MLB predictions for 2009

Since this is the time of the year that everyone does this, here are my predictions for the MLB division races, the post-season races and the major awards:

AL EAST

Boston Red Sox 94-68
New York Yankees 92-70 (WC)
Toronto Blue Jays 86-76
Tampa Bay Rays 81-81
Baltimore Orioles 72-90

AL CENTRAL

Minnesota Twins 90-72
Cleveland Indians 82-80
Kansas City Royals 81-81
Detroit Tigers 68-94
Chicago White Sox 66-96

AL WEST

Los Angeles Angels 93-69
Oakland Athletics 89-73
Texas Rangers 82-80
Seattle Mariners 64-98

NL EAST

New York Mets 99-63
Florida Marlins 89-73 (WC)
Philadelphia Philies 84-78
Washington Nationals 77-85
Atlanta Braves 76-86

NL CENTRAL

Chicago Cubs 87-75
Pittsburgh Pirates 86-76
St. Louis Cardinals 82-80
Milwaukee Brewers 75-87
Cincinnati Reds 73-89
Houston Astros 70-92

NL WEST

Los Angeles Dodgers 88-74
San Diego Padres 81-81
San Fransisco Giants 80-82
Arizona Diamondbacks 73-89
Colorado Rockies 70-92

ALDS:

Twins over Red Sox
Yankees over Angels

NLDS

Mets over Cubs
Marlins over Dodgers

ALCS

Twins over Yankees

NLCS

Mets over Marlins

WC

Twins over Mets

AL MVP: David Ortiz
AL Cy Young: Kevin Slowey

NL MVP: Manny Ramirez
NL Cy Young: Dan Haren

AL ROY: Matt Wieters
NL ROY: Andrew McCutchen

Manager of the year: John Russell, Pittsburgh Pirates

As far as the American League goes, I think that the Tampa Bay Rays will fall back to the earth this year, Seattle, Baltimore and Detroit will continue their uninspired performances, joined by the White Sox. The A's would be in the wild-card race until the last minute, but their young rotation will falter in September.

In the National League the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros, aging teams with decreasing talent are due for a wake-up call. The Brewers, Diamondbacks, Nationals and Rockies will be mediocre. The Marlins and Pirates will be the surprises of the division fighting until the end for the wild card spot. I gave the nod to the Marlins but I would not be surprised if the Pirates after their first winning season in more than a decade, make it to the post-season behind their young strong rotation and outfield. I think that the battle for the NL Central will be closer than predicted with the Pirates being well in a 3-way mix with the Cubs and Cardinals, and maybe surprising the Cubs for first place.

PECOTA eat your heart out