Negative Waves 2005 Baseball Preview

Todd Hoyer's Preview
Matt DeRosa's Preview
Sam Handle's Preview
Mike Fertig's Preview

Todd Hoyer's Preview

So, now that we've got that steroid issue all cleared up we can start the 2005 MLB season. Oh wait, MLB has done nothing to clear up the steroid issue. This "getting tough with steroids" thing that MLB is doing is a total joke. Not only did they knowingly allow steroids to be used because they knew that the increased offense that steroids was contributing to was also selling more tickets, so they turned a blind eye to the issue, but now after they've gotten their hand caught in the cookie jar, they're not even doing anything about it. This is what happens if you get caught using steroids: first offense - 10-day suspension; second offense - 30 day suspension; third offense - 60 day suspension; fourth offense - 1 year suspension. Ok, so say you're a minor league baseball player, fighting it out for a spot on the AA Boise Rugrats, a $24k/year job, living out of buses and sharing rooms at a Motel 6. Some guy says, hey I've got steroids for you, if you use these steroids you'll hit 27 HRs this year instead of 17. With 27 HRs you're going to get some attention from the big league club, with 17 you'll hang around in the minors for a few years, then get a job selling used cars. But wait, you say, steroids are now banned from Major League Baseball, if I get caught, I could get a 10 game suspension, that's ok, I'll just take my chances with my 17 HRs, $24k/year job as backup left fielder, and start scope-ing out used car dealerships. Also, I know that the penalty for using steroids in the minors is more severe, but what difference does that make, if you're not going to make The Show without the steroids anyway, who cares if you get kicked out of the minors, the rewards far outweighs the risk. So, would you be concerned about what happens to you once you make it to the bigs? Would the possibility of a 10 game suspension deter anyone, ANYONE, from the possibility of playing in the major leagues and making $10 million/ year? No. This is a joke. And the players union and MLB are haggling over whether to include a $10k fine along with the 10 game suspension. Like it matters, when some of these guys make $10k for an at bat. If they really want to get tough on steroids, like they're saying, then it should be a zero-tolerance policy, immediate 1-year suspension for anyone testing positive. 1-year suspension without pay. A second offense, lifetime ban from baseball. That's all there is to it. You want to get tough, get tough. This 10 game suspension is garbage, and an insult to the fans' intelligence if you expect us to believe that this is, "getting tough on steroids."

Alright down off the soap box, and on to the preview:

AL East
According to ESPN, the only actual division in Major League Baseball, as long as you ignore the fact that the Blue Jays, Devil Rays, and Orioles play in it. The AL East will play out as it usually does, either the Yankees or the Red Sox winning the division and the other winning the wild card, and then meeting in the ALCS and everyone saying about how it's the greatest rivalry in sports blah blah blah. Enough already, I don't care. I hate the Yankees, and I hate the Red Sox, but the Red Sox are so hate-able, that they somehow have surpassed the Yankees in hate-ability, as if such a thing was possible. And hey Red Sox, the baseball gods are not amused by your allowing Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon onto the field after the World Series game to film a scene for their movie. You will never win another World Series. Have fun with that.

1. NY Yankees - 96-66
2. Boston Red Sox - 91-73
3. Baltimore Orioles - 84-78
4. Toronto Blue Jays - 76-86
5. Tampa Bay Devil Rays - 70-92

AL Central
This is the first time in about 5 years, that the Cleveland Indians have a legitimate shot at winning the division. Their pitching is suspect, and they've already had a couple of injuries in spring, but their bullpen is better and they're going to hit. Detroit made some serious improvements in personnel, but it probably isn't going to be enough, and the White Sox are the White Sox, there's just something wrong with that organization that has caused all of their teams for the last 10 years to underachieve. And that reason is Frank Thomas.

1. Cleveland Indians - 90-72 *
2. Minnesota Twins - 90-72
3. Detroit Tigers - 84-78
4. Chicago White Sox - 78-84
5. Kansas City Royals - 64-98

*Cleveland wins dramatic 1-game playoff.

AL West
Who cares.

1. Seattle Mariners - 87-75
2. Oakland A's - 85-77
3. Texas Rangers - 81-81
4. Los Angeles Angels - 64-98 *

*Baseball gods punish the Angels for changing their name.

