tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77001445426425441302024-03-13T01:45:01.325-07:00Wes Hofmann - Comedian, Actor, Writer, ProducerWesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-35394011676215448082024-03-06T22:31:00.000-08:002024-03-06T22:31:48.345-08:00The Oscars - 2024: My Predictions<p style="text-align: center;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Akp8mj4XLcFvwK4AbbUx_d_4dVK3OlXo4BN0mbuCabu-anTvBbYLj2MJfFdyU74AQMqsO4Ob-0pCk8WQRKlCS37MwVZv2zdBsYj1fqyHSQPGe9jJ40mc7J96IOn5O_IIyheS6meXVrp5iOWg3LMf5r5ZNDBzk3Xa77lsh_z0Z472dSVdxhdn03uUTrw/s768/Nominees-for-the-2024-Oscars-768x432.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Akp8mj4XLcFvwK4AbbUx_d_4dVK3OlXo4BN0mbuCabu-anTvBbYLj2MJfFdyU74AQMqsO4Ob-0pCk8WQRKlCS37MwVZv2zdBsYj1fqyHSQPGe9jJ40mc7J96IOn5O_IIyheS6meXVrp5iOWg3LMf5r5ZNDBzk3Xa77lsh_z0Z472dSVdxhdn03uUTrw/w357-h201/Nominees-for-the-2024-Oscars-768x432.jpeg" width="357" /></a></span></div><span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The 2024 Academy Awards take place on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 7pm EST on ABC. Generally speaking, I always try to watch all the best picture nominees first and foremost. This year, I managed to watch all 53 of the nominated films. That's right, I watched every film (all legally), in every category at least once. Many thanks goes out to the local historic Tower Theater in Sacramento, where they often show movies that are harder to find playing elsewhere. Still, I've surprised myself by doing this. Will it make a difference in my predictions? Who knows. It is still cool (to me, at least) to say that I saw them all (and before the ceremony).<br /><br />That being said, here are my predictions with who I think will win and who I think should win - </div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Best Picture</u></b></span></p><p><i>American Fiction <br />Anatomy of a Fall <br />Barbie <br />The Holdovers<br />Killers of the Flower Moon <br />Maestro<br />Oppenheimer<br />Past Lives<br />Poor Things<br />The Zone of Interest</i> <br /><br />Who I think will win: <i>Oppenheimer</i><br />Who I think should win: <i>The Holdovers</i><br /><br />Comments: <i>The Holdovers</i> was my all-around favorite movie of the bunch, but I can't see anything overtaking <i>Oppenheimer</i> for this award. My personal ranking for this category would be as follows: <i>The Holdovers, Killers of the Flower Moon, Oppenheimer, Poor Things, Past Lives, Anatomy of a Fall, Barbie, Maestro, American Fiction, The Zone of Interest</i>.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><u>Best Director</u></span></b></p><p>Justine Triet (<i>Anatomy of a Fall</i>)<br />Martin Scorsese (<i>Killers of the Flower Moon</i>)<br />Christopher Nolan (<i>Oppenheimer</i>)<br />Yorgos Lanthimos (<i>Poor Things</i>)<br />Jonathan Glazer (<i>The Zone of Interest</i>)<br /><br />Who I think will win: Christopher Nolan<br />Who I think should win: Christopher Nolan<br /><br />Comments: Christopher Nolan proved once again that he's one of the best directors out there. It'd be a shocker if he doesn't win this award. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Actor in a Leading Role</u></span></b></p><p>Bradley Cooper (<i>Maestro</i>)<br />Colman Domingo (<i>Rustin</i>)<br />Paul Giamatti (<i>The Holdovers</i>)<br />Cillian Murphy (<i>Oppenheimer</i>)<br />Jeffrey Wright (<i>American Fiction</i>)</p><p>Who I think will win: Paul Giamatti<br />Who I think should win: Paul Giamatti<br /><br />Comments: Based on the previous award ceremonies leading up to the Oscars (Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Critics Choice Awards, etc.) this seems like a toss-up between Paul Giamatti and Cillian Murphy. I'm giving the slight edge to Giamatti for this one, who would also be my personal pick to win. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Actress in a Leading Role</u></span></b></p><p>Annette Bening (<i>Nyad</i>)<br />Lily Gladstone (<i>Killers of the Flower Moon</i>)<br />Sandra Hüller (<i>Anatomy of a Fall</i>)<br />Carey Mulligan (<i>Maestro</i>)<br />Emma Stone (<i>Poor Things</i>)</p><p>Who I think will win: Lily Gladstone<br />Who I think should win: Lily Gladstone<br /><br />Comments: This award will likely go to either Lily Gladstone or Emma Stone. I wouldn't have a problem with either one winning the award, but I'm going with Lily Gladstone to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-68109353" target="_blank">make history</a>. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Actor in a Supporting Role</u></span></b></p><p>Sterling K. Brown (<i>American Fiction</i>)<br />Robert De Niro (<i>Killers of the Flower Moon</i>)<br />Robert Downey Jr. (<i>Oppenheimer</i>)<br />Ryan Gosling (<i>Barbie</i>)<br />Mark Ruffalo (<i>Poor Things</i>)</p><p>Who I think will win: Robert Downey Jr.<br />Who I think should win: Mark Ruffalo<br /><br />Comments: My personal favorite performance of this great group of actors was from Mark Ruffalo. However, Robert Downey Jr. appears to be the clear favorite. Sterling K. Brown is a great actor but I don't feel that he should have the been the actor cast for his particular role. Ryan Gosling gives a fun performance as Ken, but in this case, it isn't Kenough. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Actress in a Supporting Role</u></span></b></p><p>Emily Blunt (<i>Oppenheimer</i>)<br />Danielle Brooks (<i>The Color Purple</i>)<br />America Ferrera (<i>Barbie</i>)<br />Jodie Foster (<i>Nyad</i>)<br />Da’Vine Joy Randolph (<i>The Holdovers</i>)</p><p>Who I think will win: Da'Vine Randolph <br />Who I think should win: Da'Vine Randolph<br /><br />Comments: Da'Vine Randolph did amazing and deserves to win, however, I feel not enough is being said about Danielle Brooks' performance in <i>The Color Purple. </i></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay)</u></span></b></p><p><i>American Fiction</i> (Written for the screen by Cord Jefferson)<br /><i>Barbie </i>(Written by Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach)<br /><i>Oppenheimer</i> (Written for the screen by Christopher Nolan)<br /><i>Poor Things</i> (Screenplay by Tony McNamara)<br /><i>The Zone of Interest</i> (Written by Jonathan Glazer)</p><p>Who I think will win: <i>American Fiction</i><br />Who I think should win: <i>Poor Things</i><br /><br />Comments: <i>Poor Things</i> was weird, but I liked that it was different, so it'd be my pick. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Writing (Original Screenplay)</u></span></b></p><p><i>Anatomy of a Fall</i> (Screenplay by Justine Triet and Arthur Harari)<br /><i>The Holdovers</i> (Written by David Hemingson)<br /><i>Maestro </i>(Written by Bradley Cooper & Josh Singer)<br /><i>May December</i> (Screenplay by Samy Burch; Story by Samy Burch & Alex Mechanik)<br /><i>Past Lives</i> (Written by Celine Song)</p><p>Who I think will win: <i>Anatomy of a Fall </i><br />Who I think should win: <i>Past Lives</i><br /><br />Comments: I'll be surprised if <i>Anatomy of a Fall </i>doesn't win this award. <i>Past Lives</i> would be my personal pick. I was impressed with how simple the story of <i>Past Lives</i> was but still how powerful the story was too. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Animated Feature</u></span></b></p><p><i>The Boy and the Heron</i> <br /><i>Elemental</i> <br /><i>Nimona <br /></i><i>Robot Dreams</i> <br /><i>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse</i> </p><p>Who I think will win: <i>The Boy and the Heron</i> <br />Who I think should win: <i>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse</i> <br /><br />Comments: I think this one is up in the air between <i>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse</i> and <i>The Boy and The Heron. </i>While I enjoyed both, I preferred <i>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse</i> a tad more.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Documentary Feature</u></span></b></p><p><i>Bobi Wine: The People’s President <br /></i><i>The Eternal Memory <br /></i><i>Four Daughters <br /></i><i>To Kill a Tiger <br /></i><i>20 Days in Mariupol </i></p><p>Who I think will win: <i>20 Days in Mariupol </i><br />Who I think should win: <i>Bobi Wine: The People’s President </i><br /><br />Comments: It is always hard for me to judge documentary movies as the impact they have on different people varies. Sometimes you may already know about a subject before watching the film, but sometimes what you learn from a documentary is all brand new. For me, <i>Bobi Wine: The People’s President, </i>is my personal winner because of the amount of things I learned by watching the film. That being said, <i>20 Days in Mariupol </i>will likely take this award. As the Russian invasion begins, a team of Ukrainian journalists trapped in the besieged city of Mariupol struggle to continue their work documenting the war's atrocities. It is a powerful documentary that isn't easy to watch and makes me sad that it ever had to be made in the first place. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best International Feature Film</u></span></b></p><p><i>Io Capitano</i> (Italy)<br /><i>Perfect Days (</i>Japan)<br /><i>Society of the Snow</i> (Spain)<br /><i>The Teacher’s Lounge</i> (Germany)<br /><i>The Zone of Interest</i> (United Kingdom)</p><p>Who I think will win: <i>The Zone of Interest</i> (United Kingdom)<br />Who I think should win: <i>The Teacher’s Lounge</i> (Germany)<br /><br />Comments: This year's International Feature Film candidates are a strong group! Funny thing is, I enjoyed all of them except for the one that is most likely to win. Seeing how it is also up for Best Picture, I don't see how <i>The Zone Of Interes</i>t doesn't win this award. For me, it doesn't keep my interest. There was no real story or no character that I really cared about. I understand what the film was trying to do, but it didn't work for me. Personally, I really liked <i>The Teacher's Lounge</i>, with <i>Perfect Days</i> being a closed second. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Animated Short Film</u></span></b></p><p><i>Letter to a Pig <br /></i><i>Ninety-Five Senses <br /></i><i>Our Uniform <br /></i><i>Pachyderme <br /></i><i>War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko </i></p><p>Who I think will win: <i>War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko </i><br />Who I think should win: <i>Ninety-Five Senses </i><br /><br />Comments: <i>War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko </i>features a song by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. The timing of the song in the short itself though makes it comical which I don't think is what they wanted. Peter Jackson was also a partner on the making of the short film which gives me the idea it'll probably win. I personally really enjoyed <i>Ninety-Five Senses, </i>especially Tim Blake Nelson's voice work in the film. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Live-Action Short Film</u></span></b></p><p><i>The After <br /></i><i>Invincible <br /></i><i>Knight of Fortune <br /></i><i>Red, White and Blue <br /></i><i>The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar </i></p><p>Who I think will win: <i>The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar </i><br />Who I think should win: <i>Invincible </i><br /><br />Comments: Here is another one where the winner might be based on name recognition. Wes Anderson delivered a bunch of shorts to Netflix and among them was <i>The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar </i>adapted from stories written by Roald Dahl. I generally enjoy Wes Anderson films, but I found this short to be just okay. Personally, I thought <i>Invincible </i>was amazing. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Documentary Short Film</u></span></b></p><p><i>The ABCs of Book Banning<br />The Barber of Little Rock <br />Island in Between <br />The Last Repair Shop <br />Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó </i></p><p>Who I think will win: <i>The Last Repair Shop</i><br />Who I think should win: <i>The Last Repair Shop</i><br /><br />Comments: I might be wrong, but <i>The Last Repair Shop </i>was just a level above all the others in this category. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Cinematography</u></span></b></p><p><i>El Conde</i> (Edward Lachman)<br /><i>Killers of the Flower Moon</i> (Rodrigo Prieto)<br /><i>Maestro</i> (Matthew Libatique)<br /><i>Oppenheimer</i> (Hoyte van Hoytema)<br /><i>Poor Things </i>(Robbie Ryan)</p><p>Who I think will win: <i>Oppenheimer</i><br />Who I think should win: <i>Oppenheimer</i><br /><br />Comments: <i>Poor Things </i>might have an outside chance for this award, but I think <i>Oppenheimer</i> is in the driver's seat here. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Costume Design</u></span></b></p><p><i>Barbie</i> (Jacqueline Durran)<br /><i>Killers of the Flower Moon</i> (Jacqueline West)<br /><i>Napoleon </i>(Janty Yates and Dave Crossman)<br /><i>Oppenheimer</i> (Ellen Mirojnick)<br /><i>Poor Things</i> (Holly Waddington)</p><p>Who I think will win: <i>Barbie</i><br />Who I think should win: <i>Barbie</i><br /><br />Comments: Good news, Barbie isn't going to go home empty handed. She'll be able to place this Oscar in her dream house. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Makeup and Hairstyling</u></span></b></p><p><i>Golda</i> (Karen Hartley Thomas, Suzi Battersby and Ashra Kelly-Blue)<br /><i>Maestro</i> (Kazu Hiro, Kay Georgiou and Lori McCoy-Bell)<br /><i>Oppenheimer</i> (Luisa Abel)<br /><i>Poor Things</i> (Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier and Josh Weston)<br /><i>Society of the Snow</i> (Ana López-Puigcerver, David Martí and Montse Ribé)</p><p>Who I think will win: <i>Maestro</i><br />Who I think should win: <i>Maestro</i> <br /><br />Comments: Bradley Cooper looked just like Leonard Bernstein. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Original Song</u></span></b></p><p>“The Fire Inside” from <i>Flamin’ Hot </i>(Music and Lyric by Diane Warren)<br />“I’m Just Ken” from <i>Barbie </i>(Music and Lyric by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt)<br />“It Never Went Away” from <i>American Symphony</i> (Music and Lyric by Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson)<br />“Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)” from <i>Killers of the Flower Moon</i> (Music and Lyric by Scott George)<br />“What Was I Made For?” from <i>Barbie</i> (Music and Lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell)</p><p>Who I think will win: “What Was I Made For?” from <i>Barbie</i> (Music and Lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell)<br />Who I think should win:“What Was I Made For?” from <i>Barbie</i> (Music and Lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell)<br /><br />Comments: I don't think anyone can beat Billie Eilish right now.... well, unless Taylor Swift was nominated, but she isn't so... </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Original Score</u></span></b></p><p><i>American Fiction</i> (Laura Karpman)<br /><i>Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny </i>(John Williams)<br /><i>Killers of the Flower Moon</i> (Robbie Robertson)<br /><i>Oppenheimer</i> (Ludwig Göransson)<br /><i>Poor Things</i> (Jerskin Fendrix)</p><p>Who I think will win: <i>Oppenheimer</i><br />Who I think should win: <i>Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny</i><br /><br />Comments: This one is a tough call with some amazing composers up for the award. I feel <i>Oppenheimer</i> will win, but wouldn't be upset if <i>Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny</i> ended up with this award. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Production Design</u></span></b></p><p><i>Barbie</i> (Production Design: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer)<br /><i>Killers of the Flower Moon</i> (Production Design: Jack Fisk; Set Decoration: Adam Willis)<br /><i>Napoleon</i> (Production Design: Arthur Max; Set Decoration: Elli Griff)<br /><i>Oppenheimer</i> (Production Design: Ruth De Jong; Set Decoration: Claire Kaufman)<br /><i>Poor Things</i> (Production Design: James Price and Shona Heath; Set Decoration: Zsuzsa Mihalek)</p><p>Who I think will win: <i>Barbie</i><br />Who I think should win: <i>Barbie</i><br /><br />Comments: This was is hard to guess, but I believe <i>Barbie</i> will pull off a win here with its elaborate set designs. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Film Editing</u></span></b></p><p><i>Anatomy of a Fall </i>(Laurent Sénéchal)<br /><i>The Holdovers </i>(Kevin Tent)<br /><i>Killers of the Flower Moon </i>(Thelma Schoonmaker)<br /><i>Oppenheimer</i> (Jennifer Lame)<br /><i>Poor Things</i> (Yorgos Mavropsaridis)</p><p>Who I think will win: <i>Oppenheimer</i><br />Who I think should win: <i>Oppenheimer</i><br /><br />Comments: This should be a no doubter for <i>Oppenheimer</i>.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Sound</u></span></b></p><p><i>The Creator</i> (Ian Voigt, Erik Aadahl, Ethan Van der Ryn, Tom Ozanich and Dean Zupancic)<br /><i>Maestro</i> (Steven A. Morrow, Richard King, Jason Ruder, Tom Ozanich and Dean Zupancic)<br /><i>Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One</i> (Chris Munro, James H. Mather, Chris Burdon and Mark Taylor)<br /><i>Oppenheimer</i> (Willie Burton, Richard King, Gary A. Rizzo and Kevin O’Connell)<br /><i>The Zone of Interest </i>(Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn)</p><p>Who I think will win: <i>Oppenheimer</i> <br />Who I think should win: <i>Oppenheimer</i> <br /><br />Comments: I'll be annoyed if anything but <i>Oppenheimer</i> wins this award. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Visual Effects</u></span></b></p><p><i>The Creator</i> (Jay Cooper, Ian Comley, Andrew Roberts and Neil Corbould)<br /><i>Godzilla: Minus One</i> (Takashi Yamazaki, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi and Tatsuji Nojima)<br /><i>Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3</i> (Stephane Ceretti, Alexis Wajsbrot, Guy Williams and Theo Bialek)<br /><i>Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning, Part One </i>(Alex Wuttke, Simone Coco, Jeff Sutherland and Neil Corbould)<br /><i>Napoleon </i>(Charley Henley, Luc-Ewen Martin-Fenouillet, Simone Coco and Neil Corbould)</p><p>Who I think will win: <i>Godzilla: Minus One</i><br />Who I think should win: <i>Godzilla: Minus One</i><br /><br />Comments: How is <i>Oppenheimer</i> not nominated for this category? I'm personally want <i>Godzilla: Minus One </i>to win because it was so impressive and was a low budget film...and maybe the Academy will view it the same way as me. <br /><br /><br />There you have it, those are my predictions and thoughts.... but....<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><u>If I could add one random award....</u></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Most Cigarettes Smoked </span><i style="font-weight: bold;">- </i>it'd be a close race between the movies <i>Maestro</i> and <i>Golda</i><i style="font-weight: bold;">, </i>but I think<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i><i>Golda </i>smokes the competition here. </p>Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-21723880829854695822023-03-27T21:40:00.007-07:002023-03-30T11:02:59.666-07:002023 Major League Baseball Predictions<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkdU385BDpePi3Sg45DzvSKH3es7dQjfMA8uj1MsYQ4O92TSPSK5OLugFVfc53xZIfZ4Mlb9EoCVDu0l46Ri6VD6Is1agCO10OF6ODvnySbgdrG4hyXL_6Q5a0MARK5KR71Hhba60GfrHtAZLW3Kh7WfIoezxglucUQwTNHLB2qN2mszCQPfq8x1j/s1024/mlb%20logo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="1024" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkdU385BDpePi3Sg45DzvSKH3es7dQjfMA8uj1MsYQ4O92TSPSK5OLugFVfc53xZIfZ4Mlb9EoCVDu0l46Ri6VD6Is1agCO10OF6ODvnySbgdrG4hyXL_6Q5a0MARK5KR71Hhba60GfrHtAZLW3Kh7WfIoezxglucUQwTNHLB2qN2mszCQPfq8x1j/s320/mlb%20logo.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The time of year has arrived for my 2023 Major League Baseball predictions blog. The blog that always seems to be incorrect in predicting the outcomes, but I still have fun writing anyway. The season gets underway on March 30, 2023. This year, there will be several new rule changes brought into the game. Here are the new rule changes going into 2023 -<br /><br /><b>Pitch Timer: </b>While this has been experienced with in the Minor League levels, this year will mark the first year in the Majors with a pitch timer. With the pitch timer, pitchers will have 15 seconds with the bases empty, to throw a pitch. If there any runners on base, they will have 20 seconds to deliver a pitch. If a pitcher has not started his motion to deliver the pitch before the time is expired, then it will result in an automatic ball. If a batter delays getting into the batter box, then it will result in a strike. A batter can call time out once per an at-bat which will reset the timer. When watching a game on TV, you'll likely see a little timer in the same box where you see the score. When watching a game in person, the timer will usually be located in a few different areas of the ballpark. Some people refer to this as a "pitch clock" but MLB says it is officially called the "pitch timer."<br />The overall reasoning behind the pitch timer is to speed up games and from early results in spring training, it seems to be doing just that. For beer drinkers attending games, this means the 7th inning will come a little quicker and you'll have less time to drink. Also, this means vendors will have less time to sell concessions too. However, I think the implementation of the pitch timer is more for people who are watching games on TV at home than those attending games at the ballpark. I'm sure you've heard friends say "baseball is slow" before. This is for them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>The Shift: </b>At the time the pitch is thrown, all four infielders are required to be on the infield dirt (or infield turf if no dirt), with two on each side of second base. This will eliminate those instances where teams have extreme shifts on against left handed batters and put either the third baseman or shortstop out in shallow right field. Batting averages have declined over the past several seasons, so applying this rule is MLB hoping to bring back more action to the game. In addition to seeing more hits from left-handed batters, we'll also be able to see the range of defensive players on the diamond instead of just moving players around. The shift isn't always something that has been around in the major leagues either. When I was playing baseball in little league, I never saw a team employ a defensive shift. I'm on board with this rule change. Although the rule does apply to infielders, it does not apply to outfielders. In spring training, a few teams have moved their left fielder over to short right field and kept left field unoccupied. I'm not sure how many teams will be willing to try this shift though. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Bigger Bases: </b>This isn't really rule, but a change made to the game nonetheless. The standard bases were originally 15x15 inches. Starting this season, they'll be 18x18 inches. I've best heard it explained as having a pizza box for a base at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. MLB felt an increase in the size of the bases was needed to help prevent injuries around the base between runners and position players. With this change, the distance between bases also decreases. Instead of being 90 feet between all the bases, now between 1st and 2nd base, it'<span style="font-family: inherit;">ll be 8</span>9 feet and 7 and a half inches. The same goes for the distance between 2nd and 3rd base. The distance between home plate and first base and third base and home plate, will now be 89 feet and 9 inches. While these decreases may seem minimal there are some that believe it'll increase action on the base paths as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Pickoff Rule: </b>This one is just dumb to me. In fact, I didn't really know how to explain it myself, so I copied this from <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/35631564/2023-mlb-rule-changes-pitch-clock-end-shift-bigger-bases" target="_blank">ESPN</a> - "Pickoffs are one version of a "disengagement," which consists of any time the pitcher makes a pickoff attempt, fakes a pickoff, or simply steps off the rubber for any reason, as well as when the defense requests time. Pitchers are allowed two disengagements per plate appearance without penalty. The disengagements rule resets if a runner or runners advance a base within the same plate appearance."<br />This is another rule that they hope will increase action on the base paths. With this rule, I don't see why a pitcher will ever make more than 1 pickoff move to a base to try and get a runner out. Basically, if they make 2 moves and are unsuccessful then they are giving the runner the green light to run. When this rule was tested in the Minor League, stolen base attempts skyrocketed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Position Players Pitching Rule: </b>I'm definitely on board with this rule as well. Although it can be fun to see someone who doesn't normally pitch take the mound, it was happening far too often as teams tried to "save their bullpen." Now, a team has to be up by 10 or more runs or trailing by 8 or more runs to allow a position player take the mount. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Ghost Runner in Extra Innings now permanent: </b>Not a new rule for 2023, but one that was implemented in the shortened 2020 season and deemed temporary, is now permanent. If you're not familiar, if a game goes extra innings, starting in the 10th inning, whoever made the last out for the team in the 9th, starts the inning on 2nd base. While it can create more suspense in the extra innings, this is the rule I dislike the most. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When it comes to the playoffs, the ghost runner rule won't be applied. I haven't found any sources yet on whether the pitch timer will still be applied for playoffs or not. It appears that the MLB Player Association is against having the pitch timer for playoffs though. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, happening for the first time in the 2023 regular season, every team will play every team for at least one series. There will be less inter-division games because of this. To me, there are pros and cons with this scheduling. A pro is that fans will get to see opposing players that they rarely get to see play. A con is that there will be less division rivalry games like between the Giants and Dodgers and Red Sox and Yankees. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Alright! You got that all? Great. Now let's get to the predictions!<br />(* - denotes Wild Card team)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5kelTlWDvr9Li-D1Bo2ZUw-NJlXyX9O2A8jbcWtUUq7_c7WYT6AYUJd3XhgNe25OaNlmQjFGJi6mJy8FGSvrFqqCTJWrudHeIMZnqVgJ15L2sTaW2aGGaF18YY63vMQ6xJK9o7cpFFzVEgrynidZVTBeWbPogfbjoZ8NaK5jpTg4ctGL-gBj-KBH/s1024/Rendon.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5kelTlWDvr9Li-D1Bo2ZUw-NJlXyX9O2A8jbcWtUUq7_c7WYT6AYUJd3XhgNe25OaNlmQjFGJi6mJy8FGSvrFqqCTJWrudHeIMZnqVgJ15L2sTaW2aGGaF18YY63vMQ6xJK9o7cpFFzVEgrynidZVTBeWbPogfbjoZ8NaK5jpTg4ctGL-gBj-KBH/w276-h161/Rendon.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Anthony Rendon</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><b><u>American League West<br /></u></b>Houston Astros (94-68)<br />Seattle Mariners (88-74)*<br />Los Angeles Angels (85-77)<br />Texas Rangers (84-78)<br />Oakland Athletics (63-99)<br /><br />The reigning World Series Champion Houston Astros should find themselves atop the division again in 2023. Although they lost CY Young winner, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/verlaju01.shtml" target="_blank">Justin Verlander</a>, to free agency, they still have a stacked pitching rotation. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tuckeky01.shtml" target="_blank">Kyle Tucker</a> continues to get better and better in their impressive lineup. Former MVP, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/abreujo02.shtml" target="_blank">Jose Abreu</a>, will take over at first base for the Astros in 2023 and add even more power to the lineup. The Seattle Mariners ended a long playoff drought last season by capturing a Wild Card spot. They will likely be battling for a Wild Card spot again this season. They will get a full season from last year's trade acquisition, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/castilu02.shtml" target="_blank">Luis Castillo</a>, who will anchor the starting rotation. They lost <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hanigmi01.shtml" target="_blank">Mitch Haniger</a> to free agency, but acquired outfielder <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hernate01.shtml" target="_blank">Teoscar Hernandez</a>. Rookie of Year winner, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rodriju01.shtml" target="_blank">Julio Rodriguez</a>, will look to improve even more in his sophmore season. A big question mark for the Los Angeles Angels will be if <b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rendoan01.shtml" target="_blank">Anthony Rendon</a> </b>can stay healthy for the entire season. Since joining the Angels in 2020, Rendon has been limited by injuries in both 2021 and 2022. Two-way player, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/ohtansh01.shtml" target="_blank">Shohei Ohtani</a>, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/troutmi01.shtml" target="_blank">Mike Trout</a>, are both amazing, but they need help if the Angels are going to make the playoffs. The Angels did sign starting pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/anderty01.shtml" target="_blank">Tyler Anderson</a>, to a three year deal, in hopes he'll help the rotation. Beyond him and Ohtani though, the rotation seems pretty bleak. The Texas Rangers are not afraid to spend money to lure in big free agents. They proved this once again when they signed starting pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/degroja01.shtml" target="_blank">Jacob deGrom</a>, to a 5 year, 185 million dollar deal. Jacob deGrom is a great pitcher, without question, but is health is a question. He didn't pitch a full season in 2021 and 2022 due to injuries. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezma02.shtml" target="_blank">Martin Perez</a> was a nice success story for the Rangers pitching rotation last year and he'll try to prove it wasn't a fluke. Offensively, the Rangers shouldn't have a problem scoring runs with guys like <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/semiema01.shtml" target="_blank">Marcus Semien</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/seageco01.shtml" target="_blank">Corey Seager</a>, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/garciad02.shtml" target="_blank">Adolis Garcia</a>. As an Oakland Athletics fan myself, I am being optimistic by predicting they'll lose 99 games this season, after losing 102 in 2022. Unless you follow the team closely, you likely won't recognize many names on their roster. In the last couple years, they have traded away many of their bigger players for prospects. Their lone All-Star from last season, starting pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/blackpa01.shtml" target="_blank">Paul Blackburn</a>, is still with the team, but will start the year on the injured list. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/laurera01.shtml" target="_blank">Ramon Laureano</a> will look to rebound after a subpar 2022 and could find himself traded midseason if he does. The Athletics did sign Japanese pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=fujina000shi" target="_blank">Shintaro Fujinami</a>, to a one year, 3 million dollar deal (That's a lot of money for their cheap owner). He has had some control problems in the spring but has also shown some flashes of dominance. <div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UKXgQNakRJU6YbzRxU5ajw0Y7Ac2DMylXEjrKufe5pVVfvbICzPUt5XD7L4KCPqD4E8tpliuNVKVMDqZpYdQD2E22BTxgvp3NSNb2ATcltxIZ4ER246G25Lgs0gkTnjbw1tZjU-lKdkj3izUs3RYJZf6ci-SqaqhLEBRuIdPlOCwUMTQNmBTCS-2/s1500/Correa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UKXgQNakRJU6YbzRxU5ajw0Y7Ac2DMylXEjrKufe5pVVfvbICzPUt5XD7L4KCPqD4E8tpliuNVKVMDqZpYdQD2E22BTxgvp3NSNb2ATcltxIZ4ER246G25Lgs0gkTnjbw1tZjU-lKdkj3izUs3RYJZf6ci-SqaqhLEBRuIdPlOCwUMTQNmBTCS-2/w256-h171/Correa.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Carlos Correa</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">American League Central</b><br />Cleveland Guardians (91-71)<br />Minnesota Twins (85-77)<br />Chicago White Sox (79-83)<br />Detroit Tigers (71-91)<br />Kansas City Royals (70-92)</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was going back and forth between the Guardians and Twins to take the AL Central, but I think Cleveland will be the team that ends up on top. Cleveland added <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/belljo02.shtml" target="_blank">Josh Bell</a> to their lineup to add more power. MVP Candidate, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ramirjo01.shtml" target="_blank">Jose Ramirez</a>, will look to continue where he left off in 2022. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/biebesh01.shtml" target="_blank">Shane Bieber</a> continues to be the anchor for the Guardians' starting rotation. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/z/zuninmi01.shtml" target="_blank">Mike Zunino</a> is the new catcher in town for Cleveland. He has a lot of power but his average has not been great. Perhaps he'll benefit from not having infielders shift on him anymore, although his spring training stats say otherwise. One of the most entertaining and annoying stories of the offseason was surrounding <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/correca01.shtml" target="_blank"><b>Carlos Correa</b></a>. Prior to 2022, Correa had signed a three year deal with the Twins. He had an opt-out after the first season of the deal which he chose to use and become a free agent. The Giants announced they reached a long term deal with Correa, but then it was canceled after they were concerned by results of his physical. Then, the Mets agreed to a long-term deal with Correa, but they also had concerns regarding his physical so no deal was made. Finally, Correa ended back up with the Twins on a 6 year deal for 200 million dollars (far less than what the Giants or Mets were going to give him). While Correa's health may be of concern to some, Twins fans are probably going to spend all season concerned about the health of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buxtoby01.shtml" target="_blank">Byron Buxton</a>. Buxton is amazing when healthy, but hasn't played a full season since 2017! Returning from Tommy John surgery and looking to recapture his 2020 form for the Twins will be starting pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maedake01.shtml" target="_blank">Kenta Maeda</a>. The Chicago White Sox and the baseball world in general were sad to learn that their closer, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hendrli01.shtml" target="_blank">Liam Hendricks</a>, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. While he is receiving treatment, he has been hanging around the team during spring training. It is unknown how long Hendricks may be out this season, but his health is obviously the number one concern. The White Sox will likely turn to <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/graveke01.shtml" target="_blank">Kendall Graveman</a> to fill in the void at closer in his absense. 2019 1st Round Draft Pick, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vaughan01.shtml" target="_blank">Andrew Vaughn</a>, will look to fill the void at first base/DH left by Jose Abreu's departure. Just like in 2022, the Tigers and Royals will battle it out for last place in the American League Central. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cabremi01.shtml" target="_blank">Miguel Cabrera</a> is set to play his final season in the Major Leagues, which will be his 21st season overall. He'll likely be celebrated in pretty much every ballpark he visits for the final time this season. 2020 1st Round Pick, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/torkesp01.shtml" target="_blank">Spencer Torkelson</a>, will look to improve on his 2022 numbers for the Tigers. Detroit also welcomes back pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/boydma01.shtml" target="_blank">Matthew Boyd</a>, after Boyd spent part of 2022 with Seattle. The Kansas City Royals brought back <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/greinza01.shtml" target="_blank">Zack Greinke</a> for another season to anchor their starting rotation. While the future Hall of Famer doesn't have the electrifying stuff he used to have, he can still hit his spots and change speeds to be successful. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wittbo02.shtml" target="_blank">Bobby Witt, Jr.</a> had a nice rookie season and should be even better this season. He may see an increase in stolen bases too with the new rules and new bases in play. Fan favorite, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezsa02.shtml" target="_blank">Salvador Perez</a>, remains the top power threat in the Royals lineup. Kansas City took a gamble on signing troubled reliever, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chapmar01.shtml" target="_blank">Aroldis Chapman</a>, but there is no guarantee he'll close out games for the Royals.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILo8NQJeF1LMhRfbyok5-y8eMCX9sU4Tvlvgbzg4Wzy6hgA7dUGOtQa9xIvH8Z41pU1wnWGkjP_ygAOCAxAp1-XnBn5Jhg1DXpaCbfgrei1RFA2cphV4hX7Vxnt51mUJ_-Hrc6oaxKnerIDmnQdWYzqAS_eVrfLXWGLyMdcrT-OsnIOZ26c_pObaF/s1536/Bassitt.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1536" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILo8NQJeF1LMhRfbyok5-y8eMCX9sU4Tvlvgbzg4Wzy6hgA7dUGOtQa9xIvH8Z41pU1wnWGkjP_ygAOCAxAp1-XnBn5Jhg1DXpaCbfgrei1RFA2cphV4hX7Vxnt51mUJ_-Hrc6oaxKnerIDmnQdWYzqAS_eVrfLXWGLyMdcrT-OsnIOZ26c_pObaF/w284-h142/Bassitt.jpg" width="284" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Chris Bassitt</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">American League East</u><br />Toronto Blue Jays (95-67)<br />Tampa Bay Rays (90-72)*<br />New York Yankees (86-76)*<br />Baltimore Orioles (84-78)<br />Boston Red Sox (79-83)</div> </div><div style="text-align: left;">The AL East will once again be the toughest division in the American League and the Blue Jays should be the team that comes out on top when it is all said and done. They have added starting pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bassich01.shtml" target="_blank">Chris Bassitt</a>, to a great rotation which already has <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gausmke01.shtml" target="_blank">Kevin Gausman</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/manoaal01.shtml" target="_blank">Alek Manoah</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/berrijo01.shtml" target="_blank">Jose Berrios</a>, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kikucyu01.shtml" target="_blank">Yusei Kikuchi</a>. They also have <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ryuhy01.shtml" target="_blank">Hyun Jin Ryu</a>, who is working his way back after having Tommy John surgery last year. In addition to a great starting rotation, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/romanjo03.shtml" target="_blank">Jordan Romano</a> returns as closer, after having a stellar year last season. The Blue Jays offense is no joke either, of course, with guys like <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/guerrvl02.shtml" target="_blank">Vladimir Guerrero, Jr.</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/springe01.shtml" target="_blank">George Springer</a>. The Tampa Bay Rays always seem to surprise me so there is no reason for me to think they won't do the same again this season. One guy to keep an eye on for sure will be starting pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/glasnty01.shtml" target="_blank">Tyler Glasnow</a>. Glasnow will miss the beginning of the season with an oblique injury suffered this spring. This comes after missing most of last season after having Tommy John surgery in 2021. They Rays are also hoping to see the <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/francwa01.shtml" target="_blank">Wander Franco</a> they hoped they were getting when the signed him to a long term deal as a rookie. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arozara01.shtml" target="_blank">Randy Arozarena</a> remains one of the more exciting players in baseball for the Rays. The Yankees will find their way squeaking into theplayoffs this season. However, looking at their starting pitching situation and the injuries they have already suffered before the season has even started, won't make things easy. Out of action for a while are <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/montafr02.shtml" target="_blank">Frankie Montas</a> (expected to return in August/September), newly acquired <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rodonca01.shtml" target="_blank">Carlos Rodon</a> (expected to return late April), and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/severlu01.shtml" target="_blank">Luis Severino</a> (expected to return late April). Once again, the Yankees will be relying a lot on <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/colege01.shtml" target="_blank">Gerritt Cole</a> in the rotation. The home run champ, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/judgeaa01.shtml" target="_blank">Aaron Judge</a>, returns after agreeing to a new 9 year deal with the club. Will pitchers finally learn to pitch around him though? I expect the Yankees will make a midseason deal for help if they're close to contending. If they weren't a part of the American League East, the Baltimore Orioles might get in the playoffs this season. Unfortunately, they are, but they'll still be a fun team to watch. Infielder, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hendegu01.shtml" target="_blank">Gunnar Henderson</a>, is the likely favorite to win American League Rookie of The Year. Catcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rutscad01.shtml" target="_blank">Adley Rutschman</a>, will look to continue to impress after his rookie campaign last year. A base stealing threat already, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mullice01.shtml" target="_blank">Cedric Mullins</a> may see even more with the bigger base and new pickoff rules in place. Former All-Star starting pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/meansjo01.shtml" target="_blank">John Means</a>, is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, and should be returning to the team around July as long as he has no setbacks. Although not the opening day starter, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml" target="_blank">Chris Sale</a>, is entering the season healthy again for the Boston Red Sox. The team's success will rely a lot on him staying healthy as well as their opening day starter, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/klubeco01.shtml" target="_blank">Cory Kluber</a>. Both have a history of success but also a history of injuries. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/storytr01.shtml" target="_blank">Trevor Story</a>, who played second base last season and is ready to return to his natural shortstop position after the departure of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bogaexa01.shtml" target="_blank">Xander Boegarts</a>, will have to wait due to injury as Story isn't expected back until the second half of the season. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTE5vfmGDYZVzjxupylsN9Zmnj0snekzPClSW_rLUSfkqTrEGdvaJZvswtX-ds_mDUu6WkcwpLxu_Eum0CXQBJ8gtG6uKV1jwtF2vVnmDgvkpIQ-euhGBJX7naAUx1fWo7Ysb6oodIqaha4GjXaC78KUMgcnp0BdNONYD_bkRZvYvx215DQR1vixC8/s1296/Tatis.