“You always get a special kick on opening day, no matter how many you go through. You look forward to it like a birthday party when you’re a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen.”
Joe DiMaggio
Twins Opening Day 2022
Opening Day is the most hopeful and optimistic day of each year. At least for this one day (Well, actually two days this season, with varying teams opening on April 7 or 8) every team is a contender, every rookie a potential “phenom,” every fading veteran a potential “Comeback Player of the Year,” and every new face in the lineup or on the bench a welcome addition. (Note: Sorry. I’m a day late posting this. Getting to Day One and Day Two games slowed my progress. Also, at the end of this Opening Days celebration, I’ve posted my predictions for the 2022 season – and a few players I’d think are worth watching.)
There are flyovers, team introductions, and ceremonial first pitches in ballparks adorned with red, white and blue bunting across the nation. As the game time approaches, the sun seems a little brighter, the sky a little bluer, the grass a shade greener. The scorecard is clean and fresh, awaiting the stroke your pen or pencil – depending on how confident you are in your observational and scorekeeping skills.
Once the game begins, the ball hops off the bat with an especially sharp crack, the pitches seem to have more zip and whir-r-r than ever and the fielders move with a unique combination of grace and energy. In the stands, the beer is crisp and cold and the hot dogs steam in the cool of early spring. (And, these days, there are loads of new – sometimes even exotic – concession offering to debate over.) The fans cheer on their old and new heroes and follow this opening contest with pennant-race intensity – the most intense among them logging each play in the new season’s first scorecard. Baseball is back!
So, there I was, Opening Day 2022, with a couple of friends in the second deck of Target Field. And, yes, the sun was shining – but it was cold (about forty degrees at game time, with a brisk wind that made it feel closer to thirty. (Minnesota weather had already led to a one-day postponement of the opener). The sun was shining (we were in the shadows), however, and the festivities were on spot. The player introductions, the anthem with the giant American Flag unveiled across centerfield and new Hall of Famers (to be inducted this summer) Twins Tony Oliva and Jim Kaat throwing out ceremonial first pitches. Then it was baseball, Twins rookie Joe Ryan versus 2021 Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray.
To make a long story short, it was a nail-biter, as the Twins fell 2-1 to the Mariners. But, as always, there was drama – even though the local (StarTrubune) headline read “Zero-for-big moments,” with the subheads adding “Not much worth cheering about for Twins fans” and “Last Shot in lackluster opener dies at fence.” Ouch! I beg to disagree.
The Mariners scored first, as Ryan hit number-two hitter 1B Ty France with a pitch and one batter later gave up a two-run homer RF Mitch Haniger. So, what about big moment or things to cheer about?
- In the bottom of the third inning, with the score 2-1 and Mariners’ runners on first and second and just one out, new Gold Glove SS Carlos Correa made a beautiful diving stop on a groundball of the bat of Haniger and secured a force out at second – saving at least one run. Ryan then fanned 3B Eugenio Suarez to get out of the inning unscathed.
- In the fourth, new 3B Gio Urshela launched his first home run as a Twin, cutting the score to 2-1.
- In the fifth inning, Twins’ 24-year-old rookie right-hander Jhoan Durn (who boasts a triple-digit sinker) made his MLB debut. A pair of singles (1B Ty France and LF Jesse Winker) and a wild pitch put him in quick trouble – runners on first and third and no out (in a 2-1 game). The Mariners were threatening to break it open. Over his next ten pitches, the rookie (apparently with nerves as cold as ice) struck out Haniger, Suarez and RF Jarred Kalenic – earning a standing ovation as he walked off the mound. (Duran pitched another scoreless frame, adding a fourth strikeout and walking a batter.)
- In the bottom of the ninth, still 2-1, fan favorite Luis Arreaz delivered pinch-hit single to loud applause. With two outs in the inning, new Twin Gary Sanchez came up and, with fans changing “Gary, Gary” drove what, off the bat, looked to be a game-winning two-run dinger to left. It was caught at the wall by Mariners’ LF Winker. So close, but still an entertaining opener from this fan’s perspective.
