Well, it’s almost that time again. The most dreaded, yet most exciting time of the MLB regular season: the end. Whether it be time for your team to just throw in the 2017 towel or if they’ve already clinched that coveted playoff spot, this time of year is undoubtedly the most fun to watch, no matter who you root for. So, here are some frequently asked questions (and answers) regarding the 2017 MLB season.
End of 2017 MLB Season: Questions Answered
Are the Cubs Back on Track?
Good news for you, Chicago Cubs fans: the answer for this one is leaning towards “yes.” With Addison Russell comfortably adjusting himself back into the starting lineup after a serious foot injury, and clearly no dispute on Javier Baez‘s position in the situation, we seem to have the Cubbies back at NLDS-caliber at the very least. The team chemistry hasn’t ceased to amaze since the beginning of last season, with key contributions from 3B Kris Bryant and 1B Anthony Rizzo, not to mention CF Albert Almora Jr. recently coming into the spotlight due to his abilities in the clutch. Speaking of Mr. Clutch, keep your eyes set on a breakout from last year’s World Series MVP, Ben Zobrist.
Giancarlo Stanton for National League MVP?
This is more of a tough one, especially on the reporter’s end, since a valid candidate like Colorado Rockies’ Nolan Arenado has decided to enter the MVP race with his recent day-in and day-out sorcery at third base. Yet with Giancarlo Stanton hitting .278/.378/.631 and of course all those home runs (55, to be exact) heavily contributing to that statistic, he’s been on the MVP watchlist virtually all season. He needs 19 more homers to break Barry Bonds‘ official major-league record set in 2001 at age 36; Stanton is 27.
Is There Even a Single Doubt for Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger‘s Cases for AL and NL ROY, Respectively?
To be honest, there really aren’t any other suitors given these guys’ ridiculous rookie stat lines. Cody Bellinger is a 21-year old, fresh-faced dinger machine who on Saturday tied the NL single-season rookie home run record (Wally Berger, 1930 and Frank Robinson, 1956), even while spending the first three weeks of the season in Triple-A ball. To all the Seinfeld fans of the world, hopefully you’ve set aside your differences for the better.
On the other hand, we have Aaron Judge, who in his official rookie year has hit 44 bombs and counting. Oh, and not to mention the guy is 6’7″, 280 lbs. In other words, the Judge has made his statement; case closed.
Are the Houston Astros a Legitimate Playoff Contender?
With the new acquisition in ace Justin Verlander, the ‘Stros seem to have something going for them at the moment. With the spotlight on the so-called “Big 3” of SS Carlos Correa, 2B José Altuve, and OF George Springer, Houston is looking very promising this postseason. The great momentum they have and the way they carry themselves as a team seems very confident to the rest of baseball. Although I don’t predict them going for it all at the end, expect them to take two or three games from the opponent in the American League Championship Series.
As the 2017 postseason nears more quickly than ever, we wish you happy watching, whether it be at the ballpark or from your couch at home.
