MLB Preview: NL Central

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Jason

I’ll admit that it’s hard to think objectively here. As you all well know, I’m a Cards homer through and through. And while I thought long and hard about picking Cincinnati to win the division, I just can’t seem to pick against this Cardinal club. Not after last September; not after October. Not even after losing Pujols to free agency, TLR to retirement and Chris Carpenter to a mysterious neck / nerve injury. You can accuse me of thinking with my heart here, but I really think the Cardinals could be one of the NL’s best again this season, even without #5.

1st place: St. Louis Cardinals

Last year, I picked the Cards to finish 3rd in the division after Adam Wainwright’s season ending injury in spring training. Truth be told, Carp’s injury is probably residually related to Waino; in the wake of Adam’s injury, Carpenter threw an NL-leading number of innings, postseason included. All indications are that Wainwright is back and this club will need him in a big way. But the rest of the staff — Jaime Garcia, Kyle Lohse, Jake Westbrook and fill-in Lance Lynn — is solid and the bullpen is filled with power arms in Jason Motte, Fernando Salas, Eduardo Sanchez and Scrabble. The lineup boasts great balance with three switch-hitters (Rafael Furcal, Lance Berkman, and Pujols’ replacement, Carlos Beltran). Matt Holliday is still a force in the middle of the order and David Freese seems primed to ride last season’s postseason heroics into a full season of excellence. Carpenter probably won’t pitch until the second half, but the Cards are also in the Roy Oswalt sweepstakes if they need him. One note: this is a fairly brittle bunch of players. In Waino, Carp, Furcal, Beltran, Berkman, and Freese you have a core of oft-injured contributors. But if healthy, they’ll be there. If not…

2nd place: Cincinnati Reds

When they added Mat Latos to the rotation and Ryan Madson and Sean Marshall to their bullpen this offseason, I shuddered. But then I remembered how terrible Dusty Baker is at managing a pitching staff, and my fears dissipated. (Snarky, snarky.) Seriously, this team will be a force this year. Latos and Cueto give them a nice 1-2 punch and the bullpen is still tremendous, Madson’s injury notwithstanding. For some reason, they continue to think of Aroldis Chapman as a reliever, which is fine by me. He’s been electric this spring. Offensively, Joey Votto anchors a veteran lineup that blends Jay Bruce’s raw power with Drew Stubbs’ blinding speed. They have less health risks than St. Louis, so they could easily win the division. But I’m picking them to come up just short this year.

3rd place: Milwaukee Brewers

Having Ryan Braun for the full season puts the Brew Crew back in the conversation. Sure, they’ll miss Prince, but Aramis Ramirez is a nice consolation prize. In Zack Greinke and Yovani Gallardo, the Brewers have two dominant aces and John Axford is a lights out closer. But you have to wonder how the PED controversy will affect Braun. Will the lingering questions, the constant boos have any impact on his game? Time will tell. Keep your eye on Matt Gamel this season. I watched him tear up AA pitching a few summers ago when he was here in Huntsville (batting cleanup behind Matt LaPorta). He has the minor league pedigree, but it’s never translated into major league production. If he puts it all together, he can help compensate for Fielder’s loss.

4th place: Pittsburgh Pirates

Now we reach the clear-cut second tier in this division. Any of the top three could win the division and any of these next three could be the worst team in the league. I rank Pittsburgh here for one reason: neither the Cubs nor the ‘Stros have a player on their roster with the all-around ability of Andrew McCutchen. But the rest of the lineup is lightweight. The rotation is filled with high-upside guys like Erik Bedard (a K/9 force when healthy) and A.J. Burnett (who still has the “stuff” to dominate on occasion). And the ‘pen isn’t bad; Joel Hanrahan and Evan Meek can be pretty solid. Until Pedro Alvarez, Alex Presley, Brad Lincoln and Gerrit Cole put it all together, though, this team struggles to contend in a tough division.

