2014 MLB Preview: Players To Look Out For

Xander Bogaerts, SS, #2, Boston Red Sox

Xander Bogaerts
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Bogaerts made a name for himself during the 2013 World Series when he took over as the starting third baseman and played well. Now, Bogaerts, a shortstop by trade, has been given the starting job at short. Bogaerts has the potential to be great both offensively and defensively. When with a bat in his hands, Bogaerts can hit the ball. Once he gets comfortable in the big leagues, Bogaerts will hit 20-25 home runs and hit at least .300. Bogaerts has struggled defensively at points in the minors. However, he is only 21 years old and has time to keep working and improving. Bogaerts is a star in the making. I would expect Bogaerts to play well and be a favorite for the AL Rookie of the Year.

Domonic Brown, LF, #9, Philadelphia Phillies

Brown was a top five prospect a few years ago but did not play like it until last year. He made the All-Star Game and hit 27 homers. However, only six of the 27 round trippers came after July 1. That drop-off in production makes many people, including myself, wonder if the first three months of the season were a fluke for Brown. As of this moment, I am skeptical and will remain in that disposition until Brown consistently hits for power. 

Michael Pineda, SP, #35, New York Yankees

Michael Pineda
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The Yankees traded for Pineda before the 2012 season after making the All-Star Game, and ERA of, and WHIP of 1.099 in his rookie campaign in 2011. However, he has not pitched for New York due to shoulder injuries. After rehabbing for two years including stints in the minors, Pineda is back in the starting rotation. Pineda is the wild card for the Yankees. If he pitches well, the Yankees are much more likely to make the playoffs, while if Pineda struggles and cannot find his grove, not only are the Yankees less likely to be successful, it may be time to start labeling Pineda as a "one-hit wonder."

Yan Gomes, C, #10, Cleveland Indians  and Carlos Santana, 3B, #, Cleveland Indians

Gomes, the first ever MLB player from Brazil, had a very good 2013 season. He played so well that the Indians have decided to move last year's starting catcher, Carlos Santana, to 3B. The success of the Indians will depend on how well these two do their new jobs. Both are going to be middle of the order players who will need to hit for power. If they can drive in runs and Santana plays decent defense, Cleveland will have a very good opportunity for a wild card spot.

Mike Moustakas, 3B, #8, Kansas City Royals

Mike Moustakas
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Moustakas was highly touted when he came into the majors in 2011. He has given the potential to be one of the best power hitters in the game Since coming to the majors, Moustakas has hit .244, has an on-base percentage of .296, and OPS of .681, and has only 37 home runs. Not only that, he led the AL in errors by a 3B. However, he has looked great this spring, especially in his plate discipline. This is the year for him to break out. This is a big year for Moustakas. He needs to establish himself as a player who contribute positively day in and day out. If he cannot prove he can play as an above average third baseman, it will be time for the Royals to move on.

Christian Yelich, LF, #21, Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins do not have much hope for a winning season this year, but they have a lot of young talent to look at and no one is more interesting to me then Yelich. Yelich was called up midseason and performed well. Yelich has the potential to be a game changer in the future for the Marlins. He has speed, is a very good defender, and can hit. While Giancarlo Stanton will get most of the headlines, Yelich may end up being the better outfielder. 

Billy Hamilton, CF, #6, Cincinnati Reds

Billy Hamilton
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When the Reds called up Hamilton in September, he immediately made an impact. In his first game in the big show, he came on as a pinch runner, stole a base and scored the game's only run. Hamilton, who has the professional record for most stolen bases in a season (155 in 2012 with the Reds's Advanced A and AA teams), stole 13 bases in 13 games last year and is now the starting center fielder and leadoff hitter for Cincinnati. The one area he needs to improve on is his ability to get on base. If he can get on base, things are going to happen. Hamilton is an enigma and, if he plays very well, he may be the best table-setter in baseball by the end of the year.

Carlos Gomez, CF, #27, Milwaukee Brewers

Gomez had a breakout year in 2013, winning a Gold Glove, making the All-Star Team, and leading the league in rWAR. The question now is can he repeat this success? He was never close to being in a top five center fielder in the league before last year. Gomez needs to prove that he is a top center fielder in the game and this is the year he is going to need to prove it. 

