2018 MLB Picks

No time for a drawn out series of picks today - gotta get right to it. So here goes!

AL East
New York (94-68) - An incredible lineup and enough pitching.
Boston (93-69) - On the wrong end of an awesome stretch run versus their longtime rivals.
Baltimore (80-82) - Machado bolts in July.
Tampa Bay (72-90) - I have no idea what they're doing. Could win 85. Could win 65.
Toronto (70-92) - This year kicks them into a full-on rebuild.

AL Central
Cleveland (103-59) - A loaded team + a crap division --> 103 wins.
Minnesota (82-80) - Closer to their true talent level from 2017. Lived in bargain bin (solid choice).
Chicago White Sox (77-85) - 2018 is going to be really fun for Sox fans as the future really arrives.
Kansas City (67-95) - Back to the 1990s/2000s...
Detroit (60-102) - Primary intrigue: can they find a way to unload Jordan Zimmermann in July?

AL West
Houston (99-63) - No real World Series hangover here. Good thing, too: they can't afford it in West.
Anaheim (85-77) - A weirdly mediocre team (again) sneaks into October in a weird AL.
Texas (81-81) - They're tough to read. Hopefully Odor isn't a disaster again.
Seattle (78-84) - They either needed to spend $50M or start over. Selection? Neither.
Oakland (71-91) - Puk's injury kills their chance at intrigue.

NL East
Washington (95-67) - Still bursting with talent in Harper's swan song.
New York (88-74) - I think they'll be healthy enough, just not quite good enough.
Philadelphia (85-77) - Tough to read. Hopefully Jake jolts the rebuild into its next phase.
Atlanta (70-92) - Really kept that powder dry for 2019...
Miami (55-107) - Jeter gonna make that profit!

NL Central
Chicago (98-64) - They're going to need every one of these wins. Totally loaded MLB roster.
St. Louis (96-66) - You didn't think they'd stay down for long, did you? What a cute idea.
Milwaukee (81-81) - 2019 remains the target, despite a fun 2017.
Pittsburgh (68-94) - Kicking off the next great rebuild.
Cincinnati (63-99) - I have no idea what they're doing.

NL West
Los Angeles (100-62) - Holy Toledo is this team loaded. Lineup great. 8+ MLB SPs. Great bully.
Colorado (90-72) - Tapia/Dahl make the Desmond situation awkward, which is good for the team.
San Francisco (84-78) - Lots of vets play well but ceiling is weirdly low and injuries already loom.
Arizona (81-81) - Look for a big Pollock haul in July.
San Diego (64-98) - At least Hosmer got cash 'cause it's gonna be lean for a few more years.

Playoff Tree
Boston over Anaheim
St. Louis over Colorado

Cleveland over Boston
Houston over New York
St. Louis over Chicago
Washington over Los Angeles

Cleveland over Houston
Washington over St. Louis

Cleveland over Washington

Awards
AL MVP: Giancarlo Stanton, NYY
AL Cy Young: Corey Kluber, CLE
AL ROY: Eloy Jimenez, CWS
AL MOY: Terry Francona, CLE
NL MVP: Bryce Harper, WSH
NL Cy Young: Max Scherzer, WSH
NL ROY: Ronald Acuna, ATL
NL MOY: Davey Martinez, WSH