2005: The Crystal Ball
By John Hatcher
As we enter another season of Major League Baseball, I thought I would offer up my predictions regarding the upcoming season.
But before I do, I think it is only proper to offer up my opinion on the upcoming Red Sox-Yankees war for the American League, being that this site is what it is.
Maybe I am the minority here, but the Red Sox starters this spring looked very shaky. I know that if you listen to the Red Sox Propaganda Network (i.e. NESN) it is all just fun and games. But how do you explain Wells giving up 5 ER in 5 innings pitched last Monday? Don’t most pitchers throw their good stuff on their last spring start? Clement, Wakefield, and Arroyo all had their moments as well. At least Wake looked good the last time out against Pittsburgh. Miller and Schilling? Who knows?
I had to admit that I have been flashing back to Opening Day 1987. Remember that treat? Stanley started the game in place of Clemens and got rocked. The whole season went downhill from there. Wells is a better pitcher than Stanley was, and this team is a lot better than that one, but I have a bad feeling about challenging for the division. Just call it a hunch. Here are my overall predictions:
AL
EAST: New York – Jeter’s MVP year
CENTRAL: Chicago – It’s go-go time again. Just keep the ball in the park.
WEST: Texas – My dark horse. Infield is the best in the league. Good manager. Starters could doom them.
Wildcard: Red Sox – Who else? Everyone else has to play the Yanks and the Sox.
NL
EAST: Florida – This is essentially the same team from 2 years ago. Now with Al Leiter to boot.
CENTRAL: St Louis – Now have an ace in Mulder to lead staff. Pujols best hitter in the NL.
WEST: San Diego – Will win now that they’ve settled into Petco. Bochy most underrated manager in baseball. Roberts is a big plus leading off.
Wildcard: Atlanta – How does Bobby Cox do it? Having Hudson doesn’t hurt.
Big questions heading into the season:
1. Will the Big Unit dominate in the AL? No doubt about it. Look at what he did on a really bad team last year.
2. What will happen to Pedro in Queens? This is going to be fun. The Mets will get off to a bad start and Pedro will shut himself down mid-season because of shoulder pain.
3. Will Smoltz really convert back to a starter? Once again, this isn’t Bob Stanley we’re talking about.
4. Have the Orioles finally added enough veterans? No. There is this thing called a farm system. The Orioles and Angelos should check it out. Will probably still beat the Sox, though.
5. What effect will the steroids controversy have? It will have none, except to give us the game back.
Well, there they are. It should be fun, no matter what happens. Let me know what you think.
