The wait is over: the 2013 Major League Baseball season is upon us. Today begins the 162-game journey for 30 MLB teams to attempt to defy odds, live up to expectations, and be the next to hoist the Commissioner's Trophy in the Fall Classic. It is a long journey and with so many story lines, it is sure to be another entertaining season.
Last season, the San Francisco Giants picked up their second title in three seasons, sweeping the Detroit Tigers in the World Series, thanks in part to the contributions of the 2012 National League MVP Buster Posey and World Series Most Valuable Player Pablo Sandoval. Those same Giants are back this year, but will have to fight their way through a very crowded National League. On the American League side, the Tigers are back, returning most of the corp that played their way through October and making a few new additions, and their journey through the American League should certainly be easier than that of the Giants, with the American League considerably weaker.
Who will win the World Series in 2013? Who will pick up the hardware? Who will surprise, and who will disappoint? Alongside several contributors, we will make our best guesses.
American League
American League East
Garden State Sports Guy:
1. Tampa Bay Rays - A bit concerned with the stability of their lineup, but the Rays' staff is one of the best. David Price is at the front of the line, with James Shields sent to KC. Evan Longoria when healthy is the best 3rd baseman in the league, but can he go the full 162? I am banking on things going the Rays' way, though. Look out for Wil Myers who might show up at some point. He's a stud.
2. Toronto Blue Jays (Wild Card) - There is a certain aura about this Blue Jays team that reeks of past offseason winners. No doubt that this team is going to score a lot of runs but can they bring it on the mound? 2012 NL Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey is the man they brought in to be the guy, and they acquired innings-eater Mark Buehrle, and still have Brandon Morrow but what else do they have to offer? The Jays had the highest bullpen ERA in the AL last year. Have them finishing second because I think that lineup is so potent. A total collapse wouldn't shock me either.
3. New York Yankees - Everybody is down on the Yankees. They have an aging, injury-riddled lineup, yes. But they've still got Robinson Cano, the unquestioned best second baseman in baseball, who might have a monstrous year in the final year of his contract. I really like this squad's pitching staff a lot, too. They have Mariano Rivera back from his disastrous knee injury, frontline starter CC Sabathia and don't underestimate youngster David Phelps who I think is going to be a surprise. Shouldn't we know better than to not count out the Yankees?
4. Baltimore Orioles - The O's won the hearts of many and pushed the Yankees to the brink in the ALDS. They have much of the same corp in 2013, so why are they placed in fourth? "Regression to the mean." They had an unbelievable stretch of winning extra-inning games (16 straight victories) and one-run games (29-9). The last time there was a team that did that well in one-run games? The 1890 Brooklyn Bridgegrooms. Seriously. I love Adam Jones and Matt Wieters, but call me crazy, I don't think that is going to repeat itself and I think they'll scrap to 75 wins.
5. Boston Red Sox - There are a few things to be positive if you are a Boston Red Sox fan this season. There are several young guns on this team, Will Middlebrooks and Jackie Bradley, Jr. to name two, to be excited about and could bring some energy to the lineup. The pitching staff is healthy (for now), and all of the distractions and disaster seems to be behind them. John Farrell, you have a lot on your plate, and I am very interested to see what you have to offer.
Ben Florance (@bflo360):
1. Toronto Blue Jays
2. Tampa Bay Rays (Wild Card)
3. New York Yankees
4. Baltimore Orioles
5. Boston Red Sox
Jeff Parles (@palsdasportsguy):
1. Tampa Bay Rays (90-72)
2. Toronto Blue Jays (Wild Card) (88-74)
3. Baltimore Orioles (85-77)
4. New York Yankees (79-83)
5. Boston Red Sox (75-87)
RJ Layton (@rjlayton10):
1. Tampa Bay Rays
2. Baltimore Orioles (Wild Card)
3. Toronto Blue Jays
4. New York Yankees
5. Boston Red Sox
Walt Scher (@Ctrl_Walt_Dlt):
1. Tampa Bay Rays
2. Toronto Blue Jays (Wild Card)
3. Baltimore Orioles
4. New York Yankees
5. Boston Red Sox
Brian Nestel (@DJBJNestel):
1. Toronto Blue (Da Ba Dee Da Ba Die) Jays
2. Tampa Bay (But We're Really from St. Petersburg) Rays (Wild Card)
3. Baltimore (Ravens) Orioles
4. New York Yankees (Great, We're Not Going to Have Any Fans Left After This Season)
5. Boston Red Sox (They're Not Fun Without Fried Chicken and Beer)
Brian Says: It’s going to be the first time in a long time that neither
the Red Sox nor the Yankees will make the playoffs, and that’s a good thing.
Baseball needs a breath of fresh air, especially in cities like Toronto and
Baltimore who have been at the mercy of Boston and New York. Toronto wins the
division, but it’s a tight three-way race in an unspectacular AL East.
Dan Molloy (@DanMolloy92):
1. Tampa Bay Rays - Even after Toronto’s huge offseason, I still like Tampa in the East. David Price established himself as the AL’s best lefty last season, and if Evan Longoria can stay healthy, he’ll be an MVP candidate alongside soon-to-be-rookie-phenom Wil Myers.
2. Toronto Blue Jays (Wild Card) - The Blue Jays will hit, but like many AL teams, pitching will determine how far they go. If Josh Johnson is the same pitcher we saw this spring, I really dig that staff led by R.A. Dickey. And does anyone know how to pitch to Jose Reyes, Melky Cabrera, Jose Bautista then Edwin Encarnacion?
3. New York Yankees - It’s the waiting game in the Bronx, as Robinson Cano and the Bombers will do their best to tread water until Derek Jeter, Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeira get back from injuries. Remember A-Rod? We’re all getting older.
4. Boston Red Sox - Boston lost its Valentine, thankfully, and a healthy lineup should bring some pop back to Yawkey Way, but the Red Sox just do not currently have the roster to make the playoffs out of the AL East.
5. Baltimore Orioles - Sorry, Baltimore, but the O’s will return to the basement after a nice run in 2012. The rotation has no stopper, and there is no chance the team comes close to its ridiculous record in close games.
Ben Yarrington (@benyarrington):
1. Toronto Blue Jays
2. Tampa Bay Rays (Wild Card)
3. Baltimore Orioles
4. Boston Red Sox
5. New York Yankees
Rob O'Neill (@PKJM887):
1. Tampa Bay Rays
2. New York Yankees (Wild Card)
3. Baltimore Orioles
4. Toronto Blue Jays
5. Boston Red Sox
Eric Hilt (@ericmhilt):
1. Toronto Blue Jays - The Blue Jays are obviously tired of being the AL East’s whipping boy. The club made major moves over the offseason adding R.A. Dickey, Jose Reyes, Emilio Bonifacio, Josh Johnson, Mark Buerhrle and more. It seems like a now or never situation for the Blue Jays, and I think it’s now.
2. Tampa Bay Rays (Wild Card) - Led by probable rookie of the year contender Wil Myers, the Rays and their powerhouse pitching staff will eke into the playoffs taking advantage of a down AL East. This puts them into a wild card playoff against Royals ace and former Ray James Shields that should make for some good entertainment.
3. New York Yankees
4. Baltimore Orioles
5. Boston Red Sox
American League Central
GSSG:
1. Detroit Tigers - Arguably the best team in the American League. The defending AL Champions added outfielder Torii Hunter to the mix in the offseason, and will get a big boost from the returning Victor Martinez who missed all of last season with an injury. What will Miguel Cabrera do for an encore after his Triple Crown performance last year? I say he hits a small fall back to earth, but still does a lot of damage with Prince Fielder behind him. And, you know, they have that Justin Verlander fellow. He's pretty good, if you didn't know.
