2013 MLB predictions – from A-Rod's HBP count to Washington's World Series pursuit

The Angels and Nationals are the two scariest teams on paper heading into 2013, and I just couldn't convince myself to type in any other teams to reach the World Series. Will Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez stifle the thunderous trio of Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton? We'll find out in October.

The Yankees, well, I believe in them more than most do. Many pundits don't give them a fighting chance because of all the home runs lost in the offseason and their aging core, but many have forgotten about one of the most balanced pitching staffs in the majors. Yes, I'm talking about the Yankees.

BUT, I just can't pick them to win the East after watching the Blue Jays win the offseason by a landslide; R.A. Dickey, Jose Reyes and old friend Melky Cabrera are just a few of their prized pickups. Look for the Blue Birds to bolster their bullpen at the break and fly away with the division title...

Anyway, let's get down to it.

Results for my 2012 MLB predictions

Perhaps even more entertaining than making preseason predictions is revisiting them after the season and grading myself.

Last year's highlights include accurately predicting the NL Central and Mark Teixeira's stolen base count, while epically failing on my prediction for Brett Gardner's runs total. But hey, I hit .327 (16/49) so I'm ecstatic. See full results below.

Vernon Wells: A symbolic 2013 Yankee

Vernon Wells has been on the Yankees' radar for a long time. Now according to multiple reports, the injury-plagued Yankees are on the verge of signing the outfielder.

It's hard not to categorize it as a desperation move. But on second thought, I can't think of a player that fits in more with the 2013 Yankees than Wells.

Mariano Rivera hints at coaching in retirement announcement

It was no secret that Mariano Rivera was going to announce this morning that he will retire after the season. Even the TV guide knew.

But he did reveal something else in his joke-filled press conference: he plans to stay involved with baseball. 

He didn't make any commitments or even say the word "coach" but he did say: "I love to work with the minor leaguers."