Playoffs -
Divisional Series -
Yankees over Mariners 3-1
Indians over Red Sox 3-0
ALCS -
Yankees over Indians 4-3

NL East
Well, last season showed that Bobby Cox is doing something right, despite not doing much in the playoffs yet again, he still won the division last year with arguably his least talented team in the Braves 14 year dominance in the NL East. I still really like the Phillies, but I just can't go against the Braves who have reloaded their pitching with Hudson, and are really the best coached team in baseball.

1. Atlanta Braves - 94-68
2. Philadelphia Phillies - 90-72
3. Florida Marlins - 84-78
4. NY Mets - 73-89
5. Washington Nationals - 60-102

NL Central
Maybe the best division in baseball, and you yet again have the intriguing match-up of a hugely talented, but horribly coached team in the Cubs facing off against a much less talented, but brilliantly coached team in the Cardinals. The collapse of the 2004 Cubs could be subject to an entire column about the ineptitude of Dusty Baker, and the cancerous presence of Sammy Sosa, and the hilariously delusional excuse making of Cubs fans. It was really just comical, and because I'm a dick, I enjoyed every moment of it, as the St. Louis Cardinals just ran away with the division, and the Cubs folded up their tents and quit over the last 10 games of the season while in the Wild Card race. Get ready for round 2 this year.

1. St. Louis Cardinals - 96-66
2. Chicago Cubs - 85-77
3. Pittsburgh Pirates - 84-78
4. Houston Astros - 81-81
5. Cincinnati Reds - 80-82
6. Milwaukee Brewers - 72-90

NL West
Who Cares.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers - 89-73
2. San Francisco Giants - 88-74
3. San Diego Padres - 82-80
4. Colorado Rockies - 70-92
5. Arizona Diamondbacks - 62-100

Playoffs
Divisional Series -
Cardinals over Phillies 3-2
Dodgers over Braves 3-1
NLCS
Cardinals over Dodgers 4-1

World Series
Cardinals over Yankees 4-2

So there you have it, your 2005 World Series Champs are the St. Louis Cardinals. So go put your futures bets down. Right now the Cardinals are 8.5 : 1, so 10 gets you 85. Put a hundred down and mail me my 10%.

^ Back to the Top

Ah yes, another spring training is winding down and the 2005 baseball season is right around the corner. Let's all join in a hymn:

Hot diggoty diggoty diggoty diggoty diggoty diggoty!

Hope springs eternal with this fan even though the Cubs pitchers are dropping like fly balls off of Jose Canseco's head. The National Pastime is back and I really don't care if they were juicing, but that whole McGwire testimony in front of the Congressional Panel was pathetic. "I'm not here to talk about the past, I'm here to talk about the future." Ad nauseam. That is the lamest testimony I've ever heard. Yea or nay. Juice or no juice. Lie or tell the truth. Give us an answer dammit! I went to a Cardinal's message board the day after and was amazed that they were defending Lil' Mac. It's been said that the Card fans are baseball's smartest fans, but I don't buy it. If it was Sosa declaring the same testimony as Lil' Mac, they would have been all over his ass, but here's the thing, Cubs fans would have been on his ass as well. I'll say this for Busch Stadium though, at least they have strippers on game day out front hawking the strip clubs that they strip off all of their clothes at. Wrigley has nothing as classy as that.

On with the picks!

AL East
The Yanks are improved, but I think the nightmares of last year's ALCS collapse will haunt them this year. Boston goes on to win the division, but can't shake the Yanks completely. Baltimore improves with a rejuvenated Sosa in Camden until he gets deported when evidence comes out that he used illegal performance-enhancing drugs; proving he lied to the Congressional Jury. This will be the year the D-Rays climb out of the depths of last place. Toronto has lost too much, but will have record attendance anyway because of the loss of the NHL season.

1. Boston Red Sox
2. New York Yankees *
3. Baltimore Orioles
4. Tampa Bay Devil Rays
5. Toronto Blue Jays

AL Central
Detroit and Cleveland will once again make significant strides and rise to the level of the White Sox and Twins making this one of the more entertaining divisions in baseball. Four of the five teams will be in contention until at least August. That being said, this is one of the toughest divisions to call, but I'll stick with the Twins winning it. Kansas City makes like there's a twister a blowin' and stays in the cellar.

