Continued Post-Season MLB Predictions

So obviously we are a couple of weeks removed from these regular season predictions, so for the purpose of all of our memories, lets go over the teams that did make the playoffs from my predictions:

A.L.:
1. Toronto Blue Jays
2. Houston Astros
3. Kansas City Royals
WC1: Texas Rangers
WC2: Minnesota Twins

N.L.:
1. Chicago Cubs
2. San Francisco Giants
3. New York Mets
WC1: Los Angeles Dodgers
WC2: St. Louis Cardinals

So let's start with the Wild Card games for each league.

A.L. WILD CARD
Minnesota Twins Vs. Texas Rangers

The Twins might be a surprise pick to make the Wild Card game in these predictions, but I put them in because I'm expecting them to build off of impressive rookie seasons by Miguel Sano and Byron Buxton. Obviously their season will depend on the latter of those two, but I think this is a good enough team to make the WC game at least. Unfortunately for them, they're on the road against a Texas club that has superior starting pitching and experience pitching in big games. I'll pick the Rangers to come out of this game based solely on a strong start by Cole Hamels, one of the better big game pitchers in the game. The Twins will put up a fight, but it won't be enough in the end.

WINNER: Rangers

N.L. WILD CARD
St. Louis Cardinals Vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Boy what a Wild Card matchup this would be? These two teams have given us incredible postseason series in the last five years and this one game should be no different. The Cardinals have gotten the best of the Dodgers in recent years and are one of the few teams to beat Clayton Kershaw not once, but twice in a series. This Dodgers team is good, very good. Kershaw pitching in a one game playoff is incredibly tempting, but i'm going to take the Cardinals in this scenario. Their experienced lineup will get to Kershaw again. Matt Carpenter hits a go-ahead solo shot in the top of the eighth and Trevor Rosenthal caps it off with a six-out save. Cardinals advance to face the Cubbies.

WINNER: Cardinals

ALDS: Texas Rangers Vs. Toronto Blue Jays

Ironically enough we have the exact same ALDS matchups in these predictions than the 2015 postseason had. Here we have the Blue Jays and Rangers. If you recall, the Rangers took the first two games of the series needing to win one of the last three games with two of those at home. Well, they didn't. This Blue Jays team, came alive. The offense was dormant but awoke like a rising phoenix in the last three games, all Blue Jays wins. The Blue Jays don't have the best rotation by any means, but this offense will carry them in close games. Look for the Blue Jays to best the Rangers in 4 games.

RESULT: BLUE JAYS IN 4

ALDS: Kansas City Royals Vs. Houston Astros

This is the same exact matchup as a year ago as well, and it was one hell of a first round matchup. This time though, the Astros are the home team. My MVP favorite this season for the AL is Carlos Correa and look for him to have a big series and postseason in general. Of course, they're going up against the two time defending AL Champs and the reigning World Series Champions. However, the Royals won't be doing any defending this season. The Astros take this series in five games with timely hitting and key pitching. The Royals bullpen is nasty, but the Astros starters won't let it get that bad. Evan Gattis has a key hit in the late innings of game five and the Astros move on to the ALCS for their first time as AL members.

RESULT: ASTROS IN 5

NLDS: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs

Once again, the same matchup as last year except the roles are switched. The Cubs are coming off of a great regular season, and it is the Cardinals that are the lower seed having won the WC game against the Dodgers. The Cubs are an incredibly complete team. This team has it all. They have a couple of weak spots in the back end of their bullpen and that COULD cause them some problems come October. I don't think it will in this particular series. The Cubs can score in bunches and have an incredibly strong 1-2-3 punch in their starting rotation.  Jason Heyward will stick it to his old team just like he did in the offseason by signing with the hated Cubs. The Cubs move on to the NLCS for the second straight year.

RESULT: CUBS IN 4.

NLDS: New York Mets Vs. San Francisco Giants

Well, it is an even year. But the Giants are no fluke for making the playoffs. That's not why I put them in. They have a solid 1-2-3 punch in their rotation as well. The Shark and Johnny Baseball will add something the Giants didn't have on last seasons team: Starting pitching depth. Something the Mets are overflowing with in Queens. Just like last season, I expect the Mets' starting pitching to overwhelm opponent once the playoffs come. They have the offense to back up their pitching as well. Yoenis Cespedes is back in Queens and expect him to TAKE OVER once the playoffs come.

