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Minnesota Twins: 2017 MLB Projections and World Series Predictions

By Jordan Ison

Apr 17, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; The Cleveland Indians during batting practice prior to tonights game against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; The Cleveland Indians during batting practice prior to tonights game against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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MLB: Philadelphia Phillies at Washington Nationals
Apr 16, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) waves to the crowd while leaving the field after hitting a game-winning walk-off three run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies in the bottom of the ninth inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

NL East Final Standings

1) Washington Nationals (98 – 64)

Key Pitcher – Stephen Strasburg

Key Batter – Bryce Harper

Reason Why They Will Succeed – The Nationals have been on the verge of a break-through for a while now. It’s about time they did it. They may be the most complete team in the MLB with fantastic pitching and some serious power at the plate.

Reason Why They Will Fail – This is the same as what I just said. Expectations in D.C. have been high every year, just for the fans to be let down. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them win the World Series, but then again, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them drop out in the first round again.

2) New York Mets (84 – 78)

Key Pitcher – Noah Syndergaard

Key Batter – Yoenis Cespedes

Reason Why They will Succeed – The Mets have great bats. Early in the season, that’s been clear. They could ride their ability to hit the long ball all the way into the playoffs.

Reason Why They Will Fail – It’s simple: consistency. The Mets have already shown how streaky they can be this year. One big losing streak and we could see this season fall apart in no time.

3) Miami Marlins (81 – 81)

Key Pitcher – Dan Straily

Key Batter – Giancarlo Stanton

Reason Why They Will Succeed – The Marlins have been able to hit the ball well and seem to be very close to turning the corner and being a great time. If they want to be that this year, they need to follow the leader behind Giancarlo Stanton and keep hitting the ball hard.

Reason Why They Will Fail – The Marlins’ pitching rotation and bullpen is suspect at times. They have shown flashes of being a solid group, but can’t seem to put it all together. They could ultimately be the demise of this young team.

4) Philadelphia Phillies (75 – 87)

Key Pitcher – Jeremy Hellickson

Key Batter – Cesar Hernandez

Reason Why They Will Succeed – The Phillies are trying the rebuilding this as well. They can be successful if they hit their stride years before planned. I mean, we’ve seen that before, right? (The Cubs)

Reason Why They Will Fail – They are really young. If you ask any laid-back MLB fan, it’s unlikely they could name any players on Philadelphia. Their youth and inexperience could bite them in 2017.

5) Atlanta Braves (70 – 92)

Key Pitcher – Julio Teheran

Key Batter – Freddie Freeman

Reason Why They Will Succeed – Things will finally start to click for Atlanta. Their pitching comes together and puts some strong outings in, and the hitters find a consistent stride instead of just hitting will 1/3 of the time.

Reason Why They Will Fail – It seems as if the Braves have been trying to rebuild since Chipper Jones left, and they’re failing at it. Year in and year out, they bring in new guys that don’t perform up to snuff. Another year of under-achieving will be the Braves’ demise.

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