Rounding 1st: Baseball Predictions

Well, the baseball season is well underway. It is about 1/4 through the season, so why not try to gauge the year so far...

Division Winners - AL
East - Boston
The Yankees are surging, but Boston will continue to get better with Smoltz joining the rotation near the end of the year.
Central - Detroit
It is unbelievable, but Verlander and Willis are back... the big thumpers will continue to drive in enough for the Tigers to make the playoffs.
West - LA Angels
They have been treading water long enough, expect the Angels to make their move later in the season, with the addition of a healthy Gurrero, Shields, and Escobar.
Wild Card - Texas
They have enough power to get into the playoffs, but with only a mediocre pitching staff, I don't believe they will be able to win the division this year...



Division Winners - NL
East - Philadelphia
Expect to see their name for a few more years... While the Mets finally have a closer, the Phillies are 16-6 on the road. They will improve their home record.
Central - St. Louis
They will squeak by this year with the help of Pujols, Ludwick, and Ankiel. Don't be surprised if they add a pitcher or two before the trade deadline.
West - LA Dodgers
Even without Manny, the Dodgers are in complete control of the division. They have a good mix of young and veteran talent, and have a very deep roster.
Wild Card - Milwaukee
Even without CC Sabathia, the Brewers have the confidence and ability to play in the postseason. They have solid producers, good pitching, and tons of power.

Awards - AL
MVP - Jason Bay (BOS)
It should probably go to Longoria (TB), Cabrera (DET), or Hill (TOR), but Boston will make it to the postseason based on his steady production and good fielding.
Cy Young - Justin Verlander (DET)
He is tearing up the league right now, and as much as I want Grienke (KC) to win it, there is no denying this years comeback player of the year.
ROY - Elvis Andrus (TEX)
David Price (TB) may steal this one, but Elvis has made a major impact to the Rangers. This agile SS has improved the defense, and added speed to a powerful roster.
Manager - Cito Gaston (TOR)
Gaston has really helped this club play with more confidence and grit this year. They might even steal themselves a playoff birth...

Awards - NL
MVP - Albert Pujols (STL)
As amazing as Ibanez (PHI) has been playing, he will not be able to continue at his current pace. Pujols, however, will continue to dominate pitchers around the league.
Cy Young - Johan Santana (NYM)
He is earning every penny of his monstrous contract. With a 1.50 ERA and 75 K's through 60+ innings pitched, he is dominating hitters like Pedro used to...
ROY - Kenshin Kawakami (ATL)
No one is really stepping up right now, so Kawakami wins by default. The Braves also have fellow pitching prospect, Tommy Hanson, waiting in the wings; expect him to win it this or next year.
Manager - Joe Torre (LAD)
The Dodgers have been tearing it up, and don't plan on looking back on the rest of the NL West. The Yankees must be kicking themselves right now... but who cares?

So, there you have it... Any thoughts on if Toronto or Kansas City can steal a pennant? Or if Worth (PHI) can become a contender for MVP? (not that crazy, considering the MVP has been a Phillie two of the last three years)