One reason each MLB team can win the World Series in 2017

Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; (from left to right) Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and center fielder Dexter Fowler and third baseman Kris Bryant and right fielder Jason Heyward celebrate during their World Series parade outside of Wrigley Field on Addison Street. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 28, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) connects for a double during the first inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Marlins: Giancarlo Stanton has his stroke back

Health and the ability to put together a full season without missing chunks of time has held Giancarlo Stanton back in his seven-year career. He has played more than 150 games just once, and has played only 577 over the past five seasons. Most of the injuries — like a fastball to the face or hand — cannot be blamed on Stanton. Just bad luck keeping one of the most exciting power hitters on the shelf.

Because of all their young hitters, the Marlins are always a trendy pick to sneak into the playoffs. Without an established pitching staff, they will have to rely on the offense to bring that dream into reality this year. Stanton is hardly alone in the lineup, with Christian Yelich and Marcell Ozuna prepared to help shoulder the load.

Stanton hits the most majestic home runs in the league, and there’s probably not much room for debate. That being said, he was rushed up to the big leagues at the age of 20, before ever playing a single inning at Triple-A. For all the raw power coursing through his linebacker-sized body, Stanton still struggles to make consistent contact at times. His swing has looked off at times since the beanball in 2014. Two years removed from that scary incident, Stanton should be fully comfortable with his stroke again, and a pox on the rest of the league.

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