Now Warming Up…MLB!

Let's start with the Opener.

***Following up on the MVP races with Shohei chasing MLB’s first 50/50 season while serving as the designated hitter for the Dodgers this year.  And, Francisco Lindor playing gold-glove defense and leading the Mets from 11 games under .500 to 14 games over.  Lindor has become the best hitter Queens has seen since Mike Piazza, crushing a huge 9th-inning homerun this week to spoil Bowden Francis’ no-hitter, tying the game that the Mets went on to win!  Tough choice for the baseball writers in the NL.  On the junior circuit, it seems like Aaron Judge will be the recipient, currently with a .320 average and 51 homers. 

Now to the Set Up Man.

*** Strangely, the Padres of San Diego are having a better year without Juan Soto.  Manny Machado became the Pads all-time home run champ, hitting his 164 homer this week.  San Diego is the mix with Arizona and the Dodgers for post-season play, with all three looking like they will play in October.  All three NL West teams have dynamic, albeit different, offenses.  How these teams manage their pitching staffs will make the difference in the playoffs.  Of the three, I’m unsure which team is truly the best.

Now the Closer.

The Chicago White Sox are headed for the worst regular season record in MLB history.  With 114 losses currently, they seem to be a lock to break the Mets' dubious record of 120 losses.  This team needs to spend some money to fix the many holes on their roster while younger players develop and blossom.  They held on to Luis Robert, which was smart.  The 27-year-old outfielder is one they can build something around, but again, in Chicago, owner Jerry Reinsdorf should spend some dollars to build a better 2025 team.  The White Sox biggest free-agent contract ever was Andrew Benintendi for 5 years and $75 million.  They can do better in Chicago.

"Baseball is the only field of endeavor where a man can succeed three times out of ten and be considered a good performer." - Ted Williams