*= Wild Card Team
American League East
1. Baltimore Orioles (90-72)- This maybe a controversial pick to some because some folks think they have lost more than they have gained this offseason. Out of town are Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz and back from injuries are Manny Machado and Matt Weiters. JJ Hardy will start the season on the DL with a shoulder injury. The starting pitching is solid with Chris Tillman and breakout candidate Kevin Gausman leading the way. The bullpen is still pretty solid, despite losing Andrew Miller in free agency. This offense will take advantage of their own ballpark and great managing by Buck Showalter will lead to another American League East title.
2. Boston Red Sox (87-75)- Boston is looking to go from worst-to-first yet again. This team could have easily have been my American League East pick if they addressed the top of the rotation during the offseason. That is still a weakness of this ball club unless they trade for a top-flight starter, perhaps Philadelphia's Cole Hamels or Cincinnati's Johnny Cueto. The rotation is not bad with the likes of Rick Porcello, Clay Buchholz, and Justin Masterson. The bullpen is mediocre, especially with Koji Uehara likely starting the year on the DL. The strength of this team is clearly the offense with the additions of Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval. Dustin Pedroia needs to have a bounce back season, David Ortiz has to continue to defy his age, and Xander Boegarts needs to break out in order for this lineup to hit its stride. Rookie Rusney Castillo and budding star Mookie Betts will be an exciting outfield to watch as the season goes along too. Unless they find a true top flight starting pitcher, this team will fall short of October.
3. New York Yankees (85-77)- There is no bigger wild card in terms of how a team will perform this season than the Yankees. They were relatively quiet this offseason making small moves to improve their team. Retired is Derek Jeter and replacing him is Didi Gregorius, who is a great defender and a better one than Jeter. The rotation is the biggest question mark of the team with Masahiro Tanaka, Michael Pineda, and CC Sabathia from a health standpoint. If those three are healthy, this team could win this division. The offense has to be better as well as guys like Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran, and Mark Teixeira have to rebound if they want to contend. The return of
4. Toronto Blue Jays (82-80)- Expectations are high for the Jays this season. They may easily have the best offense in the division lead by Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and newcomers Josh Donaldson and Russell Martin. The rotation is not great with average starters such as Mark Buehrle and RA Dickey. The rotation also took a gigantic blow when young starter and potential breakout candidate Marcus Stroman tore his ACL and is now out for the year. The bullpen is very mediocre and they lack a true closer, unless they trade for someone during the season, perhaps Philadelphia's Jonathan Papelbon. This team will sure put up their runs but the pitching just isn't there. Manager John Gibbons is on the hot seat.
5. Tampa Bay Rays (74-88)- Boy, have the Rays fallen after being so successful over the last few seasons. Out are Joe Maddon, who bolted for the North Side of Chicago and Andrew Friedman, who
bolted to the bright lights of Los Angeles. In are new general manager Matt Silverman and new bench boss Kevin Cash. The roster had some turnover when they traded away Wil Myers, Ben Zobrist, Yunel Escobar, and Matt Joyce. Outside of Evan Longoria, the offense will not be good. Steven Souza Jr is a long shot for American League Rookie of the Year, though. The pitching is still solid with the rotation lead by Alex Cobb, who'll start the season on the DL with a tendinitis injury. The bullpen is also solid with Jake McGee closing games out after a good year last season. Without the best manager in baseball managing the team, this is a last place club.
American League Central
1. Cleveland Indians (90-72)- This maybe a controversial pick to some people as well, but I like what I'm seeing with this team. The offense is solid lead by last years breakout star Michael Brantley and a bounce back candidate in Jason Kipnis, who was great two years ago. Brandon Moss was a great pickup for this club and he'll provide some pop. The starting pitching has the potential to be one of the leagues best lead by reigning American League Cy Young award winner Corey Kluber and breakout candidates Carlos Corrasco and Trevor Bauer. The bullpen should be in good shape as well. Expect manager Terry Francona to lead this team to a division crown.