Baseball Roundtable’s First Trot Index of 2022
Regular readers know about the Roundtable’s Trot index, which logs what percentage of MLB plate appearances end in a trot (to first base, around the bases or back to the dugout) – with no action on the basepaths or by the defense. You know what I mean: walks, strikeouts, hit by pitch, home runs and catcher’s interference. Well in the fifteen “openers” (a few teams have played two games, I deleted the second games), 37.5% of all plate appearances have met the Trot Index criteria: 23.7% as strikeouts; 9.6% as walks; 2.4% as home runs; and 1.8% hit by pitch.
A few other 2022 Opener observations:
- There were six one-run games and only one blowout (a five or more run differential);
- There were only two games that did not include at least on hit batsman;
- The Phillies pitched the only game without a walk, as the Phillies topped Oakland 9-5, April 8, in Philadelphia. Aaron Nola, Jeurys Familia; Brad Hand; Seranthony Dominguez; and Corey Knebel did the pitching.
- There were two extra-inning games – with the dreaded runners placed at second to start the inning – both on April 8. Yankees 6 – Red Sox 5 (11 innings) in New York and Giants 6 – Marlins 5 in San Francisco. (10 innings)
- There was one game without a home run, Royals 3 – Guardians 1 in Kansas City – a total of 12 hits, eight singles and four doubles.
Ouch.
Only one team went scoreless on Opening Day. The Pirates failed to score as they opened in St. Louis and lost by a 9-0 score – despite only being outhit 8-6. In the game, Pittsburgh pitchers gave up eight hits (three home runs) and seven walks and the Pirates added a pair of errors. It was also the only shutout among this year’s openers.
A few more Opening Day(s) Tidbits
Getting the First One Out of the Way
Last season, the Brewers’ Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes tallied 49 strikeouts before his first walk of the season – which came on May 13. He pitched 34 innings and faced 126 batters before issuing his first free pass. In this season’s opener, he walked the fist batter he faced – the Cubs’ Rafael Ortego.
Old Guys Rule
40-year-old Adam Wainwright started the Cardinals’ opener in Pittsburgh and pitched six scoreless frames as the Cardinal won 9-0.
Double-Digits
On April 7 , The Astros topped the Angels 3-1, becoming the second team in MLB history and the first since 1896, to win ten consecutive Opening Day games. The NL Boston Beaneaters won ten straight from 1887-1896. A few tidbits. In their still-alive streak, the Astros:
- Have won five openers at home, five on the road.
- Have had the starting pitcher record each of the ten wins (Dallas Keuchel and Justin Verlander three each, Zack Greinke, Scott Feldman, Bud Norris and Framber Valdez).
- Have outscored their opponents 44-13.
- Scored five or more runs six times, while giving up as many as three runs just once.
A Fistful of Firsts
In the April 7 Angels’ game, Shohei Ohtani became the first player to throw his team’s first pitch of the season and also be in the batter’s box to take his team’s first pitch of the season – as he started on the mound and lead off at DH. He also recorded his team’s first strikeout of the season fanning the first batter he faced and made his team’s first out of the season, grounding our short-to-first on the first pitch he saw in that first at bat.
Seth Beer Lives Up to His Name
April 7 was National Beer Day – and guess what? Diamondbacks’ DH Seth Beer (gotta love that baseball name) hit a walk-off home run to put the Diamondbacks past the Padres 4-2. It was his second career homer and first career walk-off long ball.
Now, Few Opening Day musings from the past.
