Great analysis. Looking forward to the AL picks. I agree with most of your predictions. NL East - tough one, but I will give it to the NY Mets. The NL Central - Milwaukee Brewers. The NL West - LA Dodgers. WC - Phillies, Reds and Padres with Atlanta just missing out (that did not feel right typing that, so Atl will surely make the playoffs!). NL Champ - Dodgers
I just feel like the Braves have so much talent and they can't possibly have that many injuries again. Though I'll admit it's unlikely they get that much from Sale again. I'll give him credit for making it through most of last season, but getting hurt just in time for the playoffs felt very on brand.
I think the Diamondbacks are poised to surprise people. They were better last year, but missed the playoffs , than the year before when they made the World Series. I think Carroll is going to have a Witt-type season. I also wonder if Montgomery will emerge as a dependable pitcher again. Plus, they got Burnes. Could be a special team! Better than the Dodgers and Braves? Maybe Atlanta.. not ready to pick against L.A. yet 😂
You make a good point about the Dbacks. Both Carroll and the team as a whole regressed a little last year, which wasn't too surprising, but I could definitely see it being a one step back to take two steps forward kinda thing, especially with Burnes coming on board. Certainly wouldn't shock me if they snatched one of the wild cards and made some noise in the postseason again, but you're right, I can't envision any scenario yet where I'm picking them over the Dodgers in the division.
Patrick, very good analysis of the 3 divisions. I believe you are spot on with each prediction, but as injuries go last season was a disaster for the Braves. Wasn't as much fun to watch last year compared to 2023 when everything was clicking. Love your side notes, made me chuckle several times! Thanks for your thoughts as always!
I'm going to take a road trip out to Kansas in a couple of weeks. Hope to catch a Royals game on April 6th or 7th. Going to Warrensburg MO for an Emporia State game against the Mules on Saturday April 5th, then to the First Pitch Banquet that night to hear George Brett speak. It's a it's a fund raiser for Central Missouri State, which I'm glad to help so I can see George Brett talk about his career & promoting baseball in general.
I'm probably attending the game at Kaufman Stadium with a bunch of family, but will let you know what night in case you need an excuse to attend a game. ⚾😉
Thanks, Ed! Sounds like quite the trip you got coming up. Brett is always entertaining to hear talk, so I'm sure it will be worth whatever funds they raise from you to attend. Enjoy the game and please feel free to let me know what night you'll be attending. (If you want to, of course.) I can't guarantee I'll be able to make it, but if we are able to cross paths at the K, I'd love to shake your hand and chat about baseball for a bit between innings. I'd offer to buy you a beer, but I might have to take out a second mortgage on my house to afford it.
I’m completely with you on the first paragraph. I always look back at my predictions at the end of the year and go, “jeez, was I okay??”
Great analysis. Looking forward to the AL picks. I agree with most of your predictions. NL East - tough one, but I will give it to the NY Mets. The NL Central - Milwaukee Brewers. The NL West - LA Dodgers. WC - Phillies, Reds and Padres with Atlanta just missing out (that did not feel right typing that, so Atl will surely make the playoffs!). NL Champ - Dodgers
I just feel like the Braves have so much talent and they can't possibly have that many injuries again. Though I'll admit it's unlikely they get that much from Sale again. I'll give him credit for making it through most of last season, but getting hurt just in time for the playoffs felt very on brand.
I think the Diamondbacks are poised to surprise people. They were better last year, but missed the playoffs , than the year before when they made the World Series. I think Carroll is going to have a Witt-type season. I also wonder if Montgomery will emerge as a dependable pitcher again. Plus, they got Burnes. Could be a special team! Better than the Dodgers and Braves? Maybe Atlanta.. not ready to pick against L.A. yet 😂
You make a good point about the Dbacks. Both Carroll and the team as a whole regressed a little last year, which wasn't too surprising, but I could definitely see it being a one step back to take two steps forward kinda thing, especially with Burnes coming on board. Certainly wouldn't shock me if they snatched one of the wild cards and made some noise in the postseason again, but you're right, I can't envision any scenario yet where I'm picking them over the Dodgers in the division.
Patrick, very good analysis of the 3 divisions. I believe you are spot on with each prediction, but as injuries go last season was a disaster for the Braves. Wasn't as much fun to watch last year compared to 2023 when everything was clicking. Love your side notes, made me chuckle several times! Thanks for your thoughts as always!
I'm going to take a road trip out to Kansas in a couple of weeks. Hope to catch a Royals game on April 6th or 7th. Going to Warrensburg MO for an Emporia State game against the Mules on Saturday April 5th, then to the First Pitch Banquet that night to hear George Brett speak. It's a it's a fund raiser for Central Missouri State, which I'm glad to help so I can see George Brett talk about his career & promoting baseball in general.
I'm probably attending the game at Kaufman Stadium with a bunch of family, but will let you know what night in case you need an excuse to attend a game. ⚾😉
Thanks, Ed! Sounds like quite the trip you got coming up. Brett is always entertaining to hear talk, so I'm sure it will be worth whatever funds they raise from you to attend. Enjoy the game and please feel free to let me know what night you'll be attending. (If you want to, of course.) I can't guarantee I'll be able to make it, but if we are able to cross paths at the K, I'd love to shake your hand and chat about baseball for a bit between innings. I'd offer to buy you a beer, but I might have to take out a second mortgage on my house to afford it.
Just kidding on that last part. Mostly.