The 2016 MLB season is almost upon us. It’s been too long a wait since the Royals wrapped up the World Series, in the 12 inning at Citi Field. The season is shaping up as season of haves and have nots, the National league is split between 2 groups of teams. The challengers and the re builders. The American league has much more parity and to be honest you could make a case for 12 of the 15 teams to win their division. The Cubs look to be overwhelming favourites, however as I will mention below that does not always mean success if the history books are anything to go by. Its baseball and usually someone upsets the apple cart , who’s turn is it this year. Let’s find out.
Note: All prices quoted via Crownbet at time of writing. Look around though as there are some big variations between bookies in future markets.
Best Bets
Reds u70.5 $1.77
Mets o89.5 $1.90
Season Predictions
AL East
Baltimore Orioles
They managed to get big hitting Chris Davies back and that was really their number one off season priority. The added the interesting Korean Soo Kim, and Manny Machado continues to improve and looks to be an all star for the rest of his career. Add in the experienced and consistent Adam Jones and if he can stay fit catcher Matt Wieters they have a pretty good batting lineup. However what is to be made of the additions of Pedro Alvarez and Mark Trumbo. A solid bullpen with Britton and O’Day is only let down by what I feel is an underwhelming starting pitching rotation. Tillman has regressed, Gausman needs to step up and Jiminez you never know what your going to get. I don’t like rating them so low however I’m going to have to. Finishing .500 last year they should end around that mark again.
Predicted Wins – 78
Season Total Line – 79.5
Division – $11
League – $26
World Series – $41
Boston Red Sox
Is it another season when we expect the Sox to finally get back on top of the AL East ? With the huge addition of David Price, they definitely look better than last season. The former Cy Young winning pitcher will no doubt push them a bit further than last seasons 78 wins as long as he stays fit. Addition of Craig Kimbrel solidifies their pen. The key for their season however will be the young players Xander Bogaerts and Mookie Betts. They are going to have to step up as will Sandoval and Ramirez who combined for a woeful -2.2 WAR last season. Can they send Big Papi away on a high note ? There is a high ceiling here however there is also a lot than can possibly go wrong. Do not at all see how bookies can rate them 2nd favourite to win the World Series and favourite to win the AL.
Predicted Wins – 86
Season Total Line – 86.5
Division – $2.80
League – $6.50
World Series – $11
New York Yankees
The Yankees had the oldest average position age in the AL in 2015 and a lot of good things happened. A-Rod and Teixeira combined for 64 home runs, Beltran had a bounce-back season and McCann hit much better. Can these veterans stay healthy long enough in 2016 though. They added flame throwing closer Aroldis Chapman, but they never really had a weakness in that area with Betances and Miller. The will need Ellsbury to bounce back and Tanaka’s arm to stay attached. The will once again frustrate the betting world and become the hardest team to predict game in game out and once again miss out on the playoffs. Too many players need to stay healthy for them to succeed. That is unlikely to happen. The Bullpen will dominate though but inconsistent run production will be an issue.
Predicted Wins – 82
Season Total Line – 85.5
Division – $4
League – $10
World Series – $19
Tampa Bay Rays
Cy Young hopeful Chris Archer is going to lead a very solid pitching rotation and as we know pitching wins games. Smyly looks a solid number 2 and Matt Moore is likely to improve greatly coming off a return from injury season, throw in Odorizzi and it’s a solid rotation. Cobb will be back mid season and Brad Boxberger is a solid arm out of the pen. Runs will be the issue again and Longoria is a few seasons past his career best, he need to get back to those numbers. They will win enough games to be in the picture but lack of runs will harm them. Former Rockie Corey Dickerson could help but can he hit outside of Coors Field. Would not be shocked if they won the division, definite sleeper.