Williams & Johnson – Not a law firm, but the kings of Opening Day
As much as Baseball Roundtable loves the return of the national pastime, perhaps no one looked forward to Opening Day more than Ted Williams. “Teddy Ballgame,” a .344 lifetime hitter, outdid himself on Opening Day. Williams played in fourteen “openers” and was NEVER held hitless. He finished his career with a .449 Opening Day average (22 hits in 49 at bats), with 3 home runs, 8 doubles, 1 triple, 9 runs scored, 14 RBI and 11 walks. His Opening Day on-base percentage was .550 and his season-opener slugging percentage was .837.
Photo by pingnews.com 
The Washington Senators’ right-hander Walter Johnson also was always ready for an Opening Day assignment. On his first-ever Opening Day start (April 14, 1910), the 22-year-old Johnson tossed a 3-0 one-hit shutout against the Philadelphia Athletics. Note: President William Howard Taft, on that day, became the first President to toss out the season’s ceremonial first pitch – caught by Johnson. Sixteen years (and 13 Opening Day starts) later, a 38-year-old Johnson fulfilled his last Opening Day assignment with a 15-inning, complete-game, 1-0 win (6 hits, 3 walks, 9 strikeouts) over the Athletics. Johnson holds the record for Opening Day pitching victories with nine (against five losses) and also threw a record seven Opening Day shutouts.
Not All Opening Day Memories Are Pleasant
Circumstances were clearly working against Ron Karkovice on March 31, 1996, when he set an MLB Opening Day record by striking out five times.
First, future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson (who retired with the second most strikeouts in MLB history) started on the mound for the Mariners – and he was on his game, whiffing 14 batters in seven innings (including Karkovice in the second, fourth and seventh).
Second, the White Sox could muster only two runs on four hits over the first nine innings – taking a slim 2-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth (at that point in the game, Karkovice had only a mundane three strikeouts to his credit – or debit – for the day).
Third, the Mariners tied the contest in the ninth, and the game went to 12 innings before the Mariners prevailed 3-2. In those three extra innings, Karkovice struck out against Norm Charlton (tenth inning) and Edwin Hurtado (twelfth inning) to set the Opening Day record.
Of note – at least to BBRT – is the fact that, despite five strikeouts in five plate appearances, Karkovice did not leave a single runner on base.
Another Unpleasant – or at least painful – Opening Day Memory
On April 9, 1990, Astros’ first baseman and clean-up hitter Glenn Davis (a 1989 All Star) opened the season in a bruising manner – tying an Opening Day (and MLB regular season) record for getting hit by a pitch in a game (three times). Davis came to the plate six times and never put the ball in play – but still made only one out. For the game, Davis was hit by a pitch three times, walked twice (once intentionally) and struck out once. The Astros lost to the Reds 8-4 on Davis’ historic and painful day. The Opening Day action did help Davis lead the league in one category in 1990 (Hit by Pitch – eight).
Of note to the Roundtable, Davis finished Opening Day 1990 with a batting average of .000, but an on-base percentage of .833.
BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE 2022 PREDICTIONS
Baseball Roundtable would like to celebrate Opening Day 2022 with some predictions for the season ahead … and a few comments on the teams likely to be contenders.
—–National League (or what, “back in the day,” we called the Senior Circuit)—–
NL East
Braves 94-68
Mets 90-72
Phillies 87-75
Marlins 72-90
Nationals 72-90
Even missing Ronald Acuna, Hr. (ACL), who hopes to return in early -to mid-May, and having lost free-agent Freddie Freeman, the Braves have more than enough offense to repeat as AL East Champions. They added Matt Olson (trade) to replace Freeman. Olson brings Gold Glove fielding skills and last season hit .271-39-111. He joins a lineup that includes plenty of offensive firepower. The Braves scored the most runs in the NL East last season, with only about a half-season (82 games) from Acuna. Max Fried (14-7, 3.04 ) will again lee the rotation, followed by veteran Charlie Morton (14-6, 3.34). Then, to top it all off, they added free-agent closer Kenley Jansen to add depth – at the front – of the bullpen.,
Then there’s the Mets, with a rotation that starts with Cy Young Award candidates Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer. Ouch! deGrom likely to be out until late-May or early-June and Scherzer is starting the season with a tender hamstring. Fortunately, they Mets added free-agent Chris Bassitt (12-4, 3.15 with Oakland) – who will be in the number-two slot until deGrom is ready. The Mets bullpen is solid. Closer Edwin Diaz, while he may test your nerves at times, did convert 32 of 36 save opportunities a year ago; and Trevor May, Adam Ottavino, Seth Lugo and Joely Rodriguez can get the ball to him. The Mets added some excitement on offense over the off-season and newcomer free-agent RF Starling Marte (.310-12-55, with 89 runs scored and 47 steals for the Marlins and A’s) should get the fans up out of their seats. While the Mets offense does not have the “Names” you see in the Atlanta lineup, the sum of its parts is pretty good. They will give the Braves a fight, but – surprisingly to me – it may be pitching that puts the Braves over the top.
