Baseball Connection

The Atlanta Braves have signed Yasiel Puig to a one-year deal. Puig will bolster the Braves' corner outfield depth in the wake of Nick Markakis' decision to not play this year. Let's not forget that Puig is still a solid player, and he could prove to be more than just a backup. Who are some rookies who might force their way onto an Opening Day roster? All this (and more) on today's episode.

Byron Buxton can't catch a break. Buxton has been plagued with injuries his whole career. Still just 26 years old, Buxton will have to find a way to stay healthy to reach his high ceiling. What kind of player could he be? Jordan Hicks has opted out of the 2020 season. The Cardinals' closer will receive full service time and his salary for this season because he has a preexisting health condition (Type I diabetes). All this (and more) on today's episode.

There are a good number of high-impact players who missed all of 2019. Many of them suffered Tommy John Surgery, but a late start and shortened season put them in a position to compete with no restrictions this year. The Astros will need Lance McCullers Jr. to step up. Having Salvador Perez back will give the Royals much better production from behind the dish. All this (and more) on today's episode.

It's been over two years since he played in a game, but Yoenis Cespedes says he's ready to go for Opening Day. Cespedes has been hampered by injuries stemming from a fractured ankle he suffered in July 2018. He has an incentive-laden contract, so it's in everybody's best interest that he plays well this year. How are the Braves handling Cole Hamels' recent setback? Joey Gallo is back in camp - expect a big year from him. All this on today's episode.

The Blue Jays are moving Vlad Jr. to first base. We all knew this was coming eventually, but they've decided to pull the trigger now and make Vlad a full-time 1B/DH. This means that all of Vlad's value is tied up in his bat, but he's exactly the type of player who fits that profile. Buster Posey and Michael Kopech have opted out of the 2020 season. All this on today's episode.

There are still some position battles going on for different clubs at Summer Camp. Will the Cubs hand the reins to Nico Hoerner at 2B, or will they stick with the veteran presence of Jason Kipnis? What will the Cardinals do with top prospect outfielder Dylan Carlson? The universal DH has likely created a path to the starting 3B job in Atlanta for Austin Riley. All this (and more) on today's episode.

Matt Kemp believes he "can still hit with the best of them". Is that true? It wasn't long ago when Kemp turned in an All-Star season for the Dodgers in 2018, but his production has been volatile in surrounding years (partly due to injury). Kemp is at Rockies summer camp on a Minor League deal. The Rockies signed Ubaldo Jimenez in February, but his comeback attempt is on hold now because they did not add him to their summer camp roster. Jimenez hopes to keep pitching with another team. All this on today's episode.

Gerrit Cole has won 16 consecutive decisions dating back to last season. He'll look to carry that with him to the Bronx as he chases Carl Hubbell's all-time record of 24. What is Ronald Acuna Jr.'s true potential? Shohei Ohtani took the mound in an intrasquad game yesterday. All this (and more) on today's episode.

The 2020 MLB Schedule has been unveiled. It all begins with Yankees-Nationals on July 23rd. Max Scherzer and Gerrit Cole will face off in D.C. to kick things off. To minimize travel, teams will mostly play within their region (East, Central, or West). What are the key matchups to look for this year? All this (and more) on today's episode.

After taking a line drive to the head during practice over the weekend, Masahiro Tanaka was diagnosed with a mild concussion. It was a scary sight, but he is doing well and should be ready to start the season. Andrew Heaney was named the Angels' Opening Day starter. Yu Darvish has added an 11th pitch to his repertoire. All this (and more) on today's episode.