MLB Predictions: 2003

As it turns out, I know nothing about baseball (see my last year's predictions for confirmation). That's never stopped anybody from making preseason picks before, though, so here are mine.

AL East

1. New York
2. Boston
3. Toronto
4. Baltimore
5. Tampa Bay

The easiest division in baseball to pick, this is approximately the 867th consecutive year that the division will finish in this order. The Yankees are looking vulnerable, though, so (you heard it here first) next year will break the string as Toronto matures. I can't wait to hear Rey Ordoñez whine about playing for the Devil Rays.

AL Central

1. Chicago
2. Minnesota
3. Cleveland
4. Detroit
5. Kansas City

A lot of guys on the Twins had career years last season, and they made very few changes over the winter; standing pat in such a situation is a recipe for disappointment. Frank Thomas has something to prove this year, and I don't think he's completely finished; add to that a few nice pickups that the White Sox have made of late, and I think they have the opportunity to come out on top of a fairly weak division. Dave Dombrowski might have Detroit on the right track, but they're not even close to ready yet.

AL West

1. Oakland
2. Texas (wild card)
3. Anaheim
4. Seattle

So every March Madness bracket must have a few upset specials; here's my upset special for the 2003 baseball season. Oakland is going to romp through the regular season, as they have the past two years, and Texas is finally going to get on the right track. Seattle is old and getting older, and the Angels made the mistake of overvaluing the guys who had career years last season.

NL East

1. Philadelphia
2. Atlanta (wild card)
3. New York
4. Florida
5. Montreal

I have waited anxiously for the day when the Braves would not finish atop the NL East, because I always expected it would be the Mets to dethrone them. Alas, the Phillies are going to be a powerhouse this year, as their lineup has no apparent holes and their pitching staff is likely to be one of the best in the National League without Randy and Curt. The Mets' lineup is filled with holes, and I would have picked them to finish lower, except the Marlins and Expos suck even more (kinda like the reason the Indians won't finish lower than third).

By the way, because the season has finally begun, this is the last time for the next six months that I will be fatalistic about the Mets' chances. Following this post, as far as I'm concerned, the Mets are going to win it all, baby!

NL Central

1. Chicago
2. St. Louis
3. Cincinnatti
4. Houston
5. Pittsburgh
6. Milwaukee

Another upset special, some will say, but I seriously believe that Dusty Baker is going to turn the Cubs around. With a great young pitching staff, several talented rookies, and Sammy, the Cubs have their best chance in recent memory to make some real noise. Cincinatti, despite having one of the best outfields in the game, won't be able to get past their lack of production in the infield and their poor pitching staff.

NL West

1. Arizona
2. Los Angeles
3. San Francisco
4. San Diego
5. Colorado

San Diego is getting beat over the head with injuries, as only a few weeks ago I would have picked them to finish as high as second. Arizona wins almost by default, as the division is substantially weaker now--the Giants grossly underestimated the importance of Dusty Baker to last year's pennant winning team. Jim Tracy will continue to make something out of nothing in Los Angeles, but he's not a miracle worker.