It’s almost time for the start of the 2021 Major League Baseball season. With the new season comes a new set of expectations, hopes, and dreams for teams and fans alike. Open Thread: IT’S BASEBALL TIME (almost) examines the upcoming season, including the teams to watch, key players, and the potential impact of the shortened season. With the new season comes a renewed sense of optimism and excitement as fans prepare to cheer on their favorite teams and players. Let’s take a look at what the 2021 season has in store for us.
It’s Baseball Time (Almost)
It’s springtime, and that means baseball season is just around the corner. For baseball fans, the wait for Opening Day is almost over. This year, the start of the season has been extra special, as teams have been preparing for the season with a new set of rules and regulations.
New Rules and Regulations
The 2021 season has been marked by changes to the rules and regulations of the game. The most notable of these changes is the addition of the universal designated hitter, which allows each team to have a designated hitter in the lineup regardless of whether the game is being played in a National League or American League ballpark. This is a major change from previous years, when teams had to adhere to the rules of the respective league in which they were playing.
Other changes include the implementation of a three-batter minimum for pitchers, the elimination of the shift, and the introduction of a runner on second base at the start of extra innings. These changes have been designed to make the game more exciting and to encourage teams to be more aggressive on offense.
Opening Day
The 2021 season will officially begin on April 1, with the first game set to be played between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays. The Yankees are the reigning World Series champions, and they will be looking to defend their title this season.
The start of the season will also feature a number of other exciting matchups, including the Chicago Cubs vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. the San Francisco Giants, and the Boston Red Sox vs. the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Teams to Watch
As the season gets underway, there are a number of teams that are expected to make a strong push for the playoffs. The Los Angeles Dodgers are the favorites to win the National League West, while the San Diego Padres are expected to be the team to beat in the National League East.
In the American League, the New York Yankees are the favorites to win the East, while the Tampa Bay Rays and the Chicago White Sox are expected to battle for the AL Central title. The defending champion Los Angeles Angels are expected to be the team to beat in the AL West.
Conclusion
The 2021 baseball season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with a number of teams looking to make a push for the playoffs. With the new rules and regulations in place, the game is sure to be more exciting than ever. So, get ready for the start of the season and get ready to cheer on your favorite team. It’s baseball time (almost)!
