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by Ben Burns
Friday, Mar 11, 2022I'm sure you heard the good news. It's Go Time! It really didn't look promising. However, the two sides came together and figured things out. Only hours before the agreement was reached, I remember thinking: "I'd be happy just to have a shortened season start by June 1st. That's better than nothing ..." Instead, a full 162-game season will start much sooner. Here are some of the details.
When Is The First Pitch?
They're moving fast. By the time you're reading this, spring training may have already begun. The games begin Sunday, March 13. That will allow the regular season to begin on April 7th. After all the fuss, that's only one week later than was originally planned. In a way, it's not bad at all. College hoops will wrap up on the 4th. Then, only a couple of days before Opening Day.
What's Different?
In order to make up the missed week, the teams will play three extra games at the end of the regular season. The other missed games will be made up by playing double-headers. Those will be of the 9-inning variety, too. Gone are the 7-inning DH's. Speaking of "DH's," another difference this year is that the National League will now be using designated hitters. Also , there will no longer be a runner on second base to begin extra innings. Additionally, the playoff format has changed; 12 teams will now make it, instead of 10.
Top Free Agents
There are some pretty big names out there and they're likely to start finding new homes quite quickly. Remember, teams and players haven't been able to talk. Carlos Correa tops the list. Needless to say, he'll be getting a huge deal. Coming off a strong 2021, Carlos Rodón is likely the top free agent starting pitcher. Naturally, the Yankees are reported to be in the mix for both. Some other notable names include: Story, Soler, Schwarber, Jansen, Freeman, Castellanos, Kikuchi and Bryant. Seiya Suzuki, a 27-year old power hitter from Japan, is another name you're likely to hear.
Who's Expected To Be Good?
The Dodgers are favored to win the World Series. Other contenders include the Astros, Yankees, Mets, White Sox, Blue Jays and Braves.
To say that I was relieved by the news would be an understatement. Baseball is one of my very favorite sports to watch and handicap. Not just because I'm coming off back-to-back really strong baseball campaigns either. March Madness will have the bulk of my attention over the next few weeks but I'll also be keeping a close eye on spring training. While I don't plan to attend any games this year, I'll still be digesting as much info as possible. Bring on Opening Day!
When Is The First Pitch?
They're moving fast. By the time you're reading this, spring training may have already begun. The games begin Sunday, March 13. That will allow the regular season to begin on April 7th. After all the fuss, that's only one week later than was originally planned. In a way, it's not bad at all. College hoops will wrap up on the 4th. Then, only a couple of days before Opening Day.
What's Different?
In order to make up the missed week, the teams will play three extra games at the end of the regular season. The other missed games will be made up by playing double-headers. Those will be of the 9-inning variety, too. Gone are the 7-inning DH's. Speaking of "DH's," another difference this year is that the National League will now be using designated hitters. Also , there will no longer be a runner on second base to begin extra innings. Additionally, the playoff format has changed; 12 teams will now make it, instead of 10.
Top Free Agents
There are some pretty big names out there and they're likely to start finding new homes quite quickly. Remember, teams and players haven't been able to talk. Carlos Correa tops the list. Needless to say, he'll be getting a huge deal. Coming off a strong 2021, Carlos Rodón is likely the top free agent starting pitcher. Naturally, the Yankees are reported to be in the mix for both. Some other notable names include: Story, Soler, Schwarber, Jansen, Freeman, Castellanos, Kikuchi and Bryant. Seiya Suzuki, a 27-year old power hitter from Japan, is another name you're likely to hear.
Who's Expected To Be Good?
The Dodgers are favored to win the World Series. Other contenders include the Astros, Yankees, Mets, White Sox, Blue Jays and Braves.
To say that I was relieved by the news would be an understatement. Baseball is one of my very favorite sports to watch and handicap. Not just because I'm coming off back-to-back really strong baseball campaigns either. March Madness will have the bulk of my attention over the next few weeks but I'll also be keeping a close eye on spring training. While I don't plan to attend any games this year, I'll still be digesting as much info as possible. Bring on Opening Day!
