April 28th: Cardinals Designated Bitter

The Cardinals were the overwhelming favorite to win the NL Central this year, as they so often are. Their lineup is well balanced with young, exciting hitters, mixed in with the seasoned veterans who know how to make a playoff push. The only real area of concern was pitching depth, but the presence of veteran ace Adam Wainwright provided some assurance that the staff would, at the very least, receive a quality start every fifth day.

This past weekend, that security blanket caught fire, as Wainwright injured his achilles tendon running out a pop fly during a game against the Brewers. While his spirits appeared high on Saturday night, it was reported on Sunday that he would be out for the season.

This led to two divergent reactions. The first, expected answer was a shadow of doubt descending on the Cardinals. All of a sudden, the Central powerhouse looked vulnerable, leaving the door wide open for the surging Cubs and Pirates to take a crack at winning the division. At the same time, a spark caught fire in the debate of the use of the Designated Hitter in the National League.

The DH has been in use in the American League since 1973, allowing teams to use a hitter that goes to the plate in the place of the pitcher. Generally this is a strong hitter, with some of the game’s best including David Ortiz, Victor Martinez, and Prince Fielder. The National League does not employ this rule, and instead sends the pitcher to the plate every 9th batter.

The argument has long existed that the DH should be implemented in the National League. The presence of the pitcher in the lineup requires managers to work in much more refined ways, using pinch hitters and double switches that their AL counterparts need not utilize. Another feather in the hat of DH fans is the overall lack of offense that is spread across the league. With more pitchers dominating hitters, the NL would benefit by adding another potent bat to many lineups, and should drive up production across the board.

As a Designated Hitter, David Ortiz is one of the American
League's best hitters. Should the National League follow suit?

While the argument in favor of adding the DH is valid, the Wainwright injury should not strengthen or hurt anyone’s case. Sure, he injured himself while batting. But his injury was the kind of accident that could just have easily resulted from his stepping awkwardly off the pitcher’s mound. Major League Baseball players are required to be athletes at the highest level, including pitchers. Just because one pitcher rolled his ankle and injured himself while batting does not mean that grabbing a bat is a safety hazard that pitchers can’t afford. If the same thing had happened to an outfielder, we wouldn’t even bat an eyelash.

If the DH rule was implemented in the National League, it would require a change in makeup for most lineups. Generally, NL teams don’t have the extra big bat sitting on their bench. This would lead to some dramatic shifts away from small-ball bench players in favor of adding another bat to play every day.

Overall, the DH rule could be a valuable addition to the National League. It would lead to more offense, provide more jobs for better hitters, and allow pitchers to work on their specialty. But Adam Wainwright isn’t the reason to have the conversation. Wainwright’s injury, while occurring during an offensive opportunity, should not intimidate all pitchers out of the batter’s box.

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April 3rd: MLB Playoff Preview

Before we’ve played a single game, I’ve predicted the final standings for all six MLB divisions. Now, I take a look at the way the postseason will shape up. Who wins the World Series? You’re about to find out!

_____________________________________________________________

AL Wild Card:

Mariners over Indians - A faceoff between last year’s Cy Young finalists, Kluber is going to be enough to get the Tribe to the game, but the Mariners lineup will be able to get Seattle into the next round.

NL Wild Card:

Pirates over Cubs - The Cubs squeak in on the last day of the season, while the Pirates cruise to the postseason, only barely falling short of St. Louis. While Chicago owns the hearts of the country, the Pirates own the talent, and a third straight WC game gives Pittsburgh the edge.

AL Division Series:

Angels over Mariners - A division showdown in the Division Series. The Mariners will try to seek their revenge after losing out on the division crown, but the Angels will be out for blood after their embarrassing loss to Kansas City a year ago. Angels will win it in four.

Red Sox over Tigers - The matchup of the two best lineups in the American League will be a slugfest, especially if the pitching staffs limp into the postseason. This is totally dependent on who’s hot as the season expires, but the Red Sox have Kung Fu Panda, who knows how to get it done in October.

NL Division Series:

Nationals over Pirates - The Nationals will have an absolutely unbeatable staff, built for a long postseason run. The Pirates will, for the third straight year, draw a bad matchup in the postseason, and be headed home early. Luckily, they will have proven their intent to compete, so free agents will flock to Pittsburgh in 2016.