2. Kansas City Royals - The Royals have young guns in Eric Hosmer, who can't possibly do worse than his 2012 campaign, and Mike Moustakas. They acquired James Shields in the offseason and will have Danny Duffy returning from injury. Billy Butler is one of the more under-the-radar players in the league. They have an impressive bullpen that isn't discussed too often. What could possibly go wrong for the Kansas City Royals in 2013 so that they do not finish in second? In the words of the KC faithful, "well, probably everything."
3. Chicago White Sox - Tough to discount the fact that the White Sox exceed their expectations and projections often. Hell, it happens almost every single year. Chris Sale should continue his ascension after his emerging 2012. Paul Konerko is still there, and still kicking, and with a few other solid hitters in that lineup, they shouldn't find themselves having much of a problem. The bullpen needs to do a bit of a better job, hovering around average last season (3.75 ERA) but hey, I wouldn't be shocked to see the Sox finish third and neither should you.
4. Cleveland Indians - The Indians wheeled and they dealed this offseason and acquired some notable players to add to their lineup. They said goodbye to Shin-Soo Choo and welcome Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn who will be nice additions to go along with Michael Brantley in the outfield. They let go of longtime Tribe member Travis Hafner, who is now in New York, and replaced him with Mark Reynolds. While Reynolds is a strikeout king, he does add some power to a lineup that desperately needed it. The only problem this team will face is on the mound, but Terry Francona should feel good after this season, even if it winds up being a long one.
5. Minnesota Twins - It might be yet another long year in the Twin Cities. The Twins have a very weak pitching staff and that might be putting it mildly. On the bright side, Joe Mauer is coming off of a very good season, nearly reminiscent of his MVP seasons, and is healthy and raring to go. After there was trade talks last year, Justin Morneau and Josh Willingham remain, and are a very good trio in a lineup that certainly has some promise. Look out for rookie Aaron Hicks, who might be a strong contender for AL Rookie of the Year.
Ben F.:
1. Detroit Tigers
Brian:
1. Detroit Tigers
2. Cleveland Indians
3. Kansas City Royals
4. Minnesota (OMG WE'RE LYKE) Twins
5. Chicago White Sox
Brian Says: If you don’t have Justin Verlander on your team and you’re in the AL Central, you’re going to have a bad time. It’s the Tigers division to lose. Anything else will be a shock.
Dan:
1. Detroit Tigers - This is a gimme here.
2. Kansas City Royals - Kansas City will finish around 85 wins (that’s a winning record!!!) because its lineup is absolutely loaded and James Shields will lead an improved staff.
3. Cleveland Indians - I like Terry Francona for Cleveland, but the improved lineup with Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher will go to waste with a poor starting staff.
4. Chicago White Sox - The White Sox looked to have the strongest pitching staff of the three teams in the middle, but with John Danks out, the young bullpen stands out as the real strength. The hitters in the middle of Chicago’s order, Rios-Konerko-Dunn, are all on the wrong side of their prime years and due to regress.
5. Minnesota Twins - Minnesota is in a transition, and 2013 will be no kinder than 2012.
Ben Y.:
1. Detroit Tigers
2. Cleveland Indians
3. Chicago White Sox
4. Kansas City Royals
5. Minnesota Twins
Rob:
1. Detroit Tigers
2. Cleveland Indians
3. Kansas City Royals
4. Chicago White Sox
5. Minnesota Twins
Eric:
1. Detroit Tigers - No brainer: The reigning MVP and triple crown winner in Cabrera, one of baseball’s best long ball hitters in Prince Fielder two of the best strikeout pitchers in the game with Verlander and Scherzer will get off to a better start this year en route to another AL Central pennant.
2. Kansas City Royals (Wild Card) - You’ve heard it before, but really, this year is the Royals’ time. For most of the year, Kansas City ranked in the top five in every major offensive category last year but in the bottom five of almost every major pitching category. That’s why the Royals gambled their future on a new pitching staff. With James Shields anchoring what should be an at least decent rotation, they Royals will eke out enough wins to reach the postseason for the first time since 1985.
3. Cleveland Indians
4. Chicago White Sox
5. Minnesota Twins
American League West
GSSG:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - An absolutely loaded lineup and a very good pitching staff could equate to a big season for the Angels. Mike Scoscia's job might just depend on it. Rookie sensation Mike Trout will have quite the encore performance to live up to and new addition Josh Hamilton should prove to be a terrific addition. Did you forget about Albert Pujols too? It's okay if you did. With Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson at the top of this rotation, the Angels might find themselves in very good position to do damage all year.
2. Oakland Athletics (Wild Card) - The A's had a magical September to vaunt them over the Rangers to win the American League West last year. This year, they return just about everyone and added shortstop Jed Lowrie in the offseason, who should give them a boost at that position. Yoenis Cespedes could very well be an emerging superstar and their pitching staff is still looking youthful and full of potential.
3. Texas Rangers - The Rangers underwent a lot of turnover in the offseason. Gone are Mike Napoli, Josh Hamilton, and Michael Young. In to replace them are Leonys Martin, A.J. Pierzynski, and Lance Berkman, and while they have a lot of work to do, their lineup is still dangerous. Their pitching staff, sans Yu Darvish, worries me about not being stellar, but the Rangers should once again win a lot of games due to their lineup. It will be an interesting season in Arlington, to say the least.
4. Seattle Mariners - Seattle just seems like it is destined to be in second-to-last place in the AL West, with the addition of the Houston Astros. Even with the addition of Michael Morse, their lineup still has a lot of issues going for it and once again might not score many runs. Felix Hernandez signed a lucrative extension in the offseason and he should prove to be worth all of that money and then some this year. The Mariners could get a glimpse into the future this year with a lot of good prospects down in the minors.
5. Houston Astros - If wins were counted in Jose Altuve's, I would say that the Astros would have 55 Altuve's by the end of 2013.
Ben F.:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
2. Oakland Athletics (Wild Card)
3. Texas Rangers
4. Seattle Mariners
5. Houston Astros
Jeff:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (94-68)
2. Oakland Athletics (Wild Card) (88-74)
3. Texas Rangers (80-82)
4. Seattle Marners (75-87)
5. Houston Astros (50-112)
RJ:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
2. Texas Rangers (Wild Card)
3. Oakland Athletics
4. Seattle Mariners
5. Houston Astros
Walt:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
2. Texas Rangers (Wild Card)
3. Seattle Mariners
4. Oakland Athletics
5. Houston Astros
Brian:
1. Oakland Athletics
2. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (of Anaheim of Orange County of California of United States of America of Western Hemisphere of Earth of Earth of Milky Way Galaxy...) (Wild Card)
3. Texas (Texas') Rangers
4. Seattle Mariners
5. Houston Astros
Brian Says: Oakland’s always that team in the West that literally no one talks about and everyone’s always surprised and blown away when they make the playoffs or win the division. OH MY GOD ALL OF A SUDDEN THE A’S HAVE MADE THE PLAYOFFS!!! Always happens. And it will happen again this year, though the Angels will have a much better season than they did last year. The Rangers World Series window is closing. And for the Mariners? You have a team to beat up on! Hooray Astros!
Dan:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - The Angels have to be the favorite in the West with a lineup that includes three of the game’s best in Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and free agent mega-signing Josh Hamilton. LA’s rotation shouldn’t scare too many teams, but the slightly better lineup than that of Texas gives the Angels the clear edge.
2. Texas Rangers (Wild Card) - Sorry, Rangers, but Lance Berkman doesn’t scare me the way Josh Hamilton did…teams will be able to get around Beltre and that lineup much easier.
3. Oakland Athletics - I have Oakland third because, honestly, I’m not sure who is going to hit the baseball for the A’s. Plus, a bunch of young arms will NOT make it through this season without injury.
4. Seattle Mariners - The Mariners are getting better, but this division is too tough for them to contend this year.
5. Houston Astros - Houston is heading in the right direction, you know, in the way you’d look up when you’re at the bottom of a well.