Predicted Wins – 82
Season Total Line – 82.5
Division – $11
League – $26
World Series – $51
Toronto Blue Jays
As I started last season preview of the Jays, I’ll recycle it. Runs, Runs, Runs. A filthy lineup led by 2015 AL MVP josh Donaldson, who pounded 41 Home Runs with 123 RBI’s, a full season of Troy Tulowitzki, Joey Bautista (of “That” bat flip fame) and Encarncion. Yikes. It’s not just runs though this teams defence is solid led by Kevin Pillar. A decent 1-2-3 starting punch with Stroman, Estrada and Happ. A bullpen that will hopefully get better with the addition of Drew Storen. The core of this team is getting on in years and this is a win now lineup. It looks to be the last season with this group of hitters. A favourite of mine for the run line plays, when they win, they win big. A very enjoyable team to watch (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MY8F73zq4g). They won 93 last season, they stay healthy enough they better that.
Predicted Wins – 95
Season Total Line – 86.5
Division – $3
League – $7
World Series – $13
Prediction
Toronto Blue Jays stay healthy they should win this. Red Sox may push them if the young guys produce.
Suggested Bets
Blue Jays o86.5 $1.82
Yankees u85.5 $ 1.77
AL Central
Chicago White Sox
You have to admire the White Sox, a team that never commits to re building and always trys to improve. Issue is, it has not worked. 3 straight losing season and a team that is built around if’s and but’s. Addtions of Todd Frazier and Brett Lawrie help, but they have a poor outfield and just don’t excite at all. Obviously Chris Sale is a monster and Carlos Rondon is likely to improve a bit so their pitching is decent, even with the loss of Samardzija. It’s just very hard to get excited about this team, the signs are positive but they seem to lack something and considering the division they are in, not for me. The drama around this Adam LaRoche story may not help the start of the season as well.
Predicted Wins – 80
Season Total Line – 80
Division – $8
League – $19
World Series – $34
Cleveland Indians
It must be frustrating to be an Indians fan, seeing this insanely solid pitching lineup not getting supported by the owners wallets and improving on their offense. Kluber had a slow start in 2015, if he gets back to his 2014 self they have a crazy rotation. Danny Salazar and Carlos Carrasco offer great support. They have the young Fransisco Lindor who just lost the 2015 AL Rookie of the year vote, who will be a future all star. Brantley needs to get back from injury asap to help an already weak batting lineup. They added Mike Napoli, Marlon Byrd and Juan Uribe to help their issues but is that enough. They were unlucky last year as their numbers suggested they should of scored more, who knows. I liked the Indians last year and they won 81 games. I like them this year and in a tough division they will need that luck to turn around. I may be over valuing them but that pitching hopefully wins enough of the close games on its own.
Predicted Wins – 87
Season Total Line – 85.5
Division – $3.25
League – $13
World Series – $26
Detroit Tigers
The fading out of the great Tigers team from years ago, last season was shades of previous success. Any chance it changes the trend this year ? The addition of Jordan Zimmerman should help the starting rotation so that’s a plus. Verlander ended 2015 in fine form and if Snachez can bounce back they have a solid pitching group. The core of the club that won 4 straight division titles remains, led by Miguel Cabrera. They added Justin Upton and Cameron Maybin, so with JD and Victor Martinez they have a scary batting lineup. Issue is, bar V-Mart they are all right handed. This will hurt them when teams bring the bullpen out. Aside from that weak spot is their bullpen which has given me many a heart attack over the last few season. They should score more runs than last year and have a lower ERA from their staff so I like them to improve a bit. Is it enough in a tough division though.
Predicted Wins – 86
Season Total Line – 81.5
Division – $4.75
League – $13
World Series – $23
Kansas City Royals
The 2015 World Series champions. Can they repeat, or will they suffer a slump like we see so many previous champions do. They managed to re sign Alex Gordon which was their number 1 off season priority. Added starting pitcher Ian Kennedy and relief pitcher Joakim Soria. The loss of Cueto won’t effect them much as he was only brought in for last seasons post season run. They have once again been projected to finish just above .500, and projected to give up more runs. The starting pitching may be an issue (ranked 12th in AL starting ERA in 2015) but the bullpen is that good they basically only give their opponent 7 innings. They find ways to grind results, we know they can play defense in that pitcher friendly ball park. Mike Moustakas finally stepped up to his potential last season, and with Hosmer, Cain and Gordon they have a great lineup. Apart from a weakness at 2nd base they look good. They also look to be a great in play betting option considering the weak starting and strong closing pitching. Expect them to win alot of games from behind. Starting pitching worries me but I feel they have enough to overcome that. They won 95 games last season and stats suggest they won a lot more than they should of. The opposite of the Indians, things went right for them. If luck changes they could finish around .500. They shouldn’t though.
