All the thoughts of opening day just being a week away has made me giddy. Dagnabbit, I am so excited I’m a little bouncy. Being it’s a Monday night, that’s saying a lot. Thinking ahead to the (soon-to-be-here) season, I want to make some predictions. Looking into my crystal (base)ball, these are merely predictions.
Prediction #1: The Cardinals’ bullpen will find their voice, and it will be heard loud and clear.
With the announcement today of Shelby Miller being the 5th starter (joining Wainwright, Lynn, Garcia and Westbrook, in no particular order), that leaves the other strong hurlers who were vying for this position as relievers. Yep, that includes Rosenthal and Kelly. They will be spectacular as relievers (prediction in a prediction). With Motte on the DL to start the season, Boggs has a chance at some closing action. We’ll see how that one pans out, but I’m hoping for a quick Motte return.
Prediction #2: Yadi will win his 6th Gold Glove and 3rd Platinum Glove.
Yadi’s a beast. Throwing fools out trying to steal against him is his specialty. My favorite? When he picks guys off at first. I don’t think he’s ever had an error. Ever. Don’t google it, just believe me.
Prediction #3: Matt Holliday will fight a junebug and win.
Now, this one makes me laugh. If you haven’t heard, in 2011, Holliday had a moth fly into his ear canal and had to leave a game against the Dodgers. He had it removed, and all was well. For some reason, this little moth trickery has stuck in my brain. So, my prediction is that when the Cardinals are in Kansas City to play the Royals, a junebug will step up to him. Learning from his moth-experience, Holliday will battle said junebug and win. Not sure how it will all go down, but I’m putting my money on Holliday.
Prediction #4: High sock Sundays will become a National League fashion phenomenon.
I love high sock Sundays. I like seeing players out on the field with a little old school aura, without fear of tripping over the bottom of their pants when they round the bases. When the other teams in the National League see (I mean, really SEE) how cool the Cards look, they’re all going to want to adopt the newest fashion trend.
Prediction #5: Mike Matheny will appoint Willie McGee as some sort of bench coach.
Ok, fine, wishful thinking, but I like it. I like it a lot. He was in Jupiter for spring training, with an invite back whenever he wants (from Matheny). Maybe within the next 3-5 years?
So, there you have it. My top predictions for the 2013 season. We’ll see how many I get right by the end of the season!
Happy one week until opening day!
