2011 Baseball Predictions

As usual, here are my basic predictions for 2011. Should be an interesting year. Not sure the Tigers can go all the way but crazier things have happened.

2011 Predictions

American League

East

Boston Redsox - Best team on paper. Bullpen is the question. Could use a catcher
Tampa Bay Rays - They will make a good showing this year but won't have enough.
New York Yankees - Age and starting pitching will catch up to them this year.
Baltimore Orioles - Finally have a credible lineup, and manager.
Toronto Blue Jays - The future is bright. Trading Wells makes this season a success.

Central

Chicago Whitesox - Ozzie does it again. Difference will be pitching not offense.
Minnesota Twins* - The Division will be tough but they'll get the wildcard.
Detroit Tigers - Offense is fine, terrible defense is problem. Could push for 1st.
Cleveland Indians - Still working their way back. Will they trade Choo?
Kansas City Royals - Always rebuilding with no payroll to work with.

West

Oakland Athletics - Upgraded offense will push them over the top.
Texas Rangers - Offense is great but Beltre can't replace Cliff Lee.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - They will scrape out wins but not the old Angels.
Seattle Mariners - Poor Felix and Ichiro. The rest of the team is AAA talent.


Playoffs:

Minnesota over Boston
Chicago over Oakland

Minnesota over Chicago

Cy Young Award: David Price, TAM
MVP: Miguel Cabrera, DET
Rookie of the Year: J.P. Arrencibia, TOR
Batting Champ: Miguel Cabrera, DET


National League

East

Philadelphia Phillies - That pitching will make up for Utley's injuries.
Atlanta Braves* - They look better this year than last year but the defense??
Florida Marlins - Good mix of talent will push them above .500 again.
New York Mets - I'm not sure they know the solution to their problems.
Washington Nationals - Werth was not the answer but that will hang over them.

Central

St. Louis Cardinals - Without Wainwright, they still find a way. Pujols watch.
Cincinnati Reds - Could win but Votto can't keep carrying them.
Milwaukee Brewers - All the moves can't hid the worst defense in MLB.
Houston Astros - I'm not sure how, but they'll win a couple of games.
Chicago Cubs - It will be Cubs chaos this year. What to do with Soriano?
Pittsburgh Pirates - Always rebuilding. I'm hoping for a strong first half.

West

Colorado Rockies - If they have a strong first half, it's over.
San Francisco Giants - Will try to do it again but come a little short.
Arizona Diamondbacks - A new look D-backs and rebound by Upton will help.
San Diego Padres - Was last year a fluke? Probably and now Gonzalez is gone.
Los Angeles Trolley Dodgers - I think this team will be a mess and selling early.

Playoffs

Philadelphia over Colorado
St. Louis over Atlanta

Philadelphia over St. Louis

Cy Young: Josh Johnson, FLA
MVP: Albert Pujols, STL
Rookie of the Year: Freddie Freeman, ATL
Batting Champ: Hanley Ramirez, FLA

World Series

Philadelphia over Minnesota in 7

MVP: Jimmy Rollins