Predicted Wins – 89
Season Total Line – 84.5
Division – $2.25
League – $7
World Series – $13
Minnesota Twins
I have to hold my hand up and admit I got them completely wrong last season, they were well above expectations pushing for a post season berth late into the season. A fairytale story that just ran out of legs. The young power hitting Miguel Sano will make them entertaining, a candidate for most home runs. On the pitching front it’s a sad story, their starters don’t strike out enough batters and that leads to more runners on base. They were last in the AL in pitching ERA (4.68) in 2015, and they have done nothing to remedy that. Last seasons success was built on a hot month of May going 20-7. They didn’t go above .500 in any other. One of those teams that just seems a few years off anything good and with Sano and Buxton the future is bright. Likely to take a step backwards from last season win total though.
Predicted Wins – 76
Season Total Line – 76.5
Division – $12
League – $26
World Series – $51
Prediction
Really a toss up with the Royals and Indians for me. Clevelands batting worries me, Royals starting pitching worries me. Maybe the Tigers who are probably the most balanced team in the division can do it. Tigers are great value at the division price, but will just give it to the Royals… Just.
Suggested Bets
Tigers o81.5 $1.77
AL West
Houston Astros
A real fun and surprise story of 2015, they were always in for a bright future but seemed to of peaked a season early. Dallas Keuchel cemented himself as a real Ace, and the Cy Young winner has some decent support in McHugh and McCullers. If new signing Doug Fister gets back to his past it will be a huge plus. Then you get to the offense which is lead by the freakish Carlos Correa, who in 2 years may be the best in baseball. Add in Carlos Gomez, George Springer, Jose Altuve and Colby Rasmus and this team has some serious power. This is a team with super stars, depth and overall balance. They will need to cut down on their strikeout rate, Altuve and a full season of Correa should help that. The bullpen was pretty good last season until the Game 4 blow up against the Royals, but they may just be growing pains in what could be the best team in baseball in coming years. Houston, we don’t have a problem.
Predicted Wins – 90
Season Total Line – 88.5
Division – $2.50
League – $7.50
World Series – $15
Los Angeles Angels
What a difference one year makes. After wining 98 game in 2014, and looking the World Series favourites they really slumped last year and finished with 85 wins and a really dull looking future. Yes they have Mr Baseball Mike Trout, who will once again put up freakish numbers and likely win the AL MVP, but what else is here to be excited about. The addition on Andrelton Simmons is a plus but still relying on the aging Albert Pujols. Really ? Escobar and Nava, both new signings just don’t cut it for a team that has somehow failed to evolve and grow as the best in baseball. The pitching staff is okay, Garret Richards will have to up his game, CJ Wilson and the aging Jared Weaver can’t do it all. No real Ace but not real weakness. Its just very plain. The Angels look set to continue the downward spiral. I could be wrong but I don’t see enough to change my mind. Mike Scioscia will have his work cut out for him.
Predicted Wins – 79
Season Total Line – 80.5
Division – $5
League – $13
World Series – $23
Oakland Athletics
There seems to be a trend in the AL West. Another team that looked to of had it all in 2014, now a shell of itself. Owner Billy Beane has done his best to gut this team and build for the future. They have a true gun pitcher in Sonny Gray, they have added some decent arms in Axford and Alvarez. If Sean Doolittle gets healthy again their pitching could be very solid. Of all the people to question, Beane isn’t going to be on your list. I’m just left scratching my head here wondering what he is trying to put together. Are they really relying on Coco Crisp, Billy Butler and Stephen Vogt ? So many question marks in that lineup and with no elite bat hard to see them winning more than losing. Beane will probably prove me wrong.
