PLAYOFF PICTURE
NFC
Wild Card Round
(6) Detroit Lions def. (3) New Orleans Saints
(4) New York Giants def. (5) Atlanta Falcons
Divisional Round
(1) Green Bay Packers def. (6) Detroit Lions
(2) San Fransisco 49ers def. (4) New York Giants
Championship Game
(1) Green Bay Packers def. (2) San Fransisco 49ers
AFC
Wild Card Round
(5) Pittsburgh Steelers def. (4) Denver Broncos
(3) Houston Texans def. (6) Cincinnati Bengals
Divisional Round
(5) Pittsburgh Steelers def. (1) New England Patriots
(2) Baltimore Ravens def. (3) Houston Texans
Championship Game
(2) Baltimore Ravens def. (5) Pittsburgh Steelers
SUPERBOWL
Green Bay Packers def. Baltimore Ravens
Best _____ In The Playoffs
DEFENSES
1) San Fransisco 49ers
2) Houston Texans
3) Pittsburgh Steelers
4) Baltimore Ravens
5) New York Giants
6) Green Bay Packers
7) Cincinnati Bengals
8) Denver Broncos
9) Detroit Lions
10) New Orleans Saints
11) Atlanta Falcons
12) New England Patriots
QUARTERBACKS
1) Aaron Rodgers (GB)
2) Tom Brady (NE)
3) Drew Brees (NO)
4) Eli Manning (NYG)
5) Matthew Stafford (DET)
6) Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) (only because of injury)
7) Matt Ryan (ATL)
8) Andy Dalton (CIN)
9) Alex Smith (SF)
10) Joe Flacco (BAL)
11) Tim Tebow (DEN)
12) T.J. Yates / Jake Delhomme (HOU)
COACHES
1) Bill Belichick (NE)
2) Mike McCarthy (GB)
3) Sean Peyton (NO)
4) Jim Harbaugh (SF)
5) Tom Coughlin (NYG)
6) Jim Schwartz (DET)
7) Mike Tomlin (PIT)
8) John Harbaugh (BAL)
9) John Fox (DEN)
10) Mike Smith (ATL)
11) Gary Kubiak (HOU)
12) Marvin Lewis (CIN)
RUNNING BACKS
1) Arian Foster (HOU)
2) Ray Rice (BAL)
3) Frank Gore (SF)
4) Ben Tate (HOU)
5) Darren Sproles (NO)
6) Tim Tebow (DEN)
(just kidding)
6) Cedric Benson (CIN)
7) Michael Turner (ATL)
8) Pierre Thomas (NO)
9) Willis McGahee (DEN)
10) Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG)
11) Ryan Grant (GB)
12) Kevin Smith (DET)
RECEIVERS
1) Calvin Johnson (DET)
2) Mike Wallace (PIT)
3) Jordy Nelson (GB)
4) A.J. Green (CIN)
5) Victor Cruz (NYG)
6) Rob Gronkowski (NE)
7) Hakeem Nicks (NYG)
8) Roddy White (ATL)
9) Wes Welker (NE)
10) Antonio Brown (PIT)
11) Marques Colston (NO)
12) Jimmy Graham (NO)
NOTE: If Greg Jennings is healthy I would rank him 6th between Green and Cruz
END OF THE YEAR AWARDS
MVP: Aaron Rodgers (GB)
Rookie Of The Year
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Cam Newton (CAR)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Von Miller (DEN)
Special Teams Rookie of the Year: Patrick Peterson (ARI)
Sophomore of the Year
Offensive Sophomore of the Year: Rob Gronkowski (NE)
Defensive Sophomore of the Year: Jason Pierre-Paul (NYG)
Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Willis (SF)
Comeback Player of the Year: Steve Smith (CAR)
Offensive Player Of The Year (Besides Rodgers): Tom Brady (NE)
Showing posts with label Worthless Sports Predictions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Worthless Sports Predictions. Show all posts
NFL Preseason Predictions
Despite the fact that it is Week Five, Cubsfan has been raging on me to post who we predicted to win the end of the season awards- so here I am. Cubfan and I emailed each other who we predicted to win before the regular season started and this is based off of those predictions. The games that have been played so far have no bearing on our predictions (and if you don't believe me, I'm sure once you see our picks you will believe us then).
MVP
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Philip Rivers (SD)
Runner Up: Tom Brady (NE)
Dark Horse: LeSean McCoy (PHI)
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Philip Rivers (SD)
Runner Up: Aaron Rodgers (GB)
Dark Horse: Jamaal Charles (KC)
Defensive Player of the Year
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Ndamukung Suh (DET)
Runner Up: Julius Peppers (CHI)
Dark Horse: Brian Urlacher (CHI)
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Troy Polamalu (PIT)
Runner Up: Ndamukung Suh (DET)
Dark Horse: Clay Matthews (GB)
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Julio Jones (ATL)
Runner Up: Greg Little (CLE)
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Julio Jones (ATL)
Runner Up: Mark Ingram (NO)
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Sexy Rexy
Winner: J.J. Watt (HOU)
Runner Up: Von Miller (DEN)
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Von Miller (DEN)
Runner Up: Patrick Peterson (ARI)
Sophomore of the Year
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Sam Bradford (STL)
Runner Up: Rob Gronkowski (NE)
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Sam Bradford (STL)
Runner Up: Dez Bryant (DAL)
Listen here for audible proof of how we predicted the NFL divisions to shake out
NFC North
Sexy Rexy
1) Green Bay Packers
2) Chicago Bears
3) Detroit Lions
4) Minnesota Vikings
Cubsfan
1) Green Bay Packers
2) Chicago Bears
3) Detroit Lions
4) Minnesota Vikings
NFC West
Sexy Rexy
1) Arizona Cardinals
2) St. Louis Rams
3) Seattle Seahawks
4) San Francisco 49ers
Cubsfan
1) Arizona Cardinals
2) St. Louis Rams
3) Seattle Seahawks
4) San Francisco 49ers
NFC South
Sexy Rexy
1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2) Atlanta Falcons*
3) New Orleans Saints
4) Carolina Panthers
Cubsfan
1) New Orleans Saints
2) Atlanta Falcons*
3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4) Carolina Panthers
NFC East
Sexy Rexy
1) Philadelphia Eagles
2) Dallas Cowboys*
3) New York Giants
4) Washington Redskins
Cubsfan
1) Dallas Cowboys
2) Philadelphia Eagles*
3) New York Giants
4) Washington Redskins
AFC East
Sexy Rexy
1) New England Patriots
2) New York Jets*
3) Buffalo Bills
4) Miami Dolphins
Cubsfan
1) New England Patriots
2) New York Jets*
3) Miami Dolphins
4) Buffalo Bills
AFC North
Sexy Rexy
1) Pittsburgh Steelers
2) Baltimore Ravens*
3) Cleveland Browns
4) Cincinnati Bengals
Cubsfan
1) Pittsburgh Steelers
2) Baltimore Ravens*
3) Cleveland Browns
4) Cincinnati Bengals
AFC South
Sexy Rexy
1) Houston Texans
2)Indianapolis Colts (NOTE: I did say without Peyton Manning the Colts would win 3 games and thought Peyton, at the time I made this pick, would play 8 games)
3) Tennessee Titans
4) Jacksonville Jagurs
Cubsfan
1) Houston Texans
2) Indianapolis Colts
3) Tennessee Titans
4) Jacksonville Jaguars
AFC West
Sexy Rexy
1) San Diego Chargers
2) Denver Broncos
3) Kansas City Chiefs
4) Oakland Raiders
Cubsfan
1) San Diego Chargers
2) Kansas City Chiefs
3) Denver Broncos
4) Oakland Raiders
Super Bowl Picks
Sexy Rexy
San Diego Chargers def. Green Bay Packers
Cubsfan (teams he liked, in alphabetical order)
Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers
NOTE: I did say that I hated the Jets and did not want them in the playoffs and I wanted to look to see who had the easier schedule and found the Buffalo Bills had the second easiest schedule (Carolina had the easiest). If the Bills make it to the playoffs I will not take credit for it but I should have stuck to my guns and taken the Bills. BTW, as of Week Five, I am taking the Bills to earn a wild card birth.
