The San Francisco Giants won the 2012 MLB World Series, making it the fourth time in five years that a National League team has won the Fall Classic. This looks to be an exciting year for the National League, but will they be able to take another World Series out from under another American League powerhouse? Here are my full predictions for the National League in 2013, starting with major awards, and ending with playoff picks and my prediction for the National League Champion.
National League MVP: Ryan Braun – OF Milwaukee Brewers
Ryan Braun had an insane year in 2012, and somehow managed to finish behind Buster Posey in NL MVP voting. In 154 games, Braun had 41 home runs, 112 RBI, and 30 steals with an impressive batting average of .319. Look for Braun to have another monster year, and to take home the 2013 NL MVP.
National League Cy Young: Clayton Kershaw – SP Los Angeles Dodgers
Clayton Kershaw will benefit from an improved roster and should win enough games to get the respect he deserves. Although he dominated for most of the season, his 14 wins did not impress voters. Kershaw led the National League in ERA, was second in batting average against, and was just one strikeout behind the leader with 229 strikeouts. Expect around 18 wins in 2013 and for a Cy Young Award for Kershaw.
National League Rookie of the Year: Tyler Skaggs – SP Arizona Diamonbacks
21 Year-old Tyler Skaggs should get a full year to prove himself as a #1 or #2 starter in the Arizona Diamondbacks rotation. Skaggs has a career Minor League ERA of 2.98 with 27 wins and 17 losses. He is one of the most talented young pitchers in the game and if he can find his groove, he has a good shot at 15-16 wins and the NL Rookie of the Year Award in 2013.
National League East
Washington Nationals (101-61)
Stephen Strasburg will pitch the whole season and should lead an improved Washington Nationals to a 2nd consecutive best record in baseball.
Philadelphia Phillies (89-73)
Healed and ready to compete.
Atlanta Braves (80-82)
The Braves are in free-falling mode after a disappointing exit from the 2012 playoffs.
Miami Marlins (72-90)
If you trade away all of your talent, you don’t have any.
New York Mets (70-92)
The New York Mets are developing young talent, lets see how long before they start trading them away.
National League Central
Cincinnati Reds (94-68)
I don’t see any major threats to the Cincinnati Reds in their quest to repeat as NL Central Champions.
Milwaukee Brewers (85-77)
Although their offense is potent, it is the Milwaukee Brewers pitching that will hold them back from the playoffs.
St. Louis Cardinals (84-78)
Do the St. Louis Cardinals ever miss the playoffs? They will in 2013.
Pittsburgh Pirates (75-87)
Can young pitching save their season?
Chicago Cubs (61-101)
You are rebuilding your team and the laughing stock of MLB, and you sign Edwin Jackson as your big free agent signing?
National League West
Los Angeles Dodgers (91-71)
Great acquisitions will lead to a 2013 NL West Championship.
San Francisco Giants (89-73)
The defending World Series Champions will still make the playoffs, but through a Wild Card spot.
Arizona Diamondbacks (83-79)
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a solid team, but the Giants and Dodgers are too strong to have a chance to win the division.
Colorado Rockies (75-87)
Not enough talent.
San Diego Padres (74-88)
Still a couple of years away from being respectable.
Wild Card Spot 1: Philadelphia Phillies
Wild Card Spot 2: San Francisco Giants
National League Champions: Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are for real and should be around for several years to come. Look for Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg to be even better in 2013. The Nationals should be able to hold off the rest of the National League for a spot in the 2013 World Series.
*Statistics from MLB via MLB.com
