Around the Horn

Predictions for the 2001 season

Baseball, The game Marty loves to hate, even though it's the most difficult sport scientifically. All remains quite on the labor front as well. Yes, there will be a compromise this year and a strike will be averted.

As for other issues in baseball, America's number 1 sport, the season again is filled with record breaking and career achievements second to none. Barry (U.S.) Bonds is going for the unthinkable, 71 home runs in a single season. The end for two first ballot hall of famers, Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken. Both have had great careers, and are super humanitarians as well.

The American League
Well let's see if the Cranks can't finish with the world championship again. I think not. The Dead Sox from Beantown seem to be a formidable foe for the older Cranks in the East.

Not to mention the M's in the West. Lets see, can a small market team make it in the bigs? Yes! A role model for all the Minnesotas and Montreals of the world. I thought the experts said they can't play in this league? NOT! Hey, what happened to the big market teams?

In the Central I like the Indians. They have been there before and will prove again to be a leader in what has become a dogfight with the first place Twins, who have the lowest payroll in the league. Jersey born Tom Kelly at the helm there is making the boys form Cleveland think twice about writing in the division this summer.

The National League
First the East. Yes the East. So far the Phils have been the worst to first story of the year, with a so-so pitching staff and a meager $55 million payroll. Bowa's boys look ripe for the most unpredictable playoff run of the past 20 years. Of course all I care about is if they can win 75 games (inside bet there).

In the Central, another last place team is in first. Wow what a year, two worst to firsts! And they say baseball is all about the money. Just goes to show the naysayers that it can be done in this wonderful boys of summer game. Cubs are doing it with pitching and timely hitting, and with a weak Cardinal staff looming in second. Look for the Cubs to finish first over the overrated Cards and Reds.

In the West it looks like Barry will carry the Giants on his back throughout the summer with only the high payroll of the Dodgers (dem bums) getting in the way. Remember Marty: baseball is still every kid's dream in his or her mind. Michael is gone and only a high ego Kobe can save the day for basketball now.

— Johnny "Prime Time" Maz