News And Leading Trends In Major Baseball League
2016′s MLB season opened on April 3rd and will run until October 2nd. 30 top-flight teams will play 162 games across the two top leagues, including facing interleague and division opponents at all levels. Players, fans and pundits are seeing the season hot up as we pass the midpoint and the all-star break, and the battle at the top of the table is extremely close right now. The coming weekend’s games look likely to shake things up once more, with many teams still to play before the weekends.
At the time of writing, the Red Sox have a narrow lead over Orioles – but the Blue Jays and Yankees are close behind in third and fourth place respectively. Boston’s appeal as the league favorite also shows in the selection for the World Series. Xander Bogaerts, David Ortiz, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Mookie Betts have all started for the American League – currently reigning supreme in the series with three straight wins.
Meanwhile over in the National League, Nationals are currently storming to victory. Just the Marlins and the Mets look to have any chance of catching up, and there is a gap between each in the table. Despite this weaker competition among the NL teams, National League remains the slight favorite with bookmakers for the next World Series clash – but this could all change during an unpredictable, exciting season.
Rule Changes for the 2016 MLB Season
Along with the Players’ Association, the MLB has updated the rulebook this year. Guidance on what now constitutes a legal slide has been issued, giving infielders more protection in play while allowing aggressive base-running practices to continue. Breaks and mound visits have also been reduced to 30 seconds to speed up play – particularly for televised games where the break now matches a commercial interlude. The new slide rule was brought into use almost as soon as the season opened, against Toronto Blue Jays’ José Bautista for controversial hand to ankle contact on Logan Forsythe.
There is some talk about changing during the 2017 season to a 154-game system, in part to reduce the pressure on players. Traveling the nation for games is tough, leaving players apart from their families and feeling tired before games. Fans and baseball experts say a small reduction in the annual schedule would make a massive difference to players’ abilities and their enthusiasm. For now, the timetable remains the same but perhaps we can expect this change in the future.
Players to Watch in 2016
One of the season’s biggest shake-ups so far has come from Madison Bumgarner, the Giants’ pitcher who chose to hit for himself and proved to be skilled in both areas. The unusual decision had social media buzzing, and has opened up discussions for a separate ‘Pitchers’ Derby’. Talks have even begun on entering pitchers to the Home Run Derby in future.
Meanwhile, Josh Donaldson and Anthony Rizzo are the pundits’ top picks for mid-season MVP. The Blue Jay’s baseman is far ahead in opinion polls, six points ahead in a recent panel vote and showing increasing talent out on the field, making it likely he will keep his title. That said, Angels’ Mike Trout and Astros’ Jose Altuve are still running close behind.
The National League’s victor is less certain, with several players vying for attention. While Rizzo is leading favorite right now, Kris Bryant and David Murphy are in close contention as well.
Revelations From the 2016 Draft
With the mid-season draft closing just days ago, we can now take a good look at the season’s fresh wave of young amateurs, boosted to the pro level after a shining summer performance. There are already some very notable signings and trends to consider when looking at the list of names. The most notable trend is how high school pitchers are hot property right now – six young men with pitching skills were among the first 17 picks this season.
First high school pick this year went to the Philadelphia Phillies, who will be welcoming outfielder Mickey Moniak. Moniak was a surprise choice to many, who predicted that top place would go to Riley Pint or Jason Groome. However, seven home runs and a stellar second half season boosted young Moniak’s net worth and attracted the Phillies’ attention. Groome is still a key figure to watch, and he will no doubt attract some fans when he takes his place at AL leaders Boston Red Sox. NL first team Washington Nationals will be keen to see how their highest placed new signings Carter Kieboom and Jesus Luzardo perform over the season.
With half the season remaining and a great World Series to look forward to, 2016 is sure to be another sensational year with lots of action and drama to come. Nothing is set in stone yet and there could still be some major shake-ups for teams at all levels. One thing is certain – fans can expect some superb games between now and October!