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Predicting Major League Baseball. NL East
NL Central
NL West
Tampa Bay Rays -- 94-68
Won 91 games in 2011 without Evan Longoria and Desmond Jennings for most of the year and Matt Moore making a handful of starts. Lord-willing, they'll get all three guys for a full 162. Most of all, they're well coached. I know what I'm getting with Joe Maddon whereas Joe Girardi and Bobby Valentine seem pretty disposable. Seems like the game can catch up with them. Meanwhile, Maddon's plying his craft in quiet Tampa.
New York Yankees -- 92-70
Here's some logic for you: I drop them from 97 wins in 2011 only because I don't think they can get any more. Logically, they'd have to drop unless they do the unlikely and win the same amount of games. The ass-end of the rotation frightens me. Name me the last Japanese import to succeed as a New York Yankee. Can't because they've all failed. New York and the media is far too daunting. Lot of unproven assets. I think the division is better too.
Boston Red Sox -- 88-74
Betting the Red Sox will win more than 90 games is betting that A) Carl Crawford will not be totally terrible, B) Clay Buchholz is back and better than ever and C) Daniel Bard and Alfred Aceves' transition to relivers to starters goes smoothly. If all three happen, the Red Sox win 105 games. I think they need at least one to happen to get 88 wins. The Red Sox were apparently run like a fraternity a year ago and as much as I may like Bobby Valentine, I don't know if he's a taskmaster or someone that will restore complete order. The guys that helped flush a playoff spot a year ago are still on the team. Is public ridicule enough? Is the stench gone?
Toronto Blue Jays -- 84-78
The Blue Jays' bullpen is fixed. Hold on, the Blue Jays better hope the bullpen is fixed considering the number moves and ex-Rangers they acquired. A team that probably score a little, pitch a little and still wind up well behind the BoSox, Yanks and Rays. That must be frustrating. The only hope of most teams is the idea that a player or players will "get it" and live up to their potential. Unfortunately, the Jays have has many of these guys as those other teams, but without the overall talent to make up for it if the player doesn't "get it." Slight improvement. Nothing to write home about.
Baltimore Orioles -- 66-96
Orioles fans aren't there yet, but they will be soon. The annual "Chris Davis Is Going To Bust Out Any Day Now" campaign will begin soon. Frankly, wouldn't be totally shocked to see him stick around and do well. But be wary. Don't get sucked in. Might be able to score a little with Davis and Matt Wieters growing up. Nick Markakis needs to have a bounce-back season. Pretty sure he's better than he was in 2011. The rotation is potentially disastrous considering the number of Alex Rodriguezes, Adrian Gonzalezes and Jose Bautistas in the division. Not a good sign, also, that no one wanted to be your general manager.
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