2009 Predictions: Part I

I hate making predictions when it comes to Major League Baseball, but it seems to be the fun/predictable thing to do this time of year. So here are a few predictions for the 2009 season.

AL East Winner: Yankees- They’re pitching staff is as good as it’s been in 6 years. Plus, as opposed to last season, they have reinforcements in the minors in case of an emergency. The bullpen may not be stellar, but they’ll be healthy and fresh, thanks to Joe Girardi and Dave Eiland. Look for Mark Teixeira to have a big season.

AL Central Winner: Twins- I’m not surprised by this team anymore. Not having Joe Mauer will be a tough loss for the first few weeks or so of the season, but they have some nice young arms and a proven closer to nail down games.

AL West Winner: Oakland A’s- The reign of the Angels is over in the West. Too many injuries to the starting staff for Anaheim. I like the veteran leadership in Oakland this year, plus having some solid arms like Justin Duchscherer and Ziegler (pen). Although they have young arms in the starting rotation, they have enough power in the lineup where they should out-slug teams on most nights.

AL Wildcard Winner: Boston Red Sox- It comes down between Tampa and Boston (Cleveland with an outside shot). For Yankee fans, there isn’t much that needs to be said here. If we’re in the dance, we expect Boston to be there too.

NL East Winner: Philadelphia Phillies- Where Sports Illustrated gets off claiming the Mets are going to win the Series, I have no idea. They have no rotation outside of Johan Santana. Philadelphia has all the pieces in place to repeat as division winner. They have a great closer, perfect even–heh. Plus I LOVE Raul Ibanez-he’s going to have a great year in that park.

NL Central Winner: Chicago Cubs- I get the feeling this is going to be a run-away for the Cubbies-we’re talking double digit lead come September. Watch out for Kevin Gregg, just a hunch, but I think he’s in for a long season. Carlos Marmol will be the closer by June.

NL West Winner: San Francisco Giants- Why not? The division is brutal, plus they have a really stellar rotation.

NL Wildcard Winner: Los Angeles Dodgers- Because the postseason isn’t a postseason without Manny Ramirez and Joe Torre.

Coming Tomorrow (4/3/09): Award Predictions.