Dodgers over Cardinals - Clayton Kershaw will be begging for the ball in this series, and he will get his revenge. The Cardinals won’t have the pitching depth to make this year their year, and will watch as the Dodgers take their place in the next round.

AL Championship Series:

Angels over Red Sox - The cross country series will feature two teams with question marks at pitcher but rosters so deep, they will score by the truckload. I’m going with my gut and picking the Angels, who feel like they are ready to make the jump to postseason elite.

NL Championship Series:

Nationals over Dodgers - The pitching matchups in this series will make anyone drool. Look for Kershaw to square off against Scherzer, leaving Strasburg to make his October name for himself the following night. In the end, the Dodgers won’t be able to compete offensively with the Nationals, and Washington will visit the Fall Classic.

World Series:

Nationals over Angels - Baseball’s greatest pitching staff will face off against the greatest offense, in a baseball version of the Denver-Seattle Super Bowl. The matchup between Mike Trout and now MVP favorite Bryce Harper will be an epic battle that will set the tone for the future of the game. In the end, masterful pitching will once again decide the outcome of the game, and Harper’s Spring Training predictions will come away looking prophetic. The World Series Champions will be the Washington Nationals!

That’s how the ZP: Left Fielder sees the Major League Baseball season shaping up. Will it end the way we predict? Probably not. Don’t worry, though. I’ll be here in October to pick them again!

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September 29th: Painting the Playoff Picture

After 182 days, 2430 games, and six division races, the playoffs are all set to get underway. The Royals are making their first playoff appearance in 29 years, while the Tigers have won four straight division titles. The Angels surged to dominance in the AL West, while the Athletics limped into the playoffs as a Wild Card team. The Pirates only narrowly missed the chance to steal the division crown away from the Cardinals, who take it home for the second straight year.

Now, though, getting to October isn’t enough. What happens for the next month will send 9 teams home with nothing, while one team brings home the hardware.

Here is the Major League Baseball Playoff Predictions, brought to you by the ZP: Left Fielder.

AL Wild Card Game

The As will go as far as Lester can pitch them...which may only
be until the 7th.

Oakland As at Kansas City Royals

The As have the starting pitching to make a 5 game series look painful for an opponent, but they only have one shot here. Jon Lester takes the mound against a Royals team that has stuck around all year long. While both Lester and KC’s James Shields will pitch well, this game will be decided in the seventh inning or later. After that, it is the Royals who’s lineup is dominant enough to find their spots, and a bullpen that can seal the deal.

ZPLF pick: Royals

NL Wild Card Game

San Francisco Giants at Pittsburgh Pirates

The Giants’ starting lineup has been hobbled by injuries, while the Pirates are in full-on attack mode. The Buccos will also see a huge home-field advantage, as the Pittsburgh fan-base has grown rabid about their team. I think this will get ugly early, and the Pirates will cruise to the next level.

ZPLF pick: Pirates

ALDS

Trout has been a megastar every step along the way. Why
not also in the playoffs?

Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Angels

The scrappy Royals do what it takes to win, while the bashing Angels hit their way into victories. The Royals pitching is good, but not good enough to keep the Angels quiet. The Angels won’t have anything to worry about, in terms of their own pitching. It will do the tirck.

ZPLF pick: Angels

Detroit Tigers vs. Baltimore Orioles

I had written this whole post saying the Orioles would win this series. I had filed it away for publication. Then, I saw the Tigers rotation for this series. I don't know why seeing it in ink (ok, on a screen) had such an effect on me, but I just can't bet against Scherzer, Verlander and Price in a five game series. Those are the three wins you need right there. The Orioles are good, but nobody is as good as the Tigers rotation at their best.

ZPLF pick: Tigers

NLDS

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals

All that I said about the Pirates before stands, but the Nationals are the real deal. Their pitchers have been unhittable, their offense has been consistently dominant, and they seem to have all of the pieces coming into play at the absolute best possible time. The Pirates will walk away from this series knowing they were starting pitching away from greatness.

ZPLF pick: Nationals

Puig will be the difference maker, one way or another.

