2023 Pre-Season Predictions: Arizona Diamondbacks

 #18

The Arizona Diamondbacks went from being one of the worst teams in baseball in 2021 to respectable in 2022.  Will 2023 bring about more steps forward or another step back?

2022 Predictions

#27 - 4th in NL West

MIH - Pavin Smith

MIP - Zac Gallen

PTW - Alek Thomas

2022 Results

#20 - 74-88, 4th in NL West

Highest WAR (Position) - Christian Walker

Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Zac Gallen

The Diamondbacks bounced back in a big way in 2022.  The problem was they had so far to bounce back from.  They quietly had an impressive season with some players taking some huge steps forward.  Zac Gallen finished top 5 in the Cy Young, and first baseman Christian Walker hit 36 home runs.  Not too bad for a team that lost 110 games the year before.

Additions / Subtractions

The Diamondbacks had some interesting moves this offseason that showed they were both buying and selling.  They traded standout Daulton Varsho, but got outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and catching phenom Gabriel Moreno in return.  They traded utilityman Cooper Hummel, but picked up former Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis in return.  They also added veteran Evan Longoria to provide some clubhouse leadership, but also some hot corner production.  He could also be a trade candidate at the Deadline if the season goes south.

Most Important Hitter

Ketel Marte

It feels like Ketel Marte is a veteran that has been around forever and maybe entering the twilight of his career.  He is actually only entering his age 29 season.  Some people don't even hit their peak until 29.  For Marte, so far his peak was 2019.  He hit 32 home runs, 92 RBI, a 149 OPS+, and finished 4th in the MVP voting.  Outside of that one season, his season high in home runs is 14.  He was on track for a great 2021 season, but he only played in 90 games.  I don't think it's a coincidence that the last time Marte was elite for a while season was the last time the Diamondbacks were over .500.  If the D-Backs want to get back to being relevant, Marte needs to get back to being a potential All Star.

Most Important Pitcher

Madison Bumgarner

The Diamondbacks have had some pitchers emerge the last few seasons as possible aces.  Zac Gallen is becoming a star, Merrill Kelly is consistent and solid enough to earn a WBC spot on Team USA.  Through all that, the highest paid member of the pitching staff has been a bit of a dud.  Madison Bumgarner signed a big free agent deal in Arizona before the 2020 season.  In 11 seasons in San Francisco, MadBum became a legend while never having an ERA+ below 100.  In 3 season in Arizona, he has never had an ERA+ above 100, topping out at 90 in 2021.  The 2022 season saw a 7-15 record with a 4.88 ERA.  He is under contract with the Diamondbacks for 2 more seasons.  If the Diamondbacks could get a career renaissance from MadBum, it would be a pleasant surprise at this point, and might be what the they need to push them to another level.

Prospect to Watch

Corbin Carroll

The Diamondbacks have built up a strong and deep farm system.  At the top of that system is the #2 prospect in all of baseball, Corbin Carroll.  The 22 year old Seattle native was picked in the first round by the D-Backs in 2019, and has excelled ever since.  He got a taste of the big leagues in 2022, earning a 133 OPS+ and 1.1 in WAR in just 32 games.  More importantly, his performance in 2022 made the Diamondbacks comfortable enough to sign a player still officially considered a prospect to an 8 year, $111 million contract.  At his worst, he's a Gold Glove caliber defender and one of the fastest players in baseball.  At his best, he could be one of the best players in baseball.

2023 Prediction

3rd in NL West

It doesn't feel like a step forward, but moving into 3rd place in the NL West is the absolute ceiling for this team in 2023.  I could totally see this roster reaching that level.  This could be one of the more entertaining teams to watch in 2023.  They have a great manager, some established stars, and some exciting young talent.  Watch for them to be a surprise in 2023.

Fearless Prediction

Corbin Carroll will win the Rookie of the Year.

