2009 MLB Predictions Thread

[UMass922]

Opening Day is in just one week, so it's time to start the prognosticating. Predict anything and everything you want to about the upcoming baseball season and post it here.

(If enough people are interested, I think it might be fun to "score" our predictions at the end of the season and declare a winner--i.e., award points for correctly predicting the regular season standings, postseason winners, individual award winners, etc. I'll start thinking of a scoring system; anyone else who wants to devise and propose one is welcome to as well.)

[ISUMatt]

AL EAST: Boston Red Sox
AL CENTRAL: Chicago White Sox
AL WEST: LA Angels
AL WC: New York Yankees

NL EAST: NY Mets
NL CENTRAL: Chicago Cubs
NL WEST: LA Dodgers
NL WC: Philadelphia Phillies

ALDS: Boston over Chicago, LAA over NYY
ALCS: LAA over Boston

NLDS: Chicago over Philadelphia, NY Mets over LA Dodgers
NLCS: Chicago over New York

WORLD SERIES: LOS ANGELES ANGELS over Chicago Cubs in 6

[UMass922]

NL EAST: NY Mets
NL CENTRAL: Chicago Cubs
NL WEST: LA Dodgers
NL WC: Philadelphia Phillies

NLDS: Chicago over Philadelphia, NY Mets over LA Dodgers
NLCS: Chicago over New York

I see the same setup, except I'm going to take the Phillies over the Cubs in the LDS and then over the Mets in the LCS.

I'm going to mull over the AL a little further before making my picks there.

[asucrutch23]

NL East: Phillies
NL Central: Brewers
NL West: Dodgers
NL Wild Card: Braves

AL East: Red Sox
AL Central: Tigers
AL West: Angels
AL Wild Card: Yankees

NLDS: Dodgers over Braves, Phillies over Brewers
NLCS: Phillies over Dodgers

ALDS: Yankees over Angels, Red Sox over Tigers
ALCS: Red Sox over Yankees

World Series: Red Sox over Phillies

[UNHWildCats]

NL East: Phillies
NL Central: Brewers
NL West: Dodgers
NL Wild Card: Braves

AL East: Red Sox
AL Central: Tigers
AL West: Angels
AL Wild Card: Yankees

NLDS: Dodgers over Braves, Phillies over Brewers
NLCS: Phillies over Dodgers

ALDS: Yankees over Angels, Red Sox over Tigers
ALCS: Red Sox over Yankees

World Series: Red Sox over Phillies
xthumbsupx

[UNHWildCats]

Over the past two years I have made two predictions that got laughs from lots of people

2007 : World Series Sox over Rox
2008: Rays ahead of Yankees

If I come up with some wild pick this year, you guys might want to take it to Las Vegas ;)

[UMass922]

World Series: Red Sox over Phillies

I think I'm inclining towards this as well. I'd love to see it--Hamels, Beckett, and Smoltz all pitching in the same World Series. xnodx

[Gil Dobie]

NL East: Phillies
NL Central: Brewers
NL West: Dodgers
NL Wild Card: Cubs

AL East: Red Sox
AL Central: Twins
AL West: Angels
AL Wild Card: Yankees

NLDS: Cubs, Phillies
NLCS: Cubs

ALDS: Yankees, Angels
ALCS: Yankees

World Series: Cubs

[UMass922]

AL Central: Twins

Big year ahead for Liriano. Could be a Cy Young season for him.

