With the thrilling World Baseball Classic now in the rearview mirror, all eyes are turning towards the Major League Baseball season, which promises to keep the baseball frenzy alive. Venezuela’s victory over Team USA was a nail-biter, revving up anticipation for what’s next. Step aside, March Madness—it’s time for baseball to take center stage, and for the Dodgers, it’s hat trick time—or so says former major leaguer, Micah Johnson.

Johnson, a man confident enough to rock a Dodgers hat on live TV, has boldly predicted a three-peat victory for the Los Angeles Dodgers. It seems he might have a crystal ball hidden under that cap, calling for new and old faces alike—Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz—to lead the charge. While one might wonder if Micah’s secret talent is fortune-telling, he’s certainly enthusiastic about the team’s chances. Oddsmakers may or may not agree, but hey, they do call it “gambling” for a reason.

Now, the World Baseball Classic wasn’t just a standalone spectacle; it was a booster shot for Major League Baseball’s regular season. Fans and players alike caught a contagious case of enthusiasm, thanks to those adrenaline-pumping international matchups. Johnson noted that this high-octane tournament setting has players arriving at Spring Training in midseason form, ready to hit the ground sprinting rather than jogging. It’s the equivalent of studying for the big exam by literally living in the library—worth it for the A+.

Among the players poised to make headlines, Johnson has his eyes on a couple of names and one particular dark horse—a team, in fact. Marcus Simeon in New York is ready to bring his championship bling and veteran savvy to the Mets, while Nick Kurts in Oakland aims to outshine any outfielder not named Aaron Judge. Then there are the Pittsburgh Pirates, the underdog team that could charm their way into October baseball. They’ve got a fiery mix of youthful exuberance and fresh talent, proving that building a sports team with the right energy is akin to finding a winning lotto ticket in your coat pocket.

So, will the Dodgers make it three in a row? Are the Pirates set to resurrect their legacy from the depths of baseball obscurity? As the season swings in, one thing’s for sure—baseball is back, and it’s ready to make Americans forget all about their broken March Madness brackets. Spring brings new hope, green grass, and the comforting crack of the bat. Buckle up; it’s going to be a season filled with unexpected heroes, surprise teams, and a baseball world as exciting as grandmother’s apple pie recipe—but with a fastball.