MLB Opening Day: One Man's 2009 Predictions

Bryce Williford

Contributor Written on April 05, 2009

Previous Next

Slide 1 of 6

NEW YORK - APRIL 03: Spectators wait for the game to between the New York Yankees of the Chicago Cubs to start on April 3, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. The exhibition game is the first game to be played at the New Yankee S

(Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

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

PHILADELPHIA - APRIL 4: First baseman Carlos Pena #23 of the Tampa Bay Rays gets congratulated by teammates left fielder Carl Crawford #13 and third baseman Evan Longoria #3 after hitting a 3 run home-run in the top of the first inning during the game aga

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?

NEW YORK - APRIL 04: Alfonso Soriano #12 of the Chicago Cubs dives back into first base against the New York Yankees during their game on April 4, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

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

NEW YORK - APRIL 04: Jason Varitek #33 of the Boston Red Sox congratulates teammate Jed Lowrie #12 after his first inning grand slam that scored Mike Lowell #25, Kevin Youkilis #20, and David Ortiz #34 against the New York Mets on April 4, 2009 at Citi

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

GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 13: Josh Hamilton #32 of the Texas Rangers at bat during a Spring Training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 13, 2009 at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)

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)

Begin Slideshow

That's the end of this slideshow, here are a few more you might like...

The Rundown: 10 Best Mascots in Baseball

Over the years, the mascot has evolved immensely and their significance has been debated since their conceptions. From Mr. Red to the Klement's Racing Sausages, the mascot has always been a vital part of the sports experience...
Mets Roster I'd Like to See in 2010

The Mets had a dreadful sesaon in 09.although many injuries plauged them as well as missing holes.they are sure to strike back in 2010.Hopewfullyqith this roster.Here is my opinion of the Mets 2010 roster...
Overlooked and Underappreciated: Tim Raines

Tim Raines Left Fielder First Year of Eligibility: 2008 Career Highlights: Seven-time All-Star; three-time World Series champion; one Silver Slugger award...

(0)

6 Comments

There are no comments yet. Get the conversation started by leaving the first comment

Loading more comments...

posted just now

Loading...
Nobody has liked this comment yet

Cancel

This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete

<form action="/accounts/create_from_facebook_comment" class="new_facebook_user" id="new_facebook_user" method="post">	<input id="facebook_user_facebook_id" name="facebook_user[facebook_id]" type="hidden" />
	<input id="facebook_user_proxied_email" name="facebook_user[proxied_email]" type="hidden" />
	<input id="facebook_user_profile_pic" name="facebook_user[profile_pic]" type="hidden" />
	<input id="facebook_user_profile_url" name="facebook_user[profile_url]" type="hidden" />
	<ul>
		<div id="facebook_questions">
			<li class="fb-question" id="facebook_full_name_container">
				<p class="question">
					<label for="facebook_user_use_full_name">Use your full name <strong class="full_name"></strong> on Bleacher Report?</label>
					<br />
				</p>
				<p class="options">
					<input name="facebook_user[use_full_name]" type="hidden" value="0" /><input checked="checked" id="facebook_user_use_full_name" name="facebook_user[use_full_name]" type="checkbox" value="1" />
					<label for="facebook_user_use_full_name">Yes</label>
				</p>
				<div class="input full-name-edit" style="display:none">
					<p>Edit your name for Bleacher Report:</p>
					<div class="fb-first-name">
						<label for="facebook_user_first_name">First Name <em>(required)</em></label>
						<input class="signup_text_input" id="facebook_user_first_name" name="facebook_user[first_name]" size="30" type="text" />
						
					</div>
	
					<div class="fb-last-name">
						<label for="facebook_user_last_name">Last Name <em>(required)</em></label>
						<input class="signup_text_input" id="facebook_user_last_name" name="facebook_user[last_name]" size="30" type="text" />
						
