My 2013 MLB Division Winner/Award Winner Predictions
By Jacob Falcon
I always make predictions and I’m usually, well most of the time completely waaaay off. But that’s the beauty of sports. You’re not suppose to be right. So, here are my MLB predictions on the upcoming season.
AL
October 3, 2012; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria (3) is congratulated by right fielder Matt Joyce (20) after he hit a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Baltimore Orioles 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
AL EAST: Tampa Bay Rays. Despite losing James Shields, I still think this team can win this divison. I know Toronto made all the moves and the Yankees are still the Yankees, but Tampa always finds a way to win. They need to stray away from the lull midseason they alwasy seem to have. A healthy Longoria and the addition of Wil Meyers to go along with AL Cy Young David Price, gives me confidence in this team in 2013.
AL CENTRAL: I almost picked Cleveland to be different – kidding. Detroit should win this divsion, easily in fact. Detroit has their whole staff returning. Detroit’s pitching staff really came together during the postseason and I look for more of that in 2013. Not to mention DH/1B Victor Martinez is coming back. That middle of the lineup was already dangerous, now add Martinez in there. Good luck AL.
AL WEST: Not the Astros. This one is kind of a toss up for me. The Rangers seem to have gotten a little bit worse losing Napoli, Young and slugger Josh Hamilton. I feel like the division is between Oakland and Los Angeles. However, I think the Angels will win this divison. I just can’t seen a line up consisting of Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton and Mark Trumbo not being in the postseason.
NL
NL EAST: Despite the moves Philadelphia and Atlanta made, this division belongs to the Nationals due to pitching alone. Possibly the best staff in the majors with Strasburg, Gonzalez, Zimmermann and Haren. Washington had the best record in the majors last season and only improved. With his Rookie year under is belt, phenom Bryce Harper is only going to improve and the addition of Denard Span sures up that top of the line up. The Nationals are not only my NL East favorite, but my World Series favorite as well.
NL CENTRAL: Chris Carpenter going down destroyed any thought I had of picking St. Louis to win the division. So, Cincinnati is my Central pick. With that rotation coming back, they’re almost a dead lock. After blowing their 2-0 NLDS series lead and evetually losing to the Giants, they look to come back with a chip on their shoulder. Also, a healthy Joey Votto helps me pick the Reds, comfortably.
NL WEST: I know everybody thinks the Dodgers are the clear favorites to win the division, but I can’t pick against the defending World Series Champions. Especially after bringing back postseason hero marco Scutaro and lead off man Angel Pagan. The Giants look to make another run at the World Series. Something tells me that Tim Lincecum isn’t going to go 10-15 with a 5.18 ERA in a contract year. I look for the Giants to win this divison for the thrid straight season.
AL ROY: I mentioned him before. Wil Meyers of the Tampa Bay Rays. Kansas City refused to bring him up last year, I’m sure Tampa won’t make that mistake.
NL ROY: Zack Wheeler. For those who don’t know who he is, he was the main piece in the Carlos Beltran trade to San Francisco. The Mets have him starting in the minor sthis season, but trust me, he won’t be there long.
AL CY YOUNG: This may be a surprise pick, but I’m going with the young Oakland ace in Jarrod Parker. last season he helped the young underdog A’s make the playoffs going 13-8 with a 3.47 ERA. He’s got that year under his belt and he’ll look to improve off a very fine Rookie season.
NL CY YOUNG: This may be biased because I think he’s the best pitcher in the NL, but oh well. Clayton Kershaw. He’s led the NL in ERA last two seasons and he’s a work horse. I expect the 24 year old south paw to win the Cy this season.
Oct 16, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder (28) during batting practice before game three of the 2012 ALCS against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
AL MVP: The logical choice would be to pick someone in the Angels lineup, but I like being different. So, I chose Prinec Fielder. He’ll have Miguel Cabrera in front and Victor Martinez in back. He got use to the Detroit ballpark and I look for him to have a career season, especially after a terrible World Series where he batted .071 (1-14.) He needs to show he’s worth that ridiculously huge contract.
NL MVP: Again, the logical choice is either Buster Posey or someone in the Dodgers lineup. Again, I like being different! Allen Craig. yes, Allen Craig is my 2013 choice to win NL MVP. He has a very successful season as a full time starter. He basically filled the void Pujols left. Putting up some nice numbers – .307/22 home runs/92 RBI. I look for his numbers to improve.
Now, I won’t change or switch my picks at all. So, we’ll come back in October and see how close (or how far away) I was on my picks.
Thank you for reading.