2013 MLB Preictions: Standings and Awards

American League:

AL East:

*1.  Blue Jays: 100-62

Not because of Melky Cabrera, Edwin Encarnacion, or RA Dickey, the Blue Jays will come away with 100 wins because of a solid rotation overall, specifically big strides from Brandon Morrow and Ricky Romero.  I believe Encarnacion's 2012 was a fluke, but Jose Bautista is still the real deal, and enough offense for the team, when joined by Jose Reyes and Brett Lawrie.  Also, this will be the best bullpen in baseball.

*2.  Tampa Bay Rays: 85-77

The Rays are the Rays and even without Shields I think the rotation and bullpen will hold up a halfway decent offense.  I don't particularly expect big strides from any individual player, I do expect Chris Archer and Matt Moore to have decent seasons, and I also expect Evan Longoria to stay healthy for most of the year.

3.  New York Yankees: 83-79

Its no secret, the Yankees are in rebuilding mode.  There is no major league caliber catcher on that team right now, and the entire veteran bench that used to carry the team is gone.  Even if Pineda pitches the whole year, the Yankees are still not the Yankees we're used to, but that doesn't stop them from getting above .500.  Regardless of all that, expect another big year from Sabathia, possible Cy Young Candidate.

4.  Baltimore Orioles: 81-81

Hate to burst your bubble, Orioles fans, but last year's team just doesn't have any staying power.  You lack a DH, when there are several options still out there, and you still don't really have reliable professional starting pitching.  Frankly, the Orioles are just an injury away from insignificance, and seeing how injuries have plaigued them in the past, I don't expect a repeat of 2012.

5.  Boston Red Sox: 75-87

If you seriously think the Red Sox have done anything to keep themselves from this terrible record, you are sadly mistaken.  When the Sox were good, they had Manny and Ortiz drive in the runs while having Lowell and/or Youk in the 5 hole to add even more runs after that.  2013's team seems to rely on Ortiz and, um, Johnny Gomes to drive in those runs.  Plus the lineup itself is flawed, there is al logjam at the top with Victorino, Elsbury, and Pedroia, if they can even stay healthy, and who knows if Napoli will stay healthy or not.  Then you got the pitching which, while the bullpen improved, the starting rotation still lacks an ace.  Even with Lester having a good year again, the team remains in the cellar.


AL Central:

*1.  Detroit Tigers: 95-67

VMart is back to help Prince and Miguel Cabrera get Justin Verlander 20 wins. This is still probably the best team in the AL, with one of the best offenses the league has seen in a while, but of course there are problems in regards to the back end of the rotation.  I'm personally a fan of the Fister/Sanchez/Scherzer/Porcello corp but I guarantee one of them won't be there in September, being replaced by a half way decent Drew Smyly or a trade deadline acquisition.  Regardless, the Tigers have the division.

*2.  Cleveland Indians: 85-77

No one seems to agree with me on this but I firmly believe that the Indians will have a decent 2013.  I understand the starting rotation isn't exactly reliable, but there are decent rookies coming up, and perhaps Justin Masterson can regain his ace status.  There is also the issue of Terry Francona, who is a pretty good manager, and seeing the effect that Nick Swisher had on the Yankees, I don't see why he wouldn't have a similar effect on the Indians.  I do believe that the offense and bullpen can carry this team into the playoffs and eventually to a world series during the Swisher/Bourn/Reynolds era.  Frankly, they're one fantastic starter away from it now.

3.  Chicago White Sox: 80-82

They're decent.  They've lost their catcher but Konerko and Dunn still provide offense, De Aza and Rios make good top of the lineup guys and Chris Sale and Jake Peavy will carry the rotation adequately, but they'll fall just short, kinda like they did in 2012.

4.  Kansas City Royals: 77-85

Not yet for KC.  Cain, Perez, and Escobar have yet to fully develop, Hosmer and Butler and Moustakas aren't leaders just yet either.  Sure the rotation has been fixed up and the bullpen is half way decent, but its just not good enough.