* denotes wild card birth
MVP
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Philip Rivers (SD)
Runner Up: Tom Brady (NE)
Dark Horse: LeSean McCoy (PHI)
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Philip Rivers (SD)
Runner Up: Aaron Rodgers (GB)
Dark Horse: Jamaal Charles (KC)
Defensive Player of the Year
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Ndamukung Suh (DET)
Runner Up: Julius Peppers (CHI)
Dark Horse: Brian Urlacher (CHI)
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Troy Polamalu (PIT)
Runner Up: Ndamukung Suh (DET)
Dark Horse: Clay Matthews (GB)
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Julio Jones (ATL)
Runner Up: Greg Little (CLE)
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Julio Jones (ATL)
Runner Up: Mark Ingram (NO)
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Sexy Rexy
Winner: J.J. Watt (HOU)
Runner Up: Von Miller (DEN)
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Von Miller (DEN)
Runner Up: Patrick Peterson (ARI)
Sophomore of the Year
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Sam Bradford (STL)
Runner Up: Rob Gronkowski (NE)
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Sam Bradford (STL)
Runner Up: Dez Bryant (DAL)
Listen here for audible proof of how we predicted the NFL divisions to shake out
NFC North
Sexy Rexy
1) Green Bay Packers
2) Chicago Bears
3) Detroit Lions
4) Minnesota Vikings
Cubsfan
1) Green Bay Packers
2) Chicago Bears
3) Detroit Lions
4) Minnesota Vikings
NFC West
Sexy Rexy
1) Arizona Cardinals
2) St. Louis Rams
3) Seattle Seahawks
4) San Francisco 49ers
Cubsfan
1) Arizona Cardinals
2) St. Louis Rams
3) Seattle Seahawks
4) San Francisco 49ers
NFC South
Sexy Rexy
1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2) Atlanta Falcons*
3) New Orleans Saints
4) Carolina Panthers
Cubsfan
1) New Orleans Saints
2) Atlanta Falcons*
3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4) Carolina Panthers
NFC East
Sexy Rexy
1) Philadelphia Eagles
2) Dallas Cowboys*
3) New York Giants
4) Washington Redskins
Cubsfan
1) Dallas Cowboys
2) Philadelphia Eagles*
3) New York Giants
4) Washington Redskins
AFC East
Sexy Rexy
1) New England Patriots
2) New York Jets*
3) Buffalo Bills
4) Miami Dolphins
Cubsfan
1) New England Patriots
2) New York Jets*
3) Miami Dolphins
4) Buffalo Bills
AFC North
Sexy Rexy
1) Pittsburgh Steelers
2) Baltimore Ravens*
3) Cleveland Browns
4) Cincinnati Bengals
Cubsfan
1) Pittsburgh Steelers
2) Baltimore Ravens*
3) Cleveland Browns
4) Cincinnati Bengals
AFC South
Sexy Rexy
1) Houston Texans
2)Indianapolis Colts (NOTE: I did say without Peyton Manning the Colts would win 3 games and thought Peyton, at the time I made this pick, would play 8 games)
3) Tennessee Titans
4) Jacksonville Jagurs
Cubsfan
1) Houston Texans
2) Indianapolis Colts
3) Tennessee Titans
4) Jacksonville Jaguars
AFC West
Sexy Rexy
1) San Diego Chargers
2) Denver Broncos
3) Kansas City Chiefs
4) Oakland Raiders
Cubsfan
1) San Diego Chargers
2) Kansas City Chiefs
3) Denver Broncos
4) Oakland Raiders
Super Bowl Picks
Sexy Rexy
San Diego Chargers def. Green Bay Packers
Cubsfan (teams he liked, in alphabetical order)
Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers
NOTE: I did say that I hated the Jets and did not want them in the playoffs and I wanted to look to see who had the easier schedule and found the Buffalo Bills had the second easiest schedule (Carolina had the easiest). If the Bills make it to the playoffs I will not take credit for it but I should have stuck to my guns and taken the Bills. BTW, as of Week Five, I am taking the Bills to earn a wild card birth.
* denotes wild card birth
Sexy Rexy's End Of The Season Awards / Post Season Predictions
You can see all four GOI author's preseason predictions here. Needless to say we were all very very wrong- which is why sports predicting is a huge waste of time.
END OF SEASON AWARDS
American League
MVP
Who Deserves It: Jacoby Ellsbury (BOS)
Who I Think Will Get It: Justin Verlander (DET)
Cy Young
Who Deserves It: Justin Verlander (DET)
Who I Think Will Get It: Justin Verlander (DET)
Rookie Of The Year
Who Deserves It: Dustin Ackley (SEA)
Who I Think Will Get It: Eric Hosmer (KC)
Sophomore Of The Year
Who Deserves It: Alex Avila (DET)
National League
MVP
Who Deserves It: Matt Kemp (LAD)
Who I Think Will Get It: Matt Kemp (LAD)
Cy Young
Who Deserves It: Roy Halladay (PHI)
Who I Think Will Get It: Clayton Kershaw (LAD)
Rookie Of The Year
Who Deserves It: Craig Kimbrel (ATL)
Who I Think Will Get It: Craig Kimbrel (ATL)
Sophomore Of The Year
Who Deserves It: Mike Stanton (FLA)
POSTSEASON
American League
ALDS
Detroit def. New York (AL) in 5
Texas def. Tampa Bay in 4
ALCS
Texas def. Detroit in 6
National League
NLDS
Philadelphia def. St. Louis in 3
Milwaukee def. Arizona in 4
NLCS
Milwaukee def. Philadelphia in 7
World Series
Milwaukee def. Texas in 6
END OF SEASON AWARDS
American League
MVP
Who Deserves It: Jacoby Ellsbury (BOS)
Who I Think Will Get It: Justin Verlander (DET)
Cy Young
Who Deserves It: Justin Verlander (DET)
Who I Think Will Get It: Justin Verlander (DET)
Rookie Of The Year
Who Deserves It: Dustin Ackley (SEA)
Who I Think Will Get It: Eric Hosmer (KC)
Sophomore Of The Year
Who Deserves It: Alex Avila (DET)
National League
MVP
Who Deserves It: Matt Kemp (LAD)
Who I Think Will Get It: Matt Kemp (LAD)
Cy Young
Who Deserves It: Roy Halladay (PHI)
Who I Think Will Get It: Clayton Kershaw (LAD)
Rookie Of The Year
Who Deserves It: Craig Kimbrel (ATL)
Who I Think Will Get It: Craig Kimbrel (ATL)
Sophomore Of The Year
Who Deserves It: Mike Stanton (FLA)
POSTSEASON
American League
ALDS
Detroit def. New York (AL) in 5
Texas def. Tampa Bay in 4
ALCS
Texas def. Detroit in 6
National League
NLDS
Philadelphia def. St. Louis in 3
Milwaukee def. Arizona in 4
NLCS
Milwaukee def. Philadelphia in 7
World Series
Milwaukee def. Texas in 6
San Diego Chargers #FTW
I believe the San Diego Chargers will win it all this year.
