MLB 2021 Season: It's Your Pitch, Jay Kirk

[2006Coltsbestever]

4 hours ago, Myles said:

I hope that doesn't make you root for the Dodgers.   Their team salary salary is $100 million more than the Cardinals.  $64 million more than 2nd Yankees.  

Nah, I have no dog in any fight this year. I just want to see a great playoffs. If anything I want to see the Dodgers lose. KB is my favorite player so if the Giants won it all that would be cool.

[PuntersArePeopleToo]

17 hours ago, 2006Coltsbestever said:

Nah, I have no dog in any fight this year. I just want to see a great playoffs. If anything I want to see the Dodgers lose. KB is my favorite player so if the Giants won it all that would be cool.

Giants, rays, blue jays would be my top hope. 

[2006Coltsbestever]

Just now, PuntersArePeopleToo said:

Giants, rays, blue jays would be my top hope. 

Rays would be cool, they have never won one is why.

[Barry Sears]

!6 straight wins!  I saw that when September began, the Cardinals had a 2.9% chance of making the playoffs, it's now at 99% and their magic number to clinch is at 1.  They are off today and some have said it will be better to play the Dodgers than the Giants, while others say it doesn't matter in a one game playoff.

 

I just know if the Cardinals win that Wild Card against either the Dodgers OR the Giants, one of those two teams will have a very disappointing end to a 100+ win season.

 

The Rays clinch the AL East Title!

 

Yankees sweep Boston and are 1 game ahead of the Red Sox i the WC, but the Jays are just one back of Boston and Seattle is 2 back.  Would love to see either the Jays or Mariners sneak in ahead of Boston or NY.

[Myles]

3 hours ago, Barry Sears said:

!6 straight wins!  I saw that when September began, the Cardinals had a 2.9% chance of making the playoffs, it's now at 99% and their magic number to clinch is at 1.  They are off today and some have said it will be better to play the Dodgers than the Giants, while others say it doesn't matter in a one game playoff.

 

I just know if the Cardinals win that Wild Card against either the Dodgers OR the Giants, one of those two teams will have a very disappointing end to a 100+ win season.

 

The Rays clinch the AL East Title!

 

Yankees sweep Boston and are 1 game ahead of the Red Sox i the WC, but the Jays are just one back of Boston and Seattle is 2 back.  Would love to see either the Jays or Mariners sneak in ahead of Boston or NY.

Anyone but the Dodgers, Yankees or Red Sox.    Preferably the Cardinals.

[2006Coltsbestever]

13 hours ago, Barry Sears said:

!6 straight wins!  I saw that when September began, the Cardinals had a 2.9% chance of making the playoffs, it's now at 99% and their magic number to clinch is at 1.  They are off today and some have said it will be better to play the Dodgers than the Giants, while others say it doesn't matter in a one game playoff.

 

I just know if the Cardinals win that Wild Card against either the Dodgers OR the Giants, one of those two teams will have a very disappointing end to a 100+ win season.

 

The Rays clinch the AL East Title!

 

Yankees sweep Boston and are 1 game ahead of the Red Sox i the WC, but the Jays are just one back of Boston and Seattle is 2 back.  Would love to see either the Jays or Mariners sneak in ahead of Boston or NY.

Yeah you should be proud of the Cards, if the Cubs did what they are doing I would be on here boasting  . In a 1 game situation they can beat the Dodgers or Giants IMO.

[Myles]

On 9/9/2021 at 9:28 AM, Myles said:

San Diego is going to have trouble holding onto that last WC spot.

Their remaining schedule:

 

6 games against the Dodgers - 0-3

10 games against the Giants - 3-4

3 games against the Cardinals - 0-3

3 games against the Braves - 0-3

 

It's set up for the Reds to get that spot.

The Reds have:

3 games against the Cardinals - 1-2

9 games against the Pirates - 3-3

3 games against the Dodgers - 1-2

4 games against the Nationals - 3-1

2 games against the White Sox

 

Cardinals remaining schedule:

3 games against the Reds - 2-1

3 games against the Mets - 3-0

3 games against the Padres - 3-0

7 games against the Brewers - 4-0

7 games against the Cubs - 4-0

 

Philly is team that could surprise and get that last spot.

4 games against the Rockies - 1-3

3 games against the Cubs - 2-1

3 games against the Mets - 2-1

3 games against the Orioles - 2-1

4 games against the Pirates - 3-1

3 games against the Braves

3 games against the Marlins

 

I think the 2 game lead the Reds have against the Phillies will be the difference. 

 

I updated this to include their records so far against the teams they needed to beat.  Epic collapse by the Padres.  

[Myles]

17 wins in a row.  One of only 3 teams to win that many in the past 68 years.   Oakland won 20 in a row in 2002.   Cleveland won 22 in a row in 2017.

 

[Barry Sears]

2 hours ago, Myles said:

17 wins in a row.  One of only 3 teams to win that many in the past 68 years.   Oakland won 20 in a row in 2002.   Cleveland won 22 in a row in 2017.

