Major League Predictions
New management but same result is the prediction in the American League with the Royals set to win 100+ games once again, and run away with the AL Central and the best record in baseball. The Mariners look too strong in the West while it could be a great battle in the East between the Yankees and the Rays. The Stewart-less Kansas City Royals have a top position player and a top pitcher in the predicted stats, CF Mike Gronkiewicz and SP Braden Montalbano both making the lists.
In the National League, parity is the order of the day with all three Division winners predicted to have an 87-75 record, the Mets, Cardinals, and Padres the three picked to come out on top. T.J. Nooks and international free agent Santiago Castro are, as expected, predicted to give the Dodgers the best 1-2 punch in baseball. They are predicted to finish 3rd in the NL West but that pitching duo is going to keep him them close and a real danger should they make the post season.
Opening Day Lineup
A quick look at the Royals opening day line up shows little change in the starters from the World Series team, but there are some changes in the back ups as the Royals go position player heavy to start the season, including two 1B utility INF in Gilberto Matos and 2046 supplemental 1st round pick Ernesto Arellano.
Opening Day Pitching Battery
On the pitching side, Joe Teichner earns the 5th starter slot as the Royals return to a more traditional rotation and bullpen. Chris Curry and Chris Morrow are the late innings arms to start the season but there is serious firepower with Mike Smithers and Omari Ambroise. Smithers and Juan Anaya both signed extensions during the offseason, while the Royals also reunited with Art Putney, who starts in a LR role alongside Luis Danys Rhodes.
