With about only three months before the first regular season game, the time for baseball writers/bloggers to make their predictions about the 2011 MLB season is beginning to draw near. There are a lot of questions that will be answered in the 2011 season, such as: have the Phillies created a dynasty, can the Yankees rebound after losing out on big players this winter, and can Joey Votto carry the Reds back into the playoffs?
When making predictions for an upcoming season there are three important factors that I weigh into my decision making.
First, the stats; sabermetrics is an unbelievable tool and, with the right analysis, can really give you some unprecedented insight.
Second, the gut; sometimes you have to look past stats and trends and go with the gut feeling. Numbers are very helpful, but they can only take us so far – don’t underestimate your gut feelings.
Third, and finally, luck; anything can happen – from a sore elbow finally requiring surgery to a player hurting his leg trying to tie a shoelace…some things cannot be foreseen.
Without further ado here is a look at, what I believe, will be the 50 best players fore the entirety of the 2011 season along with a speculation as what some of their year end stats may look like…