Ben Y.:
Dan Molloy (@DanMolloy92):
1. Tampa Bay Rays - Even after Toronto’s huge offseason, I still like Tampa in the East. David Price established himself as the AL’s best lefty last season, and if Evan Longoria can stay healthy, he’ll be an MVP candidate alongside soon-to-be-rookie-phenom Wil Myers.
2. Toronto Blue Jays (Wild Card) - The Blue Jays will hit, but like many AL teams, pitching will determine how far they go. If Josh Johnson is the same pitcher we saw this spring, I really dig that staff led by R.A. Dickey. And does anyone know how to pitch to Jose Reyes, Melky Cabrera, Jose Bautista then Edwin Encarnacion?
3. New York Yankees - It’s the waiting game in the Bronx, as Robinson Cano and the Bombers will do their best to tread water until Derek Jeter, Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeira get back from injuries. Remember A-Rod? We’re all getting older.
4. Boston Red Sox - Boston lost its Valentine, thankfully, and a healthy lineup should bring some pop back to Yawkey Way, but the Red Sox just do not currently have the roster to make the playoffs out of the AL East.
5. Baltimore Orioles - Sorry, Baltimore, but the O’s will return to the basement after a nice run in 2012. The rotation has no stopper, and there is no chance the team comes close to its ridiculous record in close games.
Ben Yarrington (@benyarrington):
1. Toronto Blue Jays
2. Tampa Bay Rays (Wild Card)
3. Baltimore Orioles
4. Boston Red Sox
5. New York Yankees
Rob O'Neill (@PKJM887):
1. Tampa Bay Rays
2. New York Yankees (Wild Card)
3. Baltimore Orioles
4. Toronto Blue Jays
5. Boston Red Sox
Eric Hilt (@ericmhilt):
1. Toronto Blue Jays - The Blue Jays are obviously tired of being the AL East’s whipping boy. The club made major moves over the offseason adding R.A. Dickey, Jose Reyes, Emilio Bonifacio, Josh Johnson, Mark Buerhrle and more. It seems like a now or never situation for the Blue Jays, and I think it’s now.
2. Tampa Bay Rays (Wild Card) - Led by probable rookie of the year contender Wil Myers, the Rays and their powerhouse pitching staff will eke into the playoffs taking advantage of a down AL East. This puts them into a wild card playoff against Royals ace and former Ray James Shields that should make for some good entertainment.
3. New York Yankees
4. Baltimore Orioles
5. Boston Red Sox
American League Central
GSSG:
1. Detroit Tigers - Arguably the best team in the American League. The defending AL Champions added outfielder Torii Hunter to the mix in the offseason, and will get a big boost from the returning Victor Martinez who missed all of last season with an injury. What will Miguel Cabrera do for an encore after his Triple Crown performance last year? I say he hits a small fall back to earth, but still does a lot of damage with Prince Fielder behind him. And, you know, they have that Justin Verlander fellow. He's pretty good, if you didn't know.
2. Kansas City Royals - The Royals have young guns in Eric Hosmer, who can't possibly do worse than his 2012 campaign, and Mike Moustakas. They acquired James Shields in the offseason and will have Danny Duffy returning from injury. Billy Butler is one of the more under-the-radar players in the league. They have an impressive bullpen that isn't discussed too often. What could possibly go wrong for the Kansas City Royals in 2013 so that they do not finish in second? In the words of the KC faithful, "well, probably everything."
3. Chicago White Sox - Tough to discount the fact that the White Sox exceed their expectations and projections often. Hell, it happens almost every single year. Chris Sale should continue his ascension after his emerging 2012. Paul Konerko is still there, and still kicking, and with a few other solid hitters in that lineup, they shouldn't find themselves having much of a problem. The bullpen needs to do a bit of a better job, hovering around average last season (3.75 ERA) but hey, I wouldn't be shocked to see the Sox finish third and neither should you.
4. Cleveland Indians - The Indians wheeled and they dealed this offseason and acquired some notable players to add to their lineup. They said goodbye to Shin-Soo Choo and welcome Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn who will be nice additions to go along with Michael Brantley in the outfield. They let go of longtime Tribe member Travis Hafner, who is now in New York, and replaced him with Mark Reynolds. While Reynolds is a strikeout king, he does add some power to a lineup that desperately needed it. The only problem this team will face is on the mound, but Terry Francona should feel good after this season, even if it winds up being a long one.
5. Minnesota Twins - It might be yet another long year in the Twin Cities. The Twins have a very weak pitching staff and that might be putting it mildly. On the bright side, Joe Mauer is coming off of a very good season, nearly reminiscent of his MVP seasons, and is healthy and raring to go. After there was trade talks last year, Justin Morneau and Josh Willingham remain, and are a very good trio in a lineup that certainly has some promise. Look out for rookie Aaron Hicks, who might be a strong contender for AL Rookie of the Year.
Ben F.:
1. Detroit Tigers
2. Cleveland Indians
3. Kansas City Royals
4. Chicago White Sox
5. Minnesota Twins
Jeff:
1. Detroit Tigers (95-67)
2. Cleveland Indians (80-82)
3. Kansas City Royals (79-83
)
4. Chicago White Sox (75-87)
5. Minnesota Twins (68-94
)
RJ:
1. Detroit Tigers
2. Chicago White Sox
3. Kansas City Royals
4. Cleveland Indians
5. Minnesota Twins
Walt:
1. Detroit Tigers
2. Cleveland Indians
3. Kansas City Royals
4. Chicago White Sox
5. Minnesota Twins
1. Detroit Tigers
2. Cleveland Indians
3. Kansas City Royals
4. Minnesota (OMG WE'RE LYKE) Twins
5. Chicago White Sox
Brian Says: If you don’t have Justin Verlander on your team and you’re in the AL Central, you’re going to have a bad time. It’s the Tigers division to lose. Anything else will be a shock.
Dan:
1. Detroit Tigers - This is a gimme here.
2. Kansas City Royals - Kansas City will finish around 85 wins (that’s a winning record!!!) because its lineup is absolutely loaded and James Shields will lead an improved staff.
3. Cleveland Indians - I like Terry Francona for Cleveland, but the improved lineup with Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher will go to waste with a poor starting staff.
4. Chicago White Sox - The White Sox looked to have the strongest pitching staff of the three teams in the middle, but with John Danks out, the young bullpen stands out as the real strength. The hitters in the middle of Chicago’s order, Rios-Konerko-Dunn, are all on the wrong side of their prime years and due to regress.
5. Minnesota Twins - Minnesota is in a transition, and 2013 will be no kinder than 2012.
Ben Y.:
1. Detroit Tigers
2. Cleveland Indians
3. Chicago White Sox
4. Kansas City Royals
5. Minnesota Twins
Rob:
1. Detroit Tigers
2. Cleveland Indians
3. Kansas City Royals
4. Chicago White Sox
5. Minnesota Twins
Eric:
1. Detroit Tigers - No brainer: The reigning MVP and triple crown winner in Cabrera, one of baseball’s best long ball hitters in Prince Fielder two of the best strikeout pitchers in the game with Verlander and Scherzer will get off to a better start this year en route to another AL Central pennant.
2. Kansas City Royals (Wild Card) - You’ve heard it before, but really, this year is the Royals’ time. For most of the year, Kansas City ranked in the top five in every major offensive category last year but in the bottom five of almost every major pitching category. That’s why the Royals gambled their future on a new pitching staff. With James Shields anchoring what should be an at least decent rotation, they Royals will eke out enough wins to reach the postseason for the first time since 1985.
3. Cleveland Indians
4. Chicago White Sox
5. Minnesota Twins
American League West
GSSG:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - An absolutely loaded lineup and a very good pitching staff could equate to a big season for the Angels. Mike Scoscia's job might just depend on it. Rookie sensation Mike Trout will have quite the encore performance to live up to and new addition Josh Hamilton should prove to be a terrific addition. Did you forget about Albert Pujols too? It's okay if you did. With Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson at the top of this rotation, the Angels might find themselves in very good position to do damage all year.