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Yasiel Puig is the secret to this series. People like to say that he will lose two games with base running errors and and gaffes, but he will win the other two with his superstar abilities. Kershaw vs. Wainwright will be fun to watch, and you can never count the Cardinals out, but this St. Louis team isn’t nearly as dominant as the one that played a tough series against the Dodgers a year ago.

ZPLF pick: Dodgers

ALCS

Detroit Tigers vs. Los Angeles Angels

The league's best pitchers against the best offense in baseball. This is the kind of series that will be easy to predict after seeing the ALDS, but I have to go with a high-flying offense. If any team can make Verlander and Price look like they did in August, it is the Angels.

ZPLF pick: Angels

NLCS

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Washington Nationals

These are the two best pitching staffs in the game, and they will square off in absolutely dominant performances. The Nationals are the more offensively clever team, and they will find ways to scratch across runs. Kershaw will be dominant, but he will only win two of the game necessary to make the World Series. The Nationals will represent the Senior Circuit.

ZPLF pick: Nationals

Harper will play a key role in bringing Washington to
the promised land.

World Series

Washington Nationals vs. Los Angeles Angels

The first team along the road with the pitching to stifle the Angels, the Nationals have the ability to stymie the best hitters in baseball. The Angels will win game one before falling behind 3-1. They’ll get back into it with a win, before going down in Game 6. Nationals win.

ZPLF pick: Nationals

Throughout the year, the Nationals have proven to be a well-rounded team, both offensively and on the rubber. The most successful teams are not the ones with one or two superstars (the Angels) or a lights out ace (the As, Tigers, and Dodgers), but the team that can run a team out every night that will find ways to beat you. The Nationals will put up the 11 “W”s they need to put a big ole’ W on the World Series.

September 2nd: The Expansion

Teams like the Royals look to keep their playoff hopes alive,
while their opponent, the Rangers, are hoping to give their
young talent a tryout.

Major League Baseball expanded rosters yesterday, allowing all teams to take any player on their 40 man roster and immediately put him on their big-league club.

This may be great for teams like the Cubs and Astros, who are getting young teams ready to compete by bringing up a ton of prospects for their cups of coffee. For major competitors, though, like the Dodgers and Angels, it can cause a major problem, as teams are inundated with young, usually less scouted talent, which can often lead to more varied results.

How are teams looking to lock up a playoff spot supposed to compete when a cellar dweller is able to run out a new pitcher every third batter, sometimes one nobody has really been able to scout before?

While both teams have the same competitive advantage, in that both can call up as much of their 40 man roster as they desire, it does lead to challenges in managing the influx of players at the big-league level.

The cleanest solution, then, would be to do what hockey teams do. A hockey team may have 23 players on their roster, but is only allowed to dress 20 of them for the game. In much the same way, Major League teams should be able to select which 25 players are active on any given night. The starting pitchers for the night before or the next night don't need to be on that list, as they most likely won't get into the action. The guy getting a day off doesn't need to be on that list either.

What this allows is for a team to know exactly which 25 guys may be coming down the shoot at any given time. There will still be plenty of opportunities for young players to get their experience under their belts, but at the very least it allows playoff contenders to continue to get their at-bats against the proper level of competition.

August 28th: Believing Is What We Do Best

Have you watched a Cubs game this year? Chances are, the answer is probably not.

And really, why should you? There isn’t a really good reason to drop everything and watch a team with a 59-74 team. Especially if you’re outside of the Chicago area. Let’s be real. Even if you’re IN the Chicago area.

But something crazy is happening on the North Side. All of a sudden, the Cubs have slowly put together the pieces for a dynasty.

Sure, there has been plenty of attention on the big-name prospects. Javier Baez, Addison Russell, Kris Bryant. All stars who have yet to see time at the Major League level (except Baez’s cup of coffee this past month). But, more importantly for the much sooner future, is what is going on with the likes of Anthony Rizzo, Starlin Castro, and Jake Arrieta.

Each of the Cubs three “stars” for this year came in with a busload of doubters. Rizzo and Castro were coming off simply terrible years, while Arrieta hadn’t really proven anything to anyone. Well, the Cubs’ core is putting together a season that should get people pretty excited.

