REGULAR SEASON
NL EAST:
1. Philadelphia Phillies
This team could be in for a big season depending on the health of Chase Utley
and Ryan Howard., and Roy Halladay being able to rebound from a lackluster
2012 season. Add a breakout season from Domonic Brown and the Phillies will
be a team to look out for in the coming season.
2. Washington Nationals
I'm expecting a repeat performance from this club. I see long term success in
their future with Stephen Strasburg as the ace, and Bryce Harper as the
cornerstone of the offense. One scout said he wouldn't be shocked by a 50-50
season from Harper at some point in his career. I'll settle for a 30-30 season
this year fro Harper.
3. Atlanta Braves
The outfield has the potential to be scary good with the Upton brothers and Jason
Heyward. The starting pitching is one potential weak spot on the team, but I expect
Hudson and Medlen to have solid seasons.
The outfield has the potential to be scary good with the Upton brothers and Jason
Heyward. The starting pitching is one potential weak spot on the team, but I expect
Hudson and Medlen to have solid seasons.
4. N.Y. Mets
It's going to be a rough year in New York for baseball fans. Johan Santana might
need another shoulder surgery (guy can't catch a break lately). David Wright and
The Marlins being an absolute joke of a franchise are the only things keeping them
from the NL East cellar.
It's going to be a rough year in New York for baseball fans. Johan Santana might
need another shoulder surgery (guy can't catch a break lately). David Wright and
The Marlins being an absolute joke of a franchise are the only things keeping them
from the NL East cellar.
5. Miami Marlins
Giancarlo Stanton. Giancarlo Stanton. Giancarlo Stanton. If you're a Marlins fan
just keep repeating that name to yourself over the season because this guy is
special. Outside of him, the Marlins don't have much to look forward too. How is
Jeffrey Loria not run out of Miami by a herd of angry fans?
NL CENTRAL:
1. Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates will need their starting pitching to find the magic from the first half of
last season and an MVP type season from Andrew McCutchen. Starling Marte is
someone I'm expecting big things from in his first full season in the majors.
The Pirates will need their starting pitching to find the magic from the first half of
last season and an MVP type season from Andrew McCutchen. Starling Marte is
someone I'm expecting big things from in his first full season in the majors.
2. Cincinnati Reds
I think their starting pitching is up there with the best in the NL from top to
bottom. I like the move for Aroldis Chapman back to the closer role after
being stretched out at times over the winter.
I think their starting pitching is up there with the best in the NL from top to
bottom. I like the move for Aroldis Chapman back to the closer role after
being stretched out at times over the winter.
3. St. Louis Cardinals
Adam Wainwright will have a big bounce back year (NL CY Young a possibility),
but I'm not impressed with the rest of the team. I do admit Shelby Miller is someone
to follow throughout the season, but the magic of the last couple season may soon
be fading.
Adam Wainwright will have a big bounce back year (NL CY Young a possibility),
but I'm not impressed with the rest of the team. I do admit Shelby Miller is someone
to follow throughout the season, but the magic of the last couple season may soon
be fading.
4. Milwaukee Brewers
This ranking is before any possible Ryan Braun suspension. Not saying it will
happen, but if it does... they are in major trouble.
This ranking is before any possible Ryan Braun suspension. Not saying it will
happen, but if it does... they are in major trouble.
5. Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have a bright future with Starlin Castro, Anthony Rizzo and Jeff Samardzija.
The future doesn't start this season though. Save the big expectations for the 2014
season when the young talent has another season of conditioning and when I expect
more talent to be on the way.
The Cubs have a bright future with Starlin Castro, Anthony Rizzo and Jeff Samardzija.
The future doesn't start this season though. Save the big expectations for the 2014
season when the young talent has another season of conditioning and when I expect
more talent to be on the way.
NL WEST:
1. L.A. Dodgers
The Dodgers offense will be fine with the likes of Adrian Gonzalez, Matt Kemp,
Andre Ethier, Carl Crawford and Hanley Ramirez (after his return from injury).
The big question as to their win total will be if Beckett can rebound and if Greinke
can handle the LA spotlight and massive contract he inked.
The Dodgers offense will be fine with the likes of Adrian Gonzalez, Matt Kemp,
Andre Ethier, Carl Crawford and Hanley Ramirez (after his return from injury).
The big question as to their win total will be if Beckett can rebound and if Greinke
can handle the LA spotlight and massive contract he inked.
2. San Francisco Giants
One bad season and the world writes off Tim Lincecum. I think that's a bad move.
With Cain and Bumgarner as the 1-2 punch, the pressure is off Lincecum and I
fully believe he can have a strong season. Don't forget Buster Posey at catcher who's
a game changing talent.
One bad season and the world writes off Tim Lincecum. I think that's a bad move.
With Cain and Bumgarner as the 1-2 punch, the pressure is off Lincecum and I
fully believe he can have a strong season. Don't forget Buster Posey at catcher who's
a game changing talent.
3. San Diego Padres
It's tough to see the Padres truly competing, especially with their best player Chase
Headley missing time.
It's tough to see the Padres truly competing, especially with their best player Chase
Headley missing time.
4. Colorado Rockies
Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez are stars, but have you seen their pitching?
Their #1 starter is a guy named Jhoulys Chacin. If your answer to that was "who the
hell is that?" then we are on the same page.
Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez are stars, but have you seen their pitching?
Their #1 starter is a guy named Jhoulys Chacin. If your answer to that was "who the
hell is that?" then we are on the same page.
5. Arizona Diamondbacks
Trading Justin Upton left them with a big space to fill in their lineup. I don't expect
them to find the answer this season. There are a few bright spots on the roster though.
SEASON PICKS
NL EAST:
NL CENTRAL:
NL WEST:
WILDCARDS:
LEAGUE CHAMPS:
A lot of people are writing off Roy Halladay and Tim Lincecum, but I'm not so quick to pass judgment. I want to see what they can do to start the season before I think about jumping ship.
ReplyDeleteCheck out my AL ranks here:
ReplyDeletehttp://sportsfreaksanonymous.blogspot.com/2013/03/american-league-preview-predictions.html