MLB Preview and Predictions

Time to fire up the old Laptop and do some MLB predicting based on my extensive baseball knowledge.


Before we get into the predicting, let’s quickly discuss the biggest offseason news. The addition of a 2nd Wild Card team. I am not sure if I am a fan of this or not. I understand it keeps teams competitive longer, and can make for exciting races toward the end. But the MLB Playoffs already drag on so much which causes the games to be played differently than regular season. I think that adding additional games and days off will make this worse.

The story line that is being told over and over again is How the Blue Jays and Orioles now have a chance to make the playoffs since there’s two wild card spots! It’s impossible for the Yankees and Red Sox to take all three spots. First off, I don’t hear the Rays complaining about the old system. Even though they play in the same division as the Blue Jays and Orioles, they’ve still managed to make the playoffs 3 of the past 4 seasons. Secondly, Boston and New York have only both made the playoffs in the same season 1 time in the past 4 years. So just stop this stupid story line now.

As you know this is a very pro White Sox site and I believe we all predicted they would win the World Series last year. As amazing as this sounds, I am predicting the White Sox will have a losing season and finish 4th in the AL central.

There has been a lot of turnover on the south side with the departure of Ozzie, Mark Buehrle taking their talents to south beach, Carlos Quentin heading back to the NL among others. This season will be about whether there is any life left in Adam Dunn & Alex Rios and if the young guys, Viciedo and Flowers can become regulars in the lineup. I think Dunn has a bounce back year, not to his peak numbers but hits around 30 HR and that Viciedo becomes a ROY candidate.

The pitching staff will need Peavy to stay healthy as the White Sox really don’t have another pitcher ready to be an every day starter. Danks and Flloyd should have solid years and it should be interesting to see how Chris Sale works as an every day starter.

White Sox record: 74-88


The rest of the League with some commentary.


AL East: Tampa Bay Rays

Joe Madden just keeps his team going. How they got into the playoffs last year shows they will always keep fighting. Red Sox and Yankees will still have good seasons and will make it to the Wild Card game. I think the Blue Jays will have a good year as well, but ultimately finish somewhere around 500

AL Central: Detroit Tigers

Everyone is picking the Tigers to win the division. As Mike Greenberg said, “Is there a more overwhelming favorite then Detroit to win their division?” Because of this, part of me thinks something wacky might happen and the Twins will somehow find a way to win the Division. Maybe the Royals will be so excited by the All-Star game coming to KC that they’ll play awesome and win the Division. That’s only a half joke, the Royals have a lot of young talent, if that talent plays well and they mature early, they could make some noise this season.

AL West: Rangers

I think this race will be the best in baseball. The Angels made a lot of offseason moves included stealing CJ Wilson from the Rangers. This one will come down to the wire. Also, look for Josh Hamilton to have a monster year in a contract year.


Wild Card Game

Angels over Yankees

ALDS

Angels over Tigers
Rangers over Rays

ALCS

Rangers over Angels


MVP: Jose Bautista, Blue Jays
Cy Young: Jered Weaver, Angels
ROY: Matt Moore, Rays


NL East: Marlins

There’s too much excitement in Miami for the Marlins not to have a good year. New stadium that everyone is raving about with Fish Tanks, and Nightclubs inside. They brought in a ton of free agents and of course the always colorful Ozzie.

NL Central: Brewers

The BeerMakers did lose Prince Fielder, but return much of their playoff team from last year. I look for Zack Grienke to have a good year.

NL West: Giants

Big Time Timmy Jim and co. should have another good year, but the team’s success will be based of whether they can score any runs. The Diamandbacks have a good year, but only make the wild card. Dodgers are in too much limbo with the ownership situation to compete,

Wild Card Game

Diamondbacks over Phillies

NLDS

Marlins over Diamondbacks
Giants over Brewers

NLCS

Marlins over Giants


MVP: Joey Votto, Reds
Cy Young: Tim Lincecum, Giants
ROY: Bryce Harpe, Nationals


Finally

World Series Champion…………….Texas Rangers

Sox Beat Twins - Finally

It's one of the enduring mysteries of the American League Central. Why can't the Chicago White Sox beat the Minnesota (f***in') Twins? Take a look at the stats:

Last ten: Sox 1 - Twins 9

Last 35: Sox 7 - Twins 28

That includes today's win, where Mark Buehrle (who, shockingly, has a winning career record versus the Twins) went eight strong and still had to get bailed out by Alexei "Cuban Missile" Ramirez's ninth-inning RBI single. Jesse Crain (former Twin) vultured the win with a solid 9th.

