2016 was a flat out awesome year for Baseball. The game experienced an unprecedented, process driven, offensive resurgence. We saw captivating returns to glory from established stars like Justin Verlander, and Robinson Cano. 8 of the 10 best players, according to WAR, were youngsters under the age of 27. Including four sophomores in Kris Bryant, Mookie Betts, Corey Seager, and Francisco Lindor. The playoffs ushered in a potentially revolutionary approach to bullpen usage. And then, of course, the oldest narrative in baseball came to a glorious close in one of the most captivating game sevens in World Series history. It was a hell of a year. Here's a few things that could make 2017 just as awesome as I review my ten bold predictions for the season ahead.
1. "RIP Bill" James Paxton wins AL Cy Young
The Pitcher List writing staff has an uninhibited obsession with James Paxton. You've heard about it on the podcast. You've read about it on the site in pieces like in Ian Post's gif breakdown. Recently in our group chat prospect guru Nic Gardiner claimed Pax was worthy of a 6th round pick in our current 12 team H2H slow draft. Now I'm coming out of the Paxton Appreciation Closet and calling him this year's AL Cy. It's getting steamy in here. ICYMI, this is largely why we're all stoked on King James (Oh, I'm sorry. Have I spoken too soon?)