5.  Minnesota Twins: 72-90

The Twins will have an interesting season, to say the least.  I predict Morneau will be traded and Mauer will be injured, but the patched-up starting pitching and bullpen will be quite a thing to see.  It's no secret though that the Twins won't be relevant again for a while.


AL West:

*1.  Las Angeles Angels: 105-57

I believe the Angels will triumph in 2013, but not with that starting rotation.  There will have to be a pitching acquisition at some point, and perhaps, if Iannetta doesn't deliver behind the plate, a new catcher too. Otherwise, its the Angels's title to lose.

2.  Texas Rangers: 82-80

Hamilton is gone, Young is gone, but there is still enough experience on this team to get them some decent milage.  If Beltre can hold up under pressure, and if, which I'm sure they can, the bullpen and rotation hold up, the Rangers just might still be relevant in 2013.  I'll personally be excited to see Mike Olt beat out either an inured Lance Berkman or a poorly preforming Mitch Moreland.

3.  Seattle Mariners: 77-85

Morse, Morales, and Montero will make a difference…Just not until next season.  Sure Felix is Felix, and the starting rotation isn't quite there yet but Seattle has the talent in their minor leagues to at least have the lead on this division for a little while.  I predict a Pirates-like drop off towards the end though, and it will be a good, noble run.

4.  Oakland Athletics: 72-90

If the A's and the Reds have one thing in common, its that they're not quite to the point of remaining relevant from one year to another.  There is a lot of hype around the A's and I'm not sure why; Yes, they played great last season but its a new season now, and while they didn't change too much, that could be a problem.  Bottom line is, the team is just too young.  On top of that, there is a career setup man closing, there is a patchy starting rotation, and there is a great risk if a key injury happens to throwing this entire season away.  I do think Billy Beane is a good GM, and who doesn't? But the A's aren't in it for a repeat this year.

5.  Houston Astros: 63-99

Do I really need to explain this one? The Astros aren't gonna make it in the AL for at least six or seven years, I think. Its gonna be a bumpy ride too, so I feel bad for their fans.


National League:

NL East:

*1.  Washington Nationals: 96-66

No surprise with this one either, although I wouldn't advise on counting on Adam LaRoche to have a repeat career year.  I'm sure Strasburg and Harper will do just fine though, and the team itself will produce well, even with Dan Haren in the rotation.  So, overall, not as good as last year but still pretty good.

*2.  Atlanta Braves: 88-74

The Upton Brothers are a good replacement for old Chipper, Prado, and Bourn but they're not the biggest achievers here.  Freddy Freeman, Jayson Heyward, and the starting rotation will carry the Braves this year.  Also, I expect a late season designation for Paul Maholm, they just don't need him.

3.  New York Mets: 85-77

No, I'm not lying.  In the past couple of seasons everyone has forgotten how good of a pitcher Johan Santana is when he is not injured, and he is most of the Mets payroll, and I understand that beyond Johan and David Wright, its just a team of unknowns, but its a team of unknowns with a fantastic minor league system(finally), great young pitchers, and now a decent rebuilt bullpen.  Call me crazy, but I completely admire what Sandy Alderson has done in New York, and I think they are now about a year away from being a real threat, So Mets fans, be proud for once.

4.  Philadelphia Phillies: 76-86

Yep, sorry Philly, you're too old and too oft-injured to be relevant again.  Halladay, Hamels, and Lee will do just fine but you're going to run into bullpen problems and lots of injuries for your incredibly elderly infield; losing Ruiz for 50 games isn't gonna help.  If the Phillies were a west coast team, they would be one of the best in the game, but they're not.

5.  Miami Marlins: 50-112

Baseball's worst franchise, hands down.  Two Giancarlo Stantons wouldn't fix them this year, but I would like to see how good of a manager Mike Redmond is.  But seriously, this is gonna go down as one of the worst teams in history.  Sorry, Miami.

NL Central:

*1.  Milwaukee Brewers: 90-72

Yes, Milwaukee has this division.  I understand there are young pitchers expected to make up this rotation, but I also know that these young pitchers are thought of pretty highly.  Yovani Gallardo and Marco Estrada will hold down the top of the rotation while Wily Peralta will do just fine behind them.  Oh and as for Michael Fiers, he will work in relief primarily, its gonna be a competitive rotation.  On top of this, the bullpen and offense are good enough to carry them to the division championship.

