As the new era seasons go on, more and more the fans clamor for an All-Stars type season. It's got to be inevitable. Perhaps Season 50? But with that in mind, I thought I'd cast for that season.
For now, I'm going to stick with the same 18-player, three-tribe format. I thought about changing it to two tribes of ten, or upping the tribes to seven players, but it just gets too messy then. I'll be doing my best to keep players on separate tribes if they were on the same season, but especially if they were on the same starting tribe on that season. I'll also try to keep the tribes equal in terms of entertainment value but also in terms of challenge strength, and try to keep the diversity mandate which states half the cast needs to be a minority race. And for this, I'm not going to include any winners. They just clog it up too much, anyway.
Also, I may update in this in the future when new seasons come out, but for now, here are my All-Star teams through Season 45:
BLUE TRIBE:
Ricard Foye, 41
Jonathan Young, 42
Jake O'Kane, 45
Emily Flippen, 45
Lauren Harpe, 44
Karla Cruz Godoy, 43
RED TRIBE:
Jesse Lopez, 43
Kaleb Gebrewold, 45
Matt Blankinship, 44
Carolyn Wiger, 44
Liana Wallace, 41
Lindsay Dolashewich, 42
GREEN TRIBE:
Cody Assenmacher, 43
Q Burdette, 46
Omar Zaheer, 42
Sydney Segal, 41
Heidi Lagares-Greenblatt, 44
Jenny Kim, 42
These tribes may seem lopsided. But I think they are strong in their own ways. Blue clearly has physical strength. Red tribe has savviness and some all-around players. Green tribe has some good puzzle solvers and thinkers. I'd like to think with this cast, we'd see the Blue tribe jump out to an early lead but have the Green tribe catch up and possibly win thanks to the puzzle.
Showing posts with label All. Show all posts
Showing posts with label All. Show all posts
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Casting Survivor, New Era All-Stars
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
Survivor: Winners at War Outlook and Predictions
One of the most anticipated seasons of Survivor in recent memory is the upcoming season, season 40, titled "Winners at War". For the first time, the cast will be comprised entirely of players who have won the game before. This has long been rumored to be a season, and for their 40th, Survivor is going all out. And for the first time, they are offering up $2 million as the grand prize for the winner. I'm very excited for this season, the most excited I have been probably since Heroes vs. Villains. I'm going to go over each contestant, their chances, and what I expect from them, and then at the end, give them a range in which I think they'll be voted out. (In parentheses)
First though, I wanted to say I think there will be a divide between new school and old school players. People like Ethan, Rob, Amber, Danni, Yul, Parvati, and Tyson have known each other for many years (at least ten), while newer players like Wendell, Nick, Michelle, Adam, and Sarah haven't known everyone for quite as long. I think the old school people will stick together and the new school people will stick together. I can only hope there's somewhat of a mix when we get far into the game, and the new school people don't just pick them off one by one. By my count, there are eight players who played in a season in the first ten years (up until Heroes vs. Villains), and twelve who did not. If those twelve band together (six per tribe?), they could pick off the older players one by one.
Anyway, here's the list of previous winners on Winners at War, sorted alphabetically by first name:
Adam Klein: Adam is definitely a strong strategic player and may be identified as so early. It's been a trend in recent seasons that strong strategic threats are just as dangerous, if not more so, than strong physical (challenge) threats. He could be an early boot, but if he makes the right alliance could go far. (11-5)
Amber Mariano: One of two Survivors that hasn't played in over 15 years, Amber will instantly be a target, not just because of her and Rob, but because she's won an All-Stars season before. It will be interesting to see how she holds up, as I expect her and Rob will be on opposite tribes at first. I don't expect her to get far, and to be honest I'd be surprised if she made it to the merge. (20-14)
Ben Driebergen: Everyone knows Ben's story. He was saved by a twist in the game, a twist many fans think was put in for the purpose of saving him. He's obviously likable, and I don't see him making it to the final tribal council. I expect him to be voted out near the merge, as he would probably be labeled a threat to win. (13-8)
Danni Boatwright: How will players who haven't played in over a decade fare? Well, Danni is one of them. She, like Amber, has had kids since her season, so that could put her at a disadvantage physically, as well as making her out to be a threat to win. She could be an early boot or make it far, depending on how well she holds up and who she makes alliances with. (18-12)
Denise Stapley: The woman who holds the record for amount of Tribal Councils attended in a season, she'll need to have better luck this time or she will be voted out for people thinking she is bad luck for a tribe. After all, in Heroes vs. Villains, Stephanie was basically voted out for that reason. I think Denise will make it to the merge if her tribe does okay, but after that I'm not sure. (13-8)
Ethan Zahn: The true Survivor. This will be his first time playing since his cancer scare/diagnosis, and he definitely will be a threat to win. I think it will be very hard for him to make it far in this game, as who wouldn't vote for a cancer survivor in the final tribal council? (19-14)