 

 

And with that 17th win we CLINCH the last WC spot in the National League!

[RollerColt]

1 hour ago, Barry Sears said:

 

And with that 17th win we CLINCH the last WC spot in the National League!

Congrats to all you Cards fans. Your team deserved it. Hopefully they knock off the big names in October and keep the run going. I have lost all faith that Cincinnati will ever be a playoff contender until the Castellini family is no longer in charge. 

 

Here's to living through another 10 year rebuild... 

[Myles]

Bleacher report MLB predictions for the 2021 season.   Always fun to see their hits and misses.  

Notably:

Missed on Orioles, Red Sox, Tampa, Tigers, Twins, Angels, Mariners, Met's, Nationals,  Brewers, Diamondbacks, Padres and Giants.

 

Baltimore Orioles—64.5 wins

The O's have some intriguing young bats in Ryan Mountcastle, Anthony Santander and Austin Hays, and it's only a matter of time before catcher Adley Rutschman is in the mix. However, they simply don't have the pitching to be anything more than an outside threat to avoid 100 losses.

Verdict: Under (64)

                                       

Boston Red Sox—80.5 wins

The .400 winning percentage the Red Sox posted last season would be the equivalent of 65 wins over a 162-game schedule. Offense has never been a question, and they should score plenty of runs once again. The question will be how much they can get from Eduardo Rodriguez and Chris Sale and whether a rebuilt bullpen is up to the task.

Verdict: Under (79)

                      

New York Yankees—95.5 wins

The Yankees rotation remains perhaps the single biggest X-factor in all of baseball. Jameson Taillon (missed all of 2020) and Corey Kluber are both coming off injury-plagued years, Luis Severino is returning from Tommy John surgery, and Domingo German is coming back from a season-long suspension. If they can pull their weight and the lineup is not decimated by injuries, this will be the team to beat in the American League. Those are sizable "ifs" though.

Verdict: Under (94)

                       

Tampa Bay Rays—85.5 wins

Losing Blake Snell and Charlie Morton hurts, but the Tampa Bay organization is loaded with pitching. It'll squeeze what it can out of Chris Archer, Rich Hill and Michael Wacha, and if that doesn't work out, the Rays will have Luis Patino, Shane McClanahan, Brent Honeywell Jr. and others waiting in the wings. This team is no longer overly reliant on the pitching side of things with an offense that can do some damage as well.

Verdict: Over (90)

                                              

Toronto Blue Jays—86.5 wins

Until the starting rotation takes shape behind Hyun Jin Ryu, it's hard to buy into the Blue Jays as contenders in the AL East. That said, the offense is absolutely stacked, and while Toronto has question marks on the staff, it also has a wealth of MLB-caliber arms. The quantity over quality approach and a dangerous lineup should be more than enough to keep the Jays in the AL Wild Card hunt.

Verdict: Under (86) 

   

AL Central

2 OF 6

Luis RobertPaul Beaty/Associated Press

Chicago White Sox—91.5 wins

The loss of left fielder Eloy Jimenez hurts, but it's not going to derail the White Sox as World Series contenders. The addition of Lance Lynn gives them three front-line starters, the offense is still loaded with impact bats and rookie Andrew Vaughn could go a long way toward replacing Jimenez. And the bullpen is going to be a dynamic weapon.

Verdict: Over (94)

             

Cleveland—81.5 wins

Trading Francisco Lindor undoubtedly made Cleveland worse, but the team is still solid. The starting rotation will need to shoulder the load, which means Zach Plesac, Aaron Civale and Triston McKenzie are the big X-factors if they hope to return to the postseason. Don't sleep on Jose Ramirez for AL MVP honors.

Verdict: Over (83)

                 

Detroit Tigers—68.5 wins

This Tigers team is still a year or two away from legitimate contention, but it made some nice under-the-radar moves this offseason. Robbie Grossman, Wilson Ramos, Jose Urena, Julio Teheran and Nomar Mazara are all solid upgrades on the fringe of the roster, and there is enough potential on the pitching side to think Detroit can exceed expectations.

Verdict: Over (70)

                      

Kansas City Royals—72.5 wins

The Royals are a dark horse to contend for an AL Wild Card spot after a productive offseason that saw them add Carlos Santana, Mike Minor, Andrew Benintendi and others. If the young pitching takes another step forward and Bobby Witt Jr. makes a major impact in the second half, a run at a winning record is not out of the question.

Verdict: Over (76)   

           

Minnesota Twins—88.5 wins

Signing J.A. Happ and Matt Shoemaker should help solidify the back of the Minnesota rotation, but does it really move the needle? Rebuilding teams like the Tigers and Royals are getting better, which means fewer wins to go around in the AL Central. This team is undoubtedly a contender, but it might be with a more modest win total.

Verdict: Under (86)    

 

AL West

3 OF 6

Mike TroutMatt York/Associated Press

Houston Astros—86.5 wins

The Astros are in a bit of a transitional period. George Springer is gone, Carlos Correa has one foot out the door, and the pitching staff is getting younger around ace Zack Greinke. This team didn't come one win away from the World Series last year by accident, but it also didn't finish with a sub-.500 record by accident.