I'm sure you are saying what every one whom I told this to has said "What!? Really!? You're picking the Chargers? Why?"
Yes I really and honestly believe the Chargers will win it all this year. As a Bears and Patriots fan I will be rooting for those teams to win it all, but as a football fan I believe San Diego, or Whale's Vagina, will win it all. And no, I am not writing this post just to write Anchorman jokes. Although I'm sure they will be dispersed throughout this post. But that will be just a bonus.
Before I explain my reasoning, let me first say that we here at GOI do not, and have never believed in full out predictions. Although we enjoy to say what our predictions are and you the fans seem to enjoy them, don't believe in them any more than you can throw them. (NOTE: We here at GOI do not endorse throwing your computer). But now, my reasoning that you can pick apart for various of reasons- the main one being is that you're a hater- for why I think the Chargers will win the Superbowl.
Were you aware that the Chargers were first in defense and offense last year? If you were not it's a fact you'll here often whenever you here the mainstream media (i.e. ESPN) talk about the Chargers. Even being #1 the main reason the Chargers missed the playoffs was because of their sub-par special teams. Any book you've ever read from smart people who know football (Some really good ones are The Hidden Game of Football and The Blueprint) will tell you how important special teams are and hopefully the Chargers organization should also know how important it is considering that was the main reason they did not even win their division.
Now granted, the way people rank the Chargers #1 in offense and defense was by yards and not points scored / allowed. But my counter to that is 1) if you can move the ball / prevent your opponent from moving the ball then you're in great shape 2) the Chargers were #2 last year in points scored per game 3) the Chargers were 11th in points allowed per game. While not #1 in both offense and defense that is still really damn good.
I think the Chargers will still have a good offense and defense in 2011, but let me address their special team- their bane of existence from last season. First, NFL's new kickoff rules will help prevent any sort of kick returns which really helps the Chargers because teams will score less on Chargers than they have from last season. Next, special teams is the easiest thing to fix. It is not like the offense or defense where you need to draft lineman and implement schemes. A team's special team consists of back up players anyways- guys who never start no matter what. Third, the Chargers have realized they needed to make some change and that is why they have hired a new special teams coach who realizes the Chargers special team sucks and is working to improve it.
Another problem the Chargers had last year, besides their special teams, was that they had a bad takeaway/giveaway ratio last season. This is also easy fixable and not predictive from season to season.
Next let's move on to their offense. I think the Chargers will have the best offense in football next year. It is no secret that I have a man crush on Philip Rivers. I was down on him in fantasy football last year because he didn't have any receivers to throw to. And then those no-nothing receivers got hurt and then he absolutely had no receivers to throw to him. Sam Bradford was looking at the Chargers receiving corps and laughed at how bad they were. But what did Rivers do? He stepped up his game and became one of the best quarterbacks in the game. In fact, in November, I thought Rivers was the runner up to be NFL MVP. Now this year, Rivers will have top 10 receiver Vincent Jackson for the entire year and hopefully a full year of Malcolm Floyd (I'm not going to predict anyone besides Frank Gore and Reggie Bush to be injured in 2011).
I don't live at the alter of the theory that you need to an elite quarterback to win a Superbowl. While it certainly helps (see: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees) there have been some great quarterbacks who have never won one (Dan Marino) and some mediocre and bad quarterbacks who have won one (Eli Manning, Brad Johnson, Trent Dilfer). With that being said, Philip Rivers is an elite quarterback. He will win at least one Superbowl and I believe his time will come this year.
While I think this offense will be better than the defense, the team still took steps to help improve its defense like drafting DT Corey Luiget, signing LB Takeo Spikes and another year with some young guys like LB Larry English, CB Antoine Cason, and LB James Holt.
One point I have heard against the Chargers winning the Superbowl is that Norv Turner tends to lose in the playoffs and that is why, no matter how good the Chargers are, they will never win it. My retort to that is 1) That is a terrible reason and has no predictive value for the future 2) The real coach you are thinking about is Turner's predecessor Marty Schottenheimer 3) In 2007 the Chargers won 2 playoffs games and lost in the AFC Championship Game, in 2008 the Charges beat the Colts in a playoff game, in 2009 the Chargers had a first round bye but did lose their playoff game that they played. 4) That comment was retarded.
I like the Chargers this year to come out of the AFC. I understand the Patriots won 14 games last season and still have a better team than they did last season and that the Colts and Jets are still very good teams, but I am predicting San Diego to win it all. I'm sure I'll be wrong, but this is my point and I'm sticking to it.
I'm sure you are saying what every one whom I told this to has said "What!? Really!? You're picking the Chargers? Why?"
Yes I really and honestly believe the Chargers will win it all this year. As a Bears and Patriots fan I will be rooting for those teams to win it all, but as a football fan I believe San Diego, or Whale's Vagina, will win it all. And no, I am not writing this post just to write Anchorman jokes. Although I'm sure they will be dispersed throughout this post. But that will be just a bonus.
Before I explain my reasoning, let me first say that we here at GOI do not, and have never believed in full out predictions. Although we enjoy to say what our predictions are and you the fans seem to enjoy them, don't believe in them any more than you can throw them. (NOTE: We here at GOI do not endorse throwing your computer). But now, my reasoning that you can pick apart for various of reasons- the main one being is that you're a hater- for why I think the Chargers will win the Superbowl.
Were you aware that the Chargers were first in defense and offense last year? If you were not it's a fact you'll here often whenever you here the mainstream media (i.e. ESPN) talk about the Chargers. Even being #1 the main reason the Chargers missed the playoffs was because of their sub-par special teams. Any book you've ever read from smart people who know football (Some really good ones are The Hidden Game of Football and The Blueprint) will tell you how important special teams are and hopefully the Chargers organization should also know how important it is considering that was the main reason they did not even win their division.
Now granted, the way people rank the Chargers #1 in offense and defense was by yards and not points scored / allowed. But my counter to that is 1) if you can move the ball / prevent your opponent from moving the ball then you're in great shape 2) the Chargers were #2 last year in points scored per game 3) the Chargers were 11th in points allowed per game. While not #1 in both offense and defense that is still really damn good.
I think the Chargers will still have a good offense and defense in 2011, but let me address their special team- their bane of existence from last season. First, NFL's new kickoff rules will help prevent any sort of kick returns which really helps the Chargers because teams will score less on Chargers than they have from last season. Next, special teams is the easiest thing to fix. It is not like the offense or defense where you need to draft lineman and implement schemes. A team's special team consists of back up players anyways- guys who never start no matter what. Third, the Chargers have realized they needed to make some change and that is why they have hired a new special teams coach who realizes the Chargers special team sucks and is working to improve it.
Another problem the Chargers had last year, besides their special teams, was that they had a bad takeaway/giveaway ratio last season. This is also easy fixable and not predictive from season to season.
Next let's move on to their offense. I think the Chargers will have the best offense in football next year. It is no secret that I have a man crush on Philip Rivers. I was down on him in fantasy football last year because he didn't have any receivers to throw to. And then those no-nothing receivers got hurt and then he absolutely had no receivers to throw to him. Sam Bradford was looking at the Chargers receiving corps and laughed at how bad they were. But what did Rivers do? He stepped up his game and became one of the best quarterbacks in the game. In fact, in November, I thought Rivers was the runner up to be NFL MVP. Now this year, Rivers will have top 10 receiver Vincent Jackson for the entire year and hopefully a full year of Malcolm Floyd (I'm not going to predict anyone besides Frank Gore and Reggie Bush to be injured in 2011).
