Trout Dominance To Lead The American League?

Opening Day has finally arrived.

After a lengthy off-season that saw huge free agent signings from James Shields, Giancarlo Stanton and Max Scherzer, along with the mega San Diego Padres/Atlanta Braves only 24 hours ago, the season is surely one not to miss. There are numerous questions heading into this season regarding who will be the contenders come October, will there be another surprise late season playoff rush similar to the Kansas City Royals and how will the returning Alex Rodriguez be received.
Let's take a brief look at the American League and what there is to expect.

AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST

Reigning AL MVP Mike Trout heads a revitalized Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim coming off a 99 game win season prior to being swept in the ALDS by the eventual AL Champion Kansas City Royals. The offensive combination of Trout, Albert Pujols, Cole Calhoun and upcoming CJ Crohn is sure to complement the starting rotation. Questions headed into the season is the returning future ace, Garrett Richards coming off a season-ending knee injury in Boston, the state of Josh Hamilton and whether or not CJ Wilson can return to form.

The Seattle Mariners are the Angels surefire competition in the division this year with the additions of Nelson Cruz and Seth Smith to an offense that already includes Robinson Cano, Dustin Ackley and Kyle Seager. The balanced batting order providing protection to Cano will provide the Angels toughest competition and run support to the rotation headed by Felix Hernandez. Don't be surprised to see Taijuan Walker make a run at the AL Cy Young Award this year. Billy Ball continued in an offseason frenzy that saw the Oakland A's rebuilt through multiple trades and free agent departures. Did you really think the likes of Jon Lester and Jeff Samardzjia would stick around this season? I didn't. The team who dominated the West in consecutive years provide offense in acquired DH Billy Butler that they will lack following the trades of Yoenis Cespedes and Josh Donaldson.

The Houston Astros look to finally climb their way out of the cellar by adding free agents Evan Gattis and Colby Rasmus who will provide protection to Jose Altuve and the constant Home Run threat Chris Carter. Last but not least, how will Prince Fielder and Shin Sin Choo perform in their second year with the Texas Rangers?

The West is the Angels division to lose, but don't be surprised if the Mariners are knocking on the door deep into the summer months.

AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL

The Detroit Tigers look to continue their dominance of the American League Central following a fourth consecutive division title. Questions are aplenty in Motown heading into Opening Day this season. Max Scherzer departed for the Washington Nationals, David Price is signed through the end of 2015 and will Justin Verlander could start the season on the DL? The starting rotation was considered baseballs best two years ago has seen the departures of Scherzer, Doug Fister, Rick Porcello and Drew Smyly, with the addition of David Price in a trade last year is a s state of uncertainty just like its aging bullpen. Yoenis Cespedes provides a needed offensive bat to provide support to starts Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez who are entering the season coming off recent injuries. This is where a future star in J.D. Martinez can step up and provide additional support.

The Kansas City Royals shocked Major League Baseball en route to a World Series appearance against eventual champions, San Francisco Giants. The departures of "Big Game" James Shields, Nori Aoki and Billy Butler in free agency netted little in return of an aging starting pitchers Edinson Volquez and Chris Young presents a need for Yolando Ventura to have a breakout season for any hope in returning to the post season. Look for the Royals to compete in a division that could once again be wide open.

Much like the Cubs, the Chicago White Sox had a busy off season signings of Jeff Samardzjia, David Robertson, Melky Cabrera and Adam LaRoche are sure to add a much needed offensive threat that the White Sox look to continue following the success of Jose Abreu in 2014. The biggest question this year for the White Sox is the health of ace Chris Sale who will start the season on the Disabled List. Corey Kluber heads up the Cleveland Indians following his CY Young winning season. Still many questions going into the season for the Tribe. Michael Brantley heads up the offensive workload that is set to continue well into this season following a run at the AL MVP last year. Then there are the Minnesota Twins to made news in the off season wit the feel good story following the re-signing of Torii Hunter, signing of Ervin Santana and departure of Michael Cuddeyer. The Twins have failed to reach the post season since winning the Central in 2010 due to numerous injuries from key players. Rising star Brian Dozier looks to head up a subpar lineup that includes 2009 MVP Joe Mauer.

