The architect behind one of Minnesota's great basketball dynasties is leaving the state.
Dave Thorson, head boys basketball coach at DeLaSalle for 23 years resigned April 10 to become an assistant coach at Drake University in Des Moines, IA. He will join another Minnesotan on the Bulldogs coaching staff, head coach Niko Medved. Medved, a graduate of Roseville High School was previously the head coach at Furman University in South Carolina.
Thorson, who also served the Minneapolis based school as the Vice President of Development, came to DeLaSalle in 1994 after assisting then head coach Clem Haskins at the University of Minnesota. He would replace Ed Cassidy, Jr., who led the Islanders to the 1992 state Class A final, losing to the Austin Pacelli Shamrocks. Cassidy, Jr. would lead two other schools to state tournaments, Simley and St. Bernard's.
The islanders under Thorson's tutelage brought nine state championship trophies back to the Minneapolis campus, starting in 1998. Two more titles would follow in 1999 and 2006 before beginning one of the most notable dynasties in the history of Minnesota high school basketball that started in 2012 with the first of six consecutive state Class AAA boys basketball championships. The most recent was the 2017 title game with the Islanders pounding the Austin Packers 72-44. DeLaSalle would make 15 trips to the state tournament in Thorson's 23 year run.
When you look at the keys to Thorson's success at DelaSalle, he has had top quality players in his program including Reid Travis, who went on to Stanford and Jarvis Johnson, who signed with the Minnesota Golden Gophers but hasn't played due to a heart condition. Another key is a tough nonconference schedule that has also included schools from outside Minnesota. In the 2016-17 season, the Islanders have played against teams from Iowa, Wisconsin, Florida and South Dakota.
Last season, Thorson picked up his 500th career win as DeLaSalle beat the Fergus Fall Otters in the Class AAA championship game 79-65. This season, he led the Islanders to a 27-3 record, bringing his career total to 527-136.
As Thorson heads down I-35 to Des Moines, a big question remains for the school near the Mississippi River, who will take over for the coach that has built a stellar program in the state? Can his successor lead the Islanders to an unprecedented seventh consecutive state title at the newly renovated Target Center in 2018? The answer is coming soon.
Thursday, April 13, 2017
Second Half Comeback Leads Hopkins Royals in Girls Lacrosse Opener
The 2017 girls lacrosse season opened with goals by the gallon as Samantha Galinson scored five goals to lead the Hopkins Royals to a 9-7 over the host St. Louis Park Orioles Thursday night.
The Orioles got the early lead on Talia Simonet's goal from midfield. The Royals would strike twice Sadie Skadron's right slot goal and Samantha Galion's first goal. St. Louis Park would surge ahead as Simonet would get the hat trick with two more goals. The second came from the center slot and the third came when she went around the left side of the net and put the ball past Hopkins goalie Tara Lee. The Orioles would go up by two on a center slot goal by Anna Roethler. Simonet would score her fourth goal as she drove down the field like she was headed down Minnetonka Blvd, going through several Royal defenders, cut toward the center slot and sent the ball to the net. Samantha Galinson made things interesting in the first half's final minute with two goals. She scored the first with :49 left and the second with :07.5 to go and trim St. Louis Park's halftime lead to 5-4.
Hopkins would clinch in the second half with five unanswered goals. Samantha Galinson would score :11 into the half and pick up an assist on a goal from Sadie Skadron. Samantha Galinson would pick up her fifth goal to put Hopkins ahead by two goals. The would go up by three on Kylie Hanley's right side goal. There would be some good news for the Orioles when Sarah McCallon ended the Hopkins run scoring on a free shot. Luci Swift would concluded the scoring for the Royals and SJ got St. Louis Park's final goal as she went around the right side of the net, found an opening and put the ball in.
The Royals opened their season with a 1-0 record and host the Edina Hornets on Tuesday, April 18 at 5:30 PM. The Orioles began their season at 0-1 and return to action on Thursday, April 20 as they host the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights at 7 PM.
Former St. Louis Park girls hockey player Amy Goldfine is an assistant coach for Hopkins.
