In 1969 baseball made the decision to expand into two divisions, and later that morphed into three divisions with two wild card teams added to the post-season, so the idea of being in first place at this time of the year is no longer a rock solid predictor of success. We’ll get to the races (such as they are) in a second, but the big story in baseball this year is the return of the home run. Or should I say the explosion of the home run.

Once every four years world-class athletes gather to compete against each other, and for a chance at immortality. Let’s face it: you may accomplish a lot of things in your life but to be known as an Olympic champion is a dream few of us will ever realize.

The Miami Marlins have revamped the franchise this offseason with the hope of contending for their third playoff birth in team history. The team is opening the doors to a brand new stadium this year and can boast a place to call their own for the first time since the team’s inception in 1993.