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

The Boston Red Sox on paper are the clear favorite to run away with the American League East this season. Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez join a roster that already contains "Big Papi" David Oritz, Dustin Pedroia and Mike Napoli that is sure to be a force to be reckoned with. Hanley Ramirez provides a star presence in the shadows of the green monster that has been missed since Manny Ramirez departed long ago for the Dodgers. Returning to the Red Sox this season is former pitcher, Justin Masterson who makes up a new look rotation that includes Clay Bucholz and fellow off-season acquisitions Wade Miley and Rick Porcello. The Red Sox appear to be all-in for another run at the World Series title following a dismal 2014 season.

Reigning AL East champions, the Baltimore Orioles will miss the weapons of Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis who departed in the off season, but will welcome back star Chris Davis following a suspension and down year of production. J.J. Hardy and Matt Weiters will begin the season on the disabled list. The success in 2015 for the Orioles depends on the health of Manny Machado, Chris Davis and how the starting rotation will fare heading into a long summer.

The once powerful New York Yankees said goodbye to longtime captain Derek Jeter last season, opening up the position to Didi Gregorious. A roster of aging stars presents many questions headed into Opening Day. How will Alex Rodriguez fare following his season-long suspension for 2014, is Mark Teixeira still a threat at the plate and how will the starting rotation fare? Don't count out the Toronto Blue Jays as a sleeper team in 2015.

Russell Martin, Josh Donaldson and Justin Smoak join a roster that is ready to pounce with power from Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnarcion. The Jays will be without former closer Casey Janssen who departed for the Washington Nationals and Marcus Strohman who is on the 60-day disabled list. Then there are the Tampa Bay Rays. The team who has produced quality starting pitchers and offensive power is without former ace David Price who was traded at the deadline to Detroit, multi positional player Ben Zobrist and ex-manager Joe Madden in the off season for the Chicago Cubs. New manager, Kevin Kash brings a line-up headed by star Evan Longoria, Desmond Jennings and Asdrubal Cabrera. Known for making late season pushes for the playoffs, this season will be an unknown for the Rays. Hopefully they can finally lock in a new stadium deal in hopes of bringing in prized free agents.

PREDICTIONS

AL West - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
AL Central - Detroit Tigers
AL East - Boston Red Sox
WILD CARD - Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles

A National Dominance Of The Mid-Summer Classic

National League dominance at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game will continue following the announcement of the Washington Nationals hosting the 2018 edition of the mid-summer classic. Traditionally, the All-Star game has followed a rotation where the American and National League stadiums host the game every other year since the mid-1960s.

The criteria for hosting the game has followed a course of newly built stadiums and stadiums that haven't hosted in some time being awarded it. Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati will host its first All-Star game later this year since 1988, while San Diego's Petco Park will showcase their beautiful downtown stadium. The Miami Marlins will host the cities first ever All-Star game at Marlins Park in 2017, while the game makes its return to our nations capital in 2018 at Nationals Park. Washington hasn't hosted the classic since 1969 when the Senators played at RFK Stadium.

Following the announcement of the 2018 host stadium, many questions still persist for stadiums that have yet to host it, or haven't in decades. The Tampa Bay Rays Tropicana Field is the only stadium that has yet to host the All-Star Game. Given the recent announcement that the team is still struggling to find potential sites for a new stadium in the Tampa Bay area, it is unlikely that the team will land the game until a new stadium is built.

While the All-Star Game is the showcase of Major League Baseball's best, 35-years have passed since the legendary Dodgers Stadium has hosted the game. Many would assume that given the recent upgrades to the stadium that is home to the reigning National League and CY Young winner, Clayton Kershaw, would make perfect sense as a future host stadium, 2019 any beyond.

Baseball returning to Montreal?

In an announcement made earlier today by Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred, a new stadium must be in place for any chance in bringing the sport back to Montreal.

The key is for an adequate facility in Montreal that could support baseball over the long haul. The Toronto Blue Jays and Cincinnati Reds are scheduled to play a two-game exhibition series on April 3-4, just days before the start of the regular season following the successful exhibition games at Olympic Stadium in 2014 between the Blue Jays and New York Mets.>

For baseball to return, but succeed in Montreal, commitment and dedication must be put in place in hopes to lure an existing franchise back to the city that failed to draw over 1 million fans in its final seven seasons prior to relocating to Washington D.C. as the Nationals.

