As I prepare to depart for Fort Myers, Florida for Twins spring training, here are my 2017 MLB predictions! I’m sure this is boring to most of you, but I’m documenting this for my own amusement!
Last year I was pretty successful, guessing 6 of the 10 playoff teams and correctly predicting the NL MVP and NL home run leader, but incorrectly guessed a Giants-Royals World Series. Nevertheless, it was one of my better showings. I don’t see there being many surprises this year; it all seems pretty cut and dry right now. But again, as usual, I hope I’m wrong!
The Twins are in good position to win 10-15 more games than last year–which isn’t saying much after a 59-103 record in 2016. I like that they finally have a front office that’s embracing some analytics, but I don’t think the payoffs will happen overnight. I still don’t like their lack of a real veteran clubhouse leader, but I give them credit for trying to lure Mike Napoli to Minnesota with a solid offer. What veteran guy like that would want to sign here, if even for a few more bucks? I just don’t see the Twins getting close to .500 this year, though I hope I’m wrong.
AL East | W | L | GB | NL East | W | L | GB | |
Boston | 94 | 68 | – | Washington | 99 | 63 | – | |
NY Yankees* | 87 | 75 | 7 | NY Mets* | 86 | 76 | 13 | |
Toronto | 86 | 76 | 8 | Atlanta | 78 | 84 | 21 | |
Tampa Bay | 81 | 81 | 13 | Miami | 74 | 88 | 25 | |
Baltimore | 74 | 88 | 20 | Philadelphia | 65 | 97 | 34 | |
AL Central | W | L | GB | NL Central | W | L | GB | |
Cleveland | 103 | 59 | – | Chicago Cubs | 103 | 59 | – | |
Detroit | 82 | 80 | 21 | St Louis | 83 | 79 | 20 | |
Kansas City | 79 | 83 | 24 | Pittsburgh | 82 | 80 | 21 | |
Minnesota | 71 | 91 | 32 | Milwaukee | 73 | 89 | 30 | |
Chicago WS | 68 | 94 | 35 | Cincinnati | 61 | 101 | 42 | |
AL West | W | L | GB | NL West | W | L | GB | |
Texas | 91 | 71 | – | LA Dodgers | 100 | 62 | – | |
Seattle* | 89 | 73 | 2 | San Francisco* | 95 | 67 | 5 | |
Houston | 85 | 77 | 6 | Colorado | 81 | 81 | 19 | |
LA Angels | 77 | 85 | 8 | Arizona | 73 | 89 | 27 | |
Oakland | 69 | 93 | 16 | San Diego | 59 | 103 | 41 |
AL Wild Card: Seattle def. NY Yankees
NL Wild Card: San Francisco def. NY Mets
ALDS: Cleveland def. Seattle, Texas def. Boston
NLDS: Chicago Cubs def. San Francisco, LA Dodgers def. Washington
ALCS: Texas def. Cleveland
NLCS: LA Dodgers def. Chicago Cubs
World Series: LA Dodgers def. Texas
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AL MVP: Josh Donaldson, TOR
NL MVP: Javier Baez, CHC
AL CY: Chris Sale, BOS
NL CY: Clayton Kershaw, LAD
AL MGR: Terry Francona, CLE
NL MGR: Bud Black, COL
AL ROY: Yoan Moncada, CWS
NL ROY: Ozzie Albies, ATL
AL HR Leader: Miguel Sano, MIN, 45
NL HR Leader: Nolan Arenado, COL, 47
AL Batting Champion: Mike Trout, LAA, .343
NL Batting Champion: Adam Eaton, WAS, .350