Throughout American history, springtime has represented a new beginning. Old Man Winter will soon disappear if he hasn’t already. Fireplace emissions will soon give way to the aroma of hot dogs roasting on a grill, and the pleasing smell of flame-broiled burgers can’t be far behind.
Spring has returned with its signature sunshine and the smell of freshly cut grass. Another sign of spring is that baseball stadiums are now re-opened.
So without further ado, Let’s Play Ball!
With the arrival of spring and the ability to start anew, comes the return of Our National Pastime, baseball.
Players from 30 Major League cities recently left the warmth of spring training camps in Florida and Arizona and returned to such historic venues as Dodger Stadium, Wrigley Field and Fenway Park.
No one knows what a marathon season holds, but for now hope springs eternal whether your team wears Yankee Pinstripes or Dodger Blue, but many questions will be answered on the long journey that will end as the weather cools in the fall.
Baseball pundits, players, managers and fans all have their predictions, but now it’s merely time to enjoy the sunshine, hot dogs, beer and the grand old game while we wait to see if the Kansas City Royals can make another Cinderella run to the World Series, or if a revamped Chicago Cubs squad can end its long run of futility in a season that will see its venerable home undergoes a long-awaited and much-needed facelift.
The purpose of this writing is not to make predictions, but let’s ponder a few early-season questions such as will the Cubbies make the playoffs? Or will the Washington Nationals finally win the World Championship that has eluded them recently?
The Cubs have a bevy of young players and have hired Joe Maddon away from Tampa Bay, where he performed miracles. Look for Chicago to make at least a push for an NL Wild Card. They’re young talent may be a bit green to dethrone the Cardinals, Brewers or Pirates, who are the division’s long-established franchise. Chicago has spent money on Jon Lester and others but the Cubs’ best acquisition may be the man that players call “Skip.”
The Reds may have a shot at a Wild Card if they can get a few beneficial bounces.
In the Nation’s Capital, the Nats certainly have all the ingredients to make a deep postseason run. Washington, however, must stay healthy if they are to be around in October.
Also in the NL East, Atlanta has become a fire sale as the Braves have dumped salary and look to re-tool. Things don’t seem to have changed, at least not yet, as the Braves swept Miami on the road to open the season.
The Marlins were supposed to compete in the division, but early on the Big Fish appear to remain mired in mediocrity at best. The Mets look to be improved. Philadelphia has already been ravaged by injuries.
The NL West appears to be extremely competitive as the Rockies got off to a hot start. San Francisco and Los Angeles will again be the class of the division. The Padres made some huge off-season deals, and the Diamondbacks may be on the rise.
In the American League East, the Yankees will likely struggle as Alex Rodriguez returns. Baltimore will be solid. Toronto will make a run at the 2015 division crown. The Rays are rebuilding and time will tell if the Red Sox will finish worst or first. In its most recent cycle, Boston is due for a big year. The BoSox finished in the cellar last year after winning it all in 2013.
The AL West appears to be a three-team race between the A’s, Mariners and Angels as Texas looks to rebuild and Houston continues to get better.
The American League Central may very well be the most competitive division in the game. The Tigers are the team to beat, but Cleveland, the White Sox, and Kansas City all have playoff aspirations. Minnesota has improved and may make things a bit miserable for the top dogs.
The season will answer these questions and time will tell if A-Rod will make a spectacle of himself or if the Angels can dump the contact of Josh Hamilton, who has been an absolute albatross.
But for now, let’s all watch while the Boys of Summer play another season filled with home runs, exploding sliders and drama that knows no equal in the world of sports or anywhere else.