So, I gotta ask. Is this a style thing? (AJ can't throw anyone out, and the Twins know it) Is it a management thing, and does Ron Gardenhire just have Ozzie's number? Is it just one of baseball's innumerable numerical anomalies? Say that six times fast. And then hope that it is, and that the South Siders will dominate the next fifty matchups.

Anyway, it's frustrating because this Sox team is not that far out of a playoff spot (three or four games, depending on the day), but they can't win against one team they play nineteen times a year, and they aren't a whole lot better against the other three (Tigers, Royals, Indians).

If Konerko and Co. played the NL all year long, they'd be a playoff lock. Once again, they dominated their interleague schedule this year. I'm not going to look it up, but I believe the number stands at twenty straight AL-NL series won. Yeah, playing the Cubs twice a year helps with that, but still.

Unfortunately it seems as though the Sox just can't be a dominant force in their own division. This makes it extremely difficult to gain ground in a playoff push. At this point, I'd almost prefer for them to play against the beastly AL East - it seems like every Red Sox/Yankees/Rays series is at least more entertaining than the beatings regularly handed out by the Twins.

I don't have any answers for this problem. But something's gotta change, and I doubt it's going to involve the Pale Hose changing leagues. Hopefully the win today is the start of something better.

PS - Pauly and Carlos Quentin in the All-Star Game. Good times!

PPS - Sox catching prospect Tyler Flowers is coming up to the majors, since backup catcher Ramon Castro broke his hand today. Hope springs eternal.

Armchair Superstar Baseball Predictions

So last year I predicted every division, Series and Major award winner. I failed pretty miserably picking the Phillies to beat the White Sox and only had 3 teams in the playoffs correctly. I did however correctly predict King Felix would win the AL Cy Young. So please enjoy this read, and expect absolutely nothing of this to come true.

NL.

Cy Young: Cliff Lee - Philadelphia
MVP: Pujols - Cardinals
ROY: Freddie Freeman – Atlanta

Pujols, in a contract year. Good luck to all other MVP candidates. I went Cliff Lee of Roy Halladay because of the whole AL to NL move. I do expect them both to have an amazing years along with Grienke in Milwaukee. Lastly Freddie Freeman is a left handed outfielder who is a ROY candidate in Atlanta. Sound familiar? Yup, Gordon Heyward last year. Heyward has crazy hype around him, and I expect to hear a lot about both him and Freeman and how they are the future of the Braves. I think Bryce Harper is a great player, but holding out for most of last season does not lead to ROY awards.

NL East: Phillies
NL Central: Cardinals
NL West: Rockies
NL Wild Card: Braves

NL Pennant: Phillies


Phillies are the best team in the NL and will go to their 3rd World Series in 4 years. I see the Reds staying with the Cardinals most the year, but in the end, Pujols will put them over the top. Anyone could come out of the west and it wouldn’t surprise me, but I like the Rockies. They are always good for a late run.



AL

AL Cy Young: King Felix - Mariners
MVP: Adrian Gonzalez - Boston
ROY: J.P. Arencibia – Toronto

I went with Arencbia because I expect Toronto to make a push for the post season this year and he will be a big part of it. I am concerned that Jesus Montero will win it because he plays for the Yankees. Adrian Gonzalez is going to have a big year in a new city for a team with World Series aspirations. Lastly, I went with King Felix last year and was right, so why not again.

AL East: Red Sox
AL Central: White Sox
AL West: A’s
AL Wild Card: Yankees


AL Pennant: Red Sox

I know, very risky picks here, going with Yankees and Red Sox to be doing well. I can’t pick against them though, their teams are too loaded. I like what the White Sox have done getting left handed power in Dunn, and if the pitching comes around as expected, could be tough for anyone to beat. The A’s are my surprise team out of the West. They have acquired a lot of talent over the past few years and that pitching staff could end up being best in the bigs.


World Series Title: Phillies


As loaded as the Red Sox are, they can’t compete with the pitching the Phillies have. I see Philadelphia being a wire to wire winner with very few obstacles on their way to the 2011 Title.

Double Error By the Marlins

I've seen some awesomely dumb mistakes in sports in my life, think Gus Ferotte headbutting the wall celebrating a TD and giving himself a concussion, but this one might take the cake. Please watch this soon before MLB takes it away.

