Top MLB headline predictions for 2015
With 2014 coming to a close, here are six headline predictions for Major League Baseball for 2015.
Jonah Birenbaum: Both the Giants and Royals miss the postseason
It’s exceptionally rare for both league champions to miss the playoffs the season after earning a spot in World Series, but it appears that both the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals will have trouble surviving until October in 2015. Not only did both clubs qualify for the postseason as wild-card entrants last season, but the two squads outperformed their Pythagorean records by a combined six wins. Furthermore, their success in 2014 was predicated largely on the incredible effectiveness of their bullpens, a formula that doesn’t augur well for the future given the volatility of relief pitchers. Though the Royals have spent quite a bit of money this offseason on free agents like Kendrys Morales, Alex Rios and Edinson Volquez, it’s not obvious those additions will recoup the value lost from the expected departure of free agent James Shields. The Giants, meanwhile, lost both Pablo Sandoval and Michael Morse to free agency, while their rotation - with the exception of Madison Bumgarner - boasts an average age of 33.
Dan Toman: The Cuban takeover
Cuban stars continued to infiltrate the sport in 2014 and expect them to further make their mark in the new year. Yasmany Tomas, Rusney Castillo and Jorge Soler are the latest Cuban prospects to make the major league jump, joining an All-Star group that already includes Yasiel Puig, Jose Fernandez, Jose Abreu, Aroldis Chapman and Yoenis Cespedes.
It's well within the realm of possibility that Cubans sweep the Rookie of the Year (Soler, Tomas, Castillo) and MVP awards (Puig, Abreu), and with relations between the island country and United States thawing, an even greater influx of talent could soon be on its way.
Greg Warren: Yankees release Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez’s comeback bid following the longest performance-enhancing drug-related suspension in major league history is an epic failure, sending the media into a frenzy and creating a huge distraction for the team. General manager Brian Cashman already retained the services of third baseman Chase Headley, signalling Rodriguez will be limited to part-time designated hitter duties. The 39-year-old will buckle under the microscope and underperform at the plate, forcing the New York Yankees to swallow the $61 million still owed to him. Thanks for the memories, Alex.
Chris Toman: Bryce Harper captures 1st NL MVP award
Injuries have really been the only thing capable of slowing down Washington Nationals phenom Bryce Harper. He's failed to reach the 140-game mark in each of his three major league seasons, but continues to produce when healthy. Harper's a career .272/.351/.465 hitter, and put on a show during the postseason by blasting moonshots on the game's biggest stage. A rare talent with 40-plus homer power, Harper will capture his first MVP award in his age-22 season while leading the Nats to another NL East title. He'll also reinvigorate the debate between him and Mike Trout for supremacy in the sport.
Brandon Wile: Rusney Castillo wins AL Rookie of the Year
While the signings of Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez overshadowed his addition, Cuban rookie Rusney Castillo will emerge as one of the most influential bats in the Boston Red Sox's lineup in 2015. The 27-year-old outfielder enjoyed success during an abbreviated stint in the majors last September, slashing .333/.400/.528 in 40 plate appearances. Having now played consistent baseball the past four months - for the first time since defecting from Cuba in 2013 - Castillo's Winter Ball performance has shown signs of why the Red Sox decided to ink him to a seven-year, $72.5-million deal. Likely slotted in the bottom third of a superb offensive lineup, Castillo will thrive off the protection, becoming the second Cuban in as many years to win the American League Rookie of the Year.
Darren Kritzer: Rangers trade Yu Darvish
The Texas Rangers, coming off a 67-win campaign in 2014, struggle again in 2015 and decide to trade the franchise at the deadline. General manager Jon Daniels reportedly gauged interest in 'core players' last season, including Yu Darvish, giving him a leg up on potential suitors. The return for the right-hander would be enormous to say the least, but if the team hopes to regain power in the American League West with aging stars Adrian Beltre and Prince Fielder on the roster, rebuilding by trading Darvish wouldn't be such a bad idea.