[otto4pres]

AL MVP: Grady Sizemore, CLE
NL MVP: Ryan Braun, MIL

AL Cy Young: Roy Halladay, TOR
NL Cy Young: Johan Santana, NYM

AL ROY: David Price, TB
NL ROY: Cameron Maybin, FLA

AL MOY: Ron Gardenhire, MIN
NL MOY: Bruce Bochy, SF

[gmoney55]

NL East: Phillies
NL Central: Cubs
NL West: DBacks
NL Wildcard: Mets

AL East: Yankees
AL Central: Twins
AL West: A's
AL Wildcard: Red Sox

NL Divisional Round: Phillies over DBacks; Cubs over Mets
AL Divisional Round: Yankees over A's; Twins over Red Sox

NLCS: Phillies over Cubs
ALCS: Yankees over Twins

World Series: Phillies over Yankees

[ISUMatt]

NL East: Phillies
NL Central: Brewers
NL West: Dodgers
NL Wild Card: Braves

AL East: Red Sox
AL Central: Tigers
AL West: Angels
AL Wild Card: Yankees

NLDS: Dodgers over Braves, Phillies over Brewers
NLCS: Phillies over Dodgers

ALDS: Yankees over Angels, Red Sox over Tigers
ALCS: Red Sox over Yankees

World Series: Red Sox over Phillies


The Brewers have absolutely no pitching

[AshevilleApp2]

I predict that the "experts" on ESPN will consistently have their predictions proven wrong, only to change them and have them proven wrong again.

[UMass922]

The Brewers have absolutely no pitching

Yeah, they lost Sabathia and Sheets--huge losses. The lineup is powerful with Braun, Fielder, et. al., but that just means the Brewers will be the NL's equivalent of the Texas Rangers. I might pick the Reds to finish ahead of them.

[bluehenbillk]

I'll shake it up:

NL: Phils, Cubs, Dodgers, WC: Giants

AL: Rays, WhiteSox, Angels WC: Bosox

NLCS: Phils over Cubs
ALCS: Rays over Angels

WS: Broad St repeat, Phils over Rays

[asucrutch23]

The Brewers have absolutely no pitching

Yes, of this I am aware, but you know every division won't be chalk. Plus they've got plenty of young talent that might be able to bring in a few arms should they be willing to part with it. Anyone could predict the Cubs, I just went out on a limb. xpeacex

[OSBF]

For you fantasy players I have 2 words for you: Chris Carpenter.

He's back. Cards will be the NL WC. Pujols goes back to back MVP's, Carp named comeback player of the year and somewhere in the Cy mix.

Any of that bold enough for a prediction thread?

[Grizalltheway]

The Mariners will leave me with a bad taste in my mouth, again. Take it to the bank. xnonono2x

[gmoney55]

My bold one...watch out for the Marlins. They have the best starting pitching in the division and some pop in the lineup.

[YaleFootballFan]

My bold one...watch out for the Marlins. They have the best starting pitching in the division and some pop in the lineup.

I agree. Florida is my pick for the NL East.

[AshevilleApp2]

My bold one...watch out for the Marlins. They have the best starting pitching in the division and some pop in the lineup.

Keep an eye on Cameron Maybin.

[saint0917]

AL EAST: Boston Red Sox
AL CENTRAL: Chicago White Sox
AL WEST: LA Angels
AL WC: Tampa Bay Rays

NL EAST: NY Mets
NL CENTRAL: Chicago Cubs
NL WEST: LA Dodgers
NL WC: Philadelphia Phillies


ALCS: Boston over LLA

NLCS: Chicago over New York

WORLD SERIES: Chicago Cubs over Boston Red Sox in 7

[UMass922]

I might make a complete standings prediction later, but here are the essentials for now:

NL EAST: Mets
NL CENTRAL: Cubs
NL WEST: Dodgers
NL WILD CARD: Phillies

AL EAST: Red Sox
AL CENTRAL: Indians
AL WEST: Angels
AL WILD CARD: Yankees


NLDS: Mets over Dodgers, Phillies over Cubs
NLCS: Phillies over Mets

ALDS: Red Sox over Indians, Yankees over Angels
ALCS: Red Sox over Yankees

WORLD SERIES: Red Sox over Phillies


NL MVP: Manny Ramirez, Dodgers
AL MVP: Grady Sizemore, Indians

NL CY YOUNG: Dan Haren, Diamondbacks
AL CY YOUNG: Francisco Liriano, Twins

[813Jag]