Jeremy Collins: I think Jeremy is the dark horse of the season. People will be so focused on getting other people out that he will slip by. He's a really good all-around player, and people may forget how dangerous he can be late in the game. I think he'll make it far. However, I noticed he is the only male to ever win an "All-Stars" type season, so if people realize that he could be in trouble. (9-4)
Kim Spradlin: Kim is probably the one I remember least, so please forgive me. I think she'll make it further than most females, as she won't be considered a threat for any reason. (10-4)
Michele Fitzgerald: She played five years ago, and is the second most-recent female winner. I think she could make it far, depending on the alliances she forms. I like her chances. (8-2)
Natalie Anderson: For some reason I have a strong feeling she is on the jury. I can't explain it. She could be underestimated, but she could also be an early boot. Hard to say. I'll say somewhere in the middle. (12-6)
Nick Wilson: Will the recent winners be early targets? If they are, Nick could be in trouble. If not, I can see him making it far, perhaps forming an alliance with some more recent winners (Wendell, Michele, Sarah). (7-2)
Parvati Shallow: Like Amber, she's technically won an All-Stars season, so I think she will be an early target. Like Amber and Danni, she's also had kids since the show. People will know she can win over a jury, so I'd be shocked if she got close to the end. (18-12)
Rob Mariano: Survivor's golden boy! Boy, he's gonna have his work cut out for him. If there's a Survivor Mount Rushmore, him and his Red Sox cap are on it. Will this go the way similar to Redemption Island, or Heroes vs. Villains? Oddly, Rob has never been part of a jury, and I would love to see him there. (13-8)
Sandra Diaz-Twine: Now, she's the only two-time winner, but here's what I think her strategy will be: She'll convince people that no one will vote for her in the final tribal council and she won't get any votes. If she isn't able to convince people of that, she'll be an early target. But if she can, she could go far, but I'm sure there will be people who won't want her even sniffing the final tribal. Could go either way, but I think people won't care and will want her gone. (20-14)
Sarah Lacina: The most recent female winner of Survivor (still), Sarah has a good shot to go far, I think. I don't see her being labeled as a threat, at least not early. She's got a real good shot, and if I had to put my money on a handful of Survivors who could win this season, she'd probably be one of them. (7-1)
Sophie Clarke: I honestly think she's one of the weaker winners. She went against Albert and Coach in the final tribal council, neither of whom are deserved winners themselves. But that doesn't mean she can't do well in this season. Nobody is going to consider her a threat, and if she makes the right alliance, she could go far. (8-3)
Tony Vlachos: Tony is the quintessential Survivor target now having won. He also can rub people the wrong way. He and Sarah have an iffy relationship so we'll see how that goes. I don't see him making it far, maybe even a pre-merge boot. (18-12)
Tyson Apostol: Tyson is one of my favorite Survivors ever, and I hope he goes far. I think he will so long as he doesn't get down in numbers. Jury at the least, I bet. (11-6)
Wendell Holland: The only Survivor to win on a tie-breaking vote is this man. He's a good all-around player and I don't see him being a target early. I'd love to see him get far again. Here's hoping he will. (7-1)
Yul Kwon: Yul's smarts and wisdom will make him an early target. I could see him being an early boot or making it fairly far. Hard to say, but I think he'll manage to talk his way out of being voted out at least once. (18-12)
So that's what I think of everyone. Remember, only one male has won an All-Stars type season (Jeremy). The rest have been females (Amber, Parvati, Sandra, Sarah). Will that trend continue or will a man win?
Just for fun, I will predict their boot order, keeping in mind everyone's ranges I gave them. I bet I will be pretty close on a few of these.
20. Amber
19. Ethan
18. Sandra
17. Parvati
16. Tony
15. Yul
14. Danni
13. Ben
JURY
12. Denise
11. Rob
10. Natalie
9. Tyson
8. Kim
7. Adam
6. Jeremy
5. Sophie
4. Michele
FINAL THREE
3. Nick
2. Wendell
1. Sarah
That's right, I have Sarah winning Survivor: Winners at War. I could see an alliance of Sarah, Wendell, Nick and Michele. I think Nick and Wendell would kind of cancel each other out in the final tribal council, allowing Sarah to claim the title of Sole Survivor (again). I also have a lot of the older veteran players as early boots (Amber, Ethan, Sandra, Parvati, Yul), unfortunately.
First though, I wanted to say I think there will be a divide between new school and old school players. People like Ethan, Rob, Amber, Danni, Yul, Parvati, and Tyson have known each other for many years (at least ten), while newer players like Wendell, Nick, Michelle, Adam, and Sarah haven't known everyone for quite as long. I think the old school people will stick together and the new school people will stick together. I can only hope there's somewhat of a mix when we get far into the game, and the new school people don't just pick them off one by one. By my count, there are eight players who played in a season in the first ten years (up until Heroes vs. Villains), and twelve who did not. If those twelve band together (six per tribe?), they could pick off the older players one by one.
