Players to Watch in the American League

Hey guys, what's up? Today I am going to talk about different players who should be watched closely in the American League. Now I am not only going to talk about people who are famous and amazing at the game, but also people who are building up or have been struggling and are coming back.

First off we have Jered Weaver! Jered Weaver is a starting pitcher for the Angels who at one point was arguably one of the best pitchers in baseball. This year Weaver has been doing really poorly and he publicly admits it. The Angels Manager Mike Scioscia has also acknowledged the fact that Jered has been doing poorly. However, despite the statistics, I think Jered Weaver will come back and during the second half of the season be that unstoppable pitcher he once was. Every player in the MLB struggles at one point or another. The reason I am focusing on Weaver is because once he becomes the leader he once was, the Angels will follow and start to do well again.

Angels Pitcher Jered Weaver! Courtesy of ESPN for the Pic!

Next is Jose Altuve. While everyone knows that Jose is one of the best players in the MLB offensively and defensively, I am looking at him in a different way. So far this year the Astros have been doing really well. Many people question why. The answer to this is Jose Altuve. As long as he can continue to stay hot, I believe the Astros will also stay hot. Altuve is one of the top hitters and is easily a gold glove shortstop. Despite his height of 5' 6", he still manages to do really well. 

Jose Altuve leads the Red Hot Astros! Thanks Wiki for the Image!

Another player that you should be watching out for is Kole Calhoun. Kole is a starting outfielder for the Angels and bats leadoff. Flying under the radar, Kole is a solid hitter and fielder. So far this year, Kole has come in clutch in many different situations and continues to impress. Many argue that Mike Trout over shadows Kole Calhoun which may be true given that Mike Trout is amazing. However, Kole also is a very impressive ball player and is still young. This year and the years to come will really show what Kole Calhoun is about.

Kole Makes the Catch!!! Awesome Pic by Japan Times

Thanks for reading this guys! Let me know what you think and if you have any questions make sure to leave a comment!

A Baseball Player

I'm always writing about the pros. I have decided to take a break and talk about the normal day of a baseball player. First off, everyday you get dirty. There is never a day after practice where your pants are clean and don't have grass or dirt stains. This is what is the best part! I love to get dirty and it is fun when your uniform shows that you have been working hard. Keeping things clean and straight is for losers! In this post not only am I going to take you through a normal practice, but also life at home.

While of course you have to struggle through school, after, there is always something to look forward to. Practice usually is pretty uniform. Jog and warm up and then work of the things that need improvement. Of course the coaches know what to work on. It's what we did wrong at the previous game. Usually, a practice includes hitting and fielding. First, you break off into groups and work your position. Doing out fielding work is always fun, but it's a huge bummer when you miss one and have to take the jog of shame after the ball that you just screwed up on.

Thanks Minnesota Connected for this Great Image of Mike Trout Robbing a Homer

Live Batting Practice (BP) is always fun. However, there are tons of exercises that help you out with your hitting. Usually there is hitting stations that you switch off at. Each station works a different skill that is helpful when it comes to games. Hitting is personally my favorite part. It's always fun to take out some anger on innocent baseballs. Each hitting station as I said, helps a different skill. There is tee work, live pitching, and soft toss. When you are using a tee to help yourself out, there are tons of ways to use it. For example, working on outside and inside pitches. Live pitching helps you read the balls and get better and knowing what kind of pitch is coming and where it is going.

While there is tons of work to be done on the field and with the team, at home is no different. Everyday there is something that needs improvement. A good start is to hit off a tee. This is an easy exercise that will improve your hitting skills tremendously. Not only is it a good way to improve, you don't need anyone else to do this. You can set everything up yourself. Having a tee as a baseball play is a MUST if you want to succeed. I hope you understand a little more about things that go on in a baseball players life! See ya next time!!

Thanks Baseball Tips for this Informative Image

Cincinnati Reds! What's to Come?

First, let's talk about last year with this team. Last year, the Reds went 76-86 not even making to to .500. However, their division was pretty tough considering the Pirates, Cardinals, and Brewers are in their division. But this is not an excuse. The Reds didn't have it going for them last season and they ended up coming in 2nd to last in their division. The only team they beat was the Cubs, which doesn't say much. Does this mean that their future will be bad as well? I don't think so! The Reds have a good start but their roster is just not complete yet. You can feel that they are missing something.

