2012 MLB Season Predictions: Ben Christensen
American League
East: New York Yankees: The Yankees have rebuilt their pitching staff to balance their solid batting. I expect them to be tough contenders for the title.
Central: Detroit Tigers: The Tigers came within two games of making their second World Series appearance in five years last year and I expect them to run the show in the AL.
West: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: The Angels made some solid acquisitions in the offseason and will push the Rangers to the brink, but overtake the West.
Wild Card 1: Texas Rangers: They have won the A.L. West the last two years and only lost C.J. Wilson in the offseason. If they play like last year they'll be a lock.
Wild Card 2: Oakland Athletics: A bold choice, but the Athletics have been playing solid in Spring Training. It's not a fluke, they have a lot of unexpected talent.
Pennant: Detroit Tigers: The Tigers were my selection to with the World Series last year and will be a better club this year.
MVP: Jose Bautista: He got snubbed the last two years for the M.V.P. This year I can see him going .320/40/127. The Blue Jays need to do their part by getting on base.
Cy Young: Doug Fister: He beat Verlander on every stat except strikeouts after joining the Tigers at the trade deadline. His patience and arsenal will prove his worth.
Rookie of the Year: I'm going with Rays lefty Matt Moore, who was impressive in September and the Division Series last year.
National League
East: Miami Marlins: The Marlins will be the surprise of the N.L. East. Ozzie Guillen is the one guy who can control the egos and make a push for the title.
Central: Pittsburgh Pirates: Clint Hurdle and the Pirates got out of the doldrums and proved last year that they are no longer a laughing stock. They are rebuilt and hungry.
West: Arizona Diamondbacks: I was the only person to pick the Diamondbacks to win the West last year and I don't intend to change my pick this year. The D-Backs are the real deal.
Wild Card 1: Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies should win the N.L. East, but injuries to Chase Utley and possibly Ryan Howard (achillies) will affect their chances.
Wild Card 2: Washington Nationals: The Nationals are a dangerous team in the N.L. East and will barely make the playoffs due to their new rotation and some clutch batting.
Pennant: Miami Marlins: The Marlins have all of the tools to win the Pennant - great pitching, hot bats and a lot of attitude. This band of misfits are looking to win it all.
MVP: Matt Kemp: Kemp should have won it last year. He says he will hit 50 home runs and swipe 50 bags this season. Seems accurate to me.
Cy Young: Ian Kennedy: Kennedy made a solid campaign for the Cy Young Last year. If he drops his ERA under 2.40 with the same record, he's a lock.
Rookie of the Year: Shelby Miller: It's hard to not pick SP Shelby Miller of the Cardinals to win. He's a two-time reigning minor league pitcher of the year for the Cards. If he gets the call, he'll take the title.