Here are my predictions for the upcoming baseball season. Division winners through the World Series. Let me know what you think!
NL East – New York Mets – The Mets might have the best back end of the bullpen in the league. The acquisition of JJ Putz and K-Rod in the offseason solved the Mets’ Achilles’ heel of 2008. Look for them to bounce back from another late-season meltdown and finish strong at the end of the season.
NL Central – Chicago Cubs – Even without Jake Peavy in their rotation, the Cubs are clearly the team to beat in the central. They became more balanced with the addition of Milton Bradley and have reworked the bullpen that wasted a good number of games last year.
NL West – Los Angeles Dodgers – As long as Manny’s hamstring isn’t a problem all year, we expect the Dodgers to defend their crown. Maybe even with a healthy Jason Schmidt (yeah right) they could have a better staff than they did last year.
NL Wild Card – St. Louis Cardinals – Not many people have this one, but the Cardinals always seem to stick around all season. Even last year they were able to stay close to the Cubs until the last few weeks. With a healthy Chris Carpenter, they could surprise a lot of people.
American League East – Boston Red Sox – Hard to match up against them despite the Yankees’ offseason shopping spree. Adding Smoltz and Saito to his pitching staff definitely helps solidify him and having Jason Bay all year will help.
AL Central – Chicago White Sox – After last year’s AL Central championship, the White Sox certainly got younger and faster. They should be a more balanced team and if their pitching stays healthy all year, look to see them at the top again and surprise a lot of people.
AL West – Anaheim Angels – Adding Bobby Abreu was a nice upgrade and signing Brian Fuentes was the best they could do after losing K-Rod. They are clearly the best team in the west and I see no reason why they shouldn’t win another AL West crown.
AL Wild Card – Oakland Athletics – They could be the surprise team of the year. Pick up Giambi, Nomar, Holliday and Orlando Cabrera were seen above my many this offseason. They’ve racked up young pitching like they usually do, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them make a career for the Angels.
Cubs vs. Mets – Cubs in 4
Dodgers vs. Cards – Dodgers in 4
Red Sox vs A’s – Red Sox in 3
White Sox vs Angels – Angels in 5
puppies vs. Dodgers – Cubs in 6
Red Sox vs Angels – Angels in 7
Cubs vs. Angels – Angels in 6