5th place: Chicago Cubs

Here’s the good news: you brought in Theo Epstein, architect of the recent iterations of the Bandwagon Boston Red Sox. Oh, and Starlin Castro is pretty good. Now the bad news: everything else. Theo is blowing this thing up and who could blame him. But if they’re going to deal some of these albatross contracts (most notably, Alfonso Soriano), they’re going to have to absorb some serious payroll, which will hamper their rebuilding. In Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza, the Cubbies have the makings of a so-so rotation, but after that it’s grim. Carlos Marmol is a headcase (with $17 million left on his contract). And Kerry Wood is still hanging around, for whatever that’s worth. This team will be very bad for several years. And nothing could make this Cards fan any happier.

6th place: Houston Astros

I simply can’t figure out why they’d take one of their few tradeable commodities (starting pitcher Brett Myers) and convert him to closer. With this lineup and rotation, there’s not going to be much to save. Bud Norris is nice. So is Wandy. But where are the runs coming from? Carlos Lee? Please. Brian Bogusevic? See my point. The only bad part about this for me is that after this year we can’t perpetually beat up on the Astros as a division foe. Enjoy the AL West, fellas.

All Division Team

C Yadier Molina

1B Joey Votto

2B Brandon Phillips

SS Starlin Castro

3B Aramis Ramirez

LF Ryan Braun

CF Andrew McCutchen

RF Carlos Beltran

SP Zack Greinke

SP Mat Latos

SP Adam Wainwright

SP Yovani Gallardo

SP Johnny Cueto

RP John Axford

Manager Dusty Baker, I guess. Although I’ll take my chances with Mike Matheny.

Posted in Baseball, Sports, St. Louis Cardinals | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Acts 3

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Tuesday, April 10: Acts 3

After the wide-angle lens of 2.42-47, Luke shifts to an episode rife with particularity: two disciples (Peter and John) in a specific location (the Beautiful Gate) sharing Jesus with one individual in need (a man lame from birth).

Peter and John continue the practice of regular prayer, modeled in the life of Jesus and perpetuated by Jewish custom. The fact that Peter and John continue to go to the temple to pray indicates that they did not understand following Jesus as a clean break from their past. As many others have stated, Jesus did not come to create a “new” religion; instead, His disciples understand Jesus as the continuation of God’s covenantal faithfulness to His people. He is the fulfillment of Law and Prophecy. They continue to go to the temple for prayer, armed now with a new, deeper understanding of God’s faithfulness. But Jesus has not called them to wholesale abandonment of their religious traditions.

As they journey, they come upon a lame man petitioning them for alms. “And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said ‘Look at us,'” (v4). Peter and John are the antithesis of the Luke 10 characters — the priest and the Levite who are too preoccupied with “pious things” to give attention to the injured man. John and Peter are exemplars of God’s Kingdom, adherents to an economy that values people over piety. Their commitment to the orthodox hour of prayer is subjugated to the explicit need in front of them.

God’s Kingdom economy is one of generosity: “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (v6). And the name of Jesus is powerful once again to reverse fortunes: the man stands…but Luke says he leaps with “feet and ankles…made strong” (v7). And all who witness this are filled with wonder and amazement.

Peter, never one to miss an opportunity in the spotlight, addresses the crowd with an even more powerful testimony: “Repent, therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus…God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness,” (v19-20, 26). The miraculous healing of this lame man provides occasion for Peter to proclaim Jesus and the penitent life He wills for us.

The gates to the Kingdom are beautiful indeed, adorned not with “silver and gold” — of which Peter has none (v6) — but with mercy and compassion and new life.

And this is Good News, indeed.

Posted in Devotional, Gospel, Jesus, Kingdom Values, Poverty, Project 3:45, Repentance, Scripture | Tagged | Leave a comment

Acts 2

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Monday, April 9: Acts 2

It’s hard to overstate the importance of Acts 2. Pentecost celebrates the giving of the Law at Sinai 50 days after the Passover. And now, God bestows a new gift: the Holy Spirit, poured out on all people as Joel foretold. The Spirit comes suddenly, without warning, like an unexpected grace. “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance,” (v4). The Good News is instantaneously broadcast in a host of languages, setting in motion a revolution that continues to this day, a movement of faith, hope, and love rooted in the person of Jesus.

