Baseball Predictions, 2013

OK, the season starts tonight with a game between the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros. No, it’s not inter-league on opening day, the ‘Stros have moved to the American league. This move balances (as far a numbers, anyway) the leagues giving each league three divisions and each division five teams. I guess that makes sense, but I don’t know why Milwaukee, which USE TO BE in the AL couldn’t move back instead of Tejas having two AL teams, but then I’m not the commissioner.
Anyhow, I wanted to get my picks on record before the season starts, so here we go:
American League
1. AL East–Seems like everyone is picking the Blue Jays, but if you know me at all you know I’m a Yankees fan. I can’t pick against the bombers, so I’m saying Yankees win the east.
2. AL Central–Got to go with the Tigers and Verlander.
3. AL West–I missed last year by picking the Angels, but I’m going with them again.
4. AL Wild Cards — Baltimore O’s and Tampa Rays.
Pennant goes to the Tigers (but I’m pulling for NY)
National League
1. NL East — Got to go with the Washington Nationals.
2. NL Central — Cincy Reds
3. NL West — LA Dodgers (go Don Mattingly!)
4. NL Wild Cards — Atlanta Braves and SF Giants
Pennant goes to the Nationals
I’m picking the Nationals to win it all. Series in 6 games.

OK, there’s my picks. Time will tell.

The Sequester and a few Facts

Sometimes it is easier to get the correct picture if you actually look at pictures. Here are a few graphic representations of the draconian cuts the evil sequester is forcing on us.

 

Difference in spending with and without the sequester.

 

A graphic look at the HUGE cuts.

 

Another look at “catastrophic” cuts.

 

Again, spending with and without.

The defense spending will actually increase.

 

As will spending overall.

 

Yet another look at those awful cuts.

And one of my personal favorites, a “pie” chart.

I hope this helps you get a good look at the sequester.

Vaya con Dios,

MBL