Bold Second Half Predictions

In the style of our Bold Predictions from our preseason 30 Teams in 30 Days series:

• Pittsburgh Pirates continue their surprising start and win the NL Central.
• After a terrible start to the second half, the St Louis Cardinals realize that their best chance of receiving something for Albert Pujols is to trade him now. They send Prince Albert to the Phillies for 3 prospects and cash. Chipper Jones personally punches St Louis GM John Mozeliak in the face.
• The Mets trade Carlos Beltran to the Giants for next to nothing, Terry Collins still thinks the team is better,
• Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon remember how old they are and pitch accordingly
• The AL East divisional race comes down to a 163rd game. The Yankees are forced to start AJ Burnett. The entire city of New York lets out one big disappointed sigh.
• The Indians finish the season 5 games out of the playoffs
• Jim Thome hits his 600th HR on August 3rd as part of a 4 homer night.
• Jose Bautista wins the AL MVP
• Matt Kemp wins the NL MVP
• CC Sabathia wins the AL Cy Young
• Roy Halladay wins another NL Cy Young
• The Red Sox win the AL East, the Tigers win the Central, the Rangers win the West and Yankees win the Wild Card
• The Phillies win the NL East, the Pirates win the Central (I gotta be consistent), the Giants win the West and the Braves win the Wild Card
• The Phillies beat the Red Sox in the World Series, Cliff Lee is the MVP
• Bud Selig makes no necessary changes to baseball (realignment, replay etc.)

-Max Frankel