The time has come to make the predictions for the 2009 season. Of course, by doing it here to be preserved in cyberspace forever, I won't be able to deny them come October. Still, I will forge ahead with my forecasts for the 2009 season.
National league West: The Dodgers. Arizona figures to make it tough and certainly has better pitching, but if their pitching is not what is expected, Arizona could fall fast. The Dodgers seem to have too much talent not to win. The starting rotation and closer spots could be questions, but scoring a lot of runs can paper over pitching problems and I think that is what the Dodgers will do.
National league Central: The Cubs. Who else is in this Division?
National league East: Phillies. It has become fashionable to pick the Mets here because of their rebuilt bullpen, but the world champion Phillies have done nothing to get worse and their core of Howard, Utley and Rollins is just too good. Mix in a legitimate ace like Cole Hamels and I think the Phillies win this division.
National league wild card: Arizona. Sorry New York, I am just not buying the Mets' revival.
American League West: The Angels. Oakland could pull a surprise here, but overall the Angels are still the most talented team in the division.
American League Central: Minnesota. This is a tough one. First, it is a challenge to remember who is in this division. Second, on paper the White Sox should be the best team, but age may be creeping up on them. The Twins have some early injury issues, but they always seem to find a way to be in the hunt in this division.
American league East: The Yankees. I think they have improved their rotation with Sabathia and Burnett and the offense will produce. Tampa Bay may experience some "sophomore jinx" and return to earth. Probably my most controversial thought is that I see Boston having an off year. Some of the Red Sox' core are facing injury and age concerns. I think the Sox end up third in this division.
American league wild card: Oakland. Just an odd hunch.
Who wins it all? With my heart I want to say Manny leads the Dodgers into the Fall Classic. With my head I think the Phillies pull out another National league Championship. In the American League I am going to go with the A's to pull off an improbable playoff run and make it to the World Series.
In a World Series with the nostalgia of the A's returning to their east coast roots in Philadelphia (lots of Connie Mack stories to be told in the buildup), the current occupants of the City of Brotherly Love knock them off in five games.
There it is. Fortunately there is an edit feature on this site, some mid season revisions may be possible. I also hope to know who else is in the National League Central by then.
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NL West: Dodgers pitching is very shaky and so is Arizona. Judging by opening day starting lineup, dodgers win, but it's a marathon as we all know and dodgers will have to work hard to get a balance of fresh arms and pitching savvy.
NL Central: Well, I think the Cardinals are going to bounce back a little this year. They're a team you should get to know in the NL Central and they will push the Cubs a little and be there if Cubs falter.
NL East: I can't argue with your Phillies pick although Mets will likely contend all year if their bullpen is up to snuff.
AL West: Seattle will be the most improved team in MLB this year. If Angels get their starting pitchers back, they win. If not, Oakland.
AL Central: Indians get over their Casey Blake loss and bounce back to surprise division.
AL East: Rays do not implode. They take division. Boston takes wildcard. Yankees never gel and take third in division. Girardi is fired and Chris Chambliss is hired as interim manager.
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