All in all, it's a different view for the sport this year as the rules changes will be in place to help speed up the game. In recent years, games have typically gone more than three hours, especially in the post-season when TV commercials impact the pace of play in between innings and even during games when there's dead spots. In addition, for the first time in league history, every team will be playing each other at least three times this season. That should be an interesting twist to the regular season schedule.
But what matters most to fans is whether or not their favorite team has a legitimate shot to make the playoffs and advance to the World Series.
In the American League, the Houston Astros are the defending World Series champions and have dominated the West division for the last six or seven years. but they will be without their star second baseman Jose Altuve for the first two months (possibly longer) this season after he suffered a broken thumb playing in the WBC. Also, can Aaron Judge come close to duplicating last season's eye popping numbers he put up with the New York Yankees to get them into the World Series for the first time in 14 years?
Meanwhile, the San Diego Padres are the hot pick to win the National League West division and possibly get to the World Series, which would be the first time in 25 years for the team if it should happen. The Padres have been picking up practically every available big time free agent player and recently reworked Manny Machado's contract to keep him with the team following the upcoming season. Stay tuned regarding this perennial under achieving team.
Last year, it was the Houston Astros winning it all, knocking off the surprising Philadelphia Phillies to claim the World Series title. Every season is different and certainly with some rules changes in place this year to help speed things up during games, it will have a different feel for sure. But baseball is still baseball and when all the number crunching is put aside and the players actually get on the field, that's where the excitement is at.
Here is a look at the division races and a look ahead to possible playoff matches and eventual World Series champion.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
East
1. Atlanta Braves - This team is going for their sixth straight NL East title.
2. Philadelphia Phillies - Injury bug already biting here, can the Phils recapture late season magic again?
3. New York Mets - Pitching will be the key for this team. Closer role up in the air with Edwin Diaz gone for season.
4. Miami Marlins - Young team is on the rise with strong pitching.
5. Washington Nationals - Still in rebuilding mode.
Central
1. St. Louis Cardinals - This team could go far in the playoffs or miss them entirely.
2. Milwaukee Brewers - Pitching will determine how far the Brew Crew can go.
3. Chicago Cubs - Lots of new faces, but will it add up to success this summer?
4. Pittsburgh Pirates - Young team that is looking to improve.
5. Cincinnati Reds - Reds are rebuilding.
West
1. San Diego Padres - Payroll makes winning it all a must.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers - One last hurrah for an aging team? Not likely.
3. San Francisco Giants - They could finish in the basement this season.
4. Arizona Diamondbacks - Up and coming team that could finish as high as third place.
5. Colorado Rockies - See above comments on Giants and Diamondbacks regarding Rockies.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
East
1. New York Yankees - Pitching injuries already a concern. Could finish anywhere from first to third.
2. Toronto Blue Jays - World Series contenders for sure. Need to stay healthy.
3. Tampa Bay Rays - Every season people count them out, but they do well anyway.
4. Baltimore Orioles - O's looking to prove that last season was no fluke.
5. Boston Red Sox - Too many question marks for this team as they look to move up in 2023.
Central
1. Cleveland Guardians - Good solid club with a top notch manager.
2. Chicago White Sox - Which version of the White Sox will show up? New manager for 2023.
3. Minnesota Twins - This team could win the AL Central. Stay tuned.
4. Detroit Tigers - Will battle Kansas City to stay out of the cellar.
5. Kansas City Royals - Will battle Detroit to stay out of the basement.
West
1. Houston Astros - Can they repeat? Staying healthy will be the key for loaded team.
2. Texas Rangers - New manager who has won it all and big names on the roster as well.
3. Seattle Mariners - The Mariners will be tough again in a strong division.
4. Los Angeles Angels - Trout and Ohtani . . . still not enough for the Halos to make playoffs.
5. Oakland A's - Major rebuild in the works.
N.L. PLAYOFFS
Wild Card Round - Dodgers over Mets; Cardinals over Phillies
Divisional Series - Braves over Cardinals; Padres over Dodgers
NLCS - Braves over Padres
A.L. PLAYOFFS
Wild Card Round - Guardians over Twins; Blue Jays over White Sox
Divisional Series - Astros over Blue Jays; Yankees over Guardians
ALCS - Astros over Yankees
WORLD SERIES - Houston Astros over Atlanta Braves in seven games.
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