Volume 2.
Issue 10.5
The Falcon
A Keen Eye For News
IN THIS
ISSUE
thefalconat.tumblr.com
Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013
Special Sports Edition
American League Who will make it to the World Series? page 2
National League What teams will shine this season? page 3
The Falcon Guide to American Baseball
NEAL EMBRY
Sports Correspondent | @nealembry
M o n d a y marked a national holiday for many Americans. Opening Day in Major League Baseball, a day where everyone has the chance to win it all and where dreams and hopes start all over again. How will this year turn out? In this preview piece, I’ll take a look at all 30 teams and provide analysis, as well as my picks for this year’s World Series. Three Storylines to Watch
made a big splash this offseason, acquiring star outfielders Justin and B.J. Upton, reuniting the brothers for the first time in their major league careers. The Braves outfield has been weak over the past few years, and fans are hoping that the two stars can bring a championship to Atlanta for the first time in 18 years.
The Halos also traded for starters Tommy Hanson, Jason Vargas and signed Joe Blanton, boosting a rotation that lost Greinke. Could we see an L.A World Series? 3) World Series in Canada, Eh?--The World Series trophy may be heading north of the border this year after the Blue Jays acquired numerous stars, including Jose Reyes, R.A. Dickey (2012 NL Cy Young Winner), Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson and Melky Cabrera. There’s still big “if’s” with Toronto, but the talent is there to give the Blue Jays a strong shot at the title.
2) L.A. Money--The Dodgers spent $147 million to grab ace Zack Greinke from the in-town rival Angels, giving the team what is perhaps the best 1-2 punch in all of baseball with left-hander Clayton Kershaw and Greinke starting the rotation. The Angels get startmade headlines when Let’s they signed Josh Ham- ed with team-by1) Upton brothers in ilton for $125 million. team analysis. Atlanta--The Braves
AL EAST
The Orioles surprised everyone last year by making their first postseason appearance since 1997. The O’s are led by a strong group of young players, including Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, Chris Davis and Matt Wieters. The bullpen is as good as any in the majors, and the defense should be great, if not spectacular. The biggest question marks for the O’s are injury concerns with former star 2B Brian Roberts and a rotation that is mediocre at best. Star prospect pitchers Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman are expected to contribute in that area. Grade: B
The Red Sox have only one player left from their 2004 championship (David Ortiz), and beyond a handful of players, are loaded with question marks. The rotation, led by Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz, has the talent to be efficient, but will need to be rebound from an awful 2012 season. The team picked up closer Joel Hanrahan to provide new manager John Farrell a great bullpen. Offensively, Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz will continue to contribute, and new additions Shane Victorino, Jonny Gomes and Mike Napoli should help some, despite their being on the decline. 3B Will
Middlebrooks should continue to improve his play as well. An interesting player to watch is rookie outfielder Jackie Bradley, who hit .419 in the spring. The talent isn't paper thin, but with all the question marks about health and the pitching staff, it’s hard to see the Red Sox making the playoffs this year. Grade: B-
The Yankees need a doctor. Derek Jeter will start the season on the DL, along with Mark Teixeira, ARod and Curtis Granderson. The good news is that most of the injured Yankees hope to return by June or July. continued page 2
The Falcon
Page Two
Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013
American League
YANKEES
continued When healthy, this is still a competitive team, albeit a team on the decline due to age. The pitching staff, led by CC Sabathia, is above average, and with a healthy Rivera, the ninth inning is locked down. Robinson Cano is a legitimate MVP candidate. However, with all of the injuries and players on the decline, the Yankees could very well finish last in a highly competitive division. Grade: B-
The Rays lost stars B.J. Upton and James Shields, but are still capable of winning the AL East, due in large part to leaders Evan Longoria and David Price. Price, the 2012 AL Cy Young Winner, heads a rotation budding with young talent
AL CENTRAL
be the theme of the 2013 White Sox. Grade: B
