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SPECIAL EDITION Keys to victory for all 30 teams Projected lineups Predicting the regular season

SEASON PREVIEW BASEBALLBASEBALL

Giants put belief in veteran core

ANDREW MCCUTCHEN (ABOVE) JOINS IN SAN FRANCISCO SPECIAL EDITION USA TODAY SPORTS sider

2018 AMERICAN prediciton Baltimore LEAGUE 72-90 Orioles 2017 record: PREVIEW 75-87 : , eighth season full season with USA TODAY’s predictions: Fifth place AL East Orioles (622-569) East W-L Missed Yankees 93-69 playoffs Coaches: (hitting); Roger McDowell Red Sox 89-73 (pitching) 79-83 76-86 Projected lineup 72-90 Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. Central C Caleb Joseph 31 8 28 0 10 72 .256 .287 .413 97-65 1B 65 26 61 16 11 95 .215 .309 .423 86-76 2B 92 32 105 1 35 142 .293 .338 .503 73-89 3B 67 22 62 6 36 167 .278 .328 .454 73-89 SS 81 33 95 9 50 115 .259 .310 .471 63-99 Manny Machado LF Trey Mancini 65 24 78 1 33 139 .293 .338 .488 West USA TODAY SPORTS CF 82 26 73 2 27 113 .285 .322 .466 100-62 RF 17 9 23 1 7 45 .281 .318 .579 86-76 DH * 79 23 65 1 42 149 .234 .289 .397 81-81 *check status 80-82 Pitching 74-88 Rotation Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO PLAYOFF PROJECTIONS RH 13-9 4.24 28 0 169.2 152 51 152 AL wild cards: Red Sox, Angels RH 11-12 4.68 34 0 186.2 208 71 179 AL Division Series winners: Astros, RH 11-11 3.40 28 0 166.2 156 64 86 Indians RH 1-7 7.84 24 0 93.0 125 51 63 ALCS winner: Indians RH 12-10 3.66 29 0 179.1 175 44 128 : Indians over Nationals Dylan Bundy GETTY IMAGES RH 4-5 3.18 0 18 68.0 51 26 70

Keys to victory

1. Start off well: Given nings over 28 starts in his could expand on those the uncertain future of numbers slotted in the Manny Machado, Adam er. Gausman, the open- three hole in the lineup. Jones, Zach Britton and ing-day starter in 2017, 4. Showalter miracle: Brad Brach, who all be- saw his ERA skyrocket to Buck Showalter is a three- come free agents after the 6.60 in mid-June. But a time manager of the year. season, the Orioles need He has an enduring ability to win early and a lot. Oth- 4.68 after he posted a 3.39 to get the most out of his erwise, the quartet could roster, even if his teams be gone by the July 31 3. Schoop’s progres- seemingly have lesser tal- trade deadline. sion: Jonathan Schoop ent than that of his divi- 2. Anchoring the ro- had a breakout season in sion foes. But even Sho- tation: The Orioles are 2017 and was the team’s walter likely will need a counting on young pitch- best player, making the ers Dylan Bundy and Kev- All-Star winning record and better in Gausman to grow. They team and receiving votes than third in a top-heavy made big strides last year for the AL MVP award. At AL East behind the New and are now expected to 26, he has room to im- York Yankees and Boston become the leaders of the prove. He set career highs Red Sox. in home runs (32), RBI 2 with a 4.21 ERA in 169 ⁄3in- (105) and OPS (.841) and Scott Boeck

Organization wrestles with decision on trading Manny In the end: Machado en route to losing season.

KIM KLEMENT/USA TODAY SPORTS

2 SPECIAL EDITION USA TODAY SPORTS sider

2018 2018 prediction Boston prediction Chicago 89-73 Red Sox 73-89 White Sox 2017 record: 2017 record: 67-95 93-69 Fourth place First place Manager: , first season with Red Sox AL Central Manager: , second season (67-95) AL East Missed Lost in ALDS Coaches: (hitting); Dana LeVangie (pitching) playoffs Coaches: (hitting); (pitching)

Projected lineup Projected lineup Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. C Christian Vazquez 99532 7 17 64 .290 .330 .404 C Welington Castillo 44 20 53 0 22 97 .282 .323 .490 1B Hanley Ramirez 58 23 62 1 51 116 .242 .320 .429 1B Jose Abreu 95 33 102 3 35 119 .304 .354 .552 2B Eduardo Nunez 60 12 58 24 18 54 .313 .341 .460 2B 31 8 22 3 29 74 .231 .338 .412 3B 58 10 30 3 18 57 .284 .338 .482 3B Yolmer Sanchez 63 12 59 8 35 111 .267 .319 .413 SS 94 10 62 15 56 116 .273 .343 .409 SS 72 17 56 15 13 162 .257 .276 .402 J.D. Martinez LF 84 20 90 20 70 112 .271 .352 .424 Yoan Moncada LF Nicky Delmonico 25 9 23 2 23 313 .262 .373 .482 USA TODAY SPORTS CF Jackie Bradley Jr. 58 17 63 8 48 124 .245 .323 .402 USA TODAY SPORTS CF 34 6 21 8 19 117 .166 .235 .282 RF 101 24 102 26 77 79 .264 .344 .459 RF Avisail Garcia 75 18 80 5 33 111 .330 .380 .506 DH J.D. Martinez 85 45 104 4 53 128 .303 .376 .690 DH 23 0 10 5 23 67 .178 .254 .229 Pitching Pitching Rotation Rotation Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO LH 17-8 2.90 32 0 214.1 165 43 308 RH 5-7 5.23 21 0 117.0 116 53 103 LH 6-3 3.38 16 0 74.2 65 24 76 RH 3-3 2.38 7 0 45.1 31 12 34 RH 11-17 4.65 33 0 203.1 236 48 181 RH Miguel Gonzalez 8-13 4.62 27 0 156.0 167 55 100 LH * 17-6 3.32 32 0 173.2 166 69 174 RH 3-1 3.86 7 0 23.1 16 13 19 RH Steven Wright 1-3 8.25 5 0 24.0 40513 RH Reynaldo Lopez 3-3 4.81 19 0 91.2 96 36 72 Chris Sale Closer Lucas Giolito Closer USA TODAY SPORTS RH Craig Kimbrell 5-0 1.43 67 35 69.0 33 14 126 USA TODAY SPORTS RH 1-0 2.31 11 0 11.2 9 6 13 *check status

Keys to victory A closer look

1. Keeping the Red Sox are hoping for a Boston is looking for him 1. The performance of trading talented players to and a .750 OPS, but enters healthy: Over the past big year from Rafael Dev- and Chris Sale to set the young starting : rebuild, and Abreu is next two years, the Red Sox tone at the top of the rota- The White Sox acquired ing for improvement. bullpen has struggled be- league season. Last year’s tion and form one of the Lucas Giolito and Reynal- man’s future is probably 4. How soon will Eloy cause its expected impact rookie sensation 10 better 1-2 punches. do Lopez for with another team, and a Jimenez make it to the players, besides Craig home runs in 58 games. 4. Can last year, and the two majors? Jimenez was the Kimbrell, have been in- The Red Sox also signed return to the lineup combined for about 100 to a trade at the deadline prize of the Jose Quintana jured. In each of the previ- J.D. Martinez to DH. He soon? The veteran second to the contender. Until trade and is touted as a hit 45 homers last year. baseman had knee sur- ished strong and is look- then, he will take his place top 10 prospect in all of ton acquired Carson 3. David Price return- in the middle of the line- Smith and Tyler Thorn- ing to form? In his sec- likely won’t be back until ERA, while Lopez is look- up, but the stronger his a righty with a ton of pow- burg to build a bridge to ond season for Boston, early June. Until then, ing to improve upon his start is, the more likely he er, and it’s only a matter of Kimbrell, but both players Price battled injuries, and Eduardo 4.72. Additionally, Carson is to be traded. time until he gets the call combined for just eight in- starting only 11 games and Nunez will try to fill his v- Fulmer has a 3.86 ERA in 3. Yoan Moncada: to the majors. When he nings in two years. pitching 74.2 total in- oid. However, given the 23.1 and he will Moncada is the face of the does, Jimenez will likely 2. Finding the power: nings. However, he did Red Sox’s offensive issu- have a chance to perform White Sox rebuild thanks After losing make an impact down the es last year, they need a while Carlos Rodon recov- to being the main piece in he can make an immedi- last year, Boston failed to stretch as a reliever, prov- healthy Pedroia to comp- ers from shoulder surgery. the Chris Sale trade. The ate impact if he proves to ing there were no afteref- ete. 2. Jose Abreu’s trade had a be ready. ing last in the American fects of his injury. Now status: Chicago has spent solid rookie year, hitting League in home runs. The that he’s fully healthy, Daniel Chavkin much of the past year eight homers with 22 RBI Daniel Chavkin

Red Sox make another but will have a tough time A losing season, but some flashes of promise from young In the end: dealing with pitching depth of other playoff teams. In the end: players acquired over the years.