Jose Abreu, 1B, #79, Chicago White Sox

Jose Abreu
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Abreu is this year's Cuban prospect to watch. He put up great numbers in the Cuba's Serie Nacional and in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. His success is going to depend on how well he can adapt to major league pitching. There is a big difference between the level he had been playing at in Cuba and the level the MLB is on. So far this spring, Abreu has hit .286 with an OPS of .780 plus three home runs and ten strikeouts to one walk. He will need to adapt like other recent Cuban stars have and keep his confidence up. I expect Abreu will do a lot of learning this year. Very soon, Abreu could be a 30 home run/ 100 RBI player. This year will not be that year.

Jim Johnson, RP, #45, Oakland Athletics

The last two years, Jim Johnson led the AL in saves with the Orioles with 51 and 50 respectively. Yet, the O's traded him to Oakland because they were worried about the money he would cost. This move was arguably the best move of the offseason. Oakland lost their 2013 closer, Grant Balfour, and replaced him with an even better closer. Johnson has the potential to be one of the best closers in the game this year.

Mark Trumbo, LF, #15, Arizona Diamondbacks

Mark Trumbo
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Trumbo was traded to the Diamondbacks in December from the Angles in a three year deal. The Diamondbacks no doubt got the better end of the deal and it may have been the best move of any team during the offseason. Trumbo is one of the best power hitters in the game. He has hit 29, 32, and 34 home runs is his three full years in the majors. However, he has trouble getting on base and putting the ball in play. Over the past three years, he has an on-base percentage of .300 and 457 strikeouts. Trumbo does have two overlooked qualities: durability and utility. Trumbo can play both corner outfield spots and first base (and has played a little third in the majors) and has averaged 151 games the last three years. Trumbo is bound for a breakout year, as long as he cuts down on his strikeouts.

Jedd Gyorko, 2B, #9, San Diego Padres

Gyorko had a very good rookie season for the Padres. However, there is a lot for him to improve on in his sophomore year. The one area the Gyorko lacked in last season was hit ability to get on base. His on-base percentage was .301. That is dreadful for a second baseman. He needs to not only draw more walks, but also get more base hits. Gyorko has the power and defense prowlless to be a great second baseman. However, he needs to get on base more for him to reach that level.

Brad Miller
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Brad Miller, SS, #5, Seattle Mariners

Miller's play during Spring Training has been spectacular. He has a batting average of .439, an on-base percentage of .500, slugging percentage .895, hit six doubles, four triples, and four home runs. Miller spent most of the spring battling with who with Nick Franklin for the starting shortstop spot and he earned the job. Miller was promoted to the Mariners in late June last year and played well for his first time in the big show. While the Mariners will have a tough time making the playoffs in a very competitive, a good season from Miller would give them a lot of confidence in keeping him at short. 

Rants, Rumblings, Raves, and Such on this year's NCAA Tournament

First Round Games To Watch

• #4 San Diego State vs #13 New Mexico State: New Mexico State has the potential to pull off the upset of the first round.
• #5 Cincinnati vs #12 Harvard: This is Harvard's third consecutive tournament and this may be their best team. Last year, they upset New Mexico, then a three seed. Sean Killpatrick and Cincinnati will have a tough time with the Crimson.
• #5 VCU vs #12 Stephen F. Austin: Stephen F. Austin hasn't lost since late November (Another way to put it: They have not lost in 28 games). This matchup was the toughest for me to make in my bracket.
• #6 Baylor vs #11 Nebraska: I really want to see how well Baylor plays. If they dominate, they will be a team to watch for though out the tourney.
• #6 UNC vs #11 Providence: Providence has the chance to shock a lot of people by upsetting the Tar Heels. This should be a good game.
• #8 Gonzaga vs #9 Oklahoma State: A great matchup that has two teams that have the prestige and talent to make ti deep into the tournament.

Great 1 vs. 8/9 Matchups for Round of 32

Shaq Goodwin
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This year features the strongest eight and nine seeds in a long time. Kentucky, the #8 seed in the Midwest, was the preseason number one. Oklahoma State, the #9 seed in the West, was once ranked in the top six teams in the country. Gonzaga, the #8 seed in the West, won the WCC Regular Season and Tournament and was ranked for more then half of the season. Memphis, the #8 seed in the East, was never fell out of the rankings an beat Louisville twice and Oklahoma State once. Colorado, George Washington, Kansas State, and Pittsburgh are also good teams. Off all these teams, Oklahoma State is being considered the most likely to upset a one seed in the Round of 32. However, I think that Memphis has a great chance of upsetting Virginia in their possible match-up. Memphis is a good team that has a lot of upset potential. If they beat Virginia, Joe Jackson or Shaq Goodwin will have had a fantastic game. Oklahoma State has a chance to beat Arizona, but that chance is not as good as people are making it out to be. 

