Robinson Cano Will Have A Monster Year: Other Bold MLB Predictions

1. After the worst season of his career, Robinson Cano will live up to his potential, and have a monster year in '09.

The 2008 season was somewhat of a wake-up call for Cano, as his numbers dropped dramatically. However, he worked harder than ever with Yankees' hitting coach Kevin Long. For those that don't remember, A-Rod had a strict regiment with Long in the winter before 2007, when Alex produced possibly his best season ever.

In addition to working with Long, Cano has apparently lost five pounds and looks extremely fit. Cano has gone back to the basics with Long, who closed Cano's stance towards the end of '08, which helped Cano hit over.400 in the final couple of weeks.

Long believes in simple, compact swings and has limited movement in Cano's stance, which could also produce more walks.

Cano had a stretch of more than 100 at-bats without a walk in 2008, and he hopes to continue the improvements in his plate vision in 2009. By limiting all the movement Cano used to have, his head will be still, and he will be able to see the ball much more easily. 

Robinson Cano 2009: .315, 25 HR, 105 RBI

2. The New York Mets will go to the World Series

The National League is wide open right now. There is no clear cut favorite, and the Mets made some much needed repairs in the bullpen, adding two of the top closers in all of baseball, JJ Putz and Fransisco Rodriguez. The additions of Putz and Rodriguez give the Mets confidence for innings eight and nine.

If they're able to get some consistency from their starting rotation, the only inning not entirely bulletproof is the 7th. The additions of two dominant relievers are bound to have an impact on the rest of the Mets bullpen, catapulting the Mets to a National League East title—and a trip to the World Series. 

2009 Mets: 95-67

3. The AL West will be a battle between the A's and Angels.

The Angels lost a few big players this off-season, namely Mark Teixeira, one of the most consistent first basemen in baseball, and Fransisco Rodriguez, one of the top closers in baseball.  Both are headed to different boroughs of New York City.

The Angels will be able to fill the closer role with some strong relievers, including young right-hander Jose Arredondo; however, Teixeira's numbers will not be duplicated, so they will need more production from other players.

The Oakland A's will surprise people this season. I think they have a shot at winning the AL West. There is nothing truly inspiring about the A's, but they have a solid group of players that can put together a solid season. 

2009 Angels: 90-72, 2009 A's: 86-76

4. The Tampa Bay Rays will struggle to keep third place in the AL East.

I do not think the Rays have a shot at beating out the Red Sox or Yankees this season, and they will fight with the Blue Jays for third place in the division.

I predict they will get down in late August when it becomes clear that they are out of it, and they will become complacent. They had great success last season, which will only make their failures in '09 more difficult to deal with. 

They will be over .500, but the Jays will give them a fight. The Rays will, however, take third place in the AL East, behind the Yanks and Sox. 

2009 Rays: 87-75

Playoff Predictions:

AL East: Yankees

AL Central: Indians

AL West: Angels

Wild Card: Red Sox

NL East: Mets

NL Central: Cubs

NL West: Dodgers

Wild Card: Phillies

ALDS: Yankees over Angels, Red Sox over Indians

NLDS: Mets over Dodgers, Cubs over Phillies

ALCS: Yankees over Red Sox in 6

NLCS: Mets over Cubs in 5

World Series: Yankees over Mets in 7