Review & Forecast – Threeunassisted

MLB Trading Deadline: The Things That Annoy Me

I like the MLB trading deadline as much as the next. The speculation, the potential deals and the names discussed make for great conversation. However, I do get annoyed, perturbed, bothered, name the adjective when I hear certain names and teams mentioned. This usually involves teams that are deemed as “sellers” and players that are viewed as “available”. Now, there is a good chance that all three of our teams will benefit from these conditions. As a fan of the game, these situations still bother me because we have fan bases involved that have been repeatedly kicked at this time of year.

Here are my three items for this deadline that really make me frown. Keep in mind I don’t speak for the fans of the teams involved so maybe they don’t have an issue with what is going on. I speak from an outsider’s perspective.

Enough of the Mitch Keller trade talk. Credit: Forbes

Pittsburgh Pirates

The first domino fell with third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes being sent to the Cincinnati Reds earlier today. The name that has been talked about seemingly since May is pitcher Mitch Keller. Why, Pittsburgh, why? Keller does not become a free agent until 2029, so yes, he theoretically can bring back a great return. But again, why? Do Pirates’ fans trust that the players coming back will actually pan out? Even more of a problem for me is the Bucs have assembled a solid rotation with Keller, Paul Skenes and Bailey Falter. If they can manage to put a decent lineup around this trio, then we are talking about a team that contend in 2026. That also means keeping closer David Bednar, also mentioned in trade discussions and is controlled through next season. Fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates deserve much better than seeing their team raided year after year at the deadline.

Miami Marlins

Maybe it is just a rumor but the Marlins did make the playoffs in 2023. They took a giant step backwards last season because their entire starting rotation landed on the injured list. Pitcher Sandy Alcantara has been seemingly been talked about in trade rumors for the last four years. You would think that with Miami going 28-22 since June 1 to crawl their way to the fringes of a playoff spot that any talk of Alcantara being moved would die down. You would be wrong. It is the Marlins so nothing is off the table when it comes to player movement. I don’t expect them to become buyers which is fine. However, it would be a big disappointment to trade the former Cy Young Award winner just as his team is turning things around.

Cleveland Guardians

Did we forget that it was just last year that the Guardians reached the American League Championship Series? So a semi lost season later, there is this need to tear the thing down? I get it, outfielder Steven Kwan may command a significant return with him being under control until 2028. But this team still has Jose Ramirez, one of the best players in baseball. Perhaps the investigation into Emmanuel Clase‘s alleged gambling activities, himself the subject of trade rumors, has forced Cleveland into the possibility of selling. However, with Ramirez at 33 years old, the Guardians should be doing everything in their power to add help for him, particularly since he signed the most club friendly contract in baseball history. Suck it up, Guardians, keep Kwan, hope Clase gets cleared and take a run at 2026.

Can I Win Fantasy Baseball Please?

For a period of about twelve years, I did not play fantasy baseball. Once the breakup of our longtime league took place, I disassociated myself from the activity, thinking that just watching the game was plenty for me (it still is). Then in 2019, my buddy Steve told me about a league that was short a player. After going through the coaching wars with Steve, I decided to give it a shot. I have learned to not get too emotionally involved with winning and losing and, unlike football, I am able to watch baseball without having to worry about how my players are doing. I’ve had some degree of success with semi final appearances in two seasons. However, I would be lying if I said I am good with finishing consistently out of the money.

Kyle Tucker, my #1 pick. Credit: Chicago Sun Times

Here is hoping that 2025 is the year my luck changes.

I do have Caitlyn and Matthew involved a little but with my drafts. Matthew has his own league; they drafted in January and make all kinds of moves prior to the season starting. He is a little more objective and is a little better with helping me select the right man. All Caitlyn wants to do is have me draft Phillies’ players. I do try to grab at least one guy from the Yankees, Mets and Phillies, depending on where I am in the draft. I don’t have a particular strategy but I do try to pick quickly instead of taking the entire 90 seconds. I have three guys in mind when it’s getting closer to my turn. The only danger is that if all three are taken, I tend to scramble for a pick. It is very rare that I walk away from a draft thinking that my team is not any good.

I am 100% confident I can win this year. I had the 10th pick in a 12 team league. See below for my team, XWOBA, Sr. My first pick was Kyle Tucker. True to my word, I drafted one, even two, from each team: Austin Wells, Mark Vientos, David Peterson, Orion Kerkering and Cristopher Sanchez. I will keep you posted throughout the year.

