I was devastated and shocked to hear the passing of NBA legend, Kobe Bryant. I feel like there's a hole in my chest. I feel like the world is no longer whole. And to hear that his daughter was with him and perished along with him just breaks my heart further. I can only imagine what he must have been thinking in his final moments; probably about his daughter, Gianna. Kobe Bryant was not only a great basketball player, but to me he was my favorite basketball player of all time.
I got into sports in the late 90s/early 2000s. Around that time, I hadn't fully attached to the Seattle teams yet. I became a fan of the dynasties of that time. In the NFL, I cheered for the Denver Broncos. In MLB, I cheered for the Yankees. And in the NBA, I cheered for the Lakers. Of those three teams, I grew most attached to the Lakers, because the Sonics were going through a rebuilding phase, and because the Lakers back then were so good and fun to watch.
I grew attached to one player in particular, one Kobe Bryant. He was the Lakers leading scorer every year and their most exciting player. His ability to sink fadeaway jumpers was unparalleled. Even as I started growing attached to the Sonics, he was still my favorite player even though he was a rival of my favorite team. Watching him match up with Ray Allen when the Lakers and Sonics played was always a joy to watch.
Kobe's in every NBA video game I've ever owned, from NBA Hangtime as a youngster to NBA Live '09. To me, he is synonymous with NBA star; nobody could rival him in career accomplishments. He was the leader on the most well-known basketball team in the world in one of the biggest cities in the world. Hard to top that.
I didn't follow his later career too much, because after the Sonics left for Oklahoma City, I lost interest in basketball. I still cheered him on, and I'm glad he was able to get one more ring, post-Shaq. His 81-point game was incredible, something I never thought would happen in my lifetime. That game only further cemented his legacy as one of the greatest to ever do it. To me, he will be the greatest, because he ascended during the rise and peak of the NBA. I didn't see much of Michael Jordan's career, and I've stopped watching NBA basketball during most of Lebron's career. But Kobe was there for all of it, and I don't think there will be anybody greater in my eyes.
I hate that this happened. He was gone way too soon. He was very invested in things after his playing days, and I can only imagine what great things he would've gone on to do. And his daughter, who may have had a career in basketball herself, had her life cut way too short. It breaks my heart.
The only thing we can do is grieve and move on. I have a special place in my heart for the Lakers organization, and now because of Kobe's passing, I always will. There will never be another Kobe, no one to match him in stats and accomplishments. His playing days were done, but he will still be sorely missed from this world. RIP Kobe.
Showing posts with label Los. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Los. Show all posts
Monday, January 27, 2020
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Top 7 Spots for Tom Brady were he to leave the Pats
Tom Brady, leave New England?! Yep. There’s a lot going on we don’t know about, but
here’s something we do know: He’s not entirely happy. He has saved the team millions of dollars over the years. He took a pay cut so they could afford Wes
Welker one year, and then once Welker wasn’t re-signed Brady was left to wonder
where that money then went. He also hasn’t
really been given weapons in 2019, and he is sorely missing Gronk. Also, his owner is in the midst of a scandal. If I was a betting man, I’d bet he retires a
Patriot and only plays for one team in his career. However, I also would’ve bet Peyton Manning
retires a Colt back in 2010. So, what if Tom Brady wanted to leave and prove he could win without Bill Belichick? I mean, that competitive desire in him may
make him want to do that. There are seven possible teams he could go to if he were to leave the Patriots. Why 7? It's an odd number, but I really think there are about 7 teams, give or take.
7. Dallas Cowboys
Colin Cowherd talked about possibilities for Brady and his pick is the Dallas Cowboys. Yes, they have good talent and may end up replacing their coach, but they are only #7 for me for two reasons. One, Brady grew up a 49er fan and therefore grew up hating the Cowboys. He's not a huge fan of the organization. Two, they have Dak Prescott, who Jerry Jones likes. Sure, his contract is expiring soon, but they'd be foolish to go from a younger Dak to Brady. But I guess they're a distant possibility.
6. San Francisco 49ers
I know, they have Jimmy G, but what if he got hurt again? Or perhaps Brady wants to win a ring as a backup/mentor. The biggest problem with this is that the 49ers can’t afford to pay two quarterbacks that much money. But Brady grew up a Niners fan, so if he had his choice of NFC teams, this would be it.