Predicted Wins – 70
Season Total Line – 75.5
Division – $21
League – $34
World Series – $67
Seattle Mariners
On the theme of teams that just didn’t take that next step, I give you the Mariners. Year after year I seem to over value this team. King Felix did seem to take a step backwards, Taijuan Walker started rough but finished strongly. They will need Iwakuma to bounce back, and they added the underrated Wade Miley but even so the pitching was never really the problem. This team could really go either way, relying on the aging Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz does not seem like a viable strategy. I get it, they play in a pitcher friendly ball park your going to win games via the mound. However that batting lineup just looks like a real mess. Is the wear and tear starting to show on Felix Hernandez ? Mariners fans will hope not. A wild card spot wouldn’t shock. Nor would finishing well under .500 like last season.
Predicted Wins – 78
Season Total Line – 82.5
Division – $5
League – $15
World Series – $26
Texas Rangers
A strong finish to the 2015 season saw them clinch the division and I for one didn’t see that coming. I saw an aging team with their star pitcher Yu Darvish out for the season. They head into 2016 with the knowledge Darvish will be back and the addition of Cole Hamels from day one. There is a lot to like about this rotation, when you add in workhorses like Colby Lewis and Derek Holland. They have a bright spark in Rougned Odor at 2nd base, a future all star. The newly acquired Ian Desmond adds depth. The meat of the lineup however is getting on in years, Hamilton, Choo and Fielder all north of 32 and Beltre at 37 finally showing his age. If the older guys stay injury free and Darvish comes back like his old self they can give the Astros a real challenge atop the division. It’s the 2nd best team in the West there is no denying that. If things go right they see themselves in the playoff picture again.
Predicted Wins – 88
Season Total Line – 83.5
Division – $3.5
League – $9
World Series – $17
Prediction
Astros look too powerful and well balanced to lose this one. Houston a top the AL West, think we should get use to it.
Suggested Bets
Astros at $2.50 to win division
League Suggested Bets
Astros at $7.50
Blue Jays at $7.0
NL East
Atlanta Braves
I was tempted to leave this empty. That’s how the braves fans must be feeling. It’s a rebuilding project and there is very little here apart from the franchise face of Freddie Freeman. Trading all their value for some great prospects is going to pay off in a few years. Braves farm system is currently ranked number 1. Ironically they have one of the oldest lineups in baseball though, so these young guys are not even seeing bench time. 2 years away at least. Avoiding the worst record in the MLB will be good enough.
Predicted Wins – 60
Season Total Line – 65.5
Division – $81
League – $101
World Series – $251
Miami Marlins
Stuck in limbo between the Mets and Nats, and Braves and Phillies. It looks to be an interesting year for the Marlins. They have an intriguing lineup with Jose Fernandez and Giacarlo Stanton, 2 superstars of the game. Dee Gordon is an all star, Yelich and Ozuna are solid aswell. However it tends to fall of there. What does this team do ? Go all in with Fernandez and Stanton as your core, they have some role players but they need more. Stanton could hit over 50 home runs, the fences are in and lower. They will be fun to watch. Won 71 games last year, and they had alot of injury problems. When a 41 year old Ichiro plays your most games you know there is a problem. They should beat up on the Braves and Phillies enough to finish around .500 but if Fernandez has a Cy Young season and Stanton an MVP, you never know.
Predicted Wins – 83
Season Total Line – 78.5
Division – $6
League – $17
World Series – $34
New York Mets
Best rotation in baseball, right ? Yep. Harvey, deGrom, Syndergaard, Matz. Wheeler… Colon ? OH MY ! Look I know I called the 2015 Nats potentially one of the best rotations of all time, but we all did right. I won’t throw out that line again, but this one is “probably” gonna be better. Their young arms really came of age last year and that playoff run was a joy to watch. A solid bullpen as well makes this team a freakish thought to come up against. Devils advocate here, but the Mets rotation only ranked 4th in 2015 in ERA, so lets no get carried away. Defence looks to be the main weakness, limited range on the infield and no gold glove candidates in the mix. The added Neil Walker and a full season of Cespedes makes the batting lineup stronger. They won 90 games last year, now you have a weaker division they will win a few more. Pound that season total line, what a gift.
