Notable MLB Clubs are Finally Ready to Turn Around

Kris Bryant pounds a home run over the center field stands and then circles the bases for the second time of the game. Hitting home runs is becoming a routine for him, where he had totaled 9 in just 28 at bats, and has had three multi-homerun games in this year's spring training.

Bryant is just one of the many talented options the Cubs organization has, and the ball club is prepared for a big turn around in 2015. The Cubs are joined by other teams that have lacked success in recent years, but should have more success this year. This includes the Miami Marlins, San Diego Padres, Houston Astros, Chicago White Sox, etc. In fact, this could be the first time in who knows how many years that both Chicago teams make the playoffs. I actually expect most of the aforementioned teams to finish in the top three spots of their respective divisions (with the White Sox and the Padres reaching the Playoffs as a Wildcard). Only the Padres finished in the top three spots of the division last year, at third.

On the other hand, traditional powerhouse teams like the Yankees and Braves are not being considered as serious contenders for the playoffs. The Mets just might be the kings of New York this year (who could also perhaps contend for an NL Wildcard position).

Based on the trend in recent years, the Saint Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants have dominated the NL Playoffs. Thus, the Cardinals and Boston Red Sox are the most likely teams to reach the World Series. The two met in 2013 and the Red Sox came away victorious. Each team has great talent again, but several questions.

The Cardinals won't have a cake walk to the NL Division Title, as the Pittsburgh Pirates have the capacity to win a lot of games. Also, the Cardinals will probably be challenged in the playoffs by the Nationals out east and the Dodgers out west. Each team is ridiculously good. I think the work that the Dodgers have put in will finally pay off with a trip to the World Series.

The American League East probably isn't going to be quite as strong as it traditionally is, which leaves Boston as the favorite here. The Rays and the aforementioned Yankees are probably going to finish in the bottom half. The Blue Jays improved this year, but it may not be enough to win the division. Baltimore fields a good squad, but repeating last year's success will be difficult with the loss of Nelson Cruz to the Mariners. Boston's biggest challenge in the Playoffs would probably come from a west coast team: the Angels or the aforementioned Mariners. 

I expect Boston to reach the World Series against the Dodgers, with the Dodgers on top.

It'll be intriguing to see how the Royals are this year. They had great support from the nation last year as they finally entered the playoffs again, quickly meeting up with the Giants in the World Series, where San Francisco won it all. Kansas City lost some key players, such as designated hitter Billy Butler. Regarding the Giants, the team will probably take a step back in 2015, partly because they lost some talent to Boston. 

Click here to see my 2014 preview.

Los Reales finalmente juegan en los Playoffs de nuevo: MLB Playoffs comienza

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A los Reales de Kansas City (89-73) sólo les faltó un juego para empatar al primer puesto en la División Central de la Liga Americana. No obstante, con una posición finalizada en Los Playoffs por el Comodín (Wild Card), marca la primera vez desde 1985 que los Reales se han metido en los Playoffs. El equipo ganó todo en aquel año.

James Shields toma el montículo para Kansas City este Martes de noche, en una serie de sólo un partido local contra Jon Lester y los Atléticos de Oakland (88-74), el equipo que ganó su último encuentro para evitar un juego del desempate contra los Seattle Marineros. El ganador juega en Los Ángeles contra los Angelinos (98-64).

Mientras tanto, los mencionados campeones de la División Central de la Liga Americana, Los Tigres de Detroit (90-72), enfrentan a los Baltimore Orioles (96-66), campeones de la División Este de la Liga Americana.

Los Piratas de Pittsburgh (88-74) de nuevo se consiguieron un Comodín, y van a hospedar los Gigantes de San Francisco (88-74) el miércoles. El equipo ganador jugará en contra de los Nacionales de Washington (96-66), los cuales dominaron la División Este de la Liga Nacional con poca dificultad.

Finalmente, los Dodgers de Los Ángeles (93-68) jugarán contra los Cardenales de St Louis (90-72).

La Liga Americana posee la ventaja local en la Serie Mundial.

Kansas City Royals Finally Make Playoffs Again: MLB Playoff Field Set

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Kansas City (89-73) finished just one game away from a tie for first place in the AL Central Division. With a spot in the Playoffs secured through a Wild Card, it marks the first time since 1985 that the Royals found themselves in the Playoffs. They won it all that year.

James Shields takes the mound for Kansas City on Tuesday night, in a one game series at home against Jon Lester and the Oakland Athletics (88-74), who won their last match to avoid a tiebreaker game against the Seattle Mariners (87-75). The winner of the game will play the Los Angeles Angels (98-64).

Meanwhile, the mentioned AL Central Champions, the Detroit Tigers (90-72), will face the AL East Champions, the Baltimore Orioles (96-66).

The Pittsburgh Pirates (88-74) once again got themselves into a Wild Card spot and will host the San Francisco Giants (also 88-74) on Wednesday. The winner plays the Washington Nationals (96-66), who took the NL East with little difficulty this season.

Finally, the LA Dodgers (93-68) will play the St Louis Cardinals (90-72).

The AL gets homefield advantage for the World Series.

2014 All-Star Break Standings

 In April I made some predictions for the MLB season. Some teams have lived up to them, while others have not. Plenty of time remains for teams to turn around, but this is how things are in mid July.