Anyway, here's the list of previous winners on Winners at War, sorted alphabetically by first name:
Adam Klein: Adam is definitely a strong strategic player and may be identified as so early. It's been a trend in recent seasons that strong strategic threats are just as dangerous, if not more so, than strong physical (challenge) threats. He could be an early boot, but if he makes the right alliance could go far. (11-5)
Amber Mariano: One of two Survivors that hasn't played in over 15 years, Amber will instantly be a target, not just because of her and Rob, but because she's won an All-Stars season before. It will be interesting to see how she holds up, as I expect her and Rob will be on opposite tribes at first. I don't expect her to get far, and to be honest I'd be surprised if she made it to the merge. (20-14)
Ben Driebergen: Everyone knows Ben's story. He was saved by a twist in the game, a twist many fans think was put in for the purpose of saving him. He's obviously likable, and I don't see him making it to the final tribal council. I expect him to be voted out near the merge, as he would probably be labeled a threat to win. (13-8)
Danni Boatwright: How will players who haven't played in over a decade fare? Well, Danni is one of them. She, like Amber, has had kids since her season, so that could put her at a disadvantage physically, as well as making her out to be a threat to win. She could be an early boot or make it far, depending on how well she holds up and who she makes alliances with. (18-12)
Denise Stapley: The woman who holds the record for amount of Tribal Councils attended in a season, she'll need to have better luck this time or she will be voted out for people thinking she is bad luck for a tribe. After all, in Heroes vs. Villains, Stephanie was basically voted out for that reason. I think Denise will make it to the merge if her tribe does okay, but after that I'm not sure. (13-8)
Ethan Zahn: The true Survivor. This will be his first time playing since his cancer scare/diagnosis, and he definitely will be a threat to win. I think it will be very hard for him to make it far in this game, as who wouldn't vote for a cancer survivor in the final tribal council? (19-14)
Jeremy Collins: I think Jeremy is the dark horse of the season. People will be so focused on getting other people out that he will slip by. He's a really good all-around player, and people may forget how dangerous he can be late in the game. I think he'll make it far. However, I noticed he is the only male to ever win an "All-Stars" type season, so if people realize that he could be in trouble. (9-4)
Kim Spradlin: Kim is probably the one I remember least, so please forgive me. I think she'll make it further than most females, as she won't be considered a threat for any reason. (10-4)
Michele Fitzgerald: She played five years ago, and is the second most-recent female winner. I think she could make it far, depending on the alliances she forms. I like her chances. (8-2)
Natalie Anderson: For some reason I have a strong feeling she is on the jury. I can't explain it. She could be underestimated, but she could also be an early boot. Hard to say. I'll say somewhere in the middle. (12-6)
Nick Wilson: Will the recent winners be early targets? If they are, Nick could be in trouble. If not, I can see him making it far, perhaps forming an alliance with some more recent winners (Wendell, Michele, Sarah). (7-2)
Parvati Shallow: Like Amber, she's technically won an All-Stars season, so I think she will be an early target. Like Amber and Danni, she's also had kids since the show. People will know she can win over a jury, so I'd be shocked if she got close to the end. (18-12)
Rob Mariano: Survivor's golden boy! Boy, he's gonna have his work cut out for him. If there's a Survivor Mount Rushmore, him and his Red Sox cap are on it. Will this go the way similar to Redemption Island, or Heroes vs. Villains? Oddly, Rob has never been part of a jury, and I would love to see him there. (13-8)
Sandra Diaz-Twine: Now, she's the only two-time winner, but here's what I think her strategy will be: She'll convince people that no one will vote for her in the final tribal council and she won't get any votes. If she isn't able to convince people of that, she'll be an early target. But if she can, she could go far, but I'm sure there will be people who won't want her even sniffing the final tribal. Could go either way, but I think people won't care and will want her gone. (20-14)
Sarah Lacina: The most recent female winner of Survivor (still), Sarah has a good shot to go far, I think. I don't see her being labeled as a threat, at least not early. She's got a real good shot, and if I had to put my money on a handful of Survivors who could win this season, she'd probably be one of them. (7-1)
Sophie Clarke: I honestly think she's one of the weaker winners. She went against Albert and Coach in the final tribal council, neither of whom are deserved winners themselves. But that doesn't mean she can't do well in this season. Nobody is going to consider her a threat, and if she makes the right alliance, she could go far. (8-3)
Tony Vlachos: Tony is the quintessential Survivor target now having won. He also can rub people the wrong way. He and Sarah have an iffy relationship so we'll see how that goes. I don't see him making it far, maybe even a pre-merge boot. (18-12)
Tyson Apostol: Tyson is one of my favorite Survivors ever, and I hope he goes far. I think he will so long as he doesn't get down in numbers. Jury at the least, I bet. (11-6)
Wendell Holland: The only Survivor to win on a tie-breaking vote is this man. He's a good all-around player and I don't see him being a target early. I'd love to see him get far again. Here's hoping he will. (7-1)
Yul Kwon: Yul's smarts and wisdom will make him an early target. I could see him being an early boot or making it fairly far. Hard to say, but I think he'll manage to talk his way out of being voted out at least once. (18-12)
So that's what I think of everyone. Remember, only one male has won an All-Stars type season (Jeremy). The rest have been females (Amber, Parvati, Sandra, Sarah). Will that trend continue or will a man win?
Just for fun, I will predict their boot order, keeping in mind everyone's ranges I gave them. I bet I will be pretty close on a few of these.
20. Amber
19. Ethan
18. Sandra
17. Parvati
16. Tony
15. Yul
14. Danni
13. Ben
JURY
12. Denise
11. Rob
10. Natalie
9. Tyson
8. Kim
7. Adam
6. Jeremy
5. Sophie
4. Michele
FINAL THREE
3. Nick
2. Wendell
1. Sarah
That's right, I have Sarah winning Survivor: Winners at War. I could see an alliance of Sarah, Wendell, Nick and Michele. I think Nick and Wendell would kind of cancel each other out in the final tribal council, allowing Sarah to claim the title of Sole Survivor (again). I also have a lot of the older veteran players as early boots (Amber, Ethan, Sandra, Parvati, Yul), unfortunately.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Top 10 Favorite TV Characters of All Time
I just got to thinking recently. I've
made my Top TV shows ever, but what about my favorite TV characters? Most shows I've seen have 1 or 2 characters
that really stand out and are well-written, but I'm only going with one per
show (and no animated shows... sorry).
Of course, a lot of credit has to go to the wonderful actors who portrayed
them. Here are my Top 10 Favorite TV
show characters (That I've seen). And
for fun, I will include my favorite moment from that character, as well as a video clip of that moment.
10. Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), Parks and Recreation
I had to include at least one female character on this list, and it's Leslie from Parks and Rec. I actually used to find Amy Poehler really annoying, but now after having watched Parks and Rec, I can say she is really fun to watch. Her character is an inspiration to those at long odds, but with a lot of ambition.
Favorite moment: Leslie and Ben's first kiss
9. Jim Halpert (John Krasinski), The Office
I'm not a huge fan of Michael Scott or Dwight Schrute on The Office, but they are good characters. To me though, no one can top John Krasinski as Jim Halpert. He was so good with the dramatic scenes with him and Pam (Jenna Fischer), and he is especially good at the deadpan stares at the camera. My favorite moments of his though are the numerous pranks he pulls on Dwight.
Favorite moment: When he dresses up and acts like Dwight to annoy him
8. Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), The Big Bang Theory
Sheldon is without a doubt the star of The Big Bang Theory. He's a part of every funny moment on the show it seems like. His obsessive-compulsiveness, his intellectual prowess, just everything make him such a unique character. Jim Parsons has won multiple Emmy's for this role, and for good reason.
Favorite moment: "Bazinga!" (In the ball pit)
7. Hank Moody (David Duchovny), Californication
David Duchovny clearly found his best role as Hank Moody. What I love about Hank is his quick wit, especially with the ladies. He might not always make the right choices, but he always has the right intentions and he's clearly a good guy deep down. He makes picking up chicks look effortless.
Favorite moment: "Boooooo ya! The baby's black, Karen, the baby's black!"
6. Darryl Dixon (Norman Reedus), The Walking Dead
Darryl is many people's favorite character on TWD and he's mine too. Rick is a close 2nd, but he often makes choices and decisions I don't agree with. Darryl is just a badass who will occasionally show his soft side. For these reasons, Darryl cannot be killed off. Many fans would protest and probably petition to have him brought back (somehow). Darryl might put up a tough front, but he's got a soft side deep down.
Favorite moment: Reacting to his brother becoming a walker
5. Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), Friends
Friends is an ensemble cast, and while they all did really good jobs, no one stood out to me more than Matthew Perry as Chandler. Most people would agree Chandler is the funniest of the six, and I'm one of them. What also helps is that he's a very relatable character, dealing with not finding the perfect job to family issues to finding the girl of his dreams.
Favorite moment: The back and forth game with Phoebe, then telling Monica he loves her in TOW Everyone Finds Out
4. John Locke (Terry O'Quinn), LOST
There aren't many characters on TV that go through the trials and tribulations that John Locke goes through in his life. From all the flashbacks and the portrayal of The Smoke Monster/Man in Black as him, he was definitely one of the highlights of the show every week. I really wish he hadn't died, but perhaps he had to in order for him to finally have some peace.
Favorite moment: Admitting he was wrong about not pushing the button in the hatch
3. Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris), How I Met Your Mother
Sure, the show centers around Ted (Josh Radnor) and how he met his kids' mother, but the star is obviously Barney Stinson. NPH is so good at portraying the womanizing Barney that a couple seasons in the writers just gave up and ended up giving him more screen time than any other character, even Ted. Not many (if any) TV characters have made me laugh more.
Favorite moment: Going on The Price is Right (best video I could find)
2. Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), Dexter
No one could have portrayed Dexter quite like Michael C. Hall. Dexter wasn't that complex of a character, which is why he's not #1, but I certainly understood why he was the way he was. Basically, Dexter was a badass and should have gone out in a bad ass way. His character certainly made some questionable decisions near the end.
Favorite moment: Mocking a victim of his by yelling "F**********k!"
1. Walter White (Bryan Cranston), Breaking Bad
I think the role of Walter White should go down as the one of the best TV show characters... EVER... from any time period. Basically, he is a good guy gone bad, but you still feel for him because of his good intentions. Towards the end, he does pretty much go all the way dark side, but he redeems himself in pretty much the coolest way possible. Hard to top that.
Favorite moment: "Say my name." "You're Heisenberg" "You're goddamn right"
10. Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), Parks and Recreation
I had to include at least one female character on this list, and it's Leslie from Parks and Rec. I actually used to find Amy Poehler really annoying, but now after having watched Parks and Rec, I can say she is really fun to watch. Her character is an inspiration to those at long odds, but with a lot of ambition.
Favorite moment: Leslie and Ben's first kiss
9. Jim Halpert (John Krasinski), The Office
I'm not a huge fan of Michael Scott or Dwight Schrute on The Office, but they are good characters. To me though, no one can top John Krasinski as Jim Halpert. He was so good with the dramatic scenes with him and Pam (Jenna Fischer), and he is especially good at the deadpan stares at the camera. My favorite moments of his though are the numerous pranks he pulls on Dwight.
Favorite moment: When he dresses up and acts like Dwight to annoy him
8. Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), The Big Bang Theory
Sheldon is without a doubt the star of The Big Bang Theory. He's a part of every funny moment on the show it seems like. His obsessive-compulsiveness, his intellectual prowess, just everything make him such a unique character. Jim Parsons has won multiple Emmy's for this role, and for good reason.
Favorite moment: "Bazinga!" (In the ball pit)
7. Hank Moody (David Duchovny), Californication
David Duchovny clearly found his best role as Hank Moody. What I love about Hank is his quick wit, especially with the ladies. He might not always make the right choices, but he always has the right intentions and he's clearly a good guy deep down. He makes picking up chicks look effortless.
Favorite moment: "Boooooo ya! The baby's black, Karen, the baby's black!"
