MLB Opening Day: One Man's 2009 Predictions

Tomorrow night, North Carolina takes on Michigan State for the NCAA Men's National Championship.

Over the next week, we'll determine who makes the NBA and NHL Playoffs.

Last week, Penn State took home the NIT Title.

But tonight, at 8 p.m. ET, the Atlanta Braves travel to the City of Brotherly Love to take on the reigning World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies.

Brett Myers' first pitch will kick off seven months of fastballs, home runs, rookie surprises, and compelling stories. Some questions we'll answer together:

Can 2009 belong to the Chicago Cubs?

So many Yankees story lines, so little time. A-Rod's injury, big offseason signings, Joe Girardi on the hot seat.

The chronicles of Stephen Strasburg—Can Washington sign the pitcher many are calling the greatest prospect in baseball history? Will we see him pitching in the nation's capital this summer?

Can the Phillies and Rays repeat last year's surprising performances?

Will Manny Ramirez lead the Dodgers back to the postseason?

The list could go on...but let's get to some predictions. In the meantime, sit back and enjoy baseball in 2009.

2009 Regular Season—Beasts in the East

American League East
1) Tampa Bay Rays
2) Boston Red Sox
3) New York Yankees
4) Toronto Blue Jays
5) Baltimore Orioles

American League Central
1) Detroit Tigers
2) Minnesota Twins
3) Chicago White Sox
4) Cleveland Indians
5) Kansas City Royals

American League West
1) Oakland A's
2) Anaheim Angels
3) Texas Rangers
4) Seattle Mariners

National League East
1) New York Mets
2) Philadelphia Phillies
3) Atlanta Braves
4) Florida Marlins
5) Washington Nationals

National League Central
1) Chicago Cubs
2) Cincinnati Reds
3) St. Louis Cardinals
4) Houston Astros
5) Milwaukee Brewers
6) Pittsburgh Pirates

National League West
1) Los Angeles Dodgers
2) Arizona Diamondbacks
3) San Francisco Giants
4) Colorado Rockies
5) San Diego Padres

2009 Post Season—Is This The Year?

American League Post Season
Division winners
East: Tampa Bay Rays
Central: Detroit Tigers
West: Oakland Athletics
Wild Card: Boston Red Sox

ALDS
Tampa Bay over Detroit
Boston over Oakland

ALCS
Boston over Tampa Bay

National League Post Season
Division winners:
East: New York Mets
Central: Chicago Cubs
West: Los Angeles Dodgers
Wild Card: Arizona Diamondbacks

NLDS
Chicago over Arizona
Los Angeles over New York

NLCS
Chicago over Los Angeles

2009 World Series

For the first time since 1945, the Chicago Cubs will grace October baseball with their presence. After a dominating regular season and avenging 2006/2007 losses to Los Angeles and Arizona, the Cubs will stand victorious upon the National League. Their reward: a date with a healthy, hungry Boston Red Sox team.

Unfortunately for Chicagoans, this is where the Cubs' dream falls short.

Boston is built for the 2009 postseason. A healthy and rested John Smoltz will combine with Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, and Jonathon Pabelbon to shut down the mighty Cubs lineup.

Final Series Score: Boston 4 - Cubs 1

2009 Awards—New Faces, New Places

American League
MVP: Josh Hamilton (TEX), Runner Up: Kevin Youkilis (BOS)
CY Young: James Shields (TAM), Runner Up: CC Sabathia (NYY)
ROY: Rick Porcello (DET), Runner Up: Matt Weiters (BAL)
Manager of the Year: Jim Leyland (DET), Runner Up: Joe Maddon (TAM)

National League
MVP: Aramis Ramirez (CHC), Runner Up: Manny Ramirez (LAD)
CY Young: Tim Lincecum (SFG), Runner Up: Johan Santana (NYM)
ROY: Cameron Maybin (FLA), Runner Up: Jordon Schafer (ATL)