Peter, naturally, rises to address the wondering crowds. This fisherman-turned-preacher is quick to discern the moment: “But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel,” (v16). Joel imagined the last days as a time of great generosity, God pouring spirit out to flesh; children prophesying in abundance; the elderly learn to dream once again; “wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below,” (v19). And the culmination of this generous work: “And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” (v21). The last days are characterized as a time when God generously makes salvation available to all peoples.

Peter directs his message to Israel’s masses, the same ones who called for Christ’s crucifixion just 7 weeks earlier. But Peter also affirms God’s sovereignty as well, noting that He was “delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God,” (v23). But, praise God, the story does not end in death. “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses,” (v32). Peter concludes his proclamation with the assertion of Jesus’ identity: “God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified,” (v36).

Convicted by these words, the crowds cry out for salvation. “Brothers, what shall we do?” (v37). Is there any hope for us? And the response that began it all: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself,” (v38-39). For 3,000 souls, this promise becomes reality on that day.

And Luke summarizes the life of these earliest followers. They share an earnest commitment to Christ’s teaching, perpetuated by the apostles. They believe in prayer, in fellowship. They are filled with wonder as God works in their midst. And they sell possessions, giving to any in need. What they have, they share. And God adds to their number daily. Again, this is all the work of God. And so begins the church, the called ones who participate in God’s redemptive salvation work in the world.

Posted in Church, Eschatology, Gospel, Kingdom Values, Project 3:45, Repentance, Scripture | Tagged | Leave a comment

MLB Preview: AL Central

Posted on April 8, 2012 by Jason

This is by far the easiest division to handicap. Detroit could win this thing by 10 games or more. They’re that good and the rest of these teams are playing catch up. But check back in a few years: once KC’s young pitchers have some MLB seasoning, they’ll be a force. For now, though, it’s Detroit’s division to lose.

1st place: Detroit Tigers

They already had the division’s best hitter (Miguel Cabrera) and starting pitcher (AL MVP and Cy Young award winner Justin Verlander) before adding Prince Fielder, an upper-echelon slugger just entering his prime. Fielder replaces injured clean-up hitter Victor Martinez (out for the year with an injury), giving the Tigers the most formidable 3-4 hitters in the majors. And the rest of the lineup is comprised of solid, if unspectacular, contributors: Austin Jackson, Delmon Young, Alex Avila, Brennan Boesch. Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello need to take the next step in their maturation, but with a solid bullpen, anchored by Joaquin Benoit and Jose Valverde, the Tigers won’t lose many late.

2nd place: Chicago White Sox

I know: they’re in rebuilding mode and they have a rookie manager. But this pick is based on what I consider to be the deepest starting staff in the division. John Danks and Gavin Floyd each pitched better than their surface stats indicate last year. Chris Sale has looked dominant in his transition from the ‘pen. And Jake Peavy — the former San Diego Padres wunderkind — is only 30 years old (hard to believe, right?) and primed for a comeback. And speaking of comebacks, did you see Adam Dunn’s spring numbers? He’s still in his early 30s, and he’s motivated to prove last season an aberration. Sure, there are question marks: Who closes? Is Dayan Vicideo a major-league caliber OF? Which Alex Rios shows up this year? But still, if those pitchers stay healthy…I think this club surprises.

3rd place: Kansas City Royals

A lot of pundits love the Royals and rightfully so: their bumper crop of minor league talent is finally starting to pay dividends at the big league level. Eric Hosmer is legit; we could be looking at an MVP candidate. He reminds me a lot of Joey Votto; always squares it up. And with Billy Butler and Alex Gordon, the Royals have a nice little lineup (although it’d look better if they dropped Gordon down in the order). Losing Salvador Perez is a killer, though, and the pitching hasn’t arrived yet. Bruce Chen, Luke Hochevar and Felipe Paulino are retreads who are simply holding it down until Mike Montgomery and Chris Dwyer get the call. But by 2014, they could field a lineup with Hosmer, Perez, Will Myers, Bubba Starling, Mike Moustakas, and Cheslor Cuthbert. That’s scary. This is definitely a team on the rise.

