I am not a procrastinator. If I have something on my “to do” list, I generally sit down and try to complete it as soon as I can. I have never been one to wait until the last minute to get a task completed.
This trait transcends to my punctuality habits as well. I am punctual to a fault. I have spent countless hours in airports, doctor’s offices, and other places just waiting. I have wasted so much time in my life being early but that is the only way I can function. I guess I adhere to the Vince Lombardi Rule.
His players knew that if he called a meeting for 9 a.m., he really meant 8:45 and they knew him well enough to know that they better be sitting in their chairs ready to go at 8:40.
I said that to say this. I usually write these columns long before they are printed. I like to stay about three or four columns ahead just in case something happens and I can’t write one week, I’ve still got something to submit. I’m writing this column, for example, about three weeks before the actual start of the new baseball season. Since it is about my predictions for the coming year I should probably wait until the end of Spring Training to see if there are any last minute trades or injuries that will affect a team’s chances, but I can’t wait so here’s my thoughts on the new season.
Last week we discussed some particular players to watch who will have a big impact on their team’s success quotient. Now, let’s see how that pans out to how their teams will finish. This week the National League and next week, we’ll cover the American.
NL EAST
1. Phillies
2. Braves
3. Marlins
4. Mets
5. Nationals
The Phillies, behind one of the best pitching staffs ever put together, should edge out the Braves whose pitching is pretty good as well. I am concerned about the Braves’ relief corps and if they falter, watch out for the Marlins who, while young, could put together a surprise season. The Mets and the Nationals, well, they’re the Mets and the Nationals. With or without Strasburg the Nats will struggle to produce runs even with the addition of Jayson Werth. Johan Santana of the Mets is probably out for the season and that does not bode well for the Metropolitans. David Wright will carry an awful heavy load this season- the entire team.
NL CENTRAL
1. Brewers
2. Reds
3. Cards
4. Cubs
5. Astros
6. Pirates
There always seems to be one surprise team each year that does better than most people expect and one team that does worse. Both of those teams this year are in the same division. Last year, the surprise team was the Reds and while they will still be good this year, I think the Brewers have a chance to have four hitters with more than 100 RBI’s apiece. With the addition of Zack Greinke to their pitching staff, they have great potential.
The Cards took a severe blow with the injury to Adam Wainwright and while he has not shown any slack off in his career to date, can Pujols be expected to produce as he has in the past every year? The Astros and the Cubs could flip-flop those positions but the Pirates are the Pirates and, once again, they will finish in the cellar.
NL WEST
1. Giants
2. Rockies
3. Dodgers
4. Diamondbacks
5. Padres
The Giants have a pitching staff that rivals the Phillies and they have one of the most exciting newcomers, last year’s Rookie of the Year, Buster Posey. Their biggest challenge will be in staying focused to the challenge of repeating. The Rockies have the best shortstop in the game in Troy Tulowitzki and if Houston Street returns solidly from his injuries, they should be a team to watch. The Dodgers will be erratic in Don Mattingly’s first year as manager. They bolstered their pitching but lost some players on the offensive side that will take some time to replace. The DBacks and the Padres will battle it out for the cellar.
So, that’s my thoughts for the regular season. Who’ll come out on top in the National League. The Division winners; Phillies, Brewers, and Giants will be joined by the wild card winner Reds. The Phillies will then take out the Reds while the Giants handle the Brewers. That will set up a rematch for the NL Championship between the Giants and Phillies and this year, the Phils get their revenge. Those are my thoughts but that’s why I love baseball so much. One injury, one season long slump by a key player and all bets are off. Like me, sit back and enjoy it. Next, week- the American League.
I’m glad his “retirement” got so little coverage, you may not have even seen or heard about it, because he doesn’t deserve any attention for the way he treated the game, but Manny Ramirez left baseball this week. Of course, that was so he wouldn’t have to face a 100-game suspension for testing positive for the second time to a banned substance. What a disgrace! So much talent and so little substance between his ears. Baseball won’t miss him; in fact, it will be better with his absence.
Randy Blalock is a columnist for The Barrow Journal. Send comments about this column to rblalock@mindspring.com.
