Beats of the Week + MLB Opening Day & Season Projections!

Beats & Bleachers:

Welcome to "Beats & Bleachers," where music meets the game! This is your ultimate destination for everything: music and sports! Each week on Thursdays, the "Beats" segment will bring you reviews and recommendations for five songs, each from a different genre of music, helping you discover new tunes and artists. Meanwhile, in "Bleachers," I will highlight top sports stories, including game recaps, athletic achievements, and more. Whether you're here for the rhythm or the roar of the crowd, there's something for everyone!

Beats: 

    Each week, in the Beats section of this blog, I will post my "Beats of the Week". For this segment of the blog, I will choose five songs, one from each genre of music: pop, rock, hip-hop, country, and jazz. I will give a brief synopsis and review of each song in the hopes that you might add a new song to your playlist!

Pop: "Since U Been Gone" -- Kelly Clarkson

    Released in 2004 (I can't believe this song is over 20 years old!🤯), "Since U Been Gone" is Kelly Clarkson’s breakout anthem, showcasing her powerhouse vocals over a driving pop-rock beat. Co-written with Max Martin and Dr. Luke, the song captures the raw emotion of moving on after a toxic relationship. Its infectious chorus and edgy production made it a defining hit of the mid-2000s, earning Clarkson a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The track’s blend of heartbreak and empowerment resonates as a timeless singalong. It remains a staple of her live shows and a fan favorite.

Rock: "Only the Young" -- Journey

    Journey’s 1985 track "Only the Young" is a soaring rock ballad that embodies the band’s signature blend of heartfelt lyrics and Steve Perry’s emotive vocals. Originally recorded for the Vision Quest soundtrack, it’s an uplifting call to seize the day, backed by Neal Schon’s shimmering guitar riffs. Though not as commercially huge as "Don’t Stop Believin’," it gained a second life after appearing in various films and TV shows. The song’s anthemic energy makes it a classic for dreamers and road-trippers alike. It’s a testament to Journey’s knack for crafting timeless arena rock.

Hip-Hop: "The Message" -- Grandmaster and the Furious Five

    Dropping in 1982, "The Message" is a groundbreaking hip-hop track that shifted the genre toward social commentary, penned largely by Melle Mel and Duke Bootee. Over a funky, minimalist beat, it paints a gritty picture of urban struggle—poverty, violence, and despair in New York City. The iconic line "Don’t push me ‘cause I’m close to the edge" became a cultural touchstone, echoing beyond music into protest and art. It’s raw, unfiltered, and urgent, marking a pivot from party rhymes to rap as a voice for the marginalized. Widely regarded as one of hip-hop’s most influential songs, it still hits hard today. Fun fact: this song is jokingly quoted at the end of "Cabinet Battle #1" (2:46) from the 2015 smash musical Hamilton. "Such a blunder... Sometimes, it makes me wonder why I even bring the thunder."

Country: "Jolene" -- Dolly Parton

    Dolly Parton’s 1973 classic "Jolene" is a haunting country plea, blending vulnerability and strength in her crystalline voice. Written about a real-life encounter with a woman flirting with her husband, the song’s simple acoustic arrangement lets its storytelling shine. Parton begs the titular Jolene not to take her man, offering a mix of desperation and dignity that’s universally relatable. Its crossover appeal led to countless covers, from Olivia Newton-John to Miley Cyrus, cementing its status as a genre-defining hit. "Jolene" remains a showcase of Parton’s songwriting genius and emotional depth. Additionally, even today, you cannot walk down Broadway in Nashville, TN, without hearing this song blaring from every bar on the strip. 

Jazz: "Heart of the Matter" -- Bob Mintzer

    "Heart of the Matter," from Bob Mintzer’s 1991 album One Music, is a dynamic jazz piece led by the acclaimed saxophonist and Yellowjackets member. With its intricate horn lines and swinging rhythm, it exemplifies Mintzer’s knack for blending big band energy with modern jazz sensibilities. The track features tight ensemble interplay and a soulful solo that showcases his technical prowess on tenor sax. It’s a vibrant, uplifting composition that reflects his compositional depth and improvisational flair. For jazz fans, it’s a standout in Mintzer’s extensive catalog, radiating both heart and sophistication. I have been listening to this song on repeat-- how can you ever get tired of that groove?? Catch the Bradley Jazz Ensemble playing this jam of a tune on Saturday, May 3rd, at Dingeldine Music Center! 

Bleachers: 

    Welcome to the "Bleachers"! Here, we will take a dive into the thrilling world of sports, bringing you anything from the latest highlights, game analyses, athletic achievements, and much more! Whether you're celebrating a big play or witnessing a nail-biting finish, the bleachers are where the magic of sports truly comes alive. With this week's blog coming out on the Opening Day of the 2025 MLB Season, it only makes sense to make some season projections!

2025 MLB Season Projections:

    As of March 27, 2025, the Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season has just begun, with the Dodgers and Cubs having played two games in the Tokyo Series (both won by the Dodgers). Since the full season is only starting now, I’ll provide projected standings for each division based on a synthesis of expert predictions, team improvements, and available data as of this date. These projections are speculative and reflect a combination of offseason moves, player health, and historical performance trends adjusted for the current context. Note that actual standings cannot be determined yet, so this is a forecast for the end of the 2025 regular season.

