I've done pretty well predicting the awards in years past, but I'm god awful at the playoffs. This year is even harder because the AL is so wide open. You can make a case for every team if they have enough break right during the course of the season. The NL is top heavy as several teams have tore down their rosters. Teams like the Phillies, Braves and Brewers have decided to punt this season.
Here are my predictions that will look really stupid by the end of the year.
AL East: Blue Jays
AL Central: Royals
AL West: Astros
Wildcard 1: Red Sox
Wildcard 2: Rangers
Best Record: Blue Jays
ALCS Matchup Astros vs Red Sox
NL East: Nats
NL Central: Cubs
NL West: Dodgers
Wildcard 1: Pirates
Wildcard 2: Mets
Best Record: Nats
NLCS Matchup Pirates-Cubs
WS Matchup Red Sox-Cubs (I will be puking the whole month of October if this happens)
WS winner Red Sox (The Cubs will lose in glorious fashion) GOAT
I really have nothing against the Cubs or the Red Sox, but that narrative would be exhausting.
AL MVP - Mike Trout
NL MVP - Bryce Harper
Those really should be the picks every year. Trout is probably going to get hurt for the fact that the Angels don't seem like playoff contenders.
AL CY - Corey Kluber
NL CY- Clayton Kershaw
AL Roy - Bryon Buxton
NL Roy Steven Matz
Al HR - Miguel Sano
NL Hr - Giancarlo Stanton
I have absolutely zero confidence in my AL picks. The Red Sox and Astros probably have the most complete teams but are far from power houses. I actually like the Yankees a decent amount this year because they are going to be unbeatable if they have lead after 6 innings. Could you imagine facing Betances, Miller and Chapman....Yikes. Any major injury to a Blue Jays or Red Sox star could easily propel them into the playoffs.
My bold prediction with my friends was that the Dodgers would make some blockbuster deal to get another pitcher. You have to figure that someone like Sonny Gray or Chris Archer might be available if the wheels fall off the As or Rays.
The only other NL teams that look like contenders that I didn't have in the playoffs are the Giants and Cardinals. Both teams should be good, but I had to leave someone off.
Gray on the blue would really enhance their chances.
ReplyDeleteNo Gallo love still? Ha HA.
Its gonna be a great season.
GL
I don't trust guys that strikeout 40% of the time!
DeleteSano that beast huh? Nats are gonna miss playoffs... I'm stealing your template and doing one of the these so we can see who got more wrong
ReplyDeleteI feel like people are kind of underrating the Nats because of their meltdown last year. Plus they get to play the Phillies and Braves all year.
DeleteSano can rake. I don't trust him in the outfield, but the guy is a beast with the bat.
Putting Sano in the outfield just drives me crazy. Why,Twins?? Just trade Plouffe and be done with this nonsense. The pessimist in me is just waiting for a collision in right center field that vaporizes the two best Twins.
DeleteIt still boggles my mind that teams just throw guys in certain positions and think it might work. I have a feeling this project won't last wrong.
DeleteI'll take a World Series appearance - I mean, even that hasn't happened since my grandfather was lying about his age to serve in WWII.
ReplyDeleteAnything short of the World Series the next 3 years would probably be considered a disappointment. They have so much depth and talent. Not to mention the resources to add players when necessary. It is hard to imagine the wheels coming off. You would have to think the only way is multiple injuries.
DeleteDoesn't look bad for me. Even though I think my Yanks find a way in this year.
ReplyDeleteThey were my last team out. Part of me regrets choosing the Rangers over them. The future is looking much better for the Bombers.
DeleteNice predictions. Mine were so bad last year I've decided not to bother this year. Plus, with the Cubs actually being relevant this year I think I would rather sit back and enjoy the ride.
ReplyDeleteLast year was terrible for me too. I pretty much said the Rangers were going to be one of the worst teams in baseball.
DeleteIf the A's end up trading Sonny Gray... I'm blaming you ;)
ReplyDeleteBlame Brad Pitt...I mean Billy Beane.
DeleteYou have better expectations for the Redsox than I do. I don't think they will make the playoffs.
ReplyDeleteI love Betts and Boegarts and the addition of David Price put it over the top. Plus they have the resources to make themselves better.
DeleteThe balance in the AL is crazy this year. No clear cut great teams.
my fantasy world series: Astros/Cubs. No matter the winner, I'd be elated for either team and their fans.
ReplyDeleteBoth teams are definitely good enough to get there. The Cubs are scary good.
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