6. Darryl Dixon (Norman Reedus), The Walking Dead
Darryl is many people's favorite character on TWD and he's mine too. Rick is a close 2nd, but he often makes choices and decisions I don't agree with. Darryl is just a badass who will occasionally show his soft side. For these reasons, Darryl cannot be killed off. Many fans would protest and probably petition to have him brought back (somehow). Darryl might put up a tough front, but he's got a soft side deep down.
Favorite moment: Reacting to his brother becoming a walker
5. Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), Friends
Friends is an ensemble cast, and while they all did really good jobs, no one stood out to me more than Matthew Perry as Chandler. Most people would agree Chandler is the funniest of the six, and I'm one of them. What also helps is that he's a very relatable character, dealing with not finding the perfect job to family issues to finding the girl of his dreams.
Favorite moment: The back and forth game with Phoebe, then telling Monica he loves her in TOW Everyone Finds Out
4. John Locke (Terry O'Quinn), LOST
There aren't many characters on TV that go through the trials and tribulations that John Locke goes through in his life. From all the flashbacks and the portrayal of The Smoke Monster/Man in Black as him, he was definitely one of the highlights of the show every week. I really wish he hadn't died, but perhaps he had to in order for him to finally have some peace.
Favorite moment: Admitting he was wrong about not pushing the button in the hatch
3. Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris), How I Met Your Mother
Sure, the show centers around Ted (Josh Radnor) and how he met his kids' mother, but the star is obviously Barney Stinson. NPH is so good at portraying the womanizing Barney that a couple seasons in the writers just gave up and ended up giving him more screen time than any other character, even Ted. Not many (if any) TV characters have made me laugh more.
Favorite moment: Going on The Price is Right (best video I could find)
2. Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), Dexter
No one could have portrayed Dexter quite like Michael C. Hall. Dexter wasn't that complex of a character, which is why he's not #1, but I certainly understood why he was the way he was. Basically, Dexter was a badass and should have gone out in a bad ass way. His character certainly made some questionable decisions near the end.
Favorite moment: Mocking a victim of his by yelling "F**********k!"
1. Walter White (Bryan Cranston), Breaking Bad
I think the role of Walter White should go down as the one of the best TV show characters... EVER... from any time period. Basically, he is a good guy gone bad, but you still feel for him because of his good intentions. Towards the end, he does pretty much go all the way dark side, but he redeems himself in pretty much the coolest way possible. Hard to top that.
Favorite moment: "Say my name." "You're Heisenberg" "You're goddamn right"
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
My 2013 Major League Baseball Predictions
Well, it's already March so that means that spring training is underway in
baseball and it's time for my predictions for the 2013 MLB season. First off will be my predictions for all the
teams, awards, and post-season (including my pick for World Series Champs). I correctly predicted the Giants to win the
World Series last year. We'll see if I
can make it two straight. We'll start
with the NL East and head west, so that I do the AL West last.
NL East
1. Atlanta Braves, 97-65
I think the Braves are going to be scary good this year. They have an outfield full of Uptons (and a Heyward), they have Freddie Freeman who, with a consistent season could even garner NL MVP talk, and they have the best closer in baseball right now in Craig Kimbrel.
2. Washington Nationals, 91-71 (Wild Card)
I see a dropoff year for the Nationals, if ever so slightly. I think Bryce Harper will have a Mike Trout type season and get some MVP consideration. Strasburg should be fresh and ready having sat out last postseason. I think the Braves' talent is more ready to win the division this year, but the Nationals are strong enough to get the Wild Card.
3. New York Mets, 80-82
I think the Mets will have a lot of positives this season, but they still have a ways to go before contending again. This season will definitely be seen as moving in the right direction for them, but signing so many oft-injured has-been in recent years has really set them back.
4. Philadelphia Phillies, 80-82
What happened to the Phillies? Used to be perennial pennant contenders. Now, they are barely a .500 team. I'll tell you what happened: Age caught up with them. They will have to undergo a youth movement which has sort of started, but they have a ways to go.
5. Miami Marlins, 73-89
Boy, what a letdown year last season, which I correctly predicted. You can't have too many egos on one team. The Marlins underwent a massive overhaul this offseason, including their coach. But something tells me they could be slightly better than last year. At least they still have Giancarlo Stanton. They just have to hope he stays healthy. Getting beaned by a ball in spring training is not a good sign for Stanton.
NL Central
1. Cincinnati Reds, 88-74
Despite no longer having the Astros to beat up on, I think the Reds will have fewer wins this year, due to increased competition from other NL teams. I see the NL Central being a tight race all season long. I expect Joey Votto to return to near his usual form.
2. St. Louis Cardinals, 86-76 (tied for Wild card)
Somehow this team CAN survive without Pujols. And they almost made it to the World Series, being up 3 to 1 to the Giants. I don't see a repeat of success this year. But I'll have a major league first this year: Two teams tied for the 2nd wild card spot.
3. Pittsburgh Pirates, 82-80
And, on the final game of the season against the Reds, the Pirates pull off a miracle and secure a winning season for the first time in 21 years. They are definitely a team on the rise, and if there ever is a time to break the streak of losing seasons, now is the time.
4. Milwaukee Brewers, 80-82
I told you this would be a tight race, with the 4th place team only 8 games back at the end of the season. I don't know what it is about the Brewers, but they just don't scream post-season. I don't see any sort of awful season for them, but there is just too much competition in the NL Central.
5. Chicago Cubs, 69-93
And then there are the Cubs. The good ol' Cubbies. Well, someday, they will again contend for the NL Central crown, and it doesn't hurt to have one less team to compete against. But someone has gotta be in last place and every other team in their division just have too much talent.
