America’s Pastime is Back
by: Rusty Stiltner ‘11The long dreary months of winter have finally subsided and spring is here. This means different things to all: flowers blooming, unpredictable weather, and seasonal allergies but for the sports fan this time means one thing: baseball. Last year’s Fall Classic was no surprise with the New York Yankees defeating the Philadelphia Phillies four games to two and ending their eight year streak without a ring. This year promises to be an exciting one with a flood of young talent making their presence known in the Major Leagues.
Let’s start with the American League East. This is the powerhouse league of baseball. The Yankees have, like always, made some crucial off-season additions which include All Star Pitcher Javier Vasquez from Atlanta and All Star Center-Fielder Curtis Granderson from Detroit. The Sox have also added to their powerful lineup with Marco Scutaro, Mike Cameron, and Adrian Beltre and have added veteran John Lackey to the starting rotation. The Rays are another team with a chance of making a run late into October. The young talent of Evan Longoria, B.J. Upton (Norfolk, VA), speed in Carl Crawford and the American League Home-Run leader from a year ago Carlos Pena, with 39, in the clean up hole, look for the Rays to be a contender not only for the Division Crown but the World Series.
Now on to the American League Central, where last year the Minnesota Twins won the division in a one-game playoff against the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers hope their ace Justin Verlander (Goochland, VA) can have another dominating season but look for the Twins to win the division behind 2009 AL MVP Joe Mauer.
The West is up for grabs this year with the Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, and Anaheim Angels of California all very closely matched. I hope to see Ken Griffey Jr. have one more chance to see make the playoffs, in what could be his last year in the Majors. With the new addition of Cliff Lee and ace Felix Hernandez the Mariners hope to bounce back with a winning season in 2010.
To the National League, where the Philadelphia Phillies have made it to the World Series in consecutive years, winning the Fall Classic in 2009. The National League East is flooded with young players that are sure to make an influence. The Phillies have the division locked up, but it is likely the Wild Card position will come from the East. Jason Heyward, 20-year old rookie sensation for the Atlanta Braves is one of those players you have to love watch playing the game. His humble nature, along with his great bat speed and power to all fields make his a sure fan favorite. This year is Bobby Cox’s last year as Manager of the Braves after 23 years as Head Coach. Jorge Cantu has also started red hot leading all players in the MLB with 18 Runs Batted In and you can’t forget about Short-Stop Hanley Rameriz who lead all of baseball in batting average. Look for the Florida Marlins and Atlanta Braves to battle it out for the Wild Card with the Mets having a chance if they can ever stay healthy.
The National League Central looks to be controlled by the St. Louis Cardinals who have won the division four of the last six years. The Cardinals are led by the best all around hitter in the universe Albert Pujols, and the duo of Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. Look for Cincinnati Reds prospect Aroldis Chapman, the 22-year old Cuban born lefty is currently preparing for the MLB in the AA organization. It won’t be long before you see Chapman starting for the Reds, and with an electric 102-104 M.P.H. fastball and nasty 12 to 6 breaking ball, Chapman is legit.
The National League West is much like the American League West; it’s completely up for grabs. 2009 and 2010 Cy Young Award Winner Tim Lincecum is one to watch as he hopes to lead the Giants to a division title but Manny Rameriz and Manager Joe Torre hope the Dodgers can repeat as the best out west.
To wrap things up the Phillies’ addition of one of baseballs best pitchers Roy “Doc” Halladay will help prevail them for the third straight year in the National League Champions, but a weak bullpen could keep them from winning another World Series. The American League will be a closer race but the Yankees are too good of a team from top to bottom to be beat. Their starting rotation has improved and with a solid bullpen and several additions the Bronx Bombers are the team to beat in the AL. As much as I hate to admit, the combo of A-Rod and Teixeira with Mariano Rivera as the “stopper,” the Yanks will likely repeat over the Phillies in this year’s Fall Classic. Finally, watch as much baseball as possible because this year is shaping up to be a good one.
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