2007 MLB Predictions
Hey, this thread's been kinda dead for a couple of weeks, and spring training's right around the corner, so what's say we get some conversation going, eh? Post your 2007 predictions...
AL East
1. Yankees
2. Red Sox*
3. Blue Jays
4. Orioles
5. Devil Rays
*wild card
Yankees make it 10 straight division titles, edging out a Boston team that has a rotation that could potentially be devastating or could bottom out for a second straight year. Their overall talent should be enough to grab the AL's last playoff spot. The Jays will contend for a wild card but will slip back to their customary spot of 3rd after overtaking Boston a year ago. The Orioles have a rotation that could allow them to surprise, but they've got no shot in this division. The Rays, coming off a disappointing year in which they should have taken a step forward, are still hopelessly stuck in the cellar.
AL Central
1. Tigers
2. White Sox
3. Indians
4. Twins
5. Royals
The Tigers are the obvious pick to win this division with their core from a pennant-winning roster intact. The White Sox made some minor offseason adjustments and should challenge for the division once again, though Buerhle and Vazquez need to pick up their game in the rotation. The Indians were a non-factor this year, but with lower expectations they should perform better. There's just too much young talent on that roster not to hear from them again. The Twins might be the hardest team in baseball to forecast right now. After Santana the rotation is an absolute mess. They still should be a playoff contender, but I see them slipping all the way from first to fourth in this very strong division. The Royals, like Tampa in the East, can already be counted out before the season even starts.
AL West
1. Angels
2. A's
3. Rangers
4. Mariners
This has been a two-team race between the A's and Angels for the last few years, though the Rangers and Mariners have closed the gap. I like the Angels to come out on top because I like their rotation better than Oakland's now that Zito has moved across the bay, though a healthy Harden should make up for that loss. The Rangers potentially have a devastating 1-2 bullpen punch in Gagne and Otsuka, though getting them the ball is always worrisome. Youngsters will have to fill out the rotation behind Millwood and Padilla. The Mariners quietly made strides last season, though they still have work to do. The rotation has been retooled for the better, though it likely will yield another last place finish.
NL East
1. Mets
2. Braves*
3. Phillies
4. Marlins
5. Nationals
*wild card
A very difficult division to sort out. The Mets ran away with it last season, but the Braves and Phillies have made themselves better in the offseasona and the Marlins have gotten older (in a good way) while the Mets did little to improve their highly questionable rotation. But the Mets rotation wasn't exactly imposing last year, and they still won the division by 12 games. It will be closer this year, but the Mets should come out on top again. The peices are in place for a Braves revival in '07, though they need several things to go right. The Phillies have the deepest rotation in the division and a great lineup, but this is a team that never seems to get over the hump, regardless of their talent. The Marlins still likely won't challenge for the division, but can't be counted on with their young rotation and last season's late run. The Nats, on the other hand, can be counted on. Perhaps no team in baseball did less to improve themselves.
NL Central
1. Cardinals
2. Astros
3. Cubs
4. Brewers
5. Reds
6. Pirates
The Cardinals are always a solid pick at the top of this division, but the Astros may get another run for their money for the second spot. The Cubs, on paper, should be baseball's most improved team, but how they mesh will be a huge question mark. And as always, everything hinges on a healthy Prior. The Brewers might have the most underrated rotation in the National League, though like the Cubs with Prior, it's a must that Sheets give them at least 30 starts for a chance to contend. The Reds were the surprise of the NL last year, and with Arroyo and Harang anchoring the rotation they could contend for a second straight year, though a lack of a closer could rear it's ugly head. There's not much for the Pirates to hope for this year, though LaRoche greatly improves the everday lineup.
NL West
1. Dodgers
2. Giants
3. Padres
4. Diamondbacks
5. Rockies
After a few down years, the West is maybe the deepest division in baseball with five teams with legitimate postseason aspirations. The Dodgers lead the way with the best overall talent in the division, though the Giants are close behind. Zito's presence along with Cain's ascension to stardom give them a rotation that strikes fear into the rest of this division. A very old and unimposing everyday lineup will likely keep them outside of the postseason for a fourth straight year, however. The Padres' chances of three-peating in this division depend on how quickly Black adjusts to managing and whether they can finally get adequate production from third base. The D-backs are a potential surprise team, though whether the Big Unit's back can hold up remains a big question mark. Several youngsters will also have to play everday for Arizona. The Rockies, as always, will score enough runs and their bullpen should be fine, but the rotation was weakened with the loss of Jennings. There's talk in Denver of the team's first playoff appearance since '95, though the shaky rotation will probably end those dreams this summer.
ALCS: Tigers over Yankees
NLCS: Dodgers over Cardinals
World Series: Tigers over Dodgers
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