National League East Division Breakdown

 It's been a crazy week in baseball to say the least. Brawls, crazy plays, and the occasional unfortunate injury. Today, I'm breaking down the National League East Division. 

 Well, perhaps the biggest storyline out of the East this week came from a loss. The New York Mets had been riding an eleven game winning going into Friday night's "Subway Series" game with the New York Yankees. The Yankees handed the Mets a loss by the lopsided score of 6-1. That loss shouldn't turn the outside baseball fan's head though, as the Mets look to be pretty good this season. Although they did take the bullet with the loss of Zack Wheeler, the gain of Matt Harvey will definitely benefit I think. Also, with Jacob deGrom, last year's National League Rookie of the Year award winner, I think the Mets could have a pretty powerful looking rotation. Also, if David Wright can have a bounce back year offensively, there's no telling how good they may be.

 The Miami Marlins made huge headlines during the offseason for a few reasons, but mainly because of one man, Giancarlo Stanton. Locking up Stanton for years and years and millions and millions, the Marlins hope that with the presence of him and a few others will be key. The additions of Dee Gordon and Martin Prado and the high hopes for Christian Yelich, they're hoping that they can make some magic happen. Also, with star pitcher Jose Fernandez expected to return prior to the All Star break, who's confident enough to conclude them out as early as before? 

 The Philadelphia Phillies are hoping to bring some happiness back into the "City of Brotherly Love". Jimmy Rollins is no longer a Phil and there's always something swirling about Ryan Howard and Cole Hamels on the money side of baseball. So, will the Phillies do anything this year? I have no idea. It's honestly really hard to tell with them. The potential is there but the production isn't always, and that's the key thing. 

 If we weren't talking about baseball, it'd be safe to place a bet that the Atlanta Braves are in full rebuilding mode. After trading away both Uptons, Jason Heyward, and closer Craig Kimbrel, many fans are "chopping" their good spirit with their team. With anything that has been broken down in efforts to start over, there's always those dreaded growing pains. If I had to guess, I'd say the organization is planning on riding out those this season. This season is so, so far from over, and the Bravos and their fans should know that. It'll be alright, just stick with them through the probable hard times. 

Last but not least, the Washington Nationals. 

 After an offseason highlighted by Max Scherzer, the Nats are ready to take action. They arguably have one of the best rotations in the game, and their offense can be pretty seller when healthy. As of early, that's been their weakness.. health. Second baseman Anthony Rendon, fantasy baseball powerhouse, has been on the DL for a while now with an MCL injury. Also, Jayson Werth hasn't been 100% either which isn't good. They're picked by many to win the whole shebang, but without every guy performing as planned, it won't be as easy.

Thanks for reading!

-JC 

The Milwaukee Brewers Early Season Struggles

The Milwaukee Brewers started the 2014 season with a record of 21-7 that put the Crew in first place for most of the season. But a rough September saw the Brewers collapse and eventually fall out of first place in the NL Central division. The Brewers finished 2014 with 82 wins and missed the playoffs. They desperately needed a starting first baseman heading into the offseason. They got their man when they traded pitcher Marco Estrada to the Toronto Blue Jays for slugging 1B/outfielder Adam Lind. The Brewers never really did anything the rest of the offseason, besides bringing back veteran closer Fransisco Rodriguez on a one year deal. The Brewers were expected to contend in the 2015 season with a solid pitching rotation led by veterans Kyle Lohse and Matt Garza. Their lineup was expected to be stacked with guys like Ryan Braun, Carlos Gomez, Aramis Ramirez, Scooter Gennett, Jonathan Lucroy, and the addition of Adam Lind. But injuries to Gennett, Gomez, and Ramirez have hurt the Brewers offensively. The Brewers pitching has struggled to get guys out consistenly. Ryan Braun still acts like the thumb injury that slowed him down in 2014 is still bothering him this season. The Brewers came into today's game with an MLB worst 2-13 record, good for last place in the NL Central division and eight games behind the division leading St. Louis Cardinals. The Brewers host the Cardinals this weekend for a three game set, and a chance to cut into their eight game gap with the Cardinals. If the Brewers are going to turn this awful start around, they need Ryan Braun to hit like the old Ryan Braun. They need the pitching to start making the right pitches to get guys out. And finally, they need to stay healthy. Whether or not the Brewers turn this season is yet to be seen, but the good news for the Brewers is that it's only April.   -Jared Pate

National League Central Division Breakdown

 It's safe to say that the Major League Baseball regular season is back and it's in full swing. Players have already gotten ejected, broken records, and preformed better than anyone predicted. Today, I'm going to be breaking down the National League Central Division in part two of six in my divisional breakdown. Arguably, the National League Central division is the best division in baseball. We'll save that argument for another day..