2. Oakland Athletics (Wild Card) - The A's had a magical September to vaunt them over the Rangers to win the American League West last year. This year, they return just about everyone and added shortstop Jed Lowrie in the offseason, who should give them a boost at that position. Yoenis Cespedes could very well be an emerging superstar and their pitching staff is still looking youthful and full of potential.
3. Texas Rangers - The Rangers underwent a lot of turnover in the offseason. Gone are Mike Napoli, Josh Hamilton, and Michael Young. In to replace them are Leonys Martin, A.J. Pierzynski, and Lance Berkman, and while they have a lot of work to do, their lineup is still dangerous. Their pitching staff, sans Yu Darvish, worries me about not being stellar, but the Rangers should once again win a lot of games due to their lineup. It will be an interesting season in Arlington, to say the least.
4. Seattle Mariners - Seattle just seems like it is destined to be in second-to-last place in the AL West, with the addition of the Houston Astros. Even with the addition of Michael Morse, their lineup still has a lot of issues going for it and once again might not score many runs. Felix Hernandez signed a lucrative extension in the offseason and he should prove to be worth all of that money and then some this year. The Mariners could get a glimpse into the future this year with a lot of good prospects down in the minors.
5. Houston Astros - If wins were counted in Jose Altuve's, I would say that the Astros would have 55 Altuve's by the end of 2013.
Ben F.:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
2. Oakland Athletics (Wild Card)
3. Texas Rangers
4. Seattle Mariners
5. Houston Astros
Jeff:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (94-68)
2. Oakland Athletics (Wild Card) (88-74)
3. Texas Rangers (80-82)
4. Seattle Marners (75-87)
5. Houston Astros (50-112)
RJ:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
2. Texas Rangers (Wild Card)
3. Oakland Athletics
4. Seattle Mariners
5. Houston Astros
Walt:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
2. Texas Rangers (Wild Card)
3. Seattle Mariners
4. Oakland Athletics
5. Houston Astros
Brian:
1. Oakland Athletics
2. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (of Anaheim of Orange County of California of United States of America of Western Hemisphere of Earth of Earth of Milky Way Galaxy...) (Wild Card)
3. Texas (Texas') Rangers
4. Seattle Mariners
5. Houston Astros
Brian Says: Oakland’s always that team in the West that literally no one talks about and everyone’s always surprised and blown away when they make the playoffs or win the division. OH MY GOD ALL OF A SUDDEN THE A’S HAVE MADE THE PLAYOFFS!!! Always happens. And it will happen again this year, though the Angels will have a much better season than they did last year. The Rangers World Series window is closing. And for the Mariners? You have a team to beat up on! Hooray Astros!
Dan:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - The Angels have to be the favorite in the West with a lineup that includes three of the game’s best in Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and free agent mega-signing Josh Hamilton. LA’s rotation shouldn’t scare too many teams, but the slightly better lineup than that of Texas gives the Angels the clear edge.
2. Texas Rangers (Wild Card) - Sorry, Rangers, but Lance Berkman doesn’t scare me the way Josh Hamilton did…teams will be able to get around Beltre and that lineup much easier.
3. Oakland Athletics - I have Oakland third because, honestly, I’m not sure who is going to hit the baseball for the A’s. Plus, a bunch of young arms will NOT make it through this season without injury.
4. Seattle Mariners - The Mariners are getting better, but this division is too tough for them to contend this year.
5. Houston Astros - Houston is heading in the right direction, you know, in the way you’d look up when you’re at the bottom of a well.
Ben Y.:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
2. Texas Rangers (Wild Card)
3. Oakland Athletics
4. Seattle Mariners
5. Houston Astros
Rob:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
2. Oakland Athletics (Wild Card)
3. Texas Rangers
4. Seattle Mariners
5. Houston Astros
Eric:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - I’m not only taking the Angels to run away with the AL West, but to own the best regular season record by a mile. In 2012 the Angels ranked fourth in runs and hits, all of this before the addition of Josh Hamilton last offseason. Hamilton posted a career high in runs last year and along with Pujols, Trout, Trumbo and Kendrick the Angels will easily have the most potent offense in the MLB. The team backs this up with a revamped pitching staff to complement All-Stars Jared Weaver and CJ Wilson.
2. Oakland Athletics
3. Texas Rangers
4. Seattle Mariners
5. Houston Astros
Eric:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - I’m not only taking the Angels to run away with the AL West, but to own the best regular season record by a mile. In 2012 the Angels ranked fourth in runs and hits, all of this before the addition of Josh Hamilton last offseason. Hamilton posted a career high in runs last year and along with Pujols, Trout, Trumbo and Kendrick the Angels will easily have the most potent offense in the MLB. The team backs this up with a revamped pitching staff to complement All-Stars Jared Weaver and CJ Wilson.
2. Oakland Athletics
3. Texas Rangers
4. Seattle Mariners
5. Houston Astros
Awards
Most Valuable Player
GSSG: Mike Trout, LF, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Ben F.: Mike Trout, LF, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Jeff: Robinson Cano, 2B, New York Yankees
RJ: Joe Mauer, C, Minnesota Twins
Walt: Evan Longoria, 3B, Tampa Bay Rays
Brian: Mike Trout, LF, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Dan: Jose Reyes, SS, Toronto Blue Jays
Ben Y.: Josh Hamilton, RF, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Rob: Evan Longoria, 3B, Tampa Bay Rays
Eric: Mike Trout, LF, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Eric: Mike Trout, LF, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Cy Young
GSSG: Felix Hernandez, SP, Seattle Mariners
Ben F.: Felix Hernandez, SP, Seattle Mariners
Jeff: Justin Verlander, SP, Detroit Tigers
RJ: Felix Hernandez, SP, Seattle Mariners
Walt: Jered Weaver, SP, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Brian: Justin Verlander, SP, Detroit Tigers
Dan: Yu Darvish, SP, Texas Rangers
Ben Y.: Justin Verlander, SP, Detroit Tigers
Rob: Justin Verlander, SP, Detroit Tigers
Eric: Felix Hernandez, SP, Seattle Mariners
Eric: Felix Hernandez, SP, Seattle Mariners
Rookie of the Year
GSSG: Aaron Hicks, OF, Minnesota Twins
Ben F.: Trevor Bauer, SP, Cleveland Indians
Jeff: Wil Myers, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
RJ: Wil Myers, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
Walt: Dylan Bundy, SP, Baltimore Orioles
Brian: Wil Myers, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
Dan: Wil Myers, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
Ben Y.: Jackie Bradley, Jr., OF, Boston Red Sox
Rob: Jackie Bradley, Jr., OF, Boston Red Sox
Eric: Wil Myers, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
Eric: Wil Myers, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
Manager of the Year
GSSG: Joe Girardi, New York Yankees
Ben F.: Terry Francona, Cleveland Indians
Jeff: Bob Melvin, Oakland Athletics
RJ: Joe Maddon, Tampa Bay Rays
Walt: Joe Maddon, Tampa Bay Rays
Brian: Joe Maddon, Tampa Bay Rays
Dan: Ned Yost, Kansas City Royals
Ben Y.: John Gibbons, Toronto Blue Jays
Rob: Terry Francona, Cleveland Indians
Eric: Mike Scoscia, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Eric: Mike Scoscia, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Comeback Player of the Year:
GSSG: Mariano Rivera, RP, New York Yankees
Ben F.: Mariano Rivera, RP, New York Yankees
Jeff: Mariano Rivera, RP, New York Yankees
