2011 MLB Preview

Despite the snow that is covering the ground in the Greater Boston area that tells me otherwise, the winter season is officially over because at 4pm this afternoon the Boston Red Sox open their 2011 season against the Texas Rangers.

For what it's worth, here is my stab at predicting the outcome and happenings of the 2011 season.

Five Baseless Predictions

1. A second straight disappointing season in Anaheim will put Mike Scoscia's job in jeopardy.

Scoscia is one of the most respected managers in the game but the Angels have not won an American League pennant since their World Series campaign in 2002.  Owner Arte Moreno has invested in players that seem to fit Scoscia's system but the results have not led to any championships. 

2. Despite having the best rotation in baseball, the Phillies offense will not score enough runs to win the N.L. East or win the N.L. Wild Card.

A pitching rotation of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels is as good as they come but the loss of Jayson Werth in free agency and the knee injury of Chase Utley will cripple the Phillies offense.  A solution could be to trade Oswalt for a hitter.

3. Albert Pujols will announce at the All-Star Game that he will remain a Cardinal "for life" on his way to capturing his fourth N.L. MVP.

The great fans of St. Louis have reason to worry that Pujols - who shares the distinction of being the greatest Cardinal along with Stan Musial - will leave at season's end when he becomes a free agent.  I don't see it happening.  Pujols will submit his usual Hall of Fame caliber numbers and agree to a mega-contract that will not cripple the St. Louis payroll.

4. The Orioles and Blue Jays will show marked improvement but will remain at the bottom of the A.L. East.

Buck Showalter started pointing the Orioles in the right direction at the end of last season and that trend should continue in 2011.  John Farrell will do the same in Toronto.  The problem is that neither team has the resources to compete with the Red Sox and Yankees this season so they will have to settle for fighting to avoid being in last place this year.

5. Carl Crawford will earn every dime of his $142-million contract with the Red Sox.

Crawford was a major reason why the Rays have been so competitive the last three years and now that he will be playing in a market that will celebrate his talents, he should emerge as one of the game's great stars.  Hitting behind Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia and in front of Kevin Youkilis, Adrian Gonzalez, and David Ortiz will give him great opportunities for RBI's and to score bunches of runs.

Division Predictions (* = Wild Card)

A.L. East

1. Red Sox
2. Yankees*
3. Rays
4. Orioles
5. Blue Jays

A.L. Central

1. White Sox
2. Tigers
3. Twins
4. Royals
5. Indians

A.L. West

1. Athletics
2. Rangers
3. Angels
4. Mariners

N.L. East

1. Braves
2. Phillies
3. Nationals
4. Marlins
5. Mets

N.L. Central

1. Brewers
2. Reds
3. Cardinals
4. Cubs
5. Pirates
6. Astros

N.L. West

1. Rockies
2. Giants*
3. Dodgers
4. Diamondbacks
5. Padres

Postseason Predictions

ALDS

Red Sox over Athletics
Yankees over White Sox

NLDS

Rockies over Brewers
Giants over Braves

ALCS

Red Sox over Yankees

NLCS

Giants over Rockies

World Series

Red Sox over Giants

Awards

A.L. MVP - Carl Crawford, Red Sox
N.L. MVP - Albert Pujols, Cardinals

A.L. Cy Young - CC Sabathia, Yankees
N.L. Cy Young - Roy Halladay, Phillies

A.L. Rookie of the Year - Brett Lawrie, Blue Jays
N.L. Rookie of the Year - Brandon Belt, Giants

A.L. Manager of the Year - Terry Francona, Red Sox
N.L. Manager of the Year - Jim Tracy, Rockies