4th place: Cleveland Indians

Last year’s overachieving aside, I don’t see a lot here to be excited about. Ubaldo is bound to pitch better than he did down the stretch last season, but the rest of the rotation is nothing to write home about. Grady Sizemore’s injuries have really hurt this club; Travis Hafner is a shell of his former self; and outside of Carlos Santana and Shin-Soo Choo, the lineup is fairly pedestrian. When you trot out the likes of Casey Kotchman and Jack Hannahan at the corners, you know you’re in trouble. But, hey: Derek Lowe should provide plenty of fireworks at the Jake this summer…for the opposition. So, you’ve got that going for you, Cleveland.

5th place: Minnesota Twins

This team is a mess. Mauer and Morneau simply can’t be counted on to stay healthy at this point. And they have so much money tied up in those two that it makes it really difficult to surround them with anything but middling talent. Scott Baker’s arm injury will hurt their rotation: Jason Marquis, Nick Blackburn and Carl Pavano are basically BP-fodder guys at this stage. And with Matty Capps nailing it down in the ninth, there won’t be a lot of safe leads.

All Division Team

C Carlos Santana

1B Prince Fielder

2B Gordon Beckham

SS Alexi Ramirez

3B Miguel Cabrera (at least offensively!)

LF Alex Gordon

CF Austin Jackson

RF Shin-Soo Choo

DH Billy Butler

SP Justin Verlander

SP Ubaldo Jimenez

SP Gavin Floyd

SP John Danks

SP Justin Masterson

RP Jose Valverde

Manager Ron Gardenhire

Posted in Baseball, Sports | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Acts 1

Posted on April 7, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Friday, April 6: Acts 1

Posting this a day late. It seemed odd to plow straight into Acts on Good Friday! But here we go!

V1, Luke says, “I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach…”, implying that this second volume will be about things Jesus is continuing to do. Too often, we speak of God in the past tense, the God of the Bible characters we read about. But Luke rejects this categorically; while affirming the ascension of Jesus to the right hand of God, he also proclaims the Spirit-inspired activity of His followers here on earth, those who labor to fulfill Jesus’ prayer that God’s Kingdom reign would come and His will would be done “on earth as it is in heaven.” This is why Luke writes Acts.

Thus, it is misleading to refer to this text as we commonly have, “The Acts of the Apostles”. We would do well to remember this sacred writing as “The Acts of Jesus” or “The Acts of the Holy Spirit.” Just as the Spirit was at work in the conception of Jesus in Luke 1&2, so too is the same Spirit at work in the church, the body of Christ, here in Acts 1&2. Luke prepares us for this in the opening scene here, as Jesus reminds His disciples of the promise of Spirit-baptism “not many days from now,” (v5).

V6, “So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?'” Even on this side of the cross and the empty tomb, there is misunderstanding. Anticipating a restoration of Israel’s fortunes, the disciples will be filled with wonder as the Spirit moves through Jew and Gentile alike and God’s Kingdom encompasses a sphere far greater than Israel. V8 is programmatic for Acts. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Luke will follow this outline throughout Acts.

V14 – The disciples remain in community, huddled together, devoting themselves to prayer. Community in Christ draws us together: Christ at the epicenter, the singular object of devotion, flanked by those whose hearts have burned within them at the proclamation of the Good News (Luke 24). The time for dispersal will come much later. These apostles will bear witness to this Good News around the world at great personal risk. Many of them will die alone, reviled, persecuted by a threatened and crumbling empire. But in these first days following the resurrection and ascension, these brothers and sisters are sustained by their mutual recollection of Christ and fervent prayer.

For these followers, prayer precedes activity. Prayer precedes proclamation. Prayer even precedes internal organization. Luke portrayed Jesus as a man of prayer in painstaking detail. And now His followers demonstrate their faithfulness by following suit. Spirit-breathed communion with God will continue to animate the body of Christ on earth.

By chapter’s end, internal activity is the focus of the conversation, namely finding a replacement for Judas. Nominations are accepted, Scripture is consulted, deliberations ensue. But again, prayer. V24-26, “And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”

It’s as if Luke is saying, “Just in case you think this whole thing was powered by human strategy or political machinations or popularity, trust me — nothing of the sort was going on.” He gives us an unflattering portrait of the early church’s leadership (at least in the eyes of conventional “worldly” wisdom): the disciples pray about it and then, in essence, roll dice and trust that God will manipulate the results to bring about His desired end. But this is the Gospel: foolish to some, it is the wisdom of God. This is the apex of trusting your prayer: not because you know the “magic words” or that you’ve somehow curried enough favor with God to be heard…but because your confidence in the One who hears your prayer is supreme.