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3 SPECIAL EDITION USA TODAY SPORTS sider

2018 2018 prediction Cleveland prediction Detroit 97-65 Indians 63-99 2017 record: Tigers 2017 record: 64-98 102-60 Fifth place First place Manager: , sixth season with Indians (454-354) AL Central Manager: , first season with Tigers AL Central Missed Lost in ALDS Coaches: (hitting); (pitching) playoffs Coaches: Lloyd McClendon (hitting); (pitching) Projected lineup Projected lineup Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. C Roberto Perez 22838 0 26 71 .207 .291 .373 C James McCann 39 13 49 1 26 89 .253 .318 .415 1B 72 28 67 2 68 118 .266 .365 .501 1B 50 16 60 0 54 110 .249 .329 .399 2B 43 12 35 6 28 71 .232 .291 .414 2B 17 1 11 1 10 32 .259 .302 .319 3B Jose Ramirez 107 29 83 17 52 69 .318 .374 .583 3B 18 3 16 0 13 30 .283 .359 .425 SS 99 33 89 15 60 93 .273 .337 .505 SS Jose Iglesias 56 6 54 7 21 65 .255 .288 .369 Jose Ramirez LF * 47 9 52 11 31 50 .299 .357 .444 Miguel Cabrera LF 50 12 38 6 23 79 .276 .330 .457 USA TODAY SPORTS CF 41 8 39 18 26 99 .241 .307 .385 USA TODAY SPORTS CF Leonys Martin 14 3 9 7 8 33 .172 .232 .281 RF 34 12 53 2 25 55 .288 .360 .521 RF 73 26 101 4 41 142 .272 .320 .490 DH Edwin Encarnacion 96 38 107 2 104 133 .258 .377 .504 DH Victor Martinez 38 10 47 0 36 63 .255 .324 .372 *check status Pitching Pitching Rotation Rotation Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO LH 18-4 2.25 29 0 203.2 141 36 265 RH 10-12 3.83 25 0 164.2 150 40 114 LH Carlos Carrasco 18-6 3.29 32 0 200.0 173 46 226 LH 6-11 5.27 26 0 135.0 157 53 110 RH 12-6 3.11 27 0 121.2 92 60 137 RH Jordan Zimmermann 8-13 6.08 29 0 160.0 204 44 103 RH 17-9 4.19 32 0 176.1 181 60 196 LH 5-8 5.31 22 0 101.2 120 44 86 RH 10-9 4.98 26 0 141.0 166 14 109 LH 6-7 5.66 38 0 97.0 105 53 85 Corey Kluber Closer Michael Fulmer Closer USA TODAY SPORTS RH 3-7 2.94 69 30 67.1 57 21 92 USA TODAY SPORTS RH 4-3 2.66 71 9 67.2 50 34 73

Keys to victory Keys to victory

1. Replacing Carlos even when he was healthy ready for the majors. Me- 1. Staying healthy: Mi- with 26 home runs and a tation, but they each had Santana: To combat the he struggled to produce. jia, who has had 13 major guel Cabrera had the .811 OPS. As he aims to re- an ERA over 5.00 last year. loss of Santana, the Indi- In fact, the Indians got league at-bats, hit .297 worst season of his career peat and improve upon could replace ans signed Yonder Alonso, into their groove when with 14 homers and 52 RBI last year’s production, he one of them when he ret- Kipnis was injured, forc- in 92 minor league games way to regain his form. moves from third base to urns from a back injury. season. While Alonso out- ing the veteran to play last year. Victor Martinez enters 4. Jordan Zimmer- produced Santana last 4. Can Jose Ramirez for Jeimer Candelario. man: The right-hander year, Santana has been repeat his career year? season after having car- Castellanos’ defense will has been a huge disap- more consistent over the 3. How much of an diovascular surgery for an likely be a liability again, pointment after signing a past few seasons. For the impact can Francisco third in MVP voting, post- irregular heartbeat in but putting up strong of- Mejia make? Mejia rep- ing a .318 average, September, so it’s unclear fensive numbers would tract in 2016, as he pitched Alonso is trying to repli- resents the Indians’ best 29 homers and 83 RBI. how he will perform after allow him time to adjust to to a 6.08 ERA in 2017. The cate a 20- sea- prospect, and the With Santana’s loss, it is recovery. Michael Fulmer a new position. Tigers need as much help son, and it is fair for the is knocking on the doors even more important for 3. How much will as possible to compete, Indians to be worried to the major leagues. Ramirez to at least come struggled mightily in the younger players pro- and another terrible sea- about Alonso regressing While Cleveland still has close to last year’s pace, as second half, partially be- duce? son for Zimmerman could this year. and Roberto he played his way into be- cause of an elbow injury. Jeimer Candelario, 24, w- eliminate any hopes the 2. Jason Kipnis: The Perez at that position, nei- ing a cornerstone piece for 2. Nicholas Castella- as the prize of the Justin Tigers have of making a Indians second baseman this team. nos’ performance: Cas- Wilson deal. Matthew Bo- spent half of last season Mejia, who will take one of tellanos was one of the yd and Daniel Norris will on the disabled list, and their spots when he is Daniel Chavkin few bright spots in 2017, both start the season ro- Daniel Chavkin

Third consecutive division crown and a chance at club’s Pushing 100 losses and one of worst offenses in In the end: first title since 1948. In the end: baseball.

4 SPECIAL EDITION USA TODAY SPORTS sider

2018 2018 prediction Houston prediction Kansas City 100-62 73-89 Astros 2017 record: Royals 2017 record: 80-82, third 101-61 place First place Third place AL Central AL West Manager: A.J. Hinch, fourth season with Astros (271-215) Manager: , eighth full season with Royals (629-632) Won World Missed playoffs Series Coaches: (hitting); (pitching) Coaches:Terry Bradshaw (hitting); (pitching) Projected lineup Projected lineup Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. C Brian McCann 47 18 62 1 38 58 .241 .323 .436 C Salvador Perez 57 27 80 1 17 95 .268 .297 .495 1B Marwin Gonzalez 67 23 90 8 49 99 .303 .377 .530 1B Lucas Duda 50 30 64 0 60 135 .217 .322 .496 2B Jose Altuve 112 24 81 32 58 83 .346 .410 .547 2B 80 19 78 34 29 88 .288 .324 .460 3B 88 19 71 17 55 97 .284 .352 .475 3B 75 38 85 0 34 94 .272 .314 .521 SS 82 24 82 2 53 92 .315 .391 .550 SS 71 6 54 4 15 102 .250 .272 .357 Jose Altuve LF 21 5 17 3 17 54 .212 .307 .356 LF 52 9 45 7 45 126 .208 .293 .315 USA TODAY SPORTS CF 112 34 85 5 64 111 .283 .367 .522 USA TODAY SPORTS CF 9 2 6 1 1 20 .198 .225 .302 RF 77 13 82 7 43 72 .314 .363 .484 RF 65 2 34 6 37 80 .296 .374 .375 DH 41 12 55 0 19 50 .263 .311 .457 DH 7 2 6 0 12 36 .144 .245 .258 Pitching Pitching Rotation Rotation Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO RH 15-8 3.36 33 0 206.0 170 72 219 LH 9-10 3.81 24 0 146.1 143 41 130 LH Keuchel 14-5 2.90 23 0 145.2 116 47 125 RH 5-13 5.38 30 0 154.0 143 61 131 RH 12-12 4.26 33 0 203.0 199 55 196 RH 8-13 5.29 32 0 180.1 209 48 145 RH 14-7 3.62 25 0 146.2 125 50 163 RH Nathan Karns 2-2 4.17 9 0 45.1 41 13 51 RH Lance McCullers 7-4 4.25 22 0 118.2 114 40 132 RH Jake Junis 9-3 4.30 20 0 98.1 101 25 80 Justin Verlander Closer Danny Duffy Closer USA TODAY SPORTS RH 1-3 2.30 63 34 62.2 44 21 83 USA TODAY SPORTS RH 3-3 4.25 64 26 59.1 60 20 56

Keys to victory Keys to victory

1. Keep hitting: By again be creative in nego- 4. Keep the rotation 1. Replacing the free year for the lefty, but Duf- a big way. Bonafacio OPS+, which adjusts for a tiating Gonzalez into an sharp: On paper and rep- agents: In and fy spent some of the sea- hit .255 with 17 home- team’s era and hitting en- , the Royals lo- son injured and the rest rs and 40 RBIs, but he vironment, the 2017 As- cludes George Springer, ed by Justin Verlander, st two of their best players struggling with consisten- was suspended 80 g- tros tied the 1927 Yankees Josh Reddick, Derek Fish- and Gerrit this offseason. Lucas Duda cy. Entering 2018 healthy, ames for testing pos- er and . Cole looks formidable. But and Jon Jay were signed, itive for a performa- in MLB history. The ma- Gurriel hit .304 with a .522 Verlander is 35, Keuchel is making the lineup more fo- that health to stay on the nce-enhacing drug. jority of Houston’s lineup in two years removed from a rmidable. Duda adds more 4. Get production out will return, so it will only the playoffs last season. rough 2016 and Cole is power, but lacks the overall groove that he was unable of the bottom of the ro- need to avoid regression 3. Get Giles going: consistency that Hosmer g- to do last year. tation: to repeat as the league’s Closer Ken Giles dominat- ERA of his career. The As- ave as both a hitter and a 3. Jorge Soler’s and Kennedy and Jason Ham- best hitting team. ed in the 2017 regular sea- tros have a wealth of via- fielder. Additionally, while Jorge Bonafacio’s devel- mel set at the top of the ro- 2. Settle on an out- son but struggled in the ble options to start games, Jay is a .288 career hitter, opment: After losing so tation, the Royals need field mix: The training postseason, yielding 10 he doesn’t have the speed, stability at the bottom. 2 camp injury to Yuli Gur- earned runs in 7⁄3 innings careful with their big- defensive ability or baseru- need these two to develop Nathan Karns is likely go- riel, who will miss the and becoming more of a li- name aces. Veteran Coll- nning that Cain offers. Ho- ing to miss half the season start of the season after ability than a strength in in McHugh begins the wever, the Royals were able threats. Kansas City ac- recovering from surgery. having hamate surgery, the club’s World Series season in the bullpen to keep Mike Moustakas for quired Soler for Wade Da- That leaves two spots means versatile Marwin run. Giles returns as the and is a viable starting another year. Moustakas vis last year, but Soler open for the likes of Jake Gonzalez will likely see Astros’ presumptive clos- option when he is should help give the Royals struggled with a .503 OPS Junis, Ricky Nolasco, Brad most of the playing time er for 2018, but any reprise needed. He has a 4.08 a respectable offense. in 35 games and spent Keller and Trevor Oaks. of that October perfor- career ERA. 2. Danny Duffy’s most of the season in the year. Once Gurriel returns, health: 2017 was sup- minors. This year, Soler n- Daniel Chavkin mance could force a Ted Berg A.J. Hinch will need to shake-up. posed to be a breakout eeds to bounce back in

Defending champions cruise into postseason without Life without Eric Hosmer and Lorenzo Cain doesn’t In the end: hitting rough patch like last year. In the end: begin well.