Rizzo is second in the NL in home runs. Castro is one of the game’s top offensive shortstops. And Arrieta is just a few innings away from qualifying to be among the league leaders in ERA.

Here is where things get really interesting, though. The Cubs lineup this week now features six of the eight position players of the future. And, as things have been going, it seems to be working.

The Cubs are 39-41 since June 1st. That may not sound sensational, but considering Edwin Jackson is 1-6 in his last ten starts, we could realistically say that if we had a valid starting pitcher in that spot in the rotation, we could be an over .500 team.

Not to mention the fact that, with free agency looming, the Cubs have already essentially declared their losing days over. The Cubs put a waiver claim out on Cole Hamels, stating for the world to know that they are going to be spenders on free agent or trade pitching this winter. While a deal didn't get done, it did call attention to what the Lovable Losers are trying to do.

There is something special going on in Chicago, and it is looking a lot like hope.

Based on this season’s performances and what the Cubs could reasonably expect, here is a very early look at what next year could hold for the Cubs:

1. Arismendy Alcantara (CF): Mendy has been a great defender while learning how to man center field for the Cubs this season. While his average is a little low for a lead-off hitter, a full season will do this kid wonders.

2. Starlin Castro (SS): As a very good hitter, but less pop than some of his teammates, Castro would be a great table-setter here in the two spot.

3. Anthony Rizzo (1B): Rizzo has bounced back from a terrible year last season, and seems to be proving that his issues against left-handed pitching are far behind him. I would love to see Anthony named the official captain of the Cubs...but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

4. Kris Bryant (3B): The world is begging to see Bryant in Chicago as early as Monday for expanded rosters. While that doesn’t look like it’s going to happen, Bryant is staking his claim on the third base gig as early as possible.

5. Jorge Soler (RF): In his debut, Soler hit a home run on one of the most beautiful swings I’ve ever seen from a rookie. This kid looks like he can rake, and I can’t wait to see him take over as the Cubs’ best pure athlete. I see something almost Yasiel Puig-esque in him.

6. Javier Baez (2B): Baez would be batting higher if it wasn’t for his contact issues. Baez has proven that, if he gets ahold of one, it will go a LONG way. That being said, if he continues to strike out 40% of the time, he will be too much of a liability to put any higher in the order. Overall, though, you can’t sleep on a guy who has 7 homeruns in his first 23 games.

7. Chris Coghlan (LF): Coghlan has been a huge surprise (pleasantly) this season. Actually, not quite true. You see, I’ve been calling for this kind of player for years. Let a young, formerly touted talent on in a minor league contract and let him show you what he can do. Well, apparently lead the Cubs back into brighter days, is what Coghlan can do. He has been the best all-around hitter for the Cubs in the last month, and has all but guaranteed a spot in next year’s lineup.

8. Catcher: Sure, Wellington Castillo is what we have right now. This is the one spot on the diamond, though, where the Cubs could realistically go out and spend the money to find either a short-term replacement until Kyle Schwarber gets here (if Schwarber will, in fact, catch), or a long-term replacement if they’re looking for the catcher of the future. Some options include: Ryan Doumit, Russell Martin, and Geovany Soto (wouldn’t that be interesting?)

Pitching-wise:

1. Jake Arrieta: He has more than proven he can be this team’s anchor and ace.

2. Kyle Hendricks: I think he should be getting Rookie of the Year consideration, but I guess next year’s Cy Young voting will be a better way to use your votes.

3. Travis Wood: We still aren’t sure which Wood is the real one: 2013 or 2014.

4. Felix Doubront: The Cubs have had a history of helping talented yet struggling pitchers get their lives back together. Maybe we have another King Felix on our hands.

5. Free agent ace: Let’s go out and spend the big bucks. Jon Lester, James Shields, Max Scherzer. Any one of those guys could put the Cubs into winning form. RIGHT. NOW.

**Notice the abysmal Edwin Jackson will not be making the Cubs starting rotation (at least not if the ZP: Left Fielder has anything to say about it.)

We know that Cubs fans love to dream about next year. This may be a giant exercise in just that fantasy. Yet, at the same time, it looks like next year just might be here...next year.

