MLB PREVIEW: 2015 MLB PREDICTIONS

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for The Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

Now that I have analyzed every roster over  past month I am ready to make my 2014 predictions. In the past  I have been pretty good a picking 5-or-6 playoffs teams with always two horrendous missteps. If I could get anything right it would be my World Series winner, but I know a July trade or significant injury will shape the season in a way that I cannot calculate at this point.
I know the obvious never wins it all, but the team is too loaded to not at least get to the dance. Let's pick the same team to win it all two years in a row. I'll predict the Barack Obama Classic - his home town versus where he resides now....

2015 MLB Predicted Standings (playoff teams in red)

AL East (predicted win total)

Orioles (90-72)
Red Sox (87-75)
Yankees (86-76)
Blue Jays (77-85)
Rays (73-89)

AL Central
White Sox (93-69)
Tigers (92-70)
Indians (88-74)
Royals (81-81)
Twins (67-95)

AL West
Angels (96-66)
Mariners (89-73)
A's (80-82)
Rangers (70-92)
Astros (68-94)

NL West
Dodgers (96-66)
Padres (83-79)
Giants (79-83)
Rockies (71-91)
Diamondbacks (67-95)

NL Central

Cardinals (93-69)
Pirates (85-77)
Cubs (80-82)
Brewers (77-85)
Reds (76-86)

NL East
Nationals (101-61)
Marlins (89-73)
Mets (82-80)
Braves (72-90)
Phillies (65-97)

2015 MLB Playoff Predictions

NLWC: Marlins over Pirates
NLDS: Nationals over Marlins
NLDS: Cardinals over Dodgers

ALWC: Mariners over Tigers
ALDS: Mariners over Angels
ALDS: White Sox over Orioles

NLCS: Nationals over Cardinals
ALCS: White Sox over Mariners

World Series: Nationals over White Sox

2015 Award Winners Predictions

AL MVP: Jose Abreu (White Sox)
NL MVP: Giancarlo Stanton (Marlins)

AL Cy Young: Felix Hernandez (Mariners)
NL Cy Young: Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers)

AL Rookie of the Year: Blake Swihart (Red Sox)
NL Rookie of the Year: Joc Pederson (Dodgers)

AL Manager of the Year: Robin Ventura (White Sox)
NL Manager of the Year: Terry Collins (Mets)

AL Comeback Player of the Year: Prince Fielder (Rangers)
NL Comeback Player of the Year: Matt Harvey (Mets)

MLB PREVIEW: Let's Play Two. Los Angeles Angels and Washington Nationals

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#2.

PROJECTED LINEUP
RF Kole Calhoun
CF Mike Trout
SS Erick Aybar
1B Albert Pujols
LF Matt Joyce
DH CJ Cron
3B David Freese
C Chris Iannetta
2B Johnny Giavotella

PROJECTED ROTATION
Jered Weaver
Garrett Richards
CJ Wilson
Matt Shoemaker
Andrew Heaney

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Huston Street
Set-up:  Joe Smith

Top Prospect: Andrew Heaney (P)

BREAKOUT - Having no clear cut breakout player is actually a good thing in the Angels case. The Halos have proven players that are ready to win. Led by MVP Mike Trout and Hall of Famer Albert Pujols, this group has chance to duplicate last year's 98 wins and make a run toward their second championship in franchise history.

SPRING STORYLINES - Mike Scioscia is definitely on the hot seat and the Upper Darby and Penn State native needs to win with this group in order to keep the job he has held since 2000. The curious case of Josh Hamilton will be early April discussion, but their play on the field will be the talk of the town come July.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 98-64 (1st in AL West)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 96-66 (1st in AL West)

#1.

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Denard Span
3B Anthony Rendon
LF Bryce Harper
RF Jayson Werth
SS Ian Desmond
1B Ryan Zimmerman
2B Yunel Escobar
C Wilson Ramos

PROJECTED ROTATION
Max Scherzer
Stephen Strasburg
Jordan Zimmermann
Doug Fister
Gio Gonzalez

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Drew Storen
Set-up Man:Casey Jansenn

Top Prospect: Lucas Giolito (P)

BREAKOUT - Some thought Drew Storen would never be the same after the 2012 playoff loss to the Cardinals, but at the end of last season the former first round pick proved he is ready to be lights out that is ready to be lights out. With one of the best rotations since the Phillies Four Aces, the Nats pitching staff is poised to be one of the best of all-time.