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="1296" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTE5vfmGDYZVzjxupylsN9Zmnj0snekzPClSW_rLUSfkqTrEGdvaJZvswtX-ds_mDUu6WkcwpLxu_Eum0CXQBJ8gtG6uKV1jwtF2vVnmDgvkpIQ-euhGBJX7naAUx1fWo7Ysb6oodIqaha4GjXaC78KUMgcnp0BdNONYD_bkRZvYvx215DQR1vixC8/w267-h150/Tatis.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fernando Tatis Jr.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><b><u>National League West<br /></u></b>San Diego Padres (101-61)<br />Los Angeles Dodgers (99-63)*<br />San Francisco Giants (82-80)<br />Arizona Diamondbacks (76-86)<br />Colorado Rockies (72-90)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> The San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers will have one of the more exciting finishes to see who comes out in first place in the division. <b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tatisfe02.shtml" target="_blank">Fernando Tatis Jr.</a></b>, serving three more weeks of an 80 game suspension for PED's (<a href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/padres/story/2022-08-14/zeigler-baseball-san-diego-padres-fernando-tatis-jr-clostebol-explanation-drug-test-steroid-ringworm" target="_blank">because he had ringworm</a>, so he says), will look to ignite a pretty good Padres lineup even more. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sotoju01.shtml" target="_blank">Juan Soto</a>, acquired in a trade last season, will look to rebound from a pretty dismal 2022 by his standards. The Padres signed aging slugger, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cruzne02.shtml" target="_blank">Nelson Cruz</a>, in hopes he can add more pop to their lineup. Cruz had a bad season last year but also said he was getting eye surgery during offseason so there was thought that might be why his hitting wasn't as good in 2022. In spring training this year though, he hasn't impressed either. It'll be interesting to see how long of a rope Cruz gets with the team. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bogaexa01.shtml" target="_blank">Xander Boegarts</a> was a great acquisiton by the Padres to play shortstop, which leaves Tatis, Jr. as a guy that may end up playing multiple positions. The Los Angeles Dodgers will be a tough team to beat again in 2022. Even with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buehlwa01.shtml" target="_blank">Walker Buehler</a> set to miss time with an injury, their starting rotation is still impressive. It'll be interesting to see how new acquisitions, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/martijd02.shtml" target="_blank">J.D. Martinez</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/heywaja01.shtml" target="_blank">Jason Heyward</a> pan out for them. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/freemfr01.shtml" target="_blank">Freddie Freeman</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bettsmo01.shtml" target="_blank">Mookie Betts</a> will lead the offense. Betts played some second base for team USA in this year's World Baseball Classic, but it sounds like he'll mostly play right field for the Dodgers. The Dodgers were hit hard by <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/luxga01.shtml" target="_blank">Gavin Lux</a> getting hurt this spring as he was supposed to be the team's second baseman. The left field and center field positions for the Dodgers leave a lot to be desired. The San Francisco Giants tried to sign Aaron Judge and failed, they agreed to sign Carlos Correa but then he failed (his physical), so their big deals this offseason were signing <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hanigmi01.shtml" target="_blank">Mitch Haniger</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/confomi01.shtml" target="_blank">Michael Conforto</a>, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/manaese01.shtml" target="_blank">Sean Manaea</a>. None of the three are as big of stars as Judge or Correa, but at least Giants fans can take comfort in knowing their team tried to haul in somebody big. I feel like the Giants rotation is their weak point. Their bullpen has some strong arms and their offense can produce. Personally, I'd love to see <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/piscost01.shtml" target="_blank">Stephen Piscotty</a> have a great season with the Giants too. Manaea can be a decent pitcher but he isn't a #1 or #2 guy. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/webblo01.shtml" target="_blank">Logan Webb</a> looks to be the ace of the Giants staff this season after going 15-9 with a 2.90 ERA last year. The Arizona Diamondbacks have some nice starting rotation pieces in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/galleza01.shtml" target="_blank">Zac Gallen</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kellyme01.shtml" target="_blank">Merrill Kelly</a>. They still have Madison Bumgarner too although he is nowhere near the pitcher he used to be when he played with the Giants. Reliever, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chafian01.shtml" target="_blank">Andrew Chafin</a>, signed a deal to return to his original organization and should help the Diamondbacks bullpen. 2019 1st Round Pick, outfielder, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/carroco02.shtml" target="_blank">Corbin Carroll</a>, signed a long term deal with the club, so it'll be interesting to see how he responds. <span style="text-align: right;">The Colorado Rockies are still in a rebuilding mode and hope </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bryankr01.shtml" style="text-align: right;" target="_blank">Kris Bryant</a><span style="text-align: right;"> can remain healthy all season which he was unable to do last year. In the limited time he was healthy, he was great. Outfielder, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/blackch02.shtml" target="_blank">Charles Blackmon</a>, will love to see no defensive shift this year and should see a nice incline in base hits this season. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/marquge01.shtml" target="_blank">German Marquez</a> gets the opening day start for the third time in his career for the Rockies. Marquez eats up innings if nothing else, but it'd be hard to say he'd be an opening day starter for many other teams. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: right;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: right;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eh6pe20hCXA7laNbINR0aEsFEEJBAsPJGG7fDjsmLxH9rkeGgdQyu7fRye0-au_LuNgl2xQtIk0ehJz4KdI7zHmD0aIqiz6nIP8_czkFRst7iKApUoZ7VYm7qWSSbT-fshg1NK7dI7gcNpQhga1i250lXkE_MpXbQsOEwm3KkbNIwR-wSYiL_p_z/s839/Contreras.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="839" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eh6pe20hCXA7laNbINR0aEsFEEJBAsPJGG7fDjsmLxH9rkeGgdQyu7fRye0-au_LuNgl2xQtIk0ehJz4KdI7zHmD0aIqiz6nIP8_czkFRst7iKApUoZ7VYm7qWSSbT-fshg1NK7dI7gcNpQhga1i250lXkE_MpXbQsOEwm3KkbNIwR-wSYiL_p_z/w277-h156/Contreras.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Willson Contreras</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><b><u>National League Central<br /></u></b>Milwaukee Brewers (90-72)<br />St. Louis Cardinals (88-74)*<br />Chicago Cubs (79-83)<br />Pittsburgh Pirates (78-84)<br />Cincinnati Reds (61-101)<br /><br />The National League Central once again looks like it might be one of the weaker divisions, but that doesn't make it lack excitement. The Milwaukee Brewers are counting on 2021 NY Cy Young Award winner, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/burneco01.shtml" target="_blank">Corbin Burnes</a>, to lead their rotation once again. Outfielder, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/y/yelicch01.shtml" target="_blank">Christian Yelich</a>, will look to rediscover himself and return to the All-Star production he made in 2018 and 2019. Shortstop, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/adamewi01.shtml" target="_blank">Willy Adames</a>, will look to add to the 31 home runs he hit last season. The Brewers have some intriguing younger players as well that should make a big impact including outfielder, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mitchga01.shtml" target="_blank">Garrett Mitchell</a>. The St. Louis Cardinals shouldn't be too far behind Milwaukee in the standings. Starting pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wainwad01.shtml" target="_blank">Adam Wainwright</a>, returns once again for his 18th season with the team. He'll start out the season on the injured list but shouldn't be sidelined too long. The Cardinals added catcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/contrwi01.shtml" target="_blank"><b>Willson Contreras</b></a>, when they signed him to a 5 year deal. This will be the first time the Cardinals have a main catcher that isn't <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/molinya01.shtml" target="_blank">Yadier Molina</a> (who retired) since 2004. The Cardinals have one of the best, if not the best, corner infields in the Majors, with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arenano01.shtml" target="_blank">Nolan Arenado</a> at third base and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/goldspa01.shtml" target="_blank">Paul Goldschmidt</a> at first base. The Cardinals question marks are in the pitching department. Starting pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/flaheja01.shtml" target="_blank">Jack Flaherty</a>, hasn't played a complete season since 2019. The Chicago Cubs are an interesting team right now. It wasn't long ago that they traded away all their stars. They look like they're back to trying to compete again sooner rather than later. They're biggest offseason signing was that of shortstop, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/swansda01.shtml" target="_blank">Dansby Swanson</a>. They also took a flyer on outfielder, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bellico01.shtml" target="_blank">Cody Bellinger</a>, in hopes he'll re-find the form that made him the 2019 NL MVP. Japanese star, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/suzukse01.shtml" target="_blank">Seiya Suzuki,</a> had a bit of a disappointing first season in the Majors, so the Cubs hope he can develop into the All-Star they were hoping they were getting. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hendrky01.shtml" target="_blank">Kyle Hendriks</a> missed all of spring training as he recovers from an injury, so <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stromma01.shtml" target="_blank">Marcus Stroman</a> gets the opening day start for the Cubs this year. The Pittsburgh Pirates are slowly but surely getting better. They still have a ways to go before making the playoffs again though. Perhaps the move that Pirates fans are most excited about during the offseason was bringing back outfielder, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mccutan01.shtml" target="_blank">Andrew McCutchen</a>, who had started his career with the Pirates and was with them through 2017. Now 36, McCutchen is back on a 1 year deal but has stated he has no intentions to retire after this season. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cruzon01.shtml" target="_blank">Oneil Cruz</a> turned heads with the Pirates at shortstop with his cannon arm. There is no reason to believe he won't continue to impress. The number one question lingering around the Pirates will be how much more time outfielder, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/reynobr01.shtml" target="_blank">Bryan Reynolds</a>, remains with them. The Pirates have stated they would like to extend but it is unseen if they'll be able to reach a deal or not. There isn't much to be excited about as far as the Pirates starting rotation goes, although they did pick up a dinosaur in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hillri01.shtml" target="_blank">Rich Hill</a>. I'll be absolutely shocked if the Cincinnati Reds don't find themselves in last place this year. The youngster, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/greenhu01.shtml" target="_blank">Hunter Greene</a>, will be the opening day starter for the Reds. He has an electric fastball but learned last season that he can't rely on just that pitch alone. Could this be the last season for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vottojo01.shtml" target="_blank">Joey Votto</a> with the Reds? He is a free agent following 2023 and it is possible he'd want to be traded to a contender. He'll start the 2023 season on the injured list though. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/diazal03.shtml" target="_blank">Alexis Diaz</a> appears to be the closer for the Reds again but who knows how many save opportunities he'll actually end up having. My guess is not a lot.<span style="text-align: right;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: right;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRU-aZA1FFJaCC5eJSEOUGdm9ydtHfbp_ANLYe3fELHP04JNKLdOa5GyhJT_m2qROnvE9XfwrLKZN3ufzY9_0SQ_nBSsSXzuEdt6uqsNP0MU1bo-ewKWKw-DkhR5VQnGu3jLnpCr-YHe3ZYSIV9ZOWMqFlF7a16ND-DxyJC2Km_zOkUh-C6l5yGGO/s1920/Turner.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRU-aZA1FFJaCC5eJSEOUGdm9ydtHfbp_ANLYe3fELHP04JNKLdOa5GyhJT_m2qROnvE9XfwrLKZN3ufzY9_0SQ_nBSsSXzuEdt6uqsNP0MU1bo-ewKWKw-DkhR5VQnGu3jLnpCr-YHe3ZYSIV9ZOWMqFlF7a16ND-DxyJC2Km_zOkUh-C6l5yGGO/w265-h148/Turner.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Trea Turner</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><b><u>National League East </u></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"> Atlanta Braves (98-64)</div><div style="text-align: right;"> Philadelphia Phillies (91-71)*</div><div style="text-align: right;">New York Mets (87-75)</div><div style="text-align: right;">Miami Marlins (81-81)</div><div style="text-align: right;">Washington Nationals (58-104)</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> Last year, the Philadelphia Phillies made the World Series. During the offseason, they signed shortstop, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/turnetr01.shtml" target="_blank"><b>Trea Turner</b></a>, to an 11 year, 300 million dollar contract. (Can I have 10 bucks, Trea?) While this deal definitely makes the Phillies the favorite to beat in the National League East, when healthy, they're not completely healthy right now. During spring training, first baseman, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hoskirh01.shtml" target="_blank">Rhys Hoskins</a>, suffered a torn ACL, and he'll miss the entire season. Also currently on the injured list is <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harpebr03.shtml" target="_blank">Bryce Harper</a>. Harper is recovering from Tommy John surgery. He is expected to return this season to the team's designated hitter, but his timetable is unknown. It could be in May or it could be in July. For these reasons, I have the Atlanta Braves finishing in first place. The Braves, winners of the 2021 World Series, still have a solid team themselves. They have locked up several of their young core to long term deals too, including <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harrimi04.shtml" target="_blank">Michael Harris II</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rileyau01.shtml" target="_blank">Austin Riley</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/olsonma02.shtml" target="_blank">Matt Olson</a>, and more. During the offseason, they sent prospects to the Oakland Athletics to acquire catcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/murphse01.shtml" target="_blank">Sean Murphy</a>. Murphy is considered one of the best defending catchers in the game. He is also has a good bat and should be able to hit 20+ home runs with Atlanta. Oh, and they then signed Murphy to a longer term deal too. Another guy on a team friendly, longer term deal, is outfielder, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/acunaro01.shtml" target="_blank">Ronald Acuna Jr</a>. Acuna Jr. is a threat with the bat and on the bases. He is a possible MVP candidate for 2023. The Braves pitching is no joke either with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/friedma01.shtml" target="_blank">Max Fried</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stridsp01.shtml" target="_blank">Spencer Strider</a> as key pieces in their rotation. The New York Mets are not afraid to spend money. This is known by anyone that follows baseball. While their owner can be commended for his willingness to spend, sometimes the Mets are just gonna be Mets. During the World Baseball Classic this year, closer, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/diazed04.shtml" target="_blank">Edwin Diaz</a>, suffered an injury during a postgame celebration with his Puerto Rico teammates. The Mets will be compensated for the time Diaz misses thanks to an insurance policy in place for players who participate in the World Baseball Classic. However, it is still quite a blow to the team and their bullpen. The Mets signed <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/verlaju01.shtml" target="_blank">Justin Verlander</a> to re-join his former Tigers teammate, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/scherma01.shtml" target="_blank">Max Scherzer</a>. Verlander won the AL CY Young last season, but he also rarely pitched more than 6 innings in any game. Will the Mets bullpen be able to provide the same comfort the Astros gave Verlander in those short outings? But hey, maybe we'll see <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vogelda01.shtml" target="_blank">Daniel Vogelbach</a> steal his first career base this season as <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/a-new-man-of-steal" target="_blank">this video</a> suggests. The Miami Marlins pitching rotation was anchored by 2022 CY Young Award winner, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/alcansa01.shtml" target="_blank">Sandy Alcantara</a>. This year, he hopes he'll get more help with the acquisition of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cuetojo01.shtml" target="_blank">Johnny Cueto</a>. While older now, Cueto has proven he can still pitch. Cueto is a master of changing up deliveries and messing up the batter's timing. I wonder if he'll have any challenges doing this with the new pitch timer in play. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chishja01.shtml" target="_blank">Jazz Chisholm Jr.</a> was off to a remarkable start last season for the Marlins before being hit with an injury. He will be making a switch this season from playing second base to play centerfield, where he will also hope to stay injury free. The Marlins also added second baseman, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arraelu01.shtml" target="_blank">Luis Arraez</a>, the 2022 American League batting title winner, in a trade. It is unknown who will get the majority of the save chances from the Marlins bullpen, but it looks like <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/florody01.shtml" target="_blank">Dylan Floro</a> may be the favorite early on. The Washington Nationals are going to be bad this season. Starting pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/strasst01.shtml" target="_blank">Stephen Strasburg</a> keeps getting hurt just thinking about how bad they are. Ok, that's not why he is hurt, but he does keep getting hurt ever since agreeing to a contract extension after their 2019 World Series Championship. The Nationals are so bad that they have <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/corbipa01.shtml" target="_blank">Patrick Corbin</a> slated to be their opening day starter this season. While Corbin was an All-Star in the past, he has tallied 35 total losses combined over the last two seasons (16 and 19 respectively). Some have joked that with the opening day start that it'll give Corbin a better chance at losing 20 games this year. The Nationals did get a nice haul of prospects from the San Diego Padres last season when they traded Juan Soto. Outfielder, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=hassel002rob" target="_blank">Robert Hassell III</a> ,will definitely be a guy to keep an eye on within Washington's organization, although he may not make his debut this year. </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Wild Card Round (Best of 3 Series)</u></b></div><div>Cleveland Guardians vs. New York Yankees (Guardians win 2-1)</div><div>Tampa Bay Rays vs. Seattle Mariners (Mariners win 2-1)</div><div>Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals (Brewers win 2-0)</div><div>Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies (Dodgers win 2-1)</div><div>Bye Round: Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Division Round (Best of 5 series)</u></b></div><div>Toronto Blue Jays vs. Seattle Mariners (Blue Jays win 3-1)</div><div>Houston Astros vs. Cleveland Guardians (Guardians win 3-2)</div><div>San Diego Padres vs. Milwaukee Brewers (Padres win 3-2)</div><div>Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (Dodgers win 3-2)</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Championship Round (Best of 7 series)</u></b></div><div>Toronto Blue Jays vs. Cleveland Guardians (Blue Jays win 4-2)</div><div>San Diego Padres vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (Padres win 4-3)</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>World Series (Best of 7 series)</u></b></div><div>Toronto Blue Jays vs. San Diego Padres (Blue Jays win 4-3)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>2022 Season Awards</u></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>AL MVP:</b> Shoehi Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels</div><div><b>NL MVP:</b> Juan Soto, San Diego Padres</div><div><b>AL CY YOUNG: </b>Gerritt Cole, New York Yankees</div><div><b>NL CY YOUNG</b>: Max Fried, Atlanta Braves</div><div><b>AL ROOKIE OF YEAR:</b> Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles</div><div><b>NL ROOKIE OF YEAR</b>: Jordan Walker, St. Louis Cardinals</div><div><b>AL MANAGER OF YEAR: </b>Scott Servais, Seattle Mariners</div><div><b>NL MANAGER OF YEAR:</b> Bob Melvin, San Diego Padres</div><div><b>AL COMEBACK PLAYER OF YEAR:</b> Yasmani Grandal, Chicago White Sox</div><div><b>NL COMEBACK PLAYER OF YEAR:</b> Jonathan India., Cincinnati Reds</div></div></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><p></p></div></div>Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-53485210223764050682023-03-09T22:26:00.002-08:002023-03-09T22:30:19.302-08:00The Oscars - 2023: My Predictions<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsdMAwZHhMnJD4NTCh5tIUh2x5mGUSJXvQ1VPM2bzBfZTicGmJncEwFon13-BBB6kaUokuekS63xu86Wy4hHSnGTrFQspQNePKcRcjcVsN2N92l8tKoYjnhtbo873rhWQnl9DsJMstRVVh9VwYiXzjaFM6i420Y9lylnC8c67FZ7GnmDZkSvqUWzU/s1320/16745498405610.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1320" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsdMAwZHhMnJD4NTCh5tIUh2x5mGUSJXvQ1VPM2bzBfZTicGmJncEwFon13-BBB6kaUokuekS63xu86Wy4hHSnGTrFQspQNePKcRcjcVsN2N92l8tKoYjnhtbo873rhWQnl9DsJMstRVVh9VwYiXzjaFM6i420Y9lylnC8c67FZ7GnmDZkSvqUWzU/s320/16745498405610.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The 2023 Oscar Awards ceremony takes place at 8pm EST on Sunday, March 12th. To me, trying to see as many of the Oscar nominated films is like trying to complete a baseball card set. Sometimes a film will be hard to find playing anywhere, sometimes it is on a streaming platform but sometimes not, sometimes you simply just run out of time trying to watch as many as you can. As of this writing, across all the categories, I've watched a total of 40 out of the 54 nominated films. That's good for 74%. Damn, all that work, and I still only got a C?!? <br /><br />I enjoy watching The Oscars (or The Academy Awards if you prefer) and always like to see how much the voters and myself end up agreeing.<br /><br />With that being said, here are my predictions of who I think will win each category, and if different, who I think should win. <br /><br /><p></p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Best Picture</span></u></b></p><p><i>All Quiet on the Western Front<br /></i><i>Avatar: The Way of Water<br /></i><i>The Banshees of Inisherin<br /></i><i>Elvis<br /></i><i>Everything Everywhere All at Once<br /></i><i>The Fabelmans<br /></i><i>TÁR<br /></i><i>Top Gun: Maverick<br /></i><i>Triangle of Sadness<br />Women Talking</i><br /><br />Who I think will win: <i>Everything Everywhere All at Once</i><br />Who I think should win: <i>The Fabelmans</i><br /><br />I've seen all 10 of these Best Picture Nominees and <i>The Fabelmans </i>is the one that stuck with the most. <br />I'll be surprised though if <i>Everything Everywhere All at Once </i>doesn't win. For the record, I'd list <i>The Fabelmans</i>, <i>The Banshees of Inisherin</i>, and <i>Everything Everywhere All At Once</i>, as my top 3 movies in order.<br /><i><br /></i></p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Best Director</span></u></b></p><p>Martin McDonagh, <i>The Banshees of Inisherin<br /></i>Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, <i>Everything Everywhere All at Once<br /></i>Steven Spielberg, <i>The Fabelmans<br /></i>Todd Field, <i>TÁR<br /></i>Ruben Östlund, <i>Triangle of Sadness</i></p><p>Who I think will win: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, <i>Everything Everywhere All at Once</i><br />Who I think should win: Steven Spielberg, <i>The Fabelmans</i><br /><br />Basically, the same reasoning as above can be said here. The very last shot in <i>The Fabelmans</i> by Spielberg had me saying "nice" out loud in the theater. Haha.</p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Best Actor</span></u></b></p><p>Austin Butler, <i>Elvis<br /></i>Colin Farrell, <i>The Banshees of Inisherin<br /></i>Brendan Fraser, <i>The Whale<br /></i>Paul Mescal, <i>Aftersun<br /></i>Bill Nighy, <i>Living</i></p><p>Who I think will win: Austin Butler, <i>Elvis</i><br /><br />I've seen all 5 of these films and it appears that it will really come down to two of them. Austin Butler and Brendan Fraser have both won awards for their roles. It is really hard to compare the two since Butler's character is based off a real person and Fraser's is a fictional character. That being said, Butler did a tremendous job as Elvis and I think he is deserving. Will I be upset if Fraser wins though? Absolutely not. </p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Best Actress</span></u></b></p><p>Cate Blanchett, <i>TÁR<br /></i>Ana de Armas, <i>Blonde<br /></i>Andrea Riseborough, <i>To Leslie<br /></i>Michelle Williams, <i>The Fabelmans<br /></i>Michelle Yeoh, <i>Everything Everywhere All at Once</i><br /><br />Who I think will win: Cate Blanchett, <i>TÁR<br /></i><br />I've seen all 5 of the films in this category. Cate Blanchett does so well, I don't see how she can't win. However, Michelle Yeoh might give her a run for her money. <br /><br /></p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Best Supporting Actor</span></u></b></p><p>Brendan Gleeson, <i>The Banshees of Inisherin<br /></i>Brian Tyree Henry, <i>Causeway<br /></i>Judd Hirsch, <i>The Fabelmans<br /></i>Barry Keoghan, <i>The Banshees of Inisherin<br /></i>Ke Huy Quan, <i>Everything Everywhere All at Once</i><br /><br />Who I think will win: Ke Huy Quan, <i>Everything Everywhere All at Once</i><br /><br />I've seen all 4 of the films in this category and I think it'd be the biggest surprise of the night if Ke Huy Quan doesn't walk away a winner. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Best Supporting Actress</span></u></b></p><p>Angela Bassett, Black Panther: <i>Wakanda Forever<br /></i>Hong Chau, <i>The Whale<br /></i>Kerry Condon, <i>The Banshees of Inisherin<br /></i>Jamie Lee Curtis, <i>Everything Everywhere All at Once<br /></i>Stephanie Hsu, <i>Everything Everywhere All at Once</i><br /><br />Who I think will win: Jamie Lee Curtis, <i>Everything Everywhere All at Once</i><br />Who I think should win: Angela Bassett, Black Panther: <i>Wakanda Forever</i></p><p>I've seen all 4 films in this category and this might be the toughest one to call out of the entire group. Will Jamie Lee Curtis and Stephanie Hsu take votes away from each other? Angela Bassett won the Golden Globe for her role but it seems like hype around her has been fading recently. Hong Chau was great but I'd argue she was even better in her role in <i>The Menu</i>.</p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay)</span></u></b></p><p>Edward Berger, Lesley Paterson, and Ian Stokell, <i>All Quiet on the Western Front<br /></i>Rian Johnson, <i>Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery<br /></i>Kazuo Ishiguro, <i>Living<br /></i>Screenplay by Ehren Kruger, Eric Warren Singer, and Christopher McQuarrie, story by Peter Craig and Justin Marks, <i>Top Gun: Maverick<br /></i>Sarah Polley, <i>Women Talking</i></p><p>Who I think will win: Sarah Polley, <i>Women Talking</i></p><p>I've seen all 5 of these films and <i>Women Talking</i> thrives so much on just dialogue alone, that's why I see it winning. </p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Best Writing (Original Screenplay)</span></u></b></p><p>Martin McDonagh, <i>The Banshees of Inisherin<br /></i>Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, <i>Everything Everywhere All at Once<br /></i>Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner, <i>The Fabelmans<br /></i>Todd Field, <i>TÁR<br /></i>Ruben Östlund, <i>Triangle of Sadness</i></p><p>Who I think will win: Martin McDonagh, <i>The Banshees of Inisherin</i></p><p>I've seen all 5 of these films and while I loved <i>The Fabelmans</i> more overall, it is hard to ignore the uniqueness and brilliance in the writing of <i>The Banshees of Inisherin.</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Best Animated Feature Film</span></u></b></p><p><i>Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio<br /></i><i>Marcel the Shell With Shoes On<br /></i><i>Puss In Boots: The Last Wish<br /></i><i>The Sea Beast<br />Turning Red</i><br /><br />Who I think will win:<i> Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio</i><br /><br />I've only seen 3 of the 5 films in this category, but this pick seems like a slam dunk. The only possible upset I can maybe see happening is from <i>Puss In Boots: The Last Wish.</i></p><p><br /></p><p><u><span style="font-size: large;">Best International Feature Film</span></u></p><p><i>All Quiet on the Western Front<br /></i><i>Argentina, 1985<br /></i><i>Close<br /></i><i>EO<br />The Quiet Girl</i><br /><br />Who I think will win: <i>All Quiet on the Western Front</i><br />Who I think should win: <i>Close</i><br /><br />I've only seen 3 of the 5 films in this category, but seeing how it was also nominated for Best Picture, it'd be hard to imagine anything but <i>All Quiet on the Western Front </i>winning this category<i>. </i>That being said, I thought the movie<i> Close </i>was quite good itself.<i> </i></p><p><br /></p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Best Documentary Feature</span></u></b></p><p><i>All That Breathes<br /></i><i>All the Beauty and the Bloodshed<br /></i><i>Fire of Love<br /></i><i>A House Made of Splinters<br />Navalny</i><br /><br />Who I think will win: <i>Navalny</i><br /><br />I've only seen 1 of the films in this category and it is the one I am picking to win, because I feel lucky!<br />Also, I did think the film was pretty powerful too. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Film Editing</u></span></b></p><p>Mikkel E.G. Nielsen, <i>The Banshees of Inisherin<br /></i>Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond, <i>Elvis<br /></i>Paul Rogers, <i>Everything Everywhere All at Once<br /></i>Monika Willi, TÁR<br />Eddie Hamilton, <i>Top Gun: Maverick</i><br /><br />Who I think will win: Paul Rogers, <i>Everything Everywhere All at Once</i><br /><br />I've seen all 5 of the films in this category and the editing in <i>Everything Everywhere All at Once</i> was quite remarkable.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Best Cinematography</span></b></p><p>James Friend, <i>All Quiet on the Western Front<br /></i>Darius Khondji, <i>Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths<br /></i>Mandy Walker, <i>Elvis<br /></i>Roger Deakins, <i>Empire of Light<br /></i>Florian Hoffmeister, <i>TÁR</i></p><p>Who I think will win: James Friend, <i>All Quiet on the Western Front</i></p><p>I've seen all 5 of the films in this category and although Roger Deakins is a big name in cinematography, I'm going with James Friend. Although, Darius Khondji might win this one too. Tough category here! </p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Costume Design</u></span></b></p><p>Mary Zophres, <i>Babylon</i><br />Ruth E. Carter, <i>Black Panther: Wakanda Forever</i><br />Catherine Martin, <i>Elvis</i><br />Shirley Kurata, <i>Everything Everywhere All at Once</i><br />Jenny Beavan, <i>Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris</i><br /><br />Who I think will win: Shirley Kurata, <i>Everything Everywhere All at Once</i><br />Who I think should win: Catherine Martin, <i>Elvis</i><br /><br />I've seen all 5 films in this category and I really think it comes down to these two films. </p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Best Makeup and Hairstyling</u></b></span></p><p>Heike Merker and Linda Eisenhamerová, <i>All Quiet on the Western Front<br /></i>Naomi Donne, Mike Marino, and Mike Fontaine, <i>The Batman<br /></i>Camille Friend and Joel Harlow, Black Panther: <i>Wakanda Forever<br /></i>Mark Coulier, Jason Baird, and Aldo Signoretti, <i>Elvis<br /></i>Adrien Morot, Judy Chin, and Anne Marie Bradley, <i>The Whale</i><br /><br />Who I think will win: Mark Coulier, Jason Baird, and Aldo Signoretti, <i>Elvis<br /></i><br />I've seen all 5 of the films in this category and think this comes down to <i>Elvis</i> and <i>The Whale</i>. Whoever wins this might foreshadow who wins best actor. <br /><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Best Production Design</u></b></span></p><p>Christian M. Goldbeck and Ernestine Hipper, <i>All Quiet on the Western Front<br /></i>Dylan Cole, Ben Procter, and Vanessa Cole, <i>Avatar: The Way of Water<br /></i>Florencia Martin and Anthony Carlino, <i>Babylon<br /></i>Catherine Martin, Karen Murphy, and Bev Dunn, <i>Elvis<br /></i>Rick Carter and Karen O'Hara, <i>The Fabelmans</i><br /><br />Who I think will win: Florencia Martin and Anthony Carlino, <i>Babylon</i><br /><br />I've seen all 5 of the films in this category and I think <i>Babylon </i>will and should win for best production design.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Music (Original Song)</u></span></b></p><p>"Applause" from <i>Tell It Like a Woman</i>, music and lyrics by Dianne Warren<br />"Hold My Hand" from <i>Top Gun: Maverick</i>, music and lyrics by Lady Gaga and BloodPop<br />"Lift Me Up" from <i>Black Panther: Wakanda Forever</i>, music and lyrics by Tems, Rihanna, Ryan Coogler, and Ludwig Goransson<br />"Naatu Naatu" from <i>RRR</i>, music by M.M. Keeravaani, lyrics by Chandrabose<br />"This Is a Life" from <i>Everything Everywhere All at Once</i>, music by Ryan Lott, David Byrne, and Mitski, lyrics by Ryan Lott<br /><br />Who I think will win: "Naatu Naatu" from <i>RRR</i>, music by M.M. Keeravaani, lyrics by Chandrabose<br /><br />I've seen 3 of the 5 films in this category, but don't remember any of the songs that well, but I'm thinking "Naatu Naatu" will come out victorious. Although a Lady Gaga win for "Hold My Hand" wouldn't shock me.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Best Music (Original Score)</span></u></b></p><p>Volker Bertelmann, <i>All Quiet on the Western Front<br /></i>Justin Hurwitz, <i>Babylon<br /></i>Carter Burwell, <i>The Banshees of Inisherin<br /></i>Son Lux, <i>Everything Everywhere All at Once<br /></i>John Williams, <i>The Fabelmans</i></p><p>Who I think will win: Volker Bertelmann, <i>All Quiet on the Western Front</i><br />Who I think should win: John Williams, <i>The Fabelmans</i></p><p>I've seen all 5 films in this category and I feel like it might be a complete toss-up. Nobody is really favored over the others to win this category from what I have read. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Sound</u></span></b></p><p>Viktor Prášil, Frank Kruse, Markus Stemler, Lars Ginzel, and Stefan Korte, <i>All Quiet on the Western Front<br /></i>Julian Howarth, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Dick Bernstein, Christopher Boyes, Gary Summers, and Michael Hedges, <i>Avatar: The Way of Water<br /></i>Stuart Wilson, William Files, Douglas Murray, and Andy Nelson, <i>The Batman<br /></i>David Lee, Wayne Pashley, Andy Nelson, and Michael Keller, <i>Elvis<br /></i>Mark Weingarten, James H. Mather, Al Nelson, Chris Burdon, and Mark Taylor, <i>Top Gun: Maverick</i><br /><br />Who I think will win:<i> </i>Mark Weingarten, James H. Mather, Al Nelson, Chris Burdon, and Mark Taylor, <i>Top Gun: Maverick</i><br /><br />I've seen all 5 films in this category and to me,<i> Top Gun: Maverick, </i>has to win this award.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Best Visual Effects</span></u></b></p><p>Frank Petzold, Viktor Müller, Markus Frank, and Kamil Jafar, <i>All Quiet on the Western Front<br /></i>Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon, and Daniel Barrett, <i>Avatar: The Way of Water<br /></i>Dan Lemmon, Russell Earl, Anders Langlands, and Dominic Tuohy, <i>The Batman<br /></i>Geoffrey Baumann, Craig Hammack, R. Christopher White, and Dan Sudick, <i>Black Panther: Wakanda Forever<br /></i>Ryan Tudhope, Seth Hill, Bryan Litson, and Scott R. Fisher, <i>Top Gun: Maverick</i></p><p>Who I think will win: Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon, and Daniel Barrett, <i>Avatar: The Way of Water</i><br />Who I think should win: Ryan Tudhope, Seth Hill, Bryan Litson, and Scott R. Fisher, <i>Top Gun: Maverick</i><br /><br />I've seen all 5 films in this category and I think the blue man group, er, <i>Avatar: The Way of Water, </i>will take this one home. It is quite visually stunning even though the plot sucks, haha. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Best Animated Short Film</span></u></b></p><p><i>The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse</i><i><br /></i><i>The Flying Sailor<br /></i><i>Ice Merchants<br /></i><i>My Year of Dicks<br />An Ostrich Told Me the World Is Fake, and I Think I Believe It</i><br /><br />Who I think will win: <i> </i><i>The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse</i><br />Who I think should win:<i> My Year of Dicks</i><br /><br />I've seen all 5 films in this category. I really did enjoy <i>The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse, </i>but I also want to hear a presenter say out loud<i> "</i>And the winner is <i>- My Year of Dicks"</i></p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Best Live Action Short Film</u></span></b></p><p><i>An Irish Goodbye<br /></i><i>Ivalu<br /></i><i>Le Pupille<br /></i><i>Night Ride<br /></i><i>The Red Suitcase</i></p><p>Who I think will win: <i>Le Pupille</i><br />Who I think should win: Anything but<i> Le Pupille</i><br /><br />I've only seen 2 of the 5 films in this category. <i>Le Pupille </i>is on Disney+ and currently seems to be a favorite, but I must say that I was quite bored while watching.<i> </i></p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Best Documentary Short</span></u></b></p><p><i>The Elephant Whisperers<br /></i><i>Haulout<br /></i><i>How Do You Measure a Year?<br /></i><i>The Martha Mitchell Effect<br />Stranger at the Gate</i><br /><br />Who I think will win:<i> </i><i>Stranger at the Gate</i></p><p>I've seen 4 of the 5 films in this category. <i>Stranger at the Gate </i>has my pick and I do think it will win.<br /><br /><br /><br />And there you have it, my predictions for the 2023 Oscars. If you enjoyed this blog, like films yourself, and want to follow me on Letterboxd, you can do so <a href="https://boxd.it/1gaf" target="_blank">here</a>. </p>Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-72479630230965293252022-04-03T09:42:00.001-07:002022-04-03T09:42:47.035-07:002022 Major League Baseball Predictions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOOKxRMlXbYLTXAAP0rNCQCCHQ-WleQVaXhHkknFKuxxdZDRZWN9CfOb8bu2kh26NP2hnyKfR0gKFSTtSkJfbTTUpEC25Dd7G6AgWfurz2WUH3vJAeoyiPr7fA6u174Jf0mKn_ChyLyK4prZAJAbyxSOAvPtvmoVV7d5Ds44DWGkHXI5nxOT0Lo2Y/s1200/1200px-Major_League_Baseball_logo.svg(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="1200" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOOKxRMlXbYLTXAAP0rNCQCCHQ-WleQVaXhHkknFKuxxdZDRZWN9CfOb8bu2kh26NP2hnyKfR0gKFSTtSkJfbTTUpEC25Dd7G6AgWfurz2WUH3vJAeoyiPr7fA6u174Jf0mKn_ChyLyK4prZAJAbyxSOAvPtvmoVV7d5Ds44DWGkHXI5nxOT0Lo2Y/s320/1200px-Major_League_Baseball_logo.svg(1).png" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Major League Baseball season gets underway a little later than normal this year (on April 7, 2022) due to a lockout that lasted 99 days, from December 2, 2021 thru March 12, 2022. There were plenty of reasons why the lockout happened. For the average baseball fan, it may have been a surprise, but for the hardcore baseball fan, they knew the lockout was coming all along. Eventually, a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between MLB and the MLBPA (Major League Baseball Players Association) was finally agreed upon. With the new CBA, some new rules now exist for the 2022 season, some of which you can see <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-rule-changes-for-2022" target="_blank">here</a>. The biggest changes are there will now be a DH in both leagues and 12 playoff teams instead of 10. After initially announcing that the automatic runner at 2nd base to start extra innings would be no longer in 2022, MLB and MLBPA have decided to bring it back for 2022 afterall. I'm still not a fan of the extra inning "ghost runner." <br /><br />For those who love interleague play, the 2023 season will bring you a lot of joy. It has been announced that in 2023, there will no longer be 19 games each between division rivals like there are currently (such as Dodgers vs. Giants, Red Sox vs. Yankees, Cubs vs. Cardinals, etc.). Instead, there will be 12 games each between division rivals and every team will play all the other twenty-nine teams during the regular season. I'm not a fan of this news either as it takes away from the World Series. Also, it feels like it'd be much more of a pain as far as travel for teams and harder to make up any games that get rained out during the season. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But hey, that's not til 2023, and I'm writing this to discuss the 2022 season. Due to the lockout, Spring Training has been cut shorter this year. After initially saying the season would be shorter than 162 games, MLB reversed course and said it would be 162 games afterall. With Spring Training being shorter, it could potentially lead to more injuries at the start of the season, especially in pitchers. There are still a number of Free Agents not signed to contracts yet either. With all that being said, here are my predictions for the 2022 MLB season.<br /><br />* denotes Wild-Card</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold;">American League West <br /></u><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-weight: bold;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tkvKyMEbBL3LB9byda5aO5ggNWo_115JuIcb-FswupI2O6_3CJyQ8J5k8wC4nZNmmGPKfjRfI_1rYEtbXfGSFm49OKdlj5ArfYafCbYrtihUEWm838v_7rRVGqNnsG0_p3fObKJFOi-RBA89W2c2ldRshWOHhShei1gAN5pA07FGq55iIIzRjTKI/s1486/seager.