I don't live at the alter of the theory that you need to an elite quarterback to win a Superbowl. While it certainly helps (see: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees) there have been some great quarterbacks who have never won one (Dan Marino) and some mediocre and bad quarterbacks who have won one (Eli Manning, Brad Johnson, Trent Dilfer). With that being said, Philip Rivers is an elite quarterback. He will win at least one Superbowl and I believe his time will come this year.
While I think this offense will be better than the defense, the team still took steps to help improve its defense like drafting DT Corey Luiget, signing LB Takeo Spikes and another year with some young guys like LB Larry English, CB Antoine Cason, and LB James Holt.
One point I have heard against the Chargers winning the Superbowl is that Norv Turner tends to lose in the playoffs and that is why, no matter how good the Chargers are, they will never win it. My retort to that is 1) That is a terrible reason and has no predictive value for the future 2) The real coach you are thinking about is Turner's predecessor Marty Schottenheimer 3) In 2007 the Chargers won 2 playoffs games and lost in the AFC Championship Game, in 2008 the Charges beat the Colts in a playoff game, in 2009 the Chargers had a first round bye but did lose their playoff game that they played. 4) That comment was retarded.
I like the Chargers this year to come out of the AFC. I understand the Patriots won 14 games last season and still have a better team than they did last season and that the Colts and Jets are still very good teams, but I am predicting San Diego to win it all. I'm sure I'll be wrong, but this is my point and I'm sticking to it.
GOI's Mega Baseball Predictions Post
We've said it over and over again. Predictions are worthless. In a recent e-mail The 'Bright' One stated to me
I've asked the other three Game of Inches authors to send me their predictions on who will win the major end of the season awards as well as their predictions for how the standings will turn out. The four of us did not convene to talk about these predictions in any way and all individual predictions were done without the knowledge of what the other three had predicted.
END OF THE SEASON AWARDS
AL MVP
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Miguel Cabrera
Runner Up: Adrian Gonzalez
David "MVP" Eckstein
Winner: Nelson Cruz
Runner Up: Evan Longoria
The 'Bright' One
Winner: Josh Hamilton
Runner Up: Adrian Gonzalez
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Evan Longoria
Runner Up: Adrian Gonzalez
NL MVP
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Troy Tulowitzki
Runner Up: Albert Pujols
David "MVP" Eckstein
Winner: Troy Tulowitzki
Runner Up: Joey Votto
The 'Bright' One
Winner: Troy Tulowitzki
Runner Up: Albert Pujols
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Albert Pujols
Runner Up: Andre Ethier
AL Cy Young
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Jon Lester
Runner Up: Felix Hernandez
David "MVP" Eckstein
Winner: Justin Verlander
Runner Up: Jered Weaver
The 'Bright' One
Winner: Jon Lester
Runner Up: Felix Hernandez
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Jon Lester
Runner Up: Jered Weaver
NL Cy Young
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Tim Lincecum
Runner Up: Javier Vazquez
My #2 pitcher and the guy who will actually be the runner up is obviously Roy Halladay but I'm big on Javy this year and just wanted to give him some love
David "MVP" Eckstein
Winner: Tim Lincecum
Runner Up: Clayton Kershaw
The 'Bright' One
Winner: Roy Halladay
Runner Up: Tim Lincecum
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Tim Lincecum
Runner Up: Tommy Hanson
AL Rookie of the Year
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Desmond Jennings
Runner Up: Mike Moustakas
David "MVP" Eckstein
Winner: Michael Pineda
Runner Up: Jeremy Hellickson
The 'Bright' One
Winner: Michael Pineda
Runner Up: Michael Moustakas
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Jeremy Hellickson
Runner Up: Michael Pineda
NL Rookie of the Year
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Freddy Freeman
Runner Up: Brandon Beachy
David "MVP" Eckstein
Winner: Brandon Beachy
Runner Up: Aldoris Chapman
The 'Bright' One
Winner: Brandon Belt
Runner Up: Dominic Brown
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Brandon Beachy
Runner Up: Freddy Freeman
AL Sophomore of the Year
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Wade Davis
Runner Up: Carlos Santana
David "MVP" Eckstein
Winner: Carlos Santana
Runner Up: Brian Matusz
The 'Bright' One
Winner: Neftali Feliz
Runner Up: Carlos Santana
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Carlos Santana
Runner Up: Wade Davis
NL Sophomore of the Year
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Mike Stanton
Runner Up: Jason Heyward
David "MVP" Eckstein
Winner: Mike Stanton
Runner Up: Mat Latos
I personally don't think Latos is a sophomore in 2011 considering he pitched 50+ innings in 2009
The 'Bright' One
Winner: Starlin Castro
Runner Up: Jason Heyward
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Jason Heyward
Runner Up: Mike Stanton
DIVISION STANDINGS
* Denotes Wild Card
AL West
Sexy Rexy
1) Texas Rangers
2) Oakland A's
3) Los Angeles Angels
4) Seattle Mariners
David "MVP" Eckstein
1) Oakland A's
2) Texas Rangers
3) Los Angeles Angels
4) Seattle Mariners
The 'Bright' One
1) Texas Rangers
2) Oakland A's
3) Los Angeles Angels
4) Seattle Mariners
Cubsfan4evr1
1) Texas Rangers
2) Los Angeles Angels
3) Oakland A's
4) Seattle Mariners
AL Central
Sexy Rexy
1) Minnesota Twins
2) Chicago White Sox
3) Detroit Tigers
4) Kansas City Royals
5) Cleveland Indians
David "MVP" Eckstein
1) Chicago White Sox
2) Detroit Tigers
3) Minnesota Twins
4) Kansas City Royals
5) Cleveland Indians
The 'Bright' One
1) Minnesota Twins
2) Detroit Tigers
3) Chicago White Sox
4) Kansas City Royals
5) Cleveland Indians
Cubsfan4evr1
1) Chicago White Sox
2) Minnesota Twins
3) Detroit Tigers
4) Kansas City Royals
5) Cleveland Indians
AL East
Sexy Rexy
1) Boston Red Sox
2) Tampa Bay Rays*
3) New York Yankees
4) Toronto Blue Jays
5) Baltimore Orioles
David "MVP" Eckstein
1) Boston Red Sox
2) Tampa Bay Rays*
3) Toronto Blue Jays
4) New York Yankees
5) Baltimore Orioles
The 'Bright' One
1) Boston Red Sox
2) Tampa Bay Rays*
3) New York Yankees
4) Toronto Blue Jays
5) Baltimore Orioles
Cubsfan4evr1
1) Boston Red Sox
2) Tampa Bay Rays*
3) New York Yankees
4) Toronto Blue Jays
5) Baltimore Orioles
NL West
Sexy Rexy
1) Colorado Rockies
2) San Francisco Giants
3) Los Angeles Dodgers
