/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68506447/1175815420.jpg.0.jpg)
With the winter meetings wrapped up, we’re finally getting back around to reviewing our predictions for the crazy 2020 MLB season. I’ve been fortunate enough to come out on top of this contest four years running, including a shared victory with Josh in 2019. Was I able to predict enough of a topsy-turvy season to run the streak to five? Could Josh get over the top to claim victory? Or would another contender emerge? Let’s take a look.
If you want to score yourself at home, we awarded one point for each correct slot in the standings. For numerical predictions, we awarded two points for the closest guess, and three points for being exactly right. Correct guesses on player awards and leaders received two points.
2020 AL Standings
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22166825/PSA_2020_AL_East_results.0.jpg)
The staff whiffed on the East, with the exception of those of us that hit the Blue Jays in third. Tough look for the division we all know best. At least part of what we missed was the Red Sox slipping all the way to last place.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22166829/PSA_2020_AL_Central_results.0.jpg)
Conversely, we pretty much nailed the Central. Most of the staff got the exact standings correct. This almost came as a surprise, given the upstart White Sox led the division for a good chunk of the abbreviated campaign.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22166830/PSA_2020_AL_West_results.0.jpg)
If you thought the AL East was bad, take a look at the West. We accrued a grand total of three (3) points from the entire division. In our defense, most of us got the general outlines right (A’s/Astros good, Angels/Rangers/Mariners bad), but completely failed to get the actual order right.
2020 NL Standings
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22166835/PSA_2020_NL_East_results.0.jpg)
We did not see a solid campaign coming out of the Marlins this year. Nor did we forecast the defending champs to come in last. Most of us figured the Braves would be good, at least.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22166836/PSA_2020_NL_Central_results.0.jpg)
The Cardinals edged the Cubs in the standings by one game, keeping one of us from sweeping the Central. We definitely pegged the Pirates to be terrible, though!
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22166843/PSA_2020_NL_West_results.0.jpg)
It was pretty obvious before the year the Dodgers would hold serve in their division, and they did not disappoint. We also seemed to be on the Padres ahead of the season.
Miscellaneous Yankees Statistics
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22166982/PSA_2020_NYY_misc_results.0.jpg)
Sheesh, the first few columns of this one are depressing. 12 combined homers from Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres and less than half a season from Giancarlo Stanton.
Miscellaneous Yankees Statistics
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22166851/PSA_2020_NYY_leader_results.0.jpg)
You heard it here first: DJ LeMahieu good.
Miscellaneous MLB Statistics
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22166846/PSA_2020_MLB_misc_results.0.jpg)
The Orioles surprised us all this year by showing friskiness. Most of us didn’t expect them to pick up even 20 wins, much less 25.
2020 MLB Leaders
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22166847/PSA_2020_MLB_leader_results.0.jpg)
Remarkably, we had nine different predictions for HR leader, and all failed to name Luke Voit. The man was truly an upset home run king.
2020 MLB Awards
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22166854/PSA_2020_AL_award_results.0.jpg)
A complete swing and miss here. It was always possible that the short season would yield strange award winners. If you gave us each three guesses, I’m not sure any of us would have come up with Kyle Lewis or José Abreu.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22166857/PSA_2020_NL_award_results.0.jpg)
Likewise here. Most of us hadn’t even heard of Devin Williams until this August.
2020 Playoff Results
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22166861/PSA_2020_Playoff_results.0.jpg)
Most of us saw the NLCS coming, though only Josh and I brought ourselves to pick against the Yankees and choose the champion Dodgers.
Overall Staff Results
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22166986/PSA_2020_prediction_results.0.jpg)
It was an absolute nailbiter, and in the end, Josh pulled it off. I cede the crown to our new prediction contest champion! How did everyone else do trying to predict an insane season?
Credit to Andrew for tallying the prediction results.