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=12510329&topic_id=&c_id=mlb

Orioles Fans Get a Reason to Cheer

This kid is just awesome. What's the over/under on amount of times he would have gotten Tased at a Phillies game? 9? Seriously, way to go dude. I guess this proves that Baltimore cops really do have more important things to do than work security at baseball games. And all this time I thought The Wire was made up.

Jim Joyce Better Buy Armando Galarraga Something Nice

It's unbelievable that we could have had THREE perfect games in one season, let alone three in one month!

First base umpire Jim Joyce blew a call during today's Tigers-Indians game (the Tigers ended up winning 3-0) to deny pitcher Armando Galarraga what would have been a perfecto, the 21st in history, and the third this year after Dallas Braden and Roy Halladay notched their own.

Oh, and he did it with two outs, in the ninth inning. And then Galarraga calmly went and retired the next batter on a routine grounder. So props to him on that.

The ump, afterward, admitted that "I just cost that kid a perfect game... it was the biggest call of my career." (from ESPN)

If I'm Joyce, I'm calling Armando to apologize, and I'm taking him (and his interpreter) someplace real nice for dinner. It's the least he can do. Really he should get him a freakin' car or something. I will say this; It was classy of him to admit his mistake right away.

Also, somewhere Joe West is crazy jealous that he couldn't blow that call to promote his country album.

Story at ESPN, with commentary from Tim Kurkjian, quotes from Joyce.

Kurkjian makes an interesting point on this story and instant replay.

Safe or Out has always been one of those judgement calls, like Ball or Strike - I know when I was a little league ump, I would have hated to have a camera behind my back 24/7, but maybe if you allow one or two challenges a game, you avoid stories like this.

Accidental Site Access?

So I was reading a story about Roy Halladay's perfect game, and came across a link to "Online Edge," ESPN's in-depth reports on MLB players including an incredibly detailed array of stats.

You can check it out here.

We all know ESPN doesn't like to give this sort of information for free... is it possible that this access was accidental? In that case, check out those report cards while ya can.

Ozzie's Best Rants

In honor of this week's little Joe West fracas, SI.com has our favorite manager, Ozzie Guillen's, best rants of his Sox career. My favorite might be on Dustin Pedroia, who he called a former Kentucky Derby jockey.

Dear Sox: NOOOOO!

This scares the hell out of me.

Mark Buehrle is nervous that he might be traded?!

"If we don't win and this team gets blown up and gets traded, nothing you can do about it," Buehrle said Tuesday. "As far as the day when I'm a 10-and-5 guy (10 years of service and at least the last five with the same team), I'm looking forward to it." -Tribune

Uh. I'd be upset enough about trading AJ Peezy. Let's not even talk about this possibility, okay, Kenny?

Meet The Double Baggers

I have been lazy in posting of late, and for that, dear reader (s), I apologize.

Today I thought I'd take a look at one of everybody's favorite online activities, and one of the worst to actually talk about. (It's not what you think).

It's fantasy baseball! My annual squad, the Double Baggers, is in first place in Yahoo Public 475862 after three weeks, although I'm currently getting beat down 7-2 thanks to a rough week for my starting pitching.

A word about actual strategy - I tend to ignore closers and go after a ton of starting pitchers, more because I like to watch SPs in actual games than anything else. Its not necessarily a winning strategy but when it works well, it REALLY works - you either dominate wins, strikeouts, ERA, and WHIP, or you lose three out of the four, but if it's a good week, you're winning, period.

Anyway, here's three guys who have been playing well for me to start out the season, and three who have stunk it up.Ryan Braun, OF, Milwaukee Brewers (first round pick) - He was the best available player with the fifth pick in the draft, although I seriously considered Tim Lincecum (see hilarious sportscenter video here -- I love Big Time Timmy-Jim!) or even Roy Halladay. But I really didn't feel great about the pick, and Braun started out slow. However, with the Brew Crew exploding offensively over the last two weeks, the 26-year old outfielder has rounded into form as one of the best all-around offensive threats in the league.

With 19 runs, 20 RBIs, 5 homers, and six steals over his first 97 at-bats, Braun is a complete five-tool player (currently #4 overall in the game) and I was wise to listen to the Y! Rankings over my own sentiment here. Go Brewers. Thumbs up to Braun. And yes, that is him and his ex-girlfriend after last year's season.

