July 15th: MLB Second Half Predictions

Wednesday and Thursday of All-Star break week are the worst days of the baseball season, because there are no games played across the league. While we spend 48 hours resting up for the second half, our attention turns to the home stretch of the season, where teams can make their final push for October. The Trade Deadline is looming, with a huge quantity of arms waiting to be dealt, as well as a few teams looking for that one bat to add to the mix.

The ZP:Left Fielder takes a look at how the season will come to an end, including Playoff Picture, World Series prediction, and post-season awards preview/

Playoff Picture:

National League East: Nationals

There is very little competition in the NL East, where the Nationals have the pitching depth to carry them. The lineup has been up and down all season, but as long as the injuries don’t pile up any more than they already have, they will begin to get their stars back and be in top shape for the post-season.

National League Central: Pirates

Pittsburgh hasn’t been able to crack through the Cardinals stranglehold on the division in recent years, but it is about time. Strong pitching has compounded with a lineup that, top to bottom, doesn’t have any glaring holes. While first base continues to be a liability, the trade deadline could push the surging Pirates over the top to beat out an injury-crippled Cardinals squad.

National League West: Dodgers

I would like to remind everyone who picked the Padres at the beginning of the year that I called exactly what would happen. The Dodgers have the swagger of a team that knows how to win, and with Clayton Kershaw and Zach Greinke, I don’t care what has happened in the past two seasons, this team is a threat for a deep run. Joc Pederson is also a force to reckoned with all by himself.

Wild Card: Cardinals and Cubs

The Cardinals’ injury streak (Wainwright, Adams, Holliday at points) finally catches up to them and they miss winning the division in the last weekend of the season. Meanwhile, the Cubs beat out the Giants with a strong second half, led by Kris Bryant who, after an up and down first half, figures out how to cut down on the strikeouts and hit more bombs. This is a young team that will mature a lot during the second half. Plus, Theo is going to do the work to make necessary moves at the deadline.

American League East: Yankees

The Rays are finally showing just how young and inexperienced they are. The Blue Jays are weak at starting pitcher. The Orioles have been extremely streaky, although they do appear to be the major threat. Meanwhile, the Yankees have a strong lineup, a decent rotation with a lot of upside, and a bullpen that has been fairly lights out.

American League Central: Royals

How many times need we be reminded that last year was no fluke? The Royals are the real deal, and no other team in the division can stand up to them. The Twins are about to turn into a pumpkin, while the Tigers are limping toward a potential rebuilding offseason. The Royals make very little drama out of the end of the season.

American League West: Angels

Something was preventing the Angels from getting past that awkward one or two games over or under .500 for much of the first half. Recently, though, things have blown up, and the Angels find themselves in first place. With a little help at the deadline, this may be a done deal for Trout and his Halos.

Wild Card: Astros and Orioles

The Astros are falling from grace just a little bit, but it won’t be enough to keep them out of the playoffs. Dallas Keuchel and George Springer are breathing life into Houston in ways we haven’t seen since the Killer B’s. Meanwhile, Baltimore has the experience and lineup to get beyond the .500 mark and stake a claim.

World Series: Nationals over Angels

This was the matchup everyone expected last season, and the Nationals are going to make it happen. With amazing starting pitching and Bryce Harper hungry to cash in, the Nationals are just waiting to make something happen. The Angels, meanwhile, will have the momentum in a generally mediocre American League. Not to mention the greatest player on the planet. A World Series featuring Harper and Trout together will be the most-watched in history, and Harper brings home the Curly W.

Post-season Awards:

NL MVP: Brycer Harper

Finally, Harper is no longer the most overrated player but the most exciting player in baseball. He is a potential triple crown threat who has the swagger and entertainment value to breathe new life into the game. Far and away the Most Valuable Player league (and baseball) wide.

Trout isn't done earning hardware this year.

AL MVP: Mike Trout

The year is generally without a standout performer, and this selection is more based on what will come than what has already happened. Trout is going to be a huge part of propelling the Angels to the division and (in my prediction) the World Series, and is going to earn his second straight MVP (where have I heard THAT before?)

NL Rookie of the Year: Kris Bryant

Another prediction based on future performance, rather than past observation, Bryant will make a huge step in the second half to lead the Cubs to the postseason for the first time since 2008. With many more home runs and a ton of walks, Bryant wins by a tight race with co-Derby participant Joc Pederson.

AL Rookie of the Year: Carlos Correa

The youth movement in Houston has been thrilling to watch, and maybe as exciting as Carlos Correa. With a small sample size, Correa is already looking like one of the league’s best shortstops, and will only improve with experience. With power, speed, and defense, this is one of the future’s brightest stars.

