MLB has finally implemented the ABS system. The challenge system is now impacting the part of baseball that has produced some of the most heated arguments in the games’ history. Teams now have the opportunity to tell the umpire, “You missed that pitch” and not fear ejection.
The real reason for the introduction of replay and ABS is to fix the egregious mistakes that come with human umpires. Don Denkinger would have loved to have had replay during the 1985 World Series. Jim Joyce also wanted it during a June game in 2010 with Armando Galarraga on the mound. Jeffrey Maier could replace Steve Bartman and Derek Jeter does not hit a Home Run.
There have been suggestions that this will uncover just how bad MLB umpires are and it is the beginning of roboumps. However, there is good news for umpires. When a called pitch is challenged, the simulation of the pitch is broadcast on the jumbotron within the stadium. Right or wrong this provides the umpire real-time feedback. Determining the exact location of a baseball going over 90 mph, with horizontal and vertical movement is extremely difficult. Every umpire knows the feeling of calling a pitch and not feeling great about their decision. Was that pitch a little too far outside or was that pitch really at the bottom corner of the zone? The ABS challenges can now show the umpires before the next pitch whether their suspicions were right. Yes I called a strike too far out or nope I nailed that pitch. Real-time information allows for adjustments to be made and confirmation of what they are seeing. Both of these outcomes prevent future missed calls and make the umpires better.
Baseball has moved from head scratching to head tapping when it comes to questioning umpire judgement on pitchers. (Getty Images)
The ABS (Automated Ball-Strike) System is no doubt an advancement of baseball and the legislation of the rules of the game. However, for all the good that the ABS System can do, it is not perfect. The system operates in the 2-D space, not 3-D. The strike zone is 3-D. A pitch can enter the zone at the front, middle, or back of the zone. No matter where it enters it is a strike. The issue with the 2-D ABS System is that it is set up at the midpoint of the plate. Pitches just touching the front or back of the strike zone will be judged as balls. In a game of millimeters, this matters. As with every new rule and technology that Major League Baseball introduces, there will be adjustments and advancements the longer the ABS System is utilized. The visual replay shows both shows how good MLB umpires are at game speed, even when missing pitches by the smallest margins.
MLB Umpires on average mistakenly call Strikes on pitches that are Balls when the pitch is less than half the diameter of the baseball outside the Strike Zone, less than one and a half inches. While it is nice to correct these errors, the ABS System was truly designed for correcting the most egregious errors. Fans should not get lost in the number of overturned challenges. Focus on the correcting of the especially bad calls. The more you watch MLB games the more you see pitches overturned when the baseball was less than one tenth of an inch outside of the Strike Zone. Umpires are human and people make mistakes. However, missing by such a narrow margin is impressive when you realize the umpires get one chance to see a baseball traveling at more than 90 MPH with movement that is trying to fool the hitter. Everyone wants to get calls right, but never forget the fantastic abilities these umpires possess as they seek perfection.
The 2026 MLB Regular Season is upon us. Every team has a chance to win the World Series. Baseball is unpredictable. Teams can overachieve or fall flat. The greatest strength baseball possesses is the ability for any team to defeat another on any given day. Even the best teams in baseball history lose 45 games each season. Baseball’s wild ride is a week old, so here are our predictions for the 2026 season.
American League East
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Blue Jays
Spankies
Yankees
Blue Jays
The 51st State
Blue Jays
Blue Jays
Yankees
Universal Healthcare
Blue Jays
Orioles
The Schlitt Show ft. Captain Chokejob & Mr. Tennis Elbows
Yankees
Yankees
Orioles
Not a cop
Red Sox
Yankees
Natty boh
Red Sox
Orioles
Red Sox
Oreos
Orioles
Red Sox
Gas Station Loiters
Orioles
Red Sox
Rays
Gods Waiting Room
Rays
Rays
The Senior Citizen Circus Tent
Rays
Rays
Despite their Yankee fandom Bernie and Kevin understand that the Yankees are not the best team in the American League East. However, John and Collin went with their fandom with the Yankees and Blue Jays winning the division. Once you get past Canada and the Bronx there is a wide gap until you reach the Orioles and Red Sox. We unanimously picked the Rays to finish last.
American League Central
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Tigers
Call me Kitty Kat
Tigers
Tigers
Tony & His Frosted Flakes
Guardians
Tigers
Guardians
BBQ
Royals
Guardians
Judy Garlands
Tigers
Royals
Royals
Gemini
Twins
Royals
Kalishi’s Top Users
Royals
Guardians
Twins
Wahoos
Guardians
Twins
Antifa 9
Twins
Twins
White Sox
Southside for Life
White Sox
White Sox
The boys in the yard
White Sox
White Sox
The Tigers should be the class of the American League Central, only Collin kept Detroit from being a unanimous selection for the division title. The Royals and Guardians should fight it out for a Wild Card slot. Beyond the Wild Card hunt, the Twins are in the boring stages of a rebuild. Things are slowly beginning to improve on the Southside of Chicago, but really the White Sox are far, far away from sniffing .500. Chicago is our second unanimous last place selection, so that’s something positive…I guess.