MLB Playoffs: Subway Series Dreams Are Far From Dead

It’s a beautiful Saturday afternoon in more ways than one. The sun is shining and for the first time in a week the temperature will hit 70 degrees. Perhaps nothing is more beautiful than knowing that the dreams of all New Yorkers are still very much alive. The Mets gave Citi Field one more party in 2024 with their 12-6 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers while the Yankees showed more resiliency with their 8-6 win over the Cleveland Guardians. We in New York get one more weekend of full baseball, one more chance to get both of our teams in the World Series, much to the chagrin of MLB executives and Fox.

Gleyber Torres has been a big time playoff performer. Photo from Sports Illustrated

First, let’s look at the easy road. The Yankees will be in the World Series. As difficult as the Guardians are as an opponent, the Yanks have proven to be just a shade better. Cleveland’s renowned bullpen, and Emmanuel Clase in particular, has faltered just enough to give New York the edge. New York’s bullpen has been a little bit better, despite Luke Weaver giving up a big home run in Game 3. Giancarlo Stanton has proven to be a playoff difference maker with his home runs in big spots. Gleyber Torres has left his regular season woes in the rearview mirror. There is a chance Carlos Rodon doesn’t pitch quite as well in Game 5 as he did in Game 1, potentially allowing the Guardians to extend the series. However, Gerrit Cole will certainly fare better than his Game 2 performance, launching his team into the World Series.

It won’t be easy for the Mets. Not only do they have to win consecutive road games to clinch, but they are playing against a club that has looked great while also displaying their own brand of resolve. The Dodgers were a game away from elimination in the previous round against a hot San Diego Padres team and won two straight to advance to this round. Although the Mets’ three losses look like lopsided scores, they really were in every game. A big problem has been their inability to score with runners on base. Nothing epitomizes that more than their bases loaded, no out situation in the sixth inning of Game 4. they failed to score a single run. Credit must be given to the Dodgers’ staff for working out of those jams. However, if you are a championship ballclub, your lineup needs to push runs across the plate. I really believe that the Mets hitters will turn those missed opportunities into runs. The question is, can the Met pitching keep the potent Dodgers’ lineup down just enough to get a lead to Edwin Diaz?

The Yankees will be playing at this time next week. The Mets, that is less certain. It is going to be a big hill to climb. Have faith, New York baseball fans. At this time next week, both of our teams will be preparing for Game 1 of the World Series.

The Week Ahead in Major League Baseball August 19-August 25

I can’t believe we are this far into August. In two weeks, Ryan goes back to college and the other two start school shortly after that. Where has the Summer gone? Actually, where has the Major League Baseball season gone? It seems like two weeks ago that I was watching the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres play each other in Japan prior to going to work. Here it is the third week of August and the Chicago White Sox have not been officially eliminated from the playoffs yet. That means we have plenty of baseball left to digest.

Jurickson Profar has been the Padres’ best player this season. Photo from Yahoo.

Series to Watch: Minnesota Twins at San Diego Padres

These two teams are in playoff position in their respective leagues. However, both still have designs on division titles with San Diego trailing the Dodgers by three games and the Twins are sitting behind the Cleveland Guardians by two games. The Padres have been arguably the hottest team in baseball with a 24-12 record since July 1. Minnesota has been sizzling, winning 11 of 16 games so far in August. Unfortunately, Twins’ center fielder Byron Buxton has found his way back to the injured list with hip inflammation. The Padres had their own injury setback when shortstop Ha-Seong Kim left Sunday’s game with a jammed shoulder. The schedule doesn’t let up for either team after this series as the Padres will next host the New York Mets and the Twins return home to face the St. Louis Cardinals.

Player to Watch: Ketel Marte

The Arizona Diamondbacks’ MVP candidate hasn’t been the same since Garrett Stubbs of the Philadelphia Phillies rolled into his ankle on August 10. He missed one game and then left the game after that in the first inning. He then missed the next three games before starting at designated hitter on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Marte pinch hit on Sunday but needed to be helped off the field after checking his swing. The second baseman cannot afford to miss any significant time as the D-backs are already dealing with the absence of first baseman Christian Walker and catcher Gabby Moreno. After a sizzling four week stretch, Arizona was swept over the weekend by the Rays. Losing Marte to an IL stint will compromise the D-back playoff push.

