2015 MLB Team Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates are coming off back-to-back postseason appearances, but have yet to win the NL Central. Manager Clint Hurdle knows winning the division is more important than ever. Pittsburgh would avoid a Wild Card play-in game. They lost to the eventual World Series champs (San Francisco) in the WC play-in game last season.

The Buccos might possibly have the best young outfield in the Majors. Andrew McCutchen is a perennial MVP candidate, Startling Marte is an all-round offensive and defensive weapon and Gregory Polanco hopes to repeat the numbers he had in the minors before last year’s call-up. All three are under the age of 28 and should be stars in Pittsburgh for a long time.

Can the Pirates hold off the Cardinals and win their first division title since 1992?

Here is the 2015 MLB season preview for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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2015 MLB Team Preview: Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies got old in a hurry. In a span of four years, they went from a World Series contender to possibly being one of the worst teams in the league. They signed all their stars to lucrative long-term contracts during that time. The worst-case scenario played out and they are all nearly immovable in a trade.

Manager Ryne Sandberg took over after Charlie Manuel was fired mid-season in 2013. He’s great with younger talent, but he might not be able to keep his job during the transition. They need to move the big contracts for a few decent prospects, but dumping money is more important.

Can the Phillies find a trade partner for Ryan Howard?

Here is the 2015 MLB season preview for the Philadelphia Phillies.

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2015 MLB Team Preview: Oakland Athletics

The Oakland made a lot of moves this offseason. Some signings/trades made me scratch my head. I understood the Ben Zobrist trade, but I feel like they should have targeted a power-hitting outfielder in free agency. Can an outfield with Sam Fuld, Coco Crisp and Josh Reddick make the playoffs?

Oakland’s starting rotation lost Jon Lester, Jason Hammel and Jeff Samardzija. The A’s traded San Diego for Jesse Hahn and they hope to get a full season from Drew Pomeranz. Also, they should get Jarrod Parker back in June from Tommy John surgery.

Can Oakland make the postseason for a fourth season in a row?

Here is the 2015 MLB season preview for the Oakland Athletics.

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2015 MLB Team Preview: New York Yankees

Derek Jeter? Nope. Hiroki Kuroda? Nope. Alex Rodriguez? Ugh…yes.

The Yankees will have issues this season with age, but they do have some young players to help keep them competitive. It will be interesting how GM Brian Cashman deals with the older players going forward. They are on the hook for a lot of money. I doubt they will get much in return for some of their high-priced veterans.

The AL East is expected to be very competitive. Toronto and Boston were very active this offseason with trades and free agent signings. Can the Yankees keep up with them?

Here is the 2015 MLB season preview for the New York Yankees.

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Sports Crush: WWE Diva – Paige (Again!)

The last time we profiled Paige, she was in the WWE’s developmental territory NXT. She has since won the Divas Championship in her RAW debut and has become one of the most popular Divas. She also stars on E!’s ‘Total Divas’ program with The Bella Twins, Eva Marie, Natalya and many others.

We’ve written a handful of ‘Sports Crush’ posts since we launched AmericasWhiteBoy.com. We have spotlighted WWE Divas Lana, Summer Rae & A.J. Lee. The response was so great, we decided to profile Paige for a second time.

Paige (her real name Saraya-Jade Bevis) has been wrestling since she was 13. She comes from a wrestling family. She was known as Britani Knight in the U.K. before she came into the WWE in 2011. She is only 22 years old and her future is bright. She should be a mainstay in the WWE for a long time.

Once you see Paige, you’ll know why we’re crushing on her. We’ve added some photos and a very special .GIF for you to enjoy. Continue reading →

2015 MLB Team Preview: New York Mets

The Mets have been the butt of many jokes the last decade. Their owner got hammered in the Bernie Madoff ponzi scheme and their name right’s owner on their ballpark was one of the architects of the 2008 financial collapse. It’s about time for something to go right in New York.

I actually have a crush on the New York Mets this season. I have been known to fall in love with prospects, especially pitchers, but there’s a lot to like on the Mets. Jacob deGrom and Zack Wheeler showed promise in 2014 and Matt Harvey is set to return from Tommy John surgery. They also have pitcher Noah Syndergaard waiting in Triple-A for a call-up.

