tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Baseball 2012 Predictions

It's that time of year when hope springs eternal for all major league baseball teams. It's also time for my fearless 2012 Baseball predictions.

NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST - While Arizona won the division last year, I don't see it happening again as I'm picking the San Francisco Giants to win the NL West. The Giants starting rotation, particularly its top 3 of Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner, is the best in the division. The key will be their ability to score runs which should be improved with Buster Posey being back. A surprise team could be the Los Angeles Dodgers if the rest of the rotation behind Clayton Kershaw could get their act together.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL - This may be the weakest division in all of baseball. All of these teams have flaws with Cincinnati, Milwaukee and St.Louis vying for the division title. I'm going to go with the defending World Champion Cardinals. If Adam Wainwright bounces back, the Redbirds will have more than enough pitching to win the division. Offensively, the key will be Carlos Beltran being healthy, Lance Berkman not falling backwards and David Freese playing a full season. The Reds and Brewers will be in the hunt all the way down to the wire.

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST - It's hard to pick against the Philadelphia Phillies so I won't. Despite Ryan Howard being out for awhile and Chase Utley having physical issues, the Phillies top 3 in their starting rotation may be the best in baseball. However, this division will be the best in the National League as the Marlins, Nationals and Braves will all be in the hunt. It's quite possible that both wild card teams could come from this division. By the way, the New York Mets are a disgrace.

AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST - Two of the American League's heavyweights reside in this division. Between Texas and Los Angeles, I'm going with the Angels to win the division. L.A's starting rotation may be the best in the American League headed up by Jered Weaver, Dan Haren and newly-acquired CJ Wilson. With the addition of Albert Pujols and Kendry Morales coming back, the Angels will be able to score runs. The Rangers are not going to go away as their offense is very potent. Pitching will be the key for the two-time defending AL Champs.

AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL - This division will be the least competitive in all of baseball as the Detroit Tigers are head and shoulders above the rest. With the acquisition of Prince Fielder, the Tiger offense has a tough one-two punch with Fielder and Miguel Cabrera. Throw in Justin Verlander and the Tigers should cruise to the division title.

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST - What has been acknowledged as the toughest division in baseball, 2012 will be no different. The Yankees, Rays and Red Sox will be competing for the title and the Toronto Blue Jays may surprise. I can see this one coming down to the end of September and I'm going to go with New York. The key for the Yankees will be keeping their older players healthy. It's quite possible that this division could have two wild cards.

Playoffs - NL WILD CARDS: Miami vs Arizona Arizona wins
AL WILD CARDS: Tampa vs Texas Texas wins

ALDS
Yankees vs Rangers Yankees win
Detroit vs Angels Angels win

ALCS : Angels win in 6

NLDS
Diamondbacks vs Phillies Phillies win
Cardinals vs Giants Giants win

NLCS : Giants win in 7

World Series: Angels in 7