2009 MLB Season Pre-Spring Predictions: American League

With Spring Training fast approaching, I figured that I would take the opportunity to write my first article on this site about my favorite sport, Major League Baseball.

With all division races wide-open (seeing as how the season hasn't started), I decided to make predictions about the upcoming 2009 season now.

Keep in mind, these predictions are not taking account of possible injuries or freak things that take place over the course of a season. 

I will go division by division, starting in the AL, and will have a follow-up article about the NL.

AL EAST

New York Yankees

With a pitching staff with three aces and a lot of initials (CC, A.J., and Wang), the Yankees have a rotation to rival—note the use of the word rival—the Atlanta Braves of the 1990s, and a lineup that includes A-Rod, Mark Teixeira, Derek Jeter, and Xavier Nady.

The Yankees have one of the best teams in baseball going into 2009 (but remember the same was said of the Tigers last year, but they didn't have the pitching that this team has).  I like this team to win about 95-98 games and take the East.

AL CENTRAL

Minnesota Twins

The athleticism, the speed, the pitching...what's not to like about this team?  This team, led by Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, and Francisco Liriano, should be the victor in what promises to be a very competitive AL Central.  The high-average potential of the lineup and clutch hitters that proved their worth last year should provide solid support for a staff that is rich in young, productive arms.  I'll give them about 88-90 wins.

AL WEST

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

They won 100 last year and utterly dominated their weak division.  Although the Rangers and A's have improved, I don't look for any change at the top of this division.  Yes, they lost K-Rod, but got a more than capable replacement in Brian Fuentes.  They have also replaced Garrett Anderson with Bobby Abreu, who should be better than average in left.

Their few holes, 1B and No. 5 SP, could potentially be filled by a trade involving one of their outfielders (of which they have many).  They probably won't hit the century mark this year, but they should still get 90+.

AL WILD CARD

Tampa Bay Rays

I like this team too much to not include them in the 2009 playoffs.  The staff is young and has a lot of power and balance (L Kazmir, R Shields, L Price, R Garza, and R Sonnanstine).  The lineup should only be better this year; with Rookie of the Year Evan Longoria being another year older and (at least in my opinion) the best player in baseball in Carl Crawford, the offense should serve as a solid leg for this team.

From top to bottom, this team displays toughness, depth, and a passion for baseball. For that, I'll give then 94 wins.

Best of the Rest (in order)

Boston Red Sox (tough division with two REALLY GOOD TEAMS, sorry nation), Chicago White Sox (weak division, yes, and this team has A LOT of power, but they will miss the playoffs), and the Oakland A's (good offense and talent, but they have to contend with the Angels, so, it's a no).

Team that may Surprise Us

Kansas City Royals

When I'm talking baseball with my friends, I always like to pick out a team that could make a run if everything falls in place.

This year, it's the Royals.  They just re-signed young ace Zach Greinke and have a solid offence led by Jose Guillen, Alex Gordon, Mark Teahen, Coco Crisp, and the promising Mike Aviles.  This team could win 70-something games.

(If there's bias, I apologize.  However, I'm a big-time Braves fan, so there shouldn't be.  If anyone disagrees, comment and try to convince me.)