5 SPECIAL EDITION USA TODAY SPORTS sider

2018 2018 prediction Los Angeles prediction Minnesota 86-76 Angels 86-76 Twins 2017 record: 2017 record: 80-82 85-77 Second place Second place AL West Manager: , 18th season with Angels (1,570-1,346) AL Central Manager: , fourth season with Twins (227-259) Missed Lost in AL wild- playoffs Coaches: (hitting); (pitching) card game Coaches: (hitting); Garvin Alston (pitching)

Projected lineup Projected lineup Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. C Martin Maldonado 43 14 38 0 15 119 .221 .276 .368 C 49 10 47 0 45 108 .242 .333 .388 1B 43 22 65 0 48 106 .199 .294 .432 1B 69 7 71 2 66 83 .305 .384 .417 2B 90 22 52 14 55 86 .236 .313 .412 2B 106 34 93 16 78 141 .271 .359 .498 3B Zack Cozart 80 24 63 3 62 78 .297 .385 .548 3B Miguel Sano 75 28 77 0 54 173 .264 .352 .507 SS 77 14 49 19 47 67 .278 .331 .421 SS 60 13 74 13 41 78 .256 .313 .410 LF 100 35 109 14 74 180 .273 .361 .540 Joe Mauer LF 79 27 78 9 35 106 .290 .328 .507 USA TODAY SPORTS CF Mike Trout 92 33 72 22 94 90 .306 .442 .629 USA TODAY SPORTS CF 69 16 51 29 38 150 .253 .314 .413 RF 77 19 71 5 71 134 .244 .333 .392 RF 67 19 69 6 47 114 .243 .312 .425 DH 53 23 101 3 37 93 .241 .286 .386 DH 75 38 85 2 81 149 .246 .353 .516 Pitching Pitching Rotation Rotation Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO RH 0-2 2.28 6 0 27.2 18 7 27 RH 11-8 3.43 33 0 186.1 151 78 153 RH Played in Japan RH Jose Berrios 14-8 3.89 26 0 145.2 131 48 139 LH Tyler Skaggs 2-6 4.55 16 0 85.0 90 28 76 RH 10-8 4.14 28 0 143.1 117 61 127 RH 6-3 4.52 14 0 77.2 73 28 69 RH 12-10 5.07 29 0 158.0 182 60 121 RH J.C. Ramirez 11-10 4.15 27 0 147.1 149 49 105 LH Adalberto Mejia 4-7 4.50 21 0 98.0 110 44 85 Garrett Richards Closer Jose Berrios Closer USA TODAY SPORTS RH 6-5 4.43 48 6 44.2 41 17 53 USA TODAY SPORTS RH 5-4 4.23 61 39 55.1 40 26 65

Keys to victory Keys to victory

1. Ohtani magic: Lost 2. Richards’ revival: last season. So let’s just 1. Jose Berrios’ con- playoffs. While Minnesota Twins’ biggest moves this amid the hype, excite- Garrett Richards went 28- ask this of Mike Trout: tinued development: In returns Jose, it still must ment and curiosity over 16 in 2014-15, but a litany Show up and stay healthy. find production with the Rodney to be their closer two-way player Shohei of injuries — including a The rest should take care rios put up a respectable back-end starters. Lynn and Reed to be the setup 2 Ohtani is the fact that the successful dodging of of itself. 3.89 ERA in 145⁄3 innings and Jake Odorizzi, giving Angels really need him to elbow liga- 4. Power points: No pitched. However, the them some veteran expe- experience in the back of perform, especially on the ment surgery — limited one’s asking Albert Pujols right-hander ran out of ience in the middle of the the bullpen, both having mound. A debut season him to 12 starts the past to be his 21-year-old self or gas near the end of the rotation. Kyle Gibson will ranging from consistent two seasons. Now enter- Ohtani to hit 35 homers regular season, showing be on the ro- even World Series, experi- to dominant would be a ing his walk year, Rich- while also making 30 fatigue. In 2018, especially ter, but he must improve ence. ards, 29, makes the An- starts on the mound. But with Edwin Santana on upon his 5.07 ERA. Ervin 4. Byron Buxton: He team relying on several if those two, along with the disabled list to begin Santana will start the injury-plagued pitchers. team if he can stay Luis Valbuena, can com- the season, Berrios needs average, 16 home runs and season on the DL. The Ohtani’s season high for healthy and replicate the bine for 40 to 50 home to take that next step for- 51 RBI. While Buxton is a Twins are also hoping innings came in 2015, 8.8 per nine in- runs with a healthy OPS ward. sure thing to play tremen- when he struck out 196 nings he posted in his two 2. Finding depth in can help dous defense in center 2 them once he recovers batters in 160⁄3 innings for best years. DH spots, the Angels line- the back of the rotation: Nippon Ham. So 33 starts 3. Trout punches the up will be deep and men- Pitching was the Twins’ from Tommy John elbow likely won’t happen, but clock: He’s no robot, as a acing. biggest weakness last surgery in the second half. 25 mostly excellent ones thumb surgery and six- year and could be the rea- 3. Fernando Rodney would be huge. week disabled list proved Gabe Lacques son they fail to make the and Addison Reed: The Daniel Chavkin

Plenty of star power on offense, but any hopes of division Wild-card contenders don’t have depth to hang with In the end: title are undone by iffy rotation. In the end: Cleveland in division race.

6 SPECIAL EDITION USA TODAY SPORTS sider

2018 2018 prediction New York prediction Oakland 93-69 Yankees 74-88 Athletics 2017 record: 2017 record: 75-87 91-71 Fifth place Second place Manager: , first season with Yankees AL West Manager: , seventh full season (537-534) AL East Missed Lost in ALCS Coaches: (hitting); (pitching) playoffs Coaches: (hitting); (pitching)

Projected lineup Projected lineup Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. C Gary Sanchez 79 33 90240 120 .278 .345 .531 C 45 6 40 1 46 51 .265 .345 .371 1B 59 14 49 0 55 77 .265 .362 .439 1B 33 24 45 0 22 60 .259 .352 .651 2B 7 9 2 1 5 19 .155 .222 .224 2B 86 14 69 0 73 100 .277 .360 .448 3B 41 13 63128 103 .267 .317 .447 3B 39 14 40 0 32 92 .234 .313 .472 SS 73 25 87 3 25 70 .287 .318 .478 SS 53 10 40 12 38 85 .249 .325 .398 Didi Gregorius LF 96 21 63 23 72 122 .264 .350 .428 Matt Olson LF 78 25 68 4 66 113 .243 .335 .473 USA TODAY SPORTS CF 54 15 52 10 51 67 .266 .372 .475 USA TODAY SPORTS CF 24 3 12 0 15 30 .282 .358 .402 RF 128 52 1149127 208 .284 .422 .627 RF 40 9 39 3 52 87 .235 .342 .367 DH 123 59 132 2 85 163 .281 .376 .631 DH 91 43 110 4 73 195 .247 .336 .528 Pitching Pitching Rotation Rotation Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO RH 14-6 2.98 31 0 193.1 150 51 230 RH 6-4 4.19 19 0 105.1 114 32 70 RH 13-12 4.74 30 0 178.1 180 41 194 LH 12-10 4.37 29 0 158.2 167 55 140 LH CC Sabathia 14-6 3.69 27 0 148.2 139 50 120 RH Daniel Mengden 3-2 3.14 7 0 43.0 36 9 29 RH 10-12 3.55 27 0 162.1 139 57 153 RH Daniel Gossett 4-11 6.11 18 0 91.1 116 31 72 LH 9-7 3.88 29 0 155.1 140 51 144 RH Paul Blackburn 3-1 3.22 10 0 58.2 58 16 22 Luis Severino Closer Sean Manaea Closer USA TODAY SPORTS LH 4-3 3.22 52 22 50.1 37 20 69 AP RH 3-6 3.93 72 16 75.2 80 25 74

Keys to victory Keys to victory

1. The rotation: The oice to be the second also get a shot in the 1. Young starters from two years ago, when continuity after missing Yankees hope Luis Severi- baseman on a contender infield at some point. emerge: Kendall Grave- he had 22 homers and a nearly three months with no can repeat his break- before the team deter- 4. Giancarlo’s health: man performed fairly well .800 OPS. Otherwise, Pis- a wrist injury. through 2017 season and mined he needed more Because of injuries and a but served two stints on cotty, 27, could turn into 4. Catcher production: Masahiro Tanaka can re- seasoning. Eventually, th- frightening hit-by-pitch to the disabled list while an expensive luxury for a The A’s added Jonathan turn to form after a regu- e Yankees might have to his face late in the 2014 Sean Manea performed low-budget team. Lucroy late in free agency, lar-season ERA that hov- find a spot for Miguel season, Giancarlo Stanton up to expectations. Those 3. Cut down the er- and he should provide a ered near 5.00. They have Andujar, a third baseman has averaged 115 games two return, and at the rors: Oakland led the ma- boost to a team that lost a full season of Sonny who is a big-league level back end of the rotation, jors with 121 errors, result- last year. Gray, but they’ll also be hitter now, though there’s Stanton, Aaron Judge and unproven pitchers includ- ing in 83 unearned runs. However, Lucroy is co- hoping CC Sabathia’s ar- questions about his Gary Sanchez should be in ing Daniel Mengden, Paul That’s one every two ming off a down. The thritic right knee will defense. the rota- Blackburn and Daniel games. The A’s believe catcher still provides out. As injury insurance, 3. Bird out: First ba- tion, giving each a break Gossett will get a shot. Matt Chapman’s matura- stability defensively, as Chance Adams is the clos- seman Greg Bird will have 2. Getting the 2016 tion at third — Gold Glove his veteran presence est prospect to the majors. ankle surgery and will be Stanton will split time in Piscotty: Stephen Piscot- potential but had 13 errors should help navigate a 2. Rookie ball: Gleyber unavailable for 6 to 8 ty, who had a rough sea- in 84 games — and Matt young, inexperienced weeks. Tyler Austin and some in left. son in St. Louis after sign- rotation. Bruce Maxwell my John elbow surgery. are also ing a six-year, $33.5 mil- base will help pick up the may also content for He has played only 55 options at first base. Pr- Pete Caldera, The (Bergen lion contract, could prove defense. In addition, playing time. County, N.J.) Record games above but ospects to be a smart pickup if he Marcus Semien at 21 was the odds-on ch- and Miguel Andujar might can duplicate his numbers should establish more Jorge L. Ortiz

Bronx Bombers win AL East for first time since 2012 and A few bright spots from young hitters, but team not In the end: make deep postseason push. In the end: capable of mounting consistent season.