#1 struggles

Spencer Torkelson was the #1 overall pick of the 2020 Draft. The Detroit Tigers’ first baseman was expected to have a banner season in 2024. The Tigers were supposed to take the next step in their progression. However, Torkelson struggled mightily, barely hitting above .200 before being sent to Tripe A Toldeo. Torkelson returned over the weekend after playing 58 games for the Mud Hens. Detroit has faded from playoff contention and you can argue they and the Chicago Cubs are tied for the biggest disappointments in baseball. The soon to be 25-year old Torkelson still has two months to turn his season around or else become one step closer to acquiring the dreaded “bust” title.

The Week Ahead in Major League Baseball August 4-August 11

I sit here in the beginning of August, feeling really bad for the Chicago White Sox. They have now lost 20 consecutive games and their record is 60 games under .500 at 27-87. I know we really shouldn’t feel bad for guys that are playing a kids’ game and earn a lot of money doing so. However, this has been one miserable experience for everyone involved, from the players, the front office and most importantly, the fans. They have a chance to be worse than the 2003 Detroit Tigers who finished the season with a record of 43-119. I really hope this is a one time occurrence and their deadline deals can provide at least a little hope for 2025.

On to the present and more positive things in Major League Baseball.

Ketel Marte is a legit MVP candidate. Photo from azcentral.com

Series to watch: Philadelphia Phillies at Arizona Diamondbacks

The second rematch of the 2023 National League Championship Series takes place with a four game weekend series in the desert. In June, the Phils got the better of the Snakes with a 2-1 series victory. This set has personal implications for me with my daughter being a great Phillies fan and me once writing a blog about the D-backs. Philadelphia potentially righted the ship (and my daughter’s state of mind) with a 6-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Sunday. Meanwhile, Arizona, though sitting in the last wild card spot is actually within striking distance of first place, only five games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bryce Harper has been slumping lately but his two home runs in Sunday’s victory makes us recognize the Harper we know and love. Ketel Marte is a legitimate MVP candidate. Despite not having 40% of their starting rotation for most of the season and severe regression by Corbin Carroll, the D-backs are in a playoff spot thanks to the outstanding season put together by their All-Star second baseman.

Player to Watch: Aaron Judge

I mean, I could put him as the player to watch each week. There is no better player in Major League Baseball right now. The youngest Lynch asked if he would win the Triple Crown this year. The batting title is out of the question but Judge will easily win the home run and RBI titles. His 41 home runs put him around the pace of his 62 homer campaign in 2022. To me, his most remarkable attribute is his ability to play both center field and right field at a Gold Glove level. Of course, all of these good vibes will evaporate in October should he struggle during another playoff run. That’s two months from now. Let’s enjoy another historic season from #99. Judge is a joy to watch and I am fortunate to view his greatness on a daily basis.

He’s back

Jackson Holliday returned to the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. The highly touted prospect was called up for his Major League debut in April and struggled mightily. After going 2 for 34 in ten games, Holliday was sent back to Triple A Norfolk. In his first game back, Holliday smacked a grand slam (his first Major League home run), helping the Orioles to a 10-4 win vs. the Toronto Blue Jays. On Sunday, he hit his second home run as the O’s won their second contest in a row against the first place Cleveland Guardians. He is 7 for 18 since his return from Norfolk as Baltimore seems to have put their month long slump behind them. I am fairly certain that barring an injury that requires a rehab assignment, Holiday’s Minor League days are over.

A bright spot in Colorado

Once again, the Colorado Rockies are having a tough season. However, even the bad teams have standout players. Once such guy is center fielder Brenton Doyle. He was named the National League Player of the Month for July. He clubbed 11 home runs during the month, more than any other NL player. With 19 home runs and 21 stolen bases, Doyle has a chance to be the fourth player in club history to achieve a 30-30 season. Hopefully Doyle and rookie shortstop Ezequiel Tovar are building blocks for the Rockies as they look forward to 2025.

The Week Ahead in Major League Baseball July 22-July 28

I’ve been behind on my writing but I’m right on schedule with the happenings in Major League Baseball. The Atlanta Braves, at one time the clear #1 Wild Card team in the National League, has seen their lead shrink a little bit. The Houston Astros, thought to be dead at the beginning of May, are back on top of the American League West. The All Star Game, while not a truly memorable contest, still reminded everyone why it is far and away the best All Star Game in professional sports. The trade deadline arrives next week so the games coming up represent the final evaluation of teams considering to buy a playoff push or sell for the future.

