Welcome back to Cracked Pavement Sports! We have survived these unprecedented times and become accustomed to our new normal. Now, the moment you have all been waiting for… SPORTS ARE BACK!!
Baseball is the first of the big 4 sports to come back after the hiatus brought on by COVID-19. As a St. Louis Cardinals fan, it is only fitting that the biggest team and sport of the area is the first to come back. America’s past time is finally here, bringing the joy of sports back into the hearts of many after what I’d say has been the worst year ever.
This season is going to be much different than any we have ever seen. Unlike the usual grueling 162-game schedule, 2020 will feature a 60-game sprint to the postseason where anything can happen. Look for some surprise teams to be in the hunt and to go deep into the playoffs. To put it in perspective: Last year after 60 games, three teams would have missed the playoffs. The Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, and the eventual World Series champion Washington Nationals, meaning the NLCS would have been completely different had there been only a 60 game season.
We all know the usual suspects to be good; the Yankees, Astros, Braves, and Dodgers; but let’s look at some teams that could surprise some folks in the shortened season.
Toronto Blue Jays
—A team with a lot of young talent and a slightly upgraded pitching staff that could be exciting to watch.
Cincinnati Reds
—Revamped lineup with possibly the best rotation in the Central. Just have to wonder if the new faces can gel in a shortened season.
Philadelphia Phillies
—Last year they would have been in the playoffs in 60 games, despite losing key player Andrew McCutchen. Maybe not a big surprise but with the division they are in, I’m giving them the pass.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
—They look healthy and with big additions in managerial and hitting positions, they have to be good eventually right?
Chicago White Sox
—My favorite to make the most noise. They have some established veterans (Jose Abreu), exciting young guys (Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert, Yoan Moncada), and one of the better arms in the game (Lucas Giolito) that could benefit heavily on a long offseason and shortened regular season.
Playoff Predictions
AL
Yankees
Twins
Astros
White Sox
Blue Jays
NL
Braves
Cardinals (I’m a homer, oh well, suck it)
Dodgers
Reds
Phillies
World Series
Braves vs. Yankees
Yankees win in 6 (barf)
What you need to know about the 2020 MLB season:
–60 game season
–Each team will play exclusively versus their division and the opposing leagues same division EX: The Cardinals will play against all National League Central and a few games against all the teams in the American League Central division.
–Players will be tested for COVID-19 every other day.
–Universal DH
–Trade Deadline is August 31st
Opening day match-ups
-Thurs: NYY@WSH
SF@LAD
-Fri: PIT@STL
ATL@NYM
DET@CIN
TOR@TB
MIL@CHC
MIA@PHI
KC@CLE
BAL@BOS
COL @TEX
MIN@CHW
SEA@HOU
ARI@SD
SF@LAD
LAA@OAK
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