Verdict: Under (86)

             

Los Angeles Angels—83.5 wins

Remember when the Angels tossed too much money at Matt Harvey and Trevor Cahill a few years ago in hopes of slapping a Band-Aid on a mediocre starting rotation? It's hard not to get the same sort of vibe from this winter's additions of Alex Cobb and Jose Quintana. With a stacked offense, they'll go as far as the pitching staff takes them.

Verdict: Under (82)

            

Oakland Athletics—87.5 wins

The Athletics have the best starting rotation and the best bullpen in the division, and that alone is reason enough to call them favorites to repeat as AL West champs. If young players like Jesus Luzardo, Sean Murphy and Ramon Laureano can take another step forward, this could be an even better team than it was a year ago.

Verdict: Over (90)

         

Seattle Mariners—72.5 wins

It might still be another year before the Mariners snap a postseason drought that stretches back to 2001, but expect things to start trending in the right direction. The youth movement should be in full swing by midseason, with top prospects Jarred Kelenic, Logan Gilbert and Cal Raleigh among the first expected to get the call. The future is bright, and the present will be better than expected.

Verdict: Over (78)

                 

Texas Rangers—66.5 wins

The decision to designate Rougned Odor for assignment when he's still owed $27 million over the next two years was a clear indication the Rangers are committed to a full-scale rebuild. The 2021 season is going to be all about assessing their young in-house talent and trying to flip what's left of the veteran talent pool, including Joey Gallo and Kyle Gibson. It's the right move for the organization, but it's also going to mean some serious growing pains.

Verdict: Under (65)  

 

NL East

4 OF 6

Francisco LindorLynne Sladky/Associated Press

Atlanta Braves—91.5 wins

For all the headlines the New York Mets grabbed this offseason, the Braves are still the team to beat in the NL East. Free-agent additions Charlie Morton and Drew Smyly, Mike Soroka's eventual return from an Achilles injury and a full season of Ian Anderson should make a starting rotation that used 14 pitchers last year a formidable group. The lineup is also still stacked with the re-signed Marcell Ozuna, so the only real question is about a bullpen that lost three key veterans.

Verdict: Over (94)

       

Miami Marlins—70.5 wins

It's not often a team makes the playoffs with a minus-41 run differential, and returning to the postseason is going to be a tall order for the Marlins. The teams around them got a lot better, and while they have a dynamic young pitching staff, the lineup stands to be among the worst in baseball. The future is still bright, but last year will be proved a fluke.

Verdict: Under (68)

         

New York Mets—90.5 wins

It's hard to find any major holes in the Mets. The fact that Carlos Carrasco is already sidelined, while Marcus Stroman and Noah Syndergaard are coming back from significant injuries, raises a question about the stability of the rotation. But that's mostly nitpicking, as they look poised to push the Braves for the division title.

Verdict: Over (92)

    

Philadelphia Phillies—80.5 wins

The Phillies did well to retain J.T. Realmuto and Didi Gregorius in free agency, and they added warm bodies to a historically awful bullpen, but did they do enough to keep pace with the rest of the stacked NL East? With a middle-of-the-pack rotation and a bullpen that still needs to take shape, expect residence on the fringe of wild-card contention.

Verdict: Over (81)

       

Washington Nationals—84.5 wins

With a healthy Stephen Strasburg in the rotation and acquired sluggers Josh Bell and Kyle Schwarber bolstering the lineup, the Nationals are in great shape to bounce back from a forgettable season as the defending champions. But have they done enough to bridge the gap to the top of the division?

Verdict: Under (84)

 

NL Central

5 OF 6

Nolan ArenadoLynne Sladky/Associated Press

Chicago Cubs—79.5 wins

It's easy to forget the Cubs won the division last year. The lineup should be just fine as long as Javier Baez and Kris Bryant remember how to hit, but the starting rotation is a major question mark. Can Jake Arrieta, Zach Davies, Trevor Williams and Adbert Alzolay pitch well enough for Chicago to contend? If they struggle early, expect the Cubbies to sell aggressively.

Verdict: Over (82)

      

Cincinnati Reds—82.5 wins

Even with Trevor Bauer gone, the Reds should still have a solid rotation once Sonny Gray gets healthy and joins Luis Castillo and breakout candidate Tyler Mahle atop the staff. The question is whether an offense that went silent in the playoffs can show significant improvement without any notable additions. Losing the designated hitter won't help, and Cincinnati has a number of middling defensive outfielders.

Verdict: Under (78)

     

Milwaukee Brewers—82.5 wins

With Brandon Woodruff and Corbin Burnes fronting the rotation and the two-headed monster of Devin Williams and Josh Hader shortening games at the back of the bullpen, the Brewers might have the best pitching staff in the division. At the plate, they need Christian Yelich and Keston Hiura to return to their 2019 forms. If that happens, they could win the NL Central.

