Newsday's 2018 baseball preview

March 28, 2018

With the excitement that arrives this time every year, the start of baseball season always is a tribute to the power of springtime and anticipation. This year, especially in New York, it also is a tribute to power itself. The Yankees’ pairing of the reigning AL and NL home run champions has been the talk of the town all winter. The chatter is hotter than ever now, on Opening Day.

The sight of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton in pinstripes is the launching point for Newsday’s annual baseball preview. What follows will look from various angles at the Bronx Bombers' revival, under a new manager whose brief time as a Yankees player is best known for a home run.

We go just as deep into the new era at Citi Field, where the Mets are going all-in on pitching under the direction of a new manager who is a mound guru.

There's a 50th anniversary feature on the legacy of baseball’s landmark 1968 season, the Year of the Pitcher. Herewith, too, is our 10th annual seminar called Baseball 101, a study of the sport through 101 pertinent examples.

Lennon: Yanks, Mets beginning with fresh starts

If 2017 taught us anything, it’s to leave those preconceptions down in Florida.

Yankees’ expectations are through the roof

They're not quite in the World Series-or-bust category, but they’re far beyond what they were in 2017, when — at least from the outside — a playoff berth would have been considered a success.

Manager job a big changeup for Mets’ Callaway

Former pitching coach Mickey Callaway, a believer in ‘routines,’ steps into the New York spotlight in his first season as Mets manager.

Yankees’ rotation could be a strength, too

While the focus is on the Yankees’ offense this 2018 MLB season, the rotation has some talent, too.

Yankees scouting report for 2018

A look at each position group for the Yankees heading into the 2018 MLB season

Five things about the 2018 Yankees

There’s no reason to think the Yankees won’t be able to handle the kind of pressure that comes with being a favorite but it does add a layer of intrigue to how the club, which still has plenty of youth, gets out of the gate.

All eyes on Yankees’ Judge and Stanton

TAMPA, Fla. — A rival talent evaluator sat in the stands at Joker Marchant Stadium...

Mets aim to improve baserunning without speed

The idea is to counteract the Mets’ overall lack of speed with smart, efficient, fundamentally sound baserunning.

Leading off for Mets: Who’s batting first?

It could be Brandon Nimmo until Michael Conforto returns, or it could vary by the game.

Mets scouting report for 2018

A look at each position group for the Mets heading into the 2018 MLB season

Five things about the 2018 Mets

Questions, concerns and more about the Amazin's heading into this season.

Yankees Q&A: Masahiro Tanaka

Masahiro Tanaka stayed with the Yankees rather than opting out of the final three years...

Mets Q&A: Jay Bruce

Last August the Mets traded Jay Bruce to the Indians, and he helped them win...

The game Dellin Betances will never forget

Dellin Betances has had more than a few memorable moments during his four-plus seasons with the Yankees. In his first full season, 2014, he was named to the All-Star team and also surpassed Mariano Rivera’s Yankees team record for strikeouts by a relief pitcher. He finished with a 5–0 record and a 1.40 ERA.

The game David Wright will never forget

His first inning home run in Game 3 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field propelled the Mets to a 9-3 victory.

Baseball 101: Dynamic duos

Some things just go together, and in baseball, there are plenty of pairings where you can’t think of one without the other.

In this game, it’s two for the show

Baseball history is a resplendent linking of teammates, opponents, happenings — and even a beer and a hot dog

Teammates who hit 40 HRs in the same season

Only once in baseball history have teammates hit 50 or more home runs in the...

Lennon's 10 things to like about baseball

With Opening Day right around the corner, Newsday baseball columnist David Lennon explains the 10 things he likes most about baseball. (Newsday/David Lennon; Photo credits: Newsday archives, AP, Getty Images).

50 years later, ‘Year of the Pitcher’ still amazes

A year before the summer of the moon, it was the summer of the stars....

In ’68 World Series, Lolich stole the show

Roger Maris, who memorably hit 61 in ’61 for the Yankees and helped the Cardinals...

2018 Yankees schedule

The Yankees' 2018 schedule is below. All games will be broadcast on radio at WFAN...

Yankees 2018 promotional and giveaway schedule

Bobbleheads, bats, caps and more free Yankees swag.

2018 New York Mets schedule

SNY is the primary broadcaster for Mets games. 710 AM WOR will have all the games on radio.

Mets 2018 promotional and giveaway schedule

Free T-shirts, garden gnomes, fireworks and more Mets merch.

Lennon’s 2018 American League power rankings

Newsday baseball columnist David Lennon ranks the 15 AL teams heading into the 2018 MLB season.

‘All the Best’ in the American League

Newsday baseball columnist David Lennon ranks the best in the AL in various categories heading into 2018.

Lennon’s 2018 National League power rankings

Newsday baseball columnist David Lennon ranks the 15 NL teams heading into the 2018 MLB season.

‘All the Best’ in the National League

Newsday baseball columnist David Lennon ranks the best in the NL in various categories heading into 2018.