1. Minnesota Twins
2. Cleveland Indians
3. Chicago White Sox
4. Detroit Tigers
5. Kansas City Royals

AL West
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim really did get better this year, but that name has got to go. Worse than The Chicago Bears brought to you by Bank One, well, maybe not. Now that Chase has bought Bank One, what does that make the Bears? The Chicago Bears brought to you by Bank One a Division of Chase National Bank? Oy vay! I digress· Oakland will be strong as always, but losing two thirds of the starting rotation is going to hurt and we'll truly get to see if Moneyball works without the help of three ace pitchers that were drafted before Beane's methods were actually put to use. Seattle is better this year, but still cantankerously old and brittle. Texas still needs pitching and will slip this year back to last place.

1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
2. Oakland A's
3. Seattle Mariners
4. Texas Rangers

Playoffs
Twins over Red Sox
Angels over Yanks
ALCS
Angels over Twins

NL East
I think we've all learned our lesson the last two years in calling for the demise of the Atlanta Braves. Bobby Cox will once again be on top of the heap come October with a revamped pitching staff. Raul Mondesi has the come back season of the year and Hudson gets 21 wins. Florida and Philadelphia come in a close second and third. The NY Mets, although improved, don't move from their fourth place finish of last year. I don't buy Beltran making much of an impact on the Mets as much as he could have on some other teams (most notably the Yanks and Cubs.) The Washington Nationals bring up the rear, but look spiffy in their new duds.

1. Atlanta Braves
2. Florida Marlins
3. Philadelphia Phillies
4. New York Mets
5. Washington Nationals

NL Central
The division goes from three dominant teams and three also-rans to two dominant teams, two second tier teams and two doormats, this will be another close race with the Cardinals and Cubs duking it out for the top spot and Houston and Milwaukee playing for third place- one team on it's way up and the other on it's way down. After a strong start, the Reds will get injured one by one and won't be able to hold it together for long losing their early high water mark and slipping to fifth place. Pittsburgh will once again win only when playing the Cubs.

1. Chicago Cubs
2. St. Louis Cards *
3. Milwaukee Brewers
4. Houston Astros
5. Cincinnati Reds
6. Pittsburgh Pirates

NL West
This is the year San Diego makes the jump to first place with their young offensive attack and pitching, as the Dodgers and Giants get old and injury prone. Arizona jumps out of the cellar and shoves poor, poor Colorado in its place.

1. San Diego Padres
2. San Francisco Giants
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
4. Arizona Diamondbacks
5. Colorado Rockies

Playoffs
Cubs defeat Padres *
Cards defeat Braves
NLCS
Cubs defeat Cards

* A grudge rematch of the 1984 playoff series when the Cubs got screwed out of home field advantage because Wrigley didn't have lights at the time. This time Cubs gets the extra home game and in a touching pre-game ceremony, some fans kidnap Steve Garvey, tie him up on Waveland Ave. and make him miss grounders through his legs. Leon Durham sheds a tear.

World Series
Cubs defeat Angels

The window of opportunity for the Cubs is slowly shutting and the players now realize this since they can finally think over the blaring Salsa and Whitney Houston songs. Prior and Wood coming back by Mid April and, along with Zambrano, win 22 games each. The new offense clicks and scores the most runs in the NL even though they rank 7th in the league in home runs. They got an MVP/batting champ for basically nothing last year and resigned him this year. Many thanks go out to Boston for Nomar. I'm sure you're all happy that you won the World Series, but you'll be kicking yourselves when you see the production that will come out of a healthy and happy Nomar. Boston, you should have treated the man better. A healthy Cubs team should be a favorite to win the World Series, plus they don't have to worry about the SI jinx this year.

^ Back to the Top

It is difficult to look forward to the 2005 Major League Baseball campaign. Not so much because the baseball gods gave me every last thing I have ever asked of them, nor because of the plethora of offseason distractions, but instead due to the fact that with my beloved Red Sox receiving their World Series Champion rings on the field in front of the Yankees, the entire season will be anticlimactic. What a sweet, sweet moment that will be. I expect I will watch that ceremony on my Tivo somewhere between four and five times a day throughout the rest of my life. Judas priest it is good to be a New England sports fan these days!