*2.  St Louis Cardinals: 86-76

The Cardinals are a good team, that's no secret.  The problem will be keeping Beltran healthy and keeping the bullpen on top of their games.  I personally don't believe in the back end of the rotation either, but we all know Chris Carpenter will be back in September to help them out, and get them over .500 in the last couple of weeks.

3.  Cincinnati Reds: 77-85

Like the A's, everyone wants to think the Reds are a good team for more than a season at a time, and they are not.  The starting rotation is flat-out ugly, but everyone thinks its good, and no, Aroldis Chapman will not be a good starter.  Votto and Phillips will be fine, and Broxton and Marshall will do alright, but the team is bound to fall short.

4.  Pittsburgh Pirates: 71-91

I think its a worse team in 2013 than it was in 2012.  Jason Grilli is not good as closer, and will be replaced by Mark Melancon, Russell Martin will do alright but end up on the DL, and Andrew Mccutchen will do what he always does, play good for a bad team.  Still a couple years away in Pittsburgh, but always a good story team to follow.

5.  Chicago Cubs: 66-96

Slightly better than last year but still the joke of the league.  Starlin Castro is fine, and a healthy Matt Garza is alright but the bullpen is not that good and the offense is young and spotty.  I think the Cubs will be good again when the Astros are good again, in all honesty.

NL West:

*1.  Las Angeles Dodgers: 95-67

Yep, its the Dodgers who take the west, and why not? Matt Kemp will be good on the offense and Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw will hold up the pitching side of the spectrum(and lets not overlook how many starting pitchers the Dodgers actually have).  I expect a good showing, a major trade, and still a good showing for the Dodgers in 2013.

2.  Arizona Diamondbacks: 81-81

I wouldn't doubt the Diamondbacks in 2013, their bench has improved drastically and they have a decent collection of veterans to keep them alive.  I think Ian Kennedy and Brandon Mccarthy will carry the rotation, the bullpen is fine, and the team is good against west coast teams, so they will put out a relatively decent showing in 2013.

3.  San Francisco Giants: 75-87

I'm sorry Giants fans but I really don't think the Giants are as good of a team as people make them out to be, by any means.  They hurt especially for 2013 when they're not spending the bulk of their games on the west coast and inter league play will go all season long.  Brian Sabaen has a tendency to think all his players are gonna play like they're in the world series every game of the season, and just like in 2011, it will hurt them all again.  Buster Posey, Hunter Pence, and Pablo Sadoval aren't a sufficient offense, and no, I don't think Sergio Romo will be exactly lights out in the closer role either.  I also expect someone in the starting rotation to be injured, most likely Tim Lincecum.

4.  San Diego Padres: 74-88

I want to like the Padres more but there's just not enough offense there to keep them afloat.  Chase Headley will have a decent season, and Carlos Quentin will have flashes of decency but the team won't be able to keep pace with both leagues this year.  Thankfully, it doesn't drop them too much from their final 2012 record.

5.  Colorado Rockies: 60-102

I want to like Walt Weiss and wish him luck but it won't make too much of a difference.  Todd Helton is old, Troy Tulowitzki is an injury threat, and CarGo is inconsistent, not to mention a butchered young pitching rotation that relies way too much on Jorge De La Rosa's left elbow(as if his healthy elbow was reliable to begin with).  It would take a lot more than a perfect storm for the Rockies to do much better than this.



AL Playoffs:

Blue Jays 100-62
Rays 85-77
Tigers 95-67
Indians 85-77
Angels 105-67

WC Round:
Rays vs Indians
Rays win

ALDS:
Rays vs Angels
Tigers vs Blue Jays

Angels beat Rays in 6
Tigers beat Blue Jays in 5

ALCS:
Tigers vs Angels
Angels beat Tigers in 6.



NL Playoffs:

Nationals 96-66
Brewers 90-72
Dodgers 95-67
Braves 88-74
Cardinals 86-76

WC Round:
Cardinals vs Braves
Braves win.