The Phillies come in poised to improve on 82 wins in 2021 – having upgraded their bullpen and adding a bit more lineup protection for Bryce Harper. The Phillies added a couple of solid bats in DH Kyle Schwarber and LF Nick Castellanos. Returning to the middle of the lineup are MVP candidates’ RF Bryce Harper (.309-35-84.,with 13 steals last season) – who could be even better with Castellanos batting behind him. Ultimately, the offense is solid – with four potential 30+ home run bats (Harper, Schwarber, Castellanos and Rhys Hoskins) leading the charge. The defense may betray the Philllies at times, but the offense will be there. The rotation has notable potential. Zach Wheeler (14-10, 2.68) and Aaron Nola (9-9, 4.63 in an off year), followed by Kyle Gibson; Zach Elfin; and Ranger Suarez. Southpaw Suarez may be the emerging gem. He was 8-5, 1.36 in 39 game last year (12 starts). The Philllies need help in the bullpen and they went out and got it. – signing free agents Corey Knebel (2.45, with three saves, in 27 games for the Dodgers – and with a 39-save season on his resume); Jeurys Familia and Brad Hand. It should be a scramble at the top of the East.
NL Central
Brewers 95-57
Cardinals 88-74
Cubs 75-87
Reds 73-92
Pirates 61-101
The Brewers won 95 games last season – and that’s where they appear to be headed in 2022. Pitching – rotation and bullpen – will again be the driving force behind Milwaukee’s success. The Brewers’ staff led MLB in strikeouts last season and put up MLB’s third-best ERA – and all the key arms are back. The rotation starts with three 2021 NL All Stars: 2021 Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes (11-5, with a league-low 2.43 ERA and 12.6K/9); Brandon Woodruff (9-10, 2.58, 10.5K/9); and Freddy Peralta (10-5, 2.81, 12.2K/9). Adrian Houser and Eric Lauer round out what should again be a dominant rotation. The bullpen starts (or should I say ends) with one of the game’s elite closers – Josh Hader. Getting the ball to Hader are the likes of Devin Williams and Brad Boxberger. As gaudy as the Brewers’ pitching number were, their other offensive stats were middling – sixth in the NL in runs scored; eighth in home runs and last in average. I’m not seeing great improvement ahead. RF Hunter Renfroe, SS Willy Adames and DH Andrew McCutchen are key elements – and the Brew Crew could use a bounce back from 2018 MVP Christian Yelich. Ultimate, the Brewers pitching will carry them to a repeat at the top of the Central. It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Brewers make a deal for another bat for the stretch run and post-season.