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7 SPECIAL EDITION USA TODAY SPORTS sider

2018 2018 prediction Seattle prediction Tampa Bay 81-81 Mariners 76-86 Rays 2017 record: 2017 record: 78-84 80-82 Third place Third place AL West Manager: , third season with Mariners (164-160) AL East Manager: , fourth season with Rays (228-258) Missed Missed playoffs Coaches: Edgar Martinez (hitting); (pitching) playoffs Coaches: (hitting); (pitching)

Projected lineup Projected lineup Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. C 52 25 64 1 39 160 .251 .331 .509 C 19 11 35 0 10 36 .260 .290 .447 1B Ryon Healy 66 25 78 0 23 142 .271 .302 .451 1B C.J. Cron 39 16 56 3 22 96 .248 .305 .437 2B Robinson Cano 79 23 97 1 49 85 .280 .338 .453 2B 3 1 5 0 1 3 .308 .357 .615 3B Kyle Seager 72 27 88 2 58 110 .249 .323 .450 3B Minor leagues SS 80 11 45 22 34 83 .300 .349 .427 SS Adeiny Hechavarria 37 8 30 4 13 67 .261 .289 .406 Kyle Seager LF Ichiro Suzuki 19320 11 17 35 .255 .318 .332 A. Hechavarria LF 73 12 43 12 40 69 .272 .329 .427 USA TODAY SPORTS CF Dee Gordon 114 2 33 60 25 93 .308 .341 .375 USA TODAY SPORTS CF 56 15 39 16 31 99 .276 .338 .450 RF 58 16 47 5 31 93 .282 .352 .491 RF Carlos Gomez 51 17 52 13 31 127 .255 .340 .462 DH 91 39 119 1 70 140 .288 .375 .549 DH 43 9 40 5 63 110 .201 .327 .337 Pitching Pitching Rotation Rotation Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO RH Felix Hernandez 6-5 4.36 16 0 86.2 86 26 78 RH 10-12 4.07 34 0 201.0 193 60 249 LH 12-5 2.98 24 0 136.0 113 37 156 LH 5-7 4.04 24 0 129.1 113 59 119 RH 10-13 3.92 31 0 186.0 201 37 130 RH 5-4 3.43 16 0 86.2 71 31 84 LH Marco Gonzalez 1-1 6.08 11 0 40.0 59 11 32 RH Injured - Did not play LH Ariel Miranda 8-7 5.12 31 0 160.0 140 63 137 Closer James Paxton Closer Chris Archer RH Alex Colome 2-3 3.24 65 47 66.2 57 23 58 USA TODAY SPORTS RH Edwin Diaz 4-6 3.27 66 34 66.0 44 32 89 USA TODAY SPORTS

Keys to victory Keys to victory

1. A healthy King: Any time All-Star and batting teams on the fringes of 1. Replace Evan Lon- will also want to get also have Brad Miller as an champ as a second base- contending, belief — and goria: Evan Longoria is veteran Joey Wendle option, but he had nine Mariners involves a man, can Gordon, 29, pro- persuading management the Rays’ all-time leader some playing time after home runs and a .201 bat- healthy Felix Hernandez. vide elite defense at a pre- the cause is a worthy one in games played, home getting him from Oakl- ting average. While he was limited to a mium position while con- to augment — can be ev- runs and RBI, so his de- and. Additionally, Christi- 4. What will Brent career-low 16 starts and tinuing to hit in a new erything. In a division parture leaves a hole. Af- an Arroyo, the prize of the Honeywell’s absence 86 innings in 2017, the ro- league? Two answers in that beefed up considera- ter missing the season be- Evan Longoria deal, could mean? Honeywell, 22, is tation listed, posting an bly, a much better start make a case to be the the Rays’ top prospect, overall 4.36 ERA and fad- is penciled in at third. starter. and the righty has the po- ing badly down the 3. No 40-man army: which put Seattle seven 3. Find production at tential to excel at the top stretch. While a 200-in- The Mariners deployed 40 games behind the Hous- 2015, when he had12 hom- While the Rays of the rotation. However, ning season out of James pitchers last season — 17 ton Astros by May 2, will ers and 77 RBI. It doesn’t he tore his ulnar collateral Paxton would help, King starters and 23 relievers — be essential. The Indians, match Longoria’s 2017, Morrison career year and ligament and had elbow Felix still sets the tone as they wrestled with Twins, Royals and Astros with 20 homers and 86 a Lucas Duda midseason surgery. He is a bright s- here — and anything less health and inconsistency. are on Seattle’s early-se- RBI, but it’s not bad. trade, they lose both in pot for the future but his than his career standard Cutting that number by 10 ason schedule, so it wo- 2. Sorting out second 2018. As a result, the Rays presence will be missed of 34 starts would create would be nice, and per- n’t be easy to get off to a base: The Rays biggest must replace 51 combined this season. He had a g- an uphill climb. haps highly valuable bull- hot start. question mark is at se- home runs, 102 RBI and 95 ood chance to make the 2. Tenacious Dee: GM pen addition Juan Nicasio ond, where there is no runs scored. The Rays ac- team in ’s most in- will help solidify the back Gabe Lacques clear-cut starter to wi- quired C.J. Cron from the before getting hurt. end of games while a hstand the season. In- was the acquisition of Dee healthier rotation stead- cumbent Daniel Robert- son, and they hope he can Daniel Chavkin Gordon — to play center ies the start of them. son plans to get some of reproduce his 16 home 4. Fresh start: For the action but Tampa Bay runs and 56 RBI. The Rays

They’ll push for wild-card spot behind Dee Gordon-Jean Stripped-down team parts ways with even more pieces In the end: Segura duo at top of order. In the end: ahead of trade deadline.

8 SPECIAL EDITION USA TODAY SPORTS sider

2018 2018 prediction Texas prediction Toronto 80-82 Rangers 79-83 Blue Jays 2017 record: 2017 record: 78-84 76-86 Third place Fourth place Manager: , fifth consecutive season AL West; Manager: , fourth season with Rangers (261-225) AL East (10th overall) with Blue Jays (720-700) Missed Missed playoffs Coaches: (hitting); (pitching) playoffs Coaches: Brook Jacoby (hitting); (pitching)

Projected lineup Projected lineup Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. C Robinson Chirinos 46 17 38 1 34 79 .255 .360 .506 C 49 13 35 1 50 83 .221 .343 .388 1B 85 41 80 7 75 196 .209 .333 .537 1B 85 38 90 0 73 128 .270 .355 .529 2B 79 30 75 15 32 162 .204 .252 .397 2B Devon Travis 22 5 24 4 7 38 .259 .291 .438 3B Adrian Beltre 47 17 71 1 39 52 .312 .383 .532 3B 65 33 78 2 76 111 .270 .385 .559 SS 100 20 88 25 38 101 .297 .337 .471 SS Aledmys Diaz 31 7 20 4 13 42 .259 .290 .392 Elvis Andrus LF Ryan Rua 17 3 12 2 14 52 .217 .294 .333 Josh Donaldson LF 74 26 64 6 71 123 .212 .323 .452 USA TODAY SPORTS CF Delino DeShields Jr. 75 22 44 29 44 109 .269 .347 .367 USA TODAY SPORTS CF 72 16 42 15 33 95 .256 .300 .404 RF 64 20 10 12 55 127 .253 .323 .422 RF 53 22 59 6 26 133 .238 .285 .473 DH Shin-Soo Choo 96 22 78 12 77 134 .261 .357 .423 DH 67 28 85 0 43 132 .250 .308 .445 Pitching Pitching Rotation Rotation Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO LH 11-6 4.20 24 0 148.0 125 53 105 RH 13-9 3.09 33 0 201.0 201 62 164 LH 6-15 5.52 32 0 174.1 200 67 148 RH 1-3 4.25 8 0 36.0 42 20 24 LH 6-6 2.55 65 6 77.2 57 22 88 LH J.A. Happ 10-11 3.53 25 0 145.1 145 46 142 RH Doug Fister 5-9 4.88 18 0 90.1 87 38 83 RH 10-9 4.98 33 0 186.0 186 71 176 LH Martin Perez* 13-12 4.82 32 0 185.0 221 63 115 LH Jaime Garcia 5-10 4.41 27 0 157.0 157 64 129 Cole Hamels Closer J.A. Happ Closer USA TODAY SPORTS RH 4-2 2.50 70 11 82.2 71 15 56 USA TODAY SPORTS RH 3-4 3.38 66 39 64.0 46983 *check status at the bottom of the table.

Keys to victory Keys to victory

1. Rotation experi- juries plagued Adrian compete with Alex Cla- 1. Replace Jose Bau- sents one of the best Curtis Granderson are all ence: Matt Moore, Mike Beltre for much of the 2017 udio for the closer Linc- tista: Randal Grichuk is young pitchers in base- set to start, none of the Minor and Doug Fister — season. But don’t expect ecum, 33, hasn’t pitched slotted to replace Bautista ball, and he proved his three are guaranteed any- all reclamation projects — the aging All-Star, who in the major leagues since thing. Toronto acquired join Cole Hamels in the ro- turns 39 in April, to slow 2016, when he struggled, mer Cardinals player out- Toronto fell without him. , a reli- tation. All four have won down. He was on pace to so it’s questionable what produced Bautista in 2017. 3. Find reliable reliev- at least 10 games and hit 30 homers and drive in he has left. If Toronto wants to con- ers: After Roberto Osuna, tility, and Aledmys Diaz, a made at least 30 starts in over 120 RBI in 2017. 4. Nice Odor: Rougned tend, Grichuk likely has to the Blue Jays don’t have multiple seasons. From t- 3. Dynamic bullpen: Odor, despite slugging 30 approach Bautista’s 2016 much reliability in their here, the Rangers plan to There is a chance of going home runs in back-to- production. bullpen. The pressure is Tulowitzki starts the go with a four-man ro- to a six-man rotation, and back seasons, had career 2. Aaron Sanchez’s on and Dan- season on the disabled tation until Martin Perez is the bullpen is full of mul- lows in health: Sanchez broke ny Barnes, two pitchers list with a heel injury. healthy in mid-April. The tiple- relievers, (.204), on-base percent- out in 2016, going 15-2 who had an ERA around Granderson must fight team also hopes to stash from Matt Bush to Jake with a 3.00 ERA in 192 in- 3.50 last year, to not only off , Anthony Bartolo Colon in AAA, Diekman to age (.252) and slugging percentage (.397). His nings pitched, but strug- repeat their performances Alford and Teoscar despite the veteran not to to Chris Hernandez for playing making the team out of Martin to Keone Kela. issues increased but elevate it to replace time. Tulowitzki is likely to spring training. Tim Lin- Lincecum, a two-time Cy down the stretch. Still, at 2017. The righty starter cecum could get mo- Young winner, is also in 24, Odor has plenty of up- pitched 36 innings last tiveness in the bullpen. be out at least two ved to the rotation if the mix. He will likely be side. season, totaling a 4.25 4. Sorting out the de- months. things go bad. used in the bullpen rather ERA in that span. When pth chart: While Devon 2. Ageless Adrian: In- than as a starter and could Scott Boeck healthy, Sanchez repre- Travis, and Daniel Chavkin

Rangers could push 80 wins and still finish fourth in Aging club will struggle during Josh Donaldson’s contract In the end: division. In the end: year.