Victor Martinez, C/1b, Boston Red Sox (third round pick) - I figured this was about the safest pick I could make. V-Mart has always been consistent power and a lock at the catcher position, and I could even shuffle him to first if I wanted, right? Well, he has sucked so far. Between his O-Rank (Yahoo's projected ranking) of 32 and his ACTUAL rank of 874, Martinez is hitting just .235 (he's a career .300 hitter) and his OPS is off by over 200 points.

His lack of production out of the 3 and 5 spots in the Red Sox lineup is one reason why they're scuffling along at 11-13. Like Bostonians everywhere, I can only hope for a turn around. Till then, thumbs down on V-Mart.


Ubaldo Jimenez, SP, Colorado Rockies (seventh round) - He already pitched a no-hitter this year. His numbers (5-0, 0.79 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 31 Ks) are ridiculous. He's only behind Lincecum and Roy Halladay in the rankings, yet he was drafted just after Yovani Gallardo and Jake Peavy. A big thumbs up on Jimenez.

Also, I have Mark Buehrle, SP, White Sox, whose perfect game was AWESOME and won me that week. But he has struggled ever since. Still, I will be keeping Number 56 on the roster - I'm willing to take the hit on his bad starts just to get his good ones.

On the subject of White Sox, how about Gordon Beckham, 2b/3b (eighth round) - There's no sugar coating this. Beckham is having a terrible spring. Like most of the Pale Hose, his batting average has hovered around .220, and he has scored just ten runs despite batting in the 2-hole, with a single home run and just four RBI. This, my friends, is a sophomore slump. Beckham is currently planted on my bench.

Lucky for me, I grabbed Brewer Casey McGehee, 2b/3b off the free agent wire! I also got Ricky Romero, Colby Lewis, and Hideki Matsui this way. McGehee is batting fifth in the Brew Crew order, which means he gets to follow Braun and Prince Fielder to the plate. How awesome is that? He's batting over .300 with 19 RBIs, tops among eligible second basemen.

So there you have it, my own personal three up, three down.

How are your teams doing? Who's been breaking your heart or carrying the squad? And does anybody care about fantasy baseball?

White Sox Are 1-4: Are You Worried?

I think we all knew going into the season that this Sox team would be defined by excellent starting pitching. Sure enough, every member of the starting five, except Jake Peavy, turned in a more-than-solid effort in their first trip out.

Floyd, Danks, and Garcia all had quality starts, yet lost because, apparently, nobody but Paul Konerko in this lineup can hit in the clutch. Buehrle was a monster on Opening Day, but is getting lit up by the Twins in his second start today.

Juan Pierre hasn't been able to get anything going from the leadoff spot (he's well under the Mendoza Line), and nobody towards the bottom of the order (Alexei, AJ, Teahen, "DH" Kotsay) has been able to make contact either.

I know it's early to freak out about this, and offense often doesn't get going until it warms up a bit anyway, but are the White Sox in trouble? The Twins look awfully good, and the Tigers, Indians, and Royals won't be terrible this year either. Will this lack of scoring punch continue? If it does, no good will come of this season.

Personally, I think the Sox need to find somebody other than Kotsay for the DH spot. You know, somebody that can hit the ball. Why did we get rid of Thome, again?

Some other issues - I'm starting to think that Matt Thornton may end up taking Bobby Jenks' closing role. So far he has struck out six of the eleven batters he has faced, while Bobby hasn't notched a save in two appearances.

Carlos Quentin is actually hitting pretty well (OPS over 1.00). It's too bad Beckham and Pierre haven't managed to get on base in front of him at all.

The Mark Teahen Watch - so far he is hitting .091, while Chris Getz and Josh Fields, who we traded to get him from Kansas City, are contributing for the Royals (well, Fields is on the DL - but he looked good in spring training!). Bad trade? I thought so at the time. It's too early to tell, though.

Buehrle For The Win

What a play. Great way to start the season, a 6-0 whitewash of the Indians with throwback play from Mark Buehrle (7.0 IP, 3H, 3K, shutout) and Paul Konerko and contributions from the new guys, too. JJ Putz, welcome to Chicago. Gordon Beckham, welcome to superstardom.

Now I'm excited for baseball.