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1486" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tkvKyMEbBL3LB9byda5aO5ggNWo_115JuIcb-FswupI2O6_3CJyQ8J5k8wC4nZNmmGPKfjRfI_1rYEtbXfGSFm49OKdlj5ArfYafCbYrtihUEWm838v_7rRVGqNnsG0_p3fObKJFOi-RBA89W2c2ldRshWOHhShei1gAN5pA07FGq55iIIzRjTKI/w206-h144/seager.jpg" width="206" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;">Corey Seager</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Houston Astros (90-72)<br />Seattle Mariners (87-75)*<br />Los Angeles Angels (83-79)<br />Texas Rangers (80-82)<br />Oakland Athletics (56-106)<br /><br /></div><p>The Houston Astros lost some key players during the offseason, but they get back starting pitcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/verlaju01.shtml" target="_blank">Justin Verlander</a>, who missed all of last season after having Tommy John surgery. Verlander was a free agent after the 2021 season, but Houston gave Verlander a big pay day too, by signing him to a 2 year, 50 million dollar contract (he can opt out after the first year if he wishes) to bring him back. If Spring Training is any indication, it looks like he is ready to go again at the age of 39. I almost picked the Seattle Mariners to finish in first place but then I remembered that they're the Seattle Mariners. The team definitely looks to have improved on paper though. But as they say, the game isn't played on paper. The Mariners brought over CY Young winner, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rayro02.shtml" target="_blank">Robbie Ray</a>, to anchor their starting rotation. They also brought over big bats <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/suareeu01.shtml" target="_blank">Eugenio Suarez</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/winkeje01.shtml" target="_blank">Jesse Winker</a> in a trade with the Reds. Beyond Ray though, I'm not sure if their rotation has quite enough to reach the top. The Los Angeles Angels have a scary lineup that can hit the ball. Every season the question surrounding them always seems to be pitching. The Angels are hoping their gamble on <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/syndeno01.shtml" target="_blank">Noah Syndegaard</a> pays off for them. Once a star for the New York Mets, Syndegaard hasn't pitched a full season since 2019. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/ohtansh01.shtml" target="_blank">Shohei Ohtani</a> will continue to impress everyone with his hitting and pitching skills as arguably the best two-way player ever. How long his body holds up doing both is the only question. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/troutmi01.shtml" target="_blank">Mike Trout</a> looks to rebound from a lost 2021 season in which he only played 36 games. After a calf injury, many speculate that he won't be the base stealing threat he was previously. The Texas Rangers spent a lot of money on two middle infielders when they acquired free agents shortstop, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/seageco01.shtml" target="_blank"><b>Corey Seager</b></a>, and second baseman, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/semiema01.shtml" target="_blank">Marcus Semien</a>. While their offense should definitely see a boost in Texas, there is still plenty to be desired for the pitching staff. The ace of their starting rotation looks to be <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grayjo02.shtml" target="_blank">Jon Gray</a>, who probably wouldn't be the ace of many other ballclubs. If you're an Oakland Athletics fan like me then you saw this coming. If you're an Oakland Athletics fan and didn't see this coming then you're not paying enough attention. Once again, the Athletics have traded away All-Star fan favorites during the offseason as they rebuild. On the plus side, they did get some good returns from the trades and helped a very depleted farm system. On the down side, they have upset a lot of their fan base once again. In a perfect world, owner John Fisher would sell the team. That doesn't appear likely. In June 2022, we'll have a better idea of how likely it will be of the Athletics getting a new ballpark in Oakland. (I sure hope they stay.) In 2022 though, fans should get a good look at new acquired prospect, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pachecr01.shtml" target="_blank">Cristian Pache</a>. </p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MI861vRE5khlMwY2e8ojdUL-UPij8wkm2iAYRkdvA2fqXWbHKuUeMCTlfZ6hLwGjyK1yCsqCwg-foTKOZOmZ-VwWMLt3yv-zRfi3c2RYRxQQd5PahAo-Nx19MhPWehRfnBfUPcJwgZ6Xo8UAp6R1RCzmBSFojOgs9RpqMM9EMpuxSZAi8gMLi57R/s800/JoseAbreu.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MI861vRE5khlMwY2e8ojdUL-UPij8wkm2iAYRkdvA2fqXWbHKuUeMCTlfZ6hLwGjyK1yCsqCwg-foTKOZOmZ-VwWMLt3yv-zRfi3c2RYRxQQd5PahAo-Nx19MhPWehRfnBfUPcJwgZ6Xo8UAp6R1RCzmBSFojOgs9RpqMM9EMpuxSZAi8gMLi57R/w209-h139/JoseAbreu.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jose Abreu</span><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"><b><u>American League Central</u></b></div><div style="text-align: right;">Chicago White Sox (95-67)<br />Minnesota Twins (91-71)*<br />Detroit Tigers (83-79)<br />Cleveland Guardians (76-86)<br />Kansas City Royals (73-89)</div><div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: right;"><br />The Chicago White Sox look to repeat being on top of the American League Central. Overall, the team has not lost many pieces from their <br /><div style="text-align: right;">2021 roster. They added <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/graveke01.shtml" target="_blank">Kendall Graveman</a> to their bullpen options which allowed them to trade <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kimbrcr01.shtml" target="_blank">Craig Kimbrel</a> to the Dodgers for outfielder, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/polloaj01.shtml" target="_blank">AJ Pollock</a>. First baseman, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/abreujo02.shtml" target="_blank"><b>Jose Abreu</b></a>, will become a free agent after the 2022 season, so look for him to put up some big numbers in his contract year. The Minnesota Twins surprised many baseball fans when they signed free agent shortstop, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/correca01.shtml" target="_blank">Carlos Correa</a>, to a 3 year, 105 million dollar deal. Many people expected that the 27 year old Correa would sign a longer term deal. Instead, Correa has an option to opt out of his contract after the first and second season with the Twins. The deal as it is now makes Correa the highest paid player by average annual salary. Does it bring the Twins to the top of their division though? The Twins acquired starting pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grayso01.shtml" target="_blank">Sonny Gray</a>, from the Cincinatti Reds, and they hope <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maedake01.shtml" target="_blank">Kenta Maeda</a> can return to being the pitcher he was in the short 2020 season. Centerfielder, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buxtoby01.shtml" target="_blank">Byron Buxton</a>, is always a question mark too as he is great when healthy, but that never seems to be often. The Detroit Tigers were rumored to be the favorite landing spots of Correa early in the offseason as he could re-unite with former Astros manager, AJ Hinch. A deal never came to fruition though and the Tigers instead brought in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/baezja01.shtml" target="_blank">Javier Baez</a> on a deal. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rodried05.shtml" target="_blank">Eduardo Rodriguez</a> comes to Detroit looking to bolster their starting rotation and the young <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mizeca01.shtml" target="_blank">Casey Mize</a> looks to only get better. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cabremi01.shtml" target="_blank">Miguel Cabrera</a> is still playing and will start the season only 13 hits away from 3,000 for his career. The team in Cleveland may have a new name, but whatever you call them, they still have room for improvement. The Guardians didn't do much in the offseason to improve and being in the last year of his contract, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ramirjo01.shtml" target="_blank">Jose Ramirez</a> could be dealt around the trade deadline to help a contender. The Kansas City Royals are bringing back a blast from their past as they signed starting pitcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/greinza01.shtml" target="_blank">Zack Greinke</a> during the offseason. Greinke, who started his career with the Royals, will be the opening day starter for them once again, 12 years after last starting on opening day for them. It will become the longest span between opening day starts by a pitcher for one team. While it will be a nice reunion for Greinke and their fans, the guy the Royals are really excited about is <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=witt--005rob" target="_blank">Bobby Witt, Jr.</a>, who should be a Rookie of the Year favorite. It appears Witt, Jr. is slated to be the team's everyday third baseman and it'll be interesting to see how he adjusts to the majors. </div></div></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8-jAWJuIc-R3aYKH2QW11ulYydlcGhEbSQdZYFyS5sM40jD0neQ2D9sxNSmJ59nU8B3mO2QtvHDGVfn6g82w6Uu-Hlf91qLph488c0z2hbSHdE0rEcyz73FH6x-OzCLpmQlzIM2e6SFmENyZoSjeJXzPHk4ffY_TUtI6YwiBw1obIImb_y3dLIag/s1040/Gausman.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="1040" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8-jAWJuIc-R3aYKH2QW11ulYydlcGhEbSQdZYFyS5sM40jD0neQ2D9sxNSmJ59nU8B3mO2QtvHDGVfn6g82w6Uu-Hlf91qLph488c0z2hbSHdE0rEcyz73FH6x-OzCLpmQlzIM2e6SFmENyZoSjeJXzPHk4ffY_TUtI6YwiBw1obIImb_y3dLIag/w243-h134/Gausman.jpg" width="243" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kevin Gausman</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b><u>American League East</u></b><div>Toronto Blue Jays (96-66)<br />Tampa Bay Rays (92-70)*<br />New York Yankees (85-77)<br />Boston Red Sox (81-81)<br />Baltimore Orioles (77-85)</div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div>The Toronto Blue Jays just missed out on making the playoffs in 2021, but it would be shocking if they missed out again in 2022 especially since playoffs are expanding to 12 teams now. The Blue Jays team will now have a full season of starting pitcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/berrijo01.shtml" target="_blank">Jose Berrios</a>, whom they acquired from the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline in 2021. They also signed starting pitcher, <b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gausmke01.shtml" target="_blank">Kevin Gausman</a></b>. They join a starting rotation that already had <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ryuhy01.shtml" target="_blank">Hyun Jin Ryu</a>. The three of them make a pretty good 1-2-3 punch. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/semiema01.shtml" target="_blank">Marcus Semien</a> left for Texas via free agency, but the Blue Jays traded for third baseman, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chapmma01.shtml" target="_blank">Matt Chapman</a>, from the Oakland Athletics to help replace some of the offense, and of course Chapman is a gold glove third baseman too. A year after the New York Yankees took a gamble on starting pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/klubeco01.shtml" target="_blank">Corey Kluber</a>, the Tampa Bay Rays are now doing the same. While the Rays may not have a lot of superstar names of their roster, they have a manager in Kevin Cash that seems to always know how to get the best out of everyone. Shortstop, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/francwa01.shtml" target="_blank">Wander Franco</a>, will look to improve on his rookie campaign last season. With the experience the Rays team has had the past two years, you can't count them out to appear in the postseason again. The New York Yankees didn't really make any moves during the offseason that really excited their fan base. It was a very un-Yankees like way of doing business. They acquired third baseman, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/donaljo02.shtml" target="_blank">Josh Donaldson</a>, in a trade with the Minnesota Twins. They ended up re-signing first baseman, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rizzoan01.shtml" target="_blank">Anthony Rizzo</a>, after bringing him over in a trade last year. They still have a good team, but it just isn't the loaded Yankees team we've come used to seeing on paper. The Boston Red Sox picked up free agent, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/storytr01.shtml" target="_blank">Trevor Story</a>, who will be moving from shortstop to play second base for the time being. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml" target="_blank">Chris Sale</a> will miss the start of the season with stress fracture in his rib cage. When Sale is healthy, he can be one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. Other than <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml" target="_blank">Nathan Eovaldi</a>, their starting rotation seems a lot more thin without a healthy Chris Sale. The Baltimore Orioles will likely finish in last place in the American League East for the 6th season in a row. However, they should lose far less than 100 games this time. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/meansjo01.shtml" target="_blank">John Means</a> will continue to be the ace for the pitching staff. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mullice01.shtml" target="_blank">Cedric Mullins</a> will look to continue to thrive after his amazing 2021 campaign. Not too far off in the distance for Baltimore, is catching prospect, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=rutsch000adl" target="_blank">Adley Rutschman</a>, although he had a little injury setback recently.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsG2jya_K9-6Q-KJQkTlIDvDfREyopL_HZUIQHrHHfaLNqr9IJafMKJ-GMlP72y0ij8zx3Vdwu3kUcD5b8JthGA3ZHrQ3Dg0zRB32Zzse65Ng6Qvf2UahQtXzVKxK8wICvEViWmiosj3y2bX_61j587RdnPf_siQygkW9c6GD5C6iXetGwIEatB7a/s3200/Turner.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2135" data-original-width="3200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsG2jya_K9-6Q-KJQkTlIDvDfREyopL_HZUIQHrHHfaLNqr9IJafMKJ-GMlP72y0ij8zx3Vdwu3kUcD5b8JthGA3ZHrQ3Dg0zRB32Zzse65Ng6Qvf2UahQtXzVKxK8wICvEViWmiosj3y2bX_61j587RdnPf_siQygkW9c6GD5C6iXetGwIEatB7a/w231-h155/Turner.jpeg" width="231" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Trea Turner</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><u>National League West</u></span></div><div style="text-align: right;">Los Angeles Dodgers (98-64)<br />San Francisco Giants (89-73)*<br />Arizona Diamondbacks (83-79)<br />San Diego Padres (83-79)<br />Colorado Rockies (70-92)</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;">The Los Angeles Dodgers are the team to beat in the National League West in 2022. The San Francisco Giants had a remarkable 2021 season and surprised a lot of people. It will be tough for them to be as big of a surprise in 2022. Even without starting pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bauertr01.shtml" target="_blank">Trevor Bauer</a>, currently on administrative leave for some shit he may or may not have actually done, the Dodgers have a roster built to win. Gone is <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/janseke01.shtml" target="_blank">Kenley Jansen</a> as closer, but the Dodgers picked up <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kimbrcr01.shtml" target="_blank">Craig Kimbrel</a> in a trade and still have <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/treinbl01.shtml" target="_blank">Blake Treinen</a> to help close out games as well. <b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/turnetr01.shtml" target="_blank">Trea Turner</a></b> is the guy that will be drafted high in about every fantasy baseball draft this year because of his ability to hit for average, power, and to steal bases. The San Francisco Giants lost starting pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gausmke01.shtml" target="_blank">Kevin Gausman</a>, to Toronto via free agency, but picked up <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rodonca01.shtml" target="_blank">Carlos Rodon</a> to take his spot in the rotation. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/longoev01.shtml" target="_blank">Evan Longoria</a> will miss some time at third base to start the season, but if given a real chance, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vosleja01.shtml" target="_blank">Jason Vosler</a> might end up being even better. Of course, catcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/poseybu01.shtml" target="_blank">Buster Posey</a>'s retirement presents the biggest change of all. How will <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/casalcu01.shtml" target="_blank">Curt Casali</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bartjo01.shtml" target="_blank">Joey Bart</a> fare in filling his void? I feel like the Diamondbacks may be the team that turns some heads in the National League West this season. They've picked up closer <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/melanma01.shtml" target="_blank">Mark Melancon</a>, who was solid last season. They also brought back now reliever, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kenneia01.shtml" target="_blank">Ian Kennedy</a>, to help the bullpen as well. If the starting pitchers can leave the game with a lead then Arizona should have a good shot at picking up a win. The San Diego Padres have a great team despite me saying they're going to end up tied for 3rd place. They just have some bad luck. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tatisfe02.shtml" target="_blank">Fernando Tatis, Jr</a>. is already out for around 3 months with a fractured wrist, but when healthy, he is one of the most exciting players to watch. As of this writing, it is uncertain if prospect, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=abrams000pau" target="_blank">C.J. Abrams </a>, will make the club, but if he does then he could help provide some of the excitement missing from Tatis. Another key for the Padres will be how well starting pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/clevimi01.shtml" target="_blank">Mike Clevinger</a>, can rebound after missing all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery. However, with Bob Melvin now managing the squad in San Diego, it wouldn't surprise me if he leads the team into the playoffs and captures himself his 4th Manager of the Year award of his career. The Padres also just acquired <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/manaese01.shtml" target="_blank">Sean Manaea</a> from Oakland which should help a little more in the pitching department. It appeared as though the Colorado Rockies weren't going to make much noise on the free agent market during the offseason, but then then ended up signing <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bryankr01.shtml" target="_blank">Kris Bryant</a> to a pretty big 7 year deal. The starting rotation for Colorado isn't much to write home about and even their bullpen has some question marks. The team should be able to score some runs though. Don't be surprised if <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mcmahry01.shtml" target="_blank">Ryan McMahon</a> is an All-Star this season. </div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDhinbTh0PtRseF_gdm3k_AhtcAnLjXTti2FQ3MdH7XwiH5doeEMxeMh_cr3Q8JInwZZ7tabta-5_qLliFf7osnV4rGKGhugQg-wVZmWVGgmzJf3T0DftP9rETTAzSqLZE4MsfmYxzQ9AnslU6VPrp8Pl25TGeV0hFmZNkHB-TlL5yw1LHFMjyaGA/s415/suzuki.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="276" data-original-width="415" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDhinbTh0PtRseF_gdm3k_AhtcAnLjXTti2FQ3MdH7XwiH5doeEMxeMh_cr3Q8JInwZZ7tabta-5_qLliFf7osnV4rGKGhugQg-wVZmWVGgmzJf3T0DftP9rETTAzSqLZE4MsfmYxzQ9AnslU6VPrp8Pl25TGeV0hFmZNkHB-TlL5yw1LHFMjyaGA/w230-h153/suzuki.jpg" width="230" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Seiya Suzuki</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><u>National League Central</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Milwaukee Brewers (92-70)<br />St. Louis Cardinals (91-71)*<br />Chicago Cubs (80-82)<br />Cincinnati Reds (69-93)<br />Pittsburgh Pirates (65-97)</div></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: right; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></div></div><div>Between Milwaukee and St. Louis, the Milwaukee Brewers look to have a better pitching staff overall. With CY Young winner, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/burneco01.shtml" target="_blank">Corbin Burnes</a>, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/woodrbr01.shtml" target="_blank">Brandon Woodruff </a>leading the pitching rotation, the Brewers should manage enough offense to finish at top of the division. If outfielder, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/y/yelicch01.shtml" target="_blank">Christian Yelich</a>, can return to his 2018/2019 form, then the Brewers will be even more dangerous. The St. Louis Cardinals not only have <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/molinya01.shtml" target="_blank">Yadier Molina</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wainwad01.shtml" target="_blank">Adam Wainwright</a> returning in what might be the final season of their careers, but they also brought back <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pujolal01.shtml" target="_blank">Albert Pujols</a> to where he started his career. Pujols has stated that 2022 will be his final season. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/goldspa01.shtml" target="_blank">Paul Goldschmidt</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arenano01.shtml" target="_blank">Nolan Arenado</a> will continue to carry the Cardinals offense. The Chicago Cubs traded away almost everybody last season at the trade deadline. During the offseason, they ended up signing outfielder, <b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=suzuki001sei" target="_blank">Seiya Suzuki</a></b>, out of Japan, to a 5 year deal. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stromma01.shtml" target="_blank">Marcus Stroman</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mileywa01.shtml" target="_blank">Wade Miley</a> join <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hendrky01.shtml" target="_blank">Kyle Hendricks</a> in the Cubs starting rotation. The Cubs offense mostly consists of young players, with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/heywaja01.shtml" target="_blank">Jason Heyward</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/simmoan01.shtml" target="_blank">Andrelton Simmons</a> providing some veteran leadership. In Cincinnati, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vottojo01.shtml" target="_blank">Joey Votto</a> will be looking around wondering where all his friends have gone. The Reds have made numerous trades to free up salary space. Even with the trades they made, they still have reigning Rookie of the Year, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/i/indiajo01.shtml" target="_blank">Jonathan India</a>, and a potential rookie of the year in 2022 with starting pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=greene000hun" target="_blank">Hunter Greene</a>. Greene reaches 100+ mph on the radar gun consistently so it'll be interesting to see how long the Reds keep him in the rotation or if they eventually move him to the bullpen. The Pittsburgh Pirates will try to avoid last place in 2022, however there are still rumors circulating that All-Star outfielder, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/reynobr01.shtml" target="_blank">Bryan Reynolds</a>, may be traded. It appears as though <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bednada01.shtml" target="_blank">David Bednar</a> will get the opportunity to be the Pirates closer. Propsect, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cruzon01.shtml" target="_blank">Oneil Cruz</a>, will start the season in the minors, but if called up early in the year, he may be a Rookie of the Year candidate as well. If the Pirates can avoid losing 100 games this year then it should be considered a small victory itself. <br /><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifQ7aH2PNnE1HObpOUrNuc9bbltZhMYTN2p7ao4QRBHfdGJxvb17luo9NrLHQumLZ_TaPX5D4K8bPwpiB9j3uQ3fnxWkKMgb9Jvxr0VeS4YbZzgTUdOiwLkGkgF44WFYvSB5WVQmb8OaiVGpa5t5lSEJf8dPvoDnDmv52jHQswpeVDW6vMRsSUCOv/s1920/Olson.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="1920" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifQ7aH2PNnE1HObpOUrNuc9bbltZhMYTN2p7ao4QRBHfdGJxvb17luo9NrLHQumLZ_TaPX5D4K8bPwpiB9j3uQ3fnxWkKMgb9Jvxr0VeS4YbZzgTUdOiwLkGkgF44WFYvSB5WVQmb8OaiVGpa5t5lSEJf8dPvoDnDmv52jHQswpeVDW6vMRsSUCOv/w215-h144/Olson.jpg" width="215" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Matt Olson</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">National League East</b><br />Atlanta Braves (100-62)<br />Philadelphia Phillies (90-72)*<br />New York Mets (87-75)<br />Miami Marlins (78-82)<br />Washington Nationals (74-88)<br /><br />The reigning World Series Champion, Atlanta Braves, will look to repeat in 2022. The face of their franchise, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/freemfr01.shtml" target="_blank">Freddie Freeman</a>, and the Braves could not reach an agreement prior to Freeman going to the Dodgers. Instead, the Braves brought in first baseman, <b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/olsonma02.shtml" target="_blank">Matt Olson</a></b>, in a trade with the Oakland Athletics. Olson provides gold glove defense at first base, a great eye at the plate, and tremendous power to all fields. Last year's closer, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/smithwi04.shtml" target="_blank">Will Smith</a>, will move into a setup role now that the Braves signed <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/janseke01.shtml" target="_blank">Kenley Jansen</a> to close out games. No, this Will Smith did not lose his job because he slapped somebody. The most exciting part as a Braves fan will be the return of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/acunaro01.shtml" target="_blank">Ronald Acuña, Jr.</a> to the lineup after a horrific injury in 2021. Acuña is expected to rejoin the ballclub a couple weeks into the season. The Philadelphia Phillies have brought in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/casteni01.shtml" target="_blank">Nick Castellanos </a>and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/schwaky01.shtml" target="_blank">Kyle Schwarber</a> on deals and they should help the Phillies offense tremendously. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wheelza01.shtml" target="_blank">Zack Wheeler</a> looks to improve on a wonderful 2021 season as the ace of the pitching staff. It sounds like <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/knebeco01.shtml" target="_blank">Corey Knebel</a> will the be the Phillies closer, but even if he falters, they have other pitchers with closer experience. I was going to pick the New York Mets as the second place team, but recent news made me change my prediction. During the offseason, the Mets signed <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/scherma01.shtml" target="_blank">Max Scherzer</a> and traded for All-Star starter, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bassich01.shtml" target="_blank">Chris Bassitt</a>, from Oakland. Along with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/degroja01.shtml" target="_blank">Jacob deGrom</a>, that was going to give them arguably the best 1-2-3 starting rotation in baseball. However, deGrom recently was diagnosed with a stress reaction in the scapula (aka the shoulder blade) which will shut him down at least four weeks. To make matters worse for the Mets, it appears as though Scherzer is now questionable for opening day as well. However, it would be surprising to nobody if the Mets also pulled off another crazy trade to acquire some help if needed. I predict they'll come up short because they're still the Mets. The Miami Marlins have one of the more exciting players in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chishja01.shtml" target="_blank">Jazz Chisholm, Jr</a>. and he should just keep getting better. Last year's World Series MVP, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/solerjo01.shtml" target="_blank">Jorge Soler</a>, has now found himself in Miami, where he'll try to continue launching home runs. I'm curious how well starting pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/luzarje01.shtml" target="_blank">Jesus Luzardo</a>, will do in his first full season with Miami. Luzardo, once a highly touted prospect, had his struggles with Oakland before being traded to Miami last season. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/florody01.shtml" target="_blank">Dylan Floro</a> looks to be first in line for save opportunities out of the Miami bullpen. The Washington Nationals lost a Spring Training game to the Cardinals the other day by a score of 29-8. I know Spring Training games don't count, but if that's any indication of what to expect this season then things don't look too promising. The Nationals still have some pop in their lineup with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sotoju01.shtml" target="_blank">Juan Soto </a>and the soon to be 42-year old, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cruzne02.shtml" target="_blank">Nelson Cruz</a>. It will be weird to see the Nationals take the field without recently retired, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/z/zimmery01.shtml" target="_blank">Ryan Zimmerman</a>. Ace starting pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/strasst01.shtml" target="_blank">Stephen Strasburg</a>, is almost fully recovered from an injury, but the Nationals are not going to push him back. When he is back though, they hope he has a season identical to the one he had in 2019 and can stay injury free the rest of the way.<br /><br /><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Wild Card Round (Best of 3 Series)</b><br />Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners (Astros win 2-1)<br />Tampa Bay Rays vs. Minnesota Twins (Rays win 2-1)<br />Milwaukee Brewers vs. San Francisco Giants (Brewers win 2-1)<br />St. Louis Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Phillies (Phillies win 2-0)<br />Bye Round: Chicago White Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves<br /><br /><b><u>Division Round (Best of 5 series)<br /></u></b>Toronto Blue Jays vs. Houston Astros (Blue Jays win 3-2)<br />Chicago White Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays (Rays win 3-1)<br />Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Milwaukee Brewers (Dodgers win 3-2)<br />Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies (Braves win 3-0)</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><u>Championship Round (Best of 7 series)<br /></u></b>Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays (Blue Jays win 4-2)<br />Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (Dodgers win 4-3)<br /><br /><b><u>World Series (Best of 7 series)<br /></u></b>Toronto Blue Jays vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (Blue Jays win 4-3)<br /><br /><br /><u><b>2022 Season Awards</b></u><br /><br /><b>AL MVP:</b> Matt Chapman, Toronto Blue Jays<br /><b>NL MVP</b>: Nick Castellanos, Philadelphia Phillies<br /><b>AL CY YOUNG:</b> Gerritt Cole, New York Yankees<br /><b>NL CY YOUNG: </b> Walker Buehler, Los Angeles Dodgers<br /><b>AL ROOKIE OF YEAR:</b> Bobby Witt, Jr., Kansas City Royals<br /><b>NL ROOKIE OF YEAR:</b> Seiya Suzuki, Chicago Cubs<br /><b>AL MANAGER OF YEAR:</b> Scott Servais, Seattle Mariners<br /><b>NL MANAGER OF YEAR:</b> Craig Counsell, Milwaukee Brewers<br /><b>AL COMEBACK PLAYER OF YEAR:</b> Justin Verlander, Houston Astros<br /><b>NL COMEBACK PLAYER OF YEAR:</b> Mike Clevinger, San Diego Padres<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></div>Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-62214311076228224702022-03-21T17:38:00.001-07:002022-03-21T17:39:07.267-07:002022 Oscars Awards Predictions<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs5nJdtTgEBRux0EUwUba2VIj5G-xZrKNx3-I_wBc3n4oBDg7dkKevpiPQ84Bew8wpdp1G5hTd0xW_VGJtI06HmXpD4rm0I7GU9Eqag28t6D8Qn2NM1G-JPUTZI-vDfJZH6Hwzgfb8dSBzfbcHmiQNEXJjNmeiSGLmagjVe_PXx9kJScWTp6FnCZqK=s630" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="630" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs5nJdtTgEBRux0EUwUba2VIj5G-xZrKNx3-I_wBc3n4oBDg7dkKevpiPQ84Bew8wpdp1G5hTd0xW_VGJtI06HmXpD4rm0I7GU9Eqag28t6D8Qn2NM1G-JPUTZI-vDfJZH6Hwzgfb8dSBzfbcHmiQNEXJjNmeiSGLmagjVe_PXx9kJScWTp6FnCZqK=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />As someone who enjoys watching movies, one of my favorite nights of the year is coming up soon with the 94th Academy Awards taking place on March 27, 2022. Sadly, this year, the awards for Documentary Short, Film Editing, Hair and Makeup, Original Score, Production Design, Animated Short, Live Action Short, and Sound will not be presented live on-air. Instead, they'll be edited into a telecast. The reasoning for this is because apparently viewership of the Oscars is down and they think this will fix the problem. I highly doubt it myself. It is a slap in the face to those who were nominated in those categories if you ask me. <br /><br />I was fortunate to see many of the nominated films this year, including all the moving nominated for Best Picture. Below are my predictions. If <b>bold, </b>it means I think they will be the winner. If in <i>italics, </i>it means I think they should be the winner but don't expect them to win. <br /><br /><br /><u>ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE</u><p></p><p>JAVIER BARDEM -Being the Ricardos<br />BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH - The Power of the Dog<br /><i>ANDREW GARFIELD - tick, tick...BOOM!</i><br /><b>WILL SMITH - King Richard</b><br />DENZEL WASHINGTON -The Tragedy of Macbeth</p><p><u>ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE</u></p><p>CIARÁN HINDS -Belfast<br /><b>TROY KOTSUR - CODA</b><br />JESSE PLEMONS -The Power of the Dog<br />J.K. SIMMONS - Being the Ricardos<br />KODI SMIT-MCPHEE -The Power of the Dog</p><p><u>ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE</u></p><p>JESSICA CHASTAIN - The Eyes of Tammy Faye<br />OLIVIA COLMAN -The Lost Daughter<br />PENÉLOPE CRUZ - Parallel Mothers<br /><b>NICOLE KIDMAN - Being the Ricardos</b><br />KRISTEN STEWART - Spencer</p><p><u>ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE</u></p><p>JESSIE BUCKLEY - The Lost Daughter<br /><b>ARIANA DEBOSE - West Side Story</b><br />JUDI DENCH - Belfast<br />KIRSTEN DUNST - The Power of the Dog<br />AUNJANUE ELLIS - King Richard</p><p><u>ANIMATED FEATURE FILM</u></p><p>ENCANTO<br />FLEE<br />LUCA<br /><b>THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES</b><br />RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON</p><p><u>CINEMATOGRAPHY</u></p><p><i>DUNE - Greig Fraser</i><br />NIGHTMARE ALLEY -Dan Laustsen<br />THE POWER OF THE DOG - Ari Wegner<br />THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH - Bruno Delbonnel<br /><b>WEST SIDE STORY - Janusz Kaminski</b></p><p><u>COSTUME DESIGN</u></p><p><b>CRUELLA -Jenny Beavan</b><br />CYRANO -Massimo Cantini Parrini and Jacqueline Durran<br />DUNE -Jacqueline West and Robert Morgan<br />NIGHTMARE ALLEY - Luis Sequeira<br />WEST SIDE STORY -Paul Tazewell</p><p><u>DIRECTING</u></p><p>BELFAST -Kenneth Branagh<br />DRIVE MY CAR -Ryusuke Hamaguchi<br />LICORICE PIZZA -Paul Thomas Anderson<br /><b>THE POWER OF THE DOG - Jane Campion</b><br /><i>WEST SIDE STORY -Steven Spielberg</i></p><p><u>DOCUMENTARY (FEATURE)</u></p><p>ASCENSION<br />ATTICA<br /><b>FLEE</b><br />SUMMER OF SOUL (...OR, WHEN THE REVOLUTION COULD NOT BE TELEVISED)<br />WRITING WITH FIRE</p><p><u>DOCUMENTARY (SHORT SUBJECT)</u></p><p><b>AUDIBLE<br /></b>LEAD ME HOME<br />THE QUEEN OF BASKETBALL<br />THREE SONGS FOR BENAZIR<br />WHEN WE WERE BULLIES</p><p><u>FILM EDITING</u></p><p>DON'T LOOK UP -Hank Corwin<br /><i>DUNE - Joe Walker</i><br />KING RICHARD - Pamela Martin<br /><b>THE POWER OF THE DOG - Peter Sciberras</b><br />TICK, TICK...BOOM! - Myron Kerstein and Andrew Weisblum</p><p><u>INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM</u></p><p><b>DRIVE MY CAR - Japan</b><br />FLEE - Denmark<br />THE HAND OF GOD - Italy<br />LUNANA: A YAK IN THE CLASSROOM - Bhutan<br />THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD - Norway</p><p><u>MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING</u></p><p>COMING 2 AMERICA - Mike Marino, Stacey Morris and Carla Farmer<br />CRUELLA - Nadia Stacey, Naomi Donne and Julia Vernon<br />DUNE - Donald Mowat, Love Larson and Eva von Bahr<br /><b>THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE - Linda Dowds, Stephanie Ingram and Justin Raleigh</b><br />HOUSE OF GUCCI - Göran Lundström, Anna Carin Lock and Frederic Aspiras</p><p><u>MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)</u></p><p>DON'T LOOK UP - Nicholas Britell<br /><b>DUNE - Hans Zimmer</b><br />ENCANTO - Germaine Franco<br />PARALLEL MOTHERS - Alberto Iglesias<br />THE POWER OF THE DOG - Jonny Greenwood</p><p><u>MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG)</u></p><p>BE ALIVE - from King Richard; Music and Lyric by DIXSON and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter<br />DOS ORUGUITAS - from Encanto; Music and Lyric by Lin-Manuel Miranda<br />DOWN TO JOY - from Belfast; Music and Lyric by Van Morrison<br /><b>NO TIME TO DIE - from No Time to Die; Music and Lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell</b><br />SOMEHOW YOU DO - from Four Good Days; Music and Lyric by Diane Warren</p><p><u>BEST PICTURE</u></p><p>BELFAST<br /><i>CODA</i><br />DON'T LOOK UP<br />DRIVE MY CAR<br />DUNE<br />KING RICHARD<br />LICORICE PIZZA<br />NIGHTMARE ALLEY<br /><b>THE POWER OF THE DOG</b><br />WEST SIDE STORY</p><p><u>PRODUCTION DESIGN</u></p><p>DUNE - Production Design: Patrice Vermette; Set Decoration: Zsuzsanna Sipos<br /><i>NIGHTMARE ALLEY - Production Design: Tamara Deverell; Set Decoration: Shane Vieau</i><br /><b>THE POWER OF THE DOG - Production Design: Grant Major; Set Decoration: Amber Richards</b><br />THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH - Production Design: Stefan Dechant; Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh<br />WEST SIDE STORY - Production Design: Adam Stockhausen; Set Decoration: Rena DeAngelo</p><p><u>SHORT FILM (ANIMATED)</u></p><p>AFFAIRS OF THE ART<br />BESTIA<br />BOXBALLET<br /><b>ROBIN ROBIN</b><br /><i>THE WINDSHIELD WIPER</i></p><p><u>SHORT FILM (LIVE ACTION)</u></p><p>ALA KACHUU - TAKE AND RUN<br />THE DRESS<br /><b>THE LONG GOODBYE</b><br />ON MY MIND<br />PLEASE HOLD</p><p><u>SOUND</u></p><p><b>BELFAST - Denise Yarde, Simon Chase, James Mather and Niv Adiri</b><br />DUNE - Mac Ruth, Mark Mangini, Theo Green, Doug Hemphill and Ron Bartlett<br />NO TIME TO DIE - Simon Hayes, Oliver Tarney, James Harrison, Paul Massey and Mark Taylor<br />THE POWER OF THE DOG - Richard Flynn, Robert Mackenzie and Tara Webb<br />WEST SIDE STORY - Tod A. Maitland, Gary Rydstrom, Brian Chumney, Andy Nelson and Shawn Murphy</p><p><u>VISUAL EFFECTS</u></p><p>DUNE - Paul Lambert, Tristan Myles, Brian Connor and Gerd Nefzer<br />FREE GUY - Swen Gillberg, Bryan Grill, Nikos Kalaitzidis and Dan Sudick<br />NO TIME TO DIE - Charlie Noble, Joel Green, Jonathan Fawkner and Chris Corbould<br />SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS -Christopher Townsend, Joe Farrell, Sean Noel Walker and Dan Oliver<br /><b>SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME - Kelly Port, Chris Waegner, Scott Edelstein and Dan Sudick</b></p><p><u>WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)</u></p><p><i>CODA - Screenplay by Siân Heder</i><br />DRIVE MY CAR - Screenplay by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Takamasa Oe<br />DUNE - Screenplay by Jon Spaihts and Denis Villeneuve and Eric Roth<br />THE LOST DAUGHTER - Written by Maggie Gyllenhaal<br /><b>THE POWER OF THE DOG - Written by Jane Campion</b></p><p><u>WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)</u></p><p><b>BELFAST -Written by Kenneth Branagh</b><br /><i>DON'T LOOK UP - Screenplay by Adam McKay; Story by Adam McKay & David Sirota</i><br />KING RICHARD -Written by Zach Baylin<br />LICORICE PIZZA -Written by Paul Thomas Anderson<br />THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD -Written by Eskil Vogt, Joachim Trier</p>Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-64901701618958028922021-04-22T19:38:00.000-07:002021-04-22T19:38:49.708-07:002021 Oscar Award Predictions<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzUVzZhH8jwJgqe5ja6Vba32kXqVYJS0vx2GAoAGI372p7MI65ksKdd_HRn7jCP7TOjgyY7UGUktNTxw1Mvb0xHH_JaPsSHMKbOoySKSgX6IOOwzqIPh6q1CivO604XEvaI7TqkfxCQU/s630/010913_OscarsLogoABC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzUVzZhH8jwJgqe5ja6Vba32kXqVYJS0vx2GAoAGI372p7MI65ksKdd_HRn7jCP7TOjgyY7UGUktNTxw1Mvb0xHH_JaPsSHMKbOoySKSgX6IOOwzqIPh6q1CivO604XEvaI7TqkfxCQU/s320/010913_OscarsLogoABC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The 93rd Academy Awards take place on Sunday, April 25th, at 5pm PST/8pm EST. As with everything else this past year or so they will look and feel different as the world still tries to overcome the pandemic. <p></p><p>That being said, for film lovers, the award ceremony on Sunday should still be enjoyable to watch. Due to all the movie theater closures over the past year, many of the films were available to watch on various streaming platforms. The requirement that a film must be released in movie theaters in 2020 does not exist this time around. This year, as long as the film was originally intended to be released in 2020 prior to Covid-19, they qualified to be nominated. </p><p>I missed trying to catch as many of the nominated movies as possible in the movie theaters. Even with a decent set-up at home, nothing beats watching a film on the big screen. I saw one movie from all the movies nominated in a theater. That one movie was the animated feature, "Onward." Then shortly afterwards, everything shut down. </p><p>I was able to get around to watching a good number of the nominated movies this time around, including all the Best Picture Nominees. <br /><br />Here are my predictions: I've put who I think will win in <span style="color: #2b00fe;">blue</span><b> </b>and who I actually want to win (if different) in <span style="color: #ffa400;">orange</span>.<br />Feel free to let me know your thoughts!</p><b><u>
Best Picture</u></b><div><br />
“The Father” (David Parfitt, Jean-Louis Livi and Philippe Carcassonne, producers)<br />
“Judas and the Black Messiah” (Shaka King, Charles D. King and Ryan Coogler, producers)<br />
“Mank” (Ceán Chaffin, Eric Roth and Douglas Urbanski, producers)<br /><span style="color: #ffa400;">
“Minari” (Christina Oh, producer)</span><br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
“Nomadland” (Frances McDormand, Peter Spears, Mollye Asher, Dan Janvey and Chloé Zhao, producers)</span><br />
“Promising Young Woman” (Ben Browning, Ashley Fox, Emerald Fennell and Josey McNamara, producers)<br />
“Sound of Metal” (Bert Hamelinck and Sacha Ben Harroche, producers)<br />
“The Trial of the Chicago 7” (Marc Platt and Stuart Besser, producers)</div><div><br /><b><u>
Best Director</u></b></div><div><br />
Thomas Vinterberg (“Another Round”)<br />
David Fincher (“Mank”)<br />
Lee Isaac Chung (“Minari”)<br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
Chloé Zhao (“Nomadland”)</span><br />
Emerald Fennell (“Promising Young Woman”)</div><div><br /><b><u>
Best Actor in a Leading Role</u></b></div><div><br />
Riz Ahmed (“Sound of Metal”)<br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
Chadwick Boseman (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”)</span><br />
Anthony Hopkins (“The Father”)<br />
Gary Oldman (“Mank”)<br />
Steven Yeun (“Minari”)</div><div><br /><b><u>
Best Actress in a Leading Role</u></b></div><div><br />
Viola Davis (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”)<br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
Andra Day (“The United States v. Billie Holiday”)</span><br />
Vanessa Kirby (“Pieces of a Woman”)<br />
Frances McDormand (“Nomadland”)<br />
Carey Mulligan (“Promising Young Woman”)</div><div><br /><b><u>
Best Actor in a Supporting Role</u></b></div><div><br />
Sacha Baron Cohen (“The Trial of the Chicago 7”)<br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
Daniel Kaluuya (“Judas and the Black Messiah”)</span><br /><span style="color: #ffa400;">
Leslie Odom Jr. (“One Night in Miami”)</span><br />
Paul Raci (“Sound of Metal”)<br />
Lakeith Stanfield (“Judas and the Black Messiah”)</div><div><br /><b><u>
Best Actress in a Supporting Role</u></b></div><div><br />
