2014 MLB Season: 25 Bold Predictions
25 Bold Predictions for 2014 MLB Season
The new year has arrived, and cold snowy nights are upon us. Before baseball fans know it, Spring Training will be here and Opening Day will come shortly after. But before both arrive, take a look at my 25 bold predictions for the 2014 MLB season.
During the offseason, some teams were busy while others were mostly dormant. Some teams made moves that made them contenders in 2014. On the other hand, some fans are sitting on their couches wondering why their favorite team's general manager didn't make a certain move, or why they made foolish ones.
Some players' 2013 performances were historic, and they will be hoping that the trend continues this season. However, not every dominant player will be able to repeat their performance in 2014. At the same time, some former MLB stars are now laughingstocks in MLB circles, and many teams do not want their services.
Last season brought many memorable moments for fans, players and coaches alike. 2014 should follow suit. This season is the first year of expanded instant replay. This is something that has been in the works for a few years now, so it will be interesting to see how it works out.
As there is with any season, 2014 will provide some surprises and it will shock baseball circles. From dark horses winning their divisions to blockbuster trades going down, there will be more than one story leaving baseball fans flabbergasted.
Take a look at my 25 bold predictions that are destined to happen during the 2014 MLB Season. Feel free to share your thoughts on the ones posted. Did I miss something? Post it below.
Add Phil to your Google Circles and follow him on Twitter @PNaegelyRS.
25. Philadelphia Phillies Finish Last in NL East
The Phillies' core is only getting older. Ruben Amaro Jr. signed players this offseason, but they are old and at the end of their careers. Philadelphia will struggle to win 70 games this year.
24. A-Rod Loses Appeal, Doesn't Play in 2014
Alex Rodriguez is currently appealing his suspension. He will lose and will not see the baseball field in 2014. Bye-bye A-Rod.
23. Miguel Cabrera Three-Peats As AL MVP
Miguel Cabrera will do it again in 2014. He will win the AL MVP by five votes over Mike Trout.
22. Freddie Freeman Wins NL MVP
Freddie Freeman will catch fire in 2014 and come away with the NL MVP award.
21. Max Scherzer Wins 25 games
Scherzer dominated opposing batters in 2013. This will continue in 2014, and this time he will win 25 games.
20. Expanded Replay Will Pay Off in First Year
Expanded replay will delay games. However, games will not longer end in controversy.
19. Pedro Alvarez Hits 50 HRs
Alvarez came out of nowhere last year and was one of MLB's best players. This year, he will hit 50 HRs.
18. Texas Rangers Win AL West
Texas made some good offseason moves and will win the AL West in 2014.
17. Detroit Tigers Win AL Central
Detroit will be a powerhouse team and win the AL Central again.
16. Toronto Blue Jays Win AL East
Sounds crazy? Well, Boston lost a few key players to free agency, while the New York Yankees missed the playoffs last year. The Blue Jays were dismal last year, but their underperforming core is built to compete now and they will win the AL East this year.
15. Los Angeles Dodgers Win NL West
The NL West will not be competitive this year. Los Angeles will run away with the division.
14. Pittsburgh Pirates Win NL Central
Last year, the Pittsburgh Pirates made the playoffs. This year, they will win their division.
13. Washington Nationals Win NL East
Stephen Strasburg will have a solid season and lead the Washington Nationals to the NL East pennant.
12. New York Mets' Rotation Survives without Matt Harvey, Secures NL Wild Card Spot
Matt Harvey will be out for most of the season due to Tommy John surgery. However, the Mets will make the playoffs this season after securing a Wild Card spot on the final day.
11. Jonathan Papelbon's Season ERA Reaches 4.00, Records Only 20 Saves
2013 was rough for Papelbon. 2014 will be worse. Sorry, Phillies fans.
10. Chris Heisey Becomes Star CF
With Shin-Soo Choo signing a contract with the Texas Rangers, it will be Chris Heisey's year to step up for the Cincinnati Reds. In the end, Heisey will have a breakout season and become the starting CF.
9. Domonic Brown, Cliff Lee Dealt on Trade Deadline Day
The Phillies are going to have a dismal season. As a result, they will be sellers at the trade deadline and will deal their star players. Domonic Brown and Cliff Lee will be among them.
8. Clayton Kershaw Notches 250 Strikeouts
Clayton Kershaw will be on fire this season. He will pitch like he has never before and will rack up 250 strikeouts before the 2014 regular season ends.
7. Joe Nathan Saves 50 Games
The Detroit Tigers finally found their closer in Nathan, and it will pay off.
6. Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers Face off in 2014 World Series
The Pirates will ride momentum into the World Series, while Detroit will dominate its way there. However, the Pirates will come out on top.
5. Darin Ruf Beats out Ryan Howard for Starting Job
This will be the year. Ruf will best Howard for the starting 1B job like Howard did over Jim Thome.
4. David Ortiz's Hot Hitting Continues in 2014
In 2013, David Ortiz hit .309 and his hot hitting will continue in 2014.
3. New York Yankees Miss Playoffs
For the second straight year, the New York Yankees will miss out on the postseason.
2. Derek Jeter Plays Less Than 50 Games
An ankle injury kept the star shortstop out for most of the season. It will nag him in 2014 and Jeter will play less than 50 games.
1. The Bud Selig Era Goes out with A Bang
At the end of 2014, Bud Selig's tenure as MLB commissioner will come to an end. I don't know how, but something will happen and Selig will be forced to respond. In the end, controversy will ensue and the Bud Selig era will go out with a bang.
Related MLB Season Preview
Related Slideshow
Around the Web
-
screamingsam
-
Phil Naegely
-
Stroker07
-
Phil Naegely
-
-
-
