DDD made a few, so I figured I'd chime in. If they're wrong, I can point to degree of difficulty as a defense. And if I'm right, then I'm a genius. The bolder the prediction, the easier it is to make. Here are a few:
Justin Upton will hit 45 homers - why not? He's got massive power, enough at-bats under his belt and a homer-friendly park. He's in a growth phase and merely needs to stay healthy. Johan Santana will be Tim Lincecum good, with 250-plus Ks and an ERA under 2.80. Health and skills are so inseparable for pitchers that Santana is not even the same guy as last year. Rickie Weeks will go 25-20 - providing at least Brandon Phillips-level value. Carlos Marmol will lose the job. I cover the Cubs and have no idea who will claim it now that Angel Guzman is toast. Maybe Jeff Samardzija if he ever finds a semblance of command. I honestly can't think of who else it would be. Esmailin Caridad? He's a poor man's Kevin Gregg. Alfonso Soriano will hit 38 homers. Gavin Floyd will be the White Sox best pitcher and finish in the top-10 for Cy Young. Rick Porcello strikes out more than seven batters per nine innings. The Diamondbacks win the NL West. Justin Verlander fails to strike out 200 batters due to injury/ineffectiveness. Justin Morneau wins his second MVP award. (Mauer hitting in front of him and 40 homers will do the trick when the Twins cruise to a division win). J.D. Drew and Milton Bradley combine for 300 games played. (Okay, that one's just a joke). Ken Griffey, Jr. and Andruw Jones combine for 40 homers (not a joke). Delmon Young and Jeremy Hermida each hit 20-plus HRs and bat .290-plus. Travis Hafner hits 35 homers. Andy Marte makes an impact in the season's second half. Bobby Jenks leads the AL in saves; Chad Qualls leads the NL.
