Baseball’s Next Big Matchups: Players, Games and Storylines Fans Should Follow

As we move into the latter stages of the 2014 MLB season, it is reaching the business end of the year. The All-Star break has now passed, and with the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, every game becomes a do-or-die series. Each win and loss has the potential to show the front office that you are a worthy contender for playoff berths, or the complete opposite, leading to a mass exodus of talent from your club as they ‘rebuild for the future’.

 

As for the ballplayers, the second half of the baseball season is when they can have their greatest impact. If they can put up good numbers in the season’s second half of play then they can go from having a good season to an award worthy season. In addition, their play could prompt their front office to add to their roster rather than break it up at the trade deadline.

Contenders Face Their First Major Second-Half Tests

After the All-Star break the opening weeks of post-mid summer action can tell you more about a team than the entire first half did. After the break, after a few days off to relax and recharge, players are back at work. The entire coaching staff of a team will have gone over every bit of information to that point and will be keenly aware of what they can do to fine-tune things and enhance their club’s chances to be playing in the fall. 

 

For teams that are playing well, the goal is to come out of the break as strong as they were before. Pitching staffs are typically at their weakest in the second half, as they have gone through a long first half of the season and may have several starters returning from the break with some amount of fatigue. In addition, injured players who were playing well before going down will take a little bit longer to get back into shape than players who were struggling before going down. Hitters are also often a little bit out of sync after the break.

Pitching Matchups Will Decide Important Series

Many are focused on the firepower of several potent lineups, but it is in the realm of the pitchers that the greatest disparity will exist between teams that make the playoffs and those who do not.

 

One dominant starter can win a whole series for you. If your starter can keep you in the game and protect a weary bullpen, then you can stop a losing streak and gain momentum. And often one strong performance by a starter can alter the way a manager uses his relievers in the next couple of games.

 

Rather than looking at a starter’s record, it is also helpful to examine the following for starters who are set to face the Phillies: their strikeout rate per 9 IP; their BB/bases on balls per 9 IP; their recent work load in terms of starts/relief appearances (if any); and historical splits against the Phillies for starters currently on staff for the Dodgers and Phillies (e.g. Phillies starters historically have a better/fairer record at Dodger Stadium). And for those who follow such things, the typical ballpark specific batted ball in play types for the home and visitor ballparks that are about to be played at need to be considered as well as a fly ball that is typically an out at one ballpark may leave the yard in another ballpark.

 

This is also where careful game previews can be useful. Readers comparing recent form, injuries and projected starters may consult resources such as Doc’s free baseball picks alongside team reports and current statistics to develop a more complete understanding of a matchup.

The Trade Deadline Hangs Over Every Game

Almost every series that is played in the month leading up to the MLB Trade Deadline will have a profound affect on the front office of a team’s Major League Club. The front office will be deciding whether to acquire a player or two to make a run at the playoffs in what is left of the 2026 season (buying), or going for it). They will also be deciding whether to move one or two veteran players in order to acquire some younger talent to aid in the team’s future success (selling). There is also a good chance that a number of teams will stand pat and not make any significant moves.

 

Fans watching teams fighting for a Wild Card spot will get a glimpse into the teams’ decision making at the trade deadline. A team like the Padres might think that one more good starting pitcher would be enough to get them into the playoffs. Another team, like the Royals, might figure that their current roster just doesn’t have enough talent to compete, and look to deal off some of their veteran players for some young prospects.

 

If a trade happens before the start of play, MLB.com will be the place to confirm the trade as well as have access to the updated schedules, injury reports and roster changes for the season.

The Playoff Picture Is Beginning to Take Shape

In over two months, the end of the season will mark the end of the regular season on September 27. The start of the postseason will begin a week later on September 29.

 

However, in the next few weeks, the lines in the sand will be drawn more clearly. The best teams in baseball will cement their status as “championship contenders” while the weaker teams will begin to evaluate their current regime, and the players on said team, in order to plan for the future. Meanwhile, several players on sub-.500 clubs will be traded to help a contender down the stretch, or to be part of a major deal in the offseason.