July 31st: MLB Trade Deadline Review

The Major League Baseball trade deadline is by far my favorite couple of days of the year. Leading up to July 31st at 4 pm, the internet is abuzz with insight, speculation, and rumors. Every team seems to be involved at some level.

My favorite part is watching what actually happens, as compared the the wild rumors that lead up to the event. With that being said, ZP:Left Fielder is reviewing the deals that happened, and commenting on some of the deals that should have.

Best Move:

• David Price to the TIgers: Of course, as it should be. The Tigers now have the past three AL Cy Young Award winners. They made this move to compete with the Oakland As. The difference between the As and the Tigers? The Tigers have four starters with World Series experience. The As have two. Price makes the Tigers the favorite in the AL.

Move That Should Have Been:

• Marlon Byrd to...ANYWHERE: WIth the second Wild Card spot, more teams are looking to get ready for playoff runs. That being said, there aren’t that many bats available. Byrd would have been a good addition for the Reds, Mariners, Yankees, or, frankly, anyone else. This was a waste by the Phillies, and a missed opportunity for the rest of the middle-range contenders.

Deal I’m Glad Didn’t Happen:

• Matt Kemp leaving Los Angeles: I’ve been a Kemp fan since the beginning, and hoped he would turn things around. While there is a full outfield in Los Angeles, no team has ever complained from having too many stars in preparation for the playoffs. Kemp has the ability to explode offensively at any time. The Dodgers may be very happy they didn’t do something drastic come October.

Best Move, Worst Location:

• Emilio Bonifacio to the Braves: Plenty of teams could have used a speedy middle-infielder with experience. Well, frankly, all teams could have used him. To give him and a top notch lefty reliever go for just a single-A catcher was a bummer for the Cubs, who started off the deadline so boldly.

Move They’ll Wish They Could Take Back:

• 
  John Lackey to the Cardinals: The Cardinals seem to forget that Lackey has been the worst pitcher in baseball in the not-so-distant past. Giving up last year’s best hitter and a big-future pitcher for an aging veteran may be a short-sighted answer that will come back to bite them. Despite Craig and Kelly’s struggles this year, they will have better long-term success than Lackey will provide short-term.

Biggest Winners:

• The 2015 Red Sox: While this year may be a lost cause, the Red Sox traded this year like a team that knew they were going to be back in contention soon. Two big-hitting outfielders, and a pitching prospect that has a high ceiling, the Sox look like they are getting ready for a rebound. Lester has even talked about coming back in a few months. This team won’t go away for long.
• The Chicago Cubs: Yes, you read that right. The Cubs were able to do what every team hopes to do in April: sign a whole bunch of older talent for dirt cheap and flip them in July. They’ve now done it three years in a row, acquiring their current ace, their future superstar, and their top set-up man that way over the past three years. To give away Hammel and Bonifacio for top level minor league talent is something of a 2016 coup d'etat.
• The 2015 Twins rotation: See a pattern here? While teams are going crazy trying to put winners together for this year, a few teams are quietly getting ready for the future. A new deal with catcher Kurt Suzuki and acquiring Tommy Milone are just that for the Twins. Has anyone noticed the Twins have a nice little rotation going with Milone, Correia, Hughes, and Nolasco? Not Oakland or Detroit, but it’s a start.

Biggest Losers:

• Yoenis Cespedes: How must it feel to go from the cleanup hitter on a World Series favorite to a last-place team? Cespedes is an incredible hitter who has gone from the top to the bottom. Next year may be a fun time (MAYBE), but for the remainder of the 2014 season, this is going to be a miserable team. It will be hard to watch his old team make a long postseason run while he’s watching from home.
• The Pirates and Brewers: If any year were the year to beat out the Cardinals, it was this one. The pieces were available to improve their teams, and both sat relatively quietly at the deadline. The Cardinals moves weren’t great, but they will probably be enough to beat the their two divisional foes.
• The National League: Sorry guys. Whether the biggest winners were the Tigers or the As, the biggest loser was whichever National League team has to try to win the World Series against either of the best rotations in baseball. Can Clayton Kershaw pitch seven games in a row. Cygh...

