Travis Thomas: Beware Of The Birds
First let me start by saying this team has been grossly disrespected by every so called expert and sports publications out there. Every time I read something in relation to the Orioles, it's telling me how the Red Sox, Yankees, and even the Blue Jays are better this season. Every time I see or hear a prediction from a baseball writer or broadcaster, it's how the O's won't win the division this season.
Here's the truth, the Orioles won the division by 12 games last year. That means they were head and shoulders above divisional foes. Nobody can convince me that the Rays (awful), Blue Jays (young), Red Sox (no pitching), and Yankees (old) improved that dramatically this offseason.
By the way, I know Nelson Cruz and nick Markakis are gone, but I would argue the additions of a healthy Manny Machado, Matt Wieters, and Chris Davis equal the best possible offseason for the Birds. Not to mention the man we are all waiting to see: Kevin Gausman. The Gas-Man in association with the young gun slinging Dylan Bundy could be devastating for opposing batters.
Another name left out continually when talking about the Orioles is skipper Buck Showalter. So I guess it's safe to assume that you know my predictions for the AL East right?
Below are my predictions for every division and award winners in MLB this season.
AL EAST: O'S (see above)
AL CENTRAL: White Sox (best offseason in the American League)
AL WEST: Angles (to expensive not to)
WILD CARDS: Red Sox and Blue Jays
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NL EAST: Nationals. The Nats have a chance to make history with perhaps the greatest five man rotation of all time. Assuming they all live up to the hype of course. Also, Bryce Harper will finally consistently arrive.
NL CENTRAL: Pirates (Andrew McCutchen is an MVP Candidate)
NL WEST: Dodgers (to expensive not to)
WILD CARDS: Cardinals and Cubs.
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WORLD SERIES: Nationals Vs. Orioles. Beltway World Series, Baby!
MVP: Mike Trout (AL) & Bryce Harper (NL) No brainer here, when both are healthy, they are clearly the best in the game. Hopefully the injury Gods favor them both this season.
Cy Young: David Price (AL) and Clayton Kershaw (NL). Kershaw is the Peyton Manning of baseball. In the regular season, he's an all-timer, but in the playoffs, he disappears. David Price will now have a full offseason and be fully acclimated to life as a Tiger, I think he settles in nicely this season and looks more like himself.
Rookie: Carlos Rodon (AL) Kris Bryant (NL). Rodon should have been the #1 pick in last year's draft. He's looked dominant in spring training, and will be alongside another young thunder cat in teammate Chris Sale. Game On! As for Bryant, a kid with as much hype as he has, and a team depending on him to live up to that hype, must produce immediately. Bryant may when the award by default due to his opportunities (playing time).
Follow @TravisThomasExp
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