Okay, it might not feel like much of a bold prediction, but who cares.  Corbin Carroll is a star in the making, and 2023 will be his coming out party.  There are some other big prospects that will be competing for the NL Rookie of the Year, but it feels like Carroll has this wrapped up before it even starts.

2021 Pre-Season Profile: Arizona Diamondbacks

#27

The Arizona Diamondbacks had a disappointing season in 2020, leading to the team being sellers instead of buyers at the Trade Deadline.  Will 2021 be a bounce back year for the D-Backs?

2020 Predictions

#8 - 2nd in NL West, WILD CARD, lose in NLDS

MIH - Starling Marte

MIP - Robbie Ray

PTW - J.B. Bukauskas

2020 Results

#25 - 25-35, 5th in NL West

Every year, there are one or two teams I whiff pretty badly on.  Last year, the Diamondbacks might have been the team I missed the worst.  I took a stab thinking they could be a surprise team to reach the Divisional Series in the NL.  Instead, they missed the playoffs, even with them expanded by almost double the teams.  The Diamondbacks made the choice to jump into the sellers market when few were ready to give up on the season.  My Most Important Hitter and Pitcher for the team last season were both traded to contenders at the deadline, as well as closer Archie Bradley and setup man Andrew Chafin.  This dropped the D-Backs down to the cellar of the NL West.

Additions / Subtractions

The most significant moves the Diamondbacks made were the moves made at last year's Trade Deadline.  The returning lineup is almost identical to how they ended the year, with the signing of veteran infielder Asdrubal Cabrera being the only semi-significant move.  Their pitching staff is fairly untouched as well, with veteran arm Joakim Soria being the only significant addition.

Most Important Hitter

Ketel Marte

One of the biggest surprises for the Diamondbacks over the last few seasons has been the emergence of Ketel Marte.  This 2B/SS/CF started to break out in 2018, then finished 4th in MVP voting in 2019 showing he was one of the brightest stars to watch across the league.  Marte's 2020 season was solid, but definitely saw a drop off from the production of the previous two seasons.  The D-Backs need to see Marte bounce back to his All Star level if the current group is going to have any success in 2021.

Most Important Pitcher

Madison Bumgarner

The Diamondbacks made a splash before the 2020 season when they signed the man, the myth, the legend, Madison Bumgarner.  However, his production in 2020 was less than stellar, finishing the shortened season with a negative WAR and a 6.48 ERA.  The Diamondbacks have some great young pitching, but MadBum needs to be their leader.  He is only entering his age 31 season, but all the work he put in while fighting for championships in San Francisco may have left him with not many bullets left.

Prospect to Watch

Geraldo Perdomo

The Diamondbacks do have some exciting young talent coming up through their system.  The one most likely to make a splash in 2021 is shortstop Geraldo Perdomo.  This 21 year-old is the best defender in the D-Backs system.  He is also a switch hitter that can hold his own at the plate.  Ranked the 79th best prospect in all of baseball, there may be some space for him to make his debut around the infield at some point in 2021.

2021 Prediction

4th in NL West

The Diamondbacks made a clear decision last season to take a step back.  Now they are not into a full rebuild, but they are stuck in a division with two of the most stacked rosters in all of baseball.  They (and the Rockies for that matter) are set up to be a doormat in 2021 and end up with a lower record than their talent might otherwise warrant.

Fearless Prediction

Madison Bumgarner will be not be on the Diamondbacks roster at the start of 2022.

The Diamondbacks have stripped back almost all commitments to veteran players recently in an effort to get younger and possibly open up a window later on down the road when it might be a little easier to win the division.  The last one left is MadBum.  If he shows flashes in 2021 that he is back, look for the Diamondbacks to try and unload him in a similar move to what they did for Zack Greinke a few years ago.

2019 Pre-Season Profile: San Francisco Giants

#24

The San Francisco Giants have a new front office to try and restart one of the most storied franchises in the league.  Is greatness coming back to the Bay in 2019?