AL EAST: Tampa Bay Rays
AL CENTRAL: Chicago White Sox
AL WEST: LA Angels
AL WC: Boston Red Sox

NL EAST: Philadelphia Phillies
NL CENTRAL: Chicago Cubs
NL WEST: LA Dodgers
NL WC: Florida Marlins (what the heck they're about for their run)


ALCS: Tampa Bay over Boston

NLCS: Philly over LAD

WORLD SERIES: Rematch - Rays get it done this time (I never thought I'd ever say that xlolx)

[appmaj]

I predict I go to a game in Arizona, Houston, & Arlington. (At least thats the plan)

[TheValleyRaider]

AL East
NY Yankees
Boston*
Tampa Bay
Baltimore
Toronto

AL Central
Cleveland
Chicago White Sox
Minnesota
Detroit
Kansas City

AL West
LA Angels
Oakland
Texas
Seattle

NL East
NY Mets
Philadelphia*
Florida
Atlanta
Washington

NL Central
Chicago Cubs
St. Louis
Milwaukee
Cincinnati
Houston
Pittsburgh

NL West
LA Dodgers
San Francisco
Arizona
Colorado
San Diego

*-WC

ALDS: NY Yankees over Cleveland, Boston over LA Angels
NLDS: Chicago Cubs over Philadelphia, NY Mets over LA Dodgers

ALCS: NY Yankees over Boston
NLCS: Chicago Cubs over NY Mets

World Series: NY Yankees over Chicago Cubs

Why? Just because xcoolx

[Gil Dobie]

WORLD SERIES: Chicago Cubs over Boston Red Sox in 7

Cubs slump has to end sometime. They have a decent team, so maybe now is the time. xeyebrowx

[saint0917]

Cubs slump has to end sometime. They have a decent team, so maybe now is the time. xeyebrowx

I would love to see the Cubs get it done this year. Solid pitching with Carlos Zambrano,Ted Lilly, Ryan Dempster, Rich Harden. Solid offense. And how could you not like a guy named Fukudome, FUK U DO ME :p

[gmoney55]

Seems like most people on here and outside have the Phils in the World Series, myself included. Clear favorite in the NL at least.

[clenz]

NL West:
Los Angeles
Colorado -5.5
Arizona -8
Padres -14
San Franciso -17

NL Central:
St. Louis
Chicago -2.5
Cincinnati -12
Houston -12.5
Pittsburgh -19

NL East:
Philadelphia
Florida -3
New York -4.5
Atlanta -9
Washington -16.5

NL Wildcard winner
Florida

NL notes:
-NY, Florida and Phi all finish within 3-5 games of each other after the Marlins take a huge lead early in the season, but fade late. Mets fans over throw the organization over another let down.
-The Central is dominated the first month of the season and then St. Louis takes charge. Maybe next year Cubbies.
-The West is somewhat improved top to bottom, but not a lot. and the Rockies make a push for LA, but come up just short.
-Wildcard comes down to Cub's and Marlin's but Florida takes the tiebreaker

AL West:
Anaheim
Texas -9.5
Seattle -12
Oakland -15

AL Central:
Minnesota
Chicago -.5
Cleveland -3.5
Kansas City -8

AL East:
Boston
Tampa Bay -1
New York -8
Toronto -9
Baltimore -15.9

AL Wildcard winner:
Tampa holds off the Chicago by half game

AL notes:
-The West is closer than people think as the Angels fall below expectations much more than the rest of the division improves. The Mariners don't finish in last place as bringing Griffey back home gives the team enough energy to finish 3rd.
-The Central is a hellacious season as teams beat the piss out of each other. Twins hold off the Sox late in the year after a slow start. Cleveland again doesn't meet expectations but aren't as far off as they were last year, and Kansas City is MUCH improved but still not able to keep up with the division, but show real promise.
-The East is a two team race, assuming the Ray's repeate last year. If not the Sox walk away with the division. The Yanks fall apart due to controversy after controversy due to the egos on the team. Toronoto and Baltimore show some real promise, but not a real threat for about 2 more years.