However, I realize that not everyone is from title town, so for those of you suffering the plight of the non-New Englanders, allow me to highlight some of the benefits of bothering to pay attention to some of the teams that will be buried in the earth, backs exposed in a path so that my beloved Red Sox may march on to their second consecutive title without sullying their cleats. I will then provide to you a list of standings that I expect will be fully accurate once all of this nonsense has been played out.

Team Highlights:

Arizona Diamondbacks: Not a whole lot to look forward to here. Troy Glaus may be healthy enough to hit 40 dongs, Javier Vasquez may be a quality pitcher again now that he is away from New York, and monkeys may fly out of Shaun Green's ass. You are going nowhere.

Atlanta Braves: Never count out the Atlanta Braves. The NL East is a joke, and these guys know how to win. Smoltz and Hudson is a pretty mean 1-2 punch. The offense isn't what it once was, but if Andruw Jones stays awake for 140 games or so, the Braves are legitimate contenders. Rafael Furcal really needs to have a better year than he is coming off of to create rbi situations for the middle of the lineup.

Baltimore Orioles: The O's can hit. So what? Who the hell is going to pitch the ball? Here's a piece of advice for the Oriole front office: If you want to compete, it's never too early to mount a re-alignment campaign. The only thing separating the O's from the Devil Dogs is that Tampa recognizes that spending dough doesn't do any good in the AL East until you start talking about spending real money.

The World Champion Boston Red Sox: OK. Now we are talking about a real baseball club. Top to bottom, the Red Sox have the most dominant lineup in the game of baseball. It all starts with Johnny Damon, who, when not hitting grand slams in game 7s, is so good at hitting baseballs that you actually forget that he's a total pie-thrower in center. He gets to everything out there anyway, so I don't care if you can take a base on him once in a while. After Johnny, you are looking at Edgar Renteria, who has a plenty big stick. You have to love the Red Sox for not only beating the Cards, but then nabbing their shortstop as well. Manny. I don't have to tell you what Manny does to baseballs. Big Papi comes next. Thanks, Twinkies. The guy is a total monster and he is fat and jovial. That brings us to Kevin Millar, who you hate to love, but do so unconditionally. The guy forgot how to hit for about 80 games last year, but then suddenly remembered and was one of the toughest outs in the game for the whole second half. I could do without 'cowboy up' and so on, but you have to take the whole package if you want the dented monster. Trot Nixon figures to have a strong year after being mysteriously hurt forever last year. Billy Mueller is our AL batting champ who fills the 7 or 8 hole. Tek takes care of captaining our squad and is one of the top catchers in the game. Then you have Mark Bellhorn. What a job the Cubs have done giving my squad our infield. I don't care about the strikeouts. The little dude goes deep, he sees a ton of pitches, and he is semi-conscious through all of it. I have to tell you that having about 20 HR out of your 9 hole helps win some games. I defy anyone to name a stronger starting 9 than that one right there.

As far as the pitching goes, the Sox are not quite where they were last year. However, with a little luck concerning David Wells' back and Wade Miller's elbow, you are looking at a rotation that includes some fireballers, and the icy Shakey Wakey, who will be good for 16 wins this year. Spot starter and long reliever Bronson Arroyo proved last year that he is strong enough to be a 2 anywhere else and gives the Sox starters plenty of insurance. Foulke is lights out, anchoring a bullpen that stays fairly well in tact after outlasting the Yankees last year.

The Red Sox hit better than your guys, pitch better than your guys, and are better looking than your guys. They should never be left alone with your girlfriend, sister, or mother.

Look for 100 wins and another ring.

Chicago Cubs: First of all, a big thank you to the Cubbies for taking on clubhouse cancer Nomar Garciapparra. Secondly, allow me to offer my condolences for the fact that the Cubbies really missed their window. The offense has flown the coop leaving them to prove that pitching wins games. Unfortunately, you need to post a couple runs sometimes, and the Cubbies don't have the weapons. Peter Gammons thinks the Cubs could play spoiler in the NL central. I say, who gives a shit? So could the Pirates.

Chicago White Sox: The White Sox are a team that will get buried in the AL Central. The Upstart Indians could give them some trouble and the Twinkies have had a successful formula lately, and the Tigers are better. Still, with a slightly improved bullpen, the White Sox may make some noise.

