Opening day is upon us and the start of a new MLB season gives hope to every team that they’ll become World Series champions, except the Pittsburgh Pirates of course.
Last season I picked the San Francisco Giants to win the NL West, therefore I’m an oracle. As such, I’m someone who should be listened to about 8.7 percent of the time.
With the Phillies’ Chase Utley in limbo with an ailing knee, I would have picked Philadelphia to win the World Series simply on the strength of their pitching and his presence in the lineup.
But without Utley and the loss of Jayson Werth, I’m not as optimistic about the Phillies chances, even with the great pitching they have.
Utley’s injury is Boston’s gain, because there isn’t any logical reason why the Red Sox shouldn’t win the AL pennant and eventually the World Series.
But logic isn’t always followed in sports, so seeing Minnesota or the Detroit Tigers make their way to the fall classic wouldn’t be outside the realm of possibility.
If the Phillies should falter in the NL, I like the Brewers and Rockies to make some noise. Milwaukee really helped themselves adding Zack Greinke and Shawn Marcum, and the Rockies have three legitimate All-Stars in Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez and Ubaldo Jimenez.
But in the end I honestly believe the Boston Red Sox will reign supreme in 2011, and if you don’t agree with me I’ll use my powers as an oracle to make you a Pirates fan for the rest of your life.
AL East
Boston Red Sox
New York Yankees
Baltimore Orioles
Tampa Bay Rays
Toronto Blue Jays
AL Central
Detroit Tigers
Minnesota Twins
Chicago White Sox
Kansas City Royals
Cleveland Indians
AL West
Los Angeles Angels
Texas Rangers
Oakland Athletics
Seattle Mariners
AL East – Boston Red Sox
AL Central – Detroit Tigers
AL West – Los Angeles Angels
AL Wildcard – Minnesota Twins
AL Champion – Boston Red Sox
NL East
Philadelphia Phillies
Atlanta Braves
Florida Marlins
Washington Nationals
New York Mets
NL Central
Milwaukee Brewers
Cincinnati Reds
Chicago Cubs
St. Louis Cardinals
Houston Astros
Pittsburgh Pirates
NL West
Colorado Rockies
San Francisco Giants
Los Angeles Dodgers
San Diego Padres
Arizona Diamondbacks
NL East – Philadelphia Phillies
NL Central – Milwaukee Brewers
NL West – Colorado Rockies
NL Wildcard – Cincinnati Reds
NL Champion – Philadelphia Phillies
World Series – Boston Red Sox over Philadelphia Phillies
I think I will be putting the Mariners 1st again. Lol.
I recall you picked them first in the AL West last year. Nothing wrong with dreaming.
Oh I did pick them and they will do good this year. I may be the most optimistic person about the mariners right now. Proud of it.
@Spewf – I get it . I believe once you jump on the bandwagon you don’t jump off. Considering that division is up for grabs this season, the M’s have as good a chance as anyone.