The Reds this year haven't been too active when it comes to trading. They have kept Johnny Cueto who had an outstanding 20 wins last season. He is their best pitcher by far and if he continues what he was doing last year, the Reds could potentially do well. I'm not a Reds fan but when it comes to Johnny, you can't deny that he is something special. The lineup for the Reds actually looks good, like it did last year. But last year it didn't show, maybe this year will be different.

Shoutout to Cbs Sports for the access to this photo of Johnny

Even though the Reds haven't done much trading this offseason, it doesn't mean they don't have good players and a good ball club. I'm not saying their roster is amazing, they just need to upgrade or change it slightly and they will be set. In the last five years they have gone to the playoffs twice. Seeing this, you know that they have potential to go somewhere. It's not like the Reds haven't seen or tasted victory before. They know what it takes to get the wins and they will go out of their way to get there. The issue is that it isn't easy to flip a ball club over night. It takes time, but I honestly do believe that the Reds will win a World Series Championship in the near future. Just not yet!

1990 World Series Ring! Thanks to Rings that Bling for this Beauty!

What it looks like, is that the Reds are going for an in depth roster for pitching. Now many people think that offense will win you a game, however, having good pitching will help out tons and can bring in wins easier than offense can. Your offense doesn't have to work as hard when you have an ace on the mound. This is why Johnny Cueto is so outstanding! He doesn't let many people on. With this, the Reds I think will do better this year but won't make it to the playoffs. They are good but not that good, yet.

Sorry Reds fans, this year isn't going to be the year that the Reds make it into the playoffs and win the World Series! Take you higher

Baseball is a True Sport

As many baseball fans know, their sport gets a lot of crap from people who think that baseball shouldn't be a sport. All you do is sit around, right? Well I'd like you all to know that that is not true and I'm going to prove you wrong in this post. Many sports come with injuries, including baseball! I hope you all realize this after reading. I don't mean to offend any of you guys but seriously, if people are considering dance to be a sport, baseball is definitely in.

Thanks to SB Nation for this gnarly picture

One of the biggest injuries that occur in baseball is when you are hit by a pitch. Especially when this comes with getting hit in the face. For example, there is Giancarlo Stanton who was hit in the face by a 90 MPH pitch. If you think that is not bad, try getting hit in the arm with a 70 MPH throw. Don't come to me apologizing because the tears will show it all. In baseball, there is always a risk to inherit an injury just like any other sport. In fact, it is rather easy to become injured. Baseball always comes with 

risks. I didn't write this post to rant about how everyone is wrong and baseball is a tough sport. I am just letting people know that all sports have injuries and baseball is no different. It is annoying when people think that a certain sport isn't hard or requires no skill. Or when people think you are playing a "safe sport."

At school, people love to make fun of you for the dumbest reasons. One of which happens to be liking baseball. Most people reading this are probably baseball fans, but if you aren't let me help you out. First off, being a pitcher. What do you think happens when a ball comes flying at your head over 100 mph and drills you. I've seen this happen and it's not pretty. J. A. Happ happened to be one of the victims and had major injuries with his head. Don't believe me? Go watch this video!

Thanks to Yahoo Sports for proving my point!

Another reason that baseball is a true sport is because of the skill required to play. There are many skills and techniques that you have to learn to play baseball well. Not to mention the fact that you need extreme mental focus or you will get thrown off your game. Hand eye coordination with batting, and fielding balls cleanly when they are smoked at you isn't exactly easy. You may think it is because the pros make is seem that way, but don't pros make everything seem easier than they are?

The mental aspect of baseball is one of the biggest things that you need to conquer. You will mentally destroy yourself if you don't have focus. Making an error will happen and you have to shake if off and be ready for the next play because if you aren't ready, guaranteed the ball will find you.

The Angels Are The Best

A couple people have asked me about who my favorite team is. And to that I honestly have to say it's the Angels. My whole childhood has been about them. Ever since I was 8 me and my dad would go to almost every home game and enjoy the games. The Angels have been through rough patches and some high points. For me, it's always fun to watch the Angels. Their offense is hot with Mike Trout leading the way, and their defense is on point. One thing I have to say, is that I am very sad that Howie Kendrick was traded. This was devastating because Erick and Howie were the best combination for middle infielders. What was the Angels manager thinking, I have no idea!

