2013 Major League Baseball Predictions

Can you believe it's that time again already? Another major league baseball season is about to begin, and it promises to be one of the most exciting ever. As always, I like to throw my hat in the ring and share my predictions of the coming year. Last year, I had some great picks and some horrible ones. I picked the Giants to go to the World Series, even though I picked them to lose. I picked the Orioles to finish last and called them a sad excuse for a franchise. Instead, they won the wild card game. Yes, I take my statement back!

The following are my baseball predictions for 2013. Some are by the book, and some are a bit daring. But that's how every season goes, right?

National League East

1. Philadelphia - No one is talking about this team that is very similar to the one that won consecutive division titles, the last one being only two years ago. They still have great pitching and good hitting.
2. Atlanta - If the Phillies don't win it, the Braves will. A solid all-around team. One of the wild cards.
3. Washington - They shut down their star pitcher last year assuming they would be back to the post-season. You NEVER assume you'll get back. The karma will go against them.
4. NY Mets - My favorite team is making small steps closer to contention. Yet they're still so far away.
5. Florida - I hope this sad situation soon turns promising again.

National League Central

1. Pittsburgh - They provided some excitement during the last two years. They'll take it all the way to the LCS this year.
2. Cincinnati - Still a very good team that will be solid for at least the next few years.
3. St. Louis - A good team that will compete in this weak division.
4. Milwaukee - This team could make a surprising run. Or they could be done by July 4. We'll see.
5. Chicago Cubs - Going in the right direction. They just won't get there very quickly.

National League West

1. Los Angeles Dodgers - A month and a half is not enough time for an all-star team to gel. Spring training and a full season is. Championship baseball returns to Dodger Stadium.
2. San Francisco - Good enough to win it all again. They'll be one of the wild cards.
3. San Diego - If things come together they can be an exciting team to watch and possibly make a run.
4. Arizona - Some decent individual talent. Can they put it all together?
5. Colorado - Won't be as bad as last year, but still a last place team.

American League East

1. Tampa - Arguably the best pitching, and definitely the best manager in AL will lead to division title.
2. NY Yankees - As much as I want it to happen, this team won't go away. One of the wild cards.
3. Toronto - I love the Jays, but I'm not jumping on this bandwagon yet.
4. Boston - Not as bad as people think. It will be a much more fun year for players and fans.
5. Baltimore - Do I think last year was a fluke? Not really. They just won't get half the breaks they got last year, and the talent level is not enough to make up for it.

American League Central

1. Detroit - The Tigers win the division by default. Again.
2. Cleveland - This year's Orioles. They earn the second wild card.
3. Chicago White Sox - Another solid year that won't be quite good enough.
4. Minnesota - They either make a wild card run or lose 100. No in betweens.
5. Kansas City - People say they're up and coming (again). I'll believe it when I see it.

American League West

1. Los Angeles Angels - The pieces that were supposed to come together last year do so a year late. This team is solid and will go far.
2. Texas - Still a very good team, but not good enough this year.
3. Oakland - Great story last year. Like the Orioles, will be missing many of last year's breaks.
4. Seattle - Mediocre at best.
5. Houston - Will hustle and give their best, but will still be the worst team in baseball.

World Series

Baseball season will be special in SoCal this summer...and fall...

Dodgers over the Angels

Enjoy the games : )