5. Tennessee Titans
First off, Brady would get to play for his former teammate Mike Vrabel. Tennessee does have a decent roster and their QB position isn't completely solidified. It's kind of a smaller market, which works against them. But the talent is there and with a legit, proven winner at quarterback, they may be able to take the next step. I consider the Titans the dark horses in the Brady sweepstakes, if there ever is any.
4. Denver Broncos
Could Elway persuade another legend to join him? It’s possible. If Manning can win a Super Bowl there, Brady surely can. Broncos fans have loathed Brady for years, so this would be hard for them to accept, which is why the Broncos are only #4. Also, they have Drew Lock, who would probably be traded if this happened.
3. New York Giants
If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, right? Brady has failed twice to beat the Giants in the Super Bowl, so why not join them? But like the Broncos fans, New York football fans have grown up hating Brady, so this would also be hard for them to accept. But that’s mostly Jets fans who hate Brady. Giants fans are happy they’ve been able to beat him twice. Also, Daniel Jones would be traded just like Drew Lock if this were to happen.
2. Chicago Bears
I have a feeling Brady would love to play under Matt Nagy. Chicago is one of the biggest metropolises in America, and their team has a rich history. Just playing in Chicago for a couple years would make people consider Brady as one of the best Bears quarterbacks ever. It also would be funny that Jimmy Garoppolo is playing for Brady’s hometown team while Brady plays for Jimmy Garoppolo’s hometown team. Trubisky could either be traded or be forced to serve as Brady's backup, but would he be all right with that? Hard to say.
1. Los Angeles Chargers
California? Check. Good roster? Check. Big market? Check. Brady’s best fit is with the Chargers. He could replace Rivers whose best days are behind him. It’s funny Brady could replace Rivers who came into the league AFTER Brady. The Chargers are struggling to gain fans in the LA Market, and getting Brady would immensely help that cause. Brady in LA in the new stadium? Hard to beat that. The only problem with this I see is the Chargers might not have enough of a history or fan base to woo Brady over. But he would know that by signing with the Chargers, it would re-energize the team and bring in a lot of new fans.
Edit: Following the Seahawks-Eagles Wild Card game, Cris Collinsworth and Al Michaels discussed Tom Brady and his future. Michaels prodded Collinsworth and goaded him into picking a team Collinsworth could see Brady going to. His answer? The LA Chargers. Now, he said he has no insider information, but if a well-respected analyst is saying the same team as me, we might be on to something.
Hard to see Brady going anywhere else (that’s if he does leave the Patriots). You can rule out the AFC East and any teams that have entrenched starters for the next several years at least. He’s got a great relationship with Josh McDaniels, so if McDaniels gets a head coaching job somewhere, that team instantly becomes the best possible landing spot for Brady. The only team here that is probably replacing its coach soon is the New York Giants, with the Cowboys as an outside possibility.
Edit: Just for fun, here's why all the other teams would not even be considered:
Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen, division rival
Miami Dolphins: Division rival, bad roster
New York Jets: Sam Darnold, division rival
Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson
Cincinnati Bengals: Small market, bad roster
Cleveland Browns: Bad history
Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger, AFC Rival
Houston Texans: Deshaun Watson
Indianapolis Colts: AFC Rival, small market
Jacksonville Jaguars: Bad team, small market
Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes
Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders: Derek Carr, grew up 49ers fan so naturally dislikes Raiders
Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Wentz
Washington Redskins: Dysfunction, bad roster
Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, bad history
Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers
Minnesota Vikings: Kirk Cousins, wouldn't want to copy Brett Favre
Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan, recently beat in Super Bowl
Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, small market, not enough history
New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bad history, Jameis Winston
Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray
Los Angeles Rams: Jared Goff, recently beat them in Super Bowl
Seattle Seahawks: Russell Wilson, beat in Super Bowl XLIX
7. Dallas Cowboys
Colin Cowherd talked about possibilities for Brady and his pick is the Dallas Cowboys. Yes, they have good talent and may end up replacing their coach, but they are only #7 for me for two reasons. One, Brady grew up a 49er fan and therefore grew up hating the Cowboys. He's not a huge fan of the organization. Two, they have Dak Prescott, who Jerry Jones likes. Sure, his contract is expiring soon, but they'd be foolish to go from a younger Dak to Brady. But I guess they're a distant possibility.
