What is the Best Game in 2021?

What is the best game in 2021? The answer isn't a simple "bowling ball and two outs". However, it is likely to be something like this: "The first team to score three runs while neither team takes more than three hits on their opponent's pitching or hitting chart." Sounds simple, right? It is a matter of matching the players who are best at getting on base and producing runs with pitchers and other offensive players.

As usual, though, there are many variables. What the game really needs is a significant number of good offensive performances from each team. I don't see any clear-cut answer to this question until the season has concluded. As is often the case with baseball, however, there is going to be an element of unpredictability involved until we actually find out who has the better chance of winning the pennant.

The Yankees have what is called a "top defensive player". In other words, they have an ordinary player atop an elite defensive unit. This player, in the form of catcher Derek Jeter, is probably the most valuable defensive player in the league because he is the best in the field to throw the ball out of the park. As far as the starting rotation goes, Brett Gardner is having a terrific year and CC Sabathia is coming back to haunt opposing hitters.

In the AL, meanwhile, Prince Fielder is playing like an All-Star while Evan Longoria is as steady as ever. In the National League, we have a lot of talent, but no real star. That said, though, it looks as if Atlanta might steal the division from the Phillies. For now, the Cards play coy around the edges, and you never know when Matt Carpenter will go out and break camp with the big club. If he does, though, it will be a welcome change for the Cards, who have been searching for a No. 1 hitter since steroid scandals rocked the sport in the 90s.

So, which season is the best game in the headlines? For me, it is the first one. You can argue with me that there are better showcases for players who have not reached their prime, but I am going to side with the computer. The Baseball Writers' Association has named the first season the greatest one in franchise history, and it was played in April of 2021, which just happens to be the World Series.

What is the best game in 2112? That will be the subject of another piece. Until then, enjoy the second half of the season. It may not be quite as exciting as the first half, but it certainly has its high points. A winning team needs a winning baseball team; and there are plenty of compelling cases to be made for the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees as contenders to win the world series title.