To date, we've played the same amount of games that we played all last year and there are a few surprises in MLB. The American League sees the MINNESOTA TWINS and the NEW YORK YANKEES both headed in the wrong direction regarding the post season but the BOSTON RED SOX have risen from the dead and are just a game out of first. But Yankee haters shouldn't start celebrating yet because like many teams, the bombers have been torn apart by injuries.
The National League east has flip-flopped from last year with the METS & PHILLIES at the top with the BRAVES and WASHINGTON bobbing in the water. The other two divisions feature the usual suspects but SAN FRANCISCO is the feel good story so far out west but I think they will fade into the sunset.
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The CUBS are the real surprise, playing like they have a real good team but that all ends next month when they have to decide about ANTHONY RIZZO, BAEZ and KRIS BRYANT. Do you trade them or risk having them walk away for nothing at the end of the season? Bryant, by far, is the best player on that team but I don't see any way that he doesn't move west in free agency so the Cubs have to trade him. I picked the Cubs to finish 4th and I'm going to stick with it.
Baez is the second best shortstop......in Chicago...........and probably ranks 8th or 9th overall in MLB and #1 in mustard. He is a great defensive player but do you want HIM at the plate in the 9th inning of game seven? If Bryant walks away, then Javy has bargaining chips. If they make a trade, the Cubs will get a basket full of players/prospects and Baez' position is weakened. I still think Bryant would look nice in Dodger Blue. Third baseman Justin Turner is 36 and coming to the end. Just sayin'.
Rizzo is an all around great human being and a gold glover. It would be a public relations nightmare if the Cubs don't re-sign him.
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I just heard that pitchers in MLB are cheating! NO WAY! MLB finally decided that fans don't like 15 strikeouts a game and have made the move to eliminate substances that make the baseball move like a whiffle ball.
They are also experimenting in the minors with larger bases, moving the mound back (both good ideas) and making the pitcher step off the rubber before trying a pickoff. I don't understand that one but so be it. I think the 10th inning runner is good because it saves the bullpen even if TONY LaRUSSA doesn't understand the rule. I also like the 7 inning doubleheader rule and I thing the DH will be universal soon. PLAY ON!!!
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Like many teams, The WHITE SOX are battling the injury bug but still remain in first place. Losing their starting outfield from last year to injuries cost them 70 home runs and 210 rbi and they can't seem to catch a break. JIMENEZ, ROBERT, MADRIGAL, KOPECH, and ADAM ENGEL have all missed substantial time and the first three are probably done for the year. TIM ANDERSON also fought a hammy and ABREU is fighting a bad ankle and finger. Imagine this team at full strength.
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Exactly how do you miss touching home plate after hitting a homer? YOU DON'T! But the umpire ruled that minor leaguer BOBBY WITT JR. missed the dish and with no review in the minors, the call stands even though tv replay clearly shows him touching the plate.
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FOOTBALL is back! MITCH TRUBISKY looks "great" in summer practice in Buffalo. Sound familiar?
The new guessing game in town.......In what regular season game does JUSTIN FIELDS get his first start?
I know everyone is very excited about the 2021 Bears team but please remember that village idiot MATT NAGY is still the coach.
Speaking of injuries, former Bear KYLE LONG suffered a new knee injury while practicing with the KANSAS CITY CHIEFS. Long is another good guy but beset with injuries throughout his career, playing less than 50% of his games in Chicago.
The GREEN BAY PACKERS just signed their FIFTH quarterback to the roster. I'm thinking that they're thinking that AARON RODGERS thinks he's playing somewhere else this year. I think. What a shame.
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Enough for now. Stay cool!
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