As Felix Hernandez has already shown, pitchers start the regular season ahead of hitters. This is the time as a pitcher to grab a few fairly easy wins before the hitters get caught up to snackin on fastballs. Still, King Felix plays on a team that doesn’t really feel like scoring many runs. That’s been okay for him in the past, but will be a big disadvantage with top pitchers rolling for some of the most explosive AL lineups in years.
Say, like a Justin Verlander, the defending Cy Young award winner that has gained a Prince Fielder in the off-season. In fact, it’s a trend for the most likely candidates to have tons of offensive help that allows them to win a game even when if they give up four runs. The AL favorites are clustered on just a few teams including the Angels, Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers, and Rays. All are heavy favorites to push for the playoffs Continue reading
The Tigers made a run deep in the playoffs as the underrdog past the New York Yankees, only to fall to the Texas Rangers. Cy Young award winner Justin Verlander finally threw an entire season of quality pitching and Miguel Cabrera either quit drinking all together or hit .338 drunk, which I would prefer to think. Throw into the mix Prince Fielder hitting after Miggy and you are looking at a team that is no longer an underdog against anyone.
The Washington Nationals have something cooking with a few key free agent signings and absolute luck of grabbing two of the best number one picks in the last decade. Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmerman, Ryan Zimmerman, and Bryce Harper are just a couple of names that belong on the long list of future stars that the Nationals were fortunate enough to take in past drafts. Add to that list the team’s closer, Drew Storen, and Anthony Rendon, who were both first rounders also and you are looking are some serious pieces in place.
What the Los Angeles Dodgers lack in money, they more than make up for in talent.