2. Detroit Tigers (88-74)*- The contention window for this team is closing quickly and this team knows it. Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez are coming off surgeries and both of them are getting older. New acquisition Yoenis Cespedes and David Price are both in contract years, so expect them to have major impacts this season. A breakout from Nick Castellanos is very likely too. Outside of Price and Max Scherzer bolting for Washington, the rotation is arguably overrated with Justin Verlander declining and dealing with arm issues, Anibal Sanchez hasn't been fully healthy in a while, and new acquisitions Alfredo Simon and Shane Greene are unproven starters. The bullpen is still a mess with Joe Nathan coming off a rough season. Despite the issues, I believe this is still a Wild Card team.
3. Chicago White Sox (85-77)- The South Side of Chicago had an excellent offseason and dramatically improved their team. The offense should be prolific with reigning American League Rookie of the Year Jose Abreu leading the way along with new acquisitions Adam LaRoche, Melky Cabrera, and breakout candidate Adam Eaton. The pitching staff should be great with Cy Young candidate Chris Sale, who'll start the season on the DL for a week or so with a foot injury. New acquisition Jeff Samardjiza is in a contract year and he should be motivated. Jose Quintana is expected to do big things in the rotation as well as rookie prospect Carlos Rodon. The bullpen was improved as well bringing in the likes of David Robertson and Zach Duke. Expect this team to be in the playoff hunt.
4. Kansas City Royals (83-79)- Kansas City went on some run last October. They made some curious offseason moves such as replacing Billy Butler with Kendrys Morales. The offense is solid with the likes of Alex Gordon and Eric Hosmer. Losing James Shields in the rotation is a massive blow, but the rotation isn't bad with budding star Yondaro Ventura leading the way. The bullpen is the strength of this team with Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis, and Greg Holland leading the pack. With this division only improving, the Royals might just take a step back.
5. Minnesota Twins (69-93)- Minnesota has improved their team during the offseason, but this is still a rebuilding team. Joe Mauer is likely past his prime, Danny Santana and Kenny Vargas showed some promise last season, and Torii Hunter is well past his prime, but should provide some leadership. Top prospects Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano are a year away from the big leagues. The rotation was the worst in baseball last season, even though Phil Hughes had a career year. New acquisition Ervin Santana looks to help out in the rotation too. The bullpen isn't great, although Glen Perkins is a good closer. Expect this team to be in the cellar again.
American League West
1. Seattle Mariners (93-69)- This team has the look of a World Series contender. This is the team to beat in the American League. New acquisition Nelson Cruz had a monster year in Baltimore a year ago and he should provide big numbers in Seattle too. Kyle Seager and Robinson Cano were great last year and should be great again. The pitching staff is excellent with Felix Hernandez, Hisashi Iwakuma, and breakout candidates Taijuan Walker and James Paxton. The bullpen is decent with closer Fernando Rodney leading the way. Expect big things in Seattle this season.
2. Los Angeles Angels (90-72)*- The Angels are coming off a major league leading 98 wins from a year ago. This is still a pretty darn good baseball team and I feel this team is being overlooked by folks because of the improvement of the Mariners. Mike Trout is the leagues best player and he'll lead the offense along with new comer Matt Joyce, Erik Aybar, Albert Pujols, and others. Josh Hamilton is dealing with drug issues, but I don't think he'll be missed very much. The rotation should be solid with Garrett Richards coming back from injury and Matt Shoemaker building on a strong rookie season. The bullpen is solid too with the likes of Joe Smith and Huston Street. Expect a Wild Card berth this season.
3. Oakland Athletics (79-83)- Arguably no team had a bigger roster overhaul this winter than Oakland. Among the departing was Josh Donaldson, Brandon Moss, Jeff Samardjiza, and Jon Lester. Among those arriving are Billy Butler, Marcus Seimen, and Brett Lawrie. Billy Beane is one of the more interesting people in the league and the moves he made this offseason made folks scratch their heads. The offense won't be as good as it used to be with guys like Moss and Donaldson, although CoCo Crisp and Josh Reddick, who'll start the season on the DL with an oblique strain, are still on the team. The rotation is actually pretty good with budding star Sonny Gray leading the way. The bullpen is in okay shape with guys like Sean Doolittle and Tyler Clippard apart of it. I just don't see "Money Ball" working this season.
4. Houston Astros (74-88)- Houston made some strives last year by winning 70 games after being an albatross for some time. They made some nice moves this offseason by acquiring the likes of Evan Gattis and Luis Valbuena to join Jose Altuve and budding star George Springer to what could be a great offense. The rotation isn't bad either with guys like Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh, who were solid last season. The bullpen was improved as well by the fact they brought in the likes of Pat Nishek and Luke Gregerson. The future in Houston is very bright, but expect a slight improvement from a year ago.