Maria Bakalova (‘Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”) <br />Glenn Close (“Hillbilly Elegy”)<br />
Olivia Colman (“The Father”)<br />
Amanda Seyfried (“Mank”)<br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
Yuh-jung Youn (“Minari”)</span></div><div><br /><b><u>
Best Animated Feature Film</u></b></div><div><br />
“Onward” (Pixar)<br /><span style="color: #ffa400;">
“Over the Moon” (Netflix)</span><br />
“A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon” (Netflix)<br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
“Soul” (Pixar)</span><br />
“Wolfwalkers” (Apple TV Plus/GKIDS)</div><div><br /><b><u>
Best Adapted Screenplay</u></b></div><div><br />
“Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.” Screenplay by Sacha Baron Cohen, Anthony Hines, Dan Swimer, Peter Baynham, Erica Rivinoja, Dan Mazer, Jena Friedman, Lee Kern; Story by Sacha Baron Cohen, Anthony Hines, Dan Swimer, Nina Pedrad<br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
“The Father,” Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller</span><br />
“Nomadland,” Chloé Zhao<br />
“One Night in Miami,” Kemp Powers<br />
“The White Tiger,” Ramin Bahrani</div><div><br /><b><u>
Best Original Screenplay</u></b></div><div><br />
“Judas and the Black Messiah.” Screenplay by Will Berson, Shaka King; Story by Will Berson, Shaka King, Kenny Lucas, Keith Lucas<br /><span style="color: #ffa400;">
“Minari,” Lee Isaac Chung</span><br />
“Promising Young Woman,” Emerald Fennell<br />
“Sound of Metal.” Screenplay by Darius Marder, Abraham Marder; Story by Darius Marder, Derek Cianfrance<br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
“The Trial of the Chicago 7,” Aaron Sorkin</span></div><div><br /><b><u>
Best Original Song</u></b></div><div><br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
“Fight for You,” (“Judas and the Black Messiah”). Music by H.E.R. and Dernst Emile II; Lyric by H.E.R. and Tiara Thomas</span><br />
“Hear My Voice,” (“The Trial of the Chicago 7”). Music by Daniel Pemberton; Lyric by Daniel Pemberton and Celeste Waite<br />
“Húsavík,” (“Eurovision Song Contest”). Music and Lyric by Savan Kotecha, Fat Max Gsus and Rickard Göransson<br />
“Io Si (Seen),” (“The Life Ahead”). Music by Diane Warren; Lyric by Diane Warren and Laura Pausini<br />
“Speak Now,” (“One Night in Miami”). Music and Lyric by Leslie Odom, Jr. and Sam Ashworth</div><div><br /><b><u>
Best Original Score</u></b></div><div><br />
“Da 5 Bloods,” Terence Blanchard<br />
“Mank,” Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross<br />
“Minari,” Emile Mosseri<br />
“News of the World,” James Newton Howard<br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
“Soul,” Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Jon Batiste</span></div><div><br /><b><u>
Best Sound</u></b></div><div><br />
“Greyhound,” Warren Shaw, Michael Minkler, Beau Borders and David Wyman<br />
“Mank,” Ren Klyce, Jeremy Molod, David Parker, Nathan Nance and Drew Kunin<br />
“News of the World,” Oliver Tarney, Mike Prestwood Smith, William Miller and John Pritchett<br />
“Soul,” Ren Klyce, Coya Elliott and David Parker<br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
“Sound of Metal,” Nicolas Becker, Jaime Baksht, Michelle Couttolenc, Carlos Cortés and Phillip Bladh</span></div><div><br /><b><u>
Best Costume Design</u></b></div><div><br />
“Emma,” Alexandra Byrne<br />
“Mank,” Trish Summerville<br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” Ann Roth</span><br />
“Mulan,” Bina Daigeler<br />
“Pinocchio,” Massimo Cantini Parrini</div><div><br /><b><u>
Best Animated Short Film</u></b></div><div><br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
“Burrow” (Disney Plus/Pixar)</span><br />
“Genius Loci” (Kazak Productions)<br />
“If Anything Happens I Love You” (Netflix)<br />
“Opera” (Beasts and Natives Alike)<br />
“Yes-People” (CAOZ hf. Hólamói)</div><div><br /><b><u>
Best Live-Action Short Film</u></b></div><div><br />
“Feeling Through”<br />
“The Letter Room”<br />
“The Present”<br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
“Two Distant Strangers”</span><br />
“White Eye”</div><div><br /><b><u>
Best Cinematography</u></b></div><div><br />
“Judas and the Black Messiah,” Sean Bobbitt<br /><span style="color: #ffa400;">
“Mank,” Erik Messerschmidt</span><br />
“News of the World,” Dariusz Wolski<br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
“Nomadland,” Joshua James Richards</span><br />
“The Trial of the Chicago 7,” Phedon Papamichael</div><div><br /><b><u>
Best Documentary Feature</u></b></div><div><br />
“Collective,” Alexander Nanau and Bianca Oana<br />
“Crip Camp,” Nicole Newnham, Jim LeBrecht and Sara Bolder<br />
“The Mole Agent,” Maite Alberdi and Marcela Santibáñez<br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
“My Octopus Teacher,” Pippa Ehrlich, James Reed and Craig Foster</span><br />
“Time,” Garrett Bradley, Lauren Domino and Kellen Quinn</div><div><br /><b><u>
Best Documentary Short Subject</u></b></div><div><br />
“Colette,” Anthony Giacchino and Alice Doyard<br />
“A Concerto Is a Conversation,” Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers<br />
“Do Not Split,” Anders Hammer and Charlotte Cook<br />
“Hunger Ward,” Skye Fitzgerald and Michael Scheuerman<br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
“A Love Song for Latasha,” Sophia Nahli Allison and Janice Duncan</span></div><div><br /><b><u>
Best Film Editing</u></b></div><div><br />
“The Father,” Yorgos Lamprinos<br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
“Nomadland,” Chloé Zhao</span><br /><span style="color: #ffa400;">
“Promising Young Woman,” Frédéric Thoraval</span><br />
“Sound of Metal,” Mikkel E.G. Nielsen<br />
“The Trial of the Chicago 7,” Alan Baumgarten</div><div><br /><b><u>
Best International Feature Film</u></b></div><div><br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
“Another Round” (Denmark)</span><br />
“Better Days” (Hong Kong)<br />
“Collective” (Romania)<br />
“The Man Who Sold His Skin” (Tunisia)<br />
“Quo Vadis, Aida?”(Bosnia and Herzegovina)</div><div><br /><b><u>
Best Makeup and Hairstyling</u></b></div><div><br />
“Emma,” Marese Langan, Laura Allen, Claudia Stolze<br />
“Hillbilly Elegy,” Eryn Krueger Mekash, Patricia Dehaney, Matthew Mungle<br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” Sergio Lopez-Rivera, Mia Neal, Jamika Wilson</span><br />
“Mank,” Kimberley Spiteri, Gigi Williams, Colleen LaBaff<br />
“Pinocchio,” Mark Coulier, Dalia Colli, Francesco Pegoretti</div><div><br /><b><u>
Best Production Design</u></b></div><div><br />
“The Father.” Production Design: Peter Francis; Set Decoration: Cathy Featherstone<br />
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” Production Design: Mark Ricker; Set Decoration: Karen O’Hara and Diana Stoughton<br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
“Mank.” Production Design: Donald Graham Burt; Set Decoration: Jan Pascale</span><br />
“News of the World.” Production Design: David Crank; Set Decoration: Elizabeth Keenan<br />
“Tenet.” Production Design: Nathan Crowley; Set Decoration: Kathy Lucas</div><div><br /><b><u>
Best Visual Effects</u></b></div><div><br />
“Love and Monsters,” Matt Sloan, Genevieve Camilleri, Matt Everitt and Brian Cox<br />
“The Midnight Sky,” Matthew Kasmir, Christopher Lawrence, Max Solomon and David Watkins<br />
“Mulan,” Sean Faden, Anders Langlands, Seth Maury and Steve Ingram<br />
“The One and Only Ivan,” Nick Davis, Greg Fisher, Ben Jones and Santiago Colomo Martinez<br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
“Tenet,” Andrew Jackson, David Lee, Andrew Lockley and Scott Fisher</span><br /></div>Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-500140295636051092021-03-30T08:47:00.017-07:002022-02-11T17:24:28.864-08:002021 Major League Baseball Predictions<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicdjJAHeYiA0ozPnSHOyM1hQAPPd0jLLJ4nsO-O6oms49sa4AQjvcXnDWdLZsEpXXJynQFj-qAOlantRv3L4NITUcYjq8I7r54k1kzJ2laO3UuEQjeeq42q3YvjTZEusa82yGZEAVh2gVxLMOJDJ3ntYnD_9XbnV3O2McKqo_8kOk0QAxvqusPTx2e=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="1200" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicdjJAHeYiA0ozPnSHOyM1hQAPPd0jLLJ4nsO-O6oms49sa4AQjvcXnDWdLZsEpXXJynQFj-qAOlantRv3L4NITUcYjq8I7r54k1kzJ2laO3UuEQjeeq42q3YvjTZEusa82yGZEAVh2gVxLMOJDJ3ntYnD_9XbnV3O2McKqo_8kOk0QAxvqusPTx2e=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">In 2020, I decided to not bother writing up predictions for what ended up being a 60 game Major League Baseball season, 102 games shorter than a regular season. While it was nice to finally be able to watch some games on TV when the season eventually started on July 27,2020, everything about the season definitely felt odd. That is to be expected though when trying to play a game during a pandemic. Due to Covid-19, some rules changed in the shortened 2020 season. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">- For a doubleheader, the two games were 7 innings each, as opposed to playing the full 9 innings for both games. <br /><br />- If a game went extra innings, the player to make the last out in the 9th inning would start on 2nd base at the beginning of the 10th inning for each team. If the game was still tied after the 10th, then it would start with a runner on 2nd again in the 11th inning, and so on.... </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">- The pitcher would no longer hit in the National League and a Designated Hitter would be used in both the National and American League.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These rules were all said to be for 2020 out of safety for the players in keeping them healthy (in addition to their Covid protocols. There was a even a rule that said "no spitting" but I saw plenty of spitting). Another rule went into effect last year as well that stated any relief pitcher coming into a game had to face at least three batters before being replaced. (unless, the pitcher recorded the final out of an inning without facing three batters) The three batter rule was going into place regardless of the pandemic though. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Let's not forget that the entire 2020 Minor League Baseball season was canceled. Instead, MLB teams had Alternative Camp sites where a select number of their prospects would work on their skills to stay sharp. The number of players at these sites hardly made up for the lack of a minor league season though.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After much back and forth between MLB and the MLBPA (Major League Baseball Players Association), it was concluded that the 2021 season would start on time and that the goal will be to play a full 162 game season. There will be no expanded playoffs in 2021 (which is something else they added in 2020). Great! Baseball is going to feel normal once again! Or is it? Because even though they said some of the previous rules wouldn't be returning, it turns out that the 7 inning doubleheaders and man on 2nd to start extra innings will be returning again in 2021 anyway. However, the Designated Hitter is not returning again in the National League. Personally, I dislike the doubleheader and man on 2nd base rules...but apparently enough people like them to keep them around. The current collective bargaining agreement between MLB and the MLBPA expires after the 2021 season so we can probably expect some more changes going forward in 2022.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />So MLB is scheduled to start the season on April 1, 2021. Starting the season on April Fool Day a year after so many games had to be canceled and rescheduled.... the joke writes itself. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Minor Leagues will return in 2021 thankfully but will start a month later than normal (May 4, 2021) as they hope to get everyone vaccinated by the time they begin play. There are also 40 less minor league teams now, but I won't get into that here - you can check <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29795127/why-mlb-minor-leagues-know-end-sept-30" target="_blank">this story</a> out for more about that. The minor leagues will also be "testing" out different new rules at every level this season (which are pretty much all stupid in my opinion. You can read about those here in <a href="https://theathletic.com/2443470/2021/03/11/mlb-minor-league-rule-change-experiments/?article_source=search&search_query=minor%20league%20rules" target="_blank">this piece</a> from <u>The Athletic</u> (subscription required).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ok, so now I am ready to give you my 2021 Major League Baseball predictions. Let's hope all teams can play all 162 games without much trouble and that fans can enjoy games at ballparks again in some capacity! (* denotes Wild-Card team)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><b>American League West</b></u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs2oAtW3FzUJ_PeMPXP9tB3YQq7AJF-zdtZ9DH3D-8uJ7Lm6jDJmOt31vQruCa83o3UFgnHCOkinM2pEyv0mY-arNSIl0UM78a6er1VQQdKZ08PmzemgaKLxlC2InDxfvMSu8DLVFArbqmIIQ-YIZtsaP0kyA-SkU26PNDP7w6plsbBGlQEMoKAcBV=w200-h133" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs2oAtW3FzUJ_PeMPXP9tB3YQq7AJF-zdtZ9DH3D-8uJ7Lm6jDJmOt31vQruCa83o3UFgnHCOkinM2pEyv0mY-arNSIl0UM78a6er1VQQdKZ08PmzemgaKLxlC2InDxfvMSu8DLVFArbqmIIQ-YIZtsaP0kyA-SkU26PNDP7w6plsbBGlQEMoKAcBV=w200-h133" width="262" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u>Sean Murphy</u></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Houston Astros (93-69)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Oakland Athletics (90-72)<br />Los Angeles Angels (86-76)<br />Texas Rangers (78-84)<br />Seattle Mariners (77-85)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As much as it pains me to put the Astros ahead of my favorite team, I still see the Astros as the team to beat. Even though <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/verlaju01.shtml" target="_blank">Justin Verlander</a> will miss all of the 2021 season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, the Astros still have the upper hand when it comes to pitching. I also expect a rebound season from <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/altuvjo01.shtml" target="_blank">Jose Altuve</a> in 2021 after a subpar 2020. Fans have not forgotten about the Astros though and their cheating ways in 2017 - which was discovered following the 2019 season. After not being able to attend games throughout 2020, fans will be ready to boo them regardless of how many of the players on the team were even on the 2017 squad. The Oakland Athletics lost some key members due to free agency during the offseason and their unwillingness to pay anybody to stay (no surprise there). However, they should still be a competitive ballclub. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chapmma01.shtml" target="_blank">Matt Chapman</a> will look to get another Gold Glove Award at third base after an injury plagued 2020. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/olsonma02.shtml" target="_blank">Matt Olson</a> had a subpar 2020 but looks to be back on track in Spring Training. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/murphse01.shtml" target="_blank"><b>Sean Murphy</b></a> may very well be the best overall catcher in the American League now. The Los Angeles Angels have a stacked offensive lineup, no doubt about it. Even with arguably the best player in baseball right now in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/troutmi01.shtml" target="_blank">Mike Trout</a>, the Angels still come up short in the pitching department. I expect they will win a lot of high-scoring games this year. A lot will ride on the health of two way player, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/ohtansh01.shtml" target="_blank">Shohei Ohtani</a>. Can he complete a full season as both a starting pitcher and a Designated Hitter on days when not pitching? The Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners will likely end up battling each other to stay out of last place in the division. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gibsoky01.shtml" target="_blank">Kyle Gibson</a> looks to be the ace for a mostly inexperienced Texas Rangers pitching staff. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/daviskh01.shtml" target="_blank">Khris Davis</a> will hope to get back to his power hitting ways in Texas (<a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/khris-davis-hits-247-for-4th-straight-year-c296696156" target="_blank">and hitting .247</a>), after being traded from division-rival Oakland in the offseason. The Seattle Mariners made some noise during the offseason but not the good kind. More <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/30946443/seattle-mariners-president-ceo-kevin-mather-resigns-comments" target="_blank">here</a> on that drama which led to their President/CEO resigning from his duties. After <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lewisky01.shtml" target="_blank">Kyle Lewis</a> won the AL Rookie of The Year in 2020, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=keleni000jar" target="_blank">Jarred Kelenic</a> will look to make it two in the row for the Mariners. Kelenic will not make the team out of Spring Training, but he is expected to be in the majors before too long. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: right;"><u><b>American League Central</b></u><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-decoration-line: underline;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhM7c5DAD9Pf6KbRzMDqmEXCbKzFllAdyWBsUQEhWeY5FVAIJCsmMqdLao_6om95C1dZieFfR7REOIp4r5D6btadxgMx4-Xwt8IR1vyPfZjqdj7nirYf7Ea6XtP5Hrvj4pSskCnHrScytR7lpNxdCNervXuco8ToxAS94O_7x8k4jtPX-QGWcwjsXnA=s3200" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="800" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhM7c5DAD9Pf6KbRzMDqmEXCbKzFllAdyWBsUQEhWeY5FVAIJCsmMqdLao_6om95C1dZieFfR7REOIp4r5D6btadxgMx4-Xwt8IR1vyPfZjqdj7nirYf7Ea6XtP5Hrvj4pSskCnHrScytR7lpNxdCNervXuco8ToxAS94O_7x8k4jtPX-QGWcwjsXnA=s3200" width="245" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tim Anderson</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Minnesota Twins (94-68)<br />Chicago White Sox (91-71)*<br />Kansas City Royals (83-79)<br />Cleveland Indians (81-81)<br />Detroit Tigers (70-92)<br /><br />While the Chicago White Sox probably had the best offseason out of any of the teams in baseball, I still don't have them being the favorites in the American League Central just yet. The Minnesota Twins have a nice 1-2 punch in their rotation with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maedake01.shtml" target="_blank">Kenta Maeda</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/berrijo01.shtml" target="_blank">Jose Berrios</a>. They also have some great bats including the ageless wonder, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cruzne02.shtml" target="_blank">Nelson Cruz</a>, who returns for another season. He will turn 41 in July. The White Sox added a solid closer in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hendrli01.shtml" target="_blank">Liam Hendriks</a>. They also added <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lynnla01.shtml" target="_blank">Lance Lynn</a> to help bolster their rotation. The White Sox did take a blow last week when they learned <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jimenel02.shtml" target="_blank">Eloy Jimenez</a> will miss a majority of 2021 with a ruptured pectoral tendon suffered in a Spring Training game. The White Sox also made the bizarre move of firing their well-liked manager, Rick Renteria, in the offseason and hiring Tony LaRussa to replace him. LaRussa, already in the Hall Of Fame, was hired by White Sox owner, Jerry Reinsdorf, who felt like he owed LaRussa the opportunity. LaRussa had previously managed the White Sox from 1979-1986. Prior to being hired, Tony LaRussa, now 76 years old, was charged with a DUI in Arizona. The White Sox knew about the charge and proceeded to hire LaRussa anyway which did not please everyone. Some also question how an old-school guy like LaRussa will gel with a new school squad like the White Sox, especially <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/anderti01.shtml" target="_blank"><b>Tim Anderson</b></a>, who is flashier than Tony LaRussa probably appreciates. The Kansas City Royals will be without <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gordoal01.shtml" target="_blank">Alex Gordon</a>, who retired following the 2020 season, for the first time since 2006. The Royals have some exciting players in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/solerjo01.shtml" target="_blank">Jorge Soler</a> and recent addition <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/santaca01.shtml" target="_blank">Carlos Santana</a>. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=witt--005rob" target="_blank">Bobby Witt, Jr</a>. may also be called up to the majors before too much longer. Witt, Jr. is an infielder, unlike his dad, who pitched for the Rangers, A's, and others during his playing days.The Cleveland Indians, who will be spending 2021 as their last season being called the "Indians" before changing their team name, have reigning AL CY Young Award winner, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/biebesh01.shtml" target="_blank">Shane Bieber</a> (no relation to Justin), who will look to expand his success from last year to 162 games this year. It looks as though <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/karinja01.shtml" target="_blank">James Karinchak</a> will be Cleveland's closer to start the season, but they could end up having a closer by committee. Aside from <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cabremi01.shtml" target="_blank">Miguel Cabrera</a> staying healthy and possibly getting his 3,000th career hit and 500th career home run in 2021, the Detroit Tigers may not have a lot to look forward to this year. The Tigers brought in new manager, AJ Hinch (suspended last year due to connection with Astros cheating in 2017), to try and right the ship (without cheating).</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: underline;">American League East</span><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7I9pnOwwGz3zRDDCtGHS9QAudOdoDuMkQGCuaCA0cwPtX8sp3jBqeEGCfUPbLj1qqzgPcajzh6Uv8sHlYweAFJOgop8UieFDJmWqgHImlyCL6mGMBwQfm9VhzCBySiglzhjeDkMmC9l-_4eNQG_1AegjtOEXslJzzI3xZv6JpU9WuLOh_M2IU7Es6=s320" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="780" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7I9pnOwwGz3zRDDCtGHS9QAudOdoDuMkQGCuaCA0cwPtX8sp3jBqeEGCfUPbLj1qqzgPcajzh6Uv8sHlYweAFJOgop8UieFDJmWqgHImlyCL6mGMBwQfm9VhzCBySiglzhjeDkMmC9l-_4eNQG_1AegjtOEXslJzzI3xZv6JpU9WuLOh_M2IU7Es6=s320" width="281" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u>George Springer</u></span></td></tr></tbody></table>New York Yankees (97-65)<br />Toronto Blue Jays (92-70)*<br />Tampa Bay Rays (89-73)<br />Boston Red Sox (79-83)<br />Baltimore Orioles (63-99)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The New York Yankees will be tough to top in the American League East with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/colege01.shtml" target="_blank">Gerrit Cole</a> anchoring their pitching rotation. If their gamble on signing former CY Young Winner, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/klubeco01.shtml" target="_blank">Corey Kluber</a>, pays off, then they will be that much tougher. They probably have the best depth offensively out of any team in the majors. They are hoping that the <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stantmi03.shtml" target="_blank">Giancarlo Stanton</a> can stay healthy for the first time since 2018. With the players Tampa Bay lost in the offseason and additions Toronto made, I see Toronto making the playoffs in 2021. Toronto will be playing their home games for the month of April in Florida though at their Spring Training site though, due to the pandemic. Last year they played all their home games in Buffalo. Hopefully in May they get the go ahead to return to Toronto. Toronto has added <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/springe01.shtml" target="_blank"><b>George Springer</b></a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/semiema01.shtml" target="_blank">Marcus Semien</a> via free agency to add to an already very young talented offense. Springer may start the season on the Injured List with an oblique injury, but shouldn't be out for too long. Toronto also signed <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/y/yateski01.shtml" target="_blank">Kirby Yates</a> to be their closer but he will now miss the season with Tommy John surgery so there are some questions there as they may do a closer by committee approach. The Tampa Bay Rays were amazing to watch last year in the playoffs, especially <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arozara01.shtml" target="_blank">Randy Arozarena</a>, who is still a rookie, and the favorite to win the AL Rookie of the Year award. Will his display in the playoffs in 2020 carry over to a full season though? Pitchers around the league will definitely be on alert when he comes up to bat. In the short season last year, Tampa Bay relied a lot on their relief pitching. They will need to rely more on their starters if they want to get to the postseason this year and they lost two key starters during the offseason. They brought back <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/archech01.shtml" target="_blank">Chris Archer</a> after previously trading him to Pittsburgh, where he did not do well. They hope he'll be able to find his touch being back in Tampa Bay again. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml" target="_blank">Chris Sale</a> didn't play all of 2020 for the Boston Red Sox, after having Tommy John surgery. He should be back at some point in 2021. 2019 wasn't a good season for Sale either so he will look to rebound. The Red Sox added <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gonzama01.shtml" target="_blank">Marwin Gonzalez</a>, who can fill in at a number of different positions on the field. A lot of Red Sox fans also seem to be excited about <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dalbebo01.shtml" target="_blank">Bobby Dalbec</a>. The Baltimore Orioles won't lose 100 games in 2021! They'll get pretty close though. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harvema01.shtml" target="_blank">Matt Harvey</a> made the opening day roster for the Orioles as he looks to return to being the star he became with the New York Mets where he was called "The Dark Knight." 2019 All-Star, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/meansjo01.shtml" target="_blank">John Means</a>, is the ace of the pitching staff though. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/davisch02.shtml" target="_blank">Chris Davis</a> will begin the season on the 60-Day Injured List with a lower back strain. Even though he'll be on the injured list, he will help the offense more by being there. The best thing about the Orioles in 2021 will be seeing a healthy <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mancitr01.shtml" target="_blank">Trey Mancini</a> after a cancer scare last year. </div><div style="text-align: right; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right; text-decoration-line: underline;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: right; text-decoration-line: underline;"><b>National League West</b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjq3HUxlM9kZ8lJEVbBrGstzMpALxKn0AM5sExtXYBOvdJouo-OY8yeO0aRaE9XtI1zLOLVrd84suGMrQPEnlwUIFw6oFh5WYlpMUGeDHJK0rZtn7-g3tjbW8jrkBW_WqhFxRWhAzGzTBLrqAv43mx5T0kZ-qvJowIYjuEfYgGHHFMTjsdbX_59OFxe=s320" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="582" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjq3HUxlM9kZ8lJEVbBrGstzMpALxKn0AM5sExtXYBOvdJouo-OY8yeO0aRaE9XtI1zLOLVrd84suGMrQPEnlwUIFw6oFh5WYlpMUGeDHJK0rZtn7-g3tjbW8jrkBW_WqhFxRWhAzGzTBLrqAv43mx5T0kZ-qvJowIYjuEfYgGHHFMTjsdbX_59OFxe=s320" width="279" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;">Trevor Bauer</span></u></td></tr></tbody></table>Los Angeles Dodgers (105-57)<br />San Diego Padres (93-69)*<br />San Francisco Giants (80-82)<br />Arizona Diamondbacks (78-84)<br />Colorado Rockies (72-90)<br /><br />The Los Angeles Dodgers were the 2020 World Series Champs. Whether you think that the championship was valid in the shortened season or not, the team looks to be in great position to win it all again in the 2021 season. A majority of the Dodgers roster returns and the team also shelled out a lot of money for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bauertr01.shtml" target="_blank"><b>Trevor Bauer</b></a>, winner of the 2020 NL CY Young Award. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/priceda01.shtml" target="_blank">David Price</a> will also be back in 2021 after opting out of the 2020 season due to Covid-19 concerns. The Dodgers pitching rotation is arguably the best in baseball. The San Diego Padres don't want the Dodgers to have it so easy though. After a nice run in the shortened 2020 season, the Padres made additions to their rotation too as they acquired <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/snellbl01.shtml" target="_blank">Blake Snell</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/darviyu01.shtml" target="_blank">Yu Darvish</a> in separate trades. They also gave the young exciting shortstop <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tatisfe02.shtml" target="_blank">Fernando Tatis, Jr</a>. a monster contract extension. The San Francisco Giants will welcome back catcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/poseybu01.shtml" target="_blank">Buster Posey</a> in 2021 after he opted out of the 2020 season. Doing so will allow them to give prospect <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bartjo01.shtml" target="_blank">Joey Bart</a> some more time in the minors to work on his hitting and catching. The Giants picked up <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lasteto01.shtml" target="_blank">Tommy La Stella</a> on a free agent deal. La Stella is a rare player in today's game as he rarely strikes out (he only struck out 12 times in 55 games in 2020). Perhaps the most exciting player on the Giants these days is <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/y/yastrmi01.shtml" target="_blank">Mike Yastrzemski</a> (grandson of Hall of Famer, Carl Yastrzemski) . I expect him to make the All-Star team this year. The Arizona Diamondbacks hope that <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bumgama01.shtml" target="_blank">Madison Bumgarner</a> can find his old form that made him a star when he pitched with the San Francisco Giants. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/galleza01.shtml" target="_blank">Zac Gallen</a> was the standout starting pitcher for them in 2020, but he recently suffered a hairline stress fracture in his right arm so there is no telling yet how much time he may miss. The Colorado Rockies two biggest stars are shortstop <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/storytr01.shtml" target="_blank">Trevor Story</a> and outfielder <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/blackch02.shtml" target="_blank">Charlie Blackmon</a>. Story is a free agent after 2021 so there is a chance he could be traded before the season comes to an end. The Rockies team will look a lot different now that familar face, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arenano01.shtml" target="_blank">Nolan Arenado</a>, was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in the offseason. It appears that <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fuentjo01.shtml" target="_blank">Josh Fuentes</a> (who happens to be Arenado's cousin) will be taking over at third base for the Rockies. Now 29 years old, starter <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grayjo02.shtml" target="_blank">Jon Gray</a> still has to prove he was worth the 1st Round Pick (3rd overall) in 2013 draft. Gray's best season so far was 2019, but he took a big step back in 2020.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><b>National League Central</b></u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEl4n7OiieJgVbghsrOfvyyNsXiYXwVQkppgnxnekL983svTQ-Qw6wcy1ziKdWH4GaBgc2a4GV_fYp2wAfKayAWLBxsyGNZHH1kQfhxV8ar7KaUQxbiCiM3wy85NPvnLYBeCmiVI4eNxBcK0oeJwQ2XnRPFEjCQO5SqAu7MEEG1UU4VfyHY05lGSwl=s320" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="680" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEl4n7OiieJgVbghsrOfvyyNsXiYXwVQkppgnxnekL983svTQ-Qw6wcy1ziKdWH4GaBgc2a4GV_fYp2wAfKayAWLBxsyGNZHH1kQfhxV8ar7KaUQxbiCiM3wy85NPvnLYBeCmiVI4eNxBcK0oeJwQ2XnRPFEjCQO5SqAu7MEEG1UU4VfyHY05lGSwl=s320" width="271" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ke'Bryan Hayes</span></u></td></tr></tbody></table>St. Louis Cardinals (91-71)<br />Chicago Cubs (85-77)<br />Milwaukee Brewers (79-83)<br />Cincinnati Reds (75-87)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Pittsburgh Pirates (55-107)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The St. Louis Cardinals have the best corner infielders in the National League now that they've acquired third baseman, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arenano01.shtml" target="_blank">Nolan Arenado</a>, to play across the diamond from first baseman, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/goldspa01.shtml" target="_blank">Paul Goldschmidt</a>. Veteran catcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/molinya01.shtml" target="_blank">Yadier Molina</a> and starting pitcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wainwad01.shtml" target="_blank">Adam Wainwright</a> are both back for 2021 on one year deals. It will be weird to see them play anywhere else if they ever do. The biggest question for St. Louis is in the outfield where they are pretty inexperienced overall. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/carlsdy01.shtml" target="_blank">Dylan Carlson</a> should be a contender for NL Rookie of Year out of the group. The Chicago Cubs hope to catch lightning in a bottle by bringing back starting pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arrieja01.shtml" target="_blank">Jake Arietta</a>. Prior to leaving for Philadelphia in 2018, Arietta played some of his best baseball with the Cubs, including a CY Young Award winning season in 2015. The Cubs are hoping that closer <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kimbrcr01.shtml" target="_blank">Craig Kimbrel</a>, who they signed late in the 2019 season, to get on track and become the dominant closer they hoped they were getting when they signed him. First baseman, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rizzoan01.shtml" target="_blank">Anthony Rizzo</a>, is in the last year of nine year contract, so it wouldn't be surprising for him to have a monster season as he enters free agency. The Milwaukee Brewers will be without a familar face, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/braunry02.shtml" target="_blank">Ryan Braun</a>, as they enter the 2021 season. Braun, who has had his production decline recently, hasn't officially retired from baseball but has said that he is not currently interested in playing. The Brewers added <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wongko01.shtml" target="_blank">Kolten Wong</a> to their roster to take over second base. The addition moves <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hiurake01.shtml" target="_blank">Keston Hiura</a> to first base. The Brewers hope the move to first base will allow Hiura to focus more on hitting and less on fielding. (Why some teams think players don't have to focus as much when playing first base, I don't understand though). The Brewers lineup should score a lot of runs with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/y/yelicch01.shtml" target="_blank">Christian Yelich</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cainlo01.shtml" target="_blank">Lorenzo Cain</a>, who is returning after opting out of the 2020 season. The team's pitching will be their biggest question mark. After going all in for 2020 and the expanded playoffs, the Cincinnati Reds will backtrack in 2021. They no longer have their ace in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bauertr01.shtml" target="_blank">Trevor Bauer</a> and they let <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlar01.shtml" target="_blank">Archie Bradley </a>(who they acquired last year) go as well. Although they did let Bradley go, they did add bring in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/doolise01.shtml" target="_blank">Sean Doolittle</a>, who may not be out of the closer mix. There were talks the team may trade starting pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grayso01.shtml" target="_blank">Sonny Gray</a>, in the offseason, but he remains with the team for now. Starting Pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/castilu02.shtml" target="_blank">Luis Castillo</a>, will look to build on the All-Star season he had with the team in 2019. The Pittsburgh Pirates are officially the hardest team to be a fan of for the 2021 season. They seemed to let everyone go during the offseason (<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/belljo02.shtml" target="_blank">Josh Bell</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/taillja01.shtml" target="_blank">Jameson Taillon</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/archech01.shtml" target="_blank">Chris Archer</a>, etc.). <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hayeske01.shtml" target="_blank">Ke'Bryan Hayes</a> (son of former Major Leaguer, Charlie Hayes) should be fun to watch though at third base. He will definitely be in line for a lot of playing time and may have a chance at the National League Rookie of the Year award.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><u><b>National League East<br /></b></u></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-2Sdv0a8qS7uvfI3We50m4LhgmQVTkQJ0S12iqKYbtZq7zKOjoDgXr_-4LPt_qAJyY8Qe4K6HBWB5NZB4dwQoQNyirHIKc38t5QtD58Csyg-uUqm0YCb3Q7B_fDgYu2tIhBPv2u2NV7ooDOhLqUiOhhlF8rWcroWC1m1SxZInAno3dxt0kJUW8Rj6=s2000" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-2Sdv0a8qS7uvfI3We50m4LhgmQVTkQJ0S12iqKYbtZq7zKOjoDgXr_-4LPt_qAJyY8Qe4K6HBWB5NZB4dwQoQNyirHIKc38t5QtD58Csyg-uUqm0YCb3Q7B_fDgYu2tIhBPv2u2NV7ooDOhLqUiOhhlF8rWcroWC1m1SxZInAno3dxt0kJUW8Rj6=s2000" width="271" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jacob DeGrom</span></u></td></tr></tbody></table>Atlanta Braves (97-65)<br />New York Mets (90-72)*<br />Washington Nationals (89-73)<br />Miami Marlins (80-82)<br />Philadelphia Phillies (76-86)<br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: left;">Led by 2020 NL MVP, </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/freemfr01.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Freddie Freeman</a><span style="text-align: left;">, and the exciting </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/acunaro01.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Ronald Acuña, Jr.</a><span style="text-align: left;">, the Braves should be the favorites to win the National League East again. They also acquired </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mortoch02.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Charlie Morton</a><span style="text-align: left;"> during the offseason, who has proven to be a great pitcher in big games. Morton actually started his career with the Braves so it is a bit of a homecoming for him too. The New York Mets, under new ownership, showed they weren't afraid to make some big moves. They added shortstop </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lindofr01.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Francisco Lindor</a><span style="text-align: left;"> and starting pitcher </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/carraca01.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Carlos Carrasco</a><span style="text-align: left;"> from the Cleveland Indians. They also signed </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mccanja02.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">James McCann</a><span style="text-align: left;"> to a big deal to be their catcher. They just missed on adding </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bauertr01.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Trevor Bauer</a><span style="text-align: left;"> to their team too before he ended up going to the Los Angeles Dodgers instead. The Mets should have an impressive starting rotation with 3 time CY Young Award winner, </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/degroja01.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><b>Jacob DeGrom</b></a><span style="text-align: left;">, leading the way. Much of the success for the Washington Nationals will depend on the health of starting pitchers </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/scherma01.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Max Scherzer</a><span style="text-align: left;"> and </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/strasst01.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Stephen Strasburg</a><span style="text-align: left;">. If healthy, the Nationals could easily be a playoff contender. </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lestejo01.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Jon Lester</a><span style="text-align: left;"> was added over the offseason to join them in the rotation and </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/corbipa01.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Patrick Corbin</a><span style="text-align: left;"> returns as well. The Miami Marlins were a fun surprise in the shortened 2020 season. The Marlins were a team heavily hit by Covid-19 and had to make numerous roster moves just to have a healthy enough roster to compete in games. They also had to play a ton of doubleheaders as they made up numerous postponed games. They ended up making it into the expanded playoff format in 2020 and Don Mattingly was rightfully award with the Manager of the Year award. It is possible the Marlins bring back some magic in 2021 but I am not banking on it happening. The Marlins could use people overlooking them to their advantage though. The outfield of </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/martest01.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Starling Marte</a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dickeco01.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Corey Dickerson</a><span style="text-align: left;">, and </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/duvalad01.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Adam Duvall</a><span style="text-align: left;"> will provide some power to their offense. </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/alcansa01.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Sandy Alcantara</a><span style="text-align: left;"> will lead the young pitching rotation. The closer situation could change but right now it looks like they'll give the ball to </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bassan01.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Anthony Bass</a><span style="text-align: left;"> in save situations (why not let a guy with a fish name save the game for the fish team?) Philadelphia Phillies fans are likely to hate me for predicting their team to finish last in the division. They definitely have some great hitters with </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harpebr03.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Bryce Harper</a><span style="text-align: left;">, </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hoskirh01.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Rhys Hoskins</a><span style="text-align: left;">, and the highly paid </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/realmjt01.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">J.T. Realmuto</a><span style="text-align: left;">. Despite inking him to a 6 year, 24 million dollar deal in 2018,the Phillies sent outfielder, </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kingesc01.