What every MLB team should be thankful for
From all of us to you, happy Thanksgiving.
While the MLB offseason is in full swing, everyone is waiting for pitchers and catchers to report. That's still a ways away, so until then, let's take a look at what every team has to be thankful for:
Arizona Diamondbacks - A new front office
Mike Hazen's arrival is a breath of fresh air for an organization trying not to trade away any more No. 1 overall picks.
Atlanta Braves - A new stadium
If you haven't seen the pictures of SunTrust Park, you should. It might quickly become one of baseball's gems.
Baltimore Orioles - The power of power
The Orioles hit an MLB-best 253 home runs. Aside from giving pitchers whiplash, fans have a blast seeing Mark Trumbo, Chris Davis, and Manny Machado headline the Clouts of Camden Yards.
Boston Red Sox - Mookie Betts
Watching Mookie Betts play is one thing; watching him play for your team makes you really proud.
Chicago Cubs - No more curse
The Cubs won the World Series, and they're supposed to win it again after not capturing the championship since 1908. Life must be good.
Chicago White Sox - Chris Sale
Not only is he one of the scariest pitchers in baseball, he's literally willing to destroy uniforms in order to keep things status quo.
Cincinnati Reds - A 2nd straight No. 2 pick
OK, the Reds have struggled as of late, but they can only get better after winning the No. 2 overall pick in the draft in 2016 and again in 2017.
Cleveland Indians - Terry Francona
The Indians had a championship-caliber squad, and Terry Francona was the final piece of the puzzle, making them into the American League's best team.
Colorado Rockies - Geography
On one hand, it's difficult to lose so often, but the average player can hit above his abilities when smacking the ball around in the Mile-High City.
Detroit Tigers - Hardcore talent
Every team has good players, but Detroit's good players are REALLY good. For example: Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera, and Michael Fulmer.
Houston Astros - Skill everywhere
Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve, and George Springer are just a few of the players who make up one of baseball's youngest and best teams.
Kansas City Royals - Sal Perez
No one catches more games than Sal Perez. Seeing him catch in such volume and hit the way he does is unique.
Los Angeles Angels - Mike Trout
The Angels aren't good, but at least they have MVP Mike Trout, who has a chance to be an MVP every single year.
Los Angeles Dodgers - Money
Money ain't a thing for the Dodgers. Rest assured, fans, if you want someone, you can afford them.
Miami Marlins - A chance to watch Jose Fernandez
In the most crushing news to hit the baseball world this year, young right-hander Jose Fernandez died in September. Four seasons of absolute greatness on and off the diamond is what made him so special to all of us.
Milwaukee Brewers - A bright future
When you've only made the playoffs four times in the history of your organization, the best thing that can happen is what hasn't happened yet. The future looks bright.
Minnesota Twins - A No. 1 pick
Well, at least there's one benefit to being the worst team in baseball. Happy picking!
New York Mets - The rotation
Sure, they didn't perform as well as the Mets had hoped. But anyone would jump at grabbing Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, Steven Matz, Matt Harvey, or Zack Wheeler. If they can stay healthy, watch out.
New York Yankees - History
Even people that know nothing about baseball know who the Yankees are. This team is, and likely always will be, one of the most well-known organizations across sports.
Oakland Athletics - A massive ballpark
The Athletics may not hit many home runs because their park is so big, but their pitchers don't give up many, either - an AL-low 149 homers were belted out of the Coliseum.
Philadelphia Phillies - A scary pipeline
If you check out MLB's top 100 prospects, it's littered with Phillies players like J.P. Crawford, Mickey Moniak, and Nick Williams. In due time, the Phillies will be good again.
Pittsburgh Pirates - Star-studded outfield
Starling Marte, Andrew McCutchen, and Gregory Polanco: The view at PNC Park isn't the only nice thing to look at.
San Diego Padres - The weather
The 2017 jerseys aren't exactly uplifting, GM A.J. Preller is constantly making headlines for the wrong reasons, and the team hasn't had a winning record since 2010. But at least they do it all in the sun!
San Francisco Giants - Even-year magic
This should've been the Giants' year, because they're the even-year team, winning World Series championships in 2010, 2012, and 2014. So give it a year, and expect another in 2018.
Seattle Mariners - GM eager to win now
Jerry Dipoto's move to acquire Jean Segura is a clear sign the Mariners expect to win immediately. They were within a few games of punching a ticket to the postseason in 2016, and they'll be there at the end again next season.
St. Louis Cardinals - A winning tradition
Every year, the Cardinals are good. Even when they don't make the playoffs, which doesn't happen often, they still have a winning record. It's nice to watch a winner every day, isn't it?
Tampa Bay Rays - No rain delays
The AL East is a gauntlet once again, and the Rays are the odd team out. They don't look much like winners for the foreseeable future, but at least they never get delays at the Trop.
Texas Rangers - Character
Imagine walking into a locker room with Adrian Beltre, Elvis Andrus, and Rougned Odor. One way or another, you're getting pranked - or punched in the face.
Toronto Blue Jays - An entire country
The Blue Jays are the only team in baseball to have an entire country behind them. That helps the vibes in the playoffs, and it sure makes it tough for anyone going against a Blue Jay in the All-Star Final Vote.
Washington Nationals - World Series odds
With so much talent, and more on the way, Washington is poised to bust the door down in 2017.