2018 Predictions

3rd in NL West

Half of the Giants' Opening Day roster will not be on the Opening Day roster in 2019.

2018 Results

73-89, 4th in NL West

The Giants made a bunch of fascinating moves heading into the 2018 season that ended up not working that great.  Andrew McCutchen ended up traded mid-season, Evan Longoria did not return to his All Star level, and the top arms in their starting rotation spent significant time on the DL.  What some (like me) saw as a team that had the potential to compete for a playoff spot turned into a team that just disappointed.

Additions / Subtractions

There were several significant moves this offseason for the Giants that had very little to do with trades or free agency.  The first of these would be Farhan Zaidi being named the new President of Baseball Operations.  Zaidi comes over from the Dodgers and is known for his use of advanced metrics in his player evaluation.  This is a brand new venture for what has been known as one of the most "old school" organizations in the game.  At the start of Spring Training, manager Bruce Bochy announced this would be his last season as Giants manager.  Moving to the field, ace Johnny Cueto will be out most if not all of the season with Tommy John surgery.  As for actual offseason moves, the biggest move made was the fish they didn't catch.  The Giants were one of the last teams in the running for Bryce Harper.  This left them with the most significant acquisition of the offseason being Drew Pomeranz.

Most Important Hitter

Steven Duggar

One of the biggest mysteries of the Giants offseason is how they didn't make a move to improve their outfield.  Yes, they were in late on Harper, but they needed something as none of their Opening Day starting outfielders are currently on the roster.  Instead, the Giants seem to be going with some unproven young players as their outfield in 2019.  The most notable of these is Steven Duggar, a 25 year old lefty that will be starting in centerfield.  Duggar needs to have a good season to justify the lack of help given to the outfield.  Duggar has the potential to be a solid outfielder, but the question will be is he ready to be the anchor of their outfield already.

Most Important Pitcher

Dereck Rodriguez

The biggest surprise for the Giants in 2018 was the emergence of Dereck Rodriguez.  The son of Hall of Fame catcher Pudge Rodgriguez, Dereck is a hard throwing starting pitcher that posted a 138 ERA+ over 118 innings in 2018.  As the Giants start to look at a future youth wave coming into San Francisco, this 27 year old starter might be a future ace of this staff if he can follow up last year with another great season.

Prospect to Watch

Tyler Beede

The Giants may have won 3 World Series titles in the last 10 years or so, but the biggest knock on this organization has been a lack of development among their prospects.  They are starting to turn things around as they have two players in the top 100 prospects (their last two first round draft picks), however they are far from the big leagues at this point.  The prospect most likely to make an impact this season is Tyler Beede.  Beede, the 7th ranked prospect in their system, made his debut for the Giants last season in limited time.  Once looking like a top starting pitcher prospect (was my Prospect to Watch in 2017), he is now projecting to be a power bullpen arm.  Beede has a shot at being a major contributor to the Giants in 2019.

2019 Prediction

5th in NL West

The Giants are starting to enter a transition in their organization.  Although they still have a lot of quality veterans on their roster, the learned in 2018 that retooling around the current core might not be a viable option anymore.  They need to start over, and this season might finally be what convinces them to do it.

Fearless Prediction

Madison Bumgarner will be traded to the Brewers mid-season.

There were many rumors surrounding Madison Bumgarner this offseason, speculating whether he would be moved to start replenishing their farm system.  Although the right offer never came through, if MadBum returns to his dominant self and stays healthy this season, what for him to be traded to a team that really needs an ace, like the Brewers.

2017 Pre-Season Profile: San Francisco Giants

#11

The streak was broken!  For the first time since 2008, the Giants did not emerge as champions on an even numbered year.  Another streak that has lasted just as long as missing the playoffs on odd numbered years.  Will that continue in 2017?

My 2016 Predictions

1st in NL West, win World Series

The San Francisco Giants come home with MVP, Cy Young, and World Series trophies.