American League West
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Mariners
Sailor Boy
Mariners
Rangers
Heart Attack Concessions
Mariners
Mariners
Rangers
Walker Texas
Rangers
Mariners
The Seamen
Rangers
Rangers
Astros
Ad Astra
Astros
Athletics
Trashtros
Astros
Astros
Athletics
Wanderers
Athletics
Astros
Trademark Pending
The A’s without a City to call Home
Athletics
Angels
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Lower South Pasadena Orange County Adjacent
Angels
Angels
No es Speako Spanisho
Mike Trout’s Team
Angels
Seattle should win the division with the Rangers not too far behind. The Astros may finally be finished and the Athletics continue to ask everyone if they can crash on their couch. Being an Angels fan has to be one of the most difficult fandoms in all of sports. Your team absolutely wasted prime Mike Trout. There is no hope for .500, much less a playoff race. The owner doesn’t think winning is important and you share the town with the Dodgers. The only certainly is the Angels were our unanimous pick to finish last.
Mike Trout is a modern day Ernie Banks, great player on a bad team for his entire career. (www.mlb.com)
National League East
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Braves
Bravos
Mets
Braves
Fanatics
Phillies
Braves
Phillies
Amazins
Braves
Phillies
Magic City
Mets
Phillies
Mets
Phollies
Phillies
Mets
Cohen’s pyrite team
Braves
Mets
Marlins
Phishing Scam
Marlins
Nationals
The excuse to get Fritas
Marlins
Marlins
Nationals
Gnatitute
Nationals
Marlins
Da Cherry Blossoms
Nats
Nationals
Atlanta looks to return to their winning ways in 2026. Fandom prevented Derek and Jesse from picking against the Braves. The Mets and Phillies should be right behind the Braves, creating the most difficult division in baseball as the top three teams all have legitimate World Series ambitions. The Marlins are just plotting along. The Nationals tore it all down and their painfully slow rebuild is nowhere near showing signs that Washington is ready to compete again. Bernie’s fandom prevents Nats from being another unanimous last place pick.
National League Central
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Brewers
Space: The Infinite Frontier
Cubs
Brewers
The team with a slide
Cubs
Cubs
Cubs
Long John Silvers
Pirates
Reds
Mitch McConnell’s taint
Brewers
Brewers
Reds
Beer Boys
Brewers
Cubs
The Chicago team whose fans don’t bring guns
Pirates
Reds
Cardinals
“Chili” Poops
Reds
Cardinals
Uncle Tickles
Reds
Pirates
Pirates
Golden Arches
Cardinals
Pirates
The Bandits
Cards
Cardinals
The Cubs and Brewers tied in our predictions. They both received three 1st place votes, one 2nd place vote, and three 3rd place votes. They will finish tied for the division title at the end of the Regular Season, but the Cubs will win the Central crown by taking the season series against Milwaukee. The Reds squeaked into the Postseason last year, can lightning strike twice on the north bank of the Ohio River? The Pirates continue in their interminable quest to be the most uninspiring franchise in all of baseball. The team has wasted nearly the entire existence of a beautiful ballpark on one crappy team after another. The Cardinals will be terrible, St. Louis seems to have lost the Cardinal Way.
National League West
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Dodgers
L7 Weenies
Dodgers
Dodgers
Deferred monies
Dodgers
Dodgers
Padres
Goliaths
Giants
Padres
The Friars
Padres
Padres
Diamondbacks
Nope Ropes
Dbacks
Giants
Dbacks
Giants
Giants
Giants
Whale’s Vagina
Padres
Diamondbacks
Not the football Giants
Dbacks
Diamondbacks
Rockies
Taste the Rockies
Rockies
Rockies
Kris Byrant’s PT team
The team with a Dinosaur as a Mascot
Rockies
The Dodgers and Rockies were our unanimous selections, but for opposite reasons. The only real test for Los Angeles comes in October, they will steamroll through the Regular Season. The Padres, Giants, and Diamondbacks should give their fans plenty of excitement as they fight for a Wild Card slot or two. The Rockies are a Major League team…allegedly.
Can Manny Machado and the Padres challenge the Dodgers in the National League West? (www.mlb.com)
Postseason
American League Wild Card
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Yankees
Call me Kitty Kat
Tigers
Tigers
Schlitt Show
Yankees
Yankees
Rangers
Walker Texas
Royals
Orioles
Natty Boh
Rangers
Royals
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Astros
Universal Healthcare
Blue Jays
Mariners
Heart Attack
Guardians
Blue Jays
Blue Jays
BBQ
Rangers
Yankees
The Seamen
Red Sox
Rangers
National League Wild Card
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Phillies
Space: The Infinite Frontier
Cubs
Brewers
Magic City
Padres
Padres
Cubs
Long John Silvers
Giants
Phillies
The Friars
Mets
Brewers
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Padres
Amazins
Braves
Padres
The slide
Reds
Phillies
Brewers
Phollies
Pirates
Giants
MM’s Taint
Cubs
Cubs
Multiple teams should be excited about returning to Postseason baseball. The Royals and Orioles are trying to catch lightning in a bottle and get hot at the perfect moment to make a deep October run. The Giants and Reds are attempting to return to contender status. Midnight often comes quickly in October for Cinderella.