SPRING STORYLINES - I decided to project the Nats lineup on this blog for when the team is healthy. They have so many injury question marks right now it could be a slow start for the favorites to go to the Fall Classic. Injuries to Anthony Rendon, Denard Span, and Jayson Werth are concerning, but the Nats also have some solid depth to fill in for the time being.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 96-66 (1st in NL East)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 101-61 (2nd in NL East)

**Check back tomorrow for the 2015 MLB Predictions

MLB PREVIEW: Let's Play Two. Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#4.

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Adam Eaton
LF Melky Cabrera
1B Jose Abreu
DH Adam LaRoche
RF Avisail Garcia
SS Alexei Ramirez
3B Conor Gillaspie
C Tyler Flowers
2B Micah Johnson

PROJECTED ROTATION
Chris Sale
Jeff Samardzija
Jose Quintana
John Danks
Hector Noesi

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: David Robertson
Set-up: Zach Putnam

Top Prospect: Carlos Rodon (P)

BREAKOUT - Health is the only thing holding Adam Eaton back from being a dynamic leadoff hitter. With a possible MVP threat in Jose Abreu hitting behind him, Eaton should easily score 100 runs this year and be a catalyst for a revamped roster. The key is staying on the field for Eaton and if he does, he will have his best year to date.

SPRING STORYLINES - The Sox made tweaks to every aspect of the fourth place club and now look like true contenders to supplant the Tigers atop one of the best divisions in baseball. There are four clubs that could easily win this division  (sorry Twins), but with the additions of David Robertson, Jeff Samardzija, and Melky Cabrera, confidence is high on the South Side.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 73-89 (4th in AL Central)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 92-70 (1st in AL Central)

#3.

PROJECTED LINEUP
SS Jimmy Rollins
LF Carl Crawford
RF Yasiel Puig
1B Adrian Gonzalez
2B Howie Kendrick
CF Joc Pederson
3B Juan Uribe
C Yasmani Grandal

PROJECTED ROTATION
Clayton Kershaw
Zack Greinke
Hyun-Jin Ryu
Brandon McCarthy
Brett Anderson

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Kenley Jansen
Set-up Man: Joel Peralta

Top Prospect: Corey Seager (SS)

BREAKOUT - While the Chicago Cubs Kris Bryant stole the spotlight this spring, quietly another rookie raked in Arizona. Joc Pederson won the center field job pretty convincing, forcing Andre Ethier to come out of the bench for the boys in blue. Pederson has a chance to make a difference for the Dodgers by playing good defense and extending the lineup to have offensive threats 1-through-8, and 1-through-9 if Clayton Kershaw is in the lineup.

SPRING STORYLINES - Not just the Hollywood lights are shining bright on this ball club, but the entire baseball world is looking at Donny Baseball's bunch. The Dodgers and their high payroll are expected to produce championship after championship. You know they are going to win at least every fifth day with MVP and Cy Young Clayton Kershaw on the mound, but injuries and depth are hidden issues here. The closer is hurt and the rotation is iffy. They should be in the division mix, but who knows how far this team can go in the playoffs.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 94-68 (1st in NL West)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 95-67 (1st in NL West)

**Check back tomorrow for the Angels and Nationals

MLB PREVIEW: Let's Play Two. Baltimore Orioles and St. Louis Cardinals

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#6.

PROJECTED LINEUP
LF Alejandro De Aza
3B Manny Machado
CF Adam Jones
1B Chris Davis
DH Stephen Pearce
SS JJ Hardy
RF Travis Snider
C Caleb Joseph
2B Jonathan Schoop

PROJECTED ROTATION
Chris Tillman
Wei-Yin Chen
Kevin Gausman
Bud Norris
Miguel Gonzalez

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Zach Britton
Set-up: Darren O'Day

Top Prospect: Dylan Bundy (P)

BREAKOUT - While you can wonder how a team trying to get over the ALCS hurdle can just let offensive threats like Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz walk it is because their faith in a better year from Chris Davis, Matt Wieters, JJ Hardy, and especially Manny Machado. I healthy season from the future could make Machado the current hot commodity right now. Once in talks with Bryce Harper and Mike Trout for the face of baseball, Machado has every chance to put together a all-star, if not MVP type season this year.

SPRING STORYLINES - After falling one series shy of the Fall Classic fans want to see their team add in the offseason, but the O's have stayed the same, if something, they subtracted. The same old stroy about the starting staff, and do they have enough to contend with Chris Tillman as the ace, when he is really a two or a three remains. But the real question is who will be scoring runs besides Adam Jones for this current perennial contender.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 96-66 (1st in AL East)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 91-71 (1st in AL East)

#5. 

