Mid-Season predictions for the 2009 Season
Playoff Teams (pre-season predictions)
AL - Yankees over A's, Indians over Red Sox, Indians over Yankees
NL - Giants over Cubs, Phillies over D-Backs, Phillies over Giants
World Series - Indians over Phillies in 7 games
Playoff Teams (mid season predictions)
AL - Indians over Rangers, A's over Yankees, Indians over A's
NL - Phillies over Cubs, Giants over Cardinals, Phillies over Giants
World Series - Indians over Phillies in 7 games
Comments: The
Yankees for the 2nd year in a row have been hit with major injuries, including Mark Teixiera, CC Sabathia, Johnny Damon and Mariano Rivera (out until August) but have still managed to stay on top of the N.L. East. The
Devil Rays continue to surprise with good pitching and it's looking like it will be a good race. The
Indians and
White Sox have flip flopped between 1st and 2nd for the 1st three months of the season, but Cleveland now has a commanding lead that they should have no problem maintaining. At 69-27, the
A's have the best record in MLB with a crop of rookie pitchers who have performed exceptionally. It appears the
Rangers and the
White Sox will be battling for the American League Wild Card. Texas has a stacked lineup from top to bottom, but their starting rotation is average, at best. Rumors are circulating that Texas is actively pursuing free agent Ben Sheets to bolster their rotation.
In the National League, the
Phillies own the best record and a commanding lead over the 2nd place
Marlins. The
Cardinals who acquired Roy Halladay are clinging to a 4 game lead over the
Cubs in a division which will probably come down to the last week. The bitter rival
Dodgers and
Giants have a half game separating them at the break. The Giants are currently working out a deal for Pittsburgh 2B Freddy Sanchez, who recently turned down a contract extension. Like their Bay Area neighbors, the Giants have a great mix of rookies and veterans. Look for this race to stay heated as we move into September.
I predict Cleveland will meet the Phillies again in the World Series. These 2 clubs boast the best rotations in baseball with equally good bullpens. The Indians signed Pat Burrell as a free agent in the off-season and he has put together great numbers and have added Adrian Beltre at 3B via a June 6th trade. It should be another good World Series in 2009, but this time I think the Indians will prevail in another 7 game series.
Predictions for award winners (pre season/mid season)
AL MVP - Grady Sizemore (CLE) / Josh Hamilton (TEX)
AL CY YOUNG - Zach Greinke (KCR) / Cliff Lee (CLE) -- Greinke is on the disabled list until August and Cliff Lee has a legitimate shot at the Triple Crown.
AL R.O.T.Y. - Carlos Gonzalez (OAK) / Carlos Gonzalez (OAK) -- Gonzalez has a true shot at being a 40-40 man, something no rookie has ever done. His teammate pitching duo of Fautio De Los Santos and Gio Gonzalez will probably finish 2-3 in the voting.
NL MVP - Manny Ramirez (ARZ) / Albert Pujols (STL) - Albert only has 22 HR's at the break, but it close to hitting .400.
NL CY YOUNG - Jake Peavy (SAN) / Cole Hamels (PHL) - wow, was I off on this one! Hamels is a shoo in for 20 wins (he has 15 now), leads the league in ERA and is 2nd in strikeouts. A potential Hamels vs. Lee matchup in the World Series greatly excites me!
NL R.O.T.Y. - Pablo Sandoval (SF) / Pablo Sandoval (SF) - the starting 3B for the N.L. All Star team, Sandoval will probably finish with 30-35 HR and over 100 RBI.