I'll be coming out with bold predictions. Hunch the word BOLD. This doesn't mean I am certain they will happen, but it does mean if they do, I wouldn't be surprised.

I'll be doing division by division

NL East

The Philadelphia Phillies acquire Matt Holliday and Brian Fuentes in a blockbuster deal

Why it will happen: This has been floated around lately. The deal would go : Phils would get Holliday and Fuentes and give Colorado Shane Victorino, SP J.A. Happ, C Lou Marsen, and SP Carlos Carrasco. The offense has been inconsistent for the Phils and Holliday would be a huge boost. With Tom Gordon on the DL, Fuentes will provide depth to the bullpen

The Reality: 15% chance. Carrasco and Marsen are the Phils's 1 and 3 prospects in the farm system. While Holliday would be a boost this year, his impact might be short with him being a free agent after next year. Also, Colorado is still in contention for the weak NL West so don't expect to see them deal their superstar slugger during a division run.

The Mets will fire Omar Minaya.

Why it will happen: This is if they do miss the playoffs. After a collapse last, missing the playoffs this year would be death at a funeral. Some big name signings he's made: Carlos Delgado, Moises Alou, Pedro Martinez all have proved to be old and injury prone. He is the one that started and eventually ended the whole Willie Randolph saga.

The Reality: 50% chance. It's like flipping a coin. Heads or Tails? Only here, heads is making the playoffs, while tails is missing the playoffs. He will be pointed towards the blame if they do miss the postseason again. If they do reach it, he lives to see another season. Right now, other than doing something at the deadline, the fate of Minaya lies in his team's hands.

The Florida Marlins will win the NL East.

Why it will happen: They have a high powered and explosive offense. They can hit the long ball at will. Scott Olsen and Ricky Nolasco have been solid for the Marlins all season long. Andrew Miller is a hit or miss pitcher, but if he can get his control down, him along with Olsen and Nolasco could be a dangerous trio. The division is weaker as well. The Marlins, led by Fredi Gonzalez have no pressure on them unlike New York and Philadelphia. They go out to have fun and play loose.

The Reality: 25%. They are not built for the playoffs.Their strategy: Rely on the long ball (most in the MLB) to go along with poor defense and poor starting pitching(15th in ERA in the NL). The bullpen is shakey with question marks. They are young and experience may play a factor in them missing the playoffs.

Atlanta will trade 1B Mark Teixera by the trade deadline.

Why it will happen: The Braves are falling out of contention in the NL East. Injuries have caught up to them. After this season Tex will be a FA and the Braves are known for not spending much money. Age is catching up to this team (Smoltz, Glavine, and Chipper) and they may be in rebuilding mode.

The Reality: 55% chance. If they do feel like they have a shot though they may hold onto Tex. Yet, they may re-sign him feeling this is a guy to build a team around. A late 20's star, with a power bat and a gold glove is a guy any team love to have.

Washington Nationals's Christian Guzman will lead the NL in hits.

Why it will happen: He currently leads the NL in hits right now. Guzman has been very underrated this year and shows no signs of slowing up. He has a double digit hit streak 3 times so far this year. His ability to switch hit gives him an advantage for pitcher vs hitter.

The Reality: 35%. Hanley Ramirez, Jose Reyes, Chipper Jones, Chase Utley, Lance Berkman, and many more will make pushes for the leader in hits. Guzman is the only real threat in that Nats lineup so pitchers may pitch away from him a bit in the 2nd half.


Any bold predictions from you?? Love to hear some in the comment section..

NL Central will be out soon