If it’s the eve of baseball’s opening day, it must be time for predictions. Here’s my two cents with some out-of-the-box choices for AL MVP and Cy Young candidates. For more in-depth analysis on the AL East teams, be sure to check out the capsule previews on my web show, This Week In Red.
AL EAST
Tampa Bay 93-69- Excellent young rotation is the difference.
Mar 7, 2013; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Buchholz (11) throws in the first inning during a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
*Toronto 91-71- The chemistry experiment is more success than failure.
Boston 89-73- Starting pitching rebounds, offense so-so.
New York 86-76- Too much age & too many injuries
Baltimore 79-83- They won’t be 29-9 again in 1-run games.
CY YOUNG CANDIDATE: Clay Buchholz, Red Sox
MVP CANDIDATE: Jose Bautista, Blue Jays
AL CENTRAL
Detroit 94-68- Closer is their only major weakness, Victor Martinez
February 22, 2013; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) at bat against the Atlanta Braves during spring training at Disney Wide World of Sports complex, Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
return is big.
Kansas City 85-77- The kids finally come together and jell.
Chicago 84-78- Not enough pitching behind Chris Sale.
Cleveland 79-83- Will be better than you think under Francona’s guidance.
Minnesota 65-97- Mike Pelfrey is the veteran rotation presence?
CY YOUNG CANDIDATE: James Shields, Royals
MVP CANDIDATE: Victor Martinez, Tigers
AL WEST
LA Angels 92-70- Hamilton/Pujols/Trout trifecta is just too much.
Sept 22, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Matt Harrison (54) delivers to the plate against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
*Texas 90-72- Still plenty of talent without Hamilton.
Oakland 88-74- Still don’t know how A’s hit enough last year.
Seattle 77-85- They’re just in the wrong division.
Houston 59-103- The future is all they have and it has to be brighter, right?
CY YOUNG CANDIDATE: Matt Harrison, Rangers
MVP CANDIDATE: Mike Trout, Angels
* denotes Wild Card teams
WILD CARD PLAYOFF: TOR over TEX
ALDS: DET over TOR and LAA over TB
ALCS: LAA over DET
BONUS NATIONAL LEAGUE PICKS:
Division Winners: Washington, Cincinnati, LA Dodgers
Wild Cards: San Francisco, Atlanta
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