9 SPECIAL EDITION USA TODAY SPORTS sider

2018 prediction Arizona NATIONAL 84-78 LEAGUE 2017 record: Diamondbacks 93-69 Second place PREVIEW NL West Manager: , second season with Diamondbacks USA TODAY’s projections: Lost in NLDS (93-69) East W-L 94-68 Coaches: (hitting); (pitching) 82-80 Braves 76-86 Projected lineup 76-86 Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. 60-102 C 41 14 49 0 62 120 .264 .387 .447 Central 1B 117 36 120 18 94 147 .297 .404 .563 92-70 2B 30518 3 29 37 .260 .345 .395 86-76 3B 89 30 105 6 87 152 .248 .357 .487 St. Louis Cardinals 85-77 SS 24 6 21 3 10 39 .251 .298 .419 72-90 LF 82 14 57 8 43 94 .293 .352 .444 68-94 P. Goldschmidt West USA TODAY SPORTS CF A.J. Pollack 73 14 49 20 35 71 .266 .330 .471 95-67 RF 56 5 30 28 28 55 .251 .324 .350 85-77 84-78 Pitching Rotation 82-80 Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO 71-91 RH 17-7 3.20 32 0 202.1 172 45 215 LH 15-5 2.89 28 0 162.0 116 71 218 PLAYOFF PROJECTIONS RH 9-9 3.49 28 0 157.1 148 61 146 NL wild cards: Brewers, Cardinals LH 14-13 4.03 33 0 189.2 208 61 178 NL Division Series winners: RH Zack Godley 8-9 3.37 26 0 155.0 124 53 165 Nationals, Dodgers Closer NLCS winner: Nationals Zack Greinke RH Archie Bradley 3-3 1.73 63 1 73.0 55 21 79 World Series: Indians over Nationals USA TODAY SPORTS

Keys to victory

1. Replace J.D. Marti- 4.05 ERA. They need that also added Yoshihisa Hi- nez’s production: Marti- kind of production again. rano, a righty reliever who nez was instrumental in Zack Greinke will be 34 had a 2.67 ERA in Japan this season, and Taijuan last year. 29 home runs and a 1.107 Walker, Zack Godley and 4. Get middle infield OPS in 62 games. To re- Robbie Ray are trying to production: After the place him, Arizona traded team traded Brandon Dru- for Steven Souza Jr. and sons. Finally, Patrick Cor- ry, Ketel Marte, Chris Ow- will put him in right field, bin should perform well ings and Nick Ahmed will but Souza will begin the and get his ERA down in a man second base and season on the DL with a contract season. shortstop. Marte strug- pectoral injury. If he can 3. Find consistency in gled to begin 2017 but had repeat his .810 OPS when a reschuffled bullpen:Ar- he returns, he’ll be a nice chie Bradley returns as primed for a big season. replacement for the se- the best reliever and will Owings had a strong start cond half of the season. likely start the season as last year, but injuries 2. Can the starting ro- the closer. slowed him near the end. tation repeat its excel- arrives from Tampa Bay. If Ahmed played 53 games lent 2017? Five pitchers he can stay healthy, he and needs a solid season started at least 25 games, provides solid depth in to prove he belongs. and all had better than a the back end. The D’backs Daniel Chavkin

Steven Souza’s banner year makes up for J.D. Martinez’s In the end: loss, gives Paul Goldschmidt a running mate.

BUTCH DILL/USA TODAY SPORTS

10 SPECIAL EDITION USA TODAY SPORTS sider

2018 2018 prediction Atlanta prediction Chicago 76-86 Braves 92-70 Cubs 2017 record: 72-90 2017 record: Third place 92-70 NL East Manager: , second full season (131-155) First place Manager: , fourth season with Cubs (292-193) Missed NL Central playoffs Coaches: (hitting); (pitching) Lost in NLCS Coaches: (hitting); (pitching)

Projected lineup Projected lineup Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. C 41 12 49 0 31 82 .281 .378 .445 C 50 21 74 5 45 98 .276 .356 .499 1B 84 28 71 8 65 95 .307 .403 .586 1B 99 32 109 10 91 90 .273 .392 .507 2B 34 6 28 8 21 36 .286 .354 .456 2B Javier Baez 75 23 75 12 15 108 .273 .317 .480 3B * 30 4 27 0 12 51 .299 .331 .452 3B 111 29 73 7 95 128 .295 .409 .537 SS 59 6 51 3 59 120 .232 .312 .324 SS 52 12 43 2 29 91 .239 .304 .418 LF Preston Tucker 46 17 41 0 8 40 .164 .222 .328 Javier Baez LF 67 30 59 1 59 150 .211 .315 .467 USA TODAY SPORTS CF Ender Inciarte 93 11 57 22 49 94 .304 .350 .409 USA TODAY SPORTS CF 62 24 68 8 39 129 .253 .328 .514 RF 76 8 76 0 68 110 .275 .354 .384 RF 59 11 59 4 41 67 .259 .326 .389 *check status Pitching Pitching Rotation Rotation Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO RH Julio Teheran 11-13 4.49 32 0 188.1 186 72 151 LH 13-8 4.33 32 0 180.2 179 60 180 RH 10-13 4.79 29 0 154.0 169 59 143 RH 10-12 3.86 31 0 186.2 159 58 209 RH Brandon McCarthy 6-4 3.98 19 0 92.2 89 27 72 RH 7-5 3.03 24 0 139.2 126 40 123 RH Anibal Sanchez 3-7 6.41 28 0 105.1 139 29 104 LH Jose Quintana 11-11 4.15 32 0 188.2 170 61 207 LH 4-9 4.32 19 0 100.0 100 57 108 RH 8-15 4.69 33 1 147.2 136 77 120 Closer Closer M. Foltynewicz RH Arodys Vizcaino 5-3 2.83 62 14 57.1 42 21 64 Yu Darvish RH 6-0 2.06 45 2 43.2 31950 USA TODAY SPORTS USA TODAY SPORTS

Keys to victory Keys to victory

1. Ronald Acuna’s im- the All-Star break. Second ms should give them lots 1. Bullpen production: RBI. Kyle Schwarber ERA, and Kyle Hendricks pact: At 20 years old, Acu- baseman Ozzie Albies had of hope for the future e- The Cubs’ big additions might have had a major having dealt with injuries six home runs and 28 RBI ven if the team doesn’t are Brandon Morrow, who last year, Chicago needs tool prospect in the out- with a .810 OPS and could contend this year. was tremendous for the ished with 30 home runs, Quintana and Darvish to be in store for a breakout 4. Bullpen questions: Dodgers last season, and and and Ian live up to the hype. ings of being a potential year. While Arodys Vizcaino is , who split Happ proved they be- 4. Addison Russell: superstar. His addition to 3. Brandon McCarthy’s set as closer, Atlanta still time between Seattle and longed. The more Hey- The Cubs shortstop strug- the lineup will change health: McCarthy missed must get production from Tampa Bay. ward struggles at the how pitchers game plan. some of 2017, failing to its setup men to succeed. needs to bounce back plate, the less likely it is he with 12 home runs and 43 Despite starting the reach 100 innings for the Jose Ramirez and Sam from his rough second remains in the lineup. RBI with a .239 batting av- season in AAA, he should third consecutive season. Freeman were solid in half, and Carl Edwards Jr. 3. Full season of Jose erage. His regression was make the jump quickly. Atlanta needs him to be 2017, but there isn’t a Quintana and Yu Dar- especially present as sec- 2. Mobile infield pro- healthy if it wants to make guarantee they will be ising 2017 season. vish: The Cubs lost Jake ond baseman Javier Baez duction: Shortstop Dans- a surprise playoff run, but able to repeat their per- 2. Jason Heyward: For Arrietta but signed Dar- outperformed him in ev- by Swanson struggled, to- it has starters waiting in formances. A.J. Minter the second season in a vish to replace him in the ery category. Chicago taling six home runs and case McCarthy falters. and excelled row, Heyward disappoint- rotation plus get Quintana needs Russell to take that 51 RBI with a .636 OPS in Luiz Gohara, in 32 combined games but ed as the primary right for the season after trad- next step as a player, or 144 games. This led to him and Max Fried are ready to now must excel over the ing for him in July. With else Baez could shift to losing his starting spot take advantage if the course of a full season. shortstop to replace him. and, eventually, a brief opportunity presents it- struggled, hitting .259 poor season by his stan- minor league stint after self. The Brave’s young ar- Daniel Chavkin with 11 home runs and 59 dards, one with a 4.33 Daniel Chavkin

Revamping process continues apace with likely arrival of Unparalleled depth, improved rotation headed by Yu In the end: Ronald Acuna and some prized arms. In the end: Darvish propel Cubs to third consecutive division crown.