The ChiSox have consistently competed with the big boys, and this year should be no different. The aging Paul Konerko heads a lineup with power bat Adam Dunn and quick bats like Alex Rios and Dayan Viciedo. The rotation has questions, with the exception of All-Star Chris Sale and veteran Jake Peavy. The defense and bullpen should rank among the league’s best, with young closer Addison Reed. This is a team that has good, not great players, and that should
The Tribe’s lineup and dugout should be more exciting in 2013, with the addition of manager Terry Francona and outfielder Nick Swisher. However, the same cannot be said for the rotation, which is filled with underachievers and inexperience. The bullpen is one of the best, though. The Indians can do major damage if they get surprises from the rotation, but until that happens, expect the Tribe to win between 70 and 82 games. Grade: B-
AL WEST
The Astros have brought balance to the baseball world, becoming the 15th member of the American League. Unfortunately for Houston fans, that’s all they may be able to boast about this year. The pitching staff might be the worst in baseball, as “ace” Bud Norris is 2234 in his career. Lucas Harrell, the number two starter, had a solid 2012 season, and the Astros are hopeful their young talent matures quickly. The Astros do have some young offensive talent, with speedy Jose Altuve and future stars Justin Maxwell and Brett Wallace. While the youth in Houston provides hope, that hope won’t be realized this season in what might be baseball’s toughest division. Grade: D+
If the Angels don’t win it all this year, the fans in Los Angeles might stage a protest asking for their money back. With the addition of Josh Hamilton, the Angels strengthened one of baseball’s best lineups. While they didn’t replace Zack Greinke, the additions of Hanson, Vargas and Blanton won’t hurt. The rotation is the “weak” spot, if the Angels have one. The bullpen added Ryan Madson, a fantastic closer from the Phillies. Behind Cy Young candidate Jered Weaver and veteran CJ Wilson, Tommy Hanson and Jason Vargas will look to contribute solid performances week in and week out. Offensively, the Angels boast two or three of the game’s top players in Mike Trout, a stud at just 21 years old, Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton. Having power bat Mark Trumbo doesn’t hurt either. The Halos are
that should produce this year. Longoria is at the center of a lineup that includes do-it-all man Ben Zobrist and 2012 Minor League Player of the Year Wil Myers, who came over in the Shields trade to Kansas City. The bullpen is set with elite closer Fernando Rodney, who had a record-setting ERA for a closer last season (0.60) en route to 48 saves. Grade: B+
Fans expect a division title, if not a World Series title, from Toronto this season, and the pieces are there to provide just that. The addition of Dickey, Johnson and Buehrle gives the Jays years of experience on the mound, an area where
the Jays have struggled recently. Johnson, coming off injury, has filthy stuff. Buehrle is always consistent. Dickey’s biggest question is his age. At 38, the knuckleballer has just one great season to his record, and if he can come close to echoing last year’s stats, the rotation should be in good shape. Offensively, Jose Reyes and Melky Cabrera provide offense to a lineup that was in decent shape without them. Cabrera needs to prove he can play without the help of
derrated players in the game. The future isn’t too bleak for the Twins, but this season will be a long one in the Twin Cit The Twins are ies, as the rebuilding is in for a long 2013. The in full swing. Grade: Cbullpen looks to be solid, and young pitchers Scott Diamond and Vance Worley might step up as starters, but as a whole, this pitching staff is in full rebuilding The Royals have mode. Offensively, pe- rennial MVP candidate what it takes to make Joe Mauer headlines the playoffs this season. a lineup that has some No, that’s not a typo. upside. Trevor Plouffe, The annual cellar-dwela great bat with shaky lars might finally see the defense, along with out- light this season. Young fielder Chris Parmelee, stars Alex Gordon, Mike should grow into solid Moustakas and Eric players, but not this Hosmer will contribute, year. Former MVP Jus- along with All-Star Biltin Morneau, though ly Butler to a lineup that past his prime, still pro- should produce runs. vides good all-around The pitching staff added play. Josh Willingham James Shields, a legitiis one of the most un- mate ace, along with Er-
