Two Sentence Predictions For All 30 MLB Teams

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 is one of the best places in the country to watch a game, so at least there's that. 

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 this summer. 

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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2014 MLB Predictions

The time is upon us. After a 5-month layoff, baseball is back. It's been a fairly crazy offseason, which hopefully means we're in for an entertaining year. Instant replay will be used to a whole new extent, and collisions and home are now outlawed. Sort of. But before the lines are chalked and the umpires yell "play ball" I figured I might as well put my predictions in writing.

Division Winners

NL West- Have to go with the Dodgers here. I'm a whole lot less confident in this pick with the news that broke yesterday about Kershaw going on the DL, but I'm hoping it's nothing too serious. If he can come back and even be 80% of what he was last year, the Dodgers are set up to make another deep run in the playoffs. Their biggest concern is of course injuries. But if they can get and stay healthy, they match up with anyone across the league. And they should considering how much money they've spent recently

AL West- Quite possibly my favorite division in baseball. The teams spend money like it's going out of style, other than Oakland of course, but never get the desired results. Is this the year the Angels finally get what they're paying for? Can the A's continue out-playing their division rivals despite having the 6th lowest payroll in all of baseball? Will the Rangers get back to the playoffs? Honestly, I have no idea. I'm going to go with the A's again. They're scrappy, they good starting pitching, and they don't seem to pay attention to anyone's opinion of them. I love that.

NL Central- Cardinals. It's always the Cardinals. The Pirates were a nice surprise last year and I sincerely hope they build on the 2013 season, but I can't go against St. Louis. They're just too good.

AL Central- Much like the NL Central, the AL Central is dominated by one team. The Tigers have one of the best top-to-bottom lineups in baseball in a pretty mediocre division. The Royals could make some noise, and the Indians were certainly a pleasant surprise last year. But until someone dethrones the Tigers I see no reason to go against them.

NL East- The division should be decided between the Nationals and Braves. The Nationals have the same issue the Dodgers do, injuries. If they can stay healthy and perform at the level we all know they're capable of, they should take the division with relative ease. The Braves lost Hudson and McCann, two guys who were big parts of their success.

AL East- Easily the most stressful division. Can the Red Sox repeat? Will the Rays make yet another run? Sorry Yankees fans, but I don't believe in your ancient lineup. As for the Orioles, you never know what you'll get from them. I'm gonna be a homer and pick the Red Sox simply based on their pitching, but it won't surprise me one bit if the Rays end up taking the division.

Wildcards- In the National League the Braves and Pirates should both make the postseason again in 2014. It won't surprise me if either end up winning their division, but I don't have enough confidence to just pick them outright. As for the American League I'm going with the Rays (or Red Sox if the Rays end up winning the division) and the Angels. The Rays are yet again a very good team, and I think the Angels are finally going to get some results out of their ridiculous payroll.

World Series- Is this the year the Dodgers finally bring a title back to Los Angeles for the first time since 1988? They're certainly built to. They have an abundance of outfielders and a fantastic pitching staff. They should win the World Series. In fact, I'm predicting a rematch of the '88 Series. LA over Oakland, only this time in 6 games. I love the Red Sox, but being able to capture the magic they had last season again is nearly impossible. The Tigers were pushed to the brink by the A's last season in the ALDS and I think the experience the A's gained last year will only serve to push them over the top this year. But LA has the best shot at winning the World Series this year.

Individual Awards

NL Rookie of the Year- Billy Hamilton, Billy Hamilton, Billy Hamilton, Billy freakin' Hamilton. I think this guy is really going to be a game-changer. If he gets on base he's going to steal. There are no two ways about it. Between putting himself in scoring position and disrupting the pitcher's process, he can have a huge impact on the outcome of a game. I really think he's going to excel.

AL Rookie of the Year- Xander Bogaerts. We all saw what he did in the postseason last year. His slash line was .296/.412./.481 in the playoffs. His average in the ALCS was .500, against the Tigers. The guy can hit and he's sure-handed in the field.

NL Cy Young- Of course I had Kershaw penciled in here. He is the best pitcher in baseball. But this injury has me worried. He's never been on the DL before. So not only does he have to get healthy, but how will he respond when he does come back? I'm still picking him as the favorite to win the award.

AL Cy Young- Yu Darvish and Justin Verlander are the most popular picks by the "experts" but I'm going in a different direction. I'm going with Jon Lester. I think this will be the year he pitches as well in the regular season as he does in the postseason. Will I be surprised if Darvish or Verlander end up winning it? Of course not, but it's no fun picking the same person as everyone else.

NL MVP- I can't help but wonder why I see so many people picking Bryce Harper here. The kid is a fine ballplayer, but so far he hasn't been anything special at the plate. His lifetime, mind you that's only two seasons, average is .272 and he strikes out far too often in my mind. He did cut his strikeout total by nearly 30 last year compared to his rookie season, but his home run, RBI, stolen base, doubles, and triples all dropped as well and his total walks only went up by 5. He has a long way to go. Anyway, I'm going with Hanley Ramirez. He's in a contract year and if he can stay healthy and do what he did last season (.345/.402/.638) he could run away with the award.

