SU has run the numbers, done its modeling and flipped its coins.  The time has come to make the 2017 MLB predictions.  A few thoughts for your consideration:

• The Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians are the overwhelming picks out there to make it to the World Series.  SU says it’s very hard to repeat – very hard.  Did I say it was hard?  You need to stay healthy, have players have similar seasons to the prior year and then win hard fought, close playoff series.  I don’t see it.
• The Red Sox, on paper, look very imposing in the AL but SU says a big payroll with big names is no guarantee.  David Price already has a sore arm and the retirement of Big Papi has to be a factor.  For starters, more players in the line up will probably get hit this year to make up for 14 years of teams not wanting to offend the Big Hugger.  Perhaps even the Yankees will make up for lost time in that category?
• SU likes the Mets’ chances in the NL.  They certainly have the pitching if the starters can stay generally healthy.  The Nationals lack character and their playoff history is not good.
• The Astros are ready to take the next step.  Brian McCann is going to have the season he couldn’t have in New York.  Plus he gets to grow a beard now.

American League

The Division winners will be: Boston; Cleveland; and Houston with Texas and Toronto as the wild cards.  The Yankees will finish 80 – 82 and will be sellers by the trade deadline.  But they will be infinitely more fun to watch – especially in the 2nd half of the season. when the youngsters flood the roster.  The starting pitching is just not good enough.  Tanaka, who was unhittable in spring training, got rocked yesterday and SU says his torn tendon will become an issue during the season as he over-extends due to the opt out clause in his contract.  CC Sabathia is the #2 starter: need I say more?  How terrifying is that?  But it’s all good as long as they play the young guys and stick with them.

Houston will advance to the World Series.  I think Toronto is a weak wild card but I don’t see any other team being good enough to be in the mix.

National League

In the National League, the Division winners will be: Mets; Cardinals; and Giants; with the wild cards as the Cubs and the Dodgers.  The Cubs will be injury plagued but will sneak into the playoffs.  The loss of Chapman as the closer will become a factor as well as the season wears on.

The Giants will advance to the World Series and will beat Houston for the championship once again featuring a roster that isn’t good enough on paper but finds a way to win.  They are due.  I think it will be a good year for the Mets who will make some good mid-season pick-ups to help the offense and will generally be healthy to make up for last season.

So much of a team’s success comes down to the health of the starting pitchers.  You can plug in hitters as the season unfolds but it’s much harder to find another consistent starter along the way.  I also think it will be a great baseball season with new young stars emerging and renewed fan interest.

Random thought of the day: the Cleveland Cavaliers are not heading into the playoffs with any momentum.  It could be a case of boredom but SU says if they don’t make it to the finals, LeBron will put his GM hat on and insist that they acquire Carmelo Anthony.  I am not saying it’s the right move but I think he is at the point in his career where he can see the finish line and wants to play with his buddies.  You can say I am way off base but SU will mark this on the calendar.