The Cardinals finished five games back of the Brewers in 2021, and they did not make any off-season moves that convince me they will close the gap. With the new universal DH, they brought back free-agent fan favorite (42-year-old) Albert Pujols, but this is not the Pujols of old (.236, with 17 home runs in 2021). The Redbirds added Corey Dickerson ( .271-6-29 in 109 games for the Blue Jays & Marlins). The infield will give opponents fits in more ways than one. Not only does the Cardinals infield put up notable firepower, they have Gold Gloves at 1B, 2B and 3B. Third baseman Nolan Arenado hit .255-34-105; 1B Paul Goldschmidt hit .294-31-99; and 2B Tommy Edman hit 11 homers and stole 30 bases. LF Tyler O’Neill brings a big bat to the plate, along with Gold Glove defense. CF Harrison Bader (another 2021 Gold Glover) and RF Dylan Carlson round out the outfield – and can contribute double figure in home runs each. Yadier Molina nine-time Gold Glover will handle the catching, but at 39-years-old may need more breaks. Now, when you read about the offensive prowess and all those Gold Gloves, you may wonder why I didn’t pick the Cardinals for the top spot in the East. The fact is, this lineup is pretty much a carbon copy of 2022’s second-place squad. Moving on to the rotation, 40-year-old Adam Wainwright will lead the rotation (17-7, 3.05) and he just keep chugging along – tossing quality starts. Number-one in waiting, Jack Flaherty unfortunately will open the season on the IL (shoulder). That is a significant blow to the Redbirds Miles Mikolas, Steven Matz, Dakota Hudson and Jordan Hicks should round out the starting five. In the pen. last season, Alex Reyes was 10-8, 3.24 with 29 saves in 69 games – but he was 5-4, with 24 saves and a 1.89 ERA through July and pitched to a .5.84 ERA from Augustforward. Giovanny Gallegos has secured the closer role (with 11 saves in September) .
While the Cubs could make some noise, to me it looks like a two-team race in the NL Central.
NL West
Dodgers 102-60
Padres 90-72
Giants 88-74
Rockies 70-92
Diamondbacks 61-101
The Dodgers, with four former MVPs in the lineup, should coast home in the NL West. I say this despite the fact that the Giants won 107 games (to the Dodgers 106) in 2021. The Dodgers can put forward a lineup you could reasonably expect to have eight of the nine hitters punch 25 or more home runs – led by RF newcomer 1B Freddie Freeman, DH Max Muncy, RF Mookie Betts, CF Cody Bellinger, SS Trea Turner and C Will Smith. There are no weak spots. The rotation is headed by former MVP Clayton Kershaw, 2021 20-game winner Julio Urias and 16-game winner Walker Buehler. The Dodger lost free-agent closer Kenley Jansen to free agency, but went out and traded for Craig Kimbrel . Then you also have to factor in the Dodgers proven willingness to go out and get more help if they need it.
Losing Fernando Tatis, Jr. (for two-to-three months, fractured wrist) is a major blow to the Padres’ chances to challenge the Dodgers. Still, they’ve got a solid lineup with 3B Manny Machado, incoming DH Like Voit and RF Wil Myers and 1B Jake Cronenworth providing power. CF Trent Grisham is another exciting player at the top of the lineup. He punched 15 home runs and stole 13 bases in 132 games a year ago – and could be a 20-20 threat. The lineup just doesn’t have the depth or power of the Dodgers. The Padres may have the second-best rotation in the Division, particularly if Yu Darvish and Blake Snell return to form. Joe Musgrove and newcomer Sean Manaea can also put up quality starts. A last minute trade with the Twins brought proven closer Taylor Rogers to bolster the bullpen. Still, when you look at the rosters, you have to give the Dodger the edge. But Padres fans have plenty to be happy about – and think they will be celebrating into the post-season.
Okay, the Giants surprised me a year ago. I don’t expect it to happen again. I expect them to be in the hunt for a post-season spot – perhaps even finishing ahead of the Padres – but I do not expect them to finish ahead of the Dodgers again. They are going to feel the loss of C Buster Posey (retired) and staff ace Kevin Gausman (14-6, 2.81 in 33 starts). The offense will be led by free agent newcomer LF Joc Pederson; RF Mike Yastrzemski; SS Brandon Crawford and 1B Brandon Belt. What is a bit concerning is that Pederson is the youngest of the group at 30-years-old. The Giants did bolster the rotation with the addition of Carlos Rodon (a 13-game winner for the White Sox last year) and Alex Cobb (8-3, 3.76 for the Angels). They join Logan Webb, Anthony DeSclafani and Alex Woods in a very solid one through-five. Thirty-five-year-old Jake McGee (31 saves a year ago) may face a challenge for the closer role from Camilo Duvall (a 24-year-old with a high-90s fastball and a swing-and-miss slider). Doval, Tyler Rogers and Zack Littell man a bullpen that should be an asset.