American League (AL) East

1. Baltimore Orioles (92-70)
   • The Orioles remain a young, talented team led by Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman. Despite losing Corbin Burnes, their depth and prospect pipeline (e.g., Jackson Holliday) keep them competitive.
2. New York Yankees (90-72)
   • With Aaron Judge anchoring the lineup, the Yankees remain strong, but the loss of Soto to the Mets hurts, and they face many rotation questions. They’re neck-and-neck with Baltimore.
3. Boston Red Sox (87-75)
   • Additions like Garrett Crochet and a healthy rotation boost Boston’s chances, though their bullpen remains a concern.
4. Tampa Bay Rays (82-80)
   • The Rays stay scrappy with pitching depth, but their offense lacks the firepower to climb higher.
5. Toronto Blue Jays (75-87)
   • Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette can’t overcome a thin pitching staff and a quiet offseason.

AL Central

1. Kansas City Royals (88-74)
   • With Bobby Witt Jr. and a bolstered batting lineup via the acquisition of a true leadoff hitter in Johnathan India, the Royals can be a surprise division leader after their 2024 playoff run. Plus, their starting pitching rotation has the potential to be one of the best in baseball.
2. Cleveland Guardians (86-76)
   • Consistent management and a strong bullpen keep Cleveland in the mix, though their offense needs more punch.
3. Detroit Tigers (85-77)
   • Tarik Skubal and young talent like Riley Greene push Detroit close, but they fall just short of the top.
4. Minnesota Twins (81-81)
   • Injuries and a lack of offseason splash limit the Twins to a .500 finish.
5. Chicago White Sox (55-107)
   • Rebuilding continues, but they’re slightly better than their dismal 2024 (36-120).

AL West

1. Texas Rangers (90-72)
   • A healthy Jacob deGrom, Corey Seager, and offseason adds like Joc Pederson give Texas the edge in a tight race.
2. Houston Astros (88-74)
   • Losing Kyle Tucker hurts, but Jose Altuve and a solid core keep Houston close.
3. Seattle Mariners (87-75)
   • Elite pitching (Logan Gilbert, George Kirby) is undermined by a still-weak offense.
4. Oakland Athletics (73-89)
   • Playing in Sacramento, the A’s improve slightly but lack the talent to contend.
5. Los Angeles Angels (68-94)
   • Mike Trout’s brilliance can’t lift a roster with little support.

National League (NL) East

1. Atlanta Braves (95-67)
   • With Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider returning, Atlanta reclaims the top spot over a tough field.
2. Philadelphia Phillies (92-70)
   • A deep rotation (adding Jesús Luzardo) and veteran lineup keep Philly in the hunt.
3. New York Mets (90-72)
   • Juan Soto and Pete Alonso make the Mets dangerous, but they settle for a Wild Card push.
4. Washington Nationals (76-86)
   • Young stars like James Wood show promise, but they’re not ready to compete.
5. Miami Marlins (65-97)
   • A depleted roster leaves Miami at the bottom.

NL Central

1. Chicago Cubs (91-71)
   • Kyle Tucker’s addition and a revamped bullpen flip the division in Chicago’s favor.
2. Milwaukee Brewers (86-76)
   • Losing Willy Adames and Devin Williams stings, but their pitching depth keeps them relevant.
3. Cincinnati Reds (84-78)
   • Elly De La Cruz and Hunter Greene lead a talented core that’s still maturing.
4. St. Louis Cardinals (80-82)
   • A “reset” with little action leaves St. Louis middling.
5. Pittsburgh Pirates (77-85)
   • Paul Skenes shines, but ownership’s inaction caps their ceiling.

NL West

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (102-60)
   • With Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and a stacked rotation, the Dodgers dominate again.
2. Arizona Diamondbacks (89-73)
   • Corbin Carroll and a strong lineup make Arizona a Wild Card lock.
3. San Diego Padres (85-77)
   • Losing key pieces (potentially Dylan Cease) drops them behind Arizona.
4. San Francisco Giants (81-81)
   • Solid but unspectacular, the Giants hover around .500.
5. Colorado Rockies (62-100)
   • Thin air can’t save a thin roster.

Summary

• AL Division Winners: Orioles, Royals, Rangers
• AL Wild Cards: Yankees, Astros, Guardians
• NL Division Winners: Braves, Cubs, Dodgers
• NL Wild Cards: Phillies, Mets, Diamondbacks

    These projections assume typical injury luck and performance trends, but baseball’s unpredictability—especially over 162 games—means surprises are inevitable. The Dodgers stand out as the clearest favorite, while the AL West and NL East promise tight races. 

    

That's a wrap for this week's Beats & Bleachers! Thanks for tuning in! I hope you enjoyed my "Beats of the Week," as well as my projections for the 2025 MLB season. Whether you were here for the music, the sports, or both, I appreciate you joining me. Stay tuned for more beats to move to and more games to cheer for. Until next time, keep the music playing and the spirit of the game alive!