2016 Results

87-75, 2nd in NL West, WILD CARD, lost in NLDS

Last year, I was sticking with the streak until it proved me wrong.  Well, it proved me wrong in 2016.  The Giants even made the playoffs!  They had shown over the last decade that they were unstoppable as long as they make the postseason.  Madison Bumgarner did prove he is more than just a postseason pitcher as he had a dominant season, finishing 4th in the Cy Young voting.  Buster Posey was solid but not quite dominant in his season.  They were really good, but they ran into history when they lost to the Cubs.

Additions / Subtractions

The Giants had a huge offseason in 2016, signing both Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija to bolster the rotation.  Picking up Matt Moore and Eduardo Nunez in mid-season trades are huge bonuses moving into 2017.  However, if there has been one weakness for the Giants during this amazing run they have had, it has been their bullpen.  In 2010, 2012, and 2014, three different pitchers closed out the final game, including MadBum in 2014 because Bruce Bochy didn't trust anyone in the bullpen.  They tried to address this this offseason by signing closer Mark Melancon.  For the first time in awhile, the ninth inning will be taken care of in 2017.

Most Important Hitter

Joe Panik

The core of the Giants have been together for awhile.  They are starting to age.  One of the younger kids in their lineup is second baseman Joe Panik.  Panik burst on the scene in 2014 as he became one of the stars of their postseason run.  He followed that up with a strong 2015, making his first All Star Team.  2016 was a massive disappointment as his bat fell asleep for the entire season.  With the age of the Giants' roster, guys like Panik need to step up and show they can become stars for this team.

Most Important Pitcher

Jeff Samardzija

The Giants were expecting great things from their two big signings last year.  Johnny Cueto didn't disappoint as he competed with Madisno Bumgarner for best pitcher on the team.  Although Jeff Samardzija wasn't bad, he also was much less than dominant.  Samardzija has had a few down seasons recently since he left the Cubs.  The Giants were hoping he would emerge as the third ace on the staff, making them near unbeatable.  Now, he is entering the 2017 season not even as their third starter as Matt Moore has passed him up.  Samardzija needs to start to pitch like he is being paid; as an elite superstar in the game.

Player to Watch

Tyler Beede

Outside of the bullpen, another weakness of the Giants' organization over this current run has been their farm system.  They have maintained their aging core, trading prospects to help win now.  This has led to a system that is in the bottom third of the league, sporting just two prospects in baseball's Top 100.  Their top prospect might be a difference maker down the stretch in 2017.  Tyler Beede is a 23 year old starting pitcher that has been working his way up through the Giants' system since he was drafted in 2014.  Look for him to either be a contributor near the end of the season or be a key piece in another trade to help the Giants win now.

2017 Prediction

3rd in NL West

Ten teams make the playoffs.  I have the Giants 11th.  They will be the best team to not make October this season.  They have a strong roster top to bottom as they do every year, however it is hard for a team like this to hold up throughout the full season.  Their age is going to catch up with them, leading to potential injuries.  Injuries will challenge depth, which the Giants lack.  Look for a bounceback in 2018, but the window for this current Giants group is closing quickly.

Fearless Prediction

Buster Posey and Hunter Pence will miss a combined total of 162+ games.

When the Giants struggle, it is because of injuries to key bats in their order.  The heart and soul of their lineup are Buster Posey and Hunter Pence.  When Posey stays healthy, the Giants succeed.  To help with this, Posey is playing more and more first base to avoid the grind of catching every day.  Hunter Pence has been marred by injuries the last two seasons.  Before that, he played every day.  His body appears to be breaking down though.  Injuries to these two will slow this team down enough to keep them away from where they want to be.