4) Arizona Diamondbacks
5) San Diego Padres
David "MVP" Eckstein
1) Colorado Rockies
2) San Francisco Giants
3) San Diego Padres
4) Los Angeles Dodgers
5) Arizona Diamondbacks
The 'Bright' One
1) Colorado Rockies
2) San Francisco Giants
3) Los Angeles Dodgers
4) San Diego Padres
5) Arizona Diamondbacks
Cubsfan4evr1
1) San Francisco Giants
2) Los Angeles Dodgers
3) Colorado Rockies
4) San Diego Padres
5) Arizona Diamondbacks
NL Central
Sexy Rexy
1) Milwaukee Brewers
2) Cincinatti Reds
3) St. Louis Cardinals
4) Chicago Cubs
5) Houston Astros
6) Pittsburgh Pirates
David "MVP" Eckstein
1) Milwaukee Brewers
2) Cincinatti Reds
3) Chicago Cubs
4) St. Louis Cardinals
5) Houston Astros
6) Pittsburgh Pirates
The 'Bright' One
1) Chicago Cubs
2) Milwaukee Brewers*
3) Cincinnati Reds
4) St. Louis Cardinals
5) Houston Astros
6) Pittsburgh Pirates
Quote from TBO: I am biased as shit
Cubsfan4evr1
1) Milwaukee Brewers
2) Cincinatti Reds
3) Chicago Cubs
4) St. Louis Cardinals
5) Houston Astros
6) Pittsburgh Pirates
NL East
Sexy Rexy
1) Philadelphia Phillies
2) Florida Marlins*
3) Atlanta Braves
4) Washington Nationals
5) New York Mets
David "MVP" Eckstein
1) Philadelphia Phillies
2) Atlanta Braves*
3) Florida Marlins
4) Washington Nationals
5) New York Mets
The 'Bright' One
1) Philadelphia Phillies
2) 2) Atlanta Braves
3) Washington Nationals
4) Florida Marlins
5) New York Mets
Cubsfan4evr1
1) Philadelphia Phillies
2) Atlanta Braves*
3) Florida Marlins
4) New York Mets
5) Washington Nationals
WORLD SERIES PREDICTION
Sexy Rexy
Milwaukee Brewers def. Tampa Bay Rays
David "MVP" Eckstein
Atlanta Braves def. Tampa Bay Rays
The 'Bright' One
Chicago Cubs def. Boston Red Sox
Cubsfan4evr1
Philadelphia Phillies def. Boston Red Sox
I hate predicting standings. Player stats maybe, but predicting standings just makes the actual season seem inconsequential. As a former psych of happiness prof once told us, "enjoyment comes from embracing the process, not just the final resultAnd he's right. We here at GOI know how worthless predictions are so just take them for what they're worth. Baseball season is right around the corner and let's just enjoy the season. But at the same time, it sure feels good to say "I told you so" and this post will be proof to say that.
I've asked the other three Game of Inches authors to send me their predictions on who will win the major end of the season awards as well as their predictions for how the standings will turn out. The four of us did not convene to talk about these predictions in any way and all individual predictions were done without the knowledge of what the other three had predicted.
END OF THE SEASON AWARDS
AL MVP
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Miguel Cabrera
Runner Up: Adrian Gonzalez
David "MVP" Eckstein
Winner: Nelson Cruz
Runner Up: Evan Longoria
The 'Bright' One
Winner: Josh Hamilton
Runner Up: Adrian Gonzalez
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Evan Longoria
Runner Up: Adrian Gonzalez
NL MVP
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Troy Tulowitzki
Runner Up: Albert Pujols
David "MVP" Eckstein
Winner: Troy Tulowitzki
Runner Up: Joey Votto
The 'Bright' One
Winner: Troy Tulowitzki
Runner Up: Albert Pujols
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Albert Pujols
Runner Up: Andre Ethier
AL Cy Young
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Jon Lester
Runner Up: Felix Hernandez
David "MVP" Eckstein
Winner: Justin Verlander
Runner Up: Jered Weaver
The 'Bright' One
Winner: Jon Lester
Runner Up: Felix Hernandez
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Jon Lester
Runner Up: Jered Weaver
NL Cy Young
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Tim Lincecum
Runner Up: Javier Vazquez
My #2 pitcher and the guy who will actually be the runner up is obviously Roy Halladay but I'm big on Javy this year and just wanted to give him some love
David "MVP" Eckstein
Winner: Tim Lincecum
Runner Up: Clayton Kershaw
The 'Bright' One
Winner: Roy Halladay
Runner Up: Tim Lincecum
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Tim Lincecum
Runner Up: Tommy Hanson
AL Rookie of the Year
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Desmond Jennings
Runner Up: Mike Moustakas
David "MVP" Eckstein
Winner: Michael Pineda
Runner Up: Jeremy Hellickson
The 'Bright' One
Winner: Michael Pineda
Runner Up: Michael Moustakas
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Jeremy Hellickson
Runner Up: Michael Pineda
NL Rookie of the Year
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Freddy Freeman
Runner Up: Brandon Beachy
David "MVP" Eckstein
Winner: Brandon Beachy
Runner Up: Aldoris Chapman
The 'Bright' One
Winner: Brandon Belt
Runner Up: Dominic Brown
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Brandon Beachy
Runner Up: Freddy Freeman
AL Sophomore of the Year
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Wade Davis
Runner Up: Carlos Santana
David "MVP" Eckstein
Winner: Carlos Santana
Runner Up: Brian Matusz
The 'Bright' One
Winner: Neftali Feliz
Runner Up: Carlos Santana
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Carlos Santana
Runner Up: Wade Davis
NL Sophomore of the Year
Sexy Rexy
Winner: Mike Stanton
Runner Up: Jason Heyward
David "MVP" Eckstein
Winner: Mike Stanton
Runner Up: Mat Latos
I personally don't think Latos is a sophomore in 2011 considering he pitched 50+ innings in 2009
The 'Bright' One
Winner: Starlin Castro
Runner Up: Jason Heyward
Cubsfan4evr1
Winner: Jason Heyward
Runner Up: Mike Stanton
DIVISION STANDINGS
* Denotes Wild Card
AL West
Sexy Rexy
1) Texas Rangers
2) Oakland A's
3) Los Angeles Angels
4) Seattle Mariners
David "MVP" Eckstein
1) Oakland A's
2) Texas Rangers
3) Los Angeles Angels
4) Seattle Mariners
The 'Bright' One
1) Texas Rangers
2) Oakland A's
3) Los Angeles Angels
4) Seattle Mariners
Cubsfan4evr1
1) Texas Rangers
2) Los Angeles Angels
3) Oakland A's
4) Seattle Mariners
AL Central
Sexy Rexy
1) Minnesota Twins
2) Chicago White Sox
3) Detroit Tigers
4) Kansas City Royals
5) Cleveland Indians
David "MVP" Eckstein
1) Chicago White Sox
2) Detroit Tigers
3) Minnesota Twins
4) Kansas City Royals
5) Cleveland Indians
The 'Bright' One
1) Minnesota Twins
2) Detroit Tigers
3) Chicago White Sox
4) Kansas City Royals
5) Cleveland Indians
Cubsfan4evr1
1) Chicago White Sox
2) Minnesota Twins
3) Detroit Tigers
4) Kansas City Royals
5) Cleveland Indians
AL East
Sexy Rexy
1) Boston Red Sox
2) Tampa Bay Rays*
3) New York Yankees
4) Toronto Blue Jays
5) Baltimore Orioles
David "MVP" Eckstein
1) Boston Red Sox
2) Tampa Bay Rays*
3) Toronto Blue Jays
4) New York Yankees
5) Baltimore Orioles
The 'Bright' One
