By Ryan “The Goose” Gosiker
It is finally here. Since November 1st, 2023, fans have been itching to get back to baseball. Despite the 162-game schedule, we still miss it when it vanishes. The winter provides an opportunity for players to cash in for generational wealth and teams to build up hope among their fan bases. Hype and hope are never higher than they are in the offseason. Once the season starts, teams begin to figure out who can play and who cannot, who will compete and who will not. Teams, divisions, and leagues start to take shape before the dog days of summer hit and the playoff race heats up with the weather. Excitement builds while fans purchase their Opening Day tickets, this year, at Citi Field for Mets-Brewers and at Minute Maid Park for Yankees-Astros.
All the hype is over, it is time to see what a team’s huge offseason acquisition or prospect can do for the big-league team. The concession works have returned to their normal spots with a few tweaks and additions. The ballpark security staff is back to ensure everyone is safe and enjoys the experience 81 times a year. However, Opening Day will feel a bit different for the locals this season. Neither team will start their projected ace thanks to a shoulder injury for Kodai Senga and an elbow issue for Gerrit Cole. If you are the Yankees, answers will come in the form of what happens with Anthony Volpe. Does he take a sophomore leap or hit a wall? Will Anthony Rizzo return to normal? Aaron Judge, is he healthy? Can the rotation be stable until Cole returns? The bright spot is Juan Soto and the flair he brings to NY that seems fitted for the Bronx.
For the Mets, the core returns for another year, but can Pete Alonso have an MVP-caliber year in a contract season? What do the young guys bring to the table? Does the rotation have 5 or 6 innings in them consistently? They signed veteran hitter JD Martinez last week in a monster move to provide Alonso some much needed protection. The continued development of Francisco Alvarez is one to keep an eye on as he has the same questions as Volpe for the Yankees. How good each team’s sophomore can be will go a long way in determining how each season turns out. Also, the Mets are getting Edwin Diaz back. When last available in 2022, he was the best closer in baseball. Can he return to form? All these questions will start to be answered thanks to Opening Day. Welcome back baseball! You were missed and we cannot wait to see what you have in store for 2024. Check out my sports show: “Game Time with The Goose” every Saturday from 8:00 to 9:00 AM on WTBQ AM 1110 FM 93.5 and on WGHT Radio with co-host Zach Kruk, Sports Director of WTBQ and WGHT!