[UMass922]

Are you predicting that Detroit and Milwaukee get retracted sometime in the next four days? Now that's a bold prediction! xthumbsupx ;)


NL West:
Los Angeles
Colorado -5.5
Arizona -8
Padres -14
San Franciso -17

NL Central:
St. Louis
Chicago -2.5
Cincinnati -12
Houston -12.5
Pittsburgh -19

NL East:
Philadelphia
Florida -3
New York -4.5
Atlanta -9
Washington -16.5

NL Wildcard winner
Florida

NL notes:
-NY, Florida and Phi all finish within 3-5 games of each other after the Marlins take a huge lead early in the season, but fade late. Mets fans over throw the organization over another let down.
-The Central is dominated the first month of the season and then St. Louis takes charge. Maybe next year Cubbies.
-The West is somewhat improved top to bottom, but not a lot. and the Rockies make a push for LA, but come up just short.
-Wildcard comes down to Cub's and Marlin's but Florida takes the tiebreaker

AL West:
Anaheim
Texas -9.5
Seattle -12
Oakland -15

AL Central:
Minnesota
Chicago -.5
Cleveland -3.5
Kansas City -8

AL East:
Boston
Tampa Bay -1
New York -8
Toronto -9
Baltimore -15.9

AL Wildcard winner:
Tampa holds off the Chicago by half game

AL notes:
-The West is closer than people think as the Angels fall below expectations much more than the rest of the division improves. The Mariners don't finish in last place as bringing Griffey back home gives the team enough energy to finish 3rd.
-The Central is a hellacious season as teams beat the piss out of each other. Twins hold off the Sox late in the year after a slow start. Cleveland again doesn't meet expectations but aren't as far off as they were last year, and Kansas City is MUCH improved but still not able to keep up with the division, but show real promise.
-The East is a two team race, assuming the Ray's repeate last year. If not the Sox walk away with the division. The Yanks fall apart due to controversy after controversy due to the egos on the team. Toronoto and Baltimore show some real promise, but not a real threat for about 2 more years.

[OSBF]

NL Central:
St. Louis
Chicago -2.5
Cincinnati -12
Houston -12.5
Pittsburgh -19


-The Central is dominated the first month of the season and then St. Louis takes charge. Maybe next year Cubbies.




Now that's what I'm talkin' bout right there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[UNHWildCats]

A team cant finish a half game out of a playoff spot.... A team can finish a half game behind someone because of a rainout that wasnt rescheduled, but if the game has playoff implications it would be made up the day after the regular season at which time that team would either move into a tie for the playoff spot or be 1 game back.

[UMass922]

Bump.

The season gets underway tonight with the Phillies and Braves, so last call for predictions . . .

[YaleFootballFan]

My predictions....

AL EAST: Boston Red Sox
AL CENTRAL: Cleveland Indians
AL WEST: Anaheim Angels
AL WILD CARD: New York Yankees

NL EAST: Florida Marlins
NL CENTRAL: Chicago Cubs
NL WEST: Arizona Diamondbacks
NL WILD CARD: New York Mets

ALDS: Boston over Cleveland, Anaheim over NYY
NLDS: Chicago over NYM, Arizona over Florida

ALCS: Boston over Anaheim
NLCS: Chicago over Arizona

WORLD SERIES: Boston over Chicago

[UMass922]

I made my core predictions earlier; here's the expanded version:

