As we approach the 2011 all star break, I have taken a look back at my preseason predictions. Though some were on target, others don't seem to be working out.
For example, I was dead wrong about the Cubs. As foolish as it seems in hindsight, the Cubs didn't look so bad before the season. I thought they had a good pitching staff and with a few tweaks, they had a good shot at the National League Wild Card. They are now sitting in fourth place in the National League Central with a 35-52 record.
Another prediction that I'm changing is about the Yankees. I said the Yankees wouldn't win the American League East and thought their best hope was the Wild Card. I'm now predicting that the Yankees will overtake the Red Sox for the division title.
One prediction I still stand by is this -- I was correct when I predicted that Curtis Granderson would be an all star, which now seems like an understatement.
Here are my updated predictions.
NL EAST: Phillies
Though they are ranked 20th in batting average, they are ranked second in ERA. With Hamels, Lee, and Halladay leading the way, the Phillies will win their 5th consecutive NL East title.
NL CENTRAL: Brewers
With Shaun Marcum, Yovani Galliardo, and a recovering Zack Greinke the Brewers have one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. Also, with Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun in their lineup along with all star second baseman Rickie Weeks, they are the best team in the National League.
NL WEST: Diamondbacks
Led by Ian Kennedy, the Diamondbacks pitching is solid. They also have a formidable lineup which will lead the way.
NL WILD CARD: Braves
With a rotation led by Jair Jurrjens and Tim Hudson, the Braves look like a force to be recond with.
NLCS: Brewers over Phillies
This may seem crazy, but Philadelphia's hitting is not very good. They have players at the heart of their lineup that are very inconsistent or injury prone (Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Raul Ibanez). Meanwhile, The Brewers are led by the red hot Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, and Rickie Weeks.That being said, the Phillies pitching staff is the best in baseball, but with Yovani Gallairdo, Randy Wolf, Shaun Marcum, and Zack Greinke, who is trying to return to form, the Brewers staff isn't half bad.
AL EAST: Yankees
You may think I'm crazy, or just a fan, but I believe they have the second best offense in baseball. Also, with Hughes coming back from the DL, the rotation is solid, as is their bullpen. At this point, the Yankees may be the best team in baseball.
AL CENTRAL: Tigers
Led by Cy Young candidate Justin Verlander and star slugger Miguel Cabrera, the Tigers will put some distance between themselves and the Indians.
AL WEST: Rangers
They are the only really good team in their division, so they will run away with it.
AL WILD CARD: Red Sox
They are the second best team in the league, led by Triple Crown candidate Adrian Gonzalez.
ALCS: Yankees over Red Sox
The Yankees may not have as good an offense as Boston, but they do have a better rotation and bullpen. In the end, good pitching beats good hitting.
WORLD SERIES: Yankees over Brewers
The Yankees have the upper hand in every category and will walk all over the Brewers.
Wait till my guy A-Rod comes back and starts on a 20 home run tear, it always has an effect on the other guys. They were leading the league in home runs by a gigantic number until he went on his slump and is finally having the surgery to bring him back to the guy we know and love (or at least I do). I agree about the pen. AJ is the biggest disappointment since Ed Whitson. We need an Andy Petitte to back up CC, then we're a shoe-in for the World Series.
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