Baseball is back, and will have some interesting story lines all year featuring breakout rookies and veterans, retirement tours as well as outstanding pitching performances, and each team will have a chance to be crowned champion.
Last year’s off–season included big free agent signings and trades. The Detroit Tigers signed big free agents like starter Jordan Zimmermann and outfielder Justin Upton while also acquiring reliever Francisco “K-Rod” Rodriguez.
The Arizona Diamondbacks also struck it big with the biggest free agent signing of the offseason, Zack Grenkie, along with other acquisitions like reliever Tyler Clippard, shortstop Jean Segura, aquired from a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers and starter Shelby Miller from a trade with the Atlanta Braves.
“Zack Greinke was a great piece for the D-Backs,” senior Duncan Frazier said on the runner up Cy Young award winner. “They need an ace to go into the postseason. Francisco Rodriguez is also a great addition to the Tigers’ bullpen because their playoff hopes rest in a good bullpen which was horrible last year.”
Last off-season also saw the hiring of managers. Washington Nationals hired Dusty Baker to man the clubhouse, while Mariners hired Scott Servais, the Dodgers hired Dave Roberts, Marlins and Don Mattingly, and the Padres hired Andy Green.
“Dusty Baker was a great hire by the Nationals’ front office,” Frazier said. “The Nationals need a manager that can manage the dugout after the Matt Williams mess. Williams didn’t really have a lot of experience.”
The Baltimore Orioles were disappointing last year, but improved this year by resigning star first baseman Chris Davis, reliever Darren O’Day, and adding on to that by signing starter Yovani Gallardo.
“I think the Orioles might be a surprising team this year,” sophomore Kevin Good said. “I like the signing of Gallardo, and Chris Davis is back, and I think that they might be the most underrated team going into this year.”
Red Sox DH David Ortiz announced he will be playing his final season this year. He lead the Red Sox their first World Series in 87 years, and added two more in his career with the Red Sox.
“He’s one of the all time greats but in a special way,” Frazier said. “He guided the Red Sox to three World Series championships, and kept his power consistent even at his age.”
Every MLB season has great moments that will last forever. On Opening Day, every MLB team has a shot at being crowned champion. Every player has a chance to win an award. Who will it be this year?