Opening Day: White Sox Thoughts & Predictions

Okay, here we are less than two hours away from opening day. I'm going to make some predictions for the season, as well as some for today's game. But first, I gotta say I am so glad baseball season is finally back. Yes it drags on in August and September when your team is not going to make the playoffs (or if your team is so far ahead in the division that they will make the playoffs and you just want the playoffs to come) but its nice that it is here to fill the NFL void that I have. Now on to my predictions:

Todays Game vs. Indians

Final Score: 6-2 White Sox

Pick to Click: Alex Rios 2B, HR, 3 RBI

Buehrle's line: 7 IP 2 ER 5 K 2 BB

Westbrook's line: 6.1 IP 5 ER 6 K 4 BB

Season Predictions:

Pierre: .305 AVG .355 OBP 55 SB 90 R

Beckham: .310 AVG .380 OBP 23 HR 25 SB 50 2B 85 RBI

Quentin: .280 AVG .385 OBP 35 HR 110 RBI

Konerko: .275 AVG .355 OBP 25 HR 80 RBI

Rios: .295 AVG .340 OBP 30 HR 80 RBI 25 SB

Pierzynski: .290 AVG .325 OBP 14 HR 65 RBI

Ramirez: .295 AVG .350 OBP 25 HR 75 RBI

Teahan: .265 AVG .325 OBP 20 HR 60 RBI

Jones: .245 AVG .290 OBP 15 HR 45 RBI

Kotsay: .275 AVG .320 OBP 6 HR 20 RBI

Vizquel: .220 AVG .285 OBP 1 HR 10 RBI

Castro: .230 AVG .290 OBP 15 RBI

Nix: .235 AVG .310 OBP 15 HR 35 RBI

Buerhle: 3.85 ERA 18-7

Peavy: 3.25 ERA 21-5 (Cy Young)

Danks: 3.50 ERA 15-10

Floyd: 3.90 ERA 14-12

Garcia: 4.35 ERA 13-13

Pena: 3.90 ERA

Williams: 5.10 ERA

Thornton: 2.25 ERA

Putz: 2.75 ERA

Linebrink: 3.30 ERA

Santos: 3.75 ERA

Jenks: 3.00 ERA 40 S

White Sox Record: 101-61

Prediction: World Series Champs

Optimistic? Yes, but accurate as well! Let's go go White Sox.

Trivia: White Sox Players from 2005

Can you name all the players on the White Sox 2010 opening day roster that were memebers of the 2005 World Series team?

Answers will be in comments Wed

My MLB Predictions

Okay, lets start off with the AL:

AL EAST:

1. Yankees

2. Rays (Wild Card)

3. Red Sox

4. Orioles

5. Blue Jays

The Yankees have a stacked rotation and lineup. They have a lights out closer in Mariano Rivera. They are the World Series Champs. I expect them to win this division.

The Rays have a very exciting lineup, especially if BJ Upton bounces back. Evan Longoria is entering his third year and I expect him to be in the running for MVP. They have a strong pitching staff with a strong bullpen. They finally landed the closer they've wanted. I expect them to take the Wildcard.

The Red Sox have a arguably the best pitching staff in the MLB. They have an awesome closer. However, they totally adjusted their lineup in a way that I am not all that impressed with. Further, they don't have that strong of a bullpen to allow their pitching staff to a spot in the playoffs in this strong of a division.

The Orioles have some nice young hitters. Although their pitching is incredibly weak, I expect them to finish fourth b/c of how much the Blue Jays dismantled their team.

The Blue Jays totally dismantled their team. They lost two of their key players in Rios and Halliday. I expect them to finish last.

AL CENTRAL:

1. White Sox

2. Twins

3. Tigers

4. Indians

5. Royals

The White Sox have arguably the best pitching staff in baseball. They have arguably the best bullpen in baseball. They have a fast lineup with some serious pop in there. They can play solid defense. This team has transformed itself to a slow boring team to a fast team. I am excited about their offense and I actually see the Sox finishing with the best record in the AL this year.

The Twins might have won the wildcard with Joe Nathan. Without him, they'll be lucky to get 85 wins this year. They are no longer in the roller dome so their pitchers and hitters are going to be much more vulnerable.

The Tigers went with a youth movement ditching some of their talent, including Edwin Jackson (he was young and had a good year, I'm lost?). I see this team finishing .500 because of their strong pitching staff.

The Indians... suck. I'm just banking on them being better than the Royals.

The Royals may actually finish third, but they are the Royals. For that reason alone, I have them finishing last.

