In case you missed it, many teams got better in the National League this offseason. A lot better. If we take an early look at the landscape as we stand in frigid January temperatures, we can see a caste system of sorts taking shape. There are the perennial contenders out west. The San Francisco Giants got considerably better than they did last year by bringing in Jeff Samardzjia, Johnny Cueto and Denard Span. The Los Angeles Dodgers took a huge hit in losing Zack Greinke to the Arizona ... Read More
COLUMN: Is Kang a serious ROY candidate?
Four months ago, if you would have asked if Jung Ho Kang would have a chance at winning the National League’s Rookie of the Year Award, the answer would have been a “no.” But then July rolled around, and Kang’s stats changed to .379 AVG/.443 OBP/.621 SLG (1064 OPS, 201 wRC+) and turned the competition on its ear as he helped the Pirates to a league best 17-9 in July. It does not come as a surprise that he’s good. With 40 home runs and a 1.198 OPS for the Nexen Heroes in 2014, the Buccos’ ... Read More
Berardi’s baseball update: Second NL wild card is wide open
Updated Playoff Races - 10/17 Every week I will update you on the playoff races going on in the majors along with who those teams will face in the upcoming week. (Take note, All GB are based on loss column ONLY. I don’t believe in the ½ game stat because those are games that can be controlled by a team. AL East The Yankees and Orioles both went 4-2 last week allowing New York to keep a one-game lead. Tampa Bay has fallen off the pace and is five back. 1. NY 83 – 63 -- (Off Day, 3 vs. ... Read More