And this unwavering confidence in the One who raised Christ from the dead will be one of the hallmarks of these disciples as we read through Acts together.

Posted in Church, Discipleship, Faith, God, Gospel, Jesus, Kingdom Values, Project 3:45, Scripture | Tagged | Leave a comment

Luke 24

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Thursday, April 5: Luke 24

The final chapter in Luke’s Gospel begins at early dawn: a new day, a new week, a new reality breaking into human history. As the sun rises, the Son rises, the dark cloud of Friday dissipating in Sunday’s glorious dawning. When we arrive to the scene, the stone is already rolled away, a declaration that God has already been here. “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” the angels ask (v5). With the resurrected Christ loose in the world, any other attempts to find salvation are tantamount to sifting through the graveyard for signs of life.

Luke reminds us again of the importance of the women who were a part of Jesus’ ministry: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James are mentioned by name and they become the evangelists to the apostles, the first to share the Good News with the Eleven. But even this testimony fails to convince the disciples fully. V11: “But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.”

The scene shifts beyond Jerusalem to the Emmaus road. But although the location has changed, the temperament does not. These disciples are still confused, troubled, hopeless. Jesus comes alongside of them as they walk, “but they were kept from recognizing him,” (v16). But Jesus winks at us off stage and we’re in on the ruse. These disciples say, “We had hoped he was the one to redeem Israel.” Loss of hope clouds our vision, keeps us from seeing Jesus. They also express amazement over the testimony of the women, but a better translation may be “astounded” (KJV). Paul uses the same word in 2 Cor. 5.13 when he says “If we are out of our mind, it is for God…”. The disciples are perplexed by the testimony of the ladies concerning Jesus. How can a dead man live? How can a crucified one become Messiah? These are confounding questions, clouding the vision of these disciples from the reality before them.

It is only in the breaking of bread and the expression of prayer that Jesus is fully witnessed by these disciples. At table, Jesus is fully revealed. And then…POOF. The disciples must pinch themselves before asking, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (v32). And they respond in faith, trekking back to Jerusalem in pitch black darkness, only this time revived by the illuminating hope of the Gospel: He is Risen!

And this message will spread like wildfire, burning within the hearts of many in Luke’s second volume, which we will begin tomorrow: the Acts of the Apostles.

Posted in Devotional, Gospel, Jesus, Project 3:45, Scripture | Tagged | Leave a comment

Luke 23

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Wednesday, April 4: Luke 23

In Luke’s retelling of the Jesus story, what is supposed to be the low point is, in reality, the climax, the culmination of prophecy and purpose regarding God’s Messiah. The chief priests and scribes hurl trumped up charges and false accusations at Jesus before Pilate. Seeking to wash his hands of the matter, Pilate sends Jesus to Herod. This act of deference leads to reconciliation between the two magistrates: “And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other,” (v12). And this is Luke’s nod to what is occurring, for in the death of Jesus Messiah, the ultimate reversal of fortunes takes place. At the cross, enmity turns to reconciliation (Isa 2; 2 Cor 5; Eph 2).

The scene shifts to include Barabbas, a rabble-rousing murderer, who is summoned from his cell to stand next to Jesus. The crowd chants their choice: “Give us Barabbas!” And we hear the echoes of Eden once more. When faced with choosing between God’s will — perfectly and faithfully embodied by Christ — or willful disobedience, our choice is always “not God”. “So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted….he delivered Jesus over to their will,” (vv24-25).

And Luke introduces another character into the drama, Simon of Cyrene, proxy for all who would follow Jesus by taking up their cross. The irony in play is Simon’s complete lack of awareness. How could he possibly understand that this cross IS his cross? How could he possibly understand that the cross that Christ bears carries the weight of his own transgressions, every failure, every careless word, every unbridled thought?