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11 SPECIAL EDITION USA TODAY SPORTS sider

2018 2018 prediction Cincinnati prediction Colorado 68-94 Reds 85-77 Rockies 2017 record: 2017 record: 68-94 87-75 Fifth place Third place NL Central Manager: , fifth season with Reds (276-372) NL West Manager: , second season with Rockies (87-75) Missed Lost in NL wild- playoffs Coaches: (hitting); Mack Jenkins (pitching) card game Coaches: Duane Espy (hitting); (pitching)

Projected lineup Projected lineup Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. C 26744136 72 .270 .347 .403 C 38 17 43 0 37 87 .254 .354 .511 1B 106 36 1005134 83 .320 .454 .578 1B 47 7 40 15 24 87 .274 .326 .375 2B Scooter Gennett 80 27 97 3 30 114 .295 .342 .531 2B D.J. LeMahieu 95864 6 59 90 .310 .374 .409 3B Eugenio Suarez 87 26 82484 147 .260 .367 .461 3B 100 37 130 3 62 106 .309 .373 .586 SS Jose Peraza 50 5 37 23 20 70 .259 .297 .324 SS 68 24 82 7 49 191 .239 .308 .457 Scooter Gennett LF Adam Duvall 78 31 99539 170 .249 .301 .480 Nolan Arenado LF 56 10 71 2 20 67 .309 .341 .452 USA TODAY SPORTS CF Billy Hamilton 85 4 38 59 44 133 .247 .299 .335 USA TODAY SPORTS CF 137 37 104 14 65 135 .331 .399 .601 RF 63 30 67 5 39 125 .233 .307 .484 RF Carlos Gonzalez 72 14 57 3 56 119 .262 .339 .423 Pitching Pitching Rotation Rotation Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO RH 6-9 6.43 18 0 91.0 112 42 67 RH 10-4 3.67 20 0 110.1 113 30 112 RH 1-2 2.70 4 0 20.0 19 11 14 RH German Marquez 11-7 4.39 29 0 162.0 174 49 147 LH * 1-1 4.15 4 0 13.0 9 13 16 LH 11-11 4.10 33 0 156.0 169 63 107 RH 3-7 3.12 15 0 89.1 64 32 98 LH 6-6 4.81 17 0 86.0 88 26 81 RH Sal Romano 5-8 4.45 16 0 87.0 91 37 73 RH Chad Bettis 2-4 5.05 9 9 46.1 52 11 30 Closer Closer RH Raisel Iglesias 3-3 2.49 63 28 76.0 57 27 92 RH Wade Davis 4-2 2.30 59 32 58.2 39 28 79 USA TODAY SPORTS *check status USA TODAY SPORTS

Keys to victory Keys to victory

1. Rotation stays 2017:Joey Votto had a his- Reds are counting on Jose 1. Bullpen upgrade: but injuries and a .701 OPS year and need to improve. healthy: The Reds season toric year. He became one Peraza to replace Zack Co- After the bullpen faltered hurt his playing time. Mc- Chad Bettis is back for a was ruined when Homer of only three players to zart at shortstop. That’s down the stretch last year, Mahon is a top prospect full year. Bailey, Anthony DeSclafa- have at least 179 hits, 36 tall order, considering Pe- the Rockies spent money who had a 1.023 OPS in 189 4. Corner outfield po- ni and Brandon Finnegan, home runs, 134 walks and raza lost the second base- to upgrade, starting with Class AAA at-bats. Des- sitions: Gerardo Parra nominally the No. 1, 2, 3 83 or fewer strikeouts in a man’s job to Scooter Gen- Wade Davis, a closer who mond’s ability to play left will likely get to keep his starters, got hurt and season. The other two: nett last year. “You don't was great for the Cubs and spent most of the season and Ted Wil- just go get Zack Cozart lineup. the injuries that have on the disabled list — or in liams. Votto doesn’t have and put him in there,” ries experience. They also 3. Starting pitching: bugged him over the past DeSclafani’s case all of the to be as good as he was in Reds manager Bryan Price signed Cleveland free Jon Gray is their most tal- two years. Carlos Gonza- season. Bailey is now he- 2017, but he has to close said. “However, we ac- agent reliever Bryan ented starter, but he has lez likely begins the althy, while Finnegan and quired Jose because we Shaw, who has appeared battled injuries over the season in right, but if he DeScalfani will start the 3. Setup men step up: felt like he had a really in at least 70 games each course of his career. He struggles like he did last season on the DL. The The Reds’ two biggest free high ceiling as a player year since 2013, and re- had a 3.67 ERA in 20 starts year, it opens the door for good news is the depth is agent acquisitions were and as a shortstop. I think signed Jake McGee, who last year and showed the prospects or better because a lot of right-hander relievers Ja- there's a much better play- had a 3.61 ERA in 62 potential of a top-end . Gonzalez’s young pitchers got a ch- red Hughes and David er in there than we saw in games last season. starter. In his rookie sea- .762 OPS is the worst of ance because Bailey, De- Hernandez. If they can get 2. First base produc- son, Kyle Freeland had a his career in a season in Scalfani and Finnegan were the game from starter to and we got a glimpse of tion: With 4.10 ERA, which was sec- which he has played at hurt. Tyler Mahle went closer Raisel Iglesias, the that the year before.” gone, Ian Desmond and ond to that of Gray among least 110 games. 10-7 with a 2.06 ERA in the bullpen will be much bet- Ryan McMahon step in. starters. German Marquez minor leagues last season. ter than last year. John Fay, Cincinnati Enquirer Desmond signed with the and Tyler Anderson each Daniel Chavkin 2. Votto repeats his 4. Peraza is OK: The struggled at times last

Luis Castillo’s evolution might presage arrival of other Return trip to playoffs comes down to final days, but In the end: talented youngsters, but process takes time, patience. In the end: youthful rotation can’t get Rockies back to October.

12 SPECIAL EDITION USA TODAY SPORTS sider

2018 2018 prediction Los Angeles prediction Miami 95-67 Dodgers 60-102 Marlins 2017 record: 2017 record: 104-58 77-85 First place Second place NL West Manager: Dave Roberts, third season with Dodgers (195-129) NL East Manager: , third season with Marlins (156-167) Lost World Missed Series Coaches: Turner Ward (hitting); (pitching) playoffs Coaches: (hitting); (pitching) Projected lineup Projected lineup Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. C 50 22 58 0 40 130 .247 .308 .459 C J.T. Realmuto* 68 17 65 8 36 106 .278 .332 .451 1B 87 39 97 10 64 146 .267 .352 .581 1B Justin Bour 52 25 83 1 47 95 .289 .366 .536 2B 43 8 34 6 32 57 .236 .324 .405 2B 66 16 63 2 23 93 .300 .338 .454 3B 56 36 69 3 69 109 .224 .351 .327 3B 11 0 8 0 10 28 .262 .337 .369 SS 85 22 77 4 67 131 .295 .375 .479 SS 37 1 26 2 27 32 .290 .361 .375 Cody Bellinger LF 44 11 35 4 39 68 .212 .331 .407 Justin Bour LF Derek Dietrich 56 13 53 0 36 98 .249 .334 .424 USA TODAY SPORTS CF 85 21 72 17 50 142 .288 .354 .496 USA TODAY SPORTS CF 2 2 3 1 7 17 .106 .236 .277 RF 72 28 74 15 63 100 .263 .346 .487 RF 63 10 35 33 51 94 .228 .318 .365 *check status Pitching Pitching Rotation Rotation Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO LH 18-4 2.31 27 0 175.0 136 30 202 RH Jose Urena 14-7 3.82 34 0 169.2 152 64 113 LH 12-8 3.32 25 0 135.2 99 49 166 RH Odrisamer Despaigne 2-3 4.01 18 1 58.1 57 24 31 LH 16-3 2.72 27 0 152.1 133 38 151 LH 1-2 5.17 6 0 31.1 32 19 27 RH 13-6 4.22 29 1 134.1 121 34 140 LH Jarlin Garcia 1-2 4.73 68 0 53.1 47 17 42 LH Hyun-Jin Ryu 5-9 3.77 25 1 126.2 128 45 116 RH 0-1 7.71 9 0 18.2 21 10 18 Closer Closer RH Kenley Jansen 5-0 1.32 65 41 68.1 44 7 109 Dan Straily RH 1-4 4.79 53 10 47.0 57 16 26 USA TODAY SPORTS USA TODAY SPORTS

Keys to victory Keys to victory

1. Settling left field: over after the Dodgers fell and a .854 OPS. 1. An underdog men- season knee surgery. Sh- ond baseman Starlin Cas- , acquired in a one win short of the title 4. Building bridge to tality: There’s no ques- ortstop J.T. Riddle had tro, despite eight MLB trade with the sole pur- and logged the majors’ Jansen: ex- tion the Marlins don’t look shoulder surgery in Augu- seasons under his belt, pose of helping the Dodg- best record at 104-58. The celled at for as strong on paper as they st and will miss the start will be just 28 on opening ers get under the luxury Dodgers know they’re much of last season and of the season, while ca- day. tax, was not supposed to good, but the hunger for a might take over eighth-in- step in rebuilding will be a tcher J.T. Realmuto is 4. Pitching, from even open camp with the title must remain. ning duties, although the recognition the Marlins recovering from a lower somewhere: Despite team. But the Dodgers 3. Quieting Seager’s club will also consider back injury. Left-hander playing in one of the most elbow: Shortstop Corey Pedro Baez; Yimi Garcia, Wei-Yin Chen made eight -friendly parks in him, and a slimmed-down Seager began the spring who is coming back from likely need to manufac- starts before partially te- the majors, the Marlins slowly as he rebuilt arm Tommy John surgery; ture runs by stringing hits aring a ligament in his strength after rehabbing Tony Cingrani; and Scott together instead of relying elboow, while Dan righty cludes , Joc an elbow injury that ham- Alexander. Kenley Jansen on homers to score them Straily is dealing with tions to the major league Pederson, Kike Hernan- pered him late last season has proven to be the best in bunches. forearm tightness. roster, individual im- dez, Trayce Thompson and kept him out of the closer in the game over 2. Good health: With 3. Youth movement: provement is essential. and rookie . NLCS. The elbow issues the last several years. several projected starters Given the inexperience on 2. Avoiding compla- recovering from injuries, 23, has shown extra-base the roster, that will be di- cency: In recent seasons, Seager’s defensive met- Jorge L. Ortiz power and speed in the fficult for everyone to do. Dodgers players could not rics improved markedly depth issues. Third base- go anywhere without be- last season, when he man Martin Prado missed , 21, and Steve Gardner ing reminded the club had ranked second among NL hard-throwing right-han- not reached the World Se- with 10 defen- with a hamstring tear and der Sandy Alcantara, 22, ries in more than a quarter sive runs saved. He also a sprained knee, and he is could see time in the ma- century. That streak is contributed 22 homers still recovering from off- jors this season. And sec-

While road to division title isn’t as smooth as in 2017, New owners Bruce Sherman and get exactly In the end: Dodgers still reign atop rugged NL West. In the end: what they’re paying for – a hopeless, last-place team.

