Predictions for the MLB season ahead

Fresh from the Easter that saw the Vancouver Canucks claim the Northwest Division title and the Philadelphia Eagles trade away their star QB to their division rival Redskins (!), baseball season officially kicked off yesterday, but it begins in earnest today. Since I forgot to make predictions, I'll get into it now.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Cy Young: Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners

Just like last year, this year's Cy Young race will be close. I pick Hernandez this year because the Mariners are better this year, and most of the other candidates will likely have something going against them, whether it is a slow start (CC Sabathia) or bad team (Zack Grienke).

MVP: Evan Longoria, Tampa Ray Rays

This year has no clear cut leader going into the season, so it's really anyone's guess who will win the MVP in the American League. Longoria will win it, but put this prediction down in pencil.

Rookie of the Year: Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians

Honestly, I have no idea who will even be on the opening day rosters that are rookies, so I'm basically picking a name out of a hat here. Santana looks like a sure bet to crack a major league roster by the time of this writing (I'll have to look at the rosters and edit this part), so I'll go with him.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Cy Young: Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies

The consensus pick here seems to be Halladay. I would not argue with this one, as he has been a dominant pitcher the last few years while playing for a bad Blue Jays team in the toughest division. This year, he has a great team behind him, and he won't have to face the likes of Alex Rodriguez and Evan Longoria for at least three or four games a year.

MVP: Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies

Yes, I know it's a homer pick, and yes, I know Albert Pujols is the reigning MVP and a favorite to repeat...again. However, I refuse to pick any St. Louis Cardinal for this honor, and I think this is the year Tulo takes it to another level.

Rookie of the Year: Jason Heyward, Atlanta Braves

Stephen Strasburg may sound like a trendy pick here, but the fact that he's starting in the minors combined with a bad Nationals team will likely hurt his chances here. With Heyward, he's the opening day right fielder and he looks like a surer thing to put up the numbers.

WORLD SERIES: Philadelphia beats New York Yankees in seven