We travel to the Skull to meet two more individuals, criminals crucified next to Messiah, one combative and one reflective. At each step of the way, Luke forces us to inject ourselves into this narrative, to ask ourselves how we would react were we participants in this drama. And this is the point. Will we, like Pilate, attempt to recuse ourselves from our choice when it comes to Jesus? Do we seek Jesus as Herod did, looking to be entertained by yet another sign or wonder? Will we, like Simon, follow behind Jesus, joining Him with cross in hand? Will we hurl curses at Him, mocking in jest the lifeless figure we see on the cross? Or will our prayer parallel the simple cry of the criminal: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom” (v42)? We see now that Luke is not recording mere history. This writing is more than biography. This narrative demands response.

The end comes unceremoniously and nondescript. Darkness envelopes the centurion as he notes the death of another innocent man, His blood joining with so many others, needlessly poured out to appease the lust of the masses. Jesus’ body is laid in an unused tomb — yet another wink at what is to come — and evening falls.

And then: Sabbath (v56).

Rest.

For all the players in this drama, a day of rest.

All, save one.

For as the world rests…
Her Creator is engaged in His greatest work of all.

Posted in God, Gospel, Jesus, Project 3:45, Scripture, Theology | Tagged | Leave a comment

2012 MLB Preview: NL East

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Jason

Here’s the link to my previous AL East preview.

Now for the NL’s power division. It’s possible that this division could produce three playoff entrants, thanks to the new double wild-card addition (which I’m warming up to, by the way). Think how stacked this group would be if Pujols and Fielder had signed with the Marlins and Nats. At any rate, on to the review:

1st place: Philadelphia Phillies

Injuries may have taken some of the luster away from this squad, but the Phillies are still the toast of the division, thanks in part to their wealth of pitching. No team in baseball can trot out the likes of Roy Halladay, Clifford Lee and Cole Hamels. And don’t rule the Phils out for the services of Roy Oswalt come mid-season. Until then, expect the three aces to keep Philly in contention early on. And by mid-May, I expect Ryan Howard and Chase Utley to be firmly entrenched in the lineup again. Hunter Pence, Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino will provide veteran presence in a suddenly weakened offense. I expect to see them running more this year, “manufacturing” runs rather than waiting on the three-run homer. But Papelbon gives them a lock down closer and with a run of five straight crowns on the line, this veteran club will hold their own in a tough division. And mark it down: Shane Victorino will be a darkhorse MVP candidate all season.

2nd place: Miami Marlins

I love what this team has done to improve. How long it lasts is anybody’s guess, but it should be fun. Jose Reyes’ contract looks better today than it did when he signed in early December. Ozzie will turn him loose on the basepaths and I expect a .300 avg, 40+ steals, and a league-leading runs scored total. I also think Hanley bounces back in a big way. His attitude is key. Mike Stanton will lead the league in home runs and RBI and the rotation looks deep with Josh Johnson, Anibal Sanchez, and new additions Mark Buehrle and Carlos Zambrano. Heath Bell isn’t the closer he was in his salad days for the Pads, but he’s still a force in the 9th with a lead. Health, though, will be key. Reyes, Johnson, and Hanley have all missed significant time recently. If healthy, this team will be tough. If they start hot, they could overthrow Philly atop the division.

3rd place: Washington Nationals

A new culture is emerging in the Capitol, predicated on starting pitching. In Jordan Zimmerman, Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez, the Nats have an SP-trifecta of their own to rival Philly. And the emergence of Mike Morse last year gives this team another heavy hitter to go with franchise cornerstone Ryan Zimmerman and bounceback candidate Jayson Werth. With a Bryce Harper promotion looming sometime this summer (once we clear the arbitration deadline), this lineup has never been deeper. Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard are two of the league’s best high-leverage stoppers and youngster Henry Rodriguez gives them yet another late inning power arm. It’s for real, people; this is a team on the rise.

