Major League Base a predictions for 2020

John: Starting with the American League, in the East division, I like the New York Yankees: they’re loaded this year. In the Central, I expect the Chicago White Sox to take it; however, I am a bit worried about the pitching this year. In the West, I’m going with the Oakland A’s and the Anaheim Angels as a wild card, which means the Houston “Cheaters” take a step back this year.

Russ: I’m going to start with the NL Central. I’m looking for the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds to go at it. The Cubs have a new manager and we know anything can happen in baseball. Last year, the Washington Nationals marched through juggernauts to get to the promised land— who would’ve thought that? Nobody. So, in the Central, I have the Cubs. In the East, I’m taking the Atlanta Braves…this time. In the West, hands down, I have the Dodgers. I mean, c’mon now, they are stacked. They've got everybody. They can’t lose this year. No Astros around to steal their signs.

John: In regard to the National League, the West division will be won by the L.A. Dodgers. Unless they suffer a rash of injuries, they have so much talent that they should land on top. In the NL Central, I’m going with the Big Red Machine: the Cincinnati Reds. St. Louis Cardinals for the wild card. The NL East will be the most competitive division: the Washington Nationals win the division, followed by the Braves, and then, the Philadelphia Phillies. Joe Girardi, the Phillies manager, will be the difference with this ballclub. Last year, they were 81-81 under Gabe Kapler; I believe Girardi can get seven more wins out of this team. Going back to the American League, the wild card will be Minnesota and the L.A. Angels. Russell?

Russ: Pretty interesting. For the American League, I’m taking the White Sox in the Central, with the Minnesota Twins right behind them, but, eventually, settling for the wild card entry. In the West—and I hate to say it— it’ll be the Astros again. They have talent, so don’t have to cheat. Why steal signs? You’re good; you won 100 games. You should be okay. Then, in the East, I have to say the New York Yankees. The Yankees are ready. No Houston Astros around to mess them up this time. So, I got the Cubs, Braves, and the Dodgers— with the wild card team: the Nationals…and the Reds. In the American League, I have the White Sox, Yankees, and the Astros—wild card teams the Minnesota Twins and the Oakland A’s. John?

John: In the World Series, I want to see the Dodgers versus Yankees. Because these two teams are so loaded with talent, it’s not that farfetched an idea. As far as another White Sox parade in Chicago, I believe we’re a year or two away. Russell?

Russ: I’m hoping for a Cubs and White Sox World Series, so we can tear the city up! Yeah! New York-New York, California-California, now Chicago-Chicago. We can see who is the best. See who claims the braggin’ rights. John: If the Sox and the Cubs do play in the Series this year, we should ask Mark Giangreco if we could do a live SportsWise from the Chicago Cut—his favorite place.

Russ: I hope it’s a good baseball season. No cheating. Everybody having a good time and enjoying it. I know I will.