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Scott Kingery</a><span style="text-align: left;">, to the minors after a horrible Spring Training this year. </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/moorema02.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Matt Moore</a><span style="text-align: left;"> makes his return to the Major Leagues with the Phillies after spending 2020 pitching in Japan. </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/nolaaa01.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Aaron Nola</a><span style="text-align: left;"> and </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wheelza01.shtml" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Zach Wheeler</a><span style="text-align: left;"> will need help in the Phillies rotation for the team to succeed. That being said, </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=appel-001mar" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Mark Appel</a><span style="text-align: left;"> is in Phillies training camp </span><a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/mark-appel-comeback-attempt-with-phillies" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">looking to make a comeback</a><span style="text-align: left;"> after an early retirement.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Wild Card Games (one game winner take all)</b><br />Chicago White Sox defeat Toronto Blue Jays<br />New York Mets defeat San Diego Padres</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><b>Division Series (Best of 5)</b></u><br />New York Yankees defeat Chicago White Sox (3-1)<br />Minnesota Twins defeat Houston Astros (3-2)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Atlanta Braves defeat St. Louis Cardinals (3-2)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Los Angeles Dodgers defeat New York Mets (3-1)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Championship Series (Best of 7)</u><br />New York Yankees defeat Minnesota Twins (4-1)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Los Angeles Dodgers defeat Atlanta Braves (4-3)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><b>World Series<br /></b></u>New York Yankees defeat Los Angeles Dodgers (4-2)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">End of Season Awards - American League</b><br />AL MVP - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/troutmi01.shtml" target="_blank">Mike Trout</a>, Los Angeles Angels<br />AL Rookie of Year - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=keleni000jar" target="_blank">Jarred Kelenic</a>, Seattle Mariners</div><div style="text-align: left;">AL CY Young - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/colege01.shtml" target="_blank">Gerrit Cole</a>, New York Yankees</div><div style="text-align: left;">AL Manager of Year - Aaron Boone, New York Yankees</div><div style="text-align: left;">AL Comeback Player of Year - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mancitr01.shtml" target="_blank">Trey Mancini</a>, Baltimore Orioles</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">End of Season Awards - National League</b><br />NL MVP - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sotoju01.shtml" target="_blank">Juan Soto</a>, Washington Nationals<br />NL Rookie of Year - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hayeske01.shtml" target="_blank">Ke'Bryan Hayes</a>, Pittsburgh Pirates</div><div>NL CY Young - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/flaheja01.shtml" target="_blank">Jack Flaherty</a>, St. Louis Cardinals </div><div>NL Manager of Year - Luis Rojas, New York Mets</div><div>NL Comeback Player of Year - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/strasst01.shtml" target="_blank">Stephen Strasburg</a>, Washington Nationals</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><span style="font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: left; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></div></div></div><br /><p></p><br />Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-88105883734104548432021-03-12T17:43:00.004-08:002021-03-30T10:34:29.386-07:00In Case You Missed ItIf you are reading this then I hope you are as well as can be right now. If you're not reading this then I still hope the same for you anyway. <div><br /></div><div>With many comedy clubs and open mics still closed as the United States tries to get through the pandemic, I haven't done stand-up comedy in over a year now! Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever do live stand-up comedy again. I hope I will though! I've been doing skits (starring myself) from time to time and posting them on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Perhaps you've seen one? If not, go take a look, I'll wait.... this blog post is focused on something else.</div><div><br /></div><div>Every so often a joke pops into my head and I'll post it on Facebook instead of writing it down elsewhere. Thanks to dumb algorithms that Facebook uses, my posts don't always get seen by many people and that makes me sad. Haha.</div><div><br /></div><div>So here I present to you some of my jokes on Facebook that you may have missed. (If you'd like to add me as a friend on Facebook, feel free, but please send a message too so I know why you are requesting to add me). </div><div><br /></div><div>I broke in 2021 with this post as almost all gyms were still closed at this time. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIDFY5aOCvB3Vkl2kCRAuwGQKuJ9If5FO-cWwG39Czf0QqtIn9xIEwMRX0Ugf3ZtmJ3CLIYlVWEF1iS7iSxFmaCngxEN2OY8eZV0DeOG1UxdWUbuTB_yJiUdnGkTy3rpQj0491M6nZsA/s484/Screenshot+2021-03-12+171945.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="101" data-original-width="484" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIDFY5aOCvB3Vkl2kCRAuwGQKuJ9If5FO-cWwG39Czf0QqtIn9xIEwMRX0Ugf3ZtmJ3CLIYlVWEF1iS7iSxFmaCngxEN2OY8eZV0DeOG1UxdWUbuTB_yJiUdnGkTy3rpQj0491M6nZsA/w381-h80/Screenshot+2021-03-12+171945.png" width="381" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This post was made when it was finally time to take down my Christmas lights at my apartment.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVXUe1xsicqG3pIrmJSggCxCAOixNMOkwK-MrLJ6U9ITSY4zetaOUBXBWgbbAHtwOfuS4YcEW9rA0zYmYRehhgF8BknMO3UCnRm-Vzq3ATwDveVh_vuKSnet_OMYqC8rbqYtMn4TRe4c/s487/Screenshot+2021-03-12+171925.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="115" data-original-width="487" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVXUe1xsicqG3pIrmJSggCxCAOixNMOkwK-MrLJ6U9ITSY4zetaOUBXBWgbbAHtwOfuS4YcEW9rA0zYmYRehhgF8BknMO3UCnRm-Vzq3ATwDveVh_vuKSnet_OMYqC8rbqYtMn4TRe4c/w378-h90/Screenshot+2021-03-12+171925.png" width="378" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At first this post wasn't going to be a joke and was going to just be an observation but then I realized I could turn it into a joke after all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPSKvYbv07GcmMDAHTnfeFH2Ck-LLi9EIlj83_Z-BhOnMHYOhRVAL48lHSPV_upeOxG81iwvKaOCol-5tuvBpeUVM0ERK8cFSD8TOgxT8qdf-DpDvviPg-g9vdZ-FJdOxeV2qvuVQgvY/s485/Screenshot+2021-03-12+171907.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="171" data-original-width="485" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPSKvYbv07GcmMDAHTnfeFH2Ck-LLi9EIlj83_Z-BhOnMHYOhRVAL48lHSPV_upeOxG81iwvKaOCol-5tuvBpeUVM0ERK8cFSD8TOgxT8qdf-DpDvviPg-g9vdZ-FJdOxeV2qvuVQgvY/w390-h138/Screenshot+2021-03-12+171907.png" width="390" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Perhaps you heard about all the people buying stock in Gamestop, AMC, and other companies in decline... all of that stuff going on led me to this post.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDtgAzvSKOd2GaPWUI3p-Y9R_4mEmttdhKP0OLja8NYvml7HrsNIZIDXhqe02hXRH_RyV158gsW9UKCjNv-EgdElKYKadgywSuuueToiV99JdKQFNHAi1nsWg1KS_iqIUeotFGdBwBVY/s482/Screenshot+2021-03-12+171837.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="482" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDtgAzvSKOd2GaPWUI3p-Y9R_4mEmttdhKP0OLja8NYvml7HrsNIZIDXhqe02hXRH_RyV158gsW9UKCjNv-EgdElKYKadgywSuuueToiV99JdKQFNHAi1nsWg1KS_iqIUeotFGdBwBVY/w404-h86/Screenshot+2021-03-12+171837.png" width="404" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is no point in trying to meet anyone for a date with a pandemic happening....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGmVTbpdIxWw-BEAh71lzyiY8evGlq0sezXrvpknrhYOYnPDqVQjunUwZHJgIkj-jxwT6vifO_qhp61Pyhot4BFv7rcTiipNbiN7nl4yMOgTB1EowfZNPikG3T_DZb5XQd1PK9-mrs18/s488/Screenshot+2021-03-12+171804.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="133" data-original-width="488" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGmVTbpdIxWw-BEAh71lzyiY8evGlq0sezXrvpknrhYOYnPDqVQjunUwZHJgIkj-jxwT6vifO_qhp61Pyhot4BFv7rcTiipNbiN7nl4yMOgTB1EowfZNPikG3T_DZb5XQd1PK9-mrs18/w393-h107/Screenshot+2021-03-12+171804.png" width="393" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think this one is pretty self-explanatory.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqZtyaUtKPHZiV460A_O-qUI0BCvqAuxjSt8UY1JqbYwzGi4X4cclel-Cteca-yl_v4TUZYa7diLcC5tHQTNEjvQMCU2mjxpJZcFs4S8SsJgcm_GR43Ne6UgPqxPvOpHA2EV1Ib2tmvc/s484/Screenshot+2021-03-12+171717.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="136" data-original-width="484" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqZtyaUtKPHZiV460A_O-qUI0BCvqAuxjSt8UY1JqbYwzGi4X4cclel-Cteca-yl_v4TUZYa7diLcC5tHQTNEjvQMCU2mjxpJZcFs4S8SsJgcm_GR43Ne6UgPqxPvOpHA2EV1Ib2tmvc/w377-h106/Screenshot+2021-03-12+171717.png" width="377" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So if you're my friend on Facebook then these are just some examples of posts you may see from me... but also maybe you won't because of the algorithms. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stay safe everyone and hope to see you soon!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-53247627796722693012020-09-11T17:07:00.002-07:002020-09-11T17:07:53.665-07:00An Update About Nothing ExcitingTime to write a new blog post about all the recent exciting things happening in my life!<div><br /><div>Nothing. Nothing really at all.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had the week off work last week for a mental health break which was nice, but I wasn't really able to go anywhere to unwind. Not only does Covid-19 still have places closed and not allowing me to visit my friends, but now there are wildfires all over California too. Actually, they're all over the Pacific Northwest. I haven't opened a window at my apartment for over 3 weeks now due to smoky conditions. I'm lucky that I haven't had to evacuate (yet), but it is all really sad. I had a good streak of playing tennis every Saturday with my uncle, but now I don't know when I'll even be able to exercise safely outside again. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>They claim there will be a vaccine for Covid-19 by the time of the election in November. I hope it is true and I hope it works. I would love to mingle with friends and family indoors again, that's for sure. Some might be reading this and wondering why I don't just hang out with friends now as long as we keep our bubble small. One, who knows if any friends in this small bubble breaks out of the bubble at any point? I can't track everywhere my friends go. Also, I'm slightly higher risk because of my heart condition so I have to be cautious. </div><div><br /></div><div>So will Covid-19 end before the Wildfires end? I sure hope not, but it is evident that the fires are the result of climate change. </div><div><br /></div><div>So now I not only miss stand-up-comedy, miss my friends, but I also miss fresh air. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope a year from now that I can look at this blog and say "wow, times were a lot worse then" and not "wow, it wasn't as bad then."</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-13671995657035122342020-05-22T16:49:00.001-07:002020-05-22T16:49:40.279-07:00Memorial Day Weekend, Checking InHey everyone out there that reads this blog. I'm doing better since my last post in case you were wondering.<br />
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It is Memorial Day weekend and I was scheduled to be back home and performing at Rooster T. Feathers Comedy Club in Sunnyvale May 21st-24th. Of course, that's not happening. I've seen some comedy clubs in Texas and other areas are running again at like 25% capacity. Even if that was the case here in California, I'm not so sure I'd want to do the shows at this point.<br />
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In the meantime, I've been putting together some skits and posting those on YouTube and social media. They at least allow me to still be creative.<br />
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I watched Mark Normand's comedy special on YouTube called "Out To Lunch" the other day and thought it was great. (you're welcome for the plug, Mark, views will now skyrocket because they've read my blog)<br />
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I hope everyone out there is staying safe and not being stupid. Even if you don't think this is a big deal personally, have some respect for the people around you.<br />
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Lastly, I usually do MLB predictions every season, but if there is an MLB season in 2020, I won't be making any such predictions. Personally, even if they play in 2020, it won't be the same. They have to jump over many hurdles and the game will be much different. I think the games should just be exhibition games.... but that's just my opinion. Don't tell me that the players owe it to you to play though because that's bullshit.<br />
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Ok, see ya next time. Try to enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-51093032944925904312020-04-09T22:57:00.001-07:002020-04-09T23:06:19.422-07:00Not Feeling Like MyselfThis isn't an easy thing for me to write at this moment, but I feel I need to get this down while it is on my mind.<br />
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Right now, we're in a pandemic as everyone is I'm sure aware with Covid-19. We're to stay inside and only leave the house for essential things. It has only been a month, which is really not that long. I expect it to go on a lot longer given what I'm hearing in the news. </div>
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There is no sporting events to watch as an escape. All stand-up comedy shows have been canceled. (I haven't tried doing a Virtual open mic like other comedians but maybe I should.)</div>
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Tonight was the first night where it really hit me though. I thought maybe doing a Netflix Party with some friends would be a good escape. I just wanted to shoot the shit with some friends. I didn't want to have to worry about paying attention to the movie or anything.</div>
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As a comedian...and really just as a person in general, I'm always looking to make people laugh when possible and be the center of attention. </div>
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However, tonight during the Netflix Party, I realized we are to a point where most of us just want some attention. (I might be wrong but that's how I read the chat room...)</div>
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I tried to make some jokes at the beginning of the movie (we watched Hook)...I'd never seen it before and that is fine. Nobody didn't really seem to be replying to anything I typed so I just stopped and followed along with the chat instead...not so much the movie. </div>
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One friend said I went to go poop. I didn't reply to this comment as I just wanted to see how long it would be until someone questioned if I was really pooping or not. Finally, another friend text me after a while to check. I told her that I was okay and just following the chat.</div>
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I tried to make a few more funny comments toward the end of the film. Maybe they weren't funny? Maybe my friends have known me too long that nothing is funny from me? Maybe they did laugh but they weren't going to type out "LOL" or "Haha." Maybe they thought I was trying too hard?</div>
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It really made me miss live stand-up comedy shows and performing in front of people I don't know.<br />
It also made me feel selfish. I guess I just expected this Netflix Party to be more special. I expected us all to laugh more. Maybe we're all to a point where nothing is funny right now? Laughter is contagious also and some people just don't laugh when they're alone. Maybe I shouldn't have stated that I was never a fan of Peter Pan toward the beginning of the film? My audience walked out on me, so to speak. </div>
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I'm not looking for some pity "LOL" or "Haha" replies either... I don't know why I care so much about Netflix Party reactions but I can't really get much human connection these days as I live alone and don't get to hear much audible laughter from people and it makes me so sad. Sure, my mom will laugh when I call her but that's my mom, she'll laugh at anything I say. </div>
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BUT I'm still trying to lift spirits...(usually while drinking spirits)... I feel like I'm not supposed to be having a hard time. I always wanted to live alone, like I currently am, but I never wanted to feel this alone. </div>
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As far as my day job, I'm able to remotely work from home fortunately. I know a LOT of people are not that fortunate. So why I am making a big deal about what seems to be a small thing? I guess I'm finding out just how much comedy means to me. </div>
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Stay safe, stay home, wash your hands, and thanks for reading. I'll be okay when it is all over. Just typing this out has given me the opportunity to cry for the first time since this all started. I think I had been holding that inside too long to be honest. </div>
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I can't wait to have an epic road trip with some friends when this is all over...so I can hear them laugh and see them having fun!</div>
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Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-6560659993975325372020-02-08T23:03:00.000-08:002020-02-08T23:03:42.883-08:00The 2020 Academy Awards<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt115/wesleyisme/Oscars/eeaf9e7342a0d077a20f395dfcb8791e3d240e5afc2b69f74870afcac3979626-770x443_zpszdmrwzbl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="770" height="230" src="https://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt115/wesleyisme/Oscars/eeaf9e7342a0d077a20f395dfcb8791e3d240e5afc2b69f74870afcac3979626-770x443_zpszdmrwzbl.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2020 Oscars will air at 8pm EST on Sunday, February 9, 2020</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I love going to the movies and watching movies in general. When the Oscars come around, I usually try to see as many of the nominated films in as many of categories as possible given the available time that I have. While I feel the Oscars would be better with a host, they have decided to go without a host for the second year in a row. Hopefully the presenters of the awards are able to add some entertainment in their presentations.<br />
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Movies that were nominated that I was able to see before the ceremony tomorrow night include:<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8579674/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">1917</a><br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4154796/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Avengers: Endgame</a><br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1950186/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Ford v Ferrari</a><br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7286456/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Joker</a><br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2584384/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Jojo Rabbit</a><br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7549996/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Judy</a><br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8946378/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Knives Out</a><br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3281548/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Little Women</a><br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6105098/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0" target="_blank">Lion King</a><br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7653254/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Marriage Story</a><br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6348138/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Missing Link</a><br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7131622/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0" target="_blank">Once Upon A Time in Hollywood </a><br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6751668/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Parasite</a><br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2066051/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Rocketman</a><br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1979376/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Toy Story 4</a><br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1302006/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">The Irishman</a><br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7984734/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">The Lighthouse</a><br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8404614/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">The Two Popes</a><br />
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Unfortunately, I was unable to see films like <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6394270/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Bombshell</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4648786/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_5" target="_blank">Hariett</a>, among others. One film that I saw that I think deserved some recognition from the Oscars but sadly does not is the movie <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1489887/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Booksmart</a>.<br />
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With that being said, my predictions for the winners are in <b>bold</b>. If there is another nominee that I'd like to see win instead, that is listed in <i>italics</i>. I hope everyone that watches enjoys the show!<br />
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<u>Best Picture</u><br />
“Ford v Ferrari” (Disney/Fox)<br />
“The Irishman” (Netflix)<br />
“Jojo Rabbit” (Fox Searchlight)<br />
“Joker” (Warner Bros.)<br />
“Little Women” (Sony)<br />
“Marriage Story” (Netflix)<br />
<i>“1917” (Universal)</i><br />
<b>“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (Sony)</b><br />
“Parasite” (Neon)<br />
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<u>Best Director</u><br />
Martin Scorsese (“The Irishman”)<br />
Todd Phillips (“Joker”)<br />
<i>Sam Mendes (“1917”)</i><br />
<b>Quentin Tarantino (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”)</b><br />
Bong Joon Ho (“Parasite”)<br />
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<u>Best Actor</u><br />
Antonio Banderas (“Pain and Glory”)<br />
Leonardo DiCaprio (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”)<br />
Adam Driver (“Marriage Story”)<br />
<b>Joaquin Phoenix (“Joker”)</b><br />
Jonathan Pryce (“The Two Popes”)<br />
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<u>Best Actress</u><br />
Cynthia Erivo (“Harriet”)<br />
Scarlett Johansson (“Marriage Story”)<br />
<i>Saoirse Ronan (“Little Women”)</i><br />
Charlize Theron (“Bombshell”)<br />
<b>Renee Zellweger (“Judy”)</b><br />
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<u>Supporting Actor</u><br />
Tom Hanks (“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”)<br />
Anthony Hopkins (“The Two Popes”)<br />
Al Pacino (“The Irishman”)<br />
Joe Pesci (“The Irishman”)<br />
<b>Brad Pitt (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”)</b><br />
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<u>Supporting Actress</u><br />
Kathy Bates, “Richard Jewell”<br />
<b>Laura Dern (“Marriage Story”)</b><br />
Scarlett Johansson (“Jojo Rabbit”)<br />
Florence Pugh (“Little Women”)<br />
Margot Robbie (“Bombshell”)<br />
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<u>Adapted Screenplay</u><br />
<b>Taika Waititi (“Jojo Rabbit”)</b><br />
Steve Zaillian (“The Irishman”)<br />
Anthony McCarten (“The Two Popes”)<br />
<i>Greta Gerwig (“Little Women”)</i><br />
Todd Phillips and Scott Silver (“Joker”)<br />
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<u>Best Original Screenplay</u><br />
Rian Johnson (“Knives Out”)<br />
Noah Baumbach (“Marriage Story”)<br />
Sam Mendes and Krysty Wilson-Cairns (“1917”)<br />
<b>Quentin Tarantino (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”)</b><br />
<i>Bong Joon Ho and Han Jin Won (“Parasite”)</i><br />
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<u>Animated Feature</u><br />
“How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World”<br />
“I Lost My Body”<br />
“Klaus”<br />
<b>“Missing Link”</b><br />
<i>“Toy Story 4”</i><br />
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<u>International Feature Film</u><br />
“Corpus Christi”<br />
“Honeyland”<br />
“Les Miserables”<br />
“Pain and Glory”<br />
<b>“Parasite”</b><br />
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<u>Best Documentary</u><br />
“American Factory”<br />
“The Cave”<br />
“Edge of Democracy”<br />
“For Sama”<br />
<b>“Honeyland”</b><br />
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<u>Best Cinematography</u><br />
Rodrigo Prieto, “The Irishman”<br />
Lawrence Sher, “Joker”<br />
Jarin Blaschke, “The Lighthouse”<br />
<b>Roger Deakins, “1917”</b><br />
Robert Richardson, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”<br />
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<u>Best Costume Design</u><br />
Sandy Powell and Christopher Peterson, “The Irishman”<br />
Mayes C. Rubeo, “Jojo Rabbit”<br />
Mark Bridges, “Joker”<br />
<b>Jacqueline Durran, “Little Women”</b><br />
Arianne Phillip, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”<br />
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<u>Film Editing</u><br />
Michael McCusker and Andrew Buckland, “Ford vs. Ferrari”<br />
Thelma Schoonmaker, “The Irishman”<br />
Tom Eagles, “Jojo Rabbit”<br />
<b>Jeff Groth, “Joker”</b><br />
Yang Jinmo, “Parasite”<br />
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<u>Makeup and Hairstyling</u><br />
“Bombshell” (Kazu Hiro, Anne Morgan and Vivian Baker)<br />
“Joker” (Nicki Ledermann and Kay Georgiou)<br />
<b>“Judy” (Jeremy Woodhead)</b><br />
“Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” (Paul Gooch, Arjen Tuiten and David White)<br />
“1917” (Naomi Donne, Tristan Versluis and Rebecca Cole)<br />
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<u>Original Score</u><br />
<b>Hildur Guðnadóttir, “Joker”</b><br />
Alexandre Desplat, “Little Women”<br />
Randy Newman, “Marriage Story”<br />
<i>Thomas Newman, “1917”</i><br />
John Williams, “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”<br />
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<u>Original Song</u><br />
I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away,” “Toy Story 4”<br />
<b>“I’m Gonna Love Me Again,” “Rocketman”</b><br />
“I’m Standing With You,” “Breakthrough”<br />
“Into the Unknown,” “Frozen 2”<br />
“Stand Up,” “Harriet”<br />
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<u>Production Design</u><br />
“The Irishman”<br />
Production Design: Bob Shaw<br />
Set Decoration: Regina Graves<br />
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“Jojo Rabbit”<br />
Production Design: Ra Vincent<br />
Set Decoration: Nora Sopková<br />
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“1917”<br />
Production Design: Dennis Gassner<br />
Set Decoration: Lee Sandales<br />
<br />
<b>“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”</b><br />
<b>Production Design: Barbara Ling</b><br />
<b>Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh</b><br />
<br />
“Parasite”<br />
Production Design: Lee Ha Jun<br />
Set Decoration: Cho Won Woo<br />
<br />
<u>Sound Editing</u><br />
“Ford v Ferrari” (Donald Sylvester)<br />
“Joker” (Alan Robert Murray)<br />
<b>“1917” (Oliver Tarney and Rachael Tate)</b><br />
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (Wylie Stateman)<br />
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” (Matthew Wood and David Acord)<br />
<br />
<u>Sound Mixing</u><br />
“Ad Astra” (Gary Rydstrom, Tom Johnson and Mark Ulano)<br />
“Ford vs. Ferrari” (Paul Massey, David Giammarco and Steven A. Morrow)<br />
“Joker” (Tom Ozanich, Dean Zupancic and Tod Maitland)<br />
<b>“1917” (Mark Taylor and Stuart Wilson)</b><br />
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (Michael Minkler, Christian P. Minkler and Mark Ulano)<br />
<br />
<u>Visual Effects</u><br />
<b>“Avengers: Endgame” (Dan DeLeeuw, Russell Earl, Matt Aitken and Dan Sudick)</b><br />
“The Irishman” (Pablo Helman, Leandro Estebecorena, Nelson Sepulveda-Fauser and Stephane Grabli)<br />
“The Lion King” (Robert Legato, Adam Valdez, Andrew R. Jones and Elliot Newman)<br />
“1917” (Guillaume Rocheron, Greg Butler and Dominic Tuohy)<br />
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” (Roger Guyett, Neal Scanlan, Patrick Tubach and Dominic Tuohy)<br />
<br />
<u>Documentary (Short Subject)</u><br />
“In the Absence”<br />
<b>“Learning to Skateboard in a War Zone If You’re a Girl”</b><br />
“Life Overtakes Me”<br />
“St. Louis Superman”<br />
“Walk Run Cha-Cha”<br />
<br />
<u>Short Film (Animated)</u><br />
“Daughter”<br />
<b>“Hair Love”</b><br />
“Kitbull”<br />
“Memorable”<br />
“Sister”<br />
<br />
<u>Short Film (Live Action)</u><br />
“Brotherhood”<br />
“Nefta Football Club”<br />
<b>“The Neighbor’s Window”</b><br />
“Saria”<br />
“A Sister”Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-66860680528005614952019-03-17T21:15:00.001-07:002022-02-11T17:22:34.198-08:002019 Major League Baseball Predictions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBr_bzjmt_OBuSHXA5lJ5JxHgpmtElMbTJKk0H-eV3BsdrT61rMKKuoOL37pxjSPBOW0P0tc95IsZFT_CY7AW6vNHBzeQtltKdvFwApAmtdiBzyOpl0SuGEpbNLAyUMhG5Ku8sjto7N1weKX60Eql_nzI0fV2Mkj0tF1S2545jh7iitGfK4x8oCTp4=s1024" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="1024" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBr_bzjmt_OBuSHXA5lJ5JxHgpmtElMbTJKk0H-eV3BsdrT61rMKKuoOL37pxjSPBOW0P0tc95IsZFT_CY7AW6vNHBzeQtltKdvFwApAmtdiBzyOpl0SuGEpbNLAyUMhG5Ku8sjto7N1weKX60Eql_nzI0fV2Mkj0tF1S2545jh7iitGfK4x8oCTp4=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>
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The 2019 Major League Baseball season gets underway this week when the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners square off with a 2 game series in Japan. They will play at 2:35am PST on Wednesday, March 20th and Thursday, March 21st. After their series in Japan, they will return to North America and play some more exhibition games. The season will then get underway again for them and everyone else on March 28th. </div>
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It has been another strange offseason for Major League Baseball that still has many free agents that can be impact players still without a team. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kimbrcr01.shtml" target="_blank">Craig Kimbrel</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/keuchda01.shtml" target="_blank">Dallas Keuchel</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gonzagi01.shtml" target="_blank">Gio Gonzalez</a>, are just some of the players without a team at the time of this blog being posted. </div>
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Given the information that I do have though, here are my predictions for the 2019 season...</div>
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(* denotes Wild Card team)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9hl-8JYxqDrtHGW9vryFaED1y9tzWbRN0FeVu3GIb99Z3_92Lh-_HldMgezR5WKp5ye3AVa-JQnCdzKmu256xx3R9b-1yda8nipRD5XuJktQOCI285oUgeLK7K5wf6jEbf2b8f0L_2tXcb_s-xzbFEr9vUBZtyzTzB0Cdt_1VAF0SqVc7pnbsqzqA=s320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="775" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9hl-8JYxqDrtHGW9vryFaED1y9tzWbRN0FeVu3GIb99Z3_92Lh-_HldMgezR5WKp5ye3AVa-JQnCdzKmu256xx3R9b-1yda8nipRD5XuJktQOCI285oUgeLK7K5wf6jEbf2b8f0L_2tXcb_s-xzbFEr9vUBZtyzTzB0Cdt_1VAF0SqVc7pnbsqzqA=s320" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt Chapman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>American League West </b></u><br />
Houston Astros (96-66)<br />
Oakland Athletics (90-72)*<br />
Texas Rangers (81-81)<br />
Los Angeles Angels (78-84)<br />
Seattle Mariners (69-93)<br />
<br />
The Houston Astros should find themselves as the first place team in the AL West again with most of their roster from 2018 returning. They are led by a strong starting rotation that includes <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/verlaju01.shtml" target="_blank">Justin Verlander</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/colege01.shtml" target="_blank">Gerrit Cole</a>. They've added <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brantmi02.shtml" target="_blank">Michael Brantley</a> to their outfield which should only help them improve. The Oakland Athletics surprised a lot of people in 2018 when they went 97-65 before losing in the AL Wild Card game to the New York Yankees. As was the case last season, the Athletics question mark is their starting pitching. Last year, they acquired <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fiersmi01.shtml" target="_blank">Mike Fiers</a> in a trade and he re-signed with the team during the offseason. Going into 2019, their starting rotation is still plagued by some injuries, but we may see phenom prospect, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=luzard000jes" target="_blank">Jesus Luzardo</a> make his debut. <b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chapmma01.shtml" target="_blank">Matt Chapman</a></b> should continue to impress at the hot corner and continue to get even better. The Texan Rangers have quietly improved themselves during the offseason with some smaller acquisitions. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cabreas01.shtml" target="_blank">Asdrubal Cabrera</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chaveje01.shtml" target="_blank">Jesse Chavez</a> are a couple of the new faces to join the Rangers. It'll be weird to see Texas without future Hall of Famer, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beltrad01.shtml" target="_blank">Adrian Beltre</a>, at third base as he retired following the 2018 season. The Los Angeles Angels are hopeful that Tommy John surgery won't prevent 2018 Rookie of The Year, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/ohtansh01.shtml" target="_blank">Shohei Ohtani</a>, from being a DH, since he won't be able to pitch. The Angels are hoping their gambles on former All-Star pitchers, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cahiltr01.shtml" target="_blank">Trevor Cahill</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harvema01.shtml" target="_blank">Matt Harvey</a>, will give them enough pitching strength to carry the team. The Seattle Mariners appear to be in a rebuild mode for 2019. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bruceja01.shtml" target="_blank">Jay Bruce</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/encared01.shtml" target="_blank">Edwin Encarnacion</a> are new additions but could find themselves traded by midseason if the team is not performing well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzQvHJ08ChObcqtinP2-grx_gV15MTGPrTLyZUo4wc9w-ZRic58YOIgG1oM1-uS3YiJppd0pqfVxrvIYPDxcT9ooxpZYZl_pbagQ1ugpXpP0XK2QLLqCTf1B_StSvEyp8W1IZ8FK_7lPZcUF0YylgDshXkY0PCNV5ZFIzxk-fQOfhyr6D5--fUEfs_=s320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="800" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzQvHJ08ChObcqtinP2-grx_gV15MTGPrTLyZUo4wc9w-ZRic58YOIgG1oM1-uS3YiJppd0pqfVxrvIYPDxcT9ooxpZYZl_pbagQ1ugpXpP0XK2QLLqCTf1B_StSvEyp8W1IZ8FK_7lPZcUF0YylgDshXkY0PCNV5ZFIzxk-fQOfhyr6D5--fUEfs_=s320" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carlos Santana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">American League Central</u></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Cleveland Indians (93-69)</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Minnesota Twins (87-75)</div>
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Detroit Tigers (80-82)</div>
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Chicago White Sox (79-83)</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Kansas City Royals (71-91)</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br />
The Cleveland Indians have one of the better starting pitching staffs in the Majors with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/klubeco01.shtml" target="_blank">Corey Kluber</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/carraca01.shtml" target="_blank">Carlos Carrasco</a>, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bauertr01.shtml" target="_blank">Trevor Bauer</a> leading the way. Shortstop <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lindofr01.shtml" target="_blank">Francisco Lindor</a> will keep getting better as a hitter. Cleveland welcomes back <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/santaca01.shtml" target="_blank"><b>Carlos Santana</b></a>, after he spent 2018 with the Philadelphia Phillies. Another Carlos, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gonzaca01.shtml" target="_blank">Carlos Gonzalez</a>, just signed a minor-league deal with the Indians yesterday. He could also make an impact on their roster. The Indians may want to add some bullpen depth though. The Minnesota Twins go into 2019 without <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mauerjo01.shtml" target="_blank">Joe Mauer</a> on the team for the first time since 2003, as the Twins star retired after 2018. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/berrijo01.shtml" target="_blank">Jose Berrios</a> will look to improve on his All-Star season as the ace of the Twins pitching staff. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cruzne02.shtml" target="_blank">Nelson Cruz</a> signed as a free agent to serve as Minnesota's DH and provide some power. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cabremi01.shtml" target="_blank">Miguel Cabrera</a> was limited to 38 games for the Detroit Tigers last season due to injuries. Cabrera enters the season with 465 career home runs and Tigers fans hope he can provide more than the 3 he did last season. Battling the Detroit Tigers for third place will be the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox were said to be in on <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/machama01.shtml" target="_blank">Manny Machado</a> over the offseason but were unable to lure his to the South Side. They did, however, sign his brother-in-law, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/alonsyo01.shtml" target="_blank">Yonder Alonso</a>. That's not the same. Speedster <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hamilbi02.shtml" target="_blank">Billy Hamilton</a> joins the Kansas City Royals in 2019 as he looks to regain his spark from when he first arrived in the Major Leagues. The Royals received bad news when they found out their catcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezsa02.shtml" target="_blank">Salvador Perez</a>, would be out for the season due to Tommy John surgery. The Royals knew that would be a big hit to the team so they signed gold glove catcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maldoma01.shtml" target="_blank">Martin Maldonado</a>. to a one-year deal. While that is a good signing, it probably won't be enough.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8bmE5jJyNNK3KPMjmNbxjsXox-A3xg3w3xOjClVlDrlet8LgxPbQOtq3SZtwu9axp0xNhsZ_43fc4YeGhIXeNwJ4GVUrpLNM2jJArJ_ZtLsnjtzGomrLQtItFN6DGXnEBndmsZPtWpkROo3kGmwS6oPROl_wAwbYL4nV0tvD1uY6WMZIzjkwdJWLy=s2945" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8bmE5jJyNNK3KPMjmNbxjsXox-A3xg3w3xOjClVlDrlet8LgxPbQOtq3SZtwu9axp0xNhsZ_43fc4YeGhIXeNwJ4GVUrpLNM2jJArJ_ZtLsnjtzGomrLQtItFN6DGXnEBndmsZPtWpkROo3kGmwS6oPROl_wAwbYL4nV0tvD1uY6WMZIzjkwdJWLy=s2945" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CC Sabathia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u>American League East</u></b><br />
Boston Red Sox (97-65)<br />
New York Yankees (94-68)*<br />
Toronto Blue Jays (80-82)<br />
Tampa Bay Rays (78-84)<br />
Baltimore Orioles (61-101)<br />
<br />
Boston Red Sox's number one question coming into 2019 is whether or not they will have one pitcher be their closer or whether they'll have multiple pitchers take on the role based on the scenario. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kimbrcr01.shtml" target="_blank">Craig Kimbrel</a> was their closer in their Championship 2018 season, but as stated previously, he remains unsigned. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pedrodu01.shtml" target="_blank">Dustin Pedroia</a> missed all but 3 games in 2018 and claims he is good to go for 2019 even though he has only played in 4 games so far in Spring Training. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sabatc.01.shtml" target="_blank"><b>CC Sabathia</b></a> announced he will retire after the 2019 season with the New York Yankees. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stantmi03.shtml" target="_blank">Giancarlo Stanton</a> had a decent first season for the Yankees but probably not as big as Yankees fans were hoping. He will try to make the Bronx fans even happier in 2019. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tulowtr01.shtml" target="_blank">Troy Tulowitzki</a> was let go by Toronto even though he was still under contract and New York picked him up for a cheap price. Tulowitzki, coming off an injury plagued season, is now a Comeback Player of The Year candidate. The Toronto Blue Jays probably won't make much of a playoff push but should improve on last season's record. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stromma01.shtml" target="_blank">Marcus Stroman</a> is the team's number one starter, but could be traded by the July 31st trade deadline if the team is struggling. The Blue Jays are also entering the season without a veteran catcher on the roster which may be concerning for the pitchers. Tampa Bay had a nice 2018 as Manager Kevin Cash implemented the "opener" strategy. The strategy was hit or miss, but the Rays will miss <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/romose01.shtml" target="_blank">Sergio Romo</a>, who played a big role on the team. Cy Young Award Winner, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/snellbl01.shtml" target="_blank">Blake Snell</a>, hopes to continue his success in 2019, otherwise it could be a long season for Tampa Bay. The good news for the Baltimore Orioles is they won't lose as many games as they did in 2018. The bad news is they will still lose a lot. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/davisch02.shtml" target="_blank">Chris Davis</a> will still suck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7Jjq5_KbLhKOOAl_j-VNVeWrcdskcEJp_ojMSeuPRuEFzRNA9RCv55CTEkrNyXBHoNRS8lYCblT_vEuyKlDprQpcbEmuHrEJzuvf_DobzEOxG47KkiB5XcluBXNJmGhnd-LsO5hlmHxx6LPnKXk2zK-8rpLzQ8FY4yMughwOzqr3wQuiD_Gzf-9so=s1024" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7Jjq5_KbLhKOOAl_j-VNVeWrcdskcEJp_ojMSeuPRuEFzRNA9RCv55CTEkrNyXBHoNRS8lYCblT_vEuyKlDprQpcbEmuHrEJzuvf_DobzEOxG47KkiB5XcluBXNJmGhnd-LsO5hlmHxx6LPnKXk2zK-8rpLzQ8FY4yMughwOzqr3wQuiD_Gzf-9so=s1024" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ian Kinsler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u>National League West</u></b></div>Colorado Rockies (91-71)<br />