4th place: Atlanta Braves

Living in the midst of Braves-country, this is bound to be an unpopular pick. But tell me, where does the offense come from? Jason Heyward will never be the second coming of Hank Aaron, at least not while he’s hitting 50% of his batted balls on the ground. Sure, Dan Uggla had a monster second half, but he still hit only .233 last year. Chipper’s already hurt, Martin Prado is a singles hitter, and take away Freddie Freeman’s monster month last year and he looks a lot like James Loney. Michael Bourn is a nice addition, but this lineup is just underwhelming. They have some young pitching that looks solid, but they’ll need time to adjust at the big league level. I just don’t like their chances in this division. Check back in a few years when the kids have seasoned a bit.

5th place: New York Mets

This we know: this club is atrocious. It doesn’t matter that they moved the fences in; they’re not going to score. The outfield is a complete mess and the middle infield is almost as bad. And don’t even look at their pitching. Even if Johan is healthy, he’s a shell of his former self. Jon Niese will be nice (and they just locked him up for the next few years), but otherwise, the cupboard is bare. I like the bullpen a little and David Wright will produce, but when you have to count on Jason Bay to protect him, there’s little incentive to pitch to Wright. It’s going to be a very, very long season in the Big Apple. This team rivals Houston as the worst in the league.

All Division Team

C Brian McCann

1B Ike Davis

2B Dan Uggla

SS Jose Reyes

3B Hanley Ramirez

LF Mike Morse

CF Shane Victorino

RF Hunter Pence

SP Roy Halladay

SP Cliff Lee

SP Cole Hamels

SP Stephen Strasburg

SP Josh Johnson

RP Craig Kimbrel

Manager Charlie Manuel

Posted in Baseball, Sports | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Luke 22

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Tuesday, April 3: Luke 22

Luke has set the stage for the final act in this Gospel: the betrayal, death, and resurrection of Jesus. In v2, the chief priests and scribes stand in the shadows, plotting His murder “for they feared the people.” And we’re reminded: you’re at your worst when fear gets the best of you.

The setting of the Passover meal is one of hospitality: the Son of Man, with no earthly place to lay His head, is hospitably received by the unnamed “master of the house” (v11). And the early church will continue this table tradition, rooted in Scripture (Gen. 18; Ex. 24; Ps. 23.5) and the practice of hospitable reciprocity. As Jesus presides over the Passover meal with His disciples, He promises not to eat of it again “until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God,” (v16), an anticipation of the Great Messianic Feast of Jewish expectation (Isa. 25.6).

But Jesus defies the prevailing perceptions of authority and power that plague us:

Jesus defies the perception of the scepter-wielding Messiah: “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves…I am among you as the one who serves,” (v25-27).

Jesus defies the perception of an ivory-tower Deity: “For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” (v37).

Jesus defies the perception of the petulant ruler: “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done,” (v42).

Jesus defies the perception of the warmongering despot: “And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, ‘Lord, shall we strike with the sword?’ And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him.” (v49-51).

And Jesus defies the perception of the spineless politico: “But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.’ So they all said, ‘Are you the Son of God, then?’ And he said to them, ‘You say that I am.’ Then they said, ‘What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.'” (v69-71)

And in Luke’s final few chapters, Jesus will defy our expectations yet again.

Posted in God, Jesus, Project 3:45, Scripture | Tagged | Leave a comment

Luke 21

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Monday, April 2: Luke 21

This chapter begins with Jesus praising a poor widow for her offering. Though her financial contribution would be considered sparse by almost any standard, Jesus holds her up as an example of generosity, for “she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on,” (v4). This is another Lukan example of the cost of discipleship — a Christ follower who goes “all in” for Jesus.

The remainder of the chapter constitutes Jesus’ final public sermon in Luke. Speaking of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, Jesus encourages His followers to stand firm. By AD70, Jerusalem will be ravaged and the Temple destroyed. But Jesus doesn’t want His followers to mistake this for the end. In fact, His followers will face persecution and suffering before these things will occur. But He implores them to trust God to supply their words and wisdom (v15), even amid betrayal and martyrdom. “By standing firm you will gain life,” (v19).

Therefore, Jesus says, live in readiness, prayerfully anticipating what comes next (vv34-36). We, too, can apply this teaching. “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man,” (v36).

Posted in Discipleship, Jesus, Kingdom Values, Prayer, Project 3:45, Scripture | Tagged | Leave a comment