NL Cy Young: Gerrit Cole

While McCutchen is the face of the Pirates, Gerrit Cole is quietly leading this team to an insane number of wins. With an arm that will take this team straight to the postseason, Cole will finally be able to wrestle the award away from Clayton Kershaw, who is having an abnormally mortal year this year (ya know, for Clayton Kershaw).

AL Cy Young: Dallas Keuchel

No pitcher has been more fun to watch than Dallas Keuchel this year. Every game, it seems, he is pitching the Astros into a winning position, giving them an almost sure-thing every fifth day. He is the far-and-away favorite for the Cy Young Award. He would also win a beard growing contest, if such a thing existed.

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April 21st: NBA Playoff Preview

While the NBA playoffs have already gotten underway, it’s never too late to get your predictions in for how things will shape up en route to the NBA Championship! Will LeBron James lead Cleveland to the promised land? Can the Warriors shoot their way into history? Will the Spurs add to their dynasty? The ZP: Left Fielder breaks it down:

Western Conference Round 1:

Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans

Winner: Warriors

The Pelicans fought hard to get into the playoffs, but don’t stand a chance against the dominant Warriors. The Pelicans might be serious competitors next year, but for now, they need to be content for having gotten in.

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Winner: Trail Blazers

This is a toss-up series, as both teams are decent, with very little chance of going deep into the playoffs. The Trail Blazers have a little more star power, whereas the Grizzlies have faded since a dominant start to the season. Trail Blazers are the pick, but only by the smallest of “who cares?” margins.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs

Winner: Spurs

Last year, the Clippers thought that they had a shot at winning it all, but were derailed by the distraction of Donald Sterling. Meanwhile, the Spurs have sputtered this year a little bit, landing outside of home court advantage. The Spurs are too used to winning in April, though, and are the easy pick for an upset.

Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks

Winner: Mavericks

The Rockets should be much better than they are. With a superstar like James Harden and a big man like Dwight Howard, they should be more dominant. The Mavericks are a deep team that always seems to be in the chase in the playoffs. Another upset goes to a Texas team.

Eastern Conference Round 1:

Atlanta Hawks vs. Brooklyn Nets

Winner: Hawks

The Hawks seem to have had a year-long hot hand. The Nets squeaked into the playoffs in an abysmal Eastern Conference. This should be an easy appetizer for the Hawks, as they get their rhythm for a deep playoff run.

Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards

Winner: Raptors

If the first game is going to be any indication, this series is going to be a thriller. The Raptors are still steaming over their early exit from last season’s playoffs, while the Wizards are attempting to pull the same upset from a year ago. The nod goes to the Raptors, who need Kyle Lowry to step up bigger.

Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Winner: Bulls

The next-door neighbor series adds a little extra fun to two teams in very different positions at the start of the playoffs. The Bucks have been a young and talented surprise, while the Bulls look (fingers crossed) healthy for the first time in a long while. The Bulls look to be clicking on all cylinders, and should run away with this series.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics

Winner: Cavaliers

Boston would have wanted to face anyone else. Literally, anyone else. A LeBron James led Cleveland team is a force to be reckoned with, and bodes ill for a young Celtics team trying to get their feet set. Cleveland also gets the chance to allow their young core to get their first experience in the playoffs.

Western Conference Round 2:

Warriors vs. Trail Blazers

Winner: Warriors

A West Coast showdown, the Warriors and Trail Blazers get credit for being the smallest market series in the playoffs. That being said, the Blazers could give the Warriors a little bit of a hiccup, but overall, this shouldn’t stop the tear that has been the Warriors’ season.

Spurs vs. Mavericks

Winner: Spurs

A good ‘ole fashion Texas showdown, the Spurs and Mavericks will repeat their first round faceoff from a year ago. Once again, the deep Mavericks will give the Spurs their money’s worth, but veteran experience will be the difference.

Eastern Conference Round 2:

Hawks vs. Raptors

Winner: Hawks

The Hawks, after making easy meat out of the Nets, will face a Raptors team that only squeaks by the Wizards. The momentum will be swinging toward Atlanta early, and the Raptors don’t strike me as a team with the toughness to overcome large quantities of adversity. Hawks move on.

Bulls vs. Cavaliers

Winner: Cavaliers

This may be the most exciting series of the postseason. Joakim Noah has already asked for the Central Division showdown, and a healthy Bulls team may be the toughest challenger to the Cavaliers’ supremacy in the Eastern Conference. This series will go a full seven games, and the Cavaliers will win it after the playoff fatigue sets in for the Bulls.