MLB 2016: Season in Review & Postseason Predictions

The longest grind of the sports year has come to an end as game 162 was played in the baseball season.  (Well, game 161 for four teams for a variety of reasons.)  As always, the season was a wild ride, and now we gear up for some incredible postseason baseball where anything can happen.  Let's stop and take a look at the season that was, how my preseason predictions fared, and what to expect from the Fall Classic.

AL East

My Preseason Predictions

1.  Toronto Blue Jays*

2.  Boston Red Sox

3.  Tampa Bay Rays

4.  Baltimore Orioles

5.  New York Yankees

Final 2016 Standings

1.  Boston Red Sox*

2.  Baltimore Orioles*

3.  Toronto Blue Jays*

4.  New York Yankees

5.  Tampa Bay Rays

I knew the Red Sox would be back, but I didn't know just how good they would be or that David Ortiz would be historic in his final season.  The Orioles constantly surprise as Buck Showalter proves once again to be one of the best managers in baseball.  One of the biggest surprises of the season was Mark Trumbo leading the league in home runs.  Toronto was able to sneak their way into the playoffs.  I had predicted a division title for the Blue Jays, but some injuries held them back.  At least my World Series prediction is still in tact!  I knew the New York Yankees were taking steps back with Chapman being traded (BOLD PREDICTION FULFILLED) along with Miller, Teixeira retiring, and A-Rod being forced into retirement.  What I didn't predict is how quickly the kids would come out and play like everyone expects Yankees to play.  The Tampa Bay Rays didn't have much going for them entering the season, however they always seem to surprise.  Not this year, as they found themselves in the cellar.

AL Central

My Preseason Predictions

1.  Detroit Tigers*

2.  Kansas City Royals*

3.  Minnesota Twins

4.  Cleveland Indians

5.  Chicago White Sox

Final 2016 Standings

1.  Cleveland Indians*

2.  Detroit Tigers

3.  Kansas City Royals

4.  Chicago White Sox

5.  Minnesota Twins

I completely underestimated the Indians.  Not only did the pitching dominate, but the offense was able to produce without Michael Brantley.  The Tigers came up just short as they weren't eliminated until the last day.  They are looking older and older.  Their window might be closed.  The Royals incredible run comes to an end in 2016 as injuries derailed their season over and over.  The White Sox started hot but quickly faded to the back of the division.  Robin Ventura leaving (BOLD PREDICTION FULFILLED) might be a sign of the rebuilding that should have started several years ago.  The Twins were the biggest disappointment of the season as they almost made the playoffs in 2015 only end the season as the only team with 100 losses.

AL East

My Preseason Predictions

1.  Houston Astros*

2.  Texas Rangers*

3.  Seattle Mariners

4.  Los Angeles Angels

5.  Oakland A's

Final 2016 Standings

1.  Texas Rangers*

2.  Seattle Mariners

3.  Houston Astros

4.  Los Angeles Angels

5.  Oakland A's

I had the Rangers in the playoffs as a Wild Card, but they showed that last year was no fluke as they dominated the division once again.  The Mariners surprised as they took their rebuilt roster to the doorstep of the playoffs.  Coming up short extends the Mariners' streak without a playoff berth to 15 seasons, the longest active streak in baseball.  The Astros had a bit of a regression this season after a surprising postseason run last year.  Watch for them to come storming back in 2017.  The Angels still have the best player in the world, but they are wasting his prime years as they have no support for him.  Oakland ended the year in full rebuild mode, getting rid of most of their Opening Day roster (BOLD PREDICTION FULFILLED).

