Predictions
By Bryan Smith
Hey everyone, I'm finally back. I've been away from the computer for about a week and a half, but on Opening Day I return. Did anyone else watching the O's-Red Sox game last night see the similarities between Sidney Ponson and Carlos Zambrano? About 80% fastballs, big sinker and a decent slider? Next stop for Big Z...knighthood!
I'll throw some links from the Internet out this afternoon along with some predictions, but for now I'll go through the basics without comment...
NL East
1. Phillies
2. Braves
3. Mets
4. Marlins
5. Expos
NL Central
1. Cubs
2. Astros
3. Cardinals
4. Brewers
5. Reds
6. Pirates (Lloyd McClendon out by June)
NL West
1. Padres (my hardest pick)
2. Giants
3. Diamondbacks
4. Dodgers
5. Rockies (worst NL record)
AL East
1. Yankees
2. Red Sox
3. Blue Jays
4. Orioles
5. Devil Rays
AL Central
1. Royals
2. Twins
3. White Sox
4. Indians (close to 3rd)
5. Tigers
AL West
1. Athletics
2. Angels
3. Mariners
4. Rangers (worst AL record...by far)
Wild Cards: Braves and Red Sox
World Series: Athletics over Cubs (ooh...that hurts to type)
NL MVP: Albert Pujols (though Derrek Lee makes noise)
NL CY: Kerry Wood (though Randy Wolf makes noise)
NL ROY: Adam LaRoche (Dodgers late slide ruins Edwin Jackson's chance at doing a Dontrelle)
AL MVP: Carlos Beltran (too many in the AL East)
AL CY: Tim Hudson (Johan Santana finishes second)
AL ROY: Bobby Crosby
Tune back later!