The Mets even have defense on their side. Juan Lagares is possibly the most underrated defensive outfielder in the Majors. They also still have David Wright manning the hot corner. Opposing teams will have a low BABIP against the Mets this season.

Here is the 2015 MLB season preview for the New York Mets.

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2015 MLB Team Preview: Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins have one of the best farm systems in baseball. It took a blow with Miguel Sano needing Tommy John surgery last season, but he’s already impressing everyone at Spring Training.

The Twins are only expected to win around 70 games this season, but if a few of their young players catch fire, they could make some noise.

The AL Central is top-heavy with Detroit looking like a lock to win the division. Chicago and Kansas City made a lot of moves this offseason and Cleveland brings back their entire core group of players. Can Minnesota squeeze their way into that group in the standings?

Here is the 2015 MLB season preview for the Minnesota Twins.

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2015 MLB Team Preview: Milwaukee Brewers

On paper, the Milwaukee Brewers have one of the most talented starting lineups in the National League. Unfortunately, they are thin on depth. It could be a long season if something unforeseen happens.

Carlos Gomez and Jean Segura are two of the best defensive players in the National League. Their bats aren’t too shabby either. They should both be All-Stars in 2015.

Matt Garza and Kyle Lohse anchor a starting rotation that is a bit top-heavy. Mike Fiers was hot at the end of the year, but he hasn’t been able to put together an entire season. The back of the rotation could have trouble.

Khris Davis struck out in nearly 25% of his at-bats in 2014. Will he be more patient this season?

Here is the 2015 MLB season preview for the Milwaukee Brewers.

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Sweetbob’s Hipster Music Playlist: March 2015

I’ve been drowning in MLB team previews and fantasy baseball position rankings, so I thoroughly enjoyed making this month’s Hipster Music Playlist. It is filled with new bands and some that might be familiar to you.

I always keep an ear out for new music. I love discovering new bands/songs, it’s a habit from my days as a music journalist. Even though this is mostly a sports blog, I still add quite a bit of music and pop culture content.

I have been called a hipster on more than one occasion. I like indie music more than any other genre of music. Don’t get me wrong, I can rock out to Richard Marx or Ace of Base (depending on the amount of alcohol in my system).

These songs may not be able to melt the snow in your area, but I think you will enjoy them.

Here are 15 new indie songs I’m currently listening to. Your ears will thank you for listening!

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2015 MLB Team Preview: Miami Marlins

Watch out, guys. The Miami Marlins opened their checkbooks this offseason. This happens once a decade, so enjoy it while it lasts.

Miami paid Giancarlo Stanton to a big contract and traded for some legit talent. They didn’t acquire washed-up players. They acquired guys like Dee Gordon and Mat Latos. Players who are just now hitting their prime.

Miami will be without their ace Jose Fernandez for the first few months of the season. He needed Tommy John last May. He is already throwing off a mound, so they are circling June as a possible return date.

Can they compete for the NL East crown?

Here is the 2015 MLB season preview for the Miami Marlins.

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2015 MLB Team Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers have one of the best rosters in the Majors. They are loaded with established veterans, enthusiastic youth and one of the best starting rotations in the league. This could be a big season for the Dodgers.

The Dodgers have deep pockets and have been throwing money at players since they signed their lucrative TV deal. They didn’t splurge this offseason on free agents, but they did do some targeted trades. They knew what they needed and went out and filled holes.

Don Mattingly has been on the hot seat since the Dodgers hired him. He has dealt with lofty expectations and um, Yasiel Puig’s antics. Can he corral Puig’s shenanigans and keep him in line this season?

Here is the 2015 MLB season preview for the Los Angels Dodgers.

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2015 MLB Team Preview: Los Angeles Angels

The Angels had a fantastic regular season in 2014. Mike Trout won league MVP and Albert Pujols bounced back from a below average 2013 season. The Angels postseason wasn’t as spectacular. They were swept in the ALDS by Kansas City.

As long as the Angels have Mike Trout, they will be a World Series contender. He does need help and their current roster is more than suitable for the job.

Pitching is a strong area for the Angels. Their rotation has established All-Stars and young talent that could eventually become top-of-the-rotation starters.

Josh Hamilton is expected to miss some time this season due to a drug relapse. How many games will he miss?

Here is the 2015 MLB season preview for the Los Angels Angels.

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