Western Conference Finals:

Warriors vs. Spurs

Winner: Warriors

This is the battle for Western supremacy, not only for this year, but for years to come. The Spurs are the tried and true champions, having been there often in the past decade. The Warriors are the young team trying to create a new way of winning in the NBA. It looks like it is finally time for the dynasty to give way to the next generation.

Eastern Conference Finals:

Hawks vs. Cavaliers

Winner: Cavaliers

The Hawks are a shooting team, which means they are susceptible to going cold. Their first real challenge will come against Cleveland who, by this point in the playoffs, will be rabid to seal the deal. The Cavaliers will make the Hawks look like a mirage, sending them home in five games.

NBA Championship

Warriors vs. Cavaliers

Winner: Cavaliers

This will be an epic battle, with this year’s top MVP candidate, Steph Curry, facing off against the NBA’s best player in LeBron James. James will be right there, so close to the promised land for his beloved Cavaliers, and will go into a beast mode we have never seen from the world’s most freakish athlete. This will be the James show, and will end in Cleveland’s first championship that anyone can remember.

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April 15th: NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Preview

There is no better post-season in all of professional sports than the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. All 16 teams think they have a legitimate shot at the title, and momentum will be the key factor. A goalie gets hot for a series, and the championship favorite gets sent home early. A team’s offense starts to click, and the whole picture goes up in flames. This year will be no different.

What will transpire in the next two months? The ZP: Left Fielder can only guess!

Western Conference Round 1 -

St. Louis Blues vs. Minnesota Wild

Winner: Wild

The central division has been monstrous this year, and these two have been the cream of the crop. The Wild are on a tear, while the Blues are, for the first time in a long time, the favorite. Watch out for a physical Wild team to surprise the Blues for their second straight exit at the hands of a rival.

Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Winner: Blackhawks

Both ended the regular season on sour notes, but both are put together for a big playoff run. The key to this series will be twofold: goalie play and experience. Pekka Renne is a beast when he’s hot, but Corey Crawford is a playoff machine. The Blackhawks take this series behind their experience and a fresh Patrick Kane.

Anaheim Ducks vs. Winnipeg Jets

Winner: Ducks

The Ducks haven’t had great luck at deep playoff runs. Meanwhile, the Jets are a big, physical team, that makes their opponent fight for every inch. This is going to be a surprisingly tough series, but the Ducks’ depth will see them through to the next round.

Vancouver Canucks vs. Calgary Flames

Winner: Canucks

Frankly, this is the least exciting series of the first round. The teams are fairly evenly matched, which means it will be fun to watch, but neither strike me as real threats in the West. That being said, Ryan Miller playing in Vancouver could be huge against a Flames team that may be a little burned out from the fight for the playoffs.

Eastern Conference Round 1 -

Montreal Canadiens vs. Ottowa Senators

Winner: Canadiens

The popular pick for first round upset is the Senators, who are on an absolute tear. That being said, Carey Price is one of the best goalies in the game (if not THE best), and the Canadiens have the experience to send the young Senators home early.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Detroit Red Wings

Winner: Lightning

Detroit has sat Jimmy Howard to start the series, not a good start for a team fighting against the pre-season favorite to come out of the East. The Lightning look built for a big run, and Ben Bishop and Steven Stamkos will be fun to watch.

New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Winner: Rangers

The Penguins dodged a bullet by sneaking into the playoffs on the last day of the season. Meanwhile, the Rangers blew everyone else out of the water, despite missing Henrik Lundqvist for a good chunk of the season. Now that he’s back, the Rangers will treat the Penguins as a kickstart for their pursuit of a return to the Cup Finals.

New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals

Winner: Capitals

Many believed that the Capitals’ window for success had closed, yet here they are, looking like strong candidates in the East. The Islanders were fun to watch at the start of the season, although everyone was waiting for their inevitable (we thought) fall. Prediction: they will have their fall from grace this week, as the Capitals step up in a big way.

Western Conference Round 2 -

Wild vs. Blackhawks

Winner: Blackhawks

The Blackhawks have dispatched the Wild from the playoffs two years in a row, and are now looking to do it again. With a healthy Patrick Kane and a deep, deep offense, the Hawks will be a force to be reckoned with. The Wild thought they were one piece away from offing Chicago, but they’re not there yet.

Ducks vs. Canucks

Winner: Ducks

A western matchup that features two teams trying to take the Kings’ spot in the Western Conference finals, the Ducks and Canucks will have a lot to prove. This prediction depends on how the first round goes, but the Ducks look to be the favorite, assuming they can keep the momentum from having the most points in the West.

