MLB Season Predictions

: Chicago White Sox (70-75 wins) This team has a mix of really old and young players. The problem is the old players are over the hill and the young players are raw. The team batting average last season was pitiful (league worst .246) and the pitching was not much better. Will Ozzie Guillen actually be willing to give back money when this team tanks?

AL West

1^st: Seattle Mariners (83-88 wins) I do not love this team. However, they have the best contact hitter in baseball (Ichiro), the most underrated closer (J.J. Putz) and a great 1-2 punch in Erik Bedard and Felix Hernandez. As long as they can stay healthier than the Angels (which appears to be the case) they should squeak by as the division champs.

2^nd: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (82-87 wins) The season has not begun and John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar, the team's top two starters, are both out with injuries. The team has a plethera of proven outfielders, but last time I checked, none of them can pitch. This team will operate like the Tigers with a lot of games where the final score is 10-8. The goal will be to have 10 more often than eight.

3^rd: Oakland Athletics (77-82 wins) Two certainties with this team. The pitching will be above average, and the hitting will be below average. Their split with the Red Sox in their opening series was an early indication of what the team is capable of - .500 baseball. They would be fun to watch expect they do not score runs, which makes boring baseball.

4^th: Texas Rangers (65-70 wins) No pitching, a shaky line-up and a another last place season for the Rangers. General Manager John Hart did wonders in Cleveland, but has not even come close matching that success in Texas. This may be the end for him.

NL East

1^st: Atlanta Braves (84-89 wins) A scary line-up (which includes the pitchers) and a solid rotation. This looks like the Braves of old, and it should play out like that. Make the playoffs, exit first round. That will still be an improvement on the past couple of seasons.

2^nd: Philadelphia Phillies (83-88 wins) The historic comeback made last season was no accident. Solid pitching with a bunch of MVPs in the line-up is an excellent mix. They could steal the division away again, and will provide great entertainment all season.

3^rd: New York Mets (82-87 wins) If this reminds you of someone else’s predictions, (maybe Tim Kurchin’s) I’ll admit I agree with him. This race is tough to call, but two things the Mets lack is youth and health. Usually those are key ingredients to success. Johann Santana may post an ERA under 2.00.

4^th: Washington Nationals (75-80 wins) At least they can say they were in first place for one day. Ryan Zimmerman is the real deal, but we know that. They have an environmentally safe ballpark, the first of its kind, which is nice. Other than that, just hope Chad Cordero gets enough saves to be good for your fantasy team.

5^th: Florida Marlins (60-65 wins) A 10 million dollar payroll. Amazing. Can Hanley Rameriz drive in 500 RBIs? If he can, the team will contend. That might be a bit too much to ask, so lets just hope they average more than 500 fans per home game.

NL Central

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