 The Central division features one of the best teams in baseball, the St. Louis Cardinals. After an offseason that was very unexpected, the projected divisional placement for the Cards is definitely not. Backed by new right fielder Jason Heyward, their All Star caliber catcher Yadier Molina, and a pitching staff led by Adam Wainwright, it's hard to simply look beyond the expectations. Quite a few expert analysts have the Redbirds raking up their third consecutive divisional crown in 2015. With a team that was victorious last season, even with a sketchy offense, adding Heyward's bat to the lineup just really seals the deal in the Gateway City.

 The Pittsburgh Pirates didn't have too many offseason events worth bragging about coming into the 2015 season. They lost Russell Martin, which I think is going to hurt them more than they think. They did add AJ Burnett back to their rotation. I think they'll be decent since they have guys like Cutch and Josh Harrison, but I just can't let myself like them as much as I could with the presence of Martin. 

 The Cincinnati Reds are looking to bounce back after last year's roller coaster season. Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, and Brandon Phillips all went down with injuries. The highlight of the Reds was hands down Johnny Cueto. He was a twenty game winner, and one of the best pitchers in the National League last season. I think they're going to be leaps and bounds better than last year, but I don't think they will be able to charge passed the Redbirds. 

 The entire Chicago Cubs organization and their fan base is exploding with optimistic predictions coming into 2015. The world surrounding Major League Baseball has heard of the prospects the Baby Bears have. Guys like Kris Bryant, Jorge Soler, and Javier Baez are really being counted on. These guys are full of potential, but just keep in mind that they are prospects. Prospects meaning they are young and haven't experienced an entire big league season. Let's get this straight, I'm an avid Cardinals fan, but I don't hate the Cubs. I actually think they will contend in a few years. To say they will contend now may be a bit of a long shot. I think in the upcoming years, though, they might be playing in the upper half of the division. 

 The Milwaukee Brewers closed out last year's season in a tragic way. After leading the division for virtually all of the beginning half last season, things just went haywire for the once mighty Brew Crew. They missed the Postseason, which was far from what most had projected. Now, Milwaukee is looking for redemption. So, they'll be as tough as ever. Their bad luck has seemed to have carried over, because center fielder Carlos Gomez has hit the 15 disabled list. They'll be lost if they're without him for longer than a couple of weeks. Get him back, Braun and Lucroy to hit, and they'll be just fine. I don't believe Lucroy will put up numbers like he did last season, but what do I know. 

Twitter: @Curtis_Josey 

Arod Hits First Homer Of the Season

After missing the entire 2014 season due to a season long suspension, New York Yankees infielder returned to action in 2015 not sure what to expect. Arod had a solid spring training that saw him hit thre homers, but he hoped that he could provide a good, consistent bat in the middle of the Yankees lineup. Rodriguez collected his first hit of the season in the Yankees home opener vs. Toronto. After the game Arod said that he felt good and he felt like his swing was really smooth and he felt like he made good contact on every pitch. Finally on thursday night in the third game of the series, in the sixth inning vs. Toronto Blue Jays lefty Daniel Norris, Arod connected on a 2-2 fastball and sent it into the left field bleachers for his first homerun of the 2015 season and his first homerun since september 2013. Arod said afterwards that it felt great to get that off his chest and hit that first homerun of the season. The Yankees organization is also happy to see him hit a homerun as well. Only time will tell though if Arod can keep it up the entire 2015 season.    -Jared Pate

National League West Division Breakdown

   After an eventful past weekend on the "money side" of the game and all of the excitement that comes with Opening Day, it's the perfect time to think about the current state of the divisions around the league. We have seen close to forty home runs hit since Monday, near no-hitters, good pitchers reach their ropes, and players who have already put a halt on their season by hitting the DL. Woah.  Today I'm breaking down the division that is home to last year's World Series champions, the National League West. 

   The biggest storyline out of the trade market ran right through the heart of Petco Park. The San Diego Padres have seemingly rebuilt most of their roster over the last five months or so. Acquiring Justin Upton, Wil Myers, Matt Kemp, and Craig Kimbrel (just to name a few) is not your average offseason. After clearing up a big chunk of the bullpen struggles and getting some help for a struggling offense, there isn't too many reasons to not believe in them. Winning the division? Ehh, maybe. They're in a division jam-packed with talent, but I feel they've stepped up their game tremendously and that they will give the Dodgers and Giants and run for their money. 

   The Los Angeles Dodgers haven't improved much over the offseason. They've lost Ramirez, Kemp, and Dee Gordon. They really haven't gained much to show for it. They did pick up Jimmy Rollins from Philly, but you and I both know that he's just one man.. not three. Honestly, it's hard to not favor the team that's home to the best pitcher in baseball. But I also think that LA is going to miss Kemp, Gordon, and Ramirez more than they are planning on. The Dodgers will be good, but I don't think that winning the division will comes as easy for them as it has in the past. 