Eastern Conference Round 2 -

Canadiens vs. Lightning

Winner: Lightning

This is a goalie matchup for the ages. Carey Price is one of the finest in the world, while Ben Bishop’s size makes him a terrifying obstacle for opponents. This is going to be all about momentum, even more than most series, and the Lightning are poised to make their stab at the cup.

Rangers vs. Capitals

Winner: Rangers

The Rangers and Capitals have a long history together, and the sparks always fly when the two square off. This year, the Rangers are hungry and want to get back, while the Capitals will find themselves overwhelmed by a goalie that just can’t wait to be King.

Western Conference Finals -

Blackhawks vs. Ducks

Winner: Blackhawks

The Blackhawks are used to traveling to southern California to stake their claim on the Western Conference. This year, the Ducks will give Blackhawks a far easier challenge than the Kings last year. This will be a letdown of a series, compared with the fireworks of the earlier rounds. Owning all the momentum, the Blackhawks fly past the Ducks.

Eastern Conference Finals -

Lightning vs. Rangers

Winner: Rangers

This is going to be an absolutely epic series. The Lightning were the pre-season favorite to win it all, while the Rangers have turned themselves into post-season favorites. Who moves on? Once again, it comes down to Henrik, who is fresh, healthy, and ready to put together another champion-caliber performance.

Stanley Cup Finals:

Blackhawks vs. Rangers

Winner: Blackhawks

The West really is best. To get here, the Blackhawks will have to show an expert combination of grit, determination, and experience at handling the lime-light. If any team can do that, it’s this one. The Rangers will take it to six games, but the Hawks will hoist the Cup come June.

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April 3rd: MLB Playoff Preview

Before we’ve played a single game, I’ve predicted the final standings for all six MLB divisions. Now, I take a look at the way the postseason will shape up. Who wins the World Series? You’re about to find out!

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AL Wild Card:

Mariners over Indians - A faceoff between last year’s Cy Young finalists, Kluber is going to be enough to get the Tribe to the game, but the Mariners lineup will be able to get Seattle into the next round.

NL Wild Card:

Pirates over Cubs - The Cubs squeak in on the last day of the season, while the Pirates cruise to the postseason, only barely falling short of St. Louis. While Chicago owns the hearts of the country, the Pirates own the talent, and a third straight WC game gives Pittsburgh the edge.

AL Division Series:

Angels over Mariners - A division showdown in the Division Series. The Mariners will try to seek their revenge after losing out on the division crown, but the Angels will be out for blood after their embarrassing loss to Kansas City a year ago. Angels will win it in four.

Red Sox over Tigers - The matchup of the two best lineups in the American League will be a slugfest, especially if the pitching staffs limp into the postseason. This is totally dependent on who’s hot as the season expires, but the Red Sox have Kung Fu Panda, who knows how to get it done in October.

NL Division Series:

Nationals over Pirates - The Nationals will have an absolutely unbeatable staff, built for a long postseason run. The Pirates will, for the third straight year, draw a bad matchup in the postseason, and be headed home early. Luckily, they will have proven their intent to compete, so free agents will flock to Pittsburgh in 2016.

Dodgers over Cardinals - Clayton Kershaw will be begging for the ball in this series, and he will get his revenge. The Cardinals won’t have the pitching depth to make this year their year, and will watch as the Dodgers take their place in the next round.

AL Championship Series:

Angels over Red Sox - The cross country series will feature two teams with question marks at pitcher but rosters so deep, they will score by the truckload. I’m going with my gut and picking the Angels, who feel like they are ready to make the jump to postseason elite.

NL Championship Series:

Nationals over Dodgers - The pitching matchups in this series will make anyone drool. Look for Kershaw to square off against Scherzer, leaving Strasburg to make his October name for himself the following night. In the end, the Dodgers won’t be able to compete offensively with the Nationals, and Washington will visit the Fall Classic.

World Series:

Nationals over Angels - Baseball’s greatest pitching staff will face off against the greatest offense, in a baseball version of the Denver-Seattle Super Bowl. The matchup between Mike Trout and now MVP favorite Bryce Harper will be an epic battle that will set the tone for the future of the game. In the end, masterful pitching will once again decide the outcome of the game, and Harper’s Spring Training predictions will come away looking prophetic. The World Series Champions will be the Washington Nationals!

That’s how the ZP: Left Fielder sees the Major League Baseball season shaping up. Will it end the way we predict? Probably not. Don’t worry, though. I’ll be here in October to pick them again!