The Orioles got the early lead on Talia Simonet's goal from midfield. The Royals would strike twice Sadie Skadron's right slot goal and Samantha Galion's first goal. St. Louis Park would surge ahead as Simonet would get the hat trick with two more goals. The second came from the center slot and the third came when she went around the left side of the net and put the ball past Hopkins goalie Tara Lee. The Orioles would go up by two on a center slot goal by Anna Roethler. Simonet would score her fourth goal as she drove down the field like she was headed down Minnetonka Blvd, going through several Royal defenders, cut toward the center slot and sent the ball to the net. Samantha Galinson made things interesting in the first half's final minute with two goals. She scored the first with :49 left and the second with :07.5 to go and trim St. Louis Park's halftime lead to 5-4.
Hopkins would clinch in the second half with five unanswered goals. Samantha Galinson would score :11 into the half and pick up an assist on a goal from Sadie Skadron. Samantha Galinson would pick up her fifth goal to put Hopkins ahead by two goals. The would go up by three on Kylie Hanley's right side goal. There would be some good news for the Orioles when Sarah McCallon ended the Hopkins run scoring on a free shot. Luci Swift would concluded the scoring for the Royals and SJ got St. Louis Park's final goal as she went around the right side of the net, found an opening and put the ball in.
The Royals opened their season with a 1-0 record and host the Edina Hornets on Tuesday, April 18 at 5:30 PM. The Orioles began their season at 0-1 and return to action on Thursday, April 20 as they host the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights at 7 PM.
Former St. Louis Park girls hockey player Amy Goldfine is an assistant coach for Hopkins.
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Boltmann's Blast Helps Edina Hornets Batter SLP Orioles
A wet and chilly Wednesday got a lightning bolt from Brock Boltmann's grand slam that led the Edina Hornets to aan 11-1 win over the St. Louis Park Orioles at Derrick Keller Field at Dakota Park.
The Hornets opened the scoring with three runs in the top of the first inning when Charlie Fischer's drive to left field was dropped by the Orioles Brent Ryan that enabled Carter Theis and Boltmann to score after they reached base on a single and a double. Fischer would come across on a sacrifice fly to second baseman Riley Dvorak by Will Gudorf.
St. Louis Park would cut the lead to two in the bottom of the third as Connor Cornell and Johnny Sorenson reached base on one out singles and Dvorak would drive home Cornell on a sacrifice fly to Edina's right fielder Chester Dixon.
That would be as close as the Orioles would get since the Hornets would break the game open in the top of the fourth by batting around and scoring six runs. Dixon and Matthew Nunn would reach base on singles and Azar's RBI single scored Dixon. Logan Krenik would be the fourth straight Hornet to reach base. Then the damage would be done. Boltmann, who was also the quarterback on the Hornet football team, belted a grand slam over the left field fence and Fischer would follow with a solo shot over the right field fence.
Edina would wrap up the scoring in the top of the fifth with two more runs. Dixon would lead off with a double and Krenik's RBI single drove him home. Theis would bring home Krenik with an RBI double and St. Louis Park could only get a leadoff walk in the bottom of the fifth from Cornell before Jimmy Connell, pitching in relief of winning pitcher Jackson Slaney set down the next three batter to end the game.
The Hornets opened their season with a 1-0 record and host the Hopkins Royals on Thursday, April 13 at 6:30 PM at Braemar Park. The Orioles fell to 0-3 and return to action on Tuesday, April 18 at 6:45 PM against the Richfield Spartans at US Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis.
Eighth grade catcher Sam Hunt made his varsity debut against Edina.
The Hornets opened the scoring with three runs in the top of the first inning when Charlie Fischer's drive to left field was dropped by the Orioles Brent Ryan that enabled Carter Theis and Boltmann to score after they reached base on a single and a double. Fischer would come across on a sacrifice fly to second baseman Riley Dvorak by Will Gudorf.
St. Louis Park would cut the lead to two in the bottom of the third as Connor Cornell and Johnny Sorenson reached base on one out singles and Dvorak would drive home Cornell on a sacrifice fly to Edina's right fielder Chester Dixon.