1) Boston Red Sox
2) Tampa Bay Rays*
3) New York Yankees
4) Toronto Blue Jays
5) Baltimore Orioles
Cubsfan4evr1
1) Boston Red Sox
2) Tampa Bay Rays*
3) New York Yankees
4) Toronto Blue Jays
5) Baltimore Orioles
NL West
Sexy Rexy
1) Colorado Rockies
2) San Francisco Giants
3) Los Angeles Dodgers
4) Arizona Diamondbacks
5) San Diego Padres
David "MVP" Eckstein
1) Colorado Rockies
2) San Francisco Giants
3) San Diego Padres
4) Los Angeles Dodgers
5) Arizona Diamondbacks
The 'Bright' One
1) Colorado Rockies
2) San Francisco Giants
3) Los Angeles Dodgers
4) San Diego Padres
5) Arizona Diamondbacks
Cubsfan4evr1
1) San Francisco Giants
2) Los Angeles Dodgers
3) Colorado Rockies
4) San Diego Padres
5) Arizona Diamondbacks
NL Central
Sexy Rexy
1) Milwaukee Brewers
2) Cincinatti Reds
3) St. Louis Cardinals
4) Chicago Cubs
5) Houston Astros
6) Pittsburgh Pirates
David "MVP" Eckstein
1) Milwaukee Brewers
2) Cincinatti Reds
3) Chicago Cubs
4) St. Louis Cardinals
5) Houston Astros
6) Pittsburgh Pirates
The 'Bright' One
1) Chicago Cubs
2) Milwaukee Brewers*
3) Cincinnati Reds
4) St. Louis Cardinals
5) Houston Astros
6) Pittsburgh Pirates
Quote from TBO: I am biased as shit
Cubsfan4evr1
1) Milwaukee Brewers
2) Cincinatti Reds
3) Chicago Cubs
4) St. Louis Cardinals
5) Houston Astros
6) Pittsburgh Pirates
NL East
Sexy Rexy
1) Philadelphia Phillies
2) Florida Marlins*
3) Atlanta Braves
4) Washington Nationals
5) New York Mets
David "MVP" Eckstein
1) Philadelphia Phillies
2) Atlanta Braves*
3) Florida Marlins
4) Washington Nationals
5) New York Mets
The 'Bright' One
1) Philadelphia Phillies
2) 2) Atlanta Braves
3) Washington Nationals
4) Florida Marlins
5) New York Mets
Cubsfan4evr1
1) Philadelphia Phillies
2) Atlanta Braves*
3) Florida Marlins
4) New York Mets
5) Washington Nationals
WORLD SERIES PREDICTION
Sexy Rexy
Milwaukee Brewers def. Tampa Bay Rays
David "MVP" Eckstein
Atlanta Braves def. Tampa Bay Rays
The 'Bright' One
Chicago Cubs def. Boston Red Sox
Cubsfan4evr1
Philadelphia Phillies def. Boston Red Sox
Worthless Playoff Predictions: 2010 NFL
Here's an excerpt of what I wrote on Twitter last Thursday, two days before the NFL playoffs began:
Conference Round
(2) Chicago def. (4) Seattle
(6) Green Bay def. (1) Atlanta
(1) New England def. (6) New York
(5) Baltimore def. (2) Pittsburgh
Divisional Round
(2) Chicago def. (6) Green Bay
(1) New England def. (5) Baltimore
Super Bowl
New England Patriots def. Chicago Bears
Playoff prediction: Every road NFL team wins this weekend, with the EXCEPTION of the SeahawksWhile I misspoke and meant to say every road team but the Saints will win (because Seattle was the home team), I correctly predicted all four playoffs games for the Wild Card weekend. Let's see if I can do the same for the rest of games.
Conference Round
(2) Chicago def. (4) Seattle
(6) Green Bay def. (1) Atlanta
(1) New England def. (6) New York
(5) Baltimore def. (2) Pittsburgh
Divisional Round
(2) Chicago def. (6) Green Bay
(1) New England def. (5) Baltimore
Super Bowl
New England Patriots def. Chicago Bears
Worthless Sports Predictions: DME's Top 20 FA Landing Points
1. Cliff Lee – Nationals or Rangers. He may go to the Yankees, but I'm betting the Nationals offer the most dollars and years.
2. Carl Crawford – Angels, Dodgers or Red Sox. Each of these teams are in need of an athletic outfielder. The Angels seem the most intent on Crawford, but their NL counterpart is Mannyless and Scotty Podless...
3. Adrian Beltre - Red Sox. The Red Sox could always play Youk at 3B, which gives them FA flexibility, but Beltre's slick glove and left field love (see his home run spray chart) says that Boston will bring him back on a deal somewhere in the neighborhood of 4 years, $40 million.
4. Jayson Werth - Red Sox or Dodgers. See Crawford. Assuming the Angels get Crawford, the BoSox and Dodgers will duke it out for this 31-year-old ex-catcher who can play a mean CF and bat well.
5. Adam Dunn – Cubs or White Sox. No matter which side of the city he ends up on, he's coming to Chicago.
6. Victor Martinez - Tigers. They need a catcher...bad.
7. Rafael Soriano – Diamondbacks. They need a reliable closer...bad.
8. Mariano Rivera - Yankees. No brainer.
9. Paul Konerko - White Sox or Rays. Either the Sox bring him back or sign Dunn. Someone's gotta man 1B and Kenny loves Paulie.
10. Derek Jeter - Yankees. No brainer.
11. Hiroki Kuroda – Rangers, Pirates or Nationals
12. Jorge De La Rosa – Pirates, Rockies or Royals.
13. Carl Pavano - Twins. Maybe Nick Blackburn will grow a Mario Bros. mustache too.
14. Jake Westbrook – Cardinals or Rockies. Both teams are in need of ground-balling innings eaters.
15. Aubrey Huff – Giants. The Giants love to overspend on the overrated, the aging, and the overperforming. Seems like a match made in heaven!
16. Juan Uribe - Giants.
17. Carlos Pena - Nationals. Adam Dunn with defense. Seems to fit the National's team direction.
18. Jim Thome - Twins, Rays or A's. The Twins picked up Kubel's option, but there is no way they'd let a part-time player who put up a .400+ OBP and socked 25 home runs in a power-premium year walk, right?
19. Vladimir Guerrero – Rangers. They may have declined his option, but it was more about market value rather than interest. 2-years, $17 million?
20. Manny Ramirez – Athletics, Rays or White Sox (1-year deal). Boras will be trying to rebuild Manny's value a la Adrian Beltre. He'll go to one of these (fringe) contenders in need of an OBP machine with pop. The Rays make a lot of sense, especially if Pena does not resign.
2. Carl Crawford – Angels, Dodgers or Red Sox. Each of these teams are in need of an athletic outfielder. The Angels seem the most intent on Crawford, but their NL counterpart is Mannyless and Scotty Podless...
3. Adrian Beltre - Red Sox. The Red Sox could always play Youk at 3B, which gives them FA flexibility, but Beltre's slick glove and left field love (see his home run spray chart) says that Boston will bring him back on a deal somewhere in the neighborhood of 4 years, $40 million.
4. Jayson Werth - Red Sox or Dodgers. See Crawford. Assuming the Angels get Crawford, the BoSox and Dodgers will duke it out for this 31-year-old ex-catcher who can play a mean CF and bat well.
5. Adam Dunn – Cubs or White Sox. No matter which side of the city he ends up on, he's coming to Chicago.
6. Victor Martinez - Tigers. They need a catcher...bad.
7. Rafael Soriano – Diamondbacks. They need a reliable closer...bad.
8. Mariano Rivera - Yankees. No brainer.
9. Paul Konerko - White Sox or Rays. Either the Sox bring him back or sign Dunn. Someone's gotta man 1B and Kenny loves Paulie.