NL EAST
1. Mets
2. Phillies
3. Braves
4. Marlins
5. Nationals

NL CENTRAL
1. Cubs
2. Cardinals
3. Reds
4. Brewers
5. Astros
6. Pirates

NL WEST
1. Dodgers
2. Diamondbacks
3. Giants
4. Rockies
5. Padres


AL EAST
1. Red Sox
2. Yankees
3. Rays
4. Orioles
5. Blue Jays

AL CENTRAL
1. Indians
2. Twins
3. White Sox
4. Royals
5. Tigers

AL WEST
1. Angels
2. A's
3. Rangers
4. Mariners

- - -

NLDS
Phillies over Cubs
Mets over Dodgers

ALDS
Yankees over Angels
Red Sox over Indians


NLCS
Phillies over Mets

ALCS
Red Sox over Yankees


WORLD SERIES
Red Sox over Phillies

- - -

NL MVP
Manny Ramirez, Dodgers

AL MVP
Grady Sizemore, Indians


NL CY YOUNG
Dan Haren, Diamondbacks

AL CY YOUNG
Francisco Liriano, Twins


NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Jordan Schafer, Braves

AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Matt Wieters, Orioles


NL MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Bobby Cox, Braves

AL MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Eric Wedge, Indians

[UNCBears2010]

AL East: Rays
AL Central: Tigers
AL West: Angels
AL Wild Card: Yankees

Rays over Tigers, Angels over Yankees
Rays over Angels

NL East: Mets
NL Central: Cubs
NL West: Dodgers
NL Wild Card: Marlins

Mets over Cubs, Dodgers over Marlins
Mets over Dodgers

Mets over Rays

NL MVP
David Wright, Mets

AL MVP
Miguel Cabrera, Tigers


NL CY YOUNG
Tim Lincecum, Giants

AL CY YOUNG
CC Sabathia, Yankees


NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Dexter Fowler, Rockies

AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
David Price, Rays


NL MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Fredi Gonzalez, Marlins

AL MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Bob Green, A's

5 Random Predictions:
The Rockies will NOT finish below the Giants
The Red Sox will win 90+ games, but miss the playoffs, ESPN will cry for playoff expansion
Marlins beat out Phillies for Wild Card on last day of season
Oakland finishes within 5 games of the Angels
Todd Helton and Fausto Carmona are NL and AL Comeback Players of the Year

[UMass922]

Well, so much for my NL MVP pick.

[UMass922]

Most of my other award picks are looking pretty laughable at this point, but this one is looking pretty good so far:


NL CY YOUNG
Dan Haren, Diamondbacks

[NHwildEcat]

Most of my other award picks are looking pretty laughable at this point, but this one is looking pretty good so far:

He has been amazing this year!! Good pick.

[gmoney55]

NL East: Phillies
NL Central: Cubs
NL West: DBacks
NL Wildcard: Mets

AL East: Yankees
AL Central: Twins
AL West: A's
AL Wildcard: Red Sox

NL Divisional Round: Phillies over DBacks; Cubs over Mets
AL Divisional Round: Yankees over A's; Twins over Red Sox

NLCS: Phillies over Cubs
ALCS: Yankees over Twins

World Series: Phillies over Yankees

Yikes....the Twins, Mets and Cubs don't look great either...what the heck was I thinking with the A's?

[UMass922]

Yikes....the Twins, Mets and Cubs don't look great either...what the heck was I thinking with the A's?

I'm wondering what the heck I was thinking with the Indians. Second-worst record in baseball right now. Yikes.

[UMass922]

He has been amazing this year!! Good pick.

226 ERA+, 0.808 WHIP, 8.06 K/BB . . . if he sustains that in the second half, that's a Pedro Martinez / Greg Maddux kind of season.

[UNHWildCats]

Big year ahead for Liriano. Could be a Cy Young season for him.
clunk

[UMass922]

clunk

xlolx Haha, yeah, unfortunately my AL Cy Young prediction kind of cancels out my NL one.

[93henfan]

***Sticking-my-neck-out-there warning***

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Washington Nationals will not, I repeat, WILL NOT win the World Series this year.