Rather than write
a long, comprehensive prediction blog for the 2016 MLB season, I'm going to
give you two sentences about each team as we prepare for Opening Day.
AL West:
Astros- They're going to be even better than last
year. As long as they can stay healthy they've got a shot at running away with
the division.
Rangers- The only serious contenders for the
Astros. They should be in the mix for a wildcard spot.
Angels- Mike Trout and Garrett Richards should be
fun to watch, and the addition of Andrelton Simmons should help. They nearly
made the playoffs last year, but I don't think they've gotten better and I
don't think they'll be as close to the postseason this year.
Mariners- More of the same. I just don't see them
passing the Astros or Rangers.
Athletics- The only thing more embarrassing than the
Coliseum is the Athletics. I'll be shocked if they finish above 75 wins.
AL Central:
Royals- I don't expect the defending champs to
have much of a drop off. That said, the projections aren't kind to them for a
reason and the division is wide open.
Tigers- Their lineup is still very good and they
improved their starting pitching. They will definitely push the Royals for the
division.
White Sox- Reason number 3 why the AL Central
division race should be fun is the Pale Hose. They have more questions marks in
the lineup than the Royals or Tigers, but should still contend.
Indians- The Tribe improved their lineup, but didn't
really address their pitching issues. It's possible they can surprise everyone
and challenge for the division, but I doubt it.
Twins- They could surprise everyone and contend,
I just don't see it happening. I don't think they did nearly enough to improve
upon last year's team compared.
AL East:
Red Sox- Consecutive last place finishes and a
$17 million dollar 3rd baseman riding the pine. The Sox weren't as bad as their
record indicated last year, and actually made some good signings this offseason,
I fully expect them to be in the postseason.
Yankees- The best bullpen in baseball got even
better, but other than that they didn't do much in the offseason. There are big
questions about the rotation and an aging lineup for the Bronx bombers,
but they'll still be in the mix for the division title.
Blue Jays- They went all-in last year and it nearly
paid off, they just ran into a Royals team that didn't know how to lose. If the
offense can be 80% of what it was last season there's no reason to think they
won't be in the hunt for the playoffs.
Orioles- They're just not a very good team. They
have some very good players but they don't have strong rotation and I can't
imagine a lineup that would do consistent damage.
Rays- They have a good starting rotation but
other than that it's slim pickings. Their bullpen wasn't good last year and
could be worse this year, and their lineup doesn't exactly inspire any
confidence.
NL West:
Dodgers- Spring Training wreaked havoc when it comes
to injuries. But their depth is ridiculous and they should absolutely contend
for a 4th straight NL West title.
Giants- It's an even year, so why should the rest
of the league even bother playing this season? The Giants will be better than
last year, but I'm not sold as far as their chances at a 4 title in 6 years.
Diamondbacks- I don't see many people putting them in
the playoff picture. They made big splashes in the offseason and I expect them
to contend for at least a wildcard spot if not the division title.
Padres- This is not a good baseball team, there
are so many holes up and down the lineup it's actually sad. But Petco Park
Rockies- How close are we to naming Nolan Arenado
as Troy Tulowitzki 2.0? He's an incredible talent that’s being wasted on a
terrible team.
NL Central:
Cubs- Is this the year the curse is finally
broken? I don't think so but it certainly wouldn't surprise me, this Cubs team
is legitimately stacked.
Cardinals- They're the Cardinals, of course they're
going to be good. However, this is probably the most competitive division in
baseball right now, so it'll be a fight for the division.
Pirates- Should be in the mix for the division, but
I expect them to fade late in the season. Could very well surprise us all again
though, they have the talent.
Reds- Gonna be another rough year in Cincy. At
least Joey Votto will be fun to watch.
Brewers- Not good. I fully expect a fire sale from Milwaukee
NL East:
Mets- Last year's run was improbable to
say the least. I fully expect them to win the division again, though I think
another World Series run is unlikely.
Nationals- The only threat to the Mets in the
division but I doubt they challenge all that much. I don't think they got
better in the offseason and who knows what Dusty Baker is going to do.
Phillies- Probably won't make much noise this
year, but they're finally headed in the right direction. Could surprise us all,
but it would take quite an effort.
Marlins- They have true superstar talent in
Jose Fernandez and Giancarlo Stanton, but not much else. They should consider
this season a success if they can finish with a .500 record.
Braves- A bad team last year that looks to have gotten worse during
the offseason. 70 wins from this group would be a surprise.
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