NEOSI's 2017 MLB Season and Playoff Predictions

The Major League Baseball season is finally here and everything counts this Sunday when the games begin. But, before all the excitement happens, here are my

The Major League Baseball season is finally here and everything counts this Sunday when the games begin. But, before all the excitement happens, here are my 2017 MLB season predictions.

American League Awards:

Manager of the year - A.J Hinch (HOU)

Most Valuable Player - Mookie Betts (BOS)

Cy Young - Chris Sale (BOS)

American league Division Winners:

East: Boston Red Sox -- Yes, Big Papi David Ortiz will be missed. Adding Mitch Moreland was a great addition to replace Ortiz.

However, look at the pitching rotation, from one through three, David Price, Chris Sale and Rick Porcello are three potential Cy Young winners and the Sox are ready to win.

Central: Cleveland Indians -- Despite Lonnie Chisenhall and Jason Kipnis starting the season on the disabled list, this is another team who is looking to win. If Brantley is healthy, the middle of the lineup looks good and could do some damage. Also the Tribe have arguably the best bullpen and a top three starting rotation in all of baseball.

West: Houston Astros -- Really not much to say. Adding bats in the offseason and Dallas Keuchel going back to the old Dallas Keuchel from 2015 will be good for this team and this young team will be good for a long time.

Wild Card: Texas Rangers/Baltimore Orioles

AL Division Series:

Cleveland Indians over Houston Astros (4)

Boston Red Sox over Texas Rangers (4)

AL Championship Series:

Cleveland Indians over Boston Red Sox (7)

National League Awards:

Manager of the year - Dave Roberts (LAD)

Most Valuable Player - Bryce Harper (Was)

Cy Young - Madison Bumgarner (SF)

National League Division Winners

East: Washington Nationals -- One of the most dangerous lineups in today's game. Only concern is the back portion of the bullpen. Manager Dusty Baker has been through this before, he'll figure it out.

Central: Chicago Cubs -- Not counting on 100 win season, but everything about the Cubs team is deep.

West: LA Dodgers -- Thinking this team is for real, but the question is for how long. The organization is not afraid to go deep in its pockets to make moves before or at the trade deadline.

Thinking they will get what they want by then - another starting pitcher and still thinking they can pull the trigger on second baseman Brian Dozier.

Wild Card: San Francisco Giants/St. Louis Cardinals

NL Division Series:

Washington Nationals over San Francisco Giants (5)

Chicago Cubs over LA Dodgers (5)

NL Championship Series:

Washington Nationals over Chicago Cubs (7)

World Series:

Cleveland Indians over Washington Nationals (6)

People will think I'm crazy for not picking the Cubs to face the Tribe again for this year's World Series. For Washington, its all about health, especially from pitcher Stephen Strasburg, and how the top of the lineup will contribute.

For Cleveland, with the addition of Edwin Encarnacion and hopefully a healthy Brantley, should give a boost of power in the lineup. Also Cleveland has one of those deep bullpens that can deliver the final blow.