Pitchers duels can be boring games to watch. I prefer action on the basepaths. Pitchers duels also tend to be quick games. I want more for my money than that.
A person that hits .401 is going to need some infield hits, so he will be able to run a bit. Someone that gets on base half of their ABs and is not a base-clogger is much more valuable than someone that just hits homers. That person can be pitched around. If you walk someone that can run, you...
If Tampa won't put a stadium in a more accessible area and Montreal builds one, or at least agrees to do so, I say move the team. Baseball isn't doing well financially in Tampa.
Absolutely he belongs in the hall. His accomplishments as a player make him essential to be a member. Let his plaque indicate his banishment and the reason for doing so, but he deserves to be in Cooperstown.
Cubs -- they have quite the young offense and some pitching to go with it. Their bullpen isn't as good as some, but should be OK. Not sure about the back of the rotation, but the top 3 should be good.
Pirates -- McCutcheon, Marte, Harrison should be good enough to carry the offense. Cole...
Nats
Mets
Marlins
Braves
Phillies
Nats have a very well rounded team. Pitching is at least adequate. Offensively, they will be led by Harper, but don't go to sleep on Zimmerman and Werth. The Mets pitching is the best in baseball, but they have question marks in Center, 3B and catcher...
Giants -- I like their depth. They really don't have any gaping holes anywhere.
D'Backs -- a team coming into its own. They gave up a lot to get Miller, but he could be worth the lot. They will hit.
Dodgers -- Who do they have behind Kershaw and Maeda? Their outfield glut has become a...
I'm not sure I wouldn't rank Harvey #4 on the Mets right now. I like Syndergaard, DeGrom and Matz better than him.
I might just take Syndergaard to build around. He's got that "mean-streak" that gives him an edge against hitters. He isn't afraid to throw inside and if a hitter shows him up...
I'm looking forward to seeing what Seager can do for the Dodgers. They have cleared his path to a starting position this year and I hope he lives up to all of the buzz.
Byron Buxton and Jose Berrios are the hyped prospects for the Twins, but I think Jorge Polanco and Max Kepler will have more of an impact. Kohl Stewart and Mason Melotakis are arms that the Twins are bringing along slowly.
I don't think there are any really "bad" teams right now. Atlanta is in a rebuild, but could surprise a few people. San Diego is also struggling, but could surprise also.
No problem, as long as the hitter is willing to accept the ramifications of his action. If it is done "in the heat of the moment", its fine. If the team loses 11-3 and a player flips his bat, he'd better watch out.