vin Santana and Wade Davis. If Santana can bounce back from a poor 2012 season, the Royals rotation should be solid, if not great. The offense still has some growing up to do, but this year might be the year the Royals surprise everyone. I’m projecting they’ll finish second in the AL Central, and contend for a wildcard spot. Grade: B
looking to capitalize on all this talent, and it should lead to a spot in the ALCS. Grade: A-
Raul Ibanez and RF Michael Saunders produce runs for the Mariners. This is a team that has good young talent with 2B Dustin Ackley, Seager and the arms in the farm system. Expect the Mariners to compete, but fall short of the postseason. Grade: C+
The Athletics roster once again features names unknown to many fans, but a roster that’s sure to produce nonetheless. After trading three All-Star pitchers, the A’s rotation still produced last season behind the strong arms of Jarrod Parker and Brett Anderson. Youngster Tom Milone looks to improve, as well. The bullpen is solid, but not great. Offensively, the A’s appear set to have great production from the outfield spots, occupied by Cuban Yoenis Cespedes and Josh Reddick, along with the veteran Coco Crisp. While the Athletics may struggle to produce the runs needed to compete with L.A. and Texas, they’ll be in the picture come September. Grade: B+
The Mariners boast one of the best pitchers in the game in Felix Hernandez. For the rest of the Seattle pitching staff, however, inexperience is the name of the game this year. The bullpen, despite their inexperience, is very talented and performed well last season. The rotation builds around Hernandez and the talented Japanese pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma, whose ERA was a stellar 2.50 in his last 15 starts in 2012. After Iwakuma, the rotation drops off in both talent and experience. The Mariners have two of the best defensive players in baseball in SS Brendan Ryan and CF Franklin Gutierrez. However, neither Ryan nor Gutierrez have proven much at the plate. If 1B Kendrys Morales is healthy after leaving Los Angeles (Angels) for Seattle, he’ll help 3B Kyle Seager, LF
The reigning AL champs return, ready to win it all. And they have the talent to do it. The rotation boasts perhaps the best pitcher in baseball, Justin Verlander, followed by talents Max
Even with the departure of Josh Hamilton, the talent is still there in Arlington for the Rangers to compete for a division title. The rotation, which could be described as slightly above-average, features an up-and-coming ace in Matt Harrison, who won 18 games last season, and the talents of Yu Darvish and Alexi Ogando. The bullpen is a major concern, with Neftali Feliz recovering from Tommy John and Joakim Soria also hurt. Offensively, the Rangers still have an impressive lineup. Adrian Beltre remains one of the best all-around players
performance-enhancing drugs after his suspension last season. Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista provide loads of power. The speedy Reyes, along with Emilio Bonifacio, also from Miami, provide a serious threat on the basepaths. Grade: APredicted AL East Champion: Toronto Blue Jays--I’m willing to bet that all those moves pay off, and Canada celebrates with a division title. Scherzer, Doug Fister and flamethrower Anibal Sanchez. The lineup has Miguel Cabrera, perhaps the best hitter in the game. Prince Fielder and Cabrera both ranked in the top five for on-base percentage among American League players with at least 300 at-bats. Along with outfielders Austin Jackson and the ageless Torii Hunter, the Tigers have what it takes to win it all in 2013. The biggest question will be at closer, after the departure of Jose Valverde. On paper, the Tigers are as good as any team in the league. Grade: A Predicted AL Central Champion: Detroit Tigers--The Tigers have one of the best overall teams in MLB, and will compete for the AL pennant once again. in the game, and players such as Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus and Nelson Cruz continue to wow the Texas fans. The Rangers biggest offseason grab was catcher A.J. Pierzynski from the White Sox, who will fill the hole left by Mike Napoli. Jurickson Profar, rated as the number one prospect in MLB, will start in Triple A for Texas, but will eventually force his way on the field. Grade: B+
Predicted AL West Champion: Los Angeles Angels--Even though Texas and Oakland won’t make this an easy race, the Angels simply have too many All-Star caliber players (Trout, Pujols, Hamilton) to lose this division.
AL Wild Cards: Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays--Rays get the final spot over the A’s, due to more experience from the pitching staff and versatility in the lineup.
