Now that the 2022 season is under way it is time for me to make my “fantastic” predictions of how everything will play out for the season. I’ll break down the National and American Leagues with the division winners and wild cards. Also my picks to move into the World Series along with a few “sleeper” teams to watch out for. But for now, here is how I see it all unfolding. One suggestion. Please do not head to Las Vegas and make bets on these predictions, I don’t want to be held responsible.

NL EAST – On paper it would appear to be a repeat for the Braves, but do not under estimate the Mets. The best off season move they made was getting Buck Showalter as their new manager. The Phillies might have enough to be a problem but will fall short. The Nationals and Marlins are no real threat. When it is all said and done it will become a two horse race between the Braves and Mets. As for the division winner I have to go with the Braves, but I would not be shocked if the Mets came away with then division.

NL CENTRAL –  This going to be a fun division to watch unfold. The Brewers, Cardinals and Cubs all have the makeup to win the division, but it will come down to pitching, as usual, In addition Cincy is still going to be a problem and the Pirates are nowhere near as bad as some think. Fact is the Pirates may be the team that could upset the apple cart for the contenders. While the Brewers certainly have the pitching and offense, I truly believe the Cardinals can take the division and what a nice way for Pujols to end his career

NL WEST – Yeah, I know, Dodgers, Dodgers, Dodgers! But hold on and not so fast. Granted the Dodgers are stacked even with the loss of some key players, but let’s not count out the Giants who proved to be the real deal. Then there are the Padres who keep inching closer with a high powered team that is hungry. I am not ready to hand this division over to the Dodgers. The Giants and Padres are two strong teams with plenty of firepower. While they won’t contend the Rockies and D-Backs could be big spoilers for the other three. However, when it is all over, I see the Giants winning the division in 2022.

NLWILD CARDS – It will be the Mets, Brewers and Dodgers

AL EAST – This may be the best horse race in all of baseball in 2022 with four of the five teams having a season long battle for the top. The Rays are coming a 100 win season and always find ways to shore up their pitching. They Franco from day one a couple of good additions that will help. The Blue Jays are, in a word, loaded, but pitching will be the key. The Yankees are the Yankees and will always be a pain in the butt. The Red Sox are an enigma but they will make it tough for everyone all season. Injuries, or lack of, will be a huge factor for all four teams. In the end once again Kevin Cash will find a way, the Rays win the division by 2 games.

AL CENTRAL – Here again on paper everything points to the White Sox, but games are played on the field. Minnesota made a lot of changes in the off season and after the lockout and look to be a formidable foe if they stay healthy. Cleveland still has pitching, they have some up and coming players and a couple of solid All Stars. Detroit and KC are rebuilding and making some headway and could play spoilers. But overall, while Cleveland could surprise, there is no reason to think the White Sox can’t win the division and I will stick with that.

AL WEST – This may turnout to be the surprise division of the 2022 campaign. Houston, even with some personnel losses is the favorite. Oakland has gone total rebuild so I do not see them as a major threat. The Mariners may be the most improved in the division and have some solid pitching and offense that could take them far. Texas went for big names and improved but still have a hard road ahead. Then there are the Angels and with Maddon at the helm you can never say never with them especially with a healthy Trout back and Ohtani. All that said the Astros should win it, but watch out for the Mariners and Angels.

AL WILD CARDS – Blue Jays, Yankees, Angels

NL CHAMPS – St. Louis Cardinals

AL CHAMPS – Tampa Bay Rays

WORLD SERIES – Rays – Cardinals………Tampa Bay Rays win it all in 7 games.

Let another championship boat parade on the Hillsborough River begin!!

Put this somewhere and we’ll revisit it in October to see how good or bad we did. Next week I will have my predictions for the individual awards for both leagues and that is always a crap shoot early in the season, but we’ll give it our best shot!

Now let’s……………………….Play ball!