Last week I took a look at how well the 500 Level Fan readership is doing in predicting the 2012 season for the Blue Jays.  The results were mixed.  Now, it’s time to subject myself to the ultimate punishment and see just how futile my predictions were. 

As a reminder, I am truly awful at this.  This year is no different.  Oh no. 

American League Predictions

East

Thoughts: I clearly underestimated the Yankees – they have taken off and are threatening to run away and hide with the division.  I also underestimated the Orioles, but let’s be honest – so did the rest of the world.  But I stick by this: despite the pitching woes, injury problems, and inconsistencies I think the Jays will still finish third, ahead of Boston and – yes – Baltimore.  They will fade.

Central

Thoughts: Oops.  The White Sox suck and the Tigers will win handily?  Umm…  At least I nailed the Indians in second so far! 

West

Thoughts: Hey hey!  Nearly got it!  To be fair, this was the easiest division to predict, but I had no idea that Oakland would be this good.  They’re .500 at the break and challenging for the second Wild Card.  Who knew?  

Wildcards

I predicted the Yankees and Angels.  Currently the Angels and Orioles lead the way.  One for two.

Stat Leaders

Thoughts: All said, not bad.  Half of my predicted winners currently reside in the top-10 of the stat I picked them for, including Joey Bats.  In fact, I predicted he’d break 50 again, and he is pretty much on pace to do so. Injuries to Gardner and Morrow pretty much rule them out, and I didn’t envision a stinker of a start for both Pujols and Dan Haren. 

Awards & Miscellany

MVP – Miguel Cabrera, DET

- He could still be in the question.  Not a terrible selection.

Cy Young – Dan Haren, LAA

- Yeah…no.

Rookie – Matt Moore, TB

- Mike Trout has already won.

Manager – John Farrell, TOR

- You never know.  I think he has as good a shot as any if the Jays have a strong second half.

Bounceback Player – Colby Rasmus, TOR

- Yes sir!

Most Disappointing Player – Josh Beckett, BOS

- Definitely in the conversation!

First Major Player Traded – Nick Markakis, BAL

- Doubtful.

National League Predictions

East

Thoughts: Oh no.  The Phillies have been abysmal and the Nationals have been fantastic, and I don’t see them switching spots by September.  Same with the Mets and Marlins.  This division was a complete miss.  You suck 500 Level Fan.

Central

Thoughts: Pittsburgh have been better than I thought they would, but to my defense I did say that this would be the year they broke the .500 mark.  I still expect Cincinnati to come out on top though.  The Cubs and Astros were easy.  Even I got that right!

West

Thoughts: Wow.  I had LA being brutal and Colorado contending.  The Rockies are almost at the bottom of the entire major leagues.  I still fully stand behind my prediction though – San Francisco will win, and with Arizona now only 4 games out, they will wind up second.  Book it.  

Wildcards

I predicted Miami and St. Louis.  The Cards are only half a game back, but I can’t see the Marlins getting there.

Stat Leaders

Thoughts: Same story as in the AL.  Half of my predictions look good, with Stanton, Votto, Bourn, and Kershaw in the top-5.  Injuries to Wilson and Halladay ruined two guesses however, and Votto’s RBI total is down.  I fully expect Hamels to make a move in the ERA race though – unless, of course, he gets traded to the American League.

Awards

MVP - Joey Votto, CIN

- Probably in second right now, behind McCutchen.

Cy Young – Roy Halladay, PHI

- No chance, the injury ruined things.

Rookie – Yonder Alonso, SD

- Same with the AL, this race is over.  Bryce Harper has clinched it.

Manager – Charlie Manuel, PHI

- His team is in dead last.  Terrible pick.

Bounceback Player – Buster Posey, SF

- This one looks good!

Most Disappointing Player – Lance Berkman, STL

- Nailed this one so far too, though it was due to injury and not poor play.

First Major Player Traded – David Wright, NYM

- No way he moves.