When the TOC staff was polled with their predictions for the 2015 season, I also asked each staff member to include a bold prediction. Call it a hot take if you will – something that is well within the realm of possibility but would shock the hell out of all of us. The staff complied, and while these predictions aren’t exactly sizzling, they’re still pretty bold.
Cordell Oberholtzer: Giancarlo Stanton will hit 50 homers.
Dave Tobener: The Marlins will hang with the Nats at the top of the NL East for most of the summer, only to fall short in September. They still win the NL’s second Wild Card.
Derek Harvey: The Brewers take the second Wild Card spot and beat the Padres before ultimately getting stopped by the evil Cardinals in the NL Division Series.
Garrett Wilson: The Dodgers, by acquiring Cole Hamels and others, will push their payroll over $300 million by the end of the year.
Ian Casselberry: Reds’ Bryan Price will be the first manager fired this season.
Joe Lucia: Neither of last year’s World Series teams (Giants, Royals) finish .500.
Joseph Coblitz: The White Sox will finish near the top of the AL Central and compete for a Wild Card spot.
Justin Schultz: Anthony Rizzo hits 40+ home runs.
Randy Holt: Twins finish ahead of Chicago & Kansas City in AL Central standings.
Scott Allen: Troy Tulowitzki will be dealt to the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline.
Tim Livingston: Mike Trout will have a 40/40 season.