AL WEST:

1. Mariners

2. Rangers

3. Angels

4. A's

The Mariners were close last year and they added some serious talent this year. They improved their pitching talent with Cliff Lee. They improved their anemic offense with a dynamic lead off hitter in Chone Figgins and even Milton Bradley (although he sucked with the Cubs he'll likely revert back to his career averages). The only worry I have with this team is David Aardsma closing. I think he'll suck again. However, with those changes and the decline the Angels are sure to see is enough for the Mariners to take the division.

The Rangers have some nice hitting along with some decent pitching in both the bullpen and the starting lineup. They could easily win this division, however, I just don't think they are as talented as the Mariners. I think you'll see their pitching break down (as usual). I could see them finishing 3rd in this division.

The Angels lost some key players in John Lackey and John Washburn (although I think they lost him a few years back). They also lost Chone Figgins as their leadoff hitter and Vlad as a hitter. I do not see them maintaining their reign on top of the AL West.

Now on to the NL

NL EAST:

1. Phillies

2. Mets (Wildcard)

3. Braves

4. Marlins

5. Nationals

The Phillies have a strong rotation a strong bullpen and a strong lineup. They have been to the World Series both last year and the year previous. They are 1-1 in the World Series. I don't see them suddenly declining.

The Mets, if they can stay healthy, are a solid team and may sneak into the playoffs this year. A strong lineup and solid pitching rotation can carry them.

The Braves have a bright future, I just don't see it happening this year.

The Marlins seem to try to ruin their chances every time they develop talent by getting rid of that talent. However, they do have a good offense and I could see them beating out the Braves and possibly the Mets.

The Nationals suck. They have no offense, no pitching, no defense. Worst team in the MLB.

NL CENTRAL:

1. Cardinals

2. Cubs

3. Brewers

4. Reds

5. Astros

6. Pirates

The Cardinals are the best team in this division and I think they will run away with it. Led by a solid offense and good arms.

The Cubs could win the division if they can turn around their hitting and their pitching hasn't aged too much.

The Brewers aren't what they were two years ago, however they do have some very good players. Rumors are that they will trade Fielder before the All-Star break, which would seriously hurt their chances.

The Reds are a team that I think showed improvement last year. As such, I see them continuing this trend and putting up a decent fight in this otherwise weak division.

The Astros, I don't really know, I don't see them doing too much. Plus, I'm getting a little sick of writing this up!

The Pirates blow. They got rid of some of their best talent last year, and will continue that approach just soe they don't have to field a real team.

NL WEST:

1. Giants

2. Dodgers

3. Rockies

4. Diamond Backs

5. Padres

The Giants are led by arguably the best pitching staff. They've also got a good bullpen, and I think they have just enough offense to pull off winning the division.

The Dodgers are a solid, but aging, team. Manny Ramirez is what? 50? Probably in whatever Latin American country he comes from. Not to mention he has already voiced that he doesn't want to play there next year. Way to start off the season with some chemistry...

The Rockies are one of those teams that are hard to predict. With good pitching this team could take the division. However, I just don't see it this year.

The Diamondbacks have some good pitching. But I don't think they are any near talented enough on offense, and even in their staff and bullpen, to take the division.

The Padres are going to suck, big time. They sucked last year. They got rid of Peavy. I hope they are enjoying... crap I can't even remember the kids name (although I did like him and this is really bothering me). They are probably going to get rid of their only offense (Adrian Gonzalez) by the all-star break. Not going to happen for them for at least 5 years... sorry Padre Fans.

AL Pennant: White Sox

NL Pennant: Giants

World Series Champs: White Sox

World Series of Unfortunate Events

So as I prepare to root on the Cubs for another season, I have hopes they will go far into October. I really hope they can at least keep me onboard until the end of Summer. Derrek Lee hurting himself while eating is not a good start. Yes, it involved a chair collapsing but the NL Central should prove more dangerous this season. It got me thinking back to the other recent "freak" injuries that have plagued the organization.

2009- Ryan Dempster breaking his big toe jumping over the railing. It's ok to celebrate victories but this season try walking up the stairs onto the field.

2008- Alfonso Soriano straining his right calf doing his signature "hop." Alfonso I know it supposedly helps you with your timing but just make sure you land right. Also, be careful when celebrating victories in center field after games. Celebrating can be dangerous, just ask your teammate shown above.

2007- Kerry Wood slipping while getting out of the hot tub. If his arm wasn't enough of a problem for the years leading up to this incident, his stomach and chest took a beating this time. It was an early sign of things to come with Mr. Dempster...Don't climb in/out of things if you are a member of the Cubs and it can be avoided.

