By Chris Waldroff
It’s the spring of a new decade and a new decade of baseball is on its way.
A lot has happened, like the owners’ “Lock Out” on the players. The teams lost their time to get the season going — a week late on opening day. The teams were granted an expansion of players on the opening day roster. Instead of the usual 24 it went to 27 until May 1st.
The Twins are probably the only team to have to wait almost 2 weeks for their home opener which was April 20th.
The salaries for the majors went from the minimum of $62,500 to $100,000 which was a concern with the owners in the “lock-out.”
Earlier on in the winter, Mark Langston became the highest paid player, earning at least 3.5 million a year. That changed. On opening day, the Yankees announced that Dan Mattingly will earn 19.3 million over 5 years; it was no surprise to anyone!
If you want a prediction for the teams of October, they are: AL West – Oakland or Angels. AL East – Toronto or Boston, and in the NL West – Cincinnati or San Diego. NL East – Chicago.
Surprise sluggers in the American League this season will be Dante Bischette of the Angels and Ken Griffey, Jr. of Seattle.
In the National League, Ryne Sandberg will bat at least .310 and will get a chance at the MVP award.
An obvious prediction in Texas is that Nolan Ryan will get his 300th career win this year. I’d say about August or early September.
This will be the year of the long ball!!
Come on Cubbies!!