American League Divisional Series
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Mariners
Sailor Boy
Mariners
Orioles
51st State
Blue Jays
Blue Jays
Blue Jays
Universal Healthcare
Blue Jays
Rangers
The Seamen
Yankees
Tigers
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Tigers
Spankies
Yankees
Blue Jays
Frosted Flakes
Tigers
Mariners
Yankees
Walker Texas
Tigers
Mariners
Natty Boh
Mariners
Yankees
National League Divisional Series
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Dodgers
L7 Weenies
Dodgers
Phillies
Deferred Monies
Dodgers
Dodgers
Brewers
Space: The Infinite Frontier
Braves
Dodgers
MM’s Taint
Padres
Brewers
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Braves
Bravos
Mets
Padres
Fanatics
Mets
Braves
Phillies
Phollies
Cubs
Braves
Magic City
Brewers
Phillies
The Divisional Series is when the serious contenders begin to flex their muscles. The American League is a toss up on who is the favorite to win the pennant. The Tigers look poised to have a massive season with a deep run in the Postseason, but expectations and reality don’t always align. Upsets can happen, but the Dodgers should simply toss their opponents out of their way on their way to the Championship Series.
American League Championship Series
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Tigers
Universal Healthcare
Yankees
Blue Jays
Frosted Flakes
Blue Jays
Blue Jays
Mariners
Walker Texas
Mariners
Orioles
Seamen
Mariners
Mariners
National League Championship Series
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Dodgers
L7 Weenies
Dodgers
Padres
Magic City
Dodgers
Dodgers
Phillies
Phollies
Cubs
Dodgers
MM’s Taint
Mets
Phillies
The Blue Jays and Mariners seem destined to meet again last in October. The Rangers, Tigers, and Yankees look to replace them in the ALCS. In the National League, Los Angeles seems almost certain to return to the NLCS. The real question is who will they face for the National League pennant? Are we watching yet another Dodgers throttling of the National League?
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays have revenge on their minds in 2026. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
World Series
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Phillies
Universal Healthcare
Yankees
Orioles
Frosted Flakes
Blue Jays
Blue Jays
Mariners
Phollies
Dodgers
Dodgers
Magic City
Dodgers
Dodgers
The Fall Classic is often filled with high drama. Simply reaching the World Series is a phenomenal achievement. However, coming so close just to miss winning the championship can be devastating. Rebounding from that soul crushing disappointment is even harder. Our predictions have a rematch of last year’s World Series between the Dodgers and Blue Jays.
Champions
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Mariners
Universal Healthcare
Yankees
Dodgers
Frosted Flakes
Blue Jays
Blue Jays
Congratulations to the Toronto Blue Jays on winning the World Series. Rarely are our predictions correct, but on our 12th try, we could be right. Now we wait until October to find out if our predictions went wrong…again.
All 30 MLB teams are beginning the long journey through the 162 game season. Every team prepares for a successful season and until reality sets in they are playing to win the World Series. Every team wants to capitalize on their strengths and minimize their weaknesses. Victory is possible. Season altering injuries, ill timed trades, and turmoil have not struck teams. The season lies before them and it is time to grasp it and all of the possibilities that the 2026 Regular Season can bring.
The Opening Day Parade in Cincinnati is an almost religious experience. (Casey Weldon/Spectrum News1)
There are few words in the English language that are spoken on a daily basis and yet on a single day in Spring can make kids and adults tear up with joy.
You should continue to learn throughout your life. The last day of class in high school, trade school, or college is not the end of your education. You should strive to learn something new everyday. Reading is one of the best ways to be exposed to and learn new skills and information. March is National Reading Month and what better way to celebrate than the collection of books about baseball that we have reviewed. There are literally thousands of books written about baseball. This collection barely scratches the surface. Nevertheless it is a good place to start, regardless of what topic within the game you are interested in.
Reading about baseball is not just for kids. Adults too have the opportunity to learn about America’s Pastime and grow their knowledge and enjoyment of the game. Time spent reading is never wasted. We should encourage everyone to read, most importantly we should encourage ourselves to read. Read about any and everything you are interested in, baseball or otherwise. Just read.
Sean Doolittle knows it’s important to be a life long reader. (Washington Nationals Baseball Club)
While we always rate each book we review, we have chosen to not include those ratings on this list so that you, the reader, can make your selection without our bias. However, if you read our reviews, linked on the list, our grade for each book will be found within the review. Here is our ratings system to understand our opinions about each book.
It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future. ~Yogi Berra
Yogi Berra and his Yogisms often have solid meaning if you can get past the odd way in which he said them. While there is a lot of truth to what Yogi had to say, our annual predictions are not as truthful. During Spring Training every year we try to predict the final standings and Postseason for the upcoming season. However, before we undertake our yearly futile attempt to predict the future we should look back at how poorly our predictions held up to reality last season.
Our scoring system is designed to clearly show who is the best at predicting the baseball season before the first pitch is thrown. Points are scored in the following ways: a correct prediction of a team’s final divisional standings in the Regular Season is one point, two points for predicting the Wild Card, four for the Divisional Series, eight for the Championship Series, and 16 for the World Series and the Champion. A perfect score is 158 points. We were far from perfect.