Verdict: Over (87)

   

Pittsburgh Pirates—59.5 wins

The Pirates are not just going to be the worst team in baseball; they're also going to be the worst team in years. It would be a major upset if they don't finish last in team ERA and last in runs, and that takes a special kind of terrible. At least rookie Ke'Bryan Hayes is fun to watch.

Verdict: Under (50)

       

St. Louis Cardinals—86.5 wins

The Nolan Arenado trade vaulted the Cardinals to the front of the NL Central pecking order, though questions remain about their pitching. If Miles Mikolas and Kwang Hyun Kim can get healthy, and Jack Flaherty can return to ace form, they'll be in great shape. The bullpen should be a major strength with Jordan Hicks, Andrew Miller, Giovanny Gallegos and Alex Reyes at the back end.

Verdict: Over (89)

 

NL West

6 OF 6

Yu DarvishSue Ogrocki/Associated Press

Arizona Diamondbacks—74.5 wins

The D-backs are the epitome of mediocrity, and even if Madison Bumgarner rebounds and Zac Gallen gets healthy, it's hard to see a path to contention for them in the NL West. It's more likely they will sell off veteran pieces come July while they continue to wait on the development of a well-stocked farm system.

Verdict: Under (71)

     

Colorado Rockies—64.5 wins

The Rockies and Pirates are in a tier of their own in the race for the No. 1 pick in the 2022 MLB draft. This team was a mess before it traded Nolan Arenado for pennies on the dollar, and with a clueless front office, things are going to get worse before they get better.

Verdict: Under (59)

        

Los Angeles Dodgers—101.5 wins

After playing at a 116-win pace last year, it's hard not to take the over on the defending champs. Not only do they have the most talented roster in baseball, but they are also overflowing with quality depth, which should allow them to weather the storm of a 162-game season. This could be a 110-win team.

Verdict: Over (103)

   

San Diego Padres—94.5 wins

Remember 2001, when the A's won 102 games and settled for a wild-card spot because they played in the same division as the 116-win Mariners? The Padres could be in a similar position, as they are arguably the second-best team in baseball but happen to share a division with No. 1 on that list. The franchise record for wins in a season is 98 in 1998, and that total is not out of reach.

Verdict: Over (96)

   

San Francisco Giants—75.5 wins

The Giants are still reshaping the roster, and with nearly $100 million coming off the books next offseason, they are a year away from making a splash. For now, they have an interesting collection of aging veterans, scrapheap finds, bounce-back candidates and up-and-comers. The ceiling might be a winning record, but somewhere in the mid-70s is more realistic.

Verdict: Under (75)

[Jay Kirk]

Well I am looking forward to actually getting to see some baseball. Im sick of the greed from sports networks and viewing providers doesnt matter cable or satellite . they have pretty much made it impossible for me to watch the national pastime.

[Jay Kirk]

3 hours ago, Myles said:

Bleacher report MLB predictions for the 2021 season.   Always fun to see their hits and misses.  

Notably:

Missed on Orioles, Red Sox, Tampa, Tigers, Twins, Angels, Mariners, Met's, Nationals,  Brewers, Diamondbacks, Padres and Giants.

 

Baltimore Orioles—64.5 wins

The O's have some intriguing young bats in Ryan Mountcastle, Anthony Santander and Austin Hays, and it's only a matter of time before catcher Adley Rutschman is in the mix. However, they simply don't have the pitching to be anything more than an outside threat to avoid 100 losses.

Verdict: Under (64)

                                       

Boston Red Sox—80.5 wins

The .400 winning percentage the Red Sox posted last season would be the equivalent of 65 wins over a 162-game schedule. Offense has never been a question, and they should score plenty of runs once again. The question will be how much they can get from Eduardo Rodriguez and Chris Sale and whether a rebuilt bullpen is up to the task.

Verdict: Under (79)

                      

New York Yankees—95.5 wins

The Yankees rotation remains perhaps the single biggest X-factor in all of baseball. Jameson Taillon (missed all of 2020) and Corey Kluber are both coming off injury-plagued years, Luis Severino is returning from Tommy John surgery, and Domingo German is coming back from a season-long suspension. If they can pull their weight and the lineup is not decimated by injuries, this will be the team to beat in the American League. Those are sizable "ifs" though.

Verdict: Under (94)

                       

Tampa Bay Rays—85.5 wins

Losing Blake Snell and Charlie Morton hurts, but the Tampa Bay organization is loaded with pitching. It'll squeeze what it can out of Chris Archer, Rich Hill and Michael Wacha, and if that doesn't work out, the Rays will have Luis Patino, Shane McClanahan, Brent Honeywell Jr. and others waiting in the wings. This team is no longer overly reliant on the pitching side of things with an offense that can do some damage as well.

Verdict: Over (90)

                                              

Toronto Blue Jays—86.5 wins

Until the starting rotation takes shape behind Hyun Jin Ryu, it's hard to buy into the Blue Jays as contenders in the AL East. That said, the offense is absolutely stacked, and while Toronto has question marks on the staff, it also has a wealth of MLB-caliber arms. The quantity over quality approach and a dangerous lineup should be more than enough to keep the Jays in the AL Wild Card hunt.

