2001 Predictions
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"LOOKING INTO MY CRYSTAL BALL..."
The 2001 major league baseball season will see the New York Yankees make the World Series again - via the wild card slot in the American League playoffs. But, they will not win their fourth consecutive World Series because the St. Louis Cardinals will be there in October with a healthy Mark McGwire on board to hoist the championship trophy in the air.
The Boston Red Sox will be the champions of the American League East Division, thanks to having the top pitcher in the league (Pedro Martinez) and the best RBI man (Manny Ramirez). The Yankees, with a pitching staff that includes Roger Clemens, Mike Mussina, Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez, and Andy Pettitte (plus Mariano Rivera in the bullpen), will make the playoffs as the wild card entry. In a thrilling playoff series, the Yankees will continue to be a thorn in Boston's side and take the AL pennant.
Baseball Todd is predicting the Kansas City Royals to win the AL Central Division title. Despite the lack of a top-notch starting pitcher, Kansas City will be bolstered by strong hitting from Joe Randa, Jermaine Dye, and Mike Sweeney. The Oakland A's, with 2000 American League MVP Jason Giambi at first base, will be the AL West Division champions. Despite getting shortstop Alex Rodriguez in the off-season for a quarter-billion dollars, the Texas Rangers will be also-rans.
In the National League's East Division, Baseball Todd is predicting the Atlanta Braves to continue their dominance in that division. Getting John Smoltz back on the mound will be a plus for the Braves. And, look for the low-budget Montreal Expos to make a big impact in the division with Vladimir Guerrero at the forefront. The San Francisco Giants, with 2000 National League MVP Jeff Kent at second base and future Hall of Famer Barry Bonds anchoring the hitting lineup, will win a weak NL West Division.
The Cardinals, according to Baseball Todd, will have to be put on trial for lack of hustle and desire if they don't win the NL's Central Division. With a decent pitching staff, the Cardinals will be the class of the National League. McGwire will bounce back from his 2000 knee injury to post another 50-plus homer season. And, center fielder Jim Edmonds will fascinate fans and opponents with both his glove in center field and his potent hitting.
Take a look below at how Baseball Todd sees the 2001 season shaping up. Also, for your reading pleasure, see how Baseball Todd's predictions stack up against Baseball Digest's pre-season picks as well as those from this year's annual yearbooks published by The Sporting News and Street and Smith's. For the best in pre-season baseball reading, Baseball Todd says read both the annuals from The Sporting News and Street and Smith's. They are excellent!
If you agree with my picks for this season (or if you think I'm totally out of left field with my bizarre predictions) let me know by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
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