The Major League Baseball season is under way. It’s time for National League and American League predictions. We will start in the National League.
The National League East winner will be the Washington Nationals. Their starting pitching will be the key to their success. If Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, and Jordan Zimmermann stay healthy and can pitch into the 6th or 7th innings, that will assist the Nationals to win 90 to 95 games. The lineup looks great on paper with Bryce Harper, Ryan Zimmerman, and Ian Desmond. It will be difficult to strike these guys out. Washington should have no trouble winning the division.
The National League Central should be a one of the more interesting races to watch. The Cubs upgraded their pitching rotation adding Jon Lester and Jason Hammel. They are hoping both of these pitchers will lead the Cubs to their first playoff appearance since 2008. The Cardinals are always in the mix to win the division, year in and year out due to their lineup. The Pirates won’t let either of these teams run away with it. In the end the Cardinals are just too superior to be knocked off. They will win the division.
The Padres have made numerous moves to be in contention not, only to win the division but to go far in the playoffs. They added Wil Myers, Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, and Derek Norris. That’s just in the regular lineup. They added pitcher James Shields who won 14 games for the Royals. That may not be enough to win the division. The Dodgers will win it because they have the best rotation and lineup, not only in the National League West, but also in Major League Baseball.
The two Wild-Card winners will be the Pittsburgh Pirates and The San Diego Padres.
Time for the American League predictions.
In the American League East the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and the Baltimore Orioles are going to fight for the division crown. The Yankees didn’t spend as much money this offseason as seasons past. The Red Sox are going to be tough to beat. Their lineup of Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz, Hanley Ramirez, and Pablo Sandoval will make it difficult for any pitcher. They don’t strike out very often. They all have power to hit home runs. The Boston Red Sox will be the American League East champions.
The American League Central division is owned by the Detroit Tigers, winning the division the last four years. This is their division to lose. The Cleveland Indians and the Chicago White Sox are much improved. They will force the Tigers to earn the AL Central Crown. The Tigers are just too good. It’s starts with the pitching of David Price, Justin Verlander, and Anibal Sanchez. This will keep them in most games. Ian Kinsler, Miguel Cabrera, and Victor Martinez will hit with runners on base. Yoenis Cespedes adds yet another bat in the lineup. Last year he hit 29 homer uns. The Tigers should run away with this division.
The American League West is one that will be tight throughout the season. Three teams could win it. Those are the Seattle Mariners, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and the Oakland Athletics. The Angels are the team to beat. They won the division last year. They have an experienced lineup with Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, and David Freese. The rotation starts with Jered Weaver. The only way they don’t win the division is if closer Huston Street finds ways to blow saves. The Angels will win it again.
The two Wild-Card winners from the American League will be the Seattle Mariners and the Cleveland Indians.
What team do you think will win the division? Which teams will be the Wild Card teams for both the American and National League?
You have done a great deal if research! Boy am I impressed. Save your picks and let’s see how it all turns out.