The American League East welcomed us with the same joy and friendship given to a Yankees fan walking around Fenway Park. Derek, Jesse, and Collin all missed the entire division. Bernie and The Winning Run managed to pick the Red Sox finishing in the middle of the division. John had the Red Sox and Rays going nowhere, while Kevin had the Yankees and Red Sox not being the best the division had to offer.
American League Central
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Guardians
Gemini
Tigres
Guardians
the real King of the jungle
Royals
Guardians
Tigers
Milkshakes
Gourds
Royals
Traffic statues
Guardians
Tigers
Twins
Motown
Celebration Shakes
Twins
Royals
Twins
Twins
Royals
Monarchs
Twinks
Tigers
Twins
Tigers
Royals
White Sox
Bridge Trolls
Royals
White Sox
Milkshakes
White Sox
White Sox
Jesse continued his frozen start by also missing the American League Central. Collin got on the board by knowing the White Sox would be terrible. Derek rebounded and The Winning Run scored again by having the Guardians and Tigers finishing at the top and the White Sox in the basement. Bernie was able to endcap the division with Cleveland winning and Chicago participating. Kevin was very strong with the bottom of the division.
American League West
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Rangers
Aquamen
Marinarers
Mariners
Chuck Norris
Walker Texas Ranger
Mariners
Astros
Ranger Dangers
Trashcans
Rangers
Seamen
Mariners
Rangers
Mariners
Trashtros
Halos
Astros
RIP Oakland A’s
Trashtros
Astros
Athletics
Sutter Home
Steers &
Athletics
Trashtros
The Artist formally known as the Oakland A’s
Athletics
Angels
Halos
Homeless
Angels
Halos
Angels
Angels
We were allergic to the middle of the division. Derek had Houston, formerly Oakland, and Los Angeles of Anaheim correct. Jesse decided to join the scoring, while Bernie and The Winning Run mirrored him with the Mariners, A’s, and Angels. Was it already too late for Jesse? John locked down the top of the division while Kevin escaped with the Angels in the basement. Collin knew the bottom of the division, but not the winners.
National League East
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Braves
America’s Team
Phils
Mets
Braves
Braves
Braves
Phillies
Follies
Mets
Braves
Fanatics
Philly Cheesesteak
Phillies
Mets
Amazins
Braves
Phillies
Mets
Mets
Mets
Marlins
Fishsticks
Tuna
Marlins
Nats
Nats
Marlins
Nationals
Gnats
Capitols
Nationals
Marlins
Marlins
Nationals
Normally the National League East is one of our stronger divisions for predictions due to our fandom of the Braves and Nationals. Not so much in 2025. Kevin and Collin whiffed the entire division. Derek, Jesse, Bernie, and The Winning Run only managed to predict Washington finishing last. John grabbed some bonus points with the Phillies and Mets at the top of the division.
National League Central
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Brewers
RIP Bob Uecker
Beers
Brewers
Brewers
Reds
Brewers
Cubs
Wrigley Rejects
Rojos
Reds
The other Chicago team
Brewers
Reds
Reds
Buccos
Cubs
Pirates
Cincy
Pirates
Cubs
Pirates
STL Arches
Happy Rodgers
Cubs
Arggh
Cubs
Pirates
Cardinals
Death by “Chili”
Cardinals
Cardinals
Uncle Tickles
Cardinals
Cardinals
Collin missed his third division with the National League Central. John, Bernie, and The Winning Run knew the division crown would go to the Brewers, but they were clueless beyond Milwaukee. Derek and Kevin also had the Brewers winning, but they added the Cubs and Reds finishing out the top of the division. Jesse showed signs of life by having the Brewers, Cubs, and Cardinals correct.
National League West
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Dodgers
Nippon Dodgers
Assholes
Dodgers
Nippon All stars
Dodgers
Dodgers
Padres
Nope Ropes
Fathers
Padres
Whales Vagina
Padres
Padres
Diamondbacks
Balco Buddies
Ima Snake
Giants
Dbacks
DBacks
Diamondbacks
Giants
McD’s
Mile Highs
Diamondbacks
Giants
Giants
Giants
Rockies
Coors
Gigantes
Rockies
Rockies
Rockies
Rockies
It was no shock that the Dodgers won the National League West and the Rockies finished last. Everyone correctly predicted that. Derek, John, Kevin, Collin, and The Winning Run had Los Angeles and San Diego at the top and Colorado at the bottom. Jesse missed on the Padres but snagged the Giants in third place. Bernie outpaced everyone with the only perfect division prediction of the year.
Standings After the Regular Season:
Derek- 13
Bernie- 13
John- 12
Kevin- 12
The Winning Run- 12
Jesse- 10
Collin- 6
A simple baseball and the game that uses it are nearly impossible to predict. (www.rawlings.com)
Postseason
Anything can happen in October, just make it into the Postseason to have a chance. A team can suddenly get hot and make a deep run. A juggernaut can suddenly grow ice cold and wither away. There are no guarantees in baseball.
