Back on February 5 of this year, I made some predictions about the 2007 season and who the divisions winners might or would be. In the process, I took a lot of heat for some of the picks I made. Now that the season's over--at least the regular season--let's see how I did.

AL West:
My predicton: "Oakland (Even sans Barry Zito, "Moneyball" wins.)"
Actual winner: Los Angeles of Anaheim.
Comment: OK, not a good start, but not bad either. A's (picked 1st, finished 3rd) were just injury-riddled from Opening Day on. The Mariners (picked 3rd, finished 2nd) were a shocker until they imploded in late August/early Septemeber. Good pitching launched the Angels (picked second, finished 1st) into the lead while their hitting provided just enough runs to pick up W's. Texas pitching and front office still stink.
My score: 0-1

AL Central:
My predicton: "Cleveland (Sizemore, Hafner, Sabathia. Lots of O. Enough pitching? Just enough...)"
Actual winner: Cleveland
Comment: In fact, a LOT more pitching than the Tigers (picked 3rd, finished 2nd) who again faltered badly in the second half. The Twins and Johan Santana (picked 2nd and as the Wild Card; finished 3rd) stumbled at times, and a terrible second half by Justin Morneau really hurt. White Sox, as predicted, are a shell of their former World Series selves. Kansas City...blah, that was easy.
My score: 1-1

AL East:
My predicton: "New York: (Shored up pitching, A-Rod and Abreu bounce back, lookout...)"
Actual winner: Boston
Comment: A horrendous 1st half, but a typical Yankee surge in the second half. The best record in baseball in the second half, if I'm not mistaken. And I was right, A-Rod bounced back in a HUGE way.) Toronto (picked 2nd, finished 3rd) Vernon Wells' shoulder issue really hurt. Baltimore (picked last, finished 4th) barely finished ahead of Tampa Bay (picked 4th, finished 5th).
My score: 1-2

NL West:
My predicton: "Los Angeles (What to do with Dodgers come to bat: Look for Paris Hilton in the stands.)"
Actual winner: Arizona
Comment: Arizona (picked 2nd, finished 1st). Wow. I was very right about one thing: LA, AZ and SD offenses were offensive. Less so AZ, which is why they won the West. Dodgers (predicted 1st, finished 4th) look and are old. The Pads (picked 2nd, finished 3rd and out of the Wild Card) were led by likely Cy Young winner Jake Peavy. And then there were the Rockies. Holliday, Hawpe and Helton led the Baby Rocks to the playoffs via an epic one-game playoff victory over the Padres. If you missed it, shame on you. You missed a classic!
My score: 1-3

Now for the biggies....

NL Central:
My predicton: " Chicago (Yes, the Cubs are this good. At least on paper...much of it green paper with dead presidents on it.)"
Actual winner: Chicago
Comment: I took it on the chin for the Cubs, but with good reason. The Cubs were by far the best in the weakest division in baseball without question. Milwaukee (picked 4th, finished 2nd) was a big surprise to some, but not to me. I even said: "If Ben Sheets is healthy, watch out. P.S. Just the other day, ESPN stole my thunder and said this exact same thing. Scary offense." And what happened when Sheets went down? So did the Brewers. But nothing to be ashamed about. I missed with Houston. I was spot on with Cardinals in saying that things weren't "good" and they weren't. Cinny and Pittsburgh were terrible, save for Cinny's Aaron Harang and Brandon Phillips.
My score: 2-3

My predicton: " Philadelphia (Ultey, Howard, Rollins + solid pitching equals more than a mere division title.)"
Actual winner: Philadelphia
Comment: I said it. I predicted it. So suck on it, especailly to Mets fans who were complete assholes in the comments. All of it is especially gratifying, particularly in the way the Mets pooched the last 19 days of the season. You get no sympathy from any one. And I also predicted the Braves would miss the playoffs--much to delusional Braves' fans chagrin. Florida should have been better and will be better next year. The Nats? Not so much.
My score: 3-3.

So, 3-3. All in all, not bad. Meanwhile, my other prediction of a Yankees/Phillies World Series doesn't look so stupid now, does it.