RESULT: METS IN 5

ALCS Houston Astros Vs. Toronto Blue Jays

Another potentially great matchup here as we have the upstart Astros against the established Blue Jays. This Astros team reminds me a lot of the Cardinals teams back in the early 2010's. They have an influx of veterans but they also have these youngsters coming up the system and now they're starting to produce at the highest level. In my opinion, this is the Astros' series to lose. Their starting pitching is on par with the Blue Jays but ultimately it comes down with the bullpens. The re-signing of Tony Sipp went incredibly under the radar as a lefty specialist. The Astros have the more complete team with the blue Jays lacking strength in the bullpen. The Astros move onto the World Series for the first time since 2005.

RESULT: ASTROS IN 6

NLCS: New York Mets Vs. Chicago Cubs

Another rematch, this seems to be the the theme of this post. Once again, the seedings are flip-flopped and the Cubs are the home team in this seven game series. This has the potential to be one of the better postseason series'  in recent memory. Both of these teams got better in the offseason. The Cubs added some more weapons with Zobrist, Heyward and Lackey signing on in Chicago. The Mets simply get another season of experience for their young pitching core. Look for them to lead the, early on in the series but look for the Cubs to feed on the Mets average bullpen. However, i'm a firm believer in pitching beats the best offenses... and well...

RESULT: METS IN 7

World Series: Houston Astros Vs. New York Mets

A matchup of some young, upstart teams. Just two seasons ago these teams both lost 85+ games. Now, with young studs in both of their respective lineups these teams are going to show the world this season just how good they can be. They both have Cy Young contenders at the head of their rotations and they have MVP favorites in their lineups. It truly would be a talented and special matchup. Hypothetically, this series is going to go seven games. These two teams are about as equally matched as they come. Both have exciting offenses that can catch fire at any given point. Both have excellent starting rotations. Both have average bullpens. The Mets however, have the presence of an all-star caliber closer. Not that it'll change the series by any means, just pointing out the facts. But I believe this is the year for the N.L. It is so top heavy in the NL and playing those top teams all season long will prep them for this tough test. The Mets with their young core will be World Series Champion this time around defeating the Astros in six games.

RESULT: METS WIN WORLD SERIES IN 6 GAMES

The First Two Days...

I know everyone is begging and pleading for me to finish the MLB predictions special, but with March Madness in full swing there's no way I can't talk about that.

The NCAA Tournament is, personally, one of my favorite events of the year. Everything from those Cinderella stories, the huge upsets, the 10-point swings and all the way to cutting down the nets and One Shining Moment. So... is it possible to pick a favorite part?

Yes

The absolute best two days of the SPORTING YEAR are the first two days of the NCAA Tournament.

Not the first four, that doesn't count. Sure, there have been some great teams come out of the First Four (IE VCU in 2011). However, the first four pales in comparison to the first two days of the tournament.

How is the first two days of the tournament the best you ask?

How is it not?

16 games in one day, having three to four games on at once and all of the upsets and underdogs hanging in with the big boys. There is no better day in sports than the first two days of the tournament. For one day, the David's of the world can hang and dethrone the Goliath's.

I mean look at the last couple of seasons and the upsets we've seen. Who doesn't love these upsets?

Last year we had Georgia State taking down Baylor. R.J. Hunter had one of the best shots in recent history in the first round. As for his Dad's reaction on the bench? (His dad Ron is the head coach at Georgia State) Even better.

You have to love the little school's putting up a fight and pulling out a nail biter in the dying seconds. Or you could just be the 2013 FGCU Eagles and have no disregard for human life. Like this.

Everyone expects a little pizazz from the smaller schools but to absolutely drop the hammer like that? Goodness me.

The first round of the tournament is about getting all your friends to come over to your place, huddle around a TV, order a pizza or two and watch game after game after game. Odds are, in one of those 16 games, there's going to be a close one or at least a buzzer beater.

But just when you're exhausted after the first day of it, THERE'S MORE!

Another 16 games coming right at you for the second day in a row. By this time i'm sure your bracket has been ruined because let's be honest, no one will ever fill out a perfect bracket. but the best thing to do is ignore that, crack open a cold one with your friends and enjoy the best two days of the sporting year. Basketball comes at you nonstop and gosh darnit, you never know what might happen. You gotta love March!