American League Wild Card
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Guardians
Gemini
Seattle
Guardians
Red Sux
Royals
Guardians
Astros
Canadians
Spacemen
Royals
Seamen
Mariners
Astros
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Red Sox
Not a Cop
O’s
Orioles
Yankees
Guardians
Rangers
Tigers
Ranger Dangers
Gourds
Rangers
Meow
Blue Jays
Orioles
Jesse, John, Bernie, Collin, and The Winning Run had Cleveland making it through the Wild Card. Derek had Cleveland making it plus Boston and Detroit. Kevin missed on the Guardians, but was right about the Red Sox, Yankees, and Tigers.
National League Wild Card
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Brewers
RIP Bob Uecker
Brews
Brewers
Brewers
Reds
Brewers
Cubs
Wrigley Rejects
Reds
Phillies
Fanatics
Phillies
Diamondbacks
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Phillies
Follies
Fathers
Padres
Whales Vagina
Padres
Phillies
Padres
Amazins
Mets
Braves
Dbacks
DBacks
Padres
Bernie, Kevin, and The Winning Run only had the Padres making it to the Wild Card. Jesse found the Cubs in the opening of the Postseason. Derek combined those two with Chicago and San Diego making the National League Wild Card. Collin joined the Padres party and added the Reds into the mix.
Standings After the Wild Card
Derek- 23
Kevin- 20
John- 18
Bernie- 17
The Winning Run- 16
Jesse- 14
Collin- 12
American League Divisional Series
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Astros
Evil Empire
Yankees
Yankees
Chuck Norris
Red Sox
Yankees
Rangers
Gemini
Mariners
Rangers
Seamen
Blue Jays
Orioles
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Orioles
Aquamen
O’s
Mariners
Orioles
Rangers
Mariners
Tigers
Not a Cop
Tigres
Royals
Yankees
Royals
Guardians
Derek and Collin struggled in the American League Divisional Series. Derek only had the Tigers correct and Collin only had his beloved Blue Jays. Jesse, Bernie, Kevin, and The Winning Run were on it with the Yankees and Mariners. John was the head of the class with the Yankees, Mariners, and Tigers.
National League Divisional Series
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Phillies
Nippon Dodgers
Assholes
Dodgers
Nippon All stars
Dodgers
Dodgers
Dodgers
Amazins
Brews
Padres
Whales Vagina
Padres
Phillies
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Braves
America’s Team
Fathers
Mets
Braves
Braves
Braves
Cubs
Wrigley Rejects
Phils
Phillies
Fanatics
Reds
Brewers
Collin’s first year of predicting the future was rough. In the National League Divisional Series he managed to only predict the Dodgers. Jesse, Bernie, and Kevin all had the Dodgers and Phillies making it. Derek had Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Chicago. The Winning Run traded Derek’s Cubs for the Brewers.
Standings After the Division Series:
John- 42
Derek- 39
Kevin- 36
The Winning Run- 36
Bernie- 33
Jesse- 30
Collin- 20
American League Championship Series
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Rangers
Gemini
Yankees
Yankees
Yankees
Red Sox
Yankees
Orioles
Not a Cop
O’s
Mariners
Seamen
Rangers
Mariners
Derek, Jesse, John, and Collin all struck out in the American League Championship Series. Bernie, Kevin, and The Winning Run managed to predict the Mariners making a deep run in October.
National League Championship Series
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Braves
Amazins
Asshats
Mets
Braves
Braves
Dodgers
Dodgers
America’s Team
Fathers
Padres
Nippon All stars
Dodgers
Braves
Jesse also missed the National League Championship Series. His hopes for a prediction title were over. Bernie also missed out on the Senior Circuit. Derek, John, Kevin, Collin, and The Winning Run knew the Dodgers would be fighting for the National League pennant.
Standings After the Championship Series
Kevin- 52
The Winning Run- 52
John- 50
Derek- 47
Bernie- 41
Jesse- 30
Collin- 28
World Series
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Orioles
America’s Team
Yankees
Padres
Seamen
Red Sox
Dodgers
Dodgers
Gemini
Dodgers
Mariners
Braves
Braves
Mariners
Derek, John, and The Winning Run were all correct in predicting the Dodgers would make it to the World Series. Everyone was utterly clueless about the American League. Jesse, Bernie, Kevin, and Collin all missed the Fall Classic.
Champions
Derek
Jesse
John
Bernie
Kevin
Collin
TWR
Dodgers
America’s Team
Yankees
Padres
Braves
Red Sox
Dodgers
Only Derek and The Winning Run predicted the Dodgers would again win the World Series. Jesse, John, Bernie, Kevin, and Collin had hoped Los Angeles would stumble somewhere during the Postseason, but it was not to be.
Final Standings
The Winning Run- 84
Derek- 79
John- 66
Kevin- 52
Bernie- 41
Jesse- 30
Collin- 28
Congratulations to The Winning Run on having the most accurate predictions. Our collective baseball knowledge and predictions managed to foresee the future better than any of us could do individually.
