We’ve got some good series before us to start the Major League Baseball season. A thought on each, in order of how much one would objectively want to watch each:
Yankees vs. Blue Jays
The Blue Jays were the team that didn’t belong in last year’s AL Playoffs—not by record, but by odds. They’re still getting better by means of development, though, and they’re the most likely challenger to the Yankees in the AL East (even if the Yankees being challenged in the East isn’t all that likely).
Athletics vs. Astros
The A’s have a way of sneaking up on the playoffs. Do they have something up their sleeve this year, or is it really a rebuild? And what to make of the Astros, who have all that uncertainty after a bad, short regular season last year on the heels of the sign-stealing controversy?
Nationals vs. Mets
We were prepared to savor deGrom vs. Scherzer. We still might get it. But for the time being, we’ve got the first coronavirus cancelation of the 2021 season.
Brewers vs. Twins
How down is down for the Twins? Are they still the best team in the division? And is the same true of the Brewers across the league?
Angels vs. White Sox
The White Sox are going to miss Eloy Jiménez, but people still seem optimistic. There’s also optimism the Angels finally have a playoff team around Mike Trout, but that’s been a common story with a customary sad result.
Phillies vs. Braves
The Phillies have Aaron Nola, Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, and a ton of question marks. They could contend. They could fizz out. We won’t know what to make of them for a while, but they’ll certainly be tested here out of the gate.
Padres vs. Diamondbacks
Can the Padres dominate the bottom of the NL West the way the Dodgers do?
Dodgers vs. Rockies
Can the Dodgers dominate the bottom of the NL West by enough to stay ahead of the Padres?
Reds vs. Cardinals
One half of the somebody-has-to-win-it NL Central race.
Marlins vs. Rays
Is any of last year’s magic still around Miami? And like the A’s, do the Rays have an unexpected run in them?
Red Sox vs. Orioles
If the Red Sox are going to bounce back, they’ll need good pitching, so in that sense, we may get some hints this weekend.
Tigers vs. Cleveland
Cleveland, like the Phillies, has some amazing pieces and some gaping holes. Unlike Philadelphia, though, their division’s sneakily forgiving.
Mariners vs. Giants
The Giants showed some life last year. Will they do it again?
Cubs vs. Pirates
Are the Cubs going to get to full sell-off mode in the next couple months?
Royals vs. Rangers
How many years away is each from contention? Because it feels like a lot.
