MLB 2016 Predictions
A groundhog does not tell when Spring begins and nor does a calendar. The one true measure of seasons is baseball. When the grass is green, the smell of hot dogs fills the air, and Tim Kurkjian's voice fills the ESPN airwaves, you can bet that spring is on its way. This year Spring begins on April 3 as the Cardinals and Pirates lead the way into the 2016 MLB season. Since it is about to begin, I feel that it is time for some quick predictions. Here we go:
AL East
The contenders this year are the Orioles, Red Sox, and Blue Jays. Not much change but the Yankees will be plagued with age and the Red Sox will find their stride after a difficult 2015 season. I still expect to see the explosive Toronto Blue Jays in the postseason although I think it will only be as a wild card. Either Boston or Baltimore will win the division.
AL Central
Only one real change will happen in this division this year and it comes in the form of the Detroit Tigers. After an awful year, the leadership of Miguel Cabrera and Ian Kinsler will revive the team back to being a contender. Don't expect them to make the playoffs though as it seems that Kansas City has a monopoly on that for at least another year. Cleveland, Chicago (WS), and Minnesota are a push from last year.
AL West
Interesting movement will occur here this year. I expect the Rangers to fall from glory...and fall hard. Their 2016 division win was a little bit of luck. A continually growing Houston Astros team and a huge Angels squad full of talent and potential will squander the lack of pitching found on the three remaining teams in the division.
NL East
The Mets and the Nats will continue to contend though I expect a challenge also from the Atlanta Braves as they head back into their winning tradition. Miami and Philadelphia will be relatively obsolete this season. The Mets should repeat though.
NL Central
From being one of the most competitive divisions in baseball last year, the Central is cut-and-dry this season. The youth of the Cubs will carry them back to glory (curse or no curse). The Pirates are trending down along with the Brewers. St. Louis will pose the biggest threat to the Cubs though I don't expect anything less than a dominant Cubs team behind the arm of Jake Arrietta and the big youthful bats.
NL West
With the passing of Greinke from the Dodgers to the Diamondbacks, I also see some power in the division shifting similarly. Goldschmidt and Greinke will lead the Diamondbacks through a great season but don't forget, it is an even year. That means the San Fransisco Giants should be on track for another World Series Championship. Not going to happen. I still think they will win the West, but they will not go all the way this year.
Who Makes the Playoffs??
AL: BOS, KC, LAA, with wild cards TOR and HOU
NL: NYM, CHC, SF, with wild cards ARI and WAS
World Series
I expect the Cubs and the Angels to make it to October and succeed. The winner though? I predict the Chicago Cubs to FINALLY break the curse. They are just that good.
AL East
The contenders this year are the Orioles, Red Sox, and Blue Jays. Not much change but the Yankees will be plagued with age and the Red Sox will find their stride after a difficult 2015 season. I still expect to see the explosive Toronto Blue Jays in the postseason although I think it will only be as a wild card. Either Boston or Baltimore will win the division.
AL Central
Only one real change will happen in this division this year and it comes in the form of the Detroit Tigers. After an awful year, the leadership of Miguel Cabrera and Ian Kinsler will revive the team back to being a contender. Don't expect them to make the playoffs though as it seems that Kansas City has a monopoly on that for at least another year. Cleveland, Chicago (WS), and Minnesota are a push from last year.
AL West
Interesting movement will occur here this year. I expect the Rangers to fall from glory...and fall hard. Their 2016 division win was a little bit of luck. A continually growing Houston Astros team and a huge Angels squad full of talent and potential will squander the lack of pitching found on the three remaining teams in the division.
NL East
The Mets and the Nats will continue to contend though I expect a challenge also from the Atlanta Braves as they head back into their winning tradition. Miami and Philadelphia will be relatively obsolete this season. The Mets should repeat though.
NL Central
From being one of the most competitive divisions in baseball last year, the Central is cut-and-dry this season. The youth of the Cubs will carry them back to glory (curse or no curse). The Pirates are trending down along with the Brewers. St. Louis will pose the biggest threat to the Cubs though I don't expect anything less than a dominant Cubs team behind the arm of Jake Arrietta and the big youthful bats.
NL West
With the passing of Greinke from the Dodgers to the Diamondbacks, I also see some power in the division shifting similarly. Goldschmidt and Greinke will lead the Diamondbacks through a great season but don't forget, it is an even year. That means the San Fransisco Giants should be on track for another World Series Championship. Not going to happen. I still think they will win the West, but they will not go all the way this year.
Who Makes the Playoffs??
AL: BOS, KC, LAA, with wild cards TOR and HOU
NL: NYM, CHC, SF, with wild cards ARI and WAS
World Series
I expect the Cubs and the Angels to make it to October and succeed. The winner though? I predict the Chicago Cubs to FINALLY break the curse. They are just that good.
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