					</div>
				</div>
			</li>
			<li class="fb-question">
				<p class="question">
					<img src="/images/default-user-icon-medium.png" class="profile_pic" />
					<label for="facebook_user_use_profile_pic">Do you want to use your Facebook profile picture on Bleacher Report?</label>
				</p>
				<p class="options">
					<input name="facebook_user[use_profile_pic]" type="hidden" value="0" /><input checked="checked" id="facebook_user_use_profile_pic" name="facebook_user[use_profile_pic]" type="checkbox" value="1" />
					<label for="facebook_user_use_profile_pic">Yes</label>
					
				</p>
			</li>
			<li>
				<a id="facebook_connect_submit"><img src="/images/shared/submit.png" /></a>
			</li>
		</div>
	</ul>
</form>

215
reads

6
comments

0
likes

written on April 05, 2009 Preview/Prediction

<form action="/accounts/create_from_facebook" class="new_facebook_user" id="new_facebook_user" method="post">	<input id="facebook_user_proxied_email" name="facebook_user[proxied_email]" type="hidden" />
	<input id="facebook_user_profile_pic" name="facebook_user[profile_pic]" type="hidden" />
	<input id="facebook_user_facebook_id" name="facebook_user[facebook_id]" type="hidden" />
	<input id="facebook_user_profile_url" name="facebook_user[profile_url]" type="hidden" />
	<ul>
					<li class="fb-question">
				<div class="input">
											<div id="facebook_placebo_submit">
							<img src="/images/shared/submit.png" />
						</div>
										<div class="fb-first-name" id="fb-email">
						<p><strong>Email Address</strong></p>
						<input class="signup_text_input" id="facebook_user_email" name="facebook_user[email]" size="30" type="text" />
						<img alt="Small" id="facebook_email_indicator" src="http://assets0.bleacherreport.com/images/shared/spinners/small.gif?1259645324" style="display:none" />
						
					</div>
				</div>
				<div class="input" id="facebook_password_container" style="display:none">
					<div class="fb-first-name notice">
						<p>This email address matches an existing user profile. Please enter your password to connect your accounts.</p>
						<p><strong>Password</strong></p>
						<input class="signup_text_input" id="facebook_user_password" name="facebook_user[password]" size="30" type="password" />
						
					</div>
				</div>
			</li>
				<div id="facebook_questions" style="display:none">
			<li class="fb-question" id="facebook_full_name_container">
				<p class="question">
					<label for="facebook_user_use_full_name">Use your full name <strong class="full_name"></strong> on Bleacher Report?</label>
					<br />
				</p>
				<p class="options">
					<input name="facebook_user[use_full_name]" type="hidden" value="0" /><input checked="checked" id="facebook_user_use_full_name" name="facebook_user[use_full_name]" type="checkbox" value="1" />
					<label for="facebook_user_use_full_name">Yes</label>
				</p>
				<div class="input full-name-edit" style="display:none">
					<p>Edit your name for Bleacher Report:</p>
					<div class="fb-first-name">
						<label for="facebook_user_first_name">First Name <em>(required)</em></label>
						<input class="signup_text_input" id="facebook_user_first_name" name="facebook_user[first_name]" size="30" type="text" />
						
					</div>
	
					<div class="fb-last-name">
						<label for="facebook_user_last_name">Last Name <em>(required)</em></label>
						<input class="signup_text_input" id="facebook_user_last_name" name="facebook_user[last_name]" size="30" type="text" />
						
					</div>
				</div>
			</li>
			<li class="fb-question">
				<p class="question">
					<img src="/images/default-user-icon-medium.png" class="profile_pic" />
					<label for="facebook_user_use_profile_pic">Do you want to use your Facebook profile picture on Bleacher Report?</label>
				</p>
				<p class="options">
					<input name="facebook_user[use_profile_pic]" type="hidden" value="0" /><input checked="checked" id="facebook_user_use_profile_pic" name="facebook_user[use_profile_pic]" type="checkbox" value="1" />
					<label for="facebook_user_use_profile_pic">Yes</label>
					
