Baseball 2009

This one is not going to be easy. I am going to try to predict the division winners based on what I know as of today. There are still some major free agents out there that I am guessing will be signed by openihg day, but I will give it my best shot to say how the playoffs will shape up anyway.

NL East:

1) NY Mets: 94-68: Bullpen is strong, lineup is tough. I am hopeful that this year the Mets can find a way to not squander a lead late in the season.

2) Phillies: 90-72 : I think that the Phillies and or Braves will fight for the Wild card spot. I think that the Phillies will find a way to get it done.

3) Braves: 88-74: The braves will finsh just a bit outside of the playoffs this year, but will be better to watch than they had last year.

4) Marlins: 86-76: I think the Marlins will compete this year, but also think they will find a way to lose a few close games at critical times.

5) Nationals: 76-86: This team will be in more games than people think. They added Adam Dunn who will give daily tours of the National Mall on a daily basis with is bat.

NL Central:

1) Cubs: 98-64; This team is built to win many games this year. Soriano has come out and said that he is willing to bat in a spot other than lead off which will allow him to drive in more runs.

2) Brewers: 92-70: This club just has too many holes that have not been filled to make a serious run at the division.

3) Astros: 88-74: This team wants to win. I actually think that Roy Oswalt can make a run for the NL Cy Young award this year.

4) Cardinals: 86-76: Too many questions about this club. So many that I may be generous giving them this many wins.

5) Reds: 84-78: Another team that has more questions than answers. I see no relief in sight.

6) Pirates: 70-92: This team will win a few more games than last year, but let's face it, the front office is nothing more than a warm up band for Tiffany (they will be alone at the bottom again).

NL West:

1) Diamondbacks: 93-69: Oneof the best starting rotations in the game will give them the edge over the Dodgers this year.

2) Dodgers: 88-74: If they do not re-sign Manny, it is going to be a long season in the Revene.

3) Rockies: 85-77: Losing Matt Holiday sent a message to me that this team is primed for a re-building phase.

4) Padres: 70-92: This team is in an ownership transition. I am being generous by saying that they will win this many games.

5) Giants: 65-97: In not so many words, it is my belief that this team is still going to suck.


AL East:

1) Rays: 99-63: I think this team is too good to go away after last year's performance.

2) Yankees: 96-66: If A-Roid can put together any kind of numbers that we are used to, the Spankees will win the Wild Card in the AL.

3) Red Sox: 94-68: The big questions for the "Nation" are will Penny make it the entire season. Will Big Papi have enough protection to allow him to drive in 130 runs? I don't think so is the answer to either question.

4) Blue Jays: 85-77: After some key losses in the lineup, I am thinking that the Orioles have a shot to be ahead of the Jays this year.

5) Orioles: 84-78: Please see above regarding my prediction fr this division.

AL Central:

1) Twins: 92-64: The twinkies are looking good to reagain the division based on their young quality talent.

2) Indians: 89-63: A much better season than last year, just not quite good enough.

3) White Sox: 88-64: This could be a year where the Sox are totally out of the playoff picture early which I believe could mean Ozzie's job. We shall see. It is going to be close.

4) Royals: 87-65: That's right. The Royals are going to be a Royal pain in the division's hind parts. A good start will dictate this team's success.

5) Tigers: 80-82: This division is so up in the air as far as I am concerned, that the White Sox could easily take the cellar dweller position.

AL West:

1) Oakland A's: 94-68: I think that the moves made in the offseason by this team will find them in the playoffs come October.

2) Angels: 88-74: After losing K-Rod, I think the Halo's will find it tough to contend this year.

3) Rangers: 85-77: If they can have Josh Hamilton for the entire season, this offense can put up some serious offensive numbers.

4) Seattle Mariners: 70-92: Unless they can sign Mr. Griffey, it is going to be a long season in the Pacific Northwest.

Please be on the lookout for my playoff picks. They will be here soon.


Has anyone seen my two headed coin?


Ahhhh.....the beauty of being certain.