February 22nd: National League Preview

The 162 game baseball season is a marathon. Yet, in Spring Training, it is easy enough to let the excitement get the best of you. Everyone is trying to guess where the standings will wind up September 29^th. In this case, the Zoot Perspective Left Fielder will attempt to predict the standings for the 2014 baseball season. This week we’ll tackle the National League, next week the American League.

NL East:

     1,  Washington Nationals: Last year was a season to forget in DC. With their mysterious hitting woes behind them, the Nationals should prove why they were such heavy favorites to win last year. One of the strongest starting rotations allows even a rough start for the lineup to remain a scary threat for the division title.

     2. Atlanta Braves: The first team to clinch last year has a lot of question marks, including which pair of Upton brothers will show up. This team will live and die by the bat of Freddie Freeman, who is out to prove that his big new contract was no accident.

     3.   New York Mets: Young pitching leads another new wave of Mets, led by Dillon Gee and Zack Wheeler. Missing Matt Harvey will hurt, though, and David Wright’s questionable durability may be the difference for a franchise that lacks the offense to put up big numbers. Another mediocre year awaits.

     4. Philadelphia Phillies: The past few years have not been kind to the aging Phillies, as the 2008 World Series is shrinking in the rearview mirror. An identity crisis is in the cards as Philadelphia attempts to decide whether they want to compete now or rebuild for their future.

     5.  Miami Marlins: An offseason of smart moves makes this Marlins team better than the terrifyingly bad on from a year ago. Jarrod Saltalamacchia does not make you a champion, though. This team will be better, but not by much.

NL Central:

      1. St. Louis Cardinals: The Cardinals are perennial threats to make the playoffs, and this year appears to be no exception. A strong core of talent and some offseason improvements from last year’s NL pennant winners should put them in contention to return to the World Series. The one question mark will be to see how young pitchers Michael Wacha and Shelby Miller respond to their sophomore campaigns.

     2. Pittsburgh Pirates: The loss of some key rentals from last year’s playoff team could bode badly for the Buccos. The taste of victory is on the lips of Pittsburgh fans, though, so the club should be hungry for more. Having defending NL MVP Andrew McCutchen and rising stars OF Starling Marte and SP Gerrit Cole should make this team contenders for quite a few years to come.

     3.  Cincinnati Reds: Two years ago, this team won the division in stunning fashion. Last year, they fell in the Wild Card game. Unfortunately, the slide may continue for a team that is relying heavily on the production of some young stars. This will be a good ball club, but most likely not a great one.

     4. Chicago Cubs: The future looks bright in Chicago. The question is, how long will fans have to wait? Bounce-back years from Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo should lead a young team into a more comfortable place. This year isn’t the year, but it’s going to be good practice for the very exciting 2015 season.

     5.  Milwaukee Brewers: Although stealthily subtle moves to improve the rotation have helped, the Brewers are far removed from the days of competing in the NL Central. This team will most likely flounder unless Carlos Gomez can continue to rise and Ryan Braun can return in full form (minus the steroids).

NL West:

     1.  Los Angeles Dodgers: The biggest question facing the Dodgers is who will be the odd man out in a too-talented outfield. That’s a good problem to have. Starting pitching and young talent headline a team with an expectation for a World Series win. This team looks like the real deal.

   

     2. San Fransisco Giants: A team that wins the World Series and returns almost the whole lineup should do pretty well, right? Apparently not, as last year’s Giants proved. This year, though, things should be back to normal, as the Giants take a stab at the wild card or even a chance to unseat the Dodgers. Either way, that rivalry will be fun this summer.

     3.  Arizona Diamondbacks: This team is going to be hard to predict. The potential is there for a real playoff threat, while there is also the chance for a big flop. The big questions are whether Mark Trumbo can provide some support for Paul Goldschmidt, and whether or not the starting pitching can keep the Diamondbacks going.

     4. San Diego Padres: A very similar group from the 2013 squad, this team is supposed to develop into a solid core of players. Key words: supposed to. Expectations are high and, unless someone steps up as the star of this team, they will most likely not be met.

     5.Colorado Rockies: Some young stars exist in Nolan Arenado and Wilin Rosario, and Carlos Gonzalez will continue to be a yearly MVP candidate, but otherwise this team appears a little lackluster. In an otherwise strong division, this team just doesn’t look to have what it takes to make a big impact on the race come August or September.