NL AWARD WINNERS
MVP
- Trea Turner, Dodgers
- Juan Soto, Nationals
- Bryce Harper, Phillies
- Fernando Tatis, Jr. Padres
- Ronald Acuna, Jr. Braves
Cy Young Award
- Corbin Burnes, Brewers
- Walker Buehler, Dodgers
- Max Scherzer, Mets
Rookie of the Year
- O’Neil Cruz, Pirates
- Hunter Greene, Reds
- Seiya Suzuki, Cubs
A Few NL Players to Watch
Taijuan Walker, Mets. Which Taijuan Walker will the Mets see? Last season, Walker was 7-3, 2.66 in the first half and 0-8, 7.13 in the second half.
Ranger Saurez, Philllies. Saurez was 8-5, 1.36 last season – 3-2, 1.51 as a starter (12 starts) and 5-3, 1.12 in 27 relief appearances. (He didn’t make his first start until August.) It will be fun to see what he can do in a full-year starting role.
Nelson Cruz, Nationals. The ageless wonder, who will turn 42 this season, hit 32 home runs this past season and that his lowest total since 2013 (excluding the Covid-shortened 2020 season). He’s a professional hitter, a team leader and a joy to watch. What can he do as he turns 42?
Seiya Suzuki, Cubs. The 27-year-old comes over from Japan with legitimate power potential. His Japan Central League stats for the last three seasons are: .335-28-87; .300-25-75; .317-38-88. It will be interesting to see how those his skills transfer to MLB.
Trea Turner, Dodgers. One of the most exciting players in the game – .328-28-77, with 32 steals a year ago.
Reiver Sanmartin, Reds. The 25-year-old southpaw was 10-2, 3.32 at Double- and Triple-A last season, fanning 112 in 100 2/3 innings. He looked good in a couple of late season starts with the Reds.
—–American League/Senior Circuit—–
Blue Jays 95-67
Yankees 90-72
Rays 89-73
Red Sox 8 6-76
Orioles 59-103
The Blue Jays won 91 games a year ago – and played only 36 games truly at home (in Toronto). The Jays lost staff ace Robbie Ray, but free-agent pickups Kevin Gausman (14-6, 2.81 for the Giants in 2022) and Yusei Kikuchi (Mariners), plus a full year of Jose Berrios should more than make up for it. The bullpen, led by Jordan Roman (23 saves, 2.13), Yimi Garcia, Tim Mayza and Adam Cimber is ready to save wins for the rotation. The Blue Jays have also put together an offense led by MVP candidate Vlad Guerrero, Jr., with lots of firepower from the like of SS Bo Bichette, RF Teoscar Hernandez, LF Lourdes Gurriel, Jr. and newcomer 3B Matt Chapman. They are poised to take the Eat.
The Yankees should be in the fight, but I do have some concerns with the pitching. You can’t go wrong when you start your rotation with Gerrit Cole (a perennial Cy Young candidate). Following Cole are Luis Severino Jordan Montgomery, who could both present some injury concerns, as could Jameson Taillon. Still, if Severino and Montgomery are back – and they do appear to be healthy again – the rotation should keep the Yankees in the race (and hold off the Rays.) As usual, the Bronx Bombers will have plenty of firepower in the offense (RF Aaron Judge, DH Giancarlo Stanton, new 3B Josh Donaldson, 1B Anthony Rizzo) and plenty of heat in the bullpen (Aroldis Chapman, Jonathan Loaisiga, Chad Green and more). The addition of SS Isiah Kiner-Falefa should help steady the defense.