Bryce Harper and the Phillies host the Guardians this weekend. Photo from the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Series to Watch: Cleveland Guardians at Philadelphia Phillies

It’s a tasty interleague matchup as the teams with the first (Phillies) and third (Guardians) best records in baseball meet for a weekend clash at the Bank. Both teams have lost two of their first three games coming out the break. Despite the stumbles early, each team enjoys a relatively comfortable lead at the tip of their respective divisions. The Phillies can actually do Cleveland a favor to start the week as they travel to Minnesota to take on the second place Twins. This is the Terry Francona mini classic as two of the legendary manager’s teams square off in a potential Fall Classic preview.

Player to Watch: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

The future Hall of Fame pitcher is set to make his season debut on Thursday against the San Francisco Giants. Kershaw isn’t the only Dodgers pitcher making a return this week as Tyler Glasnow will return on Wednesday against those same Giants. All eyes in baseball will be on Kershaw as the last time we saw him in a Major League game, he didn’t make it out of the first inning in Game One of the 2023 National League Division Series. His final rehab start was Friday night in Oklahoma City where he pitched four innings and gave up three runs on six hits. A patchwork LA rotation will certainly get a boost with both Kershaw and Glasnow coming back this week.

The White Sox are solid in the rotation.

The Chicago White Sox are heading for a historically bad season. They are 27-74 and are currently on a seven game losing streak. Their run differential is an unsightly 191. What is utterly confounding is that their starting rotation is actually pretty darn solid 1-3. Garrett Crochet was the Sox’s All Star representative and leads the American League in strikeouts with 150. Eric Fedde sports a 2.99 ERA in 19 starts. Rookie Drew Thorpe has a 3.02 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP through his first seven starts. Crochet is one of the hot names in trade talk and Fedde could be gone as well. It’s a shame that the efforts by these pitchers is being wasted by an offense that has scored 30 runs fewer than the next lowest team.

A star under the radar

Much has been made of Oakland A’s rookie closer Mason Miller. The big right-hander routinely hits 100 MPH and was the club’s lone All Star. However, the player you should watch is outfielder and designated hitter Brent Rooker. The 35th overall pick in the 2017 draft, Rooker is hitting .462 over his last 15 games. Oakland is his fourth stop in his career that started with the Minnesota Twins. He was given regular playing time last year and responded in a big way by clubbing 30 home runs and going to the All Star Game. Rooker has been even better this year, hitting .294 with 22 home runs and an OPS of .951. You don’t hear Rooker’s name much as a tradable part but any team looking for a right handed power bat should be looking in the A’s direction.

The Week Ahead in Major League Baseball June 24-June 30

Have you filled out an All Star ballot yet? While at my parents’ house on Sunday, my three kids fill out theirs and I assisted my sister with hers. With the Fall Classic coming up in three weeks, I’ll get mine in by Saturday morning. This is now the last week of June and the National League has 13 of its 15 teams with realistic chances of playing playoff baseball. Let’s see what’s coming up around the league as we close out the third full month of the 2024 season.

Steven Kwan is batting .390 in 200 at bats this year. Photo from the Akron Beacon Journal

Series to watch: Cleveland Guardians at Baltimore Orioles.

I feel like when we talk about the elite teams in Major League Baseball, the Guardians are not on anyone’s list. Yet, they enter this showdown with the same number of wins as the more celebrated Orioles. Since returning from a hamstring injury on May 31, outfielder Steven Kwan’s batting average is over .400. Josh Naylor has supplied 20 home runs and Jose Ramirez is continuing to be his magnificent self, ranking second among all players in RBI’s with 67. The O’s were just swept in Houston after taking two of three games against the Yankees. Outfielder Heston Kjerstad, the organization’s #4 prospect according to MLB.com, will be brought up this week (his third callup) to provide punch to a lineup that scored only two runs in 18 innings on Saturday and Sunday.

Player to Watch: CJ Abrams

The 23-year old shortstop, who came to the Washington Nationals in the Juan Soto trade with the San Diego Padres, is making a case to make his first All Star team. Abrams is hitting .344 over the last two weeks and he leads he Nationals in just about every offensive category. He was the 6th overall pick in the 2019 draft and had a breakout 2023 season with 18 hone runs and 47 stolen bases. Abrams’ career arc mirrors that of former Nat Trea Turner who also was a shortstop drafted by the Padres a decade ago and later was traded to Washington.