The Expos joined the National League in 1969 as MLB's first franchise based outside of the U.S. Acquiring stars like Gary Carter, Pedro Martinez and Vladimir Guerrero, the franchise struggled when the Canadian dollar lost value and efforts to leave Olympic Stadium for a modern facility failed.

Dealing with their own struggles to build a new stadium, the Tampa Bay Rays have recently been linked to the Montreal market, even though team owner Stuart Sternberg has stated that he insists on making baseball in Tampa Bay work. The Rays, locked into a deal with Tropicana Field until 2027 would have to pay the city if they leave their current home.

Time will tell, whether in the present or future on the state of baseball in both Montreal and Tampa Bay.

Forget Hot Dogs and Beer, MLB Teams debuting 2015 offerings

The classic days where hot dogs and beer once dominated ballpark food is facing stiff competition courtesy of the daring but new offerings that several teams from coast-to-coast are debuting. 1902 was the year, a cold April day in at New York Polo Grounds during a Giants game. Under pressure from losing money selling cold sodas and ice cream, a concessionaire Harry Mozley Stevens sent a salesman to buy up all the dachshund sausages they could find, and an equal number of rolls. An hour later, the hot dogs were being hawked at the game. As history dictates, a new American tradition was born.

Over 100 years later, the hot dog still rules the ballpark food empire. With the growing ticket prices and the average persons appetite, MLB teams alike are hard at work creating, debuting out of this world offerings that will cost you close to what you paid for your seat. Last year, I authored an entry that briefly focused on mouth-watering hamburgers, sausages and yes, french fries. Incase you missed that article, it can be read at this link.

Seven days is all that separates the beginning of the 2015 MLB season. Outrageous contracts ink have now dried, promotional items have been unveiled and the lasting effects of a long Winter season have since melted to give us the ballpark gem we have come to love. There is just one last thing missing, the ballpark food debuts for this season.

"Don't mess with Texas" is the perfect introduction as everything is better in Texas, well when it comes to food including BBQ. Last year, the Rangers debuted a perfect-game heavy rotation with their "Beltre Burger" and the "Choomungous", both items that required a fork, knife and many excess napkins just to devour. Both of these food offerings caught my eye during my trip to Ameriquest Field last year that were made fresh in an area of the ballpark that made Souplantation look like it belonged in the Minor Leagues. Chicken and corn are two items that have always complemented each other on a menu, but combined as one? The Chicken-fried corn on the cob deep fried in buttermilk batter comes served on a stick with a lime for a very reasonable price of $5.00. Not sure yet if this is something I am willing to try but you never know until trying it!

BACON! Anytime the word bacon is mentioned, it creates dialogue. It has quickly become a household item found in hamburger patties, Blood Mary's, toothpaste and in ice cream. For a price of $8.25, Candied Bacon is yours to take home inside of a Rangers mini helmet. The Danish bacon pieces are coated with a layer of cinnamon and chili powder.

The Kansas City Royals Advanced-A affiliate, Wilmington Blue Rocks step up to the plate combining sweet, salty and savory all into one. The Krispy Kreme Bacon HotDog Donut with raspberry jelly is sure to rack up the RBIs this season and the taste buds for those fortunate to live in the Delaware area.

Nachos on a stick? Yes, the Milwaukee Brewers join the show this season with their take on the classic ballpark food, nachos. They come layered on a cardboard tray, team helmets and in a plastic bag, but how about on a stick? The meat stick filled with refried beans, crusted in Doritos and topped with sour cream and cheese sauce will surely salivate the thirst of those inside Miller Park that will make a trip to Milwaukee worth it.

This is only a small bite at the bold new items debuting this season at ballparks this season. Anything is possible these days and until next time..