J
The Falcon
Page Three
Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013
National League NL EAST
The greatest meme I’ve seen so far is the one of the Braves outfield that has the words “Y’all gonna make me lose my mind: Upton Here, Upton Here.” The addition of the Upton brothers gives Atlanta one of the best outfields in the league. They lose do-it-all man Martin Prado, but with the Upton brothers and up-and-coming star Freddie Freeman, the Braves should be able to score some runs this year. They also have the ability to run more with the Upton brothers and Jordan Schafer, they have the ability to play small ball, though it hasn’t been in the Braves nature to do that. The pitching isn’t the 90s rotation, but Kris Medlen went on an in-
NL CENTRAL
The Cubs will win a World Series at some point, but not this season. Young players like Darwin Barney, Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo join veterans Nate Schierholz and Alfonso Soriano in a lineup that looks pretty good. The problem will be the pitching, as Jeff Samardzija and Matt Garza lead a rotation that is filled with underachievers. Edwin Jackson is the potential Opening Day starter, and epitomizes inconsistency. The bullpen appears OK. The Cubs are moving forward and rebuilding, and should be fun to watch, but won’t contend for the playoffs. Grade: C+
The Reds expect to contend for the World Series this season, and with a growing number of strong arms, they have reason to believe they’re ready to win it all. Johnny Cueto and Mat Latos are a formidable one-two punch at the top of the rotation, and Bronson Arroyo and Homer Bailey behind them aren’t too shabby.
credible run last season, and veteran Tim Hudson leads a staff that should be very good, if not great. The one issue for this staff is the lack of a strikeout pitcher. Mike Minor led the team with just 145 K's last year. Braves country is hopeful Julio Teheran can step up and be a strikeout master. Brandon Beachy will also look to return to the rotation in mid-season. Craig Kimbrel might be the best closer in the National League. Grade: A-
The Marlins are in for a long season. The front office decided to ship most of the team to Toronto in the mega deal that made the Jays serious contenders. In return, the Marlins got SS Adeiny Hechavarria. First-time manager Mike Redmond faces serious challenges, as the pitching staff is thin The rotation will never post extremely low ERA in Great American Ball Park, but with the arms in the bullpen, including flamethrower Aroldis Chapman, the Reds should be able to hold onto leads late in games. The lineup features 1B Joey Votto, who will compete for MVPs for the next 10 years. He is joined by power bats Ryan Ludwick and Jay Bruce, who consistently hit 25 or more home runs. Brandon Phillips and Zack Cozart contribute high on-base percentages and a great double play tandem. While the pitching might be a step below Atlanta and Washington’s, the Reds should contend not only for the National League title, but the World Series title as well. Grade: A-
The Brew Crew is one of the more puzzling teams coming into 2013. The lineup isn’t a problem, as the Brewers should smack the ball around Miller Park. Ryan Braun is the big name, but speedy Norichika Aoki and Carlos Gomez join Braun in what is one of MLB’s best outfields. Corey Hart and Aramis Ramirez hold down the corner spots. Milwaukee also boasts a true
on both talent and experience. Offensively, the only bright spot is Giancarlo Stanton. Young players such as Justin Ruggiano and Donovan Solano should step up and produce, and veteran Juan Pierre can still get it done, but the offense will go as far as Stanton takes them. Miami will most likely finish last in the NL East. Grade: D
The Mets have a promising group of young players that should bring them success in the future, but that future is not 2013. The pitching staff is young, but talented. Johan Santana is out for the season, so the prospects will have to step up. Jon Niese and Matt Harvey should be solid starters. The lineup features great players at the corner spots in 1B Ike Davis and franchise player, 3B ace in Yovani Gallardo, who has grown to be a very consistent pitcher, posting 16 wins and more than 200 strikeouts last season. Kyle Lohse recently came on board, and if he can repeat what he did in St. Louis, it will greatly help Milwaukee. After Gallardo and Lohse, however, the rotation is full of inexperience. Marco Estrada and Wily Peralta should mature over time, but if the Brewers are to make the playoffs this season, they’ll need to grow up fast. The bullpen was one of the worst in the majors last season, and the front office rebuilt it in the offseason, bringing in Tom Gorzelanny and Mike Gonzalez to aid closer John Axford, who hopes to start this season the way he finished last (converted 17 of his last 18 save opportunities). The Brewers postseason chances ride on their young arms. Look for the Brew Crew to contend, but fall just short. Grade: B
The Pirates are improving quickly, and should compete for a spot in the playoffs this season. The rotation is led by veteran A.J. Burnett and former Astro Wandy Rodriguez. Both Burnett and Rodriguez have had their struggles, but