The Winning Run started one Winter afternoon in the room I rented during Graduate School. The 2012 MLB season was upon us and I felt moved to begin writing about baseball. Baseball has given me so much joy, stress, sorrow, and love throughout my life. There are few things in this world I love more than baseball. It surrounds me on the radio, on TV, in books, films, from the stands, and on the field as an umpire. I have driven hundreds of thousands of miles because of baseball. I have endured rain, snow, hail, bone chilling cold, and brain melting heat. Super late nights and crazy early mornings all in pursuit of baseball. Seeing the green grass, the pop of the glove, and the movement of the players remains one of the great joys in life. How can you not love this game?
No place can bring as much joy and happiness as the ballpark. (The Winning Run/DJ)
Happy 14th Birthday to The Winning Run. Here’s to many more years of chasing and being chased by baseball.
They say to never meet your heroes. They are not always right, some heroes are better in person than you might ever imagine. Unfortunately, they are right some of the time when our heroes do not live up to the perfection or even decency that we expect. Everyone has their failings, but some people are just bad. Not bad all the time, but bad in a way that their negative actions overshadow and overpower their good. Among those who fall into this category is Peter Edward Rose Sr.
Charlie Hustle began as a mocking nickname courtesy of Mickey Mantle. Instead of working to overcome this joke, Pete Rose embodied the nickname and turned hustling into who he was. There was never a moment on the baseball field that Rose could not and would not hustle. After ball four, taking his defensive position wherever it was that night, racing around the bases, diving for a flyball. There was no off switch for Pete Rose on the diamond. The same was true off the diamond.
Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Glory Days of Baseball by Keith O’Brien examined the life of baseball’s lightning rod Pete Rose. O’Brien examines Rose’s childhood and the environment he was raised in. Many ball players are born into difficult circumstances, but Rose’s lust for being the best and having the best, while never doubting that he would get there led to his success and his undoing. The fame and money did not change Rose, they allowed him to fully demonstrate who he was. O’Brien’s examination of Rose shows the reader how Rose’s addictions directed his behavior on and off the field. If once was good, twice was better, and 20 was not enough if it was hitting, gambling, sex, or living life in excess.
Keith O’Brien was a masterclass on examining a controversial individual. (Penguin Random House)
Pure tenacity and an unwillingness to allow anything to stand between him and his goals made Pete Rose great. They also led to his downfall. He turned himself, an average ball player, into a great player through a willingness to put in the work day after day, season after season, decade after decade. His drive was self-centered, but that was the cost of achieving his goals. The world disappeared when Rose had a bat in his hands. He understood what had to be done to be great. Rose was unbothered in the batter’s box about all of his troubles outside the batter’s box. When someone is so obsessed, they will find success. However, when you play every possible angle to get ahead or catch up, eventually your body and luck run out.
Before reading Keith O’Brien’s Charlie Hustle, I will admit that I thought Pete Rose was a bad person but a great baseball player. You can admire the ball player while reviling the man. After reading Keith O’Brien’s work I know with certainty that Pete Rose was a horrible human being who should have been in prison for multiple reasons. Rose should garner zero sympathy as he made his own decisions and had to live with some, but not all, of the consequences. There are times and people for which speaking ill of the dead is justified. Everyone should receive their flowers for the life they lived, even if they are poisonous.
Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Glory Days of Baseball by Keith O’Brien examines the glory and failures of one of baseball’s greatest and most infamous players. Truth is stranger than fiction and Rose let the unimaginable take away a lifetime of work. The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose receives a 10 out of 10, Walk off Grand Slam.
The Pacific Northwest is home to more than Sasquatch and lush forests, it has a baseball history that has shaped the game. Washington has sent 230 players to the Major Leagues. The best pitcher from the Evergreen State is Jon Lester. His 44.96 WAR is the 34th highest among state and territory pitching leaders. The best position player from Washington is Ron Santo. His 70.54 WAR is the 25th highest among state and territory position player leaders. Combined, the Evergreen State has 115.50 WAR, which is the 32nd highest among all states and territories. The United States of Baseball involves every corner of America and the Pacific Northwest is no different.
Jon Lester was drafted in the 2nd Round of the 2002 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox. The Tacoma native pitched for 16 seasons for 5 teams: Boston Red Sox (2006-2014), Oakland Athletics (2014), Chicago Cubs (2015-2020), Washington Nationals (2021), and St. Louis Cardinals (2021). The Southpaw was a five time All Star. Just a year after beating Cancer, Lester threw a No Hitter on May 19, 2008 against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park. The No Hitter set a Major League record, as it was the fourth No Hitter caught by Boston Catcher Jason Varitek.
Lester was a durable pitcher on the mound. He pitched in 452 career Games, made 451 Starts, threw 15 Complete Games, including 4 Shutouts, Pitched 2,740 Innings, allowed 2,610 Hits, 1,215 Runs, 1,114 Earned Runs, 294 Home Runs, 892 Walks, 2,488 Strikeouts, posted a 200-117 record, with a 3.66 ERA, 1.278 WHIP, and 117 ERA+. Solid numbers that anchored multiple World Series winning teams.
Jon Lester help win 2 World Series for two long suffering fanbases. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The best season of Lester’s career came with the 2016 Chicago Cubs. The Cubs would break the Curse of the Billy Goat as Lester made 32 Starts, threw 2 Complete Games, Pitched 202.2 Innings, allowed 154 Hits, 57 Runs, 55 Earned Runs, 21 Home Runs, 52 Walks, 197 Strikeouts, posted a 19-5 record, with a 2.44 ERA, 1.016 WHIP, 171 ERA+, and 5.6 WAR. Lester was named an All Star and finished second in the National League Cy Young voting behind Max Scherzer.