RJ: Mariano Rivera, RP, New York Yankees
Walt: Victor Martinez, C/DH, Detroit Tigers
Brian: Mariano Rivera, RP, New York Yankees
Dan: Mariano Rivera, RP, New York Yankees
Ben Y.: Victor Martinez, C/DH, Detroit Tigers
Rob: Mariano Rivera, RP, New York Yankees
Eric: Victor Martinez, C/DH, Detroit Tigers
Eric: Victor Martinez, C/DH, Detroit Tigers
Triple Crown Category Leaders:
GSSG:
BA - Robinson Cano - .335 (NYY) | HR - Jose Bautista - 40 (TOR) | RBI - Josh Hamilton - 135 (LAA)
Wins - David Price - 20 (TB) | SO - Felix Hernandez - 206 (SEA) | ERA - Felix Hernandez - 2.65 (SEA)
Ben F.:
BA - Mike Trout (LAA) | HR - Miguel Cabrera (DET) | RBI - Miguel Cabrera (DET)
Wins - Justin Verlander (DET) | SO - Felix Hernandez (SEA) | ERA - Felix Hernandez (SEA)
Jeff:
BA - Miguel Cabrera (DET) | HR - Robinson Cano (NYY) | RBI - Josh Hamilton (LAA)
Wins - Justin Verlander (DET) | SO - Justin Verlander (DET) | ERA - Justin Verlander (DET)
RJ:
BA - Joe Mauer (MIN) | HR - Josh Hamilton (LAA) | RBI - Josh Hamilton (LAA)
Wins - Justin Verlander (DET) | SO - Felix Hernandez (SEA) | ERA - Jered Weaver (LAA)
Walt:
BA - Joe Mauer - .402 (MIN) | HR - Mark Trumbo (LAA) | RBI - Miguel Cabrera (DET)
Wins - Jered Weaver (LAA) | SO - Justin Verlander (DET) | ERA - Jered Weaver (LAA)
Brian:
BA - Mike Trout (LAA) | HR - Jose Bautista (TOR) | RBI - Miguel Cabrera (DET)
Wins - Justin Verlander (DET) | SO - Felix Hernandez (SEA) | ERA - Jered Weaver (LAA)
Dan:
BA - Joe Mauer - .332 (MIN) | HR - Jose Bautista - 42 (TOR) | RBI - Miguel Cabrera - 133 (DET)
Wins - Justin Verlander - 21 (DET) | SO - Yu Darvish - 235 (TEX) | ERA - Felix Hernandez - 2.77 (SEA)
Ben Y.:
BA - Joe Mauer (MIN) | HR - Prince Fielder (DET) | RBI - Josh Hamilton (LAA)
Wins - Jered Weaver (LAA) | SO - Justin Verlander (DET) | ERA - James Shields (KC)
Rob:
BA - Mike Trout (LAA) | HR - Prince Fielder (DET) | RBI - Miguel Cabrera (DET)
Wins - Justin Verlander (DET) | SO - Max Scherzer (DET) | ERA - Justin Verlander (DET)
Eric:
BA - Mike Trout (LAA) | HR - Josh Hamilton (LAA) | RBI - Josh Hamilton (LAA)
Wins - Jered Weaver (LAA) | SO - Felix Hernandez (SEA) | ERA - Justin Verlander (DET)
Eric:
BA - Mike Trout (LAA) | HR - Josh Hamilton (LAA) | RBI - Josh Hamilton (LAA)
Wins - Jered Weaver (LAA) | SO - Felix Hernandez (SEA) | ERA - Justin Verlander (DET)
Playoffs
GSSG:
Wild Card Game - Toronto over Oakland
ALDS - Detroit over Toronto in 4 | Los Angeles over Tampa Bay in 5
ALCS - Los Angeles over Detroit in 6
Ben F.:
Wild Card Game - Tampa Bay over Oakland
ALDS - Detroit over Tampa in 3 | Los Angeles over Toronto in 4
ALCS - Detroit over Los Angeles in 7
Jeff:
Wild Card Game - Toronto over Oakland
ALDS - Detroit over Toronto in 4 | Los Angeles over Tampa in 3
ALCS - Los Angeles over Detroit in 6
RJ:
Wild Card Game - Baltimore over Texas
ALDS - Los Angeles over Baltimore | Tampa Bay over Detroit
ALCS - Tampa Bay over Los Angeles
Walt:
Wild Card Game - Toronto over Texas
ALDS - Detroit over Tampa Bay | Los Angeles over Toronto
ALCS - Los Angeles over Detroit in 6
Brian:
Wild Card Game - Los Angeles over Tampa Bay
ALDS - Oakland over Toronto | Detroit over Los Angeles
ALCS - Detroit over Oakland
Dan:
AL Wild Card - Toronto over Texas
ALDS - Detroit over Toronto | Los Angeles over Tampa Bay
ALCS - Detroit over Los Angeles
Ben Y.:
AL Wild Card - Tampa Bay over Texas
ALDS - Los Angeles over Tampa Bay | Toronto over Detroit
ALCS - Los Angeles over Toronto
Rob:
Wild Card Game - New York over Oakland
ALDS - Detroit over New York | Los Angeles over Tampa Bay
ALCS - Detroit over Los Angeles
Eric:
AL Champion - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Eric:
AL Champion - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
National League
National League East
1. Washington Nationals - I don't think that the Nationals will win 98 games this year again, but I do see them as the most talented team in the National League and should win the NL East again. Bryce Harper is poised to have a stellar campaign in 2013 to follow up his very impressive rookie year. The Nats' pitching staff was bolstered with the acquisition of Dan Haren in the offseason, and with Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmerman, and Ross Detwiler, it's hard to find a rotation anywhere as good as this. D.C.'s bunch should have greater success this year.
2. Atlanta Braves (Wild Card) - The team that I think can challenge the Nationals most this season in the NL East at least is the Atlanta Braves. The Braves made a big splash in the offseason, acquiring both B.J and Justin Upton to add to their outfield and with Jason Heyward there, that outfield might have a lot of strikeouts but it has supreme talent. Look for Freddie Freeman to really break out this year. I think he's been on the cusp and this will be a good season for the first baseman. The rotation may not be as good as it has been, at least for now with such great pitching in their farm system, but the Braves will score plenty of runs.
3. Philadelphia Phillies - The Phillies need a lot to happen to break through and possibly nab the Wild Card and it really rests on their pitching staff. Roy Halladay is the guy that the Phillies are going to need to depend on this year because I think Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee are surely going to put up similar numbers to what we've grown accustomed to. Don't be surprised if Ryan Howard has a huge season coming off of the injury bug, either. I believe there are two possible routes for this team: they will be in contention in July, or they will be huge sellers at the Trade Deadline.
4. New York Mets - If there is one saving grace for Mets fans this year it is that they will not be as abhorrent as the Miami Marlins will be. Also, they have a lot of good, young talent that is itching to break through. We saw a glimpse of what Matt Harvey can bring to the table late last year and they acquired a great catching prospect in Travis d'Arnaud in the offseason, who might be up in the Majors soon, too. 'El Capitan' David Wright should prove to be the best position player on the team again, and hey, if everything goes right, the Mets could finish in third place.
5. Miami Marlins - So the Marlins duped people (except me) into thinking they were different and were World Series contenders last season. Boy, that went well. 365 days or so later, they are back to being the laughing stock franchise in Major League Baseball and are putting out a horrific looking squad this year, sans the incredible Giancarlo Stanton. I'm not sure how bad the Marlins will be this season, but hopefully this is a lesson for the future to never trust them again.
Ben F.:
1. Washington Nationals
2. Atlanta Braves (Wild Card)
3. Philadelphia Phillies
4. New York Mets
5. Miami Marlins
Jeff:
1. Washington Nationals (98-64)
2. Atlanta Braves (Wild Card) (94-68)
3. Philadelphia Phillies (81-81)
4. New York Mets (72-90)
5. Miami Marlins (60-102)
RJ:
1. Washington Nationals
2. Atlanta Braves (Wild Card)
3. Miami Marlins
4. Philadelphia Phillies
5. New York Mets
Walt:
1. Washington Nationals
2. Atlanta Braves (Wild Card)
3. Philadelphia Phillies
4. Miami Marlins
5. New York Mets
Brian:
1. Washington Nationals
2. Philadelphia Phillies (Wild Card)
3. Atlanta Braves
4. New York Mets
5. Miami Marlins
Brian Says: The Nationals are going to win the division again, but will
fail to once again take back their park. As good as they were last year and
will be last year, Phillies fans will continue to takeover Citizens Bank Park
South as its called to the dismay of Nats ownership, who will then try and give
away free tickets on Groupon. Philadelphia will have a surprise season,
bouncing back for a second place finish while Atlanta disappoints. The Mets and
Marlins duke it out for the bottom feeders yet again, though the Marlins will
take that spot when players strike due to ownership not paying them, while the
whole time the owners can’t pay because they don’t even know who their players
are.