David Wright. Along with star prospect Travis d’Arnaud at catcher, the Mets should be able to build on this nucleus over the next few years. For now, it’s reasonable to expect a record just below .500. Grade: C
The Phillies always seem to be in the mix, and this year is no different. However, health concerns and aging stars may make the difference between the Phils and a playoff spot. Roy Halladay had a rough 2012, and while Cole Hamels has established himself as an ace, there are big question marks behind him. If Halladay returns to normal, he’ll join Hamels and Cliff Lee in a strong trio at the top of the rotation. The team hopes their eighth inning issues were solved when they signed Mike Adams from Texas, a since coming to Pittsburgh, both have found success. The bullpen is iffy, with Jason Grilli taking over for departed star Joel Hanrahan. Much of this season will ride on whether or not manager Clint Hurdle can get the most out of unproven arms in both the rotation and bullpen. The Pirates have one of the most exciting players in the game in CF Andrew McCutchen. Joining him are corner infielders Garrett Jones and Pedro Alvarez, both power threats with Alvarez projected to become one of the better first basemen in the game. The Pirates signed Russell Martin to be their catcher, replacing Rod Barajas. Martin needs to play worthy of his $17 million contract. The production of the arms will, much like in Milwaukee, determine whether or not the Pirates make the playoffs this season. Grade: B
Never count these birds out. The Cardinals are never anyone’s favorite to win it all, but they always find a way into the playoffs. Chris Carpenter’s career appears to be over, but Adam Wainwright and Lance Lynn should contribute to a solid rotation. Jaime Garcia needs to bounce back from a
great set-up man. Offensively, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley are getting older and dealing with health issues, as is power bat Ryan Howard. The addition of Ben Revere gives the Phillies some needed speed on the basepaths. Carlos Ruiz is coming off an All-Star season, and should continue to develop into a great catcher. There are a lot of “ifs” with the Phillies, as well. Look for them to just miss the playoffs. Grade: B-
Zimmerman. The bullpen, which faltered in the playoffs, should return ready to shut teams down in late innings. And the lineup, featuring star Bryce Harper, along with All-Star SS Ian Desmond, added Denard Span, a true leadoff hitter. Throw in a few more above average bats and these Nationals are ready to celebrate. Look for the Nationals to be the prime contender for the title this season. Grade: A+
Predicted NL East Champion: Washington Nationals Scary. If one -The Braves won’t word describes the po- go down without a tential of this year’s fight, but the NationNationals, it’s scary. The team doesn’t have als should squeeze many weaknesses, save by Atlanta in a maybe for experience. tight division race. The rotation is set with the three-headed monster of Stephen Strasburg, unleashed from his innings limit, Gio Gonzalez and Jordan
Predicted NL Central Champion: Cincinnati Reds--While the Cardinals will challenge, and the Reds will face a tough test from Milwaukee and Pittsburgh, the Reds 1-2 punch of Cueto-Latos wins over the Cardinals Wainwright-Lynn. Joey Votto and gang take a close division title over St. Louis.
poor 2012. The bullpen is one of baseball’s best. Carlos Beltran, though on the decline, can still contribute a .280/35/90 line. Emerging star David Freese will start the season on the DL, but when he returns, the Cardinals should have a lineup that will produce enough runs to compete with anyone. Yadier
Molina is one of the top two or three catchers in the business. While the Cardinals don’t have the power pitching Atlanta, Washington or San Francisco has, they have enough to compete. The lineup should be solid, and the Cardinals will once again threaten for a World Series title. Grade: B+
The Falcon
Page Four
Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013
NL WEST
in several years. The bullpen should be great with closer J.J. Putz and setup men David Hernandez and Heath Bell. The Diamondbacks aren’t being talked about as a contender for The Diamond- the NL West, but they backs lost Justin Up- should be. Grade: B+ ton and Chris Young, but replaced them with Martin Prado and Cody Ross, two more than adequate bats to excite fans at Chase Field this The Rockies summer. While Upton’s should battle with the all-around play can’t be Padres for last place in met by either Prado or the NL West. The pitchRoss, they both have the ing staff simply hasn’t ability to get on base and shown the ability to drive runs in. Young win games, and closer 1B Paul Goldschmidt Rafael Betancourt is looks to build on a very turning 38 in late April. impressive rookie seaThe team signed Asson. Power hitter Jason tro Wilton Lopez to Kubel should hit 20-30 take over if Betancourt home runs again. The struggles. Offensively, lineup in Arizona is as Dexter Fowler is one of good as it gets, with the best leadoff hitters the only problem being in baseball, and the hitspeed...an area where ters behind him should the Diamondbacks are have no trouble scoring lacking. The pitching runs in hitter-friendly staff looks to be above Coors Field. Alabama average. Ian Kennedy product Josh Rutledge went from 21-4 in 2011 will start at 2B, looking to 15-12 with an ERA of to improve upon a solid 4.02 last season. He’ll rookie season. Troy Tuneed to rebound if the lowitzki needs to stay Diamondbacks will healthy after a short make the playoffs and 2012 season. Future contend for a pennant. Hall of Famer Todd HelAfter Kennedy, former ton also missed much of A’s Trevor Cahill and 2012, and his career is Brandon McCarthy coming to a close. Outjoin second year man fielders Tyler Colvin, Wade Miley in what Carlos Gonzalez and looks to be one of the Michael Cuddyer conbetter rotations the Diatribute to what should mondbacks have had be one of the league’s
