How did this happen...the baseball season gets going Sunday evening when the Phils host the Braves on ESPN 1440. Airtime is 7:30. I guess I have to make my predictions for the coming season.
American League--East-Red Sox...Central-Twins...West-Angels...Wildcard-Rays
During the off-season the Yankees spent about 8 gazillion to sign CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett and Mark Teixiera as free agents. I still think these 3 additions don't get the Yanks to the post-season for a 2nd straight. All 3 of these players might wilt under the bright spot-light in New York. Also the Yankees are getting OLD. Jeter is on the downhill side of his career, Johnny Damon is a shadow of his all star self, Jorge Posada is coming off a major injury and all that without talking about diminished power from A-Rod who will struggle with a sore hip all season long.
The Red Sox have a very strong rotation and I like how manager Terry Francona handles the team. Phillies fans might disagree but Francona is one of the best managers in baseball over the last 15 years. The Central could be one of the tightest divisions in baseball where each team is flawed. I like the pitching staff in Minnesota and that could be the difference. Out West the Angels are the class of the division by a mile!
National League--East-Phillies...Central-Cubs...West-Dodgers...Wildcard-Mets
I like the Phils to repeat as East Division winner. The fly in the ointment for the Phils is the health of Lefty ace Cole Hamels' arm and 2nd Baseman Chase Utley's hip. If those guys are good to go then the Phils have the horses to win the division. The Cubs might be the class of the NL with the best starting rotation and could run away with the very weak division. In the West Joe and Manny will get in down in LA. I have the Mets winning the Wild Card but I think the Reds could be the surprise team this year in the National League.
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