5. Texas Rangers (72-90)- This is a franchise pretty much stuck in limbo. Last year was a 67-win disaster that saw most of the team decimated by injuries. This team was dealt a death blow when Yu Darvish was lost for the season to get Tommy John surgery. If Prince Fielder and Shin-Soo Choo can stay healthy, the offense can be good. Young stud Jurickson Profar is missing another year with a shoulder injury. The pitching is not very good without Darvish in the starting rotation. Derek Holland isn't the same guy he once was and trading for Yovani Gallardo was wise, but he's not an ace. A trade for an ace isn't out of the question. The bullpen is mediocre as well as guys like Neftali Feliz and Tanner Scheppers, who is on the DL. Expect another long season in Texas and potentially a fire sale come July.
National League East
1. Washington Nationals (96-66)- This is the best team in baseball. Yes, Anthony Rendon and Jayson Werth will start the season on the DL with their respective injuries, this team can overcome those losses early on. Bryce Harper is poised to make the leap into the games elites and he along with the likes of Ian Desmond and Ryan Zimmerman will carry the offense before Rendon and Werth come back. The starting pitching is the best in the game with new acquisition Max Scherzer, Jordan Zimmerman, Stephen Strausburg, Doug Fister, and Gio Gonzalez. If there's a weakness on this team, it is the bullpen. I am not a fan of the Tyler Clippard trade to Oakland and Drew Storen is the teams closer. The great starting pitching and the solid offense will lead this team to baseballs best record.
2. Miami Marlins (86-76)- There is finally reasons to be optimistic and excited in South Beach. The offense has the potential to be great with National League MVP candidate Giancarlo Stanton leading the way. The acquisitions of Martin Prado, Mike Morse, and Dee Gordon only makes their infield better. Along with Stanton, the outfield should be one of the best with breakout candidates Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich. The rotation is going to be great with the return of Jose Fernandez, who missed most of last season with Tommy John surgery. The rest of the rotation rounds out of the likes of Henderson Alvarez, Mat Latos, and Dan Haren. The bullpen is solid as well led by closer Steve Cishek. Except this team to play meaningful September games for the first time in some time.
3. New York Mets (83-79)- Like the Marlins, the Mets have reason for optimism for the first time in a long time. Matt Harvey is back from Tommy John surgery and he's poised to have a monster season. Along with Harvey, the rotation is solid with the likes of reigning National League Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom, Jon Neise, Bartolo Colon, and Dillon Gee. Losing Zach Wheeler for the season because of Tommy John surgery is a blow to the rotation, although they can survive it with the depth they have. The offense should be decent with David Wright and Curtis Granderson poised for bounce back years. New acquisition Michael Cuddyer, breakout candidate Travis d'Arnaud, and Lucas Duda, coming off a breakout year, are expected to do big things as well. The Mets also made nice trades to improve their bullpen. The team will also be getting back reliever Bobby Parnell from Tommy John surgery. I really believe this team is one significant piece from being something special and I don't believe that piece is currently on the roster. Manager Terry Collins is on the hot seat and the Mets cannot afford a bad start.
4. Atlanta Braves (72-90)- Boy, has this teem fallen. Coming off a 79-win season, new general manager John Hart decided to shake up the roster by trading away the likes of Jason Heyward, Justin Upton, and Evan Gattis. This is now a rebuilding project that probably won't be finished until 2017, when their new stadium opens. The offense is not good at all, with the exception of Freddie Freeman and Andrelton Simmons. The teams strength is their pitching. The starting rotation contains the likes of Julio Terehan, Shelby Miller, Alex Wood, and Mike Minor, who is starting the season on the DL with shoulder inflammation. The bullpen is not bad with closer Craig Kimbrel leading the way, who may just be trade bait this season. Expect a long season in Atlanta.
5. Philadelphia Phillies (67-95)- Let's be real, this team has no shot to make some noise as this team looks to continue an overdue rebuilding process. The offense consists of Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, who are likely trade candidates. Young infield prospect Mikael Franco looks to have an impact as well. Outside of Cole Hamels, who is a near-lock to be traded, the rotation is a mess with Cliff Lee likely out for the the season with a right forearm strain. The bullpen may not be all that terrible with young prospect Ken Giles, who will likely be the closer if Jonathan Papelbon gets traded. Expect this team to be among the leagues worst.
