MLB Predictions
Posted by Jimmy Boyd - Google+
Opening Day is just around the corner, which means it’s time to place your futures wagers for the upcoming season. Below, I have made my predictions on how I see each of baseball’s six divisions playing out to help you cash in on any futures bets you might wish to make.
AL East: The AL East will likely be the toughest division in all of baseball in 2013. You could make a legit argument for all five teams to win the division. When it comes down to it, no team did more to improve their roster than the Blue Jays and it should be enough for them to rise to the top. I give the Yankees the slight edge over Boston and Tampa Bay for second, but there likely won’t be a whole lot that separates them in the standings. The Orioles came out of nowhere to win 93 games and make the playoffs as a Wild Card in 2012, but I think they are doomed for a last place finish.
1st – Toronto Blue Jays
2nd – New York Yankees
3rd – Boston Red Sox
4th – Tampa Bay Rays
5th – Baltimore Orioles
AL Central: The Tigers didn’t run away with the division like everyone expected last year, as they finished just three-games ahead of the White Sox. I’m confident Detroit will make much easier work of the Central in 2013. I also look for the young and talented Royals to jump the White Sox for second, while Cleveland and Minnesota are left to battle it out for last.
1st – Detroit Tigers
2nd – Kansas City Royals
3rd – Chicago White Sox
4th – Cleveland Indians
5th – Minnesota Twins
AL West: With the additions of the Astros, who finished 2012 with the worst record in baseball at 55-107, don’t be surprised if the West once again sends two teams to the postseason. The A’s came put together an incredible second half surge to win the division in 2012, but I don’t expect them to stay at the top in 2013. In my opinion, this is a clear two-team race between the Angels and Rangers and I’ll give the upper hand to Los Angeles after they snagged Josh Hamilton from Texas.
1st – Los Angeles Angels
2nd – Texas Rangers
3rd – Oakland Athletics
4th – Seattle Mariners
5th – Houston Astros
NL East: Those that think the Nationals are going to runaway with the NL West in 2013 after winning an MLB-best 98 games in 2012, simply aren’t giving enough respect to the Phillies and Braves. I have Washington winning the division, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see either Atlanta or Philadelphia take down the top spot. As for the Mets and Marlins, their season figures to be over before the All-Star break.
1st – Washington Nationals
2nd – Philadelphia Phillies
3rd – Atlanta Braves
4th – New York Mets
5th – Miami Marlins
NL Central: The Reds took control of the Central in 2012, finishing 9-games ahead of the Cardinals and just a game back of Washington for the best record in baseball. I don’t see any reason why Cincinnati won’t defend their title. I’ll give the Brewers the slight edge over the Cardinals and Pirates for honors of finishing runner-up, but it should be a close race. The Cubs are destined for last after the departure of the Astros, but should be a more competitive team than the one that won just 61 games last year.
1st – Cincinnati Reds
2nd – Milwaukee Brewers
3rd – St. Louis Cardinals
4th – Pittsburgh Pirates
5th – Chicago Cubs
NL West: The West has the looks of an epic tw0-team battle between the defending champion Giants and the vastly improved Dodgers. I give LA the slight edge as the Giants figure to struggle a little with the enormous target they have on their back after winning two of the last three World Series. Arizona and San Diego could make things interesting if their starting pitching improve, while the Rockies simply have no chance with the starting five they have coming into the season.
1st – Los Angeles Dodgers
2nd – San Francisco Giants
3rd – Arizona Diamondbacks
4th – San Diego Padres
5th – Colorado Rockies
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