Play Ball! 2013 MVP and World Series Predictions from Section 215 Staff

Article C0-written by Akiem Bailum and Tim Kelly

After another busy offseason and a World Baseball Classic that crowned a new champion in the Dominican Republic, the 2013 Major League Baseball season is primed and ready to kick off this Sunday night as the Houston Astros return to the American League to face their Lone Star State rival Texas Rangers on ESPN.

March 19, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Dominican Republic second baseman Robinson Cano (24) holds the World Baseball Classic MVP trophy after winning against Puerto Rico at AT

With another long season on the diamond upon us, it’s only appropriate to give some predictions as to how 2013 will play out in MLB. Here are the predictions for A.L. MVP, N.L. MVP, and World Series matchups and winners, from the entire Section 215 staff.

Tim Kelly-Section 215 Senior Editor @KashKelly_TRST

AL MVP: Albert Pujols

Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

It’s amazing how much one “down year” makes people forget how great of a player you are. In his second full year with the ‘Halos and a lineup around him that features Mike Trout, Mark Trumbo, and now Josh Hamilton, Albert Pujols will settle in and hit .310, with 37 homeruns, and 115 RBI’s.

NL MVP: Joey Votto

Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Injuries cost Joey Votto a chance to in his second MVP in three seasons in 2012. In 2013, with a Reds lineup that will only improve with the addition of Shin-Soo Choo and development of Todd Fraizer, Joey Votto will hit .320 with 35 homeruns, and 120 RBI’s  earning his second MVP award.

In the 2013 World Series, we will see….

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

As David Price looks to increase his price, he will come back and have another tremendous 2013. Add in Jeremy Hellickson, and the huge year I am expecting from Matt Moore and the Rays rotation looks scary. As long as Evan Longoria stays healthy, the Rays will be in the 2013 Fall Classic.

AND…

The Cincinnati Reds

Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

A lineup that features Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Ryan Ludwick, Brandon Phillips, and many others gets all the attention, but people for get how good the rotation and bullpen are. Johnny Cueto is a top-five pitcher in baseball, and Mat Latos is a superb number two starter. Also the bullpen is deep with Jonathan Broxton setting games up Aroldis Chapman.

Prediction Time….

Mandatory Credit: trbimg.com

Led by NL MVP Joey Votto, the Reds will defeat David Price and the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series. The key to predicting World Series matchups is to make sure that you pick teams that will have enough pitching, both bullpen and starting, and a good enough lineup to compete in October. Both of these teams do, but the under-the-radar Reds will be holding up the Commisioners trophy as the 2013 World Champions.

Akiem Bailum-Section 215 Staff Writer @Li495Akiem

AL MVP: Robinson Cano

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

After leading the Dominican team to the championship in the WBC, Cano is poised to have another huge year for the New York Yankees despite being in a division that’s tougher than usual this year.

NL MVP: Matt Kemp

Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Dodger outfielder is coming off an injury plagued 2012 campaign, but when healthy, he’s one of the best in baseball. Expect Matt Kemp to lead LA as they contend with the Giants in the NL West.

In the 2013 World Series, we will see….

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Angels made a huge addition over the offseason when they signed Josh Hamilton to a $125 million contract. The money Arte Moreno paid Hamilton can be questioned by anyone. If he once again lives up to his potential, Albert Pujols stays healthy, Mike Trout has another MVP caliber year, and Mark Trumbo does what he can do, this “murderer’s row” Angels lineup can be the best in MLB and score possibly 900 runs in 2013.

AND…

The Cincinnati Reds

Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Reds’ major addition was Shin-Soo Choo to add to a lineup that includes Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, and Ryan Ludwick. Hitters love playing in the hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park as well. What has to make Dusty Baker, Walt Jocketty, and Reds fans optimistic is that they’re returning most of their stellar pitching staff from 2012. Bronson Arroyo. Mat Latos. Johnny Cueto. Mike Leake. Homer Bailey. They also added Aroldis Chapman to the bullpen and this is a staff that is, again, excelling despite playing half of their games in a hitter’s ballpark.

Prediction Time….

Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

When talking postseason baseball, it’s always good to follow the basic rule of thumb that good pitching will outlast good hitting. The Reds will defeat the Angels in 7 games to win the 2013 World Series crown & bring Cincinnati its first title in 23 years.

Jerome’s Friend-Section 215 Staff Writer @JeromesFriend

AL MVP: Mike Trout

Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

It’s really hard not to pick Trout here. Last year’s AL MVP runner up will bat ahead of Pujols, and now Josh Hamilton. He’s young, hungry, and just too good.

NL MVP: Matt Kemp

Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

It’s an all-LA MVP love fest. Kemp’s 2012 season was hampered by injury, but still projects to be the best offensive player in an excellent lineup. Look for him to better his 2011 stat line: 39 HR, 126 RBI, 40 SB.

In the 2013 World Series, we will see….

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The addition of Josh Hamilton into a lineup that already featured Albert Pujols, Mike Trout, and Mark Trumbo is an extremely scary proposition, and makes the Angels the American League favorites heading into 2013.

AND…

The Washington Nationals

Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

As Bryce Harper continues to develop, the Nationals will only get better. Not to mention they might have the best one-to punch in the MLB with Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez.

Prediction Time….

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Nationals remind me too much of the 2007-08 Phillies, and now is their time to get to the Fall Classic. Unfortunately, they will run into a juggernaut. Angels in five.

Emily Gruver-Section 215 Staff Writer @EmilyGruver3

AL MVP: Mike Trout

Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

I am picking Mike Trout to win the AL MVP. After a phenomenal rookie season, in which he put the team on his back, Trout and his stats are only going to improve. He has an extremely bright future, and so do the Angels.

NL MVP: Joey Votto

Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

I am picking Joey Votto to win the NL MVP. I think he is going to have a huge bounce back year after his injury last season, and as we all know, Votto puts up outstanding numbers. He knows its time for him to carry the Cincinnati Reds to a deep playoff run and potentially even win a World Series.

In the 2013 World Series, we will see….

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

I am picking the Angels to win the American League. Both the Angels lineup and starting rotation is stacked. This team has stars that include Mike Trout, Mark Trumbo, Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, Jared Weaver, and the list goes on. Opposing pitchers will have nightmares about facing the Angels in 2013.

AND…

The Los Angeles Dodgers

Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Adding Zack Greinke to a team, that already had a ridiculous amount of talent, makes the Dodgers a frightening team. And Adrian Gonzalez should thrive in a full season in Los Angeles.

Prediction Time….

Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

I am picking the Los Angeles Dodgers to win the 2013 World Series. This team is loaded with talent. The Dodgers starting rotation looks great, Clayton Kershaw, the ace, leading the pack. The lineup is stacked and scary good. With names that feature, Adrian Gonzalez, Hanley Ramirez, and Matt Kemp, this team looks dangerous.

These are just predictions! After all games are played on the diamond, not on sports blogs, so it’s simply best to say, “Play ball!”

For your 2012 Phillies coverage continuing visiting Section215.com. For national baseball coverage check out Senior Editor Tim Kelly’s The Real Sports Talk here.