Verdict: Under (86) 

   

AL Central

2 OF 6

Luis RobertPaul Beaty/Associated Press

Chicago White Sox—91.5 wins

The loss of left fielder Eloy Jimenez hurts, but it's not going to derail the White Sox as World Series contenders. The addition of Lance Lynn gives them three front-line starters, the offense is still loaded with impact bats and rookie Andrew Vaughn could go a long way toward replacing Jimenez. And the bullpen is going to be a dynamic weapon.

Verdict: Over (94)

             

Cleveland—81.5 wins

Trading Francisco Lindor undoubtedly made Cleveland worse, but the team is still solid. The starting rotation will need to shoulder the load, which means Zach Plesac, Aaron Civale and Triston McKenzie are the big X-factors if they hope to return to the postseason. Don't sleep on Jose Ramirez for AL MVP honors.

Verdict: Over (83)

                 

Detroit Tigers—68.5 wins

This Tigers team is still a year or two away from legitimate contention, but it made some nice under-the-radar moves this offseason. Robbie Grossman, Wilson Ramos, Jose Urena, Julio Teheran and Nomar Mazara are all solid upgrades on the fringe of the roster, and there is enough potential on the pitching side to think Detroit can exceed expectations.

Verdict: Over (70)

                      

Kansas City Royals—72.5 wins

The Royals are a dark horse to contend for an AL Wild Card spot after a productive offseason that saw them add Carlos Santana, Mike Minor, Andrew Benintendi and others. If the young pitching takes another step forward and Bobby Witt Jr. makes a major impact in the second half, a run at a winning record is not out of the question.

Verdict: Over (76)   

           

Minnesota Twins—88.5 wins

Signing J.A. Happ and Matt Shoemaker should help solidify the back of the Minnesota rotation, but does it really move the needle? Rebuilding teams like the Tigers and Royals are getting better, which means fewer wins to go around in the AL Central. This team is undoubtedly a contender, but it might be with a more modest win total.

Verdict: Under (86)    

 

AL West

3 OF 6

Mike TroutMatt York/Associated Press

Houston Astros—86.5 wins

The Astros are in a bit of a transitional period. George Springer is gone, Carlos Correa has one foot out the door, and the pitching staff is getting younger around ace Zack Greinke. This team didn't come one win away from the World Series last year by accident, but it also didn't finish with a sub-.500 record by accident.

Verdict: Under (86)

             

Los Angeles Angels—83.5 wins

Remember when the Angels tossed too much money at Matt Harvey and Trevor Cahill a few years ago in hopes of slapping a Band-Aid on a mediocre starting rotation? It's hard not to get the same sort of vibe from this winter's additions of Alex Cobb and Jose Quintana. With a stacked offense, they'll go as far as the pitching staff takes them.

Verdict: Under (82)

            

Oakland Athletics—87.5 wins

The Athletics have the best starting rotation and the best bullpen in the division, and that alone is reason enough to call them favorites to repeat as AL West champs. If young players like Jesus Luzardo, Sean Murphy and Ramon Laureano can take another step forward, this could be an even better team than it was a year ago.

Verdict: Over (90)

         

Seattle Mariners—72.5 wins

It might still be another year before the Mariners snap a postseason drought that stretches back to 2001, but expect things to start trending in the right direction. The youth movement should be in full swing by midseason, with top prospects Jarred Kelenic, Logan Gilbert and Cal Raleigh among the first expected to get the call. The future is bright, and the present will be better than expected.

Verdict: Over (78)

                 

Texas Rangers—66.5 wins

The decision to designate Rougned Odor for assignment when he's still owed $27 million over the next two years was a clear indication the Rangers are committed to a full-scale rebuild. The 2021 season is going to be all about assessing their young in-house talent and trying to flip what's left of the veteran talent pool, including Joey Gallo and Kyle Gibson. It's the right move for the organization, but it's also going to mean some serious growing pains.

Verdict: Under (65)  

 

NL East

4 OF 6

Francisco LindorLynne Sladky/Associated Press

Atlanta Braves—91.5 wins

For all the headlines the New York Mets grabbed this offseason, the Braves are still the team to beat in the NL East. Free-agent additions Charlie Morton and Drew Smyly, Mike Soroka's eventual return from an Achilles injury and a full season of Ian Anderson should make a starting rotation that used 14 pitchers last year a formidable group. The lineup is also still stacked with the re-signed Marcell Ozuna, so the only real question is about a bullpen that lost three key veterans.

Verdict: Over (94)

       

Miami Marlins—70.5 wins

It's not often a team makes the playoffs with a minus-41 run differential, and returning to the postseason is going to be a tall order for the Marlins. The teams around them got a lot better, and while they have a dynamic young pitching staff, the lineup stands to be among the worst in baseball. The future is still bright, but last year will be proved a fluke.