10. Derek Jeter - Yankees. No brainer.
11. Hiroki Kuroda – Rangers, Pirates or Nationals
12. Jorge De La Rosa – Pirates, Rockies or Royals.
13. Carl Pavano - Twins. Maybe Nick Blackburn will grow a Mario Bros. mustache too.
14. Jake Westbrook – Cardinals or Rockies. Both teams are in need of ground-balling innings eaters.
15. Aubrey Huff – Giants. The Giants love to overspend on the overrated, the aging, and the overperforming. Seems like a match made in heaven!
16. Juan Uribe - Giants.
17. Carlos Pena - Nationals. Adam Dunn with defense. Seems to fit the National's team direction.
18. Jim Thome - Twins, Rays or A's. The Twins picked up Kubel's option, but there is no way they'd let a part-time player who put up a .400+ OBP and socked 25 home runs in a power-premium year walk, right?
19. Vladimir Guerrero – Rangers. They may have declined his option, but it was more about market value rather than interest. 2-years, $17 million?
20. Manny Ramirez – Athletics, Rays or White Sox (1-year deal). Boras will be trying to rebuild Manny's value a la Adrian Beltre. He'll go to one of these (fringe) contenders in need of an OBP machine with pop. The Rays make a lot of sense, especially if Pena does not resign.
GOI's Worthless World Series Predictions
NOTE: Fellow GOI authors, please don't make another post about your predictions. Either write your predictions in the comments or edit this post to add your predictions
Texas Rangers over San Fransisco Giants in 5
WS MVP: Cliff Lee
Pitcher of the Series: Cliff Lee
Hitter of the Series: Aubrey Huff
ANOTHER NOTE: Besides who I think wins the series, my predictions are based off of absolutely nothing. I essentially just pulled names and numbers out of my butt. Plus, I really haven't been correct so far, so why start now?
Texas Rangers over San Fransisco Giants in 5
WS MVP: Cliff Lee
Pitcher of the Series: Cliff Lee
Hitter of the Series: Aubrey Huff
ANOTHER NOTE: Besides who I think wins the series, my predictions are based off of absolutely nothing. I essentially just pulled names and numbers out of my butt. Plus, I really haven't been correct so far, so why start now?
GOI Divisional Series Predictions
NOTE: Fellow GOI authors, please don't make another post about your predictions. Either write your predictions in the comments or edit this post to add your predictions
American League
Texas defeats New York (A) in six
Pitcher of the Series: C.C. Sabathia
Hitter of the Series: Nelson Cruz
National League
Philadelphia defeats San Fransisco in seven
Pitcher of the Series: Cole Hamels
Hitter of the Series: Aubrey Huff
ANOTHER NOTE: Besides who I think wins the series, my predictions are based off of absolutely nothing. I essentially just pulled names and numbers out of my butt.
American League
Texas defeats New York (A) in six
Pitcher of the Series: C.C. Sabathia
Hitter of the Series: Nelson Cruz
National League
Philadelphia defeats San Fransisco in seven
Pitcher of the Series: Cole Hamels
Hitter of the Series: Aubrey Huff
ANOTHER NOTE: Besides who I think wins the series, my predictions are based off of absolutely nothing. I essentially just pulled names and numbers out of my butt.
Sexy Rexy's Worthless MLB Playoffs Predictions
We here at GOI think that predictions for anything are pretty worthless. The nature and beauty of sports is that you don't know what's going to happen. You take the "greatest" experts in the world and make them play the Pick Em and Beat The Streaks games and I'm sure they'll do just decent at best. It's even worse for baseball playoffs because of the small sample size of the playoffs games.
But with that being said, here are my predictions for the Divisional Series
- Minnesota over New York
- Tampa Bay over Texas
- San Fransisco over Atlanta
- Philadelphia over Cincinnati
I will say, on paper, the four AL playoff teams look like the best four teams in a given playoffs race in recent memory. It's so hard to find a flaw in any of these teams. Sure, you could come up with them- there are question marks after C.C. in the Yankees rotation, Cliff Lee isn't the same pitcher he was since he got traded, etc. But I refuse to believe any of that.
I think all four teams have great rotations with a legitimate ace at the top if it. And I also like at least the 2 and 3 guys in all these teams rotations. Sure Pettitte and Hughes are quote unquote question marks, but let me give you another example of some question marks. In 2008, John Danks and Gavin Floyd were considered question marks and they ended up breaking out and having great seasons. Sure, I don't trust guys like Hughes, CJ Wilson, and Jeff Niemann. But after the damn fine years all these guys have had, would it really be a surprise to you if they go out and throw 7 IP 1 ER ball? Not me.
I also like all these teams bullpens. In a "down year" the Yankees still have a hall of fame close in Mariano Rivera. Rafeal Soriana and Neftali Feliz are top five in the AL in saves and have shut down stuff, and Minnesota has the other 26 teams closers.
And hitting, woo boy, these teams got that. The middle of that Texas line up with Josh Hamilton, Vlad, and Nelson Cruz might be the best offense in the playoffs. And you still have the Yankee payroll/ line up. Sure they're dinged up, but I sure as hell wouldn't bet against them scoring runs a short series, would you? The Rays can be shut out/no hit, but (on paper) you look up and down that line up and it's still a murder's row. And lastly the with Twins, they don't have the pop like the other three teams, but they can get on base and just keep hitting singles after singles after doubles after singles to keep innings alive. In fact in terms of WAR in the AL, Yankees are 1, Twins are 2, Rays are 4, and the Rangers are 7th.
And a similar situation emerges when you look at team defense. In terms of AL UZR/150, the are #1, Twins are 3rd, Yankees are 5th, and Rangers are 6th- and of course all have positive UZR/150.
You look at a team like the Giants and they have (probably) the best pitching staff in baseball but glaring problems and defense (especially in the outfield) and don't have the greatest line up outside of Buster Posey. But when you look at the four AL teams, all four scare me and I struggle to find legitimate problems with each team.
But with that being said, here are my predictions for the Divisional Series
- Minnesota over New York
- Tampa Bay over Texas
- San Fransisco over Atlanta
- Philadelphia over Cincinnati
I will say, on paper, the four AL playoff teams look like the best four teams in a given playoffs race in recent memory. It's so hard to find a flaw in any of these teams. Sure, you could come up with them- there are question marks after C.C. in the Yankees rotation, Cliff Lee isn't the same pitcher he was since he got traded, etc. But I refuse to believe any of that.
I think all four teams have great rotations with a legitimate ace at the top if it. And I also like at least the 2 and 3 guys in all these teams rotations. Sure Pettitte and Hughes are quote unquote question marks, but let me give you another example of some question marks. In 2008, John Danks and Gavin Floyd were considered question marks and they ended up breaking out and having great seasons. Sure, I don't trust guys like Hughes, CJ Wilson, and Jeff Niemann. But after the damn fine years all these guys have had, would it really be a surprise to you if they go out and throw 7 IP 1 ER ball? Not me.
I also like all these teams bullpens. In a "down year" the Yankees still have a hall of fame close in Mariano Rivera. Rafeal Soriana and Neftali Feliz are top five in the AL in saves and have shut down stuff, and Minnesota has the other 26 teams closers.