13 SPECIAL EDITION USA TODAY SPORTS sider

2018 2018 prediction Milwaukee prediction New York 86-76 Brewers 82-80 Mets 2017 record: 2017 record: 86-76 70-92 Second place Manager: , third full season with Brewers Fourth place NL Central (220-241) NL East Manager: , first season with Mets Missed Missed playoffs Coaches: (hitting); (pitching) playoffs Coaches: Pat Roessler (hitting); (pitching)

Projected lineup Projected lineup Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. C Manny Pina 45943 2 20 79 .279 .327 .424 C Travis d’Arnaud 39 16 57 0 23 59 .244 .293 .443 1B Eric Thames 83 31 63 4 75 163 .247 .359 .518 1B Adrian Gonzalez 14 3 30 0 16 43 .242 .287 .355 2B 49 11 40 23 30 132 .241 .293 .372 2B Asdrubal Cabrera 66 14 59 3 50 83 .280 .351 .434 3B 84 31 101 10 60 138 .273 .349 .513 3B 74 27 76 4 83 125 .213 .344 .428 SS 56 15 53 14 36 100 .277 .324 .407 SS 16 4 10 7 3 49 .248 .271 .394 Eric Thames LF 58 17 52 12 38 76 .268 .336 .487 LF Yoenis Cespedes 46 17 42 0 26 61 .292 .352 .540 USA TODAY SPORTS CF Lorenzo Cain 86 15 49 26 54 100 .300 .363 .440 USA TODAY SPORTS CF 26 5 21 2 33 60 .260 .379 .418 RF 100 18 18 16 80 137 .282 .369 .439 RF Jay Bruce 82 36 101 1 57 139 .254 .324 .508 Pitching Pitching Rotation Rotation Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO RH 12-4 2.74 25 0 141.1 113 41 133 RH Jacob deGrom 15-10 3.53 31 0 201.1 180 59 239 RH 17-9 3.90 33 0 191.1 204 55 124 RH 1-2 2.97 7 0 30.1 29 3 34 RH Jhoulys Chacin 13-10 3.89 32 0 180.1 157 72 153 LH Jason Vargas* 18-11 4.16 32 0 179.2 181 58 134 LH 3-2 3.42 22 0 81.2 83 22 64 RH 5-7 6.70 19 0 92.2 110 47 67 RH 2-3 4.81 8 0 43.0 43 14 32 LH 2-7 6.08 13 0 66.2 83 19 48 Closer Closer RH Corey Knebel 1-4 1.78 76 39 76.0 48 40 126 RH Jeurys Familia 2-2 4.38 26 6 24.2 21 15 25 USA TODAY SPORTS USA TODAY SPORTS

Keys to victory A closer look

1. Figuring out out- ward in 2017 and was hav- 1. Keep the pitchers signed Jay Bruce to a jor league games. Rosa- field: After trading for ing his best season when 4. Filling the pen: healthy: The Mets have three-year free agent deal rio’s glove is so superior to Christian Yelich and sign- Closer Corey Knebel, one what manager Mickey those of any of the Mets’ ing free agent Lorenzo jury with three weeks to of the top strikeout pitch- Callaway calls the “the other shortstop options go. The hope is that he is ers in the game last sea- best group of arms” he has Yoenis Cespedes in left that they’ll likely ride him Brewers had more out- back before or by the all- son, is back to handle the might force Michael Con- no matter how he hits. star break, adding a valu- ninth inning. The Brewers balling starters have suf- forto back to center, but 4. Who’s on first? The able arm to the rotation. must align the pitchers in fered a slew of arm inju- Conforto will open the 3. Time share at sec- front of him, and have year on the DL after hav- an Adrian Gonzalez in the Keon Broxton and right ond: Jonathan Villar had a added a pair of veterans, ing shoulder surgery. Un- breakthrough 2016, fol- lefty Boone Logan and season and hired a direc- til he returns, the team appears to have the leg up all returned. One solution lowed by a disappointing righty Matt Albers to the tor of sports science in the will use some combina- to start the season as their is to allow Braun to see 2017, leaving second base mix. Left-hander Josh hopes of better preventing tion of Brandon Nimmo up for grabs. The switch- Hader, a revelation as a injuries, and Callaway will and . Gonzalez, 35, had an aw- Cain and Yelich are ex- hitting Villar is still in in 2017, and right- work to limit workloads to 3. Relying on Rosario: ful year for the Dodgers in pected to play every day, mix but so are two versa- handers and Long one of the Mets’ top 2017, and the Mets’ long- leaving the others to for- tile utility players, Eric So- tive. prospects, shortstop term plan at the position age for playing time. gard and Hernan Perez. see plenty of action. 2. Figure out the out- Amed Rosario earned his is likely still 22-year-old 2. Waiting for Nelson: Sogard, a left-handed hit- field: The Mets already big-league promotion in Dom Smith. Right-hander Jimmy Nel- ter, and Perez, who bats Tom Haudricourt, Milwaukee had a crowded corner- early August but did not Journal Sentinel son took a big step for- right-handed, have been Ted Berg

Lorenzo Cain, Christian Yelich make outfield formidable; Improved health, boost from new corner Todd In the end: rotation lacks horses to mount serious challenge to Cubs. In the end: Frazier, Adrian Gonzalez carry Mets to playoff contention.

14 SPECIAL EDITION USA TODAY SPORTS sider

2018 2018 prediction Philadelphia prediction Pittsburgh 76-86 Phillies 72-90 Pirates 2017 record: 2017 record: 66-96 75-87 Fifth place Fourth place NL East Manager: , first season with Phillies NL Central Manager: , eighth season (584-549) Missed Missed playoffs Coaches: (hitting); Bob McClure (pitching) playoffs Coaches: Jeff Branson (hitting); (pitching)

Projected lineup Projected lineup Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. C 12 5 14 0 3 33 .318 .360 .514 C 31 5 31 0 32 65 .249 .342 .370 1B Carlos Santana 90 23 79 5 88 94 .259 .363 .455 1B Josh Bell 75 26 90 2 66 117 .255 .334 .466 2B Cesar Hernandez 85 9 34 15 61 104 .294 .373 .421 2B 66 16 47 12 28 90 .272 .339 .432 3B Maikel Franco 66 24 76 0 41 95 .230 .281 .409 3B 3 1 3 0 1 1 .364 .417 .818 SS J.P. Crawford 8 0 6 1 16 22 .214 .356 .300 SS 52 14 58 0 51 88 .255 .326 .406 Carlos Santana LF 37 18 48 2 37 46 .259 .396 .618 LF 84 27 62 4 35 152 .282 .325 .490 USA TODAY SPORTS CF Odubel Herrera 67 14 56 8 31 126 .281 .325 .452 USA TODAY SPORTS CF Starling Marte 48 7 31 21 20 63 .275 .333 .379 RF Nick Williams 45 12 55 1 20 97 .288 .338 .473 RF 39 11 35 8 27 60 .251 .305 .391 Pitching Pitching Rotation Rotation Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO RH 12-11 3.54 27 0 168.0 154 49 184 RH 8-7 4.44 25 0 133.2 152 46 125 RH 14-10 3.53 30 0 168.1 150 55 163 RH Ivan Nova 11-14 4.14 31 0 187.0 203 36 131 RH 2-7 5.13 15 0 72.0 74 34 68 RH 8-11 4.35 31 0 157.1 159 72 142 RH Ben Lively 4-7 4.26 15 0 88.2 90 24 52 RH 7-8 4.77 38 2 109.1 117 28 98 RH 8-10 6.02 26 0 133.0 144 57 140 RH Trevor Williams 7-9 4.07 31 0 150.1 145 52 117 Closer Closer Aaron Nola RH Hector Neris 4-5 3.01 74 26 74.2 68 26 86 Jameson Taillon RH Felipe Rivero 5-3 1.67 73 21 75.1 47 20 88 USA TODAY SPORTS USA TODAY SPORTS

Keys to victory Keys to victory

1. Rhys Hoskins’ tran- approach 200 innings and 1. Bounce-back sea- cancer, but he returned to by season’s end. sition to left field: Hos- RBI in 52 total games, but provide stability in a sons from Marte, Polan- make 25 starts. His 4.44 4. Unify the club- kins broke out in the sec- Alfaro looked a lot more shaky rotation. co: Last season, Starling ERA might not appear house: Veteran David ond half last year with 18 comfortable at catcher 4. Finding production Marte was suspended for ace-like, but his Fielding Freese made headlines in homers and 48 RBI in 50 than Crawford did at in the back of the rota- 80 games for failing a drug Independent Pitching was spring training when he games. However, after shortstop. Both taking tion: The Phillies’ last two test and Gregory Polanco nearly a run lower. said “the demand to win splitting time in the out- that next step would be rotation spots are Ben spent several stints on the 3. Development of top just hasn’t been in the air” huge for a young team. Lively, who had a 4.26 disabled list. With An- prospects: Pitchers Tyler the past two seasons. The 2 will move full time to left 3. Aaron Nola’s ERA in 88 ⁄3 innings, and drew McCutchen traded Glasnow, 24, and Steven Pirates trading their two thanks to the Carlos San- health: Nola is the best Nick Pivetta, who had a to San Francisco, Marte, Brault, 25, had sub-2.00 best players did nothing to tana signing. Therefore, starter on the team and 6.02 ERA in 133 innings 29, and Polanco, 26, will ERAs at Class AAA last dispel that sentiment. the Phillies might need to over 26 starts. If Lively be asked to lead the way. season but struggled after Veteran Josh Harrison ex- handle some of Hoskins’ 2. Find a No. 1 starter: being promoted to the pressed a desire to be growing pains as the and Pivetta can’t improve, By trading Gerrit Cole this traded. However, things righty adjusts to playing a way to stay healthy. The then the Phillies will need , 22, has might have begun to turn righty’s 168 innings last to dig for depth in their ro- the rotation will need to had injuries stall his pro- with the acquisition of time. year were a career high, tation, looking at options gress at Class AAA. Even if 2. J.P. Crawford’s and but he spent time on the such as Jake Thompson successor is Jameson all three start the 2017 reg- son, a move Harrison and Jorge Alfaro’s adjust- DL for the second consec- Taillon. The right-hander ular season in the minors, others welcomed. ment: Last season, Craw- utive season. If healthy for missed time last season to ford and Alfaro combined a full season, Nola could Daniel Chavkin be treated for testicular contributors in Pittsburgh Steve Gardner

Manager Gabe Kapler brings energy, innovative thinking, Downward trend continues as postseason streak of In the end: but it will take more than that to solve pitching woes. In the end: 2013-15 increasingly seems like a distant memory.