In the Postseason, Lester pitched in 26 Games, made 22 Starts, 2 Games Finished, Pitched 154 Innings, allowed 117 Hits, 46 Runs, 43 Earned Runs, 15 Home Runs, 40 Walks, 133 Strikeouts, posted a 9-7 record, with a 2.51 ERA, and 1.019 WHIP. He won three World Series Championships (2007, 2013 Red Sox and 2016 Cubs). Lester was named the 2016 National League Championship Series MVP after Starting 2 Games, Pitching 13 Innings, allowing 9 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 Earned Runs, 1 Home Run, 2 Walks, 9 Strikeouts, posting a 1-0 record, with a 1.38 ERA, and 0.846 WHIP. He shined when his teams needed him most.
Ron Santo never experienced the October success Jon Lester enjoyed throughout his Major League career. The Third Baseman was born in Seattle, but found fame in Chicago. Santo played 15 seasons for 2 teams: Chicago Cubs (1960-1973) and Chicago White Sox (1974). He was a nine time All Star and five time Gold Glove winner.
Santo played in 2,243 career Games, scored 1,138 Runs, collected 2,254 Hits, including 365 Doubles, 67 Triples, 342 Home Runs, 1,331 RBI, 35 Stolen Bases, drew 1,108 Walks, 1,343 Strikeouts, with a .277 BA, .362 OBP, .464 SLG, .826 OPS, and 125 OPS+. Santo appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot for 15 years and on the Veterans Committee ballot five times before being elected to Cooperstown in 2011, shortly after his death.
Ron Santo was the heartbeat of the Cubs through some dark years. (Focus on Sports/Getty Images)
Santo’s best season came with the 1964 Cubs. He played in 161 Games, scored 94 Runs, collected 185 Hits, including 33 Doubles, 13 Triples, 30 Home Runs, 114 RBI, 3 Stolen Bases, 86 Walks, 96 Strikeouts, with a .313 BA, .398 OBP, .564 SLG, .962 OPS, and 164 OPS+. He led the National League in Walks and OBP. Santo was named an All Star, won the Gold Glove, and finished 8th in the MVP voting.
The Cubs are a baseball institution. While the Yankees have been an institution of winning, the Northside of Chicago has seen the opposite. The frustration with the Cubs was perhaps best illustrated by the profanity-laced tirade of then Cubs manager Lee Elia in 1983. Santo never played in the Postseason. The Cubs lost the 1945 World Series and did not return to the Postseason again until 1984. You must truly love baseball to have been a Cubs fan during this era.
The Evergreen State has been critical to the development and success of baseball. Washington is the birthplace of 3 Hall of Famers: Earl Averill, Ryne Sandberg, and Ron Santo. Surely more are to come.
Next the United States of Baseball heads east to the Mountain State. West Virginia is next.
As the calendar slowly works its way towards Spring Training, baseball fans receive a distraction from the snow shoveling and the struggle of getting their kids into Winter jackets. The results of the Hall of Fame balloting are revealed. There is an endless debate of which player should be in, which should not, and which are the biggest snubs. No single ballot will be universally loved. Every combination of candidates will evoke a reaction of some kind, about why those being voted for are undeserving or why those not receiving a vote are deserving. Debate about who is and is not a Hall of Famer is one of the great pastimes of America’s Pastime.
Voter Eligibility
Any member of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) who has been an active member for ten years.
The BBWAA is limited to writers for newspapers only, including some internet newspapers.
The BBWAA sets the rules for how eligible voters can vote.
Voting Rules
Vote for no more than 10 players.
A player is eligible for election to the Baseball Hall of Fame if they meet the following criteria:
They competed in ten seasons. A single game counts as a season played.
The player has been retired for at least five seasons. The clock restarts if the player returns and plays in the Major Leagues.
The player is not on the ineligible list; banned from baseball.
The player must receive 5% of the vote to remain on the ballot.
The player is elected if they receive at least 75% of all ballots cast.
In addition to the official voting rules for the Baseball Hall of Fame set forth by the BBWAA, The Winning Run has its own rule for its ballot.
The Winning Run Rule
MLB began officially testing players in 2004, so any player who failed a PED test since 2004 is ineligible.
There were 27 candidates on this year’s ballot. All 27 contributed to the growth and development of baseball into the game we know and love today. There are 15 returning candidates and 12 new candidates on this year’s ballot.
