Pre-season Predictions

Original Date - 2/17

AL EAST

Yankees
Red Sox
Blue Jays
Devil Rays
Orioles

The Yankees pitching will make the difference. For a while I thought about putting Toronto ahead of Boston, but I have more faith in Schilling and Beckett performing up to par over Burnett and Lilly. The Devil Rays should improve quite a bit, while the Orioles will slink along.


AL CENTRAL

White Sox
Indians
Twins
Tigers
Royals

Right now the White Sox have to be a favorite to win back-to-back WS championships. For the most part, they look even stronger than last year. Gone is El Duque, in is Javier Vazquez. They still have Brandon McCarthy waiting in the wings to join the rotation, and they'll have Bobby Jenks to close all season. If Jim Thome's back is healthy, look out!

Last season the Indians had their most successful year since the '90s, but they should be weaker this season. They dealt away Coco Crisp and a pretty good setup man in David Riske, and lost starting pitcher Kevin Millwood to free agency. They added, Andy Marte may be a star one day, but he's probably not ready yet, and Guillermo Mota whose arm health is suspect.

The Twins missed the playoffs last season after successive seasons. The playoffs are a longshot at best this year. The Twins still have Brad Radke, Johann Santana, and Joe Nathan, but have done nothing to help their poor offense. Long time Twin, Torii Hunter, a free agent after the season, could be patrolling the middle outfield spot somewhere else before this season is over.



AL WEST

Angels
A's
Rangers
Mariners


NL EAST

Braves
Mets
Phillies
Nationals
Marlins

NL CENTRAL

Cardinals
Astros
Cubs
Brewers
Reds
Pirates

NL WEST

Diamondbacks
Padres
Dodgers
Giants
Rockies

AL MVP - Alex Rodriguez goes back to back
AL Cy Young - Johann Santana
AL Rookie of the Year - Felix Hernandez

NL MVP - Albert Pujols goes back to back as well
NL Cy Young - Roy Oswalt
NL Rookie of the Year - Jeremy Hermidia

AL Manager on the hot seat - 2004's world championship gave Terry Francona a reprieve after blowing a big lead in the AL East. He won't it have it to fall back on this year.

NL Manager ont he hot seat - Willie Randolph. GM Omar Minaya has brought a load of talent. This may be Willie's only chance to bring the Mets to the top.