2004- Sammy Sosa sneezing in the clubhouse forcing him out of the lineup in San Diego. The sneezes caused his back spasms to flare up so much so he had to grab a CHAIR for support. Sosa is long gone, but we're back to an "event" that involved a chair one way or another. Is there any possibility that the same chair caused havoc on Derrek Lee?

History says the Chicago Cubs are cursed by a goat. That might be true, but maybe it has just been a chair causing the heartache all along.

Baseball Predictions

NL

Cy Young: Johan Santana - Mets
MVP: Ryan Howard - Philadelphia
ROY: Jason Heyword – Atlanta

I went with Heyword over Strausburg because I think he will be surrounded by better talent. Strausburg, even if he starts right away, is good for what, 10-12 wins tops on the Nationals. The Braves will be competitive in the NL East which will keep Heyword in the spotlight for a greater part of the season. I have heard people comparing Heyword to Ken Griffey Jr. so there is plenty of hype around both rookies.

NL East: Phillies
NL Central: Cardinals
NL West: Diamondbacks
NL Wild Card: Mets

NL Pennant: Phillies

Phillies are the best team in the NL and will go to their 3rd straight World Series. Also, because I feel the Phillies are the best team, I think the MVP voters will give the award to Howard over Pujols. The stat heads love the Diamondbacks, because they are such a young team. I think the young team finally puts it all together and beats out the Dodgers for the NL West




















AL

Cy Young: King Felix - Seattle
MVP: A-Rod - Yankees
ROY: Brian Matusz – Baltimore

King Felix has a better team around him and with Lee on the roster will inspire him to pitch better (think Johnson and Schilling In Arizona). The Yankees will have the best record in baseball, and just like the NL, MVP voters will vote for the best player on the best team.

AL East: Yankees
AL Central: White Sox
AL West: Mariners
AL Wild Card: Rays

This is a make or break year for the Rays, if this team doesn’t produce, expect to see a Marlins style demolishing of the team. I think the players know this, and will play inspired all year to produce a Wild Card berth for the franchise and the second post season berth in 3 seasons. Maybe I’m biased (OK I am), The White Sox pitching staff can go toe to toe with in rotation in baseball, This will carry them to a division title. I know the Twins will be around (because, well the Twins are always around), but with their new stadium, Target Field, I don’t see how they can keep winning with the same style of baseball that worked in the Metrodome.

AL Pennant: White Sox

White Sox Pitching will carry them to the AL Pennant.


World Series Title: Phillies

So my White Sox bias isn’t that crazy. I think the Phillies have the best team in baseball in 2010 and will bring the World Series title back Philly for the 2nd time in 3 years.


I’m throwing down the gauntlet for all ACSS writers. I want to see which writer can predict most of the following correct. The MVP, CY Young and ROY for each league, the four playoff teams and the pennant winner for each league and finally, the World Series Winner.

Joe Nathan Done for the Year

It appears that Joe Nathan is going to have season ending elbow surgery. So, what does this mean for the White Sox? In my opinion, a much easier opponent in the Minnesota Twins. This may be the most significant of all possible pitcher injuries in the AL Central in regards to the positive impact it can have for the White Sox. Who becomes the Twins Closer? My guess is it will be someone who is somehow dominant as well (as this always seems to happen to the Twins), but my hope is that it is someone who sucks. This injury may actually make the White Sox the division winners by mid-September, maybe even earlier.

I don't usually like to celebrate injuries to an opponent. I'd rather beat them fair and square. But after playing for years in that damn dome, it's about damn time they had to play with a handicap. So this year the Twins will face the uphill struggle of playing outside, in a smaller ball park, in the freezing cold in April, without the benefit of arguably their best pitcher. Meanwhile the White Sox will be lining up arguably the best staff in the MLB with a darn good bullpen and some solid pop through out the order. Things are looking better and better for your 2010 Chicago White Sox. The same thing cannot be said for the Cubs... only because they are the Cubs.

The Big Hurt Retires

Tom Verducci says it best here.

"Frank Thomas is the best player in White Sox history."

Dome Field Advantage

This was a really interesting read from Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci. He discusses how dome's create an unfair advantage and allows player stats to be pumped up because of this advantage. He comments that baseball, Larry Walker is criticized for hitting so well in hitter friendly Coors Field, while Peyton is congratulated for putting up big stats in climate control. A recommended read for all.