Scrapbooking: Keeping Your Ticket Stubs

Ever since I was a young kid, I have always been a fan of collecting interesting and unique items from trips that I go on. It can range from a shot glass from each state or country that I visit, newspaper headlines or ticket stubs/items from each professional sports venue that I have visited. While unfortunately, there are some items that I probably will never sadly find from trips when I saw the famed Oakland A's Bash Brothers (Mark McGwire / Jose Canseco) take on Cal Ripken Jr.'s Baltimore Orioles or the World Cup 1994 match between the United States and Columbia at the Rose Bowl. Yes, that infamous game that many still remember 20 years later for the magnitude that it had.

The other day, I was going through all of my ticket stubs and found quite the collection that I have accumulated over the years from sports, concerts, movies and trips. I snapped a quick photo of a few with my camera that are shown below.

In that photo are tickets from the following few:

Yankee Stadium on my 30th Birthday - Derek Jeter became 10th all time on the MLB Hits List that night

Fenway Park Tour during the 100 Years Celebration

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat when Kobe and Shaq were still team mates

NY Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles last year - Will be the last time I ever see Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter on the diamond

Houston Astros vs. Florida Marlins - 2005 game in Houston that showcased a very young Miguel Cabrera while still a Marlin

NY Mets stub from the game they played against the Washington Nationals in NYC on the 12th anniversary of 9/11.

What I've Visited (So Far)

It has been a very quiet year for visiting new stadiums, ballparks and arenas in 2014. After a busy 2013 that took me to Detroit, Toronto, Baltimore, Seattle, Washington DC and a brief few hours in NYC, this year has been an off year. Fortunately, later this year I will be crossing off two more MLB ballparks.

With that, I took a look back at what I have visited, so far.

MLB BALLPARKS


Arizona Diamondbacks - Chase Field - Visited 2012
Baltimore Orioles - Oriole Park at Camden Yards - Visited 2013
Boston Red Sox - Fenway Park - Visited 2011 and 2012
Brooklyn Dodgers - Ebbets Field Location - Visited 2011
Chicago White Sox - Comiskey Park - Saw by air 2003, have yet to visit in person
Chicago White Sox - Spring Training Facility - Visited 2012
Detroit Tigers - Comerica Park - Visited 2010, 2013
Detroit Tigers - Tigers Stadium - Visited 2013
Houston Astros - Astrodome - Visited 2005
Houston Astros - Minute Maid Park - Visited 2005
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - Angels Stadium - Home Ballpark
Los Angeles Dodgers - Dodgers Stadium
New York Mets - Citi Field - Visited 2012
New York Yankees - New Yankees Stadium - Visited 2011, 2012
New York Yankees - Old Yankee Stadium Grounds - Visited 2011, 2012
Oakland A's - O'Co Coliseum - Visited 1991
Philadelphia Phillies - Veterans Stadium - Visited 1996
San Diego Padres - Jack Murphy Stadium/Qualcomm Stadium - Visited 1996
San Diego Padres - Petco Park - Visited 2012, 2014
San Francisco Giants - Candlestick Park - Visited 1991
Seattle Mariners - Safeco Field - Visited 2002, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays - Rogers Centre - Visited 2013
Washington Nationals - Nationals Park - Visited 2013

NFL / NCAA STADIUMS



Arizona Cardinals - University of Phoenix Stadium - Visited 2008, 2012
Baltimore Ravens - M&T Bank Stadium - Visited 2013
Buffalo Bills - Rogers Centre - Visited 2013
Chicago Bears - Solider Field - Saw by air 2003
Detroit Lions - Ford Field - Visited 2010, 2013
Houston Texans - NRG Stadium - Visited 2005
Indianapolis Colts - Lucas Oil Field - Visited 2010
Michigan Wolverines - Michigan "The Big House" Stadium - Visited 2013
New Orleans Saints - Superdome - Visited 2006
New York Giants/Jets - MetLife Stadium - Saw in 2013
Oakland Raiders - O'Co Coliseum - Visited 991
Philadelphia Eagles - Veterans Stadium - Visited 1996
San Diego Chargers - Qualcomm Stadium - Visited 2007
San Francisco 49ers - Candlestick - Visited 1991
Seattle Seahawks - Century Link Field - Visited 2013
UCLA Bruins - Rose Bowl - Home Field
USC Trojans/Los Angeles Rams - The Coliseum
Utah Utes - Rice-Eccles Stadium - Visited 2006
NFL Pro Bowl - Aloha Stadium - Visited 2001
NCAA Fiesta Bowl - University of Phoenix Stadium - Visited 2008, 2012

