The Predictions Post

Since all the previews are up, albeit in abbreviated form, we figure it's time to throw out the official KCSD predictions for the 2009 MLB season - official in this case meaning wildly inaccurate. But anyway, off we go. And hey, we learned how to use pictures for this go-round!
AL East: Tampa Bay Rays                                      
NL East: Atlanta Braves
AL Central: Detroit Tigers                                      
NL Central: Chicago Cubs
AL West: Los Angeles Angels                                  
NL West: Los Angeles Dodgers
AL Wildcard: New York Yankees                        
NL Wildcard: Arizona Diamondbacks

AL Divisional Round
Tampa Bay over Detroit                                          
New York over Los Angeles

AL Championship
Tampa Bay over New York

NL Divisonal Round
Chicago over Arizona
Los Angeles over Atlanta

NL Championship
Chicago over Los Angeles

World Series
Tampa Bay over Chicago



We figured the Rays winning the Series would be an excellent reason to run that picture.  Anyway, there you have it. If you want to look past our unabashed homerism for the Braves, feel free to slot the WFC Phillies in their spot.  We'd still call the same results. Onto the awards!
AL MVP: B.J. Upton.  We've mentioned how we love his chances to have a breakout year, and if the field's as weak as it was last year, he could surprise.  Plus, if the Rays are as good as we think, then he'll be fresh in the voters' minds. KCSD runners up: Miguel Cabrera, Josh Hamilton, Dustin Pedroia.
NL MVP: Chippe.. Manny Ramirez.  Of course, we wish it'd be Chipper, and while he still has the skills to bring home the hardware, he's probably gonna get himself hurt for awhile.  And Manny has more name power.  KCSD runners up: Alfonso Soriano, Albert Pujols, Chipper Jones.
AL Cy Young: CC Sabathia.  He's got the name, the contract, and the ace spot in the Yankee rotation.  KCSD runners up: Felix Hernandez, Roy Halladay, and Josh Beckett.
NL Cy Young: Tim Lincecum.  Tiny Tim's our favorite pitcher now that John Smoltz is gone, and we like him to repeat.  You've probably already read all the pieces about him so we think it suffices to say that he's awesome.  By the way, the NL is stocked with pitchers.  If we were more confident that Cole Hamels were healthy, he'd be in here.  And of course there's Johan.  Also watch out for Javier Vazquez this year.  He's gonna be big.  KCSD runners up: Dan Haren, Rich Harden, Brandon Webb.
AL Rookie of the Year: Matt Wieters.  It's really between him and David Price.  Price probably has the edge because of last year's postseason, but we're throwing caution to the wind here.  Because at KCSD we're nothing if not bold.  KCSD runners up: David Price, Travis Snider, Rick Porcello.
NL Rookie of the Year: Cameron Maybin.  We'd love to pick Jordan Schafer, but we think Maybin's a bit more advanced.  Kid can do it all, and now he's got the starting job all to hisself to prove that he can shine.  KCSD runners up: Jordan Schafer, Colby Rasmus, Jordan Zimmerman.
AL Manager of the Year: Jim Leyland.  This is based entirely on our pick of Detroit to win the Central.  If they don't, we say it goes to Joe Maddon again.  Unless people are sick of the Rays' story already.  Is that enough hedging of our bets for you? KCSD runners up: Joe Maddon, Mike Scioscia.
NL Manager of the Year: Bobby Cox.  Again, based on our pick of Atlanta to win the division.  Otherwise, look to Joe Torre.  Or Bob Melvin.  Why are we trying to pick this, anyway?  KCSD runners up: Joe Torre, Bob Melvin, Lou Piniella.