National League Predictions With Accompanying Soundtrack

The sexy thing to do this time of year is predict the MLB season. Some grandiose article where I share American and National League predictions, and who will make the playoffs, win MVP and the World Series.

I can say I looked at the numbers and anticipated player development. I can say my brilliance lead me down this road. But, really, I’m just making an educated guess. I can’t predict injuries, trades and who provides that little extra spark that isn’t quantifiable. Anyone who tells you they predict these with certainty is full of crap.

If you’re like me, when I read these predictions, I pick and choose who actually is “full of crap” because they don’t have the same guess as me. And I pick who is clearly brilliant because they do think the same as me.

So, here’s what I want to do. I want to combine my predictions with music that reminds me of each team and would be on my Friday night drinking party playlist. (Click the links throughout to get your groove on.)

In this three-part series, we will focus on National League predictions, American League predictions and then a final piece on the 2018 playoff teams.

The teams will be in order of where they will finish in the standings, so you’ll get a preview of the playoffs.

If you have any recommendations on better music for a team, let me know. Unless it’s country, in which case, don’t.

National League East

1. Washington Nationals—This is a make or break year. I can see Bryce Harper staying if they win the World Series. However, I’d say 70/30 he’s leaving. The Nationals future rests on doing something they’ve never been able to do, get out of the first round. If they can do that and make it a run, they may blow some minds. A division win is inevitable, but will they mess it up again?

2. New York Mets—Any time you bet on the Mets you’re asking for trouble. This seems like the year they’ll have enough offense. It seems like the year their incredibly talented starting staff will stay healthy. Prayers will be needed.

3. Philadelphia Phillies—Finally someone cherished Jake Arrieta’s skills. It took a bit, but it worked out for both sides. I liked the moves to mix proven vets with a young, exciting core. They’re a year away from bringing the Philly faithful back into the ballpark.

4. Atlanta Braves—Thanks to the Marlins, the Braves were allowed to be the quietest disaster in sports history. Former General Manager, John Coppolella, got the ol’ Pete Rose and was banned for life. Impressive. They lost 13 prospects, received penalties until 2021 on signing bonuses for international players and lost a draft pick for the baseball crimes. The only positive was they signed Alex Anthopoulus, who I think is a terrific GM.

5. Miami Marlins—Who plays for this team? Every time they’re somewhat lovable, they do something to kick their fan base in the nards. I love Derek Jeter, and I understand the direction they took, but if it wasn’t for the Marcell Ozuna trade, Jeter would have been fleeced for three stud outfielders. Another year of fans learning who the new faces are for their home team. It’s an addicting sadness for this fanbase.

National League Central

1. Chicago Cubs—They have to be the favorites, right? This team is stacked, and the pitching staff is like eye candy on paper. The Cubs just need to do their thing on their pursuit to a title. They take it slow in a fun division to watch. They know once they get to the playoffs they’ll be good.

2. Milwaukee Brewers—These are the days you’ve been waiting for Brewers fans! I love me some Christian Yelich; I even have a bobblehead from when I lived in Miami. I anticipate they’ll snag a starter at some point, but I’m looking forward to watching this team.

3. St. Louis Cardinals—Odds are the Cardinals will be alright, possibly pretty good. The team is just St. Louis style pizza, which is a thing apparently. Some people love it, most people hate it and you’re never surprised at the end of the night when you’re eating it/they’re making a run in the playoffs.

4. Pittsburgh Pirates—Country music is garbage, but I kinda like this song. It’s a nice metaphor for Pirates fans—you thought everything was great with the team, they spent a little, made good moves, you can see it lasting. You’re all in on this relationship, then, in an instant, you’re back to being lonely wondering how you let it slip away. Maybe if you didn’t average being 21st in attendance, you would have a bit more money to put into the team.

5. Cincinnati Reds—Poor Joey Votto. Poor Billy Hamilton. Reports are that Nick Senzel will be up soon. The Reds are taking a page out of the Cubs book with Kris Bryant. Overall, I imagine this is the collective feeling in Cincy.

National League West

1. San Francisco Giants—As I wrote here, the Giants are ready to knock out the Dodgers. But the old heads on the team don’t want you to call it a comeback. They’ve been here for years, and they’re ready for the “even year” magic.

2. Colorado Rockies—Rocktober was back! For a day. Still this team made strides, which is always going to be a challenge. They aren their biggest enemy … and, well their park. It’s been 25 years, and we’re having the same conversation about pitching, which is why they went out and spent on the bullpen. It should pay immediate dividends.

3. Los Angeles Dodgers—Every baseball season is grueling, but losing in Game 7 is especially exhausting mentally as it is physically. It’s like the Sunday after St. Patrick’s Day. Much like me losing my phone in Wrigleyville, the Dodgers also lost key pieces in Wrigleyville: Yu Darvish and Brandon Morrow.

4. Arizona Diamondbacks—I feel the least confident about this prediction. They easily could be a 90-win team or fourth in a tough division. Who are you, Arizona? I really wanna know.

5. San Diego Padres—They made some smart moves this offseason. Their farm system is top-five in MLB, and they won’t be boring. That’s all you can ask for during a rebuild.

Tuesday, I’ll predict the fate of American League teams and provide some jamz to get you through the day.

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