as the pitchers who support it, so expect to see Price get a big offer to stay at his new home.

Zack Greinke - Dodgers: The Dodgers have won a lot, but have nothing in their trophy case to show for it. Greinke isn’t the reason for that, though, and his dominance as a one-two punch with Kershaw makes him too valuable to let go. He scores big bucks from Los Angeles.

Johnny Cueto - Red Sox: The Red Sox need an ace, and Cueto has been on their radar for a long time. His second half last year was a little scary, but the Red Sox proved last year that they aren’t afraid to take a gamble (even when they should be).

Jordan Zimmermann - Cubs: Many like David Price as the Cubs top target, but they would be better off getting two decent-sized fish, rather than one big one. Jordan Zimmermann has been rock solid over the last few years, and would solidify the middle of the Chicago staff.

Jeff Samardzija - Cubs: A reunion between Shark and the North Side would be the perfect solution to the starting depth of the Cubs. They already have a relationship, and, with the money saved from Zimmermann as opposed to Price, Samardzija becomes the fourth starter in a staff that is as scary as the lineup that backs it up.

Jason Heyward - Giants: This may be my oldest prediction of them all. Everyone will want to pick the Giants to win it all this year. It is, after all, an even numbered year. I’m sure the Giants know that, and a little bit of pressure might force them to upgrade their lineup. Heyward would bring some life to an outfield that looks a little old. Heyward’s bat, combined with a second-tier starter, will make the Giants a terrifying team.

Justin Upton - Orioles: The Orioles want a big hitter, and Jay Bruce may be their top choice. They may not have the farmhands to get it done, though, so Upton is a very attractive option for left field. Upton alongside Jones would be a great pairing both in the lineup and in the outfield, and he would become the new centerpiece of a mild rebuild project in Baltimore.

Yoenis Cespedes - Angels: The Angels are familiar with Cespedes from his days in Oakland, and he would be an excellent bat to protect Trout and Pujols. That, combined with the fact that this would become the best defensive outfield in the American League makes Cespedes a good bet for the Angels.

Ian Desmond - Padres: Everyone knows the Padres want a shortstop. They have wanted one for 18 months. And Desmond is the real deal when it comes to shortstop. He can’t field particularly well, but what he lacks with his glove, he makes up for with his bat. Desmond is going to score big bucks, and the Padres will be happy to give them to him.

Alex Gordon - Royals: I would love to say that Gordon goes to Chicago to bring defensive wizardry and a scary bat to an already terrifying Cubs offense, but there is no way that the Royals let their man walk away. Gordon was the heart and soul of this team for so long, and he will get a hero’s welcome to return.

Ben Zobrist - Mets: The Mets will lose Daniel Murphy and Yoenis Cespedes, two central pieces of their World Series runner-up offense. To make up for it, they are going to make a big push for the ultimate Swiss-Army knife ballplayer, Zobrist. He will bring a reliable bat and a versatile glove to a team that has the pitching to make it big, but needs experience and contributors to back them up.

Daniel Murphy - Angels: The Angels are going to try to out-slug their opponents this year, and Murphy could be an excellent option at third base. His defense is mediocre, but his bat would be deadly, especially if the Murphy of October shows up in April. Money might be an issue, but if the Angels can overcome that, then this is a match made in heaven.

Chris Davis - Cardinals: The Cardinals need power, and Davis is the spokesman for power. He can slot in at first base for them, and maybe even the outfield in a pinch. The Cardinals are looking desperate to keep pace with the surging Cubs and Pirates, and they might make a free agency mistake by signing a high-risk, high-reward hitter like Davis.

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.

If you enjoy the work of the Zoot Perspective, please visit my GoFundMe page, to help support me on my journey. Thank you very much.

For more content from ZPMedia, visit www.zootperspective.com.