Pop quiz: 20 questions about the upcoming season
Article By smcneal.tsn on 2nd April, 2010
Stan McNeal
If you're ready for the season opener, hopefully you're ready for a season-opening quiz. Here you go.
Which will be greater? Home runs by Jason Heyward, or games missed by Chipper Jones?
Jones missed 19 games last season, his fewest since 2003. After all the Heyward buildup, fewer than 20 homers will be a disappointment. I'm buying the hype.
Pablo Sandoval will have to work to keep his weight under Tim Lincecum's strikeout total. Tim Lincecum's strikeout total, or Pablo Sandoval's weight?
The "Freak" had 261 strikeouts last season. "Kung Fu Panda" is listed at 246 pounds after an offseason nutrition program failed to make a noticeable difference. I'll stick with Lincecum, partly because few will be privy to Sandoval's real weight.
Stolen bases by Michael Bourn, or wins by the Astros?
Houston will be fortunate to match last year's 74 wins. Bourn stole 61 bases while reaching base 238 times (up from 146 in 2008). If he can reduce his strikeouts (140), he'll have more chances to run. I'm going with Bourn, 72-70.
Innings pitched by Dan Haren, or strikeouts by Mark Reynolds?
Haren worked 229 1/3 innings last season, his fifth consecutive season with at least 216. Reynolds went from 204 to 223 strikeouts. He has to start cutting back, doesn't he?
Walks, or strikeouts by Albert Pujols?
No contest. Pujols has had more walks than strikeouts in every season other than his rookie year.
Tirades by Lou Piniella, or regrettable Tweets by Ozzie Guillen?
Who cares? Both are sure to be entertaining.
Wins by Zack Greinke, or homers by Royals new center fielder Rick Ankiel?
Greinke should match his 16 wins from 2009 with just a little help. He is due for some. He won just once when allowing more than two runs last season (in that game, he gave up three). With the chance t...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for MLB
Which will be greater? Home runs by Jason Heyward, or games missed by Chipper Jones?
Jones missed 19 games last season, his fewest since 2003. After all the Heyward buildup, fewer than 20 homers will be a disappointment. I'm buying the hype.
Pablo Sandoval will have to work to keep his weight under Tim Lincecum's strikeout total. Tim Lincecum's strikeout total, or Pablo Sandoval's weight?
The "Freak" had 261 strikeouts last season. "Kung Fu Panda" is listed at 246 pounds after an offseason nutrition program failed to make a noticeable difference. I'll stick with Lincecum, partly because few will be privy to Sandoval's real weight.
Stolen bases by Michael Bourn, or wins by the Astros?
Houston will be fortunate to match last year's 74 wins. Bourn stole 61 bases while reaching base 238 times (up from 146 in 2008). If he can reduce his strikeouts (140), he'll have more chances to run. I'm going with Bourn, 72-70.
Innings pitched by Dan Haren, or strikeouts by Mark Reynolds?
Haren worked 229 1/3 innings last season, his fifth consecutive season with at least 216. Reynolds went from 204 to 223 strikeouts. He has to start cutting back, doesn't he?
Walks, or strikeouts by Albert Pujols?
No contest. Pujols has had more walks than strikeouts in every season other than his rookie year.
Tirades by Lou Piniella, or regrettable Tweets by Ozzie Guillen?
Who cares? Both are sure to be entertaining.
Wins by Zack Greinke, or homers by Royals new center fielder Rick Ankiel?
Greinke should match his 16 wins from 2009 with just a little help. He is due for some. He won just once when allowing more than two runs last season (in that game, he gave up three). With the chance t...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for MLB
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