PORT JEFF, NY – We’re in the Best Time of the Year: March Madness, MLB Opening Day beckoning… Thus, today’s topics: MLB Award Predictions, NCAA Tourney Reactions.
MLB Award Predictions
For purposes here, we will only discuss the MVPs and Cy Young award winners in each league. We’ll start in the AL. Last year, when I made some of these picks, I chose one of Angry Ward’s Mariners. We will stay with Seattle and Logan Gilbert, who I believe is one of the most underrated starting pitchers in all of baseball. With George Kirby out, the spotlight will certainly be on Gilbert to lead the best staff in baseball.
AL MVP
It’s always challenging to predict who will begin the strong and avoid injuries. Let’s take a closer look at Corey Seager of the Rangers. When healthy Seager is arguably the best shortstop in the AL and aims to lead a resurgent Rangers, team following a disappointing season after a World Series title.
National League Cy Young
we will go with Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene, who routinely touches triple digits. Much like Seager in the American League, health is always a concern, especially for someone who routinely throws that hard. However, the upside is too great to ignore. The Reds, led by Terry Francona, will certainly be a factor in the NL Central.
NL MVP
It would be quite simple to choose Juan Soto or Francisco Lindor, but we shall refrain from doing so. I have my eye on Corbin Carroll of the D-Backs. Last season, Carroll had a Brutal start before heating up in the second half. I believe this season, Carroll will showcase his speed and power, placing the Diamondbacks right in the conversation for a playoff spot.
NCAA Tourney Reactions
What an exciting start we had, the 12th-seeded McNeese State upsetting the 5th-seeded Clemson Tigers. The excitement did not there, however, Creighton of the Big East defeated Louisville in a high-scoring battle. One of the biggest surprises of the day, in my opinion, would have to be the mighty Kansas Jayhawks losing in the first round to the Arkansas Razorbacks. For the Jayhawks, being the number one team in the country in the preseason this has to be the most disappointing outcome to this point in March. I have saved the best last on this Thursday, as for first time in my, the St. John’s Red Storm have won an NCAA tournament game. They will take on the aforementioned Arkansas Razorbacks for a chance to go to the Sweet 16!
