2012 MLB Season Predictions: Ashley Chavez
American League
East: Boston Red Sox: I believe in Bobby V. This team is so great, and now that the clubhouse is being run like a tight ship, they'll get it.
Central: Detroit Tigers: Amazing pitching and hitting, and we all know about it. This may be their year.
West: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Great lineup, and a better rotation. Wilson, Weaver and Haren are going to take the win over the Rangers. I just hope that egos do not get in the way.
Wild Card 1: Texas Rangers: This pick is with the hope that Darvish becomes a star out here as well. But that lineup is still excellent.
Wild Card 2: New York Yankees: The Yanks are getting old, but I still think they will make the wild card this year. Power bats and one last year of lights-out closing will get them there.
Pennant: Detroit Tigers: The Force is strong with this one. I think they can play the underdog again (even though they have proven so much from last year) and take the pennant. I don't even need to talk about the pitching, and I know that Martinez is out, but the combo of Fielder and Cabrera will be incredible. Plus, they have momentum and a chemistry to envy.
MVP: Miguel Cabrera: He will be the offensive star again for the Pennant team.
Cy Young: Justin Verlander: I say he will win it again, but I would love to see Felix Hernandez take it.
AL Rookie of the Year: Mike Trout: If he spends enough time in the majors, he will win. Excited to see him make his way into a crowded lineup and excel.
National League
East: Philadelphia Phillies: Damage has been done to their offensive stars, but they still have one of the best rotations in the game.
Central: Milwaukee Brewers: They lost Fielder, but they still have great pitching, fans and team chemistry.
West: San Francisco Giants: They’ll win because of the pitching, of course, and because the return of Buster, Freddy and additions of Cabrera and Pagan. They now have three switch hitters in their lineup and have been working a ton on base running.
Wild Card 1: Arizona Diamondbacks: They mean business. With excellent pitching and a scary lineup, they are to be feared.
Wild Card 2: Washington Nationals: New additions to the team make them a strong contender. I think they will be a big time sleeper team.
Pennant: San Francisco Giants: They don't need a ton of offense to win, and now they have a great amount. Just ask SI; they know all about it.
MVP: Hunter Pence: He can hit, he can run and he can field. I hate seeing him at the plate against my team, and he will be fantastic this year. Underdog MVP.
Cy Young: Ian Kennedy: This is hard for me to choose, obviously, but I think he will have a repeat year and take the award.
Rookie of the Year: Yonder Alonso: I was unsure about this one. I think Bryce Harper will get it, but not this year. This year, the best on-paper choice is Yonder Alonso. I'm excited to see him play in the NL West.