Cincinnati Reds: The Reds more than any other team will be dependent on avoiding injury for success. Between Griffey, Dunn, and Kearns, they have almost as many ailments as any other complete roster. However, those guys could easily hit 35 HR each. The pitching could be better in Cincinnati, as Paul Wilson is not a guy you rely on, but Eric Milton does give the Reds a chance to win every 5th game. Expect an early season surge followed by a midseason letdown.

Cleveland Indians: The Indians are something to be proud of if you are stuck in the mistake by the lake. Young and scrappy, there really isn't much not to like. The Indians will play some NL style baseball and put a lot of pressure on opposing pitchers with their speed. Aaron Boone is a nice guy to have around if you are looking for a pickup game of basketball, and he may also provide some extra pop to a lineup that looks to mature nicely. Travis Hafner is capable of having an MVP quality year at the plate. The Indians are still likely a few years away from being a serious threat, but could easily find themselves in the playoffs this year.

Colorado Rockies: The Rockies are going to have a typically rocky year. While still missing vital pieces at the plate and on the rubber, they at least have their ballpark to try and steal them some victories. The Rockies need to take a lesson from the Red Sox and stop trying to build a team specifically for that park. There are 81 games that won't be played there.

Detroit Tigers: The Tigers have come a long way in a fairly short time. Adding Troy Percival gives them the ability to close out games without going on the adventures that Urbina provides. Maglio could help the offense a lot, but has to play 140 games if the Tigers are going to make a run. Pudge may be a little over the hill without the juice, if indeed he is off of it.

Florida Marlins: The Marlins look to slide into obscurity after making no attempt to improve this offseason. Young slugger Miguel Cabrera will be fun to watch, as will speedster Juan Pierre, but Becket and Burnett are not enough at the top of the rotation to compete in a division that has added Pedro Martinez and Tim Hudson.

Houston Astros: Along with the Cubs, the Astros failed to capitalize while the window was open. Oswalt, Lidge, and Berkman are exciting, but carrying a geriatric team will take more than the three of them. Clemens, Pettite, Bagwell, and Biggio all could have good years, but certainly will all miss games and weigh the Stros down.

Kansas City Royals: Quick, name 5 Royals! I can't either. I can't believe this team made a run 2 years ago.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: First of all, get real. That is the first and last time I am calling Anaheim that mouthful. I live in Los Angeles, and when my beloved Red Sox go to Anaheim, so too do I. It takes me 2 hours to get there. Still though, the Angels look like the front runners in the AL west. Vlad, nice pick-up in Cabrera and Steve Finley, and Krod closinig, as he should have been all along add up to plenty of wins in a horrible division.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Between Lowe, Bradley, and Kent, the Dodgers are going to need more therapy than the entertainment industry and the Lakeshow combined. Still, they could win some games if they stay focused.

Milwaukee Brewers: Sheets alone makes the Brew Crew better than they have been in years. In a crowded NL Central, they don't really stand a chance and might deal Sheets by the end of June, relegating themselves to the cellar once again.

Minnesota Twins: The Twinkies are going to have to work to continue their dominance of the AL Central. With the Indians and Tigers improving, and the White Sox still with some talent, Minnesota will be looking for another big year out of Santana and Radke, with improvement needed in the outfielder's offense. They still have all the pieces, but it will take some luck to bring everything together.

New York Mets: The Mets have gone for broke and have a quality team that they will be paying off until 2020. A healthy Kris Benson oddly enough could be the key for them, as Pedro and Glavine have both started to show their age. David Wright is a very talented young third baseman who could be fun to watch. Beltran should be interesting to watch as he tries to handle the pressure of that city and that contract. Easily the NL East favorite, but still the Mets, so anything could happen. Clearly a better choice than the Yankees if you are baseball fan in New York.

New York Yankees: Despicable.

Oakland A's: Playing in the AL West makes almost anyone a contender, as the Angels could slip up. Bobby Crosby needs to live up to his promise and Chavez needs to play the way he can. Dotel anchors a solid bullpen, but Hudson and Mulder are big hits to the rotation. Zito and Harden could keep the A's alive long enough to make a midseason upgrade.

