Opening Weekend for Major League Baseball has come and gone. There was a lot of excitement throughout, from a walk-off on opening day to a 2-way star shinning on Sunday. I will recap some of the major events that took place. But before that I will give my American League Playoff and Awards predictions. I believe the top of the AL is loaded with talent. If teams can stay healthy it will be a lot of fun. For the awards I am going with my predictions I had before the season started. I will not let anything that has happened change my picks.

American League Playoff Predictions

So I am using my standing predictions from previous articles (which you can find here):

1. White Sox 99-63
2. Yankees 98-64
3. A’s 90-72
4. (Wild Card 1) Blue Jays 91-71
5. (WC 2) Twins 90-72

This will make for some great playoff matchups. The Astros, Angels, and Rays all just miss out on playoff spots. But for the teams who make it, it comes down to who is hot at the end of the season. Losing Eloy Jiménez is a huge blow for the White Sox, but I still think they have enough in them to have the best record in the AL.

Wild Card Game

The Blue Jays take this one over the Twins. If fans can be in Toronto then it will be rocking. The young Jays have just enough to get past the powerful Twins.

ALDS

The Yankees take the series 3-1 over the A’s. The A’s will just not have enough pitching to get it down. The Yankees will out power the A’s throughout the series. The A’s could take 1 game, but will fall to the Yankees.

White Sox 3 games Blue Jays 2. This is a close series. The Blue Jays have a nice mix of young talent with some guys who have been there done that. But the White Sox are just too loaded for the Jays and find a way to win the Series.

ALCS

This will be a great series. Will the Yankees finally make it back to the World Series or will the White Sox just be too much? I have the White Sox taking it in 7 games. I think the White Sox bullpen will be the difference in it. Everyone loves to praise the Yankees relievers, the White Sox are loaded in the back end. That will win them the Series. So your 2021 American League Champions are the Chicago White Sox!

American League Awards

MVP: Matt Olson

Matt Olson might be the best defensive first basemen in all of baseball. He also will have a MVP season swinging the bat. I think Olson will lead the AL in homeruns with over 40 and hit close to .300 with an OPS over 1.000. That will be what gets the A’s into the playoffs.

Cy Young: Lucas Giolito

I do not believe 2020 was a flash in the pan. I think it was a break out season. Lucas Giolito is only getting better. Since he started throwing more strikes, he has been a true ace. According to Oddsshark Giolito is the 3rd favorite to win the award. That is where I like him sitting until he shows off this great 2021 season.

Rookie Of The Year: Bobby Witt Jr

Have you seen some of the highlights of Bobby Witt Jr?! The kid can hammer baseballs. Once he gets his shot at the Big Leagues watch out! Witt will get called up soon and dominate from pitch 1 until the end of the year. That will get him the Rookie Of The Year.

Manager Of The Year: Charlie Montoyo

The Blue Jays will have one of the best records in all of the AL. That will be credit to their great manager Charlie Montoyo. The Blue Jays are very young and will need coaching. That is where Montoyo will shine.

Opening Weekend Recap

Snow Game

The Indians played the Tigers in Detroit on Opening Day. It was snowing so hard Miguel Cabrera hit a homerun, but could not see it so he slid into second. The Tigers would win that game 3-2.

Opening Day Walk-Off

Travis Shaw capped a 3 run come back in the Bottom of the ninth for the Brewers with a walk-off double over the Twins. The Brewers where able to have a little over 11,000 fans in the stands. There could not have been a better way to start off season then a walk-off.

Shohei Sunday Night Baseball

The Sunday Night Baseball treat we got as baseball fans was the best were could have asked for. For the first time in over 100 years there was a pitcher batting 2nd in the order. It was no ordinary pitcher, it was Shohei Ohtani! After Sunday Ohtani had both the hardest fastball at 101 MPH by a start and hardest homerun hit at over 115 MPH. That is exactly what everyone is hoping to see from him.

Wrap Up

I know I threw a lot at you, I am starting to write 2 days a week now! I am so excited to add another day to recap everything MLB related. It will make my life much easier! The White Sox will be your AL Champs, I give my awards predictions and tell you 3 great stories from Opening Weekend. I will be back Friday to give my National League predictions. Find me on Legends Lingo!

-Tom “Powder” Cadmus (@powder42308)

Images From:

https://www.sportslogos.net/logos/view/481922522021/MLB_Opening_Day/2021/Primary_Dark_Logo

https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/much-blue-jays-need-big-three-bats-compete/

A’s first baseman Matt Olson discusses his post-surgery plans

https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2019/7/8/20686891/eye-popping-stats-confirm-lucas-giolito-breakout-season-white-sox-mccann-renteria

https://theathletic.com/player/mlb/royals/bobby-witt-jr/