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NewsRichard Justice, who joined MLB.com as an executive correspondent in 2011, has covered Major League Baseball for more than three decades and offers his insight on MLB.com.
 | Looking at the recent acquisitions that have had the greatest influence on MLB's races in the first few weeks of 2018.
More» Norris K's Schwarber, converts five-out save |
 | When the Mets and Nationals played each other eight days ago, it was the first indication that the National League East might end up being a far different race than it was projected to be.
More»Justice previews Ohtani, Puerto Rico series |
 | On Opening Day, four of the five American League West teams -- the Astros, Angels, Mariners and Rangers -- saw a reasonable path to the postseason. Other than the Astros, every team also had a significant question or two.
More» |
 | If success truly does breed more success, the Mets and Pirates could be headed toward a postseason date with one another, and wouldn't that be great fun? There are also good vibes around the Tigers, with the pitching staff off to a nice start and Miguel Cabrera building on what was already a Hall of Fame resume.
More» Ohtani's majestic first home start |
 | If you're inclined to think Shohei Ohtani is going to transform an entire sport, plenty of baseball people are hoping that's exactly what happens. First, though, let's pause to appreciate that we are seeing something that hasn't been done in baseball in a century.
More» Ohtani's majestic first home start |
 | The Astros won another game Sunday afternoon, which doesn't qualify as news that will rattle many coffee cups. But sometimes, the way a team wins a couple of games -- that it somehow finds a way to win them -- says plenty about the team itself.
More» Morton strikes out seven over six innings |
 | Let's look at teams that might be better than we expected them to be. Some, like the Mets and Angels, were widely seen as postseason contenders, if not favorites. Others -- like the Braves, White Sox and Pirates -- were hard to predict because of the large number of young players either on the roster or on the fast track to the Major Leagues. Yes, this is all based on a small sample size. At this point, that's the only sample size we have.
More» Scioscia, Upton on Ohtani's stellar play |
 | Shohei Ohtani is doing what hasn't been done in baseball in almost a century, and he's making it look ridiculously easy. There you go. That's the really amazing thing -- the almost unbelievable thing -- Ohtani has done in his first week in the Major Leagues.
More» Ohtani breaks out offensively in home debut |
 | Yes, this baseball season isn't even a week old, and it's way too early to draw any real conclusions. On the other hand, it's never too early to be excited about certain things.
More» Why the 2018 Red Sox rotation is special |
 | Some of the Astros wear T-shirts that spell out the goal: "Back to back." Subtle? No. Neither is the quest. "We know the last time a team did it -- it's the Yankees," manager AJ Hinch said.
More»Justice explains how Astros are pushing ahead in 2018 |
 | The Red Sox and Brewers are rolling, the Braves and White Sox are mashing, and Jose Altuve is off to a ridiculously great start. Max Scherzer is his usual dominant self, and the Yankees have a pocketful of worries.
More»Morning Lineup gives early impressions for every team |
 | This Opening Day delivered on all sorts of levels, with moments of high drama, emotion along with some wonderful hardball. Let's check out 10 moments that made it special.
More» The 2018 regular season begins |
 | For the next seven months, we're going to have baseball, and it all starts now. Here are 10 reasons to be excited for what is to come.
More»Leitch admires the beauty of baseball, Opening Day |
 | Seems like only yesterday that the Astros and Dodgers put the finishing touches on an instant classic of a World Series. OK, it was 146 days ago -- if you're going to be like that.
More»Richard Justice looks back on the crazy offseason |
 | Now that Opening Day is finally upon us, here are 10 storylines to keep an eye on.
More» Ohtani lines a single to left-center field |
 | We turn now to things we didn't see coming this spring, which is one of the best things about Spring Training. These come in all shapes and sizes, from teams we think will be good and those we're certain will be good.
More»Looking at the biggest surprises of Spring Training |
 | Let's face it, Spring Training numbers do matter, at least a little bit.
More» Scherzer on Opening Day nod, latest outing |
 | So here we are again, about to begin one of the most tension-filled weeks of a baseball season as decisions are made on positions, lineups, playing time, etc., as Opening Day approaches. Let's run down all 30 teams and check in on some of the important calls they're making.
More»Morning Lineup podcast discusses tough calls looming |
 | Opening Day is closing in. There's a different feel to things now. Veterans are getting restless, ready for the regular season to begin. Many players -- kids, veterans, long shots -- are nervous about the final roster cuts.
More»Justice on burning questions before Opening Day |
 | Jose Altuve is that player that comes along once every generation or so, that player who helps define an entire sport with his greatness and desire, professionalism and humility, decency and everyman quality. That's why the Houston Astros did what they did on Friday in announcing a five-year, $151-million extension for the reigning American League Most Valuable Player.
More»Justice on Altuve getting a five-year extension |
