TEAM TO BEAT
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
The Cardinals return the core of their 93-win division-champions, with a few notable exceptions. MVP first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenado return to anchor the lineup. Free agent Willson Contreras replaces Yadier Molina behind the plate. A host of young players could step forward, including Lars Nootbaar, Brendan Donovan, Nolan Gorman and Juan Yepez, while 21-year-old rookie sensation Jordan Walker could impact the lineup. The Cardinals' key question remains pitching. St. Louis' starters had the lowest strikeout rate among postseason rotations last year. A full season from Jordan Montgomery will help, as would healthy, effective seasons from Jack Flaherty and Steven Matz.
TOP PLAYER
NOLAN ARENADO, 3B, CARDINALS
Fans can set a metronome to Arenado's offensive and defensive production. He has been a regular third baseman for 10 seasons and has won 10 Gold Gloves. Since his 2013 debut, Arenado leads all hitters with seven 100-RBI seasons and is tied for the lead with seven 30-homer seasons. The 32-year-old is coming off a third-place finish in National League MVP balloting-his sixth top 10 finish and is on the short list of favorites to win the award this season.
TOP PITCHER
CORBIN BURNES, RHP, BREWERS
この記事は Baseball America の April 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Baseball America の April 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
INDEPENDENT SPIRIT
Following the dissolution of the Pac-12, Oregon State embraces the uncertainty-and challenge of playing with no conference affiliation and remaining a national power
MLB FEELS THE LOSS OF MR. BASEBALL, BOB UECKER
Bob Uecker was never afraid to laugh at himself. His sense of humor endeared him to millions and earned him a place of reverence in the game, making his Mr. Baseball moniker entirely fitting.
BASEBALL LOSES RICKEY HENDERSON, ITS MAN OF STEAL
From roaming the hallways at Oakland Technical High to breaking records down the road at the Oakland Coliseum, left fielder Rickey Henderson personified the heart and grit of his home city.
A WINNING COMBINATION
More talent and better training methods have made college baseball a more attractive precursor to pro ball. Preseason No. 1 Texas A&M typifies this talent-rich new reality.
IT'S NOT HOW YOU START
Evidence mounts that baseball players, especially pitchers, should aim to peak around age 20
WHY COLLEGE BASEBALL COACHES ARE PURSUING OLDER ROSTERS
Nick Mingione was certain about two things heading into the 2023 season, his seventh at the helm of Kentucky's baseball program.
TWINSPIRATION
Witherspoon twins Kyson and Malachi draw inspiration from their determined single mother and each other as their baseball journey leads them to the front of Oklahoma's rotation
SURVIVE AND ADAPT
To be a college baseball coach is to be at the whim of the money-making sports, football and basketball. Success in such an environment is dependent on resiliency and malleability.
INDEPENDENT/PARTNER LEAGUES PLAYER OF THE YEAR ADAM FOGEL, MISSOULA PADDLEHEADS
Adam Fogel sets the Pioneer League home run record in a season to remember
MINOR LEAGUE EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR MIKE ABRAMSON, HARTFORD YARD GOATS
Hartford GM Mike Abramson’s tireless dedication has made the Yard Goats one of the best tickets in the minor leagues
