MLB 2017

The injury bug is really hitting the Yankees hard so far this year. Didi Gregorius injuries his shoulder in the World Baseball Classic and is out until May. Greg Bird has an injured ankle and has missed the last 4 games. And now Gary Sanchez has a biceps strain and is going to be out until May as well. And we're only 7 games into this season.

It's great to see MLB back. I could definitely live without the WBC and its poor timing with spring training.

Cleveland may have the heir apparent to Jeter in Francisco Lindor. He's a young stud who is on the verge of superstardom. In '17 Lindor has come out of the gate with more power than was expected. If he's able to sustain the power, he will be a five tool All-Star. But even without the homeruns, Lindor's clutch hitting and stellar defensive play will make him a force to be reckoned with.

Beat 'em Bucs!

I honestly enjoy the WBC. I just wish I could have seen it this year. I cancelled my MLB Network subscription so I couldn't watch it. I honestly didn't think the USA had enough star power to win, but I was obviously wrong.

In lieu of Beat'em Bucs, how about Go Penguins!

MLB has to figure out a solution for a better punishment when a pitcher intentionally hits a batter. The nonsense between Boston & Baltimore this past week illustrated how powerless MLB is in this area. A batter is hit with a 90+mph fastball and nothing happens. Then in the same series a pitcher is tossed for hitting a batter with a 78 mph curve.

If they want to fix this, pitchers should be suspended for 20 games for plunking a batter. That means missing four starts. The current policy is usually 5-10 games, which amounts to minimal punishment and minimal deterrent.

I'd go even further: automatic game ejection and a substantial fine.

Well, the Yankees draw first blood by trading for Todd Frazier, Tommy Kahnle and David Robertson. The Yanks got rid of Tyler Clippard, Blake Rutherford, Ian Clarkin and Tito Polo. I've heard Rutherford's name before in the past and hear in a few years they may miss both him and Clarkin. But Kahnle and Robertson should solidify the bullpen along with Betances and Chapman. Frazier is purely a rental and will walk after this year. Hopefully he can provide some pop before he goes. The Yankees still need to address their biggest need which is starting pitching. But I do like this move as they kept their major pieces and only Frazier is a free agent after this year.

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/20099245/new-york-yankees-acquire-todd-frazier-chicago-white-sox

I cannot wait for the MLB playoffs to start tonight. Should be a great pitching matchup in the Twins-NY wild card.