And hitting, woo boy, these teams got that. The middle of that Texas line up with Josh Hamilton, Vlad, and Nelson Cruz might be the best offense in the playoffs. And you still have the Yankee payroll/ line up. Sure they're dinged up, but I sure as hell wouldn't bet against them scoring runs a short series, would you? The Rays can be shut out/no hit, but (on paper) you look up and down that line up and it's still a murder's row. And lastly the with Twins, they don't have the pop like the other three teams, but they can get on base and just keep hitting singles after singles after doubles after singles to keep innings alive. In fact in terms of WAR in the AL, Yankees are 1, Twins are 2, Rays are 4, and the Rangers are 7th.
And a similar situation emerges when you look at team defense. In terms of AL UZR/150, the are #1, Twins are 3rd, Yankees are 5th, and Rangers are 6th- and of course all have positive UZR/150.
You look at a team like the Giants and they have (probably) the best pitching staff in baseball but glaring problems and defense (especially in the outfield) and don't have the greatest line up outside of Buster Posey. But when you look at the four AL teams, all four scare me and I struggle to find legitimate problems with each team.
Worthless 2010 Baseball Predictions: Standings
Despite that fact that 30 teams in 30 days was giant failure last year, I'm going to essentially the same thing- because hot damn do I love making predictions and do people love reading predictions. So here is my own worthless opinion (because I'm sure to be wrong) on how I think the MLB standings will look in 2010.
Note, that no one will ever be able to tell you where a team will finish because there will always be players that surprise you to help a team win and there will always be key drastic injuries. And despite what PECOTA will predict, there's a reason teams still play the game.
So I'm not going to comment on justifying my picks. Picks aren't based on rationality and even if you think they are, they are guaranteed to be wrong. All this is is my opinion and feel free to disagree with my subjective views.
AL EAST
1) New York Yankees
2) Boston Red Sox*
3) Tampa Bay Rays
4) Baltimore Orioles
5) Toronto Blue Jays
Yankees won 100+ games last year and added Granderson and Vazquez and will get more PA from A-Rod this year. Red Sox adding Cameron and Beltre makes them one of the best defensive teams in the league and adding Lackey just adds even more depth to the deepest rotation in baseball. Rays have probably a top six team in the league but play in the hardest division in baseball- so say goodbye to Pena and Crawford. Orioles will compete for this division (a la Rays in '08), but that won't happen for another few years. Blue Jays clearly are rebuilding so will be awful for a years as well.
AL CENTRAL
1) Detroit Tigers
2) Chicago White Sox
3) Minnesota Twins
4) Kansas City Royals
5) Cleveland Indians
I love the Sox pitching but I'm so pessimistic that I can't put them winning the division like ESPN does. So if it's between the Twins and Tigers I say the addition of Damon and Scherzer
AL WEST
1) Seattle Mariners
2) Los Angeles Angels
3) Texas Rangers
4) Oakland A's
Seattle will probably be the best defensive team in the AL and add a damn fine rotation of top of that with SAFECO's caverns and you have a recipe for success. Even though I think the Rangers have more talent, it's the still Angels and they will still be competitive and still win a crap ton of games. I like the Rangers line up but they are too injury prone and even though that rotation will over-perform, they have too big of a hurdle to overcome. They A's have no chance- not this year.
NL EAST
1) Philadelphia Phillies
2) Atlanta Braves*
3) New York Mets
4) Florida Marlins
5) Washington Nationals
I was going to pick the Nationals to win the wild card because every team Jason Marquis has been on has gone to the playoffs, but then I thought about it for more than two seconds. I also believe in my heart of hearts that the Marlins are better than the Mets, but the Mets are still the Mets and they still have money and they can't have that many injuries as they did last year, can they?
NL CENTRAL
1) St. Louis Cardinals
2) Chicago Cubs
2) Cincinnati Reds
4) Milwaukee Brewers
5) Houston Astros
6) Pittsburgh Pirates
I ranked the bottom four teams based upon how I think their rotations will be and I think Dave Duncan will beat the injury prone Cubs. Plus, I'm a White Sox so I OBVIOUSLY need to crap on the Cubs.
NL WEST
1) San Fransisco Giants
2) Colorado Rockies
3) Los Angeles Dodgers
4) Arizona Diamondbacks
5) San Diego Padres
This is the division I feel the least strongly about but I'll choose the Giants because Tim-freaking-Lincecum and Matt Cain along with guys like Madison Bumgardner and Jonathan Sanchez will make the Giants have a top five rotation and propel them to win the division.
*indicates wild card birth
Note, that no one will ever be able to tell you where a team will finish because there will always be players that surprise you to help a team win and there will always be key drastic injuries. And despite what PECOTA will predict, there's a reason teams still play the game.
So I'm not going to comment on justifying my picks. Picks aren't based on rationality and even if you think they are, they are guaranteed to be wrong. All this is is my opinion and feel free to disagree with my subjective views.
AL EAST
1) New York Yankees
2) Boston Red Sox*
3) Tampa Bay Rays
4) Baltimore Orioles
5) Toronto Blue Jays
Yankees won 100+ games last year and added Granderson and Vazquez and will get more PA from A-Rod this year. Red Sox adding Cameron and Beltre makes them one of the best defensive teams in the league and adding Lackey just adds even more depth to the deepest rotation in baseball. Rays have probably a top six team in the league but play in the hardest division in baseball- so say goodbye to Pena and Crawford. Orioles will compete for this division (a la Rays in '08), but that won't happen for another few years. Blue Jays clearly are rebuilding so will be awful for a years as well.
AL CENTRAL
1) Detroit Tigers
2) Chicago White Sox
3) Minnesota Twins
4) Kansas City Royals
5) Cleveland Indians
I love the Sox pitching but I'm so pessimistic that I can't put them winning the division like ESPN does. So if it's between the Twins and Tigers I say the addition of Damon and Scherzer
AL WEST
1) Seattle Mariners
2) Los Angeles Angels
3) Texas Rangers
4) Oakland A's
Seattle will probably be the best defensive team in the AL and add a damn fine rotation of top of that with SAFECO's caverns and you have a recipe for success. Even though I think the Rangers have more talent, it's the still Angels and they will still be competitive and still win a crap ton of games. I like the Rangers line up but they are too injury prone and even though that rotation will over-perform, they have too big of a hurdle to overcome. They A's have no chance- not this year.
NL EAST
1) Philadelphia Phillies
2) Atlanta Braves*
3) New York Mets
4) Florida Marlins
5) Washington Nationals
I was going to pick the Nationals to win the wild card because every team Jason Marquis has been on has gone to the playoffs, but then I thought about it for more than two seconds. I also believe in my heart of hearts that the Marlins are better than the Mets, but the Mets are still the Mets and they still have money and they can't have that many injuries as they did last year, can they?
NL CENTRAL
1) St. Louis Cardinals
2) Chicago Cubs
2) Cincinnati Reds
4) Milwaukee Brewers
5) Houston Astros
6) Pittsburgh Pirates
I ranked the bottom four teams based upon how I think their rotations will be and I think Dave Duncan will beat the injury prone Cubs. Plus, I'm a White Sox so I OBVIOUSLY need to crap on the Cubs.
NL WEST
1) San Fransisco Giants
2) Colorado Rockies
3) Los Angeles Dodgers
4) Arizona Diamondbacks
5) San Diego Padres
This is the division I feel the least strongly about but I'll choose the Giants because Tim-freaking-Lincecum and Matt Cain along with guys like Madison Bumgardner and Jonathan Sanchez will make the Giants have a top five rotation and propel them to win the division.
*indicates wild card birth
