For the first time in years – oh, about 30 or so – I wasn't totally disappointed with last year's predictions. He is fully credited for correctly predicting Al MVP (Aaron Judge) and Al Cy Young (Tarik Skubal). Also in the “This Team Disappoints” category (Blue Jays), “This player will be a big story. Still, it's not bad, especially as I'm ranked on a curve compared to my past, so great performances.
Anyway, it was enough for them to have me do it again, so here's what I'll go:
AL MVP: Bobby Whitt Jr.
The judges paid off last year, but after all the excellent decisions they made in recent seasons, I'm seeing a big year for the Whitt and the Royals. One Royals lamented to me that he was supposed to beat the Yankees in last year's playoffs. And while I can't go along with it, I feel that between their slightly weaker division and better health (just anyway) (just anyway), the Royals are a better bet to make the playoffs than the Yankees. Witt seems to be underestimated too. Perhaps that's from playing in small market Kansas City. But everyone in the game realizes what a great talent he is. He threatened to win the award until the judge cleaned it up late last year, but I think his emerging team might give him a boost this season.
NL MVP: Shohei ohtani
Ok, I'll go with the obvious chalk. But I'm not going to take crazy chances because I'm still on the score. Of course, some Dodgers were able to do that, but they overcame last year's interpreter/original Ippei Mizhara's spring betting scandal, becoming the first 54-59 player in history (54 home runs, 59). (Remember when 20-20 was considered notable?) It's hard to notice, and you may remember that he is a great pitcher too. The Dodgers press the pause button on his pitching this spring and can't blame anyone for being cautious with the guy who is the best player in the league as a designated batsman. It's been 18 months since his elbow surgery, so it's a bit bothering me that he hasn't returned yet. But even if he didn't pitch at all this year (and the Dodgers suggest he would), it's very difficult to resist this greatest talent of all time.
