Before we get started, I wanted to go over the basics of this preview. A couple of year’s ago, I was frustrated that there were no MLB previews/projects around this time of year (early February). So, I decided to start writing my own. Since then, I’ve begun a tradition of publishing the earliest MLB preview available (note: I can’t verify this claim, but I think it is a decent assumption).
Anyway, seeing as though I am putting this out so early, I do run into a few issues.
The first of these is that there may be trades made between now and the end of Spring Training. A lop sided trade could make one team rise or fall higher or lower than what I had them at (i.e. if the Oakland A’s trade Joe Blanton for prospects, they will be less formidable this year, but have better potential in future years).
Also, during Spring Training, there is numerous times where a rookie or unknown player will step in and do a great job. These players can drastically change a team’s line-up or pitching staff.
While we are discussing line-ups, let me mention how I came up with the projected line-ups and starting rotations. I took a multi-step process of looking at each team’s depth chart, looking at how their batting order/rotation looked last year, and used my own opinions in order to create the line-ups and rotations you see. I guarantee that these line-ups will change and I will have some people out of position and out of batting order. Assumptions on line-ups and rotations will only take me so far. So, if I screwed up the line-up or rotation of your favorite team, I’m sorry.
As far as my predictions, over the past couple of years (not to boast or anything) I’ve done a pretty good job of predicting who will make the playoffs/World Series and who wouldn’t. In 2006, I recognized that the Tigers were set for a good year (they exceeded my expectations and made the W.S.). Last year, I picked the Indians to make the W.S. (they ended up losing in the ALCS, which is pretty good). So, if you are someone who believes that past results are an indicator of future returns, you may want to keep track of this post.
Also, I’ll do a year end review of my predictions after the World Series. Make sure you check back at that time (could be a good laugh or I could freak you out Nostradamus style [and by that I mean my predictions are vague and when something comes close I’ll claim it as a correct prediction]).
A quick note about the preview set-up, I started in the NL East this year (because I was tired of giving the AL East top billing). Also, I list the teams in the order I’ll predict they will finish in their division. Last note, the wild card teams from each division are noted next to their projected record.
Also, note that the playoffs are set up in a format were the team with the best record plays the playoff team with the worst record and the middle two teams play each other. Some people tend to think that the team with the best record automatically plays the wild card team. That’s not how the baseball playoffs are set-up.
Anyway, now that we’ve got the entire preamble taken care of, let’s get on to the preview.
Posted by Mikey 