Sneaky Red Sox

Very quietly, the Boston Red Sox have had a solid 2024 thus far. Thought to finish last in the American League East, Boston sits at 42-36 and in the final Wild Card spot. They won two of three games against the Yankees last weekend and then went 5-1 last week, sweeping three in Toronto and winning two of three in Cincinnati. The most interesting aspect is that Rafael Devers is having, by his standards, a below average season. Catcher Connor Wong has been a revelation, hitting .330 and left fielder Jarren Duran leads the Majors with 10 triples. On the mound, Tanner Houck is bidding to be the the starting pitcher for the American League as he leads the league in ERA with a 2.14 mark.

Mauled Marlins

The Miami Marlins have had a terrible season. Injuries have played a huge role in the big step back after their playoff appearance in 2023. Miami has literally lost an entire starting rotation to various aliments. Sandy Alacantra had Tommy John surgery right after the Marlins were eliminated from the playoffs. Before the 2024 season began, Eury Perez was told he needed TJ surgery. Edward Cabrera hasn’t pitched since May 7 because a shoulder issue. To top it off, Jesus Luzardo was placed on the IL Saturday with a back problem and Braxton Garrett, who was on the IL until May 12, had to be scratched from his Sunday start with a stiff elbow. In all of my years following baseball, I don’t think I have ever seen an injury situation quite like this.

The Week Ahead in Major League Baseball June 17-June 23

I write this in the aftermath of another Father’s Day success. Nothing crazy, no places to go, just surrounded by those who are most important in my life. The week ahead in Major League Baseball will be anything but calm, with one gigantic series being played, one superstar whose status is in question and another superstar who might be getting ready to make his season debut. On top of that, we get a classic 1975 World Series flashback as the Cincinnati Reds take on the Boston Red Sox!

Gunnar Henderson and the Orioles head to Yankee Stadium for three big games. Photo from WBAL TV.

Series to watch: Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees.

It’s a battle in the Bronx between the teams with the two best records in baseball. Aaron Judge and Gunnar Henderson are the top two home run hitters. They are the only clubs with more than 100 home runs. A regular season series does not get any better than this. The O’s took three of four games from the Yanks in Camden Yards in during the last days in April/first days in May. You can bet New York remembers that set and will be looking for a bit of payback. I’m reliving a bit of my youth when both of these teams were solid year in and year out and their games were a big deal.

Player to watch: Gerrit Cole

There is a possibility that the 2023 Cy Yong winner will make his season debut on Wednesday against the Orioles. Cole pitched for Triple A Scranton Wilkes-Barre on Friday, his potential final step after being out all season so far with elbow discomfort. The Yanks have their starting pitcher as TBD with Cody Poteet listed as the other potential option. New York’s rotation as been strong all year long and getting back their ace adds another stroke of luck in this magical start.

Not Dodging injuries

The Los Angeles Dodgers endured a painful series this past weekend against the Kansas City Royals. Despite winning two of three games, the Dodgers lost two big pieces of their championship puzzle. Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto left Friday’s game after two innings with triceps tightness. He was placed on the 15 day IL. His velocity was down noticeably as compared to his previous outing vs. the Yankees. On Sunday, Mookie Betts fractured his left hand after being hit by a pitch from the Royals’ Dan Altavilla. Though it was announced surgery was not needed, there is no timetable for his return. Despite these latest injury setbacks, Los Angeles still owns an eight game lead in the National League West and have pitcher Bobby Miller returning this week. They can afford to be careful with Yamamoto and Betts.

Turner back

Cole is not the only star coming back. Trea Turner is set to return to the Philadelphia Phillies’ lineup Monday night barring anything unforeseen. The Phils lost the last two games of their series against the Orioles and have dropped five of their last seven contests. Turner’s return from a hamstring injury comes at a good time with Philadelphia set to play six games at home against playoff contenders the San Diego Padres and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Week Ahead in Major League Baseball June 10-June 16

Next week is Father’s Day. What better present for Dad than treating him to a day of doing……..nothing. OK, watching the day’s action in Major League Baseball ranks a close second, particularly if it is a rainy day. At least fans of the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets won’t be watching baseball during breakfast. Most kids, including my own, will be done with school this week. Time to start letting them stay up late to watch some West Coast action.

