Years ago, while attending college in Massachusetts, I learned that New Englanders pride themselves on being wicked smart. Judging by their MLB predictions for the upcoming season, the Yankees are inclined to believe them.
In the Boston Globe’s baseball preview, five out of seven writers selected the Yankees to clinch the AL East, with one even forecasting the Yankees defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World-Series. Three others predicted the Mets winning it all, beating the Yankees (in another Subway Series), Astros, or Mariners.
Focusing back on this Boston praise for the Bronx team:
The Globe writers who favored the Yankees for the division win include:
Peter Abraham: “April could be rough following an injury-plagued spring training, but their lineup will be formidable over the season’s six months.”
Chad Finn: “They’re treating rookie Anthony Volpe like the next Jeter. Does this mean Marcelo Mayer is the next Nomar?”
Julian McWilliams: “With their core players returning and rookie Anthony Volpe seemingly ready to fill the gap at shortstop, they look strong.”
Dan Shaughnessy: “Twenty-nine straight seasons over .500. Not a single fan cares about payroll flexibility.”
Tara Sullivan: “Following his home run surge, Aaron Judge returns as captain to lead the team.”
Sullivan, a former New Jersey sports columnist, also predicts the Yankees will triumph over the Dodgers in the World-Series: “This classic coastal elite matchup will secure and cement Judge’s legacy.”
Speier, meanwhile, picks the Mets over the Yankees in the Series: “The real drama will disclose when Roger Clemens, invited to throw a ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium, instead hurls a bat shard at Mr. Met.”