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November 27th: NFL Week 13 Predictions

Last week, the ZP: Left Fielder went 13-1-1 (we didn’t make a pick in the Bills-Jets game. It must have gotten lost in the snow.) That was by far our best week of predictions, which means we are ready to gaze again into the crystal ball. This week features seven games with serious playoff implications for both teams. By next Tuesday, the playoff picture will become even more clear. Here we go:

Bears at Lions

All of a sudden, the Bears have won two in a row and the Lions have lost two. Is this a ray of hope for Chicago? Nope. The Lions will be looking for blood on their favorite holiday and Jay Cutler will have a false sense of security. This will get ugly early.

Eagles at Cowboys

This is one of the best match-ups of the year, and one everyone has been looking forward to. I’m expecting the Cowboys to be playing with some grit, and look to score home-field advantage. I see this as a home victory, while the Eagles will get revenge soon.

Seahawks at 49ers

Last week’s beatdown of the Cardinals could be all it takes to launch the Seahawks right back into it. I see them as a scary team, no matter what their record might say. The 49ers, meanwhile, have been nothing better than “fine” this year, and it will take better to beat the defending champs.

Chargers at Ravens

Oh, how far the Chargers have fallen. They barely squeaked by the Rams, and while the Ravens had a strong win against a home-dominant Saints team. The AFC North is the strongest team in the league, and I see the Ravens only getting stronger.

Browns at Bills

The Bills have taken advantage of a relatively easy schedule to jump out to a decent record. The Browns, meanwhile, are keeping pace against the incredibly talented AFC North. They keep things interesting by making it to 8-4.

Titans at Texans

The Texans look to be a quarterback away from a chance at the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Titans look a team away from winning anything. Zach Mettenberger should wear a GoPro so he can get a photo of J.J. Watt sacking him this time.

Redskins at Colts

Colt McCoy, the third string quarterback, actually gives the Redskins a better chance, but not when he’s facing off against Andrew Luck. The Colts should take the rest of their season to focus on how they’re going to string together a playoff run.

Giants at Jaguars

Hey, look! It’s a team the Giants can actually beat! While the rest of the world is now squarely on the Odell Beckham Jr. bandwagon, the Giants blew a lead against the Cowboys. The Jaguars are a great opportunity for them to bounce back.

Panthers at Vikings

I loved the Panthers last year, and it makes me sad to see how badly Cam Newton is struggling in Carolina. That being said, the Vikings are just good enough to get teams to actually try hard, but not good enough to be able to compete.

Saints at Steelers

The Saints are limping their way into being the best terrible team in the NFC South. The Steelers are as unpredictable as they come, but should be able to keep the Saints honest. Plus, against the Saints, Big Ben has the arm to win a potential shoot-out.

Raiders at Rams

Well, we can say the Raiders at least won one. At the same time, the Rams have been playing hungry, with big wins against the Seahawks, 49ers, and Broncos. I think the Rams might be a forced to be reckoned with in the future.

Bengals at Buccaneers

The Bengals, like the Steelers, are utterly unpredictable. That being said, the Buccaneers couldn’t get the win against a pretty awful Bears team, so the Bengals shouldn’t even have to break a sweat.

Cardinals at Falcons

The loss to Seattle should dent the Cardinals’ confidence just a little, but this Falcons team should offer an awesome opportunity to bounce back. The bigger concern is no longer if the Cardinals will make the playoffs. It is what they’ll do when they get there.

Patriots at Packers

This is the game that everyone wants to talk about. Both teams have appeared nearly unstoppable since Week 5, but one will have to take a loss here. I’m going home-team, although I don’t like picking against Tom Brady.

Broncos at Chiefs

Two weeks ago, this game was being billed as the game that would decide everything. Now, the Broncos look like a team biding their time for the playoffs and the Chiefs look like a team that lost to Oakland. I think it will be close, but not THAT close. Never Bet Against Peyton (from now on, NBAP)

Dolphins at Jets

Miami was one quarter away from pulling off an upset against the Broncos last week. Unfortunately, Peyton was Peyton, and that was that. The Jets are turning to Geno Smith (again), but it won’t do them any good. This team can’t wait for this miserable year to be over.

Playoff Outlook based on ESPN Playoff Machine:

AFC:

Seed 1 - Patriots

Seed 2 - Broncos

Seed 3 - Steelers

Seed 4 - Colts

Seed 5 - Ravens

Seed 6 - Bengals

NFC:

Seed 1 - Packers

Seed 2 - Cowboys

Seed 3 - Seahawks

Seed 4 - Saints

Seed 5 - Cardinals

Seed 6 - Lions