So when the calendar hits the end of October, we can all look back at what I write here and get a good chuckle at how wrong I will be.
Even though Wrigley Field is in complete disarray with construction of new bleachers and metal beams are all that comprise the new bleachers, there is hope for my Chicago Cubs.
Hell will officially freeze over in this time of global warming this year as the Chicago Cubs will win the World Series. It has to be true because Back to the Future called it way back then.
I am a diehard Cubs fan from the early days of WGN. I remember watching the 1984 team on a little black and white TV during fourth grade at Sonoma Heights Elementary School. Maybe I should have learned my ABCs instead of watching WGN. Now, I can't even watch the Cubs on WGN, with all the changes in television contracts.
Chicago is full of young talent that has the possibility of turning into something special. You start out with Kris Bryant, who will likely play third base. He is just 23 and had nine home runs and 15 RBI during spring training. However, Bryant will not be on the opening day roster, due to collective bargain by the players. The MLB season is 183 days long and if Bryant plays less than 172, the Cubs control him for one more year, putting off free agency. He will be up to the majors in a couple of weeks, don't worry Cubs fans.
However, go watch the Iowa Cubs, who will have Bryant, Addison Russell and Javier Baez in its line up in Des Moines. They are three of the top prospects in all of baseball.
My prediction is the Cubs will go 90-72. Back to the Future says the Cubs will be in Miami for the world title, but that is impossible.
Let's begin with the American League East, where Baltimore is my favorite to win a division that is not as good as it has been in the past. The New York Yankees welcome back Alex Rodriguez from his year-long suspension. However, the Yankees will miss having Derek Jeter at shortstop and with an older lineup, who knows what we will get from them.
Boston has been on a yo-yo the last few year from going from last to first to last. Toronto has been a disappointment and Tampa Bay is rebuilding.
The AL Central is Detroit's to lose. There is no way with the lineup and pitching the Tigers have that they shouldn't win that division.
Kansas City came out of nowhere last year to reach the World Series. The Royals were all but done in the wild-game, but survived and had a realistic chance of winning the title, before losing to San Francisco.
Cleveland is always a wild card and Chicago is much improved, so if anybody suffers injuries that division is up for grabs.
Despite a low payroll and a stadium where sewage backs up into the locker room, the Oakland A's have found ways make the playoffs on a regular basis. They do it with a bunch of no names and go about their business in the right way.
My favorite this year is Seattle with its new lineup; Mariner fans should be happy at Safeco Field in 2015. With Robinson Cano and Felix Hernandez leading the way, Seattle should win the division. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a team that makes you scratch your head. The Angels have the likes of Mike Trout and Albert Pujols. The Angels have spent like they were playing a game of Monopoly but no success. With the future of Josh Hamilton in doubt, the Angels have questions to answer.
Your playoff teams will be Baltimore (AL East), Detroit (AL Central), Seattle (AL West), Kansas City (wild card) and Los Angeles (wild card). Seattle beats Baltimore for the AL championship.
Washington was the flavor of choice a season ago but the Nationals quickly fizzled out in the playoffs. Behind Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper, Washington should be back on top. After all but tanking last year, Miami has improved greatly and should contend for a wild card spot. The New York Mets, Atlanta and Philadelphia are all after thoughts.
Until someone knocks of St. Louis, they are the kings of the NL Central. The Cardinals have said goodbye to popular players and not falling for the big contracts. They have built their team through the farm system and is one that is modeled throughout the rest of MLB. Pittsburgh has been a feel-good story for the last couple of years, but the honeymoon is over. Cincinnati is not the same club as in the past and does anyone remember Milwaukee?
Apparently money is not an object for the Los Angeles Dodgers and their quest for a world championship. They may be the best team in baseball, but the conditions are there for an implosion. We will see what $273 million buys you. Clayton Kershaw had an unbelievable 2014, but forgot to show up in the playoffs.
San Diego went on its own spending spree in the off season in an attempt to make a splash. Who doesn't want to play in San Diego all year? They moved in the fences at Petco Park to make it more hitter friendly.
San Francisco may be able to hang with the Dodgers for a while, but it will come down to the Giants' pitching and their ability to make it through the season.
If you watched the Reno Aces a couple of years now, they have turned into the Arizona Diamondbacks. Arizona just finds itself in the wrong division. Colorado has an all-world offensive lineup, but pitching and injuries fail them every year.
Your playoff teams will be Washington (NL East), St. Louis (NL Central), Los Angeles (NL West), San Diego (wild card) and Chicago (wild card). Chicago beats Washington for the NL championship.
Chicago beats Seattle in six games to win the World Series.
Winnemucca Publishing sports editor Tony Erquiaga can be reached at t.erquiaga@winnemuccapublishing.net.[[In-content Ad]]