best offenses. However, in a highly competitive division, the pitching will be the Rockies downfall. Grade: C+
If the Dodgers reach the playoffs, they’ll be tough to beat with maybe the top 1-2 punch in baseball: Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke. Behind this deadly weapon, the Dodgers boast Chad Billingsley, who is known for getting off to hot starts, but needs to put together a full season. With the addition of talented Korean pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu (210 K’s in S. Korean league last year) and the surprising play of Josh Beckett after coming to L.A. late last season, the Dodgers have a rotation to counter that of division rivals Arizona and San Francisco. Beckett had a 2.93 ERA after coming from Boston late last year. They have ridiculous depth at starter, with Ted Lilly, Aaron Harang and Chris Capuano in the pen. The bullpen isn’t a strength, but it’s solid at least, and provides plenty of depth for manager Don Mattingly. The lineup has some holes, but Matt Kemp should con-
tinue to produce. Kemp played in only 106 games last season and still managed to hit 23 long balls. The Dodgers are expecting a bounce back seasons from Carl Crawford and Hanley Ramirez, who will miss the first month of the season due to injury. Crawford has been dealing with health issues as well, and Ramirez can’t seem to stay focused. A.J. Ellis proved himself one of the best young catchers in the game last season, and Luis Cruz finally found a home in the league as the starting 3B. Adrian Gonzalez will hopefully produce after coming back to the NL West from an underachieving stint in Boston. Perhaps one of the biggest factors this season will be the play of underrated utility player Jerry Hairston, Jr. There are plenty of things to like about this club, but if the players that need to bounce back don’t bounce back, the Dodgers will find themselves competing for second place and a wild-card spot this season. Grade: A-
The Padres have new ownership, but that probably won’t translate to wins this season.
The bullpen is young, but very talented, headlined by All-Star Huston Street. The rotation only has one bright spot, however, 33-year old Eric Stults, who was 8-3 with an ERA of 2.92 with San Diego. Edinson Volquez, the staff ace by default, needs to step up and be consistent. Offensively, the Padres have one of the better young infielders in the game with Chase Headley, and boast speed with NL stolen base leader Everth Cabrera. Cameron Maybin and Will Venable provide speed and defense, but Headley remains the only proven run manufacturer in San Diego. This season will be a long one as the Padres look toward the future. Grade: C-
drew the ire of many fans, won 15 games and while Tim Lincecum struggled, the two-time Cy Young winner definitely has the talent to rebound and provide the Giants with five great starters. With the exception of raw SS Brandon Crawford, the defense is stellar, especially in the outfield. Angel Pagan, Gregor Blanco and Hunter Pence are all locks to compete for a Gold Glove. Pence adds some power to a lineup that is short on it, with World Series MVP Pablo Sandoval the only returning player with 10 or more home runs. But the Giants get the job done. Bruce Bochy knows how to play small ball and capitalizes on his team’s patient approach at the plate and their knack for clutch hits. This team has the experience to win more games than most. The Giants can never be counted out of World Series Once again, no contention. Grade: A one is paying the Giants any attention. The Giants have won two of the Predicted NL West last three World Series, Champion: San Franbut they still seem to fly cisco Giants--While in under the radar. They the Dodgers improved boast what might be the in the offseason, there league’s best rotation. are too many question Matt Cain, Madison marks about their star Bumgarner and Ryan players, and the Giants Vogelsong went a com- pitching staff is just bined 46-25 last season too good. Giants win and none of their ERAs a close division race. were above 3.40. Barry Zito, whose contract
World Series Prediction AL Championship
Detroit over Los Angeles--The Angels and Blue Jays have a lot of “ifs” in their rotations, despite their strong lineups. There are close to zero “ifs” with the Tigers rotation. And while from top to bottom the Jays and Angels may be better than the Tigers, having Miguel Cabrera makes a huge difference. I’m taking the Tigers in 6.
