MLB Predictions for 2012

In keeping with past tradition, I am offering this year's picks. I have not consulted anybody else's picks, because it's more fun to do it entirely on my own, and usually more accurate. I have tried this year to avoid the overly idiosyncratic picks, like a few years ago when I picked the Nationals to finish 2nd. Here goes.

AL East -- Rays, Red Sox, Yankees, Blue Jays, Orioles

I'm not a big Bobby Valentine fan, but a managerial change often pumps life into a team, and the Sox will probably benefit from a livelier skipper. I see it as a toss-up between the Sox and the Rays, but I say the Rays by a game. Yanks are getting old and will not compete.

AL Central -- Tigers, Indians, Twins, Brewers, White Sox, Royals

Tigers have tried hard to build a winner, and this may be their year.

AL West -- Angels, Rangers, Mariners, A's

Angels have Pujols who is the best player in the game, and he will not disappoint. Mere mortals often flop after getting a huge contract, but not Pujols. Rangers will compete but fall 2-3 games short. I have no reason for picking the Mariners over the A's, other than I like the town of Seattle and the ballpark there, much better than their Oakland counterparts.

NL East -- Phillies, Marlins, Braves, Mets, Nationals

Mets seem to be in a perpetual state of disarray, and losing Reyes won't help.

NL Central -- Reds, Brewers, Cardinals, Cubs, Pirates, Astros

A bit of "homer" bias for my home-state Reds. Cubs will continue into their second century without a championship.

NL West -- Dodgers, Giants, Padres, Rockies, Diamondbacks

I have no clue what's going on in this division, basically just random picks.