NL East

My Preseason Predictions

1.  New York Mets*

2.  Washington Nationals

3.  Miami Marlins

4.  Atlanta Braves

5.  Philadelphia Phillies

Final 2016 Standings

1.  Washington Nationals*

2.  New York Mets*

3.  Miami Marlins

4.  Philadelphia Phillies

5.  Atlanta Braves

I knew Dusty Baker would be a difference maker for the Nationals, however I didn't know he would be this much of a difference maker.  He turned this team back into an elite squad in one year.  The Mets somehow made it back into the playoffs even though their insane pitching rotation is a mess.  The Marlins had a positive season pointing in the right direction for the future until this last week.  The sudden and tragic passing of superstar Jose Fernandez not only came to define their season, but it has the potential to define every season for the next decade as his absence will be felt for years to come.  (Next year's All Star Game in Miami will be tough without #16 there...)  The Phillies seem to be progressing well in their rebuild as it looks like they might be an impact team sooner than was expected.  The Braves started about as bad as possible, however they ended the season on a positive note and should be riding some good momentum into their new SunTrust Park in 2017.

NL Central

My Preseason Predictions

1.  Chicago Cubs*

2.  Pittsburgh Pirates*

3.  St. Louis Cardinals

4.  Cincinnati Reds

5.  Milwaukee Brewers

Final 2016 Standings

1.  Chicago Cubs*

2.  St. Louis Cardinals

3.  Pittsburgh Pirates

4.  Milwaukee Brewers

5.  Cincinnati Reds

I knew the Cubs were going to be good.  I had no idea they were going to be this good.  I correctly predicted that the Cardinals were finally going to miss the playoffs.  They just needed too many pieces to fall into place.  The Pirates were disappointing this season and are now talking about entertaining trade offers for superstar Andrew McCutchen.  The Brewers are in rebuild mode after trading Jonathan Lucroy to the Rangers (BOLD PREDICTION FULFILLED).  The Reds are stuck somewhere between rebuilding and being stuck with big veteran contracts.  They might not have bottomed out yet.

NL West

My Preseason Predictions

1.  San Francisco Giants*

2.  Los Angeles Dodgers*

3.  Arizona Diamondbacks

4.  Colorado Rockies

5.  San Diego Padres

Final 2016 Standings

1.  Los Angeles Dodgers*

2.  San Francisco Giants*

3.  Colorado Rockies

4.  Arizona Diamondbacks

5.  San Diego Padres

The Dodgers impressed this season under rookie manager Dave Roberts.  Even with an extended injury to Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers dominated.  (I was so close on my prediction with the Dodgers, but no one wanted Yasiel Puig so he wasn't traded.)  I had the Giants winning the division, which they might have done if they didn't go through one of the most inexplicable second half collapses in recent memory.  They still snuck in to the postseason though so watch out.  The Rockies are showing they are very close to being a contender in this division.  (Again, SO close on my prediction, but they chose to keep CarGo.)  The Diamondbacks proved that their season was over before it started when AJ Pollock went down the weekend before Opening Day.  It also didn't help to have disappointing seasons from their two biggest offseason acquisitions: Zack Greinke and Shelby Miller.  The Padres are trying to be relevant, but their front office is proving to be a little inadequate.

Season Awards

AL Manager of the Year

1.  Terry Francona

2.  John Farrell

3.  Buck Showalter

Showalter seems to do more with less every season.  John Farrell turned around the Red Sox with aging superstars, a resurgence of Hanley Ramirez at first base, and Pablo Sandoval spending the whole season on the DL.  However, nothing beats what Terry Francona has done in Cleveland.  He is one of the best coaches of the 21st century.

NL Manager of the Year

1.  Dusty Baker

2.  Dave Roberts

3.  Joe Maddon

Joe Maddon might end up winning this as he somehow exceeded the highest expectations on any team in recent memory.  Rookie manager Dave Roberts took a dumpster fire in the Dodgers and won the division despite having a piecemeal starting rotation all season.  However, Dusty Baker showed that old school baseball people still have a place in the new school of sabermetrics.  His work with the Nationals was incredible this season.

AL Cy Young

1.  Aaron Sanchez

2.  Rick Porcello

3.  JA Happ

The Blue Jays had several pitchers step up and have career years.  JA Happ returned to Toronto and won 20 games, a rare feat in today's game.  Boston's Rick Porcello finally seemed to put everything together as he led the league in wins with 22.  However, Aaron Sanchez was the most impressive pitcher in the AL this season.  Toronto's young ace was even held back due to an innings limit, but still posted some impressive numbers.