Dan:
1. Atlanta Braves - How
could Washington possibly move down in the standings!? Atlanta simply became
the better team this winter. The Uptons and the Jay-Hey Kid form the best
all-around outfield in the bigs, and the young pitchers on the staff are going
to dazzle.
2. Washington Nationals - The Nats are one of the more balanced teams in MLB, but I have a bad
feeling about Gio Gonzalez and Dan Haren this year, and as we saw at times last
season, Stephen Strasburg can’t carry the staff by himself.
3. Philadelphia Phillies - It’s show up or blow up for the Phillies, whose core is past its prime but making a presumed final push in 2013. Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Michael Young are all 33 or older, so assuming they won’t all stay healthy, Cole Hamels will have to continue being one of the quieter aces in the National League.
4. New York Mets - Wanna hear a joke about the Mets outfield? I don’t even know their names, so I don’t have any jokes. But Lucas Duda and Co. will welcome stud-in-waiting Travis D’Arnaud to the lineup this summer. He’ll be a fixture of that lineup for years to come behind the dish.
5. Miami Marlins - Sorry, Giancarlo Stanton, I’m so very, very sorry…
Ben Y.:
1. Washington Nationals
2. Atlanta Braves (Wild Card)
3. Philadelphia Phillies
4. Miami Marlins
5. New York Mets
Rob:
1. Washington Nationals
2. Atlanta Braves
3. Philadelphia Phillies
4. New York Mets
5. Miami Marlins
Eric:
1. Washington Nationals - The Nationals are going to ride Bryce Harper all the way to the playoffs. I don’t see a sophomore slump for Harper, considering as of right now he’s batting .476 in spring training. Yes, spring training is spring training but add that to his stats from last year and his confidence (if that’s the word you like to use for it) and it equals a NL East victory for the Nationals.
2. Atlanta Braves - (Wild Card) If the Braves took a huge hit in the offseason losing playmakers like Martin Prado and Michael Bourn, but the addition of the Upton brothers in the outfield will mostly make up for the loss. The Braves won’t be the Braves of years past, but will contend enough to sneak into the playoffs with sound hitting and what will be a middle of the pack pitching staff.
3. Philadelphia Phillies
4. New York Mets
5. Miami Marlins
Eric:
1. Washington Nationals - The Nationals are going to ride Bryce Harper all the way to the playoffs. I don’t see a sophomore slump for Harper, considering as of right now he’s batting .476 in spring training. Yes, spring training is spring training but add that to his stats from last year and his confidence (if that’s the word you like to use for it) and it equals a NL East victory for the Nationals.
2. Atlanta Braves - (Wild Card) If the Braves took a huge hit in the offseason losing playmakers like Martin Prado and Michael Bourn, but the addition of the Upton brothers in the outfield will mostly make up for the loss. The Braves won’t be the Braves of years past, but will contend enough to sneak into the playoffs with sound hitting and what will be a middle of the pack pitching staff.
3. Philadelphia Phillies
4. New York Mets
5. Miami Marlins
National League Central
GSSG:
1. Cincinnati Reds - As usual in the NL Central, this will be a three-horse race and I see the Reds repeating as NL Central champions. They easily have the best bullpen in the division with Aroldis Chapman staying as the closer and with Jonathan Broxton and Sean Marshall remaining on the team. Joey Votto is poised to have a very good year yet again, and was on pace to be the NL MVP before going down with an injury after the All-Star break last year. The Reds will be dangerous once again.
2. St. Louis Cardinals - The Cardinals said goodbye to Chris Carpenter and Kyle Lohse this offseason but all things considered, the Cardinals will be just fine. Adam Wainwright is now fully healthy and got a hefty extension a few days ago, and should prove to be good to go. The Cardinals lineup is, in my opinion, an AL lineup playing in the National League as from top to bottom, you'd be hard pressed to find a better one out there. They will be division and Wild Card contenders once again this season.
3. Milwaukee Brewers - I might be highly selling on the Brewers this year but I think they can make things work up in the Cream City. Their pitching, from top to bottom, isn't as good as they'd like it to be, even with the emergence of Marco Estrada and Mike Fiers, and frontline starter Yovani Gallardo. The bullpen went through a disastrous 2012 but I think luck swing back in their favor this season. I wouldn't be surprised if Milwaukee, St. Louis or Cincinnati took the NL Central and I wouldn't be surprised if these three teams are contenders late in the season for playoff spots either.
4. Pittsburgh Pirates - The Pirates have had a habit lately to get into the mix late in the season, but then dive back down into futility once again. I'm not sure if the same song and dance will occur this year but I do not believe that this is the year for Pittsburgh to go above the 81-win threshold or to reach the postseason. I have my doubts about their rotation, even with the possible emergence of Jameson Taillon and Gerrit Cole, but they shouldn't have any trouble in the run-scoring department. Andrew McCutchen may taper off a bit after a career year last season, but should still be one of the most exciting and one of the best players in the league.
5. Chicago Cubs - Not quite yet, Chicago baseball fans. Not quite yet. The Cubs did make a few nice moves in the offseason to try and give some depth to their lineup. Anthony Rizzo might be a name to watch in 2013 as he certainly has the potential to mash 30 home runs. Starlin Castro, as long as he loses a bit of his laziness, once again should be an All-Star and hit near .300. This will most likely be the last season for both Matt Garza and Alfonso Soriano in Cubbie Blue, and all eyes will be looking on who they take in the MLB Amateur Draft. Remember, an Appel a day keeps the losing away.
Ben F.:
1. Cincinnati Reds
2. St. Louis Cardinals
3. Pittsburgh Pirates
4. Milwaukee Brewers
5. Chicago Cubs
Jeff:
1. Cincinnati Reds (93-69)
2. St. Louis Cardinals (88-74)
3. Milwaukee Brewers (84-78)
4. Pittsburgh Pirates (76-86)
5. Chicago Cubs (69-93)
RJ:
1. St. Louis Cardinals
2. Cincinnati Reds
3. Pittsburgh Pirates
4. Milwaukee Brewers
5. Chicago Cubs
Walt:
1. Cincinnati Reds
2. St. Louis Cardinals
3. Milwaukee Brewers
4. Pittsburgh Pirates
5. Chicago Cubs
Brian:
1. Cincinnati Reds
2. St. Louis (Blues.....er) Cardinals
3. Milwaukee Brewers
4. Pittsburgh (AT LEAST OUR HOCKEY TEAM'S GOOD...wait they lost in the first round? Again?) Pirates
5. Chicago Cubs (...God Bless You)
Brian Says: Cincinnati and St. Louis are the only two good teams in this
division. Milwaukee is on a downhill spiral, and when you’re teams names are
the Pirates or Cubs, well, that’s a shame. I’m so sorry for you.
Dan:
1. Cincinnati Reds - The Central lost punching bag Houston, but that won’t shake the standings
too much. The Reds are going to be a great team in 2013, and I have them
winning the division by more than five games. Joey Votto should definitely be
one of the five most feared hitters this season.
2. St. Louis Cardinals (Wild Card) - Baseball fans should know not to count St. Louis out
3. Milwaukee Brewers - As much as I want to pick Milwaukee to return to the playoffs, the Cardinals’ pitching staff gives them a slight edge over a very good Brewers team.
