Kris Bryant pounds a home run over the center field stands and then circles the bases for the second time of the game. Hitting home runs is becoming a routine for him, where he had totaled 9 in just 28 at bats, and has had three multi-homerun games in this year's spring training.
Bryant is just one of the many talented options the Cubs organization has, and the ball club is prepared for a big turn around in 2015. The Cubs are joined by other teams that have lacked success in recent years, but should have more success this year. This includes the Miami Marlins, San Diego Padres, Houston Astros, Chicago White Sox, etc. In fact, this could be the first time in who knows how many years that both Chicago teams make the playoffs. I actually expect most of the aforementioned teams to finish in the top three spots of their respective divisions (with the White Sox and the Padres reaching the Playoffs as a Wildcard). Only the Padres finished in the top three spots of the division last year, at third.
On the other hand, traditional powerhouse teams like the Yankees and Braves are not being considered as serious contenders for the playoffs. The Mets just might be the kings of New York this year (who could also perhaps contend for an NL Wildcard position).
Based on the trend in recent years, the Saint Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants have dominated the NL Playoffs. Thus, the Cardinals and Boston Red Sox are the most likely teams to reach the World Series. The two met in 2013 and the Red Sox came away victorious. Each team has great talent again, but several questions.
The Cardinals won't have a cake walk to the NL Division Title, as the Pittsburgh Pirates have the capacity to win a lot of games. Also, the Cardinals will probably be challenged in the playoffs by the Nationals out east and the Dodgers out west. Each team is ridiculously good. I think the work that the Dodgers have put in will finally pay off with a trip to the World Series.
The American League East probably isn't going to be quite as strong as it traditionally is, which leaves Boston as the favorite here. The Rays and the aforementioned Yankees are probably going to finish in the bottom half. The Blue Jays improved this year, but it may not be enough to win the division. Baltimore fields a good squad, but repeating last year's success will be difficult with the loss of Nelson Cruz to the Mariners. Boston's biggest challenge in the Playoffs would probably come from a west coast team: the Angels or the aforementioned Mariners.
I expect Boston to reach the World Series against the Dodgers, with the Dodgers on top.
It'll be intriguing to see how the Royals are this year. They had great support from the nation last year as they finally entered the playoffs again, quickly meeting up with the Giants in the World Series, where San Francisco won it all. Kansas City lost some key players, such as designated hitter Billy Butler. Regarding the Giants, the team will probably take a step back in 2015, partly because they lost some talent to Boston.
Click here to see my 2014 preview.
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