Philadelphia Phillies: This team needs a starter badly. Jon Lieber is a nice fit, but no one in their rotation inspires the same fear that their offense should. Jimmy Rollens needs to have a big year. Thome and Abreu are both going to kill the ball.

Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pirates are nowhere near as bad as they should be. Jason Bay is going to have an enormous year, the Wilsons are quality players, and Olivier Perez is a pleasure watch. Expect the Pirates to play hard every day and not give too many games away. Over time, they will have trouble winning, but teams need to play hard against them.

San Diego Padres: San Diego will either play way above or way below expectations. Their young middle infielders play the game soundly and should be entertaining. Brian Giles needs to knock in a lot of runs. Sean Burroughs really needs to have a breakout year. Adam Eaton is sure to disappoint, but Woody Williams might be able to learn the young staff a thing or two.

San Francisco Giants: The whole team is going to have to deal with the BALCO distraction, and may not have the talent to win even without a circus going on. Still Jason Schmidt could win 20 and if Bonds gets healthy, they will always have chances to post runs.

Seattle Mariners: Richie Sexson may recover from shoulder surgery and be able to swing a bat half as well as he once did. Still he and Beltre are not enough to add any real life to this anemic offense. Is Ichiro up yet?

St. Louis Cardinals: The Cards look a little different in the middle of the field, but the corners and Edmonds will still provide a lot of pop. Solid in every phase of the game, look for the Cards on top of the NL Central with ease.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays: Expect Lou to quit in May.

Texas Rangers: The Rangers have everything they had last year minus the element of surprise. Now we will find out how many wins the element of surprise counts for. It is still hard to believe how much better they are without slap-happy clubhouse cancer A-rod around.

Toronto Blue Jays: I pity the Blue Jays. They can't compete in the AL East. Halladay could find himself elsewhere by the break. Maybe Boston.

Washington Nationals: Love the uniforms. Ohko and Armas Jr. could both break out and have the Nationals competing right out of the gate. A young outfield might churn out a surprise star or two within the next few years. Chad Cordero will close out any game they get up in. Over .500 no problem.

Standings:

AL Wild Card: New York
NL Wild Card: Cincinnati

AL MVP: David Ortiz
NL MVP: Adam Dunn
World Series: Boston over San Diego

^ Back to the Top

I think I speak for many individuals across America when I say that the opening of the baseball season is one of the greatest days of the year. Everyone is even, anything can happen, and, to use an old clichˇ, hope springs eternal.

Without any further ado, I introduce to you my outlook for the 2005 baseball season.

American League

West

1. Los Angeles Angels
2. Texas Rangers
3. Seattle Mariners
4. Oakland Athletics

The Angels are far and away the best team in this division. Their pitching is easily the strongest out of all these teams. Plus, their offense is still solid and they have the veteran leadership necessary to win. But this is going to be a powerful division. The Rangers have great young hitters and could put a whole bunch of runs on the board. The problem for Texas is, as always, pitching. They just don't have what it takes. I hesitate to pick Oakland last, as Billy Beane always manages to surprise and impress everyone in the baseball world, but I like what Seattle has done with their lineup. The additions of Richie Sexon and Adrian Beltre to provide power at the corner infield positions is a move the promises to give Ichiro Suzuki at least 130 runs scored this year. Oakland has a fine offense as well, and their pitching is still solid with Rich Harden and Barry Zito, but I just get the feeling that crazy things are destined to happen in this division.

Central

1. Chicago White Sox
2. Minnesota Twins
3. Cleveland Indians
4. Detroit Tigers
5. Kansas City Royals

I tell you what, this might be one of the harder divisions to predict. These teams are so close to one another, anything can happen. In the end, I have to go with the Sox. I really like the speed and defense direction they've gone with their team. Podsednik is a legit lead-off guy who stole 70 bases last year. That's ridiculous in this day and age. Paul Konerko is primed for a good year as the power and I'd be lying if I said I didn't actually want to see Frank Thomas have a big year as well. The question mark is their pitching. Funnily enough though, I don't really look at it as a question mark. I think in Freddy Garcia and Mark Buerhle they've got two solid starters. Followed with Jose Contreras, Orlando "El Duke" Hernandez, and Jon Garland they have three more quality guys. Sure there are questions about how well they'll perform this year, but isn't there always? With that said, I look for the two Cuban nationals to have quality numbers this year. I'm particularly impressed with the Sox bullpen.

