BY BLUE KAUFMAN
Baseball fans rejoice! Opening day is almost here. Yielding the best pitching matchups of the season, April 1 will mark the end of a tedious winter with nothing to watch on TV. Whether it’s the Dodgers expecting a World Series win or the Cubs sheepishly telling everyone “maybe next year”, a full stadium and a clean slate will have every team stepping onto the grass with hopes of making the playoffs. Some will rise, some will fall, but on opening day, everyone stands on equal footing, making it one of the most exciting (and jittery) days in sports. In fact, the terms ‘baseball’ and ‘opening day’ are practically intertwined. Really, you can’t refer to one without the other. It’s sort of like Charlie Sheen and anything illegal. Here are my playoff predictions for this MLB season.
AL EAST: TORONTO BLUE JAYS
For years, other divisions have shuddered at the sheer talent and strength of the AL East. However, that never included the Toronto Blue Jays, a typically below average squad perpetually been shadowed by its strong opponents. However with Melky Cabrera and Jose Reyes joining Jose Bautista in the lineup, the Jays look to surpass them all. Mike Burle, Josh Johnson, and R.A Dickey have also enhanced the pitching staff giving the Jays all the elements that could take them all the way.
AL WEST: LOS ANGELAS ANGELS
Considering Josh Hamilton, Albert Puljos, and Mike Trout control the lineup, the Angels arguably have the scariest offense in baseball. With the Rangers losing key players, the Angels should easily secure the division title. Frankly, it would be embarrassing if they don’t.
AL CENTRAL: DETROIT TIGERS
With solid pitching, power hitters, and a respectable defense, the Tigers don’t really have any team in their division capable of challenging them. The Kansas City Royals have clearly improved their roster and the Indians are decent, but I doubt this will be enough to challenge last year’s World Series runner-ups.
NL EAST: ATLANTA BRAVES
Despite Chipper Jones leaving the clubhouse, things are looking pretty good for the Atlanta Braves. They’ve proven to be a solid threat and have only endured two losing seasons in 22-year years. Add the Upton brothers and Jason Heyward to the mix and you have one of the most exciting (and consistent) teams to watch. While the Nationals have more raw talent, there are too many variables contributing to the Nat’s success. Will 20-year old Bryce Hyper be able to replicate last season? Will Steven Strasburg be fully recovered? Questionable
NL WEST: LOS ANGELAS DODGERS
Now that the sleeping lion in LA is now awake, the dodgers just might soon become the “new Yankees” The Dodgers have the highest payroll in baseball, and superstar pitching, offense, and defense to match it. Still with the Giants looming over them, the race for the NL west is still anyone’s game.
NL CENTRAL: CINCINATTI REDS
After the last year’s playoff tumble, the Reds are in perfect striking position this 2013 season. Led by veteran Joey Votto, the Reds have everything a winning team needs: power, speed, pitching and an excited fan base.
