Yesterday was Opening Day. The Atlanta Braves teased their fans in the last home opener at The Ted as the Washington Nationals came back in extra innings to win the game.
Earlier in the day on the way to work, I tuned in to The Front Row on 680 the Fan. Steak Shapiro, Sandra Golden and Brian Finneran were playing what they called the Atlanta Braves Over/Under Game. Steak would read a stat and poll Finneran, Sandra and some of their listeners for their thoughts.
I know, I know. Yesterday was Opening Day. Three games on the Sunday of Opening Day Eve certainly made me happy, despite literally falling one place (0.5 points) shy of placing in my first DraftKings multiplier of the season.
Since today marks what has truly become known as Opening Day, I have saved my predictions for this magical Monday. I have no problem admitting that I have had a rough go in predicting the MLB the past two seasons, but I will give myself a pat on the back for predicting the rise of the Kansas City Royals two years ago. That’s why I’m sticking with them this year, but just how far do I think they can go?
The 1986 World Series was one for the ages, huh? Finally, the two cities that loathed each other within their own division for decades would get to battle on the world’s biggest stage for the ultimate baseball supremacy. The Boston Red Sox, behind one of the best hitters AND pitchers in baseball, would face off against the scrappy, seemingly always in trouble, New York Mets. The two teams combined for over 200 wins in the regular season, and it was a matchup that saw baseball’s two most polarizing teams go head-to-head.
It was Opening Day in Cleveland. Tuesday April 2, 1996. David Cone hurled seven innings of shutout ball. This rookie named Derek Jeter hit his first big league home run and the New York Yankees won their first game of the season. They would also win their last game that season.
That game was Game 6 of the World Series. The New York Yankees dynasty was born.
The Atlanta Braves — who shed the contract of veteran Nick Swisher a mere few days ago — made an announcement that made Braves fans of yesteryear pretty happy. Jeff Francoeur — who captured the nation’s attention as a rookie — is back for the last season at The Ted.
The New York Yankees have sent some of their bigger names to the Minor Leagues the past week. Jacob Lindgren and Gary Sanchez were both seen to have solid chances at breaking spring training on the big league roster, but once again, they begin the season in Triple-A.
As of Sunday, so will Rob Refsnyder. Refsnyder has been an enigma to the Yankees. Recently, I took a look at whether or not Ref still fits in to the New York Yankees future plans over at Minor League Ball.
Robinson Cano came upon hard times once leaving the New York Yankees. They were not as hard times as another former Yankee — Jesus Montero — who was just released by the Mariners Sunday after being a total bust of a prospect, but they were hard.
The second he left New York, angry fans tabbed him as lazy. They said he wasn’t worth the big contract. They said he wasn’t what a “real” Yankee represented.
Judging by this spring, those tough times may be behind him.
Nathan Eovaldi can be assumed to have the fourth rotation spot locked down, so the only question mark was who was going to step up and be the fifth starter.
Right now, it hasn’t been pretty finding out the answer.
Wayne Cavadi's Online Portfolio 