NHL / NBA / NCAA ARENAS



Anaheim Ducks - Honda Center
Boston Bruins - TD Garden - Visited 2012
Chicago Blackhawks - United Center - Saw in 2003
Detroit Red Wings - Joe Louis Arena - Visited 2010, 2013
Houston Rockets - Toyota Center - 2005
Los Angeles Clippers - LA Sports Arena
Los Angeles Kings - Staples Center
Los Angeles Kings - The Forum
Michigan Wolverines - Crisler Arena - Visited 2013
New York Rangers - Madison Square Garden - Visited 2011, 2012
Philadelphia Flyers - The Spectrum - Saw in 1996
Phoenix Coyotes - Jobing.com Arena - Visited 2012
Seattle Supersonics - Key Arena - 2002
Toronto Maple Leafs - Air Canada Centre - Visited 2013
Toronto Maple Leafs - Maple Leafs Garden
Utah Jazz - EnergySolutions Arena
Washington Capitals - Verizon Center
NHL Hockey Hall of Fame - Visited 2013

Food For Thought: A Look at MLB Stadium Food

In my last entry, I spoke about the benefits of touring MLB ballparks across the country and in neighboring Canada. Taking these tours will leave even the simplest fan of baseball satisfied with the hope of a return to the ballpark. If you missed the entry, you can read it here.

A trip to the ballpark can never be complete without taking in all of its senses. From the fresh cut outfield grass to the newly delivered store merchandise and last but more importantly, its variety of food offerings. To the average fan of the game who attends one or two games a year it's simple, hot dogs, peanuts, nachos and beer. These very same items can be found at dozens of stands and hawkers through-out the ballpark which is what separates them from it's truly unique items. Moving away from tradition and into the future, ballparks around the league are cooking up fresh and innovative grub that will be sure to catch anyone's eye.

Hot Dogs and Burgers



The most common food item consumed on a nightly basis is the ballpark classic, the hot dog. It's a cheap, inexpensive item that has become legendary in the game of baseball, most notably by the classic Dodger Dog for those who prefer to stick with tradition rather than what's new. Combining tradition and innovation, the future looks promising as teams are capitalizing on the changing tastes of their fans by creating new items that is sure to cater to ones appetite.

Prior to the start of the 2014 season, the Arizona Diamondbacks unveiled their D-Bat Dog, an 18-inch corn dog stuffed with cheddar cheese, jalapenos and bacon, served with a side of fries for a price of $25.00

"This is really about providing our fans with new options each year, and in the case of some of our larger items, it's really about sharing with the family," said D'Backs team president and CEO Derrick Hall regarding the D-Bat Dog.

The Texas Rangers hold the distinction of creating the $25.00 hot dog when they created "The Broomstick", a 2-foot hot dog smothered in chili, nacho cheese, jalapenos and onions in 2012.

If it's a burger that you are after, be prepared for the unexpected! While many ballparks are going the conservative route by forming partnerships with established chain restaurants (Jack In The Box, Carl's Jr. and Ruby's), Tampa Bay, Texas and Washington DC are creating their signature burgers with a twist.

Tampa Bay Rays Fan vs. Food Burger
Price: $30.00



Anyone who finishes this 4-pound burger and a pound of fries will receive 2 tickets to a future Rays game and a shirt.

Texas Rangers Beltre Burger
Price: $26.00



A pound of beef combined with a half pound of bacon, onions, cheese, and chips on a pretzel bun.

Looking for a quick snack between innings?

So you decided to eat before the game or still might be hungry from lunch? These unique snacks are your best bet depending on which city you are in.



Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles): Crab Waffle Fries

Kauffman Stadium (Kansas City Orioles): Royal bacon blue fries

Safeco Field (Seattle Mariners): Oyster po'boy sandwich

US Cellular Field (Chicago White Sox): Chicken and Waffle Sandwich