So, another season, another round of predictions. Here we go!

A.L. East -

1. Yankees – They didn’t go crazy in the off season. They dumped the malcontents and brought in Pettitte. Wang, is one of the ten best pitchers in the game. Cano would hit 3rd on half the teams in the league. Rivera is going to pitch to make the Yankees pay. A-Rod is playing in order to renegotiate his deal. Eye of the Tiger? I don’t know, but it feels better, doesn’t it? Now, Torre can always screw things up….

2. Red Sox – I was right last year that they would fall out of 2nd place. They definitely got better. Schilling is down, Beckett may not be an American League pitcher, and the faithful is pinning their hopes on Dice-K, not a position I would want to be in. What’s the over/under on the number of games Drew plays? 135? They’ll be in the mix for sure.

3. Blue Jays – They got better too. But there’s always something wrong with this team. Injuries. No one likes the manager. Chacin is inconsistent. Always issues. I will enjoy watching the Blue Jays and the Red Sox play each other this season.

4. Baltimore – I think they have a chance at being .500 or better. The pitching staff is much better, but this is a tough division.

5. Devil Rays – Good position players. Not a team people want to play for that reason. The problem is their Double A pitching staff.

A.L. Central -

1. Indians – This is the toughest division to pick, the top four teams will be separated by 7 games or less probably. One of these years things are going to go right for the Indians. They have the offense. Weak in the pen. A better staff than most give them credit for.

2. Twins – I was dead wrong about the Twins last year. They have 4 players (5, if you count Cuddyer). Can the best pitcher in the league do it again?

3. Tigers – I was half wrong about the Tigers. I thought they would show improvement but not a World Series appearance. I can definitely see three different teams capturing the division (Chicago in 05, Tigers in 06 and Someone else in 07). Kenny Rogers is out until July and that hurts.

4. White Sox – This looks stupid but keep in mind, the White may finish 4th but only a handful of games out of first. The pitching is not as settled as it used to be. They have one of the most underrated players in the league in Joe Crede, but the top of their order is a mess.

5. Royals – No comment.

A.L. West -

What a mess! This is another toss up division between the A’s and Angles. The Rangers may surprise. I think you can count the Mariners out.

N.L. East -

1. Phillies – I think the Phils have closed some of the gap with the acquisition of Garcia. Last year I had the Mets right (no big deal). But I pick them first because of the drop off in the quality of the Mets staff. It will be close but I think the Phils get it done. They already have a potent offense having scored the most runs last year. Another year of maturing for Chase Utley and forget it.

2. Mets – It’s not that I think the Mets have turned into a bad team. No way. Their pitching is a mess. And I don’t bank on the prevailing wisdom that they can just “go get another starter.” Many things have to happen. Teams have to drop out of contention early. The package has to be right. Sure, the Mets have some tradeable commodities, but you can’t count on that. Also, the Mets bullpen was so good last year, I can’t see it repeating. Wagner is on the way down. Heilman might not have the same year. Now, for this to happen, the Phils must play better and the Mets must be worse.

3. Braves – I think the Braves will be competitive, but not enough to get it done. I believe Tim Hudson will have a comeback year.

4. Marlins – There’s some young talent there. Will they trade Willis?

5. Nationals – Like the Royals, no comment.

N.L. Central – I had this division completely wrong except for the Cardinals last year. This year, I’m going nuts!

1. Brewers – That’s right the Brew Crew is back! Their staff stays healthy all year. Sheets, Suppan. It’s over!

2. Cubs

3. Cards

4. Reds

5. Astros

6. Pirates