National League Central
1. St. Louis Cardinals (93-69)- This is one of the more complete teams in all of baseball. The tragic death of star prospect Oscar Tavares was a gigantic blow, but doing the "Cardinal Way", they go out and trade for Jason Heyward to replace Tavares. Along with Heyward, the offense should be solid with the likes of Yadier Molina, Matt Adams, Matt Holliday, and breakout candidate Kolten Wong. The rotation is solid as well with the likes of Adam Wainwright, Lance Lynn, Michael Wacha, and John Lackey. The bullpen is decent too with closer Trevor Rosenthal leading the way. Expect another division title for the Cardinals.
2. Pittsburgh Pirates (90-72)*- After back-to-back seasons making the postseasons, this team is poised to do it again. Lead by National League MVP candidate Andrew McCutchen, the offense has a chance to be great, despite the loss of Russell Martin. Other than McCutchen, the offense is made up of the likes of Pedro Alvarez, Josh Harrison, Sterling Marte, and breakout candidate Gregory Polanco. The rotation is solid as well with Francisco Liriano, AJ Burnett, an breakout candidate Gerritt Cole. The bullpen is pretty decent led by closer Mark Melancon, although the team traded away Justin Wilson for Martin's replacement, Francisco Cervelli. Expect more exciting baseball along with a Wild Card berth yet again in the Steel City.
3. Chicago Cubs (84-78)- There is no up-and-coming team receiving more hype than the Cubs and rightfully so. Baseballs best manager, Joe Maddon is in town now after bolting Tampa Bay. The offense is going to be dangerous with the likes of Anthony Rizzo, Starlin Castro, and National League Rookie of the Year candidate Jorge Soler leading the way. It will only get better when rookie super prospect Kris Bryant gets called up after not making the opening day roster for business reasons. The starting rotation is solid with new comer Jon Lester, breakout candidate Jake Arrieta, Jason Hammel, Kyle Hendricks, and Travis Wood. The bullpen is in decent shape as well with the likes of Pedro Strop, Jason Motte, and Hector Rondon. Baseball will be exciting on the North Side this season and beyond, but a (dare I say) dynasty is abound 2016 and beyond.
4. Milwaukee Brewers (77-85)- Milwaukee led the division for most of last season, before they collapsed in the final month of the season. I believe their closer to the team that collapsed than the team that was leading the division for most of last season. The offense is actually pretty decent with Ryan Braun, Jonathan Lucroy, and Carlos Gomez leading the way. Jean Segura must have a bounce back season if the Brew Crew want to be competitive. The pitching is mediocre with the likes of Matt Garza, Kyle Loshe, and Jimmy Nelson in the rotation. The bullpen is average with closer Francisco Rodriguez leading the way. With other teams in the division improving, I just don't see this team peaking at the level they did at the start of last season.
5. Cincinnati Reds (75-87)- Not too long ago, the Reds were World Series contenders. Now, this teams window of opportunity is very narrow. The offense might actually be good if Joey Votto returns to forum after suffering injuries the last few years. The offense also features the likes of Todd Frazier and Devin Mesoraco, who are both coming off breakout years. Speaking of breakout seasons, Billy Hamilton has a chance to break out this season. The starting pitching staff has been weakened thanks to Mat Latos and Alfredo Simon being traded. Johnny Cueto is a trade candidate since he and the Reds haven't come close to an extension yet. The bullpen is solid with stud closer Aroldis Chapman leading the way. This team can surprise people, but the division has improved so it's unlikely they make a run toward toward the postseason.
National League West
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (93-69)- After an offseason roster makeover, the Dodgers still remain the favorites in the division. Among out are Matt Kemp and Dee Gordon. Among in are Brandon McCarthy, Howie Kendrick, Jimmy Rollins, and National League Rookie of the Year candidate Joc Pederson. The offense is still great with the new comers I just mentioned along with the likes of Yasiel Puig and Adrian Gonzalez. The starting pitching is one of the best with the leagues best pitcher in Clayton Kershaw leading the way, along with the likes of Zach Grinke and McCarthy. The bullpen is the weakness of the team with closer Kenley Jensen and Brandon League on the DL with their respective injuries. This team is under immense pressure to win now with a new front office and manager Don Mattingly is on the hot seat.
