2012 MLB Season Predictions: Shaun Kippins
American League
East: New York Yankees: We know about the bats and add Pineda and Pettitte to a healthy rotation—fierce.
Central: Detroit Tigers: No contest, runaway division and possibly re-writing the history books in some offensive categories—oh and they have the reigning Cy Young and MVP winner.
West: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: I think they’ll have just enough to edge out the back-to-back World Series participants with an edge on the mound.
Wild Card 1: Tampa Bay Rays: They’re in a winning habit. Can’t quite match the Yankees day in and day out for the East, but they’ve got all the tools and will be there in October.
Wild Card 2: Texas Rangers: After going to two straight World Series it’s hard to leave them out. With a new sheriff in Boston, the Red Sox are too much of a question mark.
Pennant: Detroit Tigers: They’re too powerful and not only at the plate.
MVP: Miguel Cabrera: With Prince Fielder in this lineup, Cabrera will have a field day...a ton of Detroit wins will get him the hardware.
Cy Young: Jered Weaver: I like him coming back gunning for the #1 spot in the AL with a better offense and his new sidekick in the rotation—who just happens to know one of the division rivals very well.
Rookie of the Year: Matt Moore: The kid experienced the Postseason last year and didn’t shy away. He’ll be a solid starter.
National League
East: ATLANTA BRAVES!: I know they have plenty of question marks, but if the starting pitching stays healthy and Heyward and Prado return to form, look out.
Central: Cincinnati Reds: This will be a down year for the Central. I think the Reds hold off the defending champs as well as the dark horse Pirates.
West: Arizona Diamondbacks: They have a solid rotation and a group of players with a lot of energy. They seem to really feed off each other.
Wild Card 1: Philadelphia Phillies: They say pitching wins championships. The Phils didn’t get it done last year, but they’re just too good to miss the Postseason.
Wild Card 2: San Francisco Giants: Big Time Timmy Jim and Buster back behind the plate will do enough to get the Giants in.
Pennant: Atlanta Braves…duh!
MVP: Brian McCann: He’s already the best catcher in the league and he’s in a contract year (although I don’t think it’s something he’s focused on). He’s due for a full, healthy, monster year hitting behind Dan Uggla.
Cy Young: Mark Buehrle: A crafty left-hander who did quite well in the AL will baffle most hitters seeing him for the first time after switching leagues.
Rookie of the Year: Bryce Harper: He’ll definitely be up in the bigs shortly and the Nationals have enough good bats to put him in position to showcase his skills.