2012 MLB Predictions: Spring Training Darlings Guaranteed to Fizzle

Despite the fact that wins and losses in spring training are worth about as much as your old pog collection, it doesn't stop overexcited fans from touting the next break-out team based upon their preseason performance.

As good as a team might look during spring training, they could easily go south once the regular season starts, especially as the pressure of winning games suddenly becomes very real. That isn't to say that teams don't or shouldn't try to win during spring training, but the results are ultimately inconsequential and should be completely forgotten once baseball season truly starts.

Here are three teams that ripped it up during spring training, but will be little more than also-rans at the end of this regular season.


Toronto Blue Jays

No team tore through its competition with more vim and vigor during spring training than the Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto was, by far, the best team during spring training as it went an astonishing 20-4. This has prompted many to suggest that the Jays could be a sleeper in the AL East. To those people, I say keep on dreaming. Because with the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox to contend with, the Jays just aren't ready to be true contenders in baseball's toughest division.

With the added wild card spot there is an outside chance that Toronto could make the playoffs if it can beat out one of the aforementioned teams, but I'm certainly not going to anoint them. The Blue Jays can certainly score some runs as their offense is anchored by my MVP candidate Jose Bautista, but pitching is going to be a major issue. Ricky Romero is a good starter, but he shouldn't be a No. 1. Aside from that, Toronto's pitching options, which include Brandon Morrow and Brett Cecil, are inconsistent. The Jays can score with their divisional counterparts, but pitching will be their downfall when things start to count.


Oakland Athletics

Well, we're one game into the season and the Oakland Athletics are already 0-1 as they dropped the season opener in Japan to the Seattle Mariners. That may not mean much, especially since the A's had to contend with Felix Hernandez, but it isn't the start they were hoping for after a 14-5 spring. You have to believe that the reason for Oakland's strong spring is a dearth of young players competing for jobs, as there doesn't seem to be a lot of Major League talent.

The offense promises to be a mess as it will likely have to be anchored by unproven, Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. As for the pitching, general manager Billy Beane traded away Gio Gonzalez and Trevor Cahill during the offseason, and Brett Anderson is expected to miss the majority of the season. That leaves Brandon McCarthy and a bunch of spare parts, and that simply won't be enough to remain in contention.


San Diego Padres

Despite a general lack of talent, the San Diego Padres have been a thorn in the side of many teams over the past couple seasons. That remained true during spring training, posting a solid 16-12 mark, which was the second best in the NL. Much like the Athletics, however, this was more likely a product of players trying to prove themselves than actual foreshadowing of how the team will fare during the regular season.

San Diego may very well have the worst offense in baseball, particularly as they'll play half their games in spacious Petco Park. The Padres' best offensive player is Carlos Quentin, but he is expected to miss at least a month. San Diego is going to have to win with pitching and defense, but if it can't put runs on the board, then it won't be enough. The Padres could be a sleeper, if the pitching rotation comes together, but I can't see them overtaking the San Francisco Giants.