Sim Bhullar and New Mexico State

Sim Bhullar may be the most intriguing player (and prospect) playing in the NCAA Tournament. Bhullar is a sophomore and is 7'5", 360 pounds. There is no one who can compare to his presence on the court. Bhullar does not put up astronomical numbers (He averages 10.3 points per game, 7.9 rebounds per game, and 3.4 blocks per game), but when he is given shots, he usually makes them. When Bhullar plays 25+ minutes and gets over eight shot attempts, the Aggies are 5-1. They need Bhullar to play well to win and I think they will pull off the upset.

Why Kansas Won't Win The Tournament

Andrew Wiggins
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Kansas will not cut down the nets in Arlington, Texas on April 7th. They would be lucky to even play in the Final Four. While they have a lot of talent, they are missing a lot of qualities of a champ. First, is their lack of upperclassman that produce. They have only two players who are upperclassman that will play in meaningful minutes during the tournament. The one senior, Tarik Black, doesn't even average 15 minutes a game. Even the Kentucky team with the five fabulous freshman during the 2011-12 season had Darius Miller, a senior, who was arguably their most important player. Not only that, their defense is mediocre, especially without Joel Embiid. Andrew Wiggins cannot cary the Jayhawks to the title, let alone the Final Four.

Ohio State and Aaron Craft

Aaron Craft is a great player. It seems like he has been a Buckeye forever. Sadly, this is going to be his final season in the college ranks. Craft is not a scorer, but there is no point guard who can run the offense and play outstanding defense better than him. If he can get his team to score and play solid defense, Ohio State could make a run.

The Sic 'Em Bears

Cory Jefferson
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The Baylor Bears have a lot of upset potential. Led by Brady Hesslip (11.8 points per game) and Cory Jefferson (13.8 points per game and 8.4 rebounds per game), the Bears offense is one of the best in the nation. However, their defense is mediocre. For them to be successful, they need Hesslip, Jefferson, Isaiah Austin, Kenny Chery, Hesslip, and Jefferson all need to play at their best and each need to get close to double-digit points.

The Cyclones

Iowa State may surprise people as a three seed this is their correct placement. The Cyclones have had outstanding year that includes winning the Big 12 Tournament. Even with one of the toughest schedule in the country, Iowa State's averages 82.9 points per game, which is sixth in the country. They have three players that average over 16 points per game. They are Melvin Ejim, DeAndre Kane, and Georges Niang. If they can get at least two of those scorers hot and can play some solid defense, the Cyclones will be hard to stop. 

Predictions

• Florida cuts down the nets inside AT&T Stadium
• Arizona, Michigan State, and Duke make the Final Four
• Oregon beats Wisconsin in the round of 32
• New Mexico State reaches the Sweet 16
• Memphis and New Mexico come close, but both lose in the final minute to Virginia and Kansas respectively
• There will be early round upsets, but the later rounds will have a lot of upper seeds

2014 Winter Paralympics Recap

The USA Ice Sledge Hockey team celebrates winning gold
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An American Hockey Gold

Unlike at the Olympics last month, the USA won a gold medal in hockey at the Paralympics. The USA ice sledge hockey team defeated Russia in the gold medal game, 1-0 with the lone goal being scored by Joshua Sweeney. This after losing to Russia in the group stages, 2-1. The USA got to the gold medal game by playing Canada. The men's US team could not beat Canada in the same situation in the Olympics and the US women lost in OT to the Canadians in the gold medal game last month as well. This time around, it was a different result. The US won 3-0 to make the gold medal game. Canada won the bronze medal with a win over Norway. USA Goalie Steve Cash, the 2010 Paralympics Goaltender of the Tournament, was outstanding. He allowed only two goals on 45 shots. 16 year-old Declan Farmer scored three goals and had two assists and Nikko Landeros had five assists and a +/- rating of 7 for the Americans. 

Wheelchair Curling

Ten teams competed in the Wheelchair Curling competition. Only four made the playoffs, Canada, China, Great Britain  and Russia. In the first semifinal, Russia annihilated Great Britain, 13-4. The Russians scored seven points in the 4th end. Canada pulled out a 5-4 victory in the the second semi against China. Great Britain defeated China 7-3 in the bronze medal game. In the gold medal game, Canada took home the gold with a 8-3 win over the home country. With the win, the Canadian team completed a sweep of the curling events during the 2014 Winter Olympics/Paralympics. Skipper Jim Armstrong, a former able-body curler who competed in six Canadian national championships and won the Ross Harstone Trophy three times, led the the team to their second consecutive gold medal after having a difficult few years. 

Roman Petushkov

Roman Petushkov
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Roman Petushkov won the most medals of any competitor at the Paralympics with six and all of them were gold. Three of the medals were in biathlon events, while the other three were in cross-country skiing events. The biathlon events he won were the Men's 7.5k -Sitting, Men's 12.5k - Sitting, and the Men's 15k -Sitting. Men's 15k - Sitting, Men's 1k Sprint, and the 4x2.5k Open Relay were he cross-country events he won. He was one medal away from tying the most overall medals at a Winter Paralympics. However, he came in fourth in the Men's 10k - Sitting cross-country race. The Russian's six gold at the Games is the second most by a Winter Paralympian ever. 

Anna Schaffelhuber

German Anna Schaffelhuber won five gold medals in all five of the Women's Alpine Skiing - Sitting events. In the Slalom event, Schaffelhuber came in first. The Austrian Team appealed the win because Schaffelhuber's outriggers were not in the correct position at the start of the first run. The Austrian Team won the appeal, which resulted in her gold medal being taken away. The German Team then appealed to the International Paralympic Committee, who then overturned the appealed decision, saying she did not gain advantage. Schaffelhuber got her medal back.

Medalists

Bibian Mentel-Spee
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Russia dominated the Games, winning 30 gold, 28 silver, and 22 bronze medals for 80 overall. The next highest country in overall medals is the Ukraine with 25 medals. Germany has the second most gold medals with nine. Both the Netherlands and Switzerland won only one medal at the Games, but they were gold. For the Netherlands, Bibian Mentel-Spee won their only gold in the Women's Snowboard Cross - Standing. It was the first ever medal handed out for a snowboarding event at a Paralympic Winter Games. The one medalist from Switzerland was Christoph Kunz, who won gold in the Men's Giant Slalom - Sitting. Both Kunz and Mentel-Spee were the flag bearers for their respective countries at the Opening Ceremony.

Multi-Sport Athletes' Current Baseball Endeavors

Wilson visits Rangers Spring Training

Russell Wilson
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On Monday, Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson visited and worked out with the Texas Rangers. Wilson played baseball at NC State from 2007-2010 and was drafted by the Rockies with the 25th pick in the 4th round of the 2010 Draft. He played two summers in the Rockies farm system and then focused on football. Wilson was unimpressive in the minors. A second baseman, Wilson has a career batting average of .229 and .354 on-base percentage.

Wilson was drafted by the Rangers in the Rule 5 Draft in December, hoping he could visit and speak to the team during Spring Training and, if he ever wants to return to baseball, Russell will play pro ball for the Rangers. Wilson has fulfilled the first part of their hopes when he went to Spring Training in Arizona. He fielded ground balls at second base during infield workouts and talked to players of all status. Sadly, Wilson did not take an at-bat in the Rangers game vs. Cleveland.  Hw did stay to watch the game. This is great for the Rangers. Not only do they get great media coverage, but they also get Wilson, known as a great leader, to motivate the team. 

Winston playing well on #2 Florida State

The Florida State Seminoles are currently #2 in the Baseball America Top 25 Rankings after winning two and losing one game in Tallahassee. Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston has played in seven of the Seminoles nine games so far (not including game vs. New York Yankees). In four of those games, Winston has come on as a reliever in the final inning or two and in the other three, Winston came off the bench as a pinch hitter and played the outfield. On the mound, Winston already has a save and has given up only one hit against sixteen batters in five innings. At the plate, he has two singles in two at-bats and a walk. His fielding percentage is 1.000, and he also has an assist. 

Tracy McGrady

Tracy McGrady

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Former NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady is practicing in a Houston suburb, hoping to return to a game he loves. No, it's not basketball. The 6'8" 34 year old is hoping to pitch for the Atlantic League's Sugar Land Skeeters. The Skeeters are most famous for signing Roger Clemons, who pitched one game for the team in 2012. McGrady last played organized baseball in 1996, his junior year of high school. He transferred to Mount Zion Christian Academy, a school with no baseball team, after his junior year and gave-up baseball as a result.

McGrady has insisted this is no gimmick. He says he really wants to play baseball and I applaud him for it. It seems that he has always had a love of baseball and wanted to play the game professionally when he was a kid. I give him props for venturing out into a whole new world and doing his best to make it. I think he will make the team. According to reports, he has some good pitches and his tall frame will help him a lot. Also, he will be a revenue booster for the Skeeters, who are about 40 minutes outside of Houston, where McGrady played some of his best basketball.