2009 Predictions: Postseason and Awards

Wrapping up this week of prognostications, here is my attempt at predicting the 2009 postseason and awards winners.

NL playoff teams:

• Phillies (East)
• Cubs (Central)
• Dodgers (West)
• Cardinals (Wild Card)

AL playoff teams:

• Red Sox (East)
• Indians (Central)
• Angels (West)
• Yankees (Wild Card)

World Series matchup:

• Red Sox vs. Cubs

World Series Champs:

• Red Sox

Cy Young Award winners:

• Johan Santana (NL)
• John Lester (AL)

MVPs:

• Albert Pujols (NL)
• Grady Sizemore (AL)

Batting Champions:

• Albert Pujols (NL)
• Miguel Cabrera (AL)

HR Champions:

• Adam Dunn (NL)
• Josh Hamilton (AL)

Make sure to check out other UCB blogs at www.UnitedCardinalBloggers.com

2009 Predictions: NL West

1. Dodgers
2. Giants
3. Diamondbacks
4. Rockies
5. Padres

This always seems to be a tight division race and I wouldn’t expect anything else in 2009. The Dodgers will win the NL West but I think the vastly improved Giants will give them a run for their money. With Webb and Haren at the top of the rotation in Arizona, I expect the Diamondbacks to remain close behind. I just don't think they have the offense to take the pressure off of their pitching staff. The Rockies will finish 4th with the Padres bringing up the rear once again.

Tomorrow, I’ll finalize my portion of this UCB project with predictions for the 2009 postseason and awards.

2009 Predictions: NL Central

1. Cubs
2. Cardinals
3. Reds
4. Astros
5. Brewers
6. Pirates

The Cubs are still the team to beat in the division and I wouldn’t be surprised if Jake Peavy ends up there before long. If Carpenter, Wainwright, and Lohse are able to stay healthy, I think the Cardinals will finish second in the division with a shot at the Wild Card. The St. Louis bullpen has more seasoning and it’s hard to be as bad as they were last year. Cincinnati has a very good rotation and has chosen to go with an approach of speed and defense after the exit of Griffey and Dunn in 2008 – they will be better. The Pirates will definitely remain in last place, and Brewers have certainly taken a dive, meaning that the Astros will finish in 4th.

Check back tomorrow from my attempt at predicting the outcome of the NL West.