2016 MLB Season Predictions

Spring Training is already underway in both Florida and Arizona and I personally cannot wait for opening day this season. There is no clear cut favorite to take home the World Series, but if we had to pick one I think it'd be the Cubs. Anyways, this week on Hutch On Sports we're going to preview everything about the regular season. Giving the individual record predictions for each team. Next week we do the playoffs and the World Series. Something tells me that I'll be slapping myself in October when all is said and done, but lets just remember these are PREDICTIONS. I'm no Nostradamus and I don't expect to be one. Without further to do, lets start with the American League!

A.L. East

1. Toronto Blue Jays (94-68)

2. Boston Red Sox (89-73)

3. New York Yankees (87-75)

4. Tampa Bay Rays (81-81)

5. Baltimore Orioles (78-84)

I really like the Blue Jays offense to continue their mauling ways in 2016. It really is a toss up when it comes to those top three teams. None really boast a dominant rotation, but I like the Blue Jays offense to carry them late in the season and eventually pull away from the pack. Sure there's questions with a shaky bullpen, but i'll take my chances. The Sox I think will have a bounce back year with many of their top prospects on the verge of The Bigs. David Price is the ace they never truly had last season. However, for them to do anything Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez have to do SOMETHING. The Yankees have the best bullpen in baseball, but an aging offensive core is the question mark here. Do I believe that Teixeira, A-Rod, Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran can carry the load yet again in 2016? I'd bet against it. The Rays are one of my sleeper teams this season. A return to form of Evan Longoria would be nice to see at The Trop this season, but as always with the Rays, it starts with pitching. That rotation has the chance to be one of the best in baseball again. Don't sleep on the Rays. As far as the O's, an aging roster and a closing window, no rotation or farm system to speak of. it might get ugly in baltimore really quickly.

A.L. Central

1. Kansas City Royals (92-70)

2. Minnesota Twins (90-72) WC

3. Detroit Tigers (87-75)

4. Chicago White Sox (84-78)

5. Cleveland Indians (80-82)

Until they get knocked off the top, the Royals are still the favorites in this division. Their brand of baseball is so unique and successful that even with their lack of quality arms in their rotation, they'll still be fine. I'm thinking the Twins build off of their successful surprise season from 2015. Top prospects will start to reach the big leagues and we get a full season from Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano. Yes Please. The Tigers got better in the offseason, however pitching and their bullpen remain a question mark, could we be seeing the writing on the wall for Brad Ausmus in Detroit? The White Sox got a lot better too. The Todd Frazier trade was an interesting one, but it definitely helps adding a guy who still is in his prime, though on the wrong side of it. The rotation shouldn't be an issue, however its the bullpen that is still a question mark here. It was historically bad last season, here's to hoping it rebounds in 2016. The Indians are one of the most complete teams in this division. They just need to be able to hit and put it all together over a full season. Any of these teams can win the division, it should be the best race to see unfold in MLB this season. Opening day is when? 

A.L. West

1. Houston Astros (93-69)

2. Texas Rangers (91-71) WC

3. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (84-78)

4. Seattle Mariners (81-81)

5. Oakland Athletics (73-89)

Last years Cinderella story should continue in 2016. The Astros lose Scott Kazmir from their rotation but they still have reigning Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel. Hopefully he proves not to be a one hit wonder for their sake. the Astros get a full season of Carlos Correa and we might be hearing MVP chants in Houston sooner rather than later for him. The Rangers should give them a run for their money and it'll be close. I just like the Astros a tad more. Yu Darvish comes back from Tommy John and they get Cole Hamels for a full season too. It'll be interesting at the top to say the least. Team Trout will win 80 games simply because that man will be roaming center field for 162 games. They'll need contributions from someone other than Mike Trout to have anything that resembles a chance. The Mariners have become one of the most frustrating teams in the league to watch over the past couple of seasons. A dearth of talent at the MLB level but always underwhelming. I expect more of the same despite a revamped roster. The A's will probably be the worst team in the A.L. this season, but they're soft rebuilding the right way. Moneyball will soon be reaping its reward in the Coliseum.

