AL MVP: Adrian Gonzalez (Red Sox)
I called it for this guy in my offseason recap, so I’ll stick with it here. Mechanically efficient and a gamer, Gonzalez is a lock to play 160+ games and has a .285 career average with 32 home runs and 100 RBI per season. That’s all the more impressive considering half of his at-bats came in probably the most pitcher-friendly park in all of baseball, Petco Park. Now he comes to hitter haven Fenway Park and more lineup protection than he ever had in San Diego. Look out, world.
AL Cy Young: CC Sabathia (Yankees)
After leading the American League in wins the last two seasons, Sabathia is due.
AL Rookie of the Year: JP Arencibia (Blue Jays)
Preseason Rookie of the Year predictions are always a complete shot in the dark because so often the guys that win the award are nowhere near the majors by the time spring training wraps up. That said, my pick here is the guy who jacked two home runs Opening Day, Blue Jays rookie catcher—who also hit two home runs in his major league debut last season—JP Arencibia.
NL MVP: Albert Pujols (Cardinals)
Any year Pujols doesn’t win the MVP is a statistical aberration, not the norm. Of the three guys who flirted with a Triple Crown in the NL last year, Pujols is the one whose career numbers best bear that he could challenge again.
NL Cy Young: Tim Lincecum (Giants)
After back-to-back Cy Youngs in 2008 and 2009, Lincecum finished tenth in the final voting last year. He ended the year on a really strong note though going 4-1 with a 2.43 ERA in six postseason starts on the way to the Giants’ World Series title. I expect that momentum to keep on rolling through this season and for the Freak to take home another Cy Young.
NL Rookie of the Year: Freddie Freeman (Braves)
A dynamo in the minors, the Braves handed the first base gig to Freeman this offseason. He’s got the full year to accrue stats and should excel given the opportunity on a playoff contender.
World Series: Boston Red Sox over Cincinnati Reds in 7
--from Eric
Hitting between Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia and with all the other threats in this lineup, Crawford could have a career year at the plate. You know he's going to steal loads of bases as well.
AL Cy Young: Felix Hernandez (Mariners)
Wins are becoming less of an indicator for capturing the Cy Young. Hernandez won it last year with just 13 victories because his other numbers were so good. He's probably the most gifted pitcher in the American League, and rumors persist that if Seattle is not competitive, King Felix could be headed to the Yankees at the trade deadline. That would only increase the spotlight on Hernandez and his chances at bringing home a second Cy.
AL Rookie of the Year: Jeremy Hellickson (Rays)
He should get plenty of opportunities to prove himself this year, and last year his stuff was filthy in brief appearances.
NL MVP: Ryan Braun (Brewers)
Braun has been spectacular every year in his young career, yet just now is reaching his prime playing years at age 27. With Prince Fielder behind him and Rickie Weeks leading off, Braun will have protection and guys to drive in.
NL Cy Young: Roy Halladay (Phillies)
He's so consistent, it's robotic. He's going to throw plenty of complete games, and even on that great staff, he's the unquestioned top dog. He could easily compile 20+ wins.
NL Rookie of the Year: Aroldis Chapman (Reds)
I really have no idea on this one, but Chapman throws it so hard that he could put up huge strikeout numbers. Coming in for relief of a good staff and supported by a good offense, Chapman could shine.
World Series: Philadelphia Phillies over Boston Red Sox in 6
--from Adam
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