Collegiate Times

With the NFL in the midst of a labor war and the NBA on the verge of one, opening day is here for Major League Baseball.

When Buster Posey squeezed the final pitch of the 2010 World Series, a hard breaking slider from closer Brian Wilson, the San Francisco Giants became champions of baseball.

In their first playoff appearance since 2003, the Giants, led by a young pitching staff of Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner and Jonathan Sanchez, as well as rookie catching standout Posey, shocked the baseball world with their dominating performance in October.

Baseball, which took a huge public relations hit with the allegations of steroid use in the early 2000s, is now back, and arguably better than ever. Young stars such as Aroldis Chapman, Jason Heyward, Bryce Harper and Jesus Montero are reinvigorating their respective franchises, ushering in a new, exciting era of baseball.

Here are some predictions for 2011:

American League Most Valuable Player: Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Boston Red Sox

In a lineup surrounded by several other all-stars, Pedroia will have the necessary protection around him, allowing him to see pitches he has never seen before. After an injury-plagued 2010 campaign, Pedroia should resume the laser show he put on in 2008 when he brought home the MVP. Expect 200 hits and a .320 batting average.

National League Most Valuable Player: Ryan Braun, OF, Milwaukee Brewers

After a 2010 season in which he hit 25 home runs and had a .304 average, Braun will continue to put up huge numbers in hitter-friendly Miller Park. Expect 30 home runs and a .310 batting average.

American League Cy Young: Jon Lester, SP, Boston Red Sox

Coming off a terrific 2010 season, Lester should again anchor the Red Sox rotation. After adding Bobby Jenks, Dan Wheeler and Alfredo Aceves to the bullpen in the offseason, Lester and the rest of the Red Sox rotation will have less stress than in past seasons. With a powerful lineup behind him and baseball’s best bullpen, expect 20 wins and a sub-3.00 ERA.

National League Cy Young: Cliff Lee, SP, Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies, owners of the best starting rotation in the major leagues, will mow down opponents with their cast of hired guns. After turning down bigger contracts, Lee opted to stay in the pitcher-friendly National League, and he will reap the benefits. Look for 20-plus wins and a WHIP of around 1.00.

AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST: OAKLAND ATHLETICS

In a division with no clear favorite, the Athletics are poised to steal the thunder of the 2010 American League champion Texas Rangers. With a young group of tremendous pitchers in Brett Anderson, Trevor Cahill, Dallas Braden and Gio Gonzalez, the Athletics have the pieces in place to stay atop the division for years to come. Prediction: 88 wins

AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL: MINNESOTA TWINS

Over the past several years, the American League Central has come down to the final week of the season, and 2011 won’t be any different. The trendy pick, the Chicago White Sox, have made a push to knock the Twins off, signing Adam Dunn and Edwin Jackson in the past year. However, the Twins steady pitching and the bat of Joe Mauer will again be too much. Prediction: 88 wins

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST: BOSTON RED SOX

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A version of this article appeared in the Mar 31 issue of the Collegiate Times.