The Rays always seem to surprise me, but they will miss staff ace Tyler Glasnow (August Tommy John surgery) and 22-year-old righty Shane Baz (elbow surgery), who may be out for the first few weeks of the season. Southpaw Shane McClanahan (10-6, 3.43 in 25 starts a year ago) should start the season at the top of the rotation. Still the Rays will do their mix-and-match magic (on the mound and in the lineup) and should be in the hunt. If the Yankee stumble, the Rays could move into second place. Ultimately, the Blue Jays, Yankees and Rays should all be in the pot-season.
AL Central
White Sox 94-68
Twins 84-78
Tigers 82-80
Indians 81-81
Royals 75-87
The White Sox lost All-Star free-agent Carlos Rodon (and his 13 wins) to the Giants, but they still have plenty of solid arms in the rotation – with Lucas Giolito; Lance Lynn and Dylan Cease, with the back of the rotation drawn from Dallas Keuchel, Reynaldo Lopez and Michael Kopech. Behind the rotation, the bullpen should be a major plus with Liam Hendriks, Aaron Bummer, Reynaldo Lopez – and improved (Kendall Graveman) from a year ago. The offense, potent last season, also has the potential to be improved, with full (healthy) seasons from outfielders Eloy Jimenez (.249-10-37 in 55 games) and Luis Robert (.338-13-43 in 68 games). Key offensive cast members include SS Tim Anderson (a premier leadoff hitter), 1B Jose Abreu and newcomer RF A.J. Pollock. The White Sox led the AL Central in runs scored last season and gave up the fewest runs in the Division. They could easily repeat that performance.
Before the lockout ended, I probably would have put my hometown Twins in fourth place. However, some (unexpected) moves improved their prospects. Picking up Sonny Gray to head the rotation and (perhaps the top free agent on the market) Carlos Correa to play SS were major moves. The Twins have the offense to go head-to-head with the ChiSox (CF Byron Buxton, SS Correa, 2B Jorge Polanco, RF Max Kepler , 1B Miguel Sano). Buxton and Correa are Platinum Glove Winners up the middle. Chicago has a measurable edge on the mound. (The Twins rotations beyond Gray (Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Dylan Bundy, Chris Archer, Chris Paddock) may surprise, but it does not measure up to the White Sox. Plus ,the Twins traded their established closer (Taylor Rogers) to get Paddock, so they may be sorting out bullpen roles to start the season. Second place for the Twins.
The Tigers are a team on the rise and, if the Twins falter, I could see a second-place finish. However, I’m not convinced they are quite ready to challenge the White Sox and Twins. The Tigers did take a hit when top-prospect Riley Greene (.301-24-84,with 16 steals) suffered a fractured foot in Spring Training. Penciled in as Detroit’s CF, Greene is expected to be out for several weeks.
AL West
Astros 94-68
Mariners 91-71
Angels 85-77
Rangers 75-87
A’s 70-92
The Astros lost SS Carlos Correa, SP Zack Greinke and reliever Kendall Graveman to free agency. On the pitching side, Justin Verlander should be back from Tommy John surgery and they picked up free-agent reliever Hector Neris. They will miss Correa’s glove and bat, but there is still more than enough here to win the AL West. The offense will go through 2B Jose Altuve (.278-31-83 a year ago), DH Yordan Alvarez (33 homers and 104 RBI), underrated 24-year-old RF Kyle Tucker (.294-30-92, with 14 steals). A bounce back from 3B Alex Bregman would also be a plus – and I haven’t even mentioned LF Michael Brantley (.311 in 121 games). The rotation has Verlander, Framber Valdez (11-6, 3.14 in 22 starts), Joe Urquidy (8-3, 3.62 in 20 starts), Luis Garcia and Jake Odorizzi. Ryan Pressley, Ryne Stanek and Hector Neris head up a solid pen.