Verdict: Under (68)

         

New York Mets—90.5 wins

It's hard to find any major holes in the Mets. The fact that Carlos Carrasco is already sidelined, while Marcus Stroman and Noah Syndergaard are coming back from significant injuries, raises a question about the stability of the rotation. But that's mostly nitpicking, as they look poised to push the Braves for the division title.

Verdict: Over (92)

    

Philadelphia Phillies—80.5 wins

The Phillies did well to retain J.T. Realmuto and Didi Gregorius in free agency, and they added warm bodies to a historically awful bullpen, but did they do enough to keep pace with the rest of the stacked NL East? With a middle-of-the-pack rotation and a bullpen that still needs to take shape, expect residence on the fringe of wild-card contention.

Verdict: Over (81)

       

Washington Nationals—84.5 wins

With a healthy Stephen Strasburg in the rotation and acquired sluggers Josh Bell and Kyle Schwarber bolstering the lineup, the Nationals are in great shape to bounce back from a forgettable season as the defending champions. But have they done enough to bridge the gap to the top of the division?

Verdict: Under (84)

 

NL Central

5 OF 6

Nolan ArenadoLynne Sladky/Associated Press

Chicago Cubs—79.5 wins

It's easy to forget the Cubs won the division last year. The lineup should be just fine as long as Javier Baez and Kris Bryant remember how to hit, but the starting rotation is a major question mark. Can Jake Arrieta, Zach Davies, Trevor Williams and Adbert Alzolay pitch well enough for Chicago to contend? If they struggle early, expect the Cubbies to sell aggressively.

Verdict: Over (82)

      

Cincinnati Reds—82.5 wins

Even with Trevor Bauer gone, the Reds should still have a solid rotation once Sonny Gray gets healthy and joins Luis Castillo and breakout candidate Tyler Mahle atop the staff. The question is whether an offense that went silent in the playoffs can show significant improvement without any notable additions. Losing the designated hitter won't help, and Cincinnati has a number of middling defensive outfielders.

Verdict: Under (78)

     

Milwaukee Brewers—82.5 wins

With Brandon Woodruff and Corbin Burnes fronting the rotation and the two-headed monster of Devin Williams and Josh Hader shortening games at the back of the bullpen, the Brewers might have the best pitching staff in the division. At the plate, they need Christian Yelich and Keston Hiura to return to their 2019 forms. If that happens, they could win the NL Central.

Verdict: Over (87)

   

Pittsburgh Pirates—59.5 wins

The Pirates are not just going to be the worst team in baseball; they're also going to be the worst team in years. It would be a major upset if they don't finish last in team ERA and last in runs, and that takes a special kind of terrible. At least rookie Ke'Bryan Hayes is fun to watch.

Verdict: Under (50)

       

St. Louis Cardinals—86.5 wins

The Nolan Arenado trade vaulted the Cardinals to the front of the NL Central pecking order, though questions remain about their pitching. If Miles Mikolas and Kwang Hyun Kim can get healthy, and Jack Flaherty can return to ace form, they'll be in great shape. The bullpen should be a major strength with Jordan Hicks, Andrew Miller, Giovanny Gallegos and Alex Reyes at the back end.

Verdict: Over (89)

 

NL West

6 OF 6

Yu DarvishSue Ogrocki/Associated Press

Arizona Diamondbacks—74.5 wins

The D-backs are the epitome of mediocrity, and even if Madison Bumgarner rebounds and Zac Gallen gets healthy, it's hard to see a path to contention for them in the NL West. It's more likely they will sell off veteran pieces come July while they continue to wait on the development of a well-stocked farm system.

Verdict: Under (71)

     

Colorado Rockies—64.5 wins

The Rockies and Pirates are in a tier of their own in the race for the No. 1 pick in the 2022 MLB draft. This team was a mess before it traded Nolan Arenado for pennies on the dollar, and with a clueless front office, things are going to get worse before they get better.

Verdict: Under (59)

        

Los Angeles Dodgers—101.5 wins

After playing at a 116-win pace last year, it's hard not to take the over on the defending champs. Not only do they have the most talented roster in baseball, but they are also overflowing with quality depth, which should allow them to weather the storm of a 162-game season. This could be a 110-win team.

Verdict: Over (103)

   

San Diego Padres—94.5 wins

Remember 2001, when the A's won 102 games and settled for a wild-card spot because they played in the same division as the 116-win Mariners? The Padres could be in a similar position, as they are arguably the second-best team in baseball but happen to share a division with No. 1 on that list. The franchise record for wins in a season is 98 in 1998, and that total is not out of reach.

Verdict: Over (96)

   

San Francisco Giants—75.5 wins

The Giants are still reshaping the roster, and with nearly $100 million coming off the books next offseason, they are a year away from making a splash. For now, they have an interesting collection of aging veterans, scrapheap finds, bounce-back candidates and up-and-comers. The ceiling might be a winning record, but somewhere in the mid-70s is more realistic.

