One day into the 2023 baseball season and social media is overflowing with profound predictions. Experts abound. All it takes is a keyboard or cell phone to have it all figured.<\/p>\n
If you believe what you read, the Oakland Athletics<\/a> surely will go 162-0. Adley Rutschman<\/a> will bat 500-for-500 with 162 homers to lead the Baltimore Orioles<\/a> to a World Series title. The Houston Astros<\/a>‘ bullpen will blow every lead and manager Dusty Baker<\/a> shall be fired by May 1. Justin Verlander<\/a>‘s arm will literally fall off in New York. Cleveland Guardians<\/a> reliever James Karinchak<\/a> will finish the season with an 81.00 ERA.<\/p>\n Overreactions are everywhere every year at this time. It has been that way since Cy Young<\/a> opened a season 130 years ago by allowing an unheard-of two runs and heard fans screaming, “Get rid of the bum!”<\/p>\n Let’s join the prognosticating fun while hopefully providing a level of sanity. Here’s what more than likely will transpire this season. Predictions are based upon decades of watching the game. That alone should be cause to ring the alarm.<\/p>\n Don’t expect any spectacular surprises by any team in one direction or another. The consensus contenders should battle for top spots. Teams expected to be at the bottom of the barrel should not be able to climb their way out of the pickle brine.<\/p>\n 1. Atlanta Braves<\/a>Spawning Sane & Who Will Reign<\/h3>\n
National League East<\/h3>\n
\n2. New York Mets<\/a>
\n3. Philadelphia Phillies<\/a>
\n4. Miami Marlins<\/a>
\n5. Washington Nationals<\/a><\/p>\n