  The Arizona Diamondbacks had a pretty solid offseason. After coming off of a year where they suffered the worst record in the game, they went out and made a splash is the International Free Agent Market. They signed Cuban slugging infielder Yasmany Tomas to a deal. He's starting the season in the Minor Leagues, but he'll be ready if they're looking for a offensive punch down the stretch. Also, they will have their heart and soul back.. better known as Paul Goldschmidt. He was hurt not too long after the All Star break last season and was then shut down. Are they capable of winning the division crown this season? In my mind, no. There's a always a hope though, and anything can happen in this crazy game. 

   The Colorado Rockies are one of the most underrated teams in baseball in my opinion. They have one of the best defensive third baseman in Nolan Arenado. Coors Field is home to a couple of the best in the game, Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzales. Like I said I think they're underrated, but I understand why. I don't know what you think, but it seems to me like Gonzales and Tulowitzki are hurt all of the time. It's not good for the Rockies, their fans, or baseball in general. It's no fun to watch players go down, but especially not if they're All Star caliber. If they can limit their disabled list stints, then the Rockies will be A-OK and have a nice "underdog" season. 

   The defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants have started the season out with some very disappointing news. One of their starters, Matt Cain, has already hit the disabled list to start the season. Jake Peavy has been dealing with some discomfort as well, but he hasn't been placed on the DL. Hunter Pence is also riding the DL with an arm injury he went through early in Spring Training. Their offseason probably didn't go as most had hoped either. Arguably once the most popular Giants' player is now playing his home games up at Fenway. Third baseman Pablo Sandoval, better known as Panda, signed a contract with the Redsox and left a fan base full of crazy people in panda hats. Whether anyone will admit it or not they are going to miss Sandoval, both on and off of the field. They'll be a nice team, like usual, but right now I bet their fan base is really a-hurtin'. 

So, who's going to be atop the of this division come the Postseason? Who knows! 

Josey Curtis

Twitter: @Curtis_Josey

The Bullies Behind The BODB Fake Sports League On Twitter

Sports websites are fun to have around. They provide you with insight, analysis, scores, and opinions on all sports. ESPN is the unchallenged king of all sports websites. Others who get honorable mentions are CBS sports and Fox sports. And after you get past those three giants, you have the community of independent sports blogsites, such as our website here. Sports blogsites are usually ran by one or two writers and a team of other writers. Our site Everything MLB Inc is ran by the founder, yours truly, Jared Pate. There are two other writers who are on the staff as well, Josey Curtis, our weekly contributor, and Chris Suddeth, our writer and future partner in the site. Two months ago I hired two other writers as well, Rick Kernan and Harry Marks. I told both of them that all they had to do was write one article per month. Rick Kernan had already written two articles for the month, but Harry Marks hadn't even written one after thirty days. I messaged him and politely told him that if he didn't write one article after another week I would have to let him go. He proceeded to curse me out and argue with me about it. Moments after that I received a message from a friend and source who informed me that Harry Marks was a fraud and that the person behind the profile was a college kid named Taylor Nussbaum. I proceeded to announce publically on twitter that Harry Marks was a fraud and that he was really Taylor Nussbaum. He began to try to pick a fight with me publically on twitter and call me a variety of filthy names and also called me a racist. Shortly after that I began getting bombarded by "friends" and brothers of his who kept telling everyone that I was racist and that this website was bad and that no one should read it. I began, along with a friend and colleague, to research where these twitter profiles were coming from. After several hours of research, we found out that they were apart of a sports league called the BODB league. We read through profile after profile of people in this league and found out that the BODB league and all its players, coaches, and trainers were all fake profiles ran by a group of college kids. The profile pictures they took were either digitally created or saved off of google. These so called players, coaches, and trainers were bullying sports writers and people all across twitter, not just myself and Everything MLB Inc. They were calling people racist and psychos everywhere. I'm posting this article to expose these jerks, as well as warn other sports blogsites and fellow sports writers. BE CAREFUL!!! Do not hire ANYONE to be a writer for your site with the names Rick Kernan, Harry Marks, Mark Tenner, Taylor Nussbaum, or Tyreke Nussbaum. They are frauds and their mission is to destroy independent sports blogsites around the web. The official twitter for this fake BODB league is @bodbl. I hope you will help me spread the word and help me expose these fraudulent jerks and get this whole fake sports league shut down! You never know, your sports blogsite may be next on their hit list if we don't work together to shut them down.      -Jared Pate