Welcome/ Offseason Review

This blog is devoted to Major League Baseball, in its entirety.  There will be no focus on one single team, although, as a staunch Phillies fan, some bias will show through.  I will report on the big stories and the big games every week.  Baseball is my passion.  I study the sport more than anything else.  As a baseball enthusiast, I promise to keep my hometown bias out of it as much as I can.

         Why care about baseball?  Baseball is the one sport that best combines individual matchups with a team effort.  This is the sport where strategy is evident on every pitch and every swing.  There is a reason baseball is known as the national pastime, much to the chagrin of the many football supporters throughout the country. 

         I decided that for my first official post that I would look at some of the offseason moves that will shape the league this year.

Cliff Lee to the Phillies: The most hotly watched fall drama was the Cliff Lee saga.  Lee was clearly the best pitcher to move this offseason.  Given his previous success in Philadelphia, Lee should once again be considered one of the top fantasy pitchers.  His command and use of the whole strike zone make it hard for hitters to pick up on what Lee is going to do.  This leads to a good amount of strikeouts.  Playing on the Phillies, Lee should get the opportunity to get plenty of wins this year, especially since he will be going up against the opponent’s number two starter. 

Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford to the Red Sox: There is no argument that the Boston Red Sox had the best offseason in the majors.  Gonzalez, who has tremendous opposite field power, should see his numbers soar outside of the caverns of Petco Park.  His home run totals and RBIs will rise greatly with his ability to hit the ball over the Green Monster.  Also, he finally has an offense to work with, unlike the Padres had put around him.  Crawford will also benefit from the quality lineup he is placed into.  However, his numbers will not rise as much.   The Red Sox look like the team to beat this season.

Zach Greinke to the Brewers: Greinke gets a big boost in the form of some run support, finally.  He should see his win total rise greatly if he can continue his recent success.  Also, the Brewers have put together a nice top three in their rotation combining Greinke with Yovani Gallardo and Shaun Marcum.   If their pitching can produce like they have in the past, then the Brewers could pose a very big threat to the Cardinals and the Reds in the NL Central.