That would be as close as the Orioles would get since the Hornets would break the game open in the top of the fourth by batting around and scoring six runs. Dixon and Matthew Nunn would reach base on singles and Azar's RBI single scored Dixon. Logan Krenik would be the fourth straight Hornet to reach base. Then the damage would be done. Boltmann, who was also the quarterback on the Hornet football team, belted a grand slam over the left field fence and Fischer would follow with a solo shot over the right field fence.
Edina would wrap up the scoring in the top of the fifth with two more runs. Dixon would lead off with a double and Krenik's RBI single drove him home. Theis would bring home Krenik with an RBI double and St. Louis Park could only get a leadoff walk in the bottom of the fifth from Cornell before Jimmy Connell, pitching in relief of winning pitcher Jackson Slaney set down the next three batter to end the game.
The Hornets opened their season with a 1-0 record and host the Hopkins Royals on Thursday, April 13 at 6:30 PM at Braemar Park. The Orioles fell to 0-3 and return to action on Tuesday, April 18 at 6:45 PM against the Richfield Spartans at US Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis.
Eighth grade catcher Sam Hunt made his varsity debut against Edina.
Monday, April 10, 2017
Bizarre Weather Postpones Edina Hornets-SLP Orioles Baseball
First came rain, then came snow as the culprit for postponing the Edina Hornets-St. Louis Park baseball game that was scheduled for Monday at Derrick Keller Field at Dakota Park.
The game will be rescheduled on Wednesday, April 12 at 4:30 PM.
The game was supposed to be the season opener for Edina. They will open up their season on Tuesday, April 11 against the Delano Tigers at 6:30 PM at Braemar Park in Edina.
The game will be rescheduled on Wednesday, April 12 at 4:30 PM.
The game was supposed to be the season opener for Edina. They will open up their season on Tuesday, April 11 against the Delano Tigers at 6:30 PM at Braemar Park in Edina.
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Park Center Pirates Scuttle SLP Orioles
Ryan Stachowski stacked the deck as he drove in three runs and Park Center took advantage of four St. Louis Park errors that led the Pirates to a 6-2 win over the Orioles Friday night at Derrick Keller Field at Dakota Park.
In the early days of the Metrodome, the old scoreboard would sometimes say "Walks will haunt!" and they would haunt the Orioles in the first inning when starting pitcher Johnny Sorenson walked four of the first five batters. After Sorenson walked the first three, Keller Tollefson hit into a fielder's choice to score Brenton Brakke. Stachowski would put the Pirates ahead by three with a two RBI single that scored Tanner Stein and Mitch Maier.
Both teams would tally in the third inning. Park Center got their run when Maier led off with a single then scored on Stachowski's single that gave him three RBI's that night. St. Louis Park would strike twice. It started with singles from Jacob Stillman, Connor Cornell and Sorenson. Sorenson would beat out a bunt to reach base. Then came a two RBI single by Riley Dvorak that scored Stillman and Cornell. They would have a chance to cut into the Pirate lead but Brent Ryan would hit into a 5-5-2 double play and jack elias was called out for runner's interference.
St. Louis Park's defense came apart in the top of the fourth with three errors. Noah Thompson reached base for Park Center on an error by Stillman and Brakke would draw his second walk. Stein would reach base on two throwing errors that scored Thompson and Brakke. The good news for the Orioles was that sorenson would end the inning by retiring the last two batters on called third strikes.
The Orioles would have only three base runners the remainder of the game. Cornell would single in the bottom of the fourth, Zach Listiak doubled in the bottom of the sixth and a leadoff single in the bottom of seventh by Stillman. But clutch Pirate pitching from Stein and reliever Matt Sporre prevented St. Louis Park's chance at a comeback.
Both the Pirates and the Orioles return to action on Monday, April 10. The Pirates began their season with a record of 1-0 and host the Andover Huskies at 4:30 PM. The Orioles fell to 0-2 and host the Edina Hornets at 6 PM at Derrick Keller Field.
In the early days of the Metrodome, the old scoreboard would sometimes say "Walks will haunt!" and they would haunt the Orioles in the first inning when starting pitcher Johnny Sorenson walked four of the first five batters. After Sorenson walked the first three, Keller Tollefson hit into a fielder's choice to score Brenton Brakke. Stachowski would put the Pirates ahead by three with a two RBI single that scored Tanner Stein and Mitch Maier.
