Aside from doing my daily work in the adult industry with my reviews and features for NightMoves Magazine and AAN, I have another deep passion……baseball.
I am a devout Tampa Bay Rays fan, but more importantly, I am a fan of the game as a whole. Fact is, I have been in the process of writing a book about baseball (along with my other book on 50’s rock and roll). I have been a fan since I was about eight years old when my grandfather took me to my first game to see the Brooklyn Dodgers and Boston Braves at Ebbetts Field in Brooklyn back in 19……….aw, never mind!!!
In just over two weeks the 2017 baseball season will get underway There are still cuts, trades and player moves yet to be made before every team settles on their rosters for opening day. This is how I see each division in each league shaping up for this coming season. I have a few dark horses to keep an eye on, who could be major surprises. As of today, here are my predictions as to who will finish where. (Subject to change just before the season begins!)
AMERICAN LEAGUE
AL EAST
- Boston Red Sox
- Toronto Blue Jays
- Tampa Bay Rays
- Baltimore Orioles
- New York Yankees
Problem in this division is that every team except Tampa Bay has pitching problems. The Rays have the pitching but do they have the offense? If they do, then it will really get interesting. 2008 anyone?
AL CENTRAL
- Cleveland Indians
- Detroit Tigers
- Kansas City Royals
- Minnesota Twins
- Chicago White Sox
This division is a total crap shoot with any of the first three capable of winning the division. They all have good offenses, but it all comes down to the pitching, injuries and solid comebacks by a few key players.
AL WEST
- Texas Rangers
- Houston Astros
- Seattle Mariners
- Los Angeles Angels
- Oakland A’s
Pitching and injury problems could be the downfall of any of the first three teams. They are each good enough with their offense of winning the division and even getting to the World Series. Health will be a big issue.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
NL EAST
- Washington Nationals
- New York Mets
- Atlanta Braves
- Miami Marlins
- Philadelphia Phillies
This is going to be a crazy division all year. Both Atlanta and Philly are much improved. The Nats should win it finally, but the Mets won’t make it easy for anyone, and Atlanta will be a factor.
NL CENTRAL
- Chicago Cubs
- Louis Cardinals
- Pittsburgh Pirates
- Cincinnati Reds
- Milwaukee Brewers
The Cubs are loaded with young talent and will win it again, but in a much closer race this year with the Cardinals. But there could be a surprise in this division with the Pirates if they get the pitching..
NL WEST
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- San Francisco Giants
- Colorado Rockies
- Arizona Diamondbacks
- San Diego Padres
A three team race all year with the Rockies, one of the big sleeper teams in all of MLB in 2017 creating some tough competition. This division will be fun to watch, but the Dodgers will prevail.
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We will revisit this at the end of spring training and make any necessary changes in the predictions once the rosters are all set. I will also go out on a limb and predict the post season teams and winner of the World Series. Watch out Las Vegas!!!!!
Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN
