MLB Season Predictions

Opening Day.

OK, so it is opening day part three, but close enough. This time of year calls for predictions. In 2006 I correctly picked the Cardinals at the beginning of the season, but last year did not go nearly as well. Here is hoping even years are good ones for me.

AL East

1^st: Boston Red Sox (90-95 wins) This is one of the easier decisions concerning the divisions. The Red Sox are clearly the best team in the East. The line-up is potent with David Ortiz and Manny Rameriz. As long as Beckett does not spend an extended period on the disabled list, the Yankees will be left in the dust.

2^nd: New York Yankees (86-91 wins) Remember when you could name all five starting pitchers? The Yankees will score plenty of runs with the All-Star line-up they possess, but they will have to slug their way victory. The best part about this season might be listening to what comes out of Hank Steinbrenner’s mouth.

3^rd: Toronto Blue Jays (84-89 wins) Every year sports writers think the Blue Jays might make the East a three-team race. Every year the Blue Jays have an absurd number of injuries and fall out. Coming out of spring training, this appears to be the case again. If they stay healthy, they contend. But that is a huge if.

4^th: Tampa Bay Rays: (77-82 wins) The Rays have a starting rotation? Almost, with three good starters in Scott Kazmir, Scott Shields and Matt Garza. Their line-up is always capable of scoring runs. The bullpen is a mystery, and they are a young team playing in a veteran division. That should not stop them from making life difficult for contending teams.

5^th: Baltimore Orioles: (58-63 wins) This team is sad. Cal Ripken Jr. could probably make the team at his current age and start third base. They have Brian Roberts (at least for now) and a bunch of youngsters. Long season ahead.

AL Central

1^st: Cleveland Indians (87-92 wins) Continuity is great, and the Indians have it. The Tribe starts the season with virtually the same team that took them to the ALCS last year. This means they know how to play with each other, and if needed they have cash saved up for a mid-season trade. They have the deepest rotation in baseball, with three pitchers starting in AAA who would start on almost any other team.

2^nd: Detroit Tigers (85-90 wins) Batting eighth for the Tigers is Jacque Jones, who hit in the middle of the line-up for the Twins last season. This team will rake in runs all season. As long as their pitching staff can stop the other team from running up the score, this team will win a lot of gamers. Expect Dontrelle Willis’ ERA to be in the 6.00s.

3^rd: Kansas City Royals (74-79 wins) Good news Royals fans. Your team is not going to finish in last place. Unlike the Twins and White Sox, the Royals youngsters actually look promising. Jose Guillen, steroid use aside, will be a nice shot in the offenses’ arm. A .500 season is not out of the question.

4^th: Minnesota Twins (73-78 wins) Francisco Liriano is expected to carry this rotation while coming off of Tommy John surgery. Livan Hernandez, who had a 4.93 ERA last season, is the opening day starter. This teams has a lot of questions, not all of which can be answered with Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau’s bats.

5^th

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