Predicted Wins – 95
Season Total Line – 89.5
Division – $2
League – $7
World Series – $13
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are finally all in on this rebuilding plan. They won’t be that good but they have some interesting players whom Phillies fans can dream about. They have some prospects who may make the jump to the majors this year and Maikel Franco had an impressive first year also. He looks to be who they build their lineup around. They won 63 games last year and they look to end up around the same. A few years away from a challenge , however they may not finish the bottom of the division this time out.
Predicted Wins – 63
Season Total Line – 64.5
Division – $151
League – $251
World Series – $425
Washington Nationals
What a hugely disappointing 2015 , the World Series favourites just bombed. Injuries played a huge role though, so they will have fingers crossed they can keep that down to a minimum in 2016. Bryce Harper took his game to the next level and now rivals Trout as the best in the game. Still an impressive rotation lead by Max Scherzer, Tanner Roark looks to be a full time starter, add in a potentially better Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez they look like they should rack up enough wins. The explosive Papelbon in the bullpen allows them to close games out aswell. If, and a big IF, Werth, Zimmerman and Rendon can stay fit they could push they Mets, but i don;t see it happening. They all have a history with injury issues, and without them the lineup looks rather patchy. Manager Dusty Baker will be a huge plus as he tends to get the best out of players. With 38 games against the Braves and Phillies scheduled they are going to get more wins then they probably should. This really plays well into them pushing for a wild card spot at worst.
Predicted Wins – 89
Season Total Line – 88.5
Division – $2.20
League – $7
World Series – $12
Prediction
Hard to see how the Mets don’t win back to back division titles here. Bryce Harper will do his best for the Nats. Mets should take this one in a really weak division.
Suggested Bets
Mets o89.5 $1.90
NL Central
Chicago Cubs
It’s not always a good thing going into the season as everyones overwhelming favourite. Just ask the 2015 Nats or 2012 Phillies. However please tell me how the Cubs don’t win 90 plus games. They won 97 last season and added Ben Zobrist, Jason Heyward , Kris Byrant is a year older as is Kyle Schwarber and lets not forget Rizzo is improving year after year. Then we look at the pitching staff headed by the freakish Jake Arrieta, and veteran Jon Lester and newly acquired John Lackey. Barring a long list of injuries they look like a powerhouse. They are loaded with depth and versatility in both position players and starting pitching. Unless we see growing pains from the young bats and a massive drop off in Jake Arrieta. Looking back to 2010 not one pre season favourite has even made the World Series. Something may go wrong, they do play in a tough division, and if they lose key games to the Cardinals or Pirates, who knows. Pretty short on the division market, wouldn’t want to touch it at that price.
Predicted Wins – 97
Season Total Line – 93.5
Division – $1.60
League – $4.50
World Series – $9
Cincinnati Reds
Another team in the NL who is not hiding from their game plan of rebuilding. They still have Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce, so there is something there to win games. However this is a team that lost 98 games last year with Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake for most the season and Todd Frazier and Aroldis Chapman also out of the team in 2016. It’s a tough cruel NL central which had the 3 best MLB records last season with 100, 98 and 97 wins. Reds look set to lose 100.
Predicted Wins – 60
Season Total Line – 70.5
Division – $51
League – $100
World Series – $251
Milwaukee Brewers
A similar story to the Reds, not much here but a rebuilding phase. They have some decent prospects that could see play in the 2nd half of the season, but other than that it looks to be a long tough slog. Ryan Braun is still here as is catcher Jonathan Lucroy. They added Aaron Hill and Chris Carter so all isn’t bad they should hit their fair share of home runs. However when Willy Peralta is listed as your staffs ace, I think you have to accept the reality of this team. Matt Garza is still here and they have some young arms that will look to improve. Will win more than the Reds but that’s about all there is.
Predicted Wins – 71
Season Total Line – 70.5
Division – $41
League – $51
World Series – $101
Pittsburgh Pirates
You have to admire a team who can accomplish what they do year in year out on a shoestring budget. The perennial Wild Card heart break team, are likely to be around there again. They seem to get the best out of journeyman pitchers and this trend may continue, the additions of John Niese, and Ryan Vogelsong don’t jump out at you but Juan Nicasio is one to watch out for. Led by Gerrit Cole they have a solid rotation and the bullpen continues to be one of the better ones around in. Arguably the best outfield in the MLB, Andrew McCutchen, Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco will be the driving force behind this teams production, once Kang return from injury their lineup looks solid when added in Josh Harrison and the underrate Francisco Cervelli. It’s been a cruel few years in the wild card scene and with only a few years left with this core team the window is closing. They had the 2nd best record in baseball last year so it’s hard to see them completely dropping out of the picture. Expect them to be there abouts, and if they can get that extra bit of luck they may nab their first division title.
