Baseball’s back! But don’t expect the same-old, same-old–especially if my bold predictions come to pass.
Baseball fans are ecstatic as the baseball season trends toward normalcy. For the first time in 500+ days, we get to see fans in the stadiums. And (if things hold), we’ll see a full slate of games–a far cry from 2020 when 60 games were crammed into a COVID-infused season.
There’s more too, and it’s ALL about the game. That’s because off-season moves have put a number of teams in contention. But, just like any year, almost anything can happen. With that in mind, here are FOUR BOLD predictions for ’21.
Mike Trout and the Angels Finally Make the Playoffs
Halos Heaven
The Angels made a splash last season after signing World Series winner Anthony Rendon. But his debut season was weird, and he never got a chance to establish himself.
That said, I predict that pitching will make a positive difference for LAA in 2021. A huge reason is Shohei Ohtani, whom I believe is finally ready to make his mark on the mound after (to me, at least) it looked like the Angels rushed him back last season.
An incredible combo-player, Ohtani can throw a 99 mph fastball and hit a 480′ HR, and he’s the X-factor for this team–the player who can put this long-suffering team over the top.
Yes, LAA will be fighting for a Wildcard spot with the Yankees/Blue Jays, Twins/White Sox, and other teams in their division. But (there’s that BIG word) I believe the Angels have the talent to leap over that hurdle … finally!
Neither Dodgers Nor Yankees Will Win Its Division
Two teams made plenty of moves, and neither team was LAD or NYY. In the NL West, the Padres revamped their entire pitching staff and now arguably have the best rotation in baseball. In the AL East, the Blue Jays signed George Springer and Marcus Semien, and the farm system looks ready to take a leap.
The Yankees and Dodgers still have the best rosters and always seem destined to win 100 games (at least on paper), but these two perennial winners will face competition.
The Padres have the pitching to beat any lineup in the league, including the Dodgers. The Blue Jays have an incredible number of young players, headlined by Vlad Guerrero Jr.
I am confident that NYY and LAD will make the playoffs, just not win their respective divisions.
Astros MISS the Playoffs
The Astros answered all the hate (from their cheating scandal) by making it to the AL Championship. But don’t be surprised if they won’t repeat. As we return to the regular baseball format, the Astros may be in for more challenges than expected.
With Springer’s departure and Verlander still injured, the feel of this team isn’t there. Besides, Correa has been in the headlines (the two sides cannot come to a deal), and rumors are flying about other big names leaving the team.
Yes, Altuve, Bregman, Brantley, etc., are still around (at least for now), but other teams in the division look strong, including the Angels and A’s–a team that continues to get better. When you put things together, it’s not hard to see the Astros finishing third.
Phillies Make the Playoffs
I’ll admit that this is a ‘homer’ pick. The Phillies had the worst bullpen in MLB history last season, and it was the primary reason why the team underachieved. But help is on the way with moves made this off-season. Jose Alvarado and Archie Bradley, although not huge names, will make a significant difference.
There is also hope that Seranthoy Dominguez can return at some point and help a pen that has gone from last place to first place in pitch-speed.
Plus, this team will get an entire season of Alec Bohm. Bohm was a monster for the Phillies, and fans hope he’ll continue dominating this year. If the Phillies can avoid dropping games to the Marlins (ouch) and the pitching improves, Philly fans will get to see this team in the playoffs.
All in All
Uncertainty is the word. Players are almost two years out from playing an entire season, and it will be interesting to see who picks it up and who falls behind. The Dodgers, of course, have the best roster this year–maybe ever. We will see if anyone can dethrone them or, on the other hand, if they can go back-to-back.
But the most important thing (as I see it) is that baseball is in a fantastic place from a competitive standpoint. And, for fans, that’s a wonderful place for the game to be.