Los Angeles Dodgers (86-76)<br />
Arizona Diamondbacks (85-77)<br />
San Diego Padres (79-83)<br />
San Francisco Giants (76-86)<br />
<br />
The National League West should be a fairly tight division in 2019. There isn't one team that really blows away any of the competition. The Colorado Rockies should have enough to finish in first place though. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/blackch02.shtml" target="_blank">Charlie Blackmon</a>,<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arenano01.shtml" target="_blank"> Nolan Arenado</a>, and T<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/storytr01.shtml" target="_blank">revor Story</a> lead a powerful lineup that should produce a lot of runs. The Los Angeles Dodgers might be the first-place favorite here if the health status of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kershcl01.shtml" target="_blank">Clayton Kershaw</a> wasn't in doubt. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buehlwa01.shtml" target="_blank">Walker Buehler </a>seems to be the real deal though so it isn't all bad news for the Dodgers' rotation. Will <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/muncyma01.shtml" target="_blank">Max Muncy</a> be able to produce the way he did in 2018 or was he just a one-year wonder? The Arizona Diamondbacks play at a hitter-friendly ballpark but will likely give up more home runs than they hit. They will need to rely on small ball to produce runs on the board. One guy who is good at hitting is <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/greinza01.shtml" target="_blank">Zack Greinke</a>, who is also their star pitcher. The San Diego Padres shelled out 300 million dollars to sign <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/machama01.shtml" target="_blank">Manny Machado</a> to a 10-year deal. While it will improve the ballclub, even Machado knows not to expect much in his first season with the team. Machado said that the Padres should be able to make a push for the Wild Card which proves he has no expectations of winning the division. It might be different though if he hustled? San Diego also acquired <b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kinslia01.shtml" target="_blank">Ian Kinsler</a></b> who provides veteran leadership. San Diego should be a force to be reckoned with in another season or two as they have a lot of good up and coming prospects. The San Francisco Giants didn't do much in terms of changes to their roster. San Francisco's success will be determined by how healthy the pitchers remain. Will <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cuetojo01.shtml" target="_blank">Johnny Cueto</a> even be a factor? He is currently on the 60-Day Injured List. They did acquire starter <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pomerdr01.shtml" target="_blank">Drew Pomeranz</a>, so that should help ease the pain a little bit. How much longer will they let <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/poseybu01.shtml" target="_blank">Buster Posey</a> play catcher with the younger <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/garciar01.shtml" target="_blank">Aramis Garcia</a> knocking on the door?<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">National League Central</u><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3L7mxKI8xZqvf_M6xNOADtxsBGUdOl3N_zO-2GM_SBpNThkH9lhhz15TzTHConk6H1zVfBMKGj2ltVGfZIsIPIyCoSWzmwhq94QtUzcGi2qNWzyBa0F9yEyBHS1NGcA_divxlzzijz7TPs67h_I-lyP2KLMKej6RoEcor0tdD8tbFis6zQdSKFSrC=s320" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3L7mxKI8xZqvf_M6xNOADtxsBGUdOl3N_zO-2GM_SBpNThkH9lhhz15TzTHConk6H1zVfBMKGj2ltVGfZIsIPIyCoSWzmwhq94QtUzcGi2qNWzyBa0F9yEyBHS1NGcA_divxlzzijz7TPs67h_I-lyP2KLMKej6RoEcor0tdD8tbFis6zQdSKFSrC=s320" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew Miller</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Milwaukee Brewers (98-64)<br />
St. Louis Cardinals (93-69)*<br />
Cincinnati Reds (83-79)<br />
Chicago Cubs (81-81)<br />
Pittsburgh Pirates (74-88)<br />
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The Milwaukee Brewers won the Central last season by one game. In 2019, it should be a little easier to win. It certainly won't be a cakewalk though. If it was a cakewalk, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/aguilje01.shtml" target="_blank">Jesus Aguilar</a> would probably eat it all. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/y/yelicch01.shtml" target="_blank">Christian Yelich</a> looks to lead the Brew Crew further into the playoffs in 2019. They return with one of the nastier bullpens in the game, highlighted by <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/haderjo01.shtml" target="_blank">Josh Hader</a>. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wainwad01.shtml" target="_blank">Adam Wainright</a> is no longer the number one starting pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mikolmi01.shtml" target="_blank">Miles Mikolas</a> now holds that claim after winning 18 games in 2018. Will he win 19 in 2019? That would be weird. The Cardinals surprised many people when they traded for first baseman, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/goldspa01.shtml" target="_blank">Paul Goldschmidt</a>, during the offseason. Many people feel that the Cardinals didn't give up much to get him either. The Cardinals will look to <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/millean01.shtml" target="_blank"><b>Andrew Miller</b></a> to be one of the leaders in the bullpen. The Cincinnati Reds should be in the playoff race most of the season. They welcome a lot of new additions in 2019 including <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/puigya01.shtml" target="_blank">Yasiel Puig</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kempma01.shtml" target="_blank">Matt Kemp</a>, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grayso01.shtml" target="_blank">Sonny Gray</a>. Gray currently projects as their number one starter though and he hasn't pitched like one for a while. The Chicago Cubs will be the best fourth place team in the majors. The Cubs have a lot of talent so this is just a hunch on my part. They will be one of the surprise teams in an opposite direction. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lestejo01.shtml" target="_blank">Jon Lester</a> will get the call again to start for the Cubs on opening day. Utility man, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/z/zobribe01.shtml" target="_blank">Ben Zobrist</a>, is in the final year of a four year contract and it wouldn't surprise me if this season with the Cubs is the last season of his career. The Pittsburgh Pirates have a young pitching staff that will look to surprise people in 2019. The starters are led by <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/taillja01.shtml" target="_blank">Jameson Taillon</a>, who won 14 games last season. Their outfield has some exciting players with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dickeco01.shtml" target="_blank">Corey Dickerson</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/martest01.shtml" target="_blank">Starling Marte</a>, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/polangr01.shtml" target="_blank">Gregory Polanco</a>. 2019 might see the firing on Manager Clint Hurdle.<br />
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<b><u>National League East</u></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdzakNtoAUtAXrQMHXvZ8qZnSVpqt-GegN2EkpbTpzftZ_ZfOYqQMk0AUTVOzxxhzZ2Xsoe896jMj_Z89LYXuiGdyw3UybY1YFY-q8t5EmAU7vg-NFG5w6ACOTaSv8dueIiHOI9m_ocZxmLjg4L0sWR0cpluWRSSF-JYH79OLutsZQVe948NwQVqiX=s320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdzakNtoAUtAXrQMHXvZ8qZnSVpqt-GegN2EkpbTpzftZ_ZfOYqQMk0AUTVOzxxhzZ2Xsoe896jMj_Z89LYXuiGdyw3UybY1YFY-q8t5EmAU7vg-NFG5w6ACOTaSv8dueIiHOI9m_ocZxmLjg4L0sWR0cpluWRSSF-JYH79OLutsZQVe948NwQVqiX=s320" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhys Hoskins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Atlanta Braves (92-70)<br />
New York Mets (87-75)*<br />
Washington Nationals (84-78)<br />
Philadelphia Phillies (81-81)<br />
Miami Marlins (66-96)<br />
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The Atlanta Braves had a great 2018 season and should only get better in 2019. They added former MVP, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/donaljo02.shtml" target="_blank">Josh Donaldson</a>, on a one-year, 23 million dollar deal. They are hoping that deal pays off for them in the end. They have two of the more exciting younger players in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/acunaro01.shtml" target="_blank">Ronald Acuna, Jr</a>., and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/albieoz01.shtml" target="_blank">Ozzie Albies</a>. The Braves also brought back a familiar face in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mccanbr01.shtml" target="_blank">Brian McCann</a>. Some Braves fans are crossing their fingers that they end up bringing back another familiar face in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kimbrcr01.shtml" target="_blank">Craig Kimbrel</a> too. The New York Mets may have had the most exciting offseason of any team. New players to the 2019 squad include <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lowrije01.shtml" target="_blank">Jed Lowrie</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/canoro01.shtml" target="_blank">Robinson Cano</a>, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/diazed04.shtml" target="_blank">Edwin Diaz</a>. There is no doubt the Mets have a great starting pitching staff when healthy. The Mets might sneak up on some people. The Washington Nationals may not have <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harpebr03.shtml" target="_blank">Bryce Harper</a> anymore (who signed for the rest of his life with the Philadelphia Phillies) but they should still fare better than Harper's new team. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/scherma01.shtml" target="_blank">Max Scherzer</a> shows no signs of slowing down and continues to pile up the strikeouts. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rendoan01.shtml" target="_blank">Anthony Rendon</a> might be the most underrated third baseman in all of baseball. The guy that should benefit the most on the Philadelphia Phillies from acquiring Harper is <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hoskirh01.shtml" target="_blank"><b>Rhys Hoskins</b></a> (or is that <a href="https://cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/000/226/325/large/pascal-ackermann-magneto-cghub.jpg?1411994313" target="_blank">Magneto</a> in the photo?) The Phillies also signed <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mccutan01.shtml" target="_blank">Andrew McCutchen</a> for some outfield help. The best thing about the Miami Marlins in 2019 is their new jerseys! Unfortunately, they still have the worst manager currently in baseball in Don Mattingly. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/steckdr01.shtml" target="_blank">Drew Steckenrider</a>, who had 5 saves in 10 opportunities in 2018, is currently slated to be the team's closer. Yikes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />
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<b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Wild Card Games</b><br />Oakland Athletics defeat New York Yankees<br />
St. Louis Cardinals defeat New York Mets<br />
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<u><b>Divison Series</b></u><br />
Boston Red Sox defeat Oakland Athletics (3-2)<br />
Cleveland Indians defeat Houston Astros (3-1)<br />
Atlanta Braves defeat Colorado Rockies (3-2)<br />
Milwaukee Brewers defeat St. Louis Cardinals (3-0)<br />
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<u><b>Championship Series</b></u><br />
Cleveland Indians defeat Boston Red Sox (4-2)<br />Milwaukee Brewers defeat Atlanta Braves (4-3)<br />
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<u><b>World Series</b></u><br />
Cleveland Indians defeat Milwaukee Brewers (4-1)<br />
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<u><b>Season Awards</b></u><br />
AL MVP - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lindofr01.shtml" target="_blank">Francisco Lindor</a>, Cleveland Indians<br />
NL MVP - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/goldspa01.shtml" target="_blank">Paul Goldschmidt</a>, St. Louis Cardinals<br />
AL CY YOUNG - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bauertr01.shtml" target="_blank">Trevor Bauer</a>, Cleveland Indians<br />
NL CY YOUNG - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/scherma01.shtml" target="_blank">Max Scherzer</a>, Washington Nationals.<br />
AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=luzard000jes" target="_blank">Jesus Luzardo</a>, Oakland Athletics<br />
NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/roblevi01.shtml" target="_blank">Victor Robles</a>, Washington Nationals<br />
AL COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tulowtr01.shtml" target="_blank">Troy Tulowitzki</a>, New York Yankees<br />
NL COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/seageco01.shtml" target="_blank">Corey Seager</a>, Los Angeles Dodgers<br />
AL MANAGER OF THE YEAR - Alex Cora, Boston Red Sox<br />
NL MANAGER OF THE YEAR - Craig Counsell, Milwaukee Brewers<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-64488733675927331242019-01-15T11:56:00.000-08:002019-01-15T11:57:33.682-08:00The Random Things That Pop Into My Head<div>
Every now and then, a random thought will pop into my head which I think is funny.</div>
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As a comedian, that is to be expected. However, sometimes I know the joke will only work in that moment and not at a comedy club the following week. So my jokes for these such moments usually wind up being shared on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/weshofmann" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page. Some examples are below:</div>
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This post was made shortly before Christmas -</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVw5qP7ysUOl15F3K7TbYMbnZCKgCFYlSwbz_cIjjojAZxEHG-6xNlnB4PbBVQge4DD5MNFNGTtgbhgQtbcYnxbUHbChNXOMvOL8fQAZY3WdgKm0b5gkHsJonUlODuPYMONAu4iu6zabQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-01-15+at+11.34.50+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVw5qP7ysUOl15F3K7TbYMbnZCKgCFYlSwbz_cIjjojAZxEHG-6xNlnB4PbBVQge4DD5MNFNGTtgbhgQtbcYnxbUHbChNXOMvOL8fQAZY3WdgKm0b5gkHsJonUlODuPYMONAu4iu6zabQ/s400/Screen+Shot+2019-01-15+at+11.34.50+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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This post was made the day before the New Year -</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YC9wM66qjOK2iGg2U-Fzm59z8ZDKg0xNImoGs-LIlkj2y308HzQsIxcgF4nFemZah_WAnp7LztwF9qj0K5hBIXH_gCwQGA_zh7NBzIk9JuYy2P3KorIwqzzzSgOZ2Slj-E9T_8h0seY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-01-15+at+11.34.21+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="78" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YC9wM66qjOK2iGg2U-Fzm59z8ZDKg0xNImoGs-LIlkj2y308HzQsIxcgF4nFemZah_WAnp7LztwF9qj0K5hBIXH_gCwQGA_zh7NBzIk9JuYy2P3KorIwqzzzSgOZ2Slj-E9T_8h0seY/s400/Screen+Shot+2019-01-15+at+11.34.21+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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This post was made on New Year's Day -<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgfJ163f4nsx9irnXkstOzCG8561H3Qdfw5V6A_DzP6-I3HuDtt6SQeXTAm1eJYQwR8iX0GVxRM9Ua7M-Uujo-kK9DNpvyP6tXmRYHawzMz4dhute7uoexZdmOZJozkFqO3_EJh_ls6I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-01-15+at+11.33.59+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgfJ163f4nsx9irnXkstOzCG8561H3Qdfw5V6A_DzP6-I3HuDtt6SQeXTAm1eJYQwR8iX0GVxRM9Ua7M-Uujo-kK9DNpvyP6tXmRYHawzMz4dhute7uoexZdmOZJozkFqO3_EJh_ls6I/s400/Screen+Shot+2019-01-15+at+11.33.59+AM.png" width="400" /></a><br />
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I made this post when I went back to my day job for the first time in 2019 -<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbN5pSMSWsFOvmq8X7_-ts94qLEvFmKsanRzg83jeReNEGuE69AtLUt8mh_2gMHfCDGYV8toGxLP62TyhR6Mb0tU6aJE7Xbcn8UW5VjRoH0jOZvHIZ6U7ib1B8eM45exPfzJEWOmh21o/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-01-15+at+11.33.48+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbN5pSMSWsFOvmq8X7_-ts94qLEvFmKsanRzg83jeReNEGuE69AtLUt8mh_2gMHfCDGYV8toGxLP62TyhR6Mb0tU6aJE7Xbcn8UW5VjRoH0jOZvHIZ6U7ib1B8eM45exPfzJEWOmh21o/s400/Screen+Shot+2019-01-15+at+11.33.48+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was walking by a Sport Clips (a barber shop where they have TVs<br />
to watch sporting events while getting your hair cut) and this thought<br />
entered my head -<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQVayIkm14g1xJt2GWgJINRvwOJi_lJvkCioPLOx2jfEGZO1uHHWjB6QRC7ISB3nm0MUx2TyKoakgRI3sPk9AI1lr_CTDZDd-CnMiSX9_XYMcur63PxkroInFHtjkpb2kFu_VQDfQ6sQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-01-15+at+11.32.13+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQVayIkm14g1xJt2GWgJINRvwOJi_lJvkCioPLOx2jfEGZO1uHHWjB6QRC7ISB3nm0MUx2TyKoakgRI3sPk9AI1lr_CTDZDd-CnMiSX9_XYMcur63PxkroInFHtjkpb2kFu_VQDfQ6sQ/s400/Screen+Shot+2019-01-15+at+11.32.13+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was on my way home from a show in Pacifica and this conversation<br />
entered my head.The convo never happened but I was thinking of the<br />
glass half empty, glass half full question and this was my response for<br />
the perfect answer -<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgfJ163f4nsx9irnXkstOzCG8561H3Qdfw5V6A_DzP6-I3HuDtt6SQeXTAm1eJYQwR8iX0GVxRM9Ua7M-Uujo-kK9DNpvyP6tXmRYHawzMz4dhute7uoexZdmOZJozkFqO3_EJh_ls6I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-01-15+at+11.33.59+AM.png" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4awI7m9pvdq5RVDAA69OGu-sJ7Po2o-fN6qbFV4LrqsCwinfjHzsdX_oocaUYKVidJJUDtHoCkX1jWYiWHFw3FEEnbBJRF57rnu_qSQDcJwWLQ0IK3aoHLGjqsHQI5Li-1TRpLyFEMn4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-01-15+at+11.32.00+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4awI7m9pvdq5RVDAA69OGu-sJ7Po2o-fN6qbFV4LrqsCwinfjHzsdX_oocaUYKVidJJUDtHoCkX1jWYiWHFw3FEEnbBJRF57rnu_qSQDcJwWLQ0IK3aoHLGjqsHQI5Li-1TRpLyFEMn4/s400/Screen+Shot+2019-01-15+at+11.32.00+AM.png" width="400" /></a><br />
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Feel free to add me as a friend on Facebook if you'd like to see more posts like above. If you do send me a friend request, please send me a message saying you saw this blog though, otherwise I may not add you. Also, it is another way to stay up to date regarding my upcoming shows.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgfJ163f4nsx9irnXkstOzCG8561H3Qdfw5V6A_DzP6-I3HuDtt6SQeXTAm1eJYQwR8iX0GVxRM9Ua7M-Uujo-kK9DNpvyP6tXmRYHawzMz4dhute7uoexZdmOZJozkFqO3_EJh_ls6I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-01-15+at+11.33.59+AM.png" imageanchor="1"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgfJ163f4nsx9irnXkstOzCG8561H3Qdfw5V6A_DzP6-I3HuDtt6SQeXTAm1eJYQwR8iX0GVxRM9Ua7M-Uujo-kK9DNpvyP6tXmRYHawzMz4dhute7uoexZdmOZJozkFqO3_EJh_ls6I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-01-15+at+11.33.59+AM.png" imageanchor="1"></a></div>
Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-85095541840052626902018-03-23T22:04:00.002-07:002022-02-12T16:07:14.956-08:002018 Major League Baseball Predictions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyGCcQwK1HttuA5gbgw0k_PE07tRvTc44Xs-ImpY0KAPDz-WwCRiUTpnYz-43QnLa_dQ9fR-wdtkV7N0X2ZiDRSYq6wNe7g5M3g-XiinaaOvQcfJg85e7wkFZjBoFyZvm9x_muWQUkeddvW_YF-yjHq08LPxdkoLixdXkaAaEujWVAD6640BCEQH1G=s320" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="800" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyGCcQwK1HttuA5gbgw0k_PE07tRvTc44Xs-ImpY0KAPDz-WwCRiUTpnYz-43QnLa_dQ9fR-wdtkV7N0X2ZiDRSYq6wNe7g5M3g-XiinaaOvQcfJg85e7wkFZjBoFyZvm9x_muWQUkeddvW_YF-yjHq08LPxdkoLixdXkaAaEujWVAD6640BCEQH1G=s320" width="320" /></a><br /><br /></div>
We are less than a week away from the 2018 Major League Baseball season getting underway. What is nice about the beginning of the 2018 season is that every team in the majors will be opening the season on the same day, March 29th. In recent years, this has not been the case, with a couple teams playing the night before anyone else got around to playing. While making predictions for what is going to happen during the course of a season is never easy, this time around it seems even more difficult. As of this writing, there are still a lot of available free agents on the market that have yet to sign with a team. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bautijo02.shtml" target="_blank">Jose Bautista</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hollagr01.shtml" target="_blank">Greg Holland</a>, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hollima01.shtml" target="_blank">Matt Holliday</a> are just some of the players who have not yet signed with teams and could end up having a big impact somewhere. Baseball continues to tinker with rules in an effort to speed up games. This year, they have enforced a rule which limits pitching mound visits to 6 per game per team. This does not include visits where a pitcher is being replaced. I'm not sure this rule change makes much of a difference in speeding up games, but it is there nonetheless. They are testing some different rules in the Minor Leagues this year which I think are stupider and I hope they never make it to the Major League level. If you're interested in reading up on the Minor League Rules for 2018, you can do so <a href="https://www.milb.com/milb/news/minor-league-baseball-announces-pace-of-play-regulations-for-2018/c-268683294" target="_blank">here</a>. With that being said, here are my predictions for the 2018 season.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisVXuDlN5zDjy-8SgSPatRNxdtYww_2dI4ufd9eyr6BZRcqzk-HPZu-PDXZzVolI59tKotX0FVMu6vAADBRuPZUNA47Ise5eXpqKR_VyEJ_GLp44IYd0nRB-Z6Xf32dZt5xf36WeZBZm8RGUTQzB2zpIYjoDh5xA7QDkzLmJx5NNTslbyxFlbvRjqh=s320" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="800" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisVXuDlN5zDjy-8SgSPatRNxdtYww_2dI4ufd9eyr6BZRcqzk-HPZu-PDXZzVolI59tKotX0FVMu6vAADBRuPZUNA47Ise5eXpqKR_VyEJ_GLp44IYd0nRB-Z6Xf32dZt5xf36WeZBZm8RGUTQzB2zpIYjoDh5xA7QDkzLmJx5NNTslbyxFlbvRjqh=s320" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gerrit Cole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">American League West</u><br />
Houston Astros (100-62)<br />
Los Angeles Angels (80-82)<br />
Texas Rangers (78-84)<br />
Oakland Athletics (74-88)<br />
Seattle Mariners (73-89)<br />
<br />
Coming off their 2017 World Series Championship season, the Houston Astros shouldn't have any problems winning the division again. In 2018, they'll not only have a full season from <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/verlaju01.shtml" target="_blank">Justin Verlander</a> but they've also added <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/colege01.shtml" target="_blank">Gerrit Cole</a> to their rotation. The Los Angeles Angels have made some great additions including third baseman/shortstop <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cozarza01.shtml" target="_blank">Zack Cozart</a>, second baseman <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kinslia01.shtml" target="_blank">Ian Kinsler</a>, and Pitcher/DH <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=otani-000sho" target="_blank">Shohei Otani</a>. The Angels definitely have an offense that should be able to score runs. Japanese import Otani will help drive fans to the ballpark but they can't expect him to do everything, even though he will try. The Angels pitching staff has too many question marks. The Texas Rangers have a couple of power hitting corner infielders in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beltrad01.shtml" target="_blank">Adrian Beltre</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gallojo01.shtml" target="_blank">Joey Gallo</a>, both of whom will continue to enjoy playing in hitter friendly Globe Life Park in Arlington. Visiting players will also enjoy hitting there too though. The Oakland Athletics might hit more home runs than any team in the division with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/daviskh01.shtml" target="_blank">Khris Davis</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/olsonma02.shtml" target="_blank">Matt Olson</a>, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chapmma01.shtml" target="_blank">Matt Chapman</a> leading the way. Olson and Chapman are also very skilled defensively and first base and third base respectively. The pitching for the Athletics has too many holes though. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/graveke01.shtml" target="_blank">Kendall Graveman</a>, their opening day starter, would probably be the 4th or 5th man in many other rotations. The Seattle Mariners brought back 44 year old fan favorite, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/suzukic01.shtml" target="_blank">Ichiro Suzuki</a>. Ichiro's action this spring has been limited due to injuries and it'll be interesting to see if he can even remain with the team for the entire season. Last season, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hernafe02.shtml" target="_blank">Felix Hernandez</a> pitched under 100 innings for the first time since 2005. The Mariners will need Felix to have a rebound year if they're going to have any shot at contending.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDceVOQdhGVqgNFgd-VfMKEqBFK4gTqExrFkJVL9gVshdJ2N8C3TrnnLq6Ie_olV7L7BVQgkHnNVX2I_UnqwZHOOqwaDsVTtshz5PrmJ_Cf9JYZKA8bGEQYj8ti-VsJQBD0bXOhSIyi4G5FEWmJAJLYoCfoSIjgig8j1tz41T8Zuh7SSmIEWtFLo7I=s320" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="236" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDceVOQdhGVqgNFgd-VfMKEqBFK4gTqExrFkJVL9gVshdJ2N8C3TrnnLq6Ie_olV7L7BVQgkHnNVX2I_UnqwZHOOqwaDsVTtshz5PrmJ_Cf9JYZKA8bGEQYj8ti-VsJQBD0bXOhSIyi4G5FEWmJAJLYoCfoSIjgig8j1tz41T8Zuh7SSmIEWtFLo7I=s320" width="137" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salvador Perez</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">American League Central</u><br />
Cleveland Indians (93-69)<br />
Minnesota Twins (85-77)*<br />
Detroit Tigers (80-82)<br />
Chicago White Sox (78-84)<br />
Kansas City Royals (72-90)<br />
<br />
The Cleveland Indians will <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/29/sports/baseball/cleveland-indians-chief-wahoo-logo.html" target="_blank">stop using the Chief Wahoo logo</a> in 2019 but should wind up winning the division again with the logo in 2018. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/klubeco01.shtml" target="_blank">Corey Kluber</a> once again leads a talented pitching staff. Shortstop <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lindofr01.shtml" target="_blank">Francisco Lindor</a> just keeps getting better and better. Top prospect, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mejiafr01.shtml" target="_blank">Francisco Mejia</a>, may also play a role at catcher at some point during the season. The Minnsota Twins teams that ended up surprising a lot of people in 2017 shouldn't be as surprising this season. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rodnefe01.shtml" target="_blank">Fernando Rodney</a> is slated to be the Minnesota Twins closer. He may be subject to giving up some crooked numbers but the Twins hope it is only his hat that is crooked. Why did I pick the Detroit Tigers to finish in third place? The answer is Ron Gardenhire. Gardenhire is back managing in the division he used to manage in and will be chasing his former team, Minnesota, while doing so. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cabremi01.shtml" target="_blank">Miguel Cabrera</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/martivi01.shtml" target="_blank">Victor Martinez</a> can still hit and together should combine for 90 singles that should have been doubles. The White Sox have themselves a pretty young squad so should be hungry to compete. James Shields will look to return to his former "Big Game James" days as he gets the opening day nod for the White Sox. In the bullpen, they have <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bummeaa01.shtml" target="_blank">Aaron Bummer</a>. If you're a Sox fan when you read the box score and see his stats, you sure hope it won't be A. Bummer. The Kansas City Royals have lost a lot of their star power from recent seasons and will have a hard time competing in 2018. If nothing else, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezsa02.shtml" target="_blank">Salvador Perez</a> will continue to be a joy to watch as one of the best catchers in the game.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipCJMXBPBVY0AGuzhuH9OmB1B-uHGrSMq_HqbirZ5aH-pb8EvZuRklK4A0AMaHFEo4ue7Jl5gkBDllDv5_Ekehw5j813zblTWxpJqCRLRiqIfUBeKHbrbF_H1-p5T2t5Z95-rSk5N3vY3G-BzyCx9KnnsRUP6RopFnVM5D7wAEkijE1GelVFhZ0RK_=s320" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="630" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipCJMXBPBVY0AGuzhuH9OmB1B-uHGrSMq_HqbirZ5aH-pb8EvZuRklK4A0AMaHFEo4ue7Jl5gkBDllDv5_Ekehw5j813zblTWxpJqCRLRiqIfUBeKHbrbF_H1-p5T2t5Z95-rSk5N3vY3G-BzyCx9KnnsRUP6RopFnVM5D7wAEkijE1GelVFhZ0RK_=s320" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Archer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>American League East</u></span><br />
New York Yankees (94-68)<br />
Boston Red Sox (88-74)*<br />
Toronto Blue Jays (81-81)<br />
Baltimore Orioles (78-84)<br />
Tampa Bay Rays (69-93)<br />
<br />
The New York Yankees added <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stantmi03.shtml" target="_blank">Giancarlo Stanton</a> to their lineup by making a trade with the Miami Marlins as <a href="http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/news/derek-jeter-marlins-owner-ceo-decisions-firings-giancarlo-stanton-trade-rebuild/11641xbac64t41qho8w60cpzne" target="_blank">Derek Jeter tries to bring another World Series to New York</a>. With Stanton in the lineup along with slugger Aaron Judge, there will like be a lot of number fours ordered by pitchers this year. I don't mean pitchers will be asking for ultimate cheeseburgers either. They will be ordering intentional walks. The Yankees pitching staff looks strong to start the season. Personally, I'm interested in seeing what kind of season <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grayso01.shtml" target="_blank">Sonny Gray</a> can put together with a full year in New York. Signing <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/martijd02.shtml" target="_blank">JD Martinez</a> was the Boston Red Sox counter move to the Yankees getting Stanton. Can <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/priceda01.shtml" target="_blank">David Price</a> remain healthy and provide the pitching staff with help beyond just <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml" target="_blank">Chris Sale</a>? The Toronto Blue Jays might squeak into the playoffs, but it isn't likely. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/smoakju01.shtml" target="_blank">Justin Smoak</a> had a breakout season in 2017. Can he sustain that power that got him 38 home runs last season or will he go back to being the 14 home run Smoak from 2016? The Baltimore Orioles signed starter <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cobbal01.shtml" target="_blank">Alex Cobb</a> just this week because they really don't want to finish last in the division. With <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hardyjj01.shtml" target="_blank">J.J. Hardy</a> gone, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/machama01.shtml" target="_blank">Manny Machado</a> moves back to his original position at shortstop for the Orioles. The question surrounding the Tampa Bay Rays this season will be whether <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/archech01.shtml" target="_blank">Chris Archer</a> gets traded or not.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7uUMWeswP7hdeiI59Wmn_IUagozv3mZ5HHq9bperDDVNiX0X72-1-XXXkpk1_dcGNjE1_O00A51JIPePkSkanMz-DWjhgZCGZj55OBXRzmyX94qc8T78nFhVMkqaHztV1i1PzVLQ2QikBZR1rZrM6OIJsRpu8Gvr8KD1pXWMILXETi3QpSHCDyreE=s1200" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7uUMWeswP7hdeiI59Wmn_IUagozv3mZ5HHq9bperDDVNiX0X72-1-XXXkpk1_dcGNjE1_O00A51JIPePkSkanMz-DWjhgZCGZj55OBXRzmyX94qc8T78nFhVMkqaHztV1i1PzVLQ2QikBZR1rZrM6OIJsRpu8Gvr8KD1pXWMILXETi3QpSHCDyreE=s1200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johnny Cueto</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: right;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">National League West</u><br />
Los Angeles Dodgers (96-66)<br />
Arizona Diamondbacks (86-76)*</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Colorado Rockies (81-81)</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
San Francisco Giants (77-85)<br />
San Diego Padres (73-89)</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
As long as <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kershcl01.shtml" target="_blank">Clayton Kershaw</a> remains healthy, the Dodgers should wind up first in their division again in 2018. Kershaw has shown no signs of slowing down this spring as he has posted an ERA of 0.00 in 14.2 innings pitched. It will be interesting to see how <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kempma01.shtml" target="_blank">Matt Kemp</a> fares in his return to Los Angeles. The Arizona Diamondbacks will be without starter <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/millesh01.shtml" target="_blank">Shelby Miller</a> at least half the season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. They will miss <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/souzast01.shtml" target="_blank">Steven Souza, Jr.</a> to start the season as well, but hope to have him back in time to make a run at the playoffs. The Colorado Rockies will try to improve off their great 2017 season and return to the playoffs. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mcmahry01.shtml" target="_blank">Ryan McMahon</a> may collect some Rookie Of The Year votes. Their starting pitching is questionable but they definitely have the offense especially since they decided to re-sign <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gonzaca01.shtml" target="_blank">Carlos Gonzalez</a>. The San Francisco Giants initiated some big trades during the offseason in acquiring veterans <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mccutan01.shtml" target="_blank">Andrew McCutchen</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/longoev01.shtml" target="_blank">Evan Longoria</a> to bulster their lineup. Today, it was learned that starter <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bumgama01.shtml" target="_blank">Madison Bumgarner</a> will be out for a while with a fractured hand. Starter <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/samarje01.shtml" target="_blank">Jeff Samardzija</a> will also begin the season on the disabled list. The Giants hope veteran <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cuetojo01.shtml" target="_blank">Johnny Cueto</a> can carry the staff in their absence. The San Diego Padres signed first baseman <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hosmeer01.shtml" target="_blank">Eric Hosmer</a> to a big deal during the offseason but the Padres are a team that is definitely in rebuilding mode.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHohQuBl7o77vrP_20yDhwjQw4x5ghh9Q0hyIlgg-xmoWEsWLqhci-I0JSd7xD87qvdTzGf8xcSu9FSmXz13Q38JB76HIzFK8lnnwO6X2bImkT0Hm8qYISAxsFgRwWgbZH5nbeyMUVc4Bno6rVy4b-O6M-bYXjX1g6OzEqlp-E6aUdivQsSsKRfia-=s320" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHohQuBl7o77vrP_20yDhwjQw4x5ghh9Q0hyIlgg-xmoWEsWLqhci-I0JSd7xD87qvdTzGf8xcSu9FSmXz13Q38JB76HIzFK8lnnwO6X2bImkT0Hm8qYISAxsFgRwWgbZH5nbeyMUVc4Bno6rVy4b-O6M-bYXjX1g6OzEqlp-E6aUdivQsSsKRfia-=s320" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joey Votto</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">National League Central </u><br />
St. Louis Cardinals (90-72)<br />
Chicago Cubs (88-74)*<br />
Milwaukee Brewers (80-82)<br />
Pittsburgh Pirates (75-87)<br />
Cincinnati Reds (71-91)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It should be a close race between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs once again in 2018. The Cardinals have added a bat in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/ozunama01.shtml" target="_blank">Marcell Ozuna</a>. The pitching staff looks like it could be dominant and it is promising to see that <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wainwad01.shtml" target="_blank">Adam Wainwright</a> has had a good spring. The Cardinals look like they will be turning to <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gregelu01.shtml" target="_blank">Luke Gregerson</a> to be their closer in 2018, a spot he hasn't always had the best success. The Chicago Cubs have a nice starting rotation depending on which <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/darviyu01.shtml" target="_blank">Yu Darvish</a> ends up playing for the Cubs. The Cubs decided to sign Darvish instead of bringing back <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arrieja01.shtml" target="_blank">Jake Arrieta</a>. Leftfielder, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/schwaky01.shtml" target="_blank">Kyle Schwarber</a>, has lost weight and may wind up having his best season yet if his spring stats are any indication. The Brewers signed <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cainlo01.shtml" target="_blank">Lorenzo Cain</a> and traded for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/y/yelicch01.shtml" target="_blank">Christian Yelich</a> in the offseason to help their outfield. Like many other rotations though, the Brewers have a lot of question marks. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/anderch01.shtml" target="_blank">Chase Anderson</a> is currently set to be the ace of their staff. With McCuthchen getting traded to San Francisco, the Pirates acquired <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dickeco01.shtml" target="_blank">Corey Dickerson</a> from the Tampa Bay Rays to try and fill the void. The Pirates will rely on <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/novaiv01.shtml" target="_blank">Ivan Nova</a> to be the staff ace. It looks like the Pirates will be missing the playoffs again. It could be worse though. They could be the Cincinnati Reds. Aside from seeing <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vottojo01.shtml" target="_blank">Joey Votto</a> play, the Reds will not be that exciting. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hamilbi02.shtml" target="_blank">Billy Hamilton</a> will continue to steal bases but could also find himself getting traded.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><u>National League East</u></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnp4MBn_U6-zYjQEjFoeo7BXmKR25NFRmwGuy06B83Tl-mJqAJTF-jl-6GGsTMWC6JlJ1EaA197BZng1YHFrBGotDYU88PVFCn0BlNDjlmfXn9-IsZtJ4byoHdJ6En7YVM7aMPl36MJmQQAgSSCRjM2bjHYuUHE-1lvqvm_90iA71zWZPeMxEPaGjo=s320" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnp4MBn_U6-zYjQEjFoeo7BXmKR25NFRmwGuy06B83Tl-mJqAJTF-jl-6GGsTMWC6JlJ1EaA197BZng1YHFrBGotDYU88PVFCn0BlNDjlmfXn9-IsZtJ4byoHdJ6En7YVM7aMPl36MJmQQAgSSCRjM2bjHYuUHE-1lvqvm_90iA71zWZPeMxEPaGjo=s320" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ender Inciarte</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Washington Nationals (91-71)</div><div style="text-align: right;">New York Mets (84-78)<br />
Atlanta Braves (80-82)<br />
Philadelphia Phillies (76-86)</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Miami Marlins (61-101)</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
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<div style="text-align: right;">
After the Houston Astros, it can be argued that the Washington Nationals have the best starting rotation in the majors. Offensively they have a good group as well. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/z/zimmery01.shtml" target="_blank">Ryan Zimmerman</a> will look to have another monster season similar to last year. Dave Martinez will try his hand at managing the Nationals, who have shown they aren't afraid of firing managers who do not take the team where they expect. The New York Mets would have an amazing starting rotation if everyone would just stay healthy. They added <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vargaja01.shtml" target="_blank">Jason Vargas</a> in the offseason to try and help the depleted staff. Then Vargas fractured his right hand so he's fitting in nicely. The Mets should score runs with a lineup that includes <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bruceja01.shtml" target="_blank">Jay Bruce</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gonzaad01.shtml" target="_blank">Adrian Gonzalez</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cespeyo01.shtml" target="_blank">Yoenis Cespedes</a>, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/frazito01.shtml" target="_blank">Todd Frazier</a>. The Atlanta Braves are slowing getting better each year. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/i/inciaen01.shtml" target="_blank">Ender Inciarte</a> has been terrific in center field and as a leadoff hitter for the Braves. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/swansda01.shtml" target="_blank">Dansby Swanson</a> will look to improve on his rookie season. The Philadelphia Phillies aren't fooling anyone with their signing of starting pitcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arrieja01.shtml" target="_blank">Jake Arietta</a>. They also added <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/santaca01.shtml" target="_blank">Carlos Santana</a> during the offseason. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hoskirh01.shtml" target="_blank">Rhys Hoskins</a> was a nice story for the Phillies last season but they still have a ways to go. Finally, you have the Miami Marlins. It would be a surprise if they don't finish with the worst record in all of baseball. I feel the Marlins were on their way to building something special prior to the death of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fernajo02.shtml" target="_blank">Jose Fernandez</a> so it sad to see them dismantle this way. Outfielder <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brinsle01.shtml" target="_blank">Lewis Brinson</a> may provide some excitement.</div>
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<b><u>Wild Card Games</u></b></div>
Boston Red Sox over Minnesota Twins<br />
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Chicago Cubs over Arizona Diamondbacks</div>
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<b><u>Division Series</u></b></div>
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Houston Astros defeat Boston Red Sox (3-1)</div>
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New York Yankees defeat Cleveland Indians (3-2)</div>
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Chicago Cubs defeat Los Angeles Dodgers (3-2)</div>
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St. Louis Cardinals defeat Washington Nationals (3-2)</div>
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<b><u>Championship Series</u></b></div>
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Houston Astros defeat New York Yankees (4-2)</div>
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St. Louis Cardinals defeat Chicago Cubs (4-3)</div>
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<b><u>World Series</u></b></div>
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Houston Astros defeat St. Louis Cardinals (4-1)</div>
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<b><u>Season Awards</u></b></div>
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AL MVP - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/troutmi01.shtml" target="_blank">Mike Trout</a>, Los Angeles Angels</div>