Predicted Wins – 92
Season Total Line – 86.5
Division – $4.25
League – $8
World Series – $17
St Louis Cardinals
You know what your getting with the Cardinals. Consistency. Such a solid well rounded team they will be pleased to have Ace Adam Wainwright back for hopefully a full season. They have added Mike Leake as well, then you add Michael Wacha. It’s a good rotation. The loss of Jason Heyward is pretty big but their young players they seem to be always churning out continue to improve. Randal Grichuk looks the real deal as does Kolten Wong. If the 2 Matts, Carpenter and Adams stay healthy and Peralta gets back from injury quick then look set to stay the course and compete for the division. I’m not sure if they can replicate their runs allowed last season , 529, the fewest since 1969. They will need to make up for a probable regression with an increase in runs. Can they make up that enough though to get back to 100 wins. Seems unlikely. They should beat up on the Reds and Brewers enough to win 90 though.
Predicted Wins – 91
Season Total Line – 87.5
Division – $3.50
League – $6.50
World Series – $13
Prediction
It’s going to come down to who wins the most head to head games between the Cubs, Pirates and Cardinals. Luck will be a factor and only 3 wins split them last season. I would side with Cubs, and it looks to be harsh that one of these teams will miss out on the post season when you look at the weak NL East.
Suggested Bets
Reds u70.5 $1.77
Pirates o86.5 $2.20
Cardinals o87.5 $2.35
NL West
Arizona Diamondbacks
Alot of people are getting high on the D-backs, I for one am not sold on them yet. They have looked good in spring training but we know that never translates to a successful season. Obviously the big ticket signing was Zack Greinke, he will make this team a contender, you add in Shelby Miller who looked good in a poor Braves team last year and this rotation may get people talking. Don’t expect Greinke to replicate last seasons numbers, but he should be able to keep his ERA around 2.5 even in a hitting friendly ball park. The D-backs will get a lot of runs, behind MVP calibre Paul Goldschmidt, AJ Pollock and David Peralta. Although after that they look to have a few holes, mainly the middle infield. It’s a bit of a stars and scrubs approach, and I’m not sure if I buy into that working. They will compete that’s for sure, but it’s a tough division. I wouldn’t be shocked if they won the West but a run at the Wild card seems more likely.
Predicted Wins – 85
Season Total Line – 81.5
Division – $4
League – $9.50
World Series – $19
Colorado Rockies
A team that has just stagnated the last few season, with little to no off season additions it’s hard to see what the front office wants to do with this club. They will always have pitching issue playing at Coors field, but surely there is something there to build a team around. That would be Nolan Arenado. He will only get better but he needs help to make the Rockies relative again. I’d be shocked if they don’t trade Carlos Gomez by mid season as it seem highly unlikely they will be in a competitive position. They have some good young players coming up, so the future could me bright if the right moves are made. At least you get runs with the Rockies.
Predicted Wins – 68
Season Total – 71.5
Division – $101
League – $150
World Series – $201
Los Angeles Dodgers
With the largest pay roll in the MLB, it seems odd they really only have one big star. Obviously Clayton Kershaw. They have added Japanese star Kenta Maeda, he will be interesting to watch, plus the reliable Scott Kazmir who will plug up some of the holes left by Greinke. A full season from Alex Wood and a decent 5th starter in Mike Bolsinger, this is a serious rotation. Corey Seager will be a star one day, Yasiel Puig has potential to play like one and Joc Pedersen may very well make that jump too. This team is built on depth though, Turner, Van Slyke, Utley, Gonzalez, Crawford etc. Such a well rounded team they are finishing near the top of the NL West. Another plus 90 win season looks inevitable as does another Cy Young calibre campaign from Kershaw.
