Spring is here and that means another baseball season is starting! While it’s exciting to start a new full season of baseball, we are still in an unpredictable time. Already, COVID-19 has postponed one game today, the Mets-Nationals game has been postponed. This probably won’t be the last time this happens, but it’s just a reminder of what we’re living through.
In more positive news, LeBron James is now a part-owner of the Boston Red Sox, making him the first Black owner of the team. James made the announcement that he joined Fenway Sports Group. The AL East is one of the most competitive divisions in baseball this season with four of the five teams being able to make a run for the division crown. The American League is full of drama especially with the Astros having to face opposing fans for the first time since their scandal.
Here is a closer look at three of the biggest storylines of this MLB season.
Welcoming Back Fans
It’s already a positive sign that the season is starting on time. While we are still living in a global pandemic, there seems to be some hope as more and more people get vaccinated. With that, that means life can start returning back to normal including fans at sporting events. Only late in the playoffs were fans allowed to be in attendance. The Texas Rangers announced they will fill their stadium to capacity which is probably less than smart. However, other stadiums have announced that they will welcome fans back on a limited basis. Hopefully, it’s a sign that we are finally on track to slowly return back to pre-pandemic life. More importantly, it might inspire more people to get vaccinated!
Can the Dodgers Repeat
This team is just as good as it was last season. The reigning World Series champs did not relax this offseason. Instead, Los Angeles added starting pitchers Trevor Bauer and David Price to their already impressive rotation. Last season their team had an incredible .717 win rate in the shortened season. With a lineup including Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger, and Corey Seager the Dodgers are a tough out from top to bottom.
It’s been a while since an MLB team went back to back, but we have seen crazier things happen. The last team to do it was the 1998-2000 New York Yankees. Los Angeles has the talent to dominate. It’s up to the other National League teams to challenge them.
Are the Astros Still Villains
The Houston Astros should have been booed at every stadium they traveled to last season. However, with no fans in the stands, the Astros did not get to feel the wrath of their cheating scandal. Fans have had a full year to think about Houston. Has the dust settled? Will all be forgiven? I doubt Jose Altuve will get a warm welcome at Yankee Stadium. I don’t see Joe Kelly running up to Alex Bregman and giving him a hug.
The Red Sox are welcoming back manager Alex Cora who was a major part of the scandal. Cora won a World Series title with the team in his first season so it’s not that surprising that the team chose to keep him despite the suspension. Carlos Beltran was also a part of the scandal and is still looking for a job. MLB might have let Houston off easy, but you can’t expect fans to do the same.