				</p>
			</li>
			<li class="fb-question" id="facebook_interested_in_writing_container">
				<p class="question"><label for="facebook_user_interested_in_writing">Are you interested in covering your favorite teams and sports?</label></p>
				<p class="options">
					<input name="facebook_user[interested_in_writing]" type="hidden" value="0" /><input id="facebook_user_interested_in_writing" name="facebook_user[interested_in_writing]" type="checkbox" value="1" />
					<label for="facebook_user_interested_in_writing">Yes</label>
					
				</p>
			</li>
			<li class="fb-question">
				<p class="question"><label for="facebook_user_share_activity">Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity in your Facebook activity feed?</label></p>
				<p class="options">
					<input name="facebook_user[share_activity]" type="hidden" value="0" /><input checked="checked" id="facebook_user_share_activity" name="facebook_user[share_activity]" type="checkbox" value="1" />
					<label for="facebook_user_share_activity">Yes</label>
					
					<br />
					<a href="#" id="share_facebook_activity_advanced_link">Advanced Sharing Options</a>
				</p>
				<p id="share_facebook_activity_advanced" style="display:none">
					<input name="facebook_user[share_activity_article_writing]" type="hidden" value="0" /><input checked="checked" id="facebook_user_share_activity_article_writing" name="facebook_user[share_activity_article_writing]" type="checkbox" value="1" />
					<label for="facebook_user_share_activity_article_writing">When I write a new article</label>
					<br /><input name="facebook_user[share_activity_comment]" type="hidden" value="0" /><input checked="checked" id="facebook_user_share_activity_comment" name="facebook_user[share_activity_comment]" type="checkbox" value="1" />
					<label for="facebook_user_share_activity_comment">When I post a comment</label>
					<br /><input name="facebook_user[share_activity_like]" type="hidden" value="0" /><input checked="checked" id="facebook_user_share_activity_like" name="facebook_user[share_activity_like]" type="checkbox" value="1" />
					<label for="facebook_user_share_activity_like">When I like an article</label>
					<br /><input name="facebook_user[share_activity_poll_vote]" type="hidden" value="0" /><input checked="checked" id="facebook_user_share_activity_poll_vote" name="facebook_user[share_activity_poll_vote]" type="checkbox" value="1" />
					<label for="facebook_user_share_activity_poll_vote">When I vote on a poll</label>
					<br /><input name="facebook_user[share_activity_fan]" type="hidden" value="0" /><input checked="checked" id="facebook_user_share_activity_fan" name="facebook_user[share_activity_fan]" type="checkbox" value="1" />
					<label for="facebook_user_share_activity_fan">When I become a fan of another member</label>
				</p>
			</li>
			<li class="fb-question">
				<p class="question"><label for="facebook_user_fan_friends">Become fans of your Facebook friends connected to Bleacher Report?</label></p>
				<p class="options">			
					<input name="facebook_user[fan_friends]" type="hidden" value="0" /><input checked="checked" id="facebook_user_fan_friends" name="facebook_user[fan_friends]" type="checkbox" value="1" />
					<label for="facebook_user_fan_friends">Yes</label>
					
				</p>
			</li>
			<li>
				<a id="facebook_connect_submit"><img src="/images/shared/submit.png" /></a>
			</li>
		</div>
	</ul>
</form>

Sign up for Bleacher Report

Already have an account? Log in now » As a member you can get the latest on your favorite teams, post comments, write your own articles, and much more.

Join Bleacher Report

You must register in order for that functionality to work!

Sign up through Facebook

Follow your Facebook friends on Bleacher Report
Share your articles, comments, and more with friends

Great, , you're signed up!

i.e. San Francisco Giants, SEC Football, NFL, Golf

Selected Tags:

Yes, I'd like to receive an email newsletter for the topics I selected.