Both teams would tally in the third inning. Park Center got their run when Maier led off with a single then scored on Stachowski's single that gave him three RBI's that night. St. Louis Park would strike twice. It started with singles from Jacob Stillman, Connor Cornell and Sorenson. Sorenson would beat out a bunt to reach base. Then came a two RBI single by Riley Dvorak that scored Stillman and Cornell. They would have a chance to cut into the Pirate lead but Brent Ryan would hit into a 5-5-2 double play and jack elias was called out for runner's interference.
St. Louis Park's defense came apart in the top of the fourth with three errors. Noah Thompson reached base for Park Center on an error by Stillman and Brakke would draw his second walk. Stein would reach base on two throwing errors that scored Thompson and Brakke. The good news for the Orioles was that sorenson would end the inning by retiring the last two batters on called third strikes.
The Orioles would have only three base runners the remainder of the game. Cornell would single in the bottom of the fourth, Zach Listiak doubled in the bottom of the sixth and a leadoff single in the bottom of seventh by Stillman. But clutch Pirate pitching from Stein and reliever Matt Sporre prevented St. Louis Park's chance at a comeback.
Both the Pirates and the Orioles return to action on Monday, April 10. The Pirates began their season with a record of 1-0 and host the Andover Huskies at 4:30 PM. The Orioles fell to 0-2 and host the Edina Hornets at 6 PM at Derrick Keller Field.
Thursday, April 6, 2017
DeLaSalle Islanders Freeze SLP Orioles
The St. Louis Park baseball team's season opener Thursday night was a chilly one as Thomas Bean drove in three runs, including a single in the top of the sixth inning with two outs turned out to be the game winner as the DeLaSalle Islanders beat the Orioles 5-4 at Derrick Keller Field at Dakota Park.
Bean would drive in the game's opening run with an RBI single in the top of the first that scored Leo Pfarr. After Leo Pfarr struck out the side in the bottom of the first, the Orioles would vault into the lead with two runs in the second as Jack Elias reached base on a throwing error by Sam Kulesa and Shea Pekarek blasted a two run homer over the left center field fence.
DeLaSalle would even the score in the top of the third that started with singles by Charlie Rubindall and Garth Taylor. After a wild pitch by Riley Dvorak advanced the runners a base, Bean would fortify the offense with a ground out to Dvorak that scored Rubindall. .
Dvorak would lead off the bottom of the fourth with a double and score when Pekarek reached base on a throwing error by third baseman Sam McNosky. Pekarek would come across on an RBI triple from Brent Ryan to put St. Louis Park ahead by two.
The Islanders would strike back in the top of the fifth as Leo Pfarr would cross the plate for the second time, this time on a double by Kulesa to cut the lead to one.
In the top of the sixth, it look like the Orioles were on their way to a one, two, three inning as Elias, who relieved Dvorak, struck out the first two batters. But it was Joe Parenteau who started to make things chilly for the Orioles as he hit a drive to right center field that Johnny Sorenson couldn't handle. He would score on Rubindall's single and Bean would also hit an RBI single to score Leo Pfarr and that would be the eventual game winner. The junior pitcher would not only score three runs, he would strike out nine Oriole batters and allow only one other base runner following Ryan's triple in the bottom of the fourth. He would be the only St. Louis Park base runner stranded the entire game.
St. Louis Park had a chance to tie or send the fans home happy with a walkoff win in the bottom of the seventh. Ryan drew a one out walk but Luke Mobley hit into a double play to end the game.
The Islanders open the season with a 1-0 record and return to action on Friday, April 8 as they take on the Bloomington Kennedy Eagles at 4:30 PM at Red Haddox Field in Bloomington. The Orioles fell to 0-1 and are also in action on the 8th, hosting the Park Center Pirates in a 6 PM game at Derrick Keller Field.
