2011 MLB Opening Day: 5 Bold Predictions for the MLB Season

Opening Day is finally here. Every team and every player is starting with a clean slate and the chance to make history. Writers and reporters across America are making their predictions for who they think will do what, and why. So while every other "expert" is busy picking the Phillies and Red Sox to win the World Series in 2011, I have provided you with some valiant predictions that you won’t find coming out of your major sports networks.

José Bautista Will Hit Fewer Than 40 HRs

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

DUNEDIN, FL - FEBRUARY 26: Infielder Jose Bautista #19 of the Toronto Blue Jays bats against the Detroit Tigers February 26, 2011 at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

After his ridiculous season, Bautista has nowhere to go but down. Prior to 2010, Bautista had never hit more than 16 HRs in a season and had only compiled 59 total in his seven previous seasons at the major league level. José signed a fat, five-year, $65 million contract this offseason, so the incentive for him to succeed could easily disappear. Pitchers will likely pitch around him or have him figured out as the season progresses and the AL East remains one of the toughest divisions, if not the toughest division in baseball.

The Milwaukee Brewers Will Win the NL Central

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ - MARCH 14: Prince Fielder#28 of the Milwaukee Brewers prepares to bat against the San Francisco Giants during the spring training baseball game at Scottsdale Stadium on March 14, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/G

After finishing 77-85 last season, Milwaukee is poised to make a run in 2011. Once new acquisition Zack Greinke returns to the rotation, the Brewers will have one of the strongest rotations 1-3 in baseball. Gallardo has shown flashes of greatness and Shaun Marcum’s move to the NL should further improve on his last season’s 3.64 ERA. Closer, John Axford is on the rise and could easily post over 40 saves this season. Bats like Braun and Fielder should provide ample run support in an extremely weak division.

Robinson Cano Will Win the AL MVP

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TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 26: Infielder Robinson Cano #24 of the New York Yankees fouls off a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during a Grapefruit League Spring Training Game at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 26, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. (Pho

Despite cooling off towards the end of the 2010 season, Cano managed an impressive .319 BA, 29 HR, 109 RBI and 103 runs. He finished third in MVP voting last season and has seen improvement in each of his six seasons with the Yankees. If he can up his power numbers just a little bit and continue to perform in clutch situations, an MVP award in 2011 is highly possible.

Felix Hernandez Will Be Dealt by the Trade Deadline

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TORONTO - SEPTEMBER 23: Felix Hernandez #34 of the Seattle Mariners points to a fly ball during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays on September 23, 2010 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays defeated the Mariners 1-0. (Photo by

Despite having a no-trade clause in place to many of the major markets, the Mariners need to rebuild. The 2012 offseason will reveal very few strong starting pitchers on free agency so King Felix’s value will be at an all-time high. Coming off the Cy Young season he should continue to dominate. If the Mariners flail as expected, then Hernandez may think twice about staying in a minor market.

Chris Young and Hanley Ramirez Will Both Join the 40/40 Club

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PHOENIX - JULY 11: Infielder Hanley Ramirez #2 of the Florida Marlins throws past the sliding Chris Young #24 of the Arizona Diamondbacks to complete a double play during the third inning of the Major League Baseball game at Chase Field on July 11, 2010

This one is a reach, but if anyone has a chance it’s these two. Last season Chris Young quietly hit 27 HRs with 28 SBs. As he continually improves as one of the few bright spots in Arizona’s lineup, he could break through in 2011.

In order for him to reach the 40 HR/40 SB milestone he’ll need to see a lot of pitches and improve his career BA of only .242. Han-Ram is already a member of the 30/30 club and told reporters he plans on stealing 50 bases this season. In an improving Marlin’s lineup which features the likes of Chris Coughlan and Mike Stanton, Hanley should see enough pitches to put up some serious power numbers.

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