The 2023 MLB season commences Thursday with all 30 teams in action. Which team will hoist the World Series Trophy come late October/early November? Game 7 of the Series would be November 4th, if necessary. That’s a Saturday.

MLB has employed a pitch clock this season which gives a pitcher only 15 seconds to throw a pitch to a batter if no-one is on base. And 20 seconds with runners aboard. Only two pickoff attempts per inning will be allowed. The batter has 30 seconds to get ready, and if he is not ready to hit in the batters box with 8 seconds left on the clock, he is assessed a strike. If the pitcher exceeds his time limit, he will be assessed a ball.

Also, there will be no shifts, which should enhance the hitting, a superb thing. And the bases are larger, which presumably will lead to more stolen bases and less injuries for the infielders turning double plays, etc…

So, some outstanding changes made to speed up the game and make it more exciting for the fans.

Can the Astros repeat? Certainly a possibility. The Braves are loaded once again with the signings of all their young studs towards the end of last season. The Phillies did more to strengthen their lineup in the offseason by signing shortstop Trae Turner. However, the great Bryce Harper is out till the All Star break after Tommy John surgery in the offseason. The Padres are definitely all in with the addition of shortstop Xander Bogaerts to a lineup that features all world third baseman Manny Machado and sensational left fielder Juan Soto. Also, converted outfielder Fernando Tatis will be back on April 20th after he serves the tail end of his 80 game suspension that began in the last two months of last year and early this year. He was suspended performance enhancer use. He’s an electric talent. The Pads also have Josh Hader to close. He’s electric and lockdown, though not as much last year. The Yankees re-signed the terrific Aaron Judge, who hit .311 with 62 homers and 131 Ribeyes. The long ball number led the Majors and the RBIs were tied for first. His batting average was fifth. The Bombuhs are well stocked again. But some injuries to their starters this spring could cause them to struggle for a little while in the first month or so of the season. Still, they’re loaded once again. How can the perennial underdog Rays finally get over the hump this season with all their arms and studs, led by shortstop Wander Franco and left fielder Randy Arozarena. The Blue Jays have stellar lumber and solid arms.

Here are White’s World Sports Confidential Predictions for the 2023 Season.

Divison Winners

AL East, Yankees

AL Central, Guardians

AL West, Astros, best record in MLB

AL Wild Cards

Blue Jays, Rays, Mariners

NL East, Bravos

NL Central, Cardinals

NL West, Padres

NL Wild Cards

Phillies, Mets, Dodgers

Wild Card Winners (Best 2 of 3)

AL

Rays over Mariners in 3

Blue Jays over Guardians in 2

NL

Mets over Dodgers in 3

Phillies over Cards in 2

ALDS (Best 3 of 5)

Rays over Yankees in 5

Astros over Jays in 4

NLDS

Braves over Mets in 4

Phillies over Padres in 5

ALCS (Best 4 of 7)

Rays over Astros in 7

NLCS

Braves over Phillies in 7

The Fall Classic

Braves over Rays in 6

World Series Champion

The Atlanta Braves

World Series MVP

Ronald Acuna Jr., Braves

AL MVP

Shohei Ohtani, LA Angels

NL MVP

Austin Riley, Braves

AL Cy Young

Framber Valdes, Astros

NL Cy Young

Aaron Nola, Phillies

American League Manager of the Year

Kevin Cash, Rays

National League Manager of the Year

Brian Snitker, Braves

****Friday, Final Four Previews and Predictions****