Bean would drive in the game's opening run with an RBI single in the top of the first that scored Leo Pfarr. After Leo Pfarr struck out the side in the bottom of the first, the Orioles would vault into the lead with two runs in the second as Jack Elias reached base on a throwing error by Sam Kulesa and Shea Pekarek blasted a two run homer over the left center field fence.
DeLaSalle would even the score in the top of the third that started with singles by Charlie Rubindall and Garth Taylor. After a wild pitch by Riley Dvorak advanced the runners a base, Bean would fortify the offense with a ground out to Dvorak that scored Rubindall. .
Dvorak would lead off the bottom of the fourth with a double and score when Pekarek reached base on a throwing error by third baseman Sam McNosky. Pekarek would come across on an RBI triple from Brent Ryan to put St. Louis Park ahead by two.
The Islanders would strike back in the top of the fifth as Leo Pfarr would cross the plate for the second time, this time on a double by Kulesa to cut the lead to one.
In the top of the sixth, it look like the Orioles were on their way to a one, two, three inning as Elias, who relieved Dvorak, struck out the first two batters. But it was Joe Parenteau who started to make things chilly for the Orioles as he hit a drive to right center field that Johnny Sorenson couldn't handle. He would score on Rubindall's single and Bean would also hit an RBI single to score Leo Pfarr and that would be the eventual game winner. The junior pitcher would not only score three runs, he would strike out nine Oriole batters and allow only one other base runner following Ryan's triple in the bottom of the fourth. He would be the only St. Louis Park base runner stranded the entire game.
St. Louis Park had a chance to tie or send the fans home happy with a walkoff win in the bottom of the seventh. Ryan drew a one out walk but Luke Mobley hit into a double play to end the game.
The Islanders open the season with a 1-0 record and return to action on Friday, April 8 as they take on the Bloomington Kennedy Eagles at 4:30 PM at Red Haddox Field in Bloomington. The Orioles fell to 0-1 and are also in action on the 8th, hosting the Park Center Pirates in a 6 PM game at Derrick Keller Field.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Picking the 2017 Pennant Races
As the 2017 baseball season gets underway, it's time for HSGN's first installment of Picking the Pennant Races.
American League Central
1. Cleveland. The addition of Edwin Encarnacion gives the Tribe another bat that could lead them toward post season play and maybe another World Series.
2. Detroit. Can Justin Verlander have another outstanding season to lead the Tigers into contention?
3. Kansas City. It could be a very close race for second between Detroit and Kansas City but the big question for the Royals is who will replace Wade Davis as closer?
4. Twins. Can Brian Dozier have another great season like last year? Is this the year Byron Buxton has a breakout season?
5. White Sox. The departure of Chris Sale and Adam Eaton indicates that this could be a pale season for the Pale Hose.
American League East
1. Boston. Keep an eye on the Red Sox. The lineup got stronger with Mitch Moreland coming from the Rangers and rookie outfielder Andrew Benintendi. On the pitching side, Sale could be the key to the Red Sox heading toward the World Series.
2. Toronto. The Blue Jays have one of the game's best players in Josh Donaldson and veteran shortstop Troy Tulowitski. Mix in a solid pitching staff and Canada's team could be a contender.
3. Baltimore. A strong lineup anchored by Chris Davis and Manny Machado could once again make the AL East a competitive race once again.
4. Yankees. They have a solid rotation with Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia and Michael Pineda but can their offense be productive?
5. Tampa Bay. They have good young talent such as Evan Longoria at third base but can their pitching get them out of the AL East basement?
American League West
1. Houston. The Astros have been a team on the rise the last two seasons and the additions of Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran and Lance McCullers joining home grown talent could solidify their third straight postseason berth.
2. Texas. Though the Rangers lost Moreland to the Red Sox, they still have an outstanding bat in Adrian Beltre.
3. Seattle. They've got a pair of Cs in Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz that gives their lineup plenty of power. Can Felix Hernandez have another outstanding season.
4. Angels. Though the Angels have perhaps they best young player in the majors in Mike Trout, they don't have a great supporting cast. Will this be the year Albert Pujols joins the 600 career home run club?
5. Oakland. They lost their ace sonny gray to an injury the first part of the season. It could be another long year for the green and gold.
