MLB predictions: Again, into the fire, likely to be burnt
Our MLB predictions have the 2020 season-opening with alarming occurrences, many related to the animosity towards a certain club in Texas.
The business of MLB predictions is a curious one. As major league baseball’s Spring Training exercise in desperation for half the guys in uniform begins, it’s time to look back on this writer’s predictions for last season and to make some new prognostications for the coming spring and summer.
Last year’s MLB predictions were the first in this particular cyberspace, and the results were predictably mixed. (But no more so than anybody else’s.)
However, here at CttP we endeavor to be precise, even if it means admitting something like failure. Last season, my “predicted headlines” went a dismal 2-8-3 for 13 predictions, with the tie column indicating predictions that were wrong but at least right in concept. The sole right but mostly wrong prediction went into the win column because I’m writing this, OK?
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Honestly, though, only one prediction was totally on the money. This cheater’s win was headlined, “(Apr. 10) Bosox Manager Alex Cora refuses to predict perfect season after 12-0 start.”
Yeah, yeah, we all know about Boston’s season (they were 3-9 after 12 games), but Cora didn’t predict a perfect season, did he?
However, my other “win” was so right it was only half right: “(Feb. 13) 2019 MLB camps set to open with 45 free agents still unsigned.” On Feb. 12 last year, the Chicago Tribune’s Paul Sullivan estimated there were “100 or so” unsigned MLB free agents, which affords me an additional moment of gloating because this article’s headline, “Is this the new normal?”
We know from this off-season, the answer to that is no.
Other examples from my disgraceful predictions, however, in full disclosure:
- Wrong but at least right in concept: “(May 5) Orioles trying to hold heads high after historically dismal, 4-31 start”: Dreadful Baltimore was, in fact, 13-22 on May 5, but the following day, young John Means pitched his third straight game in which he lasted at least five innings. He went seven and beat the reigning World Series champion Red Sox, 4-1, in an exciting “career outing.” The Orioles, however, improved their 47-win total from 2018 by only seven games in ’19.
- Totally wrong and not as funny as it seemed on New Year’s Day last year: “(Jan. 23) Unsigned Bryce Harper falls down basement stairs, fractures ribs and left shoulder”: Harper, a wonderful human being and baseball player, was perfectly healthy on Feb. 28, 2019, when he signed with the Phillies, and he proceeded to play very well for them if not at historic heights.
Charging Forward
None of the preceding, though, discourages this observer from pushing forward into 2020 MLB predictions, and I’m not going to discard the bold nature of my predictive instincts. Once again, these headline predictions will go up to the All-Star game only:
(Mar. 27) As Astros open season, spring training beanballs continue
Angels pitchers have no wings, as seven “world champions” are hit by pitches in Houston’s first two games. Commissioner defied!
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(Mar. 31) Back end of Phillies rotation picks up higher-paid mates, salvages opening week
Back-to-back one-hitters by Zach Eflin and Vince Velasquez mitigate continuing Marlins dominance of Philly. “Take that, smartasses,” said the two righties in unison to a group of reporters after Vinny Velo’s gem.
(Apr. 14) Jose Berrios’ red-hot 4-0 start gives him the early lead in the AL Cy Young race
Curveball specialist’s 17-inch horizontal movement has Twins fans talking about “Bert Blyleven 2.0.” Right-hander’s 1.31 ERA leads major league baseball after four straight wins. Early MLB predictions placing him atop a list of Cy Young candidates now look like genius.
(May 17) Commissioner Manfred declares next pitcher who hits an Astros player with a pitch will be suspended 80 games “regardless of game circumstances”
Decree follows 46th Astros player hit by a pitch. Yankees hurler refuses to answer reporters’ questions about intention. Minus Houston, entire American League ownership group signs letter condemning commissioner’s anticipated action, crying, “Unfair! You’re taking away half the plate.”
(May 23) Bucs shortstop Kevin Newman assumes NL batting lead after 4-for-4 day against Frisco
Twenty-six-year old follows up 99-point jump between ’18 and ’19 by adding another 30 points in torrid early going. His .338 now leads Christian Yelich by five points.
An Emergency Room June
(June 4) Washington star Stephen Strasburg goes to the injured list after being run over by Security guard chasing female streaker on Ladies Night
Nationals hopes for repeating as World Series champions dim considerably as they also announce Ryan Zimmerman is moved to the 60-day IL after slower than expected recovery.
(June 21) Slimmed-down Tigers great Miguel Cabrera lights up Dodgers ace, seizes MLB batting lead at .362
The Detroit star explained, “I just had to lay off the arepas,” propelling reporters to Mr. Google’s machine to identify Venezuelan favorite cornmeal cakes stuffed with various goodies.
(June 29) Dallas Keuchel joins fellow Chisox lefty Gio Gonzalez on IL as White Sox continuing swoon verifies early MLB predictions the Pale Hose would fold despite the talent
An eighth straight losing season is looking more and more like a lock on the South Side. “Can somebody dig up Joe Jackson?” asked an unidentified fan interviewed by a local TV crew outside New Comiskey.
(July 1) Reds take over first place in the NL Central with an extra-innings win over the fading Dodgers in Los Angeles
Freddy Galvis’ defense and Joey Votto’s home run in the 14th inning are the determining factors. Trevor Bauer curses out reporters – again.
Next. Houston Astros: Forrest Whitley make or break year. dark
(July 11) MLB limps into All-Star break as 75th Astro is hit by a pitch
“Where’s the Commissioner?” asked Houston skipper Dusty Baker.