Cramer: MLB Predictions

It's July 23rd, and the MLB season is winding down. No, I know it's not actually, but here at Zeus of Sport we're prepared to tell you who is going to make the playoffs. So sit back, relax, and stop watching baseball because I'm about to ruin the mystery of who will win for all my readers (spoiler alert!)

American League

AL East- The AL East is the best division in baseball. The Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays are arguably 3 of the top 6 or 7 teams in the entire league. If you look at the standings now, you'd have to say the Yankees are going to be the team that comes out on top (up 2 games, 7-3 in their last 10 compared to 5 straight losses for the BoSox). However, the Yankees at this point have yet to win a game against the Red Sox, standing at a staggering 0-8 versus Boston. With many games left to be played between the two teams, that 2 game lead would quickly evaporate if the trend continues. I don't believe that it will. The Yankees are playing the best baseball they have in quite some time, and it appears as though they are even getting along. For the first time in a long time, their big money free agents (Sabathia, Teixeira, and Burnett) are even producing! They'll win the division and make the playoffs, the question is: can they beat the Angels when they get there?
Prediction: New York Yankees

AL Central- The AL Central is arguably the worst division in baseball. I think that there is a gem of a team in here that is waiting to come out of its shell, but they are yet to make a statement in terms of winning games. The Twins are 4 games back in the loss column of the Tigers entering today, but I think they have the talent to make up the difference. Joe Mauer is arguably the second best player in baseball (behind Pujols), and they have plenty of offensive talent besides him. Their problem to this point, which has not been the case in recent years, has been starting pitching. Their best starting pitching ERA is Nick Blackburn with a 3.44. Francisco Liriano has not been anything close to what he was a few years ago, as evident by his 5.33 ERA. The Twins need to see an improvement in starting pitching if they expect to make a move. If Minny can overcome Detroit's pitching and offensive prowess, Mauer & Co. will have a chance to come back in the division... they might not be able to though. I don't consider the White Sox much of a threat at this point despite the fact that they are right there in the race.
Prediction: Detroit Tigers

AL West- The Texas Rangers are so much fun to watch that I almost feel bad choosing against them. Their offense is great... that's been the case for the last few years. Even their pitching has been stellar this season, which has not been the case in years past. They remind me of a baseball version of the high-octane Phoenix Suns before they lost Joe Johnson, Quentin Richardson, etc, Marion, Raja Bell, etc... However, the Angels are the class of this division, and I don't see that changing this year. The Mariners and Rangers may be the two best teams in this division for the long run, but the Angels still have the money and players to win it this year.
Prediction: Los Angeles Angels

AL Wild Card- I want to choose the Rangers or the Rays here... but Boston has been the best team in baseball for the last 5 years, and just because they have hit a rough patch now doesn't mean they won't get it together enough to at least get the wild card spot. They have good enough pitching at this point, and I expect them to make a move before the trade deadline to improve their staff.
Prediction: Boston Red Sox

That's it for today... here's a video I'll leave you with to give you a hint for who I'm going to choose tomorrow...