This is it, folks: The Ry-Guy’s final column from Mukwonago. A 20-year officiating veteran, I’ve seen my share of bold predictions come true and, well, others that made me look more foolish than a Fox River Fraud caught with his hand in the Kwik Trip cookie jar. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: you gotta have conviction, even when everyone else thinks you’re as delusional as Michael-Vincent trying to convince his teachers he needs extra recess.
So let’s get bold for the American League. We’ll start with my beloved Athletics, who I predict will see an Athletic hit 50 home runs this season. That man? Reigning AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz. Sure, it sounds crazy, but remember what Michael Jordan once said: “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career… I’ve failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” That’s the kind of mentality that makes me think Kurtz could pull off something truly special.
Of course, I wouldn’t be surprised if Brent Rooker gives him a run for his money with 40 blasts of his own. And don’t sleep on shortstop Jacob Wilson; he might trade some contact for pop, but I’m betting he hits .280 with 18 homers. On the mound, Luis Severino can’t possibly be as bad in home games (6.01 ERA) again this year. Mark my words: he’ll win 13 games with a 3.80 ERA overall, and Justin Sterner will save 18 games.
Moving on to the Orioles, I’m calling it now: Jackson Holliday (hand) makes his season debut in mid-April and still reaches 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases. Two Birds hit 40 homers – Gunnar Henderson and Pete Alonso. And Enrique Bradfield Jr.? He debuts in July and steals 26 bags. Trevor Rogers is going to surprise everyone too; he’ll win 15 games with a 2.80 ERA and make the All-Star team. Andrew Kittredge saves more games than Ryan Helsley.
The Red Sox? Roman Anthony hits 40 home runs, and he’s not their primary leadoff hitter for long. Seven BoSox hit 20 homers, including Triston Casas. Garrett Crochet is my pick for AL Cy Young; he’ll whiff 275 hitters. And Sonny Gray fans 180 for his fifth team while winning a career-high 15 games.
Now, the White Sox: Munetaka Murakami and Colson Montgomery each hit 31 homers, though neither infielder hits above .220. Luisangel Acuna steals 28 bases. Shane Smith makes the AL All-Star team again, and David Sandlin debuts in July with a 3.40 ERA in 12 starts.
Guardians fans, listen up: Three Guardians hit 30 home runs – Rhys Hoskins joins Jose Ramirez and Kyle Manzardo. Brittle OF Chase DeLauter bats 510 times as the new No. 2 hitter. David Fry earns catcher eligibility in June and finishes as a top 15 fantasy backstop. Tanner Bibee makes his first All-Star game, wins 15 games, and strikes out 200.
Detroit Tigers: Kerry Carpenter hits 32 homers, knocks in 99 runs. Max Anderson takes the 3B job in late-May and hits .290 over 420 PA. Justin Verlander wins 13 games with a 3.40 ERA – starts Game 2 of the playoffs. Kenley Jansen saves 36 wins, sails past 500 for his career, retires.
Houston Astros: Christian Walker leads the team with 30 home runs, Yordan Alvarez and Isaac Paredes add 28. Cam Smith hits .270 with 22 homers in Year 2. Mike Burrows wins 12 games with 160 Ks. Bryan Abreu saves 25 games and makes the All-Star team. Be very careful about Josh Hader.
Kansas City Royals: Four Royals hit 30 home runs, led by Jac Caglianone and Vinnie Pasquantino with 34. Starling Marte adds 22 steals. Isaac Collins becomes the every-day 2B and posts a .375 OBP with 22 steals. Stephen Kolek (oblique), not in the Opening Day rotation, still wins 12 games with a 3.40 ERA.
Los Angeles Angels: Zach Neto delivers the third 30/30 season in franchise history (Bobby Bonds, Mike Trout). Healthy Josh Lowe rediscovers his 2023 numbers – 22 homers and 28 steals. Grayson Rodriguez posts a 3.50 ERA over 26 starts with myriad strikeouts. Drew Pomeranz saves 20 games.
Minnesota Twins: Luke Keaschall scores 90 runs as leadoff hitter, batting .285 with 32 stolen bases. Byron Buxton and Royce Lewis each bat more than 500 times and reach 30 home runs. Zebby Matthews breaks out with a 3.50 ERA and 170 Ks.
New York Yankees: Trent Grisham nearly does it again – 30 homers with 90 walks. He and Ben Rice are among six Yanks who hit 30 bombs. Gerrit Cole (elbow) returns in May, wins 14 of his 22 starts with a 3.20 ERA. Ryan Weathers surprises with a 3.50 ERA in 24 starts.
Seattle Mariners: Brendan Donovan scores 90 runs as leadoff hitter while adding a .295 BA. Colt Emerson debuts in May and hits 15 homers. Five M’s starting pitchers (Bryan Woo, Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo, George Kirby, Bryce Miller) make at least 28 starts with an ERA better than 3.50.
Tampa Bay Rays: Junior Caminero hits .280 with 50 home runs, ends up second in MVP voting. Jonny DeLuca stays healthy enough to steal 30 bases while Chandler Simpson swipes 62. Brody Breckon makes the All-Star team as a reliever with a 1.80 ERA and 25 saves.
There you have it: my bold predictions for every American League team. Some of these may look downright silly in six months, but I stand by them – just like I’d stand by any call I made during my officiating days, even if it meant dealing with an irate coach who thought he was the next coming of Brett Favre.
Remember folks: life is too short to always play it safe. Sometimes you gotta trust your gut and make a bold prediction or two – whether it’s on the baseball field, at Culver’s, or in front of your kids’ teachers when they inevitably ask why little Blake needs extra recess. Embrace the chaos, and never be afraid to swing for the fences.
Until next time, this is The Ry-Guy signing off from Mukwonago. Stay bold, stay true, and don’t forget to tip your waitresses – especially if they’re serving up those delicious Kwik Trip breakfast sandwiches.
One-Ry Out.