Every season there are those players that have career years and have baseball fans scratching their heads wondering, “Where was this player last season?” There are also those teams that turn the corner, surprising everyone. Well I decided to give my 5 bold predictions for the 2014 season. With Opening Day on Monday all baseball fans can finally let out a sigh of relief praising the Baseball Gods that baseball season has finally arrived.
5 Bold Predictions
5. Chris Sale wins Cy Young
Many baseball scouts doubted Chris Sale coming out of college. They thought his body would beak down because of his unorthodox side-arm delivery. He started out of the bullpen when he was first called up the show, and after dominating out of the pen he had the chance to become a starter and hasn’t looked back since then. Sale has been the second best left handed pitcher in all of baseball the last two seasons. Sale hits the radar gun in the high 90’s and only gets stronger as the game goes on. He can go the distance every fifth day he stands on the mound. His record doesn’t give him credit on how dominate he has been, thanks to the White Sox mediocre offense. During the offseason Chicago traded and signed many bats to help lift the team and that will only help Sale’s record and chance of winning the Cy Young in 2014.
4. Ryan Braun wins NL MVP
Braun will be the villain in baseball for 2014. Baseball fans aren’t fond of cheaters, especially cheaters that lied to everyone from point blank range. Only way for Braun to clean his slate is to prove all doubters wrong by winning the MVP in 2014 without the help of HGH. He was a top-3 player in all of baseball before all the steroid allegations came crashing down on Braun. He is a 5 tool player that simply dominates the game when he is on the field. Braun will be able to block all the negativity this season and return to his usual MVP play on the field and in the batters box. The Brewers will have a healthy team for 2014 so look for Ryan Braun to hit in the .300’s, drive in 100+ runs, steal 20+ bags, and blast 30+ homers, giving him MVP honors in the National League.
3. Angels win AL West
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have a very talented roster but just wasn’t able to put it together in 2013 and their rotation was just horrendous. 2014 will be a different story. The Angels traded away a fan favorite in Trumbo, but they were able to get Tyler Skaggs and Hector Santiago in return, helping their rotation immediately. Both Skaggs and Santiago are reliable lefties that will win a handful of games for the Halos. Garret Richards and his live arm will join the rotation full-time also. Richards throws lasers on the mound but has been very inconstant in prier years. He now has experience under his belt and will carry his experience and confidence onto the mound. Josh Hamilton has had a very productive spring and looks to return to his old days while playing for the Rangers. When Hamilton is healthy he has the ability to post MVP type numbers. Let’s not forget about Mike Trout. He just signed a 6 year 144 million dollar extension in just his 3rd season as a professional. Trout is always the favorite to win the MVP at the start of the season. After signing his new contract Trout will not let his fans down and will put the Angels on his back and carry them to the playoffs.
2. Brett Lawrie will have career year
Brett Lawrie has always had the skills to be a super-star in the MLB. Injuries have derailed him from reaching his potential, though. Lawrie plays at 110% and many times that is the reason why he is always on the DL. In 2014 Lawrie looks to turn the corner and post career numbers. He has great power at the plate, makes solid contact, and has blazing speed that allows him to beat out infield signals and swipe bags. His defense has improved every year and he isn’t afraid to give up his body to stop the ball and throw a runner out. If Lawrie is able to stay healthy most the 2014 season baseball fans will be in for a surprise.
1. Miami Marlins win a Wild-Card spot
The Marlins are known as one of the worst teams in all of baseball. Losing 100+ games in 2013 but the front office did a great job this offseason. The Marlins were able to sign much needed veteran players, which was needed for the really young players on the roster. They were able to Garret Jones, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Rafial Furcal. Jones will be the everyday first baseman that is able to hit the ball to the moon, Salty will be the veteran catcher that the young pitching staff needed and brings a winning mentakity, while Furcal will play the middle infield and set the table as the leadoff hitter. The Marlins have a very talented team and with a full season under most of their belts they should be able to play with confidence and let teams know they aren’t just any team they can walk over.