MLB Network making changes to its flagship shows
MLB Network announced its weekday studio lineup for the 2023 season, with a few adjustments to its programs. According to the network, High Heat and MLB Now will be moved up the schedule to 11 AM and 12 PM respectively. However, there will be no return for the Matt Vasgersian-hosted program.
MLB Central will remain unchanged with Mark DeRosa, Robert Flores and Lauren Shehadi returning to their familiar roles. Meanwhile, Off Base returns for a second season, hosted by Lauren Gardner, and has been moved back an hour to 4 PM.
Intentional Talk is back to its 5 PM timeslot with new hosts Ryan Dempster and Siera Santos joining Kevin Millar. Changes are also coming to MLB Tonight, the network’s flagship show. Harold Reynolds and Adnan Virk will host the regular 6 PM edition with a rotating cast of analysts. Greg Amsinger and Dan Plesac will return to host the later edition, with various analysts joining them. Quick Pitch returns, hosted by Keiana Martin and Kelly Nash.
Reasons for optimism for LGBTQ baseball fans in the upcoming 2023 baseball season
There is reason for hope in the upcoming 2023 baseball season for LGBTQ baseball fans. Opening Day creates a sense of good feelings and hope for the months ahead. Baseball is populated with a sizable number of allies and style icons who are welcoming the LGBTQ community’s embrace.
There is a long list of players who are allies of the LGBTQ community like Clayton Kershaw, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman of the Dodgers. In contrast, there are players like Tampa Bay Rays closer Jason Adam who have made homophobic comments in past interviews. Fans may choose to root against Rays bullpen during Pride Night because of the team’s past refusal to wear rainbow caps.
Triston Casas of the Red Sox has been expressing himself by painting his nails despite potential backlash from the old guard in his clubhouse. Anderson Comas and Solomon Bates, two out players, are climbing up the minor league ladder and hoping to make it to Major League Baseball.
Joey Votto of the Reds is widely praised for being an ally of the LGBTQ community and for his unique style, including arriving at a chess tournament in a stretch limo and head-to-toe Gucci. Mark Canha and Taijuan Walker of the Mets are setting an example for other players by enthusiastically supporting Pride Night and covering the cost of Mets Pride swag for fans. Meanwhile, Liam Hendriks of the White Sox is a proud LGBTQ rights supporter and undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkins lymphoma, with the community rallying behind him for a full recovery.
MLB returns to normalcy amid COVID-19 restrictions
Major League Baseball is returning to normalcy with no more COVID-19 restrictions or lockouts to start the 2023 season. All 30 teams are scheduled to play on opening day on Thursday, but there are still some glitches in certain aspects of the sport.
For example, the Oakland A’s and Tampa Bay Rays have no new stadium in sight, and payroll disparity continues between big-market and small-market teams. However, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred thinks this could be one of the most exciting opening days in history due to rule changes such as limiting pitching changes and crackdowns on pitcher-doctoring ahead of what’s expected to be a successful World Baseball Classic later in 2023.
The season promises surprise teams like the Baltimore Orioles and underachieving teams like the Chicago White Sox. Nine questions entering into 2023 include if Shohei Ohtani can be better than last year, if Aaron Judge can duplicate his AL-record-breaking season, and which team has the most pressure.
The Toronto Blue Jays are talented enough to win the AL East title, while fans are concerned about the New York Yankees due to pitching injuries. The San Diego Padres have the most pressure as a small-market team that spends money like they’re in New York or Los Angeles. The overlooked team is the 111-win Dodgers, who still have a powerful farm system.
Several postseason awards are predicted, including AL MVP Mike Trout and NL MVP Trea Turner. Finally, it is predicted that the Cleveland Guardians will win the World Series over the Philadelphia Phillies.
In conclusion, MLB Network’s 2023 programming will provide fans with great content to follow throughout the season. From on-field action to off-field social issues, this season promises to be one of the most exciting ones in recent years.
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