Six months ago, as the 2016 baseball season was scheduled to kick off, I made my annual predictions as to who would win what. Now that the regular season has come to an end, it is time revisit those predictions and see what, if anything, I got right.
American League
East: Blue Jays
After winning their first division title since 1993 last year, I thought the Blue Jays had what it took to repeat. I certainly didn’t see the Red Sox bouncing back from 2 straight last place finishes to take the AL East crown.
Central: Indians
My first correct prediction, as the Indians won their first division title since 2007.
West: Rangers
Another correct prediction, with the Rangers winning their second straight division title.
Wild Cards: Red Sox, White Sox
Well, I kind of flip-flopped the first two slots in the AL East, as the Blue Jays managed to take the first Wild Card slot. The other pick looked good for the first 6 weeks of the season, as the White Sox sat at 23-10 before completely falling apart. Instead, the Orioles took the second Wild Card slot, making it a good year for the AL East.
AL Champion: Blue Jays
Cy Young: Chris Sale
MVP: Mike Trout
All three of these may still be possible, with the Blue Jays still alive and Sale and Trout putting up superb numbers.
National League
East: Nationals
The Nationals finally managed to win the NL East, their third title in the last 5 years, but late season injuries leave them in a bad spot heading in to the post-season.
Central: Cubs
The Cubs have been far and away the best team in all of baseball this season.
West: Giants
At the All Star break, the Giants had the best record in baseball. Since then, they have been in a free fall, leaving the Dodgers to win their fourth straight division crown.
Wild Cards: Pirates, Dodgers
With the division championships all settled, the Cardinals, Giants, and Mets all battled for the 2 Wild Card slots down the stretch. And by battled, I mean each team tried to lose it more than the others. In the end, the Mets and the Giants won out, with the Cardinals staying home.
NL Champion: Pirates
Cy Young: Madison Bumgarner
MVP: Andrew McCutchen
Well, none of these picks is likely to pan out. The Pirates are out of the playoffs, the Cy Young is still up in the air, and the MVP will likely go to either Kris Bryant or Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs.
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