Folks, March is peaking and that means two things: the ‘madness’ of the college basketball world and Major League Baseball. Since my Georgia Bulldog men’s basketball team decided to take the last month off I think will wrote about the latter.
As our favorite’s head to Florida and Arizona our teams are all tied for first place. With that being said, what can we expect in 2016?
Well, who were the big spenders during the offseason? The top 5 were Detriot with $272.3 million, San Fransico with $251 million, Boston at $243 million, Arizona with $224.3 million and the Cubbies with $220.3 million.
The big off-season winner was David Price, who signed the largest contract, a seven-year, $217 million deal with the Boston Red Sox.
The Tigers were one of six teams to sign free agents to contracts totaling more than $200 million, giving $133 million to Justin Upton and $110 million to Jordan Zimmermann. At the other end of the spectrum, the Cincinnati Reds did not sign any free agent to a guaranteed big-league contract.
Braves fall in at spending $17.8 million, placing them ahead of 12 other teams.
Bad news is that this is an even numbered year. The last time the Giants didn’t win a World Series in an even numbered year was 2008. That’s right your new born would now be in the 2nd grade.
Obviously, if you know me, Mr. Red Sox, I think the best move in the offseason was Boston’s addition of David Price. Last year’s meltdown came as a result of no number one starter. Not only did they get that, but they got the best one in the game. If Big Papi has a great retirement tour and the Panda comes back reenergized, Boston could be very dangerous.
However, the Cubs were close last year. As a result they went out and got former Brave Jason Heyward. I think his best seasons are ahead of him and with Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant batting behind him he will see some great pitches. Throw in one of the best rotations in baseball and the best manager over the past 10 years, the Cubs could be close to breaking the curse.
The Diamondbacks are going to be fun to watch this year. Paul Goldschmidt is a future hall of fmaer and AJ Pollock is going to phenomenal. Toss in the addition of Zack Greinke and Shelby Miller then we are takking division contenders.
Whether or not Dansby Swanson plays well in his first year in Atlanta, one thing is for sure… he will sell lots of merchandise. The former Vandy Commie is already a crowd favorite. For myself, it’s going to be nice seeing Gordon Beckham back in the Peach State. If he can do what he did in Athens in Atlanta he will quickly put butts in seats for the Ted’s last season.
With less than a month to go before first pitch, one thing is for sure this year, nothing is forsure.
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