PROJECTED LINEUP
3B Matt Carpenter
RF Jason Heyward
LF Matt Holliday
SS Jhonny Peralta
C Yadier Molina
1B Matt Adams
CF Randal Grichuk
2B Kolten Wong

PROJECTED ROTATION
Adam Wainwright
Lance Lynn
Michael Wacha
John Lackey
Marco Gonzales

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Trevor Rosenthal
Set-up Man: Jordan Walden

Top Prospect: Stephen Piscotty (OF)

BREAKOUT - It is almost insane to think the Cardinals will not be in the division hunt because they are every season. It is also smart to think a pitcher will find a way to have success in Saint Lou. Look for Marco Gonzales to get a crack at the rotation and relish the role of fifth start. Like Joe Kelly, Jaimie Garcia and all starters before him, he should put up solid numbers for manager Mike Matheny.

SPRING STORYLINES - Health is the biggest issue here. Adam Wainwright put a scare into the Cardinals, but looks ready for Opening Day. He will be monitored closely all season. But also Wacha, Garcia, Rosenthal, Holliday, and the list goes on for Cardinals trying to stay on the field. If they are on the field, the Cardinals have a chance to be the best team in baseball.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 90-72 (1st in NL Central)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 92-70 (2nd in NL Central)

**Check back tomorrow for the Dodgers and White Sox

MLB PREVIEW: Let's Play Two. Seattle Mariners and Miami Marlins

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#8.

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Austin Jackson
3B Kyle Seager
2B Robinson Cano
DH Nelson Cruz
RF Seth Smith
LF Dustin Ackley
C Mike Zunino
1B Logan Morrison
SS Brad Miller

PROJECTED ROTATION
Felix Hernandez
Hisashi Iwamkuma
Taijuan Walker
James Paxton
JA Happ

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Fernando Rodney
Set-up: Danny Farquhar

Top Prospect: DJ Peterson (3B)

BREAKOUT - I try not to look at Spring Training stats too much, but when a player has the minor league pedigree and some success at the big league level it is hard not to overlook the dominance for Taijuan Walker. In 18 innings he has fanned 19 batters and not allowed a run. I'll bank on a breakout here for the former top prospect.

SPRING STORYLINES - While it's actually the stadium the frustrates me and I cannot look at the offense and think Nelson Cruz can do what he did in Baltimore or any Mariner can produce like they would outside of Safeco. However the pitching staff has a chance to be dangerous and the Mariners should be able to squeak in enough runs to support a playoff team.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 87-75 (3rd in AL West)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 90-74 (2nd in AL West)

#7. 

PROJECTED LINEUP
2B Dee Gordon
LF Christian Yelich
RF Giancarlo Stanton
1B Mike Morse
CF Marcel Ozuna
3B Martin Prado
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
SS Adeiny Hechavarria

PROJECTED ROTATION
Mat Latos
Henderson Alvarez
Dan Haren
Jared Cosart
Tom Koehler

Jose Fernandez (out until June)

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Steve Cishek
Set-up Man: Aaron Crow

Top Prospect: Tyler Nolek (P)

BREAKOUT - While Steve Cishek had his ups and downs during his team as a Marlins closer, pitching for a contender will show the Fish what they have in the back-end of their bullpen. I don't Cishek will be lights out, but he will not lose his job and flirt with 40 saves in South Beach.

SPRING STORYLINES - The Marlins made some nice tweaks to the team this off season and it might just come down to chemistry for personalities like Dee Gordon, Mat Latos, and Mike Morse. If they can keep it together until July when Jose Fernandez returns, the Marlins might even challenge for a National League East crown. The Marlins seem to win it all every six -to - 12 years or so.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 77-85 (4th in NL East)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 91-71 (2nd in NL East)

**Check back tomorrow for the Orioles and Cardinals

MLB PREVIEW: Let's Play Two. Detroit Tigers & Pittsburgh Pirates

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#10.

PROJECTED LINEUP
3B Josh Harrison
RF Gregory Polanco
CF Andrew McCutchen
LF Starling Marte
2B Neil Walker
1B Pedro Alvarez
SS Jordy Mercer
C Francisco Cervelli

PROJECTED ROTATION
Gerrit Cole
Francisco Liriano
AJ Burnett
Charlie Morton
Vance Worley

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Mark Melancon
Set-up: Tony Watson

Top Prospect: Tyler Glasnow (P)

BREAKOUT - The Pirates are expected to be in the playoff hunt after back-to-back successful seasons. In order the club to take another step players around former MVP and last year's batting champ Josh Harrison will need to step up. I look for Gerrit Cole to take another step forward. He has a chance to be one of the best pitchers in the National League, and even challenge Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw for the Cy Young Award.