As for the Twins, they still have the pitching, but I don't see how they can expect to compete after the loss of Corey Koskie and Christian Guzman. Johan Santana, on the other hand, is the real deal. He's my choice for AL Cy Young again this year. That guy has got some nasty stuff.

The Indians look impressive, but I think they're still a year away from really contending. I wouldn't be surprised to see them slip below the Tigers into fourth place. Not because they don't have talent, but because the Tigers have just a bit more. I like what Cleveland did by signing Kevin Millwood, and with a healthy Bob Wickman, they'll convert a ton more of the ridiculous number of blown saves they had last year. But counting on Jhonny Peralta to start at shortstop in place of Omar Vizquel is being a little too hopeful I think. The problem that Cleveland has is that though the team is young as far as experience in the Big Show is concerned, they're actually a bit older as far as age is concerned.

Detroit made some nice moves in the offseason. Notably the signing of closer Troy Percival. But one has to question their starting pitching. And as for the Royals, well, they've got some young talent, but not nearly enough to compete here.

East

1. New York Yankees
2. Boston Red Sox
3. Baltimore Orioles
4. Toronto Blue Jays
5. Tampa Bay Devil Rays

What can you say? The Yankees went out and got the best damn pitchers out there. Randy Johnson. Are you kidding me? Carl Pavano. He still has to prove himself, but he sure looked good last year. Plus that offense is sick. The addition of Tony Womack at second might be one of the most overlooked additions of the winter. He'll score over 120 runs this year easily.

The Red Sox are still tough. The addition of some nice pitchers in Matt Clement, Wade Miller, and David Wells helps the cause, but Wells health is a tremendous question mark. Edger Renteria is a solid veteran who will fill in nice at shortstop, though his defense is certainly weaker than Orlando Cabrera's was. I have a feeling age will catch up with the Red Sox this year and injuries will take their toll.

The Orioles will put pressure on both these teams for a good part of the season just because of the power they have in their lineup. The pitching won't hold up though and they'll fade down the stretch.

I don't see Toronto or the Devil Rays being much of a factor at all.

National League

West

San Diego Padres
1. San Francisco Giants
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
4. Colorado Rockies

I think this is a pretty weak division, and one in which any of the top four teams listed above could take first place. But I look for the pitching in San Diego to hold up in what is a very pitcher friendly ballpark, Petco. The question marks here are Ryan Klesko, Phil Nevin, and Brian Giles. The Padres need to find the Brian Giles who shined for so many years in Pittsburgh. And Phil Nevin needs to stay healthy for a season. I love shortstop Khalil Greene both offensively and defensively. The key to this team is its bullpen. I look for them to pull away in early September.

The Giants are the favorite to win the West, but I have a feeling that the circus that is the Barry Bonds fiasco might get in the way. That is, if Barry plays at all this season. Clearly, the addition of Moises Alou in the outfield is a big offensive lift, but his liability with the glove and as a baserunner alone will cost the Giants at least fifteen games this year.

The Dodgers lost way too much in Shawn Greene, Adrian Beltre, and Steve Finley to really compete this year. Jeff Kent is a nice fill in, but that guy is aging quickly. I look for him to fade. J.D. Drew is the only true offensive threat at this point.

Arizona could flourish or fail with their new look power. Troy Glaus is a legitimate power guy, as is Greene, but how healthy will either of them stay. And is Luis Gonzalez going to return to form after his season ending elbow surgery last year? Pitchingwise, they're not too shabby: Javier Vasquez, Russ Ortiz, and Brandon Webb make a nice starting three. But their bullpen is suspect and I'm not entirely sure they have a reliable closer.

Colorado? Forget about it.

Central

1. St. Louis Cardinals
2. Chicago Cubs
3. Cincinnati Reds
4. Houston Astros
5. Pittsburgh Pirates
6. Milwaukee Brewers

As a Cub fan, it was hard to make this list. I hate the prospect of the Cubs having to face that lineup so many times. I mean they're ridiculous. Larry Walker, Jim Edmond, Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen. Nuts! Plus their pitching staff got better with the addition of Mark Mulder. I'm just hoping that the overachievement of that staff last year leave Cardinal fans wanting this year.

