MLB Opening Day Means One Thing: Predictions, Predictions, Predictions

As another season of baseball kicks off in 2009, there will be countless moments to be remembered forever.

However, even before the first wins and losses are logged in newspaper standings, it is time to predict and prognosticate.

Analysts might as well be using a Ouija board to determine the year’s ultimate outcomes, as we have as much certainty as a Vegas man trying his luck on the roulette wheel.

Regardless of that fact, every baseball lover makes his or her best attempt at being 2009’s version of Nostradamus.

It is officially my turn to peer into a crystal ball and tell others what I have seen. Here goes nothing.

American League Division Winners:

AL East: Boston Red Sox

AL Central: Minnesota Twins

AL West: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Wildcard: New York Yankees

National League Division Winners:

NL East: New York Mets

NL Central: Chicago Cubs

NL West: Arizona Diamondbacks

Wildcard: Philadelphia Phillies

2009 Playoff Predictions:

ALDS: Yankees over Angels; Red Sox over Twins

NLDS: Mets over Diamondbacks; Phillies over Cubs

ALCS: Yankees vs. Red Sox

NLCS: Mets vs. Phillies

2009 Individual Awards:

AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera (1B Tigers)

NL MVP: David Wright (3B Mets)

AL Rookie of the Year: Elvis Andrus (SS Rangers)

NL Rookie of the Year: Jordan Schafer (CF Braves)

AL Comeback Player of the Year: Robinson Cano (2B Yankees)

NL Comeback Player of the Year: Troy Tulowitzki (SS Rockies)

AL Cy Young: Roy Halladay (Blue Jays)

NL Cy Young: Johan Santana (Mets)

AL Bust of the Year: Curtis Granderson (CF Tigers)

NL Bust of the Year: Brandon Phillips (2B Reds)

AL Manager of the Year: Ron Gardenhire (Twins)

NL Manager of the Year: Bob Melvin (Diamondbacks)

I will, however, wait several months in order to make ALCS/NLCS and World Series predictions. If for no other reason, the karma and jinx factors should be postponed as long as possible.

There exists nothing more passionate in playoff baseball than the clash of bitter division rivals. If my instincts prove correct, the baseball world should be given an early Christmas present come October.

It should be a very exciting and memorable season in 2009. Time has crawled by as if watching grass grow, but it is again time for baseball.

http://heartbeatofthebronx.blogspot.com/