N.L. East

1. New York Mets (95-67)

2. Washington Nationals (87-75)

3. Miami Marlins (74-88)

4. Atlanta Braves (65-97)

5. Philadelphia Phillies (63-99)

Last years N.L. Pennant winners get a boost this season. They play in the weakest division in baseball and get a full season of Yoenis Cespedes. That rotation is still going to be the best in baseball without a doubt. They get to beat up upon the bottom three in this division and their only test will be from a Nats team with a new manager. I like their chances to get back to October. The Nationals should be better under Dusty Baker than they were under Matt Williams. A players coach, Baker has already seemed to have broken through to this clubhouse of chokers and such. Bryce Harper will carry this team at the end of the day, but they're getting old fast on offense. This window is closing soon. The Marlins should be the best out of the bottom three in this division because (hopefully) they get a full season of Giancarlo Stanton mashing baseballs and they'll have Jose Fernandez assuming they don't trade him. It's a mess in Miami but maybe they'll surprise us. The Braves and the Phillies will be duking it out for what looks like the #1 pick in the draft and last place in the division. The last season at Turner Field isn't going to be a pretty one for the Braves. The Phillies are in the same boat, good minor league system, bad major league team. Look for that to change in the coming seasons for both teams. But for 2016? Yikes.

N.L. Central

1. Chicago Cubs (102-60)

2. St. Louis Cardinals (91-61) WC

3. Pittsburgh Pirates (87-75)

4. Milwaukee Brewers (76-86)

5. Cincinnati Reds (67-95)

Could this be the year? The Cubs look dangerous folks, they have the chance to be the best team in baseball and end the longest drought in professional sports. Then again, they are the Cubs. This team got a lot better with the additions of Jason Heyward and Ben Zobrist. Not to mention a signing of a veteran starter in John Lackey. Those Cardinals and Cubs games should be joys to watch. The Cardinals do lose two big FA's to the Cubbies but not to worry in STL, the Cardinals have great organizational depth (shocker). They're not going to take us like surprise like they did last year and win 100+ games, but this team knows how to win and expect them to compete for the division. The Pirates will also be very good in 2016. They didn't make many changes to their overall roster, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Now they just need to get into the playoffs... and win. There's a major drop off from three to four in this division and the Brewers won't be anything special. However, they're rebuilding the right way and saw some impact in the rotation towards the end of last season. Look for that to continue. The Reds should be an atrocity. Anything above 70 wins for this club should be deemed a successful season. Look for Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce to leave town via trade sooner rather than later. 

N.L. West

1. San Francisco Giants (96-66)

2. Los Angeles Dodgers (94-68) WC

3. Arizona Diamondbacks (90-62)

4. San Diego Padres (78-84)

5. Colorado Rockies (66-96)

It's an even year. Watch out world, here come the Giants again. No, I didn't rank them at the top solely because it's an even year. They got much better in a great offseason by their management. Additions of Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija will greatly help their rotation woes from last season. The offense was great last season and it will continue to be this season. I like the Giants out west. The Dodgers are nipping at their heels though, along with the Dbacks. The Dodgers lose Zack Greinke but now have arguably more rotational depth than they did last season. Kenta Maeda is a big question mark as you never know how those Japanese pitchers will hold up in their first full 162 game season. Hyun-Jin-Ryu looks to be delayed coming back from shoulder surgery but the addition of another solid lefty in Scott Kazmir will help Clayton Kershaw for sure. Oh, did we mention the Dodgers have one of the best minor league systems? Corey Seager will play his first full season in the bigs and we might be seeing Julio Urias sooner rather than later. What a phenom this kid is. The Diamondbacks possessed the best offense outside of Coors Field last season and now they have the pitching staff to compete for a division crown. But can they? Zack Greinke is a bonafide ace and a student of the game. Shelby Miller is a young stud coming off a great statistical season with the Braves. Paul Goldschmidt is the MVP candidate no one is talking about (or no one ever talks about). The pieces are the for the Diamondbacks to go for it in 2016. Now we just have to wait and see how it all unfolds. The Padres will take a step back from the hype train that surrounded them leading up to last season. After another disappointing campaign in SD, the Padres now lack depth in their minor league system and lack talent with their major league system. They do however have a heap of bad contacts. This might not be pretty in SD this season. Finally we have the Rockies who will have the same line they do going into seemingly every season in Denver: Best offense in baseball, bad rotation pitching at Coors Field. They'll score a lot of runs, but they'll give up more. Lets hope that top 10 minor league system brings up more pitching prospects.

Next week we take these predictions and make them even more exciting! Awards and Playoff predictions come next week on Hutch On Sports and we'll see you then!