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 bullpen back in the league. Acquiring JJ Putz and K-Rod in the offseason solved the Achilles heel of the 2008 Mets. Look for them to bounce back from another meltdown at the end of the season 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 at center. They got more balanced with the addition of Milton Bradley and have reworked the bullpen that ruined a fair number of games last year.
NL West – LA Dodgers – As long as Manny’s hamstring isn’t a year-round problem, look to the Dodgers to defend their crown. Maybe even with a healthy Jason Schmidt (yeah right) they could have a better staff than last year.
NL Wild Card – St. Louis Cardinals – Not many people have this one, but the Cardinals always seem to be hanging 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.
AL East – Boston Red Sox – It’s tough going against them despite the Yankees’ shopping spree this offseason. Adding Smoltz and Saito to his pitching staff definitely helps solidify it and having Jason Bay year-round will help.
AL Central – Chicago White Sox – After last year’s AL Central championship, the White Sox certainly got younger and faster. It should be a more balanced team and if their pitching stays healthy all year long, look to see them up again and surprise a lot of people.
AL West – Anaheim Angels – Adding Bobby Abreu was a nice improvement 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 don’t see any reason why they shouldn’t win another American League West crown.
AL Wild Card – Oakland Athletics – Could be surprise team of the year. Picking up Giambi, Nomar, Holliday and Orlando Cabrera were my many this offseason. They’ve racked up young pitchers like they often do and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them rush to the Angels.
Cubs vs Mets – Cubs in 4
Dodgers vs Cards – Dodgers in 4
Red Sox vs Athletics – Red Sox in 3
White Sox vs Angels – Angels at 5
Cubs vs Dodgers – Cubs at 6
Red Sox vs Angels – Angels at 7
Cubs vs Angels – Angels in 6