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NL MVP - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harpebr03.shtml" target="_blank">Bryce Harper</a>, Washington Nationals</div>
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AL CY YOUNG - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kershcl01.shtml" target="_blank">Chris Sale</a>, Boston Red Sox</div>
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NL CY YOUNG - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kershcl01.shtml" target="_blank">Clayton Kershaw</a>, Los Angeles Dodgers </div>
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AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mejiafr01.shtml" target="_blank">Francisco Mejia</a>, Cleveland Indians</div>
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NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brinsle01.shtml" target="_blank">Lewis Brinson</a>, Miami Marlins</div>
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AL COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/ventejo01.shtml" target="_blank">Jonny Venters</a>, Tampa Bay Rays</div>
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NL COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/syndeno01.shtml" target="_blank">Noah Syndergaard</a>, New York Mets</div>
AL MANAGER OF THE YEAR - Aaron Boone, New York Yankees<br />
NL MANAGER OF THE YEAR - Joe Maddon, Chicago Cubs<br />
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<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-12900912414493212862018-02-15T20:30:00.000-08:002018-02-15T20:47:13.580-08:00I'm Not a Political Comedian But I Still Have OpinionsI don't consider myself a political comedian by any means but that definitely doesn't mean I don't have opinions about certain things that happen in the world. In a <a href="http://blog.weshofmann.com/2016/06/this-world-is-messed-up-place.html" target="_blank">blog that I wrote</a> almost two years ago after a shooting took place in Orlando, Florida, I said that I generally try to avoid the news because most of the news is bad.<br />
<br />
As a comedian though and someone who uses social media to network with other comedians, there is no real way for me to avoid the news. So here we are again, another shooting massacre took place. This time at a high school in Florida. A 19 year old has killed 17 students.<br />
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Shootings like this are becoming so commonplace now that I barely read about it online or heard about it on the news. It is like the world is saying "What else is new?"<br />
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Exactly nothing. Shootings happen then people tweet about all their thoughts and prayers (<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/963878055969198080" target="_blank">including our President</a>) but that doesn't solve anything at all. The President also tweeted that this particular shooter was mentally disturbed and people knew that and it is their fault for not reporting it to the authorities. Oh okay, blame everyone else. That's real cool.<br />
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I'm not saying it will be the solution to every shooting ever, but how about we finally put a ban on guns? What?!?! Yeah, I said it. Listen, the same discussion happens after every fucking shooting lately, but nothing is ever done. Sure, let's blame other people, let's blame the parenting, let's blame the educators. I get that it isn't the gun that shoots people and it is the person that is shooting the gun. It may be an automatic rifle but it isn't that automatic. And you are exactly right, I get what you're saying.<br />
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We've now gone through enough of these I think, where we can't rely on people to change, but we need to enforce a change.<br />
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Please spare me the argument about the 2nd Amendment stating we have the right to bear arms. That was written in 1791. Get yourself out of the past. Guns are way more powerful now than they were back then. So argue for the 2nd amendment all you want. But things change. Your mom may still say she is 21 years old but we all know that she really is not. (I'm sorry, mom)<br />
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So again, life is precious. Tell those you love that you love them and cherish every moment. I understand the world seems like a scary place right now, but don't let fear get the best of you. Live your life because it is the only one you have.<br />
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If you're in the need of good laugh now (shameless plug time) then you can come see me at Red Rock Coffee in Mountain View on Saturday, February 17th at 8:30pm. The show is produced by <a href="https://www.kevinwongcomedy.com/" target="_blank">Kevin Wong</a>. It is a free show but it will be a full house so get there early.<br />
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<br />Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-37766115561642505692018-02-06T14:49:00.003-08:002018-02-06T14:49:31.684-08:00It is Funny but I'm Tired of The JokeI recently experienced something that rarely happens with my comedy bits. I had a bit that was still relatively new, that was getting laughs, but I got tired of telling the joke rather quickly.<br />
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At first, I decided, that since it was still getting laughs that I should still proceed with doing the bit. However, I felt like I was lying to myself when I did. Why should I do something that I don't want to do?<br />
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Finally, for the first time this last Thursday at a show at Matching Half Cafe in San Francisco, I dropped the bit from my routine. It felt amazing! The joke I told instead ended up bombing, but I didn't care. I felt relieved.<br />
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Tomorrow, comedy returns to 88 Keys Cafe in Morgan Hill. This is the monthly showcase that I produce. We skipped January because it would have been closed to the New Year's holiday. I have a great lineup of comedians scheduled to perform so it should be a great night. <br />
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<br />Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-56678136123886542172017-03-31T23:04:00.001-07:002022-02-12T16:18:29.242-08:002017 Major League Baseball Predictions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKNj5iyfXyNYEaPjPXNavVSGgGPI-1fiFlIKWgAxS_kBtd3KXfUWfXL9TsERzGRB3XP0ojRjHH3CXQrUkTvvwd2kLJmsWpIChQBge38CGuP7lkdNeG7kmCHTpGXZxAihGCEj2eSqbdsz8EcGCxGwSAphf36eVJnGXov-C4OQxMjJJivQjYDSYnX16l=s320" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKNj5iyfXyNYEaPjPXNavVSGgGPI-1fiFlIKWgAxS_kBtd3KXfUWfXL9TsERzGRB3XP0ojRjHH3CXQrUkTvvwd2kLJmsWpIChQBge38CGuP7lkdNeG7kmCHTpGXZxAihGCEj2eSqbdsz8EcGCxGwSAphf36eVJnGXov-C4OQxMjJJivQjYDSYnX16l=s320" width="320" /></a><br /><br /></div>
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The 2017 Major League Baseball season gets under way with three games on Sunday, April 2, 2017, and then the rest of the league gets started the following day on Monday, April 3rd. Like any other baseball season, 2017 should bring some surprising names to the game leaving people asking "Wait, where'd he come from?" and some teams with surprising records leaving people asking, "Wait, where'd this team come from?" This year, Major League Baseball is applying some new rules to the game. Most of these rules have to do with speeding up the game. While some of the rules make sense there also some that I question. I'm not going to list all the new rules here but you can read them by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2017/3/2/14791450/major-league-baseball-official-2017-rule-changes-replay-walks" target="_blank">clicking here</a>. New rules aside, I am looking forward to the 2017 season and here are my predictions.</div>
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* - denotes Wild Card winners.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihcoGj_YYwHOAlAJvSdnRsIBnziF_hZGPNgD1xsp6x9Cn1uvolCswHjlca3nHcqXmzjLgwogOGN-TDvWfwjaxlsfaaFUexuTo_76YKN96gzkt4LJjQ64AejsPFlemJzOvQ9X_oyXxlmJDMJb2dAV9sO6m0dGYzSmkpkMHJYGMsxNGurkyATnVla7DV=s320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihcoGj_YYwHOAlAJvSdnRsIBnziF_hZGPNgD1xsp6x9Cn1uvolCswHjlca3nHcqXmzjLgwogOGN-TDvWfwjaxlsfaaFUexuTo_76YKN96gzkt4LJjQ64AejsPFlemJzOvQ9X_oyXxlmJDMJb2dAV9sO6m0dGYzSmkpkMHJYGMsxNGurkyATnVla7DV=s320" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josh Reddick </td></tr>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">American League West</u><br />
Texas Rangers (90-72)<br />
Houston Astros (87-75)<br />
Seattle Mariners (82-80)<br />
Los Angeles Angels (75-87)<br />
Oakland Athletics (72-90)<br />
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After years of losing, the Houston Astros have come away with some excellent top draft picks to compete in the AL West. Not only do they have guys like <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/springe01.shtml" target="_blank">George Springer</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/correca01.shtml" target="_blank">Carlos Correa</a>, but they've also added <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mccanbr01.shtml" target="_blank">Brian McCann</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/reddijo01.shtml" target="_blank">Josh Reddick</a>. I still can't get used to seeing Josh Reddick in anything but an Oakland A's jersey. However, the Astros success will come down to their pitching. Can 2015 NL CY Young Award winner, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/keuchda01.shtml" target="_blank">Dallas Keuchel</a>, rebound after a rather disappointing 2016? So why do I have the Texas Rangers finishing in first? The answer is home field advantage. Their ballpark is quite the launching pad for home runs. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beltrad01.shtml" target="_blank">Adrian Beltre</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/napolmi01.shtml" target="_blank">Mike Napoli</a> should drive in plenty of runs for the Rangers. The Seattle Mariners could be one of the surprising teams in 2017 but I'm not sure if it will be surprisingly good or surprisingly bad so I just stuck them in the middle. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hernafe02.shtml" target="_blank">Felix Hernandez</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/canoro01.shtml" target="_blank">Robinson Cano</a> will set the pace for how well the Mariners do in 2017. The Los Angeles Angels will be relying heavily on the comeback of starting pitchers, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/richaga01.shtml" target="_blank">Garrett Richards</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/skaggty01.shtml" target="_blank">Tyler Skaggs</a>, from injury problems. How much longer can <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pujolal01.shtml" target="_blank">Albert Pujols</a> keep things going in terms of being a run producer? My beloved Oakland Athletics have a promising future, especially with an announcement of a long overdue new stadium coming soon, but the 2017 season will be a long one. Oakland's ace, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grayso01.shtml" target="_blank">Sonny Gray</a>, has been sidelined with an injury to start the season after injury problems last year too and it wouldn't surprise me if there is surgery for him in the near future.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEget3b3xnIfZVzDzov5BrIspH7I9CfqoG0FFtdlQ0U9ZTi-LHSu4z4AKjaVJREVzVrtlTJcp17eddISnGENVloZhydgIo0F8Ds83Lz8ZVm9nEguzkLoJ-PfWi6cfgCLBGh1qB-UHUwZF2rf2HjqzPZBLpqtFm_jx5KfMl6o71EPKnbPqe2-2FQqxMVr=s320" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEget3b3xnIfZVzDzov5BrIspH7I9CfqoG0FFtdlQ0U9ZTi-LHSu4z4AKjaVJREVzVrtlTJcp17eddISnGENVloZhydgIo0F8Ds83Lz8ZVm9nEguzkLoJ-PfWi6cfgCLBGh1qB-UHUwZF2rf2HjqzPZBLpqtFm_jx5KfMl6o71EPKnbPqe2-2FQqxMVr=s320" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edwin Encarnacion</td></tr>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">American League Central</u><br />
Cleveland Indians (95-67)<br />
Kansas City Royals (90-72)*<br />
Detroit Tigers (86-76)<br />
Chicago White Sox (76-86)</div>
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Minnesota Twins (69-93)</div>
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The Cleveland Indians will come into 2017 hungry as they came so close to winning it all last season. The addition of <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/encared01.shtml" target="_blank">Edwin Encarnacion</a> and his <a href="https://www.tenor.co/view/baseball-bluejays-gif-3404846" target="_blank">parrot holding arm</a> to their lineup will definitely help their chances. The pitching staff will be once again led by <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/klubeco01.shtml" target="_blank">Corey Kluber</a> but this could also be the year that <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bauertr01.shtml" target="_blank">Trevor Bauer</a> has a breakout season. The Kansas City Royals have to overcome the tragic death of starting pitcher, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/ventuyo01.shtml" target="_blank">Yordano Ventura</a>, but their roster still has plenty to offer. Adding <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mossbr01.shtml" target="_blank">Brandon Moss</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/solerjo01.shtml" target="_blank">Jorge Soler</a> should just mean more runs on the board for the Royals. What will <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/verlaju01.shtml" target="_blank">Justin Verlander</a> have in store for the 2017 for the Detroit Tigers? <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/kate-upton-cy-young-justin-verlander_us_582d04a4e4b058ce7aa92918" target="_blank">Will Kate Upton have something to say</a> when this season ends as well? The Tigers offense still has middle of the order punch but it takes <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cabremi01.shtml" target="_blank">Miguel Cabrera</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/martivi01.shtml" target="_blank">Victor Martinez</a> a while to get around the bases. The Chicago White Sox have <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/abreujo02.shtml" target="_blank">Jose Abreu</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/frazito01.shtml" target="_blank">Todd Frazier</a>, but not much else to be excited about these days. Starting pitcher, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/q/quintjo01.shtml" target="_blank">Jose Quintana</a>, is likely to be traded by the All-Star break for Chicago. The Minnesota Twins are relying a lot on youth to carry them in 2017. How much will <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buxtoby01.shtml" target="_blank">Byron Buxton</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/keplema01.shtml" target="_blank">Max Kepler</a> be able to provide the offense? The pitching staff is nothing to write home about so I won't even write about it here.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiN2OMbG_wTMc3vKFhh_WCfGbzVoPjqA6_MSQ94SPuygzW1ioPOpzSeR1BGyNG_m46yh6B3T6UDOsGm7sSYBQnSmybsyaNG_QaE4dxd4RHx_2LNlAggTiNFFrAwG_q9tVw8KXM3_pRhWhlsDE4361jgUy96SMcjiJOL5ND_Iy7QSxCwi_pyXDGE8IsS=s320" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiN2OMbG_wTMc3vKFhh_WCfGbzVoPjqA6_MSQ94SPuygzW1ioPOpzSeR1BGyNG_m46yh6B3T6UDOsGm7sSYBQnSmybsyaNG_QaE4dxd4RHx_2LNlAggTiNFFrAwG_q9tVw8KXM3_pRhWhlsDE4361jgUy96SMcjiJOL5ND_Iy7QSxCwi_pyXDGE8IsS=s320" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Sale</td></tr>
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<b style="text-decoration: underline;">American League East</b><br />
Boston Red Sox (97-65)<br />
Toronto Blue Jays (88-74)*<br />
Baltimore Orioles (84-78)<br />
New York Yankees (77-85)<br />
Tampa Bay Rays (76-86)</div>
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Even with <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/priceda01.shtml" target="_blank">David Price</a> sidelined to start the season, the Red Sox pitching staff is pretty strong especially with the addition of <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml" target="_blank">Chris Sale</a> to the rotation. On offense, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beninan01.shtml" target="_blank">Andrew Benintendi</a> is getting all the headlines as being a must-watch rookie in 2017. The Toronto Blue Jays still have a heavy hitting lineup and should compete. They've added <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/moralke01.shtml" target="_blank">Kendrys Morales</a> to a lineup that was already pretty strong. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stromma01.shtml" target="_blank">Marcus Stroman </a>pitched well to get the USA the championship in the World Baseball Classic, but will it have a negative impact on his season with Toronto? The Baltimore Orioles starting rotation has a lot to prove especially <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gausmke01.shtml" target="_blank">Kevin Gausman</a>, who was named their opening day starter. Their offense will provide plenty of runs though with <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/machama01.shtml" target="_blank">Manny Machado</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jonesad01.shtml" target="_blank">Adam Jones</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/davisch02.shtml" target="_blank">Chris Davis</a>, and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/trumbma01.shtml" target="_blank">Mark Trumbo</a>. The New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays will battle for last place in the division. Should the Yankees really have reacquired <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chapmar01.shtml" target="_blank">Aroldis Chapman</a>? Will there be that many games for him to save? <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gardnbr01.shtml" target="_blank">Brett Gardner</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/ellsbja01.shtml" target="_blank">Jacoby Ellsbury</a> will need to get on base a lot to keep this Yankee team in contention. The Tampa Bay Rays are a team I really want to see succeed but don't seem to have enough to contend in the AL East. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/archech01.shtml" target="_blank">Chris Archer</a> is the ace of the pitching staff for sure and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kiermke01.shtml" target="_blank">Kevin Keirmaier</a> is arguably one of the most exciting players in the majors.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL5ryaeqiCQueR67UTINvjfU_GcmN83nwRSU4Ipdwanzj9lIQn0mx7Z-xUmFub5A73toPRqZIuembGR758Uj7XfQyi1zLqVi3nWdkJkQJkUGdAzraziMvLeMjD042FP_K0LFuDmolLKzwnHCtb75H7qgy8GYqoIT2jI_6s7jxVh6OVuEOGBEJ3x7ot=s320" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL5ryaeqiCQueR67UTINvjfU_GcmN83nwRSU4Ipdwanzj9lIQn0mx7Z-xUmFub5A73toPRqZIuembGR758Uj7XfQyi1zLqVi3nWdkJkQJkUGdAzraziMvLeMjD042FP_K0LFuDmolLKzwnHCtb75H7qgy8GYqoIT2jI_6s7jxVh6OVuEOGBEJ3x7ot=s320" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nolan Arenado</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><u>National League West</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
San Francisco Giants (93-69)<br />
Los Angeles Dodgers (91-71)*<br />
Colorado Rockies (85-77)<br />
Arizona Diamondbacks (80-82)<br />
San Diego Padres (73-89)</div>
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<div style="text-align: right;">
It should be a close battle for first place until the end of the season between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Giants addresses their closer problems by obtaining <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/melanma01.shtml" target="_blank">Mark Melancon</a> during the offseason. If he can provide the needed help then there is no reason the Giants shouldn't find themselves in first place at the end of the season. Another key to the Giants success is starting pitcher, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/samarje01.shtml" target="_blank">Jeff Samardzija</a>. He wasn't horrible last year but he has shown before that he can be better. Last year, the Los Angeles Dodgers obtained <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hillri01.shtml" target="_blank">Rich Hill</a> in a trade with the Oakland A's. Hill had a surprisingly good season. Was this for real or was it a fluke? Shorstop <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/seageco01.shtml" target="_blank">Corey Seager</a> is definitely for real and Dodgers fans will continue to enjoy watching him play. The Colorado Rockies may be surprise team to compete this season. They have the offense without a doubt. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arenano01.shtml" target="_blank">Nolan Arenado</a> has proved he can hit in any ballpark. The Rockies also added <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hollagr01.shtml" target="_blank">Greg Holland</a> to their bullpen. Holland is coming off Tommy John surgery so it'll be interesting to see if he will take over the closer role he once dominated with Kansas City. The Arizona Diamondbacks will hover around the .500 mark for most of the season. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/greinza01.shtml" target="_blank">Zack Greinke</a> can't pitch every game of the season. A lot is going to be expected out of new manager, Torey Lovullo. His first order of business should be to tell <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rodnefe01.shtml" target="_blank">Fernando Rodney</a> how to wear his fucking hat. The San Diego Padres will carry a pretty young roster with perhaps the best defensive catcher in the game in <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hedgeau01.shtml" target="_blank">Austin Hedges</a>. Hedges can guide the pitching staff but he definitely can't control them. The Padres look to <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/weaveje02.shtml" target="_blank">Jered Weaver</a> to help solve some of their pitching woes.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVQZhiS73GIM6EpzCQOZmWKRvjEeoOFqfGpelKyRXpvmiMMqUHWpBH_UeFbSWjvrxN5Yf8K_HFpQ24t_S1NcRCEMS4uTNJbVnFm0cKRlUmXJO_y_DXTexIJDfyZJRwt015E6aEZevKjEqMgb2H1ARRHc6fMeTzyzMUALpFLo_h8SfDqkv9BAx17rG_=s320" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVQZhiS73GIM6EpzCQOZmWKRvjEeoOFqfGpelKyRXpvmiMMqUHWpBH_UeFbSWjvrxN5Yf8K_HFpQ24t_S1NcRCEMS4uTNJbVnFm0cKRlUmXJO_y_DXTexIJDfyZJRwt015E6aEZevKjEqMgb2H1ARRHc6fMeTzyzMUALpFLo_h8SfDqkv9BAx17rG_=s320" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jason Heyward</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">National League Central</u><b> </b><br />
Chicago Cubs (96-66)<br />
St. Louis Cardinals (93-69)*<br />
Pittsburgh Pirates (86-76)<br />
Milwaukee Brewers (73-89)<br />
Cincinnati Reds (68-94)</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
The National League Central is going to be exciting to watch this season as the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals battle for the top spot. What makes this even more interesting is <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fowlede01.shtml" target="_blank">Dexter Fowler</a>, who helped guide the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series title since 1901 last season, is now a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. To fill the void left by Fowler, the Cubs will need <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/heywaja01.shtml" target="_blank">Jason Heyward</a> to rebound from a dismal 2016 season. The Pittsburgh Pirates will do their best to keep pace with the Cubs and Cardinals but could end up trading <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mccutan01.shtml" target="_blank">Andrew McCutchen</a> at some points during the season. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=hader-000jos" target="_blank">Josh Hader</a> is a pitcher to keep an eye on for the Milwaukee Brewers. Hader is a left-hander with the ability to strike out a lot of batters. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/braunry02.shtml" target="_blank">Ryan Braun</a> will likely be among the league leaders in intentional walks received. The Cincinnati Reds are a completely different team going into 2017 and not in a good way. They are definitely in a rebuilding stage. Aside from <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vottojo01.shtml" target="_blank">Joey Votto</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hamilbi02.shtml" target="_blank">Billy Hamilton</a>, there isn't too much to be excited about this season. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyrPZihGbdTvGhDhASgfKqdsuQLnOQbIBV2XZLrbHVZXfQMeaAV30Gz-0b7UczBRqy3CKoTPfp7NizP4TIlLoAkUksFqN_sVPkCEDYYC4uLfSrcDnU24JnOZ3hnm5jKKKIoO6_mL2ZtOcV2L_txWAnGyYkEBPuACQJkRspg6zLWugWzz-GimpsGfck=s320" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyrPZihGbdTvGhDhASgfKqdsuQLnOQbIBV2XZLrbHVZXfQMeaAV30Gz-0b7UczBRqy3CKoTPfp7NizP4TIlLoAkUksFqN_sVPkCEDYYC4uLfSrcDnU24JnOZ3hnm5jKKKIoO6_mL2ZtOcV2L_txWAnGyYkEBPuACQJkRspg6zLWugWzz-GimpsGfck=s320" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max Scherzer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><u>National League East</u></b><br />
Washington Nationals (95-67)<br />
Miami Marlins (87-75)<br />
New York Mets (85-77)<br />
Atlanta Braves (72-90)<br />
Philadelphia Phillies (62-100)</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
The Washington Nationals success is based on how good their starting pitchers pitch. It also depends on how healthy those pitchers happen to be too. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/scherma01.shtml" target="_blank">Max Scherzer</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/strasst01.shtml" target="_blank">Stephen Strasburg</a> start off the rotation but let's not forget that <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gonzagi01.shtml" target="_blank">Gio Gonzalez</a> has also been an All-Star pitcher before too. Many critics say <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harpebr03.shtml" target="_blank">Bryce Harper</a> had an off year last season. If the Nationals can put all the pieces together this season then look out. The Miami Marlins are an intriguing team. I think this team may play inspired and with heavy hearts after the loss of their pitching ace, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fernajo02.shtml" target="_blank">Jose Fernandez</a>, late last season. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/y/yelicch01.shtml" target="_blank">Christian Yelich</a> will continue to see his star rise and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stantmi03.shtml" target="_blank">Giancarlo Stanton</a> will continue to hit mammoth home runs. As is the case with Washington, the New York Mets chances will rely on their starting pitching staff. Can the Mets return to their 2015 form? How many more games can <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wrighda03.shtml" target="_blank">David Wright</a> play at 3rd base and be effective? The Atlanta Braves might as well play in Florida themselves since they decided to sign old farts <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/colonba01.shtml" target="_blank">Bartolo Colon</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dicker.01.shtml" target="_blank">R.A. Dickey</a>. However, they do have top prospect, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/swansda01.shtml" target="_blank">Dansby Swanson</a>, ready to take over at shortstop. The Philadelphia Phillies will suck. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kendrho01.shtml" target="_blank">Howie Kendrick</a> will likely be their lone All-Star then he'll cross his fingers in hopes that he will get traded. </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Wild Card Games</b><br />
Kansas City Royals over Toronto Blue Jays<br />
St. Louis Cardinals over Los Angeles Dodgers<br />
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<b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Division Series</b><br />
Kansas City Royals defeat the Boston Red Sox (3-2)<br />
Cleveland Indians defeat Texas Rangers (3-1)<br />
Chicago Cubs defeat St. Louis Cardinals (3-2)<br />
Washington Nationals defeat San Francisco Giants (3-2)<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Championship Series</u><br />
Kansas City Royals defeat Cleveland Indians (4-2)<br />
Washington Nationals defeat Chicago Cubs (4-3)<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">World Series</u><br />
Washington Nationals defeat Kansas City Royals (4-1)<br />
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<u><b>SEASON AWARDS</b></u><br />
AL MVP - <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/correca01.shtml" target="_blank">Carlos Correa</a>, Houston Astros<br />
NL MVP - <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harpebr03.shtml" target="_blank">Bryce Harper</a>, Washington Nationals<br />
AL CY YOUNG - <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml" target="_blank">Chris Sale</a>, Boston Red Sox<br />
NL CY YOUNG - <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/strasst01.shtml" target="_blank">Stephen Strasburg</a>, Washington Nationals<br />
AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cottojh01.shtml" target="_blank">Jharel Cotton</a>, Oakland Athletics<br />
NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/swansda01.shtml" target="_blank">Dansby Swanson</a>, Atlanta Braves<br />
AL COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR - <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/moustmi01.shtml" target="_blank">Mike Moustakas</a>, Kansas City Royals<br />
NL COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR - <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harvema01.shtml" target="_blank">Matt Harvey</a>, New York Mets<br />
AL MANAGER OF THE YEAR - Terry Francona, Cleveland Indians<br />
NL MANAGER OF THE YEAR - Bruce Bochy, San Francisco Giants<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-41738572173340625992016-06-13T22:56:00.003-07:002016-06-14T21:22:24.651-07:00Everyone Deserves a Reason to Smile This world is a messed up place. It is hard to comprehend why so many bad things happen to people who don't deserve it at all. I'm not talking about bad things like getting fired from a job or getting suspended from game 5 of the NBA Finals. I'm talking about the kind of stuff that happened in Orlando, Florida, over the weekend. It happens way too much and it makes me absolutely sick.<br />
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This is why I try to stay away from the news. The bad stuff always gets the headlines. However, it is almost impossible to avoid the news completely. It is all over my Twitter feed, it is all over Facebook,</div>
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and even if I just want to check my e-mail, a terrible news story pops up there too. </div>
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Why do all these mass shootings happen and so often? I wish I knew. Is it because we don't have gun control laws in America? Is it parenting? Is it the media? Is it the combination of all of these things? A lot of people will have their opinions and usually once people hold an opinion about something they rarely change their opinion. (of course, that's just my opinion.)</div>
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America. It is supposed to be the land of the free, right? Why does it feel less and less that way? People are living in more fear now than ever before. People are afraid to fall in love because they are afraid they may lose that person they love. People are afraid to travel because they fear a terrorist attack. People are afraid to live and it just makes me sad.</div>
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Since my heart surgery in September, I haven't done many comedy shows. I just wasn't feeling the desire. I've done like 1 or 2 shows per month this whole year. I was taking a step back from comedy to reflect on how lucky I am to be alive and experience different things. That desire to do comedy is back now. The desire to make people laugh, to forget the pain... and to live. Everyone deserves a reason to smile and I want to help make that happen. </div>
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I will be at the Blue Lagoon in Santa Cruz on June 23rd at 8:30pm for a free show. I will be announcing more shows soon as well so stay tuned to my website for info. </div>
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Tell those you love that you love them. And come election time, please be sure to vote. </div>
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Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-58575751141820951192016-03-27T23:01:00.004-07:002022-02-12T16:33:47.167-08:002016 Major League Baseball Predictions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The 2016 season starts in just one week and I like usual I am looking forward to another exciting season. This year, the start of the regular season on Sunday, April 3rd, features three games instead of the normal one game like in the past. The rest of the teams begin action on Monday, April 4th. If you're an avid baseball fan like me and are looking for a new cell phone provider then you may want to join T-Mobile. This year, T-Mobile is offering anyone who joins their network between April 3rd and April 10th, MLB.TV Premium for the full season for free. (If you are already a T-Mobile member, you also get this deal). More info <a href="http://www.t-mobile.com/mlb.html?cm_mmc_o=ezEbfY%20Jq1CjCzczywEwllCjC41PCjC41PMzEbfYJq1" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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My predictions for the 2016 baseball season are as follows...(* denotes Wild Card team)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yu Darvish</td></tr>
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<b><u>American League West</u></b></div>
Houston Astros (89-73)<br />
Texas Rangers (85-77)<br />
Seattle Mariners (81-81)<br />
Los Angeles Angels (79-83)<br />
Oakland Athletics (70-92)<br />
<br />
After years of being in the cellar and obtaining top draft picks, the Houston Astros showed what doing well in the draft and developing talent can do last season. Reigning Rookie of Year, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/correca01.shtml" target="_blank">Carlos Correa</a>, could very well be an MVP candidate in his first full season for Houston. While <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hamelco01.shtml" target="_blank">Cole Hamels</a> is now the ace for the Texas Rangers, if they want to take down Houston, they will need <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/darviyu01.shtml" target="_blank"><b>Yu Darvish</b></a> to be able to return healthy from a Tommy John surgery operation last season. His return is expected in May 2016. The Seattle Mariners lucked out when<a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/i/iwakuhi01.shtml" target="_blank"> Hisashi Iwakuma</a> failed his physical when the Los Angeles Dodgers were going to sign him as a free agent. The Dodgers then backed out of the deal and the Mariners then brought Iwakuma back. The Los Angeles Angels have arguably the best baseball player in the game in <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/troutmi01.shtml" target="_blank">Mike Trout</a> and the addition of <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/simmoan01.shtml" target="_blank">Andrelton Simmons</a> in a trade with the Atlanta Braves should help their defense. The Angels main concern has to be their starting pitching. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wilsocj01.shtml" target="_blank">CJ Wilson</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/weaveje02.shtml" target="_blank">Jered Weaver</a> both need to find ways to be consistently good if they want to succeed. The Oakland Athletics, my favorite team in any sport, will likely finish in last. After <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grayso01.shtml" target="_blank">Sonny Gray</a>, the A's don't have much in terms of starting pitching. They spent 6 Million for <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hillri01.shtml" target="_blank">Rich Hill</a> after he played in just 4 games in 2015 with hopes he'd be a starter. He has struggled for most of the Spring.<a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/reddijo01.shtml" target="_blank"> Josh Reddick</a> should find himself on the All-Star team this season but then likely get traded soon afterwards. I hope they prove me wrong though.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhC2Gpl0KczyOO6mgDDrynURztYqwmrGzBHKQ_Qbh81Hv1dqMZPwXYav2s8jPj8KWYqrlAj2xoTChkm67a-WJj7lkhCj7vUIknYYCyZmd24Z5FO2c0iW-IIvH-NfJdz9bgWltUGo8fD9jdleg8OgzEGGbEtIXeAKQk7qF4r6UvosUIn5_ICc6yPdVp4=s320" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhC2Gpl0KczyOO6mgDDrynURztYqwmrGzBHKQ_Qbh81Hv1dqMZPwXYav2s8jPj8KWYqrlAj2xoTChkm67a-WJj7lkhCj7vUIknYYCyZmd24Z5FO2c0iW-IIvH-NfJdz9bgWltUGo8fD9jdleg8OgzEGGbEtIXeAKQk7qF4r6UvosUIn5_ICc6yPdVp4=w295-h192" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Byron Buxton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">American League Central</u><br />
Kansas City Royals (91-71)<br />
Detroit Tigers (88-74)*<br />
Cleveland Indians (82-80)<br />
Minnesota Twins (81-81)</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Chicago White Sox (76-86)</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
The Kansas City Royals will continue to bolster an amazing bullpen as they make their run to defend their World Series Championship. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/herreke01.shtml" target="_blank">Kelvin Herrera</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/daviswa01.shtml" target="_blank">Wade Davis</a> return to anchor the bullpen. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/soriajo01.shtml" target="_blank">Joakim Soria</a> also returns to the team after originally starting his career with Kansas City. The Detroit Tigers should rebound after finishing last in the division in 2015. It seems that <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/verlaju01.shtml" target="_blank">Justin Verlander</a> may be looking once again like the Verlander everyone knows him to be. The addition of <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/z/zimmejo02.shtml" target="_blank">Jordan Zimmermann</a> to the pitching rotation won't hurt either. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/u/uptonju01.shtml" target="_blank">Justin Upton</a> provides extra protection in the lineup for <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cabremi01.shtml" target="_blank">Miguel Cabrera</a> so now they just have to hope Cabrera can stay healthy. The Cleveland Indians didn't make many moves during the offseason and I don't expect them to make much of a move in the standings. Last year they finished in third place with an 81-80 record. The Minnesota Twins are relying a lot on a star from Korea in <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.cgi?id=park--000byu" target="_blank">Byung-ho Park</a> and a highly touted prospect, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buxtoby01.shtml" target="_blank"><b>Byron Buxton</b></a>. Buxton has been a highly touted prospect even though he hasn't played a full season in a while due to freak injuries. It won't surprise me to see him injured again this season. The Chicago White Sox made a lot of moves in the offseason acquiring guys like <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/frazito01.shtml" target="_blank">Todd Frazier</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lawribr01.shtml" target="_blank">Brett Lawrie</a>. Their biggest move though may have been involving <a href="http://deadspin.com/who-had-a-problem-with-adam-laroches-kid-1765501446" target="_blank">this kid</a> which turns out to send the morale of the team in a downward spiral. Robin Ventura's days as a manager may also be numbered. </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQ4wgaXdjN4_64Tc9xUabvxlbIRmCYeJxr-xjRaUSAeNkSEf30kKCvE76SPrOAzYqSDJQPh6gKZDSVC9maoQOolzFaywPYThnG3Jlp3VyR4j9Kb_aR2PtP64tdCwWiQpT4dBkl-HDwOvs7S44EtznOiYr-mhzxtlHYLqDqudbG5w19uRKu7XZzEGNL=s320" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQ4wgaXdjN4_64Tc9xUabvxlbIRmCYeJxr-xjRaUSAeNkSEf30kKCvE76SPrOAzYqSDJQPh6gKZDSVC9maoQOolzFaywPYThnG3Jlp3VyR4j9Kb_aR2PtP64tdCwWiQpT4dBkl-HDwOvs7S44EtznOiYr-mhzxtlHYLqDqudbG5w19uRKu7XZzEGNL=w293-h195" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Price</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u>American League East</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Toronto Blue Jays (92-70)<br />
Boston Red Sox (86-76)*</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
New York Yankees (82-80)<br />
Tampa Bay Rays (79-83)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Baltimore Orioles (75-87)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Blue Jays lineup is ridiculously good. I don't see any reason for it to be worse in 2016. The question is whether or not the young <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stromma01.shtml" target="_blank">Marcus Stroman</a> can anchor the staff for a full season. I also think <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chaveje01.shtml" target="_blank">Jesse Chavez</a> will be an unsung hero for this team, both out of the bullpen and as a spot starter. The Boston Red Sox acquired an All-Star starter in <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/priceda01.shtml" target="_blank"><b>David Price</b></a> and an All-Star closer in <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kimbrcr01.shtml" target="_blank">Craig Kimbrel</a>. These two additions should help Boston get back into the playoffs as long as <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sandopa01.shtml" target="_blank">Pablo Sandoval</a> doesn't eat them! The New York Yankees are still the New York Yankees. They are still considered an old team yet somehow keep winning. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chapmar01.shtml" target="_blank">Aroldis Chapman</a> was acquired to be their new closer but will be suspended for 30 games due to domestic violence claims against him. The suspension could prove quite costly for the Yankees. The Tampa Bay Rays have the worst stadium in all of baseball but won't end up with the worst record. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dickeco01.shtml" target="_blank">Corey Dickerson</a> was a nice addition which should provide some more pop and the Rays are hoping <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/longoev01.shtml" target="_blank">Evan Longoria</a> can get back on track too. The Rays starting pitchers will do well but the bullpen will not fare as well. The Baltimore Orioles paid a lot of money to keep DH/1B <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/davisch02.shtml" target="_blank">Chris Davis</a> in an Orioles uniform and even though he <i>did</i> pitch in relief in a game in 2012 and got the win, the Orioles are going to wish they spent that money toward more pitching instead. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0-8W1vInNmhXMTlk-q9C9MGJitRtqIfdDhMn5Cwcs0QbFzG4JHkp81yjFs3DMCTZy2FN5rO0OHTQGPrRQQnAtzdjVQDfHdoSIOyhOgjmjtiA3JFHf4WymcJTeieoqxXCxZrUxYeCWU5PB_PxZx0E-ptdTmJ5XUPMHdtrRWq3R6Vj2IEFc2iNy1Fin=s320" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0-8W1vInNmhXMTlk-q9C9MGJitRtqIfdDhMn5Cwcs0QbFzG4JHkp81yjFs3DMCTZy2FN5rO0OHTQGPrRQQnAtzdjVQDfHdoSIOyhOgjmjtiA3JFHf4WymcJTeieoqxXCxZrUxYeCWU5PB_PxZx0E-ptdTmJ5XUPMHdtrRWq3R6Vj2IEFc2iNy1Fin=w268-h143" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zack Greinke</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">National League West</u><br />
San Francisco Giants (90-72)<br />
Los Angeles Dodgers (87-75)<br />
Arizona Diamondbacks (84-78)</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
