I realize that I am probably the only person who is interested in me writing my predictions, but this is something I have been looking forward to doing. I don't think I got the chance to do for the high school newspaper but no one an stop me now. (cue the wicked laugh)
A.L. EAST
1.) Boston Red Sox.-- The Sox probably have the best starting pitching in the AL (more on that when I get to Tampa). The additions of LF Carl Crawford and 1ST Adrian Gonzalez makes Boston better offensively and defensively. I am not crazy about Kevin Youkilis at 3RD for the whole season but that is the only weakness I see.If they can avoid all the injuries they had last year they will win the east easily.
2.) Tampa Bay Rays-- If P Wade Davis continues to be as effective as he was late last season and P Jeremy Hellickson lives up to the hype; the Rays might have the best starting rotation in the AL. Adding LF Johnnny Damon will hurt defensively but his bat is still good but I think his leadership is what will help the most. At first I hated the signing of DH Manny Ramirez. He made things terrible towards the ends of his time in Boston and LA. But that was an unmotivated Manny. My understanding is that his contact is for this season.If Manny wants another big contract he has be good this year and a motivated ManRam could be just what the Rays need. The bullpen is the only thing that worries me about picking the Rays to finish in second.
3.) New York Yankees-- When I look at the Yankees all I see is old. Most of their starting position players are over 30. The exceptions are LF Brett Gardner (29) 2ND Robinson Cano (28)and C Russell Martin (29). After P CC Sabathia the starters don't look impressive. Other than Mariano Rivera and Rafael Soriano the bullpen looks weak. Could this be Rivera's last season?
4.) Baltimore Orioles--The additions of 1ST Derrick Lee, 2ND J.J. Hardy, 3RD Mark Reynolds and DH Vlad Guerrero will greatly help what was already an improving team. New Closer Kevin Gregg is a questionable decision. Buck Showalter may be the best manager in baseball but the O's are still a year or two away from being real contenders.
5.) Toronto Blue Jays-- Too young. We'll see.
AL CENTRAL
1.) Chicago White Sox-- P Jake Peavy is the key to the White Sox season. If he is healthy and pitches as good as he once did Chicago will run away with the division. If Peavy still has health issues the So will contend for the division title but.......?
2.) Detroit Tigers-- Honestly, this one is just a strong feeling. I like their starting pitching, offense and the addition of DH/C/1ST Victor Martinez.
3.) Minnesota Twins-- It will not surprise me if I am wrong for picking the always consistent Twins to finish in 3rd.
4.) Kansas City Royals-- They will be good again someday.... right?
5.) Cleveland Indians-- I have heard that the city is a lot nicer than it used to be. But something still stinks up there. And I am not just talking about the way Baby James left.
AL WEST
1.) Texas Rangers-- If this team were in any other division I would predict a 3rd place finish. This is the worst division in baseball. Losing P Cliff Lee and adding 3RD Adrian (I'm only good when playing for a new contract) Beltre is never a good thing.
2. Oakland A's-- Young up and coming team. Are they on their way to San Jose?
3.) Angels-- I refuse to call them by the silly name they have now. I wonder if that silly name is why they cant get any free agents to sign there? I feel your pain Manager Mike Scioscia; I just hope one day you'll be a Dodger again.
4.) Seattle Mariners-- Are they worse than the Pirates?
AL WILD CARD: Tampa Bay
AL CHAMPIONS: Boston
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