NL Cy Young

1.  Kyle Hendricks

2.  Madison Bumgarner

3.  Jon Lester

Jon Lester showed that he is still the elite starter he was in Boston.  He definitely had more in the tank than many gave him credit for.  Madison Bumgarner once again had an elite season, which makes many teams nervous as they enter the postseason.  However, for the second year in a row, the best pitcher in the National League is a Cubs pitchers nobody knew before the season.  Kyle Hendricks had an unbelievable year that overshadowed what Lester did as well as last year's Cy Young winner, Jake Arrieta.

AL MVP

1.  David Ortiz

2.  Mike Trout

3.  Robinson Cano

Robinson Cano went from the most disappointing season of his career in 2015 to career highs in many stats in 2016.  He kept coming up big in the right spots, playing his best baseball in September while his team tried to make the postseason.  The best player on the planet, no matter how bad his team is, is still Mike Trout.  He just keeps getting better.  However, this season belonged to David Ortiz.  He played his best when it was his last.  Look for him to try and be the first DH to win MVP.

NL MVP

1.  Kris Bryant

2.  Daniel Murphy

3.  Nolan Arenado

One of these days, Nolan Arenado will be recognized for how great he really is.  He led the league in home runs and RBI's this season while playing Gold Glove caliber third base.  Daniel Murphy followed up his amazing postseason last year with an MVP caliber season this year for the Nationals.  However, when in doubt, the MVP is the best player on the best team.  The Cubs were by far the best team, and Kris Bryant was by far their best player.  Look for him to win the award in his sophomore season.

Playoff Predictions

Wild Card Round

Blue Jays def. Orioles

Giants def. Mets

The Blue Jays have waited all season to get back in this position after 2015's postseason.  The game is in Toronto, which is one of the craziest venues in all of baseball.  Toronto will win.  The NL Wild Card game will be a classic.  Noah Syndergaard, the only healthy ace for the Mets, is on the mound against the possibly the best postseason pitcher of all time in Madison Bumgarner.  Look for the Mets to be MadBummed.

Divisional Series

Blue Jays def. Rangers

Red Sox def. Indians

Giants def. Cubs

Nationals def. Dodgers

The first matchup is an epic rematch from last year.  There is no way the Blue Jays let the Rangers beat them again.  The Red Sox just have too much firepower for an injury-plagued Indians team.  The Cubs are the team everyone is looking to as the favorite, but the Giants have been there before many times and feature the rotation with the proven pedigree.  I said in my preseason predictions that the Cubs would dominate the regular season, but their pitching would run out of steam in the playoffs.  I'm holding to it.  The most intriguing matchup might be the Nats and the Dodgers.  Both teams finally played how everyone thought they could.  I give the edge to the team with the more experienced manager.

Championship Series

Blue Jays def. Red Sox

Giants def. Nationals

The storybook ending for David Ortiz would be to go out on top with a ring.  However, I really think this is the right time for the Blue Jays.  Their pitching is outstanding with Happ, Sanchez, and Marcus Stroman.  They might have the best lineup in the league.  It would be an upset, but I think it's time for the Blue Jays to get back to the World Series.  In the National League, it's Dusty Baker's Nationals going up against his former team in the Giants.  Bumgarner, Cueto, and Samardzija can shut down any lineup.  They know how to peak in the playoffs, and I don't see anything different happening this time around.

World Series

Giants def. Blue Jays

Why not go with my original prediction!  I predicted Giants over Blue Jays back before the season started, and I am going to stick to my guns.  After all, it is an even numbered year.  Besides that, the Giants just know how to get it done in the playoffs.  It will be a fun series, but look for a similar result to what we are used to seeing.

World Series MVP

Madison Bumgarner