As spring rolls in, and the temperature rises, the boys of summer are getting ready to come back around. Florida and Arizona play host to spring training games, in preparation of the upcoming Major League Baseball season.
It's that time of year again: baseball is back. The uniforms in the locker rooms are ready to be worn by Indians, Orioles, Red Sox and Yankees players. The bats are lathered in fresh pine tar, the cleats shined and ready to be laced up by legends, and families are waiting to watch their idols in action.
The smell of popcorn and hot dogs, as well as the sounds of baseballs flying off bats and popping catchers mitts, fill the stadiums. Fresh cut grass and dirt are being groomed in preparation for god-like men to take the field and do battle over a span of 162 grueling games.
Alex Rodriguez will look to further his baseball immortality this season by reaching 700 home runs, making his case for the Hall of Fame stronger. The game's youths, names like Harper, Trout, Machado and Pederson, young studs of the game, will continue to make their names known with their young flair and talent.
Fans all over the world are waiting to see who will shine this year. Teams like the Royals will try to defend their crown as the game's best, while the Mets, a team with arguably the best pitching in the game, look to return to the Fall Classic.
The game is unpredictable and unlike other sports, every year holds a new team in the playoffs. No matter the payroll, no matter the city, the game always seems to amaze. The game has never been better, 32 teams look to stake their claim as world champions and will do so in three weeks. The chase for October.....begins now.
Below are my 2016 Season Award Winners Predictions:
American League
Most Valuable Player: Mike Trout
I believe Mike Trout will have his best statistical year. Trout has finished second in MVP votes two years in a row, this will be his year to win it. The front-runner, as always, Miguel Cabrera, I don't think will stay healthy enough to live up to his usual stats. Lorenzo Cain, of the Kansas City Royals, will finish second, behind Trout.
American League Cy Young Award: Luis Severino
With all the praise Severino is getting from the Yankees camp this preseason, I think it is well deserved. He has been compared to the poise of a young Greg Maddux, one of the game's best pitchers to ever play. My prediction is for Severino to win 19 games while only losing six. I believe he'll have a sub three earned run average and beat out Houston's Dallas Kiechel.
American League Rookie of the Year: Byron Buxton
It's no secret that Buxton has not fared well when it comes to injuries over the course of his career, but this year he came to the Minnesota Twins camp healthy and ready to be the Twins everyday center fielder. If he stays healthy, there is no doubt that his offensive strengths will propel him to the ROY award.
National League
National League Most Valuable Player: Bryce Harper
Most baseball fans will not be surprised by my selection of this year's National League MVP. Some experts think that Harper has competition this year by the likes of Kris Bryant, of the Chicago Cubs, and Paul Goldschmidt, of the Arizona Diamondbacks. I think Harper will no doubt win his third straight MVP. Harper will hit 50 home runs this year and drive in over 100 runs, while batting over 300.
National League Cy Young Award: Jake Arrieta
The Cub's star right handed pitcher will win again this year after winning it in 2015. The way he pitched last year was unbelievable. He was not expected to win as many games as he did and was not looked upon in that light. Although he was a bust in previous seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, I believe he will win another 20 games and post an earned run average of around 2.50.
National League Rookie of the Year: Steven Matz, New York Mets
The Mets have a pitching staff full of the game's best, one of them is Steven Matz. For a young pitcher, he has poise and composure and looks to make the rotation for the Mets. In my mind, he will win somewhere around 16 games and post a 3.20 earned run average. He even has a chance to win the Cy Young award if he sees enough time on the mound.