Verdict: Under (75)

Actually Hudson looks healthier and read than Flaherty . I just dont want any of these youngsters carreers wrecked for no good reason 

[2006Coltsbestever]

Congrats to all the Cards fans in here = @Jay Kirk, @Barry Sears, and @Myles. Good luck in the playoffs. It is tough just to make the playoffs. I took it for granted with the Cubs from 2015-2020, now I miss it already. I see the winning streak is over but 17 in a row was awesome.

[Barry Sears]

Toronto and Seattle still alive for the AL WC...would love to see both get in and the Yanks and Red Sox watch from home

 

Phillies and Mariners barely alive for division titles, but both facing elimination with Braves and Astros magic numbers at 1.

[PuntersArePeopleToo]

Well finally hit ballpark 14/30. Almost halfway. Went to the Rockies/Nationals game at Coors Field on Tuesday night. Enjoyed the outlook from homeplate. The Club seats are very nice and have a cool history walkway type thing upstairs (All positions have a rep). Was a good game too. would give stadium 7/10 mainly knocks long concession/congestion on main floor. Parking also kinda a weird set-up. Does have a nice look outside the ballpark

[Myles]

The Brewers playing the Dodgers the last 3 games.   I wonder they will be trying hard to win?   If they let the Dodgers win their division they will probably end up regretting it.

[landrus13]

It's the last day of the regular season. Feels like the season just started. We could have a game 163 tomorrow if the Giants lose and Dodgers win today. That would be interesting. Would love to see the Giants blow the division and have to face the Cardinals in the WC game. That would give the Cardinals the best chance to advance to the Division Series.

[PuntersArePeopleToo]

4 hours ago, landrus13 said:

It's the last day of the regular season. Feels like the season just started. We could have a game 163 tomorrow if the Giants lose and Dodgers win today. That would be interesting. Would love to see the Giants blow the division and have to face the Cardinals in the WC game. That would give the Cardinals the best chance to advance to the Division Series.

Can also have a game 163 if the yankees or red sox lose and toronto or seattle wins

[PuntersArePeopleToo]

Sadly no game 163. 

 

NYY@BOS Tuesday

WC@Rays Thursday

CWS@HOU Thursday

 

STL@LAD Wednesday

WC@SF Friday

ATL@MIL Friday

[LJpalmbeacher2]

Yankees made the playoffs.... playing are hated rivals in a 1 game elimination game. 

Doubt Yankees go too far but sure hope they beat Boston. 

[Barry Sears]

GO CARDINALS!!!!!!!!!

[Barry Sears]

Let's Predict the Post-Season:

 

American League

 

Wild Card - Yankees over Red Sox

Division Series - Rays over Yankees (Rays have owned NY the past couple of years); White Sox over Astros

League Championship - Rays over White Sox

 

National League

 

Wild Card - Cardinals over Dodgers

Division Series - Cardinals over Giants (somebody has to pick the Cardinals); Braves over Brewers

League Championship - Cardinals over Braves (just going out on a limb...Cardinals are playing very well and getting pitchers back)

 

World Series - Rays over Cardinals (This is finally the year the Rays win it all and the Cardinals Cinderella story ends)

 

[LJpalmbeacher2]

American League

 

Wild Card - Red Sox over Yankees (hope I'm wrong)

 

Rays over Red Sox

Astros over White Sox

 

League Championship - Rays over Astros 

 

National League

 

 Wild card- Dodgers over Cardinals 

Division Series - Dodgets over Giants  Braves over Brewers

 - Dodgers over Braves 

 

World Series - Dodgers over Rays 

[2006Coltsbestever]

 

AL

I will go Yankees over Red Sox in the Wildcard

 

Rays over Yankees, Astros over White Sox

 

Rays over Astros

 

NL

I will go Cards over Dodgers

Giants over Cards, Braves over Brewers

 

Giants over Braves

 

WS = Giants over Rays

[PuntersArePeopleToo]

I do not do predictions in these things. My power rankings for my rooting interest

 

 

1. Rays

2. Giants

3. Braves

4. Yankees

5.Dodgers

6. Boston

7. Astros

 

Hopefully the world ends before these teams win

8. White Sox

9. Brewers

10. Cardinals

[Myles]

4 hours ago, Barry Sears said:

Let's Predict the Post-Season:

 

American League

 

Wild Card - Yankees over Red Sox

Division Series - Rays over Yankees (Rays have owned NY the past couple of years); White Sox over Astros

League Championship - Rays over White Sox

 

National League

 

Wild Card - Cardinals over Dodgers

Division Series - Cardinals over Giants (somebody has to pick the Cardinals); Braves over Brewers

League Championship - Cardinals over Braves (just going out on a limb...Cardinals are playing very well and getting pitchers back)

 

World Series - Rays over Cardinals (This is finally the year the Rays win it all and the Cardinals Cinderella story ends)

 

Ditto

 

[Myles]

1 hour ago, PuntersArePeopleToo said:

I do not do predictions in these things. My power rankings for my rooting interest

 

 

1. Rays

2. Giants

3. Braves

4. Yankees

5.Dodgers

6. Boston

7. Astros

 

Hopefully the world ends before these teams win

8. White Sox

9. Brewers

10. Cardinals

Mine is much different:

 

Cardinals

Rays

Brewers

White Sox

Braves

Astros

Giants

Yankees

Dodgers

Red Sox

 

[PuntersArePeopleToo]

16 minutes ago, Myles said:

Mine is much different:

 

Cardinals

Rays

Brewers

White Sox

Braves

Astros

Giants

Yankees

Dodgers

Red Sox

 

 

Not surprising. For me, living and working in STL, I do not feel like hearing them all talk about it for the rest of the time I am here. Only reason the Brewers are above them

 

Louis Rojas is out as Mets manager.

