Each week sports reporters Matthew Lambert and Eric Schroeder will face off on a hot topic in sports. The world of sports is changing quickly and constantly, but we want to slow it down and take a better look at the juiciest gossip, scandal, rumor or issue that is making headlines this week. Lambert and Schroeder will take different sides and battle it out, telling you why you they are right.
This week’s topic: Stand out player in the approaching MLB season
With the Major League Baseball season only weeks away, it’s time to oil up our gloves and put some pine tar on our bats—metaphorically speaking. While the professionals are in spring training, we are going to take a look at some players who have something to prove this season. Who will be a stand out player this year? Let’s talk about it…
(Recap by Matthew Lambert)
FROM ERIC SCHROEDER
Baseball season is just about underway, and all eyes will be on Boston to see if their two big moves this offseason will pay off. With bringing in both Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval to tighten up play at shortstop and third base respectively, there will be a lot of pressure for the Red Sox to start out hot.
Ramirez is coming off of two strong seasons with the Dodgers where he had a batting average of .314 and a total of 126 runs. He has, however, been slumping over the past few seasons since 2010. The Sox hope he can find some of his magic from his days with the Marlins to help take them to the next level.
The bigger signing of the two was taking Pablo Sandoval away from the San Francisco Giants. He has been a staple of a Giants team that won 2 of the last 3 World Series Titles. He is a huge upgrade for the Red Sox at third base and will be expected to contribute right away. The combination of these two players has fans in Boston excited for a chance to be number one again in the American League and to vie for another World Series title.
FROM MATTHEW LAMBERT
The Padres cashed in this offseason. Taking a page from the Yankees and Cubs, the Padres decided to acquire many assets, trying to bring their team back to its former glory.
The Padres acquired an entirely new outfield this offseason that included Wil Myers, Matt Kemp and Justin Upton. Of those three, the player I think that will have the greatest impact will be Kemp.
Kemp is the glue that will hold this team together. He has a massive $110 million dollar contract, the largest on the team, so he has a lot to prove. Also, the Dodgers were slowly fazing him out with Carl Crawford, Yasiel Puig and Andre Ethier. There simply wasn’t room for him in the outfield, and his contract made him expendable.
Let’s not forget Kemp’s incredible talent. In 2013 Kemp struggled with injuries and played on 73 games, but last season Kemp played in 150 games and batted .287 with 25 home runs and 89 RBIs. I expect Kemp to be an NL MVP candidate this season.
All in all, the Padres new outfield has some very unique players now. They each bring their own strengths to the lineup. Myers can bring his high-on-base percentage and athletic play. Upton will bring his power and consistency to the lineup. Kemp, though, will bring his star power and do-it-all mentality. Watch out for the Padres and Kemp—they will likely compete for the World Series this season.