Thanks to Bloguin for this sweet picture of Erick Aybar

This isn't to say that I don't like any other team because that isn't true either. I know I give loads of crap to the Cubs but I don't truly mean any of it or most of it at least. The Angels stadium was 10-20 minutes from my house. What are your guys' favorite teams? If you would like me to talk about them I could! I will let you know what I think about them and why. The first time I ever went to an Angels game I loved it. I wanted to go everyday so watch Vladimir Guerro jog the bases because he nailed a homer. Or when fireworks went off when a terrible singer was singing the national anthem. Every part of the baseball game was fun and interesting to me.

Thanks to Cedar Rapids for this nice pic

One of my goals is to really connect with you guys (the readers). I know it takes time for people to actually start reading my posts, but I'm happy with a couple of local viewers. You all should leave a comment and let me know what you want me to post about. I know I started analyzing each team, but that gets too repetitive. I will still continue it here and there but I won't be posting daily about it! I hope you all enjoyed learning a little more about my life!

Once again thanks for asking me this question! Guys don't be afraid to ask me something or leave me a comment, it would be much appreciated! I enjoy getting to know you guys. This was so much fun to write because not only is it the first time someone has asked me to post about something. It is so cool that I get to interact with you guys. Until next time, GO ANGELS!

Arizona Diamondbacks, what's up?

I am very sorry I haven't posted anything in a while but I have been very busy. Are you guys doing anything for the Holidays? I am not going anywhere, just going through a bunch of family bull crap that is very boring, like every year. Today I am starting my first day of my team assessment I talked about in my last post.

The Arizona Diamondbacks. They are a team that not many of us believe have much potential because they are not known for having much success. Last season, they did horrible. I am thinking that this season won't be much better for them.

Thanks to Sports Logos for this Pic

I am sorry to the Arizonians but they still haven't made that big move that they need. They are still rebuilding a team that can compete for the World Series. I know it's still early to make judgments, but I just don't see it happening. It's not that they failed last season, it's that I feel like they are a team that needs new fresh players that they haven't seemed to find yet. They need to find an offense mix that can lead their team and at this point they don't have it.

For the 2015 season I feel like the Diamondbacks will not win their division because they aren't going to be a competing team. In 2014, their record was 64-98 making them last in their division. I think that this is because they had a lack of defense. And in defense I mean pitching. And when I say pitching I mean that they really didn't have a lot going for them. They didn't have many big pitchers that could lead games. Don't get me wrong, they are a good ball club, but they didn't have defense that could lead them games. To summarize this all, the Diamondbacks will once again lose their division and maybe have a good 2016 season depending on who they pick up.

New Ideas?

Hello fellow fans that I don't have. As you all know, I have decided that I am going to start something new and I was wondering if you guys were interested in it.

First, I would go through every team in the MLB most likely in alphabetical order and predict what is going to happen and maybe talk about what trades they have made or should make. I would also talk about why I feel this way about each team.

I could either do this or decide to talk about trades which I personally think can get boring because everyone can talk statistics. If I use my opinion to formulate records and how teams will do, I think that it will be more fun for you guys to read and for me to write.

I am not sure about the details yet. I could either do the teams alphabetically, by poll, or by division. Each week or depending on how often I post, I could have a survey and whatever team wins, I'll predict this one. I'll need you guys to help me out on what to do because without you, this plan kind of fails. You can leave a comment or take the surveys which would help me tons.

Also, if you have any other ideas that I could use to make my blog better, or if you guys want me to fix something, I am glad to take advice. I know I am new at blogging and I make mistakes all the time as I learn.

Thanks Psdcovers for the Awesome Image!

Is it Spring Training Yet?

Well as everyone knows now, the baseball season is over. It was a super fun season to watch. Underdogs team succeeded and most "popular" teams didn't prosper. I am so sad as many of you probably are, that we won't be seeing baseball for a while. I for one am looking forward to spring training even though it isn't that close. For me, a world without baseball isn't a good world. That may seem dramatic, but nah.

One of the major reasons I am excited for the off season and spring training, is because of all of the free agents. It's nice to see veterans stick to their teams for a career, but when does that happen? I think it's also nice when things switch around a bit because it keeps you on your toes. This year especially, there are so many different free agents, who knows where things will go. Even though I'd always like to see the Angels win a World Series Title, I would find it nice and refreshing if an underdog team like the Astros, really come out to play this year.