Bryce Harper and company head to Camden Yards this weekend. Photo from The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Here is what is coming up this week:

Series to watch: Philadelphia Phillies at Baltimore Orioles

This past weekend bought the hype of a possible World Series preview with the Los Angeles Dodgers playing at the New York Yankees. The Phils-O’s matchup can be deemed as such, too. It wouldn’t be the first meeting between the clubs in the Fall Classic as in 1983 the Orioles were victorious in five games, their last World Series appearance. Philadelphia owns the best record in baseball while Baltimore is tied with the Cleveland Guardians with the third best mark. Gunnar Henderson already has 20 home runs for the Orioles, the most in either league. Kyle Schwarber has been quiet so far this month, a stark contrast to his previous June. Will the friendly confines of Camden Yards wake up his sleeping bat?

Player to watch: Francisco Alvarez

The Mets were 12-8 when their young catching star suffered a thumb injury. They are now 28-36. It’s impossible to attribute the total meltdown to Alvarez’s absence. However, a telling stat appeared on SNY, home of the Mets, a couple of weeks ago. The pitching staff’s ERA is two runs lower with Alvarez behind the plate. The lineup, which has been showing signs of life, could use his big and dramatic bat in the order. Despite the bad record, the Mets are only three games out of a playoff spot. All signs point to Alvarez returning to Queens over the weekend.

Last Stand for the Blue Jays?

The Toronto Blue Jays are a game under .500, and in fourth place in the American League East. Cavan Biggio, once a part of a core of youngsters that was to make the Jays annual contenders, was designated for assignment. Alek Manoah will miss the rest of the season. Vladimir Guerrero, Jr and Bo Bichette are due to be a free agents after 2026. It almost feels as though if Toronto misses out on the playoffs this year, there will be a major teardown of the team. I think management will add, rather than subtract at the trade deadline.

National League West woes

The NL West was seen as a very strong division at the start of the season. Today, four of the five teams are under .500. Even the Los Angeles Dodgers are not immune, playing .500 ball over the last two weeks. The Colorado Rockies are the only team that is hopeless while the other three teams are within a game and a half of one another. Despite the miserable starts, I expect two of the three teams bundled together to make the playoffs.

MLB Week Ahead June 3-June 9

We’ve arrived at the first full week of June and London is calling. The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies will be playing two games in jolly old England. Here is hoping these Saturday and Sunday contests will be the best the game has to offer. On paper it doesn’t look appetizing as the Phils lead the Amazins’ by 16.5 games in the National League East. However, Philadelphia will most likely be without Ranger Suarez as the Cy Young candidate hurt his pitching hand on a comebacker over the weekend.

The Twins head to Yankees Stadium for a big series vs. the Bronx Bombers. Photo from Fox 9.

Let’s see what else is happening this week.

Series to watch: Seattle Mariners at Kansas City Royals

Two of the premier teams in the American League square off in Kansas City this weekend. The Mariners, winners of seven of their past eight games, are starting to put distance between themselves and the rest of the American League West. They are four games ahead of the Texas Rangers and took three of four games from the Houston Astros last week, dropping the ‘Stros 7.5 games out of the top spot. The Royals were nearly opposite, going 2-5 last week. KC also has to go on the road for three games in Cleveland against the first place Guardians prior to coming home. Two starts from Seth Lugo and his 1.88 ERA would be optimal for the second place Royals.

Player to watch: Rhys Hoskins

One of the most beloved players in recent Phillies’ history returns to Philadelphia. Unfortunately, the last visual of Hoskins in a Philly uniform is him going off the field in Spring Training 2023 with a torn ACL. Now with the Milwaukee Brewers, he is tied for the club lead in home runs with nine. Hoskins has seven hits in his last 20 at bats with six RBI’s. He has been the Crew’s primary DH, helping them open up a seven game lead in the National League Central. Expect a warm ovation and a touching video on Monday night.

Trade Deadline Chatter

Now that the trade deadline is officially next month, talk surrounding potential deals with intensify. However, with so many teams still in realistic playoff contention, any talk prior to June 20 is premature. Even the Oakland A’s, at 24-37 are on the fringes of the Wild Card chase. The early talk asks the question of whether or not Oakland would trade their Rookie of the Year candidate, reliever Mason Miller. Check back in three weeks to see where teams are in the standings.