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Most Valuable Intel About the Updated 2020 MLB Schedule
Important facts to know about the updated 2020 season, the Cleveland Indians' next ace, and more!
Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times
With the MLB season rapidly approaching, baseball fans will be looking to learn as much as possible about the updated schedule that was released this past Monday. Today’s hot topics provide important insights and takeaways regarding all 30 MLB teams, such as important facts to know about the 60-game season and the biggest winners and losers from the new schedule. Here’s the Most Valuable Intel to know from the best articles about the upcoming and unprecedented season.
FULL ARTICLE: Top Takeaways from MLB’s Revised 60-Game Schedule by Jacob Shafer, Pro Sports Outlook
HOT: Top Takeaways From MLB’s 60-Game Schedule by @jacobshafer
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— Hottest Sports Content (@Sports_Hottest) July 8, 2020
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: HOU and LAD will face off for the 1st time since the 2017 World Series
After months of listening to ongoing discussions between the MLB and MLBPA, fans finally have their 2020 schedule. Of the 60 games, 40 will be against divisional opponents and the remaining 20 will be played against the other league’s division match (AL East vs. NL East). With Opening Day only weeks away, Jacob Shafer of Bleacher Report identifies the top takeaways from the MLB’s schedule update.
During this past offseason, the Houston Astros were punished for using technology for sign-stealing in the 2017 World Series. While some fans are disappointed with the “light” consequences put forth, everyone should be looking forward to the dates of July 28-29 and September 12-13. Before the end of this month, the Astros and Dodgers will meet for the very first time since the 2017 championship. The two matchups will likely be some of the most-watched games of the regular season.
FULL ARTICLE: Here’s Who Wins (and Loses) with New Schedule by Mike Petriello, MLB.com
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: The Reds’ playoff chances are remarkably higher due to the schedule change
As expected, the updated MLB schedule altered multiple league rules and traditions. Baseball fans will have the rare opportunity to see unusual matchups between interleague opponents (Yankees vs. Nationals on Opening Day), but will sadly miss out on watching many big-time rivalries (Dodgers-Cardinals, Braves-Cubs, etc.) With these scenarios, MLB.com’s Mike Petriello evaluates which franchises will benefit or be hurt the most due to the new league norms.
One team who’s 2020 schedule is significantly easier than expected is the Cincinnati Reds. During this past spring, the Reds were planning on playing each team in the mighty AL East (.487 projected win percentage, MUCH higher when BAL is subtracted), but instead, get to face the weak AL Central (.478 projected win percentage). In addition to Cincinnati making monstrous offseason moves toward their first playoff appearance since 2013, the franchise will have the advantage of playing the lousy Royals, Tigers, and Pirates (combined for a .360 win percentage last year) for one-third of its 2020 campaign.
FULL ARTICLE: Eight Most Intriguing Series on 2020 MLB Schedule: Astros-Dodgers, Giants-Diamondbacks and More by Mike Axisa, CBS Sports
HOT: Most Intriguing Series on the 2020 MLB Schedule by @mikeaxisa
— Hottest Sports Content (@Sports_Hottest) July 8, 2020
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: 3x WS Champ Madison Bumgarner will play his former team (SFG) on August 21-23
Baseball fans across the nation are extremely excited to root for hometown teams once again. Beyond the rematch of the 2017 WS teams, there are many intriguing series’ on the baseball horizon. Mike Axisa of CBS Sports pinpoints the top eight must-watch matchups for the shortened 60-game race to the 2020 playoffs.
Madison Bumgarner is among the most experienced pitchers in MLB postseason history; ranking first all-time in both innings pitched (52.2) and games started over a single playoff campaign (6) in 2014. After signing with the Diamondbacks this winter on a 5y/$85M deal, Arizona’s “Mad Bum” will return to San Francisco for August 21-23 to play against his former team (2009-19), where he won three WS Championships in 2010, 2012, and 2014.
FULL ARTICLE: Breaking down Opening Day starter for every team by Sarah Langs, MLB.com
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: SP1 Shane Bieber projects to be Cleveland’s next ace
Every MLB fanclub has a reason to be thrilled for the impending 2020 season. While some franchise aces are more proven and decorated than others, each SP1 has the opportunity to surpass expectations and break records in the upcoming campaign. On the flip-side of veterans Clayton Kershaw and Madison Bumgarner looking to make their 10th and sixth career Opening Day start, a handful of rising stars will get the nod to pitch their team’s way into the new season.
Last December, the Indians traded 2x Cy Young Corey Kluber to the Texas Rangers in exchange for OF Delino DeShields and P Emmanuel Chase. This transaction opened the door for a new Cleveland No.1 Starting Pitcher. 33-year-old Carlos Carrasco has performed well during his 10 years in northern Ohio (85-69 with a 3.82 ERA), but it’s Shane Bieber who seems like Cleveland’s ace of the future. Last year, Bieber finished fourth in AL Cy Young voting with his AL-best 1.7 BB/9IP and will look to carry his development into his first Opening Day performance.
FULL ARTICLE: MLB schedule: Ranking 2020 Opening Day matchups, with Yankees-Nationals at the top by R.J. Anderson, CBS Sports
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: The Twins and White Sox will open up what should be a tight race in the AL Central
Among the many matchups already acknowledged in today’s edition of “Most Valuable Intel”, R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports ranks every Opening Day duel that will take place at the end of this month. The Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox, who are both teams looking to take a leap in 2020, will face off for their first game of the season.
While the Bomba Squad is one of the better offensive lineups in the Bigs, their pitching staff has ample room for improvement. The White Sox have struggled to stay relevant in the fight for the AL Central crown recently, but now have the young firepower and proven vets to become the latest Dark Horse for the 2020 Playoffs. These two franchises will matchup as one of the more hyped-up games to watch on Opening Day.
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