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15 SPECIAL EDITION USA TODAY SPORTS sider

2018 2018 prediction St. Louis prediction San Diego 85-77 71-91 2017 record: Cardinals 2017 record: Padres 83-79 71-91 Third place Manager: , seventh season with Cardinals Fourth place NL Central (544-428) NL West Missed playoffs Missed playoffs Manager: , third season with Padres (139-185) Coaches: (hitting); Mike (pitching) Coaches: Matt Stairs (hitting); Darren Balsley (pitching) Projected lineup Projected lineup Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. C 60 18 82 9 28 74 .273 .312 .439 C 36 18 55 4 23 122 .214 .262 .398 1B Matt Carpenter 91 23 69 2 109 125 .241 .384 .451 1B Eric Hosmer 98 25 94 6 66 104 .318 .385 .498 2B 55 4 42 8 41 60 .285 .376 .412 2B 28 4 21 0 28 76 .270 .334 .362 3B 52 20 67 6 47 105 .272 .341 .472 3B 77 12 61 9 60 132 .273 .352 .406 SS Paul DeJong 55 25 65 1 21 124 .285 .325 .532 SS Freddy Galvis 71 12 61 14 45 111 .255 .309 .382 LF Marcell Ozuna 93 37 124 1 64 144 .312 .376 .548 Eric Hosmer LF Jose Pirela 43 10 40 4 27 71 .288 .347 .490 USA TODAY SPORTS CF 95 23 73 25 71 117 .306 .411 .520 USA TODAY SPORTS CF 53 13 39 17 35 106 .263 .313 .409 RF 68 18 64 7 63 101 .264 .363 .488 RF 80 30 74 20 70 180 .243 .328 .464 Pitching Pitching Rotation Rotation Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO RH Carlos Martinez 12-11 3.64 32 0 205.0 179 71 217 LH 8-15 4.79 32 0 197.1 240 59 151 LH 0-2 6.33 6 0 21.1 23 10 20 RH 7-8 4.57 21 0 114.1 88 54 139 RH 12-9 4.13 30 0 165.2 170 55 158 RH Luis Perdomo 8-11 4.67 29 0 163.2 182 65 118 RH 7-2 3.88 13 0 60.1 59 17 72 RH 3-3 7.71 12 0 49 53 37 36 RH Miles Mikolas Played in Japan RH Bryan Mitchell 1-1 5.79 20 1 32.2 42 13 17 Closer Closer Carlos Martinez RH * 2-3 4.57 6 5 161.0 62 20 70 Clayton Richard LH 3-4 2.16 72 21 79.1 54 20 104 USA TODAY SPORTS *check status USA TODAY SPORTS

Keys to victory Keys to victory

1. Find a closer: The two years, going 25-14, 1. Wil Myers’ move to open, with Tyson Ross, Cardinals are going with a in baseball with the acqui- with an alarming 4.81 right field: By adding Eric and Bryan must keep producing to closer committee to start sition of slugger Marcell ERA, yielding 360 hits in Hosmer, the Padres must Mitchell the favorites. the season. After being Ozuna, the emergence of 322 innings, and will open make room for him by and Erlin were 4. Which prospects unable to swing a trade the season on the DL with moving Myers back to the injured and didn’t pitch can earn playing time? for Alex Colome or sign Pham and the résumé of a hamstring injury. last year. Mitchell comes Wade Davis, and with Dexter Fowler. The key 4. Matt Carpenter to over from the Yankees, be 20, but a strong start to Luke Gregerson opening might be Pham, who has be dangerous again: The is solid, but the Padres and there is a clear rota- the season could get him the year on the DL, the never had a full season in three-time All-Star had need him to improve de- tion spot for him to keep if time at the MLB level. Cardinals are using Domi- the big leagues but if he he produces. Right-handed pitcher Cal nic Leone and Tyler Lyons has a 30-30 season like he last year, hitting a career- with Hosmer taking up 3. Manuel Margot’s, Quantrill spent most of to fill the void. St. Louis hopes, he could be the key low .241 with a .384 on- ’s and last year in Class AA, but a expects Gregerson to m- base percentage and .451 eight years. Jose Pirela’s play: In his strong start could fast- ake an impact when he 3. Return to glory for slugging percentage. The 2. Who will keep rota- track him to the big returns, but he struggled : One Cardinals are keeping him tion jobs? After Clayton was inconsistent with in- leagues. Urias hit .296 in last year in Houston, of the game’s elite pitch- Richard and Dinelson La- juries but showed upside 118 Class AA games last losing his closer’s job could always move him met, the rotation is full of with 13 home runs and 17 year. Quantrill was 7-10 because of a 4.57 ERA winning at least 19 games back to third base or even questions. Luis Perdoma stolen bases. Pirela sur- with a 3.80 ERA between with 13 homers allowed in in four of those, Wain- as a . He also struggled for a second prised in 83 games with a the high-A and Class AA 61 innings. wright is being counted on is being moved from his consecutive season, but .837 OPS, while Renfroe levels. 2. Tommy Pham to to at least be a solid No. 3 little competition means live up to expectations: starter. He has struggled he’ll have another chance. home runs and 58 RBI. Daniel Chavkin The Cardinals have one of for consistency the past Bob Nightengale The next two spots are

Marcell Ozuna’s offensive exploits negated by shaky Eric Hosmer era begins with thud as opponents beat up In the end: pitching, which keeps Cardinals out of playoffs again. In the end: on vulnerable Padres pitching staff.

16 SPECIAL EDITION USA TODAY SPORTS sider

2018 2018 prediction San Francisco prediction Washington 82-80 Giants 94-68 Nationals 2017 record: 64-98 2017 record: Fifth place 97-65 NL West Manager: , 12th season (902-880) first place Manager: , first season with Nationals Missed NL East playoffs Coaches: (hitting); (pitching) Lost in NLDS Coaches: (hitting); Derek Lilliquist (pitching)

Projected lineup Projected lineup Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. Pos. Player R HR RBI SB BB SO Avg. OBP Slg. C 62 12 67 6 61 66 .320 .400 .462 C 43 10 52 1 38 94 .225 .288 .344 1B 63 18 51 3 66 104 .241 .355 .469 1B 90 36 108 1 44 126 .303 .358 .573 2B 60 10 53 4 46 54 .288 .347 .421 2B * 94 23 93 2 52 77 .322 .384 .543 3B Evan Longoria 71 20 86 6 46 109 .261 .313 .424 3B 81 25 100 7 84 82 .301 .403 .522 SS 58 14 77 3 42 113 .253 .305 .403 SS 75 11 45 46 30 80 .284 .338 .451 Buster Posey LF Hunter Pence 55 13 67 2 40 102 .260 .315 .385 Anthony Rendon LF Adam Eaton 24 2 13 3 14 18 .297 .393 .462 USA TODAY SPORTS CF Austin Jackson 46 7 35 3 33 64 .318 .387 .482 USA TODAY SPORTS CF Michael Taylor 55 19 53 17 29 137 .271 .320 .486 RF Andrew McCutchen 94 28 88 11 73 116 .279 .363 .486 RF 95 29 87 4 68 99 .319 .413 .595 *check status Pitching Pitching Rotation Rotation Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO Thr. Player W-L ERA G Sv IP H BB SO LH 7-14 6.20 29 0 135 156 75 104 RH 16-6 2.51 31 0 200.2 126 55 268 RH 8-8 4.52 25 0 147.1 160 53 136 RH 15-4 2.52 28 0 175.1 131 47 204 LH Andrew Suarez Rookie LH Gio Gonzalez 15-9 2.96 32 0 201.0 158 79 188 RH Chris Stratton 4-4 3.68 13 1 58.2 59 28 51 RH 13-11 4.67 32 0 181.1 178 64 166 LH Ty Blach 8-12 4.78 24 0 163.2 179 43 73 RH A.J. Cole 3-5 3.81 11 0 52.0 51 27 44 Closer Closer Johnny Cueto RH 1-2 4.50 32 11 30.0 37629 Max Scherzer LH 2-0 2.81 53 24 51.1 34 10 62 USA TODAY SPORTS USA TODAY SPORTS

Keys to victory Keys to victory

1. Rotation stepping Cutchen and Austin Jack- 1. Transition: Wash- ts the season on the dis- up: son and reliever Tony tiveness, possibly be- enough. The expectation abled list but Kendrick is ERA rose from 3.65 to Watson. The quartet has cause of a forearm injury , who aver- is a World Series run, and a veteran who can still be 4.50, and this year there shown signs of decline, al- that required surgery, aged 96 wins over two the pressure is ramped up productive, especially in are questions about the though McCutchen and sent the bullpen into a seasons after taking over on a club that could lose shorter spurts. He hit .315 two spots behind Madi- tailspin. had an 83-79 team. New man- core players Bryce Harper RBI in 91 games last year. son Bumgarner, Johnny strong seasons. 14 saves, but the Giants ager Dave Martinez has and Daniel Murphy in free 4. The Mets: They look 3. Enjoying bounce- need Melancon to be the established a reputation agency after the season. to be the only NL East ja. Lefty Ty Blach doesn’t back years: Hunter anchor. If he does, the re- as a players under 3. Reserve play: Mur- team that could challenge miss many bats, so his Pence’s OPS plummeted lievers could turn into an Joe Maddon. Noted pitch- phy, the second baseman, the Nationals. This status command must be pin- more than 100 points to a asset, with Dyson joining ing coach Mike Maddox is depends on a healthy ro- point for him to succeed. career-low .701 last sea- Watson, Hunter Strick- also gone, but he is re- son knee surgery, and left tation. If Mets starters ap- Chris Stratton excelled in son. Brandon Belt and land and (once placed by Derek Lilliquist, proach their 2016 form, Brandon Crawford en- he returns from Tommy which led to a World Se- remains untested. Bum- dured rough years for dif- John surgery) as part of plus-year run with the cruciate ligament. The ries run, the Nats could be garner and Samardzija ferent reasons. Johnny an improved group. Cardinals. There is also a team has strong depth, in- in for a draining division will begin the year on the Cueto’s ERA gained nearly new hitting coach (Kevin race. If New York is hit by DL. two runs. Madison Bum- Jorge L. Ortiz Long). The core players Kendrick and Wilmer Difo injuries like last year, the 2. Getting value from garner made just 17 starts. remain, but they are ad- Nats should coast. newcomers: The Giants San Francisco has lots of justing to new voices. ers and have been rejuvenated by candidates for improved 2. Pressure: Owner- perhaps prospect Victor Stephen Borelli the acquisition of third seasons, with only Pence ship has made it clear two Robles, that will be called baseman Evan Longoria, (34) being older than 32. on if Murphy and Eaton 4. Bullpen stabilizes: aren’t 100%. Murphy star-

Without much help from , it is hard for Easily claim title in weak division in what might be Bryce In the end: the aging roster to keep the team in wild-car contention. In the end: Harper’s final season, but year will be judged on October.

17 usatoday.com/sports