Well, I’m a few days late, as the season has been underway since Monday, but at long last here are my predictions for the 2009 MLB season.  Check back in October to see how I did.

American League

East: New York Yankees
The Bronx Bombers have brought in the right pieces to buy another AL East title.

Central: Minnesota Twins
This is the hardest division to figure.  Any of the five teams could conceivably win; any of them could also finish last.  I’ going with the Twins just because Ron Gardehire always seems to get the best out of his crew.

West: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Angels’ pitching is in a bit of disarray to start the season with Lackey and Ervin Santana on the DL, but despite that and the loss of Mark Texieria, the Halos still have enough to win in a relatively weak division.

Wild Card: Boston Red Sox
It won’t be easy holding off the Rays, but Bostons’ pitching depth and balanced lineup will carry the day.

Pennant Winner: Boston Red Sox
While I think the Yankees will have the better record over the course of the long season, I like to Red Sox to prevail in the playoffs with their strong pitching and veteran lineup.

National League

East: New York Mets
Next to the AL Central, this is th hardest division to handicap.  The defening champion Phillies look to be strong again, the Mets have taken steps to address their weaknesses, and Atlanta appears to have improved enough to mount a challenge.  I think the Mets will be hungry for redemption and will ride its youhg stars David Wright and Jose Reyes to a title.

Central: Chicago Cubs
Lou Pinella’s squad has unfinished business after last year’s playoff debacle, and they are clearly the most talented team in the field.

West: Los Angeles Dodgers
If the pitching holds up, they could run away with it.  If the pitching is less than stellar, expect a dogfight with the Dbacks.

Wild Card: Philadelphia Phillies

They’ll be better than you think: Cincinnati Reds
The Reds have a pretty good core of young talent, and if their young Dominican pitchers take another step forward they have the potential to surprise a lot of people.

Pennant Winner: Chicago Cubs

World Series: Cubs over Red Sox in seven
The last of the hexes finally falls.

Sphere: Related Content