2. San Francisco Giants (87-75)*- This maybe a controversial Wild Card pick, but I'm gonna roll with the Giants for two reasons: their the defending champions and the National League Wild Card race is wide open. National league MVP candidate Buster Posey leads the offense along with the likes of Angel Pagan, who is returning from injury, Brandon Belt, and breakout candidate Joe Panik. Hunter Pence has a broken left collarbone, so he'll start the year on the DL. They'll miss Pence early on, but when he comes back, it will get better. Outside of reigning World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner, the rotation is not that great with the likes of Tim Hudson, Matt Cain, and Jake Peavy. The bullpen is in okay shape with the likes of Sergio Romo, Jeremy Affeldt, and Santiago Castilla. Behind great seasons from Bumgarner and Posey and the great managing of Bruce Bochy, they'll defy the odds and return to the postseason.
3. San Diego Padres (86-76)- San Diego had a great offseason, which made them relevant by acquiring the likes of Wil Myers, Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, and James Shields through trades and free agency. The offense will vastly improve from last years league worst with the likes of Myers, Kemp, Upton, and newcomer Will Middlebrooks. The starting pitching is pretty good with the likes of Shields, Andrew Cashner, Ian Kennedy, and Tyson Ross. The bullpen is solid with the likes of Sean Kelley and Joaquin Benoit. I think this team can make the playoffs, but I believe they fall short.
4. Arizona Diamondbacks (71-91)- The Diamondbacks are in a rebuilding process, but they maybe fun to watch. The offense can be better than expected with the likes of Paul Goldschmidt, Mark Trumbo, and newcomer rookie Yasmany Tomas. The starting rotation is among one of the worst in baseball with the likes of Josh Collementer and Jeremy Hillickson apart of it. Patrick Crobin and Bronson Arroyo are currently on the DL, but they'll help when they return. The bullpen isn't all that great, with the exception of Brad Ziegler and closer Addison Reed. Expect a long season in The Desert.
5. Colorado Rockies (66-96)- This team has a chance to be among the worst in the league and I believe it will. The offense is the strength of this team led by the likes of Nolan Arenado and trade candidates Carlos Gonzalez, Troy Tulowitzki, and Justin Morneau. The rotation is among the worst in the league among the likes of Kyle Kendrick and Jordan Lyles. Jorge de La Rosa is on the DL to start the season with a left groin strain. Top pitching prospect Jon Gray has a bright future and he'll debut this season. The bullpen is also mediocre with the likes of Boone Logan and closer LaTroy Hawkins. Expect a long season and a potential fire sale in the Rockie Mountains.
2015 MLB Postseason Predictions
Wild Card Round
AL Wild Card- (A4) Los Angeles Angels over (A5) Detroit Tigers
NL Wild Card- (N4) Pittsburgh Pirates over (N5) San Francisco Giants
American League Division Series
(A1) Seattle Mariners over (A4) Los Angeles Angels in four games.
(A2) Cleveland Indians over (A3) Baltimore Orioles in five games.
National League Division Series
(N1) Washington Nationals over (N4) Pittsburgh Pirates in five games.
(N2) St. Louis Cardinals over (N3) Los Angeles Dodgers in five games.
American League Championship Series
(A1) Seattle Mariners over (A2) Cleveland Indians in six games.
National League Championship Series
(N1) Washington Nationals over (N2) St. Louis Cardinals in seven games.
World Series
(N1) Washington Nationals over (A1) Seattle Mariners in seven games.
MLB Award Predictions
American League MVP- Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels
National League MVP- Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates
American League Cy Young- Chris Sale, Chicago White Sox
National League Cy Young- Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants
American League Rookie of the Year- Carlos Rodon, Chicago White Sox
National League Rookie of the Year- Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs
American League Manager of the Year- Lloyd McClendon, Seattle Mariners
National League Manager of the Year- Bruce Bochy, San Francisco Giants
American League Comeback Player of the Year- Chris Davis, Baltimore Orioles
National League Comeback Player of the Year- Matt Harvey, New York Mets
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