I could write a 500 word essay on the evilness trading away the 1997 and 2003 winners, but let’s not. After the Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla generation didn’t pan out, the Marlins got a team ready to contend this year. They have possibly the best outfield in baseball: Christian Yelich, Marcell Ozuna, and Giancarlo Stanton. Those guys will carry the team along with the trio of Jose Fernandez, Mat Latos, and Henderson Alvarez.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_kX8gu1K-g

The last time they won the World Series, the Ottoman Empire was still a thing. Yikes. Putting the pressure of 107 years aside, the Cubs can do it. Anthony Rizzo, Jorge Soler, Kris Bryant (hopefully), Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Starlin Castro, and that bullpen…they have the studs to do it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knlRBwsYGEg

They weren’t so close to making the playoffs, but if they stay healthy they can do it. They haven’t been in the playoffs since the 1992 and 1993 World Series wins. I think they’ll do it this year. Y'all already know what I think about their offense.

The real MVP, Munenori Kawasaki.

Ever since their legendary 2001 season, they have made the playoffs zero times. In 2014, they missed the playoffs by one game and weren’t eliminated until the last day of the season. You’re lying if you’ve never dreamed of seeing King Felix pitch in the playoffs. I’m rooting for Robinson Cano and the guys.

Nelson Cruz and his 40 homers should help out on the offense side. Hisashi Iwakuma is as good as a number 2 starter can get, as well. Fernando Rodney should be shooting at least 90 arrows this year:

Most ejections result from a manager arguing a bad call. With instant replay’s arrival, a lot of fans worries that the simple fun of seeing grown men yell at each other would decrease. Not so fast. To compromise, managers now really love to complain about balls and strikes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBaNb9bytFo

Whatever works. Simple entertainment is completely cool with me.

This is one of the more split debates in baseball. A lot of fans, like me, love collisions. I love them. Here’s a good way to spend 17 minutes on one YouTube video.

Other fans like the ban because catchers have gotten injured and the number of concussions has risen.

Just for fun, let’s chronicle the career of Francisco Cervelli. In 2011, a collision resulted in a concussion for him. A play last year raised debate of how vague the new rule of blocking home plate was.

Honestly I didn’t like the rule in the first place, then the whole complications came. I really hope it’s gone completely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqiPu1K4nwM

Everyone gets caught up in their young position players—deservedly so. If they’re supposed to win the NL Central like several people are saying, they’re need more than that young core and Jon Lester. Luckily, they have more. They have three guys in the bullpen who had phenomenal 2014 seasons and can hopefully repeat that for the Cubs.

• Hector Rondon was the closer. 29 saves in 33 chances and a 2.42 ERA.

• Pedro Strop had a 2.21 ERA.

• Neil Ramirez had a 1.44 ERA.

These no-names (no offense) could be the x-factor to the Cubs making a playoff run.

Look I don’t think the Rox are anything playoff worthy, but they need their credit where it’s due. I just wanted to touch on how great I think their defense is. I know, offense will always be their thing but look at this defense:

• Nolan Arenado is the best there is a third. Gold Gloves from 2013-14.

• Troy Tulowitzki is always injured but still elite at short. Gold gloves from 2010-11.

• DJ LeMahieu was a 2014 Gold Glover as well.

• Carlos Gonzalez is always injured but has great arm to go with a great glove, no matter playing LF, CF, or RF.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mxEf205z90

I picked the Reds to win the World Series in 2012. They had a great year, but lost in the NLDS. I picked them to win it all again in 2013, but they lost in the Wild Card game. Cueeeeetoooooo. I got impatient by 2014 but I didn’t count them out…welp, let’s just hope the Reds forget 2014.

The NL Central has teams like the Cardinals, Pirates, Brewers (who were in first place for a very long time last year), and the Cubs on the come up. I know this is probably the toughest division in baseball, but this team isn’t a last place team to me. The Reds front office seems to disagree with me because they traded away the stud Mat Latos.

They still have studs and are still pretty talented:

• Jay Bruce hit 30+ homers from 2011-13.

• Joey Votto isn’t injury plagued (he played a full 162 two seasons ago); he just had a lost 2014. He’s still the guy who led the league in OBP for four straight years.

• Billy Hamilton stole 56 bases and is great defensively.

• Brandon Phillips is still dat dude. Leading the league in swag and defense at second base since 2007. Whew.

• Devin Mesoraco hit 25 homers and slugged a monstrous .534 last year.

• Johnny Cueto has averaged a 2.48 ERA over the past four seasons and is coming off of his best year: 20 wins, 243.2 innings, 2 shutouts, 242 Ks, and led the league in best hits per 9.

• Aroldis Chapman is still one of the most automatic closers in the game and is still throwing that 100 mph gas.

Homer Bailey and Tod Frazier are pretty neat too.

The Reds frustrate me in that they more talented than most teams yet they don’t translate it on the field. I hope that this group of guys and get together and do what they’re capable of.