2K6 Baseball Preview

I've been looking forward to this day for a long time not and not because I was moving to Florida but rather because it marked the beginning of the baseball season. It should be a great season, steriods probe notwithstanding, and here's a look at why:

Shames-o-matic Predictions:

There will be more articles written about steriods than the Kansas City Royals.

David Wells will challenge commissioner Bud Selig to a beer drinking contest.

The WBC, which everyone adored, will be ripped by mid July after several star players come up with injuries that get attributed to what will be known as the 'WBC after affect'.

The Mets will still suck.

The Florida Marlins won't win a single game.

Roger Clemens will come back, retire again, and then come back again before finally retiring once again.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim will be renamed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of California of the United States of America of North America of the Western Hemisphere of Earth of the Milky Way Galaxy.

The Dodgers will be renamed the Los Angeles Red Sox.

Fans in Washington, D.C. will go home disappointed after a shipment of Alfonso Soriano boblehead dolls fail to show up during a promotional giveaway.

The Cleveland Indians will sign their equipment manager to a long term contract.

Manny Ramirez will run out to left field sans glove after forgetting to bring it with him.

Mark Prior will get hurt. (Hey I already got one right!)

Cincinnatti Reds utilyman Ryan Freel will be this year's Brian Roberts.

Predicted order of finish:

AL East

1. Yankees
2. Red Sox
3. Bluejays
4. Devilrays
5. Orioles

Al Central

1. Whitesox
2. Indians
3. Twins
4. Tigers
5. Royals

Al West

1. Angels
2. A's
3. Rangers
4. Mariners

Nl East

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

Nl Central

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

Nl West

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

Wildcards: Indians, Phillies
World Series: Yankees over the Astros

*Everyone wants a sleeper team....it's the Phillies.
**Everyone's picking the Cardinals to win the NL. They won't even make the playoffs!

Awards:

Al MVP: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
Al Cy Young: Johan Santana, Twins
Al Rookie of the Year: Ian Kinsler, Rangers
Al Manager of the Year: Joe Torre, Yankees

Nl MVP: Ryan Howard, Phillies
NL Cy Young: Jake Peavy, Padres
NL Rookie of the Year: Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals
Nl Manager of the Year: Charlie Manuel, Phillies

Blowing Up (Players who will have big years):

Young guys who will join the elite: Ryan Howard, Brett Myers, Jorge Cantu, Aramis Ramirez, Jimmy Rollins, Jose Reyes, David Wright, Rich Harden, Vernon Wells, Travis Hafner, Grady Sizemore, Hank Blalock, Jeremy Bonderman, Jake Peavy, Jason Bay, C.C. Sabathia, Jose Contreras, Bobby Jenks, Chase Utley and Miguel Cabrera.

Deep sleepers who you've probably never heard of that will absolutely, positively beyond a shadow of a doubt blow up: Ryan Doumit, Ryan Freel, Rod Barajas, Ervin Santana, Francisco Liriano, Jason Lane, John Patterson, Austin Kearns, Edwin Encarnacion, Clint Barmes, Daniel Caberera and Garrett Atkins.

Veterans you may have forgotten about: Adrian Beltre, Edgar Renteria, Jason Giambi, Ivan Rodriguez, Todd Helton, Magglio Ordonez, JD Drew, and Oliver Perez.

Guys that everyone else is picking to do well that I don't think will but should mention anyway just in case they do: Coco Crisp, Chone Figgins, Prince Fielder, and Josh Beckett.