[Myles]

18 minutes ago, PuntersArePeopleToo said:

 

Not surprising. For me, living and working in STL, I do not feel like hearing them all talk about it for the rest of the time I am here. Only reason the Brewers are above them

 

 

You could join in and enjoy the excitement.   

Were you there for the Blues Championship?

[PuntersArePeopleToo]

17 minutes ago, Myles said:

You could join in and enjoy the excitement.   

Were you there for the Blues Championship?

Nah, it is fun to be the opposite (about 4-5 to of us in the office are Cubs fans that I know of)

 

And I was not, next Friday will be my 1 year anniversary of living here. And it has certainly been a year. I got about 2 years left before I am transferring out of here

[Myles]

4 minutes ago, PuntersArePeopleToo said:

Nah, it is fun to be the opposite (about 4-5 to of us in the office are Cubs fans that I know of)

 

And I was not, next Friday will be my 1 year anniversary of living here. And it has certainly been a year. I got about 2 years left before I am transferring out of here

Where to then?

 

I enjoyed my time in the St. Louis area.   Granted I wasn't in the city.   A bit south of it and then in Waterloo Illinois.  The music scene is really good.   Robin Trower still does shows there a few times a year.   K-She 95 was my station of choice.

[PuntersArePeopleToo]

Just now, Myles said:

Where to then?

 

I enjoyed my time in the St. Louis area.   Granted I wasn't in the city.   A bit south of it and then in Waterloo Illinois.  The music scene is really good.   Robin Trower still does shows there a few times a year.   K-She 95 was my station of choice.

I am planning to go out east, may NYC/NJ area, or DMV or Toronto. 

 

So far I have just been here during Covid times so not the best to move. And between having a guy be shot and killed on my porch, another guy killed at the the mall I was at, currently a sniper shooting people on the highway, and a serial killer, I feel like it may be safer to leave

[Myles]

17 minutes ago, PuntersArePeopleToo said:

I am planning to go out east, may NYC/NJ area, or DMV or Toronto. 

 

So far I have just been here during Covid times so not the best to move. And between having a guy be shot and killed on my porch, another guy killed at the the mall I was at, currently a sniper shooting people on the highway, and a serial killer, I feel like it may be safer to leave

You must enjoy life in the big city.   I prefer rural myself.  

[PuntersArePeopleToo]

6 minutes ago, Myles said:

You must enjoy life in the big city.   I prefer rural myself.  

I do indeed, I am not a fan of the smaller slower size cities. I enjoy going fast, taking the train, having many different places i can go

[Myles]

3 hours ago, PuntersArePeopleToo said:

I do indeed, I am not a fan of the smaller slower size cities. I enjoy going fast, taking the train, having many different places i can go

To each their own.   I enjoy the more secluded, wildlife and privacy.

[PuntersArePeopleToo]

1 hour ago, Myles said:

To each their own.   I enjoy the more secluded, wildlife and privacy.

Very true, That has not ever been me, I am very much indoors and being able to go to a bunch of random places and high travel

[Barry Sears]

19 hours ago, PuntersArePeopleToo said:

I do not do predictions in these things. My power rankings for my rooting interest

 

 

1. Rays

2. Giants

3. Braves

4. Yankees

5.Dodgers

6. Boston

7. Astros

 

Hopefully the world ends before these teams win

8. White Sox

9. Brewers

10. Cardinals

 

My list is:

1. Cardinals

2. Rays

3. Braves

4. White Sox

5. Giants

6. Brewers

 

No rooting interest in Dodgers, Yankees (don't tell my wife), Red Sox or Astros (since they got caught cheating, I liked them before)

[PuntersArePeopleToo]

5 hours ago, Barry Sears said:

 

My list is:

1. Cardinals

2. Rays

3. Braves

4. White Sox

5. Giants

6. Brewers

 

No rooting interest in Dodgers, Yankees (don't tell my wife), Red Sox or Astros (since they got caught cheating, I liked them before)

Ya that is why I have the Astros as my last before the Rivals/Divisional. 

 

Dodgers I do not have much of an issue with, I like some of those players and while they spend money, MLB forces big clubs to spend high amount since we dont get them same benefits for non pro talent. Yankees still like Riz, Red Sox still like Schwarbs 

[PuntersArePeopleToo]

Yankees are out, Boston wins 6-2. Will face the Rays starting Thursday