COOLER TALK - MLB Season '09

With the start of the Major League Baseball season, summer is just around the corner. The Philadelphia Phillies are the champs. But, it is a new season. With new storylines. And maybe even a new champion. There is still a long road to go before it is all figure out, so in the meantime here are my 2009 MLB predictions. 

AMERICAN LEAGUE 

AL Division Winners

East - Tampa Bay Rays. They didn't change much from last seasons World Series team, but one thing they made sure to do was try and sure up the bullpen. Plus they can call up David Price when they want to. 

West - LA Angels. Their division will be improved this season, and they do have to face some important injury questions. I just am not ready to give the West to Oakland or Texas - no matter how much I believe in the Rangers this season. 

Central - Detroit Tigers. The Central division is the biggest toss up in baseball. My suggestion is to put each teams name in a hat, cover your eyes and pick one. That is how I came up with Detroit. Their pitching staff is solid (especially when Bonderman returns from his injury), and Miguel Cabrera will carry the line-up when needed.

 Wild Card - Boston Red Sox. As much money as the Yankees spent in the off-season, I still think they will miss the playoffs. And not only will all hell break loose, but the new stadium may get burned to the ground. 

Surprise squad- Texas Rangers. They have a long ball friendly park, with a line-up built for it. With the Rangers line-up, the pitching should go into the season with tons of run support. Giving the pitchers some added confidence. Oh and the Rangers have top rated pitching prospect reinforcements waiting in the minors. Won't be surprised to the Rangers giving the Angels a run for their money out West. I mean come on, crazier things have happened. 

Rookie to Watch - Matt Wieters or David Price. Without a doubt two of the biggest names in all of the minor leagues, but both are starting in the minors. So I am going with Elvis Andrus, the opening day starting shortstop for the Rangers. He can hit, field, and run, so adding him to an already potent line-up, he is sure to succeed. 

AL Cy Young - CC Sabathia. For once I am going to go with the obvious choice. The new BIG man in New York will have to shoulder a large load, but I see CC winning at least 20 games and the Cy Young. 

AL MVP - This was a tough choice for me. So many choices. Hamilton, Teixeira, Guerrero, etc. My pick is Miguel Cabrera. The Detroit slugger has hit 30+ homeruns in 4 of his 6 big league seasons, while driving in more than 112 RBI's in 5 of 6 seasons. With a healthy Granderson sparking the top of the line-up, Cabrera should have a lot more support this season, on his way to an AL MVP award. 

NATIONAL LEAGUE 

NL Division Winners

East - Philadelphia Phillies. Not much has changed since last season World Series victory. They added Raul Ibanez and dropped Geoff Jenkins. All they need is for COle Hamels to recover and they will be back to World Series form. 

West - LA Dodgers. Manny will be Manny. So that saying is a little over player and yet it is so true. Regardless the Dodgers are best team in the wild West. They should prevail with some ease. 

Central - Chicago Cubs. The curse is still looming over the players, management, and fans, but the Cubbies are still the team with the most talent in the Central division. Especially since the Brewers lost Sabathia and Sheets is hurt. 

Wild Card - New York Mets. Unlike the other New York team, their off-season moves will prove to sure up past failures. A bullpen with Putz and K-Rod is sure to close out games, and help prevent end of the season collapses. 

Surprise squad- The trendy pick seems to be the Cincinnati Reds. They got a very impressive pitching staff to go along with a lockdown defense, but the line-up is without Griffey and Dunn. I am sticking with the East (no bias), and going to say it is between the Marlins and the Braves. 

Rookie to Watch - I know pitchers rarely win Rookie of the Year awards, but I am willing to go out on a limb with this pick. James McDonald is the young 6-foot-5 power pitcher for the L.A. Dodgers. In a crowded field, I think he has the ability and potential to shine bright in the City of Stars. 

NL Cy Young - Ricky Nolasco. The ace for a young Florida Marlins team with lots of promise. Nolasco has all the pitches necessary to be a Cy Young winner. He proves it this season. 

NL MVP - David Wright. He does it all. He can hit for average. He can hit for power. He can field. He can steal bases. The list goes on and on. I know I don't have the Mets winning the East, but I think Wright's season will standout above the rest. 

WORLD SERIES PICKS

The repeat performance would be cool to see, but I am only going to pick one of last seasons World Series teams. I think the Tampa Bay Rays will face the another NL East team this season in the World Series, when they face off against the New York Mets. Another great year for the young guns of the Tampa Bay Rays, and the Mets did a lot to sure up their bullpen. The line-up for the Mets is strong, and with Daniel Murphy an everyday player this season, only makes them stronger. I am picking the Rays to win it all this season, because their pitching staff and line-up will have another year of experience under their belts. And don't forget David Price along with a few other elite pitching prospects add depth to an already good pitching staff. The Rays are here to stay for the long haul.