6. San Francisco 49ers
I know, they have Jimmy G, but what if he got hurt again? Or perhaps Brady wants to win a ring as a backup/mentor. The biggest problem with this is that the 49ers can’t afford to pay two quarterbacks that much money. But Brady grew up a Niners fan, so if he had his choice of NFC teams, this would be it.
5. Tennessee Titans
First off, Brady would get to play for his former teammate Mike Vrabel. Tennessee does have a decent roster and their QB position isn't completely solidified. It's kind of a smaller market, which works against them. But the talent is there and with a legit, proven winner at quarterback, they may be able to take the next step. I consider the Titans the dark horses in the Brady sweepstakes, if there ever is any.
4. Denver Broncos
Could Elway persuade another legend to join him? It’s possible. If Manning can win a Super Bowl there, Brady surely can. Broncos fans have loathed Brady for years, so this would be hard for them to accept, which is why the Broncos are only #4. Also, they have Drew Lock, who would probably be traded if this happened.
3. New York Giants
If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, right? Brady has failed twice to beat the Giants in the Super Bowl, so why not join them? But like the Broncos fans, New York football fans have grown up hating Brady, so this would also be hard for them to accept. But that’s mostly Jets fans who hate Brady. Giants fans are happy they’ve been able to beat him twice. Also, Daniel Jones would be traded just like Drew Lock if this were to happen.
2. Chicago Bears
I have a feeling Brady would love to play under Matt Nagy. Chicago is one of the biggest metropolises in America, and their team has a rich history. Just playing in Chicago for a couple years would make people consider Brady as one of the best Bears quarterbacks ever. It also would be funny that Jimmy Garoppolo is playing for Brady’s hometown team while Brady plays for Jimmy Garoppolo’s hometown team. Trubisky could either be traded or be forced to serve as Brady's backup, but would he be all right with that? Hard to say.
1. Los Angeles Chargers
California? Check. Good roster? Check. Big market? Check. Brady’s best fit is with the Chargers. He could replace Rivers whose best days are behind him. It’s funny Brady could replace Rivers who came into the league AFTER Brady. The Chargers are struggling to gain fans in the LA Market, and getting Brady would immensely help that cause. Brady in LA in the new stadium? Hard to beat that. The only problem with this I see is the Chargers might not have enough of a history or fan base to woo Brady over. But he would know that by signing with the Chargers, it would re-energize the team and bring in a lot of new fans.
Edit: Following the Seahawks-Eagles Wild Card game, Cris Collinsworth and Al Michaels discussed Tom Brady and his future. Michaels prodded Collinsworth and goaded him into picking a team Collinsworth could see Brady going to. His answer? The LA Chargers. Now, he said he has no insider information, but if a well-respected analyst is saying the same team as me, we might be on to something.
Hard to see Brady going anywhere else (that’s if he does leave the Patriots). You can rule out the AFC East and any teams that have entrenched starters for the next several years at least. He’s got a great relationship with Josh McDaniels, so if McDaniels gets a head coaching job somewhere, that team instantly becomes the best possible landing spot for Brady. The only team here that is probably replacing its coach soon is the New York Giants, with the Cowboys as an outside possibility.
Edit: Just for fun, here's why all the other teams would not even be considered:
Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen, division rival
Miami Dolphins: Division rival, bad roster
New York Jets: Sam Darnold, division rival
Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson
Cincinnati Bengals: Small market, bad roster
Cleveland Browns: Bad history
Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger, AFC Rival
Houston Texans: Deshaun Watson
Indianapolis Colts: AFC Rival, small market
Jacksonville Jaguars: Bad team, small market
Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes
Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders: Derek Carr, grew up 49ers fan so naturally dislikes Raiders
Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Wentz
Washington Redskins: Dysfunction, bad roster
Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, bad history
Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers
Minnesota Vikings: Kirk Cousins, wouldn't want to copy Brett Favre
Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan, recently beat in Super Bowl
Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, small market, not enough history
New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bad history, Jameis Winston
Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray
Los Angeles Rams: Jared Goff, recently beat them in Super Bowl
Seattle Seahawks: Russell Wilson, beat in Super Bowl XLIX
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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