Courtesy of Houston Astros

It's fun to see teams thrive after a long history of failure. Not singling out teams, but sorry Cubs fans, you guys haven't won for about 100 years? I know everyone has their bad decades but I think it would be cool to see the Cubs went somewhere this year. Not even my parents have been alive for 100 years. I mean, it's a pretty long time.

Image from Chuckles Network

Thanks to Meme Creator for this Meme

I am sorry that I haven't posted in a while, but things have been busy in my life. Between crying for a couple weeks that the Giants won the World Series and school, it's been a busy life. I will try to get back to posting at least once a week updating everyone on the trades that are currently happening, and what to look forward to this upcoming season. Along with my predictions that actually never end up coming true.

World Series - What is Happening?

Last night the Royals won Game 2 of the World Series 7-2. My predictions were correct unlike last time but to tell the truth I was shocked. I wanted the Royals to win Game two but another blowout.....
This leaves me to think (as it probably does you too) who will win Game three? I am speechless. I thought it would be a close game but nope, another blowout. I will admit it was not too bad to watch because my team was winning. Apology to all the Giants fans out there who had a heartbreaking loss last night.
                                                       
First, I think that the Giants pitcher Jake Peavy had some struggles on the mound yesterday. He didn't look as confident or as well off. The Royals were able to pound him all day long for base hits, ending up in a disaster. The problem with that is that Peavy had to leave early and it was up to the pull pen to save the game. For me, whenever a pitcher leaves early and the game is running on bull pen pitchers, I'm thinking "oh crap!". It seems to never end well. Bull pens were meant to relieve games not pitch a WHOLE game!
                                                 

Courtesy to Getty Images for the Pic

The Royals just had things going for them last night. Arguable the ace of the San Francisco Giants had a rough start and they were able to capitalize on the mistake he made. On the other hand, the Royals had great pitching thanks to their starter Yordano Ventura who was unbelievable good against a very offensive Giants team. I love to see rookies shine on the biggest stage they will ever be on. The game wasn't a struggle until the sixth inning when the Royals scored five runes!
                                     

Courtesy of CBS Sports

You heard me... five runs in one inning! That's not the craziest part. It amazed me that the Giants used five pitchers in that same inning. The bull pen couldn't get it done. I'm telling you that bull pens can't handle these situations in 99% of the time. Seeing Lincecum going to the mound was surprising for me because he hasn't been feeling well lately. Wanting the Royals to win, seeing Lincecum hurt was kind of a nice thing to see.

My predictions for game three is that the Royals will win in a very close match up. Both the Royals and the Giants have blown each other out of the water and now it's time to buckle down. Both teams have had their up and downs and I am very excited for this next game to see how it ends up. What do you guys all expect? I think good things will happen and it will be a very good game.

World Series Game 2 - What to Expect?

For all of the Royal fans out there I honestly feel bad about last nights game. I couldn't bear to watch the game anymore and tuned out in the 8th inning. I could't have been more wrong. It's one thing that I didn't want the Giants to win but it's another thing when a team gets blown away. I like close games not blowouts!

Well, I'm going to forget about the last game after this and hopefully see the Royals pick up a win tonight. First things first, Shields was definitely not on his game last night. Early in the game giving up that three run home run to Pence was devastating. I know it's hard to come back from a blow that big but COME ON! The Royals let it slip out of their hands and let it get away from them. This happens all the time in sports, but the next step the Royals need to take is to forget about everything that happened and start over.

There is a reason why the World Series is the best out of seven games. This is to see which team is really better? I know the people that may happen to be reading this blog happen to want the Giants to win the World Series and what I'm going to say to that is..... keep it going. Last night the Giants had it going for them all and I thought it was a good performance. However, I've seen it many times and wouldn't be surprised if the Giants get a little cocky and start to fall behind. It's happens all the time to many different teams.

My predictions for this game is that the Royals will win in a close battle. You all probably think I'm stupid and what I have to say to that is... MAYBE. I really think that the Royals showed potential in game one and that they can pick up the slack and win today. I know it will be tough and the Giants are arguable better. But when it comes down to it I want the Royals to win and I feel like they will win!

GO ROYALS!    