AL MVP- Mike Trout. Definitely should've won it in 2012 and probably should've won it last year too. He's the best all-around player in the game. If the Angels make the playoffs he should be the clear winner. Finally.

There ya go. I have less confidence in these picks than any other predictions I've written about. This season should be ridiculous. Between Cano in Seattle, Jeter's farewell season, Puig's first full year, and everything else we can't predict, it's going to be a fun year.

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2013 MLB Predictions

I'm like a kid on Christmas Eve right now. Can't sleep because I know when I wake up, there is going to be presents under the tree, err, on the TV. Baseball is back. Finally. Here are my predictions for this season.

AL East-As much as it pains me, I'm going to go with the Orioles winning the division. I can see Boston getting a Wild Card spot, or at least being in contention late in the year. For all those singing the praises of the Blue Jays I have one question. How did all those guys do last year? They were awful. Just because they got traded doesn't mean they're going to regain their form. Plus Toronto has a new manager. I think they'll finish better than the Yankees (praying for a 65-win season out of them) but I don't think they'll be much of a threat to the playoffs. The Orioles got hot last year at the right time. I think that confidence boost will carry over.

AL Central-Tigers. Unless one of their key guys gets hurt, who in that division is better? No one, that's who. They're far and away the best team in the division.

AL West-This one is tricky. The numbers say go with the Angels. They said that last year too and they missed the playoffs. I don't think they'll win the division, but I do think they get a Wild Card spot. I think Texas takes the division this year. Yes they lost Hamilton but they have so many other guys that can help fill that void I don't think they'll miss him too much. The Angels will be tough, but they lack a decent bullpen. I also don't see much leadership on that team. No one seems to want to step in and be "that guy."

NL East-I think this one is going to come down to the final week of the season between Atlanta and Washington. What will Strasburg look like without a leash? Will Kimbrel be unstoppable this year? How will the Braves play without Chipper on the field? There are so many exciting story-lines in the NL East I can't wait to see those teams go at it. Apologies to Mets and Marlins fans, that's gotta suck. Either way, I have Atlanta and Washington both making the postseason.

NL Central-The Cardinals, I guess? Losing Carpenter would be a lot bigger if he'd been there last year. They know how to win without him. The Brewers could make some noise, but I just don't think they have the arms to get it done down the stretch.

NL West-Hopefully I not putting the jinx on my boys, but I'm going with Big Blue. I think this is the year the Dodgers put it all together. Yes, they spent a boatload of money. I'll be the first one to tell you that buying a championship is much more difficult now than it was 15 years ago. However, they already had a good amount of talent on that team, with established leaders, so I don't think bringing in the stars they did will have a negative impact. This is another race that I think will come down to the finals weeks. The Giants are still a very good team. They proved last year they know how to win even when Lincecum struggles. Cain is now the ace of that staff and with Romo anchoring the 'pen they are definitely a scary team. I'll say the Dodgers win the division and the Giants will take a Wild Card spot.

Awards

NL Cy Young-Kershaw. He's just too good. If he's healthy, I'll take him over anyone else in baseball right now.

NL MVP-Three names come to mind for this one. Joey Votto, Matt Kemp, and Andrew McCutchen. All three are already bonafide stars in the league. Kemp may have trouble because he has so much talent around him. 'Cutch will have trouble because the Pirates probably won't win enough games for him to receive the recognition he clearly deserves. Seriously, think about how bad they would be without him. Votto is my front-runner.

NL Rookie Of The Year- Travis D'Arnaud. He's probably going to be the guy that gives Mets fans hopes and dreams for the next few seasons.

AL Cy Young-Man it's hard to go against Verlander here, so I won't. He's filthy. He throws hard, he goes deep into games, and he's in a weak division that will inflate his win total and shrink his ERA. That's not to suggest he isn't good, he's amazing. Easily one of the top 5 pitchers in all of baseball.

AL MVP-Have to go with Mike Trout here. I argued last year that he should've been the MVP and I think this year he'll make it impossible not to vote for him. He's too good to have a sophomore slump and with more experience under his belt I can see him running away with this award.

AL Rookie Of The Year-I'm going with Jackie Bradley Jr. here. Yes I'm a homer. I know it, and I'll freely admit it. But you can't deny his talent. If he can put together a year where he hits about .280 with 20-25 home runs and 30-35 stolen bases, he can take this award. Plus, if the Red Sox can make the playoffs, it's going to hard to ignore his contributions. Again, I know I'm a homer. Get over it.

I'm going to say the Rangers win it all this year too. I think this is the year they finally get over the hump. If Yu Darvish can pitch consistently as well as we all know he can, that's going to be a tough team to beat 4 out of 7 games. However it shakes out though, I'm just thrilled baseball is back. So there ya go, my predictions for the MLB season. Agree? Disagree? Think I'm unworthy of watching baseball? Well, in the wise words of The Dude, "that's just, like, your opinion, man."

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