National League East
1. Washington. If there's any team in the National League that can dethrone the Cubs, it's the Nationals. Can the additions of Adam Lind, Adam Eaton and Matt Wieters bolster the lineup and compliment a strong pitching staff that could finally earn the franchise's first trip to the World Series since they were born as the Montreal Expos?
2. Mets. Can the Mets young pitching staff stay healthy? Will David Wright return? Will Yoenis Cespides lead the Mets to another postseason berth? These questions will be answered as the Mets attempt to challenge the Nats for the NL East title.
3. Miami. They have one of the NL's best players in Giancarlo Stanton but will he enough to bring in fans to one of the major league's newer ballparks?
4. Atlanta. A new era begins for the Braves as they move into their third home since they moved from Milwaukee in 1966, Suntrust Park. They added knuckleballer R.A. Dickey and signed former Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki. Keep an eye on shortstop Dansby Swanson. He could be a Rookie of the Year candidate.
5. Philadelphia. How long will the Phillies hang on to Ryan Howard? They have a young team that will once again be at the bottom of the division.
National League Central
1. Cubs. What a season. The 2016 season ended the Cubs 108 year World Series drought and they have the talent to defend their title with the infield of NL MVP Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Anthony Rizzo and Ben Zobrist intact as well as the addition of Wade Davis in the bullpen.
2. St. Louis. They got Dexter Fowler from the cubs and their pitching staff gets a boost with the return of Lance Lynn from Tommy John Surgery. It could be another golden season for one of baseball's greatest franchises.
3. Pittsburgh The Bucs have a good, young pitching staff in Gerrit Cole and Jameson Tallon as well as veteran outfielder Andrwe McCutcheon. Will they be contenders or will McCutcheon be gone late in the season?
4. Milwaukee. Other than Ryan Braun, the Brew Crew doesn't have much to build around him in order to contend this season.
5. Cincinnati. They have outstanding power in Joey Votto and Billy Hamilton is a speedster that could put him on the leader board in stolen bases. But what about the rest of the Reds? They are a young team that could have it's fourth straight losing season under manager Bryan Price.
National League West
1. Los Angeles. They have one of baseball's best pitchers Clayton Kershaw and a rising star in third baseman Corey Seager. Can Kershaw stay healthy and lead the Dodgers into the playoffs?
2. San Francisco. The Giants have an outstanding rotation with Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto, Matt Cain and Jeff Samardzijia that could once again challenge their California rivals for a playoff spot.
3. Colorado. The Rockies singed Ian Desmond in the offseason to bolster their offense, but he was hit by a pitch in spring training that resulted in a metacarpal fracture. When he gets healthy. it could be (to quote John Denver) "A Colorado Rocky Mountain High" for Rockies fans. Can their pitching staff put them into contention with the Dodgers and Giants?
4. Arizona. Here's a team that had potential last season with the addition of pitcher Zach Greinke and one of the major's rising stars Paul Goldschmidt. They also have a new manager Torey Lovullo. Can the Diamondbacks shine in 2017 after a disappointing 2016?
5. San Diego. The Padres have had six straight losing seasons. It won't be easy in a competitive division.
American League Central
1. Cleveland. The addition of Edwin Encarnacion gives the Tribe another bat that could lead them toward post season play and maybe another World Series.
2. Detroit. Can Justin Verlander have another outstanding season to lead the Tigers into contention?
3. Kansas City. It could be a very close race for second between Detroit and Kansas City but the big question for the Royals is who will replace Wade Davis as closer?
4. Twins. Can Brian Dozier have another great season like last year? Is this the year Byron Buxton has a breakout season?
5. White Sox. The departure of Chris Sale and Adam Eaton indicates that this could be a pale season for the Pale Hose.
American League East
1. Boston. Keep an eye on the Red Sox. The lineup got stronger with Mitch Moreland coming from the Rangers and rookie outfielder Andrew Benintendi. On the pitching side, Sale could be the key to the Red Sox heading toward the World Series.
2. Toronto. The Blue Jays have one of the game's best players in Josh Donaldson and veteran shortstop Troy Tulowitski. Mix in a solid pitching staff and Canada's team could be a contender.
