FEATURED QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Which team gets off to a hot start in the MLB season? Which teams/players will surprise people this year?
Zach Keenan (Cleveland, OH):
“I promise this isn’t hometown favoritism, but the Cleveland Indians will win the 2017 World Series. Put it in Vegas. After last year’s 94 wins, I think the Indians are definitely a team capable of hitting the 100 mark that the Cubs found last year. With the addition of Encarnación, and the standby Golden Gove of Francisco Lindor, the Indians will have plenty of high scoring games. That being said, the Indians may have to take a few losses before things kick in. With Lonnie and Kip on the DH, and the clouds surrounding Brantley, the defensive portion of the Indians will definitely struggle. Wait until May for the Tribe to make a push, and it’ll be unforgettable. Further, the Dbacks are bound for a successful start. After a solid performance in the Cactus League this Spring, they’ve shown that they’re a team that’s already clicked when other teams have yet to do so. With power hitters Paul Goldschmidt and Jake Lamb and speedster AJ Pollock, the Dbacks are in great shape for a successful Spring. The pitching rotation headlined by Zack Greinke and Robbie Ray will command attention from critics, leading this team from Arizona to a hot start.”
Sevrin Lavenstein (Cranston, RI):
“I’m looking for big things this season from the Houston Astros, who I think will break through as a legitimate playoff contender by at least some point mid-summer. There is too much talent on their roster to have an excuse this time around. Don’t be surprised if the Mets find their way back into post season contention as well. They have maybe the best rotation in baseball, but health is always their biggest enemy. Two big names I’m keeping an eye on are Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, who will headline the list of free agents next offseason. Their play this season, specifically at the plate, will dictate the overall market. And if you are looking for the next big thing, it may be Andrew Benintendi who's manning left field for Boston. He looked amazing after his call up last season and he handles the Green Monster better than any outfielder I’ve seen.”
Ned Williamson (Portland, OR):
“Twins are undefeated so far so they have had the hottest start. Astros are stacked, and their lineup is solid from top to bottom, so their success is not a big surprise. Mariners have the potential to be one of the biggest surprises this season.”
WHO GETS OFF TO THE BEST START IN THE MLB SEASON?
Let us know what you think!
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