Predictions for the 2013 MLB Season

The 2013 MLB season is set to undergo tonight with the Astros hosting the Rangers at 8 pm. Before the season begins, I will show you my predictions for the season, and with any luck, I may end up being right on some of them.

AL MVP-  Mike Trout- Trout had an unbelievable season in 2013, winning the Rookie of the Year and energizing the Angels' fan-base. He has so much protection in that lineup, especially now with the addition of Josh Hamilton, and should be able to put up monster numbers. 

Honorable mentions: Miguel Cabrera, Albert Pujols

AL Cy Young- Justin Verlander- I know that this is a boring and obvious pick because we know that Verlander is always going to be in the running for the award, but I truly feel like this is going to be his award for the taking.

Honorable mentions: Chris Sale, David Price

AL Rookie of the Year- Aaron Hicks- I'm going out on a limb here and saying that Hicks, the center-fielder from Minnesota, will win this award. He had a monster spring training, and the Twins lineup has the potential to be a dangerous one if Mauer and Morneau stay healthy. He should have some protection and receive good pitch selection.

Honorable mentions: Jackie Bradley Jr., Wil Myers, Jurickson Profar

NL MVP- Andrew McCutchen- This is a real dark-house pick, but I feel like 2013 will finally be the season where everything clicks for the Pirates. They have shown spurts of greatness throughout the last two years, and hopefully they put it all together this season. If they do, McCutchen, the leader of the squad, will certainly put up MVP-type numbers. 

Honorable mentions: Matt Kemp, Ryan Braun, Buster Posey

NL Cy Young- Matt Cain- Cain has been very underrated throughout his career, and finally was noticed when he threw a perfect game last summer. He is the ace of the Giants' staff, and deserves to win a Cy Young. 2013 could be a big year for him.

Honorable mentions: Johnny Cueto, Clayton Kershaw, Madison Bumgarner, Jordan Zimmermann

NL Rookie of the Year- Julio Teheran- Teheran is the real deal, and will crack the Braves rotation sometime during the season. He put up incredible spring numbers, and there is definitely a spot in the rotation waiting for him now that Jair Jurrjens is in Baltimore. 

Honorable mention: Travis d'Arnaud, Yasiel Puig

Division Winners

AL East- Toronto Blue Jays

AL Central- Detroit Tigers

AL West- Angels

AL Wildcards- Rays, Athletics

NL East- Washington Nationals

NL Central- Cincinnati Reds

NL West- San Francisco Giants

NL Wildcards- Braves, Dodgers

Predictions for the 2013 New York Mets

Optimistic Record -  82-80

Realistic Record   -  74- 88

Home Run Leader- Ike Davis

Stolen Base Leader- Collin Cowgill

Biggest Surprise- Collin Cowgill / Jordany Valdespin 

Biggest Bust- Shaun Marcum / Brandon Lyon / Lucas Duda

Highest Batting Average- David Wright 

Closer by season's end- Bobby Parnell

All-Star Representatives- David Wright, Ike Davis, Matt Harvey