Continue With The Youth Movement

So far this season, Major League Baseball has been ambushed by great young talent. To give a good idea of this statement, just look at the All Star Game rosters. There were 31 players who received their first All Star Game selection, and some of them are the best players in the game. Except for four players — A.J. Burnett, Brett Gardner, Stephen Vogt, and Darren O’Day — the other 27 players to receive their first selection are all under the age of 29. 

From the likes of Chris Archer to Dallas Keuchel, Jacob deGrom to Carlos Martinez, and Nolan Arenado to Kris Bryant, these players are at the top of the game, and should be for some time. Major League Baseball has plenty to look forward to, and they should be excited with what’s to come. 

The “Wild” Card Races

With Major League Baseball adding a second Wild Card team in 2012, they wanted to give more teams a chance at making the playoffs. And up to this point, it has been a great decision. 

When the second half starts on Friday, every American League team will have a chance at making the playoffs. The Oakland Athletics, who are currently the worst American League team with a record of 41-50, are only eight games back of the second Wild Card spot. That said, each game for each team will have meaning towards their possible playoff push.

As for the National League, there are six teams that are vying for the two Wild Card spots. The Pittsburgh Pirates have a solid lead of 5.5 games on the second spot, but the other five teams are within six games of each other. But, the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants are even closer together, as only two games separate those three teams. Don’t be surprised if one of them make a big deal at the trade deadline. 

Will Pitching Continue To Dominate?

Since the Steroid Era truly ended over the last decade or so, pitching has dominated the sport, and that hasn’t changed in 2015. For the first time since 1981, runs per game is at it’s lowest point, 8.2, and it doesn’t seem to be headed up.

There are currently 28 starting pitchers with an Earned Run Average below 3.00, which is a very high number, and a total of 60 pitchers under a 4.00. This great pitching has been led by the likes of Max Scherzer, who has a no-hitter this season, and Zack Greinke, who hasn’t given up a run in his last five starts. 

Scherzer and Greinke aren’t the only two pitchers who have been dominating of late, but they are backed up by Sonny Gray, Jacob deGrom, and Dallas Keuchel, who are taking the League by storm. Not to mention that Chris Sale recently had eight consecutive starts with double-digit strikeouts, and the savvy vet, A.J. Burnett is having his best season yet, posting a 2.11 ERA.

Also, it is very clear how good the pitching has been this season, when Clayton Kershaw hasn’t even been mentioned up to this point. 

Where Will Johnny Cueto and Cole Hamels Land?

With the Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds both struggling, they are sure to be sellers come trade deadline. Each of their prized possessions will receive numerous offers, Johnny Cueto and Cole Hamels.

Cueto has been solid so far this season, with his 6-6 record and 2.73 ERA. He would be a huge addition to plenty of teams, but it will come down to who will give up the most. A couple of candidates that will bid for his services will be the Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros. Both of these teams need starting pitching, and why not get one of the best right handers in the game?

As for Hamels, he has been very good, on a very bad team. The Phillies are 33 games under .500, which is higher than the amount of wins they have in 2015. If the Phillies were to trade Hamels, they would be able to bring in some good young talent, and can begin their rebuilding process. Look out for the Dodgers, Blue Jays, and the Cubs, to make a push for Hamels at the deadline. 

Will The Cubs and Astros Get Back To Postseason Baseball?

Both the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros are at least one year ahead of schedule, when it comes to postseason talk. The Cubs have gotten outstanding play out of their young bats, and they have really propelled them forward so far. It all starts with All Star first baseman Anthony Rizzo, but he has gotten plenty of help from the other corner in Kris Bryant, as well as the middle infield of Starlin Castro and Addison Russell. Either Cole Hamels or Johnny Cueto would be a great addition to their club, and I think General Manger Theo Epstein will look to add one of them. 

The Astros have played above their expectations, but how long will it last? They had a sizable lead, just one month ago, but now they are a half-game back in the division. Houston has scored plenty of runs, 395, but they are only hitting .240 as a team. Chris Carter hasn’t backed up his career year like they had hoped, but Houston has gotten some young energy from Carlos Correa, who already looks to be a shoe in at shortstop for years to come. 

Dallas Keuchel has led that pitching staff, but he hasn’t had much help. Collin McHugh had a good month of June, but he has cooled down of late. Houston should look to add a starter, and Mike Leake could be their guy. Leake is headed for free agency, and the Reds will be looking to deal him. Colby Rasmus has also been good for Houston, but they should look to upgrade the right field position. Jay Bruce should be a guy they look at, because like Leake, Cincinnati will be looking to move some of their big name guys for younger players.