MLB Preview

I took a breif hiatus from the blog, but I'm back due to popular demand (mainly just one reader, possibly two). But I'm going to start by finishing up my MLB Preview, which I had started before the "vacation."

I'm gonna take the easy route on this one and give a general overview of the entire league rather than go "in depth" with each team and division.

AL East-
1. Red Sox: defending champs are my favorite in the division, but pitching depth could be a problem.
2. Yankees: pitching is a question, can Hughes, Kennedy, and Joba live up to their big billings?
3. Blue Jays: would contend in most other divisions, but not enough to overcome either of the top 2.
4. Rays: out of the cellar thanks to a young core of hitters and an improved rotation featuring Kazmir and Shields.
5. Orioles: lineup features Markakis and soon to be traded Brian Roberts, not much else.



AL Central
1. Indians: for the record, I had them finishing atop the Central even before the Tigers had their season opening mealtdown.
2. Tigers: that meltdown mentioned above will end soon, 4 shutouts in 2 weeks won't happen again to this team. But still not enough pitching to reach the postseason.
3. White Sox: my pick in the preseason for most improved team (yes, over the Tigers). Underated rotation and great hitting depth.
4. Twins: losing Santana is going to hurt... a lot.
5. Royals: some really good young hitters and a solid young rotation, this just isn't the year it all comes together.


AL West
1. Mariners: Bedard is a huge aquisition, should capitalize on injuries to Lackey and Escobar to take the division title.
2. Angels: would be ahead of the team at #1 if not for injuries to their top 2 starters. Still enough to contend for the WC but the loss of Escobar for the season will prove to be too much.
3. Athletics: better than people give them credit for. However, Blanton/Harden/Street could be gone come July.
4. Rangers: solid lineup in a great hitters park, but the pitching isn't there.





NL East
1. Mets: not exactly going out on a limb here. Adding Santana puts them into the playoffs, and makes them the favorite in the NL.
2. Braves: the Andruw Jones era has come to an end, sadly. The Braves are improved from the start of last year and should compete for the WC.
3. Phillies: great lineup, poor pitching. Behind Hamels and possibly Brett Myers, the Phillies are just too thin in the rotation and bullpen. (I'll take the under on 80 wins)
4. Marlins: big offseason moves and a whole new look. No competing this year for the Fish.
5. Nationals: just look at the rotation and that explains this placement


NL Central
1. Cubs: good lineup, good rotation, Lou Pinella... what could possibly be going against them?
2. Cardinals: Pujols' elbow won't be a problem, potential WC winner here.
3. Brewers: last year was fun, it won't be that close this year. Ben Sheets, however, will stay healthy.
4. Astros: Wandy Rodriguez is your best pitcher not named Oswalt, yet the big move is adding Miguel Tejada to an already solid lineup, am I missing something?
5. Reds: probably should not be this low, enough talent to win the division if pitching holds up.
6. Pirates: good young rotation, bad young lineup


NL West
1. Diamondbacks: after milking the farm system for all it was worth, the result is the NL West division champs.
2. Dodgers: good core of young bats and arms to go along with some crafty vets and Joe Torre is in town, Wild Card winner here.
3. Padres: sorry Peavy, not enough support. Hoffman calls it quits to the HOF career this year.
4. Rockies: there will be no repeat of what happened last September, the hitting is there, just the pitching won't hold up.
5. Giants: shouldn't have to explain this one


AL Wild Card: Yankees
NL Wild Card: Dodgers

ALCS: Indians over Red Sox
NLCS: Cubs over Mets

WS: Indians over Cubs (so close!)

AL MVP: Grady Sizemore
AL CY: Justin Verlander (sleeper- Jered Weaver)
AL ROY: Daric Barton

NL MVP: Aramis Ramirez
NL CY: Brandon Webb
NL ROY: Edinson Volquez