15 Returning Candidates
Carlos Beltran, 4th year (70.3%)
Andruw Jones, 9th year (66.2%)
Chase Utley, 3rd year (39.8%)
Alex Rodriguez, 5th year (37.1%)
Manny Ramirez, 10th year (34.3%)
Andy Pettitte, 8th year (27.9%)
Felix Hernandez, 2nd year (20.6%)
Bobby Abreu, 7th year (19.5%)
Jimmy Rollins, 5th year (18%)
Omar Vizquel, 9th year (17.8%)
Dustin Pedroia, 2nd year (11.9%)
Mark Buehrle, 6th year (11.4%)
Francisco Rodriguez, 4th year (10.2%)
David Wright, 3rd year (8.1%)
Torii Hunter, 6th year (5.1%)
12 New Candidates
Cole Hamels
Ryan Braun
Alex Gordon
Shin-Soo Choo
Edwin Encarnacion
Howie Kendrick
Nick Markakis
Hunter Pence
Gio Gonzalez
Matt Kemp
Daniel Murphy
Rick Porcello
Carlos Beltran, Andruw Jones, Chase Utley, Bobby Abreu, Mark Buehrle, and Francisco Rodriguez were locks for our ballot from the beginning. Andruw Jones should already be enshrined in Cooperstown. His offensive statistics match favorably with other Hall of Fame Centerfielders and he is arguably the greatest defensive Centerfielder to ever step on a baseball diamond. It is baffling that he made it to his 9th year on the ballot. Carlos Beltran should get in this year. His numbers are there, his connection to the Astros cheating scandal most likely delayed, but not prevented, his entrance into the Hall of Fame.
The selection of Felix Hernandez, Jimmy Rollins, Omar Vizquel, and Cole Hamels required deeper investigations. These four players built careers which quietly placed them alongside the all time greats of baseball. They earned their place in the Hall of Fame. Hamels is the only first year candidate to earn our vote. Torii Hunter would be the next candidate to receive our vote if we could vote for 11 players, but we are limited to just 10.
Moving from a group of 27 candidates down to 10 was no easy task. There are plenty of deserving candidates. Pitchers are the most difficult to judge as the very nature of their work has changed so dramatically in recent decades. There is no perfect ballot, but we tried to do justice to these candidates. We will find out soon who is heading to Cooperstown to be enshrined this Summer.
The 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot has come out. There are 27 players on the ballot this year. There are 15 returning candidates and 12 first time candidates up for consideration. The candidates appearing on the ballot in 2026 are:
15 Returning Candidates
Carlos Beltran, 4th year (70.3%)
Andruw Jones, 9th year (66.2%)
Chase Utley, 3rd year (39.8%)
Alex Rodriguez, 5th year (37.1%)
Manny Ramirez, 10th year (34.3%)
Andy Pettitte, 8th year (27.9%)
Felix Hernandez, 2nd year (20.6%)
Bobby Abreu, 7th year (19.5%)
Jimmy Rollins, 5th year (18%)
Omar Vizquel, 9th year (17.8%)
Dustin Pedroia, 2nd year (11.9%)
Mark Buehrle, 6th year (11.4%)
Francisco Rodriguez, 4th year (10.2%)
David Wright, 3rd year (8.1%)
Torii Hunter, 6th year (5.1%)
12 New Candidates
Cole Hamels
Ryan Braun
Alex Gordon
Shin-Soo Choo
Edwin Encarnacion
Howie Kendrick
Nick Markakis
Hunter Pence
Gio Gonzalez
Matt Kemp
Daniel Murphy
Rick Porcello
Manny Ramirez is appearing on the ballot for the 10th and final time. If Ramirez does not receive the necessary 75% of votes, his path into the Hall of Fame will be through the various committees that reexamine the Hall of Fame worthiness of players who failed to be elected while on the ballot. Andruw Jones could be the first player from Curaçao elected to Cooperstown. Shin-soo Choo is the first Korean born player to appear on the Hall of Fame ballot. Torii Hunter returns to the ballot for his 6th year of eligibility by the slimmest of margins as candidates need 5% of the vote to remain on the ballot.
It is past time for Andruw Jones to be enshrined in Cooperstown. (Baseball America)
Any member of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) who has been an active member for ten years.
The BBWAA is limited to writers for newspapers only, including some internet newspapers.
The BBWAA sets the rules for how eligible voters can vote.
Voting Rules
Vote for no more than 10 players.
A player is eligible for election to the Baseball Hall of Fame if they meet the following criteria:
They competed in ten seasons. A single game counts as a season played.
The player has been retired for at least five seasons. The clock restarts if the player returns and plays in the Major Leagues.
The player is not on the ineligible list; banned from baseball.
The player must receive 5% of the vote to remain on the ballot.
The player is elected if they receive at least 75% of all ballots cast.
In addition to the official voting rules for the Baseball Hall of Fame set forth by the BBWAA, The Winning Run has its own rule for its ballot.
The Winning Run Rules
MLB began officially testing players in 2004, so any player who failed a PED test since 2004 is ineligible.
Every player dreams of reaching the Major Leagues and playing at such a level that their ultimate destination is Cooperstown. However, this dream is a reality for only 1% of those who reach the Major Leagues. Thousands of players begin their careers dreaming of the Hall of Fame and never spend a single day on a Major League roster. The difficulty of reaching the Major Leagues makes simply appearing on the Hall of Fame ballot, even for a single year, an accomplishment reserved for baseball’s elites. Making the ballot is an honor, even if the candidate does not receive a single vote.
The results of the Hall of Fame voting will be announced on January 20, 2026. The Winning Run will release its own ballot before the official results are made public. Who will be joining Jeff Kent in Cooperstown this Summer?
The Winning Run 