Baseball Predictions

It is that time again; Baseball begins with the Yanks-Sox on ESPN tonight. Below are my fearless predictions, sure to be partially right and wrong.

Note (3:55 PM): I have changed the playoff setup because I omitted the Cubs initially. That's okay though, most people omit the Cubbies...usually in April.

NL East
The East was close to the worst division last year and the Bravo's ran away with it by ten games. This year sees an improved Mets team that picked up at least fifteen games with the signing of Pedro and alot of RBI with the acquisition of Carlos Beltran. If Beltran continues the run he had in the playoffs last season, the Mets will be formidable.

The Marlins are always a team to be reckoned with and could be the darkhorse this year. The Nationals are an existing team in a new city, but they are still the Expos and will carry that baggage for a few years.

My pick is the Phillies. Maybe it's wishful thinking or buying into the media hype, but they should be a tough team to play. Pitching once again will be the key. Corey Lidle and John Lieber were signed and if Vicente Padilla and Randy Wolf have decent years, this staff could be good enough to put the Phils over the top. Rookie Gavin Floyd also has the tools to be a very good big league hurler.

In the field, the Phils signed the questionable Kenny Lofton to patrol center with the resurgent (yet injured) Marlon Byrd coming off the bench. If Bobby Abreu continues putting up quality numbers and Pat Burrell recaptures even a little of the swing he had three years ago, this is a solid outfield.

The infield is led by the steroid-free Jim Thome who is predicted to have an MVP-type year. Jimmy Rollins is becoming the best SS in the NL and should provide a spark at the top of the order. At 3B, David Bell is a good player but health problems have plagued him throughout his Phillies tenure. The open question going into opening day is 2B, where Chase Utley will see alot of playing time and the always reliable Placido Polanco spelling him. It will be nice to have Polanco late in the game off the bench.

My prediction for the NL East;

Phillies
Mets
Braves
Marlins
Nationals

NL Central-This is a wide open division that could see a surprise. I've heard the Brewers bandied about as team that could be an upstart.

Update: Scott at POV predicts the Cubs to win it all. Hey, Syria is leaving Lebanon and the Sox won last year so anything is possible.

Cubs
Brewers
Cardinals
Pirates
Reds
Astros

NL West-Depending on the numbers that Ryan Klesko puts up at the cavernous Petco Park, the Padres should win this division.

Padres
Dodgers
Giants
D'Backs
Rockies

The American League should be very good this year with the Sox-Yanks rivalry going full bore.

AL East-The Yanks are strong as are the Sox, but keep an eye on the Orioles. Every few years they put it together and make things more interesting.

Yankees
Red Sox
Orioles
D'Rays
Blue Jays

AL Central-The Twins always seem to put together a nice run in the second half and take this division. This year should be different with the White Sox and Indians making things interesting.
White Sox
Indians
Twins
Tigers
Royals

AL West-Look for the Angels to pull away early and hold on to win the division but the A's have a good staff and 3B Eric Chavez (from my old stomping grounds in East County San Diego) should have a monster year. Top to bottom, this is the toughest division in baseball. The separation between #1 and #4 will be less than six or seven games. That is why the wild card team will come from the East and not the West.

Update: Hindrocket thinks the Twinkies are going to win the division.

Angels
A's
Rangers
Mariners

NL playoffs:

Wildcard Round
Phillies Vs. Dodgers
Padres Vs. Cubs

LCS
Phillies Vs. Padres

AL playoffs

Wildcard Round
Yankees Vs. White Sox
Angels Vs. Red Sox

LCS
Angels Vs. Yankees

World Series
Phillies Vs. Angels

World Champion
Philadelphia