Preseason MLB Predictions

The Major League Baseball season is less than a week away. Now is the perfect time to do what all fans love to do: speculate.

With that said, here are my predictions for this year's post-season awards in the American and National League.

AL MVP: Mark Teixeira, 1B, New York Yankees

Looking to rationalize an enormous contract, Teixeira will be the main offensive co-responsible for the Yankees returning to post-season play. The key for Teixeira will be avoiding his usual slow start.

The Bombers have endured slow starts from almost all of their bats over the past half decade, save for Alex Rodriguez who will be out for the first month of the season.

Without A-Rod being around to help the team stay afloat, Teixeira will keep the Yanks in the hunt with his bat.

Predicted Stat Line: .293 AVG, 38 HR's, 127 RBI's, 104 Runs Scored.

Runner Up Candidates: Justin Morneau, Miguel Cabrera, and Evan Longoria.

Sleeper Candidate: Matt Holliday.

NL MVP: Manny Ramirez, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

By far, Ramirez is the premier hitter in the National League's best lineup. His key will be staying healthy long enough to put up the numbers.

Hamstrung thus far through spring training, and at age 36, his durability is a legitimate concern. However, Torre has dealt with aging stars throughout his career (Paul O'Neill, David Justice, etc) and will monitor his workload well enough to keep his bat in the lineup.

Projected Stat Line: 319 AVG, 32 HR's. 134 RBI, 97 Runs Scored.

Runner Up Candidates: Albert Pujols, Hanley Ramirez, and David Wright.

Sleeper Candidate: Chipper Jones.

AL Cy Young: Francisco Liriano, Minnesota Twins

A full year of the one-time phenom will help lead the Twins to a division title. The circle change should continue to be devastating as all reports are that the velocity is still on the fastball. This is the year he helps the fans in the Homerdome start to forget about Johan Santana.

Projected Stat Line: 19-4, 3.11 ERA, 219 K's.

Runner Up Candidates: Roy Halladay, Daisuke Matsuzaka, and CC Sabathia.

Sleeper Candidate: Jon Lester.

NL Cy Young: Brandon Webb, Arizona Diamondbacks

Outside of Roy Halladay, is there any pitcher in the baseball who you can safely predict will win 15 games?

That sinker is one of the five most dominant pitches in baseball and the development of the young hitters should help get that win total up. Just imagine how big a star this guy would be if he were throwing in New York, Boston or Philadelphia.

Projected Stat Line: 21-9, 2.86 ERA, 187 K's.

Runner Up Candidates: Johan Santana, Tim Lincecum, and Cole Hamels.

Sleeper Candidate: Chad Billingsley.

AL ROY: Matt Wieters, C, Baltimore Orioles

When he gets called up, Wieters will immediately become one of the five best all-around catchers in the game. It is only a matter of time before he gets his shot and infuses hope into a baseball city that desperately needs it.

Projected Stat Line: 271 AVG, 16 HR's, 67 RBI.

Runner Up Candidates: David Price, Elvis Andrus, and Travis Snider.

Sleeper Candidate: Rick Porcello.

NL ROY: Cameron Maybin, OF, Florida Marlins

Power and speed are some of the facets of Maybin's game, who's a natural athlete that makes the game look easy. Defense leaves a little to be desired, but he's a treat to watch in the batters box.

Stardom has been waiting for him since he turned around a Roger Clemens fastball at Yankee Stadium two years ago.

Projected Stat Line: 263 AVG, 14 HR's, 49 RBI, 33 SB.

Runner Up Candidates: Jordan Zimmerman and Tommy Hanson.

Sleeper Candidate: Kenshin Kawakami.

AL Manager of the Year: Ron Gardenhire, Minnesota Twins

He has finished second an amazing four times. I envision the Twins running away with this division and that should be enough for him to finally get his due. A healthy Joe Mauer will help to ensure he wins this award.

Runner Up Candidates: Joe Maddon, Joe Girardi (go ahead and call me a homer), Mike Scioscia.

Sleeper Candidate: Bob Geren.

NL Manager of the Year: Bobby Cox, Atlanta Braves

Legendary managers that have good years tend to get special treatment from the voters. I think the Braves will surprise this year behind a very good, deep rotation and return to the playoffs.

Runner Up Candidates: Jerry Manuel, Lou Pinella, Joe Torre.

Sleeper Candidate: Dusty Baker.

Playoff Predictions

Divisional Series: Yankees over A's in four, Rays over Twins in five.

Braves over Cubs in four, Mets over Dodgers in four.

Championship Series: Yankees over Rays in six.

Mets over Braves in five.

World Series: Yankees over Mets in six.

World Series MVP: Robinson Cano