The Mariners won 90 games a year ago – and just missed the post-season. This year, 90 wins should get them in – and they appear positioned to deliver those victories. The Mariners made some moves to strengthen the team for 2022, the most important of which may be the singing of strikeout artist Robbie Ray (13-7, 2.84 with the Blue Jays last season) to head their rotation, which has some solid arms in Logan Gilbert, Marco Gonzalez and Chris Flexen. The bullpen proved to be a strength last season. The question is can they repeat. It looks like Drew Steckenrider (14 saves, 2.00 ERA) has won the closer job, but Paul Sewald, Diego Castillo and newcomer veteran Sergio Romo are all used to pitching big innings. The retirement of 3B Kyle Seager triggered some changes on offense, with a couple of new faces (via trade) in the lineup: power-hitting 3B Eugenio Suarez (31 homers for the Reds, but just a .198 average a year ago) and OF Jesse Winder (.305, with 77 runs scored for the Reds.) RF Mitch Haniger (39 home runs ) is still in the middle of the lineup and 1B Ty France, along with youngsters LF Jarred Kelenic and CF Julio Rodriguez will be in the mix. The Mariners seem well-positioned to again put 90 wins up on the board.
Despite 2021 MP Shohei Ohtani and perennial MVP candidate Mike Trout, I don’t see the Angels finishing higher than third place. Still, there is some talent to watch. On offense, both Trout and Ohtani are capable of 40 or more home runs, 1B Jarred Walsh has 30-homer power and 3B Anthony Rendon and SS David Fletcher are solid players. Raisel Iglesias saved 34 games in 2021 and has a dependable supporting cast. Ohtani may be both the best hitter and best starting pitcher on the squad. The remainder of the starting five will be drawn from Reid Detmers, Noah Syndergaard, Jose Suarez, Michael Lorenzen and Patrick Sandoval. As the season opens, there are still questions to be answered there.
AL AWARD WINNERS
MVP
- Vlad Guerrero, Jr., Blue Jays
- Shohei Ohtani, Angels
- Luis Robert, White Sox
- Mike Trout, Angels
Cy Young Award
- Gerrit Cole, Yankees
- Shane Bieber, Indians
- Robbie Ray, Mariners
Rookie of the Year
- Bobby Witt, Jr., Royals
- Spencer Torkelson, Tigers
A Few AL Players to Watch
Vlad Guerrero, Jr. Blue Jays. Just 23, Guerrero a “must-watch” Most Valuable Player candidate. – .311-48-111 a year ago, he should put up similar numbers in 2022.
Bobby Witt, Jr. Royals. Witt seems ready to join the likes of Vlad Guerrero, Jr. and Bo Bichette as second-generation MLB stars. Last year’s Minor league Player of the Year (.290-33-97, with 99 runs and 29 SB at Double-A and Triple-A), the 22-year-old is a must-watch Rookie of the Year Candidate.
Byron Buxton, Twins. A full season of Byron Buxton would be a thing of beauty. He’s capable of .300, with 30 homers, 30 steals and Platinum-Glove defense if he avoids injury (he’s only played 100+ games in one of seven seasons). Keep an eye on Buxton, especially when he closes in on the outfield walls.
Spencer Torkelson, Tigers. The Detroit 1B is is a legitimate power hitter and Rookie of the Year candidate.
Grayson Rodriguez, Orioles. Just 22-years-old, the 6’5” righthander may not get to Baltimore this season – but Baseball Roundtable hopes he does. At High-A and Double-A last season, he went 9-1, 2.36 in 23 starts, fanning 161 batters (just 27 walks) in 103 innings.
Shohei Ohtani, Angels. Nothing needs to be said here … triple-digit heat, 40-homer power and dangerous on the basepaths.
Primary Resources: Baseball-Reference.com; MLB.com
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Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; The Baseball Reliquary.
