Tom Verducci's Fearless Predictions

Sports Illustrated's senior baseball writer looks into his crystal ball and forecasts some interesting things for the upcoming season.

 

AL MVP: Nomar Garciaparra, Boston NL MVP: Albert Pujols, St. Louis AL Cy Young: Mark Mulder, Oakland NL Cy Young: Randy Johnson, Arizona AL Rookie of the Year: Hideki Matsui, New York NL Rookie of the Year: Jose Reyes, New York AL HR Leader: Alex Rodriguez, Texas NL HR Leader: Ken Griffey, Cincinnati AL Batting Title: Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle NL Batting Title: Albert Pujols, St. Louis AL Pitching Victories: Mark Mulder, Oakland NL Pitching Victories: Matt Morris, St. Louis AL Comeback Player of the Year : Juan Gonzalez, Texas NL Comeback Player of the Year: Richard Hidalgo, Houston AL Most Overrated Player:   Rey Ordonez, Tampa Bay NL Most Overrated Player:   Jason Kendall, Pittsburgh AL Most Underrated Player: Roy Halladay, Toronto NL Most Underrated Player: Bobby Abreu, Philadelphia AL Breakout Player: Eric Munson, Detroit NL Breakout Player: Mark Prior, Chicago AL Surprise Team: Toronto Blue Jays NL Surprise Team: Chicago Cubs AL Disappointing Team: Chicago White Sox NL Disappointing Team: Philadelphia Phillies AL Manager of the Year: Carlos Tosca, Toronto NL Manager of the Year: Dusty Baker, Chicago AL First Manager Fired: None NL First Manager Fired: Jeff Torborg, Florida AL Division Winners: New York, Minnesota, Oakland NL Division Winners: Atlanta, St. Louis, Arizona AL Wild Card: Boston NL Wild Card: Houston ALCS: Oakland over New York NLCS: Arizona over St. Louis World Series: Oakland over Arizona

Sports Illustrated senior writer Tom Verducci covers baseball for the magazine and is a regular contributor to SI.com.