San Diego Padres (78-84)</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Colorado Rockies (66-96)</div>
<div style="text-align: right;"><br />A lot has been said about the San Francisco Giants and their offseason. They acquired starting pitchers <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cuetojo01.shtml" target="_blank">Johnny Cueto</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/samarje01.shtml" target="_blank">Jeff Samardzija</a> as well as outfielder <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/spande01.shtml" target="_blank">Denard Span</a>. A lot of their success will depend on how well Cueto and Samardzija do too as they had sub-par 2015 seasons. The Giants would also like to have a healthy <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cainma01.shtml" target="_blank">Matt Cain</a> in 2016. The Los Angeles Dodgers lost one of their All-Star starting pitchers, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/greinza01.shtml" target="_blank">Zack Greinke</a>, when he signed with division rival, Arizona Diamonbacks. The loss of Greinke will keep the Dodgers from reaching from first place. The addition of Greinke is a nice move for Arizona but it will be interesting to see if he can pitch well at home as Arizona is known as a hitters ballpark. The San Diego Padres were the talk of baseball after the offseason they had after the 2014 season. They failed to provide results after so many expectations. This year they won't have any expectations and still fail to provide results. The Colorado Rockies have <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arenano01.shtml" target="_blank">Nolan Arenado</a> so they got that going for them. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gonzaca01.shtml" target="_blank">Carlos Gonzalez's</a> days with the club are numbered and manager Walt Weiss may be out of a job soon too. </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHOe8lCDAwgo7UaLo61REi-pg8o2DSuK0yuUNcTzifN0gm4PLx8lb6OKQWv-Pga5R3sF88OqFayUa0HhIOA6a_mtYWt930gpvsOPCp93AH7T_LX_HDoNJc_H0epoCD8xzdES_ds_hkWY6yeB1CxYTR7XZNWPnq-OA2G8aaAQW4fg1awhRjrpZ_6vQD" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHOe8lCDAwgo7UaLo61REi-pg8o2DSuK0yuUNcTzifN0gm4PLx8lb6OKQWv-Pga5R3sF88OqFayUa0HhIOA6a_mtYWt930gpvsOPCp93AH7T_LX_HDoNJc_H0epoCD8xzdES_ds_hkWY6yeB1CxYTR7XZNWPnq-OA2G8aaAQW4fg1awhRjrpZ_6vQD=w255-h255" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dexter Fowler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">National League Central</u><b> </b><br />
Chicago Cubs (95-67)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
St. Louis Cardinals (92-70)*</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Pittsburgh Pirates (90-72)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Milwaukee Brewers (70-92)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cincinnati Reds (62-100)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The National League Central race was close last season between the top three teams and should be close again this year too. The Cubs won 97 games last season and finished in 3rd place! The Cubs obtained two players who were Cardinals before in <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/heywaja01.shtml" target="_blank">Jason Heyward</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lackejo01.shtml" target="_blank">John Lackey</a>. Those additions, plus the return of <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fowlede01.shtml" target="_blank">Dexter Fowler</a> </b>(who turned down more money elsewhere to return) should help the Cubs take first place. The St. Louis Cardinals season will depend a lot on the health of two players, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wainwad01.shtml" target="_blank">Adam Wainwright</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/molinya01.shtml" target="_blank">Yadier Molina</a>. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/leakemi01.shtml" target="_blank">Mike Leake</a> should thrive pitching for St. Louis. The Pittsburgh Pirates will go as far as <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mccutan01.shtml" target="_blank">Andrew McCutchen</a> carries them. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/martest01.shtml" target="_blank">Starling Marte</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/polangr01.shtml" target="_blank">Gregory Polanco</a> will also continue to blossom. The Milwaukee Brewers signed <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cartech02.shtml" target="_blank">Chris Carter</a> and he could tire out Bernie Brewer as Bernie will slide down the slide in left field when Carter hits a moon shot home run. Bernie may then also pass out from drinking when Carter strikes out more than 100 times. The Cincinnati Reds may very well be the worst team in majors. They got rid of talent but did not add anybody Major League ready. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/phillbr01.shtml" target="_blank">Brandon Phillips</a>, who always seems to have a smile, may find it hard to smile this year. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjswFz-_5eMW0e9kd7VtZ7yjn7YJP--2SoViw1Utnxn412sbS6pKYPqjwivRU2nLOqK9iHMDzTfrGaf9dt5QXhvxlTxAcPATG8r9pnfQfYtx08CGbA4NKrQ7w9FMLBHkrneCMg7-zkJ0Q_xki2H-JUC5ZT_HqYtVaDdXD9IZJtROH8-PDNqX0QbVQVD=s320" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjswFz-_5eMW0e9kd7VtZ7yjn7YJP--2SoViw1Utnxn412sbS6pKYPqjwivRU2nLOqK9iHMDzTfrGaf9dt5QXhvxlTxAcPATG8r9pnfQfYtx08CGbA4NKrQ7w9FMLBHkrneCMg7-zkJ0Q_xki2H-JUC5ZT_HqYtVaDdXD9IZJtROH8-PDNqX0QbVQVD=w255-h149" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise - Steven Matz, Noah Syndergaard, <br />Jacob DeGrom,<br />
Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><u>National League West</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Washington Nationals (93-69)<br />
New York Mets (91-71)*<br />
Atlanta Braves (71-91)<br />
Philadelphia Phillies (69-93)<br />
Miami Marlins (66-96)</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br />
Dusty Baker makes his return to managing a Major League team and takes the Washington Nationals to a Division Championship but no further. The New York Mets welcome the return of a healthy <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wheelza01.shtml" target="_blank">Zack Wheeler</a> and it only makes their rotation better. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cespeyo01.shtml" target="_blank">Yoenis Cespedes </a>will excite the fans again as long as he isn't too lazy to pick up the baseball. The rest of the National League East will stink. The Atlanta Braves are clearly in a rebuilding mode. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/i/inciaen01.shtml" target="_blank">Ender Inciarte</a> may bring some excitement with his speed to the Braves. The Philadelphia Phillies won't feel much brotherly love from their fanbase. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/howarry01.shtml" target="_blank">Ryan Howard</a> may very well ask to get traded to a contender. Don Mattingly, now manager of the Miami Marlins, proves that he cannot in fact, manage. But hey, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/suzukic01.shtml" target="_blank">Ichiro Suzuki</a> should get his 3,000th career major league hit for the Marlins this season. </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="text-decoration: underline;">Wild Card Games</b><br />
Boston Red Sox defeat Detroit Tigers<br />
New York Mets defeat St. Louis Cardinals</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="text-decoration: underline;">Division Series</b><br />
Toronto Blue Jays defeat the Boston Red Sox (3-1)<br />
Houston Astros defeat Kansas City Royals (3-2)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Chicago Cubs defeat New York Mets (3-2)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
San Francisco Giants defeat Washington Nationals (3-1)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Championship Series</u><br />
Toronto Blue Jays defeat Houston Astros (4-2)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Chicago Cubs defeat San Francisco Giants (4-3)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">World Series</u><br />
Toronto Blue Jays defeat Chicago Cubs (4-1) - <i>Sorry Cubs fans... </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u>AWARDS</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
AL MVP: Carlos Correa, Houston Astros</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
NL MVP: Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
AL CY YOUNG: David Price, Boston Red Sox</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
NL CY YOUNG: Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: AJ Reed, Houston Astros</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Corey Seager, Los Angeles Dodgers</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
AL COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Yu Darvish, Texas Rangers</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
NL COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Hunter Pence, San Francisco Giants</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
AL MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Brad Ausmus, Detroit Tigers</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
NL MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Bruce Bochy, San Francisco Giants</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
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<div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-28794258356436181692016-02-26T22:04:00.001-08:002016-02-26T22:32:01.661-08:00My 2016 Academy Award Predictions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWw7FVZc-8BN9aFHChx9ZREEFod-qhW74xO46hq7eFd2LIPsGeZMRfEdKgm5_q42hJ5GgHUpv_XxGRv5_qNvbwIFAV_qhnJn8UNwTNGcBRNsRgrO5rn3S5sbc68KF18LGa-W8vuIV0p8/s1600/oscars-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWw7FVZc-8BN9aFHChx9ZREEFod-qhW74xO46hq7eFd2LIPsGeZMRfEdKgm5_q42hJ5GgHUpv_XxGRv5_qNvbwIFAV_qhnJn8UNwTNGcBRNsRgrO5rn3S5sbc68KF18LGa-W8vuIV0p8/s400/oscars-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The 2016 Academy Awards take place on Sunday, February 28, 2016, at 7pm EST with host Chris Rock. I usually try to see all the Best Picture Nominees as possible, This year, I ended up doing a little more watching. I ended up seeing 43/57 total Oscar nominees. That is 75% if you want to do the math. Wait, nevermind, I just did it for you. That being said, here are my predictions for every category. I am including who I think will win and also who I think should win, because sometimes these are different. The films in <i>italics</i> are the ones I did NOT get around to seeing.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Best Picture</b></u><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1596363/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">The Big Short</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3682448/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Bridge of Spies</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2381111/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Brooklyn</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392190/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Mad Max: Fury Road</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3659388/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Martian</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663202/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Revenant</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3170832/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Room </a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1895587/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Spotlight</a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663202/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Revenant</a><br />
Who I think should win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1895587/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Spotlight</a><br />
<br />
<b style="text-decoration: underline;">Best Actor</b><br />
Bryan Cranston - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3203606/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Trumbo</a><br />
Matt Damon - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3659388/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Martian</a><br />
Leonardo DiCaprio - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663202/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Revenant</a><br />
Michael Fassbender - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2080374/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Steve Jobs</a><br />
Eddie Redmayne - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0810819/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Danish Girl</a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: Leonardo DiCaprio<br />
Who I think should win: Leonardo DiCaprio<br />
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Best Actress </u><br />
Cate Blanchett - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2402927/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Carol</a><br />
Jennifer Lawrence - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2446980/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Joy</a><br />
Brie Larson - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3170832/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Room</a><br />
Charlotte Rampling - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3544082/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">45 Years</a><br />
Saoirse Ronan - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2381111/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Brooklyn</a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: Brie Larson<br />
Who I think should win: Brie Larson<br />
<br />
<b><u>Best Supporting Actor</u></b><br />
Christian Bale - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1596363/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">The Big Short</a><br />
Tom Hardy - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663202/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Revenant</a><br />
Mark Rylance - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3682448/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Bridge of Spies</a><br />
Mark Ruffalo - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1895587/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Spotlight</a><br />
Sylvester Stalone - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3076658/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Creed</a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: Sylvester Stalone<br />
Who I think should win: Mark Ruffalo<br />
<br />
<b style="text-decoration: underline;">Best Supporting Actress</b><br />
Jennifer Jason Leigh - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3460252/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Hateful Eight</a><br />
Rooney Mara - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2402927/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Carol</a><br />
Rachel McAdams - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1895587/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Spotlight</a><br />
Alicia Vikander - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0810819/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Danish Girl</a><br />
Kate Winslet - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2080374/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Steve Jobs</a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: Alicia Vikander<br />
Who I think should win: Jennifer Jason Leigh<br />
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Animated Feature Film</u><br />
<i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2401878/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Anomalisa</a><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3183630/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Boy and The World</a></i><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2096673/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Inside Out</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2872750/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Shaun the Sheep Movie</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3398268/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">When Marnie Was There</a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2096673/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Inside Out</a><br />
Who I think should win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3398268/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">When Marnie Was There</a><br />
<br />
<b style="text-decoration: underline;">Cinematography</b><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2402927/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Carol</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3460252/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Hateful Eight</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663202/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Revenant</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392190/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Mad Max: Fury Road</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3397884/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Sicario</a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663202/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Revenant</a><br />
Who I think should win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663202/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Revenant</a><br />
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Costume Design</u><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2402927/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Carol</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1661199/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Cinderella</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0810819/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Danish Girl</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392190/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Mad Max: Fury Road</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663202/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Revenant</a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392190/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Mad Max: Fury Road</a><br />
Who I think should win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2402927/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Carol</a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Best Director</u></b><br />
Adam McKay - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1596363/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">The Big Short</a><br />
George Miller - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392190/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Mad Max: Fury Road</a><br />
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu -<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663202/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Revenant</a><br />
Lenny Abrahamson - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3170832/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Room</a><br />
Tom McCarthy - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1895587/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Spotlight </a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: George Miller<br />
Who I think should win: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu<br />
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Documentary (Feature)</u><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2870648/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Amy</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4126304/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Cartel Land</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3521134/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Look of Silence</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4284010/?ref_=nv_sr_2" target="_blank">What Happened, Miss Simone?</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4908644/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom</a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2870648/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Amy</a><br />
Who I think should win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3521134/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Look of Silence</a><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Documentary (Short Subject)</u><br />
<i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4430002/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Body Team 12</a></i><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4084844/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Chau, Beyond the Lines</a><br />
<i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4815426/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Claude Lanzmann: Spectres of the Shoah</a><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5144072/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">A Girl in The River: The Price of Forgiveness</a></i><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4172096/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Last Day of Freedom</a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4172096/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Last Day of Freedom</a><br />
Who I think should win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4172096/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Last Day of Freedom</a><br />
<br />
<b style="text-decoration: underline;">Film Editing</b><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1596363/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">The Big Short</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392190/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Mad Max: Fury Road</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663202/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Revenant</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1895587/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Spotlight</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2488496/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Star Wars: The Force Awakens</a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663202/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Revenant</a><br />
Who I think should win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663202/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Revenant</a><br />
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Foreign Language Film</u><br />
<i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4285496/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Embrace of the Serpent</a><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3966404/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Mustang</a></i><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3170902/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Theeb</a><br />
<i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3808342/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Son of Saul</a><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3830162/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">A War</a></i><br />
<b><br /></b>
Who I think will win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3808342/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Son of Saul</a><br />
Who I think should win: not enough data to make personal choice<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Makeup and Hairstyling</u></b><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392190/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Mad Max: Fury Road</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2113681/?ref_=nv_sr_2" target="_blank">The 100-Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663202/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Revenant</a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392190/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Mad Max: Fury Road</a><br />
Who I think should win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392190/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Mad Max: Fury Road</a><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Music (Original Score)</u><br />
Thomas Newman - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3682448/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Bridge of Spies</a><br />
Carter Burwell - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2402927/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Carol</a><br />
Ennio Morricone - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3460252/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Hateful Eight</a><br />
Johann Johannsson - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3397884/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Sicario</a><br />
John Williams - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2488496/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Star Wars: The Force Awakens</a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: Ennio Morricone - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3460252/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Hateful Eight</a><br />
Who I think should win: Ennio Morricone - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3460252/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Hateful Eight</a><br />
<b><u><br />Music (Original Song)</u></b><br />
"Earned It" - <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2322441/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Fifty Shades of Gray</a></i><br />
"Manta Ray" - <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1618448/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Racing Extinction</a></i><br />
"Simple Song #3" - <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3312830/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Youth</a></i><br />
"Til It Happens to You" - <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4185572/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Hunting Ground</a></i><br />
"Writings on the Wall" - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2379713/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Spectre</a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: "Til It Happens to You" - <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4185572/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Hunting Ground</a></i><br />
Who I think should win: "Til It Happens to You" - <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4185572/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Hunting Ground</a></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b><u>Production Design</u></b><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3682448/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Bridge of Spies</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0810819/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Danish Girl</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392190/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Mad Max: Fury Road</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3659388/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Martian</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663202/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Revenant</a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392190/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Mad Max: Fury Road</a><br />
Who I think should win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392190/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Mad Max: Fury Road</a><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Short Film (Animated)</u></b><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3829254/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Bear Story</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4955294/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Prologue</a><br />
<i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4661600/?ref_=nv_sr_3" target="_blank">Sanjay's Super Team</a></i><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3965660/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">We Can't Live without Cosmos</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4171032/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">World of Tomorrow</a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3829254/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Bear Story</a><br />
Who I think should win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3965660/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">We Can't Live Without Cosmos</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b style="text-decoration: underline;">Short Film (Live Action)</b><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4419794/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Ave Maria</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4122886/?ref_=nv_sr_2" target="_blank">Day One</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4324518/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Everything Will Be Okay (Alles Wird Gut)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4273570/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Shok</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4817576/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Stutterer</a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4324518/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Everything Will Be Okay (Alles Wird Gut)</a><br />
Who I think should win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4324518/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Everything Will Be Okay (Alles Wird Gut)</a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Sound Editing</u></b><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392190/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Mad Max: Fury Road</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3659388/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Martian</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663202/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Revenant</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3397884/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Sicario</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2488496/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Star Wars: The Force Awakens</a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2488496/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Star Wars: The Force Awakens</a><br />
Who I think should win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2488496/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Star Wars: The Force Awakens</a><br />
<br />
<b style="text-decoration: underline;">Sound Mixing</b><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3682448/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Bridge of Spies</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392190/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Mad Max: Fury Road</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3659388/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Martian</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663202/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Revenant</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2488496/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Star Wars: The Force Awakens</a><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
Who I think will win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663202/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Revenant</a><br />
Who I think should win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2488496/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Star Wars: The Force Awakens</a><br />
<br />
<b style="text-decoration: underline;">Visual Effects</b><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0470752/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Ex Machina</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392190/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Mad Max: Fury Road</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3659388/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Martian</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663202/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Revenant</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2488496/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Star Wars: The Force Awakens</a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392190/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Mad Max: Fury Road</a><br />
Who I think should win: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392190/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Mad Max: Fury Road</a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Best Adapted Screenplay</u></b><br />
Charles Randolph and Adam McKay - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1596363/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">The Big Short</a><br />
Emma Donoghue - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3170832/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Room</a><br />
Phyllis Nagy - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2402927/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Carol</a><br />
Drew Goddard - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3659388/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Martian</a><br />
Nick Hornby - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2381111/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Brooklyn</a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: Charles Randolph and Adam McKay - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1596363/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Big Short</a><br />
Who I think should win: Charles Randolph and Adam McKay - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1596363/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Big Short</a><br />
<br />
<b style="text-decoration: underline;">Best Original Screenplay</b><br />
Matt Charman, Ethan Coen, and Joel Coen - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3682448/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Bridge of Spies</a><br />
Alex Garland - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0470752/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Ex Machina</a><br />
Pete Docter, Meg LeFauve, and Josh Cooley - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2096673/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Inside Out</a><br />
Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1895587/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Spotlight</a><br />
Jonathan Herman and Andrea Berloff - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1398426/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Straight Outta Compton</a><br />
<br />
Who I think will win: Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1895587/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Spotlight</a><br />
Who I think should win: Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1895587/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Spotlight</a><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
And that concludes my predictions! I hope everyone who watches enjoys the ceremony and I'm sure Chris Rock will not disappoint as host.<br />
<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u><br /></u></b>Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-87242487642360318782015-11-29T22:45:00.002-08:002015-11-29T22:45:43.441-08:00Hello againHey everybody!<br />
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I'm returning to the stage tomorrow, November 30th.<br />
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I had my heart surgery on September 28th (it was originally scheduled for September 25th but then got re-scheduled). Now after 2 months off work recovering, I am ready to resume my life,<br />
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Sure, life is different now in terms of my diet restrictions and the fact I will be exercising more - but that is probably a good thing anyway!<br />
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Come see at a show and watch me share my experiences with the surgery.<br />
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Hope to see you at a show!Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-41147598448268072122015-09-17T18:16:00.000-07:002015-09-17T18:16:09.367-07:00Surgery Next WeekOn August 31st, I had a consultation appointment with a surgeon at Kaiser in Santa Clara and the date has now been set for my Heart Valve Replacement surgery on Friday, September 25th.<br />
The pre-op appointment is on Monday the 21st.<br />
<br />
Again, I was born with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve and knew this surgery was something I would need all my life, it was just a matter of when. When is now next week.<br />
<br />So for the heart valve replacement, there are two options. One option is to go with a tissue valve (in this case, it'd be from a cow). The tissue valve currently has a life span of 10-15 years which means another valve replacement surgery in the future would be likely.<br />
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The second option is a mechanical valve. The mechanical valve should last for a lifetime but it is required you take Warfarin (blood thinner medication) for the rest of your life as well - to prevent blood clots from occurring.<br />
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I have decided I will be going with the mechanical valve option...because I only want to have this surgery once.<br />
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Once on the Warfarin medicine - I am to avoid large amounts of Vitamin K which includes the following items:<br />
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Broccoli<br />
Cauliflower<br />
Cabbage<br />
Brussel Sprouts<br />
Kale<br />
Spinach<br />
Other Leafy Vegetables<br />
Liver<br />
Green Tea<br />
<br />
Out of these items, broccoli and spinach are the two I eat the most - but it should be easy to refrain from having large amounts of these items.<br />
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I've also been told that when you take Warfarin, that you bruise easier. So don't touch me.<br />
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The hospital stay will be somewhere between 5-7 days. <br />The overall recovery time is expected to be 6-8 weeks.<br /><br />My last day (for a while) at work is tomorrow.<br />
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I'm going to be missing some events due to this operation which sucks... I will miss the A's-Giants game on September 25th that I actually had a ticket for already. I will miss the San Jose Sharks home opener game. I will miss numerous Oktoberfest events. I'm not sure how much I will be able to do on my birthday either.<br />
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Missing those events will suck but I have to remember that this surgery will help me be able to attend many more events in the future.<br />
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The last show I performed in was on August 14th in Oakland. One thing my current condition does is make me tired quicker. I also seem to sweat quicker after not much exercise. I can't wait to get back on stage with my restored energy - but I also need to make sure I don't push myself too much and take my time in recovering.<br />
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<br />Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-50426403605614749512015-08-20T13:52:00.002-07:002015-08-20T13:52:46.662-07:00Surgery SoonAt the end of July, I went to San Francisco to get an MRI as the second step to check on my current heart valve condition.<br />
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After a couple of weeks looking over the results from the MRI and the Treadmill Test, and then discussing it with her colleagues as well, my doctor said it would be best if I get the Heart Valve Replacement surgery done soon.<br />
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So the next step for me will be to meet with the surgeon and then a date will be set for the surgery itself.<br />
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I've been told that it would be a 5 night stay at the hospital and then about 2 months to recover.<br />
<br />
The surgery should take place within a month or so from now.Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700144542642544130.post-27577659245947590482015-07-22T13:56:00.001-07:002015-07-22T13:56:07.776-07:00The Stress Test So I took this Stress Test (aka Treadmill Test) at Kaiser in San Jose on July 9th and that was interesting to say the least.<br />
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First of all, the co-pay was $70.00 so I don't know how that is supposed to reduce my stress.<br />
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I get in the room and they start hooking me up with the EKG devices to monitor my heart which was expected. They also put an IV in my left arm which I did not expect.<br />
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Now, I have never walked on a treadmill before this so it was a new experience to me in many ways. I begin walking then one of the assistants on my right side tells me to stick out my arm and keep my palm up. "Don't look at me" she says, as I try to do what she says while walking at the same time.<br />
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Then there is a doctor on my left hand side that keeps asking me questions. "Is this the normal pace you go when you go walking?" I'm a smartass with my response and say "well, the ground doesn't usually move when I go walking so I have no idea." But that was the truth... I had no idea if it was my usual walking pace.<br />
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Eventually, the test ends - although I am keeping pace fine, my blood pressure had dropped. It is supposed to go up, not down, when exercising. It basically proved what they already knew and that is that my heart valve is narrow...<br />
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My next step won't be on a treadmill but in San Francisco next week when I get an MRI. Then I will know whether or not I need surgery shortly afterwards. I'm not really scared (yet anyway)... but it is annoying to not know what the near future holds for me just yet. I have booked a couple shows for August but have decided to hold off on booking anything else until I get a better idea of what will happen.<br />
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I plan on starting a podcast soon - not sure what to name it yet - but I figure it'll be something I can sometimes do while still in recovery at least.<br />
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I met a girl last month at the Redwood Comedy Festival in Humboldt County... I was so sure she was "the one" that I even went out of my way to go visit her 3 weeks later (after she said she liked the idea of me visiting too)... It was about a 6 hour drive. Then after I arrived and told her I was there, I never heard from her. I just don't get it... I somehow though got over it....willing to give it another chance.... I then attempted to visit her again recently when she was in SF (her idea), but when I get there she seemed to turn into a completely different person and acts like it was never her idea for me to come visit. That was the end of the line for me. Oh well, I took a chance and I will learn from it for sure. If two people like each other, it should NEVER be that much work.<br />
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Anyway, what's up ladies?<br />
<br />
<br />Wesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076013994924856915noreply@blogger.com0