NL EAST
Nationals
Marlins
Mets
Braves
Phillies
Washington is a no-brainer. They might even be the best team in the entire major leagues.
Second place was a tough call. I gave a slight edge to the Marlins because I think they'll have a more potent offense than the Mets, and also the fact that Zach Wheeler was lost for the year to Tommy John surgery. New York should still be a decent team due to their rotation, just not playoff-worthy. If Jose Fernandez can come back healthy for Miami, then they'll make a legitimate push for a wild card spot, that's how good I think their offense can be.
The Braves and Phillies weren't very good last year, but I can only really see Atlanta with the potential to improve. They have a decent rotation with Julio Teheran, Alex Wood and Shelby Miller. I don't see that being enough to compete for the division, but maybe enough to float around .500.
NL CENTRAL
Cardinals
Pirates
Cubs
Reds
Brewers
It's hard to bet against the Cardinals, so I won't. However, this won't be a walk in the park for them. Pittsburgh will be good again, and this Division should come down to the wire. St. Louis has an edge with their starting rotation, anchored by Adam Wainwright. As for the Pirates, if Gregory Polanco can live up to the hype, then the Pirates might sport one of the best outfields in baseball. This will be fun to watch.
Hey Cubs fans, you may finally have something to celebrate! Much like the Astros, the Cubbies will have some of their top prospects all on the field this season. Jorge Soler, Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant (hopefully by mid April) will bring youth, promise and excitement to Chicago. On top of that, they added Jon Lester to their rotation, and most importantly, hired Joe Madden as their manager. Get excited, Chicago.
The Brewers surprised me last year by finishing above .500. Can you say "fluke"? I can. Fluke. Not gonna' happen this year. The Reds surprised me too, by finishing below .500. I won't say fluke on this, but I don't think it'll happen again this season. If Joey Votto can bounce back, then Cincy should be competing for third place with the Cubs.
NL WEST
Dodgers
Padres
Giants
Rockies
Diamondbacks
The Dodgers lost a couple of guys, but should still have enough talent to take the Division because, you know, they still have that Clayton Kershaw guy. Oh, and that Zach Greinke fella', too.
San Diego went nuts this off-season bringing in Justin Upton, Wil Myers, Matt Kemp, Will Middlebrooks and James Shields. Adding those guys to the roster doesn't automatically mean more wins, but I feel pretty good about it, especially because they have a solid pitching staff and a pitcher-friendly ball park.
The Giants are the reigning World Champions, but I don't see a repeat happening. Their starting pitching used to be a strength, but now might be a weakness. Matt Cain, Tim Hudson and Tim Lincecum are all shells of themselves, leaving Madison Bumgarner as the lone ace of the staff. Their offense should be able to put up some runs, but not enough to overcome the rotation.
Colorado and Arizona were putrid last year, and that could carry over to this season. The Rockies could be decent if they get the same production from Charlie Blackmon and Corey Dickerson as last year, but more importantly if Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki stay healthy. That, however, is a huge if. As for Arizona...well my parents always said, "if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all". Sorry, Diamondback fans.
(red = losing team, green = winning team)
AL WILDCARD
Astros vs Indians
NL WILDCARD
Pirates vs Padres
ALDS
Red Sox vs Indians
Tigers vs Mariners
NLDS
Nationals vs Pirates
Cardinals vs Dodgers
ALCS
Red Sox vs Tigers
NLCS
Nationals vs Cardinals
WORLD SERIES
Nationals vs Red Sox
I hope I'm wrong, and Boston doesn't even make the playoffs, but I just have a gut feeling that they're destined for the World Series. Last year I picked the Nationals to win it all and they let me down. I'm back on them this year, though. Too much talent to pass up.
It'll be interesting to see how my picks pan out. In the meantime, enjoy the start of the season.
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