Word Count: 581 Date: Thu, 19 Mar 2009 7:37 AM
MLB Tickets - American League Predictions
The best players in baseball sell the most MLB tickets. With the MLB season right around the corner, let's take a look at which players I think will shine in the American League this season.
Most Valuable Player - Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers: Cabrera started his first season in Detroit slowly, but he was on fire after the break last year. He'll hit for average, boasts top tier power and hits in a stacked lineup. While I don't expect the Tigers to be that great this season, I think Cabrera's numbers will be overwhelming enough to land him this award. Project stats: .325, 42 HR, 120 RBI.
Cy Young - Roy Halladay, Toronto Blue Jays: Halladay could be the most underrated pitcher in all of baseball. The guy is a horse and goes the distance more consistently than any other pitcher in the game. He notched a 20-win season with a sub-three earned run average last year and didn't receive much fanfare. There's a possibility that he'll be on the move midseason, but there will be no denying his spectacular numbers. Projected stats: 19 W, 2.90 ERA, 210 K, 7 CG.
Rookie of the Year - David Price, Tampa Bay Rays: Price just looked too ready during his September call up last season to pick anyone else. It looks like he'll be a part of the rotation from day one and should be more than serviceable from the get go. He might not set the world on fire like some people are expecting, but he'll do enough to beat out Orioles catcher Matt Wieters for this award. Projected stats: 13 W, 3.60 ERA, 160 K
Batting Title - Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins: It's crazy to predict a catcher winning the batting title, let alone his third, but Mauer is the real deal and a true professional hitter. He's one of the most underrated players and reminds me a lot of Derek Jeter as far as character and intangibles go. He's one of the best players in the American League and probably the best all-around catcher in baseball. Projected stats: .345, 12 HR, 90 RBI.
Home Run King - Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers: Cabrera led the league in home runs last season and he didn't exactly come roaring out of the gate. Without a spring slump, he could be in line for a huge season. Projected stats listed above.
RBI Leader - Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers: Hamilton is an RBI machine, and while he did fall off somewhat after the break last season, he still led the league. He's got solid guys hitting in front of him and he should be more accustomed to playing a full season in 2009. Projected stats: .310, 36 HR, 135 RBI.
Breakout Pitcher - Zack Greinke, Kansas City Royals: Greinke has all the talent in the world, but has had his speed bumps since being a high draft pick. He looks to have his life straightened out and the results on the field should reflect that. He had a solid season last year, but people will get to know him a lot better in 2009. Projected stats: 15 W, 3.20 ERA, 190 K
Breakout Hitter - Alex Gordon, Kansas City Royals: Gordon came up to the bigs with a lot of hype but failed to meet the lofty expectations. People have cooled on him now and the pressure is off. Look for him to finally break out this season for a much-improved Royals team. Projected stats: .290, 24 HR, 95 RBI, 12 SB.
About the Author
The preceding article was sponsored by one of the most popular places to get sold out tickets, StubHub. If you are looking for MLB tickets, or sports tickets or even concert tickets and theater tickets, StubHub is your best bet.
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