NLDS:

Braves vs Nationals
Brewers vs Dodgers

Nationals beat Braves in 4
Dodgers beat Brewers in 6

NLCS:
Dodgers vs Nationals
Nationals beat Dodgers in 7


World Series:

Nationals vs Angels
Angels win in 7.

World Series MVP: Howie Kendrick

AL MVP: Evan Longoria (TBR)
NL MVP: Ryan Braun (MIL)

AL Cy Young: CC Sabathia (NYY)
NL Cy Young: Zack Greinke (LAD)

Closer of the year: Joe Nathan (TEX)

AL Comeback player of the year: Victor Martinez (DET)
NL Comeback player of the year: Carl Crawford (LAD)

AL Rookie of the year: Trevor Bauer (CLE)
NL Rookie of the year: Hunter Morris (MIL)

The Remaining Free Agents (And Why I Haven't Made Any Predictions Yet)

I have waited weeks to finally make my predictions for the final standings of the 2013 MLB Season but there is still a barrier in my way concerning the large and extremely tardy class of free agents that, I feel, must pick their new teams before I can adequately judge any club.  The Indians signing Michael Bourn on Monday brought me slightly closer to this goal(And I'd like to think it made some people who already picked the Indians as basement dwellers of the AL Central feel some form of regret).  That being said, I decided I will make a list ranking the remaining free agents by how likely they are to actually play baseball for the 2013 season:

1.  Kyle Lohse-Best starting pitcher, still available, no surprise he'd hold out this long but he is the next to sign, without a doubt. -Signed with Brewers

2.  Brian Wilson-People need closers and sure he's a little expensive but he's still very much a capable closer.

3.  Jose Valverde-See the reasoning for Brian Wilson, but his late season meltdown makes him slowly harder to sign. -Signed with Tigers

4.  Kameron Loe-Middle inning reliever who just needs a capable infield behind him to be highly productive, no brainer he'll sign somewhere. -Signed with Mariners

5. Todd Coffey-See Kameron Loe, except Coffey is in much worse shape.

6.  Ryan Theriot-Nothing to lose on Theriot, one of the best utility players out there.

7.  Rafael Perez-Left handed reliever who I'm surprised is still on the market. -Signed with Twins

8.  Freddy Sanchez-Could still hit, could still field, just an injury threat.

9.  Casey Kotchman-His high average a few years back might have been a fluke but he still has an amazing glove. -Signed with Marlins

10. Chris Young-Someone's bound to take a shot at the oft injured innings eater. Signed with Nationals

Number 11 is a group of people who should sign, in fact I hope they sign, but I could see reasons why they would be left jobless this year:
11. Dustin Moseley, Francisco Rodriguez Signed with Brewers, Derek Lowe Signed with Rangers, Jim Thome, Scott Podsednik, Carlos Zambrano, Brian Bruney, Tim Dillard, Jason Repko

Number 12 is just like number 11 except they're slightly less likely to sign:
12. Joey Devine, Dallas Braden, Francisco Cordero, Johnny Damon, Aubrey Huff -"Pretty Much Retired," Adam Kennedy, Brandon Inge -Signed with the Pirates, Bobby Jenks, Vladimir Guerrero, Joe Biemel, David Pauley

The following players don't apply to my rules as they are mostly injured and/or plan to sign mid-season or next season:
NA: Roy Oswalt, Grady Sizemore, Randy Wolf, Carl Pavano

And last but not least, I believe the following players have played their last games:
Matt Treanor, Miguel Cairo Retired, Carlos Lee, Willie Harris, Orlando Hudson, Jason Bartlett, Scott Rolen, Bobby Abreu, Jamie Moyer(Unfortunately), Chien-Ming Wang Signed with Yankees, Kip Wells, Jose Contreras Signed with Pirates, Livan Hernandez, Jason Isringhausen Retired, Guillermo Mota, Brad Penny, JC Romero Signed with Nationals, Mike Macdougal, Ramon Colon Signed with Pirates, Vinny Chaulk, DJ Carrasco

So in conclusion, I will make my annual predictions once 2-3 of the top ten "most likely to sign soon" free agents finally sign.