SPRING STORYLINES - In Bradenton this Spring people are looking closely into the hearts of the Bucs. Its too early to tell if the Pirates are just a good team, or if they have what it take to bring a title to the Steel City. McCutchen needs help in the order, in order to get that done.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 88-74 (2nd in NL Central)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 90-74 (2nd in NL Central)

#9. 

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Anthony Gose
2B Ian Kinsler
1B Miguel Cabrera
DH Victor Martinez
RF JD Martinez
LF Yoenis Cespedes
3B Nick Castellanos
C Alex Avila
SS Jose Iglesias

PROJECTED ROTATION
David Price
Justin Verlander
Anibal Sanchez
Alfredo Simon
Shane Greene

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Joe Nathan
Set-up Man: Joakim Soria

Top Prospect: Steven Moya (OF)

BREAKOUT - The majority of this team is past the point of a breakout campgain. They have been one of the best teams in the American League for a better part of the decade. Not sure how much shortstop Jose Igleasias will actually hit, but he will definitely stay in the lineup for his defense. After missing all of last year, look for this former Boston farm hand to be in the gold glove conversation and sure up the Tigers defense.

SPRING STORYLINES - We talk about it every spring and once again the back of the Tigers bullpen is the question mark. They thought it was sured up with the acquisition of Joe Nathan, but it looks like he only has so many bullets left. The division is getting harder and the stars like Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera are getting older. They better find a way to win and fast, or it will be time to rebuild before they get their championship.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 90-72 (1st in AL Central)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 90-72 (2nd in AL Central)

**Check back tomorrow for the Marlins and Mariners

MLB PREVIEW: Let's Play Two. Cleveland Indians & San Diego Padres

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#12.

.

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Wil Myers
1B Yonder Alonso
RF Matt Kemp
LF Justin Upton
2B Jedd Gyorko
3B Will Middlebrooks
C Derek Norris
SS Alexi Amarista

PROJECTED ROTATION
James Shields
Andrew Cashner
Tyson Ross
Ian Kennedy
Brandon Morrow

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Joaquin Benoit
Set-up: Kevin Quackenbush

Top Prospect: Austin Hedges (C)

BREAKOUT - Now that the lineup is stocked full of potential pop, the once three-hole hitter Jedd Gyorko slips down to sixth or seventh and should see some fastballs to hit. With newcomers like Wil Myers, Matt Kemp, and Justin Upton getting on base look for the power-hitting second basemen to flirt with 100 RBIs in his second full season.

SPRING STORYLINES - What a job new general manager AJ Preller has done. He had the vision and stones the prior men in business did not have. He found a way to go from the worst hitting team in baseball to, well at least on paper, should not be the worst team on paper. We shall see how Kemp, Upton, and Myers respond to the friendly confines of Petco, but it cannot be much worse than 2014's offense.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 77-85 (3rd in NL West)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 86-76 (2nd in NL West)

#11.

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Michael Bourn
2B Jason Kipnis
LF Michael Brantley
1B Carlos Santana
C Yan Gomes
RF Brandon Moss
3B Lonnie Chisenhall
DH David Murphy
SS Jose Ramirez

PROJECTED ROTATION
Corey Kluber
Carlos Carrasco
Trevor Bauer
Zach McAllister
TJ House

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Co-Closer: Cody Allen
Set-up Man: Bryan Shaw

Top Prospect: Francisco Lindor (SS)

BREAKOUT - Carlos Carrasco is one of those former top prospects, lost in the shuffle of todays here and now. There are always the "next big things" coming and going and injuries have this guy flying under the radar entering the season. Carrasco had a 2.55 ERA last year and 1.72 ERA after the all-star break. He and Corey Kluber, the reigning Cy Young award winner could become a deadly one-two punch.

SPRING STORYLINES - Just because 85 wins was not enough to make the playoffs in back-to-back years, the Tribe's season success sort of get buried. But they have been a strong team since Terry Francona has taken over and now they need to prove they have staying power and can take the next step. Stars like Jason Kipnis and Carlos Santana need to take the next step and Michael Brantley needs to have similar season to his 2014, near MVP year.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 85-77 (3rd in AL Central)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 87 -75 (3rd in AL Central)

**Check back tomorrow for the Tigers and Pirates*