NL West
1. Los Angeles Dodgers, 95-67
The Dodgers lavish amount of spending will finally pay off in a division title. Sorry, Giants fans, but I think 2013 will be the Dodgers year, at least in the regular season. Matt Kemp, Adrian Gonzalez, Hanley Ramirez, Andre Eithier, and Carl Crawford all in the same lineup? Yes please. Oh and the signing of Zack Grienke should give them an ace to carry them throughout the season.
2. San Francisco Giants, 86-76 (tied for wild card)
The Giants come off their championship run with another solid season, but one that they just manage to squeak in to the post-season. I think the Giants will have trouble with the Dodgers next season, so a 2nd place finish would be the landing place I see them in.
3. Arizona Diamondbacks, 79-83
The Diamondbacks had a letdown season after their great 2011 run, but I just don't see them climbing back up. They just don't have the talent. They traded away Justin Upton, so they have even less talent. I don't see a last place finish for the D-Backs, but a first or even second place finish would be quite a surprise.
4. Colorado Rockies, 77-85
I see the Rockies having a bounceback season from last, when they finished dead last in the NL West. I think CarGo and Tulo will regain their hitting prowess and make the Rockies one of the NL's best hitting teams again. But, like always, they have to work on their pitching.
5. San Diego Padres, 62-100
I don't know what it is about these guys, but I just can't see many wins this year from them. Someone has got to lose a ton of games in the NL, and this year I'm picking the Padres. Worst team in baseball? No. Worst team in the NL? Possibly.
AL East
1. Baltimore Orioles, 89-73
Who would have thought a couple years ago that the Orioles would have any shot of a division crown? They have arguably some of the best young talent in the division. The AL East, in my opinion, is the hardest division to predict for 2013. I'll pick the young O birds to come out in top. A good 12 months for Baltimore sports teams.
2. Tampa Bay Rays, 88-74 (Wild card)
What? No Red Sox OR Yankees in the top 2 in the AL East?! That has to be a first, right? No, but it hasn't happened in 21 years. There is too much young hitting with the O's and too much good young pitching with the Rays. They will barely miss the division, but get a wild card.
3. New York Yankees, 81-81
The Yankees without a winning record. Hasn't happened since 1992. But with injuries (Jeter), age (Rivera, Pettitte), and scandal (A-Rod) surrounding the team, I can see it happening. I know it's probably Mariano Rivera's last season, but I just don't see how he can have his dominant stuff. No storybook ending for him.
4. Toronto Blue Jays, 79-83
While I'd like to give the Blue Jays a better record, I just can't. They had probably the best offseason of any team, getting RA Dickey, Melky Cabrera, and Mark Buehrle. But like I've said earlier, too much talent in this division.
5. Boston Red Sox, 75-87
The turnaround won't happen overnight, even for the BoSox. New manager John Farrell won't do much, and with the BoSox not selling out all their games this year like they usually do, fan support will be down. But they'll come back, obviously. Just not this year.
AL Central
1. Detroit Tigers, 95-67
The reigning AL Champs will have an even better regular season than last, motivated by their loss in the World Series to the Giants. If they stay healthy and motivated, they're one of the best teams in the AL. Verlander will more than likely dominate again.
2. Cleveland Indians, 85-77
The Indians are my surprise pick for 2013, with 17 more wins than last year. They play in a division that isn't too difficult, and they made some great moves in the offseason, the best probably being hiring Terry Francona as manager. The Indians will break out and give the Tigers some competition, not just this year, but for years to come.
3. Chicago White Sox, 81-81
The ChiSox always seem to hover between mediocrity and decent for years and years. This year, I expect mediocrity. With the Indians breaking out, someone has to slide down in the division a bit, and that would be the White Sox.
4. Kansas City Royals, 75-87
The AL equivalent of the Pirates (Former contending team now a laughingstock), the Royals will have another ho-hum season. They made very few moves in the offseason and could have gotten a big haul of prospects for Billy Butler, but I guess the Royals have renounced their ways of letting good players go and just trying to hang with them.
5. Minnesota Twins, 67-95
Wow, an improvement of ONE game! What a turnaround! Joe Mauer for MVP! In all seriousness, however, the Twinkies will need more than a new park to return to prevalence.
AL West
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, 99-63
2013 will be the year for Los Angeles area baseball teams. The Angels were really mad after being TWO SPOTS behind the low-payroll Oakland A's last year. The same won't happen again. Hamilton, Pujols, Trout, and co. (Wow that's a lot of talent) will muscle their way to a division crown.
2. Texas Rangers, 90-72 (Wild Card)
Losing Hamilton will hurt. His presence, more than anything was felt throughout the clubhouse. Who is the big star of this team now? Elvis Andrus? Yu Darvish? Despite that, they will continue to compete and earn a wild card berth.
3. Oakland Athletics, 83-79
The A's do have a lot of good young players, but even the biggest of A's fans would admit last year had to do a bit with luck. Alas, their luck ran out and they lost to the Tigers in the division series. They will get back to that level some year, but not 2013.
4. Seattle Mariners, 79-83
Finally. Our Seattle Mariners. It just seems we are so slowly inching our way toward prevalence. Who knew the rebuilding process could take so freaking long? Nevertheless, I'll take an improved record any day. We just have to wait until one of our AL West contenders falls on their face, similar to the 2012 Boston Red Sox. But hey, at least we won't be in last place!
