MLB isn’t the only sports league considering having a team in Las Vegas, earlier this year, the Oakland Raiders, who haven’t been able to secure a new stadium in Oakland, said they are seriously considering moving the franchise to Las Vegas.
The NHL recently also announced interest in moving a franchise to Las Vegas or awarding an expansion franchise to the city.
It looks like Pro Bowl wide receiver Josh Gordon’s NFL career could be over…all because of marijuana. It could cost him tens of millions of dollars in future earnings.
Gordon was busted by the NFL for having a diluted urine sample, which the NFL considers as a failed drug test. He missed a portion of the 2014 season and the entire 2015 season due to marijuana-related suspensions. He also had issues in college stemming from his marijuana use, like falling asleep in a Taco Bell drive-through lane as a sophomore.
Many will look at Gordon as someone without self-control or someone that has shown signs of being an addict. It’s a fair assumption since he’s been disciplined numerous times since college for smoking weed.
Major League Baseball seems to be adjusting with the times as the rules committee approved two wearable devices for use during regular season games. The news will not affect online MLB sports betting odds, but it does make MLB a pioneer in terms of new technology while their counterparts like the NBA recently banned players from wearing such devices during games.
According to the Associated Press, the two devices that were approved are the Motus Baseball Sleeve, which measures stress on elbows, and the Zephyr Bioharness, which is used to monitor heart and breathing rates.
The rules committee also approved the use of a pair of bat sensors during workouts.
The Washington Nationals had a forgettable 2015 season. They were one of the favorites to win the National League pennant, but they didn’t even end up making the postseason.
Bryce Harper had his best season as a pro last year. He took home the National League MVP award and it was the first time since his rookie season that he stayed healthy enough to have 500+ at-bats. If he avoids running into outfield walls, this could be a yearly occurrence for the 23-year-old.
Can Dusty Baker push the Nationals to an NL East crown?
Here is the 2016 MLB season preview for the Washington Nationals.
The Toronto Blue Jays had an impressive season in 2015. They made some of the best trades in baseball and won the AL East.
The Blue Jays arguably have the best offense in baseball. Their lineup is loaded with power hitters who have contended for homer run titles. They also have speed and defense. One underwhelming aspect of their game is pitching. They lost David Price and Mark Buehrle this offseason and replaced them with J.A. Happ and Jesse Chavez. Their rotation needs to step up if they want to repeat as AL East champions.
Can Josh Donaldson win another MVP award?
Here is the 2016 MLB season preview for the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Texas Rangers went from worst to first in the AL West last season. Jeff Banister had one hell of a first season as manager in Arlington, Texas.
The Rangers are a team built to have a decent championship window. The Rangers are built around a mix of young players like Elvis Andrus and Yu Darvish, and veterans like Adrian Beltre and Cole Hamels to shoulder the load during a long season. The Astros also have a long window since their team is mostly built from their impressive farm system. The Rangers and Astros will be battling for the division for many years to come.
Can the Rangers repeat as AL West champions?
Here is the 2016 MLB season preview for the Texas Rangers.
The Tampa Bay Rays flew under the radar last season after losing their general manager and manager to other teams before last season.
The Rays made some small moves this offseason to shore up some areas in which they lost players due to free agency. They acquired Logan Morrison, infielder Brad Miller and reliever Danny Farquhar in a deal with Seattle. All three will play vital roles for the team this season.
The AL East is full of teams with a lot of offense. Can the Rays hang with only average offense, but really good defense?
Here is the 2016 MLB season preview for the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Cardinals didn’t pout and lick their wounds from losing John Lackey and Jason Heyward to the Cubs. They signed one of the top starting pitchers in free agency, Mike Leake. Also, let’s not forget that they get ace Adam Wainwright back this year.
The NL Central race will be cutthroat this season. Do the Cardinals veterans like Adam Wainwright, Yadier Molina and Matt Holliday have enough left in the tank for another run?
Here is the 2016 MLB season preview for the St Louis Cardinals.
The Seattle Mariners were supposed to take over the AL West when Robinson Cano signed his huge contract to come to town. It hasn’t went as planned for the Mariners. They now have a new general manager (Jerry DiPoto) and manager (Scott Servais) to run the team.
DiPoto did the usual ‘new general manager’ things like revamp the bullpen and trade some mid-level players for other mid-level players. He didn’t make any huge moves, but enough to change a lot of faces.
The Mariners haven’t made the postseason since they won 116 games in 2001. Can this team break the long drought or will they be another average Seattle team?
Here is the 2016 MLB season preview for the Seattle Mariners.
The San Francisco Giants had one hell of an offseason. They didn’t have to worry about keeping their own roster intact since most were all under contract, so they went out and signed two of the best pitchers in free agency.
The Giants needed to add some arms in order to keep up with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers have proven they don’t care about the luxury tax and will spend accordingly. The Giants don’t have the same mindset, but they are smart about their money when they do open their checkbooks.
The Giants are dangerous when they have elite pitching. Can they win another World Series this season?
Here is the 2016 MLB season preview for the San Francisco Giants.
The Padres are expected to be sellers at this year’s trade deadline. They do have some pitchers that could net them some decent prospects. I expect Tyson Ross to garner the most attention from teams this season. A bidding war could bump up the price.
How will San Diego’s new bullpen work out this season?
Here is the 2016 MLB season preview for the San Diego Padres.
The Pittsburgh Pirates had a great season last year, but fell victim to the Wild Card system. They won 98 games, but still had to play the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card game…and they failed to win.
The Pirates made some move this offseason, but none of them were very flashy. General manager Neil Huntington is sticking to the strategy he used to build this team. He makes low-cost free agent signings and continues to develop his farm system.
The NL Central will be the most competitive division in baseball. The Cardinals and Cubs made some big free agent signings this offseason. Will the Pirates refusal to open their checkbook hurt them this year?
Here is the 2016 MLB season preview for the Pittsburgh Pirates.