4. Pittsburgh Pirates - Even with the emergence of Starling Marte, they still do not have the pitching to compete this season.
5. Chicago Cubs - The Cubs have a few up and coming hitters in Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo, but, much like the Pirates, they do not have the pitching to do anything this season.
Ben Y.:
1. Cincinnati Reds
2. St. Louis Cardinals
3. Pittsburgh Pirates
4. Milwaukee Brewers
5. Chicago Cubs
Rob:
1. Milwaukee Brewers
2. Cincinnati Reds
3. St. Louis Cardinals
4. Chicago Cubs
5. Pittsburgh Pirates
Eric:
1. St. Louis Cardinals - The Cardinals are the most complete team in the NL central. Where the Brewers are great at the plate and the Reds have a dominant rotation and bullpen, the Cardinals have both bats and arms.
2. Cincinnati Reds
3. Milwaukee Brewers
4. Pittsburgh Pirates
5. Chicago Cubs
Eric:
1. St. Louis Cardinals - The Cardinals are the most complete team in the NL central. Where the Brewers are great at the plate and the Reds have a dominant rotation and bullpen, the Cardinals have both bats and arms.
2. Cincinnati Reds
3. Milwaukee Brewers
4. Pittsburgh Pirates
5. Chicago Cubs
National League West
GSSG:
1. San Francisco Giants - I'm wagering that the NL West is going to go right down to the wire with the best rivalry in baseball today deciding it. I think that the defending World Series Champions will make yet another run at a championship and will edge out the Dodgers. I like their pitching as a whole much more than I do the Dodgers, even with their big acquisitions, and Buster Posey really is the benefactor here.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers (Wild Card) - Foolish it would be for the Dodgers to not make the playoffs after spending a boatload of money in the last few months. Still having to pay their ace Clayton Kershaw, the new-look Dodgers are going to have the spotlight over them the entire year. Frankly, I think they are going to thrive in it. They do have a bit of a concern with Zack Greinke having some elbow issues, but I think Matt Kemp & Co. will have something to say about how well the lineup plays.
3. Arizona Diamondbacks - Looking for a new face for their franchise with Justin Upton heading to Atlanta, and having a brand new announce team, the Diamondbacks should be an intriguing bunch in the desert. They fell off after winning the NL West, surprising many in doing so, in 2011 and come into the season with some promise. However I just think that LA and San Francisco are just too tough to compete against in this division and they will fall victim to that.
4. San Diego Padres - The Padres have a decent, not excellent rotation, with Cory Luebke being the best of the rotation, but the rest of their rotation is a mess. I do like their lineup that is quietly emerging, with the likes of Cameron Maybin, Yonder Alonso, the suspended Yasmani Grandal, Chase Headley and rookie Jedd Gyorko. PETCO Park's fences are being moved in this year, later than they should have been in my humble opinion, and that could mean good things for their lineup, and also bad things for their pitching staff, too.
5. Colorado Rockies - The Rockies scored a division best 758 runs last season. Only problem was they gave up 850 runs, too. Troy Tulowitzki is healthy and wouldn't surprise many if he played up to the level many thought he could reach, but this is a team with a lot of work to do. Plus, even with the humidors, Coors still proves to be a blessing and a curse, with the splits for most of the Colorado hitters being more than marginal in regards to the difference.
Ben F.:
1. San Francisco Giants
2. Los Angeles Dodgers (Wild Card)
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
4. San Diego Padres
5. Colorado Rockies
Jeff:
1. San Francisco Giants (95-67)
2. Los Angeles Dodgers (Wild Card) (90-72)
3. Arizona Diamondbacks (79-83)
4. San Diego Padres (67-95)
5. Colorado Rockies (64-98)
RJ:
1. San Francisco Giants
2. Los Angeles Dodgers (Wild Card)
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
4. Colorado Rockies
5. San Diego Padres
Walt:
1. San Francisco Giants
2. Los Angeles Dodgers (Wild Card)
3. Colorado Rockies
4. Arizona Diamondbacks
5. San Diego Padres
Brian:
1. San Francisco Giants
2. Los Angeles Dodgers (Wild Card)
3. San Diego (Fathers) Padres
4. Arizona Diamondbacks
5. Colorado (We're Going to Hit as Cold as the) Rockies
Brian Says: It’s a great time to be a Giants fan. A second World Series
in three years, Buster Posey locked up long term, gay marriage about to be
legalized, things are pretty good out in San Francisco. And they’ll continue
once again, as the Giants will win the West this season with the rival Dodgers
slightly behind.
Dan:
1. San Francisco Giants - Same
old same old out west, as the game’s best player Buster Posey will lead San
Fran to another division title. I just love the pitching staff and a solid but
not flashy lineup. Even if Tim Lincecum never remembers how to throw a
fastball, I still like the Giants a lot.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers - The Dodgers will barely miss the playoffs again, but they will be fun to
watch. The super-rich Zack Greinke backs the soon-to-be-fabulously-rich Clayton
Kershaw in the rotation, which is rounded out by two guys you shouldn’t sleep
on in Josh Beckett and Hyun-Jin Ryu. The change-of-scenery core that surrounds
Matt Kemp of Hanley Ramirez, Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford can be anything
from terrific to train-wreck.
3. Arizona Diamondbacks - Arizona is a young team in a good spot to compete in this division. A good but not great pitching staff and a young offense powered by budding star Paul Goldschmidt make the Diamondbacks an interesting dark horse.
4. San Diego Padres - San Diego is moving the fences in at PETCO Park, but that means its opponents have shorter fences, too. I can’t take a rotation with castoffs like Edinson Volquez and Jason Marquis very seriously. But watch first baseman Yonder Alonso and second/third baseman Jedd Gyorko blossom alongside 2012 breakout Chase Headley.
5. Colorado Rockies - The Rockies have a bunch of boppers who can’t hit away from Coors Field and a bunch of stiffs who can’t pitch anywhere.
Ben Y.:
1. San Francisco Giants
2. Los Angeles Dodgers (Wild Card)
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
4. Colorado Rockies
5. San Diego Padres
Rob:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
2. San Francisco Giants (Wild Card)
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
4. Colorado Rockies
5. San Diego Padres
Eric:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers - Another team that went out and spent money during the offseason. The dodgers are going to try and make LA their town and not the powerhouse Angels’.
2. San Francisco Giants (Wild Card) - San Francisco Giants: The Giants will return to 2010 form, including pitcher Tim Lincecum who will look to reenter the starting rotation. The club will succeed, but only enough to make it back to the wild card spot.
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
4. San Diego Padres
5. Colorado Rockies
Eric:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers - Another team that went out and spent money during the offseason. The dodgers are going to try and make LA their town and not the powerhouse Angels’.
2. San Francisco Giants (Wild Card) - San Francisco Giants: The Giants will return to 2010 form, including pitcher Tim Lincecum who will look to reenter the starting rotation. The club will succeed, but only enough to make it back to the wild card spot.