5. Houston Astros, 52-110
The Astros are such a laughingstock right now. Only one guy is making a million or more. Quick, name five Houston Astros players! I can only name one: Jose Altuve, only because he was their All-Star last season. It's odd to see a last place team 27 games behind.... the 4th place team, but it could happen. They might not beat the Angels or Rangers once this year.
2013 MLB Post-Season Predictions
Tie-breakers and wild cards:
NL Wild Card tiebreaker: Giants over Cardinals
NL Wild Card: Nationals over Giants
AL Wild Card: Rays over Rangers
Divisional Round:
NL: Nationals over Braves
Dodgers over Reds
AL: Angels over Rays
Tigers over Orioles
NL Championship: Nationals over Dodgers
AL Championship: Angels over Tigers
World Series: Angels over Nationals, 4-1
Award winners:
AL MVP: Mike Trout, Angels
NL MVP: Stephen Strasburg, Nationals
AL Cy Young: David Price, Rays
NL Cy Young: Stephen Strasburg, Nationals
AL Coach: Terry Francona, Indians
NL Coach: Fredi Gonzalez, Braves
AL Rookie: Wil Myers, Rays
NL Rookie: Darin Ruf, Phillies
There you have it. Again I pick a California team to win it all, but hey, I'm slightly west-cost biased. The Nationals advance to the World Series to make the Seattle Mariners the only current team to have never gone to the World Series. Congrats, Angels. Up next: My predictions for the Seattle Mariners.
NL East
1. Atlanta Braves, 97-65
I think the Braves are going to be scary good this year. They have an outfield full of Uptons (and a Heyward), they have Freddie Freeman who, with a consistent season could even garner NL MVP talk, and they have the best closer in baseball right now in Craig Kimbrel.
2. Washington Nationals, 91-71 (Wild Card)
I see a dropoff year for the Nationals, if ever so slightly. I think Bryce Harper will have a Mike Trout type season and get some MVP consideration. Strasburg should be fresh and ready having sat out last postseason. I think the Braves' talent is more ready to win the division this year, but the Nationals are strong enough to get the Wild Card.
3. New York Mets, 80-82
I think the Mets will have a lot of positives this season, but they still have a ways to go before contending again. This season will definitely be seen as moving in the right direction for them, but signing so many oft-injured has-been in recent years has really set them back.
4. Philadelphia Phillies, 80-82
What happened to the Phillies? Used to be perennial pennant contenders. Now, they are barely a .500 team. I'll tell you what happened: Age caught up with them. They will have to undergo a youth movement which has sort of started, but they have a ways to go.
5. Miami Marlins, 73-89
Boy, what a letdown year last season, which I correctly predicted. You can't have too many egos on one team. The Marlins underwent a massive overhaul this offseason, including their coach. But something tells me they could be slightly better than last year. At least they still have Giancarlo Stanton. They just have to hope he stays healthy. Getting beaned by a ball in spring training is not a good sign for Stanton.
NL Central
1. Cincinnati Reds, 88-74
Despite no longer having the Astros to beat up on, I think the Reds will have fewer wins this year, due to increased competition from other NL teams. I see the NL Central being a tight race all season long. I expect Joey Votto to return to near his usual form.
2. St. Louis Cardinals, 86-76 (tied for Wild card)
Somehow this team CAN survive without Pujols. And they almost made it to the World Series, being up 3 to 1 to the Giants. I don't see a repeat of success this year. But I'll have a major league first this year: Two teams tied for the 2nd wild card spot.
3. Pittsburgh Pirates, 82-80
And, on the final game of the season against the Reds, the Pirates pull off a miracle and secure a winning season for the first time in 21 years. They are definitely a team on the rise, and if there ever is a time to break the streak of losing seasons, now is the time.
4. Milwaukee Brewers, 80-82
I told you this would be a tight race, with the 4th place team only 8 games back at the end of the season. I don't know what it is about the Brewers, but they just don't scream post-season. I don't see any sort of awful season for them, but there is just too much competition in the NL Central.
5. Chicago Cubs, 69-93
And then there are the Cubs. The good ol' Cubbies. Well, someday, they will again contend for the NL Central crown, and it doesn't hurt to have one less team to compete against. But someone has gotta be in last place and every other team in their division just have too much talent.
NL West
1. Los Angeles Dodgers, 95-67
The Dodgers lavish amount of spending will finally pay off in a division title. Sorry, Giants fans, but I think 2013 will be the Dodgers year, at least in the regular season. Matt Kemp, Adrian Gonzalez, Hanley Ramirez, Andre Eithier, and Carl Crawford all in the same lineup? Yes please. Oh and the signing of Zack Grienke should give them an ace to carry them throughout the season.
2. San Francisco Giants, 86-76 (tied for wild card)
The Giants come off their championship run with another solid season, but one that they just manage to squeak in to the post-season. I think the Giants will have trouble with the Dodgers next season, so a 2nd place finish would be the landing place I see them in.
3. Arizona Diamondbacks, 79-83
The Diamondbacks had a letdown season after their great 2011 run, but I just don't see them climbing back up. They just don't have the talent. They traded away Justin Upton, so they have even less talent. I don't see a last place finish for the D-Backs, but a first or even second place finish would be quite a surprise.
4. Colorado Rockies, 77-85
I see the Rockies having a bounceback season from last, when they finished dead last in the NL West. I think CarGo and Tulo will regain their hitting prowess and make the Rockies one of the NL's best hitting teams again. But, like always, they have to work on their pitching.
