Finally. OK, technically, it’s the 2nd Opening Day for this year as there were two games in Japan. The NCAAs have kept us occupied for a couple of weeks and the NBA slogs along to the start of the playoffs which actually should be very entertaining this year. SU is transitioning into baseball mode but knows the faithful demand some predictions for 2019. SU is happy to oblige in its fearless fashion. Of course, we welcome all of your comments from all comers – unlike the White House these days who seems to be more particular.
American League
Beware of the following:
- Boston pitched several of their starters in relief last year in the playoffs on their off days. This is going to lead to arm and shoulder injuries for Price and Sale in 2019. Their bullpen is depleted. The offense is still a powerhouse. They will not repeat.
- Houston lost a couple of starters to free agency. They will win the division but are not as fearsome as last year.
- No way Tampa Bay wins 90 games again – they were over-achievers last season.
- The Yankees already have starting pitching issues but you know they will pick up some guys along the way. The offense will be strong although way too right-handed. As in way too right-handed. Have I told you that they are too right-handed? Once Hicks returns, Bird will be sent down. But they will score a lot of runs this season. And they will need to as Tanaka and CC always get hurt for some period of weeks and Paxton has a history of that as well. Look for some youngsters to step up though. The Yankees will be strong if not flawed.
Division winners are the Yankees, Cleveland and Houston. A’s and Red Sox take the wild cards. Yankees win the pennant as they are due for one in this decade and this is their last chance. SU is not into predicting the number of wins but no team in the AL will win 100 games this year.
National League
The NL feels more balanced:
- The East will be a dog fight. The Mets and Phillies are better, and the Nationals and Braves are worse. SU says this may be the most interesting division in baseball this year.
- Milwaukee was close last year and may be ready to make that move this season.
- SU says enough of the Dodgers. Over hyped every year and they over spend. Down year for the SF Giants.
- St. Louis is ready to return to the playoffs and the Cubs are feeling some pressure as the GM is threatening to tear the whole thing down if they don’t do better in 2019.
Division winners are the Braves, Brewers and the Dodgers, with both wild cards coming out of the Central (Cardinals and Cubs). Milwaukee takes the pennant and loses to the Yankees in the World Series.
SU has a feeling about the Yankees this year. They have cleared the Chase Headleys from the roster- that is huge. They avoided the bad signings this off-season. They are still short on starters but Cashman will fill in the holes and will give some youngsters a shot. Once Boone finds the appropriate spot in the line up for Stanton (6th feels about right – the Andruw Jones spot), and Didi returns, this team will take off.
OK, sports fans, what say you?
Sports Update Intergalactic 
Finally it’s here. I think there will be one or two 100 game winners in the AL (Yanks and Astros)–there are a lot of bad teams to beat up on. Yanks starting rotation is always a worry but I like the young arms from last year (Cessa, Loaisiga, German and Tarpley) to fill gaps until hopefully Severino comes back to form and CC is ready.
Notwithstanding injuries, this will be a fun season and expectantly a division win. I am even optimistic about the playoffs (wow, just wished the whole season away) because of the bullpen–game has changed and you don’t need 3 overpowering starters, but would like one or two.
The Yankees will have a record of 105-57… and will break their own home run record….and come close to having 1000 rbi’s.
Michigan State will curt down the nets.
Zion will not blow out another sneaker
Random nightmare NBA draft thought: The Mavs get the #1 pick and screw the Knicks out of Zion and screw the Hawks out of getting Dallas’s top 5 protected pick from the Doncic trade. It would really blow for the Hawks because the pick they will likely end up getting next year will reflect a Dallas team adding both Zion and Porzingis to their roster.
OK, back to baseball.
Spring has sprung! The Mets are in first place and all is well in the world now that Big Jake is signed. Let’s get right to the predictions. The NL East is a beast. The 4 major league teams all improved during the off season (The Marlins are in a class by themselves) With everyone beating up on each other the Mets will win the division with 93 wins. Look out for Amed Rosario to have a break out year and possibly make the All Star team. Pete Alanso will start strong and then cool off, resulting in a 4 week AAA demotion. He will return to secure 1st Base full time and finish 3rd for ROY. The starters are always a big if and will endure some bumps and bruises but the one constant will be our NORDIC GOD. He will make it back to back NY Mets Cy Young winners and will be asking for a $150 Mil contract by next Christmas. The big wild card for the Mets success is Wilson Ramos. If he can start 110+ games for the team they make the playoffs.
The Yanks will always be in the hunt for a championship. My one prediction is that your favorite DH/OF Giancarlo – Don’t call me Mike – Stanton will have 45 HRs and 123 RBIs and finish in the top 5 for MVP!
Enjoy the Hoops and Hockey playoffs. How about some love for my NY Islanders and the Brooklyn Nets. Great coaching jobs this year.
And the football draft is on deck. What a great time of the year!