If it weren't for the concerns about the health of the Cubbies pitching staff, I'd pick them to win the division hands down. But with Prior and Wood doubtful to even start the season, it's hard to count on much. But don't forget, they've still got the youthful and dominant Carlos Zambrano. I think Zambrano might be the best pitcher on that staff when everyone's healthy. They're infield is great with Aramis Ramirez, Nomar Garciaparra, Todd Walker, and Derrick Lee. The outfield is the big question, but I'm optimistic.

Cincinnati is a pretty solid team. The addition of Eric Milton to that pitching staff is pretty nice. They've got solid offense in Austin Kearns, Adam Dunn, and Sean Casey, and don't count out our old friend, Ken Griffey Jr.

Houston is getting old. Is Bagwell even playing? Can that guy throw a baseball yet? Lance Berkman is out for a while with an ACL tear and Clemens just got rocked in a spring training game. Plus the guy is like 58 years old. I wouldn't be surprised if they dropped to fourth place. They do have Roy Oswalt, but that guy's groin is more sensitive than a blind pornstar's in a cactus patch; I look for him to miss 7-10 starts this year.

Milwaukee is taking steps in the right direction. Ben Sheets is pretty remarkable. I wish he were on the Cubs staff. Adding Carlos Lee in the outfield will add some pop, but they just don't have enough to push.

Pittsburgh has some bright young talent, but they too lack it all. Though look for Oliver Perez to contend for the Cy Young Award this year.

East

1. Atlanta Braves
2. New York Mets
3. Philadelphia Phillies
4. Florida Marlins
5. Washington Nationals

The Braves just don't stop getting better. They get rid of guys only to replace them with better guys. And when they don't replace them they find ways to make the guys already on their team that much better. The switch back a starter for John Smoltz is huge. He's going to have a great year. I think he might actually contend for the Cy Young this year as well. And adding Danny Kolb as to fill in for him as a closer is key. Figure in Tim Hudson into that rotation and you'll the Braves will be fine.

The Mets made some high profile signings this off season in adding Pedro Martinez and Carlos Beltran. These two additions alone could give the Mets an additional 24-29 wins on the season. A lot depends on the offense of Mike Piazza and Cliff Floyd. There's a ton of potential in their middle infield as well, but only time will tell if it will fulfill itself.

I like the Phillies as a strong sleeper. Look for Thome to continue to bomb homers, especially in the new ballpark. Abreu is one of my favorite players in the league, and easily one of the most underrated. Look for him to have an MVP season.

The Marlins should have the pitching. They've got great young bats, that's for sure, but health is another huge factor here. It's yet to be seen if their young pitchers can step up and perform like they're expected to for a full season. They'll contend, but I look for them to fade late.

Once again, the team formerly known as the Montreal Expos will fill up the basement. Though I like a lot of aspects of the team, Livan Hernandez, Vinny Castilla, Jose Guillen, there are still too many weaknesses. But to be honest, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Nationals make some sort of push. They'll be fired up by their new fans in Washington D.C. and having more than 1500 customers in the stands will make a huge difference in the long run. Actually, with Christian Gusman, Jose Vidro, Castilla, and Nick Johnson making up the infield, and Guillen, Endy Chavez, and the high on-base percentage of Brad Wilkerson in the outfield, I look for this team to compete. Pitching will be their downfall, however. They'll get quality starts from their starters, I just don't trust that bullpen.

Wrap-up
There you have it. A wordy, yet accurate prediction of how it's all gonna go down this year. Place your bets now. Here's how the post-season will fall into place:

AL
Angels
White Sox
Yankees
Red Sox (wild card)

NL
San Diego
St. Louis
Atlanta
Chicago (wild card)

AL
White Sox defeat Red Sox
Yankees defeat Angels
Yankees defeat White Sox

NL
Chicago defeats Atlanta
St. Louis defeats San Diego
St. Louis defeats Chicago in seven games (hard to believe I actually typed this out)

World Series Yankees at St. Louis (National League will win the All-Star game)

Champion
New York Yankees

Player awards:
AL
MVP: Vladamir Guerrero
Cy Young: Johan Santana

NL
MVP: Nomar Garciaparra
Cy Young: John Smoltz

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