5. San Diego Padres, 62-100
I don't know what it is about these guys, but I just can't see many wins this year from them. Someone has got to lose a ton of games in the NL, and this year I'm picking the Padres. Worst team in baseball? No. Worst team in the NL? Possibly.
AL East
1. Baltimore Orioles, 89-73
Who would have thought a couple years ago that the Orioles would have any shot of a division crown? They have arguably some of the best young talent in the division. The AL East, in my opinion, is the hardest division to predict for 2013. I'll pick the young O birds to come out in top. A good 12 months for Baltimore sports teams.
2. Tampa Bay Rays, 88-74 (Wild card)
What? No Red Sox OR Yankees in the top 2 in the AL East?! That has to be a first, right? No, but it hasn't happened in 21 years. There is too much young hitting with the O's and too much good young pitching with the Rays. They will barely miss the division, but get a wild card.
3. New York Yankees, 81-81
The Yankees without a winning record. Hasn't happened since 1992. But with injuries (Jeter), age (Rivera, Pettitte), and scandal (A-Rod) surrounding the team, I can see it happening. I know it's probably Mariano Rivera's last season, but I just don't see how he can have his dominant stuff. No storybook ending for him.
4. Toronto Blue Jays, 79-83
While I'd like to give the Blue Jays a better record, I just can't. They had probably the best offseason of any team, getting RA Dickey, Melky Cabrera, and Mark Buehrle. But like I've said earlier, too much talent in this division.
5. Boston Red Sox, 75-87
The turnaround won't happen overnight, even for the BoSox. New manager John Farrell won't do much, and with the BoSox not selling out all their games this year like they usually do, fan support will be down. But they'll come back, obviously. Just not this year.
AL Central
1. Detroit Tigers, 95-67
The reigning AL Champs will have an even better regular season than last, motivated by their loss in the World Series to the Giants. If they stay healthy and motivated, they're one of the best teams in the AL. Verlander will more than likely dominate again.
2. Cleveland Indians, 85-77
The Indians are my surprise pick for 2013, with 17 more wins than last year. They play in a division that isn't too difficult, and they made some great moves in the offseason, the best probably being hiring Terry Francona as manager. The Indians will break out and give the Tigers some competition, not just this year, but for years to come.
3. Chicago White Sox, 81-81
The ChiSox always seem to hover between mediocrity and decent for years and years. This year, I expect mediocrity. With the Indians breaking out, someone has to slide down in the division a bit, and that would be the White Sox.
4. Kansas City Royals, 75-87
The AL equivalent of the Pirates (Former contending team now a laughingstock), the Royals will have another ho-hum season. They made very few moves in the offseason and could have gotten a big haul of prospects for Billy Butler, but I guess the Royals have renounced their ways of letting good players go and just trying to hang with them.
5. Minnesota Twins, 67-95
Wow, an improvement of ONE game! What a turnaround! Joe Mauer for MVP! In all seriousness, however, the Twinkies will need more than a new park to return to prevalence.
AL West
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, 99-63
2013 will be the year for Los Angeles area baseball teams. The Angels were really mad after being TWO SPOTS behind the low-payroll Oakland A's last year. The same won't happen again. Hamilton, Pujols, Trout, and co. (Wow that's a lot of talent) will muscle their way to a division crown.
2. Texas Rangers, 90-72 (Wild Card)
Losing Hamilton will hurt. His presence, more than anything was felt throughout the clubhouse. Who is the big star of this team now? Elvis Andrus? Yu Darvish? Despite that, they will continue to compete and earn a wild card berth.
3. Oakland Athletics, 83-79
The A's do have a lot of good young players, but even the biggest of A's fans would admit last year had to do a bit with luck. Alas, their luck ran out and they lost to the Tigers in the division series. They will get back to that level some year, but not 2013.
4. Seattle Mariners, 79-83
Finally. Our Seattle Mariners. It just seems we are so slowly inching our way toward prevalence. Who knew the rebuilding process could take so freaking long? Nevertheless, I'll take an improved record any day. We just have to wait until one of our AL West contenders falls on their face, similar to the 2012 Boston Red Sox. But hey, at least we won't be in last place!
5. Houston Astros, 52-110
The Astros are such a laughingstock right now. Only one guy is making a million or more. Quick, name five Houston Astros players! I can only name one: Jose Altuve, only because he was their All-Star last season. It's odd to see a last place team 27 games behind.... the 4th place team, but it could happen. They might not beat the Angels or Rangers once this year.
2013 MLB Post-Season Predictions
Tie-breakers and wild cards:
NL Wild Card tiebreaker: Giants over Cardinals
NL Wild Card: Nationals over Giants
AL Wild Card: Rays over Rangers
Divisional Round:
NL: Nationals over Braves
Dodgers over Reds
AL: Angels over Rays
Tigers over Orioles
NL Championship: Nationals over Dodgers
AL Championship: Angels over Tigers
World Series: Angels over Nationals, 4-1
Award winners:
AL MVP: Mike Trout, Angels
NL MVP: Stephen Strasburg, Nationals
AL Cy Young: David Price, Rays
NL Cy Young: Stephen Strasburg, Nationals
AL Coach: Terry Francona, Indians
NL Coach: Fredi Gonzalez, Braves
AL Rookie: Wil Myers, Rays
NL Rookie: Darin Ruf, Phillies
There you have it. Again I pick a California team to win it all, but hey, I'm slightly west-cost biased. The Nationals advance to the World Series to make the Seattle Mariners the only current team to have never gone to the World Series. Congrats, Angels. Up next: My predictions for the Seattle Mariners.
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