Image courtesy of Mccovey Chronicles 

World Series Game 1

I am back! Sorry I haven't posted in a while but I was in the mountains deer hunting and didn't have any internet service to post another blog. While I was gone, there has been a lot happening in baseball. For starters, I finally get to start watching the World Series! The Royals are taking on the San Francisco Giants. Both of these teams are very competitive and I can't wait to find out who will win.

Image courtesy of MLB

I personally am rooting for the Kansas City Royals team because I like to root for the underdogs and the Giants have won a lot. When's the last time you've seen the Royals in the World Series? Exactly, you never do. Anyways, the Giants and Royals are two very different teams that play very differently.

The Royals as I have talked about earlier are about speed and small ball. They are not the team that will have the most home runs or the most extra base hits. Instead, they are the team I love to watch because they keep the game going at a fast pace and they know how to win games without big hits. The Royals are so contrast to the Giants that it makes me so excited for the 2014 World Series.

On the other hand there is the Giants. The Giants have a huge postseason career. In the past five years they have been to three world series. They have lots of power hitters including Pablo Sandoval and Morse. These two guys aren't even the start of the Giants lineup. I think that the Giants have a winning team but will have to compete hard to win this one. They have an all star bull pen with Bumgarner leading the way. He is one of my favorites to watch!

Pablo Sandoval Leads the Giants Bats. Thanks Yahoo Sports for the Pic!

I predict that the Royals will win the 2014 World Series title because I believe they have the drive, motivation, and most importantly the team to win it. For the Giants, they are a good team but I think they won't win this one. There's only one thing that we can all do to know. WATCH the games! The first game is today and you won't want to miss it!

The Underdogs

As I play baseball daily and love the sport, I also watch every game that I can. I like to keep track of how teams are doing and if it is significant. Growing up in Southern California I was born an Angels fan. Thinking this would be a great season for them, the Kansas City Royals showed me other wise.

Recently, the Kansas City Royals won their spot in the playoffs and had to pass the Angels in their first series. I was very happy because I thought it was a for sure win for my team. However, I was proven vey wrong. The Royals went on to winning the series 3-0 shutting the Angels out from any win. HOW was this possible? The Royals are one of the underdog teams that no one thought would ever make it this far. The last time they even qualified for the playoffs was in 1985! This is why I love sports. Anytime a team that isn't recognized as a contender can show up and amaze.

The Royals don't have much power in their lineup but their speed is incredible. On normal singles, they are stretching their hits out to doubles. Everyone in their lineup is a threat to steal. They are one of the more fun teams to watch play baseball because they keep the game going fast pace. The Kansas City Royals are showing everyone that they can contend for a World Series title.

The next team they will have to face to make it to the World Series is the Orioles. Two teams in the ALDS that aren't seen there ever! It is going to be a great matchup. I strongly recommend that if you can you tune into this baseball game, you should. Both teams are considered underdogs because it has been many years since either teams have won anything major. Try to make it family time. Whatever you need to do to watch this game; it'll be worth it. The Royals vs. Orioles will be one of the most exciting, memorable games out there.

The Kansas City Royals Lead Baseball with 153 Team Stolen Bases Image courtesy to Espn

The Royals are Making A Run For Their Best Postseason Appearance

Thanks to Royals Baseball for the Awesome Image!

Orioles Clinch the AL East

Hello, my name is Nick. The Orioles are the first team that has clinched their division and has insured themselves a spot in the playoffs. Recently, they defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 7-2 on Tuesday September 16, 2014. This win was historic for the Orioles because it was the first time they have clinched their division in over 15 years.

This historical game was led by the pitching of the Orioles. They had an outstanding bull pen that turned off the (usually very offensive) Blue Jays. The Orioles have only won three world series, all of which, have been won a while ago. Is this the year that the Orioles go to the World Series? As the Orioles are the first team to clinch their division, many say that this is finally their year to shine. However, this year there are many teams that are doing very well.

The Orioles have the team to win the World Series. With Manny Machado leading the infield and power hitter Adam Jones leading the outfield, there is no doubt that the Orioles can win. To win the world series you need the following three things: Pitching, Offense, and Defense. These may seem simple but many teams are missing one, if not more components.  As long as the Orioles can stay healthy and their pitching stays strong, the Orioles have a very good future ahead of them.

Manny Machado Leads the Infield
Thanks to Baltimore Sports for the Image

Adam Jones Hits a Homerun
Image courtesy to CBS Sports