MLB Predictions – National League

NL:

East- Mets

With the acquisition of Johan Santana, the Mets become the favorite to represent the National League in the World Series. If Maine and Perez can build on last year, along with Martinez making a comeback, this rotation has potential to be dominating. The bullpen needs to return to 2006 form. If any regular or starter is out for a significant amount of time, I expect the Mets to lose ground in the East. The Braves and Phillies have the potential to do serious damage in this division. I also expect all 3 teams to be in the race with one month left in the season.

Central- Brewers

The Brewers are a very dangerous team that cannot be overlooked despite their relative youth. They have serious pop in their lineup: Fielder, Braun, and Hart, just to name a few. Their pitching is going to be the key to their success. Sheets needs to remain healthy along with the support of their young hurlers, Villanueva and Parra. The Cubs are really the only other contenders in this division. The Reds are probably a few years away of making any real noise in the division. Bruce, Cueto, Bailey and Votto will be fun to watch though.

West- Diamondbacks

Arizona might have the best rotation with the addition of Haren. Arizona is young team that has showed it can compete despite the youth movement. This might be the toughest divison in all of baseball and the Dodgers, Rockies, and Padres will battle it out until the last day of the season.

Wild Card- Dodgers

With the arrival of Joe Torre, the Dodgers have to be considered one of the top teams in the NL. Their rotation is solid and their bullpen is even better. All eight position players can hit the ball and let’s hope that Torre doesn’t overuse the bullpen. Poor Scott Proctor!

Cy Young- Dan Haren

MVP- David Wright

ROY-Kosuke Fukudome (should go to the real rookie…Colby Rasmus)

NLCS Winner- Arizona

3B: ARod’s Team

ARod finally realized that the money was not on the open market for him when he opted out.  Instead he came crawling back to the organization he so unknowingly spurned.  He will now be a Yankee for he next 10 years, like it or not Yankee fans.  What can we expect from ARod in the future?  Well, ARod will be in his prime for the next several years and should contend for the MVP as long as he stays healthy.   He has finally gained acceptance from the fans and they now realize we have the most gifted baseball player on the face of the Earth.  It is time to recognize the new face of the Yankees.  The Yankees are a better team with ARod on the field and in the clubhouse.  Let’s hope he dethrones Barry Bonds as the all-time HR leader.

(I wasn’t one of the naysayers.  I am always supportive of whomever is on the team…except John Vanderwal and Carl Pavano, they are as useless as prescription sunglasses).

Yankees 25-Man Roster

We are half way through spring training and the rosters are being trimmed each day. I think it is about time to take a stab at who should make the Yankees opening day squad.

Infield and Outfield:

C: Jorge Posada

1B: Jason Giambi (If he is healthy, a much better bat than Duncan.  About the same glove too.)

2B: Robinson Cano

3B: Alex Rodriguez

SS: Derek Jeter

LF: Johnny Damon (With Matsui not 100, Damon has the edge, but I do think Matsui should see time out in LF)

CF: Melky Cabrera (I actually wanted to write Williams…don’t know where that came from)

RF: Bobby Abreu

DH: Hideki Matsui (One of the most consistent bats in the lineup.  Have to keep his bat in there at all times)
Reserves:

Shelly Duncan, 1B, RF (Team Spirit Coordinator and Team Retaliater.  Having a huge ST and might win the job at 1B)

Wilson Betemit, utility infielder

Jose Molina, C

Brett Gardner, OF (Great 4th outfielder and showing that he is Girardi’s type of guy.  Also my type of player.  Can be a great defensive replacement and is your typical leadoff hitter with exceptional speed.  Plays hard.)

Starting Rotation:

Chien-Min Wang, Andy Pettitte, Phil Hughes, Mike Mussina, Ian Kennedy

(With innings restricted for Joba, Hughes, and Kennedy, who will be called up?)

Bullpen:

Closer: Mariano Rivera

Setup: Joba Chamberlain (Will enter rotation at some point.  Should he start then be put in the bullpen or vice versa?)

    Middle Relievers:

Kyle Farnsworth (so much talent, but is a headcase)

Ross Ohlendorf (good pitcher when you need a groundall)

Jonathon Albaladejo (impressive pitching thus far and also needs to be put on a diet)

Jose Veras

LaTroy Hawkins (This year’s Vizcaino, typical innings eater, ERA probably will be in mid 4’s)

Knocking on the door:

Brian Bruney (lost weight, will that help his straight fastball…probably not)

Chris Britton (never liked him, just an average reliever, what else could you really get for Jaret Wright)

Morgan Ensberg (probably has a shot at making the roster, good backup bat and glove)

Billy Traber (lefty specialist, need your best arms in the bullpen and don’t need to have a lefty just to have a lefty)

Jeff Karsten (impressive for Team USA, but this is the majors)
Edwar Ramirez (hopefully he adds velocity on the fastball and adds another pitch to his changeup)

Scott Patterson (can someone give this guy a chance?)

Sean Henn  (liked him last year, but he let me down.  Have given up on him)
Alberto Gonzalez (great glove but lack of bat)

Alan Horne (Great stuff and is major league ready)