Predicting The 2009 MLB Season Using MLB 2K9

Bleacher Creatures, the 2009 season is almost upon us! People are putting there predictions out left and right trying to decide what's going to happen.

I figured, what better way to figure out whats going to happen then by using a video game? I got this idea from Dean Holden, who used an updated version of Tecmo SuperBowl to predict the NFL Playoffs, with surprisingly accurate results. I figured I could carry this over using my favorite title in my somewhat vast collection of Xbox 360 titles.

Here are the things I will accomplish and post using the game:

• I'll use the most up-to-date rosters available via the Living Rosters feature.
• I'll add the names of all Minor Leaguer's and MLBPA non-members (Matt LaPorta, Elvis Andrus, Kevin Millar, etc)
• I will have the most up to date injuries (A-Rod starts season on DL, etc)
• I will not add any free agents to the teams or trade any players, CPU will make trades, add free agents, etc. It will all be random.
• I will post the monthly standings each day, making this a week long series, starting Monday, March 23rd
• The statistical top five in each category (AVG, HR, RBI, H, SB, Doubles, Triples, SLG%, OBP%,  W, L, SV, ERA, WHIP, Maybe a few extras ) and leaders in each award race (MVP, Cy Young, Silver Sluggers, Gold Gloves, Rolaids Relief, ROTY). Along with that, I will list anyone on pace to break records, such as Maris' HR Record (People I believe were on steroids do not count), Ichiro's Hits Record and others
• Anyone who sets a career milestone or is on pace to will be listed (300 wins, 3,000 Hits, 500 HR's, .300 Avg)
• All Star Game Votes and HR Derby champs, along with other Mid-Summer Classic events will be listed
• Major Injuries and Trades will be posted
• Hall of Famer's will be posted at the very end as a post-season follow up story (including Free Agent signings and trades)
• Before the season and at the end of the season, based on statistics, I will post polls on who you think should have or will win each award
• All games will be simulated
• I will do a follow-up at the end of the season to compare the results

Let's play ball!