Predicted Wins – 90
Season Total Line – 89.5
Division – $2.35
League – $6.50
World Series – $15
San Diego Padres
After going all in last season, the front office has left this club in an awful long term spot. With no real future stars in the franchise, they are going to have to hit the jackpot in the draft to get back on track. Having said that, there is enough here still to get the fans into Petco Park. James Shields, Tyson Ross and Andrew Cashner are a decent 1-2-3 start to your rotation. They have an okay outfield with Matt Kemp, the newly acquired John Jay and Melvin Upton Jr. The Infield is about the same, Wil Meyers will need to come of age though and Solarte does his job well. Nothing jumps out but the starting lineup is solid enough. Its depth they lack and that’s why I can’t have them progressing any further from last seasons numbers. The NL West is going to be tough, and the Padres will need to be lucky to even finish above .500
Predicted Wins – 72
Season Total Line – 73.5
Division – $21
To Win League – $34
To Win World Series –
San Francisco Giants
It’s an even year, 2016. That means the Giants win the World Series right ? Not exactly, but I’m kind of keen on this team this year. The rotation is going to be freakishly good behind Madison Bumgarner. Johnny Cueto is back in the NL as is Jeff Samardzija, their stints in the AL did not go to plan aside from Cueto getting a World Series ring. Peavey and Cain may need to stay healthy though. If Hunter Pence can stay healthy aswell they should do better getting production from the outfield. Denard Span and Angel Pagan will need to bounce back from 2015 slumps but there are positive signs. The infield is arguably the best in the game, defensively strong and surprisingly good with the bat, Belt, Crawford, Duffey and Panik. No superstar but all top notch. Led by Buster Posey this is a good offensive team, you add in that rotation it’s a good combination for success. I can see them pushing the Dodgers for the NL West, they have arguably the best manager in the game in Bruce Bochy and he always gets results when it matters. A lot to like about this team.
Predicted Wins – 91
Season Total Line – 88.5
Division – $2.25
League – $6.50
World Series – $13
Prediction
Looks to be an arm wrestle between the Dodgers and the Giant, the D-backs may shock but I’ll side with San Fran here, that’s a solid looking team.
Suggested Bets
Giants o88.5 $1.90
League Suggested Bets
Giants at $6.50
Mets at $7.0
Season Player Props
Most Home Runs
Chris Davis at $7.5. We picked him last season and I’m keen to stick with him again. A new contract, and a full season hopefully injury free. Hitting at Camden Yards helps his cause. May even hit 50.
Nolan Arenado at $22 stands out as incredible value. He finished last season with 42, 5 behind winner Chris Davis. He plays at Coors Field, he is improving year by year.
AL Cy Young
Dallas Keuchel at $8.50 looks tremendous value, can he back it up though. Last back to back AL Cy Young winner was Pedro Martinez in ‘99-’00. Rate him much shorter, if David Price is $5 I’d expect Keuchel to be the same.
Chris Archer at $11 the “outsider” I’m looking at. If the Rays have an above .500 season Archer is going to put up some fantastic numbers.
Justin Verlander at $61 is worth some loose change also. If he starts the season how he ended 2015 you never know. Crazier things have happened.
NL Cy Young
Jake Arrieta at $6.50 is pretty solid, the way he pitched last season it’s hard to ignore. The Cubbies are in for a big 2016 and he is the ace after all. I feel Kershaw at $3 represents zero value.
Madison Bumgarner at $14. Yes please. He is so consistent and the Giants look set to return to the post season. It’s an even year after all.
My Official Predictions
AL East – Toronto Blue Jays
AL Central – Kansas City Royals
AL West – Houston Astros
AL Wild Card – Texas Rangers & Detroit Tigers
AL Champion – Toronto Blue Jays
NL East – New York Mets
NL Central – Chicago Cubs
NL West – San Francisco Giants
NL Wild Card – Pittsburgh Pirates & LA Dodgers
NL Champion – San Francisco Giants
World Series – Toronto Blue Jays
I look forward to the banter throughout 2016. Feel free to share your opinions on the season ahead at @MLB_TheProfits on Twitter. Happy Punting