Awards:
Washington over Detroit--The Tigers have just as good a team as Washington, but the Tigers have blown the last two World Series they’ve appeared in, and the Nationals time is now. The trophy will go to our nation’s capital, with the Nationals winning in six games.
NL Championship
Washington over San Francisco-The Giants will once again be in the NLCS, but they’ll meet their match in the Nationals rotation, and young stars Bryce Harper and Ian Desmond will find a way to beat the defending champs.
AL MVP Mike Trout, Angels
AL Cy Young: Jered Weaver, Angels
AL Rookie of the Year: Jurickson Profar, Texas
NL Cy Young: NL Rookie of the Year: Travis D’Arnaud, NY Mets Stephen Strasburg, Washington
NL MVP: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh
Something tells me the only reason he didn’t win it last year is because of his age. That won’t stop him this year. Mike Trout is already one of the top 15 players in the game at the young age of 21.
He should have won it at least once in the past three years. He’ll get it this year.
The talented infielder will make good on his number one prospect ranking and bring the ROY trophy home.
The Mets are looking for bright spots, and their new catcher will be one. D’Arnaud looks to be an offensive force and an efficient backstop for years to come.
The young Pirates star will finally get the recognition he deserves.
There are a bevy of candidates, including Kershaw, Cain, Hamels and Kimbrel, but I’ll go with the youngster who’s being let off his leash this season. Cole Hamels hasn’t been recognized for his talents with a Cy Young yet, and until the Phillies make the postseason again, he probably won’t. Kershaw will have to share the spotlight with Greinke, and Strasburg is a media darling in a way that Cain and Kimbrel are not.
The Falcon
Page Five
Monday, April 1st, 2013
Cornell wrestler makes history NEAL EMBRY
Sports Correspondent | @nealembry
A Cornell wrestler has made history by becoming the first player in NCAA history to win four national championships in four different weight classes. Kyle Dake, a senior at Cornell University, defeated Penn State’s David Taylor 5-4 to capture the title. “Kind of at a loss for words,” said Dake. “Definitely an amazing feeling.” What’s amazing is Dake’s ability to compete at so many different levels. As a freshmen, Dake competed in the 141-pound weight class, and defeated Montell Marion from Iowa for his first national championship. Dake then moved to the 149-pound weight class and defeated Frank Molinaro of Penn State, cementing his status as one of the best wrestlers in the country. In his junior and senior seasons, Dake went undefeated, with a combined record of 72-0, winning national championships both seasons, with victories over Iowa and Penn State wrestlers, respectively. He finishes his career on a 77-match winning streak. Dake’s signature move is a ride move that clings to the other wrestler, put-
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ting Dake at an advantage to attack. Taylor drew the first points in their match, but Dake responded quickly and proved himself to be the better wrestler, defeating Taylor 5-4. The champion’s career record is 137-4, and he is sure to go down as one of the greatest collegiate wrestlers of all time. Dake’s records come at a time where the sport of wrestling is in peril. The International Olympic Committee has recommended that wrestling be dropped from the 2020 Olympics. The 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro may be the only chance collegiate wres-
tlers have to show the world what they can do. “We've got to think 2016, and think that it's our last shot. So after this season, I'm going to be going at it full time,” Dake said. According to a story by the AP’s Luke Meredith, every ticket for the six sessions of the NCAA Wrestling championships were sold out, while there were many empty seats for the opening sessions of the NCAA Men’s Basketball championships. Dake’s accomplishments at Cornell are nothing short of amazing. He, and other wrestlers like him, hope that they can continue to show their talents.
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