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
4. San Diego Padres
5. Colorado Rockies
Awards
Most Valuable Player
GSSG: Matt Kemp, CF, Los Angeles Dodgers
Ben F.: Matt Kemp, CF, Los Angeles Dodgers
Jeff: Matt Kemp, CF, Los Angeles Dodgers
RJ: Andrew McCutchen, CF, Pittsburgh Pirates
Walt: Bryce Harper, OF, Washington Nationals
Brian: Bryce Harper, OF, Washington Nationals
Dan: Joey Votto, 1B, Cincinnati Reds
Ben Y.: Ryan Braun, LF, Milwaukee Brewers
Rob: Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Los Angeles Dodgers
Eric: Bryce Harper, OF, Washington Nationals
Eric: Bryce Harper, OF, Washington Nationals
Cy Young
GSSG: Clayton Kershaw, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers
Ben F.: Stephen Strasburg, SP, Washington Nationals
Jeff: Stephen Strasburg, SP, Washington Nationals
RJ: Clayton Kershaw, SP, Los Angels Dodgers
Walt: Stephen Strasburg, SP, Washington Nationals
Brian: Cole Hamels, SP, Philadelphia Phillies
Dan: Clayton Kershaw, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers
Ben Y.: Stephen Strasburg, SP, Washington Nationals
Rob: Stephen Strasburg, SP, Washington Nationals
Eric: Stephen Strasburg, SP, Washington Nationals
Eric: Stephen Strasburg, SP, Washington Nationals
Rookie of the Year
GSSG: Travis d'Arnaud, C, New York Mets
Ben F.: Shelby Miller, SP, St. Louis Cardinals
Jeff: Shelby Miller, SP, St. Louis Cardinals
RJ: Shelby Miller, SP, St. Louis Cardinals
Walt: Julio Teheran, SP, Atlanta Braves
Brian: Jedd Gyorko, 2B/3B, San Diego Padres
Dan: Julio Teheran, SP, Atlanta Braves
Ben Y.: Julio Teheran, SP, Atlanta Braves
Rob: Oscar Tavares, OF, St. Louis Cardinals
Eric: Oscar Tavares, OF, St. Louis Cardinals
Eric: Oscar Tavares, OF, St. Louis Cardinals
Manager of the Year:
GSSG: Don Mattingly, Los Angeles Dodgers
Ben F.: Don Mattingly, Los Angeles Dodgers
Jeff: Bruce Bochy, San Francisco Giants
RJ: Davey Johnson, Washington Nationals
Walt: Bruce Bochy, San Francisco Giants
Brian: Don Mattingly, Los Angeles Dodgers
Dan: Fredi Gonzalez, Atlanta Braves
Ben Y.: Bruce Bochy, San Francisco Giants
Rob: Don Mattingly, Los Angeles Dodgers
Eric: Mike Matheny, St. Louis Cardinals
Eric: Mike Matheny, St. Louis Cardinals
Comeback Player of the Year:
GSSG: Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Colorado Rockies
Ben F.: Tim Lincecum, SP, San Francisco Giants
Jeff: Ryan Howard, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies
RJ: Ryan Howard, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies
Walt: Tim Lincecum, SP, San Francisco Giants
Brian: Ryan Howard, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies
Dan: Roy Halladay, SP, Philadelphia Phillies
Ben Y.: Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Colorado Rockies
Rob: Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Colorado Rockies
Eric: Carl Crawford, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
Eric: Carl Crawford, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
Triple Crown Category Leaders:
GSSG:
BA - Starlin Castro - .326 (CHI) | HR - Giancarlo Stanton (45) | RBI - Ryan Braun - 125 (MIL)
Wins - Stephen Strasburg - 20 (WSH) | SO - Clayton Kershaw - 220 (LAD) | ERA - Clayton Kershaw - 2.70 (LAD)
Ben F.:
BA - Andrew McCutchen (PIT) | HR - Giancarlo Stanton (MIA) | RBI - Matt Kemp (LAD)
Wins - Stephen Strasburg | SO - Stephen Strasburg | ERA - Clayton Kershaw (LAD)
Jeff:
BA - Matt Kemp (LAD) | HR - Matt Kemp (LAD) | RBI - Matt Kemp (LAD)
Wins - Clayton Kershaw (LAD) | SO - Stephen Strasburg (WSH) | ERA - Matt Cain (SF)
RJ:
BA - Andrew McCutchen (BA) | HR - Giancarlo Stanton (MIA) | RBI - Andrew McCutchen (PIT)
Wins - Matt Cain (SFG) | SO - Gio Gonzalez (WSH) | ERA - Clayton Kershaw (LAD)
Walt:
BA - Bryce Harper (WSH) | HR - Giancarlo Stanton (MIA) | RBI - Ryan Braun (MIL)
Wins - Gio Gonzalez (WSH) | SO - Stephen Strasburg (WSH) | ERA - Clayton Kershaw (LAD)
Brian:
BA - Joey Votto (CIN) | HR - Giancarlo Stanton (MIA) | RBI - Matt Kemp (LAD)
Wins - Clayton Kershaw (LAD) | SO - Stephen Strasburg (WSH) | ERA - Clayton Kershaw (LAD)
Dan:
BA - Joey Votto - .321 (CIN) | HR - Giancarlo Stanton - 44 (MIA) | RBI - Matt Kemp - 120 (LAD)
Wins - Mat Latos - 19 (CIN) | SO - Stephen Strasburg - 260 (WSH) | ERA - Clayton Kershaw - 2.43 (LAD)
Ben Y.:
BA - Andrew McCutchen (PIT) | HR - Giancarlo Stanton (MIA) | RBI - Ryan Braun (MIL)
Wins - Clayton Kershaw (LAD) | SO - Stephen Strasburg | ERA - Stephen Strasburg (WSH)
Rob:
BA - Buster Posey (SF) | HR - Adrian Gonzalez (LAD) | RBI - Ryan Braun (MIL)
Wins - Stephen Strasburg (WSH) | SO - Stephen Strasburg (WSH) | ERA - Clayton Kershaw (LAD)
Eric:
BA - Bryce Harper (WSH) | Giancarlo Stanton (MIA) | RBI - Ryan Braun (MIL)
Wins - Stephen Strasburg (WSH) | SO - Stephen Strasburg (WSH) | ERA - Johnny Cueto (CIN)
Eric:
BA - Bryce Harper (WSH) | Giancarlo Stanton (MIA) | RBI - Ryan Braun (MIL)
Wins - Stephen Strasburg (WSH) | SO - Stephen Strasburg (WSH) | ERA - Johnny Cueto (CIN)
Playoffs
GSSG:
Wild Card Game - Los Angeles over Atlanta
NLDS - Los Angeles over Washington in 4 | San Francisco over Cincinnati in 5
NLCS - Los Angeles over San Francisco in 7
Ben F.:
Wild Card Game - Atlanta over Los Angeles
NLDS - Washington over Atlanta in 4 | Cincinnati over San Francisco in 5
NLCS - Washington over Cincinnati in 5
Jeff:
Wild Card Game - Atlanta over Los Angeles
NLDS - Washington over Atlanta in 4 | San Francisco over Cincinnati in 4
NLCS - Washington over San Francisco in 6
RJ:
Wild Card Game - Atlanta over Los Angeles
NLDS - Washington over Atlanta | San Francisco over St. Louis
NLCS - Washington over San Francisco
Walt:
Wild Card Game - Atlanta over Los Angeles
NLDS - San Francisco over Cincinnati | Washington over Atlanta
NLCS - Washington over San Francisco
Brian:
Wild Card Game - Los Angeles over Philadelphia
NLDS - Washington over San Francisco | Los Angeles over Cincinnati
NLCS - Los Angeles over Washington
Dan:
Wild Card Game - Washington over St. Louis
NLDS - Cincinnati over Washington | Atlanta over San Francisco
NLCS - Atlanta over Cincinnati
Ben Y.:
Wild Card Game - Atlanta over Los Angeles
NLDS - Washington over Atlanta | San Francisco over Cincinnati
NLCS - Washington over San Francisco
Rob:
Wild Card Game - Atlanta over San Francisco
NLDS - Washington over Atlanta | Los Angeles over Milwaukee
NLCS - Los Angeles over Washington
Eric:
NL Champion - Washington Nationals
Eric:
NL Champion - Washington Nationals
The World Series
GSSG: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim over Los Angeles Dodgers in 6
Ben F.: Detroit Tigers over Washington Nationals in 7
Jeff: Washington Nationals over Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 6
RJ: Washington Nationals over Tampa Bay Rays in 6
Walt: Washington Nationals over Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 6
Brian: Detroit Tigers over Los Angeles Dodgers
Dan: Detroit Tigers over Atlanta Braves
Ben Y.: Washington Nationals over Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Rob: Los Angeles Dodgers over Detroit Tigers
Eric: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim over Washington Nationals
Eric: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim over Washington Nationals
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