3. Baltimore. A strong lineup anchored by Chris Davis and Manny Machado could once again make the AL East a competitive race once again.
4. Yankees. They have a solid rotation with Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia and Michael Pineda but can their offense be productive?
5. Tampa Bay. They have good young talent such as Evan Longoria at third base but can their pitching get them out of the AL East basement?
American League West
1. Houston. The Astros have been a team on the rise the last two seasons and the additions of Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran and Lance McCullers joining home grown talent could solidify their third straight postseason berth.
2. Texas. Though the Rangers lost Moreland to the Red Sox, they still have an outstanding bat in Adrian Beltre.
3. Seattle. They've got a pair of Cs in Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz that gives their lineup plenty of power. Can Felix Hernandez have another outstanding season.
4. Angels. Though the Angels have perhaps they best young player in the majors in Mike Trout, they don't have a great supporting cast. Will this be the year Albert Pujols joins the 600 career home run club?
5. Oakland. They lost their ace sonny gray to an injury the first part of the season. It could be another long year for the green and gold.
National League East
1. Washington. If there's any team in the National League that can dethrone the Cubs, it's the Nationals. Can the additions of Adam Lind, Adam Eaton and Matt Wieters bolster the lineup and compliment a strong pitching staff that could finally earn the franchise's first trip to the World Series since they were born as the Montreal Expos?
2. Mets. Can the Mets young pitching staff stay healthy? Will David Wright return? Will Yoenis Cespides lead the Mets to another postseason berth? These questions will be answered as the Mets attempt to challenge the Nats for the NL East title.
3. Miami. They have one of the NL's best players in Giancarlo Stanton but will he enough to bring in fans to one of the major league's newer ballparks?
4. Atlanta. A new era begins for the Braves as they move into their third home since they moved from Milwaukee in 1966, Suntrust Park. They added knuckleballer R.A. Dickey and signed former Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki. Keep an eye on shortstop Dansby Swanson. He could be a Rookie of the Year candidate.
5. Philadelphia. How long will the Phillies hang on to Ryan Howard? They have a young team that will once again be at the bottom of the division.
National League Central
1. Cubs. What a season. The 2016 season ended the Cubs 108 year World Series drought and they have the talent to defend their title with the infield of NL MVP Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Anthony Rizzo and Ben Zobrist intact as well as the addition of Wade Davis in the bullpen.
2. St. Louis. They got Dexter Fowler from the cubs and their pitching staff gets a boost with the return of Lance Lynn from Tommy John Surgery. It could be another golden season for one of baseball's greatest franchises.
3. Pittsburgh The Bucs have a good, young pitching staff in Gerrit Cole and Jameson Tallon as well as veteran outfielder Andrwe McCutcheon. Will they be contenders or will McCutcheon be gone late in the season?
4. Milwaukee. Other than Ryan Braun, the Brew Crew doesn't have much to build around him in order to contend this season.
5. Cincinnati. They have outstanding power in Joey Votto and Billy Hamilton is a speedster that could put him on the leader board in stolen bases. But what about the rest of the Reds? They are a young team that could have it's fourth straight losing season under manager Bryan Price.
National League West
1. Los Angeles. They have one of baseball's best pitchers Clayton Kershaw and a rising star in third baseman Corey Seager. Can Kershaw stay healthy and lead the Dodgers into the playoffs?
2. San Francisco. The Giants have an outstanding rotation with Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto, Matt Cain and Jeff Samardzijia that could once again challenge their California rivals for a playoff spot.
3. Colorado. The Rockies singed Ian Desmond in the offseason to bolster their offense, but he was hit by a pitch in spring training that resulted in a metacarpal fracture. When he gets healthy. it could be (to quote John Denver) "A Colorado Rocky Mountain High" for Rockies fans. Can their pitching staff put them into contention with the Dodgers and Giants?
4. Arizona. Here's a team that had potential last season with the addition of pitcher Zach Greinke and one of the major's rising stars Paul Goldschmidt. They also have a new manager Torey Lovullo. Can the Diamondbacks shine in 2017 after a disappointing 2016?
5. San Diego. The Padres have had six straight losing seasons. It won't be easy in a competitive division.
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